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Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship: Review, Photos

In:
13 Aug 2023
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and will begin offering cruises in January 2024.

Icon of the Seas in Miami

Icon is the first in a new type of Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and will be packed with many cool things to do, including a water park, new areas dedicated to families, revamped pool decks, diving shows, dining experiences, and many more attractions that will entice you to try it all.

She is the first new type of vessel for the cruise line since 2014.

The 20-deck high ship comes in at 250,800 tons will be more than 6% bigger than Wonder of the Seas and able to hold up to 7,600 passengers. Icon of the Seas will also be 10 feet longer than Wonder of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas sea trials from second trials

Icon of the Seas completed her sea trials in June and November 2023, and was delivered to Royal Caribbean on November 27, 2023.  The new ship went to Cadiz, Spain and Ponce, Puerto Rico to receive its finishing touches. She will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay before arriving in Miami on January 10, 2024.

In December 2023, Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was named the godfather of Icon of the Seas.

When she launches in early 2024, Icon of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world.  If you are thinking of booking Icon of the Seas, or are planning for an upcoming cruise, there are quite a few things you should know about this new ship.

How big is Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas aerial

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon Class ship, which means this cruise ship will have a new design, size, and look compared to other ships that came before her.

Icon of the Seas will carry 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy (or nearly 10,000 people when you account for the crew) when it first sets sail with guests Jan. 27, 2024.

Icon of the Seas sailing away

When completed, Icon will be 20 decks high and 1,198 feet long and measure 250,800 gross tons.

That makes Icon larger than any other cruise ship in the world.

Where will Icon of the Seas sail from?

Icon of the Seas in Miami

Icon of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Miami in January 2024.

Miami will be homeport from January 2024 through at least April 2026. 

Icon of the Seas itineraries

Icon of the Seas in Miami with fireworks

When Icon enters service, she will offer weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and each will visit Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Icon of the Seas aft in Miami

The inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing will be January 27, 2024.

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Miami; Phillipsburg, St Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

7-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day at CocoCay: Miami; Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; Perfect Day at CocoCay; Miami

Icon of the Seas neighborhoods & layout

Ready to see what you can do on Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas will have 8 neighborhoods to help passengers easily navigate the ship.

AquaDome

AquaDome

Instead of a Solarium at the front of the ship, Icon of the Seas will have an AquaDome area.

The AquaDome itself weighs 363-tons and has over 600 glass panels.

Aquadome

At its heart, this area is home to the indoor AquaTheater from the Oasis Class ships, and put it into this multipurpose space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, offering 220-degree views. 

The shows here will feature aerialists, acrobatics, high dives, and the tallest waterfall at sea (55 feet tall). There will be two shows that passengers can see in the AquaTheater: "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids." 

Night in Overlook

When the space isn't being used for a show, passengers can take in wraparound ocean views and enjoy views of the waterfall as they enjoy a bite or drink.

Read more: Icon of the Seas AquaDome: What to expect

Central Park

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Icon of the Seas will have its own lush green place onboard, with thousands of real plants, dining, and live music.

The open-air garden neighborhood will have living plants, where you can enjoy all sorts of dining and entertainment.

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Royal Caribbean will open a new jazz club in Central Park, Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

The jazz club will be a new spot to offer "jazz in the park" as passengers stop in for a set.

Bubbles

If champagne is your thing, be sure to stop by Bubbles, which is Royal Caribbean's new walkup champagne window.

You can order glasses of mimosas, prosecco, Bellini and even bottles of bubbly on tap morning, noon, and night.

icon-izumi-6

Speaking of walkup windows, the cruise line's first walk-up sushi window will be in Central Park on Icon.

Izumi in the Park will have signature rolls, nigiri, and Japanese sweet treats, all served in a portable box to take with you, available for an additional cost.

icon-trellis-bar-central-park

Of course, there will still be a Trellis Bar in Central Park, and it will have a new look and offer food for the first time.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Central Park: What to expect

Chill Island

Lagoon pool

Royal Caribbean has plans for the best pool deck at sea with Chill Island.

Swim and Tonic pool

Chill Island will have ocean views galore from the three-deck pool area. Icon of the Seas will have Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea.

You'll also find the largest pool at sea: Royal Bay Pool.

Cove pool

If you want a quieter pool experience, head to the infinity-edge Cove Pool that has in-water loungers.

Cloud 17 is another infinite-edge pool to enjoy. It was originally slated to be the adults-only area, but Royal Caribbean changed that to The Hideaway and made Cloud 17 open to all guests.

Cloud 17 also has a whirlpool and Lime & Coconut bar.

Pool information for Icon of the Seas:

  • Royal Bay: The largest pool at sea, designed for all guests to enjoy. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 15. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • The Cove Pool: An infinity, portside pool directly facing the ocean. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 15. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m
  • Cloud 17: Pool overlooking the ocean with dedicated Lime & Coconut bar and whirlpool. Located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 17. Hours of Operation:  8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Maximum Capacity: 249)
  • Swim & Tonic: First-to-brand swim-up bar located in Chill Island Neighborhood on Deck 16.
    Seating for 12 at the swim-up bar. Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – Late.

Thrill Island

Thrill Island

Thrill Island is the name of a brand new neighborhood coming to the first Icon Class cruise ship, and it is a new approach to aquatic fun on a cruise ship for Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean wanted to go beyond just having water slides, so Icon will introduce the first water park at sea.

Category 6 is the new water park that has six water slides, including an open free-fall slide, the tallest drop slide at sea, family raft slides that accommodate four riders at once, and two mat-racing slides. 

  • Frightening Bolt: The tallest drop slide at sea
    (Min Height: 52” tall)
  • Pressure Drop: The first open freefall slide at sea
    (Min Height: 52" tall)
  • Storm-Chasers (2): The longest mat racing slides at sea
    (Min Height: 48” tall)
  • Hurricane Hunter: The first family raft slide at sea
    (Min Height: 48” tall)
  • Storm Surge: The first suspended family raft slide at sea
    (Min Height: 48” tall)

All adventures within Category 6 Waterpark are complimentary during the hours of operation: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Because Royal Caribbean wants Icon of the Seas to rival any family land resort, the amount of space dedicated to water slides is meant to rival shoreside resorts.

RelatedRoyal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will have the largest water park to thrill all ages

Crown's Edge on Icon of the Seas

Crown's Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of courage. 

Guests are strapped in and walk 154 feet above the ocean for this experience. It lasts about two and a half minutes and culminates with a drop-through portion, which Royal Caribbean described as "pretty scary."

Mini golf on Icon of the Seas

There will be one FlowRider surf simulator onboard, as well as other brand staples like Adrenaline Peak – the ultimate rock-climbing expedition, Sports Court, and a totally reimagined Lost Dunes mini-golf course.

Basecamp

After all that fun, you might want to take a break at Basecamp. There's Desserted, which is a milkshake bar that has over-the-top milkshakes (including some that have alcohol).

Surfside

Surfside neighborhood with Water's Edge pool

Surfside is a new neighborhood dedicated to young families, and it's at the heart of the focus of Icon of the Seas.

This neighborhood will offer splash areas for babies and kids. There's a new pool-themed version of Royal Caribbean's carousel and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups. 

Kids using Splashaway Bay must be fully potty trained, but Baby Bay is for children who are still in diapers a place to splash and play. Additionally, the slide within Splashaway Bay requires a minimum height of 42” tall and a maximum weight of 300 lbs.

Surfside

Adventure Ocean and the teen club have entrances here, which means easy access to either place.

Surfside neighborhood

Grownups can hang back at Water’s Edge pool as the kiddos play at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, complete with slides, fountains, water cannons, a drench bucket and more.

Waters Edge hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Surfside neighborhood: What to expect

The Hideaway

The Hideaway neighborhood

Another brand new neighborhood is The Hideaway, which is Royal Caribbean's version of a beach club. It's also the adults-only area on 

Think Las Vegas pool party, you'll find the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

Types of day beds

Then there's a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a variety of seating, and a dedicated bar. There are also daybeds you can rent for an additional cost.

The Hideaway Pool hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Suite neighborhood

Suite Sun Deck render on Icon of the Seas

The Royal Suite Class benefits will be available on Icon of the Seas, and that includes three decks of space for suite guests.

Between decks 16 to 19 is an enclave for suite passengers that has many of the ship's suite cabins, along with restaurants, a lounge, and outdoor areas exclusively for suite guests.

This will be Royal Caribbean's largest area for suite guests, and it includes a suite sun deck, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and a new casual eatery just for suite guests, The Grove.

Icon Suite area

Coastal Kitchen will be two decks high on Icon of the Seas. The suite sun deck concept is bigger than ever with a multistory area known as The Grove, with lounge space, pool, hot tub, and a complimentary Mediterranean restaurant.

Royal Promenade

icon-of-the-seas-royal-promenade-hero

Royal Caribbean wanted to iterate the Royal Promenade concept on Icon of the Seas, as it's expanded and a step up from previous versions.

The Royal Promenade measures 362 feet long and will feature ocean views for the first time. As you walk onto the ship, you'll see a giant multi-deck high glass wall that will provide natural light and a way to still see the beautiful ocean that surrounds the ship.

1400 Bar

When you walk onto the ship, you'll pass by the 1400 Bar. Each cruise ship is given a number at a shipyard, and so Royal Caribbean decided to pay homage to Icon's build number by naming it the 1400 bar.

One major feature you will quickly notice on The Promenade is The Pearl, which the cruise line describes as a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

The Pearl

 

Pearl Cafe

Something else different about the Royal Promenade is there's the largest ice arena yet in "Absolute Zero."

Two decks on the Royal Promenade

Also located within the Royal Promenade is Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, which is a new location for this restaurant.

Dueling Pianos concept art on Icon of the Seas

There will also be a Dueling Pianos bar, Sorrento's pizzeria, Point and Feather Pub, Spotlight Karaoke, Boleros and Schooner Bar.

Read more: Icon of the Seas Royal Promenade: What to expect

Icon of the Seas Dining

Main Dining Room on Icon of the Seas

There will be a combination of new dining concepts and returning favorites on Icon of the Seas, and some will be included with your cruise fare.

With over 20 places to dine on the ship, Royal Caribbean hopes Icon of the Seas will deliver the best in dining yet. Eleven of them will be complimentary, while nine will incur an additional fee. 

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Complimentary restaurants

surfside-icon-3

These restaurants are included in your cruise fare.

Keep in mind there may be items on the menu here that cost extra, but the majority of the menu has no additional cost.

aquadome-icon-5

AquaDome Market

Food hall-style eating in AquaDome with different stations offering distinct cuisines, such as mac 'n cheese, Greek bowls and pitas, Asian dishes, and more.

basecamp-icon

Basecamp

Walkup window and bar in Thrill Island. Offers complimentary options, as well as some premium selections that can be purchased á la carte, including waffle chicken nuggets ($7), Wisconsin cheese curds ($6), crispy shrimp bao buns ($8), grilled chicken sandwiches ($9), and smash burgers ($11).

el-loco-fresh-icon

El Loco Fresh

Mexican buffet food

main-dining-room-icon

Main Dining Room

Sit-down meals for breakfast and dinner every day (lunch on sea days).

icon-park-cafe-2

Park Cafe

Grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Unlike Oasis Class ships, Park Cafe will be open in the evening for late-night bites until 10pm.

Pearl cafe

Pearl Cafe

24-hour quick service venue offering complimentary sandwiches, ready-made salads, coffee, and more.

Sorrento's on Icon

Sorrento's

Pizza by the slice

Sprinkles

Sprinkles

Complimentary soft-serve ice cream throughout the day.

surfside-icon-10

Surfside Bites

Grab-and-go food

surfside-icon-3

Surfside Eatery

Dedicated buffet in the Surfside neighborhood so families don't have to go far to get a meal.

Vitality Cafe

Healthy snacks and smoothies

icon-windjammer

Windjammer Marketplace

Buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Icon-Suite-Neighborhood-30-Coastal-Kitchen

Coastal Kitchen

First ship in the fleet to have a two-story Coastal Kitchen restaurant. This restaurant is reserved exclusively for suite guests.

Icon-Suite-Neighborhood-32

The Grove

Also reserved just for passengers staying in a suite cabin, The Grove is an al fresco buffet that serves Mediterranean cuisine.

Specialty restaurants

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These restaurants have an additional cost to dine here, either a cover charge or are priced individually for each item you order.

  • Basecamp (offers complimentary and specialty options)
  • Celebration Table
  • Chops Grille
  • Desserted Milkshake Bar
  • Empire Supper Club
  • Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
  • Hooked Seafood
  • Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
  • Izumi in the Park
  • Pier 7
  • Playmakers Sports Bar 
  • Room Service
  • Sprinkles
  • Starbucks
  • Sugar Beach
  • Trellis Bar

What's included with your Icon of the Seas fare?

Carousel

While it might seem like there's a lot of ways to spend extra money on Icon of the Seas, there's quite a few options included with your cruise fare.

Here is a list of things that is included with your cruise fare:

Adrenaline Peak

Thrills

  • Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall
  • Baby Bay splash zone
  • Carousel
  • Category 6 waterpark (6 waterslides)
  • Fitness Center
  • FlowRider surf simulator
  • Lost Dunes mini golf course
  • Playscape climbable fun for kids
  • Running track
  • Splashaway Bay kid-friendly aquapark
  • Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, pickleball and more)
Swim and Tonic Bar

Chills

  • Cloud 17 (open to all guests)
  • The Hideaway neighborhood & pool (suspended infinite pool)
  • Royal Bay pool (largest pool at sea)
  • Swim & Tonic (swim-up bar and pool)
  • The Cove pool (Oceanfront infinity pool)
  • Water's Edge (Family-friendly pool)
  • Whirlpools
  • The Grove Suite Sun Deck & Pool (suite guests only)
main-dining-room-icon

Dining

  • AquaDome Market (5 unique food stands)
  • Basecamp (Walk-up snack window)
  • El Loco Fresh (Self-serve Mexican classics)
  • Main Dining Room
  • Park Cafe (Quick fresh bakery bites)
  • Sorrento's (Pizza by the slice)
  • Sprinkles (Unlimited soft serve ice cream)
  • Surfside Bites (Sweet & salty snacks)
  • Surfside Eatery (Family-friendly buffet)
  • The Pearl Cafe (Pastries, salads & sweets)
  • Windjammer (buffet)
  • The Grove (upscale Mediterranean restaurant for suite guests)
  • Coastal Kitchen (Pacific Coast meets the Med restaurant for suite guests)
icon-lous-1

Entertainment

  • Absolute Zero (ice skating & free skating)
  • AquaTheater (high-dive water shows)
  • Boleros (Latin-themed bar)
  • Dueling Pianos (A battle of the baby grands)
  • Lou's Jazz 'n Blues (Bar with live jazz music)
  • Music Hall (Two-story live music venue)
  • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (Game on at Royal Promenade)
  • Point & Feather (English pub with live music)
  • Royal Theater (Shows and original productions)
  • Schooner Bar (Nautical bar with piano)
  • Spotlight Karaoke (main stage or private room)
  • The Attic (comedy club)
  • The Overlook (next level hangout with live music)
  • Adventure Ocean (Award-winning youth program ages 3-12)
  • Social 020 (ultimate teen hangout)

In addition, there will be free programming all day, including trivia, themed events, parades and more.

Icon of the Seas Bars & Nightlife

Music Hall concept for Icon

Royal Caribbean will offer a combination of new and fan-favorite bars to enjoy.

Dueling Pianos on Icon of the Seas

Dueling Pianos: Royal Caribbean’s first dueling pianos bar will have twin baby grand pianos with pianists taking song requests to bring high-energy performances to the Royal Promenade.

Jazz Bar

Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues: Jazz venue in Central Park with live performances of soulful classics and jazz pop tunes.

aquadome-icon-8

Rye & Bean: Coffee shop in AquaDome that can serve up coffee and espresso cocktails.

Sips and Spotlights

The Overlook and Overlook Pods: A new concept entirely, this bar has nooks and is located conveniently near the AquaDome. Royal Caribbean envisions this as a place to drink, play classic boardgames and kick back to live music, too. 

1400 Bar

1400 Lobby Bar: Located right when you board the ship, the drink menu was developed with renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim.  The venue’s also the first to open the vibrant Royal Promenade to the outdoors with an ocean-facing terrace.

Bubbles

Bubbles: New walkup champagne window in Central Park open morning, noon, and night.

Royal Caribbean classic bars:

  • Trellis Bar
  • Boleros
  • Schooner Bar
  • Point & Feather English pub
  • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
  • Spotlight Karaoke
  • Music Hall
  • The Attic comedy club

Which shows will be on Icon of the Seas?

Aqua Action show

There will be three primary venues for shows: AquaDome, ice skating rink, and Royal Theater.

The premier show in the AquaDome will be "Aqua Nation!". "Pirates vs Mermaids" is the name of of the other show in the AquaDome.

Starburst poster

"Starburst" is the name of the ice skating show in Absolute Zero skating arena. And there will be one additional show in Absolute Zero, "Once Upon A Time".

"Wizard of Oz" will be the featured musical on Icon of the Seas and it will have a targeted runtime of around 90 minutes.

Icon of the Seas was delivered in late November 2023

Icon of the Seas plaque

Icon was originally scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2022, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused her construction plans to be delayed by a year.

Her first sailing with paying guests will be on January 27, 2024.

Cabins and suites on Icon of the Seas

Infinite Grand Suite

Royal Caribbean has 28 different Icon of the Seas cruise ship cabins you can choose from, with an eye to provide the most spacious rooms designed by the cruise line.

There are new categories of cabins, new neighborhoods, and views never offered before on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Read moreEverything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

More than 82% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will accommodate 3 or more guests, and more than 70% of all rooms onboard Icon of the Seas will have a balcony.

Icon loft suite

There are 2805 total staterooms on Icon of the Seas:

  • 179 suites
  • 1815 balcony staterooms
  • 276 ocean view staterooms
  • 535 interior staterooms

New stateroom options

Panoramic ocean view

Royal Caribbean has introduced new kinds of cruise cabins for the first time ever with the launch of Icon of the Seas.

There are 14 new categories that range from standard rooms to suites, including more options for families.

One mantra Royal Caribbean wanted for its cabins is more space for families that provide more space and accessible options in every category, locations, and amenities.

Some of the new kinds of cabins you can find only on Icon of the Seas include:

Family infinite balcony

Family Infinite Oceanview Balconies: Cruise ship cabins that can accommodate up to six people in one room, with a bunk alcove for kids and enough TVs for everyone.

The bathroom features a split design – with a shower and a sink on one side and a sink and toilet on the other – to make getting ready for the day or bed easier for every family member.

Surfside family suite

Surfside Family View Cabins: Located in the new Surfside neighborhood, these cabins are designed for up to 4 people with convenience to the neighborhood just for young families.

Ultimate Family Townhouse

Ultimate Family Townhouse: If you are looking for the biggest and most impressive suite anywhere at sea, Royal Caribbean has a three-level townhouse for you.

It features a multilevel, in-suite slide, areas for karaoke and watching movies, two private balconies, and even a private entrance to Surfside – complete with a white picket fence and mailbox.

How much does it cost? According to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, the average cost of the Ultimate Family Townhouse in 2024 is $75,000 per week.

Casino

Casino on Icon of the Seas

The casino on Icon of the Seas will feature more televisions so you can watch sports at the same time.

"On the all new Icon of the Seas, you don't have to choose between watching the big game and playing in the casino. More screens means more entertainment, everywhere you look."

Casino bar

There will also be bar-top video poker and a high-limit area.

Icon of the Seas facts

Icon of the Seas sailing at dusk
  • 20 total decks (18 guest decks)
  • 5,610 guests at double capacity and 7,600 max guests
  • 2,350 crew (bringing maximum total to 9,950 people onboard)
  • 7 pools, 9 whirlpools
  • 6 record-breaking waterslides
  • 250,800 GT
  • 1,198 feet long
  • 159 feet wide at waterline
  • Captain: Captain Henrik Loy

When can we book Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas sailing in 2024

You can now book Icon of the Seas sailings via the Royal Caribbean website or with a travel agent.

The cruise line put bookings on sale beginning October 24, 2022 for Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor members and October 25 to everyone else.

Next-gen power

LNG tanks

Icon will be the cruise line’s first of three ships to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).

LNG and the state-of-the-art ship’s additional environmentally friendly applications, such as shore power connection, will boost energy efficiencies and reduce carbon footprint. More details about Icon’s advanced environmental technologies will be revealed at a future date.

The LNG fuel tank on Icon of the Seas is 307 tons and 90 feet long.

LNG tanks

Traditionally, cruise ships are powered by diesel. The advantage LNG has over diesel is it is more energy-efficient and will reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the efficiency of Icon of the Seas, "Our new Icon class is coming with LNG-hybrid but, basically it's LNG. It's 35% more fuel energy efficient than regular fuel. And the ship itself, because of the design, is about 30% more efficient."

In addition, Icon of the Seas will utilize a shore power connection that removes emissions while connected at port.

What is The Pearl?

The Pearl

The Pearl is the centerpiece of the Royal Promenade and is what you'll see when you walk onto the ship. It's part of the arrival moment passengers have when they walk onboard the ship.

The Pearl is an interactive, multi-sensory experience made with kinetic tiles.

icon-pearl

The Pearl encompasses four things:

  • A gorgeous way to introduce the ship as you walk into it
  • An engineering marvel
  • It creates gorgeous views
  • It has an experiential moment inside of it that's different for everyone.

It measures 46 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter, with 578 aluminum external panels.

Other interesting facts about The Pearl:

  • 9 miles of cables for power & lighting
  • 1,323 feet of air conditioning ducts
  • Steel mounting frames on the inside
  • It required two tugboats to move it to the shipyard
  • 5,600-metric-ton-crane lifted it into position
  • It's taken 45,000 working hours to construct the sphere

Icon of the Seas sneak peek: Inside Royal Caribbean's next new ship

In:
12 Aug 2023
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean is in the final months prepping what will become the largest cruise ship in the world.

Icon of the Seas under construction in August 2023

Icon of the Seas won't launch until early 2024, but the ship is already generating incredible hype with an unmatched level of fascination for a new cruise ship yet unseen.

The 20-deck high ship comes in at 250,800 tons and will take away the title of biggest cruise ship in the world from sister vessel, Wonder of the Seas.  In fact, it will be the first time in about  5 years that an Oasis Class ship hasn't been the biggest in the world.

At the Turku, Finland shipyard, Royal Caribbean gave a hard hat tour to travel agents to help familiarize the new ship with some of the top sellers of all things Royal Caribbean.

Introducing Icon of the Seas

Beci Mahnken, president and CEO of MEI-Travel, had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at the not-yet-completed ship while it's being worked on.  Unlike our visit to the ship in May, Icon is in a far more complete stage of construction now.

Icon already completed her first set of sea trials, and is expected to complete work on her sometime later this year before being readied to start offering cruises.

If there's one thing apparent about Royal Caribbean's new ship, it's that it's anything but ordinary.

Icon of the Seas shipyard tour - August 2023

Royal Caribbean calls Icon of the Seas a "white paper" ship, because it has been designed from the ground up with new concepts. 

There's been a lot of attention for this new ship, and rightfully so, as it represents the single biggest chance of being a game changer to the cruise industry in the same way the Oasis of the Seas was when it launched.

Icon of the Seas shipyard tour - August 2023

Royal Caribbean is building on its legacy of not just building big cruise ships, but innovating and leading the industry at the same time.  Royal Caribbean sets the bar all other new cruise ships are judged against.

Icon of the Seas shipyard tour

With five months left before the first passenger steps onboard Icon of the Seas, there's still plenty to do.  In the meantime, here's a look at the latest progress and how much closer to completion the ship is.

Thrills get their own deck

Category 6 water park under construction

You wont run out of things to do on Icon of the Seas, especially if water slides are your thing.

Icon will introduce the first water park at sea, with six different water slides that will draw your attention within a mile of arriving to the ship.

Thrill Island is the name of a brand new neighborhood coming to the first Icon Class cruise ship, and it is a new approach to aquatic fun on a cruise ship for Royal Caribbean.

Category 6 water park

Because Royal Caribbean wants Icon of the Seas to rival any family land resort, the amount of space dedicated to water slides is not something you will find at any old hotel complex.

RelatedRoyal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will have the largest water park to thrill all ages

In combination with their private island, Royal Caribbean thinks they have a one-two combo that will draw people to Icon like never before.

"The Icon product, along with Perfect Day, with the kind of experiences that we're offering, with the kind of new accommodations that we have on Icon and the experiences that we have for young families, older families and of course couples and singles and what have you, is really squarely standing shoulder to shoulder with Orlando and those kind of destinations," is what Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said about his company's plans.

Icon of the Seas shipyard tour - August 2023

The water slides, known collectively as Category 6, take up the back of the top deck of the ship, and are flanked by mini-golf, a rock climbing wall, and a brand new thrill "walk".

Crown's Edge is a combination ropes course, sky walk, and obstacle course.

Crown's Edge
Crown's Edge on Icon of the Seas

Guests are strapped in and walk 154 feet above the ocean for this experience. It lasts about two and a half minutes and culminates with  drop through portion, which Royal Caribbean described as "pretty scary".

Royal Promenade

Royal Promenade construction

Icon of the Seas is not the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to have a Royal Promenade thoroughfare on its ships, but it will be the first to introduce an expanded and evolved version.

At 362 feet long, the Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the seas is longer than a football field, and for the first time, it incorporates ocean views.

icon-promenade-2

As you walk onto the ship, you'll see a giant multi-deck high glass wall that will provide natural light and a way to still see the beautiful ocean that surrounds the ship.

Royal Promenade construction

The Pearl is a likely focal point of the Royal Promenade, which the cruise line describes as a multi-sensory experience built with 3,000 kinetic tiles. 

Royal Promenade construction

Behind The Pearl, guests will find the Pearl Cafe, which serves freshly toasted croissants, hot chocolate croissants, croissant sandwiches, sweets, and other specialty desserts. 

Royal Promenade construction
Royal Promenade construction

You will find Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar on the Promenade, which is a new location for this restaurant. There will also be a Dueling Pianos bar, Sorrento's pizzeria, Point and Feather pub, Spotlight Karaoke, Boleros and Schooner Bar.

Royal Promenade construction
Royal Promenade construction
Royal Promenade construction
Royal Promenade construction
Royal Promenade construction
Royal Promenade construction
Royal Promenade construction
Royal Promenade construction

On one end of the Promenade will be the new ice skating rink, Absolute Zero, with over 2,850 square feet of ice.

Absolute Zero will host two different shows: "Starburst" and "Once Upon A Time."

Casino Royale is located just one deck below the Promenade.

Casino Royale construction
Casino Royale construction

Pools, pools, and more pools

Icon of the Seas pool construction

A connection to the water was one of the guiding principles to Icon of the Seas' design, and you'll find a pool deck that exceeds anything else the cruise line has offered.There's 62% more water surface area than on the Oasis Class cruise ships.

Chill Island is the name of its massive resort-style relaxation zone where you'll find the largest pool at sea, an adult only pool, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Five of the seven pools on Icon of the Seas are located in Chill Island.

Pool aerial on Icon of the Seas

Whether it's sitting by the pool, listening to the Caribbean band, or enjoying time at the ship's swim-up bar, the idea behind Chill Island is you can pick from different ways to take it easy.

Icon of the Seas pool construction
Icon of the Seas pool construction

Like most of the ship, the pools are under construction and will be among the last things to be completed (no need to add pool water this early).

Pool elements ready to be installed on Icon
Icon of the Seas pool construction
Icon of the Seas pool construction

There will be pools for adults, pools for families, and pools to simply enjoy the views all around you, including the ocean.

Top of Icon of the Seas construction

The Aquadome

AquaDome construction

You can't miss the AquaDome as a feature, given that there is a giant glass dome adorned to the front part of the ship. Inside, Royal Caribbean hopes to deliver a jaw-dropping experience.

Instead of an outdoor theater that is subject to weather conditions, Royal Caribbean built a dome it placed on top of the theater, along with enough space to add bars, food hall, and even cruise ship cabins.

Lifting the AquaDome
AquaDome installed on Icon of the Seas

Photos simply do not do the AquaDome justice, because it is truly massive. It weighs 363-tons and has over 600 glass panels of cables. It was no simple feat to hoist it into position, as the team in Turku had to use 1,600 feet of cables to lift it into position. The length of cables is longer than the height of the Empire State Building.

AquaDome construction
AquaDome construction

Of course, the AquaTheater is at the heart of this neighborhood. Royal Caribbean has a show that that will feature aerialists, acrobatics, high dives, and the tallest waterfall at sea at 55 feet tall.

 There will be two shows that passengers can see in the AquaTheater: "Aqua Nation!" and "Pirates vs Mermaids." 

You'll find the Overlook inside the dome, which has 220-degree views from pods you can sit in and enjoy time with friends.

More family time

Surfside neighborhood construction

If there's one major focus Royal Caribbean has with its new ship, it's it wants to up its family cruise game to a whole new level.

Icon will have an entire neighborhood dedicated to young families, known as Surfside. It's located at the back of the ship in an open-air space that is somewhat similar to the Boardwalk neighborhood on the Oasis Class ships.

RelatedRoyal Caribbean is building the best cruise ship for young families on Icon of the Seas with a new purpose-built area

A look down the Surfside neighborhood

Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay are the focal point of the new neighborhood, which is an aquapark and pool designed for families to enjoy together. Royal Caribbean added the Water's Edge pool so adults can lounge in the pool too.  It is located at the aft of the ship, complete with in pool lounge chairs and gorgeous views of the ocean.

Entrance to Surfside
Surfside view looking up

As part of Royal Caribbean's plans to attract families away from theme parks and other land destinations in Florida, this part of the ship is all about appealing to not just kids, but their parents too. 

Instead of a place to take your kids, Surfside is meant to be enjoyed alongside your kids.

Surfside construction
Surfside construction

There's lots of dining choices too, including Surfside Bites. This quick eatery has burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon sugar donut holes, and, of course, soft serve! 

Surfside bites

You'll also find new cabins in Surfside designed to accommodate more people, which is perfect for families.

There are new categories of cabins on Icon, with over 50% of Icon's room types new to the cruise line.

RelatedRoyal Caribbean designed first-of-its-kind cabins for its new cruise ship

Infinite balcony
Bathroom construction on Icon of the Seas
Cabin construction

The ocean view infinite balcony that allows you to expand your indoor living space or invite in the sea breeze with the touch of a button.

One new cabin type is the Family Infinite Balcony room, which has in-room games, a split bathroom, and even a bunk area for children that can be closed off with a curtain for privacy. Plus, each bunk has their own television!

Family infinite balcony construction
Icon of the Seas cabin under construction
Surfside cabin construction

And then there's the epic suite that cannot be overlooked.

Ultimate Family Townhouse

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a mind-blowingly epic, 3-story stateroom extraordinaire that features its own back yard with a private entrance into Splashaway Bay. 

Demand is so strong for these rooms that it's selling for $80,000 per week in 2024.

Townhouse construction
Suite bathroom

There's an in-suite slide to bring you into "the coolest living room ever", which has hidden nooks too.

UFT slide
View of Surfside

Central Park

Central Park render on Icon of the Seas

A fan-favorite neighborhood will make it on Icon of the Seas in the form of Central Park. 

In the heart of the ship is an open air garden with living plants that create a peaceful atmosphere amongst various dining and entertainment venues.

Central Park construction
Central Park construction

When it's complete, Central Park will have a jazz club, walkup champagne bar window, and new restaurants too.

RelatedThe Ultimate Icon of the Seas Dining & Lounges Guide

Central Park construction
Bubbles construction

Bubbles is the walkup champagne bar window where glasses of mimosa, prosecco, and Bellini, and bottles of Champagne are available all day.

If elevated dining is your thing, you'll need to check out the new swanky supper club coming to Icon of the Seas.

empire-supper-club-icon
Empire Supper Club construction

Empire Supper Club is is meant to be reminiscent of the 1930s in New York City, and it has two seating for guests to experience the extravagant eight course menu.

The menu will feature premium American cuisine and offer selections such as caviar and wagyu. Plus, each course will be paired with a beverage. 

Launching in January 2024

Icon of the Seas aerial aft at Cococay

Royal Caribbean has billed Icon of the Seas to be not just a major player in the cruise industry, but the likely heir apparent to the title of most coveted cruise ship.

The first sailing is scheduled for the end of January, and Icon will be the first of at least three new cruise ships in this class.

Hallway on Icon of the Seas

While it's likely inevitable for Icon to be compared to her Oasis Class sisters, there's little doubt Royal Caribbean isn't up to the task considering their track record of introducing game-changing ships time and time again.

Related11 reasons Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will change the cruise industry

The next step for Icon are around round of sea trials scheduled for later in 2023 to ensure Icon of the Seas is ready to be delivered to Royal Caribbean prior to her January 27, 2024 maiden voyage. 

The first sailing of Icon of the Seas will be a 7-night cruise from Miami on January 27, 2024.

The ship will sail year-round out of Miami in 2024, alternating between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, with four different routings available for departures between January 2024 and April 2025.

More information

Royal Caribbean testing out chatbot that can answer common questions

In:
11 Aug 2023
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean is experimenting with a new chat bot that can answer some basic questions customers might have before they get on a ship.

Sign of Royal Caribbean

We spotted a new chatbot on select pages of the Royal Caribbean website that provide an option to engage with and get answers.

A customer service chatbot is a bot that uses AI and machine learning to answer basic customer questions via a business messenger. For example, you could ask "how do I book a cruise" or "when can I check-in for my cruise?".

Chatbots use existing knowledge base articles to help answer customers’ questions. They can recognize and answer multiple forms of the same question and can be trained to give instant responses using your preferred voice and tone.

Chatbots are a popular mechanism for ecommerce sites to get answers to customers 24/7 on topics that are very commonly asked. AI chatbots have really risen to prominence since 2020, providing 24/7 support, and automatically resolving questions without any human intervention.

Chatbot pop up

The chatbot is in a pop up that appears on select pages of the Royal Caribbean website, such as the frequently asked questions section. It is not available on the Royal Caribbean app.

If you opt to click on the "Chat with us" pop-up, the Virtual Agent greets you with the option of inquiring about an existing booking or if you have no booking.

Chatbot pop up active

The chatbot allows you to type your questions and it will try its best to find you an answer.

Testing out the chatbot

Answer from chatbot

I was curious as anyone to know how helpful the chatbot could be, so I fed it some questions that are commonly asked in Google searches.

Below you'll see the question in bold, followed by the chatbot's response.

Dining room waiter

How much do you tip a cruise waiter?

As of September 7th, 2022, the automatic service gratuity of $16.00 USD per person, per day for guests in non-suites staterooms, or $18.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Suites, will be applied to each guest’s SeaPass account on a daily basis. The gratuity applies to individual guests of all ages and stateroom categories. Gratuities are shared among dining, bar, culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to enhance the cruise experience.

Read moreTipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn't do

Bottled water

Can I bring a 12 pack of water on Royal Caribbean?

Yes, guests are allowed to bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles, or cartons per stateroom.

Read moreWhat food or drinks you're allowed to bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Passport

Do I need a passport or birth certificate to take a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Yes, as a US citizen, you will need a valid US passport book that is valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends to board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. If you are sailing from a US homeport, an official US state-issued birth certificate is also accepted. Guests age 16 and older who present an official US state-issued birth certificate will also need to provide a valid driver's license or government-issued picture ID.

Read morePassport card vs book: Which should you choose?

Covid test

Do I need a Covid test to enter US after a cruise?

Vaccinations, face masks, and pre-cruise testing are no longer required to sail, with the following exceptions: transpacific sailings ending in Australia (pre-cruise testing & vaccines required), cruises from Australia (vaccinations, face masks and pre-cruise testing required), and the Ultimate World Cruise (vaccination required).

Can you split a drink package on Royal Caribbean?

I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that at the moment.

Read moreRoyal Caribbean Drink Package guide

Will my phone work onboard a Royal Caribbean ship?

Yes, Royal Caribbean works with cellular networks to provide the ability to connect your device through "cellular at sea". These roaming rates to utilize your device are determined by your cellular provider. Prior to your sailing, it is recommended to contact your cellular provider for more information on these rates and special packages available. Additionally, another option for staying connected without utilizing your cellular data is connecting to VOOM, the fastest internet at sea. VOOM allows guests to stay connected via wifi, with a variety of packages to choose from.

Read moreCellphone Use Onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise

no-smoking-sign

Where can I smoke on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

For the comfort and enjoyment of our guests, our ships are designated as non-smoking; however, we recognize that some of our guests do smoke. To provide an onboard environment that meets all needs, we’ve designated certain areas of the ship as smoking areas. Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas, must be properly disposed of, and never be thrown overboard. We’ll have visible signage posted in areas where smoking is permitted, and ashtrays that are provided for use. Cigar and pipe tobacco are limited to designated outdoor areas and Cigar Bars. You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or use tobacco on sailings beginning in U.S. ports. For sailings beginning in all other ports, the minimum age is 18 years old.

Family at Windjammer

Where can I eat on embarkation day at the start of a Royal Caribbean cruise?

On the first day of your Royal Caribbean cruise, you can enjoy a meal at our different available venues before heading to your stateroom.

freedom-main-dining-room

I've been assigned My Time Dining, what does this mean?

My Time Dining is one of the options you’ll get to choose from when you book your cruise. Unlike traditional dining — where a dining time is assigned to you — guests who opt for My Time Dining can eat in the Main Dining Room anytime they like during dinner hours, according to availability. Reservations are strongly recommended. My Time Dining uses the same menu as traditional seating. The wait staff will have your table ready for you so can avoid a delay in seating. If you would like a specific waiter or table, they are more likely to be able to accommodate your request with advance reservations (however, please note this is based on availability). Guests who have signed up for My Time Dining will have their SeaPass card designated with the dining room and deck number. They will be seated in one of the main dining rooms. There will be a My Time Dining check-in desk at the entrance to the dining room with wait staff to greet guests. My Time Dining is now a choice within the booking process. When making a reservation you will be offered “My Time” or traditional dining times* (i.e., 5:30 pm 8:00 pm). *Traditional dining times may vary by ship and itinerary.

Read moreWhat you need to know about Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining

Ship ratings feature added

Ship ratings example

In addition to the chatbot, you can now find cruise ship ratings for all of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships.

In visiting any of the ship landing pages, you'll find at the bottom a list of ratings.

Ship reviews

In fact, there's a lot of reviews listed for each ship.

For Wonder of the Seas, there were 51,409 reviews. Ovation of the Seas has 27,366 reviews. Mariner of the Seas has 37,647 reviews.

Perfect Storm waterslides on Wonder of the Seas

Moreover, the reviews don't seem to be filtered, if at all. There were as many glowing positive reviews and one star negative reviews.

Read moreWhy you can't trust online reviews of cruise ships

In case you're wondering, here's how the fleet stacks up based on average review score:

4.7 Stars

4.6 Stars

4.5 Stars

  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Brilliance of the Seas
  • Explorer of the Seas
  • Grandeur of the Seas
  • Jewel of the Seas
  • Ovation of the Seas
  • Radiance of the Seas
  • Vision of the Seas
  • Voyager of the Seas

4.4 Stars

  • Enchantment of the Seas
  • Rhapsody of the Seas

Royal Caribbean CEO wants to address overcrowding in customer loyalty lounge

In:
11 Aug 2023
By: 
Allie Hubers

One of the most popular Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society benefits looks like it may be in need of a refresh.

Michael Bayley wants to know what to do with the Diamond Lounge

Royal Caribbean is apparently looking to address overcrowding in its customer loyalty lounges, based on a recent social media post.

Royal Caribbean’s CEO Michael Bayley posted on Facebook the following question, which provided some interesting insight.

“So! I’ve been hearing from a lot of our guests about overcrowding in our Diamond lounges and in the Suite lounge.   It makes sense since our Top Tiers have grown by 30% last year alone! Capacity limitations is a tough one.  What do you think we should do?”

Michael Bayley post

As you can imagine, the post has already prompted hundreds of responses from his followers. Some provided real solutions while others took this as an opportunity to reflect on changes that have taken place within the Crown and Anchor program.   

If you’re one of Royal Caribbean’s top tier loyalty members, you have probably noticed significantly more people heading to loyalty lounges onboard your cruises.

Read more11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Crown and Anchor members who have reached Diamond, Diamond Plus or Pinnacle status have access to Royal Caribbean’s loyalty lounges onboard its cruise ships. These loyalty lounges typically consist of a Diamond Lounge, available for Diamond members and above.

Diamond Club sign

The overcrowding in loyalty lounges onboard Royal Caribbean ships has been an issue for a while, with more cruisers achieving Diamond status or higher.

As Mr. Bayley indicated, an influx of new Diamond members has exacerbated the overcrowding problem. So, what really created this problem and what is the solution for overcrowding in the loyalty lounges?  

Increase of top-tier members

Under the radar Crown and Anchor perks

As Mr. Bayley shared himself, there has been an estimated 30% increase in the top tiers of the Crown and Anchor program last year. 

This influx of new top-tier members can likely be attributed to Royal Caribbean’s post-pandemic strategy of offering double loyalty points for sailings. During the post-pandemic cruising restart, Royal Caribbean offered a lucrative promotion where loyalty members could earn double Crown and Anchor points for all itineraries.

This meant if you sailed on a 7-night itinerary in a standard cabin, instead of earning 7 Crown and Anchor points, you would earn 14 points. Couple this with staying in a suite or cruising solo, and it was pretty easy to rack-up your points.

Offering double points made it very feasible for loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers to earn top-tier status. Many took advantage of this promotion throughout 2021 and 2022. The strategy made sense operationally for Royal Caribbean to lure back loyal cruisers post-pandemic while the general public might have maintained some hesitancy towards cruising.  

This promotion was obviously very enticing for those looking to bump their Royal Caribbean status.

For example, our own Royal Caribbean Blog videographer, Jenna, earned Diamond Plus status within one year of cruising with the double points promotion. Her first Royal Caribbean cruise was in 2021. Comparatively, I have been cruising with Royal Caribbean since 2005 and I have the same Diamond Plus status as Jenna. 

Read moreI reached Diamond status with Royal Caribbean: here's why this loyalty tier matters

The double points promotion ended in December 2022, although only cruises booked in 2021 for the following year qualified. Undoubtedly, this had a major contribution to the lounge overcrowding because of the influx of new top-tier members with no place to go other than the Diamond Lounge. 

Removing the Concierge Lounge

 Suite Concierge

As some of you might remember, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members once had access to the Concierge Lounges onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. This used to be the top-tier lounge onboard - and it was a lucrative perk once you hit Diamond Plus loyalty status.

However, in the last decade, Royal Caribbean has been focusing more on amenities and accommodations for suite guests. As cruise ships get bigger, Royal Caribbean has been designing more luxurious suites onboard and providing more lucrative benefits to suite guests.

With each new ship that Royal Caribbean built, the cruise line opted to add a Suite Lounge to replace the Concierge Lounges onboard. This meant that Diamond Plus members could only access Diamond Lounges onboard.

For a while, if you were sailing on a ship that lacked a suite lounge, Diamond Plus members still had the opportunity to visit the Concierge Lounge. But, to accommodate more suite guests, Royal Caribbean chose to first restrict access for Diamond Plus members to the Concierge Lounge. 

Concierge Club

For a few years, Diamond Plus members could only utilize the Concierge Lounge at the discretion of the loyalty director onboard each sailing. If a particular sailing had a large number of Diamond Plus members onboard, the sailing would restrict access to the Concierge Lounge.

With the influx of many new Diamond Plus members in the last two years, it was rare to gain Concierge Lounge access anyway. Starting in December 2022, Royal Caribbean revoked all access for Diamond Plus members to enjoy the Concierge Lounge.

As such, Diamond Plus members can only access the Diamond Lounge now. 

Drink Voucher Change

Prior to the pandemic, one of the biggest draws to the Diamond Lounge was receiving unlimited alcoholic beverages during happy hour. Diamond members and above could only receive complimentary drinks in the lounge during happy hour, which typically ran from 5pm to 8:30pm. 

To combat overcrowding in the lounge, Royal Caribbean made the decision to allocate daily drink vouchers onto SeaPass cards. Drink vouchers can be used at any bar onboard for nearly any drink under $15. You no longer needed to wait until happy hour to redeem these, as you could enjoy your drink vouchers at any time during the day. 

Read moreHow Royal Caribbean's free drink vouchers for Diamond and higher members works

Unanimously, this was a win-win for everyone. The vouchers were a positive change for loyalty members because it provided flexibility. Also, you could now have almost any drink you wanted rather than ordering from a set drink menu in the Diamond Lounge. 

Because of the drink vouchers, you no longer have to visit the Diamond Lounge to receive your loyalty perks. This has certainly helped with overcrowding, as it would be an absolute zoo each evening if the Diamond Lounge was the only place to receive free loyalty drinks. 

Difficulty Earning Pinnacle Status

Pinnacle logo

Another contributing factor to the overcrowding issue is the massive gap in loyalty status from Diamond Plus to Pinnacle status. Here are the thresholds to reach top-tier status with Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor status: 

  • Diamond: 80 points
  • Diamond Plus: 175 points
  • Pinnacle: 700 points

There is an obvious gap in the loyalty ladder between Diamond Plus and Pinnacle status. It only takes less than 100 points to move from Diamond to Diamond Plus, yet you need to earn more than 500 points to reach Pinnacle status from Diamond Plus. 

Because of this structure, many people get stuck in Diamond Plus status for a very long time. You could earn Diamond Plus status three times over before you reach Pinnacle Status, as it requires triple the amount of effort to get to Pinnacle from Diamond Plus. 

Why visit the Diamond Lounge?

The Diamond Lounge is more than just a spot to grab free drinks. Each evening, you can find different nightly appetizers served. If you’re sailing on an older ship with limited dining options (like my last cruise on Jewel of the Seas), then grabbing a snack here in the early evening can be really nice if you have later dining. 

In addition, you can find continental breakfast served in the Diamond Lounge each morning. Those who prefer to have specialty coffee can enjoy cappuccinos and lattes in the Diamond Lounge all day, which is one of my favorite perks. 

Breakfast in the Diamond Lounge

There is also a dedicated Diamond Lounge Concierge to help you with any sort of issues you might have onboard. These concierges can help with dining reservations, questions, tender tickets and more. 

Diamond Concierge

The Diamond Lounge can also be a quiet space to retreat during the day, as this is often not when the lounges are crowded. Most of the overcrowding happens in the mornings and evenings. I’ve heard of some loyalty members heading to the Diamond Lounge on older ships because it provides panoramic views and a quiet space to relax. 

Finally, there is a sense of community in the Diamond Lounge. You are often surrounded by other travelers and loyal cruisers, making it easy to strike up a conversation with those you have things in common with. Many enjoy meeting others in the Diamond Lounge, as it provides a more intimate place to mingle with others. 

Ideas to combat overcrowding

Radiance of the Seas concierge lounge

The overcrowding in loyalty lounges is a product of other decisions made by Royal Caribbean. While it seems as though the pandemic exasperated the issue, the overcrowding issue has been building for a while. To start, many loyalty members are stuck in Diamond Plus status for a very long time. In fact, I’ve been a Diamond Plus member for OVER a decade, and that’s with multiple Royal Caribbean cruises each year.

One of the most popular suggestions on Michael Bayley’s Facebook post was needing another loyalty tier between Diamond Plus and Pinnacle status.

Another status could help break up the massive amount of Diamond Plus members that are currently enrolled in the loyalty program. With another status, Royal Caribbean could reevaluate the benefits for each tier as well during the restructure process.

Adding an additional loyalty status could even prove to be profitable for Royal Caribbean. Once Crown and Anchor member reach Diamond Plus, some feel they will never reach Pinnacle status, especially for older cruisers. This leads many to try out other cruise lines because they have already reached their most attainable status with Royal Caribbean.

It seems unlikely that Royal Caribbean will allocate more space on its ships for loyalty lounges. This has been apparent for quite some time, as the location and size of the Diamond Lounge continues to be less than exceptional. 

Another common suggestion was to limit the Diamond lounge to only Diamond Plus members.

Depending on the breakdown between Diamond and Diamond Plus, limiting the lounge to just Diamond Plus members would certainly alleviate some of the crowding. In addition, Pinnacle members able to still access the Suite Lounges onboard, so limiting Pinnacles to just one lounge could help with overcrowding as well. 

Many responses praised Royal Caribbean for creating the drink voucher policy, which has been wildly popular among cruisers. Having more flexibility each day of your cruise is one of the most enticing perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society, in my opinion. 

Do you think overcrowding is an issue? If so, what do you think could help with the overcrowding?

Royal Caribbean surveys passengers about charging for pizza, adding axe throwing to ships and more

In:
10 Aug 2023
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean wants to know if a planetarium, obstacle course, or a change in the food they charge for are things its passengers might want on a future cruise ship.

Sorrentos Pizza

Like many companies, Royal Caribbean will send surveys to its customers to not only get feedback on what their past experience was like, but to also see what people think about changes.

A survey sent to select cruisers this week hinted at some possible ideas the cruise line has and wants to know what its loyal cruisers think.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Michael Dorgan shared some of the questions he received in a post-cruise survey form that went beyond just asking him what his last cruise was like.

To be clear, nothing has changed or announced by Royal Caribbean. These are just questions to select cruisers sent via email survey.

The survey started to drill down in the dining and asking about Sorrento's, which is the complimentary pizza restaurant found on most Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

The question posed was, "If Sorrento's Pizza was offered for a fee, would you still dine there?".

Email survey

Sorrento's pizza is a staple of the food included on a Royal Caribbean cruise. It has a near cult-like following among avid cruisers who like it especially late at night. More importantly, charging for the pizza would remove effectively the only complimentary late-night food available on Royal Caribbean ships.

It then asked if changing Sorrento's from complimentary to an extra cost venue would stop them from cruising with Royal Caribbean, "How would Sorrento's Pizza being offered for a fee impact your likelihood to choose Royal Caribbean in future?"

Email survey

Then the survey moved toward new restaurant concepts, and in particular seafood restaurants, and what style of restaurant would a guest want to see on future ships.

Survey

Options included Greek, Cajun, Peruvian, British, Caribbean, New England style, surf & turf, or sushi. 

Royal Caribbean already has a New England seafood specialty restaurant with Hooked, and sushi on many of its ships with Izumi.

Another question on the survey was about the cruise line's specialty dining packages, and would the person buy it or not, and how they rated the dining package on past cruises.

Email survey

Lastly, the survey asked how much interest there would be in new kinds of experiences on future cruise ships. It listed axe throwing, go-karts, an indoor playground, pickleball court, roller coaster, obstacle course, or a planetarium.

Asking about new experiences to offer onboard is no surprise. Cruise ships have made a name for themselves over the last 30 years by continuously adding "I can't believe they put that on a cruise ship" experiences. Royal Caribbean is arguably the most synonymous with adding whizz-bang activities to its ships.

Bolt roller coaster

All of the ideas would be new to Royal Caribbean, but not necessarily the cruise industry. Norwegian Cruise Line has go-karts on some of its newer ships, and Carnival added a roller coaster to its Excel Class ships.

How realistic is it for these changes to occur?

Slice of pizza

Will Royal Caribbean actually start charging for pizza? Or add a planetarium to the next new cruise ship? No one really knows.

Historically, Royal Caribbean has used surveys to to test out all sorts of ideas, many of which never see the light of day as a change.

Royal Caribbean main dining room

On the other hand, sometimes surveys are indeed precursors to a new addition. In November 2022, Royal Caribbean used surveys extensively leading up to a main dining room menu change in 2023.

It's impossible to know what the future holds. The cruise industry is always evolving, but at this point, surveys should be used as "food for thought", rather than confirmation of anything the line may do.

Reader reaction

If the Royal Caribbean Blog community is any indication, charging for the same pizza that used to be at no cost is not something anyone wants to see, and many see it indicative of a larger set of cut backs and changes over the last few years.

The same survey made it to some other readers, who took to our message boards to voice their opinions.

"Charging for Sorrento’s pizza would be a relatively small thing I guess, but it would frustrate me," said teddy.

Pizza being sliced

ChessE4 sees a real problem with charging for pizza, "Charging for Sorrentos would be the beginning of the end for me. It would be like charging extra for dessert."

Al Miller seemed frustrated at the pattern of increased cost to cruise, "Record earnings! Best quarter ever! You hear this and you think "Whew!" Maybe now they can stop the death by a thousand cuts that is killing my desire to book anything new. Nope! Let's see how fast and how far they can gut the core experience."

JimnKathy hope the survey is merely the line dipping their toe in the water, "I'd like to think these survey questions are merely being test-marketed to gauge guest response...hopefully the RCL marketing/finance folks hear the responses loud and clear."

Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

In:
09 Aug 2023
By: 
Matt Hochberg

How do you pick a cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship that will be the right choice for you?

Balcony room

There are so many cabins you can choose from when booking a cruise, that the decision can be downright daunting. Royal Caribbean sails some of the biggest new cruise ships, and its newest ship will have 2805 rooms on just that vessel!

Besides the total amount of rooms, you also have to figure out the cabin categories.

As an example, Icon of the Seas has 28 unique cabin categories. Why so many? Primarily, Royal Caribbean wants to ensure they can offer something for everyone, and the goal is to be able to handle nearly any family onboard. Since cruisers come in all sorts of configurations, the cruise line has developed many cabin types to offer the most choices possible.

Family infinite balcony

No matter which ship you choose, you'll find inexpensive windowless "inside" cabins that are small, but practical, to opulent and sprawling suites that seem more like an apartment.

In terms of cabins, Royal Caribbean has something for everyone. There are small, inside cabins that will get you on the cruise at a reasonable price to huge suites that add more benefits than you can probably use on a sailing.

Royal Caribbean cabin basics

Crown Loft Suite

You will find four main categories of cabins on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship: inside cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins, and suites.

No matter which room you book, there is a base set of amenities any room will come with:

  • Bed that can be split apart and put together to sleep at least 2 people
  • Private bathroom with shower
  • Vanity with mirror and chair
  • Safe
  • Mini-fridge
  • Closet
  • Television

There are more balcony cabins than ever on Royal Caribbean's newer ships because the popularity of these rooms has become enormous.  Plus, balcony cabins cost more than interior rooms, so it's a win-win for the cruise line and consumer.

Grand Suite on Liberty of the Seas

No matter which ship you consider, suites are the category with the least amount of rooms available. Suites take up more space, and so there just isn't enough room to build as many.  Between the few that are available and the surging demand for suites, they are typically the first category to sell out. If you want a suite, you will want to book a cruise as early as possible.

Read moreThe 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Within each category of stateroom are subcategories that divide up rooms by configuration.  As an example, you will see a Superior Oceanview Balcony compared to an Oceanview Balcony.  The Superior room is larger, with more square footage than the other cabin.

There are also accessible cabins for those with mobility needs, as well as very limited cabins designed for solo cruisers

Inside cabins on Royal Caribbean ships

Inside room on Harmony

Inside cabins are attractive to anyone looking to cruise on a budget. Inside rooms are usually the least-expensive choice when booking a cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship. Compared to higher category rooms, you could save quite a substantial amount of money by staying in an inside room.

Inside staterooms are distinguished from other rooms primarily because they offer no natural view of outside the ship. These rooms have no windows or balconies.  There's just four walls.

You will also find the smallest amount of living space in an inside cabin. A regular inside cabin on Icon of the Seas measures just 156 square feet, compared to a regular balcony cabin that has 204 square feet of space, plus 50 square feet of balcony space.

Wonder-Interior

The compelling reason to book an inside stateroom is for the value, since they are often the least-expensive rooms you can book and that means it is the lowest entry point to getting on the cruise.  The exact size of the room will vary depending on the class of ship you are sailing on, but inside rooms will offer the least amount of space at the least price.

Read moreI always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

Over the years, Royal Caribbean has introduced new kinds of inside staterooms that retain the basic qualities of an inside stateroom, but with a new twist.

Promenade view: Promenade view staterooms are inside staterooms that feature a bay window that overlooks the Royal Promenade.  While the room has no view outside the ship, it does provide something to look at, with great opportunities for people watching as well as a great vantage point for events on the Royal Promenade.

Promenade cabin

Another added benefit of this room category is the bowed windows offer more square footage compared to standard inside staterooms.

The exact size of Promenade stateroom varies depending on the class of ships. Voyager and Freedom class ships Promenade staterooms are 160 square feet, whereas on Oasis class ships they are 193 square feet.

Read moreRoyal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

Virtual Balcony: One of the newest innovations to the inside stateroom is the virtual balcony stateroom, which takes a conventional inside stateroom and adds an 80-inch LED high-definition television that provides live views around the ship.

The screens are 4K ultra high definition capable screens that stretch from floor to ceiling and receive a video feed from the ship's cameras that are mounted at the stem and stern of the ship.

With virtual balcony staterooms, guests can enjoy a balcony experience without the balcony price.

Oceanview cabins on Royal Caribbean ships

Oceanview cabin

The next category up from an inside cabin is an oceanview cabin, which are slightly larger and have a porthole or window to the ocean. You can't open the window or get any fresh air, but there is natural light.

Generally speaking, oceanview cabins on Royal Caribbean ships are around the same size of a balcony cabin (minus the balcony space). In fact, some oceanview cabins at the front of a ship are substantially larger than balcony rooms, because of their odd shape.

Oceanview cabins at the front are a hidden gem because of how much more space they provide. Some are categorized as family cabins, and have bunk beds for the kids, along with separate bedrooms. Given their odd shape, you may find sloping walls and even a pole in the middle of the room.

Wonder-Ocean-view-oceanview

Much like the inside staterooms, oceanview cabins are on the inexpensive side and provide guests with an affordable means of being on the ship and still have a view.  Natural light is important to many guests, and the ocean view provides that.   Essentially, oceanview rooms are slightly larger inside rooms with a window.

The reason to consider an oceanview room is if a view is important to you, but the price of a higher-category stateroom is not possible. Alternatively, sometimes the price difference between an inside room and an oceanview is not too large, and someone may want to upgrade their room option at not a lot of extra cost.

There is one variation on the oceanview stateroom, which offers even more of a windowed view without the balcony.

Panoramic oceanview: Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom gives much more of a view than a traditional oceanview room, with a floor to ceiling wrap around panoramic window that is 76 inches high by 103-321 inches wide.  That is a big window.

Panoramic cabin on Liberty of the Seas

As you might imagine, the reason to book a stateroom like this is for the amazing views without the balcony view price.  

Balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean ships

Oceanview balcony cabin on Anthem of the Seas

The most popular stateroom category on Royal Caribbean ships are balcony cabins because they are an affordable way to get enough living space, fresh air, and private outdoor space.

Not only do you get a larger bedroom area, but you will get your own balcony attached to your room that you can step onto and enjoy the outside views.

Having your own balcony means you have a special spot on the ship just for you to enjoy, that provides views all around the ship, as well as that terrific ocean breeze. Many cruise fans swear by a balcony for the added space, private area and ambiance that only a balcony room can provide.

Balcony

A balcony cabin gets you more indoor and outdoor space, and that means more room for everyone to maneuver and makes the room feel less crowded.  Additionally, having a balcony means you have a great spot for sail away, enjoying the ocean passing by, or seeing the port you are docked in from the comfort of your stateroom.

Read more: 8 reasons to book a balcony cabin

On Oasis Class ships, Royal Caribbean created balcony cabins that face inwards, rather to the ocean.

Central Park balconies: On Oasis-class ships, Central Park balcony staterooms are available that instead of offering a balcony that overlooks the ocean, this stateroom category offers a view of the Central Park neighborhood.

The Central Park balconies offer the same fresh air and light that ocean view balconies do but with the opportunity to enjoy the ambiance of Central Park along with the people watching aspect. In addition, Central Park view balcony staterooms are often slightly cheaper than ocean balconies.

The exact size of a Central Park view stateroom with balcony is 182 square feet with a 50 square foot balcony.

Boardwalk balconies: Just like the Central Park balcony staterooms, the Boardwalk balcony staterooms trade the oceanview of a traditional balcony for a view of the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Boardwalk-Balcony-Deck-Allure-of-the-Seas

In addition to the view of the Boardwalk fun, some Boardwalk balconies can offer views of the ocean and/or the AquaTheater, depending on where your room is located.  Boardwalk balcony rooms are also usually priced less than ocean balconies.

A Boardwalk balcony room offers 182 square feet of living space, with a private balcony between 47 and 52 square feet.

Suites on Royal Caribbean ships

Royal Loft suite on Icon

If you want lots of space and benefits, you'll find a wide array of suites to choose from, with some even encompassing two decks in height.

Depending on which ship you select, there are various Royal Caribbean suite perks that you could choose between. There are rooms that come with a Royal Genie, which is kind of like a butler, and they will ensure you can get a spot in any restaurant, show, or venue and skip nearly every line.

Read moreRoyal Caribbean suites guide & review

As you might imagine, suites will cost more than any other Royal Caribbean cabin. These rooms are designed to attract travelers who can afford to spend more, and want to pay extra to get an elevated experience that gives them certain perks that other passengers will not have access to. 

AquaTheater-Suite-Wonder

Suites offer a tremendous amount of personal space, higher-end amenities, special bonuses and exclusive access.

Royal Caribbean has a few suites that really stand out compared to other cruise lines.

Read more5 best cruise ship suites on Royal Caribbean

AquaTheater balcony stateroom on Wonder of the Seas

The AquaTheater suites on the Oasis Class ships are enormous suites at the back of the ship, with even larger wraparound balconies that provide an unfettered view of the AquaTheater venue below, as well as the ocean.

Loft suites are two-story cabins that configured like a mini-apartment, with soaring ceilings.

And then there's the Ultimate Family Suites and Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Ultimate family suite

These over-the-top suites are built with families that want to splurge in mind. You will find an in-suite slide, leg room, cinema, play room, and an enormous amount of living space.

These family suites can sell for as much as $80,000 for a week.

From Junior Suites to Loft Suites, there are a number of options to choose from. Nearly all suites offer access to a concierge lounge and the services of the concierge host. Cabin suites usually consist of more than one room in your cabin and have the most space of any cabin.  

In addition to the impressive rooms, suite guests typically enjoy double Crown and Anchor Society points for each night of their cruise, concierge planning assistance, complimentary drinks and a private lounge, reserved seating by the pool and shows, and a whole lot more.

On Royal Caribbean's Oasis, Quantum, and Icon class cruise ships, the suite program is enhanced, and referred to as the Royal Suite Class.  Suites on these ships offer the most benefits and highest level of service, split across three tiers of benefits. 

More on picking a cruise cabin

Royal Caribbean cancels Panama Canal cruise season for Rhapsody of the Seas

In:
08 Aug 2023
By: 
Matt Hochberg

It looks like shorter Panama Canal cruises wont happen after all.

Royal Caribbean informed guests booked on Rhapsody of the Seas sailings in 2024 that were scheduled to visit the Panama Canal that their sailings will no longer visit the Canal. 

The plan was for Rhapsody to offer 7-night cruises through the Panama Canal that begin and ended in Panama. This was a novel idea to offer highly sought-after Panama Canal cruises without having to commit to a two week long cruise.

The Panama Canal represents one the premier sailings in the world, as it focuses on the transit itself. A marvel of engineering, this world wonder links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and revolutionized how good are shipped.

Rhapsody of the Seas at sea

Instead, Rhapsody will offer cruises to the Southern Caribbean. 

No specific reason was given why the Panama Canal transit was being dropped.

The email from Royal Caribbean starts out by saying, "To enhance your experience, we’ve adjusted the itinerary for our upcoming March 16th, 2024 Rhapsody of the Seas sailing. Rhapsody will now sail a 7-Night Southern Caribbean itinerary."

Panama canal cruise cancelled

Instead, Rhapsody will visit Aruba and Curacao, in addition to previously scheduled stop of Cartagena, Colombia.

Guests that were booked have three options going forward. They have until  August 29th, 2023 to make a decision.

Rhapsody of the Seas in Greece

1. Stay booked on Rhapsody of the Seas for the adjusted itinerary.

Royal Caribbean will attempt to move the booking to a like for like stateroom once the new sailing becomes available. 

The original stateroom category price will either be protected at the original cruise fare rate or reduced to the current cruise fare rate (whichever is lower).

Reimbursement for any non-refundable, pre-purchased transportation change fees incurred (such as a flight, train ticket, or rental car).

Mariner of the Seas in Nassau

2. Rebook any other Royal Caribbean sailing

Royal Caribbean will waive non-refundable deposit change fees to re-book another sailing.

Reimbursement will be offered for any non-refundable, pre-purchased transportation change fees incurred (such as a flight, train ticket, or rental car).

Internet search

3. Cancel for full refund

A full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare (including non-refundable deposits) and any pre-paid amenities to the original form of payment within 14 business days. 

New sailings for Rhapsody of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has not formally announced the new sailings to the public, but it appears Rhapsody will offer Southern Caribbean cruises from a homeport in Panama in winter 2024.

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship homeported in Panama is a first for the the line in almost a decade.

Prior to the cancellation, Rhapsody was scheduled to sail from Panama between December 2023 and April 2024.

Things that can get you kicked off a cruise ship in an instant

In:
08 Aug 2023
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Cruise ships have rules and breaking them can result in serious consequences.

It's rare that you will encounter a scenario that gets you in trouble with the cruise line's guest policy, but you might be curious to know what you can and cannot do onboard. Royal Caribbean takes the safety of everyone on its ships seriously, and there are plenty of regulations related to how guests (and crew members) should conduct themselves.

While everyone can make a mistake, there are consequences to actions, and if the cruise ship determines you're a troublemaker, you could find your cruise coming to a sudden end. A slip in judgement could result in someone being left behind at a port of call, rather than returning home, and it would be that person's obligation to figure out how to get home.

You may recall in 2019 an incident where someone thought it would be funny to video himself jumping off the balcony of his Royal Caribbean cruise ship.  He was summarily kicked off the ship while it was still in Nassau, Bahamas and he was banned for life.

Man jumping

In fact, it wasn't just him that got kicked off, but everyone in his group too.

Obviously jumping off the balcony of a cruise ship is an extreme example, but there are other things you absolutely cannot do that you should be aware of so there's no confusion about what you can and cannot do on a cruise ship.

Guest conduct policy

Rising Tide

There's a multitude of reasons you could be taken off a cruise ship, and it's spelled out in the guest conduct policy.

Every cruise line has a code of conduct that is outlined in the cruise contract that every passenger agrees to when they book a cruise. The cruise contract outlines what you can and cannot do onboard, as well as consequences. It also covers billing issues, such as cancelling a cruise and refund options.

The ship's Captain and security team can make an assessment if you're in violation of these rules. Consequences vary, but being escorted off the ship is one possibility.

Pool deck on Oasis of the Seas

Anyone that is removed from the ship is not entitled to any kind of refund or compensation for the lost time. It's as Gene Wilder once said in the role of Willy Wonka: you get nothing!

"I didn't see any cruise contract!"

Actually, you did, but may have not chosen to read it.

Cruise contract check box

When booking a cruise on Royal Caribbean's website, it's one of the required selections to make that you comply with the contract.  Travel agents should also convey these terms to you in the booking process to review.

There's a lot more to the cruise contract than rules about kicked off a cruise ship. There's information about what happens regarding itinerary changes, billing discrepancies and more. 

In general, it's a good idea to read through the contract to understand what you're agreeing to when you sail on a cruise ship.

Things that will get you kicked off

In reading through the cruise contract for U.S. guests, there's a few notable situations that could get you taken off your cruise ship.

Keep in mind these are simply what's listed, and it's ultimately at the discretion of the Captain and the cruise line how to handle it.

Drugs

Marijuana

Among the list of prohibited items you are not allowed to bring on a cruise ship are illegal drugs, and that can get you in serious trouble.

"Passengers who bring on board dangerous items, marijuana in any form, or any illegal drugs or controlled substances are also subject to immediate disembarkation or denial of boarding."

Just because you are legally allowed to have otherwise illegal drugs (i.e. medical marijuana) where you live does not mean you are allowed to bring them on a cruise ship.

Cruise ships adhere to the laws of the countries you visit, and that supersedes local laws where you are from.

Dangerous behavior

Kids on a cruise ship railing

Whether fighting with other cruisers, deliberately entering restricted areas on cruise ships, or damaging cruise ship property and violating serious safety rules, you can get kicked off the ship.

Royal Caribbean's policy covers pretty much anything that a guest does that is perceived to be dangerous.  The policy allows the line to confine someone to their cabin, or take them off the ship.

"When in the sole opinion of Carrier or the Captain the Passenger’s conduct or presence, or that of any minor for whom the Passenger is responsible, is believed to present a possible danger, security risk or be detrimental to himself or the health, welfare, comfort or enjoyment of others."

If it sounds vague, it's because Royal Caribbean cannot anticipate every possible scenario that could play out, so it gives the ship leeway in being able to determine who is a danger.

Engaging in a physical altercation, bothering fellow passengers on the pool deck, or assaulting a crew member may lead to being confined in the ship's holding area, commonly known as the brig or cruise ship jail. Additionally, such behavior could result in fines, forced disembarkation, or even a ban from the cruise line.

Heath Policies

Physical Distancing sign

While all cruise lines have rolled back nearly every Covid-19 policy from 2021-2022, the cruise contract still has verbiage in there in case onboard rules needed to be altered or amended.

Much of the policy is about what the cruise ship is allowed to do in terms of mitigating the spread onboard, and escorting a guest off the ship to stem the spread of the virus is an option.

"Passenger understands that Carrier’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures may or will include (but are not be limited to): confinement of Passengers to cabins, quarantine or emergency disembarkation of Passenger if, in Carrier’s sole discretion, such steps are necessary to prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19."

Crew members can be kicked off too

Ovation of the Seas docked

It's not just passengers that have rules about being kicked off, because crew members can be removed from a ship as well.

Crew members are not allowed to fraternize with guests or invite them into crew quarters. It's one of the best known strict rules for crew members, and it prevents them from engaging in any romantic activities with passengers.

The reason this rule exists is because everyone employed on the cruise ship essentially represents the cruise line itself.

If a crew member is removed from a ship, they will very likely lose their job as well.

Crew members must also adhere to other aspects of the code of conduct, which includes rules against vandalism, illegal drugs, attendance and more.

Bottom line: Be respectful

It's unlikely you'll ever be escorted off a cruise ship for breaking these sort of rules, but it's important to be aware of what is expected of you when booking a cruise.

Ignorance is never an excuse, and that holds true on cruise ships.

As long as you don't start a fight, follow instructions given by crew members, and don't act in an inappropriate way, you'll probably be fine. 

In all my years of cruising on Royal Caribbean, situations like this have rarely occurred where I've been close enough to become aware of them, but they do occasionally occur. Just like in your hometown, there's always going to be someone who stirs the pot, and there are recourses on a cruise ship for bad behavior.

As they say, don't be that guy, and you'll have a great vacation.

I've been on 12 Caribbean cruises, and I see passengers making the same 14 mistakes. Here's how to avoid them.

In:
07 Aug 2023
By: 
Jenna DeLaurentis

I’ve been on 12 cruises to the Caribbean, and I constantly see passengers making the same rookie mistakes over and over again. Whether forgetting to apply sunscreen or exploring ports without a plan, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your cruise goes as smoothly as possible.

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise region in the world. With dozens of diverse ports, sunny weather, and picture-perfect beaches, a Caribbean cruise offers everything you could ever need in a tropical getaway.

Yet even though passengers hope for the perfect vacation, there are a few mistakes that can easily have a negative impact on your Caribbean cruise. Knowing what to expect before your cruise begins is helpful to avoid any surprises (and disappointments) during your vacation.

Here are the 14 mistakes I see passengers making all the time while cruising the Caribbean.

Neglecting to bring small bills into port

On my most recent Caribbean cruise, I found myself in need of small bills on every port day. Whether to tip a taxi driver, purchase a cheap souvenir, or order food from a street food stall, I was happy I packed enough small bills in my daypack.

Unlike in the United States, you may frequently encounter cash-only businesses in the Caribbean. While most restaurants and tour operators will accept card payments, smaller businesses—souvenir stalls, food trucks, and taxis—may only take cash.

Related: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

I always recommend taking around $50-100 worth of small bills ($1s, $5s, and $10s) with you in Caribbean cruise ports. You might have difficulty breaking a $50 bill for a $3 souvenir or $2 bag of churros, so being prepared with small bills is recommended.

Forgetting to apply sunscreen

Without fail, you’re bound to see at least a few bright red, sunburned passengers on your Caribbean cruise. Not applying sunscreen often is one of the most rookie mistakes you can make, and it can severely lessen the enjoyment of your vacation.

I always recommend applying sunscreen before you disembark the ship, as there may be a relatively long walk on the pier to reach the port. By the time you get to the beach, you may have already been in the sun for a half hour, and this can lead to unwanted sunburns.

Once you’re in port, whether at the beach or walking around town, remember to regularly apply and reapply sunscreen. The sun in the Caribbean can be much stronger than what you’re used to back home even if it’s cloudy outside.

Planning a beach day in every port

When most passengers picture a Caribbean cruise, they imagine white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and coconut trees swaying in the breeze. With some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, it’s no secret that a beach day in the Caribbean is a must.

That being said, one common mistake I see cruisers making while planning a Caribbean cruise is planning a beach day in every port.

While there’s nothing wrong with spending every day at the beach, it can be challenging to spend all day in the sun, especially on port-intensive itineraries. By the third or fourth beach day in a row, you might be exhausted, sunburnt, and ready to do something different.

Related: Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port

Instead of sitting on the beach every day, why not switch it up? Other than beach days, the Caribbean offers excursions to Mayan ruins, introductory scuba diving courses, cooking classes, historical walking tours, and more.

Skipping a beach day in favor of a more unique activity in port can be a nice break from doing the same thing every day.

Picking the wrong ship

Another common mistake cruisers make when booking a Caribbean cruise vacation is picking the wrong ship.

Not all cruise ships are created equal, even if they belong to the same cruise line. Royal Caribbean’s small Vision Class ships, for example, are vastly different from the cruise line’s newest, biggest ships like Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.

Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, and with that they offer varied activities, amenities, and atmospheres. If you’re hoping for the latest and greatest, look for a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Quantum Class ships, or on a vessel that has been recently amplified to add new activities and venues.

There is a lot that goes in to picking the best cruise ship for your vacation, so we recommend reading these helpful tips:

Winging it in port

I never have much difficulty “winging it” in European or Alaskan cruise ports—I almost always show up to ports in these destinations without a plan and have a great day. Many ports in these regions are small and walkable, allowing passengers to simply walk off the ship and into town.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the Caribbean, and whenever I "wing it" in a Caribbean cruise port, I almost always end up disappointed.

In the Caribbean, it’s best to plan your port days in advance to ensure you know everything that’s available in port, allowing you to pick the most interesting activity for your travel style. Many ports in the Caribbean are not located near the destination’s most beautiful beaches or attractions, so booking a tour or taxi might be necessary.

Related: 11 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean

If you wing it, you might miss out on popular excursions, have difficulty arranging last-minute transport, or wind up trapped in a tourist area with thousands of other passengers.

Even some of the busiest cruise ports can be difficult to navigate without a pre-arranged tour or plan. Nassau, for example, has just a few attractions walkable from the cruise port, and most of the best beaches require a taxi ride and/or a day pass at a resort. It’s no surprise most cruisers wind up disappointed when they arrive without a plan.

While you don’t necessarily have to book an organized tour in every Caribbean cruise port, doing research ahead of time is recommended so you can properly plan your day.

Visiting the same ports over and over

It’s easy to get into the habit of booking Caribbean cruises to the same ports over and over, but if you cruise the Caribbean often, you should try something new.

There are three main itineraries for Caribbean cruises: western, eastern, and southern, and each has different highlights, from the tasty cuisine in Mexico to mountainous landscapes of St. Lucia.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, many cruisers find themselves booking the same region many times in a row, which means they are visiting the same few cruise ports several times.

Related: 4 great itineraries (and 1 to avoid) for a first cruise vacation

Instead of booking three eastern Caribbean itineraries, why not switch it up with a southern Caribbean itinerary that visits Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire? Or, if you always visit Mexico, consider a visit to ports like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Antigua instead.

Exploring new destinations is a highlight of a cruise vacation, so make sure you don’t get stuck in the trap of visiting the same 3-4 ports time and time again.

Staying on the ship

Pool deck on Oasis of the Seas

Another Caribbean cruise mistake I see all the time is staying on the ship in port.

If you’ve never been to a port before, it would be a huge mistake to stay onboard instead of disembarking in port and exploring a new destination. Every port in the Caribbean is unique, and each island brings its own culture, history, and landscapes.

Whether visiting a volcano in St. Kitts, snorkeling in Roatan, or walking around Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, there are a wide variety of ways you can spend your time in port.

Even if you don’t have any plans for a port day, why not get off the ship for an hour or two to walk around? Most ports have at least a few things to do in the immediate port area, such as a pool, beach, or shopping district.

Disembarking in port will help lessen the chance of feeling stir crazy on the ship, and you can still return to the ship early in the day to enjoy the ship’s amenities with far fewer crowds.

Saving all activities for sea days

Zip line ride

Hoping to try the FlowRider surf simulator, ride your ship’s thrilling waterslides, or test your strength on the rock climbing wall? If so, you don’t want to save everything for a sea day.

Sea days on a cruise are an excellent time to take advantage of all the fun things to do on your Royal Caribbean ship, from rollerskating to indoor skydiving and bumper cars. With nowhere else to be, many passengers use a sea day in order to try these exciting activities.

As a result, these activities can be very busy on sea days. It’s not uncommon to see long lines around the ship as thousands of passengers hope to try something new.

Related: 10 mistakes to avoid making on a cruise ship sea day

Instead of saving all activities for a sea day, knock some of them off your list on a port day instead. When most passengers go ashore, there’s far less demand for onboard activities, leading to fewer lines (or no lines at all).

Even if you have plans to go ashore, you can still try these activities before or after exploring port. In fact, one of my favorite tips is to ride your ship’s waterslides after a beach day in port. You’re already in your swimsuit, and it’s possible to ride the slides several times in a row with little to no wait time.

Not purchasing travel insurance

Allure of the Seas docked

I’m always shocked to see people cruise without travel insurance, and this is one of the most common mistakes I see people making while planning their vacation.

Travel insurance covers a wide range of scenarios, from trip cancellation to medical coverage and travel delay reimbursement. Most plans will also include medical coverage in your cruise ship’s onboard medical center, and this is not typically covered under your regular health insurance plan.

On one of my recent cruises, a passenger had to be airlifted in a helicopter to a hospital on land, and such an emergency situation can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you do not have travel insurance, you absolutely do not want to find yourself in this type of situation, but it might be out of your control in an emergency.

Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

Additionally, while on a cruise, you may be participating in a wider range of activities compared to what you do at home. You might book activities like a hiking excursion in the jungle or a horseback riding tour on the beach.

Although these activities are safe, there’s always a chance of an injury when doing something out of the ordinary, and you’ll want to have travel insurance should you need to visit a doctor’s office or hospital while in port or onboard.

Not haggling when purchasing souvenirs

Caribbean cruise ports have no shortage of souvenirs for sale, and many cruisers enjoy shopping while in port. From magnets to t-shirts, handicrafts, and local liquors, there are endless amounts of souvenirs you can buy in the Caribbean.

Some souvenir shops have set prices on each item, especially those in the immediate port area, but the vast majority allow you to haggle to get the best cost.

A mistake I see many passengers making is accepting the first price they are told when purchasing souvenirs. If you’re shopping for a bracelet and are told it costs $30, always ask if you can buy it for less.

Not all souvenir sellers are flexible, but more often than not you can save up to 50% on the original price they offered. Neglecting to haggle in price could cost you hundreds of dollars in the long run!

Not checking the price of a private tour

On a recent cruise with my family, we were searching for a tour in Roatan that would visit the port’s most popular attractions, including West Bay Beach and the monkey and sloth center.

I had previously booked a tour with Bodden Tours, a locally owned tour company in Roatan, and so I browsed the company’s website again for my recent cruise. The tour that stood out to me was only $30 per person, a total steal when compared to many of Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions.

Upon further research, however, I realized I could book a private tour for $35 per person, just $5 more than the group tour.

Related7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

We were thankful to have booked a private tour during our day in Roatan, as it gave us complete flexibility over where we would go and how long we would stay in each place. Having a private guide is one of my favorite ways to spend a port day, and we found the tour provided an excellent value.

If you're cruising with a group, always check the price of a private tour versus a group tour, as the price difference may be negligible.

Doing little research before booking a shore excursion

Before booking the first shore excursion that interests you, be sure to read the fine print. Not all shore excursions are made equally, and it’s always better to know what to expect rather than return to your ship disappointed.

Some excursions may offer a beach day, as one example, but the fine print may state that you only have two or three hours at the beach. If you’re looking to spend the whole day in the sun, it’s better to book a day pass to a beach club on your own instead.

Or, if a tour includes a “visit to local artisan shops,” it might actually mean the tour spends far too much time at souvenir shops and not enough time at more interesting attractions.

Related: Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

My favorite example of not reading the fine print on a shore excursion happened to me during a recent visit to Cozumel. I love visiting archaeological sites, so I jumped on the opportunity to visit Mayan ruins in Tulum during my port day.

Tulum beach in Mexico

I had read that the tour required a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, but I did not research more about the details before the tour began. If I would have researched more, I would have read that many passengers get seasick on the 30-minute ferry, and it’s not uncommon for people to vomit during the crossing.

As it turns out, we encountered extremely choppy waters on route to (and from) Playa del Carmen, and feeling seasick nearly ruined my entire experience. If I would have read more about the excursion ahead of time, there’s little chance I would have gone through with booking the tour.

Not being aware of their surroundings

There’s a lot going on while walking around a cruise port. As thousands of passengers disembark a cruise ship, it’s easy to become distracted by the various shops, restaurants, and crowded walkways near the port.

Due to this, one of the most common mistakes I see cruisers make is forgetting to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Regardless of where you are in the world, you should never lose awareness of your surroundings while traveling. Careless mistakes like leaving a purse hanging on the back of your chair at a restaurant or leaving a cellphone in a taxi can easily lead to these items being lost.

Related: Where to keep SeaPass card, phone, and cash while on a shore excursion?

It’s also a good idea to be responsible with making sure you don’t travel too far away from port. If you are only docked for a few more hours, avoid taking taxis to faraway destinations or walking too far from the port area. You might find yourself unaware at how long it will take you to get back to the ship, which could lead to you missing the ship’s departure altogether.

Remember to be cognizant of your belongings and schedule at all times while cruising in the Caribbean to avoid any mishaps.

Forgetting to stay hydrated

Honeymoon Beach

A mistake I make far too frequently when cruising the Caribbean is neglecting to drink enough water. Between the excitement of exploring a new destination, the hot temperatures, and a few too many cocktails, I find myself dehydrated way more often than I should.

When cruising the Caribbean, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. You’ll likely be sweating far more than you’re used to, whether suntanning at the beach or walking around port in 90% humidity.

Make sure to drink enough water every day of your cruise to ensure your body stays hydrated. Drink a few glasses of water with each meal, bring a water bottle into port, and balance the amount of alcohol you drink with water to avoid feeling dehydrated during your cruise vacation.

8 reasons a balcony cabin is worth it to book on a cruise

In:
07 Aug 2023
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Is a balcony cabin worth paying extra for on a cruise?

Balcony view

There are advantages and disadvantages to every choice you make, but I think a balcony cabin is indeed worth the cost in many cases.

Of course, a balcony cabin will cost more than an inside cabin, but in many cases, the price difference is not significantly more. Every dollar counts in your vacation budget, but I've found with advanced planning, you can usually get a balcony room for a reasonable upcharge compared to an inside room.

One major component to getting a good price is booking a cruise as early as possible to take advantage of lower prices. The gap seems to grow as the sail date approaches and inventory gets booked up.

Celebrity balcony

For some people, even a small price difference is enough to warrant sticking with a windowless inside cabin instead.

It can be a matter of maintaining a budget, or a preference to spend the extra money it would cost to move up to a balcony on cruise extras, such as a shore excursion or spa treatment. In fact, it's hard to argue with the logic of having more money leftover for add-ons, especially if you'll get more enjoyment out of it.

Read moreThe 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Regardless, I came up with eight reasons the extra cost of a balcony cabin is worthwhile if you can afford it.

More living space

If you thought the first reason to book a balcony room is because of the veranda, I think that's actually secondary to the fact a balcony room is bigger than an inside room.

No matter if you are sharing your stateroom with one person or three people, every square foot of space counts and I find the more space you get with a balcony room worth the cost.

Royal Caribbean's inside cabins are around 149 square feet in side, whereas a balcony room starts at 180 square feet. That may not seem like a lot of extra space on paper, but experiencing it in person gives all the perspective you need.

Let's not forget about the extra 50 or so square feet of space you get with your balcony.

That extra space means more room to maneuver through the room and the more people in your cabin, the more it matters.

Connecting balconies

And if you happen to have connecting balcony rooms, you can often have the stateroom attendant open up the balcony divider to create a larger balcony. We often book connecting balconies when sailing with my kids, and it feels almost opulent having that large of a combined balcony.

Access to fresh air

Balcony view of tampa

When you think of a cruise vacation, you probably have the ocean air in mind, and a balcony cabin gives you ample access to it.

It's quite refreshing to be able to open up you balcony any time of day and get the breeze immediately. The connection to the ocean is such a critical component for many on why they enjoy to cruise.

Even when the weather may be a bit chilly, having access to the fresh ocean air is refreshing. On some ships, the balcony forms a bit of an alcove, and it protects you from the wind and allows you to enjoy the crispness of the outdoors.

I took an Alaska cruise in 2022 and stayed in an oceanview room that had large windows, but no outdoor access. I didn't think I'd mind, but I really missed the fresh air component, as well as being able to peek your head over the balcony railing and get a wider angle of views.

Beautiful sailaways & arrivals

Junior suite balcony on Grandeur of the Seas

While I enjoy a fun pool deck celebration on the first day of a cruise when the ship sails away, enjoying your ship departing and arriving from your balcony is definitely more enjoyable.

Since you have a private balcony to enjoy, you don't have to contend with anyone else to get a spot (other than your cabin mates).

More importantly, I've found that I like to take things in in spurts. Sailaway and arriving in port can sometimes take a long time, so I don't mind going out for a few minutes to see us leave shore, go back inside to do something else, and return outside when there's something more scenic to take in.

Balcony view

In certain ports, the arrival and departure is more impressive.  This includes San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tampa, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Because there's more to see in these ports, it makes being able to see it easily more important.

Taking a seat in a chair and watching the world go by is a big reason why I enjoy being in a balcony cabin.

A private retreat

Oceanview cabin

Besides what you can see from your balcony, I really enjoy having the outdoor space as simply a place outside to be.

My wife will grab her book and sit on the balcony and read. I prefer to take my laptop outside and write blog posts while on the balcony. Unlike the pool deck, it's quiet on a balcony, and the ocean waves are the perfect background noise.

While you might still hear other passengers talking on their balcony, I've found it serene enough on a balcony to make it noticeably more relaxing than the pool deck.

Piggybacking on the sailaway rationale earlier in this post, not having to worry about finding a spot.

Better cabin locations

Balcony room on Serenade of the Seas

This is a generalization, but I prefer the cabin placement of a balcony compared to inside rooms.

When I book a cruise, I always ask my travel agent for a cabin near an elevator bank for the convenience of being able to quickly get to and from my room. You'll find plenty of balcony cabins right off the forward or aft elevator banks, and they're usually just a quick turn to get to.

You'll find inside cabins on the same hallway, but they tend to be further down the hall.  Some inside cabins loop back on an internal hallway. Not a big deal, but most cruise fans will advocate choosing a stateroom midship, and that's where you'll find lots of balcony rooms.

Read moreRoyal Caribbean cabins to avoid

The views

Balcony in Norway

There are certain itineraries where a balcony room cost is justified just for the views you can enjoy.

If you ever take an Alaska cruise or a Norwegian fjord cruise, it's worth spending extra on a balcony room just to be able to make it easier to see the outdoors.

I took a solo cruise to Norway in 2023 and booked a balcony cabin because I wanted to ensure I did not miss any of the beautiful scenery. Usually when I cruise solo I just book an inside room because a balcony seems unnecessary, but being able to see the beautiful scenery from the comfort of my room was such a nice treat.

When something caught my attention, or I simply wanted to peek outside, it was so convenient to go out and get a view from my balcony. Afterall, you never know what you might be able to spot from a cruise ship on these kind of cruises.

Just as important as the views of the mountains or ocean are wildlife spotting opportunities. With a balcony, it is so much easier to see passing wildlife than even an oceanview cabin. Because you can peer over and around your balcony railing, you'll be able to see more around you.  Quite often dolphins or whales are just below to see.

Eating on your balcony

A vastly underrated perk of staying in a balcony room is you can have a snack or meal on your balcony.

Whether you bring food back to your room, or order room service, you can enjoy it on your balcony.

Having your morning coffee while sitting on your balcony is something I will never tire of, and something I can never replicate at home.

If you order room service, you can have the crew member set up your meal on your balcony.  There's a table on every balcony to put the food on, and with the ocean breeze and sound of the waves, it's surreal to enjoy. I'd recommend everyone try this at least once, because eating on your balcony is another fantastic reason to book a balcony.

Being able to check the weather

Radiance of the Seas in Icy Strait Point

This may not seem like a big deal, but when I'm not in a balcony room, I always regret not being able to easily check the weather.

Royal Caribbean has a television channel with the temperature and even a view from the bridge, but being able to step out on your balcony and feel exactly how hot or cold it is, as well as if it's muggy, windy, or raining makes a big difference.

Later in the day, you might want to see what it feels like when preparing for dinner too.

Having a balcony to easily get out and experience the weather conditions for yourself helps every time.

What to think about if a balcony cabin cost is worth it

Balcony room on Wonder of the Seas

Depending on how long your cruise is, the decision to get a balcony may be more important.

On shorter sailings, where the amount of overall time you have on the cruise limited, you may find a balcony unnecessary since there is not much to enjoy it. 

However, if your cruise is 7-nights or longer, that provides significantly more time to relax and enjoy the private balcony area, especially on sea days.

Oceanview balcony cabin on Anthem of the Seas

Part of the decision is to determine what your plans are for the cruise and how much you plan on taking advantage of the room.

Royal Caribbean ships offer an incredible amount of activities, places to dine, and things to do onboard that you may not find much reason to stay in your stateroom, balcony or not. For some cruisers, a cabin is where you sleep, shower, and not much else.

While rock climbing walls, the casino, water slides and other activities are compelling options for some, other guests know they prefer to enjoy the weather from the comfort of their balcony. Book readers often cite having a balcony as a favorite activity.

Read moreInside cabin vs. balcony room on a cruise ship

Conclusion

Balcony room on Harmony of the Seas

Ultimately, a balcony cabin will almost certainly cost more than an oceanview or windowless "inside" cabin, but I think the cost is justified in so many cases.

New cruisers may see a balcony room as a good investment and opportunity to try cruising in an ideal environment.

Someone who been on multiple cruises and wants to book more cruises may look at this conundrum as an opportunity to save money for a future cruise and book an interior stateroom.  Plus, they have already experienced a balcony cabin in the past.

Having access to a balcony and the associated benefits it brings makes the decision to splurge on a balcony worth it.

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