Royal Caribbean Blog

When the Royal Caribbean team was in the process of designing Icon of the Seas, it was important that they cook up dining experiences for every type of traveler. 

Onboard, you'll find over 40 different food and beverage experiences, meaning that every single day and night of your vacation can serve up a different vibe. 

Maybe one night you'll want to splurge on the swanky Empire Supper Club, while the next you'll want to dine under the stars at the complimentary Park Cafe! 

"Our incredible team, they're bringing different types of fare across each neighborhood. I think our guests are going to look at all this variety of dining and beverage as almost an adventure," said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will offer swanky supper club and food hall on new Icon of the Seas when it launches

In order to curate experiences for everyone, the Royal Caribbean team spent a lot of time planning and testing equipment, recipes, designs, and more 

In addition to consumer research, the Royal Caribbean team spent about two years traveling to top cities for research, including New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Barcelona, and more. 

Linken D'Souza, Vice President of Food and Beverage for Royal Caribbean International said, "In our research, our guests told us they were looking for convenience, choice, and variety, as well as the ability to have lots of different opportunities to dine differently while on vacation. And so on Icon of the Seas, we have over 40 food and beverage venues, with over 20 brand new experiences." 

These vary from easy and simple to those that are sophisticated and classy. "Anything that you want to experience as it relates to dining is available on Icon of the Seas," remarked Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO. 

There were over 100 showcases, which Rebecca Burns, Senior Manager of Restaurant Operations for Royal Caribbean International described as opportunities for the operators to set the stage and tone to see the space, where the ingredients, dishes, and experiences were tested. 

Jennifer Goswami - Director of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International said, "Dining on Icon will be so multifaceted, so we took the best of everything we've learned. And we've really evolved it for Icon."

What does all this mean? There are options for everyone, whether it's an adults-only night out to kid-friendly grab-and-go spaces. 

New dining spots onboard Icon of the Seas

Empire Supper Club

The Empire Supper Club is a super premium dining experience that will feature amazing music, dining, and beverage pairings. This eight-course meal will cost $200 per person and take three hours. With each dish, there will be a small cocktail pairing that matches the ingredients. 

Onboard Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean converted 150 Central Park into the Empire Supper Club to test how well all of the aspects of the experience worked together. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean's most expensive specialty restaurant ever will take 3 hours and cost $200 per person

AquaDome Market

Within the AquaDome Market, Royal Caribbean's first-ever food hall, guests will find five food stands with options for all guests, including those who are gluten-free and vegetarians. The five different stands are Feta Mediterranean, Mac's, Toast and Garden, GNGR, and Crème de la Crepe. 

Crème de la Crepe will serve sweet and savory crepes, including yummy breakfast options with eggs and hash browns. GNGR will feature Asian dishes, while Toast and Garden will serve salads and sandwiches. 

Mac and cheese lovers will love the mac and cheese stand, Mac's, where they can order specialty mac and cheese dishes topped with things like pulled pork, broccoli, and more. 

Feta Mediterranean is where you can go to get fresh pitas and Mediterranean bowls. 

Surfside Eatery

Surfside Eatery is one of three brand-new dining experiences within the stay-all-day neighborhood for young families, where you'll also find three water experiences, the first bar for kids and adults, and more. 

Rather than leave the neighborhood to head up to the Windjammer, Surfside Eatery is another complimentary buffet option that's been designed for families! Here, you'll find fun stencil pancakes (i.e., those cut to form smiley faces and more), as well as cookies with different designs!

Pier 7

The casual California specialty restaurant Pier 7 will serve brunch all day long. While mom and dad can enjoy a sit-down meal, kids can dine on their favorites, such as grilled cheese sandwiches. Plus, kids eat for free here! 

Surfside Bites

Those who want a quick snack will appreciate Surfside Bites, where you can go if you want something grab-and-go. This pick-up window will serve handheld options. 

Izumi pick-up window

Speaking up pick-up windows, Icon of the Seas will be the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet to have a grab-and-go Izumi window. Located in Central Park, there is where guests can go to grab sushi, hot gyoza, and soft serve bubble cones for a refreshing afternoon sweet treat! 

Basecamp

Thrill Island is where you'll find the record-breaking Category 6 Water Park. Of course, you will need to be able to fuel yourself, so you don't run out of energy. 

Basecamp, the outdoor, fast-casual eatery located in Thrill Island is where you can grab a quick bite to eat before returning to the Pressure Drop for the second (or third) time.

It's also a place where you can meet up with friends and family to talk about all the surrounding activities. Maybe you're traveling with a multigenerational party. 

A lunch at Basecamp will allow your teenagers to fill in their grandparents on all the exciting things that they've been up to while eating things like waffle chicken nuggets topped with hot honey, smash burgers, crispy shrimp bao buns, and more. 

Pearl Café

Located in the Royal Promenade, Pearl Cafe will feature elevated options compared to the Cafe Promenade found onboard some other ships. Don't worry, though, it'll still be open 24/7, meaning that you'll always be able to grab a complimentary sandwich, ready-made salad, and more at any hour!

You'll also be able to enjoy both complimentary and specialty coffees. 

The Grove

The Grove is an al fresco buffet that will only be available to those staying in Star and Sky Class suites, as it's located in the suites-only area. It's another dining option in addition to Coastal Kitchen; however, it'll be much smaller, with a capacity of only 38 passengers. 

Celebration Table

Celebration Table will be kind of like an elevated Chef's Table. This fully rentable private dining room inside of Hooked Seafood will be able to seat twelve guests. 

There will be four different family-style prix fixe menus to choose from: American, Asian, Seafood, and Italian. You can also personalize and upgrade the selections, too. 

Returning favorites

Onboard Icon of the Seas, there will be many fan favorites available for passengers to enjoy, including Playmakers, El Loco Fresh, Hooked, Sugar Beach, Sorrento's, and Coastal Kitchen. 

However, many returning dining venues will have their own flare compared to other ships in the fleet. You can expect to find new dishes, designs, locations, and more! 

Chops Grille

For the first time, you'll be able to hand-select your cut of meat at Chops Grille thanks to the impressive butcher's display. 

Izumi

Have you ever wanted to enjoy sushi al fresco? Izumi is being relocated to Central Park onboard Icon of the Seas. Plus, there will be more hibachi tables to allow even more guests to enjoy a fun teppanyaki experience. 

Trellis Bar

Also returning to Central Park is the Trellis Bar. This beloved meeting point will, for the first time, have a menu for those who want to enjoy some snacks at the bar. Some potential offerings include beef tartare, mac and cheese poppers, crab cake fritters, steak bites, and crispy truffle fries. 

Park Café

In addition to the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich, guests can expect to find new breakfast, lunch, and -- yes -- dinner sandwiches, as the Park Café onboard Icon of the Seas will be open later than on other ships in the fleet. Plus, there will be new salads, too.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

Located on Deck 6 in the Royal Promenade, the new location of Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar will allow diners to be connected to the action of the main thoroughfare. It will be the first time that Royal Caribbean will feature a specialty restaurant in the Royal Promenade, too!

Main Dining Room

A staple onboard every Royal Caribbean ship, the three-story Main Dining Room onboard Icon of the Seas will have a special kids' menu where they'll be able to see their options, as well as fold and play with it after making their decisions! 

Read more: First look at Royal Caribbean's new main dining room menus

Windjammer

Kids will love the Windjammer as it'll feature a "Kidjammer." In other words, a section of the Windjammer has been designed with children in mind, and they will find yummy treats like cake pops, as well as kid favorites like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chicken fingers. 

A milestone in the construction of Celebrity Cruises' fourth Edge Class cruise ship has begun.

On September 27, Celebrity Ascent departed from Saint-Nazaire, France to begin her sea trials. 

"It’s always a great emotion for anyone who worked on a cruise ship to see it take the sea for the first time," wrote Saint-Nazaire Renversante on Facebook. 

"Today the #CelebrityAscent left for 4 days of sea trials before returning on September 30th to #SaintNazaire. Its delivery and departure are scheduled for early November. We'll keep you informed."

Celebrity Ascent sails the open ocean for the very first time

Over the course of the next few days, Celebrity Ascent will have certain features and systems tested that cannot be done while she's docked. 

Sea trials are an important part of the construction process of any cruise ship, as they allow for certain navigational and technical systems to be tested. It's the final stage of construction prior to the ship being delivered to the cruise line. 

Sea trials range in duration. When Icon of the Seas underwent her first round of sea trials earlier this year, she spent an entire week at sea. Celebrity Ascent, however, is planned to return on September 30 after only four days. 

In addition, sometimes, there can be two different sessions. 

Fourth ship in the cruise line's innovative Edge Class

While Celebrity Ascent is not part of a brand new class of ships like Icon of the Seas, she is part of Celebrity Cruises' most innovative class of ship yet. 

Sister to Celebrity Edge, Apex, and Beyond, the launch of Celebrity Ascent means that guests have more opportunities to sail onboard an Edge Class vessel. 

“First launched in 2018, the Edge Series transformed what cruising could be and its ships like Edge, Apex, and Beyond quickly became consumer favorites," said Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity Cruises’ President.

"Continuously striving to offer travelers a better way to enjoy travel and reach the world around them, we are so proud of what we have built and look forward to welcoming both seasoned and new cruisers alike.” 

Of course, many Edge Class favorites will return, such as the state-of-the-art theater, Rooftop Garden, resort-style pool deck, adults-only Solarium, Sunset Bar, Magic Carpet, the Grand Plaza and Martini Bar, and three-story Eden Bar and Restaurant.

To make this brand-new ship stand out, there will be new and refreshed experiences. In other words, cruising onboard this ship will be different from any other ship in the class!

In terms of dining, guests can expect to find a redesigned Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, a plant-based tasting menu at Eden Restaurant, high-end bourbon tastings at Craft Social, an expanded Martini Bar menu, and a refreshed complimentary Cosmopolitan restaurant. 

Moreover, Blu, the exclusive restaurant dedicated to AquaClass guests, will have an outdoor terrace with the ability to seat 24 guests.

Other aspects of the cruising experience will be enhanced, too, such as the theater's original production shows, the addition of interactive digital experiences in the Club, new immersive shows in Eden Bar and Restaurant, and a redesigned casino that will feature brand-new games. 

Those looking to shop will appreciate the Sunset Collection by Nate Berkus, which is a collection of travel and home accessories that can only be found onboard Celebrity Ascent!

Where will Celebrity Ascent sail to?

Celebrity Ascent is going to begin her maiden season sailing throughout the Caribbean before she embarks on a transatlantic voyage to spend her summer in Europe.

Whether you want to bask in the warm Caribbean sunshine or experience culturally rich European cities, there's the perfect itinerary for you to choose from if you want to sail onboard Celebrity Ascent within the first year of her launch. 

Her maiden voyage is slated to set sail on December 3, 2023. It will be a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that will visit St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.

There's a chance that Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises will be merging their loyalty programs in the future. 

The Captain's Club is the cruise line's program that rewards cruisers for showing loyalty to Celebrity Cruises. After your first cruise with the brand, you'll start earning points to move up the ranks of their program.

During a Captain's Club webinar sent via email on September 26, Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge answered questions sent in from loyal Celebrity fans, including some about Perfect Day at CocoCay, the future of "All Included," vaping in the casino, and potential changes to their loyalty program.

While no definitive answer was provided, members of Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club and Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society may be able to consolidate their statuses in the future. 

Is Celebrity Cruises considering the possibility of consolidating Royal Caribbean Group loyalty programs?

Andrea Shay, AVP of Loyalty for Celebrity Cruises, took the reign on this question, responding by saying, "I'm so glad that this question came up, and it's something that members are asking for."

"We have some status match between the brands today, but there's such a huge opportunity for us to do more and really take advantage of the connection and us being part of the same family."

According to Shay, the status match doesn't thread the three Royal Caribbean Group brands together, so they're working with their sister brands. Hopefully, more will be revealed in the coming months. 

Celebrity Cruises' current status match program

By status matching, cruisers are able to receive comparable benefits from Celebrity's Captain's Club when sailing onboard Royal Caribbean ships. 

You won't, however, be able to match your status with Royal Caribbean until you become a Select member, which corresponds with the Platinum tier of the Crown & Anchor Society. 

When you become an Elite member, you'll level up to a Diamond Crown & Anchor member. This is the highest tier you will be able to match into. 

Likewise, if you are matching into Celebrity's Captain's Club through the Crown & Anchor Society, Platinum and Emerald members will be able to benefit from Select benefits, while those Diamond and become will get those of an Elite member. 

With the status match program, you don't earn points when sailing on a sister brand. So, for instance, if you are a Diamond Crown & Anchor member through points, sailings on Celebrity Cruises won't help you move towards Diamond Plus status. 

Similarly, you won't earn any Crown & Anchor points if you embark on a 14-night transatlantic cruise onboard a Celebrity ship. 

What kinds of benefits do Elite Captain's Club members get?

To become an Elite member, you'll have to earn 300 points. Earning points is based upon a couple of factors, such as the length of your cruise and cabin category that you sail in:

• Inside or ocean view: 2 points per night
• Veranda: 3 points per night
• Concierge Class and AquaClass: 5 points per night
• Sky Suites and Aqua Sky Suite: 8 points per night
• Celebrity, Signature, Royal, and Sunset Suites: 12 points per night
• Penthouse, Reflection, and Edge Villa: 18 points per night
• Iconic Suite: 24 points per night

This means that it is possible to earn Elite status after three cruises if you book a Penthouse, Reflection, or Edge Villa. 

Elite members get a private continental breakfast, access to private events, priority tender access, 20% off any bottle of wine, 15% discount on drink package or premium drink package, a complimentary cocktail hour from 5-7pm, and more. 

What perks come with Royal Caribbean's Diamond tier?

Once you reach 80 cruise points, you'll become a Diamond member with the Crown & Anchor Society. This is when you begin unlocking some pretty lucrative benefits, such as daily drink vouchers, a free day of internet, a complimentary photo, and more. 

This means that if you are an Elite member with Celebrity thinking about taking your first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll be eligible for the same perks. 

Note that typically you earn a single cruise point for each night sailed with Royal Caribbean. This means that if you go on a 7-night cruise, you'll get seven cruise points. 

You can earn an  extra point per night by staying in a suite, or double points for traveling solo. Those cruising alone in a suite will earn three cruise points per night. 

It would take 12 week-long cruises to become a Diamond member in standard cabins, or six if you're staying in suites or traveling solo. 

CocoCay, smoking in the casino and more

During the webinar, Laura Hodges Bethge mentioned that adding Perfect Day at CocoCay to Celebrity itineraries was an easy decision.

One thing that loyal guests were asking for was a private destination, and since Celebrity Cruises does not have their own at this point in time, this was the easiest and fastest way to make it happen for their guests. 

With Coco Beach Club and the addition of Hideaway Beach in January 2024, there's something for those seeking either a relaxed day at an exclusive beachfront beach club or for adults wanting a fun day away from children.

Moreover, Zenith members, those who have reached the highest tier of Celebrity's Captain's Club, are able to access The Retreat Lounge effective immediately.

She did note, however, that since this perks was initially pulled back due to volume and capacity issues, there may be times that Zenith members will be offered an annexed space, rather than getting access to The Retreat Lounge.

Finally, while they did a test onboard two ships to see if they would allow smoking in the casino, Celebrity Cruises figured out that the majority of passengers are against this. Therefore, the casino onboard Celebrity ships will remain a no smoking (or vaping) area. 

Have you ever wondered what happens if you are late to get back to a ship?

The beauty of cruising is being able to visit multiple cities and countries in just a few days. Since cruises usually visit more than one destination, sailings are on a tight schedule to ensure their timeline is adhered to. Essentially, this means all guests must be on the ship at a certain time before leaving for the next stop on their voyage.

If you’ve cruised before, you know how entertaining it is to watch pier runners sprint to the ship at the last minute before leaving port. There always seems to be at least one person who frantically tries to make it back to the ship on time. Videos of pier runners are all over social media, especially TikTok (just type in “pier runners” and you will find hundreds of videos). It’s fun to watch other people be pier runners, but you do not ever want to be in this situation!

To avoid this from happening, cruise ships always inform passengers when the all-aboard time is to be back onboard by. It's a really good idea to get back to the ship even earlier than the all-abord time, just to be extra safe.

If you or your travel party are running late in port, you might be wondering how long the cruise ship would wait for you to get back. 

Captain Carl Graucob, who has worked for Royal Caribbean for 25 years, gave some insight into how long he would wait for passengers during a “Captain’s Corner” event on Voyager of the Seas. Here’s what you need to know.

It depends if you are on a Royal Caribbean excursion or not

As Captain Graucob explained, if you are on an excursion with Royal Caribbean, the ship will wait for the entire group to come back before leaving.

This is one of the many benefits of booking an excursion with Royal Caribbean rather than booking a tour with an independent company. You also know that the excursion is reputable when you book it directly through the cruise line.

Read more: Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship?

Captain Graucob said that he would wait for passengers to return from a Royal Caribbean excursion unless it is an “unreasonable amount of time.”

In the case of an extremely lengthy delay, Captain Graucob stated that the ship might not always be able to wait for passengers. In this extenuating circumstance, Royal Caribbean would provide transportation to the next port of call or back to the departure port (if it is towards the end of your trip) for everyone on the excursion.

If you are not on a Royal Caribbean excursion and are late getting back to the ship, Captain Graucob said, “Normally, we do not wait.”

As such, you should always plan to be back by all-aboard time to prevent this from happening.

If the cruise ship knows you are missing, they will try to contact you

In the event that you do not board before the all-aboard time, the cruise ship will know you are missing. At this time, the ship will use the emergency contact information that you provided when checking in for your cruise. When providing an emergency contact, you must enter the information of someone who is not on the cruise with you.

Read more: Royal Caribbean check-in process

“If someone is missing, we call that emergency number,” Captain Graucob said. “Generally, this goes to someone at home.”

If you contact the ship using your own cell phone, or another phone you found in port, Captain Graucob said they will use this number to contact you. 

“If we get a hold of you and you say, ‘I am in the taxi. I am sorry, but there was traffic. I am 10 minutes away,’ then we will wait,” Captain Graucob said.

With this in mind, you should not rely on the cruise ship to wait an extra 10 minutes for you. Don’t push your luck!

If the cruise ship cannot get a hold of you, it will leave

If the ship cannot contact you to understand your whereabouts, it will leave you behind. This is because they don't know how long it is going to be until you get back. 

“You’re stuck waiting 15 minutes and then it becomes half an hour. Before you know it, an hour goes by and nobody shows up. So we do not wait,” Captain Graucob said.

Therefore, if you find yourself running behind, it’s best to contact Royal Caribbean to let the cruise ship know your situation. 

What happens if the cruise ship leaves you behind?

If you come back to the pier and see your cruise ship departed without you, there will be a port agent on the pier that can help you. You will not be left high and dry, although you won’t be in an ideal situation. 

If you need to get in touch with the port agent, there is contact information in every Cruise Compass. This is typically found under the “24-hour services and venues” section. You can also find the port agent information in the cruise line’s app. It’s best to always have this number handy when traveling ashore in case of an emergency. 

The port agent will provide you with whatever you need, especially since you will most likely not have more than just your swimming suit and a bag with random odds and ends.

You will be expected to purchase an airline ticket or other form of transportation on your own dime, and this can be very expensive. If you do not have a passport or other proper verification with you, you will want to visit the nearest U.S. embassy for assistance. For this reason, some cruisers choose to bring their passport ashore so they are never left without it. 

On the back of every SeaPass card is an emergency phone number to call Royal Caribbean. Be sure to call this number to see how they can help as well, as it might be another option to get in touch with your cruise ship.

Are there any penalties or warnings given if passengers are late to the ship?

“They're banned,” the captain joked. 

But in all seriousness, no. 

Captain Graucob explained again that cruise ships do not wait for late passengers, “unless we can get a hold of them and they tell us where they are. If it is reasonable, then we will wait. But no, there are no repercussions, other than if you miss the ship because then it is a big expense.”

Luckily, this worst-case scenario isn’t made worse with repercussions from Royal Caribbean. You won’t be blacklisted for future cruises! But, it’s a costly mistake you probably won’t make again. 

What you can do to avoid being late for your cruise ship

Here are the simple things to do to ensure this scenario never affects you.

1. Give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship. If the all-aboard time is 5:30 p.m., plan to be back on the ship at 4:30 p.m. or earlier.

2. Do not venture too far from the port. If there is traffic or an accident that closes the road, you may not make it back to the ship on time. Try to stay close to the port so you can make it back quickly.

3. Make sure you are on ship time. Some cruises have multiple time zone changes throughout one voyage, so knowing what time the ship is on is extremely important. Sometimes the local time is different than the ship time.

4. Always have port agent information, identification, and money. Before you get off your cruise ship, make sure you take a picture of the port agent's information. Also, never leave the ship without a form of identification. You should also have money, especially a credit card in case you need to purchase an expensive ticket home or an emergency passport.

You'll need to be a little bit older to access the adults-only pool on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

It looks like Royal Caribbean has changed the minimum age to access the Solarium area on its cruise ships.

In an update sent via email, the cruise line indicated it is responding to guest feedback by changing the minimum age.

Going forward, guests will need to be 18 years old or older to access the Solarium. Prior to this change, guests had to be at least 16 years old.

"At Royal Caribbean, our guests' feedback matters. This is why we have decided to keep our 'adults-only' areas consistent, and update the Solarium age restriction from 16+ to 18+ years old."

The update was sent to travel agents.

While the age limit has changed, kids are still allowed to walk through the Solarium, such as to access the Solarium Bistro restaurant.  The difference is they cannot stop and spend time in the venue or its pools.

Historically, a ship will waive the minimum age for cold weather cruises when the public pool for all guests is too cold, such as on Alaska cruises.

Why make the change?

The minimum age of 16 years old to access the Solarium has been in place for many years.

The subject of changing the minimum age has been a hot button topic for years, and it usually comes up as a question to Royal Caribbean executives on a Presidents Cruise event.

Perhaps related is the fact the change comes just a few months after the 2023 President's Cruise, when some guests voiced their concern regarding the minimum age in the Solarium.

It's not clear exactly why the change was made now after so many years with 16 being the minimum, other than "guest feedback".

One benefit of making the Solarium only available for 18 year olds or older is that aligns better with other adult-only areas. 

Some guests expressed frustration in that the Solarium allowed 16 and 17-year-olds, but the minimum age for adults at the new Hideaway Beach area of Perfect Day at CocoCay is 18 and above.

What is the Solarium?

The exact offerings depend on the ship, but inside the Solarium you will often find a pool, hot tub, seating area and a bar. Some ships have food inside the Solarium at a Park Cafe or Solarium Bistro location.

Another difference between the Solarium and the main pool are the loungers tend to be padded.

Some ships have a totally glass-enclosed Solarium area, while other ships are open-air. The glass keeps the heat in, and often, the Solarium is one of the warmest spots onboard.

On Royal Caribbean's newer cruise ships, you'll find a greater variety of seating, included padded couches and other comfortable seating.

There is no additional cost to access the Solarium.

Reader reaction

With a topic like age restrictions, there's no shortage of opinions on Royal Caribbean's policy change.

Pippa Madden wrote, "I really had no idea it was such an issue."

Many readers celebrated the news, but questioned how effective it would be in terms of the rules being enforced. Tom Thomasson exemplified many comments, "About time. Now if they will enforce it."

There are a few well-known guest conduct policies that are policy on paper, but rarely enforced.  The so-called "chair hog" problem of guests reserving pool loungers, dress code in the main dining room, and curfew rules at select venues are examples of such long-standing gripes cruisers have with a lack of rule enforcement.

Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

Ryan Longo thought the cruise line should have gone further, "Should be 21 but 18 is good enough."

There's a new way to spend your day by the pool on the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Guests can now book an in-pool daybed on Icon of the Seas for an additional cost.

Royal Caribbean has added the new option to its Cruise Planner website, which are located in the Hideaway neighborhood.

The Hideaway is located on deck 15 above Surfside neighborhood , and it's essentially a beach club or Vegas pool party scene that the cruise line is going for. Access to The Hideaway is complimentary, but there are daybeds you can choose to rent.

The Hideaway Pool is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, and it's one of the signature options on Icon of the Seas.

You'll find tiered lounge space, hot tubs and a bar specializing in Champagne and Champagne-based cocktails.

Day bed options

There are two types of day beds, with the option to reserve them on port days or sea days.

Both types include amenities provided for up to 2 - 4 guests.

The cruise line warns daybeds are uncovered with limited access to shade.

In-Pool Day bed

The in-pool daybed are a full-sized daybeds which, "channel beach club party vibes at the first suspended infinity pool at sea."

It includes:

• Chilled champagne
• Bottled water
• Four pool towels
• A large tray for your personal items. 

Royal Caribbean describes it as, "Whether you're lounging with friends or jamming to the beat, these In-Pool Daybeds are your haven of comfort onboard. Your exclusive retreat awaits. Space is limited and may sell out — book yours today!"

Oceanview Daybed

The other option is an oceanview daybed, and as you might imagine, the difference is its location.

The amenities are the same, but offer full-size daybeds which overlook the ocean.

These include:

• (1) Champagne bottle (Insulated plastic bottle holder and ice bucket included)
• Branded souvenir champagne glasses
• (4) Pool towels
• (4) Bottles of water
• Side table for personal belongings
• Dedicated beverage service

Guests under the age of 18 will receive complimentary mocktails to substitute the champagne bottle.

Hideaway daybed prices

In comparing prices across multiple Icon of the Seas sailings, the prices for the daybeds in the Hideaway seem to be the same.

• The Hideaway In-Pool Daybed — Sea Day: $350
• The Hideaway Oceanview Daybed — Sea Day: $300
• The Hideaway In-Pool Daybed — Port Day: $250
• The Hideaway Oceanview Daybed — Port Day: $200

Pool deck option: casitas

Another option for a private retreat near a pool are the casitas, which are available on the pool deck.

Casitas have been offered on other Royal Caribbean cruise ships for an extra cost.  On Icon of the Seas, they will have an additional fee as well.

Located at Chill Island on Deck 16, casitas cost more than day beds, but also offer more included, like towels, a tabletop cooler, water bottles, a charging outlet, and dedicated bar service at the touch of a button. 

The full list of what you get for a casita on Icon of the Seas:

• Welcome drinks for all guests
• (8) Pool towels
• (8) Water bottles
• (2) Tabletop coolers
• Charging outlets
• Call-for-service button for dedicated beverage service
• Shaded and unshaded lounge seating

Amenities are provided for up to 6 - 8 guests.

Reader reactions

Since the new option appeared to book, cruise fans aren't surprised to see such a new extra cost option.

Xaa wrote, "Those beds will sell everyday.  People want them.  If they were free, the hogging and associated conflicts created would be constant. "

Gilley wasn't a fan just because of the lack of shade, "it’s in the sun, no umbrella.  I will pass."

asquared17 added, "I don’t know how comfortable I’d feel with spending money for what is essentially an island that anyone could swim up to and haul aboard."

A new kind of pool vibe

The Hideaway is a new type of neighborhood on a cruise ship, and Royal Caribbean thinks it will offer something very different than other pools.

A combination of music and location, The Hideaway is designed to offer a beach club experience.

"Perfectly perched in the center of the new Hideaway neighborhood and with its own resident DJ, it's the ultimate spot to keep the beach club vibes going all day. Designed with disappearing edges for seamless sunsets and full-sized daybeds surrounded by water, this signature suspended infinity pool will make for your most snap-worthy sea day yet."

Just last week, I traveled on a 3-night cruise on Freedom of the Seas, sailing from Miami to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

Originally launched in 2006, Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship and one of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships. She boasts 15 decks and a capacity for 4,635 guests. 

In 2020, Freedom did undergo a $116 million Royal Amplification, receiving upgrades to the pool deck, water slides, and new dining venues.

The ship itself holds 1,963 staterooms, and my home for the cruise was located on the 8th deck. 

My girlfriend and I stayed in a 214-square-foot deluxe balcony room for the length of the cruise.

We opted for a guarantee stateroom, selecting a lower price in exchange for an assigned room, rather than choosing one ourselves. 

The total price of the fare was $2,021.68, breaking down to $336.95 per night per person.

When the time came for our cabin to be assigned, we were lucky enough to get a deluxe balcony room with a gorgeous view.

Our stateroom was midship on deck 8, the perfect location to avoid seasickness. 

This location also gave us enough proximity to the Windjammer and pool on deck 11 and the Royal Promenade on deck 5 that we barely had to use the elevators. We only had to take a few flights of stairs to reach our destination. 

When we first opened the cabin door, we were greeted with a spacious room with a long gray couch and a queen-sized bed.

The room’s space is most visible in its length, stretching from the cabin’s front door to the back door leading to the balcony.

The floor between the couch and the deck/vanity was also wide enough that we could leave our luggage right there. 

We chose to leave the suitcases open on the floor instead of unpacking fully and still had enough space to walk about them.

From the cabin and its amenities, I could tell that Freedom of the Seas was an older ship. The features seemed run-down: lights flickered before fully turning on, and I found rips in the towels and stains on the sheets.

To the right of the stateroom door was the small bathroom. Where the stateroom had surprised me by its size, the bathroom felt pinched. 

The curved room was barely large enough for two people to use at the same time—we had to take turns brushing our teeth!

And the shower was even smaller, with only enough space for one person to stand in. However, I was satisfied with the water pressure and hot temperatures.

The sink and counter, although small, did have enough shelf space for our 3-night cruise. Two cups under the mirror served to hold our toothbrushes and toothpaste. 

The mirror was wide, and the counter was thin but long enough that we could spread our items out. However, I think we would have struggled to fit all our toiletries if we had been on a longer trip.

To the left of the stateroom door, we found a large closet with several shelves, a safe, and hangers for our larger clothes. The closet had enough floor space to store several pairs of shoes.

Directly behind that closet faced a floor-length mirror and the desk and vanity space opposite that.

The desk was long enough to hold makeup, jewelry, and multiple bags during our cruise. We also found shelves behind the vanity mirror.

Beside the mirror, we found a small TV. This TV wasn’t a smart TV, so we weren’t able to Chromecast or stream from our phones like I have on previous cruises. However, it had a few free channels available for viewing. 

The mini-fridge (or cooler, rather) was located underneath the TV. Although it was not a fridge cooling system, it kept food and drinks cold enough to store for a couple days.

Facing the desk was the long couch, large enough that I could have laid down to nap on it. However, the bed was so comfortable that we never felt the need to.

The highlight of this room was its large, comfortable bed. Although I found a few stains on the sheets, it was soft and restful for our stay.

Two large paintings above the bed brightened the room, adding to an already relaxing atmosphere with the cabin’s natural light.

On either side of the bed were two nightstands with lamps above them. 

They had helpful drawers and shelving but no charging ports other than one USB port on the phone. We had to plug in most of our devices by the desk. 

After unpacking, we met our stateroom attendant, Alex, who came and cleaned the room once a day. He usually left behind towels folded into cute animals, as well.

Lastly, at the very end of the room was our balcony door. Although heavy and hard to push open and close, the door led to a beautiful view.

The balcony held a small, round table and two deck chairs that could be adjusted to recline. 

The view itself was unbeatable: ocean water during the day and clear, starry skies at night. I also loved that we could wake up on port days and see the island right outside our window.

We also found that the cabin was peaceful and quiet: even when we sat on the balcony, we barely heard noises from other cabins. 

I’m someone who loves sunlight and natural views, so having the balcony attachment made the room so much more enjoyable. After experiencing my first balcony room, I don’t know if I could go back! 

The room felt large and luxurious. I loved this stateroom, from the size of the cabin, the beautiful balcony, and its convenient location in the middle of deck 8. 

I found that I didn’t experience any seasickness in the middle of the ship, and we enjoyed time spent relaxing in our room and on the balcony. 

Although we chose not to order room service, my girlfriend and I often brought back food from the Windjammer or leftovers from other restaurants and enjoyed our time eating in the stateroom.

After planning a cruise vacation for months or years, the last thing you want to do is come home wishing you had done something you could have done.

Cruise ships are packed with a a great deal of things to do, and then there's the fun to be had on shore. It's easy to list it all now, but when you get on the ship time becomes fleeting and you could miss out on a few things on your personal "must-do" list.

Whether you ran out of time, neglected to walk over, or were too timid to give it a shot, there's plenty of things you might regret not doing on a cruise.

I asked our readers what is one thing they regret not trying on a cruise to get a sense of the top things they would love a chance to do over again.

1. Wonderland

Whimsical or weird?

Ben wrote, "I’ve been on Anthem a few times and haven’t tried Wonderland. I heard it’s not everyone’s favorite but I feel I need to try it at least once."

Wonderland is indeed a different kind of restaurant. It's loosely based on the "Alice in Wonderland" story and the food and service is anything but conventional.

Read more: I spent $60 to eat at Royal Caribbean’s most bizarre restaurant. I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the best meals of my cruise.

2. Ice show

Royal Caribbean's ice skating shows are an impressive feat of skill and poise, but some may overlook it.

Judy Carson wrote, "Going to the ice show. We miss it time and time again."

Admittedly, ice skating may not sound like something you absolutely need to see, but I'm always impressed by these shows because of how well put together they are. The choreography, music, and of course abilities of the skaters really stand out.

3. Zip-line

Having done the zip-line on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, I can see why some might side step a visit.

Located on the back of the ship on the Sports Deck, they can develop long lines and it's directly in the sun.  During the warmer months of the year, it can get very hot out there.

And then there's the chasm below you must traverse during the ride, which may give guests some trepidation about giving it a try.

"The zip line. Hours way too short," is what Jennifer Allred said.  

Steve Welker also lamented not going on it, "Zip line, maybe one day!"

And don't forget about the zip line in Labadee, which is significantly longer than the one on the ships.

Suzanne SG wrote, "I did over 30 cruises and finally did the zip line on Labadee! Why I waited till my 60s is a mystery, but happy I finally did it! Loved it!"

4. Love & Marriage Game show

Royal Caribbean's version of the Newlywed Game, the Love & Marriage game show came up on our reader's list of regrets.

"IK missed the Love and Marriage show for the first time in my life," wrote Andrea Toth.

"I regret missing it. It was in the afternoon and I was busy but I did regret not going."

5. Helicopter tour

On his Alaska cruise, Rich Harrington listed not taking a helicopter tour.

Alaska's glaciers are incredible sight, and the best way to see them is by helicopter or seaplane. They are, however, quite pricey.  Usually the price of a helicopter ride starts at $500 per person.

If you can get past the price, the access these rides give you are unparalleled. You'll fly up and land on a glacier and explore the ice caves or take a dog sled ride.

6. FlowRider

Is surfing your thing? You won't know until you try.

Andrew Maiewski shared, "While I know I would fail miserably at FlowRider surfing. I still have yet to try body boarding, which I kinda want to do."

With the FlowRider, you can try stand-up surfing or boogie boarding, and there's no cost. It's simply first come, first surf.

Read more: I learned how to surf on a weekend cruise. Here is my advice if you want to try it too

7. Booking a balcony cabin in Alaska

Is it worth spending extra for a balcony room on an Alaska cruise?

Connie Jackson seems to think so, "Balcony cabin on my Alaska cruise" is what she listed as a regret.

If you have a balcony cabin in Alaska, you can more easily pop out from your cabin to see the beautiful scenery passing by. It's certainly more convenient than going out to a public deck.

Read more: Best cabins to book for an Alaska cruise

8. Rock climbing

One of Royal Caribbean's signature onboard activities is the rock wall, and it's something I have yet to try either!

Chris Buchner wrote, "Rock climbing!! Did it on my last cruise, and I regret not trying it many cruises ago!"

Sandra roof added, "My husband finally did the rock wall last week. He's 53 and in great shape. He flew up that wall on the hardest one. The attendant even said he made it look to easy. I was proud of him."

No matter how far up the wall you make it, going up the rock wall is a good test of your own personal endurance, and a fun challenge too.

9. Taking it easy

Sometimes the best thing to do on a cruise is nothing at all.

Rebecca Jackson posted, "Slowing down a bit and relaxing."

Getting away from it all is a major draw of any cruise, and with all of the fun activities onboard, it's easy to lose sight of just enjoying time away from the daily routine.

Whether that comes in the form of sitting in a lounger by the pool, taking an afternoon nap, or reading a book, there's plenty of ways to not do much while on a cruise.

10. Diving

A few readers shared they regretted not giving scuba or snorkel dives a try on their cruise.

Both Justin White and Daniella Price wrote they wish they had a chance to try an underwater dive on their cruise.

Royal Caribbean sometimes offer scuba classes onboard so that guests can then work towards their certification, including a dive in one of their upcoming ports.

There's almost always snorkeling or other underwater excursions offered in Caribbean ports as well.

11. Sleeping in

I'm guilty of not getting enough sleep on a cruise, but that's because of how much fun there is to try!

Maxine Bucholtz wrote, "More sleep!!" and I agree it's difficult to find the motivation to sleep when there's so much happening around you.

The FOMO (fear of missing out) is real on a cruise. You'll see a daily list of activities jam packed with things to do, along with exciting ports, and opportunities to go out with friends and family.

However, taking the time to sleep in and relax is important too.  It's a good idea to pick a day and set the alarm late and embrace rolling out of your cabin well into the double digit times.

12. Karaoke

Mustering the strength to stand in front of a room full of strangers and belt out a tune is not as simple as it sounds.

A few readers had karaoke on their list of regrets, saying they would have liked to give it a try.

You'll find karaoke on almost every night of the cruise, and it's really popular.  In fact, even if you want to try it, you'll need to act quickly because so many people do karaoke that it often fills up quickly.

13. Ultimate Abyss

Royal Caribbean's signature dry slide may seem daunting, but a lot of readers regret not giving it a try.

The Ultimate Abyss is 10 stories long and puts you in the dark as you descend through the twists and turns while riding a mat.

On Utopia of the Seas, the Ultimate Abyss slide will be even longer and add a few tweaks.

In addition to it being longer, the slide on Utopia will have rollers in to to bump up your speed as you go along and a section where you're going to be able to see the other rider. 

14. Water slides

Many readers also had the water slides on the ship they were on previously as something they wish they had done.

You'll find water slides on most Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and they are a fun (and free) activity you can try.

As you might imagine, the lines do get long, but they are as fun as they look.

My advice for being able to do the water slides without as long of a wait is to go on embarkation day. Pack your swimsuit in your carry-on bag and go right when you get on the ship. 

Read more: 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

15. Watching the sunset

Collene Felts listed not watching the sunset from an upper deck as her regret, and I think sunsets at sea are so beautiful to see.

While photos usually come out nice, it just doesn't do it justice.

They're great for a selfie, or to just take in the moment. It's one of those surreal moments to just enjoy life on a cruise ship and take it all in.

16. Booking a suite

A few people regretted not spending more to book a Royal Caribbean suite.

Tim Lott wrote buying a suite as something he wanted to do, and Dayna Richards responded, "We had one of the rear facing suites on Harmony of the Sea. When it came time to disembark, we were escorted past the entire passport line. We were out of there in five minutes. My husband said we will ‘always book a suite from now on. "

Gwendolyn Salzman added, "A suite! But, I could do a couple cruises for the price of one suite. So, I chose the lower priced cabins so I can cruise more often."

Certainly the perks of a suite are impressive, and it's a lovely way to spend your time while on a cruise. Between the larger living space in your cabin to the services provided by the concierge, the experience will spoil you.

Read more: I cruised in a suite for the first time. Here are 5 things I learned from the experience–and 3 I'd do differently next time

17. Skeet shooting

Whether he meant this in jest or not, R.D. Wheeldon had skeet shooting on his list and he missed out on this activity by about 30 years or so.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, you could shoot clay pigeons off the back of a cruise ship. That's right, you'd be given a shotgun to shoot targets off the back of a ship.

The practice came to an end at some point in the 80s or 90s, but it was something you could have done back in the day.

Read more: 8 Cruise ship activities Royal Caribbean abandoned

18. Skypad

A few readers wish they had the opportunity to try the Skypad before Royal Caribbean closed it.

Greg Brockman wrote, "I wish I had tried SkyPad before it closed."

The Sky Pad was a trampoline where guests put on a virtual reality visor to engage in a game as they jump. 

Once inside, participants bounced up and down on the trampolines with the aid of the bungee cords. As you jumped on the trampoline, you jumped in the game. 

Similar to the FlowRider surf simulator and sky diving simulator, it was meant to offer guests a gravity-defying fun top deck experience.

19. Not buying the drink package

In retrospect, Jennifer Stoeckeler wish she had bought Royal Caribbean's drink package to help curtail costs, "I regretted not buying the drinks package. So many pretty cocktails. If I went on another I would. Cruising is great!"

A few others had drink package on their list because it ensures you have a fixed price for all the drinks you care to enjoy onboard.

Royal Caribbean has three primary drink packages to cater to various tastes, and while the cost is high up-front, it is truly unlimited once onboard the ship.

There are a few ways to get a discount on a Royal Caribbean drink package so you don't have to pay top dollar for it.

20. Different drinks

Speaking of drinks, Cheryl Watt wished she tried a wider variety of drinks.

It's easy to fall into the rut of ordering the same familiar drinks on any cruise. Sharon Birmingham combats this by actually having a list of drinks to try when she cruises.

Here's our list of 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package.

21. Back to back cruises

What's better than going on a cruise? Going on two cruises in a row!

Bev Taylor and Chris Gonterman listed a back-to-back cruise as their cruise regret.

When someone says they are doing a back-to-back cruise, it means they are doing multiple cruises in a row on the same ship.

Even the most organized travelers should make a list of last minute things to do prior to their cruise vacation. You don't want to show up to the port and realize that you left an important document at home!

Plus, it is not as easy to run out and pick up something, like medication, if it were left behind. When you are on the ship, you are not a short drive away from a drug or megastore, such as Target or Walgreens. 

To save yourself the last minute panic, here are 12 last minute things that you should check off of your list before your next cruise vacation. 

1. Pack your passport or birth certificate and government-issued form of identification 

Being denied boarding would surely put a damper on your cruise vacation. Without a passport or birth certificate and government-issued form of identification, you will not be able to set sail. These documents are checked prior to embarkation, so it is crucial that you ensure that they're packed in your carry-on luggage. 

If you are going on a closed-loop cruise, or one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port, you are able to use a birth certificate. Sailings that are one-way or depart from outside of the United States, however, require that you have a valid passport. 

It is important to research what documents your specific cruise requires before you book. If, for instance, you book a last minute cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver thinking that you can sail without a passport, you are sure to be disappointed upon arriving at the cruise terminal. 

Read more: Guide to cruising with a birth certificate

2. Complete the online-check in process

If you have yet to do so, you will want to set aside a couple of minutes to complete Royal Caribbean's online check-in process, so you do not have to worry about it on embarkation day. 

The online check-in process opens 45 days prior to your cruise departure date, and it is recommended that you put a notification on your calendar of the exact date check-in opens, so you can complete it as soon as possible. This will ensure that you get your first pick of arrival times, too. 

To complete the online check-in process, you will need the following things on hand:

• Personal information (i.e., legal name, birthday, and address) for each passenger
• Identification document information for each passenger
• A picture of each passenger (note that there are requirements that the picture has to meet; any selfie won't suffice)
• Crown & Anchor Society membership number
• Credit/debit card to link to your onboard expense account

3. Get your favorite over-the-counter medications

If you are like me, then you probably have a preference when it comes to certain over-the-counter medications. I am a huge fan of Advil Liqui-Gels versus other types of pain relievers, so I always make sure that I have them packed for any vacation! Maybe you prefer Bonine over Dramamine to help cure symptoms of seasickness. 

Inventory is limited on a cruise ship. In other words, you won't find a fully stock pharmacy onboard. Plus, the prices will be higher than what you would pay if you were to purchase everything beforehand at a store on land. 

The hope is that nobody in your travel party falls ill while on vacation. Life, however, does happen, and it is better to be prepared! This is why you should also make sure that you pack cold and flu medication, like DayQuil or Tylenol Cold + Flu, which will enable you to treat your symptoms at any hour of the day. 

Other first-aid related items to pack are band-aids, including those intended to specifically treat blisters, cough drops, toothache gel, antacids for heartburn and indigestion relief, and eye drops. 

4. Print your cruise luggage tags 

Once you finish checking in for your Royal Caribbean cruise, you will be able to print your luggage tags. These help crew members know where to drop your suitcases off once they are loaded onto the ship. 

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will be greeted by porters, who will take your larger bags. While they have paper tags that are ready to be filled out, printing your own ahead of time will help streamline the embarkation process. The faster you get through the physical part of check-in, the sooner you will be onboard and officially starting your vacation!

Don't worry, though-- if you don't have plastic luggage tag holders, the porter will have a stapler on hand! They can, however, be purchased on Amazon for around $7 for a pack of four! If you plan on frequently cruising, they are a great investment, as luggage tag holders can be used time and time again on all your future Royal Caribbean sailings. 

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Please note that we have included a link to an Amazon item above, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase the item through it. 

5. Download the Royal Caribbean app

The Royal Caribbean app will be a useful tool during your vacation, even before it begins! Through the application, you can access your SetSail Pass, which is what is scanned prior to you getting on the ship since you don't get your SeaPass until you are able to access your stateroom. 

Once onboard, the app is where you will find the daily schedule with activities, restaurant times, and more. You can also use it to keep track of your onboard spending, connect to the ship's wi-fi, and book shore excursions and specialty restaurant reservations. 

Downloading the app ahead of time will allow you to get your bearings with it before you get to the cruise terminal.

6. Make any last-minute pre-cruise bookings through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner 

Passengers are able to access Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website up to 48 hours before their sail date, meaning that if it is the week before your cruise is scheduled to depart, you can still take advantage of booking cruise add-ons from the comfort of your own home! 

While options will be more limited (i.e., you probably won't be able to secure prime-time My Time Dining spots), you will not have to worry about spending time making reservations on embarkation day. 

While those who booked a dining package will have to wait in line, if you are just interested in one specialty restaurant, it would behoove you to book it ahead of time, as the lines can get relatively long on the first day with everyone scrambling to book the rest of their restaurants. 

Plus, onboard pricing will be more expensive! You can typically score a Royal Caribbean drink package for less by purchasing it in advance. Another benefit to doing so prior to your cruise is that you can begin taking advantage of it the second you step on the ship. 

Read more: Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port

7. If Royal Caribbean's shore excursions don't appeal to you, research options offered by third parties

Hopefully you have your shore excursions lined up in advance. If, however, time slipped away from you, take some time to research each of the ports that you are visiting. Maybe your ideal excursion through Royal Caribbean sold out in advance, and you need to find a backup option through an independent tour operator. 

It is best to have all of this lined up before you board, especially if you are planning on cruising without internet access.

That being said, if you have booked any third party excursions, make sure that you print out any documents that are needed in advance. You may want to write down the meeting point or phone number of the tour operator, too. 

8. Get cash from your bank

Your SeaPass card will act as your credit card while onboard the ship, meaning that you won't have to worry about keeping your cards or cash on you when making purchases at a bar or merchandise shop. 

While in port, however, you will need to have local currency. Some vendors will not accept credit cards, and even if they do, you might be faced with hefty foreign transaction fees. For that reason, it is always best to have cash on hand to help pay for things like taxis, local restaurants and cafes, museum entrance fees, beach chair rentals, and souvenirs. 

Cruise ships have ATMs onboard; however, they have some fairly expensive fees. If you find yourself in a situation where you need more cash, you can theoretically take money out via the casino by loading money into a slot machine. The amount you select will be charged to your onboard account. Then, you can simply cash out before actually gambling and visit the cashier.

9. Prepare your embarkation carry-on bag

As mentioned earlier, when you arrive at the cruise terminal, your larger bags will be collected by a porter.

This is why it is essential that you have a carry-on bag with you where you can keep your boarding documents (i.e., passports, birth certificates, etc.), as well as any medication, electronics, jewelry, and anything else that you want on your person. You won't have access to your bags until they are delivered later in the afternoon. 

For those traveling with children, pack some toys, light snacks (i.e., crackers or goldfish), books, diapers, and a change of clothes. You will want them to be entertained while you're waiting to finish the physical check-in process, as well as throughout the day before you're able to enter your cabin for an afternoon nap. 

10. Check the weather forecast

One of the most important aspects of pre-cruise planning is making sure that you are packing efficiently! 

The weather is something that's subject to change at any moment. Even if you checked it when you packed a week ago, you will want to check it one more time before heading out the door. Maybe a random cold front will be blowing in during your cruise to The Bahamas or it will be unseasonably rainy in the middle of June on your Alaskan cruise. 

11. Watch a tour of your ship on YouTube

The best way to acquaint yourself with your specific ship ahead of time, especially if it's a new-to-you class of ship that you've never sailed on before, is by watching a tour online. Here at Royal Caribbean Blog, you can find a tour of almost every ship in the fleet on our YouTube channel.

Of course, it is recommended to get a feel for the ship you are booking ahead of time. What if, for instance, you are hoping that it has a certain dining venue or onboard activity? You may be disappointed upon boarding to find that the ship you are on lacks the amenities everyone in your travel party was looking forward to. 

Even if you have done your research, ship tours will often reveal hidden secrets about the ship. Maybe there's a quiet space for you to escape the crowds, such as the shuffleboard alcove off the running track onboard Symphony of the Seas.

12. If you're a e-book user, download books ahead of time

There's nothing quite like catching up on your reading list while sailing on the open ocean. Cruise ships have libraries onboard, but the selection can often be limited. If you are in the middle of a certain series, you are better off either bringing your own copies or downloading them on your e-reader ahead of time, especially if you are foregoing wi-fi. 

If you are traveling with children, you'll want to ensure that you have their toys packed, too. While Royal Caribbean's onboard shops do sell some, the selection is limited to mostly branded options. Plus, they are on the pricier side!

Some of the best benefits Royal Caribbean gives its most loyal customers begin at the Diamond tier.

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program, the Crown and Anchor Society, has a few different tiers with great benefits. However, the Diamond tier is noticeably the most sought-after tier to reach, and for good reasons.

Once you reach 80 cruise points with Royal Caribbean you will be at the Diamond tier and this is when the well-worth loyalty benefits begin, and there are a variety of different ways to enhance your cruise once you hit Diamond status.

No need to worry about enrolling in the loyalty program since you are automatically enrolled when you start cruising with Royal Caribbean and will accrue cruise points.

Re-think buying the drink package 

While a Royal Caribbean drink package can be a good value and an amazing treat, sometimes as a Diamond member it may not make sense to purchase the drink package.

Royal Caribbean offers four complimentary drinks each day to each Diamond member up to $14 each. This is a big savings, especially if you are cruising with your partner then it can add up to $112 of free drinks each day of your cruise.

A pro tip is for each guest of drinking age to bring a bottle of wine or champagne from home onboard to have at dinner. On embarkation day, each guest is allowed to bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne.

Also, being Diamond status you get a complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee beverage (excludes Starbucks) when you buy a specialty restaurant dinner. This is a nice bonus since those delicious lattes can be pricy nowadays, at sea and on land! Another nice benefit is access to the Diamond Lounge's fresh brewed coffee and cappuccinos. I enjoy a nice cappuccino over the standard free coffee guests can get in other areas onboard. 

It is worth noting to make sure to ask your waiter to add your Diamond drink vouchers when ordering your free drinks. This also applies to any loyalty discount you use.

More savings on drinks as Diamond status are two 50% off vouchers for the purchase of any glass of wine, beer, or soda and the one time per sailing 20% percent voucher off any glass of wine, beer, or soda.

After all of these savings, I find myself buying the rest of my drinks with my SeaPass card and I actually save money skipping the drink package, that way I can spend the saved money on an excursion or a cooking class instead. But of course, if you are drinking enough each day, the deluxe drinking package can be a good value for you. 

Take advantage of balcony and suite discounts

Being Diamond tier you get a greater discount on balcony and suite cabins. This may sway your decision on booking an inside cabin vs a balcony cabin.

You can save up to $125 on 3-5 night sailings, $225 on 6-9 night sailings, and $325 on 10+ night sailings.

To get the best deal book your cruise more than 6 months in advance, the savings drop when you sail within 6 months of your booking date.

Attend exclusive events 

There are a couple of onboard events you can attend as a Diamond member. These include a top tier event on sailings 5 nights or more for Platinum loyalty tier (30 cruise points) and above and a nightly happy hour in the Diamond lounge exclusively for Diamond guests which has light appetizers and a social ambiance.

The Diamond Lounge is also open during the day so you can go in and enjoy a coffee or tea at any time. In the lounge, there is a Diamond Concierge to assist with any special needs or requests during your sailing, which can be helpful when lines are long at guest services.

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.

Also on sailings 5 nights or more, there is an Up Close & Personal with Our Entertainment Family Event. These events are something new to try onboard and I recommend checking it out if you haven't yet. 

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Make sure to get a photo

I always make sure to stop at a photo opportunity onboard or at a port to let the talented photographers take a photo since Diamond members receive a complimentary photo from your existing printed photo selection.

This perk is another per person perk so if you are with your partner you will get two free photos. Prices can be $20 or more for certain photo sizes so this also can be great savings if you are looking for photos to take home.

Use the ship internet

Diamond guests get one free day of Voom internet or price equivalent discount on any onboard internet package for one device.

With this, you have a day to connect with family back home or check in. It is nice to have this on a sea day so you get one full day of access.

Use free casino credits

I am not a huge gambler, but I sure will take a free $6 in free play credits for the casino on the ship.

You can use this at the slot machines and it cannot be used towards table games. You never know - you could turn that $6 into $200!

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

Youth Benefits

If you have children with you, they share the same tier as you, as their parent until they turn 18. Most Diamond perks are aimed at adults but there are a few perks your kids can get that will save you money. These perks include:

• 50% off one scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream on ships that feature Ben & Jerry's onboard. Valid twice per sailing.
• 4 free daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks)
• 1 free day of SURF+STREAM internet
• Buy one get one free movie rental in your stateroom

Bottom line

There are more Diamond benefits you can take advantage of but these are some great highlights that can enhance your Royal Caribbean cruise!

If you are someone who sticks with Royal Caribbean exclusively then it is achievable to reach Diamond status. You need to reach 80 cruise points to get to the Diamond tier, you get one point for every night you sail in a regular stateroom and two points for each night in a suite.  

If you do the quick math, if you take a seven-night cruise once a year in a cabin that isn't a suite, it will take you 12 years to reach Diamond. Of course, if you book a suite it will be half the time since you get double cruise points.

Being a Diamond member makes cruising on Royal Caribbean even more appealing with the great perks that come along with the status. Diamond Plus is the next loyalty tier to reach above Diamond needing 175 cruise points and the benefits become even greater.

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