Royal Caribbean Blog

You booked your cruise and chose a dining option for dinner, but now you want to change it. That sounds like an easy change to request, but what if it's not available anymore?

Royal Caribbean offers two types of dinner choices when you book a cruise as it relates to the Main Dining Room: Traditional and My Time Dining.

The closer you get to your cruise, you might find limited options left for switching from one to other. Perhaps a particular traditional dinner seating is not available.  Or My Time Dining might be sold out.  Is there any chance to change it?

There are a few options you could try, including one that new cruisers are completely unaware of exists.

First, try to get on a waitlist

If there's a few months left before your cruise departs, I'd start off by getting on the waitlist for the dining time or option you prefer.

Royal Caribbean has a wait list of a specific dining option, so if you're told it's sold out, ask to be on that waitlist.

You can ask your travel agent to be put on the waitlist. If you booked directly with Royal Caribbean, call in and ask for it.

Sometimes even the waitlist is temporarily filled. Don't worry though! If the waitlist time you want is unavailable and the cruise is more than a few weeks out call back in a week or two and try again.

These waitlists work exactly as you might imagine: someone cancels their cruise or changes to a different dining option, and the next person on the waitlist gets moved to the open slot.

In my experience, the waitlist comes through in most cases, but it helps the earlier you get put on it.

Be aware if the waitlist comes through, there's not really a notification of any kind that I'm aware of. Instead, it just changes and it's up to you to check periodically to see if the change has been made.

If that fails, try this trick on the ship

If the waitlist doesn't work, don't fret, because there's a fallback that always seems to work.

Once you board your ship on the first day, head to the Main Dining Room after lunch.  Anytime after 1pm should suffice.

Ask to speak to the Head Waiter that is on duty.  Alternatively, there is sometimes a desk set up that says "Dining Changes" or something to that effect. Either option will work.

At this point, politely explain the situation and ask if you can have your dining option changed.

In my experience, this usually works. Either someone else has done the same thing and opened up a spot, or the ship simply has more capacity than the shoreside system allows to book.

In any case, I'd be pretty surprised to hear if this fallback didn't work.

Which is better: My Time Dining or Traditional?

Royal Caribbean offers the choice of My Time Dining and Traditional dinner so passengers can find the best choice for them.

Each has its advantages, so it's a matter of what your own style is for how and when you'd like to eat.

Traditional dinner means you have a set time, table, waiter, and table mates. It has less flexibility since your schedule is set, but it's also simpler and there's no waiting for a table.

My Time Dining is flexible, and allows you to eat early or late depending on your plans.

The issue with My Time Dining is you may have to wait for a table, and you should make reservations in advance to reduce a wait.  Making reservations seems to take away from the notion of being flexible, to some degree.

I always pick Traditional

If you're looking for an opinion on what to choose, I usually go with Traditional.

Since my first Royal Caribbean cruise more than a decade ago, I've chosen Traditional dinner times because of how straight forward it is.

The reason I don't love My Time Dining is that there's a wait for a table, or at least a short line. I really like the convenience of not having to make reservations or wait in line, even if it means a rigid dining schedule.

Plus, I really like having the same waiters each night. I think creating a rapport with them adds to the experience because it makes it's friendly and fun, especially when you have waiters with a good personality.

Royal Caribbean is eager to get its newest cruise ship sailing with passengers, as it's added another early sailing to the schedule.

The cruise line announced it will once again add a new "showcase sailing" is ahead of the previous sailing that we thought would be first.

Plans are for Star of the Seas to offer a 4-night Star Showcase Cruise to Perfect Day, setting sail on August 16, 2025. Star of the Seas will be based from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida.

Prior to this change, the earliest sailing guests could have booked was a 3-night on August 20, 2025.

Why the change? Progress is moving swiftly, according to an email.

"Our teams have been working diligently to deliver The Next Icon of Vacations, and the ship’s finishing touches are progressing ahead of schedule. As a result of this early completion," is what guests already booked on the August 20th sailing received in their inbox Wednesday morning.

Technically, the official maiden 7-night cruise will be held on August 31, 2025. However, there are a series of showcase sailings that lead up to that.

• NEW: August 16, 2025 (4-nights)
• August 20, 2025 (3-nights)
• August 23, 2025 (4-nights)
• August 27, 2025 (4-nights)

There's a certain irony with all these showcase sailings, because originally Royal Caribbean had Star of the Seas debuting August 17, 2025 with a 7-night cruise, but that was pushed back to August 31 because of delays.  

As it turns out, Star will debut a day earlier than originally planned.

Those that were originally booked on these early sailings received an email  to inform them of the addition, and to get first dibs on booking rooms on the new cruises.

Choices for the new sailing

Guests booked on the August 20th sailing received an email offering them the first chance at the earlier cruise.

Understanding that some guests value being the first onboard, and others look forward to celebrating the inaugural voyage – we want to give you the first choice and the flexibility to switch sailings, add an additional sailing, or stay on your currently booked sailing, since you committed to us first.

Those opting to move to the August 16 sailing can do so and remain in a like-for-like stateroom currently booked, based on availability.

Suite guests have one week to take advantage of price protection, after that, your transfer will be based on the current prevailing rate.

Guests in Interior, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms will have the opportunity to transfer at the prevailing rate.

Or, you could do nothing and remain on the current sailing you have booked.

Don't worry, there will still be inaugural cruise swag waiting for you on the new sailing too.

"Make sure to look for some sweet commemorative items to celebrate our newest ship in your stateroom during any of these sailings, regardless of which one you end up choosing."

You have until next week to decide

If you want to move reservations, you need to act quickly.

Royal Caribbean is giving everyone about a week to contact the line to make the change. Change requests must be made no later than June 5, 2025.

If you do not make a change by June 5, 2025, anyone booked on the showcase sailings will remain booked on that sailing, and you can still choose to add the new 4-night Star of Seas showcase sailings based on availability.

Finished sea trials

Perhaps Royal Caribbean has added this new sailing because of how well the sea trials went for the new ship.

According to the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland where Star is being built, the sea trials finished in "record time".

"Star of the Seas completed her sea trials in record time and returned to the shipyard on the morning of Tuesday, May 27th," is what was posted to social media.

Star of the Seas spent 8 days during her sea trials testing out all of its systems thoroughly, "All tests were completed successfully."

"These were the best sea trials I have ever participated in. There was a strong sense of team spirit throughout. Now it’s time to focus on completing the remaining work on the ship," says Project Manager Jaakko Leinonen.

Chief Dog Officer has reported for duty

Equally important news is Star of the Seas' Chief Dog Officer is ready to start sailing.

Sailor is the name of the dog that will live on Star of the Seas, and she just boarded Icon of the Seas to begin training.

Royal Caribbean added a dog to Icon of the Seas as an idea to add more memories for families sailing, and that will continue with Star of the Seas.

How important is it to be in the quietest possible cruise ship cabin? 

I certainly don't want a noisy cabin, but I was never one to specifically pick a stateroom primarily on how quiet it is.

However, it's a common question our readers have been asking me and it got me thinking about which rooms that I've stayed in have been the quietest.

Thanks to a recent cruise ship design trend that Royal Caribbean has embraced, I think the answer has changed.

Not quite ship within a ship, but as private as it gets

Beginning with Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean shifted its suite program focus to offer more exclusivity than ever before.

At the time, it was a big deal when they introduced a new suites neighborhood on Wonder because it dedicated more space and venues to suite guests than ever before.

The standout upgrade was the suite sun deck, which truly felt like a private enclave.  On other ships, the suite sun deck always felt like an after thought. It was usually an open deck with little shade and no easy water access.

Beginning with Wonder of the Seas, the suite sun deck get a needed revamp to make it more useful beyond simply loungers in the sun.

Part of that change was to enclose the suite decks more, and essentially walling off a couple of decks for suite guests only.

Access to deck 17 and 18 on Wonder and Utopia of the Seas is by SeaPass card only and it's only for suite guests (and Pinnacle Club members).

The result is there's going to be far fewer people walking past your cabin, and that makes it easily the new quietest spot.

The same phenomenon occurs on the Icon Class ships with their suite decks. When I recently stayed in a suite on Icon of the Seas, I kept noticing the lack of other guests in the hall compared to other decks.

In addition to less guests, there's also no public spaces to contend with.

The top reason there's noise in a cabin is usually noise bleed from public venues, but suite decks are usually far enough away to eliminate that issue.

Not cheap, but it's effective

I know you're probably not that surprised to read that things are better when you stay in a suite, but in this case, it's true.

There are different suite categories in the suite neighborhood, such as Grand Suites, loft suites, and even Star Class suites, such as the Ultimate Family Suite.

The caveat is you need to pick a suite within the suite neighborhood. There are other suites around the ship that would be subject to the same noise issues lower category cabins could have, so you cannot simply buy your way out of the problem.

What's nearby the suite area

Besides the stateroom likely being quieter, there are other benefits of staying in this area.

You'll find the suite lounge down the hall, which is a reserved spot for suite guests to enjoy.

Not only is it a lovely and large room to hang out in, there is complimentary snacks and beverages. In fact, each evening there's a happy hour where you can enjoy cocktails, beer, and wine while in the lounge without an extra cost. There's also beer and wine available from 11am to 11pm on Royal Caribbean's biggest ships.

This alone could be a tremendous value, and staying in a room that's just down the hall makes it quite convenient.

The suite concierge is also in the suite lounge during certain hours, and they're available to answer any concerns or questions you have.  

I find the suite concierge equally pleasant to chat with as they are helpful to solve problems. It's nice to have a friendly face to speak with for a few minutes.  

Next door is Coastal Kitchen, the suites-only included restaurant.

Think of Coastal Kitchen like an upgraded Main Dining Room, and there's no cost to eat there if you're booked in a suite.

Of course, there's the suite sun deck which offers shade and sun. 

What I like about the suite sun deck on the newer Oasis Class ships and Icon Class ships is the blend of sun and shade, along with bar service right there.

There is lots of available seating (chairs, loungers, daybeds, couches), a nice hot tub and it is rarely, if ever, crowded. It's a great spot to get away from the crowd.

If you focus your time between your cabin, suite lounge, and sun deck, you're going to find a lot to keep you busy in a lavish environment.

Expect to pay a few more dollars if you're taking an Alaska cruise next year.

Juneau is the capital of Alaska, and it's also one of the most popular ports on any Alaska cruise itinerary. It's home to Mendenhall Glacier, and a variety of activities synonymous with visiting Alaska.

Last week, the Juneau Assembly voted unanimously to approve a resolution that will increase port fees.

What's interesting about this change is it will not be a flat increase. Instead, the bigger the ship, the higher the fee.

The current dockage fees use the tonnage and length of vessels to calculate how much cruise ships pay. The new rates will be based on the ship’s passenger capacity.  

Estimates are the new fee structure will could almost double the $2.5 million in dockage fees Juneau assessed in 2024.

City officials say the new fee will go into effect for the 2026 cruise season.

It applies only to large cruise ships and will bring in millions of dollars extra of revenue for Juneau.

The vote was done to catch up with the fees assessed to cruise ships at privately operated docks in Southeast Alaska.

The port fee is what is charged to the cruise line for each person brought onboard to that city. The fee is paid, regardless of if someone disembarks the ship or not.

Those port fees are passed along to passengers as a line item under "port fees and taxes" when booking a cruise.

Juneau welcomed 1.68 million cruise ship passengers in 2024, up from 1.31 million in 2019.

What the higher fees will pay for

Juneau already has the money from cruise ships earmarked for new projects.

Juneau's port director said the funds will go into the Docks and Harbors enterprise fund.

He indicated this money has fewer restrictions on how it may be spent by the city because it's not the same sort of fee that the city charges cruise ships. 

"They’re not limited, like the so-called head taxes, the port development fee, or the marine passenger fee —  it can be used for other purposes," Carl Uchytil said.

The city collects marine passenger fees for every cruise ship passenger who arrives in port. Due to an agreement with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the city is required to use this money only on projects directly tied to the visitor industry, placing limits on how the funds can be spent.

Royal Caribbean's future plans for Juneau

Plans are in place for Royal Caribbean to build a new cruise terminal in Juneau, which has sparked some debate given its location and intentions.

In October 2024, Royal Caribbean announced plans to build a new cruise ship dock on Douglas Island. It's a partnership with a local Alaska Native corporation.

The intention is to ease traffic congestion in the downtown area.

The project is called, "The Port of Tomorrow" and it is expected to be completed during the 2027 Alaska cruise season.

The news was a surprise to local officials, who claimed they were not made aware prior to the announcement.

Goldbelt Incorporated owns the land, and according to reports, has begun gating off land so clearing work can commence.

I love a good snack, especially some of the indulgent ones that Royal Caribbean offers for sale.

There's a good mix of included and extra cost food on any cruise ship, and I appreciate the variety offered. You never know what mood you might be in when it comes to snacking.

A lot of snacks are included in your cruise fare, such as cookies, pizza, or chips. But there's a subset of choices that have an extra cost.

Like many people, I scoffed at paying extra for a snack initially.  I thought, "there are so many good snacks, why should I pay extra?". 

And then I tried them.

Here's my list of four snacks I think are worth spending extra for, plus one that I really don't think is worth it at all.

Bubble cones at Izumi

When Royal Caribbean added its first Izumi in the Park location on Icon of the Seas, it came with a new menu that I wasn't expecting.

I assumed it would be just a la carte sushi, but included are bubble cones that are a Japanese take on a traditional waffle cone ice cream.

The bubble cones are sweet, eggy bubble waffles that are crisp on the outside and cakey on the inside.

I could easily just eat the bubble cone itself without ice cream because it's addictive how good they taste.

Of course, you get a mix of ice cream and toppings to go with it. There are five combinations to choose from, but my favorite is Chocolate Thrill.

The result is a really large serving of ice cream that is admittedly a big mess, but so worth it. 

It's like a sundae you can walk with, and since you're in Central Park, it works well for eating as you enjoy the views around you in this neighborhood.

Ice cream is a well-established cruise snack given that there's a soft serve machine around the pool deck included in your cruise fare.  However, the bubble cones are an over-the-top option that goes well beyond a regular cone.

Milkshakes

Speaking of ice cream, it's hard to say no to a good quality milkshake.

There are two places to get a milkshake on Royal Caribbean ships: Johnny Rockets and Desserted.

Johnny Rockets is available on a number of ships and it's your traditional milkshake that most people imagine.

There's usually a few flavors to choose from, and it's the kind of frosty snack that's perfect for a hot tropical day. 

In some cases, the milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are included in a drink package. It seems to be a gray area that depends on the particular manager's interpretation of the rules, but I'd say more often than not it works.

If you're in the mood for a super duper milkshake, Royal Caribbean has you covered with Desserted.

Available on the Icon Class ships, Desserted has basic milkshakes, but they also have the kind that are almost too pretty to eat.  Almost!

There are also milkshakes with alcohol, although I've never tried these.

Shaved ice

When I heard Royal Caribbean added a shaved ice station to Utopia of the Seas, I did that thing a lot of dads do where they say they're going to take the kids to do something that is very much self-serving.

You'll find the shaved ice at the Wipeout Bar on Utopia of the Seas, which is located near the Flowrider.  

Starting at $6 for a small and $9 for a large, guests can choose up to three syrup flavors from a selection of seventeen. Toppings, including fruit and condensed milk, are priced at $0.50 each, and there are also boozy options sold for $14.

When I ordered one, I had to think how many years it's been since I had a shaved ice.  It felt nostalgic having one, and given it was a hot afternoon with the sun shining, really hit the spot.

I think the best thing about them is how refreshing they are without being as heavy as ice cream.  

Mason Jar late night eats

Did you know there's a sort-of-secret menu at the Mason Jar bar?

When the bar is hopping with good music and people dancing and singing, the bar has food service options.

There might be a menu floating around the bar, or you can ask the bartender for it. But the late night eats has a few things you can order in-between drinks.

Depending on your mood, you might go for a chicken sandwich or just some crackers and pimento cheese to snack on.

I wish more Royal Caribbean bars had food to nosh on as you enjoy the drinks or entertainment, but at least the Mason Jar one to order from.

One not worth it: Starbucks pastries

I was going over the various snacks available on a Royal Caribbean ship, and the only snack I truly don't think is worth paying for are the pastries at Starbucks.

Even on land, I think the pastries are just okay. But they cost extra on Royal Caribbean, even if you have a Royal Genie.

Besides the fact I don't think the Starbucks snacks are that impressive, you're also usually a few steps away from Cafe Promenade. 

Most Starbucks kiosks are either on the Royal Promenade or one deck away. There, you'll find plenty of light bites to go with your coffee that are included with your cruise fare.

Royal Caribbean revealed plans for four new beach projects, and they all have a common bond: they're taking inspiration by and improving ideas from one private island.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has been the pride and joy of Royal Caribbean ever since it opened in 2019.  It's been a commercial and critical success, offering more ways for cruise ship passengers to enjoy a beach day while fundamentally changing what a private beach is all about.

The key to success with CocoCay is at the heart of the new projects Royal Caribbean is developing around the world: thrill, beaches, cabanas, and guest satisfaction.

Each of the new enclaves exclusively available to Royal Caribbean passengers has its own feel, but you'll easily draw parallels between all of them back to CocoCay.

What made CocoCay a hit in the first place

When Royal Caribbean decided to overhaul its private island in The Bahamas, they did so with a guest-first design based on feedback.

The cruise line surveyed their customers extensively to determine what they're looking for in a "perfect" beach day. That lead them to come up with ideas that would serve the various wants.

When you look at a map of Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll see different areas that clearly speak to people who want to relax, engage in activities, get away from it all, have some thrills, and more.

On top of that, Royal Caribbean baked in seamless logistics.  They built a pier so it would be easy to get on and off the ship.  They extended WiFi to the island along with drink package benefits.  CocoCay is meant to be an extension of the ship experience.

Plus, Royal Caribbean placed high attention to detail and upscale options.  They wanted to offer something for everyone, so that it could be perfect.  New expansions offered an upscale day at the Coco Beach Club while Hideaway Beach provided a highly-requested adults-only area.

The incredibly high guest satisfaction scores CocoCay produces was the impetus for taking that approach and spreading it to other destinations.

Bringing over the best ideas from CocoCay

After reading through the plans Royal Caribbean has for its new destinations, it's clear they are not reinventing the wheel.

Perfect Day Mexico is the most obvious place where the best of CocoCay gets brought over and expanded.

You'll find areas for chill, thrill, and family throughout the new destination that will be double the size of CocoCay.

Every single copy is more than a facsimile of what came before it.  Royal Caribbean saw what was working on CocoCay, and then doubled down on it in Mexico.

El Hideaway and Costa Beach Club are both zones that get a much larger footprint to offer more space and amenities than ever before.

Perfect Day Mexico will even have a lazy river, which was the top request of cruisers to be added at CocoCay.  Unfortunately, CocoCay is too small for a lazy river, so that idea will become reality in Mexico.

In looking at the beach clubs, we see the same core DNA of CocoCay here. No matter how you spend your day in these places, Royal Caribbean has placed a strong emphasis on cleanliness, comfort, and crowd flow.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, has three zones: chill, party, and family.  Those three areas are based on Chill Beach, Hideaway, and Harbor Beach from CocoCay.

You'll find a fair amount included with your cruise fare, but also opportunities to upgrade and splurge on extras like a cabana.

Cabanas at CocoCay went from a basic offering to expansive and impressive VIP spots.

These premium upgrades dot every one of the new expansions, and some of the new ideas are going well beyond what CocoCay ever had.

The Ultimate Family Cabana at Paradise Island is going have a major wow factor to it.

It has two levels and includes a slide, dedicated whirlpool, frozen drink machine and more.

For those that want a celebration, try the party wings you can rent at Paradise Island in the party zone. 

In Perfect Day Mexico, there will be a Party Cabana to rent, which can handle up to 20 people. It has its own dedicated bathroom, its own bar, and it'll have its own bartender.

New and better ideas too

While each of these destinations takes inspiration from Perfect Day at CocoCay, there's much more to love that goes beyond it.

There's a level of cultural integration into each project, where cruisers will feel a level of authenticity with their visit.

The goal is infuse local culture through food, art, and music.  The cruise line isn't trying to fool you into thinking you're in some historic area.  Rather, they want you to be able to enjoy the best the host country has to offer as well.

There will be local flavors, colors, art, and architecture — especially at Perfect Day Mexico and Lelepa.

You'll also find new attractions and ideas that are brand new to the cruise line.

In Perfect Day Mexico, there are trajinera rides down the river, a massive sombrero and margarita bars, along with a whole new area of Celebration Cove.

Royal Caribbean will introduce new ideas at Paradise Island with multi-zone arrival points, the world’s largest swim-up bar, and all-inclusive pricing.

There's also a deeper environmental commitment with these projects.

As an example, 50% of the land at Perfect Day Mexico will be preserved to ensure the mangroves are available for future generations to enjoy.

You'll also find zero waste to landfill goals in these new projects that combine with local partnerships in operations and long-term stewardship.

Why this matters to you

If all of this sounds nice, but you're not sure why you should care, the answer is it all funnels back to a core goal: offering cruisers the ultimate beach day.

The new projects open up the Western Caribbean and South Pacific to Royal Caribbean's signature experience that its customers already love.

There are more options to match guest preferences in each port: family-friendly, adults-only, group celebrations.

It also gives returning cruisers new reasons to sail again, especially on western Caribbean itineraries that have long had complaints about being too repetitive.

Royal Caribbean isn’t just expanding, it’s refining what's great about what it offers. These new destinations are an evolution, not a repeat.

When we get to 2027 and all four of these new destinations are operational, there's bound to be a private destination that could easily be the highlight of every sailing.

I've learned a few tricks over my many years of cruising to make it a better experience, including the cruise ship bathroom.

Every Royal Caribbean stateroom has its own bathroom, and it's likely going to be very small.  Unless you book a sprawling suite, standard bathrooms are compact, utilitarian, and offer just what you need during your cruise.

There isn't much air circulation in there, and you can joke about washing your hands and using the toilet at the same time because of how small the space is.

No matter which ship or stateroom type I book, I always bring two things with me that truly improve your cruise ship cabin's bathroom.

I bring air freshener

The small bathroom space is not only tiny, but an area you have to share with others in your cabin.

No one wants foul odors to permeate, and given that everyone is doing their business at least once per day, it's easy for a smell to build up.

For a while, we'd let the bathroom "air out" before using it. Or even relegate someone to the public bathrooms around the ship to avoid it all together.

Then I discovered certain air fresheners really do work well in masking and eliminating the odors completely.

My preferred option is poo-pourri spray because of how effective it is.  I never thought it would work as well as it does, but a few sprays and you're good.

It says to pre-spray before you use the bathroom, but I've found it works well enough after too.

I keep one in my toiletries I bring on the cruise, and then stash one on the sink so anyone can quickly utilize it as needed.

Liquid hand soap

Another case of "I didn't know there was a better option until I tried it" is related to soap.

Royal Caribbean provides a bar of hand soap to use in each cabin, but it annoys me when I use it.  

It leaves my skin feeling dried out and it gets gummy and takes time work up a lather.  Not a big deal, but I usually sigh or roll my eyes before using it.

I've since committed to bringing liquid hand soap with me to keep in the bathroom.

Not only is application easier, but it lessens the hassle of using the bar.

Washing your hands is so important on a cruise ship to reduce the chances of spreading germs, especially related to using the bathroom.

Norovirus is a well-known affliction that can occur on cruise ships. Norovirus is transmitted when someone ingests particles of vomit or feces from an infected person, such as through consuming food touched by an infected individual, touching contaminated surfaces and then their mouth, or placing contaminated objects on clean surfaces.

Because of this, proper handwashing with soap and water is the best way to prevent getting it.

Maximizing your cabin bathroom

While on the topic of a cruise ship bathroom, I think there's a few other tricks for making your bathroom a better space overall.

Unless you're in a suite, expect storage space to be a limited. In fact, there's very limited counter space.

Some cruisers recommend buying an over-the-door shoe organizer to add more storage, but I prefer a hanging toiletry bag as a better and more useful option.

Our own writers really like this option better because it not only leaves the counter less cluttered, but there's less unpacking and re-packing later.

Be sure to also request extra towels from your stateroom attendant on the first day of the cruise.

By default, you'll get a few towels in there, but they will be used up quickly.

Not only will you use towels to dry yourself, but I find the shower leaks a lot when the door or curtain gets opened. No matter how careful you are, water seems to get everywhere and the shower towel provided is miniscule.

Your bathroom can also act as a wash and dry space for your clothes.

Royal Caribbean offers laundry, but it's expensive and some clothes can't be washed in the very hot water they use.

Instead, you could do some basic laundry in your stateroom (no, there is no self-service laundry machines on Royal Caribbean ships).

You'll want to bring single-packet detergent with you, and then fill your sink up with water to wash small loads of laundry.

Wash the clothing in your sink and then hang the clothes to dry in your shower on the laundry line that's in your shower.

While doing laundry on a cruise may not be exactly what you had in mind for a relaxing vacation, getting more use out of clothes is a necessary evil so you can pack less or re-use clothes that are otherwise soiled.

The hottest ticket in cruising right now is Royal Caribbean's first fully immersive restaurant that makes you feel like you're on a classic train.

Royal Railway Utopia Station looks, feels, and sounds like you're on a train, complete with full meal, cocktails, and a fun story too.

Ever since it first debuted on Utopia of the Seas, it has been the most difficult reservation to get because of how much hype and demand there has been. I thought perhaps demand would wane in the first few months, but it's only gotten more competitive as more cruisers discover this option.

It's one of those "you gotta see it to believe it" type things, but before you step aboard, I think there are a few things you should know and do before you mosey on down to Utopia Station.

Reservations are critical

You need to be realistic about your chances to actually get a reservation for Royal Railway, because I've never seen a restaurant this hard to get into.

You'll need to make a reservation before the cruise begins.  There's a near zero percent chance any reservations are available when you board Utopia of the Seas.

The problem is there's no telling when reservations become available. I have yet to discern any kind of pattern as to when Royal Caribbean opens up reservations.

It's usually close to the sail date, and well past the final payment date.  Somewhere around 45-30 days prior to sailing seems to be the usual start, but it really could go at any time.

So in order to get a reservation, you're going to need to be eagle eyed and spot it quickly.  I'd recommend checking for when reservations open up regularly.

If you can join a Facebook group or roll call for your cruise, that might help in being alerted to when reservations open up.

The bottom line is don't wait to make a reservation. Book a spot as early as you can because they will sell out quickly.

There's a story element

Unlike other restaurants on a Royal Caribbean ship, there's a story element to the experience.

In order for it to be a truly immersive dining experience, Royal Caribbean came up with a story that's being told around you.

The performers interject a few times during the meal, and there's limited guest interaction.  A passenger might be asked a question or given something to hold, but that's the extent of it.  

It's a cute show that's very family friendly.  In fact, it definitely leans into the family angle much more.  That isn't to say adults without kids won't enjoy it, but you should know what you're getting a head of time.

There's a few segments, and they're short.  It will interrupt your conversation, but it's not terribly distracting. Cute vignettes that add a element of levity to the meal.

The kids menu has the best dessert

Speaking of family, there's a kids menu that anyone can order off of and it has one of the best desserts I've had.

There are two choices for dessert on the regular menu, and each has its own qualities, but the kids dessert is amazing if you're an ice cream fan.

It's essentially a chocolate covered block of vanilla ice cream that looks like a train.  Think Klondike bar.

Ever since I tried it out "in the name of research", I've been hooked. It might be something to ask your waiter for instead of the standard desserts. Or order all three!

Don't forget your tickets

The night before your meal, there will be paper tickets delivered to your stateroom.

These tickets are neat souvenirs you can take home that look like train tickets, but they're more than a souvenir.

You really do need to bring them to the meal in order to board the train.

When you arrive at Utopia Station on deck 4 for your meal, the crew member will ask to see your tickets.  And then onboard the train, they'll do the same again.

While it's all schtick, you probably don't want to be called out for not having tickets.  So be sure to bring them with you to dinner.

There's a new whiskey tasting option

Royal Caribbean has added a new whiskey tasting event too that you can book.

The "Royal Railway — Utopia Station Whiskey Tasting" was added recently, and it's a celebration of American whiskey

I have it booked for September to try it out, but it's a whiskey tasting event that doesn't have a show element. You still get the train experience of it moving and the sights and sounds that go with it.

From what I've heard from other cruisers that have tried it, it's an opportunity to try various whiskeys in a fun setting. There are 3 varieties of whiskey to sample.

More shows are forthcoming

Royal Caribbean has promised there will be more shows than just the Wild West on Royal Railway.

They see it as a story telling platform where there's so many ways to give guests a train ride that without it being the same thing each time.

Executives have hinted at a Orient Express theme, along with a brunch offering. I've been told the Silk Route option will be less kid focused.

Regardless, we can expect more shows to come online in the future that add a completely different atmosphere, and likely making this restaurant even more in-demand than it already is.

Royal Railway is worth it

Royal Caribbean did a wonderful job in creating something completely different with Royal Railway, and I think it's worth trying.

It's not another restaurant, because it integrates show, meal, and sights into one. 

If your idea of a great vacation is enjoying new experiences and crafting memories, Royal Railway is sure to deliver on that.  It's one of those things you'll do where you're bound to tell friends and family about it when you get home.

Happy Sunday and unofficial start to summer! Temperatures are rising, and so is the pace of cruise news to share with you this week.

Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas has begun sea trials.

The newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet headed out for the first time into the open ocean to ensure all of its systems work the way they should, such as the propulsion, navigation and safety systems.

Sea trials are the final step of a ship's construction prior to being delivered to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean has raised prices on drinks to $15 each
• Royal Caribbean is leaning into a popular water slide trend
• I've stayed in over a dozen Royal Caribbean suites. Here are the 6 mistakes I see first-timers make
• A cruiser forgot to pay off their cruise and it's an important reminder how to avoid it happening to you
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship worker reveals fun rewards crew members get during their off hours
• Royal Caribbean is now sending an email that makes packing for a cruise much easier
• Why I love using my Royal Caribbean loyalty drink benefits on every cruise — and you might, too
• 15 Photos of Summer Cruises in the ’70s
• Can you go on a cruise pregnant? Royal Caribbean has an important safety rule cruisers should always follow
• Royal Caribbean is betting big on this exotic destination. After 4 cruises here, I can see why
• 5 things I wish I knew before trying a Royal Caribbean cruise in Asia

Video: New Rules Of A Cruise This Summer To Follow

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 — New Rules Of A Cruise This Summer To Follow — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I always try to carry my luggage off my ship at the end of the cruise because it's faster

Whenever possible, I'll take my own bags off the ship rather than wait for them to be delivered to the terminal.

I prefer to "rip the band-aid off" when my vacation comes to an end, and often I'm looking to get going and get home sooner than later.

Carrying my own luggage off the ship allows more flexibility in when I want to disembark, especially if I want to be off early.

16 secrets every Royal Caribbean cruiser should know

There are certain secrets the cruise line won't tell you, and I came up with a list of the best ones.

These are secrets that people that cruise a lot pick up on, and now you can take advantage of them too.

I hope some of these will make it easier for you to have a better cruise in the future.

Royal Caribbean ship helps protect another cruise ship

Strong winds necessitated one Royal Caribbean ship to step in and help another with getting out of port.

When Enchantment of the Seas was attempting to leave Costa Maya, it was so windy that it wasn't possible on its own.

Instead, Wonder of the Seas positioned itself to block the winds and make it easier for Enchantment to get out.

Royal Caribbean emails guests about possible Legionnaires' disease on a cruise ship

People that sailed on a recent Symphony of the Seas cruise were notified another passenger later was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.

An email explained the person had sailed on Symphony of the Seas was later diagnosed with Legionella. As a precaution, the cruise line is notifying passengers.

It's unknown where the person contracted it, and it may not have been on the ship.

I always overpack for my cruise, even though experts say not to do it

So many travel experts recommend not overpacking, but I do it anyway.

I understand the logic behind not overpacking, but I find there's more benefit in it because of all the different themes, events, and needs you may have during a cruise.

Ultimately, I'd rather regret the heft in my luggage than not having clothes I need later.

Summer in the ‘70s was different than today, and that included what it was like to go on a cruise vacation.

Cruises have changed a lot over the years, and the first full decade of Royal Caribbean's beginnings had a different look to it all.

Today's megaships dwarf everything from 50 years ago, but those ships were trailblazers in their own right. Royal Caribbean had made history by having purpose built ships for Caribbean voyages, instead of converted ferries or ocean liners.

With the unofficial start of summer right around the corner, we dug through the photo archives to share photos and promotional images that conveyed what it was like to take a summer cruise in the '70s.

1. Pouring wine at the dinner table

2.Cruise ship docked in port

3.Activities around the ship

4. St. Thomas beach

5. Midnight buffet

6. Meeting the Captain

7. What a stateroom looked like

8. Dinner on a cruise

9. Costume contest

10. Passenger talent night

11. Activities onboard for guests

12. Lounge on cruise ship in 1970s

13. Welcome party on first night

14. Eating in the Main Dining Room

15. Pool band