Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean and Carnival are two of the most popular cruise lines at sea. Within the past year, I've sailed on multiple ships from both companies, from port-intensive Alaskan getaways to seven-night Caribbean sailings. 

Generally speaking, these two lines are more different than alike, catering to diverse crowds and offering distinct onboard experiences. Although I prefer the vibe on Royal Caribbean's vessels, that doesn't necessarily make it the best choice for every traveler. 

Recently, I returned from a weeklong cruise aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras ship, visiting The Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean. She's one of the cruise line's largest ships, measuring 180,800 gross tons with a passenger capacity of over 5,200 at double occupancy. 

Still, Mardi Gras is a far cry from Oasis Class vessels. Wonder of the Seas, for example, comes in at 235,600 gross tons and can accommodate 5,734 passengers at double occupancy. 

Size does not always translate to a better onboard experience, though, especially when it comes to cruise rooms. From layout to storage and overall comfort, I noticed some key differences between my cheap interior cabins on Mardi Gras and Wonder of the Seas that would make me reconsider future voyages on Excel Class ships. 

Here's how my recent inside cruise rooms aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras compare.

Royal Caribbean inside cabins are small but cleverly designed

Generally speaking, inside cabins are the smallest rooms aboard a cruise ship. Still, having stayed in nearly a dozen windowless cabins on Royal Caribbean ships, I've found that, despite their size, they're usually cleverly designed and functional.

This was certainly the case aboard Wonder of the Seas. Although the cabin wasn't large — measuring around 170 square feet — it was designed to maximize the available space. The efficient layout had just enough room for the essentials, including a comfortable bed, desk, chair, dresser, and two nightstands. 

Plus, having launched in 2022, the stateroom was well-appointed with a modern aesthetic and amenities, including an abundance of outlets and TV streaming capabilities directly from your phone or tablet. 

Three American outlets, two USB ports, and two European plugs were available at the vanity, while the bedside lamps were outfitted with additional USB ports and standard American outlets.

This was a convenient touch that made charging devices at night much easier, rather than having to leave them plugged in across the stateroom. 

My room aboard Wonder of the Seas had a lot of storage space

For such a small room, I was surprised by the amount of storage space we had — from the closets to the built-in shelves and dresser. 

The closet had enough hangers for our dresses and blouses, while the built-in cubbies were great for stashing packing cubes, shoes, and other miscellaneous items. 

Moreover, the dresser drawers helped keep our swimsuits and undergarments organized and out of sight. 

My only complaint about my Wonder of the Seas cruise room is that it lacked hanging space. Consequently, the cabin's singular chair quickly became a catch-all place for beach bags and lanyards to help keep the vanity clear of clutter. 

Read more: I paid $2,200 for an inside cabin on a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise. The tiny, windowless space was more comfortable than I expected

The bathroom was modern and spacious (for a cruise ship)

The modern bathroom was a highlight of the cabin, featuring bright tiles, solid storage space, and a spacious shower. 

The shelves provided more than enough room for essentials, and — combined with the added space from my hanging toiletries organizer — the bathroom felt organized despite its size. 

Additionally, the shower featured a curved door, rather than a clingy curtain, a small built-in rod to help prop up a leg while shaving, and had amazing water pressure. 

As expected, the bathroom wasn't stocked with many toiletries outside the basic bar of hand soap and the 2-in-1 shampoo-body wash hybrid.

Read more: I spent $4,700 for a 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas. Here's what everything cost, from $400 in airfare to $140 in excursions

On the other hand, my cabin aboard Mardi Gras felt cramped

I expected my room on Mardi Gras to feel small, but it felt even more cramped than anticipated, measuring under 160 square feet. What was even more shocking was that the cabin was designed to accommodate up to three guests with an additional pullman bed. 

With limited space, there wasn’t room for any extra seating beyond the bed and the small vanity stool. The vanity itself was also compact. 

Still, despite its size and shortcomings, the cabin was modern and clean. I especially loved the ambient lighting above the bed and the minimalistic artwork. Plus, the neutral light brown and blue hues made the space feel brighter and more spacious than it actually was.

There was also a good number of charging options available, including three standard American outlets and six USB ports — two of which were conveniently built into the headboard on each side of the bed.

Read more: I stayed in an $850-per-person inside cabin on the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship. Here's what it's like

There was not a lot of versatile storage space, either

Unfortunately, one area where the interior cabin on Mardi Gras felt short was the storage space. The vanity area, for instance, did not have any drawers for storage, just a few small shelves on the wall. 

Consequently, the two closets were the only real space for unpacking and settling in. Although they were relatively large, with plenty of hangers, built-in shelves, and two small wire drawers, the setup wasn’t the most organized.

For example, since there weren't any drawers, a lot of our clothing was thrown onto the shelves and toppled over. 

The bathroom was small but sleek

The bathroom was far more cramped than aboard Wonder of the Seas. However, it was functional and got rid of the annoying shower curtain found on older Carnival ships. 

Instead, the layout and bathroom design are more similar to Icon Class ships, with the shower positioned along the wall, rather than tucked into the corner. The door gives the bathroom a cleaner and more sanitary feel, too. 

However, the water pressure in the shower was disappointing and weaker than expected. This made rinsing out shampoo and conditioner take longer than usual. 

That said, I appreciated the deep, wide storage shelves. This gave us plenty of room to comfortably unpack our everyday toiletries and beauty products, meaning I didn't have to live out of my hanging toiletries organizer for seven nights!

Finally, like Royal Caribbean, Carnival minimally stocks its standard bathrooms with wall-mounted shampoo, body wash, and a small bar of hand soap. 

Read more: 7 things I liked better about Royal Caribbean cruises than Carnival

Overall, I think Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas had the better inside room

First, let's talk price. For my seven-night Wonder of the Seas cruise, the price of an interior cabin for two came out to be $2,292.10. Comparatively, my weeklong spring break cruise on Mardi Gras was significantly less, coming in at $1,702 for two passengers. 

The price difference is notable and reflected in the overall cabin experience on Wonder of the Seas, which felt more comfortable and thought-out. 

That's not to say my stateroom on Carnival Mardi Gras was horrible. It offered the essentials and just enough space to unwind amid a busy schedule, exploring different ports, playing mini-golf, riding the BOLT roller coaster, and lounging by the pool. 

However, the tighter layout and lack of versatile storage made it feel more cramped. It was also a connecting cabin. Sometimes, you can get lucky and have peaceful neighbors. We weren't lucky. 

We shared a stateroom wall with a couple who frequently fought during the cruise. On multiple occasions, we heard one of the passengers screaming at the top of her lungs — loud enough to wake us up at 4:00 a.m.

Our cabin on Wonder of the Seas was noisy, too, as we were located at the front of the ship near a crew-only area. This meant that we'd hear crew members prepping for their morning shifts as early as 7:45 a.m.

Still, I'd take the layout and comfort of the Wonder of the Seas cabin over Mardi Gras, even with the sudden early-morning wakeup calls. 

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas: Is a mega ship the best?

I didn't expect this Royal Caribbean crew member to become the most popular person on the ship, but there's no question guests love their interactions.

On every ship, there is a crew member at the entrance to the ship's buffet reminding guests to wash their hands before entering. Their job is to welcome guests and direct them to use the hand washing station or use the hand sanitizer.  But the manner in which they do it has changed a lot more recently.

Today, you can typically find an energetic crew member who is stationed here that sings, dances, and there's no mistaking what they want you to do.

Often their songs are parodies of pop songs, with the lyrics changed to encourage or remind people to wash their hands.

While the position isn't new, the fun take on it is a relatively new change that always seems to generate smiles and laughs from passengers.

Stacian's wild outfits have made her a selfie must-do

Perhaps the most well-known Windjammer greeter is a woman named Stacian, who has worked with Royal Caribbean for over 24 years.

She has over a dozen different outfits she wears while at her job, and they are over-the-top costumes that are designed to do one thing: catch your attention. It makes sense, because her job is ensure everyone that walks into the buffet stops to wash their hands first.

Photos of her have spread across social media, and she has costumes based on Rainbow Bright, Minnie Mouse, a nurse, and more.

It's her fun and welcoming approach to her job that makes her so beloved by other passengers.

"She was on Windjammer when I cruised absolutely loved her she was so much fun," Gianly Surie wrote.

"She is always fun, no matter what she does, we really enjoyed her," added Eileen Hilbert.

Currently, Stacian is sailing on Symphony of the Seas.

Every ship has a Mr/Mrs Washy Washy

It's not clear which crew member originated the role, or took it upon themselves to start singing as part of their job, however, it's practically part of the job description now.

Argel Symbol is one of the most well-known Mr. Washy Washy crew members, having been featured on Royal Caribbean's social media channels.

He is 38 years old and from the Philippines. He started doing the role on Navigator of the Seas in 2022, and has been a mainstay ever since.

In an interview on TikTok, he said his favorite memory in his role has been the reactions from kids.

His approach to his job is to find songs he likes, and then change the lyrics to incorporate a reminder to wash hands.

"We have some kids here, and he gave me some hugs and some autographs...my best memory in washy washy."

He is often spotted on Reels, Tiktoks, and on Youtube of him dancing and singing his heart out.

One of the top videos of Argel has 1.6 million views. It's a clip of him singing a parody of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" but the lyrics are, "no washy, no food".

It's silly, but it's an undeniable memory maker

The first time you spot a crew member in this role, you might scoff or be taken back by it. But quickly you realize how undeniably fun the role is.

The songs are catchy, and the costumes can be genuinely impressive. The washy washy greeter is hard to miss, and more often than not, guests want a photo of them and/or with them.

The genius of this role is Royal Caribbean clearly gives them creative leeway in how each one does their job. Some will use a Bluetooth speaker to play music they sing along to, some dance, some wave, but they all make an extra effort to stand out.

In the viral video of Argel, he's seen dressed in a fried egg costume alongside another crew member dressed as a donut. The video was taken while he was working on Icon of the Seas in 2024. 

"I suddenly want to go on a royal cruise [because] of them," one person wrote.

Hailey Banks added, "All these washy washy guy videos I’ve been seeing lately has me wanting to go on another cruise."

"Mr. Washy Washy doing the lord’s work," another person wrote.

This crew member serves an important role

Believe it or not, being the washy washy guy or gal is actually helpful to the overall health of the ship.

Royal Caribbean promotes healthy hand hygiene as a way to stem the spread of sicknesses that spread by touch, such as norovirus.

Newer cruise ships now have hand washing stations near the entrance to restaurants, in addition to the traditional hand sanitizers. Guests are strongly encouraged to wash with soap and water for 20 seconds, as hand sanitizer is not effective against all germs.

Moreover, handwashing stations are a requirement of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program for any new ship built after 2025, which requires one handwashing station per 100-person seating venue.

Providing the stations is one thing, but getting guests to stop and wash their hands is another.  After all, people are on vacation and they could easily overlook a lot of things.

The washy washy crew member steps in a fun way to remind people to stop and wash their hands before entering.

Handwashing helps prevent the spread of disease, especially in a public, shared space like the Windjammer buffet.

A milestone in the construction of Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class cruise ship has officially begun. 

(Credit: Meyer Turku / Facebook)

According to Royal Caribbean's social media accounts, Legend of the Seas has started her sea trials, which allow certain navigation and technical systems to be tested that cannot be completed while the ship is docked. 

It marks the final stage of a ship's construction before being delivered to the cruise line and ensures that everything is in working condition before joining the fleet. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / X)

"During sea trials, all critical systems and the vessel’s overall performance are evaluated under real operating conditions, including machinery, navigation, and hotel operations, to ensure everything functions as intended," the Meyer Turku shipyard wrote on Facebook. 

Legend's sea trials will take place over ten days, giving over 2,000 engineers and specialists plenty of opportunities to push her engines to the limit across 2,400 nautical miles.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / X)

Icon of the Seas had two separate sets of sea trials since she was the first vessel in the brand-new class. Typically, subsequent ships in the same class have just one sea trial. However, the scope and number of sea trials are subject to change based on technical refinements and final performance evaluations. 

Read more: We got a first look at Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. The world’s biggest cruise ship is almost ready

Legend of the Seas will set sail in July 2026

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / X)

Legend of the Seas will embark on her first cruise with paying passengers in July. Her first cruise has been moved up a few times because of the timely construction, which means the vessel will be ready ahead of schedule. 

Her first voyage is now scheduled for July 4, 2026, from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. The seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise will visit iconic destinations like Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; and Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy. 

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International / X)

Legend's inaugural season marks the first time that an Icon Class ship will offer European sailings. Both Icon and Star of the Seas begin their careers in Florida, sailing to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Legend of the Seas will eventually move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, her time in the Caribbean will be short-lived, as she's scheduled to return to Europe in 2027. 

(Credit: Meyer Turku / Facebook)

She will measure 248,663 gross tons, 1,196 feet long, be able to accommodate over 5,600 guests at double occupancy, and host 2,500 international crew members, according to the cruise line. 

The fourth Icon Class ship is also under construction

At the same time, construction on the next-gen Icon Class ship is already well underway. Hero of the Seas is expected to launch in 2027, offering sailings from Miami, Florida. 

Although much of the ship will be similar to other Icon Class vessels, Royal Caribbean plans on refining and evolving the design to enhance the overall guest experience. 

For example, Hero of the Seas will feature new pools, a brand-new funnel raft slide, redesigned supper club, immersive train car specialty dining restaurant, three-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite, and more. 

"With more water, more thrills, and more choices for all ages, we're continuing to build on what our guests love about Royal Caribbean and delivering the experiences families are looking for when vacationing together," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO. 

The cruise ship safety drill is a mandatory briefing that all passengers must complete on embarkation day. But what happens if you skip it?

If you've been on a Royal Caribbean cruise before, you have likely heard numerous announcements asking all guests to complete the muster drill. 

Years ago, the safety drill was a ship-wide event, with all cruisers required to visit their assigned assembly station at the same time. 

Now, however, passengers can complete the e-muster on their own time, rather than sit in crowded lounges or bake in the warm Florida heat while listening to the important safety information. 

Emergencies at sea are rare, but all passengers are required to complete the muster drill to become familiar with their assigned assembly station and other protocols. It's mandatory for all guests, even those who are part of the line's top-tier loyalty tiers, because the assigned assembly station will likely be different on each voyage.

Although muster drills look different today than ten years ago, they are still required according to maritime law. Still, you may find yourself wondering just what happens if you forget to complete it?

Read more: What to expect with Royal Caribbean's new virtual safety drill

Muster drills are for everyone's safety and well-being

(Credit: MarellaDePalma / Reddit)

One Royal Caribbean passenger shared what happened when they did not complete the muster drill aboard Navigator of the Seas. 

MarellaDePalma was sailing on a back-to-back cruise and received a letter in their stateroom at the beginning of the second half of their vacation. 

"Our record shows that you missed the mandatory Guest Muster Drill that was carried out today before departure. The guest muster drill is compulsory and is conducted in compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea," the letter reads. 

"This drill is for your safety, and you are required to attend, even if you have cruised with us before. Since there is important safety information that must be brought to your attention, you are kindly requested to attend a Muster Drill today at 6:00 p.m. at the Conference Room located on deck 2 forward." 

Continuing, the letter goes over standard cruise safety information, discussing the emergency signal (seven short blasts followed by one long blast) and what to do should this signal be broadcast.

The letter also mentions that throwing cigarettes or other smoking materials overboard is forbidden, as well as smoking in undesignated areas. 

MarellaDePalma added that they did not intentionally skip the muster drill. Rather, since they were on a back-to-back sailing, the ship's safety officer told them that they would be manually marked as present after departure.

"[I]t makes me sick people don’t take this stuff serious[ly]"

Completing your Royal Caribbean muster drill takes all of five or ten minutes. The mandatory videos on the app are short, and they do not ask much of guests beyond briefly visiting their assigned assembly station.

On the same Reddit thread, multiple cruisers talked about how frustrating it is that some passengers do not take the safety drill and informational videos seriously.

"[I]n a real emergency you are taking your safety and someone else’s in your hands. [Do your part] and go spend 30 minutes of your trip doing what you’re supposed to," damonlebeouf wrote. 

sirdrumalot added, "Watch the [safety] videos on the way to the port, walk on [the] ship, grab [a] drink and drop off bags in [the] room. Check in at muster, grab another drink and go unpack. So much easier than the past when we had to put on life vests from the room and all line up on [the] deck."

"Should turn off their sea pass card until their muster is complete. If you have time to get a drink at the bar, you have time to do your muster drill," ExpressionPerfect515 suggested. 

In fact, multiple lines implement a similar policy, cutting off bar service while the final safety announcements are being broadcast.

Some cruise lines go even further and limit the number of drinks passengers can order until they complete the safety briefing. 

"You are cut off after two drinks until you do the muster drill with Carnival. I honestly thought this was the case across other lines as well," said vikingstomp. 

Urban_Polar_Bear commented, "MSC [also does] this. I think they even shut the bars until a certain percent[age] of people have completed. This was my experience on MSC Euribia a few years ago." 

Read more: The cruise ship safety drill could be even faster and better with important changes, inventor says

Muster drills weren't always mandatory on embarkation day

It wasn't until 2012 that cruise ships had to complete the safety drill before sailaway. This was because 600-plus people hadn't been briefed on important safety information when the Costa Concordia cruise ship capsized off the coast of Italy shortly after departing from Civitavecchia. 

At that time, the safety drill could be held at any point within 24 hours of departure. However, most cruise lines chose to conduct it before leaving the embarkation port. Following February 2012, it became an international requirement for all cruise ships to complete the drill before sailing.

Then, cruise lines began implementing virtual muster drills after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the industry, including Royal Caribbean. These e-drills allow passengers to watch the safety briefings from their smartphones or stateroom television before briefly checking into their assigned muster station in person.

Read more: Years after Royal Caribbean revolutionized the cruise ship safety drill, it's still the best change in the industry

Did you miss any of this week's Royal Caribbean news? No worries, because we have you covered with our wrap-up of cruise news!

A family paid $45,000 for a family cruise, but it was never actually booked.

A couple from Miami are being charged with allegedly defrauding people for a Royal Caribbean cruise they were never booked on, along with other luxury goods.

The couple arrested were paid through Zelle, checks, and cash instead of the payments going to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reveals the entertainment coming to its next-level Icon Class ship
• Royal Caribbean trademarks a new kind of mega beach cabana
• Top reasons to eat at specialty restaurants instead of the Main Dining Room on your cruise
• I went on the newest ultra-luxury cruise ship. It changed what I expect from cruising
• I'm an American that went to Spain by cruise ship for the first time. Here are 8 things that surprised me
• Cruise passengers are sharing their best theme night outfits. Some are seriously creative
• Royal Caribbean Group launches new foundation with first major investment in education
• Infinite Veranda vs Traditional Balcony. One surprised me more than I expected
• Royal Caribbean mobile app check-in: Is it worth it, and if so, when?

New RCB Video: 8 Royal Caribbean Ideas That Failed Miserably

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! 

This week, we are sharing our latest video—8 Royal Caribbean Ideas That Failed Miserably—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Royal Caribbean responds to rumors about closed water slides on its ships

Water slides have been closed on the biggest cruise ships, and Royal Caribbean says the rumors out there are false.

According to guests, most of the slides have been closed in the Category 6 waterpark for many days. There are stories about cost-cutting measures as to why the slides aren't operating.

A Royal Caribbean representative shared the real reasons that don't back up the online claims.

There’s now a new “first” sailing for Legend of the Seas (but it’s not the inaugural)

There's now an earlier sailing of Legend of the Seas when it arrives in Florida.

The cruise line announced it's adding a 3-night cruise prior to the official inaugural sailing.  

Since Legend will be ready earlier, Royal Caribbean wants to have the ship in service earlier than expected.

First look at changes Royal Caribbean has made to Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas just finished a multi-million dollar Royal Amplification, and we have our first look at what's been changed.

The ship has new bars and restaurants, an expanded casino, and even new staterooms.

Ovation is one of three ships this spring getting upgrades.

Spotted: New brunch specialty meal

A new brunch option is available to book at one of the most popular restaurants on Royal Caribbean.

The Chops Grille Brunch is an extra cost option to enjoy things like Steak & Eggs with filet mignon, avocado toast, shrimp tortellini alfredo, or cherries jubilee.

It appears to be only offered on newer ships at the moment, but could be something to look for in the future on other vessels.

Royal Caribbean updated its casino program, and one change could hit players hard

Casino players are reporting Royal Caribbean has made changes to its loyalty program that could impact how you play onboard.

Depending on how you gamble, some of the changes will be welcomed by players, and others perhaps not.

The tweaks include extra benefits, less points-per-dollar, and more.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 604th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

MSC Cruises announced they're building a beach club in The Bahamas, and Matt shares his reaction to the announcement.

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

Royal Caribbean just finished updates to one of its cruise ships as it returns to service with new features and upgrades.

Ovation of the Seas spent a number of weeks in drydock in Singapore to undergo a major refurbishment.

Royal Caribbean calls it a "Royal Amplification" because it's when a ship gets big changes that have since been introduced on newer ships.

Thanks to our friends at Cruise Beyond SG group, we have new photos of what the changes look like onboard.

Here's our photo tour of what's new, different, and changed on Ovation of the Seas.

What's new on Ovation of the Seas

Facebook user Ace/Blue took these photos around the ship, which is now sailing from Singapore.

First up, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen replaced Jamie's Italian towards the aft of deck 5.

Both restaurants offer Italian food, but Giovanni's is the cruise line's in-house branded option. It replaces an Italian restaurant that had a menu created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

On the Royal Esplanade, Starbucks has taken over for the former cafe known as La Patisserie.

While La Patisserie did offer Starbucks drinks, this means it will be a Starbucks kiosk and offer a full menu of what the coffee giant has on any given day.

Drink packages do not work at Starbucks, but you can use a Starbucks rewards card to pay for drinks and earn stars.

One of the bigger changes to Ovation is the addition of the Pesky Parrot Bar.

This tiki-inspired bar was first introduced on Utopia of the Seas and has since been added to Allure of the Seas as well.

The Pesky Parrot replaces the Bionic Bar, which had robot bartenders.

Royal Caribbean appears to be slowly replacing the Bionic Bar concept.  It was a success for its time, but the technology was the focal point, and the cruise line is looking to craft grander experiences for its guests.

The new bar has fruit-based concoctions that will put you in a Caribbean state of mind

There's even a robotic parrot that will randomly say things.

At the launch of the bar on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said the idea for the parrot was that one one uncle or aunt who is the life of the party and tends to drink a little, but as the day wears on, drinks a lot.

If you're a fan of frozen drinks, this will be your new favorite bar. They have specialized blenders that can create all sorts of options.

My favorite was the pina colada that tastes like peanut butter.

On the surface, it sounds like a fun tiki bar, but when you see it in person, you'll realize it was designed to be your go-to hang out spot.

Another big change is there is now a hibachi restaurant on Ovation of the Seas.

Izumi Teppanyaki has been added, taking over the space from the Wonderland specialty restaurant.

According to Izumi founder and chef Travis Kamiyama, this new expansion is the first time on a Quantum Class ship that will have teppanyaki near the sushi restaurant, "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newly amplified teppanyaki restaurant adjacent to Izumi sushi, a first for our [Quantum] class, where the synergy between the two establishments will enhance the dining experience with our experienced chefs and waitstaff."

This new area offers just the hibachi dining, where chefs cook in front of you.

Hibachi has become the most popular restaurant (by volume) across Royal Caribbean, so the changeover reflects how in-demand a teppanyaki restaurant is.

It's no surprise given how entertaining this style of dining has been on other ships.

If you prefer sushi or other Japanese cuisine, there's a stand-alone Izumi restaurant around the corner.

There's a new Suite Lounge on Ovation of the Seas, located on deck 14 midship.

Royal Caribbean opted to convert the old lounge (known as the Concierge Lounge) on deck 12 into staterooms. Then it converted The Living Room (teen club) into the new Suite Lounge.

The change in location is primarily to address complaints the old location was too far away because it was hidden away at the back of deck 14.

This new location is far more accessible.

Just like all Suite Lounges, there are complimentary snacks and coffee machine.

In the evening, there's a happy hour with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for suite guests.

Access to the Suite Lounge is for guests staying in a Grand Suite or higher (as well as Pinnacle Club members).

New cabins were added near the Schooner Bar on deck 5.

Ten new cabins were added here, replacing the photo gallery.

There's even a subtle Schooner Bar theme outside the rooms in the hallway.

The newly added rooms are interior staterooms 5160 to 5178.

Another big change is Royal Caribbean expanded the casino space on deck 3.

Casino Royale took over Music Hall entirely to replace the venue on deck 3.

More casino space means more revenue, and it's the most likely reason for Music Hall being eliminated on Ovation.

Based on changes we've observed across the fleet, Royal Caribbean has prioritized expanding its casino offerings whenever a ship gets upgrades.

The upper portion of Music Hall has become the Sound Cellar.

At the time these photos were taken, the space was still being prepared.

Since cabins replaced the Photo Gallery that used to be near the Schooner Bar, there's now a photo gallery area combined with the shore excursions desk.

More changes to Ovation

In addition to the photo update we have, Royal Caribbean has made other upgrades to the ship.

There's now the Ultimate Family Suite onboard, a two-story space with a slide and other family-focused amenities.

The pool deck has gotten changes too.

The Splashaway Bay kids aqua park has been reworked and expanded.

More cabins are being added to deck 16, in front of the fitness center.

Ovation is headed back to North America

The first passengers since the amplification boarded today, and the ship will begin a journey back to the west coast of the United States.

Sailing from Singapore on April 17 to Yokohama, Japan, the 14-night cruise will visit destinations in Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Japan.

From Yokohama, Ovation will sail a 15-night voyage to Canada, which will end in Vancouver on May 15, 2026.

At that point, Ovation will offer open-jaw Alaska cruises for the summer that sail between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.

Alaska cruises on Ovation will include visits to Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Skagway, as well as cruising around Hubbard Glacier.

A new way to enjoy brunch on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship might be coming soon that could be worth skipping the buffet for.

A cruiser recently spotted a Chops Grille Brunch offering listed on their upcoming sailing aboard Star of the Seas, and it’s not something we've seen widely offered across the fleet before.

As of now, it's only been spotted on the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and it's one that could appeal to cruisers looking for something different on a sea day.

Specialty restaurants have offered lunch and dinner menus in the past, but this appears to be a more structured brunch experience inside one of its most popular specialty restaurants.

Brunch at Chops Grille

A reader posted in the Royal Caribbean Dining Facebook group screenshots and a menu of the new brunch offering at Chops Grille.

Based on the Cruise Planner listing and the menu shared by the reader, Chops Grille Brunch is currently priced at:

• $60 per adult
• $40 per child
• $30 surcharge for guests with a dining package or Star Class

This is a specialty dining option, which means you'll have to pay extra to experience it.

And importantly, it has only been spotted so far on Star of the Seas.

There’s no indication yet that this is fleetwide or even planned beyond Icon Class ships.

A closer look at the menu

The menu itself gives a better sense of what Royal Caribbean is trying to do here, going beyond just breakfast at the steakhouse.

Starters (served family style) include:

• Sliced fruit selection
• Cheese and charcuterie selection
• Scallops wrapped in bacon

From there, the menu splits into different directions.

Brunch sweets:

• Buttermilk pancakes
• A “Very Berry Waffle” with whipped cream, berries, honey, and caramel drizzle

There’s also a toast section, including avocado toast with feta, arugula, and cherry tomatoes. That's very much in line with what you’d expect from a modern brunch menu on land.

The biggest difference between this and a standard brunch is in the main dishes.

Instead of eggs Benedict variations and omelets dominating the menu, Royal Caribbean leans into Chops Grille's steakhouse roots.

Hearty Bowls

• Steak & Eggs with filet mignon
• The Royal Crab Benedict with avocado, poached eggs, spinach, hollandaise, and English muffin
• Grilled Beef Short Ribs
• Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo
• Grilled Tofu with peppers and sweet chili

It's a wide range, and in some ways it feels closer to a lunch menu that includes brunch elements rather than a traditional brunch.

Dessert options are relatively straightforward:

• Floating Island
• Cherries Jubilee
• Chocolate Brownie

And sides (served family style) include:

• Mac & cheese
• Roasted baby vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Arugula and Parmigiano salad

Specialty brunch offers another choice

Royal Caribbean has never really had a strong brunch offering onboard its ships, so this is an intriguing option.

Over the years, I've seen the Main Dining Room occasionally offer brunch on select mornings. But it's been inconsistent and without question, the food quality at a specialty restaurant will always be higher.

It's worth noting this isn't the first time Royal Caribbean has offered a paid brunch, however. 

Since the Mason Jar launched on Wonder of the Seas, it has served a brunch option on sea days only.

The Mason Jar is a specialty restaurant available on only a few ships, and it's a Southern American restaurant that highlights cuisine from the region.

Its menu includes Fried Chicken N’ Waffles, Salmon-Avocado Toast, Cinnamon Roll, a burger, and chicken sandwich.

In addition, there's been a "Sip. Tour. Brunch" offered that includes a galley tour along with a meal in the Main Dining Room with unlimited champagne.

One advantage of this Chops Brunch would be there is a Chops Grille on every single Royal Caribbean ship, which might make it significantly easier to enjoy brunch at sea.

A brunch at Chops Grille adds another revenue opportunity while giving guests more variety beyond the standard breakfast and lunch rotation.

For now, Chops Grille Brunch looks like an interesting new option.

It fills a gap in Royal Caribbean's dining lineup by offering a more upscale brunch-style meal, but it comes at a price.

Until more guests try it and share their experiences, we'll have to keep an eye on it to see if more ships offer it in the future.

Still, it's another sign that Royal Caribbean continues to experiment with its dining offerings.

When I stepped onboard the newest Silversea cruise ship, I realized almost immediately this wasn't going to be my typical cruise experience.

I'm no stranger to cruises, but some of the changes Royal Caribbean Group have made to its loyalty programs have made it so much easier to jump between the lines. It honestly compelled me to try another luxury cruise.

Part of the appeal was that I'd enjoy top-tier benefits on Silversea because of my Pinnacle Club level on Royal Caribbean. Plus, Silversea's S.A.L.T. program is expanded on its newest ships, to integrate more of the local flavors into the onboard dining. But the other thing drawing me in was the prospect of seeing more of the world.

Some places are only accessible by a smaller cruise ship, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to jumpstart my first Mediterranean adventure and knock off a number of must-see places from my travel list.

Silversea invited me to be their guest on an 11-night Portugal and Spain cruise aboard their newest ship, Silver Ray.

Here's what it's like to sail on Silversea and why their newest ship is the perfect onboarding option for someone used to megaships.

Silver Ray was like a boutique hotel in downtown Lisbon

I didn't want a travel delay to ruin my trip, so I flew in two days early to Lisbon, Portugal to get on my ship. I had time for any potential travel delays and beat jetlag.

I boarded the ship in Lisbon. While Silversea doesn't have an app like Royal Caribbean, their embarkation was quick thanks to the fact there were so many less passengers to contend with.

Silver Ray is about 800 feet in length and has a maximum capacity of 728 passengers. I was given a 2:00 arrival time, so I practically walked on the ship.

The ship is a fraction of the size of Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships, and it was so easy to get anywhere onboard.

Because Silversea is a luxury cruise brand, everything felt calmer, more intentional, and noticeably more refined. That's not a surprise, but I think it's something that stands out immediately.

Every cabin is a suite

You won't find inside cabins on a Silversea ship, because all the ship has are suites.  Every suite comes with a stateroom attendant and a butler.

In terms of function, the stateroom attendant is the same as you'll find on Royal Caribbean. But the butler is a very neat person you'll interact with everyday of the sailing.

You share the butler with a few other cabins, but I never would have known it because he was always readily available anytime I picked up my cabin phone to dial him.

Butlers don't have a firm set of duties, but I've picked up on a number of things they can do from speaking with other guests:

• Order and deliver room service
• Unpack for you
• Pack for you
• Draw a bath or prepare a steam shower
• Bring you popcorn
• Stock your minifridge with soft drinks, beer, and any alcohol you want
• Offer pillow choices

They're sort of like a Royal Genie on Royal Caribbean, but their role is limited to while you're in the suite. Nonetheless, I was continuously surprised by the touches he made throughout my cruise.

I booked the entry-level deluxe suite with verandah.  It was plenty of room for just me on a solo cruise.

The room layout reminded me more of a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean, until I got into the bathroom.

The bathroom was enormous with a giant shower, double sink, and upgraded features all around. 

I was surprised my suite had no bathtub, but I heard from the ship's officers that many guests prefer the shower over a tub from a safety perspective.  It's just easier to get in and out of a shower.

The food on Silversea isn't just great, it's the best part of Silver Ray

I love to eat on any cruise, but the food quality, variety, and how much is included blew me away.

Silversea ships are all-inclusive, so pretty much everything is included in your cruise fare.

Silver Ray has a number of restaurants you can dine at, ranging from French to Italian to Japanese, and more.

A few restaurants change based on the time of day. La Terrazza is a buffet for breakfast and lunch, but becomes a sit-down restaurant at night. 

The Marquee is an open-air steakhouse, pizza place, and breakfast nook. It's a beautiful take on al fresco dining.

The line's S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program is where things really step up. 

On Silver Ray, there is a lab to cook foods from the region your ship is visiting, Chef's Table to enjoy a carefully curated meal paired with wines from the places you are visiting, and the Kitchen to enjoy a menu that changes every few days to reflect what local cuisine. The S.A.L.T. Bar offers a few local drinks, but it's really the ship's specialized cocktail bar.

It's such a smart idea, and it goes well beyond what you'd get on any other cruise ship. The top two reasons people book a cruise are the destinations and food.  The S.A.L.T. program combines both into one, and it's a foodie's dream.

There's still a Main Dining Room venue in Atlantide, which has a standby menu that never changes along with a regular menu that changes every few days.

If that wasn't enough, there's a brunch held on one sea day that was absolutely incredible in terms of how much variety you'll find. 

To further exemplify the difference in food on Silversea to Royal Caribbean, they were shaving off as much black truffle as you'd like on your food. Your butler is happy to bring you a bottle of your favorite liquor and leave it in your cabin. There's sushi served every day at lunch at the buffet.

Everyone asked if I was bored on a luxury cruise

The top question I was asked by readers once they heard I was on Silversea was if I was bored.  They also wanted to know if it was all old people, and if I was the youngest person onboard.

No, I was far from the youngest person onboard. And while I missed having certain Royal Caribbean venues, I really don't think I was bored.

First and foremost, our itinerary was packed with port stops. I booked this cruise specifically for the places we would go, so I only had 3 sea days across 11 nights.  

I would never compare Silversea's entertainment to Royal Caribbean, but it's not that bad either.

They have a show of some kind every night in the theater.  The musical revues I saw were no worse than any of the similar shows I've seen on a Freedom or smaller class ship.

While docked in Malaga, they brought a Flamenco dancing group onboard to perform. Plus we had a comedian, different musical acts, and more.

I went every night to the S.A.L.T. Bar because they had a guitarist there to sing songs. Similar in idea to the English pubs on Royal Caribbean, and I really enjoyed seeing Lucas perform there every night.

I'll keep an eye on Silversea's entertainment because they recently brought over Mike Szwajkowski from Royal Caribbean. Mike was best known as being one of their best Cruise Directors, and he is about a month into the job as Silversea's Senior Director of Entertainment. I suspect changes will be coming to improve things there.

Nonetheless, I would never book a Silversea cruise for the entertainment. It's the places and level of service that make it stand out.

The places you'll go are a major reason to book Silver Ray

As impressive as Silver Ray was, I loved my time ashore.

Smaller ships can fit in ports big ships cannot. Plus, Silversea's approach to cruising seems to be to hyper focus on itinerary. It's why you'll see their ships sailing to parts of the world that Royal Caribbean never does.

Our sailing took us from Lisbon to Barcelona, with stops in Gibraltar, Cadiz, Malaga, Alicante, and Valencia. 

Silversea fares come in three flavors, and some include a shore excursion credit (expedition voyages include shore excursions as part of the experience). Regardless, it's easy to find tours, excursions, or the opportunity to go on your own and explore.

Plus, we had two ports with overnight stays (although one of those was the result of an weather-forced itinerary change).

The combination of high quality dining and destinations are why I want to go back on Silversea again

Looking back on my nearly two weeks on Silver Ray, I was absolutely sold on this style of cruising.

After more than 100 cruises primarily on Royal Caribbean, I thought I had a pretty good sense of what to expect at sea. But this ship reset that baseline. From the way space is used to how service unfolds throughout the day, Silver Ray showed me just how different cruising can feel when nearly everything is included and designed around fewer guests.

One of the higher barriers to entry will always be price, as a luxury cruise ship will command higher prices than on Royal Caribbean.

A couple could probably get a similar 9-night booking to the sailing I took for about $10,900. For perspective, a Grand Suite on Icon of the Seas in April 2027 would cost $14,609.86 and that's only 7 nights. 

If you value higher quality onboard dining, little-to-no crowds, and want to see more of the world by cruise ship, I think Silversea is the vacation you'd be interested in.

I was so impressed by the level of service and how much a cruise ship could feel like a boutique hotel.

I'm looking forward to sailing with Silversea again, perhaps to knock out one of my bucket-list destinations like an expedition cruise to the Galapagos. Or maybe I'll explore another region of the world on a daily basis, with evenings spent at the S.A.L.T. Bar.

Royal Caribbean is moving up the first sailing of Legend of the Seas when it makes its arrival into Florida.

If your goal is to be the very first onboard the third Icon Class ship, there's a new first voyage from Port Everglades.

In an email sent to booked guests, the cruise line revealed it has added a brand-new sailing for Legend of the Seas right before the originally scheduled first voyage from Florida. That means there’s now an earlier opportunity to sail the ship, even though it doesn’t technically replace the official inaugural voyage.

The change might sound minor at first glance, but for cruise fans who care about being first (or who already have a booking), it creates a new option.

One new sailing has been added

Originally, Royal Caribbean positioned the November 11, 2026 cruise from Fort Lauderdale as the inaugural sailing for Legend of the Seas from Florida. That hasn't changed.

What has changed is that the cruise line has now added a new sailing departing November 8, 2026, just before the November 11th sailing.

In its message to guests, Royal Caribbean framed the move as a way to "open the door to an unforgettable adventure sooner than expected."

The newly added sailing is a short 3-night itinerary from Fort Lauderdale that includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Florida.

Some cruisers could now book the earlier sailing and remain on the November 11th sailing to create a longer back-to-back cruise.

Why being first is important to some people

Even though the November 8 cruise will now be the first time paying guests can step onboard in the U.S., Royal Caribbean is still treating November 11 as the official inaugural sailing.

The email sent to guests booked on the November 11th sailing claims it will remain the inaugural voyage in name.

"Your current voyage remains the actual inaugural sailing."

That distinction matters more than it might seem.

Inaugural sailings typically come with special events, ceremonies, commemorative gifts, and a general sense of occasion that appeals to loyal cruisers.

With this earlier sailing, it's technically a pre-inaugural sailing that may not have as much fanfare, but will sail first.

For some cruisers, that tradeoff is perfectly fine. For others, especially those chasing inaugural status, it could be a reason to stick with their original booking.

What Royal Caribbean is offering booked guests

If you were already booked on the November 11th cruise, Royal Caribbean is giving you options.

According to the email, guests on the November 11 cruise were notified first and given the opportunity to switch to the new November 8 sailing, keep their existing booking, or even book both sailings if they want to double up on early access.

The cruise line says staterooms on the new sailing will be available “at the prevailing rate based on availability,” which suggests pricing will follow standard dynamic pricing rather than any special inaugural pricing structure.

Why Royal Caribbean adds earlier sailings

Royal Caribbean didn’t explicitly say why it added the extra sailing, but I think the reasoning is fairly easy to read between the lines.

Demand for new ships is red hot, especially the Icon Class ships. From Icon of the Seas to Star of the Seas, early sailings have consistently sold at high prices and filled quickly.

Plus, if the ship is going to be ready earlier, they don't want it sitting idle. By adding a short, earlier cruise, Royal Caribbean accomplishes a few things at once.

First, it creates more inventory for a new ship.

Second, it allows the cruise line to generate additional revenue without altering the official inaugural timeline.

And third, it gives flexibility to guests who want to sail early but may not care about the inaugural label.

Launching this summer

Legend of the Seas will be one of the biggest cruise ships in the world when it debuts in later this year

Royal Caribbean is pinning Legend as the next follow-up to the wildly successful Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

The ship measures about 365 meters (1,197 feet) long and roughly 248,663 gross tons, putting it among the largest cruise ships ever built. It will carry about 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, with a maximum capacity approaching 7,600 guests, along with a crew of around 2,350. 

The ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, and is nearly ready to begin sea trials.

Onboard, Legend of the Seas will feature the signature Icon Class neighborhood concept, along with a massive waterpark, multiple pools, and a wide mix of dining and entertainment venues.

The ship is scheduled to debut in Europe first, with its inaugural summer season sailing in the Western Mediterranean from ports like Barcelona. After that, it will reposition to the United States for a winter season based in Fort Lauderdale, offering Caribbean itineraries that include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Although Royal Caribbean's cruise fare includes unlimited food, you may want to consider paying extra for one of the ship's specialty restaurants. 

I know, I know — the idea might sound a little silly at first. I mean, why should you shell out an extra $45+ per person when multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room are "free?" 

After traveling on over 10 Royal Caribbean ships and even splurging on the line's Unlimited Specialty Dining Package add-on, I can confidently say that a specialty meal is always on my must-do list. Everything from the low-key ambience to the food quality and diverse cuisine options justifies the extra charge. 

However, many first-time cruisers might not get the appeal of specialty restaurants until they understand how it differs from the main dining experience.

In this article, we'll highlight 6 reasons why you should skip the Main Dining Room and try at least one specialty restaurant on your next cruise. 

Read more: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

More intimate atmosphere

The Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean ships is a multi-deck space designed to serve hundreds, if not thousands, of passengers at once. As such, it's far from a romantic or relaxed atmosphere, with dozens of waiters constantly moving around, taking orders, and delivering dishes. 

Comparatively, specialty restaurants are smaller and quieter, designed to feel more like an upscale restaurant at home. The smaller setting allows for more attentive, personalized service. 

Another perk is that some specialty restaurants have outdoor seating, such as Chops Grille on Oasis and Icon Class ships. Indulging in a juicy filet mignon while listening to live music in the Central Park neighborhood might just be as close to perfect as it gets on a cruise!

Greater menu variety

Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines, from Japanese to Italian, New England-style seafood, Southern comfort food, and classic bar favorites. 

Although the rotating Main Dining Room menus do provide variety — from escargot to bao buns, spaghetti, and more — they're more limited in scope compared to the specialty options. You won't, for example, find sashimi or oysters in the dining room. 

Similarly, specialty restaurants usually focus on a single cuisine. As such, you'll find more authentic presentations and dishes prepared with higher-quality ingredients than in the Main Dining Room. This is to be expected, as cooking for a few hundred people in a specialty restaurant is different than preparing meals for thousands in the dining room. 

Immersive dining concepts

Royal Caribbean ships, particularly the newer and innovative ones, are also home to unique dining concepts that you won't find anywhere else. 

For example, on Utopia of the Seas, you can dine in a "train car" at Royal Railway — Utopia Station. Everything — from the themed menu to the visual and auditory effects — is designed to create a fully immersive, story-driven experience centered around the Wild West. 

Similarly, the supper clubs aboard Icon and Star of the Seas pair a multi-course meal with handcrafted cocktails and live music. Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas is themed around the Big Apple, while Star of the Seas transports guests to an elegant lounge in Chicago. Either way, you don't feel like you're dining on a cruise ship! 

Read more: I ate at the most expensive restaurant on Star of the Seas, and it's even better than the original

Fun way to celebrate a special occasion 

Eating at the same restaurant each night can feel monotonous, even if the menu changes daily. Specialty restaurants break up the predictable routine by offering something different, whether that's a certain cuisine or a unique atmosphere.

Not only that, but having a specialty restaurant on the agenda gives you something extra to look forward to and is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or, heck, even a divorce! 

Even if you find the Main Dining Room food perfectly acceptable, you're more likely to remember your special meal in one of the extra-charge restaurants, like hibachi at Izumi or a whimsical evening at Wonderland. 

Read more: I'm a travel writer who cruises on Royal Caribbean every month. These 6 extra cost restaurants are worth booking — and the 2 you can skip

You can choose your dining time

Unlike the traditional seating in the Main Dining Room, where you're assigned a set dining time and table, specialty restaurants give you the freedom to choose when you eat.

If, for example, you chose the early seating on your cruise but prefer a later dinner after a long day in port, you can reserve a specialty restaurant at your desired dining time. 

This flexibility allows you to enjoy the benefits of set dining (i.e., the same table and waiters) for the majority of your sailing, while mixing things up and planning certain meals around your schedule — without feeling tied to the buffet. 

Onboard credit can be used to lower the cost

Finally, if you don't know how to spend your onboard credit, you can apply it toward a specialty dinner on your cruise. Many travel agents offer onboard credit as a booking perk, and Royal Caribbean frequently runs promotions that include it as well.

Essentially, onboard credit is "free" money that can be used toward cruise add-ons, like drink packages, shore excursions, spa treatments, and specialty dining. 

Using it to dine at a specialty restaurant allows you to elevate your cruise experience without dipping into your overall vacation budget. 

Another way to save on specialty dining is to go for lunch instead of dinner, as the cover charge during the afternoons tends to be less.

For example, on an upcoming cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas, the starting price for lunch at Chops Grille is $17.99 per person. The cover charge increases to $46.99 for dinner.