Royal Caribbean Blog

Florida is widely regarded as the cruise capital of the world, with some of the busiest cruise ports anywhere. Between Port Miami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral, I rarely need to travel far to cruise as a Florida resident.

In this way, cruising from Florida is extremely convenient and budget-friendly for me. Like any Florida resident, I am fortunate to have easy access to some of the world’s newest, biggest, and most advanced cruise ships. That said, I never limit myself to just sailing from Florida. 

I am always eager to explore new destinations, even if it means flying across the world for a bucket-list sailing. For example, I recently flew all the way to Singapore for a 12-night cruise through Asia, and last fall, I traveled to the Land Down Under for an Australian cruise from Sydney. I've even traveled all the way to Mauritius for a once-in-a-lifetime safari cruise across South Africa.

While Royal Caribbean has a heavy presence in Florida, the cruise line operates globally with sailings all over the world. That's why I was especially excited when Royal Caribbean announced Ovation of the Seas would be sailing from Los Angeles, California as the biggest ship to ever sail from the port.

After sailing on every ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, I’ve found the Quantum class to be one of my favorites. These cruise ships feature a sleek, modern design, plenty of amenities, and often sail to more exciting destinations. I’ve sailed on nearly every Quantum class ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, so I was especially excited to finally check Ovation of the Seas off my list.

Additionally, I hadn’t cruised from the West Coast in more than 15 years. In fact, my last West Coast cruise was in 2008 on the now-retired Monarch of the Seas from San Diego. Needless to say, I was overdue for a West Coast cruise! And I couldn’t resist a great deal on a 5-night cruise to Cabo San Lucas for one of Ovation of the Seas' inaugural sailings from Los Angeles.

Even better, this itinerary featured an overnight port stay in Cabo San Lucas, which is one of my favorite itinerary features! Having an overnight allows you more time to experience the destination, and you typically aren't as rushed during your time ashore. I was thrilled that my mom wanted to join this cruise for our first mother-daughter cruise together!

Although we had a great time during our cruise from California and loved visiting Cabo San Lucas for the first time, I probably won’t be sailing again from the West Coast anytime soon. 

First, it wasn’t easy getting to the West Coast for this cruise.

I live in the Florida Panhandle, so I usually prefer cruising from Port Canaveral in Central Florida. It’s just a 6-hour drive, so this port is the most convenient with many different itineraries and cruise lines to choose from. I also have family in Orlando, so I never need to spend extra money on a hotel room the night before a cruise. 

However, there are only so many destinations you can visit when you cruise from the same disembarkation port. You tend to repeat a lot of the same itineraries aboard the same cruise ships. Don’t ask how many times I’ve been to Cozumel, because I’ve lost count!

For this itinerary, I planned to fly into LAX the night before the start of our cruise (as you always should). My local airport is on the smaller side, so I usually have to connect through Atlanta, Georgia. Between my four hour layover and two different flights, my total travel time was over ten hours from Florida!

Since I don’t fly to the West Coast very often, I honestly just forgot how long it takes to get from Florida to Los Angeles! I was naive to think my travel day wouldn’t be that long.

In hindsight, I probably should’ve done a little more planning. I did end up needing to take an extra day of PTO just to account for the long travel day. By the time I landed in LAX, I realized the travel time was almost as long as flying to Europe!

To top it off, this flight wasn’t cheap either. It ended up costing close to $500 for the round-trip airfare. That’s nearly what I paid for my upcoming trip to Denmark later this summer. 

At the end of the day, I just want to make the most of my time and money when I travel. For me, that often means discovering new places to explore if I am going to spend more than ten hours at the airport!

Navigating the massive LAX airport was also more stressful than I anticipated.

I’m no stranger to navigating big airports, but I definitely appreciate the ease and convenience of smaller airports. For example, when I cruise from Miami, I actually prefer flying into Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International airport instead. It’s close to PortMiami and far easier to navigate than the busier Miami airport.

For this cruise, my mom and I flew separately into LAX, as she was traveling from South Dakota and I was coming from Florida. Knowing how hectic large airports can be, especially when navigating them alone, my mom decided to wait in the Delta SkyClub lounge until I landed a few hours later.

I was thankful she had a comfortable and safe place to relax until I arrived. I’m also glad my mom didn’t try to navigate the airport on her own, as it was more stressful and complex than either of us anticipated. After I landed in the late evening, we made our way to the hotel before boarding Ovation of the Seas the following day.

We eventually found the free airport shuttle to the designated ride-share and taxi area, but the signage was a little confusing, especially considering it was late at night. It didn’t help that other travelers on the shuttle didn’t seem too eager to offer directions. To make matters worse, my mom and I were both exhausted from a long day of flying across the country.

The ride-share area at LAX was unlike anything I’ve seen before, featuring a slew of temporary-looking white tents scattered across the parking lot. Ride-share prices were also unusually high for such a short distance. I was being quoted over $40 for a quick 5-minute ride, which is outrageous!

We ended up taking a taxi instead for $20 to the hotel, although the experience wasn’t exactly warm and welcoming from our taxi driver. All that to say, we couldn’t wait to go to sleep and board Ovation of the Seas the next morning for our cruise!

Since LAX offers the most flight options and is the closest airport to Royal Caribbean’s World Cruise Terminal, it’s definitely the most practical choice. However, I think most can agree the size and chaos of the airport can be overwhelming. Next time, I’d plan to arrive earlier in the day and prearrange a transfer to make the experience smoother.

Cruise options are still pretty limited from the West Coast.

Royal Caribbean is planning to expand its West Coast presence in the coming years, and operations are already ramping up! Before Ovation of the Seas arrived, Royal Caribbean had previously deployed Navigator of the Seas — an older Voyager class ship — as the largest ship to depart from Los Angeles in 2021. Prior to that, Royal Caribbean hadn’t operated in California for over a decade.

Navigator of the Seas started offering shorter itineraries to Mexico, and there’s clearly a strong demand for it. Now, the addition of new ships will provide even more opportunities for West Coast locals to cruise with Royal Caribbean.

In 2026, Serenade of the Seas will be sailing from San Diego as the third ship for Royal Caribbean to operate in California. In addition, Quantum of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will also have a stint calling California home this fall when both ships arrive in October 2025.

Although Royal Caribbean is expanding its presence, itineraries are still limited largely to Mexico. These sailings feature ports of call to Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, along with one unique repositioning cruise back to Asia. 

With just a handful of cruise ships offering mostly short getaway itineraries to Mexico, these sailings tend to be better suited for local California residents. Comparatively, I’m lucky to have a variety of itineraries from Florida throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Bahamas, and South America. You can even cruise all the way to Europe on transatlantic cruises from Florida! 

There are still some destinations that I haven't visited throughout the Caribbean, such as the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Rather than flying to the West Coast, I’d prefer to focus on visiting new ports of call that are more easily accessible from Florida.

However, Royal Caribbean has the largest West Coast presence.

Compared to other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the West Coast is unmatched. Loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers now have more chances than ever to set sail on some of the cruise line’s best ships.

For example, sister-brand Celebrity Cruises only offers limited sailings from Los Angeles, primarily consisting of one-time Panama Canal repositioning cruises. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line operate sailings from California, but typically with just one or two ships throughout the year.

With Royal Caribbean expanding its West Coast presence, cruisers can now explore Baja Mexico on a wider variety of itineraries. For the summer, Ovation of the Seas will rotate between 3-night, 5-night, and 6-night cruises until she repositions to Southeast Asia in the fall. Until then, guests can experience some of the most popular ports of call throughout Mexico.

During my recent 5-night cruise to Cabo San Lucas, my mom and I were blown away by how beautiful the city was. We were pleasantly surprised by the port, including how clean, safe, and well-maintained it was. The scenery was also absolutely breathtaking, making Cabo San Lucas one of the nicest places I’ve visited in the country. 

In hindsight, I wish I had booked a longer itinerary to experience more of the region during my trip to the West Coast, as I haven’t visited ports like Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan.

Even still, I’m not sure if I’ll cruise again from California anytime soon.

Royal Caribbean is deploying more mega ships to cruise from California, which is great news for those living on the West Coast. With an increasing number of amenity-packed ships sailing from the region, the cruise line is clearly making a long-term investment in the West Coast market.

However, I’ll probably stick to cruises from Florida. For me, this is mostly due to the distance and cost to travel to California. 

During our sailing, nearly everyone we met was from the local area, which likely reflects Royal Caribbean’s target audience for these itineraries. Most people hadn't traveled as far as we had for the 5-night sailing to Cabo. That said, I had a fantastic time on the cruise itself, and I loved experiencing Ovation of the Seas for the first time. The entertainment, dining options, and onboard amenities are some of Royal Caribbean's best. My mom and I had a wonderful mother-daughter vacation together and cherished our time onboard.

As a frequent cruiser, I’ve found that some itineraries are best enjoyed once, and that’s perfectly okay. For me, it just makes more sense to stick with cruises from Florida for convenience. If I want a quick weekend getaway cruise to Mexico, I can do that without flying across the country. 

However, for those living on the West Coast, Royal Caribbean’s California sailings are a convenient and appealing option. Just like I wouldn’t want to fly across the country for a short cruise, I imagine many Californians feel the same about flying to Florida. I’m genuinely excited that West Coasters get to experience, in my opinion, one of Royal Caribbean’s best ships with Ovation of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean is introducing new changes in 2025 that will have an impact on your vacation, as well as the cruise industry.

The year 2025 is already a big year for the cruise line, and Royal Caribbean is never content maintaining the status quo when it comes to their product. I'm reminded of Royal Caribbean Group Chairman Richard Fain's comments about how there is no "new normal" when it comes to cruise.

"When we design our ships, we talk about a design formula of one third tradition, one third evolution and one third revolution," he said in a video a few years ago. 

"As I said, our mantra is continuous improvement. And it means just that everything gets better. Every chance we get."

To that point, there are four big changes that we know about already for Royal Caribbean in 2025 that you should be tracking now. 

These tweaks, additions, and pluses are things to know before you cruise.

Opening the first beach club

The first of three beach clubs in Royal Caribbean's portfolio will open in 2025.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in Nassau, Bahamas and be unlike a private island experience.  It will be limited to just Royal Caribbean guests, but there will be an admission cost to it and not every passenger will have the opportunity to go because there is a maximum capacity.

It's essentially a Royal Caribbean run shore excursion, built to the standards their customers expect from them.  It incorporates some of the best features from Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with some new improvements.

The beach club is conveniently located where the cruise ships dock.  It will offer three pools with swim-up bars, live music, two beaches, and four restaurants.

The new club will officially open December 27, 2025 and bookings are now available to be made.

Two more beach clubs will open in the next few years in Cozumel, Mexico and Vanuatu.

It's a bold plan to offer something no other cruise line has, separating it from other vacations.

Major upgrades to Allure of the Seas

After delaying improvements to Allure of the Seas in 2020, one of the biggest cruise ship's in the world received some serious enhancements.

In March 2025, Allure of the Seas went into dry dock for about a month to undergo significant changes.

The ship received many additions, including:

• Redesigned Caribbean pool deck
• Ultimate Abyss slide
• New waterslides
• Kids aquapark
• Pesky parrot tiki bar
• Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade (specialty)
• Mason Jar southern American food restaurant (specialty)
• El Loco Fresh Mexican restaurant (included)
• Escape room
• Laser tag
• Upgraded kids & Teens spaces
• New suites

The total cost of all this work is $100 million-plus, and it will add so much more value into the ship.

Cabin recategorization

Beginning with cruises in 2025, Royal Caribbean will implement its new cabin codes.

These became visible when the 2025-2026 deployment was released, but we'll now have new room codes for certain cabins.

Part of the reason to make this change is to simplify the choices for travel agents as well as add new room types meant to appeal to certain types of people that cruise.

The goals of the room recategorization are:

• More options & configurations for guests with large families
• Separated Triple and Quad occupancy interior & oceanview staterooms
• New high occupancy guarantee staterooms
• New Junior Suite & Balcony categories

What this really means is this will be the first year the new room categories are in effect as it relates to the actual cabins on a ship. Most of this is changing the cruise lexicon, but it's important to be aware of these new sorts of cabins, especially if you're used to booking a certain room.

A prime example of this are the aft balcony cabins.

The aft facing balconies and Junior Suites are now going to be separated out as new categories new categories, starting with the Sunset Junior Suite.

Royal Caribbean says they are making the change so that guests can quickly and easily find these cabins.

Star of the Seas launch

It doesn't get more exciting than welcoming a new cruise ship, and the second Icon Class ship joins the fleet in 2025.

Star of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025.

Star is the follow-up to Icon of the Seas, and considering how popular Icon has been, this will be Royal Caribbean's attempt to match their success.

While the ship will be more similar to Icon than not, there are a few tweaks, updates, and changes we can expect on Star.

There will be a couple revamped and new dining choices. Pier 7 is getting completely replaced, while Empire Supper Club is getting a new motif.

It also looks like Star will have a Broadway show onboard, with Back to the Future: The Musical.

The launch of Star of the Seas has a side effect, in that it will shift Wonder of the Seas to offer short cruises from Miami. This is significant, because Wonder will become the second Oasis Class ship to sail weekend cruises.  And with Icon and Star offering weeklong cruises, and Utopia and Wonder doing short cruises, it sets up Royal Caribbean's proverbial chess pieces exactly where they want to be.

Royal Caribbean has opened bookings for its first beach club, and it has given us our best look yet of what to expect when it opens.

I've been following the project intently, all the way back to its inception in early 2020.  I think it's an exciting new option in a port that lacks fun things to do that are worth trying.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in very late December 2025, and it's essentially a super shore excursion run by Royal Caribbean that takes all of its best ideas from Perfect Day at CocoCay and amps them up.

In looking through what's been revealed, here are the five things that stood out to me the most about this week's announcement.

Two types of day passes

We knew Royal Caribbean would make the beach club all-inclusive, but I didn't know they'd offer a non-alcoholic option too.

In retrospect, it makes sense to offer a pass without an alcohol component to it. There are a lot of people who prefer not to drink alcohol, or cannot drink alcohol.

There are two passes:

• Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar & Dining, starting from $169.99 for guests ages 21+
• Day Pass with Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining, starting from $129.99 for guests ages 13+; $109.99 for ages 4-12; and free for guests ages 3 and under

I'm glad to see the option, especially for my family.  My wife never drinks enough to "break even" on all-inclusive day passes at beaches, so this is a good idea.

I'm going to need to come hungry

While I knew there would be food included, I didn't know how much new culinary choices would sound so good.

There is complimentary dining at three quick service style restaurants serving fresh handheld options, salads, sides and delicious desserts with a Bahamian twist.

I'm already starting my list of must-try food:

• Bahamian baked mac 'n cheese
• Vanilla bundt cake
• Fire engine fritters

Plus, there are new cocktails to try. The last few batches of new bars that Royal Caribbean has developed have come up with a great assortment of fresh drink ideas.  The beach club will have the Blood Orange Margarita, which sounds like the perfect refreshing drink on a hot day.

Sticker shock with the Ultimate Family Cabana

Cabanas at private islands aren't cheap, but I think the price of the Ultimate Family Cabana caught a lot of people's attention.

So far, the going rate for this new type of cabana is $10,000.

To be fair, this isn't like any other cabana Royal Caribbean has made before. It can accommodate up to 12 people and it comes with a private bathroom, reserved beach space, frozen drink machine, a suspended net lounger, spiral slide, and a lot more.

I think they envision this being rented for an extended family gathering to celebrate vacationing together and wanting to go big.

Unlike the Floating Flamingo in Party Cove, I think this is about offering an over-the-top beach day that's more welcoming to younger kids.

Short of an incredible sale, I doubt I'll ever book it, but I bet it's sure to deliver some amazing memories to those that can afford to book it.

The other cabanas are more inline price-wise with cabanas you'd find at CocoCay.  They're right around what you'd pay for similar cabanas at Hideaway Beach, for the most part.

Every pool has a swim-up bar

I didn't know how much I needed swim-up bars until Royal Caribbean added them to bars around CocoCay.

There are three pools, and each one—The Shallow End, The Deep End, and The Floating Flamingo—features a swim-up bar, making this the only Royal Caribbean destination where this is standard across all pools.

In fact, going forward swim-up bars will be common across the new land destinations Royal Caribbean is working on around the world.

What I like about the swim-up bars is the vibe you get by sitting there.  Even if you don't drink that much, I like the people watching aspect and opportunity to meet people.

Combine that with the fact the pools in the beach club will be heated, I love this idea.

The bundles are an interesting idea

One idea I didn't anticipate at all was offering a combination with the beach club and other add-ons.

You can combine a drink package and the beach club, or go one step further and combine it all with a visit to the water park.

I never considered a bundle as an idea that might work, but I bet a lot of cruisers are likely to want to book them anyway.

I'll have to do the math if it's saving you money. Royal Caribbean claims the price of the bundle at checkout is up to 45% less than those products added to cart individually.

No, the day pass prices didn't surprise me

If you're wondering, no, I wasn't surprised by the price for the day passes.  Royal Caribbean says it starts at $169, but in practice I've seen the prices closer to $250 per person.  

Even at those prices, it's right around the price of day passes to Atlantis and other resorts in Nassau.  And many of those do not include alcohol.

A day pass to Atlantis resort costs between $190-$255 per person. While that includes admission to Aquaventure, a massive water park, it does not include food or drink.

Baha Mar offers day passes to its Baha Bay waterpark to adults for $160. Once again, it does not include food or drink with that price.

Sometimes the smallest of actions can make a huge impact on your cruise. This definitely rang true on my most recent Royal Caribbean cruise to Europe.

I just got back from a dreamy cruise to Greece and Croatia, and there were four quick things I did before leaving home that made a positive impact on my vacation.

Most of these things only took a few minutes to complete, such as downloading a useful app to my phone or packing an anti-theft bag to use in port.

Despite their simplicity, the impact that these actions made on my cruise were enormous. I was able to relax and unwind during my vacation knowing I did just a few things correctly beforehand.

These are the four small things I’m glad I did before my Royal Caribbean European cruise.

I packed an anti-theft travel bag

One item I’ll never forget to pack on a European cruise is an anti-theft travel bag.

While on a trip to Italy in 2018, I naively left my iPhone sticking out of my coat pocket on Milan’s busy subway. Unsurprisingly, the phone was snatched out of my pocket within seconds, and the thief was nowhere to be found.

I wasn’t even angry when I realized my iPhone was missing—it was a stupid mistake on my part. Since then, however, I’ve taken precautions on every trip to ensure a similar incident never occurs again.

Related: How to keep your belongings safe in port

Pickpocketing can happen anywhere in the world, but some of the most popular European cruise ports are hotspots for pickpockets. Crowded tourist attractions like Rome’s Trevi Fountain and Barcelona’s Las Ramblas street are some of the most likely places to fall victim to this petty crime.

It’s easy to become distracted in bustling tourist areas, especially if you’re taking photos and putting your attention toward the sights rather than your pockets.

Because of this, I always wear this anti-theft backpack when exploring busy areas.

The backpack’s main zipper goes against my back, minimizing the risk of it being opened without my knowledge.

No anti-theft travel items are foolproof, but my backpack greatly reduces the risk of being pickpocketed, allowing me to better enjoy my port days without worrying about my belongings.

I downloaded useful travel apps to use in port

It’s important to download the Royal Caribbean app before cruising to Europe, but there are a handful of other apps you’ll want to download, too.

Before leaving for my cruise, I made sure to download a selection of travel apps on my phone to make my time in Europe much easier.

An absolute must-have is Google Translate. Even though you’ll usually find English menus in tourist areas, this isn’t always a guarantee. Plus, you’ll often find more authentic food at restaurants without an English menu.

During my port days in Greece, I used Google Translate to learn basic phrases when speaking to locals. Later, while eating lunch in Croatia, I used Google Translate’s picture tool to translate a menu into English.

I also utilized the GetYourGuide app on my cruise, which I used to book tours in my ports of call.

The app has dozens of tour options available for every port, and prices are much lower than those offered directly through the cruise line.

Lastly, if you’re planning to take any trains in Europe, I also recommend downloading the Trainline app.

Many cruise passengers travel by train before or after their European cruise. The easiest way to plan and book train travel is through Trainline, which offers train and bus tickets from over 200 providers in 40 countries.

By using Trainline, there’s no need to download individual apps for each train company, and it stores your digital tickets in the app for easy access.

I’ve used Trainline to book trains in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and The Netherlands, and the process has always been seamless.

I also planned extra days in my embarkation port before the cruise began

Jetlag is no joke—especially when flying to Europe.

If there’s one cruise tip I’ll share again and again, it’s to always arrive in your embarkation city at least one day in advance of your cruise. When cruising to Europe, arriving early protects you from travel delays and provides plenty of time to adjust to the local time zone.

Related: The worst part of flying to Europe could easily ruin half your cruise

One thing I made sure to do before my cruise was to fly to Europe not just one or two, but three days before embarkation day.

My cruise was set to depart from Italy on Saturday afternoon, so I flew from the US to Europe on Wednesday evening. I landed in Milan on Thursday morning, giving me two days of buffer time before the start of my cruise.

These extra days made a huge difference in my vacation. Not only did arriving early help me recover from jetlag, but it provided wiggle room in case I encountered travel delays.

As it turned out, my connecting flight to Italy was delayed. I sprinted through the airport in Zurich to make the connection just in time, but I could have easily missed the flight. Had this happened on embarkation morning, I would have risked missing my cruise altogether!

Plus, arriving early allowed me to explore my embarkation city before the cruise. I set sail from Ravenna, a small city in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. Although Ravenna is not as popular as cities like Florence and Venice, it’s one of my favorite destinations in the entire country.

The city is known for its 5th-century mosaics, which cover the walls and ceilings of Ravenna’s grandiose churches. Aside from art, Ravenna’s historic center is effortlessly charming. It features dozens of outdoor restaurants, wine bars, and shopping streets, but with a fraction of the tourists found in Italy’s bigger cities.

Regardless of whether your European cruise departs from Ravenna, Barcelona, Southampton, or another port, I always advise arriving early. Not only is it a smart move from a logistical standpoint, but it gives you extra free time to discover your embarkation city, too.

Lastly, I made sure I’d have international phone service

Before my European cruise, I double checked that I would not have any issues accessing the internet while in port. Having access to cellular coverage makes getting around foreign countries significantly easier.

International data policies vary from one cellular provider to another, though.

My T-Mobile Magenta Plan, for example, gives me access to high-speed data in over 215 countries and destinations free of charge. When I land in Europe, I simply turn off airplane mode and my phone will automatically connect to a local network.

AT&T, on the other hand, offers an International Day Pass for $12 per day.

Related: 11 things Americans should know before they travel to Europe for a cruise

Some travelers prefer using an eSim when visiting Europe. These are local sim cards you download directly to your phone. eSims allow you to connect directly to local networks, resulting in faster speeds compared to roaming on an international network.

Having cellular coverage in port is almost essential these days. You can use your phone to check directions, search for reviews at restaurants, and access digital entry tickets for attractions.

No matter which route you choose for international data, it’s a good idea to figure out all of the details before heading across the pond.

Royal Caribbean expanded its VIP offerings by selling arguably its best benefits a la carte on older ships.

Have you ever thought, "I'd pay money not to have to wait in line?" while on a cruise? Then this is the service for you.

Up until recently, the Royal Genie service was exclusively available on the newer and bigger ships only.  However, it's now being sold on at least two ships: Independence of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas.

You get the services of a Royal Genie, and it can be used with any stateroom, even a tiny inside cabin.  This gets you front of the line access, just about every extra cost included, and white glove service that no other passengers on your ship will enjoy.

Royal Caribbean rolled it out in April, and I booked it for an 8-night North European sailing on Independence of the Seas.  

I wanted to know how effective it would be on a smaller ship, given that I've tried it on the big ships.

The new option is non-refundable and non-transferable, so there's no way to cancel after you book (trust me, I tried).

It costs $300.00 per adult per day, and $200.00 per child per day (Guests under age 6 are complimentary).  

For my family of four over eight nights, it cost me $9,600 in total. And yes, I paid for all of it out my own pocket. Nothing was gifted to me by the cruise line or anyone else.

What's included with Royal Genie

Benefits of booking a genie include:

• Royal Genie Services: Arranges prime entertainment seating reservations, manages dining and activities reservations, coordinates luxury shopping onboard, plans special celebrations, handles special requests and much more!
• Deluxe Beverage Package (for all guests of legal drinking age)
• Refreshment Package (for all guests below legal drinking age)
• Complimentary Specialty Dining at select venues onboard
• Complimentary Room Service
• VOOM® — Powered by Starlink internet, 1 Device per guest in the reservation
• Complimentary Stateroom Mini Bar Beverages (Coca-Cola canned products)
• Still & Sparkling Water Bottle Delivery
• Complimentary Starbucks® Beverages
• VIP Luggage Service (Arrival & Departure)
• VIP Welcome Food & Beverage Amenity
• Suite Lounge Access
• Complimentary Ice Cream at Sugar Beach
• Reserved Seating in the Main Theater
• Designated time to FlowRider®, Rock Climbing Wall & Ice Skating
• Complimentary Stateroom Movies
• Malin+Goetz Bath Amenities

What does the Genie do

What you get with the Royal Genie is the "easy button" for your cruise, from start to finish.

I had Thaires (Thai) as my genie, and her job was to make my cruise as fun, magical, and easy as possible.

A few weeks before the cruise began, I got an email introducing her and her services.  Just like the Royal Genie on Royal Caribbean's big ships, these pre-cruise emails are meant to introduce and get to know the genie, while sharing your personal preferences.

I find the pre-cruise communication not that important.  I'll share my specialty dining requests and which beverages I want in the stateroom, but the real fun begins when you get onboard.

Your genie meets you in the cruise terminal and this is when everything becomes instantly easier.  They escort you onboard, and it's at this point they will do almost anything to ensure you have a better cruise.

Here's a list of simple and not-so-simple things my genie did:

• Solved multiple billing issues on my account
• Had the IT department in my cabin to add a repeater when I casually mentioned the internet signal was weak
• Signed my kids up for ice skating, skipping the line and sign up process.
• Reserved seats in any show in the Royal Theater
• Cut the line for us when disembarking the ship at a port of call
• Called elevators for us to not have to wait
• Decorated my stateroom door
• Kept my cabin stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Had Starbucks coffee delivered to my room every morning
• Kept a steady stream of snacks delivered to the cabin

There's more, but this is all I could remember specifically from the trip.

You message your genie through WhatsApp, but they will greet you around the ship.  Most genies will wait for you at the entrance to a restaurant or theater to escort you in, get you in a reserved seat, and attend to any requests you have.

Every genie has their own style, which means each one leans more into online or in-person communication, and they like to surprise you.

Thai decorated both of our staterooms, something I've never seen a genie do.  She also spent some time with us during the day to get to know us better.

Ultimately, the job of the genie is to remove obstacles and include every possible add-on you can imagine.

There are two areas the genie cannot help. First, is their services only work on the ship.  Even in the cruise terminal they can't assist, and when you're off the ship, that's time you can't use them.

The other area was actually delivering food.  Thai said she wasn't allowed to physically deliver food or drinks. If I wanted any, she could arrange to have it delivered by the room service team.

With other genies, I've had the genie bring me food or drink, even to a bar or public area.  However, that wasn't possible this time around.

Is the Royal Genie Package worth it?

The Royal Genie Package is the very definition of a splurge and not a dollar-for-dollar value.  

I think Royal Caribbean is offering this to a certain clientele that value convenience over everything else.  Up until now, they were relegated to only the new ships.

I've had a Royal Genie on a few other ships over the years, and the experience on Independence was just as good as those. If you're worried it's a watered down version, fear not.

Thai did just about anything and everything asked of her to make it easier.  I loved being able to text her my coffee order and avoid waiting in a long line at Cafe Promenade.

When our ship was delayed getting into Rotterdam, there was a giant line of passengers waiting to disembark, but Thai escorted us to the front of it and we bypassed everyone.

The only disappointment is that you can't take full advantage of what the Royal Genie can do given your cabin limitations. I was in a balcony cabin and there wasn't enough room to truly enjoy the genie perks you'd find in a mega suite.

At $300 per person, per day, there's no denying it's a very pricey upgrade. One can make the argument that if you were going to buy an unlimited drink package, The Key, and Unlimited Dining Package, that covers at least half the daily cost and it's not absurd a cost as it may look on paper.

I think Royal Caribbean would be the first to admit this isn't an offering for everyone.  It's something to cater to certain families that prioritize their comfort and make the cruise as easy as humanly possible.

I loved my week with Thai, and it was so nice getting treated like a VIP from start to finish. I liked it even more than I expected, even if the ship doesn't have as many venues compared to newer ships.

With multiple beaches, a swimming pool, and private cabanas, The Royal Beach Club is set to be an exciting new option for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers visiting Nassau, and we’re sharing everything you need to know about this exclusive beach day.

The Royal Beach Club is a new project by Royal Caribbean in partnership with The Bahamas. It’s located on Paradise Island—a narrow strip of land near the cruise port in Nassau—on a 17 acre property.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is available to book now for cruises arriving in Nassau beginning December 2025. Pricing varies by sailing and season. Day passes, cabanas, and premium add-ons can be reserved online or onboard, depending on availability.

Here’s what you should know before it opens.

*Information on this article is subject to change based on new announcements by Royal Caribbean.

What's included with your day pass

Despite its close proximity to the Nassau cruise port, which hosts over 12 different cruise lines, The Royal Beach Club is exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers. This is with the exception of Bahamian residents along with their friends and family, who can enjoy the beach club's facilities at a reduced rate.

There are two types of passes available:

1. All-Inclusive Day Pass (with alcohol):

   • Unlimited food and alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks

   • Access to all pools and beaches

   • Complimentary Wi-Fi

   • Roundtrip water taxi

   • Entertainment, beach games, beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, restrooms, lockers

2. Day Pass (non-alcoholic only):

   • All of the above, minus alcoholic drinks (available à la carte)

Both passes include live music, DJ entertainment, and family-friendly beach activities.

Prices

• Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar & Dining, starting from $169.99 for guests ages 21+
• Day Pass with Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining, starting from $129.99 for guests ages 13+; $109.99 for ages 4-12; and free for guests ages 3 and under
• A bundle including the day pass and a beverage package, or paired with exclusive experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Three areas

Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is divided into three main areas: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach.

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect in each zone.

Family Beach

Family Beach is perfect for guests who want to relax in a more casual, kid-friendly atmosphere with easy access to food, drinks, and private spaces.

The Shallow End Pool & Swim-up Bar
A zero-entry pool designed for effortless access, this spot features a swim-up bar where you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail without leaving the water.

Beach Bars
Grab a refreshing beverage and enjoy the beach vibes from a shaded seat or a lounge chair in the sun.

Paradise Grill
Refuel with a variety of satisfying meals and snacks prepared with a Caribbean twist—everything from salads to local specialties.

Ultimate Family Cabana (Additional cost)
This two-story cabana offers a private retreat with luxury amenities for families or small groups. It’s the most premium experience available on the island.

Beach & Pool Cabanas (Additional cost)
Reserve a private shaded space with attendant service, plush seating, and upgraded amenities. Available in both beachside and poolside locations.

Party Cove

Party Cove is the social hub of the beach club. With nonstop music, drinks, and energy, this area is designed for adults and groups looking to celebrate.

The Floating Flamingo Pool & Swim-up Bar
This two-level swim-up bar is the largest of its kind in the world. Sip handcrafted cocktails while enjoying DJ sets and sweeping ocean views.

Bars
Enjoy a wide selection of drinks from multiple bars conveniently located throughout the cove.

Paradise Grill
Offering the same great menu as other sections of the beach club, this location ensures you’re never far from a delicious bite.

Day Beds (Additional cost)
Rent a cozy day bed complete with beverage service, an umbrella, beach towels, and a private storage area.

The Party Deck (Additional cost)
Elevate your celebration with a private poolside space featuring exclusive drink service, comfortable seating, and unmatched views of the action.

Chill Beach

For those in search of quiet and comfort, Chill Beach lives up to its name with a relaxed atmosphere and peaceful oceanfront spaces.

The Deep End Pool & Swim-up Bar
A serene setting for sipping cocktails or mocktails directly from the pool while soaking in the tranquil island scenery.

Beach Bars
Find your favorite tropical drink and enjoy it under an umbrella or from your lounger.

Paradise Grill
Conveniently located to serve beachgoers, this grill offers a wide array of fresh and flavorful dishes.

Beach and Pool Cabanas (Additional cost)
Upgrade your day with a private cabana that comes with comfortable seating, a personal attendant, and scenic views.

Dining around the club

All dining is included in your day pass and is served at three Paradise Grill locations throughout the property. These casual, quick-service spots offer freshly prepared dishes with a Bahamian flair.

Must-try items include:

• Fire Engine Fritters (corned beef and cheese)

• BBQ Black Bean Burger

• Pinwheel Shrimp Skewers with guava glaze

• Tropical Salad with pineapple, feta, and candied walnuts

• Bahama-style baked mac & cheese

• Vanilla bundt cake with guava sauce

Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available throughout, though kosher meals are not offered at this time.

Cabanas, Day Beds & The Party Deck

For those seeking upgraded experiences, Royal Beach Club offers a wide variety of private spaces for rent:

Cabana Options (all include a personal attendant)

• Pool Cabanas (248–310 sq. ft.) – Shaded lounge with in-water loungers and Bluetooth speakers

• Beach Cabanas (248 sq. ft.) – Four loungers and ocean views at Chill or Family Beach

• Spacious Pool or Beach Cabanas (395 sq. ft.) – Up to 10 guests; includes wet bar, TV, mini fridge, hanging chair

• Ultimate Family Cabana (2,000 sq. ft.) – A two-story, top-tier retreat for up to 12 guests, with premium amenities and privacy

Other Premium Rentals

• Day Beds (Party Cove) – For two guests; includes umbrella, cooler, towels, and dry storage

• The Party Deck (720 sq. ft.) – Private poolside area for up to 12 guests overlooking The Floating Flamingo bar; includes mini fridge, exclusive beverage menu, charging station, and more

All rentals are available to book in advance via the Cruise Planner or onboard at the Shore Excursions desk. They can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.

Key Differences from Perfect Day at CocoCay

• Royal Beach Club is a paid, all-inclusive beach club in Nassau

• Perfect Day at CocoCay is free to enter and offers more thrill-based attractions (such as water slides and a wave pool)

• CocoCay is a full private island; Royal Beach Club is a shore excursion on Paradise Island

• Royal Beach Club emphasizes premium beach leisure, food, and drinks rather than waterpark-style fun

Frequently Asked Guest Questions

Is there a capacity limit?
Yes. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island has a capacity that varies seasonally.

Who is allowed to purchase admission to the club?
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is open exclusively to Royal Caribbean Group guests (on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea) and Bahamian residents.

Are there any age restrictions to enter Royal Beach Club Paradise Island?
All guests are welcome to enter Royal Beach Club and are welcome to enjoy their day pass in all areas.

What identification is required?
Bring your SeaPass card and government-issued ID when disembarking.

Can I bring my own bag or backpack?
Yes. Complimentary lockers are available on-site.

Do I get a discount on a day pass if I already purchased a Deluxe Beverage Package?
No. Guests must book a bundle that combines a beverage package with a day pass. Otherwise, beverages are included based on the pass type purchased.

Is Royal Beach Club Paradise Island wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Water taxis and the destination are both accessible.

A Caribbean nation has added a new measles requirement to tourists, including those that visit by cruise ship.

Honduran authorities recently announced that they're requiring documentation to show proof of a measles vaccine for travelers coming from the United States, even those arriving by sea. 

If someone can't receive the vaccine, they must show proof 72 to 80 hours before their flight of a negative measles test. 

The new requirement went into effect four days ago, but travelers onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships haven't been notified about any changes regarding the updated entry rules, leaving passengers confused about what to expect. 

Honduras' new health measure seems to be part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of measles, a highly contagious virus that infected roughly 10.3 million people worldwide in 2023, amid rising global numbers, particularly in the United States.

A few days ago, Michigan reported the state's second outbreak, bringing the U.S.'s total confirmed cases this year to over 1,200. Health workers have also been rushing to contain an outbreak in a country jail in New Mexico, according to the Associated Press. 

As of June 24, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,227 measles cases in 37 states and jurisdictions, including:

• Alaska
• Arkansa
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York City
• New York State
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington

In 95% of cases, the vaccination status is "unvaccinated or unknown." Just 5% of the confirmed cases have had either one or two doses of the MMR vaccine. 

Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and/or red, watery eyes. Within a few days, small white spots, known as Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth, followed by a distinctive red rash that can spread from the head to the rest of the body. 

The virus is dangerous and can lead to serious complications, especially in babies and young children. 

Roatán is a popular port of call on Western Caribbean itineraries

In July and August, four Royal Caribbean ships are slated to call at the Coxen Hole port in Roatán: Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas. 

Carnival also has a private port in Honduras called Mahogany Bay. Between both ports of call, over 25 visits are expected in July alone. 

This means thousands of U.S travelers could be affected by the new vaccination requirement this summer.

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras advises travelers to have travel documents up to date and easily accessible, as well as to carry proper identification at all times. It's also important to visit the CDC Travelers' Health Page and monitor local media for updates. 

Guests sailing on Star of the Seas can now make specialty dining reservations using Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner.

The new Royal Caribbean ship will begin sailing in August, and cruisers have been clamoring to book its restaurants.

As the newest Icon Class ship, there's a lot to look forward to, from "Back to the Future: The Musical" to the first-ever facial recognition cabins and an enhanced Surfside neighborhood. 

However, one of the best parts of any cruise vacation is the food, and Star of the Seas is set to deliver with a wide range of complimentary and specialty restaurants. 

With the exception of passengers with My Time Dining, reservations aren't needed for the included venues, such as the AquaDome Market, Windjammer Marketplace, and El Loco Fresh. 

That said, if you're planning to indulge in any of the ship’s specialty dining options, like the Lincoln Park Supper Club, Chops Grille, or Izumi Hibachi, you’ll want to make reservations as soon as possible. 

These venues fill up quickly, and it's not uncommon for the most desirable times to be taken before embarkation day. By utilizing the Cruise Planner to reserve your spot, you can guarantee that you and your travel party can dine at the best restaurants at your preferred time, rather than settling for an inconvenient early or late reservation. 

You can also make specialty dining bookings by calling Royal Caribbean at 1-800-398-9819 or speaking with your travel agent. 

Read more: 8 changes coming to Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship (and 1 returning favorite)

What specialty restaurants are on Star of the Seas?

Star of the Seas has 14 extra-cost dining venues. 

However, only eight can be booked in advance through the Cruise Planner: Lincoln Park Supper Club, the Chef's Table, Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Izumi Sushi, Izumi Hibachi, the Celebration Table, and Hooked. 

Other specialty restaurants include Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi in the Park, Desserted, Trellis Bar, Starbucks, and the brand-new concept replacing Pier 7 in Surfside. 

Read more: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

How much do specialty restaurants cost?

Generally speaking, you'll save money booking your specialty restaurants in advance thanks to Royal Caribbean's pre-cruise sales. 

The price varies based on ongoing promotions. However, you'll typically pay more if you wait to book your specialty meals on the ship. 

Here are the prices for specialty restaurants on Star of the Seas for the first revenue sailing on August 16, 2025:

• Celebration Table — Dinner: $1,000 (Up to 14 guests. No pricing discounts for smaller parties)
• Chef's Table — Dinner: $110/guest
• Lincoln Park Supper Club — Dinner: $200/guest
• Chops Grille — Dinner: $70/guest
• Chops Grille — Lunch: $30/guest
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — Dinner: $55/guest
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — Lunch: $25/guest
• Izumi — Lunch & Dinner: $40/guest
• Izumi Hibachi — Dinner: $70/guest
• Izumi Hibachi — Lunch: $45/guest
• Hooked — Dinner: $65/guest
• Hooked — Lunch: $25/guest

Royal Caribbean also offers dining packages to help guests save money while experiencing more than one of the delicious specialty restaurants onboard. 

Options like the 3-Night Dining Package or the Unlimited Dining Package bundle the price and allow you to visit multiple specialty venues. It's easier than making individual reservations in many cases.

Dining packages can also be booked directly through the Cruise Planner. In the past, you had to wait until you were onboard to make your dining reservations with the Unlimited Dining Package. However, Royal Caribbean now lets guests book their specialty meals on the Cruise Planner. 

Read more: I paid $660 to just eat at specialty restaurants on an Icon Class ship. It was better than advertised

Star of the Seas is set to enter service on August 16, 2025

The 4-night cruise will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, and visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Following a few more short cruises, Star will finally begin offering regular weeklong voyages on August 31. They will alternate between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, won't enter service until 2026. However, guests can look forward to a few new dining changes, such as a re-themed supper club. 

Royal Caribbean's first beach club will open in December and you can now make reservations.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in late December 2025, and we now know how much admission will cost.

This is the first of its kind offering by the cruise line, where Royal Caribbean passengers have exclusive access to a beach that is designed to be the ultimate beach day.

Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, admission costs extra.  There's a limited capacity, and it's meant to be an optional choice for cruisers who want to indulge in its offering.

The earliest day passes are available to book for all Nassau stops on or after Saturday, December 27, 2025.

How much Royal Beach Club Paradise Island costs

There are multiple admission types to get you into the beach club.

Royal Caribbean offers dynamic pricing for all of the beach club admission.  I found the pricing for Utopia of the Seas December 26, 2025 sailing to attempt to find exemplary prices to give a ballpark idea.  

Keep in mind this is the week of Christmas and New Years and it's on a brand new ship, which means these prices are likely on the high end of the spectrum.

There are two types of day passes available, which includes purely admission into the club and access to the facilities, including chairs, umbrellas, food and drinks

• Day Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining): Starting from $169.99
• Day Pass (Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks & dining): $129.99 guests 13+, $109.99 guests 4-12 (ages 3 and under are free)

All admissions include unlimited dining, unlimited beverages, free Wi-Fi, round-trip transportation and all general amenities.

If you'd like to bring the whole family with friends, try a cabana.

Cabana rentals come in a few different sizes, with some of Royal Caribbean's biggest (and most expensive) cabana rentals ever.

• Ultimate Family Cabana: $9,999.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 12 people
• Royal Pool Cabana: $2,999.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 10 people
• Royal Beach Cabana: $2,999.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 10 people
• Beach Cabana: $2,199.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 8 people

The Ultimate Family Cabana gets you a cabana attendant, welcome amenity, dining area, private bathroom, private shower, private changing room, wet bar, reserved beach space, heated whirlpool, spiral slide, wooden swing, cozy hammock, loungers, suspended net lounger, frozen drink machine, TV, Bluetooth connection, charging outlets, lockable storage, and mini fridge.

Those looking to party all day might consider renting the party deck.

Located on the second floor of The Floating Flamingo (the world’s largest swim-up bar), it includes dedicated food & beverage service, lounge seating, mini fridge, cooler table, charging station, beach towels, ceiling fan, shoe cubbies and lockable storage.

For larger parties, you can reserve both east and west sides of the Party Deck.

For parties larger than 12 guests, entry to The Party Deck for up to 6 additional guests can be purchased separately. 

• Party Deck: $4,999.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 12 people

Located at Party Cove, the Day Bed comes with day passes for up to 2 guests, complimentary dining, unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), free Wi-Fi, roundtrip transportation, and all general amenities.

• Day Bed: $649.99
  • Includes day passes for up to 2 people
• Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Combo: $139.99 per adult, per day
• Refreshment Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Combo: $84.99 per adult, per day / $69.99 per child, per day
• Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Thrill & Chill Combo: $159.99 per adult, per day
• Refreshment Package (Full Cruise) + Thrill & Chill Combo: $109.99 per adult, per day / $99.99 per child, per day

If you want to experience the best of fun in the sun at both the beach club and Perfect Day at CocoCay, there's a bundle option.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo includes:

• Royal Beach Club Day Pass
• Thrill Waterpark Day Pass
• Refreshment Package

It's priced per day of the cruise, rather than a flat fee like the other options. Royal Caribbean says the price of the bundle at checkout is up to 45% less than those products added to cart individually.

Ultimate Beach Day offering

Looking over the prices, you should know that the concept is to offer the very best beach experience.

Royal Caribbean has two goals: offer an unparalleled beach experience and give passengers a high quality shore excursion choice in Nassau.

Located on 17 acres at the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau, there's a mix of party and family time. 

Regardless of which zone you end up spending most of your time, expect high energy throughout the club.

Royal Caribbean did a lot of research from its customers, and they want a day with music, drinks, and a fun vibe.  It's not meant to be a quiet spot, even if you're in Chill Beach.

"It's going to be one of the, I would argue, it will be the most amazing beach day in essence," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's chief product innovation officer, earlier this year when he spoke to use about the big plans.

"Chill is not quiet… It is relaxed, but there is a little bit of energy built into what our guests expect out of Chill," Schneider said.

Family Beach is designed for what Royal Caribbean calls “relaxed energy” because it's a space where families can play, swim, and unwind together without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

Second club opening in Mexico

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first foray into the exclusive beach spot arena, and Royal Caribbean has plans for more.

A second club will open in Cozumel, Mexico in 2026.

Guests will find great views, access to the water, and likely something that builds upon the success and lessons of the beach club in Nassau.

Full details and a layout have not been revealed for the Cozumel beach club, but it's likely related to the fact the cruise line wants to take some feedback from the Bahamas club to then use in Mexico.

Plus, the Cozumel club has more space and a different perspective to build upon.

Both beach clubs are meant to outflank other cruise lines by offering superior shore excursions that are unrivaled.

While private islands are common among the major cruise lines, beach clubs are new and extend the highly rated ship experience to land because it's managed by Royal Caribbean.

Offering passengers high guest satisfaction choices that inherently create memories is the core DNA for these new beach clubs, which the cruise line feels will translate into more bookings and higher revenue.

A virtual balcony is a different kind of inside cabin, because Royal Caribbean wanted to fix the biggest problem cruisers have with it.

After two decades of Royal Caribbean cruising, I’ve sailed in many different cabins. This includes everything from cheap interior staterooms on the oldest ships to a Junior Suite on the newest cruise ships.

When booking my recent cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, I was intrigued by the option to book a Virtual Balcony stateroom. Of all the cabins I’ve sailed in, I’ve never booked the unique stateroom.

When Quantum of the Seas debuted as the flagship vessel in Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum class, every interior stateroom featured a virtual balcony. As the Quantum class expanded with new cruise ships, Royal Caribbean continued incorporating the technology. Now, you can find virtual balconies on a select number of cruise ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

As such, I was surprised to find a decent price for one of the inaugural voyages on Ovation of the Seas from Los Angeles. For $1,411, I was able to book a 5-night cruise in an interior cabin with a virtual balcony. This would also be my mom’s first time sailing with a virtual balcony.

We were curious if the virtual balcony would feel gimmicky, or if the technology would actually enhance our stateroom experience. After five nights onboard Ovation of the Seas, I’m not convinced the technology is worth the hype. However, I would probably book one again if the price was right.

Royal Caribbean invested heavily in the virtual balcony technology.

Although technically still considered an interior cabin, Royal Caribbean first introduced virtual balconies on Navigator of the Seas before expanding to other vessels. Surprisingly, the cruise line said at the time that focus groups found the technology to enhance their stateroom experience, with many preferring the virtual balcony over an oceanview cabin.

The virtual balcony technology was considered groundbreaking when it first debuted over 10 years ago. The floor-to-ceiling HD screens stream real-time views from outside the ship. Interior cabins have no window, so you typically can’t see outside views until you physically make your way to an outer deck.

The screens are 80 inches and are designed to have the illusion of a true balcony experience by making the cabin feel less cramped. Royal Caribbean invested heavily in the technology with a continuous feed from RED Epic cameras that are mounted around the ship.

The complex technological process involves cameras capturing real-time footage, which is transferred to a server room and then onto each individual cabin screen. With this, your virtual balcony screen matches the ship’s actual movement.

Royal Caribbean collaborated with experts from MIT and Harvard to design the technology. The cruise line claims it can even reduce motion sickness. Royal Caribbean describes the virtual balcony as “having crystal clear imagery on the screen” to depict a lifelike view.

Truthfully, I had no idea Royal Caribbean invested significant resources into the virtual balcony technology. Because of this, I had some higher standards for my stateroom experience on Ovation of the Seas.

I wasn’t immediately blown away by the virtual balcony.

After boarding Ovation of the Seas in Los Angeles, we were excited to see what the virtual balcony experience would entail. When we first entered the stateroom, we could see the live footage of the ship docked at the Los Angeles World Cruise Center with a direct view of the Battleship USS Iowa Museum.

The video feed accurately portrayed the grey sky outside, which we learned is called “June Gloom” in California. There was a fake balcony superimposed onto the live footage, which added to the balcony illusion. But, you really couldn’t mistake the virtual balcony for an actual one. It’s pretty obvious that you’re looking at a TV screen, essentially.

After reading about Royal Caribbean’s investment in this technology, I did expect the video quality to be more impressive. Ovation of the Seas was built in March 2015, so the technology is more than 10 years old at this point. This could be contributing to some of the graininess on the screen. Either way, I did expect the feed to feel more realistic.

We couldn’t figure out how to turn the screen off before going to bed.

By the time we returned from dinner, the virtual balcony was showing the darkness outside of the ship. According to Royal Caribbean’s website, guests have the option to turn off the virtual balcony. We looked for an easy mechanism to turn the screen off during the first night, but we didn’t have any success.

Instead of turning off the screen at night, you can pull curtains in front of the screen, just like you would with a real balcony. We did find this to be a little comical that we had to draw the curtains each night. It almost felt like putting my fake baby dolls to bed when I was a kid!

There was still a small glow coming from the screen, so we used a fridge clip that my mom had packed to keep the curtains closed. We were thankful she packed the clip, as we prefer the room to be pitch black. After all, this is one of the biggest perks of booking an interior cabin!

We decided to clip the curtains together each night to ensure our room would stay dark. The small glow could be a nice illumination for those who need to navigate the cabin throughout the night, though.

The virtual balcony was more impressive once we arrived in Cabo San Lucas.

During our day at sea, the virtual balcony feed was unsurprisingly boring with the grey sky. We noticed the screen would glitch occasionally and even show a black screen a few times. However, once we arrived in Cabo San Lucas, the screen was more exciting with actual footage of our port.

Our virtual balcony showed a stunning view of the rugged mountains near the beach. Because we had an overnight in Cabo San Lucas, we were able to enjoy the beautiful view of the beach on our virtual balcony for two days!

It was easy to see the weather was beautiful and sunny with our virtual balcony - one of the biggest perks of having this technological feature in your stateroom. Although we had sunny weather for both days of our cruise, this could be particularly useful when cruising in more rainy climates, such as Alaska.

Instead of navigating to one of the outer decks to check the weather, you can simply check your virtual balcony. Of course, you won’t be able to actually feel the temperature, and it’s no substitute for a real balcony’s fresh air.

Other than our virtual balcony, the stateroom was a standard interior cabin.

I’ve cruised in many different interior cabins, and Royal Caribbean has some of the best in the cruise industry. Ovation of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, relatively speaking.

As such, the cabin reflected the ship’s modern design, with a clean, functional layout and smart use of space. The color palette was modern with blue hues, soft neutrals, and light wood finishes. This made the cabin feel clean and fresh while still being warm and welcoming.

Our interior cabin on Ovation of the Seas was surprisingly comfortable and spacious. The layout featured two twin beds, which were already separated upon our arrival. We each had our own small nightstand with a few small shelves to use, which we appreciated. By pushing the nightstands together, we felt like we had more space for storing our bedside belongings.

Connectivity was another design element that we appreciated in the cabin.

On the vanity, there was a charging strip with multiple plugs and outlets. As newer cruise ships continue to include more USB options, just be sure to pack any necessary cords or adapters, like USB-C converters, so you’re covered. We still packed our European outlet extender for more plugs, as most of our cords are now USB-C instead of traditional USB.

There was also an outlet located next to the bed, but only on one side. If you choose to separate the beds, this setup isn’t the most convenient, especially if you’re the one without access to the outlet. 

Because of this, I usually charged my phone in the evening while winding down, then unplugged it before falling asleep. Because the location made it a bit awkward to keep plugged in overnight, this could be inconvenient for some.

There was also plenty of storage.

One of my favorite features of Royal Caribbean’s newer cabins is the storage above the bed. The overhead storage is particularly useful, although storage is plentiful throughout the cabin. Under the flat-screen TV was a dresser with multiple drawers, which my mom used for unpacking.

I ended up using the majority of the closet, which included more shelving and hanging space. This is also where the cabin safe was located. I was able to unpack my carry-on suitcase comfortably and used the bottom of the closet for dirty clothes.

There was also a small cooling fridge, and we used this mainly for keeping our bottled water chilled. I always appreciate Royal Caribbean providing bottled water in the stateroom for loyalty members. We were surprised to find an electric kettle with a selection of tea and coffee on the counter, as I’ve typically only seen this on European sailings.

While the stateroom wasn’t huge by any means, the cabin felt thoughtfully arranged. We had room to unpack and move around without constantly bumping into each other. 

The addition of the chair for sitting was a nice touch, although it quickly turned into a place for us to throw our clothes and bags. Overall, our stateroom was a well-designed space that made the most of its square footage.

The bathroom in our cabin was compact but efficient.

Our virtual balcony cabin included a standard in-suite bathroom for an interior cabin. Just like the rest of the stateroom, the design felt clean and modern. The bathroom featured a warm-toned tile floor, a glass-enclosed shower, and a long, narrow sink counter that made smart use of the limited space. 

Storage was better than expected thanks to open shelving beneath the sink and a couple of shelves beside the mirror. We had plenty of room for toiletries, although we both utilized our hanging cosmetic bags on the doors.

The shower had decent water pressure and came with a handheld wand, which was great for rinsing off after a long port day. We noticed the shower drained slowly on the first night, so we requested our cabin steward to have this looked at. By the next evening, the shower was draining like normal.

Most importantly, the bathroom was well-maintained. For an interior stateroom, it definitely checked all the boxes, and the larger shower was appreciated. It’s still a cruise ship bathroom, so you won’t be stretching out, but it didn’t feel cramped.

Our cabin location under the kids’ club was the worst part of the experience.

For this cruise, our cabin was 10521, which was located on Deck 10 towards the front of the ship. I don’t mind being located further towards the front or the back. However, our stateroom was located directly under Adventure Ocean: Royal Caribbean’s childcare and youth programming club.

Thankfully, I packed my travel-sized sound machine to play (or blast) white noise each night. I also packed earplugs to drown out the noise further. The noise was minimal in the night, but we could start to hear ruckus around 8 a.m. each morning. Thankfully, it wasn’t too disruptive, and we were glad we came prepared to make sure we got a good night’s sleep.

Our neighbors weren’t as lucky, though! We met a nice family from Australia staying in our hallway. By the second morning, she told us they could hardly sleep from all of the noise in Adventure Ocean above them.

In the future, I definitely wouldn’t choose to book another room under Adventure Ocean. I prefer booking cabins that are surrounded by other staterooms to eliminate noise and disruption. I want to sleep on vacation, and not return from my cruise feeling drained and sleep deprived.

It's a nice change from a standard inside room

Overall, we enjoyed our stay in the Virtual Balcony interior cabin. It was our first time trying this type of cabin, and the live footage from outside the ship definitely made the space feel less closed in. The screen was a unique touch that added some pizazz to a standard interior cabin.

Additionally, being able to see the live footage from outside the ship enhanced our experience. We enjoyed watching the ocean, but it was especially fun when we arrived at our port of call in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.

The virtual balcony also served a practical purpose. We found ourselves checking the virtual balcony in the mornings to get a sense of the weather before heading out for the day. It was also a quick way to tell if the ship had arrived in port yet.

However, we couldn’t figure out how to turn the screen off. It would be nice to have a switch where you can easily turn it off before going to bed. Instead, we relied on the curtains and our chip clip to keep the glow from being too distracting. Pulling the curtains in front of the screen each night made the experience feel a little gimmicky, and I would have preferred just turning it off at night.

Because of Royal Caribbean’s investment in this technology, I did expect the footage to be crisper. The video looked grainy at times, which could be related to the ship’s age. Technology can age quickly, so this could be contributing to the lower quality footage.

Ultimately, I wouldn’t spend extra to have a virtual balcony in the future. If the price were the same, or even cheaper, I would definitely book this type of interior cabin again. It certainly doesn’t replace a traditional cabin balcony with fresh air, but it does jazz up a standard interior stateroom.