Royal Caribbean Blog

There's nothing like a new cruise ship, so I wanted to see compare one of Royal Caribbean's new ships to MSC Cruises' newest ship.

After sailing aboard Icon of the Seas in April, I was convinced that no other mega-ship would wow me the same way. However, moments after I stepped on MSC World America, I realized that the World Class ship stands out in her own way. 

Both vessels are massive, measuring over 210,000 gross registered tons and carrying over 6,800 guests at maximum capacity — but that's where the similarities stop. 

I discovered things that I liked and disliked about both ships after sailing aboard MSC World America and Icon of the Seas. For example, I loved the price point of MSC World America's suite-only enclave, while Icon's entertainment blew me away. 

In the end, if you're a dedicated Royal Caribbean cruiser, embarking on a sailing aboard MSC World America will feel different, but that doesn't mean it's a step down. 

Here's how Icon of the Seas and MSC World America compare, and why I wouldn't hesitate to sail aboard the latter again — despite having been on over 15 Royal Caribbean cruises. 

MSC World America is a lot more affordable than Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas isn't the least expensive cruise ship on the market. In fact, I'd argue she is one of the most expensive mainstream ships. 

For some, cruising on one of the world's largest ships is worth the hefty price tag. However, Icon remains out of reach for a lot of families. Enter MSC World America. 

Thanks to MSC's budget-friendly pricing, it's easy to cruise on one of the newest and largest ships at sea for a fraction of what Icon of the Seas costs.

Plus, if you're interested in premium experiences, MSC's Yacht Club is an affordable way to experience luxury at sea without shelling out money for Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class. 

Earlier this year, my partner and I spent around $7,000 on our vacation aboard Icon of the Seas, including the cruise fare and add-ons like shore excursions, specialty dining packages, and the Deluxe Beverage Package. The kicker? We didn't even have an ocean-view balcony. 

Comparatively, we spent $7,010.32 on our Yacht Club Deluxe Suite. Although the prices were similar, the experiences couldn’t have been more different. 

Read more: I paid $3,800 for a controversial balcony on the world's largest cruise ship

For example, MSC's Yacht Club fare includes everything from a premium drink package to Wi-Fi, priority embarkation, thermal spa access, butler service, three private restaurants, a lounge and pool deck, exclusive cocktail hours, and more. 

We were treated like royalty from the moment we arrived at MSC's new terminal in Miami, Florida, which set the tone for a one-of-a-kind voyage. 

To be blunt, I've never stayed within Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class because of the higher price tag, so being able to stay within MSC's Yacht Club at a more accessible rate was a real treat. 

Of course, not everyone wants to spend $7,000 on a cruise vacation. Still, MSC World America's base fares are lower than comparable sailings on Icon of the Seas. Here are a few examples: 

June 20, 2026 — Interior cabin for two adults, with taxes and fees:

• Icon of the Seas: $4,516
• MSC World Europa: $2,450

September 19, 2026 — Ocean-view balcony cabin for two adults, with taxes and fees: 

• Icon of the Seas: $3,852
• MSC World Europa: $2,361

The food on MSC World America left little to be desired

Maybe it's because I cruise too frequently, but Royal Caribbean's food hasn't been as impressive as it used to be. Although I wouldn't go as far as saying it's bad, the quality is pretty inconsistent, especially in the complimentary restaurants. 

That said, MSC doesn't have the best dining reputation, either. However, in my opinion, the food was better on MSC World America than on Icon of the Seas. There were definitely still a few misses, but overall, the meals were flavorful, well-presented, and diverse.

To be fair, I'm neither a food critic nor classically trained in anything cuisine-related (I did take one food reporting class while obtaining my master's in journalism, but I digress). Others may come to their own conclusions, as everyone has different taste buds and preferences.

Read more: I spent 7 days eating on MSC's newest ship

On MSC World America, I loved grabbing fresh chicken tenders from Pizza & Burger in the World Galleria. Were they the best I've ever had? Not by a long shot, but they were consistently hot and crispy.

Speaking of pizza, MSC's fresh slices beat Sorrento's by a long shot. Whether grabbing pizza as an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night snack, I was never disappointed. As a European cruise line, it's evident that MSC takes great pride in its pizza. 

I also really enjoyed my meals in the Yacht Club Restaurant, more so than some of my specialty meals aboard Icon of the Seas. 

For example, the cabernet-braised short ribs were some of the best I've ever had on a cruise ship. Not only was the meat perfectly tender, but the creamy gorgonzola polenta was unique and bold without overpowering the dish. 

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention MSC's fresh pasta, too. There's a wide variety of freshly made pasta options available throughout the ship, from the main dining rooms to the Yacht Club Restaurant and the buffet. 

I was also impressed with the food temperature. Although it may seem like a small detail, I've sailed on cruise ships where I've been lucky to be served one or two lukewarm meals — that was never the case on MSC World America. 

Icon of the Seas has better entertainment

If you want to be wowed by the onboard entertainment lineup, I wouldn't get your hopes up for MSC World America. 

Royal Caribbean has dominated the mainstream cruise industry for years when it comes to Broadway-style shows and cutting-edge entertainment technology. 

From The Wizard of Oz to the high-diving AquaTheater spectacular, Royal Caribbean consistently delivers productions that you won't believe are on a cruise ship (and better yet, are included in your fare!). 

Comparatively, MSC's entertainment is far more modest. Although I enjoyed Dirty Dancing Live in Concert, the other performances weren't great. 

In fact, my partner and I straight-up walked out of the Hall of Fame show in the main theater. The singers were pitchy, and the choreography wasn't anything special. 

The poor entertainment quality wasn't a dealbreaker, but if you're used to Royal Caribbean-quality shows, you will be disappointed. 

Icon has more activities, but you won't be bored on MSC World America

Between the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, Crown's Edge ropes course/zipline, and the Royal Escape Room, Icon of the Seas offers guests more to do than nearly any other ship at sea, making it nearly impossible to run out of activities during your cruise.

Still, MSC World America holds its own with a wide variety of attractions. The Cliffhanger, for example, is an over-the-water swing that lets thrill-seekers soar above the ocean (just don't look down if you're afraid of heights like me!). 

There's also a virtual reality water slide, kids' aqua park, F1 racing simulator, bumper cars, a ropes course, Lego family zone, two arcades, and an 11-deck dry slide.

That said, some of the more interesting attractions on MSC World America aren't included. For example, bumper cars run at $7 per car, while the Formula 1 racing simulator is $12 per person. The Cliffhanger also costs $9 per person, per ride. 

The ships have similar itineraries

Sailing from Miami, Florida, you can visit the Eastern or Western Caribbean aboard MSC World America or Icon of the Seas. 

As such, the biggest difference between the ships' itineraries is which private island they visit. On Icon, you'll call at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, while MSC World America visits Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay has more to offer, from the massive Thrill Waterpark to the adults-only Hideaway Beach, large Oasis Lagoon pool, and the upscale Coco Beach Club. 

In comparison, Ocean Cay is more laid back. MSC redeveloped the former industrial site into a serene paradise for its cruise passengers. Rather than focusing on amenities like CocoCay, the island has a greater emphasis on conservation and sustainability. 

That said, some similarities are important to think about when planning your day ashore. There are complimentary island buffets for lunch, and both cruise lines' drink packages work on the island. Moreover, Royal Caribbean and MSC offer free trams to make navigating the islands easier. 

Is MSC World America or Icon of the Seas better?

I don't think you can go wrong with either ship; however, I'm not here to tell you how to spend your hard-earned money. 

If you're a die-hard Royal Caribbean fan, sailing on MSC World America might be a hard sell because it's a completely different experience. There are definitely things that Icon does better, too. For example, the Category 6 Waterpark is a lot of fun, and the entertainment lineup is hard to beat. 

Still, as someone who grew up sailing with Royal Caribbean and didn't think they could come to appreciate other lines, MSC World America really surprised me — and left a lasting impression on me. 

Royal Caribbean shares loyalty matching with its two sister cruise line brands, and it means different perks if you sail on one or the other.

When you go from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity, you don't get your Crown and Anchor benefits. Instead, you get the equivalent status benefits in Captain's Club.

Royal Caribbean Group revamped its status matching to make it significantly better, and that's enabled me to try more cruises on both Silversea and Celebrity.

I wanted to share with you the best perks at each tier, biggest differences, and who benefits most from each program.

Loyalty program overview

Before we dive into each program, here's a quick look at what each cruise line offers its most loyal guests.

Tier breakdown

When you look at each cruise line's program, the best benefits are always at the top.

One other difference is Royal Caribbean typically includes more benefits in their program than the other cruise lines because the other cruise lines include more benefits in their base fare.

Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society

• Gold to Diamond
  • Benefits like priority check-in, onboard discounts, welcome events, free drinks in the Diamond Lounge.
• Diamond Plus & Pinnacle
  • Upgraded perks larger loyalty discounts, more drink vouchers, priority tendering, and suite lounge access (if eligible).
• Best Perk: Daily free drinks and access to exclusive lounges from Diamond level onward.

Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club

• Classic to Select
  • Discounts, onboard events, and priority check-in.
• Elite & Above
  • Complimentary laundry, private breakfast lounges, and cocktail hours.
• Zenith
  • Unlimited specialty dining, premium drinks, complimentary cruises for two.
• Best Perk: Unlimited specialty dining & premium drinks at Zenith level.

Silversea Cruises Venetian Society

There aren't exactly tiers with Venetian Society. There's one tier, but you earn Venetian Society days for the more you sail with them.

You get one Venetian Society day for each day you sail, regardless of the type of suite you're booked in.

• Member (after 1 voyage)
  • Invitations to member events, special offers.
• 100+ Days
  • 5% savings on future voyages.
• 250, 350, 500+ Days
  • Free voyage rewards, milestone recognition, enhanced onboard experiences.
• Best Perk: Free voyages at 350 and 500 days sailed.

How status matching works

Within Royal Caribbean Group, it's the easiest it's ever been to get equivalent status across each line.

Once you've earned status with one line, you can apply to have a status match with the others.

The key differences are the benefits between the programs are not identical and points earned on each cruise line are separate.

You can link your accounts through either the mobile app or the respective websites. Silversea doesn't have an app, so it's an online form to fill out.

Once it's processed, you'll instantly get the equivalent status. For example, a Diamond member in Crown & Anchor is automatically Elite in Captain’s Club.

It's a great advantage to be able to hop between cruise lines and have some level of recognition and benefits on your first sailing.

Key differences between the cruise loyalty programs

While each loyalty program is now potentially linked between each other, they aren't the same.

In my experience trying all three, it's clear each has its own approach to how loyalty benefits work and how it's best used. I was surprised how Silversea doesn't mention loyalty status at all on its Seapass card, but that's because it's not a focal point for their customers.

One major difference is how each line counts your points.

Royal Caribbean is one point per night, but you can earn more points per night if you're in a suite or cruising solo. Celebrity is similar, but points are earned based on cabin type and cruise length. Silversea is completely different and simply counts nights onboard and there are no tiers.

Another important difference is how each cruise line rewards their cruisers with perks.

Among these lines, Royal Caribbean includes the least with its cruise fare, so its loyalty program focuses on onboard perks, such as drinks, lounge access, and discounts. 

Celebrity Cruises is similar, but includes more emphasis on discounts for things that cost extra, such as photo packages or internet.

Silversea has all-inclusive fares, so their approach with the Venetian Society is to offer incentives to sail again. 

The top tier at each line is where you'll see some very impressive benefits.

You'll earn a free cruise after reaching any of them, and that's a substantial value before you dig into any of the additional perks.

The Zenith level in Celebrity has a free drink package, which was truly impressive to me when I tried them.

Crown and Anchor offers a blend of perks for suite guests and Pinnacle-only benefits that I always take advantage of when I sail.

A powerful way to enjoy freebies on any line

Ever since Royal Caribbean Group introduced their revamped status matching, I think it's enabled more cruisers to try the various lines.

While you don't earn points by sailing the lines interchangeably, it does allow you to take advantage of status with one line and extend it to the others.

I found it so much more approachable to try Celebrity and Silversea if I knew I'd be starting off already with some level of recognition to it. Cross-brand matching makes it easier to experiment with new cruise lines without starting from scratch.

As each line launches new ships, I think the status matching enables cruisers to try them out and get a sense of what's different and better.

The expansion of Royal Caribbean's highly successful Icon Class cruise ships continues with construction of its fourth ship underway.

A keel-laying ceremony was held earlier today at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The first building block was placed in the dry dock where the ship will take shape.

This marks the official start of construction, and it's as much a celebration as it is a milestone.

The cruise ship is on track to debut sometime in 2027.

Icon 4

There's no name for this ship yet, and we don't know what will make it different from the the other three ships in the class.

Icon 4 follows up on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, both of which are cruising now.  Legend of the Seas is the third Icon Class ship, and will start cruising in August 2026.

The reason a new Icon Class ship stands out is because of how impressive these cruise ships have become in the short period of time since their debut.

Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm spoke at the event, "Icon 4 is a very significant ship for both the shipyard and the entire partner network. With this ship, Meyer Turku is further strengthening its position as one of the world's leading cruise ship builders."

"Each luxury cruise ship of this size creates 13,000 person-years of employment, and we are constantly looking for new shipbuilders to join our team at various stages from design to implementation."

What does keel laying mean?

The ship's keel is the first block, and it is maritime tradition to commemorate this phase of a new ship construction. 

Another maritime tradition is to place the "lucky coins", which represent the shipyard and cruise line. 

For Icon 4's ceremony, coins were placed under the first steel block to bring good fortune and protection to the vessel.

Two ships at once

Construction of Icon 4 has now officially commenced while the third Icon Class ship is still under construction nearby.

Known as Legend of the Seas, this ship was put into water for the first time a few weeks ago at the end of August.

Having two cruise ships under construction at the same time is good business.  It allows Royal Caribbean to keep the flow of new ships, and attention for them, at the forefront of attention.

The same thing happened when Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas were being built.

What will Royal Caribbean name Icon 4?

While there's no word what the new ship will be named, there's plenty of speculation among cruise fans!

Royal Caribbean trademarks ship names with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, most of which never get used.

Examples of recent trademarks Royal Caribbean have made include:

• Happy of the Seas
• Fun of the Seas
• Idol of the Seas
• Love of the Seas
• Splendor of the Seas
• Nova of the Seas
• Titan of the Seas
• Sun of the Seas
• Marquee of the Seas
• Hero of the Seas
• Fantasia of the Seas

It's important to note there haven't been any recent ship name registrations, with the last batch coming in 2023.

For what it's worth, Legend of the Seas had her keel laid on October 11, 2024 and the name was revealed February 18, 2025. So perhaps we need to wait an additional 4 months before we know Icon 4's name.

What's next for Icon 4?

The fourth Icon class ship won't launch until 2027 and you can't book cruises yet for it.

Construction of the ship will continue for many months, with the ship's steel infrastructure being assembled to form the vessel.

The ship's keel is the first block, and other blocks will be joined together until the ship's primary structure is assembled.  Then more of the ship's features are added in, such as cabins, interior structures, and paneling.

The next milestone is to float it out, where its dry dock is filled with water to ensure it can float.  

After that, Icon 4 will continue construction work until it's ready for sea trials.  This is when the ship actually sails into the ocean under its own power to test all of its systems.  This is usually the last major step before delivery to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean will reveal the ship's name, home port, and sailings, and other important details in the months to come.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas is the latest ship in the cruise line's fleet to shift toward shorter Caribbean getaways. Now offering 3-night and 4-night cruises from Miami, Florida, Wonder of the Seas joins her sister ship, Utopia of the Seas, as the newest Oasis Class vessel sailing party-focused itineraries.

Last week, I set sail on Wonder of the Seas for the ship’s first 4-night cruise since debuting in 2022. Prior to this cruise, Wonder of the Seas has only been sailing 7-night itineraries. My best friend flew to Miami to join me on her first ever cruise! We were eager to see what the experience would be like, especially as Wonder of the Seas begins a new era of party cruises.

I’ll be honest: I’m not a huge partier. That’s not to say I don’t like to have fun, but I prefer spending my evenings attending the headliner production shows versus dancing in the nightclub into the late evening. Whenever I cruise with my 64-year-old parents, I’m often going to bed earlier than they are!

For this cruise, I challenged myself to attend the various parties offered onboard so I could review the entire party-centric experience. Many of the parties on the agenda were ones that I had never attended before, other than the classic Sailaway Party.

Whether you want to dance through the decades or rock a toga at the headphone disco, Wonder of the Seas had no shortage of parties. However, even with all of the parties, I never felt like the onboard crowd was out of control. After witnessing some crazy parties on rival Carnival Cruise Line, I was relieved to see a lively atmosphere without chaos.

During my Wonder of the Seas cruise, I attended five different parties to see how they compared. Here’s what each party was like, and which one was clearly better than the others!

1. Sailaway Party

Embarkation day is always exciting, as it’s the start of another cruise vacation! There’s no better way to kick off your cruise than a classic Sailaway Party on the pool deck. I’ve attended many of these parties throughout my years of cruising, so I was prepared for a crazy gathering as we sailed away from Miami.

We arrived shortly before the party started on the pool deck, right around 4:30 p.m. Many cruisers were already in the pool by the time the Sailaway Party started while others lined around the deck above the pool.

Unlike many cruise ships, Oasis Class vessels don’t have a traditional pool deck because of the open-air Central Park below. Instead, there are two pools split between the starboard and port sides. This layout limits the amount of open space for gathering, so most of the party action happens in the pools themselves.

We found chairs near the ship’s Royal Caribbean logo overlooking the two pools. This was a perfect spot, as it was slightly shaded without being too far from the action. The cruise director, live band, and activity staff members were across the deck and kept the party going.

To my surprise, the Sailaway Party felt relatively tame compared to others I’ve experienced. The crowd was excited and the music was plenty loud, but the overall energy seemed a bit lower than expected. Without much room to dance on the deck, perhaps people weren’t feeling the DJ music. I wasn’t looking for a crazy party like I’ve seen on Carnival cruises, so this Sailaway Party was lively, but laid-back. 

2. Bringing the Beat Back: A Party Through the Decades

On our first night onboard, we joined one of the sailing's first themed parties, held at 11:15 p.m. on Deck 5 in the Royal Promenade. After a hearty dinner at Chops Grille, the late start felt a little tough to rally for, but we did it!

This party was described as the following: “Bring the dance moves, the energy and the threads from your favorite decade — because we’re throwing it back tonight with a groove-tastic tour through the 70s, 80s and 90s. From shoulder pads to voguing, we can’t wait to turn back time.

As the evening began, we immediately noticed many party-goers had packed themed clothes for the occasion, with lots of 70s and 80s outfits onboard! Unfortunately, our suitcase space was tight, so we didn’t bring any costumes for this party.

When the party started at 11:15 p.m., the Royal Promenade was packed with people partying, singing, and dancing! The dancers and cruise director were leading the party on a small stage in front of Cafe Promenade. Others were watching from Deck 6, which overlooks the Royal Promenade, so it was a full house. 

Many of the party-goers were around my parents’ age, which makes sense considering the decades theme. In fact, my parents probably would have loved to attend this party with many of their favorite tunes playing! We didn’t stay too late, but the energy was high and it was a lot of fun to watch.

If you’re someone who wants to partake in the themed parties, be sure to check your Royal Caribbean app prior to embarkation. Most of the themed parties will be listed in the daily agendas, so you can pack accordingly. You can also check your email for communication directly from Royal Caribbean regarding the planned parties and themed nights.

3. Plunge Day Pool Party

One new-to-me party on the agenda was the Plunge Day Pool Party, which was scheduled to take place on the second day of our cruise. This event was held on the pool deck in the early afternoon during our sea day. 

The party was described as the following: “Party, chill, repeat — Vegas style! Our resident DJ brings vibes from The Strip poolside for a day party like no other. Get ready for surprise giveaways and get down to awesome throwback jams from every genre — while our crew uses water blasters to make it rain.”

Out of all the events, this was the one I couldn’t wait for, as the description promised plenty of fun. Since I’m not someone who loves to stay up late, a daytime party is more of my vibe! By the time I arrived for the Plunge Day Pool Party, both of the pools were full of people. Many already had a drink in hand for the event when the music started playing.

The cruise director hyped up the crowd, racing around the pool deck with a camera crew and spotlighting party-goers on the big screen. People were jumping around and dancing to the DJ's tunes - it was such a fun environment! I didn’t end up catching the water blasters or any of the surprise giveaways, but the music delivered on its promise with a mix of genres that kept the energy high on the pool deck. 

There were good vibes all around, and I enjoyed attending this event the most! If you love pool parties, this is one you won’t want to miss. Even if you can’t find a spot in the pool, hang around one of the chairs or loungers to soak in the fun. 

4. Royal Kappa Chi (Adults 18+)

Nothing screams party quite like a college frat house! This was another party that I hadn’t seen before on a Royal Caribbean cruise, so I made sure to attend and see what it was all about.

This fraternity-style gathering was described as the following: "School is in session. Gather up your crew for the ultimate collegiate party with Royal Kappa Chi. We’re talking late-night pong battles and the chance to reclaim the title of flip cup champions. It’s just like the good old days, only better — with DJ mashups and party vibes.”

The Royal Kappa Chi party was held on the final night of the cruise at 8:30 p.m. in The Attic, which is a versatile lounge space on Wonder of the Seas. There were tables set up across the venue with red solo cups, perfectly branded with Royal Caribbean’s “fraternity” logo.

The tables were set up for games of beer pong, although the cups were actually filled with water. Everyone at the party was playing beer pong when I arrived, although I’m sure you could play your favorite party game with the cups. The bar was also busy, and most of the attendees were hovering near this area. 

The music was definitely geared toward the college party vibes, which was fitting for the occasion. This was a popular party with the younger crowd, as I didn’t see many older folks attending this gathering. 

Considering the event is meant to be like a fraternity party, I wasn’t surprised by the attendance demographics. I just turned 30, and I was on the older side of guests attending this party. I would guess most attendees were in their early 20s and some looked like they were still in college. If you miss your college days, this party is for you!

5. Silent Toga Party (Adults 18+)

The Silent Toga Party was held on the final night of our cruise at 10:45 p.m. in the adults-only Solarium. This themed event first debuted on sister-ship Utopia of the Seas and was originally exclusive to that vessel. The party was clearly popular, leading Royal Caribbean to add the Silent Toga Party to Wonder of the Seas as well.

The party was described as the following: “Silent disco or toga party? It’s the best of both worlds. Put on your most chic Roman garb or grab a free toga, power up those headphones, and groove to your choice of Zeus-approved jams as three DJs deliver EDM, Latin, and pop hits.”

I normally love attending the silent disco, as it’s a family favorite, especially for my dad. But, to be honest, I wasn’t overly excited about this party taking place on the last night of the cruise.

The final evening is always a bit hectic with packing and preparing for disembarkation the next morning, especially if you need to have your suitcases packed and set out in the hallway. For that reason, I would have preferred the Silent Toga Party to be scheduled the night before.

However, I can see how others might enjoy having a lively send-off on the final night. Togas are provided at the event, so you don’t need to rip apart your bedsheet for the party. There was also someone from the activities staff helping everyone assemble their togas properly. 

Regardless of it being the final night, the Silent Toga Party was well-attended with everyone donning their bedsheet togas! The dance floor filled up quickly while I was there, and everyone was dancing the night away. 

The Plunge Day Pool Party was my favorite party during the entire cruise!

Looking back, I was surprised by how much fun I had attending all of the parties on Wonder of the Seas. While late-night parties aren’t usually my thing, I loved that the sailing featured plenty of different events so everyone could find something to enjoy.

Each party had its own personality, whether it was dancing through the decades in the Royal Promenade, reliving college days at Royal Kappa Chi, or sporting a toga for a silent disco send-off.

But the Plunge Day Pool Party was, without a doubt, my favorite party on the cruise!  As someone who doesn’t usually stay up late on cruises, I loved that this party was held during the day instead of late into the evening. The Plunge Day Pool Party was fun, energetic, and lively without being too crazy. The music amplified the experience, and it perfectly fit the pool party theme!

There’s no shortage of parties on Wonder of the Seas, but even if that’s not your scene, you’ll still find plenty to love about the cruise. From the jaw-dropping entertainment to the wide selection of specialty dining restaurants, onboard thrills, and activities, there is truly something for everyone.

Thank you for joining us for this a look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week. We had plenty to share, so let us jump right in!

Royal Caribbean cancelled more visits to Labadee for at least another six months.

The cruise line confirmed it will cancel all upcoming visits to its private destination in Haiti through April 2026.

Violence in the country has necessitated the change, as the pause in visits continues.

Royal Caribbean News

• Celebrity's river cruises sold out minutes after they opened for pre-booking
• Wonder of the Seas moves to short cruises: Here's what it's like on Royal Caribbean's new party destination
• Royal Caribbean is "evolving into a total travel company"
• Is the Royal Refreshment package worth it?
• 9 Things I Do Differently on Icon Class Cruise Ships
• I was wrong about Royal Caribbean’s Infinite Balcony room, but now I really like it
• Say goodbye to tube showers, here's the new cruise bathroom trend
• I spent $2,000 for 4 nights in a 156-square-foot inside cabin on the world's largest cruise ship

Royal Caribbean Blog Video: Star of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas: Which to choose?

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: Star of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas: Which to choose?

Royal Caribbean is handing out free perks to select guests

Check your email, because it looks like there are freebies being given out to certain cruisers.

Those lucky enough to get the email are getting a choice of three bonus perks, and I'd love to have any of them!

There's no discernable pattern to who's getting it, but you really should check your inbox.

Royal Caribbean to charge a fee for specialty dining no-shows

A new policy is in effect if you don't bother showing up to the reservation you made for dinner.

Royal Caribbean announced a new penalty to those that book a specialty restaurant and then miss their reservation, for any reason.

The cruise line is making the change to ensure the high-demand restaurants don't go to waste.

Royal Caribbean has a new genius drink package for its really long cruises

I love the new drink package Royal Caribbean is selling on select cruises, but there's a catch.

It's not available on all sailings. In fact, it's only available on certain double digit length cruises.

It offers the Refreshment package, plus a few alcoholic drinks too.

Tips for sailing on every Royal Caribbean ship class

There are 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and I've got a few tips for each one.

Every ship class has its own approach to the cruise, and I think knowing some of the best tricks can maximize the experience.

With these secrets, you can tackle your next cruise easier!

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 575th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt wonders when we'll get confirmation about the new Discovery Class ships.

The project hasn't been formally announced, but it seems like the worst kept secret and he's surprised it's still not ready to be revealed yet.

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

If I'm going on Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships, I'll instantly change my approach to how I cruise.

Sailing on an Icon Class ship is far from an ordinary cruise experience. When I boarded Icon of the Seas for the first time last year, I couldn’t believe just how much there was to see, do, eat, and experience aboard the ship. I soon realized that if I wanted to experience it all, I had to totally change my cruising style.

Whether that meant skipping traditional dining venues or staying onboard for a port day, there were a few strategies I used to experience the ship to the fullest.

Then, when I cruised on Star of the Seas last month, I took my lessons learned from Icon to make my second Icon Class experience even better.

After two Icon Class cruises, my main takeaway is that you want to have the right approach before you board. If you expect your cruise to offer the same experience as any other Royal Caribbean ship, you’re going to be surprised.

So, after sailing on both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, these are the 9 things I do differently whenever I’m onboard.

I skip the Main Dining Room and buffet

Food is (almost literally) around every corner on Icon Class ships. These vessels feature over 20 unique restaurants, the majority of which are included in your cruise fare.

The Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet are two classic restaurants found on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship. They’re usually a staple for me when I cruise, but I often skip these venues on Icon Class ships.

The buffet, for example, is a typical stop for cruisers on embarkation day. On Icon Class ships, however, I head to the AquaDome Market instead.

Related: AquaDome Market on Star of the Seas review

This food hall features five different stands, which serve up everything from Thai curry to arepas and brisket sandwiches. Here I can enjoy lunch with far fewer crowds and more unique options than you’ll find elsewhere onboard.

Likewise, I avoid the Main Dining Room for dinner on Icon Class ships. As an alternative, I might dine at a specialty restaurant, head back to the AquaDome Market, or grab an early dinner at El Loco Fresh.

One of my favorite dinner spots is the wine bar at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. Whereas the restaurant itself requires reservations and comes with a cover charge, the wine bar offers an à la carte menu on demand.

On my recent Star of the Seas cruise, I spent just $7 on a margherita pizza, and it was much tastier than the pizzas found at nearby Sorrento’s. Plus, I loved the ambiance of eating in the middle of the Royal Promenade. The wine bar provides a prime spot for people watching.

I’m not opposed to eating in the Main Dining Room or at the Windjammer on Icon Class ships, but I’m more likely to dine elsewhere.

I actually use the elevators

On most Royal Caribbean ships, I steer clear of the elevators.

Wait times can be long, and more often than not, it seems like the elevators stop at every single floor. So, unless I’m going up more than six or seven decks, I usually opt for the stairs instead.

On Icon Class ships, however, I always use the elevators.

The class is equipped with destination elevators, and this makes them much more efficient. With destination elevators, you select a deck number while you’re still in the elevator lobby. You’re then assigned a specific elevator number, and that elevator will bring you to your destination.

In my experience, the destination elevators on Icon Class ships are significantly quicker than regular elevators. Even on a ship with over 6,000 passengers, I rarely had to wait more than a minute for an elevator.

Once inside, it often went directly to my destination rather than stopping at every floor along the way.

I attend all of the signature shows

Production shows can be hit or miss on cruises, especially on older ships. Sometimes they lack storylines, and, after watching dozens of shows, I find they start to feel repetitive.

On new cruise ships, however, and especially on Icon Class ships, this is not the case.

While I might skip a theater show on a ship like Radiance of the Seas, I’ll never skip a signature performance on an Icon Class ship.

Related: Mastering your Icon of the Seas cruise with the best tips

Both Icon Class cruise ships feature Broadway musicals, and they are of extremely high quality. I laughed so hard during Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas that I wish I could have seen it again before I disembarked.

The ice-skating shows, too, are out-of-this-world. I thought I had seen all that an ice-skating show can offer, but the shows on Icon Class ships proved me wrong. Not only is the rink larger than that on other ships, but the digital projections transport the audience directly into the story.

Royal Caribbean puts a ton of effort into its entertainment on these ships, and it’s always well worth attending the shows.

I ride the slides at Category 6 Waterpark

Many Royal Caribbean cruise ships have waterslides, but few compare to those available on Icon Class ships.

Icon Class ships feature the Category 6 Waterpark, a dream for thrill seekers onboard a cruise ship. As the name implies, the waterpark has six slides, and they’re all totally unique.

There are two raft slides onboard: Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter. These slides accommodate up to 3 and 4 guests, respectively, at one time, and Storm Surge extends off the side of the ship for an even bigger thrill.

Then you’ll find Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea, along with Storm Chasers, which are two side-by-side mat-racing slides.

Related: Icon of the Seas vs. Star of the Seas: Which ship should you choose?

Finally, there’s Pressure Drop, where you can plummet at a 66-degree incline for a major adrenaline boost.

When I’m onboard Icon or Star of the Seas, I make sure to slide down the waterslides at least once. Although many other Royal Caribbean ships feature waterslides, I find the slides at Category 6 more intriguing. The raft slides in particular are extremely fun, and overall, I just love the variety of slides to choose from at the waterpark.

I’m more likely to skip a port day and stay onboard

On Icon Class ships, I treat my cruise ship itself as the destination rather than the places I visit.

Generally speaking, I am a destination-focused cruiser. I always search for itineraries that take me to unique ports around the world, whether a remote island in Vanuatu or a small town in Alaska.

Icon Class ships, however, don’t visit off-the-beaten-track cruise ports. Due to their size, the ships are somewhat restricted in port options. They typically visit common ports like Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, and St. Thomas.

Related: 7 reasons to avoid booking ships with a lot of ports

I can visit these ports on dozens of other ships, so I’m never hard-pressed to find things to do in port while sailing on an Icon Class ship.

Instead, I am likely to skip a port day and enjoy all of the amenities onboard instead (with far fewer guests onboard, might I add).

I watch the sunset from a pool

There’s nothing quite like a sunset at sea, and something I do differently on Icon Class ships is watch the sunset from one of the many pools onboard.

Icon Class ships feature seven swimming pools, and each offers a distinct atmosphere. There’s the Swim & Tonic pool for party vibes, the Water’s Edge pool for younger cruisers, and the Royal Bay pool for a more traditional pool experience.

For sunset, though, none compare to the pool found at The Hideaway, the adults-only neighborhood on Icon Class ships.

Related: Daybed review at The Hideaway on Icon of the Seas

This neighborhood features an infinity pool right at the ship’s aft, providing absolutely stellar views of the ocean. Whenever the sun sets along the aft of the ship, I make sure to put on a swimsuit and watch the scenery from the Hideaway Pool. It’s truly a sight to see.

If the sun is setting in another direction, I’ll head to either the Cove Pool or Cloud 17 Pool, as these pools jet up directly to the side of the ship.

I skip classic Royal Caribbean bars for newer venues

It’s almost unfathomable how Royal Caribbean could pack Icon Class cruise ships with so many things to do.

Not only will you find Royal Caribbean's classic bars like Schooner Bar, Boleros, and the English-style pub onboard, but you’ll also find a variety of new concepts for the line.

Whenever I cruise on Icon Class ships, I find myself skipping the classic venues in favor of Icon-specific bars and lounges.

For example, I might skip live music at the pub in favor of the jazz band at Lou’s Jazz n’ Blues. Or, instead of listening to live piano music at the Schooner Bar, I’ll opt for a show at Dueling Pianos.

There’s nothing wrong with the classic Royal Caribbean entertainment venues, but I love how many more choices are available on Icon Class ships.

I enjoy my morning coffee with a view

One thing I especially like about Icon Class cruise ships is having access to ocean views. It seems like you can see the ocean from everywhere onboard, whether from the Royal Promenade, Surfside Neighborhood, or even from Central Park.

When cruising on Icon or Star of the Seas, I always start my morning with an iced coffee. There are several spots to grab specialty coffees on Icon Class ships, including Starbucks, Pearl Café, and the Rye & Bean.

Related: Royal Caribbean coffee card review

Regardless of where I grab my coffee, I make sure to enjoy my coffee with an ocean view.

If I order from Pearl Café, I’ll relax in front of the café’s massive, five-deck-high windows. If I grab a shaken espresso from Starbucks, I’ll sip it outdoors on the Promenade Deck. Lastly, if I order my coffee from Rye & Bean, it’s hard to beat the spectacular views from the AquaDome.

When I cruise on other ships, I miss having these sweeping ocean views in every direction.

I end my evenings with freshly-made crêpes

I might start my mornings with a coffee on Icon Class ships, but I’ll always end the day with a crêpe.

One benefit of cruising on Icon Class ships is the selection of late-night food options. On most other Royal Caribbean ships, food after 9PM is limited to pizza from Sorrento’s or small snacks from Cafe Promenade.

Fortunately, Icon Class ships have a lot more choices.

The AquaDome Market is open until midnight, which means passengers can choose between savory bites like empanadas or sweet treats like a scrumptious, freshly-filled crêpe.

Crème de la Crêpe features four crêpes on their menu, but you can also customize your order to your liking.

For research purposes, I’ve tested all four crêpes, but my favorite is the hazelnut and bananas option. The gooey, chewy crêpe dough mixed with sweet hazelnut sauce and perfectly ripe bananas is unbeatable.

No matter how many other desserts I’ve had throughout the day, I never miss a nightly crêpe at the AquaDome Market.

There are more cruises that won't visit Royal Caribbean's private destination in Haiti.

The cruise line informed travel agents their ships will not make any scheduled visits to Labadee until at least May 2026.

It's a cruise line private destination operated by Royal Caribbean. The resort area is guarded by a private security force.

In emails sent to travel agents and guests, the change was made "in an abundance of caution" according to the cruise line:

"We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we're cancelling our visits to Labadee through April 2026."

Guests that purchased shore excursions in Labadee will be refunded the value to their SeaPass Account as an onboard credit.

The letter goes onto say, "We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change."

Here's a list of the cancelled visits and what will be replaced with each instead: 

• Adventure of the Seas:
  • November 22 and December 6
    • We'll now enjoy a Sea Day instead of visiting Labadee. Additionally, we'll arrive in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 AM instead of 7:00 AM and depart at 5:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM.
  • December 20
    • We'll now enjoy a full day in Nassau, Bahamas, instead of visiting Labadee. Additionally, we'll arrive in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 AM instead of 9:30 AM and depart at 5:00 PM instead of 5:30 PM.

• Explorer of the Seas:
  • November 10
    • We've had to adjust the time we'll arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay. We'll now arrive at 7:00 AM instead of 8:30 AM, giving you even more time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer! While we won't be visiting Labadee during this sailing, we'll now enjoy a day at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead.
  • December 22
    • We'll now enjoy our Sea Day on Day 4, and visit Nassau, Bahamas, on Day 5, instead of our visit to Labadee.

• Freedom of the Seas:
  • November 1, November 6, November 20, and December 4
    • We'll now visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead of our visit to Labadee.
  • November 15 and December 18
    • We'll now visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, instead of our visit to Labadee.
  • November 29
    • We'll now visit George Town, Grand Cayman* instead of our visit to Labadee. Kindly note, we have also shifted the times we'll visit Nassau, Bahamas. While we'll lose no time in port, we'll now arrive at 7:00 AM instead of 8:00 AM and depart at 3:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM.
  • December 13 and December 22
    • We'll now visit Falmouth, Jamaica, instead of our visit to Labadee.

• Independence of the Seas:
  • December 7
    • We'll now enjoy a Sea Day instead! Additionally, we'll arrive in Falmouth, Jamaica, at 8:00 AM instead of 7:00 AM and depart at 5:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM.

• Jewel of the Seas:
  • October 31
    • We'll now visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, instead of our visit to Labadee.

• Oasis of the Seas:
  • November 9, November 23, and December 7
    • We're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day. Additionally, we have adjusted the times in which we'll visit Falmouth, Jamaica, giving you some extra time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer!
  • December 21
    • We'll now visit Cozumel, Mexico, instead of our visit to Labadee, Haiti.

• Symphony of the Seas:
  • November 16, November 30, December 14, and December 28
    • We're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day. Additionally, we have adjusted the times in which we'll visit Falmouth, Jamaica and Nassau, Bahamas. Not to worry, you'll still have plenty of time to enjoy everything these beautiful destinations have to offer!

This is an extension of cancelled calls to the port that began earlier this year.  Previously, the cancellations had gone through October 2025, but a new round of changes were announced today.

Royal Caribbean last visited Labadee in the first quarter of 2025, after pausing calls to the destination in March 2024 and suspended all visits until October 2024.

Gang violence escalated in Haiti last year, and it has been under a state of emergency since March 2024. The U.S. State Department currently designated the country as a Level 4 "Do not travel" warning.

"Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti,” the advisory reads. “They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason."

No other cruise lines sail to Haiti.

More cancelled visits to Labadee could be coming

Royal Caribbean doesn't know what the future will hold for other visits, so it's a "wait and see" approach.

Political and civil strife in Haiti is not new, and the travel warnings have been in places for many years. 

Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach area, is a walled-off, exclusive beach on a peninsula in northern Haiti.

It's located 130 miles north of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Why Royal Caribbean is continuing to skip Labadee

Haiti is experiencing gang violence that is targeting the country's government.

Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. They now control 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their activities, including looting, kidnapping, sexual assaults and rape, into the countryside. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination.

The first Kenyans arrived in Haiti in June 2024 and the force was supposed to have 2,500 troops. That Kenyan force has had issues with lack of funding and its current strength is below 1,000.

This week, the United States and Panama are proposing to replace the force with a “gang-suppression force” with a maximum of 5,550 uniformed personnel. 

The force would have arrest and detention powers and more military-grade capabilities and lethal equipment.

If you're on a long cruise, you might have access to a new Royal Caribbean drink package that seems to be the perfect middle ground for lots of cruisers.

There are drink packages to buy on any Royal Caribbean cruise, and they offer unlimited drinks for the entire duration of the sailing.

For a lot of people, having unlimited drinks is the perfect solution for a enjoyable vacation without worrying about running up a big bar bill.

But there are cruisers who want to enjoy some drinks, but find paying for an unlimited drink package is overkill for their needs.

Now there's a new option that seems to cater to that crowd, but there's a catch.

Refreshment + 10 Drinks package

Over the last week, cruisers have started posting screenshots of a new drink package option.

Known as Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package, it combines the Royal Refreshment package and 10 individual alcoholic beverages.

The Royal Refreshment Package is a non-alcoholic beverage package that pretty much includes every drink available on the ship that doesn't have any booze in it.

This includes:

• Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine beverages
• Can and fountain soda
• Bottled still water, sparkling water, and CocoLove coconut water
• Fresh-squeezed juices
• Smoothies and protein shakes
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Johnny Rockets® Shakes and Desserted Soda Floats
• Non-alcoholic spirits, wines and beers (only available to guests of legal drinking age)
• Frozen drinks (Non-alcoholic pina colada, etc.)

On top of that, this new package has 10 alcoholic beverages of your choice you can order throughout the duration of the cruise. It's not 10 drinks per day, simply 10 drinks total.

Royal Caribbean says, "this is the package for ultimate flexibility".

The onboard price of a Royal Refreshment package is usually $32 to $42 per person, per day. A cocktail usually costs between $10 - $14 each. Pre-cruise sales have had the Refreshment package as low as $29.99 per person, per day.

Prices for the Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package have been spotted at $36.99 per person, per day when purchased online.

An important rule to be aware of is the cruise line does seem to require all adults in the same cabin to be required to purchase it if one does, which is a rule found with the unlimited alcohol package.

There's a catch who can buy it

Before you run out to book the Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package on every sailing you have booked, you should know it's only available on select sailings.

Based on what cruisers have shared from their bookings, it's clear Royal Caribbean is only offering it on long sailings that exceed a week.

Most people are reporting it available on transatlantic, Panama Canal crossings, and other cruises that go well past 10 days.

As far as I can tell, it's not available on cruises that are a week or less.  Or at least the people on them haven't shared any details of it yet.

Addressing a need cruisers have

In my opinion, it looks as though Royal Caribbean wants to satisfy a customer need on these types of sailings.

Long cruises that are more than a week are less likely to sell a full unlimited alcohol drink package because it's difficult to drink enough every day of the sailing to make it worthwhile.

I refer to this phenomenon as "drink package fatigue", where the novelty of having unlimited drinks runs out, and it seems almost like a chore to order drinks simply because you have the package.

The other factor is a drink package over 10 or more nights is going to have a high up front cost.

Even with pre-cruise sales, a cruise that is two weeks or more could have the Deluxe Beverage Package easily cost more than $1,000 per person.

Shifting drinking habits

I believe this particular drink package has more to do with bumping up drink package sales than anything else, but there's another factor at play.

Royal Caribbean is seeing a shifting demographic of younger cruisers going on ships. Half of Royal Caribbean cruisers are now Millennials or younger.

One trend among Millennials and Gen Z is more of them prefer non-alcoholic beverages than previous generations.

A recent study showed 23% of Gen Z and 24% of Millennials have tried these drinks more frequently than other generations.

Royal Caribbean has seen this trend and is already adopting to it.

They recently revamped their fleetwide drink menu, adding far more mocktails to it than ever before.

There are multiple pages of low-alcohol and zero-proof drinks to choose from.

The Royal Caribbean cruise experience is evolving, and it's moving well past simply sailing on a cruise ship.

Wall Street analysts, Cleveland Research Company, published comments on the trajectory of Royal Caribbean Group after a meeting with the cruise giant's investor relations. They see Royal Caribbean Group in the middle of a transition from cruise ships to total vacation.

"Over the past few years, Royal has essentially transformed the cruise industry into something more than just a cruise," the report starts out by saying.  And that's primarily because of its focus on land-based destinations it's cultivating.

Cruise lines have had private islands for decades, but the difference is how Royal Caribbean is going beyond offering a secluded beach.  There is a major shift in the scale, scope, and type of experience being offered that rivals even going on the ship.

"Evolving into a total travel company"

The analysis by CRC says Royal Caribbean is "evolving into a total travel company" instead of just being a cruise line.

It's a very rosy picture for the cruise giant, as they're seen as a market leader in what they're doing and how it's translated into sales.

"Royal’s lean into these islands is now something that all peers are attempting to emulate," the report says.

Here's how the numbers break down:

• About 9 million passengers will sail with Royal Caribbean
  • 4 million will stop at a private island
• In 2019, only 1.6 million people visited a private island with Royal Caribbean
  • 0.9 million people visited CocoCay in 2019 vs 3.5 million people in 2025

That's a major shift because of the growth in popularity of Perfect Day at CocoCay. As of now, Eastern Caribbean sailings account for 65-70% of the Caribbean sailings overall because so many ships call on CocoCay (as well as the island being so close to Florida).

Royal Caribbean indicated that number "should look much more balanced" when Perfect Day Mexico opens in 2027.

Bigger than the Magic Kingdom

Perfect Day Mexico is more than a counterbalance to CocoCay, it's set to be the new golden standard for what a vacation day will look like.

Opening in late 2027, the second Perfect Day is going to be massive. The footprint is over 200 acres, which is bigger than the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and double the size of CocoCay.

The CRC report claims once it's fully operational, over 5 million passengers will visit it per year.

It also means more ships can visit the "underserved" Western Caribbean market, benefiting ships that homeport in Galveston, Tampa or New Orleans.

Beach clubs solve a cruise ship passenger problem

According to Royal Caribbean, today passengers typically don’t get off the ship in places like Cozumel or Nassau, but they think their beach club product will solve for that.

In addition to the Perfect Day spots, two new beach clubs will open too.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau will open in December 2025 and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in late 2026.

Unlike CocoCay, these are extra-cost admission areas owned and operated by Royal Caribbean that seek to offer the ultimate beach day.

CRC thinks over 1 million people could buy passes to each annually, and they believe the price will average upwards of $200 per person.

Building out private beaches means there could be certain itineraries where a ship visits three different ports that feature a Royal Caribbean private enclave.

By 2028, 90% of passengers sailing in the Caribbean will visit a private destination run by the cruise line. That number is 60% today.

River cruises are a smash hit

Earlier this week, Celebrity Cruises opened pre-bookings for its first river cruises, and deposits sold out within minutes.

CRC notes the river boat design draws clear inspiration from the Edge Class ships.

Stateroom categories include River View, Infinite Veranda, Veranda, and two suite classes: the Skylight Suite and Vista Suite. 

Included in the ticket fare is one shore excursion per day, dining, select wine and beer (option to upgrade), and internet access.

Suite guests receive butler service, exclusive dining access, daily cocktail hours, and laundry service once per sailing.

The first sailings will be 7-night sailings along the Danube and Rhine rivers, which CRC says account for the majority of European river cruise capacity. 

I just cruised on Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest ship, but I booked the cheapest and tiniest cabin onboard.

Star of the Seas is the latest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, and I couldn’t wait to get onboard myself to experience the best that the cruise line has to offer. With sky-high prices, however, I chose to book the most basic cabin available.

I sailed in an interior cabin for my 4-night cruise to The Bahamas. This meant my cabin had no windows or natural light, and it was exceptionally compact.

Nonetheless, I was willing to sail in the cheapest room if it meant I could sail on a ship as exciting as Star of the Seas. And while my cabin wasn’t perfect, it offered everything I needed for my time onboard.

Let’s take a look inside my interior cabin on Star of the Seas.

My interior cabin cost $2,210 for two adults, or $552 per night on my 4-night cruise

Star of the Seas is shiny and new, and prices certainly reflect that.

For my 4-night cruise, I reserved an interior guarantee cabin for $2,210 total. The guarantee rate meant I could not choose my cabin location within the ship, and it would be assigned to me at a later date.

Related: 4 signs an inside cruise cabin is what you need

The price included my cruise fare, taxes, port fees, and gratuities for two adults.

At $552 per night (or $276 per person, per night), it was far from the cheapest cruise offered by Royal Caribbean. Yet despite the high price, I was excited to sail on the newest and biggest cruise ship in the world.

A 4-night cruise is not a typical length for sailings on Star of the Seas. Although the ship offered a few short sailings immediately following her launch, she currently sails 7-night cruises.

So, if you’re booking a 7-night cruise on the vessel, you should expect to spend around $4,000 or more for an interior cabin.

At 156 square feet, the cabin was small, but it still had modern features

I booked the smallest, most basic cabin on Star of the Seas, so I wasn’t expecting anything close to luxurious. At just over 150 square feet, my cabin was anything but spacious, but it still provided all the essentials.

The cabin featured a bed, a vanity, a small armchair, a wardrobe, and a private bathroom.

The majority of the room was taken up by the bed. In general, interior cabins are meant for sleeping, showering, and changing. With so much to do elsewhere onboard, most guests staying in these basic rooms will spend little time in their cabin.

There were nightstands on each side of the bed, but a USB charging port was only available on one side.

Related: 30 cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

The cabin’s TV was on the wall near the foot of the bed, along with four small shelves. These shelves are tiny, but they’re ideal for storing items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and other pocket-sized items.

A USB charging port is also located on one of the shelves.

In the “living room” of the cabin, you’ll find a desk/vanity, armchair, and the wardrobe. The desk had several outlets and USB options for charging electronics.

Overall, the cabin was nothing fancy, but it included everything I needed for my time onboard Star of the Seas. The modern color scheme and decor exuded a calm, relaxing atmosphere, which made the cabin an ideal place to rest on an otherwise busy cruise ship.

I didn’t love the storage options, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker

If my cabin had a fault, it was in its storage options.

I’ve stayed in over a dozen interior cabins, and storage options vary significantly from ship to ship. As a general rule of thumb, cabins on older ships have fewer storage options than those on newer ships.

This was not the case on Star of the Seas, though. I was disappointed in the amount of storage in my interior cabin, and I found it challenging to properly unpack my belongings.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

Typically, cruise cabin wardrobes feature both shelves and space for hanging clothes. My cabin on Star only had hanging space, but I would have found shelving more useful.

In addition, the closet featured pull-out baskets instead of drawers.

I actually grew to like this feature, as it allowed me to completely pull out the basket when necessary. Even so, I think that traditional drawers are more practical.

My vanity, too, lacked storage. Most new ships provide significant storage space in the vanity. On Utopia of the Seas, for example, the vanities feature five drawers in addition to a mini fridge. My cabin on Star of the Seas had just two narrow drawers with an awkward, diagonal configuration.

Compared to a ship like Odyssey of the Seas, which has cabins with an overabundance of storage options, I felt like my Star of the Seas cabin fell flat in this regard.

Related: Odyssey of the Seas interior cabin tour

Ultimately, the storage wasn’t a dealbreaker, and it wouldn’t keep me from sailing on the ship again. Next time, though, I’d pack items like magnetic hooks and an over-the-door shoe organizer to keep my belongings better organized.

I appreciated the bathroom’s layout and spacious shower

One area where my Star of the Seas interior cabin shined was in the bathroom.

I was impressed with the layout of the bathroom, which featured a larger-than-average shower. The shower had a small seat, and it was rectangular in shape, providing extra room in comparison to showers on older ships.

Storage was impressive as well, with shelves behind the toilet, inside the vanity, and above the vanity near the mirror.

It’s clear Royal Caribbean put a lot of thought into the bathroom design for Icon Class ships, and they’re a major upgrade from those found on other vessels.

On a future cruise, I would choose a different cabin location

I booked a guarantee rate for this cruise, so I couldn’t choose my exact stateroom location. Although this saved me money, I ended up regretting my decision during the cruise.

I was assigned cabin 14345, and there were two issues with its location.

First, it was at the very aft of the ship. On a cruise ship as big as Star of the Seas, distances from place to place can be substantial. After a while, walking all the way down the hallway felt cumbersome. I much prefer staying in a midship cabin for quicker access to all of the amenities around the ship.

Related: Royal Caribbean cabins to avoid

Second, my cabin was located directly below the bar at The Hideaway, the adults-only pool neighborhood on Star of the Seas.

 Throughout the evening and into the night, live music blasted right above my cabin, and I had trouble sleeping with heavy bass vibrating through the ceiling.

Booking a guarantee cabin is always a risk, as you’re essentially given whichever cabins are left over from the booking process.

Until this point, I’ve had good luck with guarantee rooms, but in this case, I wish I had spent a little more money to pick a better location.

With so much to do onboard, I barely spent any time in my cabin

Despite a few faults with my interior cabin on Star of the Seas, I would book it again. It wasn’t the most spacious interior cabin I’ve stayed in on a Royal Caribbean ship, but it was cozy enough for my time onboard.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships have a hefty price tag, and realistically, I’ll always try to save money by cruising in the cheapest room possible. At the end of the day, I’d rather sail in an inside cabin on an Icon Class ship than in a balcony cabin on an older and smaller ship.

Related: Icon of the Seas vs. Star of the Seas: Which ship should you choose?

It’s hard to put into words just how much you can see, do, eat, and experience on Star of the Seas. Throughout my four days onboard, I spent little time in my cabin aside from sleeping.

Instead of lounging around my tiny stateroom, I spent my time attending shows, riding the waterslides, and hopping from pool to pool during sunset. One day during my cruise, in fact, I left my cabin for breakfast and didn’t return until it was time to get ready for dinner!

In the end, there’s nothing wrong with booking the smallest, cheapest room on a cruise ship as long as you have the right expectations.