Your cruise ship cabin will be cleaned and tidied up every day, but I changed when I asked to have my room done.

Royal Caribbean made a change a few years ago to go from twice a day cleaning to just once for standard rooms. When you meet your stateroom attendant on the first day, they'll ask when you want your room serviced.

I cruise at least once a month, so I've tried both morning and evening cleaning times.  I can see the benefits of both, but I've decided that evening cleaning just works better.

While there is one major issue with taking evening service on short cruises, nonetheless, I think it's still the better choice because it aligns better with the cruise schedule.

Before you choose your time, here's why I recommend telling your room attendant to come back at night.

Passengers can choose to have their room cleaned in the morning or evening

If you're in an inside, oceanview, or balcony room, your cabin will be cleaned once a day.

This means your cabin steward will come into your room to make your bed, sanitize the bathroom, empty the trash, replace towels, and vacuum.

Before you think having daily cabin cleanings isn't important, I can tell you it makes a nice difference to have your room tidied up because of how small the space is.  Plus, having towels replenished and the bed made daily is wonderful.

You can always change your mind later in the cruise by asking the stateroom attendant to switch it up.  

It's been my experience if you don't run into your cabin attendant on the first day, they generally assume they'll clean your cabin in the morning. But that's not an official policy, just my observation.

I think evening cleanings are more convenient

I've had my stateroom cleaned in both morning and evenings, and I really think evening is the way to go.

In order for your room to be cleaned, you need to be out of the way and out of the room. You can still get fresh towels if you're in the room, but you need to be elsewhere for the proper cleaning to occur.

I find mornings on a cruise can be when you'd want to sleep in, especially on sea days. Having to get out of the room so they can clean can sometimes diminish the "we're taking it easy today" mood.

Stateroom attendants will usually start making up rooms around 9am, and work until about noon or so. Then, they return at about 4pm to start the evening service.

I think it's more likely you'll want to be in your room in the late morning than in the evening.

Dinner and shows are a major focus of cruising, and when you get to about 5pm, there is a lot happening around the ship.  Moreover, I don't think the evening hours are when a lot of people look to nap.

Plus, your cabin attendant has your dinner rotation in their schedule so they can work around it.

Essentially, I find I'm far more likely to be out of my room in the evening anyway than in the morning.

There's one problem with evening service

I'll always ask to have my cabin cleaned in the evening, but I've noticed there's an immediate downside that is made worse on short cruises.

Since your room is prepared before you board the ship on embarkation day, the next opportunity stateroom attendants will come to clean a cabin is the next day.

With an evening cleaning schedule, you won't get your room serviced for a day and a half. It was last cleaned the day before during turnaround day, and that means it's 24 hours when you get to the morning of day 2.  Add another 8 hours or so for the start of the evening service.

It's not problematic, but might be an issue if your family is taking showers after going to the pool, water slides, or simply wanting to prepare for dinner.

Not to worry, your attendant can always bring extra bath towels and you can call to request more at any time.

Once you get past day two, everything evens out between morning and evening. 

I recommend picking evening so it's more likely you won't need to go out of your way

Ultimately, I think most people will be out of their stateroom in the evening than in the morning. That's why evening room cleanings just make more sense to me.

If the cabin attendant comes to your room and sees you're still there, they will usually try to come back later. Plus, you can use your "Do Not Disturb" magnet and leave it on the door to avoid even a knock.

Nonetheless, I don't want to be a hindrance to their schedule, especially if I'm going to be doing something else anyway in the evening.

Avoiding morning cleanings has also been a family cruise tip, because my kids like to sleep in on sea days.  Even when they're not sleeping in, they enjoy lounging in bed until we coax them to go out.

Everyone's cruise habit and schedule will vary, but I'm willing to bet most people are likely to be out of their room anyway in the evening hours than morning hours. So why not align that with your cabin cleaning time?

A letter sent to passengers on one Royal Caribbean sailing about decorating cabin doors sparked a flurry of intrigue, but the general policy hasn't changed.

Decorating cruise ship cabin doors has been a fun tradition among passengers who like to share in their excitement of being on vacation.  Plus, it's a way to personalize their temporary home.

When a letter was sent to guests on a Symphony of the Seas sailing about guidelines for decorating doors, it caught a lot of people's attention.

The letter was posted on Facebook, but has since been shared over and over out of context to the point it was recently picked up by Fox News and the New York Post.  They reported it as a cruise line policy change, which it is not.

Here's what happened on Symphony of the Seas and what it means for decorating your cruise ship cabin door going forward.

What the letter actually means

The letter was sent on a recent Symphony of the Seas sailing earlier this year after multiple incidents on that particular sailing where cruise ship decorations were stolen or vandalized by other passengers.

This sort of behavior is not uncommon, but evidently on that one cruise, enough passengers complained to Guest Services about the issue that a ship-wide letter was necessary.

As a friendly reminder, stateroom door decorations must NOT:
• Use a lithium-powered light
• Cover the peep hole
• Pose a fire hazard
• Touch the door frame

Pro-Tip: Magnetic decorations are an easy and fun way to adorn your stateroom!

Please Note: We expect guests to be mindful of your door display, but any decoration displayed outside of your stateroom door is done at your own risk. Royal Caribbean International is not responsible for any items on display that go missing outside of your room.

 To be clear, Royal Caribbean did not ban or prohibit decorating your cabin door.

The intent of the letter is to explain to passengers crew members are not going to police when door decorations go missing for any reason. Essentially, decorate your cabin door at your own risk.

Royal Caribbean will not be responsible if/when your door decorations go missing or lost, and the ship's security team will not review security footage to see who exactly took anything off a stateroom door.

Royal Caribbean's door decorating policy remains unchanged

The cruise line's website lists decorating your door as permissible, as long as you don't damage the door or walls.

Specifically, you cannot use any adhesives that could damage the paint or look of the room. It's why magnets are preferred, since the door is made out of metal.

However, as the letter explains, you cannot use a lithium-powered light, anything that blocks the peep hole, or employ something that is a fire hazard.

The news sites went one step further and referenced a line in Royal Caribbean's Guest Conduct policy that says, "placing materials anywhere on the interior of the ship (including stateroom doors, along corridors, etc.), but that rule is taken out of context and misreported incorrectly.

That rule refers to the "inappropriate or abusive behavior" policy, meaning you cannot put up signs or banners anywhere on the ship deemed by ship management as inappropriate, or any other illegal or offensive conduct.

Basically, you can put up a sign on your door, unless it's inappropriate or offensive.

How to decorate your cruise ship door

In my over 20 years of cruising with Royal Caribbean, I've found door decorations can be a very fun way to share the excitement of being on vacation.

The easiest start is simply to buy or make magnets that tell folks who you are, what you're celebrating, or some other distinctive display.

In fact, Royal Caribbean sells cabin decorations that you can purchase pre-cruise to be put up on your door and inside your stateroom.

Perhaps the top reason to decorate your room is for a birthday.

It might seem silly, but a lot of other passengers will be decorating their doors and it becomes a fun way to personalize your room.

Some cruisers get very creative with magnets and will add a lot more pizazz. I've seen magnetic Scrabble games, dry erase boards, mailboxes and more.

Just remember, some people are inconsiderate and will walk by and do steal or move your magnets around. It's usually spur-of-the-moment stupidity, but people think they're funny.  At any rate, don't put any decorations out there that you truly care about.

It's unlikely that will happen to your door, but it has occurred in the past. My advice is embrace the fun of going on a trip and decorate your room and hope for the best.  But don't bother going to Guest Services if someone takes a magnet.

Ketchikan, Alaska is the town you probably imagined when you booked an Alaska cruise, and there's so much to see and do here.

The scenery in this town does not disappoint, and the combination of native culture and it's gold rush history are the reasons why Royal Caribbean ships visit Ketchikan each year.

There's a good chance your Alaska cruise will include a visit here. The port's deep harbor means you are likely to dock downtown and walk off easily to explore.

There are so many cruise excursions to consider, so we asked locals for their recommendations of what someone on a one-day visit should do while in Ketchikan, and what are the must-sees.

Here are the 13 best things to do in Ketchikan based on our team and friends suggestions.

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour 

Fishing in Alaska is incredible, and the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour is one of the most highly recommended tours to try once.

You’ll board the Aleutian Ballad, hear amazing stories from real Bering Sea fishermen and see the best eagle show in town.

It's an unforgettable experience that combines food, history, and adventure into one!

Website

Walk along Creek Street

Right off of Main Street is one of the most photographed spots in all of Ketchikan, Creek Street.

This formerly the red light district, but today it's a great free tour you can take walking along the street that follows the water way (hence the name).

You'll find colorful homes, historic totem poles, local art and tourism shops, cafes, restaurants, and the Dolly’s House Museum.  This is also the best spot in town to do any souvenir shopping you'd like.

If you’re looking for a gift for those back home, check out the Fish Creek Company  for quirky Alaskan souvenirs and quality products. 

Most shops stay open while ships are in port, especially with afternoon dockings, so you should still have plenty open while you’re there.

Starting in May, Creek Street is also one of the best places to view the salmon run, with various salmon species surging upstream in the crystal clear water as they head to their spawning zones. 

This run draws an array of eagles, otters, and seals. Visitors can look over the boardwalk railings to see a real-life display of wild Alaska.

Flightseeing tour out to the Misty Fjords

If the weather cooperates, getting up in the air to see Alaska's natural beauty is another must-do.

You'll fly over waterfalls, cliffs and untouched wilderness that you'd never be able to see otherwise.  It's remote and absolutely breathtaking.

Locals rave about how different this sort of a tour is, and it's definitely one to consider if you want to do one excursion that is truly special and feels like Alaska!

Website

Tongass Historical Museum

The Tongass Historical Museum is one of the best displays of native Alaskan history in Southeast Alaska. Located off of Creek Street, this stop can be combined with the boardwalk to fill up an entire morning. 

The Tongass Historical Museum is partnered with the Totem Heritage Center. Both museums offer an engaging educational experience. However, the Tongass Historical Museum is more centrally located in the downtown area, making it easier to visit when on a time restraint. While a fast visit can last about 20 minutes, if you take your time to appreciate each exhibit, then visitors can easily spend an hour learning here. 

Exhibits cover the long and fascinating history of the inhabitants of Revillagigedo Island (where Ketichand is located). Visitors can learn about Tlingit history and culture, as well as the evolution of the town from a fishing port to the sixth-largest town in Alaska. Be sure to check out their homepage for current exhibits and any special events! 

Rainforest hike

When you visit Ketchikan, you're just steps from the Tongass National Forest. This is a temperate rainforest and the largest national forest in the United States.

There are free tours you can take without booking an excursion.

Just off of 3rd Avenue is the Rainbird Hiking Trail. This 2-mile trail is a popular hiking trail for visitors and offers amazing views of the inlet and town. The trail is rated as moderate on AllTrails, with a 541-foot elevation gain. 

While rocks and roots can make the trail difficult to navigate, the views and scenery make hikers feel like they are deep in the Tongass Forest.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

A fun and lively experience most people that visit Alaska seem to love is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

Alaskan lumberjacks put on a display for you as they chop, saw, climb, and roll tree logs.

Our recommendation is to combine the show with a visit to Harbor House Crab Feast for a truly classic Alaska experience.

The show isn't long enough to be your one activity, so enjoy some great local eats right after the show.

Website

Ketchikan Duck Tour

This is a fun one, especially if you’re looking for something light and easy!

The Duck Tour gives you a quick overview of Ketchikan by land and water, and the splash into the harbor is always a highlight. It’s entertaining, family friendly and very relaxed, more about fun than wildlife.

Website

Try a small group tour that includes a little of everything

One of my favorite tips for any Alaska excursion is to book a small group tour instead of a large one.

The Ketchikan All in One Tour is especially fun because it combines so many local highlights in one easy day.

Website

The Rainforest Walk and Totem Park tour is another great combo

You’ll walk through a beautiful forest, visit totem poles, and learn from a local guide. It doesn’t take up your whole day, which makes it perfect.

It’s easy, relaxing and feels truly authentic.

It’s a peaceful, small group experience into the rainforest where you have a chance to see wildlife like bears, eagles and deer in their natural setting. 

Website

A trolley tour offers a great way to see a little of everything

Ketchikan is one of those ports where people often step off the ship and wonder where to start. The Totem Pole, Wildlife and City Trolley Tour is for anyone that wants to see it all while feeling relaxed, not not rushed or chaotic.

You settle into a classic trolley and take in the sights of a town shaped by fishing and logging, then visit the Saxman Native Village where authentic hand carved totem poles tell powerful stories and master carvers are still at work. I

From there, you head to Herring Cove, a place locals watch closely during salmon season. Bears fishing the creek, bald eagles overhead, seals along the water. When it happens, it is unforgettable!

Ketchikan is one of the best ports to see a bear

For bears, Ketchikan is probably your best chance out of those three ports, especially in the early cruise season.

Most tours will take you out to Herring Cove, and the surrounding areas, where people do sometimes spot bears.

Website

Try whale watching with Captain Jesse

Another recommended tour is Wildlife Viewing and Whale Watching Quest with Captain Jesse. 

You'll go on a small boat, which means fewer people to contend with on your tour and much better views.

Captain Jesse knows these waters well and consistently finds incredible wildlife.

Website

Best places to eat in Ketchikan

Located near the Tongass Historical Museum, head west down Dock Street to the 55North Bakery, one of the best places to grab a coffee and a delicious sweet bakery treat! 

The Alaska Fish House is sure to be a busy lunch spot while in Ketchikan, offering some of the freshest seafood in town. From fish tacos to salmon chowder and Alaskan king crab, this is the place to eat in Ketchikan if you want to try Alaska’s seafood.

If you’re not interested in seafood, Ketchikan offers other types of cuisines. There’s Chico’s Mexican restaurant which, despite its name, is said to have the best pizza in town. 

If you’re in the mood for a burger, don’t hesitate to try Burger Queen, a no-frills restaurant serving up fish and chips, big burgers, and milkshakes. 

Happy Sunday and unofficial start to summer! Temperatures are rising, and so is the pace of cruise news to share with you this week.

Mexico blocked Royal Caribbean's plans to build a new Perfect Day private destination.

Authorities from Mexico's environmental ministry announced they would not approve the submitted plans out of environmental impact concerns.

This means construction of Perfect Day Mexico cannot proceed as planned.

Royal Caribbean News

• New Alaska cruise terminal opening delayed
• Royal Caribbean is turning its cruise ships into floating FIFA World Cup watch parties
• Inside cabin tour on one of Royal Caribbean's smallest and oldest ships
• The best day to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package
• I was on a cruise ship when it temporarily lost power
• I tried Royal Caribbean's new $48 steakhouse brunch
• 8 reasons to try a suite
• I finally reached Diamond status on Royal Caribbean. Now I understand the hype

Video: I Tried a Cheap Cabin on an OLD Cruise Ship

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I Tried a Cheap Cabin on an OLD Cruise Ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

New Amplified Harmony of the Seas photos

Harmony of the Seas is back in service after an extensive dry dock that added a variety of new features.

Our team was onboard the third Oasis Class ship as it returned to sailing, and we have a look at every new change and upgrade.

There are new restaurants, bars, and even additional staterooms.

US Supreme Court deals bad news to Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines

Four major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, are back at the center of a lawsuit.

The new court ruling re-opens a case that accused the cruise lines of using confiscated American docks in Havana, Cuba.

Royal Caribbean is facing upwards of $100 million if they lose the lawsuit.

Passengers "protested" on a Royal Caribbean ship

After being told their Alaska cruise would not visit a glacier, some passengers staged a protest at the shore excursion desk.

Ovation of the Seas was forced to cancel a visit to Hubbard Glacier.

The news did not sit well, especially after a last-minute homeport change too.

How do you pay your gratuities? Royal Caribbean wants to know

Some cruise passengers got a new survey question about how they pay their gratuities to crew members.

This is a new survey question, and tipping on a cruise has always been a hot button topic among cruisers.

Perhaps the bigger question isn't the survey question itself, but why the cruise line is asking it.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 609th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt tried out the new brunch option that was recently added to Chops Grille.

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

Royal Caribbean's plans to build a new private cruise destination in Mexico were denied this week, and we know have the official reasons why.

Plans for Perfect Day Mexico were officially rejected on the grounds of environmental risks and the impact such a project would have on the area.

The project was expected to include massive water slides, pools, beaches, restaurants, bars, and attractions capable of handling thousands of cruise passengers per day.

But a groundswell of public pressure last week came to a head when Mexico's President asked her Environment Minister to review the plans. The next day, the cruise line was informed the proposal wouldn't be approved.

Here's what the official review has to say and why Royal Caribbean's plans were not approved to move forward.

Mangroves were one of the top concerns

According to technical conclusions released by Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), officials felt the there were too many concerns tied to mangroves, coral reefs, groundwater systems, and broader ecosystem impacts in Mahahual.

One of the biggest concerns involved mangroves, which are a protected tree and shrub. Mexico sees them as natural barriers against erosion and are critical for sustaining the coastal ecosystem.

The presence of mangroves within the project area was a specific issue.  Because some are within the proximity of the work being done, it was specifically called out.

In January, a Royal Caribbean executive said it wouldn't develop anything within the conservation area.

"We are not going to touch anything at all in the mangrove conservation area," Jay Schneider said in an interview with El Financiero.

Moreover, Royal Caribbean pointed out current local pollution is causing the mangroves to die out.  The company's plan was to restore the health of all the mangroves, as well as build a new water treatment plant for the community. In addition, they estimated 64.09% of the property would be left undisturbed and undeveloped because it was areas were mangroves and other natural areas were located.

The second factor was they decided to combine all elements of the project together into one large development, instead of evaluating individual parts.  

What this means is the water park, beach club, and cruise pier were lumped into one broader consideration, instead of looking at each proposal individually. They felt the combined environmental effect was too significant to ignore.

SEMARNAT also felt Perfect Day Mexico added risks to the Mesoamerican Reef System, one of the world's largest coral reef networks.

There were also concerns involving groundwater and underground hydrological systems. 

According to the report, there are fears that a project of this size and tourism activity could negatively affect those fragile systems.

"The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) reiterates that environmental decisions are made based on technical, legal, and scientific criteria, prioritizing the protection of ecosystems and the public interest."

The environmental agency also said its review uncovered technical inconsistencies within the environmental documentation tied to the project.

While the statement did not publicly release every detail, officials referenced issues involving environmental risk evaluations and hydrological impacts.

Comments from the public were also a factor

Although the report focused heavily on technical and environmental findings, SEMARNAT also acknowledged the unusually high level of public participation it received.

Between February 23 to March 23, 2026, over 14,000 comments from the public were captured, "related to the possible environmental and social impacts associated with the project."

Perfect Day Mexico got significantly more attention this past week when Greenpeace got involved to drum up opposition to the development plans.

The government’s statement did not directly frame public opposition as the deciding factor, but did acknowledge how many people were involved in sharing their thoughts.

What happens next for Perfect Day Mexico?

This report shuts the door on this specifical Perfect Day Mexico proposal, but it's unlikely this is where the story ends.

Massive projects of this size are bound to go through a back-and-forth process of proposals, clarifications, and adjustments.

Officially, Royal Caribbean has not issued any new statements other than its original comments to share in its disappointment in SEMARNAT’s analysis.

"We are disappointed by SEMARNAT’s decision and respect the role of Mexico’s environmental authorities. Mahahual is a special place that deserves care and protection. We continue to believe in Mexico, and are optimistic in the potential to advance our investment responsibly."

Their statement also pointed to working on finding a way forward.

"Over the coming weeks, we will re-engage stakeholders to move forward in a way that delivers shared prosperity through the development of essential environmental infrastructure, the creation of thousands of local jobs, and community programs that support the people of Mexico."

Possible options for Royal Caribbean include redesigning the destination, scaling it back, relocating portions of the development, or attempting to address the environmental concerns raised by regulators.

SEMARNAT said they are willing to work towards a sustainable solution, "Mexico promotes sustainable development that harmonizes economic and tourism growth with the protection of the country's ecosystems and natural heritage."

The U.S. Supreme Court delivered bad news for Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines on Thursday when it overturned a lower court decision regarding ship visits to Cuba.

Four cruise lines are part of an ongoing litigation stemming from when the U.S. briefly allowed travel to Cuba again. This includes Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line ‌Holdings, Royal Caribbean Cruises and MSC Cruises.

The U.S. company that built the docks prior to the Cuban revolution in 1959 sued the cruise lines because they used confiscated property, which is against the law under the Helms-Burton Act. This law allows U.S. nationals who owned property in Cuba to sue anyone who "traffics in property which was confiscated by the Cuban Government on or after January 1, 1959."

A lower court sided with the cruise lines, but the Supreme Court has set aside that decision.

Now, there are hundreds of millions of dollars at stake with the lawsuit re-opened.

Why the cruise lines are being sued

Cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, briefly resumed cruises to Cuba when the U.S. government opened up travel to the Communist country.

Those ships all docked and used the terminal at the Havana Docks, which was built in 1905.

When Fidel Castro came to power, he nationalized and expropriated property held by U.S. companies including Havana Docks. They had previous had a 99-year concession for the construction and operation ‌of piers at the port of Havana, granted in ⁠1934 by Cuba's government.

The company was never paid anything by Cuba for the docks. As a result, the Helms-Burton Act gives companies an option to seek restitution.

The act allows companies to sue both the Cuban government and private companies that do business in Cuba.

The four cruise lines visited Cuba between 2016 to 2019 before travel to the island was once again restricted.

The law had been suspended for years by Presidents on both sides of the aisle as a way to avoid disputes with allies and businesses operating inside the Caribbean island. President Donald Trump re-activated the law during his first term.

Court rules against cruise lines

In 2022, a federal judge imposed judgements against each of the four cruise lines of more than $100 million because they had engaged in trafficking by having their ships dock at the terminal.

The Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out those judgments last year because the concession given to Havana Docks would have technically expired in 2004, more than a decade before the cruise ships made a visit there.

The 11th Circuit wrote at the time, "When that concession expired in 2004, any property interest that Havana ​Docks had by virtue of that concession ended."

The Supreme Court heard arguments ​in the case in February. On Thursday, the Supreme Court set aside that decision in a 8-1 ruling.

Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the majority opinion. Justice Elena Kagan was the only justice to dissent.

"Havana Docks has shown that the cruise lines used confiscated property in which Havana Docks had a property interest and to which it owns a claim,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote.

To be clear, the Supreme Court's decision doesn't decide the case. Rather, it allows the lawsuit to go forward once again.

In a joint court filing, the companies said it defies common sense that they "should pay hundreds of millions of dollars for following the executive branch's lead in reopening travel to Cuba."

Perhaps no Royal Caribbean cruise add-on is more popular than a drink package, and it seems there might be better day to buy it for a lower price.

The cruise line has employed "dynamic pricing" for years, which means the cost of a drink package can vary from ship to ship, and sailing. And since we know Royal Caribbean uses AI to manage prices, the exact cost could fluctuate from passenger to passenger on a daily basis.

According to new tracking data compiled by All Aboard Deals across 30 Royal Caribbean ships, there has been a notable pattern to how beverage prices ebb and flow.

The Deluxe Beverage Package offers unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the entire sailing while onboard the ship or at one of the cruise line's private destinations.

I think everyone wants to pay the least for a drink package, so I was curious to learn there is a possible methodology to finding the cheapest cost.

What the data found

Their data shows the weekly pricing spike that had consistently landed on Tuesdays suddenly shifted to Wednesdays in late April 2026.

The report tracked 89 days of pricing data between February 13 and May 13, 2026, and found that for nine consecutive weeks, Royal Caribbean routinely increased Deluxe Beverage Package prices every Tuesday before lowering them again by Wednesday morning. Then beginning April 28, the entire cycle moved forward by one day.

Tuesday now appears to be the cheapest day to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package, while Wednesday has become the most expensive.

That may sound like a tiny detail, but the difference can easily add up to more than $100 on a weeklong cruise for two people.

The report identified nine weeks where Tuesday was clearly the expensive day:

• Feb. 24
• Mar. 3
• Mar. 17
• Mar. 24
• Mar. 31
• Apr. 7
• Apr. 14
• Apr. 21

Only one Tuesday during that stretch, March 10, failed to show a meaningful spike.

Then everything changed after April 21.

Instead of Tuesday prices jumping, Wednesdays suddenly became the expensive day across the fleet. The report found three consecutive Wednesday spikes on April 29, May 6, and May 13.

According to the data:

• April 29 Wednesday pricing averaged $82.87 per day versus Tuesday’s $71.54
• May 6 Wednesday pricing averaged $80.71 versus Tuesday’s $70.21
• May 13 Wednesday pricing averaged $80.57 versus Tuesday’s $70.21

You could pay more than $100 more if you bought a drink package on the wrong day

The average Wednesday premium during the new cycle measured roughly $10 to $12 more per person, per day than Tuesday pricing.

That means a couple on a 7-night cruise could potentially pay around $140 to $170 more simply by purchasing on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.

More importantly, this data suggests there may also be an internal weekly pricing rhythm that cruisers can use to their advantage.

If the Wednesday pattern continues, cruisers looking for the lowest possible drink package price may want to avoid buying midweek and instead check prices on Tuesdays.

Equally important, the data reinforces how important it is to never assume the current Cruise Planner price is the best price you will see.

Royal Caribbean allows guests to cancel and rebook most Cruise Planner purchases before the sailing, which means many cruisers regularly monitor pricing and re-purchase packages when prices drop.

Instead of randomly checking prices every day, guests may want to focus their attention around Tuesday and Wednesday price movements.

Some ships saw much bigger spikes than others

Something else I found interesting was the discrepancy in which drink package prices would change depending on the ship.

Some ships experienced bigger Wednesday spikes than others. Here's the largest average Wednesday price increases compared to Tuesday:

• Grandeur of the Seas: +$23.20
• Jewel of the Seas: +$22.20
• Navigator of the Seas: +$20.16
• Mariner of the Seas: +$19.92
• Vision of the Seas: +$17.85

Once again, buying the drink package on one day could mean a significantly higher bill than if you bought it a different day.

For a couple sailing seven nights on Grandeur of the Seas, the difference between Tuesday and Wednesday pricing could exceed $320 total.

The report also found several ships that barely participated in the original Tuesday cycle but became major Wednesday movers after the shift.

Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Star of the Seas all showed much stronger Wednesday spikes than they ever did during the Tuesday era.

So what day should you buy a Royal Caribbean drink package?

If this trend holds up, Tuesday now appears to be the best day to buy a Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package, while skipping buying it on Wednesday.

Of course, that doesn't mean prices can't change at other times.

Royal Caribbean still runs flash sales, holiday promotions, and sailing-specific discounts throughout the year. Major holidays tend to introduce deep savings and make it one of the best times to check for a drink package sale.

My takeaway is Royal Caribbean's AI pricing can follow a pattern, so it's important to never buy it and then forget about it. It may actually be more predictable than I previously considered.

The exact days may change over time, but this dataset suggests Royal Caribbean may be operating on recurring pricing schedules rather than purely random fluctuations.

Nonetheless, you should track prices periodically, and look if there's a better price later. 

A new survey sent to select Royal Caribbean passengers asks them a question about gratuities that we haven't seen asked before.

Royal Caribbean doesn't include gratuities with its cruise fare, as it does with port fees and taxes. It's an extra cost that gets added later on after booking.

Passengers have the choice of how they are charged for it, and if they choose to use the automatic payment method or opt to pay on their own.

A copy of the survey sent to select passengers asks them which tipping methodology they prefer. Like all survey questions, it's not a confirmation of anything, but does show the line is looking to get more feedback on a policy.

How gratuities work on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Every passenger is expected to pay gratuities on their cruise vacation as a thank you to the hard working crew members that take care of them during their voyage.

This has been a tradition for decades, and Royal Caribbean has two options.  You can either pre-pay them before the cruise and they will distributed to the select crew members, or you can be charged daily for them once onboard.

Gratuities cover:

• Stateroom attendant
• Main Dining Room waiter
• Main Dining Room assistant waiter
• Main Dining Room head waiter

Since November 1, 2024, the rate is $18.50 per person for standard cabins, and $21.00 per person for person in suites.

Passengers are allowed to modify the amount once onboard the ship by going to Guest Services onboard at any time prior to the morning of disembarkation.

Of course, passengers can tip anything they wish in addition to the automatic gratuity.

This automatic gratuity does not cover pre-cruise and onboard purchases of beverages and beverage packages, spa and salon, specialty dining and specialty dining packages, room service and mini bar purchases.

Which way do you pay your gratuities?

I've never seen this particular question asked in a post-cruise survey, and it certainly got the attention of a lot of other cruisers too. A Royal Caribbean Blog reader sent me a screenshot of it to include here.

The survey asks passengers, "when it comes to gratuities on this cruise, which of the following best describes what you did?"

• I pre-paid gratuities before my cruise
• Gratuities were automatically charged to my stateroom during my cruise
• I opted out of the automatic gratuities to handle it my preferred way
• I don't recall/prefer not to say

The question is trying to asses which option passengers use, but I'm curious why they're asking it.

Gratuities have been a traditionally polarizing topic among cruise passengers, because they've effectively become an extra fee, rather than an optional consideration.

All the mainstream cruise lines don't include gratuities with their fare, presumably to advertise a lower price.

Virgin Voyages attempted to bundle gratuities with its fare, but in 2025 the line removed them from the fare (for all accommodation categories, including suites) and bringing all fares down by $20 per person, per day.

Virgin said their decision was two fold. First, so guests could see how much crew are actually getting. Second, to compare Virgin Voyages pricing with other premium cruise lines that don’t include gratuities.

A representative from the line said the "feedback was loud and clear".

How you can prepay gratuities

Every guest has the option of prepaying gratuities up to 48 hours prior to the start of the cruise and having it added to their reservation.

The choice is first given to you at the time of booking, but you can change your mind later if you prefer.

If you booked directly with the cruise line, you can call Royal Caribbean to have the change made. If you booked with a travel agent or other third party, contact them to have it added.

If you select My Time Dining for dinner, you'll be forced into prepaying gratuities before the cruise begins. This is because you could have different waiters each night, so for logistical reasons, it's easier to go with automatic gratuity.

Royal Caribbean's plans to build a new private destination on the east coast of Mexico won't happen after Mexican authorities denied plans for it.

Mexican Environment Minister Alicia Barcena confirmed plans for Perfect Day Mexico won't be approved, following a massive backlash from environmental groups concerning the impact the project would have on the area.

"It is not going to be approved," Barcena said at a press conference on Tuesday. She added Royal Caribbean was moving on withdrawing plans for the project.

Royal Caribbean issued a statement on Wednesday to respect the Mexican government's decision, but says it will continue working on a solution that respects the environment and local community.

"We are disappointed by SEMARNAT’s decision and respect the role of Mexico’s environmental authorities. Mahahual is a special place that deserves care and protection. We continue to believe in Mexico, and are optimistic in the potential to advance our investment responsibly."

"Over the coming weeks, we will re-engage stakeholders to move forward in a way that delivers shared prosperity through the development of essential environmental infrastructure, the creation of thousands of local jobs, and community programs that support the people of Mexico."

The prepared statement by the cruise line appears to indicate they still have an intention to move forward with the project in one form of another. It's simply too early to know exactly what that will look like, but a new proposal will need to be sent to the Mexican government for approval.

What happened to Perfect Day Mexico

In May 2025, Royal Caribbean revealed it had purchased the port of Costa Maya, near the small village of Mahaual, Mexico.

The project would be a new exclusive offering to Royal Caribbean cruise line guests that had beaches, pools, a lazy river, and adults-only area, and water park.

There would have been more than 30 waterslides across five towers, including Jaguar's Peak, a 170-foot-tall slide tower with multiple record breakers like the tallest slides in the Americas and the longest coaster-style waterslide.

Their intention was to redevelop the port and transform it into a new private destination for cruise ship guests. Their plan was to also significantly overhaul and improve the local infrastructure to support such plans.

Moreover, they planned to follow regulatory requirements and minimize environmental impact as the project moved forward. 

In an interview in 2025, Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, said, "We are not going to touch anything at all in the mangrove conservation area," adding that the mangroves are already dying due to pollution from the municipal water treatment plant.

A petition was launched in 2025 online to stop the project. 

The petition claims the private destination would have been built on protected mangroves. 

At the announcement for the project, Royal Caribbean was adamant they were going to protect the mangroves, "There are mangroves and we're committed to protecting the mangroves that are there."

In fact, Royal Caribbean emphasized the cruise line's plan to restore the mangroves' health by building a new water treatment plant for the Mexican community.

Currently, an incomplete water treatment plant that was built years ago leaks raw sewage into Mahahual’s coastal mangrove forest and the nearby reef.

The company has also recognized the presence of endangered species like the ocelot, margay and white turtle. According to the Environmental Impact Statement it submitted, mitigation measures will be undertaken to “reduce stress and ensure the physical integrity of the individuals.”

Nonetheless, last week environmental group Greenpeace got wind of the project and became suddenly interested in stopping it.

They warned that the region was at a "crucial juncture," noting that the project and its link to expanded cruise tourism could cause ​significant environmental consequences.

Spam bots subsequently took to social media to flood repeated comments on Royal Caribbean and this site's social media channels.

On Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was asked about the project and directed that question to Ms. Barcena to oversee it.

"SEMARNAT is conducting a very detailed analysis, but I can already tell you that we are not going to do anything that puts the ecological balance of that area at risk."

"But I want to tell everyone who is concerned about this situation that the government is not going to do anything that would put the ecosystem in that area at risk." 

The next day, Mexico's Environment Minister announced Perfect Day "is not going to be approved." Her comment was shared in a video on social media.

According to local media, Barcena said the decision was based on the area's ecological importance and the need to protect marine and coastal ecosystems associated with the reef.

Greenpeace warns it will "remain vigilant"

Greenpeace celebrated the Mexican government's decision, vowing to track if this idea moves elsewhere within Mexico.

In a statement, the Mexican wing of the organization posted, "Greenpeace Mexico will remain vigilant regarding the possibility of moving the project to another location."