Royal Caribbean Blog

I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas four times, and compared what it was like to try a balcony cabin after a week in an Infinite Grand Suite.

The two cruises were just a few months apart, but the room itself wasn't nearly the biggest difference as what you got with the room.

No matter if it's a tiny inside room or a sprawling suite, I find I adjust to my stateroom and take advantage of what it happens to offer. There are pros and cons to any room, so I can usually rationalize the benefits of picking one cabin or another.

In just four months, I sailed twice on Star of the Seas in different staterooms, but what really changed the experience was what came with the suite.

Why I ended up trying both cabin types

The first cruise I took with my family was over Thanksgiving, and I wanted to do something special since it was their first time on the new cruise ship.

I booked an Infinite Grand Suite because it had so much space and came with extra suite class benefits. 

Many of our readers know I'm a Pinnacle Club member and can get access to some suite areas of the ship, but if there are too many other Pinnacles that have a higher point total than me, I could be turned away from it. I wanted to make sure I had access.

On the second cruise over spring break, I decided to save money and book an oceanview balcony instead.

I would be risking the suite benefits access, but I'd be saving a heck of a lot of money.  The cost difference was significant, and I wanted to go with a budget-friendly option.

I think my decision to book one cabin over the other is something a lot of cruisers do. Prioritizing budget or a special occasion and choosing a stateroom based on that.

What my balcony cabin experience was really like

A balcony cabin is one of my default go-to choices on almost any cruise because it's so versatile and an efficient space.

There's more living room than in an inside room, and that private balcony still feels like a big upgrade.

Usually, it doesn't "break the bank" either with the combination of value versus what you get.

What's interesting to me is how I usually look for a balcony cabin first, but I rarely spend much out there.  Between everything happening onboard the ship and the weather factors outside, I don't actually go out there a lot.

I recognize others relish spending time on their balcony.  I certainly don't think they're wrong. 

I probably get more value from the balcony because it has plenty of natural light, and I can easily step outside to gauge the temperature or check out what's nearby.

Infinite Grand Suite was better, but that's not the whole story

Moving up to an Infinite Grand Suite, this is far from one of the largest or most impressive suites on Star of the Seas. But I think Royal Caribbean really offers one of its best uses of living space.

Walking into the Infinite Grand Suite, it felt palatial with how much more living space there was, especially if it's just two people.

You have three main sections: the bedroom, the living room, and the convertible balcony area.

Each section is massive, and because the room is so wide and so long, it really feels like you have lots of room to spread out.

The game-changer here is the infinite balcony.  I used to hate them, but I changed my mind and I think it's a really smart idea.  We keep our window closed the entire cruise and take back the balcony space to make it a secondary living room. It's great for getting work done, reading a book, or lounging somewhere when someone else is sprawling elsewhere.

It's a very nice room, but the real upgrade starts outside the cabin.

The special access that actually made the suite worth it

I think Royal Caribbean has outdone itself with the suite-only amenities on its Icon Class ships.  While suite areas are lovely on other ships, it's been taken to a different level on Star.

I find having access to suite-only areas changes my daily routine.

I'll head up in the morning to the Suite Sun Deck because there is always space, no chair stress.  Plus, having The Grove means I not only have convenient food choices, but it's a darn good selection of food too!

I love to have a pre-dinner cocktail in the Suite Lounge. While I don't think the layout of the Suite Lounge is the best in the fleet, I love when there's an actual bar to sit at and have a conversation with the bartenders or other guests.

Suite guests get complimentary beer, wine, or soft drinks from 11am to 11pm, and a happy hour in the evening.  This is another added reason to book a suite instead of relying on my Pinnacle status.

And of course, having access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant will spoil you.

I think this might be the biggest differentiator because it offers a fantastic alternative to the Main Dining Room. It's so nice having the choice between the two complimentary venues.

Another great benefit of being in a suite is how much less stress there is with crowd and lines.

On embarkation day, there's a dedicated entrance for suite guests. There is a special line for security and check-in, which means less waiting and getting onboard faster.

At each of the shows, there is reserved seating for suite guests. You still need to make a reservation, but it's great there is a special area to rely on if you're running behind schedule.

Who will feel a suite is absolutely worth it

Suites aren't inexpensive, and there's a notable difference between that and a balcony room.  So to help justify the costs, I'd say certain guests might find more reason to try it.

Certainly repeat cruisers who know the "pain points" of a Royal Caribbean cruise will have a greater appreciation for having suite benefits. A newbie would enjoy it, but a repeat cruiser would find more value.

Of course, anyone that hates crowds or waiting is likely to see reason to try a suite.  Suites have always been the "easy button" for cruisers that prefer to pay for an elevated experience.

And if you'll seek out these special suite-only areas, I think it will maximize the value of a suite.

Royal Caribbean offers the most suite perks on its Icon Class ships. Granted, the cost is the highest for these rooms too, but you do have more to show for it.

I expected a bigger room. What I got instead was a better cruise

A cruise is what you make of it, and I think the added perks of staying in a suite greatly enhanced my experience.

A balcony will give you a great cruise, but a suite will change how you experience it.

I'll continue to book all kinds of staterooms in the future, but I think anytime I sail on an Icon Class ship, I'll want to give a suite a strong second look.

It's no secret that we love cruising on Royal Caribbean, but there are a few things that other cruise lines have gotten right — and other cruisers have definitely taken notice of where competitors excel. 

Over the years, the cruise industry has tended to follow trends, and it’s not uncommon for one line to introduce a new concept or change that other lines then incorporate into their own lineup. 

For example, Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to completely redefine the private island experience. Now, Carnival and Norwegian have followed suit with their own upgraded private destination portfolios. 

Along those lines, it's impossible to completely ignore what lines are doing. There are plenty of ideas and experiences that Royal Caribbean could take inspiration from to keep enhancing the experience for its loyal guests!

In fact, one cruiser was curious as to what travelers thought Royal Caribbean should borrow from other cruise lines and asked the question on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread.

The responses highlighted a variety of clever ideas — from new cabin designs to better fast-casual dining — that fans of other lines have enjoyed and wish Royal Caribbean would invest more in. 

Better poolside burgers

Although Royal Caribbean's fast-casual options have gotten better in recent years, they still fall short compared to the offerings aboard Carnival's fleet of "FUN" ships.

Guy's Burger Joint debuted in 2011 in collaboration with celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Today, the poolside burger bar is renowned for its gourmet smash burgers, seasoned fries, and generous toppings bar. 

"Basecamp burgers are a good start, but something as quality as Guy's Burgers would be huge," said one Redditor. Someone else chimed in, claiming that Guy's is the "best restaurant at sea." 

Additionally, I think BlueIguana Cantina wins hands down when it comes to fresh, made-to-order Mexican food. El Loco Fresh is fine, but nothing compares to Carnival's fresh salsa bar and breakfast burritos. 

Enhanced technology

Royal Caribbean has long worked to integrate cutting-edge technology across its ships, from robot vacuum cleaners to the best mobile app at sea. However, some cruisers argue that they could still have more advanced features on their fleet. 

One passenger suggested that Royal Caribbean should have a Medallion system like Princess Cruises. "Second this. Works great. And you can see where everybody in your party is at a glance," said another Reddit user. 

Essentially, Princess’ MedallionClass Experience replaces the standard cruise ship card with a small, quarter-sized device that serves as both a room key and a charge card. It tracks your location, meaning that your cabin door will automatically unlock as you approach. You can also track other passengers and order food and drinks to your location. 

Grab-and-go towels

On Royal Caribbean ships, you have to scan pool towels out and check them back in — or face a $25 fee. 

"[P]lease treat me like the responsible adult that I am and not like a petty thief. I promise not to rip off your cheap towels. I have better beach towels at home," commented one Redditor who wished that Royal Caribbean streamlined its towel policy.

Other cruisers agreed, with one adding that they should be able to grab a pool towel "without the third degree." 

Early access to cabins to drop off carry-on bags

Royal Caribbean cruise rooms are not ready on embarkation day until the early afternoon, typically around 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. 

Consequently, you have to haul your carry-on items around the ship until the stateroom hallways are opened. This is bothersome, especially when carrying fragile items like glass wine bottles or heavy 12-packs of soda. 

Many wish that Royal Caribbean would change its rules and allow passengers to drop off their carry-on bags as soon as they board. Although you couldn't start unpacking, you could at least get rid of any suitcases or bags before exploring the ship or hitting the buffet. 

Better late-night food options

Gone (long gone at this point...) are the days of the famous midnight cruise ship buffet. Although Royal Caribbean still has late-night options, they pale in comparison to the gluttonous displays of carving stations, desserts, fruit, and more. 

Today, the late-night choices on most ships are scaled back to greasy pizza, sandwiches, and a small selection of desserts. Although you don't need a full meal at 1:30 a.m., having a wider variety of options could easily appease the night owls looking for something more satisfying after a show or to celebrate their casino win. 

Many Redditors agree, with one saying that they wish Royal Caribbean would either keep the buffets open later or have other options before pizza. 

"I usually cruise on NCL and I did my first [Royal Caribbean cruise] in December of 2024 on wonder and I was stunned at the lack of food options after about 9-10pm," said another. 

Read more: I tried every late-night snack on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Here's the best one

Luggage mats

One small but surprisingly smart idea Royal Caribbean could borrow from other cruise lines is the use of luggage mats in staterooms on embarkation day.

On Carnival ships, for example, part of the embarkation turnaround process includes placing a protective luggage mat on the bed so guests can easily unpack without placing dirty suitcases directly on the linens. 

"I hate having no space to unpack and in most cases it’s easier to put the suitcases on the bed but suitcases are dirty from all of the travel so I love the luggage mats," explained one Reddit user. 

Balcony hammocks

Virgin Voyages differs from Royal Caribbean in more ways than you can count. For starters, it does not cater to children or families, which is pretty much Royal's primary target audience. 

Moreover, there aren't any specialty restaurants, as the cruise line axed the traditional cruise Main Dining Room in favor of included restaurants that all focus on different cuisines and cooking styles — from Italian to Korean BBQ, Indian, Mexican, and more. 

One smaller, but noticeable, difference is that, in addition to standard outdoor chairs and tables, the balcony cabins are outfitted with hammocks.

These bright red hammocks offer a relaxing and cozy alternative to basic seating, giving you a comfortable spot to stretch out and take in the passing scenery. 

"Virgin has hammocks for the rooms with [balconies]. That’s my dream.. to fall asleep in my swaying hammock & listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the hull," one person remarked. 

More efficient My Time Dining setup

Today, the cruise main dining experience is much more relaxed than in the past. You don't, for example, have to eat at the same time each evening. Instead, you can opt for your cruise line's flexible dining option, which allows you to dine whenever you want during the dining room's operating hours. 

That said, while it's more convenient, some cruisers feel like the system could be better streamlined and user-friendly. For example, Carnival Cruise Line makes it easy to eat when you want. 

Rather than waiting in a long line outside the dining room, guests simply check in for dinner through the mobile app. Before checking in, you can even see the estimated wait time.

This approach is popular among cruisers, too. "We just got off the Jubilee and the 'my time' dining check in process is leaps ahead of RCL. I'm glad our next cruise is assigned time," one user said.

Adult-only sailings

Although Royal Caribbean is not an adult-only cruise line like Virgin Voyages, some guests would love to see Royal offer dedicated child-free voyages. 

Carnival, for example, has begun offering limited SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults) on select ships and itineraries. These special sailings give adults the chance to experience the "FUN" ships without worrying about crowded pools filled with kids or other nuisances that generally come with family travel. 

Royal Caribbean already caters to adults with its kid-free Solarium sun decks and lively nightlife; however, a fully adult-only cruise would extend those experiences across the entire vessel, from the buffet to the pool deck, mini-golf course, and more. 

Read more: After 16 Royal Caribbean cruises, I finally tried an adult-only line. Even sailing without kids, there are things Royal does a lot better

Non-smoking casinos

Royal Caribbean is adding more non-smoking casinos to its ships, but some wish that the cruise line would go ahead and ban indoor smoking in general. 

Celebrity Cruises, for example, does not permit any smoking in its casinos, regardless of whether you're actively gambling or not. 

For many travelers, that creates a noticeably cleaner and more comfortable environment since you don't have smoke lingering in the Royal Promenade or other nearby public spaces. 

"NO smoking in the casino! The entire casino - not a tiny non-smoking section... Easy choice to switch," stated one cruiser in the Reddit thread. 

Free drinks when gambling

On a similar note, some guests would love to see Royal Caribbean offer complimentary drinks to players in the casino. While you can gamble enough to earn free beverages through the Casino Royale rewards program, it isn't a perk guaranteed to all passengers. 

By comparison, even first-time cruisers can enjoy complimentary drinks in Celebrity's casino — so long as they're actively gambling. The included drinks are pretty basic, but they help set the premium cruise line apart from its family-friendly sister. 

One Redditor also added that Royal Caribbean should include soda in its base fare. This is not unheard of in the industry, as guests on Disney Cruise Line can indulge in unlimited fountain soda from the pool deck and dining rooms at no added cost. 

Inclusive packages

Royal Caribbean's base fare is more inclusive than a standard hotel room, but it is still far from an all-inclusive experience. Things like alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and specialty restaurants all cost extra and can significantly increase the cost of your vacation. 

Some cruise lines, such as Princess, Holland America Line, and Celebrity, have introduced more inclusive packages to help passengers bundle popular add-ons and save money along the way. 

Currently, Princess Cruises has two different tiers of packages — Princess Plus and Princess Premier — with the latter costing just $65 per day when purchased in advance. It includes everything from up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, four casual specialty meals, Wi-Fi for one device, gratuities, and more. 

"Having all your packages food drink wifi and photo in one is nice. By the time I add all that with [Royal Caribbean] I end up spending more than a princess cruise with [the Premier package]," said one cruiser. 

Read more: I tried Princess Cruises' inclusive package to see if it was worth the cost

Self-service laundry rooms

Royal Caribbean ships do not offer self-service laundry rooms. Instead, guests who wish to return home with clean clothing must pay the exorbitant dry cleaning fees. 

"We did our first Royal Caribbean after sailing Disney and Princess and had no idea how much we took the self serve laundry for granted!" one cruiser remarked. 

Royal Caribbean ships offer different types of dry cleaning services, including Wash & Press, Press Only, Steam Only, and Dry Clean & Press. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $3.49 per t-shirt, $5.49 per pair of shorts, and $8.99 per dress for the Wash & Press option, with prices increasing for the ship's Dry Clean & Press services. 

Not only that, but turnaround times can be slow — unless you're willing to pay a 50% same day service charge. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean laundry services on your cruise

Better solo cruiser cabins

If you haven't taken a solo cruise, I'd highly recommend it. It's a great way to push yourself outside your comfort zone in a safe environment while traveling the world and meeting new people! 

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean isn't the best cruise line for solo travelers. Although some of their ships have cabins for single cruisers, availability is limited, making these rooms hard to book due to high demand.

Plus, the overall solo experience falls short compared to lines like Norwegian, which offer dedicated lounges for solo travelers, among other perks. 

"I have several friends who won't cruise with us because they don't want to share a room with someone. They usually just sail Virgin. Royal is seriously lacking here," said one Reddit user. 

Read more: Going on a cruise alone? Here are the 8 best solo cruise cabins

Carnival's Punchliner Comedy Club

Finally, if you've ever been on a Carnival cruise, you know that there's nothing else like the Punchliner Comedy Club at sea. Aside from Carnival's fast-casual dining, its comedy programming is one of the highlights of the entire experience. 

Carnival has built a reputation for bringing top-tier comedians on board — and they consistently deliver, whether it's on the line's oldest or newest vessels. 

During the voyage, the Punchliner Comedy Club features different comedians, with family-friendly and adults-only sets, ensuring there's a show for every crowd. 

In the Reddit thread, one cruiser complained about Royal's lack of comedy programming, claiming that even if comedy shows are offered, the comedians are boring. 

"On a 7 day cruise, there is only one comedy show to watch during the whole cruise on [Royal Caribbean], while on Carnival, I can go every night, and it would be a different comedian. Plus, [Carnival has better] comedians, the ones on [Royal Caribbean] are boring. Even Princess hires better comedians than [Royal Caribbean]," they said. 

Royal Caribbean is moving Symphony of the Seas from Galveston, Texas in 2027.

Royal Caribbean's original 2027 deployment schedule had Symphony of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship, sailing from Galveston year-round, offering 4- to 8-night sailings to the Western Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

New plans, however, call for the 228,081 gross-ton ship to sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"Starting in 2027, Symphony of the Seas will reposition from Galveston, Texas, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offering 6- and 8-night Caribbean vacations. This repositioning allows us to continue delivering the incredible experiences guests love while thoughtfully evolving our deployment strategy," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Royal Caribbean Blog. 

The spokesperson clarified that sailings are not being canceled, and guests and travel partners will be contacted directly for more information about what this means for their vacation plans. 

No changes to Icon of the Seas' deployment plans

Despite the shakeup in Symphony's plans, Icon of the Seas is still set to sail from Texas for the first time in 2027. Liberty isn't going anywhere, either. 

"Galveston remains a key homeport for us, with Icon of the Seas, offering 7-night vacations, and Liberty of the Seas, now offering 4- and 5-night sailings, all from Texas in 2027—giving vacationers in Texas the opportunity to experience the industry leading Icon Class for the first time while enjoying unforgettable Caribbean adventures," the spokesperson added. 

The 248,663 gross-ton Icon of the Seas will depart on a 9-night one-way cruise from Miami to Galveston in mid-August. Upon her arrival in the Lone Star State, she'll offer 6-, 7-, and 8-night voyages to the Western Caribbean through at least April 2028. 

Read more: Texas is about to be home to one of the world's largest cruise ships

That said, Miami won't be without an Icon Class ship for long, as Icon's departure aligns with the launch of Hero of the Seas, the fourth groundbreaking Icon Class ship. Hero is expected to join Royal's fleet in August 2027. Although she’ll primarily sail weeklong Caribbean itineraries, her deployment lineup includes a mix of 3- to 9-night cruises, too. 

The newly amplified Liberty of the Seas will also call Galveston home in 2027. The Freedom Class ship will operate shorter cruises to ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya (the soon-to-be home of Perfect Day Mexico). 

Deployment changes aren't uncommon in the cruise industry

There are plenty of reasons why a cruise line may suddenly decide to redeploy a cruise ship, including demand and pricing power, fleet optimization, destination strategy, and regional demand shifts. 

Redeployments aren't necessarily uncommon, either. For example, Royal Caribbean recently informed passengers booked aboard Mariner of the Seas that the Voyager Class ship will no longer sail from England in 2027. 

Instead, Royal Caribbean decided to send the 156,271 gross-ton Freedom of the Seas to Southampton. Mariner guests may move to a new sailing on Freedom departing on the same day as their original reservation, re-book another Royal itinerary, or request a full refund. 

The cruise line blamed the swap on the "itinerary planning process," which required flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs.

Read more: Freedom of the Seas cruise ship redeployed to the UK in 2027 after Royal Caribbean abruptly changes plans

Following the smashing success of Royal Caribbean's new beach club in Nassau, MSC Cruises seems to be following suit.

The cruise line plans to build a private beach club in The Bahamas, acquiring and developing a 20-acre portion of the Grand Lucayan Resort on Grand Bahama Island, according to a press release. The area is currently occupied by The Reef Village. 

This new project is in addition to MSC's previously announced pier complex in Freeport and will be purpose-built for MSC and Explora Journeys passengers. 

"This agreement represents a defining moment for Grand Bahama and the future of our island," said the Honorable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

"The redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort has long been a national priority, and this step forward speaks to our commitment to restoring Grand Bahama as a leading tourism and investment destination." 

MSC Group, the parent company of MSC Cruises, expects that the MSC Beach Club will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs both during construction and throughout the club's operations. 

The press release adds that development work is expected to begin on April 12, depending on whether MSC can obtain the required environmental and regulatory permits.

"This project marks the next phase of our long-term investment strategy in the Bahamas and as a family-owned company, we take a long term view and when we commit to projects of this nature, we do so with the intention and capability to deliver," remarked Gianluca Suprani, President of CTL Maritime, an entity of MSC Group. 

"When completed, this transformational investment will help to elevate Grand Bahama into one of the region's most competitive and attractive cruise destinations." 

Not the first cruise line to invest in private beach clubs

Private cruise destinations aren't exactly a new concept, with Norwegian Cruise Line first acquiring an island, which is now known as Great Stirrup Cay, in 1977. 

However, Royal Caribbean definitely set a new standard for private cruise destinations with its transformation of Perfect Day at CocoCay in 2019. 

With its massive Thrill Waterpark, adult-only beach, private cabanas, upscale beach club, and more, CocoCay is now a sought-after vacation experience, rather than just another port of call. 

The cruise line didn't stop there, either. In 2024, Royal Caribbean announced it was transforming a 17-acre strip of land on Paradise Island into a private beach club. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island finally welcomed passengers in December 2025 and quickly became a highlight for cruise-goers seeking an exclusive, resort-style experience in Nassau. Amenities include private pools, local cuisine, and access to pristine stretches of Bahamian beaches. 

Royal Caribbean has plans to open private clubs in Cozumel, Santorini, and the South Pacific, too. 

Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

MSC wants a slice of the action with its new club on Grand Bahama Island

Like Nassau, Grand Bahama Island isn't the most desirable cruise destination. 

"Freeport Bahamas is quite literally the most overrated place if you don’t have some extravagant excursions planned. And even then, might still not be worth it," wrote one Redditor. 

Another chimed in, "I don't know that this is an unpopular opinion. I completely agree. My husband and I stay on the ship on Freeport day and enjoy a mostly empty ship."

"Freeport is a flea market at best. We often don’t get off the ship if that is one of the ports on our itinerary," someone else said. 

Not only is MSC planning on building a private beach club on Grand Bahama Island, but they're also investing in the development of a new cruise port in the Freeport Harbour, along with upgrades to the existing facilities. 

"This is designed not only as an infrastructure upgrade but as a complete destination enhancement, improving the visitor experience while expanding opportunities for Bahamians in commerce, culture, and tourism services," the press release states. 

Read more: I cruised on Royal Caribbean's and MSC's biggest cruise ships. One was a better experience, but the other was a better value

"When completed, the cruise port will be available to all cruise lines, positioning Freeport as one of the region's premium cruise gateways and supporting broader national and economic growth." 

The new cruise port area, together with the MSC Beach Club, is poised to transform Grand Bahama Island into a more appealing, sought-after destination for travelers — much like Royal Caribbean achieved with the success of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau.

Silversea recently announced upcoming changes that are sure to please loyal cruisers. 

From its elegant suites to white-glove service, refined culinary program, and more, Silversea has set a high standard for ultra-luxury cruises. 

You won't find any water slides, high-diving shows, ice skating rinks, or rock climbing walls aboard its small fleet — and that's intentional. Silversea's draw has never been about adrenaline-pumping attractions or Broadway-caliber entertainment. 

Rather, the experience focuses on upscale lounges, intuitive service, and world-class cuisine that rivals even the best restaurants on land. 

And with the newly announced updates, the brand is refining its already elevated experience to feel even more luxurious and personalized. 

Here's a look at Silversea's recent changes — and why they matter for first-time and returning sailors alike. 

Enhanced loyalty benefits and milestones

Effective July 1, 2026, Silversea is revamping its Venetian Society loyalty program to provide more ways to earn status, earlier recognition, and extra benefits throughout the sailing. 

For starters, two new tiers, 15 VS Days & 50 VS Days, will be added to the program. These are designed to reward guests sooner. Currently, the second tier of the Venetian Society is 100 VS Days, leaving a sizable gap between entry-level members and more seasoned cruisers. 

"Guided by guest feedback, we’re introducing new milestones, enriched benefits, and more ways to earn VS Days— helping members unlock rewards sooner. These updates reflect our appreciation for our members' loyalty and Silversea's commitment to celebrating our extraordinary Venetian Society community," reads Silversea's website. 

Read more: 11 things that surprised me about my first luxury cruise on Silversea

At 15 VS Days, guests will get an exclusive one-time offer delivered via email. At 50 VS Days, loyalty members receive $150 shipboard credit per person for new reservations. However, per the terms and conditions, the benefit is not combinable with last-minute fares. 

These new tiers will change the Royal Caribbean Group status match program. For example, those who have 100 VS Days currently status match into Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society as a Platinum cruiser and Celebrity's Captain's Club as a Select member. 

Moving forward, 15 VS Days will match Platinum, while 50 VS Days will match Emerald. 100 VS Days will boost to Diamond within the Crown & Anchor Society and Elite within the Captain's Club. 250 VS Days will also jump to Diamond Plus and Elite Plus. 

Another change Silversea is making to its loyalty program is that they're making it a little easier to earn VS Days. Cruisers will continue to earn one VS day for every cruise day sailed, but they'll also receive one VS Day for each day spent on the cruise line's City Stays and Land Programs. 

Additionally, solo travelers (sailing with a 200% total fare) will also earn an additional VS Day per cruise day.

Silversea relaxes evening dress code

Because Silversea is an ultra-luxury cruise line, it makes sense that its dress code would be stricter than that aboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships. 

However, according to an update on the line's website, it appears they are slightly relaxing the dress code, effective on voyages departing on or after June 1, 2026. 

Previously, Silversea's evening dress code expected women to wear things like trousers, a blouse, a skirt, or a casual dress. The updated guidelines broaden what's appropriate for "Elegant Casual" nights, including trousers, refined denim, casual dresses, and skirts. 

The same goes for men, who were formerly expected to pack things like open-collar shirts and dress pants. Moving forward, they, too, can wear dress pants or refined denim. Jackets will no longer be required on formal nights or in the La Dame restaurant, either. 

The biggest and most noticeable difference is that the dress code explicitly states that "refined denim" is accepted on board after 6:00 p.m. Previously, the rules prohibited jeans, shorts, hats, caps, sneakers, and flip-flop-type footwear in the evenings. 

Although the new policy is more flexible, the ship still expects passengers to maintain a certain level of decorum and bans ripped or distressed denim, shorts, short pants, ball caps, gym sneakers, T-shirts, and flip-flops from venues after 6:00 p.m.

Cruisers took to social media to express their excitement over the upcoming changes to Silversea's dress code 

"This makes me happy as I have a favorite pair of stylish, dark denim jeans that I wear 'going out on the town' at home with cute shoes and a fancy top," commented one user on a Cruise Critic forum. 

Another passenger added, "Overwhelming majority of [Silversea] guests wanted a more relaxed dress code, in line with most other lines, otherwise they wouldn't do it. But those who want to dress up can still do it, so win win for everyone."

"Thank goodness the dress code is being relaxed... [On our] last Silversea sailing we made the decision to pass on dress up night, and either ate dinner in the Grille or in our room on dressy nights. It is nice to know we will no longer be considered second class passengers because we don’t want to drag along a collection of dress clothes," someone else chimed in. 

Read more: 7 Things I'd do differently on my next Silversea cruise

My husband and I have been happily married for 8 years, but I cruise multiple times each year without him.

At first glance, that might sound unconventional. For many couples, travel is something you do together, especially after getting married. While I absolutely love traveling with my husband, and it’s something that we’ve bonded over since we met, he isn’t always available to cruise with me.

Instead of limiting how often I travel, our arrangement has allowed me to see more of the world than I ever thought possible.

Early in our marriage, I realized that if I wanted to travel as often as I do now, I couldn’t rely on our schedules always aligning. Cruise itineraries aren’t always flexible, and some of the most unique sailings only happen once or twice a year. As a destination-focused cruiser, I’m typically drawn to itineraries that visit less common ports of call.

Waiting for the perfect overlap in our availability would mean missing out on opportunities that may not come around again for years. So instead of waiting for him to have the opportunity to cruise with me, I started booking the cruises anyway.

For instance, I recently returned from a two-week cruise aboard Celebrity Equinox, where I traveled through Patagonia and South America with my parents and sister. 

This summer, we’re planning another family cruise to Norway aboard Celebrity Apex. I’ve also cruised with friends several times over the last few years, which has been a meaningful way to stay connected with those who live far away while exploring new places together.

Over the last two years, I’ve taken port-intensive itineraries across Australia, Europe, Indonesia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, many of them without my husband. It’s not the most traditional setup, but it’s one that currently works well for us.

I don’t believe marriage means putting your life on hold

One of the biggest mindset shifts for me was realizing that marriage does not have to mean doing everything together, especially when it comes to travel.

I love cruising with my husband, and some of my favorite memories are from the trips we have taken together. But I also value my own independence, and I think that has made our relationship stronger.

We took our first cruise together in college over spring break, quickly followed by a Southeast Asia cruise before graduation. Later that year, we were engaged while cruising in the Mediterranean and returned the following summer for our honeymoon cruise.

From early on, we’ve approached our marriage with the understanding that we are still individuals with our own goals, interests, and priorities. Travel has always been one of mine, and it’s something he’s understood since our very first date.

Just a few months after we met, I left for Semester at Sea, spending four months traveling around the world. It was a lifelong dream of mine, and he supported me from the beginning as I pursued that experience.

At the same time, his goal was to become a pilot. This ultimately led us into the active-duty military lifestyle shortly after we got married. As you might expect, our lives look very different now!

I learned quickly that if I wanted to travel as often as I do, I would have to be comfortable going without him sometimes. That decision has allowed me to continue building a life that feels fulfilling, rather than one that is limited by circumstances outside of my control.

His career comes with limits, while mine is very flexible

My husband’s role as an active-duty military member comes with strict limitations. He cannot take time off whenever he wants, and his leave has to be approved in advance. Some destinations are also off-limits for him to visit, which can further complicate where we are able to travel together. 

On the other hand, my work is remote and flexible. I work multiple part-time jobs remotely, which allows me to travel often. I can build my schedule around travel in a way that simply is not possible for him.

This difference became even more obvious once his military commitments increased. His schedule can be unpredictable with training, deployments, and required travel. This makes planning long or last-minute cruises difficult, as our lives can change at a moment’s notice.

Rather than letting that imbalance hold me back, I made the decision not to tie my travel frequency to his availability. Instead, I wanted to make the most of the flexibility I do have and not turn down opportunities.

We don’t always want the same kind of trips

Another reality is that we do not always want to go to the same places or travel the same way.

I tend to gravitate toward longer, port-intensive itineraries that involve a lot of cultural experiences and bucket-list destinations. These cruises are often more demanding in terms of time and energy, but they are also the ones I find most rewarding.

On the other hand, my husband prefers a different pace. He enjoys travel, but he is more selective about where he goes and how he spends his time off. His ideal vacation involves more downtime and relaxation, which I prioritize for our big yearly cruise together.

There are also destinations that I am passionate about that do not interest him. For example, I had always wanted to visit South Africa for a safari. It was something I felt strongly about, while he had no desire to take that kind of trip. Instead of letting that dream sit on a list indefinitely, I went with a friend during one of his deployments.

Not to mention, these itineraries can be anywhere from 12 to 15 nights long. This would drain most of his vacation time, which we also need to reserve for holidays back home, funerals, weddings, and any other time away.

If I had waited for us to agree on every destination, I would have seen far less of the world.

Traveling without him is cheaper and allows me to cruise more often

Cruising without my husband allows me to travel more frequently because it is more affordable and more flexible. When I travel with my sister or friends, we can split the cost of a cabin and share other expenses, which makes a noticeable difference, especially on longer itineraries.

I also travel differently when he is not with me. My husband has developed a preference for newer cruise ships, upgraded cabins, and specialty dining. He often jokes that he is not meant to live an uncomfortable life (referencing The White Lotus), and I cannot argue with that!

When we travel together, we tend to splurge on upgrades because we’re prioritizing quality time and shared experiences. When I travel without him, though, I’m much more flexible. I’m perfectly happy booking an interior cabin on an older ship if it means I can take more trips throughout the year. I also don’t mind flying economy on a long-haul flight, while his 6’4 frame makes an upgraded seat much more appealing.

This has allowed me to cruise more often than I otherwise could afford. Being able to split costs with my friends or family has likely saved us thousands of dollars over time!

I love spending quality time with friends and family

One of the most special parts of traveling without my husband is the time it gives me with other people in my life.

Without fail, when I cruise with my parents and sister, people will say something like, “That’s so nice your adult children still want to travel with you.” It is rare to see a 31-year-old married adult still traveling with their parents, but I don’t mind the unconventional nature.

Since I live across the country from my family, we do not see each other as often as we would like. I might only get to see my parents a few times each year if we didn’t plan our cruises together. Instead of always traveling home to South Dakota to spend time with them, we have started planning longer cruises.

Spending 10 to 14 days together creates a kind of quality time that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Over the years, we’ve made lasting family memories on our cruises, whether we’re exploring a new country, playing cards after dinner, or just enjoying the scenery from our balcony.

Sharing a cabin with my sister makes those trips even more special. It reminds me of when we were younger and still living at home together. We end each night laughing over TikToks or watching movies in bed. These moments have become some of my favorite parts of the experience!

The same holds true when I travel with friends. Cruising gives us uninterrupted time to reconnect in a way that everyday life rarely allows.

For example, I met one of my closest friends in the teen club back in 2008, and we’ve continued traveling together ever since. In just a few weeks, I’ll be flying to Europe to cruise across the Mediterranean with her. Over the last five years, we’ve made it a tradition to take at least one trip together each year. It's become a fun way to stay connected, especially as we live across the country from each other.

Freelance writing opened the door for more travel opportunities

Another major reason I often cruise without my husband is because of my freelance writing work. It’s much easier to justify taking a cruise when I know I can turn the experience into content and story ideas.

What started as a side gig has grown into a significant part of my career, and cruising has become one of the ways I build that work. When I started writing for Royal Caribbean Blog in 2021, I had no idea how many opportunities it would open up for me. At the time, it felt like a fun way to share my personal experiences, but it quickly evolved into something much bigger.

Since then, I’ve taken more than 20 cruises that have doubled as “work” trips over the last five years. Whether it’s reviewing a new ship, covering a unique itinerary, or sharing practical cruise tips, each trip becomes an opportunity to create something valuable.

This mindset has also helped justify trips I might not have taken otherwise. A longer itinerary or a more niche destination becomes easier to commit to when I know I can pitch stories or build content around the experience. In many ways, it’s allowed me to travel more frequently while still being productive.

Over time, my freelance work has opened the door to writing for several major publications, including Business Insider and U.S. News & World Report. What started as a small freelance opportunity has turned into a platform where I can share my experiences with a much wider audience.

Because of that, cruising without my husband doesn’t really feel like I’m leaving him behind. Instead, it feels like I’m investing in something that truly matters to me, both personally and professionally. And since his career often requires him to travel as well, we’ve developed a mutual understanding that allows us to support each other in pursuing our own dreams.

This season of life gives me the freedom to say yes

I also recognize that this level of travel is tied to a specific season of life. Right now, we do not have children, and I have a flexible career that allows me to work remotely. This combination gives me a level of freedom that I know will not last forever, so I am taking advantage of it while I can.

I know life won’t always look this way, especially since we hope to start a family in the future. That will likely be the biggest shift in how often I’m able to cruise, although I hope travel will remain an important part of our lives, just in a different way.

Because of that, I feel a strong sense of urgency to embrace these opportunities now. I want to say yes to the trips that truly excite me, whether that’s a two-week sailing through Patagonia with my family or a bucket-list itinerary across the Mediterranean with my friend.

Our arrangement works for us, and that’s what matters

I understand why cruising without my husband might seem unusual from the outside. Choosing to travel without your spouse is not what most people expect when they think about marriage.

However, we’re focused on building a life where we can support each other in pursuing what matters most. My husband supports my love of travel and freelance writing, just as I support his career and commitments. 

If anything, spending time traveling independently has made the trips we take together even more meaningful. We always joke, “You can’t miss me if I’m not gone,” and there’s some truth to that. Time apart makes us appreciate the time we do have together even more.

The launch of Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas is less than three months away, and I traveled to Finland for an exclusive sneak peek of the vessel during a shipyard tour.

Legend of the Seas is the third ship in the record-breaking Icon Class, and her launch follows sister ships Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. She’s the first ship in the class to receive modifications following feedback from guests who sailed on the first two Icon Class ships.

The majority of spaces on Legend of the Seas are identical to other ships in the class, but Royal Caribbean has made several major (and minor) changes to the vessel.

Royal Caribbean Blog was invited to step onboard Legend of the Seas at the Meyer Turku Shipyard in Turku, Finland. Building a $2 billion cruise ship is no small feat, and progress is being made on the vessel around the clock.

Follow us onboard as we walk through Legend of the Seas, visiting familiar neighborhoods like the Royal Promenade and brand-new additions such as Royal Railway: Legend Station.

Here’s the latest information on Legend of the Seas and what you can expect to see on the ship when she debuts this July.

The pool deck is bright and colorful

The pool deck will not see any major changes on Legend of the Seas. Although a new pool will be added to the fourth Icon Class ship, Hero of the Seas, the pool deck on Legend of the Seas follows the same layout as the other two ships in the class.

Nonetheless, the area is coming along nicely. The space is bright, spacious, colorful, and packed with pools and hot tubs.

Following our tour's brief walk around the pool deck, we made a visit to Legend’s adults-only neighborhood, The Hideaway.

Hero of the Seas is seen under construction in the distance.

Thrill Island shines with new colors and an updated mini golf course

One of the most iconic areas of Icon Class ships is the Category 6 Waterpark. It's located in the Thrill Island neighborhood, which features everything from waterslides to a FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and the Crown’s Edge obstacle course.

Thrill Island is largely the same on Legend of the Seas as it is on Icon and Star of the Seas, but the area has been refreshed with a new color palette.

In addition, the Lost Dunes mini golf course will receive updates. The course will be installed in the coming weeks, so I was unable to get a sneak peek of this feature.

I was told, though, that it will be more thrilling than the courses on other ships, that there will be a giant volcano located inside the course, and that it’s designed to get passengers “even more lost at sea.”

The AquaDome features enhanced seating, new dining stalls, and a swapped retail store

The AquaDome is one of my favorite areas on any Icon Class ship, and the neighborhood was just as beautiful on Legend of the Seas as it is on other ships in the class.

Areas like The Overlook, Hooked Seafood, and Rye & Bean remain the same, but a few notable changes are coming to other spots in the neighborhood.

At the center of the AquaDome is the AquaTheater, and it’s where you’ll notice a major change with seating. A common complaint of the Icon Class AquaTheater has been the uncomfortable seating, as many seats lack back support.

This has been updated on Legend of the Seas. Now you’ll find rows of seats with backs, which will make watching a show more enjoyable.

Something else that has changed is the removal of Royal Bling. This is a Royal Caribbean-themed jewelry shop on Icon and Star of the Seas, but the venue is being replaced with an unnamed retail store.

Merchandise from Royal Bling will still be sold onboard, but not in its own designated shop.

Lastly, the AquaDome market has five new food stalls: Seoulmate, Adobo, La Española, Cajun Kitchen, and Simply Pressed.

Crème de la Crêpe, the Icon Class’ famed crêpe stall, will be returning.

The Royal Promenade is almost complete

The Royal Promenade on Legend of the Seas will surely be a hub of activity onboard, and it’s in the final stages of completion.

Most venues look more or less complete, and furniture has already been added to several areas. With the exception of the Royal Railway restaurant, all venues in the Royal Promenade are identical to those on her sister ships.

You’ll find favorites like the Schooner Bar, Boleros, Dueling Pianos, the Ale & Arrow pub, Spotlight Karaoke, and Sorrento’s, among others.

Royal Railway: Legend Station is a must-try restaurant

Legend of the Seas is the first vessel in the Icon Class to feature Royal Railway, Royal Caribbean’s immersive train car dining experience.

The specialty restaurant, Royal Railway: Legend Station, takes guests on a journey through the ancient Silk Road. Immersive visuals, themed cocktails, live storytelling, and a multi-course meal take guests from Asia to Europe, “visiting” several countries along the way.

This is the second Royal Railway restaurant in the fleet, but there are a few ways this version differs from the first location on Utopia of the Seas.

First, the venue is located in the Royal Promenade, replacing where The Attic comedy club is located on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. The central location brings Royal Railway into the heart of the ship.

The restaurant layout itself is different, too. As you walk into Legend Station, you’ll encounter a bar, and it’s the perfect place to meet for a pre-dinner cocktail before you board the train. The bar is still in development, and details haven’t been confirmed yet on whether or not the bar is open to all passengers, or only for those who booked Royal Railway.

There are two smaller train cars, and each will accommodate 24 guests per seating. The cars will have a staggered start time of 15 minutes so that crew members can perform the show in both areas.

Compared to Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas, the venue on Legend feels more grandiose. The bar in the boarding area is sure to make the experience even more immersive, and I’m excited to see how it turns out once construction is complete.

The Pearl has been revamped, and the technology is extraordinary

Just when you think Icon Class ships can’t get any more impressive, Royal Caribbean creates something that’s even more mind-blowing.

The Pearl is the centerpiece and ultimate “wow” factor of the Royal Promenade. It’s the first thing passengers see when they step onboard, and it’s designed to give guests a great first impression of the ship.

The 3-deck-high sphere is a structural element of the ship, but it also acts as an art installation. On Icon and Star of the Seas, The Pearl features thousands of moving panels that change color throughout the day.

On Legend, The Pearl has been redeveloped to provide an even more magnificent show.

There are 627 LED panels inside the structure, and each panel showcases colorful animations that are unlike anything I’ve ever seen on a Royal Caribbean ship.

I saw just three seconds of the new animations inside The Pearl, but was told there is capacity for over 100 minutes of content. I’m eager to see how Royal Caribbean utilizes this new technology to transform the Royal Promenade’s atmosphere throughout the day.

Central Park looks wonderful so far

Central Park is a staple of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon Class ships. The lush park on these vessels features an abundance of greenery, and it’s truly an oasis on an otherwise busy cruise ship.

Plants have not yet arrived in Central Park on Legend of the Seas, but they’ll be coming soon. For now, I got a look at the park’s signature venues, including Izumi in the Park, Park Cafe, Chops Grille, and Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues.

I love the decor and murals in Central Park already, and it will be lovely to walk around once the area is dotted with plants, flowers, and trees.

Legend of the Seas’ supper club brings Hollywood to the sea

After Central Park, we moved to the Hollywoodland Supper Club to take a look at Legend of the Seas’ most elegant restaurant.

Hollywoodland Supper Club is the third supper club restaurant in the Icon Class, and it follows the success of the Empire Supper Club and Lincoln Park Supper Club.

Each supper club offers a multi-course tasting menu complete with drink pairings, and the meals are accompanied by live music. The theme of the restaurant varies by ship. On Legend of the Seas, it aims to transport guests to the golden age of Hollywood.

Menus have not yet been released for the Hollywoodland Supper Club, but courses will mirror the transformation of Hollywood from the 1910s to the 1950s. Courses will transform from Hollywood’s black and white film era to the launch of sepia and technicolor film, taking guests on a journey through time and taste.

Hollywoodland Supper Club is a specialty restaurant that must be reserved in advance, and tables book quickly. The decor and atmosphere of the restaurant already look intriguing, and I’m interested to see the final product once the ship launches.

Surfside has a beach theme and a rubber duck carousel

Surfside is the family-focused neighborhood on Legend of the Seas. For the most part, the neighborhood isn’t seeing significant changes from her sister ships.

That being said, there will be a subtle beach theme throughout Surfside. The entrance has a surf-themed mural, and the playscape is designed as a “mini beach town” with beach-themed climbing areas and stands.

One fun feature coming to Surfside is a rubber duck-themed carousel. The carousel is not yet complete, but expect to see many different rubber ducks as seats on the ride.

Cabins are receiving finishing touches

I took a look at two cabins on Legend of the Seas, and they’re looking just as modern and spacious as other cabins in the Icon Class.

First up was a Surfside Family Suite, and I later toured an Infinite Family Balcony.

The Infinite Family Balcony first launched with Icon of the Seas, but a new style of this cabin is coming to Legend—the Family Balcony.

This cabin features the same layout as an Infinite Family Balcony, which includes a separate room with bunk beds for kids and a split bathroom concept. However, it has a traditional balcony in lieu of the infinite balcony.

Legend of the Seas launches this July from Rome, Italy

It’s impossible to see a ship as massive as Legend of the Seas in just a few hours, so we didn’t get to visit every nook and cranny onboard. What I did have the chance to see, though, looks fantastic, and I can’t wait to see another Icon Class ship officially join the fleet.

The inaugural sailing of Legend of the Seas is on July 4, 2026 from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Throughout the summer, she’ll sail 7-night cruises around the Western Mediterranean, visiting ports like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Naples.

In October, Legend will cross the Atlantic to homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From there, she’ll sail 6-night cruises to the Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. Every sailing has a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas.

With just under three months to go, there is still a lot to complete around the ship, but progress is moving rapidly. In fact, the ship’s first crew members are set to arrive this weekend, marking an important milestone for Legend of the Seas. Soon enough, there will be thousands of passengers and crew onboard setting sail around the Mediterranean.

In the coming months, Legend of the Seas will complete her finishing touches at Meyer Turku shipyard before her official delivery to Royal Caribbean. Following that, the shipyard will continue construction on Hero of the Seas and the fifth (unnamed) Icon Class cruise ship, which will launch in 2027 and 2028 respectively.

April is seemingly the month for ship upgrades, as Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas arrived in dry dock for a major refit.

One of three cruise ships set to get a Royal Amplification, new venues and changes are going to be added.

After completing a transatlantic crossing in March, Harmony entered the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain a few days ago.

Here's what's happening to the ship today, and what we can expect from the six-week drydock.

Major work already underway

Upgrade work did not waste any time, as Harmony of the Seas is undergoing major work already.

I walked to an area near the shipyard to observe the ship getting work done on nearly all areas, including the top decks.

Different teams are focused on parts and working in tandem.  

The most visible work is at the very front of the ship, above the bridge. This is where the new Ultimate Panoramic Suites will be added.

These spacious suites do not have balconies, but they have floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.

In addition, cranes are lifting large pieces of equipment and replacement structures to higher decks.

A new Caribbean-inspired pool deck will replace the old deck, along with the addition of the Lime & Coconut. These are tropical bars that evoke more of a Caribbean feel than the previous generic pool bars.

At the back of the ship, other teams are deployed working near the Aquatheater.

Remember, not all work done to cruise ships in dry dock are upgrades.  In many cases, routine maintenance work is taking place to keep the ship operating nominally.

New restaurants, bars, and experiences coming to Harmony

The most notable changes coming to Harmony of the Seas will take place inside the vessel.

New bars & dining venues coming to the ship include Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, El Loco Fresh and Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse.

A number of new staterooms are being added to the ship, such as 28 cabins on deck 6, 11 and 14. The new ships replace venues such as Vitality Cafe, Wonderland, and the conference center.

The Pesky Parrot will replace the Bionic Bar, which is a welcome change by many cruisers. 

The Bionic Bar was intriguing when it first debuted in 2014, but it hasn't aged well.  The Pesky Parrot is a fun new bar idea that combines a Tiki bar with Caribbean feel. It was first added to Utopia of the Seas.

Another big change will take place on deck 4 with the removal of the Crown Lounge and Attic (comedy club). These spaces are being replaced with an expanded non-smoking casino.

Don't worry, the Crown Lounge will be relocated to partially replace the teen club in the Living Room.

Will Harmony of the Seas get a pool?

One of the unanswered questions about Harmony's upgrades is will it finally get a pool in the adults-only Solarium?

Harmony is the only cruise ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet without a pool in the Solarium, and it's because at the time, the cruise line experimented with a water mister as a way to add more seating but allow guests to cool off.

It's largely been panned by cruisers as a mistake, because even a small pool is more enjoyable.  When Symphony of the Seas debuted a few short years after Harmony, Symphony had a pool in its Solarium area.

Royal Caribbean has not specifically announced a pool will be added, so we'll have to wait and see.

Returning to service in May

Harmony of the Seas will resume cruises in late May with a European cruise season.

The 7-night cruises will sail from Barcelona, Spain to destinations in the Western Mediterranean until late July.

In August, Harmony will transition back to Florida, where she will offer primarily 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral.

One of four cruise ships getting work done this month

Royal Caribbean will have a number of ships in drydock in April, with Harmony one of them.

Four ships will be in dry dock, with three getting major upgrades.

The Royal Amplification program is an initiative to breath new life into aging cruise ships. It aims to bring newer concepts and proven winners to older cruise ships so they can better compare to newer ones.

Ovation of the Seas previously started work this year, with Liberty of the Seas scheduled to start work soon.

Royal Caribbean joined the growing list of cruise lines canceling visits to a popular Alaska fjord this year.

Royal Caribbean's 2026 Alaska cruise season is set to kick off later this month. Travelers are either just weeks or months away from enjoying the local seafood, stunning views, and unbelievable wildlife sightings. 

However, Royal Caribbean recently informed passengers that all visits to one popular fjord are canceled due to "ongoing navigation concerns." The change affects nearly one dozen sailings departing in June, July, August, and September. 

"Due to a recent landslide and ongoing navigation safety concerns, we’ll no longer be able to cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska. Instead, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenic cruising through Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier," reads the email sent to guests on Tuesday, April 7. 

Endicott Arm is home to Dawes Glacier, a massive tidewater glacier that frequently sends enormous icebergs crashing into the fjord, while Tracy Arm Fjord is famous for its narrow passageways and twin Sawyer Glaciers.

"We apologize for the last-minute change caused by this unfortunate event – your safety is always our top priority," the email continues. 

Not the first cruise line to axe visits to Tracy Arm Fjord this year

Last month, Holland America Line removed all visits to Tracy Arm Fjord from its 2026 Alaska cruise season. 

"Our tour operator has advised [that] the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer in Juneau, AK has been modified due to operational considerations," the line's cancellation email said. 

"...[U]nstable ice and geological conditions currently preclude vessels from entering Tracy Arm Fjord; all 2026 departures will explore Endicott Arm Fjord instead."

Weeks later, Carnival Cruise Line notified passengers via email that all visits to the fjord were canceled due to unsuitable "geological conditions."

The change affected over two dozen sailings on three ships — Carnival Miracle, Carnival Luminosa, and Carnival Spirit — departing from late April through mid-September. 

Finally, Virgin Voyages pulled the plug on Tracy Arm Fjord visits during the line's inaugural Alaska season because of the "ongoing landslide risk."

Read more: Carnival cancels all 2026 Alaska cruise visits to popular glacier

Tracy Arm Fjord landslide

Last August, a landslide occurred in the Tracy Arm Fjord near the South Sawyer Glacier about 80 miles south-southeast of Juneau.

The incident sent a lot of rocks plunging into the water. The impact also triggered a localized tsunami within the fjord.

The U.S. Geological Survey claims that there is ongoing danger within the fjord, with "continued rockfall and smaller-scale landslide events from the exposed landslide scar are expected and could impact the water, potentially causing [a] future local tsunami."

Is Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier worth it?

Cruise itinerary changes are more common than you may think. Although they can be disappointing, maintaining a positive attitude is key to ensuring that your vacation isn't ruined before it even begins. 

Any fjord and glacier viewing experience in Alaska is memorable, and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier is no exception. 

"For me, it was the most beautiful and memorable day of the entire trip. While we did not do [an] excursion, the ship navigated the ice in the water and went as far up the Endicott Arm as it safely could," wrote one Redditor on the r/royalcaribbean thread. 

"We got within visual distance of Dawes Glacier before the ship literally did two 360 spins to turn around. While we were still quite a ways from the glacier, the entire experience was spectacular."

Multiple cruise lines have made headlines over recent unpopular changes. Although Royal Caribbean has stayed on the sidelines, many travelers are watching closely to see if (and when) the line will follow suit. 

Generally speaking, the cruise industry follows trends, and it's not uncommon for one line to make a major change, then see other lines incorporate a similar approach. 

Royal Caribbean, for example, was the first cruise line to redefine the private island experience with its massive renovation of CocoCay. Carnival and Norwegian later copied Royal's successful blueprint and upgraded their private destination experiences. 

Along those lines, it's impossible to ignore the smaller-scale changes quietly shaping the cruise experience, from sudden gratuity increases to itinerary changes and more. 

Royal Caribbean has not made any formal announcements regarding the following changes. However, these trends have already shaken the industry, and it would not be surprising if Royal Caribbean eventually adopts similar changes. 

Raise cruise gratuities

Not even halfway through 2026, and four major cruise lines have increased their gratuities. Margaritaville at Sea kick-started the trend when cruisers noticed that the line had quietly raised the daily gratuity rates on its website back in January. 

Carnival Cruise Line quickly followed suit, sending an email to passengers in early February announcing a modest (but noticeable) increase in daily gratuities across its fleet, along with its Bottomless Bubbles soda package for adults.

By mid-April, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line (two lines that operate under the Carnival Corporation & plc. umbrella) also adjusted their daily gratuity rates, aligning them with the increases implemented by their sister brands.

Royal Caribbean hasn't publicly announced any gratuity increases. However, we wouldn't be shocked if an email popped up in travel advisors' inboxes sooner rather than later. 

Royal Caribbean last raised its daily gratuity rate in November 2024, bringing the new rate for standard cabins to $18.50 per person (up from $18) and suites to $21 per person (up from $20.50). 

Read more: Another cruise line suddenly raises the daily gratuity charges

Implement an oil surcharge

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused fuel prices to skyrocket, which is impacting the cruise industry. As a result, two Asian cruise lines, StarCruises and Dream Cruises, both owned by Resorts World Cruises, implemented new fuel surcharges. 

The fees, which range from ~$11.70 to ~$25.52 USD, went into effect on March 20, 2026, for all new bookings and require all passengers over the age of two to pay, including children. This means that on a five-night cruise, a family of four could be forced to pay upwards of $525 in added fees.

"[The] fuel surcharge will be introduced for new bookings made on or after 20 March 2026. This surcharge is determined based on the operating requirements of each ship and itinerary; and may therefore vary across our fleet," reads the letter sent to booked guests. 

"This surcharge will be reviewed in line with fuel price movements and may be adjusted downward if prices ease or revised for new bookings should prices continue to rise."

Fuel is one of the cruise industry's largest and most volatile expenses, and although Royal Caribbean hedged (or pre-bought) 60% of its 2026 fuel at $474 per metric ton, the remaining 40% is subject to market fluctuations.

Like StarCruises and Dream Cruises, Royal Caribbean's cruise contract states that the cruise line has the right to impose a fuel surcharge on its guests without warning, either when booking the cruise or anytime before the sailing begins. This means that, although no surcharge has been announced, Royal Caribbean could add one if fuel prices continue to rise and stay high. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean stock has been falling as Iran war fuels oil price fears

Royal Caribbean joins the growing list of cruise lines dropping popular Alaska fjord from its 2026 itineraries

Moving on, Holland America Line was the first cruise line to cancel all excursions to Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska due to "unstable ice and geological conditions." As such, all excursions from Juneau, Alaska, will visit Endicott Arm Fjord. 

Carnival Cruise Line also canceled all visits to the popular fjord for the entirety of the 2026 Alaska cruise season, claiming that the waterways aren't suitable for cruise ship navigation. 

Most recently, Virgin Voyages called off all visits to the Tracy Arm Fjord during the line's inaugural Alaska season because of the "ongoing landslide risk."

Read more: Carnival cancels all 2026 Alaska cruise visits to popular glacier

Although neither Carnival nor Holland America Line's emails explicitly state it, the cancellations are also likely a result of the major landslide that occurred in the fjord last August, which caused millions of cubic feet of rock to tumble into the water. The impact then triggered a localized tsunami within the fjord.

The area remains under observation, as continued rockfall and smaller-scale landslide events are expected, according to scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey. 

We previously reported that Royal Caribbean had not announced any changes to its Alaska itineraries. However, on April 7, they sent an email to passengers, confirming they also axed the fjord from its schedule.

"Due to a recent landslide and ongoing navigation safety concerns, we’ll no longer be able to cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska. Instead, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenic cruising through Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier," the email reads. 

"We apologize for the last-minute change caused by this unfortunate event – your safety is always our top priority."