Royal Caribbean Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No immediate cause for concern

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

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

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

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

Read more: 25 Alaska cruise tips to follow in 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food costs alone make cruising a great value

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

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

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

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

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

Unpacking once on a cruise is an underrated benefit

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting a glimpse of these places is good enough

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

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

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

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

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

Cruise ships can get to places that are impractical by car

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

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

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

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

I missed the value and convenience of a cruise ship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean News

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

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

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — What Happens To The Uneaten Food On Cruise Ship Buffets — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Changes to Royal Caribbean's credit card?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Royal Caribbean is making the policy change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not the first time drink packages rules had to change

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

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

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

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

Cruisers react

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Options for cruising without a drink package

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's how the new tax breaks down:

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

Higher taxes for the two most popular islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A fix for overtourism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onboard casino promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean International welcomed its 100 millionth cruiser in July, marking a major milestone for the cruise brand. 

For more than 50 years, Royal Caribbean has been at the forefront of innovation at sea, delivering some of the most unforgettable vacation experiences. 

From building the world's largest cruise ships to creating exclusive beachfront destinations in The Bahamas and Caribbean, the brand has continuously raised the bar for what guests can expect when cruising. 

They aren't slowing down, either. Star of the Seas, the next-gen Icon Class ship, is set to enter service next month. Not only that, but Royal Caribbean is expanding its private destination portfolio with the opening of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau in December. 

By the end of 2027, they'll have two more Royal Beach Clubs in operation, as well as another Perfect Day destination in Mexico — not to mention two more Icon Class ships. 

Family wins free cruise for being lucky 100 millionth

The Duquette family from Parkland, Florida, was celebrated as the 100 millionth guests during a surprise ceremony onboard Icon of the Seas

Chris, Madeline, and Jillian Duquette were celebrated on Icon with confetti cannons in the Royal Promenade, a special balloon photo-op, a meet-and-greet with crew members, and special upgrades and gifts, including a complimentary cruise on Utopia of the Seas.

Utopia is Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship that launched in July 2024. She was the first purpose-built ship in the fleet to operate year-round short cruises. Historically, 3- and 4-night cruises were reserved for older ships. 

As such, Utopia of the Seas blends its party-like atmosphere with the line's signature amenities, making it the perfect ship for travelers seeking a getaway while experiencing the best that Royal Caribbean has to offer. 

The celebration on Icon wasn't just about honoring one family; it was about the decades of memories made by millions of other families around the world, which is why Royal Caribbean launched a limited-time sale to share the celebration with other guests.

50 years by the numbers

Plus, since Perfect Day at CocoCay opened in 2019, there have been over 34,000 rides on the Up, Up, and Away helium balloon and 1.21 million visits to Thrill Waterpark. 

Until The Fall at Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park opened in 2023, Thrill Waterpark's Daredevil Peak was the tallest water slide in North America. 

Still, at 135 feet tall, the slide is a must-try for adrenaline seekers.

Last year, over one million (1.26 million, to be exact) children sailed on Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

Additionally, there were over 508,000 bumper car battles recorded on Quantum Class ships in 2024, along with 276,367 ice skating sessions. 

Guests tested their bravery with 1.25 million rock climbs, 29,900 daring Crown's Edge walks, and 544,889 slides down the Oasis Class-exclusive Ultimate Abyss. 

800 couples tied the knot at sea in 2024, while 194,196 celebrated their birthdays on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. 

The most impressive number, however, has to be the 11.12 million ice cream cones served from Sprinkles. 

Limited-time sale

Cruisers can take advantage of a limited-time sale to celebrate Royal Caribbean's 100 millionth passenger milestone. 

They're offering up to $100 in bonus savings on all cruises from the United States. This offer is combinable with other ongoing promotions, too. 

It's valid on cruises departing on or after August 1, 2025. 

There's also a special Cruise Planner sale, featuring discounts on popular add-ons like drink and dining packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, spa treatments, and more:

• Beverage: Up to 40% off
• Dining: Up to 50% off
• Spa: Up to 30% off
• VIP Passes: Up to 50% off
• Internet: Up to 30% off
• Photo Package: Up to 60% off
• Gift & Gear: Up to 35% off

The Cruise Planner sale runs from Thursday, July 31, 2025, through August 5, 2025. Deals are valid on sailings from August 5, 2025, through December 31, 2025. 

Note that the availability of offers varies by eligible ships: AD, AL, AN, BR, EN, EX, FR, GR, HM, IC, ID, JW, LB, LE, MA, NV, OA, OV, OY, QN, RD, RH, SC, SR, ST, SY, UT, VI, VY, WN.

Royal Caribbean's new Star of the Seas is almost ready to welcome passengers onboard, and I can't wait to see it myself.

The first official cruise departs Port Canaveral on August 16, followed by a series of short showcase sailings leading up to the official maiden voyage on August 31st.

Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class ship, and it's Royal Caribbean's follow-up to the mega hit that has been Icon of the Seas.

A new ship launch is always exciting, but the sequel to a truly game-changing ship is going to be something not to miss.

When I embark Star of the Seas and start exploring, I've already come up with a six things I'll be looking for to see how this ship stands out from her big sister.

Lincoln Park Supper Club

Royal Caribbean exceeded my expectations when it opened its first supper club on Icon of the Seas, so I can't wait to see its follow-up.

The supper club on Icon had a New York theme, and the one on Star of the Seas will have a Chicago theme to it.

If you haven't tried the Empire Supper Club yet, it's a fine dining experience that combines food, cocktails, and live music. Trust me, it's an experience you don't find on cruise ships.

Each course matches what you're eating and drinking to the music played, and I liked it much more than I expected when I tried it on Icon.

In fact, I went back for a second time because I liked it so much.

I also really like the fact it has a strict dress code, so everyone going in to dine has an elevated look.  Sometimes, it's fun to dress up and look fancy.

I booked a seating on Star so I can check it out for myself and see how this version measures up to the original.

New Aquadome Market

Another follow-up restaurant hit is the complimentary food hall on Star of the Seas.

When Royal Caribbean announced it would open its first food hall, I was sold immediately.  Freshly prepared food that leaned into various regional offerings in a quick service manner sounded like the perfect idea.

Sure enough, Aquadome Market quickly became my favorite restaurant, and it sounds like the version on Star of the Seas could be even better.

Royal Caribbean is keeping a few of the food halls from Icon, but swapping out some others.

• NEW: Pig Out BBQ: Serves smoky pulled pork and beef brisket
• NEW: Mai Thai: Specializes in Southeast Asian favorites like pad Thai and beef panang
• NEW: La Cocinita: Offers South American staples such as empanadas and arepas
• Crème de la Crêpe: Serves sweet and savory French crêpes
• Feta Mediterranean: Features fresh pitas and bowls with Mediterranean flavors

Not only did they add three new halls, but they kept the two best ones from Icon.

Part of the reason I like Aquadome Market so much is it's included in your cruise fare, conveniently located near the pool deck, and it's open late.

You can bet I'll be headed to Aquadome Market on embarkation day for lunch.

Back to the Future: The Musical

I was really surprised when Royal Caribbean confirmed they'd have a full Broadway musical on Star of the Seas, especially a brand new show.

It has been a number of years since Royal Caribbean added a Broadway show to one of its ships and I feared they might have moved past that trend.

So when Back to the Future: The Musical was revealed as the show for Star, I was really excited. Not only was it a new show, but a crowd pleasing musical that even casual theater fans could appreciate.

I don't need to recap what this musical is about because I think everyone has seen the film, but it should be a real hit with guests.

The Wizard of Oz is performed on Icon of the Seas, and I think that quickly impressed a lot of people.  So now with a show that has even more pizzazz, I think it's going to be a hot ticket.

Crowd management

If there's one thing Royal Caribbean really got right with Icon of the Seas, it's the crowd flow.  So I'm hoping it's just as good (if not better) on Star of the Seas.

One of the early takeaways on Icon was that it felt so much less crowded than the Oasis Class ships.

Initially I thought this might have been a fluke on my sailing, but I've been on Icon a few more times and it's incredible a ship that can handle up to 7,000 passengers can feel as uncrowded as it does.

When the ship feels uncrowded, I think it makes a significant difference in how passengers enjoy the experience overall.  It feels less contentious and almost liberating because you're more at ease with everything.

I'm going to pay special attention to a few areas, such as the Royal Promenade and it's improved Pearl.  I also want to see how the change to adults-only at Swim & Tonic impacts the venue, as well as the entire pool deck vibe.

Aquadome show

If there's one must-see on any Royal Caribbean ship, it's their aqua show.

I don't care which ship it is, I'll always make a point to go to the Aquatheater to see the show because it's such a crowd pleaser.

Royal Caribbean has a new show for Star of the Seas, called Torque.

A revved-up aqua show featuring athletic artists, synchronized swimmers, dancers and slackliners for an action-packed show of thrilling stunts, cutting-edge tech and immersive visuals.

When it comes to the aqua shows, it's about taking in the spectacle of talented performers that dance, dive, and balance better than anyone I've ever seen.  Often, it's to some really good music too.

I got chills when I saw the Darth Vader scene in the aqua show on Icon of the Seas, so I can't wait to see how they top that on Star.

What changes (if any) to the cabin

I pay particular attention to my cabin on any cruise ship I sail on, because it's where the most tweaks tend to happen.

With Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas built right around the same time, I'm not certain how much of a difference there will be in the cabin. However, I've noted cabins get updates more easily than public areas.

Whether it's additional storage, new connectivity options, or even just an improvement to the shower, I'm curious to see what Royal Caribbean has lined up for the staterooms on Star.

Star of the Seas begins sailing in August 2025

Beginning with the August 31 sailing, Star of the Seas will sail 7-night cruises to the Caribbean from her homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Every sailing includes a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

You can book a cruise on Star through early 2027, and there are even a few last-minute rooms left on the early showcase sailings.

Could booking a cruise at the last-minute cost you more than if you booked months earlier?

This week, Royal Caribbean Group executives discussed their second quarter earnings, which were notably higher thanks to more people booking last-minute cruises.

For years, some cruisers relied on waiting to book a cruise in order to snag a great price, but that strategy might not be as effective based on the comments from executives.

Royal Caribbean executives have made it clear: close-in demand is surging, pricing is strong, and guests are spending more.

If this trend continues, it could mean you'll pay much more for a cruise booked late rather than early.

Surging close-in demand

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty opened the earnings call with this fact: Net Yield grew 5.2% in the quarter, a full 70 basis points above their original guidance.

In cruise industry terms, Net Yield includes both fare and onboard revenue per available passenger day. So if Net Yields are up because of close-in bookings, that strongly implies that those last-minute fares are coming in above average, not below.

According to Liberty, "that was driven by better than expected close-in demand across all key itineraries."

What he's essentially saying is cruisers booking closer to the sail date were booking in large numbers and at higher prices than expected.

In the past, cruise lines may have discounted their fares to fill unsold cabins. However, that's not a problem these days. The average ship in the second quarter sailed with a load factor of 110%, meaning there’s simply not as much leftover space to mark down.

Higher cruise fares holding firm

To be clear, Royal Caribbean executives didn’t say the words "last-minute fares cost more." But their commentary left little room for doubt.

As mentioned earlier, close-in bookings pushed Net Yields higher. If last-minute fares were discounted, it would have dragged this number down, not up.

They also talked about how the booking window is shortening while prices are rising.

"More than half of consumers tell us they are booking closer to their departure date than they used to… [Yet] our booked position is in line with prior years at higher rates for both 2025 and 2026," Mr. Liberty said in the earning call.

This means travelers taking longer to book a cruise, so there's more competition for those last minute bookings, and at higher fares year over year.

Younger cruisers are fueling this trend

More younger people are trying cruising, and it's this growing segment of cruisers that are waiting to book.

Royal Caribbean said during the call that millennials and Gen Z are driving this behavior.

"We are also seeing strong intent across demographics, particularly among millennials and younger, who continue to represent half of our customer base," Mr. Liberty said.

"Roughly 7 in 10 consumers in these younger generations are more likely to book closer to departure, reflecting a desire for spontaneity and flexibility."

What can cruisers do to save money?

This revelation is a warning of how to adjust your booking strategy. You don’t have to overpay, but you do need to plan better.

Book early

If at all possible, book your cruise early instead of waiting for the final months before a sailing begins.

Royal Caribbean releases sailings to book up to two years in advance, and the best pricing is often available at launch. This is especially true for new ships and high-demand routes (like Alaska, Europe, or holiday sailings).

Booking early also gives you first choice of cabins, and often better value for suites and family staterooms.

Watch for price drops

The next thing to do is take advantage of a price drop.

I recommend booking with a good travel agent that can help you find price drops, and if there is one, reprice your cruise if the fare drops before final payment.

Be flexible

It's also a good idea to look for a cruise during certain times of the year when there's less demand.

If your schedule is flexible, consider shoulder season sailings, such as:

• Late August or early September in the Caribbean
• Early May or September in Europe
• May or September in Alaska

These three strategies should net you a lower price and better stateroom choice than if you wait until closer to the sail date to book.  It will also ensure you bypass this growing trend of higher demand for a last-minute cruise.

A new round of cancellations have been announced for Royal Caribbean's private beach destination in Haiti.

Travel agents were informed on Wednesday the cruise line will extend its pause of visits to Labadee through the end of October 2025.

"We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we're cancelling our visits to Labadee through October 31st," an email from the cruise line said.

Labadee is a private beach stop exclusive to Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean had already cancelled visits to Labadee beginning in April 2025 due to gang violence that raised concerns about safety.

Since then, there have been more cancellations periodically announced.

No visits until at least November

Up until now, visits were cancelled through early August, but Royal Caribbean has made the decision to extend those cancellations through October.

With cancellations extending into October, that will mean at least another few months of no visits there.

Any prepaid excursions will automatically refund any and reschedule any other impacted pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore excursions.

Here's what Royal Caribbean has planned instead for affected sailings.

• Adventure of the Seas:
  • August 16
    • We're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day, and we've added a visit to Nassau, Bahamas, on Day 6. Additionally, we'll now have some extra time in Falmouth, Jamaica.
  • August 30
    • We're skipping our visit to Labadee, and we'll now visit George Town, Grand Cayman instead. Additionally, we've also adjusted our arrival and departure times in Falmouth, Jamaica and George Town. We'll now arrive in George Town at 10:30 AM and depart at 6:00 PM and we'll now arrive in Falmouth at 7:00 AM and depart at 4:00 PM. Additionally, we'll now arrive an hour earlier at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
  • September 13 and October 11
    • We're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day, and we've added a visit to Nassau, Bahamas on Day 6.
  • September 27
    • We're skipping our visit to Labadee, and we'll now visit George Town, Grand Cayman instead. Additionally, we've also ajusted our arrival and departure times in Falmouth, Jamaica. We'll now arrive in Falmouth at 8:00 AM and depart at 5:00 PM. Additionally, we'll now arrive half an hour earlier at Grand Bahamas Island, Bahamas.
  • October 25th
    • We're skipping our visit to Labadee, and we'll now visit Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, on Day 5 instead.

• Freedom of the Seas:
  • August 22, August 28, September 6, September 11, September 25, October 4, October 9, October 18, and October 23
    • We'll now visit Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, instead of Labadee, Haiti.

• Icon of the Seas:
  • August 9 and September 20
    • We're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day. Additionally, we've rearranged the order and the times we'll visit our ports. We'll now visit Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas on Day 4 at 8:00 AM and depart at 6:00 PM and we'll now visit San Juan on Day 5 at 7:00 AM and depart at 3:00 PM. We've also adjusted our arrival time in Perfect Day at CocoCay. We'll now arrive at 8:00 AM instead of 8:30 AM.

• Oasis of the Seas:
  • August 17
    • We're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day, and we've added a visit to Nassau, Bahamas, on Day 6. Additionally, we have adjusted the times in which we'll visit Falmouth, Jamaica and Nassau.
  • September 7 and October 5
    • We're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day, and we'll now visit Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, on Day 5 instead. Additionally, we've rearranged the order and the times we'll visit our ports. We'll now visit San Juan, Puerto Rico on Day 3 at 2:00 PM and depart at 9:00 PM. We've also adjusted our arrival time in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. We'll now arrive at 9:00 AM instead of 8:00 AM.
  • September 14 and October 26
    • We're skipping our visit to Labadee and we'll now visit Costa Maya, Mexico instead. Additionally, we're swapping our visit to Falmouth, Jamaica for a day in Cozumel, Mexico. As a result of this change, we've slightly adjusted our arrival and departure times. We'll now depart Cozumel at 6:00 PM and we'll arrive in Costa Maya at 8:00 AM.
  • October 12
    • We're skipping our visit to Labadee and we'll now visit Costa Maya, Mexico on Day 5 instead. As a result of this change, we're also swapping our visit to Nassau, Bahamas for a Sea Day and we'll now visit Cozumel, Mexico on Day 3. Additionally, we'll now enjoy a visit to Roatan, Honduras on Day 4 instead of Falmouth, Jamaica.

• Radiance of the Seas:
  • October 20
    • We'll now visit Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, instead of Labadee, Haiti.

The email apologized for the change, "We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause - your safety is our top priority."  

"While we know it's not the original itinerary we planned, we appreciate your understanding and can't wait to explore these new destinations."

Why Royal Caribbean is continuing to skip Labadee

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

Ever since the 2021 assassination of Haiti's last president, an alliance of gangs have employed brutal tactics to grow its power.

An estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is controlled by gangs. 

The United States recently designated Haiti's major gangs as terrorist groups, which is intended to isolate the groups, denying them access to financing from U.S. people or companies.

More than 1,600 people were killed in violent clashes in the first three months of this year while over 1 million are internally displaced, according to U.N. estimates.

The U.S. State Department has a the highest level of travel advisory against visiting Haiti for well over a year, which is “Level 4: Do Not Travel."