Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean wrapped up its President's Cruise, and it's the ultimate pilgrimage for cruise fans.

The idea is simple: go on a cruise with lots of other Royal Caribbean super fans that's hosted by the CEO and plenty of other executives.

This year, it was held on Utopia of the Seas and it's the 8th time Royal Caribbean has hosted. Each year has been on a different ship, with a different vibe, and different destination.

I had never been on one before, but decided to try it out this year to see what it's all about.

Made for, and by, fans

A President's Cruise is a regular sailing that has all sorts of special events added to enhance it. 

Each year there is a mix of returning favorites and all new ideas. 

In fact, some of the events incorporate the fans right into them. There are cooking competitions, trivia events, and game shows that all seek to bring cruisers together.  In some cases, Royal Caribbean's top executives are right there too.

During a cook off event, Royal Caribbean Vice President Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, went head-to-head with other chefs on the ship as well as two kids picked from the audience to participate.

Over at Hideaway Beach, Michael Bayley had his bathing suit on and hung out with guests at the swim-up bar while also happily taking full advantage of his champagne gun.

There was even an exclusive tour offered to Pinnacle Club members by boat of the new Hideaway Beach area.

The more events I attended, the more it became clear it was a means to hang out with other super fans.

Michael Bayley is front and center

You might think the CEO of a company might be there purely in name, but Michael Bayley is out and about every day.

He hosted a number of events and attended even more.  In fact, he would roam the public areas of the ship to meet people.

I can only imagine the sorts of comments, complaints, and questions he received during our short 4-night voyage, but he was there to say hello and listen to what cruisers had to say.

The pinnacle of these events is the Common Ground event, where he sits alone on a stage taking questions from the audience.

There's no filter, and no pre-screening.  Guests are given a mic and they say whatever they're brave enough to say out loud to him.

To his credit, he took every question in stride.  His style is to infuse humor into his responses whenever possible, and it helped keep things interesting and entertaining at the same time.

Later, he hosted a whimsical look back at Royal Caribbean's history with Director, Entertainment & Guest Activities, Ken Rush.  Royal Caribbean's top cruiser, "Super Mario" jumped in from time to time with trivia questions to challenge them.

For a lot of cruisers, meeting the CEO of a cruise line and being able to share their own thoughts and vision is an incredible opportunity. 

I found it gratifying as a cruiser the name "President's Cruise" isn't just a name. It's a commitment that the line President and CEO is part of it all.

Special events and entertainment

It seems people that have gone to a few President's Cruises always look to see what special offerings there will be.

This year, Royal Caribbean wanted to mix up the entertainment to lean into both old-school hits and new school heat. So they brought on celebrity performers Rev Run and DJ Ruckus.

I know Rev Run from being a part of Run-DMC, and they hosted different parties around the ship. The sailaway party, in particular, was my favorite and really had the crowd going.

Here are some of the other special events to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Neon Glow Party
• Bold Baha Bash Festival
• Ultra Caribbean Night
• Fireworks at CocoCay
• Beach parties and premium takeovers around CocoCay
• Utopia Crew & Guest Talent Show

Unfortunately a thunderstorm cancelled a drone show that was scheduled for Nassau, but everything else went off as planned.

I loved the cooking demo, Q&A events, and the special parties for this cruise.

Each President's Cruise has a different line-up, but I think you get the idea there are special activities and thing so to do that wouldn't ever be available otherwise onboard.

The fans are the reason to try it

I won't deny it's so cool to see all of the cruise line's top brass in one place, but I think the people you meet are the reason to go on a President's Cruise.

If you're the type of person that loves cruising on Royal Caribbean, then think of the President's Cruise as like a high school reunion experience.

It's a way to see familiar faces, meet new friends, and hang out with lots of other people who "get it".

While this is a regular sailing with plenty of new cruisers are likely blissfully unaware of what's happening, all of the events Royal Caribbean puts together for the President's Cruise provides ample opportunity to go to these events where likely everyone there are big cruise fans.

I had the chance to not only see friends I've cruised with in the past, but also meet so many people who love to cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Many have done these sailings before, and I loved hearing their perspective on the this year and what to look for and do.

After a day or two, I found the cruisers onboard were the real highlight of the event.

Entitlement fears were overblown

I'll be honest, I had some trepidation about attending a President's Cruise because I thought there might be a lot of complainers ruining the mood.

There are always a lot of top tier members on these cruises, but not all of them are as extinctic as I am. There's nothing wrong with questioning the direction or choices of the cruise line, but I did have concerns it might be too much.  

I really did not experience much, if any, negativity or elitism that I thought might be an issue.

Granted, I didn't hang out in the Crown Lounge or Suite Lounge where there might have been a high concentration of Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus members, but I got around and met a lot of people.

I found most cruisers were quite warm, and the vibe was generally quite good.  

In fact, it seemed to me people talk a big game on social media, but in person, it's a totally different approach.  

There were complaints about the musical selection, short itinerary, and the amount of swag being given away. But I never got that feeling of "I gotta get out of there, it's too negative".

A short sailing this year, but more next year

This was my first President's Cruise, but I heard from some people that have done many before that the nature of holding it on a 4-night cruise left them feeling disappointed.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean is jumping back to a longer model in 2026.  Plans were revealed for next year's President's Cruise to be held on Icon of the Seas for a 7-night cruise.

Since I had nothing to compare it to, it didn't bother me at all it was just four nights. In fact, it provided a great way to dip my toe into the water.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this year's President's Cruise, but when they announced next year's date, I texted my travel agent to book me.

Ultimately, it's a celebration of the thing so many people that read this site probably have in common: a love for cruising with Royal Caribbean.  And the cruise line definitely puts in maximum effort to deliver something truly special that caters to their wants.

More than 70 people got sick in a gastrointestinal illness outbreak during a cruise on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. 

Among the 1,874 guests aboard the ship, 71 reported being ill during a cruise that will end on October 2, 2025, along with one crew member, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The outbreak was reported to the CDC on Sept. 28, 2025. 3.79% of passengers and 0.11% of crew members reported gastrointestinal issues. The predominant symptoms of the infected individuals were vomiting and diarrhea.

The CDC listed the causative agent as norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through contaminated water, food, and surfaces.

Consequently, the cruise line implemented heightened cleaning and sanitation measures onboard, including:

• Increased cleaning and disinfection
• Collecting stool specimens from gastrointestinal illness cases for testing
• Isolating ill passengers and crew
• Consulting with the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) regarding sanitation procedures and illness reporting.

"The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority," Royal Caribbean Group told USA TODAY. 

"To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines."

Serenade of the Seas is currently on a 13-night voyage one-way from San Diego, California, to Miami, Florida. 

Cruise ship GI illness outbreaks now surpass reported cases in 2024

The norovirus outbreak on Serenade of the Seas is the 19th gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a cruise in 2025. Comparatively, 18 cases met the CDC's threshold for public notification in 2024.

The following cruise ships have reported outbreaks in 2025, along with the causative agent:

• Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud Spirit — January 4-10, 2025 (Ciguatera, presumed)
• Silversea Cruises: Silver Ray — January 4-20, 2025 (E. coli)
• Holland America Line: Volendam — January 4-25, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking Mars — January 10-24, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Princess Cruises: Coral Princess — January 20-February 5, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Royal Caribbean International: Radiance of the Seas — February 1-8, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Holland America Line: Rotterdam — February 2-14, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Holland America Line: Eurodam — February 19-March 1, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Princess Cruises: Coral Princess — February 21-March 9, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Holland America Line: Rotterdam — March 7-16, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Cunard Line: Queen Mary 2 — March 8-April 6, 2026 (Norovirus)
• Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn Encore — March 16-April 9, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Viking Expedition: Viking Polars — April 11-23, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Linblad Expeditions: National Geographic Sea Lion — April 15-29, 2025 (Unknown)
• Holland America Line: Zuiderdam — January 4-May 9, 2025 (Unknown)
• Holland America Line: Eurodam —April 12-May 5, 2025 (Unknown)
• Regent Seven Seas: Seven Seas Explorer — April 26-May 14, 2025 (Unknown)
• Royal Caribbean International: Navigator of the Seas — July 4-11, 2025 (Norovirus)
• Royal Caribbean International: Serenade of the Seas — September 19-October 2, 2025 (Norovirus)

Last year, most outbreaks were attributed to norovirus (15 out of 18). However, E. coli and Salmonella were also identified on cruise ships.

Although cruises often get a bad reputation for norovirus outbreaks, the CDC claims that ships are only responsible for about 1% of reported norovirus outbreaks. The highly contagious virus can also spread in confined spaces like camps, hotels, and college dorms. 

Read more: Cruise ships suffer worst year for stomach bugs in over a decade. Here's what I'm doing to stay healthy

Norovirus outbreaks are also on the rise across the United States

According to the CDC, norovirus cases increased throughout the 2024-2025 season, which lasted from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. 

During that time frame, 2,675 norovirus outbreaks were reported by NoroSTAT-participating states. There were 1,478 norovirus outbreaks reported by the same states throughout the previous seasonal period. 

How to protect yourself from norovirus on a cruise ship

While onboard, you should follow all recommended health precautions, such as washing your hands before entering the buffet and after using the restroom. 

It's also smart to limit your time in the crowded cruise ship buffet. Even if you thoroughly wash your hands before entering, it is hard to maintain strict hygiene standards with the high volume of guests coming and going.

Next, consider taking the stairs more often than the elevators. With hundreds (if not thousands) of passengers on a cruise ship, elevators typically feel cramped and hot. On the other hand, stairwells are quieter and reduce your time in extra-confined spaces. 

The government will go into a shutdown effective Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. if Democrats and Republicans can't come to an agreement on federal funding.

Essentially, the two parties can't agree on spending levels and which programs to fund or restore, especially around health care, in the bill.

Should the government shut down, most federal agencies would halt non-essential work, and many government employees would be furloughed. 

Although essential federal workers — like air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents — would remain on the job (albeit without pay), the government shutdown could still impact your upcoming cruise. 

How would the government shutdown affect cruises?

Based on previous government shutdowns, federal agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Coast Guard, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the TSA remain operational since they're essential. 

Additionally, port employees are considered essential, so there would likely be minimal disruptions to the cruises themselves. However, they would be working without pay during the shutdown. Instead, they'd get back pay once the funds are available.  

Although short-term operations wouldn't be impacted too much, the issue is the long-term strain, as hiring and training activities are typically paused during a shutdown. 

Will the shutdown impact air travel?

There isn't a concern about whether planes will fly (they will). The bigger issue is how smoothly airports function during a government shutdown. 

The TSA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are essential services, so air traffic controllers and security screeners will continue to work — but without pay. That said, fliers could still feel the effects if the shutdown drags on and agents begin calling out of work in protest. 

In 2019, for example, TSA agents and FAA controllers began skipping work after two weeks of no pay. As such, it's not uncommon to see longer lines at airport security and more flight delays than usual, especially at major hubs. 

"The truth is, most people won't really feel much of a difference," Maya MacGuineas, the president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, told CBS News. 

"If you've got a vacation planned to a National Park, you're going to be [upset] and disappointed. But most people will go on with their everyday lives and interact with the government the same way they do, and not feel a big difference. That could get worse, the longer it lasts."

Can I renew my passport for my cruise during a shutdown?

TSA PreCheck, visa, and passport operations are fee-funded and not normally impacted by a shutdown. 

However, passport applications may be delayed, so you should not wait until the last minute to renew or apply for one. If a passport office is in a building run by a different shuttered agency, it could close, too. 

Global Entry is a different story. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, Global Entry appointments at a few enrollment centers were randomly cancelled with no rescheduled date available. 

Should I cancel my upcoming travel plans?

No, you should not cancel your cruise if the government shuts down on Oct. 1. That said, you should be extra patient, especially if you're flying to the cruise port. 

If cruise ports and airports are understaffed, check-in and security could take longer to clear. Additionally, it could take more time for the cruise ship to be cleared before guests can begin disembarking. 

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Don Goldstein noted that during a previous government shutdown, he was stuck on board when the ship returned to Florida:

"[We] came into port after a cruise, Port Everglades, I think, and it took us about 4 hours to get off the ship due to lack of ICE staffing at the port."

Because of this, it is crucial that you remain flexible and don't book the earliest flight home (you shouldn't do this regardless). 

If you cannot get off as early as you thought, don't panic; contact your airline or travel provider as soon as possible. They will help rebook you on the next available flight. 

Additionally, you should not fly to your cruise port on the day of embarkation. Arriving at least one day early gives you a buffer in case of flight delays or cancellations, which can be even more common during a government shutdown when essential airport employees might not show up.

Give yourself extra time at the airport, too. Even if your flight is on time, it may take longer to check your bag and go through security.

How do the adults-only beach clubs at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and Carnival’s Celebration Key compare?

Adults-only areas are in high demand not only on cruise ships, but also at cruise line private destinations.

Last year, Royal Caribbean opened Hideaway Beach, the cruise line’s adults-only beach club at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Carnival Cruise Line soon followed suit with the opening of Pearl Cove Beach Club at the brand-new Celebration Key.

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key

I spent the day at both cruise lines’ adults-only areas to see what makes them similar and different from each other.

On the surface, these two adults-only areas share many similarities. They are reserved for guests 18 years and older, come with an extra charge, and offer a pool, beach, swim-up bar, and dining options.

Yet during my visits to Hideaway Beach and Pearl Cove Beach Club, I realized that each cruise line had a different approach. Royal Caribbean’s beach club offered a bigger party vibe, whereas Carnival’s focused more on tranquility and relaxation.

Here’s what I thought of each adults-only beach club, and how the two destinations compare.

Royal Caribbean offers a dynamic pricing model to enter Hideaway Beach

Like all cruise add-ons offered by Royal Caribbean, a day pass to enter Hideaway Beach can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors. Certain ships and times of year may see higher prices, and sales can cause prices to rise or fall throughout the year.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $40 and $100 per person for entry to Hideaway Beach.

Read more: Is Hideaway Beach worth the cost?

Fortunately, Royal Caribbean allows you to cancel and rebook add-ons if you notice a price drop up until 48 hours before your cruise. So, if you book your Hideaway Beach day pass for $85 and later notice a price drop to $60, you can cancel and rebook at the lower price.

After visiting Hideaway Beach, I would definitely pay $40 or $50 for entry, but I’d question the value of entry if the price got above $60. Although the beach club offers exclusivity, there are plenty of other places around Perfect Day at CocoCay to unwind without spending extra.

Carnival, however, has three separate entry options for Pearl Cove Beach Club

Unlike with Royal Caribbean, you can expect predictable prices for admission to Pearl Cove Beach Club at Celebration Key.

Whereas Hideaway Beach only has one entry option, Pearl Cove Beach Club offers three.

First is the Pearl Cove Beach Club: All-Inclusive entry. For $180, the entry includes admission, lunch at the Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant, and up to ten alcoholic beverages from a limited menu.

Then there’s the Pearl Cove Beach Club: Open Bar entry. At $140, this entry is cheaper than the all-inclusive option, but it still includes up to ten alcoholic beverages. It does not include lunch at the on-site restaurant.

Finally, you can book the Pearl Cove Beach Club Access entry. This is the cheapest option at $100 per person, but it does not include lunch at the on-site restaurant. No drinks are included either, with the exception of a welcome drink upon arrival.

I paid $100 for the most basic access to Pearl Cove Beach Club on my visit. Later, however, I realized the open bar admission offered a much better value.

For just $40 extra, I could have enjoyed up to ten drinks, effectively making each drink just $4 on top of my admission fee. Paying $100 without any inclusions felt high for what was offered.

Hideaway Beach has a higher capacity (and bigger party vibe) than Pearl Cove Beach Club

After visiting both Hideaway Beach and Pearl Cove Beach Club, I’d argue that Pearl Cove Beach Club is more similar to the Coco Beach Club than Hideaway Beach.

Coco Beach Club is an exclusive (but not adults-only) beach club at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s laid out very similarly to Pearl Cove Beach Club, with an infinity pool, on-site restaurant, and private beach.

Read more: Coco Beach Club review at Perfect Day at CocoCay

While Hideaway Beach also has an infinity pool, the space is significantly larger. Hideaway Beach can accommodate 1,800 guests. Capacity numbers have not been released for Pearl Cove Beach Club, but I imagine the capacity number is much smaller given the limited space.

Hideaway Beach, therefore, provides a louder, more energetic atmosphere. If I’m being honest, I don’t find it to be the most tranquil space to relax at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

A live DJ blasts music from the swim-up bar, and it’s more akin to a Las Vegas-style pool party than a peaceful adults-only retreat. It's definitely fun, but don't expect a soothing environment.

I found Pearl Cove Beach Club to be quieter than Hideaway Beach. Admittedly, I was aboard one of the first cruises to Celebration Key, and the beach club was not crowded at all.

There was music playing near the small swim-up bar, but overall, the atmosphere reminded me more of the Coco Beach Club rather than Hideaway Beach.

If you’re looking for a Hideaway Beach party vibe at Celebration Key, I’d head to Calypso Lagoon instead. There, you’ll find a party at Long Necks Swim Up Bar, and the area is available to all guests without an extra cost.

Both beach clubs feature infinity pools and a beach

The infinity pool at Hideaway Beach is 18,000 square feet, whereas the one found at Pearl Cove Beach Club is 11,000 square feet. Hideaway Beach’s infinity pool is heated, but Carnival has not stated whether or not the pool at Pearl Cove Beach Club is heated.

On my visit, it didn’t appear to be heated, but it was exceptionally refreshing in the extremely humid July temperatures. Come February, it could feel cold on a chilly day.

That being said, some guests complain that the heated pool at Hideaway Beach is too warm in the summer months, so there are pros and cons to either option.

As far as beaches, I prefer the beach at Hideaway Beach. It’s located in a manmade cove, and the water is calm with soft sand.

At Pearl Cove Beach Club, the beach is more rocky and has somewhat rougher waters.

Food is included at Hideaway Beach, and drink packages work ashore

When it comes to food and drink, there are a lot of ways to indulge at CocoCay’s Hideaway Beach.

The adults-only club features two complimentary restaurant options, both of which are casual, grab-and-go venues.

Hideaway Hut offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and small bites like mozzarella sticks. Here, you can choose between classic American fare like a cheeseburger, or opt for a Caribbean favorite like coconut shrimp and a crispy fish sandwich.

The second restaurant is Slice of Paradise, which serves up an array of pizzas and empanadas.

Both restaurants are included in entry to Hideaway Beach, and there’s no limit on how much you can order during your time ashore.

On my visit, I grabbed two slices of pizza for lunch. The food wasn't anything special, but for what it’s worth, Hideaway Beach is the only place at CocoCay to enjoy a slice of pizza.

Next time, I’d probably try the coconut shrimp, as I’ve heard many cruisers rave about the dish.

Like on the rest of the island, drink packages, as well as Crown & Anchor Society drink vouchers, are honored at Hideaway Beach. Guests with drink packages can enjoy unlimited cocktails, mocktails, beers, and soda while ashore.

Food and drinks come with an extra cost at Pearl Cove Beach Club

At Pearl Cove Beach Club, the rules around food and drinks are more strict than those at Hideaway Beach.

There is one on-site restaurant at Pearl Cove Beach Club, and unlike the grab-and-go venues at Hideaway Beach, this restaurant offers a full-service, sit-down meal.

Guests who purchased the all-inclusive entry to Pearl Cove Beach Club receive a Mediterranean platter for an appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert. There are nine entrée options, including a wagyu burger, grilled octopus, seafood pasta, and lobster tail. For dessert, guests can enjoy either baklava or chocolate cake.

Those who did not purchase the all-inclusive option can order food from an à la carte menu. This menu includes the same items as the all-inclusive menu, but also offers sushi rolls and additional appetizer options.

If guests do not want to spend extra on food at Pearl Cove Beach Club, they can dine elsewhere at Celebration Key and return to the beach club after lunch.

I opted to grab lunch at the nearby Captain’s Galley Food Hall, but it was somewhat cumbersome to go back and forth between the beach club and other dining venues. Plus, Celebration Key only offers one meal to each guest throughout the day, so if I got hungry again, I would have to spend extra.

Read more: What I loved and hated about visiting Celebration Key

As far as drinks, whether or not they’re included at Pearl Cove Beach Club depends on your entry ticket. Carnival’s drink packages do not work at Celebration Key, and you can only receive included drinks at the beach club if you purchased the open bar or all-inclusive ticket.

My basic entry included a welcome rum punch on arrival, but I didn’t want to spend $17 each for additional cocktails. Next time, I would definitely book the open bar or all-inclusive option to enjoy drinks without worrying about the cost.

Cabanas are offered at both destinations, but I preferred those at Hideaway Beach

Private cabanas are popular upcharge items offered at cruise line private destinations. Around both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key, you can find a wide selection of cabanas.

There are basic cabanas offered on the sand near the beach as well as luxury, over-the-water cabanas at each destination.

Read more: Guide to CocoCay cabanas

Hideaway Beach and Pearl Cove Beach Club offer their own variations of cabanas, and rentals include admission to the adults-only beach clubs.

After touring cabanas at both private destinations, I preferred those at Hideaway Beach.

All cabanas at Pearl Cove Beach Club are on the sand, and they offer close access to both the infinity pool and beach. At Hideaway Beach, though, you can find the Hideout Cabanas, which offer a cabana experience unlike any other at CocoCay.

These cabanas have direct access to their own private infinity pool, making the exclusive beach club even more exclusive.

Overall, Pearl Cove Beach Club offers a more luxurious experience, but there’s more to do at Hideaway Beach

My time at Carnival’s Pearl Cove Beach Club felt more upscale than my day at Hideaway Beach, even though the latter offered more to do, see, and eat.

Subtle differences made Carnival’s adults-only club stand out. Pool and beach loungers are padded, for example, making them more comfortable than the unpadded loungers at Hideaway Beach.

The welcome drink was a nice touch, too, and it's something that is not included at Hideaway Beach. Plus, having access to a sit-down restaurant provides a more peaceful dining atmosphere than the quick-service options at Hideaway Beach.

Yet in terms of things to do, Hideaway Beach offers more choices. The pool is significantly larger, there’s live music at On The Rocks bar, and having two restaurants provides more options to guests.

I prefer how Royal Caribbean honors drink packages at Hideaway Beach, although the $140 open bar admission at Pearl Cove Beach Club is still a great value.

Although I’m usually a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser, I enjoy trying other cruise lines from time to time. My first visit to Celebration Key left me impressed, and Pearl Cove Beach Club certainly lived up to my expectations.

However, if I were looking for an experience akin to Pearl Cove Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay, I would probably book admission to Coco Beach Club rather than Hideaway Beach.

Regardless, I wouldn’t say one destination is necessarily better than the other. It’s hard to go wrong with an adults-only getaway, and I would gladly book another day pass to Hideaway Beach and Pearl Cove Beach Club again.

If you're going on a Royal Caribbean cruise and want to buy you way into special perks, The Key is an attractive option.

The premise is simple: pay a daily fee and get special benefits that you probably wouldn't otherwise get.

The Key is a popular add-on, especially among new cruisers because it's an instant shortcut for useful extras, faster access, and even a few discounts.

I tried it out on a 4-night Utopia of the Seas cruise to evaluate how well it works and why someone might want to get it.

What is The Key on Royal Caribbean?

The Key is a paid add-on for a cruise that must be pre-purchased before the voyage begins.

The price varies depending on the sailing (and which sale is running), but you can expect to pay between $25 to over $50 per person, per day.

If you choose to buy it, everyone above the age of 6 in the cabin must buy it too. That means you cannot buy the perks for just select people in your cabin.

What's included

It includes a lot of benefits that you can use once on the ship:

• Early check-in time and priority boarding at the cruise terminal
• Drop off your carry-on luggage on Deck 4 at the Main Dining Room until 1:30 pm and it'll be delivered to your stateroom.
• Exclusive welcome lunch on boarding day on Deck 4 in the Main Dining Room featuring the Key Signature menu with seating from 12:00 pm (noon) until 1:30 pm.
• 20% off dining offers when you book on Day 1.
• 50% off select Onboard Sports activities. Activities include Flowrider lessons.
• $60 off Spa Services with a minimum spend of $250 at the Spa (excluding gratuities and taxes).
• Fast Lane at select onboard activities. Activities include Abyss, Zip Line, and Rock Climbing during opening hours.
• Priority departure at tender ports of call from ship-to-shore only. Note: there is no priority from shore-to-ship.
• Stay connected with VOOM using your 1-device SURF+STREAM code
• Dedicated seating section at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater, Studio B, and Two70.
• End your adventure with à la carte breakfast on Deck 4 in the Main Dining Room from 6:00 am – 8:00 am to enjoy before departing the ship.
• Priority luggage tags at the conclusion of the cruise for an earlier disembarkation time

There is a limit to how many passengers can buy The Key, so it can sell out and sometimes does many weeks before the cruise begins.

My experience trying everything

I paid $38.99 per day for The Key, bringing the cost to $155.96 for a 4-night cruise for one person.

Royal Caribbean sends an email before the cruise begins to alert you to the important benefits, such as the special boarding time that supersedes whatever boarding time you get on your own in the app.

In the past I've seen a dedicated line for Key guests to enter the terminal, but I couldn't locate it in Port Canaveral.  Royal Caribbean's boarding process is so efficient for all guests that it hardly matters, so it wasn't a problem.

There's also a reserved area in the cruise terminal for people that bought The Key if boarding hasn't commenced yet. When they start the embarkation process, The Key guests usually board after suite guests, but before everyone else.

Even though I arrived at the cruise terminal at 10am, boarding had begun already so I didn't need to use it.

Onboard the ship, you can drop carry-on bags off and check-in for The Key. 

I love the option to drop off carry-on bags so I don't have to lug around extras that I didn't leave with the porters.  The fact it gets delivered to your cabin afterwards is a nice touch.

I believe the top two reasons to book The Key (after the early check-in time) is the included internet package and welcome aboard lunch.

Given the cost of an onboard internet package, the fact it's included with The Key adds a tremendous amount of value. Plus, I think a lot of people will want to buy internet anyway.

The lunch is essentially the Chops Grille lunch menu, with choice of filet mignon steak, burger, or branzino.

Similar to the internet package, there's an easy value you can derive from this perk. Plus, it's nice to start the cruise with a relaxing sit down meal rather than competing with everyone in the buffet.

The next most useful benefit is reserved seating in shows.

You still need to make reservations for shows (reservations only needed on big ships), but then there's a special section that's shared between The Key, top tier loyalty members, and suite guests.

It's not front row seating, and usually is off to the side or closer to the entrance to the theater for convenience. 

Depending if you care how close to the stage you sit, this may or may not be the ideal seating location.

If your ship tenders in any port, anyone with The Key will get priority departure preference when going from the ship to the port.

The front of the line access to things like Ultimate Abyss, Zip Line, and rock wall is something I think families will enjoy. I'm sure the kids will especially like it.

I feel the rest of the benefits have limited benefit that depend on how you like to cruise.

Royal Caribbean recently increased the activities discount and added the spa discount, but I have a feeling that has limited appeal overall.

Who is the Key best for?

I believe the cruiser that can benefit the most by buying the Key is someone that can say "yes" to these three questions:

• Do you have a Crown and Anchor status below Diamond level?
• Are you staying in a cabin that is below a suite?
• Were you planning to buy the Internet package anyway?

I think it also greatly benefits a couple over larger families because of the daily cost for everyone.

If you answered "no" to any of those questions, I just don't see the benefit overall given the overlap of benefits you may already have.

Is The Key worth it?

Royal Caribbean has positioned The Key as the "easy button" for planning a cruise.  Buy it, forget it, and set yourself up for a great start.

However, its price can make the decision to buy far from a slam dunk.

Ideally, if you can find The Key for a price just over the daily cost of an internet package, it can be a compelling option. But paying $10 or more per person, per day over the cost of an internet device package is a steep increase for what you're getting.

I believe you can get very similar results on your own without buying The Key. It just requires more advanced planning on your part. 

My recommendation is to skip The Key and do this instead:

• Download the Royal Caribbean app and check-in to your cruise exactly 45 days before the cruise to get an early check-in time
• Monitor the Cruise Planner for sales and discounts on internet packages and a Chops Grille lunch for embarkation day
• Book a Royal Caribbean excursion for any ports you are tendering
• Make complimentary reservations for shows in the Cruise Planner about 30 days before your cruise

If you do those things, you'll get very similar (if not identical) results to The Key without a daily cost.

But if you can find The Key for a great price that's barely more than an Internet package, book The Key and kick your feet up with an easy solution.

Happy weekend! We have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share with all of you.

More Icon Class ships are on the way!

Royal Caribbean placed an order for its fifth Icon Class ship, with options to build a sixth and seventh ship.

Plus, the announcement included a mention of a new class of ship.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean CEO talks rumored new ship size and where it could sail
• Royal Caribbean announces date for next Presidents Cruise in 2026
• Royal Caribbean redeploys cruise ships sailing from Puerto Rico in latest deployment change
• Carnival almost bought Royal Caribbean. Former CEO shares secrets in his new book
• Wonder of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas
• After a $13,000 bill, why one cruiser regrets not buying travel insurance
• How much everything on a short 4-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas costs
• Family paid $150,000 to stay in Royal Caribbean's suite on its new ship

New Royal Caribbean Blog Video: 8 Things To Bring (Even Though It's Included)

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: 8 Things To Bring (Even Though It's Included).

Royal Caribbean adjusts Caribbean itineraries due to tropical storm

More than half a dozen Royal Caribbean ships have had to change their plans due to two tropical disturbances in the Atlantic.

Symphony, Star, and Utopia of the Seas are just some of the ships that had to change or cancel port calls due to Hurricane Humberto and future Tropical Storm Imelda.

A couple ships had to go to Canada instead of tropical destinations to avoid the storms.

Royal Caribbean is "trying to avoid" loyalty changes Carnival has made, CEO says

While speaking at a fan event, Michael Bayley said they do not want to make changes to their loyalty program similar to what Carnival did.

Royal Caribbean fans were instantly concerned after Carnival announced sweeping changes to their loyalty program.

Mr. Bayley specifically said it's not a direction he wants to take Royal Caribbean into with future updates.

Here's when 2027-2028 cruises will go on sale

Royal Caribbean just posted their deployment schedule when new summer 2027 cruises will be available.

Right now, cruises are only bookable through early 2027, but new options will be added going as far out as April 2028.

For a number of weeks this fall, a new batch of sailings will go on sale to Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond.

First photos from inside the new Bahamas beach club

Matt got an exclusive tour of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening later this year in Nassau, Bahamas.

The new beach club is a first-of-its-kind destination that offers an all-inclusive day pass, and it's exclusive to Royal Caribbean passengers.

The opening is set for late December 2025.

Cruising used to be a cheap getaway, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Although I find great value from taking a cruise, there’s no denying the cost has increased significantly over the last five years.

Not to mention, Royal Caribbean has been shifting their strategy to offer more party-focused cruises with short Caribbean itineraries. 

For example, Utopia of the Seas debuted last summer as Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis class vessel. The brand-new ship started offering 3-night and 4-night getaway cruises from Port Canaveral in Florida, and it proved to be a huge hit. Following Utopia of the Seas’ success, Royal Caribbean recently shifted another Oasis class ship, Wonder of the Seas, from 7-night sailings to 3-night and 4-night Bahamas cruises.

Short cruises are huge money-makers for the cruise line. In addition to attracting new cruisers, these party-focused itineraries are typically more expensive on a per-night basis. These itineraries also sell out faster than other sailings, so they make sense from a business standpoint.

For the consumer, short cruisers are also a winning strategy. The overall cost is often less for a 3-night or 4-night cruise fare, and you don’t need to take as many PTO days. This allows cruisers to set sail more often compared to weeklong itineraries, which can be more expensive overall and require more vacation days.

Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's President and CEO, stated in a 2025 Q2 press release, “As consumer preferences continue to evolve - toward more frequent vacations, closer-in vacation planning, and a greater focus on meaningful, experience-driven travel - our experiences are designed to meet these evolving expectations.”

Royal Caribbean has found that onboard spending has been higher as they’ve shifted more ships to shorter Caribbean itineraries. In the same 2025 Q2 financial update, Royal Caribbean stated, “Guest spending onboard and pre-cruise purchases continue to exceed prior years, driven by greater participation at higher prices.”

After totaling everything I spent on my 4-night Wonder of the Seas cruise, it’s easy to see why Royal Caribbean is leaning into short getaways. I spent $2,337.47 on my entire vacation last month, from $179.45 at specialty dining restaurants to $57 on internet access. Here’s a breakdown of my spending.

Our cruise fare was $1,315 for the cheapest interior cabin.

My best friend and I decided a few months ago that we were looking for a girl’s getaway trip together. She lives across the country from me, so this would be the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together. Not to mention, this was her first cruise!

Instead of splurging for a balcony, we opted for the cheapest interior cabin. This happened to be a guaranteed stateroom, meaning we didn’t get to choose the location of our cabin. Although this can be a gamble, it saved us money that we could spend elsewhere during our cruise.

We were pleased to be assigned an interior cabin on Deck 8 towards the front of the ship. The decks above and below us were also staterooms, which kept noise to a minimum. This was a great location on Wonder of the Seas, as we were close to the open-air Central Park with restaurants, bars, and shops. We were never far from the main attractions either.

Although our cabin was modern, it was extremely compact. After sailing in an interior cabin aboard sister-ship Utopia of the Seas, I expected the stateroom to be similar in terms of size and design. This wasn’t the case though, as our cabin was significantly smaller aboard Wonder of the Seas.

To my surprise, this interior cabin had very little space and lacked any couch or chair for additional seating. The layout was also unusual, with the vanity directly in front of my bed. We decided to separate the beds to open up the space, which did help.

The air conditioning also seemed temperamental, which isn’t good for a hot cruise to the Bahamas in August! Luckily, we requested a fan from our cabin attendant, and he provided a large floor fan that kept air circulating all night.

Other than the cabin’s size and temperature control, we had everything else we needed for our short cruise. Because Wonder of the Seas has so much to offer for entertainment, onboard attractions, and activities, we hardly spent any time in our stateroom anyway.

This was the largest expense of our entire vacation, totaling about 56% of the overall cost. Our fare included port fees, taxes, and prepaid gratuities.

I paid $57.98 for VOOM internet, but the reliable speed was worth it!

I always purchase internet while cruising, as my remote work requires occasional meetings and emails. As a Diamond Plus loyalty member, I receive two free days of VOOM Internet access on every cruise. On a 4-night cruise, this means I only needed to pay for two days to have unlimited internet access for the entire cruise.

I purchased my VOOM Surf + Stream internet package on the first day, which allowed me to apply my loyalty discount. I wish Royal Caribbean would provide loyalty discounts to purchases in the Cruise Planner before boarding. Had I purchased the Wi-Fi package before boarding, it would have cost around $92 for the 4-night voyage. Onboard, the cost was $115; but with my loyalty discount, the $57.98 cost was still cheaper than pre-purchasing.

The internet was fast and reliable throughout our entire cruise. I also appreciated being able to use the package while ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay. My friend was also surprised by the internet’s speed and reliability, as it was her first cruise and she wasn’t sure what to expect. 

This was one of the smallest expenses, costing only 2% of the total vacation cost.

We also splurged on specialty dining for two meals, costing us $179.45.

Oasis class ships are packed with specialty dining restaurants. And after trying other competitor cruise lines, I believe Royal Caribbean has the best specialty dining at sea. In this way, I am always happy to splurge on a specialty dining meal.

I typically book a specialty restaurant on the first night of the cruise, as it’s a reprieve from a hectic boarding day. Specialty dining restaurants are more upscale and intimate with attentive service, which can be a nice change from the main dining room. My friend wanted to try Chops Grille steakhouse, and I was happy to oblige!

We reserved a table for our first night, which allowed us to take advantage of my Diamond Plus BOGO specialty dining offer. The meal was excellent! We loved the experience of eating outside in Central Park as we sailed away from Miami on the first evening. I also tried the ribeye for the first time — it’s a new favorite! This meal was $76.70 for two people.

In addition, my friend loves sushi and definitely wanted to try Izumi, which is Royal Caribbean's Asian-inspired specialty venue. We decided to book lunch at Izumi while the ship was docked in Nassau, Bahamas. This worked out perfectly following our short day ashore, as we only walked around the port area. We both ordered the prix fixe option from Izumi's expansive menu, which included an appetizer, two main course selections, and dessert.

My friend tried the tuna poke bowl and sushi while I opted for the beef noodles and stir fry. She didn’t love her sushi, but everything else was fabulous. Izumi does not offer lunch specials, so it’s the same price regardless of when you dine. We paid $94.90 for our lunch here.

Finally, I couldn’t resist a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks! It was the first day of Starbucks offering their fall menu for the season, so I couldn’t say no. This latte was $7.85 and, although pricey, was similarly priced to what you'd pay at Starbucks on land.

In total, we spent $179.45 on specialty dining during our 4-night Wonder of the Seas cruise, or 8% of our vacation’s total cost. And it was worth every single cent!

My flight to Miami was $380 while airport parking was $20, totaling $400.

Even though I live in Florida, the Panhandle is about as far from Miami as you can get in the state. Instead of driving 8.5 hours, I opted to book a flight instead. My round-trip airfare on Delta Air Lines was $380 from my small airport in Destin, Florida. I also paid $20 to park my car at the airport. On the other hand, my friend booked her flight with points, making it technically free!

Typically, I prefer cruising from Port Canaveral, Florida due to the shorter driving distance. Airfare can add up quickly if you’re flying to a cruise port, especially if you’re traveling with kids. For this reason, short party-focused cruises are most popular for those who can drive to the embarkation port. At $380 for one ticket, this would be $1,520 for a family of four.

I was able to save some money by only eating lunch and dinner at the airport lounges, as I have access with one of my premium travel credit cards. Airport food is outrageously priced, so being able to take advantage of the airport lounges helps keep travel day costs down.

This was one of the bigger expenses, totaling 17% of the entire vacation cost.

We spent $101.04 on Uber rides between the airport, hotel, and cruise port.

Another downside of flying to your cruise port is not having a car to get around. Instead, you have to rely on taxis, Ubers, or shuttles. For this trip, we flew in the night before our cruise and booked a hotel for the night (as you always should!).

My Uber from the airport to the hotel was $41.89 while the following morning’s ride to the port was only $11.02. Our hotel was very close to the cruise port, so this Uber ride was very cheap because of the close proximity. After the cruise, we took another Uber from the cruise port directly to the MIA airport, costing us $48.13.

In total, we spent around $101.04 on Uber rides in Miami, which is 4% of the vacation’s total cost.

I booked a hotel in Miami for one night before the cruise, costing $304.

Because I flew into Miami the night before our cruise, I needed to book a hotel for the night. It’s always best practice to fly into your embarkation port at least one day before your cruise departs. For international flights, I add an extra buffer day or two. This ensures you have plenty of time to account for delays or cancellations.

I landed in Miami around 9:00 P.M. and made my way to the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. The hotel was recently remodeled, so the rooms felt up-to-date. With my Marriott status, we had breakfast included in the room fare. On the morning of embarkation, this was a great way to start our vacation.

The Marriott Biscayne Bay hotel is conveniently located by the cruise port. The morning of embarkation, we could see Wonder of the Seas in the distance at Royal Caribbean’s PortMiami cruise terminal. Because our hotel was close to the terminal, our Uber ride was quick and easy.

Overall, our hotel room was 13% of the entire trip’s cost, which is on the higher end. We probably could have booked a cheaper room closer to the airport, but we appreciated the convenience to the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

In total, our entire cruise vacation aboard Wonder of the Seas was $2,337.47.

This 4-night cruise was not necessarily a cheap getaway. We paid $2,337 in total for this vacation, including airfare, cruise fare, onboard purchases, our hotel room, and port transportation. For four nights, this comes out to $1,168.74 each, or $292 per person for each night of the cruise.

The cost of this cruise could have been much higher. For instance, I receive five complimentary drinks per day with my loyalty status. Had we purchased an expensive drink package or drinks individually, the cost would have hundreds of dollars more. We also skipped any shore excursions in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, which also cut down on costs.

In addition, my husband had to stay behind for work and, therefore, we didn’t need to pay a dog-sitter for the duration of this cruise. We’ve spent upwards of $500 to have an in-home pet sitter for our two Aussiedoodles. It’s easy to forget about the cost of pet care or home care when planning a vacation, but this can add up quickly.

In comparison, my 4-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas back in February was $2,683, which is only slightly higher than we paid for this vacation. While more expensive than you might anticipate, I really enjoy shorter cruises. In fact, I’ve already booked another sailing aboard Utopia of the Seas this winter. If you're a first-time cruiser or simply wanting a quick vacation, I would definitely recommend Royal Caribbean's short Caribbean options.

With two powerful tropical storms in the Atlantic, Royal Caribbean has changed more itineraries.

The stormy weather coincides with the peak of hurricane season, and after Star of the Seas had its itinerary changed last night, three more Royal Caribbean ships have been moved away.

Hurricane Humberto and a tropical wave near Hispaniola are both making their way closer to the Bahamas and into the Atlantic.

Here's a rundown of which ships have had their sailings changed so far.

Symphony of the Seas will go to Canada instead of the Bahamas

Sailing from New York, Symphony of the Seas is changing her itinerary to sail north to Canada.

An email to guests reads, "Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Humberto and another tropical storm forming along our voyage path south. These storms' forecast tracks make it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey toward Florida and areas south. 

"So, after exploring all of our options, we’ve decided to sail to Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia instead. We’ll enjoy an overnight stay in Sydney and a full day to explore Halifax."

The original itinerary was a 7-night voyage to visit Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Given the itinerary has been radically changed (Bahamas to Canada), Royal Caribbean is offering onboard credit as compensation:

• Inside stateroom: $75
• Outside Stateroom: $100
• Balcony Stateroom: $100
• Suites: $250
• 3rd or more guest: $25 per person

Additionally, guests will a Future Cruise Credit worth one day of the cruise fare paid.

Symphony's revised itinerary is now:

• September 28: Cape Liberty, New Jersey
• September 29: Sea Day
• September 30: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
• October 1: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
• October 2: Sea Day
• October 3: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
• October 4: Sea Day
• October 5: Cape Liberty, New Jersey

Oasis of the Seas swapped CocoCay for Nassau

Instead of visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay on Saturday, September 27, 2025, Oasis of the Seas went to Nassau.

Enchantment of the Seas will avoid The Bahamas

One of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships will bypass the Bahamas.

Enchantment of the Seas is going to Costa Maya and Cozumel instead of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau.

An email sent to guests booked on the cruise read, "To safely avoid the impacts from the developing storm, we'll now sail a Western Caribbean itinerary and will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, instead of our planned Bahamas & Perfect Day itinerary."

Utopia of the Seas will skip Nassau, Bahamas

Utopia of the Seas is departing today from Port Canaveral for a 3-night weekend cruise, but will change where it will sail.

The third biggest cruise ship in the world will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on Saturday instead, and completely bypass Nassau, Bahamas. Instead, it will remain at sea away from the bad weather with a sea day on Sunday.

Royal Caribbean let passengers know in an email that the itinerary change was intended to avoid strong winds and high waves on the sea.

Liberty of the Seas is going north instead of Bermuda

Liberty of the Seas has a sailing that departs on September 27. 

Instead of visiting Bermuda, it will go north and visit St. John, New Brunswick, Canada.

The Freedom Class ship has a gross tonnage of 155,889 and accommodates 3,634 guests at double occupancy.

Freedom of the Seas will avoid the Bahamas and go to Mexico

Freedom of the Seas, another Freedom Class ship, is also pivoting its itinerary to avoid the tropical storm.

Freedom of the Seas will visit Cozumel, Mexico instead of its original plans to go to Grand Turk.

Freedom of the Seas is sailing from Miami, Florida on a 4-night cruise.

Star of the Seas was scheduled on an Eastern Caribbean sailing, but will visit Mexico instead

As we previously reported, Star of the Seas has changed itineraries.

The newest Royal Caribbean ship will go the Western Caribbean now and will drop a planned visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Two storms at once

Hurricane Humberto formed Friday and has maximum sustained winds of about 90 mph. It should become a major hurricane.

It's not expected to be a threat to the mainland United States, but will impact northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Bermuda.

As of Saturday morning, disturbance 9 is on the verge of becoming Tropical Depression 9 near the southern Bahamas. And while the disturbance is evolving as expected, models continue to change with the forecast track. 

Royal Caribbean Group Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer says the track isn't quite clear yet, "the models now keep the storm from making landfall in the Carolinas. It's still going to be a very close call."

He said the combination of two storms is, "going to produce enormous wave energy which will begin affecting much of the western Atlantic coasts later this week."

One woman's first cruise turned into a nightmare when she was slapped with a $13,000 medical bill after she began throwing up blood and losing consciousness.

Khiali Baxter was two days into her first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise with her boyfriend when she began feeling unwell. 

"So, I woke up. I started throwing up blood, unfortunately, and I had passed out on the ground," Baxter told KHOU 11, "I could feel myself kind of going in and out of consciousness. I was very cold and terrified."

She was taken to the ship's medical facility, then transported to a hospital four hours away from the cruise port in Costa Maya — but not before waiting four hours onboard and racking up a $4,000 bill.

(Credit: Jennifer Brown/GoFundMe)

While at the hospital, Baxter received over $9,000 in medical care, including several different procedures to help stabilize her.

However, before they would treat her, the staff asked Baxter's family for payment. Baxter's father, Craig, recalled the conversation with a hospital employee in an interview with KHOU 11, saying they'd work as far as $2,500 would take them.

"I've never heard this in my life," he said. 

(Credit: KHOU 11)

Back in Texas, Baxter's parents were scrambling to secure emergency passports to travel to Mexico. 

The last-minute flights and accommodations weren't cheap, but they were not going to leave their daughter in a foreign hospital. 

Travel insurance would have made a huge difference

(Credit: Jennifer Brown/GoFundMe)

Baxter was unaware of the steep out-of-pocket costs associated with international medical care and decided against travel insurance. 

"It was a very, very scary experience, and my main thing that I do want to say is that I really wish I would’ve gotten travel insurance," Baxter said.

Travel insurance is a valuable but often overlooked safety net. Although it might seem like an avoidable expense, it's one of those things you don't want to use but are thankful for when you need it. 

Read more: Travel insurance for a cruise: Why you need it for a Royal Caribbean cruise

(Credit: Jennifer Brown/GoFundMe)

A good insurance policy provides peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies at sea. In Baxter's case, it would have helped recoup some of the expensive treatments she received, such as an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and blood transfusion. 

Even though Baxter didn't have insurance, a family friend set up a GoFundMe. Over 160 generous donors have helped raise $14,138, or roughly 88% of the $16,000 goal. 

Still, the family wants to share Baxter's story in hopes that it prepares others for the unexpected, especially when traveling far from home.

Travel insurance also helps cover things like lost luggage, travel delays, medical evacuations, and more. As such, the small upfront cost is worth the protection it provides during a costly emergency. 

"It was an eye-opening experience that I hope prepares other young people," Craig Baxter said.

Unfortunately, Baxter isn't the only cruiser to be hit with a large medical bill 

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, were cruising on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas when Wasney began suffering from a series of seizures. However, before the couple was allowed to disembark, they had to pay over $2,500 in medical bills.

As reported by KFF Health News and NPR, Eberlein heard Wasney make a pained noise before he had his first seizure. Blood began spilling from his mouth as a result of him accidentally biting his tongue.

Wasney's second seizure caused him to stop breathing, while the third seizure, characterized as a grand mal seizure, was even more severe. 

The vessel was close enough to their disembarkation port in Florida, so they could disembark early via rescue boat — but not before paying a $2,500.22 medical bill. 

The charges included $2,285.78 for general ward admission and observation, along with $97.99 for an i-STAT blood test, $104.55 for out-of-facility services, and $11.90 for medication.

Read more: Man was sick on a cruise and was hit with a big bill before being sent home

Royal Caribbean changed a Caribbean itinerary in an effort to avoid the strengthening tropical storm system in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Guests sailing aboard Star of the Seas' September 28, 2025, cruise were notified that they'd no longer be heading to the Eastern Caribbean. 

Instead, the 7-night Caribbean cruise will visit the Western Caribbean, calling at Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

"Our Captain, along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Zetzer, has been monitoring the expected development of a tropical storm near the northwest Bahamas and a hurricane in the Atlantic," reads the email.

"We have decided to change our itinerary to safely avoid the storm and large seas on our eastern route. As a result, we will now sail a Western Caribbean itinerary..." 

This sudden change means that guests won't visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas. Moreover, Star's inaugural visit to St. Kitts has been postponed. 

Star of the Seas will now call at St. Kitts for the very first time on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2025 — assuming that there aren't any future storm systems that further derail the plans. 

Although disappointing, Royal Caribbean emphasized that the safety and comfort of its guests and crew remain the company’s top priority.

"We're terribly sorry for this last-minute change caused by the weather - your safety is our top priority," the email continues.

"Please remember, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather." 

This is the first storm-related itinerary change for Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. She entered service for the cruise line in Aug. 2025. 

Read more: Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

Not a tropical storm yet

Although the strengthening disturbance isn't a tropical storm yet, the National Hurricane Center predicts that it has an 80% to 90% chance of developing by late Friday, Sept. 26, or over the weekend. 

The path of possible Tropical Storm Imelda prompted Royal Caribbean, as well as Disney Cruise Line, to reroute ships to ensure that all guests and crew members remain safe. 

According to the National Hurricane Center's 8:00 a.m. EDT report on Friday, Sept. 26, an area of low pressure will likely form along the wave by tonight as it moves near the southeast Bahamas. 

The low is expected to develop into a tropical storm when it's in the vicinity of the central and northwest Bahamas over the weekend. 

Even if the storm doesn't strengthen, it will bring heavy rains and gusty winds to places like Haiti, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Dominican Republic, eastern Cuba, and The Bahamas.