Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean is known for its wild and fun theme nights, and cruisers certainly dress the part. 

From White Night to Formal Night, Tropical Night, 70s Night, and more, you will want to pack accordingly to fit in with the masses.  

Some guests love to go all out with costumes and coordinated outfits among party members, while others prefer to keep it simple. 

Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society social media team recently took to its Facebook page to ask cruisers about their theme night packing lists. 

"Calling all theme night lovers! What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever packed for a theme night on board? 👀 Tell us in the comments!" the post reads. 

Within one day, over a dozen Royal Caribbean cruisers shared their most over-the-top theme night outfits — and you can certainly tell these weren't last-minute packing decisions.  

Read more: There are theme nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Here's what to expect and how to plan for it

Dress Your Best Night

(Credit: ErikChristy Bray / Facebook)

Although many associate Dress Your Best Night on Royal Caribbean ships with elegant gowns, button-down shirts, and even tuxedos, ErikChristy Bray's travel party took a different approach. 

Bray attached a photo of ten cruisers dressed as Mrs. Helen Roper from "Three's Company." One passenger even held a framed photo of Roper's husband, Stanley, in the popular '70s sitcom. 

Disco Night

(Credit: Yvonne P. Dumont / Facebook)

Disco Night is all about sparkles, flashy accessories, and funky shoes. 

While Yvonne P. Dumont certainly brought the shimmery clothing, she also went one step further with colorful wigs.

White Night

(Credit: Tom Place / Facebook)

Normally, White Night is cause for concern since it often aligns with Italian Night in the Main Dining Room (white shirts + red pasta sauce = disaster). 

However, Tom Place found a creative way to dress the part while keeping their clothing safe by simply wearing Royal Caribbean-branded robes!

Halloween

(Credit: Walter Robin Terry / Facebook)

Royal Caribbean encourages guests to dress up for Halloween. Just because you're in the middle of the ocean doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to wear a fun costume!

Walter Terry's family went the extra mile, dressing up as Gru, Lucy Wilde, and Minions from the beloved "Despicable Me" franchise. 

'60s Night

(Credit: Nella Gambrell / Facebook)

The '60s were a period of high optimism, revolutionary fashion and music trends, and cultural change. The iconic hippie style is one of the most defining looks of the era. 

Nella Gambrell's entire travel party definitely showed up for '60s Night — think wigs, flower crowns, tie-dye shirts, fringe vests, and peace sign accessories.  

'70s Night

(Credit: Jennifer Bell / Facebook)

My mom grew up during the '70s and once told me that she remembered when she got her first pair of bell-bottom jeans. Flared denim, however, wasn't the only popular trend during the decade. 

Jennifer Bell and her husband embraced the playfulness of the era with wigs, a fun maxi dress, and wide-collar shirts with colorful patterns. 

'80s Night

(Credit: Kathleen Donnelly / Facebook)

'80s fashion was bright and bold, which is why it makes such a great cruise ship theme night. 

Kathleen Donnelly shared an image of her family's '80s night costumes, complete with neon green lace gloves, tutus, bright pink headbands, and geometric-patterned shirts. 

Royal Caribbean just kicked off a new casino year, and with it came a handful of changes to Club Royale that are already getting a lot of attention from frequent cruisers.

April 1st is the start of the casino calendar year, when players can start accruing points to requalify for their status within the casino program.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Craig Hart is a Masters level player, which is the highest tier in the program. Suffice to say, he pays close attention to any change made by Casino Royale.

He believes some of the changes will be welcomed by players, and others perhaps not. It all depends on how gamble.

Players started noticing differences on April 1 when the 2026–2027 casino year officially began and comparing notes almost immediately.

Here’s what actually changed, what it means, and where the biggest impact is for cruise passengers who rely on casino perks.

Helpful change: casino status now shows in the app

One change anyone might notice is in the Royal Caribbean app.

Royal Caribbean has started integrating Club Royale into its mobile app, allowing guests to see their casino tier and (eventually) their offers in one place.

That might not sound like a big deal, but it’s something casino players have wanted for years. Historically, Club Royale has felt like a separate ecosystem, with offers sent via email or buried on the website.

Having status, offers, and notifications within the app brings it closer to how airlines and hotels manage loyalty programs.

However, it's not quite fully operational yet.

Craig reports some users are reporting errors when trying to view offers through the app, even though those same offers are still accessible on Royal Caribbean's website.

Regardless of the soft rollout, Royal Caribbean is trying to unify its casino program with the broader cruise experience. And if they get this right, it could make tracking offers and planning trips a lot easier.

Signature guests get onboard credit

There's been another change for the mid-tier members within the casino loyalty program in terms of onboard perks.

Signature-level members will now receive onboard credit based on the length of their sailing.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• $25 for 3–4 night cruises
• $50 for 5–6 night cruises
• $75 for 7+ night cruises

Previously, Signature players didn’t receive any onboard credit at all.

According to Craig, this change doesn’t completely close the gap with higher tiers like Masters, who still receive more generous perks, but it's a meaningful addition. 

And it aligns with a broader trend we’ve seen from Royal Caribbean of adding smaller, incremental perks rather than making sweeping changes.

He believes this onboard credit won't used towards anything but casino spending. Casino players at the Signature level are the type of player that typically use their OBC to fuel more play.

He thinks it's a nice perk, but it’s not really changing behavior. It just makes the experience feel a little more rewarding.

A big change for video poker players

If there’s one change that's getting the most pushback, it's related to video poker.

Royal Caribbean increased the earning requirement for video poker to $15 per point. That's a significant jump, and it directly affects how quickly players can earn status or qualify for rewards.

What this means is you now have to wager more money to earn the same number of points.

Those that play a lot of video poker don't seem happy with the change because it requires more money to be wagered in order to attain tier progression.

Online complaints have said it reduces efficiency for earning offers, and makes it harder to justify extended play if you're trying to maximize value.

Craig thinks it's a change to bring the game in line with the better odds it has. Video poker typically has a lower house edge than slot machines, meaning players can stretch their bankroll longer. By increasing the points threshold, the company is effectively rebalancing the system.

If you're someone who primarily plays slots, this probably won't affect you much. But if you leaned into video poker as a strategic way to earn status, this is a meaningful change.

Cutback in instant offers?

The biggest change casino players claim to be seeing is related to cruise offers earned onboard a ship.

Frequent casino players have started noticing a reduction in the value of "instant certificates", which are the rewards you earn during a sailing based on how many points you rack up.

These certificates typically offer free or discounted cruise fares, free play, and upgraded cabins at the higher levels.

It appears something has changed compared to expectations from the past experiences.

Starting around March, many reported:

• The cabin categories offered were lower than before
• The amount of free play was reduced
• Overall value per point felt diminished

This kind of adjustment is subtle, but it matters a lot for repeat cruisers who plan their gambling strategy around hitting certain thresholds.

Craig recommends viewing the reward certificates at the start of the cruise at the casino host desk and plan your play accordingly.

Royal Caribbean offers a way to check-in for your cruise via its mobile app, but the question is what benefit do you get by doing so?

If you're used to hotel check-ins, doing so online early doesn't give you much benefit other than requesting certain preferences. In my experience, those preferences (like an early check-in) aren't always granted and it seems like a waste.

When it comes to cruising, the online check-in isn't just helpful, it's downright extremely useful.

You could even snag an express pass to a shorter line on embarkation day by completing all the steps.

Here's how I do my Royal Caribbean online check-in and why you should take advantage of it too.

Royal Caribbean encourages you to use online check-in

Once you get to 45 days until your cruise begins, you can start checking in for the cruise.

You can start checking-in on the app or on the website. The app is by far the preferred method, both in terms of convenience and what the cruise line would like you to use.

Once completed, it's how you'll get your boarding pass that you'll need in the cruise terminal.

It's technically allowed to not do any mobile check-in and instead wait to do it a the cruise terminal. Ten years ago, that would be have been perfectly fine.  But online check-in has a number of advantages.

It might sound like cruise like marketing, but there's absolute truth to the idea doing your mobile check-in will speed things up and get you on the ship faster.

Completing your check-in via the app means far less waiting in the cruise terminal, an earlier check-in time, and getting on the ship quicker.

It's also worth emphasizing using the app is better than the website for online check-in.  The app allows you to hop between check-in steps, such as getting a check-in time and then coming back later to complete the other steps.

The website also lacks the ability to scan your passport, which will take more time to enter everything manually.

Since so much of the cruise planning experience is tied to the app, you're almost at a disadvantage by not using it.

My approach to checking in for a Royal Caribbean cruise

I've come around to relying on the app for my pre-cruise check-in on every sailing.

Back when the mobile check-in was first introduced over a decade ago, it was more of a novelty and not very useful.  Today, it's essential.

At 45 days before your cruise, you can select a check-in time.  This is important so you can be among the first to step aboard and get your vacation started.

Technically, the check-in time begins at midnight, but I'll wait until the next morning because the difference in times if I get it at midnight or 9am the next morning is usually negligible. I'd rather get better sleep.  

I've found that waiting until the next morning might be the difference between an 11am to an 11:30am check-in time, and that isn't a major difference.

That being said, don't wait days or weeks. Get your check-in time ASAP.

I'll come back later and do the rest of the check-in via the app.  When I do, I use the app online (never the website) and I'll scan everyone's passport and take a photo for security. I always add my credit card too.

You really ought to do all those steps (including the photo) so you can qualify for Express Boarding.

Express Boarding is a reward in select ports for those that did everything they needed to do pre-cruise.  It appears as an option within 24 hours of boarding after you finish the health questionnaire in the app.

Basically, this is a line for those that did everything and the cruise line feels good about your boarding status.  You get a special line and involves less stopping and waiting around.

Think of it like a rental car where you can bypass the counter if you have all the information already submitted.  I'm all about saving time and minimizing any waits anytime I can.

Mobile check-in is a time saver

Ultimately, I'll spend a few minutes to get checked-in for my cruise while I'm at home rather than in the cruise terminal.

I can't imagine why anyone would straight up skip it all together because you're just going to have to do it all in the cruise terminal, and likely the counter agent will be the one entering it all.  The gate agent is likely going to be slower typing out the spelling of your last name, weird street name, and copying down phone numbers.

I think the difference between my strategy and others is relying purely on the app, and getting a check-in time first before coming back later to complete the rest.

While you can use the Royal Caribbean website, you lose out on the chance to get Express Boarding.  That alone should be reason enough not to use it.

Lastly, I'd advise against waiting until the last few days before starting any of the check-in. Set a calendar reminder 45 days early and get it taken care of sooner than later.

Happy weekend! I hope Spring is starting to arrive where you live.  Regardless of the weather, it is time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean redeployed one of its biggest ships in 2027.

Symphony of the Seas is switching homeports, shifting from Galveston, Texas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Guests booked on the Galveston sailings will receive an email with options on how to change to a new sailing.

Royal Caribbean News

• 4 Royal Caribbean mega ships in dry dock at the same time
• MSC copies Royal Caribbean with new beach club in The Bahamas
• Other cruise lines have made policy changes that Royal Caribbean hasn't adopted (yet)
• Silversea just made two changes cruise passengers will love
• I heard a cruise captain explain why ships cancel ports. It changed how I see itinerary changes
• I booked a balcony and a suite on the same ship. The suite is worth the splurge for the special access
• What an Owner's Suite on Star of the Seas looks like
• 15 Things people wish Royal Caribbean would copy from other cruise lines
• Balcony vs Interior room: which is worth it
• I cruise all the time without my husband. It’s unconventional, but it works for us
• The 1 Royal Caribbean dessert that's always worth the cost

New RCB Video: I Got Inside Royal Caribbean’s New Ship While It’s Still Being Built

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 Got Inside Royal Caribbean’s New Ship While It’s Still Being Built — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean will skip all of its glacier visits this summer

Royal Caribbean announced it will skip all of its scheduled visits to a popular Alaska glacier this summer.

Guests booked on any 2026 cruise with a visit to Tracy Arm Fjord received a notice this week that their visit has been re-routed to another place instead.

Instead of seeing Sawyer Glacier, cruise ships will visit Dawes Glacier.

First look at Legend of the Seas construction photos

Our team was invited to get an early look at the brand new Legend of the Seas before anyone else.

There's just a couple months before Legend of the Seas enters service, and this new ship is almost ready.

The third Icon Class ship will have new additions and a few changes from previous ships.

Harmony of the Seas just began major upgrades

Royal Caribbean began work this week on upgrading Harmony of the the Seas.

The Oasis Class ship is one of the biggest ships in the world, and it's in drydock in Cadiz, Spain to get new features.

New staterooms are being added, bars replaced, and a couple new restaurants will be added as well.

How to avoid jet lag with 2 simple steps

After flying to Europe for cruises a few times, the key to avoiding jet lag is not complicated.

I've found by immersing myself in the local time zone and avoiding napping, I can more easily adjust to local time and start maximizing my time abroad.

The first day after landing is rough, but it's worth fighting through the fatigue to enjoy the rest of the trip.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 603rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt shares why a myth about cruising and the limited time in port is totally wrong.

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

Is a cruise ship balcony room worth the extra money?

I've been cruising since I was five years old and only sailed in balconies until I was in my 20s. At first, I was sure that — after 45 collective days with a private ocean-view verandah — I'd hate tiny, windowless inside cabins. In reality, that could not be further from the truth. 

Although nothing compares to stepping out onto your balcony and feeling the sea breeze, I quickly learned that it's a luxury, and staying in an inside cabin doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a crummy vacation. 

That said, the inside vs. balcony debate can get pretty heated, with some cruisers swearing off the windowless tomb-like rooms. On the flip side, some can't imagine spending more than they have to on the base fare. 

In this article, I'll go over the pros and cons of booking a balcony versus an inside cabin, including amenities, cost, and how each stateroom impacts your overall experience. 

Cruise Ship Room Amenities

Regardless of which stateroom category you end up choosing, the basic amenities will be the same. By this, I mean you will have an ensuite bathroom, two twin-sized beds that can be pushed together to make a Royal King, a TV, safe, storage space, telephone, hair dryer, vanity area, and a private thermostat. 

Most rooms are designed to accommodate two guests. However, there are inside and balcony cabins that can fit three or four people, typically using a sofa bed or a pullman bed.

All standard cruise bathrooms are nearly identical, with the main difference usually being the layout. You can expect a capsule-like shower (no bathtub), sink, toilet, mirror, and some shelves. Royal Caribbean also stocks its showers with a 2-in-1 body wash-shampoo hybrid. 

Additionally, all Royal Caribbean cruise rooms receive daily housekeeping service from a dedicated cabin steward. They will do things like make the bed, take out any trash, and refresh towels.  

That said, when it comes to comparing inside vs. balcony rooms, the biggest differences come down to natural light and space, rather than the amenities themselves.

That's a good thing, though, because if you are on a budget, choosing the most affordable inside cabin means you will not miss out on the overall cruise experience. 

Your cabin will come with housekeeping service, comfortable beds, standard amenities, and access to the ship's dining, entertainment, and activities. 

Read more: Cruise ship rooms on Royal Caribbean: How to choose the best cabin

Cruise Inside Cabin vs Balcony: Which is Better?

Knowing that the amenities are the same, how do you decide whether an inside or balcony cabin is right for you? 

Space

First, balcony cabins tend to be a little larger and offer a private outdoor area, which can make the room feel more open and less confined.

For example, a standard interior room on Freedom of the Seas measures around 162 square feet. However, a balcony cabin comes in at 188 square feet, plus an additional 46-square-foot balcony. 

Inside cabins, while definitely cozier, are functional and comfortable. However, if you want a little more space to relax, you're better off choosing a balcony. 

View

And then, of course, there's the view. With a balcony cabin, you can step outside to watch the sunrise as you pull into port, gaze at the endless horizon, or simply take in the fresh sea air. 

On some itineraries, such as a Caribbean or Bahamian getaway, a balcony may not be as important since there's less scenery to look at on sea days. 

However, if your itinerary includes scenic coastlines, towering mountains, or glacier viewing days, a balcony can greatly enhance your experience.

Cost

Enter the cost. Sometimes, the difference between an inside cabin and a balcony might be negligible, especially on sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean.

For example, on Jewel of the Seas in November 2027, a balcony cabin starts at $534 per person for a 4-night Bahamian getaway, while an inside room comes in at $434.

However, balcony staterooms on cruises to Alaska, Norway, New Zealand, etc., are often hundreds of dollars more since the destinations themselves are a major part of the experience, and balconies are in higher demand.

For instance, an interior cabin on an Alaska cruise departing from Seattle, Washington, in July 2027 starts at $879 per person. However, a balcony room on the same Voyager of the Seas sailing jumps up to $1,591 per person. 

Alaska excursions are notoriously more expensive than warm-weather tours, so saving money on the accommodation could mean you could book worthwhile experiences ashore. 

How Do You Pick a Balcony Room on a Cruise?

Once deciding you need a balcony, you’ll need to narrow down the type of balcony room you want.

Forward balconies, aft balconies, extended balconies, connecting balconies, Central Park balconies, Boardwalk balconies, Surfside balconies, infinite verandahs — need I go on?

Here's a brief synopsis of the different kinds of cruise balcony rooms to help you narrow down your options:

• Forward balconies are typically on the same side of the ship as the adult-only lounge (except on Icon and Vision Class ships). This makes them convenient for those who want to be a short elevator ride away from the Solarium. However, they are more likely to feel the ship rocking.
• Aft-facing balconies have the best wake views aboard the ship, but they are a farther walk from many of the main lounge areas and amenities.
• Extended balcony cabins are ideal for those who plan on spending a lot of time outside since they have larger balconies.
• Connecting balconies are best for families or friends. You don't want to be in a connecting room if you do not know the party beside you. 

• Central Park balcony cabins overlook the Central Park neighborhood on Oasis and Icon Class ships. They don't have an ocean view and lack privacy, but they are great for people watching.
• Boardwalk balconies are similar in that they don't directly face the ocean and instead have a view of the Oasis Class Boardwalk neighborhood.
• Surfside balcony cabins are exclusive to Icon Class ships and overlook the family-friendly Surfside neighborhood.
• Infinite verandahs are also only found on Icon Class ships. There are some that have ocean views, while others face the Central Park neighborhood. These rooms replace a traditional balcony with more interior living space and a massive floor-to-ceiling window that can be lowered to create the "balcony." 

Read more: Not all Royal Caribbean cruise balconies are created equal: How to avoid the wrong ones

What are the Best Inside Cabins on a Cruise Ship?

Compared to balconies, there are fewer variations of inside cabins. However, there are some unique layouts to be aware of:

• Virtual balcony inside rooms have a massive 80-inch LED television screen that provides live high-definition views from outside the ship directly into your cabin.
• Interior Plus rooms on Icon Class ships are redesigned inside cabins that feature a deluxe closet and dressing area.
• Interior cabins with neighborhood-facing windows (i.e., Central Park, the Boardwalk, and Surfside) are ideal for those who want to be awoken by natural light but don't necessarily care about the extra space of a private balcony. 

Bottom Line

There is no right or wrong when it comes to picking a balcony vs. inside cruise room. If you have the money to spare, a balcony can make for a memorable splurge. However, they certainly aren't necessary to have a great vacation. 

In many cases, you will likely spend more time on the pool deck, attending shows, exploring ports of call, and more, rather than staying tucked away in your stateroom. 

Still, even if you mostly explore the ship or the destinations, the perks of a private balcony, especially on a scenic itinerary, greatly enhance your overall stateroom experience. 

I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas four times, and compared what it was like to try a balcony cabin after a week in an Infinite Grand Suite.

The two cruises were just a few months apart, but the room itself wasn't nearly the biggest difference as what you got with the room.

No matter if it's a tiny inside room or a sprawling suite, I find I adjust to my stateroom and take advantage of what it happens to offer. There are pros and cons to any room, so I can usually rationalize the benefits of picking one cabin or another.

In just four months, I sailed twice on Star of the Seas in different staterooms, but what really changed the experience was what came with the suite.

Why I ended up trying both cabin types

The first cruise I took with my family was over Thanksgiving, and I wanted to do something special since it was their first time on the new cruise ship.

I booked an Infinite Grand Suite because it had so much space and came with extra suite class benefits. 

Many of our readers know I'm a Pinnacle Club member and can get access to some suite areas of the ship, but if there are too many other Pinnacles that have a higher point total than me, I could be turned away from it. I wanted to make sure I had access.

On the second cruise over spring break, I decided to save money and book an oceanview balcony instead.

I would be risking the suite benefits access, but I'd be saving a heck of a lot of money.  The cost difference was significant, and I wanted to go with a budget-friendly option.

I think my decision to book one cabin over the other is something a lot of cruisers do. Prioritizing budget or a special occasion and choosing a stateroom based on that.

What my balcony cabin experience was really like

A balcony cabin is one of my default go-to choices on almost any cruise because it's so versatile and an efficient space.

There's more living room than in an inside room, and that private balcony still feels like a big upgrade.

Usually, it doesn't "break the bank" either with the combination of value versus what you get.

What's interesting to me is how I usually look for a balcony cabin first, but I rarely spend much out there.  Between everything happening onboard the ship and the weather factors outside, I don't actually go out there a lot.

I recognize others relish spending time on their balcony.  I certainly don't think they're wrong. 

I probably get more value from the balcony because it has plenty of natural light, and I can easily step outside to gauge the temperature or check out what's nearby.

Infinite Grand Suite was better, but that's not the whole story

Moving up to an Infinite Grand Suite, this is far from one of the largest or most impressive suites on Star of the Seas. But I think Royal Caribbean really offers one of its best uses of living space.

Walking into the Infinite Grand Suite, it felt palatial with how much more living space there was, especially if it's just two people.

You have three main sections: the bedroom, the living room, and the convertible balcony area.

Each section is massive, and because the room is so wide and so long, it really feels like you have lots of room to spread out.

The game-changer here is the infinite balcony.  I used to hate them, but I changed my mind and I think it's a really smart idea.  We keep our window closed the entire cruise and take back the balcony space to make it a secondary living room. It's great for getting work done, reading a book, or lounging somewhere when someone else is sprawling elsewhere.

It's a very nice room, but the real upgrade starts outside the cabin.

The special access that actually made the suite worth it

I think Royal Caribbean has outdone itself with the suite-only amenities on its Icon Class ships.  While suite areas are lovely on other ships, it's been taken to a different level on Star.

I find having access to suite-only areas changes my daily routine.

I'll head up in the morning to the Suite Sun Deck because there is always space, no chair stress.  Plus, having The Grove means I not only have convenient food choices, but it's a darn good selection of food too!

I love to have a pre-dinner cocktail in the Suite Lounge. While I don't think the layout of the Suite Lounge is the best in the fleet, I love when there's an actual bar to sit at and have a conversation with the bartenders or other guests.

Suite guests get complimentary beer, wine, or soft drinks from 11am to 11pm, and a happy hour in the evening.  This is another added reason to book a suite instead of relying on my Pinnacle status.

And of course, having access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant will spoil you.

I think this might be the biggest differentiator because it offers a fantastic alternative to the Main Dining Room. It's so nice having the choice between the two complimentary venues.

Another great benefit of being in a suite is how much less stress there is with crowd and lines.

On embarkation day, there's a dedicated entrance for suite guests. There is a special line for security and check-in, which means less waiting and getting onboard faster.

At each of the shows, there is reserved seating for suite guests. You still need to make a reservation, but it's great there is a special area to rely on if you're running behind schedule.

Who will feel a suite is absolutely worth it

Suites aren't inexpensive, and there's a notable difference between that and a balcony room.  So to help justify the costs, I'd say certain guests might find more reason to try it.

Certainly repeat cruisers who know the "pain points" of a Royal Caribbean cruise will have a greater appreciation for having suite benefits. A newbie would enjoy it, but a repeat cruiser would find more value.

Of course, anyone that hates crowds or waiting is likely to see reason to try a suite.  Suites have always been the "easy button" for cruisers that prefer to pay for an elevated experience.

And if you'll seek out these special suite-only areas, I think it will maximize the value of a suite.

Royal Caribbean offers the most suite perks on its Icon Class ships. Granted, the cost is the highest for these rooms too, but you do have more to show for it.

I expected a bigger room. What I got instead was a better cruise

A cruise is what you make of it, and I think the added perks of staying in a suite greatly enhanced my experience.

A balcony will give you a great cruise, but a suite will change how you experience it.

I'll continue to book all kinds of staterooms in the future, but I think anytime I sail on an Icon Class ship, I'll want to give a suite a strong second look.

It's no secret that we love cruising on Royal Caribbean, but there are a few things that other cruise lines have gotten right — and other cruisers have definitely taken notice of where competitors excel. 

Over the years, the cruise industry has tended to follow trends, and it’s not uncommon for one line to introduce a new concept or change that other lines then incorporate into their own lineup. 

For example, Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to completely redefine the private island experience. Now, Carnival and Norwegian have followed suit with their own upgraded private destination portfolios. 

Along those lines, it's impossible to completely ignore what lines are doing. There are plenty of ideas and experiences that Royal Caribbean could take inspiration from to keep enhancing the experience for its loyal guests!

In fact, one cruiser was curious as to what travelers thought Royal Caribbean should borrow from other cruise lines and asked the question on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread.

The responses highlighted a variety of clever ideas — from new cabin designs to better fast-casual dining — that fans of other lines have enjoyed and wish Royal Caribbean would invest more in. 

Better poolside burgers

Although Royal Caribbean's fast-casual options have gotten better in recent years, they still fall short compared to the offerings aboard Carnival's fleet of "FUN" ships.

Guy's Burger Joint debuted in 2011 in collaboration with celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Today, the poolside burger bar is renowned for its gourmet smash burgers, seasoned fries, and generous toppings bar. 

"Basecamp burgers are a good start, but something as quality as Guy's Burgers would be huge," said one Redditor. Someone else chimed in, claiming that Guy's is the "best restaurant at sea." 

Additionally, I think BlueIguana Cantina wins hands down when it comes to fresh, made-to-order Mexican food. El Loco Fresh is fine, but nothing compares to Carnival's fresh salsa bar and breakfast burritos. 

Enhanced technology

Royal Caribbean has long worked to integrate cutting-edge technology across its ships, from robot vacuum cleaners to the best mobile app at sea. However, some cruisers argue that they could still have more advanced features on their fleet. 

One passenger suggested that Royal Caribbean should have a Medallion system like Princess Cruises. "Second this. Works great. And you can see where everybody in your party is at a glance," said another Reddit user. 

Essentially, Princess’ MedallionClass Experience replaces the standard cruise ship card with a small, quarter-sized device that serves as both a room key and a charge card. It tracks your location, meaning that your cabin door will automatically unlock as you approach. You can also track other passengers and order food and drinks to your location. 

Grab-and-go towels

On Royal Caribbean ships, you have to scan pool towels out and check them back in — or face a $25 fee. 

"[P]lease treat me like the responsible adult that I am and not like a petty thief. I promise not to rip off your cheap towels. I have better beach towels at home," commented one Redditor who wished that Royal Caribbean streamlined its towel policy.

Other cruisers agreed, with one adding that they should be able to grab a pool towel "without the third degree." 

Early access to cabins to drop off carry-on bags

Royal Caribbean cruise rooms are not ready on embarkation day until the early afternoon, typically around 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. 

Consequently, you have to haul your carry-on items around the ship until the stateroom hallways are opened. This is bothersome, especially when carrying fragile items like glass wine bottles or heavy 12-packs of soda. 

Many wish that Royal Caribbean would change its rules and allow passengers to drop off their carry-on bags as soon as they board. Although you couldn't start unpacking, you could at least get rid of any suitcases or bags before exploring the ship or hitting the buffet. 

Better late-night food options

Gone (long gone at this point...) are the days of the famous midnight cruise ship buffet. Although Royal Caribbean still has late-night options, they pale in comparison to the gluttonous displays of carving stations, desserts, fruit, and more. 

Today, the late-night choices on most ships are scaled back to greasy pizza, sandwiches, and a small selection of desserts. Although you don't need a full meal at 1:30 a.m., having a wider variety of options could easily appease the night owls looking for something more satisfying after a show or to celebrate their casino win. 

Many Redditors agree, with one saying that they wish Royal Caribbean would either keep the buffets open later or have other options before pizza. 

"I usually cruise on NCL and I did my first [Royal Caribbean cruise] in December of 2024 on wonder and I was stunned at the lack of food options after about 9-10pm," said another. 

Read more: I tried every late-night snack on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Here's the best one

Luggage mats

One small but surprisingly smart idea Royal Caribbean could borrow from other cruise lines is the use of luggage mats in staterooms on embarkation day.

On Carnival ships, for example, part of the embarkation turnaround process includes placing a protective luggage mat on the bed so guests can easily unpack without placing dirty suitcases directly on the linens. 

"I hate having no space to unpack and in most cases it’s easier to put the suitcases on the bed but suitcases are dirty from all of the travel so I love the luggage mats," explained one Reddit user. 

Balcony hammocks

Virgin Voyages differs from Royal Caribbean in more ways than you can count. For starters, it does not cater to children or families, which is pretty much Royal's primary target audience. 

Moreover, there aren't any specialty restaurants, as the cruise line axed the traditional cruise Main Dining Room in favor of included restaurants that all focus on different cuisines and cooking styles — from Italian to Korean BBQ, Indian, Mexican, and more. 

One smaller, but noticeable, difference is that, in addition to standard outdoor chairs and tables, the balcony cabins are outfitted with hammocks.

These bright red hammocks offer a relaxing and cozy alternative to basic seating, giving you a comfortable spot to stretch out and take in the passing scenery. 

"Virgin has hammocks for the rooms with [balconies]. That’s my dream.. to fall asleep in my swaying hammock & listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the hull," one person remarked. 

More efficient My Time Dining setup

Today, the cruise main dining experience is much more relaxed than in the past. You don't, for example, have to eat at the same time each evening. Instead, you can opt for your cruise line's flexible dining option, which allows you to dine whenever you want during the dining room's operating hours. 

That said, while it's more convenient, some cruisers feel like the system could be better streamlined and user-friendly. For example, Carnival Cruise Line makes it easy to eat when you want. 

Rather than waiting in a long line outside the dining room, guests simply check in for dinner through the mobile app. Before checking in, you can even see the estimated wait time.

This approach is popular among cruisers, too. "We just got off the Jubilee and the 'my time' dining check in process is leaps ahead of RCL. I'm glad our next cruise is assigned time," one user said.

Adult-only sailings

Although Royal Caribbean is not an adult-only cruise line like Virgin Voyages, some guests would love to see Royal offer dedicated child-free voyages. 

Carnival, for example, has begun offering limited SEA (Sailings Exclusively for Adults) on select ships and itineraries. These special sailings give adults the chance to experience the "FUN" ships without worrying about crowded pools filled with kids or other nuisances that generally come with family travel. 

Royal Caribbean already caters to adults with its kid-free Solarium sun decks and lively nightlife; however, a fully adult-only cruise would extend those experiences across the entire vessel, from the buffet to the pool deck, mini-golf course, and more. 

Read more: After 16 Royal Caribbean cruises, I finally tried an adult-only line. Even sailing without kids, there are things Royal does a lot better

Non-smoking casinos

Royal Caribbean is adding more non-smoking casinos to its ships, but some wish that the cruise line would go ahead and ban indoor smoking in general. 

Celebrity Cruises, for example, does not permit any smoking in its casinos, regardless of whether you're actively gambling or not. 

For many travelers, that creates a noticeably cleaner and more comfortable environment since you don't have smoke lingering in the Royal Promenade or other nearby public spaces. 

"NO smoking in the casino! The entire casino - not a tiny non-smoking section... Easy choice to switch," stated one cruiser in the Reddit thread. 

Free drinks when gambling

On a similar note, some guests would love to see Royal Caribbean offer complimentary drinks to players in the casino. While you can gamble enough to earn free beverages through the Casino Royale rewards program, it isn't a perk guaranteed to all passengers. 

By comparison, even first-time cruisers can enjoy complimentary drinks in Celebrity's casino — so long as they're actively gambling. The included drinks are pretty basic, but they help set the premium cruise line apart from its family-friendly sister. 

One Redditor also added that Royal Caribbean should include soda in its base fare. This is not unheard of in the industry, as guests on Disney Cruise Line can indulge in unlimited fountain soda from the pool deck and dining rooms at no added cost. 

Inclusive packages

Royal Caribbean's base fare is more inclusive than a standard hotel room, but it is still far from an all-inclusive experience. Things like alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and specialty restaurants all cost extra and can significantly increase the cost of your vacation. 

Some cruise lines, such as Princess, Holland America Line, and Celebrity, have introduced more inclusive packages to help passengers bundle popular add-ons and save money along the way. 

Currently, Princess Cruises has two different tiers of packages — Princess Plus and Princess Premier — with the latter costing just $65 per day when purchased in advance. It includes everything from up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, four casual specialty meals, Wi-Fi for one device, gratuities, and more. 

"Having all your packages food drink wifi and photo in one is nice. By the time I add all that with [Royal Caribbean] I end up spending more than a princess cruise with [the Premier package]," said one cruiser. 

Read more: I tried Princess Cruises' inclusive package to see if it was worth the cost

Self-service laundry rooms

Royal Caribbean ships do not offer self-service laundry rooms. Instead, guests who wish to return home with clean clothing must pay the exorbitant dry cleaning fees. 

"We did our first Royal Caribbean after sailing Disney and Princess and had no idea how much we took the self serve laundry for granted!" one cruiser remarked. 

Royal Caribbean ships offer different types of dry cleaning services, including Wash & Press, Press Only, Steam Only, and Dry Clean & Press. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $3.49 per t-shirt, $5.49 per pair of shorts, and $8.99 per dress for the Wash & Press option, with prices increasing for the ship's Dry Clean & Press services. 

Not only that, but turnaround times can be slow — unless you're willing to pay a 50% same day service charge. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean laundry services on your cruise

Better solo cruiser cabins

If you haven't taken a solo cruise, I'd highly recommend it. It's a great way to push yourself outside your comfort zone in a safe environment while traveling the world and meeting new people! 

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean isn't the best cruise line for solo travelers. Although some of their ships have cabins for single cruisers, availability is limited, making these rooms hard to book due to high demand.

Plus, the overall solo experience falls short compared to lines like Norwegian, which offer dedicated lounges for solo travelers, among other perks. 

"I have several friends who won't cruise with us because they don't want to share a room with someone. They usually just sail Virgin. Royal is seriously lacking here," said one Reddit user. 

Read more: Going on a cruise alone? Here are the 8 best solo cruise cabins

Carnival's Punchliner Comedy Club

Finally, if you've ever been on a Carnival cruise, you know that there's nothing else like the Punchliner Comedy Club at sea. Aside from Carnival's fast-casual dining, its comedy programming is one of the highlights of the entire experience. 

Carnival has built a reputation for bringing top-tier comedians on board — and they consistently deliver, whether it's on the line's oldest or newest vessels. 

During the voyage, the Punchliner Comedy Club features different comedians, with family-friendly and adults-only sets, ensuring there's a show for every crowd. 

In the Reddit thread, one cruiser complained about Royal's lack of comedy programming, claiming that even if comedy shows are offered, the comedians are boring. 

"On a 7 day cruise, there is only one comedy show to watch during the whole cruise on [Royal Caribbean], while on Carnival, I can go every night, and it would be a different comedian. Plus, [Carnival has better] comedians, the ones on [Royal Caribbean] are boring. Even Princess hires better comedians than [Royal Caribbean]," they said. 

Royal Caribbean is moving Symphony of the Seas from Galveston, Texas in 2027.

Royal Caribbean's original 2027 deployment schedule had Symphony of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship, sailing from Galveston year-round, offering 4- to 8-night sailings to the Western Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

New plans, however, call for the 228,081 gross-ton ship to sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"Starting in 2027, Symphony of the Seas will reposition from Galveston, Texas, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offering 6- and 8-night Caribbean vacations. This repositioning allows us to continue delivering the incredible experiences guests love while thoughtfully evolving our deployment strategy," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Royal Caribbean Blog. 

The spokesperson clarified that sailings are not being canceled, and guests and travel partners will be contacted directly for more information about what this means for their vacation plans. 

No changes to Icon of the Seas' deployment plans

Despite the shakeup in Symphony's plans, Icon of the Seas is still set to sail from Texas for the first time in 2027. Liberty isn't going anywhere, either. 

"Galveston remains a key homeport for us, with Icon of the Seas, offering 7-night vacations, and Liberty of the Seas, now offering 4- and 5-night sailings, all from Texas in 2027—giving vacationers in Texas the opportunity to experience the industry leading Icon Class for the first time while enjoying unforgettable Caribbean adventures," the spokesperson added. 

The 248,663 gross-ton Icon of the Seas will depart on a 9-night one-way cruise from Miami to Galveston in mid-August. Upon her arrival in the Lone Star State, she'll offer 6-, 7-, and 8-night voyages to the Western Caribbean through at least April 2028. 

Read more: Texas is about to be home to one of the world's largest cruise ships

That said, Miami won't be without an Icon Class ship for long, as Icon's departure aligns with the launch of Hero of the Seas, the fourth groundbreaking Icon Class ship. Hero is expected to join Royal's fleet in August 2027. Although she’ll primarily sail weeklong Caribbean itineraries, her deployment lineup includes a mix of 3- to 9-night cruises, too. 

The newly amplified Liberty of the Seas will also call Galveston home in 2027. The Freedom Class ship will operate shorter cruises to ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya (the soon-to-be home of Perfect Day Mexico). 

Deployment changes aren't uncommon in the cruise industry

There are plenty of reasons why a cruise line may suddenly decide to redeploy a cruise ship, including demand and pricing power, fleet optimization, destination strategy, and regional demand shifts. 

Redeployments aren't necessarily uncommon, either. For example, Royal Caribbean recently informed passengers booked aboard Mariner of the Seas that the Voyager Class ship will no longer sail from England in 2027. 

Instead, Royal Caribbean decided to send the 156,271 gross-ton Freedom of the Seas to Southampton. Mariner guests may move to a new sailing on Freedom departing on the same day as their original reservation, re-book another Royal itinerary, or request a full refund. 

The cruise line blamed the swap on the "itinerary planning process," which required flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs.

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

Following the smashing success of Royal Caribbean's new beach club in Nassau, MSC Cruises seems to be following suit.

The cruise line plans to build a private beach club in The Bahamas, acquiring and developing a 20-acre portion of the Grand Lucayan Resort on Grand Bahama Island, according to a press release. The area is currently occupied by The Reef Village. 

This new project is in addition to MSC's previously announced pier complex in Freeport and will be purpose-built for MSC and Explora Journeys passengers. 

"This agreement represents a defining moment for Grand Bahama and the future of our island," said the Honorable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

"The redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort has long been a national priority, and this step forward speaks to our commitment to restoring Grand Bahama as a leading tourism and investment destination." 

MSC Group, the parent company of MSC Cruises, expects that the MSC Beach Club will generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs both during construction and throughout the club's operations. 

The press release adds that development work is expected to begin on April 12, depending on whether MSC can obtain the required environmental and regulatory permits.

"This project marks the next phase of our long-term investment strategy in the Bahamas and as a family-owned company, we take a long term view and when we commit to projects of this nature, we do so with the intention and capability to deliver," remarked Gianluca Suprani, President of CTL Maritime, an entity of MSC Group. 

"When completed, this transformational investment will help to elevate Grand Bahama into one of the region's most competitive and attractive cruise destinations." 

Not the first cruise line to invest in private beach clubs

Private cruise destinations aren't exactly a new concept, with Norwegian Cruise Line first acquiring an island, which is now known as Great Stirrup Cay, in 1977. 

However, Royal Caribbean definitely set a new standard for private cruise destinations with its transformation of Perfect Day at CocoCay in 2019. 

With its massive Thrill Waterpark, adult-only beach, private cabanas, upscale beach club, and more, CocoCay is now a sought-after vacation experience, rather than just another port of call. 

The cruise line didn't stop there, either. In 2024, Royal Caribbean announced it was transforming a 17-acre strip of land on Paradise Island into a private beach club. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island finally welcomed passengers in December 2025 and quickly became a highlight for cruise-goers seeking an exclusive, resort-style experience in Nassau. Amenities include private pools, local cuisine, and access to pristine stretches of Bahamian beaches. 

Royal Caribbean has plans to open private clubs in Cozumel, Santorini, and the South Pacific, too. 

Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

MSC wants a slice of the action with its new club on Grand Bahama Island

Like Nassau, Grand Bahama Island isn't the most desirable cruise destination. 

"Freeport Bahamas is quite literally the most overrated place if you don’t have some extravagant excursions planned. And even then, might still not be worth it," wrote one Redditor. 

Another chimed in, "I don't know that this is an unpopular opinion. I completely agree. My husband and I stay on the ship on Freeport day and enjoy a mostly empty ship."

"Freeport is a flea market at best. We often don’t get off the ship if that is one of the ports on our itinerary," someone else said. 

Not only is MSC planning on building a private beach club on Grand Bahama Island, but they're also investing in the development of a new cruise port in the Freeport Harbour, along with upgrades to the existing facilities. 

"This is designed not only as an infrastructure upgrade but as a complete destination enhancement, improving the visitor experience while expanding opportunities for Bahamians in commerce, culture, and tourism services," the press release states. 

Read more: I cruised on Royal Caribbean's and MSC's biggest cruise ships. One was a better experience, but the other was a better value

"When completed, the cruise port will be available to all cruise lines, positioning Freeport as one of the region's premium cruise gateways and supporting broader national and economic growth." 

The new cruise port area, together with the MSC Beach Club, is poised to transform Grand Bahama Island into a more appealing, sought-after destination for travelers — much like Royal Caribbean achieved with the success of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau.

Silversea recently announced upcoming changes that are sure to please loyal cruisers. 

From its elegant suites to white-glove service, refined culinary program, and more, Silversea has set a high standard for ultra-luxury cruises. 

You won't find any water slides, high-diving shows, ice skating rinks, or rock climbing walls aboard its small fleet — and that's intentional. Silversea's draw has never been about adrenaline-pumping attractions or Broadway-caliber entertainment. 

Rather, the experience focuses on upscale lounges, intuitive service, and world-class cuisine that rivals even the best restaurants on land. 

And with the newly announced updates, the brand is refining its already elevated experience to feel even more luxurious and personalized. 

Here's a look at Silversea's recent changes — and why they matter for first-time and returning sailors alike. 

Enhanced loyalty benefits and milestones

Effective July 1, 2026, Silversea is revamping its Venetian Society loyalty program to provide more ways to earn status, earlier recognition, and extra benefits throughout the sailing. 

For starters, two new tiers, 15 VS Days & 50 VS Days, will be added to the program. These are designed to reward guests sooner. Currently, the second tier of the Venetian Society is 100 VS Days, leaving a sizable gap between entry-level members and more seasoned cruisers. 

"Guided by guest feedback, we’re introducing new milestones, enriched benefits, and more ways to earn VS Days— helping members unlock rewards sooner. These updates reflect our appreciation for our members' loyalty and Silversea's commitment to celebrating our extraordinary Venetian Society community," reads Silversea's website. 

Read more: 11 things that surprised me about my first luxury cruise on Silversea

At 15 VS Days, guests will get an exclusive one-time offer delivered via email. At 50 VS Days, loyalty members receive $150 shipboard credit per person for new reservations. However, per the terms and conditions, the benefit is not combinable with last-minute fares. 

These new tiers will change the Royal Caribbean Group status match program. For example, those who have 100 VS Days currently status match into Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society as a Platinum cruiser and Celebrity's Captain's Club as a Select member. 

Moving forward, 15 VS Days will match Platinum, while 50 VS Days will match Emerald. 100 VS Days will boost to Diamond within the Crown & Anchor Society and Elite within the Captain's Club. 250 VS Days will also jump to Diamond Plus and Elite Plus. 

Another change Silversea is making to its loyalty program is that they're making it a little easier to earn VS Days. Cruisers will continue to earn one VS day for every cruise day sailed, but they'll also receive one VS Day for each day spent on the cruise line's City Stays and Land Programs. 

Additionally, solo travelers (sailing with a 200% total fare) will also earn an additional VS Day per cruise day.

Silversea relaxes evening dress code

Because Silversea is an ultra-luxury cruise line, it makes sense that its dress code would be stricter than that aboard Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships. 

However, according to an update on the line's website, it appears they are slightly relaxing the dress code, effective on voyages departing on or after June 1, 2026. 

Previously, Silversea's evening dress code expected women to wear things like trousers, a blouse, a skirt, or a casual dress. The updated guidelines broaden what's appropriate for "Elegant Casual" nights, including trousers, refined denim, casual dresses, and skirts. 

The same goes for men, who were formerly expected to pack things like open-collar shirts and dress pants. Moving forward, they, too, can wear dress pants or refined denim. Jackets will no longer be required on formal nights or in the La Dame restaurant, either. 

The biggest and most noticeable difference is that the dress code explicitly states that "refined denim" is accepted on board after 6:00 p.m. Previously, the rules prohibited jeans, shorts, hats, caps, sneakers, and flip-flop-type footwear in the evenings. 

Although the new policy is more flexible, the ship still expects passengers to maintain a certain level of decorum and bans ripped or distressed denim, shorts, short pants, ball caps, gym sneakers, T-shirts, and flip-flops from venues after 6:00 p.m.

Cruisers took to social media to express their excitement over the upcoming changes to Silversea's dress code 

"This makes me happy as I have a favorite pair of stylish, dark denim jeans that I wear 'going out on the town' at home with cute shoes and a fancy top," commented one user on a Cruise Critic forum. 

Another passenger added, "Overwhelming majority of [Silversea] guests wanted a more relaxed dress code, in line with most other lines, otherwise they wouldn't do it. But those who want to dress up can still do it, so win win for everyone."

"Thank goodness the dress code is being relaxed... [On our] last Silversea sailing we made the decision to pass on dress up night, and either ate dinner in the Grille or in our room on dressy nights. It is nice to know we will no longer be considered second class passengers because we don’t want to drag along a collection of dress clothes," someone else chimed in. 

Read more: 7 Things I'd do differently on my next Silversea cruise