Royal Caribbean Blog

Each of my two kids have been cruising since they were six months old, and as they enter their teenage years, I think cruising has been the best experience for them.

Cruise ships are often referred to as "floating cities" and that analogy holds up with raising kids, because learning to navigate cities (and the world) is part of growing up.

As my kids grew older, how they cruised changed and a certain amount of independence started to creep into it all. We like cruising together as a family, but there are times they want to do their own thing (and my wife and I do too).

In observing my kids at home, it's clear their years of cruising truly helped them with important life skills.

Letting go a little bit at a time

I remember the first time I let my kids go on their own to go down to Sorrento's to grab pizza and then come back to the cabin.

Today, that's not a big deal, but as a parent it was scary letting them walk down a few decks and back.  But it taught them (and us) how to operate.

They had cruised enough with us at that point to understand where things are located, how to act in public, and what to expect when ordering the food.

Slowly, we introduced little trips and "missions" for them.  It gave them fleeting moments of independence to feel grown up, without letting them go completely on their own.

Pizza runs, trips to the ice cream machine, or an arcade trip are all examples of giving them the trust to be on their own and know how it feels.

Trust builds independence

As they got older, we gave our kids more freedom to do their own thing onboard the ship.

We started off by allowing them to be alone when with friends. I joked as a group, they'd all be too annoying to kidnap. 

Giving them more leeway allowed them to enjoy that freedom, but they also understood it was based on trust.

I think giving them spurts of time to be alone on the ship was safer than doing the same thing in public places on land, like a mall or Starbucks.

There's risk with everything, but cruise ships are more self-contained.  Nonetheless, the guiding principles of being out without parental supervision is the same.

We give them rules to prevent them from being "those kids"

Because we cruised with them when they were little, we all quickly noticed kids behaving badly on ships.

Most of it is typical teenage antics, like hanging out in elevators, hanging out in stairwells, or packing hot tubs with friends. But we've seen and read about teens who clearly cross the line of bad behavior.

With my kids now around teenage years, they're well aware we do not condone acting running amuck, being obnoxious, or pressing all the buttons in the elevator.

They've earned their freedom, and it comes with expectations and rules meant to keep them safe and not be a problem.

Communication is the most important rule.  We have regular check-ins, as well as curfews.  

We also told them they're never allowed in anyone else's cabin, nor inviting anyone else into their cabin. 

I don't lock down their SeaPass card to charge, but they also know to ask before buying anything. 

Luckily, my kids are more interested in simply hanging out with their friends than being loud and problematic. And I'll try to invite friends from home to cruise with us so that they have a built in network of friends that keeps them from feeling lonely.

Seeing the world is so important for kids

My kids learned independence on the ship, but they've been exposed to different cultures thanks to cruising.

I've taken my kids around the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe, and there's no question in my mind it's opened their minds to the world beyond their home.

Meeting different people, picking up words in different languages, and simply seeing how the rest of the world works are lessons no school can teach but are just as important.

They meet all sorts of people on the ship from all over the world, but going to cities and villages outside the United States is something that can truly shape someone.

By taking them to different countries, I hope it plants a seed of a love of travel and demonstrates how valuable traveling is.

I think it finally clicked with my oldest daughter on our cruise in Europe when she was talking to a friend she made on the ship. She casually mentioned all the cruises she's taken, and her friend was in astonishment how much she's been able to travel and said how lucky she was. 

When a peer says it, it resonates more with teens, and it made me proud as a parent she appreciated all of the cruising.

This week is off to an early start with Royal Caribbean updates and developments that you should know about.

We spotted a few changes that you should know about, plus the cruise line did something no one else has ever done in one particular port. 

It's easy to overlook some of these changes, so we've packaged up everything into this quick hit post.

Here is a rundown of some news that you should be aware of!

New beach club in Bahamas is making lots of progress

We reported last week that Royal Caribbean moved up the opening of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, and I think it's clear why.

One of our readers, Mike Pastore, shared photos of the progress in his Facebook group all about the new beach club.

While sailing on Utopia of the Seas, he took photos of the nearby area to see what's changed.

In just a few weeks, there's been so many more buildings are visible. When I visited the construction site last month, I was told there are over 500 people working every day working.

The official opening date for the beach club is December 21, which is exactly two months from today. However, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 13, followed by a series of "soft openings".

These soft openings will invite select cruisers to experience the club so the line can test and adjust their operations as needed before welcoming in bigger crowds.

Admission to the new beach club costs extra, which means you have to buy a pass.  This is unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, where everyone on the ship can go ashore and enjoy a variety of included options. Only Royal Caribbean passengers can buy a pass.

New Alaska cruises coming this week

Royal Caribbean will release its new Alaska cruises this week, but it's not out quite yet.

According to the deployment schedule for 2027-2028 cruises, Alaska will be released first. It can be confusing when they say sailings will be available "The week of October 20", as some people infer that to mean actually on October 20.

In reality, it can be at any point during the week, but it's almost always later in the week.  Typically, on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Based on early test loads, it appears four ships will be based in Alaska in 2027:

• Voyager of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas

Once the deployment is open, we'll share the full details.

Royal Caribbean achieved a first at its Galveston terminal

Royal Caribbean's cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas opened in 2022 and just did something no other cruise terminal can tout.

The building is the the first cruise facility to formally achieve both Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Net-Zero Energy and LEED Net-Zero Carbon certifications for its ongoing operations. 

This is in addition to the existing LEED Gold certification for the design and construction of GCT.

What this means is the terminal's operations balance out their energy use and carbon emissions over the course of a full year. When you combine that with the building's certification for design and construction, this gives the Galveston facility three separate sustainability achievements in under three years. That's something few large buildings, let alone cruise terminals, have managed to pull off.

So why does this matter? It's an incredible achievement because the Galveston cruise terminal is running efficiently enough using clean or renewable energy sources that the total energy it uses is offset by the energy it produces or saves. 

Plus, the carbon footprint from how it's run on a daily basis has been reduced or balanced through measurable, verifiable methods.

New ship arrives in Singapore

The cruise season has restarted in Singapore, with Ovation of the Seas sailing there.

From now through March 2026, Ovation will primarily sail 3- to 5-night cruises, along with some longer 8-night cruises.  The ship will visit places such as Penang, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.

The short 3- or 4-night cruises go to Penang or Phuket. The 5-night sailing combines both, along with an overnight experience.

Those sailing on the 8-night cruise will spend two full days in Celukan Bawang and Benoa in Bali. Plus, there's a visit to Lombok, Indonesia.

Reservations are open now to book these sailings.

Having grown up cruising on Royal Caribbean ships, it's not easy considering other lines. But I was intrigued by an adults-only cruise.

Recently, I tried Virgin Voyages for the first time.  

While Royal Caribbean remains the gold standard for family-friendly fun, Virgin excels at creating an adult-centric experience, complete with drag performances, late-night parties, and more. In short, the two couldn't be more different.

As a child-free woman in their mid-20s, Virgin's onboard experience was a welcome change. Yet, there were a few things I wish they had stolen from Royal Caribbean's playbook. 

Here's what stood out on my cruise aboard Brilliant Lady and where Royal Caribbean excels. 

Dining

Virgin Voyages revolutionized the onboard dining experience by getting rid of crowded buffets and noisy dining rooms. 

Instead, every ship offers a food hall with stalls serving freshly prepared dishes such as sushi, tacos, burgers, and spicy ramen, as well as six complimentary restaurants. Each specializes in a different cuisine, like Mexican, Italian, Spanish-inspired tapas, and Korean BBQ.

While the concept itself was great, I found myself missing Royal Caribbean's fast-casual options. On Royal Caribbean ships, it's easy to go to El Loco Fresh for tacos or a quesadilla whenever I want, but on Virgin Voyages, I had to carve out more time to wait for my food in The Galley. 

Even the pizza on Virgin Voyages is made-to-order, which means I couldn't grab a single slice between activities or late at night. The grab-and-go options were mostly limited to pastries, pre-made salads, and wraps. 

Moving on, I missed the basic options available in Royal's dining room. Virgin’s specialty menus focus on innovative and trendy dishes, meaning classic staples like shrimp cocktails and French onion soup are not available.

Although I loved the Dakgangjeong crispy chicken at Gunbae, corn custard and black bean salad from The Wake, and Pink Agave's achiote-marinated smoked pork, it became evident that Virgin isn't the best cruise line for selective eaters.

Planning is also more important than ever. Since there are no assigned dining times, you'll need to log in right at midnight when reservations open. Otherwise, you may get stuck with inconvenient meal times, especially at popular restaurants like Razzle Dazzle, The Wake, and Pink Agave. 

As such, my partner and I ended up with a lot of 9:00 p.m. reservations. Instead of waiting that late, we typically arrived at 5:45 p.m., right when the restaurants opened, and asked to sit at the bar. 

Activities and nightlife

Royal Caribbean's ships are known for their endless activities, ranging from water slides to zip lines, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators, ice skating rinks, escape rooms, and more. 

Virgin's daytime offerings focus more on relaxation and wellness, and let guests gear up for the high-energy nightlife. As such, you won't find many onboard attractions, other than the main pool, outdoor Athletic Club, arcade, private karaoke rooms, and tattoo parlor.

While Virgin's claim to fame is the iconic Scarlet Night party, the first night started off strong with a late-night PJ party, followed by an electric glow party on the second day. 

That's not to say that Royal doesn't have fun parties, but Virgin strayed away from the typical silent discos and predictable theme nights. Everything was edgier and felt like we had a VIP invite to the coolest nightclub in town, rather than a cruise ship dance party. 

Entertainment

Royal Caribbean's entertainment is top-tier, especially if you're sailing on a newer ship with Broadway-style productions (i.e., The Wizard of Oz on Icon of the Seas and Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas). Oasis and Icon Class ships also have AquaTheater and ice skating shows, which showcase jaw-dropping stunts and cutting-edge technology. 

That said, Virgin's entertainment is scaled down in comparison and specializes in edgy and unconventional shows. Instead of the standard theater productions, Brilliant Lady features a brand-new murder mystery comedy that focuses on debunking the suspicious activity surrounding the untimely death of pop star Sheena.

The resident drag queen also hosted different events, such as bingo, karaoke, a pop-up storytime in The Roundabout, and more. My favorite, however, was the country-inspired Diva Goes West drag performance. 

My biggest gripe with Virgin's entertainment is that there wasn't a reservation system. 

Whereas on Royal ships, you can easily make reservations to secure your spots at popular theater, ice skating, and AquaTheater shows, we had to queue up as early as two hours ahead of events for seats in the tiny venues. 

Although it's recommended to arrive early for the best seats, I've never had to worry about wasting hours in line on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Fleet variety

When it comes to fleet variety, it's no surprise that Royal Caribbean takes the cake. They have a ship for every type of traveler, from smaller, intimate vessels to the world's largest cruise ships. 

In contrast, Virgin's modest fleet of four is nearly identical. Although you may find a few minor changes (i.e., Brilliant Lady doesn't have a record shop, and Razzle Dazzle has a new Spanish-inspired tapas menu), the bones are the same. 

Surprisingly, Virgin offers a variety of itineraries despite its limited fleet, ranging from Caribbean getaways to port-intensive Mediterranean cruises and even voyages to The Last Frontier. The diversity helps keep each Virgin cruise interesting, even if the ship is pretty much the same. 

Still, because Royal Caribbean has 29 ships (with more on the way), it’s hard to compete with the number of experiences they offer. 

For example, next summer, you can book a European cruise aboard Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's next-gen Icon Class ship. However, if you want something more low-key with fewer crowds, Royal will have five other vessels deployed in Europe, so you can choose the perfect ship based on your travel style.

In comparison, Virgin Voyages will have just two ships in Europe next summer. This means that, in addition to fewer itineraries, Virgin sailors have less flexibility when it comes to departure date. 

Read more: I chose an inside cabin on my recent Virgin Voyages cruise because it was the cheapest option

Inclusive fares

While finding good cruise deals is still possible, it's more expensive to take a cruise vacation today than in the past. Cruise fares increased by over 15% in 2023 compared to 2019, meaning that travelers are trying to be more strategic with their planning to make their budgets go further. 

Royal Caribbean's cruise fares don't include everything. In addition to the base price, passengers will often shell out hundreds of dollars on add-ons like drink and Wi-Fi packages, specialty meals, and gratuities. 

It can be frustrating for guests who hate feeling like they're being nickel-and-dimed. 

Virgin Voyages, however, prides itself on having more inclusive fares. Although not all-inclusive, guests do not have to worry about budgeting extra for gratuities, essential drinks (like soda, drip coffee, water, and tea), and Wi-Fi.

All dining is included, too. Unlike Royal Caribbean ships, where you have to pay extra for specialty meals, ice cream, etc., Virgin Voyages offers a wider variety of dining options at no additional charge. 

Drink packages

One thing you must pay extra for on Royal Caribbean and Virgin ships is alcohol. Royal Caribbean offers three core drink packages, where guests can enjoy unlimited soda, non-alcoholic, or alcoholic beverages for a set daily price. 

Virgin, however, doesn't have any traditional drink packages. Instead, you must pay for each drink individually. You can, however, save money by pre-purchasing a bar tab. Essentially, you'll get a little extra free money by preloading your onboard account before your cruise. 

The amount of free money depends on how much you spend:

• $225 worth of drink credits for $200 (12% of pre-cruise savings)
• $350 worth of drink credits for $300 (16% of pre-cruise savings)
• $600 worth of drink credits for $500 (20% of pre-cruise savings)
• $925 worth of drink credits for $750 (23% of pre-cruise savings)
• $1,250 worth of drink credits for $1,000 (26% of pre-cruise savings)

That said, make sure you attend Virgin's sailaway party. They have free-flowing champagne available during the celebration. 

Although cruises are meant to be fun and relaxing, you can't disregard the rules that come with being on board. These regulations aren't meant to restrict your enjoyment, but to ensure everyone's safety and comfort during the sailing. Breaking the rules can have serious consequences. 

A recent TikTok shows teenagers climbing on their balcony's railing while at sea. According to the poster, @dvandzzedsw, the stunt happened aboard Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship sailing from Miami, Florida. 

Climbing on balcony railings is not allowed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. "Sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited," reads the company's cruise contract. 

The fate of the cruisers is unknown, but other guests have been banned from future sailings for similar reckless behavior, even if no one was injured. 

(Credit: @dvandzzedsw/TikTok)

For example, a woman was banned for life in 2019 after posing for a photo on her balcony's railing. She was caught by a fellow guest sailing on Allure of the Seas, who snapped a picture to share with crew members. 

The teens captured themselves inching along the narrow railing as the open ocean churned up white seafoam below. One was even wearing flimsy flip-flops and seen protuding their stomach over the railing while holding onto the ceiling above. 

The video may have been meant as clout for social media, but it showcases a dangerous activity that could result in serious injuries — or even death. According to data calculated by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), out of the 212 overboard incidents between 2009 and 2019, just 48, or 28.2%, were successfully rescued. 

No amount of likes or views is worth putting your life at risk. Moreover, these boys will likely be banned from sailing with the cruise line again, hindering future family vacations with Royal Caribbean and its sister lines, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. 

Read more: What happens when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship?

"You need to teach and watch your children or deal with the consequences"

Cruisers have taken to social media to express their outrage after watching the short 5-second clip. 

One Redditor went as far as saying that the teenagers, along with their parents, should be banned from sailing with Royal Caribbean. 

"Not only should the teens be banned for 10 years but their parents or guardians they had with them on the cruise should be banned as well," they wrote.

"I'm sorry, but you need to teach and watch your children or deal with the consequences. If you have a teen that would engage in this sort of risky behavior you should not be bringing them on a cruise." 

Other users added that they're worried the cruise line may go as far as banning balcony cabins or restricting them to guests 18 years or older. However, one Redditor reassured them that such a move is unlikely:

"They will only ban balconies when the cost outweighs the profits, no matter how many people fall off of them."

I was one cruise away from making it to Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty status, and I paid for an ultra-luxurious suite to celebrate the occasion.

Around a year ago, I saw a path to reach Crown and Anchor Society’s top loyalty level, Pinnacle Club, but I knew I would need a few sailings to be booked in suites.  While sailing in a suite you get double points, but you can get triple points per night if you book a suite solo.

With a little bit of organization, I was able to line everything up perfectly for a 7-night Oasis of the Seas sailing. I picked this sailing because I could combine reaching the magic number of 700 cruise points and celebrating the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise.  

Originally, I booked a Grand Suite, which is an incredible cabin.  However, I was looking at some rates on the Star Class cabins and came across the Star Loft Suite.

Thanks to my loyalty benefit of a reduced single supplement rate, booking the Star Class suite for just one person came out to be $11,693.

The catch with booking a Star Class suite is I was planning to sail with my family, so I came up with a strategy of booking myself solo in the Star Class suite and booking them in the cheapest inside cabin I could find for around $1,500.

While that’s certainly a lot of money for a 7-night cruise, I knew I wanted to celebrate this milestone celebration in a big way. So booking a suite like this certainly was going to check that box!

What Royal Caribbean does to celebrate reaching Pinnacle

Around two days prior to boarding, the ship's Loyalty Ambassador emailed me to congratulate me on reaching this top status and asked me to provide: 

• A photo of myself
• How many years I've been sailing
• My favorite ship
• My favorite port
• My number of sailings

On the cruise you reach 700 points, there's a special event that recognizes your achievement at the Top Tier party. There were seats reserved for my family in the front row.  

During the event they invited us on stage to get a photo with some officers, and I asked my Royal Genie to join us for the photo.

They hand you a few items for the photo, but our kit with all of our Pinnacle Club materials will be mailed to us in 30 days. This includes name tags, luggage tags along with a few more items.  

We did get a printed photo delivered to my cabin, along with a certificate for a free 7-night Caribbean cruise!

After the top tier event was over, I went straight to the Schooner bar for a celebration toast of champagne with some friends.

Having a Genie was a great way to make this cruise extra special

Around an hour after, we went back to our suite to find the room decorated by my Genie and a fun celebration cake.  

While having a Genie during this week is certainly not necessary, it provided a little extra fun with the celebration and of course the cabin was a huge perk.  

Our Genie was a huge help all week: private escort off the ship, holding seats at shows, arranging dinners or just sending up afternoon Starbucks.  

I closed up our week by renting the Owner’s Box at Playmakers for $200, which the Genie arranged and it came with beer and a lot of food!  

Since most of us all had the ultimate dining package, we just kept ordering just about everything on the menu while watching four hours of college football.  

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest cruise news.

Royal Caribbean has big plans for 2026, and you ought to know what to expect in the coming next year.

Between new ships, new destinations, and new updates, there's going to be a lot happening by the time we reach the end of the year.

I think it will be a transitional year, setting up an even bigger 2027.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Beach Club in Nassau will open even earlier than expected
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship stuck in New York Harbor because of powerful nor’easter
• The pros and cons of balcony cruise ship cabins
• Inside cabin on Oasis of the Seas room tour
• The 5 best rooms on a cruise ship after trying them all
• I took my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Two days on one of the world's largest ships wasn't enough
• Royal Caribbean has the best entertainment in the industry — and it's not even close

New Video: The most unpredictable cruise I've ever taken

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 — The most unpredictable cruise I've ever taken — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Sneak peek at the new Royal Railway restaurant

Matt was invited to Royal Caribbean headquarters for a first look at the Royal Railway restaurant that is coming to Legend of the Seas.

The immersive train car experience is unlike any other specialty restaurant.

This is an all new theme that follows the journey of Marco Polo, and it includes food from five different countries.

Oasis of the Seas ship review

How does Oasis of the Seas compare to newer ships that have come since?

Matt sailed for 7-nights on the original game changing ship and shared what's great about it, and what he missed from other ships.

Oasis remains a fabulous cruise ship choice, and also has a number of enhancements that still stand out.

What I wish I packed for my cruise

We asked our readers what's one thing they regretted not bringing with them on their cruise.

It's common to go on a cruise and either notice they forgot something or quickly realize they should have brought something with them.

Between the ordinary and "I wish I thought of that", we compiled a list of what cruisers wish they brought onboard.

Famous Royal Caribbean cruise ship now looks like a ghost ship

Majesty of the Seas was sold off in 2020, and while it's still intact, it looks to be in general disrepair.

During the cruise industry shutdown, Royal Caribbean found a buyer for Majesty.  

But nothing has been done with the ship since.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 579th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

In this episode, Matt and Beci share what they liked and didn't like about Oasis of the Seas.

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.

Balcony cabins are the most popular type of cruise ship room because they offer a mix of additional living space and a private outdoor space.

Having natural light and an outdoor area just for you makes them an attractive option for many cruisers.

Those added benefits come with a higher price when compared to an inside room. Sometimes the cost difference can be substantial.

Let's go over the pros and cons of balcony rooms and consider which option might be best for different kind of cruisers.

Why should I get a balcony cabin?

First, let's review the advantages of a balcony room over an inside room.

Balcony rooms have more living space

Compared to an inside room, moving up to a balcony will get you a bigger room and the private space of the balcony.

Because cruise ship rooms are usually smaller than hotel rooms you might be used to on land, every square foot of living space matters.

In an inside room you'll often do a shuffle in order to get from one side of the room to another, but that's less an issue with a balcony.

And of course more living space makes a big difference if you're sharing the cabin with other people.  Families opting to put 3 or 4 passengers in the same room will appreciate any extra space they can get.

Having your own balcony means not competing with anyone

The balcony itself is the top reason to book this type of stateroom, and it's a great perk.

When you have your own balcony, it's your own little retreat to enjoy the views as your ship sails, get a view of sail away, or enjoy outdoor space at your leisure. Plus, you can enjoy the view from inside your room too.

Best of all, you don't have to worry about someone else taking your seat.

Could be better if you're worried about motion sickness

Some people swear by booking balcony rooms if they are sensitive to motion sickness.

I've heard from other cruisers that having a balcony makes it easier to acclimate if the motion of the ocean starts to get to them. Being able to see the horizon and get fresh air are two strategies for reducing the effect of seasickness.

While there are plenty of other ways to avoid getting seasick, a balcony room offers a convenient way to readjust yourself should you start to feel off.

Why shouldn't I get a balcony cabin?

All the pros aside, there's still an extra cost associated with upgrading to a balcony. Here are some of the considerations to be mindful of.

How much time will you really spend in your room?

One truth of cruising is there is so much to do around your Royal Caribbean ship, so you may end up just using your stateroom as a place to sleep, shower, and change clothes.

If you're going to be out and about enjoying the ship, why spend extra on a balcony room?  

Sure, it's nice to have a balcony, but if you aren't in the room to take advantage of it, then you're paying for something you won't really use.

The price difference between a balcony and interior room can be a lot

Sometimes the difference in price to move up to a balcony can be a lot.

While I love balcony cabins, I wouldn't pay any price for them.  If an interior room is hundreds of dollars cheaper, you can make the argument that money is better spent on other things.

You'll often see the balcony price gap significantly higher on destination focused itineraries, such as Alaska. When demand is higher for balcony rooms because everyone has the notion to get one to enjoy the scenery, it drives up the price.

How much is too much? That depends on your budget, but all the benefits of a balcony stateroom can't make up for a room cost that's too expensive.

Not all balcony rooms are the same

Royal Caribbean offers balcony rooms that go beyond an ocean view, and that may not be to your liking.

Some of the bigger Royal Caribbean ships have balconies that face inwards to one of the public areas. 

You still get the same private balcony, but it faces into these areas. Not only can people in these neighborhoods see you, but there are balcony rooms on the opposite side of the ship facing you. 

In addition to a lack of privacy, neighborhood balcony rooms can be louder than ocean balconies.

From people taking, to parties, to shows, there will be a certain level of noise that can be heard.  The noise issue is really only an issue on the actual balcony, as the stateroom does a good job of muffling the sounds in my experience.

You should also know some ocean balconies might be blocked somehow by an object.

The cruise line calls these obstructed balconies, and it's often the kind of balcony room you might get if you book a guarantee balcony room.

The issue with obstructed view balcony rooms is you don't have a full range of view to see from your balcony.  Depending on what percentage your view is blocked, this may or may not be an issue.

You can't smoke on your balcony

Just in case you're thinking to book a balcony to have a convenient place to smoke, that isn't allowed.

Royal Caribbean banned smoking in your cabin or on balcony rooms many years ago. Instead, there are designated smoking areas on the ship.

You'll be charged a $250 cleaning fee if you're caught smoking there.

Our advice

A balcony room is a great stateroom for almost any cruise, but it's not necessarily a slam dunk choice every time.

If the extra cost to move up to a balcony room isn't too high, I think it's a great room choice for most cruisers.  Who wouldn't want a bigger room and easy access to outdoor space?

I'd caution against letting Royal Caribbean pick your balcony room if you're at all concerned about getting an obstructed view or neighborhood balcony. This is more an issue for new cruisers who aren't used to these rooms.

Royal Caribbean has big plans for 2026, some of which will fundamentally shape the future of the cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean is in the midst of a building spree, with new ships and land destinations opening, and 2026 should be a catalyst for moving those plans forward.

Coming on the heels of launching Star of the Seas and its first beach club that will have opened in December 2025, we already have big things to look forward to in the new year.

Here are five big changes that we know about already for Royal Caribbean in 2026 that you should be tracking now. 

Legend of the Seas launches

We will get a brand new Royal Caribbean cruise ship in 2026 when Legend of the Seas joins the fleet.

The third Icon Class ship will have its first sailing July 11, 2026, and sail in the Mediterranean for the summer.

Then Legend moves across the Atlantic to call Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) home for the winter, with the first North American sailing November 9th.

A brand new cruise ship is always a big deal because it not only adds a new option, but comes with new changes and innovations.

If you're shopping for a 2026 cruise, it's hard to overlook a new ship because it's the latest and greatest.

Royal Caribbean will feature a number of new offerings:

• Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" musical
• Royal Railway Legend Station
• Hollywoodland Supper Club
• Reimagined Surfside
• New Aquadome Market options

Expect a lot of fanfare for the launch.

New beach club opens in Cozumel, Mexico

The second Royal Beach Club is set to open in the second half of 2026.

The first will open at the very end of 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas, but then work will shift to get the Royal Beach Club Cozumel open in December 2026.

Cozumel's beach club is all about providing the best day in the beach or pool, with lots of sun, food, and culture too. There are two heated pools, plus a fabulous beach.

All Royal Beach Clubs have an extra cost to go to them. Think of it like a shore excursion that's built and run by Royal Caribbean.

Located about 10 minutes away from where cruise ships dock in Cozumel, you'll be able to access it by bus, taxi and water transportation as well.

There will be a pool with a swim-up bar, along with a side that's toes in the sand that stretches over to the beach.

Full details haven't been released yet, but the cruise line is adamant this will deliver the best beach day.

Three cruise ships will get major upgrades

Royal Caribbean is reinvesting in its fleet by giving three ships the Royal Amplified treatment.

In early 2026, these vessels will go out of service for about a month to get upgraded:

• Ovation of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas

This means there will be restaurants, activities, suites, and even new suites on each ship.  The purpose is to bring each of them up to the standard set by newer ships.

The reason to be excited for these changes is it will truly enhance these ships. As newer ships come out, it can feel like older ships fall behind. But amplification work, like this, can make a big difference.

A return to Labadee?

We're crossing our fingers that Royal Caribbean ships will be able to return to Labadee again in 2026.

The cruise line halted all visits to its private beach spot in Haiti since April 2025, and it cancelled future stops until at least May 2026.

The issue is the civil unrest that's been plaguing the country, and the cruise line feels it's best to skip visits until the situation improves.

The change was made "in an abundance of caution" according to the cruise line, but there's no indication if visits will resume.

While this isn't the first time Labadee has been shut down due to problems in the country, it is the longest duration of continuously skipping visits.

If you have a cruise booked that is scheduled to visit Labadee, I would caution there's a chance your stop could be cancelled. Cruises that previously included Labadee have been re-rerouted to places like Turks & Caicos, Grand Cayman, or Cozumel.

However, I'm hopeful we'll see ships going back sometime in 2026.

A new homeport in SoCal

There will be a new homeport in California when Royal Caribbean starts sailing from San Diego.

Beginning in October 2026, Serenade of the Seas will offer a variety of sailings down to Ensenada, Mexico and the Mexican Riviera. Serenade will also visit La Paz, a new stop for the line.

Up until now, Royal Caribbean has only used Los Angeles (San Pedro) as its homeport in California.

Although I prefer balcony cabins, I didn't think a private verandah was worth the extra money on a 2-night sailing aboard one of the world's biggest cruise ships. 

Royal Caribbean has begun leaning more into the short cruise market with 3- and 4-night sailings to its award-winning private island in The Bahamas. However, they rarely offer 2-night getaways.

As such, I was intrigued by a somewhat rare opportunity to take a 2-night cruise, especially on a ship as large as Oasis of the Seas. With limited time onboard, I knew most of my time would be spent exploring the ship, rather than relaxing on a balcony. 

Costing $724.98 for two people (including taxes, port fees, and gratuities), the inside cabin wasn't cheap. In fact, we spent more on flights from Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale! 

Still, paying extra for a balcony stateroom seemed like a waste of money. For this particular sailing, I knew we'd get the most value from enjoying the ship's amenities and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Oasis of the Seas is a destination in and of itself, with sprawling neighborhoods, countless dining options, unique entertainment, and adrenaline-pumping activities. She was updated in 2019 to feature newer amenities, too. Now, guests can enjoy the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, the Perfect Storm water slides, and more. 

Having spent over 50 nights on Oasis Class ships, I knew what to expect onboard. However, my travel partner was embarking on her first-ever cruise — and this was the perfect introduction. 

Our two days on Oasis of the Seas were jam-packed from the moment we set foot on the ship. As such, we were only in the room to sleep and shower, which is what I figured.

I don't regret saving money and staying in a windowless inside cabin — it was perfect for our quick Bahamian getaway! 

What to expect from Oasis of the Seas rooms: inside cabin review

It's no surprise that the newer the ship, the nicer the cabin. Staterooms on ships like Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas have better storage options, modern designs, and smart features like bedside outlets. 

Throughout her 15+ years in service, Royal Caribbean has kept Oasis of the Seas up to par through regular refurbishments and upgrades. However, the staterooms are nearly identical to how they were when the ship debuted in 2009.

There's room for the essentials, though. The layout maximizes the space to comfortably fit a bed, desk, loveseat, coffee table, and two nightstands. 

In fact, I was surprised by how spacious room #12153 was. Earlier this year, I sailed on Wonder of the Seas, and my tiny interior stateroom barely had room for an extra chair! 

Comparatively, my cabin on Oasis of the Seas had a nicely sized sofa, which is where we kept our suitcases during our 2-night cruise. 

While I typically unpack as soon as possible, it was unnecessary on such a short cruise. That said, storage space was abundant, so those on longer voyages won't have trouble settling in.

Some may think that older Oasis Class ships don't have a lot of storage, but between the closet, built-in shelves, drawers, and vanity area, there's more than enough room for two people. 

Another difference compared to newer ships is that these cabins lack outlets. Unlike my inside staterooms on Wonder and Symphony of the Seas, the only outlets on Oasis are found near the vanity. 

Moreover, they are just standard American and European plugs — no USB or USB-C options. If you like to have your phone charge beside the bed, make sure you bring a portable charger (or a really, really long cable). 

As an older ship, there was no key slot by the door to power the cabin's electricity, either. Instead, there was one master switch button that had to be left on for the lights and air conditioning to work. 

Although not necessarily as environmentally friendly as newer ships, we never had to worry about accidentally leaving our SeaPass in the cabin when we left. 

Speaking of air conditioning, our stateroom stayed surprisingly cold for the entire sailing. I've sailed in some cabins where, even when the thermostat was at its lowest, the room never felt very cool. 

Aside from those minor differences (i.e, fewer outlets, dated design, less storage, and a master power switch), the cabin had the same amenities as newer ships. 

For example, the mini-fridge kept our two bottles of wine cool; the television worked fine; and the beds were just as comfortable as other ships. 

(You can always ask for a mattress topper or extra pillows if you're a particular sleeper and need a plush bed.) 

Finally, one thing I love about older Oasis Class bathrooms is how spacious they feel. They aren't as cramped as other bathrooms on ships like Wonder of the Seas. 

That's not to say they feel as large as my master bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in closet at home, but for a cruise ship, the bathroom in my inside cabin on Oasis of the Seas was roomy. 

The bathroom was well-maintained, and that extended to the shower itself. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, the shower had the same 2-in-1 shampoo-body wash hybrid and small toiletries shelf.

Read more: I always pack two things for my cruise bathroom that I'll thank myself for later

However, I was pleasantly surprised with the two hooks inside the shower, which were perfect for hanging our wet swimsuits after spending the day ashore at CocoCay. 

These were in addition to the hooks on the back of the bathroom door. I never travel without my hanging toiletries organizer and would have been disappointed if the only hooks were inside the shower. 

Additionally, the shower pressure was strong, and I loved seeing how clean the showerhead was.

There wasn't any noticeable lime scale buildup or discoloration. In fact, the showerhead looked brand new!

I would book another interior stateroom on Oasis of the Seas again

Cruise ships are floating cities with endless dining and entertainment all under one roof. Oasis and Icon Class ships, especially, take cruising to another level with their size, variety of venues, and onboard activities.

Inside cabins are a great way to cruise on a budget. If you're hardly in your stateroom (like I was on Oasis of the Seas), you don't have to splurge on a balcony cabin. 

With so much happening around the ship, from live music to karaoke, AquaTheater performances, mini-golf tournaments, game shows, and more, your stateroom is a place to recharge and shower.

I think it's smarter to spend the extra money on add-ons like shore excursions and specialty meals. 

Royal Caribbean announced it will add its second immersive dining experience on its newest Icon Class ship, and we have an early look at what you can expect.

Royal Railway – Legend Station is one of the big changes coming to Legend of the Seas when it launches in 2026. It's the follow-up to the original restaurant first opened on Utopia of the Seas where passengers can dine in a full-size rail car that looks and feels like a real train. This is a specialty restaurant that has a cover charge.

The experience relies on digital screens built into the windows, sophisticated sounds and vibrations, and crew members acting as conductors to weave together a story.

This time, there's a brand new story, destination, and menu to go with it. It's called "Silk Routes", and it traces the journey of famed explorer Marco Polo from China back to Italy.

There are stops in multiple countries, each country representing a course on the menu.

Having tried the Wild West version already, Royal Caribbean invited me for an exclusive first look to test out its new idea at its headquarters in Miami that is still very much in development as they fine tune the final version.

Mock-up of what we can expect

Deep inside its Innovation Lab at the cruise line's headquarters, Royal Caribbean built a scale copy of the train car that will eventually be onboard Legend of the Seas.

Along with about 20 cruise line employees, I got to try out the full meal and see, taste, and hear what passengers may encounter when they get onboard the new ship. 

This is still an early version of the restaurant, and the purpose of this test is to not only ensure the effects, crew members, and experience works like it should, but it's also an opportunity to gather feedback.

Royal Caribbean is adamant about taking guest feedback into account for the final product, and a prototype allows them to test and adjust leading right up to the ship's launch.

A journey through Asia and Europe

Silk Routes takes you half way across the world and visits five countries.

• China
• India
• Persia
• Turkey
• Italy

Each country corresponds to a course, and the cuisine is representative of those parts of the world.

We had a limited selection of food choices for this trial run, but passengers can expect a full menu when it opens on Legend.

Whether you've been to the first restaurant or not, I think your jaw will drop when the windows open and you're transported to China and each subsequent country.

In fact, I think this is the genius of Silk Routes. Because there are multiple countries and each has its own distinct look, the novelty of looking out the "windows" doesn't get old.

The digital screens rely on high definition computer renderings to portray the landscapes your train is passing by. I saw some seriously amazing vistas, such as Holi in India, Dolomites in northern Italy, or hot air balloons over Turkey. I hope these make it into the final version.

Along the way a conductor is your guide through the journey. 

The conductor not only announces which country and region you're passing by, but explains local traditions, significant landmarks, and shares some of the history too.

Your menu has not only what food choices you can pick from, but it has a map to explain where you're going.

Unlike the map from the fictitious Wild West version, this one is rooted in reality. Each region has an explanation of its history and what drew Marco Polo there in the first place.

More immersion

Besides the part of the world you're visiting, one change you should expect is less schtick with the conductors.

The conductor this time around is here to narrate, not act. 

It relies more heavily on great food and great drinks, and you get to enjoy the places your train takes you. Basically, immersion is turned up with Silk Routes.

Where Wild West was very family centric, I think Silk Routes will be more of an experience you'd want to go for to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy an evening out doing something special.

That isn't to say kids wouldn't enjoy this too, but don't expect a story telling aspect akin to the Wild West show.

Taking the food tour

In our preview, we got an idea Royal Caribbean has for the menu when Royal Railway – Legend Station opens.

There's a brand new menu, but don't assume anything shown on this menu will make the final cut. However, the idea is to lean into each region's rich culinary history to offer options from each.

We got to try Hoisin Duck Egg Rolls from China, Potato Chop from India, and more. Keep in mind the food was prepped with a ghost kitchen, so this is simply to give you an idea of the direction Royal Caribbean is leaning towards.

Hoisin Duck Egg Rolls

I hope the Potato Chop and Adana Kebab make the final menu, because they were incredibly tasty.

Potato Chop

Adana Kebab

As a fan of Indian food, I love Royal Caribbean is finally giving us a specialty restaurant that serves curry, biryani, and more.

When the restaurant opens, I'll have a hard time choosing between the various options.

Limone

Speaking of choices, this early version of the menu seems to have many more options to pick than the Wild West menu. I'm all for variety, so I'd love to see that stay on as well.

The new must-do restaurant?

When Royal Railway opened on Utopia of the Seas, it was instantly sold out and I think the version coming to Legend will be an even hotter ticket.

Not only is this the second version of the restaurant, but it's substantially different in the approach. I think that will get a lot of cruisers wanting to try Silk Routes, whether they've done Wild West or not.

Leaning into an international showcase of food is such a smart idea for Silk Routes, and it's something I think most people want. A greater variety of great food that goes well beyond "just another specialty restaurant."

The immersive factor cannot be understated with Silk Routes. Royal Caribbean designed the train restaurant to be a memory making super machine, and I think anyone dining here will be talking about it well after the check is delivered.

We don't yet know how much Royal Caribbean will charge for Silk Routes or when reservations may open for it. But when you are able to start booking it, I know I'll want to book a reservation.