Matt shares how his 4-night Freedom of the Seas cruise went, and what he did differently on this sailing.
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The first cruise ship to leave the Port of Baltimore since the Key Bridge collapse has set sail on Saturday.
Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas welcomed passengers onboard on May 25 for a 5-night cruise to Bermuda, and it's an important symbol of Baltimore's recovery since the Key Bridge collapse.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse severely impacted logistics and the economy of Baltimore, and the clean-up effort to open up maritime commerce was an immense task.
Royal Caribbean said in a statement, it "looks forward to returning to the Port of Baltimore once again."
On Monday, May 20, the Dali container ship that crashed into the Key Bridge at the end of March, was escorted by tugboats to a marine terminal 2.5 miles away. It had remained stuck under the bridge wreckage until Monday.
Last week crews demolished the largest remaining steel span of the bridge using explosives.
The removal of the steel span and moving of the ship were some of the final steps to allow cruise ships to restart sailing from Baltimore.
The collision brought down the 1.6-mile long steel structure, killed six construction workers on the bridge and severed access to critical shipping routes in and out of the Port of Baltimore.
Officials have vowed to rebuild the bridge – but the exact cost remains unclear. A spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute has estimated the bridge alone could be worth more than $1.2 billion.
Earlier this week, the Port of Baltimore celebrated the restart of cruises with a post on social media, "Get ready…the Port of Baltimore is ready to cruise once again! Royal Caribbean International's Vision of the Seas will depart on May 25th for a fantastic 5-night voyage from Baltimore to Bermuda."
Royal Caribbean had temporarily moved its operations south to Norfolk, Virginia to offer cruises in April prior to the ship going in for regularly scheduled maintenance.
The drydock session came right after the bridge collapse, leaving less sailings impacted by the closure of the Port of Baltimore since there were no scheduled Royal Caribbean cruises during the refurbishment.
The 1997-built ship went to Grand Bahama Island in Freeport, Bahamas for its drydock work.
The dry dock work done on Vision of the Seas was limited to maintenance work, upkeep, and general "under the hood" type work.
Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas sails out of Maryland, offering cruises to the Bahamas, Southern Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada/New England.
Vision will offer cruises of five- to nine-nights to Bermuda and the Bahamas.
Then in November, Vision will transition to offer cruises that visit just the Caribbean and Florida.
Following Vision, Carnival Pride will resume its homeporting in Baltimore on Sunday.
Pride will sail a 14-day voyage to Greenland when she departs on May 26.
Carnival had shifted to Norfolk as well, but plans on resuming their original ship itineraries through spring 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said of the efforts to reopen Baltimore, "We are extremely grateful to the officials and incredible first responders in Baltimore, who’ve shown great leadership and resolve in this difficult time, as well as our supportive partners in Norfolk, whose rapid response allowed us to continue to deliver our scheduled sailings for our guests."
I've gone on many cruises by myself, but I recently ate in the Main Dining Room alone for the first time.
I recently took a 4-night Bahamas cruise on Freedom of the Seas without my family. It was a quick cruise to check out a few experiences in the ports of call, and going into the cruise, I assumed I would eat at the Windjammer buffet for my meals.
I enjoy cruising solo for how liberating it can be, but I've never dined in the Main Dining Room alone because it always seemed to be a weird idea. While I didn't think anyone would say anything to me, I just felt out of place to do it.
Read more: Dining on Royal Caribbean Guide
On embarkation day, I was browsing menus and changed my mind primarily because the dinner menu had a fish entree that sounded good, and a plated fish meal always tastes better to me than a self-service fish I grab from the buffet. For that reason, I decided to give the dining room a try.
Before committing fully to the idea, I took advantage of a good trick anyone should do on the first day of the cruise.
In the afternoon, I went down to the Main Dining Room to see what table Royal Caribbean had assigned me to. I was curious to know if I had a table to myself, or I'd be seated with other guests.
Read more: How to not eat with strangers on a Royal Caribbean cruise
If you have Traditional Dining for your dinner plans, there is a deck and table assignment at the bottom of your SeaPass card to indicate where you'll be seated.
I walked into the Main Dining Room in the afternoon before dinner had begun to look for my table. If I had waited for dinner to see where I was assigned, it would have been far more awkward if I changed my mind because both guests and crew would have noticed me scooting out of there.
There's usually a crew member or two at the entrance doing some work, and you just have to let them know you're just looking around.
Sure enough, I had a table for two assigned to me. That seemed like it was a safe bet I had a table to myself.
Some people cruising alone might actually prefer to be seated at a larger table so they can converse with others and feel less noticeably alone. I actually preferred to be seated alone as to avoid having to make conversation. I don't mind talking to other guests in general, but a break at dinner seemed ideal to me.
I had the 5:45pm dinner time assigned, and was escorted to my table by a crew member as I entered the dining room.
Read more: How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works and what to expect
Sure enough, it was just me at the table and I was pleased I had a table right by the window.
While my table was just for me, the neighboring tables are so close to each other that one could easily converse with the table next to you. The people at the table next to me engaged in a few conversations with the table next to them.
The wait staff were warm and welcoming. I think they asked on the first night if I was dining with anyone else, but that was the extent of any questions or discussion that I was solo.
I ordered my food like I have in the past, and the entire meal went quite well. I never felt out of place, and I didn't feel like other guests were staring at me. In reality, no one cared.
I shared my first dinner solo in the dining room on the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook group, and a cavalcade of support followed.
Many others shared they really enjoyed dining alone, just as much as cruising solo. I took a lot of solace in the fact my endeavor was not that far flung an idea.
Wendy Lamour wrote, "I eat alone all the time. I like the freedom of leaving when I want to. I also take my dessert to my cabin to eat later."
Cynthia Sirk added, "I took my first solo cruise in August and absolutely loved it. Peaceful, no worries about time, no one to consider but myself and sometimes we need that. I was treated so well by the staff and host. My table by the window was also wonderful!"
Caroline Cullen had a great outlook on the idea, "Don't ever be weirded out about dining alone. I do it all the time. Make yourself great company for yourself!"
There were over 200 comments on my post, and it reinforced how enjoyable dining alone can be.
I thought an idea by Daniel Kline was something I might consider in the future, "I sail solo a lot and dinner is a chance to reset and maybe read a book." While I'm not a big reader, I never considered bringing something to read as a way to pass the time between servings.
I ended up dining in the Main Dining Room for dinner on two other nights, and it was a great experience.
In retrospect, I think Royal Caribbean's speedier service in the Main Dining Room made eating alone in the Main Dining Room easier.
In 2023, Royal Caribbean revamped its Main Dining Room dinner menus. New themes, new items, and an attention to speedier service. I really think the speedier service made a difference.
Each of my three meals in the Main Dining Room was about an hour. On night three, I was in and out in 45 minutes!
Prior to the menu update, dinner could sometimes take up to 2 hours, and I think not languishing in the Main Dining Room made it feel less awkward. Meals are long enough to feel like it's a sit down and relaxing experience without getting to the point that become restless.
Having tried eating dinner in the Main Dining Room alone, I would definitely do it again on a future cruise.
Any concerns I had about feeling out of place quickly disappeared during the course of the first evening.
Just like how no one notices if you're sitting alone on the pool deck or in the theater, everyone else is wrapped up in their own meal.
I was glad I always had my phone with me to keep me occupied between courses. Investing in a WiFi package for anyone cruising solo is a great idea to be able to feel connected with friends and family back home.
I don't have another solo cruise booked for a few more months, but I would welcome the opportunity to eat alone in the Main Dining Room.
I got a chance to preview the new Royal Railway Utopia Station restaurant coming to Utopia of the Seas and wanted to share with you my early thoughts!
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It appears a case of food poisoning on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas has resulted in sick passengers and a delay in the ship not allowed to disembark at one port.
According to posts on Reddit, guests sailing on the 4-night cruise began reporting feeling ill on Allure of the Seas on social media. Many different people posted on Reddit that a case of food poisoning resulted in the ship undertaking drastic measures to combat the spread of illness onboard.
Allure of the Seas is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, and is sailing a 4-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
These reports say this is not a case of norovirus, but instead the result of undercooked pork tacos served on the ship in the Main Dining Room on Tuesday. It's not clear yet what the source of the illness is.
friedyolk posted, "It’s been confirmed not norovirus from the Captain. Everyone that was sick ate pork tacos."
Creative-Craft-2370 wrote, "On the Allure now defo pork tacos had them Tuesday evening and ill all night, table next to us husband had same as me ended up in medical centre."
According to BradW91, the tacos were the issue, "200 cases of food poisoning , pork tacos is the underlying problem every person with the issue has said they had the tacos."
It appears crew members have implemented new protocols to stem the spread of anyone else getting sick. Dr-Bison posted, "They are being protective of customers touching bar menus, Windjammer entrance line being enforced, and Windjammer self service is now roped off so only staff can serve guests one at a time."
No matter what the source of passengers getting sick, Royal Caribbean has health protocols in place to enact once a certain percentage of guests report symptoms.
Royal Caribbean's protocols include:
In addition to passengers not feeling well, Bahamian officials delayed entry of Allure of the Seas to Royal Caribbean's private destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Much-Evening-4301 wrote, "I'm on Allure right now, we are docked at Coco Cay but they aren't letting us off the ship."
A bit later, Allure of the Seas was cleared to disembark passengers, and Royal Caribbean added an extra hour to its visit to make up for the roughly 90 minute delay earlier.
Having unlimited drinks on your Royal Caribbean cruise isn't as cheap as it used to be.
Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink package that includes alcohol is now priced regularly at least $100 per person, per day when purchased onboard. The cruise line uses dynamic pricing, so it's not a standard fleetwide price, but our team has consistently observed that the advertised onboard price is regularly in triple digits.
On Freedom of the Seas this week, the price for the Deluxe Beverage Package was listed at $110 per person, per day for the 4-night cruise. On this week's Liberty of the Seas 5-night Bermuda sailing, it's at $105.
On Icon of the Seas, the price was recently $115 per person, per day for a 7-night sailing.
That price is before the automatic 18% gratuity that is added on top of the drink package price which covers the bartenders that serve any drink ordered with the package.
Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package includes almost every drink served onboard, minus super top shelf liquors. This includes a fruity cocktail, beer, some wines by the glass, premium coffees, sodas, smoothies, bottled water and sports drinks, milkshakes, and fresh squeezed juices. It's pretty much any beverage that is $14 or less.
You can even choose from top shelf liquor, like Buffalo Trace, Jack Daniel's, Johnnie Walker Black, Grey Goose, Captain Morgan, and Patron too.
It also comes with 40% discount on bottles of wines under $100 and 20% discount on wines over $100.
While it does not include drinks from in-room minibars or room service, they do work at its private destinations of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti.
It's also important to note that when you buy a drink package, you must buy it for every day of your sailing. You cannot "cherry pick" days you want to use it.
In addition, Royal Caribbean has a rule in place if one adult purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package in a cabin, all other adults in the same cabin must buy it too. This rule is prevent sharing drink package benefits with friends or family. This rule doesn't apply to kids, or if you opt for the non-alcoholic drink packages.
Read more: 9 Ways That People Cheat The Royal Caribbean Drink Package
To be fair, the onboard price is a bit misleading because Royal Caribbean offers a significant discount of half off for the second person. There are also Crown and Anchor Society discounts offered to some tiers to help with that price as well. In short, you can pay much less for a drink package by pre-purchasing.
There are two other Royal Caribbean drink packages that do not include any alcohol, the Royal Refreshment Package and the Soda Package.
Royal Caribbean's drink packages have been quite popular since they first debuted, and the price has steadily climbed over the past few years. It's likely that strong demand for drink packages is a factor in driving up the price. Royal Caribbean Group executives have repeatedly pointed to strong demand by its customers for add-ons, such as the drink package, in its quarterly reports.
Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty said in April 2024 the significant uptick in onboard spending was a factor for the company's success., "Strong ticket and onboard revenue and favorable timing of expenses contributed to the better-than-expected earnings performance."
If a $100 per day price tag gives you pause, the good news is there's no reason to pay that price.
Royal Caribbean regularly offers pre-cruise discounts on its drink package when you buy it before the cruise begins. In fact, the line just kicked off it's Memorial Day sale on pre-cruise purchases. Guests can expect up to 35% off savings on purchases.
Depending on the promotion offered, you can usually get the Deluxe Beverage Package for around $60-$80 per person. It varies from sailing to sailing, but the price offered in the Royal Caribbean app or website is always cheaper than buying it onboard.
Read more: When is the best time to purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package?
For example, on the Icon of the Seas June 29 sailing, the Deluxe Beverage Package is on sale for $76.99 instead of $110 per person, per day. Royal Caribbean says its 30% off savings.
Moreover, you can always re-price the drink package in the months leading up to your cruise by cancelling and rebooking if the price drops. Its a significant advantage for consumers.
It's my recommendation to never wait to buy the drink package on the ship because of the higher price tag.
No matter the price, the top reason many cruisers buy a drink package is for the convenience of having a fixed price for all their vacation drink needs.
While not cheap, an often cited reason for buying a drink package is to not have to worry about running up a big bar bill during their cruise.
A cocktail can cost $14, plus gratuity. After 3 or 4, you've already spent over $50 that day, and that doesn't include specialty coffees or juice.
RoyalCaribbeanBlog user WAYNO wrote, "The drink package is so convenient. And I was able to experiment with drinks that I normally would never buy. Or if a drink became warm or stale, or even boring, I could push it aside and order another."
aubtfan added, "Having drinks prepaid is worth it to us. So convenient."
FrogFanatic wrote, "I love the feeling of freedom knowing that if I chose to try something that I wouldn't try at home and don't like it, then no big deal, just order something else. It's the peace of mind that is part of what I am paying for and that is big for me."
Royal Caribbean quietly introduced a faster embarkation process at one of its cruise ports, and it promises to get you on the ship as fast as possible.
Express Boarding first showed up in November 2023 on Freedom of the Seas as a test to prepare it for the arrival of Icon of the Seas in January 2024. When I sailed on Icon, I did not get the Express Boarding option, but I finally was able to get it for my 4-night Freedom of the Seas cruise.
There's no cost or "catch" to getting Express Boarding, but you'll need to complete a few pre-check-in steps in order to qualify for it.
If you do manage to get it, then expect the simplest terminal check-in process possible.
Royal Caribbean's check-in has always been quite easy, so why is it necessary to even have an express option? Essentially, it rewards those that do everything they're supposed to do before the cruise begins and keep those people moving through the cruise terminal faster. That keeps lines shorter for those that didn't complete the steps, and rewards those that did.
For the time being, Express Boarding is only available for Royal Caribbean cruises sailing from Terminal A in PortMiami.
When I completed my health questionnaire the day before my cruise, I was alerted by the Royal Caribbean app that I had qualified for Express Boarding.
The app made a big deal of it, showing virtual confetti and updating my SetSail pass to show I have Express Boarding.
The instructions in the app was to bring all my travel documents and follow the signs for Express Boarding.
Once you get to the cruise terminal, look for the Express Boarding line. It's one of the three "special" lines you can enter, in addition to the regular line.
I showed the port agent my boarding pass, which had the Express Boarding icon on it and he admitted me in.
When you get to the primary check-in area, there's a special line for those with Express Boarding. The idea is it's more of a checkpoint to verify you have everything.
The agent scanned my Set Sail Pass and my passport, verifying everything was correct.
Read more: Do you need a passport for a cruise?
I was surprised she took my photo again, but I breezed through check-in with no line.
After being check-ed in, you essentially rejoin the regular flow of guests. I went through security and then went to the boarding area. Freedom of the Seas had already begun boarding, so I never stopped walking.
The process was very easy, and I went from being dropped off at the terminal with my luggage at 10:37am to boarding Freedom of the Seas at 10:43am. A total of 6 minutes, and that includes a quick check of my carry-on bag for a non-existent extension cord.
Even if you don't have Express Boarding, the check-in process is pretty quick. The difference is you waste less time re-verifying things. Plus, your check-in line may be shorter with this option.
The only people that probably wouldn't care if they got Express Boarding are anyone staying in a suite, as there's a special line and check-in area for them.
There's no cost to get Express Boarding, you just need to complete a few key steps.
First, you must use the Royal Caribbean app to complete all steps of your check-in. You cannot use the Royal Caribbean website. Keep in mind it's only available right now at Terminal A, so only Freedom of the Seas and Icon of the Seas offer it.
Once in the app, you need to complete all the steps including scanning your passport. You cannot manually enter information.
You won't see the Express Boarding option until you complete the health questions. Assuming you did everything else, you should get confetti and a notification in the app that you qualify for Express Boarding.
It's being widely reported Captain James MacDonald passed away.
Cruise ship Captains are a select few, and people that cruise a lot certainly have their favorites based on personality.
On April 30, it was reported from passengers on Harmony of the Seas that Captain MacDonald had to depart the ship in order to seek medical attention in Cozumel, Mexico.
The ship had to make an unscheduled stop in Cozumel, where Captain MacDonald disembarked. Guests were informed via the ship’s public address.
On Thursday, various reports came that Captain MacDonald had passed away. On Radiance of the Seas, the ship made an announcement and blew the ship's whistle as a mark of respect to Captain MacDonald.
An internal email in the company confirmed the passing of Captain MacDonald while in a hospital in Miami.
"A valued team member for 34 years, Capt James was an exceptional leader known for his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our company. His contributions have left a lasting impact on our team and the company as a whole."
"Over the years he was instrumental in the development of thousands of our crew including many sailing Captains. He was also key to leading our success in Texas cruising where he will be missed by crew and guests alike."
All Royal Caribbean ships will fly their flags at half mast on Friday, May 17 in honor of his passing.
RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers shared photos of the flags at half mast.
Oasis of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Cruisers shared their memories of Captain James across social media, recalling fond memories.
Shirley Arredondo posted on Facebook, "My husband and I sailed with Captain James during Hurricane Harvey on the Liberty of the seas and we absolutely fell in love with him. He was funny and loved to walk around and talk to everybody."
Michael Gould added, "Maybe others will remember this: during his daily announcements, he’d always make a point to say, we’re doing a great job staying healthy, washin’ those hands, keep it up! My wife and I often use that line. I’m in healthcare and she’s a teacher; it’s both useful and always makes us smile about happy memories onboard."
"Captain, thanks for the smooth seas and fond memories. You’ll do a great job watching over the fleet from above."
Kevin Kuehlwein wrote on Facebook, "Seemed very down to earth and was very good at his job. May he rest in peace."
Doug White shared his memories of him, "Captain James was a special guy; he was the Captain of the Jewel when I became the Mayer, and he had the upmost respect for everyone that he dealt with. I remember a lot of great times with Captain James on the Jewel including gatherings in his cabin for cocktails then going on the bridge to top the evening. He will be sorely missed."
Nicole Pugliese wrote, "This is so sad to hear. We had the privilege of sailing with Captain James on the Liberty and he very quickly became our favorite for his laid back demeanor and great sense of humor."
Most cruisers knew Captain James as representing Texas. He was quite often in command of ships that were based in Galveston.
He joined Royal Caribbean in 1990 and was the first captain of Radiance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas.
Most recently Captain James was the Master of Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas while the ships were based in Texas.
Calista is back from her first sailing on Icon of the Seas and gives her review of this brand new ship.
Share with me your thoughts, questions and comments via...
I go on a Royal Caribbean cruise just about once a month, and it provides me with the privilege of experiencing so many different ways to enjoy a cruise.
Whether I'm on the newest and biggest cruise ship in the world, or enjoying a classic cruising experience on a smaller, older vessel, it remains my favorite way to travel and see the world.
On any cruise I go on, there's always a majority of cruisers who are brand new to cruising. Or it's their second or third sailing ever, with large gaps of time between each voyage.
New cruisers are fun to talk to, because I get to see their approach to Royal Caribbean, and what they like to do. I try especially hard not to have a jaded "been there, done that" attitude towards cruising, and new cruisers reinforce what makes a cruise a fun choice for a vacation.
Read more: 5 things people that cruise a lot would tell first time cruisers if they could
But someone new to cruising could easily overlook some of the best activities that are totally underrated.
I thought of five things to do on a cruise that are worth considering that I see newbies missing far too often.
While I love the cruise ship buffet, there are often so many other great alternatives to explore for breakfast or lunch.
The Windjammer is a staple, and I'll go there at least once every cruise. But new cruisers often overlook the other choices they have.
Considering the Windjammer can get very busy, it's a good idea to embrace alternatives. Depending on the ship you're on, there can be other complimentary choices at Solarium Bistro, Aquadome Market, Park Cafe, Sorrento's, or Cafe Promenade.
If your ship has them, my top three alternatives are:
Use the Windjammer as a backup, and try out these other places. You might find your new favorite restaurant.
If your cruise has a port stop you just cannot find a fun shore excursion that really jumps out at you, consider staying on the ship. On port intensive cruises, a day off from touring may sound like the perfect day.
By staying on the ship, you'll be able to take advantage of a significantly less busy ship. This is the perfect time to hit the water slides, pools, and hot tubs because there will be barely any other passengers around.
When you choose to sail on one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships that are packed with so many cool things to do, be sure to make time for them all without the crowds.
Read more: 5 best reasons to stay onboard the ship while in Perfect Day at CocoCay
While I've never played pickleball, it's become a smash hit among veteran cruisers.
Royal Caribbean has been known for offering lots of activities on its ships, and pickleball has joined the ranks of the rock climbing wall, FlowRider, and ice skating.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton.
You can find pickleball games ready to go on the ship's sports court in the morning hours. Refer to the Royal Caribbean app for specific hours. There's usually an open play session every morning, where the equipment is provided for you, and it's first-come, first served for court space.
There's no cost to playing pickleball, and it's a fun opportunity to meet other people.
This tip is really for someone that has taken a few cruises, but there may be large gaps between sailings. Maybe you went as a kid and are now trying it again as an adult.
If you're at least Platinum tier (30 cruise points) in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, you can on attend the Top Tier event on sailings 5 nights or longer.
At the top tier event, you will get a speech from the Captain, Hotel Director, and Cruise Director, while enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne. They recognize new Pinnacle members and top cruisers onboard.
The free booze is a nice touch, especially if you don't have a drink package.
But the real value in the event is the cruise line takes time to thank you for your patronage, and the speeches by the ship's Captain and Hotel Director can provide interesting anecdotes and insight into what's happening on the ship and within the fleet.
It's a quick event, usually 30 minutes long, and you could leave at any time if you were utterly bored.
Royal Caribbean offers behind-the-scenes tours that have an extra cost, but are really worth it.
Referred to as the "All Access Tour", you can book it before your cruise on the Royal Caribbean website.
The All Access Tour is a 2-hour walking tour of many areas of the ship, and costs extra. It's eye opening how much work occurs to keep the ship functional and optimal.
You'll visit areas such as the ship's kitchen (referred to as a galley), the bridge, engine room, theater, and more.
This tour showcases how much a ship is more like a floating city than hotel, and it's really interesting to see it all.