It will probably cost you more going forward to book a suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean announced a new deposit program for its largest and opulent cruise ship cabins. It applies to sister company Celebrity Cruises as well.

Beginning June 1, 2023, Royal Caribbean is adjusting the deposit requirement for new suite bookings confirmed on or after this date.

The new suite deposit requirement will be calculated as 10% of the cruise fare per guest and is applicable fleetwide.

If the 10% value is less than the standard deposit amount, the required deposit amount will then revert to the standard deposit amount.

Bookings made prior to June 1st, 2023, will not be changed, even if you change the booking to another ship or sail date.  The only reason your deposit amount will change is if you cancel a booking made before June 1st and make a new booking on or after June 1st.

This policy change will apply to all suite categories, including suite guarantees.  This change will apply to all markets and all sailings.

In addition, Junior Suites will be treated like other suites in terms of bookings and deposits.  

Junior Suites will be nonrefundable for new bookings created on or after June 1, 2023.

At this time, deposit requirements for balcony, oceanview, AquaClass, Concierge Class, Veranda, and interior accommodations will remain unchanged.

How the 10% deposit is calculated

The 10% deposit is calculated based on cruise fare after all applicable discounts and promotions have been applied.

In doing some "back of the napkin" math, this appears to affect someone booking a suite over $2,500 per person because the deposit reverts to the $250 if the 10% is less than $250.

Kids Sail Free

If you're taking advantage of the popular Kids Sail Free promotion, the 10% deposit is calculated off the full booking’s cruise fare split amongst the number of guest in the booking.

If the deposit, on a per person basis, is lower than the per person standard deposit, standard deposit will be collected per person.

For any fifth or more guest that are eligible for Kids Sail Free will be charged the standard deposit amount.

Suite deposit cancellation policy

As of June 1st, 2023, all suite bookings, including Junior Suites, have non-refundable deposits.

As such, the full 10% deposit per person will be withheld upon cancellation. If your clients downgrade from a suite category to a lower category which has a lower cruise fare, the higher deposit will still be held.

What if you upgrade your cabin?

You might be wondering what happens if you book an interior/ocean view/balcony stateroom and later upgrade into a suite.

After June 1st, 2023, your deposit amount will be changed from the standard deposit to 10% of their new cruise fare and they will need to pay any difference at the time of upgrade.

NextCruise bookings

All NextCruise Suite bookings made on or after June 1st, 2023, will require 10% of cruise fare, per-person deposit.

Deposits for Junior Suites will now be nonrefundable deposits only, will no longer be reduced and will be calculated on the new percentage rules.

Why is Royal Caribbean making this change?

In the announcement to travel agents, Royal Caribbean did not explain why it is making this policy change but it almost certainly has to do with demand for suites.

Historically, suite cabins are the most sought-after type of staterooms on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty, mentioned the fact suites always sell out first on most sailings, "We used to kind of put everything out there and all the suites would be sold basically right off the bat. And then you would kind of work your way down to the inside cabins."

Over the last few years, Royal Caribbean has updated the suite booking policy to ensure suites booked were going to people that actually wanted them, rather than people that booked them on speculation and subsequently cancelled them later.

Royal Caribbean made suites non-refundable only a few years ago because of the high demand for them, especially when new sailings were announced.

Prior to the non-refundable fares, suites would be booked up early by cruise fans and later decide if they would sail or not. To deter the practice of dumping suites closer to sailing, Royal Caribbean changed suite fares to non-refundable.

This new change is likely partially aimed at ensuring a likely higher deposit amount dissuades someone from booking up a suite unless they know they really want it.

The other very likely reason for this change is because demand for cruises is so high, they can get more money up front now.

Royal Caribbean is seeing record-breaking demand for cruises right now, and the forecast for the rest of the year appears equally positive.

It caught the company off guard, as Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty noted they had expected a slower first quarter, "The fact that demand for the coming nine months is so much stronger than our already robust expectations says a lot about the strength of the consumer and the strength of our brands."

How strong were these bookings? The company says bookings in the first quarter of 2023 outpaced 2019 levels "by a very wide margin" throughout the entire first quarter and into April.

By increasing the suite deposit amounts, Royal Caribbean can get more money up front and potentially more money if someone cancels later.  For a company swimming in billions of debt while enjoying unparalleled demand, you can see why they may have gone in this direction.

Refundable vs non-refundable cruise fares

Just like non-refundable fares found with airfare, rental cars, and hotels, these rates come at a reduced rate as an incentive to lock in plans.

With a non-refundable fare, guests get a lower price while the cruise line gets more protection against a last-minute cancellation.

Refundable cruise fares cost more than non-refundable, but allow more flexibility when cancelling a cruise.

The exact price difference between a refundable and non-refundable fare can vary depending on the sailing.

Read more: Royal Caribbean refundable versus non-refundable cruise fares

No month is more synonymous with summer cruise vacations than the month of July.

You'll find warm temperatures across all of Royal Caribbean's sailings along with (hopefully) sunny skies.

The month of July is the peak of the summer cruise season, which means families are on summer break and demand for a summer vacation reaches its height. Very likely your ship and the places you visit will have lots of people looking to enjoy a break.

In Europe specifically, July is the month when Europeans go on holiday (along with August), so prepare to see a lot of people wherever you go in ports. Be vigilant about your surroundings, as pickpockets in Europe are common in the summer.

The one region where the month of July is off-season is the Caribbean. Given many ships left the Caribbean to sail Europe or Alaska, there are less ships in the Caribbean.  While that may mean less ships in Caribbean ports of call, there's still plenty of people that will be booked on the ships that are left.

If you have a summer cruise in July, here's what to expect on your sailing.

Ships sailing in July 2023

You'll find Royal Caribbean offering cruises in Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.

July is the most popular month for a summer cruise because families don't have to worry about the school calendar, and it's also when the weather is warmest in Alaska and Europe.

Conversely, July represents a very off-peak time in the Caribbean for cruises.  There are less ships sailing to the Caribbean compared to the winter, and it's also quite hot and humid.

July weather on a cruise

July sees some of the hottest temperatures for any of the regions you will be cruising from.

In Europe, heatwaves are not uncommon in July. The Greek islands can see temperatures that get into the 90s, but most of Europe should have high temperatures in the 80s, with overnight lows in the 60s.

Sea conditions in the Mediterranean are quite calm, with smooth sailing expected.  Likewise, July has great weather in terms of low chance of rain. 

In short, expect hot, sunny skies when you are in port or ashore.

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

If you are headed to Alaska, you will also enjoy some of the warmest temperatures of the season. July is one of the best months for an Alaska cruise because of the very comfortable outdoor conditions. Temperatures are always all over the place in Alaska, but high temperatures in the 70s or even 80s is not unheard of.

Expect up to 18 hours of sunlight in July. Chances of rain also increase as the summer months go by, so don’t forget to bring all of your rain gear.

Read more: When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

If you have a Caribbean cruise, I hope you like it hot and humid.

Daily high temperatures in the Caribbean during July will be in the upper 70s to upper 80s, and plenty of humidity. Believe it or not, temperatures don't go much into the 90s because of how the tropics tend to always be around the same temperature throughout the year.

With those toasty temperatures, it will feel perfect for a swim, as the ocean temperatures will be quite warm.

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Expect it to rain every day of your July cruise in the Caribbean, but that doesn't mean an all-day soaker. Thunderstorms roll in and out quickly in the Caribbean, so afternoon downpours are common, but short lived. Plan on outdoor activities but you may need to seek shelter for a few minutes to let the rain pass.

Don't forget, it's hurricane season in the Caribbean, so a tropical storm could cause a change in your itinerary.

Read more: What to know about cruising during hurricane season in the Caribbean

Is July a good month to cruise?

If you want the warmest weather for your cruise, July is the perfect month to take a cruise, especially in Alaska.

The weather in Alaska is always in flux, but generally speaking, you'll find the most comfortable outdoor temperatures in July.  

The optimal weather comes at the price of crowds, as lots of people want to sail this time of year. Demand for a July cruise is among the highest of the year (along with Christmas and Spring Break).  Higher demand means you're not likely to find a deal, especially at the last-minute.

Considering Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail full year-round anyway, what "higher demand" means to you is you'll likely pay more for a July cruise instead of another month, and there will be more ships in port with you.

Not only is demand higher for Royal Caribbean, but other cruise lines as well.  Expect ports full of ships in Alaska and Europe, which means you need to plan ahead better for shore excursions.

Read more: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

Shore excursions in July tend to sell out much faster than other months because of how many other cruise passengers you are competing with. If you have a July cruise booked, be sure to book your tours as early as possible to avoid missing out.

Read more: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

If you're going to take a Caribbean cruise, expect fewer choices of ships compared to the winter.  This is because the summer is off season for the Caribbean cruise market.

I wouldn't characterize July as a bad month to sail the Caribbean. Less ships means your ports of call wont be as busy. Plus, you don't have to worry about being cold at all.

Of course, July in the Caribbean is the wet season, so it will likely rain at least once a day and be quite humid throughout the day. Nonetheless, the rain showers usually pass quickly, and you can enjoy pool weather morning, afternoon, and night.

More information

• 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship
• 2022 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide
• Things I've done that I'll never do again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 7 things worth checking again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 6 things you may not have tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise

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

Royal Caribbean is returning to China next year, and will redeploy Anthem of the Seas to Asia.

Spectrum of the Seas will be homeported in Shanghai starting in April 2024. 

In addition, Anthem of the Seas will sail from Singapore in late 2024, which will be the first time Anthem will sail in Asia.  

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's meteorologist announces he is leaving the cruise line
• I took my first cruise ever and here's what I expected vs what actually happened
• I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise
• I boarded my first European cruise. How different is it from a USA cruise
• Taking a boat to visit an amazing fjord and waterfall in Haugesund
• Fjord and glacier viewings in Geiranger and Olden
• Woman on TikTok shares planning hack for her Royal Caribbean cruise to make packing easier

New RCB Video: 8 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible on disembarkation day

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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 — 8 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible on disembarkation day — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

The best 6 cruise ships for adults

After sailing on 15 Royal Caribbean cruise ships, Jenna has picked the best cruise ships for adults to sail.

While Royal Caribbean is a family cruise line, certain ships may offer a more adult-focused experience than others.

In considering all the options, there are seven ships that would be a great choice for adults sailing without kids.

12 mistakes people make on European cruises

European cruises are among the most popular itineraries Royal Caribbean offers, but navigating the ins and outs of cruising Europe can be challenging for first time travelers to the continent.

We've noticed across our European sailings a handful of very common mistakes first-timers were making on their European voyages.

Whether cramming too many activities into one day or walking around with a painful blister, here are the top 12 mistakes you should avoid on a European cruise.

7 ways to do things differently on your next cruise

There’s a lot to remember on a cruise vacation, including a few things we think you could benefit from changing up.

Doing things slightly differently on a cruise can save you time and stress and make your overall vacation more pleasant.

We picked seven ways to do things differently on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

One of the most annoying things on a cruise are the people that reserve pool chairs without actually using them.

Since enforcement of the rules that are supposed to prevent chair hogs is lackadaisical, here are our best tips for getting around the chair hogs so you can still enjoy time by the pool.

50 Alaska cruise tips & secrets

Have an Alaska cruise coming up? We've compiled the largest list of Alaska cruise tips we can think of into one article!

Here are the fundamentals of planning a cruise to Alaska with some helpful advice you can use when you get there.

Kayla took her first cruise last year and was instantly hooked, but admittedly some aspects of the cruise were different from what she expected.

In fact, she says the experience on a four-night Oasis of the Seas from Miami was even better than she had imagined.

She shared her thoughts on her first cruise and what stood out from her foray into cruising.

Getting onboard

Before embarking on my cruise adventure, I had envisioned a luxurious, stress-free vacation where I could sit back and relax while exploring new destinations. My expectations were high, but I was determined to have a good time.

As I stepped on board the ship, I was immediately struck by its grandeur and elegance. From the spacious cabins to the lavish dining rooms, everything exceeded my expectations.

Will I be bored?

One of my main concerns was that I would feel confined on the ship and we would run out of things to do on sea days. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of activities available.

Read more: Top untrue myths about a Royal Caribbean cruise

The ship had multiple pools, hot tubs, and water slides, as well as a casino, a theatre, and a variety of restaurants and bars. In the evenings, there were a variety of shows and performances to enjoy, including Broadway-style productions like Cats as well as comedy shows and live music performances.

There was truly something for everyone on board, we actually didn’t have time to experience all the activities this ship had to offer!

Fussy and formal?

Another expectation I had was that the crew would be formal and distant.

I assumed they would be focused on maintaining the ship and catering to the guests' needs, but not much else.

However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the crew was warm, friendly, and always willing to help. They went out of their way to make sure that every guest had a positive experience, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

Another thing that stood out to me about the onboard experience was the level of service and attention to detail provided by the staff.

Read more: 25 times Royal Caribbean crew members wowed cruise ship passengers with excellent service

From the waitstaff in the restaurants to the housekeeping staff who kept our stateroom tidy, everyone was friendly and accommodating. I felt truly cared for and valued as a guest on board the ship.

Would the food live up to the hype?

One of the things I was most excited about was the food.

I had heard great things about the dining options on board the Oasis of the Seas and was looking forward to trying out the various restaurants.

I was not disappointed.

The food on the ship was exceptional, and I was impressed by the variety of options available. From the casual dining at the Windjammer Cafe to the more formal dining at the main dining room and specialty restaurants, every meal was delicious and expertly prepared.

Would the cabin be too small?

One thing that I was concerned about before the cruise was the size of the cabin.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

I booked an oceanview room and opted for Royal Caribbean to choose my stateroom location to save on some costs. I had heard that cabins on cruise ships were often small and cramped, but I was pleasantly surprised by the size and comfort of our cabin!

Read more: Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered

We lucked out with a room that was larger because of its location being a partial view of the helipad on the ship and nice floor to ceiling sized window.

Labadee

Labadee, Haiti was a highlight of our cruise on the Oasis of the Seas. The island is located on Haiti's northern coast and is leased by Royal Caribbean, which has developed it into a private resort for their cruise ship guests.

The island offers a variety of activities and experiences, and we were excited to explore everything it had to offer. One of the things that we were particularly looking forward to was the beach.

The island has several beaches to choose from, each offering a unique and beautiful setting for relaxing and soaking up the sun. We decided to start our day on the island with a visit to the Dragon's Tail Coaster, which is a thrilling rollercoaster that winds its way through the jungle and offers breathtaking views of the island and the ocean.

The coaster was a lot of fun, and it was a great way to start our day of exploring. After the coaster, we made our way to the beach.

The beach was stunning, with clear water and soft, white sand. We spent the morning relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

As the afternoon approached, we decided to explore some parts of the jungle. They had multiple walking paths and beautiful trees. We felt refreshed being able to explore the island at our own pace and truly take in the scenery.

The passengers where very friendly and a couple offered to take a photo of us with the ship in the background. Because of the awesome passengers alone we were able to get fantastic photos without paying for the additional photo package options. Overall, our day on Labadie was a wonderful and memorable experience.

The island offered a variety of activities and experiences, and we enjoyed exploring everything it had to offer.

From the beautiful beaches to the exciting coaster and historic sites, there was something for everyone on the island. If you're looking for a tropical paradise to explore and relax, Labadee is definitely worth a visit.

Trying a drink package

One of the perks of cruising with Royal Caribbean is their unlimited drink package, which we took full advantage of during our trip.

The Royal Caribbean drink package allows you to enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your entire cruise, including beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks.

At first, we were a bit hesitant about getting the drink package, as we weren't sure if we would drink enough to make it worth the cost.

Read more: Is the drink package worth it on Royal Caribbean?

However, after doing some research and considering the prices of drinks on board, we decided to go for it. And we're so glad we did!

The drink package made it so easy to enjoy our vacation without worrying about the cost of drinks. We could order whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted, without any additional charge.

We tried a variety of different cocktails and beers throughout the trip, and it was nice to have the freedom to experiment and try new things without worrying about the cost.

Our favorite was the Labadoozie on Labadee!

One of the great things about the drink package is that it includes non-alcoholic beverages as well, which was perfect for when we wanted to take a break from drinking or when we needed a refreshing drink to cool down. We enjoyed everything from soda and juice to smoothies and mocktails, and it was nice to have those options available to us.

Another benefit of the drink package was that it allowed us to enjoy drinks in a variety of different settings throughout the ship. We could grab a cocktail by the pool, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, or try a new beer at one of the ship's bars. It was nice to have that flexibility and to be able to enjoy drinks in different environments.

Overall, the unlimited drink package was a great addition to our cruise experience. It made it easy and stress-free to enjoy drinks throughout the trip, and we were able to try a variety of different cocktails and beers without worrying about the cost. If you're planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, we highly recommend considering the drink package - it's definitely worth it!

Bottom line

Our first cruise experience on the Oasis of the Seas was nothing short of amazing.

From the moment we boarded the ship, we were impressed by the level of luxury and attention to detail. The ship was stunning, with beautiful decor and a wide range of amenities and activities to keep us entertained throughout the trip.

We were particularly impressed by the quality of the food and drinks on board. The variety of dining options was impressive, and we enjoyed everything from fine dining to casual cafes and snack bars.

The unlimited drink package was also a great addition to the trip, allowing us to enjoy a variety of different cocktails and beers throughout the ship without worrying about the cost.

The highlight of our trip was definitely the day we spent on Labadie, Haiti. The island was stunning, with beautiful beaches, exciting activities, and a rich history and culture to explore. It was a great opportunity to unwind and relax while also experiencing something new and exciting.

Throughout our trip, the staff on board the ship were friendly and attentive, and we felt well taken care of throughout the entire journey. From the housekeeping staff to the waitstaff in the restaurants and bars, everyone we encountered was welcoming and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience.

Overall, our first cruise experience on the Oasis of the Seas exceeded our expectations in every way. It was a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from our daily lives and enjoy a luxurious and memorable vacation. We highly recommend Royal Caribbean and the Oasis of the Seas to anyone looking for a fantastic cruise experience.

Did you know that if you gamble enough on a Royal Caribbean cruise there is an entirely different set of loyalty rewards you can take advantage of?

I'm by no means advocating you should gamble at all, as it's a risky endeavor.  Please gamble responsibly.

For years I was aware of the Casino Royale program, but never pursued it. My wife and I were not big time gamblers by any means.  On most cruises, we'd each spend $100 per night in the casino just to have something to do to pass the time.

I never even considered trying to get to the next tier of Casino Royale's program until it became clear I had a good shot at getting there.  A few cruises later, I earned enough points to reach the Prime tier in the program, which includes a free cruise, unlimited drinks in the casino, and a few other nice benefits.

For a lot of casual gamblers, you may be unaware of the benefits Casino Royale offers if you can play enough over the course of a year to reach the first status.

While gambling for the sake of achieving benefits isn't a financially smart investment by any means, if you cruise a few times a year already and gamble a few hundred dollars per cruise, there are some seriously lucrative benefits you could enjoy with a little planning.

Thanks to Assaf Ekshtein and Greg Brockman for assistance in ensuring the information is as accurate as possible.

About Royal Caribbean's casino loyalty program

Club Royale is Royal Caribbean Casino loyalty program. Club Royale based on collecting point from playing slots machine or table games.

Club Royale has four tiers :

Choice:  0-2499 points – This is the entry level that anyone who place even one round in a slot machine or a table gets.

Prime: 2500 – 24999 points – The prime level gives benefits like internet discount, free drinks in the casino while the casino open (limited to yourself), annual tier free inside cabin cruise that can be used for any 7 night cruise excluding holiday cruises (there are some more restrictions from time to time), and waiver on cash advances in the casino.

Signature: 25000 – 99999 points – The Signature level gives you all the benefits of Prime, plus free internet for one device, ocean view balcony for your annual free cruise.

Master: 100000+ points – Master level gets all the benefits of Signature, plus a grand suite annual free cruise, priority check in, access to access to Coastal Kitchen, free internet for two device, special lunch on the first day, drop of carry on bag, added onboard credit based on length of sailing, and more.

Annual Signature and Masters cruise: The casino, at their discretion, may offer an annual complimentary cruise just for their Top Tier Signature and Masters players. For 2023, there is already a Masters Mediterranean sailing with more possible in the future. 

Unlike Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program which has points that never expire, the Club Royale program works more like airline and hotel loyalty programs, with points that are re-evaluated each year based on passengers' activities.

The Club Royale year runs from April 1st to March 31st of the following year. The tier benefits are valid for the year in which they were reached, as well as the following year.

For example, if a passenger reaches the Prime tier on August 30th, 2023, they will be entitled to all Prime benefits from August 30th, 2023, until March 31st, 2025. Passengers' tiers will be indicated on their cabin card, and once they accumulate the required points, they are immediately entitled to the benefits. If you got to a tier in a middle of the cruise the host can give you sticker with you new tier.

It's important to know the "catch" with the free cruises given out.  First, you still will have to pay taxes, fees and port expenses. Second, the free cruise covers two people in the cabin. Anyone extra in the cabin (such as kids) will have to pay normally.

In addition to the instant cruise certificates, Club Royale can give other offers from time to time based on your last cruise play and other parameters that no one knows.

To see which offers you have, just visit the Club Royale offers site https://www.clubroyaleoffers.com/PlayerLookup.asp enter your last name and reward number (the reward number is you Crown and Anchor number).

How to earn points

Essentially, you earn points based on how much you're gambling.  Unfortunately, the exact math for how many points you earn per dollar spent is variable based on wins and losses.  Dollars spent per point will vary from player to player based on many factors. 

Your points are tracked via your SeaPass card, so be sure you're always using your SeaPass card when gambling at slots machines or table games.

Passengers can check the number of points earned from table games by speaking to the casino host.

Remember, points and benefits are only calculated based on the money you played, and not impacted at all by the money you lost or won.

Slot machines

Every $5 you spend (accumulated) gets you 1 point. On Video Poker, it's every $10.

You can track your number of points in every slot machine while your card is inserted. Please note if you want to know the exact points you will need first to exist (or tap again until the machine button becomes from green to white/blue) and enter again.

Table games

How you earn points at table games is far more vague, and even Royal Caribbean's casino would tell you that you'll earn fewer points at table games compared to slots.  Part of the reason for this is that a slot machine is easier to track since every transaction is digital.

Points are awarded at table games based on the number of hands/time played and the amount of money wagered. However, tracking these points can be challenging, as they are recorded by the pit boss.

It's a good idea to introduce yourself to the casino staff, as they can help ensure the points are accurately recorded each day. 

Note that playing Texas Hold'em cash/tournaments does not earn points.

What do I get for points during my cruise?

As you earn points, you can qualify for short term and long term benefits.

During the sailing you're on, if you earn enough points, you can qualify for free play onboard as well as discounts on a cruise, or even a free cruise.

Using the points you earn on a sailing for free play or redeemed as onboard credit does not impact you tier points or benefits !

Discount/free cruise

By accumulating a certain amount of points in a single cruise, you can get an instant reward certificate during the cruise.

As you might imagine, the more points you have, the better discount/free cruise offers you get .

For example if you accumulate 2500 points in one sailing, you can get a free cruise in an interior cabin and $150 free play; 4800 points will get you a free balcony and $500 free play.

Please note, the exact benefits change from time to time and even from ship to ship, so always check with the casino host first. They will have a sign on their desk with the different options.

If you are not sure that which cruise you want to book, you can always book a “book later” cruise with $200 down payment.

No later than  7 days from the end of the cruise (in some cases it is now 30 days), you need to call the Club Royale number (or use your travel agent) and book the cruise using the Next Cruise certificate and the casino instant certificate.

Free Play/Onboard credit

At the end of the cruise, you can use casino points earned on that sailing as free play or to pay for several things with Royal Caribbean onboard credit.

If you decide to use it for free play, you can go to a slot machine and go to the “Personal Banker” option on the machine.

Note you need to play all the amount you took from free points before you can cash it out , so if you took $20 you need to play $20 and then you can cash out whatever you won at that point.

If you choose to redeem the casino points to used on your on board account, you need to go to the host and ask him on the last night for the same. The casino host can also apply your table points in the same manner.

How I got to Prime and started enjoying benefits

Since I cruise quite a few times per year, a little bit of gambling across all my cruises eventually earned me enough points to pass the 2,500 threshold and earn Prime status.

It occurred on a Wonder of the Seas cruise in December 2022. This meant I qualified for Prime status for the 2023-2024 year, and I got to enjoy onboard benefits immediately.

As soon as the casino host confirmed my yearly points total had reached 2500 points, I was given a sticker to place on my SeaPass card and I could get complimentary drinks in the casino.

The free cruise and other benefits would commence until April 1, 2023 when the 2023-2024 year began.

Even before April 1, I started earning cruise discount vouchers to use on new bookings.  The amounts were commensurate with how much I played, but I was able to get a $100 off and $250 off certificate in my early sailings of the year.

Once April 1 hit, Casino Royale begins the process of issuing your free annual cruise.  The certificate to redeem for a free cruise in an inside room doesn't become available immediately.  It takes a few weeks, but by the end of April, I had my free cruise.

I even got an offer for 15% off room rates at participating MGM Rewards destinations in Las Vegas. Plus, up to a $100 Food & Beverage credit to indulge in during your stay. 

How will this change my cruising habits?

It was never my intent initially to get to Prime status, but I have to admit now that I made it, the benefits are quite nice.

By far the most lucrative benefit for me, besides the free cruise, is the free drinks in the casino.

Combined with my free Diamond Plus daily drink allotment, I stopped purchasing a Royal Caribbean drink package because I had sufficient free drinks to make up for any extras I ended up buying.

Considering how expensive a drink package purchase has gotten, being able to combine 5 free drink vouchers a day from Crown and Anchor Society along with unlimited drinks in the casino is a very attractive proposition.

I haven't redeemed my free cruise yet, but that's one less cruise I have to pay for out of pocket.  

The surprise to me are the limited time offers Casino Royale gives out.  Even $100 off a new booking is a great perk, and it certainly has me rethinking how I book some cruises.

Of course, I've had to remind myself many times that while the Prime benefits in the casino are great, reigning in my gambling is still important. 

Bottom line

It's easy to get carried away with points and casino status, especially if you start eyeing the upper tiers of the program. It makes no economical sense to play in the casino with the notion you'll make money either through your winnings or through casino tier benefits.

I never play with more than I intend to lose, I would advocate not to play simply to earn points. Given the inevitable losses you'll rack up in the casino, the "freebies" you get come at a cost.

If you have the means to afford to gamble and cruise a lot, there's no reason to not at least enroll in Casino Royale and see what happens.

The important thing is to know your limits and not play purely to earn status. There are some very nice benefits, but don't put yourself in an economic bind simply to get free cocktails.

The comped cruises are great if you're a solo cruiser or sailing as a couple. Families will find the free cruises still costing them plenty in extra costs. Then again, every dollar saved in the grand scheme of things is still money they didn't have to spend.

Casino Royale may be the least well-known program among cruisers and there are a few gray areas of how it all works that stifle even the people that gamble the most. 

Personally, the fact I am lucky enough to cruise as often as I do gives me more opportunity than most to earn enough points to make it to Prime. 

Now that I've made it, it's very nice being able to redeem these rewards and enhance my overall cruise experience. If you enjoy gambling in the ship's casino, it makes sense to get to know your casino host and keep track of your points total.  But if gambling seems irresponsible or a poor decision, then skip the program entirely and rely on cruise booking tips and tricks to get a great cruise ship deal.

James Van Fleet is out as Royal Caribbean's chief meteorologist.

In a post on social media this morning, Mr. Van Fleet announced as of May 1, he is no longer with Royal Caribbean.

In his short 40 second video, he thanked Royal Caribbean for employing him for 6.5 years and to the guests for trusting him along the way.

"Thank you to Royal Caribbean for the last six and a half years," he said in his announcement. "That was amazing. That was so much fun, I enjoyed every minute of it."

He later tweeted, "I wish them all the best, it was the highlight of my career so far, and am excited for whatever comes next. Let’s stay connected!

The video did not specify why he is leaving Royal Caribbean, nor what his next sort of employment will be.  He only said he'd prefer to remain in Miami.

There's also no indication of who, if anyone, will replace Mr. Van Fleet.

A user on Twitter asked Mr. Van Fleet if Royal Caribbean will no longer have a staff meteorologist, and Mr. Van Fleet responded back "Correct".

A trailblazing legacy

Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet is a former TV weatherman who was the first full-time meteorologist for a cruise line. Despite early ambitions to be a DJ, Mr. Van Fleet tried his hand at the weather after an open position arose at a local TV station.

He worked in weather hot spots like Texas and Oklahoma, where he gained experience forecasting and broadcasting about severe weather. After moving to Florida, Mr. Van Fleet continued his work on hurricanes and storms, providing the experience he would need to work in the cruising industry.

Prior to Mr. Van Fleet's tenure, cruise lines used outside vendors to provide them with forecasts. 

The impetus for bringing on a meteorologist followed a bad storm that caught Anthem of the Seas in 2016 that drew a great deal of negative press coverage.

In 2016, the Anthem of the Seas was caught in some unexpected bad weather at sea while cruising between New Jersey and the Bahamas. With waves over 30 feet and hurricane force winds, the ship sustained minor damage to public areas. Although no one was harmed, it was not an ideal scenario.

Subsequently after the incident, Royal Caribbean decided they needed an in-house, dedicated resource to better monitor the weather.

Working as Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist

Once a part of the cruise line, James Van Fleet was responsible for 18,950 forecasts per year, a stark contrast to the 2000 forecasts he provided in previous positions.

He described the position at Royal Caribbean as his dream job, and it was one that had never existed before in the cruise industry. 

There was no “typical day” in the life of James Van Fleet during his time as Chief Meteorologist. Based in Miami, he spent about half the year working through hurricane and typhoon season, providing forecasts to help predict upcoming storms and reroute ships if necessary.

Related: How Royal Caribbean navigates bad weather with its own meteorologist

Other than time in the office, Mr. Van Fleet would visit weather specialists in Oklahoma or fly on a NOAA hurricane hunter plane to seek out the eye of a storm. Even if the weather was nice in Miami, a storm could be brewing elsewhere.

Unlike forecasting weather on land, forecasting weather at sea came with added challenges. There are many data gaps at sea, as there are not nearly as many weather sensors in the ocean compared to on land.

Plus, not only is the weather moving at sea, but Royal Caribbean’s fleet of ships are moving as well, adding more variables to the forecast.

With 26 ships in the fleet, Mr. Van Fleet was responsible for forecasting weather on the itinerary of all ships, from those in the Caribbean to Alaska, Europe, and beyond. Additionally, he was responsible for monitoring weather at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations in the Bahamas and Haiti, as well as ports where ships refuel, restock food, and have dry docks.

How will Royal Caribbean forecast weather without James Van Fleet?

Cruise ships are equipped with technology to anticipate storms, and officers on the bridge carefully monitor weather systems. This allows them to change course and quickly move vessels away from inclement weather.

Communication was a large part of Van Fleet’s position, and he made a point of visiting officers on all ships to get to know them better. He also hosted a fleetwide call every week to make sure all officers were on the same page.

Related: Cruise FAQ: Weather

Captains and officers will now be working without the assistance of Van Fleet, so they will not have access to his information on upcoming storms and the best course to avoid them. Nonetheless, trained officers can prepare for and foresee any weather approaching.

Many cruisers have enjoyed following Van Fleet on social media for updates about their itinerary’s weather forecast. In fact, he accumulated nearly 28,000 followers on Twitter and over 10,000 on Instagram.

While you can be assured that, even without James Van Fleet, weather will still be forecasted for your sailing, his work at Royal Caribbean will certainly be missed.

Taking a Norway cruise means taking in the natural wonders that surround you, and you can experience both fjords and glaciers.

When I booked my first cruise to Norway, I knew my top priority was seeing fjords, glaciers, and the beautiful aspects of nature that come with that, including waterfalls, mountains, and even some ice.

When you visit some of the smaller towns, such as Geiranger and Olden, there really isn't much else to do other than explore nature.  There are a few shops and even fewer restaurants, but these aren't cities.  They are outposts that these days serve as a hub for tourist activity in the area.

On my Royal Caribbean cruise to Norway, we stopped at both Geiranger and Olden, and that gave me a chance to experience the very best of Norway's alluring scenery.

Geirangerfjord

Perhaps one of the most well-known (at least visually) fjords in Norway is in Geiranger.

The Geirangerfjord is a 20km-long UNESCO-listed fjord, with the town of Geiranger nestled at the end of it.

Your cruise ship sails into the fjord, similar to how an Alaska cruise might sail to see a glacier in Alaska. The start of the sailing takes place in the early morning hours, and culminates with seeing the Seven Sisters waterfall before reaching town.

The Seven Sisters waterfall is a series of waterfalls that start at a height of 410 meters and includes a freefall of up to 250 meters.

On our visit, there were only 5 waterfalls visible, but it's still incredible.

You'll get a chance to also see the fjord as your ship departs, but usually the ships take a different course than on the way in, so the best viewing is in the morning.

The sail in is quite close to the cliffs that make up the fjord, so it makes for easy viewing of the mountains and natural formations. 

Unlike Alaska, there are small villages and towns along the way.  There's even cellular phone coverage nearly the entire transit!

Once you get to Geiranger, there are a few ways to take in more views of the fjord.

The iconic photo everyone wants is from Flydalsjuvet, which is a few miles above the village. It's a walkable distance, but as you might imagine, up hill.

You could also rent small electric cars that can set two people for about $95 for an hour. 

I rented one to be able to get up to Flydalsjuvet after a day of walking.

There's also Dalsnibba viewpoint, which is even further up.  Many tour buses go here, or you could get an extended rental for your car to make it up to the 1,500 meter high vantage point.

Once you reach the top, you'll have an incredible view.  The photos look amazing, but to see it in person is something completely different. It's stunning, and I wish I could pull up a comfortable chair to sit there for a while.

If you go early in the season like I did, you might even find snow!

While Flydalsjuvet gives you an overview of the fjord, you'll want to see more of the waterfalls and the walls of the fjord up close.

A Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) boat offers a fast way to see it all, both in speed and duration.

A bit more than an hour long, you'll put on a windproof suit and straddle your seat as you are taken into the fjord to get up close to the Seven Sisters water fall.

Along the way, you'll get the perfect viewing point to on the water.

Royal Caribbean sells RIB boat tours, but if you search for the Geiranger RIB boat tours, it's going to be the same company that offers it and might be cheaper!

Seeing the fjord from above and at the water line really gives a sense of the scale and beauty that Geirangerfjord is known for. It's a must-see on any Norway cruise.

Briksdalsbreen

When your cruise ship visits Olden, you can take in a glacier at Briksdalsbreen.

One arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier is viewable at Briksdalsbreen. Unlike some of the glaciers in Alaska, it's difficult to see much of the glacier due to how much it has retreated.

Before you make it to the national park to see the glacier, you'll drive through Norway's Nordfjord. 

The combination of the lakes and peaks that surround the glacier while you're in the park are incredible.

The glacier descends from a height of 1,200 meters into a scenic valley, where you'll also find waterfalls along the way.

To get as close as you can go to the glacier, you'll need to hike 3km.  It takes about 45 minutes to walk/hike to the glacier, and some parts of the trail are quite steep.

I am not a hiker, but I was able to make it.  The paths are well defined, and the steep parts have rails and rock steps to assist.  You certainly don't have to be a hiker to make it there.

Alternatively, there are "troll cars" that have a fee, but can take you about 90% of the way there.  

Once you make it to the glacier, you're greeted with a beautiful pond, with the glacier above it.

I found a large rock to sit on and took some time to enjoy the views.

The walk back down is quicker, and I found taking the troll car path was more direct and less steep.

Glacier vs Fjord: Which did I like better?

I'm grateful to have been able to see both natural wonders while in Norway, and with the added bonus of precipitation-free weather.

The view from Flydalsjuvet  of Geirangerfjord was incredible, and I think if I could magically transport myself to one spot in Norway, it would be there. 

Being that high up with the sweeping views below is surreal. I can only imagine how much better the view would be if it was a sunny day.

I enjoyed my hike to Briksdal, but the glaciers in Alaska are certainly larger. This may be partly due to how much Briksdalsbreen has retreated in recent years.

If your Norway cruise brings you to Geiranger and Olden, be sure to prioritize seeing both the glacier and fjord because how lovely they are to see in person.  Photos and video just don't do it justice.

If there's one aspect of a Norway cruise that draws almost everyone, it's the opportunity to see the fjords.

Norway is well-known for these amazing natural wonders, and it's certainly why I wanted to take a cruise to this part of the world to be able to see the fjords up-close.

Similar in the breathtaking nature of an Alaska cruise, fjords offer scenic views that surround you, and it's the kind of experience that photos simply don't do it justice.

The first stop on my Anthem of the Seas cruise brought me to Haugesund, Norway, and it was my first chance to see a fjord.  

Royal Caribbean offers a boat tour, in which you sail through the Åkrafjord and right up to Langfoss waterfall.

Langfoss Waterfall

The ride to Åkrafjord is about 90 minutes by coach bus, but the drive is worth it when you emerge from the final tunnel with Langfoss waterfall in view.

Langfoss is a massive waterfall that is almost 2,000 feet tall.  It splashes right into Åkrafjord, and it's quite impressive.

Visiting Norway in May meant the winter snow was melting in full force, and that meant the water pressure was at its height.  Certainly no trickle of water here.  In fact, if you got close enough, you'd feel the mist of the water.

The nice thing about Langfoss is it's right against the road that brings you into the area, so it's an easy walk to see all angles of the lower section of the waterfall.

We'd see more of the waterfall later in the tour.

Åkrafjord

The best way to see the fjord and waterfall is by boat, which gives you the perfect perspective to see the entirety of the area along with the waterfall.

We boarded a small ferry that took us on a grand circle tour of the fjord, bringing us right up to the sides of the mountain that form the fjord.

In case you're wondering, a fjord is defined as a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier.

We slowly made our way around Åkrafjord, with ample time to see it all.

The highlight is when the ferry approaches Langfoss, and the ferry actually comes right up to the waterfall.  

At this point, you have the best view possible of the waterfall without actually getting wet.

The captain even extended a bucket into the falls to get water from it for everyone to sample.

Once again, it's hard to convey in photos just how majestic the entire fjord looked.  Given how cooperative the weather was, we had a picture perfect day enjoying time in the fjord.

Lunch at the fjord

What's better than seeing a fjord? How about eating local food with the fjord in view!

Located steps from where we boarded the ferry and within full view of Langfoss is a small family-owned farm that opens its doors for meals.

We were greeted by the matriarch of the family, who set up a smorgasbord of local food. 

Goat cheese, cured meats, potatoes, salmon, and fresh baked bread were set up for our enjoyment.

We also had samples of brunost, which is a Norwegian brown cheese.

All the food was sourced from providers in the area, no more than 50 km or so away, with the exception of fruit they bought that came from Spain.

I took my food out to the porch, and enjoyed my meal with Langfoss and the Åkrafjord in sight.  I wish I could have my lunch every day with a view like tis!

Booking the Åkrafjord and Langfoss Waterfall tour

I booked the Åkrafjord and Langfoss Waterfall shore excursion through Royal Caribbean on the cruise planner website.

The cost was $299.00 per person, and included a roundtrip bus ride, guided narration, and the lunch.

The tour lasted 7 hours, and we made one additional stop at a monument the honors Norway's first king, Harald Fairhair.

While the time required to commute back and forth to the fjord is not short, it's well worth the trip given how beautiful the views were of the area. Add onto that the lunch that was provided, and I was quite satisfied with the cost and duration of the trip.

Norway has many appealing traits, but certainly the fjords have to be at the top of anyone's list for a Norwegian cruise.  As such, it's quite important to prioritize a fjord visit, and I started off my Norway cruise with a wonderful shore excursion.

About Haugesund

Haugesund is a vibrant and historic town dating back to Viking times. This is where, a thousand years ago, King Harald Fairhair united Norway into a single kingdom. It was from this area that the Viking Kings ruled Norway for more than 500 years.

The region has laid claim to the title of Norway's Birthplace - the Homeland of the Viking Kings.

The cruise port in Haugesund is located on the small island of Risøy that is attached to the mainland and downtown Haugesund by the Risoy Bridge.

The city center is a comfortable 10-15 minute walk. Limited shuttle buses are also available for a charge of approximately 7 Euros.

Haraldsgata is the popular pedestrian street in Haugesund where you can find the main tourist information center and a variety of shops.

How different is a Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe from one in North America?

I asked myself that question when I booked my first cruise on the other side of the pond, sailing on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton.

Royal Caribbean strives itself on providing as consistent an experience as it can across the fleet, but there are bound to be regional differences. In fact, cruises from Asia on Spectrum of the Seas have their own suite class and benefits!

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

In my pre-cruise planning, I realized there would be a few nuances that would make this different from most other Royal Caribbean cruises I've sailed on.  Of course, "different" doesn't mean "bad" either.

Yesterday I boarded Anthem of the Seas and the experience could not have been smoother, but I found as we sailed away a few differences than I was used to when it comes to embarkation day. I'll have another post later to cover the nuances of the entire voyage.

Read more: 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

Here are the 4 things I noticed that were different about a European cruises compared to one from the United States.

Jet lag makes getting acclimated difficult

Many of you know not to fly to your cruise the same day it begins, but when you're flying to a different continent, you need more time pre-cruise to get in position.

Read more: Flight attendant shares 20 tips to minimize air travel fiascos

The tip of flying in a day early is meant to ensure a travel delay doesn't impact your ability to make the cruise if there were a travel delay, but the time change can wreak havoc on your ability to enjoy the beginning of the cruise.

Jet lag is annoying enough on its own, but if you're extremely tired in the afternoon and wide awake at 2am, that can lead to a very frustrating start to the cruise.

Most people acclimate to their new time zone in 2 or 3 days after arriving, but that's more than a quarter of your cruise. Considering how much is happening onboard, you don't want to spend your days sleeping and nights awake and annoyed.

If at all possible, it's a good idea to fly in and spend a few days pre-cruise in the city you're sailing from.  

Read more: 4 mistakes & 7 things I did right on my Royal Caribbean European cruise

I flew in two days before my cruise set sail, which meant I was set with England's local time. The added bonus of exploring London was lovely as well.

Not only will this allow you to get on local time, but you'll likely want to explore these historical cities.

Getting to the cruise port requires more steps and planning

You might disagree with me on this point, but I found the logistics of getting from airport/city to cruise terminal more complicated than in the United States.

No matter which city you sail from in the United States, you can easily go from airport or hotel to cruise terminal via taxi, bus, or ride share.  Each cruise terminal in the United States is located less than an hour from a major airport (assuming traffic isn't a factor).

My cruise from Southampton required a great deal more forethought and planning than anything I've done before.

To get from London to Southampton, I had to:

1. Take a taxi or subway ride to Waterloo Station
2. Take a 2 hour train ride from London to Southampton
3. Take a 2 minute taxi ride or walk 10 minutes to the cruise terminal

On top of all of this, I had to factor in the issue of a nation-wide rail strike that crippled mass transit in the two days before the cruise departed.  

I tried to think of the worst commute to a cruise terminal in the United States, and settled on Galveston or Los Angeles as being the most difficult to get to the terminal from where you might start your journey.

Galveston used to be very difficult given the distance from the Houston area airports to Galveston island, but now that Lyft and Uber are allowed to operate, it's become considerably simpler.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships sailing from Los Angeles actually sail from San Pedro, and that's just a longer car ride away.

In both cases, most people use a taxi or car service to get to them, and it's essentially one step to go from their starting point (i.e. hotel or airport) to cruise terminal.

I might be overly critical of a cultural difference in attitudes towards public transportation, but at the very least, planning my commute from London to Southampton required more planning than any US cruise.

Different beers available

One nice benefit of cruising in Europe is there are more beers to choose from.

I've always found Royal Caribbean's beer selections to be lacking, especially in today's world of craft beers. If you want something more than big-name beers, it's slim pickings on Royal Caribbean.

In an attempt to be more appealing to the high number of Brits onboard, Royal Caribbean offers more beers than normal.

You'll find more ciders, as well as a few different brand of beers.

When a ship returns to the United States after a European cruise season, they sometimes have a few leftovers on the first sailing back, but they go quickly.

Read more: 30 Best European cruise tips

Some examples of beers you won't find in the States include Magners Irish Cider, Old Speckled Hen, Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger, and Sipsmith.

Beer drinkers are sure to find more brews to enjoy on a European cruise.

Electric kettle in the cabin

One thing you'll never find on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the United States is an electric kettle in your cabin.

Since tea is such a big part of English culture, an electric kettle is included in cabins for guests to use.

Usually electrical appliances are forbidden because of a fire hazard, but I'm guessing these kettles are vetted for safety and offer the convenience English passengers want.

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

Boarding was as easy as the USA

Not all cruise ports are built equally when it comes to the embarkation process, but I'm happy to say the check-in and boarding process in Southampton was just as good as any port in the United States.

I arrived around 11:30am and boarding had already begun, so it was quite a quick process.

There were ample porters to take luggage, and then the security check and checking in went quite quickly.  

Since I completed my pre-cruise check-in, it was just a matter of double-checking everything and being on my way.  

Considering how janky the pier check-in process has been in ports like Los Angeles, Southampton was a breeze!

There will be a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship sailing from Singapore in 2025.

One of the last pieces of the 2024-2025 cruise deployment has fallen into place with Royal Caribbean's announcement that Anthem of the Seas will sail from Asia for the first time ever.

Anthem of the Seas will begin sailing from Singapore in October 2024, replacing Spectrum of the Seas.

Singapore has been a stronghold for Royal Caribbean, having been the first homeport to allow cruises to restart in late 2020.

Since then, Spectrum of the Seas has sailed short 3- and 4-night cruises primarily from Singapore.

Spectrum of the Seas will shift to China, where she will sail from Shanghai and re-open China and Far East cruises for Royal Caribbean.

Spectrum will begin sailing from Shanghai, China in April 2024.

Spectrum of the Seas, sailing from Shanghai, will offer 4- and 5-night cruises visiting popular destinations in Japan. Spectrum will also offer eight sailings from Hong Kong starting in December 2024, to places in Japan, China and Vietnam.

Royal Caribbean will open bookings from July.

“This is the moment we – along with Chinese holidaymakers – have been waiting for. Our return to China is an exciting milestone that could only be marked with Spectrum of the Seas, which became a household name with Chinese families and travellers alike when it debuted in Shanghai as the latest and greatest Royal Caribbean ship in 2019,” said Bert Hernandez, senior vice president, International, Royal Caribbean International.

“We thank the government of China for establishing a pathway forward and continue to be committed to expanding the cruise industry in a region we have sailed from for more than a decade. This has also opened up a world of opportunities to expand the variety of holidays in Asia, as another award-winning ship sets sail in the region with the introduction of Anthem of the Seas in Singapore.”

Best features of Anthem of the Seas

Anthem of the Seas is one of the Quantum Class ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, and she was the second Quantum Class ship to be launched.

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is considered a great cruise ship to book for several reasons:

Innovative Features: The ship boasts innovative and exciting features like the North Star observation capsule, where guests can enjoy panoramic views, and the Ripcord by iFly indoor skydiving simulator.

Variety of Activities: Anthem of the Seas offers a wide array of activities to suit different interests and ages. From bumper cars and roller skating at the SeaPlex to surfing on the FlowRider, there are plenty of options to keep guests entertained throughout their cruise.

Entertainment Options: The ship offers Broadway-caliber shows, such as "We Will Rock You" and "The Gift," providing high-quality performances that rival those found on land.

Guests can also enjoy live music, comedy acts, and various themed parties onboard.

Dining Experiences: Anthem of the Seas provides a diverse range of dining options, including specialty restaurants such as Jamie's Italian, Wonderland, and Chops Grille. The ship also offers complimentary dining venues and casual eateries.

Family-Friendly Amenities: The ship caters to families with children, offering dedicated spaces like the H2O Zone water park and the Adventure Ocean youth program, which provides age-appropriate activities for kids and teens. 

Relaxation and Wellness: Anthem of the Seas features a tranquil Solarium, an adults-only retreat with pools and whirlpools, as well as a luxurious spa and fitness center. Guests can unwind and rejuvenate while enjoying ocean views and indulging in spa treatments.

Modern Accommodations: Anthem of the Seas offers comfortable and modern staterooms, including spacious suites, balconies, and virtual balconies. These well-appointed accommodations provide a relaxing and enjoyable environment for guests to retreat to.

Best features of Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas was designed for the Asian cruise market, and has a few special offerings. 

Suite Enclave – Royal Caribbean’s first and exclusive space for the exquisite Royal Suite Class Star, Sky and Sea accommodations in a private area, featuring exclusive floor access, an elevator, private restaurants and a dedicated lounge area.

Two70 – Boasting stunning 270-degree ocean views by day and transforming into a multidimensional theatre by night, this transformative space flaunts six agile Roboscreens, breathtaking live performers and mind-bending aerialists to create unimaginable visuals.

SeaPlex – The largest indoor active space at sea, featuring bumper cars, laser tag, fencing, archery and more.

Star Moment – A lively and energetic karaoke venue where family and friends come together to belt out and sing like stars.

Family Friendly Accommodations – From exterior balcony staterooms to interconnected rooms, to the signature two-level Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multiroom retreat complete with its own slide and cinema that also doubles as a karaoke stage, there’s an array of staterooms designed for the whole family.

Signature Experiences – A bold lineup of guest favourites are on deck, including the FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star, an all-glass observation capsule which ascends 300 feet above the ocean to deliver incomparable 360-degree views; and RipCord by iFly, the first sky diving experience at sea.

A World of Flavours – There are 19 dining options that serve up a variety of cuisines, including Hot Pot, an authentic Chinese dining experience; Teppanyaki, a celebration of Far East flavours cooked in Japan’s traditional teppanyaki style; and Sichuan Red, a new specialty dining experience tailored just for Spectrum, where diners can savour a bold tapestry of spices and Sichuan flavours. Signature classics include imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, American steakhouse Chops Grille and authentic rustic fare and handmade pasta at Jamie’s Italian.