Royal Caribbean Blog

When it comes to making a bid to upgrade your Royal Caribbean cabin, there's a mix of strategy and a dash of luck involved.

Cruise ship passengers can choose to bid for a stateroom upgrade through Royal Up for less than it would have cost to have booked the room outright.

The cruise line uses Royal Up to sell unsold cabins, while passengers could get a better room.

The trick to winning a Royal Up bid isn't as simple as putting in the highest possible bid. Based on our experience, there's a few different factors at play.

If you're wondering what it will take to get a room upgrade, here are the tricks other cruisers have found.

First, check if there's actually a room available

The first truth of Royal Up is just because you can place a bid does not mean there's a room available.

Royal Up is used for both selling unsold cabins and guarding against a last-minute cancellation.

What it's really asking is if there was a room available, how much would you bid for it.

Before you get hopes up, I'd recommend making a mock booking for the cruise you're sailing on via Royal Caribbean's website to see if there are actually cabins in that category available.

This is especially important with suites, as they are the most desirable staterooms and have the least inventory.

The closer you are to your sail date, the less likely there are unsold cabins left.

While you're looking at which cabins are left, you could also simply call Royal Caribbean and ask how much to upgrade your cabin "the old fashioned way". Not only could it be for a reasonable price, but there's no guessing or algorithm to contend with.

The room you're already booked in plays a factor

Many cruisers swear the cabin you booked is taken into consideration for which bid is accepted.

A reader wrote, "It's as much the cabin you're currently assigned as it is your bidding."

"If you have a cabin type that will sell easily vs a more expensive cabin, your chances increase. Last two upgrades were from junior suites to higher category suites."

For example, if you're booked in a centrally located balcony, your bid would be more desirable than someone booked in a balcony at the very front of the ship. Or at least, that's what we think.

Part of the reason Royal Caribbean offers stateroom bidding is to maximize the profitability of a sailing. Many people believe the algorithm takes into account:

• How much you originally paid for the cabin
• How much you bid
• How likely and how much it could resell your old cabin

No one really knows how the Royal Up system works, but this rationale seems to hold up given that simply placing a maximum bid doesn't always work.

Try bidding for upgrades on an offseason cruise

I think your highest chance of success with Royal Up is to try it out on a less popular cruise.

If you can take advantage of a shoulder season cruise when there are less families onboard and demand is lower, you might have better luck.

Being on a cruise with higher availability of rooms simply will help your chances.

That isn't to say you can't win an upgrade on a spring break or Christmas cruise, but it's likely Royal Caribbean will sell the cabins conventionally without needing to offer them as an upgrade.

More bid upgrade tips

Many cruisers have shared in their experience, bidding a little more than the minimum has won them a Royal Up.

Going just a few dollars above the minimum price works just as well as max bid.

Plus, in some cases the max bid price will cost more than the stateroom might have cost outright.

Also, keep your hopes in check for that suite.

Reality check: everyone wants a suite, but bidding on a Promenade View cabin is more likely to get accepted because less people are interested in it.

If you book your cruise in an interior room, I think you'll have a better shot at winning a Royal Up when trying for a balcony or lower category room.

Royal Caribbean ships typically have a lot of room categories that offer different views and spaces.  Even just upgrading to a "spacious" room could make your voyage more enjoyable.

Don't rely on Royal Up as your primary room selection strategy

Think of Royal Up like playing the lotto at home: you don't play it expecting to win.  

Instead, book the room you really want and will enjoy for a cruise. You should never depend on winning a Royal Up because the odds are against you with so many other people trying to Royal Up too.

Royal Caribbean could be getting close to finalizing an order for a new kind of cruise ship, according to a French media outlet. 

According to the report, Royal Caribbean Group is on the verge of ordering a new class of cruise ships from the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shi[yard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The report claims the new order is for a class of medium to large tonnage ships for Royal Caribbean International — more specifically, the cruise line's long-awaited Discovery Class. 

The cruise line has been silent on an official announcement, but there have been rumors of the Discovery Class for years.

(Credit: Le Marin)

Royal Caribbean began hinting at a new, smaller ship class in July 2023. During a sailing on Allure of the Seas, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO, shared that the company was "deeply considering" expanding its fleet with smaller vessels. 

Over the years, Royal Caribbean’s Discovery Class has been one of the most intriguing rumors in the industry. Although the cruise line is known for building giants like Utopia and Icon of the Seas, many claim that the older ships are outdated and don't meet the standards of modern travelers. 

In September, Bayley seemed to confirm that the Discovery Class project was moving forward, revealing tidbits like where the cruise line expected to deploy the ships and their estimated size. However, he was firm in emphasizing that no formal announcement could be made at that time.

For example, although he didn't give exact measurements, Bayley said that Discovery Class ships would be small enough to sail through the Panama Canal. 

To date, the largest cruise ship to successfully sail through the Panama Canal was the Norwegian Bliss. Based on this fact, it's fairly safe to assume that the Discovery Class ships won't be larger than 168,000 gross tons and 1,094 feet long.

Additionally, instead of offering voyages to The Bahamas or the Caribbean, markets that are heavily dominated by Oasis and Icon Class ships, Discovery vessels will likely sail to exotic ports in regions like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Alaska, and the South Pacific.

While details still have not been confirmed, the promise of a smaller class of ships that combines innovation with access to smaller ports has generated significant excitement among loyal Royal Caribbean fans. 

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

What would the order of the Discovery Class ships mean?

If the French article is correct and an official Discovery Class order is in the foreseeable future, it would mean that Royal Caribbean is moving forward with a highly-anticipated project to modernize its offerings by phasing out its older ships. 

It would also mark a strategic shift in Royal Caribbean’s fleet composition, as the older ships would likely be replaced with vessels that are smaller but still packed with upgraded features and amenities, such as modern staterooms, new dining concepts, innovative entertainment options, and more. 

That said, based on past projects, even if the Discovery Class is ordered soon, passengers won’t see the first ship for several years. 

Royal Caribbean, for example, placed an order for the first Icon Class ships in Oct. 2016. Steel-cutting Icon of the Seas didn't begin until June 2021, with Icon's maiden voyage commencing in Jan. 2024. 

Similarly, in Feb. 2024, Royal Caribbean ordered the seventh Oasis Class ship from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. This unnamed vessel isn't expected to enter service until 2028. 

Another ship class too?

In addition to this possible ship class in France, there's another project on the horizon.

In September, Royal Caribbean confirmed the order of the fifth Icon Class ship with Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. However, the announcement also alluded to the possibility of another ship class. 

"This multi-year agreement strengthens Royal Caribbean Group's relationship with Meyer Turku, one of the world's largest and most modern shipyards specializing in cruise ships, and readies Royal Caribbean Group for a new, game-changing class of ship beyond Icon," the press release said. 

This could possibly mean, because again, this is all speculation, that Royal Caribbean is actively planning more than one new class of ships. 

Even as the company looks forward to welcoming at least three more Icon Class vessels to the fleet, it appears that they're also focusing on long-term investment in innovation and fleet diversification.

Additionally, the mention of the "game-changing" class emphasizes that Royal Caribbean wants to maintain an edge in the cruise industry, a position it has held for well over a decade since the launch of Freedom of the Seas in 2006. 

Since then, Royal Caribbean has consistently pushed the boundaries of design, entertainment, and technology — both on board and ashore at private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

To be very clear: We can’t confirm whether Royal Caribbean is planning a class larger than Icon or is on the verge of officially ordering Discovery Class ships. However, it's clear that Royal Caribbean’s ambitions are helping to shape the future of cruising for decades to come. 

Miami-Dade County and Royal Caribbean Group celebrated the groundbreaking of Cruise Terminal G at PortMiami, marking a major milestone in the continued evolution of one of the world's busiest cruise ports. 

The brand-new cruise terminal will cost $345 million and have the capacity to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers. Once completed, it will feature a dedicated parking garage, an intermodal facility, and other essential infrastructure to accommodate the world's largest Icon Class vessels. 

Terminal G will be located adjacent to Virgin Voyages’ Terminal V at PortMiami at the northern tip of Dodge Island. Comparatively, Terminal A is situated on the opposite end of the port. 

According to officials, Terminal G's estimated completion date is late 2027. However, an exact date has yet to be announced. 

"Cruise Terminal G represents a major investment in Miami's future. Built with advanced technology and sustainable design, this new facility will deliver a smarter, faster, more seamless experience for guests sailing with our industry-leading brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea," said Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty.

"It reflects what matters most to us: innovation, collaboration, and delivering the world's best vacations responsibly — while creating jobs and supporting the local economy for years to come."

Terminal G initially opened in 1999 to house Voyager of the Seas. At the time, she was the largest, most innovative cruise ship in the world. Voyager was the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to introduce the Royal Promenade and to feature the industry’s first ice-skating rink at sea.

Since the opening of Terminal A in November 2018, Terminal G has largely functioned as a backup terminal for Royal Caribbean Group. 

As such, it wasn't uncommon for itineraries on older and smaller vessels to depart from Terminal G, reserving Terminal A for mega-ships like Oasis and Icon Class vessels. 

Demolition of the former Terminal G began in July 2025, clearing the way for the future LEED-certified cruise terminal. 

Read more: First look at the new cruise terminal Royal Caribbean is building in Miami

Not only will the terminal highlight the company's sustainability efforts, but it will also showcase cutting-edge technology designed to streamline embarkation and disembarkation. 

"This world-class facility will enhance Miami-Dade County's skyline while marking another milestone in PortMiami's evolution. Our modern terminals are transforming how we do business and move people, delivering greater efficiency through innovative technology," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

PortMiami set a record for cruise passenger traffic in 2025

According to Miami officials, PortMiami set a passenger record for fiscal year 2025, which ran from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. 

The Miami port welcomed 8,564,225 cruise passengers, representing a 4.02% increase in cruise passenger totals compared to the 2024 record of 8,233,056.

This growth reflects the fact that PortMiami is home to some of the world’s largest cruise ships, including Icon of the Seas and MSC World America.

Read more: PortMiami, Port Canaveral set yearly records for cruise passengers

These record-breaking totals translate to significant weekly traffic. Each Saturday, more than 10,000 passengers embark on 7-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from the cruise hub between these two vessels alone.

To help meet the growing demand in South Florida, MSC Cruises also opened a massive new terminal in March. The 492,678-square-foot Terminal AA was designed to simultaneously accommodate up to three ships from MSC’s World, Seaside, and Meraviglia Classes. This equates to a maximum of 36,000 embarking and disembarking passengers. 

As someone who travels almost every month on Royal Caribbean ships, I get to try a lot of cruise ship food.

Royal Caribbean executives have said that food is one of the top two reasons people book a cruise, and I've found a list of my favorites that I'll order every time I visit.

While I'm no food critic, I think these are dishes that truly stand out as being really darn satisfying.  

Based on my dining experiences and personal tastes, these are the top 15 best Royal Caribbean food if you love to eat.

Tomahawk steak from Chops

If you're a steak lover, you probably should try the Tomahawk steak option.

It's available as one of the premium cuts at the Chops Grille specialty restaurant. That means there's an additional cost on top of the restaurant's cover charge. 

My readers raved about this steak and implored me to try it when I sailed on Icon of the Seas recently. It's a giant piece of high quality steak.

I don't consider myself a steak expert, but I think this is the ultimate steak for anyone that considers themselves one.

World from Wonderland

One of the most different specialty restaurants you'll find is Wonderland, which is loosely based on the Alice in Wonderland tales.

Their dessert is so darn good. It not only tastes good, but looks so cool.

You are served a chocolate globe and then warm chocolate is poured on top of it to melt it all into a gooey and rich dish.

French Onion Soup from Main Dining Room

You don't have to pay extra for all of the best food, because an all-time favorite Royal Caribbean food is the French Onion Soup.

I've had French Onion Soup at a lot of restaurants, but Royal Caribbean's version is verifiably better. I'm not sure exactly why, but they do it right.

It's served piping hot with a fresh layer of melted cheese and just the right mix of onions, broth and bread.  Plus, the soup broth flavor is top notch.

It's also available every night at Coastal Kitchen on the dinner menu there.

There's a DIY version of this soup on some nights in the Windjammer, but it never hits the same way.

Crepes from Aquadome Marketplace

I probably could call out each of the food halls at Aquadome Market as worthy of being on this list, but the Crepes station deserves top honors.

The proof is in the consistently long lines for people waiting to get one.

It's freshly made just the way you want, and the perfect snack or meal.

Brisket from Portside BBQ

One of the most underrated restaurants across Royal Caribbean is Portside BBQ.  I don't know why it isn't on more ships, but it's really good.

Among the choices on the menu, I don't think you can go wrong with the beef brisket.  It's tender, smoked, and almost melts as you eat it.

Ranger Cookie from Cafe Promenade

Whenever I poll cruise fans for their favorite snack on Royal Caribbean, the Ranger Cookie comes up as a winner.

First and foremost, it's chewy and not brittle.  That's a win.  Plus it has a really good sweet flavor to it.

I'm not a huge coconut fan, but these cookies are probably the best quick snack around.

Kummelwick Sandwich from Park Cafe

Ever since I tried my first Kummelwick sandwich on Oasis of the Seas back in 2010, I've been hooked on this snack.

It's a roast beef sandwich served on a Kummelwick roll, and you can choose to have mustard, au jus, and/or horseradish served on it.

I think they've tweaked the sandwich over the years, but it's still a solid "I wasn't hungry, but I want one" kind of snack.

Broiled cod from Izumi Omakase

When I tried the new chef-driven Japanese restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, I expected the sushi to be my favorite food. But I fell in love with the broiled black cod.

Among the courses, this was my favorite for the incredible flavor.

It's really tender and after I finished it I wanted two more (I didn't get them, but I need to get back and have it again).

"Deep dish pizza" bread from Lincoln Park Supper Club

I'm a sucker for a good starter, and Lincoln Park Supper Club was exactly the right choice.

The "Deep dish pizza" bread is essentially a deconstructed pizza.  You are served the bread, and then add the cheese and toppings.

Indian curry from Windjammer

Want to know the most underrated food Royal Caribbean has on all of its ships? Indian curry.

You can get it every day in the Windjammer buffet or at dinner at the Main Dining Room. Each day they offer different varieties. 

I've been eating Indian food on Royal Caribbean since my first cruise and it's consistently one of the most flavorful dishes you'll find and remarkably satisfying.

Spaghetti Bolognese from the Main Dining Room

I know spaghetti and meat sauce isn't an exotic dish or something new you've never tried, but it's still one of my go-to MDR dishes to order.

There's something about their sauce that stands out, but the Spaghetti Bolognese is likely my top comfort food on Royal Caribbean.

Asian stir fry station in the Windjammer

The variety of food served at the cruise ship buffet is amazing, but I'll overlook it all if there's Asian stir fry available.

At one of the cooking stations that are usually at the back of the Windjammer, there is a custom stir fry offered (it's sometimes called Mongolian Grill too). You tell the chef which ingredients to include, as well as the sauce.

It's combined with noodles and a protein and it's the kind of food you can eat over and over again.

Margherita pizza from Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

Ever since Royal Caribbean overhauled Giovanni's, I've found so many new favorites.  But I think the margherita pizza is their best option.

It's not that surprising considering the cruise line tapped a master pizza expert to help them craft their pizzas.

Trust me, it's so much better than what you'll get at Sorrento's.

Filet mignon from Coco Beach Club

There are many candidates for the best steak across Royal Caribbean, but I think the best filet mignon isn't even on a cruise ship.

Available at the Coco Beach Club, it's easily the best steak I'll reserve the beach club just to have it.

I'm not good at describing how steak tastes, but compared to the versions at Chops, 150 Central Park, or other restaurants, I'll always prefer the Coco Beach Club version.

Fried cheesecake at 150 Central Park

Fried food usually a solid win for taste, but the fried cheesecake at 150 Central Park is worth the cost of admission alone.

This dessert is so sweet, and they serve you two.  Every time I think "I'll only eat one" but of course, I cannot help but eat them both.

Buddha bowl at Pier 7

Easily overlooked, but Pier 7 on the Icon Class ships has some great food, including the Buddha bowl.

A mix of fresh vegetables, fruit, grains, and a protein, I think it has a great combination of satisfaction while feeling guilt-free.

Can you cruise with a criminal record? The answer isn't cut and dry. 

Understanding how different countries and immigration authorities handle felony records is important to ensuring a hiccup-free vacation. 

In most cases, felons can generally go on a cruise, as there's no law prohibiting someone with a criminal record from boarding a ship. 

Ron Harper, a Licensed Paralegal and owner of OTD Ticket Defenders Legal Service, told Royal Caribbean Blog that lines can deny boarding to individuals with felony convictions.

Additionally, some countries have strict entry restrictions and may refuse entry to felons. Harper explains,

"Just having a ticket to board a ship does not mean you will be allowed to enter each and every port of call."

Cruise lines are allowed to perform background checks

Cruise lines reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone with a criminal history that could put the safety of other passengers and crew at risk. 

"Although there is no federal law that prohibits someone convicted of a felony from boarding a cruise ship, several large cruise lines (e.g., Carnival, Royal Caribbean) perform criminal background checks," Harper said. 

According to Royal Caribbean's website, the cruise line checks booking details against law enforcement registers and its internal records for the safety of all customers.

Carnival Cruise Line also conducts criminal background checks to safeguard Carnival guests and crew members. 

Their website is even more specific, adding that felons convicted of physical and/or sexual assault, armed robbery, and other violent crimes may be denied boarding. 

Where are felons allowed to cruise?

Generally speaking, most convicted felons can cruise to places like The Bahamas and the Caribbean. However, certain countries may restrict entry to people with a criminal record. 

"Most of the travelers believe that if they remain aboard the ship when they visit a port, they are not in trouble, but the fact is that the border agencies know about the ship by its manifest at least 96 hours before arrival," Barry Nussbaum, Owner and Senior Lawyer at Nussbaum Law in Ontario, said. 

Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand are among the countries that felons cannot travel to, even if the departing cruise leaves from the United States. 

According to Canada's laws, anyone with a criminal record is banned from entering the country, regardless of the crime's severity or when it was committed. Even minor offenses, like a DUI from college, may prevent entry unless an application for individual rehabilitation or a temporary resident permit is approved.

"I have witnessed families spend up to $5,000 on non-refundable tickets because they failed to obtain a Temporary Resident Permit or a full-fledged rehabilitation prior to going to the terminal," Nussbaum added.

With Canada being on the itinerary for nearly all Alaska cruises, voyages to The Last Frontier are off-limits to felons. The same applies to Canada/New England sailings from ports like Bayonne, New Jersey; Boston, Massachusetts; and Baltimore, Maryland.

Moreover, Caribbean cruises with scheduled stops in Mexico should be avoided, including popular Western Caribbean ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya, as well as Mexican Riviera destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

While less severe than Canada's laws, those who have committed a serious crime — think murder, smuggling, tax fraud, human trafficking, and vehicular theft — could be denied entry to Mexico. Generally speaking, minor infractions, like petty theft, are unlikely to prevent entry to Mexico on a cruise. 

Moving on, travelers must meet the country’s character requirements to enter Australia or New Zealand, demonstrating that they are of good character.

When applying for New Zealand's Electronic Travel Authority clearance, travelers are required to disclose any issues or activities that could affect the country's decision. This means you must tell them if you've been involved in criminal or human rights abuse activities, or removed or deported from another country.

Similarly, to obtain the needed Electronic Travel Authority to enter Australia, you must declare all criminal conduct that you've been charged with, even if it is still awaiting legal action. 

Nussbaum summarized that while destinations like The Bahamas or Mexico are generally less restrictive, countries such as Australia and New Zealand have strict character requirements that could make a vacation void before its commencement. 

Harper continued to explain that those on probation may face even more issues:

"Probation can create yet another layer of complexity because, in general, international travel (or even intra-state travel) will require authorization from the probation officer who is responsible for supervising the individual."

If you're like me, you like to make your birthday a multi-day occasion. From dinners with friends to bar hopping and spa days, there are tons of ways to celebrate at home. However, there's nothing like celebrating your special day at sea. 

In fact, my partner and I both decided to celebrate our birthdays on a cruise this year. With nonstop entertainment, multi-course meals, and more, a cruise felt like the ultimate way to ring in our late-20s. 

It won't be the first time I've celebrated someone's birthday on a ship, either. Years ago, I remember my sister’s face flushing with embarrassment on a Disney cruise when the crew surrounded our dinner table and began singing to her.

The best part about taking a cruise for your birthday is how easy it is to make the celebration feel even more special. And yes, you can do way more than blow out a candle at dinner. 

Here are 8 ways you can elevate your birthday cruise and make it even more memorable. 

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

Tell your server in the dining room

Like in restaurants at home, cruise waitstaff will bring you a special dessert for your birthday free of charge — if you let them know. Plus, you (or your loved one) will become the center of attention for a minute as they crowd the table and sing a celebratory song.  

If you're traveling with a large party, you can purchase a full-sized cake for a nominal fee. According to the website, each cake costs $25.99 and comes in two flavors: spongy vanilla and decadent chocolate. Additionally, they're 6" round and serve 2 — 10 people. 

Let passengers and crew know you're celebrating with festive door decorations

Decorating cruise cabin doors is a fun and popular tradition. You don't have to be celebrating a birthday to spice up your door with fun magnets. However, it's not uncommon to see doors honoring someone's birthday with colorful décor and festive messages. 

In addition to pre-made birthday magnets, you can add a whiteboard, so fellow passengers can write dedicated birthday messages — just make sure the whiteboard has a magnetic dry-erase marker! 

Here are a few door decoration packs available from Amazon for inspiration: 

• LEIFIDE 12 Pcs Cruise Door Decorations
• Dazoratix Birthday Cruise Door Magnets
• 27PCS Cruise Door Decorations Magnetic, Large Birthday Cruise Magnets
• Xuhal 25 Pcs Birthday Cruise Door Magnets

Spruce up the inside of your cabin

Don't stop at the door! You can also decorate the inside of your cruise stateroom. Some guests prefer to bring their own decorations, including streamers and balloons. You can do this affordably at stores like Dollar Tree or Five Below, just be sure you have enough space in your suitcase to bring everything. 

Alternatively, you can buy Royal Caribbean's decoration kit. One advantage to this option, though more expensive, is that it will be set up upon your arrival if bought through the Cruise Planner. 

For an upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, the "Happy Birthday Decorations" pack costs $55.99 and includes a mirror cling, magnetic door sign, wire photo cable with clips, hanging ceiling décor, and one photo frame. 

There are also more expensive options that include fresh roses, a premium birthday cake, Moët Champagne, and more. 

Hide rubber ducks

Hiding rubber ducks has become a popular trend among cruisers, and some guests attach small notes or letters to the ducks to let others know where the hider was from and if they're celebrating anything. 

Instead of just letting your birthday sailor collect their own cruise ducks, you can also hide them around the ship, adding a small sticker or note to let finders know the ducks are part of a fun birthday celebration at sea!

Read more: Hiding ducks on a cruise got an upgrade

Bring a birthday sash

Before you head out the door, make sure you have a special birthday sash to wear on the ship! You can go one step further and wear a tiara, hat, and/or a t-shirt to really stand out. 

Wearing a themed birthday outfit not only makes the guest feel celebrated, but it also makes it easy for fellow passengers to wish them a happy birthday. I love seeing guests dressed up and try to say, "Happy Birthday" to everyone I see celebrating on the ship or ashore!

Here are a few birthday sashes available from Amazon for inspiration: 

• CAVETEE Birthday Crown and Sash for Women
• 2 Pack "It's my Birthday Sash"
• "It's My Birthday" Glitter Sash
• King Crown and Birthday Sash

Book a special dinner

Royal Caribbean ships offer several complimentary dining options, so you can enjoy the included food without spending extra. However, if you’re looking to make your birthday a little more special, treating yourself to a specialty restaurant is a great way to splurge. 

From the classic Chops Grille steakhouse to the lively Izumi Hibachi experience and whimsical Wonderland restaurant, there's a range of specialty venues to suit every taste. Each venue is more intimate than the dining room and promises an elevated dining experience with premium menu options and ingredients. 

Make sure you book in advance, though. This will ensure that you secure the best rate through the Cruise Planner and get your desired dining time. 

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

Reserve a spa treatment

Another way to make your otherwise normal cruise feel more special is by booking a spa treatment.

Normally, I’m against cruise ship spas since they can be more expensive than similar treatments at home, but splurging on a massage, facial, or other pampering service for your birthday is worth it.

Like specialty restaurants, though, consider booking in advance. Another way you can save money on the cruise spa is by looking for port day specials. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices

Stay in a suite

Finally, for the ultimate birthday experience at sea, consider booking a suite instead of a standard cruise cabin. While more expensive, suites come with extra perks and upgraded amenities — like access to a private restaurant and sun deck — that can further differentiate your birthday cruise from the average vacation.

On older Royal Caribbean ships (i.e., Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class vessels), the suite program is more straightforward, while on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships, the top-tier Royal Suite Class rooms include perks like a Deluxe Beverage Package, Royal Genie service, and much more.

Even if you don't have thousands of dollars to blow on accommodations, consider an entry-level suite for added space. The larger balcony is perfect for enjoying breakfast at sea, while the tub-shower combo is ideal for taking a relaxing soak after a long day ashore.

Royal Caribbean has quietly updated its prohibited items list to tighten onboard safety and cybersecurity. 

Previously, "Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment" was listed under "Prohibited Items: What can’t you bring onboard?" 

However, the verbiage was recently updated to read: "Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment (included satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, any other deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity)." The change was made sometime after December 10, 2025. 

Ships rely on digital systems for navigation, communication, and entertainment. As such, the clarification helps protect the critical systems from interference. 

Additionally, the new wording is much more precise and explicitly targets devices intended to hack, disrupt, or manipulate the onboard systems, including signal jammers, hacking toolkits, and unauthorized travel Wi-Fi routers. 

This means that ordinary electronics — think laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches — are still allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. 

Satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment were previously listed on the prohibited items list. However, the recent addition hones in on the purpose of the device.

While many passengers used travel routers to save money by extending one internet package's connectivity to multiple devices, they can also be used to create rogue networks that interfere with the ship’s Wi‑Fi system or even bypass security controls.

Royal Caribbean wasn't the first cruise line to ban travel routers, either. For example, Carnival's prohibited items list clearly states that "satellite dish[es], routers and other internet related equipment" are not allowed onboard.

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses

A new survey released by the consulting firm Protiviti found that cybersecurity is a top concern across organizations of all sizes, as reported by Cybersecurity Drive. 

According to the report, corporate leaders, including board members, chief financial officers, and chief operating officers, are "increasingly aware that cyber resilience must be embedded into enterprise strategy."

"This widespread prioritization underscores the almost universal recognition that cybersecurity is no longer a siloed IT issue but rather a strategic enterprise risk with implications for brand reputation, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance," Protiviti said. 

Following cybersecurity, third-party risks, or threats from outside vendors or partners that an organization works with, ranked second on the executives’ list of concerns. 

Royal Caribbean’s updated policy reflects a recognition that cybersecurity at sea is equally important as on land. 

By banning devices that could cause "deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity," the cruise line is ensuring that its digital infrastructure, along with the safety of guests and crew, remains secure. 

It appears as Royal Caribbean is changing stateroom assignments and room sizes on its next new cruise ship.

Legend of the Seas will launch in July, and it will be the third Icon Class ship and likely assume the title of world's largest cruise ship along with its sister ships.

Some cruise ship passengers booked on Legend of the Seas received emails that changes have been made to select cabins.

Not every passenger booked on Legend of the Seas got a notification of a room change, but certain cabins are changing the capacity which has led some people to be upgraded or moved to a different cabin that can accommodate their party size.

Here's what we're seeing so far related to this change.

"Royal Caribbean changed my cabin"

Based on what cruisers have posted online, select rooms have been recategorized on Legend of the Seas.

Here's one example of the change:

After a recent accommodations review, we've noticed that some staterooms, including yours, have been recategorized in our system. The great news is we'll relocate you to a like-for-like stateroom in the same category you booked.

In this case, it looks like the cabin they booked was changed to a new room category. The original cabin assignment has changed and the guest will have their reservation moved to a different room of the same category.

The person was booked in cabin 12292, which was a category D5 ocean view balcony with 3 people.  As a result of this change, their new cabin assignment is 8682.

Royal Caribbean utilizes sub categories for its cabins based on location, size, and how many people it can accommodate.

The difference between a category D4 and D5 balcony can sometimes be as simple as how close it is to the center of the ship.

Another example of the change is someone that was booked in a Surfside Family View Balcony.

While we know you originally booked a Surfside Family View Balcony, you'll now receive a complimentary upgrader to an Ocean View Balcony!

In all cases of room changes, there's been no extra charge or price change to the reservation.

So far, the common denominator with this change seems to be all the rooms had three people booked on the original reservation.

Jenn Greene, a travel advisor with MEI Travel, shared four different clients received an email similar to the one listed above and all of them had three people booked in the cabin.

Behind the scenes changes to reservations

Beside the room recategorizations, emails were sent out to other people booked on Legend of the Seas to inform them their reservation would be inaccessible for a couple weeks.

After a recent review, we're doing some behind the scenes maintenance. Kindly note, while we conduct this update, your booking will be unavailable to access on the app and website for about two (2) weeks from today. 

While Royal Caribbean does system maintenance routinely, it's unusual for a reservation to "disappear" for an extended period of time while they work on the backend.

"Rest assured, your reservation remains intact and unchanged," the email said.  

Legend of the Seas begins sailing this summer

The brand new Icon Class ship enters service in July with cruises around the Mediterranean.

While it might be the third Icon Class ship, it will not be a direct copy of Icon or Star of the Seas.

Legend will add an immersive train car restaurant that takes you on a virtual gastronomic tour through Asia and Europe, inspired by the travels of Marco Polo.

In fact, there will be 28 places to eat on this ship, including a revamped AquaDome Market food hall that will have all new food stands, along with a brand-new juice and smoothie bar serving freshly squeezed refreshments.

Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" will be performed aboard as the musical show in the Royal Theater.

The Hollywoodland Supper Club will offer a fancy multi-course menu set to the music of the golden age of Hollywood.

The 7-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome will visit destinations like Marseille, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca.

In November 2026, the ship will move to Fort Lauderdale to offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries. These sailings will visit Aruba, Curaçao, and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Bookings are open for all of its sailings through April 2027.

The ship boasts six waterslides, seven pools, an entire section of the ship dedicated to young families, as well as a dueling piano bar.

The ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

It's expected to be about the same size as both Icon and Star.  That puts the new ship at about 250,800 gross tons and can accommodate approximately 5,610 passengers at double occupancy or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy.

A Long Island travel agent has been charged with multiple counts of grand larceny and schemes to defraud after stealing over $50,000 from clients, police confirm. 

Tavia Thomas, 47, of Hempstead, New York, was the CEO and Destination Travel Specialist of her company, Destiny Travel. 

Authorities allege that she defrauded families by taking payments for vacations and failing to actually book them, PIX 11 reported. 

Some of the victims were hoping to sail on Royal Caribbean cruises. In July 2024, for example, she supposedly received $35,753.98 from nine people to book a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Bayonne, New Jersey. 

(Credit: LongIsland.com)

Unfortunately, when the victims arrived at the terminal to board their cruise, they were informed that their booking confirmations were fake, officials said. As such, they were denied boarding. 

Just one week later, Thomas was hired to arrange a resort reservation for a destination wedding through ALG Vacations. However, the reservation was never made, and the clients did not receive a refund for the $5,000 they had paid. 

LongIsland.com shared that several members of the wedding party also made payments to Thomas, totaling over $2,600, which were never refunded. 

A reporter from The Shade Room spoke with Denise Perez-Horton to learn more about the impact of Thomas' alleged actions. 

"Final payment comes, and I’m like, 'Okay, where’s the reservation number?'" she told Justin Carter. "…She’s like, 'Well, the resort had a child that was electrocuted in the pool…and they have mold...' downplaying the resort, and I’m like, 'What? What is going on?'"

Perez-Horton was then informed that the reservation was moved to another resort, though they still did not receive flight or hotel confirmations. When she called the resort, she learned that the business "never" got the booking from Thomas. 

In another case, a family of 50 paid Thomas over $10,000 for a celebratory birthday trip to the Dominican Republic. According to Nassau County police, she never booked the accommodations and failed to return the family’s money.

Thomas faces three counts of third-degree grand larceny, three counts of first-degree scheme to defraud, and two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Her arraignment was held on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at the First District Court in Hempstead. 

It's important to do your research before trusting a travel agent

A travel agent's job is to make your life easier by handling all the meticulous details of planning a trip, from confirming your stateroom to helping book specialty restaurants and arranging transportation. If they do it right, all you have to do is focus on enjoying your well-earned vacation.  

Unfortunately, as Thomas proved, not all travel agents operate with the same level of professionalism or client care as others.

That's why it is important to check reviews, verify credentials, and even ask for references before giving a stranger any payment information. 

If you aren't sure where to start, ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also look for agents affiliated with reputable organizations, like the American Society of Travel Advisors (the world's leading association of travel professionals). 

At Royal Caribbean Blog, we love working with MEI-Travel. Having now booked over one dozen cruises with MEI, I can attest that their employees are professional, timely, and dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience possible from start to finish. 

Read more: I always ask my travel agent for 4 things on every cruise I book to make my cruise easier

Crew members typically don't have large cruise ship cabins. Oftentimes, they have to share a tiny stateroom with another coworker, with the cabins barely large enough to fit bunk beds, a small desk, and a closet. Cruise ship captains, however, live very differently. 

Captains oversee all onboard operations to ensure that the ship is safely operating during each and every voyage. As such, their living quarters reflect the level of responsibility they carry. 

Their luxurious staterooms often feature a spacious bedroom and living area, easy access to the Bridge, panoramic views, and more. 

TikTok user Allie Rae shared a rare look at a captain’s cabin, posting a 30-second clip of her father's living quarters aboard the Independence of the Seas. 

The video, which was shared on Wednesday, January 5, has already received over 190,000 views and 18,400 likes. 

Thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with functionality

Rae opens up the door to reveal an expansive entryway before heading into the main living area. The elegant columns have been wrapped with tinsel for the holidays. 

The living room is anything but cramped, with a large entertainment center, flat-screen television, a couch, loveseat, recliner, and dining table. 

Tucked into the corner is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, while the bar has been fully stocked with wine and glassware. 

Finally, the living room is bathed in natural light from three portholes. This differs from most crew staterooms, as the majority of the cabins are windowless. 

The stateroom also has a large office with two massive portholes. As such, the captain has a quiet, functional space to review CCTV footage, plan routes, and handle other important administrative duties. 

Rae pans over to her father, who is hard at work in his office. "My name is Tor, and I work here," he jokingly says. 

(Credit: Tor I. Olsen/LinkedIn)

According to his LinkedIn page, Tor I. Olsen has been in the maritime industry since 1978. 

He began his career with Royal Caribbean in January 1987 aboard the Song of America and has since worked on several of the line’s most notable ships, including Empress of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas.

Rae's TikTok account also features videos highlighting the behind-the-scenes life of cruise ship crew members

For example, Rae posted a day-in-the-life video, showing her enjoying lunch in the Main Dining Room with her family before accompanying her father to help judge the crew's various holiday competitions, including the Christmas door, tree-making, and office decorating contests.

"After lunch, I got to go with my dad and the Executive Team here on board to judge some of the Christmas trees that were put in for a Christmas decorating contest," she says. 

"On top of that, I also got to go around with them and see the different doors that had entered in the door decorating contest. There were so many cute ones, [and] it was very hard to choose a winner," she adds.