Royal Caribbean Blog

Guests booked on select upcoming Alaska cruises received emails today informing them of a modification to their itinerary that will expedite their return.

The change was emailed to guests booked on select sailings.  One such one is the June 22 sailing of Serenade of the Seas that sails roundtrip from Vancouver.

"To prevent any potential delays and ensure a timely arrival to Vancouver, British Columbia, we'll sail directly to Vancouver instead of having a second scenic cruising day," the email reads.

The phrase "scenic cruising day" refers to the Inside Passage, which is a stretch of land that offers guests the opportunity to sail within view of land.  That potentially provides more sightings of animals, mountains, and flora.

Essentially, the ship will now sail directly to Vancouver, British Columbia, rather than spend a second day through the famed Inside Passage. 

Read more: Alaska cruise guide

In addition to skipping the Inside Passage, the schedule has been modified in Ketchikan. The new arrival time is 11:30 a.m. with departure at 6:00 p.m., giving passengers a slightly shorter window to explore the port.

The letter to guests apologizes for the last-minute change but assures them that there's still ample time to enjoy the destination.

On Facebook, other cruisers shared they received similar emails.

"I just got a message about our cruise the week after - they are changing the arrival time to 9am and departure time to 5pm (also Ketchikan)," wrote one person.

Another added, "this was the update we got for June 8's sailing too."

In fact, here's a copy of the same email for the June 8th sailing and it will also do the same change.

Another person commented they got an email like this, but for a sailing in August, "I just got the same letter sent to me and we’re not going until August."

Why is the change happening

Royal Caribbean did not specify in any of the letters sent to guests why they are making the change specifically.

The email says it's about ensuring an on time arrival back in Vancouver.  

There's no mention of a problem with the ship's propulsion, congestion in ports, or tight turnaround times back in Vancouver.

Skipping the Inside Passage means the ship can traverse less distance than going along the Inside Passage. 

However, one advantage of the Inside Advantage over open ocean is sea conditions tend to be calmer near the coast.

The Inside Passage tends to be extremely calm, as these waters are protected and sheltered from the higher waves in the open Pacific waters.

Sailing the Inside Passage

The Alaska Inside Passage is a series of coastal waterways that weave through the Southeastern panhandle of Alaska.

It's one of the most common routes cruise ships take when they depart from Seattle or Vancouver, as it provides stops along Alaska's panhandle.

It spans 500 miles, and includes all of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia. 

It's a lovely way to take in the views directly from the ship, including wildlife and landscape.

Royal Caribbean is about to launch a brand new mega-ship this summer, but don't overlook their smaller vessels.

Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is ready for its best summer yet. While most eyes are hyper-focused on Star of the Seas' launch in August, there's a lot more worth talking about. 

For example, Ovation of the Seas just began her first season sailing from Los Angeles to the Baja Peninsula. 

Before the 168,666 gross-ton vessel set sail from California, the largest Royal Caribbean ship to call Los Angeles home had been Navigator of the Seas. 

When Royal Caribbean returned to Los Angeles after more than a decade in 2021, Navigator signaled the company's commitment to expanding its West Coast presence. 

Now, with Ovation of the Seas stepping in, they're even more excited to double down on their offerings out of California to ports like Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. 

Ovation, which launched in 2016, features next-level amenities like a skydiving simulator, an indoor multi-purpose venue, a North Star glass observation capsule, and more. 

Anthem of the Seas makes her Alaska debut

This summer is filled with firsts for Quantum Class ships. In addition to Ovation sailing from Los Angeles, Anthem is heading to Alaska for the first time. 

Anthem of the Seas launched in 2015 and has sailed across the globe, from Norway to Spain, Australia, and Japan. However, this marks her inaugural season exploring The Last Frontier. 

Sailing from Seattle on 7-night itineraries every Friday through September 26, Anthem will call at iconic ports like Skagway, Juneau, and Sitka.

All the while, passengers can enjoy Anthem's signature Quantum Class features. The North Star observation capsule is a highlight, as it offers panoramic views of Alaska’s glaciers and snow-capped mountains from over 300 feet above sea level.

Read more: I’ve been on 5 Alaska cruises, and I see people making the same 20 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them

Amplified Allure of the Seas in Europe

Looking for a different kind of adventure? There's none more exciting than Allure of the Seas' summer season in Europe. Not only is this Allure's first time in Europe since 2015, but it follows her highly anticipated amplification. 

Allure of the Seas was supposed to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2020; however, the plans were indefinitely postponed due to the global pandemic. 5 years later, she finally got the attention she desperately needed compared to newer Oasis Class ships. 

Now, Allure sports a resort-style pool deck, Perfect Storm waterslides, Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Playmaker's, Mason Jar specialty restaurant, Pesky Parrot tiki-bar, a new AquaTheater show, and more. 

In short, if you've been waiting to sail aboard Allure of the Seas, there's no better time than this summer, especially as she's set to visit culturally rich cities in Europe. Allure will remain in the Mediterranean through late October, when she'll reposition to offer Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean just finished $100 million in upgrades to Allure of the Seas. First look at all the changes

Finally, Star of the Seas is set to sail from Port Canaveral, Florida

There's no denying that Icon of the Seas has been a smash hit. Building on that momentum, Star of the Seas promises to add to the experience with new dining options and shows. 

For instance, Royal Caribbean is switching the theme of the upscale supper club. Rather than copying and pasting the same old-school NYC experience, the Lincoln Park Supper Club will pay homage to Chicago in the 1930s. Additionally, Pier 7 is being replaced by a new dining concept. There will be an extra hot tub, too! 

Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Star will transport guests to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. All itineraries include a scheduled stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Ahead of her maiden voyage on August 31, Star will embark on short 3- and 4-night showcase sailings starting on August 16, 2025. Ironically, her original inaugural cruise was scheduled for the 17th but was pushed back because of construction delays. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals 21 ways to party, dance, and show on its new Icon Class ship

Royal Caribbean legend, Richard Fain, is taking another step back from the cruise giant.

The company announced on Friday Mr. Fain is stepping down as Royal Caribbean Board Chairman in the fourth quarter of 2025. He will remain on the Board of Directors.

Replacing him will be Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO. He'll take over the role in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Additionally, John Brock, a member of the Board of Directors since 2014 and current Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has assumed the role of Independent Lead Director.

The change in board leadership signifies the transition Royal Caribbean Group is making to the next generation. In the years since Mr. Fain stepped down as CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the Icon Class was introduced along with plans for river cruises and an expansion of private destinations.

"Time to hand the wheel to the next generation"

In a statement, Mr. Fain expressed his gratitude for time spent, and thinks the company is moving in the right direction.

"It is time to hand the wheel to the next generation of exceptional talent at Royal Caribbean Group, and I am very confident that under Jason's strong leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group will accelerate to even greater heights in the years ahead," noted Richard Fain.

Mr. Liberty also shared his thoughts on the change.

"Richard's leadership has been nothing short of transformative. Under his leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group has become the leading vacation company - with industry leading brands, ships, destinations and people," said Liberty. 

"I am honored and humbled to have been elected as Chairman and CEO and I look forward to continuing to create and deliver the ultimate vacation experience for our guests and delivering elevated long-term value for our shareholders. Fortunately, the company and I will continue to benefit from Richard's experience and mentorship in his continued role as a Director on our Board."

Richard Fain's legacy

Richard Fain worked at Royal Caribbean since 1988, and he leaves behind a tradition of leadership and vision for the future.

Under Mr. Fain's tenure, Royal Caribbean went from a cruise line with a handful of ships to a market leader with dozens of ships all over the world.

The company expanded to include Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, growing the offerings and experiences available.

Notably, he ushered in the mega ship era.  The arrival of the Oasis Class ships instantly raised the bar for what the public expected from a mainstream cruise line.

On top of that, he oversaw the Perfect Day at CocoCay transformation.  This has fundamentally changed the entire cruise industry's approach to a private island.  Beach, chairs, and umbrellas aren't enough anymore, and we're seeing other cruise lines rush to upgrade their private destinations to match.

All the while, Mr. Fain ensured steady growth, even while facing a cruise industry shutdown in 2020 that crippled the industry.

Many credit Mr. Fain's leadership in 2020-2021 for providing a beacon of hope that cruises would return, and since then, Royal Caribbean has emerged financially and strategically stronger for it.

Who is Jason Liberty?

Taking over as Board Chairman is the current Royal Caribbean Group CEO, Jason Liberty.

Mr. Liberty served in several financial, strategic and operational roles before becoming CFO in 2013. He was then promoted to CEO in 2022.

Since taking over as CEO, he's been the face of the giant cruise company and an advocate for pushing the company forward while managing its post-shutdown financial future.

In the company's most recent earnings call, he echoed a phrase he's used many times, "Our plan.. continues to be grounded in our proven formula for success, moderate capacity growth, moderate yield growth, and strong cost control."

In his three years at the helm, he's signed off on plans to expand into river cruising, as well as expanding to more private destinations.

"We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what a modern-day vacation can be – delivering innovative experiences that create unforgettable memories for our guests and value for the communities we visit," he said last month in a prepared statement.

When it comes to cruise vacations, some people prefer to keep things spontaneous by going with the flow and seeing where the day takes them. And then there’s me!

As a type A person, vacation planning is where I shine - and I love ironing out each detail of our trip. I genuinely enjoy researching every port of call and scoping out the best places to visit for each destination. Whether that’s watching YouTube videos or reading tour reviews, I've learned that a little bit of research can go a long way.

I’ve been the designated cruise planner in my family for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my dad and I would dive into researching itineraries and planning excursions, while my mom and sister stayed mostly out of the loop. We always joked that they were just along for the ride - and that my mom probably couldn’t even name the ports we were visiting!

This is still the case, as I like taking charge of our cruise plans to ensure everything goes smoothly, and my mom still doesn’t ever really know our vacation plans. She's just happy to be on a cruise!

Compared to land-based trips, I find cruises much easier to plan. With a cruise, you don’t have to worry about transportation between destinations, as the ship does the moving for you while you sleep. Trains, rental cars, and flights can complicate vacation planning. 

You also don't need to worry about meal planning or reservations each night. While I love trying new restaurants when I travel, coordinating multiple meals a day that please everyone can get exhausting. On a cruise, it’s all taken care of, and you can eat whenever and whatever you want without the stress of planning it.

I’m also the go-to planner when my husband and I cruise together, even though he’s just as type A as I am. I usually take the lead on choosing the cruise, planning excursions, and organizing our daily activities, while he handles the hotels and flights. Even when I travel with friends, I naturally fall into the role of organizing the trip and shaping the itinerary.

That said, I don’t plan every minute of every day. I just like to have a general outline so we can make the most of our time. As the family’s “Chief Vacation Officer,” or CVO, I take charge of planning any cruise I’m a part of. Someone has to, right?

Here are my top planning strategies to ensure a smooth cruise for the entire travel party from start to finish.

1. Researching thoroughly for the best itinerary

When you start looking for a cruise, you might be overwhelmed by all of the itinerary options. Even itineraries with the same destination can have different ports of call, and not every port has something different to offer. Take a "Norwegian Fjord" itinerary as an example. You’ll find a number of different itineraries labeled “Norwegian Fjord Cruise” that include completely different ports of call.

Some ports of call are definitely more desirable than others, and in some cases, you could end up traveling quite a distance just to reach the main attractions. That’s why I always do in-depth research before putting down a deposit, especially if it’s nonrefundable. We usually book our cruises at least a year in advance to give ourselves plenty of time to review the itinerary, secure flights, and plan excursions.

For instance, my parents are looking to take a cruise to the Norwegian fjords next summer. Although my dad wanted to book the cheapest option with Royal Caribbean, I researched alternative options and itineraries before we booked anything. 

Rather than settling for an older ship with less exciting ports, I found a much better option aboard Celebrity Apex, which is a newer, more premium ship with a far more appealing itinerary. After all, you can’t truly experience the Norwegian fjords without visiting the iconic and breathtaking Geirangerfjord, which the cheaper Royal Caribbean cruise skipped entirely.

2. Finding unique itineraries to interesting ports of call

My parents have been cruising for over 30 years, so they’ve enjoyed expanding their horizons beyond the Caribbean. Over the last decade, our family has enjoyed traveling on more unique itineraries, typically one-off sailings or repositioning cruises. Some of the most interesting itineraries can be found when the cruise line is repositioning between different seasons, such as between Alaska and Australia or the Caribbean and Europe.

As the family planner, I absolutely love researching all of the itinerary options to find the best ones with unique ports of call. The world feels like it’s at your fingertips when you browse all of the sailings offered by a cruise line. While most people imagine Caribbean beaches when they think of cruising, my family likes to cram in as many ports of call as possible. The more countries we can visit on a cruise, the better!

Within the last year, we’ve actually taken two repositioning cruises that visited eight different countries. Last fall, we cruised aboard Celebrity Solstice from Sydney, Australia, to Singapore. Back in April, we cruised with Royal Caribbean on Anthem of the Seas from Singapore to Tokyo with stops across Asia.

3. Monitoring prices for everyone to see if we can save money

Another responsibility that I take on as CVO is price tracking for the travel group.

Cruise lines will typically honor a lower rate if it’s less than what you paid. Essentially, if you book a cruise and the price goes down, you can reprice for the current fare - this usually needs to be done before you make your final payment. But, I’ve also been able to upgrade our stateroom to a higher category cabin when prices have dropped closer to the sail date. You never know until you ask!

If I see a price drop, I always tell everyone in our travel group to reprice their itinerary. A few years ago, I saved my parents upwards of $3,000 on a Mediterranean cruise when the price dropped substantially after we had booked.

In addition, I set price trackers for everyone’s flight schedules using Google Flights. Although I always do this for myself, I also set trackers for my parents’ and sister’s flight itineraries. I’ve been able to save hundreds of dollars by repricing my flight or switching my itinerary slightly! Just make sure you book flights that allow for free changes, which is typically not possible with basic economy fares.

Finally, I also monitor excursion prices and add-ons in the cruise planner. We’ve been able to cancel our reservation and rebook for a cheaper price without issue!

Read more: Where to save and splurge on a cruise vacation, from someone who's taken 51 cruises

4. Taking charge of booking our hotels for optimal location

When traveling internationally, we always visit the embarkation country a few days before the cruise. This allows us to explore and make the most of our time while adjusting to the time difference. We usually spend two nights at a hotel to sightsee before embarkation. This also allows a buffer in case of any travel delays or cancellations.

Booking hotels used to be my dad’s job for our family cruises. However, after a few flops in poor locations, I decided to add this to my CVO duties. For example, he once booked a Holiday Inn out in the Barcelona suburbs that was nowhere near the city’s main sights — or the cruise port, for that matter!

Now, I take time to research the best hotel options to utilize status perks in an optimal location. I always book a hotel that’s not too far from the cruise port, but still has easy access to the top attractions we want to see. I’ve found that booking through a travel agent can save you even more money while still receiving your status perks!

5. Researching shore excursions and port plans

My favorite task as CVO is researching shore excursions and planning our daily itineraries. Typically, I start my planning process for each port by looking at the excursions offered through the cruise line. I’ll also research if immigration is necessary for certain countries; in this case, having priority with a cruise-sponsored excursion can save you hours.

I’ve learned how important it is to book your excursions early, especially if you plan to book with the cruise line. The popular excursions will sell out quickly, and you might be left with few options in unfamiliar ports of call.

Some ports of call can be located hours away from the actual city you want to visit. In this case, we normally book a shore excursion through the cruise line to have a guaranteed on-time return. Further, you can always cancel your shore excursion when booked through the cruise line if you change your mind beforehand.

For example, when we cruised to the Holy Land on Odyssey of the Seas a few years ago, we booked our excursions through Royal Caribbean well in advance. Onboard, we met several passengers who had waited too long to book and found that all the cruise line’s tours were already full.

Because Israel required face-to-face immigration, those without shore excursions had to wait until all the tour groups had disembarked. By the time they were cleared to leave the ship, it was late in the day, the main sights were closed, and it was already getting dark. On the other hand, we were off the ship in the early morning and able to tour the city for hours.

We aren’t opposed to independent excursions, as these can save you money and provide you with customizable options in a smaller group. While visiting Bali last fall, we booked a private tour for both days with Shore Excursions Group when the cruise line’s excursions were lackluster.

Finally, it’s important to choose an excursion that will be enjoyable and comfortable for the entire family. During that same Holy Land cruise, I researched every excursion option in Santorini that would avoid my mom having to ride a donkey or hyperventilate in the heat while waiting for the cable car. Luckily, I found the perfect excursion with a bus ride directly from the tender - it was perfect for our family.

6. Creating an organized itinerary for everyone

As the family’s Chief Vacation Officer, I usually have our carefully crafted, months-in-the-making itinerary memorized and ready to go. However, I’ve found that the go-with-the-flow family members can feel out of the loop.

As a compromise, I started creating cruise vacation itineraries that the whole family can use. This also provides a space for me to compile all of the tour times, descriptions, hotel addresses, flight times, and more. I can also store important phone numbers or other reminders here in one convenient location. I’ll save the itinerary on my phone and use that throughout the vacation whenever I need to refresh my memory.

I love making these organized itineraries before our trips. It’s one of the last things that I do before packing once all of our plans are finalized. I typically make these in Canva, which is free to use!

7. Getting a head start on visas and travel documents

When taking more unique itineraries, it’s not uncommon to need visas prior to embarkation. Our last two cruises required visas for Vietnam and Indonesia, which can be difficult for my parents to navigate. Instead of them stressing out, I will do the research to determine exactly what’s needed for our cruise.

I will also take charge of applying for the visas before everyone else, which allows me to help my parents and sister walk through the process. Some of the applications can be difficult to understand, and there are even phishing websites out there that pose as official government visa websites.

By getting a head start on these applications, I can help my family obtain their necessary documentation with ease. Having the necessary paperwork at embarkation is crucial, as you might not be able to board the cruise if you don’t have proper documentation for every port of call!

8. Watching videos and reading reviews

The internet is full of incredibly insightful resources for travelers, especially YouTube and TikTok. In the weeks leading up to our vacation, I’ll often search for videos from other travelers who have visited the same destinations or sailed on the same cruise ship.

These reviews and first-hand experiences help provide a better sense of what I can expect during my trip. Many videos review the different ports of call and provide tips to optimize your time ashore. Watching these videos helps me prepare more confidently and make informed decisions before we even set foot on the ship.

In addition, I’ll use these videos for packing inspiration to see what everyone is wearing for the weather and outfits. Once I get a feel for what to pack, I will let my family know what they can expect during our trip. My mom stresses about packing especially, so I try to ease her worries with information about what she can expect.

Before packing, I will also prioritize reading blogs and online reviews about others who have taken the same itinerary. Although some reviews can skew unusually negative, many travelers provide helpful advice and tips on forums.

Read more: European cruise outfits and packing guide for women

9. Providing lounge access for long travel days

Because I travel often, I’ve picked up a few travel credit cards that offer complimentary lounge access at airports around the world. For long travel days, especially those with layovers or international flights, this perk is a total game-changer.

Instead of scrambling for overpriced snacks or hunting for a seat near an outlet, we unwind in comfortable lounges with free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, and clean restrooms. Since I know how much of a difference this can make, I’ve added my family members as authorized users on my cards so they can enjoy the same access.

Before every trip, I double-check that everyone has the right cards with them so there are no hiccups at the airport, whether this is the Amex Platinum or their Delta Reserve. This makes our travel days feel a little less chaotic and a lot more luxurious, especially before long international flights.

10. Preparing for the unexpected and taking charge when plans go amiss

Any CVO will tell you: cruises don’t always go as planned. In this way, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable when you encounter the unexpected. Although I take charge before the vacations, I try to keep calm and handle it when plans change. As my parents get older, they get stressed more easily when plans change or they need to adjust their schedule.

During our family cruise in Australia last fall, my dad’s prearranged transportation didn’t show up at the airport as scheduled. As the CVO, I took charge and ordered an Uber XL for our family to use instead. While my dad was panicking that our transportation hadn’t arrived, I took charge so he could relax and not stress. We were able to find a transfer quickly, and everyone was relieved to arrive at our hotel.

Royal Caribbean has many different kinds of staterooms you can choose from, and I think families would love one kind of cabin designed for space but doesn't cost a lot either.

Freedom of the Seas is one ship that has ultra spacious ocean view cabins.  They're enormous, and I love how well they work for families with young children.

Cruise ship cabins are notorious for how small they can be, especially compared to land hotels. Many new cruisers are surprised to see how tight a fit they are for most standard cabins.

Before you spend extra for a suite in order to get more room, perhaps an ultra spacious ocean cabin would be a better idea.

Lots of space for up to 6 people

Before you even see one photo of this room, the fact it can sleep up to 6 passengers is quite notable.

Most Royal Caribbean ship cabins max out at 4, and to get past that, you're primarily going to have to book a suite.

Ultra spacious ocean view staterooms (category 1K) have 293 square feet of space.  While they do not have a balcony, they do make up for it with significantly more space. As an example, an oceanview cabin has just 159 square feet of space of living room.

You'll find ultra spacious ocean view rooms on Freedom Class ships.

Another key difference with this type of room is they have bunk beds.

There's an alcove close to the door with a set of bunk beds, perfect for kids. Not only is it a good use of the area, but kids love the idea of having bunk beds.

I love that there's a curtain and wall to truly provide privacy for the kids (and everyone else outside of it). When my kids were young, they had trouble falling/staying asleep when there was light in the room, so this ensures optimal sleeping conditions.

Speaking of things kids love, there are two porthole windows that provide views, natural light, and somewhere to sit.

Kids often curl up in the porthole to enjoy the view.

The rooms at the front are even better

There are a pair of ultra spacious rooms at the front of the ship (they end in -200 and -500) that are even more intriguing.

Instead of a curtain separating the bunk beds, there's an actual door.  Plus, the king size bed is in its own room with a curtain. 

This greatly changes the feel of the room to be more like a suite than an oceanview cabin.

In addition, cabin -500 has more windows, while -200 has more living room space.

Affordable price for a big cabin

The best thing about this type of room is the value it has.

You'll pay a lot less for this room than an equally large suite, and that's a tremendous savings.

As an example, I found a sailing on October 3, 2026 to illustrate the pricing. This example qualifies for Kids Sail Free deal at the time this article was written.

Sailing on a 5-night Freedom of the Seas cruise with 2 adults and 2 children, the price of cabin 9500 is $2,551.88 including taxes and fees. 

To get a suite that has as much space as the ultra spacious cabins, we could book a Junior Suite. The cost is $3,698.88 for all four people.

That has 299 square feet, but has no bunk beds or separation from the kids in an alcove or bedroom.

In order to get a cabin with separation, you'd have to move up to a 2 Bedroom Grand Suite, which is priced at $5,770.88.

In both examples, it's over $1,000 cheaper to go with the ultra spacious room instead.

Finding hidden cabins like this can be a game changer

I love finding secret cabins like this because it offers a blend of value and amenities.

The vast majority of staterooms have pretty much the same layout and look to them, so if you can find ones that are unique and offer a better fit for your group, that's a win.

Regardless of the type of cabin, when you get to stay in a larger room that has much more living space, it feels glorious. I change up the type of room I'm in depending on my needs and budgets, but I always feel more at ease in a spacious room.

With a bunk bed and different living spaces, I think the ultra spacious cabin is the perfect cruise ship room for families with kids.

We all love our kids, but sharing the same space as them (especially during the night) is not exactly ideal.

I like there's a real bed for the kids (instead of a sofa bed), and the kids like the bunk bed element that gives a "sleepaway camp" experience for them.

Diana Ross has accumulated a number of accolades over her career, but she can add Godmother to the list.

The music icon, 81, is proving age is nothing but a number because she's still racking up achievements.  She has been named Godmother of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship.

The "I'm Coming Out" singer will serve in the ceremonial role for Star of the Seas.

“I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family,” said Diana Ross. “Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”

Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class cruise ship, and will launch from Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025.

Royal Caribbean announced the news on Thursday, revealing one of the final pieces of news surrounding Star.

“We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. 

“We couldn’t imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can’t wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August.”

It's an appropriate ship name considering the legendary singer has been a star in her own right for decades. While playing two sold out shows in New York in March 2025, she told the crowd she’s “never going to retire.”

As part of a longstanding maritime tradition, Ross will take part in the naming celebration for Star in August 2025 in Port Canaveral.  There's no official date announced yet, but it's likely to take place a few days before the first revenue sailing that is to take place on August 16.

Ross joins a l;ong line of celebrities who have been chosen to be named godmother.

What does a godmother to a cruise ship do?

It's tradition for every cruise ship to have a godmother, and it's something that goes back decades.

Traditionally, the role is held by women, although some men have started to be put in the role as well.

Truthfully, it's as much a marketing move as it is part of the maritime industry. Celebrities are often tapped to be the godmother in order to garner additional attention to the ship.

Once on the ship, the godmother gives a blessing for the safety of the crew members and passengers who will sail onboard it. 

The last godmother to be named by Royal Caribbean was Meghan Trainor for Utopia of the Seas.  She performed a concert onboard as part of her duties.

Who is Diana Ross?

Diana Ross is one of the most well-known American singers of all time.

She started out her career as a member of The Supremes in the 1960s.  The Supremes were so popular, that they rivaled The Beatles.

Ross eventually left the group to start her solo singing career. Her first big solo hit was "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," and followed that up with more chart topping hits in the 1970s and 1980s.

She expanded her career with a movie career, even earning an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues. She also starred in Mahogany and The Wiz.

Many people remember Diana Ross for her fashion, which was anything but traditional. She became a fashion icon for her bold choices.

She has since been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

As my kids get older and we start to cruise more with grandparents, friends, and my kids' friends, it's become abundantly clear I can't cruise the same way I did when we first started.

One thing I love about going on a cruise versus a land vacation is we can be together, without spending every minute together.

When I've rented an Airbnb or toured a city with family, it feels like if we don't do everything together, then something is missing.  But it's different on a cruise.

I find that's the beauty of a cruise, however, I've had to adjust my cruising style lately. And with that, I've found dinner time is the anchor for what makes the vacation work so well.

Evolving wants and ways to relax

When my kids were little, we did everything together with them.  It was as much necessary for them, as it was for us.

But with the kids getting older, hanging out with mom and dad isn't as high on their priority list. Putting my ego aside, the truth is they deserve to have time to do the things they want as much as I do.

They've gone from hanging out in Adventure Ocean to hanging out with the friends, enjoying time by the pool, and even talking with friends at home.  Ultimately, I want them to enjoy cruising, and there are things I want to do without them as well.

Plus, we've started to cruise more with family and friends.  When you add more people and personalities to the mix, we don't all want to do the same thing at the same time.  

With that reality in mind, I made a change to how I plan my day onboard.

Planning around dinner

I found the best idea for fostering a sense of togetherness on a cruise is to plan to have dinner together each night.

In general, the schedule on a Royal Caribbean cruise seems to have a focal point each evening. Whether your ship is in port or on a sea day, I find the culmination of the schedule tends to coincide with the evening activities.

To that point, I would ensure that while everyone is free to pursue various activities during the day, meeting up for dinner is the most important strategy.

Ideally, you can have dinner together in the Main Dining Room. 

There's a few reasons why I think dinner works best.

First, everyone is on the ship for dinner in most cases.  If you have shore excursions, there's a good chance they are complete by dinner time. 

If you're at sea, then the draw of going to the pool and laying out or enjoying activities on the top decks is complete by evening.

Second, meeting for dinner works better than breakfast or lunch.  With breakfast, some people may not be awake and breakfast service is only available in the Main Dining Room for a couple of hours.  Lunch is only served on sea days.

Third, coming together in the evening allows everyone to talk about what they did that day already, and make plans for the evening.

Each evening there are shows, bars to hit, or parties to plan around. There are also themed nights, in which you may want to have everyone dress up to match and take family photos together.

Dinner just seems to me to be the natural fit for synching up with everyone in your group and talking about what happened that day, and what's to come the next day.

One other recommendation is don't always sit in the same seats each night.

Mix up who you are sitting next to and on which side of the table you're on so you can vary the conversations.

I recommend traditional dinner for large groups

I'd pick the traditional dinner option and try to have either one large table for everyone, or a few tables near each other. 

While the flexibility of having different times with My Time Dining is nice, I think it makes coordinating times and getting a large table too troublesome.

Before your cruise, have your travel agent coordinate this by linking reservations together.

Then when you get on the ship, I'd recommend heading down to the Main Dining Room on embarkation day to verify your table assignment is correct.

If it's not, ask to speak to the Head Waiter to help get everyone together.

Keep in mind there's a limit of how large a table you can have. Depending on the ship, tables in the Main Dining Room may max out at 10 or so.

More tips for cruising with large groups

There are a few more tips and pieces of advice I have for anyone going on a cruise with a large group, or multiple parties.

To begin with, I'd recommend booking everyone with the same travel agent.  

You love your family and enjoy the company of your friends, but the last thing you want to do is be hounding them for money to make final payment or being their liaison sitting on hold with Royal Caribbean to fix a clerical issue.

A good travel agent will take care of the mundane tasks related to all of that. Plus, if you have enough cabins, they could create a group and get you better prices or freebies onboard.

If you have at least 8 cabins, you could create a group and then take advantage of certain benefits.  Royal Caribbean provides discounts and amenities to the group and the "group leader", so speak to your travel agent about this for further information.

Speaking of cabins, I would not place that much emphasis on getting staterooms near each other.

Sure, it's nice to have, but I don't think it should be a major priority. While I'm sure your kids would enjoy being down the hall from grandma or their cousins, it may be troublesome to find rooms that work.

Be sure to also come up with a way to communicate pre-cruise and onboard the ship.

Some families or groups will create a Facebook group, or you could use an app such as GroupMe to do this. The key is good communication before the sailing begins so everyone feels welcome and part of the excitement.

Then once onboard the ship, pick an app or way to easily communicate. 

Royal Caribbean's app has a group chat feature and it's free.  But if everyone is buying an internet package, then using a group chat in your iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger might be simplest. Pick one and ensure everyone knows it before the sailing commences.

In celebration of environmental advocacy and sea turtle conservation, Royal Caribbean Group and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have partnered to launch a new awareness campaign. 

Shell Week will run from June 8 (World Oceans Day) through June 16 (World Sea Turtle Day) and is meant to bring ocean lovers of all ages together through interactive digital rewards available in the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises mobile apps. 

One of the highlights of the campaign is a bracket-style Turtle Tournament, where turtles will go head-to-head in daily videos. Participants can view the videos to learn new facts and vote for their favorites. The winning turtle will be crowned on June 16 — World Sea Turtle Day — via social media. 

There's also the Ocean Explorers Club in both the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises apps. Cruisers can find interactive educational content and conservation activities. Plus, there's a chance to earn the special Ocean Explorers virtual badge. 

The best part about this badge? You don't have to sail on a new cruise ship or visit a different region of the world! 

ShellWeek.com is set to go live later this week. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean rolls out badges for every ship you've sailed on

One of the best parts of the new campaign is the chance to win a trip to Florida

Shell Week also features a sweepstakes where one lucky winner will receive a 2-day trip to Florida for two. 

That's not all — at the heart of the experience is a special opportunity to spend a day in the field with a WWF scientist studying sea turtles in their natural habitat.

The heart of the campaign lies in connecting cruisers with Royal Caribbean Group's SEA the Future initiative

The initiative, which launched in 2023, focuses on sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation.

Through the initiative, Royal Caribbean Group helps sustain the planet by improving the company's energy efficiency, treating the water it uses, and keeping waste from reaching landfills. 

Additionally, they hope to inspire future generations, connect with local cultures, and support economic vibrancy. 

The last pillar — accelerating innovation — reflects Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to creating sustainable ship designs and exploring cutting-edge technologies that create best-in-class experiences. 

Everything from the reduction of food waste to water conservation helps the company work toward their goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals behind-the-scenes secret to how cruise ships make their own water

Sailing alone on a mega cruise ship doesn't have to feel like you're alone the entire time.

I've taken many cruises by myself, including one on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas as part of her first sailing in the west coast.

Royal Caribbean invited me to sail on the ship as their guest during a preview event.  It was a complimentary cruise, but I knew I'd be traveling alone since my wife and kids would not be able to make it.

The 4,905-passenger ship is the biggest cruise ship to ever sail from Los Angeles, and it feels like a floating city at sea. There's lots of areas to relax and enjoy, and I think many areas work just as well for someone cruising alone as they would for a family.

After exploring the ship over three nights, I found a number of good options for a solo cruiser on Ovation of the Seas.

It has the best cruise buffet

All Royal Caribbean ships have a buffet, but I think the Windjammer on the Quantum Class ships are the best ones.

I think most people that cruise solo prefer to eat at the casual venues, rather than go to a sit down restaurant. While I've grown accustomed to both, I admit the buffet is the easiest.

What I like about the Windjammer on Ovation of the Seas is how expansive it is, both in terms of seating as well as buffet stations.

I didn't measure it, but the Windjammer on Ovation feels larger than the ones on larger ships.

I especially love the fact it has outdoor seating at the rear, which was perfect for enjoying the comfortable weather that Southern California has to offer.

I also appreciate there are large communal tables in the middle of the seating area, close to the buffet stations. The advantage of these is you can slip in and take a seat.

I loved bar hopping each night

Regardless of if I'm alone or with friends, I like going around the ship each night to check out the bar entertainment.

One of the best things about a Royal Caribbean cruise is the live entertainers at different bars. It was actually the one thing I really missed when I tried a Celebrity cruise.

I think the two best bars with live music on Ovation were the Schooner Bar and Pub.

Once again, the seating arrangement makes these venues work well. In both cases, they're significantly larger spaces than the venues found on Voyager or Freedom Class ships, and there are lots of bar stools that are quite inviting for a solo cruiser.

One reason I gravitate towards a bar that has a performer instead of one that does not is because the focus is on the performance, and everyone in the bar seems to be a part of the show. It takes away a lot of the feeling of being alone.

By far my favorite was Darla Fox in the Pub.  She is easily the top one or two pub singers in the fleet right now, and it made planning my evenings quite easy with her on the schedule.

I didn't stay in them, but there are single-person cabins

Royal Caribbean provided me with a complimentary balcony cabin for this sailing, but it's worth noting Ovation of the Seas has the most solo cabins you'll find on any ship in the fleet.

Studio cabins are designed for someone cruising alone, as most cabins are designed for double occupancy.

Ordinarily, solo cruisers staying in a regular cabin have to pay a hefty single supplement fee to make up for the missing second passenger.

However, you'll find 16 windowless inside rooms, along with 12 balcony rooms meant for those cruising by themselves.

To illustrate the potential savings, these relatively small and affordable cabins start at $1,189.05 for a 6-night cruise from this fall, compared to $1,312.05 for a standard inside cabin with the supplementary fee.

The shows draw you in, so you don't feel socially isolated

Another benefit of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is there's going to be a lot of shows throughout your sailing.

Each evening there's going to be at least one production show, along with various live entertainment.

There are three must-see shows on Ovation, and each is the perfect escape.

I think The Beautiful Dream is the best show of the bunch, as it's a journey through one man's unrealized yearnings as seen through his dreams.

It's a beautiful show, and perfectly takes advantage of Royal Caribbean's terrific production values.

In Two70, you'll find Spectra's Cabaret.  I had seen this show first on Anthem of the Seas, but there's a reason there's a copy of it on Ovation: it's that good.

I think this show works so well because it's held in Two70, so you get to combine the performances, and technology in the venue.

Lastly, Live. Love. Legs is where the cast gets to show off their vocal talents.

Just like the bars, I love going to shows solo because you don't feel like you're by yourself in a theater full of people.

I tried Royal Caribbean’s drink package for the first time, but I didn’t get my money’s worth. That being said, I loved the convenience of the package, so it might be worth a try on your next cruise.

Drink packages are one of the most popular add-ons to purchase before a Royal Caribbean cruise. The Deluxe Beverage Package offers unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and it is a must-have for many cruisers.

Having access to unlimited drinks allows passengers to relax and unwind during their vacation, whether onboard the ship or at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

Despite cruising with Royal Caribbean over 20 times, I never purchased a drink package. While I enjoy a cocktail here and there, I never thought I could drink enough to make the cost of a drink package worth it.

On my most recent sailing on Utopia of the Seas, though, I tried a Deluxe Beverage Package for the first time. I booked a Star Class suite, which included a drink package in the cruise fare. During my short, 3-night cruise, I tried to make the most of the drink package to get my money’s worth.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a waste of money for me, and I probably wouldn’t try it again.

Most drink packages cost between $80 and $90 per day

Royal Caribbean’s drink package price varies from sailing to sailing, but you can typically expect to pay around $80 to $90 per day with gratuities.

Drink prices onboard vary, too, but cocktails are usually around $14, with beers and seltzers priced around $8.

Related: How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Therefore, to “break even” on the drink package, passengers need to drink at least 6-7 drinks per day. This is an easy number to reach for some cruisers, especially those celebrating a special event, like a bachelorette, onboard.

For others—myself included—it can be a challenge to drink enough to find value in the package.

I didn’t think I could drink enough to break even on the daily cost

Even though my drink package was included in the cost of my luxury Star Class suite, I still technically paid for the package in my base cruise fare. Knowing that the package would cost around $270 for my 3-night cruise, I doubted I could drink enough during the weekend to break even.

Plus, as a Diamond Plus member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, I already receive 5 free drinks per day. This would effectively bring my “break-even” number to over 11 drinks per day.

For the purposes of this review, I’ll keep my break-even number to around 6-7 drinks per day, as most Royal Caribbean passengers do not receive free Diamond drinks.

Immediately, I felt a sense of pressure to order drinks

As soon as I boarded the ship, I felt as if a clock were ticking. If I wanted to make the drink package worth it, I needed to start ordering drinks soon.

I grabbed a latte after boarding, as specialty coffees are included in the drink package. At only $5, though, I still had a ways to go.

Embarkation day can be hectic. In between completing my muster drill, unpacking my suitcase, and exploring the ship, I realized I hadn’t ordered a drink in several hours. Hoping to “make up” for this lost time, I grabbed a glass of white wine to enjoy while getting ready.

Later that evening, I ordered a cucumber martini at dinner, followed by a bourbon mule at The Mason Jar, Royal Caribbean’s southern-inspired restaurant and bar.

In total, the four drinks I ordered on embarkation day hardly made a dent in the daily cost of a drink package.

As the weekend continued, I shifted my mindset on the drink package

One of the biggest advantages of having a drink package is ordering drinks without receiving a large bill at the end of the cruise. For some cruisers, a prepaid drink package provides peace of mind. It allows them to relax without worrying about the price of each individual drink, whether they order 5 per day or 15.

On the second day of my cruise, I realized the drink package wasn’t only about breaking even, but also about enjoying drinks without stress.

Related: 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package

I began to order drinks more frequently throughout the day, whether two glasses of wine with lunch or an Aperol spritz by the pool.

I also started carrying my included Coca-Cola souvenir cup around the ship, which provided unlimited soft drinks from the Coca-Cola freestyle machines.

In short, I stopped worrying about counting each individual drink—the stress of doing so kept me from enjoying my cruise to the fullest. I realized one of the best benefits of the package is the convenience factor; it provides a more all-inclusive experience to a Royal Caribbean cruise.

I tried nearly a dozen new drinks while onboard

One of the biggest benefits of Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is the ability to try new drinks. There are dozens of cocktails available on Royal Caribbean’s ships, and many bars offer totally unique drink menus.

When paying for drinks individually, it’s easy to stick to the status quo. Most cruisers, after all, do not want to waste $15 on a drink they may not enjoy. Because of this, it’s common to stick to tried-and-true favorites, like a classic piña colada or familiar brand of beer.

Yet with a drink package, there’s no pressure to actually finish each drink. If you order a beverage and don’t like it, you can order another for no additional cost.

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

During my 3 nights onboard, I loved trying new-to-me cocktails. I sipped on a boozy banana float while listening to live country music at The Mason Jar and grabbed fruity coladas at the tropical-themed Pesky Parrot bar.

The drink package gave me the freedom to try new drinks without worrying about whether or not I would like them.

After a while, however, drinking and eating too much made me feel lethargic

One of my favorite aspects of sailing on a new Royal Caribbean ship like Utopia of the Seas is trying the diverse dining options.

In addition to a Deluxe Beverage Package, I also had an Unlimited Dining Package for the sailing. This package included meals at Utopia of the Seas’ specialty restaurants, including Izumi Sushi, Hooked Seafood, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package

Like most cruise dining experiences, specialty restaurants offer multi-course meals. From creamy pumpkin bisque to tender lobster and fried cheesecake, each meal was unquestionably delicious, but also extremely rich.

I planned to order drinks with each meal, but it often felt too overwhelming. As much as I love an espresso martini, for example, it felt too heavy to pair with an already indulgent meal.

A glass of water or a diet soda provided a lighter option so I didn’t feel overly full.

The drink package wasn’t right for me, and I’ll stick to included beverages on my next cruise

Despite trying new drinks during my cruise, I almost certainly did not break even on the drink package. Even though I stopped counting each drink individually, I’d guess I only drank around half of my break-even number.

Despite the convenience factor of the drink package, I found that I was not always in the mood to drink. Even though I could enjoy nonalcoholic beverages like specialty coffees and mocktails, I was just as happy to grab a complimentary glass of iced tea or lemonade instead.

Related: What drinks are free on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

I’m more of a social drinker than anything else, so perhaps my experience would have been different if I were sailing with a large group or celebrating a special event.

Ultimately, I am perfectly comfortable with sticking to the included beverages in Royal Caribbean’s cruise fare. If I want a cocktail while onboard, I’ll just purchase one individually. Daily drink specials and Crown & Anchor Society beverage coupons can help save money on drinks, too.

Nonetheless, you might still want to consider a drink package for your Royal Caribbean cruise

I won’t be purchasing another Deluxe Beverage Package, but it might be the right choice for your cruise vacation.

If you’re only cruising once a year, for instance, it could be worth the splurge to book a drink package. There’s no sense worrying about drink prices on your well-deserved vacation, and a drink package could definitely enhance your experience.

Likewise, those cruising with a group of friends or large family may find value in a drink package. These situations may foster a more celebratory atmosphere compared to cruising with a smaller group.

Finally, if your cruise visits one (or both) of Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, a drink package can offer an even better value. Your packages work at these ports, so you can make use of the benefits while ashore.

There’s no set answer as to whether or not a Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it on a Royal Caribbean cruise. For some passengers, it’s a no-brainer. For others, such as myself, it might not offer the best value.