The Iran war and violence in Mexico hasn't stopped people's desire to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Group released its first quarter financial results, and they say demand for its cruises is still going strong.

In its earnings report, the company made clear that while external factors created some short-term hesitation among travelers, the broader trend hasn't changed. Their bookings show people are still prioritizing cruise vacations, and reservations are now running ahead of where they were at the same time last year.

"Demand for our experiences continues to be strong," said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "We expect another year of double-digit revenue and earnings growth, driven by consumers’ preference for our leading brands and expanding portfolio."

Royal Caribbean reported total revenue of $4.5 billion, an 11% increase year over year, along with net income of $0.9 billion.

Adjusted earnings per share came in at $3.60, beating the company’s previous guidance thanks to higher revenue, lower costs, and better performance from joint ventures.

The results show that despite the geopolitical issues of the last few months, cruise demand is quite resilient.

A brief slowdown, followed by a quick rebound

Royal Caribbean said bookings started out the quarter tracking at an "exceptionally strong trajectory," particularly for high-demand European sailings. 

But that momentum hit a temporary speed bump late in the quarter.

"Bookings for high-yielding Mediterranean itineraries… moderated following recent geopolitical developments late in the first quarter," the company said in its press release.

Royal Caribbean Group saw the slowdown in both Europe and itineraries along the West Coast of Mexico, tied to "geopolitical-related considerations specific to that region."

Several factors contributed to the hesitation, including rising airfare costs, reduced airline capacity, and flight disruptions.

However, those slowdowns were both short-lived.

"In recent weeks, bookings for Mediterranean itineraries have been rebounding for the limited remaining inventory," the company said.

They reported bookings in April were once again exceeding the same period last year, signaling whatever hesitation was in the market quickly disappeared.

Optimistic, despite challenges

Royal Caribbean Group sees growth, even with global factors that could continue to influence demand in certain regions.

The second and third quarters, in particular, may feel more impact from the earlier slowdown in Mediterranean bookings, since those sailings make up a larger portion of deployment during that time.

At the same time, rising fuel costs are expected to increase expenses, which could put pressure on pricing or margins.

Still, the company’s overall outlook remains positive.

"We remain focused on delivering the best vacations responsibly, accelerating revenue growth, and managing costs, all while continuing to invest in our future and drive further differentiation," Liberty said.

Vacations are still a top priority

Even with global uncertainty, Royal Caribbean says consumer behavior hasn’t fundamentally changed.

"Travel remains a priority for consumers, with guests becoming more selective and value-focused in how and where they choose to travel," said Naftali Holtz, the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

"That dynamic aligns well with the attractive value proposition of our experiences, which is why we have done so well historically, even during times of uncertainty," Holtz added.

Royal Caribbean’s results appear to back that up. The company carried 2.5 million guests in the first quarter, a 12% increase compared to the same period last year, while capacity rose 8%.

Ships sailed very full in the quarter, with load factors of 109%. An occupancy level above 100% means cabins had more than two people booked in that room.

Royal Caribbean said its “booked position enjoys record prices with volumes within historical ranges,” a sign that strong demand is allowing the company to hold firm on fares.

Even after the temporary dip in bookings, that pricing strength hasn’t weakened.

During April, the company said bookings "continued to exceed the same period last year, including continued strength in close-in bookings."

Royal Caribbean said its yield growth in the first quarter "exceeded the company’s guidance mainly due to higher pricing across key products driven by strong close-in demand and onboard revenue."

In other words, not only are more people booking cruises, but they’re also willing to pay more, even when booking later.

Guests are spending more onboard

Not only are bookings up, but people are spending extra on all of those add-ons, such as drink packages, Wi-Fi, and more.

"Onboard revenue trends remain strong, with onboard spending continuing to exceed prior-year levels," the company said.

Royal Caribbean Group says the combination of increased demand for onboard and destination experiences, as well as an expansion of what’s available to purchase, have contributed to this increase in buying cruise add-ons.

"This is driven by both guests’ growing demand for onboard and destination experiences and the company’s continued expansion of product offerings both on ship and at destinations," the press release said.

Another reason is Royal Caribbean is getting better at matching people to the things they truly want.

"These trends are also supported by more effective and targeted engagement, ensuring the right experiences are matched with the right guests."

Royal Caribbean is working on developing its next food hall, and it's asking cruisers for opinions.

A survey was sent to select cruisers to ask them which food type they'd be interested in seeing a "food hall style" venue.

Almost certainly that refers to the Aquadome Market restaurant, which is a complimentary food hall that is found on Icon Class ships. Since we already know the food hall lineup for Legend of the Seas, it's possible these questions are for Hero of the Seas.

The choices aren't exotic or over-the-top. Instead, they focus on familiar, quick bites like paninis, cheesesteaks, and classic deli sandwiches.

Here's what Royal Caribbean is considering for its next food hall.

Sandwiches and wraps

Thanks to Stelli from La Floating Adventures, we have an idea of potential additions to a future food hall menu.

Royal Caribbean loves to conduct a lot of guest surveys to better understand what its guests are looking for.  They send out surveys regularly to many cruisers to get a sense of what their customer base is interested in (and not interested in).

It's important to note that a survey is not an announcement or confirmation, and merely the cruise line gauging interest. 

Still, it offers a rare look at how Royal Caribbean tests ideas behind the scenes, and how much influence passengers might actually have on what gets added onboard.

The survey asks, "Please select the type of food that you would be MOST likely to eat and LEAST likely to eat at a food hall style venue on a cruise ship."

Here are the options listed on the survey:

• Pesto tomato panini
• Philly cheesesteak
• Grilled cheese
• Chicken salad wrap
• Rueben sandwich
• Bacon grilled cheese
• Pretzel bites

Based on these choices, it appears one food hall could be leaning in a wrap or sandwich direction.

The theme is simple and recognizable comfort food, not specialty or fancy dining.

Thus far, the Aquadome Market has featured a series of individual food stalls with a specific cuisine offered. This specific survey could refer to one idea Royal Caribbean is considering.

The first Aquadome Market debuted on Icon of the Seas, and it's since become a fan-favorite spot. The beauty of this restaurant is it's included in your cruise fare and stays open late.

When Legend of the Seas debuts this summer, it will have five new options:

• Seoulmate: Korean rice bowls
• La Espanola: Spanish-style bites
• Cajun kitchen: New Orleans gumbo
• Adobo: Mexican street tacos
• Simply Pressed: Fresh smoothies & juices
• Creme de la Crepe: Sweet French crepes (returning option)

Food halls have been successful because they solve crowding issues and alleviate demand on the Windjammer marketplace buffet or other more traditional quick service venues on Royal Caribbean ships.

It's also possible this survey is looking for food options to replace a food hall that's currently on an existing ship.  Royal Caribbean is never one to shy away from trying to improve what it's already doing well and make it even better.

Rotating food hall options

If we're assuming this survey is for Hero of the Seas, which debuts in 2027, there's one big change to the food hall on this ship that's coming.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza revealed that while the Aquadome Market will have new food cuisine choices on Hero, they'll periodically change.

"We will always debut with five really well- tested concepts, but we're also going to design the stalls to no longer be so specific to a cuisine so that we can start to bring in different ideas and test it with guests as time goes on," he said in a recorded interview.

Even if some of the options from this survey make it to a ship in the future, it's possible it might be a limited-time offering.

Would you actually want these on your cruise?

Since I didn't get this survey, I've got my own thoughts on which foods I would pick.

I love the idea of sandwiches being a food hall idea.  I've always wanted a sub shop on a cruise, so this is in that general direction.

If I picked, I would choose the Reuben sandwich as my top pick and the grilled cheese as my least favorite.  

I love Reuben sandwiches because they are a classic delicatessen option and one of my favorite indulgences.

The problem with grilled cheese is not only is it simple, but it's been done before on Royal Caribbean. You can get a grilled cheese at Johnny Rockets, Park Cafe, and possibly other venues already.  I want any food hall option to go beyond what we currently have.

Let me know in the comments below which of these options you would select!

If you're a cruise fan that wants to earn free cruises, onboard credit, and useful benefits, the new Royal ONE card may be a strong addition to your wallet.

Plus, the Royal ONE Plus card has launched with a high-value welcome bonus that could be used for your next cruise, assuming you can meet its spending requirements.

A month ago, Royal Caribbean Group revealed it would launch two new cards to replace the current credit card, with the new cards offering new benefits that extend across all three brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

Here's what to know about the current offer on this new card for fans.

Royal ONE and Royal ONE Plus current offer

Royal Caribbean is launching its new credit cards with two different welcome offers, depending on which version you choose. Both bonuses are tied to a minimum spending requirement in the first 90 days, which is standard for travel rewards cards.

The Royal ONE card offers 45,000 points after you spend $2,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. That lower spending threshold may make it the more accessible option for casual cruisers or anyone who doesn't want to shift a lot of spending right away.

The higher-tier Royal ONE Plus card comes with a larger bonus of 70,000 points, but it requires $3,000 in spending within the first 90 days. For travelers who can meet that requirement, the extra points could go further toward onboard credit, cruise fare discounts, or other redemptions across Royal Caribbean Group brands.

As with most credit card welcome offers, the key is whether you can comfortably meet the spending requirement without going out of your way. If you can, the difference between 45,000 and 70,000 points is significant enough to factor into which card makes more sense.

The Royal ONE card has no annual fee, but the Royal ONE Plus card has a $99 annual fee.

How to apply for each Royal Caribbean credit card

If you’re interested in either card, Royal Caribbean has set up separate application pages for each option through its new Royal ONE program, which is powered in partnership with Bank of America.

You can apply directly using the links below:

• Apply for the Royal ONE card (no annual fee)
• Apply for the Royal ONE Plus card ($99 annual fee)

Both applications follow a standard credit card process, and approvals are subject to creditworthiness. The cards are available to U.S. residents, and once approved, you’ll be able to start working toward the welcome bonus right away.

Why you should apply for the Royal ONE cards

The new Royal Caribbean credit cards offer more ways to earn points and then use them on any of the RCG brands, including some extra perks too:

Royal One Card

• 3X points on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea
• 2X points on groceries, gas, and EV charging
• 1X point on all other purchases

Plus, cardholders get these perks for having it:

• Priority boarding on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises
• A $100 anniversary reward after qualifying spend
• No foreign transaction fees

Royal ONE Plus Card

• 4X points on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea
• 2X points on groceries, gas, EV charging, plus air, hotel, and dining
• 1X point on all other purchases

Extra benefits for this card include:

• Priority suite boarding across all three brands
• Priority luggage handling (Royal Caribbean and Celebrity)
• A $200 anniversary reward after qualifying spend
• A $120 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years
• No foreign transaction fees

Considering the Plus card's $99 annual fee, there are plenty of ways to recoup its value by maximizing credits and rewards.

Bottom line

Choosing between the two cards, the choice mostly comes down to how much you plan to spend and whether the higher bonus and added perks on the Plus version justify the annual fee.

Compared to other travel cards, the best thing about the Royal One cards is you can earn points to be used on any Royal Caribbean Group brand ship.  No other credit card can offer that.

Moreover, these new cards are a step up from the old card that didn’t allow points to be used across all three brands. 

Royal Caribbean going even bigger on its biggest ships.

An announcement was made late on Monday night by Royal Caribbean Group that it has ordered two more Icon Class ships.

The unnamed newly ordered vessels, referred to for now as Icon 6 and Icon 7, will be constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

The two new ships will be delivered in 2029 and 2030.

Royal Caribbean Group had slots reserved for options to build Icon 6 and Icon 7, but now they've exercised those options and those plans are confirmed.

The Icon Class ships are the biggest in the world, measuring an 250,800 gross registered tons and can carry a maximum of 7,600 passengers. There are 28 different stateroom categories.

This is a clear indication Royal Caribbean believes its Icon Class formula is working, and it's betting heavily that demand for these mega-ships will continue well into the next decade.

A major expansion of ships

The addition of orders for Icon 6 and 7 come less than a year since they ordered Icon 5.  That's a significant jump in the orderbook.

Icon of the Seas made headlines for all the right reasons when she debuted in 2024, and it was clear that this class was a revolution.  Icon ships are now the new standard bearer that all new ships are judged against, regardless of line.

Legend of the Seas is set to debut this summer, which will be the third Icon Class ship. Hero of the Seas will join the fleet in 2027, followed by Icon 5 in 2028.

This means Royal Caribbean will build the most of any class of ships with the Icon Class (tied with Oasis Class). As a company as focused on profitability as Royal Caribbean Group, that's no coincidence that the experience is matching up to sales.

Why Royal Caribbean is doubling down

This isn’t just about building more ships. It’s about doubling down on a strategy that has clearly resonated with cruisers and the marketplace.

The Icon Class was designed as a "white paper" ship, which means they designed it from the ground up without a starting basis. Instead of simply adding more features, the company has focused on creating distinct "neighborhoods" onboard, each with its own identity, atmosphere, and purpose.

Part of the genius of these ships is that they work on so many levels, including families. It's a true multi-generational ship because families, couples, seniors, and kids can all find plenty to do. Often, together. That comes in the form of a massive water park, adults-only spaces, and high-end dining and entertainment.

That broad appeal has translated into strong demand.

Royal Caribbean executives have repeatedly pointed to the Icon Class as a key driver of bookings, pricing power, and overall guest satisfaction.

What we know about Icon 6 and 7

If you're looking for what will be different about Icon 6 or 7, you'll have to wait a bit longer for those answers.

Royal Caribbean has not yet announced names, where they will be based, or any features.  It's really just confirmation that they will build two more ships than they had previously disclosed.

Based on the pattern of Icon Class ships thus far, it's safe to assume Royal Caribbean will employ a strategy of maintaining much of the core Icon Class experience, but experiment with tweaks and changes to make it even better.

As an example, Hero of the Seas will see pools added and expanded, which reflect guest feedback from Icon and Star of the Seas.

Expect a similar evolution with future ships that take into account lessons learned from earlier vessels.

The brand new Royal Beach Club Santorini has opened to welcome its first cruise ship passengers.

The "Ultimate Santorini Day" is a new kind of excursion offered on the Greek island exclusively to Royal Caribbean passengers.

The first guests were welcome to a new private-style destination in Greece that blends a traditional port day with a curated, all-inclusive beach experience.

Unlike a traditional cruise line private island, this is a curated shore excursion that goes beyond what a third party can offer. Royal Caribbean built out an island visit that offers the very best experience based on what its customers have always wanted.

Think of it like a premium shore excursion built right into one of the most visited cruise ports in the world.

A different kind of excursion

The first guests arrived today to try it out, and we have our first look at what this is all about.

Royal Caribbean opted to takeover an existing beachfront location on the southern coast of the island and transform it into a branded experience that matches up to what its guests yearn for in a beach day.

In fact, they picked Santorini because the island had high appeal with guests, but low satisfaction scores. This has been a core part of Royal Caribbean's formula of picking ports that don't perform as well as they'd like and add a beach club to enhance it.

It started with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, and will expand to Cozumel as well later this year. 

A day pass includes:

• Transportation from the ship
• Access to black sand beach
• All-you-can-eat Greek cuisine
  • Unlimited Greek frozen yogurt
  • Gyros, Greek salads, food trucks
  • Complimentary welcome drink
  • House wine, draft beer, and more
• Visits and transportation to Oia and Fira

Odyssey of the Seas was the first ship to visit the island with paying guests, and Royal Caribbean Blog reader Nick J. shared photos of his experience.

Royal Beach Club Santorini is part of a packaged excursion called the "Ultimate Santorini Day," which combines sightseeing with a beach break.

Santorini has struggled with cruise overcrowding for years, and Royal Caribbean is trying to smooth out that experience by spreading guests across multiple locations throughout the day.

What the beach club itself offers

At its core, Royal Beach Club Santorini is a beach-first experience. The setting is a stretch of Santorini’s signature volcanic black sand coastline, with wide-open views of the Aegean Sea.

When you get to the beach, you can expect:

• Reserved loungers and umbrellas
• Towels and beach facilities
• A Mediterranean buffet and quick bites
• Draft beer, wine, soda, and water
• Wi-Fi access throughout the property

There's also a clear emphasis on local flavor. Instead of generic cruise fare, the food leans into Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

Who can access it

The beach club is open to:

• Guests sailing with Royal Caribbean
• Guests on Celebrity Cruises
• Guests on Silversea
• Local residents, depending on availability

There are no age restrictions, so it’s designed to work for families as well as adults.

The bigger strategy behind beach clubs

This opening is part of a much larger rollout.

Royal Caribbean Group plans to expand its land-based portfolio significantly over the next few years, including:

• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
• Royal Beach Club Cozumel
• Perfect Day Mexico
• Royal Beach Club Lelepa

The goal is clear: give guests more controlled, predictable experiences that garner high satisfaction scores.

As Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said, expanding these destinations gives guests "more ways to have unforgettable experiences."

I booked what is technically the cheapest of the top tier suites on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas so we could get the best perks that would spoil us.

A handful of suites fall into the Star Class category, which has practically everything included, priority access, and the services of the Royal Genie. If your goal is to splurge and treat yourself, this is the best way to go about it.

I booked the two bedroom Aquatheather suite for me and my wife, along with our two kids. The total cost of the room was $11,437. Steep, but a cheaper price than some of the much larger and lavish suites.

Since this was going to be my wife's birthday, I decided to book this type of a cruise ship stateroom so we could celebrate in style. After all, she misses out on some of my cruises I go to for work, so I wanted to treat her to something extra nice.

We sailed on a 3-night weekend cruise that departed from Port Canaveral with stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.  A quick escape, so we wanted to maximize our time onboard with a really nice place for our family and friends to congregate.

Here's what it's like to stay in this mega suite, and what you get for the cost.

Aquatheater suites are massive, with lots of room for everyone

The first thing you'll notice about an Aquatheater suite is how giant this room is overall.

There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and an even larger wraparound balcony. 

For families, this is easily the best suite option given that there are separate sleeping areas and two full bathrooms. That's a luxury not often found in many other suites.

At 823 square feet, plus 772 square feet of balcony space, you can spread out.  Not to mention we can easily invite friends to join us in the room and still not come close to making the room feel crowded.

The balcony is the real highlight of this cabin

The first thing you'll notice about this suite are the amazing views all around you.

From the living room, there are near panoramic views of the ocean and Boardwalk neighborhood. Stepping outside to the balcony, you're greeted with something to see all around you.

Aquatheater suites have a balcony that extends to both sides, offering a traditional ocean balcony experience on one side, and then a view of the Aquatheater and Boardwalk on the other.

At night, you have the perfect view for the aqua shows below.  

On Utopia of the Seas, the "Aqua80s Too" is the show that was performed two times per night on two nights of the cruise.

While your seating is to the side, it is an amazing vantage point to have and really gives you the proper perspective of the performance. Plus, there's no rush to get a seat or trying to squeeze your way out when the show is over.

Plus, our Genie brought the kids a DIY ice cream bar, while the adults had popcorn too.

During the daytime, there are loungers, a full table and chairs, plus a couple chairs on both sides of the balcony so you can enjoy the view from anywhere.

I only regret we didn't have a meal outside, but otherwise, the balcony was one of the top reasons we gravitate towards this type of suite.

The living room has lots of space, and doubles as a backup bedroom

Back inside the suite, the living room has a giant television that you can watch from the dining table or couch.

Because the living room is wrapped by the balcony, you'll find lots of living space here, which is perfect for entertaining friends.

The fridge is stocked with complimentary beers, soft drinks, and water. One of the many perks you get with a Star Class suite is having the beverage package included with your fare, along with a stateroom attendant that keeps your fridge stocked.

Plus, there's a coffee and espresso machine that you can use too. Personally, I prefer to have my Genie deliver Starbucks to my suite because that's another included benefit.

The couch can be expanded into a bed, allowing for a greater capacity or maybe just having the kids enjoy a "sleepover" there.

The master bedroom is the perfect enclave

Whenever we've stayed in an Aquatheater suite, we love having our friends come to visit and hang out.  However, it's equally nice to have a dedicated area just for me and my wife.

The master bedroom is as large as many interior cabins, but furnished much nicer.

There are two sets of massive closets on one side with more than enough storage space for all your clothes. Even if we were cruising for a week, there would have been ample space for everything.

There's even a door to the balcony, along with a window here.

There is a TV in this room as well.

Nearby is the vanity and seating area.  Not only is the large mirror located here, but you will find lots of power outlets too.  In fact, there are so many power outlets around this suite.  

I love that there are USB outlets on both sides of the bed. Dare I say, this is one suite you don't need to bring a power adaptor onboard.

The attached bathroom has a tub and shower, instead of a standup shower.

The bathroom isn't massive, but it's nice to have the tub.

There's a separate room for the kids, which is the kind of separation we look for in any cabin

A few steps away is a second bedroom that can sleep up to 4 people.

This is perfect for kids (or even their friends) because there are two beds on the ground (it can be combined into one bed), along with two pullman beds that fold down from the wall.

It has its own TV and vanity as well, which makes this room almost like an inside room within the suite.

There's no attached bathroom, so instead anyone sleeping in this room would need to walk across to the secondary bathroom of the suite.

This bathroom is your typical cruise ship bathroom.  Because it's accessible from the living room, it means anyone visiting can use it without needing to go into any of the bedrooms.

The best thing about this suite isn't the room at all

The balcony is massive and has great views, and even the suite itself has lots of space for a family. But the top reason to book this suite is for the Royal Genie services.

Star Class suites come with a Genie that you share with 2 or 3 other suites.

Think of the genie as a magic maker that's job is to ensure you get everything you want or need without much waiting.

They can arrange almost everything onboard for you, including shows, meals, room service, and more.  Since pretty much everything onboard is included with your cruise fare, the genie takes care of the rest.

Here are some examples of things the genie did for us on this sailing:

• Took care of my cabana location request for Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Arranged for Starbucks and breakfast to be delivered each morning
• Sent up afternoon snacks
• Booked all of our specialty restaurants
• Met us at the shows and dinner to escort us in
• Arranged for private elevator rides disembarking the ship

Of course, I could do most of these things myself.  But the point here is it's nice to let someone else take care of you instead.

Our genie really made us all feel like family while we were onboard and treated us as such. Having a genie is the "easy button" to how to cruise.

Our suite was massive and very expensive. But it's the perfect way to splurge

I would never try to convince anyone an Aquatheater suite is some kind of a good value, but I do think it's the perfect way to go big on vacation.

Everyone has different budgets, needs, and tastes when it comes to cruising. And there are always going to be some people that want an all-out celebration in an epic kind of suite.

Because this was only 3-nights, the $11k price tag was manageable. Had this been a weeklong cruise, I'm not sure I would have been able to justify the cost.

No one needs a suite like this, but my goodness, is it an incredible way to enjoy a cruise.

Happy weekend! In case you missed any Royal Caribbean news, here is a look at everything that happened this week!

Royal Caribbean has a new option for anyone booking a guaranteed cabin to find out their cabin for a fee.

For $30, the new Early Assign program offers a way to know your cabin assignment weeks earlier than normal.

The new option is being tested out as a way to give cruisers peace of mind while also generating extra revenue.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean just changed its casino comp cruises
• Royal Caribbean is planning a month-long party at sea with deals, giveaways, and surprises
• No, Royal Caribbean isn’t replacing lunch with brunch at one of it's restaurants
• Meet the most famous crew member on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• What happens if you miss the cruise ship safety drill?
• I always make a point to meet these 7 crew members on every cruise
• What are the biggest, longest, and tallest cruise ships in the world?
• I stayed in the cheapest cruise rooms on two major cruise lines. Here's how they compared, and which I liked better

New RCB Video: Five Forbidden Electronics Royal Caribbean Security Is Confiscating From Staterooms This Year

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! 

This week, we are sharing our latest video—Five Forbidden Electronics Royal Caribbean Security Is Confiscating From Staterooms This Year—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Legend of the Seas begins sea trials

The next new Royal Caribbean ship is finally at sea.

Legend of the Seas has started her sea trials, which is a major milestone in the ship's progress.

This is when certain navigation and technical systems are put to the test.

Royal Caribbean is about to open a beach club in Santorini. Here's how it will be different

One of the designers of the new Royal Beach Club Santorini shared how this private destination will be different.

In a few days, a new Royal Beach Club will open in the Mediterranean, and it addresses a need in the market.

Royal Caribbean believes it will offer the ultimate way to experience the Greek islands.

I spent 12 days on Royal Caribbean's smallest ship

Ira spent almost two weeks on one of Royal Caribbean's smallest and oldest ships.

Vision of the Seas doesn't have all the features you'll find on a big ship, but it makes up for it in other ways.

Cruising on an older ship gets you a much lower price, as well as a more intimate cruise experience.

Inside an interior room on Symphony of the Seas

For $1,400, Elizabeth stayed in the smallest cabin for a week.

You'll pay a premium to sail on a bigger and newer ship, but this cabin has plenty of storage space.

At just 149 square feet, it's not big by any means, but there's so much happening onboard the ship, so how much time would you spend in it?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 605th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt lists three features he wants to see on the Discovery Class ships, and three he doesn't want onboard.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean’s annual casino loyalty perks are starting to hit accounts, and longtime players are noticing something feels different right away.

Every year in April, those that gambled enough on Royal Caribbean ships to reach a higher tier are eligible to receive a complimentary cruise.

The complimentary cruise certificates that once followed a predictable set of rules have been replaced with a new system that, for some members, offers more flexibility than ever before, while others don't see as much return value.

For some, the update opens the door to longer sailings and even higher-tier cabins.

Here's what has changed.

Royal Caribbean gives you a free cruise every year, if you play enough in their casinos

Royal Caribbean offers perks for gambling in its casinos through the Casino Royale program.

This is a separate loyalty program from Crown & Anchor Society, and it resets every year.  Based on how many points you earn in a calendar year, you can reach higher tiers.

Prime is the level that offers perks, and it includes complimentary drinks in the casino while playing, no fee for cash advances, and a complimentary cruise each year.

The annual complimentary cruise offerings are different from last year

On April 21st, members who obtained the highest tier started to see their annual certificates appear in their account. 

In years past, you could choose any cruise that wasn't listed on an exclusion list. The excluded sailings were typically holiday sailings or event cruises. It was also limited to any sailing for 7 nights or less.  

The framework was simple: if a sailing wasn’t on the excluded list and was seven nights or less, it was fair game.

Craig Hart reached the highest casino status at Masters, and he said the Master’s list has changed from a list of excluded cruises to a list of included sailings up to 25 night and ranged from balcony to Grand Suite. 

On paper, that sounds like a major upgrade. Longer cruises and higher-end accommodations were rarely part of the annual certificate conversation before.

He thinks some people may see this as a great change, but others may not as much value in it.

Within the email sent out by Casino Royale, there were also talks of "new limited-time bonus offers and special perks throughout the year, so you have the chance to upgrade your annual cruise benefit." 

What this means, no one knows yet, but it may create more value for the casino players.

Win or lose? Casino players debate if they like the change

For some casino guests, the expanded list represents a clear win. Access to longer voyages opens up options that simply didn’t exist under the old rules, particularly for travelers who prefer repositioning cruises or extended itineraries.

The inclusion of higher-category cabins also suggests Royal Caribbean is willing to offer a more premium experience to certain players, at least on select sailings.

At the same time, the move from an "exclusion list" to an "inclusion list" changes how flexible the benefit feels. Instead of browsing the full range of sailings and ruling out a handful, players are now limited to a curated selection chosen by the cruise line. Even if that list is extensive, it can still feel restrictive compared to the previous system.

That perception matters, especially for a loyalty program built around repeat play and predictable rewards.

Craig is curious to see how these changes impact how cruisers look at the value in the program, "While more people obtain status in the casino because of the value in years past, Royal Caribbean ships are sailing at or over capacity.  As this new casino year progresses, new ships start sailing and ships continue to sell out, it will be interesting to see other changes that will be made this year."

Depending on your cruising preferences, the available ships and sailings are either useful or not.  Newer ships, such as the Icon Class are not very prevalent. On Reddit, there were plenty of opinions.

• "Prime used to be any 7 day in an interior with a list of exceptions (usually just new ships and holidays). Now its a 500 cruise list. Huge downgrade. Boo!"
• "Mostly older ships and shorter sailings."
• "Highly disappointing. Most of these are older ships that I get an offer for in the mail 3 times a week."
• "No Icon for prime. Mostly older ships ships and short trips."

The sentiment shared by some is they gambled last year with a certain expectation, but feel the new change wasn't expected.

One person on Reddit posted, "I purposely gambled far more than I normally do to achieve Prime in anticipation for an interior on any 7 day cruise, 2+ year old boat, minus holidays."

"Not getting that is being bait and switched."

If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean this September, your vacation is about to come with a lot more than just the usual shows and pool days. 

The cruise line is bringing back its Royal Birthday Bash with special events, surprise giveaways, and even some deals that could save you money before you ever step onboard.

The promotion centers on sailings departing between September 1 and September 30, 2026, on cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico.

The Birthday Bash was first introduced last year, and this year's version leans heavily into both the onboard experience and the pre-cruise savings.

Here's what Royal Caribbean has planned if you happen to be cruising in September.

Royal Caribbean picked the month with the most birthdays

According to Royal Caribbean's research, the month of September has the most birthdays of any month. Therefore, they want to make every sailing feel like a birthday party.

Guests can expect themed events and pop-up surprises throughout their cruise, including special birthday cocktails, raffles and giveaways, and one of the more visible additions—a balloon drop party that turns a public venue into a full-on celebration.

Importantly, you don’t need to be celebrating your own birthday to take part. Royal Caribbean is opening the festivities to anyone sailing during the month. If you are celebrating a birthday, though, expect a few extra touches that lean into the theme.

Look for a special pre-cruise sale

Royal Caribbean is pairing the onboard celebration with a limited-time sale that runs from April 24 through May 7, 2026. 

During that window, there is a mix of discounts and incentives aimed at both new bookings and guests who already have a September cruise reserved.

One promotion is familiar: third and fourth guests sailing free. For families or groups booking a single stateroom, that can represent a meaningful savings, especially on shorter Caribbean sailings.

On top of that, the cruise line is adding up to $200 off stateroom pricing for September departures.

This isn't Kids Sail Free, it's any third and fourth passengers (taxes, fees, and overall pricing still apply). It's a good opportunity to bring friends and sail together.

For guests who already have a cruise booked in September, Royal Caribbean is also rolling out a set of pre-cruise deals that run slightly longer, from April 21 through May 12, 2026. These discounts focus on add-ons that many cruisers end up buying anyway.

Some of the notable discounts include:

• 50% off the Unlimited Dining Package
• 50% off admission to Thrill Waterpark
• 50% off admission to Hideaway Beach
• 40% off onboard Wi-Fi

Guests ages 12 and under can get up to 50% off refreshment and soda packages, along with 35% off arcade access.

One detail that may appeal to more experienced cruisers is that Royal Caribbean says these Birthday Bash offers can be combined with other promotions. That stacking potential is where some of the better deals tend to emerge.

A fun excuse to cruise

Whether you have a birthday or not in the month of September, Royal Caribbean is looking to give folks a reason to try a cruise.

While September may statistically have the most birthdays of any months, it's likely no coincidence that there are deeper savings for a cruise during the peak of hurricane season.

Early fall has traditionally been a shoulder season for Caribbean cruising, with lower demand compared to peak summer and holiday periods. Promotions like this can help fill that gap, while also giving guests an added reason to book a sailing that might already be priced more competitively.

Still, for guests already booked (or those considering a September trip), the Royal Birthday Bash adds an extra layer to the experience. It might save money or just add extra fun to everyone's vacation.