The world's biggest cruise ship has extravagant suites that come with the best benefits you'll find at sea.

Icon of the Seas has 8 neighborhoods onboard, including one just for cruise ship suites. 

The Icon Loft Suite is one of the most expensive suites on the ship, and it comes with more living space than a traditional cabin. The price tag gets you Star Class benefits, which includes complimentary specialty dining, a drink package, gratuities, and the services of the Royal Genie.  

It has the best benefits offered by Royal Caribbean, and we got a chance to tour the cabin. Let's take a look inside.

The Icon Loft Suite is located on deck 17

Located within the suite neighborhood, the Icon Loft Suite is in a part of the ship exclusive to those that booked a suite. 

Being within the suite neighborhood means convenient access to the suite pool deck, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and suite lounge. Having access to these amenities is a highly sought-after perk because of the extra value they represent.

Guests walk into a two level suite

As you walk into the Icon Loft Suite, you'll quickly notice the this is unlike other cruise ship cabins.

Loft suites encompass two levels, and it has a giant floor-to-ceiling window leading to the balcony.

The look of the room is also quite opulent, with tile floors and marble furnishings.

This suite features a large living room and dining area

With an occupancy of up to 4 passengers, being able to spread out is what makes this suite stand out.

There's a dining room table that can seat four people, and it's meant to be a place to enjoy meals delivered to your suite. Room service is included with this suite, and that includes being able to order food from specialty restaurants or the Main Dining Room. Guests staying in this cabin are able to have their meal served in the dining room.

Behind the table is a bar area with coffee maker, glasses, and stocked beverages. The Royal Genie ask prior to the cruise which beverages you'd like to have waiting in your cabin, and that includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Moving further into the suite is the living room, with large couch. The couch opens up into a sofa bed and that's where up to two people can sleep.

There are two floors, with the master bedroom exclusively on the upper level

Having two floors, the master bedroom is on the upper level, including the master bathroom.

Stairs lead to the upper level, where you'll find a king size bed. The bed overlooks the rest of the suite and has views to the windows, providing ocean views.

If you need privacy, a curtain can be extended by manually dragging the curtain. It provides very good darkness for sleeping in.

There are a large set of closets near the stairs.

You'll also find a vanity near the bed, with a television to the side of the bed.

There are outlets and a nightstand on both sides of the bed.

The master bathroom has a giant shower

You'll really notice the extra space in this suite in the master bathroom.

The shower has two showerheads on opposite sides of the shower, with a walk-in door.

The dual sinks ensures there is ample counter space for a couple sharing this cabin.

The balcony is smaller I expected

There are many suites across Royal Caribbean's fleet, and I would characterize the balcony on the smaller side relative to the room category booked.

There's certainly enough space for people staying in this suite, but it feels smaller than I expected.  

However, the ocean views provided are perfect for lounging in one of the provided loungers.

The second full bathroom is the best thing about this suite

On the lower level is a second full bathroom, making it perfect for entertaining friends or sharing the cabin with others.

Having a second shower, sink, and toilet ensures the master bedroom level remains exclusive.

The Royal Genie is my favorite reason to book this suite

When you book a Star Class cabin, you'll get the services of a Royal Genie.

The genie services three cabins on Icon of the Seas, and assists with just about every need their guests might have. Dinner reservations, seats for a show, escorting on and off the ship, and even getting elevators for their guests are just some of the benefits they provide.

Think of a genie as an "easy button" for the cruise, where you don't need to pre-book things and simply inform the genie what you want to do, and they will make it happen.

The Icon Loft Suite combines size and service

If you want a suite with everything, the Icon Loft Suite is an excellent, albeit expensive choice.

You'll never got a great value out of a suite, because they're meant to be splurges that you can indulge and enjoy. Between the extra living space and the perks included with the suite, it's what someone seeking luxury accommodations would love.

The daunting price tag is going to limit who can afford to reserve it, but it's a lovely way to cruise.

Singer, songwriter and now godmother to a cruise ship are the titles for Meghan Trainor.

Utopia of the Seas is a brand new mega cruise ship set to launch in July 2024.

Royal Caribbean announced the news on Friday, revealing one of the final unknown aspects to Utopia.

"We're beyond excited to announce that Meghan Trainor will be the Godmother of Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas," the announcement on social media read.

As part of a longstanding maritime tradition, Trainor will take part in the naming celebration for Utopia in July 2024 in Miami. 

The naming ceremony will take place prior to the inaugural voyage on July 19, 2024.

“Utopia of the Seas is where making the most of the weekend and every moment are more than a state a mind, they’re a reality any day of the week. This is the short getaway that’s all about celebrations, celebrating friends, family and the memories you make together,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. 

“Meghan embodies that in every way, from who she is to how she shares her music with the world, making her the perfect godmother to match Utopia’s big weekend energy. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the family and host a party of epic proportions fit for the ultimate short getaway.”

Royal Caribbean is even giving away 52 free passes to see Meghan Trainor perform live at the ship's naming party. Details for the giveaway are included on Royal Caribbean's Instagram page.

Beginning today, Friday, July 5, and until Sunday, July 7, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fans can enter for their chance to win a pass.

Trainor joins a lineage of celebrities who have been chosen to be named godmother.

What is a cruise ship godmother?

Every cruise ship has a godmother, and it's an important part of maritime tradition.

It's a ceremonial position that is traditionally held by a woman, but in recent years that has changed.  Symphony of the Seas had a Godfamily, and Icon of the Seas had a godfather with Lionel Messi.

Other ships have had women hold the role, including renowned athletes, celebrities and royalty.

The godmother's job is to give the ship a blessing for the safety of the crew members and passengers who will sail onboard it. 

Who is Meghan Trainor?

Meghan Trainor is a contemporary American singer-songwriter known for her distinctive blend of pop, R&B, and doo-wop influences. 

Her breakthrough came in 2014 with the release of her debut single "All About That Bass," which topped charts worldwide and earned her widespread recognition.

Trainor's debut studio album, "Title," was released in 2015 and included hits like "Lips Are Movin" and "Dear Future Husband." Throughout her career, Trainor has continued to release music that combines nostalgic nods to classic pop with modern sensibilities, carving out a unique niche in the industry.

Beyond her music career, Meghan Trainor has also ventured into television, appearing as a judge on the reality singing competition "The Four: Battle for Stardom" and serving as a guest judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race." Her presence in popular culture extends to collaborations with other artists and contributions to film soundtracks, further solidifying her influence and reach.

Party ship welcomes party seekers

There's a good chance if you're at a party one of Meghan Trainor's songs will be on the playlist, and that's probably part of why Royal Caribbean chose her to be godmother.

The 236,860 gross registered ton (GRT) Utopia of the Seas is just weeks away from hitting the high seas, boasting new features that cannot be found on any of the other five Oasis Class ships. 

Guests onboard the 5,668-passenger vessel can enjoy an exciting array of amenities, from exhilarating waterslides to mesmerizing high-diving shows and the cruise line's first immersive train car dining experience. 

Departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Utopia of the Seas will call at CocoCay on July 20 and Nassau on July 21 before returning to Florida and welcoming a new set of passengers onboard for a 4-night cruise.

The ship introduces a new era of cruising, as it's the line's first ship entering service catering to the short cruising market. Rather than reserving older vessels for 3- and 4-night sailings, those loyal to the brand or curious about cruising can experience cutting-edge amenities and world-class entertainment not found on any other short cruise in the world. 

Get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with a new sale that could save net you big savings over this big holiday.

Royal Caribbean is offering a July 4th sale on pre-cruise purchases, which includes possibly savings on drink packages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions.

The sale runs over the holiday, and applies to purchases made via the Cruise Planner website or by calling Royal Caribbean.

Deal basics

To get this offer, you need to either log into your Royal Caribbean account and go to the Cruise Planner or call Royal Caribbean to purchase a drink package.

The sale is valid for sailings departing July 7, 2024 - July 31, 2025. It's only available to bookings made between July 2, 2024 - July 5, 2024.

Depending on your sailing, there might be better prices now for shore excursions, WiFi packages, drink packages, or specialty dining.

Keep in mind if you buy the Deluxe Beverage Package, if you have multiple guests 21 and older staying in the same stateroom, all adults will be required to purchase their own package. This is done to help reduce the sharing of benefits. 

Celebrity Cruises is also offering its own Fourth of July sale on pre-cruise purchases. It has up to 35% off shore excursions, "and other onboard amenities."

Celebrity's sale runs through July 5, 2024 at11:59 PM EST (“Offer Period”) and applies to guests booked on select sailings departing July 8, 2024 – December 26, 2025, excluding 

• Celebrity Beyond August 24th, September 7th, September 21st
• Celebrity Edge July 26th, August 30th, September 13th
• Celebrity Equinox July 20th, July 30th
• Celebrity Infinity August 3rd, August 17th, August 31st 
• Celebrity Millennium July 14th, July 26th, August 7th
• Celebrity Solstice July 28th, August 18th, August 25th
• Celebrity Summit July 26th, August 2nd, August 30th

Will this offer save me money?

The Fourth of July is usually a big retail holiday, but there's no guarantee the actual price of your drink package, excursion, or spa treatment will be any different.

Royal Caribbean runs promotions throughout the year on its cruise add-ons, and there seems to be sales just about every week.

The Fourth of July is a bigger holiday for sales, and there have been anecdotal evidence of our readers reporting better discounts than usual. So it seems it's one of those sales worth checking for a better price.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

To find the discounted rates, log into the My Cruises section of the Royal Caribbean web site, and navigate to the Cruise Planner section for the sailing you are interested in.

Once logged in, any available discounts will be automatically applied for the sale. Look for prices highlighted in magenta to indicate deeper discounts.

When it comes to Royal Caribbean sales, it's best to ignore the percentage off advertised, and focus on the total price when you add it your cart.

Remember, the pre-cruise price is almost certainly going to be better than the price onboard the ship if you wait to book it once you board the ship.

If the price of the cruise extra is cheaper than what you bought previously, you can cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the drink package again with this discount.

Beverage package purchases made online can be canceled and full refunded at any time, up until about 3 days before your sail date.

Advantage to booking before the cruise

No matter which add-on you want to buy, it's always cheaper to buy it before the cruise begins.

One common mistake cruisers make is waiting to book extras, either because they want to see if the price will continue to drop or they hesitate to book.

The reason waiting to book until closer to your sail date is a mistake is because the price could go up, and then you would end you paying more than you originally saw it listed for online.

If you know you will buy an add-on, you should book it at whatever price you see it for online before your cruise.  Remember, you can always cancel it if you change your mind later, up to 48 hours before your cruise begins.

This locks in the price and protects yourself against a price increase while still being able to take advantage of a price drop.

The biggest cruise ship in the world has made a name for itself in many ways, but it also stands out in a gastronomical way.

Ever since Icon of the Seas first started sailing with paying passengers, the Windjammer buffet on embarkation day served up an upgraded offering.

In addition to the usual buffet fare, there's also been filet mignon, lobster tail, and shrimp.  These delicacies are usually not offered in the buffet due to their higher cost.

On Icon of the Seas' inaugural sailing, the buffet had these items and this was in line with Royal Caribbean's traditional approach to celebrating the maiden voyage of any new cruise ship.  But with other ships, the embarkation day lunch menu would drop those upgraded items after the initial sailing.

I boarded Icon of the Seas for a 7-night Caribbean cruise on June 29, and was pleasantly surprised to see the steak and seafood were still available.

As you walk into the Windjammer on embarkation day, there is a selection of freshly grilled filet mignon steaks on the first buffet line. along with lobster and shrimp.

Further into the buffet, there was more seafood to be found.  Flanked by ice carvings, there's a wider selection of lobster, muscles, shrimp and more.

It's impressive to see this high quality seafood available to guests as part of the included cruise fare.  Moreover, it's unusual in my experience to see that food offered in a buffet setting.

I had heard from other cruisers that Icon was still serving this food, so I was curious if it would still be offered by the time our sailing began.

When the food was first offered on Icon's inaugural, most cruisers assumed it was a one-time offering for the inaugural. I shared photos of it on the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook group and while impressed, a lot of commenters felt they would not be able to enjoy it too.

The sort of comments I saw were:

"Zero percent chance this presentation makes it to a single revenue sailing."

"That won’t ever be on a normal sailing"

"You'll never see this. Special cruise for sure."

Given the past history, you can't blame folks for being a little pessimistic.

Can you expect steak and lobster tail on your Icon of the Seas cruise? Possibly.

Royal Caribbean has never announced or confirmed the fact Icon of the Seas serves these items is part of a menu change or upgrade for the ship.  It's certainly not offered on the embarkation day buffet lunch on any other ship in the fleet.

I would consider this a bonus for anyone with an Icon of the Seas cruise coming up. Don't bet on it being there, but you might want to reconsider where you go for embarkation day lunch if you do sail on Icon soon to check if it's still being offered.

More food you should look for on Icon of the Seas

While the Windjammer menu isn't among the top marketed new foods on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, there are lots of other good choices to look for while onboard.

The Aquadome Market has been a revelation as a new food hall concept for Royal Caribbean, and it should be a must-eat spot at least once a day.

My favorite of the five booths is Feta, which has Mediterranean cuisine.  The gyros are the favorite of Paul Fortin, Senior Director of Culinary Operations for Royal Caribbean.

The gyros are made on the spot when you order it, and it's the sort of food you don't typically find on a cruise ship.

If there's one specialty restaurant on Icon that flies under the radar, it's Pier 7, and that's largely because it's located in the family area of the ship.  Don't let the nearby carousel and splash zone dissuade you from trying it, because I really liked the food here a lot.

Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, talked a lot about how much he likes the Korean fried chicken at Pier 7. I gave it a try when I sailed on the inaugural and already Pier 7 just to be able to eat that again on this current sailing I'm on.

Lastly, I was impressed by the upgraded steak choices at Chops Grille.

There's waygu beef, Porterhouse, and a Tomahawk steak (among other choices).  The extra cost these steaks have serve up the sort of steaks you'd find at a high-end land restaurant.

While having an upcharge for an extra-cost restaurant is not ideal for cruisers, I do think the choices are a great upgrade to the menu.

You'll find cruises advertised all over the internet, television, and even in the mail, but not every offer is as good as it sounds.

There's nothing wrong with trying to get a good deal on a cruise. After all, we all want to save money and if you can really net a fantastic price, then you get the satisfaction of conquering the low price challenge and a great vacation in one.

The problem is there are sometimes deals that look really good, but in reality, are a problem. They could be a scam, or it could be simply setting you up for disappointment. In either case, you'll be upset and wish you could do it over again.

If you run across a really good cruise price and can't believe your luck, keep these lessons in mind.

Free cruise offer mailers

The saying "nothing is free in this world" holds true with cruise bookings too.

Obviously if you earned a free cruise through the casino or maybe you reached Pinnacle Club status with Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society, then you are indeed getting what you agreed to.

What I'm referring to here are offers for a free cruise in exchange for something, like attending a seminar or signing up for a vacation club.

They usually come with a free cruise postcard in the mail. It's addressed anonymously with no return address, and of course it's completely unsolicited.

These are notorious for high-sales pressure opportunities to lure you in with the promise of a "free cruise" to get you to buy a timeshare or some other investment. Suffice to say, these are a really bad idea because of the issues associated with false pretenses and getting sucked into a major cost. There are so many stories of victims who sought a free cruise, but ended up with timeshares and travel clubs they never wanted.

The other free cruise we see offered a lot are giveaways, either online or in the mail.

While Royal Caribbean does sometimes offer a free cruise giveaway, they are very limited and it's more likely what you're seeing is a scam.  This is especially true on Facebook, where you see a post advertising if you like a post or join a group, you'll be eligible for a free cruise.

And then there's the old school free cruise giveaway you might have seen at a pizza parlor or other restaurant where you fill out a card and drop it in a box for your chance to win. Not only are you not winning a free cruise, you're signing yourself up for a lifetime of spam calls.

If you see an offer for a free cruise, be extremely skeptical. My advice is completely ignore it, but if you wish to learn more, be sure to ask questions and search the internet for more information about the company or opportunity so you can determine if it's a scam. Never attend a timeshare presentation or travel club in the hopes of receiving a free cruise gift.

A great price on an old ship

I've had so many friends reach out to me and tell me about a great price they got on a Royal Caribbean cruise for their family, and it's largely because they booked an old, small ship.

To be clear, there's nothing wrong with Royal Caribbean's older ships.  They offer classic cruise vacations, and plenty of people enjoy them. But they might be the wrong cruise vacation for you.

Read more: Why you shouldn't avoid older and smaller cruise ships

While it's true some of the lowest cruise prices are often found on Vision or Radiance Class cruise ships, you should be very aware of what you're getting with one of these ships, and more importantly, what you're not.

Older ships lack the bells and whistles found on Royal Caribbean's newer ships.  If you've seen a Royal Caribbean television commercial lately, pretty much all the fun things you see there are not on these ships.

This is primarily a problem for families who may be expecting waterslides and lots of top deck activities to keep their kids (and even parents) occupied.

Read more: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

No matter which Royal Caribbean ship you pick, be sure to look up what features and amenities it has so you're clear on what you can expect onboard.

Not all Royal Caribbean ships have a Broadway show, waterslides, laser tag, or bumper cars. If there's a particular activity you absolutely want on the ship, double check the ship has it before you book. Don't book a cruise purely based on price.

Cruise ship cabin upgrades

Royal Caribbean offers passengers the opportunity to bid for a stateroom upgrade, with the promise you could pay significantly less to move up to a larger cabin.  

When you look at the prices to bid, it can be very tempting to roll the dice on upgrading your cabin, but before you do, you'll want to keep a few things in mind.

When you bid for an upgrade, you're basically telling the cruise line if an unsold cabin is left, you'll take it for that price. Just because you can place a bid, does not mean there's actually a cabin to upgrade to.

More importantly, you're giving up a few things with the upgrade that you might not like later.  

First, you can't pick your cabin location if your bid is selected. This means you might end up with a cabin all the way forward, which might be a problem if you're more susceptible to motion sickness. Or your room might be under a public venue that is really noisy. If you're traveling with friends or family and want to be near each other, there's no way to do RoyalUp and remain near them.

Another reason to think twice before bidding to upgrade your cabin is it's going to cost you money, and that's additional money from what you originally booked.  If your vacation budget is tight, skip the upgrade and save that money for shore excursions, restaurants, or drinks onboard.

Read more: 17 ways people waste money on ships

A very low advertised cruise fare

When you start price shopping for a cruise, it's so easy to find a great rate advertised, but keep in mind there are lots of extra costs that you can expect later.

Travel websites selling cruises usually advertise the base fare, which sounds like a great price.  The problem is that is far from the out the door price.

Many times these prices omit taxes, port fees, and travel insurance.  When you actually get to the point of booking the cruise, you'll notice the final price has gone up much more than what you first saw.

As an example, our staff booked a $99 cruise fare.  While each person did pay $99, they total cost was $486.50, or $234.25 per person.

Read more: 11 cruise fees you should know about before booking

The good news is is this practice might be going away. Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines announced due to a new law, they'll be included port fees and taxes in their advertised prices.  

The change goes into effect July 2024, but that doesn't mean third-party websites will do the same.  

When you look at the price of any cruise, be sure to account for these extra costs you're going to have to pay.

As someone that cruises for a living, there are a few things I'd never buy for my cruise.

There are many choices in what extras you can purchase for a cruise. Many are aimed at adding convenience, or simply an experience you cannot otherwise enjoy. 

To be clear, I'm not someone who shy's away from spending money on add-ons.  There are many I've come to relish, and some I pick up once in a while.

In my opinion, the items on this list are either cruise add-ons I think overall are not worth it, as well as some that simply do not mesh with my style of cruising.  Consider this a glimpse into my thought process, and perhaps it's something consider before you purchase something in the Cruise Planner.

Arcade credits end up being wasteful

I have two kids, but I never buy the pre-purchased arcade credits prior to the cruise.

Royal Caribbean sells arcade credit packages that save a few dollars off the total price, but my issue with arcade credits is how you actually get to use them.

You won't know which arcade games are actually on the ship until you board, which means your kids might love or hate the options there.  More problematic is the fact quite often there are a subset of arcade games that are out of order.

It's not unusual for a handful of games to be broken, thus reducing the choices available.

The other problem is that all games have different credit requirements, and I've found with the arcade packages you end up with unused credits and it becomes a challenge to use them all.

Instead of buying arcade credit packages, I'll just swipe and play games a la carte.  It ensures I don't have any leftover credits, and there are games to play my kids actually enjoy. Plus, if we run out of time or just never make to the arcade, I'm not worried about losing that arcade credit investment.

Photo packages are restrictive

I think a photo package might be a good purchase for larger families, but it's something I stopped buying.

I have no issue with the photo package value, but I've found we stop taking that many professional photos while we cruise. On an average cruise, if we take two or three photos, it's a miracle.  This is partly because we cruise often enough we aren't worried about getting photos since we can always get another later, and partly because of the long lines in the evening for photos.

The other lesser known detraction of a photo package is someone in your cabin needs to be in the photo for it to be included.  Meaning, if you're traveling with friends or family, unless one person from your cabin is in the photo, that would not be included in the package, even though they are part of your traveling party.

If you're new to cruising or do not cruise very often, a photo package can be a great purchase. But I stopped buying it.

Bus tours are disappointing

Of all the shore excursions you can take, a bus tour is arguably the least worthwhile purchase.

Bus tours sound like it could be a good way to see a port, but you're going to be in a large group and the bus may not stop at the places you want to stop at.  Moreover, the time you have at each stop inevitably is either too short or too long. What if you want to linger longer and explore more? Or completely skip that tourist trap souvenir shop near the scenic view?

Plus, you may not need a bus tour to enjoy your day. You could take a cab, walk and explore on foot, or book a smaller tour without the crowds.

I don't like the idea of animal encounters

My views on the use of animals for purpose of tourist meets has changed, and I don't have any desire to book a tour involving captive animals.

I'm referring to dolphins and other marine wildlife that you can meet in an enclosure.  I have no problem with whale, bear, or other animal watching tours in the wild. 

Besides the crazy high prices charged for these excursions, I find issue with them and won't book any.

The Key isn't as good as it looks

Royal Caribbean's VIP program to get you special benefits for a price simply sounds better than it really is.

I have found repeatedly guests can achieve similar results on their own with a bit of advanced planning, and I think the money is better spent elsewhere.

Priority embarkation on embarkation day? Just get an early check-in time when check-in times become available 45 days before the cruise starts and you'll be among the first to board the ship.

Chops Grille lunch on embarkation day? Book it on your own.

Priority for signature activities? It's always for the less desirable activities (Flowrider, rock wall, etc) and the times are never convenient. It's either early in the morning or around dinner time, and these are times when lines are naturally shorter anyway.

The appeal of The Key is to buy it and then not have to do anything else. It includes WiFi, and sometimes the price is barely more than buying just the WiFi package. But I think the benefits look better on paper than they are in practice.

Casitas are pricey and distant

No one likes to compete for a deck chair on a sea day, but casitas are expensive for what you get.

Beyond the price, I think casitas are located too far away from the actual pool (usually they are on the upper pool deck) and the have no walls, which means there isn't always shade provided.

The price is cheaper on port days, but you probably don't need to worry about finding a seat at the pool on a port day because so many other passengers are off the ship.

I find Up, Up, and away balloon ride to be unreliable

The chances the Up, Up, and away helium balloon ride is actually operational the day you visit Perfect Day at CocoCay are pretty low.

The Up, Up and Away helium balloon takes guests 450 feet above the ground, providing the highest vantage point in The Bahamas. While this sounds really neat, it rarely operates.

The balloon seems to require near perfect weather conditions to operate, and it's quite rare to see it working.

The reason I don't buy it is because you can't count on it, and I'd hate to pass up something else in favor of the balloon.

If you want to try your luck, I'd skip buying it in advance and if you spot the balloon in the air on the day you visit CocoCay, head over and buy a ticket on the spot. There's less disappointment in that scenario.

Watches are notorious for being a poor value

I have yet to buy a watch on a cruise, but stories from other cruisers will likely ensure that never happens.

Many people have a watch addiction, and you'll find plenty of watches in the onboard jewelry stores. The problem is how much they are actually worth.

There are lots of stories of guests feeling bamboozled after buying a watch on a ship.

Just like the art auction, I think you should buy something because you think it will look nice to own, and not primarily for an investment.

A small fire on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas caused a temporary power loss.

Icon of the Seas docked in Costa Maya, Mexico on Tuesday afternoon when guests reported the ship lost power while docked.

UPDATE: A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson confirmed there was a fire and a brief loss of power, but all necessary safety procedures took place, and teams were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Backup power was the first the activate, followed by main power.

The ship is proceeding as scheduled, according to the spokesperson.

Reports flew in online quickly of the event.

Reddit user reddituid posted, "I'm on the ship. The power went out for 20 minutes. Calls on the intercom were Bravo Bravo Bravo, then later instruction 23. Crew are at emergency stations."

The code of "bravo" indicates fire.  It's a way to easily share with crew members what incident is occurring, so that they can respond quickly.

An hour or so later, the same person wrote, "Everything back to normal. Power was out about 20 minutes, people not able to board or leave for an hour, and crew at muster stations for 60-90 minutes. No official announcement what the incident was."

X/Twitter user @mkntze shared a real-time thread of updates, "Some type of mishap on #IconoftheSeas while docked in Costa Maya.  Crew responding to emergency instructions, and we’ve had intermittent power outages.  First emergency calls were for forward engine rooms.  Gangway activity suspended."

"Crew announcement on #iconoftheseas indicates an “incident” in the lower technical areas.  Several unconfirmed reports of possible fire in an engine area.  Multiple emergency crew announcements over PA, but using code words so as not to panic guests."

The ship's gangway was temporarily closed during the incident, but @mkntze shared that gangway activities resumed shortly thereafter.

Another update added that clearly something had happened, but it did not seem serious, "passed 2 crew in fire suppression gear.  They appeared to be done with whatever work they had been doing, not moving with a sense of urgency.  Crew members have been calm and it feels like things are getting back to normal."

On Reddit, AlterEgo_Persuasion recapped their experience onboard:

We were going through security at the gangway to get back on the ship when all of the crew at the metal detectors walkie talkies started blaring “BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO” and crew seemed a bit unbothered until the leader of the group yell “GO! GO!” I guess the crew had been doing drills throughout the morning and were confused to the legitimacy of the call coming over their radios.

We were able to eventually get onto the ship once one crew member was given the okay to perform manual searches. We did hear over the radio that two hose crews were enroute.

We felt better being on the ship knowing that the crew is highly trained! Happy all is back to normal and I can get a drink!

Fire on a cruise ship is a serious matter

Fire is the biggest threat to cruise ships because of how quickly it can spread. 

Fires on cruise ships are rare, but it's one of the most dangerous problems that could occur, so mitigating the threat is why the line prohibits so many household items from being brought onboard. It's why you can only smoke in designated areas, and will never see lit candles onboard.

Furthermore, it's why crew members train for fire drills repeatedly to ensure they know what to do in case it actually happens. They are evaluated on their response by both their supervisors as well as in quarterly evaluations by the United States Coast Guard.

Just like on land, incidents do occur and the vast majority of times there is a fire onboard, it's for something minor such as a fire in the oven, overheating wires, or even just the smell of smoke.

While a lot is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare, there are extra costs that can add up to your final bill.

The base cruise fare you pay includes your cabin, most meals, and entertainment.  It represents an excellent value, and it's attractive to many people who want to try cruises for how much you get.

However, a Royal Caribbean cruise is not all-inclusive and there are things that will cost extra. Some may surprise you, but it's part of the modular approach to cruise ship pricing.

While you may not be shocked to see a spa treatment or souvenir costs extra, there are fees that will encounter that are not as obvious.

The more you know in advance of your cruise means there is less to be surprised by later on.

Gratuities

With the exception of Australia, Royal Caribbean does not include gratuities for crew members in its cruise fare and you'll be expected to pay it later.

Royal Caribbean charges an automatic gratuity to every passenger, regardless of age, that covers the services provided by your stateroom attendant and dining room staff. These crew members work extremely diligently to ensure you have a great cruise experience, and the gratuity is a way to recognize their hard work.

Decades ago, gratuities were paid by hand in the form of cash at the end of the cruise and it was always a bit awkward. To make it simpler, these have become automatic to be charged to the guest. 

If you were to book a cruise and then do nothing else, you'll see a daily charge of $18.00 per person, per day for standard cabins and $20.50 per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above. 

The best way to avoid paying gratuities onboard is to pre-pay them prior to the cruise beginning. Simply ask your travel agent (or Royal Caribbean if you booked directly with the cruise line) to add it to your account.  This ensures you pay the gratuities before the cruise begins and there are no surprises once onboard.

Before someone comments on this post and points out you can go to Guest Services to remove gratuities from your account all together, it's important to note that ability is so that the guest can then turn around and pay gratuities in cash "the old fashioned way".  It is not meant as a money-saving strategy.

Internet

When you're on a cruise ship, expect to have to pay to use the internet on mainstream cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean.

Unlike hotels on land, the cost of satellite internet is significantly higher. Internet on land relies on cables, whereas cruise ships don't have that ability.

Internet access on Royal Caribbean will cost you about $22.99 for one device at a time onboard, although you can get a discount if you pre-purchase it on Royal Caribbean's website.  Likewise, there are WiFi discounts offered for Crown and Anchor Society members.

You could avoid internet charges by waiting until you get to a port of call to use the internet. Quite often there are restaurants, bars, or cafes that include free internet for their visitors. Some cruise terminals offer complimentary WiFi as well.

Another option is to book a suite (Grand Suite or higher category suite) on an Oasis, Icon, or Quantum Class cruise ship.  Suites on these big ships include a complimentary one-device internet package for each guest in the cabin, regardless of age.

Onboard attractions

Royal Caribbean is known for the amazing things you can do on a cruise ship, and some come with an extra cost.

There are private lessons at the Flowrider surf simulator, rides on the North Star, and private karaoke sessions that all have an extra cost.

The good news is you can avoid these extra costs by taking a more DIY approach.

The Flowrider has plenty of complimentary sessions throughout your cruise. While you won't have an instructor, the crew members working are happy to offer tips and advice when it's your turn.  A few falls and you'll probably pick it up.

Read more: I learned how to surf on a weekend cruise

North Star costs money if you go for a ride while the ship is at sea, but it's complimentary while in port.  In my experience, there's no reason to pay for the sea day sessions.  You'll get a very similar experience while docked in port.

Newer Royal Caribbean cruise ships with private karaoke rooms can be rented at Spotlight Karaoke, but this is a luxury you don't need to buy. In the main venue, karaoke is complimentary, so you just need to sign up for a turn.

Some onboard activities have no workaround to the cost, such as the escape room or Crown's Edge experience. If you really want to try these, you'll have no choice but to pay them.

Room service fee

Royal Caribbean charges for room service to have food delivered to your cabin, and it's a $7.95 service fee with a 18% gratuity that brings the total price to $9.40. This is per order, not per item.

The continental breakfast has no service fee, and it offers toast, bagels, coffee, donuts, cereal and more. It's perfectly suitable for a light meal.

If you really love room service, then you could book a suite. Grand Suites and above include room service as part of the suite experience.

Specialty restaurants

No matter which cruise ship you sail on there, there will be a few restaurants that have an additional cost to dine there.

Read more: How does specialty dining work

The appeal of these restaurants are cooking styles and/or food quality you cannot find elsewhere on the ship.

Before you assume these restaurants are necessary, you shouldn't overlook the included restaurants. Most people find the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet and other included options satisfactory and an enjoyable experience too.

While there's nothing wrong with choosing to pay extra for a specialty restaurant meal, be aware there is more than enough food included with your cruise fare that you do not have to pay for the extra cost restaurants.

Read more: 7 reasons to eat at specialty restaurants instead of the Main Dining Room on your cruise

If you think you will eat at a specialty restaurant, be sure to pre-book before the cruise because there are discounts offered regularly off the onboard price.

Beverages

Just like dining, there are some drinks included with your cruise fare and others that cost extra.

Royal Caribbean includes coffee, water, tea, and flavored water in its cruise fare, so you don't need to pay extra for bottled water or specialty coffees.

If you want soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, you'll probably save money if you purchase those in the ports your ship visits.

Many times the cost of a beer, latte, or margarita is cheaper in the ports you visit than on the ship.

Another option for those that want to enjoy unlimited drinks without the surprise bill later is to buy a drink package. Pre-purchasing one could save you hundreds of dollars later.

Shore excursion prices

Royal Caribbean will offer many shore excursions in the ports you visit, and while these organized tours are a great way to see the place you are visiting, they're optional.

You could very easily walk off the ship and explore on your own. There's no requirement to have a tour booked in order to disembark a cruise ship.

By doing a little research prior to your vacation, you could come up with a walking tour on your own.  Or you could just walk around and see what you can find on foot.

A less-expensive option is to book a shore excursion through a third-party (rather than Royal Caribbean). Sometimes this gets you a similar tour at less of price. Be sure to vet the tour operator and ensure you have ample time to return to the ship before it is scheduled to depart.

Read more: Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship shore excursion