I have to admit I avoided going on Royal Caribbean's old and small ships for a while, but I was persuaded to go on one for a long weekend and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

I had sailed on one Vision Class ship back in 2018, and can't say it was my favorite ship. It felt fundamentally different from the rest of the fleet, and I mostly avoided these ships.

Friends invited me to go on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas and I eventually agreed to go, but I was leery of what awaited me because I was worried the ship would be disappointing.

Out of 29 Royal Caribbean ships, Enchantment is the third smallest ship in size, and also among the oldest. She was built in 1997 and has a passenger capacity of just 2,416 people.  By today's standards, that's really small.

Nonetheless, it had been six years since my last sailing on a Vision Class ship and my cruising style has changed since then.  Plus, I wasn't cruising with my kids, so I wouldn't be as dependent on family offerings.

This sailing departed from Tampa, Florida for a 4-night voyage to Cozumel, Mexico.  

The right mix of ways to relax

I knew going into this cruise to temper my expectations for what was going to be offered onboard. On any ship you sail on, you have to be realistic about what it offers and doesn't offer. 

While Enchantment of the Seas doesn't have as many bars, lounges, pools, or top deck activities as the bigger ships, it has just enough.

It has a rather large adults-only Solarium, one of the best Schooner Bars in the fleet, and an impressively large casino.

Because this ship was actually stretched by 73 feet (meaning they cut it in half and inserted a new section), the pool deck feels quite massive.  I was impressed how many hot tubs they had for a ship of this size.

Speaking of the pool deck, it has a bar with one of the best views on any Royal Caribbean ship at the Oasis Bar.

The Oasis Bar faces the ocean, which is a rarity on other ships. 

For indoor relaxation, I thought the Viking Crown Lounge was impressive too. 

This is a feature that has changed a lot on other ships, but is mostly true to its original vision on Enchantment.  You should go up here to read a book, people watch, or just watch the world pass by.

Plus, at night this is where the club scene happens.  It's not my thing, but people love it and it's easily overlooked given where it's located.

What you should expect on the smallest Royal Caribbean ships

No matter which cruise ship you pick, you have to go in with the right expectations.

I think part of why I enjoyed Enchantment as much as I did was because I went into it not expecting a ship remotely like Utopia of the Seas or Icon of the Seas.

You won't confuse a ship as old as Enchantment with the newer ones, but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time on it.

The core cruising experience is still here, which means a lot of time in the day hanging out by the pool, watching the ocean go by, and taking in some music or a trivia event along the way. In the evening, there's dinner, a show, and music all around the ship.  

These aren't things that you'll see heavily advertised in a commercial, but I think it's exactly the relaxing long weekend a lot of people want.

On our sea days, I embraced this mantra by grabbing a chair near the pool. 

One evening, I decided to go into the hot tub in the Solarium and found it all to myself. 

The reality is a ship this old is going to have dated decor, basic production shows, and some signs of age here and there. It is what it is, but I try to focus on the things the ship does well rather than look for every piece of rust I can spot.

Enchantment has the basics and it does it well. If your idea of a fun cruise is spending your day at the pool, having a drink at night with a show, music, or gambling, it will deliver on that.

You'll probably save money on a small and old ship

One other important reason to pick a ship like Enchantment of the Seas is the price.

Unlike Royal Caribbean's glitzy new and immensely popular ships, older ships have attractive prices that keep them a compelling option.

In general, cruise prices tend to be lower on older ships.  Newer ships come join the fleet and command premium pricing.  Since the older ones don't have as much to do, there's a tendency to see lower prices for these vessels.

In my case, I was able to get onboard for just $70 thanks to a free cruise offer from Royal Caribbean's casino. 

Friends paid around $600 for a single person in an inside cabin, and those kinds of low rates are typical with Vision Class ships.

While Enchantment doesn't have the top deck attractions newer ships have, it also doesn't (usually) have a high price tag.

Lack of dining options is its downfall

If there's one area Enchantment of the Seas is notably lacking, it's in the dining choices.

Small ships don't have many options to begin with, but Enchantment has far fewer than even other Vision Class ships.

There's only one specialty restaurant on Enchantment, Chops Grille. Other Vision Class ships have an Italian and Japanese restaurant.

On a four night cruise, that doesn't bother me much because it's a short cruise. But the lack of dining variety would be an issue on a longer cruise.

The other issue is the Windjammer is pretty small, and doesn't have any cooking stations.

I liked the food quality in the Windjammer, but I wish there was a greater variety of options.

I certainly didn't go hungry on this cruise, but compared to other ships, the lack of restaurant choices stands out.

Never bored

I found enough to do every day to keep me entertained, and I was never bored.

There was enough going on around the ship, including shows, music, the casino, and of course the pools. The production shows weren't great, but I managed to stay entertained even without them.

Something Enchantment of the Seas has that other Vision Class ships do not is Boleros, and that's because it was added as part of the stretching process.  

And of course the crew members were fantastic.  There are crew members from all over the world, and I love getting to meet them and interact. They're so friendly and welcoming, it makes the cruise fun.

I wouldn't dismiss small ships like Enchantment purely based on its age or size, and I'll look for ways to get back on a Vision Class ship again much sooner than six years.

Happy weekend! We hope you are enjoying a wonderful and relaxing weekend and managing to stay warm. Now it is time to sit back with a cuppa tea or java, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean cruise news.

Royal Caribbean has really big plans for the next few years with new ships, places to visit, and brand new ways to vacation.

With its business doing incredibly well, Royal Caribbean is poised to add new cruise ships and private destinations to its roster.

Not only will these new offerings bring in new business, but the cruise line wants to further distinguish itself from other vacation choices as something truly unique.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is re-opening an attraction with a new idea
• Royal Caribbean cancels a sailing of one of its cruise ships to complete maintenance work
• What to expect on Royal Caribbean theme nights
• 10 hacks to maximize the cruise casino perks
• 10 things I'd recommend if someone is new to cruise ship travel
• 12 things I always look forward to on every sailing
• Survey says 50% of cruisers dress up for formal night
• Celebrity Cruises just spent $1 billion to order another new cruise ship
• Celebrity Cruises will let everyone vote on the look, food, and entertainment on its next new cruise ship

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 554th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, all about what people that have never cruised before get wrong about cruises.

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

New RCB Video: What you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships

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 — Guide to Oasis Class ships — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

5 things crew members hate when cruise passengers do

Crew members on a ship see a lot, but a few things truly irritate them when passengers do it.

Occasionally, there's something a passenger does during their cruise that can be frustrating for a crew member to deal with.

A list appeared on the internet, and it's a good reminder of what not to do.

Royal Caribbean cancels more cruise ship visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico

It appears repairs to the pier in San Juan, Puerto Rico are not yet complete.

Guests booked on sailings in February 2025 received emails to inform them their scheduled visit has been replaced with other plans.

This is an ongoing issue with the port due to damage to the pier, which prevents Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships from docking there.

A $20 DIY hammock transformed this cruise ship balcony

The best balcony hack might be bringing your own hammock onboard.

One cruiser shared photos of how he brought a cheap $20 hammock on his cruise to add more value and enjoyment from his balcony.

He was able to attach it easily to the beams because there are holes in each beam, which was the perfect size for clamping the hammock onto it.

17 mistakes you can avoid making on cruise ship sea days

A sea day is when you have all day to enjoy everything your ship has to offer, but you certainly don't want to waste them.

I think most people want to get as much out of their vacation as possible, and sea days are when you get the most time on the ship to eat, see, and enjoy it all.

If you want to take advantage of what your ship has to offer, I'd avoid these 17 sea day mistakes.

Royal Caribbean has big plans for new ships and destinations you can book between now and 2028.

One thing that sets Royal Caribbean apart from other cruise lines is their consistent push forward with new ships, private beach expansions, and exciting itineraries.

In fact, there's so much going on with announcements, expansions, and reveals that it's difficult sometimes to know what is opening and when.

To make things easier, here's a concise look at all the big projects Royal Caribbean has up its sleeve in the coming years.

Star of the Seas

Opening: August 31, 2025

The second Icon Class cruise ship is nearly complete, and ready for launch in summer 2025.

Star of the Seas will have her inaugural sailing August 31, 2025 from Port Canaveral, Florida, and it's the cruise ship meant to follow-up the tremendous success of Icon of the Seas.

Just like Icon, Star will offer 7-night cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean. In fact, there will be a lot of similarities to Icon.

Royal Caribbean has not revealed every single detail about Star yet, but you should expect a ship that looks very similar to Icon.  

Some quick differences about Star of the Seas compared to Icon:

• The ships will be exactly the same size, meaning Star will not be bigger
• Back to the Future The Musical will be the featured show onboard
• There will be a few facial recognition cabins
• There will be a family dog on Star
• Surfside will be enhanced to appeal to slightly older kids
• The Supper Club will have a Chicago theme
• There will be one additional hot tub
• The Pearl is being enhanced
• A new restaurant in Surfside to replace Pier 7

You can expect Star of the Seas to build on what made Icon good, and add a few tweaks of its own.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Opening: December 2025

Royal Caribbean is working on its first ever private beach club experience, available exclusively to its passengers.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a shore excursion beach day owned and operated by Royal Caribbean, and it's located in Nassau, Bahamas across from where the cruise ships dock.

Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, entry costs extra and it's all-inclusive.

If you buy a pass, you'll be able to enjoy the pools, beaches, live music, island-style barbecues and more. The plan is to create, "the ultimate beach day," for anyone that goes there.

Think of all the best features and ideas from CocoCay, tweak them to be better, and combine it all in one place.

No word yet on pricing, but passes will go on sale beginning in the spring of 2025. The club itself will open sometime in December 2025.

Icon 3

Opening: 2026

The unnamed third Icon Class ship will enter service in 2026, and we know very little about what will be different about it.

One thing that's clear is Icon 3 will be the first opportunity for holistic changes compared to Icon.  Icon and Star both began construction around the same time, so the basic plans for both had to be the same.  With Icon 3, there was more time since the launch of Icon to include fundamental changes.

Royal Caribbean's Product Development team has hinted at changes that might be coming to Icon 3, but we will have to wait and see what they are.

There's no information yet on where this ship will sail from, its name, or any distinguishing factors.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel

Opening: 2026

Royal Caribbean announced plans to build its second beach club, with it being located in Cozumel, Mexico.

Just like the one in Nassau, Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be available exclusively for cruise ship passengers and no one else. It will open sometime in 2026.

We don't know where Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be located, as the cruise line has not revealed where the site of it is located.  

I've heard rumors of a potential takeover of an existing shore excursion beach, but nothing firm.

The driving plan behind this beach club is to offer great beach, pool, food, and service. 

Admission into the beach club will include access to swim-up bars, pools cabanas to rent, snorkeling, kayaking, restaurants, and street markets.

Royal Beach Club in South Pacific

Opening: 2026 or 2027

Royal Caribbean has pivoted from building a Perfect Day experience in Vanuatu to a beach club idea instead.

Details have been limited, but the line has confirmed a shift in plans to go with a new, unannounced beach club project.

Instead of Perfect Day Lelepa, there should be something more akin to Royal Beach Club Cozumel or Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

In 2024, Mr. Bayley said he expected this beach club to open in 2026 or 2027.

Icon 4

Opening: 2027

In 2024, Royal Caribbean announced it ordered a fourth Icon Class ship, with options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship. 

Just like Icon 3, we know no details about it at all.

Perfect Day Mexico

Opening: 2027

One of Royal Caribbean's most ambitious plans is to open a third private destination for its passengers, and this one is in Mexico.

Perfect Day Mexico will be double the size of Perfect Day at CocoCay, and it's going to be big. They've acquired about 220 acres of land.

It will transform Costa Maya, and encompass everything we love at CocoCay, but more of it.

It will have "an all-new, thrilling waterpark; jaw-dropping pools and beaches; restaurants, bars and more spots for all tastebuds; music; and more."

More details will be revealed in Spring 2025.

Oasis 7

Opening: 2028

There's still at least one more Oasis Class ship to be constructed.

Royal Caribbean placed an order for Oasis 7, with delivery sometime in 2028.

Oasis 7 will enter service about 4 years after Utopia of the Seas did, and that gives the cruise line all sorts of time to implement every tweak, enhancement, and new idea they can come up with from all of the Oasis and Icon ships combined.

Discovery Class ships

Opening: Unknown

Plans for a smaller cruise ship class are still in the rumor phase, but there's been a few hints over the last year.

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley has alluded and even mentioned the Discovery Class ships as an idea the cruise line has to build a new generation of smaller ships to replace the fleet's aging Vision Class.

Nothing official has been announced, and there have been no orders placed with any shipyards yet.

It's been primarily something mentioned with a wink or a nudge, but there's been enough talk among Royal Caribbean's top executives that it sounds like it could be a reality.

There are all sorts of emotions new cruisers experience in the lead up to their first sailing: excitement, anxiety, impatience, and hope. 

When you're new to cruising, you're probably imaging warm sunny days on the beach, visiting incredible places, and making new memories with your family.

Every week I take questions from new cruisers on our YouTube channel and it's clear to me someone that has never cruised before wants to have a fabulous vacation but is also concerned they might be making a big mistake in the process.

I've been cruising for over twenty years, so I don't go through the same set of emotions anymore that a new cruiser does because of my familiarity with the process. My family has pretty much established our cruise routine.

However, I make my share of mistakes along the way.  Most people learn by experience, and it's part of the process sometimes.

I remember the concerns and internal debates I had early on in cruising as I dealt with the various decisions to be made with a cruise vacation.

If you've never been on a cruise before, I want to share the 10 tips I'd tell anyone new to cruise ship travel to avoid some of my early mistakes.

Use a good travel agent

It might sound strange when you hear people still use travel agents, but they're incredible useful for a cruise vacation.

Because of how personalized cruises are, it's not as simple as booking a hotel room. There are so many considerations: inside or balcony room; Traditional or My Time Dining; Refundable or non-refundable cruise fare.

Plus, travel agents have access to special rates and discounts.

As soon as someone tells me they want to try a cruise, I tell them to get with a good travel agent so they can get started on the right foot. Someone brand new to cruising is bound to have lots of questions that pertain to their situation, and a travel agent can answer so many of them.

How do you find such an agent? Ask friends and family for a recommendation. Here is one such recommended travel agency that specializes in Royal Caribbean. 

Choose your cruise ship based on what is important to you

When you start looking at all the ship options, it's easy to get overwhelmed with the choices.  

To narrow it down, take a step back, and think about what things you want on a cruise. 

New ships are flashy and enticing because they're the latest and greatest.  It's just like an iPhone: the newest model gets all the commercials and attention, but the iPhone from 3-4 years ago still works incredibly well and is cheaper to buy.

Opting for a new ship because it's new means you're paying more for it, and if you don't care there's a water park because you'll never go on a slide, maybe you'd be better off with a different ship.

The other thing to think about is not just looking for the cheapest cruise. 

If you shop by price alone, you might get onboard and realize there are no water slides, Broadway shows, or Aquatheater. 

Research before your cruise starts

The more you know about your ship, places you're visiting, and handy tricks, the better your cruise will be.

Being prepared means you'll waste less time and money and set yourself up for a great vacation. To do that, you just need to start researching your trip.

Don't worry, you don't need to spend tons of time doing this.  It's vacation, not an amphibious landing operation.

A very easy way to get started is hop on YouTube and search for your ship or ports you're visiting and just watch a few videos.

We have our own YouTube channel with ship tours, and tons of tips and advice for a great cruise.

Get travel insurance

Technically, you don't need to get travel insurance, but I'd recommend anyone trying a cruise to buy it anyway.

Travel insurance is more than just glorified medical coverage. It protects you in many unforeseen, yet common scenarios.

• Your flight is delayed or cancelled
• Your luggage gets lost
• You lose your job right before the cruise and can't travel
• Bad weather (i.e. hurricane) delays your ship returning on time
• You miss a port of call because of bad weather
• Death in the family

There are many more reasons to get travel insurance.  Even though you probably won't need it, it's worth the peace of mind that comes with it.  

It's such a handy add-on to have that you really ought to get it.

Get your travel documents in order

Did you know you need a passport to cruise? Or that you could travel with just a birth certificate and state issued ID under certain circumstances?

Either before or after you book a cruise, you want to double check you have the right travel documents to travel.  There's no wiggle room if you don't and you will be denied boarding and lose your money if you don't have it.

Besides verifying you have a passport, verify the expiration dates and renew them, if necessary, now. Or if you don't have one, apply for a passport and get the ball rolling on that.

It's a major mistake to wait until close to your cruise only to realize you're missing something or need to renew it.

Be flexible

In all forms of travel, you need to embrace the mantra of being as flexible as you can.

I won't sugar coat it: something is going to go wrong on your trip.  

If you do a little research and plan accordingly, it's probably going to something minor, like it could rain on your beach day in Cozumel.  Or dinner could take way too long one night.  

The secret is to go with the flow.  Some things are just bad luck, like a rainy day or the bar running out of your favorite liquor.

Even if a problem is more man made, my advice is make the best of it. When my kids throw tantrums and wont cooperate, or my excursion is cancelled at the last minute, I have to take a step back and remind myself I'm on a cruise and a bad day here is better than any day at home.

One time I was in St. Thomas and my plans for the day fell through when I couldn't get a ride to the ferry port for our adventure to a nearby island.  

I was fuming because of how incompetent I felt the logistics were, but I paced for a minute and then went to a nearby bar for a drink. My wife and I sat there and drank together, and we ended up laughing it all off because we realized there was no sense in getting irate over it.

While you shouldn't let major problems just go by, don't sweat the small things either.

Check-in as early as you can for your cruise

Everyone wants to get on their ship as early as possible, and it's actually really easy to do.

All you need to do is complete the online check-in within the Royal Caribbean app right when check-in opens at exactly 45 days before your cruise.

Set a calendar reminder to do you check-in and grab a time for everyone in your group.

So many people are unaware and do online check-in later and get check-in times later in the day.

Walk and tour the ship on your first day

No matter if you've never cruised or not, I recommend walking around the ship on the first day to better understand where everything is.

I think inevitably you're going to be excited anyway and want to see as much of the ship as possible, but sometimes people get onboard and run into a bar or area that is appealing and neglect to explore more.

I'd recommend spending a little time after you eat lunch to walk the ship's public areas and see where the major attractions and venues are located.  It will make navigating the ship much easier later.

Be more social than you would at a resort

Another major difference between a cruise and a hotel is how much more social people are on a ship.

If I'm at a hotel, it's rare to ever strike up a conversation with other people staying there.  But on a cruise, there's a more communal feel to the experience.

You don't have to be everyone's best friend, but in elevators, on shore excursions, or at the bar, I find people are much more open to conversation.

I've actually met a few people that are now good friends in this manner. I truly believe this is a matter of us being on a cruise rather than on land.

Don't be afraid to ask for help with a problem

Royal Caribbean wants you to have a great cruise, but if you're not, then say something.

I'll see people post online after their cruise problems they had, but it seems like they didn't say anything about it on the ship.

If you're waiter is slow, talk to the head waiter.  If something is broken in your cabin, tell your stateroom attendant. If you notice an issue with how something is being handled, go to Guest Services to inform them.

New cruisers sometimes have this fear they are being a bother, but I think in many cases alerting a crew member to an issue is warranted.

While you shouldn't complain about the weather to a crew member (yes, some people do this), be sure to ask for help when you need it.  

I've seen plenty of cruise ship cabin hacks, but bringing your own hammock is one of the best yet.

Most cabins on cruise ships are smaller than a typical hotel room, but that's not as important given how much there is to see and do around the ship.

Nonetheless, making your cabin a little more comfortable is something most people strive to do.

One cruiser shared his idea for making the cabin better by bringing a hammock and using it on his balcony.

Robert Loeser posted photos from his recent cruise on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas in a Facebook group of his cabin on deck 7.

He booked cabin 7388, which is a corner aft balcony at the very back of the ship.

This room not only features a large balcony, but his seemingly brilliant idea to bring a hammock with him to use it.

In his post he said, "we bought the hammock for $20 on Amazon. It took 2 minutes to install."

Sure enough, the hammock is listed on Amazon for $21.99 and has fast shipping (link contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use but I make a small commission).

He was able to attach it easily to the beams because there are holes in each beam, which was the perfect size for clamping the hammock onto it.

His post generated a lot of intrigue, as many others loved the idea.

Jaclyn Frederick-Atkinson wrote, "I’ve always wondered if I could get away with bringing a hammock!"

"Now that's an amazing balcony," wrote Jamie Brady.

"Im now considering booking back of ship just for those balconies. I've seen so many now," posted Amy Stewart.

Could you hang a hammock on your cruise ship balcony?

Robert's balcony was massive, so there was plenty of space.  But could this work on other balcony cabins?

There's no definitive answer for everyone, as the issue is if your balcony has a spot to tie off the hammock ends.

Other cruisers have reported being able to do so, but it really depends on the specific balcony.

The balcony divider structure usually has a place where you might be able to tie to, but it's another question if it's meant to have any meaningful weight attached to them.

By far it's easier if you book a cabin with a larger balcony space, such as the one Robert has.

You might also be wondering what Royal Caribbean's policy is on it, and I couldn't find a specific rule that allows or forbids a hammock.  

Obviously you're not going to hide a hammock, so the ship's security must have seen it come through. Nonetheless, it's always up to the ship's security team to make spot decisions if there's a concern.

Other creative ideas cruisers have had for their balcony

Bringing a hammock is far from the first idea that to get more use out of their balcony.

We've seen some passengers drag their mattress out to the balcony to sleep outside, sparking a debate if it's a genius or bad idea.

One example was a couple on Allure of the Seas laying on a mattress while enjoying their balcony. Supposedly, the guests decided to move their cabin’s mattresses out to their balcony for some light reading.

Some people think it looks like a fun idea, but others question how dirty the balcony can be and how soiled the mattress can get from just the humidity in the air.

Other ways you can transform your cruise ship cabin

There are plenty of cruise cabin tips you can use, but here are three more that I think make your stateroom feel more like home.

Bring wall magnets

You can put magnets just about anywhere in your cabin, including the ceiling, and it's still one of the best tips I use all the time.

You want to buy the strong magnetic clips that have clips or hooks.

Magnets can help you on cruise ships in so many different ways by keeping belongings off the ground. Storage can be contentious at times, and magnets help keep hats, jackets, swimsuits and other items off the floor, couch, or free of other storage areas.

I like these heavy duty magnets as the ones to bring.

Bring pictures from home

I scoffed the first time I heard this tip, but the more I thought of it, the more I thought it's actually a good idea to bring photos from home to have around your cabin.

I wouldn't bother on a 3-night cruise, but for longer sailings, making your room feel like home is a nice touch.

A twist on this tip is hang photos on your cabin door as a way to decorate the door and get excited about your sailing.

Laundry hamper

I've been taking a laundry hamper with me on cruises and it helps keep the room tidier overall.

For years I just did the mountain of dirty laundry in a corner, but the hamper contains it and just feels nicer.

Almost two years since being closed down, Royal Caribbean is ready to bring one of its signature activities back to life.

Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for adding incredible attractions on its cruise ships.  The sort of things you'd see and think "I can't believe you can do that on a cruise ship".

One of those was the Skypad, which originally included a bungee trampoline experience with virtual reality that offered a way for passengers to play virtual games in a fun way.

Unfortunately, the cruise line suddenly closed it down in March 2023 and since then, it's remained dormant.

In a statement to RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, Royal Caribbean announced it has a new vision for the Skypad that it's putting on one ship to start.

Available only on Spectrum of the Seas, the new Skypad expedition: Adventure in Space & Underseas is available for passengers to try.

Here's how Royal Caribbean describes it:

During this experience, adventurers can immerse themselves into the vastness of interstellar space and explore the depths of the ocean and vibrant coral reefs through the lens of virtual reality technology. 

Guests put on VR goggles and ear cups that are meant to block out ambient sound, and then watch a film. The different films have pace, sci-fi, and under-water themed episodes. 

There is an additional cost, and is priced at $15 per person. Guests must be at least 6 years old, but kids under 12 need to be accompanied by parents or legal guardians.

You can book the Skypad experience before the cruise begins via the Pre-Cruise Planner or on the Royal Caribbean app. 

At this time, it's only available on Spectrum of the Seas.  Spectrum of the Seas is based in China and sails to the Asia-Pacific region. Spectrum was the first Quantum Ultra-Class ship. That means it had more to do onboard, such as the Skypad.

It's a giant cruise ship, with a size of 168,800 gross tons and a capacity of 4,905 passengers.

I asked if other Royal Caribbean ships with the Skypad would receive it, and as of now it's just Spectrum. 

The ships with a Sky Pad include:

• Independence of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

It's likely Royal Caribbean is waiting to evaluate how popular the new offering is before rolling it out to other ships, but that's my own speculation.

The best known signature attractions on Royal Caribbean ships

Until the Skypad experience comes to more ships, there's plenty of other things to capture your attention.

While sports courts, rock walls, and mini-golf courses are common, there's a few things you're likely to marvel at on many of their biggest ships.

Ultimate Abyss

Available on the Oasis Class ships, this is a 10 story dry slide on the back of the ship that you're going to notice quickly.

You get into a mat and slide down a dark enclosed slide that features sounds and lights to enhance the thrill.

There's no cost, and it's a fun family ride.

Flowrider

Ever dreamed of learning to surf on a cruise ship?

The Flowrider is available on a lot of ships, and it's a controlled wave you can get on and attempt to surf. They offer boogie boarding as well.

There's no cost to the Flowrider (unless you take a lesson), and you just need to meet the height requirements to participate: 52 inches for boogie boarding and 58 inches for stand up surfing. 

Zip line

Also on Oasis Class ships only is a 82 foot zip line that goes high above the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Once again, no cost to this.

In order to participate, guests must be at least 52 inches tall and weigh no more than 275 pounds; children must also meet minimum weight requirements — 75 pounds or higher — for their own safety. 

Bumper cars

Within the Seaplex on Quantum Class ships is a bumper car attraction you can ride.

There's no cost to it and you hop into a bumper car and slam into as many other people's cars as you can!

Water slides

Royal Caribbean has added water slides to most of its ships, and these are sure to please anyone going down.

Most ships have two or three slides, but Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships actually have an entire water park onboard!

There's no cost to do the water slides, but they do get quite busy. 

Try them on embarkation day for less of a wait.

Sky diving simulator

Also on the Quantum Class ships is Ripcord by iFly, where you can enter an enclosed tube with a giant fan at the bottom to feel what it's like to sky dive.

Every passenger is entitled to one complimentary ride per sailing, but you can buy additional time.

Royal Caribbean provides a special suit to wear, and after a safety demonstration, you're taken into the tube to give it a try.

An instructor is in there with you to assist, and it's a one-minute thrill ride you won't forget.

Observation pod

One more feature on the Quantum Class ships is the North Star.

he North Star is a glass-enclosed observation pod that rises 300 feet above the deck of your ship, offering breathtaking views all around you.

Rides are free if you do it while in port, otherwise there's a cost to do it on a sea day.

No matter how often I cruise, there are certain things about a cruise vacation that I look forward to each time I sail.

I'm privileged enough to be able to cruise a lot each year. While going on a ship that often might reduce some of the overall excitement, once I get within a few days of my next cruise, I start to get excited about what I want to do onboard.

I think part of what makes a cruise so much fun are some of aspects of it that you just can't find elsewhere. Or at least, things I'd never do elsewhere.

As I'm writing this, I'm getting ready to head on my next cruise in a few days.  With that in mind, I came up with a list of things I'm really looking forward to trying, doing, and eating.

A break from the routine

Like any vacation, I think getting away from the usual pace of life is a welcome change.

As soon as I step onboard the ship, I my entire outlook on my day changes. There's no thinking about errands I need to run, bills I have to pay, or grocery shopping.  It's like a magic button is pressed to completely alter how I think about my day.

Having a departure from normalcy is something I get more of on a cruise than on land, and that might be because I feel more connected to home while on land. Sure, there are TVs and I have the internet package, but I'm not paying as close attention to that on a ship.

There's something about waking up in a new place each day, having meals prepared for you, and meeting new people that makes a cruise feel so much more different than "real life".

Ironically, this break from the normalcy is probably what makes re-adjusting to life after a cruise so difficult. You get adjusted to cruise life and then are hit the "post-cruise blues" that much harder.

All sorts of activities

I might not actually go to many of them, but I love peruse all the activities Royal Caribbean offered each day.

The Royal Caribbean app lists what you can do on each day, and they really pack a lot into what you could do. This is especially true if you go on one of the bigger ships.

Someone once described a cruise as "summer camp for adults" and I think that's such an apt description because of there's a printed (and digital) list of what you can do.

All of the activities are optional, but I like having the choice. From trivia to scrapbooking classes, pickleball tournaments, and cocktail seminars, I’m always impressed by the variety of programming available onboard.

I like to browse the schedule to see what jumps out at me, and sometimes I may simply pull up the app once onboard and see what's happening now and find something to do based on that.

Visiting foreign ports

The thing that got my hooked on cruising to begin with was visiting different countries, and that's still a big appeal for me.

Not all my cruises take me somewhere exotic, but I do enjoy the opportunity to visit different places. 

As I've cruised more, I've been able to visit more places and it's an incredible feeling to pull into port and be able to explore.

When I went to Europe last summer and got to visit Spain and France for the first time, I couldn't get enough of it.  I've gone to places I probably would not have on a land trip, and I got to check a number of places off my bucket list.

International cuisine

There's so much great food on a Royal Caribbean ship, but I always gravitate towards the international foods when I eat onboard.

I usually head to the Windjammer buffet for my welcome aboard lunch on embarkation day, and I guarantee you my plate has Indian curry on it.

Royal Caribbean has really good Indian food in the Main Dining Room too, and the options change every day.  My personal favorites are aloo gobi or the chicken korma. 

Sometimes at dinner in the Windjammer, they'll have the Asian stir fry cooking station, which is something I could also eat just about every day.

While I'll eat plenty of other food too, the international foods are something I seek out on every sailing.

Music around the ship

One thing Royal Caribbean does better than other cruise lines is their focus for live music.

No matter which ship you sail on, there's going to be quite a few musicians onboard to perform for you.

There's a pool band, Schooner Bar piano player, violinists, guitar players, and potentially even more on the bigger ships.

Sometimes I like to bring my laptop and enjoy a cellist play music while I work.  Other times I head to the bar to enjoy music I can sing along with. That ability to find live music all day is something very akin to cruising.

Enjoying all the service

When you don't have to cook or clean, I think most people would take that and that's exactly one of the best things about going on a cruise.

The night before we depart for the cruise, I joke with my wife, "this is the last meal for a week we have to plan!" and it's a real sense of relief.

Of course, the stateroom attendant makes a big difference too. It's so nice having someone else tidy up the room and make the bed every day.

Going back home after a cruise and going back to cooking and cleaning is a cruel reality.

Seeing crew members

The crew onboard any ship are always quite friendly, and they add a dimension to my vacation I simply don't get on land.

I enjoy the opportunity to get on any ship and see if there are any crew that I might have met on a previous sailing. If you're new to cruising, this might seem strange, but it happens a lot and it's a welcome opportunity.

Certain crew members stand out for their level of service, and I've gotten to know a few of them over the years. It's great to see their smiling face again, and hear about how things are going for them, both on the ship and back at home with their families.

If you haven't done this yet, I recommend talking with crew members when you have the chance. Many have interesting stories and anecdotes to share, and it's not often you can speak with people from all over the world.

Catching a perfect sunset

No matter how often I cruise, I'm a sucker for a beautiful sunset, and there are no shortage of them on a cruise ship.

It's an incredible sight when you see the sun approaching the horizon and the bold and bright colors start to interact with the ocean below.  

If there aren't many clouds, I'll head up to the pool deck to catch the sunset on most days.  I think the upper pool deck is always best, but if your ship has a helipad, that's a great place too.

Be sure to bring a cocktail or glass of wine with you to fully enjoy the ambiance.

Enjoying time with friends and family

My kids always ask me before any cruise we go on who we know that is also going onboard, and that's because they know cruising with friends is better.

Taking a cruise with loved ones or your pals is a great way to foster the bonds that keep you together.  I'll cruise any day with friends or family, but probably wouldn't do the same on a land vacation because I'd feel much more obliged to be "joined at he hip" with a land trip.

On a ship, there's time to hang out, but also do your own thing without feeling like you're abandoning them.

Plus, going on a cruise where I can see friends is the perfect way to catch up.

Having a few drinks every day

I really don't drink much alcohol at home, but I do enjoy a few drinks on a cruise ship.

Whether I buy a beverage package or take full advantage of my daily Crown & Anchor drink vouchers, I look forward to an evening drink or two.

I'll usually start out with my favorite drinks:

• Lavaflow with Kraken rum
• Bloody Mary with Titos vodka
• Kraken rum and coke
• Belvedere vodka, muddled lime, soda water (Thanks Jeanie and Steve for this one!)
• PB&J Old Fashioned

As the cruise progresses, I also like trying new drinks. Royal Caribbean's Food & Beverage team takes pride in developing new menus that go beyond the stereotypical tropical drinks, and I appreciate that.

A little bit of gambling

I also enjoy going to the casino during my cruise for some entertainment.

Gambling is risky, so always gamble responsibly.  To that point, I bring cash with me that is my limit on what I'm willing to lose.  In fact, I go in expecting to lose all my money so there's no delusions on my end.

I've found Royal Caribbean's casino is like an adult video game arcade. The allure of winning money while being social with friends is a fun aspect of the experience.

My wife and I will usually head down once a day to gamble a bit, and it's part of the fun of going out for the night with dinner and a show.

Getting to work outdoors

The reality is on any cruise I go on, there's a work component to it because of this blog.

To that point, I like I get to change up where my "office" is located.  

Weather permitting, I'll take my laptop and head up to the pool deck, outside promenade deck, or my balcony.  It's nice to get the sea breeze, a little bit of sun, and a general change from my office at home.

If I'm at Perfect Day at CocoCay, I love going to Captain Jack's and working from one of the tables. There's a lot of shade and drink service too!

Celebrity Cruises is not done building its current generation of cruise ship.

Cruise lines build ships in groupings, known as ship classes, and each builds upon the success of the last.

On Tuesday, Celebrity confirmed an order they placed to build their sixth Edge Class ship.

The deal was made with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for delivery of the new ship sometime in 2028.

The cruise line said that while it's the sixth in the Edge Class, it will be more more akin to "Xcel 2" and the sister-ship to Celebrity Xcel, which sails later this year.

Xcel is being built with engines designed to use three types of fuel making the ship the line’s first methanol-capable ship pending future alterations. It was not specified if the next ship will also be methanol-capable.

The decision to order another in the Edge Class lineage demonstrates the company's confidence in the product. It can be argued the Edge Class has fundamentally improved the perception of the brand, as well as catapulted the line ahead of other premium brands.

What makes an Edge ship stand out

Ever since Celebrity launched its first Edge Class ship in 2018, it's completely revamped what a cruise ship in its line is all about.

They were designed to be advanced and not a slight iteration beyond what they had done in the past.

Xcel has a capacity of 3,260 passengers at double occupancy, making it a mid-sized contemporary cruise ship.

The most notable difference almost every notices first is the Magic Carpet on the side, which moves vertically along the side of the ship.

Think of it like a multi-purpose venue that can move from deck to deck to perform certain functions. At the lowest deck, it allows passengers to get on tenders.

In the evening, it moves up to become an outdoor restaurant, but during the day it's just an outside bar.

Another first introduced on Edge Class ships was the advent of the infinite veranda.

These have since been copied to Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships, but the idea is the balcony seamlessly integrates into the cabin.

With the push of a button, a floor-to-ceiling glass wall opens, allowing for fresh air and uninterrupted ocean views. Or close the window and allow the balcony space to become indoor space.

At the back of the ship is The Eden.

Think of Eden as a multi-purpose theater, restaurant, and bar rolled into one. You'll find live performances, interactive dining, and wide open ocean views.

In addition, Edge class ships are designed to be "outward-facing", which means they focus on the sea instead of older ship designs that emphasize internal spaces.

Features we can expect on Xcel 2

Celebrity has provided no details beyond the order, but we can make reasonable guesses based on what Xcel is getting.

In addition to some distinctive Edge Class features, there are some differences and enhancements that will make the experience onboard this Edge Class ship different from others.

Xcel will have an expanded Rooftop Garden and Resort Deck with unique cantilevered float pools. 

The expanded Sunset Bar is also on Xcel. It's a multi-level, multi-terraced bar at the aft of the ship.

Grand Plaza was also redesigned with the latter Edge Class ships to provide a better layout.

Celebrity Cruises wants to give power to the people for deciding on the finishing touches to its new cruise ship.

Celebrity Xcel is due out in November 2025, and a new program will allow the public to vote on the things passengers will enjoy onboard.

Traditionally, the choice of a ship's aesthetics, culinary, and programming are decided by teams across the company and vetted through focus groups, executives, and other means of picking the perfect option.

Celebrity wants to give its fans the choice with the Xcel "Dream Makers" program.

The cruise line says anyone will be able to "test, try and vote on new experiences" for Celebrity Xcel. The hope is this will invigorate a ship that is the fifth in the Edge Class with something different.

Celebrity Cruises Chief Marketing and Product Officer Michael Scheiner said they want to involve their guests in the design process, "Celebrity Cruises is known for ground-breaking innovation in ship design and experiences unlike any other at sea, when Xcel launches guests won't have just found their happy place, they'll have helped us build it."

You'll have the final say

Celebrity says its guests will have "the final say" on decisions of what will be added to Celebrity Xcel. 

The way it works is the public will be able to choose through online polls and "and one-of-a-kind experiential in-person events".

To be eligible, you just need to be a resident that is 21 years and older, living in the US, Canada (excluding Quebec), UK, and Australia/New Zealand.

There are three key areas outline where the public has a choice:

• Design
• Culinary
• Entertainment

Specifically, there are seven, new, yet-to-be-revealed experiences, that need the Dream Makers to make a decision on.

Votes will go towards these areas:

• Choosing textiles, managing interior design elements and curating service offerings;
• Picking their favorite dishes and beverages, choosing table settings and shaping dining concepts; and
• Providing input on headline shows, curate props and costumes, select playlists and partake in selections to appoint pivotal entertainment positions onboard.

Want to join the team and be part of this? You just need to head over the Dream Makers website for more information.

New ship has been floated out

Today's announcement coincides with a recent construction milestone for Celebrity Xcel, as the new ship is sitting in water for the first time.

The new cruise ship is under construction at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship was moved into the water and a new Basin so that the next phase of construction can begin.

This means the ship can float without assistance, and the completion of the ship's exterior.

Celebrity Xcel is sailing her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on her inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal.

The lesson of letting the internet decide

I love that Celebrity is involving the public in choosing the look and feel for its new ship, but I can't help but recall an infamous result of a similar endeavor.

In 2016, the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council held a contest to name its newest $300 million Antarctic survey vessel. 

Rather than opt for dignified choices, the internet went for funny over form. The front-runner for the contest based on submissions from the public was R.R.S. Boaty McBoatface.

Funny enough, Royal Caribbean thought it was amusing too and extended an offer to the person that came up with the idea, James Hand, to bring his talents and help Royal Caribbean develop the name for a future ship. 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, said, "Like the rest of the world, we fell in love with the name Boaty McBoatface when we heard it, and we knew immediately that Royal Caribbean could use James Hand’s talent to name our next ship."