A new ship, giant suites, and a trip back in time were just some of the amazing things I got to try on Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2025.
I was fortunate to be able to go on 14 different cruises over the course of this year, which brought me to both coasts of the U.S. and an extended trip overseas in Europe.
I love cruising because of how easy it is to see the world, but there's also so much to experience onboard. Sometimes I book a cruise because of where it will take me and other times there's something new and exciting onboard to try.
I was inspired to share my top cruise memories of the year and hope you'll share yours in the comments below!
Took my family for their first European cruise
As soon as 2025 began, I had June circled on my calendar as the top cruise I was looking forward to this year.
I had taken two cruises to Europe already, but my family hadn't come yet. This time, I was bringing them and we had an epic month of cruising and exploring planned.
Combining a pre-cruise trip to London and Paris, I took my wife and kids through so much of northern Europe and it's the kind of trip we still talk or reference regularly.
There's certainly nothing wrong with a Caribbean cruise, but seeing the world by cruise ship is a next-level opportunity.
We got to see fjords, see a West End show, eat at countless cafes, and meet so many nice people in all the countries. Having lunch in a German beer garden or snacking on fresh strawberries in Norway set new standards for food.
I loved how much we got to see and try out together. It was by far the sort of cruise we'll measure all others against in the future.
Tried Silversea for the first time
Speaking of Europe, I got my feet wet with my first time on a luxury cruise.
While I had sailed with Celebrity Cruises a few times, Silversea is unlike anything I had experienced before (full disclosure, Silversea invited me to sail with them as their guest). The quality, approach, and attention to detail of this style of cruising blew me away.
Silversea is a sister brand to Royal Caribbean, but the similarities stop fairly quickly. Silversea has invested in creating an onboard experience where you feel like the center of attention anywhere you go.
Every room is a suite, and every suite has a butler. It's not that I need a butler, but darn if I didn't enjoy having someone unpack my clothes and draw me a bath!
I loved the intimate venues and careful attention each crew member paid to guests. I've never felt more like Norm from "Cheers" than on Silver Dawn.
Sometimes you try something different and appreciate it, but don't necessarily fall in love. In the case of Silversea, I really want to get back on and try another soon.
I got onboard Star of the Seas before anyone else
Sometimes my job has great perks and this came when I was invited to fly to Puerto Rico and board Star of the Seas first.
Ever since Icon of the Seas first debuted last year, I've been astounded by how impressive Icon Class ships are. Certainly Star of the Seas is no exception.
I went on two preview sailings to get a sense of what makes Star of the Seas stand out, and there's nothing like exploring a brand new cruise ship.
The differences between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas aren't substantial, but like a new phone, you can easily pick out small things that make a big difference.
There's no question the food hall is better on Star, and I greatly preferred Back to the Future over the Wizard of Oz. Even the supper club is better on Star.
Saw Back to the Future: The Musical for the first time
I mentioned I loved seeing Back to the Future: The Musical while I sailed on Star of the Seas and it was the kind of show I loved every minute of.
I was so happy to see there would be a Broadway musical on Star instead of an in-house production show, and this one did not disappoint.
It probably didn't hurt that I loved the Back to the Future trilogy as a kid growing up. I can quote half the movie (my wife told me not to do that during the show), and the musical is a faithful adaptation of the film.
It's a bit condensed for run time and certain parts from the movie are either removed or reworked to be practical for the stage. But it's a fantastic ride through a well-known story. The fact it's included with your fare adds to the value of this ship.
I started a new gym routine
On a personal note, I'm proud of myself for staying with a workout regiment that I began while sailing on Enchantment of the Seas.
I took my first cruise ever on Enchantment back in January, and since I knew Enchantment wouldn't have a lot to offer compared to big ships, I decided to hit the gym.
The fitness center is included at no charge on all Royal Caribbean ships and it's better than most gyms I've been to on land.
What started out as something to do has become part of my routine at home and at sea. Not only do I feel better about myself, but it's helped lower my cholesterol.
I went many years without ever using any cruise ship gym, but I'm glad I finally gave it a try here.
I cruised in Star Class once, but had two genies
Sometimes doing "research" on a cruise is pretty darn fun, and that came when I got to try two instances of Royal Caribbean's top suite perks.
In March, I sailed on Icon of the Seas to see what the Star Class experience is like on that ship and if going over Spring Break would make it more valuable.
The Icon Loft Suite has enough space for a family, and practically includes everything on the ship.
By far the best thing about Star Class is the Royal Genie, who takes care of your every need.
Royal Caribbean expanded the Royal Genie services to some of its smaller ships and I gave that a try while in a balcony cabin on Independence of the Seas in Europe.
I was skeptical how useful a Genie would be on a ship lacking all the amenities of a big ship, but truthfully I loved how much better our cruise was because of her attentiveness.
Being treated like a VIP is wonderful, and I can safely say that Star Class doesn't disappoint in that regard.
Don't worry, I made up for these experiences in a few inside cabins too.
I tried new dining options
Eating on a cruise ship is one of the top reasons I always cruise, and Royal Caribbean opened up new spots for me to try.
I got to dine at the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas, which is a $200 per person, six-course meal that combines music, cocktails and service.
I liked it even better than the supper club on Icon, and on a personal note, I was able to enjoy it with the company of a friend who just passed away earlier today. I'll miss you and always think of you when I pass by this restaurant, Ann Marie.
Another new offering is the whiskey tasting seminar held in the Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas.
Ever since Royal Caribbean opened an immersive dining restaurant, I've been hooked on how much fun it is. With the whiskey tasting, you get a condensed version of the dining experience along with a great introduction to whiskey.
