Royal Caribbean Blog

A powerful nor'easter is hitting New Jersey on Sunday that's caused one Royal Caribbean cruise ship to stay in port overnight.

Passengers on Symphony of the Seas have posted on social media they will not be able to depart as scheduled today.

Royal Caribbean's cruise ships operate out of Cape Liberty, New Jersey, which is located in Bayonne Harbor in Lower New York Harbor.

"It is now official, staying in port overnight per a ship announcement," one person posted on Facebook on Sunday afternoon. "Leaving dock briefly to make room for a container ship but then returning to the dock."

The storm was moving up the east coast of the United States, bringing bands of heavy rain and fierce winds.  The region is forecasted to experience sustained winds of 15-25MPH with 35-50MPH gusts.

An email sent to passengers on Thursday said Symphony would only set sail if it's safe to do so, "Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we have been closely monitoring a developing coastal low-pressure system forecast to impact the port of Cape Liberty beginning on Sunday. 

"Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, we will continue to monitor the ocean storm system and only depart once we deem it is safe to do so."

Symphony will remain in port

Because of the storm conditions, it appears Symphony will not depart to start the sailing until at least tomorrow.

Guests on the ship claim there was an announcement onboard that the ship will not leave today.

"They just announced it- not leaving today!"

This is likely due to the fact the Port of New York and New Jersey is temporarily closed to all incoming and outgoing vessels. 

Royal Caribbean moved up boarding times because of the storm

Before the storm hit, the plan was speed up embarkation due to the arrival of the storm.

Guests booked on the October 12 sailing received emails on Thursday advising them that their check-in times would be much earlier.

"To ensure a smooth boarding process, please arrive two (2) hours earlier than your pre-selected arrival window!"

"All guests should be checked-in and onboard by 12:30 PM."

That's quite early, as usually check-in times don't begin until around 11am and end at 3pm.

Instead, boarding began as early as 8:30am. That's usually a time when passengers from the previous sailing are still onboard.

No updated itinerary yet

Royal Caribbean has not announced any itinerary changes yet to the sailing.

The original plan was for Symphony of the Seas to sail a 7-night Bahamas and Perfect Day cruise. The ship is scheduled to have stops at Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay; before returning to Cape Liberty on October 19, 2025.

Cruisers on Facebook shared their understanding of the developing situation, but expect there to be changes.

• "This should be a interesting route change with the ship not leaving until Tuesday."
• "It is not uncommon to skip or change ports. Unfortunately, it happens often."
• "Regardless of when we leave tomorrow or Tuesday, the itinerary will have to change. There is just not enough time to complete the current itinerary."

High winds and coastal flooding are possible

The storm has forced New Jersey to declare a state of emergency.

The storm is expected to impact New York Harbor from Sunday afternoon until about 8pm on Monday.

From Sunday afternoon through Monday evening, rounds of heavy rain and wind will pivot through the region. In between the rounds will be some lulls in activity. The heaviest bout of rain is anticipated to arrive late Sunday night into the early hours of Monday morning. 

The storm is especially strong along the coast, with less impact inland.

Winds are also likely to be highest in the early hours of Monday morning. After stalling along the Jersey Shore for most of Monday, the low will slowly move to the east by Monday night. Lingering showers could last into early Tuesday, though. 

The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

Royal Caribbean revealed new features coming to Legend of the Seas.

Legend of the Seas will feature a Broadway musical, new restaurants, and new experiences too.

The new cruise ship enters service in 2026, and will offer an immersive dining experience sail in a full-size rail car.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean makes drink package change
• Cruiser records guest with mattress on balcony. Sparks debate about privacy
• NCL's new drink package rule leaves Royal Caribbean fans wondering if they'll do the same
• Tropical storm path forces Royal Caribbean ship to remain in Puerto Rico overnight
• Royal Caribbean changes cruise itinerary to avoid hurricane
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Director schedule
• What food is included at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

New RCB Video: Why Royal Caribbean is only building bigger ships

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

This week, we are sharing our latest video: Why Royal Caribbean is only building bigger ships

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

Royal Caribbean clarifies drink card question cruisers have debated for years

It's official: that coffee card is more valuable now.

According to the cruise line website, you can re-use your coffee card on multiple sailings. Not only can you share it, but you can extend its value well beyond a single sailing.

This is significant because it used to only be limited to the cruise you bought it on.

Man breaks Guinness World Record on Royal Caribbean cruise

There's a new world record holder for running a marathon on a cruise ship.

The Guinness Book of World Records has confirmed Shane Wood ran a full marathon while on Ovation of the Seas.

Not only did he do it, but he finished it in under 3 hours.

I tried a whiskey tasting in the new Royal Railway train car

You can experience a classic train car experience along with high quality whiskey on one Royal Caribbean ship.

Matt got the chance to try out a whiskey tasting class that is held in the Royal Railway, which is an immersive train car restaurant.

Unlike the dinner option, this is a quicker way to see what this next-gen restaurant is really like.

Royal Caribbean changes kids club prices

Prices have gone up for Adventure Ocean and the nursery.

Royal Caribbean appears to have increased the price for after hours care at Adventure Ocean for when kids stay late past 10pm.

Likewise, the hourly charge for the nursery has gone up a few dollars.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 578th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt is joined by Chris Gray Faust from Cruise Critic to look back at how cruising has changed from 30 years ago to today. Has it all been for the best?

We update our podcast weekly, so subscribe for more updates via YouTube, iTunes, Google Podcasts, or RSS.

You can also leave us a rating or review on iTunes, so go ahead and check it out! We appreciate your feedback.

Staying hydrated on cruise ships is important, and Royal Caribbean is apparently trying to make it easier by selling hydration packets at its onboard bars. 

According to one Facebook post, some cruisers have begun seeing Liquid I.V. packets on Royal Caribbean ships. Not only that, but the packets are listed as being included in drink packages on select sailings. 

One user shared a screenshot of the Deluxe Beverage Package terms and conditions from the app, and it clearly states that "Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier drink mix packets" are included. 

Other people chimed in, saying that they had seen the packets onboard ships at bars. 

(Credit: Facebook)

"On symphony every bar had packets of it," one person wrote. 

Another added, "Every bar had the packets on STAR and UTOPIA."

"On Mariner, I saw it at Cafe Promenade," said someone else. 

Other comments revealed that Royal Caribbean is also offering a new beverage bundle that includes Evian water and Liquid I.V. packets. 

Andrew Kerr shared that the "Ultimate Hydration Package" on his Symphony of the Seas cruise starts at $35.99 per package. 

Still, it seems that the availability of the Liquid I.V. packets is something that's being rolled out slowly. 

(Credit: Facebook)

Although one Facebook user saw that Liquid I.V. packets were included in the Deluxe Beverage Package on their Oasis of the Seas cruise, others have reported that the packets don’t appear on the drink package list in the Royal Caribbean app for their sailings.

For example, two cruisers did not see anything mentioned about Liquid I.V. packets for their upcoming cruises on Wonder of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas. 

Liquid I.V. packets are filled with electrolytes, so your body can absorb water faster and keep you feeling hydrated and energized during your sailing. 

Maintaining proper hydration helps prevent negative side effects like fatigue and headaches, which can put a damper on your vacation. 

When purchased on Amazon, a 16-pack of Liquid I.V. packets runs at about $23 to $24 USD, breaking down to roughly $1.45 per packet. 

If these packets are truly a new addition to the Deluxe Beverage Package, it would add more value to the pricey package. 

Instead of paying out of pocket for the packets or worrying about packing them, guests can enjoy them as one of the benefits of the (nearly) all-inclusive drink package. 

They would also give passengers another option other than Powerade or bottled water. For instance, instead of carrying a full drink off the ship, you could pick up one of the packets and add it to a glass of water during lunch ashore. 

Putting mattresses on cruise balconies isn't exactly a new trend. However, one guest took the idea to a whole new level. 

A viral video taken at Perfect Day at CocoCay shows a Royal Caribbean passenger with a rollaway cot on their balcony, comfortably relaxing and reading. The unidentified guest also made a make-shift nightstand with one of the balcony's chairs. 

The passenger was sailing aboard Allure of the Seas, according to the ship's lifeboats. It wasn't the first time someone had done some light redecorating on their balcony on Allure, either! 

In March 2024, two guests were caught lying on their mattress on the balcony while the ship was docked at CocoCay. The Facebook post garnered mixed opinions from Royal Caribbean fans and cruisers alike. 

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

The TikTok showing the cruiser on the cot, which was posted by user @cartelmarcel, has received over 165k likes, 2,400 comments, and 1,900 shares since being posted in February 2025. 

And like the previous incident, the TikTok sparked a flurry of opinions across the cruising community, with many defending the passenger’s creativity and vacation. 

"Imagine judging someone for relaxing on their vacation that they paid for 😬🙄," one TikToker wrote

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

"Let's normalize not recording people all the damn time," another added. 

One user commented, "They thought it was weird to roll a bed onto a balcony but not weird to record someone who is minding their own business?" 

Should you film cruisers without permission?

(Credit: Facebook)

The act of filming other cruise passengers, without their knowledge or consent, has gotten a lot of criticism online.

Although balcony rooms are often visible from other cabins, especially when docked in port, many still believe they are entitled to privacy on their balcony. 

"People have no privacy these days," someone commented on @cartelmarcel's TikTok, "There should be a law against people recording and posting you without your consent." 

That said, because there are no rules prohibiting this, you should be careful with what you do on your balcony — or anywhere else on the ship.

If you don't want to become the next viral sensation, you shouldn't do anything that you would not be okay with being shared online. 

Moving cruise cabin furniture out to your balcony is becoming popular amongst cruisers

(Credit: @naomijaneadams/TikTok)

The guests on Allure of the Seas aren't the only cruisers who have been caught with cabin mattresses on their balconies. Another guest was criticized for creating a bed on their balcony while sailing to Antarctica. 

In a viral TikTok shared in June 2024, Naomi Adams posted herself on her verandah with a plush comforter and the text, "Is somebody gonna match my freak (travel to Antarctica and set up my bed on the ship balcony so I don't miss any whales penguins & seals)."

Another person posted that a twin-sized mattress fits perfectly on Carnival Breeze's balconies:

Read more: Passenger criticized on TikTok for making a bed on cruise ship balcony

(Credit: @numberonecrush88/Reddit)

"...[W]e figured out that the twin sized mattresses fit on the carnival breeze cove balconies. Way more comfortable than a deck chair. We were very careful to not damage or dirty anything and we put everything back where we found it after enjoying some wine and a cheese plate on the balcony," numberonecrush88 wrote on Reddit. 

Even with the trend becoming more popular on social media, not everyone is on board with the idea of dragging cabin mattresses onto the balcony. 

"Hmm, I think bringing an air mattress would be a good alternative to using the bed mattress. I don’t love the idea of people putting the mattress on the ground overnight then back in the cabin. I feel like the mattress will get damp that way," one Redditor said. 

"Nah, this is weird. Other people now have to sleep on that mattress that was sitting on an exterior floor. I get [that] those mattresses aren’t the cleanest to begin with, but this is unnecessary. So many people lack [self-awareness], it’s crazy. There are chairs out there for a reason,” said someone else. 

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) just made a drink package change that even Royal Caribbean fans don’t like because they’re worried of the precedent it sets.

Effective March 1, 2026, Norwegian's "More at Sea" drink package will no longer be valid at Great Stirrup Cay. However, complimentary beverages, like iced tea, juices, and water, will still be provided.

Instead, NCL will release a new package specifically for use on its private island — for an additional cost. The cost is unknown at this time, but Norwegian claims they will be available for booking on Jan. 1, 2026. 

The move has sparked discussions among cruise enthusiasts. Some noticed that Royal Caribbean is already implementing a similar policy at its new beach club in Nassau. 

Read more: Norwegian just made an unpopular drink package change at its private island

"I am wondering if there is a new Bahamian policy or law regarding alcohol sales, because it was recently announced that on Royal Caribbean’s new “private club” in Nassau (the one you could literally throw a baseball to from the end of the cruise ship pier), the same thing is happening," one person shared on Reddit. 

And they're right. Royal Caribbean drink packages will not work at the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island. Rather, there are different day passes that include food and beverages. 

The more expensive option includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, while the cheaper pass includes all non-alcoholic beverages — though alcoholic drinks are available à la carte. 

Everyone who wants to visit the new beach club must purchase a day pass, even if they have a Royal Caribbean drink package for the ship. 

Would Royal Caribbean ever ban drink packages from Perfect Day at CocoCay?

It's unlikely. Perfect Day at CocoCay is essentially an extension of the onboard experience. As such, drink packages and Crown & Anchor drink vouchers are accepted across the island, from the swim-up bars to the overwater cabanas. Wi-Fi even works on the island, too.

This is different from the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, which will function more like a shore excursion than a private island. If you don't purchase a day pass, you can't access the exclusive club and can explore other parts of Nassau instead. 

There's very little reason for Royal Caribbean to limit its drink package at CocoCay. In fact, doing so would undermine one of its biggest selling points, especially for guests who value the convenience and cost savings of prepaid cruise amenities. 

Following Norwegian’s announcement that its "More at Sea" drink package will no longer be valid at Great Stirrup Cay starting March 2026, many cruisers have taken to social media to express frustration, with some even debating whether to cancel future sailings.

It's even more surprising considering that the cruise line is investing $150 million to upgrade the island to better compete with CocoCay's amenities. By the end of 2026, Great Stirrup Cay will have a brand-new water park, pier, heated pool with swim-up bar, family-friendly splash pad, and more. 

"Yeah...we are gold status in NCL, but stuff like this has me ready to look elsewhere. Interesting...they are starting this now that a dock will be in place and more ships will actually stop there," wrote one Reddit user. 

Another added, "Wow!!! I was already disappointed that the Vibe Beach Club doesn’t extend to GSC. We might be just staying onboard at that stop! No thanks!"

"Wow this feels like a money grab especially with CocoCay across the water still honoring the RCL drink packages," one comment read. 

Carnival doesn't accept its drink packages at Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key, either. Last year, Carnival hiked the price of its CHEERS! package to over $80 per day, even if purchased in advance. 

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key

Still, it can't be used at any of the line's private destinations. This is considered to be one of the biggest criticisms from guests.

Once NCL's new drink package rule goes into effect, Royal Caribbean will be one of the only cruise lines that lets guests use its drink packages ashore, along with MSC Cruises (Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve) and Princess Cruises (Princess Cays).

A good cruise director can make an already exciting voyage even more memorable.

The cruise director is often at the forefront of the onboard activities, from themed parties to the morning TV show. Their attitude and enthusiasm set the tone for the entire cruise.

If you’ve had an awesome cruise director before, then you know how important they are to the overall experience.

Whether you are curious about who the cruise director is on your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise or want to book your next sailing with your favorite, the schedule below can help.

Editor's note: schedules can change at any time due to crew rotations and personal circumstances. We will update this article as new information becomes available. If you would like to share the cruise director on your current sailing, please email [email protected].

The last update was made on October 10, 2025

Adventure of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

John Blair 
As of: January 11, 2025
Sign off date: October 31, 2025

Allure of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Michele Scarpato 
As of: September 21, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Anthem of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Michelle Oliveira
As of: July 12, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Brilliance of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Kat Falcon
As of: July 11, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Enchantment of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Rob McNally
As of: August 16, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Explorer of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook. Rous is on the right)

Mark Rous
As of: September 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Freedom of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Caroline Peters
As of: August 24, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Grandeur of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Chris Gruby
As of: September 13, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Harmony of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Mario Isla
As of: Unknown
Sign off date: November 9, 2025

Icon of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Gemma Hugo
As of: August 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Independence of the Seas

Susan Adams
As of: September 10, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Jewel of the Seas

Eric Lopez
As of: October 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Liberty of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Tami Salto
As of: August 30, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Mariner of the Seas

Bobby Broughton
As of: July 3, 2025
Sign off date: November 15, 2025

Navigator of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Daniel Gilham
As of: September 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Oasis of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Cory Rogers
As of: August 8, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Odyssey of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Steve Knisley
As of: 11/5/2025
Sign off date: TBA

Ovation of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

James Robinson
As of: September 22, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Quantum of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Bal Gabor
As of: Unknown
Sign off date: TBA

Radiance of the Seas

Bill Brunkhors
As of: August 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Rhapsody of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Carlo Loga
As of: September 14, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Serenade of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Joff Eaton
Sign on date: Unknown
Sign off date: TBA

Spectrum of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Bonnie Bai
Sign on date: Unknown
Sign off date: TBD

Star of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Chris Brown
As of: October 12, 2025
Sign off date: TBD

Symphony of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram. Armstrong is on the right)

Lauren Armstrong
As of: September 14, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Utopia of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Marc Walker
Sign on date: October 3, 2025
Sign off date: January 31, 2026

Vision of the Seas

Clo O’Connor
Sign on date: July 31, 2025
Sign off date: October 9, 2025

Voyager of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Sheenagh Walker
As of: August 11, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Wonder of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Ricky Matthews
Sign on date: September 12, 2025
Sign off date: November 28, 2025

What does a Royal Caribbean cruise director do?

A cruise director is responsible for overseeing all entertainment and guest activities on the ship. 

They plan the onboard entertainment, including parties and shows, and coordinate with performers, musicians, and other entertainment staff to ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule. 

As a public figure, they will also make onboard announcements, host events, and mingle with guests. A good cruise director is friendly and energetic, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for passengers. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay quickly became a fan favorite after its multi-million dollar renovation in 2019. Royal Caribbean transformed the island into a vibrant paradise tailored to every kind of traveler. However, many first-time visitors don't understand what is and isn't included. 

Thankfully, there are so many complimentary activities that you don't have to worry about spending extra money on the island. Everything from the sprawling beaches to the massive swimming pool, live music, and kids' splash zone is included in your cruise fare. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay also offers a variety of complimentary dining options that make it easy to grab a quick snack or refuel during lunch without needing to return to the ship. 

There are four Snack Shacks on the island that dish up favorites like mozzarella sticks, crispy chicken sandwiches, funnel cakes, and more. 

Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill offer more variety, from BBQ classics to tacos, sandwiches, salads, soft-serve ice cream, and more. Every dining venue also has at least one drink station with complimentary water and juice. 

Guests can enjoy as much food as they'd like throughout the day. For instance, you can visit the Snack Shack for a mid-morning snack of mozzarella sticks, then head over to the buffet later for a more filling lunch.

Perfect Day at CocoCay food

Starting with the Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill, you will find everything from a taco bar to Cuban sandwiches, hot dogs, freshly grilled burgers, and more. 

The taco bar is, understandably, a favorite. Each tortilla is freshly made with the on-site tortilla press, and I think they're better than the ones served onboard at El Loco Fresh! 

Plus, there are flour and corn options. The latter is perfect for those who enjoy the traditional taste of authentic tacos (and yes, you can add cilantro and lime!). 

When it comes to protein, options typically include pork, chicken, and steak carnitas, as well as marinated beans for vegetarians. 

Mexican rice is also available. It's a great filling or side!

There are different choices for cruisers who have had their fair share of tacos on board. Other complimentary options include burgers (with or without cheese), hot dogs, and BBQ chicken. 

And what goes better with a juicy burger than corn on the cob or French fries? 

Once you’ve filled your plate, the salsa and toppings bar is a must-visit. Whether you want to spruce up your burger with tomatoes, lettuce, and onions or fill your taco with cheese, guacamole, shredded cheese, and jalapeños, there's no shortage of ways to customize your meal. 

There's even a decent selection of hot salsas for those who want an extra kick. 

In addition to all the island BBQ staples, Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill also serve up a variety of ready-to-go sandwiches. 

These include the shaved ribeye cheesesteak sandwich, the Cuban sandwich, and the portobello & mozzarella sandwich. 

There's an assortment of fresh salads, too. 

From crisp mixed greens to the heartier country potato salad and refreshing tomato cucumber salad, there's a side for everyone. 

No beach day is perfect without fresh fruit, either. 

You can grab as many slices of watermelon, pineapple, bananas, or oranges as your heart desires since it's all included. 

And to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, there are brownies and cookies (conveniently located near the fruit). 

I love getting a brownie and topping it with vanilla soft-serve ice cream! You can even make a small ice cream sandwich to enjoy on the beach. 

Outside of the two buffets, there are four Snack Shacks around the island, located in Breezy Bay, Thrill Waterpark, Hideaway Beach, and South Beach.

Although some of the food is the same as the buffets (i.e., chocolate chip cookies, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chocolate caramel brownies), there are a few items that have developed a cult-like following — most notably, the mozzarella sticks. 

Pro tip: Order the crispy chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks with marinara to create a DIY chicken parmigiana sandwich. Instead of the cheese being melted, you get an extra crunch from the breaded mozzarella sticks. 

You can also order lighter options from the Snack Shack, such as a grilled vegetable salad or a Greek salad. 

Coco Beach Club menu and food

Coco Beach Club is not included in your cruise fare. However, if you purchase admission to the upscale club, you can eat at the private restaurant, which features an elevated 3-course menu, for no extra charge. 

The sit-down meal begins with a selection of tapas, including hummus, ceviche, and baba ganoush. Then, you can pick a made-to-order entrée. The entrées aren't basic hot dogs or burgers, either — think entire lobsters, filet mignon, and garlic tiger prawns. 

The third course, dessert, shouldn't be missed. It features decadent options like the Bahamian rum-soaked cake, tropical fruit sorbet, and brownies. 

Hideaway Beach Coco Cay food

Like with the Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Beach isn't part of the complimentary amenities at CocoCay. That said, the adult-only beach is more reasonably priced compared to Coco Beach Club. 

The food at Hideaway Beach is also included in the price of admission — and there are a few exclusive options that can't be found at other venues around the island. 

For example, although the Hideaway Hut essentially is just another Snack Shack, it also offers a coconut shrimp basket (my personal favorite!), a fish sandwich, and ceviche.

Additionally, Hideaway Beach is the only place on the island where guests can get pizza and empanadas. The Island Guava Barbeque Chicken is a favorite for its sweet and tangy flavor. 

One Royal Caribbean guest sailed straight into the Guinness World Records after running the fastest marathon distance run on a ship in December 2024. 

Shane Wood's New Year's cruise on Ovation of the Seas was more than just a holiday vacation with his family. 

While sailing in the Tasman Sea from Sydney, Australia, to New Zealand, Wood attempted to break the world record for the fastest marathon distance run (completed by a male). 

He crossed the "finish line" in record time, completing the marathon in just 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 47 seconds. In total, he ran 78 laps around the 1,141-foot-long cruise ship and had an overall pace of 4 minutes and 10 seconds per lap. 

While the Ovation of the Seas feat earned him a Guinness World Records title, it wasn’t his fastest marathon to date; he completed the 2024 Melbourne Marathon in 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 14 seconds.

It also wasn't the first time he had ever run a marathon on a cruise ship. While sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023, he impulsively decided to run a full marathon on a port day in Noumea when the vessel was empty. 

"I've always looked for things to motivate my training and challenge myself, and this felt like one of those moments," he said in an exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean Blog. 

His friend mentioned that he might have broken the unofficial record for the fastest marathon run on a ship. 

Curious, he did some digging and eventually contacted Guinness World Records. It took over one year to get the attempt registered and to work through the logistics, but it gave his training more of a purpose. 

After completing a marathon in October 2024, Wood took a few weeks to recover before hyperfocusing on preparing for the world record attempt on his holiday cruise. 

"[I] went straight into a focused two-month marathon training block specifically to prepare for the Gusiness World Record attempt," he recalled. 

He already had a solid foundation in place, though. In a normal week, he runs an average of 120 kilometers (~74 miles), so while he had two months of dedicated marathon prep, it wasn't anything he wasn't used to. 

Wood added, "[My training] was really built on years of consistent high-volume training."

That consistency started nearly a decade ago, when he first took up running at the age of 45. At the time, his daughter was on her school's rowing team, and they trained as early as 7:00 a.m. After dropping her off, he began walking on the bay's running track. Soon enough, the walks turned into runs, and as her training schedule intensified, he found himself running more often. 

What's next for Wood? Since becoming a Guinness World Record holder, he has continued to train and compete in various marathons. However, his main goal is to break the Australian male 55 marathon record of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 14 seconds — nobody has beaten the time since George McGrath set it in 1975, though John Meagher tied the record in 2018. 

"Alongside that, I'm also working to maintain my 3-hour marathon pacer role, which I really enjoy...It's incredibly rewarding to help other runners achieve their goals while staying sharp myself," he said. 

You can follow Wood's running journey on his Instagram! 

Not the first time Ovation of the Seas has been involved in a Guinness World Record

In 2016, Ovation of the Seas helped earn Royal Caribbean a Guinness World Record for the tallest observation deck on a cruise ship. 

The North Star Observation Capsule measured 290 feet and 8 inches above the water line on October 29, 2016, in Hong Kong, China. 

That said, Ovation of the Seas wasn't the first cruise ship with this innovative feature. The North Star initially debuted on Quantum of the Seas in 2014. Since then, it's become a Quantum Class staple aboard Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, and Odyssey of the Seas. 

The unique observation capsule lifts guests high above the ocean for panoramic, 360-degree views.

Royal Caribbean changed an itinerary on its newest ship to avoid Tropical Storm Jerry. 

The disturbance developed into a tropical storm on October 7, which prompted Star of the Seas to cancel a scheduled port of call in St. Maarten. Instead, the 248,663 gross-ton ship will remain in San Juan, Puerto Rico, overnight on Oct 8. 

The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departed on Sunday, Oct. 5, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Thankfully, guests were able to enjoy their visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Monday, followed by a day at sea on Tuesday. 

"Due to the expected path of Tropical Storm Jerry, The A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities wishes to inform the public of the following ship cancellation: Star of the Seas. Thursday, October 9th, 2025," the Port St. Maarten Group shared on Facebook. 

A current passenger confirmed the change, saying that the Cruise Director delivered the news via the intercom across the ship and into everyone's cabins. 

"[The] cruise director [spoke] right to our cabin in an announcement. Two days in San Juan instead," Sheri Edmondson-Wood commented on Port St. Maarten Group's post. 

Star of the Seas arrived in Puerto Rico around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8. She will remain there overnight until Oct. 9, giving guests more time to enjoy Puerto Rican cuisine and take advantage of the nightlife. 

Read more: Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

A few weeks ago, Star had another Caribbean itinerary changed to avoid a strengthening tropical storm system in the Atlantic Ocean.

Rather than sailing to the Eastern Caribbean, Royal Caribbean's newest ship headed west to steer clear of the storm and rough seas. This meant they did not visit the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas. 

Guests were notified of the itinerary change before embarkation in an email. 

How strong is Tropical Storm Jerry?

As of the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) 11:00 a.m. AST advisory on Oct. 8, Tropical Storm Jerry had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was headed west-northwest at 23 mph. 

Tropical Storm Jerry is the 10th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and could strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday as it continues to churn over the open ocean. 

Regardless, the storm is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to parts of the northern Leeward Islands, British Virgin Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands, including heavy rainfall from Thursday to Saturday. 

Tropical storm watches have been placed into effect for cruise destinations like St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Antigua, and Anguilla.

As such, more cruise ships will likely begin to adjust their plans, especially those with scheduled visits to the Eastern Caribbean, as Jerry continues on its projected path. 

For example, Oasis of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship currently on a 7-night Caribbean cruise, is expected to call at St. Kitts on Oct. 9. 

Read more: I booked a cruise during hurricane season. Although the itinerary was changed, I had a great time

Royal Caribbean has officially confirmed that its Specialty Coffee Card can be used on multiple cruises, ending years of confusion among loyal guests.

For years, Royal Caribbean cruisers were unsure about policies regarding the Specialty Coffee Cards offered by the cruise line. As one of the more popular drink add-ons, a Specialty Coffee Card provides 15 punches for specialty coffees at a discounted rate. This includes everything from iced lattes to chai teas and Frappuccinos during your cruise. 

However, one of the biggest points of confusion surrounding the coffee card was whether any unused punches could be carried over to future cruises. Some cruisers would share success stories of using the same card on multiple Royal Caribbean cruises, while others were told the punch card was only valid for the one sailing.

Now, Royal Caribbean has clearly stated that Specialty Coffee Cards can be used during multiple sailings. During a recent cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas, Marc Van Niekerk, a Royal Caribbean Blog reader, shared photos of an updated version of the card.

The text on the back of the Specialty Coffee Card now clearly reads, “This card is shareable and multiple orders can be redeemed at one time. Card is also transferable to any other Royal Caribbean ship and sail date. Specialty coffees do not include beverages from licensed Starbucks stores.”

In addition, Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner has updated verbiage on the Specialty Coffee Card description to reflect the policy change. The Cruise Planner now states, “The Specialty Coffee Card can be used on future sailings if punches aren’t depleted. There is no minimum purchase or maximum limit when using the Specialty Coffee Card.”

Now, we have official confirmation that unused punches don’t expire at the end of your cruise and can be redeemed on future Royal Caribbean sailings. This update allows cruisers to get more value from their purchase by using any remaining punches on their next cruise. Most importantly, there is no longer any confusion about how the Specialty Coffee Card can be used for multiple cruises. 

The policy clarification is a welcome change for coffee-lovers

While Royal Caribbean provides drip coffee as a complimentary beverage, specialty coffees come at an additional cost. According to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner, the Specialty Coffee Card can save cruisers up to 50% on specialty beverages during their cruise. 

With 15 punches on each card, guests can use one punch to cover smaller drinks like a single espresso, tall latte, chai latte, specialty tea, or hot chocolate. Two punches are required for larger beverages such as a double espresso, grande or venti lattes, chai lattes, teas, hot chocolate, or a Frappuccino.

There’s no denying the Specialty Coffee Card can be a great value if you plan to splurge on specialty coffees during your cruise. However, there has been longtime confusion regarding the number of cruises you could use the card. 

Cruisers often debated the policy, with some stating you can use the card over multiple itineraries. Others argued that crew members advised that Specialty Coffee Cards could only be used during one cruise, and the punches would not transfer to another sailing.

In fact, one Royal Caribbean Blog reader posted on our forum last year, “If I purchase a coffee card but do not use all the allotments, can I use the same card on my next sailing on a different vessel?”

The post received many replies from other Royal Caribbean cruisers with a mix of responses. Some had luck using the coffee card multiple times, while others weren’t as lucky.

One responder said, “It is a 'your mileage may vary' situation. I've been able to and been denied. I have never seen a "sale" on the coffee card-always $31.00. I do not know if you can purchase it on board. If it is available onboard for the same price, why not try the old card, and if denied, purchase a new one.”

“My last coffee card had the ship name, supporting "no" answer. However, if the ship name is blank, some folks use it. The description in cruise planner should mention a single cruise,” replied another cruiser.

One cruiser also said, “Tried it once and it was a no-go.”

Others had better luck, writing, “I have purchased many coffee cards and always used them ship to ship and have never had an issue.”

"I just saw this asked on Facebook, and was actually surprised that the answers seemed to vary, but leaned heavily toward yes. A LOT of people said they have used them on multiple cruises with no problem, especially if they did not write the ship name on the card.  Some even said they were specifically told they were allowed to do so, which is why they bought them,” shared one cruiser.

“I did, twice on the same ship. I was even told I could by the cafe staff. I did cross out the old cabin # and put in the new one in pen so they would put the right one down to get their share of gratuities,” explained another traveler. Now, it's clarified that guests can take advantage of their coffee cards for multiple sailings, if they choose. 

In general, people love the Specialty Coffee Card for its convenience and value

Many Royal Caribbean cruisers are fans of the Specialty Coffee Card, as it provides a great value for those who like to start their morning with a latte or cappuccino. For example, on a Reddit post regarding whether the coffee card is worthwhile, the majority of responders were proponents.

Because $31 covers 15 punches, each specialty coffee averages around $2 per beverage for single-shot espressos. This can be significant savings if you’re someone who drinks specialty coffees each morning, which can easily cost $5 to $7 per drink.

Regular coffee drinkers find the Specialty Coffee Card can pay for itself within the first few days of a cruise. In addition, many cruisers love the card’s flexibility and convenience. Because the coffee card is sharable, you can split beverages with your travel party. It can also be used for a variety of espresso-based drinks, including iced lattes, cappuccinos, chai teas, Frappuccinos, and more.

With this flexibility, cruisers find the Specialty Coffee Card to be an appealing alternative to the pricier drink packages offered by Royal Caribbean.

In addition, because you’ve already prepaid for your specialty coffee, you don’t have to worry about a surprise bill at the end of your cruise. Whether you want an afternoon pick-me-up from Cafe Promenade or you look forward to a frothy latte every morning, the Specialty Coffee Card can be a great way to save money for coffee-lovers.

This is a simple and budget-friendly way to enhance your Royal Caribbean cruise, especially if you aren’t a fan of the provided drip coffee. And now, the card is even more valuable with confirmation that you can enjoy unused punches for future sailings.