Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean has a whiskey tasting class that takes you on a virtual trip to the Old West for a multisensory experience.

When Utopia of the Seas launched, it had the first Royal Railway restaurant onboard that makes it feel like you're riding in a classic train car.

The immersive dining experience caught a lot of people's attention, and it's usually sold out on most sailings.

Since its debut, Royal Caribbean has added Royal Railway Utopia Station Whiskey Tasting as another way to leverage the new venue.

I wanted to see how a shorter duration experience compares, as well as try out top shelf whiskey!

Whiskey tasting in a train car

Alcohol tasting classes aren't new to Royal Caribbean ships, but holding them in a classic train car is not conventional.

If you're not familiar with the new train car experience, this is a custom built platform that simulates what it would look and feel like to ride in a classic train car.

Tickets are delivered to your stateroom, and there's even a platform to wait on to board the train.  

Once inside, the car has windows, jostles, rumbles, and does just about everything to evoke the feel of a late 19th century train without the coal or smoke.

The difference between the full restaurant and the whiskey tasting is how much of the story element is incorporated into it all.

The class features three varieties of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. As a novice whiskey drinker, I'm told this is an above average brand.

The cost of the class is $70, although I was able to get it for $59.00 because of a well-timed sale.

You'll be assigned a seat. Tables come in two or four top configurations, and they will seat strangers with you if there are open spots because the restaurant is so small.

Similar to the restaurant experience, your journey begins seated in the train with the simulated ride commencing and the windows opening up.

Each window provides a high definition view of the Old West, and it's so darn impressive to watch. 

The combination of the imagery, rumblings, and sounds all combine to make it truly seem like you're riding on a train.

The class is lead by a bartender, who is dressed from the time period.

In front of you are three shots of whiskey:

• Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey
• Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
• Uncle Nearest Rye Whiskey

There's also a plate of nuts and cheese to snack on to help cleanse your palate between sips.

Unlike the restaurant, there's no real story here. The crew member leans into the Old West motif, but there's no bandit, gun fight, or any kind of arc to the experience. The focal point is sampling the drinks.

With each whiskey, you're given an explanation of what makes it different from the rest and how to properly sip it.

It's interesting the difference swirling the drink or not makes, as well as the first sip versus subsequent sips.

I never order whiskey on my own, so taking this class was about better understanding why I might prefer one variety over another. 

After you drink all three samples, an old fashioned cocktail is brought out made from the whiskey. 

While the straight whiskey is definitely strong, the old fashioned tasted very smooth. I guess I haven't graduated yet to enjoying straight shooting whiskey quite yet.

The entire class took about 35 minutes, which makes it a quick experience overall. In fact, I was a little surprised by how short the class lasted.

What I liked about the Utopia Station Whiskey Tasting is it combines an informative tasting experience with a fun venue.

I see this as a two part experience: alcohol tasting and train ride.

Royal Caribbean offers other seminars on drinks, such as wine pairings. Generally, they seem to all be well-received and this was no exception.

I appreciated the explanations of how one whiskey variety is different from another, as well as the opportunity to simply venture out and try it.

The x-factor is the train ride, because unlike other drink tastings, this one takes place in a really cool venue.

For those that haven't had the chance to experience the sit down meal, the whiskey tasting is a great example of why the tech behind it all is so impressive.

Royal Caribbean invested a lot into building out the train experience, and I really think it's a must-see.

Given the fact you're getting three whiskey shots and a full cocktail, the price is not unreasonable at all.

Cocktails usually cost about $14 each at a bar, and a shot of higher quality liquor can easily cost $12-14 each (if not more).  

Plus, the whiskey tasting is cheaper than the restaurant meal, so it allows you to get a sense of what the venue is all about without paying a higher price.

Black Friday might be a couple months away, but that doesn’t mean you need to wait until November to stock up on your favorite cruise essentials.

Amazon’s Prime Big Day Deal Day is here! Every fall, Amazon features a multi-day sale with steep discounts on some of the website’s most popular items. For cruisers, this means it’s a great time to splurge on the cruise must-haves that you’ve been eyeing.

This fall, Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days will run from October 7 at 12:00am (Pacific Time) through October 8 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Amazon promised this sale will feature exclusive deals for Prime Members, like up to 65% off Anker power banks and 50% off Samsonite luggage.

According to Amazon, there will be millions of deals across categories for top brands. For cruise travelers, this can mean serious savings on items like luggage, electronics, and travel essentials.

In addition, Amazon has also introduced “Today’s Big Deals” with special daily discounts for some of the hottest offers. These go fast, so you’ll want to keep an eye on drop times at 12am, 8am, and 1pm PT.

If you want to participate in this fall’s sale, you’ll need a Prime membership to access the sale, or you can start a 30-day free trial.

As someone who loves to online shop, I look forward to Amazon’s biggest sales every year. I’ve been able to snag some amazing deals on my favorite cruise gear, such as my portable sound machine and Apple AirPods.

If you’ve been waiting to buy cruise essentials and you have upcoming cruises this winter, it’s the perfect weekend to shop. With thousands of different products on sale this fall, it can feel overwhelming to find the best deals on cruise essentials.

Lucky for you, I’ve sorted through all of best deals and rounded up the top items you’ll want to purchase for your next cruise.

Note: We receive a small commission if you purchase any products from our affiliate links below. Purchasing from these links costs you nothing extra, but helps support our site. All prices below were accurate at the time of publication. Prices may change during the sale based on availability. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more cruise and travel favorites! 

Cruise and Cabin Necessities

From magnetic hooks for your stateroom to travel-sized toiletries, these cruise essentials will make your cabin more functional and your cruise smoother. 

1. Magnetic Hooks

Cruise staterooms are very compact, and much smaller than a standard hotel room. You’ll want to optimize your small space as much as you can. For this reason, magnetic hooks are extremely popular for cruisers.Because cabin walls are typically magnetic, these hooks hang directly on the wall. This gives you additional hanging space for jackets, lanyards, hats, and bags.

Product Link: DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 30lbs+ Magnet Hook 2025 Cruise Cabin Ship Essentials Heavy Duty Strong Magnets Refrigerator Fridge Hanging for Classroom Beach Vacation Kitchen Grills Home 20 Pack (Silver)

Price: $9.97 (38% off)

2. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

You’ll need to print your luggage tags at home and place the tags on your suitcases for embarkation day. Just like an airport, larger suitcases will be checked with cruise porters and delivered to your stateroom onboard.

Keep your printed luggage tags safe from water and damage during embarkation day with these holders. The clear sleeves help your luggage tag stay secure, and will protect your printed tag from rainy weather. They’re a small purchase that can make a big difference!

Product Link: Cruise On Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder (4 Pack) – Fits All Royal Caribbean Ships, Durable Travel ID Holders for 2025-2026 Cruises, Clear Waterproof Cruise Essentials

Price: $9.39 (20% off)

3. Portable Fans

If you’re heading somewhere warm for your cruise, you should consider packing a portable fan. Some prefer to have foldable fans in their cruise cabins to improve airflow and keep the cabin cooler at night. Others might prefer a hand-held fan that can be used during shore excursions or around the ship.

Product Link for Desk Fans: TOPK 2 Pack 5000mAh Portable Desk Fan, Ultra-thin Strong Wind Digital Display 4 Speeds Adjustable Small Quiet Battery Powered Personal Travel Fan for Bedroom, Office, Cruise, Library, Outdoor

Price: $29.99 (14% off)

Product Link for Handheld Fans: JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan, Mini 3 In 1 with Rechargeable Battery, Personal Pocket Fan for Travel, Outdoor, USB Power Bank, Flashlight, Essential Ideal Gifts for Summer/Concert/Vacation - Blue

Price: $14.39 (20% off)

4. Motion-Activated Night Light

Our readers love this motion-activated night light, especially those who book interior cabins. Without natural light, it can be hard to navigate your stateroom at night. This highlight is motion censored to illuminate with movement, so it won’t wake up your cabin mates. In addition, it’s compact, easy to pack, and includes a magnetic base with sticky adhesives.

Product Link: Cruise On Motion-Activated Battery LED Light with Magnetic Base, 360° Rotating Night Lamp for Closets, Bathrooms, Hallways & Cabinets, Wireless, Easy Install, Auto Sensor for Hands-Free Illumination

Price: $14.39 (40% off)

5. Pop-Up Mesh Hamper

One of my favorite purchases for my cruise cabins has been a pop-up mesh hamper. This helps keep my stateroom organized and less cluttered. It’s lightweight and takes up virtually no space in my suitcase. This hamper makes it easy to contain dirty clothes in one spot rather than letting them pile up around the cabin.

Product Link: 2 Pcs Strong Mesh Pop-up Laundry Hamper, Quality Pop Up Hampers for Laundry with Durable Handles Solid Bottom High Carbon Steel Frame, Easy to Open and Fold Flat for Storage(Black)

Price: $13.59 (20% off)

6. Hanging Cosmetic Organizer

Cruise cabins are small, but the cabin bathrooms are even smaller. There can be limited counter space with minimal shelving, making it hard to store all of your toiletries and products. I never cruise without my hanging cosmetic organizer, as it’s easy to store on the back of the bathroom door. It’s the perfect solution to keep my skincare, makeup, and cosmetics nearly stored without cluttering the bathroom vanity.

Product Link: NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for women, Portable Hanging Organizer for Travel-Sized Shampoo, Conditioner, Brushes Set, makeup Accessories, Medium Size, Pink

Price: $14.32 (20% off)

7. Cruise Door Magnets

Decorating your cruise cabin door is becoming increasingly popular on ships. You’ll notice many cruisers like to decorate their cabin doors with fun magnets. This is a fun way to jazz up your stateroom, and many cruisers say it helps find their cabin. Magnets are easy to pack because they won’t take up too much luggage space and doesn’t leave any residue on the door.

Product Link: PHOGARY 17pcs Hawaiian Magnets for Cruise Door Decorations, Funny Luau Tropical Magnets for Cruise Metal Door Summer Hawaiian Party Decor

Price: $4.49 (50% off)

8. Travel Toiletry Bottles

If you’re trying to save space in your cruise cabin (or your suitcase!), consider using travel toiletry bottles. These allow you to bring your favorite products from home in these leak-resistant bottles.

Product Link: Travel Bottles for Toiletries, Tsa Approved 3oz Travel Size Containers BPA Free Leak Proof Refillable Liquid Silicone Squeezable Travel Accessories for Shampoo Conditioner Lotion (4 Pack)

Price: $7.99 (20% off)

Suitcases and Luggage Accessories

You’ll need a reliable suitcase to bring on your cruise, regardless of whether you’re flying or driving to the cruise port. I typically bring a carry-on suitcase aboard the ship and only check a larger suitcase for longer itineraries. After finally investing in higher-quality luggage, navigating the airports, hotels, train stations, and cruise terminals has been much better!

9. Samsonite Luggage Set

These Samsonite Carry-On Hardshell suitcases are a favorite for travelers; even better, they'tr expandable to make room for all your cruise treasures! This suitcase set receives high ratings for being high quality and lightweight, with smooth-rolling wheels.

Product Link: Samsonite Freeform 2-Piece Luggage Set - Carry-On & Large Checked Luggage with Dual Spinner Wheels - Durable Polypropylene Hardshell - TSA Lock, Airline-Approved - Expandable Hard Shell – Black

Price: $196.35 (20% off)

10. Coolife Luggage Set

If you’re looking to invest in more than just one suitcase, you could consider splurging on a luggage set during Big Deal Days! This Coolife Luggage set is an excellent deal with three different suitcases included. It's highly rated for its sturdy shell, smooth wheels, and lightweight design. 

Product Link: Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Hardshell Lightweight TSA Lock

Price: $152.99 (11% off)

11. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a must-have for many travelers, but I especially love them for cruising. They keep everything neatly organized in your suitcase and remove excess air so you can pack more.

Simply remove the packing cube from your suitcase and place directly in your cabin’s closet or drawer for easy unpacking! I designate one packing cube for dirty clothes on the way home, which makes laundry easier after the cruise is over too.

Product Link: BAGAIL 6 Set/8 Set/10 Set Packing Cubes Various Sizes Packing Organizer for Travel Accessories Luggage Carry On Suitcase

Price: $21.99 (21% off)

Product Link: 10 Set Compression Packing Cubes for Travel Essentials,Compressible Expandable Packing Cubes for Suitcase, OlarHike Luggage Organizer Bags for Travel,Handy Helper for Organizing Clothes(Black)

Price: $29.99 (35% off)

12. Electronics Organizer

I was fed up with all of the cords and chargers in my backpack, so I finally invested in an electronics organizer. It makes all the difference keeping everything neatly organized in my bag while traveling. I also use it in my cruise cabin to reduce clutter and keep all of my cords and chargers organized. 

Product Link: BAGSMART Large Electronics Travel Organizer Case, Tech Accessories Cord Storage Bag for Phone, Power Bank, SD Card, Cables, Black

Price: $11.19 (25% off)

13. Travel Pill Organizer

If you travel with medication, including over-the-counter meds, it’s a good idea to have a pill organizer. This can save you space in your luggage and your cruise cabin! I use these for things like vitamin C and zinc supplements to stay healthy while traveling!

Product Link: 2 Pack 3 Compartment Small Pill Box, Moisture Proof Case, Travel Organizer for Pocket Purse, Daily Portable Medicine Vitamin Container, Fish Oil and Supplement Storage

Price: $5.94 (15% off)

14. Travel Jewelry Organizer

Jewelry can quickly become unmanageable, especially with necklaces all tangled together. I like to bring a travel jewelry organizer on my cruises to safely store all of my earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Product Link: BELALIFE Travel Jewelry Case Organizer, Medium Foldable Storage Roll for Earrings, Necklaces, Rings, Bracelets, Brooches, Pink

Price: $13.59 (15% off)

Cruise Tech and Electronics

Amazon’s biggest sales typically have the best deals on technology and electronics. This means you can save big on some of the most popular tech items for cruises. From portable chargers to headphones, you’ll definitely want to check out the best tech deals for your upcoming cruise vacations.

15. Wireless Charging Station

One of my recent favorite travel purchases is a wireless charging station. This eliminates the need to bring multiple cords for different devices, such as your phone, smart watch, and wireless headphones. You can simply charge all of your devices at once. 

Product Link: Wireless Charger 3 in 1,RTOPS Magnetic Travel Wireless Charging Station Multiple Devices,GaN 3 in 1 Charging Station, Compatible for iPhone16/15/14/13/Pro/Max,iWatch,AirPods4/3/2/Pro(Adapter Includes)

Price: $24.28 (19% off)

16. USB Charging Station

Older ships may have a limited number of outlets available for charging your electronics. A charging station with multiple USB-A/USB-C ports supports multiple device charging for the cabin, so you don’t have to fight over the outlets.

Product Link: USB C Fast Charger, 100W GaN 6 Port Type C Charging Station Hub Block Cube, USB C Wall Charger Power Strip Adapter Plug for iPad iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Pixel Note Galaxy, 5ft Cord

Price: $19.98 (20% off)

17. Universal Adapter with USB Ports

This travel adapter is one of our readers’ favorite cruise products! This one is highly rated because of its compact size, functionality, and multiple USB ports. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously, which can be especially helpful in your cruise cabin. Not to mention, some cabins have European outlets that are often left unused if you don’t have an adapter.

Product Link: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, European Travel Plug Adapter (Not a Voltage Converter) - International Power Adapter Worldwide Charger with USB-C & 4 USB-A Ports, Travel Essentials (TA-105, Grey)

Price: $17.99 (28% off)

18. Portable Charger

You’ll be having busy days exploring your ports of call and spending days on the pool deck. You might not always want to return to your cabin to charge your phone or tablet, so it’s best to have a portable charger to keep your devices charged throughout the day.

Product Link: INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Slim 10000mAh 45W PD Power Bank, USB C in&Out Fast Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essential Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 17 16 15 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc

Price: $18.69 (38% off)

19. Extra-Long Charging Cord

An extra-long charging cord is especially convenient in your cruise cabin if there’s only one outlet on the vanity. This allows you to lay comfortable on the bed or chill on the couch while still charging your devices. I never cruise without mine!

Product Link: Extra Long USB C Cable Fast Charging 15FT, [Apple MFi] Long USB A to USB C Cable for iPhone17 16 15 Charger Cord 5m,Type C Cable C Charger for iPhone 16 15 Pro Max/16 15 Plus/iPad Pro/Google-2Pack

Price: $17.99 (10% off)

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas will skip two ports of call on its current Panama Canal cruise due to two storms in the Pacific Ocean. 
 

Guests sailing aboard Radiance of the Seas' October 4, 2025, cruise were notified that they'd no longer visit Cabo San Lucas or Mazatlán. Instead, the ship will spend two extra days at sea on Oct. 6 and 7. 

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been closely monitoring a tropical disturbance that is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone forming along our voyage path," reads the email sent to impacted passengers. 

"These [storms’] forecast track makes it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey toward Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán, Mexico. So, after exploring all of our options, we’ve decided to enjoy two (2) Sea Days instead."

Although skipping two ports is disappointing, Royal Caribbean emphasized that the safety and comfort of its guests and crew remain the company’s top priority.

Moreover, passengers will receive a non-refundable onboard credit based on their stateroom category as compensation:

• Inside: $75 USD
• Outside: $100 USD
• Balcony: $175 USD
• Suite: $200 USD
• 3rd or more guests: $25 USD per person

Any pre-paid excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Cabo and Mazatlán will be refunded as onboard credit that can be used anywhere on the ship. Unused credit from the refunded tours will be reimbursed to the credit card associated with the guests' onboard account at the end of the sailing. 

The email continues, "We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather."

Reminder to "washy washy"

After nearly 100 passengers were sickened on a recent sailing on Serenade of the Seas, Royal Caribbean reminded guests of the importance of washing their hands frequently, especially since illnesses like norovirus can spread quickly in shared spaces:

"As we’ll be spending more days at sea than planned, we want to remind you to please wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after restroom breaks and again before eating."

"We also encourage you to use the complimentary hand sanitizing gel available throughout the ship as often as possible. The gel should be rubbed thoroughly and continuously until your hands are dry. However, the hand sanitizing gel is not a substitution for thorough hand washing with soap and warm water."

Read more: Cruise ships suffer worst year for stomach bugs in over a decade. Here's what I'm doing to stay healthy

Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Octave

Hurricane Priscilla continued to strengthen early Monday in the Pacific Ocean, with gusty winds and heavy rains affecting the coastal areas of southwest Mexico. 

As of 11 a.m. MST, Hurricane Priscilla had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, making the storm a Category 1. Moreover, Hurricane Priscilla was headed north-northwest at 6 mph and was about 245 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.

Octave became a hurricane on Sunday but was downgraded to a tropical storm on Monday morning. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the weakening Tropical Storm Octave was headed eastward with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. 

When Legend of the Seas launches, Royal Caribbean has big plans for how it will be different from the other Icon Class ships.

Entering service in 2026, Legend of the Seas will be the third Icon Class ship. But it definitely won't be a carbon copy of the ships that preceded it.

This is going to be one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, with a capacity of 5,610 passengers at double occupancy and 2,350 crew members working onboard.

The cruise line shared new details of the major changes on Legend, including entertainment, dining, and activities.

Here’s a look at the biggest changes guests can expect.

New experiences

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean, said in a statement Legend will be a bold push forward for the Icon Class, "With Legend of the Seas, we are bringing to life our most legendary vacation yet as we continue to push the boundaries with more of what guests know and love."

Royal Railway Legend Station will be on the ship, making it the first Icon Class ship to have the immersive dining experience.

First introduced on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Railway is a dining experience that combines food, sound, and visuals that makes you feel like you're on a classic train.

This version will be expanded into a five-course “expedition” along the Silk Routes, inspired by the travels of Marco Polo.

Guests will enjoy flavors and history through China, India, Italy and more.

Legend of the Seas will also be home to a Broadway musical.

Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has been confirmed as the musical onboard. 

The world of Willy Wonka will be brought to the stage, and it's included in your cruise fare.

Besides the Royal Theater Legend of the Seas will have shows offered in the AquaTheater and Absolute Zero ice rink.

The AquaDome AquaTheater will host divers, aerialists, robots, and dancers.

Absolute Zero, the largest ice arena at sea, will feature new skating productions.

Another change will be the a reimagined Surfside and Playscape. 

Royal Caribbean wants to offer even more for families with young kids, and promises a new carousel in Surfside and a redesigned Playscape for youngsters.

New dining

You'll also find new dining options on Legend of the Seas, with a mix of reimagined and new offerings. Legend of the Seas will have a total of 28 options to dine at.

The AquaDome Market will have all new food stands, along with a brand-new juice and smoothie bar serving freshly squeezed refreshments.

This is a food hall, where you can go throughout the day and night to enjoy quick bites made exactly the way you like them. It's not only complimentary, but has been consistently a fan-favorite dining area.

A new supper club will also be implemented, with the Hollywoodland Supper Club.

A brand-new concept blending gourmet dining, cocktails, and jazz with a journey through the golden age of cinema, from the 1910s to the 1950s.

Other returning restaurants confirmed for Legend include:

• Surfside Eatery
• Basecamp
• Chops Grille
• Izumi
• Hooked Seafood

There will be more than 20 bars on Legend of the Seas, including:

• Lou's
• Dueling Pianos
• 1400 Bar

The family fun you expect on an Icon Class ship

Legend continues Royal Caribbean’s tradition of adrenaline and relaxation with:

• Category 6 Waterpark: Six massive waterslides.
• Crown’s Edge: A part-zip line, part-skywalk suspended 154 feet above the ocean.
• Lost Dunes Mini Golf and Adrenaline Peak Rock Climbing for active fun.
• Seven pools

Sailing in 2026

Legend will debut with 7-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome, visiting destinations like Marseille, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca.

In November 2026, the ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Bookings are open for all of its sailings through April 2027.

Prices are going up for certain services in Royal Caribbean's kids club.

Adventure Ocean is the name of the kids club on all of the line's ships, and while most of the programming is included in your cruise, fare there are a couple areas that come with an extra cost.

However, if you elect to leave your kids with the counselors late at night and/or take advantage of the nursery services, there's an hourly cost to it.

The Royal Caribbean app is showing a change to the hourly rate for both of these areas.

Late night cost change

Adventure Ocean is complimentary up until 10pm, but from 10pm to 1am, there's an hourly charge for kids staying for the late night party.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Megan Audette spotted the change in the app.

Within Adventure Ocean for kids between 3 years old and 12 years old, after 10pm, the price is going up from $10 per hour per child to $15 per hour per child. 

There is still no charge for Adventure Ocean when the club is open earlier in the day.

Hourly nursery costs

The cost of dropping toddlers in the nursery is also changing.

Adventure Ocean Babies is available for toddlers infants and toddlers between the age of 6 - 36 months. Unlike the older kids areas, there's an hourly charge for the nursery throughout the day and evening.

The new cost for the nursery will be:

• $9 per hour until 6pm (previously $6 per hour)
• $12 per hour thereafter (previously $8 per hour)

Because babies require more attention than Adventure Ocean, the nursery is more specialized and offers child care that caters to each baby. Plus, they can feed children in their care and put them down for naps.

A supervised solution for vacation

If you haven't taken advantage of Royal Caribbean's kids care, it's one of my family's favorite benefits of cruising.

Adventure Ocean is designed around offering a place for children to play and have fun while their parents can go elsewhere and enjoy time apart.

When my kids were young enough to be in the nursery or Adventure Ocean, we always took advantage of its offerings because it was a win-win for all of us.

The kids got an escape from hanging out with mom and dad, and that meant games, art, movies, and playing with other kids.

My wife and I loved Adventure Ocean because it was supervised and gave us the chance to have a dinner or evening alone.

Most of the care is included, but the extra costs have always been well-worth it, in my opinion.

Ever since we tried the nursery for the first time, I was blown away by how all encompassing the service is. The staff really love their job and they always went to great lengths to make sure our children were happy.

When my kids were old enough for the main club, staying for late night was always a highlight.

Most kids get picked up before 10pm, but the ones that remain usually get to indulge in special activities because there are less kids overall.

Royal Caribbean has steadily increased the space and offerings of Adventure Ocean on its ships, with the new Icon Class ships offering an incredible variety of programming for families.

Happy Sunday, and welcome back to our round-up of all the latest Royal Caribbean news. It's been a busy week for the cruise line, so sit back, relax, and enjoy.

A norovirus outbreak on a Royal Caribbean ship has sickened almost 100 people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 94 passengers and 4 crew members have "reported being ill during the voyage" and noted that predominant symptoms included diarrhea and vomiting.

Royal Caribbean has implemented new cleaning protocols in response, including increased cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Royal Caribbean News

• Casino players are now getting big discounts on beach clubs and drink packages
• Royal Caribbean's The Key review
• Free Royal Caribbean cruise mail offers: How to get them and it works
• Hideaway Beach vs. Pearl Cove Beach Club
• Royal Caribbean crew member officer shared what it's like to work on a cruise ship
• This man spent $5,700 to live on a cruise ship for 78 days alone. Here's how he make it work
• How a government shutdown could affect cruise ships and travel

New RCB Video: What is the President's Cruise like?

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: I Tried The President's Cruise (Not What I Expected)

Don't forget to like and subscribe!

Royal Caribbean just added Halloween fun on its cruise ships all month long

You can expect Halloween activities on any cruise in October!

Royal Caribbean confirmed it's expanding Halloween fun beyond cruises that sail over October 31st.

This includes movie nights, crafts, and costume contests.

Royal Caribbean is adding a two story casino to its next new cruise ship

When Legend of the Seas launches next year, it will have a two story casino.

This is the first time Royal Caribbean has expanded its gambling area to such extremes, and it will be a major change from Icon or Star of the Seas.

It's clear the cruise line is making this change to offer more gambling areas and increase revenue.

I tried Royal Caribbean's fan festival for the first time

Royal Caribbean advertises its Presidents Cruise as a pilgrimage for cruise fans, but what is it really like?

Matt had never tried a President's Cruise, but this year's voyage was an opportunity to give it a try.

Going on a President's Cruise is immersing yourself among thousands of other cruise fans who are just as passionate as you are.

Royal Caribbean will soft open its new beach club early

Select cruisers are getting invites to try the new Royal Beach Club a few days before it officially opens.

Evidently invitations are being sent out for Royal Caribbean's first beach club for about 10 days leading up to the official opening.

This soft opening allows the club to ramp up operations and iron out any issues before it officially welcomes paying guests.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 577th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt is headed to the rumor mill with five new rumors worth repeating to all of you!

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

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

It looks like Royal Caribbean will open its beach club to select guests early as it ramps up for an official opening.

The official opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is set for late December, but some passengers are getting invited to see it earlier.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Alex Bleiweis is booked on the December 14 sailing of Allure of the Seas and received an email to check out the beach club.

"You’re invited to get a sneak peek on December 15th before the grand opening," the email reads.

Just weeks ago the cruise line had confirmed a ribbon cutting event would take place on December 13, with the official opening coming around December 21st.

Allure of the Seas is scheduled to sail a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary, but will stop at Nassau, Bahamas first on December 15th.

Soft openings leading up to the opening

A "soft opening" refers to the beach club welcoming guests before it's officially open to book.

It appears these soft opening events are invite-only, and there's no means to request to be invited or to purchase admission.

According to the email invitation we saw, Royal Caribbean is offering complimentary unlimited open bar day pass for the person that receives the email, and all guests booked in your stateroom.

The fine print says guests may have the opportunity to pay for an extra cost amenity, such as daybeds, cabanas, or the Party Deck, at a discounted rate.

Invitations are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for another date.

The point of these soft openings is to give Royal Caribbean a chance to field test everything before it's officially open.

This ensures the crew members can get practice in how everything should flow, as well as identifying any issues or improvements necessary before the club officially opens.

First-of-its-kind beach club

The opening of the Royal Beach Club is a bold step for Royal Caribbean to further differentiate it from other cruise lines.

The first-ever Royal Beach Club seeks to solve a long-standing problem passengers have had with finding a fun activity while visiting Nassau.

Nassau has ranked poorly among guest satisfaction scores with Royal Caribbean, and it's also a port where the passengers that do disembark typically spend little time off the ship and return earlier than in other ports.

Once fully operational, it's estimated over 1 million people could buy passes to the beach club annually.

The goal of this beach club is to offer an unparalleled beach experience in a prime spot, exclusively to its customers.

Unlike Perfect Day at CocCcay, there's an admission cost, it's all-inclusive, and there's limited capacity.  Think of it more like a cruise line run private excursion than a private island.

Inside the club, you can expect two stunning beaches and three refreshing pools.

There are three dining areas included, as well as free unlimited drinks at 10 bars, including the world’s largest swim-up bar.

Admission also includes water transportation, live entertainment, WiFi, loungers, and beach umbrellas.

The club is also going to incorporate Bahamian culture in an industry first cooperative effort to give back to the people of The Bahamas with a revenue sharing agreement that gives up to 49% equity.

It's expected the beach club will generate hundreds of jobs between the construction and long-term operation.  Plus, there will be a new tourism levy that will fund reinvesting in the local community. 

Construction photo update

With the soft opening invitations going out, we have an updated look at the progress Royal Caribbean is making to finish the beach club.

MEI Travel agent James Gatton shared photos of what the beach club looks like from his visit to Nassau on October 4.

About 500 people are actively working in the construction site every day, and the rate of progress has picked up considerably.

Foundations have been laid and structures are going up.

Each of the three neighborhoods are under active construction, with the Floating Flamingo easily the most notable building.

The Floating Flamingo is a two-story, two-story swim-up bar, and it's going to be the focal point for the party area.

There are stairs to a second-tier lounge with expansive views of the beach club and pool party. 

The beach club encompasses a 17-acre site, but it's a very long and narrow.

While it's not very wide, walking from one end to another could take around 15 minutes.

Royal Caribbean recently showed off its new tenders that will be used to ferry passengers to and from the beach club.

Included in the admission cost, ferries will transport passengers from the pier to one of two stops at the beach club.

Would you live on a cruise ship for over two months?

Jack Reynolds, who runs the digital marketing and social media agency SizzleHQ, is doing just that. Reynolds set sail on August 31, 2025, with plans to spend 78 days on cruise ships. 

Earlier this year, he began receiving casino offers through Royal Caribbean's Club Royale website, many of them from September through November. Seizing the opportunity, he decided to try and get on as many cruises as he could, especially on ships he hadn't been on yet. 

Altogether, his journey spans 88 days, including travel days from the United Kingdom and a post-cruise visit to Walt Disney World, and he plans to record his own content while onboard. 

In an interview with Reynolds, which has been edited for length and clarity, we spoke about why he chose to take 18 back-to-back cruises and what he hopes to gain from the experience. 

Why did you decide to book 18 back-to-back cruises? 

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I chose 18 cruises because it was almost at the maximum limit of what I could achieve within my 86-day total period, while still having an element of variety and giving myself space in case of emergencies! 

They aren't strictly back-to-back, as I will be travelling from Fort Lauderdale to Miami to change vessels, and I will spend one day traveling from Miami to Tampa by bus to get on the smaller cruise ships.

Other than that, I only have around 4 days on land! Most of those will be at the end of the journey when I go to Walt Disney World in Orlando!

Was there some sort of catalyst that helped you set your mind on it?

Recently, I sold my house, so there was nothing holding me back! It was the perfect time to travel on a trip like this. 

I just turned 30, and it's been a stressful year! I am also using the weather, access to good food, and free access to a gym for 3 months as a catalyst to get healthy. 

How long did it take you to plan and book all 18 cruises?

Not too long, maybe 3-4 weeks. 

One of the most drawn-out parts was waiting to make sure that my visa wasn't going to run out in the middle of my travels. The ESTA visa waiver is 90 days, so 18 cruises for a total trip length of 86 days was pretty much the maximum I could do.

I also kept my eye on the casino website for more suitable offers. 

What's the rough estimate for how much this experience is costing you? 

This whole journey will cost me roughly £4,300, including my flights, tickets to Disney, food on land, etc. Thankfully, a lot of that is frontloaded before the cruises start. Some costs, like hotels and transfers, can be paid on the day of, helping to split the costs up nicely. 

I also have no living costs, so I'm spending roughly £52 per day, which is less than it costs me to live in the UK! Plus, I noted down the collective cost for this. If they weren't casino comps on cruises alone, it would be £19,600 — I think I got a deal!

Read more: How much is a Royal Caribbean cruise?

What's been the biggest logistical challenge in planning 18 back-to-back cruises?

Really, it's giving myself enough time to get to each port and not overplanning. Also, figuring out what I actually need/want to do is another challenge; it's a total mental health reset for me, but I know Royal looks after me! 

I've had nothing but great experiences on all classes of their ships!

Did you have a strategy to help you maximize your "free" days at sea?

Strategy? Not really. I have my own budgets. 

I don't really spend that much in the casinos, but I try and spend a little bit on each cruise. I have some free play (a total of about $350) on these cruises, so this will contribute to extra excursions or internet! 

In terms of casino strategy, I guess I do the $1.50 x 8, $3 x 4, then $6 x 2 trick to double the chances of getting money back. Of course, this also means that I've been known to rinse through money very quickly. I've gotten a few hand-pays in my time, though!

How many ships are you going on?

I'm going on 8 different ships, 6 of which I've never been on before: Oasis, Wonder, Jewel, Utopia, Adventure, Grandeur, Radiance, and Liberty.

Out of the 8, Wonder and Jewel of the Seas are the only ships I've sailed on before. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest

How often are you switching cabins, and what stateroom categories do you have booked?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I'm having to switch cabins quite frequently. 

Because this has been preplanned, I've let the cruise casino know beforehand, and my cabin steward takes my luggage to the next room free of charge, though I do tip when I can. Thankfully, my setup is very easy and portable.

There will be a couple of occasions where I stay in one cabin, though. 

I've mostly selected interior cabins or whichever comps were on the certificates I received — a few of the certificates rewarded me with an ocean-view room!

On a recent cruise around Africa, I didn't use my balcony much. The main benefit I got from the more expensive cabin was the sunlight!

Will you be alone for the entire cruise?

Not in the strictest sense! I've found cruises are a fantastic way to meet new people in one of only a few ways that almost keep you within the vicinity of like-minded people in your adult life, along with school and work. In fact, I still have friends from cruises I took 2 years ago! 

However, I am traveling solo, which has its benefits and perks! I'm also working each morning on the cruise, so I definitely will be able to be in touch and productive while onboard. Additionally, I phone my family regularly on WhatsApp.

Over the last 4 weeks and 6 cruises, I've made more friends than I have in the last 3 years. Cruises fix loneliness, genuinely!

Do you have any favorite spaces that double as great offices at sea?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

To be honest, I work best when it's quiet, so I can focus. I tend to stick my laptop in my room, because I can play games on it as well, then stay out of my room for the rest of the day! 

I will be taking days where I go into ports and record content, or even just days off. Although I thought burnout was impossible on a cruise ship, I spent the first two weeks resting and taking it easy. 

Read more: I work remotely from a cruise ship all the time, and a lot more people are doing the same thing

Did you book many pre-cruise add-ons (like drink packages, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, etc.)?

My first three cruises were aboard Oasis of the Seas. I prebooked internet and a soda package, as I'm a fiend for soda. After these cruises, though, I became a Diamond cruiser within the Crown & Anchor Society (I'll actually have hit 92 points after those 3, as I get double cruise points and sail for 14 nights total). 

Because of my new status, I will take the free 4 drinks a day vouchers and buy a soda or two. If I become Prime in the casino, I can always get drinks for free there, too!

In terms of dining, I have experienced most of the specialty restaurants on Royal's ships, and I must say that I generally enjoy the Main Dining Room and included options. The value I get going into a specialty restaurant is limited. Maybe I'll go to a Chop's lunch or something, but I am not really planning on doing so yet!

How much is Wi-Fi costing you for 78 days on a cruise ship?

For the first 14 days, it cost $15 per day (so $210), but after that, as a Diamond cruiser and potentially Prime in the casino, I get 1 free day and 30% off per cruise, and some of the cruises are only 3 nights! This means that I'll book on board for those. 

Later on in the trip, after the 12th cruise, I'll become Diamond Plus, so I will get 3 free days of Wi-Fi per cruise and 5 drinks per day! In total, I've calculated around $850 or £630 for nearly 3 months of internet at sea. 

What are you looking forward to the most?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I'm looking forward to the weather, rest, no responsibility (except where I'm eating), and the Royal Caribbean experience! I love Royal (although I'm not totally loyal), but above all, I love cruising! It's an amazing way to see the world and places that I have never been before!

I write music professionally and personally, so I also brought an electric guitar (with headphones, don't worry) to record and play music to keep me occupied in my relaxation time!

If you're lucky, Royal Caribbean could send you a free cruise offer in the mail as an incentive to come back onboard and gamble some more.

After you cruise with Royal Caribbean and spend money in the casino, there's a chance you'll be mailed an offer to come back and sail for free or at a discounted rate.

These targeted offers are sent as a post card in the mail, and it's one of the best values right now in cruising.

How it all works can be a bit confusing, so here's a breakdown of how these casino mailers work and what to do if you if you get one.

A card could be mailed to you

Essentially, Royal Caribbean's casino program will send offers to certain members with free or discounted cruises and they are indeed legit.

Unlike scams sent in the mail to get you to attend a timeshare sale presentation, these come directly from Royal Caribbean. They're colorful, and have a special code for redeeming.

Each card has a limited selection of specific sailings. Usually, there are a dozen or so options.

There's no flexibility with the ships or sail dates. You can either pick one or none.  There's certainly no obligation.

Depending on your status within Casino Royale and how much you've gambled recently, the cabin selection can vary. You might get offers for an inside or oceanview cabin, or a balcony.

You'll still have to pay the port fees and taxes, which vary depending on which sailing you pick.

The offers could be for any type of cabin category, but most people get an inside or oceanview.

The other factor is if the free cruise covers one or two people.

Sometimes it's just free cruise fare for one person, and you'll have to pay a discounted rate for the second person in the same room. But it could be for two people too. You just have to read the fine print.

Some important information about these casino offers in the mail:

• You still have to pay taxes and all fees, which can be hundreds of dollars
• You earn Crown and Anchor Points from free casino offers
• You can only book 1 sailing with any particular offer code

How do you qualify for free cruise offers from the casino?

No one knows exactly the logic or "casino math" to qualify for random offers, but my experience has taught me consistent play is the key.

The point of these mailers is to entice people that have demonstrated they're willing to gamble in the casino to come back and cruise again so they can gamble more.

Suffice to say, you first need to be go on a Royal Caribbean cruise and play in the casino and wager enough money to "make it" onto the casino's algorithm.

How much you need to wager is anyone's guess, but my best recommendation would be enough to get you 200 - 300 points in the casino on a single sailing.  

In my experience, low or no play onboard (especially if you're on a casino comp sailing) can cause your offers to stop or slow down.

Always use your Seapass card to log into the machine before you start playing.

One point is equal to $5 wagered at a slot machine, so to get 300 points, you'd need to wager $1,500. Remember, that's wager and it doesn't matter if you win or lose.

Realistically, you're not going to lose every single bet.  But you could certainly have a bad streak of loses and money could go quickly.

The other thing I would recommend doing is ensuring your casino account isn't tied to your kids accounts.

Another unconfirmed theory is if the casino's algorithm notices a minor, it won't send them an offer. So if your account has the same email address as your kids, that could be enough to prevent offers from coming in.

I experienced this problem earlier this year when I was getting no offers at all. At the recommendation of another casino player, I asked the casino host to change my casino account email to different one.  That would leave me kids on my old email with Royal Caribbean, but separate me out from them.

Sure enough, a couple of cruises later (with a couple hundred points per sailing in the casino), and my mailbox has been flooded with offers.

To be clear, all of this is a working theory and I can't promise it will work for you. It just seems to represent the best conventional wisdom we have at the moment.

How to book a free cruise with the casino

The card you'll receive will have a list of free cruises. You can choose just one of them, per offer code.

To redeem it, you can do one of three things:

• Call Casino Royale directly and book
• Use Royal Caribbean's new Casino Royale website to redeem it
• Ask your travel agent to do it for you

Not all travel agents will redeem a free casino cruise because Royal Caribbean pays them barely any commission for a free cruise fare.

Calling in is what most people have traditionally done, but the hold times can be lengthy.

The new website appears to be a promising alternative, but it's brand new and a bit of a work in progress. Also, the website has shown offers that don't correlate to what the mailers have and that's been a source of frustration. I'm certain it will get ironed out, but in the meantime, the website may not be totally foolproof.

Don't abuse the offers

A word of warning: only redeem a free cruise offer you will actually go on.

Royal Caribbean changed their policy to penalize people that take advantage of free cruises, but then subsequently miss the cruise.

In past years, casino players would book free casino offers but then no-show to them. It wasn't intentional, but they viewed them as like "maybes" and since the cruise was free, there was no real penalty for missing it.

The cruise line has cracked down on this, and warns you'll lose your $200.00 deposit on the room.

Furthermore, you could be banned from getting free offers in the future if you do it.

Any Recipient who fails to check in at the pier may be suspended from future offers, will forfeit any offer(s) redeemed, and the remaining guests sailing, if any, will be subject to pay the prevailing rates at the time of embarkation.

Basically, if you book the free cruise, make sure you go on it.

Starting this year, Royal Caribbean is letting passengers enjoy the spooky season all October long with month-long Halloween celebrations across its fleet. 

Historically, Royal Caribbean guests couldn't enjoy Halloween activities unless they were on a sailing on October 31. 

For the first time ever, the cruise line is celebrating throughout the entire month of October. 

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the news in an email to Royal Caribbean Blog.

"Guests are encouraged to participate in the festivities, so we recommend they pack their favorite costumes and accessories to have a ghoulish-good time!" they said. 

From Halloween-themed crafts to family scavenger hunts and a special movie night, cruisers are guaranteed to have a frightfully fun experience at sea. 

What to expect on Royal Caribbean's Halloween cruises

According to the email shared with Royal Caribbean Blog, there are a variety of activities planned for family-friendly fun, including:

• Halloween-themed crafts (younger cruisers)
• Halloween games (younger cruisers)
• Teen Halloween games (teenagers)
• Teen Halloween movie night (teenagers)
• Horror movie quotes trivia (families)
• Family Halloween-themed crafts (families)
• Halloween family scavenger hunt (families)
• Halloween costume parade (families)
• Adult Halloween monster mash bash (adult-only)

To find available activities on your October voyage, simply check the Royal Caribbean app. After you have selected your sailing (or are connected to the ship's Wi-Fi), select "Entertainment" and browse the daily schedule. 

Even if the activities aren’t your thing, you won't want to leave your house without a costume. 

Guests are encouraged to dress up on the cruise, regardless of whether it's in early October or over Halloween. 

"We're celebrating All Hallows Eve and all things creepy and crawly," the Cruise Planner says, "Ghouls and goblins, tonight is your night to shine."

It's a great excuse to get another use out of your kid's Halloween costume this year!

Read more: What Halloween is like on the world's largest cruise ship

Month-long Halloween celebrations at sea aren't rare

Most famously, Disney Cruise Line's Halloween on the High Seas has been a fan favorite for years. 

The special sailings feature everything from themed character appearances — think Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow dressed as the Sanderson sisters — to Halloween crafts and elaborate décor. 

Margaritaville at Sea also began offering its own Halloween-themed sailings, featuring themed cocktails, onboard activities, costume contests, and numerous decorations throughout the ship. 

The special sailings began in mid-September and will run through the end of October. 

With Royal Caribbean now joining in on the extended celebrations, it’s clear that the spooky season is becoming a staple during October cruises.

Read more: I celebrated Halloween on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and it's my favorite holiday to spend at sea