Royal Caribbean Blog

Icon of the Seas has captured the attention of the cruise world since it's debut, but Royal Caribbean's next follow-up is coming.

Legend of the Seas will start sailing in July, and the ship has a lot to be excited about.

This will be one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, coming in at 1,196 feet long.  At normal capacity, Legend can accommodate 5,610 guests.

While it may not differ significantly from Icon or Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has a few ideas in the hopper it intends to implement with the second Icon Class ship.  If you're looking for big changes, you'll most likely have to wait until Hero of the Seas.

Here are four features to expect when the new Legend of the Seas arrives later this year.

Royal Caribbean is bringing "America’s Got Talent" to sea

Something new to both Royal Caribbean and the cruise industry is the first version of the popular variety show, "America's Got Talent" will be held on a cruise ship.

"America's Got Talent LIVE" will be performed on Legend of the Seas as part of a brand new partnership.

This will be an extension of the show many have seen on TV, but this time on a cruise ship.

Acts from around the world will be able to showcase their talents on the ship.  Like all production shows on Royal Caribbean, there's no cost to see it because admission is included with the cruise fare.

We don't yet know the exact acts that will be onboard, but magicians, musicians, acrobats, aerialists and more are expected.

The first two-story casino

Royal Caribbean is going all-in with its casino on this new ship, and it will have a giant two-story design.

Every other Royal Caribbean ship has one deck of casino space. But things will be different on Legend.

Based on the expansion of casino gambling areas on other ships, the cruise line has clearly prioritized gambling space on its ships. With Legend, we'll get an all-new layout that offers a floor of non-smoking gambling space on deck 3, and a floor for those that prefer to smoke on deck 4.

There's a staircase in the middle the deck, offering easy flow between each area.

A hit Broadway show and shows with lots of energy

Another big show coming to the new cruise ship will be the Broadway show, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.

Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself offering well-known musicals on some of its cruise ships. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory follows up on two other shows that were added to the previous Icon Class ships: The Wizard of Oz on Icon of the Seas, and Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas.

Plus, this new show is included in the cruise fare.

The new show will be performed in the Royal Theater on select days.  I recommend making a reservation (no cost) before the cruise begins to assure that you can get a seat for one of the performances.

New and upgraded dining choices

Two new restaurants will be added to Legend of the Seas that you won't find on other Royal Caribbean ships.

A new immersive classic train restaurant will be added, Silk Routes at Royal Railway – Legend Station.

Royal Caribbean first added a Royal Railway restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, but this one will be an all-new menu and approach to storytelling.

Inspired by the travels of Marco Polo, Royal Railway on Legend of the Seas is expected to have less of a story, and more of a focus on the cuisines from each of the regions that Marco Polo visited.

You board what looks like a classic train car (there's even paper tickets and a conductor to welcome you), and then watch as digital screens, a rumbling effect, and various sights, sounds, and smells all contribute to make it seem like you're actually on a train.

I tested a very early version, and it's clear Royal Caribbean wants to offer a dining experience that leans more on the food and dining experience, instead of an over-the-top story.

Another new restaurant is the Hollywoodland Supper Club.

Every Icon Class ship has a fancy supper club, but this one will be themed to the golden age of Hollywood.

There's a formal dress code, and guests enjoy a multi-course meal that is paired with a cocktail with each serving.  It's a culinary and mixology experience, where you'll enjoy live music that evokes the spirit of 1940s and 1950s Hollywood.

Another change is the menu to the Aquadome Marketplace, the ship's food hall included with your cruise fare.

Five out of the six food halls will be brand new:

• Seoulmate: Korean rice bowls
• La Espanola: Spanish-style bites
• Cajun kitchen: New Orleans gumbo
• Adobo: Mexican street tacos
• Simply Pressed: Fresh smoothies & juices
• Creme de la Crepe: Sweet French crepes (returning favorite)

Seoulmate will bring the first Korean food served regularly on Royal Caribbean, featuring Korean rice bowls.

The first sailing is in July

Legend of the Seas will have its first sailing on July 4, 2026 when it begins sailing from Barcelona, Spain.

Royal Caribbean will keep the brand new ship in Europe for the summer season, offering 7-night voyages that visit Rome, Naples, Marseille, and more.

Afterward, Legend will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she'll rotate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises. Following her five-month stint in Florida, she will once again return to Europe in April 2027. 

Taking your first cruise? I wanted to share what experienced cruisers wish they knew before their first sailing.

However, whereas veteran cruisers will have a better understanding of the cruise planning process, first-time guests might feel overwhelmed. From choosing the right ship and cabin to deciding what add-ons are worth the money, there are plenty of important decisions to make. 

As someone who has been on over three dozen cruises, I've learned that, although every traveler has different priorities, there are a handful of tips that can help all types of cruisers avoid common mistakes, save money, and get the most out of their sailing.

And to be fair, I've definitely made my fair share of mistakes over the years — from booking the cheapest sailing without doing much research to overextending myself on port-intensive itineraries. 

Here are my best first-time cruise vacation planning tips so you can start sailing like a pro from day one!

Use a good travel agent

Travel agents are incredibly useful when planning cruise vacations. While cruises are known for their convenience, there’s still a lot of planning involved, such as choosing the right ship and itinerary, booking shore excursions, and understanding dining options. 

A good travel agent will break down the best options based on your personal preferences and highlight ongoing promotions, which will make the overall process less stressful.

However, you must vet any agent and agency before booking to ensure they are reputable and experienced. I've been using MEI Travel for years and continue to book with them due to their professionalism and level of expertise. 

Choose your cruise ship based on what is important to you

With 29 ships in the fleet, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options. 

Some vessels, like Oasis and Icon Class ships, feature world-class entertainment venues, multiple dining options, innovative amenities, and unique stateroom options that cater to a wide range of interests. 

On the other hand, Vision and Radiance Class vessels focus on a more intimate, traditional cruise experience. 

However, that means that newer ships are more expensive. If you aren't interested in water slides, surfing simulators, or ice skating rinks, you may be better off choosing an older vessel and saving money. 

At the end of the day, choosing the right Royal Caribbean cruise ship comes down to your personal preferences. 

Book as early as possible to guarantee your preferred stateroom category

If you are eyeing a certain cruise cabin, you'll want to book as far in advance as possible. This is especially true for suites and ADA-accessible rooms. They are limited in number compared to standard staterooms and can sell out quickly. 

Suites come with added perks such as priority boarding, private sun decks and dining rooms, and more spacious accommodations. As such, they are highly desirable for travelers looking to elevate their cruise experience.

The same applies to ADA-accessible staterooms, which are designed to meet accessibility needs with wider doorways, roll-in showers, lowered sinks, and more. However, there are only a handful of ADA-accessible rooms on each ship.

Other cabin considerations include connecting rooms for families, certain locations (like near the middle of the vessel), and specific family layouts. 

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is something you want to buy but hope you never have to use. While yes, it does provide crucial international medical coverage, it also protects you in other, more common situations. 

For example, if your flight gets delayed and you miss your cruise ship, travel insurance can help cover the cost of catching up to the ship at the next port (if possible). Alternatively, it may cover lodging and transportation expenses.

It's also beneficial when it comes to luggage issues. If your airline loses your suitcase, travel insurance may reimburse you for things like clothing, toiletries, and medications. 

Book your Royal Caribbean cruise add ons in advance

After you've placed the deposit for your cruise vacation, you can begin browsing add-ons through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. This includes shore excursions, drink packages, specialty restaurants, spa treatments, internet packages, arcade credits, and more.

Generally speaking, add-ons are cheaper when you buy them in advance, as Royal Caribbean offers pre-cruise discounts that are not available once you’re on the ship. Sometimes, these discounts can be as great as 30% to 40% off drink packages! 

The discounts vary. However, if you see an add-on for a price you like, don't wait to book it. If the price later drops, you can always cancel and re-book with no penalty. 

You don't have to book a shore excursion in every port

While Royal Caribbean's shore excursion program offers a variety of organized tours, you’re not required to book one in every port. In fact, some destinations are easy to explore on your own. 

For example, if your ship is calling at St. Maarten, it's easy to find the taxi stand and hop on a shared ride to Maho Beach, rather than booking a tour through Royal. By going this route, you'll save money and have more flexibility with your schedule. 

However, when it comes to destinations that are farther from the cruise pier or have limited transportation options, you're usually better off booking through Royal Caribbean, such as if you want to visit Rome when in Civitavecchia. 

Read more: 4 shore excursions weren't as glamorous in real life

Is the drink package worth it on a cruise?

Before automatically assuming you need a drink package, it’s important to consider your personal drinking habits. 

For some, the Deluxe Beverage Package is a good deal, allowing unlimited access to alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water, and more. 

However, it's not cheap, and if you don't think you can consume at least 5 to 9 alcoholic beverages per day, it might not be worth the investment. 

For example, if the going rate for the drink package on the Cruise Planner is $65 per day, you'd need to drink at least 5 $14 cocktails per day. You could also consume 9 $7.49 beers. 

You don't have to default to the Deluxe Beverage Package, either. Royal Caribbean has two non-alcoholic drink packages that can be a better fit for some travelers. 

The Refreshment Package includes non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees, fresh juices, sodas, and bottled water, while the Classic Soda Package only includes unlimited fountain drinks.

These packages are cheaper than the Deluxe one, too. For example, depending on the sale, the Royal Refreshment Package can cost anywhere from $32.00 to $42.00 per day. The soda package generally comes in at around $9.99 to $18.00 per day. 

Read more: I spent $600 on Royal Caribbean’s beverage package

Know what you can and can't bring on board

Royal Caribbean, like every other cruise line, has a list of prohibited items that guests cannot bring on board. Items range from common household appliances like extension cords, steamers, kettles, and coffee makers to dangerous weapons and illegal drugs.

That said, you can bring food and drinks on — with certain restrictions. For example, you are allowed to bring packaged dry snacks, such as chips, nuts, and candy. Cooked food, however, is not permitted. 

Likewise, Royal Caribbean allows each guest over the legal drinking age to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne with them on embarkation day only. Beer, hard seltzers, pre-made cocktails, and hard liquor are on the prohibited list, though. 

Check in as early as you can

Royal Caribbean’s online check-in process opens 45 days before your cruise departure date. Checking in as soon as you can gives you the best chance of securing an early arrival time at the terminal, as they're the most desirable. 

Earlier arrival times can help you get on the ship sooner, meaning you can start exploring the ship and enjoy lunch before the masses roll in. It's also just a nice feeling to spend most of embarkation day on the ship, rather than waiting in an airport hotel. 

Another advantage of completing your check-in as soon as it's available is that you're less likely to forget. Those who don't complete online check-in may face longer wait times at the terminal since all your information has to be manually verified on-site. 

Head to Adventure Ocean ASAP

Speaking of embarkation day, families with younger children should make Adventure Ocean one of their first stops after they've boarded the ship.

Royal Caribbean's complimentary youth program is popular for a reason, offering a wide range of supervised activities, from arts and crafts and science experiments to video games and more. 

The best way to ensure that your kiddos don't miss out on any of the fun is to complete registration on embarkation day. Plus, this will give you a chance to tour the facilities and see what's offered on your specific cruise ship. 

Skip the buffet on embarkation day for a more laid-back lunch experience

Another great embarkation day tip is to skip the ever-popular Windjammer buffet. While the seemingly endless options might seem tempting, the problem is that nearly everyone else has the same idea. As a result, the buffet is often packed during the first few hours of embarkation day. 

Instead, I'd recommend checking out other options, such as the Park Café, El Loco Fresh, Boardwalk Dog House, or Sorrento's Pizza. For those who don't mind splurging, enjoying a specialty lunch can be a relaxing way to kick off your vacation and avoid the crowds. 

Reservations can be made ahead of time on the Cruise Planner and are highly recommended. However, you can always stop by on embarkation day and see if there's an opening.  

Don't be afraid to ask for help with a problem

Finally, don't be afraid to go to Guest Services if something doesn't go according to plan. Whether it's a dining reservation issue, a stateroom concern, or a billing discrepancy, you'll find that Royal Caribbean crew members are more than willing to help — you just have to reach out.

Based on my experiences from over 30 cruises, I've found that most issues can be resolved pretty quickly when they're brought to the attention of the crew members. Too often, first-time cruisers spend their vacation frustrated by a minor issue without realizing that a simple visit to Guest Services could solve it in a few minutes. 

Also, Royal Caribbean loves feedback because it lets them know how to improve the guest experience. As such, even if an issue can't be resolved during your particular sailing (i.e., if you felt the dining room service was slow or the food was mediocre), it's still worth sharing your thoughts to help future sailors. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program revitalizes older, outdated ships by refitting them with many of the same attractions, amenities, and experiences found on the line's newest ships. But have you ever wondered how these ambitious projects materialize? 

For Royal Caribbean, innovation has always been at the heart of ship design, whether that's creating brand-new ship classes or upgrading existing hardware. 

"If you look at every generation of ship that we introduce, we perpetually innovate and create," says Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 

"We're always pushing the envelope; we're always adding new experiences and features; we're always focused on the customer experience; we're always making sure that we really are delivering something phenomenal." 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Bayley describes Royal Caribbean's mindset as a balance between "revolution, evolution, and tradition." Tradition focuses on the experiences that cruise fans adore, like the nautical Schooner Bar, while evolution enhances existing favorites to keep them fresh. 

Finally, revolution introduces radically new and innovative concepts to the industry, such as the Crown's Edge attraction aboard Icon Class ships. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program integrates all three principles to enhance the overall guest experience and ensure older vessels continue serving as sought-after vacation destinations for years to come. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

In the cruise line's latest "Engineering the Experience" press video, they give an overview of just how much work goes into a Royal Amplification project.

"Royal Amplified is a program that allows us to take all of that innovation and move it back to the ships that actually were introduced into the market before they had taken place," explains Darren Dudden, the Director of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

"We have so much innovation that we've continued to bring to the cruise experience, that now we have a lot that we're going to add back in."

The goal is to modernize the ship and keep the guest experience fresh

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

According to Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer of Royal Caribbean International, nearly everything has evolved in one way or another. 

There are so many new and revolutionary experiences aboard their fleet, ranging from food and beverage concepts to water attractions, entertainment options, and other adrenaline-pumping thrills.

"We're looking to take our ship and completely modernize it by understanding what it is that our guests are looking for, and we start the process by asking questions," says Daniella Hoffman, AVP of Product Development for Royal Caribbean International. 

Work begins long before a ship enters the dock

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

When the time arrives, cruise ships head to specialized shipyards around the world, including facilities in Freeport, Bahamas; Brest, France; Cádiz, Spain; Marseille, France; and Tuas, Singapore.

However, long before a ship arrives at the shipyard, teams are already hard at work developing plans, designing new spaces, and coordinating the complex logistics of installing everything on a tight timeline. For example, prefabrication and preconstruction begin as much as eight months in advance. 

"We don't just take piece parts to the ship and then install them. We do as much prefabrication as we can. We plan dry docks on a five-year sequence, so we're planning this a long, long way ahead," explains Kevin Douglas, VP of Technical Project Newbuild for Royal Caribbean International.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

The dry dock teams are ready before the ship's engines shut off, too. Sometimes, demolition begins before the vessel even reaches the dry dock, and a lot of preparation goes into protecting areas that aren't getting a facelift. 

Douglas continues by talking about how important coordination and collaboration are, particularly with more than 2,000 people working on board the ship at the same time.

There can be as many as 7,500 tasks that must be carefully planned, sequenced, and executed within a tight timeframe, each requiring logistics and the materials to support it.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

"A big project can have anywhere between 1,200 [and] almost 2,000 containers worth of material. And we're looking at production rates of about 2.5% per day... We look to only have about a day and a half of material on board to match the production," he says. 

Moving on, many projects require the total amount of time the ship is out of service to be completed. Sometimes, certain projects, like new accommodations, are actually finished up in service. 

According to Douglas, smaller tasks can often be completed in around ten days or two weeks, and the team works to keep the S-curve as flat as possible.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

This ensures that not everyone starts and finishes at the same time, which helps to smooth out the workload and improve efficiency across the ship's Royal Amplification dry dock process.

From construction zone to a revitalized vacation destination

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

After around two months in dry dock, the ship's Royal Amplification transformation is complete.

Spaces are cleaned and prepared for guests; restaurants are set with tableware and cutlery; and bars are stocked and tested.

Although guests only see the finished result, the cruise line's Royal Amplified program represents years of planning and thousands of hours of work — and all of this requires ingenuity, problem-solving, and a great deal of teamwork across every level of the company. 

Royal Caribbean Amplification schedule

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

Here's a quick rundown of which ships have been amplified and which are on the docket for future renovations. 

• Independence of the Seas (COMPLETED 2018)
• Mariner of the Seas (COMPLETED 2018)
• Navigator of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Voyager of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Oasis of the Seas (COMPLETED 2019)
• Freedom of the Seas (COMPLETED 2020)

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International)

• Allure of the Seas (COMPLETED 2025)
• Ovation of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Harmony of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Liberty of the Seas (COMPLETED 2026)
• Explorer of the Seas (INDEFINITELY POSTPONED)
• Adventure of the Seas (INDEFINITELY POSTPONED)

If you cruise enough, you start to see patterns and some passengers do things on ships that I wish they wouldn't do.

When I was on one of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships recently, I saw one person reserve an entire row of pool chairs just after dawn, but their family didn't arrive until a few hours later.

Chair hogs are a classic example of things people do on a cruise ship that just make you shake your head and wonder why.  

After more than 20 years of taking Royal Caribbean cruises around North America and Europe, here are seven things I wish passengers would stop doing.

Vaping where they're not supposed to

I can count on there being a few people who vape in places they aren't supposed to on every cruise I take.

Since a vape is easier to conceal than a cigarette, some people sneak a quick one in and then exhale the vapor into their shirt, to the side, or somewhere else they think won't be noticed.

Royal Caribbean's rules about vaping are clear, and it can only be done in designated locations. 

Similarly, I've seen plenty of people smoking on their balcony, especially marijuana. The distinct smell carries and it ruins the balcony experience for everyone else.

In both cases, it's against Royal Caribbean's rules and a nuisance to other passengers.

Bringing fake service animals on ships

Royal Caribbean only allows service animals, not emotional support animals or pets, to be brought on a cruise ship. And yet, some people clearly sneak their pets on anyway.

They buy a "service animal" harness online, and then pass it off as such.  But you can tell they're not certified service animals because they're transported in carriers, bark at passengers, are fed from the table, and other things service animals aren't supposed to do.

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean can't do much because privacy laws prohibit them from asking for proof of a disability.

It's one of those things that is not only against the cruise line rules, but also very selfish.  And it disparages those with legitimate disabilities and real service animals.

Dragging their luggage around on embarkation day

Not everything on this list are passengers breaking the rules. When I see people dragging their luggage instead of checking it with a porter, I question why they're starting off their cruise painfully.

Some passengers don't check their luggage with the porters to have it delivered to their stateroom at the terminal. Instead, they bring it onboard themselves.

I'm not talking about the people that travel light and have a small suitcase. I'm talking about the family that is literally pushing their giant suitcases all around the ship until their cabin opens at 1:00pm.

It seems like an arduous task that doesn't have to happen.  

Yes, you should tip the porter a dollar or two per bag.  And while there is a chance your luggage could be delayed or even lost, as often as I cruise, I'd say it's a very rare occurrence (especially the latter).

Watching videos or listening to music without using headphones

It amazes me when someone watches a video or conducts a video call without any headphones so everyone around them is forced to hear it.

It's been my experience that there are many more video calls occurring without headphones in public places than people watching a video or listening to music.

United Airlines recently added a rule to kick passengers off a plane that refuse to use headphones, which adds credence to the issue at hand.

Suffice to say, no one wants to hear your whole conversation on speakerphone.

Being late on shore excursions

It seems like any group shore excursion I take, there's one family that's inevitably late getting back to the agreed upon meeting time.

Even when I went on an ultra-luxury cruise line this happened to me, and it not only slows down the pace and schedule of the group, but it's disrespectful to everyone else's time.

While sometimes it is an unforeseen circumstance, most often it's someone who unapologetically arrives late because they took more time to sight see.

Always plan to return well before the time you're supposed to be there so you can account for delays.

Taking up seats in the casino

It's natural to want to watch a family member or friend gamble try to win it big in the casino, but onlookers need to free up a chair as soon as someone else approaches to want to play too.

Cruise ship casinos are small, so seating is limited. There's nothing wrong with sitting down in an empty seat, but once you do that, I think that person should instantly jump up if another player comes nearby and has that look of wanting to play.

Royal Caribbean's rules state that chairs are for players only.  In fact, at the table games the dealers usually won't even allow someone not playing to sit down. But at the slot machines, the rule is less enforced.

Elevator etiquette

There are two important things not to do at any elevator, including on cruise ships.

First, is respect who was waiting there first.  This is an inexact science, but at least give the people that were already in the elevator lobby the chance to get on the elevator before you.

If they're aloof or not paying attention, that's on them. But give them the opportunity to get onboard since they were waiting longer than you.

Second, stand to the side when an elevator door opens.  Let everyone out, and then get onboard.

Seems like a simple thing, but you squeezing in while there people at the back of the elevator car trying to exit slows everyone down.

The Royal Caribbean crew member who was sentenced to 30 years in prison after placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms is now facing local charges. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, 36, a former cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March 2024 after a passenger aboard Symphony of the Seas reported finding a camera in their bathroom. The concealed device was discovered when the guest reached under the sink to grab a new roll of toilet paper. 

He was detained upon the vessel's arrival in Port Everglades, Florida, where authorities seized his electronic devices and found videos of women undressing, as well as child pornography, dating back to December 2023.

One video was of a young girl around the age of ten undressing and showering, as reported by Local 10, with her genitals "clearly visible" and "the focus of the video." 

Authorities also said they found multiple voyeurism-related searches on Mirasol's phone, including "teen on bed."

In August 2024, Mirasol was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty in federal court to producing child pornography.

Mirasol is now expected to appear in a Broward County courtroom on June 15 to face local charges for a change of plea hearing, according to NBC Miami. 

Based on the news article, he faces nine counts of digital voyeurism and was booked into Broward's main jail on Monday.

One lawsuit suggests that as many as 960 passengers could have been affected by Mirasol's actions

In October 2024, one passenger, who was identified as Jane Doe of New Hampshire, filed a class action lawsuit alleging that she was filmed by a hidden camera in her cabin's bathroom.

The lawsuit accused Mirasol of recording Doe "while undressed and engaged in private activities." It further claimed that the images were later uploaded and shared on the internet.

The plaintiff claims to have suffered severe emotional distress with physical symptoms like sweating, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, and crying. She lives in constant fear of the videos being viewed by others and being used for illicit purposes, too. 

The lawsuit holds Royal Caribbean responsible for failing to provide sufficient security, training, or supervision to prevent sexual assaults. 

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean did not warn guests about the risk of such crimes and failed to notify passengers who stayed in staterooms serviced by Mirasol.

The complaint suggests that Mirasol's potential victims could include as many as 960 passengers, based on an estimate of up to 12 cruises, 20 passenger cabins per sailing, and up to four occupants per cabin.

Symphony of the Seas facts

At the time of the incident, Symphony of the Seas sailed from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida, on seven-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Since then, the 228,081 gross registered ton ship relocated to Galveston, Texas, where she currently offers six- to eight-night Western Caribbean cruises to ports like Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras. 

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Symphony of the Seas can accommodate over 5,500 guests at double occupancy in 2,759 staterooms.

She comes in 1,188 feet long, 215 feet wide, and is home to 2,200 international crew members. Symphony of the Seas embarked on her maiden voyage on April 7, 2018, and was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

Amenities include Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean kids' club, a mini-golf course, AquaTheater, adults-only Solarium, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Perfect Storm waterslides, Copper & Kettle pub, two FlowRiders, and more. 

A strike in a Mexico cruise port forced Royal Caribbean to cancel its shore excursions for the day.

According to passenger reports, transportation operations in the Mahahual area were impacted, leaving cruise lines like Royal Caribbean unable to run scheduled excursions on Monday, June 1. 

"Sat on a bus till 9:30 only to be told all the excursions were cancelled. Couple of the locals told us it was because there were some workers on strike blocking the port exit," shared one frustrated guest on Reddit. 

Enchantment of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas were the only two ships in port, though other cruise lines also call at the Mexican cruise destination. This was the first scheduled port visit for both vessels, according to Cruise Mapper. 

Mariner of the Seas departed Galveston, Texas, on a five-night Western Caribbean cruise on Saturday, May 30, while Enchantment of the Seas is currently on a weeklong Caribbean voyage from Tampa, Florida. Other ports on the seven-night itinerary include Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Apparently, the protest was centered around profit sharing, with employees working for Mayan Connection claiming that they hadn't received fair compensation. 

The workers expressed frustration after the company attempted to offer a compensatory "bonus" following the submission of a tax return showing zero profit, a proposal the workers were not satisfied with, as reported by local news outlets.  

Additionally, the employees were also forced to sign a new contract after the company changed its corporate name. This resulted in the loss of seniority and certain economic benefits for the workers. 

As such, they restricted vehicle access to the entrance of the Costa Maya cruise port area. This prevented workers and other vehicles from coming or going. 

Costa Maya's "Costa Maybe" reputation 

Costa Maya isn't the most popular Western Caribbean cruise port, and it has developed a nickname that reflects that unpredictability: "Costa Maybe."

"It's called 'Costa Maybe' for a lot of reasons, mainly the port itself. Shallow dock and high winds have kept my cruises out of there constantly - out of 7 cruises that were supposed to stop there, I've been there twice," commented one Redditor. 

Another added, "Costa Maybe is my least favorite port (only behind Progresso). Even with a ship excursion, you [didn't] miss much."

Plus, the cruise port area is highly commercialized and built around tourists. The funneled layout directs passengers into a purpose-built complex of shops, bars, pools, and restaurants. However, it lacks any real authenticity, especially compared to the nearby Mahahual village. 

"It's definitely a tourist trap. They try to force people to buy things every step. Can't sit down anywhere unless you buy a drink/food. We spent less than an hour there before I got frustrated and wanted [to get] back on the ship," wrote one Reddit user. 

Someone else shared similar thoughts, saying, "Overcrowded. Vendor hagglers everywhere. Cramped port. No thanks."

Still, Costa Maya is a popular cruise stop for guests who want to visit Mayan ruins

Despite its overall reputation, there are some fun ways to spend your day in the Yucatán Peninsula, starting with the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. This alone makes the stop worth it for many passengers. 

Many guests also like heading to Mahahual for a cheap beach day, where it's possible to find all-you-can-eat and drink spots right on the water for less than $70 per person. 

Unfortunately, for those who called at the port on June 1, the protest meant a fun day ashore never materialized. Instead, plans were cancelled at the last minute, leaving passengers scrambling to find other plans and make the most of their port day. 

Other Costa Maya news

Royal Caribbean's planned Perfect Day Mexico destination was supposed to transform the Costa Maya cruise port into one of the cruise line’s largest private destination investments. However, the plans were rejected by the Mexican government last month over environmental concerns. 

According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) determined that the current proposed location for the Perfect Day Mexico project wasn't suitable. As such, the cruise line was notified that three parts of the current plan were rejected, including one of the proposals for the pier infrastructure. 

More recently, Sheinbaum said that government officials were discussing the possibility of relocating the proposed Perfect Day Mexico development — though Royal Caribbean has yet to publicly comment on any updates on alternative sites in the area.

Perfect Day Mexico, which was valued at around $600 million, was set to offer Royal Caribbean passengers access to private beaches, pools, restaurants, bars, an adults-only area, and the line's most ambitious water park project to date. 

Any opportunity to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise is welcome, and right now there are 17 different promo codes available that you should know about.

Most people know that Royal Caribbean runs promotion sales all the time, but promo codes are also available that you can stack onto them.

These promo codes are available for anyone to use, but it's a matter of knowing they exist. Earlier today, I received an email from Royal Caribbean about a new loyalty discount and it opened my eyes to how many more promo codes existed.

Here's a list of the 17 Royal Caribbean promo code offers currently available so you can hopefully take advantage of at least one of them.

First, here's how to apply a promo code

To save yourself the trouble of posting a comment asking "Where do I enter the promo code", here's a quick rundown.

You'll need to apply the promo code when booking a cruise.  You cannot easily add it after the fact, so be sure to do it during checkout.

The easiest way is to contact a good travel agent and have them do it for you.  There's nothing to mess up with that approach!

But if you are booking the cruise online, look for the promo code option once you select a sailing and cabin. There should be a link to click that allows you to enter the promo code.

Royal Caribbean typically limits guests to one promo code per reservation, so don't expect to stack multiple promo codes together. In most cases, you'll need to choose whichever offer provides the largest discount.

Keep in mind that with these promo codes, some are limited to select sailings and we don't have a list of what they are.  So there is some level of experimentation required.

1. Last Call 6+ Night Deals (BHC266N)

Booking window

• June 1, 2026 – July 1, 2026

Applies to

• Select sailings
• Cruises 6 nights or longer
• Departing June 2026 or later

Savings

• $50 off Inside cabins
• $50 off Ocean View cabins
• $75 off Balcony cabins
• $75 off Neighborhood cabins
• $150 off Suites

Important rules

• Must be applied at checkout
• New bookings only
• Non-transferable

Can be combined with

• BOGO60
• Kids Sail Free
• Crown & Anchor discounts
• Shareholder benefits
• Other in-market offers

Cannot be combined with

• Next Cruise
• Casino promotions
• Travel Agent rates
• Interline rates
• Net rates

2. Last Call 2-5 Night Deals (BHC265N)

Booking window

• June 1, 2026 – July 1, 2026

Applies to

• Select sailings
• Cruises 5 nights or less

Savings

• $25 off Inside cabins
• $25 off Ocean View cabins
• $50 off Balcony cabins
• $50 off Neighborhood cabins
• $100 off Suites

Combinability

• Same rules as BHC266N.

3. 6+ Night Deals After July (BHE266N)

Booking window

• June 1, 2026 – July 1, 2026

Applies to

• Select sailings
• Cruises 6 nights or longer

Savings

• $100 off Inside cabins
• $100 off Ocean View cabins
• $150 off Balcony cabins
• $150 off Neighborhood cabins
• $325 off Suites

Combinability

• Same standard promo-code combinability rules.

4. 2-5 Night Deals After July (BHE265N)

Booking window

• June 1, 2026 – July 1, 2026

Applies to

• Select sailings
• Cruises 5 nights or less

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $125 off Balcony cabins
• $125 off Neighborhood cabins
• $275 off Suites

5. Set Sail, Save Big (SAIL066N)

Booking window

• June 1, 2026 – July 1, 2026

Applies to

• Select sailings
• June-August 2026 departures
• Excludes select holidays
• Cruises 6 nights or longer

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $150 off Balcony cabins
• $150 off Neighborhood cabins
• $325 off Suites

6. Set Sail, Save Big (SAIL065N)

Booking window

• June 1, 2026 – July 1, 2026

Applies to

• Select sailings
• June-August 2026 departures
• Excludes select holidays
• Cruises 5 nights or less

Savings

• $50 off Inside cabins
• $50 off Ocean View cabins
• $100 off Balcony cabins
• $100 off Neighborhood cabins
• $200 off Suites

7. Welcome Home Savings (WH266N)

Applies to

• Select sailings departing July 2026 or later
• Longer sailings

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $150 off Balcony cabins
• $150 off Neighborhood cabins
• $300 off Suites

Important rules

• Must be applied at checkout
• New bookings only

8. Welcome Home Savings (WH265N)

Applies to

• Select sailings departing July 2026 or later
• Shorter sailings

Savings

• $50 off Inside cabins
• $50 off Ocean View cabins
• $125 off Balcony cabins
• $125 off Neighborhood cabins
• $200 off Suites

9. Paradise Vacay (EXPCH6N)

Booking window

• December 9, 2025 – December 31, 2026

Applies to

• Cruises 6 nights or longer
• Targeted offer for named recipients

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $150 off Balcony cabins
• $150 off Neighborhood cabins
• $200 off Suites

Important rules

• Primary guest must be at least 21
• Must be applied during checkout
• Recipient-specific offer

10. Paradise Vacay (EXPCH5N)

Booking window

• December 9, 2025 – December 31, 2026

Applies to

• Cruises 5 nights or less

Savings

• $50 off Inside cabins
• $50 off Ocean View cabins
• $125 off Balcony cabins
• $125 off Neighborhood cabins
• $175 off Suites

11. Birthday Celebration (MOB26)

Booking window

• During your birthday month

Applies to

• Eligible sailings departing on or after the first day of the offer period

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $150 off Balcony cabins
• $150 off Neighborhood cabins
• $300 off Suites

Important rules

• Must enter code at checkout
• New bookings only

12. Half Birthday Celebration (HBD26V2)

Applies to

• Eligible sailings departing six months after your booking month

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $150 off Balcony cabins
• $150 off Neighborhood cabins
• $400 off Suites

Notable

• This is one of the highest suite discounts currently available.

13. Half Birthday Celebration (HBD2612)

Applies to

• Eligible sailings departing six months after your booking month

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $150 off Balcony cabins
• $150 off Neighborhood cabins
• $300 off Suites

14. Europe Signature Savings (EURBO27)

Applies to

• Select Europe sailings departing May 2027 or later

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $150 off Balcony cabins
• $150 off Neighborhood cabins
• $275 off Suites

Important rules

• Must apply code during checkout
• New bookings only

15. Europe Select Savings (EURLO27)

Applies to

• Select Europe sailings departing May 2027 or later

Savings

• $50 off Inside cabins
• $50 off Ocean View cabins
• $100 off Balcony cabins
• $100 off Neighborhood cabins
• $200 off Suites

16. Early Bird Celebration Savings (WJUN266N)

Applies to

• Select sailings departing December 2026 or later
• Longer sailings

Savings

• $75 off Inside cabins
• $75 off Ocean View cabins
• $125 off Balcony cabins
• $125 off Neighborhood cabins
• $300 off Suites

Important rules

• New bookings only
• Must be entered at checkout

17. Early Bird Celebration Savings (WJUN265N)

Applies to

• Select sailings departing December 2026 or later
• Shorter sailings

Savings

• $50 off Inside cabins
• $50 off Ocean View cabins
• $100 off Balcony cabins
• $100 off Neighborhood cabins
• $200 off Suites

Combinability

• Same standard promo-code rules as WJUN266N.

Common combinability rules that apply to almost all 17 codes

Can generally be combined with:

• BOGO60
• Kids Sail Free
• Crown & Anchor discounts
• Shareholder benefits
• Senior, Resident, and Military discounts
• Other in-market offers

Generally cannot be combined with:

• Next Cruise bookings
• Casino promotions
• Travel Agent rates
• Interline rates
• Net rates
• Standard Group rates

All 17 codes require the promo code to be entered at checkout, are for new individual bookings, have no cash value, are non-transferable, and are subject to capacity controls and availability.

I like to think after taking 100 cruises on Royal Caribbean ships, I've seen the most egregious mistakes people can make.

As someone that covers the cruise industry on a daily basis, a big part of my job is offering advice on how to plan the best cruise vacation. I also give my readers a lot of advice on what not to do.

While I recommend cruises to everyone, there are admittedly a lot of choices to make when planning a trip.  It's far from a "one size fits all" type of trip. With all of those options, it's easy to make a mistake.

Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Not completing the online check-in

One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is taking a few minutes before the cruise begins to complete the online check-in.

In terms of going from outside the terminal to onboard, Royal Caribbean has arguably the best check-in experience across the entire cruise industry. If you do all the steps, you can easily get onboard in a matter of minutes.

I see too many people who skip the steps and then waste time in the terminal having one of the agents manually enter everything in for them.

Plus, if you do all the steps you could get access to an expedited line.

When it's embarkation day, the last thing you want to do is waste time in the terminal because of all the excitement.

Too much "fun in the sun"

Another easily preventable problem is people who get sunburned, and yet, I'll spot a few people on the very first day that start their vacation off this way.

No one wants to get sun burned. It's a painful experience that you'll have to deal with for a few days.  And then there's the skin peeling that comes after.

Suffice to say, you want to bring sunscreen with you and apply it early and often. 

Spending too much time in the sun also comes in the form of "overdoing it" in other ways, such as over consumption.

You should eat some food before you start your day drinking, and include water as a way to keep hydrated. You want to avoid drinking so much that you end up sleeping away the day or evening later.

Most importantly, drink responsibly so you don't end up being "that guy" later in the day.

Sleeping in late when visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay

I think the best way to take advantage of Royal Caribbean's private island is to get up and out to the beach as early as you can.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a revelation in terms of what a private island experience can offer. It's more than just a beach. There are pools, a water park, really good included food, and plenty of places to hang out.

To that point, the crowds show up later in the day closer to lunch time.

Your best bet to find the perfect spot and chairs in a good location is to disembark the ship early. This isn't the day to sleep in.

Even if you paid extra for a cabana, day bed, or some other admission, sleeping in would mean missing out on precious time that you paid for and should properly enjoy.

To avoid settling for chairs further away than you'd prefer, I recommend getting off the ship within the first hour your ship docks at CocoCay so you can get a head start.

Neglecting to make show reservations

If there's one thing Royal Caribbean does the best, it's probably entertainment.  So don't miss out on seeing the shows by not having a reservation.

Reservations for shows are needed if you're on an Oasis, Quantum, or Icon Class ship. There are no show reservations available on older ships, nor do you need them.

There's no cost to make a show reservation, but you will need to act quickly to book it pre-cruise.  About 60 days before your cruise begins, you can start looking to see if there are shows to book online. There isn't an exact time shows are reservable online, so you'll need to track it.

If you don't make a show reservation, you'll have to wait in the standby line.  That's not a major problem, but it requires you to get lined up at least 20-30 minutes early.

I'd hate for anyone to miss out on the amazing shows Royal Caribbean puts on, so prioritizing them should be a top goal.

Booking the wrong flight

One of the worst cruise mistakes you can make is to book a flight that puts your trip in jeopardy.

Never book a flight the same day your cruise departs. It's a rookie mistake because a flight delay or cancellation could mean missing the ship. Royal Caribbean will not refund your money because of a travel delay.

Instead, plan to fly in at least one day before your cruise begins.  If you're flying overseas, I'd recommend at least two days before your cruise begins.

Similarly, you want to give yourself enough time to disembark your ship and get through the airport for your flight home after the cruise.

I've seen too many people try to "thread the needle" and book a flight that's too early in the morning to make. 

Generally speaking, I would never recommend booking a flight before 11am because it takes time for your ship to dock, get clearance from the local authorities, and begin offloading all the luggage. There's no telling how long that will take.

Waiting to purchase add-ons until they're on the ship

One of the top ways people waste money is by booking add-ons once on the ship.

Royal Caribbean sells drink packages, internet access, shore excursions, and specialty dining on your ship, but they will all cost significantly more if you wait to book it there.

There are so many sales before your cruise begins, and it can save you hundreds of dollars.  This is especially true of beverage packages, because the markup onboard can be up to 40% more.

Once you're within 6 months of your cruise, start tracking prices and reserve anything you think you might want online or with the Royal Caribbean app. You can always cancel any purchase you make before the cruise for a full refund and no penalty.

Besides saving money, waiting to book onboard could result in things selling out. 

Shore excursions are very popular and the best tours sell out quickly.  Moreover, specialty dining can get booked up (especially for the most popular times).

It's in your best interest to spend a little bit of time before the cruise begins to reserve these things to save time and avoid disappointment later.

Booking the cruise directly with the cruise line

First-time cruisers that book a cruise with Royal Caribbean directly are missing out on assistance that could make their experience much better.

The saying "you don't know what you don't know" applies to cruises, because there's a high level of personalization involved with booking a cruise.

Should you book a balcony or inside cabin? Is it worth saving money by booking Freedom of the Seas instead of Odyssey of the Seas? Which room will have an extra bed for my child?

What you should be doing is working with a good travel agent to help answer these and many other questions you will inevitably have.

Plus, a good travel agent will cost you nothing extra to use their services. Royal Caribbean pays them a commission, so they're there to help you.

Even after more than 100 cruises, I still use a travel agent because it's easier and better than booking with the cruise line.

Taking bus tour shore excursions

Want to know the top excursion everyone regrets taking? It's a bus tour of the city, town, or area you're visiting.

Bus tours are long, boring, and lack the feeling that you actually visited the place you're in.  While it seems like an easy way to see the sights, you're going to spend more time in the bus than outside of it.

Tour buses are uncomfortable and it really lacks any kind of authenticity.

Instead, you should consider a small group tour, hopping in a taxi, or book an excursion that spends the day visiting a particular site or two. It's important to do your research and learn about what the port has to offer, and the best way to see it.

Not keeping your phone in airplane mode

If you leave your cell phone on like normal during your cruise, you're going to come home to a monster bill.

Once your cruise ship leaves port, you're technically roaming and that can rack up hundreds of dollars in roaming charges.

There's a simple fix to this: put your phone into airplane mode and you can still use your phone (and Wi-Fi) without incurring significant charges later.

Letting the cruise line pick the cabin without knowing the downside

Allowing Royal Caribbean to choose your cabin location will save you some money, but the combination of waiting for a room assignment and the inevitable mediocre cabin location that follows leads to so much disappointment.

I think I've seen more complaints and requests for help from people that book a guarantee cabin than anything else.

It's tempting to choose a GTY room in order to save money, but there's a reason why the rooms that are unsold are unsold. Typically, these staterooms are in less-desirable locations and/or have obstructions or poor noise mitigation.

While there is a new option to pay $30 to get your assignment sooner (and possibly change location), I think you're better off picking the cabin you want, in the location you want, and avoid the ambiguity.

I think guaranteed rooms are best for seasoned cruisers that are less picky about their location and more adept at handling noise or motion problems.

Should you sail on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for your next vacation?

I previously sailed aboard this massive Oasis Class ship in 2018. However, eight years later, I wanted to get back on board and see if she still lived up to the hype, especially after her multi-million-dollar Royal Amplification. 

This dry dock added new amenities, such as the Lime and Coconut Bar, Pesky Parrot, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and more to the 226,963 gross-ton ship. 

As such, I embarked on a three-night voyage aboard Harmony of the Seas from Barcelona, Spain, to Palma de Mallorca and Marseille, France. While short, the sailing gave me enough time to experience many of the ship's venues and updates, entertainment offerings, and overall atmosphere.

Here's what my cruise on the Harmony of the Seas ship was like — and whether she's the right choice for your next vacation. 

About Harmony of the Seas

Debuting in 2016, Harmony of the Seas is the third Oasis Class cruise ship to enter Royal Caribbean's fleet. Currently, she is the sixth-largest cruise ship in the world, behind Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas. 

Still, despite not being the biggest cruise ship in the world, Harmony of the Seas has a lot to offer guests. In fact, she's so large that she's split into seven distinct neighborhoods, including:

• Central Park: Sprawling park with thousands of live plants, live music, high-end shopping, and al fresco dining
• Boardwalk: Family-friendly neighborhood inspired by a classic seaside pier, featuring casual restaurants, the AquaTheater, arcade games, and the hand-carved carousel
• Royal Promenade: Main thoroughfare full of shopping, dining, bars, and lots of fun events. This is also where you'll find Guest Services, Next Cruise, and the photo gallery
• Pool and Sports Zone: Home to Harmony's main pools, whirlpools, waterslides, FlowRider surf simulators, mini-golf course, sports court, and adults-only Solarium
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center: Dedicated wellness area featuring the full-service spa, salon, thermal suite, and fitness center
• Entertainment Place: Indoor entertainment hub with the multi-story Royal Theater, the largest casino in the fleet, and an ice skating rink
• Youth Zone: Kid- and teen-focused area packed with Adventure Ocean facilities, a special teen lounge with private outdoor space, and more

This layout makes the massive vessel easier to navigate and helps disperse crowds. For example, the Royal Promenade is the ship's main thoroughfare filled with casual dining options, bars, shops, and essential services. However, if you move to the Pool and Sports Zone, you'll find a completely different atmosphere centered around outdoor fun and relaxation. 

Here, guests can enjoy multiple swimming pools and hot tubs, test their balance on the FlowRider simulators, race down the Perfect Storm waterslides, or soak up the sun on the revitalized adults-only Solarium sun deck. 

Speaking of her size, at double occupancy, Harmony of the Seas can accommodate nearly 5,700 passengers. On my particular sailing from Spain, there were a lot of Europeans on board. However, the demographics will shift when Harmony returns to the United States and begins offering Caribbean voyages. 

 Cruise embarkation

My sister and I flew to Barcelona, Spain, two days before our scheduled embarkation. This gave us a buffer in case of a sudden flight mishap. Thankfully, we arrived on time and saw some of Barcelona's famous sights before heading to the terminal, including Casa Batlló and the Cathedral of Barcelona. 

We also made time to explore as much of Barcelona's food scene as possible, trying Jon Cake's Basque cheesecake, enjoying tapas at Tantarantana, and stopping for coffee at D·Origen Coffee Roasters, which is recognized as one of the top 100 coffee shops in the world.

Before we knew it, it was time to hail a cab from our pre-cruise hotel and make our way to the cruise terminal. Thankfully, embarkation at the Barcelona cruise port was smooth and well-organized. 

We only ran into one small issue when the check-in agent escorted my sister to another port employee to verify her credit card information for her SeaPass account. 

Even with the short delay, we were on board in around twenty minutes and eager to begin our cruise, starting with a quick stop at our cabin to drop off our carry-on bags. 

Harmony of the Seas interior cabin

Since this was such a busy itinerary, my sister and I decided to book the cheapest available cabin: Category 4V Inside Stateroom. The fare came to $1,286.74, or $643.37 per person, including gratuities. By foregoing a balcony, we had a more generous budget for shore excursions, local cuisine, and other travel-related expenses. 

Our 172-square-foot cabin was located on Deck 10 in the aft (or back) of the ship. The location ended up being a highlight because it wasn't far from an elevator bank, meaning we could easily get to popular dining venues like the Main Dining Room and Windjammer on Deck 16. It was also tucked away from the louder public areas, such as Dazzles, which helped it feel quiet and relaxing at night. 

Overall, the layout was basic and nothing out of the ordinary, with two twin-sized beds (that could have been combined to create one queen-sized bed), a vanity, dresser, closet, safe, mini-fridge, flat-screen television, an ensuite bathroom, two nightstands, full-length mirror, and a small chair. 

Having sailed on Harmony before, my sister and I weren't surprised by the charging options or storage options. In the stateroom, we found both standard American and European outlets, along with USB ports. 

Additionally, although we didn't fully unpack on our three-night cruise, we agreed that — between the built-in dresser, closet, and deep nightstand cubbies —  there would be more than enough storage to keep everything organized and tidy on longer sailings. 

Moving on, there wasn't anything special about the bathroom. It was cramped, which is to be expected for a cruise bathroom, but perfectly sufficient for daily use. 

One feature I really appreciated was that the shower had two shelves, giving my sister and me dedicated space for our toiletries. Comparatively, some ships only provide a single small shelf, which is just large enough to hold four travel-sized bottles. 

The biggest downside to our cabin was that Royal Caribbean didn't give existing cabins much attention during the ship's dry dock. As such, my inside stateroom showed a few signs of wear and tear, including a massive yellow stain on the carpet between the two twin-sized beds. One of the hooks on the bathroom door was broken, too. 

Food on Harmony of the Seas

Being an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas offers a lot of dining choices for guests, including some new additions that were added during the ship's dry dock. 

When sailing on Harmony of the Seas, you will find a lot of variety, with each restaurant falling into one of two categories: complimentary or specialty.

Complimentary restaurants are those that are included in your cruise fare, while specialty restaurants cost extra. It can either be a set cover charge or à la carte, meaning you only pay for what you order. 

Here's an overview of the complimentary and specialty dining options aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas ship:

Complimentary dining

1. Park Café
2. Windjammer Marketplace
3. Solarium Bistro
4. Main Dining Room
5. Cafe Promenade
6. Sorrento's Pizza
7. Boardwalk Dog House
8. El Loco Fresh
9. Sprinkles
10. Coastal Kitchen (suite guests only)

Specialty dining

1. Johnny Rockets
2. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
3. Giovanni's Wine Bar
4. Giovanni's Italian Kitchen
5. Chops Grille
6. 150 Central Park
7. Samba Grill
8. Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
9. Vitality Café (pop-up in the On Air Club)
10. Starbucks

My sister and I primarily stuck with the included options, eating at places like the Windjammer Marketplace, Boardwalk Dog House, and Main Dining Room. 

However, we did splurge on a Campfire Cookie from Playmakers for dessert (if you know, you know!). It's impossible to get enough of this ooey-gooey skillet cookie, and the waitstaff was kind enough to work around my sister's hazelnut allergy. 

Unfortunately, most of the dining aboard Harmony of the Seas left us unimpressed. For starters, we were served a raw chicken piccata in the Main Dining Room one evening. Another afternoon, my sister grabbed a raw burger from the Solarium Bistro. 

Additionally, when we grabbed El Loco Fresh for lunch on embarkation day, the chips were stale. This was disappointing, as both of us love snacking on chips and salsa. 

That said, there were a few hits. For example, Sorrento's Pizza was far tastier than usual, and the prime rib in the dining room was tender, flavorful, and cooked just right. 

Surprisingly, we loved the Boardwalk Dog House, too. I'm not the biggest hot dog fan, but the bratwurst loaded with sauerkraut hit the spot after a long day ashore. You can't go wrong with a Royal Kummelweck sandwich, either. 

Overall, Harmony of the Seas offers a lot of variety, from convenient fast-casual restaurants to upscale steakhouses, Italian kitchens, and more. 

Based on my experience, however, the quality felt inconsistent and left a lot to be desired. We chalked up the bad dishes to it being one of the first sailings out of dry dock, with the crew still working on getting into a solid operational rhythm. 

Entertainment and activities 

There is no shortage of activities, shows, and events aboard Harmony of the Seas. In fact, there is so much going on that it was impossible to cross everything off on a short three-day voyage. Heck, I think it would be difficult on a seven-night cruise, too!

Still, we made the most of our limited time onboard and tried to experience as much as possible, from the jaw-dropping AquaTheater show to iSkate in Studio B, and watching karaoke in the On Air Club. Other shows aboard Harmony of the Seas include:

• Columbus, The Musical! 
• The Fine Line 
• Hideaway Heist
• 1887: A Journey in Time 
• iSkate
• Voices

Overall, the entertainment is one of Harmony of the Seas' selling points. The AquaTheater shows, in particular, are one of my favorite parts of sailing on an Oasis Class ship, and I was wowed by The Fine Line!

Between high-diving stunts, synchronized swimming, and aerial choreography, it was hard to believe that I was on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. 

iSkate was a lot of fun, too. The talented performers showed off their best moves to a mix of their favorite tunes, and I liked how there wasn't a plot to try to follow.  

If you are overwhelmed by everything available on Harmony of the Seas, the best place to start is the Cruise Compass. Every Royal Caribbean ship offers a daily Cruise Compass, which documents the daily schedule, gives a detailed breakdown of restaurant hours, and more. You can find it in the mobile app or ask Guest Services for a paper copy. 

Moving on, there are so many fun activities offered on Harmony of the Seas, including:

• The Ultimate Abyss dry slide
• Perfect Storm waterslides
• Two FlowRider surf simulators
• Splashaway Bay
• Baby Bay
• Zip line 
• Carousel 

• Adventure Ocean
• Social100 
• Casino Royale
• Two arcades
• Two rock climbing walls
• An ice skating rink
• Escape room

Since we didn't have a lot of time on the ship, we focused more on resting and recharging between long port days. The Solarium became our go-to spot to relax in the afternoons. 

Although they didn't add the highly requested pool, it's still a nice spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the main pool deck. Plus, there is a new outdoor sun deck area that's perfect for sun tanning — or burning, if you're like me! 

That said, if you are an avid gambler, you'll love the expanded Casino Royale aboard Harmony of the Seas, which is the largest casino in the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

Essentially, the cruise line removed The Attic and Crown Lounge from Deck 4 and turned it into a massive non-smoking casino. Personally, I think the placement outside Studio B is a little awkward, but at least it's a smoke-free place. 

I tried my luck with my $6 FreePlay and didn't win anything (shocker!). My sister isn't a fan of casinos, and she much preferred the arcade space on the Boardwalk. Plus, it was close to the carousel, which we always try to ride on Oasis Class ships just for giggles! 

My Harmony of the Seas review: Is the ship worth it?

I've been on over three dozen cruises, including ten aboard Oasis Class ships. They have been one of my favorite classes of vessels for over a decade, and my sailing aboard Harmony of the Seas reaffirmed my love for these innovative ships. 

However, not everything was perfect aboard my sailing. For instance, I thought the food was lacking. I'm usually pretty generous when it comes to cruise food, but being served two undercooked meals and stale chips on embarkation day made it difficult to overlook the inconsistency — especially after sailing on ships like Celebrity Ascent and Sun Princess with more hits than misses. 

Moreover, I wish Royal Caribbean had given the cabins a little more TLC during Harmony's amplification. While the public spaces felt refreshed (with some being entirely new), our stateroom showed noticeable signs of wear, including a large stain on the carpet and a broken hook in the bathroom.

That said, the overall vibe of Harmony of the Seas was so much fun, and I loved most of the new additions, including the Pesky Parrot and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

Plus, the entertainment remains among the most unique at sea. Between the AquaTheater productions, ice skating shows, live music, and other activities, it was impossible to feel bored! 

Even on a short three-night sailing, my sister and I both left feeling like we could have spent another few days onboard without getting to a point where we were twiddling our thumbs. 

So, at this point, you're probably wondering whether I'd recommend Harmony of the Seas, to which my answer is yes. Despite the issues with the food and cabin, my sister and I had a great time aboard this Oasis Class ship, and the shortcomings were outweighed by everything done right. 

Royal Caribbean is expanding its travel insurance coverage to provide travelers with more protection at sea. 

The cruise line's enhanced policy means guests will enjoy increased coverage — all with no increase in the plan's pricing. 

"We have some great news about your Royal Caribbean Travel Protection. As a thank-you for sailing with us and purchasing coverage, we've increased your benefit limits...," reads an email sent to guests.

"And the best part? You get these enhanced benefits at no additional cost. Your plan price is not changing—you're simply getting more coverage for the journey ahead."

(Credit: Savana Barnett / Facebook)

Travelers who have already purchased Royal Caribbean's Travel Protection will automatically receive the enhanced protection, and travelers will also continue to receive the plan's current benefits, including 24/7 emergency support and coverage for trip interruptions.

What changed about Royal Caribbean's cruise travel insurance?

Previously, Royal Caribbean's insurance only covered up to $25,000 in Emergency Sickness and Emergency Medical Coverage. Under the enhanced policy, travelers will have greater financial protection — up to $100,000 — for unexpected illnesses or medical emergencies that occur during their cruise vacation. 

Additionally, Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage increased from $50,000 to $500,000. The extra $450,000 in coverage is especially valuable given the high costs associated with medical evacuations at sea and in international destinations.

Finally, coverage for Baggage & Personal Effects was increased from $1,500 to $3,000. Although a modest jump, the higher limit offers travelers additional peace of mind and greater reimbursement potential should something happen to their belongings during their cruise trip. 

Should you buy Royal Caribbean's travel insurance?

Royal Caribbean's enhanced Travel Protection plan is better than it was before, with higher limits for emergency medical care, medical evacuations, and baggage coverage.

Now, the updated coverage limits are also more closely aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) estimates for how much a medical evacuation can cost.

Not only that, but Royal Caribbean's Travel Protection has a bigger buffer, with its Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage coming in at roughly double the estimated $250,000 cost often cited by the CDC.

Recently, a Royal Caribbean cruiser traveling aboard Radiance of the Seas had to be evacuated from the ship because they needed more care than the medical center could provide. At first, they were transported to a hospital in Nassau before being airlifted back to the United States. 

According to the passenger's post on the Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Forum, they were charged $3,100 for treatment aboard the cruise ship, along with another whopping $126,000 for the medical evacuation from The Bahamas to Florida. 

This case highlights why the cruise line's expanded coverage is so important. With medical evacuations easily reaching into the six-figure range, even on short flights from Nassau to South Florida, a single emergency can create significant financial strain without travel insurance protection. 

Khiali Baxter, another traveler, was slapped with a $4,000 medical bill after she began throwing up blood and losing consciousness on her cruise — and that's just for services in the ship's medical facility. 

She was transferred off the ship to a hospital in Costa Maya, Mexico, where she racked up an additional $9,000 in treatment care to help stabilize her. 

Unfortunately, Baxter didn't know about the hefty out-of-pocket costs associated with international medical care and decided against travel insurance, which was one of her biggest regrets. 

Travel insurance also provides peace of mind if something travel-related happens during your vacation, too. For example, if your baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can be reimbursed for essential items and the value of your belongings (to a certain extent). 

Additionally, you can get reimbursed if you start your vacation late because of delayed flights or other unforeseen circumstances, like natural disasters. Travel insurance is even more important during hurricane season for that reason. 

Of note, although Royal Caribbean sells the insurance policy, all the benefits are administered by Aon Affinity and underwritten by Arch Insurance Company. 

Passengers don't have to purchase the cruise line's travel protection policy to board a Royal Caribbean cruise. Instead, travelers are free to shop around with other vendors, such as Allianz and Travelex. If you are a frequent traveler, you might benefit from an annual policy, rather than buying individual ones for each trip. 

However, it is your responsibility to carefully compare coverage limits, exclusions, and benefits since not all travel insurance plans offer the same level of protection for medical emergencies and evacuations.