Royal Caribbean has made two changes to Crown and Anchor Society benefits that cruisers should be aware of.

The cruise line does not update its loyalty program often, but the lineup of benefits are a critical reason many people remain "loyal to Royal".

We've noticed two major changes that have been introduced recently, and I think they could make your cruise better (assuming you qualify for them).

One change was announced via email, and another was spotted by our site readers.

Here's what's new and different in the Crown and Anchor Society benefits.

Priority tendering added for Pinnacle Club members

If you're lucky enough to have made it to the upper most tier of Crown and Anchor, there's a new perk.

Pinnacle Club members now don't have to worry about getting a tender ticket to go ashore.

"We’re introducing a new exclusive benefit for Pinnacle Club members designed to make getting ashore faster and more seamless than ever," the announcement said in an email.

Available on select European sailings, tender tickets are now distributed via the Royal Caribbean app.

• Odyssey of the Seas: Santorini tender port days
• Harmony of the Seas: La Spezia tender port days
• Legend of the Seas: La Spezia tender port days

"With Priority Digitized Tendering, you’re automatically set to head ashore — no lines, no waiting, no extra steps."

On ships where Digitized Tendering is not yet available, Pinnacle priority tendering will not be offered, just yet. However, Royal Caribbean says more ships will be added as the experience expands.

Royal Caribbean recently experimented with offering tendering on an Oasis Class ship for the first time. It was to prepare for an even larger ship, Legend of the Seas, to offer tendering as well.

Traditionally, tender tickets were distributed by hand and required guests to a location to request them.  Making them digital means a more convenient way for everyone to sign up.

Single supplement discount for all Diamond Plus guests now?

UPDATE: The grid update was a misprint, and the benefits grid has been updated once more to add back in the 340 points requirement.

• Previous Verbiage: Single supplement cruise fare reduced to 150% (125% on Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Panama Canal sailings) from 200% for members that have 340+ Cruise Points.
• Correct & Current Verbiage: Single supplement cruise fare reduced to 150% (125% on Transatlantic, Transpacific, Panama Canal and Canada sailings) from 200% for members that have 340+ Cruise Points. 

Royal Caribbean had updated its loyalty benefits grid, which temporarily showed a more widely applied discount for those cruising solo.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Mick noticed the change and posted about it on our Royal Caribbean message boards.

The Crown & Anchor Society loyalty benefits grid was updated verbiage that no longer mentions needing 340 points to qualify for the single supplement cruise fare reduction.

However, the change has since been revised further to re-add the 340 cruise point requirement to be able to pay only 1.5 times the cruise fare of one person, instead of two times.

The terms and conditions have not changed for the restrictions on this discount: Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club single members are eligible for a single supplement cruise fare at 150% (125% on Transatlantic, Transpacific, Panama Canal and Canada sailings). This offer is based on availability with certain restrictions. 

This offer is not applicable to Ocean Voyage Packages, Holiday sailings (including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’ s Day, Holy Week, Easter/Spring break, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Golden Week [Asia],Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year ’s), or peak summer months from June 1 through August 15. Not valid on new ships within the first 365 days of service.

The single supplement discount does not apply to studio cabins, which are solo fares from the start.

As soon as I boarded Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, my first stop was to try their updated food hall.

Ever since Royal Caribbean launched Aquadome Market on Icon of the Seas, I was hooked on this concept of freshly prepared food that you can't otherwise find on the ship. I loved the combination of different food than typical of the line, plus it was available late night too.

With each new Icon Class ship, Royal Caribbean sought to refresh the lineup. Legend of the Seas has five new places to eat, with one being a smoothie bar.

Since Aquadome Market has quickly become my favorite included restaurant, I've been ranking the food halls every time I go to determine my favorites.

Here's how I ranked them all, from my least favorite to my favorite.

Simply Pressed is a new smoothie bar

They don't serve food, but there's a new place to get smoothies and juices on Legend of the Seas.

The drinks here cost extra, but without a Vitality Cafe, having access to a smoothie bar has become important to a lot of cruisers.

There are fresh juices and smoothies you can order, each are 12 oz.

Since these are beverages and not food, I won't rank this stall.  But it's somewhere anyone with a drink package might want to be aware exists before their sailing begins.

I think La Española was my least favorite, but I liked the tapas

There has to be a least favorite in any ranking, and La Española makes it there primarily because the gazpacho was too strange for me.

I love tomatoes, salsa, and hot tomato soup. But cold tomato soup was too strange a taste for my liking, even though I could add croutons and extra veggies in it.  I wanted to love it, but like coleslaw, some foods I just never get a taste for.

The tapas, however, are a stronger option. I really liked the Pan con Tomate with Manchengo because it was a light snack for something less filling.

Adobo serves tacos, and that's always a classic food

I was surprised when Royal Caribbean revealed one of the food stands would have tacos, because El Loco Fresh serves tacos across the deck.  However, these are street tacos instead of the Tex-Mex stuff at El Loco.

Tacos al pastor are arguably more authentic than the basic tacos you'd find in the US. Tacos al pastor feature thinly sliced pork (there's chicken also) marinated in adobo seasoning and stacked on a vertical spit alongside fresh pineapple.

The meat is cooked in the Lebanese shawarma technique, and shavings are stacked in the taco.

Toppings include onion, cilantro, lime, and pineapple. Pineapple is traditionally served with them to balance the marinade of the meat.

I liked these tacos a lot, especially for the different flavors.  Once again, it's going to taste differently (in a good way) from what's at El Loco Fresh.

I found, however, how fresh the tortillas are greatly impact how good the tacos taste.  If the tortillas aren't very freshly prepared, they tend to get harder.  I was sure to ask for a fresh tortilla when I ordered for better results.

I didn't know I was a gumbo fan until I tried Cajun Kitchen

If I had ranked these food halls before I tried them, I'm certain I would have ranked Cajun Kitchen near the bottom.  But it almost became my favorite.

Serving New Orleans gumbo, Cajun Kitchen has one item on its menu and it's very tasty.

You have a choice of chicken, sausage, or shrimp gumbo to go on top of the white rice base.

The rice soaks up a lot of gumbo juice, and you get a very flavorful medley soaked into the rice as you eat it.

Gumbo is a wonderful comfort food, and I think this is a great choice for something filling and easy to eat. 

The new Korean rice bowls won me over as a fan

Seoulmate is not just a creative name for Korean rice bowls, it's also easily my favorite of the new food halls on Legend of the Seas.

Not really knowing what to expect, I asked for the marinated chicken to go along all the toppings available. 

Served with a Korean scallion pancake, this is what I'll order as soon as I board the ship and as a late-night snack every time I sail on Legend.

I love Asian food to begin with, and there are some wonderful flavors when you combine everything.  I loved how light the pancake was as a way to scoop in the food.

I had never tried Kimchi, and it quickly hit the spot. In fact, I think it's what made the rice bowl a great choice.

Creme de la Crepe, the one returning food hall, never disappoints

Every Aquadome Market has a Creme de la Crepe station, and it's because of how insanely popular freshly made crepes continue to be.

Truthfully, this should still be the top ranked food station. But that's like the Tony Awards giving "Phantom of the Opera" the best musical every year because it's a perennial favorite.

There are four types of crepes to choose from, and each is amazing in its own right.

Strawberry Nutella is a top choice, but I wouldn't fault you for choosing "The Classic" of dusted sugar and lemon zest.

This was, to put it plainly, so good.

Aquadome Market instantly catapulted to the top of my must-eat list as soon as I tried it, and that continues here with Legend of the Seas.

I admire Royal Caribbean for branching out and challenging themselves to offer different choices instead of copying the menu from the ship that came before it.

Creme de la Crepe and Adobo are the safest options to consider.  Even the pickiest of eaters should be able to find something because it's all customizable.

Seoulmate works if you're just getting marinated chicken or beef and rice, or if you opt to load it up. It's something I could eat almost everyday.

Happy Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and are ready to catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from this week!

The biggest cruise ship in the world has arrived!

Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas began sailing this past week, welcoming its first guests onboard.

The brand new ship is the third Icon Class ship, and introduces new dining innovations and new shows too.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean oversold three cruises. Why cruise ships get overbooked
• Will Royal Caribbean cruise from Australia year-round?
• Legend of the Seas cruise ship review
• Royal Caribbean's newest balcony cabin fixes one of the biggest problems for families
• The best changes Royal Caribbean made to Legend of the Seas
• Are you eating sushi the right way? Do's and dont's from a master sushi chef
• Comparing the Legend of the Seas ships
• Liberty of the Seas cruise ship review

New RCB Video: I Cruised On A $2 Billion Ship Before Anyone Else!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I Cruised On A $2 Billion Ship Before Anyone Else! — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean hinted where the new Discovery Class ships will sail

Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley gave us a hint where Discovery Class ships will sail (and probably won't).

While at a press conference on Legend of the Seas, a question was asked about Royal Caribbean's next new class of ships.

He was cagey with not divulging anything new, but he did give us an idea of where these ships are destined.

7 things Royal Caribbean just said about Europe cruises, new ship plans, and AI changes

Jason Liberty and Michael Bayley answered questions about the future of Royal Caribbean.

Journalists from around the world onboard Legend of the Seas questioned the executives on future plans, use of AI, and even the ship's dog.

Both of them were quite candid in offering answers to questions many of us have been wondering about too.

Eating on a train on a cruise ship: Royal Railway Legend Station

Royal Caribbean's new version of its immersive train restaurant is open, and I was so much more impressed with it.

Available on Legend of the Seas, there's a new show, new theme, and new menu with it too.

Silk Routes offers a different take on the family-friendly first show, and I loved the new food and storytelling.

10 things I loved and hated about my Liberty of the Seas cruise

Liberty of the Seas is updated and back in service, so what's good and bad about this amplified ship?

After spending a week onboard, there are a few things that stand out.  

Some of the changes have been great, while others are head scratchers.

Whether you've never tried sushi before or are new to it all, now is the perfect time to master it and give it a proper try.

Nearly all Royal Caribbean ships have Izumi Japanese restaurant onboard, including the brand new Legend of the Seas. 

From the first time I tried sushi on a Royal Caribbean ship in 2010, I've been hooked on their brand of freshly prepared food. It's become a must-eat when I'm onboard.

However, I know there are lots of people who have never tried it before or are new to it all. Izumi Master Chef Travis Kamiyama created the Izumi brand and works year after year to bring his vision for quality Japanese cuisine to cruise ships.

"People are really interested in the culture, the type of food. Japanese cuisine is very diverse. Sushi is just the tip of the iceberg."

While sailing on Legend of the Seas, I asked him to share the proper way to eat sushi and how to go about trying it if you've never sampled any.

What's the best first sushi to try?

You don't have to start off with raw tuna or salmon as your first entry into sushi.

Chef Travis recommends starting with a fried roll because it's cooked instead of being raw.

"You've got to start out with our crispy Philly or the crispy spicy tuna. It's actually flash fried on the outside, so it's quite friendly."

Another good option is the crispy shrimp roll because it features shrimp tempura, which is a flavor and texture many people already enjoy.

Of course, there's always the tried-and-true California roll. It's not fried, but it appeals a lot to American tastes.

"It's basically the flagship of all the Americanized sushi. It's super friendly because the crab is cooked. As long as you're not allergic to shellfish, it's a great place to start."

Sushi isn't an all-or-nothing experience. You can start with a familiar flavor, and perhaps graduate to something more adventurous later.

How to use chopsticks the right way

Learning to use chopsticks can seem intimidating, but there's a trick that might make it easier.

Chef Travis recommends asking for wooden chopsticks if they're available because they're easier for beginners to grip than reusable plastic ones.

Once you've separated them, don't rub the chopsticks together, "You don't want to do the sharpening... trying to get splinters out because there's none, honestly. That's totally not what Japanese do."

Learning to hold chopsticks requires practice and patience. He says to move the top one up and down, while keeping the other one stable.

"It's going to take practice. Your muscle memory isn't going to be there."

Fortunately, Izumi restaurants also offer chopstick "helpers" that snap onto the sticks to make them much easier to control while you're learning.

Is eating sushi with your hands rude?

Since mastering chopsticks isn't going to happen at once, you might need another way to eat sushi.

"Traditionally in Japan, it's normal to eat sushi with your hands," he said.

Ask your server to leave the warm oshibori towel at your table. The towel allows you to comfortably eat with your fingers while cleaning your hands between bites.

What about using a fork? That should be the last option, "Chopsticks first is ideal. Then hand. Then fork is last."

Using a fork is actually not practical because it often causes the roll to fall apart before it reaches your mouth.

I was using ginger wrong for my entire life

I asked Chef Travis about what ginger was for when it's served with your sushi, and I had no idea I was actually using it incorrectly.

According to Chef Travis, it's not a topping. Instead, it's meant to be a palate cleanser.

Imagine you're eating a sushi sampler featuring tuna, salmon, yellowtail and shrimp. You should be eating the ginger between pieces because that allows each fish to stand on its own.

"You want to try to taste the fish instead of masking it with the ginger."

Should you mix soy sauce and wasabi?

The answer depends on where you're eating.

"If you go to a high-end sushi bar... don't touch it," he said.

At an omakase experience, the sushi is already seasoned exactly as intended.

"They're not going to give you soy sauce anyway."

But since you're probably eating sushi at Izumi, Chef Travis says diners have more flexibility.

You could take some wasabi, put it in the dish, add some soy sauce, mix it up, and then dip it. That's okay."

The key is not to overdo it. You want a little bit, so you don't overwhelm the fish.

What's the biggest mistake people make with soy sauce?

I asked Chef Travis what is the top faux pas people make when eating sushi.

He said too many people dunk the rice directly into the soy sauce, "The thing you want to avoid is to dip the rice in there where it soaks up all the soy sauce."

This causes two problems: it overwhelms the flavor and can cause the rice to fall apart.

He compared it to covering French fries with so much ketchup that you can't taste the potatoes anymore.

Is eating raw fish dangerous?

Some people have been hesitant to try sushi because the idea of eating raw food could make them sick.

Chef Travis explained the fish in sushi is different than the raw seafood from your supermarket, "Sushi grade is very different, and we're very honed into that sourcing. We're very picky."

Sushi restaurants operate under entirely different sourcing standards than grocery store prepared foods.

Want a family cruise on the best cruise ship that offers just about everything? I think Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas is the perfect choice.

Ever since Icon of the Seas redefined what we expect from a modern cruise ship, Royal Caribbean has been hard at work to make it even better.

Legend of the Seas is the third ship in this class, which means it's a lot like the latest iPhone. It's not fundamentally different from the past couple versions, but you instantly know it's a step up from them.

This ship was built with one idea in mind: offer the best things on one ship so everyone in the family has an amazing time. 

I've been on Icon and Star of the Seas numerous times, so I can see where Legend of the Seas excels in delivering more to do.

Ship order is irrelevant, this is a ship with lots to do

Unless you follow Royal Caribbean everything like me, the fact Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship doesn't matter.

What does matter is this is the cruise ship for everyone in your fam. It's uncompromising, has more than you could ever do in a week, and even visits some amazing places.

Almost any Royal Caribbean ship is designed to be the kind of vacation that has something for everyone, and Legend of the Seas is the perfect example of that.

It's a great example of "bigger is better" because with more space, you have more room for all the fun (and sometimes crazy) ideas Royal Caribbean can dream up.

This ship is 20 decks high, over 1100 feet long, and has six waterslides, 28 restaurants, 17 bars and lounges,  and 17 pools and whirlpools. It's giant, bright, and the second you get onboard I bet you'll be amazed.

That feeling of being amazed won't soon leave you, because there's so much happening every minute.

This ship is divided up into eight neighborhoods, with each one having a distinct look and feel to it.  It makes it easier to know where you are, and it helps with identifying what things to do are there.

To say the least, there are a lot of things to do. There's a lengthy schedule of events everyday you can navigate in the cruise line app. It's your choice to do all of them, or none of them.

Then you have the pools, waterslides, bars, live music, shows, and dance parties you can choose from as well. It's a bit overwhelming where to start, but you'll get the hang of it pretty quickly.

Legend of the Seas does three things best: food, water fun, and entertainment

If you want to boil this ship down to why you'd want to book it, it's for three main reasons.

The incredible assortment of entertainment on Legend of the Seas is what has made Royal Caribbean famous. To put it gently, you won't be bored on this ship.

There are three theaters onboard, each with its own show that you can't see on other ships.  There's also a "B show" that is also performed in these venues.

Then there's live music all around the ship, ranging from guitarists to a harpist, to a steel drum band. You can easily walk around the ship and run into some kind of a musician.

All of the entertainment is included in your fare, and its appeal encompasses all ages. I'm a big fan of Dueling Pianos, which is one of the best nighttime entertainment you can find (there is a family show on some afternoons).

The Broadway production of "Charlie and Chocolate Factory" is performed onboard, and it's an incredible production. It works for kids and adults, and is very fun.

The second thing this cruise ship is great at is all the ways to cool off in the water.

Royal Caribbean designed this ship to be a water wonderland. There are six waterslides and 17 pools and whirlpools, which ensures you can find the right pool vibe for you.

The Hideaway has a suspended infinity pool, while Swim & Tonic has a swim-up bar.  Both are for adults-only.

The other pools come in different sizes and views, making them appealing for different reasons.  I love to try as many as I can.

Lastly, there is so much food you can eat on this ship that it's difficult to try to get to it all in one sailing.

Most of the food is included, but there are extra cost options too.

The Aquadome Market is a food hall that prepares each order on the spot, and is my favorite included restaurant on any ship.

Of course, the Main Dining Room has table served food, and the Windjammer Marketplace is a buffet with so many options. 

There are two specialty restaurants that are new to Legend, and each is guaranteed to give you FOMO if you don't try them.

Royal Railway Legend Station is an immersive dining experience that simulates what it's like to be on a classic train. It's even more fun than that sounds.

Guests dine in train cars and thanks to technology, it looks and feels like you're on a moving train.

The Hollywoodland Supper Club is a multi-course meal featuring meals pairs to cocktails and live entertainment that celebrates the golden age of cinema from the 1920s to 1950s.

There's so much more offered than what's listed here, which makes trying to do everything nearly impossible.  It's a reason to rebook another cruise.

There's an entire section for families

It's worth highlighting the fact Legend of the Seas has the Surfside neighborhood, giving it a major advantage for anyone cruising with kids.

While all Royal Caribbean ships have kid-focused areas, this is an entire neighborhood with a buffet that has just kid food, a giant aquapark, climbing area, and many ways to play.

Surfside is one of the ship's neighborhoods, and it is designed for kids under the age of 9-10 years old.

There's a carousel with a very cutely themed rubber duck motif.

The carousel, and nearly all of Surfside is included in your cruise fare.  It's the kind of special area you can bring your kids and they will have full reign on so much fun.

Towards the back is a "mommy and me" bar at the Lemon Post.  There are cocktails for the parents, and mocktails for the kids. That way, everyone can enjoy a beverage.

Plus, there are special activities throughout the day to enjoy.  Limbo, dance parties, ice cream, and even nighttime bed stories that are read for children.

Surfside is the "easy button" for parents to bring their kids and let them have an all-out fun day.

What is different about Legend of the Seas compared to other cruise ships

Legend of the Seas is very similar to Icon and Star, but there are a few notable differences worth pointing out.

The Pearl is updated with better lighting and sounds to make it truly special. 

The Pearl has always been impressive, but now it's stunning.

There is a two story casino onboard, offering additional non-smoking space.

The second floor is on deck 3, and it features its own bar along with table games and additional slot machines.

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, the shows are completely different from other ships. 

• "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in the Royal Theater
• "America's Got Talent LIVE" in the Royal Theater
• "Shockwave" in Aquatheater
• "Fusion" ice skating show in Absolute Zero

Each show was developed for this ship.

The addition of Royal Railway and Hollywoodland are both only on this ship. In addition, Aquadome Market has a completely different line-up of food stations.

Why you should try Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas is the best all-around cruise ship you can go on today, featuring the latest and greatest that Royal Caribbean has to offer.

Leaning on its family cruise line tradition, this ship has the most choices of what you can do for all ages. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-gen groups that need things for young kids, grandparents, young adults, and more.

Because it's the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, it has all of their best ideas in one. 

If the idea of going on the world's largest cruise ship sounds as fun as it is exciting to brag about to your friends, then this is the ship for you.

What's missing?

No cruise ship is perfect, and I'd argue there are a few downsides to consider before booking.

There are two adults-only pools (Hideaway and Swim & Tonic), but neither embody the traditional Solarium adult pool experience other ships have. 

If your idea of an adults-only space is a quiet area to read a book, that doesn't exist on this ship.

There aren't any solo cabins, which are staterooms designed for those cruising alone.  Royal Caribbean has moved away from that concept over the past few new ships, so it's not a new trend.  

Unlike the other two Icon Class ships, there is no conference center onboard.  The expanded casino took over that space. 

Where Legend of the Seas will sail

The inaugural season begins in the Mediterranean with summer cruises in 2026 that offer 7-night voyages primarily from Barcelona.

In the fall, Legend crosses the Atlantic and will offer winter cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These will be 6- and 8-night Western and Southern Caribbean cruises.

Cruises are available to book on Legend of the Seas through April 2028.

Royal Caribbean's new immersive restaurant might be the most fun dining experience I've had in a long time.

Available on the new Legend of the Seas ship, Royal Railway Legend Station is a new offering of a restaurant they debuted a few short years ago. This new version is smoother, offers higher quality cuisine, and delivers the kind of meal you'll be talking about for a long time.

When Royal Caribbean invited me to try it on a preview sailing of the new ship, I was eager to see how this experience would measure up.  I had experienced the Wild West show on Utopia of the Seas and even went to an early test preview at Miami Headquarters. 

When you combine great food, technology, and entertainment, you get what might be the best elevated dinner experience that encapsulates everything Royal Caribbean wants in everything on its ships: a terrific memory maker.

After taking in every minute of the 90 minute meal, here's what my experience at Royal Railway was like.

Disclosure: Royal Caribbean invited me to sail on Legend of the Seas and dine at Royal Railway for no cost. I purchased separately Royal Railway on another upcoming sailing that I paid for on my own.

Royal Railway is a dinner show that looks like you're on a train

Located on the Royal Promenade, you'll find what appears to be a train station and this is all part of the story telling at Royal Railway.

Unlike traditional specialty restaurants on cruise ships that offer a specific type of cuisine, there's show and technology that aims to transport you to a different time and place.

It costs extra to dine at the Royal Railway, which should be booked before the cruise begins via the Royal Caribbean app. Yes, printed tickets are delivered to your cabin that you need to bring with you.

About 30 minutes prior to your train time, you can enter the station. This is where I already started getting impressed.

You walk onto a station platform that looks and sounds like a real train station. There's even a bar that has cocktails you can order for your ride.

The level of detail on the platform alone sets the tone for why Royal Railway is so impressive.

When it's time for your train (dinner and show), a conductor will call for everyone to board.

I was impressed by the variety and flavor of each course

Each train car has a table for two or four, where the full menu is waiting.

The story behind Royal Railway is you're following the Silk Routes that Marco Polo took on his journey back from the Orient to Europe.

Each region your train visits along his famous path represents a course of food and cuisine. Most of the food is served family style, but the main entree (Turkey) is ordered individually.

There's food from Persia, India, Turkey, China, and Italy.  Other than Turkey, all the food are small bites that are meant to be shared. All the food from Italy and China are served to each person as a sampling platter.

Before we talk about the show, I think the food should be recognized for being sophisticated, yet palate pleasing.  You don't have to be a foodie to enjoy eating here, as there's lots to choose from.  There's even a kids menu that anyone can ask for!

I was so impressed by the Silk Routes food, to the point I would go back just for the food options.

The original Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas had a more family-focused menu and its food was good, but didn't wow me. The Silk Routes menu is a significant step up in variety and flavor.

Your journey begins in China, where a trio of appetizers are served to each person.

The Wood Ear Mushroom Spring Roll had such great flavor, and I was pleasantly surprised how much better it was than your average spring roll.

The Hoisin Duck Egg Rolls sounded strange (I don't ever order duck), but I really enjoyed it.

Moving to India, a platter of food is served for your table to share. 

I love Indian food so much, so this was the highlight of my meal. As someone that has eaten a lot of Indian on Royal Caribbean ships, this is not your garden variety Windjammer curry.

While Indian food might be somewhat polarizing, I think the flavors and spice level are quite balanced for novice tastes.  Nothing was overly spicy, but it retained plenty of flavor. Stick with the Butter Chicken and Potato Chop if you're new to Indian food.

In Persia, a palate cleanser is served to prepare you for your entree.

It's a tasty sorbet that was more like pre-dessert than anything, so I enjoyed it!

In Turkey, your entrees are served and we went with the two kebabs.  One is a beef kebab and the other an Impossible (vegan) kebab. 

Very similar flavor profiles for both, and I ate every bite.  This is when I started hitting my food limit because I had eaten everything from the Indian serving earlier.

At dessert, there's another sampler provided for everyone. 

Our table's favorite was the Stracciatella Gelato, but my wife really liked the Raspberry Bombolini.

This is the best use of technology on a cruise ship

What elevates Royal Railway beyond just another cruise ship specialty restaurant is the train experience.

Through the use of technology, it looks and feels like you're riding on a train.

As your train pulls out of the station, the windows open and you have a digital view of the places Marco Polo visited. The rumble of the tracks is felt in subtle vibrations in your seat.  The car itself gently moves to simulate movement.

In addition to following Marco Polo's route, each region you visit will celebrate a festival. Holi in India, Chinese New Year, and Hot Air Balloon Festival in Turkey, for example.

Each second of the ride has something else to see outside the window and what you see on one side is different than what's on the other side.

It's a convincing simulation, while your conductor hosts stops in periodically to narrate and explain the significance of the region, Polo's experience there, and what the food you're being served represents.

Silk Routes solves for most of the issues with the first restaurant

One major improvement with Silk Routes is the pacing and story telling is much better. There's more storytelling on Utopia, which felt like interruptions to a dinner meal many times.

I think there's a much better balance of show, food, and story this time around.

I loved my meal and show, but I recognize there are two possible problems with Royal Railway for some guests.

While the menu has a good deal of variety, it's not as familiar food as you might find in the Main Dining Room or a specialty restaurant like Chops Grille. 

My kids are very picky eaters, and would probably eat less than half the food served. 

The other issue is cost, because Royal Railway isn't cheap. For an upcoming sailings, the cost of one person is $165 (slightly cheaper for kids).  That's over $500 for dinner for four people.

Of course, this isn't your typical specialty restaurant and there's much more that comes with your dinner than just different food. Royal Caribbean calls it a real memory making experience.  Not once-in-a-lifetime, but certainly the kind of meal you might book to try and use it for a special evening.

Dinner you won't forget

As someone that's always looking for experiences that stand out as being unlike anything I can do anywhere else, this hits that target squarely in the center. There's no way you won't dine at Royal Railway and not come home and tell your friends about it.

Moreover, it's not just about it looking like a train. The show element is very well done, but the food stands out on its own as something I wish I could get more of separately.

Royal Caribbean's CEO revealed where the new Discovery Class ships are likely to sail.

While the cruise line is still being tight lipped on just about every detail, it's becoming clearer the Discovery Class ships likely won't be doing traditional Caribbean voyages to the usual places.

Royal Caribbean has ordered two ships so far, with the first one ready to sail sometime in 2029. But beyond that, there hasn't been much additional information divulged.

While sailing on Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley answered a question about this new ship class and gave us a better idea of where these new ships are headed.

A new ship with exotic experiences

Mr. Bayley was keen to not share any significant news about the Discovery Class ships yet, but he elaborated on where they are headed.

There's been rampant speculation as to what Royal Caribbean's plans are for these ships, especially since they won't be as large as the Icon Class ships.

Mr. Bayley specifically called out three parts of the world we will see Discovery Class ships: Asia, Alaska, and Europe.

"Discovery Class is a class for Royal Caribbean. It is a class by its name that will go to Asia, it will go to Alaska, it will go to European itineraries," he said.

"That ship will be specifically designed for those types of more exotic experiences."

Previously, he had only alluded to the fact there would be more exotic destinations. Now we know more precisely which of those markets these ships are headed towards.

In September 2025, he confirmed the ships wouldn't be doing the same routes as the Icon and Oasis Class ships.

Part of that decision to send Discovery on more exotic routes is because of guest feedback, "We've learned about the segment of guests who want to go on these different types of itineraries. And we've packaged and built it into Discovery."

At Wednesday's meeting, he also repeated the fact Discovery Class ships will be able to fit in the Panama Canal, which will allow them to get from one part of the world to the other with less time.

"We'll be able to go through the Panama Canal... which changes access to more exotic destinations."

He explained having to go around South America is a 60 day journey, but going through the Panama Canal reduces that time to just about two weeks. That allows the ship to move around more efficiently.

One more small detail mentioned was these ships are sourcing the best ideas from Royal Caribbean's other ships.

"We've literally taken everything we've learned from all of the classes that have preceded Discovery, including this class, which is, we think, phenomenal class."

When we can expect to hear more details

I know what you're thinking: enough of the speculation, when will Royal Caribbean actually reveal everything about the Discovery Class?

According to Bayley, that should occur in late 2027.

"We'll be super happy to talk about Discovery about typically 18 to 24 months before the ship first sails."

What we know so far

The comments shared today reflect a new ship that is very much still in development, and that's part of why so few details are known.

Royal Caribbean announced they placed an order for two cruise ships earlier this year.

Both are being built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. The first will debut in 2029 and the second in 2032.

There are options for four additional ships to be built, should the cruise line exercise those options at a later date.

Thanks to filings with the U.S. government, we also have an idea of how big the ships are.

According to Royal Caribbean Group's form 10-Q filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the new ship will have an approximate passenger count (berths) of 4,300.

That's about 1,300 passengers less than the Icon Class ships.

While Legend of the Seas might not be that different from Royal Caribbean's other Icon Class ships, it does a few things differently and it's a win.

No matter how many cruise ships Royal Caribbean builds, each new one comes with a few tweaks and adjustments.  New shows and specialty dining are always going to be different, but other changes also get included.

I've scoured the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship for everything on Legend of the Seas that is new or updated to see which ones truly stand out as being better than we saw before.

I think it's great that even if this is the third Icon ship, it's not a carbon copy of the ones that came before it. It keeps things fresh, even if they didn't remove the screechy wire baskets in the staterooms yet.

Here are 6 improvements Royal Caribbean made on Legend of the Seas that are better than Icon or Star of the Seas.

The Pearl is what we always wanted from it

As soon as you board Legend of the Seas, you will instantly notice The Pearl here is very different from what you've seen on other ships.

Inside it's brighter, more colorful, and animated.  It's stunning, and I dare you not to walk in front of it and not take a photo or selfie.

Earlier versions of The Pearl were impressive, but this one is on another level because of how beautiful it's interior is.  I think this version is the vision for this space all along, but it took a few iterations (and time) to get it right.

I remember there was a lot of hype for The Pearl when it first opened on Icon of the Seas, but now we have a version of it that lives up to it.

Expanding the casino to two decks is a big win

There is a two-deck casino, which adds an additional non-smoking section to deck 3. 

The lower level isn't as large as the main floor, but it does add quite a lot of new slot machines and tables.

There's a staircase in the middle that goes between both decks of the casino and a new casino bar at the base of the stairs. It reminds me of the stairs that lead to the casino on the Freedom and Voyager Class ships.

Royal Caribbean has prioritized more gambling space over the last few years, and in the case of Legend, the expanded casino replaces the ship's conference center.

Considering how popular Casino Royale has become in recent years, more slots and tables means less competing for them among fellow passengers.

Unlike the expanded casinos on the Oasis Class, this new area is connected to the main area so it feels less disjointed and you don't have to play the game of "I wonder if the other section is less crowded".

The rubber ducks carousel is undeniably cute

I never expected the new carousel design in Surfside to be as adorable as it turned out to be when a rubber duck themed design was revealed.

Everything in Surfside is meant to be for kids, but I can appreciate the carousel here has a cutesy look that fits so perfectly in.

In fact, Royal Caribbean has gone all-in with the rubber ducks on cruise ships idea with this new ship. The carousel embodies it, and there are plenty of duck shopping opportunities around the ship.

Each rubber duck on the carousel has a name and a backstory to it.  It's going to be a challenge for children, when given the choice, of which they want to ride first because inevitably I think they will have favorites.

As an adult, I might not be as infatuated with each individual duck. But I do recognize this carousel is a step-up from the previous versions because there's clearly been more thought in how to make this one stand out.

Removing the comedy club is a miss, but Royal Railway looks incredible

I think every cruise ship should have a comedy club, however, there's no question Royal Railway is a very impressive replacement.

Royal Caribbean sought to build an immersive experience that makes you feel like you're dining on a classic train. Now it really looks and feels like you've stepped onto a real train station with cars ready to whisk you away.

I was blown away by the platform design, both in size and scope. There's even a bar on the platform, which I'm told will be open to all guests to stop by and enjoy drinks there.

I have yet to experience dinner onboard (look for my review later this week), but there's no doubt the Product Design folks went all out to make you think you're really on a train. 

There are so many little details, including some very creative newspaper clippings near the bar. As a fan of quality design, I love how this new space really does make it feel like you've stepped from cruise ship to train station.

The crystal blocks are such a smart idea

Royal Caribbean shared a fun idea for their loyal members that reach a loyalty milestone while sailing on Legend of the Seas.

After getting 140 Crown and Anchor Society points, you're eligible for a crystal block gift.  You'll get another every 70 points thereafter.

For Legend of the Seas, someone at headquarters got creative because there's a limited-edition Legend of the Seas Inaugural Season Crystal Block.

It features the all-new Legend of the Seas on the front and the original Legend on the back. It's a wonderful homage to the legacy of this ship's name, and I think loyal cruisers will appreciate the connection to Royal Caribbean's past.

There are so many more shops with things you might actually buy

I'll admit I usually breeze past most shops on a cruise ship because they're more or less the same, but they've re-thought some of the retail spaces on Legend.

While there will always be fine jewelry shops on cruise ships, I think Royal Caribbean rethought some of its shopping spaces to be more practical. I think people on a cruise vacation are more likely to be inclined to buy a fun souvenir than an expensive one.

Instead of Royal Bling, there's now a Sol & Sea shop that has more everyday clothing to purchase. In Surfside, there are shops with fun souvenirs to browse.

On the Royal Promenade, you'll find Jellycats, blind boxes, Funko collectibles and more.  If you don't know, these are really popular among kids and collectors alike.

Royal Caribbean is not shy about trying to outdo itself, and it's new cruise ship makes an already successful class even better.

Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship and it welcomed members of the media onboard to get a first look at what's new and different.

One thing you have to know about Royal Caribbean is they are never content with what's been done. New ships are opportunities to evolve what's loved, add more for guests to discover, and improve everything else.

I boarded Legend of the Seas in Malaga, Spain for a short 4-night preview sailing to see what the new world's biggest cruise ship has to offer.

Big and small changes are everywhere

Royal Caribbean has spent years marketing this ship, so some of what's different about Legend of the Seas is well-known. But lots of other tweaks don't make the press release.

The two big areas where Legend differs from Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas are dining and entertainment.

Walking around this brand new ship, Legend is different enough without messing with what has worked so well on the first two ships. It appears more fundamental changes will have to wait for Hero of the Seas.

By far, the new dining is stealing the show even before the ship has welcomed any passengers have stepped on.

The new Hollywoodland Supper Club is an intimate and sophisticated dinner option where guests can enjoy entertainment, paired cocktails and exquisite food.

This restaurant is themed to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, filled with movie stars and galas. As my mom would say, "music you can hum along to" because it's so well-known.

Perhaps the main attraction is the new Royal Railway restaurant, which is a first for the Icon Class.

This takes the place of the comedy club onboard, and it's a marvel of engineering, story telling, and great food.

One major difference is how much bigger the space is and how it really feels like you're on a train station before you step foot on a classic train.

Silk Routes is a dinner option that matches the route Marco Polo took from the Orient back east, with each course of food matching the region you're traveling in. Butter chicken in India, Adana kebab in Turkey, Raspberry Bombolini in Italy, and more.

Given it's small size, it's a hot ticket and the kind of dining experience you can't find anywhere else.

Legend of the Seas is filled with all new shows at every venue, which is a staple of Royal Caribbean.  

Two new shows headline the lineup.  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an all-new musical that is shown in the Royal Theater.

Another can't miss show is America's Got Talent LIVE.  

A variety talent show, this is something different for Royal Caribbean, and I can't wait to see the initial performances onboard.

One major differentiating factor to Legend (and all the Icon Class ships) is how focused it is on families.

Not only are there plenty of cabins designed for young families, but there's more for them onboard.

Surfside is an entire area with younger children in mind. It has a splash area, aqua park, and an all-new carousel.

This carousel has the cutest rubber ducks you can ride on, making it endearing for children.

Speaking of kids, there are kids-focused restaurants in Surfside, including a kids buffet, grab-and-go burger and pizza station, and a bar that serves "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.

Many parents will appreciate how much larger the casino is on Legend. 

It actually spans two decks, with a beautiful passage within the middle of it.  Royal Caribbean has steadily increased its gaming space across ships, and the casino on Legend has the feel of a land-based resort.

Royal Caribbean also included an homage to the ship's predecessor of the same name.

The original Legend of the Seas ship model can be found in the Schooner Bar, which will instantly stand out for how very different the original is to today's version. 

The Pearl will stop you in your tracks

It's hard not to notice the upgraded visuals of The Pearl as you walk onboard Legend of the Seas.

While this architectural and engineering marvel is impressive on any ship, inside it's a kaleidoscope of colors and movements. It's a bright neon infusion that will make this an absolute must-stop for a selfie every time you pass by.

This is a classic example of how the third ship in a class can stand out from other ships and instantly make the previous ships feel just a little bit dated.

The core of what makes these ships so good is still here

Royal Caribbean knows what works well, and they haven't deviated much from what made Icon of the Seas a game changing success.

There are 8 neighborhoods, including Central Park in the middle of the ship, Thrill Island and its six water slides, indoor AquaTheater, and expansive Royal Promenade.

A ship this large might concern you that it would be difficult to navigate, but I think the Icon Class ships are the easiest to get around.  Not only do the neighborhoods help distinguish different areas so you know where you are, but there are escalators, well-positioned stairs, and the super quick destination elevators.

The ship's food hall is back again, albeit with a new lineup of restaurants.  There are Korean rice bowls, Mexican tacos, and the fan favorite crepes.

This is a great example of something that was brand new to the fleet when it debuted on Icon, but now is the sort of "how did I ever cruise without it" feature.

The Category Six waterpark has six waterslides that have quickly become a must-do for so many people that cruise on these ships.

The first Legend of the Seas sailing begins next week

Legend of the Seas is 248,663 gross tons and can accommodate 5,610 passengers at double occupancy. It's able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. When you add in the 2,350 crew members, it's the very definition of a mega ship.

The maiden voyage will take place on July 4, 2026 when Legend sets sail from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. This will be the first time paying passengers will onboard, and will kick off the ship's summer season in Europe.

The new ship will offer 7-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain. Visits will include Marseille, France; Civitavecchia, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy.

In November, Legend of the Seas will move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she'll offer a series of six- and eight-night cruises to the Western and Southern Caribbean. Each cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Cruises on Legend of the Seas are available to book through April 2028. At the time of publication, an interior stateroom on the Nov. 11 3-night naming cruise starts at $796 per person. If you want to sail longer, there is a 6-night voyage on January 3, 2027 that starts at $1,138 per person in an inside cabin.