Visit our travel agent friends at MEI Travel

Australia & South Pacific cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

In:
09 Feb 2024
By: 
Jenna DeLaurentis

Australia cruises can take you to the most beautiful, exotic, and alluring places in the world. From the world famous beaches of Sydney to the turquoise waters of Bora Bora, each itinerary has hidden gems and beautiful places to visit.

Ovation of the Seas in Sydney Australia

Perhaps no itineraries are as diverse as those departing from Australia, where you can choose between a selection of diverse itineraries departing from Brisbane and Sydney.

There are three main itineraries offered in the Australian cruise market: Australia cruises, South Pacific cruises, and New Zealand cruises.

Whether you want to sail through Milford Sound, island hop through New Caledonia, or explore the rugged landscapes of Tasmania, you’re sure to find an itinerary to match your travel style.

beach on Lifou Loyalty Island

Royal Caribbean sails from Australia during the southern hemisphere’s summer season, and cruises are offered from November to early April each year. During the off-season, Royal Caribbean does not sail in this region.

Interested in taking a Royal Caribbean cruise from Australia? We’re sharing our ultimate guide for planning cruises to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Which Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail from Australia, and from where do they sail?

Ovation of the Seas in Sydney

Depending on the season, ship deployments to Australia can vary, but Royal Caribbean always sends at least two ships to Australia.

The most common ships sailing cruises in the Australia market are Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, who call Australia home for several months each year. These ships are both in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, one of the cruise line’s most modern and innovative classes of ships.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

The two vessels were launched in 2014 and 2016, respectively, making them relatively new amongst others in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Due to this, passengers can expect updated accommodations, entertainment venues, and restaurants onboard.

Ovation of the Seas indoor pool

Both ships feature Two70, an indoor entertainment venue with 270 degree views of the ship’s wake. By night, this venue transforms into a technology-focused production venue with robotic dancing television screens, floor-to-ceiling wall projections, and innovative song and dance performances.

Thrilling activities are another highlight of the Quantum Class, and each ship offers activities including bumper cars, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a 360 degree observation pod rising 300 feet above sea level from the ship’s pool deck.

Currently, Quantum of the Seas sails from Brisbane, Australia whereas Ovation of the Seas sails from Sydney.

Other Royal Caribbean ships may occasionally be deployed to Australia, such as smaller Radiance Class ships, but passengers can always expect Quantum Class ships to offer cruises in the region.

Australia cruise itineraries

Sydney opera house

Cruising from an Australia cruise port does not mean you have to leave Australia and visit another country. Domestic cruise itineraries are offered from both Sydney and Brisbane, which visit ports only in Australia.

Most cruises within Australia take one of three routes. Cruises heading north visit Australia’s state of Queensland, a region known for the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

Cruising to Queensland means guests have the chance to snorkel amongst the world’s largest reef system, discover the magical Whitsunday Islands, and walk along the streets of Cairns and Airlie Beach.

scuba diving on the great barrier reef

Related: I tried my first Australia cruise: here are 7 things that surprised me

Another cruise itinerary offered within Australia is to Tasmania. Australia’s southernmost state, the island of Tasmania, is far different from the tropical beaches up north. The state features spectacular mountain scenery, such as the snow capped Mount Wellington, and British-inspired architecture and cuisine in the state’s capital of Hobart.

Lastly, Australia cruises are offered to South Australia, which visit cities such as Adelaide and Melbourne. Highlights of visiting South Australia include driving along the Great Ocean Road and exploring one of the country’s most famous wine regions.

Great Ocean Road australia

Royal Caribbean may sometimes offer cruises to other destinations in Australia, such as itineraries circumnavigating the continent, but these are not offered every season.

Most domestic cruise itineraries in Australia are between six and eight nights. Overnight port stops are common in some cities, including Hobart and Cairns.

South Pacific cruise itineraries

beach in Mystery Island Vanuatu

The Pacific Ocean is home to approximately 30,000 islands, and you can visit a select few of these islands on cruise itineraries to the South Pacific.

Cruises from Australia to the South Pacific visit the islands closest to Australia. Most commonly, these itineraries visit islands in the French territory of New Caledonia and the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.

New Caledonia offers breathtaking beaches along with linguistic, cultural, and culinary influences from France. Most itineraries visit Noumea, the capital and largest city of the region, whereas others may include visits to the smaller, lesser known Loyalty Islands.

Related: 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

Vanuatu, on the other hand, is quite different from French New Caledonia. The island chain is an independent country and is part of Melanesia, a subregion of Oceania that has been inhabited by the indigenous Melanesian people for over 3,000 years. Today, most inhabitants speak both English and the local language of Bislama.

beach in Lifou Loyalty Islands

Most South Pacific itineraries stop in Port Vila, the nation’s capital, and others include a stop at Mystery Island, a tiny, uninhabited island that offers a picture-perfect day in paradise.

Notably, Royal Caribbean is set to launch Perfect Day at Lelepa in the coming years, a private destination in Vanuatu on Lelepa Island, just a few miles off the coast from Port Vila.

Regardless of the itinerary, all South Pacific cruises offer a tropical getaway for passengers, transporting them from the hustle and bustle of Australia’s cities to the region’s tranquil, white sand beaches.

While visiting the South Pacific, many passengers enjoy activities such as snorkeling, cultural island tours, and kayaking. Itineraries range from seven night cruises visiting two islands to longer, more port-intensive ten night itineraries.

New Zealand cruise itineraries

Milford Sound New Zealand

New Zealand is a dream cruise destination for passengers who love exploring the outdoors. The country’s volcanic landscapes, dramatic fjords, and quaint towns provide endless opportunities for adventures on each port day.

Royal Caribbean does not offer cruises departing from New Zealand; rather, cruises to the country depart from Australia. Traveling to New Zealand requires two sea days in each direction from Sydney and three from Brisbane, but it’s well worth the travel time.

Depending on the itinerary, a New Zealand cruise will visit a variety of ports in both the North and South Island. While visiting the country, passengers can discover Hobbiton in Matamata, skydive in Queenstown, see penguins near Dunedin, and enjoy a scenic cruising day along Milford Sound.

Most New Zealand cruise itineraries are between ten and fourteen nights. Itineraries include a mix of port days where passengers disembark the ship, but they also include sailing days where passengers can marvel at New Zealand’s natural wonders while staying onboard.

Transpacific cruise itineraries

Mo'orea French Polynesia beach

The last type of cruise itinerary offered from Australia are transpacific cruises.

Each October, Royal Caribbean repositions at least two ships from North America to Australia. In April, the cruise line returns the ships to North America after the Australia cruise season has ended.

Instead of sailing an empty ship from one continent to another, passengers can book these transpacific cruise itineraries, which are broken into two legs.

On route to Australia, the first leg is a cruise from Vancouver, Canada to Hawaii. The second departs from Honolulu and ends in Sydney or Brisbane, Australia, calling upon ports in the South Pacific and/or New Zealand along the way.

Related: Ultimate Hawaii cruise guide

In April, these itineraries are offered in reverse.

Transpacific cruises have many sea days, with the first leg around ten nights and the second up to eighteen or nineteen nights. They provide the chance to visit more remote destinations, such as French Polynesia, which you cannot visit any other way on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Land versus cruise vacation from Australia

Brilliance of the Seas pool deck

Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific are, arguably, best visited by cruise ship instead of a land vacation.

Most major attractions in this region of the world are conveniently located along the coast, whether the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Dusky Sound in New Zealand, or island of Lifou in New Caledonia.

Despite that, destinations in these regions can be very far away from each other. Rather than booking expensive flights from island to island in the South Pacific, for example, you can visit multiple islands in one week on a cruise.

Because transportation logistics are handled by the cruise line and not yourself, you can enjoy leisurely evenings onboard as your ship travels from place to place. And, once you arrive in port, you will not incur lengthy travel times from the port to the city like you would in a destination such as Rome or Paris.

When is the best time to cruise to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific?

Kuranda train Queensland Australia

As mentioned, Royal Caribbean only sails from Australia from early November to April each year, coinciding with the warmest weather in the region. Because cruises are offered to such a wide range of destinations, though, the “best” time to cruise in one region could differ from another.

If you’re planning a cruise to New Zealand, for example, you won’t find many cruise itineraries in the early part of November. Because November is still springtime in New Zealand, most cruises to the country are not offered until later in the month.

Related: When is the best time to go on a cruise?

Instead, most itineraries in November visit ports in the South Pacific and within Australia. During this month, temperatures are more comfortable than in the peak of summer. Additionally, ports may not be as busy as the school year is still in session.

beach in Mystery Island Vanuatu

Throughout December, January, and February, you can expect higher temperatures and humidity, along with higher crowds during the summer school holidays. These months offer the best weather for cruises to New Zealand, but you should prepare for hot, rainy port days in tropical destinations.

The late season, from March to April, brings lower prices and more comfortable temperatures.

What to bring on a cruise to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific

Elizabeth-suitcase-luggage-symphony

Packing for a cruise vacation can be stressful, especially if you’re cruising to a destination you have not visited before. For cruises from Australia, packing needs will vary greatly depending on your itinerary.

If you're traveling to the South Pacific and Queensland, packing beach attire is essential. Be sure to bring several swimsuits along with a beach bag, comfortable sandals, and a sun hat. Some beaches may have rocky shores, so wearing sturdy sandals or sneakers is preferred over flip flops.

Although you can often rent snorkeling gear in these regions, packing your own snorkel mask and fins will be more cost-effective and convenient, especially if your itinerary includes several beach days.

snorkel masks

Related: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

If your cruise visits South Australia and Tasmania, be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for city tours. You’ll also want to bring a jacket, especially for Tasmania cruises, as weather can be quite unpredictable in this part of the country.

For cruises to New Zealand, it’s just as important to be prepared for unexpected weather. Packing layers is crucial, as the country is known for experiencing all four seasons in a single day! If you have cruised to Alaska before, you’ll find packing tips similar, with rain-resistant gear and warm layers required.

What currency do I use on a cruise from Australia?

Australian banknotes

Because cruises from Australia can visit ports not only within Australia but also in New Zealand and the South Pacific, it can be confusing to know which currency to use in each port.

In most case scenarios, the best situation when making purchases in several different countries is to use a credit card. Making card payments means you will not have to worry about converting currencies or taking out several types of currency at ATMs.

Yet while card payments will be widely accepted in Australia, New Zealand, and the bigger cities in the South Pacific like Noumea and Port Vila, you may need cash when visiting smaller islands.

Related: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Many ports in Vanuatu will accept Australian dollars, and the immediate port areas in New Caledonia will do so as well. However, you shouldn’t try to use U.S. dollars, euros, or other currencies in any port destination on a cruise from Australia, unless your tour operator specifies the currency will be accepted.

beach in Santo Island Vanuatu

If you’re cruising to the South Pacific, it’s recommended to bring Australian dollars to cover expenses such as souvenirs, food in port, and excursions not booked through the cruise line.

Be sure to take out Australian dollars at an ATM prior to embarking a Royal Caribbean cruise. ATMs onboard your ship will dispense U.S. dollars instead of Australian dollars, and the exchange rate offered at Guest Services is abysmal.

Check out our other guides to Royal Caribbean cruise destinations:

Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

In:
08 Feb 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class vessel, will offer guests more than 40 ways to drink and dine. 

Giovannis

From the brand-new immersive train car dining experience to brand favorites such as Sorrento's and Park Café, there's no shortage of options, both complimentary and specialty, to indulge in. 

Whether you are craving a quick hot dog or want to sit down and enjoy omakase at Izumi, there's something to appease all preferences and tastes. 

Here is your ultimate guide to all the food and beverage options on Utopia of the Seas

What restaurants are included & what costs extra?

Utopia

When planning your cruise onboard Utopia, it's important to understand what restaurants are and are not included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

It is possible to not spend a penny extra on dining while onboard your 3- or 4-night cruise. However, there are some pretty amazing specialty options that you can't find on other ships in the fleet, such as Royal Railway - Utopia Station. 

Complimentary restaurants

🍴Main Dining Room

🍽️ The Spare Tire

🍴Sorrento's 

🍽️ Boardwalk Dog House

🍴Park Café

🍽️ Windjammer

🍴Solarium Bistro

🍽️ El Loco Fresh

🍴Coastal Kitchen (suites only)

🍽️ Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

🍴Sprinkles 

🍽️ Cafe Promenadé

Specialty restaurants

freedom-chops

🍴Royal Railway - Utopia Station

🍽️ Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar

🍴Izumi

🍽️ Izumi in the Park

🍴150 Central Park

🍽️ Chef's Table

🍴Starbucks

🍽️ Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

🍴Chops Grille

🍽️ Hooked Seafood

🍴The Mason Jar

🍽️ Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)

🍴Sugar Beach

New and redesigned venues on Utopia of the Seas

Royal-Railway-Utopia

It wouldn't be the ultimate weekend getaway if Utopia was an exact replica of other Oasis Class ships, would it? 

Onboard, you'll find two venues that are exclusive to this ship, as well as some that are relatively new to the brand, such as Izumi in the Park. Some fan favorites got a refresh, too. 

Royal Railway - Utopia Station

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Royal-Railway-exterior-Utopia

Royal Railway is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that will combine adventure and food to techy travel. Before you begin your meal, you'll enjoy some pre-dinner drinks at the station platform. When the train "arrives," a whistle will blow, and you will board the dining car for a multisensory culinary adventure. 

While sailing through your ocean, you'll simultaneously be transported to different times and places, from America's Wild West to remote destinations across the globe. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean shares a glimpse of its first mixed reality restaurant concept

The Spare Tire

COST: INCLUDED

Food truck on Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has gotten its fair share of criticism regarding the lack of complimentary dining options. In recent years, they have striven to do better, and this is evident with the addition of The Spare Tire, a poolside food truck that'll serve pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbreads, daily rotating desserts, and more. 

"There is a truckload of flavor to be explored," says the cruise line. 

Izumi in the Park

COST: NOT INCLUDED

icon-izumi-5

While not brand-new to Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia will be the only Oasis Class vessel to have Izumi in the Park onboard. 

Izumi in the Park is a to-go sushi window where you can grab sushi, hot gyoza, or soft-serve bubble cones for an extra charge. 

Each item is priced à la carte, meaning that you'll only pay for what you order, whereas The Mason Jar, for instance, charges everyone the same cover.

Izumi

COST: NOT INCLUDED

UT-Izumi

Similarly, Izumi itself isn't a new restaurant; however, it'll feature three different dining styles onboard Utopia: teppanyaki, sushi, and, for the first time, a private multicourse omakase-inspired dining room. 

With six teppanyaki tables, it'll be the largest Izumi in the fleet. 

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Giovannis

For the first time, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will span two stories and feature a new outside terrace called "Gio's Terrazza" that overlooks the Boardwalk Neighborhood

Pesky Parrot Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Pesky Parrot Bar will replace the Bionic Bar in the Royal Promenade. This Caribbean-themed bar will serve tropical drinks made with rum, tequila, and gin. 

Pesky Parrot

Returning favorites

Hooked Seafood

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Hooked Seafood first launched on Symphony of the Seas back in 2018. Now, it can be found on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder, Icon, Navigator, and, of course, Utopia of the Seas. 

This specialty restaurant focuses on New England-style seafood dishes, such as Maine Lobster Rolls, Drunken Mussels, Maryland Drab Cakes, and more. 

El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca

COST: INCLUDED (El Loco Fresh) / NOT INCLUDED (Cantina Fresca)

El Loco Fresh is your go-to spot for fresh Mexican fare. This complimentary grab-and-go spot offers burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, and a salsa station, so you can customize your dish to your liking. 

Next to El Loco Fresh is Cantina Fresca, a Mexican-themed bar known for its specialty margaritas, including the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita, Mezcal Mule, and Cozumel Sunrise, as well as aguas frescas and a selection of Mexican beers. 

Chops Grille

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Family eating at Chops Grille

Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean's signature specialty steakhouse that can be found on every ship in the fleet. 

Sorrento's

COST: INCLUDED

Sorrento's has quickly become a staple onboard newer ships. This pizza joint caters to guests seeking a quick snack after a long day ashore, as well as those craving a late-night bite after catching a show. 

150 Central Park

COST: NOT INCLUDED

150-central-park

While not as upscale as the brand-new Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas, 150 Central Park is perfect for guests seeking a sophisticated dining experience. 

Windjammer

COST: INCLUDED

windjammer

Windjammer Marketplace is the cruise line’s signature complimentary buffet that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of your cruise. 

The Mason Jar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Mason Jar entrance

The Mason Jar is a specialty restaurant that highlights southern cuisine and is open for brunch and dinner. During brunch, you can order things like Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles, a Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll, or Crispy Chicken Sandwich. 

Highlights on the dinner menu include Fried Green Tomatoes, Lobster N’ Crawfish Gumbo, Chicken Pot Pie, and St. Louis-Style Ribs. 

Don't forget to try the jalapeño cornbread! 

Coastal Kitchen 

COST: INCLUDED (suites only)

Coastal Kitchen first debuted on Quantum of the Seas in 2014. It has since then become a favorite for guests staying in suites. 

Those in Sky and Star Class suites will have all-day access, whereas those in Star rooms (i.e., Junior Suites) will only be able to dine here for dinner, subject to availability. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Playmaker's is the beloved sports bar that serves à la carte food and hand-crafted beverages. There are a variety of menu options that range from $3.00 to $29.99, including nachos, onion wings, jalapeño poppers, fries, and wings. It's the perfect place to watch your favorite sports team on one of 68 televisions! 

Boardwalk Dog House

COST: INCLUDED

hot-dog

At the Boardwalk Dog House, you can customize your perfect hot dog at the toppings bar. They have various links, too, ranging from traditional beef to chicken and pork.

Read more: The top decadent Royal Caribbean snacks

Starbucks 

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Purchasing a cold brew or hand-crafted beverage at Starbucks on Utopia of the Seas will cost you extra, even if you have a Royal Caribbean drink package

Moreover, top-tier loyalty members cannot redeem their daily drink coupons here; they'll have to visit Cafe Promenadé.

Park Café

COST: INCLUDED

Park Café first launched on Oasis of the Seas and is home to the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich. In addition to made-to-order salads, sandwiches, and desserts, you can also dine here for breakfast if you want to avoid the crowds at the Windjammer.  

Johnny Rockets

COST: INCLUDED (breakfast) / NOT INCLUDED (lunch and dinner)

Johnny Rockets is a retro diner-style restaurant where you’ll feel like you stepped back in time to an era of soda fountains and drive-in theaters. On Oasis Class ships, you can eat breakfast here for free, while lunch and dinner have a cover charge of $12.99 per guest. 

Solarium Bistro

COST: INCLUDED

solarium-bistro

As the name implies, the Solarium Bistro is located in the Solarium, Royal Caribbean's adult-only area. However, children are able to eat at the bistro. It serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is usually less busy than the Windjammer. 

Chef's Table

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Chef's Table is the ultimate culinary treat for foodies! You'll indulge in a multi-course meal, each of which is paired with the perfect wine. Every course is carefully chosen and is accompanied by a presentation from the chef and sommelier.

Main Dining Room

COST: INCLUDED

Main dining room family

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Main Dining Room onboard that serves three-course meals each night of your cruise. It's open for breakfast and lunch, too. To see when it's open on your specific sailing, check the Royal Caribbean app. 

Read more: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

Sprinkles 

COST: INCLUDED

utopia-sprinkles

Sprinkles is where you can enjoy complimentary soft-serve ice cream throughout the day! Once you've selected your flavor, head over to the new toppings bar. 

Cafe Promenadé

COST: INCLUDED

Cafe Promenade

Cafe Promenadé is open 24 hours a day, so you can start your day with a cup of coffee and a fresh croissant and end it with a grab-and-go sandwich or dessert. 

They also have specialty coffees available for an extra charge. 

Sugar Beach

COST: NOT INCLUDED

sugar-beach-rc

If you find yourself in the mood for something a little bit sweeter than a soft-serve cone, head over to Sugar Beach where you can purchase Royal Caribbean's in-house ice cream

Spotlight Karaoke

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Spotlight Karaoke

Aspiring singers should check out Spotlight Karaoke. If you aren't much of a singer yourself, it's a fun place to listen to others! 

Boleros

COST: NOT INCLUDED

boleros-rc

Boleros is a Latin-themed bar with live music that's found on numerous ships in the fleet.

Schooner Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Schooner Bar on Radiance of the Seas

Perhaps the most well-known bar is the Schooner Bar. This nautical-themed staple is found on all Royal Caribbean ships. 

Music Hall

COST: NOT INCLUDED

music-hall-concept

Onboard Utopia, the Music Hall will be the prime spot to enjoy live bands, music performances, and DJs.

The Attic

COST: NOT INCLUDED

attic-icon-2

Ready for a good laugh? Don't miss the fantastic comedy shows at The Attic while sipping on your favorite cocktail. 

Bell & Barley

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Friends in a pub

Bell & Barley is Utopia's rendition of the classic English-style pub found on other ships.

Rising Tide Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Rising Tide

The Rising Tide Bar will transport you from the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 to Central Park on Deck 8, all while you sip on a drink! It's arguably the neatest form of transportation onboard, other than the Ultimate Abyss slide

Solarium Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

The Solarium Bar is located within the Solarium, meaning that you won't find any children running around! It's perfect for parents looking for a quiet escape while their children have fun at Adventure Ocean

The Lime and Coconut

COST: NOT INCLUDED

utopia-lime-and-coconut-bar

Royal Caribbean’s resort-style pool bar has a few signature drinks that you shouldn't forget to try: 

  • Lime & Coconut, made with Malibu coconut rum, coconut milk, coconut syrup, guava syrup, and lime juice 
  • Blue Wave, made with Tito’s vodka, blue curacao, and pineapple juice 
  • Caribbean Sunset, made with Aperol, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda

There are three different Lime & Coconut locations onboard Utopia, all of which are located on the pool deck.

Vue Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

Vue Bar at night

The Vue first debuted on Wonder of the Seas and replaced what would have been a second cantilevered hot tub. It is the ideal spot to grab a drink while watching the ship sail away from Port Canaveral, Nassau, or Perfect Day at CocoCay

Trellis Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

icon-trellis-bar-central-park

The Trellis Bar will be connected to Chops Grille in Central Park, rather than a standalone bar. 

Wipeout Bar

COST: NOT INCLUDED

wipeout-bar

Located at the aft of the ship near the entrance to the Ultimate Abyss slide is the Wipeout Bar. 

2024 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Prices, Tips, Pros & Cons

In:
08 Feb 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

A Royal Caribbean drink package is an extra-cost add-on for cruise ship passengers that provides unlimited amount of drinks for a fixed daily price.

An all-inclusive beverage plan is attractive to many people, because it's an easy way to have unlimited access to drinks and not have to worry about running up a big bill by the end of the cruise.

About 50% of passengers end up buying a drink package for their cruise, making it one of the most popular add-ons.

You might be wondering what you get with a drinks package and if it's really worth the additional cost.

Our tips and opinions are based on our first-hand experiences with the drink packages, and the current versions for this year.  Here's what you should know to decide if a beverage package is a good choice for you.

Compare Drink Packages

See what's included and what's different about a Royal Caribbean drink package in a side-by-side view.

 Deluxe Beverage PackageRoyal Refreshment PackageSoda Package
Cost$56 to $105 per person per day$38 per person per day$12.99 per person per day
Accepted at every restaurant & bar✔️✔️✔️
Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs✔️✖️✖️
Beer✔️✖️✖️
Wine (by the glass)✔️✖️✖️
Mocktails✔️✔️✖️
Premium coffees & teas✔️✔️✖️
Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages✔️✔️✔️
Coca-Cola souvenir cup included✔️✔️✔️
Bottled still and sparkling water✔️✔️✖️
Fresh squeezed juices✔️✔️✖️

What is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Bamboo Bar with people drinking

For those who are unfamiliar with it, Royal Caribbean's drink packages are a fixed daily cost plan offered on all Royal Caribbean ships so guests can budget their beverage costs in advance and (potentially) save money.  The various plans provide guests with unlimited drinks that can be used at any bar or restaurant on Royal Caribbean ships (and private destinations).  

The drink package benefits are available on the guest's SeaPass card, which any waiter or bartender can verify they have the package.

Royal Caribbean guests wishing to purchase a drink package can do so either prior to their cruise via the Cruise Planner web site or once onboard their ship. Once purchased, you must pay for the package for the duration of your cruise.  If purchased during your cruise, guests will pay for the remaining nights of their cruise.

Let’s get more into the nitty-gritty of the 2024 Royal Caribbean drink package…

Coco Loco drinks

The drink packages can be redeemed at pretty much any restaurant or bar on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship or private destination.  There are only two places a drink package cannot be used: room service and stateroom mini-bars.

Frequent users of Royal Caribbean's drink packages become pretty adept at getting more bang for their buck on the packages, but with some advance planning, first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers can also make the most of the packages.

What's included in Royal Caribbean's drink packages?

Royal Caribbean offers a few drink packages to consider.  Each package provides guests with an unlimited allotment of servings of the specific beverages their package includes.

None of the packages include mini bar items, Evian water, canned sodas, bottled juice and souvenir glassware, specialty beers as listed on bar menus, or super premium category beverages.

Refreshment Package

Royal Caribbean Refreshment Package

This drink package includes all non-alcoholic drinks.  It is popular with adults as well as older children and those that like having juices, coffee and teas.

For each guests that purchases this package, it includes

  • Premium coffees and teas
  • Bottled still and sparking water
  • Fresh squeezed orange juice
  • Mocktails
  • Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
  • Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup included

The price per night of the Refreshment Package is $29.00 per guest (excluding gratuity).

Classic Soda Package

Coke cup

The Classic Soda package is what was once called by many guests, "the soda card".  It is unlimited soda and quite popular with kids.  

For each guests that purchases this package, it incudes

  • Fountain Soda and refills in any venue
  • Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
  • Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup included

Deluxe Beverage Package

Deluxe Beverage Package

Royal Caribbean offers just one unlimited alcohol package, the Deluxe Beverage package.

The Deluxe package offers "the best of both worlds," with access to nearly the entire stock of beverages with or without liquor. Enjoy virtually unlimited combinations on everything from cocktails with top-shelf spirits to premium teas and every beverage in between.

For each guests that purchases this package, it includes

  • Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
  • Beer
  • Wine (by the glass)
  • Mocktails
  • Premium coffees & teas
  • Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
  • Coca-Cola souvenir cup included
  • Bottled still and sparkling water
  • Fresh squeezed juices
  • 40% discount on wines under $100. Wines above $100 will receive a 20% discount.

The Deluxe Beverage Package includes drinks with liquor up to $14 in value.  Drinks that are served in a souvenir cup/glass/mug and/or drinks served inside fruit (i.e. pineapples) are not included with the drink package, however a portion of the drink price is subsidized by the beverage package.

One thing to note in the fine print is all Royal Caribbean passengers 21 years of age and older (18 years in Australia and the U.K) are required to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if at least one other person in their cabin has one.

If the other adult(s) in the same stateroom do not wish to purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package, you can call Royal Caribbean and ask for an exemption.  Usually, Royal Caribbean will allow the other adult(s) to purchase a less-expensive drink package, such as the Refreshment Package.

Coffee Card

If all you want are lattes, espresso, or something stronger than regular coffee, then perhaps Royal Caribbean's Café Select Coffee Card is the right choice for you.

Unlike the other drink packages, the coffee card is not unlimited.  Instead, you get a physical card that will be punched every time you use the card.  Each card is good for 15 punches.

For every brewed coffee you order, the barista will punch a hole in the card to note how many of the drinks you've ordered.

Cafe Promenade

You can use the coffee card at Royal Caribbean coffee locations, such as Cafe Promenade or Cafe Latte-tudes. It does not work at freestanding Starbucks kiosks.

Another difference from the other drink packages is you are allowed to share the coffee card benefits with another guest.

Water Package

Bottled water

Royal Caribbean's Water Packages offer 12 or 24 packs of one-liter bottles of water, which are delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

The bottled water package is a convenient way to have spring water available for your use while you cruise. It's also something anyone that generally prefers bottled water over faucet water.

In addition, having bottled water means you can take it around the ship with you, or even on shore excursions.

You'll still have access to drinking water during your cruise at every bar, restaurant, or lounge. Drinking water is very clean and filtered at a higher level than most public drinking water at home.

What do Royal Caribbean drink packages cost?

kentucky-summer-trellis-bar-drink-package-2

Royal Caribbean utilizes dynamic pricing for its drink packages, which means the price can depend on the sailing. This means the price could be different based on the ship, itinerary, or sail date you pick.

  • Deluxe Beverage Package: $55 to $105 per person per day
  • Royal Refreshment Package: $38 per person per day
  • Soda Package: $12.99 per person per day
  • Water Package: 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69
  • Coffee card: $31 per card

Every drink package includes gratuities when you purchase it, so there's no additional tips or costs for anything included in the package. You will see a "service charge" that comes with the drink package purchase, which includes the automatic 18% gratuity.

Read moreHow much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Is a drink package on Royal Caribbean worth it?

Drink package table

There is no question a beverage package has the potential to save money, but the real question is if you will drink enough every day of your cruise to make the purchase worthwhile.

Here's an argument from our staff why a drink package is worth it, and why it's not worth it.

Why drink packages are worth it

Cocktails at the tasting event

Matt: I've purchased Royal Caribbean drink packages for years because of how easy it is to budget your drinks for any cruise.

Without a drink package, I find myself hemming and hawing over if I really want a drink or not, and end up rationing them in order to save money.  The result is I'm just not as happy. 

The convenience factor usually leads me to decide to get the package.  After all, you are on vacation and no memorable cruise starts with worrying about drink prices.

Cheers!

While the up-front cost is high, when you think about the premium coffees, bottled water, beer, and alcoholic cocktails I can drink every day for one price, it makes not worrying about a big bill at the end of the cruise so much better.

Plus, the drink package allows me to try new drinks because there's no limit to how many drinks I can order.

Why a drink package wasn't worth it for me

Allie enjoying a drink

Allie: The drink package is supposed to help your cruise feel more all-inclusive because you do not need to be skimpy with your drinking. Since you’ve already purchased the drink package before boarding, there shouldn’t be any surprise charges onboard.

I did find that my cruise felt more all-inclusive since we could drink without limits. Since my friends also had the drink package, it was nice that we didn’t have to stress about blowing a budget or spending way more than anticipated. 

Cheers

However, we felt like we were constantly trying to calculate how many drinks we had to have to ensure our hefty purchase was worthwhile. My husband also noted how he felt internal obligation to order the most expensive drinks rather than what he would have preferred drinking. 

Perhaps the two of us are too analytical to enjoy the drink package advantages on our Royal Caribbean, but we won’t be splurging on this purchase again.

Is there a limit on Royal Caribbean drink packages?

There is no limit on a Royal Caribbean drink package in terms of how many drinks a guest may consume in a day or throughout the cruise.

The only limit on a drink package is that you may only order one drink per order, per drink package.

If multiple people are ordering a drink with a drink package, the bartender or waiter may take each guests' SeaPass card to place the order.

There are a few other drink package rules that you should be aware of as well.

Pros and Cons of getting the drink package on Royal Caribbean?

We have used Royal Caribbean's drink packages on a number of occasions and we have also paid out of pocket for our drinks on even more cruises.  The drink package has an equal number of fans and critics.  We tend to fall somewhere in the middle, disagreeing with both extremes. We think the drink package has its pros and its cons, so let us take a look at some of them!

Savings - You can save money with a drink package (versus paying for each drink a la carte), but you have to be a certain kind of drinker and not waste the daily package benefits.  If you are someone that enjoys having many drinks every day, it can definitely save you money with a Royal Caribbean drink package.  This requires anyone that buys the package to be willing and able to enjoy a good half-dozen drinks every day of their cruise.  

There is no question a drink package has an excellent value proposition associated with it, but you need to be able to drink enough to "break even" on the package versus buying the drinks on your own.  If you knew you would not be drinking enough every day of your cruise to break even, why would you over pay for a package?

With that said, prices for Royal Caribbean drinks have been on the rise over the last few years. Cocktails are regularly priced at around $10-13 per drink, which means bar tabs can quickly get expensive. And with so many tantalizing choices on each bar menu, the temptation to grab a drink is always present.

The drink package benefits will save the most money for folks that drink a lot during the day and spread their drinking out throughout the course of their day and night.  

Is the drink package worth it on Royal Caribbean? | Royal Caribbean Blog

Amount of Drinks - One common regret we hear about drink packages is a phenomenon known as "drink fatigue," where guests drink more than they really would ordinarily order and they end up ordering drinks for the sake of ordering drinks.  When using a drink package, I always struggle with the question of, "Am I ordering a drink because I want one or because I have a drink package?"  There have been plenty of times with a drink package, I know I am ordering a drink because I have the package and the show, activity or event I am attending offers drinks, so why not get a drink.

If you are on a short cruise and are looking to have a good time, the drink package can make a lot more sense, since there are less days to use the package benefits.  Likewise, shorter cruises have a tendency to have more of a party atmosphere than longer cruises.  

It is important to keep in mind what your goal is when ordering a drink package.  Are you going to be spending much of your time by the pool or are you someone that will be doing other activities where drinking may not always be an option.  

Convenience - Many guests swear by the convenience of Royal Caribbean's drink packages.  It makes enjoying drinks simple, with no-fuss involved.  There is no worrying about how much the drink costs and if you should get it or something cheaper.  Heck, there is not even the concern about if you can afford to get a drink or not.  

It is a fair point and among the most commonly cited reasons people love the drink packages.  We love the convenience of the drink package too, especially to have the freedom of trying new drinks without fear of ordering something we do not like and being "stuck" with it.  Or relegating ourselves to drink the same old drinks because we know we like them.

The thing is, the number one reason to buy a drink package is to save money, otherwise why would it exist.  Royal Caribbean would not roll out something that offers no savings and expect people to pay for it, right?  With that in mind, while convenience is important, we believe the cost savings still supersedes whatever convenience the drink package offers.

How much is the drink package on Royal Caribbean? | Royal Caribbean Blog

Budgeting - This is probably the most contentious point.  In addition to being convenient, a lot of its fans advocate the unlimited drink packages help them stay on a budget and avoid thinking about money on a vacation.

On the surface, this makes sense because you can buy a drink package before your cruise and break up the cost of the cruise, or opt to purchase it onboard and cap your drinking spending.  In either scenario, it goes to making your total cost more predictable.  It reminds us of cell phone plans and why so many people prefer unlimited data plans rather than fixed-data plans.  Simpler to have one cost that covers everything, than worry about "going over."

There is a point to be made about pre-purchasing a drink package months before your cruise, paying it off then and then later going on your cruise and not dealing with a bill at the end of your cruise that makes you cringe (or worse).  It does not mean you will actually save any money, as you still need to drink enough each day of your cruise to make a drink package worthwhile.  Otherwise, you overpaid earlier than usual.

The whole notion of not having to worry about receipts, gratuity or how much a drink costs holds less water for us.  Sure, it is nice to have, but far from essential.  If someone told me I could save more money by doing some simple math every day, you bet I would bring my calculator onboard.  There are a lot of fun things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and the more money I can save, the more fun stuff I can afford.

Royal Caribbean revamps its unlimited drink package offerings | Royal Caribbean Blog

Sticker Shock - Even if you are not on a tight budget, drink prices on a Royal Caribbean cruise can be somewhat shocking. There might be the most amazing drink on the menu, but you cannot bring yourself to spend $14 (or more) on it because that sounds too expensive for just one drink.

It is debatable how much any drink should cost.  Go to a concert or theme park, and you will find prices for drinks that make Royal Caribbean's pricing strategy look pedestrian.  

On the other hand, your local restaurants may serve up drinks for a fraction of the cost of what you will find at Boleros. Having the drink package does help ease your mind about paying $14 for that cucumber martini.

Everything you need to know about the Bionic Bar on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Blog

It is important to note that you are not always forced into paying full prices for drinks.  Every day there will be a "drink of the day," where one drink is discounted about 20%. 

You can usually find other drink specials throughout your cruise.  In addition, guests that are members of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society are eligible to receive discounted and complimentary drinks during the cruise.  Diamond and above members get complimentary drinks every evening, which can be a big money saver.  

Moreover, guests are allowed to bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom on their Royal Caribbean cruise.  All of this contributes to bringing down the cost of drinks on a cruise, especially if you forgo a drink package and pay a la carte for your drinks.

Itinerary - How many sea days or port days you have could factor into making a drink package a good investment.

While the drink packages do work on Royal Caribbean's private islands of Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay, they do not work while you are in other ports of call.  The more ports of call you visit, the less time you have onboard to take advantage of the drink packages.  

However, if your itinerary has mostly sea days, it becomes easier to get the value from the package.

How do I get the best deal on a Royal Caribbean drink package?

diet-coke-lunch-drink-package

The best time to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package is to buy one as early as you can and then re-price when there are price drops.

 

The price of a drink package can change many times before the cruise begins and this is because of various sales offered.  Typically, there's a drink package discount every few weeks, although the total cost of the drink package may not actually change.

One strategy is to save money on Royal Caribbean’s drink package is to wait for a great deal on Black Friday. You won't know if this strategy will work until the actual day, plus your cruise may take place before the holiday.

Regardless, it's possible for there to be a price drop in the base price and in that case, you can cancel and rebook the drink package with no penalty via the Cruise Planner website.

By booking a drink package early you lock in the price and guard against a price increase, but can still take advantage of a price decrease.

Trying to "time" a lower price is a mistake because sometimes the price goes up and never goes back down.

Drink Package Frequently Asked Questions

Are Royal Caribbean drink packages per person or per room?

Percentages off during a cruise planner sale

Each drink package purchased is per guest, and may only be used by the person buying it.

This means a drink package cannot be shared by more than one person.

How to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package?

What to think about before buying a Royal Caribbean drink package | Royal Caribbean Blog

The easiest way is to purchase it via Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site.  

You can buy the drink package at any time up to 48 hours before your ship sails.  Buying a drink package in advance is the best strategy to save money, because it will cost more onboard the ship.

Alternatively, guests from the U.S. or Canada can buy the drink package by calling (800) 398-9819.

Read moreHow to purchase Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages

Does a Royal Caribbean drink package include gratuity?

Yes.

When you buy any drink package, you will see a line item charge for a "service charge."  This includes the gratuities for any beverages you order.

How to cancel a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Log into Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner for your sailing, and then click on your initials at the top right corner.

Then click Order History. Find your drink package and click View Details, followed by Cancel.

Where can I use my drink package?

Any bar, restaurant, or lounge will accept your drink package benefits. This includes the Windjammer, main dining room, and specialty restaurants.

The drink packages also work at Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee.

The only places you cannot use your drink package are with room service, minibar or Starbucks.

What happens if you don't buy a drink package on Royal Caribbean?

If you elect not to buy a drink package, then any beverages that cost extra will be charged to your SeaPass account on an a la carte basis.

Keep in mind you'll not only be charged for the drink, but also the 18% gratuity automatically added. This gratuity is compulsory and cannot be taken off.

Is a Royal Caribbean drink package right for you?

Overall, whether a Royal Caribbean beverage package is right for you is a highly personal decision, based on a lot of variables.  There is no flat "yes" or "no" answer to determining if a drink package makes sense for everyone, but hopefully the considerations in this post can help with your decision.  

Before purchasing any drink package, be sure to do your homework and do the math of how much you have to drink, every day of your cruise for it to make sense.

First-time cruisers will hopefully find this post as a good jumping off point for further reading on the drink packages.  The drink packages can make sense for some people and others no sense at all.  It is foolish to assume any drink package is a good or bad value without first considering how you cruise.

How to make the drink packages on Royal Caribbean work for you | Royal Caribbean Blog

The deluxe beverage package benefits guests who want a great variety of premium drinks on their cruises.  Those that mainly drink beers will find it more difficult to make the deluxe beverage package worthwhile over the course of the cruise.

What we often hear from other cruisers is over the course of longer cruises (7-nights or longer), it becomes more and more difficult to maintain the level of drinking required to get the value from the package.  

Keep in mind that you can always purchase a drink package even after your cruise begins, if you find yourself drinking more than you thought.  Royal Caribbean advertises that its drink packages can be purchased at any point in a cruise, provided there are at least four days left in the cruise.

The key is to know how you like to cruise and which pros and cons of the drink package are more important to you.  At worst, you are going to overpay for a drink package or for drinks on your own.  In either case, you will still likely have a great vacation experience.

Your thoughts

What is your experience with Royal Caribbean's beverage package? Thinking about using it? I would love to hear your thoughts about a Royal Caribbean beverage package, and how it works (or does not work) for you, in the comments! If you have questions, ask them there, too.

I paid almost $4,000 for the cheapest Royal Caribbean suite. I couldn't believe how many perks were included

In:
08 Feb 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

Suites on a cruise are expensive, but many seek them out for a luxurious, upgraded experience.

As a new cruiser, staying in a suite cabin was an experience on my bucket list because I wanted to see how different a suite is from an inside or balcony cabin. Is the luxury worth the huge jump in price?

I decided to sail on a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, a large Oasis Class ship.

Among all the options available in the first half of 2024, this sailing was one of the cheapest suites I found. 

I booked a 1-bedroom Grand Suite stateroom, the middle ground between the Star and Sea levels.

Read more: 8 advantages of booking a suite on your next cruise

The total price came to $3952.06 with gratuities. For a sailing of two people, this divides out to $1317 per night.

Even before the cruise began, I could tell this would be a completely new experience

allure-calista-embarkation

Compared to the guarantee and inside cabins I’d stayed in before, the suite life was much more luxurious.

Six days before the cruise, I received an email from our suite concierges explaining how we could check in online and prepare for our cruise. 

They also listed the amenities that would come with the suite and said that they would assist us with making any show or dining reservations.

On embarkation day, the upgraded treatment began. We were able to go into express lines for suite and Pinnacle  Club members.

On a large ship like Allure of the Seas sailing out of the long Port Canaveral terminal, getting onboard typically would have taken 30-40 minutes. But with our VIP access, it took me less than twenty!

Our stateroom was located on the 10th floor, between the middle and the back of the ship.

The location was close enough to the middle that I didn’t feel any seasickness inside the cabin—which I usually do if I’m located too far front or back on the ship.

The suite was much larger than I expected, with ample storage space

When we first opened the door, I was struck by how large and open the floor plan was.

The entrance faced a small alcove. 

Inside this alcove, I found a shelf with complimentary water and an ice bucket. 

This was a lovely aspect of staying in a suite because usually, I have to plan far in advance to find complimentary water.

Typically, I take a reusable water bottle up to the Windjammer or the water fountains at the gym and fill it up there. But with a suite, I had free water exactly where I needed it.

Below the shelf sat drawers with plenty of storage space, and above it was the safe that is inside all Royal Caribbean staterooms.

Beside this shelf faced a large closet with full-length mirrors. Not only was there ample closet space for all our clothes and suitcases, but later on in the cruise our stateroom attendant also left complimentary robes inside.

Next to the closet, I also found our complimentary coffee maker, which was another huge bonus. Much like the drinking water, I usually have to plan or make a small trek up to the Windjammer to find complimentary coffee. 

Instead, free coffee pods, sugar, and creamer showed up daily in our suite. It was so convenient to have in the stateroom that I made at least three cups of coffee a day.

Below the coffee maker and counter, I opened a door to find the mini-fridge hidden away.

And beside the fridge were more shelves—there was more than enough storage space all over the cabin.

On the right side of the door—directly opposite the closet—I found the huge bathroom.

Inside Royal Caribbean’s small cabins, the bathrooms are tiny tubes, almost similar to an airplane bathroom. But this suite’s bathroom was more like that of a luxurious hotel.

Read more: Photos Show Why Booking a Suite Cruise Cabin Is Worth It

There was a huge bathtub and a warm shower with natural, scented soaps.

A large counter stretched over the toilet, leaving me plenty of space to spread out my jewelry and toiletries.

The dark, marbled vanity held two sinks, with a proportional amount of water glasses to brush our teeth with.

I also found free soap and body moisturizer. These products had such a pleasant smell and texture that I took them both home with me.

We always had ample towels, and I noticed that they were made from Egyptian cotton.

Outside the bathroom, I moved onto the living area. This was one of the main differences in our suite: a large, separated living area with a lengthy couch.

Beside the couch, there were also two thick armchairs. The size of this room felt like more than enough for two people: I thought that we could have fit four in this stateroom.

The TV next to the living area had an adjustable arm, so that we could completely turn it to face the couch or the beds. However, it was not a Smart TV, and only had a few free channels, so I never used it.

In between the living room and the bedroom, there was a large blackout curtain—a huge help for people traveling together who might want to take naps or go to bed at different times. It also helped make up for the large windows, which would otherwise let light in in the mornings and wake me up.

We requested to separate the two beds on a form emailed out before the cruise. 

The Grand Suite lists “​​Luxury Pillow Top Mattress” as one of its amenities, and while the bed was comfortable, I don’t think I would have noticed a difference if I hadn’t been told about it.

Each bed had its own lamp and bedside table next to it. However—as is usually the case in Royal Caribbean staterooms—there were no ports beside the beds, so I had to charge my phone at the desk.

I usually love the desks/vanities on Royal Caribbean ships, but this suite had an upgraded version. It was longer than others I’ve seen, with even more mirror and shelf space.

The room had so much storage space. Since we were only two people staying for 3 days, we didn't even get close to using all of it.

Lastly, we opened the double-sliding doors to find the balcony. I’ve stayed in a balcony stateroom before, but this one was almost twice the size, with a total of four chairs (two were reclining lounge chairs).

It was a large, gorgeous balcony. I wanted to spend every minute sunning myself on it.

One amenity that came with the suite was the ability to order Main Dining Room dinner for room service, so my sister and I did that on night two. We ordered an hour ahead, and had the entire meal delivered to our door!

Eating outside on the balcony, with a view of the wide ocean, will always be a treasured memory of mine from this cruise.

My favorite aspect of staying in a suite was the additional perks

The large stateroom and balcony were a huge change from the small inside cabin I've stayed in before. It felt like I was taking a completely different type of cruise.

But one of the things I loved most about staying in a suite was just all the additional perks.

The Grand Suite on Allure of the Seas includes all the following:

  • Concierge Service
  • All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
  • Specialty Bottled Water (upon arrival)
  • VOOM, The Fastest Internet at Sea
  • Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
  • Priority Dining Reservations
  • Reserved seating section in select entertainment venues (reservations required)
  • Suite Lounge Access (with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening)
  • Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for Use Onboard
  • Luxury Pillow Top Mattress
  • Luxury Bathroom Amenities
  • Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine

Having free WiFi for the length of the voyage, the coffee machine, and the Plush bathrobes were some of my favorite luxuries included.

I also loved exploring the suite lounge, which was located up on Deck 17. Sitting beside the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, it was an expansive, quiet lounge decorated in deep purples and blues.

It featured a lot of seating but was very spread out, so I didn’t have to speak to anyone around me. 

It also had complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, like this plate of chocolate-covered strawberries, olives, and crab cake.

Not only that, but the suite benefits also include free wine and beers from the bar, so I took advantage of a glass of white wine almost every night. It all felt very opulent. 

On the first day of the cruise, a crew member brought us complimentary champagne and fruit.

Through the cruise, we received other special goodies, like lip balms, aloe vera, and lavender spray for better sleep.

On departure day, we also received priority disembarkation through designated lines, and we left still feeling like royalty.

How over 6,000 people are served meals every day on the world's largest cruise ship

In:
07 Feb 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Cruise ships are a lot of mini-cities, including having to feed thousands of people during the course of a voyage.

Galley tour

Every week, up to 7,600 people vacation on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, which holds the title of the world's largest cruise ship. That includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in-between.

There are 23 total kitchens (referred to as galleys on a cruise ship) to serve 27 restaurants.

icon-main-dining-room

At the heart of Icon's meal service is the Main Dining Room, which serves 6,000 guests in a three and a half hour time frame. There are 425 chefs onboard Icon of the Seas, with 45 people working in the Main Dining Room galley on deck 3 alone.

Supplying, prepping, and serving that many meals every day is not a simple feat. Royal Caribbean has to have enough food so it doesn't run out without over ordering and wasting food. Then it has to get supplies in place every week, and sometimes the demographics for one sailing may require different amounts of food than another.

All of the ship's food is sourced from the ship's homeport in Miami. 

Icon arrives in Miami

In fact, there's enough food on Icon of the Seas not just for one cruise, but three cruises. The idea is there is enough food on hand in case the ship needs to go in a different direction so there is enough for extra days.

Every week new supplies are brought onboard, but some items may only be sourced every two weeks. Cheeses, herbs, and berries are examples of food that is brought onboard every week because those do not last as long.

Frozen items, such as prime rib or fish, are brough every two or three weeks.

Icon of the Seas galley

So what happens if they end up running short on one item? The ship can call to headquarters to assist in re-supplying at one of the ports of call the ship is visiting. 

The actual food is sourced from all around the world, including locally. Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, describes it as a very complex operation, "We are always looking to source local. And so the last couple of years we've shifted a lot of our purchasing very domestically within marketplace."

"Fresh ingredients have always been the case, but now we've really shifted, whether it's here or in Europe and Australia and China, my team goes out and we go out to the marketplace and we'll literally go and match products against our US products and say, okay, what works for us? How do we buy locally?"

Galley tour

All of this isn't cheap to do.  Royal Caribbean wouldn't share numbers, but suffice to say, Mr. D'Souza referred to the number as being, "a lot."

"We've got crew members and guests on board. On a full sailing, over 10,000 people on board the ship. We spend a lot of money to make sure we look after the guests from food and beverage standpoint and supplies."

Food is the second highest expense for Royal Caribbean after fuel. According to Royal Caribbean Group's financial disclosures, the company spent $307 million on fuel in the first quarter of 2024.

How much food is brought on a cruise ship?

Chef in Action

Ever wonder which foods are the most popular on a cruise ship? 

Icon of the Seas needs enough food for all of its recipes, as well as food to be available on its own.  A tomato can be cut up and served individually or as part of a stew, sauce, or salad.

According to Royal Caribbean's executive chefs, rice, potato, lobster, tenderloin, filet mignon and especially prime rib are the most popular items on Icon of the Seas.

Tomahawk steak

About 20,000 lbs of rice, and 2,500 lbs of prime rib are used every cruise.

In an effort to better predict how much food the ship will need, the Food & Beverage team looks at the demographic of who is booked and guest count for the next sailing. Meaning, if there's more guests from Mexico on a given sailing, the crew will plan to offer more Mexican food onboard.

The exact quantity of food depends on amount of guests and demographic.

Icon of the Seas has the best kitchens yet

Icon of the Seas galley

One of the benefits of being a brand new cruise ship is having access to the best of the best, including machinery.

Icon has plenty of guest-facing innovations, and that trend applies to the kitchens too, "If you go to the production areas, the equipment that we've introduced here for the first time, never seen on our ships before," said Mr. D'Souza.

"Things like machines that can take a whole piece of steak, cut it into portions, cut fish into portions, vegetable slicers, things that we just haven't had historically on ship."

Galley

These machines replace functions that were traditionally done by hand.

On the upcoming Utopia of the Seas, Mr. D'Souza indicated will have a laser guided water gun that uses high pressure water to cut pieces of cake.

This technology makes the work easier for crew members, and he believes that moves crew members closer to the guest experience and that adds value to the guest experience.

"We're bringing some pretty new and exciting, innovative technology to really take even our back of the house processes up from what we've historically done."

The most highly regulated food service operation on the planet

Icon of the Seas galley

With an operation as large as Icon of the Seas, food safety is paramount to the cruise line.

Mr. D'Souza said cruise ship kitchens are the most regulated food service operation that you'll find, "we are the most highly regulated food service operation on the planet."

The United States Public Health Service has a division known as the Vessel Sanitation Program, which acts as a cooperative activity with the cruise ship industry.

"When we get inspected for food safety, we have 7 to 8 uniformed officers that board the vessel and they do a full inspection top to bottom."

Icon galley tour

Mr. D'Souza is quite proud of the work his culinary team does and says there's nothing like it at any restaurant near you, "You will never find a restaurant on land that looks like this. Top to bottom, stainless steel, spotless floors, clean. Everything is in order."

"You don't see this on land, because we have very high standards for our guests, and you have very high standards from a government agency body to make sure that we have the highest quality execution, cleanest kitchens, high quality safe food, hand holding equipment, etc."

War on food waste

Reducing food waste serves two primary purposes: it ensures there is less food that ends up in a garbage can and it saves Royal Caribbean money.

The cruise line introduced a program called, "Win on Waste", which serves to evaluate food consumption on a cruise ship and make adjustments so there is less food used that doesn't end up consumed.

Royal Caribbean Group has previously announced it will reduce food waste across the fleet by 50% by 2025. In summer 2023, Royal Caribbean Group reported it already has been able to achieve a 24% reduction in food waste by focusing on the front end of the food system, which prevents and addresses many of the main causes of food waste, including inventory management and over-preparing.

Cruise ship galley

With this new program, chefs can see what's been produced, consumed, wasted, and even repurposed. It helps give better data to the chefs, so they can understand how to make adjustments for the next production. 

Royal Caribbean is actually leveraging AI to take into account unused food scrap weight and predict how much food the ship will need for the next sailing.

Read more: Royal Caribbean's clever idea using AI to get help on the world's largest cruise ship

Cruise ship passengers forced to evacuate Royal Caribbean's private island early due to bad weather

In:
06 Feb 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean passengers that were visiting its private island on Tuesday had to leave earlier than expected.

Bad weather forced passengers to leave CocoCay
Photo by Tim Morrison

CocoCay is a private island in The Bahamas that is operated by Royal Caribbean exclusively for its guests.  Celebrity Cruises will begin visiting the island as well later this year.

Read more: Guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Rain storms passing through the tropics are quite common, but the wind in this case appeared to be the issue as photos posted by passengers show waves crashing against the pier and rocks.

Oasis of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas were visiting the island for the day when an announcement was made for guests to return to the ship.

Guests returning to the ship
Photo by Katie Eisterhold

According to posts on social media, a rapidly moving storm was approaching the island and that caused the cruise line to make the decision to cut their day short.

It appears the announcements were made around 1:00pm over the island's speaker system to return to the ship.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology indicated a deep low-pressure system is moving northeastwards across the Northwest Bahamas while dragging a cold front. They're expecting continued bouts of unsettled weather, consisting of heavy to severe thunderstorms with strong gusty winds, heavy downpours.

Bahamas forecasters are predicting the low to gradually strengthen and the pressure gradient behind it will tighten to produce increasing winds up to gale force through Wednesday.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology added the potential for seas to rise as high as 16 to 20 feet offshore, along Atlantic exposures on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tami Golden wrote on Facebook, "It was announced over a public address system to please return the ship."

Bad weather forced passengers to leave CocoCay
Photo by Sheri Lynn Monroe

Katie John added, "they were going to call everyone back to the ship via speakers on the island and close everything down due to wind and deteriorating weather."

"Glad they did, because not too long after they got everyone back, the waves were crashing over the pier, and the wind increased to 35mph."

Jessica Aguiar Oliveira said that guests that had booked anything extra would be refunded their costs due to the day being cut short.

Guests leaving COcoCay
Photo by Natasha at Mad Hatter Adventures

Many guests were understanding of the change in plans, "Royal Caribbean staff was amazing and it was so organized to get everyone back to the ship safely," wrote a Facebook user named Natasha.

"Sometimes weather happens and we can’t do anything about it. All 10 of us ladies are safe and we are departing shortly to head on a sea day a little early! "

Based on social media, it appears Freedom of the Seas was able to undock and leave while Oasis of the Seas remained docked.

Cococay on a bad weather day
Photo by Missy Billingsley

Missy Billingsley wrote that Oasis of the Seas acted as a wind blocker for the relatively smaller Freedom of the Seas, "The captain literally told us that we were going to be the block for the Freedom to get outta here."

Rainbow near Allure of the Seas
Photo by Beci Mahnken

Other Royal Caribbean ships have been re-routed already to avoid the path of the storm. Allure of the Seas is cancelling a scheduled visit to Nassau, Bahamas on Wednesday and will instead remain at sea.

Winter weather in the Caribbean

Rum Cay in The Bahamas

January and February are about as far from hurricane season as you can get, but that doesn't mean bad weather doesn't occur.

This time of the year is usually associated with a lack of precipitation, as winter is the dry season for the tropics. However, cold fronts can still bring with storms with them.

Part of the rationale for building a pier at CocoCay was to prevent high winds from cancelling port stops. Having a dock makes it easier for cruise ships to visit a port of call, as opposed to tendering.

Icon of the Seas vs other Royal Caribbean cruise ships

In:
06 Feb 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

While you'll find some similarities and brand favorites onboard, Icon of the Seas is full of industry firsts and unlike any other vessel at sea. Besides the size, are you wondering what sets the world's largest cruise ship apart? 

Icon of the Seas

The 250,800 gross registered ton vessel officially set sail on January 27, 2024 on a 7-night voyage to the Eastern Caribbean. In total, Icon can hold up to 7,600 passengers and is roughly 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas, measuring 1,198 feet in length. 

From the first-ever swim-up bar at sea to the record-breaking Category 6 water park, new neighborhoods, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and more, there's so much to see and do onboard that one week likely won't be enough time to experience everything! 

Whether you're counting down the days until you step foot onboard or are simply curious as to what the major differences are, here's a guide to help break down all of the features on Icon of the Seas that you won't find on any other ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

Split-level promenade 

Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas

While the Royal Promenade itself isn't a new feature (it has been around since Voyager of the Seas launched in 1999), they completely redesigned it for Icon. For the first time, the Royal Promenade is a multi-level space, with bars, restaurants, etc., on Decks 5 and 6. 

As soon as you step foot onboard, you'll notice one of the most significant additions: floor-to-ceiling windows. Royal Caribbean sought to make the Promenade more connected to the ocean, so they added windows to let light flood in during the day. 

There are over 15 new and redesigned bars, lounges, and restaurants in the Royal Promenade, including 1400 Lobby Bar, Pearl Café, and Dueling Pianos, the cruise line's first-ever double-pianist bar. Each night, two performers will take requests and involve guests in the musical fun. 

The Pearl

Pearl

We cannot talk about the Royal Promenade without mentioning The Pearl, an interactive, multi-sensory experience that also serves as structural support. 

In other words, to allow for the giant windows, Royal Caribbean had to figure out a way to support the staterooms above it, as well as Central Park, since a giant chunk of steel would be missing. 

The giant masterpiece changes throughout the day, too. The experience that it offers during the morning will differ from what's offered at night or even when the ship is docked at CocoCay!

Pearl Cafe

Adjacent to The Pearl is the Pearl Café, the revamped version of Cafe Promenade that serves complimentary grab-and-go snacks 24 hours a day, as well as some options for an extra fee. 

Read more: 8 things I love about Icon of the Seas (and 3 I didn't)

Destination elevators

Elevator

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has destination elevators onboard to combat crowded cruise ship elevators. 

Rather than simply pressing "up" or "down" in the elevator bank, you'll be required to make a deck selection. Then, you'll be assigned a specific elevator that will take you where you want to go. 

Chief Dog Officer Rover

Alison-and-Rover-Icon

Perhaps the cutest addition to Icon of the Seas is the ship's Chief Dog Officer, Rover, whose primary job is to bring joy to guests and crew. 

Rover is an adorable six-month-old golden retriever who lives onboard the ship with her handler Alison Hubble, AKA "Rover's Chief of Staff." She loves to play with her ball and even blow bubbles in the clear Bahamian waters while visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay

You never know when you'll spot Rover while onboard, but when you do, do not be afraid to give her some pets! 

Read more: World's largest cruise ship will have a family dog that lives on the ship

AquaDome Neighborhood

aquadome-icon-12

Perched atop Decks 14 and 15 is the brand-new AquaDome Neighborhood. In addition to being home to the ship's enclosed AquaTheater, this is also where you'll find other Royal Caribbean firsts, including the Rye & Bean Bar and Overlook Bar & Pods.

This area is outfitted with two stories of floor-to-ceiling windows, making it the place to be when pulling into port or when you want to catch a picture-perfect sunset. 

The pods are ideal for those who want a more relaxed vibe during the day. At night, however, the energy changes as the bars become a hotspot for pre-show drinks. 

Night in Overlook

You'll find three dining experiences within the AquaDome, two of which are brand-new: Celebration Table and AquaDome Market. 

AquaDome Market

aquadome-icon-5

In the past, Royal Caribbean has gotten its fair share of criticism regarding the lack of complimentary fast-casual dining options on its ships. They took the feedback to heart and incorporated more options into the design plans of Icon. 

Within the AquaDome, guests will find the AquaDome Market, the cruise line's first-ever food hall. Its location in the front of the ship isn't a coincidence, as it's meant to help disperse crowds from the Windjammer and El Loco Fresh in the aft (back). 

aquadome-icon-6

Inside AquaDome Market, you'll find five different stalls, each highlighting a different cuisine or specific food:

  • Mac's (Mac and cheese)
  • Crème de la Crèpe (Crèpes) 
  • Toast & Garden (Sandwiches and salads)
  • GNGR (Asian) 
  • Feta (Mediterranean)

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Empire Supper Club

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club empty

AquaDome Market isn't the only new dining venue onboard Icon. For those looking for a more upscale option, head to Central Park, where you'll find the Empire Supper Club. Dining here will set you back $200 per person; however, you're guaranteed a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that consists of eight unique courses, each of which is paired with a cocktail and live music! 

The menu was inspired by the 1930s era of New York City and features upscale American cuisine— think of items like caviar, wagyu steak, and more. Empire Supper Club is both chic and intimate, with a maximum capacity of 38 guests during each dinner service. 

Note that if you purchase the Unlimited Dining Package, you'll have to pay an additional $130 to eat here.

icon-lous-1

In Central Park, you'll find Lou's Jazz n' Blues and the walk-up champagne bar called Bubbles. Both venues are perfect for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail! 

There's also the first-ever Izumi to-go window, which allows you to enjoy fresh sushi from anywhere on the ship. 

Surfside Neighborhood

Surfside

Instead of the Boardwalk found onboard Oasis Class ships, Royal Caribbean created a new neighborhood for families: Surfside. With both complimentary and specialty dining venues, an arcade, carousel, aft pool, kids' splash zone, and more, this is where families are encouraged to stay and play all day.

Rather than having to remove children from the fun, parents can grab a snack at the complimentary Surfside Bites. Even better, there's the Surfside Eatery, a buffet in the heart of the action so you don't have to worry about hauling anyone to the Windjammer upstairs.

Surfside is also home to a new specialty restaurant, Pier 7. For just $14.99, adults can select two plates. Options include shrimp toastads, grilled cheese, caramel waffles, and more. Children 12 and under eat free. 

surfside-icon-25

The Lemon Post Bar is also brand-new and features a curated menu of mocktails for children. It's located close to Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay.

Ultimate Family Townhouse

Ultimate Family Townhouse

There are numerous different stateroom categories for guests who want to be close to Surfside, such as the Surfside Family View Interior and Surfside Family View Balcony cabins, as well as the Surfside Family Suite. However, families wanting the ultimate cabin experience onboard should consider booking the Ultimate Family Townhouse

This three-story mega-suite is equipped with everything from an in-suite slide to a movie room, interactive dining table, and "backyard" that leads directly to Surfside. 

As expected, this room isn't cheap. In fact, it is the most expensive cabin on any Royal Caribbean ship, with prices in 2024 averaging around $80,000 for a week. 

Infinite balcony cabins

Infinite veranda area in the Spacious Infinite Central Park Balcony Cabin on Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is the first ship in the fleet to feature infinite balconies, a concept that first debuted on Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class. 

Infinite balconies differ from standard cruise ship balcony rooms. Whereas the latter has a door that opens up to a personal outdoor veranda, infinite balconies were designed to bring passengers closer to the ocean by essentially turning the entire stateroom into a balcony.

There's no exterior portion of the stateroom. Instead, there's a large floor-to-ceiling window that opens with the push of a button. 

Read more: I stayed in a 200-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship, where there's a new kind of balcony. Here's what it's like inside.

Shower stalls

Bathroom in the Spacious Infinite Central Park Balcony Cabin on Icon of the Seas

Capsule showers with sliding doors are common on Royal Caribbean ships. On Icon, however, you'll find a larger shower with an integrated seat that isn't tucked into the corner of the bathroom. 

Moreover, the towel rack isn't located above the toilet. Instead, you'll find it above the seat in the shower, meaning that you're able to dry off before stepping out. 

Another new design aspect you'll find in the cabins is the do not disturb buttons. 

Thrill Island

Thrill Island

It wouldn't be a true Royal Caribbean ship if there weren't a ton of "WOW" factors onboard. 

Adrenaline junkies should look no further than Thrill Island, which is home to the largest water park at sea, as well as the Crown's Edge challenge that's part skywalk, part ropes course, and part zip line. The latter is subject to an additional fee, meaning it isn't included in the cost of your cruise fare

In between all the action, guests can grab a bite to eat at Basecamp or cool down with a specialty milkshake from Desserted, both of which are new to the cruise line. 

Chill Island

Swim and Tonic

The pool deck on Icon was completely reimagined and dubbed "Chill Island." The idea behind the new concept was that guests would have multiple different options on how they wanted to relax by the water. The result? A pool deck that has 62% more water surface area than on Oasis Class ships. 

In addition to the largest pool at sea that's surrounded by hot tubs, there's also the first-ever swim-up bar called "Swim & Tonic." 

Guests can also enjoy The Cove Pool, which has an infinity edge, so families can enjoy time in the water while soaking up incredible ocean views. 

The Hideaway

The Hideaway in the morning

Speaking of infinity pools, passengers 18+ can enjoy the first suspended infinity pool at sea in The Hideaway. 

There isn't a Solarium onboard Icon; however, that doesn't mean that the cruise line took away the adults-only sun deck! In addition to the infinity pool, there's also a private bar and DJ to help curate beach club vibes. 

Read more: I tried the $350 in-pool daybed rental on Icon of the Seas. It was pricey, but you get a prime spot

New cocktails

Cocktails

Icon of the Seas has 13 new bars and lounges that feature over 100 new cocktails, 35 of which are zero-proof. These beverages are exclusive to the ship, so you won't find them on any menus while sailing onboard Symphony of the Seas, for example. 

From the "Oh Mai Gawd" cocktail located at The Hideaway Bar to the Jazzy Sass cocktail from Lou's Jazz 'n Blues, you're likely going to venture away from your tried-and-true favorites while on Icon. 

The cocktail glasses are new, too. They aren't the same shape as you will find on other ships in the fleet. 

Read more: I designed 13 new bar menus for the world's largest cruise ship. There's way more than just pina coladas

Icon of the Seas is the first ship in the fleet to be LNG-powered

icon-lng-tank

Traditionally, cruise ships have been powered by diesel. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, many new builds have begun to run on alternative sources of energy, including Icon of the Seas. 

This ship is powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). This type of fuel is one of the cleanest-burning marine fuels and helps to reduce a cruise ship’s carbon emissions by roughly 30%. 

One Hit Wonders Party (featuring the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man)

one-hit-wonders-icon

The One Hit Wonders Party is a new street dance party that takes place in the Royal Promenade. 

While guests are encouraged to participate, there's also entertainment staff performing choreographed dances to songs like "We Like To Party!" by the Vengabus, "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley, "Closing Time" by Semisonic, and "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats. 

Two-story Coastal Kitchen

Icon-Suite-Neighborhood-30-Coastal-Kitchen

Coastal Kitchen is the suite-only dining room that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Onboard Icon, it's two stories and overlooks the AquaTheater. On all other ships in the fleet, the venue is just a single story. 

Suite guests also have access to The Grove Suite Sun Deck where they can enjoy a bite to eat at the new fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant.  

If you want to enjoy these amenities, you must book a Sky or Star tier suite within the Royal Suite Class

Crew uniforms

icon crew uniform
icon crew uniform

Above is a picture of the new Officer uniforms that were implemented onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Speaking of crew members, did you know that Royal Caribbean built a crew neighborhood on Icon that spans four decks and features redesigned accommodations to maximize privacy and storage? Plus, the crew Windjammer has actual windows to bring in some natural light! 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is adding the best crew member cabins and areas on its next new cruise ship

I took a 6-night cruise on Adventure of the Seas. Here are 7 reasons why I really like this cruise ship

In:
06 Feb 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

Welcome our guest writer, Mike Scudiero.  Mike is a Royal Caribbean Blog reader who wanted to share his experience sailing on his first Voyager Class ship. 

Recently, my wife and I took our first trip on the Adventure of the Seas. It was a 6-day cruise that
visited Nassau, Labadee, and Puerto Plata, the latter two of which were new stops for us. 

Adventure-of-the-Seas-Docked

We were excited for this journey as much for visiting those particular locales as we were to try
Adventure ourselves, our first Voyager Class ship.

Not long ago, Matt Hochberg created a vlog post focusing on the less discussed ships within
Royal’s fleet. While he didn’t list Adventure specifically, I think many of us would agree that this
ship – and the entire Voyager Class perhaps – can easily be overlooked. 

These ships aren’t the newest or fanciest ships around, yet they are far from the smallest and oldest which sometimes draws criticisms, too. 

That leaves the entire Voyager Class somewhere in the middle, although having sailed on all three Freedom class ships, I think it’s quite easy to confuse these two classes and their eight different ships. But maybe that’s just me.

Nonetheless, there are still some unique things about Adventure that my wife and I enjoyed,
and, well, at least one that we were a bit creeped out by. In no particular order, here are seven things that made Adventure stand out while aboard our first cruise:

Chops on Deck 4

freedom-chops

My wife and are fans of Chops as well as multiple other specialty dining options when aboard
Royal Caribbean cruises. 

Of the 29 current or announced ships in the RCCL fleet, this is the only one in which you’ll find Chops on Deck 4, adjacent to Casino Royale and the Schooner Bar. 

On all other Voyager and Freedom Class ships, you’ll find a variety of other options, like Izumi,
Sabor, Giovanni’s, and even Hooked in this seemingly prime location, but only on Adventure
will you find Chops here. 

Chops filet

This comes with a downside: no windows. 

If you’ve eaten in this spot on other ships at the aforementioned restaurants, you’ll recall the views to be nonexistent and the lighting a bit dim. If you’re someone who only wants a quick break
from the casino for their Filet Mignon or Ribeye, this is as short of a distance as you’ll find
anywhere in the fleet.

Read more: I went on Royal Caribbean's upgraded and regular Voyager Class cruise ships. Here's what I liked about each

Izumi on the Promenade

Izumi-Promenade

Another once-in-the-fleet prize for Adventure comes for its exciting placement of Izumi: right
smack in the middle of Deck 5 along the Promenade. While there's always a mix of bars,
shops, and even other quick-serve restaurants that line the promenade on many RCCL ships,
only on Adventure will you find Izumi here, located right across from the British Pub. 

This does bring with it two downsides: the first is that you will not have the Hibachi/Teppanyaki version
of Izumi on Adventure. The second is that the overall menu is also somewhat limited. 

We learned from talking to our server that this is a result of a smaller kitchen/prep area for Izumi
because of its Promenade location, meaning compared to the Izumi we found on Quantum of the
Seas and some other ships, it won’t have the same expansive menu we were accustomed to on
the Freedom and Oasis Class ships

izumi-sushi

None of which is to say that it takes away from the overall experience. The central location with lots of foot traffic walking right by you as you dine makes this Izumi perhaps the most fun we’ve seen to date.

The Peek-A-Boo bridge

peek-a-boo-bridge-navigator

While not specifically unique to Adventure, the Peek-A-Boo bridge, something Matt and others
have talked much about, is not to be missed. 

It’s tucked away in the forward of the ship on Deck 11 and even has a bench seat and diagram guide in the viewing area, so passengers can get a sense of what they’re seeing below on the Bridge. 

As I understand it, all Voyager Class ships have this feature, but since it was a first for us, we found it interesting enough to seek out and would encourage any nautical fans to do the same. 

Also, it costs nothing to visit this section of the ship, which never hurts.

Artistic models throughout the lower decks

Adventure-models-guest-post-FIXED-VERSION

Adventure features custom-designed models resembling old Hollywoodesque caricatures and
Vaudeville figurines in and around both the casino and the Royal Promenade. Again, if these are on other ships, I must have missed them. 

While some might see these as catchy art, is it possible that stumbling past one of these eerie smiling cartoon characters after a few Deluxe Beverage Package offerings might be enough to freak you out slightly? Asking for a friend.

“Next Stop” notifications in the elevators

Adventure-elevator-guest-post-FIXED-VERSION

Although it’s possible I’ve just missed this on my other cruises, my wife and I both noticed
something new in the elevators: an indicator alerting riders what the next floor your car will be
stopping at as it ascends or descends. 

For example, if you’re on Deck 4 and heading to Deck 11 but the elevator is stopping to let someone else on at Deck 8, you’ll see that notification electronically above the elevator button options.

Adventure of the Seas is far from the newest ship in the fleet and is, I’m assuming, still due for upgrades at some point in the years ahead like many other similar-aged ships have undergone, but this is one area where the ship seems ahead of its time.

Café Promenade/Sorrento's/Sugar Beach

Adventure-specialty-coffee-guest-post-FIXED-VERSION

It’s one-stop shopping on Deck 5, which features all of these options rolled into one location.
Gone are the Ben & Jerry’s locations from RCCL ships, as has been written about on
RoyalCaribbeanBlog previously. Replacing them: Sugar Beach, something already found on
some of the newer, bigger ships. 

What made this new for us was having Sugar Beach, an extra-pay option like Ben & Jerry’s was combined with the specialty drinks available at Café Promenade. As most readers know, Ben & Jerry’s (and now Sugar Beach) is something that all guests pay for, regardless of what drinks or dining packages they have on that cruise.

Specialty drinks, like my wife’s twice-daily Iced Café Mochas, are free with either the Deluxe
Beverage Package or the Refreshment Package. Unlike all other ships we’ve sailed on, guests
getting a free specialty coffee drink have to swipe their card and sign for it, just as if it were something being bought in a gift shop, even if it’s still free because of a package. 

Pepperoni pizza

As for the food, just like the other ships this size and larger, there is a separate line for food items coming from Café Promenade, which is particularly helpful when Sorrento’s pizzas are flying out of the
oven and the line becomes much longer than the morning coffee line to its right.

Windows in Casino Royale

Celebrity casino

Any seasoned gambler will tell you two things you practically never see in land-based casinos: clocks and windows. The logic is that the house would much rather you not know what time it really is, so you’ll keep gambling! The lack of windows could just as easily be chalked up to security concerns, too. 

I’ve been on 12 different Royal ships, and this was the first in which I could see out windows to the sea. As I have since learned, Voyager Class ships are all built this way, which is quite different when you’ve been in and out of probably 100+ land-based casinos and never saw daylight from a Blackjack table. 

On a related note, it is also worth mentioning for the gambling enthusiasts that the machines onboard Adventure all seemed to be quite new, which I was not expecting given that the ship itself has not been remodeled recently.

Casino on Royal Caribbean

These unique/unusual points of interest with the ship made for an overall great experience on Adventure of the Seas. I also felt the value was significant compared to some of the newer and larger options within the Royal stable. The crew was one of the best we’ve gotten to know on any Royal ship, and we’d choose it again in a heartbeat on a future booking.

Royal Caribbean’s top travel agents prove why you need one more than ever

In:
05 Feb 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

It's not too late to start booking your future cruises with a travel agent. 

Freedom of the Seas aerial drone

Royal Caribbean recently announced their top-performing travel agencies of the year. The list includes both newcomers and repeat winners from previous years who proved their dedication, passion, and ability to book Royal Caribbean vacations. 

  • Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Travel Leaders Network
  • President's Award for Overall Achievement: World Travel Holdings
  • National Account Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
  • Southeast Partner of the Year: Travelmation
  • Northeast Partner of the Year: Cruise Brothers
  • Central Partner of the Year: Magical Vacation Planner
Sundeck on Wonder
  • West Partner of the Year: MEI-Travel
  • Canada Partner of the Year: The Travel Agent Next Door
  • Franchise Partner of the Year: Cruise Planners
  • Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners
  • Charter Partner of the Year: Entertainment Cruise Productions
  • Caribbean Partner of the Year: Travel Planners / Expedia Cruceros
  • Automation Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
Ship docked in St. Thomas

“These are extremely exciting times for the entire cruise industry – cruise lines and travel partners alike. The sky’s the limit at Royal Caribbean, and the strong performance we’ve seen is thanks in large part to our valued travel professionals and their incredible knowledge when it comes to matching their clients with the right vacation experience,” said Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service for Royal Caribbean International.

“I’m very proud to honor these experts who consistently work with us and continue to see success with their businesses. As we dive into 2024 with the exciting launch of Icon of the Seas and then Utopia of the Seas in July 2024, as well as the next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in 2025, we’re excited to reach new heights for the entire travel industry. Thanks for the support, and congratulations to the winners.”

If you don't utilize a travel agent, here are 6 reasons why you should consider making the switch when booking your next cruise vacation. 

Read more: 10 secrets Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew

Travel agents have a strong understanding of the cruise industry

top deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Travel agents will be able to help you understand all of the nuances of a cruise, as they're unlike traditional vacations. If you're debating between booking a suite or not, you might want expert advice on the benefits that you'd receive, especially if you're cruising on a ship with the Royal Suite Class, as some suites have perks that others do not. 

Perhaps you cannot decide between two itineraries and want a little insight into what the ports offer; a one-way cruise in Alaska, for instance, is different from a roundtrip one from Seattle. 

Travel agents can also advise you on cabin selections. If you aren't familiar with the ship, you could accidentally book a room in a location that you find undesirable, such as near the nightclub or with an obstructed view. 

Family surfside suite

In essence, an agent will help guide you through all of the decisions that you have to make. 

They will save you time

Clock

Planning a cruise can be time-consuming, so you should let a travel agent do the majority of the work! Rather than spending your own time pricing out different itineraries and cabins, you can request a quote for all the options you're considering. 

Once you're booked, they'll check to see if your rate has decreased before final payment, so you do not have to. If they notice that the price dropped, they'll contact the cruise line to get them to honor the lower rate. 

Additionally, if you don't know how you want to spend your day ashore, a good agent will give you some ideas based on your personal preferences. If there are multiple highlights that you don't want to miss, they can help arrange a private tour for you and your travel party, as cruise line shore excursions can be pretty limiting. 

Travel agents have access to better rates

Australian banknotes

The first time I booked a cruise with a travel agent, I was genuinely surprised by how much money I saved. When I booked a cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas, my agent had access to group rates, meaning that I was able to secure a balcony cabin for the same price as an interior! 

Additionally, when I was considering a cruise on the brand-new Celebrity Ascent for July 2024, Celebrity's website was advertising a Prime Edge Infinite Veranda cabin with drinks and Wi-Fi for $6,490.18. My travel agent booked the same stateroom category and perks for $5,440.32. 

While they may not always be able to offer jaw-dropping savings, they'll usually give you some onboard credit as an incentive to book with them. 

They'll provide peace of mind during emergencies 

flight-stock

While not super common, cruise lines will sometimes make changes to your sailing. Dry dock maintenance, for example, might require Royal Caribbean to change your ship. Once onboard the ship, the Captain might deem it unsafe to dock at a certain port of call due to weather. 

While unfortunate, a travel agent is advantageous in these instances, as they'll act as your advocate and liaison, meaning that you won't have to worry about communicating with the cruise line. Before any changes are made, they will ask how you'd like to proceed and then work with the cruise line to honor your specified wishes. 

If you book your flights when an agent, they'll also be able to assist in rebooking them in the event that your original flight was delayed or cancelled. 

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Travel agents can help you book unique staterooms or get onboard special sailings 

When Icon of the Seas' bookings opened, the inaugural cruise sold out within 24 hours. Those who worked with travel agents didn't have to worry about logging on and securing a reservation themselves, as the agent was on the ball the second itineraries were released. 

Additionally, if you're hoping to book during a sale, cruise lines will often notify travel partners in advance, so your agent can alert you of when the best time to book is. 

Read more: Start here to plan your Royal Caribbean cruise

They'll work with you to create a payment plan

One of the best aspects of a cruise is that, unless you're booking a last-minute cruise, you have time to pay off the vacation; the full amount isn't due upfront. 

After placing your deposit, you'll have until a specified date to pay the remainder off. While it's unlikely that you'll forget the date, if you book with a travel agent, they will help you create a plan and make payments on your behalf. 

They will give you other friendly reminders, too, such as helping you remember when your check-in opens. If you want an earlier arrival time, it is imperative that you make your selection as soon as possible. 

Read more: Final payment change for long cruises

I dined at Royal Caribbean’s most expensive restaurant: I didn't expect to like it as much as I did

In:
05 Feb 2024
By: 
Angie Vognild

Icon of the Seas introduced many exciting new restaurants and bars to the Royal Caribbean fleet, including the highly-anticipated Empire Supper Club.

Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas

The Empire Supper Club is an eight-course meal described as “an evening of glitz and glamour, where cuisine is an occasion, cocktails are celebrations, and sultry live jazz is your host.” When you step foot in the venue, you will be transported to New York City in the 1930s.

During the inaugural sailing, I had the chance to try all the unique food and cocktail pairings to see whether it was worth the $200 price tag.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club

Of course, this review is highly subjective and based on my personal preferences. Another thing to note before I start the review: I told the restaurant ahead of time that I do not eat seafood. Because of this, I indulged in a few meals that were not listed on the menu.

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, it's extremely important to inform them beforehand so they can prepare different meals for you. Gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian options are available. 

The restaurant was very accommodating and the substitutions, in my opinion, were equally as enticing as the original menu.

What to know before dining at the Empire Supper Club

There are a few important things to know before you book a dinner at the Empire Supper Club.

First, guests with the Unlimited Dining Package can dine here for an additional $130. All other guests will have to pay the $200 cover price. There are no discounts for guests with the Deluxe Beverage Package or Crown and Anchor status. 

The experience includes a specialty cocktail with each course. The price is the same if you opt to have non-alcoholic drinks during the dinner.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club empty

Second, tables are for parties of two to four people. If you are eating with more than four people, you will have to sit at separate tables. There are no age restrictions, as guests under 12 years old are welcome to dine at the Empire Supper Club. A maximum of 38 people can dine here, so it's a small venue. 

Third, the dress code is formal. Many of us who dined at the Empire Supper Club wore black attire, whether it was a dress or jumpsuit. For men, it's required to wear a suit jacket. If you do not have one, Royal Caribbean will apparently lend you one.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club plate

Lastly, the dinner will take three hours. For us, it was from 6 to 9 p.m. Punctuality is required, and doors open 10 minutes before your dining time.

Empire Supper Club review

The Empire Supper Club is located right outside Central Park on deck eight. It makes sense that the venue was placed near the New York-inspired Central Park!

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club

The menu consisted of American cuisine inspired by the 1930s era of New York City. 

As mentioned above, each dish was paired with a special cocktail that you can't find anywhere else on Icon. You can select your main course and dessert, but the appetizers have a set menu.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club menu

Throughout the evening, the American Standards Trio, which consisted of a singer, piano player, and double bass player, performed “sophisticated jazz selections specially curated for the night.”

The music was lovely to hear when we were eating. The music didn’t distract from our table conversation for the most part, but rather, it created a classy atmosphere. My personal favorite music selections included Rhapsody in Blue, Beyond the Sea, and New York, New York.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club

Here’s everything I ate and drank during my evening, along with my thoughts on everything I tasted. Royal Caribbean Blog founder himself, Matt Hochberg, accompanied me during this culinary journey.

Starter #1: Amuse-bouche

This hors d'œuvre resembled a small bagel with cream cheese - it was the perfect way to start the meal. It's meant to be a palate cleanser, and I found it to be very tasty. I requested to not have caviar on top, so mine had onions that looked like caviar. I wish I could’ve had another one!

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club appetizer

Starter #2: Spicy pecan bread with honey

I was very excited to have some bread, but I was slightly worried when I heard it was spicy. I do not like super spicy foods, but I wanted to try it anyway. I am so glad I did because it was warm, pillow-soft, and not too spicy at all - there was just a little zing. The butter was also divine.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club bread

Drink #1: Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut

To celebrate the beginning of a wonderful meal, we all toasted with a glass of champagne. I am not much of a champagne drinker, but I liked this particular champagne!

Empire Supper Club champagne toast

Appetizer #1: Oysters

The oysters are described as: "Crispy oysters Rockefeller, chorizo Bearnaise, sundried Romas, micro basil."

Empire Supper Club oysters

Substitute: Quinoa salad

The quinoa salad included avocado and beets, as well as edible flowers. This is something I never would've ordered for myself, but I am glad I tried it. I had no complaints about it, but it wasn’t my favorite thing to eat.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club salad

Drink #2: Staten Island Spritz

This drink had Tito’s vodka, Campari liqueur, limoncello, orange juice, and champagne. It was a pretty-looking drink, but it wasn’t as sweet as I would’ve liked it. Matt agreed with me that it needed more flavor.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club spritz

Appetizer #2: Raviolo

I liked the raviolo (which had a soft yolk, spinach, crisp guanciale, shaved bottarga, and Parmigiano) much better than the quinoa salad. I wasn’t a fan of the egg yolk when it oozed out from the middle, but I ate around it and it was still tasty.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club raviolo

Drink #3: Blood & Sand

This drink had Dewar’s scotch, cherry Heering, sweet vermouth, and orange juice. I enjoyed this drink, and it was my favorite up until this point. Matt commented how he really liked this drink too!

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club cocktail

Appetizer #3: Langoustine

The lobster is described as: "Butter poached, Champagne, Osetra caviar, basil emulsion."

Empire Supper Club lobster

Substitute: Saffron risotto

The risotto was my favorite appetizer of all of the ones I tried. It was creamy with tomatoes on top. I would’ve liked more of this because I ate it all in less than 10 bites!

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club risotto

Drink #4: East of Houston

This drink had Botanist gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, orange bitters, and champagne. I liked how refreshing it was. It didn’t have a strong alcohol taste, which I appreciated.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club drink

Appetizer #4: Empire Caesar salad

The Caesar salad is described as, "Parmesan tuile, purple orchid, pink peppercorn."

While I didn’t eat the Caesar salad, I do have to say it looked very pretty. Look at that crouton arch!

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club salad

Substitute: Mushroom soup

The soup was great! The bowl was so tiny that I ate it pretty quickly. I thought the soup tasted like the one at Chops Grille, so I asked the waitress and she confirmed it was from Chops Grille.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club soup

Palate cleanser: Sorbet

I found this sorbet to be quite yummy. Although I didn’t know the flavor of it, I guessed it was either strawberry or raspberry. The sorbet also had some boba in it, which I didn’t eat because I am not a boba fan.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club sorbet

Drink #5: New York Sour

This drink had Bulleit Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and claret wine. I thought the “E” ice cube was a cute touch. The drink itself was pretty good, but not my favorite compared to drinks #3 and #4.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club sour

Main course: Steak

The Wagyu ribeye was excellent! I got the peppercorn sauce on the side and I think that made the steak even better. The pieces were small, but I savored every bite. I only wish I could’ve had more! 

It was served with fondant potatoes and sauteed morels.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club steak

Matt ordered the rabbit (leg and loin duo, mustard cream, baby carrots, pistachio dust), and I was curious to try it. I thought it tasted similar to chicken but much more chewy. Let's just say I am glad I got the steak!

Empire Supper Club rabbit

Matt was also able to try the seabass (mousseline of parsnip, red beets, candy citrus), which he liked way more than the rabbit.

Empire Supper Club seabass

Drink #6: Toasted Almond

This drink had Tito’s vodka, Kahlua, amaretto, heavy cream, and grated nutmeg. I loved having this drink during dessert. After trying all the drinks, this one was my favorite! I am a big fan of cocktails with Kalua and heavy cream so it makes sense that this was my top pick. This drink paired well with the chocolate desserts.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club cocktail

Dessert #1: Cheesecake

Our waitress said since there were two of us, she typically likes to bring out the cheesecake and beehive so we can try both of them.

I liked the crust of the cheesecake, which was made of white chocolate. Matt commented that he loved the dulce de leche gelato it came with. I agreed, and I would say this cheesecake is even better than the cheesecake at Chops Grille.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club cheesecake

Dessert #2: Chocolate Beehive

This dessert was my absolute favorite. All the ganache layers blended together to create a delicious chocolate delicacy! The mango sauce, salted caramel toffee, and honey tuile made this dessert out of this world. If only I could order just this beehive whenever I wanted!

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club chocolate beehive

Dessert #3: Chocolate Tree

This last dessert was not listed on the menu and was a complete surprise. All the chefs came out carrying these tall plates of cotton candy. When it was set on the table, I noticed it was a chocolate tree with cotton candy as the leaves! I was already so full by this point that I didn’t try all of the chocolates, but what I did have was very good.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club tree

More thoughts on the experience

The meal itself was very enjoyable and I loved the jazz music in the background. Sometimes the music was loud and other times it was quiet - I found that it corresponded with when we were eating versus the downtime between each course/drink. The band did take a break before the main course.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club

The way I would describe the lighting is moody. Each table had a little light that could be adjusted to a different brightness. We had ours on the lowest setting so it gave just a little bit of light when we wanted to look at the menu. 

The lights would turn on during some of the courses and I thought this was on purpose. We asked and it appeared that this wasn’t on purpose - I think they were experimenting with the lighting to see how we would react.

Empire Supper Club seating

If you try to go to the bathroom anytime during the meal, someone will escort you to the bathroom. When Matt left for the bathroom, a waiter came over and replaced the towel that was in his lap with a new one. How fancy!

Another small thing I liked was how I could hang up my bag with the hook they placed on the table instead of putting my bag on the floor or on my chair.

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club purse

Is the Empire Supper Club worth the extra cost?

After leaving the Empire Supper Club, I concluded right away that it was worth $200 per person.

When you account for each drink (assuming they’re $14 each, which is what Royal Caribbean charges for cocktails), that totals $84. The other $116 accounts for all the appetizers, desserts, main course, and entertainment. I would say that is a fair price!

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club menu

I heard a lot of people compare this experience to Chef’s Table, a specialty dining option offered on most Royal Caribbean sailings. At Chef’s Table, you sit at a large table with other people and enjoy a five-course meal with wine pairings. There is no entertainment included. I have personally never done Chef’s Table, but I would assume Empire Supper Club is similar in some ways.

Empire Supper Club menu

With Empire Supper Club, you sit at your own table and listen to jazz music while you eat. It was an intimate experience and it didn't feel like we were on a cruise ship! I've never had an experience like this on land or at sea. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my Empire Supper Club dinner and would recommend it to others. It's the perfect option for those who want to splurge on a special night out with family and friends.