Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean is offering its smart wearable bracelet that can help parents track their kids' location on its newest ship, Legend of the Seas.

The cruise line's "Find My Kid" feature is available on the latest Icon Class ship, according to the company's website. 

It was first tested aboard Icon of the Seas in mid-2024 and was eventually rolled out on Star of the Seas in 2025. 

Now, this innovative feature has been expanded to Legend of the Seas. This gives families an easy way to keep tabs on their younger kids through the mobile app — for an additional cost. 

How does "Find My Kid" work on Royal Caribbean?

"Take peace of mind to the max on Legend of the Seas and Star of the Seas. Using the Find My Kid feature in the Royal Caribbean® App along with the Adventure Ocean® WOW Band, you can keep an eye on your kids aged 3 to 12 from the convenience of your mobile device," Royal Caribbean says. 

"Signing up is easy: once onboard, register your kids in Royal Caribbean's free, award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, purchase the Adventure Ocean WOW Band... and sign up for Find My Kid. You... will then be able to locate your kids in public areas of the ship and your stateroom through the app's deck maps."

Parents can also decide who has access to the feature. At their discretion, they can allow other members of their travel party, such as older siblings or grandparents, to track their children's location through the Royal Caribbean mobile app.

Unfortunately, this feature isn't free since it requires a special WOW Band, which currently costs $14.99. That said, the Adventure Ocean WOW Band can also open your stateroom door and be used to make onboard purchases, eliminating the need to carry a SeaPass card. 

Additionally, it can be used on future cruises, meaning families who plan on sailing aboard Star or Legend of the Seas more than once won't need to purchase a new band on each voyage. 

Why not just use Apple AirTags?

Royal Caribbean's "Find My Kid" is designed specifically for use onboard, allowing it to pinpoint a child's location across multiple decks of the ship more accurately than AirTags. 

Plus, since it is seamlessly integrated into the mobile app, parents can quickly view their child's location on the ship's deck map without relying on a stable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. 

In fact, you don't need an internet package at all to use the feature (just be sure to download the current version of the Royal Caribbean app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before your cruise!).

(Credit: Shannon Sinclair)

That said, "Find My Kid" isn't meant to replace parental supervision on Star or Legend of the Seas. Instead, it's designed to provide an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind on these massive mega ships. 

Should "Find My Kid" be available for teens, too?

In addition to being on limited ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, many passengers argue that the feature should also track teenagers.

"They need to make it available for teens too," commented Courtney on a previous Royal Caribbean Blog post. 

Mike T added, "I'd want this for a teenager at 10pm...not little kids." 

However, teens have the ability to chat through the Royal Caribbean app, whereas guests 13 and under don't. They either have to use a parent's device or communicate through apps like iMessage or WhatsApp with an internet package. 

As such, the "Find My Kid" feature is aimed at younger passengers who may not have a phone of their own and cannot communicate directly with their parents. 

It's not uncommon, for example, to hear announcements over the public address system asking a specific guest to report to Guest Services, often because a family member is trying to locate them and can't get in touch with them.

By making it easier for parents to easily locate their children through the app, the feature can help reduce the need for those ship wide announcements and panic that comes with not knowing where your child is. 

Royal Caribbean is offering a number of one-off cruises in 2027 that are not the sort of typical sailings we expect.

With The Bahamas and Caribbean being year-round destinations, it is easy to visit the same ports of call — such as Perfect Day at CocoCay; Cozumel, Mexico; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas — over and over. 

However, as you climb the Crown & Anchor Society tiers, you may begin to crave different experiences. Thankfully, there are plenty of overlooked itineraries that fly under the radar. 

If you are willing to branch out, you will find that Royal Caribbean's 2027 lineup is actually pretty interesting and offers plenty of opportunities to discover new destinations. 

Although many of these one-off wonders are the cruise line's unique twist on repositioning cruises, that doesn't mean they aren't worth considering for your next cruise vacation, especially if you're itching for more time at sea. 

Editor's note: Cruise pricing can change at any time based on demand, availability, and promotional offers. All fares mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication. However, for accurate pricing, check directly on Royal Caribbean's website or speak with your travel advisor. 

Quantum of the Seas — 23-Night Transpacific / April 11, 2027

Dates: April 11-May 3, 2027

Embarkation port: Brisbane, Australia

Disembarkation port: Seattle, Washington

Lowest rate: $3,236 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Papeete, Tahiti
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Anthem of the Seas — 16-Night Transpacific / April 14, 2027

Dates: April 14-29, 2027

Embarkation port: Sydney, Australia

Disembarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Lowest rate: $2,311 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Papeete, Tahiti
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia

Rhapsody of the Seas — 14-Night Spain & Morocco / April 19, 2027

Dates: April 19-May 3, 2027

Embarkation port: Miami, Florida

Disembarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Lowest rate: $788 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Casablanca, Morocco
• Tangier, Morocco
• Málaga, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Valencia, Spain

Brilliance of the Seas — 15-Night Spain & Morocco / April 23, 2027

Dates: April 23-May 8, 2027

Embarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Disembarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Lowest rate: $822 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Nassau, Bahamas
• Tangier, Morocco
• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Valencia, Spain

Grandeur of the Seas — 7-Night Colón to San Juan / April 24, 2027

Dates: April 24-May 1, 2027

Embarkation port: Colón, Panama

Disembarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Lowest rate: $566 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Kingstown, St. Vincent
• Castries, St. Lucia
• St. John's, Antigua
• Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Legend of the Seas — 14-Night Spanish Transatlantic / April 25, 2027

Dates: April 25-May 9, 2027

Embarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Disembarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Lowest rate: $1,570 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Alicante, Spain

Odyssey of the Seas — 14-Night Spain, Italy, Azores Transatlantic / April 25, 2027

Dates: April 25-May 9, 2027

Embarkation port: Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Disembarkation port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Lowest rate: $1,234 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Ponta Delgada, Azores
• Málaga, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Barcelona, Spain
• Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Explorer of the Seas — 14-Night Spain, Italy, Azores Transatlantic / April 26, 2027

Dates: April 26-May 10, 2027

Embarkation port: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida

Disembarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Lowest rate: $740 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Madeira (Funchal), Portugal
• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Freedom of the Seas — 12-Night Bermuda & Azores / April 27, 2027

Dates: April 27-May 9, 2027

Embarkation port: Miami, Florida

Disembarkation port: Southampton, England

Lowest rate: $707 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
• Ponta Delgada, Azores

Navigator of the Seas — 13-Night Singapore to Tokyo / April 29, 2027

Dates: April 29-May 12, 2027

Embarkation port: Singapore, Singapore

Disembarkation port: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Lowest rate: $2,210 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam
• Hong Kong, China
• Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China
• Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea
• Fukuoka, Japan
• Nagasaki, Japan

Anthem of the Seas — 8-Night Hawaii / April 29, 2027

Dates: April 29-May 7, 2027

Embarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Disembarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia

Lowest rate: $935 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Serenade of the Seas — 7-Night Pacific Coastal / May 2, 2027

Dates: May 2-9, 2027

Embarkation port: San Diego, California

Disembarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia

Lowest rate: $564 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Astoria, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Victoria, British Columbia

Rhapsody of the Seas — 11-Night Best of Italy & Greece / May 3, 2027

Dates: May 3-14, 2027

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Lowest rate: $2,417 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy
• Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
• Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy
• Sicily (Messina), Italy
• Mykonos, Greece
• Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
• Rhodes, Greece
• Santorini, Greece

Navigator of the Seas — 17-Night Tokyo to Los Angeles / May 12, 2027

Dates: May 12-28, 2027

Embarkation port: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Disembarkation port: Los Angeles, California

Lowest rate: $1,252 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Mt. Fuji (Shimizu), Japan
• Nagoya, Japan
• Kyoto (Osaka), Japan
• Kobe, Japan

Icon of the Seas — 9-Night Perfect Day CocoCay to Texas / August 7, 2027

Dates: August 7-16, 2027

Embarkation port: Miami, Florida

Disembarkation port: Galveston, Texas

Lowest rate: $1,882 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
• Willemstad, Curaçao
• Oranjestad, Aruba

Anthem of the Seas — 10-Night Hawaii / September 26, 2027

Dates: September 26-October 6, 2027

Embarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia

Disembarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Lowest rate: $848 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Serenade of the Seas — 7-Night Pacific Coastal / September 26, 2027

Dates: September 26-October 3, 2027

Embarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia

Disembarkation port: San Diego, California

Lowest rate: $650 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Astoria, Oregon
• San Francisco, California

Voyager of the Seas — 25-Night Transpacific / October 1, 2027

Dates: October 1-27, 2027

Embarkation port: Seattle, Washington

Disembarkation port: Brisbane, Australia

Lowest rate: $2,797 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Papeete, Tahiti
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Port Vila, Vanuatu
• Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Anthem of the Seas — 17-Night Transpacific / October 6, 2027

Dates: October 6-24, 2027

Embarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Disembarkation port: Sydney, Australia

Lowest rate: $2,119 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Papeete, Tahiti
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Tauranga, New Zealand

Serenade of the Seas — 15-Night Panama Canal Eastward / October 7, 2027

Dates: October 7-22, 2027

Embarkation port: San Diego, California

Disembarkation port: Tampa, Florida

Lowest rate: $1,947 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
• Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Panama Canal (Cruising), Panama
• Cartagena, Colombia
• George Town, Grand Cayman

Quantum of the Seas — 15-Night Tokyo to Singapore / October 12, 2027

Dates: October 12-25, 2027

Embarkation port: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Disembarkation port: Singapore, Singapore

Lowest rate: $2,434 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Kyoto (Osaka), Japan
• Kochi, Japan
• Okinawa (Naha), Japan
• Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China
• Hong Kong, China
• Hue / Danang (Chan May), Vietnam

Freedom of the Seas — 12-Night Azores Transatlantic / October 18, 2027

Dates: October 18-30, 2027

Embarkation port: Southampton, England

Disembarkation port: Miami, Florida

Lowest rate: $697 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• La Coruna, Spain
• Vigo, Spain
• Ponta Delgada, Azores

Odyssey of the Seas — 14-Night Spain & Portugal Transatlantic / October 31, 2027

Dates: October 31-November 14, 2027

Embarkation port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Disembarkation port: Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Lowest rate: $963 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Barcelona, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Ponta Delgada, Azores

Legend of the Seas — 13-Night Spanish Transatlantic / October 31, 2027

Dates: October 31-November 13, 2027

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lowest rate: $1,362 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Málaga, Spain

Explorer of the Seas — 14-Night Spain & Morocco Transatlantic / November 1, 2027

Dates: November 1-15, 2027

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lowest rate: $839 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Tangier, Morocco

Brilliance of the Seas — 15-Night Spain & Portugal Transatlantic / November 6, 2027

Dates: November 6-21, 2027

Embarkation port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Disembarkation port: Tampa, Florida

Lowest rate: $871 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Cartagena, Spain
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Ponta Delgada, Azores
• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda

Rhapsody of the Seas — 14-Night Spain & Portugal Transatlantic / November 13, 2027

Dates: November 13-27, 2027

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Lowest rate: $916 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Valencia, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Seville (Cadiz), Spain
• Tangier, Morocco
• Casablanca, Morocco

Grandeur of the Seas — 7-Night San Juan to Colón / November 27, 2027

Dates: November 27-December 4, 2027

Embarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Disembarkation port: Colón, Panama

Lowest rate: $674 per person for an interior cabin 

Ports of call:

• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Castries, St. Lucia
• Willemstad, Curaçao

Is a longer cruise worth it?

Unfortunately, I'm not yet at the phase of life where considering unique reposition sailings makes sense. 

With my partner's work schedule as an elementary school teacher, it's difficult to get a lot of time off during the academic year. As such, our travel is generally limited to peak seasons, like spring break and summer, which generally don't see as many unique voyages. 

Not only that, but we don't like leaving our senior dog for extended periods. He is nearing 14 years old and has a few health concerns. The last thing we'd want is to be at sea in a drastically different time zone during a crisis. 

That said, there are perks to taking longer cruises, and I can't wait until we can experience them ourselves! 

First, you have more time to enjoy the ship. Transatlantic and transpacific cruises, especially, include multiple consecutive sea days.

And with massive vessels like Legend of the Seas now offering transatlantic cruises, having extra time onboard means you won't be rushed trying to experience everything the Icon Class ship has to offer!

Additionally, the price per day is often lower than for shorter voyages. For example, the cost per night for Freedom's 12-night Azores cruise in October 2027 starts as low as $58 per person!

That said, it's not uncommon to find high last-minute prices since these itineraries are offered so infrequently. As such, you'll want to book these one-off wonders early. 

Older cruise ships typically provide a better value for budget-conscious travelers because they offer many of the same basic experiences for a fraction of what it costs to sail aboard a newer vessel — and that's exactly why I booked a cruise on Liberty of the Seas for my recent European adventure. 

Generally speaking, European cruises are more expensive once airfare and excursions are factored in, so choosing an older ship helped my fiancée and me have the flexibility to plan a longer pre-cruise stay in London, England. 

This gave us time to adjust to the different time zone, explore the city, and check a few must-see landmarks off our bucket list before embarking on our five-night cruise to Germany and Belgium. 

Plus, Liberty of the Seas just wrapped up a multi-million dollar dry dock, adding new enhancements like Izumi Teppanyaki, Royal Escape Room, and a reimagined pool deck. As such, I couldn't wait to get on and check out everything on the amplified ship and visit two new-to-me ports in Europe. 

Our 11-night vacation, including the five-night cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas, came to over $8,500. In this article, I'll provide a full breakdown of what we spent during my Liberty of the Seas cruise, including travel-related expenses, onboard spending, shore excursions, and more. 

Our round-trip plane tickets from North Carolina to London, England, cost nearly $1,200 when paid with a combination of points and cash. 

Airfare prices have been higher than usual for the last couple of years, and finding deals out of Charlotte, North Carolina, has been much more challenging than it was when I lived in New York.

To put it into perspective, it's pretty common for round-trip tickets to Orlando and Miami on American Airlines to cost over $400 per person. In fact, I found a more affordable flight to Seattle, Washington, last year than to Florida!

Charlotte has multiple nonstop flights to London-Heathrow, so I knew getting to England would be easy. However, I was expecting the worst when it came to flight prices. To my surprise, I found round-trip flights for two for $1,199.76 plus 85,000 points.

Considering American Airlines wanted more than $1,300 per person for round-trip tickets, it felt like a great deal since we essentially got one ticket for free. 

Before departing, we also had to apply for the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is now required for American citizens entering the country. The application process was straightforward, and the total cost for both of us came to $55.98. 

The good thing about the ETA is that it's valid for two years, so we won't have to pay again if we return to the United Kingdom before June 2028.

Getting to the airport was another small expense. An Uber from our apartment to Charlotte airport cost $28.95, bringing our total pre-cruise transportation and travel documentation costs to $1,284.69 plus 85,000 points.

We arrived five days before the cruise and stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton London — Tower of London, which cost $1,785.62.

Although I'm far from a budget traveler, I also don't like shelling out thousands of dollars for a hotel room I'll rarely be in. While browsing available options, I was shocked that many hotels in Central London were quoting us over $2,500 for a five-night stay. 

In the end, I booked the DoubleTree by Hilton London — Tower of London for nearly $1,800. The rate also included breakfast, which meant we didn't have to budget for coffee or pastries every morning. This helped justify both the nightly rate and the hotel's somewhat inconvenient location.

Our room was tiny and didn't have a closet, so we couldn't unpack and were forced to live out of our suitcases. Plus, the hotel was undergoing renovations, and the hallways smelled of fresh paint. Still, for the price, it was perfectly fine and more than served its purpose. 

We spent around $2,460 in London before the cruise.

London is one of my favorite cities, and I have fond memories studying abroad in England during college. I also have family in London, which gives me a great excuse to visit whenever possible. That said, it was my fiancée's first time visiting London, so we made sure to hit more of the tourist spots than I normally would.

Here's a breakdown of everything we spent, including meals, sweet treats (like the viral Borough Market strawberries), shopping, transportation, and more: 

• Tower of London: $99.37
• Westminster Abbey: $83.25
• The Hunger Games On Stage: $158.45
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Twilight Tour: $276.91
• 5-Day eSim through Saily: $16.99 
• Lunch at Camden Market: $37.65
• Lunch at Borough Market: $31.93
• Dinner at Ave Mario: $76.83
• Dinner at Cahoots: $80.59

• Dinner at The Ivy: $160.55
• Dinner at Barberella: $116.39
• Dinner at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: $42.71
• Pre-theater drinks at The Alchemist: $33.25
• Drinks at Sky Garden: $66.19
• Afternoon tea at the Sanderson: $228.25
• Shopping: $535.24
• Coffee and other sweet treats: $177.74
• Transportation in London: $172.64
• Train tickets to Southampton: $65.43

TOTAL: $2,460.36

The five-night sailing aboard the Liberty of the Seas ship cost $1,497.84 for a windowless inside cabin. 

Because London was so expensive, we did not mind saving money on our cruise fare. A balcony seemed relatively pointless since the itinerary wasn't scenic, and we planned on spending the two sea days relaxing in the adults-only Solarium.

As such, we booked a Category 4V Interior Stateroom through my travel agent for $1,497.84, or $748.92 per person, including gratuities. This worked out to about $300 per night for the two of us, which seemed more than reasonable for an older ship in Europe. 

Plus, the price of our Royal Caribbean cruise covered more than accommodations, too — ranging from unlimited meals to basic beverages, brand-new original entertainment, and transportation from England to Germany and Belgium. 

On Liberty of the Seas, there are multiple pools, water slides, a fitness center, a three-deck-high dining room, and ice skating shows, among other activities and amenities.

In the end, the 162-square-foot cabin was a comfortable — albeit outdated — space to relax and rest up after long days spent ashore during one of the continent's worst heatwaves in recorded history. 

We racked up $744.55 in other charges, including shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and more. 

We tried to keep our onboard spending low while aboard Liberty of the Seas. We only splurged on one specialty meal, and our eight daily Diamond vouchers meant we did not need to splurge on a pricey drink package.

In total, we spent $242.45 on the ship. This included Wi-Fi, a few arcade games, and dinner at Izumi Hibachi. Our booking included a $50 onboard credit, which helped decrease our spending, as we would have spent closer to $292 without it.

While ashore, we spent an additional $502.10 in Hamburg and Zeebrugge, with miscellaneous charges ranging from tickets to Miniatur Wunderland to bus transfers, lunch, souvenirs (we may have bought too much Belgian chocolate...), and even a Belgian waffle-making class in Brugge. 

Before we knew it, it was time to get off the cruise ship and head to Heathrow Airport for our long-haul flight home.

Our nearly two-week-long trip flew by, and before we knew it, we were packing our suitcases and dreading our long travel day back to North Carolina.  

After debarking the ship, we took a short taxi ride to the Southampton bus station, where we boarded a Flix bus to Heathrow Airport. This was much more economical than booking transfers through Royal Caribbean, which cost around $100 per person! 

Comparatively, we only spent $100.81 on the two-hour-long bus ride for both of us, including a taxi from the cruise port to the Southampton station. 

We took one final rideshare home after landing, which came to $33.97. 

Finally, we paid a family friend $700 to watch our dog, Dexter.

My fiancée and I are lucky that we have a close family friend who is just as obsessed with our dog, Dexter, as we are. In fact, she loves it when Dexter, whom she calls her handsome boy, is "home."

Leaving our dog with our family friend always brings us so much peace of mind, and we usually only travel when we are sure that she's available to keep him. While gone, we receive regular text and photo updates, which makes being away from our little guy, who is almost 14 years old, easier. 

And yes, we always return with a new toy for Dexter and something special for our family friend to thank her for taking such good care of our dog. 

Between travel-related expenses, food, shopping, and the cruise itself, we spent over $8,500 on our Liberty of the Seas vacation.

My 11-night vacation to Europe, including a five-night cruise on the Liberty of the Seas ship and an overnight flight, was not cheap, but it was an unforgettable experience — and a great way to visit Belgium and Northern Germany for the first time!

Plus, with Liberty recently renovated, she offers even more ways to play, drink, and dine than ever before, ensuring that vacations aboard the Freedom Class vessel are exciting for first-time cruisers and longtime Royal Caribbean fans alike. 

The cruise ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. The ship size was perfect, and we never felt overwhelmed by the amenities. That said, we weren't bored, either. 

There was always something to do, whether it was catching an original show, trying a new bar, or relaxing by the pool on sea days. Plus, I thought the food was better than on other recent Royal Caribbean cruises I've taken, where the dining experience has been more hit-or-miss.

While this trip was definitely a splurge, coming in at $8,573.81 for two people, combining the five-night itinerary with a pre-cruise stay in London was an unforgettable experience and worth every penny. 

I take my kids on at least five cruises every year because it's become the best kind of family vacation, but I've had to re-learn the same lesson a few times.

Each of my kids has been cruising since they were 6 months old, and as they've grown, there have been different challenges to traveling with them.  But as they've matured into teenagers, my wife and I have grown to understand we had to change the cabin arrangements for everyone's sanity.

Family fights, arguing, and constant complaining lead us to change how we book cruises with our kids. It's easy to point to kids being spoiled brats, but there is truth in some separation is a good thing for families.

Now that my kids are entering their teens, I've had to create a rule for our family cruises that ultimately makes everyone happier.

I book separate rooms and bathrooms for us and the kids

The rule about booking cruises started off that we needed to have one bathroom for us, and one bathroom for our girls.

As girls mature, they take longer showers and spend far more time getting ready to go out.  Makeup, hair, styling, admiring, singing, and whatever else they do in there takes up time.

Trying to share a bathroom between two adults and two kids just wasn't working, and it lead to me taking showers at odd times of the day or even going to the ship's fitness center to use the showers there.

So I started having my travel agent price out two connecting rooms or suites that had two full bathrooms.

Sharing a suite with them, like the Icon Loft Suite, proved that even having a second bathroom doesn't work from a privacy standpoint.

The couch in that suite opens up to a bed, but there's not enough physical separation between the master bedroom upstairs and the living room/bedroom for the kids downstairs.

I was fine giving up suites in favor of connecting rooms because it's ultimately cheaper.

I book two rooms near each other

At first, I would book connecting rooms so we had a common door between us to make it convenient for going back and forth.

I don't mind connecting rooms, but you end up with the same room category for both cabins.  So if I book a balcony room for me and my wife, my kids get a balcony room too.

My kids never go out on their balcony.  Most of the time they keep the curtains closed to keep the room dark!

This lead me to a little-known fact that Royal Caribbean will allow you to book a minor in a stateroom by themselves if it's one room across or adjacent to the parents.

This means I can book a balcony room for us, and a less expensive inside room for the kids. It's a financial and logistical win all around.

Some suites could work, but it's expensive

You might be surprised how difficult it is to find a suite that has two separate bedrooms and full bathrooms.

Most suites tend to have just one full bathroom, and fewer have two bedroom areas. 

The best suite for this is the Two Bedroom AquaTheater Suite on the Oasis Class ships, but the price of all Royal Caribbean suites has sky rocketed over the last few years. 

None of the Icon Class ships have this sort of a cabin, so it's really the Ultimate Family Townhouse or nothing. Paying six figures for a suite is well out of my price range.

Booking two cabins to have two bathrooms has avoided so many arguments

The family cruise hack of booking two rooms went from "nice to have" to our family cruise rule to avoid problems.

While my kids will quarrel amongst themselves who gets to shower first when we return from the beach, at least there's no competition with us for it either.

Moreover, having two rooms means we can come back from our evening fun around the ship without waking the others up.

There is one problem with separate cabins and that's enforcing curfew. While we let our oldest daughter roam the ship with her friends, we can't peek in the room easily to see if she's back before her curfew time.

Our best solution thus far has been to send us a photo from inside the cabin when she returns to confirm she's there. 

It would be easier with a connecting room, but the money saved by getting them an inside room is worth the hassle.

I wish there were lower level suites that could accommodate our needs

Royal Caribbean has a variety of suites, but they tend to be rooms that are giant versions of balcony rooms.

I would prefer if they added more two bedroom suites that are within the Owner's Suite or Grand Suite price range.

However, their workaround seems to be adding cabins that have outside connecting doors you can close off to form de-facto suites.

I've seen on newer ships more options to book two or three cabins that have a common hallway or outside door.  Once you close off the outer door, you can keep every cabin door open/ajar and allow for free flow between rooms.

This sort of works, except you have to prop open the main door since every cruise ship cabin door automatically locks after a few seconds.

My family cruise rule keeps everyone happy

Any dad out there would likely agree when you take your family on vacation, you want everyone to have a good time and spare your spouse unnecessary fights among the kids.

I think having a room for the kids and a room for us has proven to be a winning combination.

I look at this way: a cruise should be a fun vacation for everyone, and I'm willing to spend a little bit extra to make it easier on us all.

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

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

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

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

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

Priority tendering added for Pinnacle Club members

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Single supplement discount for all Diamond Plus guests now?

Royal Caribbean updated its loyalty benefits grid, and it appears more people will have access to reduced fare if they are cruising solo.

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

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

This means someone sailing alone and is a Diamond Plus member or higher only has to pay 1.5 times the cruise fare of one person, instead of two times.

Up until now, guests needed to have at least 340 points to qualify for the single supplement discount.  But in comparing the previous benefit grid to the new one, the wording "for members that have 340+ Cruise Points" has been removed.

The new wording is: "Single supplement cruise fare reduced to 150% (125% on Transatlantic, Transpacific, Panama Canal
and Canada sailings) from 200%".

The terms and conditions have not changed for the restrictions on this discount: Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club single members are eligible for a single supplement cruise fare at 150% (125% on Transatlantic, Transpacific, Panama Canal and Canada sailings). This offer is based on availability with certain restrictions. This offer is not applicable to Ocean Voyage Packages, Holiday sailings (including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’ s Day, Holy Week, Easter/Spring break, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Golden Week [Asia],Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year ’ s), or peak summer months from June 1 through August 15. Not valid on new ships within the first 365 days of service.

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

Other readers mentioned the policy change is primarily in writing only, as the DP340 discount worked for any Diamond Plus member.

Twangster posted, "For those that don't know, DP340 has worked for any D+ member, even those short of 340 points for a decade now.  It's like they can't seem to fix the code, so lets make it official."

Legend of the Seas is the newest Icon Class ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet. Not only that, but she's the most unique of the three, bringing new dining options and accommodations to sea. 

It is not unusual for Royal Caribbean to refine its class designs as they evolve. Rather than treating each ship as an identical copy of the last, the cruise line uses every new build as an opportunity to incorporate guest feedback and fresh ideas into the blueprint. 

As a result, ship classes often grow stronger with each new launch, with new venues, updated stateroom options, and thoughtful enhancements that build on the success of previous ships.

Legend of the Seas is a great example of that philosophy. While retaining the signature Icon Class structure, she also features exclusive restaurants, redesigned accommodations, and other unique touches that set her apart from her sister ships.

In this article, I'll provide a complete look at everything different on Legend of the Seas, from the second-ever immersive train car specialty restaurant to new food stalls in the AquaDome Market and more, to help you determine if the additions are enough to put this brand-new ship on your radar. 

New restaurants and dining experiences

Let's start with one of the most important parts of a cruise: the food. Like her sister ships, Legend of the Seas boasts over two dozen dining options, ranging from the complimentary dining room to an expansive buffet, an upscale steakhouse, and more. 

However, there are a few dining venues that you won't find on any other ships in the fleet, including Hollywoodland Supper Club, Royal Railway — Legend Station, and a refreshed AquaDome Market with unique food stalls. 

Hollywoodland Supper Club builds upon the successful supper club concept launched on Icon of the Seas with the Empire Supper Club. 

Like the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas, Legend debuted with an entirely new theme inspired by the glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age, complete with a different menu, cocktails, entertainment, and atmosphere. 

Legend is also home to Royal Railway — Legend Station, making the ship the second in the fleet to feature Royal Caribbean's immersive train-themed specialty restaurant — and the only Icon Class ship to feature it. 

Not only that, but the entire experience is different than at Royal Railway — Utopia Station. Whereas Utopia's dining experience transports passengers through the Wild West, guests aboard Legend follow the Silk Routes that Marco Polo took on his journey back from the Orient to Europe.

As a result, a new menu was developed for the adventure, highlighting countries such as India, China, Persia, Italy, and Turkey. 

Finally, the food stalls at the complimentary AquaDome Market have also been refreshed, giving returning Icon Class cruisers different options than they'll find aboard Icon or Star of the Seas (minus Crème de la Crêpe, which is found on all three Icon Class ships).

The stalls on Legend of the Seas include Seoulmate (Korean rice bowls), Adobo (Mexican street tacos), Cajun Kitchen (New Orleans gumbo), La Española (Spanish-style tapas), and Simply Pressed (fresh juices and smoothies). 

Although not an overhaul of the existing Icon Class dining options, these additions ensure that guests have plenty of unique restaurants and fresh flavors to keep their palates satisfied aboard Legend of the Seas.

A redesigned balcony cabin that fixes one of the biggest problems for families

Moving on, Legend of the Seas also introduced a brand-new stateroom category. The Family Ocean View Balcony (Category FB) is a spacious cabin measuring 285 square feet, with an additional 50-square-foot private balcony.

Although they are similar to the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony staterooms on Icon and Star of the Seas, they have a traditional verandah that replaces the controversial infinite balcony.

Plus, many of the Family Ocean View Balcony cabins are adjoining, so you can create a "mini suite" with significantly more space for families of up to 12. 

Instead of standard connecting doors, these cabins feature a shared vestibule with two separate entry doors, so you can close the exterior door leading to the hallway and keep your primary cabin door open to easily go between cabins. 

Other highlights of these cruise rooms include:

• Split bathroom design
• Traditional outdoor verandah
• Private bunk bed nook

Impressive entertainment lineup

Each Icon Class ship has its own unique entertainment lineup, and Legend of the Seas is no exception. Aboard the 248,663 gross-ton vessel, you'll find new shows that aren't available on any other ship in the fleet. 

Starting in the Royal Theater, Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the main production show. This musical brings the sweet excitement of Charlie finally getting his golden ticket to the high seas and is every bit as whimsical as you'd expect. 

That's not all, though. Guests sailing on Legend of the Seas can also experience America's Got Talent LIVE at Sea, marking the first time the Got Talent format has ever been staged on a cruise ship.

Moving on to the Absolute Zero ice skating rink, one of the largest ice rinks at sea, Fusion showcases "nature's power, passion, and harmony [coming] to life." 

Next, the jaw-dropping AquaTheater, which first launched on Oasis of the Seas and has since become a fan favorite venue, has a new show that was designed exclusively for Legend of the Seas.

Shockwave: A Battle for the Beat is a "heart-racing show that will leave you breathless with every beat, featuring spectacular stunts."

The cruise line's first-ever two-story Casino Royale

If you are an avid gambler, you'll love the casino on Legend of the Seas. It's no secret that Royal Caribbean has been steadily expanding and enhancing its casino offerings across its fleet, ranging from ships like Liberty of the Seas to Harmony of the Seas and more. 

Legend of the Seas follows that same direction, offering the cruise line's largest casino at sea that spans across Deck 3 and Deck 4. Although the non-smoking casino on Deck 3 isn't as large as the space above it, it still has rows of slot machines and table games available for those who prefer a smoke-free gaming experience. 

One thing that's nice about this design, compared to separate smoking / non-smoking casinos, is that it feels less disjointed. In other words, the staircase makes the two spaces feel more connected, and you don't have to play the game of "I wonder if the other section is less crowded." 

Plus, it's just more visually striking for a casino. Putting a stronger emphasis on atmosphere and flow makes the space feel a little more upscale — as much as it can for a casino, that is. 

Minor design enhancements

For starters, the Pearl on Legend of the Seas is brighter, more colorful, and more animated than ever before, thanks to new LED mirrored panels. If this massive sculpture wasn't a showstopper on the other two Icon Class ships, it sure is now. 

In the Royal Promenade, you'll also notice new artwork that was carefully selected through Royal Caribbean's Artist Discovery Program, which features contributions from six artists chosen from a pool of 250 applicants across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. 

Along with the Royal Promenade, their artwork will be showcased in the suite-only areas and the passenger boarding area on Deck 2. 

Moving on, the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood received an adorable update with the addition of the rubber duck-themed carousel. 

Although this feature isn't new and has been around since Oasis of the Seas hit the high seas in 2009, the "duckie-go-round" design feels more playful and honors the longstanding duck-hiding tradition. 

Better retail offerings

Something else that has changed aboard Legend of the Seas is the retail offerings. Instead of Royal Caribbean-branded souvenirs and pricey jewelry, there's more kid-approved merchandise, including popular brands like Jellycat and collectible POP MART figures.

Moreover, other spaces have been rethought to be more practical. The Royal Bling store, for instance, was transformed into the Sol & Sea shop, which offers more everyday clothing. 

In the Royal Promenade, there's even a small stand that offers engraved luggage tags and passport holders.

Finally, Legend of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean ship to reuse a previous ship name

Legend of the Seas is completely different from her namesake. 

The original ship launched in 1995 and measured less than 70,000 gross tons with a passenger capacity of around 2,000. By comparison, the modern-day Legend comes in at around 248,000 gross tons and can accommodate over 5,600 passengers at double occupancy. 

Although reusing ship names isn't unheard of in the industry, this marks the first time Royal Caribbean has brought back a legacy name from its earlier fleet.

To honor the original, Royal Caribbean constructed a detailed scale model of Legend of the Seas to place aboard the new vessel. 

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

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

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

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

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

Simply Pressed is a new smoothie bar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new Korean rice bowls won me over as a fan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was, to put it plainly, so good.

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

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

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

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

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

The biggest cruise ship in the world has arrived!

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

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

Royal Caribbean News

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean hinted where the new Discovery Class ships will sail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What's the best first sushi to try?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to use chopsticks the right way

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is eating sushi with your hands rude?

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

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

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

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

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

I was using ginger wrong for my entire life

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

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

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

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

Should you mix soy sauce and wasabi?

The answer depends on where you're eating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is eating raw fish dangerous?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There's an entire section for families

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Each show was developed for this ship.

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

Why you should try Legend of the Seas

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

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

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

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

What's missing?

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

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

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

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

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

Where Legend of the Seas will sail

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

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

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