Royal Caribbean Blog

Celebrity Xcel is Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship — and she’s stunning from bow to stern.

With the addition of Celebrity’s next Edge Class ship, the cruise line has 15 ships in operation, sailing globally from Australia to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Celebrity Cruises invited me on a short 2-night sailing to check out everything the new Celebrity Xcel cruise ship has to offer.

In just a few short hours, I fell in love with the ship’s sleek design, thoughtful amenities, and exclusive experiences. Like her name implies, Celebrity Xcel excels in every detail.

Editor’s note: Although Celebrity Cruises paid for this sailing, all opinions are my own.

Celebrity Xcel fast facts

Celebrity Xcel measures 141,420 gross tons, 1,073 feet long, and has a maximum passenger capacity of nearly 4,000.

Onboard, there are 1,646 cabins, comprised of 198 suites, 163 AquaClass staterooms, 299 Concierge cabins, 664 verandas and infinite verandas, 153 ocean-view rooms, and 169 inside cabins.

The ship boasts 32 culinary offerings, including 14 cafés, bars, and lounges; 8 specialty restaurants, 4 distinct dining rooms; 4 complimentary casual venues; and 2 suite-exclusive restaurants.

Other amenities include a state-of-the-art casino, multiple pools, unparalleled entertainment, the line's largest spa at sea, and more. 

Grand Plaza

This Grand Plaza is the heart of every Celebrity Edge Class ship, from Celebrity Edge to Celebrity Xcel.

The three-deck atrium is complete with a dazzling chandelier and the cruise line’s famous Martini Bar.

Whether you’re in the mood to sip on a handcrafted cocktail, listen to live music, or partake in fun activities like the ship’s popular Silent Disco, the vibrant hub brings guests together day and night.

From the Grand Plaza, it’s easy to explore the many spots that line the surrounding decks

Deck 3 is home to the Martini Bar, Guest Relations, the Concierge Lounge, and two of the ship’s complimentary dining rooms: Normandie and Tuscany.

One deck above, you’ll find Café al Bacio, Celebrity Xcel’s specialty coffee shop. The casual venue also serves light snacks, such as cookies, pastries, and sandwiches.

Nearby are two specialty restaurants: Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and Le Grand Bistro. I had the chance to try Le Voyage on a previous sailing aboard Celebrity Ascent and was blown away by the attentive service and expertly crafted dishes.

The meal isn’t cheap, coming in at around $125 per person, but it’s worth it for foodies looking to celebrate a special occasion on Celebrity Xcel.

Also on Deck 4 are the retail stores, casino, Future Cruise desk, The Club, the bottom level of the Theater, and Cyprus and Cosmopolitan restaurants, which are included in everyone’s cruise fare.

Moving up, Deck 5 is where the World Class Bar is located. The upscale bar is known for its high-quality cocktails, crafted by skilled mixologists in a stylish setting.

Around the corner is the Fine Cut Steakhouse, a must-visit for steak lovers who want to enjoy aged cuts of meat, indulgent sides, and an extensive wine list.

On the other side of the hall is Raw on 5, Celebrity’s sushi restaurant that features fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, and creative Japanese favorites.

Finally, Celebrity’s brand-new flagship store is steps from the top floor of the Grand Plaza. The store offers a curated selection of merchandise like spirit jerseys, coffee mugs, hats, and more. 

In short, whether you want a bite to enjoy, a spot to enjoy panoramic views, or browse merchandise, the Grand Plaza has something to offer everyone.

The Bazaar

Let’s jump into some of the venues and experiences that make Celebrity Xcel stand out from her counterparts, starting with the Bazaar on Deck 5.

The Bazaar is Celebrity Xcel’s vibrant marketplace that blends shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The brand-new venue encourages discovery and connection, with the cruise line bringing the culture, flavors, sights, and sounds of the itinerary on board the ship.

At the Mosaic Restaurant, for example, chefs put their spin on the destination’s signature dishes, delivering local flavors to your table at sea. And yes, the menu changes based on the port!

Market at the Bazaar means you don’t have to worry about carving precious time ashore for souvenirs — Celebrity will bring the best local must-haves onboard.

Not only that, but Market at the Bazaar also showcases the work of skilled artisans from the destinations the ship visits.

Finally, there will be a unique line-up of parties that celebrate the culture and traditions of the itinerary’s destinations.

The Bazaar on Celebrity Xcel replaced Eden, the signature multi-level venue found on previous Edge Class ships.

Attic at The Club

Although The Club isn’t a new venue, the upstairs has been transformed into Attic at The Club, which is brought to life with its retro-inspired design, complete with neon lights and bold patterns.

The new space, open 24/7, features everything from pool tables to darts and classic arcade games.

Passengers can also book a private space in the Attic for group activities like karaoke and golf simulation games.

Celebrity Pool Club

Celebrity’s resort-style pool deck received a major upgrade on Celebrity Xcel. The refreshed space features more shade, personalized service, and entertainment than ever before.

For example, the Pool Valet offers services like chilled towels and sunscreen, ensuring guests can kick back and relax without any worries.

Cabanas are also available for those who want an even more elevated experience, with dedicated service, elevated drinks and snacks, and the best seat on the pool deck.

Don’t worry, though — the resort deck is still home to a signature statue. On Celebrity Xcel, it’s a monkey holding an infant, while on Celebrity Ascent, it’s a large octopus.

Along with the monkey, you can’t miss the bright orange Magic Carpet. The multi-purpose venue serves as a tender launch point and bar.

This revolutionary platform first debuted on Celebrity Edge and quickly became an Edge Class staple.

The cantilevered design allows the Magic Carpet to move up and down the ship’s exterior, providing panoramic views at different levels.

Adjacent to the Celebrity Pool Club is the adults-only Solarium — AKA one of my favorite spots onboard!

This relaxing indoor spot is only available to passengers 16+ and features a private pool, hot tubs, and plush loungers.

One change that I quickly noticed is that Celebrity removed the Spa Café from the Solarium. On other ships, this grab-and-go venue served up light bites including turkey wraps, sesame udon noodles, and fresh fruit.

On Celebrity Xcel, however, the Spa Café was removed to make way for the expanded salon and spa.

Celebrity’s largest spa at sea

According to Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Xcel’s spa offers more ways to unwind than ever before, with more than 120 treatments.

New amenities include the Hydra Room, a therapeutic H2O experience within the SEA Thermal Suite, expanded salon space, and the addition of a Vitamin D Deck.

The Vitamin D deck is exclusive to Thermal Suite guests and offers sweeping views from the front of the ship. The new space also includes complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

In total, the Thermal Suite on Celebrity Xcel now offers eight distinct relaxation areas, including saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy spaces.

Bora

Bora is a brand-new al fresco Mediterranean restaurant exclusively on Celebrity Xcel. Located on Deck 15, this specialty venue is more than a meal — it is a sensory journey.

The experience begins with a welcome celebration in the Rooftop Garden, an open-air space surrounded by lush greenery and two small pools, which is complete with cocktails and live music.

Brunch guests can enjoy a Bloody Mary bar and dishes like French toast with orange zest, figs, and pistachios.

At night, Bora transforms into an upscale restaurant with complimentary spritzers, tableside preparation, and hand-selected regional wines.

Steps away from Bora is Celebrity’s iconic Sunset Bar. This spot offers the best wake views and a signature drink menu.

Dining on Celebrity Xcel

Celebrity Xcel is home to over 30 distinct food and beverage experiences, from casual spots to specialty restaurants. Here’s a rundown of a few of the complimentary options.

There are four Main Dining Rooms on the ship — Normandie, Tuscany, Cosmopolitan, and Cyprus — each with a unique design and signature dishes inspired by different regions around the world.

All meals in the dining rooms are included, from low-key breakfasts to multi-course dinners.

Moving on, Celebrity’s Oceanview Café on Deck 14 is more akin to a stylish food hall than a traditional buffet.

Not only that, but the buffet offers a wide variety of stations featuring global flavors and made-to-order dishes.

Guests can enjoy everything from seafood saganaki to ceviche, stir fry, chicken paella, and decadent desserts, all served in a chic setting.

Also on Deck 14 is the Mast Grill. This casual poolside eatery serves up classics like burgers, hot dogs, and French fries.

It’s perfect for a quick bite while enjoying the Celebrity Pool Club and taking in ocean views.

Spice, down on Deck 5, is a new casual dining concept that’s located within the Bazaar. It replaced the Eden Cafe and, instead, offers a rotating selection of destination-inspired bites.

Guests staying in AquaClass cabins or The Retreat can also enjoy Blu or Luminae at no extra charge.

Celebrity Xcel cabins

Celebrity Xcel has over 1,600 staterooms, ranging from windowless inside cabins to 2,500-square-foot suites.

During my sailing, I stayed in a Sunset Veranda Stateroom, which offered a spacious layout, modern décor, and a private balcony with wake views.

Having previously sailed on an Edge Class ship, I knew that even if Celebrity had assigned us to an inside cabin, it would feel leagues above other cabins in the industry — and Celebrity Xcel didn’t disappoint.

My cabin featured thoughtful touches like an abundance of charging options, ample storage, ambient lighting, and a luxurious bathroom.

Although Celebrity’s Edge Class is known for its controversial infinite verandas, it was nice to experience a more traditional balcony cabin, with sliding doors and real sea breezes.

I'm no stranger to cruising alone, but eating by myself always feels a little strange.

I booked a 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas without my family because I wanted to review the ship again and see some of the changes that have been made, like a new casino offering.

If you ask my wife, I never shy away from booking a cruise alone.  It's not ideal, but I've cruised solo enough times that I immerse myself in my work to keep me busy. Plus, the ship always has a lot of activities I can indulge in as well.

But the only time I truly ever feel alone is at dinner because I enjoy a nice sit down meal to round out my day, and sitting alone at a table makes me feel sort of left out. 

I decided to embrace the solo cruise experience and go to dinner the way I prefer.

I would have chickened out if I didn't have a table alone

I'll admit that my entire decision was pinned on having a table with no one else at it in the Main Dining Room.

Royal Caribbean may assign you a table for dinner with strangers or just for your party. It's kind of a crapshoot as to what you'll end up getting.

Your table assignment is written on the bottom of your SeaPass card.  It has a deck number and dining time.  Your dining time is something you select when you book the cruise, and you have the choice of My Time Dining or Traditional.

On embarkation day I walked into the Main Dining Room, and found my table. Sure enough, it was a table for two and that meant I'd certainly be seated alone.

As an added bonus, my table was right by the window.  Unfortunately due to daylight savings time, it was too dark to see anything out of the window.

No one really cares if I'm eating alone

The singular truth about eating alone is that no one else cares what you're doing, and few barely even probably notice.

My concern with eating alone stemmed from the notion I'd feel out of place, in the way someone might feel if they showed up to a black tie party in shorts and a t-shirt.

The truth is it never felt anything like that. 

Any time I scanned the area around me, everyone was immersed in their own conversations and meals.  Plus, I was either enjoying my food.

When I didn't have something to eat, I had my phone to keep me occupied.  Fear not, I wasn't "one of those people" that had music or audio playing.  I used my phone to text friends and family, check social media, and otherwise keep me quietly occupied.

The downtime between servings is probably when eating alone would feel awkward, but the phone helped bridge that gap.  I suppose reading a book would be another option too.

The speed of service helped tremendously

One of the top reasons I came back for dinner in the Main Dining Room on night two was how quick the meal was.

When I first started cruising, dinner could take two hours or more. While I enjoy a relaxed meal, I think that's just too long.

One of the initiatives Royal Caribbean undertook as part of its Main Dining Room overhaul in 2023 was to address speed of service.

The cruise line saw this as an opportunity to serve hotter and fresher food while also addressing consistency. 

All of my dinners took between 45-60 minutes from start to finish. Full disclosure, I skipped dessert every night, so that saved some time too.

Because I knew I could enjoy a plated meal without fear of feeling "stuck" there, I enjoyed the experience even more. To be clear, the servers never made me feel rushed. They just served my food at the pace I was consuming it.

Why didn't I just go to the buffet?

If you are wondering why I didn't just opt for the Windjammer buffet instead, it's because I was eating other meals there and I wanted something different.

I love the cruise buffet, but the quality of the food in the Main Dining Room is always going to be a little bit better. As an example, the French Onion Soup served in the Dining Room is always going to be presented better than the DIY version at the buffet.

Part of the appeal of cruising is the level of service it comes with, and I enjoy what the Main Dining Room represents in that regard.

I'll gladly eat alone in the Main Dining Room again

I think this was the solo dining experience that solidified I could do it again without any trepidation.

I had a great team of waiters (shoutout to Renz and Jonathan) who made it all flow so easily.  One night I asked Renz to have a bowl of French Onion Soup waiting for me before they close for the evening, and he was happy to oblige.

The truth is few other passengers notice you're alone, and fewer care.

Some might have read this article and wondered why I didn't ask to sit at a larger table with strangers so I wouldn't feel alone.

My issue with sitting at a table with others and being alone is inevitably there are down times in the conversation and I'd feel rude being on my phone or reading a book. If I'm cruising with my wife and we are seated with others, then I have her to fall back on for a quiet conversation.

Anyone who's concerned about eating alone in the Main Dining Room should remember it's not as big a deal as you probably think it is. Bring something to keep you occupied between servings, and enjoy the added service.

Pack your bags, Swifties — another Taylor Swift-themed cruise is on its way!

Fans looking to step into their cruising era will be excited to learn that another Taylor Swift–themed sailing is planned for next year. Hosted by Straight Away Travel, the 4-night Girlhood Getaway will be called “Karma is a Cruise".

The upcoming Taylor Swift–themed cruise will set sail on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. “Karma is a Cruise” will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with ports of call in the Bahamas, including Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The sailing also features one day at sea, which is expected to include themed activities and events for Taylor Swift fans.

The upcoming cruise follows the success of last year’s Taylor Swift–themed sailing aboard Allure of the Seas. Now, fans can set sail again for another group cruise filled with friendship bracelets, themed events, and nods to the singer’s discography.

Jamie from Straight Away Travel has curated the private group experience aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. According to the agency’s website, Girlhood Getaways are known for cultivating an inclusive community centered on empowerment, authenticity, and fearlessness.

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

“Get ready for something truly special — this isn’t just a cruise, it’s a celebration of All Things Girlhood! Jamie is planning a lineup of exclusive onboard experiences just for our group, all designed around friendship, empowerment, and embracing who we are — loud, proud, and unapologetically our true selves,” states the website.

While the full schedule is still being finalized, Straight Away Travel has outlined a variety of themed activities planned for the group that include:

• Welcome meet-and-greet reception

• Friendship bracelet-making sessions and trading

• Themed trivia and lyric-based games

• Costume night inspired by various Taylor Swift eras

• Karaoke and dance events

• Curated photo stations and onboard photo opportunities

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

According to Straight Away Travel, the organized event is meant to build a sense of community among Swifties by encouraging participation and recreating the fan experiences that have become central to Taylor Swift’s cultural influence.

In addition to the organized events, Taylor Swift fans can take advantage of the many amenities available aboard Liberty of the Seas. The Freedom class vessel features popular onboard attractions, multiple pools, world-class entertainment, and a wide selection of complimentary and specialty dining options.

Cabins are available for booking with double occupancy rates for the February 2026 sailing. Prices start at $594 per person for an interior stateroom, $746 for an Oceanview stateroom, and $829 per person for balcony cabins. 

Taylor Swift fans wanting to secure their spot will need to provide a non-refundable deposit of $200 per stateroom at the time of booking. Rates include the stateroom, taxes, and port fees but exclude gratuities, travel insurance, drink packages, dining packages, and optional Royal Caribbean activities.

This isn’t the first Taylor Swift fan cruise.

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

Straight Away Travel isn’t the first travel agency to organize a Taylor Swift-themed cruise. Back in October 2024, Marvelous Mouse Travels hosted another successful fan-focused event for Taylor Swift fans. This group cruise was called “In My Cruise Era” and took place aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.

That voyage brought together Swifties from across the country for a 3-night sailing built around the same core themes of connection, community, and mutual love of Taylor Swift. 

Swifties sailing aboard Allure of the Seas enjoyed organized fan meetups, friendship bracelet exchanges, dance parties, and late-night karaoke. In addition, Taylor Swift fans attended nightly eras-themed parties where cruisers dressed up as their favorite album era.

An unusual series of circumstances caused on Royal Caribbean cruise ship to spend the day at a rival cruise line's port.

Freedom of the Seas spent Thursday docked at Amber Cove alongside the Carnival Magic. 

Carnival describes Amber Cove as it's "exclusive Dominican Republic cruise port" and has been operating it for about 10 years.

Royal Caribbean passengers were able to walk around the port area, and take advantage of the complimentary pool and lazy river, as well shop and eat at the various extra cost restaurants.

Why a Royal Caribbean ship visited Amber Cove

The strange occurrence of a Royal Caribbean ship going to Carnival's port is the result of a weather and logistical circumstances.

The November 10 sailing of Freedom of the Seas was originally scheduled to sail a 5-night voyage that would visit Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel.

However, Freedom would not visit either of those destinations.

About a week before the cruise, Royal Caribbean informed passengers their visit to Cozumel was being replaced with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.  They never specified why there was a change, but it's likely related to other ships being re-routed to Cozumel because Jamaica's cruise ports are closed due to the Hurricane Melissa aftermath.

Then on embarkation day, the ship's Captain updated passengers again that they would have to skip CocoCay because of a cold front moving through the Bahamas that would close the private island.

Instead, Freedom would visit Amber Cove.

How the visit came about will never be known, but it certainly came as a surprise.

Not a private island

As a Royal Caribbean cruiser, it's easy to quickly draw comparisons to what I'm familiar with.  But Amber Cove isn't like something I've been to before exactly.

The closest comparison I can come up with is Amber Cove is like Costa Maya, Mexico but with more options.

Being a cruise port, you don't have to spend the day there.  There are excursions and tours to take you around the nearby area of Puerto Plata. Or you could hop in a taxi and do your own thing.

Inside the port, there are lots of shops and a few restaurants too. Food and drink here cost extra anywhere within Amber Cove. All of the retail and food and beverage spaces are leased out.

The pool and lazy river within the Aqua Zone are included at no extra charge, similar to Taino Bay or Costa Maya. 

There are also upsell options with day beds, cabanas, a water slide, or water craft you can rent. I was surprised how inexpensive cabanas cost compared to Royal Caribbean.  I could have gotten an over-the-water cabana for just $500 for up to 8 people and it included some snacks and water craft rentals.

One notable feature you won't find is beach access.  Amber Cove has a lot of pool space, but no beach. You'll need to book an excursion to any number of nearby beaches in Puerto Plata for that.

It was strange, but a fun day at Amber Cove

It felt a little surreal being in a Carnival port, but I suspect most passengers on Freedom of the Seas had no idea this was Carnival's port unless they were told by someone else.

Because Carnival leases out all of the operations, it doesn't have an overtly obvious Carnival motif to it. I didn't see Freddie the fun ship mascot, or anything else that screamed Carnival.

As a lifelong Royal Caribbean cruiser, I was struck more by how there wasn't a true similar product from my preferred line.

Royal Caribbean has private destinations in CocoCay or Labadee, but you can't leave those places and a lot of the food and drink is included.  That's not the case at Amber Cove.

Truly, it felt like Taino Bay's port is an attempt to copy Amber Cove and has a free pool and lazy river for guests, along with extra cost restaurants and bars. Plus, you can leave Taino Bay on a tour. However, Taino Bay isn't exclusive to Royal Caribbean.

I'm not sure I'll ever have a chance to try Amber Cove, but it's nice having an easy day to relax in port or bypassing it all and heading out to try something else around while in the DR.

Royal Caribbean wants cruisers to "come on down" and win a car playing the line's newest game show at sea.

Cruise Director Marc Walker confirmed that "The Price is Right — Everyone's a Contestant" is coming to Utopia of the Seas. The show is already on Star of the Seas. However, it will debut on Utopia on Thursday, November 13.

"Exciting news to share! We’ve been in secret [rehearsals] this week and I’m pumped to let you know that one cruise early we are bringing you the Price is Right Gameshow where you have a chance to win a New car!" Walker shared on Facebook. 

According to the Cruise Planner, the first Price is Right show on Utopia will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Royal Theater. It is scheduled to last 45 minutes. 

The cruise ship version of the long-running television show is free to watch. However, all participants must pay to play. Pricing starts at $15.00 USD. 

Walker added, "Make sure your phones are charged - you don’t need to pay for WiFi to play. You could win a NEW car! Cash prizes for those who COME ON DOWN."

Royal Caribbean is known for its game show offerings, including the adult-only Crazy Quest, Love and Marriage Show, Majority Rules, and Battle of the Sexes. 

(Credit: Cruise Director Mitch/Facebook)

With the addition of "The Price is Right — Everyone's a Contestant," cruisers will have yet another way to get in on the action, whether they're playing or just spectating. 

Right now, the show is only on Star and Utopia of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has not confirmed whether it will be rolled out fleetwide. 

What is The Price is Right?

The Price is Right is a television game show where contestants guess the retail price of various consumer goods in exchange for a chance to win cash and other prizes, playing mini-games such as Plinko, Cliffhanger, and Hole in One. 

Each mini-game tests contestants' skills in different ways. Some are based on strategy, while others rely on luck. 

The modern version of The Price is Right premiered on CBS in 1972, with Bob Barker as the first host. Drew Carey took over in 2007. It is now the longest-running daytime game show in U.S. history with over 10,000 episodes. 

Royal Caribbean is not the first cruise line to adapt The Price is Right into a full-scale, interactive experience at sea. 

Norwegian Cruise Line first launched the Price is Right Live on Norwegian Prima. It has since been added to the line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. 

Like Royal Caribbean, those playing on NCL have a chance to win a car. However, modest prizes, including new luggage sets and electronics, are up for grabs, too. 

Other cruise lines, including Royal's sister brand Celebrity Cruises, also offer live game show adaptations of popular television shows. Deal or No Deal is popular on Celebrity and Carnival Cruise Line. 

Likewise, Carnival brought Family Feud Live to its fleet after its success on Mardi Gras, the cruise line's first Excel Class ship. 

After pulling cruise ships from Baltimore, Royal Caribbean will bring back a ship there for the summer season.

In March, the cruise line shared deployment information that revealed it would no longer offer cruises from Baltimore in winter 2026-2027.

It was a surprise to many, because Royal Caribbean has had a ship based there year-round for quite a long time. The apparent departure from Baltimore ruffled a lot of feathers among cruise fans that relied on a ship sailing from the Mid-Atlantic region.

However, Royal Caribbean will bring back a ship to Baltimore for at least a few months per year.

Vision of the Seas returns in 2027

The newly revealed plans show Vision of the Seas will sail from Baltimore once again.

Vision will be based in Baltimore between May - October 2027, meaning there will be no sailings from November 2026 - April 2027. In October 2026, Vision will move to Fort Lauderdale.

The plans are to offer 5- and 9-night cruises to Bermuda or 9-night cruises to Canada & New England.

5-night Bermuda Getaway sailings

• Baltimore, Maryland
• Royal Naval Dockyard (2 days)
• Baltimore, Maryland

9-night Bermuda & Bahamas sailings

• Baltimore, Maryland
• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda (2 days)
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Bimini, Bahamas
• Baltimore, Maryland

9-night Bermuda & New England Cruise

• Baltimore, Maryland
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Portland, Maine
• Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick (2 days)
• Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Baltimore, Maryland

The new sailings are available to book immediately.

"It'll be back every summer"

It appears Royal Caribbean's game plan has shifted with Baltimore, and it will now be a port that offers summer cruises only.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley answered a question about cruises from Baltimore during the most recent President's Cruise and confirmed the new approach.

"I've had a couple of people ask me, why did you take vision out of Baltimore," he explained during a question and answer session.

"It's seasonal. It's coming back. It'll be back every summer."

Why did they make the change to drop winter cruises from Baltimore? Evidently the logistics were difficult.

"It's just logistics and reality. Winter products out of northeastern ports just have more challenges," he said.  Likely those challenges have to deal with the weather. Winter storms can disrupt itineraries and make it difficult for a ship to get to or from their homeport.

Moreover, during the winter it's cold for a few days until the ship can reach the tropics.  Plus, the distance required to get to the tropics makes for limited itineraries.

There's also a limited set of ships that can actually sail from Baltimore because of the bridges blocking access to the port.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the recently destroyed Francis Scott Key Bridge are too low to allow big ships in.

He went on to say the company understands there's demand for a product there, "We are happy to be operating out of Baltimore. Baltimore is super supportive to Royal Caribbean, and we know there's a lot of guests in the area who like sailing [from there]."

Cruise fans happy with the news

The announcement spread quickly on social media that Royal Caribbean was coming back to Baltimore.

"So happy she is coming back to Baltimore!" posted Dodie B. on a Vision of the Seas Facebook fan group.

Angel D. echoed the statement, "I am excited that she is returning."

Of course, some people wanted more options beyond just a summer season.

• "We also like the winter cruising. I want to head south in February, not July."
• "No 12 night Southern Caribbean which was our favorite."
• "We are in our 70's we could be dead by 2027."
• "Yes 2027 only 3 cruise destinations. You better like Bermuda and Bahamas."

Consumers might be cutting back on spending in some places, but they're still spending big on cruises.

During Royal Caribbean Group's third quarter earnings call, executives were clear that while people might be looking for ways to spend less overall, they're not willing to skimp on vacation.

"Consumers continue to prioritize experiences and make room in their budgets for meaningful vacations," said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty as he spoke to Wall Street analysts. 

While there may be-a shift in consumer behavior in everyday life, it hasn't hit vacations.

People are still spending on cruises

If someone is going to try to save money, a vacation isn't where they're looking.

The cruise giant's own research tells them that a vast majority of consumers are still spending the same on vacations as they did before.

Roughly three-quarters of consumers intend to spend the same or more on vacations over the next twelve months, a level that has remained consistent for several quarters. 

Their research also shows that while consumer spending has "normalized" from the elevated levels over the past two years, "demand for experiences and leisure travel remains intact."

While the rest of the economy may have softened on overall spending, people are still spending big on their trips.

Mr. Liberty thinks this is largely due to the great value a cruise offers, "Cruising offers superior value for money versus alternative options, driven by the high-quality onboard amenities and services, pricing inclusive of meals and entertainment, and the opportunity to visit a variety of destinations with the convenience of having everything in one place."

This is evident in the extraordinary demand they've seen for the fist Celebrity river cruises, and the new Icon Class ships.

The other reason the company feels good about the future of consumer spending is because of the new offerings they have lined up.

Royal Caribbean International is on the precipice of launching a new beach club in The Bahamas, followed by two more beach clubs in 2026.  Then you have Perfect Day Mexico opening in 2027.

The opportunity to try those experiences is likely going to drive demand even further, according to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

"[Beach clubs are] also a driver for itinerary as well because we are beginning to see that itineraries that include the beach club as well as Perfect Day seem to be driving even more demand than historically, which has been really strong."

"I think we'll see that kind of combination of beach clubs really push through in onboard revenue and short excursions."

Willing to pay more

Another interesting anecdote about consumer spending is that cruisers are not only still booking, but they're willing to pay up for it.

Liberty talked about how demand is fueling cruise bookings, "As we see really strong demand and people are dreaming more and more about their vacation experiences."

"We are also seeing that translate to onboard spend. And so we are thoughtfully meeting our guests with the experiences, and they are willing to pay for them."

According to Mr. Liberty, the average cruiser has this makeup:

• Great job
• Great balance sheets (bank accounts)
• A strong desire to vacation and build experiences and memories with their friends and family

He acknowledged that they might not be willing to pay as much as they did like last year, "but they are willing to pay more."

Relying more on loyal customers

While tapping the new-to-cruise market is always going to be the primary area for sourcing business, Royal Caribbean Group is also looking to its repeat customers to cruise even more.

The company has steadily enhanced its loyalty matching program so to make it easier and more beneficial to sail on all the cruise lines owned by Royal Caribbean Group.

In 2024, status matching was introduced between the lines so a person could get an equivalent tier of loyalty status at a different line.

The move provided tangible benefits instantly to those that were loyal to one brand, but wanted to try another one.

The company then announced in its earnings call this year a new way to earn points interchangeably between the cruise lines.

Points Choice is coming early next year, and it means you can sail on Celebrity but earn Royal Caribbean points, or vice versa. This is an important change for cruisers looking to climb the loyalty ladder of one line while still being able to branch out.

Executives think it's a win-win for brand and consumer. Its aim is to generate additional sales across all of its brands while making it easier for cruisers to move up to higher loyalty tiers and their associated benefits.

Texas will soon be home to cowboys, barbecue, and one of the world's biggest cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean announced it will redeploy Icon of the Seas to Galveston, Texas in August 2027.

Measuring 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas is a groundbreaking vessel that captured the imagination of the public. When every cabin is maxed out, over 10,000 people can sail on the ship when you add in crew members.

Unveiled in 2024, Icon of the Seas is about the same size as sister megaship Star of the Seas. When Icon debuted, it introduced 14 specific innovations just for that ship, including destination elevators, an entire waterpark, AI powered customer support and much more.

Beginning in August 2027, Icon will sail alternating 6- and 8-night cruises to the Western Caribbean. But big things are planned later when the cruise line's new mega destination Perfect Day Mexico opens in late 2027.

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

Perfect Day Mexico is expected to be a vacationer's dream that is aimed at opening up a bonanza of renewed interest in cruises to Mexico. 

It's not much of a surprise given how popular cruises from Texas have become recently, with bigger ships shifting to be based in Galveston. Plus, its proximity to Perfect Day Mexico allows Royal Caribbean to instantly enhance what has become a familiar set of cruise ports.

Icon's move to Galveston is one of many ship deployments also announced this week. Here's a breakdown of what Royal Caribbean has planned.

Icon of the Seas sailing from Galveston beginning August 2027

Royal Caribbean will reposition Icon of the Seas from Miami, Florida to Galveston with a 9-night cruise.

The sailing will visit the Southern Caribbean before heading to its new homeport of Galveston.

Once there, Icon of the Seas will offer 6-, 7-, and 8-night cruises.  the 8-night cruises will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay too.

The new sailings from Galveston are available to book immediately, and are available through April 2028.

The Texas cruise boom

Royal Caribbean has systematically positioned itself to take advantage of more people wanting to cruise from Galveston.

In 2022, they opened a brand new $125 million cruise terminal so that the port could handle the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Then they moved Allure of the Seas to Galveston, which was the biggest ship to ever sail from the port at the time of her debut.

Other cruise lines quickly took notice and adjusted their plans to match. Carnival invested $53 million to upgrade their terminal so that Carnival Jubilee could sail from there.

Just this week MSC opened a $156 million terminal that it will share with Norwegian. MSC Seascape departed on its first voyage earlier this week from the new terminal.

Royal Caribbean hinted strongly bringing an Icon Class ship to Texas

It wasn't a very well kept secret that Royal Caribbean had ambitions to homeport one of its Icon Class ships in Galveston.

As recently as September, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the idea during the President's Cruise, "I wouldn't be surprised if some big announcement came to Galveston. I'm not saying we're putting an Icon Class there. But if I was a gambling man...."

Prior to that, in August Mr. Bayley answered a question from a travel agent about an Icon ship in Galveston, "We're not going to answer that question. But I can tell you it's coming, baby."

It's one of many hints and teases over the past few years that have pointed to an Icon ship shift.  The only question was when and which of the ships would do it.

A big ship with Royal Caribbean's latest and greatest features

If you want to know why Icon of the Seas is such a big deal, look no further than all the amazing things that are onboard.

Icon encompasses 20 decks, has seven pools, and six waterslides that make up an entire waterpark.

It is divided up into 8 neighborhoods, meant to make it simple to get around the ship and know where you are at any time.

There are over 2,800 staterooms on Icon of the Seas, as well as over 40 bars and restaurants onboard. You can dine at an eight-course meal in a supper club, take the family out for hibachi, or enjoy five different food halls.

On select evenings, there are performances of the Wizard of Oz show in the Royal Theater, plus incredible feats of athleticism and dance in the Aquadome.

In all, the ship has 20 passenger decks. It is 1,198 feet long and 213 feet wide.

More ships released from Texas, California, and New York

In addition to the Icon of the Seas news, Royal Caribbean also shared new deployments for 2027-2028.

Joining Icon in Galveston will be Symphony of the Seas. Symphony will offer short 5-night cruises as well as 7- or 8-night cruises down to the Western Caribbean.

Liberty of the Seas will also sail from Galveston to offer shorter cruises to Mexico.

Oasis of the Seas and Independence of the Seas will sail from Bayonne, New Jersey and offer cruises to Bermuda, The Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and Canada.

Odyssey of the Seas returns to Bayonne for the winter season to offer 7-12 night cruises down to the Caribbean and Bahamas.

On the west coast, Ovation of the Seas will sail short 3- and 4-night cruises from Los Angeles and Navigator of the Seas is back in LA to offer 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises.

The idea of going on a cruise alone can seem daunting, but I think it's quite rewarding once you try it.

There are plenty of reasons why you'd need to cruise solo: family obligations, a great last-minute rate, or PTO time that's going to expire. Whatever the rationale, you might be concerned that it's a mistake to get on a cruise ship by yourself.

I've taken dozens of cruises alone, and while it's a different approach to how you travel, I find it very liberating doing what you want, when you want to do it. Plus, it means more cruising!

If you're on the fence if a solo cruise is right for you, I've got the reasons to try or skip a solo cruise.

Pros of Cruising Alone

Let's start with the best reasons to try a cruise by yourself because I want to start with why you should give it a try.

In fact, I'd go as far as to say you really ought to give a solo cruise a try, even with the downsides listed later in this article.

Ultimate flexibility

The first thing you'll likely notice when you get on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship solo is you aren't consulting with anyone else what to do next.

Cruising alone means you get to cruise at your speed. You can do what you want, and come and go to whichever activity suits you.

There's no negotiating dinner times, activities, or excursions. No one is waking you up inadvertently, and you have the freedom to set alarms (or not).

Wandering the ship and stopping to do what you like and then leave when you're ready is a very liberating feeling. While I'm sure you enjoy the company of you friends and family, sometimes it's nice to do what you want.

Doing what you want is the common theme of a solo cruise. It allows you to enjoy your cruise without much compromise.

Cruise ships are conducive to solo cruising

Unlike land resorts, cruise ships tend to be a more social experience from start to finish.

I've found that a cruise fosters a lot of social interaction because of how so many events and activities are conducted.

Shore excursions are almost always set up in groups, and you're bound to start up a conversation there. Trivia events at bars are where you're encouraged to form teams. Even the casino tends to generate conversations with strangers because people inevitable like to celebrate or commiserate about how the games are paying out.

Royal Caribbean can seat you with other passengers in the Main Dining Room for dinner.

The more I've cruised alone, the more I've opened up to random conversations with strangers. Most of the time it's just a passing hello, but sometimes you can strike up a good chat and you might have a new friend around the ship.

In fact, the bar scene on cruise ships is a very social one. I've found it can be quite adept to meeting people.

If you have access to the Crown Lounge or Suite Lounge, those are some of the best places to meet other cruisers. There seems to be a sense of comradery in those lounges because of the exclusiveness of them.

It's a faster path to higher loyalty tiers

A common reason to want to cruise solo is to cruise more to reach Royal Caribbean's top tiers within Crown and Anchor Society.

If you're chasing Diamond status or higher, going alone will get you more loyalty points. 

Cruising alone in a standard cabin will get you 2 points per night, and you'll get 3 points per night if you're in a suite. 

There's no doubt I got to Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club status faster because I cruised solo. And once you get higher loyalty status, you get to take advantage of the perks.

Royal Caribbean's best benefits are arguably at the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club levels. Having them makes cruising so much better, and you might save money too.

For families, one person cruising solo could elevate the entire family since spouses and kids under 18 living in the same household all get the same loyalty status as the highest family member has.

It's a safer environment

While there are no guarantees in life, I find being alone on a cruise ship feels safer than being alone in a city

There are no unfamiliar places at night or dark alleyways to worry about. Cruise ships offer structured, secure environments that make traveling alone feel safer.

I would never say a cruise is crime-free or there's zero risk, but I would argue it feels safer than a city does.

Every single person onboard is accounted for and has their information registered with the cruise line.  It's not a total safety net, but the fact a ship is self contained puts my mind at ease. Heck, it's why I let me kids much more freedom on a ship than I do at home.

Cons of Cruising Alone

Now it's time for the downsides of cruising by yourself. 

Not all of these may apply to you, but I think they are important to be aware of before you tell your travel agent to book the cruise.

The cruise fare is more expensive

The first thing I hear about cruising alone is that it's not cheap.

Booking a standard cabin by yourself means you'll pay the single supplement fee, which is the cost to make up for the missing second passenger.

Royal Caribbean (and nearly every cruise line) charges you a fee if you cruise alone because their business model is based on double occupancy.

Essentially, this means you'll pay for a second person in your stateroom, even though there isn't one there.

While Royal Caribbean does have some solo cabins on certain ships that don't charge the fee, they are few and far between.

Look on the bright side, paying the fee gets you the extra Crown and Anchor points.

There will be times where you're lonely

No matter how many times I've cruised solo, there are moments of loneliness.

This is especially true when dining alone because sitting at a table by yourself tends to make it more self aware that you're the only one there.

The same can be true when you're sitting at a table at a bar, attending a show, or enjoying an activity and miss the comradery of being able to share in it with someone else.

I've found the remedy to this is buying an internet package so you can text, call, and Facetime friends and family at home. It's not exactly the same thing as having them with you on the cruise, but it's the next best thing.

You have to plan everything

Being responsible for all the cruise planning is either the best or worst thing ever.

There's no one else to share in the responsibilities of packing, booking activities, researching what to do, or making decisions along the way.

If you forget something or run into a problem, it's all on you.

This doesn't cause too many issues for my personality, but there have been times I've forgotten to pack something my wife usually brings or I've had to navigate a change in plans and determine the best new option all on my own.

Dining alone is weird

I won't sugar coat it: eating at restaurants on your cruise is strange when it's just you.

It's totally fine at the buffet or when grabbing a slice of pizza, but eating in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants can make you feel more alone than you really are.

Food is one of the top two reasons people book a Royal Caribbean cruise, so limiting yourself to just casual spots may be too much of a compromise.

My advice here is that no one cares you're eating alone. It may feel like everyone's looking at you, but people are self-centered enough that they're more preoccupied with their own lives than what one person at table 417 is doing by themselves at a table.

Embrace the solo cruise and give a try

I really think cruising alone on Royal Caribbean is a great idea and worth doing at least once.

You should consider certain ships and itineraries that might be better for a solo cruise.  A port intensive itinerary that will keep you busy is better than a cruise with a lot of sea days.

Likewise, I'd recommend a big ship that has lots to do onboard for a solo cruiser.  The more options you have helps keep you engaged.

Without a doubt, buy an internet package so you can always reach out to friends and be social.

Once you've had a taste for solo cruises, I think you will love the change in pace it brings and might just become a go-to way to squeeze in more cruise vacations!

Multiple Royal Caribbean cruise ships have had their itineraries altered due to a powerful cold front impacting Florida and The Bahamas. 

On Tuesday in Nassau, winds near the port will be around 22-24 knots (25-28 miles per hour). In comparison, the winds are forecasted to drop to around 12 knots, or 14 mph, by Thursday. By Monday afternoon, The Bahamas had already issued a near Gale warning (28-33 knots) for the Northern and Northwest Bahamas. 

According to forecasters, the front will continue to push through The Bahamas before stalling over the Southeast islands. This will result in elevated shower and thunderstorm chances throughout the week. 

As the cold front moves across the region, the unfavorable weather conditions forced the cruise line to make adjustments. 

"Our Captain, along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, are tracking a cold front that will bring adverse weather conditions to CocoCay on Tuesday...To provide you with the best experience, we've switched the days and order we'll visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas," reads a letter given to guests sailing aboard Wonder of the Seas. 

The 4-night cruise was initially scheduled to call at CocoCay on Tuesday. Now, however, passengers will enjoy a sea day before visiting Nassau on Wednesday, followed by a visit to CocoCay on Thursday. 

Similarly, Freedom of the Seas' 5-night cruise to CocoCay and Mexico has been completely changed. 

The November 10 sailing axed both scheduled stops and replaced them with visits to Taino Bay on Wednesday and Amber Cove on Thursday. 

This means that both port days will be spent in the Dominican Republic's Puerto Plata region, which is known for its beaches and outdoor activities. Royal Caribbean guests also have the rare opportunity to visit Carnival Corporation’s private destination, Amber Cove, which opened in 2015.

"We have been tracking the development of a strong cold front that will be impacting the area of our sailing...As a result, we've made some adjustments to our itinerary," read the notice given to Freedom passengers.

"We'll need to skip our visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and instead, enjoy a Sea Day tomorrow. Additionally, we will now visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on Day 3 and Amber Cove, Dominican Republic on Day 4. While we know it's not the original itinerary we planned, we're excited for our journey together!"

Moving on, although no ports were cancelled on Utopia of the Seas' Nov. 10 departure, guests will visit Nassau and CocoCay in a different order. 

Utopia, like Wonder, will enjoy a day at sea on Tuesday, followed by CocoCay on Wednesday. The ship will call at Nassau on Thursday, which was formerly the cruise's day at sea, before returning to Port Canaveral on Friday. 

Read more: What to do in Nassau on a cruise? I love these 7 ideas

Finally, Radiance of the Seas' Nov. 10 cruise pushed its scheduled visit to the capital of The Bahamas. Rather than calling at Nassau on Tuesday, the Radiance Class ship will spend the day at sea. Radiance will now visit Nassau on Thursday, after an unchanged stop in CocoCay on Wednesday. 

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather - your safety is our top priority," concludes the letter given to guests aboard Wonder of the Seas. 

The ships' shore excursion teams will reschedule any prepaid tours booked through Royal Caribbean. If the excursion cannot be reaccommodated, it will be automatically canceled and refunded to the card on file in up to 14 business days. 

Reminder to remain flexible

The Atlantic hurricane season is set to wrap up on Nov. 30, and as of Nov. 11, tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next seven days. However, that does not mean that cruisers are in the clear for weather-related itinerary changes. 

Cold fronts and high winds can impact sailing conditions, making it unsafe to call in port. Although last-minute changes are disappointing, they are always made with guests' comfort and safety in mind. 

Royal Caribbean has a full-time meteorologist who monitors weather patterns and conditions, working directly with cruise ship captains to determine the safest and most comfortable adjustments when unexpected weather arises. 

"Florida cloud shadow! Ideal cold weather setup for Florida with high pressure dropping into northern Gulf coast with cool & dry air spilling undisturbed down the peninsula," Setzer wrote on X. 

"The warmth of the nearby Gulf/Atlantic often moderate the chilly air but not in this flow pattern."