Royal Caribbean Blog

Which specialty restaurants are worth it is one of the top questions I'm asked, and I realized I'm usually recommending the same places.

Depending on which ship you're sailing, there are different assortments of specialty restaurants you can eat at. Each one has an additional cost, which makes it debatable if there's enough value to dine there. Plus, cruisers are curious of the quality.

Royal Caribbean includes really good food at its complimentary restaurants, so spending extra on specialty dining is a question of how much better can it be. Thanks to dining packages, the cost to eat out at a specialty restaurant is significantly less. Dining packages can reduce the cost by almost half, because of the bulk discount nature it has.

When I'm asked which specialty restaurants are the best ones to eat at, I realized I usually give the same ones over and over again.

Don't worry, there are plenty of great included restaurants I like too!

Here's why each of these restaurants is worthy of eating at, in my opinion.

Izumi Hibachi

When someone wants to know a good restaurant to go to with a large group, I almost always think of Izumi Hibachi first.

This is the definition of a "crowd pleaser" option because it combines a fun show element with palatable food that should appeal to both picky and adventurous eaters.

If you've never dined at a teppanyaki restaurant, the chef cooks for everyone at the table and the chef will play up the experience by performing tricks, telling jokes, and including everyone.

Kids love it because of the show factor. I believe this was the first specialty restaurant my kids would regularly get excited for because they knew it would be fun.

But the menu stands on its own as being really good as well. If you're picky, uneasy about Asian food, or not sure what to order, you can have chicken or steak and everything else resembling a vegetable on the side.

But if you love Asian food, there's fried rice, sushi, and plenty of other ways to customize your meal.

Izumi is fun, predictably fun, and very satisfying.

150 Central Park

When I hear "date night", the first place I think of is 150 Central Park because I think it has the perfect ambiance for that sort of evening.

I think 150 Central Park looks almost intimidating to someone who's never eaten there because it seems like it might be too fancy, but it's really not at all.

You can expect modern American food here, and their Beef Tenderloin for two is fantastic.

Yes, the ambiance is lovely and if you're seated in one of the tables that has the egg-shaped enclosed chairs, it adds to the charm.

I think it's also a great restaurant beyond date night. The menu is robust, and I like that it's different enough from other restaurant menus to not feel repetitive.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

It's hard to ever go wrong with Italian food, and I think Giovanni's Italian Kitchen hits the high mark.

To be clear, Royal Caribbean has three different Italian restaurants, but I'm talking about the newest version.  While I don't dislike Giovanni's Italian Table or Jamie's Italian, I think Giovanni's Italian Kitchen has a better menu overall.

Not only is the menu wider in scope, but there are so many top Italian food staples that I could there multiple times on a cruise.

I'm a fan of any restaurant that isn't a "one trick pony" when it comes to its menu. I like variety and you never know if you'll be in the mood for pizza, chicken parmigiana, or a plate of pasta.

In fact, their pizza is dangerously underrated. I think a lot of people think, "Pizza? I can get that at Sorrento's" but the quality of the pizza at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen is so much better. I'm a pizza snob and I think this version is amazing. Try the margherita pizza and tell me it's not impressive.

Since it's Italian food, it's also a very palatable menu. Everyone in your group should be able to find something to eat.

Playmakers

The most casual restaurant on my list is quite a crowd pleaser in Playmakers Sports Bar.

As you might expect with any sports bar, the menu has burgers, wings, fries, and more.  It's your classic comfort food, and it works really well.

No reservations required, and Playmakers is my go-to spot when everyone's too tired to get dressed up for dinner, but we want something beyond the Windjammer.

Their food is tasty, and a few dishes are superb.

I think Playmakers has the best burger of any restaurant, and their nachos, onion rings, and Buffalo crunch rolls are the things you'll probably dream about when at home.

It's not a giant menu, but there's good eats all around. As an added bonus, you can catch the games on one of the many TV's that surround the restaurant.

My wife would yell at me if I didn't mention the Campfire Cookie dessert, which is arguably the most decadent treat on any Royal Caribbean ship and so savory you'll want to come to Playmakers just for dessert.

Supper Clubs

I've eaten at both of the new supper clubs found on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, and I was immediately so impressed by how much fun and different they are from a typical specialty restaurant.

Yes, it's expensive ($200 per person) and requires formal attire.  But if you're looking for a fancy night out to truly do something different, this is the restaurant for you.

Empire Supper Club has a New York theme, while Lincoln Park Supper Club has a Chicago theme.  Later this year, Legend of the Seas will debut a Hollywood theme.

What you need to know about each is they have a multi-course meal that pairs food, cocktails, and the music you hear.

These are high-end establishments where passengers actually dress up. You'll likely see tuxedos and ball gowns here.

As cruising becomes more casual overall, it's nice to have one place with a upscale vibe.

Chops Grille

If there's an "old faithful" entry for specialty restaurants, it has to be Chops Grille.

As Royal Caribbean's venerable steakhouse, I can't say it's a bad choice at all for where to eat.

You'll find a few different kinds of steaks to consider. On newer ships, there are even higher quality cuts you can order for an additional cost.

You'll find Chops on every single Royal Caribbean ship, which is the only specialty restaurant with that distinction.

I must have eaten at Chops at least 20 times or more, and it's consistently a quality meal. 

There are non-steak options on the menu, but I think the red meat stands out as being the top choice to get. 

Chops is a great choice for date nights, family dinners, and dinner with friends. It's fancy enough to pass for a special night out, but still retains a casual mass appeal.

While the first days of Odyssey of the Seas' current Bahamian cruise have been marred by snowy conditions in New Jersey, passengers have made the most of the unusual situation. 

Knowing the wintery conditions they’d face, one guest, Leonard, came fully prepared with everything needed to build a snowman — including Kingsford charcoal for the buttons and latex gloves. 

He wasn't the only stranded passenger to embrace the snow. The creations ranged in size from tiny, table-top snowmen to child-height figures. Either way, the playful snowmen helped keep spirits bright when many were anticipating being halfway to The Bahamas. 

For example, Debra Lunt built a miniature snowman on her cruise cabin's balcony, complete with small eyes and a soft smile. 

"Making the best of it on Deck 7!! Meet Hernando!!" added Kelly Ann.

Ashley Langenfeld also shared a picture of her little snowman, saying, "We’ve been having fun with it! Can’t say I had 'build a snowman on a cruise ship' on my bucket list, but I can now cross that one off!"

Joanne E. Shi, another passenger, posted a photo of her small snowman on Facebook. According to her comment, she's staying on Deck 9. 

Others took a different approach. Rather than braving the frigid temperatures, some passengers relaxed indoors, sipping cocktails in Odyssey's Solarium (or SNOWarium, if you will). 

"I’m on the ship right now, drinks are flowing, and the Solarium is perfect! We should be able to depart later tonight if all goes well with the port," explained Chris Slaight. 

Whichever way the current guests are choosing to make the most of their first full day aboard the ship, one thing's certain: being on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship is better than being at work, school, or home!

Why was Odyssey of the Seas stuck in the New York area overnight?

Winter Storm Hernando disrupted thousands of passengers traveling via air and cruise ship, including Odyssey of the Seas.

The Quantum Class ship's departure was delayed on Sunday, February 22, due to "high winds and rough seas."

As such, the thousands of passengers aboard the 167,704 gross-ton vessel woke up to a winter wonderland, rather than the ocean's vast horizon.  

A cruise ship originally destined for a tropical escape to The Bahamas is instead stuck in New Jersey and covered in snow.

Winter Storm Hernando has wreaked havoc in the travel industry, disrupting thousands of passengers traveling via air and cruise ship. 

One such vessel, Odyssey of the Seas, was stuck in port overnight. As the record-breaking winter storm slammed the New York City area, Odyssey was blanketed in snow across the Hudson. 

The Quantum Class ship was originally supposed to depart Bayonne (Cape Liberty), New Jersey, on Sunday, February 22. However, "high winds and rough seas" forced the cruise line to delay its departure. 

Rather than waking up to the ocean's endless horizon, passengers were surprised by the rare sight of snow-covered decks and gray skies. 

Jerel Donovan and Warren Caesar provided photos of what it's like on the cruise ship that's blanketed in white, fluffy snow.

As of 2:35 p.m. EST on Monday, Feb. 23, Cruise Mapper reveals that Odyssey has yet to depart New Jersey and head south toward The Bahamas. 

Odyssey is supposed to call at Port Canaveral, Florida, on Feb. 24, followed by Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. 

However, further itinerary changes could be possible depending on when the ship finally sets sail.

While docked in New Jersey, the onboard shops and casino must remain closed due to local laws and regulations. 

MSC Meraviglia was also stuck in the New York City area overnight, remaining docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal around noon on Feb. 23. 

Meraviglia's itinerary is similar to Odyssey of the Seas in that she is supposed to call at Port Canaveral, Florida, on the 24th, then visit MSC Cruises' private island in The Bahamas on Wednesday. The final stop on the 7-night itinerary is Nassau. 

Unfortunately, passengers on both ships must wait and watch the storm continue to pound the Northeast until they're able to safely depart. 

Earlier on Monday, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey shared on X that all operations at APM Terminals Elizabeth, Port Newark Container Terminal, Maher Terminals, Port Liberty Bayonne, and New York and Red Hook Barge Terminal were closed due to the severe winter weather.

Over 600,000 homes and businesses have been left without power as the bomb cyclone continues to bring heavy snow and powerful winds to the region, according to The Weather Channel. Hurricane Hunters have even begun flying into the storm to gather data. 

Over 15 inches of snow has accumulated in New York's Central Park so far, marking the city’s heaviest snowstorm in over five years since the pandemic. The last time New York saw higher snowfall totals was during the 17.4-inch storm that lasted from January 31 to February 3, 2021.

Should NYC see another 2.4 inches of snow, Winter Storm Hernando will officially become the city's heaviest snowstorm since January 2016. 

All aboard for dinner on Royal Caribbean's next-gen dining experience.

You can now book a reservation at the Royal Railway Legend Station, which is one of the most anticipated restaurants coming to its new cruise ship, Legend of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean revealed it would add this immersive dining experience to its next ship, which makes you feel like you're actually on a classic train car. You walk onto what looks like a train platform, board a train car, and can look out the window as the world passes you by.

As of Monday, reservations for European sailings are now open to book.  However, reservations for the sailings from North America remain unavailable.

How much it will cost to eat at Royal Railway

With reservations available, we have our first look at how much dinner will cost.

Royal Railway costs $165 per adult or $110 per child with no pre-cruise discount offered. It's a bit higher from when the first Royal Railway went on sale for Utopia of the Seas in 2024, and the prices were $119.99 per adult and $59.99 per child.  Children ages 0-5 are complimentary.

Royal Railway is included with all dining packages, with a $50 surcharge per adults and $25 per child applied once onboard.

A $50 per person cancellation fee will apply if you cancel within 24 hours of the reservation time, or if you do not arrive within 15 minutes of the reservation time at Royal Railway. 

The higher price tag could also be a mechanism to control demand, which is a tactic the cruise line has used to prevent runaway sales taking up every reservation before everyone has a chance to consider it.

Prices for Crown's Edge, Hideaway Beach, Royal Beach Club, and the supper clubs all started off at one price before pre-cruise discounts began to be commonly offered.

As an example, Royal Railway Utopia Station is priced at $107.99 per adult and $44.99 per child for a Utopia of the Seas sailing in April 2026.

I'm not promising prices will drop later, but I've observed a pattern to how new experiences get priced.

What is this train restaurant going to be like?

Royal Railway makes it feel like you're dining on a classic train car, and this version will be different from the one on Utopia of the Seas.

It offers a multi-course meal that follows the famous journey of Marco Polo, with each course matching the country you are passing through.

Follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps as you journey along the ancient Silk Routes, taking in sights and cultures on a five-course, flavor-packed expedition.

Digital windows provide a view outside the train, where you can see the mountains, cities, towns, and celebrations along the way.

I previewed an early test version of the restaurant at a mock-up in Royal Caribbean's headquarters, and the food is easily going to be the focal point of the experience.

In my test, there was still a show element where a conductor explains where you're headed and what you're seeing, but there's far less storytelling happening compared to the first restaurant.

I think because the cuisine is so distinguished, the food is the primary element instead of the story.

Of course, I saw an early test, so things may have changed significantly.  Nonetheless, I'm excited for a restaurant on Royal Caribbean to offer Turkish, Indian, and Persian food in a formal setting.

Legend of the Seas begins sailing in July

Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship, and will have her first sailing in early July 2026.

The new ship debuts first in Europe, offering primarily 7-night Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Rome. Then in November, Legend will begin sailing from Fort Lauderdale and offer 6- and 8-night cruises, with each visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The first sailing is July 4, 2026 from the Italian port of Civitavecchia (Rome).

It will be among the biggest ships in the world when she debuts. Legend measures 365 meters long, nearly 50 meters wide, and the 248,000-ton vessel is powered by LNG.

Happy Sunday, and I hope you had a great week. It was a busy week of Royal Caribbean fun, and I have a round-up of all of it in this hand-dandy blog post.

Royal Caribbean has added a non-smoking casino to another cruise ship, but this change is different.

After emerging from a scheduled drydock, Radiance of the Seas surprised guests with an unannounced change to replace the pub onboard with a non-smoking casino.

Adding non-smoking casinos isn't new, but this is the first time they've replaced a popular bar with a gambling space.

Royal Caribbean News

• Former Royal Caribbean CEO announces he's joining Norwegian Cruise Line to fix it
• Royal Caribbean adopts fine dining and entertainment in growing new food trend
• Florida passes bill that effectively kills chances of building new Tampa cruise port
• Cruise passenger arrested for having child sex abuse video on phone
• Royal Caribbean plans road improvement project that will fix transportation problems around Costa Maya
• Blizzard reroutes cruise ships
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescues small boat of people near Cuba
• Celebrity Cruise ship ends cruise unexpectedly after technical failure, next cruise cancelled
• The beach crew members love going to on CocoCay
• When should you stop cruising? How old is too old?
• Every cruise ship has these 7 hassles
• Inside an oceanview room on Utopia of the Seas
• Guide to Royal Caribbean status match
• The Royal Caribbean cruise questions you’re too embarrassed to ask

Video: The Boarding Day Trick Most Cruisers Don’t Know

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 — The Boarding Day Trick Most Cruisers Don’t Know — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

5 best hidden gems to order at Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room

There are some truly underrated and lesser-known dishes you should be ordering in the Main Dining Room.

While you won't go wrong with the MDR staples, I think a few appetizers and entrees go overlooked but are some of the best food you'll find on a Royal Caribbean ship.

In my 20 years of cruising on Royal Caribbean, it's clear some of these items stand out as being fantastic.

Surprising things about going on a giant cruise ship for the first time

When Allie took her husband on his first megaship, the experience was very different from what he was used to.

There's nothing like an Oasis Class ship, which is why so many new cruisers are drawn to trying them.

Moving from smaller ships to Oasis Class introduced a few surprises and new favorites for Luke.

4 Dining surprises on Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship

When Legend of the Seas launches this summer, there's going to be changes to the dining options.

Royal Caribbean is never content to copy its ships, so there are always tweaks and changes. Dining is definitely one area we see the most variations when a new ship comes out.

The cruise line revealed all of the dining options coming to Legend of the Seas, including a few surprises.

6 Mistakes everyone makes when eating in Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room

I love eating in the Main Dining Room, but I've seen so many people making mistakes in how they eat there.

It's most common with new cruisers, but even established cruisers will sometimes slip up.

I think everyone wants to have a great meal every time they eat in the MDR, so I came up with mistakes to avoid.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

We've just released the 597th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast. In it, Matt talks through the curious situation happening with NCL leadership changes.

You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via YouTube, iTunes, Google Play or RSS.

Royal Caribbean is moving ships around to avoid a blizzard and bad winter weather along the east coast of the United States.

So far, three cruise ships have had their itineraries changed because of the poor weather, and additional changes could be announced.

Passengers on Star of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas have been notified of changes to their cruise plans as a result of the storm.

Here's a look at what's changed so far. This article was last updated at 11:08 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23. 

Star of the Seas will skip Perfect Day at CocoCay

The February 22 sailing of Star of the Seas will have to skip Royal Caribbean's private island.

"Due to a weather system expected to bring unfavorable conditions and rough seas to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Monday, February 23, we will be skipping our visit and enjoy a Sea Day instead."

Because the ship will bypass CocoCay, they will now arrive in St. Thomas earlier.

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather - your safety is our top priority."

This is one of a handful of visits to CocoCay that have been scrapped this winter so far because of bad weather conditions.

Independence of the Seas will visit Nassau instead of CocoCay

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 11:05 a.m. EST on Feb. 23)

According to Cruise Mapper, Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas was unable to dock at CocoCay on Feb. 23. 

However, rather than spend another day at sea, the ship's first port of call on the 7-night cruise from Miami is now Nassau. They are the fourth Royal Caribbean Group ship in port, alongside Allure of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Celebrity Summit. 

Other stops on the weeklong voyage include San Juan and St. Thomas. 

Odyssey of the Seas will stay in homeport overnight

Odyssey of the Seas will return to Cape Liberty on Feb. 22, but will be delayed in leaving on her sailing because of the expected blizzard.

A letter sent to guests booked on the sailing states that they’re expecting "high winds and rough seas."

A cruiser posted on Reddit, "We’re due to sail out of NJ tomorrow on the Odyssey and just heard from RC that we won’t be leaving at the original 2pm departure time, that we’ll likely be docked overnight, meaning we wouldn’t leave til Monday morning."

The ship is scheduled to visit Port Canaveral, Florida, on Tuesday, Nassau, Bahamas, on Wednesda,y and CocoCay on Thursday. All of those plans could be changed if the ship is delayed by a day.

The issue will be when it's safe to depart and if the Port of New York will be open or not. 

Biggest winter storm in years expected

Officials along the East Coast are expecting a major winter storm that could dump up to 20 inches of snow in parts of the Northeast starting late in the weekend.

The National Weather Service said on Saturday that this winter storm is now expected to bring "significant impacts" across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Sunday into Monday.

Blizzard and winter storm warnings were issued for tens of millions of people across a swath of the Northeast, concentrating around New York City.

Blizzard conditions from heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected along the East Coast from Delaware through southeastern New England.

The nor'easter comes from a storm moving from the Gulf Coast over the weekend, spreading accumulating snow from West Virginia through the mid-Atlantic and into southern New England from Saturday night through Monday.

New Jersey, where Cape Liberty is located, has already declared a state of emergency by its governor.

Underscoring its commitment to the local community, one of the first things Royal Caribbean is doing to improve the local area around Costa Maya is to fix the long-neglected roads.

The cruise line acquired the Port of Costa Maya, along with a lot of surrounding land in order to build Perfect Day Mexico. But before it can do that, it wants to improve the infrastructure of the surrounding area.

The first step is Royal Caribbean has announced a significant investment to improve road infrastructure in Nuevo Mahahual, Mexico.

Unveiled yesterday, community roads will be rehabilitated.  The plans were shared at a collaborative meeting between company representatives, local authorities, and residents.

Why Royal Caribbean is fixing the roads

While building Perfect Day Mexico is Royal Caribbean's ultimate aim, it wants to work as a partner with the local community. Improving roads is a win-win for both company and community.

As Costa Maya is transformed over the next couple of years, Royal Caribbean is making broader investments in the area. The new infrastructure project not only reinforces the cruise line’s presence in the region but also highlights a deeper philosophy: being an active, engaged neighbor beyond just tourism.

Better roads is more than engineering, it's something the cruise line hopes will demonstrate to community stakeholders its commitment beyond words.

At the heart of the project’s announcement was a community meeting that emphasized transparency, mutual respect, and shared priorities. Residents and local leaders were invited to help define needs and next steps, setting a tone of genuine partnership rather than unilateral decision-making.

In addition to logistical improvements, Royal Caribbean is actively working to protect the local environment.

Plans have already been revealed to conserve about 111 acres of mangroves, restoring degraded coastal areas, and powering operations with 100% renewable energy by 2040.

For years, the municipality had dumped sewage into the coastal area of Mahahual, contaminating both the mangroves and the beach adjacent to the cruise ship pier.

Royal Caribbean plans to build their own reverse osmosis system to provide drinking water as well as a treatment plant to clean up the area, which will later be transferred to the municipal government to serve the entire community.

A month-long project

The project will focus on the repair and improvement of "key roads" within Nuevo Mahahual, which is the village near the Costa Maya port.

While the press release did not specify every street or exact stretch of roadway to be improved, it outlined several key operational points:

• Start and duration: Work is set to begin in the coming days and is expected to wrap up in approximately one month.
• Qualified execution: Only qualified companies holding all required permits will undertake the rehabilitation work, reflecting an emphasis on safety, compliance, and professional standards.
• Coordination: Construction will be carried out in close coordination with community leaders to ensure minimal disruption and clear communication throughout.

The hope is when it's complete, the upgraded roads will make a meaningful impact on local day-to-day life in a relatively short timeframe.

Better roads lead to Perfect Day Mexico

The short term benefit of these improved roads will be making it easier for the people that live and work around Mahahual to get around.  But these roads will be critical for Perfect Day Mexico.

This will be Royal Caribbean's second Perfect Day destination, building on the success of the first one at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Announced as part of a multi-hundred million-dollar investment, Perfect Day Mexico is designed to include water parks, beaches, culinary venues, leisure spaces, and immersive guest experiences for cruise passengers.

In fact, the footprint is as large as the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

They'll need the roads as much as the locals in order to get equipment and supplies in, as well as be able to get shore excursions out to various destinations.

Dreams of bigger cruise ships coming to Tampa appear to be dead once more.

The Florida Senate approved a bill on Friday that included a provision to grant specific protections to the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, which is the area of a land a new cruise terminal was proposed to be built on.

Last month, SSA Marine submitted plans to construct a multi-berth cruise port in Manatee County.

The location was set to be built on a roughly 328-acre coastal property known as the Knott‑Cowen tract at the mouth of Tampa Bay next to the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Estimated time of completion was three to five years.

However, SB 302 would limit large-scale dredging and filling in the Terra Ceia Preserve. That's important because dredging is part of the plans to allow cruise ships to access the terminal.

Not only would the new terminal need to be built, but a 4.5-mile long channel would need to be dredged about 60 feet deep to accommodate the newest cruise ships.  

Cruise Fever reported Sen. Jim Boyd added specific protections to the land. These provisions do not mention a cruise terminal, but it effectively makes it impossible for a private company to build on the land. The only exceptions granted are for public navigation projects, public necessity, or for any project that has the goal of improving the quality of the reserve.

The Senate passed the bill with a unanimous 38-0 vote.

Now that the amendment has passed, a second amendment will need to be filed to the House Companion Bill HB 1035, currently in its second reading.

Why a new cruise terminal would make a difference in Tampa

Tampa has a cruise terminal downtown, but it can only handle smaller cruise ships. As the cruise industry has built larger ships, it's precluded Tampa from getting any newer ships.

Currently, only smaller ships, like Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, or Serenade of the Seas are able to sail from Tampa.

The issue is the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which blocks access to Tampa Bay. The bridge's height is not tall enough for newer, bigger ships to safely pass underneath.

According to SSA Marine's website, its terminal would solve that problem.

A new cruise port will complement existing cruise activities in the region by being able to accommodate the newer, larger, low-emissions cruise vessels that would otherwise be unable to visit due to the height restrictions of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

As cruise ships continue to modernize, the region will be well positioned to align with and support the cruise industry’s future growth. Additionally, locating a new cruise port on the seaward side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge could serve as a valuable community asset in the event of extreme weather or other emergency situations.

Not everyone is in favor of building a new terminal.

Since the new plans were announced, Manatee County official says staffers and their family members have received threats and harassment from constituents.

Some residents fear the port's construction and operations could negatively impact the environment and put unnecessary strain on infrastructure.

In a news release, Manatee County Administrator Charlie Bishop said some of those comments have crossed the line "to harassment, threats, and intimidation" of county workers and their families.

"This is unacceptable. No county employee should be harassed for performing their professional duties. No child should ever be targeted because of where their parent works. These actions must stop."

Project not officially dead, but prospects look poor

While the Senate passed the bill, the Florida House still needs to pass it and then Florida's Governor needs to sign it into law.

There's no official announcement or confirmation of a change in plans for the proposed new cruise terminal. But the Senate Bill's passing makes the chances look poor for the project to be practical.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has something for everyone, from thrill seekers to partiers, families, and sun-seeking relaxers. However, if you've never been to the private island before, you might not realize that some of the best areas are those frequently overlooked by guests. 

Bryan James, a former Royal Caribbean entertainer, recently took to social media to share a vlog documenting his recent visit to CocoCay. Since being published, the nine-minute YouTube video has received over 40,000 views, 2,000 likes, and 150 comments.

In this video, James' girlfriend Jaidyn, a dancer aboard Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class vessel, explained where crew members like to go when they have free time at the private island.

"This is one of the beaches that's not really on the map, I'd say," she said, talking about Breezy Bay.

"I feel like the main ones are Chill Beach [and] South Beach. [Breezy Bay] is the one that the cast comes to because they don't really advertise it...It's definitely one of the quieter places to be."

"There's a lot going on over here, but not many people, which is nice. I think that's why we come here," she added. 

Chill Island is the first beach most cruisers encounter as they walk along the main pathway around the island. It's also the best snorkeling spot at CocoCay, with calm, clear water, schools of tropical fish, and a sunken shipwreck. For those reasons, Chill Island gets crowded quickly. 

South Beach is another popular spot for guests. While it's further from the arrivals area, it offers a wide stretch of soft sand, tons of lounge chairs, and easy access to nearby bars and dining, including the floating tiki bar. The area also has a lot of sports activities, including a life-sized pool "table" and beach volleyball. 

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets

Is Breezy Bay worth it? 

Between the two lies Breezy Bay. If you've visited CocoCay before, likely, you've at least walked past Breezy Bay when grabbing the island's famous mozzarella sticks, chicken sandwich, or funnel cake from the Snack Shack. But unlike Chill Island or South Beach, Breezy Bay remains largely untouched by cruise passengers compared to other areas on CocoCay. 

"Personally, I love Breezy Bay because of how close it is to Oasis Lagoon (pool), bathrooms, Snack Shack, Bar, and Chill Grill (Buffet). There are also beach games, basketball, and hammocks in the area," shared Jenn Yazzetti in a public Facebook group. 

Someone else agreed on Reddit, writing, "We did Breezy Bay and loved it for our family (with 3 young kids). We were so close to everything we needed - multiple food options, pool, restrooms. The water was calm and clear and the beach wasn't rocky at all."

When they aren't splurging on admission to the Coco Beach Club, TheSilliestMoose agreed that Breezy Bay at Chill Beach is their favorite "normal" spot at CocoCay. 

Breezy Bay at Chill Island also has some day beds available to rent. For an upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, pricing starts at $248.99 when purchased in advance through the Cruise Planner. 

The price includes two floating beach mats, two reserved lounge chairs, a pre-stocked cooler with four water bottles (other drinks are available at an extra charge unless a beverage package has been purchased), and beach towels. A maximum of four guests can use the beach bed, making it a good option for families or small groups who want a little extra comfort during their "perfect" beach day. 

Something else worth mentioning is the bar near Breezy Bay is quite lovely. It has a wooden deck to it, where you can watch people around the beach or the nearby excursions that depart.

There are two downsides to Breezy Bay. First, it's probably the furthest distance from the cruise ship, since it's located on the opposite side of the island from the pier.

The good news is you can take the island's complimentary tram service to get there.

The other issue is the beach and swimming area is partially obstructed by some Coco Beach Club Cabanas.

Not only is the view not pristine, but you cannot swim near the cabanas or you'll be reprimanded by the lifeguards.

You can easily shift down the beach and avoid that, but coming later in the day may be an issue.

That said, you can take advantage of the complimentary lounge chairs if you don't want to shell out any extra money — it isn't a paid-only admission area like Hideaway Beach or the Coco Beach Club. 

In fact, you can split your time ashore easily between Breezy Bay and the Oasis Lagoon pool. The lagoon, which is open to all guests, is not far from the heart of Breezy Bay, making it easy to rotate between fun in the sand and pool all day long. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

For most cruisers, going to the Main Dining Room for dinner is the best option. After all, it's included, has great service, and you're bound to find a few things each night that will satisfy.

Cruise ships have other places to eat, such as the Windjammer buffet or a specialty restaurant, but I think the Main Dining Room has a more casual and family-friendly environment groups find appealing.

But just because the Main Dining Room seems like a pretty straightforward restaurant doesn't mean that there aren't mistakes you can make when you're dining there.

I've compiled this list of some of the most common mistakes people make when they eat there, and by avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure you're getting the best possible dinner experience the next time you visit.

Filling up on the (admittedly delicious) bread

After being seated at your table, the first thing you'll offered is a basket full of bread rolls. There are a few different varieties and honestly, it's really hard not to have a couple.

Cheese rolls, sliced baguette, pumpkin seed, and another one or two options are available to choose from, along with butter. As you wait for your food to come out, these rolls look more and more appetizing.

But newbies will have a few rolls and then struggle when the rest of the food comes out. These rolls will fill you up fast, leaving no room for your actual entree.

It's a potential mistake you can make in a lot of restaurants, but I'd hold off on devouring them.

Enjoy a single roll, sure, but then leave the rest for after your entree arrives. That way, you'll have room in your stomach for everything you want to taste at the table.

Not having a reservation if you're on My Time Dining

If you picked My Time Dining (Anytime Dining), there are two lines for tables: people with a reservation and those without one.

The people with a reservation are seated first, and the line for both can be quite long. This is especially true if you're looking to eat before 8pm.

The advantage of My Time Dining is you have flexibility in when you eat, but you should try to make a reservation whenever possible to ensure you minimize how much waiting there is.

You can make a reservation before the cruise with the Royal Caribbean app or in the Cruise Planner site.  But you can still make reservations once onboard the ship by calling the dining hotline from any phone.

As soon as you have an idea when you'd like to eat, I recommend making a reservation so you can enjoy dinner closer to the time you prefer.

Thinking you're going to be getting a fancy meal

A lot of people see a beautiful dining room, white tablecloths, and giant chandelier, and assume they're going to get a meal that's on the fancier end of the spectrum.

Don't get me wrong, the Main Dining Room is a lovely restaurant to dine in, but it's not nearly as formal or as high-end a restaurant as it may look.

The Main Dining Room isn't a fancy restaurant by any means. Royal Caribbean wants it to be a welcoming, family-friendly place for a great dining meal. It's far closer to casual dining than the aesthetics would lead you to believe.

The restaurants that offer a fancy, high-end meal are reserved for the specialty restaurants, such as Chops Grille or the supper clubs.

In truth, the MDR is more about casual dining. That's not a bad thing, I love that you can come in with a nice pair of jeans and collared shirt and enjoy a meal seated with friends and family without any pretenses. Its a great casual, family restaurant.

Assuming you order the same as you would at a land restaurant

I order food completely differently at a land restaurant compared to a cruise ship restaurant, especially at the Main Dining Room.

There is no extra charge to order more than one appetizer, entree, or dessert. In fact, the crew members encourage you to order what sounds good because they want you happy.

While this may sound gluttonous, the serving sizes of dishes tends to be smaller than what you'd get at a land restaurant. They're not miniscule portions by any means, but ordering two entrees isn't as crazy as it sounds when you get your food.

Some new cruisers won't really know they can, or should, order multiple dishes until perhaps after a few cruises. 

I recommend ordering two appetizers and entrees not only to try each, but to hedge your bet if one dish isn't what you expected.

Suffering in silence

If what you ordered isn't what you expected, or the food isn't hot enough, don't sit there and take it!

The Main Dining Room staff want you to be happy and very satisfied. They are more than happy to bring you something else or prepare the dish differently if it will be more to your liking.

I understand no one wants to be a nuisance or a pain, but if you even hint you didn't love your food, any waiter or manager will insist on bringing you something else.

On a few occasions I've tried a dish and almost instantly knew this isn't what I like. I wanted to sample it to see if this could be something new I'd love, but it's not the case.

In those situations, I explain "it's me, not you" situation and ask for something else. The waiters are quite happy to step in and swap out dishes.

Not checking the menu before you arrive

There are lots of places you dine at your cruise, so I think it's a mistake if you don't check the evening's menu before arriving.

Royal Caribbean rotates its dinner menu each night in the Main Dining Room, and there might be a better place instead because of the entree choices. You might prefer the Windjammer or splurge and go to a specialty restaurant.

You can find the menu posted on a digital screen outside the Main Dining Room, as well as being in the Royal Caribbean app.

For picky eaters, this can be a good strategy for avoiding the, "there's nothing I like on the menu" situation. 

Or if you want to make sure you don't miss a certain dish (like lobster night), knowing which night not to make a specialty restaurant reservation is important.