Royal Caribbean Blog

I took my younger sister on a three-night Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe. Although we had loads of fun exploring new ports of call and taking in the ship's amenities, we also encountered unexpected challenges. From dining times that didn't work for us to choosing the wrong excursions, not everything was perfect about our Harmony of the Seas cruise. 

Throughout my 40 cruise vacations, I've been fortunate to travel with friends and family to various destinations across the globe. I explored Alaska with my dad, island-hopped in the Caribbean with my best friend, toured the Greek Isles with my fiancée, and sailed the Mexican Riviera with my "adoptive" mom.

I've been cruising with my sister, Catherine, since I was five years old, starting with our first-ever cruise aboard the Disney Magic in 2005. Since then, we've sailed on ships like Freedom of the Seas, Disney Fantasy, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas for family vacations to the Caribbean. However, it wasn't until recently that we took our first European cruise together. 

We've had plenty of ups and downs over the years, but traveling has always been one of the ways we stay close, whether planning trips to European Christmas markets or reminiscing about past cruises with our now-deceased mom. 

(Pictured above: The author and her sister on a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Harmony of the Seas in 2018)

With Catherine starting medical school in a few months, we figured now was the perfect opportunity to take a trip to new-to-us destinations before her schedule becomes demanding and unpredictable. 

So, we boarded Harmony of the Seas in Barcelona, Spain, after the 226,963 gross-ton Oasis Class ship finished up her Royal Amplification. Although the cruise was short, we made the most of every moment, wandering through new European ports and checking out all the ship's exciting activities. 

That said, we encountered a few unexpected challenges along the way. While they weren't make-or-break issues, they required us to remain flexible and adjust our expectations.  

My Time Dining started too late for us. 

I always select My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean cruises because I like the flexibility of planning dinner around my day, rather than planning my day around dinner. 

In this case, however, I regret not choosing a set dining time, as My Time didn't open for passengers until 7:30 p.m. After walking a minimum of 25,000 steps each day, we were starving by the time 5:00 p.m. rolled around. 

On the second night, Catherine suggested that we ask the head waiter if we could possibly be seated with the earlier traditional dining time. To our surprise (and relief), they had no issue accommodating us! 

The following night, we returned to the dining room and asked to be seated earlier. Once again, the crew members were accommodating and quickly found us a table. 

This was an important lesson for me in actually discussing plans together, rather than defaulting to what I've done out of habit. Had I simply asked my sister about her dining preference, we could have had set plans from the start. 

We should have booked a different excursion in Marseille, France. 

Initially, we planned to shuttle to Marseille and walk around on our own. However, we decided that we'd prefer an excursion, so we could explore somewhere more interesting and avoid the stress of navigating a new city on our own. 

Catherine found an affordable Royal Caribbean-sponsored excursion to Aix-en-Provence. It wasn't a guided tour. Rather, it simply provided round-trip transportation to the charming town, giving us a set amount of time to explore at our own pace.

Having previously visited Aix-en-Provence on another Mediterranean cruise, I was excited to return and revisit some of the places I remembered, especially the churches.

In reality, the small town was much busier than I recalled, and we happened to visit during a sweltering heat wave. This meant it was much harder to enjoy the sights, with the crowds and heat making the experience far more draining than expected. 

As such, we both agreed we would have preferred a more relaxed excursion sailing through the Calanques. After several busy days filled with walking, sightseeing, and navigating new cities, something slower-paced and on the water would have been a much better fit. 

Still, we made the most of our day in France and found a few quality souvenir shops (highly recommend Franc 1884 for lavender spindles and Expressions for local art), ate plenty of pastries, and took breaks in the shade whenever we could.

I regret not booking the same flights. 

I'm a loyal American Airlines flyer, but I couldn't justify the pricey flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Barcelona, Spain. Instead, I found cheaper, more reasonable flights aboard Lufthansa, coming in at less than $1,100 round-trip. The price included a checked bag. However, I couldn't select my seat assignment until 24 hours before departure. 

My sister is even more of a devout American Airlines loyalist and refused to fly with me. As such, she flew separately from Greensboro to Philadelphia (to take advantage of the new flagship lounge) and onward to Barcelona. 

We both ended up in Barcelona on time before the cruise, but flying separately added an extra layer of logistics, with different schedules and layovers. In fact, Catherine arrived eight hours earlier than I did, which gave her a full day to explore Spain.

In the end, her flights weren't much more expensive than mine, costing $1,375.83. I wish I had booked the same flights instead, even if it required driving an hour and a half to a smaller airport. Arriving earlier would have made the start of the trip feel far more relaxed, and we would have had more time in Barcelona together. 

Despite a few minor issues, most of our European cruise was great, and I'm thankful for the quality time with my sister!

No cruise vacation is ever 100% perfect. From inclement weather to packing mistakes, bad cabins, and annoying neighbors, it's important to prepare for the unexpected. 

Even though Catherine and I encountered a few issues during our European Royal Caribbean cruise, we refused to let it put a damper on our vacation. Most of our trip was incredible, and we made so many wonderful memories together aboard Harmony of the Seas and in our two ports of call: Palma de Mallorca and Marseille, France. 

We got to watch breathtaking sunsets on the pool deck, wander the cobblestone streets of Aix-en-Provence, eat tapas in Barcelona, and enjoy the unique entertainment aboard the ship, including AquaTheater and ice skating shows — I'll definitely remember the shared experiences far more than the mishaps!

Celebrity Cruises is revamping its loyalty program to better reward its most dedicated cruisers. 

Effective June 11, 2026, Elite Plus and Zenith members can enjoy additional Captain's Club perks at specific point levels between tier thresholds — as well as two new tiers designed to reward the line's most dedicated passengers. 

In other words, by introducing new milestone benefits, Celebrity Cruises is raising the bar with opportunities to earn new rewards between Elite Plus, Zenith, and beyond.

The new benefits include Premium Wi-Fi minutes, specialty dining discounts, complimentary professional photographs, free cruises, and more. 

The breaking loyalty news follows Royal Caribbean Group's introduction of Points Choice, which allows guests sailing with one brand to apply their earned points to any of the three programs: Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea. 

This further builds on the company's lucrative Status Match program, which launched in May 2024 and allows loyalty members to receive equivalent status across the Royal Caribbean Group portfolio. 

This means if you're a Pinnacle Club member within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, you can automatically match into Celebrity's Zenith tier without ever setting foot aboard one of the company's ships (and vice versa). 

Celebrity's new milestone perks start at 1,500 points. As cruisers continue climbing the loyalty ranks, additional benefits are awarded at higher milestones, such as 2,250, 3,000, 6,000, and 9,000 points. 

New Celebrity Captain's Club loyalty perks for existing tiers

Captain's Club Elite Plus members (those who have earned a minimum of 750 Club Points) will begin unlocking new milestone perks once they hit 1,500 points, giving loyal cruisers additional rewards to enjoy on their journey toward Zenith status.

These include:

• 480 minutes of free Premium Wi-Fi — twice the minutes Elite Plus members currently receive during each sailing
• 20% off specialty dining
• One complimentary photo from Celebrity's photographers
• A surprise in-room amenity on their milestone sailing

At 2,250 Club Points, the rewards become more valuable, with cruisers receiving additional Wi-Fi minutes and more:

• 720 minutes of free Premium Wi-Fi — an increase from the 240 minutes Elite Plus members currently receive during each sailing
• 25% off specialty dining
• Two complimentary photos from Celebrity's photographers
• Complimentary "Extend Your Stay" experiences on disembarkation day, where available
• A surprise in-room amenity on their milestone sailing

Currently, the highest tier within Celebrity's Captain's Club is Zenith and requires passengers to earn a whopping 3,000 Club Points. Starting June 11, loyalty cruisers who reach this coveted tier will earn even more benefits, including:

• 35% off specialty dining
• Three complimentary photos from Celebrity's photographers
• A surprise in-room amenity on their milestone sailing

But Celebrity isn't stopping there. 

Read more: 9 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship

Two brand-new tiers beyond Zenith

The cruise line is also introducing two new recognition levels beyond Zenith: Double Zenith (6,000 Club Points) and Triple Zenith (9,000 Club Points).

While Zenith has long been considered the pinnacle of the Captain's Club program, the addition of Double and Triple Zenith gives members something new to aspire to after reaching the top-tier Zenith status, which is an impressive achievement in and of itself. 

New benefits at 6,000 points for Double Zenith cruisers include:

• All 3,000-point Zenith milestone perks
• A complimentary lunch at a specialty dining venue on embarkation day of each sailing
• A specialty dinner on any day of their milestone sailing
• Champagne to celebrate their loyalty achievement

At 9,000 Club Points, cruisers will reach the new Triple Zenith level — Celebrity's highest-ever loyalty recognition tier. These special passengers will receive the following benefits when sailing with Celebrity Cruises:

• All 3,000-point Zenith milestone perks
• Complimentary seven-night Bermuda or Caribbean sailing in a Sky Suite
• A specialty lunch on any day of every sailing
• One specialty dinner on any day of their milestone sailing
• Champagne to celebrate their loyalty achievement

How to earn Celebrity Captain's Club points

Unlike Royal Caribbean, where you earn one cruise point per night (unless you're sailing in a suite or by yourself), you earn points in Celebrity's Captain’s Club based on your stateroom category and the number of nights you sail. 

Here is how many Captain's Club points per night you will earn based on different cruise cabins:

• Inside or ocean view: 2 points per night 
• Veranda: 3 points per night 
• Concierge Class and AquaClass: 5 points per night 
• Sky Suites and Aqua Sky Suite: 8 points per night 
• Celebrity, Signature, Royal, and Sunset Suites: 12 points per night 
• Penthouse, Reflection, and Edge Villa: 18 points per night 
• Iconic Suite: 24 points per night

Additionally, you can earn Captain's Club points when sailing with Royal Caribbean or Silversea. Points will be converted using brand-specific exchange rates, and these exchange rates will be reviewed and published annually on Royal Caribbean Group's branded websites.

For example, a guest sailing with Royal Caribbean International in a balcony cabin on a seven-night cruise would earn seven points total — one base point per night. If that guest chose to transfer those points to Celebrity Cruises, they would receive 21 Captain's Club points. 

Royal Caribbean revamped its Brazilian steakhouse menu aboard Harmony of the Seas. 

Samba Grill was added to the 226,963 gross-ton cruise ship during its Royal Amplification in May 2026. Like other vessels, Samba Grill is located in the Solarium Bistro, with the complimentary by-day buffet being transformed into a specialty restaurant at night.

While it's found on other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, the new menu on Harmony of the Seas sets it apart from the restaurants on Allure of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. 

Although most of the offerings are the same, the dessert selection has been enhanced to feature a yummy twist on a classic Brazilian steakhouse staple: grilled pineapple. 

The cinnamon sugar pineapple is fire-grilled until caramelized and carved warm at your table, like the curated selection of grilled meats included in the cost of your meal. 

Here's a full look at the new Samba Brazilian Steakhouse menu available exclusively on Harmony of the Seas. And don't worry, the all-you-can-eat buffet with starters is still very much part of the experience! 

Samba Brazilian Grill Menu (NEW 2026)

STARTERS

Frango (Tender chicken breast wrapped in bacon)

Linguiça (Brazilian-style cured pork sausage)

Coxinha de frango (Brazilian croquettes)

Bread with pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread)

MEATS

Costela (Fall-off-the-bone, juicy beef ribs)

Fraldinha (Tender and juicy cut from flank steak)

Lombo (Parmesan cheese and herb-crusted pork loin)

Cordeiro (Succulent grilled lamb chops)

Beef tenderloin (The most tender cut of beef, slowly roasted)

Pincanha (Our signature cut of beef, the prime cut of top sirloin)

DESSERTS

Beijinho (Indulgent coconut and condensed milk treats, hand-rolled in shredded coconut)

Chocolate brigadeiro (Decadent chocolate-fudge sponge cake with chocolate sprinkles)

Cinnamon sugar grilled pineapple (A skewer of cinnamon sugar pineapple, fire-grilled until caramelized and carved warm at your table). 

The Samba Grill menu on other ships varies slightly

On Allure of the Seas, for example, the cinnamon sugar grilled pineapple is not listed as a dessert on the mobile app. 

Moreover, Radiance of the Seas' menu lists an extra cut of meat, contrafilé con alho, which is described as an "exquisite garlic-marinated striploin [that's] full of flavor." Caramel flan and mango passion fruit mousse are available for dessert, too, while abacaxi com canela, or roasted cinnamon pineapple, is served to finish off the "fantastic rodizio." 

At the time of publication, it wasn't clear whether the menus would be updated on Allure and Radiance of the Seas. 

Samba Brazilian Grill Cost

According to the Cruise Planner, dinner at Samba Grill costs $50 to $55 per adult. However, booking through the Cruise Planner ahead of your sailing is the easiest way to score a good deal. 

For example, on an upcoming eight-night cruise aboard Allure of the Seas, the cruise line is currently offering a 25% discount off the onboard rate, which brings the cost down to $36.99 per person. 

Another pre-cruise sale aboard Radiance of the Seas is even better, with the Cruise Planner promotion reaching up to 30% off of the onboard price. This means the cost of dinner at Samba Grill is only $34.99 per adult. 

Finally, an ongoing sale for an upcoming Mediterranean cruise on Harmony of the Seas has reduced the Samba Grill to $40.68 per person, which is 25% off the onboard price of $55. 

Samba Grill is also included in Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package. 

Dinner on a Royal Caribbean cruise has a few options, but I gave Anytime Dining a try to see how it compares to the traditional alternative.

I'll be honest, I usually avoid free-time dining on cruise ships because I don't think the perceived flexibility it offers is as good as it sounds.

When I eat in the Main Dining Room, I usually pick traditional dinner and have the same time, waiters, and tablemates each evening.

But when I recently sailed on Radiance of the Seas for a 4-night cruise, I decided to flip my script and give My Time Dining a try. Because I booked my cruise at the last-minute, the only traditional dinner time left was the late time at 8pm.  When I boarded the ship, I spoke with a crew member who said they could get me into dinner every night at 6:45pm so I had the perfect "Goldlocks time" to eat.

I saw I had been assigned to My Time Dining, but decided to give it a try and see how it works.

How flexible dining works

Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining (sometime called "anytime dining") allows you to either make a reservation for dinner or show up and wait for an open table.

The idea is to give passengers more flexibility in when they can eat. Rather than have a single time, you could mix up dinner times to match up better with your shore excursions or pool deck fun.

Upon arrival at the Main Dining Room, there are two lines: people with a reservation and people without a reservation.  You get in one of the lines and then are assigned a table.

Unlike traditional dinner, you might have a different table and/or waiter assignment.

Read more: My Time Dining vs Traditional Dinner

There was a wait every night

Because I picked 6:45pm, that was the earliest My Time Dining option available and it was clearly a popular time for dinner.

Each night, there was a line for those with and without a reservation.  I quickly learned there wasn't much advantage to lining up early because within 5-10 minutes, the people in line got their tables assigned quickly. 

The head waiters and maître d's worked quickly to get everyone seated. They understand guest satisfaction is enormously important (because their entire job is judged primarily by guest surveys), and thus, they try to get everyone to their table as soon as possible.

Instead of lining up 10 minutes or more early, I tried to time it so I'd arrive right at 6:45 or shortly thereafter to minimize my wait.

One thing that I found frustrating was while I had a reservation, those without reservations were seated just as quickly as us.  Effectively, they split two check-in locations for those with a reservation and two for those without one, instead of prioritizing us with a reservation. That being said, the line for those with a reservation was always shorter.

However, it was clearly an advantage to eating alone because small tables are more plentiful and on two occasions, I got to skip ahead in the line.

I ended up with the same table and waiters each night

To my surprise, I had the same table assignment every evening.  

I expected to be given different tables each night, but I always had the same table for two.  

Speaking of my table size, another concern I had was being seated with strangers. I wouldn't necessarily hate it, but I understood that was a risk with My Time Dining.

However, each time I checked in for dinner, I was told the same table number. In fact, by the third evening, the host asked if I knew where my "usual table" was located.

The advantage of having the same table assignment was I had the same waiters, who not only learned my name quickly but also knew I brought my own soda to dinner and had glasses of ice waiting.

Anytime dinner isn't quite as versatile as it sounds

I booked dinner for the same time each night, but I think it's not quite convenient as advertised.

The early traditional dinner time begins at 5pm, but the earliest time you can eat with My Time Dining is 6:45pm.

Everyone has their own sense of "how early is too early" for dinner, but I wish MTD started service closer to 6pm.  That would be truly more useful.

I was also surprised how many people didn't have reservations.  On the first night of the cruise, their wait seemed to be the longest.  As the cruise went on, it seemed demand for the Main Dining Room subsided, and lines shortened each evening.

I enjoyed My Time Dining more than I thought, but I'll stick with traditional

While there was a line every night, I can't say I hated trying My Time Dining as much as I expected.

The line before seating begins looks daunting, but the truth is they moved through it quickly and once the clock hit 6:45pm, I don't think I waited more than five minutes.

If you're going to try My Time Dining, I highly recommend making a reservation.  You can do so via the Royal Caribbean app before your cruise or even on the ship.

My friend actually got a notification in her app when her table was ready, so she didn't have to (theoretically) wait in line.

That being said, there is no line with traditional dinner. You just walk in and head to the table that's assigned to you (the number is written at the bottom of your SeaPass card).

Perhaps if I book a cruise with very port intensive itinerary and realize early dinner just won't work, I'll give My Time Dinner a try again.

Royal Caribbean just completed its Royal Amplification aboard Harmony of the Seas, and I was lucky enough to be onboard one of the first post-dry dock sailings to check out all the new changes. 

I've been a fan of Oasis Class ships since 2014, when I sailed aboard Oasis of the Seas during my high school spring break. At the time, she was one of the largest and most impressive ships at sea — and although new ships and classes have debuted, there's still something about Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class that feels unmatched. 

At just three nights, my Harmony of the Seas cruise was a quick one, but it was enough time to get a feel for the refreshed spaces and see how the ship's new additions make it stand out. 

For example, the cruise line added new staterooms, restaurants, and even swapped out a couple of dated venues, like Sabor Modern Mexican. 

After spending 66 hours on the updated Harmony of the Seas cruise ship, I was surprised by 8 things, both good and bad, that future passengers should be aware of! 

There's a new Italian restaurant and wine bar in Central Park.

Jamie's is on its way out with Royal Caribbean, with Giovanni's becoming the line's staple Italian specialty restaurant. 

During Harmony of the Seas' Royal Amplification, the 226,963 gross-ton ship replaced Vintages and Jamie's Italian with Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen offers a more upscale menu with options that will please any palate, ranging from made-to-order pizzas to chicken parmigiana, fettuccine alfredo, classic lasagna, grilled filet mignon, osso bucco, and more. 

There's still not a pool in the adults-only Solarium.

One of Harmony's biggest pre-Royal Amplification complaints was that the adult-only sun deck didn't have a pool, and many were hopeful that one would be added during the dry dock. 

However, despite being one of the most requested upgrades, the Solarium remained without a pool, continuing to offer the same hot tubs and water misters. 

Instead, the bulk of the refurbishment to the adult-only area leaned more toward changes to the lounge experience. Royal Caribbean, for example, removed the lower level of the Solarium to make way for new staterooms and added a new outdoor sun deck area. 

Harmony of the Seas finally has a functioning escape room. 

Harmony of the Seas' old escape room closed and never reopened. Now, however, passengers can once again test their wits at "Escape V: Science Lab," a new themed escape room that replaced "Escape the Rubicon."

Guests will have to work together to successfully solve a series of puzzles and clues to "escape" before time runs out. The entrance to this extra-cost activity can be found within Adventure Ocean on Deck 14.

Staterooms were largely untouched. 

While Harmony of the Seas received over thirty new staterooms, the existing ones remained largely untouched. Royal Caribbean isn't known for overhauling its accommodations during dry dock, as the line typically focuses on public spaces over cabin renovations. 

Still, I was disappointed to discover that my inside stateroom showed obvious signs of wear and tear. For example, there was a massive yellow stain on the carpet between the two twin-sized beds, and one of the hooks on the bathroom door was broken. 

In the grand scheme of things, those issues aren’t make-or-break problems. However, they stood out more than they otherwise would have on a vessel fresh out of a multi-week dry dock.

The Pesky Parrot bar is quirky and a lot of fun. 

The Pesky Parrot bar first launched on Utopia of the Seas in 2024. Since then, it's been added to three ships, including Harmony of the Seas, where it replaced the technology-focused Bionic Bar. 

This fun tiki bar transports you to a beachfront Caribbean resort and is a fun place to grab a pre- or post-dinner drink since it's so close to the Main Dining Room. 

In addition to an immersive environment, the bar offers a unique lineup of fruity, tropical cocktails, including the I-Land Negroni, Peanut Butter Piña Colada, and Tiki 'Mosa.

The new non-smoking casino is awkwardly placed outside of Studio B.

Deck 4 welcomed some substantial changes during Harmony's Royal Amplification. The Attic and Crown Lounge, for example, were removed and replaced with a non-smoking Casino Royale, creating the largest casino in the fleet. 

The new expanded casino area is directly outside of the Studio B ice rink and features everything from slot machines to table games and even another bar with virtual gaming options. 

This move reflects the cruise line's broader trend of replacing less popular venues with more casino space to drive higher revenue. However, its location creates an awkward contrast between the family-friendly entertainment venue and the adult-focused Casino Royale. 

Royal Caribbean removed the Vitality Café.

When Utopia of the Seas launched in 2024, it was quickly noted that the ship did not have the Vitality Café in the spa and fitness center. As such, there wasn't a dedicated spot for fresh, healthy smoothies and juices.

Around a year after the ship's debut, the cruise line listened to feedback and added a makeshift juice shop in the Spotlight Karaoke lounge on Deck 5.

A similar change was made aboard Harmony of the Seas, with Royal Caribbean removing the Vitality Café (to make way for more staterooms) and replacing it with a simple pop-up in the On Air Club. 

There isn't a new Broadway-style production show.

Last year, Royal Caribbean closed the curtain on its long-running Grease musical in the Royal Theater. Unfortunately, Harmony didn't get a new Broadway-style production during its Royal Amplification.

Instead, Voices, an original musical production that brings together talented vocalists and virtual technology, is the primary show in the Royal Theater. 

Other shows, such as the high-diving spectacle The Fine Line and jaw-dropping ice show 1887: A Journey in Time, were not replaced or changed. They are available free of charge, and reservations can be made through the Cruise Planner or Royal Caribbean mobile app once onboard. 

The changes weren't as epic as I hoped, but it's a better ship than before.

Harmony of the Seas received several worthwhile upgrades, including new dining venues, bars, and activities. For example, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, the Pesky Parrot bar, and the expanded non-smoking Casino Royale bring Harmony more in line with Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels. 

However, some of the most anticipated changes never materialized. There isn't, for instance, an adult-only pool in the Solarium, and the vessel lacks a Broadway-style production show. Many existing staterooms may show noticeable signs of age, too. 

Ultimately, Harmony of the Seas did not receive a dramatic transformation — but that's far from a bad thing. The Royal Amplification focused more on refreshing the Oasis Class ship rather than making it vastly different from its counterparts. 

Some guests may be disappointed by the changes (or lack thereof), but Harmony of the Seas still offers the signature Oasis Class features, entertainment options, and overall atmosphere that have made these vessels so popular for nearly two decades. 

Royal Caribbean isn't abandoning its Perfect Day Mexico plans, despite being told that the current proposal would be rejected due to environmental backlash. 

Instead, they are reworking elements of the project to address concerns around coastal impact, namely the massive water park that would have been home to over two dozen slides. One of the defining features would have been a 170-foot-tall slide tower with record-breaking attractions, including the tallest slides in the Americas and the longest coaster-style waterslide.

In addition to the water park, the 230-acre Perfect Day Mexico project was expected to feature private resort-style pools, beaches, a dozen restaurants, bars, an adults-only area, and other attractions capable of catering to thousands of cruise passengers. 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that Royal Caribbean has scrapped its plan to build the water park at Perfect Day Mexico, as first reported by Reuters. Authorities also informed the cruise giant that three permits tied to the park, one of which involved a pier, were denied. 

Sheinbaum added that the project won't be carried out at its current proposed site, saying that the government is talking with the cruise line to potentially relocate the planned development. 

What does this mean? Well, instead of having the proposal flat-out rejected, Royal Caribbean pulled back, meaning they can formally reapply in the future. It also confirms that the company has no plans to abandon its broader ambitions in Costa Maya, Mexico.

The cruise line hinted at this in its statement released after the initial block was announced, saying that it planned to work with stakeholders to find an environmentally responsible way to move forward:

"Over the coming weeks, we will re-engage stakeholders to move forward in a way that delivers shared prosperity through the development of essential environmental infrastructure, the creation of thousands of local jobs, and community programs that support the people of Mexico."

Read more: Mexico rejects Royal Caribbean's plans for Perfect Day Mexico, but the project isn't dead

Why did Mexico suddenly reject Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico plans?

Plans for the $600 million Perfect Day Mexico development were officially rejected on the grounds of environmental risks and the impact such a project would have on the port of Costa Maya, near the small village of Mahahual, Mexico.

A report released by Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) claims that officials felt there were too many concerns tied to mangroves, coral reefs, groundwater systems, and broader ecosystems to approve the project in its current form.

One of the biggest concerns involved the mangroves, which are seen as natural barriers against erosion and critical for sustaining the coastal ecosystem. SEMARNAT also claimed that Perfect Day Mexico added risks to the Mesoamerican Reef System involving groundwater and underground hydrological systems.

Moving on, Royal Caribbean lumped all the project's elements into one large development, rather than having them evaluated separately. In other words, the water park, upscale beach club, and cruise pier were assessed as a single, unified proposal. Consequently, the government felt the overall environmental impact of the combined project was too significant to approve.

Royal Caribbean's latest sale honors brave service members with exclusive discounted rates on 250 cruises to celebrate America's 250th birthday. 

From now through July 7, 2026, military personnel can save an additional 10% on fares aboard select sailings, ranging from Caribbean and Alaska sailings to European getaways. The offer also includes 3rd and 4th guests sail free, along with 30% off cruise extras. 

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and government taxes and fees are additional. All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice, too. 

Itineraries include sailings aboard ships ranging from Adventure of the Seas to Freedom of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and more. 

Other onboard benefits include a special veterans' "Get Together" event, allowing former service members to share their stories in a safe space, as well as a veterans' tribute event with patriotic songs, poems, and more to honor military personnel. 

Whether you are planning a short Bahamian escape, an Alaskan adventure, or a port-intensive European getaway, the ongoing military promotion adds more value to your next Royal Caribbean vacation.

Who is eligible for the Royal Caribbean cruise military discount?

Royal Caribbean's new military promotion is only available to active-duty and retired members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, and Canadian National Defense, as well as honorably discharged veterans who served at least two years or spent six months in an active war zone. 

According to the sale's terms and conditions, the cruise line is also offering special rates for active, retired, volunteer, and employed fire and law enforcement personnel at the local, state, or federal level in the United States. 

At least one passenger in each cabin must meet the eligibility requirements and present valid identification during check-in. This means that spouses, parents, in-laws, children, or other friends or family members aren't eligible for the Memorial Day military discount without the eligible passenger occupying the stateroom. 

Those who cannot provide proof of eligibility at the cruise port may have their reservation repriced to the current available fare and could risk being denied boarding.

How to book the brand-new cruise military discount

When booking your Royal Caribbean cruise, make sure you select price code "MIL," "PFD," "MILITARY," or "MILITARY NRD." Otherwise, you won't get the military discount available through the limited-time promotion.

You can also work with a trusted travel agent. They can help apply the correct promotional code, verify eligibility requirements, and answer any other questions about your upcoming vacation. 

At Royal Caribbean Blog, we recommend MEI Travel. I’ve booked more than a dozen cruises with them, and they have consistently provided attentive service and helpful advice, making the entire planning process much easier. 

If there's one place I could cruise to every year, I would choose Alaska. 

While I've certainly enjoyed other destinations (especially Europe), there's simply nothing like the unmatched beauty of seeing Alaska.

Maybe it's the brisk air, or the majestic mountains that welcome you into every port, but every spring I yearn to return and book another cruise there.

The good news is I'm headed back this summer for a return visit, and I can't wait to see it all again one more time.

After already taken a few Alaska cruises, here's what makes this type of cruise great and why I'll be back many more times.

Departing is different in a fun way

Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, but I've started cruising more out of Vancouver and I can't deny the sail away experience isn't part of why.

Both Vancouver and Seattle are set in the Pacific Northwest, and you'll immediately notice the lush forests and views that surround you.

But in Vancouver, cruise ships homeport right in the heart of the downtown area and your departure is a mix of city skyline and rugged scenery ahead. Plus, your ship passes under the Lions Gate Bridge as you sail away.

Seattle's cruise port isn't quite as close to downtown as Vancouver, but it's still a great backdrop.

The Inside Passage is a cruise within a cruise

A sea day in Alaska is unlike a sea day anywhere else because of how much you can see while traversing the Inside Passage.

Think of the Inside Passage like taking the scenic route instead of the highway. It's a waterway that stretches 1,000 miles between southeastern Alaska and British Columbia.

You can spend all day on your balcony or on a public deck taking in the views, which include wildlife, mountains, water falls, and just about the prettiest stretch of land you'll encounter anywhere. 

I think the animal viewing opportunities are what makes the Inside Passage so interesting.  Bald eagles become so common to spot, but there's also a good chance you'll be able to see whales or even a bear on the shore.

I recommend taking your cruise cocktails with you out to a deck and watching everything as you pass by.

Glacier viewings will take amaze you

The first time our cruise ship entered Endicott Arm to see Dawes Glacier, I was blown away by seeing this incredible sheet of rock and ice so close.

Most Alaska cruises include a glacier viewing (or at least attempt to) in the sailing. It's when a ship slowly approaches a glacier and offers an up-close view.

Royal Caribbean ships almost always visit Dawes Glacier. Unfortunately, all visits to Sawyer Glacier had to be cancelled this year due to landslides.

If the sea conditions are safe enough to get close to the glacier, it's going to be an unforgettable experience. Seeing how big the glacier is, hearing the ice crack, watching seals laying on floating pieces of ice, are just some of the things you can expect.

Not to mention your ship is flanked by steep cliffs on both side as you traverse the narrow waterway.  It's something photos never quite capture the magnitude of the feeling of being there.

Juneau has so much to see, I struggle with what to choose

My favorite Alaska cruise port is probably the state capital of Juneau.

It's home to Mendenhall Glacier, which is one of the easiest glaciers to see on foot.  You could take a seaplane or helicopter there on a tour and then actually step foot on it!

Juneau also has so many parks and forests you can visit, and it's all drivable. The last time we went there, we rented a Jeep and toured the area on our own. It was the perfect way to see the highlights, including a bear on the side of the road!

The food scene in every Alaska town is worth the trip

To say the seafood is fresh in Alaska would be an understatement, because there's simply nothing like having it while you're there.

Juneau has both food trucks and established restaurants to choose from.  I love a good selection of food trucks that we can hop between, giving everyone something to try. Deckhand Dave’s is a fish taco truck at a trendy food truck park right downtown.

Suffice to say, if you're ever going to try salmon or crab, this is the place to do it.  My daughter had never tried salmon until our guide brought out a salmon that they caught that morning and sliced it up for us to sample.  She gave it a try and loved it!

My favorite hidden gem is in Sitka at The Fresh Fish, which is a one-woman food stand. They have poke bowls, seafood chowder, po'boys and tacos.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Tracy's Crab Shack as the most well-known spot to eat King Crab while in Alaska.

Every town you visit will have a few places to eat, and I'd recommend skipping the Windjammer and having a meal in town.

Skagway is like taking a time machine to Gold Rush

One town that usually stands out is Skagway, because it feels you stepped back in time.

The history of Skagway is well-preserved with the entire downtown retaining its Klondike Gold Rush look and feel. 

That connection to history is more than skin deep. You can learn about every aspect of what it was like to be in Alaska during this period through various tours and walking trails. Many are free or cheap to try!

Yes, I prefer the cooler weather

If there's one reason some people avoid an Alaska cruise it's because they, "don't want to go somewhere colder than where they are" and I have to say it's worth going anyway.

First and foremost, you're cruising to Alaska in the summer so it's probably not going to be nearly as cold as you think it will be.  If you go in July or August, there's a better chance you'll need a t-shirt than a jacket.

However, you won't mistake Alaska for the Caribbean in terms of temperature.  That being said, I really prefer it because cooler weather makes for easier outdoor touring.

As lovely as a Caribbean beach is, the heat and humidity drain you and it makes it difficult to enjoy being outside unless submerged in water.  But in Alaska, it feels great being out and about with low humidity and comfortable outdoor temperatures.

The beauty of Alaska is why I want to go back every year

If you think Alaska is a "one and done" type itinerary, I dare you to go and not want to return immediately.

When I cruised to Alaska for the first time, I couldn't believe how stunning everything looked. Everyone tells you this area is beautiful, but words never prepare you for how majestic it all is.  I was awestruck by the state's geography, culture, and food.

A cruise is the perfect way to experience this area, and I'm already salivating at the idea of returning this summer.

A Royal Caribbean ship has changed plans due to a "technical issue" that has forced the vessel to reduce speed.

Guests aboard Allure of the Seas were informed today that their planned itinerary will be altered because of an issue with the ship's propulsion.

The 6-night cruise departed on May 24 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida was scheduled to visit Falmouth, Jamaica and Nassau, Bahamas. However, those plans won't work anymore.

The exact problem was not disclosed by the cruise line or the Captain, but passengers were told the ship would slow down and there will be a change in itinerary.

"We are currently experiencing a technical issue with one of our propulsion systems. While our team works to resolve this, we’ll be sailing at a reduced speed and will need to make a slight adjustment to our itinerary."

"We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change. Please know that your safety and comfort are always our top priorities."

Now Allure of the Seas will skip Falmouth, and go to Nassau, Bahamas directly.

"Instead of visiting Falmouth, Jamaica, we’ll now sail directly to Nassau, Bahamas, where we are expected to arrive at approximately 7:00AM."

The new port hours are to be in Nassau between 7:30am to 5:30pm. 

Afterwards, the ship will sail and do a sea day before returning to Nassau again on Friday, Day 6, as originally scheduled.

Allure of the Seas is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, with a double occupancy of 5,718 passengers.  It's 1,187 feet long and revolutionized the cruise industry when it launched in 2010 just months after Oasis of the Seas did.

At the time of publishing this article, Allure had a speed of 11-12 knots, reflecting the reduced speed in the announcement.

A passenger onboard Allure of the Seas shared photos of the ships wake after the announcement was made. I'm not an engineer, but it appears the starboard azipod is not functioning. 

To be clear, we don't know what the issue is and merely speculating at what the issue could be.

Azipods are multidirectional pods that drive the ship and can be rotated 360 degrees. They are the standard form of propulsion for all of Royal Caribbean's new cruise ships.

Most importantly, Allure of the Seas is still seaworthy and safe to sail on.  This is why cruise ships have multiple azipods and backup systems to ensure the ship doesn't need all systems.

By reducing its speed, it reduces the strain on the other parts of the propulsion.

Royal Caribbean is offering passengers compensation

Passengers on Allure of the Seas received a letter in their cabin explaining the situation and offering "a small token of our appreciation".

It's fairly common when a ship alters its itinerary at the last-minute, the cruise line offers passengers some extra onboard credit as a gesture of good will.  

An onboard credit, per stateroom, will be given based on the category booked:

• Inside & Oceanview: $100 USD
• Neighborhood view/balcony: $150 USD
• Suite: $200 USD
• Each third and fourth passenger: $50 USD per guest

Thanks to Royal Caribbean Blog reader Colby Burnett for sharing this information.

Excursions will be refunded

Any booked excursions through Royal Caribbean in Falmouth will be automatically refunded to the onboard account.

The credits can be used anywhere onboard, and any remaining, refundable amounts at the end of the sailing will be refunded to the card on file within 14 business days from final disembarkation.

Ordinarily an itinerary that visits the same port twice in the same sailing might not be ideal, but Nassau has one major advantage.

Royal Caribbean recently opened its first Royal Beach Club there, an exclusive resort experience just for cruise line passengers.

There are multiple beaches and pools, along with included food and alcoholic beverages. 

Now passengers have the opportunity to go twice to the beach club and double up on what's arguably one of Royal Caribbean's best new offerings.

Read more: I went to Royal Caribbean's two best beach clubs in one weekend

Propulsion problems sometimes happen on cruise ships

Engine troubles are not uncommon among cruise ships, as they can occasionally occur.

A ship like Allure of the Seas operates every week, offering cruises without any stops year-round.  Nonetheless, propulsion problems are rare.

Allure of the Seas is not a new ship, but Royal Caribbean invests a lot of money into routine maintenance. In fact, Allure underwent a massive upgrade last year to not only add new venues to the ship, but also provide routine maintenance to its engines, propellors, and other primary systems.

Just like your well-maintained car at home, engine trouble can still occur.

It's common when there is an issue for the ship's speed to be affected and itinerary changed, rather than cancelling the entire sailing.

Maintenance can be done to the ship while in port if necessary, rather than pulling it out of service completely.

Carry-on bags are great for short vacations, but I'm not opposed to forgoing my bulky suitcase on longer cruises in favor of a smaller one. 

Not only are checked baggage fees at their all-time high, with airlines like United and JetBlue charging $45 per bag each way, but the hassle of waiting at baggage claim and the possibility of lost luggage make traveling lighter more appealing than ever.

During a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, I challenged myself to pack only using a carry-on suitcase (my trusted Tumi Tegra-Lite® Expandable International bag, if you're wondering) and a personal item. I knew this wasn't an impossible feat, as I had a friend who traveled on an eight-night cruise in just a budget-airline-approved personal item, not even a true carry-on-sized bag!

Since I was sailing to the warm Caribbean, I was less worried about running out of space since I didn't need to pack bulky clothing or prepare for versatile weather like during a cruise to Alaska or Norway. 

I tried to pack strategically, thinking about the plans I had for the sailing aboard Symphony of the Seas. In the end, though, there are a few things that I'd do differently if I were to pack that light again.

In this article, I'll share my cruise carry-on packing list, along with what worked and what didn't, so you don't make the same mistakes I did. 

How to pack for a 7 day cruise in a carry-on

I started by thinking about my toiletries, since I needed to ensure that everything — from my face wash to shampoo and conditioner — was in TSA-compliant bottles. 

Before this specific trip, I actually didn't have any carry-on toiletry bottles, so I purchased three from my local Target for my hair products. 

I also went ahead and bought travel-sized bottles of face wash and contact lens solution, along with toothpaste, makeup remover wipes, and mouthwash.

When it came to packing my clothes, I planned on making myself comfortable in the adult-only Solarium most days, so I wanted to keep it simple with a few swimsuits, a cover-up, t-shirts, and athletic shorts.

I also planned on rotating between a few dresses for dinner each night, rather than packing seven different outfits for dinner — seven dresses, even when rolled tightly, can take up a lot of room!

Here's my 7 day Caribbean cruise packing list using just a small carry-on and personal item:

• Three t-shirts
• Two pairs of athletic shorts
• Two pairs of jeans
• Four evening shirts
• Four dresses
• One pair of pajamas
• One sweatshirt
• Six pairs of shoes
• A small purse
• Hair straightener and microfiber hair towel
• Three swimsuits
• One swim cover-up
• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, deodorant, contact lens solution, hair products, etc.)
• Undergarments (underwear, socks, bras, etc.)
• Laptop
• Electronic chargers
• Medication
• Camera
• Passport and credit cards
• Sunglasses

How to pack for a cruise

Since I didn’t have much space, I tightly rolled all my clothing. Then, I placed my bulkiest pieces, like my jeans and maxi dress, in the corners of the bag. My smaller items easily filled the gaps and layered on top.

The trickiest part was fitting all my toiletries and cosmetics, and I had to play a little Tetris to fully maximize my available space.

To bring even more clothing, I wore my bulky sweatshirt, one pair of jeans, and sneakers to the airport. Initially, I wasn't going to bring the sweatshirt, but this cozy article of clothing was a lifesaver on debarkation morning, which was a chillier-than-usual Florida day. 

Moreover, I needed sunscreen for my tropical getaway. However, since I was cramming everything into a small bag and needed TSA-compliant liquids, I decided to run into a store en route to the cruise terminal and grab a bottle. 

This was a more cost-effective option than checking a bag just to bring sunscreen or buying it on the ship, since Royal Caribbean charges upwards of $30 for a single bottle of spray sunscreen. 

My cruise ship packing mistakes

In the end, I regretted packing as much as I did. For example, I repeated outfits a lot, wearing the same dress for both formal night and dress your best night, even though I intended to wear different outfits. 

I also could have gotten away with two dresses and two evening shirts instead of four each. Plus, there was one pair of sandals that I only wore once. Although I appreciated having the option to choose between pairs of shoes, I really only needed one nicer pair of sandals for the seven-day cruise. 

In addition to packing too many sandals, I did not need more than one pair of sneakers. One athletic pair would have been sufficient, as I only wore my Golden Goose once. Sandals were better footwear for evenings aboard the ship. 

On the flip side, there were quite a few items I found myself wishing that I had brought. For starters, I definitely did not pack enough loungewear, and it would have been nice to have more t-shirts and athletic shorts. 

Another item I wish I had brought was a portable charger. Foolishly, I assumed it would be easy to charge my phone in my cabin during downtime. However, I failed to think about what might happen if my phone battery started to decline ashore.

For example, when I decided to explore Water Island near St. Thomas, my phone barely survived the six hours I was off the ship. This was even more worrisome since I was traveling by myself. 

How to minimize packing for a cruise

Packing for a seven-day cruise with only a single carry-on and personal item was not as tough as I had made it out to be. That said, there are some ways I'd change how I minimize my packing list for a cruise, like focusing more on comfortable clothing rather than a diverse wardrobe of evening wear.

You definitely do not need as many clothes as you think. Instead, the key is choosing versatile pieces that can be mixed, matched, and re-worn. Some things might be nice to have, but if you can live without them, they probably do not need to make the trip.

It's also smart to avoid overpacking for every possible scenario. While it is smart to be prepared, packing for hypotheticals you are unlikely to encounter will only take up valuable space in your suitcase. For example, I did not need to pack an extra pair of athletic shoes "just in case" my other sneakers got wet. 

All that said, the best part of packing for a cruise in a carry-on-sized bag is how easy disembarkation is. Rather than placing your bag outside your stateroom the night before, you can keep your stuff with you and roll your luggage off during the self-assist disembarkation process.