Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean is ready to double the fun with Star of the Seas.

The brand new ship is Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship, bringing the total number of operational vessels in Royal Caribbean's fleet to 29.

It's the hotly anticipated follow-up to Icon of the Seas, which launched last year and instantly became a mega hit for the cruise line. Icon wasn't just exciting, it set a new standard for every other cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean invited me to come on a short 3-night sailing to see the new ship and what it's all about.  They flew me to Puerto Rico to meet the ship, and be among the first to get onboard.

In just a couple of hours on Star, I wanted to share a glimpse of what this new ship is like and why you'd want to try it too.

Doubling what Icon did best

It's clear Royal Caribbean didn't want to mess too much with the winning formula that made Icon of the Seas such a success.

Star of the Seas began construction right around the same time as Icon, so their layout and look are very similar.

The difference is in the details, and I quickly picked up on the fact that Star is everything I loved about Icon.

Overall, Star is similar to Icon of the Seas in terms of onboard amenities and size. As such, guests can expect the same record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, indoor AquaTheater, Crown's Edge ropes course/over-the-water zip line, massive Absolute Zero ice skating rink, and adults-only Hideaway.

It's a bright and colorful ship that is meant to evoke a party atmosphere.  You won't find the words "subdued" or "subtle" on this cruise ship.

Star of the Seas relies on the formula of open spaces, a connection to the water, and great things to do that are certain to make memories.

I loved how beautiful the pool deck is, and how the layout provides so much space for chairs, shade, pools, and bars.

Having an entire waterpark onboard means the ship has more thrills than any other, and that's in addition to the surf simulator, Crown's Edge, or sports area.

My favorite area of the ship remains Central Park because of how beautiful this space is, with so much packed in.

In walking around Central Park, I noticed a lot of new artwork and beautiful designs.  Plus, the Trellis Bar, Izumi sushi window, Bubbles, and Lou's are the perfect nighttime spot for a snack, drink, or both.

Over in Surfside, there's an entire area for kids.

Royal Caribbean says this version should skew to appeal to slightly older kids, but I'll need to wait for more kids to be onboard to truly see how it works.

You'll find tweaks, replacements and a few surprises on Star of the Seas

There are subtle differences that give Star of the Seas a defining personality of her own. 

For example, the Broadway-style show on Icon is the Wizard of Oz, whereas on Star of the Seas, it's Back to the Future: the Musical. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean made changes to the AquaDome Marketplace food stalls. Pig Out BBQ, Mai Thai, and La Cocinita will effectively replace GNGR, Mac's, and Toast & Garden. 

The supper club also received a refresh. Instead of honoring New York City, the new Lincoln Park Supper Club reflects the spirit of Chicago.

I was surprised when I turned a corner and ran into a group of housekeeping robots, which are a first for the cruise line.

The two types of robots can clean the floors and carpets constantly.  Bob is for the hard surfaces, while Betsy takes care of carpeting.

I found them in the Overlook, but unsure yet how wide spread they will be.

I also noticed what looks like telescopes around the ship in various public areas.

Similar to the Small Wonders feature on Oasis and Allure of the Seas, each one has a different kaleidoscope design to it.

It's a fun sea day activity to try to find them all.

Also noteworthy to cruise fans are the new name tags.

Crew members have a different name tag design compared to any other ship.  I'm not sure if the new design will go fleetwide, or remain an Icon Class look.

The first Star of the Seas cruises begin in August

Measuring over 248,000 gross registered tons, Star of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, tied only with Icon of the Seas. Star comes in at 1,196 feet long and 219 feet wide. At double occupancy, Star of the Seas can accommodate 5,610 guests in 2,805 staterooms. However, at maximum capacity, she can carry over 7,000 passengers. She also has 2,350 crew onboard from countries all over the world. 

Star's maiden voyage is scheduled for August 31, 2025, but construction moved quicker than expected. As such, Star will embark on a series of short preview cruises ahead of the official maiden voyage. The first of these will take place from August 16-20, 2025. It is ironic because when Star of the Seas' bookings were initially released, the maiden voyage was scheduled for August 17. It was later pushed back due to shipyard delays.

Star of the Seas' 7-night maiden voyage on August 31 will cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.

Unlike Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas' homeport is Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. Orlando is one of the top vacation markets in the world, so Royal Caribbean's decision to homeport Star at Port Canaveral makes sense. The location offers travelers easy access to the area's famous theme parks and attractions. Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's first-ever purpose-built ship for the short cruise market, also calls Port Canaveral home.

Cruises on Star of the Seas are available to book through April 2027. There are even a few last-minute cabins on the special showcase cruises. At the time of publication, an interior stateroom on the 4-night Aug. 16 sailing starts at $1,029 per person. The cheapest cruise on Star of the Seas is scheduled for Sept. 14, 2025. The 7-night cruise starts at $1,153 per person in an inside cabin.

All but one sailing is scheduled to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas. The itinerary for the May 3, 2026, cruise is Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Labadee, Haiti. 

Royal Caribbean is known for being a family cruise line, but which cabin would be the best choice to book?

I've been cruising with my family ever since my first kid was old enough to sail, but there are different needs once you introduce kids into the mix.

Families are often looking for space, privacy, and convenience with their room choice, and if they can not spend a lot for it, then it's a bonus.

Royal Caribbean has a fairly wide range of cruise ship cabins to choose from, even if you're trying to stick to a budget.

Those willing to spend more will find sprawling suites with crazy amenities, but there are also very nice options that will work well in the lower category cabins too.

Here are my top picks for finding the the perfect family-friendly cruise cabin on Royal Caribbean.

1. Budget-friendly cabins

Interior and Ocean View Rooms: These are slightly larger cabins that can sleep up to four people in the cabin.

In addition to the bed that can be combined to form a king or split apart, there are going to be either pullman beds that descend from the ceiling or sofa beds that open up for the extra passenger.

Putting four people in one room will likely be the cheapest option, but it's also going to feel the most cramped. Living space will be at a premium, and all of you will share one bedroom.

Connecting cabins: My favorite configuration for families is to book two connecting staterooms that have a common door between them.

The advantage of connecting cabins is you get twice the space, an extra bathroom, an extra TV, and full separation between each room.  This is a great choice if you're cruising with teens.

Moreover, you can find connecting cabins in a variety of cabin categories, from inside to balcony. 

2. Best mid-range family-friendly cabins

Spacious Ocean View and Balcony Rooms: The advantage of booking a higher category cabin if you're putting all four of you in one room is you get more living space.

Royal Caribbean labels staterooms with the word "spacious" as an indicator it has more square footage, and that means you four people sharing the room comfortably.

Like the inside rooms, it's likely a better price, but a better compromise on the balance of space and value.

Family Ocean View Cabins: Some of the largest cabins you'll find outside of suites are the Family Ocean View Cabins.

Usually located at the very front of the ship, these are massive rooms that often have a separate sleeping room, bunk beds, and more than one bathroom.

The downside to these rooms is they are usually located in the forward area of the ship, which means a longer walk and possibly more motion.

Ultra Spacious Ocean View / Balcony Cabins: Even larger than the family cabins, Ultra Spacious rooms are enormous.

There aren't many of them, but they're designed to accommodate up to 6 passengers. You'll find ultra spacious ocean view rooms on Freedom and Oasis Class ships.

Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies: Royal Caribbean came up with a few new kinds of family staterooms for its Icon Class ships, and each relies on clever layouts.

The Family Infinite Ocean View Balconies has an infinite balcony instead of a standard balcony. This means you can convert the balcony space into an indoor living instead, which is great for young children who want to crawl and walk and have play room.

They can sleep up to six guests too.

Surfside Family View Cabins: These staterooms are located near the Surfside neighborhood, which is an area of the ship designed for young families.

There are Surfside Family View Interior or Balcony rooms, and they can handle three or four people in the room.

The rooms are convenient, as well as being in a family-focused location.

Surfside Family Suite: Royal Caribbean introduced affordable suites that are great for young kids, but also include many more perks.

The idea is having a room where kids and parents share the cabin, without feeling like everyone is on top of each other. Thanks to nooks and clever ideas, it feels like there's more separation than you might expect.

You'll also find a split bathroom and a private balcony accessible via a convertible partition in the bedroom. 

3. Best family-friendly suites

Ultimate Family Suite: If money is no object, go big and try the suite that was made to be second-to-none for families.

This incredible suite has an in-room slide, Lego wall, movie and game room, hot tub, spread across two levels, and has more games and play spaces than I ever thought possible.

Plus, it comes with Star Class perks, including the services of the Royal Genie.  It's an incredible way to vacation as a family.

It's only available on a handful of ships, such as Star of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and a few others.

Royal Family Suite: Another massive room for families to consider has about 560 square feet of space with two bedrooms.

It can sleep up to 8 people, making it the perfect suite to share with grandparents for multigenerational travel.

Tips for booking a family cruise on Royal Caribbean

No matter which suite you book, there are a few good tricks for ensuring you can get on and maybe save some money too.

First, I'd recommend using a travel agent familiar with Royal Caribbean’s family options.  

Royal Caribbean's website sometimes won't show staterooms that can sleep more than 4 people, and you wouldn't want to miss out because of that.  Travel agents are able to easily book them for you.

I recommend MEI Travel for making it as easy as possible to book a family room.

You should also book your family cruise sooner than later, especially for suites.

Royal Caribbean cruises are in high demand, and the first type of cabins to book up are usually suites and some of the unique cabins that don't have much inventory.

I'd also recommend you look at what's nearby your room before selecting a specific cabin.

Having a room near Adventure Ocean kids club, the pools, Surfside, or an area of the ship you think you'll spend a lot of time in would be smart.

Speaking of room location, always consider its location on the ship and how that may factor into motion sickness.

Certain cruise cabin locations are definitely more prone to motion, and that could be an issue for you.

Lastly, don't overlook simply booking two connecting rooms instead of a bigger, more expensive single room.

I love connecting rooms because they're often some of the best values and it gives everyone the living space they need. You might be surprised how much more economical it is to book two rooms instead of one bigger cabin.

Everyone wants to save money on a cruise, so what are a few things anyone could do right now to do just that?

We share Royal Caribbean money saving tips on this site all the time, but I started to think about what's something you could do right now to potentially reduce your vacation cost.

Many strategies involve things to do onboard the ship or tired to the initial booking.

Whether you have months or weeks before your cruise begins, here are a few strategies I think could net you additional savings.

Change refundable to non-refundable fare

One of the lesser known tricks for saving money is adjusting your fare type.

Royal Caribbean offers refundable and non-refundable deposits when you book a cruise. The basic difference is refundable will cost more, but has the option to cancel without any penalties.

If you went the cautious route, you might consider once you get closer to your cruise if it will save you money to change to non-refundable fare.

It's easy to book it as refundable more than a year in advance, and then forget about the fare type you selected.  Changing it to non-refundable could lower your cruise cost, and hopefully by now, you're certain you are going on the cruise.

This trick doesn't work all the time, but I've been able to save hundreds of dollars on a cruise I know I'm definitely going on by swapping when the numbers work in my favor.

Refundable cruise fare is a safe option, but right before final payment date I'll double check to see if I can save money by going to non-refundable.

Ask your travel agent if it's possible to change to non-refundable fare, and if that would save you money. You need to be before final payment date.

Reprice all your pre-cruise purchases

One of the best tried-and-true money saving Royal Caribbean tips is to check for a price drop on your pre-cruise purchases.

Royal Caribbean allows you to cancel and repurchase any pre-cruise item all the way up to a day or so before the cruise begins.

It's very simple to do this, and I love this strategy because you can take advantage of a price drop on something you bought, such as a drink package, shore excursion, cabana, or Wi-Fi package.

Repricing my Cruise Planner purchases has easily saved me the most money of any tip over the years.  

Heck, you can even use a free price tracker to be notified when there's a better price.

What I'll do is buy up any extra I know I want, and then periodically check to see if there's a lower price later.

If you haven't done this, log onto the Cruise Planner website now and see if the prices have changed. You might be surprised at the savings waiting.

Change to a cheaper category

Booked a balcony but realize you won’t use it much? Downgrading to an ocean view or inside cabin could free up cash for excursions or specialty dining.

Just like booking refundable cruise fare, perhaps you reserved a higher category cabin, but have reconsidered how cost-effective it will be.  Perhaps you're on a very port intensive itinerary, or you're on a cruise with friends and will be out and about all the time?

If you're before the final payment date, you might be able to change staterooms to a cheaper category cabin and net savings there.

Inside cabins have certain virtues to them (besides being cheaper), and repurposing the money saved makes your vacation budget go further.

Rethink tour transportation to port

If you're flying to your cruise port, never assume the flights you booked are the least expensive option.

If you're flying in, set flight alerts for a fare drop.  In addition, considering alternate airports where you could save a lot of money with a slightly longer drive.

Speaking of driving, you might consider prepaying for parking online to save money.  

If you're taking an Uber, compare that cost to hotel shuttles or off-site lots.

Bring your own essentials

Another way to save money on your cruise today is to not pay the cruise line prices for important things later.

There are some cruise essentials everyone seems to need, and I'd recommend buying them early so you can get the lowest possible price.

Things such as a refillable water bottle, lanyard, over-the-counter meds, sunscreen, magnets, and USB outlet extenders are all good to buy now.

Buying these onboard or at the port will mean marked up prices.

One example is the woman that was charged $390 for Benadryl on her cruise, but buying it before the cruise would have been a fraction of that.

Utopia of the Seas has cabins for all types of cruisers. Budget-friendly sailors can book affordable interior staterooms, while those with a larger budget can splurge on a luxurious suite within the Royal Suite Class. 

One such suite is the Owner's Suite. Although it isn't the two-story Ultimate Family Suite, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathroom, and more. 

Charlie Cartwright shared photos of his Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. While onboard, Cartwright stayed in cabin #18218. This particular stateroom is located all the way aft on Deck 18, just steps from the suite-only sun deck. It's also one deck above the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and the Suite Lounge. 

Pricing varies, but you can expect to spend over $2,000 per person on an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. For example, the cost for two people in an Owner's Suite on Utopia's 3-night Feb. 6, 2026 departure costs $6,020. 

Here's a photo tour of a 1-Bedroom Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Spacious living area

Measuring over 860 square feet, the Owner's Suite isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers ample room to relax and entertain, featuring a separate living room, a large bedroom with a plush bed, a private balcony, and an upgraded bathroom. 

In addition to a sofa and chairs, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your stateroom. 

The living area also acts as a second bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to four guests to stay in the suite. Thanks to the twice-daily service, it's easy for the bed to be set up at night and neatly tucked away in the morning, so you don't lose the space's functionality.

The cabin also features an impressive wet bar, complete with a coffee machine and mini-fridge (though it does not come fully stocked). This makes it easy to wake up, brew a fresh cup of coffee, and enjoy the sunrise from the balcony. 

Natural light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows and door that open up to the Owner's Suite private verandah. 

Compared to standard balconies, the suite's verandah offers significantly more space. In fact, it measures over 225 square feet, whereas a standard ocean-view balcony comes in at around 50 square feet. 

Not only does the balcony have comfortable loungers for watching the scenery, but there's another dining table. 

This helps bring the living area outside, making it a great place to gather for a pre-dinner drink or morning breakfast with your family. 

Private bedroom

Although the bedroom is separated from the main living area of the suite, guests don't have to miss out on the spectacular views. The large windows open up to the spacious verandah, rather than hiding passengers away in a dark room. 

The furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms, too. The nightstands, for example, have marble tops and plenty of charging ports. The stylish headboard and ambient lighting help further distinguish the Owner's Suite from a standard cruise cabin. 

However, one of the highlights of the suite is the spacious bathroom. Outfitted with a double vanity, soaking tub, shower, bidet, and ample storage, you won't have to worry about fighting for counter space when getting ready in the morning or freshening up before dinner. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with children, too. It's much easier to bathe a younger kid in the tub than to try to use the standing shower. 

Compared to some other suites (like the Royal Loft Suite), the bathroom does not have any natural light. It's the only bathroom in the cabin, too. There isn't an extra half-bathroom.

Still, all the upgraded features (namely the two sinks and luxurious tub) make the Owner's Suite's singular bathroom a step above standard cabins. 

What perks come with an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Owner's Suite falls within the middle Sky tier. As such, it comes with more benefits than regular cabins but not as many as the larger suites onboard (i.e., the Star Class suites). 

Perks for the Sky Class Owner's Suite include:

• Concierge Service
• All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Access to the Suite Sun Deck
• Plush Bathrobes
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress and Linens
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lazazza Espresso Coffee Machine
• Specialty Bottled Water (Upon Arrival)
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Suite Lounge Access (Complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and Cocktails Each Evening)
• One VOOM Wi-Fi Package Per Person

One notable exclusion is that Sky Class suites do not include a drink package. However, complimentary drinks are available in the Suite Lounge. 

Despite heightening concerns over flooding in Juneau, Alaska, you shouldn’t cancel your glacier excursion just yet.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates that Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska, will flood sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. 

An update on Travel Juneau's Facebook page shared that officials are monitoring "the potential for a glacial lake outburst, similar to those experienced over the last two years."

Should the water levels rise, local authorities will close all lakeside trails and roads adjacent to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The Mendenhall Campground will also be closed and evacuated. 

Until then, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center will remain open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, Sunday through Friday. 

As of Monday, July 28, 2025, the current height of the Suicide Basin, an over-deepened bedrock basin located approximately 1.8 miles up the Mendenhall Glacier, was 1,317ft. Comparatively, the basin's height in 2024 was 1,357ft, while it was 1,401ft in 2023. 

The NOAA released that the basin was rising roughly 3 feet per day and is expected to reach its capacity of 1,368ft in mid-August. The storage capacity of Suicide Basin varies due to ongoing changes in the Mendenhall Glacier, including ice melting and calving. 

Read more: Alaska Cruises on Royal Caribbean: Everything You Need to Know

Suicide Basin plays an important role in the formation of recurring glacial lake outburst floods because Mendenhall Glacier acts as a dam that allows water to build up in the basin. 

A glacier outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water from a glacier lake and is often caused by the failure of a natural dam (like ice, rock, or moraine) that holds back the lake's water. It can result in a sudden and potentially catastrophic flood downstream.

Scientists monitor these changes using elevation models, drones, and satellite imagery. 

No immediate cause for concern

"This is a routine precautionary update that happens every summer as part of NOAA's glacier monitoring," LaDonna Rose, an Alaskan fisherwoman, cookbook author, and self-proclaimed lover of salmon, shared in a recent comment on the Alaska Cruise Excursions and Packing List 2025 - 2026 Facebook group.

"If there is ever a risk of a lake outburst, tours and trails in the area are temporarily closed as a safety measure and reopened once everything is cleared. This is not something to be alarmed about, it's a natural part of how they monitor glacier activity each season," she added. 

Although cruise passengers should remain aware of the potential for a glacier outburst, they shouldn't be alarmed. Any closures will be communicated, particularly if they impact paid shore excursions to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. 

"No need to stress, this is just Juneau being Juneau and they're used to keeping visitors safe and informed," Rose said. 

Read more: 25 Alaska cruise tips to follow in 2025

Suicide Basin experienced record-level flooding on August 6, 2024

Although Suicide Basin has flooded annually since 2011, it's impossible to predict the exact timing of the GLOF. However, the flooding reached record levels in 2024, damaging at least 100 homes and cars. 

According to the NOAA, the Mendenhall River gauge crested at 15.99 feet on August 6, 2024. This exceeded the previous record of 14.97 feet set in 2023. 

At the peak of the event, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauge at Mendenhall River recorded a streamflow exceeding 33,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which was more than 8,000 cfs higher than 2023's levels.

Early estimates also revealed that 14.6 billion gallons of water were released from the Suicide Basin. That's enough water to fill more than 22,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Because the basin isn't as full as it was in 2024, any potential flooding this year might not be as catastrophic. That said, every GLOF is unique, and conditions can quickly change. 

Things to do in Juneau other than go to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Should your plans be disrupted due to the closure of the visitor center, there are plenty of other things to do in Juneau, Alaska. 

You can, for example, stroll the streets of the downtown area. It's kept many of the facades that make you feel as though you're walking through a Gold Rush mining town. It is home to popular restaurants and bars, too. These include the Red Dog Saloon and Tracy's King Crab Shack — a must if you want to try fresh crab.

You will also want to browse the shops to look for unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, jewelry, and locally made art. 

The Mount Roberts Tramway is another popular attraction that whisks you 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, where you'll find panoramic views of Juneau, hiking trails, and more. 

If you want to be a little less active, consider a whale-watching cruise departing from the nearby Auke Bay. You never know what wildlife you will spot, from humpback whales to sea lions. 

Read more: Alaska shore excursions you can book without breaking your budget

I thought spending a week in Denmark between cruises would be the perfect way to explore Europe and enjoy a different kind of trip, but I was constantly reminded how much more I prefer cruising.

I've primarily relied on taking cruises as my primary method of travel for well over a decade. I go on ships about once a month, and it's not just my work but I also greatly enjoy the unpack once and let the world come to me approach.

When I had the chance to go on my first luxury cruise, I opted to spend a week in Copenhagen in a hotel.  It seemed like a great opportunity to truly see the city and immerse myself in the Danish culture and lifestyle.

I quickly realized how much better a value cruising is, and missed not only the onboard experience but also the glimpses it provides.

Food costs alone make cruising a great value

The first indication a cruise was a better value was how quickly my credit card charges started to pile up from food.

While I did get to try some amazing food that I couldn't get back home, it's not cheap.  The Scandinavian countries of Europe are especially expensive to begin with, and then you add meals to the equation and the cost starts to build up.

I debated how to best balance trying the foods that make Copenhagen unique versus trying to save money. 

Unlike a cruise ship, I couldn't fall back on the complimentary options was a way to reduce expenses.  On a cruise ship, there are included restaurants that offer meals, snacks, and drinks with your cruise fare.

Of course, staying in a hotel also means I don't have the means to prepare meals. There's no microwave, oven, or fridge to be able to make a proper meal.

Unpacking once on a cruise is an underrated benefit

The magic of a cruise is you get to unpack once and then see a variety of places.

When I sailed on Independence of the Seas prior to my stay in Denmark, our ship moved between Hamburg, Rotterdam, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

It's so much easier to go to sleep and wake up in a different city, and it's something you can only get with a cruise ship.

During my stay in Copenhagen, I could have seen more of Denmark or the surrounding area, but I would have had to pack up, travel, and then unpack again in the new place before returning to Copenhagen later. 

I considered doing more of a road trip and going around, but it seemed the logistics, costs, and time commitment needed to get around were more than I was willing to try.

Leaving the travel plans to the cruise line and simply walking off the ship to see the place I'm in for the day is definitely my speed.

Getting a glimpse of these places is good enough

Another advantage of a cruise might seem like a negative aspect. Having just 6-8 hours in port might seem like a problem when visiting amazing places, but I think it's the right amount of time for the best options.

I got my first taste of Copenhagen a week earlier when my cruise visited the city, and really liked it.  So when I returned for a week, I thought it would be amazing to explore even further.

While I had more time to see the city's highlights, I realized the saying "less is more" applies to city touring too.

I certainly didn't hate my time in Copenhagen, but I think spending the day is enough to experience the very best the port has to offer. 

As the days passed, I was ready to move onto something else. This reinforced the benefits of cruising and getting just enough time to see things I need to visit.

Cruise ships can get to places that are impractical by car

My Independence of the Seas cruise had also visited the Norwegian fjords, and this was by far my favorite area of Scandinavia to see.

While a big city like Copenhagen has a lot of interesting activities, the natural beauty of the fjords is unmatched.

I think being able to visit a fjord, glacier, or bay is something so special about cruising.

Even in the Caribbean, a cruise ship can get you to places that are difficult to get to otherwise. The most beautiful beaches are accessible via boat, and starting off on a cruise ship that docks nearby helps immensely.

I missed the value and convenience of a cruise ship

I didn't hate my week in Copenhagen, but I was quite happy to board a cruise ship and get back into that style of travel.

Ultimately, I think visiting cities by cruise ship is the right amount of time to see the highlights. I might prefer the ship stays in port a few extra hours, but it's usually good enough.

When you start to account for the costs of living in a city for multiple days along with transportation needs, cruising becomes even more attractive.

In my situation, I was also coming at it from an almost idyllic scenario because it was just me and I didn't have kids, grandparents, or other special needs.  The more people you add to the equation, the more demands it has on catering to everyone's needs.

I'd recommend seeing Copenhagen to anyone as a beautiful city, but preferably as part of a visit for the day on the ship.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week! 

Royal Caribbean has changed their policy to no longer offer drink package exemptions for those that cannot or do not want alcohol.

As of this week, the cruise line is no longer accepting requests to bypass the “everyone must purchase” rule for the Deluxe Beverage Package.

The change is because too many passengers were abusing the option and sharing drinks with people that didn't have the drink package.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reports 100 million cruisers and is celebrating with a bonus sale
• Royal Caribbean's second quarter earnings revealed cruises are still selling out, even at higher prices
• Higher fares for last minute cruises? What you can do to avoid paying extra
• Royal Caribbean begins charging for new Greek cruise tax
• Royal Caribbean crew member shares how to earn free cruises in the casino
• What a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is like in 2025
• The $10,000 Cabana: Royal Caribbean reports strong demand for its new beach club
• "Loyalty that matters": Royal Caribbean doubles down on its customers
• I tried Royal Caribbean’s secret disembarkation hack and it made my cruise so much better
• I always ask my travel agent for 4 things on every cruise I book to make my cruise easier

Video: What happens to the uneaten food on a cruise ship

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 — What Happens To The Uneaten Food On Cruise Ship Buffets — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean cancels visits to its private beach in Haiti amid violence

More visits to Labadee were cancelled this week, as the pause to its private beach destination continues.

Royal Caribbean will halt visits to Labadee through at least the end of October 2025.

Concerns regarding the safety because of Haiti's instability prompted the change.

Royal Caribbean is testing making its swim-up bar adults-only

There's been a change on Icon of the Seas to make the Swim & Tonic require adults-only.

Signage appeared on this week's sailing that says you must be at least 18 years old to go into the Swim & Tonic bar, which has a swim-up bar.

The test is to evaluate how well it will work, following up on guest feedback regarding concerns of children impacting the bar experience.

Changes to Royal Caribbean's credit card?

There could be an overhaul coming to the Royal Caribbean credit card soon.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty hinted his company is already evaluating new ideas for the card and how it fits into the customer loyalty program.

There aren't any firm details, but it sounds like the credit card would offer different benefits "very soon".

6 things I'll try first on Star of the Seas

Star of the Seas is just a few weeks away from its first sailing, and Matt has a few areas he is targeting to check out first.

While Star may not be totally different than Icon of the Seas, the new ship has a number of changes from the original Icon Class ship.

Matt shared the six thing he'll be on the lookout for to see how it differs after boarding Star of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has made a change to one of the rules regarding its popular drink packages.

When a passenger purchases the unlimited alcohol package, it requires all other adults in the same stateroom to purchase it too. However, there was a caveat that allowed for someone who is unable or unwilling to drink alcohol to call in and get an exemption.

The cruise line quietly updated its policy to remove that option.

Rumors quickly swirled among passengers of a rule change, and Royal Caribbean Blog has confirmed the cruise line has indeed changed its rules.

According to a Royal Caribbean spokesperson, "Beginning August 1, Royal Caribbean will no longer be able to grant exceptions to our policy that both guests in a stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package."

This means guests can no longer call and request to have the other passenger purchase the Royal Refreshment package instead.

To be clear, this rule only applies when someone buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, which is the unlimited alcohol package. There's no similar requirement for the Royal Refreshment Package or Soda package.

Why Royal Caribbean is making the policy change

The policy shift came as a surprise to many cruisers, because it's been in place for years.

Royal Caribbean says it's making the change due to how the exception was being used.

"This change allows us to ensure guests are consuming their beverage package responsibly. Over time, requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change," the company spokesperson said.

The exception was in place to offer an alternative to guests who couldn't drink alcohol, such as expectant mothers, people in recovery, and other specific needs.

Evidently more and more people were aware of the option, and that necessitated the change.

One of the biggest problems with the unlimited drink package is when guests share the benefits with someone that doesn't have it, which is strictly against the rules.

The cruise line has determined the level of abuse of the drink package benefits in sharing with those that have circumvented the rules reached a breaking point.

Not the first time drink packages rules had to change

This isn't the first time Royal Caribbean has made policy shifts to its drink packages in order to curb sharing of packages.

When they first introduced an unlimited alcohol package, there were no requirements on all adults needing to buy it too, despite other cruise lines having those rules in place.

Later, Royal Caribbean relented and made the policy change to require if one adult bought the Deluxe Beverage Package then all other adults in the same stateroom must buy it also.

Just like today, that change was made due to too many passengers sharing drink package benefits with those that didn't have the drink package.

Cruisers react

The policy change was noted quickly among social media, where people quickly shared their thoughts on why it needed to happen.

On the Royal Caribbean message boards, there was a mix of surprise, lament, and frustration.

JFCruise posted, "I can see them doing this because people might abuse the exception, too.  But what will happen now is that they will see even fewer sales of the package and people just buying as they go."

ZBrady added, "The tricky thing is there are legitimate reasons for only needing one deluxe package, but its basically impossible to have means to 'prove' many of the reasons."

"My response is I will go without a package and do with other promos and leverage any discounts I can get as a Platinum member.", DunwoodyDad wrote.

Top_Turnip4781 posted on the Royal Caribbean sub reddit, "I’m assuming they closed the loophole. People were doing this and still sharing alcohol. Only takes a few to ruin it for everyone."

A poster claiming to be a Royal Caribbean employee said the abuse of the policy became too much, "As others have pointed out it’s unfortunately because selfish people abuse the exemptions (supposed to be reserved for pregnant women, those recovering/recovered from addiction, etc.).

"While I personally support having exemptions, privacy concerns over documentation and physical processing of the requests basically made it an honor system sort of deal, which is where people started abusing it."

Options for cruising without a drink package

Royal Caribbean was quick to add that despite the policy change, guests are still able to purchase a la carte drinks and drink specials will still be widely available throughout the ship.

While drink packages are quite convenient, they're not essential or required to cruise.

With some good planning, you might find a way to enjoy alcoholic beverages on your cruise without buying a beverage package and avoiding a high bar bill.

• Each adult is allowed to bring one bottle of wine onboard on embarkation day, and there's no cost if consumed in your stateroom
• Attaining Prime status in the Royal Caribbean casino loyalty program allows for unlimited complimentary alcoholic beverages in the casino bar
• Once you reach Diamond level in Crown and Anchor Society, guests receive four complimentary drinks per day
• Rarely, there is a 10 drink card offered onboard select sailings that is shareable
• You could choose to do most of your drinking in port, which may have less expensive drink prices
• Booking a suite is a workaround, because Royal Caribbean includes beer, wine, and cocktails during certain hours while in the Suite Lounge

A new cruise tax in Greece has begun, and it means an additional cost for Greek isle cruises.

The tax was first announced last year, but it is now an official policy as of August 1, 2025.

Guests with cruises to Greek ports of call received an email from Royal Caribbean informing them of the change.

"Beginning with sailings that depart on August 1, 2025, a seasonal cruise tax will be implemented across various ports in Greece, including iconic destinations like Mykonos and Santorini," the email read.

The cruise line also explained what this tax is for, "This initiative supports sustainable tourism and helps preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these beloved destinations."

When the tax was announced last year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said it was to provide additional support to these locations during the peak tourism season, "Greece does not have a structural over-tourism problem ... Some of its destinations have a significant issue during certain weeks or months of the year, which we need to deal with."

"Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions."

Here's how the new tax breaks down:

If a passenger chooses stay onboard and not go ashore in these Greek ports, Royal Caribbean will automatically refund their SeaPass account for the applicable amount towards the end of the sailing.

Higher taxes for the two most popular islands

Santorini and Mykonos are the nation's most popular tourist islands, especially for cruise ships.

The volcanic island of Santorini is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, while Mykonos is well-known for its elegant architecture and views.

Santorini saw 800 cruise ships in 2023, with a combined statistic of 1.3 million visitors onboard. While Santorini had 63 peak days for cruise visits in 2023, this was reduced to 48 in 2024.

It is the most popular cruise destination in Greece, and during the summer months, hosts over 17,000 cruise ship visitors arrive a day.

For the small island with a population of just 15,500, that number of tourists threatens the local infrastructure.

Beginning in 2025, Santorini will also cap the number of cruise ship passengers allowed to visit at 8,000 per day.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis said that part of the revenue from the cruise ship levy will be returned to local communities to invest in and support local infrastructure.

A fix for overtourism

To regulate the arrival of cruise ships, the Greek government will also impose a digital berth allocation system at ports. The system will spread out ship arrivals to prevent overcrowding from multiple vessels arriving simultaneously.

The allocation will handle popular destinations at peak times, considering criteria such as ship size, environmentally friendly vessels, and the length of the stay on the island. 

To prevent cruisers from rushing between the port and tours, ships staying longer will be prioritized in the system.

Mitsotakis also announced that Greece must protect the environment and tackle water shortages on its popular tourist islands.

New taxes and fees don't just apply to cruisers on the sea—Greece is also raising the lodging tax. 

During the peak tourist months between April and October, hotels and short-term rentals will see an increase in fees and limitations.

Greece's economy relies on tourism, with a revenue of about 20 billion euros in 2023 supported by 31 million tourist arrivals that year.

Despite the economic influence tourism has on the economy, Greece has begun to follow in the footsteps of other cruise ports evaluating the impact of cruise ships on their region.

Especially as cruising gains popularity, and passenger numbers surpass those pre-pandemic, many popular tourist spots are looking at the effects of overtourism.

Protests in Santorini, Venice, and Barcelona have made the news recently, as locals call for limits on tourism.

We've all heard stories of cruisers lucky enough to earn free drinks and cruises just by gambling in the casino, but have you ever wondered what it took to walk off the ship with a complimentary cruise?

Chris Wong, a crew member who has worked with Royal Caribbean for over five years, recently broke down how the cruise line's Casino Royale rewards program works. 

In a video shared on Wong's popular YouTube channel, he gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at his daily responsibilities as a Casino Host on Allure of the Seas. 

He also shared what players need to know about the Casino Royale program, from how to earn points to what promotions are available during the casino's operating hours and what kinds of perks serious gamblers can expect. 

The Casino Royale program rewards players based on how much they gamble

Royal Caribbean's casino rewards program, which is entirely separate from the Crown & Anchor Society, is comprised of four tiers: Choice, Prime, Signature, and Masters. 

Cruisers' Crown & Anchor Society status is determined by how many nights guests have spent on Royal Caribbean ships. However, Casino Royale status is based solely on how much a guest gambles in the casino within a calendar year, which runs from April 1 to March 31. In other words, status isn't lifetime and must be earned annually.

According to Wong, there aren't any worthwhile benefits for entry-level members in the Choice tier. 

As such, most players strive to reach Prime (2,500 points). The main perks are free drinks in the casino while playing, as well as a waived 5% convenience fee for table game buy-ins with SeaPass cards. Prime cruisers also get one complimentary cruise per year in an interior stateroom. 

The next tier, Signature, requires 25,000 points. Wong says that one of the best benefits of this status level is that cruisers get one free VOOM Wi-Fi package per sailing, regardless of length. 

Additionally, the annual complimentary cruise cabin category is upgraded to a balcony. 

Read more: I got a free cruise from Royal Caribbean's casino. It was the perfect price, but I wish I had a window

Finally, Masters is the highest tier within the Casino Royale program, reserved for players who earn 100,000 points or more.

This level unlocks the most exclusive perks, including a complimentary cruise in a Grand Suite, priority access to the terminal on embarkation day, two VOOM Wi-Fi packages, dinner in the Coastal Kitchen suite restaurant, and more. 

Earning points on slot machines is more straightforward than on table games. Every $5 on a slot machine earns one casino point. However, the points earned from table games are based on a combination of your average monetary spend and the time spent at the table. 

You can start earning casino points on embarkation day. It's smart because you can take advantage of the complimentary FreePlay loaded onto your SeaPass account. 

"For the first two days of the cruise, everyone who is 18 years and older has mystery FreePlay to use [at] the casino," Wong says. 

The amount varies from $2 to $100, and it's completely random. All you have to do is go into the casino on Day 1 or 2 and visit a slot machine. 

To load the FreePlay onto the slot machine, follow these instructions:

1. Tap or insert your SeaPass card at the slot machine. You'll know it's successfully linked when the blue light turns green.
2. Select "Account" then "Personal Banker."
3. Enter the default PIN (month and day of your birthday, MMDD).
4. Reset your PIN and press "Enter" to validate.
5. Press "Transfer," then "Transfer to Game."
6. Select "Transfer Points to FreePlay" (to play your Rewards Points) or "FreePlay" (to play your promotional FreePlay).
7. Press "Yes" to continue and complete your transaction.
8. Don't forget to collect your SeaPass and log out of your Casino Royale account before leaving the machine. 

Lucky players will receive Instant Rewards Certificates (IRCs) on the last day of the cruise

Whereas your status within the Casino Royale program is based on the points accumulated throughout the calendar year, IRCs are awarded based on the number of points earned during one specific sailing. 

Wong explains, "The Instant Rewards Certificate is based on solely what you earn for the specific cruise that you are on."

The first IRC award is available upon earning 400 points. You won't earn a free cruise, but you will get $100 off a future sailing. 

From there, the rewards only get better the more points you earn. Wong says that as players continue to accumulate points during the cruise, better IRC levels unlock, which offer greater discounts, fully comped cruises, and even casino FreePlay. 

For example, if you earn 4,000 points during a single voyage, you'll receive a free cruise in a balcony cabin (or ocean-view on select sailings) and $500 in casino FreePlay — if you book your next cruise while onboard. 

"For the last few years, Casino Royale and NextCruise have started a cross-promotion where they work together," Wong says. 

As such, the bonus rewards in the third column are only available to those who place a deposit for their next sailing before disembarking. 

There's another catch: there's a select list of voyages that are available for these offers — you can't just book any cruise that catches your eye. 

"You come onboard for your cruise; you play in the casino; [and] you earn points as you play. However many points you have by the end of the cruise, you will receive an instant reward certificate in your room for either a discount off a future cruise or a complimentary cruise. And the third and final option is to pay your $200 deposit with the NextCruise [department], and this will give you a bonus award," he summarizes.

IRCs are printed by the Casino Host (in this case, Wong) on the second-to-last day of the cruise. 

Using a program called "Super-PlayMate," he can access everyone's unique folio IDs and cabin numbers to help properly address the letters. 

Then, he has to print the IRCs for eligible cruisers to deliver them to the housekeeping team, who ensures they are placed in the correct cabin on the last day. 

The offer letter is pretty self-explanatory. First, it lists your name and Crown & Anchor loyalty number. Below that is your offer code, which is just the month and year it was issued, as well as what cabin category it's valid for. 

However, the award is better explained under the offer code. In Wong's example, the IRC is for an oceanview or balcony stateroom on select voyages. 

It's important to take note of the expiration date. Although you don't have to sail by that date, you must have another cruise booked before then.

"[In] my professional opinion, the company isn't very forgiving if you forget about your reward and it expires," Wong warns. 

If you can't find a sailing that works for you, you can trade in your IRC for a discount on a cruise of your choice. 

Again, in Wong's example, rather than booking a complimentary cruise (minus the taxes, port fees, and gratuities), he could get $750 off any voyage of his choosing. 

Read more: I earned a "free" cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, and it saved me almost $9,000

Onboard casino promotions

It's important to check the Cruise Compass to see what daily promotions the casino is offering on your sailing. 

Wong explains a few of the common ones, including the nightly Snowball Raffle Draw, Hot Seat Promotion, and Bags of Cash. 

The Snowball Raffle Draw is offered every night on most Royal Caribbean cruises (Wong issues a disclaimer that actual promotions may vary based on the ship and sailing).

He says, "We give away $100 of FreePlay every night at 10:00pm. To qualify, everybody needs at least 100 casino points. We will use a random name generator to pick out everyone in the casino who has 100 points, and then it's going to spit out a name at random."

The Hot Seat Promotion runs from 11:00pm to midnight. Eligible active players in the casino (those with 100 points or more) are automatically entered to win anywhere from $50 to $150 in FreePlay. 

The drawings are every 15 minutes, with the prize money increasing $15 each round. 

Finally, the Bags of Cash promotion calls on three random players (again, with a minimum of 100 casino points) to select a mystery box containing a surprise amount of FreePlay. On the night Wong recorded the promo, the three cruisers won $50, $150, and $250.