Passengers booked on Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas received an email to inform them their sailings are being canceled as the ship gets repositioned for summer 2027.

In emails sent to booked guests this week, the cruise line said Spectrum of the Seas "will be redeployed for our Summer 2027 season" as part of its "ongoing itinerary planning process." 

The cruise line did not specifically say why the change was being made, alluding to the fact there are sometimes scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs that could necessitate it. Nonetheless, anyone booked on Spectrum will need to change plans.

Here's what's changing and what new options are available.

Royal Caribbean changes Spectrum of the Seas plans for 2027 cruises

The letter posted online by Derrick Low is for the February 14, 2027 sailing, with guests being offered several replacement cruise options instead. His original itinerary was scheduled to visit Fukuoka and Kumamoto, Japan.

Spectrum of the Seas has been one of Royal Caribbean’s key ships in the Asia market since launching in 2019. Built specifically for China and surrounding markets, the Quantum Ultra Class ship has spent much of its service operating cruises from Shanghai and Hong Kong with itineraries to Japan and South Korea.

Now there are new plans for where Spectrum will sail in 2027.

Based on the new options, it appears Royal Caribbean is adding back Japanese ports of call.

Last year, Royal Caribbean had to update at least 14 voyages leaving Shanghai between January and April 2026 because they couldn't visit Japanese ports anymore.

That change was because of deteriorating China-Japanese relations over Japan's stance on Taiwan's political status. 

New sailings to choose from on Spectrum of the Seas

According to the notice sent to passengers, guests can choose from several alternate 5-night sailings aboard Spectrum of the Seas departing from Shanghai (Baoshan), China.

The replacement options include:

• September 1, 2026: Fukuoka and Nagasaki, Japan
• October 11, 2026: Kagoshima and Okinawa, Japan
• February 17, 2027: Fukuoka, Japan and Busan, South Korea
• February 22, 2027: Nagasaki and Kagoshima, Japan
• March 24 or April 18, 2027: Nagasaki and Kagoshima, Japan
• June 4, 2027: Fukuoka and Nagasaki, Japan

Royal Caribbean said passengers who rebook onto one of the replacement sailings will receive price protection. Guests will be moved to a like-for-like stateroom category, and the cruise fare will either remain at the original booked rate or be reduced to the current fare if prices are lower.

Taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items are excluded from the fare protection policy.

Any guests that paid in full will be refunded the difference if the replacement cruise costs less than the original sailing.

The letter also mentions onboard credit incentives for affected guests, although the exact amount was not fully visible in the passenger screenshot shared online.

Redeployments are not uncommon

Sometimes Royal Caribbean needs to change its ship plans, so today's announcement is not unheard of when it comes to cruise plans.

The email for this one did not specify exactly why they are making the change, but logistical needs often force the line's hand.

Luckily, this change is being made many months in advance while cruisers have time to make changes.

Spectrum is a very unique ship

Spectrum of the Seas is not just another Quantum Class ship. Royal Caribbean designed it with features and venues specifically tailored toward Asian travelers. 

The ship includes upgraded suite areas, larger shopping offerings, private enclave spaces, and dining concepts that differ from what guests typically find on ships sailing in North America.

The ship also introduced the Ultimate Family Suite concept in Asia. 

Since her debut, Spectrum has served as the premier Royal Caribbean ship in the region.

There are somethings you can do on a cruise ship that seem like a great idea, but you'll probably regret it later.

When I went on on Star of the Seas, I thought it would be fun to put a dry erase board on my cabin door.  It became a regular target for some cruisers who thought it was fun to deface it every day, so I ended up taking it down and tossing it in the trash.

As they say, live and learn.  And there are plenty of other examples of ideas that sound good until you actually try them out.

For instance, I took a bus ride to Bordeaux, France because I didn't think a 90 minute bus ride each way would be that bad.  While I had a great time exploring that city, the commute time was worse than I ever imagined.

To that point, I hear from other cruisers who suggest certain plans on their cruise and I want to immediately stop them before they make a mistake.

I came up with 6 ideas I see often from cruisers that simply sound better than they really are.

Try to do two excursions in the same day

If you want a sure-fire way to overwhelm yourself, try booking two shore excursions on the same day.

It's tempting to try to work in different excursions while in port, but I find it's more trouble than it's worth.

First, there's the paranoia factor that comes with worrying about missing the second tour if your first tour doesn't finish exactly on time. Or the time and distance required to get from the end of your first tour to the second tour.

But more importantly, it's a lot to work into a day. Excursions involve some level of physical exertion, and I find after one tour, I'm ready for a break of some kind. I might want to chill out, go for a walk, or simply explore on my own.

Post-tour fatigue is especially problematic on warm Caribbean cruises, where the heat and humidity will wear you down.

Instead of two tours on the same day, book one and leave a follow-up DIY tour as something you could do if you feel there's enough time and motivation.

Combining CocoCay water park and day pass

If you're thinking of booking a cabana or a day pass to either Coco Beach Club or Hideaway Beach with a water park admission, you're not going to be able to sufficiently enjoy either.

Having tried all of the extra cost areas of Perfect Day at CocoCay, I believe each is best enjoyed when you spend the whole day there.

Considering how costly a day pass, cabana rental, or water park admission can be, I don't think it makes financial sense to try to combine them and feel like you had enough time at any of them to justify the cost.

Pick one and relish the experience it provides. Save the other one for your next visit.

Flying in the same day as your cruise leaves

One of the top faux pas you can make on a cruise is to try to fly in the same day your cruise departs.

You're thinking you could save money by not having to get a hotel room and incidental costs that come with it. 

The problem is you have a narrow window of time to board your ship, and a travel delay could lead you to miss the cruise entirely.  Royal Caribbean will not refund your money because your flight was cancelled or delayed.

Air travel is especially susceptible to delays due to weather, government shutdowns, maintenance issues, and a host of other issues.

Even if you have travel insurance that would cover some of the lost cost, that won't make up for the vacation time you were looking forward to.

Instead, you'll want to arrive at least a day or two before your cruise is set to depart to ensure travel delays won't impact your ability to make it on the ship.

Letting the cruise line pick your stateroom

I love saving money on my cruise reservation, but there are risks with letting Royal Caribbean choose your cabin location.

Guaranteed cabins are an option where you can save money on a particular stateroom category, but your room will be assigned from a pool of unsold cabins later on.

While Royal Caribbean did add a new option to pay money to find your guarantee cabin assignment sooner, but you're still getting a room assigned based on the leftover choices.

In my experience, you're going to end up with a room in a location that you might not be comfortable with.  It could be all the way at the front of the ship or at the back. That means a longer distance to walk to the elevators, as well as feeling more movement from the ocean.

Your balcony might have an obstruction to it from a lifeboat or other piece of equipment that hinders your view.

One of the most common scenarios is you get put in a connecting cabin, which are notorious for noise bleed issues because the connecting door isn't very well insulated.

If you're someone that needs to have a cabin in a specific location or would be disappointed if your view was ruined by an obstruction, I'd recommend booking a specific cabin instead.

Thinking Royal Caribbean's VIP pass will make a big difference

Many long-time readers of this site know I'm not a fan of The Key, and it's because the benefits sound a lot better than they really are.

Advertised as a VIP pass, The Key includes many perks, such as priority boarding, a welcome aboard lunch, carry-on luggage storage, and priority times at certain attractions.

On paper, these sound great.  But in reality, I think you're overpaying for benefits you can mostly get on your own or benefits you probably won't ever use.

For example, priority boarding is lovely, but Royal Caribbean's boarding process very efficiently. If you get an early check-in time, I promise you'll board the ship within a few minutes of those with The Key.

The welcome aboard lunch is food from Chops Grille, which you can order on your own by making a reservation.

The priority times at signature attractions never includes the water slides, and the times given are either early in the morning or late afternoon.  Those are times when demand is quite low for things like the Flowrider or rock climbing wall anyway.

The bottom line is the daily cost adds up, and I think you probably won't get the value out of it.  Instead, book the perks you need on your own.

Booking cruises directly with the cruise line

Unlike other areas of travel, booking your vacation directly with the cruise line is actually a mistake.

When you book a cruise, there's so much more to decide beyond the ship and room you want. Cruising is very personalized, and the itinerary and/or ship you choose affects which destinations you'll visit and which excursions will be available to you.

Plus, the different cabin categories, dining choices, gratuities, and even when to make payments all add additional layers of complexity.

I recommend everyone use a good travel agent to book a cruise because of the personalization factor involved.

To Royal Caribbean's credit, it's very easy to book a cruise on their website or by calling them. But a good travel agent can be such a terrific resource to answer questions, determine the ideal cabin and itinerary, and most importantly: step in when there's a problem.

Moreover, travel agents have access to special group rates and discounts. Agencies negotiate group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on your cruise fare.

It's not always the case, but I'm surprised how often I'm able to save money simply because I used a travel agent.

I cannot tell you how many questions about problems or situations I get from cruisers that could have easily been avoided if they had used a good travel agent.

When I took my first cruise 20 years ago, any Caribbean island was interesting.  But I quickly came to understand certain ports are substantially better and worth a trip every time.

When you first visit one of these places, it almost immediately jumps out to you as being different and endearing. I hesitate to say you fall in love with them, but it's along those lines.

Over the years, I've gone to many ports of call around North America and Europe.  A few truly stand out as the places I'd love to go back to in a heartbeat for a variety of reasons.

If you're choosing between itineraries, here are seven places Royal Caribbean ships visit that you should absolutely prioritize visiting at least once.

Tortola

I just visited Tortola for the first time earlier this year, and I can see why it was so highly touted.

Tortola is one of those less frequently visited cruise ports that only smaller ships can get to, so it's not a common port on Royal Caribbean itineraries. Luckily, my Brilliance of the Seas cruise took me there, and I was so glad I got see it.

We took a boat out for the day and sailed to a few different beaches, including Jost Van Dyke and the famous Soggy Dollar Bar. I was worried it would be too touristy, but the ocean water and beach were unmatched.

Beautiful beaches in the Caribbean can seem to be very similar, but when you get to one that truly stands out, you quickly notice the difference.

Plus, I think Tortola has an advantage because it feels so untamed compared to the larger islands.

Juneau

I probably could list all the ports in Alaska, but Juneau always jumps out as my favorite because of how much you can see and do here.

Alaska cruises are marvelous, and I think you'll quickly love the natural beauty of this part of the world.  It's majestic and encapsulates everything you probably assumed about sailing there.

My favorite spot in Juneau is Mendenhall Glacier Park because you can take a leisurely walk to Mendenhall Glacier and enjoy a fantastic view from a nearby waterfall.

Alternatively, there are some great excursions that can take you right to the glacier itself.

St. John

Close in proximity to Tortola, St. John has the best beaches I've ever been to in the world.

It's like a postcard there: the perfect shade of blue ocean water, white sand beach, and the water clarity is like glass. Tortola is similar, but St. John is even less built up than Tortola because the nearly the entire island is a national park.

Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay are the top two beaches, but Honeymoon Beach and a few others are equally stunning.

I dare you not to go here and not think you've stumbled across an Instagram ad for the Caribbean.

You'll need to take a ferry to get to St. John from St. Thomas, but it's my go-to spot every time we are there. I just wish Royal Caribbean would offer longer stays in St. Thomas so I could spend longer in St. John.

Alicante

I went to a few different ports of call in Spain over the years, but Alicante is my favorite of them all.

Located on the coast of the Mediterranean, it encapsulates exactly what you want in a day in Spain. Great food, rich history, and even beautiful beaches.

In fact, I was blown away how nice the beaches were in Alicante.  I was probably a Caribbean beach snob and assumed the Med couldn't compete, but I would pick this beach over a lot others I've been to back west.

Plus, the city has an incredible promenade near the ocean and lots of history to go with its shopping. I debated if I should choose this or Malaga, but I gave the edge to Alicante because I think their beach is better.

Nonetheless, you must try a visit to the southern coast of Spain and experience this part of the world.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

While a cruise line private island isn't an authentic experience, it makes up for that in sheer fun.

Not every place you visit needs to be somewhere with historical significance.  One of the best reasons anyone travels is to have a good time, and I dare you not to have a good time at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean reset what a private island could be like when they revamped their private destination to include so much more.  The result has been the new bar that all other cruise lines are measured against, and secretly try to copy.

There are swim-up bars, a waterpark, adults-only enclave, plenty of beaches, music, dancing, pools, and plenty more.

What I love about CocoCay is how many choices you have in how you can spend your day, and it works for kids, adults, grandparents and more. The genius of this island is how you can have a completely different experience each time you visit.

Aruba

If I had to give one Caribbean island the award for being the best island for offering the total package, it would be Aruba.

No matter where you go in Aruba, you're going to find beautiful beaches and (probably) perfect weather.

Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are sprawling beaches that you'll want to spend all day in, soaking up the sun and cooling off in the water.

It's also where I've done a few different sunset cruises and each has been spectacular.

San Juan

I've visited San Juan, Puerto Rico at least a dozen times, and it has the richest culture and history of any cruise port in the Caribbean.

When your ship docks in Old San Juan, you're instantly immersed in a world that was built 500 years ago and still evokes that spirit.

I love wandering the streets of Old San Juan, because it combines old world charm with the people of Puerto Rico. There's so much vibrancy here, it's hard not to love how it almost feels like you're transported to a different century.

Plus, Puerto Rico's food is vastly underrated.  Mofongo is my top Caribbean comfort food, and there are so many varieties to try.

Royal Caribbean offers complimentary cruises if you gamble enough in its casino, and one cruiser claims he has the winning strategy.

While gambling in a cruise ship casino is often a source of entertainment for many passengers, some treat it like a farm where they can harvest winnings that go beyond money.

The cruise line incentives gambling by offering "free cruises" if you earn enough points on a sailing. These casino comps are a kind of "thank you" for wagering a lot of money, as well as a token of appreciation for continued loyalty.

While I've seen plenty of Royal Caribbean casino strategies, TikTok user Joe (@joe2go_ta) claims he has found the winning formula of gambling enough to get free cruise offers that he spends 6 months a year on ships.

37 back-to-back cruises for "free" from the casino

In his most popular video that has almost a million views, Joe recaps how he can afford to live on a cruise ship for 6 months from those casino comps.

First, he says he begins by gambling enough on a single sailing to reach Prime status within the casino.  This is the second tier of Club Royale's loyalty program, and it includes one complimentary cruise and unlimited drinks in the ship's casino. 

According to Joe, the foundation of the strategy is surprisingly simple: gamble heavily once a year, hit Prime status in Club Royale, and then stop gambling.

"I gamble once a year," he explained in the video. "I spend about $2,000. I get my 2500 points to hit Prime. Once I do that, I don’t go back to the casino."

This part of his strategy is rather surprising, because a lot of cruisers that enjoy the ship's casino tend to gamble on every sailing. He claims the goal is to earn enough casino points during a single cruise to unlock a year’s worth of benefits and future offers.

But he says the real value comes afterward.

According to him, hitting Prime generates three different types of cruise offers: 

• The first is an instant certificate earned while onboard after reaching a certain number of points
• The second is an annual complimentary cruise that comes with Prime status itself
• The third is the steady stream of promotional offers emailed throughout the year

"You get promotional offers weekly or monthly throughout your email," he said.

That combination, he claims, is what allowed him to stack together months of cruises without paying normal cruise fares.

He chooses a specific kind of slot machine to maximize winnings

The most interesting part of his strategy is how he gambles.

Instead of chasing jackpots or high-risk slot machines, he says he exclusively plays "low volatility" slots. Those are machines designed to pay back smaller amounts more frequently instead of offering huge bonus rounds or massive jackpots.

"All I play is low volatility slots," he said. "Slots that pay more money back per spin but don’t have bonuses."

He specifically mentioned slot machines like Black Diamond and Hot Tamales, calling Hot Tamales his preferred game.

His theory is simple and focuses on churning points, rather than chasing highs. You earn points based on how much money you wager, not how much money you win. Therefore, a machine that slowly cycles money back can allow gamblers to continue playing longer while accumulating points.

In other words, the goal is not necessarily to win big. The goal is to stretch gambling bankroll as efficiently as possible while earning enough casino points to trigger lucrative cruise offers later.

It's worth mentioning his strategy isn't foolproof. There is always risk involved with gambling, and there's no guarantee someone will only lose a couple thousand dollars trying to reach Prime status. Some cruisers could lose far more, while others may get lucky and lose less.

He leverages Royal Caribbean's loyalty perks to combine too

"I would not have been able to afford it if I wasn’t Diamond Plus," he admitted.

His casino strategy leverages not only what the casino gives him, but also his repeat cruiser benefits from Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program.

He says living onboard long-term would have been much harder without Diamond Plus status in Crown & Anchor Society.

Diamond Plus members receive benefits that can dramatically reduce daily onboard spending, including complimentary drinks, free laundry, discounts, and other perks that become especially valuable during back-to-back cruises.

Being kind to crew members is another important recommendation he has

The TikToker also emphasized another part of cruise life that frequent cruisers often mention: relationships with crew members.

"When you’re on the ship, treat your employees well," he said. "Tip them."

He goes as far as offering to pick up basic necessities crew members may need during their contracts. He does so for the crew members he strikes up a friendship with along the way.

According to him, those relationships made long-term cruising feel more personal and enjoyable.

"It’s good to have people that know you by name and treat you like a friend rather than a guest," he explained.

Does his strategy actually work?

After watching his video, his approach to Prime status isn't revolutionary. But his recommendation for how to gamble is a good reminder if you're chasing points.

From my own experience, I can tell you if you hit Prime status on one sailing (2,500 points), yes, you'll qualify for an instant certificate right then and there. And then you'll get another free cruise offer the following April.

However, I would caution anyone before they start to go to the casino host desk and look at the qualifying sailings available for when you reach 2,500 points.  You don't get to choose any cruise. Rather, you have to choose from a subset of sailings.  So make sure those cruises are ones that you'd actually want to sail on.

The other part of his strategy that gives me pause is the reliance on offers that come in the mail or online for additional free sailings. 

In my opinion, that's a giant x-factor, because you're at the mercy of if offers will come to you or not.  It's very much a "feast or famine" experience.

The other thing he doesn't mention about this is the offers you typically get a Prime member tend to be on older, smaller ships.  You're not getting a week on Star of the Seas or even a weekend on Utopia of the Seas. Instead, there are a lot of offers for Enchantment, Grandeur, or Rhapsody of the Seas.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, but something to keep in mind.

You can check your luggage to have your bags brought onboard a cruise ship, but a lot of cruise passengers skip it.

Unlike checking a bag with the airlines, having your bags brought on the ship has no cost and is far less logistically challenging.

As you arrive at the cruise terminal, there are porters waiting to take your luggage so it can be delivered later to your stateroom.

I take advantage of this service every single time, because bringing your own bags aboard the ship is more trouble than it's worth.

Here's why you should let Royal Caribbean handle your cruise ship luggage instead of hauling it yourself.

Checking your luggage vs bringing a carry-on

I recommend giving the porters any luggage larger than a backpack so it can be taken on the ship for you.

The porters working outside the terminal entrance don't work for the cruise line, but they're quite friendly and technically don't charge a fee.  I say "technically" because there's no cost to check your bags, but a tip is expected.

It's customary to give them a gratuity of $1-$2 per bag.

Royal Caribbean doesn't charge baggage fees nor do they limit you in how many pieces of luggage you can bring onboard the ship. 

"Each guest is permitted to carry a reasonable amount of personal property (including luggage) aboard the vessel," is how the policy is worded.  In all my years of covering Royal Caribbean, I cannot recall an instance where a passenger was denied luggage because they had too much. 

Any luggage you give to the porters needs to be tagged, just like at the airport.  Royal Caribbean provides luggage tags you can print at home and affix to your bag.

If you forget them, the porters can easily attach the tags for you.

What you shouldn't give the porters are any bags that have personal documents or valuables inside. You'll need your passport or birth certificate for check-in later.

Moreover, I'd keep any cash or expensive jewelry, electronics with you in a carry-on bag.

You can bring your luggage onboard, but it's bulky and a pain to deal with

I shake my head when I see a family dragging all their luggage on a ship because it seems like an unnecessary hardship.

Your stateroom isn't ready until about 1pm, so bringing your own bags on the ship means bringing them with you all over until cabins are ready. No, you cannot go drop your bags off at the room earlier (although Celebrity Cruises allows this).

Cruise ship hallways are narrow, and elevators are small. It's busy enough on embarkation day getting around, and I feel the hassle of taking your luggage around just so you can have them an hour or two earlier than if they were delivered doesn't make sense.

Unlike the airlines, there's no cost to check your luggage on a cruise. The gratuity for the porters is a negligible amount of money, and the convenience of not having to deal with them is so worth it.

It's also worth noting you can only bring luggage on the ship yourself that can fit through the security scanners. That giant suitcase likely won't fit, and then you'll have to turn around and give the bag to the porter anyway.

I see too many families with kids trying to take all their luggage up and down decks. It's a completely unnecessary problem to encounter, which is why I'll always gladly hand my luggage to porters when I arrive at the terminal.

How you can store your luggage on a cruise ship

Any bags you check with a porter will be delivered to your stateroom.  

In my experience, bags usually arrive by early to mid afternoon. The only thing that would delay your bags being delivered is if there's something inside that's on the prohibited item list. If that occurs, the bags will be held by security and you'll have to go get it from them.

When your bags arrive to your stateroom, there's enough room to store the luggage inside your cabin.

Most conventional luggage should fit under the bed.  If we have a few pieces of luggage, we'll nest them inside each other and then slide it under the bed.

One thing I'll always do is unpack for my cruise, rather than living out of my suitcase. Cruise ship cabins have a lot storage, even in a small inside room. You'll find drawers and closets to use (including hangers).

I've found it's worth unpacking to make it easier to quickly find clothes I need later.  Plus, it helps with keeping clothes unwrinkled.

You can let Royal Caribbean take your bags off the ship at the end of the cruise too

On the final night of the cruise, you can leave your luggage outside your cabin door and have it delivered to the cruise terminal for you.

I have mixed feelings about whether to use this or not.

On the one hand, it's much easier to let them take your bags off the ship.  If you have mobility issues, kids, or lots of luggage, this is a godsend for how much easier it is to walk off the ship the next morning.

Royal Caribbean will leave luggage tags in your cabin, and there's a number on it. The number corresponds to a certain hour they will be ready to pick up in the terminal.

Read more: What the debarkation process is like on Royal Caribbean

However, putting your luggage out the night before the cruise ends means you have to pack that night, which disrupts your final day.  Plus, you still have to leave essentials and an outfit for the next day for the next morning.

The major compelling reason to carry your luggage off the ship yourself is because it's much faster. 

If you need to be off the ship as early as possible, those carrying their own luggage can disembark any time after it has been cleared by authorities. If you have an early flight home, this is your only recourse.

Personally, I tend to carry my bags off the ship most times so I can be on my way as early as I can. Not only do I want to beat the rush off the ship, but I see the last morning as a "rip the band aid off" kind of situation and would rather be done with it all.

If you do decide to let Royal Caribbean take your luggage off the ship, be sure to leave anything you'll need for the final evening and next morning out of that bag. Toiletries, valuables, identification, pajamas, and an outfit for the next day should all be taken off the ship by you in a smaller bag.

It's not uncommon to see someone walking off the ship on the last morning of the cruise in their pajamas because they clearly forgot to leave out an outfit.

Sometimes the cost of a Junior Suite is only a few hundred dollars more than a balcony room on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and that leads to the question of if it's worth upgrading or not.

Whether the extra cost is substantially more or not, the real question is are you paying for meaningful perks or just a slightly larger room?

I've sailed in Junior Suites many times, including most recently on an older ship. I've found the extra benefits of a Junior Suite and larger room to be quite useful. Nonetheless, I didn't want to overpay for them either.

Consider your travel style, ship class, and budget before choosing. Let's compare.

Balcony vs. Junior Suite comparison

What you get with a standard balcony cabin

A balcony room is the most popular type of cruise ship cabin because it's truly the middle ground option that is affordable for a lot of families.

With this type of stateroom, you'll have a slightly larger room than an interior cabin and have access to your own outdoor space.  This means you have an outside view from your room, as well as a private verandah to step out to and enjoy the fresh air and views.

Every balcony comes with a fairly standard set of features:

• King size bed (can be split apart)
• Private bathroom
• Sofa/couch
• Vanity seating area

The reason balcony cabins are so popular is because they have the best mix of price and comfort.

You have outside views and access to the outdoors without feeling like you're overspending.  Usually the price difference between an inside to a balcony is a reasonable cost.

Plus, a balcony feels like a major jump in experience from an inside room. Many cruisers swear by staying in a balcony because it adds just enough of a difference to make their room feel less insular, while also adding natural light to enhance it all.

Balcony cabins are especially attractive to first-time cruisers because it's the "goldilocks" cabin. 

What makes a Junior Suite different

The real selling point to a Junior Suite is how much more space you get compared to a balcony room.

The exact size depends on the ship, but you'll quickly notice how much larger these cabins feel. The living area is enormous, and there's a walk-in closet too.

The balcony in a Junior Suite tends to be larger than a standard balcony.

Another important reason some people prefer a Junior Suite is the fact it has a full tub instead of a shower. Lower category staterooms on Royal Caribbean ships have a stand-up shower only.

Another equally important Junior Suite perk are the benefits that come with this room.

Royal Caribbean will give you an extra Crown & Anchor point per night, which allows you to reach higher loyalty tiers faster. This is a major reason cruisers will book a category JS room.

You'll also get priority boarding in the cruise terminal, which means you can board with the suite guests.

Space permitting, you'll be able to dine at Coastal Kitchen on Oasis, Icon, and Quantum ships. This is a bonus complimentary restaurant that is exclusive to suite guests.

It's important to remember that despite its name, a Junior Suite isn't a real suite in terms of benefits.  Unless you book a Sky Junior Suite, you don't get the full suite benefits, including:

• No Royal Genie
• No access to the Suite Concierge
• No included W-iFi
• No included drink package
• No suite lounge access
• Breakfast and lunch at Coastal Kitchen are not included

When paying extra for a Junior Suite is absolutely worth it

The longer the sailing, the better the argument to move up to a Junior Suite.

On short cruises, you're going to be likely busy trying to squeeze in as much fun as you can, and so time spent in the stateroom is going to be limited.

On longer cruises, you'll probably spend more time in your room. This is especially true of transatlantic crossings. 

A lot of cruisers will say they move up to a Junior Suite on especially scenic itineraries, such as in Europe or Alaska.

I also think a Junior Suite is helpful when you're sharing a room with more than 2 people.  If you have kids, the extra living space will feel amazing.

Personally, I tend to splurge for a Junior Suites on older ships because the price isn't usually as much. Junior Suites can feel dramatically more comfortable on older ships.

Lastly, if you are prioritizing chasing higher cruise line loyalty, then a Junior Suite makes sense.

When a balcony cabin is the better choice

By default, a balcony is going to be the more economical choice.  So being on a budget may make this the defacto choice.

If your cruising style is that you tend to be out and about and barely use your room other than for showering, sleeping, and changing, then a balcony makes more sense.

You could also make a good argument to take the money needed to upgrade to a Junior Suite and spend it on something else to enhance your cruise, such as a drink package, shore excursion, or specialty dining. If upgrading means sacrificing excursions or drink packages, I'd keep the balcony cabin.

If I had the choice of one of those add-ons or a better room, I'd probably lean towards the add-ons because they can have a major impact in how you enjoy your trip.

One of the top regrets people have about a Junior Suite is not understanding these rooms don't have full suite benefits.

It's a common source of disappointment that despite the name, a Junior Suite isn't actually a real suite. So not having access to the Suite Lounge or other suite perks leads some to wish they hadn't booked one.

My advice after trying both

Balcony cabins are almost always going to be the better value, so it's a question of how much more a Junior Suite will cost.

It's also a question of your own personal needs: extra space, extra loyalty points, and your cruising style.  Some people will deem a Junior Suite far more necessary.

Anytime I've ever booked a Junior Suite, it's been because the price was nominally more than a balcony.  For me, that's a couple hundred dollars at the most more.

I love how much bigger a Junior Suite feels, and the extra Crown & Anchor points are a great perk, but I won't pay top dollar for it either.

I consider Junior Suites an "opportunistic splurge". If I want to celebrate a special occasion, or simply book something nicer, I'll go with a full suite.

I don't think I've ever regretted booking a balcony. The extra space in a Junior Suite matters more than most cruisers expect. But if upgrading means sacrificing excursions or drink packages, I'd keep the balcony cabin.

Happy Mothers Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a new cruise booking too.

Anyone cruising to The Bahamas on May 12 won't be able to have any alcohol, even at Royal Caribbean's private island.

Because of a Bahamian law that suspends liquor sales on election day, any "intoxicating liquor" isn't allowed to be served in the country on that day.

This includes both the Royal Beach Club and even Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean News

• No Royal Caribbean cruise ships will visit its private island this week
• Royal Caribbean just rebranded Air2Sea
• New Royal Caribbean casino $100 booking fee sparked a debate among cruisers
• 5 things I always do at the buffet to make my meal better every time.
• Royal Caribbean has more limits than most cruisers realize. Here are the biggest ones
• I went to Royal Caribbean's two best beach clubs in one weekend. One is worth your money more
• What to know before trying Star Class
• What Royal Caribbean is getting right on its ships this year
• Royal Caribbean asked cruisers for their best tips and here are the best ones

New RCB Video: I Tried A $11,000 Cruise Ship Suite

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—I Tried A $11,000 Cruise Ship Suite—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

First look at Royal Caribbean's new beach club

Royal Beach Club Santorini is open, and we have a full review of what you can expect.

Leon from Loyal To Royal was among the first visitors, and discovered what this new shore excursion offers guests.

Unlike the club in The Bahamas, this one offers scenic tours along with a beach day.

I spent $170 on Amazon products for my cruise. Three were worth it

There are lots of products on Amazon marketed as for a cruise, but are they actually useful?

Matt bought 10 of them to try on his recent Utopia of the Seas cruise, and discovered three gems among the bunch.

In fact, the three he bought and loved are now part of his "must-pack for every cruise" list.

I sailed on one of the oldest and smallest Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships. I'd only book one again

How does an old Royal Caribbean ship compare to an old Carnival ship?

Elizabeth went on Vision of the Seas and Carnival Elation, and it's clear each ship has a different take on what you can expect.

Both ships are 28 years old and offer a different way to cruise compared to today's newest vessels.

7 things nobody warns you about before an Alaska cruise

Real talk: everyone sells you on the beauty of an Alaska cruise, but there are a few truths you should know about this kind of a sailing.

They won’t tell you that one itinerary is preferred over another, or that you can save money with a few hidden tricks.

Some of these things could help sway your choice in which itinerary to choose.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 607th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Now that we know the approximate capacity of the Discovery Class ships, Matt shares what this means for when they launch.

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

I've spent almost a month of this year living on a cruise ship, and it's clear Royal Caribbean is doing something right.

I was talking with my team about the cruises I've taken so far in 2026, and it seems like I unintentionally became a case study for Royal Caribbean's current strategy.

I've been on four sailings across three ships (plus an extra on their ultra luxury brand):

• 3-night Utopia cruise
• 7-night Star of the Seas cruise
• 7-night Brilliance of the Seas cruise
• Another 3-night Utopia sailing

Whether I was on an older ship, party itinerary, or brand-new ship, I noticed a clear pattern in what Royal Caribbean is doing especially well right now. I think it's at the heart of why more cruisers keep coming back.

After 20 nights, here's what I've noticed.

Royal Caribbean has mastered the "different vacation for different people" strategy

Regardless of which ship I was on, one truth about going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is how approachable it is for everyone, regardless of age.

A strength of this line is how you can find things to enjoy onboard for pretty much all ages. In fact, many of them are also the sort of activities the whole family can enjoy together.

A great example is the silent disco party. No matter how many times I've cruised, this is one of the most popular activities onboard, and it makes sense given how it works for nearly all ages.

By the same token, these big ships offer enough space to have family activities in one space, adult-focused things in another, and party zone in another place.

Utopia of the Seas is a great example of this strategy.  The pool deck, especially at sailaway, is a hopping party with loud music, dancing, and more energy than I could ever conjure up.

It's not my jam, so I usually spend sailaway on my balcony, on the Suite Sun Deck, or perhaps watching a game at Playmakers.

I love how passengers can find nonstop energy or a calmer atmosphere, and it applies to almost every aspect of the sailing.

They understand short cruises

I think in the past, short cruises felt like "samplers", but now, they feel intentionally designed.

I sailed twice on Utopia of the Seas this year, plus I squeezed in a 4-nighter on Wonder of the Seas in December.  Both of these ships were designed for 3- and 4-night cruises.

It's clear that Royal Caribbean has tested and optimized these weekend sailings to be as smooth as possible and packed with everything you'd want.

Embarkation and disembarkation is super smooth, thanks to a streamlined app and the fact these ships dock quite early. 

Despite the fact it's only a couple of days, there's a condensed entertainment schedule that allows you to see all of the shows that would otherwise be spread across 7-nights.

Moreover, the high-energy atmosphere really makes these cruises feel different. I'm not the center of the party, but I like that a weekend cruise on Utopia fundamentally feels different than my weeklong cruises.

And the real highlight now are the two port stops, thanks to major investments in each.

Perfect Day at CocoCay acts as an extension of the ship, and it's so darn easy to go from ship-to-shore and expand on the fun.

Add to that the new Royal Beach Club in Nassau that finally solved the "there's nothing good to do in Nassau" problem, and you've got a winning combination.

I think the key to success is Royal Caribbean figured out people don't necessarily want a shorter version of a 7-night cruise. They want a completely different kind of vacation.

Loyalty is working, and it's keeping us coming back for more

Royal Caribbean executives have repeatedly talked about repeat guests becoming a bigger percentage of passengers. I certainly see why given how easy it is to book another one.

Between the loyalty program integration, perks, and familiarity of experience, I think that provides tremendous confidence in what we're buying.  Yes, prices have shot up considerably year-over-year, but I'm far more willing to spend on a Royal Caribbean cruise than an equally expensive land vacation alternative with a lot of unknowns.

When I step onboard, the familiarity that comes with being a repeat cruiser reduces stress. It's predictable in a good way.

Truly, the Crown & Anchor benefits are a major factor in coming back to cruise. 

When I took my family to Disneyland Paris, I couldn't believe how much extra I was spending on food and drink compared to a cruise. 

I believe a lot of credit to how seamless it is to cruise over and over, needs to be acknowledged.

Older ships still matter more than people realize

I spent a week on Brilliance of the Seas, and while it lacks so many features on the newer ships, it also accentuates the fact not every great cruise needs water slides or endless neighborhoods.

Being one of the smaller ships, it's so easy to get around a ship with barely 2,000 passengers.  Not only is it easier to navigate, there's a calmer atmosphere, and ocean views everywhere.

Royal Caribbean's smart move may actually be keeping older ships relevant while expanding aggressively into mega ships. We've got a number of years before the Discovery Class ships start becoming relevant, so there's still plenty of lifespan left in older ships.

I love new ships because of everything they pack in, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the simple pleasure of "classic cruising" on a Radiance Class ship.

Proving this point, I'm headed back on another Radiance Class ship next month when I sail to Alaska on Serenade of the Seas.

Technology is finally becoming useful instead of annoying

Royal Caribbean's tech journey hasn't been super smooth, but there's no question it's working well right now onboard its ships.

It may not be perfect, but the app functionality on the ship is something I take for granted now.  From check-in, to activity planning, to messaging, it works efficiently.

When I was in my Star Class suite on Utopia of the Seas, I was able to open the blinds in the living room from my app.  Necessary? No. But I'll definitely take advantage of it when I'm on the couch watching a movie and I want to close the blinds so I can see the movie without glare!

Heck, the muster drill alone being digitized is something I will occasionally remind myself how annoying it used to be when it was all in-person.  Now, it's a minute or two and you're done.

Most notably is how reliable cruise ship Wi-Fi is today. For years, I hated how expensive and slow it was until Royal Caribbean switched to Starlink.

They had a few growing pains getting Starlink optimized onboard, but I don't go on ships anymore worried if the Wi-Fi will work or not on this cruise.

I think the best cruise tech disappears into the background instead of forcing you to use it constantly.

What Royal Caribbean still needs to improve

While they're doing a lot of things right, no one is perfect.  To their credit, they crave guest feedback as a way to get it right.

One issue, especially on short cruises, is show and activity reservation require military precision to get what you want.  

Frankly, I have no idea how people who don't read blogs like this or are totally invested in researching their cruise manage to get any show reservations. It's egalitarian in how it's offered, but it rivals Ticketmaster in how quickly it all sells out.

Another issue is the hyper focus for perfect scores among crew members.

I think Net Promoter Scores are a flawed system because anything less than perfect isn't good enough, and the evidence of that is in how crew are forced to beg for a "10" at every opportunity.

It's becoming far more prevalent now to go to almost any meal and get a spiel from your waiter about the importance of the guest survey. Not only does this skew scores, but it's disruptive and annoying to guests.

I'm also concerned with the trend of focusing more and more on revenue generation above all else.  We have ever expanding casinos that take over entertainment space, new programs that come with an extra cost, and every expansion in CocoCay or Royal Beach Club has a cost.

Of course they are a for-profit company, but I miss the balance of innovation and revenue chasing that used to exist. 

The proof is in how many of us are coming back again

After 20 nights onboard in just a few months, what stood out wasn't one perfect ship or one unforgettable meal. It was how refined Royal Caribbean's overall strategy now feels.

Each sailing I took offered a little something different, but there's a core experience that I think is chugging along quite smoothly.

It's a smart approach to vacation building, and we're now at a point where so much is expected to be flawless in execution.  That's a sign they've reached a point where things are where they should be, for both consumer and company.

Royal Caribbean offers an elite option for someone that wants to pay top dollar for the very best amenities and perks at sea.

Star Class is the subset of suites that come with the most lavish furnishings and front-of-the-line access.  It's the kind of experience where you'll feel like a VIP and get to bypass lines around most of the ship.

As you might expect, this is an expensive option too. Similar to a first class ticket on an airplane, the jump in cost from the cheapest fare to Star Class is substantial.  

I've sailed in different Star Class suites over the years, including the Ultimate Family Suite and Loft Suites.  Each room has its own feel, but the service that comes with each is consistently impressive.

I've justified the cost each time by focusing on how much is included and leveraging the added benefits.  It's a splurge, but it undeniably adds some amazing benefits you simply cannot get otherwise.

With the high price tag, I think anyone that tries Star Class would want to fully maximize the experience so they don't miss out on anything.

After staying in all the Star Class suites, here is what I would recommend to anyone that is looking to give Star Class a try.

It's expensive, so don't try to rationalize the cost

Before you start to crunch the numbers, you have to go in understanding booking Star Class will never make financial sense. It's a splurge that you should look at as a way to treat yourself.

Royal Caribbean includes a lot of extra perks and amenities that help with the cost a little:

• Complimentary beverage package
• Included gratuities
• Complimentary Ultimate Dining Package
• One device internet package for everyone in the cabin
• Complimentary laundry
• Complimentary mini-bar stocked with alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks

Those inclusions represent hundreds of dollars, but some Star Class suites cost as much as $200,000. 

If you're going book Star Class, you have to go in with the understanding it's not a cost-effective booking strategy. Rather, it's a fun way to cruise if you can afford it.

Star Class is available on certain ships only

Royal Caribbean only offers Star Class suites on its newest and biggest ships, so you cannot book it on every ship in the fleet.

It's available on Icon Class, Oasis Class, and Quantum Class ships:

• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Hero of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Legend of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Star of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas

The Royal Genie service is the best reason to book Star Class

While you will choose from some truly incredible suites, I think the top reason you should even consider a Star Class cruise is because of the Royal Genie service that comes with the room.

Your Genie isn't a butler, but more like a cross between a butler, concierge, and your best friend that likes to surprise you.

You share your Genie with up to 3 other suites, but trust me, it will feel very personalized.

About a week before your cruise begins, you'll be assigned a Royal Genie via email. You should get a welcome email from them, where they introduce themselves and provide an overview of the coming sailing.

Your Genie will meet you inside the cruise terminal on the first day and escort you onboard the ship.

From this point forward, they are there to assist and make your cruise better. You can message them anytime via WhatsApp, and they will check-in regularly with you.

Most people that are new to Star Class are unsure how to properly use the Genie. They're timid and feel bad asking the Genie for things, but the truth is that's what you're paying them for.  

Your Genie can do so much for you, including:

• Set up parties in your suite
• Reserve seats at any show for you
• Book dining reservations and escort you to your table
• Have any food or drink on the ship delivered to your suite (including specialty dining)
• Arrange for priority elevator rides
• Decorate your suite
• And much more

I found the best strategy is to politely ask for as much as you can. You'll be surprised how willing and able they are to make most requests happen.

By the end of the cruise, I can all but guarantee you'll fall in love with your Genie because of how much they enhanced your cruise.

I would prioritize specialty dining because it's included

Since Royal Caribbean includes a dining package with your Star Class booking, I would plan to indulge in as much specialty dining as you can.

Considering the extra cost specialty dining has, now is the time to really get your money's worth by eating there early and often.

Your Genie will almost certainly make preemptive reservations, but you can ask them to change it as you see fit.

When I stay in Star Class, I'll book lunch reservations too.  Plus, don't hesitate to send food back to the suite. As long as the specialty restaurant is open, they can deliver food to your suite.

When we sailed in Star Class on Utopia of the Seas, my family was too tired after a fun day at the Royal Beach Club so we asked our Genie to have dinner from Giovanni's Italian Kitchen to be delivered to our suite instead of going to the restaurant.

I messaged him our order, and exactly when I requested it to be delivered, room service arrived with the food.

Regardless of where you eat the food, I would plan around the extra cost food and skip eating in the Main Dining Room or Coastal Kitchen.

I've had mixed results with the "Land Genie", so I recommend skipping it

Over the last couple of years, Royal Caribbean introduced a pre-cruise Star Class planning feature that they call a "land Genie".

It's essentially a representative from the cruise line who attempts to coordinate your preferences and upsell you on cabanas and other options leading up to the cruise.  The idea is you tell them everything you want, and they convey it to the Genie so you have less to do in the final days.

In my experience, the land Genie service has been disappointing because on multiple occasions, the Genie has no idea what requests we made to the land Genie.

As a result, I recommend ignoring the land Genies and waiting for the welcome email from the Royal Genie.  At that point, email them all of your requests.

Checking in and boarding your ship is different with Star Class

When you arrive to the cruise terminal, look for the Star Class entrance instead of the regular line to enter. There's usually a purple banner of some kind to mark where to check-in.

In fact, do not give the porters your luggage.  Instead, bring your luggage to the Star Class check-in area because they have special luggage tags and a designated porter that will take your bags onboard.

They will expedite delivery of your luggage to your suite.

After confirming your details, a port agent will escort you through the cruise terminal and check you in.  They will bring you to meet your Genie in the suites boarding area, at which point they will hand you off to them.

Your Genie will then escort you onto the ship. They will take you straight to your suite and give you a printout of the plan you made together.  Keep in mind this plan is a suggestion, and you can change it at anytime as you see fit.

Expect welcome aboard snacks and drinks awaiting you in the suite. It won't be a meal, but something to munch on.  Plus, your fridge will be fully stocked.

How to use the Royal Genie the best way

I'd argue the top reason to book a Star Class suite isn't the cabin, but the Royal Genie service that you get with it.

The first time you have a Genie, it can be confusion how and when to utilize them because the information provided by Royal Caribbean is quite vague. There's no list of things you can ask for, so it's all up to you.

First and foremost, don't be shy about making requests. The genie would be the first to tell you that they're there to make your cruise better, and they want to do anything they can to assist. The worst they'll tell you is they can't do something, but usually have an alternative in mind.

You can also ask the genie for ideas of what to ask for.  Meaning, ask them what fun or special things they've done for other families in the past, especially age-specific things. 

I never knew about having an ice cream party in the suite for my kids until a genie suggested it.

Don't be afraid to say "no" to the genie.  They will come up with lots of ideas for what you can do onboard, but don't feel bad if you have no interest it.  Or you'd rather take advantage of your massive suite.

At a minimum, you should never go to Guest Services if you're in Star Class. Let your genie handle any and all questions or discrepancies you may have.

Tipping in Star Class

One of the top questions people have about being in Star Class is related to gratuities.

According to Royal Caribbean, Star Class includes "Complimentary Gratuities", but the question is how much to tip your genie or room attendant.

In my experience, there's no right or wrong answer of how much extra to tip.  But I definitely do tip extra to both of them.

I'll share my tipping strategy for Star Class, but keep in mind it's just my opinion and other people claim to have tipped more and less than I do.

For the genie, I tip $100 per day (regardless of how many people are in my suite). It's a lot, but once you've tried Star Class, I think you'll see how much they do and how far they go to make your cruise better.

Depending on the length of the cruise, I'll tip my stateroom attendant extra. Somewhere between $50 and $100 extra is usually where I land. It's worth noting in some Star Class suites, we've had two stateroom attendants.

The bottom line about gratuity is they will be appreciative of whatever you can give them. It's not a competition, and whatever you're comfortable with will be satisfactory. You certainly don't have to do anything like I do.

Is Star Class worth it?

If you're looking for the ultimate splurge on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Star Class is the most impressive way to go all out.

Practically everything is included in your cruise fare, and you get to enjoy the best your ship has to offer without much waiting or lines.

Because of the high price tag, it's a luxury that only some will be able to justify. Star Class is never a good value, and you could save a lot of money skipping it and booking something else.

Clearly Royal Caribbean wanted Star Class to appeal to a small segment of cruisers who value service and enormous suites above all else. It was never meant to be something everyone could or should try.

If spending five or six figures on a week-long cruise is something you can afford to do, I believe Star Class is a very fun way to cruise. For these people, the experience and doing something special outweighs the enormous cost.