Royal Caribbean Blog

Even though Royal Caribbean's private destination in Haiti is closed, one of its ships made a quick stop for an important reason.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas made an unscheduled stop in Labadee, Haiti, to drop off relief supplies while cruise visits are suspended due to the ongoing unrest around the couuntry.

In January, Royal Caribbean made the difficult decision to cancel all scheduled visits to Labadee through December 2026. Rather than calling at the private Haitian port, ships have been rerouted to destinations like Nassau, Bahamas; George Town, Grand Cayman; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Bimini, Bahamas. 

Even though ships aren't supposed to resume visits this year, guests aboard Oasis of the Seas' current 6-night Western Caribbean cruise reported that the ship briefly stopped at Labadee on Tuesday, February 5. 

Passengers were not permitted off the 226,838 gross ton vessel while it offloaded relief supplies. The operational and humanitarian supplies stop highlights the cruise line's support of its private destination during the ongoing crisis. 

The destination can't completely shut down when there aren't any active visitors, so the supplies are likely what’s necessary to maintain the cruise port and its skeleton staff.

Haiti is currently under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory from the U.S. State Department due to escalating gang violence and serious security concerns. While the Labadee resort area is protected by a private security force, Royal Caribbean said it suspended calls to Haiti out of an "abundance of caution."

NBC 6 South Florida recently reported on the crisis, stating the violence has dramatically increased since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

With gangs now controlling large parts of the capital, families have been forced to flee and live in makeshift shelters. Shockingly, more than 1.4 million people have been displaced across the country as the political instability and gang violence worsen. 

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 3:15 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 5)

Cruise Mapper further confirms the visit, showing Oasis of the Seas making her departure from Haiti around 3:15 p.m. EST. Now, Oasis will make her way back toward Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for disembarkation on the 7th. She already called at the scheduled ports of Nassau and Falmouth earlier this week. 

Multiple passengers were arrested on Sunday, February 1, after attempting to smuggle illegal drugs on Symphony of the Seas.

Nine passengers were boarding a sailing chartered by Atlantis Events, which was marketed as "the world’s biggest gay festival at sea." However, they were all apprehended during the check-in process when a trained K-9 narcotics dog flagged their bags. 

Miami-Dade County inmate records reveal that the men tried to bring on drugs ranging from MDMA to ketamine, methamphetamine, and GBL, Local 10 reported. 

Some of the quantities were too low for a full-blown investigation by Homeland Security. Instead, they were passed on to Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office deputies. 

As of Monday morning, court records indicate the defendants were in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center near Doral, Florida.

"[The Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office] arrested a total of nine individuals on various drug-related charges," Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Detective Joseph R. Peguero Rivera said in a statement to The Advocate. 

Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis Class cruise ship that entered service in 2018. According to Royal Caribbean's website, she measures 228,081 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of around 5,500 at double occupancy. 

Through April 2026, Symphony of the Seas will offer Caribbean sailings from Miami, Florida. Afterward, she will relocate to Galveston, Texas, where she will remain through at least January 2028. 

Symphony of the Seas is set to return to Miami on Sunday, Feb. 8.

One defendant had "several bags" of pills and liquid

(Pictured: Ryan Medrano. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Joshua Eddy, 41, of West Hollywood, California, was caught with "several bags of several pills and liquid," court records state. The substances tested positive for 19.33 grams of MDMA, 3.45 grams of ketamine, 7.55 grams of meth, and 80 grams of GBL.

He appeared in court on Monday, facing a total of four charges, including three counts of possession of a controlled substance and trafficking MDMA. Judge Christina Miranda set a $7,000 bond. Eddy's arraignment court date is scheduled for April 2, 2026. 

Joshua Jenkins, 39, of Tacoma, Washington, was also arrested on Sunday, Feb. 1, when trying to board Symphony of the Seas. 

(Pictured: Brad Kloha. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

According to Jenkins' court records, his bags were flagged for further screening, which then revealed pills that tested positive for 2.11 grams of meth.

He also appeared in court on Monday with a charge of possession of a controlled substance. Unlike Eddy, however, he was released on his own recognizance.

Moving on, Brad Kloha, 41, of Nashville, Tennessee, was caught with pills that tested positive for 16.3 grams of MDMA and 17.8 grams of ketamine.

(Pictured: Adam Jones. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Court records show that he appeared in bond court on Monday, facing two charges: Possession of a controlled substance and trafficking MDMA. Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Laura Gonzalez-Marques set his bond at $6,000. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers reported finding "a container" with pills in the bag of Adam Jones, 49, of Atlanta, Georgia. The pills eventually tested positive for 22.8 grams of meth. 

The arrest quickly moved from the port to the courtroom, where official records state that Jones appeared on Monday and faced one charge of drug trafficking. His bond was set at $5,000. Along with Eddy, Jones is set to appear for his arraignment on April 2. 

(Pictured: Tamar Wilson. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Hoi Le, 52, of San Francisco, California, had "two clear baggies with suspected narcotics" in his luggage. Court records reveal that the baggies were tested and came back positive for 14.94 grams of meth and 3.2 grams of ketamine. 

He appeared in bond court on Monday and faced two charges: Possession of a controlled substance and trafficking meth. Judge Michelle A. Delancy set his bond at $5,000, and he is scheduled to appear in arraignment court on April 2. 

Ryan D. Medrano, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona; Tamar J. Wilson, 37, of Chicago, Illinois; Daisuke Nakanoh, 40, of Chicago, Illinois; and Ricardo Gabriel Junquera, 39, of Miami, Florida, were also arrested and face similar drug charges, including allegations involving cocaine and GHB, according to court records.

Multiple deaths have occurred during Atlantis Events-chartered cruises that date as far back as 2010

To start, GLAAD board member Spencer Yu died of a heart attack that was allegedly due to drug use while sailing on Mariner of the Seas in 2009, The Advocate reported. 

One year later, a 37-year-old passenger died while on Liberty of the Seas in 2010. Local police issued a statement that said there appeared to be "no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death."

In 2012, a 30-year-old man went overboard from his stateroom balcony. Eight years later, another passenger sailing aboard an Atlantis Events-chartered cruise died after going overboard in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Two years prior, television personality Joel Taylor, 38, died aboard Harmony of the Seas, as shared by PEOPLE. His toxicology report by the Institute of Forensic Sciences of Puerto Rico reported that he had a fatal amount of drugs in his system, including MDMA, Zolpidem, ketamine, and MDA. 

The Advocate confirmed yet another death in January 2022, though Atlantis Events claimed that the death was "nothing out of the ordinary."

Finally, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the death of a passenger in 2024 in a statement to The Advocate, which was later confirmed to be Jonathan Mindrum, 36, of Chicago, Illinois. 

Following his death, Mindrum’s father, Craig, wrote a touching tribute in Newsweek, remembering his son as one of "...the smartest people [he's] ever known."

"[I]t was my son's ability to bring together apparently disparate pieces of knowledge and experience—knit them together and perform a new synthesis—that really set him apart for me," Craig said. 

Experts claim that seniors are the most experienced cruisers, spending more money on longer trips than other age groups. However, they routinely make a huge and potentially costly insurance mistake. 

Squaremouth reports that 95% of seniors (those 65 and older) cruising in 2026 are repeat sailors, often booking voyages of two weeks or longer with an average spend of nearly $7,000. 

Despite their extensive experience at sea, many senior cruisers — a staggering 76% — miss out on important travel insurance protections by assuming their Medicare coverage extends abroad. In reality, most traditional health insurance plans don't provide coverage outside of the United States. 

Not only that, but many seniors who do purchase travel insurance policies still end up underprotected. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that medical evacuations can cost upward of $250,000. Yet, 35% of seniors buy less than $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, while 32% purchase less than $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. 

For example, Royal Caribbean's standard travel insurance policy only includes up to $25,000 in Emergency Accident Medical coverage and $50,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage. 

As a result, roughly one-third of senior cruisers are underinsured while at sea. That means that, even if you think your insurance policy will help during unexpected emergencies, you could still be left paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket, depending on the final costs. 

Beyond underinsuring, here are two other mistakes senior cruisers make when it comes to travel insurance. 

Waiting too long to buy travel insurance

Seniors commonly have pre-existing health conditions compared to other age groups, such as heart issues or diabetes. As such, they're at a greater risk of complications while traveling, highlighting the need for added protections like Cancel for Any Reason and Trip Interruption for Any Reason. 

However, if you don't purchase a travel insurance policy within a certain window, you could be out of luck. Many seniors aren't eligible for these important protections because policies often must be bought within 14 to 21 days of making your initial cruise deposit. 

Consequently, waiting too long to purchase travel insurance could greatly reduce or eliminate all flexibility to cancel or interrupt your trip for (nearly) any reason. 

Skipping out on key cancellation coverage

Cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, offer their own travel insurance policies that you can purchase when you book your cruise. However, according to Squaremouth, they have poor cancellation terms and only provide future cruise vouchers, rather than cash refunds. 

If you don't have any non-refundable trip expenses or have credit card coverage, you should always add Trip Cancellation coverage. Unfortunately, 23% of seniors don't think this is necessary. 

With Trip Cancellation coverage, you are protected against costly pitfalls.

Read more: Her $13,000 infirmary bill was higher than the cruise itself: Why one cruiser regrets not buying travel insurance

How old is too old to go on a cruise?

Research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) indicates that Baby Boomers are the wealthiest generation in history — and they love to travel!

Seniors have the time to get away and travel because they are retired. However, as previously mentioned, they also face a greater risk of complications while traveling due to underlying health conditions that are common as one ages. 

While cruise lines don't enforce a maximum age limit for their passengers, seniors must take extra precautions before hitting the high seas to ensure that they can have a safe, fun vacation. 

These measures include consulting with their primary doctor and ensuring that they purchase not just adequate but robust travel insurance that provides a safety net for emergencies and mishaps.

Additionally, seniors with mobility issues should plan ahead and reserve an accessible stateroom, as they're limited compared to the number of standard cabins available. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas has 41 accessible rooms, while Vision of the Seas, one of its oldest and smallest ships, has just 14.

These wheelchair-friendly staterooms feature wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered surfaces, and more.

Read more: How old is too old to go on a cruise? What an expert recommends

Just like the first two ground-breaking vessels, Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship will have its own Chief Dog Officer. 

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared that the newest puppy was recently born.

"Breaking News ! A Legend has been born and she is as cute as cute can be ! Mmmmm now if only we had a name for this little cutey and future Chief Dog Officer of the new ICON class Legend of the Seas," Bayley wrote on Facebook. 

Icon of the Seas was the first ship to feature a full-time Chief Dog Officer. Even before moving on board, Rover captured the hearts of thousands online. 

Star of the Seas followed the same "paw" prints, with Sailor joining the crew on the second Icon Class ship in 2025. Now, cruise fans eagerly awaiting Legend of the Seas' launch have something else to look forward to. 

Rover didn't join Icon of the Seas until she was six months old. The unnamed puppy will likely follow a similar time frame, giving Royal Caribbean time to properly train her and help her develop sea legs.

If this is true, the newest Chief Dog Officer won't join Legend of the Seas until at least August 2026, after the vessel's maiden voyages in July. That said, this remains speculation, as Royal Caribbean has not confirmed an official timeline or date.

Cruise fans share their name ideas on social media

Bayley's comment section was flooded with name ideas for the adorable new pup. Within hours, the post had over 400 comments with cruise fans weighing in on what Royal Caribbean executives should name the soon-to-be Chief Dog Officer. 

Brie Marie Becker suggested Siren because, "...she’s a captivating legend who will be traveling the seas."

"'NOCI' Icon spelt backwards. Pronounced 'Gnocchi' like the Italian potato dumplings," commented Barbara Bamford.

Debbie Debra Patton Evans added, "Bonnie...as in the song, my Bonnie lies over the ocean....my Bonnie lies over the sea...."

"How about Coco?! Could be after the style legend Coco Chanel or after the island Coco Cay!" wrote Rhonda LaPlace Thompson.

Other ideas include:

• Legend
• Destiny
• Anchor
• Gilligan
• Maisy
• Ranger
• Pearl
• Norway

Legend of the Seas will enter service earlier than expected 

Legend's construction has moved along more quickly than anticipated. As such, passengers booked on the first sailing in July were informed that the inaugural cruise was moved up to July 4, 2026. 

"We simply cannot wait to show off The Next Icon of Vacations – Legend of the Seas, that we have now added one (1) extra sailing, a 7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise on 4 July 2026, that will be the inaugural sailing to kick off the celebrations for our inaugural season!" the email reads. 

The maiden season for the new Icon Class ship will commence in Europe — a first for this class of mega-ships. Then, Legend will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before returning to Europe for a seasonal stint in 2027. 

During its European season, Legend will call on bucket-list destinations including Naples, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; and La Spezia, Italy — all while being an Instagram-worthy destination herself. 

The Alaska cruise season lasts just a few months between May and September, but is there a best time to book that cruise?

Some cruisers prefer the warmest temperatures of July and August, while others will tell you early or late gets you the cheapest prices.  And yet, rain, mosquitos, and crowds can diminish the benefit of each month.

Our team has collectively sailed to Alaska dozens of times, and we've found there is a good argument for each month that depend on your priorities.

Each month has an advantage, but the ideal month to pick has to balance what you want the most versus the downsides.

Here's what you should know about the best month to cruise Alaska for you.

The best month for an Alaskan cruise depends on what you want the most

The perfect month for an Alaska cruise is really based on what factors are the most important to you.

It's a myth there is one single month that is universally the best month for an Alaska cruise.

Instead, you have to prioritize what's important to you.

Next, let's look at what each month offers as a good reason to sail then.

Lower prices if you sail in the shoulder season

Royal Caribbean calls the early and late months the shoulder season, because they have less demand than the peak of a season and act like a shoulder to building or lessening demand.

By far the cheapest Alaska cruises are almost always found in May, early June, and September. You could save hundreds or thousands of dollars if you take a cruise then instead of July.

These months are cheapest because it's when school is in session and families cannot go on a cruise vacation yet. That also means less crowds in the ports you're visiting.

However, these months are also the coldest months of the season in Alaska because they are at the very start or end of Alaska's short summer.

Another advantage of going in May or early June is it tends to be driest month. Regardless of any other factor, no one likes getting rained on during their day out and about.

What is the best month for seeing animals?

If your goal is to go whale watching, see sea lions, bears, & birds, then certain months are going to be better than others.

To be clear, you'll see plenty of animals around any month. Bald Eagles are particularly prevalent throughout the season.

But bear season differs from moose, humpback whale season, and salmon season has a late start.

The peak of bear-watching is late June or early July. 

There are multiple types of salmon, each with their own best time.  The most popular time is when the salmon swim upstream.  King salmon runs start in late May and the season runs through September.

June and July is when the humpback whales migrate through Alaska's Inside Passage.

The warmest months in Alaska

If enjoying the best temperatures is important to you, then I would pick late June through mid August.

Alaska weather is anything but predictable, but we typically see a significant warming trend right around July. Mid to late June is when we start to see temperatures climb, and July is the peak of summer when you t-shirts (and even shorts) are "in bloom".

The hotter temperatures continue into August and start to slide off by the time you get through the middle of the month.

However, the downside to a July or August Alaska cruise is you'll pay much more and contend with the worst crowds of the season.

A cruise in July to Alaska can see prices start at $1,000 per person for a 7-night sailing in an inside room. 

For example, Anthem of the Seas has a 7-night cruise from Seattle to Alaska, and an inside room is $1,350 per person, but a balcony room is $2,101 per person.

Since school is out of session, you'll find more families and kids. That means bigger crowds when you're ashore and more people touring.

What cruisers say is the best time to go on Alaska cruise

When the question of the best time of year was asked on Facebook, over 70 responses were shared from people that have gone there. Here's what they said.

The month with the most votes was August, which dominated the results. It had more than July and September combined. 

Moreover, July and August together received the most overwhelming majority of “favorite” responses.

The people that voted for May and June cited solid niche appeal, for being able to see snow, enjoy quieter ports, and take advantage of shoulder season value.

September shows strong support from travelers who like fewer crowds and fall colors.

The worst months to cruise to Alaska

There are downsides to any month to cruise to Alaska, but the end of the season is generally considered the least favorable time to go.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises in September (and sometimes into October), but this is when you'll encounter colder temperatures and more rain.

Cruising to Alaska in September sees some of the highest precipitation all year, although there’s a higher chance of nicer weather during the first half of the month. Temperatures average in the mid-50s and lows in the low-40s. 

October is perhaps the worst month to cruise to Alaska. Not only is October the rainiest month, but days are far shorter than during the summer, and the average high is under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite the colder temperatures and rain, I'd be willing to bet you'll find amazing Alaska cruise deals if you wait and sail in September.

If you're feeling lucky, I've seen the most last-minute deals for cruises in September than any other Alaska cruise month.

Month-by-month guide to Alaska

This table illustrates quickly the advantages of each month to cruise to Alaska.

I tried Silversea for the first time last year and it changed my perspective of cruising, but when I go again, I've already come up with some changes for the second round.

I went on Silver Dawn in summer 2025 to try out Royal Caribbean's luxury cruise line sister brand, and it was not at all what I expected. Having done Celebrity Cruises, I thought it would be more of the same, but I was very wrong.

The core cruise experience is still the same, but so much of what you experience onboard and ashore impressed and surprised me.

Thanks to Royal Caribbean Group's new Points Choice offering, I was reflecting on the amazing 7-night Norwegian fjords cruise. Maybe it's just how my mind works, but I look at past cruises for opportunities to make the next one better.

I came up with seven things I'd change when I try Silversea again.

I want to try their newest ships

Silver Dawn wasn't an old ship by any means, but I really want to prioritize their newest ship to see how that stacks up.

Silversea's newest ship class are the Nova Class, and there are two ships: Silver Ray and Silver Nova.  Like Royal Caribbean, new ships tend to represent the latest and greatest features.

While Silversea doesn't have a waterpark, rock wall, or carousel, it does lean into experiences a lot more.  I'm curious what the very best this luxury line has to offer is like, and how it compares to a slightly older ship.

Now that I think about it, down the line I'd like to try an older ship too to see what that's like. But a new ship is high on my must-do list.

I need to preplan with my butler better

If there's one area of my first Silversea cruise that missed the mark, it was my interactions with my butler.

I had a great butler, but I didn't think I took advantage of what they offered as much as I should have.  And in retrospect, I think that's because I didn't communicate in advance as much as I should have.

My butler did a good job at guessing my needs sometimes, but next time I'd try coordinating times and then committing to them better.

I regret not having dinner in my suite at least once, just to experience it.  I think picking a port day (instead of a sea day) would be best so I could come back from a tour and not have to worry about getting dressed up for dinner.

I know it sounds silly, but the fact the genie will draw a bath for you was much better than I expected. Bubbles, music, and a glass of wine was the perfect way to relax after a long day of touring.

The thing is I need to start my day with times and ideas for what to plan for so the butler can have it ready for me later. 

I'd rethink my dinner plans

I ate great on my first Silversea cruise, but it became clear I misjudged the culinary offerings after a couple of nights.

I ended up loving Atlantide, which is similar in nature to the Main Dining Room.  It had so many fantastic choices that really jived with the sort of food I typically order.

In fact, the complimentary dining was outstanding. I made a point to hit up La Terrazza for their morning and lunch buffets because the quality and selections were terrific.

Another lesson learned was you really need to pre-book specialty dining to get a good time.  La Dame and Silver Note were fabulous, but I had to shoehorn them in because I took too long to book it.

I think I went in assuming reservations wouldn't be as critical as Royal Caribbean, but I was wrong on that.

Speaking of Silver Note, I thought I would have made it back there for a drink at the bar to enjoy the jazz but never did.  I need to remedy that the next time around. I love a good drink coupled with live music, and the entertainment at Silver Note was really good.

I want to try the cooking class again

I tried the S.A.L.T. cooking class on Silver Dawn, and even though I clearly have terrible cooking presentation skills, I'd love to try it again.

The idea behind the S.A.L.T. Lab is you get to cook a dish inspired by the cuisine of the region you're visiting.  All of the ingredients and supplies you need are prepared for you.  Heck, they even clean up after you!

To be fair, berry compote isn't easy to prepare or serve because there's a fine line between burning it and then keeping it all together so it's not falling apart. Nonetheless, I thought it was a lot of fun.

I thought it was such a different idea and something you'd never find on Royal Caribbean. While I have no aspirations to be a cook or teach myself how to make these dishes at home, I think it's just a fun thing to try.

I'd plan to go to more activities

Just like other cruise lines, there are a good assortment of activities around the ship.  In fact, I probably I didn't try as many as I should have on my first cruise.

Trivia is by far the most popular activity on Silversea. There's a progressive nature to it, and I'd love to give it a try on day one so I can get in on the fun. Plus, it's a great way to meet other passengers.

Because a Silversea ship is relatively smaller than any Royal Caribbean ship (just a few hundred passengers), it's much easier to meet other passengers, especially at bars or during events.

I got to chat to a few people around the ship, but I think going to activities helps that cause too.

If I have a cruising fault, it's I fall into the same routine and I need to force myself to get out there and try new things.  Next time on Silversea I intend to do that!

Arts Café is the best place for work

The coffee shop on Silversea is probably the best spot I've found on any ship to get work done while staying properly caffeinated.

I used to think Celebrity Cruises' Café al Bacio was the gold standard, but I think Arts Café has it beat.

The service is great at both, but the staff at Arts Café knew my coffee order very quickly and kept the refills coming. 

Since any cruise I go on is a "work trip", finding good places to work is important.  My cabin works fine, but the chairs aren't as conducive for long periods of sitting and typing.  I try to find chairs and tables with a good height so I'm not leaning over the keyboard too much.

Plus, the views inside and outside at Arts Café were fantastic.  When the weather cooperates, a scenic view to go along with my iced coffee is all I need.

More pool time

To be fair, we were in Norway and the weather wasn't always great for hanging out at the pool. Nonetheless, I wish I spent more time there.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, there's no crowds on the pool deck and I wish I had spent more time there just laying out and enjoying being outdoors more than I did.

On one particularly warm day, I was in the pool and hot tub and it was great. The pool was heated, and it felt great to hang on the edge and close my eyes.

Next time, I'd like to visit the pool more than just once.

I've stayed in different Royal Caribbean suites, and I think anyone trying one for the first time should take advantage of a few important tips.

Suite cabins aren't cheap, but they are impressive in how spacious they are and how many extra perks you get.

Most recently I stayed in an Infinite Grand Suite on Star of the Seas and I focused more on the perks Royal Caribbean offers to its suite guests.  These benefits are both an incentive to book and a reward for spending more on a more expensive room.

None of the suite benefits will make a suite a good value, but that doesn't mean you can't maximize what's included. By utilizing these extras, it certainly makes enjoying the suite go well beyond the room itself.

My week on Star of the Seas was fantastic, but I've found there's a bit of a learning curve to how to get the most out of a suite. Here's what I think first-timers staying in a suite should know.

Reach out to the concierge before the cruise

You should get an email from the suite concierge about a week or so before your cruise (usually 3-5 days prior), and this is a tremendous resource.

This is your open invitation to email them any pre-cruise requests you may have, such as dining.

Since you can now book specialty restaurants when pre-purchasing a dining package, the suite concierge is useful for handling Coastal Kitchen reservations.

If you're in a Sky Class or higher, you're able to dine at Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Reservations are especially important for dinner.

If you're wondering if you can rely just on Coastal Kitchen instead of specialty restaurants, I think most nights you definitely can. Just like the Main Dining Room, the menu rotates at Coastal Kitchen.  Some menus might be more appealing than others.

You could easily alternate between Coastal Kitchen and the Main Dining Room depending on which menu is more appealing.  But don't overlook Coastal Kitchen as one of the best suite amenities.

Speaking of the concierge, any questions or problems you have should be directed to them.  Don't bother going to Guest Services when you have access to them.

Go to the Suite Lounge or Sun Deck as soon as you board

The moment you step aboard your ship, you have access to suite amenities, including the suite areas of the ship.

I'd recommend heading up to the Suite Lounge and/or Suite Sun Deck to start enjoying these venues. Both area areas just for passengers booked in a suite.

I especially love the Suite Sun Deck on the Icon Class ships or Utopia and Wonder of the Seas. They're large, have lots of seating in the shade and out in the sun, and have a bar nearby.

Plus, going to the suite-only areas means a less crowed start to the cruise. Because they're exclusive, it's an enclave you should get to know quickly. 

I've noticed the suite areas are less crowded on the first day or two because other suite guests haven't discovered them yet.

Plan around happy hour

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Suite Lounge, and you'll want to hang out there in the evening.

The Suite Lounge hosts a happy hour in the evening, usually between 5-8pm (hours vary slightly depending on the ship), where there are hors d'oeuvres and complimentary drinks served.

While free drinks are a good enough reason to come, I think it can be a fun social experience too.

You'll find a lot of other suite guests in the lounge chatting and hanging out.  It can be a good opportunity to meet people and maybe make a new friend.

Regardless of the other passengers there, the bartenders in the Suite Lounge are fun and usually bring a lot of energy and personality. In my experience, bartenders that work in the Suite Lounge usually get promoted to work there because they've demonstrated a great connection with guests.

Look for reserved seating at shows

Whether at the Aquatheater, Royal Theater, or Studio B, there is a special section of seating for suite guests.

You'll still need to make a show reservation ahead of time, but the reserved seating ensures you have seats available if a lot of other people who made reservations rush in first.

The reserved seating may not be in an optimal spot, but I've found it to be a good backup seating option if you cannot find seats together elsewhere in the theater.

Room service is included

If there's one suite benefit I forget about the most, it's the complimentary room service.

Royal Caribbean waives the $7.95 fee that usually comes with room service, so I'd recommend ordering as much or little as you like.

Start off your morning with breakfast on your balcony, have a mid-afternoon snack brought, and maybe order dinner in if you had a long day in port.

Not only can suite guests order room service, they can order off the Main Dining Room menu too.  As long as the Main Dining Room is open when you place the order, you can alternatively order off their menu.

This is a great way to full take advantage of your big suite and have a full meal in your room.

Skip the disembarkation line on the last day

One of my favorite suite perks of all time is the escort off the ship on the final morning.

Suites include priority embarkation and disembarkation, but the walk off the last morning has saved me so much of my own sanity over the years.

There can be a long line to disembark the ship, especially if you want to walk off the ship later in the morning.  

Speak to the Suite Concierge ahead of time, and they'll tell you where and when to go so they can meet you and bypass the entire line and give you a cut right to the front.  It feels almost wrong, but it's included as a benefit so enjoy it!

Tips for suites by ship

I wanted to add a bonus section for secrets and tricks that depend on which ship you're sailing on, because the amenities vary by ship.

On Icon Class ships, the Suite Lounge has a view of the Aquatheater. You can not only watch a show if you're there for dinner on select evenings, but see the cast rehearsing.

The three big ship classes have complimentary beer, wine, water, and soft drinks in the Suite Lounge from 11 AM to 11 PM, which means you can go up there and grab something and be on your way.

Admittedly, the suite perks on a smaller, older ship aren't as robust as the ones on Icon, Quantum, or Oasis Class ships. Nonetheless, a suite is still a great room choice.

While you don't have Coastal Kitchen or a suite sun deck nearly as impressive as the big ships, I think the Suite Lounge is really nice on the smaller ships.  In fact, the Radiance Class lounges have the best bar set up.

Plus, many of the smaller ships have a Suite Lounge with both indoor and outdoor space.

Be sure to take advantage of the reserved pool seating areas for suite guests (look for the gold colored loungers). 

Unfortunately, there's no included Voom packages on smaller ships, so you'll want to pre-book internet access to take advantage of better pricing.

The pier at CocoCay sustained damage over the weekend, causing at least one ship to be diverted to another port of call at the last minute. 

Passengers were informed of the itinerary change aboard Freedom of the Seas after they embarked on Monday, February 2. 

Rather than calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay on Tuesday as planned, guests were told that they'd now enjoy a sea day before heading to Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday. 

"As the Captain announced earlier, due to this past weekend's winter storm, which included strong winds and heavy seas at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, catwalks fell into the sea on the eastern side of the pier," read a letter delivered to current cruisers. 

(Credit: Sara Lynn/Facebook)

Continuing on, "Unfortunately, divers have not been able to locate all of them, which prevents us from safely docking the ship at Perfect Day at CocoCay. After exploring and exhausting all other alternatives, we'll skip our visit. We'll now enjoy a sea day tomorrow and visit Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM." 

There's no change to Freedom's scheduled visit to the Bahamian capital of Nassau on Friday. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The private island has won numerous awards and features something for every traveler, from thrill seekers to relaxation-focused cruisers. As such, it's a major selling point on Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries.

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 6:20 p.m. EST on Feb. 3)

Cruise Mapper further confirms the change, showing the Freedom Class ship sailing past Cuba en route to the Dominican Republic.

At the time of publication, Royal Caribbean has not yet publicly commented on the extent of the damage to the pier or how long repairs are expected to take. This means that it's unclear how many future sailings to the private island will be impacted.

Celebrity Reflection is also skipping CocoCay

According to one Facebook user, Celebrity Reflection is skipping its scheduled visit to CocoCay on Feb. 4. Instead, it will be calling at Freeport, Bahamas. 

However, Utopia of the Seas' visit remains unchanged, revealing that the issue appears to be isolated to one side of the pier, rather than impacting the entire dock. 

Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay was also damaged 

According to a letter dated February 2, 2026, the pier at Great Stirrup Cay, which just recently opened, is unsafe to dock at due to damage sustained over the weekend. While passengers can still visit the private island, they will be tendered ashore — weather permitting. 

"We’re reaching out with an update ahead of your visit to Great Stirrup Cay, our private island in The Bahamas. Following the winter storms that moved through the region this weekend, the island’s pier and pool will be temporarily unavailable as our teams work to bring them back online later this week," the letter reads. 

Because tendering is dependent on the weather and sea conditions, it may be likely that some guests will end up missing their visit to Great Stirrup Cay, as was the case for guests sailing aboard Norwegian Prima earlier this week. 

"[W]e were supposed to dock but needed to tender due to damage to the pier from the storm, oh and the pool is closed.. Now, tendering [can't'] happen due to the swells," shared a guest on Facebook. 

NCL Prima was supposed to visit the island on Tuesday, February 2, according to Cruise Mapper. 

Read more: Cruise line spends $150 million to make its private island even better

Winter Storm Gianna wreaked havoc on the cruise industry over the weekend

Strong winds and rough waves from an unusual winter storm forced multiple Royal Caribbean Group ships to cancel every port of call on their itineraries over the weekend. 

Wonder of the Seas was supposed to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, but ended up sailing to nowhere. Similarly, Celebrity Reflection's visit to Key West, Florida, was canceled. 

Utopia of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas also had their itineraries altered, though less dramatically, along with vessels from competitors, including Carnival Sunshine, Norwegian Getaway, and Disney Wish. 

Read more: Winter storm forces two ships to sail "cruise to nowhere"

Winter Storm Gianna brought freezing temperatures, extreme winds, and record-breaking snowfall to the East Coast. The historic nor'easter slammed North Carolina particularly hard. 

FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel claimed the storm rivaled some of the most intense he's experienced during his 30-plus-year career covering extreme weather, FOX News reported.

Inland, Charlotte saw the largest snowfall in over 20 years, with 11 inches falling. That total ties for the fourth-largest one-day snowfall on record in the Queen City. Additionally, many surrounding areas, including Kannapolis, China Grove, and Concord, saw over one foot of snow. 

Many people plan cruises to visit new destinations. However, did you know that you don't have to get off the ship in port?

Even short weekend voyages visit dreamy places like Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is definitely better than your average office workday. But if you stay on board, you can skip the usual crowds and enjoy the ship's amenities in peace. 

In fact, staying on board during port days is becoming more and more common, especially on massive ships like Icon and Star of the Seas, where the ship is a destination in and of itself.

Still, the majority of passengers are likely to disembark to explore the port of call, even if just to lie on the beach for a few hours. 

As such, the ship's amenities — including the pools, water slides, surfing simulator, and more — can be enjoyed without battling crowds or long sea day lines. 

Here are six reasons why savvy travelers choose to remain on board when their cruise ship stops at a port of call. 

Forces you to slow down and relax

If you're like me, you might want to cross everything (and more) off your to-do list. Sometimes, however, that isn't possible without wearing yourself down. 

On port-intensive itineraries and larger vessels, it's easy to cram your schedule full of activities, from all-day shore excursions to evening production shows and more. 

If you do not intentionally set aside time to rest, it's easy to quickly burn out, especially if you're sailing somewhere warm like the Caribbean or Mediterranean. 

By skipping one port and staying on board, you are giving yourself permission to slow down and recharge. You don't have to worry about waking up early to catch your departing tour or claim a pool chair. 

Instead, you can sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and spend the day catching up on your TBR ("to be read") list — or however else you best unwind. 

Fewer lines

Another benefit to staying on board is that, since there are fewer people on the ship, lines are shorter. This means that you won't have to wait as long to try out the FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, water slides, and more. 

Shorter lines aren’t just for fun activities, either. Guest Services, for example, tends to be quieter, which makes port days an ideal time to address any issues you've had during your cruise. 

It's also easier to get in and out of the buffet, browsing the seemingly endless assortment of food without navigating other hungry passengers. With fewer people around, finding a table, preferably with a view, is less time-consuming, too. 

Plenty of poolside lounge chairs

A similar perk is that you don't have to fight for a prime pool chair. On sea days, it's common (though frowned upon) for passengers to reserve lounge chairs when they aren't actively using them. 

This is common on warm-weather itineraries when everyone flocks to the top decks to take advantage of the pool. 

On port days, the pool deck is quieter and more laid-back. As such, you will find that it is easier to grab a pool chair, flag down a server, and soak up the sunshine — all without having to wake up at the crack of dawn. 

Potential spa discounts

Getting pampered at the spa is one of the best ways to relax on vacation. Cruise ship spas, however, aren't known for being affordable. In fact, you can likely reserve a massage or facial for far less at home than at sea. 

One way to save money on your luxurious spa day is to book a treatment on a port day. Usually, cruise lines will incentivize guests to stay on the ship and spend money by offering discounts on spa services. 

The best way to check is to visit the spa on embarkation day. If they don't have any available offers, don't be afraid to periodically check in throughout your sailing. Discounts may appear in the daily Cruise Planner schedule, too. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices

You can use your drink and Wi-Fi packages

While Royal Caribbean's fare is pretty inclusive compared to land vacations to destinations like Walt Disney World or New York City, certain things come with an extra cost — most notably alcoholic beverages and internet. 

Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is one of the most popular cruise add-ons. By purchasing the package, you receive unlimited drinks per day for one set price, typically anywhere from $56 to $115 per day. 

The VOOM SURF + STREAM Internet Package gives cruisers access to some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds at sea. You can browse the web, stream your favorite shows, FaceTime, and more. 

However, unless you're visiting Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, these packages are useless while ashore. If, for example, you are in Nassau or St. Thomas, all drinks purchased ashore will cost extra — in addition to what you paid for the beverage package. 

By staying on the ship, you can maximize the value of these add-ons.

You don't have to buy pricey excursions

Staying on board also means you can save money by skipping pricey tours. With proper planning, you can easily plan an affordable day ashore, either by sticking to "free" activities (like the beach at CocoCay) or exploring ports independently.

However, even small taxi fares can quickly add up, especially once you factor in the other purchases, such as beach chairs, food, etc. 

By staying on the cruise ship, you avoid the temptation to overspend and take advantage of everything that you've already paid for. As such, it's a surprisingly smart way to keep overall cruise costs in check without sacrificing fun. 

Read more: Guide to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion

You love to cruise, but you're taking a first-timer with you, so how do you prevent going overboard with cruise overload?

As someone that's cruised a lot, I love to share this fun with friends and family. Often, we'll invite people that we know to cruise with us, and it's either their first time or it's been many years since their last trip.

It's easy to start bombarding them with everything you think they need to know, along with dozens of questions about how to approach dining, port days, and everything inbetween.

The problem is if you go too deep, you risk turning them off to the entire trip. They might look at a cruise as a logistical obstacle course instead of a fun escape.

I think the important thing is to focus on the big picture, so here are my recommendations not to overwhelm a first time cruiser.

You don't have to figure everything out immediately

After you all booked the cruise, don't feel like you need to plan everything out immediately.

You're excited, they're excited, but cruise planning as a group is kind of like dating. You don't want to come on too strong with everything you want to know and do.

My recommendation is to start off the process by getting them booked on the cruise and assist with picking the right cabin, dining time choices, and the basics.

Unless you convinced them to book a last-minute cruise, you'll have months to get to the rest.  

Sure, planning early is the best approach, but let them enjoy the "I just booked a cruise" feeling before breaking out the planning spreadsheet.

Plan dinners, but leave the other meals open

I think dinner is the most important aspect of any group cruise because it's a single time for everyone to meet up and share in their daily activities.

What you don't want to do is plan out your day like a military operation.

You should leave a certain amount of organic discovery to every day. Let them explore and enjoy things as you once did.  

Certainly if they text you to meet up for breakfast or lunch, go for it. But you don't need to plan for it if they'd prefer to sleep in or do their own thing.

Explain the cruise rhythm, not every activity

You can't wait to show them all the fun stuff to do, but you don't want to hit them with a Wikipedia lengthy explanation.

New cruisers usually have certain misconceptions about what a cruise is like, and they'll probably ask you if they'll be bored, feel trapped, or one of the other tropes.

Start off with giving first-timers an overview of how a cruise day flows, such as the mornings, afternoons, and evening.

It's hard to convey how open-ended a cruise is, because you could do a ton of activities one day but nap and sleep off the next day. So I think it's better they understand that the daily rhythm matters more than knowing the schedule.

Shore excursions: suggest, don't assign

Probably the first pre-cruise booking I'd look into are shore excursion plans.

The destinations a cruise ship visits is among the top reasons anyone books a cruise, so it's a logical starting point for planning.

Let them do some research and you do your own, and come back with 1-2 solid options per port instead of a laundry list of ideas. If you've been to the ports of call, then you can offer a suggestion to guide them.

The last thing you want to do is pick it all without taking into account what they're interested in doing. This is especially true in a port like Cozumel, where you could visit the beach, Mayan ruins, shop, or see a museum.

Set expectations about costs early

I think a cruise is a great value, but there are some upfront costs that you don't want to scare them with.

There are probably three big surprises to anyone's vacation budget after you book the cruise

• Drinks
• Internet
• Gratuities

The fact there's no free WiFi is usually a big surprise to newbies because they're used to ubiquitous internet access on land, especially at hotels.

They don't have to buy an internet package, but they should understand it'll cost money and be cheaper to prebook.

The other big cost that can add up quickly are drinks. Some drinks are included, but most cost extra. 

Drink packages are a convenient budget tool, but they have sticker shock.  A drink package for two people on a 7-night cruise can easily cost over $1,000.

I think clarity upfront prevents awkward conversations later.

Give them one "must-do" per day

Another trick to avoiding falling into the trap of overplanning your day is to highlight a single activity and leave the rest to chance.

On port days, this is easy. Pick a shore excursion, tour, or activity you'll do and make that the primary focus.

But on sea days, choose one activity that should be the group event to highlight.

• A show
• A specialty meal
• A sailaway party

Letting the rest be optional discovery not only allows them to feel like you're not dictating what you'll do, but gives them the chance for relaxation or their own contributions to what you've planned.

Resist the urge to make them cruise like you

My last recommendation is my most important: they don't need do what you do on a ship to have a good time. There's a difference between a great cruise and your cruise, and they're not mutually exclusive.

I think first-timers need space to form their own opinions. You can certainly guide them and offer recommendations, but they're not your kids that you're bringing along.

When I've brought a first timer on and showed them the ropes but set them free to have plenty of time to vacation how they like to, it usually results in them feeling in control of their vacation. Plus, they get to lean into the things they prefer.

Having a relaxed approach to planning tends to lead to repeat cruisers. Cruising sells itself when you don’t overmanage it!