Royal Caribbean Blog

I grew up cruising with my parents, and I still love to travel with them today. Even as an adult, I make it a priority to share meaningful experiences with them doing something we all enjoy. For our family, cruising continues to be the perfect way for all of us to travel together, especially as my parents get older.

A few weeks ago, my mom and I flew to Los Angeles to board Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas for one of the ship’s first cruises out of California. We spent two days at sea and two days exploring Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. Our itinerary even featured an overnight port stay in Cabo San Lucas, which we were very excited about!

My mom would consider herself “not old” at only 64 years old, but I still adjust how I travel when we cruise together. She is healthy and fairly active for her age, so I don’t need to worry about mobility concerns.

Surprisingly, this was the first time just the two of us had cruised together. We typically cruise as a family, but my sister was unavailable to join because she just started a new job. Regardless, we had a wonderful cruise together! But after our 5-night cruise to Baja, Mexico, I learned some important lessons about cruising with your parents.

1. Splurge on high-quality luggage

Last fall, my sister and I cruised with our parents across Australia and Bali. I couldn’t believe the rickety and janky suitcases that my parents packed! They could barely roll their luggage through the airport or cruise terminal without the suitcase flopping over! When they brought the same worn-down suitcases again this spring on our family cruise across Asia, I said, “I never want to see that janky luggage again!”

So, my sister and I decided to buy our mom a brand-new set of Away Luggage for Mother’s Day. It was pricey, but we split the cost and used a credit card offer to save a couple hundred dollars. 

My mom brought her new carry-on for the first time on our Ovation of the Seas cruise, and she was amazed at how much easier it made traveling. She had no trouble getting through the airport and cruise terminal on her own. Investing in quality luggage made it much simpler for her to manage her bags, and the upgrade was well worth the price for a smoother travel experience.

2. Be proactive and ask for help

During our vacation, there were a few instances where I realized how important it was for me to be proactive and ask for help when my mom needed it. 

First, we had a less-than-positive taxi experience leaving the airport, which made her uneasy. The next morning, we met a really lovely driver who took us to the cruise port. During the ride, we asked if we could prearrange our return trip from the port to the airport after the cruise was done. 

This gave my mom peace of mind that we already had transportation lined up with a reliable, safe, and friendly driver. He even gave us his phone number to text with updates or questions, which was handy when we had questions about navigating the city during recent events.

Additionally, I encouraged my mom to ask for help at the airport when she needed. Although she is able-bodied, she was worried about lifting her suitcase into the overhead bin on her own. 

Because we were flying separately, I suggested she ask the flight attendant or someone on the flight to help with her suitcase. It’s better to ask for help than have her potentially hurt herself. Luckily, she didn’t have any issue finding someone to help on her flights, which was a relief for me.

3. Book a shore excursion for everyone to relax

Although I might have explored Cabo San Lucas on my own, I know my mom wouldn’t have been comfortable with this. Because we had never visited before, we both agreed that booking a shore excursion with Royal Caribbean was the best option.

We only spent about $70 each for a full-day tour, and it was totally worth it. To start, Cabo San Lucas is a tender port. This means you either have priority tendering with an excursion, or you have to obtain a tender ticket to disembark independently. Having an excursion gave my mom a sense of relief knowing we didn’t have to worry about the tender ticket situation.

Additionally, neither of us had to stress about logistics for planning the day. Everything was taken care of, so we could just enjoy the excursion while experiencing Cabo for the first time. I’d absolutely book another excursion with my mom again, and I think it’s one of the best options when traveling with multiple generations.

You'll just want to make sure you check your excursion’s guidelines and requirements. Some tours are not wheelchair-friendly and require more strenuous activity. Although this wasn’t a problem for my mom, we did see other older travelers struggling to board the tender. Some almost fell into the speedboat while boarding to visit the famous Cabo Arch formation! Ensure you book an excursion that everyone can comfortably and safely enjoy. 

4. Prepare to become the chief IT officer

While cruising with my mom, I think I earned the distinguished honor of being her personal IT officer. As her daughter, I’m happy to help her with any phone, internet, or technology issues. 

For those who aren’t as tech-savvy, the use of technology can be overwhelming, and even frustrating, while traveling. This is especially true on cruises where cruise lines are increasingly relying on digital tools like virtual muster drills and mobile apps to manage the onboard experience.

For example, while I breezed through setting up my Internet access, my mom struggled to figure out the correct steps. I ended up taking the lead and signing her up for the Internet package because she was having a hard time getting this purchased.

At one point, she also managed to lock herself out of the safe in our cabin. We had to request assistance for the safe to stop its non-stop beeping and reset the passcode. We couldn't help but laugh at the classic "senior moment"!

Finally, at the end of the cruise, I helped her check in for her flight and save the boarding passes to her Apple Wallet. I wanted to make sure she had everything she needed before heading to the airport, as we were on separate return flights. Additionally, I coordinated with the gate agent to get her on standby for an earlier flight. This worked out for her, as she landed hours ahead of her originally scheduled midnight arrival.

5. Taking charge to ease stress

My mom is very well traveled, but she usually has my dad as their planner to take care of everything. We always joke that “Mom is just along for the ride and happy to be cruising!”

I found myself taking charge throughout the cruise to alleviate some of my mom’s stress. When she landed a few hours before me at LAX, we planned for her to relax in the airport lounge while waiting for me. I didn’t want her to figure out the hotel taxi or ride-share without me. I knew the massive size of LAX would be stressful for her. 

Finally, I was happy to order the Uber rides and handle our logistics. I checked us both in for the cruise and downloaded both boarding passes before heading to the terminal. To make sure my mom is relaxed and at ease, taking charge is something I will naturally do. 

Get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with a new cruise booking or drink package.

Royal Caribbean is offering discounts on new cruise bookings, as well as drink packages, Wi-Fi and shore excursions.

I hope you're spending time during this holiday weekend to enjoy time with family and friends, but it would be even better to see them while on a cruise.

Typically, major holidays garner some of Royal Caribbean's best deals.  While retail shopping tends to get the attention, there are good discounts out there for cruises too.

Royal Caribbean's Fourth of July Savings Sale

There are four key deals, and most of them can be used together:

1. BOGO60 – 60% Off Second Guest

Booking Window: July 1–31, 2025
Sailings: Departing on or after July 2, 2025
What You Get: When you book one guest at full fare, the second guest in the same stateroom gets 60% off their cruise fare.

✅ Combinable with the other offers below

2. Kids Sail Free

Booking Window: July 1–31, 2025
Sailings: Select 3+ night sailings departing on or after July 2, 2025
What You Get: Children 12 years and younger sail for $0 when traveling as the third or fourth guest in the same room as two paying adults.

📌 Taxes, fees, and port expenses still apply to all guests.

🛑 Blackout Dates Apply, including most U.S. school holiday periods:

• Summer: May 22–Aug 29, 2025 / 2026
• Thanksgiving: Nov 20–28, 2025 / 2026
• Winter Holidays: Dec 18, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026 / Dec 17, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027
• Spring Break: March–April sailings in 2026 and 2027
• Alaska Cruise Tours during peak season

✅ Combinable with BOGO60 and All In Sale

3. $850 Instant Savings – Limited Time Only

Booking Window: July 4–7, 2025 only
Sailings: Departing on or after July 5, 2025
What You Get: Instant savings per stateroom, based on cabin type and cruise length:

Cruises 5 Nights or Less

• $125 off: Interior & Ocean View
• $200 off: Balcony
• $400 off: Suite

Cruises 6 Nights or Longer

• $225 off: Interior & Ocean View
• $300 off: Balcony
• $850 off: Suite

🛑 Not combinable with Crown & Anchor Society discounts

✅ Combinable with BOGO60, Kids Sail Free, and promotional OBCs

4. All In Sale – 3rd & 4th Guest Sail Free

Booking Window: June 26 – July 14, 2025
Sailings: Select departures between Sept 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
What You Get: Third and fourth guests in the same stateroom cruise for $0

📌 Taxes, fees, and port expenses still apply
🛑 Same blackout dates as Kids Sail Free (holidays, peak summer, Alaska cruise tours)

✅ Combinable with BOGO60 and Kids Sail Free if all eligibility conditions are met

Important notes

• Dynamic Pricing Applies: Royal Caribbean uses a pricing model where fares change frequently based on demand and availability. The exact savings you’ll see may vary depending on your sailing date, ship, and cabin category.
• These Offers Stack (Mostly):
  • BOGO60, Kids Sail Free, and All In Sale can be combined
  • $850 Instant Savings can also be combined with those—but not with Crown & Anchor discounts
• Exclusions: These offers do not apply to sailings on the Ultimate World Cruise, Standard Group bookings, Interline, Net Rates, or Friends & Family rates for travel agents.

Sale on cruise extras

In addition to its cruise fare promotions, Royal Caribbean is celebrating Independence Day with a Pre-Cruise Planner Sale offering discounts on drink packages, spa treatments and shore excursions.

Running July 3–8, 2025, the sale applies to select sailings departing between July 6, 2025 and December 31, 2026. It must be booked before your cruise begins.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s included:

Spa Services

• Up to 50% off Thermal Suites
• Up to 35% off massages, facials, and other treatments

Specialty Dining

• Up to 50% off Unlimited Dining Packages (2–25 night cruises)
• Savings on:
  • 3-Night Dining Package
  • 10-Dining Package
  • Chops + Your Choice
  • Giovanni's + Your Choice
  • Lunch & Dinner reservations at specialty restaurants
  • Culinary experiences like tastings or chef’s table events

Discounts vary by ship.

Beverage Packages

• Up to 50% off
  • Evian Water Package: 50% off
  • Refreshment, Soda, and Deluxe Beverage Packages: Discounts vary by ship
  • Kids & Teens: 40% off Refreshment Packages

Casino and Crown & Anchor Discounts:

• CAS Diamond+ members: 50% off Deluxe Package
• Casino Royale members: Up to 60% off Deluxe Package, depending on tier

VOOM Internet Packages

• Up to 50% off Surf + Stream packages
  • 30–50% savings depending on the package selected

VIP Experiences

• The Key: Up to 50% off (varies by ship)
  Includes priority boarding, internet access, private lunch, reserved seating, and more.

Photo Packages

• Up to 60% off packages of 5 to 100 digital photos
• 50% off private photo sessions

Shore Excursions

• Up to $100 off
  • Perfect Day at CocoCay products: Up to $100 off
  • Europe & Alaska excursions: Up to $50 off
  • Other destinations: Up to $100 off
  • Royal Signature and “Behind the Waves” tours also discounted

Gifts & Gear

• 20% off most onboard merchandise
• 35% off the Inky TicTacToe Beach Towel

Onboard Activities

• Up to 30% off
  • Observatorium, Escape Rooms, and Mission Control
  • RipCord by iFLY, North Star, FlowRider Lessons
  • “Behind the Waves” ship tour

Discounts vary by ship and availability.

Ever since my first cruise with kids, it's been my favorite kind of family trip, but there's also been a learning curve to it all.

When my kids were still pre-school age, sharing one cabin and one bathroom made sense. It was a tight fit, but we made it work.

As my kids have gotten older and entered their teenage years, I had to set a new family rule to ensure "survival" for everyone.

There always needs to be more than one bathroom

No matter which cabin category we book, there needs to more than one bathroom for us all.

I probably don't have to tell you that teenagers spend a lot of time in the bathroom getting themselves ready. I'll never cease to be amazed when my oldest daughter does her makeup in the morning before going to the beach, where it's sure to get ruined in the surf.

Even if my kids didn't spend a lot of time pampering themselves in the bathroom, four people sharing one bathroom is a lot.

I implemented this rule years ago when the girls were younger just because getting everyone a shower after a day at the beach was an ordeal with just one bathroom.

Ideally we'll book two cabins

As I write this article, I'm on a Royal Caribbean cruise where we have connecting balcony cabins, and it suits my bathroom rule along with giving everyone more space.

My favorite family cruise hack is to book two rooms, rather than putting everyone in one larger room.

If I book a suite, my wife usually hesitates if there aren't separate bedrooms (and a second bathroom) because practically speaking, having our own rooms just works so well.

Most suites don't have a second bedroom and/or bathroom, so it's really just the massive suites that work. 

Not only are two smaller rooms likely cheaper than a suite, it also provides more separation so we don't feel like we're on top of each other.

Having two bathrooms is key to avoiding fights later, and my rule is already paying off

My rule is simple: no matter which cabin we book, there needs to be two full bathrooms, and that prevents problems later.

I hated when we'd be in a taxi heading back to the ship and one of the kids would "call dibs" on showering first, and that would inevitably set off a fight over who should or should not shower first.

No matter who went first, inevitably it wouldn't be fast enough for everyone else's liking. 

It might sound selfish, but I think the rule benefits everyone

I'm not going to lie, having a bathroom for my wife and I is as self-serving as it is beneficial to everyone else.

Space on the counter is really limited, so booking my wife and I along with our four kids in the same room means the bathroom would be a giant mess of toiletries.

I almost immediately regret anything less than two bathrooms once the fighting begins about who gets to use the bathroom first.

The best suite for families is only on the Oasis Class ships

If you'd prefer to be in one cabin, but need my rule in place, I'd recommend the two bedroom Aquatheater suite.

These massive suites have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and they're located on the back of the Oasis Class ships.

Besides the bathroom situation, there's also a massive balcony that you could easily live on too.  When everyone is blow-drying their hair, I'll head out to the balcony for peace and quiet, along with a great view.

Plus, these suites come with Star Class benefits and regularly the two bedroom Aquatheater suites are the cheapest option in this upper category of stateroom.

Florida is widely regarded as the cruise capital of the world, with some of the busiest cruise ports anywhere. Between Port Miami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral, I rarely need to travel far to cruise as a Florida resident.

In this way, cruising from Florida is extremely convenient and budget-friendly for me. Like any Florida resident, I am fortunate to have easy access to some of the world’s newest, biggest, and most advanced cruise ships. That said, I never limit myself to just sailing from Florida. 

I am always eager to explore new destinations, even if it means flying across the world for a bucket-list sailing. For example, I recently flew all the way to Singapore for a 12-night cruise through Asia, and last fall, I traveled to the Land Down Under for an Australian cruise from Sydney. I've even traveled all the way to Mauritius for a once-in-a-lifetime safari cruise across South Africa.

While Royal Caribbean has a heavy presence in Florida, the cruise line operates globally with sailings all over the world. That's why I was especially excited when Royal Caribbean announced Ovation of the Seas would be sailing from Los Angeles, California as the biggest ship to ever sail from the port.

After sailing on every ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, I’ve found the Quantum class to be one of my favorites. These cruise ships feature a sleek, modern design, plenty of amenities, and often sail to more exciting destinations. I’ve sailed on nearly every Quantum class ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so I was especially excited to finally check Ovation of the Seas off my list.

Additionally, I hadn’t cruised from the West Coast in more than 15 years. In fact, my last West Coast cruise was in 2008 on the now-retired Monarch of the Seas from San Diego. Needless to say, I was overdue for a West Coast cruise! And I couldn’t resist a great deal on a 5-night cruise to Cabo San Lucas for one of Ovation of the Seas' inaugural sailings from Los Angeles.

Even better, this itinerary featured an overnight port stay in Cabo San Lucas, which is one of my favorite itinerary features! Having an overnight allows you more time to experience the destination, and you typically aren't as rushed during your time ashore. I was thrilled that my mom wanted to join this cruise for our first mother-daughter cruise together!

Although we had a great time during our cruise from California and loved visiting Cabo San Lucas for the first time, I probably won’t be sailing again from the West Coast anytime soon. 

First, it wasn’t easy getting to the West Coast for this cruise.

I live in the Florida Panhandle, so I usually prefer cruising from Port Canaveral in Central Florida. It’s just a 6-hour drive, so this port is the most convenient with many different itineraries and cruise lines to choose from. I also have family in Orlando, so I never need to spend extra money on a hotel room the night before a cruise. 

However, there are only so many destinations you can visit when you cruise from the same disembarkation port. You tend to repeat a lot of the same itineraries aboard the same cruise ships. Don’t ask how many times I’ve been to Cozumel, because I’ve lost count!

For this itinerary, I planned to fly into LAX the night before the start of our cruise (as you always should). My local airport is on the smaller side, so I usually have to connect through Atlanta, Georgia. Between my four hour layover and two different flights, my total travel time was over ten hours from Florida!

Since I don’t fly to the West Coast very often, I honestly just forgot how long it takes to get from Florida to Los Angeles! I was naive to think my travel day wouldn’t be that long.

In hindsight, I probably should’ve done a little more planning. I did end up needing to take an extra day of PTO just to account for the long travel day. By the time I landed in LAX, I realized the travel time was almost as long as flying to Europe!

To top it off, this flight wasn’t cheap either. It ended up costing close to $500 for the round-trip airfare. That’s nearly what I paid for my upcoming trip to Denmark later this summer. 

At the end of the day, I just want to make the most of my time and money when I travel. For me, that often means discovering new places to explore if I am going to spend more than ten hours at the airport!

Navigating the massive LAX airport was also more stressful than I anticipated.

I’m no stranger to navigating big airports, but I definitely appreciate the ease and convenience of smaller airports. For example, when I cruise from Miami, I actually prefer flying into Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International airport instead. It’s close to PortMiami and far easier to navigate than the busier Miami airport.

For this cruise, my mom and I flew separately into LAX, as she was traveling from South Dakota and I was coming from Florida. Knowing how hectic large airports can be, especially when navigating them alone, my mom decided to wait in the Delta SkyClub lounge until I landed a few hours later.

I was thankful she had a comfortable and safe place to relax until I arrived. I’m also glad my mom didn’t try to navigate the airport on her own, as it was more stressful and complex than either of us anticipated. After I landed in the late evening, we made our way to the hotel before boarding Ovation of the Seas the following day.

We eventually found the free airport shuttle to the designated ride-share and taxi area, but the signage was a little confusing, especially considering it was late at night. It didn’t help that other travelers on the shuttle didn’t seem too eager to offer directions. To make matters worse, my mom and I were both exhausted from a long day of flying across the country.

The ride-share area at LAX was unlike anything I’ve seen before, featuring a slew of temporary-looking white tents scattered across the parking lot. Ride-share prices were also unusually high for such a short distance. I was being quoted over $40 for a quick 5-minute ride, which is outrageous!

We ended up taking a taxi instead for $20 to the hotel, although the experience wasn’t exactly warm and welcoming from our taxi driver. All that to say, we couldn’t wait to go to sleep and board Ovation of the Seas the next morning for our cruise!

Since LAX offers the most flight options and is the closest airport to Royal Caribbean’s World Cruise Terminal, it’s definitely the most practical choice. However, I think most can agree the size and chaos of the airport can be overwhelming. Next time, I’d plan to arrive earlier in the day and prearrange a transfer to make the experience smoother.

Cruise options are still pretty limited from the West Coast.

Royal Caribbean is planning to expand its West Coast presence in the coming years, and operations are already ramping up! Before Ovation of the Seas arrived, Royal Caribbean had previously deployed Navigator of the Seas — an older Voyager class ship — as the largest ship to depart from Los Angeles in 2021. Prior to that, Royal Caribbean hadn’t operated in California for over a decade.

Navigator of the Seas started offering shorter itineraries to Mexico, and there’s clearly a strong demand for it. Now, the addition of new ships will provide even more opportunities for West Coast locals to cruise with Royal Caribbean.

In 2026, Serenade of the Seas will be sailing from San Diego as the third ship for Royal Caribbean to operate in California. In addition, Quantum of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will also have a stint calling California home this fall when both ships arrive in October 2025.

Although Royal Caribbean is expanding its presence, itineraries are still limited largely to Mexico. These sailings feature ports of call to Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, along with one unique repositioning cruise back to Asia. 

With just a handful of cruise ships offering mostly short getaway itineraries to Mexico, these sailings tend to be better suited for local California residents. Comparatively, I’m lucky to have a variety of itineraries from Florida throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Bahamas, and South America. You can even cruise all the way to Europe on transatlantic cruises from Florida! 

There are still some destinations that I haven't visited throughout the Caribbean, such as the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Rather than flying to the West Coast, I’d prefer to focus on visiting new ports of call that are more easily accessible from Florida.

However, Royal Caribbean has the largest West Coast presence.

Compared to other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the West Coast is unmatched. Loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers now have more chances than ever to set sail on some of the cruise line’s best ships.

For example, sister-brand Celebrity Cruises only offers limited sailings from Los Angeles, primarily consisting of one-time Panama Canal repositioning cruises. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line operate sailings from California, but typically with just one or two ships throughout the year.

With Royal Caribbean expanding its West Coast presence, cruisers can now explore Baja Mexico on a wider variety of itineraries. For the summer, Ovation of the Seas will rotate between 3-night, 5-night, and 6-night cruises until she repositions to Southeast Asia in the fall. Until then, guests can experience some of the most popular ports of call throughout Mexico.

During my recent 5-night cruise to Cabo San Lucas, my mom and I were blown away by how beautiful the city was. We were pleasantly surprised by the port, including how clean, safe, and well-maintained it was. The scenery was also absolutely breathtaking, making Cabo San Lucas one of the nicest places I’ve visited in the country. 

In hindsight, I wish I had booked a longer itinerary to experience more of the region during my trip to the West Coast, as I haven’t visited ports like Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan.

Even still, I’m not sure if I’ll cruise again from California anytime soon.

Royal Caribbean is deploying more mega ships to cruise from California, which is great news for those living on the West Coast. With an increasing number of amenity-packed ships sailing from the region, the cruise line is clearly making a long-term investment in the West Coast market.

However, I’ll probably stick to cruises from Florida. For me, this is mostly due to the distance and cost to travel to California. 

During our sailing, nearly everyone we met was from the local area, which likely reflects Royal Caribbean’s target audience for these itineraries. Most people hadn't traveled as far as we had for the 5-night sailing to Cabo. That said, I had a fantastic time on the cruise itself, and I loved experiencing Ovation of the Seas for the first time. The entertainment, dining options, and onboard amenities are some of Royal Caribbean's best. My mom and I had a wonderful mother-daughter vacation together and cherished our time onboard.

As a frequent cruiser, I’ve found that some itineraries are best enjoyed once, and that’s perfectly okay. For me, it just makes more sense to stick with cruises from Florida for convenience. If I want a quick weekend getaway cruise to Mexico, I can do that without flying across the country. 

However, for those living on the West Coast, Royal Caribbean’s California sailings are a convenient and appealing option. Just like I wouldn’t want to fly across the country for a short cruise, I imagine many Californians feel the same about flying to Florida. I’m genuinely excited that West Coasters get to experience, in my opinion, one of Royal Caribbean’s best ships with Ovation of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean is introducing new changes in 2025 that will have an impact on your vacation, as well as the cruise industry.

The year 2025 is already a big year for the cruise line, and Royal Caribbean is never content maintaining the status quo when it comes to their product. I'm reminded of Royal Caribbean Group Chairman Richard Fain's comments about how there is no "new normal" when it comes to cruise.

"When we design our ships, we talk about a design formula of one third tradition, one third evolution and one third revolution," he said in a video a few years ago. 

"As I said, our mantra is continuous improvement. And it means just that everything gets better. Every chance we get."

To that point, there are four big changes that we know about already for Royal Caribbean in 2025 that you should be tracking now. 

These tweaks, additions, and pluses are things to know before you cruise.

Opening the first beach club

The first of three beach clubs in Royal Caribbean's portfolio will open in 2025.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in Nassau, Bahamas and be unlike a private island experience.  It will be limited to just Royal Caribbean guests, but there will be an admission cost to it and not every passenger will have the opportunity to go because there is a maximum capacity.

It's essentially a Royal Caribbean run shore excursion, built to the standards their customers expect from them.  It incorporates some of the best features from Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with some new improvements.

The beach club is conveniently located where the cruise ships dock.  It will offer three pools with swim-up bars, live music, two beaches, and four restaurants.

The new club will officially open December 27, 2025 and bookings are now available to be made.

Two more beach clubs will open in the next few years in Cozumel, Mexico and Vanuatu.

It's a bold plan to offer something no other cruise line has, separating it from other vacations.

Major upgrades to Allure of the Seas

After delaying improvements to Allure of the Seas in 2020, one of the biggest cruise ship's in the world received some serious enhancements.

In March 2025, Allure of the Seas went into dry dock for about a month to undergo significant changes.

The ship received many additions, including:

• Redesigned Caribbean pool deck
• Ultimate Abyss slide
• New waterslides
• Kids aquapark
• Pesky parrot tiki bar
• Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade (specialty)
• Mason Jar southern American food restaurant (specialty)
• El Loco Fresh Mexican restaurant (included)
• Escape room
• Laser tag
• Upgraded kids & Teens spaces
• New suites

The total cost of all this work is $100 million-plus, and it will add so much more value into the ship.

Cabin recategorization

Beginning with cruises in 2025, Royal Caribbean will implement its new cabin codes.

These became visible when the 2025-2026 deployment was released, but we'll now have new room codes for certain cabins.

Part of the reason to make this change is to simplify the choices for travel agents as well as add new room types meant to appeal to certain types of people that cruise.

The goals of the room recategorization are:

• More options & configurations for guests with large families
• Separated Triple and Quad occupancy interior & oceanview staterooms
• New high occupancy guarantee staterooms
• New Junior Suite & Balcony categories

What this really means is this will be the first year the new room categories are in effect as it relates to the actual cabins on a ship. Most of this is changing the cruise lexicon, but it's important to be aware of these new sorts of cabins, especially if you're used to booking a certain room.

A prime example of this are the aft balcony cabins.

The aft facing balconies and Junior Suites are now going to be separated out as new categories new categories, starting with the Sunset Junior Suite.

Royal Caribbean says they are making the change so that guests can quickly and easily find these cabins.

Star of the Seas launch

It doesn't get more exciting than welcoming a new cruise ship, and the second Icon Class ship joins the fleet in 2025.

Star of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025.

Star is the follow-up to Icon of the Seas, and considering how popular Icon has been, this will be Royal Caribbean's attempt to match their success.

While the ship will be more similar to Icon than not, there are a few tweaks, updates, and changes we can expect on Star.

There will be a couple revamped and new dining choices. Pier 7 is getting completely replaced, while Empire Supper Club is getting a new motif.

It also looks like Star will have a Broadway show onboard, with Back to the Future: The Musical.

The launch of Star of the Seas has a side effect, in that it will shift Wonder of the Seas to offer short cruises from Miami. This is significant, because Wonder will become the second Oasis Class ship to sail weekend cruises.  And with Icon and Star offering weeklong cruises, and Utopia and Wonder doing short cruises, it sets up Royal Caribbean's proverbial chess pieces exactly where they want to be.

Royal Caribbean has opened bookings for its first beach club, and it has given us our best look yet of what to expect when it opens.

I've been following the project intently, all the way back to its inception in early 2020.  I think it's an exciting new option in a port that lacks fun things to do that are worth trying.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in very late December 2025, and it's essentially a super shore excursion run by Royal Caribbean that takes all of its best ideas from Perfect Day at CocoCay and amps them up.

In looking through what's been revealed, here are the five things that stood out to me the most about this week's announcement.

Two types of day passes

We knew Royal Caribbean would make the beach club all-inclusive, but I didn't know they'd offer a non-alcoholic option too.

In retrospect, it makes sense to offer a pass without an alcohol component to it. There are a lot of people who prefer not to drink alcohol, or cannot drink alcohol.

There are two passes:

• Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar & Dining, starting from $169.99 for guests ages 21+
• Day Pass with Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining, starting from $129.99 for guests ages 13+; $109.99 for ages 4-12; and free for guests ages 3 and under

I'm glad to see the option, especially for my family.  My wife never drinks enough to "break even" on all-inclusive day passes at beaches, so this is a good idea.

I'm going to need to come hungry

While I knew there would be food included, I didn't know how much new culinary choices would sound so good.

There is complimentary dining at three quick service style restaurants serving fresh handheld options, salads, sides and delicious desserts with a Bahamian twist.

I'm already starting my list of must-try food:

• Bahamian baked mac 'n cheese
• Vanilla bundt cake
• Fire engine fritters

Plus, there are new cocktails to try. The last few batches of new bars that Royal Caribbean has developed have come up with a great assortment of fresh drink ideas.  The beach club will have the Blood Orange Margarita, which sounds like the perfect refreshing drink on a hot day.

Sticker shock with the Ultimate Family Cabana

Cabanas at private islands aren't cheap, but I think the price of the Ultimate Family Cabana caught a lot of people's attention.

So far, the going rate for this new type of cabana is $10,000.

To be fair, this isn't like any other cabana Royal Caribbean has made before. It can accommodate up to 12 people and it comes with a private bathroom, reserved beach space, frozen drink machine, a suspended net lounger, spiral slide, and a lot more.

I think they envision this being rented for an extended family gathering to celebrate vacationing together and wanting to go big.

Unlike the Floating Flamingo in Party Cove, I think this is about offering an over-the-top beach day that's more welcoming to younger kids.

Short of an incredible sale, I doubt I'll ever book it, but I bet it's sure to deliver some amazing memories to those that can afford to book it.

The other cabanas are more inline price-wise with cabanas you'd find at CocoCay.  They're right around what you'd pay for similar cabanas at Hideaway Beach, for the most part.

Every pool has a swim-up bar

I didn't know how much I needed swim-up bars until Royal Caribbean added them to bars around CocoCay.

There are three pools, and each one—The Shallow End, The Deep End, and The Floating Flamingo—features a swim-up bar, making this the only Royal Caribbean destination where this is standard across all pools.

In fact, going forward swim-up bars will be common across the new land destinations Royal Caribbean is working on around the world.

What I like about the swim-up bars is the vibe you get by sitting there.  Even if you don't drink that much, I like the people watching aspect and opportunity to meet people.

Combine that with the fact the pools in the beach club will be heated, I love this idea.

The bundles are an interesting idea

One idea I didn't anticipate at all was offering a combination with the beach club and other add-ons.

You can combine a drink package and the beach club, or go one step further and combine it all with a visit to the water park.

I never considered a bundle as an idea that might work, but I bet a lot of cruisers are likely to want to book them anyway.

I'll have to do the math if it's saving you money. Royal Caribbean claims the price of the bundle at checkout is up to 45% less than those products added to cart individually.

No, the day pass prices didn't surprise me

If you're wondering, no, I wasn't surprised by the price for the day passes.  Royal Caribbean says it starts at $169, but in practice I've seen the prices closer to $250 per person.  

Even at those prices, it's right around the price of day passes to Atlantis and other resorts in Nassau.  And many of those do not include alcohol.

A day pass to Atlantis resort costs between $190-$255 per person. While that includes admission to Aquaventure, a massive water park, it does not include food or drink.

Baha Mar offers day passes to its Baha Bay waterpark to adults for $160. Once again, it does not include food or drink with that price.

Sometimes the smallest of actions can make a huge impact on your cruise. This definitely rang true on my most recent Royal Caribbean cruise to Europe.

I just got back from a dreamy cruise to Greece and Croatia, and there were four quick things I did before leaving home that made a positive impact on my vacation.

Most of these things only took a few minutes to complete, such as downloading a useful app to my phone or packing an anti-theft bag to use in port.

Despite their simplicity, the impact that these actions made on my cruise were enormous. I was able to relax and unwind during my vacation knowing I did just a few things correctly beforehand.

These are the four small things I’m glad I did before my Royal Caribbean European cruise.

I packed an anti-theft travel bag

One item I’ll never forget to pack on a European cruise is an anti-theft travel bag.

While on a trip to Italy in 2018, I naively left my iPhone sticking out of my coat pocket on Milan’s busy subway. Unsurprisingly, the phone was snatched out of my pocket within seconds, and the thief was nowhere to be found.

I wasn’t even angry when I realized my iPhone was missing—it was a stupid mistake on my part. Since then, however, I’ve taken precautions on every trip to ensure a similar incident never occurs again.

Related: How to keep your belongings safe in port

Pickpocketing can happen anywhere in the world, but some of the most popular European cruise ports are hotspots for pickpockets. Crowded tourist attractions like Rome’s Trevi Fountain and Barcelona’s Las Ramblas street are some of the most likely places to fall victim to this petty crime.

It’s easy to become distracted in bustling tourist areas, especially if you’re taking photos and putting your attention toward the sights rather than your pockets.

Because of this, I always wear this anti-theft backpack when exploring busy areas.

The backpack’s main zipper goes against my back, minimizing the risk of it being opened without my knowledge.

No anti-theft travel items are foolproof, but my backpack greatly reduces the risk of being pickpocketed, allowing me to better enjoy my port days without worrying about my belongings.

I downloaded useful travel apps to use in port

It’s important to download the Royal Caribbean app before cruising to Europe, but there are a handful of other apps you’ll want to download, too.

Before leaving for my cruise, I made sure to download a selection of travel apps on my phone to make my time in Europe much easier.

An absolute must-have is Google Translate. Even though you’ll usually find English menus in tourist areas, this isn’t always a guarantee. Plus, you’ll often find more authentic food at restaurants without an English menu.

During my port days in Greece, I used Google Translate to learn basic phrases when speaking to locals. Later, while eating lunch in Croatia, I used Google Translate’s picture tool to translate a menu into English.

I also utilized the GetYourGuide app on my cruise, which I used to book tours in my ports of call.

The app has dozens of tour options available for every port, and prices are much lower than those offered directly through the cruise line.

Lastly, if you’re planning to take any trains in Europe, I also recommend downloading the Trainline app.

Many cruise passengers travel by train before or after their European cruise. The easiest way to plan and book train travel is through Trainline, which offers train and bus tickets from over 200 providers in 40 countries.

By using Trainline, there’s no need to download individual apps for each train company, and it stores your digital tickets in the app for easy access.

I’ve used Trainline to book trains in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and The Netherlands, and the process has always been seamless.

I also planned extra days in my embarkation port before the cruise began

Jetlag is no joke—especially when flying to Europe.

If there’s one cruise tip I’ll share again and again, it’s to always arrive in your embarkation city at least one day in advance of your cruise. When cruising to Europe, arriving early protects you from travel delays and provides plenty of time to adjust to the local time zone.

Related: The worst part of flying to Europe could easily ruin half your cruise

One thing I made sure to do before my cruise was to fly to Europe not just one or two, but three days before embarkation day.

My cruise was set to depart from Italy on Saturday afternoon, so I flew from the US to Europe on Wednesday evening. I landed in Milan on Thursday morning, giving me two days of buffer time before the start of my cruise.

These extra days made a huge difference in my vacation. Not only did arriving early help me recover from jetlag, but it provided wiggle room in case I encountered travel delays.

As it turned out, my connecting flight to Italy was delayed. I sprinted through the airport in Zurich to make the connection just in time, but I could have easily missed the flight. Had this happened on embarkation morning, I would have risked missing my cruise altogether!

Plus, arriving early allowed me to explore my embarkation city before the cruise. I set sail from Ravenna, a small city in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. Although Ravenna is not as popular as cities like Florence and Venice, it’s one of my favorite destinations in the entire country.

The city is known for its 5th-century mosaics, which cover the walls and ceilings of Ravenna’s grandiose churches. Aside from art, Ravenna’s historic center is effortlessly charming. It features dozens of outdoor restaurants, wine bars, and shopping streets, but with a fraction of the tourists found in Italy’s bigger cities.

Regardless of whether your European cruise departs from Ravenna, Barcelona, Southampton, or another port, I always advise arriving early. Not only is it a smart move from a logistical standpoint, but it gives you extra free time to discover your embarkation city, too.

Lastly, I made sure I’d have international phone service

Before my European cruise, I double checked that I would not have any issues accessing the internet while in port. Having access to cellular coverage makes getting around foreign countries significantly easier.

International data policies vary from one cellular provider to another, though.

My T-Mobile Magenta Plan, for example, gives me access to high-speed data in over 215 countries and destinations free of charge. When I land in Europe, I simply turn off airplane mode and my phone will automatically connect to a local network.

AT&T, on the other hand, offers an International Day Pass for $12 per day.

Related: 11 things Americans should know before they travel to Europe for a cruise

Some travelers prefer using an eSim when visiting Europe. These are local sim cards you download directly to your phone. eSims allow you to connect directly to local networks, resulting in faster speeds compared to roaming on an international network.

Having cellular coverage in port is almost essential these days. You can use your phone to check directions, search for reviews at restaurants, and access digital entry tickets for attractions.

No matter which route you choose for international data, it’s a good idea to figure out all of the details before heading across the pond.

Royal Caribbean expanded its VIP offerings by selling arguably its best benefits a la carte on older ships.

Have you ever thought, "I'd pay money not to have to wait in line?" while on a cruise? Then this is the service for you.

Up until recently, the Royal Genie service was exclusively available on the newer and bigger ships only.  However, it's now being sold on at least two ships: Independence of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas.

You get the services of a Royal Genie, and it can be used with any stateroom, even a tiny inside cabin.  This gets you front of the line access, just about every extra cost included, and white glove service that no other passengers on your ship will enjoy.

Royal Caribbean rolled it out in April, and I booked it for an 8-night North European sailing on Independence of the Seas.  

I wanted to know how effective it would be on a smaller ship, given that I've tried it on the big ships.

The new option is non-refundable and non-transferable, so there's no way to cancel after you book (trust me, I tried).

It costs $300.00 per adult per day, and $200.00 per child per day (Guests under age 6 are complimentary).  

For my family of four over eight nights, it cost me $9,600 in total. And yes, I paid for all of it out my own pocket. Nothing was gifted to me by the cruise line or anyone else.

What's included with Royal Genie

Benefits of booking a genie include:

• Royal Genie Services: Arranges prime entertainment seating reservations, manages dining and activities reservations, coordinates luxury shopping onboard, plans special celebrations, handles special requests and much more!
• Deluxe Beverage Package (for all guests of legal drinking age)
• Refreshment Package (for all guests below legal drinking age)
• Complimentary Specialty Dining at select venues onboard
• Complimentary Room Service
• VOOM® — Powered by Starlink internet, 1 Device per guest in the reservation
• Complimentary Stateroom Mini Bar Beverages (Coca-Cola canned products)
• Still & Sparkling Water Bottle Delivery
• Complimentary Starbucks® Beverages
• VIP Luggage Service (Arrival & Departure)
• VIP Welcome Food & Beverage Amenity
• Suite Lounge Access
• Complimentary Ice Cream at Sugar Beach
• Reserved Seating in the Main Theater
• Designated time to FlowRider®, Rock Climbing Wall & Ice Skating
• Complimentary Stateroom Movies
• Malin+Goetz Bath Amenities

What does the Genie do

What you get with the Royal Genie is the "easy button" for your cruise, from start to finish.

I had Thaires (Thai) as my genie, and her job was to make my cruise as fun, magical, and easy as possible.

A few weeks before the cruise began, I got an email introducing her and her services.  Just like the Royal Genie on Royal Caribbean's big ships, these pre-cruise emails are meant to introduce and get to know the genie, while sharing your personal preferences.

I find the pre-cruise communication not that important.  I'll share my specialty dining requests and which beverages I want in the stateroom, but the real fun begins when you get onboard.

Your genie meets you in the cruise terminal and this is when everything becomes instantly easier.  They escort you onboard, and it's at this point they will do almost anything to ensure you have a better cruise.

Here's a list of simple and not-so-simple things my genie did:

• Solved multiple billing issues on my account
• Had the IT department in my cabin to add a repeater when I casually mentioned the internet signal was weak
• Signed my kids up for ice skating, skipping the line and sign up process.
• Reserved seats in any show in the Royal Theater
• Cut the line for us when disembarking the ship at a port of call
• Called elevators for us to not have to wait
• Decorated my stateroom door
• Kept my cabin stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Had Starbucks coffee delivered to my room every morning
• Kept a steady stream of snacks delivered to the cabin

There's more, but this is all I could remember specifically from the trip.

You message your genie through WhatsApp, but they will greet you around the ship.  Most genies will wait for you at the entrance to a restaurant or theater to escort you in, get you in a reserved seat, and attend to any requests you have.

Every genie has their own style, which means each one leans more into online or in-person communication, and they like to surprise you.

Thai decorated both of our staterooms, something I've never seen a genie do.  She also spent some time with us during the day to get to know us better.

Ultimately, the job of the genie is to remove obstacles and include every possible add-on you can imagine.

There are two areas the genie cannot help. First, is their services only work on the ship.  Even in the cruise terminal they can't assist, and when you're off the ship, that's time you can't use them.

The other area was actually delivering food.  Thai said she wasn't allowed to physically deliver food or drinks. If I wanted any, she could arrange to have it delivered by the room service team.

With other genies, I've had the genie bring me food or drink, even to a bar or public area.  However, that wasn't possible this time around.

Is the Royal Genie Package worth it?

The Royal Genie Package is the very definition of a splurge and not a dollar-for-dollar value.  

I think Royal Caribbean is offering this to a certain clientele that value convenience over everything else.  Up until now, they were relegated to only the new ships.

I've had a Royal Genie on a few other ships over the years, and the experience on Independence was just as good as those. If you're worried it's a watered down version, fear not.

Thai did just about anything and everything asked of her to make it easier.  I loved being able to text her my coffee order and avoid waiting in a long line at Cafe Promenade.

When our ship was delayed getting into Rotterdam, there was a giant line of passengers waiting to disembark, but Thai escorted us to the front of it and we bypassed everyone.

The only disappointment is that you can't take full advantage of what the Royal Genie can do given your cabin limitations. I was in a balcony cabin and there wasn't enough room to truly enjoy the genie perks you'd find in a mega suite.

At $300 per person, per day, there's no denying it's a very pricey upgrade. One can make the argument that if you were going to buy an unlimited drink package, The Key, and Unlimited Dining Package, that covers at least half the daily cost and it's not absurd a cost as it may look on paper.

I think Royal Caribbean would be the first to admit this isn't an offering for everyone.  It's something to cater to certain families that prioritize their comfort and make the cruise as easy as humanly possible.

I loved my week with Thai, and it was so nice getting treated like a VIP from start to finish. I liked it even more than I expected, even if the ship doesn't have as many venues compared to newer ships.

With multiple beaches, a swimming pool, and private cabanas, The Royal Beach Club is set to be an exciting new option for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers visiting Nassau, and we’re sharing everything you need to know about this exclusive beach day.

The Royal Beach Club is a new project by Royal Caribbean in partnership with The Bahamas. It’s located on Paradise Island—a narrow strip of land near the cruise port in Nassau—on a 17 acre property.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is available to book now for cruises arriving in Nassau beginning December 2025. Pricing varies by sailing and season. Day passes, cabanas, and premium add-ons can be reserved online or onboard, depending on availability.

Here’s what you should know before it opens.

*Information on this article is subject to change based on new announcements by Royal Caribbean.

What's included with your day pass

Despite its close proximity to the Nassau cruise port, which hosts over 12 different cruise lines, The Royal Beach Club is exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers. This is with the exception of Bahamian residents along with their friends and family, who can enjoy the beach club's facilities at a reduced rate.

There are two types of passes available:

1. All-Inclusive Day Pass (with alcohol):

   • Unlimited food and alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks

   • Access to all pools and beaches

   • Complimentary Wi-Fi

   • Roundtrip water taxi

   • Entertainment, beach games, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, restrooms, lockers

2. Day Pass (non-alcoholic only):

   • All of the above, minus alcoholic drinks (available à la carte)

Both passes include live music, DJ entertainment, and family-friendly beach activities.

Prices

• Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar & Dining, starting from $169.99 for guests ages 21+
• Day Pass with Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining, starting from $129.99 for guests ages 13+; $109.99 for ages 4-12; and free for guests ages 3 and under
• A bundle including the day pass and a beverage package, or paired with exclusive experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Three areas

Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is divided into three main areas: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach.

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect in each zone.

Family Beach

Family Beach is perfect for guests who want to relax in a more casual, kid-friendly atmosphere with easy access to food, drinks, and private spaces.

The Shallow End Pool & Swim-up Bar
A zero-entry pool designed for effortless access, this spot features a swim-up bar where you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail without leaving the water.

Beach Bars
Grab a refreshing beverage and enjoy the beach vibes from a shaded seat or a lounge chair in the sun.

Paradise Grill
Refuel with a variety of satisfying meals and snacks prepared with a Caribbean twist—everything from salads to local specialties.

Ultimate Family Cabana (Additional cost)
This two-story cabana offers a private retreat with luxury amenities for families or small groups. It’s the most premium experience available on the island.

Beach & Pool Cabanas (Additional cost)
Reserve a private shaded space with attendant service, plush seating, and upgraded amenities. Available in both beachside and poolside locations.

Party Cove

Party Cove is the social hub of the beach club. With nonstop music, drinks, and energy, this area is designed for adults and groups looking to celebrate.

The Floating Flamingo Pool & Swim-up Bar
This two-level swim-up bar is the largest of its kind in the world. Sip handcrafted cocktails while enjoying DJ sets and sweeping ocean views.

Bars
Enjoy a wide selection of drinks from multiple bars conveniently located throughout the cove.

Paradise Grill
Offering the same great menu as other sections of the beach club, this location ensures you’re never far from a delicious bite.

Day Beds (Additional cost)
Rent a cozy day bed complete with beverage service, an umbrella, beach towels, and a private storage area.

The Party Deck (Additional cost)
Elevate your celebration with a private poolside space featuring exclusive drink service, comfortable seating, and unmatched views of the action.

Chill Beach

For those in search of quiet and comfort, Chill Beach lives up to its name with a relaxed atmosphere and peaceful oceanfront spaces.

The Deep End Pool & Swim-up Bar
A serene setting for sipping cocktails or mocktails directly from the pool while soaking in the tranquil island scenery.

Beach Bars
Find your favorite tropical drink and enjoy it under an umbrella or from your lounger.

Paradise Grill
Conveniently located to serve beachgoers, this grill offers a wide array of fresh and flavorful dishes.

Beach and Pool Cabanas (Additional cost)
Upgrade your day with a private cabana that comes with comfortable seating, a personal attendant, and scenic views.

Dining around the club

All dining is included in your day pass and is served at three Paradise Grill locations throughout the property. These casual, quick-service spots offer freshly prepared dishes with a Bahamian flair.

Must-try items include:

• Fire Engine Fritters (corned beef and cheese)

• BBQ Black Bean Burger

• Pinwheel Shrimp Skewers with guava glaze

• Tropical Salad with pineapple, feta, and candied walnuts

• Bahama-style baked mac & cheese

• Vanilla bundt cake with guava sauce

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available throughout, though kosher meals are not offered at this time.

Cabanas, Day Beds & The Party Deck

For those seeking upgraded experiences, Royal Beach Club offers a wide variety of private spaces for rent:

Cabana Options (all include a personal attendant)

• Pool Cabanas (248–310 sq. ft.) – Shaded lounge with in-water loungers and Bluetooth speakers

• Beach Cabanas (248 sq. ft.) – Four loungers and ocean views at Chill or Family Beach

• Spacious Pool or Beach Cabanas (395 sq. ft.) – Up to 10 guests; includes wet bar, TV, mini fridge, hanging chair

• Ultimate Family Cabana (2,000 sq. ft.) – A two-story, top-tier retreat for up to 12 guests, with premium amenities and privacy

Other Premium Rentals

• Day Beds (Party Cove) – For two guests; includes umbrella, cooler, towels, and dry storage

• The Party Deck (720 sq. ft.) – Private poolside area for up to 12 guests overlooking The Floating Flamingo bar; includes mini fridge, exclusive beverage menu, charging station, and more

All rentals are available to book in advance via the Cruise Planner or onboard at the Shore Excursions desk. They can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.

Key Differences from Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Royal Beach Club is a paid, all-inclusive beach club in Nassau

• Perfect Day at CocoCay is free to enter and offers more thrill-based attractions (such as water slides and a wave pool)

• CocoCay is a full private island; Royal Beach Club is a shore excursion on Paradise Island

• Royal Beach Club emphasizes premium beach leisure, food, and drinks rather than waterpark-style fun

Frequently Asked Guest Questions

Is there a capacity limit?
Yes. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island has a capacity that varies seasonally.

Who is allowed to purchase admission to the club?
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is open exclusively to Royal Caribbean Group guests (on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea) and Bahamian residents.

Are there any age restrictions to enter Royal Beach Club Paradise Island?
All guests are welcome to enter Royal Beach Club and are welcome to enjoy their day pass in all areas.

What identification is required?
Bring your SeaPass card and government-issued ID when disembarking.

Can I bring my own bag or backpack?
Yes. Complimentary lockers are available on-site.

Do I get a discount on a day pass if I already purchased a Deluxe Beverage Package?
No. Guests must book a bundle that combines a beverage package with a day pass. Otherwise, beverages are included based on the pass type purchased.

Is Royal Beach Club Paradise Island wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Water taxis and the destination are both accessible.

A Caribbean nation has added a new measles requirement to tourists, including those that visit by cruise ship.

Honduran authorities recently announced that they're requiring documentation to show proof of a measles vaccine for travelers coming from the United States, even those arriving by sea. 

If someone can't receive the vaccine, they must show proof 72 to 80 hours before their flight of a negative measles test. 

The new requirement went into effect four days ago, but travelers onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships haven't been notified about any changes regarding the updated entry rules, leaving passengers confused about what to expect. 

Honduras' new health measure seems to be part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of measles, a highly contagious virus that infected roughly 10.3 million people worldwide in 2023, amid rising global numbers, particularly in the United States.

A few days ago, Michigan reported the state's second outbreak, bringing the U.S.'s total confirmed cases this year to over 1,200. Health workers have also been rushing to contain an outbreak in a country jail in New Mexico, according to the Associated Press. 

As of June 24, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,227 measles cases in 37 states and jurisdictions, including:

• Alaska
• Arkansa
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York City
• New York State
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington

In 95% of cases, the vaccination status is "unvaccinated or unknown." Just 5% of the confirmed cases have had either one or two doses of the MMR vaccine. 

Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and/or red, watery eyes. Within a few days, small white spots, known as Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth, followed by a distinctive red rash that can spread from the head to the rest of the body. 

The virus is dangerous and can lead to serious complications, especially in babies and young children. 

Roatán is a popular port of call on Western Caribbean itineraries

In July and August, four Royal Caribbean ships are slated to call at the Coxen Hole port in Roatán: Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas. 

Carnival also has a private port in Honduras called Mahogany Bay. Between both ports of call, over 25 visits are expected in July alone. 

This means thousands of U.S travelers could be affected by the new vaccination requirement this summer.

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras advises travelers to have travel documents up to date and easily accessible, as well as to carry proper identification at all times. It's also important to visit the CDC Travelers' Health Page and monitor local media for updates.