Royal Caribbean Blog

Given its name, you might expect Royal Caribbean to be one of the leading cruise lines in the Caribbean — and you'd be right. The cruise line has built a solid reputation for offering year-round Caribbean itineraries to places like Mexico, Aruba, and St. Maarten. 

Royal Caribbean's innovative ships, family-friendly activities, and world-class entertainment keep passengers coming back time and time again. 

However, if you're planning your first cruise, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. One easy way to narrow down potential sailings is to consider who you're sailing with, as Royal Caribbean caters to a wide variety of demographics. 

Families, for example, love the line for its record-breaking water parks, complimentary kids' clubs, and other adrenaline-pumping amenities, while couples appreciate the adult-only pool decks, specialty dining, and high-quality entertainment options. 

Thankfully, there’s a Royal Caribbean cruise tailored for all travelers — no matter your age, budget, or personal preferences. 

Best Cruise for Families

Royal Caribbean markets itself as the ultimate family cruise line, and there is a lot of truth behind its claim to fame. From the world's largest cruise ships featuring sprawling water parks, sports courts, zip lines, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and more, to award-winning youth programs, Royal Caribbean has built a strong reputation for being the best cruise line for families. 

You can't go wrong with a family vacation aboard an Icon Class ship, including Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. Once Legend debuts in July, you can sail aboard the world's largest ships to The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Europe. 

Icon Class ships are known for the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, family-focused Surfside neighborhood, a multi-deck pool area, new entertainment options, the cruise line's first-ever food hall at sea, and so much more. 

Oasis Class ships are another solid option, as they offer many of the same jaw-dropping amenities at a slightly lower price point. For example, Oasis Class ships have an AquaTheater that is home to high-diving spectacles. Many ships also have Broadway-style performances in the main theater. You can watch Mamma Mia aboard Allure of the Seas and Hairspray on Symphony of the Seas, just to name a few. 

Other Oasis Class highlights include:

• Ultimate Abyss Dry Slide
• Perfect Storm Waterslides
• Central Park
• Boardwalk with Carousel
• Zip Line
• Two Rock Climbing Walls
• Flowrider Surf Simulator
• Adult-Only Solarium
• Adventure Ocean Youth Programming

Read more: My family of 4 went on our first cruise on the biggest cruise ship in the world

Best Party Cruise Ships

While "Royal Caribbean" and "party cruise" aren't exactly synonymous, they have some ships that are geared more toward a party crowd. 

Utopia of the Seas, for example, is Royal Caribbean's first-ever purpose-built ship for the short cruise market. It has everything cruisers know and love about Oasis Class vessels, along with a unique schedule designed around high-energy getaways — think fraternity-themed parties, silent toga discos, and more. 

Generally speaking, any 3-day or weekend cruise will have a rowdier atmosphere than weeklong voyages. These shorter itineraries tend to attract celebratory travelers who want non-stop fun from the moment they step on board until they're walking off on disembarkation morning. 

Plus, they are typically cheaper than 7-night cruises. Even if the fare itself seems steep, add-ons — like drink packages and Wi-Fi — are charged for fewer nights. For example, instead of paying $70 per day for a drink package on a weeklong cruise, you’d only pay for three or four nights on a short party cruise, which can make the final cost seem more reasonable. 

Read more: I sailed on Royal Caribbean's mega ship designed for first-time cruisers — it is undeniably fun

Best Cruise for First Timers

Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are good ships for first-timers since they're packed from bow to stern with the cruise line's most highly-rated amenities and dining options. Since sailings are only 3 or 4 nights, first-timers can experience Royal Caribbean highlights, including the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas, without feeling overwhelmed on a longer voyage. 

That said, if you know that you're more interested in a weeklong cruise that visits more unique ports in the Caribbean, like St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Cozumel, Roatán, or even Oranjestad, Aruba, you'll have considerably more options to choose from — from Southern Caribbean cruises on tiny Vision Class ships to Western Caribbean cruises on vessels like Star of the Seas. As such, it’s important to know your own priorities. 

Do you, for example, care about sailing on a ship with a ton of amenities, or would you prefer a more intimate ship? Are you sailing with kids, or are you taking an adult-focused getaway? Do you have a strict budget, or do you have more flexibility in your spending? Are you more interested in spending time ashore, or do you want to be on the ship as much as possible?

Answering these questions first will help you choose the right ship, itinerary, and stateroom, as there truly isn't a "one size fits all" answer to the best cruise for first-timers. 

Read more: This is how to pick a cruise ship you'll love

Best Cruise for Couples

Just because Royal Caribbean's primary target audience is families doesn't mean that couples can't have a great time onboard. In fact, my partner and I — both in our mid-20s and childfree by choice — have sailed on multiple Royal Caribbean ships, from Freedom of the Seas to Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, and we’ve consistently enjoyed ourselves. 

However, if you're seeking a more adult-tailored experience, you may want to consider sailing with Royal Caribbean's sister line, Celebrity Cruises. With a focus on world-class dining, quality entertainment, and upscale ships, the onboard experience feels more refined than Royal Caribbean's. Those who already have status with Royal Caribbean can enjoy reciprocal benefits through Celebrity's Captain's Club, too. 

However, if you're set on trying Royal Caribbean, I'd recommend an Oasis Class ship. While they're still heavily family-focused, they are less so than the Icon vessels and offer the adult-only Solarium sun deck. Specialty restaurants, nightclubs, and Broadway-style performances may also be of interest to couples. 

Read more: I've been on 21 Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and here are the best 8 cruise ships for adults

Best Senior Cruise

Because of their convenience, cruise vacations are great for older travelers who might not want to worry about coordinating transportation between cities, unpacking and repacking, and hauling luggage through busy airports. Once on the ship, nearly everything is taken care of — from dining to housekeeping, entertainment, and more. 

Plus, cruise ships are designed to be accessible. As such, they're a solid vacation choice for those with mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, or other physical limitations. Royal Caribbean vessels have accessible staterooms with wider doorways, grab bars, roll-in showers, and more.

Still, not every ship in the fleet was designed the same way. For older travelers who want a balance of accessibility, easy-to-navigate spaces, and a more relaxed atmosphere, Quantum Class ships are a good option. These vessels are smaller than the ground-breaking Oasis and Icon Class ships, but they still feature modern amenities and refreshed design elements. 

The Voyager and Freedom Classes shouldn't be overlooked, either. While they aren't as modern as the Quantum vessels, the modest size makes them easy to navigate. Amenities include the main Royal Promenade thoroughfare, Studio B ice rink shows, an elegant three-deck-high dining room, and an adult-only Dolarium. 

Best Cruise Ship for Solo Travelers

Finally, you don't have to be traveling with friends or family to take a cruise. In fact, solo cruises have become increasingly popular recently, leading Royal Caribbean to add dedicated cabins for one aboard many of its ships, including:

• Anthem of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas.

These rooms are advantageous for single travelers because they eliminate the dreaded single supplement fee and are priced for just one person. 

As a solo cruiser, the best cruise ship depends on your needs. If, for example, you want a larger vessel packed with amenities, a single cabin aboard a ship like Harmony of the Seas could be the perfect fit. Conversely, if you're seeking a more traditional, intimate experience, consider Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, or Serenade of the Seas. 

These ships don't have the same bells and whistles as newer vessels, but they provide a relaxed, comfortable cruising experience and are ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter pace or want to focus more on the ports of call rather than nonstop onboard activities. 

Read more: I sailed alone on one of Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ships and was surprised by how easy it was as a solo traveler

The real cruise planning fun begins after you've placed your deposit. However, even when you think you've planned the perfect getaway, it's worth double-checking a few key details before setting sail. 
 

From small details like arrival times to important travel documentation, there's a lot you should review more than once, even if you think you've covered your bases. 

Royal Caribbean's pricing typically fluctuates in the months leading up to the departure. This means that the price you paid for your cruise, drink package, or other add-on may not be the best available rate. 

A quick check every so often could lead to cost savings that you can put toward another vacation or splurges that you had sidelined. Even if it doesn't save you money, double-checking some things can give you peace of mind and make your vacation experience as stress-free as possible. 

The base fare

For starters, you should continuously check the fare on Royal Caribbean's website up until your final payment date. 

Although Royal Caribbean appears to have begun cracking down on re-pricing, noticing a price drop can be in your favor (and your wallet's). If you notice that the base fare has decreased, you can contact Royal Caribbean to see if you are eligible for a reprice. 

For example, if you paid $1,700 for a balcony cabin on a weeklong Caribbean cruise and discover that the fare dropped to $1,500, you could potentially save $200 on your vacation. 

Read more: My family tried 4 hacks to save time and money on Royal Caribbean that failed, but we learned tips for next time

Pre-cruise add-ons through the Cruise Planner

In addition to checking the cruise fare, you should keep an eye on your desired add-ons, such as drink and internet packages, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions.

The best way to save money on these extras is by purchasing them in advance through the Cruise Planner. However, Royal Caribbean runs various sales and promotions, meaning that the price you paid for the drink package could be different the following week or month. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to cancel and rebook something through the Cruise Planner. 

As such, you must book your add-ons when they're at a reasonable price you feel is justifiable. Afterward, keep an eye on the price so you can cancel and rebook without penalty if a better value comes along. 

Travel documents

Ensuring you have the right travel documentation is about more than avoiding stress at check-in. By planning ahead, you can prevent pricey expedited passport fees — or even worse, losing out on the cost of your entire vacation. 

U.S. travelers don't always need a passport to go on a cruise. If, for example, you're sailing on a round-trip (or closed-loop) cruise from Miami or Port Canaveral, Florida, you can bring a valid birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. 

However, if you're traveling on a one-way cruise (like from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada) or from international ports — think Barcelona, Spain, or Southampton, England — you'll need a valid passport. 

A valid passport means it does not expire for at least 6 months after your cruise's disembarkation date. As an example, if your cruise ends on June 13, 2026, you need a passport that doesn't expire until December 13, 2026, or later. 

Entry/visa requirements

On a similar note, if you are traveling abroad, you should double-check that you understand the country's entry requirements. 

Some countries allow foreign visitors entry with just a passport, while others require travelers to obtain a visa in advance. Requirements can also vary based on your nationality. For example, all U.S. residents must obtain an electronic Vietnam visa in advance. 

If you need to apply for a visa, give yourself plenty of time to account for delays or issues. Another alternative is to use a visa service to help streamline the application process.

Show reservations

Many ships, particularly Oasis and Icon Class vessels, allow passengers to reserve times for popular shows through the Cruise Planner. 

Popular shows, including the AquaTheater, Broadway-style musicals, and ice skating spectacles, fill up quickly, especially during peak sailings. As such, while you can wait until you are on the ship, booking in advance typically gives you the best selection of times. 

If you don't see any times that appeal to you, it pays to recheck the Cruise Planner. You never know when someone else will cancel to avoid dining conflicts or other activities. 

GTY cabin assignment

If you booked a guarantee stateroom to save a few extra dollars, you will want to continuously check the site to see when your cabin's been assigned. 

While you can't change your room assignment, you can start to familiarize yourself with its location. If, for example, you find that you're given a cabin near the front of the ship, you can begin to map out directions to popular venues like the pool deck, dining room, and youth clubs. 

However, remember that with a guaranteed cabin, you have no say over where your room will be located. As such, if you have a specific preference (i.e., no connecting staterooms, a cabin away from the elevators, etc.), you must pay extra to choose your room, rather than rely on luck. 

RoyalUp upgrade offers

If you're lucky, you might be able to score a better stateroom for less money through Royal Caribbean's RoyalUp Program, which allows guests to place bids on higher cabin categories for less than what they would cost outright. 

Those whose bids are accepted could "win" an upgraded stateroom. For example, you could go from a windowless inside cabin to a spacious balcony for $200 more per person. 

Of course, upgrades aren't guaranteed — bids are accepted based on availability and a random algorithm. Still, it's worth checking to see what the minimum bids are. However, you're more likely to win a better cabin if you bid above the minimum. 

Read more: The trick to getting a Royal Up bid accepted (it's all about availability and luck)

Crown & Anchor Society loyalty benefits

Most loyal cruisers know how to maximize their Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits, but it doesn't hurt to review them before your sailing. 

For example, if you're a new Diamond cruiser, you can take advantage of perks like a free professional photograph and a day of VOOM Wi-Fi. 

The four complimentary daily drink vouchers are useful, too. In fact, depending on your drinking habits, you might not even need to debate whether the pricey Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it

Read more: Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program info, tips, and secrets

Check-in times

Your best shot at securing your desired arrival time is by marking your calendar for when the check-in window opens. Although the arrival times aren't as strictly enforced as they were in the past, choosing your ideal window eliminates any stress that you might be turned away at the terminal. 

However, if you notice that your desired time isn't available, it doesn't hurt to keep checking to see if it eventually opens up. People occasionally change their plans at the last minute, so you never know what may open if you don't check! 

Read more: Royal Caribbean check-in process

Weather

Finally, it’s smart to keep an eye on the weather forecast as your cruise approaches. Knowing what to expect helps you plan what to pack — and you never know when a sudden cold front or storm system may impact your ports of call. 

For example, in late January 2026, a historic nor'easter impacted much of the East Coast, causing ships to divert away from The Bahamas and adjust their itineraries. 

Chances are, many of the guests aboard Carnival Sunshine didn't expect to wake up to a Lido Deck blanketed in snow as they returned to Norfolk, Virginia!

Royal Caribbean just made an update to its website that makes planning dinner simpler.

Up until now, picking a time for dinner required a call to your travel agent or the cruise line to change assigned times and add in notes about any celebrations.

Royal Caribbean has now made that easier and faster because it's part of the website now.

A Royal Caribbean Blog reader noticed the change and posted about it on the message boards, and it's the kind of update I think will make everyone's life a little bit easier.

Here's what's new and how to access the changes.

You can now change dining times

Royal Caribbean gives every passenger the choice of what time to have dinner on the ship.  There is Traditional Dinner or My Time Dining.

You select which option you want at the time of booking, but now it's easy to change your plans.

Here are the steps:

1. Log into the Royal Caribbean website
2. Find your upcoming cruise and click Manage Reservation
3. Click Room and Guests
4. Under "Preferred dining time" you will see the option you have now. Click Edit to change it.

From here, you can choose from one of the three Traditional dinner times that have a set time each evening: Early, Late, and Later. Royal Caribbean added a "middle dinner time" in 2024.

Or you can opt for My Time Dining.

If an option is full, there's a check box to select to ask to be put on the waitlist.

The waitlist is a way to get automatically signed up for it should a spot open up.  

In my experience, even if the waitlist doesn't work before the cruise begins, you can usually go to the Main Dining Room on embarkation day and ask to change.  That almost usually works to get changed to your preferred time.

Let the ship know you're celebrating

At the bottom of the same screen under Room and Guests is an option to add a celebration note.

"What better way to celebrate life's important moments, a wedding, honeymoon, reunion, birthday, graduation, and anniversary than with luxury aboard Royal."

From a dropdown menu, you can let Royal Caribbean know if you're celebrating an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or retirement.

To be clear, selecting one of these options does not inherently get you anything special or extra. But now the crew members will be able to see the note anytime they look into your account, such as at a restaurant.

Typically, crew members that see it at a restaurant could surprise you with a cake, wish, or special treat.

Should you pick Anytime dining?

Now that it's easier than ever to change your dining preferences, which should you choose?

These choices apply to dinner in the Main Dining Room only. Traditional Dining is where you’re assigned a set seating (early, middle, or late) with the same table and wait staff each night.

My Time Dining offers a more flexible choice that lets you choose when you want to eat each evening between roughly 6:00 and 9:30 p.m. under availability. 

With Traditional Dining, you know exactly when and where you’ll eat every night, and there’s no wait once dinner begins. It’s routine and simple.

However My Time Dining works more like dining out at a restaurant: you can reserve a time ahead of your trip or show up and wait for a table, giving you more control to plan dinner around shows and excursions. 

I prefer Traditional for the simplicity. There's no extra steps to reserve dinner and no waiting for a table. While early is "too early" and late is "too late" for my taste, I'd rather make it as simple as I can.

Royal Caribbean is making its site and app better because it benefits customer and company

Improvements to the Royal Caribbean website aren't the result of a benevolent web team (although they're a great group of people).  The cruise line sees digital engagement as a win-win opportunity.

During Royal Caribbean Group's earnings call last month, executives saw a growing segment of its customers leveraging its site and app to make planning their cruise easier.  That translates to more pre-cruise sales and a better planning tool.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said active users on the company app rose 25% year over year in fourth quarter and e-commerce traffic grew 10% in 2025 with improved conversion rates.

"Our digital channels are increasingly the gateway to long-term guest value," he said.

While Royal Caribbean is clearly working towards compelling its guests to spend more, these kind of updates also help make managing a reservation easier.

Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room has a traditional approach to offering meals, especially dinner, every day of the cruise.

What I love about eating there is having the same wait staff that get to know me and what I like.  That level of service and friendliness brings me back because I enjoy the pomp and circumstance at dinner.

And I'm not alone in my love for what the Main Dining Room is today. Remember when the cruise line tried to remodel and redo how dinner worked on its ships but had to backtrack fast due to outcry from loyal customers? People still adore what the Main Dining Room has been for so long, and they cherish the experience.

The Main Dining Room food is comforting, the aesthetics lavish, and cruisers have an understanding of some unwritten rules.

This means that if you're new and haven't eaten in the MDR before, you might not realize there are things you can do to make your meals better, as well as things you might do that could create strife. These unwritten rules are simple, though, so putting them into action doesn't take much effort. 

If you've got dinner in the Main Dining Room planned ,here are six unwritten rules to know before you eat there.

Don't be late to dinner

If you're booked in Traditional Dinner, you really should be arriving at your scheduled time.

While being a few minutes late happens, being significantly or habitually late causes undo delays for your tablemates and waitstaff.

There are three seating's per evening, and meals are timed in order to get everyone in and out on time.

Not only does being late mean everyone else at your table has to wait longer to order their food, but it means your waiters have to rush to get your meal back on schedule so they can get you out the door within the expected timeline.

This isn't an issue with My Time Dining since you'll just inconvenience yourself and have to wait for the next available table.

In my opinion, if I was more than 15-20 minutes late, I'd seek dinner elsewhere on the ship.

Respect the dress codes, even if they're just suggestions

Royal Caribbean vaguely lists a dress code that is rarely enforced, but I still think you should stick to the spirit of them.

Each night of your cruise has a theme and a dress code for the Main Dining Room.  It's listed in the Royal Caribbean app, as well as posted in the Cruise Compass.

These dress codes are more suggestions than requirements. Even formal night or "Dress your best night" isn't nearly as fancy as you might think.  No need to pack a tuxedo or ball gown, unless you really want to.

The bare minimum is to wear something to dinner that is nicer than you'd wear to the pool deck. A collared shirt and slacks/jeans for men will suffice. Ladies can wear jeans and a blouse, dress, or a skirt. 

And yes, you can probably wear shorts because the dress code isn't enforced and Royal Caribbean's own verbiage says its dress codes are "suggested attire". Personally, I wouldn't wear shorts to dinner unless my luggage was lost or packed away for the final evening. Even then, I'd probably eat at the buffet, but that's just me.

Basically, make an effort. You don't have to dress like it's prom night, but you should try sprucing things up (even if you're on vacation).

The absolute no-no's that are actually enforced is no bare feet and no tank tops.

Tell your waiter if you need a faster meal

Royal Caribbean has gotten a lot better at speeding up its dinners, but if you need to be out by a certain time, I'd convey that up front.

If you have a show, appointment, or just somewhere you need to be by a certain time, I would recommend telling them when you sit down so they can expedite your meal.

Waiters are happy to speed up your meal to get you out on time, but they're not mind readers.  They want you to be happy and enjoy a meal at the same time.

In my experience, you can have a meal in as little as 45 minutes if they know you need to go.  It could be less if you're willing to forgo dessert.

Don't waste food, but it's okay to try something

Most of the Main Dining Room menu is included at no additional cost, but it's expected you'll try your best to eat what you order.

Not only is the cruise line trying to cut down on food waste, I think it's your responsibility to not be wasteful.

However, don't let this stop you from trying new food.  There is a wide selection of food each night, and a few items are true hidden gems. The waiters will be the first to tell you they're happy to bring something out for you to try, and if you don't like it, they can get you something else.

That's different from flagrantly over ordering food you know ahead of time you probably won't eat.

I've found cruises to be the perfect opportunity to try new foods because there's little risk.  I won't go to a land restaurant and pay for food I've never had and am worried I won't like. But since there's no additional cost for most of what's on the Main Dining Room menu, it's fun to try something new.

You can order food to go

A lot of new cruisers are surprised you can take food out of a restaurant and bring it back to your room (or anywhere else onboard).

Let's say you're full, but want to enjoy dessert later. You can ask to take it with you back to your room.

Likewise, you can take seconds or any food and the crew can put it in a bowl and to-go container cover so you can more easily transport it back.

This means you could have dessert on your balcony, or wake up to leftovers in your cabin.

This strategy also works for someone you're cruising with who isn't feeling well.  Perhaps they're nursing a hangover, are too tired to go to dinner, or just not feeling great. You can ask to bring food back to them in the room.

Don't bring up controversial topics

Dinner conversation is fun, but stick to topics that won't get anyone angry.

Specifically, I'd avoid bringing up politics and religion.  Current events tend to skew into politics before you know it.

I want to enjoy my meal without offending someone else or having a debate.  It's just not worth the effort, and it ruins the vibe.

Things you should talk about can be much more fun:

• Your cruising experience
• What you did earlier that day
• Plans for tomorrow
• Weather
• Sports teams
• Movies and entertainment

You're not going to convince anyone of your viewpoint, and leaving anger and awkward silences later isn't enjoyable for anyone.

Sailing on one of the world's largest cruise ships is a bucket list vacation for many. However, with all the excitement that comes with record-breaking amenities, dining options, and activities, it's easy for even the most seasoned sailors to become overwhelmed during the planning process. 

In April 2025, my partner and I embarked on a 7-night cruise aboard Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship at the time. Since her debut, Star of the Seas has joined the fleet, and looking ahead, the third ship in the class, Legend of the Seas, is set to launch in July 2026 in Europe. 

With each new class of ship, Royal Caribbean continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible at sea, with the Icon Class vessels being no exception. While there are some similarities to Oasis Class ships, including the open-air Central Park neighborhood, Icon Class ships have new features and layouts that make them entirely unlike anything else afloat. 

Although the sheer scale of these ships can feel overwhelming, a little bit of planning can go a long way. While I'm not saying that you have to create a detailed itinerary and pre-plan every moment of your vacation, crossing a few things off your pre-cruise checklist can make your experience more enjoyable and stress-free before you even set foot on board. 

Here are six things I did before my cruise on one of the world's largest cruise ships to eliminate hassles and make our pricey vacation as stress-free as possible. 

Read more: I went on the world's most family-friendly cruise ship without kids. It was worth the $7,000 price tag for 5 reasons

Reserved all specialty restaurants in advance

As a travel writer who focuses on the cruise industry, I like to distinguish my vacations from work trips. For example, I'll typically stay in windowless interior staterooms when on assignment. On personal vacations, however, I prefer booking balcony cabins. 

Similarly, while I'll typically splurge on at least one specialty meal on work trips, my partner and I opted for an Unlimited Dining Package on our weeklong Icon cruise. As such, we didn't set foot in the Main Dining Room once, not even for breakfast! Pre-purchasing the package allowed us to save money on higher-quality meals — ranging from perfectly cooked filets at Chops to lobster tails at Hooked and sushi at Izumi. 

Thankfully, Royal Caribbean now lets guests with the dining package pre-book their meals through the Cruise Planner. Historically, you had to wait until you were on board, unless you purchased each meal separately. We took advantage of this new feature and secured our preferred dining times for the entire week. This meant we weren't scrambling to finalize our dining plans on embarkation day. 

Read more: I paid $660 to eat just specialty dining on Icon of the Seas

Pre-booked add-ons through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner 

Speaking of the Cruise Planner, we spent countless hours combing through the online booking portal to find good deals on add-ons like the Deluxe Beverage package, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. 

In the end, I'm happy with what we paid for everything extra. For example, our unlimited drink package came in at $990.92 for two people. Our three excursions in CocoCay, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas were reasonable, too, costing nearly $590 for premium experiences like a small group VIP snorkeling tour, guided ATV adventure, and relaxing adults-only beach escape. 

Had we waited until we were on the ship, we would have paid far more for our cruise add-ons. Although none of the extras were necessary, they enhanced our overall cruise experience and made our vacation on one of the world's largest ships even more memorable. 

Read more: I paid $220 to try Royal Caribbean's new VIP excursion. It was pricey, but it made our beach day much better

Completed online check-in

Royal Caribbean's online check-in process opens 45 days before your departure date. Completing it as soon as possible ensures that you won't run into any problems in the terminal — unless you make a joke in line that you "forgot" your partner's passport (Yeah, that didn't go over well, and I don't recommend trying to be funny about missing travel documents). 

During online check-in, you’ll need to provide details such as your travel documentation and emergency contact information, and set up your onboard spending account

This is also when you will select an arrival appointment. Although the check-in times aren't as strictly enforced as they were post-COVID, it's still wise to select your desired time to avoid any arrival hiccups. The earlier times are generally selected first, so it’s a good idea to set a reminder for when your check-in window officially opens.

Read more: Your embarkation day on a cruise, explained. What happens and what to expect

Flew in the day before embarkation

As much as I love cruising, I can't bring myself to move to Florida — the heat and humidity are too much for me year-round. Plus, Charlotte has been a great place for my partner and me, and we don't have any plans to leave in the foreseeable future!

That said, I fly so often for cruises that I’ve become attached to my airline status. When I wasn't sure if I'd retain my American status, I applied for the Platinum Select Citi credit card to ensure that I wouldn't lose any of my valuable benefits in 2026. 

When flying for a cruise, it's important to arrive at least one day before your departure date. That way, you have a buffer in case of any unexpected delays or cancellations. This may mean taking an extra day off work and spending money on a hotel, but it's better than missing out on your entire cruise! 

Pre-cruise hotels don't have to be anything fancy, either. Before our vacation on Icon of the Seas, I used Hyatt points for a basic stay at the Hyatt Place Miami Airport-West/Doral. The complimentary breakfast was a nice perk, and we didn't break the bank on a short overnight stay! 

Rather than feeling stressed in the airport awaiting a morning flight, we woke up knowing that we were a short ride from the cruise terminal and that nothing (minus a life-threatening emergency) could get in the way of us embarking on our long-awaited vacation. 

Read more: I always do 6 things before I book a cruise if I have to fly there

Arranged pre-cruise transportation through Uber

I requested a rideshare the morning before we flew to Miami. This meant that my partner and I knew exactly when we had to be ready, and we did not have to wait for a last-minute ride to be confirmed on embarkation day. 

While you can certainly order an Uber or Lyft, another option would be to consider staying at a hotel with shuttle services. This can offer travelers peace of mind, as you don't have to worry about anything on embarkation day other than arriving at the pre-determined pick-up spot on time!

Read more: Where to stay in Miami before a cruise (with a shuttle)

Stayed flexible

Icon Class ships are massive — they're so large that it's impossible not to question how it stays afloat! 

Although it is natural to want to cross off everything there is to do on board, it is just as important to listen to your body, slow down, and rest. 

During our sailing, we didn't feel bad when we decided to sleep in or retire early. While there was always something to do, we knew our vacation wouldn't be as enjoyable if we didn't take in everything at our own pace. 

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

Welcome to March! We hope you are having a great weekend and are ready to sit back, relax and catch up with all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean made a controversial change to its drink packages by removing the souvenir cup and access to soda machines.

Beginning March 15, the Coca-Cola souvenir cup and Freestyle machines will only be included with the soda package.

You can pay $4.99 to regain access to it with the purchase of a drink package.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cruise ship blanketed by snow in major blizzard
• Reservations open for new train restaurant on Legend of the Seas
• What to do when crew members disrupt your meal experience
• I always do these 16 things the second I enter my cruise cabin to make it better
• 6 restaurants on Royal Caribbean ships we recommend over and over
• Why Royal Caribbean's European summer is its most ambitious
• The myth about who goes on cruises people need to stop believing
• I went to San Juan on a cruise and was blown away by how much fun I had on a budget
• Cruise passengers stuck waiting for blizzard turn delay into snow day fun

New RCB Video: This Is Why I Think You’re Crazy to Do This on a Cruise

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 — This Is Why I Think You’re Crazy to Do This on a Cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean overhauls its prohibited item list

The list of things you can't bring on a cruise ship just got a big update.

The new look expands the list to include new additions, as well as add more context to other existing bans,

It appears Royal Caribbean wants to ensure it's clearer what you can and cannot bring on a ship.

I stole these genius cruise hacks that I can't wait to try on my cruise

Cruisers are always coming up with new ways to make their cruise better, and I stumbled on a treasure trove of cruise hacks.

Some of these hacks are clever changes, while others are things I'd never have thought to do myself.

Each offers a new possibility for making your cruise easier or better.

Complaints prompt Royal Caribbean to respond and make changes to a sailing

There was an uneasiness about a solar eclipse cruise, so Royal Caribbean acted swiftly.

Some passengers were worried their sailing wouldn't offer the perfect viewing of the solar eclipse. The issue was the sailing was marketed as being a solar eclipse trip.

This week, Royal Caribbean adjusted the itinerary after enough complains came in to ensure passengers would have the best chance of seeing this natural phenomena.

Royal Caribbean released new 2027-2028 cruises to book

There are new cruises you can book that have just been released.

Royal Caribbean added more Caribbean sailings to its 2027-2028 deployment, and they're available to book immediately.

These new offerings fill in some gaps for ships that didn't have every sailing revealed through April 2028.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

We've just released the 598th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast. In it, Matt looks at the recent trend of adding more casino space on cruise ships.

You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via YouTube, iTunes, Google Play or RSS.

Is being asked for feedback often a sign of care or too much pressure? One cruiser was bothered by it, but wasn't sure how to respond.

On the Royal Caribbean subreddit, Gohalo1 posted their recent experience on Icon of the Seas where they were asked so many times for feedback in the Main Dining Room it disrupted their experience. In fact, they questioned if it amounted to "pestering by the staff."

"Just got off Icon and my group of 4 felt this cruise was different in the way of staff asking in two ways," they started off their post.

They encountered so many different crew members asking if everything was okay in the Main Dining Room on the first two nights of their cruise that they, "didn't feel like going back after" and booked dinners elsewhere.

Their experience is something I've encountered across my cruises, but I think others might want to know how to handle this sort of situation if it were to happen to them.

"We felt like we could barely talk to each other"

According to Gohalo1, the Main Dining Room staff was "incredibly overbearing asking for feedback."

Across the first two nights at dinner, both the waiter and assistant waiter asked after each course if the food was good.  Then the Dining Room Manager came and did the same thing.

Their frustration stemmed from the fact it interrupted the flow of their conversation and they couldn't hold a conversation.

Things got worse on the third night when they didn't go to dinner, and the manager called their stateroom to ask why they were absent.

"Starting the third night, the manager called our staterooms every day asking for feedback as to why we hadn’t returned that night."

Why crew members are so concerned with guest feedback

I can't say this person's experience is unheard of, although it sounds like it was more than even I've encountered.

Royal Caribbean is obsessed with guest feedback, and wants to ensure the product they deliver is what guests expect.  But asking too often goes from "observant" to "annoying" quickly if it's done too often.

Part of this stems from the company's adherence to Net Promoter Scores (NPS) as a way to measure everything they do. Using NPS is very commonplace in the travel market (as well as other industries) because it quantifies the basic question "would you recommend this to others."

Crew members know at the end of the cruise, every passenger will get a survey asking for their feedback on every aspect of the cruise, including the Main Dining Room.

Presumably to avoid a situation where a guest has a poor experience because no one checked in to see if there were any problems or if anything could be improved, the crew will be proactive in seeking feedback.  They want their guests happy, well fed, and not leaving with any problems.

It's not rude to ask for a change

In this situation, it seems like the staff's level of concern went well past the point of doing due diligence.

Gohalo1 asked at the end of their post if  this was typical, and the answer is, no.  If each waiter and manager was checking in so much to the point they felt the flow of the meal was being disrupted, I would say that's abnormal.

Typically the waiter will be the point person for gathering feedback from their guests.  The best ones can almost sense it, but certainly asking how the food is, or if they can get you anything else, is common. 

The head waiter usually can be counted on to visit a few times per cruise. In my experience, it's not every night, but close to it. The head waiter calling the room to ask why they're not at dinner is not unheard of, but not common either. It's part of the reason why many cruisers will let their waiters know ahead of time they won't be at dinner because they're dining elsewhere.

Whether you want more check-ins or less, I would have started with the head waiter to politely explain while everything is good with the service and food, the flow of dinner isn't good.

I would explain I appreciate the concern, but the requests for feedback is disrupting our enjoyment and for just the waiter to ask once per meal, and that's it.

If that didn't stop it, I'd probably politely ask to speak to the Maître D or deck manager, and then explain the situation to them. I'd probably say something like, "We're enjoying our meal, but the constant requests for feedback is bothersome. If there's a problem, I'll speak up.  But in the meantime, can we please cut it back so we can enjoy the food and our time together?"

I get it, you don't want to insult these people that are working very hard to ensure you're having a great meal. But as you're being polite, it's not rude to ask for them to take a step back.

At the end of day, their top goal is for you to be happy and have a great meal experience. 

Royal Caribbean is making a major change to its pricey beverage packages. 

Effective March 15, 2026, the Coca-Cola® souvenir cup and access to Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines will no longer be included with the Deluxe or Royal Refreshment Packages. 

Guests who would like access to the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machine can purchase a souvenir cup onboard for $4.99. 

Historically, you could pick up a Coca-Cola® souvenir cup on embarkation day as part of the drink packages’ benefits and have unlimited access to the Freestyle machines throughout the voyage. Now, the perk is an optional add-on. 

Soda will still be included in the packages. However, without the souvenir cup, guests will be limited to canned soda and fountain soda served directly from bars, lounges, and dining venues. Consequently, they will no longer have convenient access to the Freestyle machine’s flavor options.

Guests who prefer the variety offered by the Freestyle machines must decide whether the extra $4.99 fee is worth it. For a family of five, this could potentially mean shelling out another $25 — on top of what was already paid for the packages. 

The policy change only impacts the Deluxe and Royal Refreshment Packages, which are, ironically, the cruise line’s more expensive beverage options, costing anywhere from $32 to $115 per person, per day. 

The Classic Soda Package will continue to include the Coca-Cola® souvenir cup and access to the Freestyle machine. However, the souvenir cup cannot be used for unlimited refills on future sailings. Moreover, the drink package includes only one cup. If you lose the souvenir cup during your voyage, you must pay $4.99 to replace it. 

Royal Caribbean's Classic Soda Package costs anywhere from $9.99 to $18 per person, per day. However, if you utilize the Cruise Planner's pre-cruise sales, it's easy to score a deal for less than $15 per day. 

Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines are not available on the following ships: Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas.

Guests who purchase a drink package on or before March 15 will be grandfathered in

(Credit: sdale39/Reddit)

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed to Royal Caribbean Blog that drink package bookings made on or before March 15, 2026, will retain the previous benefits, including a soda cup and unlimited access to the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines.

"Guests who purchased a Deluxe or Refreshment Package pre‑cruise on or before 03/15/26 will not have to pay for a souvenir cup if they request one. The Classic Soda Package will continue to include a souvenir cup," they clarified. 

What is included in the Royal Caribbean drink package?

While the Coca-Cola® souvenir cup is no longer automatically included with the Deluxe and Royal Refreshment Packages, the packages themselves still offer a wide range of beverages. 

No other changes were made to the Deluxe Beverage Package. As such, the package will continue to include unlimited alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails, liquor, beer, and wine (up to $14 per serving), along with a long list of non-alcoholic options:

• Beers: Domestic, imported, and craft beer brands
• Wine and sparkling wine by the glass
• Canned and fountain soda
• Fresh and bottled juices
• Smoothies and protein shakes
• Specialty coffee and teas (excluding licensed Starbucks® stores)
• Bottled and sparkling water
• CocoLove coconut water
• Red Bull
• Powerade
• Johnny Rockets® Shakes
• Mocktails (including non-alcoholic spirits), non-alcoholic beers, and non-alcoholic wines

The Royal Refreshment Package also covers a solid selection of non-alcoholic options — ranging from mocktails to specialty coffees, bottled water, juices, and standard canned and fountain sodas:

• Canned and fountain soda
• Bottled still water, sparkling water, and CocoLove coconut water
• Fresh-squeezed juices
• Smoothies and protein shakes
• Specialty coffees and teas (excluding licensed Starbucks® stores)
• Johnny Rockets® Shakes and Desserted Soda Floats
• Non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beers (only available to guests of legal drinking age)
• Frozen drinks (e.g., non-alcoholic piña colada)

Both packages also include drinks ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti. This means you can sip on a beachside strawberry daiquiri, beer, sparkling water, or crisp Diet Coke at no extra cost (depending on your package). 

Cruisers react to the sudden policy change

Loyal Royal Caribbean fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts about the removal of the Coca-Cola® souvenir cup from the drink packages. 

Overall, many see the move as a reduction in value, claiming that Royal Caribbean is trying to "nickel-and-dime" guests by stripping away small perks that were once standard inclusions. 

"Unbelievably cheap on Royal's part. It will no doubt be wrapped in a bs statement about 'reducing waste,'" one Redditor wrote. 

ArissP added, "Just a way to [eke] out more profit. The cups don’t cost that much to manufacture, so it’s just another way of increasing total profit."

"Oh this makes me so angry. I purchased the refreshment package so we could have that cup and smoothies. My cruise is the 22nd so we'll just miss out," someone else frustratedly commented. 

Not all reactions have been negative, though. A handful of cruisers acknowledged that they don't use the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines, with the souvenir cups going to waste. 

"So much waste with these things. And on many boats, there just aren't very many freestyle machines, so often, one would not be inclined to make the trek to refill it," said AntifaMiddleMgmt. 

"We have 12 of these at home in a box in the basement. On our next [cruise] this summer, my wife and I weren't even going to bother picking ours up. My kids mostly use them for water at night next to their bed."

azspeedbullet agreed, writing, "Overall i think it is a good change. A ton of cups [don't] get used or only used for the cruise and then thrown into the trash 5 dollars is very reasonable to pay for that cup for those that really need it." 

"I rarely used it. My kid and I had the soda package and 99.9% of the time we just went to the bar to get a soda. My wife and son had an alcohol package. They never used it," SafetyMan35 chimed in. 

The list of things you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise has been revised with a new look to it and a focus on certain policies.

The policy governing what you cannot bring on a cruise has been a "living document" that has updated to reflect trends.  Some of the items have been prohibited for decades, while others are new.

This week, the prohibited item list got an overhaul and a new look.  Instead of it being a simple list, there's more context and even a few changes.

This is a good reminder to check up on what's been revised to prevent bringing the wrong things on vacation that could get you in trouble.

A new look

The first thing you'll notice about this list of items that are prohibited on a Royal Caribbean cruise is the format.

You can find the list on Royal Caribbean's website, and it's a page that gets regular updates. We monitor it closely to look for policy changes.

Compared to a copy of the webpage from January 31, 2026, the list has undergone an update to flesh out select areas and rearrange others.

Revised prohibited items list

Old list format

Certain prohibited items now have their own section with explanations, likely to further elaborate on what's not allowed.

In fact, Royal Caribbean even goes as far as to add what's included on your cruise to give reassurance that not being allowed to bring an item won't ruin your vacation. As an example, the list of which drinks you cannot bring now includes the free drinks that come with your cruise fare.

Ironically, the banned item list now includes many things you can bring.  

For example, the entire toiletries section talks about you're allowed to bring them, with no restrictions mentioned. The same is true for most of the baby things section.

This is likely to clear up any confusion if something not mentioned, but frequently asked about, is permissible to bring onboard.

The list also says there's a hair dryer included in every stateroom, even though hair curling irons, straighteners and hair dryers are permitted

At the bottom of the page is the traditional format of a list of banned items.

New banned items and policy adjustments

Snacks have been added to the prohibited item list, although there isn't an actual allotment defined.

"You can bring on a sensible amount of your favorite pre-packaged sealed snacks. Keep in mind there are lots of complimentary grab and go items and food all around the ship."

Previously, there was no mention of snacks on the banned item list.  Perhaps this change reflects a change in the amount of food guests are attempting to bring on a cruise.

Similarly, luggage is now included on the list with an explanation there is no limit, but their bags will be scanned.

Royal Caribbean also added a section that pets are not allowed on its cruise ships, with the exception of service animals.

This is an important step as our team has witnessed an increase in the amount of passengers who bring their pets onboard while trying to pass them off as service animals. Perhaps our anecdotal data is reflected in calling out the ban now on the full list.

Lastly, the recent addition of smart glasses has gotten an update. 

In February 2026, Royal Caribbean added smart glasses to its banned list, but restricted them from being worn in certain areas.

The verbiage is now more plain spoken and explains the restriction on where you can and cannot wear them.

"There are limits to where smart glasses can be worn onboard. Smart glasses cannot be worn in the casino, spa service areas, restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities, security screening locations, youth facilities, during back-of-house tours, in crew areas, or anywhere there is a reasonable expectation of guest and crew privacy."

Guests violating the rule will have them taken away, "Smart glasses users who are seen violating this policy will have the glasses confiscated."

New ban on smoking in Mexico

Smokers should be aware that Royal Caribbean has updated its policy regarding smoking to match Mexico's new rules.

Mexico has a total ban on smoking in public places that has been in place since 2023.

This includes beaches, parks, hotels, restaurants, and workplaces. 

Nothing has changed with where and when you can smoke onboard, but there's a warning to passengers to be aware you could face jail time if you try to smoke while ashore.

"In Mexico, vapes and e-cigarettes of any kind are banned and cannot be brought ashore. Regular cigarettes cannot be smoked in public places including at beaches, hotels, restaurants and parks. Violators face fines or even jail time."

Royal Caribbean has even more tropical fun planned for 2027 and 2028. 

The cruise line's newest deployment release adds more island-hopping options to the already packed lineup. Now, cruisers have even more options to choose from — ranging from short sailings aboard Jewel of the Seas to Southern Caribbean adventures on Vision of the Seas. 

Many cruises also highlight Royal Caribbean's upcoming additions to its private destination portfolio, visiting ports like Nassau (for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island), Cozumel (for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel), and Costa Maya (for Perfect Day Mexico). 

New Royal Caribbean 2027-28 Itineraries

Starting with Jewel of the Seas, the Radiance Class ship will embark on a series of 3 and 4-night voyages from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2027 and 2028. This isn't exactly breaking news, as it was previously revealed that Jewel would offer sailings from Fort Lauderdale in the December 9, 2025, deployment release.

The 90,090-gross-ton vessel will officially relocate from Tampa to Port Everglades in April 2027 for short getaways to The Bahamas. 

Itineraries will visit popular ports of call such as Nassau and the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with Bimini, Grand Bahama Island, and Key West. 

Serenade of the Seas will also be based out of Florida, sailing a variety of cruises to the Western Caribbean from Tampa.

She will begin sailing from Western Florida in Oct. 2027, with voyages ranging from 5-night cruises to the Western Caribbean to longer 9-night Eastern Caribbean adventures. 

6-night voyages in 2028 will call at a mix of ports like Roatán, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso, while 8-night sailings will expand the itinerary to include additional destinations such as Belize City and George Town. 

Finally, Vision of the Seas will leave her seasonal homeport of Baltimore for sunny San Juan in Oct. 2027. This continues the trend of having an older ship stationed out of Puerto Rico. 

The Vision Class vessel will primarily offer weeklong cruises to the Southern Caribbean, visiting the picturesque ports of Antigua, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, and St. Thomas. 

However, to kickstart 2028, Vision of the Seas will embark on a 6-night Southern Caribbean sailing to the ABC islands. 

Royal Caribbean Deployment Schedule

Royal Caribbean's 2027 — 2028 deployment release has almost been completed. The next round of sailings is scheduled for the week of March 2, 2026. 

As of now, the cruise line's Oct. 2027 — April 2028 deployments in Australia, China, and Singapore are still unavailable. 

Here's what's available for booking — and what else cruisers have to look forward to:

• NOW OPEN: Alaska (May 2027 — Sept. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: Europe (April 2027 — Oct. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: 7-Night & Short Caribbean (March 2027 — April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Northeast, California, & Texas (April 2027 — April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Seasonal Caribbean (April 2027 — April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Remaining Caribbean (April 2027 — April 2028)
• Week of March 2, 2026: Singapore (October 2027 — April 2028)
• Week of March 16, 2026: Australia (October 2027 — April 2028)
• TBD: China (October 2027 — April 2028)