Royal Caribbean Blog

I've taken a few cruises on Celebrity Cruises and found policies and ideas that Royal Caribbean is missing out on.

Every cruise line has its plusses and minuses, including my beloved Royal Caribbean.  

Among the cruise lines, there seems to be a gamesmanship of trying to out do each other.  But since Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are owned by the same company, why reinvent the wheel?

I'm not advocating both lines operate exactly the same, but when there's a good idea, it's a good idea for both. After all, Celebrity ships visit Royal Caribbean's private destinations and beach clubs openly.

I came up with five ideas I think Royal Caribbean should copy from Celebrity Cruises immediately.

Passengers can drop their luggage off in their cabins before rooms are ready

The first time I took a Celebrity Cruise, I thought it was incredible that you could drop off your bags, cans of soda, or anything else you carried on in your stateroom before they're officially ready.

Like Royal Caribbean, cabins are not ready on embarkation day for you to use until the early afternoon. The difference is on Celebrity, you can stop by to drop anything you want off. 

This takes away a major pain point of boarding day, because rooms aren't usually ready until 1pm. Until then, you have to carry backpacks, strollers, and other knick-knacks around. For families, this is a big problem.

Heck, you could bring your luggage on the ship yourself too and avoid having to wait for the bags to be delivered later.

Keeping part of the buffet open late

I think Royal Caribbean has always lacked compelling late night food options that go beyond pizza.

On Celebrity, they keep one section of their buffet at Oceanview Cafe open much later after the rest of the buffet closes.

Part of the reason Celebrity does this is their late night pizza is located in Oceanview Cafe, so the venue is already open anyway.  However, you'll also find pastas, salad, and a few other options.

To Royal Caribbean's credit, adding the Aquadome Market and keeping that open until midnight is a worthy alternative. But that's only available on Icon Class ships.

Making the casino completely non-smoking

Both Celebrity Cruises and Silversea have completely non-smoking casinos, and Royal Caribbean should finally make that change too.

I admit, as a non-smoker, this is something that directly benefits me.  But given how much more space Royal Caribbean has given to building out non-smoking casino space, clearly there's a demand.

Today, Royal Caribbean's casinos are split into a smoking and non-smoking side. As you might imagine, the smoke (and odor) doesn't obey the dividing line.

Back in 2022, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said they saw a drop in casino business whenever they experimented with a non-smoking casino. I could be wrong, but I've not seen the line run another experiment since a temporary Covid restriction in 2021.

I think attitudes about smoking have changed a lot, and if they're willing to expand the casinos to offer more non-smoking space, that's a sign there's a lot of demand for that. I think it's time to rip the band aid off and copy Celebrity's lead.

A more full service cafe like Cafe al Bacio

Sometimes a small change makes a big difference, and Cafe al Bacio is a great example.

The genius of Cafe al Bacio on Celebrity is the service that comes with it.  You can get your own coffee at the bar, or take a seat and have someone bring it to you.

That might not sound like a big deal, but it really adds to making the venue feel like a coffee house vibe.  And I'm willing to bet I'll spend more on coffee if someone is offering to bring me another.

Pearl Cafe on the Icon Class ships is certainly a major step up from Cafe Promenade, but I'd love to see it go full service.

I love the theater design from the Edge Class ships

When I went on Celebrity Ascent, I was very impressed by how much the stage design contributed to making a regular musical revue show better.

First, the stage is more circular than a traditional stage, allowing the audience to surround it.  That adds a different dimension to the show, as you feel more immersed.

Second, there's an amazing LED screen behind the stage that does a better job of storytelling than lasers and lights ever could.

I really think this makes a typical cruise ship show of singing and dancing stand out more.

You don't have to check out towels

On Celebrity, pool towels are given out without having scan your Seapass card and it's so much better.

On Royal Caribbean, you have to scan the towels out, and then back in or face a $25 fee.

I get that they want towels to be brought back and not left all over, but it's one of those policies that seems to cause more problems than it solves.  Not only is having to scan towels in and out cumbersome, but there's been a real problem with incorrectly being charged for towels after the cruise is over.

Royal Caribbean has renamed the main areas of its private beach club in The Bahamas.

Since opening in December 2025, Royal Caribbean has quietly made small tweaks to improve the guest experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

This is the cruise line's private beach option in Nassau, Bahamas where cruisers can choose to purchase admission to it.

The latest change is to rename the key areas of the club.

It appears the name changes are more a reflection of how they're being used by guests, rather than a fundamental change in what's being offered.

Adjusting to match the experience

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first of four beach clubs that will open by 2027, and the cruise line isn't afraid to make tweaks.

The change is reflected in the names of each beach going forward: Chill, Party and Paradise.

Family Beach is being renamed to Chill Beach, and Royal Caribbean is making the change because they want the area to be welcoming to all. A "family" area might sound like it's just for kids, and preclude someone from even going there.

As a result, the area formerly known as Family Beach will swap names to Chill Beach.

The new Chill Beach has a zero-entry pool, beach games, and more. In addition, family-focused activities including Captain Cool, beach games and pool games will continue to take place at Chill Beach (previously Family Beach)

The original Chill Beach will now be called Paradise Beach, as a way to reflect its location.

Signs around Royal Beach Club will be updated very soon to reflect the name changes.

Cabana name changes too

Since the zones are changing names, some cabanas are too.

Prior to the official name change news breaking, guests received emails from Royal Caribbean informing them that their cabana rental has changed in name only. The locations and amenities remain unchanged.

"We have a small update to share," an email to guests read. "Your Beach Cabana (Family Beach) is now called the Beach Cabana (Chill Beach)."

"That’s the only change—everything else about your reservation remains exactly the same."

Why Royal Caribbean likely made the change

Labels can make or break someone's decision how they spend their day at the beach club, and I think Royal Caribbean wants to make sure any assumptions are correct.

Simpler, more intuitive naming is a good idea for first-time visitors. And it doesn't create any pre-conceived notions about if a certain area should be avoided.

I think "family beach" may have kept some visitors from even going over to see the area because they believed it was just for kids.

In truth, the area formerly known as Family Beach was massive, especially the beach area. It was quite possible to get away from the crowds there.

Remember, each zone is just a starting point

Despite the names, you can go to any of the zones with or without kids.  Royal Caribbean likes to use colorful names to make it easy to distinguish.

Party Cove is where you'll find the DJ playing party music and a pool party vibe. Kids are welcome to join in.

Similarly, the new Chill Beach has more for young kids with a zero-entry pool. But it's also one of the largest beaches.

Basically, the names are primarily a general motif and not immersive.

Guest feedback is like gold to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean places a high value on guest feedback about any of their products, but new ones get even more attention.

Every passenger that visits Royal Beach Club gets a post-visit email survey link, where they have the chance to rate just about everything offered.  Plus, there is an opportunity to enter suggestions or general feedback in text form.

They then aggregate the surveys to look for patterns, and potentially, a policy change.

Royal Caribbean even holds focus groups from time to time to ask more specific questions of cruisers.

Tampa's cruise port is so busy that it's building a new terminal to handle the demand. 

Although Tampa isn't home to record-breaking mega-ships, it's a popular departure port for mid-sized vessels, ranging from Grandeur of the Seas to Rhapsody of the Seas, Margaritaville at Sea's Islander, Carnival Paradise, and more. 

In 2025, Port Tampa Bay had record-breaking numbers, welcoming over 1.6 million cruise passengers and over 262,000 shipping containers, according to Spectrum Bay News 9. 

And there are no signs of slowing down, either. In 2026, for example, Tampa expects over 390 cruise ship calls, reflecting strong demand fueled by its convenient location and efficient operations.

Port officials are also expecting around 1.8 million cruise passengers to pass through the Tampa this year. 

Matthew Thompson, VP of Port Operations, explained why he believes the port continues to attract so many cruisers.

"We have a [world-class] airport. It is easy to get around. Our passenger[s] are finding it [really] simple to make...reservations, get on the ships and just have a great time," he told Bay News 9.

"We are also seeing and hearing stories that a lot of them either on the front end or the back end... [wanting] to spend some time in Tampa or maybe the beaches in Pinellas and just kind of check out this area in conjunction with their cruise."

As such, the port is gearing up for future growth and moving forward with its "Master Plan Vision 2030" project, which includes constructing warehouses and expanding terminals to increase passenger capacity. 

Simply expanding existing infrastructure isn't enough, though, so Tampa is also building a brand-new cruise terminal.

Fourth cruise terminal in the works

As of 2026, Port Tampa Bay has three cruise terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 6. However, these terminals are running out of room and cannot meet the current demand. 

Tampa Lastest, for example, shared that the port is "already turning away new cruise itineraries due to limited space."

Supposedly, Tampa's fourth cruise terminal will be able to deliver up to 200 more ship calls annually and welcome over 1 million additional passengers, putting the port's yearly totals over 2.5 million, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported. 

Although still in the early planning phases, design work is expected to be completed sometime in the next year. 

The port has also already outlined its goals for the new terminal, with the expansion project hopefully improving passenger flow, reducing downtown traffic congestion, adding modern amenities like shore power, and giving cruise lines the extra capacity they need. 

Dreams of bigger cruise ships sailing from Tampa are dead

In January, SSA Marine, a marine terminal operator that's been around since 1949, announced a proposal, in collaboration with Tampa-based Slip Knott LLC, to build a multi-berth cruise port in Manatee County.

The terminal would have been built on a massive coastal property known as the Knott‑Cowen tract at the mouth of Tampa Bay, next to the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 

Being on the seaward side of the bridge would bypass the bridge’s height restrictions, allowing larger and more innovative ships to dock in Tampa.

However, on Thursday, March 19, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill blocking the proposed cruise port, as reported by The Herald-Tribune.

"Florida remains an important destination for cruise expeditions," DeSantis said during the press conference in Bradenton. "There's not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and aquatic preserve."

He added that the necessary work required to build the new terminal "...would have a major, major change in the lifestyle and the environment of the folks that live in this area."

Read more: It's Official: New Tampa Cruise Port Plans Are Dead

Everyone says to join a cruise Facebook group. I wish I hadn't.

I love sharing information, meeting new people, and staying informed, but I stopped joining Facebook groups for my sailings.

As groups have risen in popularity, so have the problems.  What used to be infrequent annoyances have become far more commonplace, and it's the sort of things that turn me off from bothering to go about it.

I cruise a monthly basis, so I run across lots of groups. If I'm on a big ship, it's not uncommon for there to be hundreds of people in there.

I hate to paint with a wide brush, because there are lots of people who use Facebook to learn from others, share their own experiences, and generally help get excited about an awesome vacation that's coming up.

The drama, misinformation, and spam are why I don't recommend joining Facebook groups anymore for a cruise.

Know-it-alls, judging others, and drama is a big turnoff

Squabbles over silly issues usually crop up, even before the cruise begins.

A simple question about dress codes, where to find information, or other "cruise 101" posts conjure up responses that are plain nasty.

While the correct answer usually gets shared, it's mired with trolling messages and personal attacks.  Some people get annoyed anyone would ask a question that cannot be searched on Google first.  

Then there are the sarcastic and joke responses.  The people writing it think they're funny, but humor doesn't travel well in written form without being able to hear the inflection. That results in nasty comments back (because they think they're being attacked), or even someone thinking the joke response is the correct answer.

My personal pet peeve are the "weather pearl clutchers". These are the people that look at a 21 day weather forecast and start freaking out because there's any chance of rain. They bring the doom and gloom and bring down the vibe quickly.

All of it bogs down the usefulness of being in a Facebook group, and all it takes is one bored person to quickly set the wrong tone for everyone.

Some travel agents use Facebook groups to drum up business

The amount of unsolicited sales pitches in Facebook groups is a quickly growing problem.

Some travel agents will create a group as a means of gathering potential future sales leads. They lock down sharing links that might conflict with their own business interests, and share lots of posts offering to book future cruises.

I have no problem with someone marketing themselves and trying to grow their business, but a Facebook group that passes itself off as a place for everyone to meet isn't the place for that. 

Absentee group admins foster chaos

If a travel agent that rules their group with an iron fist is bad, a group with no admin at the helm is even worse.

Facebook has a bad spam problem, and if you start a public group for a sailing, you can start a countdown on an egg timer before someone will post advertising a taxi service, shore excursion in Roatan, or t-shirts to buy.

Beyond the spam, arguments grow out of control and problem makers are left unchecked.

Misinformation spreads fast, and it's tiring to try to help

Even if there's a benevolent group admin that does a good job at rooting out the worst offenders, incorrect info can still run wild.

On a recent sailing, someone asked which cruise terminal we were boarding from in San Juan, Puerto Rico and I saw a couple of people insisting it was the wrong port.

I certainly don't want to go into any group and try to correct everyone. And I don't think anyone wants to be "that guy" that responds to every post and risks being seen as annoying or a know-it-all.

On the one hand, I hate to see people lead astray with the wrong info. But on the other hand, I have no interest in trying to correct everyone, especially people that think they're providing the right answer.

This is especially true of dress codes, because they're quite subjective and open for interpretation.  Royal Caribbean doesn't really enforce dress codes much, so the result is a wide gap in personal preference.

Imagine sailing on a cruise ship where robots move alongside talented performers, help clean hard-to-reach windows, and even scrub the hull underwater. 

Royal Caribbean has found a way to use technology to add to the overall entertainment experience and improve efficiency.

"We have always been acutely focused on delivering the best possible experience using technology... We are constantly trying to innovate and improve it," says Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, in a recent YouTube video.

Enter collaborative robots, AKA cobots. These cobots aren't tucked away in a back room like traditional industrial robots that purposely work behind the scenes. Rather, they work side by side with crew members to enhance every part of the cruise experience. 

Here's a look at how Royal Caribbean uses robots aboard its newer cruise ships. 

Cobots help create immersive and unforgettable shows

"We've been working with robots for years at Royal. Obviously, on the Quantum Class ships, we have these amazing robots on [a] gantry with these giant 7x4-foot LED screens. We thought, okay, how can we bring those into the mix again?" explains Alex Marchant, Senior Director, Entertainment Creative & Strategy at Royal Caribbean.

In addition to the impressive robots in Two70, robots have been integrated into the enclosed AquaTheaters aboard Icon Class ships. 

On Icon of the Seas, for example, there are four robots located on the three-meter upstage area that help to set the scene. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / YouTube)

They aren't just props or something there for street cred — though they certainly do wow the audience. Instead, they serve as a point of connection for a lot of the show's signature pieces and are just as important as the entertainers. 

"It isn't our classic AquaTheater. It is truly kind of the reboot and reimagination. And the robots being integrated into it is an amazing transformation of our AquaTheater experience," remarks Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean. 

In the Royal Theater, Royal Caribbean continues to evolve the entertainment experience with advanced features, such as a giant LED wall, six motorized platforms that move dynamically, and side stages with additional LED screens.

"[O]ur visual for the audience has just grown immensely. The audience is not going to know what's hit them," Marchant boasts. 

Cobots also help keep cruise ships running smoothly

Other robots help keep the ship running smoothly. This makes operations more efficient and sustainable for crew and guests. For example, aboard Star of the Seas, robotic cleaners help keep the ship clean. 

"We do not want to decrease crew members; we want to increase their productivity and their interaction with the guests. And that's the whole idea of getting the robots on board to help them... We wanted to add to the quality of our work, and [the robots] offer us that," explains Johanita Jacobs, Senior Director, Housekeeping Operations at Royal Caribbean. 

When the robots were added on board, every area of the ship was mapped and assigned a QR code, which tells the robotic cleaners — named Bob and Betsy — what duty is expected of them in different places. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / YouTube)

Jacobs also confirmed that robotic cleaners will be coming to all Icon Class ships, and she can see them potentially being added to new developments in the future. 

Something else innovative aboard Icon Class ships is the use of underwater hull-scrubbing robots. 

"We have our hull scrubbing vessel [robots] on board Icon Class. This underwater robot is like a drone, and it has brushes... [to] scrub the hull. Keeping the hull clean is everything to do with fuel consumption and efficiency," says Rob Hempstead, Captain of Star of the Seas. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / YouTube)

Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President, Maritime, added that keeping a hull as clean as possible is essential for the ship’s performance and sustainability. 

Since nearly half of the ship’s energy is used for propulsion — and 80% of that energy is spent overcoming friction with the water — a clean hull can significantly reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact.

Read more: Technology that changed cruises: 5 of the best uses of tech on Royal Caribbean today

This year's Atlantic hurricane season is right around the corner, with experts predicting up to 16 named storms, including as many as four major hurricanes.

Tropical storms can quickly disrupt cruise itineraries and travel plans. However, staying informed and purchasing travel insurance can help cruisers navigate the season's unpredictability with greater confidence. 

AccuWeather's forecast points to a slightly near to below-average season, but still warns that anywhere from 11 to 16 named storms are predicted to develop. Additionally, three to five storms could make direct landfall in the United States.

"It's very important that everybody from South Texas all the way to Maine prepares equally for each and every hurricane season, regardless of what the official forecast is," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

"Even if it's expected to be a slightly below average hurricane season, we can still see major hits across the United States."

11 to 16 named storms in 2026, with four to seven becoming hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes, defined as Category 3 or higher

According to AccuWeather, this year's hurricane season will be shaped by a shifting climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. 

El Niño is one phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which also includes La Niña and ENSO-neutral. The ENSO cycle plays a key role in global climate patterns and can affect everything from weather to wildfires, ecosystems, and economies. 

Last month, meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the likelihood of an El Niño developing by mid-summer significantly increased. 

Read more: El Niño watch issued, what it means for cruise ships during hurricane season

Typically, El Niño creates stronger upper-level winds across the Atlantic, which makes it more difficult for tropical storms to develop. This could mean there are fewer named tropical storms during the most active weeks of the season compared to the first half. 

Still, the presence of El Niño doesn't guarantee a below-average hurricane season. In fact, during the most recent El Niño in the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, 20 named storms formed. 

"What made 2023 very special is it was also the warmest year on record if we take a look at the average sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic basin," DaSilva explained. 

AccuWeather's forecast predicts that the Atlantic waters will be warm throughout 2026, though not reaching the same record highs seen in 2023.

Concerned about rapid intensification

Storms draw a lot of their energy from warm water, which is why experts are worried about rapid intensification during this year's hurricane season. 

"This year we are very concerned about rapid intensification, very similar to the last couple of years," DaSilva said.

It's not just the surface temperatures that play a key role in storm development, either. Deep ocean heat content waters, which are hundreds of feet deep across most of the hurricane basin, can also intensify storms. 

"Those waters are also exceptionally, exceptionally warm. That is why once again we are very concerned about rapid intensification this upcoming hurricane season," DaSilva added. 

Another factor raising concerns is the possibility of the Atlantic hurricane season starting earlier than the official start on June 1.

AccuWeather's report says that warm weather in places where storms typically develop early in the season means that it may not take much for tropical activity to kick off. 

Early in the hurricane season, "homegrown development" is most frequent, which occurs when a storm or front moving across North America stalls over the Gulf, western Caribbean, or western Atlantic. As it sits over the warm water, it could develop into a tropical depression, tropical storm, or even a hurricane.

What to know about going on a cruise during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season

You shouldn't avoid cruises during hurricane season. In fact, with proper planning and expectation management, it can be a great time to go.

Cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions and may adjust itineraries to avoid storms, making it a safe option for travelers. The only caveat is that you must remain flexible. If you want to visit the Eastern Caribbean, you might be disappointed if your itinerary is changed at the last minute to call at Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatán, Honduras. 

Additionally, cruisers can take advantage of lower prices during hurricane season. As an example, a 7-night cruise on Icon of the Seas in early July 2026 starts at around $1,586 per person for an inside room. However, the price for the same itinerary in October drops to $1,393 for an interior cabin. 

Regardless, having a good travel insurance policy that covers incidentals in case a named storm impacts your vacation is key. Hurricanes, for instance, can disrupt air travel as much as cruise itineraries, which could put a damper on your vacation before it even begins!

This year, experts say the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast and the Carolinas are at the highest risk for direct impacts, making flexibility and solid preparation crucial for travelers coming to or from these areas.

Read more: Why your Caribbean cruise forecast says rain every day (and why it usually doesn’t matter)

One of the top reasons people book a cruise ship vacation is to explore the destinations it visits, but no one wants to book a tour that leaves you disappointed.

I asked our readers for what shore excursions they booked and instantly regretted, and I was surprised the general consensus wasn't one specific excursion, but a type of tour. 

We had over 500 responses to my question in just a few days. What surprised me wasn't just how many people had regrets, but how often they came from the excursions that seemed like the safest choices.

Large sightseeing tours were by far the most commonly mentioned kind of cruise excursion that were filled with regret.

On paper, these tours sounded like a sure thing.  But after taking them, the reality was many tours were the type cruisers wish they could do over.

Here is why this type of cruise ship shore excursion was lackluster, and the other tours our readers say they'd never book again.

City tours and long bus tours

The shore excursion most people regretted the most were bus tours, and it wasn't even close to the rest.

An excursion that takes you around a city seems like a safe and easy way to see a destination. In reality, many cruisers said they felt like they spent most of their port day staring out a bus window instead of actually experiencing anything.

• "We sat on a bus for hours and barely got out."
• "It was basically a drive-by tour with a few photo stops."
• "Felt like we saw everything… but experienced nothing."
• "Too much talking, not enough doing."

I've experienced this sort of regret too when I took a bus tour around a fjord in Norway. I wanted my family to see them, but so much of the tour is on the bus, with little outdoor time.

Our readers felt the same way, because a big frustration was how little time people actually had off the bus. Stops were often rushed, with just enough time for a quick photo before moving on.

• "Every stop felt rushed... like ‘take your picture and get back on.'"
• "We had 15 minutes here, 20 minutes there… it wasn’t relaxing at all."

Other issues with a bus tour can be the guide, and how easy it is (or not) to understand them. Or how knowledgeable they are of what you're seeing.

• "The guide talked nonstop, but none of it was memorable."
• "Half the time I couldn’t even hear what they were saying."

Ultimately, the issue with a bus tour is it feels like most of the time is spent in transit, rather than experiencing something. 

Our readers lamented that it left them like they wasted port time.

I recommend doing research before your visit to any port and honing in on an activity, place, or major sight.  Hop in a taxi, walk there, or book an excursion that only visits that place.

If you want to experience more of a destination rather than feel like you sat on a bus, you could hire a private driver or small group tour.  Because these excursions have less people, you can be more nimble and customize the experience.

Overcrowded and underwhelming beaches

The second most-mentioned regret was going to the beach, but this was more about one simple issue: expectation vs reality.

The complaint isn't against all beaches. Rather, a beach that didn't match up to expectations. People booked beach excursions expecting a pristine, relaxing escape, but what they got instead often felt crowded, expensive, and underwhelming.

• "It was packed—chairs right on top of each other."
• "Not worth what we paid at all."
• "I could’ve gone to a public beach for a fraction of the price."
• "Didn’t look anything like the photos."

Crowding was a major theme, especially at popular beach clubs tied to cruise traffic.

Tours that include a beach break will often end up at beaches that cater to cruise ship excursions because they have a large facility. 

• "Way too many people for the space."
• "Felt more like a resort pool deck than a beach day."

I've been to a few of these types of beaches, such as one in Jamaica that I would have volunteered to return to the ship within five minutes of arriving had that been an option.

When service and amenities don't live up to the marketing, it feels like you've been bamboozled.  It's one thing if you get sunburnt, drink too much, or have an annoying uncle with you.  But it's another when it feels like your day never had a chance to be fun.

The good news is beaches are easy to do on your own without an organized tour. You can easily search for the best beaches in any port your ship visits, and find lots of good recommendations.  

I would also look for reviews that speak to the location, exclusivity, or service components.  Find one that has exactly the vibe you're looking for.

Snorkeling photos look great, but the experience doesn't match the hype

Snorkeling tours was repeated a number of times, and it's primarily because the the idea sounded better than what they experienced.

Snorkeling can be very rewarding, but if it's too crowded or the weather doesn't cooperate, then it's lackluster.

• "The water was murky. You couldn’t see anything."
• "Too many people in the water at once."
• "We were all kicking each other trying to see fish."

Another issue is someone brand new might struggle to get the hang of how to properly snorkel.

• "I didn’t realize how hard snorkeling would be."
• "Spent more time trying to breathe than enjoying it."

Weather conditions are a major factor, and that's not the fault of the tour operator. A good snorkeling excursion relies on group size and instructors that can help everyone, even if they're brand new.

A small-group snorkel tour might be a good idea for minimizing those risks.  Also, if you can practice before the tour so breathing through a mask doesn't feel so foreign, that would help a lot.

Swimming with dolphins is expensive and overproduced

Dolphin swims are controversial, and also underwhelming for many readers.

Many cruisers said the experience felt overpriced and underwhelming. Dolphin encounters are usually a group event that involves very little individual time with the animal.

• "It was over so fast."
• "You spend more time waiting than actually with the dolphins."

A common complaint was how structured and limited the interaction felt.

• It felt very staged... like you’re just moving through a line."
• "You get your photo, your quick interaction, and that’s it."

Another issue is the ethical concerns of these tours.

• "It didn’t feel right once I saw the conditions."
• "After doing it, I wouldn’t do it again because of how the dolphins are kept."

I've never liked the idea of a dolphin encounter in a caged environment, so if you want to see marine life, I recommend booking a viewing tour of some kind in the open ocean.  You won't get a selfie with them, but it's best for both of you.

Glass-bottom boat tours sound so much more fun than they really are

Just like bus tours, taking a glass-bottom boat ride sounds great in theory, but rarely matches up.

The problem with this kind of a tour is how little you actually see.

• "The water wasn’t clear enough to see anything."
• "We were all squinting trying to spot something."
• "Definitely not what the brochure made it look like."

Like other tours on this list, the boats were crowded.  So when you add a small viewing area, that's a recipe for frustration.

For many, it ended up feeling like a passive, underwhelming ride.

There's so much luck involved with a glass-bottom boat ride in terms of the chances your boat passes over something interesting (or something interesting passes under your boat).  I'd much rather take my chances snorkeling.

Mariner of the Seas will no longer sail from Southampton, England, in 2027. 

Originally, the Voyager Class cruise ship was supposed to offer an impressive lineup of sailings from England. However, Royal Caribbean decided to swap the ship.

Now, Freedom of the Seas will sail from Southampton, while the updated Mariner itineraries have yet to be announced.

Royal Caribbean informed guests and travel advisors about the sudden deployment change in an email, which was shared with Royal Caribbean Blog. 

"As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process - which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, Mariner of the Seas will be redeployed for our Summer 2027 season. As a result, your clients' sailing has been redeployed," it begins. 

"We know how much effort goes into planning their vacation and apologize for the inconvenience. We've put together some alternative options that we hope will work for your clients and those in their party."

Passengers who were looking forward to their European adventure on Mariner of the Seas have three options:

1. Automatically move to a new sailing onboard Freedom of the Seas departing on the same day as their original reservation
2. Re-book any other Royal Caribbean International sailing
3. Receive a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare

Guests don't have to take any action if they decide to stick with the same sail date aboard Freedom of the Seas. Royal Caribbean will automatically move them to a like-for-like stateroom, and the original stateroom category price will be protected. If the booking was already paid in full, the company will refund any price difference between the two sailings. 

Additionally, Royal Caribbean will waive non-refundable deposit change fees for those who want to re-book another cruise. Guests, however, are responsible for the difference between the cruise fare and taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items (such as shore excursions, specialty dining reservations, drink packages, and Wi-Fi). 

Finally, if there's no good replacement option, impacted guests can request a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare, along with non-refundable deposits and prepaid amenities. The email adds that all airfare booked through Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program will also be automatically refunded. 

If a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) was used to pay for the sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas, Royal Caribbean will refund any new funds paid above the FCC's amount and reinstate the original certificate. 

Passengers have until April 14, 2026, to let Royal Caribbean know of their decision. However, those who wish to remain on the same sailing date aboard Freedom do not need to take any action; the switch will automatically happen.

"Thank you for your understanding and support. We hope your clients find another cruise with us. Whether they are celebrating a special occasion or looking to explore, relax, and recharge - we have no doubt their time with us will be nothing short of amazing," the email concludes. 

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

Last month, Royal Caribbean canceled over 20 cruises on the Freedom of the Seas cruise ship from Florida

In March, Royal Caribbean canceled the entirety of Freedom's 2027 summer schedule from Miami, impacting sailings from 5-night cruises to the Dominican Republic and Perfect Day at CocoCay to 4-night Bahamian getaways, as well as 9-night itineraries that include stops in Aruba and Curaçao.

At the time, the cruise line did not provide a specific reason for the cancellations beyond citing the line's "ongoing itinerary planning process."

A few weeks later, they revealed plans to redeploy the 3,926-passenger Freedom of the Seas to Europe, as reported by Cruise Critic. 

"The UK & Ireland is an incredibly important market for Royal Caribbean, and as a result, we’re excited to announce that we'll be upsizing our Southampton deployment in 2027 with Freedom of the Seas, following our long-standing success here with this class of ship," said Aaron Langford, Senior Sales Director UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean.

"Freedom Class has consistently resonated strongly with British and Irish guests, and following a recent amplification, Freedom of the Seas offers a fantastic mix of scale, innovation, and guest-favourite features that deliver the ultimate family holiday," he added.

It's not really a huge surprise that Royal Caribbean decided to send one of its most popular ships to Southampton, especially with demand for Northern European cruises, particularly to destinations like Norway, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, at an all-time high. 

Freedom of the Seas measures 156,271 gross tons, is 1,111 feet long, and can accommodate 3,926 passengers at double occupancy, making her a desirable mid-sized cruise ship that offers a solid balance of amenities at a reasonable price point.

Onboard, guests will find everything from a Caribbean-themed pool deck to a kid-friendly Splashaway Bay aqua zone, Perfect Storm water slides, FlowRider surf simulator, Lime and Coconut Bar, Social 003 teen hangout, a non-smoking casino, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and Izumi Hibachi.

Read more: After 3 sailings on Freedom of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Still, passengers are upset with the abrupt change 

Those who had already invested time and money into planning a European cruise on Mariner of the Seas feel cheated, especially since the new Freedom itineraries do not match what they originally booked.

"[M]y transatlantic [cruise] is MUCH less interesting now. 12 nights instead of 17, ending in Miami instead of NOLA. Bummer. We had La Coruna, Vigo, Lisbon, Madeira, Nassau, and New Orleans. I even got a decent Royal Beach Club price. Now it's just La Coruna, Vigo, and Ponta Delgada," KristiZ shared on the Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Forum. 

Mel added, "Our June itinerary is changed also. No Porto and no Mariner." 

"Honestly, this kind of last-minute redeployment is pretty frustrating. I specifically chose Mariner of the Seas because I wanted to try something different, especially since I’ve already sailed on Freedom of the Seas before. Even though the replacement itinerary still looks solid, the overall experience won’t feel the same," senpaistream said. 

"The lack of clarity about where Mariner is going also makes it more confusing, since it feels like we’re missing part of the picture... At this point, I’m still undecided—leaning toward rebooking just to get a new ship experience."

Royal Caribbean got a lot of attention when it announced it would offer a 3-story treehouse suite on its new cruise ship, and the price is just as eye-opening.

Cruise fares for Hero of the Seas went on sale today and the Ultimate Family Treehouse suite is well over $200,000 for a week.

The fourth Icon Class ship was revealed earlier this week, and will introduce a number of firsts.

The triple-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite is new, as is an immersive train car dining experience, an expanded adults-only area, two new family raft slides, and a New Orleans-themed supper club.

The changes are part the next phase of the Icon Class ships, which will introduce the most significant changes to the Icon Class since the launch of the first ship in 2024.

The Ultimate Family Treehouse suite is not only new, but comes with an equally high price tag.

What's special about the Ultimate Family Treehouse suite?

This $200,000 treehouse suite might be Royal Caribbean's wildest cabin yet.

Designers wanted it to be the ultimate family living space with great spaces to hang out, great spaces to watch movies, and gorgeous views of the ocean.

It has a private whirlpool and sweeping ocean views. Two main bedrooms each include their own bathroom and balcony. Plus, a two-story hideout with game room, spiral staircase, and more.

Two of the floors will be for teens, with two main bedrooms, ensuites, and balconies.

• Space for up to 12 guests
• Three decks, including a rooftop terrace
• Private whirlpool and lounge area
• Outdoor kitchen for al fresco dining
• Game room hangout

There's only one of these suites on Hero of the Seas.

How much does the Ultimate Family Treehouse cost?

Royal Caribbean opened bookings for Hero of the Seas on Wednesday, and not unexpectedly, the Treehouse suite is expensive.

The cruise line uses dynamic pricing, so the cost differs from sailing to sailing, but here's a quick look at a few example prices:

Ultimate Family Treehouse prices per person (double occupancy)

• August 14, 2027: $112,246.86
• August 21, 2027: $90,223.21
• August 28, 2027: $90,223.21
• November 20, 2027: $114,494.43
• December 23, 2027: $105,877.98
• December 30, 2027: $187,660.14

The highest prices that cost well over $200,000 for two people are for holiday cruises and the first full sailing.

Despite the cost, this suite is already booked up on certain sailings. For example, the December 30th (New Years Eve) cruise is listed as having the suite sold.

There are somewhat lower prices if you're willing to sail during the shoulder season.

• September 11, 2027: $47,142.71
• October 9, 2027: $48,612.71
• November 27, 2027: $46,310.20
• December 11, 2027: $44,820.20

On Reddit, there was a mix of disbelief, shock, and thought provoking commentary.

"They wouldn’t keep building them if they didn’t sell," said one person. "Yeah I’ll never be able to afford it, but it’s still interesting to me," added another.

For comparison, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is also available on Hero of the Seas and costs a bit less.

This mega suite has an in-suite slide, movie-viewing room, karaoke machine and a "backyard" with a ping pong table, outdoor seating and a white picket fence leading directly to the Surfside area.

This cabin is a 1,772-square-foot space that is also three decks high, and sleeps up to eight people.

• August 14, 2027: $68,346.86
• August 21, 2027: $62,466.21
• August 28, 2027: $43,782.71
• November 20, 2027: $48,853.43
• December 23, 2027: $72,868.98
• December 30, 2027: $79,905.64

A record breaking new ship

Hero of the Seas will have nine swimming pools, the most we've seen on a cruise ship to date.

In fact, Royal Caribbean is adding a new pool, Coconut Cove, and expanding the Hideaway to have a second pool.

The ship's waterpark is getting a new family raft slide, as well as extending the ride duration of the other slides. The kid-friendly waterpark Splashaway Bay will have new features too.

Plenty of thrills are returning from the other Icon Class ships, such as skywalk-zip line Crown's Edge experience, Flowrider surf simulator, golf courses and rock climbing walls.

The sailings will include seven night sailings from Miami from August 2027, including stays at the private Perfect Day at CocoCay island.

Bookings are open now for Hero of the Seas.

Demolition at Royal Caribbean's new private destination in Mexico is now cleared to move forward following court rulings that lifted earlier injunctions.

On March 27, a hearing was held regarding the injunction, with the Mexican judge granting Royal Caribbean a suspension against the closure carried out by Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (PROFEPA), the federal agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations, in January.

Earlier this year, PROFEPA halted demolition at one of three sites after inspectors found "landfilling and compaction activities on a dirt road in a low-lying coastal jungle area with mangroves, as well as demolition and debris removal, all without the required environmental impact authorization from the competent federal authority." 

(Credit: Francisco Javier Hernández / Facebook)

The provisional suspension was issued after environmental activists raised concerns about the large-scale project, claiming that Mahahual's drainage and sewage management problems could be worsened by the proposed water park. There was a debate over whether Perfect Day Mexico could damage the nearby mangroves, too. 

However, despite the environmental concerns, the judge ruled in Royal Caribbean’s favor, demolition work of dilapidated structures on the port the brand now owns to continue, a local news outlet reported.

(Credit: Francisco Javier Hernández / Facebook)

While critics argue that this ruling places corporate policies and economic interests above community and environmental protection, Royal Caribbean has made it clear that it cares about the environment and will do what it can to safeguard mangrove areas, coastal ecosystems, and local wildlife. 

Royal Caribbean has consistently said it plans to follow all regulatory requirements and minimize environmental impact as the project moves forward.

For example, when questioned about the project by El Financiero last year, Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, said, "We are not going to touch anything at all in the mangrove conservation area," adding that the mangroves are already dying due to pollution from the municipal water treatment plant.

The company has also said it is committed to transparency and compliance with Mexican regulations as the legal process unfolds.

Why this matters

A project as ambitious as Perfect Day Mexico was bound to get the attention of a lot of people, and developing projects anywhere has its challenges.

On the surface, cruise fans can look forward to the eventual opening of a massive new private destination experience that builds upon the tremendous success of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Just as important is this legal maneuver proves how committed Royal Caribbean is to improving the local community around Mahaual and protecting the environment.

Just last week, the company announced plans to build a new, state-of-the-art solid waste management facility in the area. This is an example of a win-win opportunity for company and community.

The current trash management that serves the area is less than ideal, and Royal Caribbean needs something more robust to support building Perfect Day Mexico.  Significantly strengthening local waste infrastructure in Mahahual not only gets them what they need, but ensures the people living in the community have access to it too.

The new solid waste facility will incorporate advanced sorting technologies, closed-loop processing systems, high-efficiency material recovery solutions, and best-in-class environmental controls, enabling more efficient waste handling, resource recovery, and reduced reliance on landfills.

Plus, they're working with Maritime Procurement Services (MPS), which is a local company and that boosts the economy there.

In October, Royal Caribbean announced plans to clean up the mangroves in the area because for years, the coastal wetlands have been used to discharge wastewater from the municipal treatment plant.

According to Mr. Schneider, the antiquated sewer plant was leaking into the surrounding mangrove ecosystem, contaminating both the mangroves and the beach adjacent to the cruise ship pier.

In turn, Royal Caribbean will build their own reverse osmosis system to provide drinking water as well as a treatment plant to clean up the area, which will later be transferred to the municipal government to serve the entire community.