Royal Caribbean Blog

Cruise ships are often compared to cities, and there are certain ones you'd love to go back and see again.

I just took my 100th cruise while sailing on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, and it's a milestone that made me reflect on all the sailings I've taken since I started cruising in 2006.

In those almost 20 years, I've been on most of the ships in the fleet.  There are still a few I have yet to sail on, but I hope to try them all some day.

In the meantime, there are a handful of cruise ships I'll gladly sail on again because they stand out for offering a superior experience. In a lot of cases, they speak to my preferences and how I like to cruise.

Whether you're going on your first cruise or looking to get on every ship too, these are the five Royal Caribbean ships I highly recommend.

Utopia of the Seas has everything in a weekend cruise

I've loved Oasis Class ships since I first tried Oasis of the Seas in 2010, so picking a favorite is like choosing a favorite child.

I picked Utopia of the Seas because it's part of the latest generation and has the best in class features that just make it stand out.

Purists will complain the ship only sails short cruises instead of 7-nighters and that diminishes the appeal, but I'm willing to overlook the issue because Utopia is just better than the rest of the ships in its class.

Yes, it's marketed as a "weekend party ship" and you get an energetic bunch on there, but my goodness, they included so many smart ideas on Utopia.

Here's a few examples of things you'll only find on Utopia and none of the other Oasis Class ships:

• Best pool deck
• Flat Tire restaurant
• Royal Railway restaurant
• Izumi in Central Park
• Best Giovanni's location

Utopia also has my favorite bar on any ship, the Mason Jar. 

Plus, the non-smoking casino on this ship is massive. Royal Caribbean gutted the comedy club and loyalty lounge and replaced it with a sprawling non-smoking casino area that feels like a land based casino. 

While I wish it still had a dedicated comedy club because comedy in the Royal Theater doesn't hit the same, there's no doubt the casino is an upgrade.

It's also very similar to Wonder of the Seas, but I picked Utopia because Wonder doesn't have the Royal Railway, Flat Tire, or Izumi in Central Park. Little tweaks, but enough that I'd be lying if I said I didn't prefer them.

Freedom of the Seas has great prices and lots to do

I've sailed on Freedom of the Seas 8 times so far, and it's not a coincidence I've ended up back on onboard.

Not only are the Freedom Class ships great values that deliver a big ship feel, but the upgrades it received in 2020 easily make it the best of the class.

Freedom is a big ship, with a maximum capacity well over 4,000 passengers. There are water slides, a great variety of specialty restaurants, expansive aqua park for kids, and a great bar scene.

You're also very likely to find a good value when sailing on Freedom of the Seas. Both the Freedom and Voyager Class represent the best dollar-for-dollar value today because they're older ships (20 years old in 2026), but they also have a lot to do onboard.

Just like Utopia, it too got a nice upgrade with a non-smoking casino that replaced Vintages on the Royal Promenade. A welcome change to non-smokers that enjoy gambling.

The chief downside to Freedom is in its cabins, which still have a twenty year old motif to them. The light pink cabin doors, dated bedding, and lack of outlets are not reasons I recommend the ship. 

They're things I hope are some day improved, but in the meantime, I can live with them because the rest of the ship makes up for it.

The hidden gem ship is Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas is in some ways Royal Caribbean's forgotten new ship.

It launched right as the cruise industry was recovering from the shutdown of 2020, and Wonder of the Seas entered service so quickly after Odyssey that it felt like it was quickly overshadowed.

What I love about Odyssey is it's the Quantum Class ship that got everything right.  I always liked the Quantum Class ships, but never loved them until Odyssey came along.

Royal Caribbean figured out a lot of things with Odyssey.  They added Playmakers and reworked the SeaPlex to make it a place everyone would like to enjoy, not just teenagers.

They reworked the pool deck and opened it all up, while also making it feel like you're at a resort.

Odyssey has the new Giovanni's Italian Kitchen restaurant, as well as a unified Main Dining Room. 

If you haven't sailed on Odyssey yet, you really should book something on it because it's easily overlooked, yet a ship I think doesn't get enough praise for being that darn good.

My favorite budget cruise ship is Mariner of the Seas

If you've got sticker shock looking at Icon of the Seas, you'll find much more reasonable prices on Mariner of the Seas.

Mariner is a Voyager Class ship, and first launched in 2003. While a 20 year old cruise ship might seem less than ideal, recent upgrades boost this ship's appeal.

It has a Playmakers sports bar, water slides, laser tag, tiki bar, and a handful of specialty restaurants I frequent anytime I'm onboard.

I've sailed on Mariner 13 times, and I think the reason I love to come back is the good mix of low prices and fun activities onboard.

Similar to Freedom, Mariner is the kind of ship you book because you want to spend less, but still have enough to do. And like Freedom, Mariner's upgrades make it a more compelling choice than other ships within its class.

Out of all the ships I've sailed, Icon of the Seas is my favorite

It's been almost two years since Royal Caribbean reset the standard for all other cruise ships when they introduced Icon of the Seas, and it remains at the very top of my recommended ship list.

The array of innovations, tweaks, and additions make Icon a must-try for pretty much everyone. I think Royal Caribbean got so much right with this ship while also improving guest pain points that it stands out from the rest of the ships in the fleet.

For someone new to cruising, I think it's a wonderful introduction because it just makes everything so effortless. You'll find so much to do, enticing options, and a frictionless vacation.

I especially like the pool variety, incredible water slides, the fully enclosed AquaTheater, and really good included dining choices.

The only downside to Icon is it will cost you more than any other ship on this list.  Both Icon and Star of the Seas command premium pricing, so don't expect a bargain basement price.

Speaking of Star, yes, I love Star and would recommend it too. The reason I picked Icon was simply because they're so similar and Icon was the original, so I opted for it.

Don't kid yourself, every other new ship out there is trying to catch up with the Icon Class, and none have come close to matching it.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share. This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

The world's largest cruise ship will begin sailing from Galveston in 2027.

Royal Caribbean confirmed Icon of the Seas will be based in Galveston starting August 2027.

The cruise ship will be running six-day, seven-day and eight-day sailings into the Caribbean. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Rare tropical cold front forces Royal Caribbean ships to divert away from The Bahamas
• Royal Caribbean kicks off Black Friday 2025 with new bundles
• The best early Black Friday deals I could find on drink packages, beach clubs and more
• Photos show what it's like aboard the brand-new Celebrity Xcel cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean brings famous game show to its cruise ships
• What it's like to eat alone in the Main Dining Room
• Pros and cons of solo cruising
• 'Karma is a Cruise': Fan-led Taylor Swift cruise setting sail in 2026
• I tried doing every activity on one of Royal Caribbean's giant ships. I was exhausted, but would do it again

New Video: Why an inside cruise cabin is better

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—Why an inside cruise cabin is better—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean is bringing back a ship to Baltimore in the summer

There will be a cruise ship sailing from Baltimore in 2027, but only during the summer.

The new deployment revealed that Royal Caribbean will return to Baltimore as a homeport in 2027 after being absent in winter 2026.

The plan is to keep a ship there seasonally for the peak summer cruise season.

A Royal Caribbean ship visited Carnival's private cruise port

In a strange occurrence, one Royal Caribbean ship visited Carnival's private cruise port.

Freedom of the Seas made a stop at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic instead of a planned visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay because of bad weather.

The optics of a Royal Caribbean ship in a port exclusive to Carnival ships was certainly a surprise to many.

Man convicted of molesting boy on cruise ship

A 67-year-old Malaysian national was convicted this week on a child sexual abuse charge for something he did on a Royal Caribbean ship.

The incident occurred on Icon of the Seas and he was caught while onboard after molesting a young boy.

Two boys, age 7 and 9, were part of the heinous act.

Royal Caribbean sees strong demand for vacations, despite shift in consumer behavior

Consumers might be cutting back spending in some areas, but not for their vacations.

Royal Caribbean Group executives recently talked about how most people are unwilling to compromise on taking time off.

It's an interesting glimpse into how negative economic factors cause consumers to spend less, but vacation is still where splurging is king.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 583rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

There have been a few surprises in this year's new deployments coming for 2027-2028.

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

Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sale is in full swing, and it includes a new combo deal that could save you money.

Even though the actual Black Friday holiday isn't for a couple more weeks, Royal Caribbean decided to get in on the holiday sales early. It launched a Black Friday Early Access sale that will change names over the next few weeks.

While most people focus on individual add-ons, Royal Caribbean has added a new offer exclusive to Black Friday.

This limited time offer is only for the Black Friday period, and it's so different from any other combo deal I've seen in the past that it's worth taking a deeper look at.

The All-In Package

New for Black Friday in 2025 is a bundle deal that includes the most popular extras a lot of cruise passengers buy.

The All-In Package comes in two forms, depending if you are sailing to Nassau, Bahamas or not.

• Drink package
  • Deluxe Beverage Package for adults
  • Refreshment Package for kids
• Unlimited Dining Package
• VOOM Surf + Stream 1 Device

If your sailing is going to Nassau once the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is open, it also includes a day pass with unlimited open bar & dining.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a new idea from Royal Caribbean, where passengers have the choice to purchase admission to an exclusive beach day excursion that is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean.

It's being described as the ultimate beach day experience to offer a superior excursion with pools, beaches, party zones, food and drink included.

The All-In Package also includes a free beach day pass to Hideaway Beach, which is the adults-only area of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

For a cruise that visits both Nassau, Bahamas and CocoCay, the price listed is $164.99 per guest, per day.

Cruises that don't visit CocoCay or Nassau include just the drinks, dining, and WiFi. I've seen prices between $89.99 and $119.99 per guest, per day.

There's also a Refreshment Package that includes the Refreshment Package, Royal Beach Club Day Pass with Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining, and Thrill Waterpark Day Pass. It does not include WiFi.

Is this package a good deal?

Royal Caribbean is advertising the All-In Package as "our best deal of the year", but will they save you money?

In evaluating the package, the savings depend on your exact sailing. Because Royal Caribbean's prices vary from ship to ship and sailing to sailing, the prices for the package and the individual add-on components vary considerably.

For example, here's a Utopia of the Seas sailing on January 9. 

Total price for one person with the All-In Package that includes both the Royal Beach Club and Hideaway Beach day passes is $164.99 per guest, per day.

Here are the prices for the individual add-ons on that sailing:

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $77.99 per guest, per day
• Unlimited Dining Package: $38.99 per guest, per day
• Voom 1 device package: $23.99 per guest, per day
• Royal Beach Club Day Pass (with alcohol): $149.99 per guest
• Hideaway Beach Day Pass: $71.99 per guest

Adding up the first three packages, it's $140.97 per guest, per day. Combining the total cost of the Royal Beach Club Day pass and Hideaway Beach Day pass and dividing by the 3 days, the cost is about $74 per guest, per day.

That brings the total cost to $214.97, making the All-In Package a savings of almost $50 per day.

There's a catch. The individual prices I listed are for a passenger with no Crown & Anchor status or status in the ship's casino.

I'm seeing the price of the Deluxe Beverage Package at a lower price because I'm a Pinnacle Club member and have Prime Status in the casino. For me, it's $53.99 per guest, per day. The Ultimate Dining Package is also slightly discounted at $34.99 per guest per day.

That brings the daily price down to $186.97, or about $22 per day savings.

In both cases, the All-In Package will save money assuming you want to visit both Hideaway Beach and The Royal Beach Club.

Before buying the package, it's worth seeing how much each bundle component is on its own before purchase. No matter what you choose to buy, purchasing before the cruise is still a better deal than waiting to get on the ship.

A 67-year-old man from Malaysia has been convicted of sexually abusing a child while cruising aboard the world’s largest cruise ship.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, a federal jury in Miami has convicted passenger Lay Ong for abusive sexual contact of a minor while cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas this spring.

The press release states that Ong was found guilty on October 23, 2025 for the crime. According to WPLG Local 10 News, the federal criminal complaint reports the incident took place on April 2, 2025 while Icon of the Seas sailed through international waters, en route to PortMiami.

The Justice Department stated, “According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lay Ong, 67, was walking down a stateroom corridor when he encountered two boys, ages seven and nine, playing outside their cabin. Evidence showed that Ong began speaking with the children while touching the seven-year-old’s head and chin, then reached down and squeezed the child’s genitalia before walking away.”

NBC6 South Florida reports that, according to the affidavit, the boys told the 7-year-old’s parents about the incident. The parents then notified cruise ship security to investigate the crime.

Additionally, the affidavit states that the boys told investigators Ong asked whether they were boys or girls, then said “let me check” before inappropriately touching the child. After the encounter, Ong supposedly walked away from the children.

The affidavit reports that Icon of the Seas’ security cameras also captured the encounter, according to NCB6 South Florida. Ong said he was “playing” with the boys when the incident took place, and claimed he only touched the 7-year-old’s stomach.

Ong was found guilty of abusive sexual contact with a minor and faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison for the crime. A judge will determine his sentence at a later date after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines. Authorities said Ong will also be subject to deportation after serving his sentence.

“Abusing a child is an unforgivable act,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones in the press release. “This verdict makes clear that anyone who preys on a child—anywhere, and under any flag—will be held to account.”

The FBI’s Miami Field Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ilana Malkin and Yeney Hernandez prosecuted it.

According to Gangwaze, Icon of the Seas was sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise from Miami, Florida when the crime occurred. The Icon class vessel departed from PortMiami on March 29, 2025 for the sailing. The itinerary included two sea days and visits to Roatan (Honduras), Costa Maya (Mexico), Cozumel (Mexico) and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas.

Celebrity Xcel is Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship — and she’s stunning from bow to stern.

With the addition of Celebrity’s next Edge Class ship, the cruise line has 15 ships in operation, sailing globally from Australia to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Celebrity Cruises invited me on a short 2-night sailing to check out everything the new Celebrity Xcel cruise ship has to offer.

In just a few short hours, I fell in love with the ship’s sleek design, thoughtful amenities, and exclusive experiences. Like her name implies, Celebrity Xcel excels in every detail.

Editor’s note: Although Celebrity Cruises paid for this sailing, all opinions are my own.

Celebrity Xcel fast facts

Celebrity Xcel measures 141,420 gross tons, 1,073 feet long, and has a maximum passenger capacity of nearly 4,000.

Onboard, there are 1,646 cabins, comprised of 198 suites, 163 AquaClass staterooms, 299 Concierge cabins, 664 verandas and infinite verandas, 153 ocean-view rooms, and 169 inside cabins.

The ship boasts 32 culinary offerings, including 14 cafés, bars, and lounges; 8 specialty restaurants, 4 distinct dining rooms; 4 complimentary casual venues; and 2 suite-exclusive restaurants.

Other amenities include a state-of-the-art casino, multiple pools, unparalleled entertainment, the line's largest spa at sea, and more. 

Grand Plaza

This Grand Plaza is the heart of every Celebrity Edge Class ship, from Celebrity Edge to Celebrity Xcel.

The three-deck atrium is complete with a dazzling chandelier and the cruise line’s famous Martini Bar.

Whether you’re in the mood to sip on a handcrafted cocktail, listen to live music, or partake in fun activities like the ship’s popular Silent Disco, the vibrant hub brings guests together day and night.

From the Grand Plaza, it’s easy to explore the many spots that line the surrounding decks

Deck 3 is home to the Martini Bar, Guest Relations, the Concierge Lounge, and two of the ship’s complimentary dining rooms: Normandie and Tuscany.

One deck above, you’ll find Café al Bacio, Celebrity Xcel’s specialty coffee shop. The casual venue also serves light snacks, such as cookies, pastries, and sandwiches.

Nearby are two specialty restaurants: Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and Le Grand Bistro. I had the chance to try Le Voyage on a previous sailing aboard Celebrity Ascent and was blown away by the attentive service and expertly crafted dishes.

The meal isn’t cheap, coming in at around $125 per person, but it’s worth it for foodies looking to celebrate a special occasion on Celebrity Xcel.

Also on Deck 4 are the retail stores, casino, Future Cruise desk, The Club, the bottom level of the Theater, and Cyprus and Cosmopolitan restaurants, which are included in everyone’s cruise fare.

Moving up, Deck 5 is where the World Class Bar is located. The upscale bar is known for its high-quality cocktails, crafted by skilled mixologists in a stylish setting.

Around the corner is the Fine Cut Steakhouse, a must-visit for steak lovers who want to enjoy aged cuts of meat, indulgent sides, and an extensive wine list.

On the other side of the hall is Raw on 5, Celebrity’s sushi restaurant that features fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and creative Japanese favorites.

Finally, Celebrity’s brand-new flagship store is steps from the top floor of the Grand Plaza. The store offers a curated selection of merchandise like spirit jerseys, coffee mugs, hats, and more. 

In short, whether you want a bite to enjoy, a spot to enjoy panoramic views, or browse merchandise, the Grand Plaza has something to offer everyone.

The Bazaar

Let’s jump into some of the venues and experiences that make Celebrity Xcel stand out from her counterparts, starting with the Bazaar on Deck 5.

The Bazaar is Celebrity Xcel’s vibrant marketplace that blends shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The brand-new venue encourages discovery and connection, with the cruise line bringing the culture, flavors, sights, and sounds of the itinerary on board the ship.

At the Mosaic Restaurant, for example, chefs put their spin on the destination’s signature dishes, delivering local flavors to your table at sea. And yes, the menu changes based on the port!

Market at the Bazaar means you don’t have to worry about carving precious time ashore for souvenirs — Celebrity will bring the best local must-haves onboard.

Not only that, but Market at the Bazaar also showcases the work of skilled artisans from the destinations the ship visits.

Finally, there will be a unique line-up of parties that celebrate the culture and traditions of the itinerary’s destinations.

The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel replaced Eden, the signature multi-level venue found on previous Edge Class ships.

Attic at The Club

Although The Club isn’t a new venue, the upstairs has been transformed into Attic at The Club, which is brought to life with its retro-inspired design, complete with neon lights and bold patterns.

The new space, open 24/7, features everything from pool tables to darts and classic arcade games.

Passengers can also book a private space in the Attic for group activities like karaoke and golf simulation games.

Celebrity Pool Club

Celebrity’s resort-style pool deck received a major upgrade on Celebrity Xcel. The refreshed space features more shade, personalized service, and entertainment than ever before.

For example, the Pool Valet offers services like chilled towels and sunscreen, ensuring guests can kick back and relax without any worries.

Cabanas are also available for those who want an even more elevated experience, with dedicated service, elevated drinks and snacks, and the best seat on the pool deck.

Don’t worry, though — the resort deck is still home to a signature statue. On Celebrity Xcel, it’s a monkey holding an infant, while on Celebrity Ascent, it’s a large octopus.

Along with the monkey, you can’t miss the bright orange Magic Carpet. The multi-purpose venue serves as a tender launch point and bar.

This revolutionary platform first debuted on Celebrity Edge and quickly became an Edge Class staple.

The cantilevered design allows the Magic Carpet to move up and down the ship’s exterior, providing panoramic views at different levels.

Adjacent to the Celebrity Pool Club is the adults-only Solarium — AKA one of my favorite spots onboard!

This relaxing indoor spot is only available to passengers 16+ and features a private pool, hot tubs, and plush loungers.

One change that I quickly noticed is that Celebrity removed the Spa Café from the Solarium. On other ships, this grab-and-go venue served up light bites including turkey wraps, sesame udon noodles, and fresh fruit.

On Celebrity Xcel, however, the Spa Café was removed to make way for the expanded salon and spa.

Celebrity’s largest spa at sea

According to Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Xcel’s spa offers more ways to unwind than ever before, with more than 120 treatments.

New amenities include the Hydra Room, a therapeutic H2O experience within the SEA Thermal Suite, expanded salon space, and the addition of a Vitamin D Deck.

The Vitamin D deck is exclusive to Thermal Suite guests and offers sweeping views from the front of the ship. The new space also includes complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

In total, the Thermal Suite on Celebrity Xcel now offers eight distinct relaxation areas, including saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy spaces.

Bora

Bora is a brand-new al fresco Mediterranean restaurant exclusively on Celebrity Xcel. Located on Deck 15, this specialty venue is more than a meal — it is a sensory journey.

The experience begins with a welcome celebration in the Rooftop Garden, an open-air space surrounded by lush greenery and two small pools, which is complete with cocktails and live music.

Brunch guests can enjoy a Bloody Mary bar and dishes like French toast with orange zest, figs, and pistachios.

At night, Bora transforms into an upscale restaurant with complimentary spritzers, tableside preparation, and hand-selected regional wines.

Steps away from Bora is Celebrity’s iconic Sunset Bar. This spot offers the best wake views and a signature drink menu.

Dining on Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel is home to over 30 distinct food and beverage experiences, from casual spots to specialty restaurants. Here’s a rundown of a few of the complimentary options.

There are four Main Dining Rooms on the ship — Normandie, Tuscany, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus — each with a unique design and signature dishes inspired by different regions around the world.

All meals in the dining rooms are included, from low-key breakfasts to multi-course dinners.

Moving on, Celebrity’s Oceanview Café on Deck 14 is more akin to a stylish food hall than a traditional buffet.

Not only that, but the buffet offers a wide variety of stations featuring global flavors and made-to-order dishes.

Guests can enjoy everything from seafood saganaki to ceviche, stir fry, chicken paella, and decadent desserts, all served in a chic setting.

Also on Deck 14 is the Mast Grill. This casual poolside eatery serves up classics like burgers, hot dogs, and French fries.

It’s perfect for a quick bite while enjoying the Celebrity Pool Club and taking in ocean views.

Spice, down on Deck 5, is a new casual dining concept that’s located within the Bazaar. It replaced the Eden Cafe and, instead, offers a rotating selection of destination-inspired bites.

Guests staying in AquaClass cabins or The Retreat can also enjoy Blu or Luminae at no extra charge.

Celebrity Xcel cabins

Celebrity Xcel has over 1,600 staterooms, ranging from windowless inside cabins to 2,500-square-foot suites.

During my sailing, I stayed in a Sunset Veranda Stateroom, which offered a spacious layout, modern décor, and a private balcony with wake views.

Having previously sailed on an Edge Class ship, I knew that even if Celebrity had assigned us to an inside cabin, it would feel leagues above other cabins in the industry — and Celebrity Xcel didn’t disappoint.

My cabin featured thoughtful touches like an abundance of charging options, ample storage, ambient lighting, and a luxurious bathroom.

Although Celebrity’s Edge Class is known for its controversial infinite verandas, it was nice to experience a more traditional balcony cabin, with sliding doors and real sea breezes.

I'm no stranger to cruising alone, but eating by myself always feels a little strange.

I booked a 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas without my family because I wanted to review the ship again and see some of the changes that have been made, like a new casino offering.

If you ask my wife, I never shy away from booking a cruise alone.  It's not ideal, but I've cruised solo enough times that I immerse myself in my work to keep me busy. Plus, the ship always has a lot of activities I can indulge in as well.

But the only time I truly ever feel alone is at dinner because I enjoy a nice sit down meal to round out my day, and sitting alone at a table makes me feel sort of left out. 

I decided to embrace the solo cruise experience and go to dinner the way I prefer.

I would have chickened out if I didn't have a table alone

I'll admit that my entire decision was pinned on having a table with no one else at it in the Main Dining Room.

Royal Caribbean may assign you a table for dinner with strangers or just for your party. It's kind of a crapshoot as to what you'll end up getting.

Your table assignment is written on the bottom of your SeaPass card.  It has a deck number and dining time.  Your dining time is something you select when you book the cruise, and you have the choice of My Time Dining or Traditional.

On embarkation day I walked into the Main Dining Room, and found my table. Sure enough, it was a table for two and that meant I'd certainly be seated alone.

As an added bonus, my table was right by the window.  Unfortunately due to daylight savings time, it was too dark to see anything out of the window.

No one really cares if I'm eating alone

The singular truth about eating alone is that no one else cares what you're doing, and few barely even probably notice.

My concern with eating alone stemmed from the notion I'd feel out of place, in the way someone might feel if they showed up to a black tie party in shorts and a t-shirt.

The truth is it never felt anything like that. 

Any time I scanned the area around me, everyone was immersed in their own conversations and meals.  Plus, I was either enjoying my food.

When I didn't have something to eat, I had my phone to keep me occupied.  Fear not, I wasn't "one of those people" that had music or audio playing.  I used my phone to text friends and family, check social media, and otherwise keep me quietly occupied.

The downtime between servings is probably when eating alone would feel awkward, but the phone helped bridge that gap.  I suppose reading a book would be another option too.

The speed of service helped tremendously

One of the top reasons I came back for dinner in the Main Dining Room on night two was how quick the meal was.

When I first started cruising, dinner could take two hours or more. While I enjoy a relaxed meal, I think that's just too long.

One of the initiatives Royal Caribbean undertook as part of its Main Dining Room overhaul in 2023 was to address speed of service.

The cruise line saw this as an opportunity to serve hotter and fresher food while also addressing consistency. 

All of my dinners took between 45-60 minutes from start to finish. Full disclosure, I skipped dessert every night, so that saved some time too.

Because I knew I could enjoy a plated meal without fear of feeling "stuck" there, I enjoyed the experience even more. To be clear, the servers never made me feel rushed. They just served my food at the pace I was consuming it.

Why didn't I just go to the buffet?

If you are wondering why I didn't just opt for the Windjammer buffet instead, it's because I was eating other meals there and I wanted something different.

I love the cruise buffet, but the quality of the food in the Main Dining Room is always going to be a little bit better. As an example, the French Onion Soup served in the Dining Room is always going to be presented better than the DIY version at the buffet.

Part of the appeal of cruising is the level of service it comes with, and I enjoy what the Main Dining Room represents in that regard.

I'll gladly eat alone in the Main Dining Room again

I think this was the solo dining experience that solidified I could do it again without any trepidation.

I had a great team of waiters (shoutout to Renz and Jonathan) who made it all flow so easily.  One night I asked Renz to have a bowl of French Onion Soup waiting for me before they close for the evening, and he was happy to oblige.

The truth is few other passengers notice you're alone, and fewer care.

Some might have read this article and wondered why I didn't ask to sit at a larger table with strangers so I wouldn't feel alone.

My issue with sitting at a table with others and being alone is inevitably there are down times in the conversation and I'd feel rude being on my phone or reading a book. If I'm cruising with my wife and we are seated with others, then I have her to fall back on for a quiet conversation.

Anyone who's concerned about eating alone in the Main Dining Room should remember it's not as big a deal as you probably think it is. Bring something to keep you occupied between servings, and enjoy the added service.

Pack your bags, Swifties — another Taylor Swift-themed cruise is on its way!

Fans looking to step into their cruising era will be excited to learn that another Taylor Swift–themed sailing is planned for next year. Hosted by Straight Away Travel, the 4-night Girlhood Getaway will be called “Karma is a Cruise".

The upcoming Taylor Swift–themed cruise will set sail on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. “Karma is a Cruise” will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with ports of call in the Bahamas, including Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The sailing also features one day at sea, which is expected to include themed activities and events for Taylor Swift fans.

The upcoming cruise follows the success of last year’s Taylor Swift–themed sailing aboard Allure of the Seas. Now, fans can set sail again for another group cruise filled with friendship bracelets, themed events, and nods to the singer’s discography.

Jamie from Straight Away Travel has curated the private group experience aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. According to the agency’s website, Girlhood Getaways are known for cultivating an inclusive community centered on empowerment, authenticity, and fearlessness.

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

“Get ready for something truly special — this isn’t just a cruise, it’s a celebration of All Things Girlhood! Jamie is planning a lineup of exclusive onboard experiences just for our group, all designed around friendship, empowerment, and embracing who we are — loud, proud, and unapologetically our true selves,” states the website.

While the full schedule is still being finalized, Straight Away Travel has outlined a variety of themed activities planned for the group that include:

• Welcome meet-and-greet reception

• Friendship bracelet-making sessions and trading

• Themed trivia and lyric-based games

• Costume night inspired by various Taylor Swift eras

• Karaoke and dance events

• Curated photo stations and onboard photo opportunities

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

According to Straight Away Travel, the organized event is meant to build a sense of community among Swifties by encouraging participation and recreating the fan experiences that have become central to Taylor Swift’s cultural influence.

In addition to the organized events, Taylor Swift fans can take advantage of the many amenities available aboard Liberty of the Seas. The Freedom class vessel features popular onboard attractions, multiple pools, world-class entertainment, and a wide selection of complimentary and specialty dining options.

Cabins are available for booking with double occupancy rates for the February 2026 sailing. Prices start at $594 per person for an interior stateroom, $746 for an Oceanview stateroom, and $829 per person for balcony cabins. 

Taylor Swift fans wanting to secure their spot will need to provide a non-refundable deposit of $200 per stateroom at the time of booking. Rates include the stateroom, taxes, and port fees but exclude gratuities, travel insurance, drink packages, dining packages, and optional Royal Caribbean activities.

This isn’t the first Taylor Swift fan cruise.

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

Straight Away Travel isn’t the first travel agency to organize a Taylor Swift-themed cruise. Back in October 2024, Marvelous Mouse Travels hosted another successful fan-focused event for Taylor Swift fans. This group cruise was called “In My Cruise Era” and took place aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.

That voyage brought together Swifties from across the country for a 3-night sailing built around the same core themes of connection, community, and mutual love of Taylor Swift. 

Swifties sailing aboard Allure of the Seas enjoyed organized fan meetups, friendship bracelet exchanges, dance parties, and late-night karaoke. In addition, Taylor Swift fans attended nightly eras-themed parties where cruisers dressed up as their favorite album era.

An unusual series of circumstances caused on Royal Caribbean cruise ship to spend the day at a rival cruise line's port.

Freedom of the Seas spent Thursday docked at Amber Cove alongside the Carnival Magic. 

Carnival describes Amber Cove as it's "exclusive Dominican Republic cruise port" and has been operating it for about 10 years.

Royal Caribbean passengers were able to walk around the port area, and take advantage of the complimentary pool and lazy river, as well shop and eat at the various extra cost restaurants.

Why a Royal Caribbean ship visited Amber Cove

The strange occurrence of a Royal Caribbean ship going to Carnival's port is the result of a weather and logistical circumstances.

The November 10 sailing of Freedom of the Seas was originally scheduled to sail a 5-night voyage that would visit Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel.

However, Freedom would not visit either of those destinations.

About a week before the cruise, Royal Caribbean informed passengers their visit to Cozumel was being replaced with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.  They never specified why there was a change, but it's likely related to other ships being re-routed to Cozumel because Jamaica's cruise ports are closed due to the Hurricane Melissa aftermath.

Then on embarkation day, the ship's Captain updated passengers again that they would have to skip CocoCay because of a cold front moving through the Bahamas that would close the private island.

Instead, Freedom would visit Amber Cove.

How the visit came about will never be known, but it certainly came as a surprise.

Not a private island

As a Royal Caribbean cruiser, it's easy to quickly draw comparisons to what I'm familiar with.  But Amber Cove isn't like something I've been to before exactly.

The closest comparison I can come up with is Amber Cove is like Costa Maya, Mexico but with more options.

Being a cruise port, you don't have to spend the day there.  There are excursions and tours to take you around the nearby area of Puerto Plata. Or you could hop in a taxi and do your own thing.

Inside the port, there are lots of shops and a few restaurants too. Food and drink here cost extra anywhere within Amber Cove. All of the retail and food and beverage spaces are leased out.

The pool and lazy river within the Aqua Zone are included at no extra charge, similar to Taino Bay or Costa Maya. 

There are also upsell options with day beds, cabanas, a water slide, or water craft you can rent. I was surprised how inexpensive cabanas cost compared to Royal Caribbean.  I could have gotten an over-the-water cabana for just $500 for up to 8 people and it included some snacks and water craft rentals.

One notable feature you won't find is beach access.  Amber Cove has a lot of pool space, but no beach. You'll need to book an excursion to any number of nearby beaches in Puerto Plata for that.

It was strange, but a fun day at Amber Cove

It felt a little surreal being in a Carnival port, but I suspect most passengers on Freedom of the Seas had no idea this was Carnival's port unless they were told by someone else.

Because Carnival leases out all of the operations, it doesn't have an overtly obvious Carnival motif to it. I didn't see Freddie the fun ship mascot, or anything else that screamed Carnival.

As a lifelong Royal Caribbean cruiser, I was struck more by how there wasn't a true similar product from my preferred line.

Royal Caribbean has private destinations in CocoCay or Labadee, but you can't leave those places and a lot of the food and drink is included.  That's not the case at Amber Cove.

Truly, it felt like Taino Bay's port is an attempt to copy Amber Cove and has a free pool and lazy river for guests, along with extra cost restaurants and bars. Plus, you can leave Taino Bay on a tour. However, Taino Bay isn't exclusive to Royal Caribbean.

I'm not sure I'll ever have a chance to try Amber Cove, but it's nice having an easy day to relax in port or bypassing it all and heading out to try something else around while in the DR.

Royal Caribbean wants cruisers to "come on down" and win a car playing the line's newest game show at sea.

Cruise Director Marc Walker confirmed that "The Price is Right — Everyone's a Contestant" is coming to Utopia of the Seas. The show is already on Star of the Seas. However, it will debut on Utopia on Thursday, November 13.

"Exciting news to share! We’ve been in secret [rehearsals] this week and I’m pumped to let you know that one cruise early we are bringing you the Price is Right Gameshow where you have a chance to win a New car!" Walker shared on Facebook. 

According to the Cruise Planner, the first Price is Right show on Utopia will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Royal Theater. It is scheduled to last 45 minutes. 

The cruise ship version of the long-running television show is free to watch. However, all participants must pay to play. Pricing starts at $15.00 USD. 

Walker added, "Make sure your phones are charged - you don’t need to pay for WiFi to play. You could win a NEW car! Cash prizes for those who COME ON DOWN."

Royal Caribbean is known for its game show offerings, including the adult-only Crazy Quest, Love and Marriage Show, Majority Rules, and Battle of the Sexes. 

(Credit: Cruise Director Mitch/Facebook)

With the addition of "The Price is Right — Everyone's a Contestant," cruisers will have yet another way to get in on the action, whether they're playing or just spectating. 

Right now, the show is only on Star and Utopia of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has not confirmed whether it will be rolled out fleetwide. 

What is The Price is Right?

The Price is Right is a television game show where contestants guess the retail price of various consumer goods in exchange for a chance to win cash and other prizes, playing mini-games such as Plinko, Cliffhanger, and Hole in One. 

Each mini-game tests contestants' skills in different ways. Some are based on strategy, while others rely on luck. 

The modern version of The Price is Right premiered on CBS in 1972, with Bob Barker as the first host. Drew Carey took over in 2007. It is now the longest-running daytime game show in U.S. history with over 10,000 episodes. 

Royal Caribbean is not the first cruise line to adapt The Price is Right into a full-scale, interactive experience at sea. 

Norwegian Cruise Line first launched the Price is Right Live on Norwegian Prima. It has since been added to the line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. 

Like Royal Caribbean, those playing on NCL have a chance to win a car. However, modest prizes, including new luggage sets and electronics, are up for grabs, too. 

Other cruise lines, including Royal's sister brand Celebrity Cruises, also offer live game show adaptations of popular television shows. Deal or No Deal is popular on Celebrity and Carnival Cruise Line. 

Likewise, Carnival brought Family Feud Live to its fleet after its success on Mardi Gras, the cruise line's first Excel Class ship. 

After pulling cruise ships from Baltimore, Royal Caribbean will bring back a ship there for the summer season.

In March, the cruise line shared deployment information that revealed it would no longer offer cruises from Baltimore in winter 2026-2027.

It was a surprise to many, because Royal Caribbean has had a ship based there year-round for quite a long time. The apparent departure from Baltimore ruffled a lot of feathers among cruise fans that relied on a ship sailing from the Mid-Atlantic region.

However, Royal Caribbean will bring back a ship to Baltimore for at least a few months per year.

Vision of the Seas returns in 2027

The newly revealed plans show Vision of the Seas will sail from Baltimore once again.

Vision will be based in Baltimore between May - October 2027, meaning there will be no sailings from November 2026 - April 2027. In October 2026, Vision will move to Fort Lauderdale.

The plans are to offer 5- and 9-night cruises to Bermuda or 9-night cruises to Canada & New England.

5-night Bermuda Getaway sailings

• Baltimore, Maryland
• Royal Naval Dockyard (2 days)
• Baltimore, Maryland

9-night Bermuda & Bahamas sailings

• Baltimore, Maryland
• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda (2 days)
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Bimini, Bahamas
• Baltimore, Maryland

9-night Bermuda & New England Cruise

• Baltimore, Maryland
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Portland, Maine
• Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick (2 days)
• Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Baltimore, Maryland

The new sailings are available to book immediately.

"It'll be back every summer"

It appears Royal Caribbean's game plan has shifted with Baltimore, and it will now be a port that offers summer cruises only.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley answered a question about cruises from Baltimore during the most recent President's Cruise and confirmed the new approach.

"I've had a couple of people ask me, why did you take vision out of Baltimore," he explained during a question and answer session.

"It's seasonal. It's coming back. It'll be back every summer."

Why did they make the change to drop winter cruises from Baltimore? Evidently the logistics were difficult.

"It's just logistics and reality. Winter products out of northeastern ports just have more challenges," he said.  Likely those challenges have to deal with the weather. Winter storms can disrupt itineraries and make it difficult for a ship to get to or from their homeport.

Moreover, during the winter it's cold for a few days until the ship can reach the tropics.  Plus, the distance required to get to the tropics makes for limited itineraries.

There's also a limited set of ships that can actually sail from Baltimore because of the bridges blocking access to the port.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the recently destroyed Francis Scott Key Bridge are too low to allow big ships in.

He went on to say the company understands there's demand for a product there, "We are happy to be operating out of Baltimore. Baltimore is super supportive to Royal Caribbean, and we know there's a lot of guests in the area who like sailing [from there]."

Cruise fans happy with the news

The announcement spread quickly on social media that Royal Caribbean was coming back to Baltimore.

"So happy she is coming back to Baltimore!" posted Dodie B. on a Vision of the Seas Facebook fan group.

Angel D. echoed the statement, "I am excited that she is returning."

Of course, some people wanted more options beyond just a summer season.

• "We also like the winter cruising. I want to head south in February, not July."
• "No 12 night Southern Caribbean which was our favorite."
• "We are in our 70's we could be dead by 2027."
• "Yes 2027 only 3 cruise destinations. You better like Bermuda and Bahamas."