Royal Caribbean Blog

Carnival made a change so big to its loyalty program that Royal Caribbean fans are sure to notice.

Carnival Rewards is the new program that begins June 1, 2026, and represents a fundamental shift in how the cruise line recognizes and rewards its most dedicated guests. 

Unlike the VIFP Club, this new system introduces a more dynamic, spending-based model similar to airline frequent flyer programs. 

It's not only a departure from the traditional cruise loyalty model but also has implications for how guests will earn, redeem, and maintain elite status aboard Carnival ships.

Note that the Carnival Rewards program will not extend to any of Carnival Corporation’s sister lines, such as Princess, Holland America, or Costa Cruises. The change is only for Carnival Cruise Line.

Dollars spent instead of nights

Up until now, Carnival's VIFP Club was was similar to Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society: the more nights you sailed, the more points you accrued, and the higher your loyalty tier climbed. 

However, beginning in mid-2026, the focus will shift to money spent over nights sailed to determine status.

Under the new program, guests will earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including base cruise fare, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, and onboard beverages. 

Additionally, for every remaining casino point at the end of the sailing, guests will receive 1 Carnival Rewards point.

The new program rewards how much someone spends, in addition to simply sailing with the line. Cruisers that buy up onboard experiences (entertainment, dining, gambling) will likely find this system more beneficial.

Carnival credit card earns points too

Another big change within the program is the Carnival World Mastercard can earn you points in the loyalty program.

Points earned through credit card spending will now feed directly into the Carnival Rewards ecosystem, replacing the existing FunPoints system. Current cardholders will see their balances converted into the new currency automatically when the program goes live.

This integration allows guests to build reward value outside of cruising, adding another way for points to be accumulated. 

How redeeming Carnival points will work

One of the defining features of Carnival Rewards is its flexibility in redemption. Guests can use their points to cover a wide range of cruise-related expenses, including:

• Booking cruise fares
• Reserving shore excursions
• Purchasing packages in advance of embarkation
• Making onboard purchases during the voyage

Unlike many airline programs that impose redemption thresholds or blackout dates, Carnival Rewards will allow guests to redeem any amount of points, with no minimum required. This design is intended to lower the barrier to entry for new participants while also providing frequent cruisers a valuable, spendable reward currency.

Loyalty tiers

One of the biggest surprises of the announcement is status is no longer lifetime.

Going forward, there will be a rolling two-year qualification window. Loyalty status will now be determined using Status Qualifying Stars, which are earned at the same rate as reward points: 3 stars per dollar spent on eligible purchases and 1 star per casino point left at the end of a cruise.

Carnival Rewards will feature four loyalty tiers:

• Red: Entry level upon signup

• Gold: 10,000 stars

• Platinum: 50,000 stars

• Diamond: 100,000 stars

Once a tier is reached, it remains active for the remainder of that two-year period plus an additional two years. However, status is no longer permanent, and members must requalify within each two-year period to maintain their tier. 

More similar to airline loyalty programs

One conclusion a lot of cruisers came to after reading through Carnival Rewards is it mirrors the airline industry's loyalty approach more closely than any cruise line program.

Airline loyalty programs embrace a higher degree of competitiveness and recurring participation.

Changes to Platinum and Diamond benefits

Several benefits currently tied to Platinum and Diamond VIFP tiers will be discontinued beginning June 1, 2026. These include:

• The VIFP Club party on cruises of five nights or longer (to be replaced by two complimentary drinks)
• The $5 arcade credit for guests under 18
• The welcome treat for cruises five nights or longer (available by request only)
• The VIFP logo gift, previously offered on every sailing

Additionally, Diamond-level members will no longer receive the following one-time rewards after qualifying:

• Complimentary specialty dining meal for two
• One-time free cabin upgrade or free sailing for third, fourth, or fifth guests
• VIFP Club-branded luggage tag set

Would Royal Caribbean ever do the same?

Immediately after the news was posted, Royal Caribbean fans began thinking if this change would come their way.

"Do you think this is something Royal and the other lines will try to adopt?" wrote oOoOsarahOoOo on the Royal Caribbean subreddit.

xAdray replied, "I very much hope Royal realizes that by having the best loyalty program in the industry, they would have the most to lose by making drastic changes to C&A."

Pilotboy1985 talked about the need to requalify every two years, "Imagine it Royal did that. All the people who have been Pinnicale for decades, proudly wearing their pins, would all be bumped down to gold."

a1__steak_sauce added, "I really like Royal but if they messed with diamond drinks I’d not only be looking at other cruise lines, I’d be considering more land based vacations."

Royal Caribbean is making significant progress towards opening its first ever beach club.

Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is going to open in December 2025 in the heart of Nassau, Bahamas, and it will be a cruise line project never before attempted.

"It's going to be one of the, I would argue, it will be the most amazing beach day in essence," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's chief product innovation officer.

Unlike Royal Caribbean's private islands, this is an all-inclusive, extra cost admission area.  That means only Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers can visit, but they must pay to enter.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader David Sigmund shared photos of the progress being made at the construction site in The Bahamas.

The land it's being built on is located opposite of where ships dock in Nassau, and it's going to be a high-end beach day that aims to fix an issue cruise passengers have with Nassau.

For years, Nassau has been poorly rated by passengers and this beach club is an attempt to improve.

"The brand of Nassau's worn down, we've been very blunt with everybody in Nassau and the Bahamas and the government and the media," explained Mr. Schneider.

Royal Caribbean believes with the combination of this new beach project, a massive revitalization of the Port of Nassau, and improvements downtown.

The beach club is a massive joint venture with the people of The Bahamas, where nearly every aspect of the operation of the club will be done by Bahamians.

"Every aspect of the operation will be done by a Bahamian operator. There isn't any aspect that we're reserving, with the exception of things like corporate cybersecurity," he said.

Relying on guest research, the plan is to open a three zone layout of fun in the sun.

• Chill Beach
• Party Cove
• Family Beach

The largest area will be Chill Beach, while Family Beach is perfect for those with children.  Lastly, Party Cove infuses music and celebration into the fun.

To get to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, guests hop on a short water taxi from the pier.

There are two arrival areas to make it easier to get to either end, "This property is so long, we don’t want you to have to walk the length of it back and forth."

At Party Cove, there is going to be the world's largest swim-up bar.  It has 110 seats, eclipsing the current record holder in Dayton, Ohio.

The Floating Flamingo is the name of the giant structure where partying is going be centralized, "we'll end up being an engineering marvel that you will see as a beacon throughout much everywhere in Nassau."

The top floor of the bar will be where the DJ sits, with a VIP wing on both sides.

Unlike the other two zones, Party Cove has no beach.  The fun here is all held poolside.

Family Beach is all about balancing kid-friendly fun with grown-up comforts.

At the heart of Family Beach is a large, zero-entry pool, "The family pool [is] zero entry on both sides with, of course, a beautiful swim up bar right in the heart of it," said Mr. Schneider.

The pool is surrounded by cabanas, lounge chairs, shaded seating, and nearby bathrooms. And the layout has been carefully planned so families don’t have to walk far to get from the beach to the pool or from the food huts to their chairs. 

Family Beach will feature quick-service dining spots. Royal Caribbean plans to serve a 50/50 mix of American classics and Bahamian-inspired food. While there won’t be a full sit-down restaurant in this area.

In keeping with the local theme, Bahamian artists will contribute custom work throughout the club—including murals, sculptures, and building facades. “We had about 75 artists raise their hand and submit briefs,” Schneider said. “There are about 15 to 25 different places where you’ll see Bahamian-created art throughout the site.”

All in all, Family Beach is designed for what Royal Caribbean calls “relaxed energy” because it's a space where families can play, swim, and unwind together without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

At Chill Beach, you'll find a laid back area for anyone that wants to kick back in a tropical setting. It's about relaxed energy, offering an alternative to Party Cove.

"Chill is not quiet… It is relaxed, but there is a little bit of energy built into what our guests expect out of Chill," Schneider said.

It's located on the east side of the property, and if you disembark the ferry at Chill Beach, the view will stand out immediately. 

"You walk from a plaza, you see amazing views, you see great beach," Schneider explained. The beach here has been reshaped to create a gentler slope, improving both safety and comfort for lounging and swimming.

Central to Chill Beach is a long, beautifully designed pool with built-in seating, loungers, and a full swim-up bar—a must-have, according to Schneider. "Every pool has a swim-up bar. Our brand DNA changed when I took this job," he said.

Architecturally, the zone is designed to blend with the surroundings. "You will never find a concrete wall," he emphasized. "You will find Bahamian stone walls everywhere… we are going to great lengths to make sure that this feels like it’s always been part of the fabric and DNA."

Big changes are coming to three of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean has announced that three ships are going to get significant upgrades as part of the cruise line’s ongoing Royal Amplified initiative.

This includes:

• Ovation of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas

The work will begin in spring 2026, and cruisers can expect new dining concepts, entertainment venues, suite accommodations, and reimagined public areas across each vessel. 

Bookings are currently open for these ships, with the changes coming online once each vessel returns to service following a lengthy drydock.

The upgrades are a result of how well-received the work was on Allure of the Seas.  That ship got new enhancements earlier this year.

Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer at Royal Caribbean, described the amplification efforts as a continuation of the line’s strategy to "deliver the best of every vacation," referencing the strong response to previous upgrades made to Allure of the Seas.

Here's a look at what Royal Caribbean has planned for each ship.

Ovation of the Seas

Amplification date: April 2026

Ovation of the Seas will get a newly renovated pool deck that includes private casitas and a whirlpool. New onboard offerings include Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Teppanyaki, the tiki-themed Pesky Parrot bar, and a new nightlife venue called Sound Cellar. 

The casino will be expanded as well.

The ship will also add new suites to include the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suite. 

Harmony of the Seas

Amplification date: April 2026

Royal Caribbean will upgrade Harmony of the Seas to coincide with its European summer season in 2026 before relocating to Florida for Caribbean sailings in winter. 

Updates include a new Caribbean-style pool area with The Lime & Coconut, a redesigned Solarium, the addition of Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, and the largest Casino Royale in the fleet. 

They will also add the Ultimate Family Suite onboard.

The redesigned Solarium is likely to add a pool, given there is no pool in the adults-only area.  Instead, it has a water mister system that has been poorly received among guests.

It's also interesting that Samba Grill will be added, given it's only on two other ships. Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean kept Samba Grill on Allure of the Seas and it seems there's renewed life with this restaurant concept.

Liberty of the Seas

Amplification date: 2026

Liberty of the Seas will receive similar changes as the other ships with a reimagined pool deck, a new Royal Escape Room concept, and additional food and beverage options including El Loco Fresh, Izumi Teppanyaki, and Starbucks. 

Liberty of the Seas was scheduled to be refurbished originally in 2021, but those plans were cancelled due to the cruise industry shutdown.

The ship will sail from Southampton in summer 2026 with itineraries to Northern Europe before moving to Galveston, Texas, for winter sailings to the Western Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean hinted at more amplifications

Today's announcement is exciting, but not completely unexpected.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty told Wall Street investors they had intentions to upgrade ships that missed out on it in 2020 and 2021.

The Royal Amplified program, launched in 2018, aims to modernize Royal Caribbean’s older ships so they could better match up with newer vessels. 

Ship upgrades add more incentive to cruise

It's easy to feel like cruise ships are leapfrogged when newer ones arrive, especially in terms of what's available to do onboard.

Each ship is largely a reflection of the best ideas Royal Caribbean had at the time it launched.

To ensure they don't feel stale, Royal Caribbean has steadily upgraded most of its ships over the last two decades.

This started in earnest after the Oasis Class ships debuted, and the cruise line began adding features first introduced on Oasis and Allure of the Seas to older ships.

The next phase was the Royal Amplification program to continue that idea, but on bigger ships.

Today's announcement builds on the ships that received notable upgrades leading up to 2020.

The changes on Allure of the Seas was the first step in resuming that program, and now we have three more lined up.

Royal Caribbean's announcement follows similar news from Celebrity Cruises to upgrade its Solstice Class ships.

Celebrity Cruises plans to modernize the ships, elevating the guest experience while continuing to pay tribute to classic cruising.

Celebrity Solstice will be the first when it goes in to drydock in March 2026.

Upgrading ships is a smart business decision.  It adds new things to do onboard and makes older ships more enticing to book.

Plus, that added demand that amplifications have ensures higher cruise fares too.

Amplified ships drove up revenue as a result of higher guest satisfaction with the changes.

In 2019, former Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain talked about how lucrative the changes were, "Our vessel modernization program is driving strong results. These upgrades are expensive, but our guests love them and reward us accordingly."

What are the most important things to bring on an Alaska cruise that you absolutely need?

Packing for an Alaska cruise seems like it's more difficult than a Caribbean trip because of the unpredictable weather, activities, and things you want to see.

I've curated an entire Alaska cruise packing list, but I know what you're thinking, "What are the absolute must-haves that I don't want to forget for my Alaska cruise?".

With that in mind, here are the top 10 things you should bring to Alaska.  I think these will ensure you don't miss out on something critical for enjoying this type of cruise.

Binoculars

When you tell someone you're going to Alaska, there's a good chance binoculars are the first thing they recommend to you.

Alaska's natural beauty is phenomenal and you're quickly going to be glued to the windows to see the next moment. While cruise ships get close to the shore and glaciers, you're going to wish you have a way to zoom in.

Binoculars allow you to more easily spot a bald eagle in a tree, bear walking along the shoreline, or seal on a piece of ice. 

Also, don't go crazy with buying one. You don't need something fancy, as a compact pair with decent magnification (8x or 10x) will do just fine.  Ideally, try to borrow one from someone you know to save you on spending money on something you may not use again for a while.

I thought binoculars would be a waste, but then after a day or two I was surprised how much there was to see.

Waterproof, hooded jacket

One of my favorite buys for my Alaska cruise has been a light jacket that is waterproof and has a hood.

The reality is it's going to rain during your cruise, but you shouldn't let that stop you from enjoying your time there.  Ports like Ketchikan and Juneau are known for their wet weather, and even if it’s not pouring, you’ll likely encounter drizzle or mist at some point.

A good waterproof jacket with a hood, such as a Columbia waterproof jacket, is going to be a solid investment.

Look for one with a longer cut so it keeps legs dry. Bonus points if it has big pockets.

Staying dry is how you can enjoy being outdoors, even if it's raining.

Comfortable shoes

You're going to be out and about exploring Alaska, so having a good pair of shoes is important.

I'd recommend a pair of comfortable shoes, such lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners. If you're going to buy them for this cruise, make sure you wear them a few times at home to break them in.

Some experts recommend waterproof shoes, and I think that's only necessary if you're going to be hiking in the woods.  I think if you're not going to be on hiking trails, waterproof shoes are unnecessary (and there are a lot more non-waterproof shoes to choose from).

You don’t need heavy boots unless you’re planning serious hiking, but don’t rely on basic sneakers either. 

Pack a backup pair of casual shoes for shipboard use.

Pack with layers

Packing for an Alaska cruise is all about layers.  It gets repeated a lot, but it's the truth.

The idea is to have three layers:

• Base layer
• Heat trapping middle layer
• Waterproof outer layer

The base layer is what you'd probably wear around the ship, and it should be comfortable and also ideal if the sun is shining and it gets warm out. Think long sleeve shirt and jeans.

The middle layer is like a fleece or merino wool pullover for insulation. You put this on if you're feeling cold.

Then top it with that waterproof light jacket I mentioned earlier in this article.

This system lets you add or shed layers as the temperature and conditions change throughout the day. 

Seasickness remedies

Even though much of your cruise will pass through the usually calm Inside Passage, there’s always a chance your ship will encounter choppy waters.

No matter how much you cruise, getting seasick could happen.  Even I occasionally get seasick on certain cruises.

Motion sickness wristbands, ginger chews, Dramamine, or scopolamine patches all help, so it's just a matter of finding what works for you.

There's also no shame in proactively taking them. Some treatments work best if taken before you start feeling sick. The saying "better safe than sorry" applies here as well.

Reusable water bottle

A good reusable water bottle is as useful in Alaska as in the Caribbean.

Between long walks in port and time spent outdoors on excursions, having convenient access to water is important.

I used to think these water bottles were all about lowering the environmental footprint (which they are), but it's so much better to have one that can carry a greater quantity and keep it colder longer.

Royal Caribbean allows you to bring them onboard and refill, though not directly.  You need to get a reusable cup and then pour that water into your bottle. Favorites include a Hydroflask or Yeti cup or Stanley cup.

Carrying your own bottle helps you stay energized, avoid headaches, and feel your best.

Sunglasses

You'd be forgiven if it never crossed your mind to bring sunglasses on a cruise as far north as Alaska, but you really ought to bring some.

Alaska can be surprisingly bright, especially when the sun is out and reflects off ice or snow, such as a glacier.

Rather than squint your way through the trip (or worse: pay exorbitant prices in a tourist shop), be sure to pack sunglasses.

Make sure you have polarized lenses, because they cut glare from the water and improve visibility.

If you wear prescription glasses, don’t forget a pair of clip-ons or prescription sunglasses.

Daypack

A small, comfortable backpack is very useful on an Alaska cruise to carry all the things you might need.

Because layering is so important, you're going to need somewhere to put the clothing you don't need at the very moment. That's in addition to accessories and other things you'll need during your time ashore.

Use it to store your layers, gloves, snacks, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and any souvenirs you might pick up. It also keeps everything organized and in one place, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with family or trying to move quickly between stops.

Choose a daypack with a few compartments and ideally made from a water-resistant material. The two bags a lot of cruisers recommend: Waterfly bags or a Columbia nylon backpack. 

Plus, you can use it on other itineraries too, like when you go on a cruise that visits the beach.

Gloves and a hat

I thought gloves were silly to bring on my first Alaska cruise, but don't underestimate how cold it can be on the ship while you're outdoors.

The wind chill factor, especially on the ship, makes bringing gloves and a knit hat very important. Pack them and thank yourself later.

Look for gloves that still allow you to use your phone so you don't have to constantly take your gloves off if you want to snap a photo.

A simple beanie or insulated cap works well. It doesn't have to be anything fancy.

Shorts and short sleeve shirts

Another seemingly crazy packing tip is to bring clothing for warm weather.

This one surprises people that you could use a short-sleeve shirt on an Alaska cruise. When the sun shines, it can be quite warm outside and nice to be in a t-shirt.

It’s also a perfect base layer when the weather shifts back to cool. Choose something breathable and quick-drying

If you’re worried about bugs or sun exposure, a short-sleeve hiking shirt with UV protection and the option to roll down sleeves is a good hybrid. It’s a small item that makes a big difference on the right day.

Celebrity Edge recently broke loose from its mooring while docked in Juneau, Alaska, after the ship was struck by a strong wind squall.

(Photo Left: Celebrity Edge drifting during storm in Juneau, Alaska. Shared on YouTube by user The Undead Kennedy)

The incident occurred on June 16, 2025 while Celebrity Edge was sailing on a 7-night cruise around Alaska, which departed on June 13, 2025 from Seattle, Washington. The scary episode was caught on video by passengers both onboard Celebrity Edge and ashore in Juneau when the wind squall struck.

In the videos, the mooring lines on Celebrity Edge can be seen snapping dramatically as wind gusts pick up. According to a video shared on YouTube by user Jonkelley7255, the forward lines on Celebrity Edge snapped first, which triggered a cascade of snapping lines along the ship. 

(Celebrity Edge drifting during storm in Juneau, Alaska. Shared on Youtube by Johnkelly7255)

As the lines break, the ship begins to drift away from the dock amid heavy rain and strengthening winds. Guests waiting on the pier can be heard gasping in the video while the ship’s mooring lines snap one by one. Because of the strong winds, Celebrity Edge drifted into the harbor near other ships.

In a statement made to USA Today, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group stated, “The ship drifted from the pier due to a sudden wind squall. Our Captain maneuvered the ship back to the dock where passengers and crew boarded to resume the scheduled itinerary.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported and the ship did not sustain any damage from the storm. According to USA Today and AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill, Juneau experienced heavy afternoon rain and wind gusts between 30 and 35 miles per hour during the mishap.

(Celebrity Edge drifting during storm in Juneau, Alaska. Shared on Youtube by Johnkelly7255)

CruiseMapper shows that Celebrity Edge has continued with its intended voyage, as the ship is currently docked in Skagway, Alaska as scheduled. The 7-night itinerary features stops in Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, and Victoria in British Columbia. Celebrity Edge is scheduled to return to Seattle, Washington on June 20, 2025.

Guests aboard the sailing shared their first-hand accounts on social media. 

(Celebrity Edge drifting during storm in Juneau, Alaska. Shared on YouTube by user The Undead Kennedy)

Following the mishap in Juneau, many of Celebrity Edge's guests shared their videos on social media. For instance, one user posted on the r/Cruise thread on Reddit about their experience and titled their post, "Celebrity Edge Alaska Juneau Bay broke away from the dock."

The user explains, “Ship broke away from [mooring] and supposedly [slammed] back into the dock. No communications from Celebrity whatsoever. Celebrity has an app but [is not] posting any communications.”

The user continued, “The bus driver to take us back to the has ship has been giving us some updates. If we weren’t on the bus we wouldn’t know anything that is going on."

“I'm on the ship. The are going to re-dock on the port side. First, they need to remove the snapped ropes from the water. That is what has been reported over the announcements,” replied another cruiser.

(Celebrity Edge drifting during storm in Juneau, Alaska. Shared on YouTube by user The Undead Kennedy)

Other guests shared that rumors were swirling about potential damage to the ship, and lack of communication from Celebrity Cruises was frustrating.

One cruiser shared, “The problem was the telephone game. Heard from one bus driver that the ship was damaged and slammed into the dock. Thankfully that wasn't true. But that's probably why you saw so many dramatic posts. No one knew what was going on”

In particular, one Reddit user commented on Celebrity’s perpendicular docking position contributing to the incident’s cause: “Doesn’t help that Celebrity’s docking position is the most exposed, and almost perpendicular to the wind down the valley (versus say Holland America’s ship in the video taking the wind head on).”

(Celebrity Edge drifting during storm in Juneau, Alaska. Shared on YouTube by user The Undead Kennedy)

“There was a huge, extreme wind storm with hail that came in. We were on the ship next to it as it drifted towards us,” shared one cruiser in the comment section.

In many of the videos, other vessels docked in Juneau at the same time can be seen remaining secure to their dock. However, others praised the crew on Celebrity Edge for handling the situation swiftly. One Reddit user commented, “The crew handled this like a boss. Felt like they got the ship staple pretty quickly and kept everyone onboard pretty chill.”

Celebrity Edge isn't the first ship recently to encounter this type of scary mishap. 

This incident with Celebrity Edge follows a series of other ships that have broken loose from their mooring recently because of severe weather. Just a few weeks ago, in Ketchikan, Alaska, Holland America’s Westerdam drifted away from the pier and after the ship's mooring lines snapped during a storm. This caused the gangway to collapse with wind gusts up to 60 knots before tugs secured the vessel.

The same week, MSC Seascape was docked at Ocean Cay, Bahamas, when it was hit by a sudden wind squall. This also caused the ship's mooring lines to snap and the gangway fell into the water. According to reports, one passenger had minor injuries because of the mishap.

Finally, just a few weeks ago, Norwegian Epic broke loose from its moorings because of strong winds while docked in Catania, Sicily. This caused the gangway to collapse into the water with one guest plummeting into the sea. The passenger's husband supposedly jumped into the water to save her, and both were transported to the hospital. Boarding was delayed for several hours with guests stranded on the pier as the ship sailed back to sea temporarily.

After 15 Royal Caribbean cruises, I finally splurged on the Unlimited Dining Package. 

Although part of the allure of cruise vacations is the complimentary dining that's included in the base fare, I've found that specialty restaurants typically have higher-quality food and a more intimate setting. Plus, I cruise so frequently that the dining room has begun to lose its appeal. 

So, my partner and I decided to purchase Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package for our weeklong vacation on Icon of the Seas. As the largest cruise ship in the world, she's filled from bow to stern with specialty dining options, including Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, Hooked, Pier 7, Chops Grille, and more. 

The Unlimited Dining Package wasn't just about indulging in better food. It was about the variety, atmosphere, and service. For example, we had the flexibility to dine at multiple specialty restaurants per day, allowing us to explore more of the ship's culinary options. 

Making our reservations was easy thanks to Royal Caribbean's new feature that allows guests to book their specialty dining package reservations in advance, rather than once onboard. Even after booking, we could easily make changes through the Cruise Planner, adjusting restaurants and reservation times as needed.

As our cruise neared, we looked forward to tender lobster at Hooked, flavorful Italian classics at Giovanni's, and fun interactive meals at Izumi Hibachi. 

However, by the end of the voyage, we didn't feel as satisfied as expected. Instead, we felt burnt out. The pressure to "get our money's worth" meant we ate more than we usually would on a cruise. Dinner began to feel like something we had to check off a to-do list, rather than something we were looking forward to on vacation. 

Here's why I wouldn't purchase the Unlimited Dining Package again — even as someone who is a fan of specialty restaurants on cruise ships. 

Read more: I take over 10 cruises a year as a cruise reporter. I always book this one thing — even though it costs extra money

It's not all-inclusive

Certain restaurants have an upcharge, even if you purchase the Unlimited Dining Package. For example, to eat at Izumi Hibachi, you must pay an extra $15 per adult. 

Because hibachi is one of our favorite meals at home and on a cruise ship, we made reservations to eat at Izumi twice during our 7-night cruise, resulting in $60 of upcharges. 

Other restaurants come with similar caveats. Royal Railway, for instance, is not included with the Unlimited Dining Package and requires an upcharge of $50 per adult and $25 per child. 

Chef's Table, the cruise line's multi-course dinner hosted by a chef and sommelier, also comes with an upcharge of around $50 per person. 

Similarly, Royal Caribbean's relatively new Izumi Omakase experience costs an extra $60 per person, even if you've purchased the Unlimited Dining Package. 

The most expensive upcharge is for Empire Supper Club, a premium, reservation-only dining experience that blends an eight-course tasting menu with craft cocktails and live jazz paired to each course. 

Even with the Unlimited Dining Package, guests must pay an additional $130 per person to dine there. However, the onboard price costs $200, just $70 more than the upcharge with the dining package. 

Depending on which restaurants you want to eat at, you may be better off booking each individually, especially if there's a good pre-cruise sale on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. There are no discounts on the upcharges for the specialty restaurants, as they're paid once onboard the ship. 

Additionally, certain menu items aren't included with the Unlimited Dining Package, including Chops Grille's Iconic Cuts and the broiled Maine lobster. The latter costs around $25 (after the mandatory service charge), while the price for Chops' Iconic Cuts varies from $16.99 to $39.99. 

Read more: I spent $60 to eat at Royal Caribbean’s most bizarre restaurant. I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the best meals of my cruise

It's too much food on a weeklong cruise

Overall, we found that eating at specialty restaurants for 7 nights in a row was too much food for us — our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs! The first few nights were exciting, but we began to feel sluggish and overly full by the middle of the cruise.

One sea day, we pushed ourselves even more, indulging in a multi-course brunch at Pier 7 ahead of our dinner at Chops Grille. 

Although both meals were delicious, the constant indulgence in heavy meals left little room for snacking. This was disappointing at CocoCay when I couldn't eat as many coconut shrimp as I wanted at Hideaway Beach!

Read more: Royal Caribbean menus: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more 

It also made it difficult to fully enjoy each meal, especially during the second half of the trip. By that point, dining felt like a commitment. 

At $665.48 per two people, the Unlimited Dining Package on the world's largest cruise ship broke down to nearly $100 per night. As such, we felt a lot of pressure ot maximize each meal to get our money's worth. Had we wanted to save money, we could have eaten in the buffet, the Main Dining Room, or other included venues!

Some ships have limited specialty restaurants

Sailing on Icon of the Seas meant we didn't have a shortage of restaurants to choose from. However, older vessels don't have nearly as many specialty dining options. 

While Icon boasts more than 20 dining venues, including new concepts like the Empire Supper Club and Pier 7, older Royal Caribbean ships have just a handful of specialty restaurants, typically limited to staples like Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi Sushi.

For example, Vision of the Seas, a Vision Class ship launched in 1998, features four specialty restaurants: Izumi Sushi, Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table, and the Chef's Table. The latter has an upcharge, too. On a weeklong cruise, eating at the same specialty restaurants can quickly start to feel repetitive. 

A 3-night dining package would meet our needs better

Next time, we'd likely consider a 3-night dining package, rather than the pricey unlimited one. Because there's so much food included in the base fare — ranging from the buffet to fast-casual bites and Main Dining Room — spending nearly $700 on specialty dining felt wasteful, especially since we didn't enjoy the package as much as expected. 

Not only are the 3-night packages more affordable, but they also offer more flexibility without the pressure to plan your entire cruise around dining reservations or big meals. Additionally, if you're on an older ship, you'll have fewer restaurants to cross off your list, so you may not want to pay to eat at the same venues over and over. 

Ultimately, the Unlimited Dining Package is a great way to indulge in the ship's best culinary offerings. However, it's not the right fit for me. I'd prefer a smaller package so I could enjoy specialty restaurants — while leaving room for coconut shrimp.

Read more: I ate my way through 29 cruise ships. These are the 9 best things I tasted that stood out from the rest

One of the best things about a cruise ship are the places you'll visit, and you can make them even better with a few easy things.

Cruise excursions will get you to the place or activity, but they're not going to cover everything you may need.  

I think most people understand to bring sunscreen, towels, and other basics.  But there are other not so obvious things I'd recommend bringing too.

This list is a result of various things I've seen other cruisers bring and then I thought "that's a good idea". It's not essentials or things you'd have a bad time without. Rather, they can enhance your tour.

I hope some of these might also inspire you and make your cruise excursion better.

This article contains affiliate links that cost you nothing extra to use, but I make a small commission.

Inflatable floats

I had been to St. John a few times, but on my last visit a fellow cruiser packed inflatable floats that are exactly what I wish I had all along.

These floats allow you to sit, paddle, or lay on floats connected by a mesh material. The genius of it is it's inflatable, so you can deflate when you're done and pack it up.  Plus, you can use it in different configurations to suit your needs.

I think having it so you can sit in them is perfect for most beach days.  It's nice to be in the water without actively swimming.  The floats make it easy to sit or lay on them, which allows for flexibility.

Unlike other floats, I like these are very compact when deflated so it's not cumbersome to travel with.

Bluetooth speaker

Bluetooth speakers get a lot of hate these days because how some people misuse them without consideration for others.  However, I think there's value in responsible use.

I've been on excursions to the beach where there is a significant distance between us and others.  Or we're in a cabana that has some privacy.  In either case, having music at a reasonable volume is a nice touch.

If you rent a cabana at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bluetooth speakers are included (ask your cabana attendant), so you don't need to bring your own.

I'd recommend picking up a water resistant speaker to ensure it doesn't get ruined while at the beach by water or sand.

Portable fan

I've seen more cruisers bringing portable fans with them to keep the air moving.

These rechargeable fans can be the difference between stagnant, humid air and some level of comfort.

They're great on bus rides, waiting for taxis, and generally being outdoors.

At first, I thought they looked too dorky to wear, but then I remembered I really don't care what other people think.  My comfort level is more important than impressing random people.

Wet bag

One of the smartest things to buy for a shore excursion is a waterproof bag to bring back and forth from the ship.

This is your portable means of easily carrying towels, clothes, electronics, and more. But it also needs to be practical for the beach and surf. You want something packable, yet useful to carry the necessities.

The two bags a lot of cruisers recommend: Waterfly bags or a Columbia nylon backpack. 

It just needs to be a bag that won't get soaked with water when wet, but durable enough to carry what you need. You might even have an old bag at home that does the trick.  

Entertainment for the bus ride

This tip is for the families, because keeping your kids from complaining they're bored is a win anytime.

While I might be content looking out the window and enjoying the view, that's nails on the chalkboard for kids. 

Since most excursions involve a commute to get to/from the actual activity, I'd recommend bringing something for them to watch or do.

A tablet works quite well, especially if it's preloaded with something to watch, play, or read.

The first time we tried this was on a long bus ride to a beach in Jamaica, and it saved everyone's sanity.

While the price of everything has seemingly gone up, the value of a cruise vacation is still undeniable.

As someone that covers cruises for a living, I go on a lot of ships each year.  Going on more than a dozen cruises doesn't leave a lot of time for land vacations.

In all honesty, I prefer to cruise as a vacation anyway. But in case I had any doubts, cruising is not only a fun way to travel, it also makes a lot of economic sense.

My family planned a European cruise this year, heading on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas for over a week visiting Northern Europe.

We decided to add in a pre-cruise trip to Disneyland Paris as a way to maximize the value of our expensive flight, and better acclimate ourselves to the local time before the cruise.

After spending two days enjoying the theme parks, it reminded me how much more a cruise incudes for the cost.

I took for granted food, drinks, and entertainment that comes with a cruise

Anytime I stay at a hotel or visit a city, I quickly miss having food as part of the included cost.

Royal Caribbean cruises include certain restaurants in the fare.  You can go on a cruise and never spend any more money on food.  I usually buy at least some specialty food, but at least the basics are covered.

When we arrived to our Disneyland Paris hotel, it dawned on me I couldn't make a quick visit to the Windjammer or Cafe Promenade for coffee, a snack, or anything.

Food costs added up quickly, and within 24 hours, I had over $300 in food charges without ever going to a sit down restaurant.

I've grown accustomed to having snacks and basic food and drink readily available when on a cruise.

I'd probably have been okay with the money spent on food if we had been in a city where the food is authentic to the region and arguably the kind of food you can't get elsewhere, but theme park food was notably disappointing.

Theme park travel is expensive

Both a cruise and a theme park resort have certain costs that you don't find if just visiting a city.

Your cruise fare includes transportation on the ship, accommodations, food, entertainment and more.  At Disneyland, you're paying for hotel and theme park tickets.

Between the resort hotel, tickets, and their upgraded front of the line access program, I spent over $4,500 for my family of four across the two night stay. That doesn't include food costs.

To put that in perspective, two connecting balcony cabins on a 8-night cruise cost $5,567.20, which includes food and more.

The realization I had wasn't that cruising is cheap, but the value is higher given what's included with a cruise.

Loyalty benefits really tip the scales towards cruising

An x-factor that makes cruises far more attractive to me financially is what I get by being a loyal cruiser.

Royal Caribbean has an array of perks for its repeat customers, with the best benefits beginning at the Diamond level.

With that, you can get free drink vouchers, souvenir photos, dedicated lounge space and more. I even get a free cruise every 350 points I achieve now that I've made it to Pinnacle Club level.

I think the free drinks that you get once you reach Diamond alone are the best benefit.

Both are fun, but cruising gets me more for the money

I'm not complaining about riding Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Phantom Manor, because a day in a Disney park is lovely. Rather, I couldn't help but think about the value proposition.

Our visit to Disneyland Paris was about checking a box off our list of places to visit, but I'm in no hurry to return. 

Ironically, if not for our cruise vacation, I doubt we would have been able to visit Disneyland. And that's how things will remain: cruising is our preferred means of vacation.

For the money, I'd rather be on a cruise so we can get more value for what we spend on the trip. Plus, another cruise earns me more loyalty points that get me future benefits too.

It's becoming easier to enjoy the benefits of a Royal Caribbean cruise and a land casino.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have strengthened their casino loyalty partnership, which means it's easier to earn points on a ship or at a land casino.

A first reported by TheStreet, players who gamble in the onboard casinos can now earn MGM Rewards Points, tier credits, and slot dollars — not just cruise line benefits.

To take advantage, players must use their SeaPass card while gambling onboard. The points they earn in the Club Royale (Royal Caribbean) or Blue Chip Club (Celebrity) programs now count toward MGM’s rewards program too.

"Extending the opportunity to earn onboard is a true game changer for our members," Anil Mansukhani, vice president of loyalty marketing, said in a statement. 

"We're always looking to raise the stakes for our best-in-class program, and the ability for our members to earn MGM Rewards on gaming spend when vacationing at sea maximizes every dollar spent."

These changes are part of the cruise line's casino loyalty program. Royal Caribbean also offers benefits with MGM to its Crown and Anchor Society members.

Crown & Anchor Society members can take advantage of a status matching program, entitling them to MGM Rewards benefits even if it’s their first time staying at an MGM Rewards property.

A longstanding partnership with MGM

Royal Caribbean's partnership with MGM Casinos is one of many steps the two companies have taken to offer linked benefits.

The first partnership began in 2012, but it's steadily grown over the years.

MGM’s loyalty program has been upgraded across all tiers. Gold-level members, for example, now get an annual cruise benefit — a 5-night oceanview stateroom or a $750 cruise credit — a perk that didn’t exist before. Platinum members now get a 7-night balcony cruise or a $1,500 credit, an upgrade from the previous 5-night deal.

MGM isn’t the only land-based casino group working with the cruise lines. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity also have a partnership with Hard Rock International through its Unity loyalty program. Players in certain tiers, like the X card level, can qualify for cruise discounts or even certificates valued up to $2,500. Some tiers receive invite-only offers for complimentary cruises.

Both partnerships are about attracting casino players from the land casinos to try a cruise, as well as the other way around.

Deepening casino push

One trend Royal Caribbean has been pursuing over the last few years has been catering more and more to its gamblers onboard.

Not only has the cruise line expanded partnerships, they've invested more space and money on casinos.

On select ships, the casino footprint has been expanded to grow the size of gambling spaces and offer more areas for non-smokers.

On some Oasis Class ships, the Crown Lounge and Attic venue have been replaced in order to make expand the casino.

On Freedom of the Seas, the wine bar was replaced with a non-smoking casino.

Gambling is big business on cruises

Casino gaming is a major moneymaker for Royal Caribbean, and it's only getting bigger.

The cruise line doesn’t break out casino earnings on their own, but they are rolled into what's known as “onboard and other” revenue. That bucket includes everything passengers pay for beyond the base cruise fare: drink packages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and yes — gambling.

In the second quarter of this year, Royal Caribbean Group reported $183 million in “onboard and other” revenue across all its brands. That’s up $14 million from the same time last year.

Frequent cruisers have noticed the trend too. Many are seeing more aggressive offers from the casino, including discounted and even free cruise certificates, aimed at keeping players coming back.

Happy Sunday! I would like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! Hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

A Royal Caribbean dining server is being called a hero after acting quickly to avert a bigger problem.

A large glass window broke on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, resulting in glass falling down to the pool deck below.

The crew member's quick thinking and super speed resulted in multiple passengers being moved out of harm's way.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean influencer crew member announces he's quitting
• With an ‘above normal’ hurricane season forecast, check these 5 things in your travel insurance policy
• 20 Unique cruises to try if you're tired of the usual week long sailings
• 10 things that will spoil how you cruise in the future
• What is the dress code on Royal Caribbean?
• Royal Caribbean My Time Dining: What is it and how does it work?
• Is it better to book excursions through cruise ship?
• I tried the top 2 European cruise destinations. I liked one trip more than the other.

New RCB Video: I Spent 3 Days on A Cruise Ship from the Port No One Talks About

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 — I Spent 3 Days on A Cruise Ship from the Port No One Talks About — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I've been on over 10 solo cruises. Here are the 9 things I wish I knew before I took my first one

After almost a dozen cruises by himself, Matt has learned important lessons about cruising solo.

Unlike cruising with friends or family, a cruise by yourself has a tendency to feel overwhelming because it's no longer a shared experience.

Nonetheless, with the right approach, cruising alone can feel quite liberating and a lot of fun!

My balcony cabin was surprisingly better than the one on Icon of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas is a decade old, but its balcony cabins worked better than the ones on the biggest ship.

Icon of the Seas has introduced a lot of fantastic changes, but design choices in its staterooms aren't as well received.

From storage space to showers, Matt found the balcony on Ovation of the Seas superior in many ways.

Is booking a last minute Royal Caribbean cruise a good idea?

Waiting to book a cruise at the last minute comes with risks and rewards, but is it a good idea?

A lack of staterooms and itineraries limit a traveler looking to book late, but it might be the perfect excuse for a vacation and maybe even save money.

Time it just right and take advantage of a price drop, but wait too long and you miss out completely.

5 of the best uses of tech on Royal Caribbean today

Of all the changes Royal Caribbean has made, there are handful that have revolutionized how we cruise today.

Some are quality of life improvements, while others add a different dimension to fundamentally alter what it's like onboard.

Plus, some of the tech we see on cruise ships are undeniably fun. 

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 568th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with small tweaks to how you cruise.

By doing things slightly differently, you can get a better overall cruise experience. Try these tips on your next sailing.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can!