Royal Caribbean Blog

My family has been taking cruises ever since my kids were old enough to sail, and spending a holiday like Thanksgiving at sea was surprisingly satisfying.

I think most people associate major holidays that center around family being celebrated at home, but I've found real advantages to going on a cruise instead.

We picked a 7-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, to spend Thanksgiving and enjoy not only the holiday but getting away from it all.

Since this is a holiday sailing, a lot of other people have the same idea.  The ship has a maximum capacity of 7,600 people, along with 2, 350 crew members.  That means there can be as many as 10,000 people onboard the ship.

While that sounds daunting, the truth is this ship has been engineered to a point you'd never know that many other people are onboard with you. And it made for a Thanksgiving vacation that perfectly suited our needs.

The ship has so much to do, including a touch of holiday spirit

You won't confuse Star of the Seas for spending Thanksgiving at grandma's house, but that's not a bad thing either.

This is the biggest cruise ship in the world, and that means it's packed with so much to do.  In fact, this is why I love to cruise because of how much there is to do.

Our cruise departed on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and for the actual holiday, our ship was docked in Roatan, Honduras for the day.

It's a little surreal when you're on a cruise ship for a holiday because you might forget what day it is.  Rest assured there are plenty of reminders.

Royal Caribbean decorated the ship with Thanksgiving messaging and colors.  It's nothing over the top, but a nice touch.

Plus, there are special Thanksgiving events aboard:

• Thanksgiving wordsearch
• Thanksgiving trivia
• Thanksgiving scavenger hunt
• Thanksgiving Scattergories game

Of course, there's plenty of the usual cruise ship activities too.  Royal Caribbean's activities staff will add some holiday fun to the mix, but you can easily fall back on what you'd expect on any other cruise. 

There's a special Thanksgiving menu for the traditionalists

Even though spending Thanksgiving on a cruise ship is anything but traditional, you don't have to forgo the basics.

Royal Caribbean ships still serve a full Thanksgiving dinner in the Main Dining Room (or Windjammer buffet), where you can get all the classic foods.

The main offering is a turkey dinner, complete with mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and and vegetables.

Plus, there's pumpkin and pecan pie to choose from.

I can't say it will be the best turkey dinner you've ever had, but it's undeniably a turkey dinner you did not have to prep, cook, or clean up after.

You can still watch all the football

A lot of people associate watching football games as much with the holiday as they do the food.

The major NFL football games are available to watch on the ship, and you can see it both in your stateroom as well as at various bars.

If you want the big game energy, Playmakers Sports Bar has the game on so many screens surrounding the bar that you can't miss it.

Plus, there's beers, bar snacks, and lots of people cheering along with trying to figure out why the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving.

Spending thanksgiving in a pool is the best

But the best thing about a Thanksgiving cruise aren't all the things you can do at home on a ship. Rather, it's what else you can do!

The fact you can enjoy a warm Caribbean cruise means time in a bathing suit at the pool.  Or on shore at a beach.  For a lot of people that travel from colder weather back home, this is a real treat.

Even in late November, it's still plenty warm for outdoor activities.  High temperatures each day were easily in the low to mid 80s.

Not to mention Star of the Seas is packed with lots of activities onboard to try, including a brand new Price is Right show where you could win cash prizes or even a new car.

I think the real appeal of cruising over a major holiday is you get to combine the holiday traditions with the best things about taking a cruise.

It's officially Black Friday and that means Royal Caribbean's deepest discount of the season.

Like retailers, Royal Caribbean rolled out early Black Friday sales a few weeks ago. But today, the official sale for the shopping holiday is out and it's a good opportunity to see if there's a better price.

Plus, the amount of instant savings off a new cruise is the best it's been the entire month.

If you've been waiting, here's a look at what Royal Caribbean has on sale now.

What's new with the Black Friday sale

Royal Caribbean is offering up to $1,000 off new sailings booked this weekend.

Cruises booked between November 27, 2025 – November 30, 2025 can qualify for instant savings depending on how long your cruise is and which stateroom category you choose:

5 nights or less

• $125 USD for Inside and Ocean View
• $200 USD for Balconies
• $400 USD for Suites

6 nights or longer

• $225 USD for Interior and Ocean View
• $300 USD for Balconies
• $1000 USD for Suites

The instant savings for Black Friday are combinable with their Kids Sail Free, Free 3rd & 4ths, and BOGO60 offer that has been running during November.

My favorite Royal Caribbean deals right now

Royal Beach Club passes: One of the deepest discounts I've seen this year is a great price on the new beach club opening.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in a few weeks and prices are at the lowest so far.

Think of this like a special shore excursion available exclusively to Royal Caribbean passengers (as opposed to an included visit similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay).

Prices for an adult admission that includes alcohol is between $129 - $149 per person. Prior to the sale, prices were closer to $200 - $250 each.

Book a new cruise: The extra savings Royal Caribbean is offering during the actual Black Friday holiday, I think now is the right time to look at cruises for the coming years.

Getting up to $1,000 off your cruise in a single sale is not common, so while you have your family over for Thanksgiving, it might be the time to look for the right sailing.

Don't forget, Royal Caribbean just added new Texas cruises on Icon of the Seas, Alaska cruises and European cruises in 2027-2028, along with more Caribbean cruises.

All-In Package: A limited time offer for just Black Friday is an All-In Bundle, and it's a great combo offer.

Basically, you get the most commonly purchased add-ons in one: drink package, WiFi, dining package, and even access to the new Royal Beach Club.

The pricing for the All-In package without the Day Pass is $119.99 per person.

It's worth pricing out the individual components of the package to see if you could save more buying them separately, but for a lot of people the bundle is a better deal. For my sailing, it was $139 less expensive to book the bundle than all separately.

Cruise ships offer different stateroom categories to accommodate various vacation preferences and travel budgets, ranging from windowless inside cabins to spacious suites. 

Sometimes, however, the cheapest cruise cabin isn't the best. While saving money is always great, the trade-off can affect your onboard experience. For example, a lower-category cruise stateroom typically means less space and no access to natural light.

Before you agree to a downgrade, consider what you might be giving up on your next vacation and whether the cost savings are worth it. Here are 7 reasons the cheapest cruise cabin isn't always the smartest choice. 

No fresh air or natural light

Interior cabins do not have private balconies or windows. As such, they're sometimes referred to as "shoeboxes" or "tombs" because of their compact size and lack of natural light. Some travelers don't mind the setup. Others, however, find the windowless staterooms disorienting and claustrophobic. 

Without a window or balcony, you can't watch the sunrise, step outside for fresh air, or check the current weather conditions. Your stateroom's television will typically have a live feed of the bow or top deck, but it's not a substitute for the benefits of a true verandah or window. 

Plus, if you suffer from motion sickness, being in an interior cabin can make it harder to orient yourself since you can't gaze out at the horizon. 

Limited storage space

Cruise cabins aren't known for being spacious. The lack of storage space, in particular, is a common complaint, especially on older ships. 

While all standard staterooms (i.e., interior, ocean-view, and balconies) provide storage options, the amount varies widely. Since inside cabins are the smallest, they may have limited closets, drawers, and shelving. 

This may not be an issue on a short 3- or 4-night cruise. However, those sailing on longer voyages, such as two-week cruises through the Panama Canal or across the Atlantic Ocean, could find the lack of storage frustrating. 

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Less space to relax

The size of inside cabins on Royal Caribbean cruise ships is inconsistent across the fleet. 

For example, most interior staterooms on Enchantment of the Seas come in at around 136 square feet, while those on Utopia of the Seas measure anywhere from 150 to 170 square feet. 

The smaller the rooms are, the less living space you have. In fact, it's not uncommon for many inside cabins to have limited seating, whereas most ocean-view and balcony staterooms have an extra sofa. 

Privacy is harder to come by

One major downside of inside and ocean-view cabins is the lack of a private verandah. Without a balcony, it's harder to savor private moments watching the passing scenery. On typical Caribbean sailings, this may not be as big an issue. 

However, on scenic cruises to places like Alaska or Norway, you might want your own outdoor space to enjoy glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. 

In fact, it is not uncommon for the top deck to be packed on glacier viewing days. As such, a room with a balcony means you won't have to fight the crowds for a good spot. You can even enjoy room service, complete with freshly brewed hot coffee, from the comfort of your private verandah. 

Basic amenities 

One reason to consider splurging on a suite is the extra benefits. The perks vary but often include upgraded toiletries, plush bedding, priority boarding, extra Crown & Anchor points, and access to exclusive lounges. 

Inside, ocean-view, and balcony rooms cover the basics, offering everything from an ensuite bathroom, daily housekeeping, and a television. However, the added comforts of a suite can make a noticeable difference, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion onboard. 

For example, Sky Class suites within the Royal Suite Class include complimentary VOOM internet; access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; priority boarding; suite lounge access; and more.

Read more: What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?

Last-minute upgrades are a gamble

RoyalUp is Royal Caribbean’s cabin bidding program that allows passengers to bid on higher stateroom categories before their cruise, with the chance to “win” a better cabin. 

It can be tempting to rely on last-minute upgrades to score a balcony or suite at a lower cost. However, availability varies, and there's no guarantee that your bid will be accepted.

There's less of a chance if your cruise sells out in advance, which is common during peak travel times. As such, you should secure your preferred stateroom when booking to avoid disappointment. 

Guarantee cabins are risky

Finally, the cheapest cruise cabins are guarantee inside staterooms. Rather than selecting your specific cabin at the time of booking, Royal Caribbean will randomly assign a stateroom before sailing based on the remaining inventory.

Although they're a good option for cruisers who want to save money on their fare, you risk being assigned a cabin in an undesirable location, such as near a noisy elevator bank or at the front of the vessel. 

Once the stateroom has been assigned, it cannot be changed. This could be frustrating if you're given, for example, a connecting cabin and don't know the party in the adjoining stateroom. 

Read more: I saved $240 on my cruise by letting Royal Caribbean choose my room, and I'd totally do it again

If you cannot drive to your cruise port, you might be struggling with trying to decide when to fly in for your cruise. 

It's tempting to fly the same day as your cruise departure in order to save money and vacation days, but the risk of being delayed or cancelled means you could put your entire cruise vacation in jeopardy.

In all my years of going on Royal Caribbean cruises, one observation I've made is people that miss their cruise because of a travel delay is a very avoidable problem.

There always seem to be at least one person on every sailing that posts on social media that they missed their cruise because they tried to fly in the same day as the cruise departure.

Here are the top reasons not to fly the same as your cruise departs and when to fly in instead for a cruise.

Always fly in at least one day ahead of time (more for overseas)

In deciding when to fly in for your cruise, you should always arrive at least one day before the morning of departure.

Flying the same day as your cruise departure has too many risks. If you miss the cruise ship, Royal Caribbean will not refund your money, regardless of the reason.

Sure, travel insurance might cover it if it's a travel delay, but that won't make up for the vacation you planned.

I recommend always planning to arrive at least one day early before the cruise sets sail. This provides a buffer so that if your flight is cancelled or delayed, you have more time to still get to the embarkation port.

This is especially important if you're flying from a smaller airport that does not have many flights each day.

If you are flying overseas, such as to Europe, then I would recommend expanding that to at least 2-3 days before the cruise begins.

Not only are there less of these flights should it be cancelled, but you will need time to adjust your body clock to the local time and fight jetlag.

Simply put, the risks of flying in on the day of in order to save money are just not worth it. Here's why to fly in for your cruise early instead.

Weather is so unpredictable

You do not need to be a travel expert to know airlines will delay and cancel flights all the time because of bad weather.

Storms will throw off the entire flight schedules for days, especially if they are tropical storms or major winter storms. In fact, I think blizzards, snow storms, and ice storms are more likely to cause your flight to be changed than a hurricane.

Airlines don't play games with bad weather. When they see something coming, they'll cancel a flight quickly so that they can keep their aircraft out of its path.

But even if the bad weather is not as damaging in nature, a few hour delay could be the difference between you making the flight or not.  

Not only do you need good weather at your home airport, but it needs to be clear where you're flying into.  Florida is notorious for pop-up thunderstorms in the summer, which will shut airports down for hours.

Less stress

The last thing you want to do is start off your well-deserved vacation with added stress of will you make it on time.

Flying the same day as your cruise, even when everything is on time, is still a big guessing game until you actually land.

Call me crazy, but I don't want that kind of mental anguish before any of the fun begins.

You get more time to enjoy the cruise on embarkation day

If you fly the same day of your cruise, that will delay when you can actually get to the cruise terminal and step aboard.

I always want to be at the cruise terminal as early as possible so I can board sooner rather than later. Remember, the cost of your cruise doesn't change if you board at 11am or 2pm.

Having a few extra hours on embarkation day can make a big difference in enjoying the trip.  Plus, those first few hours on the first day are the best time to get a lot of things done and take advantage of smaller crowds on the pool deck.  Kids will really appreciate the shorter lines for water slides.

Getting aboard earlier also means less lines at the buffet.  As the afternoon goes on, the Windjammer gets very crowded.

I'm usually so excited for my cruise to begin that I want to get on the ship as early as I can and start enjoying what I paid for!

You can expand your vacation

An added bonus of not flying the same day your cruise begins is you can explore the port you're sailing from.

Royal Caribbean sails from major cities, and that means historical sites, tourist attractions, beautiful beaches, and plenty more to see and do.

You might combine your cruise with a land vacation too, such as a trip to Walt Disney World, New York City, or London.

I find tacking on a land trip to my cruise not only ensures I make the cruise, but I get to experience lots more in the countries and cities I'm traveling to.

In some cases, these are once-in-a-lifetime destinations that you'll want a few days to enjoy.  And if it's a place I've been before, there's always new restaurants or spots to check out since my last visit.

Royal Caribbean is making a major change to the way passengers can access their final bill after completing their cruise.

Historically, a paper copy of guests' final invoices is left outside the cabin on disembarkation morning. However, effective December 15, 2025, the cruise line will retire the printed copies of the spending summary. 

Passengers who want to view their statement before leaving the ship have a few options. First, they can use the Royal Caribbean mobile app, which allows guests to check their folio at any time during the voyage, not just on the final day. 

The final statement will also continue to be emailed to guests. Additionally, passengers can visit Guest Services to request a printed copy or check their spending summary on iTV, where available.

Royal Caribbean informed travel agents of the change in an email sent out on Nov. 25. 

"For ease of communication, we are discontinuing the use of printed invoices at the end of your clients’ cruises. Starting December 15, 2025, guests will have the convenient option to retrieve their final bill through the App, Email, Guest Services, or on iTV (where available)," the cruise line said. 

How to access digital folios

You can request spending summaries from past cruises by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-256-6649.

Note, however, folios are only available for 7 years. As such, final statements for cruises taken before 2018 are no longer available. 

Other things that have gone digital

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has implemented digital technology across many aspects of the onboard experience, starting with eDocs. 

Royal Caribbean (and Celebrity) cruisers do not need to print out a physical boarding pass. Instead, the SetSail Pass is available through the mobile app once the online check-in process has been completed. 

eDocs also contain helpful information like the reservation number, cabin assignment, sailing time, itinerary, and port directions. 

The eDocs also contain the printable luggage tags. While porters have tags available at the terminal, printing the tags and affixing them to your suitcase helps expedite the embarkation process. 

Finally, Royal Caribbean's Cruise Compass has done digital — well, mostly. You can still request physical copies of the daily schedule. However, passengers can access the Cruise Compass digitally through the mobile app. 

You can (and should) book your Royal Caribbean cruise in advance. 

Reserving your cruise ahead of time has its perks. For example, there are typically more cabins available, which means you can snag your ideal stateroom, whether it's a sought-after suite, solo room, or standard cabin in a specific location. 

Plus, booking in advance also means you will have flexible payment plans. Rather than having to pay the entire fare upfront, you can split your payments over time.

But just how early can you book a Royal Caribbean cruise? 

Royal Caribbean releases new deployments as early as two years before the sail date, though the widest selection of itineraries is usually available about 18 months before the departure date.

However, everyone can't plan that far in advance. Between work schedules, children's extracurriculars, and more, looking into a weeklong cruise that sails over one year away isn't always realistic. 

Still, the earlier you can start planning, the better your chances of locking in the best itinerary, stateroom, and price, even if it's just 6 to 9 months ahead of time. 

When does Royal Caribbean open bookings for future sailings?

Generally speaking, you can book most Royal Caribbean cruises around 18-20 months in advance. For example, at the time of publication, Royal Caribbean's website lists cruises available through April 2028. However, available 2028 cruises are currently limited to The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico. 

Even still, many guests opt to book their cruises somewhere between 9 to 12 months ahead of time to ensure that the dates work with their schedules. 

If you want to plan as far in advance as possible, the best way to keep an eye out for new Royal Caribbean sailings is to sign up for their newsletter, which will let you know when they plan on opening sailings for booking.

Royal Caribbean deployment schedule 2027-2028

You can also look at the cruise line's deployment schedule. Royal Caribbean has released when it plans on opening up new 2027-2028 itineraries for booking:

• NOW OPEN: Alaska (May 2027-Sept. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: Europe (April 2027-Oct. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: 7-night & short Caribbean (March 2027-April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Northeast, California, & Texas (April 2027-April 2028)
• Week of Dec. 8, 2025: Seasonal Caribbean
• TBD: Australia (Oct. 2027-April 2028)
• TBD: China (Oct. 2027-April 2028)
• TBD: Singapore (Oct. 2027-April 2028)

New bookings are available to book at some point during the specified week, not necessarily on that Monday. Moreover, it's common for new sailings to be entered into Royal Caribbean's booking system first, followed by the cruise line's website. 

This means that you might be able to book a new cruise on the phone with a representative or through a travel agent, even if they aren't listed on Royal Caribbean's website. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds new Alaska itineraries, including two giant cruise ships

Best time to book a cruise

Cruise pricing can change by the hour, as fares fluctuate based on supply and demand. As demand increases and cabin availability decreases, prices rise. That said, you can generally find the best cruise prices by booking in advance. 

When new itineraries are released, the fares are lower to generate early interest. These prices increase over time as ships fill up and stateroom availability becomes more limited, especially for popular sailing dates such as Spring Break, Christmas, or New Year's. 

If you can book a cruise around 10 to 12 months before departure, you will likely secure the best rate. Cruise fares tend to steadily increase after that, with prices often at their highest within 1 to 3 months before the sail date. 

Can you book a cheap last-minute cruise?

Although too-good-to-be-true last-minute cruises aren't as common as they used to be, it's still possible to score a great deal by checking out Royal Caribbean's Going, Going, Gone PDF. 

These last-minute deals are for unsold cabins on upcoming cruises, with discounts ranging from good to incredible. New cruises are listed on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, though there are some weeks when no deals are posted at all — it all depends on the available inventory. 

The catch is that you’ll need to be flexible with your travel dates, departure ports, and itineraries. Moreover, most Going, Going, Gone cruises are listed past the sailing's final payment date. 

As such, you must pay the entire fare at the time of booking, rather than placing a deposit and having months to come up with the remainder of the balance. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean has a list of secret cruise deals most people don't know about. It's saved me hundreds of dollars

Freedom of the Seas may not be Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, but I think it might offer the best value in cruising.

When I go on any cruise ship, I look for things to do onboard to keep me occupied and weigh that against how much it costs. Newer ships may offer the most to do, but they also have a premium price tag.

I've sailed on Freedom of the Seas 8 times, and the more I visit this ship, the more I'm convinced it's the perfect balance of getting the most for what you pay.

The 3,926 passenger ship launched in 2006, and was once the biggest cruise ship in the world.  Despite losing that title many times over, it's a big ship with lots for families to enjoy. 

I went back on Freedom of the Seas to see what's new and why this is an underrated choice for an affordable cruise vacation.

The upgrades are why I prefer this ship over others

Freedom of the Seas is about 20 years old, but the difference maker are the changes Royal Caribbean has made to the ship.

Cruise ships get refurbishments every few years and occasionally new features.  The assortment of changes Royal Caribbean made to Freedom are the perfect collection to improve the ship overall.

Most recently, Vintages wine bar was replaced with a new non-smoking casino. 

This is a wonderful change because it expands the casino options while offering a smoke-free environment smack dab in the middle of the Royal Promenade. As a casual gambler, I love the option and the fact it's so convenient.

The biggest changes came with the ship's Royal Amplification that took place in 2020. This is when a number of changes were made, and each has its own reason I enjoy it.

A lot was added, but I think there are three key areas where the ship was radically improved.

New water slides were added with the Perfect Storm slides.

It's amazing for a long time, Royal Caribbean had no water slides on its ships, but they're on nearly every ship now.  It's a crowd pleaser. Kids and adults enjoy them, and they're perfect fun on sea days.

Plus, there's also a giant aqua park for kids at Splashaway Bay. 

There's no cost to use Splashaway Bay, and it's the perfect spot for kids to get absolutely soaked.  There's even a smaller water slide that's perfect for younger kids.

Sticking with the top deck, the pool deck was redesigned to have a "Caribbean resort-style" feel to it.

Marketing aside, I think it's just a nicer pool deck experience over all.  Besides the aesthetic of the loungers, a new Lime and Coconut Bar was added to replace the original pool bar.  This bar has an expanded drink menu and much more seating.

Plus, there's now an El Loco Fresh on the pool deck for convenient snacks and meals. It's included with your cruise fare, and I ate much more burritos than I care to admit.

Royal Caribbean also added so many new restaurants to the ship:

• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
• El Loco Fresh
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

The Playmakers location on deck 4 between the atrium and Casino Royale is the perfect spot, and I love there's an indoor sports bar with so many TV's to catch nearly any game.

Izumi is now the most popular specialty restaurant by volume across the cruise line, and there's no question the hibachi option is something so many families love to try.

Don't overlook Giovanni's, as it has the new menu offerings that you can otherwise only find on the newest ships in the fleet.

The pizza at Giovanni's is underrated, and I think their revamped Italian favorites are fantastic. Try the giant meatball!

Sailing on Freedom of the Seas will probably cost you less than a new ship

I usually save the cost section of my cruise reviews for later in the article, but I think we need to talk about it now.

It's hard to make generalizations about cruise prices because of the dynamic pricing each sailing has, but I'm willing to bet you will find a great deal on Freedom.

While everyone has their own definition of what's a deal, I believe the cost of a Freedom of the Seas cruise sits in the sweet spot of cost and what it includes.

If you pick an older and smaller ship, such as a Radiance or Vision Class ship, it will likely cost less. But those ships compromise greatly on how much there is to do aboard, especially for families.

Freedom of the Seas sails out of Miami, Florida and offers short 4- and 5-night cruises.

It's not unusual to find prices starting as low as $259 per person for a 5-night sailing.  The range of prices might go up slightly, but most of the advertised prices are in the $300-$500 per person range for an inside cabin.

That's a significant saving compared to the larger Oasis Class ships that also offer 4- and 5-night cruises, which average between $550-$750 per person as a starting price.

Crowded at times, but not problematic

Crowds on a mainstream cruise line are to be expected, but I think Freedom of the Seas handles crowd flow pretty well overall.

The ship maxes out at 4,500 passengers if every bed is sold, but it didn't feel crowded when I've sailed on it.  You won't confuse Freedom for a small ship or yacht by any means, but I doubt you will consider to be akin to be "packed like a sardine can."

You'll encounter lines and crowds at certain times, like in the Windjammer buffet for breakfast, or waiting to get back on the ship while docked in port. If the sun is shining on a pool day, expect all the loungers to be taken up by mid-morning too.

Nonetheless, there are areas of the ship you can find refuge from other people.  The outside deck on deck 4 is my favorite spot to seek a place to sit with a view of the ocean and barely anyone else around. There's also a lot of extra seating on the upper pool deck, within the card room, or during the day time in the Olive or Twist bar at the very top of the ship.

It felt like the flow of guests was good, but there are always pain points.  Elevators can be easily inundated and the Royal Promenade can get packed when there's a special event, such as a dance party. These are not issues unique to Freedom, as most cruise ships experience this.

Good assortment of included food, but a better variety of extra cost restaurants

You will not go hungry on Freedom of the Seas, and I think the food included with your cruise fare to range between "good" and "very good", with some options standing out.

The included restaurants on Freedom of the Seas include:

My dining strategy on Freedom is to rely on the complimentary spots and sprinkle in specialty dining options.

The Windjammer Marketplace has the widest variety of food, so it's the crowd pleaser option.  Picky eaters, adventurous eaters, eaters on a diet, eaters wanting a second dinner, they have it all.

The best thing about the Windjammer is the assortment of international foods to go along with the American staples. This is especially true at dinner.

In the Main Dining Room, I found the service to be quite speedy.  Royal Caribbean made changes to address speed of service while updating their menus in order to address consistency concerns.  

I think the result has been hotter food that comes out in a reasonable time.  I've sailed enough with Royal Caribbean to have my favorite dishes, but I love how flexible the waiters are to make sure they can find something you love.

I'm also a self-admitted El Loco Fresh addict. I love making a taco salad or grabbing a burrito any chance I get.

There are also a few specialty restaurants that cost extra, and this is where you can enjoy different cuisines that go beyond what's included.  Plus, the quality of the choices is usually better.

The best thing about paying for specialty dining is you get to indulge more. It's not cheap, so I'd recommend buying a dining package or pre-booking individual reservations before the cruise begins because Royal Caribbean offers discounts.

The cabin decor is what I like least about this cruise ship

If I had to pick something about Freedom of the Seas that is lacking, it's the look and feel of its staterooms.

Royal Caribbean as a rule doesn't update its cabin aesthetics over the years. That means when you step inside your room, this is when you're most likely to feel like you're on a 20 year old cruise ship.

That means a peach and teal color scheme, chipped paint or wood, and tube-like bathroom showers. It's all functional, but hardly what you'd consider to be modern or up to date.

Truthfully, the look of the cabin is less important than it sounds. You'll notice it, but you'll also likely get over it quickly. And the room is functional and clean. Plus, you're likely going to spend little time in the cabin because of all the things to do around the ship.

Freedom of the Seas has a mix of staterooms of varying sizes and amenities. There are 1,963 staterooms spread across the 13 passenger decks. Nearly half of those are balcony rooms.

As a cruise expert that shares travel advice every day, I encounter a lot of first time cruisers and some of their concerns aren't worth the angst.

I've run Royal Caribbean Blog for 15 years and I love helping everyone have a better cruise experience through tips, advice, anecdotes and recommendations. I love learning new things from about cruising as much as newbies do.

Because everyone vacations differently, it's understandable why people have their own approach to cruising.  But I've found new cruisers tend to sometimes get hyper focused on things that aren't as worth the concern as they think it warrants.

I'm sure we've all experienced things like this in life where we go in worried about an aspect of an experience only to realize later on it wasn't a big deal at all.

While there are problems you should always be vigilant about (like when to fly in for your cruise), here's my list 6 things new cruisers worry about that aren't worth the anxiety.

Negative cruise reviews

One of pet peeves are people that seriously want to change their cruise plans because of bad reviews they read online.

The power of the internet is such that you can share your opinion with the world, and while this can sometimes be helpful, the reality is negative reviews aren't very trustworthy.

The reason why you really shouldn't be that concerned with negative reviews of a cruise ship is because those people are not professional reviewers by any means.  In most cases, they let a singular issue dominate their review. Or they have a personal preference that they convey as being indicative of being problematic for everyone.

To illustrate my point, find a negative review of a film, restaurant, or place you've been that you love. You'll read them and probably roll your eyes because the complaint is either baseless or completely different from anything you've ever had. 

Plus, cruising is such a personalized experience. Everyone on the ship is not doing the same thing.  One person could stay in their stateroom and only order room service for an entire week, while someone else is a party animal and is out and about from for 18-20 hours per day.

I enjoy reading cruise reviews for recommendations and entertainment.  But never use them as a basis for which ship to sail on (or not).

Theme nights and dress code

Frankly, I think new cruisers get hung up on what they "need" to wear on a cruise ship more than they ought to.

Yes, there are theme nights and dress recommendations, but they're just that: recommendations.  

You will not be ostracized or kicked out if you don't dress for Caribbean night or white night. It's an optional choice for how you might indulge the theme.

The Main Dining Room dress code is another area where I think too much emphasis is placed on what you can and cannot wear. This is especially true of what to wear on formal night.

The reality is Royal Caribbean rarely, if ever, enforces their dress codes in the Main Dining Room. I probably would prefer they would clamp down a bit more than they do, but there's really no fashion police at all.

As a new cruiser, I'd say to use the theme nights and dress codes as suggestions, in the same way there's afternoon trivia at 4pm you could attend or not at all. Don't place too much emphasis on what you wear in the evening being critiqued by the cruise line for approval.

Check-in times

Ever since Royal Caribbean restarted cruising in 2021, they put a huge emphasis on adhering to check-in times at the cruise terminal. While check-in times matter, it's not nearly as critical as they used to be.

As part of the check-in process, you can select a check-in time and some cruisers get really worried about checking in exactly at midnight when check-in opens to get it.

In reality, it's not a big deal if you don't have the first check-in window time as much as it might seem. 

While no one wants a 2pm check-in time, my point is there is far less emphasis and restrictions on check-in times at the terminal as there was a few years ago.

My recommendation is to do your online check-in time, but don't sweat it if you get an 11am or noon check-in time.

Parking off site to save money

My "sorry, not sorry" part of this article is here: the amount of money you save parking off site isn't worth the hassle or extra time needed.

Yes, parking off site will save a little bit of money.  But it's not going to be a lot, and worse, the shuttle services are frustrating.

Because you're at the mercy of a shuttle to get you to and from the terminal, you're inevitably going to waste time waiting for a shuttle.  And in many cases, there are lots of other people who want to do the same thing and that makes the waits worse.

Waiting for a shuttle is worse after the cruise is over when everyone else is competing with you at the same time to get back to their car.

Parking at the cruise terminal will cost you more, but I think the convenience is well-worth it.

If it will rain during the cruise

Rain or shine, you'll have a fun time on the cruise. More importantly, you shouldn't get worked up because it could rain.

Caribbean cruises sail through the tropics where it's not a question of it will rain, but when and for how long.  But unlike rain storms at home, rain in the Caribbean is usually short lived.

If you look at a weather forecast for a Caribbean cruise, it's not unusual to see rain predicted for every day. But that doesn't mean it will be a rained out vacation.

Thunderstorms and passing showers are very common, and there are not nearly as many weather stations around Central America and the Caribbean as there are in the United States.  So forecasts generally fall under the, "it will probably rain, but we're not sure" umbrella.

In fact, it's common to be in port and have rain in one spot but not another. 

You should certainly look up the weather forecast to get an idea of temperatures, but don't plan around rain because it's impossible to know with any certainty what to expect.

The Key

Over the years, I've found Royal Caribbean's VIP add-on a nice perk, but not as critical as some new cruisers think.

I think newbies read what's included and over value what it offers, compared to how useful it really is.

It's ironic that as someone who hates waiting in lines for things, I'm not a fan of a program that gives you priority boarding to the ship.  But I think the problem is you can get similar results without paying for it.

I won't turn this into a full review of The Key, so I'll simply say as a new cruiser, you won't be at a disadvantage without The Key as you might think.

Royal Caribbean is preparing to unveil its brand-new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island next month, and we just received a sneak peek of the new resort on social media!

Over the weekend, Royal Caribbean shared an exclusive look at the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. On Royal Caribbean’s official Instagram page, a short reel was shared to showcase the beach club’s progress as the cruise line makes final touches.

The caption reads, “The beach day of your dreams is almost ready for you. Which sport are you most excited about?”

The video's narrator says, “Come with us for a construction sneak peek of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, just over a month before it opens."

The behind-the-scenes video tour reveals major progress at the new beach club, including the massive oceanfront infinity pool, colorful cabanas, stunning beaches, custom water shuttles, and hand-painted murals from local Bahamian artists.

Royal Caribbean originally announced plans for the private resort in Nassau back in June 2023. After more than two years of planning, environmental approvals, government partnerships, and construction, Royal Caribbean appears to be entering the final stretch before the beach club’s opening.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is scheduled to open on December 23, 2025. Royal Caribbean guests will receive exclusive access to the 17-acre resort. While we’ve seen plenty of renderings and construction photos, this sneak peek is one of the most comprehensive looks yet at how the resort is coming together in real life.

Custom ferries will take cruisers to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Royal Caribbean’s sneak-peek video opens with an exclusive look at the vibrant, colorful ferries crossing the harbor.

Before we can even see the beaches or the massive infinity pool, we’re introduced to the colorful fleet that will soon deliver guests to Royal Caribbean’s newest destination. Our first glimpse of the beach club experience!

“These private ferries will take you straight from the pier to the island. They’re custom-made and looking so good already!" says the video's narrator. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is trying to elevate cruise ports passengers complain about

The colorful fleet of brightly painted water ferries is one of the most charming additions to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Royal Caribbean confirmed that it will have five custom-built ferries operating the short route across the harbor. Each one is designed to reflect the lively personality and tropical culture of The Bahamas.

Each vessel features a bold color scheme and a fun, themed name: Flirty Flamingo (pink), Sassy Starfish (blue), Coral Calypso (orange), Twisted Turtle (green), and Lucky Lizard (turquoise).

Beyond the aesthetics, Royal Caribbean announced the ferries were engineered for efficiency. Built with lightweight aluminum hulls and equipped with advanced navigation and propulsion systems, they’re designed for quick turnaround times and smooth, reliable travel. The ride is short, as it will take just a few minutes to cross the harbor. But, the elevated design and colorful presentation is a fun way to begin your day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Chill beach features custom cabanas with uninterrupted ocean views

Once you arrive at the beach club, you can explore three different zones: Chill Beach, Family Beach, and Party Cove. The construction sneak peek video gives an exclusive look at the new Chill Beach zone.

The video states, “After a quick and cute ride, we head straight for Chill Beach. These cabanas make the perfect spot to set up your beach day home base. The pool here is over 400 feet long with a shallow ledge to soak up the sun and ocean views.”

Chill Beach is designed for guests who want to slow down and enjoy a quieter, more refined slice of the Royal Beach Club experience.

This peaceful stretch of shoreline will offer a relaxed atmosphere compared to the lively, energetic Party Cove. This area is intended to feel like a true retreat focused on relaxation where guests can enjoy the scenery and amenities without distraction.

At the heart of this area is The Deep End Pool, which is a serene, resort-style pool featuring a swim-up bar. Guests will be able to sip cocktails or mocktails while remaining comfortably in the water, surrounded by palm trees and stunning views of the Atlantic.

Because Chill Beach is meant to be calming, guests will find a more subdued poolside experience here.

Along the shoreline, beach bars provide convenient access to tropical drinks throughout the day. Umbrellas will provide some much-needed shade for comfortable loungers so you can enjoy your drinks all day long.

Nearby, the Paradise Grill will serve a selection of fresh and flavorful dishes, offering beach-friendly meals with a Bahamian twist. Its location will make it easy for guests to grab lunch without having to leave the comfort of their spot on the sand.

And for those seeking a more elevated experience, Chill Beach also features a collection of beach and pool cabanas available for an additional cost.

These private retreats are outfitted with comfortable seating, shaded lounging areas, and even a personal attendant for quick service. With uninterrupted views of the ocean or the pool, the cabanas provide an extra level of comfort and privacy. This will allow guests to settle in and enjoy a full day of relaxation in one of the most tranquil corners of the beach club.

Local artwork will showcase Bahamian culture

Next, we can see some of the beautiful artwork that will bring Bahamian culture to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

“And then we had to stop and check out the incredibly talented local artists at work, adding to their custom pieces all around the island,” says the video.

Royal Caribbean is placing a major emphasis on Bahamian culture at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, and one of the most distinctive ways that comes to life is through the resort’s extensive local art program. The cruise line has expanded its Artist Discovery Program, which was originally launched onboard Icon of the Seas. The program will bring 11 Bahamian artists to create murals, sculptures, and large-scale installations throughout the beach club.

These designs will appear across 25 different locations, transforming the property into an immersive, open-air gallery that reflects the colors, energy, and traditions of The Bahamas.

According to Royal Caribbean, the artists were chosen not only for their talent, but also for their deep connection to Bahamian culture.

Their creations will follow three themes that define the destination experience. First, the Underwater Adventures will highlight the country’s vibrant marine life. Next, Junkanoo Jubilee will celebrate the island’s rhythmic music, dance, and festival traditions. Finally, Bahama Bliss will bring tranquility and escape that draw millions of visitors to the islands each year.

Each artist will bring a unique interpretation of Bahamian life to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Royal Caribbean says the program was designed to give local artists with a global platform, offering grants and additional support to emerging and established artists. The cruise line emphasized how the beach club will showcase the authentic culture rooted in the Bahamian community.

Family Beach will be a laid-back, kid-friendly escape

Another zone at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be Family Beach, which is designed to be a relaxing, safe space for kids to spend their day. The Instagram video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the pool and cabanas at Family Beach.

“We then head over to Family Beach, where you can snag one of our picture perfect cabanas and the amazing ocean views,”

This part of the Royal Beach Club will offer convenience, shade, and open space, making it easy for families to enjoy the day without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The shoreline here is calm and inviting for kids who want to swim in the ocean. There will also be plenty of loungers and umbrellas throughout, so parents can keep an eye on the water while still having room to unwind.

One of the highlights of Family Beach is The Shallow End, a zero-entry pool that offers effortless access for all ages. This pool will have an easy wade-in spot for young kids and a comfortable lounging area for adults.

You can also take advantage of a swim-up bar with tropical cocktails, mocktails, and frozen drinks - all without ever leaving the water! The design is intentionally simple and intuitive to create a space that feels safe, open, and enjoyable for families of all sizes.

Food and beverages will also be close by, thanks to beach bars and a convenient location of the Paradise Grill. Guests of the beach club can enjoy made-to-order dishes and snacks with Caribbean influences, including everything from salads and island-seasoned meats to kid-friendly bites.

For those looking to elevate their day, Family Beach features some of the most impressive cabanas on the island. 

The standout option is the Ultimate Family Cabana, a two-story retreat designed with small groups and families in mind. This premium cabana includes luxury amenities, spacious seating areas, and private nooks for both relaxation and play. It’s the beach club’s most exclusive family offering on the island for an additional cost.

Additional beach and pool cabanas are available throughout the area, offering shaded lounge spaces, plush furnishings, and personal attendant service.

These cabanas give families a dedicated home base for the day, allowing parents to relax while kids enjoy the nearby pool and beach. Whether guests choose the massive two-story retreat or a more traditional cabana, Family Beach is sure to bring unforgettable memories for the entire family!

It’s the final countdown to Royal Beach Club!

With construction nearly complete, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is quickly transforming from a long-awaited concept into an exclusive resort destination. 

The narrator ends the video saying, "We ended the day with a look at the pool being filled. That's all for now!"

It’s a fitting end to the sneak peek tour, as the beach club’s three distinct zones will ensure that every type of cruiser can have their perfect resort day in Nassau, Bahamas. From the quiet escape of Chill Beach to the kid-friendly Family Beach with The Shallow End and the playful energy of Party Cove, there’s a little something for everyone.

For years, Perfect Day at CocoCay has been the brand’s signature private-destination experience. Now, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island marks the start of a new era. In fact, Royal Caribbean has plans for more Royal Beach Clubs to redefine the in-port experiences for cruisers.

Just a few weeks ago, the cruise line announced a brand-new Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece. Royal Caribbean describes how they will introduce an innovative system designed to alleviate the island’s notorious congestion by distributing guests across three arrival points. This approach will maximize time ashore while helping preserve the character of one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Royal Beach Club Santorini is just one part of Royal Caribbean Group’s rapidly expanding portfolio. The cruise line plans to expand with Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Royal Beach Club Lelepa in 2027. The cruise line will also unveil a brand-new Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya, Mexico.

Royal Caribbean is emphasizing a strategic push toward creating more exclusive, premium experiences on land that complement the next generation of Royal Caribbean ships.

It's Sunday and it's almost Thanksgiving, but before you sit down with the family to give thanks for all the great cruises you took this year, I wanted to share this week's Royal Caribbean news with you.

A number of Royal Caribbean cruise ships closed their waterslides at the same time.

It's not unusual for any ship to conduct maintenance, but having a few ships with closed slides at the same time is interesting timing.

Moreover, the work being done is the same on each: replacing see-through parts of the slide with new sections.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean surprisingly bringing back beer we thought was long gone
• How Royal Caribbean climbed in the 2026 best cruise line rankings vs last year
• I always do these 6 things to avoid mishaps onboard
• Do cruise prices drop at the last minute?
• I paid just $272 for a room on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. It was tiny, but the deal was too good to pass up
• Black Friday sale has Royal Caribbean drink packages as low as $46.99 per day
• Royal Caribbean cruise ship Wi-Fi drops price up to 55% off in Black Friday deal
• All about Icon Class ships
• I tried an aft balcony on Celebrity's newest ship — it's my new favorite

New Video: Things to NEVER Do in Your Cabin on a Cruise

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—Things to NEVER Do in Your Cabin on a Cruise—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Family of man booted from Royal Caribbean cruise for alleged assault continue vacation without him

A passenger was kicked off a cruise ship, but his family decided to continue the cruise without him.

Reports claim Royal Caribbean kicked off a man in Australia after he allegedly beat up another man just four days into the sailing.

Despite this, the man's family decided to stay onboard and continue the 10-night voyage without him.

After 100 cruises, there are 5 ships that I'll always revisit

Matt just took his 100th cruise with Royal Caribbean, and he has five ships he'll gladly go on every time.

While there isn't a bad Royal Caribbean ship, there are a few that stand out as top favorites.

Whether you're going on your first cruise or looking to get on every ship too, these are the five Royal Caribbean ships Matt highly recommends.

Biggest packing regrets from cruisers

We asked cruisers what's one thing they brought on a cruise but regretted packing it.

Over 200 comments were shared with things that seemed like a good idea to bring, but ended up being either useless, redundant, or unnecessary.

Consider this your warning of what not to waste your energy bringing along when you sail.

Diamond tips and etiquette to avoid becoming a problem and enjoy the loyalty perks

Making it to Diamond level is a big deal, but there are lots of unwritten rules you should know about it.

A surge in cruise demand has seemingly pushed a lot more people to make to this upper Crown and Anchor Society tier, and it adds a lot of great benefits.

However, you'll want to be aware of how to best utilize your Diamond status to avoid problems later.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 584th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Of all the cruise topics Matt is asked about, a few are hot button issues he can't help but not rant about every single time.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.