Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean has a great app, but it could use a few upgrades.

While I think the Royal Caribbean app has come a long way and is one of the best in the cruise industry, there's always room for improvement.

I was using the app while I was sailing on Star of the Seas, and was frustrated by a few of its shortcomings. These aren't major problems or bugs with the app. Rather, they're necessary upgrades to make the app far more useful.

The cruise line has delved more into the digital realm by relying more on its app rather than a printed Cruise Compass.

So in the interest of making things better, I came up with a list of 6 features Royal Caribbean should add as soon as possible to its app to make it even better.

Ability to add custom events

An app feature I've heard many cruisers ask for years is the option to add their own events to the calendar.

When you scroll through the daily events, you can select an event and add it to your own calendar. Then Royal Caribbean reminds you with a push notification 30 minutes before it starts.

I really wish they'd add an option to create your own events within your calendar.

This would be useful for things like "Meet the kids at the slides", or "Go to Playmakers to watch the Yankees game".

It serves both as a reminder and means to block out time in your calendar for things happening on the ship that aren't listed in the app.

While I could always use my own calendar app on my phone, leveraging Royal Caribbean's app prevents double booking myself.

Search function

I really can't believe there is no way to search for an activity within the Royal Caribbean app.

While on Star of the Seas, I spoke to a member of the activities staff that were was going to be a WWE wrestling theme song trivia event but he didn't know when it was.

I had to scroll through every single day, looking carefully to spot it.

There should be a search function where I can search for a keyword in the activity title or description to make it simpler.  I think many guests are aware certain events may be occurring, but unsure when exactly.

This would make it so much easier to plan out favorite events, or filter certain events by themes.

See all events in a certain venue

Similar to the search function, I think you should be able to have a way to show all the events happening in a certain lounge, area, or room.

As an example, I love Two70 on the Quantum Class ships because of how innovative and fun it is.  So I'd love to see just the events coming up in Two70.

Or perhaps guests that love trivia would want to see all the trivia happening in the Schooner Bar on a given day.

Cruise countdown widget

I'm really surprised there isn't a proper countdown widget in the Royal Caribbean app that easily shows how many days until your next cruise.

I think it's safe to say everyone with a Royal Caribbean cruise booked is excited for the start of their vacation, so there should be a very prominent countdown option within the app.

Heck, I'd go one step further and add a way to have that countdown appear as a widget on your home screen. 

The excitement of an upcoming cruise is almost as good as the cruise itself, and having an easy to find list of how many days are left until the cruise begins seems like an easy win.

Ability to track Diamond drink vouchers

While the use case is the least of all my app feature requests, I think there's value in tracking how many drink vouchers you have left each day.

Diamond members in Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program get 4 free drinks per day, every day of the cruise. They can be used at any bar, restaurant or lounge, and it's good for any drink up to $14 in value. 

Diamond Plus members get 5 drinks per day and Pinnacle Club members get 6.

As of now, the only way to know how many drinks you have left per day is to look at the bottom of the receipt or ask the bartender.

The reason why the receipt isn't trustworthy is sometimes a waiter or bartender doesn't actually use your voucher. They could accidentally charge your SeaPass card or simply give you a freebie.

It would be lovely to be able to see how many drink vouchers I have left each day without bugging a crew member.  And since it's all tracked digitally already, it seems like it would be an easy lift to pull that data into the app.

Order food from the app

Once upon a time, Royal Caribbean said it would bring mobile food ordering to its app.  They even tested it on Symphony of the Seas on at least one sailing.

But then other features got prioritized, and the idea fell to the wayside.

I think it's time to revisit this idea.

The concept is you can be somewhere on the ship in a public area and order food or drink. 

At the very least, being able to order a drink from your lounge chair would be a huge win. It means less wandering for bartenders and less waiting for guests. 

I know there are many times I spend more time trying to flag down a waiter than for the drink to be delivered.

Sure, I'd love for them to add pizza, Playmakers food, or sushi to a mobile delivery option.  And room service, while we're at it.

But let's at least begin with drinks.

I challenged myself to go on the biggest cruise ship in the world and spend less than $50 to eat at three restaurants.

I was inspired when I ran across a recent Royal Caribbean pre-cruise sale that brought the price down of one restaurant just $9.

Specialty dining is quite popular, but also tends to be expensive. However, if you know when to book, there are deals to be had.

For my recent 4-night showcase sailing on Star of the Seas, I was able to eat at three different restaurants and have a meal at each one for less than $50.  Here's how I did it.

Pier 7

I came up with this dining challenge when I spotted Pier 7 going for just $9 for brunch.

It's common that the price of a specialty restaurant for lunch would cost less than dinner. I think it's because there's less demand for a sit down meal on a busy sea day.

Pier 7 is the a casual sit-down restaurant right in the middle of the kids-only Surfside neighborhood. 

It costs extra to dine here for adults, but is complimentary for kids under the age of 12.

Royal Caribbean describe the food as, "California-inspired dishes," and I really like that there are different foods you won't usually find elsewhere on the ship.

For $8.99, I was able to order one item from "Board Bites", one item from "Wave-Riding Entrees" and one dessert.  

I tried the Pier 7 salad, although I regret not going with the Buddha Bowl instead.

I wasn't in the mood for breakfast, so I had the Surfer's Club sandwich.

Dessert was the Caramel Waffles, and it was so decadent.  I probably would have skipped dessert, but since I got it included, why not.

I paid $9 for a meal that's listed as $25 if bought a la carte, or two dishes for a flat $15 fee.  

Izumi

Not only do I love Izumi, but it's now the most popular Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant by volume. So I felt I was in good company to choose this.

The pre-cruise sale listed dinner for $23.99, and I jumped on it since it would leave me some breathing room on price for my third restaurant and because you don't have to twist my arm to dine here.

Just like Pier 7, you have the choice of ordering off the fixed price menu or going a la carte.

Basically you can order food up to $40 in value, either with one small plate, two large plates, and dessert; or just pick and choose what you want up to $40. 

So with the sale, that's an additional $16 in value. 

I picked:

• Miso soup (included with the fixed price menu)
• Tofu ginger salad
• Spicy crispy tuna roll
• Chef's sushi selection
• Chocolate lava cake

That's a lot of food for just twenty four dollars, and certainly very satisfying too.

It's worth mentioning I could have had an even less expensive meal if I went to the Izumi sushi window.

This is a to-go window, where you can order a few different sushi rolls.

The sushi options include a choice of two rolls, plus edamame or seaweed salad. You'll find both sashimi and nigiri rolls to pick from. And then you can either eat it in Central Park, or take it elsewhere on the ship, such as your balcony!

If you prefer dessert for your meal (I won't tell your mom), they also have amazingly decadent bubble cones too!

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

With about $17 left in my budget, I had a lot of good choices for my third dinner.

I was actually impressed by how many inexpensive meal choices I had that would fit with a $17 budget:

• Burger at Playmakers
• Giovanni's Wine Bar food menu
• Trellis Bar

I looked at each of the menus, but went with Giovanni's because I could squeeze in two things and also enjoy air conditioning (sorry Trellis Bar).

You may not be aware, but you can go to the wine bar at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen without a reservation and order off the bar menu.  There's a sub selection of food items from the restaurant menu available.

I was able to order the Giovanni's House Salad and the Margherita Pizza for just $15 total.

I usually order the salad when I dine at Giovanni's, because I like the mix of greens and light, yet tasty dressing.  It's one of the few non-carbs on the menu, so I'll embrace it.

I love the pizzas at Giovannis and I think they're vastly underrated.

The pizzas Royal Caribbean serves at Giovanni's were actually created by Renato Viola, who is one of Italy’s best Master Pizza Chefs in the world. 

If you find yourself in South Florida, check out Mister O1 Pizza, because it's the creation of Renato's works and you can order the same pizzas (plus many more) as you'd find on Royal Caribbean ships.

Pre-planning pays off

My $50 challenge is the result of a simple, yet effective strategy: pre-book your cruise and do your research.

It's amazing how many discounts and deals you can get by simply booking in advance and researching what's available for your cruise.

I was more impressed I could get prices this low for both Izumi and Pier 7, considering this is a brand new ship.

It also helps this challenge to be on a ship that has a lot of restaurant choices, which is an advantage of bigger and newer Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

In the end, I ate at three restaurants for about $48 and each was a legitimate meal. It was a great way to enjoy plussed up dining without breaking my budget.

Royal Caribbean is planning to completely overhaul the port of Costa Maya in Mexico and that's gotten the attention of locals who have concerns.

Earlier this summer, the cruise line revealed plans to construct its biggest private destination yet. In fact, the footprint is as large as the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

The ambitious plans were received with astonishment from the public for all the fun activities, but some people are worried about the impact it will have on the area.

An online petition has collected over 200,000 signatures asking for the project to stop the project.

The creator of the petition claims Perfect Day Mexico will be restrictive and disruptive to the people and environment.

This project directly threatens our rights of access and use of the sea, beaches, and mangroves, our local identity, our way of life, our freedom to live here, and above all, the survival of unique and threatened ecosystems

Royal Caribbean defended its plans, and promises to be transparent and open as it moves forward with the project.

"Careful planning and open dialogue"

The petition caught the attention of Royal Caribbean, as they want to be as open about their plans as possible.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider issued a statement to Riviera Maya News that explains their approach and why their plans are not what's being characterized by the online petition.

According to the statement, the development will be "characterized by transparency and a profound respect for the local community and the environment."

It's true the cruise line bought the Port of Costa Maya in July, but it's merely the first step in a journey that will take many years, "Perfect Day Mexico is designed to generate a positive and lasting impact on the economy, the local community, and the environment."

Royal Caribbean is aware of the concerns locals have regarding the impact the project will have on the environment, local resources, and small businesses.

In response, Royal Caribbean said it has been meeting with stakeholders, "Since we recently took on responsibility for managing the port, we have worked closely with employees, local operators, and authorities to listen, identify, and understand their priorities. This collaborative approach ensures the creation of opportunities that benefit everyone."

Environment

In response to the strong concerns about how Perfect Day Mexico could be problematic to the ecosystem in the greater Mahahual area, Royal Caribbean pledged to do everything it can to protect it.

"As part of our ongoing environmental commitment, we will preserve 45 hectares of existing mangroves," the statement said.

Additionally, they promised to ensure natural water flow is not changed, "we will actively participate in restoring water flow throughout the ecosystem and work to reverse existing degradation in aquifer layers, allowing the mangroves to thrive in a healthy natural habitat."

Furthermore, Mr. Schneider stressed construction would not begin until environmental permits are secured and a community meeting has been held, "construction and renovation activities will only begin once we have obtained the necessary environmental permits from the competent authorities."

Another pledge Royal Caribbean has made is to Perfect Day Mexico will be a green operation.

By 2040, the entire area will operate on 100% green energy, "Our commitment to using 100% green energy to supply our site by 2040 is based on a holistic approach to sustainable development that balances economic growth, community inclusion, and environmental protection."

Protecting the sea turtles

Royal Caribbean said it will work with environmental associations to protect native species, including sea turtle nesting sites.

Mr. Schneider said that more than 95% of wastewater generated today in Mahahual is untreated.

According to the company, reef structures will remain untouched, and new waste management systems will be put in place to prevent further contamination.

Royal Caribbean's approach includes:

• A wastewater treatment plant
• A solid waste management facility serving both tourists and residents
• Programs to eliminate single-use plastics

"This new facility will represent a transformative change for the region and reduce its environmental impact."

"We will also collaborate with environmental associations to enhance the area, leaving existing reef structures intact, and implementing sustainable solutions to manage waste and coastal resources. We are committed to protecting native species, including sea turtle nesting sites and coastal flora."

What about small businesses?

In addition to the environment, a number of companies that cater to cruise tourists today are worried about being driven out of business.

Royal Caribbean responded by saying the development will include, "Training programs for local employees, access to educational and healthcare services, as well as the integration of advanced technologies in energy and mobility that will significantly reduce carbon emissions in the area."

He also reiterated that direct and open dialogue with nearby communities will continue throughout the process, calling transparency "a practice that we will continue as part of our commitment."

What Royal Caribbean has planned

It will take two years for Costa Maya to be converted into Perfect Day Mexico, and the cruise port will remain open in the meantime.

The port will continue to allow other cruise lines to stop at the Port of Costa Maya, allowing their passengers to enjoy the excursions and activities around Mahahual.  The actual Perfect Day Mexico property will be exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests (although they are free to do go out and do other tours too).

Over $600 million will be invested in building a water park, beach clubs, a lazy river, shopping areas, and lots of dining. In fact, it will have 30 slides and the longest lazy river in the world.

Perfect Day Mexico is expected to open for Royal Caribbean guests in Fall 2027.

The Lincoln Park Supper Club is a six-course meal on Star of the Seas that pairs cocktails and live music, but is it worth $200 per person?

Themed after the Chicago of the 1930s and 1940s, this is Royal Caribbean's second supper club experience that follows up on the Empire Supper Club that was first added on Icon of the Seas.

When I tried the first supper club, I was skeptical if I'd enjoy it because it sounded like an expensive and long meal. Not only did I enjoy it, I went back for a second time.

With Lincoln Park Supper Club, I wanted to see how similar the experience was and if it felt like more of the same.  As it turned out, I walked away liking this version so much more.

What to know before you book

Lincoln Park Supper Club is a totally different kind of experience from other specialty restaurants on Star of the Seas.

The meal takes about two and a half hours, and includes alcohol with the experience.

The listed price is $200 per person, however guests with the Unlimited Dining Package can dine here for $130.

There are no discounts for guests with the Deluxe Beverage Package or Crown and Anchor status. 

Royal Caribbean has a formal dress code and it's enforced.  Men must wear a jacket, and will be provided one if they don't have one.

It's a very small venue, with a maximum capacity of just 38 people per evening. Tables can accommodate two or four guests, and if you're dining alone there's a good chance you'll be seated with a stranger.

Groups containing more than four guests will need to be seated at separate tables.

Yes, kids can come, but Royal Caribbean says it's "designed for adult guests" and there's no difference in price for children.

It's also required that you show up on time. Doors open 10 minutes before your dining time and the experience starts up quickly.

Lincoln Park Supper Club review

Located on deck eight on Star of the Seas, you'll find the entrance to the Lincoln Park Supper Club near Central Park.

Guests wait in the elevator lobby near the entrance until a waiter comes to escort you inside.  Very quickly you'll notice the elegance and differences from traditional specialty restaurants.

This is an intimate restaurant, and it feels like you're in a club considering how small the venue is.

You'll be given a flute of champagne the start, and then a menu gives you an overview of your evening.

There are three acts to the meal. 

Each of the courses from the first act will be served to you, and then you can order one option from the second (entree) and third (dessert) acts.

Each course comes with a select cocktail, meant to pair perfectly with the food served.

Now let's talk substitutions.  While the menu is fixed, there are alternatives for both food and drink available.

I don't eat shellfish or pork, and the restaurant had no problem serving me courses that either didn't include those foods or a completely different (yet visually similar) alternative. 

They have some flexibility, but don't expect Sorrento's Pizza or something completely different from the menu offerings.

Similarly, if you prefer non-alcoholic cocktails, they can serve those instead.

The meal begins with a jazz trio, consisting of a piano player, bassist, and singer.  Later in the show, a trumpeter joins in (spoiler alert).

Each course is paired with a song, such as Home Sweet Chicago, Maple Leaf Rag, or Quiet Whiskey.

The musical element is wonderful, and it's difficult not to tap your toe as you enjoy it.

Here's a list of all the food we were served to both myself and my dining partner. Neither of us are professional food reviewers, but we're from Connecticut, so that instantly gives us a certain level of esteem (that's a joke, let's move on).

Drink #1: Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut

You'll start the meal off with a flute of champagne and a toast.  Classic and simple.

Starter #1: Amuse-bouche

There are two starters that technically aren't courses, but you'll enjoy them as a lovely start.

The first is inspired by a Chicago seafood restaurant that is served with caviar and edible gold flakes.

Starter #2: "Deep dish pizza" bread

My favorite of the two starters looks like bread, but it's essentially a deconstructed deep-dish pizza. 

The bread is paired with truffle butter and pepperoni and sun-dried tomato spread. Combined together, and it's sort like a pizza in your mouth.

Appetizer #1: Kampachi

I really liked this option, as it has fish, cucumber, soy, and goat cheese. Creatively arranged, it felt like a shame to eat.

Drink #3: Hyde Park Martini

This cocktail is inspired by the Lake House Hotel, which was Chicago's first fine dining hotel that opened in 1835. 

I'm not a huge martini fan, but it had a good mix of being a bit dry and invoking a good flavor.

Appetizer #2: Beetroot

If you're a fan of beets, this is the appetizer for you.

I found each of the beet options here to be less tart than I expected, and I actually ate it all.  We both enjoyed it was creatively made and still tasted good.

Drink #4: Botanist's Elixir

Another homage to Chicago's past, this cocktail is a tribute to Chicago's first supper club, the Winter Garden Cabaret. 

I enjoyed this drink, and it was my favorite up until this point.

Appetizer #3: Steak Tartare

Royal Caribbean came up with a very creative way to shake up a traditional steak tartare.

It's served vertically, and I had to politely take bites rather than gobble up the whole thing in one bite. Soft, tender, and great flavor.

Drink #5: LP Old Fashioned

I wanted to love this drink more, but I'm not a fan of bitters. 

Old fashioned's are back in style, so I recognize this is a "me thing" and I'm sure you'll enjoy this more than I did.

Appetizer #4: Crab Ravioli

Since I don't eat shellfish, I was served a substitute of cheese in my ravioli.

Nonetheless, we both really liked this ravioli. It looked and almost tasted more like a soup, but it had a very rich flavor.

Drink: Lakeshore Fizz

I really liked this drink a lot, as it had good flavor and kick to it.

This cocktail was inspired by another Chicago supper club, the Chez Paree, which was created in 1938. It was best known for being glamorous as well as being a notorious mob hangout.

Palate cleanser

Before the main course, we were served a sorbet that came with dry ice and I was like a little kid as soon as they brought it out.

Main course: Prime Rib

There are four options for your entree: walleye (fish), lamb, wagyu prime rib, or cauliflower. 

Each option is a tribute to The Pump Room, a popular hangout spot for celebrities in Chicago.

My dining partner picked the prime rib, and I sampled a bite of it because it looked so good.

It's accompanied by potatoes and onion, and I would have ordered it had I not wanted some variety in our review.

It's paired with the Southside cocktail.

Main course: Cauliflower steak

I've had plenty of cauliflower steaks on Royal Caribbean, so I was curious to see how this stacked up.

As the vegetarian option, it comes out looking like a menagerie of cauliflower. Like everything on the menu, the presentation is truly impressive.

I prefer to pair a cauliflower steak with a protein to help balance it all, but I was impressed by the taste and texture of it. 

The accompanied cocktail for this was the Chicago Cocktail (seriously, that's the name).

Dessert: Palmer House Brownie

There are two desserts on the menu, so we decided to share. 

Evidently the brownie was invented at the Palmer House in Chicago, and it tasted decadent and delightful. Plus, it has a scoop of vanilla gelato.

I was hesitant to share the bite I promised.

The cocktail is Gold Coast.

Dessert: Grasshopper Pie

A weird name, but this is a peppermint mousse.

Personally, I hate mint and mousse, but my dining partner enjoyed it a lot.

We both really liked the Brandy Alexander cocktail that came with it.  I even got one for myself, because I enjoyed it so much.

It tasted like a White Russian cocktail, and was quite smooth. My favorite of all the cocktails.

Surprise dessert

If we didn't have enough to eat by now, there was one more dessert served.

Chocolate bites were brought out on a piano filled with dry ice, and each chocolate bite had a different filling.

Better than Empire Supper Club

I walked away from the Lincoln Park Supper Club with one important takeaway: I liked this even more than the version on Icon of the Seas.

I thought the music was even better, as I think the addition of the trumpeter mixed things up.  Plus, I greatly preferred the food overall at Lincoln Park.

While the meal did take almost three hours, I never once glanced at my phone to see what time it was. The pacing is perfect, and you're never sitting there wondering when the next thing will happen.

The disappointment comes in that it seems nearly impossible to actually finish every cocktail they serve.  The pacing is quick, and these are full cocktails. Many drinks went back half consumed.

Is the Lincoln Park Supper Club worth the cost?

At $200 per person, this is a very expensive meal, but I think it's absolutely worth paying if you love cocktails, special foods, and want a lovely evening out.

You can make the argument that the amount of cocktails alone justify the cost, given that you can expect to pay between $10-14 for each one at a bar around the ship.

If you're smart and a little lucky, you can pre-book it online and get a lower price.  For my Star of the Seas cruise in November, the price is discounted to $179.99 per person.

Then there's the food, which is truly nothing like you'll find anywhere else on Star of the Seas.

Given that you're getting drinks, food, and live entertainment in one, the Lincoln Park Supper Club is the ultimate date night on Star of the Seas.

It's not meant to be like Chops Grille, where you dine there multiple times.  This is a special restaurant for a special occasion or evening out.

Moreover, the attention to detail makes it feel like something totally different from a specialty restaurant. It's on another level up from what you may have experienced in other venues onboard.

If you're a foodie, want to do something different or special, and enjoy cocktails, Lincoln Park Supper Club is a must-try.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Star of the Seas is here and Matt thinks it's a winning follow-up to the original Icon Class ship.

Royal Caribbean sought to build a ship just as good as Icon of the Seas, but tweak and enhance a few areas.

After 10 nights onboard, our full review has a look at what makes Star of the Seas stand out.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean alters cruise ship itineraries to avoid Hurricane Erin
• Royal Caribbean redeploys cruise ships sailing from Latin America
• Celebrity confirms when they will open bookings for river cruises
• I spent $5,300 on a last-minute cruise on Voyager of the Seas. It was expensive, but I couldn't pass it up
• How to find dining menus on Royal Caribbean's app
• Jason Liberty and Richard Fain reflect on Royal Caribbean's past, present and future
• When to book Star of the Seas for the lowest price, data shows

New RCB Video: A Cruise In A Hurricane Isn’t What You Think

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 — A Cruise In A Hurricane Isn’t What You Think — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean teases Texas with Icon possibility

Did Royal Caribbean's CEO confirm they'll bring an Icon Class ship to a Texas port?

Michael Bayley strongly hinted the cruise line could bring one of its Icon Class ships to Galveston.

A new ship could be coming there as early as the 2027-2028 season.

Royal Caribbean's wearables have a new look and prices

WOW Bands have a new look and price too.

With the launch of Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has revamped its wearables to go along with the ship.

They're functionally the same, but come in new colors and a higher price tag.

Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key

How does Royal Caribbean's game-changing private island in The Bahamas stack up to Carnival's new Celebration Key?

Perfect Day at CocoCay has a waterpark, helium balloon and a giant pool.  Carnival now has its own take on the idea, with freshwater lagoons, beaches, and slides.

Our team took a look at the benefits of each one.

This family suite has the perfect amount of space

What is the new Surfside Family Suite really like to stay in?

Matt had the chance to stay in this room while on Star of the Seas, and he found it quite spacious.

It has separation for families, but it lacks enough storage and an interesting bathroom setup.

I visited both Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and Carnival’s Celebration Key in The Bahamas. Either private destination is an excellent addition to any cruise itinerary, but each comes with pros and cons.

Perfect Day at CocoCay opened in 2019 and offers a blend of thrill and chill experiences. The private island features crystal-clear beaches, exclusive beach clubs, a stunning lagoon, and the massive Thrill Waterpark.

Celebration Key, on the other hand, just launched in July of 2025. Unlike CocoCay, the destination is not on its own island. Rather, it’s on a private area of Grand Bahama Island.

Ashore, you’ll find beaches, a sprawling lagoon, waterslides, swim-up bars, an adults-only beach club, and dreamy cabana rentals.

I’ve been to Perfect Day at CocoCay 10 times, but visited Celebration Key for the first time last month. After spending eight hours ashore, I couldn’t help but compare the two private destinations.

From the pools to beaches, food, bars, and atmosphere, here’s how Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key compared.

For pools, Celebration Key is the clear winner

Without a doubt, Celebration Key has the most impressive pool of any cruise line private destination.

Oasis Lagoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay is a major highlight of Royal Caribbean’s island, measuring 33,175 square feet. Yet it pales in comparison to the lagoon at Celebration Key, which measures a whopping 275,000 square feet.

You read that right—Celebration Key’s lagoon is over eight times larger than CocoCay’s Oasis Lagoon.

The lagoon is split into two sides: Starfish Lagoon and Calypso Lagoon.

Starfish Lagoon focuses on families. It’s where you’ll find Guppy Grotto, Celebration Key’s splash pad, which also features a two-foot wading pool perfect for younger cruisers. Of course, there is more than enough space for adults to unwind at Starfish Lagoon, too.

Calypso Lagoon, however, is more adult-focused. Here’s where you’ll find Long Necks Swim Up Bar, home to the biggest pool parties on all of Celebration Key.

Although CocoCay’s Oasis Lagoon is no stranger to parties, it’s hard to beat the live DJ set and 166 in-water seats at Calypso Lagoon’s premier swim up bar.

Plus, the sheer size of Celebration Key’s lagoons make it easy to escape the crowds. I often struggle to find peace and quiet at Oasis Lagoon, but I could always find a relaxing spot to swim at Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon.

However, I prefer the beaches at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Celebration Key may have Perfect Day at CocoCay beat when it comes to pools, but I prefer beaches at CocoCay.

Because CocoCay is an island, there are beaches in every direction. Celebration Key only has beaches on one side.

There are two beaches at Celebration Key: Starfish Beach and Calypso Beach. They are effectively a single beach (they’re on the same 1-mile strip of sand), but are split in half by the pier.

Don’t get me wrong—the beaches at Celebration Key were gorgeous. Despite the cloudy weather on my day ashore, the water was still a stunning shade of turquoise.

Yet I missed the variety of beaches at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Each beach offers different scenery, atmospheres, and things to do.

Related: What you should expect on a visit to CocoCay

Chill Beach, for instance, is popular with snorkelers, kayakers, and swimmers alike. South Beach, on the other hand, is famous for its floating tiki bar, making it a popular spot for partygoers.

The main focus of Celebration Key seems to be on the lagoon, whereas Perfect Day at CocoCay has a more balanced blend of both beaches and pools.

CocoCay wins for food and drinks, offering plenty of included options

Both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key offer a wide selection of restaurants and bars, but CocoCay provides a more inclusive experience.

My main complaint at Celebration Key was the stingy dining and beverage rules. For starters, Carnival doesn’t honor drink packages ashore, so all drinks come with an extra charge.

I didn’t cruise with a drink package on my visit, but this rule makes me even less likely to purchase one on future Carnival cruises. Why buy a drink package when I can’t use it at Celebration Key?

Dining rules were ungenerous, too. Carnival limits passengers to one free meal during the day, and any additional food comes with an extra cost.

There is no buffet at Celebration Key. Instead, passengers can order complimentary food at food trucks and at Captain’s Galley Food Hall, the destination’s main dining venue. For an extra charge, guests can dine at a variety of full-service sit-down restaurants, too.

I was impressed by the variety of complimentary food options, such as Bahamian fish tacos and lamb shawarmas, but felt limited by the strict dining rules.

For lunch, I grabbed a personal pizza from Celebration Key’s main food hall. It was tasty, but I can’t imagine it would keep all passengers full for an entire day ashore.

Fortunately, at Perfect Day at CocoCay, there are no strict dining or beverage rules.

Drink packages work ashore, along with loyalty drinks for guests in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society. Likewise, meals are not tracked at CocoCay. Passengers are able to enjoy unlimited meals and snacks throughout the day.

Related: 11 food favorites at CocoCay that never disappoint

Sometimes, for example, I might grab mozzarella sticks at Snack Shack for a mid-morning snack, create build-your-own tacos at the buffet for lunch, and enjoy a creamy cone of soft serve later in the afternoon.

At Celebration Key, I could never have such flexibility without spending extra.

Both destinations offer equally impressive cabana rentals

What I love most about cruise line private destinations is how much is included in your cruise fare.

Whether at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Celebration Key, MSC’s Ocean Cay or Disney’s Castaway Cay, you can have an amazing day ashore without shelling out even a dime.

Still, some passengers enjoy purchasing add-ons to enhance their port day, and one of the most popular add-ons are cabana rentals.

Related: Guide to CocoCay Cabanas

Both CocoCay and Celebration Key rent cabanas, and I’d argue that these rentals are on even playing fields.

CocoCay’s Overwater Cabana at the Coco Beach Club is undoubtedly majestic. Yet the Over-The-Lagoon Super Villa at Celebration Key is just as unforgettable. It includes a sectional sofa, bar, dining table, hammock, in-water loungers, and a private water slide.

There are also cabanas on the beach at both private destinations, but Celebration Key might have a slight edge due to the number of cabanas available with direct lagoon access.

At the end of the day, though, you can’t go wrong with a cabana rental at either destination.

CocoCay provides more thrills, whether at Thrill Waterpark or on the zip line

When comparing Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key, the former definitely offers more for adrenaline seekers.

You’ll find Thrill Waterpark ashore, which is home to a wave pool, adventure pool, and over a dozen waterslides. The 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak slide is the tallest in the entire Caribbean!

Related: Guide to Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay

The waterpark comes with an extra cost. Prices vary by sailing, but typically range between $80 and $160 per person.

Other thrills at CocoCay include kayak rentals, snorkel rentals, jet ski tours, a zip line, and a helium balloon ride, all of which also cost extra.

There are a few complimentary thrills included, too, which cater to children. First is Splashaway Bay, which features splash buckets, small slides, and water sprayers. There’s also Captain Jill’s Galleon, a splash and water play area in the shape of a pirate ship.

At Celebration Key, you’ll still find some thrills, but the destination caters more toward relaxation.

There are two waterslides, called the Suncastle Racing Slides, which cost $15 total for unlimited rides throughout the day.

Celebration Key does not offer a zip line. Instead, you can book excursions to nearby Pirate’s Zipline and Water Park. This is outside of Celebration Key, though, so you'll have to leave the private destination.

Rentals inside Celebration Key include paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkel gear.

Between the two, CocoCay wins for thrills based on the sheer size of Thrill Waterpark. Even though Celebration Key offers waterslides, it simply can’t compare to the amount of things to do at Thrill Waterpark.

Both feature adults-only retreats, but with totally different vibes

If you’re in search of a kid-free getaway, you’ll find adults-only areas at both private destinations.

I tried the adults-only retreats at both CocoCay and Celebration Key, but they were more different than alike.

Hideaway Beach is Royal Caribbean’s adults-only area at CocoCay, and it’s known for its party vibe. The exclusive area of the island can accommodate around 1,800 passengers.

Related: Hideaway Beach review at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Here, you’ll find an 18,000-square-foot infinity pool, private beach, two complimentary restaurants, a bar with live music, and a variety of cabana rentals.

Cabanas include the Hideaway Cabanas, located near the main pool, and the Hideout Cabanas, which feature direct access to a VIP infinity pool.

Admission to Hideaway Beach varies greatly depending on the sailing, but you can expect to pay between $40 and $90 per person. The cost includes food and basic drinks like water, but does not include alcoholic beverages, soda, and mocktails.

At Celebration Key, the adults-only area is called Pearl Cove Beach Club. While capacity numbers have not been announced, it's smaller than Hideaway Beach.

In general, the atmosphere of Pearl Cove Beach Club reminds me more of CocoCay’s Coco Beach Club compared to Hideaway Beach.

Related: Coco Beach Club review at CocoCay

Pearl Cove Beach Club features an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, private beach, full-service restaurant, cabana rentals, and a variety of bars, including a swim-up bar.

The main difference between Pearl Cove Beach Club and Hideaway Beach is the pricing model.

Pearl Cove Beach Club offers three admission options. The first costs $100 and includes your entry and a welcome drink. The second, which costs $140, includes 10 drinks from a limited menu. Finally, the third costs $180 and includes 10 drinks in addition to an exclusive lunch at the Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant.

Drinks are not included in the admission to Hideaway Beach, although Royal Caribbean’s drink packages and loyalty drink vouchers work ashore.

After visiting both, I wouldn’t say one is better than the other. Hideaway Beach definitely offers more of a party vibe whereas Pearl Cove Beach Club is more akin to the tranquil atmosphere offered at the Coco Beach Club.

Both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key have pros and cons, but you can’t go wrong with either

After visiting both private destinations, I wouldn't say that one is better than the other.

There were definitely some things I liked more at Celebration Key than CocoCay, such as the giant lagoon and Long Necks Swim Up Bar. However, CocoCay offers more inclusivity by honoring guests’ drink packages and not limiting guests to just one meal.

You really can’t go wrong with a day at either private destination. Each offers the ability to fully unwind without the need to plan shore excursions or research the port in advance.

Whether at CocoCay or Celebration, you can simply disembark your cruise ship and spend the entire day soaking up the tropical Bahamian sun.

Would you pay over $5,000 for a last-minute cruise on an older ship?

After not traveling together for nearly three years, a father and daughter decided to book a spontaneous cruise to Greece, Turkey, and Italy, spending $5,329.10 (including taxes, port fees, and gratuities) on a balcony stateroom.

Donald and Catherine Wright had been trying to plan something special to celebrate Catherine's master's graduation, but kept delaying the planning process. 

At first, they toyed with a land vacation to Scotland. However, they shifted gears and began browsing available cruises to Greece.

They eventually settled on a weeklong sailing on Voyager of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship that debuted in 1999, to Mykonos and Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Messina, Sicily; and Naples, Italy.

Catherine's last cruise was a luxury one, having been fortunate enough to sail with her grandmother aboard Regent's Seven Seas Explorer in 2019. Before that, she sailed on Harmony of the Seas in 2018 and Disney Fantasy in 2016.

Donald had also recently sailed on newer ships, including Quantum of the Seas and Allure of the Seas in 2024. As such, stepping onto Voyager of the Seas was different from what they were accustomed to. 

Still, the cruise was less about the ship itself and more about the ports of call. Catherine and Donald roamed the cobblestone streets of Mykonos, explored ancient ruins in Ephesus, and enjoyed lunch in Sorrento. Plus, with just one sea day, sailing on a new ship with endless activities wasn't important. 

They could have saved money by opting for a windowless interior stateroom, but one of Donald's non-negotiables on vacation is having access to a private verandah. 

Their balcony stateroom, cabin #6518, was a comfortable space to retreat to after spending long days ashore and braving Europe's summer heat. 

In fact, they returned to their stateroom most nights around 8:00PM. They preferred to rest instead of staying out late at a bar or watching a show. 

Not only that, but amenities on a newer, more modern ship would have gone to waste. While on Voyager, they didn't use the rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, or Perfect Storm waterslides. 

"The cabin was completely fine," Catherine recalled, "The shower pressure was a little iffy, but that was the only thing."

Donald added that he wished the mini-fridge's temperature had been cooler. He noted that it barely kept a bottle of water cool, even after they had maintenance take a look at it. 

The bathroom itself was a standard Royal Caribbean bathroom. It was compact yet functional with enough storage for two cruisers and a much-appreciated glass shower door instead of a clingy curtain. 

As with other ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, the shower featured the same 2-in-1 shampoo-body wash hybrid, along with a small shelf for personal products.

Read more: I always pack two things for my cruise bathroom that I'll thank myself for later

Being an older ship, the stateroom didn't have an abundance of charging options, just one European and two American outlets by the vanity. 

Catherine mentioned that the large vanity made getting ready easier, as she could spread her makeup and accessories out while her dad used the bathroom to shower and shave.

They were also impressed with the storage space. They were able to comfortably unpack and even had extra hangers!

Unlike newer Royal Caribbean vessels, Voyager of the Seas has a traditional ship design. As such, the balconies are recessed and cut directly into the superstructure, rather than protruding outward.

Consequently, they are more enclosed than balconies on ships like Oasis of the Seas. However, this means that they don't offer the same panoramic views, something Donald didn't love about the cabin. 

According to Catherine, they didn't use the balcony a lot. She used it more than her father, although she mentioned that she saw him stand outside watching the crew tie up the ship one morning in port. 

Although their last-minute cruise was pricey, they don't regret spending over $5,000 for a balcony on Voyager of the Seas, especially since it was the first time they had traveled together since 2022. 

Donald said that he was impressed with the ship's cleanliness and found the crowd to be a pleasant mix of couples and families. 

The biggest complaint from their time onboard was that the food wasn't as good as they had previously had on Royal Caribbean vessels. However, the cabin itself wasn't as bad as they expected for an older cruise ship. 

Royal Caribbean sought to make Star of the Seas a nearly identical follow-up to Icon of the Seas because why mess with what works?

I went on Star of the Seas interested to see how the second Icon Class ship could possibly match up to the original game changer, Icon of the Seas.

Because of how much hype and praise Icon received, I wanted to see how Star stood out.  

In reality, Star is so similar to Icon that you have to look closely to find differences. That's not a bad thing, because Royal Caribbean got so much of it right the first time.

A new family vacation destination

Photo by AdamsAway

The core experience Royal Caribbean is curating on Star of the Seas is a cruise ship filled with just about every family friendly and memory making option you can think of.

It's clear to me Royal Caribbean wants to build cruise ships that foster experiences that you'll remember for a long time to come. Star of the Seas has shows, activities, dining, and venues that all are sure to capture your attention quickly, and likely compel you to grab a photo so you can remember it and show it off to everyone at home later.

They do this with a lineup of things to do that you just won't find on any other ship.

The Icon Class is built with new innovations that are big and small. You'll be wowed by the six slide water park on the back of the ship that is easily seen as you drive up to the ship, but also appreciate the shorter wait times for elevators thanks to a more efficient programming.

New cruisers don't need to know the differences, because they'll feel right at home shifting from a resort on land to a cruise ship. Star of the Seas is a smooth experience, from check-in to boarding, to dining, and beyond.

So much to experience, being bored isn't an option

Arguably one of the best reasons to pick a brand new giant ship like Star of the Seas is for the sheer amount of different things you can do onboard.

Royal Caribbean includes the most shows, restaurants, bars, and activities on its biggest ships, and you'll find Star of the Seas has something happening almost every minute of the day.

Star's top deck is filled with water slides, pools, bars, and places to hang out. There are two adults-only pools, plus an entire section of the ship dedicated to young families.

The Royal Caribbean app lists activities you can try, including trivia, karaoke, pickleball, guitarists, concerts, street parties, and much more.

Plus, there are three theaters onboard with shows unique to Star of the Seas.

Back to the Future: The Musical is the must-see production onboard, and it's exactly like the Broadway/West End version. A fun musical for the entire family, and included in your cruise fare.

In the AquaTheater is a high dive stunt show, known as Torque.

Think of this like a high energy performance that combines diving boards, acrobatics, music, and swim into one.  

At the ship's ice skating rink, you'll find Sol.  This show highlights incredible skating technique, set to music. 

The shows are equally compelling in different ways, and it's all included in your cruise fare.  But, be sure to make reservations early for them so you're not left out.

The only way to be bored on Star of the Seas is to sit in your cabin and force yourself into a temporary exile.

Star is huge, but easy to navigate

New cruisers might be daunted at how they'll ever find their way around Star of the Seas, but the truth is it's easier than it seems.

Royal Caribbean has become masters of building giant cruise ships that are relatively easy to get around. The secret is in deliberate theming and visual cues.

• AquaDome: An indoor space and theater capped by a large dome, offering immersive entertainment and dining experiences (Deck 15).
• Central Park: Open air park with real trees, shrubs, and flowers that has a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars (Deck 8).
• Thrill Island: All things fun and exciting, with a water park, mini-golf, sports court, and many more activities (Deck 16)
• Chill Island: Most of the pools, whirlpools, and bars for time spent enjoying being in or around the water (Decks 15, 16 & 17)
• Royal Promenade: Two deck high entertainment "street" that has restaurants, bars, and is home to The Pearl (Deck 5 & 6)
• The Hideaway: Adults only enclave for passengers at least 18 years old, with a suspended infinity pool, whirlpools, and a variety of seating options (Deck 16).
• Suite Neighborhood: Reserved area of the ship exclusively for guests booked in a suite.  There's two dedicated restaurants, bar, and sun deck (Deck 16, 17, & 18).
• Surfside: A family-friendly neighborhood with a kids' splash zone, arcade, carousel, and family-friendly restaurants (Deck 6).

Star of the Seas has lots of restaurants, but many cost extra

Royal Caribbean boasts there are over 40 ways to dine and drink on Star of the Seas, but not all of it is included in your cruise fare.

Don't worry, you can go onboard and find lots of choices of where to eat and drink without spending extra. But the temptation to do so will certainly be there.

The cruise industry as a whole as adopted this model of freemium dining. The basics are included, but there are opportunities to spend extra and splurge.

I think the included restaurants on Star of the Seas are some of the best in the fleet. I could eat at Aquadome Market, El Loco Fresh, Pearl Cafe, and Main Dining Room exclusively and be quite content.

In fact, I think the update to Aquadome Market makes it superior to the version on Icon of the Seas.

But if you are willing to spend extra, you'll find lots of fabulous choices.

The only completely new restaurant on Star (compared to Icon) is the Lincoln Park Supper Club. It costs $200 per person, and lasts almost three hours, but I loved this experience so much. It's the ultimate fancy night out.

My favorite restaurant onboard is Izumi, where you can get sushi or indulge in teppanyaki cooking. It's a real crowd pleaser, and somewhere I try to eat on any ship that has it.

Suite guests have their own subsection of the ship that includes two restaurants: Coastal Kitchen and The Grove.

Coastal Kitchen is akin to a suites-only Main Dining Room, whereas The Grove is a convenient buffet on the sun deck.

Star of the Seas is easily one of the best cruise ships because it has just about everything

The reason to choose Star of the Seas for a cruise vacation is it's likely going to offer everything and anything you'd want in a memorable family vacation.

Royal Caribbean seems to understand the family vacation market better than most, and it's really honed in on what families want in any vacation they take: fun things they can do together that will make memories they'll cherish.

There is no shortage of fun things for everyone of every age to enjoy, and so many activities lean into multigenerational appeal.

With a ship as large as Star of the Seas, you might be worried about it being too crowded.  The reality is Royal Caribbean tackled the crowd management issue to the point it's astounding how uncrowded Star of the Seas feels.

Venues, activities, and neighborhoods are so well spread out that it helps keep passengers moving and not all in the same place. 

The only time I ever found a crowd is if there was a dance party of the Royal Promenade, which is designed to create a crowd.

Even the pool deck, a traditionally crowded place on a cruise ship, has open chairs and areas to spread out.  The adults-only areas can feel fuller than others, but it's hardly problematic.

I think the fact there are multiple, smaller pools that are spread out helps keep the pool deck from feeling like most cruise ship pool decks do.  Plus, there are so many loungers and chairs around the pool I cannot fathom there would ever be enough people at once to take them all up, even on busy sea days.

By far the best thing about Star of the Seas crowd management are the destination elevators.

They're smarter elevators that assign an elevator to you, rather than you taking the first available one.

It allows them to move more efficiently and reduce waits. It's easy to learn and very fast. 

Plus, Star of the Seas has some amazing shows and dining.  It seems to tick every box of what you'd want in a cruise ship vacation.

Who should book Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean markets Star of the Seas as being the world's best family vacation, but it works for many people than just families.

There's no doubt Star is a great ship to bring the kids, your parents, cousins, and siblings on, because it's the perfect multi-generational ship.  There's enough onboard for everyone of every age to find appealing.

But I believe there's enough too for other types of cruisers, including couples, solo travelers, and retirees. Because Star of the Seas embodies the very best that Royal Caribbean has to offer, I think it's a good choice for just about anyone.

I also think it's one of the best ships for someone that has never cruised before.  New cruisers might think a giant ship would be daunting, but in truth, I think it's better to have more choices in what you can do, than not enough.

Plus, new cruisers are sure to find Star of the Seas extremely easy to figure out because it was designed with the best ideas and new concepts.

If there's someone who shouldn't book a Star of the Seas sailings, it's probably someone on a tight budget or a value seeker. Cruises on Star of the Seas aren't cheap, and deals are few and far between compared to older ships in the fleet.

Insider Star of the Seas tips and secrets

I've spent 10 nights so far on Star of the Seas, which has given me an opportunity most people don't have to experience it all.

Here are my best Star of the Seas tips and tricks you should take advantage of.

Book shows before the cruise: The shows will sell out, so book them before the cruise begins.

Reservations are free, and should open up about 30 days or less before the cruise begins. Don't miss out.

How to meet the dog: Everyone wants to meet Sailor, the official family dog of Star of the Seas.

There is no posted schedule, so it's a bit of luck to find her around the ship . The Overlook, jogging track, and mini golf course are all places I've seen Sailor the most frequently

The best deals for drink packages, wifi, and more: It's quite likely you'll want a drink package, internet access, a specialty restaurant reservation or some other extra cost item.

The best prices are before the cruise begins on the Cruise Planner or app. Take advantage of these sales, because they can save up to 40% off the onboard price.

Secret bar menus: A couple of bars have food you can order from too, and it's a great alternative to booking a full specialty restaurant.

Both Giovanni's Wine Bar and the Trellis Bar have food menus, and neither require a reservation to dine there.

Grandeur of the Seas will sail from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama, in 2026 and 2027.

Originally, Jewel of the Seas was set to offer Southern Caribbean cruises from Latin America. However, Royal Caribbean decided to swap the ship. 

Now, Jewel of the Seas will sail from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while Grandeur of the Seas will depart from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama. 

Royal Caribbean let impacted guests know about the deployment change in an email. 

"Our original plan for Grandeur of the Seas was to offer a Summer 2026-2027 season with sailings departing from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beginning May 2, 2026, through April 17, 2027," it reads.

"Instead, Grandeur of the Seas will offer sailings from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colon, Panama, and Jewel of the Seas will offer the sailings from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. As a result, your cruise has been redeployed. The good news is, your sailing and itinerary will remain intact, just on a different ship."

Those impacted have three options:

• Automatically move to the same sailing onboard Jewel or Grandeur of the Seas
• Re-book any other Royal Caribbean International sailing
• Receive a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare

Photo by Bill Raffel

Guests don't have to take any action if they decide to stick with the same sail date and itinerary. Royal Caribbean will automatically move them to a like-for-like stateroom, and the original stateroom category price will be protected.

If the booking was already paid in full, they'll provide a refund of the difference within 14 business days. 

Moving on, Royal Caribbean will waive non-refundable deposit change fees for those who want to re-book another cruise. However, guests are responsible for the difference in cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items (like drink packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions). 

Finally, if there's not a suitable replacement, impacted passengers can request a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare, along with non-refundable deposits and pre-paid amenities. Airfare booked through Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program will also be automatically refunded.  

Although they note that they will issue the refund within 14 business days, some international banking and financial institutions may have a processing time of about 30 business days. 

If the cruise aboard Jewel or Grandeur of the Seas was booked using a Future Cruise Credit, Royal Caribbean will refund any new funds paid above the certificate amount and reinstate the original certificate. 

Guests have until September 10, 2025, to let Royal Caribbean know of their decision. That said, those who wish to remain on the same sailing date and itinerary don’t need to take any action; the switch will automatically happen. 

The deployment swap means that Grandeur of the Seas will offer longer cruises in 2026 and 2027

Originally, Grandeur of the Seas was supposed to sail on shorter voyages to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale and Tampa in 2026 and 2027. 

Now, she'll offer weeklong cruises to the Southern Caribbean from Latin America, calling at ports like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curaçao. 

Similarly, Jewel of the Seas will offer a variety of cruises, ranging from short 3-night getaways to longer 8-night holiday sailings. 

Although both ships are older, Grandeur takes the cake. Launching in 1996, she's not only Royal Caribbean's oldest ship, but she's also the smallest in the fleet. Comparatively, Jewel of the Seas set sail in 2004. 

Grandeur measures around 73,817 gross registered tons (GRT), while Jewel of the Seas comes in at around 90,090 GRT. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ships by Size - Largest to Smallest

Royal Caribbean invested more space on its newest cruise ships for families, including rooms that are design with kids in mind.

I sailed on Star of the Seas for its first voyage with paying passengers, and wanted to try the Surfside Family Suite to see what it's like.

This is a new type of cruise ship stateroom, which was introduced with the Icon of the Seas. Like many other new room types on the Icon Class, these staterooms are designed with kids in mind.

I think Royal Caribbean wanted to do more with their spaces, and offer more room and separation.  Parents love their kids, but they don't want to be spending every minute with them either.

While I was cruising solo, I was interested to see how well this type of cabin would work if I was cruising with my kids.

I paid about $4,400 total for this cruise

I booked my reservation on Star of the Seas the first day the cruise became available, because it's the best strategy to lock in a really good price.

Originally I paid $4744.35 for my Surfside Family Suite with just me in the room, but that price dropped by $271.75 to a new total of $4472.60.

I paid for my cabin and was not compensated or subsidized by Royal Caribbean in any way.

Keep in mind because I'm cruising solo, I have the pay a single supplement fee, and the price would be about the same for two people in the room.

There's a good chance if I had kids, they would be free because of the popular Kids Sail Free deals offered.

The Surfside Family Suite is divided into three areas

The general layout of the Surfside Family Suite is all about giving space but breaking it apart.

I was staying in cabin 9693 on deck 9.

You'll find the main bedroom, kids room, and a balcony.

I was impressed how well the separation works to make each area feel apart.

The kids room is separated by a curtain. On Icon of the Seas, there was a metal door as well, but that is not present on Star of the Seas.

The suite was bigger than expected

Maybe it's the different rooms, but I liked how roomy it all felt in here.

My cabin measured 269 square feet, along with a 53 square foot balcony.

Obviously that's plenty of room for just me, but if I was sharing this room with my kids and wife, I still think we'd find enough space. At least, when my kids were younger.

I think this room is not big enough for my teenagers, but back when they were in elementary school, I think this room would have been great.

The split bathroom reduces waiting, but it's missing a tub

I love that there's a split bathroom in this suite, because it's such a benefit to families.

One bathroom has a shower and sink, while the other one has a sink and toilet.  This means someone showering isn't monopolizing the bathroom (and vice versa).

Disney Cruise Line has gotten many accolades for its split bathroom cabin design on its ships, and I like that Royal Caribbean is leaning into this direction now.

The only observation I have about this configuration is there's no bathtub, which is curious for two reasons.

First, Royal Caribbean suites usually come with bathtubs.  And second, families would especially find bathtubs useful since kids often bathe in them.

I wish there was more storage space

I've generally felt the amount of storage space on Icon Class ships is lacking compared to Quantum or Oasis Class ships, and that trend continues with this suite.

For a room designed for up to four passengers, I think there's a real lack of storage space.

There's also a vanity area near the closet with a few more outlets and two mirrors to use.

There are 3 drawers, 3 shelves and a giant closet.

The drawers each have things in them, such as the hair dryer or room service menus.  And one of the shelves is taken up by the safe.

I had enough space for my belongings, but I doubt my wife and I could easily share the space on a 7-night cruise, let alone with my kids.

The closet is massive, and there are two bins in the kids room.

If I were to redesign this room, I'd add more shelving on the walls.

The kids bed is bigger than I expected

The kids nook has a pullout sofa, and I think this is the smartest area of the suite.

During the day, it's a comfortable sofa to sit on and there's a television facing it.  With two televisions in the room, there's no less fighting about what to watch.

At night, the sofa can be converted to a bed.

Yes, I had the room attendant make it into the bed to see if I could fit in it. 

Surprisingly, I fit in the bed without my feet hanging off the end of it, but I'd probably sleep diagonally on it to prevent that from happening.

Like any sofa bed, it was rigid, but I think I could manage.

The main bedroom has a giant bed

The primary bed in the suite has a king size bed that could be separated into twin beds, if necessary.

There are nightstands on both sides of the bed. Each night stand has a USB-A and USB-C outlet, with one side having an electrical outlet too.

A large TV is found on the wall near the bed, but it swivels out quite nicely. I barely watch TV on a cruise, but it's nice it can be moved.

The balcony isn't massive, but it's a nice outdoor space

For a suite, the balcony isn't that large.  

I don't think it matters as much because this balcony faces into the Surfside neighborhood. Plus, I think the idea was to maximize the indoor space rather than the outdoor space.

My specific cabin was too close to the entrance to Surfside, so it was a bit strange how close my balcony is to people passing by.

I'm not someone to spend a lot of time on my balcony anyway, but it's always nice to have private outdoor space you can use from time to time.

Noise issues were not a problem at all

In case you're wondering, no, the Surfside Family Suites are not noisy at all.

Even during the day time, I rarely heard anything in my room.  I'd take afternoon naps and never hear a thing to disturb me.  And at night, Surfside is very quiet since most of the amenities in this neighborhood are closed.

In fact, it was great for sleeping because with the windows drawn and the lack of direct sunlight into the neighborhood, I was never woken up by the sun.

Changes are coming

It's important to note the perks that come with Surfside Family Suite are changing soon.

For my sailing, I was granted Sky Class suite benefits. However, for sailings on or after May 2, 2026 (regardless of when it was booked), that will come to an end.

After May 2, Surfside Family Suites will be downgraded to Sea Class.

This means they will no longer have access to the Suite Lounge, Suite Concierge services, complimentary internet access, complimentary beverages in the Suite Lounge, and can only dine at Coastal Kitchen restaurant for dinner only (instead of breakfast and lunch).

When the change was announced, Royal Caribbean's only explanation was, "we continuously strive to enhance guest experience onboard and reach alignment of our product offerings across the fleet."

Essentially, this downgrades the perks of this room back to a Junior Suite.

I think the Surfside Family Suite is great for young families, even without the perks

If my kids were under the age of 7 or 8, I wouldn't have hesitated to book a Surfside Family Suite for us.

I love the concept of having a kids nook. They'd love having their own space and TV.  Plus, they can people watch really easily from it.

As a parent, the split bathroom design is a wonderful idea.  Anytime you're sharing a room with more than two people, I think keeping the toilet in a different area makes it more manageable.

I was concerned about noise bleed, but I rarely ever heard anything while inside my room.

The downgraded Sky Class perks are disappointing, but I'm not sure this room truly feels like a suite to begin with.  Plus, when my kids were that young, we rarely took advantage of anything in the Suite Lounge anyway.  

I'm certainly not in favor of less perks while paying the same price (I doubt the prices are going down on these rooms when it transitions to Sea Class), but I think the selling point of this room is the arrangement for families. Unlike a Grand Suite, the perks are secondary to this.

I don't think families with teenagers or adults should book this room with that nook in mind. It's truly meant for young children.

Plus, it still gets twice a day cabin service, and that's a lovely benefit for families to keep the room tidier.