Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean announced plans for a new beach club to open in 2026, and it's part of a trend to improve the ports that passengers complain the most about.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean unveiled plans to open a brand-new beach club on the Greek island of Santorini. While some were surprised by the announcement, it could be argued that the new beach club was only a matter of time.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has made significant investments to enhance the in-port experience for its guests, particularly in destinations that have been ranked as cruisers’ least favorites. By enhancing onshore experiences, Royal Caribbean can capture more spending from passengers while delivering a smoother, safer, and more appealing visit for cruisers. It's a win-win situation for the guest and cruise line.

Earlier this year, we reported on the ports travelers said they’d never want to visit again, with Santorini, Nassau, and Costa Maya topping the list. While these ports each have their own drawbacks, guests cited logistical frustrations in Santorini, pushy vendors in Nassau, and the entire tourist trap of Costa Maya’s port.

As such, Royal Caribbean has seen an opportunity to address these pain ports for customers, leading to targeted investments from the cruise line. And the company’s latest investment with Royal Beach Club Santorini is a prime example of this shift.

Santorini is infamous for its logistical challenges.

Santorini, Greece is easily one of the world’s most photographed cruise ports, but the Greek Island is also one of the most frustrating. 

Santorini’s blue-domed churches and cliffside villages attract millions of visitors each year, but this inevitably creates a gridlock along the narrow streets of Oia and Fira. Not to mention, it’s common to have multiple cruise ships anchored in Santorini during peak summer months, leading to even more crowding on the small island.

Because ships must tender passengers ashore, simply getting into town can be a challenge. The steep cliffs mean cruisers must choose between waiting in long lines for the cable car, hiking hundreds of steps, or taking a controversial donkey ride, which many avoid due to concerns for the animals.

Although the island is stunning, the logistical challenges can often overshadow Santorini’s beauty. With this in mind, Royal Caribbean saw an opportunity to build the Royal Beach Club to offer a more relaxed alternative for cruisers. The experience will be offered as a shore excursion with visits to Oia and Fira, along with a few hours lounging at the beach club by the Aegean Sea.

The cruise line stated in the press release, “As Royal Caribbean Group prepares for the beach club’s opening next summer, the company’s ultimate beach club experience will feature a new innovative way to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing guests arriving to Santorini. Vacationers can start their journey in one of three locations, minimizing crowding while maximizing time spent enjoying sights and sounds.”

In doing so, Royal Caribbean aims to ease some of the logistical challenges of visiting Santorini while simultaneously creating new opportunities to capture guest spending ashore.

Cruisers also cite Nassau as their least favorite cruise port.

Nassau, Bahamas, might be one of the most visited cruise ports in the world, but it’s also one of cruisers' least favorite destinations. Because of its proximity to Florida, Nassau appears on many short Caribbean itineraries. This means frequent cruisers have visited Nassau repeatedly, leading many guests to stay onboard rather than disembarking.

The city has tried to change its reputation, recently completing a $300 million cruise port redevelopment. The project greatly modernized the cruise terminal area by adding performance spaces, local shops, restaurants, and bars. However, the city itself remains polarizing.

Cruisers regularly complain about aggressive vendors, safety concerns, and a lack of authentic experiences. Excursions can also be expensive in Nassau; for example, visiting the famous Atlantis resort can cost hundreds of dollars for just a few hours.

To tackle these complaints, Royal Caribbean is building its brand-new Royal Paradise Island Beach Club. The new venue will require guests to purchase admission, along with a drink package if they want open-bar access. The private-style experience is only for Royal Caribbean cruise guests and will feature multiple pools, dining options, and the world’s largest swim-up bar.

Royal Caribbean hopes to give cruisers a relaxing and secure alternative to the hectic city while still generating revenue ashore. This mirrors the success of the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers an elevated, controlled environment designed to rival the onboard experience.

In Cozumel, vacationers want something new

Royal Caribbean's research told them that while Cozumel isn't poorly rated by guests, it's grown a bit tiresome.

That's why Royal Beach Club Cozumel will open in December 2026 in an attempt to fix a different "problem" that cruise passengers have with the port.

Jay Schneider leads the Product Development team, and during a preview event for the opening of the beach club, said that Cozumel is great, but lacks something fresh.

"What we've heard from research is a lot of guests have been to Cozumel. They're looking for something new," he explained.

"They love Cozumel, but they want diversity of the offering."

Royal Caribbean wants to bring something new that will excite passengers to add onto an island that's already well-regarded.

Finally, Royal Caribbean will give the tourist trap of Costa Maya a major makeover.

Along with Nassau, Costa Maya in Mexico is often considered one of the least favorite cruise ports for many travelers. This Western Caribbean port is frequently called a massive tourist trap, with a cruise terminal built entirely for passengers.

Visitors must weave through crammed shops, restaurants, wildlife encounters, and a swim-up bar just to exit the terminal. The entire port area feels like one giant, endless maze. Beyond the cruise terminal, the small beach town of Mahahual offers a more relaxed vibe, but even then, options are limited.

To address this, Royal Caribbean purchased the port of Costa Maya to build its newest private destination, Perfect Day Mexico. The new project will span 200 acres and offer an all-inclusive beach experience for cruisers, modeled after its private island in the Bahamas.

This new development will transform the underwhelming port into a destination itself. Instead of being a least favorite destination for cruisers, Costa Maya could soon be a highlight for Royal Caribbean guests. The cruise line plans to offer shaded cabanas, snorkeling, water activities, and controlled access designed to avoid the current tourist chaos.

It’s only a matter of time before Royal Caribbean rolls out more plans to upgrade problem ports, creating new opportunities to boost revenue while improving the guest experience on land.

If you forget something on your ship after the cruise ends, what can you do to try to get it back?

Vacationers mistakenly leave behind personal items in hotels, airplanes, taxis, and even cruise ships. Forgetfulness is an unfortunate reality of travel.

My kids have left behind phone chargers, toys, and clothes that got misplaced, fell somewhere, or were simply ignored until it was too late.

Unfortunately, once you disembark the cruise ship on the final morning, you cannot go back and try to get it back.

If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things to try in order to hopefully get things back.

Report the missing item to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean provides a means of reporting missing items to start the claims process.

It's somewhat similar to if you left something behind on an airplane and the process of working with the airline to get it back.

Guests can fill out a Lost and Found Request Form that is processed by a third-party company called Chargerback.

You should fill out the form as soon as possible once you realize you forgot something.

You'll need to provide your personal information, along with where you last saw the item, your sailing information, and where they can send it if they find it.

According to the cruise line, some thing cannot be returned

• Food & Beverage​
• Clothing Items​
• Money, casino chips, or credit cards (Credit cards are destroyed for your protection, and Casino chips/money are processed onboard and added to the credit card on file)​
• Makeup, Grooming Items, Perfumes, Lotions
• Alcohol or tobacco item​
• Any other item that may pose a risk or is prohibited by law

If they find the items, you are responsible for paying for the shipping to get it back to you. In addition, Chargerback claims it can take 2-3 weeks to get the item shipped.

What are the chances I'll get my lost things back?

Experiences with filing a lost and found claim vary considerably, and in reality there's a chance you may not get it back.

Part of the issue is the lost item needs to be found and reported as a lost item.

The final morning of a cruise is a busy day when crew members are hustling to prepare the ship for the next sailing and they're working very hard to prep staterooms.  Because guests leave behind trash and discarded items, it's easy to overlook something that is "lost" versus something that is left because it's unwanted.

If a crew member spots what appears to be unintentionally left behind, they'll give it to their supervisor who then passes it along to the Guest Services team.

The Guest Services team will log the item and then it goes through the process of being being transferred from the ship to a facility on land so it can eventually be returned.

Without a doubt a quick claim is critical to ensuring word gets passed along to look for a certain item.

File a claim with travel insurance

While getting the lost item back would be ideal, you may have to accept it's gone and try to replace it.

If you have travel insurance, you may be able to claim the lost item with them and be compensated for it.  This is more useful for items of higher value than a kids toy or everyday garment.

Most travel insurance plans cover lost items on a cruise through baggage loss and baggage delay benefits, which can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.

You will want to file a claim as soon as you realize the item is missing and trying to reclaim it with the cruise line isn't going to work.

You may need to provide confirmation from the Lost and Found process mentioned earlier that the lost item cannot be found as proof.

Filing a claim with travel insurance is probably an option for high value items, and not a pair of sunglasses, children's toy, or souvenir.

Two hacks for reducing the chance you'll forget something on a cruise

I've come across two creative ideas for how to lessen the likelihood you'll need to fill out a lost and found form.

Losing your cell phone is probably at the top of worst things you could leave behind on a cruise, so you could change your homescreen to make it easier to get back to you.

Change your screen saver or lock screen image to be your SeaPass card or something the cruise line can use to identify you.  

While a pretty wallpaper you usually have looks great, someone that finds your phone can't access your personal information because it will be locked.

By using an image on your lock screen that the cruise line can reference if you lose your phone on board, you stand a much better chance of getting it returned. 

The other trick is to put your shoe in your stateroom safe.

The idea is by putting your shoe in the safe (just one should suffice), you cannot possibly leave the ship without having gotten everything out of your safe because you'll need your shoe.

Considering jewelry, wallets, and money are among the most commonly forgotten items on a cruise ship, verifying your safe is empty before departing is a good idea.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share.  This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Royal Caribbean teased a big change is coming to its loyalty program soon.

Early next year you can start earning points for a Royal Caribbean cruise, even if you sail on Celebrity or Silversea.

Points Choice will further enhance the status matching between the Royal Caribbean Group lines, and it looks very promising so far.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean promises over $1 million aid will be sent to hurricane ravaged Jamaica & Bahamas
• More cruisers from other cruise lines are switching to Royal Caribbean, CEO says
• I've been on nearly 100 cruises. Here are 13 things cool things to pack and 4 I leave at home.
• Royal Caribbean crew member reveals hidden side of the AquaTheater show on cruise ships
• The key to a great family vacation is staying in contact with one key purchase
• What to expect on your first Royal Caribbean cruise

New RCB Video: Drink Package Questions I'm Asked All The Time

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Drink Package Questions I'm Asked All The Time! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean will open a beach club on a popular Greek island

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship visiting Santorini will offer a new exclusive beach day next year.

Plans for Royal Beach Club Santorini were revealed this week, and it will open in summer 2026.

Beach clubs are limited capacity excursions owned and operated by Royal Caribbean to offer a superior day of fun in the sun and it's only open to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise guests.

Family sues Royal Caribbean over woman that jumped off cruise ship

A year ago a woman jumped overboard from her Royal Caribbean ship and the family is now suing the cruise line alleging wrongful death.

The family blames the crew on Allure of the Seas for overserving the woman when she had an unlimited drink package.

The lawsuit claims she was served, “at least seven alcoholic beverages continuously within a span of approximately six hours and eight minutes." 

New Europe 2027 cruises added, including the return of one of the biggest cruise ships

All the summer European cruises for 2027 are available to book, including sailings on Legend of the Seas.

There are cruises that visit the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Norway, and the Greek Isles.  

Legend will head back to Europe in 2027, marking the first time an Icon Class ship will sail to Europe for the summer season.

Photo captures moment man caught precariously sitting outside cruise window

An incredible photo was taken of a man breaking the rules and sitting in a dangerous spot while on his cruise.

While sailing on Star of the Seas, a man was seen sitting outside his infinite balcony stateroom.

The brazen act could have resulted in severe injury had he slipped.

What to expect for Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sales

We are just days from the start of Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sales beginning.

While we don't yet know what discounts will be offered, it's clear the first sale will kick off next week.

While cruise deals differ from retail Black Friday offers, there's still potential to save a lot of money off a cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 581st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Matt breaks down what executives said about cruise prices and what we should expect in the future.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean will kick off its Black Friday sales in early November and it might be the best time to lock in extra cruise savings.

Black Friday falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, which this year is November 28.  Royal Caribbean is already hinting when it will kick off its big sale leading up to the holiday.

Cruise passengers with a Royal Caribbean cruise booked can see a countdown clock indicating exactly when the new sale will start, and it's well before the actual Black Friday holiday.

Last year, Royal Caribbean had a month long parade of Black Friday offers, and it appears we might see a lengthy promotional period as well in 2025.

This post will be updated with new Black Friday offers as soon as they are revealed.

Royal Caribbean will start its Black Friday sale next week

The Cruise Planner site lists a countdown that points to the start of the Black Friday sale at the end of next week.

According to the countdown, Royal Caribbean should roll out its Black Friday sale beginning Friday, November 7, 2025.

That's almost exactly the same start as last year, when the Black Friday sale began on November 8 and ended up going through Cyber Monday and wrapped up December 9th.

We don't yet know the exact discounts that will be offered, but suffice to say you should expect a sale on both pre-cruise purchases as well as new cruise bookings.

What discounts you can expect

Royal Caribbean has not revealed details on what sort of discounts it will offer during any of its Black Friday sales yet.

Typically the Cruise Planner sale occurs in tandem with the new cruise booking sales, and offers discounts on drink packages, shore excursions, The Key, specialty dining and more.

The top discount everyone seems to look at first are for drink packages, which can often see the lowest prices of the year.

Some people saw prices as low as $54.99 per day for the Deluxe Beverage Package during its Black Friday sale.

Last year there were special Black Friday bundles that included an add-on aspect of Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Regardless of what prices you see, the discounted offer online is always cheaper than waiting to buy a drink package, shore excursion, or Wi-Fi once onboard the ship.

What about deeper savings on booking a cruise?

Much of the Black Friday focus is on the extras you can buy, but there will be a Black Friday sale for the cruise fares too.

Royal Caribbean's cruise fares tend to be priced less like retail items, in that the price of a cruise doesn't shift much.  

However, Black Friday may add additional onboard credit as an incentive to book a sailing.

When does the actual Black Friday sale begin?

Based on the last few years, Royal Caribbean will announce a series of preview sales leading up to the actual Black Friday sale.

We're all but guaranteed to get a sale over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but the cruise line likes to get the holiday shopping buzz going early with "early sales".  This is typical of most retailers and online shopping during November that are looking to extend the marketing hype.

As for the actual discounts, prices last year seemed to be pretty consistent once the early Black Friday sales began and extended out through the end of November.

It's always a good idea to periodically re-price anything you bought, regardless of the advertised percentage off, to see if the price has indeed changed.

My best advice is to start shopping for Black Friday deals once the first sales hit, and then check back every few days to see if there's been any change. You can always cancel and rebook any pre-cruise purchase with no penalty. 

I've taken dozens of cruises with my family over the years, and having internet access went from "nice to have" to "critical" for keeping up with everyone.

Unfortunately, internet access at sea costs extra on a cruise ship, but that's largely because of how expensive satellite internet is compared to what a land hotel pays for a wired connection.  It has gotten cheaper thanks to Starlink, but it will likely never be free.

Nonetheless, I consider buying an internet package for a family one of the most useful cruise extras to consider because it's a real difference maker in making it as simple as possible for to check in with everyone in my family.

While there's this notion disconnecting from the world is a more relaxing vacation, as long as you can exercise restraint and skip the work emails, internet access is a must buy.

Being connected doesn't mean work emails

I love having internet access because so much of our personal lives rely on it, not just work.

From checking the weather, to staying in contact with family, or following sports teams, the internet is how so many of us interact on a basic level these days.

The idea that if you have internet access it means answering work emails is misconstrued, in my opinion. If you have work emails on your phone, turn off notifications for that app and stay out of it.

Not only does having internet access make every day life easier, it's a godsend for being able to communicate with friends and family onboard the ship.

While I appreciate the notion of "unplugging" as a novel escape from the daily grind of our lives, I think it's romanticized in the same way people talk about "sleeping under the stars" in the woods somewhere while conveniently forgetting how uncomfortable that can be.

The free chat feature in the app isn't nearly as good

While Royal Caribbean app has a free chat feature, it's not very good.

It works well enough, but it's lacking key features and doesn't work at all for kids.

You have to be at least 13 years old to use the chat feature, so it means kids either cannot use the chat feature at all or you have to log them in under an adult's account.

Plus, the chat feature requires both you and the person you're trying to reach to accept each other as contacts.  

This means if you try to message someone who hasn't accepted your invitation to chat first, they'll never see the message.

Lastly, the notifications are hit or miss within the app. I've had pretty good luck with getting a push notification of a new message, but not always.

Let's face it, the tried-and-true messaging apps millions rely on at home just work better.

Having internet access on shore excursions is even more important

If having Wi-Fi on a cruise ship is nice, having internet while touring ports is a must-do.

Thanks to cheaper cell phone roaming plans, I've found having at least one device with cell phone access is helpful in knowing where to go, where to eat, and generally navigating your day.

When I was in Europe this summer, I relied heavily on an e-Sim and AT&T internet pass while in various countries and I know it made my experience so much better.

I was able to quickly navigate where the next spot to visit was, understand which form of public transportation would be best, and download apps we needed to get around.

Even when I was on a shore excursion sold by the cruise line, having internet access made waiting less dull, and provided context when we were on our own.

Not cheap, but affordable

Getting Wi-Fi on your Royal Caribbean cruise doesn't have to be expensive, if you know when to buy it.

The cruise line sells internet packages before the cruise begins and pre-purchasing is going to save you the most money.

As an example, an unlimited one device at a time internet package costs just $18.99 per day if I buy it now, compared to $27.99 per day if I wait to get it onboard the ship.

Sales like this are quite common, so there's no excuse not to buy before the sailing.

In fact, you can pay less per device if you add more concurrent devices to use.  Royal Caribbean's Voom packages come in 1, 2, 3 or 4 devices plans. 

You can share internet access with friends or family, as you're just limited to however many devices are in your package at one time.

Have you ever wanted to see what's under the surface of Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater pool? 

Well, you aren't alone. I've often joked that if it were offered, I'd pay extra for an under-the-water tour of the technologically advanced pool that makes one of the most popular shows at sea possible. 

While that isn't an option, one performer recently gave a rare glimpse below the surface. Although she doesn’t go into too much detail about the interworking's of the pool, she reveals what guests don't see during the AquaTheater shows, including the submerged doors where performances make their dramatic entrances. 

In the 22-second TikTok, user @ocean.performer briefly explained how the pool works, saying that "it's made of three parts: stage right, center lift, and stage left."

Each section can move independently, allowing the pool’s depth to change throughout the show to let divers safely perform their stunts. 

She concludes the video by showing the depth of the AquaTheater pool at its current level, coming in at 3.7 meters — or roughly 12 feet — deep. However, it can actually be adjusted as deep as nearly 18 feet. 

Since being posted, the short video has received over 18,000 views and 520 likes, indicating that there's a lot of curiosity about Royal Caribbean's most exclusive pools. 

Other clips on the TikToker's page reveal that she's a performer working aboard Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship that sails out of Miami, Florida. 

The AquaTheater pools are the deepest at sea and have two 30-foot diving platforms

Another performer, Ginni van Katwijk, shared a behind-the-scenes look at one of the high dives that takes place during AquaTheater shows. 

When Katwijk posted the Instagram video, she was working aboard Harmony of the Seas, the third Oasis Class ship to enter service for Royal Caribbean. 

"Just like normal," she says as she prepares to dive off the platform, "easy peasy." She then raises her arms, takes a deep breath, and gracefully jumps off the diving board into the AquaTheater pool. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean crew member shows off daring high dive on cruise ship: "Should be illegal"

Users were amazed by her bravery.

Calstatic_king wrote, "You give me anxiety but I can’t stop watching 😂😂😂."

Another added, "Watching you put your hands up and seeing them slightly shake before you centered yourself reminded me that you are a human, but totally a professional! You are incredible at what you do!!!"

What ships have an AquaTheater?

Since launching in 2009 aboard Oasis of the Seas, the AquaTheater has become a signature feature of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships. Never before had anyone seen daring high dives and choreographed water stunts in the middle of the ocean. 

Today, AquaTheaters can be found on eight ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, including the two Icon Class vessels:

• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Star of the Seas

That said, the AquaTheater on Icon and Star of the Seas is different. Instead of being located at the back of the ship, they're found in the enclosed AquaDome. 

Because the theater is inside, it features climate control settings, advanced lighting, and AI-based technologies to deliver the most immersive and dynamic iterations of the show yet. 

Pro tip: make your reservation for the first or second show! Performances can sometimes be canceled due to weather, so booking early gives you a better chance of seeing the AquaTheater show. If your performance is canceled, you will have time to make it to another before disembarkation. They may even reschedule it for you! 

The family of a woman that authorities say jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and was never found, is suing the cruise line.

On October 22, 2024, a cruise ship passenger was reported overboard while sailing on Allure of the Seas while on a 4-night Taylor Swift-themed cruise.

The woman was later identified as Dulcie White, and her family blames crew members serving her too many drinks because she had a drink package.

According to CBS News, a lawsuit specifies the unlimited drink package played a role in White's death.

What happened last year

Photo by X user @Navaleye1

While Allure of the Seas was about 17 miles north of Nassau, a 66-year-old woman went overboard.

Local authorities later confirmed the woman jumped, and did not fall, from the 14th deck of the ship. 

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force, assisted by the U.S. Coast Guard, responded and conducted search and rescue efforts, using helicopters and airplanes.

Royal Caribbean also brought two other cruise ships, Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, to assist in the search.

At the time of the incident, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the incident in a statement, "Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities."

Rescue efforts were unsuccessful and called off the next day.

Family blames the cruise line

Ms. White's daughter, Megan Klewin, said her mom had purchased the alcohol package and said the drink package is part of the problem.

"Because of that (drink package, White) did overdo it, trying to maybe get her money's worth," she told CBS News.

"She was completely intoxicated in a way I haven't seen before. It saddens me that that is my last memory of her."

According to a lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County on Thursday, crew members served Ms. White, "seven alcoholic beverages continually within a span of approximately six hours and eight minutes."

The lawsuit claims crew members ignored slurred speech, stammering, and difficulty standing up by White. It also claims another passenger noticed White's behavior and assisted her to her stateroom.

According to Klewin, she saw White go to the balcony.

"I assumed that's what she was doing was going to check her suitcase," Klewin said. "I wasn't looking and the next chance that I did look up, I saw her back. She was seated on the edge of the balcony like she had climbed up. She was seated and then fell over before I could get to her."

The lawsuit also claims the cruise ship never turned around or used rescue boats, even though independent reports from TMZ and other outlets showed rescue efforts.

Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to Jamaica, and Royal Caribbean is ready to step up to help in the relief effort.

As the storm moves past the Caribbean island, it's becoming clear how much land and human life has been devastated.

Melissa was one of the most powerful storms ever, and it made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm.

It's now weakened and moved through the Bahamas, on its way toward Bermuda

Authorities say more than 30 deaths have been attributed to the storm in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Falmouth, Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Photo by Michael Wattkis

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley jumped in quickly on social media to offer a promise that his cruise line will step up to help.

Royal Caribbean has a long history of assisting countries its ships regularly visit when a natural disaster strikes.

Over $1 million relief supplies on the way

Mr. Bayley posted a short message indicating his people are engaged in how to help with the flow of support.

"[Jamaica] our thoughts and actions are with the people of Jamaica impacted by the Hurricane," he posted on Facebook.

"We have been in touch with the Government and many of our 1,200 employees and crew from the island.  We are coordinating relief supplies to be brought into Jamaica by air and sea for the communities hardest hit."

Update: Royal Caribbean announced late on Thursday it will contribute more than $1 million in aid to Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean Group is proud to stand with our communities and employees in Jamaica as they recover from Hurricane Melissa. We’ve pledged more than $1 million to support recovery in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa through Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and to support our local crew members through our Employee Hardship Fund. Our ships are also delivering critical supplies directly to those in need. 

Royal Caribbean Group set up an easy way to support the relief efforts or to learn more about how to help by visiting give.gem.org/RCGgivesback. 

Royal Caribbean ships dock in Falmouth, which is a port it helped develop in 2011. Prior to that, its ships visited Jamaica for decades in other ports, such as Ocho Rio and Montego Bay.

"Thank You Royal Caribbean Group"

Mr. Bayley's post was met with universal support by cruise fans who shared their admiration for the quick action.

"Thank You Royal Caribbean Group for the unwavering support of your family," wrote Kim Finnegan-Sheplock.

"This [is how]Royal has responded in the past and I am sure they will continue to respond with care and love in the future," added Bill Raffel.

Lori Hawthorne added, "Such a devastating storm. My thoughts to all of the wonderful people there. Thank you for helping."

Cathy Hirsch wrote, "I fell in love with the Jamaican people because of your cruises and have felt so helpless. It does my heart good to know that you are taking action."

Elizabeth Kohlmeier added, "So proud of the way the company just doesn’t send thoughts and prayers, but actually does something for the staff the countries that are affected by these natural disasters One of the reasons why we are loyal to Royal."

Hurricane Melissa is now a threat to Bermuda

While the storm isn't as strong as it was when it hit Jamaica, Melissa remains a major story.

As of Thursday afternoon, it was still a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 105 mph and headed to Bermuda.

The good news is the National Hurricane Center expect the storm to weaken again on Friday.

While Melissa will pass to the northwest of Bermuda, some strong winds could still reach Bermuda.

You can support the relief efforts too

While Royal Caribbean is going to offer relief aid soon to Jamaica, there are ways for everyone to help out too.

Jamaican officials also launched the Support Jamaica website where you can make a donation. 

Many humanitarian organizations have already set up methods to donate and help the relief efforts in Jamaica.

Here are the most popular options for donating:

• American Friends of Jamaica
• American Red Cross
• Americares
• CARE
• Global Giving

Jamaican authorities have also issued a warning to be wary of scams where "nefarious individuals" are trying to snipe relief money.

"We have already been made aware of some nefarious individuals trying to collect money on behalf of Jamaica. We remind you that this will be the official site. If it doesn’t have .gov.jm, it’s not legitimate, it’s not an official government of Jamaica site," officials said in a statement.

You're about to take your first Royal Caribbean cruise, but what should beginners know before they board?

Among the multitude of questions our readers share, many have a common theme: they're feeling overwhelmed with how to approach a Royal Caribbean cruise because of all of the options, choices, and things to consider.

I've found knowing what to expect before your cruise begins can really help calm that sort of tension and make it easier to start things off on the right foot.  You should be excited for a cruise, not nervous!

I wanted to share important Royal Caribbean first time cruise tips that will help ease anyone into their vacation without any concerns.

What's included with your cruise

Royal Caribbean cruises aren't all inclusive, but they do include a lot with your fare.

You can expect a lot of the food, entertainment, and activities included at no extra cost.  But there are opportunities to spend extra on other options. 

• Your private stateroom
• Most meals and snacks onboard and at the private destination (breakfast, lunch, dinner, buffets, grab-and-go)
• Included beverages: tap water, tea, coffee, lemonade, iced tea, milk, juices (not fresh-squeezed), and hot chocolate
• Kids/Teens programming via the “Adventure Ocean” club (for ages 3–17) is included until approximately 10 pm
• Onboard activities and shows: theatre productions, live music, comedy, magic, trivia, pool games, scavenger hunts
• Many of the signature onboard activities and games: rock climbing wall, mini golf, waterslides, zipline, bumper cars, sports courts, etc.
• Use of the fitness center, jogging track, and sports court are included (though some fitness classes & spa services cost extra)
• Access to pools, sun decks, hot tubs and adult-only Solarium (on most ships) is included

Read more: What's included in a Royal Caribbean cruise?

If something costs extra, it's usually clearly marked in the Royal Caribbean app or before you order. Crew members are happy to explain if you have any questions, but I've found most of the signage to be easy to understand for things that aren't included.

What you should expect on boarding day

Getting on your cruise ship is an exciting event, and the embarkation process is a lot like going to the airport and getting on a flight.

There are three basic steps:

• Drop off luggage
• Checking-in
• Boarding

When you get to the cruise terminal, there are porters waiting to take your luggage. 

There's no cost to have your bags checked and Royal Caribbean doesn't have bag limits. So feel free to give the porters as much luggage as you like.  Just be sure to keep your travel documents, identification, and valuables with you in a carry-on bag.

Ideally you'll have printed out luggage tags and attached them to your bags, but the porters can do that for you if you didn't.

The next step is to get in line to check-in for your cruise.

You should have gotten a check-in time from the Royal Caribbean app or website. Royal Caribbean's online check-in opens 45 days before your cruise is set to begin. 

Enter the cruise terminal and you'll be directed to go through security, similar to an airport. All your belongings go into a scanner and you walk through a metal detector.

After that, you'll meet an agent to help you check-in.  They'll scan your SetSail Pass that is available in the app or if you printed it out.

The agent is there to verify you have all the proper documentation and everyone is present.  

Boarding usually begins around 10 or 11am, depending on how quickly the ship was able to disembark the previous guests and get clearance from local authorities to start the next sailing.

It's quite likely you'll go straight from check-in to boarding the ship!

3 things you should do before the cruise begins

In the weeks leading up to your cruise, there are a few really important things I think anyone should do before their cruise begins.

1. Complete online check-in

You can check-in for your cruise really easily with the Royal Caribbean app, and I highly recommend you do it to save time later.

The app is free to use and one person can do it for everyone else in your cabin.  It requires having your travel documents handy, taking a photo of everyone, and entering some basic information.

In fact, if you do it right, you should get Express Boarding to make embarkation even faster!

2. Pre-book everything

I cannot stress enough how important it is to pre-book as much as you can, such as shore excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, entertainment and more.

First, pre-booking will save you money. The cruise line heavily discounts these things in the months leading up to the sailing, and you will absolutely pay more onboard.

Second, pre-booking reduces the risk of something selling out.

Waiting to book onboard could mean there's little to no availability.

3. Buy travel insurance

Like all insurance, it seems like a waste of money until you need it.

There are so many variables with a cruise, that I recommend buying travel insurance simply to cover your bases for situations involving someone getting sick, bad weather disrupting your trip, or an accident.

Read more: I do these 14 things before every cruise to make my vacation better

Best cruises for first timers

If you've never cruised before, there are a few types of cruises and ships I'd recommend for a first time cruiser.

Best overall ship for new cruisers: Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas.

A 7-night cruise on one of Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships is sure to hit all the high notes and offer the latest and greatest there is today.

These aren't just new ships, they're arguably the best in the industry because of how they're designed to make everything so easy and accessible.

Plus, a weeklong cruise is a great start for a first timer because you get a mix of sea days and port days.

Short “dipping-your-toe” cruises: Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas 

A very popular option is to take a 3- or 4-night cruise to The Bahamas (including the line’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay).

These are ideal for first-timers because the itinerary is short, the onboard ship options are plentiful, and there’s minimal time away from home.

European cruises for first-timers: Odyssey of the Seas or Legend of the Seas

7-night Mediterranean sailings from ports like Barcelona or Rome offer the best ships in the fleet along with amazing places to visit.

These are good for newcomers who want a mix of ship experience and sightseeing in Europe without the hassle of separate hotels/transport.

Royal Caribbean tips for first time cruisers

I love planning out a cruise because it extends the excitement of a fun vacation and really builds up the experience.

I wanted to share my favorite secrets for planning a cruise so you can get started the right way.

• Use a good travel agent: Trust me, a good travel agent is worth using.  They can save you money, help answer questions, and solve problems you haven't considered yet. Plus, a good travel agent should cost you nothing extra to use.
• The right cabin for you: There are lots of cabins you could book. It's a question of balancing room size versus price. A balcony cabin is usually a safe bet for a first timer because there's indoor and outdoor space, and the price is usually agreeable.
• Be flexible: No matter how much planning you do, not everything will go exactly as you expect it. Don't let little things ruin your trip.  People that cruise a lot will tell you how important it is to "go with the flow" and not let bad weather, cold food, or a rude guest stop you from having a great time.
• Look up the dress codes: Yes, there are themes for each day of the sailing but don't worry too much. They're suggestions, not requirements.
• Watch a ship tour: I think it's a really good idea to watch a ship tour on YouTube to get an idea of what to expect onboard. It's not only useful for understanding where everything is, but it's a fun introduction to the ship!

One man put himself in danger by climbing out his cruise ship window and sitting on top of it.

The incident occurred during a cruise last week, in which someone noticed the man doing something very dangerous and something he definitely shouldn't doing.

Purposefully disregarding these rules can have serious consequences, ranging from hefty fines to permanent bans. 

Recently, one cruiser caught another passenger incorrectly using their infinite verandah cabin on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. 

In the photograph, the guest is seen sitting on the edge of the open window, with his legs dangling over the side. Presumably, he wanted a better view of the action in Central Park. 

One way to take advantage of the neighborhood is by reserving an inward-facing balcony cabin. On Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, most of these staterooms are infinite verandahs, a modern, innovative twist on the traditional balcony experience. 

Instead of having a separate open-air space, infinite verandah cabins feature a floor-to-ceiling window. The top half can be lowered at the push of a button to transform the entire room into an outdoor retreat. 

Generally speaking, these rooms are pretty controversial. Some cruisers love the extra indoor living space, while others prefer traditional cruise balconies. 

Still, when the window is down, it creates a bright, airy space that brings Central Park right into the stateroom. 

That said, the window is not meant to be sat on when open. Doing so can be extremely dangerous, and this passenger is lucky that he did not accidentally fall! 

Last year, a 12-year-old passenger fell off their Central Park balcony and died 

Witnesses sailing on Harmony of the Seas claimed that the boy had been playing with friends he had met onboard before going over the stateroom's balcony railing, falling to his death. 

Royal Caribbean confirmed that although crew members tried to resuscitate the child, the life-saving efforts were unsuccessful. He unfortunately succumbed to his injuries before the ship returned to Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 2024. 

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests. Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told PEOPLE.

It wasn't the first time someone had died in a balcony-related incident on Harmony of the Seas, either. In 2019, a 16-year-old guest passed away trying to climb onto their balcony after forgetting their SeaPass card. 

Harmony was docked in Labadee at the time — Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti. According to reports, the Broward Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the passenger was on Deck 8 when he slipped and fell on the pier. 

Most recently, a viral TikTok captured a scary moment when teenagers were caught climbing on a cruise balcony.

(Credit: @dvandzzedsw/TikTok)

The 5-second clip was likely meant as a social media stunt (thankfully, no injuries were reported), but it served as a harsh reminder of how quickly things can take a turn for the worse. 

For instance, one boy can be seen wearing flimsy flip-flops and protruding their stomach over the railing while holding onto the ceiling above. Had he taken one wrong step, he could have plummeted overboard into the sea!

Not only that, but passengers were outraged by the reckless behavior. Some went as far as asserting that the teens — along with their parents — should be banned from sailing with the cruise line again. 

Read more: Video captures scary moment teenagers caught climbing on cruise balcony