Royal Caribbean Blog

If you're lucky, Royal Caribbean could send you a free cruise offer in the mail as an incentive to come back onboard and gamble some more.

After you cruise with Royal Caribbean and spend money in the casino, there's a chance you'll be mailed an offer to come back and sail for free or at a discounted rate.

These targeted offers are sent as a post card in the mail, and it's one of the best values right now in cruising.

How it all works can be a bit confusing, so here's a breakdown of how these casino mailers work and what to do if you if you get one.

A card could be mailed to you

Essentially, Royal Caribbean's casino program will send offers to certain members with free or discounted cruises and they are indeed legit.

Unlike scams sent in the mail to get you to attend a timeshare sale presentation, these come directly from Royal Caribbean. They're colorful, and have a special code for redeeming.

Each card has a limited selection of specific sailings. Usually, there are a dozen or so options.

There's no flexibility with the ships or sail dates. You can either pick one or none.  There's certainly no obligation.

Depending on your status within Casino Royale and how much you've gambled recently, the cabin selection can vary. You might get offers for an inside or oceanview cabin, or a balcony.

You'll still have to pay the port fees and taxes, which vary depending on which sailing you pick.

The offers could be for any type of cabin category, but most people get an inside or oceanview.

The other factor is if the free cruise covers one or two people.

Sometimes it's just free cruise fare for one person, and you'll have to pay a discounted rate for the second person in the same room. But it could be for two people too. You just have to read the fine print.

Some important information about these casino offers in the mail:

• You still have to pay taxes and all fees, which can be hundreds of dollars
• You earn Crown and Anchor Points from free casino offers
• You can only book 1 sailing with any particular offer code

How do you qualify for free cruise offers from the casino?

No one knows exactly the logic or "casino math" to qualify for random offers, but my experience has taught me consistent play is the key.

The point of these mailers is to entice people that have demonstrated they're willing to gamble in the casino to come back and cruise again so they can gamble more.

Suffice to say, you first need to be go on a Royal Caribbean cruise and play in the casino and wager enough money to "make it" onto the casino's algorithm.

How much you need to wager is anyone's guess, but my best recommendation would be enough to get you 200 - 300 points in the casino on a single sailing.  

In my experience, low or no play onboard (especially if you're on a casino comp sailing) can cause your offers to stop or slow down.

Always use your Seapass card to log into the machine before you start playing.

One point is equal to $5 wagered at a slot machine, so to get 300 points, you'd need to wager $1,500. Remember, that's wager and it doesn't matter if you win or lose.

Realistically, you're not going to lose every single bet.  But you could certainly have a bad streak of loses and money could go quickly.

The other thing I would recommend doing is ensuring your casino account isn't tied to your kids accounts.

Another unconfirmed theory is if the casino's algorithm notices a minor, it won't send them an offer. So if your account has the same email address as your kids, that could be enough to prevent offers from coming in.

I experienced this problem earlier this year when I was getting no offers at all. At the recommendation of another casino player, I asked the casino host to change my casino account email to different one.  That would leave me kids on my old email with Royal Caribbean, but separate me out from them.

Sure enough, a couple of cruises later (with a couple hundred points per sailing in the casino), and my mailbox has been flooded with offers.

To be clear, all of this is a working theory and I can't promise it will work for you. It just seems to represent the best conventional wisdom we have at the moment.

How to book a free cruise with the casino

The card you'll receive will have a list of free cruises. You can choose just one of them, per offer code.

To redeem it, you can do one of three things:

• Call Casino Royale directly and book
• Use Royal Caribbean's new Casino Royale website to redeem it
• Ask your travel agent to do it for you

Not all travel agents will redeem a free casino cruise because Royal Caribbean pays them barely any commission for a free cruise fare.

Calling in is what most people have traditionally done, but the hold times can be lengthy.

The new website appears to be a promising alternative, but it's brand new and a bit of a work in progress. Also, the website has shown offers that don't correlate to what the mailers have and that's been a source of frustration. I'm certain it will get ironed out, but in the meantime, the website may not be totally foolproof.

Don't abuse the offers

A word of warning: only redeem a free cruise offer you will actually go on.

Royal Caribbean changed their policy to penalize people that take advantage of free cruises, but then subsequently miss the cruise.

In past years, casino players would book free casino offers but then no-show to them. It wasn't intentional, but they viewed them as like "maybes" and since the cruise was free, there was no real penalty for missing it.

The cruise line has cracked down on this, and warns you'll lose your $200.00 deposit on the room.

Furthermore, you could be banned from getting free offers in the future if you do it.

Any Recipient who fails to check in at the pier may be suspended from future offers, will forfeit any offer(s) redeemed, and the remaining guests sailing, if any, will be subject to pay the prevailing rates at the time of embarkation.

Basically, if you book the free cruise, make sure you go on it.

Starting this year, Royal Caribbean is letting passengers enjoy the spooky season all October long with month-long Halloween celebrations across its fleet. 

Historically, Royal Caribbean guests couldn't enjoy Halloween activities unless they were on a sailing on October 31. 

For the first time ever, the cruise line is celebrating throughout the entire month of October. 

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the news in an email to Royal Caribbean Blog.

"Guests are encouraged to participate in the festivities, so we recommend they pack their favorite costumes and accessories to have a ghoulish-good time!" they said. 

From Halloween-themed crafts to family scavenger hunts and a special movie night, cruisers are guaranteed to have a frightfully fun experience at sea. 

What to expect on Royal Caribbean's Halloween cruises

According to the email shared with Royal Caribbean Blog, there are a variety of activities planned for family-friendly fun, including:

• Halloween-themed crafts (younger cruisers)
• Halloween games (younger cruisers)
• Teen Halloween games (teenagers)
• Teen Halloween movie night (teenagers)
• Horror movie quotes trivia (families)
• Family Halloween-themed crafts (families)
• Halloween family scavenger hunt (families)
• Halloween costume parade (families)
• Adult Halloween monster mash bash (adult-only)

To find available activities on your October voyage, simply check the Royal Caribbean app. After you have selected your sailing (or are connected to the ship's Wi-Fi), select "Entertainment" and browse the daily schedule. 

Even if the activities aren’t your thing, you won't want to leave your house without a costume. 

Guests are encouraged to dress up on the cruise, regardless of whether it's in early October or over Halloween. 

"We're celebrating All Hallows Eve and all things creepy and crawly," the Cruise Planner says, "Ghouls and goblins, tonight is your night to shine."

It's a great excuse to get another use out of your kid's Halloween costume this year!

Read more: What Halloween is like on the world's largest cruise ship

Month-long Halloween celebrations at sea aren't rare

Most famously, Disney Cruise Line's Halloween on the High Seas has been a fan favorite for years. 

The special sailings feature everything from themed character appearances — think Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson sisters — to Halloween crafts and elaborate décor. 

Margaritaville at Sea also began offering its own Halloween-themed sailings, featuring themed cocktails, onboard activities, costume contests, and numerous decorations throughout the ship. 

The special sailings began in mid-September and will run through the end of October. 

With Royal Caribbean now joining in on the extended celebrations, it’s clear that the spooky season is becoming a staple during October cruises.

Read more: I celebrated Halloween on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and it's my favorite holiday to spend at sea

Cruise ship crew members have interesting jobs. No two days are ever the same when dealing with guests. It’s a demanding and fascinating role, but it is also rewarding. 

A now-deleted Reddit user who claims to be an Officer aboard an Oasis Class cruise ship shared insights into their life at sea.

"Hi cruisers!! First Officer here! Since we always have guests asking interesting stuff on bridge tours thought [of] making this post. Remark: not disclosing RCI private information and future company plans!" they wrote. 

Since being posted, the thread has gotten over 440 comments and 1,100 upvotes. Needless to say, there were a lot of people interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of a cruise ship. 

What percentage of the water consumed on board is desalinated and purified? 

The Officer said that all the fresh water on Royal ships is purified per United States Public Health (USPH) regulations. 

"We are producing water on the principle of Reverse Osmosis — Seawater converted to Fresh Water," they said. 

The original poster (OP) added that 3 out of 4 cruise ships are also likely to get water loaded at the turnaround day port (like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Seattle). 

What kind of crew cabin do you get?

While cruise ship Captains get mega-suites near the Bridge, other crew members typically live in smaller quarters and often share a windowless room and/or bathroom. 

However, because the OP has a higher ranking than cabin stewards, bartenders, etc., they have a private stateroom on Deck 3 with a small porthole, double bed, private bathroom, sofa, and television. 

What would happen if there were a mechanical failure while underway (like an engine failure)? 

The OP said, "We have a lot of redundancy for almost everything."

Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's second-newest Oasis Class ship, has 6 engines. However, they typically only use 3 at a time. As such, if there's an engine failure, the engineers can start another one.

How in-the-loop are crew members about the future plans of the company?

According to the Officer, it all depends. A lot of news is shared via rumor, though. 

"Sometimes there are only rumours spreading across the ship which are likely true. Heard about the Legend of the Seas name 9 months before it was revealed," they wrote. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO talks rumored new ship size and where it could sail

What is the career path to become an officer on a cruise ship?

Just like with most professions, you can't wake up one day and immediately become a cruise ship Officer. 

First, you have to begin with 4 years at Maritime University to earn your Bachelor’s in Maritime Studies and Navigation. During your studies (or immediately after), you must also complete one year of cadetship. 

"Then you get the STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch license and you start as Second Officer in Royal," the OP said. 

Some cadets are lucky and start working for a cruise line. However, the majority of officers work their way up, starting as cadets on cargo ships. 

As a First Officer, is your job primarily logistics and handling the port of call with local authorities? Or is it more like managing staff and driving the ship?

(Credit: Reddit)

The OP does not manage anyone. Instead, they work purely on the navigational side. 

Their responsibilities include updating navigational charts weekly, making the routines, watchkeeping, and dealing with ballast water reports.

And yes, it's possible to get bored performing the same duties over and over!

How often are lifeboat drills performed, and how often are the lifeboats thought of/spoken about during regular operation?

The muster drill happens more frequently than lifeboat drills. According to the OP, the safety drill is weekly, whereas they only lower the release the lifeboats from the hooks every 3 months. 

If working on a ship operating shorter cruises, the safety drill would happen more frequently, such as every Friday and Monday on 3- and 4-night sailings. 

Roughest water you've experienced? Details? Did it bother you?

The roughest waters the Officer experienced were when they were arriving in Vancouver, Canada. 

"We were drifting around for 5 days and on the second day we got 33 feet (11 meters) waves," they wrote.

"The ship listed around 22 degrees. Most of our ships (Royal) [don't] exceed [a] list [of] more than 2 degrees, so you can imagine how rough the [sea] was."

Are you able to enjoy passenger areas if you're off-duty?

The amount of privileges crew members have depends on their position. The higher up you are, the more freedom you have. 

For this First Officer, they like to eat dinner in the Windjammer with colleagues, walk through Central Park and the Royal Promenade, and watch shows. 

Can you see onto the balconies?

Balconies are not as private as you might think. Although there are dividers that limit how much one can see into neighboring balconies, they don’t provide complete privacy.

The OP said, "From the bridge some of the balconies are visible yes! More interesting is in CocoCay when we dock with [another] ship."

Read more: Guide to balcony staterooms on Royal Caribbean

How often do whales come close to the ship?

(Credit: Reddit)

"[Whales are] very rare, especially in the Caribbean," they wrote, "Alaska and [the Northeast Coast] can encounter some and you can see the tails."

Dolphins, however, are a different story. The smart mammals swim with the ship's bow. 

Apart from CocoCay, do you have a favorite port of call in the Caribbean?

The OP loves San Juan, Puerto Rico, calling it a "lovely" place. 

On the flip side, they claim that sailing into St. Thomas is challenging. 

Do you ever want to go on a cruise as a passenger on vacation?

For many crew members, especially in safety or operational roles, it is difficult to switch their working brain off. 

"I’ve never done it, and I [don't] think I will do it as I always see the ships from safety’s point," the First Officer shared. 

What’s the funniest thing or behavior that you’ve seen?

Working on a ship means you’re bound to have tons of funny stories from guest interactions. 

One of the standout moments for the OP is when they were asked if crew members live on the ship. 

"[O]ne of my colleagues said that we are taken by helicopter by the end of each day. It was funny because he was joking, but the guest thought we [were] taking helicopters [every day]," they added.

Do you have family back home?

A lot of cruise crew members spend months away from their loved ones. The OP is no exception. 

They spend around 2 to 3 months onboard per contract, with the same time off. As such, they have about 6 months off during the calendar year. 

What’s the longest you’ve had to wait for a pier runner?

Cruise ships operate on a tight schedule and have strict all-aboard times for guests in ports of call. If you're late, you may have to frantically dash down the pier before the gangway goes up. It's fun to watch pier runners, but you don't want to be one. 

The longest the OP has waited on a pier runner was about 30 minutes in Roatán, Honduras:

"The Guest Services Manager managed to reach the couple missing and then we decided to wait."

How much socialization is there between the various divisions?

Cruise ships are like floating cities where people from all departments interact daily, both on and off duty.

"The crew windjammer is [open] for everyone and we regularly sit with engineers, cast members, guest services etc. [It's] nice to find friends from different divisions."

One of the best deals in cruising right now is arguably Royal Caribbean's casino loyalty benefits, and it's getting even better.

Cruisers willing to gamble enough on their cruise to earn enough points to reach higher loyalty tiers have a new benefit that extends discounts to some of the cruise line's most popular add-ons.

An email newsletter sent to casino players mentions a new discount on pre-cruise purchases, with at least half off savings.

Here's what discounts you can expect, and how to get in on these deals.

Pre-cruise discounts

Royal Caribbean says between now and March 31, 2026, any cruiser with an elevated status is eligible for at least half off drink packages, beach clubs, and other popular add-ons.

You must be at least Prime status in Casino Royale in order to qualify, which means you've collected at least 2,500 points during the course of the casino year.

Here's how it breaks down:

In my experience, I've seen this discount applied previously, but it seemed more hit or miss.  With the announcement, it appears the discount is now codified and will be more consistently applied.

Royal Caribbean also runs similar sales and promotions that apply to top tier members within Crown and Anchor Society. 

As a Pinnacle Club member, I'll sometimes see my casino discount shown and other times a Diamond and above discount.

How much this could save you

You might be curious how lucrative this discount can actually be, so I decided to run a couple of tests.

As a Prime member, I found a couple of cruises where I had the discount applied to my account for an upcoming sailing.  I then compared the price to the logged out price for what a new cruiser without casino status could expect (using this hack).

Oasis of the Seas 7-night October 5, 2025 sailing

• Deluxe Beverage Package
  • Regular discount: 40% off - $68.99 per person, per day
  • Casino discount: 50% off - $56.99 per person, per day

Star of the Seas 7-night November 23, 2025

• Deluxe Beverage Package
  • Regular discount: Regular sale - $77.99 per person, per day
  • Casino discount: 50% off - $59.99 per person, per day

No casino discounts applied to Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club, or Thrill Waterpark admission

Utopia of the Seas 4-night January 9, 2026

• Deluxe Beverage Package
  • Regular discount: Regular sale - $83.99 per person, per day
  • Casino discount: 50% off - $59.99 per person, per day

No casino discounts applied to Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club, or Thrill Waterpark admission

I saw the same price and "Pre Cruise Savings" sale for the beach clubs and water park admission while logged in and logged out. It's possible the day pass discounts haven't been activated yet, or the current promotion is better than the casino offer.

Regardless, the drink package savings are real for the Deluxe Beverage Package with significant savings one each sailing I checked compared to someone without casino status looking to buy the same drink package.

How to get casino points

If getting loyalty status within the Royal Caribbean casino sounds like the perfect plan for you, here's what you need to know to reach Prime status.

Gambling is addictive, and you could end up losing a lot of money in the process of trying to earn a "free cruise". 

When you play in the casino, you earn points when you insert or tap your SeaPass card at a slot machine or hand it to a pit boss at a table game.

You can expect to earn roughly 1 point for every $5 wagered on a slot machine. Table games give much less points, so don't play table games if earning status is your goal. Video poker players earn 1 point for every $10 played. 

Earning Prime status means you'll need to accumulate at least 2,500 points throughout the Royal Caribbean casino year, which runs April 1 through March 31). 

Your points are combined between sailings during the casino calendar year.  So if you earned 500 points on an October cruise, and then another 500 points in December, you'd have a total of 1,000 points for the year. 

As soon as you reach 2,500 points before March 31, you earn that status for the rest of this cruise year and the full following year. 

Getting to Prime gets you more than just pre-cruise discounts

While the pre-cruise discounts are a nice benefit, the true value of Prime status comes in many other forms.

Prime members can enjoy unlimited drinks in the ship's casino bar. 

Prime members also are awarded a free 7-day cruise in an interior room. 

Whether you make Prime or not, you can also expect offers in the mail if your average play reaches a certain level. It's not known exactly what that level is, but random free cruise offers can sporadically be sent in your email and mailbox. 

One big change coming to Royal Caribbean's newest ship will be its biggest casino ever.

Royal Caribbean confirmed a change to its casino layout on Legend of the Seas, which will debut next summer.

Instead of the single deck casino layout that both Icon and Star of the Seas have, Legend will expand its casino footprint to two decks.

Here's what Royal Caribbean has shared about its plans for the casino expansion.

Casino upgrade

"Your next Icon Class casino is getting a major upgrade," is what an email to casino loyalty members read to start things off.

Legend of the Seas will be the first Royal Caribbean ship to have a two-story casino.

Concept art released shows a bar at the center of the main level, with table games and slot machines flanking each side.

The upper level appears to have exclusively slot machines, with a sports bar as well.

There's a staircase in the middle, but undoubtedly there will be elevator access at the ends of each deck.

Location onboard

The ship's deck plans don't reflect the second deck yet, but it's likely to encompass deck 3 and 4.  As of now, there's a large unmarked area on the deck 3 deck plan that would seem to fit in.

The new layout opens up possibilities, such as high-roller areas, large non-smoking sections, and more.

Moreover, it makes the casino feel more like a land casino instead of a small part of a cruise ship.  The aura of a "real casino" is meaningful to some players.

Casino has become a major priority

Royal Caribbean has steadily increased the footprint of its casinos, and it reflects the growing revenue they generate.

Cruise ships have traditionally always had a casino, but it was never a major focal point.  In recent years, that has changed.

Royal Caribbean has not only made its casinos bigger on new ships, but also replaced venues with casino space.  All of the Jazz on 4 clubs were replaced by non-smoking casinos on the Oasis Class ships.

We've also seen Royal Caribbean replace bars and clubs with additional casino space.

The combination of increasing popularity of gambling among cruisers and very likely higher onboard revenue has proven to be a winning formula for a company hyper focused on profitability.

Another Legend of the Seas change coming

The same day Royal Caribbean confirmed the changes to the ship's casino, we ran across another change.

The cruise giant trademarked the name, "Hollywoodland Supper Club" signaling the name it's chosen for its third supper club experience.

While we've known for over a year the supper club theme on Legend of the Seas would be Hollywood themed, we did not know the specific name of the venue.

Royal Caribbean filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for Hollywoodland Supper Club and filed it under the category of being a restaurant.

The supper club on Icon of the Seas has a New York theme, while the Star of the Seas version is based on Chicago.

Each supper club pairs live musical entertainment, food, and cocktails to the region and time period.

Given the name "Hollywoodland" alludes to the original name for the real estate development that got shortened later to "Hollywood", it's likely this restaurant will also focus on the golden age of Hollywood, which is anywhere from the 1920s to the early 1960s.

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

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

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

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

Made for, and by, fans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Bayley is front and center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special events and entertainment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The fans are the reason to try it

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entitlement fears were overblown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A short sailing this year, but more next year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cruise ship GI illness outbreaks now surpass reported cases in 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norovirus outbreaks are also on the rise across the United States

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

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

How to protect yourself from norovirus on a cruise ship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How would the government shutdown affect cruises?

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

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

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

Will the shutdown impact air travel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I cancel my upcoming travel plans?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key

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

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean offers a dynamic pricing model to enter Hideaway Beach

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

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

Read more: Is Hideaway Beach worth the cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both beach clubs feature infinity pools and a beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Guide to CocoCay cabanas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is The Key on Royal Caribbean?

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

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

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

What's included

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

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

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

My experience trying everything

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The next most useful benefit is reserved seating in shows.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who is the Key best for?

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

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

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

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

Is The Key worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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