Royal Caribbean Blog

If you're flying to your cruise from Florida, prepare for possible delays or cancellations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is prepared to cut thousands of flights across the United States due to the ongoing government shutdown. Out of the 40 impacted airports, at least four are major hubs for cruise passengers. 

The restrictions will go into effect on Friday morning and are a proactive measure based on flight data and growing staffing pressures, as over 11,000 air traffic controllers and countless TSA agents continue to work without pay. 

The flight reductions could create a ripple effect for cruisers, especially flying into airports like Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA), potentially disrupting travel plans and causing guests to miss their ship's departure. 

Airlines have already begun issuing warnings, urging passengers to check their flight status, arrive early, and prepare for delays or cancellations.

"Due to the ongoing government shutdown and air traffic control staffing shortages, the FAA directed airlines to reduce flight schedules starting Friday, Nov. 7," reads a travel alert on American Airlines' website. 

"If your flight is impacted, we will let you know. We're committed to keeping our customers informed and have issued a travel waiver so you can change your trip online or in the American app."

Other major U.S. carriers, including Delta Air Lines, United, and Southwest, have issued similar warnings.

Many have said that hub-to-hub routes won't be as heavily impacted. However, regional flights may see more dramatic service cuts. 

Other major airports on the FAA's list include Houston Hobby (HOU) and George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH), serving Galveston; New York LaGuardia (LGA), Newark Liberty International (EWR), and New York John F Kennedy International (JFK), serving Cape Liberty (Bayonne) and New York; and Los Angeles International (LAX), serving Long Beach. 

More important than ever to arrive early and create a backup plan

Cruise veterans and travel experts advise against flying into your embarkation city the morning of departure. Even on a good day, there's always the risk of a last-minute delay or cancellation. 

However, with the FAA planning to reduce flight capacity by 10% at 40 major airports, it's more important than ever to build extra buffer time into your travel plans.

One cruiser on Reddit shared that they moved their flights from Friday to Thursday for a Saturday departure. 

"We also booked a flight for earlier in the day...that will [hopefully] be less likely to get messed up. We also were able to add Thursday night to our hotel reservation," they added.

Others have suggested that, if all else fails, driving could be a reliable, albeit inconvenient, backup plan.

"We went on freedom of the seas two weeks ago and I told everybody worst case scenario if these flights get canceled we’re getting a rental car and its that simple," wrote one person on Reddit. 

Another added, "It’s inconvenient, but finding a Buccees along the way will make it an adventure."

What about travel insurance?

A good travel insurance policy will reimburse consumers for certain expenses incurred from trip disruptions, including flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage. 

However, as with any policy, there's a lot written into the fine print that ultimately determines what is and what isn't covered. 

For instance, a travel insurance policyholder generally cannot file for a reimbursement if they choose to back out of their travel plans to avoid potential hiccups — unless they have a cancel-for-any-reason add-on. 

Even then, there are more caveats, and travelers must see whether they can get their money back for the airline flights and the cruise, should they choose to cancel because of the new FAA restrictions. 

Two Royal Caribbean ships have removed their Broadway musical, but a replacement is on the way.

Grease has been shown on both Harmony of the Seas and Independence of the Seas for many years, but the curtain has closed on that production.

After a few readers reported hearing the show has been removed, we reached out to the cruise line to confirm the change.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed that Grease is no longer being performed on either ship.

Grease was performed for almost 10 years

Royal Caribbean had a production of Grease on two of its ships since July 2016.

Both Independence of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas had the show as its featured production show in the Royal Theater.

Harmony debuted with Grease, whereas it was added to Independence of the Seas during a ship upgrade. 

Royal Caribbean chose Grease for its broad appeal, calling it a fun, high-energy musical that gets the whole audience singing and dancing. That popularity is why the line made the unusual decision to debut the show on two ships.

The story follows Sandy Dumbrowski, a sweet, new-to-town girl, and Danny Zuko, the school’s resident cool guy, who shared a secret summer romance. 

Once the school year starts, Sandy struggles to fit into the social world of Rydell High and win back Danny’s attention, while Danny tries to protect his tough-guy image. 

Even before Grease, Royal Caribbean had invested in Broadway musicals for years.  When Hairspray was initially announced for Royal Caribbean, it generated a lot of attention because it was the first time a full Broadway show was going to be performed at sea.

Why Royal Caribbean retired the show

No reason has been provided why Grease has been removed, but cruisers have their own opinions.

Any Broadway show performed on a cruise ship has to be licensed, and those licenses cost money.

In addition, Harmony of the Seas is scheduled for a major upgrade in 2026. Perhaps the timing of that amplification ties into the decision to let the license lapse.

Baltodave posted on the Royal Caribbean message boards, "Apparently it has to do with the contract for Grease and the fact that Harmony is going to dry dock in a few months."

What's coming next

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said, "we will have an update soon on the next production" for what will replace Grease.

Looking at a recent Cruise Compass from Harmony of the Seas, the cruise line has put in its place (at least temporarily) Voices.

Voices is an original production created by the cruise line that first debuted on Wonder of the Seas. It has been replicated on a few other ships since.

The description of Voice is as follows:

A completely new style of musical production that brings together the world-class vocal talents and live performance skills of our most experienced singers and dancers with the virtual technology that we have all become so accustomed to using over recent years.

It's not known yet what Royal Caribbean may replace the show with in the future.  It could be another Broadway musical, a jukebox-style production, or a custom original show.

How Royal Caribbean picked Grease as a show for its cruise ships

As we bid adieu to Grease, I wanted to share the story of how Royal Caribbean picked this show.

Former head of entertainment for the cruise line shared the story of picking this musical, in 2017.

On the Anthem of the Seas, sitting in Chops (one of my fave restaurants), and having dinner with Tony Edge (Director of We Will Rock You), he asked me “So what’s your next Broadway show gonna be?”

With the recent success of Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You, the selection of our next Broadway offering had been weighing on my mind for many months. This is the question I have been avoiding from everybody. What on earth could follow the energy and fun of our last two fabulous shows?

“Have you ever thought of Grease?” he asked…and the penny dropped. Grease would be perfect!

A complicated deal to make, especially if you want to include the hit songs from the 1978 motion picture, (and the license holder is extremely particular and specific about production quality), but as you will see, the final result is absolutely superb.

Our version of Grease is totally unique, making excellent use of our state-of-the-art lighting technology and automation systems, and our audiences are on their feet every night. (Thanks Tony, I owe you one.)

One more note of interest, (and a quirky requirement in the deal), is that every logo for every new production of Grease needs to be unique. So with the single direction to “use lots of pink”, our home-grown logo is proving to be very popular with the show’s worldwide legion of fans. I describe it as being energetic, fun and a bit “squishy”.

The first day of your cruise is the start of a vacation, and also when you should knock out a few important things to make your cruise better.

In my years of cruising, embarkation day has changed a lot.  On the one hand, it's gotten so much smoother thanks to smarter procedures and leveraging technology. But, there are still things cruisers should always try to do before the ship sets sail.

I'm a proponent of planning ahead, and with the right approach, you can set yourself up for an even better Royal Caribbean cruise by doing a few key things on that first day. That isn't to say you'll have a bad cruise if you do not follow anything here.  Rather, I think it all enhances your sailing.

Here's my list of the things to do and not to do on your first day aboard a ship.

Do the muster drill and get it out of the way

Every cruise ship passenger has to complete their safety drill before the ship sets sail, and I recommend doing it immediately.

By the time guests are able to board, the muster stations will be open and there will be a crew member waiting.

The smart play is to go there immediately and knock it out because the muster stations are usually near the embarkation point.

Because Royal Caribbean uses an e-muster, you can do this at any time rather than the old days of everyone going at once.

You can ask a crew member as you board to help you locate your station by referencing its location from the Royal Caribbean app.

Make specialty dining reservations

If you need to make specialty dining reservations, go and do that next.

This step is likely less likely to be necessary because Royal Caribbean now allows guests book specific days and times for restaurants when they purchase a dining package pre-cruise, but sometimes it's still necessary.

Examples of why you'd still need to wait to make a reservation are people with a Diamond Plus BOGO offer, or someone looking to get a first day discount.

There's usually a crew member on the Royal Promenade at a station for "specialty dining reservations", but you can also go to any restaurant and the crew member there can book reservations for any other restaurant too.

Reservations will fill up quickly, so I'd recommend making them as soon as possible.

Eat lunch sooner than later

One of the first stops on any cruise is to eat lunch, and there are a few options.

Most passengers will head to the Windjammer buffet to grab a plate and load up.  I love the Windjammer because there's so much variety, with lots for everyone. Even picky eaters will probably find something here.

The downside to the Windjammer is it can get very crowded, especially at noon.

Depending on which ship you're on, there are alternatives that might be less crowded:

• Sorrento's
• Park Cafe
• Cafe Promenade/Pearl Cafe

You could opt for a specialty restaurant for a more relaxing first day.  

That gets you no rushing around, a sit down meal, and higher quality food.

Walk around the ship

Another must-do on embarkation day is to walk around the ship to explore.

While I think the layout of a Royal Caribbean ship is pretty easy to navigate, it's a good idea to explore and see everything so you have a good frame of reference for what's onboard and where everything is.

It's really common to walk around the ship and then realize there's a certain activity or venue that you forgot about.  

Plus, it makes getting around easier later when you're in a rush to get somewhere.

Stop for a "first drink of the cruise"

Most cruisers will tell you a time honored tradition of cruising is to grab a cocktail, beer, mocktail, or glass of wine to toast the start of the vacation.

My preferred spot is at the upper pool deck bar, where I can enjoy a drink, the breeze, and a view of the ship as I take in the start of my vacation.

Don't be temped to live out of your suitcase

While no one day dreams about the start of their cruise involving unpacking, it really makes a difference.

Once you get to your stateroom, unpack your bags and put everything away so there's less clutter.  Be sure to stash your suitcases underneath your bed after you're done.

I've cruises many times unpacked and also living out of a suitcase, and living out of a suitcase always ends up frustrating me when I'm trying to find another pair of socks or where I put that one thing.

Talk to your stateroom attendant

The crew member you're likely to talk to the most is the cruise ship cabin attendant, and I recommend tracking them down on day one.

Usually they'll come by and knock on your door to introduce themselves, but don't be shy to approach them in the hallway if you see them.

Your steward can be really helpful in not only keeping your cabin tidy, but assisting in ensuring you have everything you need.  I always ask my room attendant for certain amenities that makes my cruise more enjoyable.

Plus, you can specify when you want your room cleaned, and ensure the bed configuration is correct well before it's bed time.

Don't buy a drink package

I think a Royal Caribbean drink package is a great value, but do not wait to buy it onboard the ship.

You will spend hundreds of dollars more if you buy it onboard because it's always cheaper if you buy it before the cruise begins.

Royal Caribbean has sales on drink packages practically every week, so there's no excuse to buy it on the ship and pay up to 40% more than if you did it online.

Considering how much cheaper a beverage package is online, go ahead and book that now rather than waiting for the first day.

Do the spa tour for fun

I actually like taking the Vitality Spa tour, if only to see what this private area of the ship looks like.

On embarkation day there are crew members eager and waiting to show you around the spa at no cost or obligation.

The spa and fitness center are well-appointed areas, plus you might be surprised by the offerings.

Take the kids to the water slides

If you or your kids want to try the waterslides, I recommend doing this on the first day of the cruise.

Embarkation day is a genius hack for avoiding the longer lines for the slides later in the cruise.  Most passengers don't have their bathing suits and they're busy doing everything else on this list on day one, so that leaves the slides with less waits.

Most Royal Caribbean ships have water slides now (especially the big ships), and it's usually the must-do thing for most kids once they see it. Ideally, pack their swim suit in a carry-on bag so they can change in one of the public restrooms on the pool deck and start riding.

Avoid high fees later and disable your phone

You can use your phone on embarkation day, but be sure to put it into airplane mode before it's time for sailaway.

Once your ship leaves port, it will quickly leave your cell phone service area and then your phone will be roaming. Roaming coverage could cost you hundreds of dollars without you even knowing about it.

By putting your phone into airplane mode (instead of turning it off), you can still use the Royal Caribbean app or access the ship's Wi-Fi.

Don't assume your cabin is working perfectly

It's a good idea when you get into your stateroom to double check everything is working the way you expect it.

Set the thermostat to what you want, verify the toilet and sink work, make sure there's hot water, and see if the television works.

Most of the time, there won't be issues, but it's better to call maintenance to fix them now, rather than later in the evening.

Don't wait to sign the kids for kids club

You'll want to register your children for Adventure Ocean or the teen club on the first day by going to the venue and filling out a quick form.

During the afternoon of the first day, both venues are in open house mode. Parents can come in and meet the counselors and ask questions. Plus, the kids can see what it's like too.

There's no cost to leave your kids at Adventure Ocean (unless they stay late or are under 3), and this is when you can indicate who has permission to pick up and drop them off, as well as if the kids can sign themselves out.

Teens have less rules, but you need to get them registered too.

All of the kids programming begins after dinner (usually at 7pm), but do it in the daytime to avoid waits later.

Don't go to your stateroom until they're ready

Royal Caribbean doesn't open its staterooms until usually 1pm (sometimes later), so don't waste your time trying to go earlier.

Unlike other cruise lines, such as Celebrity, you cannot drop your bags off in the room before the staterooms officially open.

Guests sailing aboard Royal Caribbean ships have received emails with an update to the ship's itinerary stating that they're no longer visiting Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc over Jamaica last week, and Royal Caribbean ships are now skipping visits to the island.

Rather than calling at Falmouth, Jamaica, the Oasis Class vessel will visit Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on November 26. 

"As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we’ve modified our upcoming sailing. On Day 4, we’ll now be visiting Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, in place of the previously scheduled stop," reads the email sent to booked passengers. 

"We’re excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruises to have a certain level of flexibility, modifications can occur at any time."

The new itinerary is as follows:

• Sunday, November 23, 2025: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Monday, November 24, 2025: Nassau, Bahamas
• Tuesday, November 25, 2025: Cruising
• Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic (Originally Falmouth, Jamaica)
• Thursday, November 27, 2025: Cruising
• Friday, November 28, 2025: Cruising
• Saturday, November 29, 2025: Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

The email continues, adding that any pre-paid Royal Caribbean shore excursions will automatically be refunded to the original form of payment, and all guests will receive a refund of the port tax surplus. 

Royal Caribbean noted that itinerary changes can happen for a variety of reasons, including weather, scheduling conflicts, or berthing agreements.

However, the timing strongly suggests that Hurricane Melissa's impact on Jamaica was the reason that Oasis of the Seas' visit to Falmouth was swapped with the Dominican Republic. 

Oasis of the Seas' November 9 cruise will also skip its scheduled visit to Jamaica. According to a post shared in the sailing's Facebook group, Oasis will call at Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on November 12 instead. 

Moreover, Rhapsody of the Seas did not visit Falmouth on November 5. Instead, the Vision Class ship called at Grand Cayman one day earlier than expected. 

Jamaica aims for full tourism operations by December 15

Hurricane Melissa struck near New Hope, Jamaica, on October 28, leaving widespread destruction and becoming the strongest landfall the country had ever recorded. 

Although the country remains closed to tourists, Jamaica's tourism leaders are optimistic about the country's swift recovery. They plan on resuming full tourism operations by December 15, 2025. 

"Tourism’s strength lies not just in its product offerings, but in its people and partnerships. The speed and synergy of our response show the industry’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation," said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. 

To support that ambitious goal, the Ministry of Tourism activated a high-level recovery task force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee to facilitate action between public and private organizations. 

Preparing cruise ports for ships and passengers is a key part of the initiative to help bring the country's tourism industry back to life. 

The recovery task force will fast-track assessments and service readiness across resorts, airports, ports, beaches, and more to ensure that visitors feel confident to travel to Jamaica by December 15. 

Royal Caribbean is helping Jamaica's relief efforts

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

Days after Hurricane Melissa made catastrophic landfall in Jamaica, Royal Caribbean Group pledged to contribute more than $1 million in aid to Jamaica and The Bahamas.

On Tuesday, November 4, Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared that the Rhapsody of the Seas was en route to deliver emergency relief supplies in Falmouth, Jamaica.

"This morning the Rhapsody of the Seas will call into Falmouth, Jamaica on a relief call for a couple of hours to [offload] over 120 pallets of supplies of water, bedding, medical supplies, food items," he said.

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

"The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution with the help of GEM [Global Empowerment Mission] our relief partner. A huge thank you to the Falmouth Port Authority and community for opening the port."

Rhapsody of the Seas wasn't the only cruise ship in Jamaica for humanitarian efforts on the 4th. Carnival Horizon docked in Ocho Rios for a quick stop to make a brief supply stop. 

Read more: After Hurricane Melissa, Royal Caribbean begins delivering relief supplies

I cruise multiple times each year, and I constantly notice fellow passengers making the same mistakes over and over.

Cruises are designed to be one of the most stress-free vacations you can take. With minimal planning and logistics involved, you can focus on letting loose and having fun instead of sticking to a strict agenda. 

For example, you won’t need to worry about sorting transportation between the various destinations you want to visit. Additionally, each port of call also includes a list of excursions for daily touring, meaning you won’t need to sort through tour operators if you don’t want to. Finally, meals, entertainment, and accommodations are conveniently located in one place to simplify your vacation even further.

However, cruising can be different than other ways of traveling. There are certainly more quirks than you might find with other vacations. First-timers and seasoned cruisers alike can make mistakes that end up putting a damper on their cruise experience. A little bit of preparation and awareness can go a long way to ensure a smooth cruise.

Last month, I set sail on a 4-night Wonder of the Seas with my best friend from Miami, Florida. This was her first sailing, while I’ve been on over 50 cruises and took charge of planning most of our vacation. Between her fresh perspective and my seasoned expertise, I noted how easy it was to make small mistakes that can make a big difference during your cruise.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that I saw cruisers make during my recent cruise, including things you can do to avoid these missteps.

1. Not downloading your boarding pass for embarkation day

You’ll be required to check-in for your cruise prior to embarkation day. Royal Caribbean requires that guests check-in online or in the app between 45 days and up to 48 hours before sailing. If you fail to do this, you will be required to complete the process at the terminal, which can be lengthy and delay the start of your vacation.

If you check in online, you will be able to download your SeaPass card directly to your phone. Think of this like a boarding pass for your flight, as it’s required to board the cruise ship. This allows the cruise terminal employees to easily scan your phone during the check-in process. You can also print your boarding pass, but this isn’t necessary.

However, I was surprised by how many cruisers at the terminal did not have their SeaPass cards downloaded to their phones or printed. In fact, there was an entirely separate check-in line for people who had not printed or downloaded their boarding pass.

Embarkation day is already hectic enough, so it’s important to have everything prepared for a smooth check-in. Without the proper documentation, this delays your boarding and, subsequently, your vacation!

2. Not knowing what’s included in your cruise fare

Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis class vessel, meaning it has world-class amenities and top-notch attractions. As one of the world’s biggest cruise ships, there’s no shortage of activities and thrills to keep you busy. While many of the attractions are already included in the cost of your cruise fare, there are always opportunities to spend extra.

Compared to other cruise lines, especially Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, I find that Royal Caribbean has the most complimentary attractions. However, it’s still important to know what exactly is included in your cruise fare and what costs extra. When you’re already spending thousands of dollars on your vacation, you want to get the most value of your money.

For instance, I decided to try the Ultimate Abyss dry slide during our sea day. This is the tallest dry slide on a cruise ship at more than 150 feet above sea level. It’s certainly a wild ride — and even better, it’s included in the cost of your cruise! You can ride as many times as you want for free.

I couldn’t resist trying the slide for myself, and it was so fun. I screamed the entire way down! As I was walking across the Boardwalk, a woman approached me and said, “Excuse me, how much does it cost to ride the slide?”

I was shocked, and said in response, “Oh, it’s free! You should go try it for yourself.” The woman was surprised to learn the slide was included in the cost of her cruise. This interaction made me realize how important it is to know what’s included in your cruise fare.

If you’re interested in a certain activity or attraction, make sure to double check if there is any charge. In addition, some of Royal Caribbean’s attractions offer free "sample rides" during port days. For instance, you can ride the North Star on Quantum ships for a shorter “Basic Experience” for 15 minutes. If you choose the extended ride or want to ride during sea days, you’ll need to pay extra.

Additionally, my best friend didn’t realize that the ice cream machines were complimentary! As a first-time cruiser, she mentioned how it’s difficult to know what’s free versus what costs extra. In my experience, it’s best to check the cruise line’s app to see which attractions, amenities, and restaurants are already included in your cruise fare.

3. Forgetting to make reservations for the entertainment

One of the downsides of cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships is needing to book reservations for the nightly entertainment. With some of the best production shows at sea, you won’t want to miss the shows aboard the cruise line’s newest and biggest vessels.

Wonder of the Seas features both an AquaTheatre show and ice skating production - two of my favorites! In addition, the Royal Theatre is home to Effectors II: Crash and Burn, which is a Royal Caribbean original show with Broadway-style singing and dancing. You can find comedy shows and other productions aboard too.

However, reservations are required on Oasis class ships for most of these production shows. You can reserve your spot before embarkation either online in the Cruise Planner or in Royal Caribbean’s app. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the best luck being able to reserve shows beforehand, as the app always gives me an error message.

As such, I reserve shows on embarkation day immediately after boarding. The cruise ship will open more reservations once the sailing actually begins, and I’ve found this to be the best time to book the shows. Once I am connected to the ship’s internet, this is the first item on my to-do list.

I was able to secure our spots for all of the headliner shows with plenty of options available. However, one of the most common mistakes I see cruisers make is not reserving their entertainment. Instead, they often line up in the standby line for the show they wish to see. However, there is no guarantee that you will be able to see the show you want. This can make it difficult to plan your evenings aboard the ship compared to having a confirmed, reserved slot.

Avoid making this mistake by prioritizing entertainment reservations whenever possible. This ensures you’ll get to see the top-notch shows onboard at a time that works for your schedule. If you aren't able to secure reservations prior to embarkation, make sure to reserve them as soon as you get onboard. 

4. Only eating breakfast and lunch at the Windjammer buffet

Wonder of the Seas, along with all Oasis class ships, feature a wide variety of dining venues. With a selection of complimentary and specialty dining restaurants, you’ll probably run out of time to eat at all of the options!

On our cruise, I noticed many passengers making the mistake of only eating at the Windjammer buffet for breakfast and lunch. This makes sense, as the Windjammer is undeniably one of the most convenient places to eat with a self-serve buffet and endless options for cuisine.

However, this can often make the Windjammer difficult to navigate with big crowds and long lines. For this reason, I’d suggest cruisers try other options for breakfast and lunch, especially on Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships.

Instead of eating breakfast at the crowded Windjammer, we chose the quieter Park Cafe in Central Park, where you can grab breakfast sandwiches, build a bagel, or pick up grab-and-go snacks like fruit and yogurt. Johnny Rockets also serves breakfast at no additional cost on Oasis Class ships, while the Solarium Bistro is another hidden gem that often isn't busy. 

Additionally, we preferred visiting El Loco Fresh for a late lunch instead of heading back to the Windjammer buffet. This is a quick-service eatery on the pool deck with Mexican food, including burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and nachos.

We never encountered crowds or lines at these restaurants, making the experience more enjoyable and relaxing compared to the bustling buffet. Don’t make the mistake of only visiting the Windjammer during your cruise, especially if you’re cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships.

5. Arriving late for all-aboard time

While docked in Nassau, Bahamas, I told my friend that people often cut it close for all-aboard time. These people are infamously known as “pier runners” who sprint down the pier to make the cut-off time. All-board time is no joke, as the cruise ship will not wait for late passengers. In this way, it’s best to leave plenty of time for unexpected delays or traffic when returning to your cruise ship.

My friend was excited to see if we had any pier runners during our cruise; and as expected, the ship started paging a group of passengers. It was 15 minutes after the all-aboard time, so we concluded these were missing guests.

Sure enough, people came running down the pier and boarded our ship around 30 minutes late. My friend couldn’t believe that guests would be so nonchalant about the all-aboard time. Not only is this inconsiderate, but it’s also quite risky.

If you are stranded and left behind in a port of call, you need to spend your own money to either reunite with the ship or return to the disembarkation port. If you left your passport on the ship and it departs without you, this could cause an even bigger issue.

If you plan to venture far from the cruise port, it’s best to book a shore excursion with the cruise line. This guarantees the cruise ship won’t depart without you or the cruise line will organize logistics to get you back onboard. Whatever you do, make sure not to arrive after the all-aboard time while docked in a port of call. 

6. Only relaxing on the busy pool deck

The pool deck is one of the busiest and liveliest places on a cruise ship. From sunrise to sunset, you can often find passengers lounging in the deck chairs, hanging out in the pool, or soaking in the hot tub. It’s not uncommon to hear live music playing on the pool deck either, along with dance classes, poolside games, and belly flop competitions taking place.

However, the pool deck can be extremely busy during sea days, as many cruisers want to join in the fun! But if you’re wanting to relax in a quieter location, consider looking for other places to lounge.

During our cruise on Wonder of the Seas, my friend and I often retreated to the aft of Deck 5, which I would consider a hidden gem on Oasis Class ships. These massive vessels feature dedicated walking paths around the promenade deck, and at the very back of the ship, you’ll find some chairs perfect for unwinding.

This became our go-to spot during our cruise. It was a quiet place with hardly any other people and offered uninterrupted views of the ship’s wake. We ended up spending time here almost every day, retreating in the afternoons to read or relax in the shade while enjoying the ocean breeze.

In the evenings, this also became our favorite spot to watch the sunset. With comfortable chairs always available and a calming atmosphere, this was one of the most underrated areas onboard! I encourage all cruisers to look for these hidden spots, as it can make your sailing feel even more special.

7. Booking the wrong flights

I was shocked at how many people seemed to book flights that made their travel more stressful. Like always, I joined our sailing’s Facebook page with other cruisers.

One of the biggest mistakes that I see cruisers make is booking flights the same day as embarkation. Not to mention, our cruise in late August is considered peak hurricane season. This means Florida can experience sudden, unexpected rain showers throughout the day, leading to flight delays or cancellations.

A few people posted on Facebook that they were flying into Miami the morning of our cruise, and they were concerned about potential weather delays. 

This is one of the most important rules for cruising: you should always arrive at least the night before your cruise departure. If your flight has issues, you risk missing your entire cruise vacation!

In addition, some people were worried about the ship’s return time in Miami for their flights home. This is another important consideration, as you don’t want to book your flight too early after the ship returns. Disembarkation can take a while, along with customs and immigration. If you encounter traffic on the way to the airport, this can delay you further.

Avoid the mistake of booking flights at inconvenient times that only add stress to your vacation. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your embarkation port, and make sure your return flight isn’t scheduled too early on disembarkation day.

Royal Caribbean released a new deployment of cruise ships, but the biggest takeaway is what didn't get announced.

Royal Caribbean released its year-round 7-night Caribbean and short Caribbean sailings on Tuesday. There isn't much that's new or different than what we've seen in the past. Sure, there's a return to a port in the Dominican Republic, but most of what's been revealed is similar to where ships have sailed in past years.

A total of five ships had their 2027-2028 plans confirmed, including the biggest ship in the world, Star of the Seas.

It's clear cruisers are paying more attention to what didn't get announced yet than what actually did.

Where is Icon of the Seas going?

After reading through the latest deployment, Icon of the Seas isn't included with the deployment. That signals for the first time ever, Icon of the Seas will not be based in Miami.

Icon of the Seas first started sailing from PortMiami in January 2024 and instantly captured the attention of vacationers who recognized how impressive it is.

While sister ship Star of the Seas will remain in Port Canaveral, Icon's 2027-2028 plans haven't been shared.

If Las Vegas took bets on Royal Caribbean ship deployments, the safest bet is for it to move to Texas.

For years, Royal Caribbean has strongly hinted it would bring an Icon Class ship to Galveston.

Earlier this summer, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley told a theater full of travel agents to expect it.

A travel agent specifically asked, "when will an Icon class ship be arriving in Galveston, Texas."

Mr. Bayley quickly answered, "We're not going to answer that question. But I can tell you it's coming, baby."

He has hinted at bringing an Icon Class ship before that as well, having pointed out the new cruise terminal in Galveston was built to handle a ship of that size and it's not by coincidence.

Additional circumstantial evidence is the fact all of Royal Caribbean's press materials for Perfect Day Mexico clearly show an Icon Class ship docked there.

To be fair, Icon of the Seas could be headed somewhere else other than Texas.  China has always been big target for Royal Caribbean, and New York is the biggest media market out there.

Missing ships in South Florida

If we're assuming Icon of the Seas will not be sailing from Florida, there are two holes in the deployment plan for 2027-2028 right in the heart of the capital of cruising.

As of now, Royal Caribbean doesn't have a ship offering 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.  This is arguably the flagship cruise route for the line's best ship.

Wonder of the Seas will sail 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami, but with Icon of the Seas seemingly moving away, that leaves nothing else in Miami for now.

Likewise, there are no ships confirmed to be sailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Port Everglades isn't as popular a homeport for Royal Caribbean as it once was, but it's quite possible we'll see ships based there once the Seasonal Caribbean deployment gets announced.

As an example, Legend of the Seas will be in Europe for the summer season of 2027.  It's quite likely she will return to Port Everglades in the fall, just as is the plan for winter 2026-2027.

Where will Icon 4 go?

Royal Caribbean's fourth Icon Class ship will enter service sometime in 2027, and that's a wildcard in the deployment plans.

We don't yet know the ship's name or where it will be based, but with Icon out of Miami, one could assume Icon 4 would take over that homeport.

Looking back at past ships that have debuted, often Royal Caribbean will move a brand new ship into a port to replace a slightly older ship.

As with all new ships, the cruise line typically doesn't include a new ship with the general deployment. Instead, new ships usually get their own announcement for where and when it will sail.

More ships are also unaccounted for

Cruisers are also curious where a few other big ships will end up based from.

Symphony, Allure, Odyssey, and Oasis of the Seas are notably absent from the deployment plans.

Answers should be coming in the next few weeks

We will get answers in the next two weeks when the final deployments for North America are posted.

The deployment schedule has cruises from Baltimore, Bayonne, Galveston, and Los Angeles being released next week.

The week after that, we get the "seasonal Caribbean" release, which are for ships that spend just the winter months in the Caribbean after a summer in Europe or elsewhere.

Each year's deployment schedule is like "musical chairs", where we have to wait until the end to see where everything ends up.

Royal Caribbean is helping Jamaica's relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic damage across the country. 

Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Tuesday, October 28, as the strongest landfall the country has ever recorded. 

According to NBC News, the Category 5 storm is responsible for 32 deaths and up to $4 billion in insured losses in Jamaica alone. 

At Hurricane Melissa's peak, 77% of homes and businesses in Jamaica were without power. More than 80 roads were closed, too. However, as of Monday, over 27% of customers had their power restored. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

In the days following the storm's direct impact, Royal Caribbean Group pledged to contribute more than $1 million in aid to Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, took to social media to share that the first cruise ship had arrived with emergency relief supplies in Falmouth, Jamaica. 

"This morning the Rhapsody of the Seas will call into Falmouth, Jamaica on a relief call for a couple of hours to off load over 120 pallets of supplies of water, bedding, medical supplies, food items," he wrote on Facebook. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

"The pallets will be offloaded and then items packaged as relief packages for immediate distribution with the help of GEM [Global Empowerment Mission] our relief partner.  A huge thank you to the Falmouth Port Authority and community for opening the port."

The images shared by Bayley depict supplies, including memory foam mattresses, bottled water, and t-shirts, being loaded onto the Vision Class ship. 

Rhapsody of the Seas departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 2 on a 6-day cruise to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean promises over $1 million in aid will be sent to hurricane-ravaged Jamaica & Bahamas

(Screenshot taken from Cruise Mapper at 9:25 a.m. EST on Nov. 4)

According to Cruise Mapper, the ship revised its itinerary to call at Falmouth one day earlier to drop off supplies for the locals. However, the port is still closed to tourists. 

Rhapsody of the Seas is expected to conclude its current voyage on Nov. 8 in Tampa, Florida. 

Jamaica remains closed to tourists

(Pictured: Falmouth, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa. Credit: Michael Wattkis)

After Hurricane Melissa passed, residents and tourists emerged to find their communities and resorts in shambles. Entire neighborhoods were swept away by the powerful winds and flooding. Power and communication lines were torn down, too. 

That said, Jamaica's tourism leaders are optimistic about the country's recovery, and they're eyeing a full restoration of the tourism industry by Dec. 15, 2025. 

"Tourism’s strength lies not just in its product offerings, but in its people and partnerships. The speed and synergy of our response show the industry’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation," said Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. 

Other cruise lines are also sending supplies to Jamaica

Carnival Horizon's current 6-night cruise was scheduled to visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on Nov. 4, and Carnival Cruise Line used the opportunity to assist those in need.

A letter from Captain Rocco Lubrano was delivered to passengers on Nov. 2, saying that Carnival had been in close contact with local officials about the planned visit. 

As expected, the local infrastructure and shore excursion partners weren't ready to provide a day of fun to the cruise guests. 

(Screenshot taken from Cruise Mapper at 9:45 a.m. EST on Nov. 4)

However, the 133,500 gross registered ton ship still called in Ocho Rios to make a brief supply stop. Passengers were not allowed to disembark, but they were given refunds for their shore excursions, as well as the port fees and taxes. 

Royal Caribbean has posted more cruises to book around the Caribbean through April 2028.

As part of its scheduled deployment release, we now have new sailings that encompass 7-night and Short Caribbean year round sailings.

These are new sailings on ships that spend all year sailing from a Florida homeport, including 3, 4, and 7-night cruises.

A total of five cruise ships are included in this week's deployment release, and they are arguably the bread and butter of the cruise industry.  The ships and itineraries new cruisers and vacationers look typically look for first because they are the quintessential tropical cruise.

Here's a closer look at what's been posted, and what we can expect next.

Star of the Seas will sail 7-night Caribbean cruises from the family vacation magnet

The world's newest cruise ship (today), Star of the Seas, will continue offering 7-night cruises to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral.

Having debuted in summer 2025, Star of the Seas is arguably the best cruise ship in the world.  Not only is she the biggest, but she offers an approach to cruising that out classes the rest.

You can book 7-night cruises to Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Select itineraries will also visit Labadee, Jamaica, Samaná, Dominican Republic, or Roatan.

A majority of the sailings are eastern Caribbean voyages that visit CocoCay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Utopia of the Seas is still doing short cruises only

Royal Caribbean isn't messing with what works, and will keep Utopia of the Seas offering short 3- and 4-night cruises from the Orlando area.

The ship debuted in 2024 and it's been marketed as the best ship for first timers because of how many parties and things to do are packed in there.

Utopia will sail to just two places: Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay. The short distance is perfect for getaway cruises and those that simply want to try a cruise to see if it's the vacation for them.

Utopia of the Seas broke the mold when she became the first Royal Caribbean ship to ever enter service with just short sailings. Typically new ships sail weeklong cruises.

Wonder of the Seas is also back to short cruises

Royal Caribbean's formula will retain Wonder of the Seas doing exactly what Utopia is doing, but from Miami, Florida.

Wonder's itineraries match Utopia with visits to CocoCay or Nassau and sailing just 3- and 4-night cruises.

Each cruise begins on either Monday or Friday, meaning you can take a weekend cruise and be back on Monday morning.

Harmony of the Seas will offer mostly 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral

An Oasis Class ship will be based in Orlando (Port Canaveral) to offer weeklong cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean.

There are also a smattering of 2- and 5-night cruises thrown in as well, but the 7-nighters are the norm.

Harmony of the Seas is getting a makeover in early 2026 when she gets a Royal Amplification.

The ship will get a pool deck upgrade, new specialty restaurants, and even a few new suites and cabins.

Radiance of the Seas will sail from Tampa

It's not just megaships in this week's deployment, as Radiance of the Seas will be homeporting in Tampa.

This is a Radiance Class ship, accommodating a little over 2,000 passengers. However, it's a fan-favorite because of quaint and well-laid out it is.

Radiance will offer 4-, 5-, and 7-night cruises to destinations in the western Caribbean.

Most of the sailings visit either Cozumel or Costa Maya, or both.  Costa Maya will be transformed in late 2027 to become Perfect Day Mexico, adding a lot of value to these sailings.

Icon is missing from this week's deployment

For those keeping score at home, Icon of the Seas isn't included in this week's deployment and that could be because Royal Caribbean has bigger plans for it.

In fact, there's no ship listed yet to be sailing 7-night cruises from Miami.

That means Icon of the Seas is likely not sailing from Miami beyond April 2027. Since we know all the ships sailing from Florida year-round through early 2028, it's likely Icon is headed to another homeport.

Moreover, there's a new spot open in Miami.

We're expecting a new unnamed Icon Class ship to be delivered in 2028. Icon 4 just began construction, but the cruise line hasn't announced any details yet about this ship.

Since Legend of the Seas will be in Europe for summer 2027, that likely means Legend won't be taking up the 7-night cruises from Miami.

Let the rumor mill swirl!

More deployments next week

Royal Caribbean will continue releasing new sailings next week when we get cruises from the Northeast US, Texas, and California.

The new sailings are coming the week of November 10, and could be any day that week.

• Week of October 20, 2025: Alaska
• Week of October 27, 2025: Europe
• Week of November 3, 2025: 7-night & Short Caribbean Year-Round
• Week of November 10, 2025: Northeast, California & Texas
• Week of December 8, 2025: Seasonal Caribbean

With each deployment, we get a clearer picture of where all of the ships will be based in the coming years.

I tried buying everything I needed to make my cruise ship cabin better by shopping exclusively at a dollar store to see if I could save money.

Whether it's your first cruise or not, I think a lot of people do pre-cruise shopping before any voyage to ensure they have everything they need before they get onboard.

Not only can you not run out to the store once you're on the ship, but most people want to be prepared.  Typically, I'd buy these items on Amazon or at a big box store.  There's nothing wrong with those places, but I was curious if a dollar store would do the trick while also saving money.

Prior to a recent cruise, I went to a Dollar Store with a list of the best things to buy for a cruise to make your cabin experience better.

I spent just $21.94 for 13 of the things on my list, and I was surprised how cheap everything was, even if tracking down everything wasn't easy.

Tissues

There is a tissue box in your Royal Caribbean stateroom, but I find them to be harsh to the touch. They work, but if you had a runny nose it would get uncomfortable quickly.

I recommend bringing your own tissues that will feel much softer.

I found a box of of tissues, along with travel size tissues.  The travel size is perfect for packing, so I went with those instead.

Dry erase board

A fun and popular way to stay in contact with people in your room is to get a dry erase board with a magnetic back to it.

The idea is to put the board on your door and leave messages to let cabin mates (or friends) know what you're up to. 

Since I was solo, I used the board to leave fun messages for others, like what drink they found that's really good.

It worked well until the (presumably) teenagers nearby discovered it and then started writing the "6 7 meme" all over it.  

In the future, I'd leave the dry erase board on the inside of the door as a way to leave messages for cabin mates. That or just stick with a WiFi package so we can text.

It was fun before the teens got to it, but live and learn.

Pencil case

Families traveling with various forms of paperwork and identification might find buying a pencil case a neat idea.

I got this idea from Life Well Cruised to use a pencil case as a convenient way to keep your passports, paperwork, and any other important documents in one place.  Zip it up and you're good to go so you're not digging through pockets to find it all.

I think it worked well, although some other cruisers suggested using a gallon size zip lock bag instead. That would probably work too.

Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste

I've been traveling with a spare toothbrush and toothpaste for years, and that's because when you forget your good toothbrush on a trip, it stinks.

For about $2 I can get essentially a disposable set to use on a cruise and then throw away when I'm done.

The downside to buying at the Dollar Store is you're going to find generic brands, which means it's not the flavor I'm used to. Nor will it have a specialty type of toothbrush or toothpaste that you may prefer.

Shower travel kit

Royal Caribbean provides a 2-in-1 mystery liquid in your stateroom shower, but I think a lot of people prefer the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash they're used to.

A more economical idea than finding travel versions of your preferred brand is to get a shower travel kit.

You get 3 mini bottles that you can fill with your favorite shampoo and body wash, and if you bought a giant size, then you can get more value out of it.

Medicine

No one thinks they'll get sick on a cruise, but it's really smart to travel with common over the counter medications, just in case.

Royal Caribbean sells some medicine onboard, but you'll pay top dollar for it.  And they don't include every kind of medicine.

One woman went down to the ship's medical center to get Benadryl but was charged $390. 

The Dollar Store had plenty of generic drugs to get, including meds for a headache, diarrhea, nausea, and basic cold symptoms.

Disinfecting wipes

I'm not one to wipe down every surface I encounter, but it's not a bad idea either.

I found they had a few kinds of wipes to choose from, but I wanted a disinfectant wipe that I could use on any surface.

Just be sure not to flush these wipes down the toilet (or any wipe, even ones claiming to be "flushable").

Odor control spray

Real talk: cruise ship bathrooms don't have fans and there's really no air flow in there.  So you can imagine what could happen in there after being used.

The Dollar Store had an off brand toilet spray, which is exactly what I needed.  It wasn't a travel size, so those flying would have to put it in their checked luggage as it wouldn't adhere to TSA carry-on liquid size regulations.

Collapsible storage container

Another smart hack I ran across was to buy a storage container for keeping shoes organized.

Usually I just pile up all my shoes in a corner, but they easily get thrown around the cabin.

A collapsible storage container makes it easy to pack and then use as a designated shoe box.

You probably need more than one for more than two people, but it was nice having my shoes in one spot.

Liquid hand soap

Ever since I started bringing liquid hand soap with me, it's been a gamechanger.

We started bringing liquid hand soap to make it easier for my kids to wash their hands on a cruise when they were young.  Royal Caribbean provides bar soap in the cabin, but it's inconvenient and they always leave my hands feeling dried out.

A cheap liquid hand soap dispenser makes a big difference and I always bring it on my cruises going forward.

Deodorant

Consider this a public service announcement: in case there was any doubt, everyone should be wearing deodorant every day of their cruise.

Similar to the toothpaste idea, buying a travel size version makes it easy to pack.  

Sunscreen

No matter how many times you think you won't get sunburned, it happens to the best of us.

Ordinarily I'd put sunscreen in the same category as medicine, but it's really important to have so it gets its own call out.

The only catch might be the time of year you shop, because the Dollar Store in Redding, PA might not carry sunscreen in February. 

Since I live in Florida, there was plenty of it.  So be sure to do your shopping to leave enough time to get some online if necessary.

Stain wipes

I went into the store looking for a stain pen that you can easily blot out stains from clothes, but they had wipes instead.

I never cease to be amazed how I can still spill spaghetti sauce, soy sauce, or curry on my shirt or pants. I probably need to wear my napkin as a bib, but since I won't do that, having stain wipes handy is a good idea.

Using these can easily blot out a stain before it sets and ensure you don't have a permanent reminder of that spaghetti bolognese.

I tried to buy magnets but they didn't have the right kind

The one thing they didn't have were heavy duty magnets to buy.

A set of heavy duty magnets is one of the best cabin hacks out there because they're so versatile. You can use them to hang clothes, decorations, hats, and more.

The only magnets my store had were magnets for holding up papers, so I skipped it.  Looks like I'll have to rely on Amazon for finding the right kind of magnets.

I wouldn't buy an outlet extender at a Dollar Tree

Another great idea for almost any cruise room is to bring an outlet extender because there are so few power outlets.

The problem is nearly all the outlet extenders my store had were the kind that are banned by Royal Caribbean because they have more than one electrical outlet.

You can bring an outlet extender that has one electrical outlet and as many USB outlets as you can fit.  Whether it's wired or not is irrelevant.

I recommend picking up this outlet extender because it's not only cruise line approved, but works well when traveling overseas.

I'd also skip the over the door shoe organizer

One of the oldest cruise cabin tricks in the book is to buy an over the door shoe organizers. While they were available to buy at my Dollar Store, I'd recommend skipping it.

You put them on your bathroom door but I find they are very shallow, limiting what you can really use it for to store things. Plus, it always gets caught in the door when the door is opened or closed.

While it's only a dollar, I'd still skip it because I don't think it adds as much value to your life as it does become a nuisance.

Royal Caribbean announced plans for a new beach club to open in 2026, and it's part of a trend to improve the ports that passengers complain the most about.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean unveiled plans to open a brand-new beach club on the Greek island of Santorini. While some were surprised by the announcement, it could be argued that the new beach club was only a matter of time.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has made significant investments to enhance the in-port experience for its guests, particularly in destinations that have been ranked as cruisers’ least favorites. By enhancing onshore experiences, Royal Caribbean can capture more spending from passengers while delivering a smoother, safer, and more appealing visit for cruisers. It's a win-win situation for the guest and cruise line.

Earlier this year, we reported on the ports travelers said they’d never want to visit again, with Santorini, Nassau, and Costa Maya topping the list. While these ports each have their own drawbacks, guests cited logistical frustrations in Santorini, pushy vendors in Nassau, and the entire tourist trap of Costa Maya’s port.

As such, Royal Caribbean has seen an opportunity to address these pain ports for customers, leading to targeted investments from the cruise line. And the company’s latest investment with Royal Beach Club Santorini is a prime example of this shift.

Santorini is infamous for its logistical challenges.

Santorini, Greece is easily one of the world’s most photographed cruise ports, but the Greek Island is also one of the most frustrating. 

Santorini’s blue-domed churches and cliffside villages attract millions of visitors each year, but this inevitably creates a gridlock along the narrow streets of Oia and Fira. Not to mention, it’s common to have multiple cruise ships anchored in Santorini during peak summer months, leading to even more crowding on the small island.

Because ships must tender passengers ashore, simply getting into town can be a challenge. The steep cliffs mean cruisers must choose between waiting in long lines for the cable car, hiking hundreds of steps, or taking a controversial donkey ride, which many avoid due to concerns for the animals.

Although the island is stunning, the logistical challenges can often overshadow Santorini’s beauty. With this in mind, Royal Caribbean saw an opportunity to build the Royal Beach Club to offer a more relaxed alternative for cruisers. The experience will be offered as a shore excursion with visits to Oia and Fira, along with a few hours lounging at the beach club by the Aegean Sea.

The cruise line stated in the press release, “As Royal Caribbean Group prepares for the beach club’s opening next summer, the company’s ultimate beach club experience will feature a new innovative way to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing guests arriving to Santorini. Vacationers can start their journey in one of three locations, minimizing crowding while maximizing time spent enjoying sights and sounds.”

In doing so, Royal Caribbean aims to ease some of the logistical challenges of visiting Santorini while simultaneously creating new opportunities to capture guest spending ashore.

Cruisers also cite Nassau as their least favorite cruise port.

Nassau, Bahamas, might be one of the most visited cruise ports in the world, but it’s also one of cruisers' least favorite destinations. Because of its proximity to Florida, Nassau appears on many short Caribbean itineraries. This means frequent cruisers have visited Nassau repeatedly, leading many guests to stay onboard rather than disembarking.

The city has tried to change its reputation, recently completing a $300 million cruise port redevelopment. The project greatly modernized the cruise terminal area by adding performance spaces, local shops, restaurants, and bars. However, the city itself remains polarizing.

Cruisers regularly complain about aggressive vendors, safety concerns, and a lack of authentic experiences. Excursions can also be expensive in Nassau; for example, visiting the famous Atlantis resort can cost hundreds of dollars for just a few hours.

To tackle these complaints, Royal Caribbean is building its brand-new Royal Paradise Island Beach Club. The new venue will require guests to purchase admission, along with a drink package if they want open-bar access. The private-style experience is only for Royal Caribbean cruise guests and will feature multiple pools, dining options, and the world’s largest swim-up bar.

Royal Caribbean hopes to give cruisers a relaxing and secure alternative to the hectic city while still generating revenue ashore. This mirrors the success of the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers an elevated, controlled environment designed to rival the onboard experience.

In Cozumel, vacationers want something new

Royal Caribbean's research told them that while Cozumel isn't poorly rated by guests, it's grown a bit tiresome.

That's why Royal Beach Club Cozumel will open in December 2026 in an attempt to fix a different "problem" that cruise passengers have with the port.

Jay Schneider leads the Product Development team, and during a preview event for the opening of the beach club, said that Cozumel is great, but lacks something fresh.

"What we've heard from research is a lot of guests have been to Cozumel. They're looking for something new," he explained.

"They love Cozumel, but they want diversity of the offering."

Royal Caribbean wants to bring something new that will excite passengers to add onto an island that's already well-regarded.

Finally, Royal Caribbean will give the tourist trap of Costa Maya a major makeover.

Along with Nassau, Costa Maya in Mexico is often considered one of the least favorite cruise ports for many travelers. This Western Caribbean port is frequently called a massive tourist trap, with a cruise terminal built entirely for passengers.

Visitors must weave through crammed shops, restaurants, wildlife encounters, and a swim-up bar just to exit the terminal. The entire port area feels like one giant, endless maze. Beyond the cruise terminal, the small beach town of Mahahual offers a more relaxed vibe, but even then, options are limited.

To address this, Royal Caribbean purchased the port of Costa Maya to build its newest private destination, Perfect Day Mexico. The new project will span 200 acres and offer an all-inclusive beach experience for cruisers, modeled after its private island in the Bahamas.

This new development will transform the underwhelming port into a destination itself. Instead of being a least favorite destination for cruisers, Costa Maya could soon be a highlight for Royal Caribbean guests. The cruise line plans to offer shaded cabanas, snorkeling, water activities, and controlled access designed to avoid the current tourist chaos.

It’s only a matter of time before Royal Caribbean rolls out more plans to upgrade problem ports, creating new opportunities to boost revenue while improving the guest experience on land.