Royal Caribbean is so committed to delivering the best family cruise vacation experience, they're adding a new crew member whose job it is to ensure families are having a great time.

Icon of the Seas will feature next-level experiences designed for specifically for kids, teens, and adults who don't want to miss any of the fun.  

The 250,800 gross ton ship will offer things for the entire family to enjoy together, while also having separate spaces for guests of all ages to have their "alone" time. After a cruise on Icon of the Seas, every family member will have memories of their together their own adventures.

"The brand has evolved, and we've become more and more focused on multigenerational families," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO.

"And if you see and understand that Icon truly is, we deliver that, and we tick every single box as it relates to the ultimate family vacation."

Admiral Awesome

Icon of the Seas will be the first to welcome Admiral Awesome. The brand-new family fun ambassador will spearhead all family excitement onboard and be the LOL, or leader of laugher. 

Admiral Awesome will host different events, including the Larger-than-Life Family Festival in Surfside, which will be a celebration complete with live music, dancing, and supersized games-- think bowling, ring toss, darts, and more. 

There will also be a Steel Pan Family Jam. This event invites the entire family to join in on the fun and play some instructional instruments. Don't worry-- kid-friendly sheet music will be provided!

Kids will also love the Big Shark Block Party, where they can dance with Admiral Awesome and friends to themed mashups and classics, such as Baby Shark and Baby Beluga. 

Admiral Awesome will not just be full of energy. There has to be a balance; nobody wants their kids worn out at the end of the second day! At night, they will read original bedtime stories under the stars during Once Upon a Bedtime Story.

Surfside, the ultimate stay-all-day neighborhood 

When Icon launches in early 2024, she will be the very first cruise ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet to have an area dedicated to young families: Surfside. Here, parents can sit back, relax, and enjoy a tropical drink or spiked milkshake while the kids stay entertained. They can, of course, join in on the fun, too. 

When hunger inevitably strikes, there will not be any hassle of dragging the kids up to the Windjammer. Instead, the entire family can dine at Surfside Eatery, a buffet dedicated to families that will feature fan-favorite Windjammer offerings. There will also be Surfside Bites, a grab-and-go stop for salty and sweet snacks.

Surfside will also be home to a brand-new specialty restaurant: Pier 7. This casual boardwalk eatery will serve an all-day brunch. 

Before or after lunch, adults (and kids) can grab something to drink from The Lemon Post, which will have a menu of unique drinks for everyone in the bunch. 

Accessing Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's award-winning youth program, will be a breeze, as it will be connected to Surfside. The dedicated youth spaces will feature activities for even the youngest sailors.

Between Splashaway Bay, Baby Bay, Water's Edge, a carousel, the themed events, and dining venues, Surfside is almost like a vacation destination of its own!

Fun for older kids, teens, and adults

Icon of the Seas is going to be the ultimate vacation for all because it does not focus on a single demographic. Instead, it offers a little bit of something for everyone. Adults, for instance, can challenge each other during Laser Tag: The Fight for Atlantis, while older kids and teens will enjoy having dedicated play times just for them.

Onboard, guests will also find the largest ice skating area at sea, Absolute Zero, as well as The Royal Escape Room, which will require everyone to work together to solve the puzzle before the timer runs out. 

Sometimes, older kids and teens do not want to spend their entire vacation with their families. Social 020, a hidden, teens-only venue, is just for them. Here, they will be able to hangout with other guests their age while playing video games, listening to music, or watching movies. 

They will also love all the experiences that Thrill Island has to offer, from the record-breaking Category 6 waterpark to the Lost Dunes mini-golf course, rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak, the FlowRider surf simulator, and Sports Court.

Category 6 will be the largest waterpark at sea, encompassing over 17,000 square feet of space! Plus, families can enjoy the area together, as it will have first family raft slides at sea: Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter. The best part? All adventures within Category 6 will be complimentary during the hours of operation.

These adrenaline-pumping thrills will appeal to adults, too!

Thrill Island will also feature Desserted, the first milkshake bar in the cruise line's fleet. This extra-charge venue will serve three different types of milkshakes: classic, extravagant, and boozy for the adults!

Everyone will be able to reconvene in the Royal Promenade, a concept that first debuted on Voyager of the Seas in 1999. This will be a central hub for all guests with bars, lounges, restaurants and feature some fan-favorites including Spotlight Karaoke and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.

Family-friendly accommodations

Large families rejoice! 80% of the staterooms onboard Icon of the Seas have been designed for larger families and will feature 14 brand-new categories of rooms to choose from, such as the Family Infinite Balcony.

These staterooms will have include in-room games, a split bathroom concept, and even a separate bunk alcove for children that can be closed off with a curtain for privacy!

It will also be the only ship in the fleet to have the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three-story suite that is the definition of the ultimate family experience! It will have an in-suite slide, movie theatre, karaoke room, and patio that allows for direct access to the Surfside Neighborhood.

According to Michael Bayley, the average cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse will be a whopping $75,000 per week!

Even though a Junior Suite has the word "suite" in its name, it's not exactly the same as higher category cabins and there are important differences.

A Junior Suite is the entry-level suite on all Royal Caribbean vessels, meaning that you will not be able to enjoy the full suite experience. Even though these staterooms have a few additional perks than standard cabins, they can be thought of like larger balcony cabins. 

Here's everything you need to know about staying in a Junior Suite and the associated perks. 

What ships have Junior Suites onboard?

Junior Suites can be found on all Royal Caribbean ships; it does not matter if you are sailing on a Vision Class ship or the world's largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. Since it is the lowest tier of suite available, there are more onboard than say, for instance, Grand Suites or Owner's Suites. That being said, the number of available Junior Suites will be fewer on older ships.

Vision of the Seas, for instance, has 77 Junior Suites. In comparison, Wonder of the Seas has over 100! 

How big are Junior Suites?

The exact size and layout of Junior Suites varies between classes of ships. In essence, though, they are large cabins that offer more square footage, both inside and on the balcony, than standard balcony cabins.

Most fall somewhere between 240 and 300 square feet with balconies ranging from 50 to 80 square feet. The best way to tell how large the Junior Suite you are looking at will be is to check out the ship's deck plan. 

In most cases, Junior Suites come equipped with a Royal King bed than can be covered into two twin beds that covert upon request, a sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, larger closet, and en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and larger vanity area. 

What perks come with staying in a Junior Suite?

Unfortunately, staying in a Junior Suite does not grant you access to the full list of suite amenities. 

If you want to utilize the concierge, have priority access to dining reservations and spa bookings, access the suite lounge, or enjoy a private breakfast in a specialty restaurant (or Coastal Kitchen), you will need to consider booking a Grand Suite or above. 

In terms of what comes with a Junior Suite, the primary benefits that you will get are Royal Caribbean bathrobes for onboard use only, a Lavazza espresso machine in your stateroom, luxury bathroom amenities, and priority boarding.

Special SeaPass card

If you stay in a Junior Suite, your SeaPass will be a different color than the standard blue SeaPass for regular cabins. 

It will be silver for those staying in Junior Suites onboard Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships. Since Oasis and Quantum Ships have the Royal Suite Class onboard, SeaPasses on these ships are determined by what category of suite you are in: Sea, Sky, or Star. 

Junior Suites are the only suites that are part of the Sea Class, which comes with a blue-green SeaPass card. 

Note that colors can vary based on ship and sailing!

Coastal Kitchen

If you are sailing on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship, you will find that there is a dedicated suites-only restaurant called Coastal Kitchen. While those staying in Grand Suites and above can access it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Junior Suite guests can only eat here for dinner based on availability.  

You will want to make sure that you head to Coastal Kitchen on embarkation day to make any reservations. A good tip is to be flexible with your dining times. If you are set on eating at 7:00pm everyday, for instance, you may be disappointed if they say they can only seat you early or late. 

Extra Crown & Anchor loyalty points

Those staying in standard staterooms will get one Crown & Anchor loyalty point for each night of the cruise. For a 4-night vacation, for example, you would earn 4 points, and for a 7-night cruise, you would earn 7. 

Those staying in a Junior Suite, however, will be awarded two points per night, so a 3-night cruise would get you 6 points, while a 7-night would get you 14. 

Staying in a Junior Suite is one way to climb the Crown & Anchor loyalty ladder faster to get rewarded with additional perks, such as daily drink vouchers, free laundry, welcome waters in your cabin, and more. 

What do Junior Suites not include?

Guests staying in Junior Suites will not get the majority of suite benefits that are available to those staying in Grand Suites and above. Here are the benefits those guests receive from staying in a regular suite:

• Pillowtop mattress
• Priority departure
• Concierge service
• Suite Lounge/Concierge Club access with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails every evening)
• Priority dining, spa, and shore excursion bookings
• Bridge, galley, and backstage tours
• VIP pool deck seating (not available on Vision or Radiance Class)
• Priority tendering 

• Welcome Evian water & fruit
• Ability to order from the Main Dining Room for in-suite dining (during operating hours)
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Private breakfast and lunch seating (location varies by ship and sailing)
• Departure breakfast
• Reserved seating for shows
• Complimentary pressing on first formal night

And, of course, since Junior Suites are in the Sea Class on Oasis and Quantum ships, they will not be eligible for any Star or Sky Class perks. 

The main perk is the additional space. For a family of four staying in one cabin, this would be much more comfortable than one standard balcony!

How much does it cost to stay in a Junior Suite? 

Since Junior Suites are the lowest tier of suite available on Royal Caribbean cruises, they are also the cheapest. If, however, you are trying to cruise on a budget, you may find that they are still relatively expensive compared to other cabin options. 

The cost depends on the ship, time of year, and length of itinerary, and as with most cruises, the newer the ship, the most the suite will cost. 

A Junior Suite on a 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Odyssey of the Seas departing in August 2024 starts at $2,423 per person, based on double occupancy. In comparison, an obstructed ocean view balcony is currently being advertised for $1,763 per person.   

A 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas that also departs in August 2024 starts at $1,393 per person, based on double occupancy, for a Junior Suite. In this case, a balcony is not too much less, as they begin at $1,238 per person! 

There is no set price for a Junior Suite, so if staying in one on your upcoming cruise interests you, take the time to do some research or reach out to a travel agent who can assist you with the booking process.

Sometimes, getting a Junior Suite is worth the cost because the price difference between it and a standard balcony stateroom is minimal.

And while it may not include as many benefits as other higher tiered suites, there are enough perks to (often) justify the up charge, with one of the most important being the double Crown & Anchor points. An extra couple of hundred dollars to help you upgrade to the next tier may well be worth it.

When Icon of the Seas debuts in January 2024, she will be Royal Caribbean's most sustainable ship to date and help push forward the company's goal of creating memorable vacations responsibly. 

"We have a responsibility to our planet to continue to evolve and get our ships to as sustainable as they possibly can be," said Jason Liberty, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

"...for us, it's not just to go out and deliver the best vacations in the world, but we need to make sure that we're doing that on a responsible basis."

From cleaner fuels to brand-new technologies meant to manage the water onboard, Icon of the Seas is the culmination of decades of research and innovation and plays an important part in Royal Caribbean's goal to have a net-zero ship by 2035.

This is part of their larger goal of Destination New Zero, or the company's vision for zero net emissions by 2025. In fact, Royal Caribbean recently opened their first net-zero cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas, extending their environmental efforts from their ships to shoreside operations.

"Everything we've learned over the time from energy efficiencies, waste handling techniques, all of that has kind of culminated here of developing a platform that allows us to try new things and also still make sure that we're still delivering the best vacations possible," remarked Nick Ross, Vice President of Environmental, Social, & Governance for Royal Caribbean Group. 

Energy

A major aspect of being environmentally friendly is energy.

Meaghan Geis, Assocate Vice President of Marine Strategy & Safety for Royal Caribbean International said, "...it's not just in the engine room and the fuel that we're burning, but it's just in how we're producing water, how we're utilizing water, how we're better using the waste that already produced onboard to help power other things."

Inside of the ship, for instance, you will find LED lightbulbs, while the exterior of the hull will be painted with a specialized paint. More efficient fuel, however, is one of the primary driving forces of it all. 

"Icon will be the first Royal Caribbean ship to use the LNG fuel," claimed Michale Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

"[It is a] general rule of thumb, just the simple use of LNG versus traditional fuel oil is around 30% better in terms of energy and its footprint, so that's a big step forward."

What is unique about Icon of the Seas is that she is being built in a way that she can adapt to future technologies and the next big fuel source. Moreover, she is going to have a hybrid fuel cell to help power some of the ship. 

When fuel is converted into energy, no pollutants are found in the exhaust-- all that is present is H2O water vapor and CO2, depending on the fuel source. 

"...We also have potential to get maybe even more energy efficiency out of fuel cells if we find the right way to apply them to the shipboard environment" - said Simon Mockler, Senior Director Decarbonization, Newbuilding for Royal Caribbean Group.

In addition, Icon will feature heat recovery systems that capture and reuse heat to be put to use onboard. Cold temperatures from the LNG fuel tanks will help to power the onboard cooling systems, too. 

"We [also] started working on underwater grooming, [or] robotic grooming, [which] is essentially where you are constantly maintaining your ship's hull devoid of any slime of algae." Cleaning the hull weekly will help to limit microorganism growth!

Finally, Icon of the Seas will be shore-power ready. This means that if the destination has the required set up, Icon can plug into local power grid, which will replace the need to use fuel every time ship is docked! In fact, Icon will be one of its first to connect in Miami. 

Onboard waste

Royal Caribbean is committed to keeping solid waste out of the ocean and landfills. The company started their "Save the Waves" program over thirty years ago in 1992.

Since then, many milestones have been reached, including equipping the entirety of tis global fleet with waste management facilities, systems, and processes established to divert waste from local landfill; installing advanced wastewater purification systems across 88% of its fleet; and introducing the industry's first dedicated onboard Environmental Officers, whose job it is to help guarantee that all waste standards are met.

While every ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet is equipped to be landfill free, a new innovative technology will debut on icon called MAPs, or microwave-assisted pyrolysis, which is essentially the first waste to energy plant at sea. 

Moreover, the cruise line has partnered with ports across the globe to ensure that the sorted waste goes to the right place once it is taken off the the ship, whether that is to be recycled, reused, repurposed, or taken to an energy facility. 

In 2019, they began the project Win on Waste, which introduced the Food Operations Excellence Coordinator team member on every ship. Their job is tot think about and manage the processes relating to food waste. In 2022, Royal Caribbean reduced their waste by over 24%!

Water

It is no surprise that there will be more water than ever before on Icon of the Seas. Onboard, guests will find seven different pools spread after five decks, nine whirlpools, and six waterslides at their record-breaking Category 6 water park. 

At 17,010 square feet, Category 6 will be the largest water park at sea! Here, you will be able to ride on six recording breaking slides, including the first family raft slides at sea: Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter. 

In order to accommodate the need for more freshwater, Icon of the Seas is going to be outfitted with larger systems, both evaporators and reverse osmosis systems, that will be able to support to recreational water need. In fact, Icon will produce 93% of freshwater by itself!

Related: How Royal Caribbean is testing a new water park at sea from its headquarters

When will Icon of the Seas set sail?

When Icon of the Seas debuts, she will steal the title of world's largest cruise ship from Wonder of the Seas.

Her maiden voyage is set to depart on January 27, 2024 from Miami, Florida. Guests onboard the first-ever Icon Class cruise will visit Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. 

If you are planning your first cruise, you are probably wondering what the best itinerary length is. 

Most cruises fall somewhere between 3- and 7-nights; however, it is not uncommon to find some that are longer! In fact, Royal Caribbean offers cruises that are 12+ nights long. 

These are often more destination-focused or are repositioning from one departure port to another (i.e., transatlantic cruises).

While shorter cruises do have their advantages, with the most obvious being that the overall cost will be less, the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers tends to be one week. 

This gives you enough time to explore what the ship has to offer without feeling rushed, as well as visit more ports of call. 

No matter how long your first cruise ends up being, you are sure to get off wishing it was longer! 

Related: Best first-time cruises on Royal Caribbean

For those looking for a quick getaway, book a 3- or 4-night cruise

Due to the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which is also known as the Jones Act,, all foreign-flagged ships departing from the United States must include a stop in a foreign country. 

For that reason, the itineraries of 3- and 4-night cruises are often pretty limited. If you are wanting to visit more unique destinations, like the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, or Alaska, you will need to look into a longer cruise. 

Because of their short length, 3- and 4-night cruises tend to be port intensive, meaning they are great options for those who do not  necessarily want to spend a lot of time onboard. You can spend your days exploring new ports and the evenings taking in what the ship has to offer. 

One of the biggest benefits to booking a shorter cruise is that optional packages (i.e., drink and dining packages) are cheaper than on longer sailings because you are paying for fewer days. Paying $70 per night for a Deluxe Beverage Package for 3- or 4-nights seems more reasonable than 7-nights!

Both cruises, however, tend to have more of a party atmosphere, which families might not enjoy. 

Related: Guide to weekend cruises: Tips for taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise

What are the differences between 3- and 4-night cruises?

3-night cruises tend to depart on Friday and return on Monday, making them ideal for those with limited time off since two of your vacation days take place over the weekend! 

On the other hand, 4-night cruises usually take place during the week, or Monday through Friday, so you will most likely have to take an entire week of vacation. 

Additionally, 4-night cruises often include a sea day, which would allow you to experience onboard amenities during the day. It is unlikely that you will want to stay on the ship and relax by the pool if you could spend it on the beach in the Bahamas or Mexico instead!

5- or 6-nights cruises are a good in between

Compared to 3- and 4-night cruises, those that are 5- or 6-nights give you more options when it comes to choosing an appealing itinerary. While you may occasionally find a 4-night cruise that visits a Caribbean port, it is likely only going to be one followed by two days at sea. 

A 4-night cruise from Miami, for instance, might only visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republican or Cozumel, Mexico before returning back to Florida. A similar itinerary on a 5- or 6-night cruise will visit at least two ports of call (think Cozumel and Perfect Day at CocoCay or Grand Cayman), giving you more time to explore new places!

While these will seldom be on the newest ships in the fleet, that does not mean you will be lacking onboard excitement. In 2024, for instance, Voyager of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas are all scheduled to sail 5-night cruises. 

Each ship has a FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides, an ice skating rink, and more. It is enough to see and do in 5-nights without feeling like you missed out on anything! 

Another advantage to longer cruises (those that are 5-nights and longer) is that you have more flexibility with departure ports. You will rarely find a 4-night cruise the departs from Baltimore, Maryland; however, this is where Vision of the Seas will depart from when making roundtrip 5-night cruises to Bermuda in 2023 and 2024. 

7- to 9-nights will give you more time to get your sea legs

You can visit more exciting ports on a longer cruise. Plus, you will be able to experience more of what the ship has to offer. It would be hard to check absolutely everything off of your "must-do" list in only 3-nights, especially if you are taking a short cruise on Allure of the Seas. 

With cruises that are 6- to 9-nights, you are more likely to be able to unpack and settle into your cabin, too. On my first 3-night cruise, I did not even bother to unpack my suitcase! I knew that in a few nights, I would just have to spend time repacking it when I could be doing other things on the ship. 

Moreover, you have more time to get the lay of the land. By the end of the trip, you might feel like a navigational pro! You will not need to look at the deck plan to get from point A to point B like during the first few days. 

If you are hoping to sail on some of Royal Caribbean's newest and most innovative ships, you will have to be prepared to take a 7-night cruise. Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, is currently scheduled to sail roundtrip from Port Canaveral, Florida through at least April 2025. 

Sometimes, you can find shorter cruises on these ships; however, you will have more options when it comes to dates if you are content with a weeklong cruise. Plus, due to the size of these ships, you really do need a full week onboard! 

As mentioned earlier, you will need at least 7-nights to visit more interesting destinations. It is rare, for instance, to find a 5-night Alaska cruise. If you are going to make that kind of trip, you should be committed to seeing as much as possible, anyway! 

10+ nights if you are really focused on the itinerary 

If you are looking at your first cruise to be longer than 10-nights, it is probably because it is destination-focused and visiting ports of call that are less common, especially on today's mega ships. 

You are likely to embrace the sea days and rest up after spending long days exploring. Unlike a 7-night cruise, you may not want to attend dance parties or other high energy evening entertainment. 

Oftentimes, the crowd on these sailings tends to skew older than weeklong ones and can often foster a greater sense of community since you will have longer to get to know your shipmates. 

Plus, if it is an exotic itinerary, a longer cruise might be able to help you justify the cost of travel to get to the embarkation port. In the end, the longer cruise normally provides a better value per day compared to shorter cruises.

If you are worried about motion sickness, just come prepared!

Do not let your fear of getting seasick prevent you from going on the cruise that you want to go on! There are plenty of remedies that will help lessen the severity of this issue, if it arises. 

For over-the-counter medication, there's Bonine and Dramamine.

Today, both brands offer medication whose formula includes meclizine hydrochloride, a synthetic antihistamine that was developed in the early 1950s and is meant to cause less drowsiness than dimenhydrinate. Plus, they also have medications that are more natural whose base is ginger, whether it be ginger root or extract. 

You can also purchase motion sickness patches or bands! 

It is best to do research prior to purchasing any to see what will work best for you. Alternatively, you can speak to your physician to see what they recommend. 

If you wait until you are on the ship, you may find your options to be limited; however, they will have some medication available if you do desperately need it. 

Note that Royal Caribbean Blog makes no warranties with regard to the safety or effectiveness of any anti-nausea medication or natural remedy. You should consult with a physician to get professional medical advice prior to taking any medication, especially if you have existing medical conditions, you're pregnant, or you're already taking other medications. 

Read more: What other cruisers wish they knew before going on their first cruise

Royal Caribbean has released their itineraries for the 2024-2025 Australia cruise season. 

The season will kick off with two repositioning cruises, the first of which will be on Ovation of the Seas and depart from Honolulu, Hawaii on October 13, 2024. Quantum of the Seas will follow suit a few weeks later, departing from Singapore on November 19, 2024. 

Both ships will remain in Australia through April 2025 and will offer cruises ranging from 2- to 14-nights, excluding the 19-night repositioning cruise on Ovation of the Seas, from Brisbane and Sydney.

Below is a breakdown of all the Australia and New Zealand itineraries that Royal Caribbean is offering in 2024 and 2025 that will go on sale to the public on May 4. 

Ovation of the Seas

Great Pacific Crossing

The season begins when Ovation of the Seas sails from Honolulu, Hawaii to Sydney on October 13, 2024. This 19-night cruise will visit Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Auckland, and Bay of Islands before arriving in Australia.

Sydney Getaway

Ovation of the Seas will make four cruises to nowhere. These 2- and 3-night weekend cruises are great short getaways for those looking for explore the ship, as the do not visit any ports of call. They will depart on November 1 and December 15, 2024, as well as February 20 and March 22, 2025. 

South Pacific Adventure

There will be five South Pacific Adventure cruises that visit Mystery Island, Port Vila, and Noumea and last either 8- or 9-nights. Note that depending on which sailing is chosen, the order of the ports may change.

The 9-night cruises depart on November 4, 2024; February 23, 2025; and April 3, 2025. In fact, this itinerary will be the last before Ovation of the Seas departs Australia at the end of the season on April 12. 

There are also two 8-night versions of this itinerary: January 7 and 15, 2025. 

Sunshine State Sun-Soaker

The 8- and 7-night Sunshine State Sun-Soaker cruises depart on November 13, 2024 and January 23, 2025, respectively. The first will visit Airlie Beach, Cairns, and Willis Island (cruising), with the latter skipping Willis Island due to the shorter itinerary length. 

Escape to the South

Both Escape to the South cruises are 7-nights and will sail to Adelaide and Hobart from Sydney. The first departs on November 21, 2024, with the second leaving a few months later on March 15, 2025.

New Zealand Wonders

The New Zealand Wonders cruise is one of the longest that is offered on Ovation of the Seas during the 2024-2025 season. Each sailing lasts either 10- or 11-nights!

Those on this cruise will visit (in no particular order) Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Picton, before returning to Sydney. The 11-night sailing includes an additional stop in Napier.

The New Zealand Wonders cruises departs on November 28, 2024; February 9, 2025; and March 24, 2025. 

South Pacific Splendour

There is only one South Pacific Splendor sailing, and it departs on December 8, 2024. Passengers on this 7-night cruise will get to explore Noumea and Mystery Island, plus five fun days at sea to explore everything the ship has to offer. 

Holiday cruises

Both holiday cruises onboard Ovation of the Seas are 10-nights and sail to New Zealand. 

The first, New Zealand Christmas, departs Sydney on December 18, 2024 and will stop in Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Milford Sound. 

New Year's in Zealand will leave on December 28, 2024, and you will get to ring in the New Year onboard while visiting Picton, Tauranaga, Auckland, and Bay of Islands. 

South Pacific Explorer

The only South Pacific Explorer cruise sails to Noumea, Mystery Island, and Port Vila. Note, though, that it is an overnight stop in Port Vila! This is the only cruise on Ovation of the Seas during the 2024-2025 Australia season to offer an overnight stay in any port of call. 

The cruise departs on January 30, 2025. 

New Zealand Wanderer

This 11-night cruise combines some of the highlights of both New Zealand holiday cruises, visiting Auckland, Tauranaga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, and Picton. 

Quantum of the Seas

Singapore to Brisbane

Quantum of the Seas moves to Australia a little bit later than Ovation. She will not begin her repositioning trip until November 19, 2024. This 12-night cruise will depart from Singapore and visit Lombok, Darwin, Cairns, and Airlie Beach before reaching her seasonal homeport: Brisbane. 

Sunshine State Sun-Soaker

For the most part, cruises on Quantum of the Seas are shorter than Ovation's. The Sunshine State Sun-Soaker itineraries, for instance, are either 4-, 5-, or 6-nights, compared to Ovation's 7- and 8-night cruises. 

After departing Brisbane, guests will visit a singular port, Airlie Beach. The 5- and 6-night cruises includes an overnight stay. 

The 4-night cruises depart on February 28 and March 10, 2025, while the 5- and 6-night cruises leave Brisbane on December 1, 2024 and January 4, 2025. 

South Pacific Splendour

While there is only one South Pacific Splendor sailing on Ovation of the Seas, this is one of Quantum's most frequent sailings during the 2024-2025 Australia season. 

The 7-night cruises depart on December 6, 2024; January 10, 2025; January 17, 2025; January 24, 2025; February 7, 2025; February 28, 2025; and March 28, 2025. 

Ports of call include a mix of Mystery Island, Noumea, and Port Vila. A total of two stops will be made on each cruise. 

South Pacific Adventure

Both South Pacific Adventure cruises are 8-nights and visit Noumea, Mystery Island, and Port Vila. They depart on December 13, 2024 and February 13, 2025. 

Holiday cruises

Quantum of the Seas' holiday cruises are shorter than Ovation's. The 7-night South Pacific Christmas cruise departs on December 21, 2024 and sails to Port Vila and Mystery Island. 

On December 28, 2024, Quantum of the Seas will depart on the South Pacific NYE cruise and visit Noumea and Mystery Island. 

Brisbane Getaway

There will be three cruises to nowhere. These 2- and 3-night weekend cruises do not visit any ports of call, so they are good for those looking for a short getaway to take advantage of everything the Quantum Class ship has to offer. 

The 2-night cruise departs on February 22, 2025, while the 3-night sailings leave Brisbane on January 31 and March 7, 2025. 

New Zealand Wonders

The 14-night New Zealand Wonders cruise is the longest itinerary for Quantum of the Seas while based in Australia. It will depart on March 14, 2025 and visit Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Milford Sound.  

This is also the only cruise to New Zealand from Brisbane during the 2024-2025 Australia season. 

What can you do while you wait for bookings to open?

With the announcement of new Australia bookings, I is time to get excited and began preparing for your next trip. 

Go ahead and reach out to a travel agent about what cruise you might be interested in. If you are not sure, you can talk about your preferences and interests, and they will help guide you through the decision. 

You can begin to think about how long you want to be gone, as well what what type of cabin you would like to stay in. 

Taking just a few steps ahead of time can save you a lot of stress when bookings open up!

Royal Caribbean Group is committed to delivering unforgettable vacations responsibly, and 2022 marked a milestone moment in the company's advancement of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts. 

On April 20, Royal Caribbean Group released their 15th annual Seastainability Report, which provides an in-depth update on the the company's corporate responsibility strategy and performance across their three fully owned brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. 

“As we advance on our sustainability journey, our strategic priorities remain rooted in creating business value and uplifting our employees, guests and the communities we visit,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.

“Through collaboration and innovation, we continue to make great strides on our commitment of delivering great vacation experiences responsibly.”  

Highlights from the report

The annual report summarizes the targets and strategies used by Royal Caribbean Group to work towards their progress of reducing emissions, promoting the safety and wellbeing of its guests and employees, including its commitments to sustainable tourism, protecting the oceans it sails, and inspiring and empowering the communities it visits. 

New short-term target for the reduction of carbon intensity

To aid in Royal Caribbean Group's goal of Destination New Zero, or the company's vision for zero net emissions by 2025, they set a short-term target to reduce their carbon intensity by double digits by 2025 compared to 2019. 

Related: Royal Caribbean Group announces pledge to get to net zero emissions by 2050

New partnership

They signed a new partnership agreement with the Mærsk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping in Copenhagen, Denmark to help develop zero carbon technologies and solutions for the maritime industry. 

Diesel pilot

The first renewable diesel pilot in the United States was completed on Navigator of the Seas. 

New net-zero cruise terminal

The world's first-ever net-zero cruise terminal was opened in Galveston, Texas. This extends Royal Caribbean Group's efforts from their ships to their shoreside operations, too.

The $125 million, 161,334-square-foot terminal can accommodate up to 630,000 guests per year!

Related: What you should know about cruising from Galveston instead of Florida

New diversity council

They created a new Executive Diversity Council to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This was completed one year ahead of schedule!  

Gender pay equity

Royal Caribbean Group confirmed the United States shoreside gender pay equity analysis, which shows that 99.98% of women employees are equally compensated compared to their male employees. 

New kickstarter program

They launched the Royal Caribbean Kickstarter Program to support tourism related  entrepreneurs in The Bahamas through trainings and seed-funding. 

Increased number of sustainable tours

Royal Caribbean Group now offers more than 3,500 sustainable tours certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) around the world. 

Food sourcing

The company is on track to meet their goal of sourcing 90% of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified wild-caught seafood and 75% Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified farm-raised seafood.

Their 2022 progress revealed that 83% of their wild-caught seafood was MSC certified, while 75% of their farm-raised seafood was ASC certified. 

World Wildlife Fund

In 2022, Royal Caribbean Group renewed their partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and committed an additional $5 million to preserve ocean health. This partnership originally began in 2016. 

What are the goals of their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts?

The twenty-two goals are broken up into eleven different categories and have a status of "early stages," "on track," or "complete." 

Emissions reduction

• Achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050: early stages
• Reduce carbon intensity by double digits from 2019 numbers by 2025: on track
• Net-zero cruise ship by 2035: early stages

Water and wastewater management

• Increase or maintain 90% potable water production, as well as reduce the potable water bunkering in vulnerable areas by 2025: on track
• 100% of fleet equipped with Advanced Wastewater Purification systems by 2025: on track
• 100% of fleet equipped with IMO and USCG Certified Systems for ballast water by 2025: on track 

Waste management

• Reduced the solid waste offloaded to landfill by 90% compared to the 2007 baseline: completed ahead of schedule 

Circular economy

• Reduce 100% of single-use plastic by 2025: on track

Sustainable sourcing 

• 100% cage-free eggs for global operations by 2025: on track
• 100% of chicken for U.S. ship operations from Global Animal Partnership Certified suppliers by 2025: on track 
• 100% gestation-crate-free pork for global operations by 2025: on track
• 90% Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified wild-caught seafood and 75% Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified farm-raised seafood by 2025: on track
• Obtain MSC and ASC chain of custody certification for all ships by 2023: on track 

Destination stewardship and community development

• Advance destination stewardship and community development through partnerships, initiatives, and responsible practices by 2025: early stages

Responsible tourism

• 60% certification of RCG global tours to GSTC standards by 2026: on track
• Through the implementation of "Blue Green Promise," support sustainable and resilient ocean communities, employee engagement, and volunteering by 2024: early stages

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Formed an Executive Diversity Council that is chaired by the CEO in 2022: complete ahead of schedule
• Annually review gender pay equity for all global employees by 2024: on track
• Implement program to create an inclusive and diverse supply chain by 2024: early stages

Human rights

• Publish updated human rights policy and conduct human rights impact assessments by 2025: on track 

Enterprise risk management

• Integrate ESG risks into enterprise risk management system by 2023: early stages 

Transparency 

• Increase auditability of ESG data and improve climate-related disclosure by 2026: on track

Awards and recognition

The report also outlines various awards and recognition that Royal Caribbean Group received.  

First, they were named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the eighth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. 

They were also recognized on the 2022 Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion list by Disability:In, as well as the American Association of People with Disabilities. 

Third, the company ranked #11 in Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America by Healthiest Employers, and, finally, they were awarded one of the 2022 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor. 

If you are wanting an elevated cruising experience, you might be considering booking a suite on your next Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Royal Caribbean suites provide more than extra living space. They come with a wide range of perks that are meant to maximize the value of your vacation through special privileges and upgraded amenities.

What exactly are the perks of a Royal Caribbean suite? Those in Junior Suites will find that they are not eligible for the full onboard suite experience, which may be why you are considering a Grand Suite. They are the lowest category of suite available that can experience the full list of perks. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the perks you can receive when staying in a Grand Suite. 

What ships have Grand Suites onboard?

First and foremost, can you book a Grand Suite on any cruise? It is a good question to ask, especially since some of Royal Caribbean's newest suites are only available on certain classes and/or ships. 

You will be happy to know that you can find Grand Suites on any ship, whether it is Grandeur of the Seas or the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas. That being said, the number of available suites will be fewer on older ships.

Grandeur, for instance, only has sixteen Grand Suites, two of which are the larger 2-bedroom option. In comparison, Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has 28. Wonder, however, does not have any 2-bedroom Grand Suites onboard. 

What perks come with staying in a Grand Suite?

Grand Suites on Vision, Voyager, Radiance, and Freedom Class ships come with fewer perks than those on Oasis and Quantum ships. 

On the latter two classes, Royal Caribbean introduced what is known as the Royal Suite Class. Suites onboard these ships are broken up into three different categories -- Sea, Sky, and Star -- that all come with different benefits. 

First, we will go over the benefits available for all guests in Grand Suites, then we will go into the specifics of the perks on Oasis and Quantum ships:

• Royal Caribbean bathrobes (for onboard use only)
• Luxury bathroom amenities 
• Lavazza espresso machine 
• Pillowtop mattress
• Priority boarding and departure 
• Concierge service
• Suite Lounge/Concierge Club access with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails every evening)
• Priority dining, spa, and shore excursion bookings
• Bridge, galley, and backstage tours

• VIP pool deck seating (not available on Vision or Radiance Class)
• Priority tendering 
• Welcome Evian water & fruit 
• Ability to order from the Main Dining Room for in-suite dining (during operating hours)
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Private breakfast and lunch seating (location varies by ship and sailing)
• Departure breakfast 
• Reserved seating for shows 
• Complimentary pressing on first formal night
• Extra Crown & Anchor loyalty points

Priority boarding and departure 

Embarkation and disembarkation is already hectic enough. When staying in a Grand Suite, however, you will be eligible for priority boarding and departure.

Since you will be one of the first people onboard, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch in the buffet and have shorter lines for any amenities that are open, like the FlowRider, water slides, etc. 

Concierge service

Even if you have cruised before, never underestimate the benefits of a concierge. It is their job to help make your cruise and suite experience as enjoyable as possible. 

They will help with anything from booking shore excursions and dining reservations at specialty restaurants, to settling billing discrepancies, checking in for your return flight, and escorting you off the ship on disembarkation day. 

Suite Lounge/Concierge Club

In addition to being able to utilize the concierge, you will also have access to a private onboard lounge. Each everything, they will serve cocktails and a selection of hors d’oeuvres for you to enjoy with other suite guests. 

Since the Suite Lounge/Concierge Club is open during the day, it is a great place to escape for a little bit to recharge without returning to your stateroom. 

Priority dining, spa, and shore excursion bookings

If your cruise vacation snuck up on you and you forgot to make reservations in advance, do not worry! Your concierge will be able to assist. 

Is there a specialty restaurant that you would like to eat at? What about an afternoon at the spa on a sea day? Be prepared with this information when your concierge reaches out to you, which will be about a week or so before departure. 

Priority tendering

Is your cruise visiting ports of call that must be accessed via a tender boat? 

Staying in a Grand Suite means that you can bypass the tender line and be one of the first guests off! This will help you make the most out of your day in port. 

Behind-the-scenes tours

Have you ever wanted to get a behind-the-scenes look of a cruise ship?

One perk of staying in a Grand Suite is that you will have access to complimentary backstage tours. While the exact tour will vary, you will most likely be taken to see the bridge, galley, and/or theatre. 

If you have any interest in this, it is worth reaching out to your concierge to see what is available on your sailing. 

VIP pool deck seating

If you are on a Voyager, Freedom, Oasis, or Quantum Class ship, you will have a reserved section of the pool deck that is saved for suite guests. Note, though, that seating is still first-come, first-served.

Reserved seating for shows 

The entertainment offerings onboard Royal Caribbean ships are some of the best at sea. It makes sense that you would want to see as many shows as possible!

You will not have to worry about arriving early and locating a seat, as the main theatre, Studio B, AquaTheatre, and Two70 all have reserved seating for suite guests. 

Ordering from the Main Dining Room menu for in-suite dining

Perhaps you had a long day ashore or you are just wanting a lazy evening in your suite.

You will not have to worry about missing out on the delicious offering in the Main Dining Room since you have the ability to order straight from the menu and have it delivered! 

Complimentary 24-hour room service

Since you can only order from the Main Dining Room menu when it is open, it is likely that you might find yourself caving an in-suite snack outside of their operational hours.

With 24/7 complimentary room service, you can order salads, pasta, quesadillas, burgers, and more whenever you would like without incurring the $7.95 delivery fee and 18% service charge. 

Private breakfast and lunch seating

Start each morning off right with a relaxing breakfast in a specialty restaurant.

Note that the menu is similar to those of the Main Dining Room; however, you will not have to wait for a table or fight the crowds in the Windjammer!

In addition to breakfast, Grand Suite (and above) guests are also offered private seating for lunch. 

Departure breakfast 

While nobody is ever truly ready to leave the ship and return to everyday life, Grand Suite guests are able to transition with a little bit more ease thanks to the private departure breakfast. 

Complimentary pressing on first formal night

If your clothing got wrinkled in your suitcase, you have the chance to get a complimentary pressing on your itinerary's first formal night. 

If you are wanting to maximize your suite benefits, this is a great way to do so, as evening gowns and suits usually cost between $7.50 and $15.00 per item for everyone else on the ship. 

Extra Crown & Anchor loyalty points

Normally, you get one Crown & Anchor loyalty point for each night of the cruise. For a 3-night vacation, you would earn 3 points, for a 7-night cruise, you would earn 7, and so on. 

Those staying in a Grand Suite, however, will get two points per night. A 3-night cruise would get you 6 points, while a 7-night would get you 14. 

If you are hoping to climb the Crown & Anchor loyalty ladder faster, this is one way to do it!

Barefoot Beach

This benefit will only be applicable to those whose itinerary includes a stop in Labadee, Haiti. Here, suite guests can relax on the suites-only Barefoot Beach. 

In addition to having a private beach away from the crowds, you will also have upgraded lunch offerings compared to the other buffets. 

To enhance your experience even more, you could rent one of the cabanas at Barefoot Beach for an extra cost. 

What perks do Grand Suite guests on Oasis and Quantum Class ships receive? 

Onboard Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Grand Suites are considered to be part of the Sky Class tier of the Royal Suite Class. 

They have some of the same benefits as those staying in Grand Suites on other ships, such as the concierge service, priority boarding and departure, reserved seating for shows (although reservations are required), Suite Lounge access with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening, dedicated suites-only sun deck, bathrobes for onboard use, luxury mattress and bathroom amenities, and a Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine.

Note that some benefits that Grand Suite guests have on other ships are not available to those on Quantum and Oasis Class. You cannot, for instance, order from the Main Dining Room menu to enjoy a private in-suite meal. 

Coastal Kitchen

Rather than have private dining in a specialty restaurant, Oasis and Quantum Class ships have an entire restaurant that is only available to suite guests: Coastal Kitchen.

Dining here offers a more intimate experience than elsewhere on the ship. Plus, Grand Suite guests are able to eat here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In theory, they never have to step foot in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer! 

Complimentary internet

You will also get complimentary VOOM, so you do not have to worry about being disconnected or paying extra for a Wi-Fi package!

How much does staying in a Grand Suite cost?

If you are trying to cruise on a budget, staying in a Grand Suite is probably not the most economical choice, as you could devote that money to other experiences, such as shore excursions, specialty dining, etc. 

If, however, you are curious to see how much a Grand Suite costs, it depends on the ship, time of year, and length of itinerary.

As with most cruises, the newer the ship, the most the suite will cost. 

A Grand Suite on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Wonder of the Seas departing in June 2024 starts at $7,145 per person, based on double occupancy. In comparison, a standard ocean view balcony is currently going for $1,988 per person.  

As of April 2023, Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest ship and holds the title for the largest cruise ship in the world. Grand Suites on older ships often do not cost as much. In fact, balconies on older ships are far less, too.

Looking at a 7-night Alaska cruise onboard Brilliance of the Seas that also departs in June 2024, an obstructed balcony cabin starts at $1,058, while a one-bedroom Grand Suite starts at $2,646 per person, based on double occupancy. 

Suffice to say, the pricing of a Grand Suite can vary. If booking one interests you, it is best to conduct your own research or reach out to a travel agent who can assist you with the booking process. 

One of the most common questions we're asked is when is the best time to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package so you can get the lowest price.

Once you have booked your Royal Caribbean cruise, you will gain access to the online Cruise Planner, which will allow you to browse potential cruise add-ons that will enhance your vacation experience. 

While there is a lot included in your cruise fare, select non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages do cost extra, so that is something that you will want to keep in mind when thinking about your cruise budget. To help make the cruise feel more inclusive, you may opt to buy a drink package. 

There are three Royal Caribbean drink packages for guests to choose from: the Deluxe Beverage Package, Royal Refreshment Package, and Classic Soda Package. 

When, however, should you purchase a drink package for your upcoming cruise? There are a few things to consider to ensure that you get the best possible price. 

When is the best time to purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Since you have no idea whether the price of the package will increase or decrease, the best time to purchase a package is right now. This will ensure that you lock in the current rate and do not end up paying more. 

As mentioned earlier, if the price does go down, you can simply cancel your current package with no penalty and repurchase it. 

Regardless of what you do, you should not wait until boarding the ship to purchase any add-ons. Even though Royal Caribbean frequently offers a "buy one get one 50%" sale for the Deluxe Beverage Package on the ship, you will almost certainly end up paying more than if you purchased it in advance. 

Depending on when your cruise is, buying the drink package now might allow you to break up paying for different parts of your cruise vacation. If you get the package on the ship, you will have to pay for it at the end, as well as for any other purchases that you make during the trip, souvenir shopping, etc. 

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

How should I know when to buy a drink package?

You should frequently check the Cruise Planner until you see a price that you feel comfortable paying. Even after you get the package, it is worth checking the Cruise Planner every so often, as the price can drop! 

If that happens, you are able to cancel your old package for a full refund and repurchase it at the lower price. This does, however, take a little bit of time and patience, as you have to remember to check the Cruise Planner. Plus, there is no guarantee that the pricing will change.

You would hate to pass up on a sale to later find that the price increased! You never know if it will drop back to the price you wish you had locked in. 

Are there Royal Caribbean drink package sales?

Royal Caribbean runs sales on its drink packages quite often, and you can usually find a discount available on the Cruise Planner site.

Usually, the drink package sale nets up to 40% off onboard prices, but you'll find a discount somewhere closer to 20-30%.

Moreover, the price can change on a daily basis, so the price you see today could be different tomorrow, or next month, or next year.

The best drink package sale is usually on Black Friday, but that does not mean that there are not other great deals offered throughout the year. 

With any sale, the most important thing you will want to pay attention to is the daily rate. The price of the package during a "buy one get 50% off" sale might be higher (or lower) than what is offered during other promotions. 

As of April 14, the daily rate for a Deluxe Beverage Package onboard Navigator of the Seas is $75.99. When I checked the pricing the other day, it was over $80 per day! 

Right now, the Royal Refreshment Package's is advertised as being 20% the onboard rate, or $27.99 per day. Generally, the discount for the Classic Soda Package stays the same, and you can get it for around $9.00 or $10.00 per day if purchased in advance. 

While not as frequently talked about, the Cafe Select Coffee Card, which gives you 15 espresso-based premium coffees, never goes on sale. It remains the same price whether you get it the day you book or cruise or the week before! For the same Navigator trip, it is $31.00. 

These prices are given just to illustrate what you may find. To see what the daily rate is for your cruise, log in and check your Cruise Planner. 

Deluxe Beverage Package

Unlike other mainstream cruise lines, Royal Caribbean only offers one alcoholic beverage package. You can enjoy just about any non-alcoholic beverage, spirit, cocktail, glass of wine, or beer, so long as it is no more than $14.00. If there is a drink that costs more than $14.00, the difference plus gratuity will be charged to your SeaPass card. 

Below is a list of what is included with the Deluxe Beverage Package:

• Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
• Beer
• Wine (by the glass)
• Zero-proof cocktails
• Premium coffees & teas
• Johnny Rockets Milkshakes
• Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages + Coca-Cola souvenir cup
• Bottled still and sparkling water
• Fresh squeezed juices
• 40% discount on wines under $100 and 20% discount on wines over $100

Royal Refreshment Package

The Royal Refreshment Package is the more inclusive non-alcoholic package that, unlike the Deluxe Beverage Package, is available to guests of all ages and is a great option for children and teens that like to drink tea, premium coffee, and fresh squeezed juice. Plus, they will be able to sip on virgin cocktails. 

Every person that purchases this package will be able to enjoy the following:

• Premium coffees and teas
• Bottled still and sparking water
• Fresh squeezed orange juice
• Johnny Rockets Milkshakes
• Zero-proof cocktails
• Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages + Coca-Cola souvenir cup

Classic Soda Package

The Classic Soda Package is the cheapest drink package offered by Royal Caribbean; it is also the most restrictive, including only fountain soda and access to the Freestyle soda machine, as well as a Coca-Cola souvenir cup.  

If you decide to purchase any other drinks, whether it is a bottle of water, glass of wine, or premium coffee, each will be billed to your onboard account to be settled at the end of the cruise. 

How much do Royal Caribbean drink packages cost?

Royal Caribbean uses a variable pricing model for their drink packages, which means that the price per night varies based on ship, itinerary, and sail date. In other words, there is no "set" price for drink packages. 

The published onboard rates for an upcoming cruise onboard Navigator of the Seas are as follows:

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $102 per night
• Royal Refreshment Package: $36 per night
• Classic Soda Package: $13.50 per night

In comparison, here are the onboard rates for a cruise onboard Jewel of the Seas:

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $90 per night
• Royal Refreshment Package: $36 per night
• Classic Soda Package: $13.50 per night

None of these prices include the added 18% gratuity.

If you plan ahead, it is unlikely that you will ever pay the onboard rate. Let's talk about Cruise Planner sales and why they are so important.

Is a drink package worth it?

With the Cruise Planner sales, you would need to be able to drink around 5-6 beverages per day to breakeven. Depending on what promotion you are able to find, the average could decrease. 

For those who are hesitant about their ability to maintain that average, whether it is because you have a port intensive itinerary or are a light drinker, a lower price means fewer daily drinks to get your money's worth! 

If you drink enough to make it worth the investment, a drink package can certainly save you money.

On the other hand, if you are more concerned with the convenience and being able to pay one price for all of your alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic drinks, the package is wroth the price in other ways! 

It is important to think about whether or not you get free drinks, too. If you are a Diamond Crown & Anchor member, it might not make sense to get a drink package since you have four daily vouchers!

Related: How Royal Caribbean's free drink vouchers for Diamond and higher members works

There is a beach in Labadee, Haiti that you have probably never heard of, even if you have been there multiple times!

It is not Dragon's Beach, Adrenaline Beach, Barefoot Beat, Nellie's Beach, or Columbus Cove. In fact, this beach is not even on the map!

Belly Beach is located a little further south than Columbus Cove; however, it is only accessible by boat if you are a crew member.

Cruise passengers are not able to visit Belly Beach since it is not part of their privately-owned destination; it is located just outside of the boundaries. 

Oasis of the Seas crew member Lera Synchro recently posted a video on her YouTube channel that documented her day spent at Belly Beach. 

Synchro's YouTube channel has amassed over 7,000 followers, who follow her on her adventures as an AquaTheatre performer onboard, including show rehearsals, exploring in Mexico and Jamaica, and what spending Christmas onboard was like. In one video, she even gives viewers a glimpse into the AquaTheatre's pool, which is one of the deepest pools at sea!

Keep reading to see what Belly Beach is like!

What is Labadee?

Labadee is Royal Caribbean's private destination on the northern coast of Haiti. While it is not a private island like Perfect Day at CocoCay, it does promise guests a relaxing (or thrilling) day with other Royal Caribbean passengers. 

You can spend the day on one of four (or five if you are a suite guest) different complimentary beaches, go zip lining over the ocean or parasailing, ride a jet ski, take a nature walk, and more.

For those looking for a more luxurious beach day, you can rent a private cabana at Nellie's Beach. Only those staying in suites can reserve a cabana at Barefoot Beach. 

There is even an artisan market where you can buy souvenirs from locals. Unlike CocoCay, though, they are unable to take your SeaPass card, so be sure you bring some cash with you when you get off the ship!

How do crew members get to Belly Beach?

A small boat docks near the jet ski landing to transport crew members from the privately-owned section of Labadee to Belly Beach, which is a public beach for locals that crew members are able to visit. 

After a short scenic ride with views of the ship and surrounding mountainous landscape, the boat pulls right up to the beach to let Synchro off, and whomever else is on the boat, off. 

She never expressed any concern of making it back to the ship on time, so it is safe to assume that departures are scheduled around the crew's all aboard time. 

What is the beach like?

Compared to Royal Caribbean's beaches, Belly Beach looks like a private oasis! 

On the day Synchro filmed, there was hardly anyone else there. In fact, some of the footage from the beach revealed empty beach chairs, which is often a rarity on cruise line private islands!

Anyone who has visited a private island will tell you to secure a chair as early as possible, especially if you have your heart set on a first or second row seat. The beaches are packed in the afternoon!

She filmed a group of people in the ocean throwing a ball around, while others were seen lounging in the available chairs. She was able to swim freely without bumping into anyone, and from the clips, it did not seem as though there were any water sports available for rent. 

While there was enough seating to accommodate everyone on this particular day, there were not any umbrellas to provide shade. 

Dining options at Belly Beach

There is a restaurant on-site that is situated feet from the ocean; however, since this beach is not owned by Royal Caribbean, all food items are priced a la carte. And even though the restaurant is open-air, it is shaded. 

Synchro showed fresh mango slices, rice, and lobster! Google reviews indicate that you can purchase a whole fish, too. 

What do crew members do during shore leave?

Do crew members get to spend the day ashore like passengers? Not always, as only a certain percentage of the crew in any given department are allowed to get off the ship.

If everyone was able to get off, who would be on the ship to attend to the passengers who opted to spend the day onboard or who return early?

Those who do have time off usually do not have as long in port as guests; however, they make the most of it by visiting local hotspots, eating at restaurants, or going to supermarkets to stock up on non-perishable items and other necessities that may either cost less than the onboard crew store or that are not available. 

They may also want to search for Wi-Fi to connect with loved ones back home. Regardless of how they spend their time ashore, they are always sure to make the most of it. 

Crew only areas onboard the ship

Just as Belly Beach cannot be visited by regular passengers, there are areas onboard the ships that are off limits, too. And thanks to social media, it is easier than ever to see how crew members live during their contracts.

Bryan James, a former guitarist and vocalist in The Mason Jar Bar onboard Wonder of the Seas, posted videos to his TikTok of crew life and currently has a following of over 730,000! He is no longer on Wonder of the Seas, though. His current contract is onboard Celebrity Edge. 

His previous videos show a secret hangout in the ship's funnel, a shop filled with essential items and snacks for purchase, his tiny cabin, the crew laundry room, and even the crew lounge where they have a foosball table. 

If you are interested in learning more about ship life for Royal Caribbean crew members, follow Bryan James' TikTok @bryanjamescruises, as well as Lera Synchro's YouTube @LeraSynchro! 

Related: A look at the secret crew-only areas on the world's biggest cruise ship

If you are looking to take a cruise to Alaska in the next two months, you will want to act quickly.

On April 11 and 12, Royal Caribbean is having a "Going, Going, Gone" sale with fares as low as $269 per person for an interior room on a 7-night Alaska cruise. That breaks down to less than $40 per night before taxes, fees, and gratuities. 

As with any last minute cruise, you are going to have to act fast to secure your booking. Plus, you will have to think about the potential cost of airfare.

Here's a look at the great deals that you can find on Alaska cruises. 

Brilliance of the Seas

Brilliance of the Seas has the most availability, with cruises departing as soon as April 23. All sailings are roundtrip from Vancouver, meaning that you might have better luck securing flight deals. One-way tickets are often more expensive. 

• 7-night Alaska Glacier Experience departing on April 23 is priced at $564 for an interior, $449 for an oceanview, and $629 for a balcony. Regardless of which stateroom you select, there will be an additional $232.65 in taxes and fees added to your fare. 
• 7-night Alaska Glacier Experience departing on April 30 is priced at $449 for an oceanview and $599 for a balcony. There are no interior staterooms left for this sailing. Taxes and fees are another $233.42. 
• 7-night Alaska Glacier Experience departing on May 7 is priced at $459 for an oceanview and $699 for a balcony. You will have to pay $231.76 in taxes and fees. 

• 7-night Alaska Glacier Experience departing on May 14 is priced at $559 for an oceanview stateroom and $749 for a balcony. Again, there are no interior cabins available for this sailing. Expect to pay $226.16 in taxes and fees. 
• 7-night Alaska Glacier Experience departing on May 21 is priced at $519 for an oceanview and $699 for a balcony, with taxes and fees being another $226.16.
• 7-night Alaska Glacier Experience departing on May 28 is priced at $559 for an oceanview and $749 for a balcony. Add another $228.48 in taxes and fees to whichever fare you select. 

Read more: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

Radiance of the Seas

With only two options, Radiance of the Seas has the fewest cruises during this sale:

• 7-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Vancouver, Canada departing on May 19 starts at $329 for an oceanview and $509 for a balcony. Taxes and fees are an additional $240.86. The cruise concludes in Seward, Alaska. 
• 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Seward, Alaska departing on May 26 is priced at $269 for an interior stateroom, $319 for an oceanview, and $509 for a balcony, with taxes and fees costing $278.06. This one-way cruise ends in Vancouver, Canada. 

Ovation of the Seas

Those looking for availability in June will have to opt for a sailing on Ovation of the Seas from Seattle, Washington. This might be the best option for families with children whose academic years do not conclude until early or mid-June.

Note, though, that these are the most expensive options, as you get to sail roundtrip from Seattle on a newer ship. 

• 7-night Alaska Glacier departing on June 2 only has balcony cabins available for $1,049 per person. This does not include the $246.42 in taxes and fees. 
• 7-night Alaska Glacier departing on June 9 is priced at $749 for an interior and $1,149 for a balcony, plus $214.85 in taxes. 
• 7-night Alaska Glacier departing on June 16 costs $799 for an interior and $1,199 for a balcony. Taxes are another $242.96. 
• 7-night Alaska Glacier departing on June 23 has balcony staterooms for $1,299 per person. You will have to pay $231.24 in taxes, too. 
• 7-night Alaska Glacier departing on June 30 starts at $849 for an interior and $1,349 for a balcony, with taxes costing an extra $238.91. 

Other deals during the sale

If you are not interested in cruising to Alaska, there are other offering during the "Going, Going, Gone" sale, including sailings to the Greek Isles, Bahamas, Iceland, Ireland, Bermuda, and Mediterranean. 

Most of the cruises depart in May; however, there are a couple that leave in June:

• 4-night Bahamas from Miami, Florida on Freedom of the Seas departing June 2, 5, and 12
• 4-night Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida on Independence of the Seas departing on June 5 and 12
• 12-night Iceland & Ireland from Amsterdam on Jewel of the Seas departing on June 5 and 29
• 12-night Arctic Circle from Amsterdam on Jewel of the Seas departing on June 17
• 7-night Greek Isles from Rome on Odyssey of the Seas departing on June 4
• 7-night Western Mediterranean from Rome on Symphony of the Seas departing on June 1
• 7-night Western Mediterranean from Barcelona on Symphony of the Seas departing on June 4
• 9-night Bermuda & Perfect Day from Baltimore on Vision of the Seas departing on June 8

Unfortunately, this sale does include any cruises later in the summer for families that have yet to plan their summer trip. There is no way to tell if there will be another sale, either. 

In general, cruise pricing tends to favor those that book early, so let this be a lesson! If your schedule does not permit much flexibility, you are better off booking in advance. 

Increased demand for cruises

2022 and 2023 have been successful years for the cruising industry, with many cruise lines breaking their personal booking records!

In fact, Royal Caribbean broke their own record three times in 2022 in less than five weeks. Black Friday of 2022 was the cruise line's single largest booking day.

Other cruise lines are seeing a similar trend. Carnival Cruise Line reported that bookings for the first quarter of 2023 were the highest volume for any quarter in the company's history!

Why you should not always rely on last minute deals

Since the demand for cruise vacations is so high, there is no guarantee that the sailing you are eyeing will have any last minute availability. Many of Royal Caribbean's ships have been sailing at or close to maximum capacity, even outside of peak season. 

Additionally, as shown with the current "Going, Going, Gone" sale, cabin selection will be limited; there are no suites included for any of the Alaska deals, and some are sold out of interior and oceanview, too.

The lowest price may also be for a guarantee cabin, which means that there is no way to tell where it is located until assigned by Royal Caribbean. 

If you want a specific stateroom, you are better off booking in advance to secure the best rate and guarantee that you will get the cabin that you want. 

Booking the cheapest cruise does not mean it is going to be the cruise that you have been envisioning. In addition to potentially not getting the stateroom you want, you may find that certain add-ons have limited availability-- some shore excursions sell out in advance!

Read more: Why booking a last-minute cruise isn't always a great idea

Talk with your travel agent before booking

Last minute sales are great for those with whose lives are able to accommodate the flexibility of taking off on short notice. 

If you see a price listed on a "Going, Going, Gone" deal that you are interested in, ask your travel agent to price it out! 

There is no harm in sending them an email or giving them a call, as you never now what kinds of agency rates and special offers they have!