Recently, I sailed on my first-ever Vision Class cruise ship and stayed in the cheapest stateroom possible: a standard interior cabin. 

Costing just $1,396.76, my friend and I jumped at the opportunity to book a 5-night cruise to Bermuda from Baltimore, Maryland. Not only was this our first time visiting the beautiful island of Bermuda, but it was her first cruise in general! 

My travel agent assigned us Cabin 3543, a category 2V interior stateroom located in the forward of the ship, extremely close to the elevator bank. 

I remembered my motion sickness patches at the last minute, and I'm glad I didn't leave home without them! Since we weren't in the middle of the ship, we felt quite a bit of movement from our cabin. In general, our sailing was quite rocky, with the Solarium pool being closed for the first two days! 

We boarded a little later than usual embarkation day, enjoying a quick lunch in the Windjammer before making our way to our stateroom to drop off our carry-on bags. 

Overall, I was impressed by the size of the cabin. I assumed since Vision of the Seas is an older ship, the cabin would feel tight and cramped. To my surprise, it felt more spacious than some interior cabins I've had on newer vessels, namely Symphony of the Seas and Carnival Celebration!

Though certain aspects of the cabin certainly felt dated, I wouldn't go as far as saying it felt like it was a 26-year-old ship. However, you may think otherwise if you're used to sailing exclusively on Oasis Class ships. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

In particular, there wasn't a mini-fridge. While not a huge deal, I was disappointed that I didn't have a place to chill my wine. 

In retrospect, we could have asked our cabin steward for ice; however, I'm so used to having a mini-fridge in my cruise ship cabins that I forgot this was an option. Hindsight is 2020, though. 

Read more: 16 things to ask your cruise ship cabin attendant

Personally, I found the storage space to be pretty average, especially for an older vessel. We didn't struggle to comfortably unpack for our 5-night cruise, and my suitcase weighed over 40 pounds! 

There was just one closet, but it came stocked with more than enough hangers for our clothing. 

I'm thankful for the amount of floor space, too. My suitcase was a little too large to fit underneath the bed, so I had to keep it in the closet during the cruise. 

Had the floor space been tight, I would have had to squeeze it between the loveseat and my bed, and that became my favorite spot to store my shoes for easy access. 

That said, while the closet lacked built-in shelves, there were enough drawers to help keep our stuff organized. 

Read more: 115 item Ultimate Cruise Packing List

However, one of the drawers in the nightstand lacked a proper back. We were afraid if we stored anything that it might accidentally slide out. 

Moreover, the top drawer of my nightstand had issues staying shut—though this could have been caused in part by the choppy seas. 

On a positive note, I appreciated how there wasn't anything taking up space on the nightstands. This became a catch-all place for our books, water bottles, glasses, etc.

Each bed had a wall light placed directly above our heads. I didn't use mine too often, but my friend utilized it nearly every evening to read before bed. 

I appreciated the small light, as I could fall asleep unbothered while my friend was winding down from the day's adventure. If the overhead light had been on, I'm sure I would have had more issues drifting off. 

I've stayed in a few inside cabins—mostly on Carnival Cruise Line—without a small couch, and I hate having to sit on the bed in my dirty clothes. Thankfully, that wasn't a concern in my stateroom on Vision of the Seas. 

Throughout the 5-night cruise, the couch became another catch-all place. Truthfully, we were too lazy to put our souvenir bags and raincoats away, so they found a home on the small loveseat before being packed away in our suitcases. 

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

The vanity area was standard. There were two hidden compartments behind the mirrors that we used to store jewelry, sunscreen, and other miscellaneous things. For an older ship, the lighting was pretty good, too. 

As expected, there were limited outlets in our cabin, with just two American and two European plugs near the desk. Perhaps this is one area where I'm more fond of Carnival's older ships, as many have been outfitted with extra charing options near the bed, whether an American outlet or USB plug. 

Still, it wasn't an issue, as I brought three (not two!) European power adapters, so we could take advantage of all four available outlets. 

Above the television was a cabinet that housed the safe, which is where I immediately put my passport, wallet, and other important valuables on embarkation day. 

Read more: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

The vanity area was also where the cabin's telephone and thermostat were found. 

On embarkation day, I was worried we'd have issues with the temperature, as the room stayed relatively warm, even after we set sail. Within a few hours, the room had cooled down substantially, though. 

In addition to the absent mini-fridge and lack of outlets, the cabin's true age was evident in the tiny bathroom. Although it served its purpose, I really, really (did I say really?) despise clingy shower curtains.

I have no complaints about the showerhead or pressure. In fact, when comparing my experience on Carnival Elation to Vision of the Seas, well, there's no comparison! 

The showerhead on Carnival Elation was, for lack of better words, completely and utterly disgusting. It desperately needed to be replaced months before I stepped on board. 

Not only that, but the showerhead broke during my cruise! The small piece that attached the showerhead to the rod fell off. It took over a day before it was fixed, so whenever we showered, water went everywhere! 

Read more: 4 things I loved about Carnival Elation (and 4 I didn’t)

Since the bathroom was slightly more compact than those on newer ships, there wasn't as much storage. 

That said, between my hanging toiletries organizer and my friend's ability to pack light, we didn't need to use the cubbies beside the mirror! 

Read more: 7 bathroom hacks to use in your cruise ship cabin

Overall, our inside cabin was the perfect home away from home during our short getaway to Bermuda

All in all, it was your standard interior stateroom. It was functional and practical, allowing us to cruise on a budget and splurge on a fun shipwreck snorkeling excursion in Bermuda, as well as a specialty meal at Izumi. 

I would have preferred a location that was more midship or closer to the aft, as we spent the majority of our time in the Solarium (which, yes, is located in the back of the ship on Vision of the Seas!). Those are just minor complaints, though. 

Being on Deck 3 meant we were close to many important venues, such as the Main Dining Room on Deck 4, the Casino on Deck 5, and—most importantly—Cafe Latte-tudes on Deck 6. Since we had the Cafe Select Coffee Card, Cafe Latte-tudes was our first stop every morning while onboard. 

Read more: 2024 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Prices, Tips, Pros & Cons

Would I book another interior cabin on Vision of the Seas? Absolutely! In fact, I was a bit hesitant to sail on such an old ship, loving the variety of dining options and Broadway-style entertainment on newer vessels. 

However, the experience completely surprised me. Everything from the dining to the relaxed Solarium and friendly staff made me understand why these small ships remain a beloved favorite within the fleet.

Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has more dining venues onboard than any other ship in the fleet. 

From the brand-new Empire Supper Club to fan favorites such as Sorrento's and Chops Grille, there's no shortage of options, both complimentary and specialty, for guests to enjoy while sailing onboard this massive ship. 

Whether you want to grab a quick bite to eat at the cruise line's first-ever food hall, indulge in a decadent meal at the Celebration Table, or have a fun brunch at Pier 7 in Surfside, there's something to appease all tastes and preferences onboard Icon of the Seas!

Here is your ultimate guide to all the food and beverage options on this record-breaking cruise ship. 

What restaurants are included and what costs extra?

When planning your cruise onboard Icon, it's important to know what venues are and aren't included in the cost of your cruise fare. If you're planning on dining at Empire Supper Club, for instance, you don't want to wait until you are on the ship to learn that the experience costs $200 per person. 

Complimentary restaurants on Icon of the Seas

🍽️ Pearl Café (with a few exceptions)

🍴 Park Cafe 

🍽️ Windjammer Marketplace

🍴 Surfside Bites

🍽️ Surfside Eatery 

🍴 AquaDome Market

🍽️ Main Dining Room

🍴 Coastal Kitchen (for those staying in suites)

🍽️ The Grove (for those staying in suites)

🍴 Basecamp (with a few exceptions)

🍽️ Sorrento's 

🍴 El Loco Fresh

🍽️ Vitality Cafe (with a few exceptions)

🍴 Sprinkles

Specialty restaurants on Icon of the Seas

🍽️ Empire Supper Club

🍴 Celebration Table 

🍽️ Chops Grille

🍴 Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

🍽️ Izumi in the Park

🍴 Hooked Seafood

🍽️ Playmaker's 

🍴 Pier 7

🍽️ Starbucks 

🍴 Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

🍽️ Trellis Bar (bar bites)

🍴 Desserted

Royal Promenade

For the first time, Royal Caribbean placed a specialty dining venue in the initial designs of the Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the Seas. If you want to have a delicious Italian meal at Giovanni's, you won't be too far from the fun! 

Read more: Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade: What to expect

Pearl Café

Cost: Included

The Pearl is an interactive, multi-sensory experience made with kinetic tiles that's meant to be the first WOW factor when you walk onboard. 

Adjacent to this one-of-a-kind structure is the Pearl Café, which is essentially the next generation of Cafe Promenade. 

While the majority of the grab-and-go food options are complimentary, there are some extra-cost items. You can, for instance, order a specialty coffee beverage. 

Unlike the drinks prepared at Starbucks, you'll be able to use your Royal Caribbean drink package or Diamond vouchers at Pearl Café. 

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Cost: Not included

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, which can be found in the Royal Promenade, will dish up some Old World classics, such as veal meatballs. 

Note, however, that this is a specialty venue, so you will have to pay to dine here. It's included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean dining package, though. 

Read more: How Royal Caribbean reimagined its signature Italian restaurant

Sorrento's 

Cost: Included

It's not a proper Royal Caribbean cruise vacation if you don't have a slice of pizza (or two), right? 

Sorrento's caters to those seeking a quick snack after returning to the ship or a late-night bite after seeing an AquaTheater show. 

Onboard Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean reimagined Sorrento's to be better than ever before. In addition to changing specialty pizzas, you can also pair your slice with your favorite draft beer on tap! 

Read more: Sorrento's pizza on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Point & Feather

Cost: Not included

Point & Feather is Icon's rendition of the classic English-style pub found on other ships. 

Here, you can order from a brand-new spirits menu or challenge a friend to a game of darts, all the while a talented musician is playing. 

1400 Lobby Bar

Cost: Not included

Royal Caribbean intends for 1400 Lobby Bar to be a focal point of the Royal Promenade. Not only is it adjacent to the escalators leading to the casino, but it also sets the stage for the jaw-dropping Pearl. 

Inspired by the history of shipbuilding, this will be the ideal place to meet up with your crew and enjoy a mix of daytime and evening sips that were developed with renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, who has worked with James Beard Award-winning chefs, Bellagio, and more.

Read more: I tried the new cocktails coming to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas with a Master Mixologist

Boleros

Cost: Not included

Boleros is a Latin-themed bar with live music that's found on numerous ships in the fleet. It can be found on Deck 6 of the Royal Promenade, whereas 1400 Lobby Bar is on Deck 5. 

Schooner Bar

Cost: Not included

Schooner Bar is arguably the most well-known Royal Caribbean bar. Located across from Boleros, this nautical-themed bar is where pianists will set the tone for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps. 

Dueling Pianos

Cost: Not included

Speaking of pianos, Icon of the Seas is home to the cruise line's first-ever dedicated piano bar, where two pianists will take the stage and take requests from passengers. 

Each night of the cruise, there will be two 90-minute shows that you won't want to miss! 

Spotlight Karaoke

Cost: Not included

Aspiring singers will want to check out Spotlight Karaoke on Deck 5. You can either take the stage or rent out a private karaoke room to enjoy with your crew. 

The Attic

Cost: Not included

The Attic is where Icon guests can enjoy comedy shows that will have you laughing until you cry. There's also a bar here where you can order drinks during a show. 

Crown Lounge

Cost: Included

The Crown Lounge is located within the Royal Promenade at the forward end of Deck 6 near Dueling Pianos and the Attic. Only Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members can utilize this private enclave. 

Whether you want to redeem one of your drink vouchers, enjoy some light snacks, or simply relax away from the crowds, the Crown Lounge is the go-to stop for top-tier members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society. 

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Starbucks

Cost: Not included

Who doesn't love a strong cold brew or specialty hand-crafted beverage? You won't have to go without your Starbucks fix when cruising on Icon of the Seas. 

Note, however, that these drinks are not included in any beverage packages, and top-tier loyalty members cannot use their daily drink vouchers at Starbucks; you will have to pay for each drink individually. 

Central Park

Like on Oasis Class ships, Central Park is a hub for specialty restaurants. Here, you'll find favorites like Chops Grille, as well as new restaurants that cannot be found on any other ship in the fleet, such as Empire Supper Club. 

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Cost: Not included

Royal Caribbean’s beloved Japanese specialty restaurant will be located in Central Park on Icon of the Seas, a first for the restaurant. 

There are two sides to Izumi — hibachi and sushi — and guests can enjoy either one in the charming atmosphere of Central Park. Note that if you book the Ultimate Dining Package, Izumi Hibachi has a $15 surcharge, which will be charged onboard. 

Read more: Should you book the Izumi pre-fixed sushi option?

Izumi in the Park

Cost: Not included

What if you don't want to sit down for a lengthy meal? No worries! Located in Icon of the Seas' Central Park Neighborhood, you will find Izumi in the Park, the cruise line's first-ever to-go sushi window, where you can grab sushi, hot gyoza, or soft-serve bubble cones for a refreshing afternoon sweet treat! 

Like the standard restaurant, this venue is not included in the cost of your cruise fare. Each item is priced à la carte, meaning that you'll only pay for what you order, whereas Chops Grille, for instance, charges everyone the same cover charge. 

The price for two sushi and a seaweed salad or edamame is $10, while pork gyoza dumplings, crispy chicken kara-age, and signature bubble cones all cost $8. 

Available sushi include salmon sashimi, tuna sashimi, salmon lovers roll, spicy tuna roll, salmon nigiri, and tuna nigiri. Finally, the five flavors of bubble cones are cookies & cream, rainbow mochi & macha, beach umbrella, chocolate thrill, and strawberry bliss. 

Chops Grille

Cost: Not included

Chops Grille, the cruise line’s signature specialty steakhouse, is found on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and Icon of the Seas is no exception. 

Just like on Oasis Class ships, Chops Grille is located in Central Park with both indoor and outdoor seating. Similarly, you will have to pay to dine here; it is not an included venue. 

What sets Chops Grille on Icon apart, though, is that you'll be able to hand-select your cut of meat thanks to the impressive butcher's display.

Park Cafe

Cost: Included

Park Cafe first launched on Oasis of the Seas. This complimentary venue is returning to Central Park onboard Icon. In fact, it's the only complimentary venue in Central Park. 

While you'll still be able to order the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich, you can also expect to find new sandwiches and salads. 

Plus, Park Café onboard Icon of the Seas will be open later than on other ships in the fleet and offer dinner!

Empire Supper Club

Cost: Not included

One of, if not the most, expensive restaurant onboard Icon is Empire Supper Club. This eight-course meal, which will feature premium American cuisine like wagyu and caviar, will cost you $200 per person. There will also be a three-piece band playing a different song during each course. 

The venue was designed to be reminiscent of the 1930s in New York City and will have two seatings each night: 6:00pm and 8:30pm. 

If you purchased the Ultimate Dining Package, you will have to pay an extra $130 per person to eat at Empire Supper Club. 

Lou's Jazz N' Blues

Cost: Not included

Whether you want to take in the music from the outdoors while strolling amongst the thousands of real pants or pop in for a cocktail, Lou's Jazz N' Blues will fill Central Park will live performances of soulful classics and jazz-pop tunes.

Trellis Bar

Cost: Not included

Guests will find a larger Trellis Bar than those onboard Oasis Class ships. Plus, it'll feature a brand-new look and menu with pre-dinner appetizers that are available for an additional fee.  

Bubbles

Cost: Not included

Bubbles is a walk-up champagne bar that will serve champagne and champagne-based cocktails by the glass. It's located directly next to Park Cafe, so you can get a fresh mimosa before enjoying breakfast! 

Surfside

Those familiar with Oasis Class ships might notice that there isn't a "Boardwalk" onboard Icon of the Seas. That's because the neighborhood was replaced with Surfside, which is where families can stay and play all day. 

With an aft pool, carousel, kids splash zone, arcade, and both complimentary and specialty dining venues, there's enough to keep everyone satisfied!

Read more: Icon of the Seas Surfside neighborhood: What to expect

Surfside Bites

Cost: Included

Surfside Bites is complimentary and features grab-and-go options. It's perfect for those looking for a snack or who do not want to waste their afternoon on a lengthy lunch! 

While the menu isn't extensive, you can find popcorn chicken, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, french fries, fruit, and even cinnamon sugar churros here!

Read more: Royal Caribbean is building the best cruise ship for young families on Icon of the Seas

Pier 7

Cost: Not included

Pier 7 is a brand-new specialty venue located within Surfside. The all-day brunch menu has items like mango lime shrimp tostadas, smoked salmon benedicts, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and surf and turf tacos. 

Pier 7 is free for kids under 12, and everyone else pays a $14.99 cover charge that includes two items in any category.

Surfside Eatery

Cost: Included

Surfside will also feature its own buffet, so families will not have to worry about dragging their kids away from all the fun for too long to go to the Windjammer. 

Surfside Eatery, like the Windjammer, is included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

Note that you'll find a Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine outside of Surfside Eatery. If you're going to purchase a drink package, you can refill your cup here. 

The Lemon Post Bar

Cost: Not included

The Lemon Post Bar allows parents to enjoy their own tropical cocktails while children get to order from a menu of mocktails curated just for them, for an additional charge, of course. 

It's located close to Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, so you're never far from a beverage! 

Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

Cost: Not included

Located within Surfside on Deck 8, you will find the beloved sports bar Playmakers, which serves à la carte food and hand-crafted beverages. 

Whether you're craving nachos, wings, onion rings, or jalapeño poppers, you will find a range of options for $3.00 to $29.99. 

AquaDome

AquaDome is another neighborhood exclusive to Icon Class ships, including Star of the Seas, which is scheduled to launch in 2025. 

It's located on Decks 14 and 15 at the very front of the ship and is where you'll not only find numerous food and beverage options but also the first-ever enclosed AquaTheater and breathing ocean views. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas AquaDome: What to expect

The Overlook Bar

Cost: Not included

If you're seeking some of the best ocean views onboard Icon, you will want to make sure you visit The Overlook within the AquaDome Neighborhood, which is outfitted with impressive floor-to-ceiling windows. 

In addition to comfortable pods for relaxing and catching up with friends and family, you'll also find The Overlook Bar. 

Rye & Bean

Cost: Not included

Rye & Bean is perfect for those who might not be ready for a strong cocktail first thing in the morning.

That being said, Rye & Bean is the place to go for coffee-infused cocktails; however, you're able to order a classic cup of coffee, too. 

Hooked Seafood

Cost: Not included

Hooked Seafood is open for lunch and dinner. This specialty restaurant focuses on New England-style seafood and serves dishes such as Maryland Crab Cakes, Drunken Mussels, Maine Lobster Rolls, and more. 

Celebration Table

Cost: Not included

You can think of Celebration Table like an elevated Chef's Table. This fully rentable private dining room inside Hooked Seafood can seat up to twelve guests and is a premium specialty venue onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Rather than have a menu curated by the chef, you can choose from four different family-style prix fixe menus: American, Asian, Seafood, and Italian. You can personalize and upgrade the selections, too.

Read more: Beyond the Buffet: Exploring Royal Caribbean's unique onboard cuisine

AquaDome Market

Cost: Included

Icon of the Seas is home to the cruise line's first-ever food hall. Inside AquaDome Market, you'll find five different stalls, each highlighting a different cuisine or specific food:

• Crème de la Crèpe (Crèpes)
• GNGR (Asian)
• Mac's (Mac and cheese)
• Feta (Mediterranean)
• Toast & Garden (Sandwiches and salads)

Even better? It's all included!

Vitality Cafe

Cost: Included (with exceptions)

At Vitality Cafe, you will find some complimentary healthful options, such as housemade granola and fresh fruit, as well as specialty smoothies for an additional charge. 

Chill Island & Thrill Island

The top decks of Icon of the Seas are where you’ll find both Chill Island and Thrill Island. 

Royal Caribbean aims to include a variety of dining and bar venues on the pool and sports deck, so you don’t have to worry about leaving the pool to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a tropical beverage. 

El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca

Cost: Included (El Loco Fresh) / Not included (Cantina Fresca)

In between laps at the pool, you’ll want to head to El Loco Fresh on the pool deck for fresh Mexican fare.

This complimentary grab-and-go spot offers burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, and a salsa station that is sure to satisfy any hungry passenger. 

Next to El Loco Fresh is Cantina Fresca, a Mexican-themed bar known for its specialty margaritas and aguas frescas. Specialty cocktails at Cantina Fresca include the Watermelon Margarita, Mezcal Mule, and Cozumel Sunrise.

Swim & Tonic

Cost: Not included

Swim & Tonic is the cruise line's first swim-up bar with in-pool seating. In fact, they claim it's the largest swim-up bar at sea! 

No longer do you have to leave the pool to get a refreshing beverage while sailing through the Caribbean. 

Sprinkles

Cost: Included

Sprinkles is located within Chill Island. This is where you can enjoy complimentary soft-serve ice cream throughout the day!

The Lime and Coconut

Cost: Not included

Royal Caribbean’s resort-style pool bar can be found in three different locations on Icon of the Seas, including the brand-new Cloud 17 area. 

The Lime & Coconut is known for a few signature drinks including:

• Lime & Coconut, made with Malibu coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup, and lime juice 
• Blue Wave, made with Tito’s vodka, blue curacao, and pineapple juice 
• Caribbean Sunset, made with Aperol, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda

Windjammer Marketplace

Cost: Included

It wouldn’t be a Royal Caribbean cruise without the Windjammer Marketplace, the cruise line’s signature complimentary buffet that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of your cruise. 

Onboard Icon, the Windjammer is located on Deck 15 and wraps around the entirety of the deck below Thrill Island in the aft of the ship. 

Basecamp

Cost: Included (with exceptions)

Basecamp offers a mix of both complimentary and extra-charge items, which include waffle chicken nuggets ($7), Wisconsin cheese curds ($6), crispy shrimp bao buns ($8), grilled chicken sandwiches ($9), and smash burgers ($11). 

Additionally, while beef hot dogs, warm pretzels, and tater tots are complimentary, you can add cheese, bacon, and green onions to any of the free options for an extra $2. 

Plus, you'll find a bar here. It's the perfect place to refuel while having fun at the Category 6 water park! 

Desserted

Cost: Not included

The new Desserted Milkshake Bar allows passengers to choose from a lineup of milkshake concoctions, including spiked options for adults.

It's located directly across from the entrance to Category 6's slides. 

The Hideaway

The Hideaway is Royal Caribbean's adult-only neighborhood. Yes, that means you won't find a Solarium onboard. No worries, though; this area is only for those 18+!

From its conceptualization, The Hideaway was meant to have a Las Vegas pool party vibe. It has the first suspended infinity pool at sea, day beds (that you can rent for an additional cost), loungers, and an expansive bar area.

The Hideaway Bar

Cost: Not included

The Hideaway Bar has a special menu where you can order specialty cocktails like the Castaway Spritz, Oh Mai Gawd, Coral Blush, and more. 

Since it's located within the adults-only neighborhood, you will not find any children here. Adults can order a tropical beverage before enjoying the infinity pool! 

Suite Neighborhood

If you're staying in certain suites, you will gain access to The Grove Sun Deck and Coastal Kitchen. Both have complimentary dining options available exclusively to suite guests. 

Note that if you're staying in a Sea Class suite (i.e., Junior Suites and Sunset Junior Suites), you won't have access to the sun deck. Plus, you'll only be able to eat at Coastal Kitchen for dinner, subject to availability. 

To gain full access, you will want to book a Sky or Star Class suite. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas Suite Neighborhood: What to expect

Coastal Kitchen

Cost: Included (for suite guests)

Coastal Kitchen has been a staple restaurant for suite guests since its debut on Quantum of the Seas in 2014, and Icon of the Seas will be the first ship in the fleet to have a two-story Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

The Grove

Cost: Included (for suite guests)

During the day, Suite guests can grab a bite to eat at The Grove, a fast-casual Mediterranean venue located in the suite-only sun deck that features al fresco seating and a bar. 

This is complimentary to suite guests and surely beats leaving the comfort of the private enclave to eat at the Windjammer! 

Other food and beverage venues

Main Dining Room

Cost: Included 

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Main Dining Room onboard. This is where you can indulge in three-course meals each night of your cruise for no extra charge. It serves breakfast and lunch throughout the voyage, too. 

If you're unsure when it is open, check the Royal Caribbean app. You may also request a physical copy of the ship's daily schedule from your cabin steward or Guest Services. 

Onboard Icon, the Main Dining Room spans three decks in the aft of the ship: Decks 3, 4, and 5. 

Read more: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

Casino Bar

Cost: Not included

There's a bar inside of Casino Royale that features sit-down slot machines. 

Music Hall

Cost: Not included

If you’re looking for a nightclub experience on Icon of the Seas, you can head to Music Hall. 

Located on Decks 3 and 4, this two-story venue features live bands and DJs in the evenings.

Icon of the Seas restaurant hours

Complimentary Food

• Main Dining Room - Decks 3, 4 & 5
  • Breakfast: 7:00-8:00/8:30-9:30
  • Lunch (Sea days): 11:30a-1:00p
  • Dinner - Seating or MTD: 5:30-8:30
• Sorrentos - Deck 5
  • 11:30a-2:00a
• Pearl Cafe - Deck 6
• Surfside Eatery - Deck 7
  • 24 hours
• Surfside Bites - Deck 7
  • 11:00a-6:00p
• Park Cafe - Deck 8
  • Breakfast: 7:00-10:30a
  • Lunch: 11:30a-5:30p
  • Tapas: 6:30-8:30p
• Vitality Cafe - Deck 14
  • 6:30a-7:30p
• Aqua Dome - Deck 15
  • 10:30a-Midnight
• Sprinkles - Decks 15 & 7
  • 11:00a-9:00p
• El Loco Fresh - Deck 15
  • 11:00a-8:00p
• Windjammer - Deck 15
  • Breakfast: 7:00-11:00a
  • Lunch: 11:30a-3:00p
  • Dinner: 5:30-9:00p
• Basecamp - Deck 16
  • 11:00a-8:00p
• Room Service Continental Breakfast (Sky/Star Suite Guests Only)
  • 6:00-11:00a (must order prior evening)
• Coastal Kitchen - Decks 16 & 17
  • Breakfast: 8:00-9:30a
  • Lunch: 12:00-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• The Grove - Deck 18
  • 10:30a-10:00p

Pay dining & snack options

• Starbucks - Deck 5
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen - Deck 6
  • Noon-11:00p
• Playmakers Sports Bar - Deck 6
  • Lunch (Sea days): 11:00a-3:00p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Pier 7 - Deck 7
  • 6:30pm reservations
• Sugar Beach - Deck 7
• Empire Supper Club - Deck 8
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Chops Grille - Deck 8
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi - Deck 8
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Izumi in the Park - Deck 8
  • 11:00a-10:00p
• Celebration Table - Deck 15
  • Reservations required
• Hooked Seafood - Deck 15
  • Lunch (Sea days): Noon-1:30p
  • Dinner: 5:00-9:30p
• Desserted Milk Shake Bar - Deck 15
  • 11:00a-8:00p
• Room Service (beyond continental breakfast) - Deck 15
  • 24 hours

A 12-year-old passenger fell to his death on the final night of a cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas. 

The 226,963 gross registered ton (GRT) ship was en route to Galveston, Texas, after a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise when the pre-teen fell from an interior-facing Central Park balcony cabin. 

Central Park, located on Deck 8, is one of seven neighborhoods onboard the Oasis Class ship and is home to bars, restaurants, and shops. 

Witnesses claim the boy had been playing with friends he had met onboard before going over the stateroom's balcony railing. Supposedly, he was on the cruise with his family to celebrate a birthday.

Royal Caribbean crew tried to resuscitate the passenger; however, life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and he died before Harmony of the Seas arrived in Galveston on September 8. 

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

Outpouring of support 

"My daughter was friends with him and said he was upset today," wrote Sara Tullas in a Harmony of the Seas Facebook group.

"If anyone knows the family, please send them thoughts and prayers...I wish I would have known he was struggling today," she continues. 

Shannon Elizabeth shared similar thoughts, explaining her son had befriended the boy. 

"I haven't been able to really wrap my head around this and the conversations I have had to have with my son really tripped me up," she says.

"My son made friends with this boy and he saw too much of what happened. Just breaks my heart and the fact we were [on] this boat is just wild." 

Because of the incident, boarding for the Sept. 8 voyage was delayed

"Due to an emergency on our previous sailing, our boarding tomorrow will be delayed," read a statement emailed to passengers, "As a result, the terminal will be closed until 12 PM."

Guests were asked to arrive one hour after their pre-selected arrival time but no later than 3:00pm, as all passengers were required to be checked in and onboard by 3:30pm. 

Harmony of the Seas is currently on a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise calling at Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The ship is scheduled to return to Galveston on September 14. 

Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts

Other similar incidents 

A 16-year-old boy slipped and fell to his death while trying to enter his cabin through a nearby balcony while docked in Labadee, Haiti. 

The Broward Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Laurent Mercer of the Wallis and Futuna Islands in the South Pacific.

"The ship's medical team responded to the pier and attempted CPR, but the [boy] had sustained major head trauma and he was pronounced dead," the Broward Medical Examiner's Office said in a statement. 

Last November, another 16-year-old boy died after falling from his cabin balcony into Central Park while sailing on Allure of the Seas. TMZ reported the passenger was transported to a hospital for treatment but eventually succumbed to his injuries. 

The Oasis Class ship was traveling from Port Canaveral to Nassau, Bahamas when a ship-wide announcement was made asking for blood donors. 

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of a guest, and our hearts go out to the family. Out of respect for them, we won't provide any further comment," read a statement issued by Royal Caribbean. 

Overtourism is a rising issue around the world, but Royal Caribbean's CEO thinks cruise ships are being unfairly targeted.

Cruise ships have long been singled out for overtourism, particularly in Europe. However, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean's President and CEO, argues people underestimate the value cruise ships bring to the tourism industry. 

Each year, over 20 million people take a cruise, sailing to countless destinations around the globe, from the Caribbean to Europe, Australia, Asia, Alaska, and Hawaii. 

Recently, many ports have begun to reevaluate the impact of the cruising industry in their communities, especially as passenger numbers break pre-pandemic levels. 

A few weeks ago, for instance, protestors in Amsterdam prevented cruise ships from safely docking in port, demanding an immediate cessation of the "destructive cruise industry." 

During a Q&A session onboard the Ultimate World Cruise, Bayley said cruise ships sometimes become targets of the anti-tourism movement because of misinformation. While acknowledging the concerns, he highlights the positive effects of the industry, stating they're always striving to improve. 

Overtourism fueled by misinformation

Cruising makes up just 2% of all international travel, yet the cruise industry specifically is targeted as contributing to overtourism by transporting hundreds of thousands of guests to destinations and trying to do "something negative" when it comes to the environment. 

In Europe, for instance, Airbnb is a massive driver of tourism in cities like Barcelona, resulting in protests earlier this summer. Guests dining al fresco in Las Ramblas were soaked with water guns, while locals chanted, "Tourists go home," CNN reported. 

By November 2028, Barcelona plans to end short-term rentals by revoking all 10,101 apartment licenses approved as short-term rentals to help ensure residents aren't displaced by "overtourism." 

Additionally, the Assemblea de Barris pel Decreixement Turístic (Neighborhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth) published 13 proposals to reduce the number of visitors and create a new tourism model, which includes the closure of cruise ship terminals. 

"...sometimes, cruise ships have a target based upon very little information or misinformation...I think it's incumbent on us to improve as an industry, and as a company, our communication over the impact, both positive and negative, on communities," Bayley explains. 

"There's always two sides to a coin," he continues, "And in relation to the impact, there are some incredibly positive attributes that come from our business." 

Many countries' GDP relies heavily on tourism

According to Bayley, the economic value of tourism goes unrecognized.

"In the Caribbean, for example, which is kind of the center of cruise activity...over 50%, pretty much, of all tourists that travel through the Caribbean come on [a] cruise," he says. 

The Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) 2024 State of the Industry Report revealed the economic contribution from the cruise industry to the economy is "enormous," despite cruising making up a small percentage of international travel. 

In 2022, cruising contributed $138 billion to the global economy. Additionally, the industry supported 1.2 million jobs and $43 billion in wages. 2023's results are expected to be published this month; however, the impact is predicted to be even greater because of the increase in passengers sailing in 2023 compared to 2022. 

Read more: The demand for Royal Caribbean cruises is hot

Crew members from 100+ countries

On any Royal Caribbean vacation, crew members are important because they're not just friendly faces you see throughout your voyage. Their dedication and expertise help transform cruises into memorable experiences, ensuring that every detail of the guest experience, from dining to entertainment to guest relations, is handled with professionalism and care.  

"We have generations...of crew members who work with Royal Caribbean," remarks Bayley, "There [are] many onboard the ship today who've sent their kids to college, have made investments, have built a family life, have taken care of their elders, [and] have lived a good life through their association with the cruise industry and with Royal Caribbean." 

Read more: 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship

Advanced technology

"We've got some of the most incredible technology that we've invested in," says Bayley about Royal Caribbean's environmental initiatives, "[It allows] us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with pretty much any community anyone here lives in." 

The amount of garbage, for example, transferred from cruise ships to landfills is actually tiny thanks to waste management systems. 

He continues to talk about the work that's going into future fuels: "What is the future fuel? Our new ships are what's called 'hybrid ships,' which means they're capable of using traditional marine oil or [liquefied natural gas]." 

Read more: Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ships will convert waste to energy

When Royal Caribbean began developing today's newest ships, the future fuel was LNG. 7-10 years later, however, he brings up current concerns about LNG, including slippage, which is when gaseous methane escapes into the atmosphere. 

Still, though, LNG's carbon footprint is significantly lower than that of traditional marine fuels, and the concerns are working on being addressed. 

"We are committed to a bright future. We are putting a lot of time and energy and resources into not only our environmental impact but also as it relates to our impact with tourism," Bayley says. 

Royal Caribbean has contributed to local communities 

Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to visit Haiti. Located on the northern peninsula, Labadee offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and adventure—exclusively for guests sailing with Royal Caribbean. 

The private destination helps contribute to the local economy, with a controlled group of merchants given the right to sell souvenirs to cruise passengers in the secured resort area. 

In addition to revenue from cruise ship guests, Bayley said Royal Caribbean built a local school in the community, helping to educate thousands of children. They also built a freshwater and sewage system in the area. 

Similarly, Nassau's Royal Beach Club is being constructed as a public-private partnership between Royal Caribbean and The Bahamas, allowing Bahamians to hold up to 49% equity in the project. 

This initiative is expected to generate hundreds of jobs for local Bahamians, both during the construction phase and once in operation. Over a decade, the venture is expected to have an economic impact of around $1 billion. 

Greece will begin taxing cruise ship tourists

Greece plans on imposing a 20-euro levy on cruise passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season to help with overtourism, Reuters reported. 

Though the country relies heavily on tourism, some of the most popular destinations have faced challenges with overtourism, which strains the local infrastructure. 

"Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions," said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. 

There are also plans to regulate the number of cruise ships that arrive at the same time in certain ports to help further balance the economic benefits of tourism while preserving the quality of life for residents. 

Read more: Ultimate Greek Isles cruise guide

Decorating cruise cabin doors has become a fun and popular tradition among passengers on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Maybe you’re celebrating a special occasion like a milestone birthday, graduation, or anniversary, or perhaps you’re just looking to add a personal touch to your stateroom. Whatever the reason, decorating your cruise cabin door is a great way to make your stateroom easy to spot in the hallway.

However, before you purchase decorations, it’s important to be aware of Royal Caribbean’s rules and policies. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about decorating your stateroom door on a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as provide some inspiration to help you get started. 

Please note that we have linked Amazon items in this article containing affiliate links. The affiliate links cost you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link.

Read more: 30 Cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Royal Caribbean allows guests to decorate their cabin door

Though Royal Caribbean passengers are permitted to spruce up their stateroom doors, you will want to be considerate of your fellow guests, avoiding anything that could be deemed offensive, inappropriate, or disruptive.

Royal Caribbean’s code of conduct states, “Inappropriate or abusive behavior is not permitted. This includes: … placing materials (including signs, banners, decorations, etc.) anywhere on the exterior of the ship, [and] placing materials anywhere on the interior of the ship (including stateroom doors, along corridors, etc.) without the express permission of [the ship's] management or which may be deemed by ship management as inappropriate, or any other illegal or offensive conduct.”

In other words, crew members won't remove lighthearted and tasteful decor, so long as it's confined to your cabin door and not blocking any passageways. 

It's also wise to ensure your decor won't damage the cruise line's property. 

When choosing your cabin door decorations, avoid any that require tape, nails, or adhesives that could harm the finish. Instead, go for magnetic decor, as magnets can be easily placed and removed without leaving any damage.

And as wholesome as the activity is, you shouldn't be personally attached to any decor in case it's stolen. Young children, for instance, may see a cute magnet and think it's okay to grab it from your door. 

If you bought the magnet in port, you'll likely be disappointed when you discover it's missing; it's not easy to replace a unique souvenir bought in Ketchikan, Alaska, or Barcelona, Spain. 

Note that your cabin category doesn't matter. Passengers staying in the smallest interior rooms or lavish suites can personalize their stateroom's door. However, the same rules apply: the decor shouldn't be offensive, blocking passageways, or stuck to the door with potentially harmful adhesives. 

Read more: How to find the cheapest cabins on Royal Caribbean

The benefits of decorating your cruise cabin door

In a thread posted on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum, cruise passengers explain why they love cabin decor. 

"Invariably I will have a morning during a cruise when I will wake up way too early. On that morning I head to Cafe Promenade to grab...a cup of coffee and begin to do my daily walk but rather than use the walking track I walk the halls of each deck. The only reason I do this is to view the various door decorations," said Mike n Ky. 

whitsmom shared, "I like to use it [to] help find our door easier (in the beginning)." 

ScottD talked about the camaraderie that came with his choice of decor. 

"We had a [whiteboard] on our door, supporting our favorite football team who was playing in a big playoff game that day. We had a blast every time we came back to the room and saw different notes added to the board, sometimes in support and sometimes against our team. We loved it," he said. 

What types of decorations are acceptable?

A go-to choice is decor celebrating something specific, whether someone's birthday, graduation, anniversary, or retirement. Cruises, however, are a great vacation option, even if there's nothing monumental to celebrate. 

Are you sailing somewhere new? You can focus your decor on the destination. Perhaps you're a brand-new cruiser and want to honor your first-ever voyage! That's a fun theme for your door, too. Guests may also tailor their decor around holidays like Easter, the 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. 

Families might consider ordering customized magnets with everyone's name, including "Mom," "Dad," etc. These are ideal for families who love cruising and can see themselves on annual (or bi-annual) voyages, as they can be reused. 

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Some of the most universal door decor are those relating to drink packages. With Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package, you can enjoy unlimited alcoholic drinks each day of your sailing for a fixed price. And yes, the drink package works ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay!  

Some making the splurge on a package—which often costs over $65 per person, per day—may want to extend a "warning" to those in neighboring cabins. 

Of course, you want to be mindful of your consumption and not disrupt others! While it's perfectly acceptable to enjoy handcrafted cocktails onboard, your enjoyment shouldn't bother guests, especially when they are trying to rest. 

Read more: I spent $600 on Royal Caribbean’s beverage package

Where can I buy cabin door decorations?

Those looking to score last-minute decor should head to Amazon. "Cruise cabin decor" yields over 2,000 results, so there's no shortage of magnets available to purchase for your upcoming cruise. They're affordable, too. 

A 28-piece nautical pack can be bought for around $10. Celebrating a birthday? Look no further than this 27-piece "birthday cruise" pack for $8.99, which includes everything you need to let other passengers know about the occasion. 

A colorful drink package warning costs $8.99. In addition to a bright yellow warning label, the 13-piece pack also includes beverages to add a fun and eye-catching touch to your stateroom door. 

Whiteboards are popular, too. You can use them to leave messages for your friends and family, perhaps letting them know that you left for dinner or went to grab seats on the pool deck. 

They can also be used to engage with other passengers. It's not uncommon to see whiteboards with a "question of the day," asking guests their favorite food, where they're from, how many cruises they've been on, etc. 

Some cruisers opt to make their own decor to add a personalized element, instead of buying pre-made magnets. While this isn't prohibited by Royal Caribbean, you'll want to ensure you attach magnets to the photographs, signs, etc., rather than relying on tape and glue. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabins for 5 or more people

Another option for more customized cruise cabin decor is to browse Etsy, an online marketplace where you can find lots of handmade items, ranging from t-shirts to cabin door decorations. Under the "cruise cabin decor" search, you can filter by cruise line, material, color, theme, and more. 

Plus, you can indicate if you want decor that's customizable. Note, though, that many items purchased off Etsy won't ship as fast as those from Amazon, so give yourself plenty of time to place your order before your cruise's departure date. 

Finally, you can purchase cruise cabin decor directly through Royal Caribbean. 

For guests celebrating a birthday, it's easy to surprise the special cruiser with the "Happy Birthday Decorations" package available on the Cruise Planner for $69.99. In addition to a door magnet, you'll receive hanging ceiling decor inside your stateroom, a wire photo cable with clips, and more. 

There's also an anniversary package and "Bon Voyage Decorations" package with festive accessories for those who aren't celebrating anything specific onboard. Both include a magnetic door decoration.

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise will end on Tuesday, September 10, and one passenger onboard the 9-month cruise has taken to social media to share their thoughts about returning to land. 

TikTok user Dr. Jenny (@drjennytravels) is one of the most well-known social media stars on the world cruise, and she's spent the last 9 months documenting her time onboard. She has over 164,000 followers and has amassed over 1.9 million likes on her videos. 

With less than one week until Royal Caribbean's first-ever world cruise concludes, Dr. Jenny shares her feelings about what it's like to see this once-in-a-lifetime experience end. 

In a video shared on September 3, one day before Serenade of the Seas' arrival in New York, she shows suitcases placed in the hallway. 

"Look at this," she begins, "seven days left...and as you can see, look at all the luggage out here." 

The hallway looks like a cruise ship on the night before disembarkation when guests normally place their suitcases outside their cabins to be collected by the ship's crew. While passengers can carry their bags off, many choose to collect them in the terminal to make disembarking easier. 

Though the world cruise hasn't officially ended, Dr. Jenny explains how some passengers opted to use the "Luggage Forward" service to have their bags shipped home. 

Read more: A passenger on the 9-month cruise is halfway done and lists what they like and don't like about the trip so far

"This is just bizarre," says Dr. Jenny, "We have watched...people put their luggage out here as they've come and gone, but now this is...world cruisers. Sad day." 

She tags another TikTok user in the caption, saying she saw crew members load up some of Angie Linderman's (@Angie) bags!

The video ends positively, though, with Dr. Jenny dancing the night away with friends at the Silent Disco to "all the New York songs."

"Just think 7 days is a normal cruise length," reads one of the top comments. 

"😭 There was something so comforting knowing that somewhere out there, people were getting to see the world one stop at a time. I've enjoyed following along and I can't wait to see what comes next!" says another. 

"I'm feeling sad, anxious, and kind of dreading the end of this adventure"

In another video shared on August 10, Dr. Jenny explains her feelings with one month left of the Ultimate World Cruise. 

While she admits to being upset, she's also optimistic, saying there's still one month of cruising, showcasing her glass half-full mentality. 

"Today, we have friends joining us on the Ultimate World Cruise for this next mini-segment from Copenhagen to Amsterdam," she exclaims, "I'm so excited, this is just the kind of energy I need!"

The Ultimate World Cruise began on December 10, 2023

Since departing nearly 274 days ago, Serenade of the Seas has visited over 55 countries and eight world wonders, including the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and The Great Barrier Reef. 

The 9-month voyage was divided into four segments, so cruisers who couldn't be on board for the entire cruise could still enjoy parts of the journey: the Ultimate Americas Cruise, the Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise, the Immersive Africa Cruise, and the Ultimate Europe and Beyond Cruise. 

There are just two ports left on the world cruise: Bermuda and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Serenade of the Seas will call at Kings Wharf on September 6, followed by CocoCay on September 9. 

A former Royal Caribbean crew member has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms and secretly recording young kids. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 34, a cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March after a passenger onboard the 228,081 gross registered ton Symphony of the Seas reported finding a camera in their bathroom. The guest found the concealed camera when she reached under the sink to grab toilet paper. 

Mirasol was arrested when the ship returned to Port Everglades on March 3, when Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection could board the Oasis Class ship and begin their investigation. 

Federal authorities seized his electronic devices and found videos of women undressing, as well as child pornography, dating back to December 2023. One of the videos even captured Mirasol installing a cabin in a guest's bathroom. 

Homeland Security Investigations later identified the children, whose ages range from 2 to 17 years old, according to the United States Justice Department

Mirasol would also hide under guests' beds while they were in the shower, and during a post-Miranda interview, he claimed to pleasure himself while watching the videos. 

Local 10 reported that one video was of a young girl around the age of 10 undressing and showering, with her genitals "clearly visible" and "the focus of the video."

Additionally, authorities said they found multiple voyeurism-related searches on Mirasol's phone, including "teen on bed." 

Charging documents reveal he told federal investigators that he "wants to control it...but can't." 

"We have zero tolerance for this unacceptable behavior. We immediately reported this to law enforcement and terminated the crew member, and we will continue to fully cooperate with authorities," read a statement issued by Royal Caribbean upon Mirasol's arrest. 

"Something out of a nightmare"

People have flocked to social media and online forums to discuss the incident, with most comments condemning Mirasol's behavior. 

"That is something out of a nightmare, imagine finding a pair of eyes under your bed. Nope Nope Nope. I would be so sure I was going to get murdered," wrote ActiveAlarmed7886 on a thread under the r/cruise subreddit. 

"If you're here reading this, don't stop at the headline. Read the story. It just keeps getting worse and worse with each paragraph," added alinroc. 

karenmarie303 said, "What a complete weirdo. I can’t believe he was never caught under the bed. And to get away with being gone at odd times, freako!"

"I thought I was being paranoid by NOT allowing my teen to stay in the room by herself," remarked friendofoldman, "[I] dragged her out of the room to participate...in activities."

For peace of mind, consider bringing a RAVIAD Detector onboard to scan your stateroom

Cabins are supposed to be our home away from home on a cruise ship. Though it's important to never let your guard down, the point of vacation is to relax and enjoy the experience. 

User Bead Pirate shared their go-to detector on a Cruise Critic forum that helps them search for hidden cameras and microphones.

"Amazon has a great hidden camera / microphone detector that runs on a couple AA Batteries for $50 bucks. We throw it in the suitcase whenever we travel land/sea/air does not matter. Takes 2 minutes to scan a room or can do a house in 5 minutes. Great peace of mind...," they explained. 

It's easy to use, too. All you have to do is turn the device on and walk around the perimeter of the cabin and near furniture. 

It's about to become easier to book restaurant reservations on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean passengers with the Ultimate Dining Package (UDP) may soon be able to book specialty dining reservations in advance. 

Historically, being unable to make specialty dining reservations until embarkation day was the biggest draw of the UDP. Now, Royal Caribbean is rolling out a feature allowing passengers to make all their reservations before paying for the package through the Cruise Planner. 

Nicole Pantalena first shared the update in the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook group, saying, "The website now allows you to make all reservations for the UDP at [the] time of purchase!!"

Pantalena clarified that she's on the December 2 sailing on Allure of the Seas, as other users didn't see any changes to their Cruise Planner. She also stated that she couldn't make reservations for the UDP in advance for her Anthem of the Seas cruise next year. 

Adam Balaban commented he was able to access the new reservation portal; however, he is also sailing onboard Allure of the Seas in December, indicating this feature may just be a test on Allure. 

There's no official word on this new feature, nor when other ships may have the option.

Before adding the package to the cart, the new booking portal would allow passengers to make reservations for each day of the cruise, eliminating the need for a courtesy reservation on the first night. 

Read more: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

This new feature makes it significantly easier to get reservations instead of running around on embarkation day to make them.

Change announced last year

While brainstorming potential ways to make the embarkation day experience easier, Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation, explained that they'd be making all of Royal Caribbean's dining packages reservable through the website, so passengers wouldn't have to worry about making reservations on day one. 

Rather than rushing onboard and heading to a specialty restaurant to confirm their dining plans, guests can make their reservations from the comfort of their homes, allowing them to have the same experience as passengers who book individual reservations. 

Not only does this make embarkation day more relaxing, but it gives cruisers with the UDP more options for dining times, as they're typically stuck choosing leftover reservations. 

In addition to reducing guests' "angst," the change will help improve the flow of traffic in public areas onboard. Schneider's team discovered there's "a lot of heavy lifting" in the Royal Promenade, and by letting passengers make UDP reservations online, that's one less booth they'll have to visit. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will make specialty restaurants reservable pre-cruise if you have a dining package

What is the Ultimate Dining Package?

Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Dining Package lets guests eat at specialty restaurants for brunch, lunch, and dinner each day of their cruise. Instead of booking each reservation separately, it's typically more economical to purchase the UDP, especially if you plan on dining at multiple specialty restaurants throughout your cruise. 

With the UDP, you won't have to worry about paying for restaurants with cover charges, as nearly every eatery is included in the cost. Note that certain restaurants have an upcharge, such as Izumi Hibachi ($15), Chef's Table ($49.99), and Empire Supper Club ($130).  

Some specialty restaurants have á la carte menus, meaning you only pay for what you order, rather than a set charge for a multi-course meal. 

Depending on the restaurant, you'll receive a pre-determined food credit. At Izumi Sushi, for example, you're given $39.99, $20 at Playmaker's, and $10 at Izumi in the Park. 

The UDP doesn't include premium items in the Main Dining Room, the Taste of Royal experience, Celebration Table, or Chops Grille premium cuts. 

Moreover, the price varies based on factors like the length of your cruise, itinerary, and ship. For example, the UDP costs $174.99 per person on my upcoming Vision of the Seas sailing and $302.99 on my Icon cruise in March 2025. 

There's no penalty for canceling and rebooking the package if you notice the price drops before your cruise, similar to the Deluxe Beverage Package.  

Dutch environmental protesters have prevented and delayed two Royal Caribbean cruise ships from docking in Amsterdam. 

On August 10, Extinction Rebellion blocked the locks needed for Jewel of the Seas to safely pass through to the port. Instead, the ship was forced to disembark in Ijmuiden about 25 miles from Amsterdam.

The activist group took responsibility for the protest on their website, stating they demanded an immediate cessation of the destructive cruise industry because of the harm it causes to the environment and its impact on human health. 

According to Travel Market Report, they delayed Regent's Seven Seas Mariner by about three hours one day later. 

Most recently, Extinction Rebellion returned and delayed Serenade of the Seas' arrival. Footage shared to their live stream channel shows the 90,090 gross registered ton ship attempting to dock. Unsuccessful, the mooring ropes were retracted before Serenade of the Seas backed out of the port into open water. 

Carlijn van Essen, a spokeswoman for the Port of Amsterdam, confirmed the Radiance Class ship could eventually resume its route, as Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. 

The article continued to explain how police arrived on the scene around 5:00pm to remove eight protestors. They were taken into custody but have been released. A police spokesperson confirmed no arrests were made. 

Serenade of the Seas was initially scheduled to arrive in Amsterdam on August 19. However, amidst the disruptions caused by the environmental group, the ship canceled its call at Bergen, Norway, and headed to Amsterdam on August 18. 

"We are on Serenade OTS anchored in open water today. The port of Bergen Norway was cancelled on the 'Ultimate Fjords Cruise' so we could attempt to get to Amsterdam and dock early," shared Doug_Texas on Royal Caribbean Blog's discussion forum. 

"The climate change protesters are [gluing] themselves to the docks and shutting everything down. Already Jewel OTS was blocked as well as Regent Navigator...This is sad to see"

TikTok user @LittleRatBrain shared footage captured onboard Serenade of the Captain's announcement, in which he explains the goal of arriving before noon and giving passengers an overnight stay. 

Surprisingly, many of the comments support Extinction Rebellion. "I don't blame them," wrote TofuNinja, "It's a beautiful place being ruined by large cruise ships." 

"Much as I enjoy your account, I completely support these protesters," added lolantherosa. 

Katie b said, "I support these protestors. Cruises are disgusting and pollute the ocean."

The protests come a little over one month after the City of Amsterdam announced they'll cap cruise ship visits to just 100 per year (down from 190) starting in 2026. By 2035, the city will end all ocean-going cruise visits. 

According to Cruise Mapper, the next ship scheduled to arrive in Amsterdam is Jewel of the Seas on August 22, with Norwegian Prima arriving the following day at 7:00am local time. 

Anti-tourism protests aren't new in Europe 

Earlier this summer, thousands of protestors marched through Barcelona, soaking vacationers with water guns while they dined al fresco in Las Ramblas. The angry locals were chanting "tourists go home," CNN reported. 

The Assemblea de Barris pel Decreixement Turístic (Neighborhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth) has published 13 proposals to reduce the number of visitors and create a new tourism model, including more regulation for tourist accommodations and the closure of cruise ship terminals. 

By November 2028, Barcelona also plans to end short-term rentals to help ensure residents aren't displaced by "overtourism." Reuters reported that the city will revoke all 10,101 apartment licenses approved as short-term rentals. 

In April, a protest took place in the Canary Islands. Locals blamed visitors for increasing the cost of living, pricing them out of their homes, and causing environmental damage. 

Before that, 15,000 people demanded affordable housing while protesting mass tourism in Málaga, as reported by Euronews. 

"Now the city centre is a theme park for tourists,” one of the protestors, Jose, 60, told the news outlet, "What was once ‘El Café Central’ in Málaga’s main square...is an Irish pub full of tourists.”

“I’m not against tourism, but there has to be a limit and control," he says. 

Serenade of the Seas is nearing the end of its 274-day Ultimate World Cruise

Serenade of the Seas set sail from Miami, Florida, on December 10, 2023, on an epic 9-month journey. There's less than one month to go, with the cruise concluding on September 10. 

The cruise was slated to sail to over 150 destinations in 65 countries, visiting 11 Great Wonder of the World including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and Great Barrier Reef. 

While inclement weather and political disruptions have caused them to adjust the itinerary, most notably to Africa to avoid the Red Sea, it's been a memorable experience for those onboard. 

In addition to changes in the itinerary, the Ultimate World Cruise has seen its fair share of drama, from an unexpected passenger death to a TikTok user-made bingo card with scenarios that could happen onboard (including a pirate takeover, COVID outbreak, and a minor mystery to solve). 

Though nothing's been confirmed regarding dates or ship, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO, said they'd do another Ultimate World Cruise, despite the challenges associated with planning one. 

Read more: A passenger on the 9-month cruise is halfway done and lists what they like and don't like about the trip so far