Royal Caribbean Blog

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." 

What is it like to take a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska in 2025?

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise this year or in the coming years, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Whether budgeting for shore excursions or planning travel logistics, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible for your Alaska vacation.

I recently returned from a 7-night cruise to Alaska aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. During my cruise, I learned firsthand what it’s like to visit the state in 2025.

Prices were substantially higher than on Alaska cruises I’ve taken previously, but the core experience remained the same. The fjords were just as majestic as in the past, and cruise ports offered dozens of ways to experience Alaska’s highlights to the fullest.

These days, however, it’s not as easy to “wing it” on an Alaska cruise. With so much demand, failing to prepare in advance could hinder your trip’s success. You’ll want to plan your trip’s logistics far in advance, and it’s also helpful to get a taste of what life is like onboard before you set sail.

This is what it’s really like to take a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise in 2025.

Prices are higher for nearly everything, but there are still ways to save money

I’ve been cruising to Alaska almost every year since 2021, and I’m shocked at the rising prices.

Every summer, it seems like cruise fares and shore excursions rise substantially, even if you’re booking independent tours outside of the cruise line.

When I booked my Alaska cruise in 2025, I paid almost $3,000 for an interior cabin on Anthem of the Seas. Just two years prior, I cruised to Alaska on sister ship Quantum of the Seas, but paid only $1,850 for the same cabin category.

Related: Cheap interior vs. balcony on an Alaska cruise

I noticed another substantial price increase while my cruise was docked in Juneau. In 2022, I paid $45 for a roundtrip shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier aboard M&M Tours’ Glacier Express bus.

This year, the round-trip shuttle was priced at $79 per person—an increase of over 75%.

Rising prices of cruise fares and excursions far surpass standard inflation rates. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to cruise to Alaska on a budget, especially if you want to travel during peak season.

Fortunately, though, there are still ways you can save money on an Alaska cruise.

Instead of opting for that $79 shuttle bus, for instance, you can take a local bus instead for just $4 roundtrip per person. Or, instead of cruising to Alaska in mid-July, consider a cruise in May or September for lower prices.

Even still, there’s no getting around the fact that prices are drastically higher than just a few years ago.

Your sailing could have Alaska locals as special guests

While sailing through Alaska, you might notice a change in programming aboard your Royal Caribbean ship. In addition to standard activities like trivia and game shows, there could also be scheduled lectures by Alaska locals.

Royal Caribbean has a partnership with Voyij, an Alaska marketplace that represents local businesses and artists from around the state. Through their partnership, Royal Caribbean brings Alaska artists onboard to offer insightful lectures about life in the Last Frontier.

On my cruise, artist Donna Catotti, who hails from the small town of Haines, spoke about what it's like to live in rural southeast Alaska.

I attended all three of Donna’s lectures during my cruise, and loved learning about local life and culture in such a remote community. Donna was available to chat while out and about the ship, too, and I saw plenty of guests asking her more questions about life in Alaska.

It can be challenging to engage in local culture when your ship is docked in port for just a few hours. Through partnerships like Royal Caribbean’s with Voyij, however, it’s easier to learn more about the itinerary's destinations.

Glacier viewing days might include commentary from naturalists

In addition to local Alaskans, your Alaska cruise may also have a naturalist onboard.

On my visit to Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, I headed to the pool deck to catch some views of this stunning, narrow channel. To my surprise, the visit was narrated by a naturalist in the ship’s bridge.

On previous cruises to Alaska, I never noticed onboard commentary during glacier visits, so this was a welcome surprise. The naturalist provided information on Dawes Glacier, the geology of fjords, and local wildlife.

Related: 50 Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tips

When seals were spotted lounging on an iceberg nearby, for example, he announced it over the ship’s loudspeaker. I was grateful for the commentary, as it helped provide a broader overview of what I was looking at during our short visit.

Drink menus offer Alaska-inspired favorites, from craft beers to cocktails

There are countless drinks and cocktails to try on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but Alaska cruises put a local twist on the menu.

Aboard your Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, you might see small placards placed atop bar tables around the ship.

These menus, entitled “Flavors of the Alaskan Spirit,” feature Alaska-inspired drinks. These include an IPA from Alaskan Brewing Co. and vodkas from Anchorage Distillery.

Related: Top 10 cocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

As for cocktails, the Anchorage Mule combines Anchorage Distillery blueberry vodka with blueberry mix, lime juice, and ginger beer. Likewise, the Anchorage Glacier Martini mixes Anchorage Distillery Glacier vodka with vermouth and olives for an Alaskan twist on the classic drink.

The menu also includes a selection of warm beverages perfect for chilly days in Alaska, including Irish coffee, hot toddies, and spiked hot chocolate.

Crowds are in full force, but it’s still easy enough to avoid them

You should expect crowds on an Alaska cruise in 2025, 2026, and further into the future. Alaska cruises are extremely popular, and there are no signs of the region’s popularity slowing down anytime soon.

My 2025 Alaska cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas was completely sold out, and I was concerned the crowds would negatively impact my experience.

Yet even with nearly 5,000 passengers onboard, it was easy to escape the crowds. A ship like Anthem of the Seas has plenty of quiet, hidden gems perfect for relaxation, whether it's the climate-controlled Solarium or the outdoor seating in the Windjammer buffet.

Related: I did these 5 small things before my Alaska cruise that made a huge difference

Before your cruise, I recommend watching a tour of the ship on YouTube. Not only does this help you visualize your ship, but it may provide commentary on places to escape crowds and enjoy the best views of Alaska’s scenery.

Even in port, I found it relatively easy to escape the crowds. On my visit to Skagway, Broadway Street was packed with thousands of passengers, but nearby hiking trails were far less crowded.

As usual, Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau was packed with guests, too, but there are plenty of viewpoints just off the main trail to enjoy views of the glacier with fewer crowds.

The best way to avoid crowds in port, though, is to disembark your ship early or stay in port until closer to all aboard time. If your ship is docked from 8AM to 7PM, most crowds will peak in the middle of the day.

So, whether onboard your ship or in port, there are still ways to experience Alaska without fighting the crowds.

Finally, you can take advantage of Alaska specials, like discounted flights and complimentary luggage valet

Lastly, you’ll want to research any Alaska-specific deals and specials while planning your cruise.

On my cruise, I purchased flights to Seattle through Air2Sea, Royal Caribbean’s flight booking program. Occasionally, the cruise line offers deals on flights to Seattle and Vancouver, and this can lead to substantial savings.

When I searched for flights to Seattle, I was surprised to see a first class flight for just $276 round trip. It was cheaper than economy! The same deals may not be available when booking directly with an airline, so it’s worth checking Air2Sea for discounts.

Related: Port Valet review on an Alaska cruise

You should also take advantage of Port Valet, Seattle’s complimentary luggage transfer service.

On disembarkation day, this service transports your luggage from your ship directly to Seattle’s airport and onto your flight. Aside from airline baggage fees, Port Valet costs nothing extra, but offers unparalleled convenience on the last morning of your cruise.

Both of these programs greatly enhanced my Alaska cruise in 2025.

Yes, someone paid $10,000 for a cabana at Royal Caribbean's new beach club coming to The Bahamas, and it's indicative of how much interest there is for the new development.

Royal Caribbean Group held its second quarter earnings call on Tuesday and it was our first public comments on how well the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is selling since bookings opened up.

The beach club is a brand new idea for the cruise industry to single-handedly build out an incredible shore excursion option, available exclusively to Royal Caribbean guests that seeks to infuse the private island experience within a tropical destination.

Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International, was quick to point out that interest and demand exceeded even their initial expectations.

"In the first hour when we opened for sale, we sold our Ultimate Family Cabana for one day at $10,000," he said during the earnings call. "And subsequently, we've sold a lot of days at $10,000."

Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Clubs aren’t just a side attraction, they're going to become one of the core pieces of the cruise line's future.

New beach club coming to Nassau

Opening in December 2025, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a new kind of cruise ship experience.

It's located in Nassau, Bahamas on a strip of land very close to where the cruise ships dock. The idea is to offer a more exclusive alternative to the lackluster options that have plagued Nassau for years.

According to the cruise line, Nassau has historically ranked very low in guest satisfaction scores because there aren't compelling activities to do.

It's been built with premium experiences in mind: private pools, fun dining, curated cabanas, and a party atmosphere.

According to Mr. Bayley, the club is set to open during a December 21 cruise.

Nassau is just the start, as Royal Caribbean will open a second beach club in Cozumel in 2026.

Why people are booking a $10,000 cabana (and more)

During the earnings call, Royal Caribbean executives talked about how they feel they've priced the beach club at a good place to balance value and profit.

"We really do think we've got the product right and it's going to deliver very high levels of guest satisfaction," Mr. Bayley said of the Ultimate Family Cabana.

The Ultimate Family Cabana has a big price tag, but it's also unlike any other cabana we've ever seen.

It includes:

• Day passes for up to 12 people
• Cabana attendant
• Private bathroom
• Private shower
• Private changing room
• Wet bar
• Reserved beach space
• Heated whirlpool
• Spiral slide
• Wooden swing
• Hammock
• Suspended net lounger
• Frozen drink machine
• TV
• Mini fridge

It's far from an inexpensive day, but it's all but guaranteed to deliver memories for a multi-gen family that wants a full-day luxury resort experience.

Pricing for the rest of the beach club is far less expensive, with day passes, cabanas, beach beds, and other ways to get in and have a fun day ashore.

Prices start at $139 per person per day, but Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its product, so prices can easily go up from there.  As an example, my January 2026 visit is priced at $250 per person, per day.

With the beach club admission, Royal Caribbean is testing real-time pricing similar to airline seats or hotel rooms.

"We think we may experience more demand than supply… That’s where dynamic pricing will play an important role," Mr. Bayley said of the club's capacity.

When the club is fully operational and ready to admit guests, they expect it to host  about 1 in 3 Royal Caribbean guests in Nassau.

To that point, Royal Caribbean sees this as an opportunity to deliver something truly incredible.

"It's not about a question of demand. It's the question of operational excellence," said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO.

He said capacity will start out lower, and then build up as they get things going and better understand the flow of an average day.

"We want to make sure the experience is flawless," Mr. Liberty said.

"We could probably make more money," Liberty added, "But the trust we establish with our customers is a priority. So it will be a slow ramp-up."

Betting big on land-based experiences

By 2027, Royal Caribbean expects to have its announced beach clubs and private destinations online and a major reason to pick Royal Caribbean for vacation.

"We’re delivering exclusive, destination-led experiences that elevate the vacation value proposition," Mr. Liberty explained during the call.

The plan is to open Royal Beach Club Paradise Island this year, followed by Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026, and then Perfect Day Mexico in September 2027. A new private beach in Lelepa will open in early 2027.

An interesting anecdote during the call was Mr. Liberty noted Perfect Day Mexico will be "approximately the size of the Magic Kingdom in Orlando."

Beach clubs are premium-margin products with high guest satisfaction. These experiences help Royal Caribbean differentiate itself from competitors, while giving customers something they can't get anywhere else.

They create compelling reasons to book with Royal Caribbean over another cruise line or land-based resort.

Royal Caribbean's hope is it generates high satisfaction scores, which will translate to higher guest spend and loyalty return.

You'll need to be at least 18 years old now to go to one of the pools on the world's biggest cruise ship.

Guests sailing on Icon of the Seas spotted a change as of this week's sailing that the Swim & Tonic bar is now for adults only.

Situated in the Chill Island neighborhood, Royal Caribbean claims it's the largest swim‑up bar at sea.

Initially, Swim & Tonic was open to guests of all ages. Families with kids were free to splash in the shallow water and hang near the action.

An exclusive photo provided to Royal Caribbean Blog shows a sign posted at the entrance to the pool indicates all passengers going into the pool must be at least 18 in order to access it, which is the same rule as its other adults-only spaces.

Up until now, the Swim & Tonic pool was open to guests of all ages.

A change to maintain the vibe of the pool

In a statement from Royal Caribbean, the change is part of a test, "At Royal Caribbean, we're consistently listening to guest feedback and exploring opportunities to enhance our guests' vacations." 

"Currently, we are piloting an 18+ age requirement at Swim & Tonic pool onboard Icon of the Seas. This will only be tested onboard Icon."

It makes sense a pool that is all about offering an integrated bar experience would be for only adults.

Among the different pools you'll find on Icon, Swim & Tonic is designed to offer a swim-up bar, rather than a lounging option.

There is a bar on one end of the pool, along with in-pool tables to place your beverages.

Surrounding the pool are in-water loungers.

The experience seemed to be inspired by Oasis Lagoon and The Hideaway at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which both have swim-up bars and are quite popular.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has an adults-only pool area, with the Icon Class ships having The Hideaway at the very back of the ship.

Initially, the Cloud 17 pool was going to be adults-only, but the cruise line made a last-minute change right before the launch of Icon of the Seas in early 2024.

Families with younger children will need to use the other pools on board, including:

• The family-friendly Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay (in Surfside neighborhood)
• The Cove Pool, an infinity-style option
• Royal Bay Pool, one of the largest at sea
• Cloud 17

In short: there are still plenty of options. But Swim & Tonic is now off-limits to the under-18 crowd.

Response to a problem cruisers brought up

It's possible this policy shift to make Swim & Tonic adults-only is a response to guest feedback.

During a Q&A event with travel agents aboard a preview cruise on Utopia of the Seas, one travel agent specifically brought up kids being an issue at the Swim & Tonic bar.

The travel agent said, "Icon is fantastic, but (at) the swim-up bar, there’s kids splashing into your drinks."

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, responded that the cruise line hears passengers' concerns and will look into it.

He also said they'd consider a revisit of curfew rules and bar policies, in general.

Why the Swim & Tonic pool is a must-do

The Swim & Tonic pool was one of the many innovations first introduced with Icon of the Seas.

The idea is simple: combine a pool with a bar that serves frozen cocktails and a fun atmosphere.

The space features:

• A spacious bar with submerged barstools
• A surrounding plunge pool with upbeat music and tropical theming
• Dozens of loungers around the deck area
• Access to nearby Chill Bar and Lime & Coconut for overflow service