Cruise hacks help passengers save time and money, so they can maximize their time onboard and ashore without breaking the bank. 

Royal Caribbean International took to X (formerly Twitter) to ask cruisers for their most underrated travel hack. Since being posted on October 22, the post has received over 25 replies, with cruise fans eager to share their best-kept secrets. 

From insider tips on pre-booking add-ons to travel advice, here's a list of some of the top cruise hacks shared by seasoned travelers to help you make the most of your next Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Fly in one day early

If you're like me, the closest major cruise port isn't within driving distance. Port Canaveral is over 500 miles—or nearly 8 hours—away from Charlotte, so I'm always on the lookout for flight deals to help make my cruising habit more affordable. 

Though some can drive to their nearest cruise port (or take the Brightline train!), flying is a practical option for those who don't want to spend hours on the road. 

@CaptPat48 recommends flying in at least one day early, and I couldn't second this motion enough! When I was pursuing my Master's, I booked a cruise with a few friends on Allure of the Seas after finding an unbelievable deal. Still, we weren't trying to spend more money than necessary and decided to fly to Florida on the morning of departure. 

Thankfully, we all made it without issue; however, I was an anxious wreck in the hours leading up to our flights. I vowed never to take that kind of risk again and have since always flown out at least one day before the ship's scheduled departure. 

You can't rely on the assumption that your flight will be on time. Even if it is, you must account for the time it'll take to deplane, collect your luggage, and navigate to the terminal. If you miss the ship's all-aboard time, you are responsible for the associated costs of meeting your Royal Caribbean cruise in the next port of call—if possible. 

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Pack take-out containers

There's food available 24/7 on your cruise, from late-night pizza at Sorrento's to poolside tacos from El Loco Fresh in the afternoon and early-morning pastries at Café Latte-tudes/Café Promenade/Pearl Café. Still, sometimes you might have a specific craving, such as french fries or cut fruit, or you may just want extra food on hand to help calm a fussy child! 

"We bring [take-out] containers for bringing snacks back to our room. Then the room steward won't accidentally throw it out and it won't get stale sitting on a plate," says @LisaLueyLutes.

With take-out containers, you can easily keep your favorite snacks in your stateroom without piling up plates in your mini-fridge. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean food: Review and guide

Book another cruise while onboard

@Gina4ISU advises passengers to book another trip while on their current one!

While disembarkation day is sad for everyone (who really wants to return to their daily responsibilities after a week of being pampered by crew members?), one of the best ways to battle the post-cruise blues is to book another one!

While on your ship, visit Royal Caribbean's Next Cruise desk, where the agents will help you explore available itineraries and place a deposit for your next sailing. Not only will you walk away excited for your next getaway, but Royal Caribbean offers incentives to guests who make their next booking while onboard, including:

• The best offer on any cruise, guaranteed
• Up to $600 in onboard credit
• Deposits as low as $100 per person
• Ability to handpick your cabin 
• Booking up to three staterooms with the same benefits for friends and family
• Up to 10% off shore excursions

Plus, you can transfer the booking to your travel agent within 30 days. 

Read more: 4 common mistakes people make when booking another cruise onboard their ship

Reserve add-ons early 

Royal Caribbean cruise fares aren't all-inclusive. While you'll enjoy unlimited dining in venues like the Windjammer Marketplace and Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants cost extra, as well as alcoholic and select non-alcoholic beverages. 

While many cruisers prefer to purchase drinks individually, others find value in one of Royal Caribbean's drink packages. If you're someone who doesn't want to worry about tallying up each beverage while onboard and will drink at least six cocktails daily, you will want to pre-purchase your drink package on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. 

"Plan ahead and book all of your 'extras' as early as possible (specialty dining, excursions, [The] Key, etc.) as early as possible," writes @DanielAshely13.

Not only will pre-purchasing add-ons help you budget for your vacation, but you will score better deals than if you were to buy them on the ship. 

Plus, everything on the Cruise Planner can be canceled up to 48 hours before your cruise starts, meaning if you purchase a shore excursion or drink package and later discover the price has dropped, you can cancel and rebook for no penalty. 

Read more: Cruise hack lets you preview Royal Caribbean add-on costs before you book a cruise

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes on embarkation day

If you score an early arrival time, you will have nearly the entire day to enjoy the ship's amenities before sailing away! While the casino and onboard shops will be closed, you can take a dip in one of the pools before they become crowded on sea days! 

However, since you'll hand your larger bags over to a porter at the terminal, if swimming on embarkation day is a must-do, make sure you have your swimsuit on under your clothes, as recommended by @rhendrix69.

Alternatively, you can put a bathing suit and change of clothing in your carry-on bag. Though you can't change in your cabin since it won't be available until around 1:00pm or 2:00pm, there are public restrooms on the pool deck! 

Read more: 15 things to pack in your cruise carry-on

Utilize packing cubes

Speaking of packing, @ChipHaynes1 is a fan of packing cubes. 

Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your luggage organized and maximizing space. These affordable compartments allow you to sort your clothing and other travel must-haves, making it easy to find what you need in your cabin. 

Plus, when it's time to unpack, you won't waste time taking each item out individually. Instead, simply slide the cubes into the drawers or shelves. 

Read more: 115-item Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Have your ride pick you up at the airport's departure area

To avoid dealing with the chaos of the airport's arrival area, tell your ride to pick you up at departures instead. "Sounds weird I know but it is faster," says @branches053, "Especially if late [at] night when not many flights [are] departing."

Of course, this won't work if you're utilizing a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, as airports have designated pick-up zones for those services. 

However, if a friend or family member picks you up, the departure area can be a great alternative to locate your ride without navigating crowds. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is discounting airfare by hundreds of dollars for a 2025 cruise

Bring magnetic hooks

"I’m sailing [on] Anthem of the Seas on 7th November from Dubai and I swear by small magnetic hooks for the cabin," remarks @kevevs1908. 

Magnetic hooks are one of the most popular cruise cabin hacks! Since staterooms are much smaller than traditional hotels on land, cruisers have found savvy ways to utilize the available space. 

Hooks can be used to hang hats, beach bags, lanyards, and other miscellaneous items to help keep the vanity area clear of clutter. Plus, if you purchase some with clips, you can safely store important documents, such as shore excursion tickets, disembarkation tags, loyalty benefit info sheets, and more. 

Have a cruise "go bag"

If you're a frequent cruiser, unpacking and repacking the same essentials can be tiresome. 

Instead, @nospam23321 suggests keeping a cruise "go bag" with items like towel clips or bands, lip balm, magnetic hooks, a Bingo dobber, sunblock, door decorations, and rubber ducks. 

This way, packing will be easier since you won't have to worry about certain must-haves. Instead, you can focus on other details of your trip, such as reserving excursions or specialty dining, organizing pre-cruise transfers, or planning the perfect theme night outfit. 

Aim for nonstop flights

Nonstop flights may be hard to come by if you don't leave near a major airport. Even if you do, they can often be more expensive than connecting ones. Still, the extra cost may be worth it. 

@randybieri says, "Try to get nonstop flights, especially on your way to your vacation/cruise, to reduce the risk of losing your luggage during transitions." 

If nonstop flights are out of the question, consider condensing everything into a carry-on bag to minimize the chance of your chosen airline losing your luggage. 

A group of Taylor Swift fans embarked on the cruise of their Wildest Dreams. 

Marvelous Mouse Travels organized a 4-night group cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas following Swift's visit to Miami, Florida, on the Eras Tour. 

Though not a full-ship charter, the travel agency reserved 199 staterooms onboard the 225,282 gross registered ton vessel. According to a TikTok shared by travel agent and co-organizer Jessica Malerman, 400 people registered for the Swiftie sailing. 

"Join us as we celebrate all things Taylor, make new friends, dress up in our favorite eras, trade friendship bracelets, and enjoy everything this amazing ship has to offer!" the website states. The Taylor-themed events are exclusively available to guests who booked through Marvelous Mouse Travels and are included in the cruise fare. 

That said, Marvelous Mouse Travels is neither affiliated nor endorsed by TASRM or Taylor Swift. Moreover, Taylor Swift is not on the sailing. Instead, she's gearing up for her shows in New Orleans, Louisiana scheduled for October 25, 26, and 27. The group cruise is simply a place for Swifties to celebrate their love for the iconic pop star. 

The sailing departed from Miami, Florida, on October 21, 2024, with scheduled ports of call in Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

A TikTok shared by @ashleytravels715 reveals attendees varying in age, from children to young adults and even parents who grew up listening to Swift's earlier albums. Most passengers were sporting, "In my cruise era" t-shirts, which cleverly nods to Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour. 

Read more: I'm a new cruiser and tried a weekend cruise on one of the biggest cruise ships

The concert runs over 3.5 hours, with a setlist of over 40 songs from all of Swift's studio albums, ranging from Fearless to The Tortured Poets Department. 

The tour began on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, and is scheduled to conclude on December 8, 2024, in Toronto, Canada, after over 120 performances. 

While re-sale ticket prices for the tour have soared into the tens of thousands, the 4-night Swiftie group cruise was much more affordable, with double occupancy cabins starting at around $1,573. Considering the price includes unlimited food in complimentary venues, transportation to two ports in The Bahamas, and Taylor-themed events, it's a much better value for fans looking to mingle in a unique setting. 

That said, add-ons—including but not limited to—drink packages, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions were extra. 

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Freebies on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Taylor Swift performed on Allure of the Seas in 2011

"...the hands of fate" played perfectly into this cruise, with Allure of the Seas setting sail the day after Swift finished her 3-night stint in Miami. Not only did the date align, but what better place to host a Swiftie cruise than onboard a ship that Taylor herself has performed on? 

When Swift performed on Allure of the Seas, the ship was the world's newest and largest. The concert, which was held at the AquaTheater, had about 735 attendees.

However, during a later interview, Swift remarked that the AquaTheater was a unique venue to perform at, allowing her to see fans not only in the amphitheater but also from their Boardwalk balcony cabins. 

Allure of the Seas to undergo a $100 million-plus renovation in early 2025

During her Royal Amplification in March 2025, Allure will be outfitted with new restaurants, updates, and concepts. 

First, the pool deck will be refreshed and receive Royal Caribbean's relatively new Caribbean-inspired decor. There will be more seating and shade, from casitas to in-pool lounges, daybeds, and more. 

Additionally, children can stay cool at Splashway Bay, a kid-friendly water play area, or rush down the Perfect Storm waterslides. Not only that, but adults will appreciate the enhanced adults-only Solarium. The top deck will also receive El Loco Fresh, a fast-casual Mexican-inspired joint included in the cost of the cruise. 

Inside, passengers can grab a pre-dinner drink at the tropical Pesky Parrot Bar, which made its grand debut on Utopia of the Seas, before dining at one of two new specialty restaurants: Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade or The Mason Jar. 

In terms of activities, guests can expect a new Royal Escape Room, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an Ultimate Abyss dry slide, and even a new layout for the Adventure Ocean. 

Finally, Allure will be outfitted with a massive 914-square-foot Ultimate Panoramic Suite above the ship's bridge. 

The amplified Allure of the Seas will begin sailing on April 11, 2025. After a stint in Europe, the Oasis Class vessel will make her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and sail alternating 6- and 8-night itineraries to the Western and Eastern Caribbean. 

Have you ever wanted to know how the crew members live onboard Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship? 

Jordan Bauth, a professional figure skater contracted on Utopia of the Seas has been onboard the newest Oasis Class ship for five months and shared a video to her YouTube channel documenting the crew-only areas. 

Utopia of the Seas launched in July 2024 and is Royal Caribbean's newest ship sailing exclusively on 3- and 4-night voyages to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

While guests enjoy the cruise line's first-ever immersive train car specialty restaurant, tropical Pesky Parrot Bar, and casual poolside bites at The Spare Tire, the crew have their own spaces to unwind and recharge.

Though Bauth's contract states she can venture into the guest areas, she claims to spend most of her time in the crew-only spots. If she does want to hang out in the guest spaces, she must be dressed in her uniform. Sometimes, she even needs to be in formal wear after 6:00pm. 

Here's a peek into where the crew members eat, relax, shop, and more on Utopia of the Seas. 

Helipad

Unlike older Royal Caribbean ships, the helipad on Oasis Class ships is only accessible by crew members. Because of how the vessels were designed, the only way to get there is to go through crew-only areas. 

"I really love the helipad," Bauth says, "It's such a nice way to get some fresh air [and] to get some sunlight on your skin. And it's a really nice way to watch the ship sail into a port and also sail away from a port."

Bauth also mentions that it's an amazing spot for stargazing at night, as there's nothing but open ocean surrounding her. She enjoys watching the sunset here, too. 

To get to the helipad, Bauth has to go to the Deck 6 crew area and take the stairs leading up to Deck 7. 

Outdoor bar

Deck 6 is home to the outdoor bar, where many late-night parties are held. There's usually a DJ playing, and it's also where the crew members can go to smoke. 

Because of that, however, Bauth doesn't go to the outdoor bar much. Instead, she likes to hang out at the crew rec area. 

Crew rec

The crew rec area is where Bauth will unwind after a long day of work. 

If she isn't talking with friends, she might play a game of pool. There are also dartboards, a ping-pong and foosball table, a video game section outfitted with tons of televisions, plenty of comfortable spaces to lounge, and even massage chairs! 

"I also really like hanging out in the crew rec area because it's usually quite quiet, and you do have a bit of service if you want to use your phone," Bauth says. 

Crew pub

The crew pub is located on Deck 4, and this is Bauth's go-to spot for a drink. In addition to a stocked bar, there are some board games available, including Risk, Monopoly, Scrabble, and Chess. 

"I really like the crew pub. You don't really feel like you're on a ship in this area," she explains, "I mean, that's personally what I think." 

Though it's enclosed and lacks natural light, it's tastefully decorated with artwork and televisions where they'll broadcast various sporting events. 

Crew disco 

One deck below the crew pub is the crew disco, which is essentially another bar. 

However, Bauth notes that it's not open regularly. Instead, it's more of a multi-purpose space where Crew Welfare will host events like wine and cheese nights, Latin parties, and more. The space is also used for training. 

Crew dining areas

Crew members have to eat, too! The Crew Windjammer, or crew mess, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Unlike on smaller ships, there's just one space for the crew to eat. As such, Bauth says the space is "massive" since it can accommodate over 1,200 people. 

While most of the food remains the same, there are a lot of different options. Plus, they'll sometimes have theme nights and food specials, including crêpes and ice cream during lunch, breakfast for dinner, etc. 

Outside of the mess is the crew cafe, Java Cafe. While specialty coffee costs money, the prices are relatively affordable. They have alternative milk options and even a juicer that can make smoothies. 

Bauth explains she spends a lot of time here since she's more productive outside of her cabin. However, she doesn't buy coffee too often and opts to make it in her stateroom. 

Attached to the Java Cafe is "Slopchest," the crew store which is like a "mini 7-11." 

In Bauth's opinion, there's not a ton of stuff to buy, but it's a good place if you need something urgently or have a craving for chips, candy, or ramen noodles. 

Human resources

The HR Center is also located on Deck 2. 

This is where crew members go when they need to resolve a room situation, sign off, or have other issues. It's not open 24/7, so they must pay attention to the operating hours. Still, she notes the staff are friendly. 

I-95

I-95 is the easiest way for crew members to navigate from the front (forward) of the ship to the back (aft) without going into guest areas. They also have access to elevators along the corridor for added ease of travel.

Read more: Take a look inside the crew member cabins on Royal Caribbean's newest mega ship

Crew laundry

When crew members need to wash their clothes, they head down to Deck 1. While there are a lot of washers and dryers, it's a busy spot. 

Crew do not have to pay to use the machines; however, they are responsible for purchasing their own detergent. There are also irons available free of charge. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean laundry services on your cruise

Crew gym and barbershop

Because she's a performer onboard Utopia of the Seas, Bauth visits the gym frequently since she has to log gym hours weekly. However, she usually goes to the guest gym to work out while taking in the ocean views. 

Though she doesn't go to the crew gym often, she notes how the space is quite large and never very busy. 

There's a variety of equipment, too—ranging from treadmills to bikes, rowing machines, dumbbells, yoga balls, and even a punching bag. 

Deck 0 is also where the crew barbershop is. “Because I don’t get my haircut really while I’m on a contract I actually didn’t know there was a barbershop...until a couple months ago," she says. 

The space is outfitted with two chairs, sinks, and outlets. 

Crew linen

Below Deck 0 is where the crew linen is. Bauth isn't responsible for washing her own sheets, so whenever she needs fresh bedding, she simply heads to the crew linen area. 

This location also provides crew members with toilet paper, towels, and cleaning supplies—including vacuums—that are available for rent

You can take a cruise from Baltimore, offering a convenient option from the Mid-Atlantic region.

Many cruisers limit their searches to massive ports like Miami, Cape Liberty, and Port Canaveral. Recently, however, I discovered the appeal of cruising from a smaller port like Baltimore, Maryland.

The Maryland Cruise Terminal is located just 40 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., making it convenient for cruisers from the DMV area to access.

Not only that, but it’s 10 miles from the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The proximity means guests can skip the commutes associated with larger ports, such as Los Angeles.

This wasn’t my first time cruising from a smaller port. Earlier this year, I embarked on a 5-night cruise aboard Carnival Elation from Jacksonville, Florida. Despite the port being far smaller than Miami, I wasn’t impressed with the experience.

The embarkation process took around 40 minutes, whereas when boarding ships as large as Symphony of the Seas, I was on board within 15 minutes of arriving at the terminal.

The Maryland Cruise Terminal offers a more intimate cruise experience compared to the bustling hubs home to the world’s largest ships. While the facilities were a bit outdated, check-in was smooth, with short lines and friendly staff eager to help expedite the process.

With just one Royal Caribbean ship calling Baltimore home year-round, there are some cons to choosing this port. For instance, the itineraries are more limited.

Ports like Miami and Port Canaveral have multiple ships departing weekly, and Baltimore has just one: Vision of the Seas. If you have a specific week off, you may not be happy with Vision’s scheduled itinerary to The Bahamas when you were hoping to visit Bermuda.

Moreover, if you’re desperate to try one of the cruise line’s newer, larger vessels, you’ll be disappointed with the experience on Vision, one of the smallest and older ships in the fleet.

Still, I had a great experience sailing from Baltimore, Maryland, and would happily jump on another opportunity to cruise from this charming port on Vision of the Seas.

Flying into Baltimore was a breeze

Residing in the Charlotte area means I brave the Charlotte Douglas airport whenever I travel—it’s not for the weak! Not only is the ongoing construction a hassle, but flights to Florida tend to be on the expensive side. It’s not unusual for a roundtrip flight to Fort Lauderdale or Miami to cost upwards of $400 or $500.

While I technically could drive to Baltimore, I’m not a fan of long car rides. If it’s over 4 or 5 hours, I’ll start scouring Google Flights in advance to look for deals on airfare. I was relieved when I discovered flights to Baltimore were much more affordable. My friend booked her flight about two months before me, spending around $155 on roundtrip airfare from CLT to BWI. Still, I wasn’t upset at my $248 flight!

The airport was well-organized, too. It was easy to locate the rideshare pick-up zone, and we had no trouble being assigned a Lyft driver to our pre-cruise hotel. 

Plenty of affordable hotel options near the airport

In the end, I decided on the Springhill Suites BWI Baltimore Airport for just $122.09. Arriving around 6:30pm, we didn't need a hotel with a ton of amenities, and the Springhill Suites served its purpose as a clean, safe pre-cruise stay. 

Plus, the rate included complimentary breakfast, so we could fuel up before heading to the terminal. However, if you’re not a fan of typical continental breakfast options, there are several places within walking distance, including Dunkin', Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Adamm's Airport Deli.

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

We relied on Lyft for transportation in Baltimore

Having lived in New York City for two years, rideshare prices don't usually shock me. Ordering a Lyft or Uber from the Upper West Side to my downtown studio used to cost anywhere from $40 to $80, depending on the time of day. While I've found rideshares to be more affordable in Charlotte, I'm always weary when traveling to a bigger city. 

Overall, I found the prices for our Lyft rides in Baltimore quite reasonable. The most expensive of our five trips was from the terminal to the airport on disembarkation day. The 26-minute ride was just $34.10, including a tip. 

The night before, we decided to venture into Baltimore proper to explore the area and try some famous Maryland crab. Even our 25-minute ride back to the hotel at 10:00pm was only $23.74. 

Read more: I'm a driver for Uber and Lyft — here are the top things riders should know for getting to their cruise ship

On embarkation day, I noticed there was a long line to enter the parking lot

With Baltimore being less than 45 miles from Washington D.C., it's an accessible embarkation port for those residing in the DMV area. 

Traveling via plane can be hectic—and expensive. As such, cruising from Baltimore is a great way to keep transportation costs to a minimum if you live nearby. 

Parking at the terminal costs just $20 per night for passenger cars and SUVs. Advanced reservations aren't required, and parking rates are payable upon arrival by credit card. The terminal accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. 

The check-in process was quick and efficient

Having sailed from Jacksonville, I wasn't expecting Baltimore's terminal facilities to be as updated as the newer buildings in Florida and Galveston. However, despite being an older terminal, I was surprised by its efficiency and cleanliness. The staff were also friendly and helpful, making the check-in process smooth and hassle-free. 

After going through security and having the port agents check our travel documentation, we were onboard Vision of the Seas in what felt like no time at all. My friend and I headed straight to the Windjammer for lunch before locating our inside cabin to drop off our carry-on bags and explore the ship. 

Because we had to sail through the Chesapeake Bay to reach the Atlantic, the casino and onboard shops were closed the first evening

I was disappointed to learn we couldn't test our luck at the slot machines on embarkation day. Similarly, we couldn't browse the onboard stores until Day 2. However, we made the most of our first day on the ship. 

My friend wanted to attend the spa raffle and decided to book a last-minute treatment after hearing about the 75-minute full-body massage with hot stones for $150. While she was pampered in the spa, I took in the sights of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. 

We were advised to finish our gambling and shopping by 6:00pm on the last night of the cruise, too. When heading back to my cabin to shower and pack, I ran into a woman in the elevator who said she was in a hurry to buy last-minute souvenirs! 

Disembarkation was just as easy as embarkation

Since our flight wasn't until 3:40pm, we weren't in a hurry to head to the airport, so we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room, hanging out until our group was called. The process went faster than expected, and our group was called by 8:45am, along with all the other remaining groups onboard. 

Locating our bags was easy, and we were quickly assigned a Lyft driver. I also appreciated the terminal's pick-up area, as all cars were instructed to pull into a parking spot to pick up their passengers. This helped keep the area organized and reduced congestion. 

I loved my cruise onboard Vision of the Seas and would consider sailing from Baltimore again

Between the cheap flights, easy port access, and seamless embarkation/disembarkation process, my experience cruising from Baltimore was pleasant, even with the limitations of a smaller port.

I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed my time on Vision! With fewer onboard amenities, I relaxed more than on mega-ships. Instead of trying to cross off the zip line, water slides, ice skating rink, and FlowRider from my must-do list, I settled into the Solarium, basking in the quiet atmosphere that allowed me to unwind and enjoy the views.

Not only that, but the dining experience was far superior compared to the larger ships I've sailed on recently. Izumi was mindblowing, and even the quality of the Main Dining Room food was impressive. 

Less than one year after their last gratuity increase, Royal Caribbean is set to increase gratuities for passengers once again.

Starting November 1, 2024, the cruise line will raise the daily gratuity rate by 50 cents per day, bringing the new rate for standard cabins to $18.50 per person, up from $18.00, and suites to $21.00 per person, up from $20.50. It is the same amount for all passengers, regardless of age. 

However, if you've already booked your sailing, you can prepay your gratuities in advance to lock in the current rate and save money. If you wait until you're onboard and are cruising after Nov. 1, you will be subject to the higher fare. 

Standard staterooms include interior, ocean-view, and balcony cabins, as well as Junior Suites. Sky Junior Suites, Grand Suites, and above are considered full-scale suites and will be subject to the higher gratuity rate.

Travel agents were informed of the change in a weekly newsletter sent via email. 

"Starting November 1st, Royal Caribbean will increase gratuities by $0.50 per person per day. The daily gratuity is shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel services teams," the notice reads.

"Guests booked prior to November 1st, 2024, can opt to add prepaid gratuities before sailing to take advantage of the current rates. If they'd prefer to pay onboard, their gratuity charge will be applied to their onboard account at the new rate."

Royal Caribbean last raised their gratuities in Nov. 2023. Before that, the daily charge was $16.00 per person for standard cabins and $18.50 for suites. 

All Royal Caribbean sailings booked on or after November 1, 2024, will automatically reflect the increased rate. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean quietly increased the service charge for salon and spa services. According to their website, an 18% gratuity will automatically be added to beverage and beverage packages, room service and mini-bar purchases, and specialty dining and specialty dining packages. 

However, pre-cruise and onboard spa and salon purchases are subject to a 20% service charge. This matches Celebrity Cruises' salon/spa policy. 

What are gratuities?

Daily gratuities are to ensure hardworking crew members are tipped throughout the voyage. Rather than carrying around spare dollar bills and being responsible for managing tips, major cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to passengers' onboard accounts to simplify the process. 

Guests also have the option to prepay them in advance to help split up the cost of their vacation. Since the gratuities are added to your overall cruise cost to be paid by the final payment date, you can better budget for your vacation and avoid any surprises once onboard. 

As exemplified by the second increase within the past year, prepaying gratuities can also help save money. If Royal Caribbean does increase the cost, those who have already prepaid their tips are grandfathered in, meaning they won't have to pay anything extra. 

If you are booked on a Royal Caribbean cruise and wish to lock in the current pricing, call 866-562-7625 before Nov. 1. Guests who made their reservation through a travel agent should contact them as soon as possible. 

Are passengers required to pay gratuities? 

Royal Caribbean stipulates that gratuities are at the discretion of each guest. To make the process easier, they automatically add the suggested daily gratuity amount to each passengers' folio account; however, guests may visit Guest Services once onboard to adjust the amount. 

"We hope guests find these suggested amounts to be an accurate reflection of their satisfaction and are grateful for their generous recognition of the Royal Caribbean staff," reads their FAQ. 

What's the gratuity rate on other cruise lines?

Guests in standard staterooms on Celebrity pay $18.00 per person, per day; $18.50 for Concierge and Aqua Class cabins; and $23.00 for The Retreat. 

Carnival Cruise Line charges $16.00 per person, per day, for standard cabins, while suite guests pay $18.00 per person, per day. 

Norwegian has some of the pricey gratuities for a mainstream cruise line, with passengers in standard and Club Balcony cabins charged $20.00 per person, per day. Suite guests (including those in The Haven) pay $25.00 per person, per day. 

The recommended daily rate for Disney Cruise Line passengers in standard cabins is $14.50 per person, per day. The rate for guests booked in a Concierge stateroom or suite is $15.50 per person, per day. 

The adult-only Virgin Voyages includes gratuities in their cruise fares.  

Related reading: 

• Should you prepay gratuities for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Why do I have to pay gratuities for my toddler?

The ongoing Red Sea crisis continues to impact Royal Caribbean's operations in the Middle East. 

Passengers booked on Voyager of the Seas' October 25, 2025, sailing received confirmation that the 14-night one-way cruise from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Singapore, Singapore, has been canceled. 

"To avoid the continuing unrest in the Red Sea area, and after exploring all options, our upcoming October 20, 2025, Voyager of the Seas sailing has been redeployed," reads an email sent to guests.

It's unclear where Voyager is being redeployed to. However, the 137,276 gross registered ton (GRT) vessel is scheduled to begin sailing from Australia on December 13, 2025, following a 12-night cruise from Singapore to Brisbane departing on December 1. 

She'll remain in Brisbane, Australia through 2026, offering 3- to 9-night cruises to Australia and the South Pacific. 

Alternative options for passengers

Royal Caribbean isn't leaving these guests stranded and provided a few options for those impacted by the canceled voyage. 

"Every aspect of your time with us should be enjoyable, so we’ve put together some alternative options that we hope will work for you and those in your party," the email continues. 

The first is to re-book one of two 7-night itineraries on Voyager of the Seas. 

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

The earlier of the two departs on September 29, 2025, from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, and cruises to Naples, Italy; Sicily (Messina), Italy; Santorini, Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Mykonos, Greece, before disembarking in Athens (Piraeus). 

The second option is a brand-new itinerary on October 20, 2025. This one-way cruise sails from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, to Barcelona, Spain, calling at Naples, Italy; Sicily (Messina), Italy; Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy; Cannes, France; and Provence (Marseille), France. 

Passengers who re-book one of these cruises will have their original stateroom price protected at the original rate or reduced to the current fare, whichever is less. Those who already paid their booking in full will receive a refund if the chosen cruise fare is lower.

The second option is to re-book on any other Royal Caribbean International sailing and have the non-refundable deposit change fees waived. With this choice, guests are responsible for paying the difference in price for the cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items. 

However, like option 1, passengers who paid their cruise off will receive a refund if their new chosen fare is lower than their original booking. 

The third option lets guests cancel and receive a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits and pre-paid add-ons, to their original form of payment. 

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

If a future cruise credit (FCC) was used, Royal Caribbean will refund any money paid in addition to the certificate amount and issue a new voucher. 

Passengers have until October 22, 2024, to call 888-281-9344 to inform them of their decision. If Royal Caribbean hasn't heard from guests by October 22, their reservation will automatically be canceled and refunded. 

Cruise ships have been affected by the Red Sea crisis since last year

The most notable, perhaps, was Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise. Instead of sailing through the Red Sea, the 2,143-passenger ship was rerouted around Africa after allowing guests to vote on a new itinerary. 

The "Immersive Africa" option was the more port-intensive of the two, whereas the second, "Africa & Greece," had more days at sea to catch up with the originally scheduled ports in Egypt and Greece. 

In the end, "Immersive Africa" won, taking passengers to ports like Pointe Des Galets, Reunion Island; Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Cape Town, South Africa; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Dakar, Senegal—all to avoid the ongoing geopolitical conflict. 

Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean also canceled a cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas scheduled for October 14, 2024. Instead of sailing through the Suez Canal, Anthem is to sail around Africa without any guests onboard. 

Anthem wrapped up her European season on October 2 after a 12-night cruise to the Canary Islands, Portugal, and Spain. Her next sailing isn't scheduled to depart until November 7, cruising from Dubai to Singapore. 

She'll remain in Asia until April 2025, when she'll reposition to Alaska for the summer season. 

Read more: 60 BEST Royal Caribbean tips and tricks

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers loyal cruisers lucrative perks to help enhance the value of their cruise vacation. In addition to daily drink vouchers, a complimentary photo, and access to an exclusive lounge, some lesser-known benefits can be enjoyed by higher-ranking members.

Though cruisers can take advantage of a private departure lounge and 50% off two glasses of wine, beer, or soda after their first sailing, the best perks don’t start rolling in until you’ve accumulated 80 cruise points and reached Diamond status.

For example, guests within the Diamond tier receive four daily drink coupons that can be used on alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, saving upwards of $56 per day. 

The complimentary drinks are often a deciding factor on whether a drink package is worth the extra cost or not. Even if you pay for four extra beverages daily, the total amount spent on drinks is typically less than what a drink package would cost out of pocket. 

Moreover, Diamond cruisers get one complimentary day of Surf & Stream Wi-Fi per sailing, which can transfer to a discount of equivalent value if you'd rather purchase a Wi-Fi package for your entire cruise. 

With over 30 Crown & Anchor benefits available to Diamond cruisers and above, it’s clear that loyalty is rewarded. Beyond the daily drink vouchers, discounted Wi-Fi, and access to the Crown Lounge, here are 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Program available to passengers with at least 80 cruise points.

Reserved seating at shows

I forget every cruise about the reserved seating at the production shows for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members.

While you still need to make reservations, Royal Caribbean holds back seats at the ice skating and stage shows for its top tier members.

The seating is actually lumped in with suite guests and anyone that bought The Key, but it's a good standby just in case you're running a few minutes late.

I particular like the reserved seating for us Crown and Anchor members in the Aquatheater, because it is in the center section and starts about halfway back, so well behind the splash zone

Chef’s choice on sailings 5 nights and longer

Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers will receive some treats delivered to their stateroom on cruises that are at least 5 nights long.

When onboard Quantum of the Seas earlier this summer, I received a plate of assorted pastries, including a chocolate-covered strawberry, Rice Krispies treat, chocolate muffin, and more.

After a cold and rainy day in Skagway, Alaska, it was fun to return to my cabin and discover the present. My dad and I enjoyed having a small snack to nibble on while getting ready for dinner. 

Read more: What makes being a Pinnacle Club member worth it

According to the Crown & Anchor Society’s terms and conditions, “[the g]ift and frequency of delivery to the stateroom [vary] by ship and length of sailing.” In other words, you cannot predict what will be included in the Chef's Choice perk. 

It's easy to obtain sweet treats on your Royal Caribbean cruise, but it's even better when they're delivered to your cabin! 

Read more: I reached Diamond status with Royal Caribbean

Exclusive backstage tour

On cruises that are 5 nights or longer, you can get an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes operations of the theater.

While all passengers can enjoy one of the original production shows or Broadway-style musicals, only Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers are eligible to attend the exclusive backstage tour. In addition to walking backstage, there’s typically a Q&A session with the dancers and cast members. 

It's a great time to learn more about the background of the dancers, as well as get a glimpse into the daily life of a performer on a cruise ship. 

It's different from the All-Access tour for purchase, though. During the backstage tour, you won't visit the Galley, Bridge, or other crew-only areas. If that's something that interests you, you'll have to pre-purchase it through the Cruise Planner. 

Royal Caribbean notes that they can cancel the event without notice. However, if you’re interested in participating, check your Crown & Anchor benefits sheet left in your cabin on embarkation day for instructions on how to RSVP.

If you have any questions, visit the Crown & Anchor Loyalty Desk as soon as possible.

Priority waitlist seating in the Main Dining Room

Fans of traditional cruise ship dining can choose the early and late seating, meaning you'll eat in the Main Dining Room at the same time each evening. Plus, you'll sit at the same table and have the same wait staff. 

Sometimes, however, we make the wrong selection during the booking process. If you're unhappy with your decision and are a Diamond cruiser or above, you can move to the top of the waitlist for your desired seating. 

Ensuring you have the dinner seating that aligns with your travel party's needs is important. Otherwise, you may have fussy children fighting to stay awake until dinner, as the late seating typically doesn't begin until around 8:00pm—although the time varies depending on your sailing. 

Alternatively, perhaps you want to spend more time on the pool deck or don't want to feel rushed after a long day ashore. In that case, the later time would work best for you, freeing up space during the first seating for passengers who want to retire early or have evenings free for entertainment. 

The priority waitlist doesn't apply to My Time Dining. If you don't make reservations, you must wait in the standby line. However, if you chose My Time Dining and like to move back to traditional, you will be placed at the top of the waitlist. 

Read more: The Crown and Anchor perks you should use on every Royal Caribbean cruise

The food is one of the best parts of any cruise, and I was looking forward to the dining experience onboard Vision of the Seas. 

Overall, the food on Vision was better than some of the larger ships I've sailed on within the past year, namely Freedom of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. Izumi, in particular, was out-of-this-world, with the fresh sushi and drool-worthy appetizers making it a must-visit. 

Still, not every meal was a home run. Here's a breakdown of everything I ate during my 5-night cruise aboard Vision of the Seas, including a few dishes I'd skip next time. 

Of note, I'm not a food critic and am not classically trained in anything cuisine-related. Others may come to their own conclusions, as everyone has different taste buds and preferences.

Embarkation Day Lunch

Though I'm no stranger to Royal Caribbean cruises, this was my first time sailing on a Vision Class ship, and I was worried that the buffet would lack variety—similar to my experience on Carnival Elation, a ship similar in size and age to Vision.  

Thankfully, that wasn't the case. While the buffet wasn't as expansive as those on newer and larger ships, I always found something appealing, starting with the chicken curry on embarkation day! It had a nice flavor and was a little spicy, something I rarely say as someone with an above-average spicy tolerance. 

To complement the chicken and rice, I made my own salad and tried a few polenta fries. You can never go wrong with a refreshing salad; however, the polenta fries were just okay. Nothing to necessarily write home about. 

The biggest disappointment of the meal was the pineapple upside-down cake. The flavor was nice, but it was dry. 

After sailing away, my friend and I headed to Park Cafe for some pizza to hold us over until dinner.

Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but Royal Caribbean's pizza is just fine. I've had better cruise ship pizza on other lines—namely MSC. 

Embarkation Day Dinner

My favorite, and I mean favorite, meal on Vision of the Seas was at Izumi. It was the only specialty restaurant I ate at, and it did not disappoint. Everything was mouthwatering, from the refreshing edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp roll and savory miso ramen.

Since we pre-booked through the Cruise Planner, we had the option of one appetizer, two large plates, and one dessert. If you're more interested in a light meal, you can always order à la carte. 

Between the spicy miso ramen and champagne lobster roll, the latter was my favorite. 

It was unlike any sushi roll I've had before, and I appreciated how the flavors came together. The blanched lobster was tender and sweet, perfectly complimented by the champagne sauce. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean changed the sushi roll sizes for its fixed price menu

The spicy miso ramen was tasty, but I'd probably skip it next time in favor of another sushi roll. 

The noodles seemed slightly undercooked, but the broth had that expected rich umami flavor that's always comforting. 

For dessert, I went with the crispy sesame balls. Served warm, the outer layer was perfectly crispy, giving way to the soft red bean paste filling. It was both sweet and savory.

Breakfast Day 2

Unfortunately, I woke up feeling a little seasick the next day, and my motion sickness patch hadn't kicked in by the time we went to breakfast. We were sailing through some pretty choppy waters, with the Solarium pool drained and closed the entire day. 

Since I wasn't feeling great, I went with a lighter breakfast consisting of eggs, some fruit, and a small piece of avocado toast. As expected, the eggs were standard cruise ship buffet eggs. They were a little cold, but I attribute that to our late arrival ten minutes before closing. 

The fruit tasted fresh, but it was the avocado toast that stood out the most. The avocado topping was creamy and ripe. 

Lunch Day 2

Despite the pool being closed because of the rough sea conditions, I spent the greater part of the first sea day in the Solarium. It made for a convenient setup, especially after learning the sauna and steam room were complimentary. 

For lunch, my friend and I didn't gravitate far, joining the line at Park Cafe shortly after it opened. Compared to my salad in the Windjammer the day before, I was much happier with my new creation. Honey mustard dressing is so underrated! 

I also got the signature Kummelweck sandwich with spicy mustard and horseradish. The roast beef was perfectly cooked, and it was a great complement to the salad. 

My mid-day sweet treat wasn't as disappointing as the pineapple upside-down cake. The pistachio pound cake was so moist with a subtle pistachio flavor that wasn't too overwhelming. 

In fact, I thought it was so good I got it again that evening as a late-night snack before bed. 

Dinner Day 2

For dinner, we went to the Main Dining Room. At first, I was a bit weary of dining during the 5:00pm seating, but it worked out, as it allowed us to work up an appetite for pizza after enjoying the evening entertainment. 

I started with the French Onion Soup, and do I really have to say anything else? I don't think the soup has ever left something to be desired. It really is just that good. 

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my entrèe. I tried the Seafood Linguine earlier this year on Quantum of the Seas, and I should have learned my lesson then. 

Though the sauce was creamy and the shrimp was cooked well, everything else about the dish was pretty bland. Next time, I know to go with the Roasted Beef Tenderloin. 

The Warm Apple Cobbler is one of my go-to desserts. 

I'll usually debate switching things up and ordering the Cappuccino Chocolate Cake or Toasted Almond Creme Puffs, but there's something so satisfying about warm apples and cold ice cream. 

Read more: How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works

Breakfast Day 3

The next morning, I was feeling much better and eager to arrive in Bermuda! The weather, however, still wasn't in our favor. Despite the yucky conditions, we made the most of our time ashore, venturing to Hamilton and exploring the local stores. 

When it comes to breakfast, I'm a bit predictable and tend to avoid the sugary stuff. As such, I went with scrambled eggs, the tried-and-true hash brown patty, and peaches. 

This was my favorite breakfast in the Windjammer. Though the eggs were a little cold again, the hash brown patty was crispy, and the peaches were juicy and sweet. 

Lunch Day 3

Since we didn't arrive in Bermuda until around 1:30pm, we decided to fuel up with lunch from the Windjammer buffet before making our way onto the rainy island. 

Overall, I was happy with my lunch! While the veggie sandwich could have had more than two small pieces of cooked squash on it, the slathering of pesto mayo made up for it with a burst of flavor. 

Not only that, but I found the stir fry to be tasty, too. I will say, however, that it wasn't as good as the made-to-order station on Celebrity Ascent. Nonetheless, it was still satisfying, with a variety of vegetables and small bites of chicken. 

For dessert, I went with a small Oreo treat. It was only after my friend tried it and said how delicious it was that it caught my eye. After the first bite, I was hooked—the fluffy filling was nicely balanced with the crunch of the crumbled cookie bits. 

Dinner Day 3

That night, we decided to have dinner off the ship, maximizing our time ashore. We stumbled upon a small restaurant in Hamilton offering $35 lobster rolls. 

I don't think my New England-born-and-raised fiancèe would have approved, but I thought the dish was decent for the price—especially considering that Bermuda is known for being pricey.

Breakfast Day 4

It was back to the Windjammer the next morning. Unfortunately, this was perhaps the most disappointing meal onboard. 

The heat lamp made the shell of the hardboiled egg almost too hot to crack. When I finally succeeded, I didn't take more than two bites, finding it overcooked, dry, and rubbery. The most upsetting part was the hash brown. I was looking forward to the satisfying crunch. Instead, it was on the soggy side. 

That said, the fruit and chicken sausage were pretty average, and I tried a bite of my friend's banana streusel muffin that was surprisingly good. 

Lunch Day 4

I was worried our shipwreck snorkeling excursion would get canceled due to the inclement weather. However, luck was finally on our side. It didn't start storming until sail away! 

When we got back onboard, we had worked up an appetite and headed straight to the Solarium for lunch at the Park Cafe. 

Once again, I went with a custom salad topped with honey mustard dressing, and as I'm writing this, I'm thinking it's something I need to purchase!

I also ordered the tomato, mozzarella, and pesto sandwich. 

While the tomato was juicy, embodying the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, I wish the sandwich had been toasted a few seconds longer. The mozzarella was strangely warm and cold. 

Dinner Day 4

When we sat down for dinner, I advised my friend that the Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp had never been a letdown. 

She decided to go with the Asian-Style Pork Bao Buns, and after trying one of my shrimp, she immediately flagged down our waiter to get an order. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Menus: Main Dining Room, Specialty Restaurants, & More

For my entrèe, I was torn between the Stuffed Grilled Eggplant and Rustic Chicken Korma. Both sounded intriguing, albeit with very different flavor profiles. In the end, I went with the Chicken Korma and was happy with my decision!

When it arrived, I was struck by the fragrant aroma of the spices. Each bite of chicken was tender, and the rice soaked up all the flavors of the curry. 

The dish was served with a side of crispy poppadum and raita. 

The Blueberry Cobbler was the perfect sweet treat. The vanilla ice cream added a nice contrast to the tart blueberries. However, I wish it had been served a little warmer. 

Breakfast Day 5

After a few disappointing experiences in the buffet, we decided to try the Main Dining Room for breakfast. The overall ambiance felt a world apart from the bustling buffet. 

I ordered a classic Eggs Benedict, a dish I find indulgent and comforting. The presentation wasn't anything worthwhile, but it tasted great! 

I was, however, displeased with the hash brown. Even in the Main Dining Room, it wasn't as crispy as I would have liked. 

Lunch Day 5

Once again, we opted to have lunch at Park Cafe. I went with a turkey wrap and the same salad creation as the day before. 

I found the wrap pretty dry; the lack of a creamy dressing or juicy tomato left something to be desired. 

Dinner Day 5

Before we knew it, we were heading to our table in the Main Dining Room for one final dinner. The menu on Day 5 was Italian, and I settled on the Golden Polenta Fries, Lasagna al Forno, and Tirasmu. 

The polenta fries were much better than the ones from the buffet on embarkation day, but despite the description on the menu, I didn't find the dip spicy. It tasted more like standard marinara sauce! 

Out of all the entrèes in the Main Dining Room, the Lasagna al Forno was the most disappointing. 

I had high hopes for a comforting dish layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, but what arrived felt lackluster. 

While the flavors were decent, the sauce was a little bland and could have used extra seasoning. 

That said, the BEST thing I ate in the dining room was the Tirasmu. The layers of coffee-soaked cafe and creamy mascarpone melted in the mouth!

Disembarkation Breakfast

We skipped the buffet on disembarkation day, as we weren't in any rush to get to the airport for our 3:30pm flight. Instead, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room. 

The scrambled eggs were served at a much better temperature than those in the Windjammer, but the hash brown patty was a different story. Instead of a golden, crispy patty, I got a sad, soggy one. 

The fruit cup was a great complement to the meal, though. It included a mix of watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and cantaloupe. Each bite was refreshing! The pineapple, however, was the true star. 

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

Extra cost 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