Royal Caribbean Blog

Whether you're ready or not, the holiday season has arrived — and it will be over before you know it. Now is the perfect time to start buying gifts, so you’re not running to the store at the last minute.

If you have a loved one going on a cruise next year, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to give them a present they'll actually use on their upcoming trip. 

Don't worry, though — our round-up of the best cruise gifts can be used by sailors and jetsetters alike, making them ideal for anyone with wanderlust. 

From practical travel essentials to fun gadgets, here's a list of 13 gifts that are perfect for cruisers, too. 

Editor's note: We’ve included Amazon affiliate links in this article. Shopping through these links won’t cost you anything extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog may earn a small commission on your purchase. Thanks for your support!

Travelpro Maxlite Carry-On Luggage

A new suitcase is a great way to show the traveler in your life that you're thinking of them. You don't want to gift something that will fall apart after just one or two uses, though. You also don't want to purchase something that will be a nuisance to drag through airports and cruise terminals. 

Enter the Travelpro Maxlite bags — they're lightweight, durable, and designed for easy maneuvering thanks to the smooth gliding spinner wheels and adjustable handle. The suitcase comes with a TSA-approved lock for added security, too. 

The bags come in multiple sizes, so you get a single carry-on for quick trips or generously gift a full set for longer vacations.

BUY: Travelpro Maxlite Luggage

Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Bringing headphones on a cruise is more useful than people think. For example, noise-cancelling headphones can make long bus rides and flights more enjoyable, letting you listen to your favorite artists, watch a TV show, or catch up on a podcast without disturbing others. 

They can also be used on the noisy pool deck to block out some of the chatter and background music, or in the gym during a mid-cruise workout. 

Anker's Noise-Cancelling Earbuds are an affordable, high-quality option that doesn't break the bank, like Apple AirPods or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Highlights include a 2-in-1 charging case + phone stand, adaptive technology, transparency mode, and long-lasting convenience. 

BUY: Anker Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Universal Travel Adapter

Universal travel adapters can be used on older cruise ships and international trips. They come with multiple USB ports or sockets, so phones, tablets, earbuds, and other electronics can be charged simultaneously — a luxury in cabins with two or three outlets. 

Adapters are practical, compact, and travel-friendly, especially for wayfarers who find themselves in different countries every other month. 

JFMONE's adapter will ensure that your loved one is always prepared and never scrambling to buy a charger abroad, with support for over 10 types of plugs that work in countries like the United States, France, Italy, Singapore, and more. 

BUY: JMFONE Universal Travel Adapter

Anker MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Charger

Another option is a 3-in-1 charger that allows powering multiple devices at once, including iPhones, AirPods, and Apple Watches. 

With just one cord, your gift recipient won't have to worry about wires cluttering the vanity space in their cruise cabin. Moreover, they're travel-friendly and ultra-portable, meaning they won't take up valuable luggage space. 

Plus, with 15W charging, it can power an iPhone 15 up to 20% in just 15 minutes and charge an Apple Watch Series 9 to 30% in only 22 minutes.

BUY: Anker MagSafe Compatible 3-in-1 Charger

Phone Tripod Stand Selfie Stick

Some people like to be as tech-free as possible on vacation. Others like to capture their memories on camera. 

Speaking from experience, it can be awkward to ask fellow guests to snap a photograph. Many are willing, but it's never a great feeling to have to rely on strangers to capture your family's vacation. 

A tripod stand selfie stick helps ensure that your memories are just one click away. 

BUY: MOFT Phone Tripod Stand Selfie Stick

Portable Vlogging Camera

Who said home videos are dead? While they might not be on VHS tapes anymore, you can still create quality memories of your family's vacation. 

You don't need a YouTube channel to have a reason to record your trip — a high-quality vlogging camera is all you need to preserve your adventure for years to come. 

They're a great tool beyond vacations, too. You can use your vlogging camera to capture your children's baseball game, graduation, and more. 

BUY: Insta360 Portable Vlogging Camera

Hontry Compact Binoculars

Binoculars are useful on scenic cruises to destinations like Norway and Alaska, where the wildlife and scenery are abundant. 

They can help make snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, bald eagles, and whales visible, whereas they might appear tiny and nearly invisible to the naked eye. 

A good pair of binoculars doesn't have to cost a fortune, though. The Hontry binoculars are popular for their 10x magnification, BaK-4 prisms, and compact design — available for under $30. 

BUY: Hontry Compact Binoculars

Amazon Colorsoft Kindle

Standard paperback and hardcover books are expensive and heavy. In other words, they aren't the most travel-friendly option. 

This holiday season, consider giving the bookworm in your life a Colorsoft Kindle. The lightweight e-reader gives the owner access to thousands of books in a compact design that can be slipped into their carry-on. 

The Colorsoft version is different from the Paperwhite; it's optimized for reading in color and even has a neat highlight feature that allows you to mark the pages in yellow, orange, blue, or pink. 

BUY: Amazon Colorsoft Kindle

Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine Nightlight

Inside cruise rooms can be jarring due to their lack of natural sunlight. Regardless of what time it is, it somehow always feels like the middle of the night, even if it's 1:00 p.m. 

A sunrise alarm clock is a must-have for many choosing these cheap cabins, as it gradually simulates natural sunlight to gently wake the body up. 

Sound machines are another helpful addition since they can drown out the sound of creaking cabinets, hangers, crying babies, and drunken passengers stumbling through the halls. 

BUY: REACHER Wood Grain Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine Nightlight

Portable Charger with Built-In Cables, USB, USB-C

A portable charger is a great gift for anyone who’s always on the move. On cruises, they come in handy while ashore during lengthy shore excursions. However, they can also save an otherwise doomed phone during an unexpected travel delay. 

The key is to find a charger that isn't too bulky. Otherwise, you may feel inclined to leave it behind. A compact model that already has built-in cords is ideal, so you can easily throw it into your daybag before leaving the ship or purse while running errands at home. 

One with extra-fast charging capabilities is even better. 

BUY: VRURC Portable Charger with Built-In Cables

Mini Portable Instant Photo Printer

Having a photo printer on hand means that you're seconds away from giving shareable keepsakes to your friends, family, or fellow travelers. 

It also makes scrapbooking a breeze after your trip. Instead of making a trip to the local drugstore for prints, you can instantly print your photos from the comfort of your home.

Photo printers are a fun gift for all ages, too. 

BUY: Liene Mini Portable Instant Photo Printer

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Waterproof speakers epitomize hands-free convenience. At home, they can be used in the shower, by the pool, kayaking on the lake, or even during mundane tasks like cooking in the kitchen (an accidental spill won't destroy it!). 

While you shouldn't blare music from portable speakers on a cruise, they can be used in your stateroom (at a reasonable level) while getting ready for dinner or relaxing on your balcony. 

BUY: HEYSONG Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Portable Handheld Fan

Finally, a portable handheld fan is useful for cruisers and anti-cruisers alike. They can make touring ancient ruins like the Acropolis or Chichen Itza far more bearable than without, especially during the peak summer months. 

Portable fans are just as practical at home, too. Does your friend or family member spend a lot of time outside? Whether they're an avid gardener, love attending sporting events, or frequently walk their dog, a small fan ensures that they can continue enjoying their favorite activities comfortably. 

The JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan stands out for several reasons, including its 10+ hour battery life, foldable design, and built-in portable power bank.

BUY: JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan With Rechargeable Battery

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

A grandmother was caught with a loaded gun while on a Royal Caribbean Cruise and was jailed in a prison in The Bahamas.

She claims she "accidentally" forgot to leave the gun in her car before the cruise.

She was arrested when trying to reboard Liberty of the Seas while docked in Nassau, Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force boarded the ship and arrested her for possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Royal Caribbean News

• Family sues Royal Caribbean after cruise passenger died, was allegedly served 33 drinks
• Royal Caribbean "crowns" new beach club with 43 foot tall logo.
• "Challenging" winds forces Royal Caribbean to delay cruise ship return
• Royal Caribbean changes over a dozen itineraries on Spectrum of the Seas to avoid Japan
• Burrowing owls set to return to the U.S. after stowing away aboard cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean submits plans to Mexico for its new beach club
• Virgin Voyages offers status matching to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests
• I always do 6 things before I book a cruise if I have to fly there
• I tried 8 new things on cruise ships this year and one is my new favorite
• Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas photo tour
• I always check my cruise bill for 5 things before the sailing ends to avoid fixing it later
• 8 real-world tips you need for cruising this holiday season

New RCB Video: Changes Royal Caribbean Made In 2025 That I DON’T Like

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 — Changes Royal Caribbean Made In 2025 That I DON’T Like — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Unruly passenger punches cruise ship crew member: video

A guest punched a crew member in the face after some kind of a disagreement, and it was captured on video.

The incident took place on Icon of the Seas at its waterpark.

The man yelled and argued with a crew member before he punched him and then quickly left.

How honest should you be with Royal Caribbean's post-cruise survey?

One question on Royal Caribbean's post-cruise survey has a lot of passengers confused as to how they should really answer it.

The survey is an important tool for evaluating how well each ship, department, and service is onboard.  The cruise line takes it very seriously because feedback can alter policies and promotions.

Some cruisers are worried about how their responses impact the careers of crew on the ship they just sailed on.

When is Perfect Day Mexico going to open?

With 2027-2028 cruises available to book, the big question is when will the first passengers be able to visit Perfect Day Mexico?

It's slated to open sometime in 2027, but there's been no official date and no sailings advertise they will visit it yet.

Executives have hinted when we might see the gates open.

New seasonal 2027-2028 cruises have been released

The last batch of new cruises for the 2027-2028 season in North America were released this week.

13 ships based out of Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Panama are part of this week's release, including Allure of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 587th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Some things Royal Caribbean offered instantly became Matt's favorites, only to be removed later. It seems like Matt might be the "kiss of death" for them.

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

Two stowaway owls have been living the good life in Spain after hitchhiking on Allure of the Seas' transatlantic cruise in February. 

During the 12-night voyage, a pair of burrowing owls felt right at home in the ship’s Central Park neighborhood after boarding the ship in Miami, Florida. 

The owls were eventually caught by crew members using nets, fed and watered according to expert guidelines, and handed over o Spanish officials after arriving in Barcelona. 

Since arriving in Spain, the owls have been living lavishly at the CITES Wildlife Rescue Center (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in Murcia. 

Read more: Adventurous owls took a 2-week vacation after stowing away on one of the world's largest cruise ships

Their quarantine will wrap up in January, after which they are slated to be returned to the United States around the middle of the month. Their return airfare will be covered by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the charitable arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). 

Natalie Montero-McAllister, the FWC's Imperiled Species Policy Administrator, told The Guardian that the owls are ground-dwelling, spending most of their time in burrows or open areas.

As such, they likely were confused by the ship's vast metal expanses and the absence of their usual diet, consisting of small reptiles and birds, frogs, and rodents.

"It must have been very bewildering for them. Some of the newer cruise ships have a lot of green space, and like plant life on board to make it more park-like, so I’m curious if that may have been something that was of particular interest or comforting for them," she added. 

Still, it's not clear how the owls made it on Allure of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship and one of the world's largest cruise vessels, in February. 

After returning to the U.S., they will be released into the wild once they pass an assessment and re-assimilation test at a Florida facility. 

"We plan to release them to another area that they’re likely familiar with, since they came from somewhere in Miami. We’re under the impression that they are accustomed to urban environments, so we’ll bring them to another urban environment, so that way it’s something familiar to them," Montero-McAllister explained. 

Tindl Rainey, the Director of Conservation at the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, said that they are happy to help ensure the owls have a safe transition back to their natural habitat.

"They’re having quite the adventure, and we’re glad to help get them safely back to a burrow in Florida," she stated.

Not the first stowaway owls on a Royal Caribbean cruise

(Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Facebook)

In 2023, passengers reported seeing a burrowing owl aboard Symphony of the Seas during a Caribbean cruise. 

Royal Caribbean contacted local wildlife authorities to safely apprehend and remove the owl from the ship's Central Park neighborhood, and biologist Ricardo Zambrano boarded the ship in Florida on disembarkation day to safely capture the owl with help from the crew.

"Zambrano only had a one-hour window of time between the passengers disembarking and new passengers coming aboard for their week-long vacation to Mexico [to capture the owl]!" the FWC said in a Facebook post. 

(Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Facebook)

"With some of the crew’s help, [Zambrano] placed mist nets around the owl’s perch of choice, the exit signs by the door. Two unsuccessful attempts later, the owl was now sitting on the balcony of a [10th-story] cabin. The crew stood below making noise to distract the owl as [Zambrano] snuck up and safely netted the owl from the railing!"

Royal Caribbean's first-ever private beach club is one step closer to welcoming guests. 

On Friday, December 12, the cruise line assembled a giant 43-foot Crown & Anchor logo at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

It's one of the — if not the largest — physical Crown & Anchor symbols in existence. 

"To put that in perspective, the Crown and Anchor on the side of the Star of the Seas is about 37-38 feet," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, during the 2025 President's Cruise. 

That makes the structure in Nassau roughly 5-6 feet larger than the logo on one of the world's largest cruise ships. 

The assembly was livestreamed by PTZtv on the Port Nassau webcam, with all images in this blog courtesy of PTZtv. 

The massive, blocky components were lifted via crane and put into place piece by piece, almost like a gigantic LEGO set. 

Based on the webcam footage, it appears that the logo will be on the inward-facing side of Paradise Island, giving all cruise guests, Royal Caribbean or not, a clear view of the massive emblem as their ships sail into Nassau.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is set to officially open on December 23, 2025, with guests on Utopia and Radiance of the Seas among the first to experience the cruise line's first beach club destination. 

Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, admission isn't included in your cruise fare. Rather, it's more akin to traditional shore excursions, with day passes available for purchase through the Cruise Planner or at the shore excursion kiosks on board.

There are different types of passes, with the most expensive starting at around $169.99/person and including everything from unlimited alcoholic beverages to lounge chairs and umbrellas, all-day dining, Wi-Fi, and more. 

As it stands, Royal Caribbean has two more beach clubs in the works: Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Royal Beach Club Santorini. 

Royal Caribbean also shared a short 17-second reel of the structure's construction

The time-lapse video starts with the construction crew building the center of the anchor before expanding outward.

A strong, core structure allowed the team to build the surrounding elements that give the logo its recognizable shape, with the crown's middle prong being the last piece added. 

The final few seconds of the clip show the sheer scale of the Crown & Anchor installation at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

The logo dwarfs everything from the two-story Party Cove to the restaurant shacks and the construction equipment below as the team works to get the finishing touches in place before the club’s grand opening. 

Other construction updates

There are just ten days to go before paying guests are welcomed to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island for the first time. 

This leaves little room for delay as everything must be fully operational by Dec. 23. 

While recent photos show that the beach club is coming together, there's still a lot of work to be done to ensure the destination is guest-ready. 

From afar, the colorful beach club is really taking shape. However, construction debris must be cleared, furniture arranged, and landscaping finished in under two weeks. 

Guests sailing aboard this weekend's Utopia of the Seas cruise get more time on the ship than planned. 

Due to the incoming cold front, the ship will arrive back at Port Canaveral, Florida, later than scheduled, as confirmed by Scott Sanders of Disney Cruise Line Blog. 

Utopia was initially supposed to arrive for disembarkation at 6:00 a.m. Upon boarding the ship, however, current passengers were told to expect a delayed arrival time of 2:00 p.m.

Guests were given the option to disembark, though they had to decide by 3:00 p.m. Moreover, according to the cruise line's weather policy, no compensation will be provided for those who stay on the ship. 

"On Sunday evening, there is going to be a cold front passing through this region here in Port Canaveral, and behind it will be some very high wind[s], higher winds than what is safer to bring the ship into the port of Canaveral," the Captain said over the public address system.

They will continue to monitor the system, warning passengers that further changes may be necessary since the weather does not always follow the predicted forecast.  

"Your safety and the safety of the ship is the number one priority that I have on board here," he added. 

There are no other confirmed changes to the Dec. 12 sailing of Utopia of the Seas. As it stands, the Oasis Class ship is still scheduled to call at Nassau on Saturday and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Sunday. 

The National Data Buoy System issued a warning about this weekend's weather, saying that a cold front is expected to push through the Atlantic coastal waters from Flagler Beach to Jupiter Inlet on Sunday evening and night. 

Conditions will be relatively calm on Sunday before deteriorating later in the day, with northwest winds of 20 to 25 knots expected. Seas will build from 4 to occasional heights of 11 feet after midnight. 

Strong winds and high seas will persist on Monday, though dangerous conditions are expected to subside throughout the day. 

For example, northeast winds of 25 to 30 knots will decrease to 15 to 20 knots in the afternoon. Still, the intracoastal waters will stay rough. 

An email was also sent to impacted passengers on the Dec. 15 voyage

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer, we are closely monitoring the approach of a strong cold front Sunday night into Port Canaveral. This system will bring high winds that will make our scheduled arrival into the port challenging," it reads.

"With safety in mind, the ship is expected to be delayed in returning to the port by approximately six (6) hours, but the situation remains fluid. We’ll continue to monitor the forecast in case anything changes."

Royal Caribbean will send a follow-up by Sunday at 6:00 p.m. EST with updated arrival times. 

Additionally, the email states that, because of Monday's late departure, the ship has to swap its scheduled visit to Nassau on Tuesday with a sea day:

"The good news is we’ll still have a chance to visit Nassau on Thursday with updated call times. Not to worry, you’ll still have the same amount of time in port to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer!"

Any pre-paid excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Nassau will be automatically rescheduled, and those that cannot will be canceled and refunded to guests' SeaPass account to be used as onboard credit. 

The visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wednesday, Dec. 17, remains unchanged. 

An American grandmother was arrested and fined after "accidentally" forgetting to leave her gun in her car. 

Mary Robinson, 69, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was caught with a black Kel-Tec .380 armed with four rounds of ammunition while on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. 

The Royal Bahamas Police Force boarded the cruise ship shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Prince George Wharf in Nassau, according to the crime report. 

Robinson was identified and subsequently arrested after being found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

(Credit: Graci Exendine/GoFundMe)

She then spent about five days in the island's infamous Fox Hill Prison, which — according to the U.S. Department of State — is infamous for overcrowding issues, inadequate sanitation and medical care, and poor nutrition. 

Robinson pleaded guilty to the possession charges on Dec. 4 and paid an $8,000 fine, her attorney, Bjorn Ferguson, confirmed. 

"In default, she would have [had to spend] 24 months at the Bahamas Department of Corrections," Ferguson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 

A local news outlet reported that, while before Magistrate Lennox Coleby, Robinson apologized and explained that she forgot her handgun was in her purse because of Oklahoma's open carry laws.

Robinson's granddaughter, Graci Exendine, launched a GoFundMe to raise money to cover the fine and extradition costs. In just nine days, the fundraiser had surpassed its goal of $12,000. 

"She went on a cruise for her adopted son Johnny's 12th birthday. She is 69 years old and on her trips she usually [brings] some kind of protection but usually leaves it in the car since you aren’t allowed to bring it on the ship," Exendine shared in the GoFundMe description. 

"Well accidentally she didn’t leave it and it was found in her bag when they checked at the Bahamas and she was arrested."

Weapons are prohibited from cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has a long list of items that guests are prohibited from bringing on board their ships, among them knives, firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. 

It's unclear how Robinson's handgun made it past security in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when embarking on the 4-night cruise — and it has puzzled cruisers who have gotten seemingly less dangerous items confiscated. 

"I couldn’t get a [handheld] steamer on board," Derek Von Langen commented on Cruise Blog's Facebook post. 

Others aren't as trusting of Robinson's story, arguing that it is hard to "forget" that you have a weapon on your person. 

"If you don't know where your weapon is, you aren't safely carrying and should have your right to carry revoked," Richard Leatherman added on the post. 

Ferguson told PEOPLE that bringing a firearm to The Bahamas is "problematic," as possession charges are taken very seriously. Consequences are severe, ranging from massive fines to lengthy prison sentences. 

As such, it is important to understand the local laws of where you're traveling. For example, you shouldn't wear camouflage clothing in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, or Dominica. 

Moreover, even if marijuana is legal in your state, it is prohibited aboard cruise ships since it is still banned at the federal level. 

Possession, like with handguns, can lead to arrest, fines, being denied boarding, or getting kicked off the cruise ship. 

Read more: 5 things you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025

Another cruiser was arrested for firearm possession on a Royal Caribbean cruise earlier this year

On Feb. 25, a guest on Oasis of the Seas was arrested in Aruba for attempting to board the ship with a revolver.

The firearm was discovered during a routine security check, a local media outlet reported. The unidentified male was then detained, escorted off the ship, and transported to the local precinct for questioning. 

Oasis departed from Florida on Feb. 22, meaning — like Robinson — the passenger’s weapon either slipped past embarkation screening or was purchased during the ship’s 14-hour visit.

After your cruise is over, Royal Caribbean will send you a survey to get feedback on your vacation, but there's one question that trips up a lot of people.

The Royal Caribbean survey is emailed to all passengers and it's used for staffing decisions, service improvements, and crew recognition.

The company wants to know what you thought of the trip, what stood out, and to rank pretty much everything you experienced.  But it's also a tool for evaluating crew members.

One question, in particular, is a potential red flag for crew members and passengers certainly don't want to get anyone in trouble.

Here's what to do with the post-cruise survey and how honest you should be about crew asking for positive ratings.

What Royal Caribbean wants you to do with that question

Royal Caribbean places a great deal of emphasis on its post-cruise survey because it offers the best opportunity to gather feedback from customers immediately after sailing.

There's one question that seems to trip some cruisers up because they aren't sure how to answer it.

"Were you asked by any crew member(s) to provide positive ratings/reviews on this survey?"

This question is aimed at protecting the integrity of the survey. 

The reason Royal Caribbean asks if someone asked for a high score is because it skews the reality of how well something is working.

The cruise line wants you to be honest so it can improve what needs improving and maintain what's well-received. But if the responses are the result of a crew member guilting, coaching, or encouraging a higher score than deserved, it artificially drives up scores and doesn't allow for a proper evaluation.

Royal Caribbean uses Net Promoter Scores (NPS) to evaluate how effective its cruise ships and private destinations operate.

In short, this is a tool for measuring customer loyalty and predicting business growth. 

Each question is calculated on a scale of 0-10, and the answer has a major impact on how it sees performance:

• 9-10: Promoters, Loyal enthusiasts who fuel growth.
• 7-8: Passives, Satisfied but unenthusiastic; vulnerable to competitors (not included in score).
• 0-6: Detractors, Unhappy customers who can damage your brand.

Basically, this is a way to take the question of "On a scale of 1 - 10, how likely are you to recommend ____", but apply it to different kinds of questions.

You take the percentage of Promoters and subtract the percentage of Detractors from it.  

Why crew members sometimes ask for positive ratings

Based on things crew members have shared in the past, NPS scores are a major factor in how they are rated.

Every crew member on a ship works on a contract, and when it's time for a new contract or for a promotion, Royal Caribbean will use guest survey results as a factor in determining if they should get a new contract, raise, or higher position.

Publicly, there's only anecdotal evidence as to how the NPS scores factor into a crew member's career.

One person posted on Facebook, "I did a galley tour last month, and saw the sign for the employees. The staff person with the top survey numbers over one month would get a day off. The second top person would get a Half-Day off. Considering the number of workers that is a huge prize."

Similarly, lower scores could signal there's a problem.

Mark Lipton, professor emeritus of management at The New School and Parsons School of Design, said in a recent interview how NPS scores tied to compensation can lead to gaming the system, "Whenever something is going to impact my compensation, my odds of a promotion or my very stability in keeping my job here, I am going to be driven to see how I can influence those numbers."

"I never know how to answer this"

Cruisers get confused because most don't want to get the hard working crew members in trouble.

On Facebook, someone asked "I never know how to answer this. Our server did ask for a 10/10 review. But if I said yes, would I get anyone in trouble?"

On the one hand, answering "yes" could alert the cruise line to someone trying to spike scores higher than they should be.

But on the other hand, is this question a test to see if crew members are effectively communicating to guests the importance of the survey and answering "no" gets someone in trouble?

Over 500 comments were shared to the original Facebook post, garnering lots of opinions:

"I answered yes, I feel it is a management issue and if they want true results they should not be trying to skew your response."

"Say no always, but if a specific crew member was off putting, then address that one specifically."

"The answer is No! We just confirmed this on our Oct cruise with a well seasoned bartender. We were informed no staff member is supposed to ask that you give them a 10 rating nor suggest any rating at all!"

"I always say yes, but I never provide names or anything. Because almost every staff member asks in every department."

How I answer this survey question every time

I don't claim to be an NPS expert, but I believe it's important to be honest about the answer if a crew member is clearly trying to push for a higher score out of a sense of guilt or fear.

Crew members can remind you about taking the survey or even say how important the survey is in evaluating them. I feel these are perfectly acceptable reminders because most people on a cruise ship are brand new to cruising.

However, specifically asking for a perfect score or inferring anything less than a perfect score will cause a problem is likely grounds for answering "yes" to the question.

Regardless of how you answer the question, I think it's vitally important to use the open comment section at the end of the survey to call out your favorite crew members and explain why.

That section is indexed and searchable, and managers will pull from this data to identify which crew members stand out as being recognized by guests.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises around the world, which in many cases requires flying to reach.

Just this past cruise season, I flew four times to get to cruises around Europe. It's not as simple as hopping in a car, but mixing up the destinations and itineraries is well worth it.

However, before I commit to any cruise overseas, I have to take airfare into consideration because it might be the difference in if the trip makes practical sense or not.

There's cost, logistics, and how well it all fits into my cruise plans. The last thing I want to do is pick what seems like a fantastic cruise, but create a problem for myself in trying to get there and back.

Here are the six things I'll always do before booking any cruise where I have to fly.

I first look at if there are direct flights available

Not only are direct flights more convenient, they are essential to mitigate the chances of travel delays messing up my cruise.

Getting a direct flight isn't always possible, but I'll prioritize them over spending less on connecting flights.  

Simply put, airline flight schedules are notorious for getting messed up because of bad weather, mechanical issues, late crew members, and a whole array of other unexpected problems. 

Taking a direct flight means I have just one flight with potential hiccups, instead of two or more.

Plus, direct flights mean less travel time and that reduces stress and fatigue. I'm all for starting my trip as relaxed and happy as possible.

I'll check with the cruise line to book flights as a first choice

If there's one lesson I've learned the hard way, it's that booking flights through Royal Caribbean is a smart choice.

Royal Caribbean offers flights through Air2Sea, and I've been impressed by how much cheaper it can be to book through them.

The cruise line regularly discounts flights to places like Alaska and Europe as an incentive to book the flight with them.

As an example, air bookings made between October 1, 2025 - June 6, 2026 for Europe and Alaska sailings departing between March 15, 2026 - November 2, 2026 can qualify for a discount.

Up to $250 per person discount, depending on the destination and airfare:

• Alaska
  • $50 USD per person for Economy and Premium Economy Class seats
  • $100 USD per person for First and Business Class seats
• Europe
  • $100 USD per person for Economy seats
  • $150 USD per person for Premium Economy Class seats
  • $250 USD per person for First and Business Class seats

Last year I booked a flight with the airline only to cancel and rebook with Air2Seas because of the savings offered.

In addition, you can add an Air2Sea flight that remains refundable until final payment due date and it doesn't cost anything to make the booking.  If you find a better deal, cancel the Air2Sea booking before final payment due date at no cost.

I also like that Air2Sea has an "Assured Arrival" policy that can help if an airline mess causes you to miss the cruise.  

I come up with a jet lag plan

Each time I've flown to Europe for a cruise, I've had to come up with a way to combat jetlag.

Jetlag isn't just annoying, it can downright ruin the first few days of your trip. The last thing I want to do is sleep away half my trip.

Depending on what time you land in Europe, I'll craft a strategy that is built around acclimating myself to the local time as fast as possible.

I can't sleep on airplanes, no matter how much I try. I'm just too nervous when I fly and cannot get comfortable enough to get meaningful sleep.  Even in lay flat seats in business class it hasn't worked.

Ideally, I'll get a flight that lands as late in the afternoon as possible.  The idea is to land, get to my hotel, and then go to sleep when it's appropriate for the local time.

Unfortunately, most of my European flights have landed in the morning.  That meant I forced myself to stay awake all day without any naps.  Not easy, but there's no question it got me on the local time so much faster.

I never book a flight to land the same day my cruise begins

If you take one tip from this entire article, let it be this one: never fly the same day your cruise departs.

I cannot imagine the anxiety I would have trying to fly the same day my cruise departed.

Travel delays are too numerous to put your entire vacation at risk because you didn't want to pay for a hotel the night before the cruise.

Even when flying domestically, I won't consider it because I'm just too paranoid about missing the ship. Even with Air2Sea's backing, I'd rather travel with less stress and get to my destination city with lots of time to spare.

Plus, I enjoy exploring the city I'm sailing from and playing tourist there for a day or two. Not only is it fun, but it expands your vacation.

I never fly (or cruise) without travel insurance

If there's one extra cost I think everyone should buy for their cruise, it's a travel insurance policy.

Like all insurance, it's a waste of money until you need it. Then it feels like the best investment you ever made.

I think most people will find travel insurance to cost less than expected, and it covers both the flights and cruise.

Travel insurance covers you for so many possible scenarios in which you'd be on your own otherwise financially to deal with. Lost luggage, travel delays preventing you from making the cruise, accidents and more are covered.

The peace of mind it offers is why I'll buy it every single time.

Pad my flight home

No one wants the "should I book a 10:45am flight?" anxiety spiral. 

While I also don't want to sit in the airport all day after my cruise is over, I'd rather be bored than upset I missed my flight.

Depending on which airport you're flying out of and how far that is from the cruise terminal, you should always give yourself more time to travel to the airport, check luggage, and then get through security and immigration.

If the flight isn't until much later in the afternoon, I'll buy a day pass to nearby hotel. That way I can relax, take a shower, and nap without having to feel like I'm living at the airport that day. 

Royal Caribbean's ships have cabins for all types of cruisers, and their new mega-ships are no exception. 

Budget-friendly cruisers can book affordable, albeit windowless, interior staterooms, while those with more wiggle room can splurge on multi-story suites within the Royal Suite Class.

One such suite is the Royal Loft Suite. Although it still doesn't compete with the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathrooms, and more. 

Lesley Sawhook, one of the owners of Exclusive Travel Partners, shared photos of the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. Sawhook has over 15 years of experience and specializes in all-inclusive resorts, Disney and Universal trips, and major cruise lines. 

Onboard Star of the Seas, there's just one Royal Loft Suite. It's located within the Suite Neighborhood on Decks 17 and 18, although the entrance to the suite is on Deck 17. 

The Royal Loft Suite is steps from the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant and Cloud 17 pool. It's also one deck below The Grove Sun Deck. 

Like the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the Royal Loft Suite isn't cheap. In fact, don't be surprised if it's more expensive than the family-friendly suite. 

For example, the cost for two people in a Royal Loft Suite (at the time of publication) on Star of the Seas' 7-night Jan. 11, 2026, departure costs $66,761. Comparatively, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is $65,481. 

Here's a photo tour of the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas

With over 1,400 square feet of interior living space, the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers more than enough room to relax and entertain on one of the world's largest cruise ships.

In addition to two sectionals, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your spacious suite. There's also a wet bar with an upgraded coffee machine, ice bucket, and glasses. 

Additionally, the living area acts as a third (yes, third!) bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to six guests to stay in the suite.

It also features a piano, which can be a major plus if you have a talented cruiser in your travel party. Even still, it's a nice statement decoration that makes the space feel more refined. 

Although the interior living space is impressive, the balcony is undoubtedly a major highlight of the Royal Loft Suite. 

Coming in at 705 square feet, there's no shortage of space (or ways) to take advantage of the suite's verandah.

From the two outdoor dining tables to the private hot tub, it’s designed for relaxation and entertaining. Plus, the wrap-around balcony gives you a front-row view of the ocean, as well as the ship's top deck. 

You never have to wonder what the vibe is like on the pool deck, but the best part is that you don't have to worry about crowded hot tubs. 

Loft bedroom

The primary master bedroom of the Royal Loft suite isn't enclosed. Instead, the open concept allows guests to take in the sweeping ocean views from the second-story bedroom. 

The large floor-to-ceiling windows allow tons of natural light in, rather than hiding suite guests away in a dark room. It also features a king-sized bed with a Matermoll Summer Mattress. 

That said, one of the highlights is the spacious ensuite master bathroom. 

Outfitted with an extra-large vanity with dual sinks, a massive shower, soaking tub, and ample storage, you don't need to worry about stepping over one another when getting ready. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with younger children, too. 

Although there’s another full bathroom downstairs, that one doesn’t have a tub — just a standing shower. 

Another plus is that the master bathroom has some natural light, as well as a spacious vanity area. There's also a separate toilet room with another sink. 

Yes, that makes 3 sinks on the second level of the Royal Loft Suite!

Second bedroom

Downstairs, there's a second full bedroom. It lacks access to the balcony, but the floor-to-ceiling window overlooks the pool deck. 

As expected for a suite, the furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms. For example, the nightstands are nicer, and there's an abundance of bedside charging ports.

The stylish headboard further helps distinguish the second bedroom in the Royal Loft Suite from standard cabins. 

The second full bathroom isn't too shabby, either. The extra-long vanity doesn't have dual sinks, but it offers plenty of counter space for toiletries and other everyday essentials. 

 What perks come with a Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Royal Loft Suite falls within the highest Star Class tier. As such, it comes with a slew of benefits to enhance the onboard experience.

Perks for the Star Class Royal Loft Suite include: 

• Exclusive access to Royal Genie Service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
• Complimentary dining throughout the ship (including most specialty dining venues; premium choices in the Main Dining Room; lobster at Chops Grille; Trellis Bar and Playmakers food items; ice cream floats, milkshakes, and shakes at Desserted; and more)!
• Priority reservations and a discounted per-person cover charge at Izumi, Hibachi/Teppanyaki ($15.00), Chef’s Table ($50.00), Izumi Omakase ($60.00), and the Lincoln Park Supper Club ($130.00)
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (for guests 21 years or older)
• Complimentary Refreshment Package (for guests under the legal drinking age)
• Still and sparkling water replenished daily
• Complimentary gratuities
• Complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi
• Expedited boarding & departure
• Best seats in the house in select entertainment venues
• Priority entrance to many onboard activities
• Suite Lounge access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening)
• Access to The Grove
• Complimentary minibar stocked with Coca-Cola® beverages and water
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Luxury mattress, pillows, and linens
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Luxury bathrobes for use onboard
• In-suite coffee machine

Ever since Royal Caribbean announced plans to open Perfect Day Mexico, cruisers want to know when it will open.

Royal Caribbean generated more buzz than ever in its history with the announcement of a massive new private beach destination in eastern Mexico.

Not only is it a follow-up to the wildly successful Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, but this one is poised to deliver a bold new take that expands could redefine what a cruise line private island experience is all about.

What's unclear is when exactly the first cruise ships will be able to go to Perfect Day Mexico and the official opening date.

The timeline has changed a bit since the official announcement was made, and there is more ambiguity as to when the first passengers will be able to visit.

Here's what we know so far about an opening date for Perfect Day Mexico.

Opening late 2027

Originally Royal Caribbean announced Perfect Day Mexico would open in September 2027, but that date seems to have been walked back.

At a special event in May held in New York, plans for Perfect Day Mexico were revealed and September was given as the estimated date.

However, Royal Caribbean is now saying there isn't yet a specific month or date picked out yet.

In November 2025, Royal Caribbean spokesperson said that an opening date will be revealed sometime in 2026.

"Perfect Day Mexico is set to debut in late 2027. Royal Caribbean will announce the exact opening date in 2026."

The rumor mill has swirled as to what "late 2027" refers to, but as of now it's anyone's guess.

While 2027 and 2028 cruises are available to book that stop at Costa Maya, there's no official guidance as to which sailings will be officially a Perfect Day stop.

The last thing they want to do is sell a cruise advertised as visiting Perfect Day Mexico only to have to cancel that visit later.

Once the opening date is announced, itineraries will be revised to change from "Costa Maya" to "Perfect Day Mexico".

Based on previous comments from executives, I think it's safe to say it wont be any earlier than September.

Opening at once instead of phases

When Perfect Day Mexico does open, the plan is open it all at once instead of a phased approach.

Speaking to members of the media, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider said they don't want to open parts, as was the case at CocoCay.

"The plan is still to open it all at once instead of phases," he explained. "We're going to open it all at once. I think at one point we were going to open [CocoCay] all at once, and then it became a phased approach. So yes, our ambition is all at once."

This means all the neighborhoods of Perfect Day Mexico are planned to be ready on the first official day of operation.

What's known about the construction progress

Royal Caribbean is in the process of lining up all the necessary permits, paperwork, and approvals before construction can begin.

Since the cruise line officially took ownership of the port of Costa May and land parcels nearby, it's begun some prep work.

In October 2025, plans were announced to cleanup areas of already contaminated Mahahual mangroves.

At a press conference, Mr. Schneider explained that for years, the coastal wetlands have been used to discharge wastewater from the municipal treatment plant.

According to him, the municipality currently dumps sewage into the coastal area of Mahahual, contaminating both the mangroves and the beach adjacent to the cruise ship pier.

Royal Caribbean plans to build their own reverse osmosis system to provide drinking water as well as a treatment plant to clean up the area, which will later be transferred to the municipal government to serve the entire community.

At some point, demolition and land clearing will begin in and around Costa Maya.

What features Perfect Day Mexico will include

Royal Caribbean is planning to offer the ultimate combo of "thrill and chill" with Perfect Day Mexico.

One of the most anticipated new features is going to be the longest lazy river in the world. There's a lazy component, along with a "crazy river" that will offer ways to get more wet and have a laugh too.

Plus, there's an entire water park with more than 30 waterslides across five towers. The Jaguar's Peak slide will be more than 170 feet tall, which makes it the tallest slide tower in either North or South America.

Chill Beach will have nearly 2 miles of white sand beaches.

Two extra cost admission areas will have day passes to purchase: the adults-only El Hideaway or Costa Beach Club. 

El Hideaway is just for guests 18 or older, and it has a 50,000 sq. ft. party pool. There are multiple swim-up bars, DJ entertainment, and live music.

Costa Beach Club is the elevated beach spot, where crowds are limited and you'll find secluded beaches and pools with luxurious loungers and private service.

How the opening could affect cruises in 2026 and 2027

Costa Maya, as we know it, will be completely redeveloped and reshaped, but it will be a process to get to opening day.

The plan is to demolish all of the current port area, which includes shops, restaurants, and bars. Royal Caribbean will clear it all to make way for Perfect Day Mexico.

Cruise ships visiting in 2026 and most of 2027 will likely encounter some level of construction and closure in the immediate area of the port.

Excursions to the village of Mahahual and surrounding area will remain unaffected.  Tour groups and those venturing on their own will be able to walk past the construction areas to access buses and taxis.

What to do if you want to be first?

If you'd like to experience Perfect Day Mexico on opening day, you'll need to wait a bit longer to know which cruise to book.

Since there's no official opening date announced yet, any sailing that is scheduled to visit Costa Maya in 2027 is debatable if it would be "the one".

If the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is any indication, a date will be announced as the opening date and then it's up to cruisers to determine which cruise ships are scheduled to visit the port on or after the opening day.

There almost certainly will be soft openings in the days leading up to the official first day, but we won't know for certain of that until much later in 2027.