Royal Caribbean Blog

It might seem strange to book a suite that doesn't have a balcony, but I think Royal Caribbean came up with one of its best suite ideas.

Typically, cruise ship suites are massive cabins that offer more of everything regular rooms have, including a private verandah.

But not every suite is exactly the same, and the cruise line tries to cater to varying tastes.

The Solarium Suite is one of the top tier suites on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, and it's massive. No balcony, but plenty of room inside with views all around.

I wasn't sure how much I'd like this room, but I got to tour it and liked it much more than I expected.

A giant suite

While sailing on the inaugural voyage of Utopia of the Seas, I was invited to check out the room by a good friend who had booked it.

Prior to walking in, I was concerned about privacy with all the windows, and if the lack of being outside would matter.

The room is located at the very front of the ship, directly above the ship's bridge.  The bridge is where the Captain and other officers navigate the ship.

One advantage of this suite is it's really close to the Solarium, which is the adults-only area of the pool deck.

Thanks to Stef Christensen, I'm able to share photos of the room for you.

The room measures 839 square feet in size, making it over four times larger than a regular balcony cabin on Utopia.

If you're thinking is having that much space truly necessary, of course not, but it's super nice to have too!

I've stayed in a few different giant suites, including the Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas. They're incredible rooms but having so much living space is the true definition of a luxury on a ship where most cabins are short on it.

The room opens up into a beautiful living room, and quickly the theme of this suite presents itself: lots of space and views all around you.

It's clear Royal Caribbean wanted to come up with a room that would make up for the lack of a balcony by offering sweeping views just about anywhere.

Since it's at the front of the ship, you're getting the best views available.

There's a powder room on your way into the suite, which is great when aging bloggers stop by to see the room.

I was impressed how much storage space there is in this room, including cabinets, drawers, and a fridge too.

The living room is especially well appointed. I like the couch and chairs facing the television, which makes it a space you'd actually want to lounge and watch a movie.

There's a bedroom with a large king bed in it, with its own views.

I like this bedroom has a door to provide privacy, rather than incorporating the bed within the living space.

There's power plugs and USB outlets (USB-A and USB-C) on the nightstand making it quite convenient.

There's also a sliding door to the bathroom, which also reveals the drawers and storage space.

There's many closets here as well, ensuring you won't run out of space.

In the bathroom, you have a giant shower that features marble design throughout.

There is a rain shower that can actually change colors, and a shower space that's probably bigger than your shower at home.

No balcony, but there's a fix for that

While this room doesn't have a balcony, it does an infinite balcony.

This is a sliding window you can control to open and close the top half of the window pane in the living room and let in the ocean breeze.

I thought this was the genius move with this kind of a room.  If you can't have a balcony, at least have the option to let in natural air.

It's motorized too, so no need to struggle to open or close it.

It comes with the best suite perk ever

While the room impressed me more than I expected, the best reason to book it is the Royal Genie services that come with it.

The Solarium Suite is a Star Class cabin, which means it includes first class amenities nearly all the other passengers onboard don't have access to.

Your genie is a crew member who works with everyone in your cabin, along with two or three other rooms.  

They take care of just about everything during your cruise, so you just need to show up and enjoy.

How much does the Solarium Suite cost?

On average, you can expect the Solarium Suite to cost between $5,000 and $6,000 per person for the first two people in the room.

Prices depend on when the sailing will take place, but that's I saw the cost consistently in that range.

Keep in mind that Utopia of the Seas only offers short Bahamas sailings that are 3 or 4 nights in length.

For comparison, a balcony cabin would cost about $1100 - $1300 per person for standard balcony rooms.

Of course, a balcony doesn't have nearly as much living space or amenities that the suite has. 

I changed my mind about the Solarium Suite

Before my visit, I wrote it off in my head as a room for me. But I've changed my tune.

The fact it has so much space and the ability to open a window is a big win for me.  I hate being outside in the hot summer months anyway, so I think this room would work well for my cruise style.

Plus, I think the bedroom and attached bathroom are fabulous and represent one of the prettiest rooms Royal Caribbean has.

It's not inexpensive, but for someone looking to splurge, I think the Solarium Suite is worth a try.

Royal Caribbean won't have any of its cruise ships visiting its private island in the Bahamas this week.

"Sorry folks, park island's closed. The moose out front shoulda told you."

It's not just cruise ships that need regular maintenance, private islands need them too.

A number of cruise fans noticed there are no scheduled visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay during this calendar week. Specifically, there are no visits between May 4 and May 10.

That's quite strange considering how important CocoCay has been to the cruise line's plans.

More and more ships now include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, including the brand new Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Both ships were marketed as offering visits there on every sailing.

Nonetheless, it does neither the cruise line nor the passengers any good if the island isn't in tip top shape, and as a result, it's closed this week.

An annual occurrence

After noticing the schedule for port visits to CocoCay was absent of ship visits, I asked Royal Caribbean for clarification. After all, sometimes the internet gets it wrong.

In this case, the rumor mill got it right.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the reports, "This is a scheduled, annual maintenance week for Perfect Day at CocoCay."

On the Royal Caribbean message boards, devbak150 shared they recall this happening last year as well, "It was closed last year around the same time for our cruise that included Labadee.  We couldn't reroute to Coco Cay due it it being closed for its annual maintenance closer.  Sounded like it was an every year for a week timeframe."

According to online schedules, Freedom of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will be the first cruise ships to return to CocoCay once the maintenance work is complete when they visit on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Preparing the island for a year's worth of fun

Regular maintenance is fundamental to how the cruise line ensures all of its products are ready for passengers to enjoy.  It not only keeps things working properly, but mitigates the chances of problems later.

Russell McEwen posted on Facebook about what he heard from a crew member that's working on the island, "Mostly back of the house stuff being renovated.  Some work on roads that shuttles use.  Replacing worn equipment.  Staff accommodations enhanced."

There's an entire waterpark, pools, kitchens, trams, and all sorts of equipment that are used to keep Perfect Day at CocoCay running.

The wave pool in the waterpark contains 28,000 gallons of water and can generate waves up to 4.5 feet in height.  There are multiple restaurants throughout the island serving thousands of meals every day. All of this needs maintenance to ensure it works as expected.

Cruise ships are shutdown for maintenance too

Maintenance work is an ongoing process for cruise ships and private islands.

In both cases, there's routine maintenance that gets done without having to shutdown everything down.

But cruise ships get scheduled every few years to get work done too.

Dry docks are planned years in advance so that all the materials and personnel are in place to inspect all hull openings, primary systems, including firefighting, navigation, and lifesaving.

Cruise ships go into dry dock twice in any five-year period, with no span longer than 36 months between dry docks. 

My 3 favorite spots most people miss on CocoCay

When CocoCay re-opens, there are a few areas I love to go to that tend to be overlooked.

On your way to Chill Island, there are a number of hammocks to your left after you cross the bridge onto Chill Island.

These hammocks are in the shade and it seems like most people don't notice them until later in the day. It's probably because there's no beach access nearby, but if you want a spot for a nap or to read a book (or both), this is it.

While you're in Chill Island, I really like the vibe of the Wacky Seagull Bar.

It's not just a fun name for a bar, it's got great chairs in the shade that face the ocean.  Grab a drink at the bar, and then take in the views.

Plus, I find there tends to be a stiff breeze here quite often and that makes it comfortable to sit and relax.

If you're looking for the least crowded beach at CocoCay, I think it's Harbor Beach.

Located in the middle of the island, it's an inlet that is perfect for young kids who don't know how to swim yet.  

Even if you do know how to swim, I like it because it's calm and serene.  Plus, Royal Caribbean added these floating pads in the water you can swim out to and hang out on.

Icon of the Seas is advertised to deliver the "ultimate family vacation." With the largest waterpark at sea, dedicated neighborhoods, countless dining options, and around-the-clock entertainment, it's clearly built for families. However, my partner and I, both in our mid-20s, boarded without kids and still found it impressive. 

Typically, we prefer sailing with more adult-focused lines, including Celebrity and Princess. But despite being overwhelmingly family-focused, the world's largest cruise ship promised to offer plenty for child-free travelers like us. Plus, we're still young and don't mind the occasional ship-oriented cruise, compared to itinerary-driven sailings. 

Initially, I was worried that we'd regret spending over $7,000 on Icon of the Seas. That's not a small lump of change, and with the right planning, we could have toured Europe for two weeks, visiting culturally rich cities and trying new cuisine. 

However, as soon as we stepped on board, it was clear Icon wasn't another mega-ship. I've spent over 50 nights on Oasis Class ships and thought I knew what to expect, but Icon of the Seas raised the bar in every way — at least for Caribbean vacations. 

The adult-only spaces weren't boring

Take everything you know about the Solarium and throw it out the window. On Icon of the Seas, the Royal Caribbean staple was replaced with The Hideaway. 

It's far less about relaxing away from kids, as Thrill Waterpark is dangling above your head, and more about channeling the high-energy atmosphere of the ship in an adult-only setting. 

Think of it as chic beach club meets rooftop lounge. The DJ spins tunes all afternoon while bartenders keep the drinks flowing. Sometimes, it felt like a Las Vegas pool party but less overwhelming. 

Personally, I liked it best at sea, as the infinity pool gave way to the most mesmerizing wake views ever. However, if you're seeking a little more solitude, you may like it on a port day. 

One thing to note is that, unlike the Solarium, I found there weren't many shaded chairs. So, make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, unless you plan on spending a lot of time at the bar. 

If you're seeking a moment of quiet, I'd recommend The Overlook. Though it lacks pools, you won't miss out on any views thanks to the AquaDome's floor-to-ceiling windows. 

We could still embrace our inner child

We couldn't resist some of the ship's attractions — particularly the one-of-a-kind Category 6 Waterpark. With six water slides, it's almost like Thrill Waterpark from CocoCay was brought onboard! 

Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration (could you imagine if they logistically pulled off adding Daredevil's Peak to a ship?!), but the waterpark was seriously impressive. 

My favorite slide was the Storm Surge raft ride. Though we had to shimmy a bit to get going, it picked up speed as soon as we pushed off, splashing us around curves and boomeranging up the over-water "leaf." 

We took advantage of the complimentary waterpark first thing in the morning and when docked in CocoCay. As such, we never waited more than fifteen minutes for a slide. 

While on Icon, we also splurge on the Crown's Edge and Royal Escape Room. Crown's Edge tested my bravery, as I'm typically not a fan of trap door rides. 

However, Crown's Edge is unlike anything I've ever done on a cruise ship. Walking over the side of the ship on the obstacle course while watching the ship glide through the ocean was surreal (and still feels a bit like a fever dream). 

The Royal Escape Room was also more fun than I expected. The immersive space-themed puzzle required everyone to work together. It challenged our problem-solving skills and communication, especially at the beginning when we were divided into two groups and separated. 

Pro tip: Check on embarkation day to see if there's an ongoing deal for Crown's Edge. We paid $35 per person, but it was just $10 on the first day in Miami. 

Read more: 10 lessons learned after trying Icon of the Seas for the first time

The entertainment was top-tier

Last November, I sailed with Disney Cruise Line for the first time in nearly a decade and forgot how amazing their theater productions were. 

Though The Wizard of Oz still fell a little short compared to Tangled: The Musical, it was one of the best Broadway-style productions I've seen on a Royal Caribbean ship (Mamma Mia is still my favorite!). 

The set design was impressive, and I loved the costumes, particularly the colorful Munchkins in Munchkinland. 

Another obvious standout was the aqua show. When we first explored the AquaDome, we were a little disappointed to see how small the AquaTheater was. 

However, the intimate setting enhanced the experience because we felt closer to the action. I won't spoil much, but prepare for skateboarders and acrobatic tricks set against an indoor waterfall! 

Additionally, I thought the comedy show was on par with comedians I've seen on Carnival, which are arguably funnier than Royal's standard line-up. Simeon Kirkiles had the entire comedy club laughing for his entire set!

Thoughtful stateroom upgrades

Overall, I was impressed with the changes to Royal Caribbean's cabin experience. The bathroom, in particular, was a major upgrade compared to ships as new as Wonder of the Seas. I've never seen a standard shower that large and functional before!

I was also impressed with the storage. Though just two of us in the room, we had plenty of space leftover — and we're huge over-packers. The redesigned storage space felt more functional and helped us keep everything organized throughout the week. 

Next time, however, I think I'd opt for an ocean-view room, even if it didn't have a balcony. I had previously cruised in interior-facing cabins on Oasis and Allure of the Seas, but I didn't remember how much the lack of privacy bothered me. 

Because we kept the curtains closed so often when changing and sleeping, the cabin didn't get as much natural light as expected. 

That said, our travel agent quoted us over $6,000 for an ocean-view balcony, which seemed outrageous for a weeklong Caribbean cruise. Instead, we opted for the more affordable Neighborhood GTY fare, which cost around $3,800. We figured that we'd still have a balcony and wouldn't be in the room much to care. 

It was the right decision because the cheaper stateroom gave us a more flexible budget to splurge on add-ons like drink and dining packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and onboard merchandise, bringing our total spend to over $7,400. 

Quality dining options, both complimentary and specialty

I'll be the first to admit that I think Royal Caribbean's complimentary dining has gone downhill in recent years. When we booked Icon, I wanted to minimize my time in the dining room, fearing that sailing on the largest cruise ship would mean rushed service and underwhelming food.

We booked the Unlimited Dining Package for $665, and phew, did we get our money’s worth. From juicy filets at Chops Grille to tasty shrimp tostadas at Pier 7 and tender lobster tails at Hooked, we never felt like we were eating on a cruise ship. 

By the fourth day, however, we realized our eyes were much larger than our stomachs. Though I don't think I'd get the Unlimited Dining Package again (three days is plenty!), Icon of the Seas should definitely be on any foodie's radar. 

There are also enough complimentary options to completely avoid extra-cost restaurants, ranging from the brand-new AquaDome Market to El Loco Fresh, the Pearl Café, Sorrento's, the Main Dining Room, the Windjammer, Basecamp, and Surfside Bites. 

Read more: There are 5 choices I'm really glad I made on my cruise on the world's largest ship — but one thing I'd skip next time for a better experience

Bottom line

Icon of the Seas is easily the best ship in the Caribbean right now. Even without kids, we were constantly entertained, whether listening to music in Lou's Jazz 'n Blues or staying up for the balloon drop in the Royal Promenade. 

For our first time on Icon, I think we experienced as much as we could, even overexerting ourselves at times. If we were to return, we'd take things at a slower pace, perhaps spending two days ashore instead of three. 

That said, Legend of the Seas in Europe is not on our radar. Between exploring Mediterranean cities and taking advantage of everything the ship has to offer, I think'd we quickly wear ourselves down. When it comes to port-intensive itineraries, we prefer smaller ships since the vessel is not our primary focus. 

It looks like a compromise has been reached with a proposed tourist tax on cruise ship passengers visiting Mexico.

In early December 2024, Mexico's Congress voted to implement a cruise tourist tax that would have applied to every person visiting the country on a ship.

The proposal was for a $42 per person fee to enter the country. That's per sailing, not per port.

Mexico is one of the top cruising destinations in the world, with an over 10 million passengers estimated to visit the country by cruise ship in 2025.

The potential impact of such a high tax would have created major problems and likely resulted in ships turning away, negatively impacting the country and the cruise lines.

Riviera Maya News is reporting the Mexican government has agreed to cut the tax from $42 USD per passenger to just $5 USD per passenger.

The new tax goes into effect July 1, 2025.

According to State Senator Eugenio Segura Vázquez, the Derecho de No Residente (DNR) fee will gradually increase. 

Passengers visiting on a cruise ship in 2025 will pay $5, but that will go up to $10 in 2026 and $21 in 2027.

For its part, the cruise lines made concessions too.  

They promised to increase the number of cruise passengers to Mexican ports, promote infrastructure projects such as the fourth pier in Cozumel and the acquisition of domestic supplies, especially artisanal products, for sale on cruise ships.

Controversial since proposed

The new tax was met almost immediately with concern.

Mexico's goal was to ensure cruise lines contribute more to the country’s economic development, but such a high tax rate was eye-opening to many.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) warned such a hefty tax could deter visitors, alter cruise itineraries, and create economic ripple effects in communities that heavily rely on cruise tourism.

If just 15% of cruise ships dropped calls to Mexico, the result would be a negative economical impact that could undermine the intended purpose of the tax to begin with.

"Even a minimal decrease in cruise traffic would result in millions of dollars in lost revenue for local businesses, tours, and services – offsetting or even surpassing the total tax revenue projected from the measure," the FCCA explained.

Plus, it seemed to be unfairly targeting cruisers. Tourists crossing the border by land who visit for seven days or less would have been exempt from the tax.

Almost as soon as the tax was passed, negotiations began between the cruise industry and Mexican officials.

The following day the cruise passenger tax was postponed until July 1, 2025.

Royal Caribbean has big plans in Mexico

The deal is good news for Royal Caribbean, which is on the verge of opening new projects in Mexico.

First up is the Royal Beach Club opening in Cozumel in 2026.

This is a private beach area exclusive to Royal Caribbean cruisers, and will include access to swim-up bars, pools cabanas to rent, snorkeling, kayaking, restaurants, and street markets.

It's an optional add-on cost for passengers to be able to enjoy a curated and beautiful day maintained by the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean has even grander plans beyond that when it opens Perfect Day Mexico.

The cruise line has purchased the port of Costa Maya, and it will transform the area into a giant playground for its passengers.

Similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the version in Mexico is double the size, roughly 200 acres in total.

You'll find beaches, slides, excursions, and many ways to enjoy a day in Mexico.

During an earning call with Wall Street investors last week, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said we can expect more details soon about both of these projects, "we have a big event that we're hosting in New York City in a couple of weeks, and we'll be talking about the destination portfolio and sharing some of the images and concepts that will be coming alive in the coming years. "

How early you book a cruise can have a big impact on your vacation cost.

Last-minute cruise deals used to be a fantastic way to score big on a vacation. However, the demand for cruises is so high that Royal Caribbean is focusing on combating high last-minute bookings by rewarding early planners. As a result, last-minute cruise reservations are going to be more expensive than in the past. 

During the company's first quarter earnings call on April 29, Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) President and C.E.O. Jason Liberty shared how 86% of the 2025 cruise inventory is booked. Not only that, but the 2026 booking window is about one week shorter. 

"Our booked position for 2026, at this point, is in line with the same time last year on a volume standpoint...So we obviously have more capacity next year and at higher prices," Liberty said.

Why Royal Caribbean's comments mean you should book a 2026 cruise now

New cruise bookings aren't slowing down. In fact, the company is seeing strong demand for its products, ranging from short getaways on Utopia of the Seas to port-intensive cruises aboard Celebrity's upscale ships. 

Consequently, those planning a 2026 cruise shouldn’t assume there will be availability in a few months. With more ships, higher prices, and a shrinking booking window, delaying your booking could mean missing out on your preferred itinerary or cabin category. 

"Bookings for 2025 have remained on track, cancellation levels are normal, and we continue to see excellent close-in demand," said Liberty. 

Royal Caribbean's recording bookings continued into April, with Liberty reporting that RCG's bookings were greater than the same period last year. 

Still not convinced? Here are 3 reasons you should consider planning your 2026 cruise as soon as possible. 

The demand for cruise vacations is higher than ever

The first quarter results reveal that the company's profits blew past expectations, indicating RCG is seeing strong demand for its cruise products. As such, its full-year guidance was raised. 

According to data released during the call, about 2.2 million passengers sailed with RCG during the first quarter of 2025, which is roughly a 9% increase year over year. 

Plus, guests part of one of the brand's three loyalty programs — the Crown & Anchor Society, Captain's Club, and Venetian Society Program — accounted for about 40% of the company's bookings in 2024.

A high return rate is good because loyal cruisers are likely to book direct and spend 25% more per trip than non-loyalty members. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is defying the economy: How record bookings and higher prices are fueling a blowout year

Higher demand means higher cruise fares

Cruise ship inventory is fixed. As inventory drops, prices tend to increase since cruise lines can't magically conjure up extra cabins on a floating vessel. 

Fares can change at a moment's notice based on demand. So, as more cabins for a specific sailing are reserved, the cost of the remaining inventory increases. 

More often than not, the most attractive rates for a sailing are when new deployments are released, as you'll find the widest selection of staterooms.

Additionally, as Liberty talked about during the call, Royal Caribbean isn't slashing fares at the last minute as much anymore because the demand for its products is so high. 

"We see...an uplift in demand as we get very close in. Not only do we see an uplift in demand, we're also about to raise our pricing during that period of time," Liberty explained. 

With last-minute bookings driving revenue gains in the first quarter, Royal Caribbean is leaning into strong consumer interest rather than discounting to fill ships. Part of that means maintaining a high level of price integrity to protect the brand's reputation and long-term revenue goals. 

In other words, discounting cruise fares isn't done at random. It's a strategic decision to avoid frequent price fluctuations that could undermine customer trust or devalue the brand.

This means that booking a 2026 cruise now is probably going to be more affordable than waiting six months or more. 

You may also want to start considering 2027 sailings, as cruise itineraries are typically released around two years in advance. Right now, Caribbean and Bahamian voyages through April 2027 have been uploaded to Royal's site and are available for booking.

Booking early means you have more cabins to choose from

While scoring a lower deal is obviously one of the biggest advantages to booking your cruise earlier rather than later, another major benefit is having a wider selection of cabins. 

If you wait until the last minute, you are at the mercy of the leftover cabins, which are typically some of the least desirable rooms onboard, such as those at the front of the ship (terrible for guests with motion sickness) or near a loud public venue (like the casino). 

Suites are usually the first stateroom category to sell out, as there are fewer suites on ships compared to standard cabins. As such, if you want to reserve a suite for a celebratory cruise, you'll want to start thinking about your 2026 cruise now. 

Adjoining cabins for larger families are in high demand, too. 

By booking now, you are locking in a better rate and ensuring you can reserve the best cabin for your travel party, whether a multi-story suite or an affordable interior stateroom near Adventure Ocean. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean Group's capacity is expected to grow 5.5% in 2025 with the introduction of Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel, as well as a full year of Utopia of the Seas and Silver Ray in service. 

The demand for RCG's unique product doesn't seem to be slowing down, meaning that there will be fewer last-minute cruises available. 

Cruises with last-minute availability will also be priced higher than you might expect to counter the demand, allowing the company to maximize revenue while encouraging cruisers to plan ahead. 

Smart cruisers will go ahead and plan their 2026 cruise to take advantage of today's pricing and reserve their ideal cabin. 

It wouldn't hurt to look at early 2027 cruises, either. 

Royal Caribbean revealed more of what we see and eat on its next new cruise ship, Star of the Seas.

Debuting this summer, Star of the Seas is the second ship in the Icon Class.  Not only is this one of the biggest ships in the world, but it's going to offer even more to love than the original Icon of the Seas.

The cruise line formally announced its dining and entertainment changes that will differentiate the ship from Icon, and there are a few new offerings cruisers are going to quickly notice.

Here's a breakdown of what's new and different coming to Star of the Seas.

Revamping the best restaurant

I think Royal Caribbean hit a homerun with its first food hall, and it's looking to make it even better on Star of the Seas.

The AquaDome Market will have five food stands, including a few new ideas.

• BBQ: smoky pulled pork and beef brisket
• Southeast Asian regional favorites like pad thai and beef panag
• South American staples like empanadas and arepas

This is a complimentary venue, and it's open late night. Best yet, it's custom made on the spot so the food is fresh.

I ranked Aquadome Market my favorite included restaurant and it looks like it's going to be even better on Star.

Other included restaurants returning to Star of the Seas include:

• Surfside Eatery family buffet
• Basecamp grab-and-go snacks
• Windjammer buffet

Bringing a hit Broadway show to the sea

You'll be able to see "Back to the Future: The Musical" on Star of the Seas and it will be included in your cruise fare!

This is the hit Broadway musical based on the incredible first film.

It's the signature show on Star of the Seas, and highlights the ways you can be entertained during your vacation.

Other shows on Star of the Seas include:

• Create: The must-see show follows the soul-searching journey of a curious robot, KRE-8 – harnessing song, dance, visual arts and all forms of expression.
• Pirates & Mermaids: Fun-filled show combines dance, artistic swimming, and thrilling diving skills, all set to a comedic vibe, as the pirates meet the mermaids, culminating in a heartwarming lesson about the true treasure of life.
• Torque: A revved-up aqua show featuring athletic artists, synchronized swimmers, dancers and slackliners for an action-packed show of thrilling stunts, cutting-edge tech and immersive visuals.
• SOL: The all-new ice show follows the sun’s path, complete with mind-blowing stunts and visuals

A new supper club experience

Another hit dining concept from Icon of the Seas is getting a plus up with the Lincoln Park Supper Club.

Located in Central Park, this multi-course intimate dining experience is about the fusion of food, cocktails, and music.

Inspired by 1930s Chicago, you'll find a pairing of live jazz music with the food. Each course has a paired cocktail and dish that matches up perfectly with the music.

Royal Caribbean found inspiration from Chicago hot spots, from the Chez Paree club to the famed dining spot, The Pump Room.

Other specialty restaurants returning on Star of the Seas are:

• Chops Grille steakhouse
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Celebration Table, a private dining experience perfect for every occasion

Late night fun

For those seeking to stay out past sunset, Star will have fun choices to go well into the late night hours.

More than 20 bars and nightlife spots are on Star of the Seas. You'll find a large casino to try your luck, a comedy club at The Attic, or karaoke bar.

The fun Dueling Pianos bar is back again, where you can watch as two pianists compete with each side of the bar rooting them on.

Other bars to check out include:

• Rye & Bean coffee-infused cocktail bar
• Lou’s jazz club
• Bubbles champagne window

Coming this summer

Star of the Seas will have her first cruises beginning in August 2025.

Beginning with the August 31 sailing, the new ship will sail 7-night cruises to the Caribbean.  There are a few showcase sailings prior to the official maiden voyage too.

Star will sail will sail year-round, 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Port Canaveral.  Every sailing includes a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Bookings are open now through early 2027 for cruises on Star of the Seas.

Prices for a cruise on Star begin at $1,042.23 per person for the 3-night showcase sailing on August 20, 2025 for an inside cabin.

Select cruise ship passengers booked on an upcoming sailing received quite an offer from Royal Caribbean if they'd consider changing their ship or sail date.

The email from Royal Caribbean doesn't say why they're offering cruisers substantial incentive to change their plans, but it's been a tactic in the past for opening up cabins.

Oversold cruises aren't as common as oversold flights, but they do happen. As a result, cruise lines try to rectify the situation with refunds, future travel credits, and other rebooking options. 

Royal Caribbean reached out to guests on Allure of the Seas' May 15, 2025, voyage to see if anyone had flexible travel plans. 

"Ahead of our Allure of the Seas, May 15, 2025, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel plans," reads an email sent to confirmed passengers. 

"If your plans are set in stone, please mark this email as 'read,' and gear up for your upcoming adventure - although, there are some pretty sweet options below."

Three options with a full refund

It appears as though only certain stateroom categories were oversold on Allure of the Seas' May 15 cruise, as the first option lets guests move to a "beautiful interior stateroom."

"We'll move you to one of our cozy Interior staterooms and Royal Caribbean International will fully refund your current booking, including any non-refundable deposit for Allure of the Seas," says the email. 

Additionally, guests will receive $200 USD in onboard credit per stateroom to use during the 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise. 

The second option lets passengers move to Odyssey of the Seas' May 18, 2025, cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, to the Greek Isles and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey. 

According to the email, "You'll receive a complimentary transfer to the Odyssey of the Seas sailing you selected in the same category you previously booked. The complimentary transfer covers your cruise fare for the new sailing only and excludes taxes, fees & gratuities."

Moreover, Royal Caribbean will fully refund the reservation for Allure of the Seas. 

The last option is for those who aren't satisfied with the other choices and prefer to cancel their booking altogether. 

Passengers on Allure's May 15 cruise who decide to cancel will receive a 100% refund, as well as a 100% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to use on another Royal Caribbean sailing departing by May 15, 2026. 

Guests who select option two (Odyssey) or three (full refund + FCC) will also be reimbursed for non-refundable, pre-purchased travel expenses, including hotels and flights. 

Those interested in changing their booking must submit their reservation details through a special survey link by May 7, 2025. Call centers can't process inquiries over the phone. 

Then, Royal Caribbean will directly reach out via phone or email and send an updated booking invoice to your email. 

If guests don't hear back from Royal Caribbean by May 8, they will remain booked on the existing Allure of the Seas voyage to Naples, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca; and La Spezia, Italy. 

Allure of the Seas just received over $100 million in upgrades and is sailing to Europe for the first time since 2015

After being indefinitely postponed during the pandemic, Allure finally received her long-awaited Royal Amplication. 

New features include a renovated resort-style pool deck with the Perfect Storm waterslides, a Splashaway Bay aqua park for kids, two hot tubs on Deck 16, and The Lime and Coconut bar. 

That's not all, though. Playmaker's replaced Sabor Modern Mexican on the Boardwalk. Now, guests can enjoy casual bar bites in the sports bar setting steps away from the new Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

The Mason Jar is another new specialty restaurant on Allure of the Seas with southern-inspired dishes (think Lobster n’ Crawfish Gumbo and Smoky Deviled Eggs), live music, and unique cocktails. 

Royal Caribbean also added the Pesky Parrot, a new bar that first debuted on Utopia of the Seas, as well as a shaved ice bar near the FlowRider surf simulators. 

Additionally, over 100 cabins were added to Allure, ranging from standard staterooms to spacious Sky Class suites with 200-degree ocean views. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean just finished $100 million in upgrades to Allure of the Seas. First look at all the changes

If you're going to spend money to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package, you're going to want to know the best tips to maximize the purchase cost.

Thanks to some recent sales offered by the cruise line, I've purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package on a few upcoming sailings.  Pre-ordering it before the cruise begins can net you savings up to 40% off the onboard price.

Regardless of how much you pay for it, you're going to want to recoup the cost of a beverage package and really make it a worthwhile purchase.

Whenever I buy a drink package, I always do four important things during my cruise. I think these take full advantage of the value offered.

Order a bottle of water with every drink

When I order a drink, I'll usually add at the end, "...and a bottle of water, please."

The Deluxe Beverage Package and Royal Refreshment package include bottled water, and it's a perk you should take full advantage of.

This includes Evian or Pellegrino, as well as the generic plastic water bottles.

There are two reasons to order a bottle of water with every drink. 

The obvious one is you can stay hydrated and combat a bad hangover the next day.  Drinking water regularly between alcoholic beverages will help ensure you don't feel awful the next day.

Some people will add in a supplement, like Liquid IV, to prevent a hangover.  I always forget to actually take them, but it's a good idea nonetheless. (Affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use)

The other reason to order a bottle of water with every drink is you can bring them back to your cabin and stockpile them.

Having extra bottles of water in your cabin is so convenient. There are all sorts of times they come in handy.

While the drink package includes bottled water, you can only order one at a time.  I find it easier to bundle my drink order with a bottle of water to help start building up our supply to bring back to the cabin.

Specify the liquor when I order a drink

One of the biggest drink package mistakes is not telling the bartender which liquor you want when you order a drink.

Instead of ordering a pina colada or margarita, order it and ask for the liquor: A pina colada with Kraken rum, or a margarita with Casa Migos.

If you don't do this, the bartender or waiter will usually include the well liquor.  It's a lower quality liquor and not only is not as smooth as the name brand stuff, it tends to be "harder" going down.

Your drink package purchase includes the good stuff, so take advantage of it! 

It's not easy to get into the habit of asking for them like this, but you need to remember to help get the value back of your package cost quicker.

Take advantage of the non-alcoholic drinks too

It's easy to fall into the trap of focusing just on the beers, cocktails, and shots your Deluxe Beverage Package includes, but the secret to getting the best value is ordering other drinks too.

Royal Caribbean includes pretty much all the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in your DX Package purchase, and it's where I get the most value.

My top four favorites are:

• Premium coffees
• Gatorade/Powerade
• Fresh squeezed orange juice
• Red Bull energy drinks

The premium coffee alone can get me halfway to "breaking even" on my daily drink cost because I'll have two of them over the course of the morning, and an afternoon pick-me-up is not out of the question.

Taking a Gatorade to the gym or chugging one the morning after a late night with someone named CookingYo is also an apt strategy.

Lots of cruisers love the fact the fresh squeezed orange juice is included, and you can find it in either the Windjammer buffet or Main Dining Room on most mornings. It's much better than the concentrate stuff.

The bottom line is you need to take advantage of what they include because it not only makes it easier to get the value back from the package, but greatly expands your enjoyment of the package.

Look for special drink menus

I don't think Royal Caribbean gets enough credit for the special drink menus they develop.

On Icon of the Seas alone, Royal Caribbean's beverage team came up with 13 new bar menus because they wanted to go beyond the clichéd cruise drinks.

While there's nothing wrong with the standard drink menu found at the pool, you should seek out the fun new drinks too.

My favorite spots to experiment and try new drinks include:

• Lime & Coconut
• Mason Jar
• Pesky Parrot
• Rye & Bean
• Izumi
• 1400 Bar

There are plenty more, but don't limit yourself to just the usual assortment of pina coladas, daiquiris, or margaritas.

Demand for a Royal Caribbean cruise has never been higher, and that's driven prices up leaving consumers to look for ways to find a deal on a vacation.

Add in the falling value of the U.S. Dollar against foreign currencies and you might be reconsidering how to make your cruise vacation work.

The good news about Royal Caribbean is they have lots of options to help find value in a vacation market where prices continue to soar. Even with rising prices, many travelers see a cruise vacation still offers a greater value than a land vacation.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said in an earnings call last week that value gap helps sell a cruise when the economy is off kilter, "I think that — one of the things that we've been trying to close — that value gap to land-based vacation — and the appreciation of so much more you get out of cruise experience than you do by land base…it does serve in times like this when there's maybe a greater level of uncertainty."

It's no secret a new cruise ship comes with a premium price, so you could skip them and instead shift your cruise plans to a more affordable ship.

The value packed older ship

Let's begin with a ship that will probably cost you the least to sail on but I liked a heck of a lot more than I expected.

Enchantment of the Seas, and the rest the Vision Class, represent the oldest ships in the fleet.  But age isn't everything.

Royal Caribbean does a good job keeping these 30-plus year old cruise ships running well, and they deliver the classic core cruise experience most people want in a vacation: sun, pool, dining, and a few restaurants.

I sailed on Enchantment of the Seas earlier this year for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised how enjoyable it was.

The age and lack of things to do on bigger ships might put you off, but I had a great time and really wouldn't mind going back.

Odds are these will be the cheapest ships to go on, with prices starting as low as $319 per person for a 5-night cruise on September 27, 2025.

Ship size isn't everything, and Vision Class ships are going to be the lowest price on average you can find.  Just understand what it offers and doesn't offer before booking.

A ship that balances age, amenities, and value

The sweet spot of cruise ship amenities and price is a Voyager Class, like Mariner of the Seas.

These are big ships with things to do onboard, but not the mega ship price tag. In fact, they received new updates, such as water slides, new restaurants, and escape rooms.

Mariner of the Seas is one ship I point to for a great blend of value.  It's not the cheapest, but there's still lots for families to love about it.

The ship size provides a "big ship feel" with the things a lot of cruisers want. 

I really like the different specialty restaurants onboard, including Playmakers and Izumi hibachi.  Plus, it still has an ice skating show, Royal Promenade, and updated pool deck.

A fun ship out of Orlando without the premium price tag

There's no hotter cruise market right now than Port Canaveral, which is near Orlando. Royal Caribbean is about to stack the deck there with Star of the Seas coming this summer.

That puts its two newest ships on the doorstep of the theme park capital of the world, with Utopia of the Seas and Star balancing short and long cruises. But those new ships have premium pricing too.

A fun alternative is Adventure of the Seas, which is the same size as the aforementioned Mariner of the Seas.

This is a classic, "do this, not that" example where you can still enjoy a big ship vacation without paying as much for it.

If you compare almost any sailing, there's a good chance the prices will come out in Adventure's favor, giving you far more value.

Looking at March 2026, here are the cheapest cruises among the three:

• Utopia of the Seas: $719 per person for 3-nights
• Star of the Seas: $1440 per person for 7-nights
• Adventure of the Seas: $842 per person for 6 nights

On a per-night basis, Adventure is coming out a much better value.

You can even find lower prices on Explorer of the Seas, with a 4-night sailing in March 2026 starting at $441 per person, or $502 per person for a 5-night cruise.

I prefer Adventure over Explorer since it sails a longer cruise, but that's a matter of your own preference.

Pick an older but updated ship within the mega ships

If you're set on going on one of Royal Caribbean's amazing mega ships, I'd go on one of the refurbished vessels to find a good value.

Oasis of the Seas is probably going to be in that spot, as it's the oldest Oasis Class ship. What I like about Oasis is that it has some nice updates that bring it more in line with newer Oasis Class ships.

Allure of the Seas just got a big update too, so it might be a good alternative as well.

Any Oasis Class ship is going to be a really fun choice for your family because these big ships simply have so much to see, do, and eat. I love the variety of what's offered.

Going on an older Oasis Class ship might save you a few hundred dollars compared to a newer one.

Any of the cruises from LA

Odds are the lowest prices for a cruise are probably on the west coast.

Royal Caribbean is building up its Southern California presence, and soon there will be ships sailing from both Los Angeles and San Diego.

In the meantime, I find the lowest prices for a cruise from the United States out of LA.

The best think about these sailings is that they're on good ships too. Royal Caribbean has had Navigator of the Seas there for a few years, but Ovation of the Seas is about to join the fray. Quantum will join later this year too.

Why are these cruises inexpensive?

Getting to California isn't as convenient if you're not from the area. Plus, the weather in western Mexico might not be as tropical as what you'll find in the Caribbean.

I like that it's not the "same old", especially if you can do a cruise longer than 4 nights that goes down the Baja peninsula.

A cruise sounds like such a good vacation that you might be tempted to add friends or family to join you.  One of the first ideas that comes to mind is calling your travel agent and putting someone else in your cabin. But does that really work?

It sounds easy. Just have the cruise line add the other people to your cabin in the same way they'd do if you booked a hotel room. Although this sounds simple, it's not only not practical, it can cause issues with maritime regulations.

This post will address the reality of changing how many people are in one cabin, and why you can't simply add someone else to a reservation.

If you want to add someone else to your room (or add more people, in general), here's what you need to know about how and why to do it.

Every cabin has a capacity for an important reason

Regardless of which stateroom you choose, there's a maximum capacity for that room specified by the cruise line.

While you can potentially have less people than that in the room, you cannot exceed it, no matter what.

When you look at a cabin on the deck plan, the specific room category lists how many people can be booked into that room.

Most cabins are double occupancy, which means up to two people can stay in the room.  A few cabins are designed for solo travelers, but they're few and far between.

There are bigger cabins that can handle anywhere from 3 to 8 people, and they are sometimes referred to as "spacious staterooms" or are simply suites.

The reason why each cabin has a max capacity is for safety reasons.

Cruise lines take safety at sea extremely seriously, and that applies to cabins.

Every cabin correlates to spaces available in life craft that would be needed in the case of an emergency.

Any cruise ship needs to ensure there are more than enough spaces on life boats and life rafts for every single passenger and crew member. To achieve this, they never oversell a specific cabin so the math always works.

Safety even comes before sales

In some cases, Royal Caribbean may still not allow you to add an extra passenger to a stateroom, even if that room is designed to accommodate more people than you had originally booked.

Let's say you booked two people in a spacious balcony cabin that could accommodate up to four people, but later wanted to add a third or fourth passenger to that room.

While you understand you can't do that in other rooms, why not this one?

The request may be denied if the ship is booked with lots of other passengers maxing out their cabins.

Specific cabins use the specific muster stations.  A given muster station is designed to use a specific set of lifeboats.    For example muster station A1 might use lifeboats 3 and 4.  

If there are already a number of cabins for muster station A1 that have more than double occupancy such as during peak summer month when more families with kids travel, then the lifeboat capacity may be reached.  

In our example, someone with two people in a cabin in that muster station who wants to add another person. Despite the cabin being able to accommodate the next guest, the cruise line can't allow another guest or else the lifeboats would not be able to accommodate everyone in an emergency.  

They aren't allowed to say, "In an emergency go find another lifeboat with spare room."

What you can do to get friends or family onboard instead

In short, the workaround to this issue is you need to book them a new reservation.

If your room is maxed out, it's usually simpler to book them their own cabin.

Upgrading your cabin to a larger room might work, but it depends if there's a larger cabin available left to book.  Plus, you'd be booking at the prevailing rates instead of whatever price you originally paid.

Moreover, if you're past final payment date, there could be penalties to changing your room.  In my experience, if you're willing to spend more money than you originally paid, Royal Caribbean doesn't usually assess penalties after final payment on the same sailing. 

But the simplest approach could be to book a new cabin, assuming one is available.

If you have minors that you want to add, Royal Caribbean will allow you to book minors by themselves in a cabin if that room is adjacent, connecting, or across from their parents room.

Otherwise, you could swap adults around to have one in the new room, and move a kid back into the original room.  Name changes are allowed without any penalty, even after final payment, as long as one person from the original reservation remains in the cabin.