Royal Caribbean Blog

I'd estimate I've purchased a Royal Caribbean unlimited drink package at least 30 times, so I've gotten a lot of practice in maximizing it all.

Cruise drink packages are expensive, but they offer a way budget easily for all the beers, cocktails, sodas, and bottled water onboard while adding significant convenience.

I also believe drink packages are among the most popular add-ons people buy for a Royal Caribbean cruise.  Getting the lowest price and getting the most out of them are probably the most common questions I get from our readers.

When you consider buying the Deluxe Beverage Package for two people on a 7-day cruise can easily cost over $1,000, it should come as no surprise how quickly questions of "is it worth it?" pop up.

The key to understanding the value of a drink package is in how you use it, and unfortunately too many people overspend and misuse their beverage packages.

Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make when they buy a Royal Caribbean drink package.

Buying drink packages on the ship

If you wait to buy a drink package until you're on your ship, you're going to significantly overpay.

The absolute highest price for a drink package is when you buy it onboard because the onboard prices start high, and only offer a BOGO discount to help subsidize the second person's cost.

What you should be doing instead is pre-purchasing the drink package before the cruise begins.

No matter when you buy it before the sailing, the cost of a drink package will always be cheaper if you buy it prior to getting onboard. This is because Royal Caribbean runs a lot of pre-cruise sales that deeply discount the cost.

If you're skeptical why the price would be cheaper before you're on the ship, it's because Royal Caribbean executives want you buying things online. Every pre-cruise dollar spent will usually generate 50% more onboard revenue for that customer later.  It's a psychology thing within marketing.

The bottom line is don't wait to buy a drink package on the ship, because it's going to cost you hundreds of dollars more.

Waiting too long for a sale to buy a drink package

Now that you know not to wait to buy a drink package on the ship, you also don't want to wait to lock in a price.

Even though some people know to pre-buy a drink package, they try to time a sale and this results in them spending more than they expected.

If you know you want to get a drink package, go ahead and pre-purchase now at whatever price you see.  The mistake is waiting for a lower sale price later.

The reason this is a mistake is sometimes the price never comes down, and actually goes up.

I've seen a lot of people who read others got a lower price than them, so they wait to buy it.  And then the price never goes down, but actually increases.

You can cancel and re-price anything before the cruise begins.  Buying it now locks in your price, but allows you to take advantage of a price decrease later. You can cancel and rebook drink packages as many times as you like.

Ordering a drink without specifying the liquor

When you order your favorite cocktail on the ship, be sure to tell the bartender which liquor you want with it.

If you order a "martini", you're going to get well liquor.  This is the cheapest and lowest quality vodka available, but your drink package includes much higher shelf options.

What you want to do is ask for name brand liquors with any drink you order.

Most new cruisers are surprised to know their drink package includes brands like Jose Cuervo, Grey Goose, Captain Morgan, or Gentleman Jack.

It's just the super top shelf liquors that aren't included, and the bartender will usually warn you if you're trying to order something not included with a package.

Not taking advantage of all the other drinks you get

If you buy a Refreshment Package or the Deluxe Beverage Package, it's easy to focus just on the mocktails or cocktails, but the best way to make a drink package worth it is to take advantage of other drinks too.

Both of these packages include premium coffees and teas from Cafe Promenade, Pearl Cafe, or Cafe Lattetudes. These are the Starbucks-style drinks that would otherwise cost $5-8 each.

Plus, you can get sodas, Evian bottled water, energy drinks, and milkshakes.

The booze is probably why most people buy the unlimited alcohol package, but there's a lot more that get with it.  Not only can you get these other choices, but it makes it easier to break even on the daily cost.

Sharing drink package benefits with others

It's strictly forbidden to get someone a beverage who doesn't have a drink package with your package benefits.

The drink package benefits are only for the person that bought it, and sharing your drinks with someone else could result in having your drink package cancelled without a refund.

No matter how clever you think you are to cheat the drink package, the cruise line has seen it all before.

Not ordering bottled water with every drink order

My favorite inclusion with a drink package is bottled water, and I'll start stockpiling them in my stateroom for use later.

Even though the rules technically say you can only order one drink at a time with a beverage package, bartenders never seem to mind giving you a bottle of water along with your beer or cocktail.  This is because they want you to stay hydrated and not get sick.

Rather than ordering a bottle of water one at a time, start asking for a bottle with any drink order you make.  Bring those bottles back to your room, so you have them when you're thirsty in the middle of the night or want to take one off the ship for an excursion.

Missing out on the different drink menus around the ship

Did you know the drink menu is different depending on which bar you're at onboard?

While there is a fleetwide menu available on every ship, many specialty restaurants, lounges, and bars have their own special menu that has cocktails and mocktails you won't find anywhere else.

Royal Caribbean has undertaken a special mission of developing fun new drinks that go beyond the clichéd "boat drinks" people expect.

In addition to pina colada or daiquiri, some bars have toasted marshmallow old fashioned, painchiller, tequil-ya zombie, and much more.

Usually these cocktails are included with a drink package at no cost, so try them all!

A drink package includes gratuity, but I tip an extra dollar

It's not a mistake to rely purely on the included gratuity your drink package includes, but I've found you can get better service with a small tip each time you buy a drink.

Whenever I order a drink, I'll give the bartender an extra dollar bill. Why? Because I get better service with it.

This matters when you're at a crowded bar, because bartenders remember who tipped them and that translates to less waiting for a drink.

There's nothing wrong with not adopting my strategy, but I think it's a smart change to make.

My family of four and a group friends took a cruise to Alaska on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, which took us to places like Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Dawes Glacier.

Even though I've taken two other cruises to Alaska, this was my first in over 4 years. Back then, there were still Covid rules in place.

I was far from a novice on this Alaska cruise, as I've not only been there a couple of times before, but also spent plenty of time researching.

Getting back to Alaska, I was far from a novice.  And yet, I was still surprised by a few important things on my cruise and they are lessons I think almost anyone else headed to Alaska would want to know about.

Here are seven things I didn't expect about the overall experience.

The impact of the World Cup made my vacation more expensive.

I booked my Alaska cruise two years ago, but had no idea back then that the World Cup would play a significant role in my travel plans.

It never crossed my mind, but just like trying to cruise from the same city the Super Bowl is hosted in, hotel and airfare prices will skyrocket.

My cruise departed from Vancouver, Canada, which was one of two Canadian cities selected to host the World Cup. The result was when it came time to book flights and hotel rooms, I paid much more than I expected.

I stayed in the Pan Pacific hotel because it's in the same building as the cruise terminal. At $600 per room, per night, it cost me much more than I expected.

It's a good idea to look at what events are happening in the city you're cruising from to see what kind of impact it might have on demand to get there.

Creek Street in Ketchikan is a tourist trap.

I'll say it: I was disappointed how much Ketchikan was a tourist trap, especially Creek Street.

Creek Street is the picturesque street you've likely seen lots of photos that looks like a throwback to gold rush Alaska. 

While it does look as cute in real life, there's not much here that you won't find everywhere else around town (or in other Alaska towns you visit).

I was disappointed this part of Ketchikan didn't have more to it than more of the same souvenirs you'll see elsewhere. To be fair, all the ports in Alaska are kind of like this. Haines remains the most authentic town that I've visited.

My advice is take your photo of Creek Street, but you can avoid the crowds trying to get into every store because there's not much beyond what you'd find elsewhere in town.

I was impressed by how much Alaskan food offered on my ship.

I'm so used to Royal Caribbean's food that almost anything different grabs my attention.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the ship's chef's leaning into Alaska cuisine as much as they did.

The Windjammer buffet had a variety of different dishes from both Alaska and Canada.  While none of it might be the most authentic version you'll ever have, I give them a lot of credit for trying.

There was an "Alaskan breakfast sandwich" every morning, which was the combination of French toast, bacon and eggs.  

My favorite was the Alaskan salmon chowder soup, which was essentially New England Clam chowder, but salmon substituted for the clams. Plus, they even served it in bread bowls on one afternoon!

The bagel station had Alaskan salmon, Alaskan baked fresh cod, and a giant hoagie sandwich. I don't think the sandwich is related to Alaska, but it was different!

There was even a poutine station on one day, which a number of Canadians onboard seemed impressed by.

I was also very happy to see Alaskan Brewing beers offered onboard, which offered a nice alternative to the usual beers you'd find on Royal Caribbean ships.

A lot of stores closed early, regardless of how late ships were in port

Our itinerary had us in port fairly late for most ports, and yet a lot of shops were closed by 5 or 6pm.

The cruise schedule is well-known by shop owners, so I was surprised how many were closed even though our ship was in port until 8 or 9pm.

This isn't like the hardware store in your hometown.  These are towns that literally make all of their revenue off cruise ship passengers during the cruise season.  So you would expect them to maximize every minute considering how short the season is.

In both Juneau and Ketchikan, a lot of places were closed by the time we got to the early evening. That limits shopping and dining opportunities, and it forces our hand to return to the ship earlier.

If I'm being honest, this phenomenon occurs in other ports I've visited around the world where ships stay late. But those are towns and cities that have year-round tourists, whereas Alaska is more limited, and that's why I was surprised.

Prince Rupert is a sleeper hit.

Due to US maritime law, all Royal Caribbean ships make at least one stop in Canada.  It might look like a technical requirement, but I was fairly impressed by Prince Rupert Island.

This is a quaint town, but it's perfect for walking around and enjoying some time outside.  

We lucked out with amazing weather, so it helped greatly that Canada's rainiest city had no rain.

There's a sunken garden that was perfect for a quick stop, a few different breweries, and lots of scenic walks along the water.

Our cruise focused on Alaska, but don't overlook your time in Canada as well.

You don't need a parka, but glacier day will be chilly.

It's easy to look at an Alaska cruise and fall into the trap of thinking you need clothes fit for the arctic.

It's still summer in Alaska, and I think you can ditch the parka or heavy jackets.

I packed three outer layers on my cruise: a fleece jacket, a heavy hoodie sweatshirt, and a light rain jacket. That's it.

I think that's more than sufficient for the outdoors in any of the ports, even with temperatures that barely exceed 60 degrees.

The one day where you might really get cold is on your glacier visit.  For this day, double or triple down on what you brought.

I wore my fleece and hoodie on top of each other and was warm enough to be outside for long periods. A knit hat and gloves really paid off on glacier day.

Buying disposable hand warmers would probably be a good idea. (Affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use)

The reality is I don't think it will be as cold as you might think, and we were in t-shirts more often than even I expected.

Excursions are expensive, but you'll regret not doing more.

Alaska shore excursions are much more expensive than in the Caribbean, but you really should bite the bullet and book them anyway.

While you can easily walk around town on your own without spending extra, the best things to see and do require an organized tour to do properly.

I booked a private wildlife tour in Sitka that absolutely blew me away, with both what we saw and how personal the experience was.

Captain Patrick only takes small groups of 6-8 people out on his boat to the spots he knows there are almost always lots of wildlife.

We saw whales, sea otters, bald eagles, and sea lions, and he explained everything about Alaska along the way.  When we couldn't find humpback whales, he extended the tour at no cost to find them.

For most people, Alaska is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so don't go cheap on the excursions.  Save more for the good ones that will take you to see and do things that are the top of your bucket list.

Normally, I'm one to argue that your pre-cruise hotel doesn't matter so long as it is safe and clean. However, a recent stay at an upscale beachfront hotel in Fort Lauderdale might have changed my mind about future vacations.

Not long ago, I stayed at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Hotel before a short four-night cruise out of Port Everglades. My fiancée and I decided to forgo our usual basic airport hotel and opted for something more luxurious and relaxing since we were celebrating my 27th birthday. 

Our partial ocean-view junior suite came to $503.69 after taxes. However, we booked the stay using my American Express Platinum credit card, so we took advantage of the card's semiannual hotel credit and only paid $203.69 out-of-pocket.

Other benefits included complimentary breakfast, a $100 hotel credit, and, upon arrival, a complimentary upgrade to a massive two-bedroom suite. 

After just one night, I'm convinced this is one of the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port — if you're in the mood to splurge. 

Although I still think basic airport hotels work fine for most pre-cruise stays, our experience at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale definitely made a strong case for why starting your vacation on a high note before embarkation isn't always a bad thing. 

Conrad Hotel Fort Lauderdale Amenities

To start, the property feels more like a resort than your average airport hotel. The lobby is spacious and elegant, while the large pool deck is arguably one of the hotel's best-selling points. 

It stretches out toward the ocean with an open layout that features a bar and grill, lawn games, umbrellas, and plenty of plush seating. I got lost in my current read soon after settling in — though the unpredictable Florida weather soon caused us to scramble inside. 

Other amenities include:

• Fitness center
• Complimentary two-hour daily bike rental
• Free beach setup (two chairs and one umbrella included)
• Morning yoga on the beach
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
• Open-air electric Moke rentals ($)
• Conrad Spa ($)
• Cabana and daybed rentals ($)
• In-room child care ($)
• Valet parking ($60/day)

Dining options

The Conrad Fort Lauderdale has both grab-and-go and full-service dining options available on the property. Whether you want to pick up a quick sandwich to eat by the pool or fuel up with an Italian feast, you are guaranteed to find something that satisfies your cravings. 

During our one-night stay, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at the Spinnaker Pool Grill while we waited for housekeeping to finish preparing our suite. It wasn't anything fancy, but our chicken quesadilla and turkey BLT wrap hit the spot after an early travel morning. 

We also had dinner at Vitolo, the hotel's Italian restaurant, sharing a standard margherita pizza. The service was prompt, and we thought the pizza was pretty solid. 

Finally, we took advantage of the complimentary breakfast and loved the sit-down experience, instead of a crowded buffet with powdered eggs, canned fruit, and nearly stale toast. In fact, we both agreed it was one of the more lavish breakfasts we'd had in a while, complete with a beautiful, chilled fruit platter, crispy potatoes, and a croissant waffle. 

Here's a full list of the on-site dining options at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale: 

• Vitolo
• Takato
• Spinnaker Pool Grill
• The Beach Hut
• Cornucopia Gourmet Market
• In-room dining

Conrad Hilton Fort Lauderdale Room Overview

Our two-bedroom suite was nothing short of impressive — though we certainly wouldn't have paid for it for a one-night stay. Complete with a fully-stocked kitchen, two and a half bathrooms, two bedrooms, a living room, and a large balcony, it was more space than we needed. 

In fact, we ended up turning the second bedroom into our suitcase's designated area. This kept the living room and our bedroom free of clutter. 

Perhaps the most impressive part of the Conrad suite was the primary bathroom. It featured a large walk-in shower, a separate soaking tub, robes, a dual-sink vanity with lots of counter space, and premium toiletries. 

Once the weather cleared up, I returned to the pool for a little more sunshine, while my fiancée opted to stay behind and nap. By the time 4:00 p.m. rolled around, I was surprised that I hadn't gotten an "I'm awake!" text yet, so I went back to the suite to check in and quickly realized that the blackout curtains did their job a little too well. 

Then, we quickly got ready for dinner at the hotel's Italian restaurant before returning to the suite to have a relaxing evening in the living room and watch the soft orange and pink hues in the sky as the sun set. 

Regarding the room's cleanliness and upkeep, some of the furniture felt a little dated, but overall, the suite was very well-maintained for a beach hotel that's been open for nearly a decade. 

We did not notice any stains on the carpet or lingering signs of heavy wear-and-tear, aside from the outdoor balcony, which had been exposed to the elements and needed a good clean. 

Final Thoughts: Is The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach A Good Pre-Cruise Hotel?

Overall, my stay at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach completely changed how I think about pre-cruise hotels. Although it isn't practical to splurge before every voyage, it was a nice reminder that the actual trip can begin before you set foot on board the ship on embarkation day. 

The great resort-style amenities, spacious accommodations, and solid lineup of dining options on-site made it easy to unwind and transition into vacation mode. Whether you want a low-key afternoon by the pool or a relaxing morning on the beach, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of everything the hotel has to offer!

Plus, I loved staying so close to the beach. It made my morning walk so much more enjoyable (before the midday heat set in, of course). 

That said, the hotel isn't the best fit for all cruise travelers. The property, for example, is expensive compared to nearby airport hotels, and there is no dedicated shuttle service to the cruise port or airport, so you will have to rely on rideshares or taxis both to the hotel and the cruise port.

Thankfully, both rides are short. Our Uber from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) took seventeen minutes, while our ride from the hotel to Port Everglades was just fifteen minutes. They weren't expensive, either, with both totaling $38.87, including tips. 

Moving on, the on-site dining options were expensive. For instance, we spent $60 for a chicken quesadilla and a turkey wrap at the pool grill — no drinks included! As such, it would be easy for a larger family to rack up a hefty bill before beginning their cruise. 

Still, if you are willing to pay more for comfort, location, and convenience to start your vacation in style, you can't go wrong with a pre-cruise stay at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale. 

Royal Caribbean has expanded access to one of its most exclusive onboard dining venues. The cruise line is now allowing select suite guests to invite non-suite passengers to dine at Coastal Kitchen for an additional fee.

The cruise line recently introduced a new policy that permits guests staying in Sky Class and Star Class suites to bring friends or family members who are not staying in suites into the exclusive restaurant. Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service Vicki Freed shared details of the new benefit during a travel advisor webinar on June 17, 2026.

According to information shared onboard, Star Class suite guests may invite up to four non-suite guests per meal, while Sky Class guests may invite up to two non-suite guests per meal. Based on the new policy, invited guests must dine together with the suite guest, and access remains subject to restaurant availability.

The new program includes a per-person fee structure depending on the meal being served. For instance, breakfast is priced at $15 per person while lunch costs $20 per person. Dinner for invited guests in Coastal Kitchen will be available for $25 per person.

Children are also eligible under the new policy to dine as non-suite guests in Coastal Kitchen. Royal Caribbean’s pricing indicates that children ages 6 and younger may dine free of charge, while children ages 7 to 12 are charged $15 per meal.

Royal Caribbean notes that all charges will be applied to the onboard account of the inviting suite guest rather than the invited passenger. Additionally, an 18% gratuity and VAT may apply depending on the sailing.

Coastal Kitchen has become one of the signature perks of Royal Caribbean’s suite experience. Exclusively available to qualifying suite guests, the restaurant showcases Mediterranean influences with the fresh flavors of California’s agricultural regions. Royal Caribbean describes the venue as offering everything from Pacific Coast favorites to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, paired with an extensive wine selection featuring vintages from regions such as Napa Valley and Tuscany.

How passengers can request access for non-suite guests

The process for inviting non-suite guests to Coastal Kitchen differs slightly depending on the suite category.

Royal Caribbean organizes its suite accommodations into three categories: Sea Class, Sky Class, and Star Class. Sea Class includes entry-level suites and more limited suite benefits, while Sky Class offers enhanced perks such as access to Coastal Kitchen and suite concierge services.

Finally, Star Class is Royal Caribbean’s highest suite tier and includes additional benefits such as a Royal Genie and complimentary specialty dining throughout the cruise.

To invite non-suite guests to dine at Coastal Kitchen, Royal Caribbean states that Star Class passengers can arrange access through their Royal Genie. This can be done before their sailing or once they're onboard. Requests may also be made through the suite concierge or Coastal Kitchen manager.

Guests staying in Sky Class suites can request access onboard through the suite concierge or directly with the Coastal Kitchen manager.

While reservations have always been required for Coastal Kitchen, availability for invited non-suite guests is limited. As a result, guests hoping to share the experience with friends or family may want to coordinate access as early as possible.

Access to Coastal Kitchen is one of the most popular suite perks

For many suite guests, access to Coastal Kitchen is one of the most valuable benefits included with their cruise fare. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a more intimate setting than the ship’s main dining room. In addition, menus rotate throughout each sailing to highlight seasonal ingredients.

Star Class passengers receive complimentary specialty dining throughout their cruise, along with access to Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Similarly, Sky Class suite passengers enjoy access to Coastal Kitchen for all three meals, while Sea Class passengers receive dinner-only access based on availability.

The restaurant offers a quieter dining experience for passengers with more personalized service. In addition, the menu provides higher-quality dishes and more refined entrees than guests will find in the main dining room.

According to Royal Caribbean’s website, Coastal Kitchen’s breakfast selections often include items such as feta and spinach frittatas, French toast topped with caramelized bananas, and Mediterranean-style plates featuring pan tomàquet, hummus, prosciutto, and Manchego cheese.

Moreover, lunch offerings might include dishes such as a Margherita flatbread topped with Buffalo mozzarella, sun-ripened tomatoes, and fresh basil, along with herb-crusted chicken breast served with roasted squash and Provençal tomatoes.

Dinner is a highlight for many suite passengers and typically features more elevated options. This might include Escargots à la bourguignonne prepared with garlic butter and parsley, roasted veal tenderloin with vin jaune sauce, and desserts such as rosewater panna cotta or fresh seasonal fruit.

Access to Coastal Kitchen is restricted to suite guests, although top-tier Pinnacle Club members may also dine in the restaurant based on availability.

Groupon has a new offer to save on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but buyer beware.

Royal Caribbean is running a gift card promotion on Groupon with 8% savings. Although savings are still possible, the deal’s terms and conditions put strong limitations on when and how the gift cards can be redeemed.

Groupon is currently offering a promotion on $100, $250, and $500 Royal Caribbean gift cards. The coupon site states the gift cards can be used for “cruise fares, onboard purchases, and more,” but Royal Caribbean fans have found conflicting information in the fine print.

We took a closer look at this Royal Caribbean gift card offer to see whether or not the 8% savings are worth the limitations.

The offer will save you 8% on Royal Caribbean gift cards

Royal Caribbean offers gift cards year-round on their website, but purchasing gift cards through Groupon currently yields the following discounts:

• A $100 gift card for $92
• A $250 gift card for $230
• A $500 gift card for $460

Gift cards can be purchased directly through Groupon and redeemed through Royal Caribbean. At the time of publication, no additional taxes and fees were applied at checkout.

The fine print has conflicting information about how to redeem the gift card

Although an 8% savings seems like a great deal, we urge cruisers to read the fine print before purchasing a discounted gift card. Groupon states conflicting information within the offer, making the redemption rules unclear.

In the discount’s description, Groupon states that “gift cards are redeemable towards cruise fares, pre-cruise purchases, and onboard purchases.” In the FAQ section of the offer, Groupon writes that the gift cards can “typically be applied to new or existing cruise bookings.”

The fine print, however, states that the certificate “may be used only as a form of payment toward a new reservation made directly with Royal Caribbean International.”

It also lists the following restrictions:

• Certificate value may only be applied toward the cruise fare for sailings quoted in USD
• Certificate cannot be used toward payment of the required initial deposit
• Certificate may not be split between multiple reservations or be partially redeemed
• Certificate may not be applied to a reservation within a group, charter, or casino program/promotions
• Certificate may not be used to purchase onboard credit or settle shipboard charges

The offer mentions that “gift cards are subject to Royal Caribbean’s standard terms and conditions” and recommends checking the official website for specific redemption policies.

“Read the terms and conditions very closely,” says a cruise travel advisor

Even though Groupon’s description claims this gift card can be used for pre-existing bookings and onboard purchases, we spoke with a travel advisor from MEI-Travel to clear up the confusion.

Jenn Greene has over 15 years of experience as a travel advisor specializing in cruises, and she urges cruisers to proceed with caution before booking this Groupon offer.

“As with any gift card offers,” she explained, “I would be sure to read the terms and conditions very closely. Many are not able to be combined with certain promotions. Once you redeem them you could lose onboard credit, valuable sales or onboard offers. Also, it takes around a week or so for these to be redeemed as you cannot call and have them applied.

If purchased too close to the payment you may have to still pay that balance because they cannot redeem the gift card in time. These are rarely ever for anything but payments towards fare, meaning you cannot take them onboard to redeem,” stated Greene.

She recommends working with a travel advisor to ensure you’re making the right choice before purchasing a gift card through this type of promotion.

For cruisers who typically book through travel advisors, for example, using the gift card could disqualify you from agency group rates. These group rates could offer more savings than the 8% discount from the Groupon gift card.

Overall, the deal can still save you money in select cases

Despite the conflicting terms and conditions, the offer can still be applied to new Royal Caribbean bookings in select circumstances.

If you purchase the $500 gift card for $460 and book a Royal Caribbean cruise directly through the cruise line, you will save $40 on the cruise fare.

Plus, if you have an American Express credit card, you may be able to combine the Groupon offer with an American Express spending offer, enabling you to save even more. Some cardholders report targeted Groupon offers of $10 back on $50 purchases, for example.

Overall, though, despite the advertised 8% savings, cruisers should proceed with caution if they plan to purchase a Royal Caribbean gift card through Groupon. The conflicting information and limitations may make it difficult to redeem the gift card unless you plan to book a new Royal Caribbean cruise in the near future.

Legend of the Seas, the highly anticipated next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship, has officially left the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and will soon enter service.

The 248,663-gross-ton vessel, and third in the Icon Class, sailed away from the shipyard and is on its way to start offering cruises soon.

Before that can happen, Legend needs to go to Spain.  There, the ship will prep before its first sailings begin.

"And she’s off! Legend of the Seas has officially departed from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and is now heading to Cadiz, Spain to get her finishing touches," the cruise line posted in a social media post.

Primary construction of the new ship began in October 2024 when the keel was laid. Then in September 2025, the ship was floated out. This is when the ship touches water for the first time and transitions from a dry dock to a wet dock.

In April 2026, Royal Caribbean held sea trials for Legend in order to ascertain the new ship's sea worthiness.  This is when all of the ship's systems are put to the test.

What's next for Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas is headed to Cadiz, Spain to enter a different shipyard in order to be fully provisioned.

While the new ship has completed construction, it's not ready to welcome passengers yet.  Think of it like a new house: when the builder finishes it, it doesn't mean the house has furniture, artwork, and all the things necessary to live inside.

Some crew members are already onboard, but more will join so that the cruise ship is fully operational.

After leaving the shipyard in Spain, Legend of the Seas will sail to Malaga, Spain, to offer a quick 4-night media preview sailing. This is when travel partners, media, and VIPs will sail on June 29 and visit La Spezia, Italy.

The inaugural voyage will be held on July 4, when paying passengers will board for the first time. Legend will homeport in Rome, Italy and begin a Western Mediterranean summer cruise itinerary.

The ship’s first regular sailing is set to depart on July 4th and is a 7-Night Western Mediterranean itinerary with calls to Provence, France; Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy.

A naming ceremony is likely coming later this year

One detail we still don't know about Legend of the Seas is who the ship's godmother will be, and that detail is likely going to be a few more months away.

Legend of the Seas will sail in the Mediterranean for the summer before heading to Fort Lauderdale this winter.

In November, Legend of the Seas will arrive to start a winter cruising season in the Caribbean. This is when I expect the official naming ceremony to take place, headed up by the ship's godmother.

The new will will rotate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises. Following her five-month stint in Florida, she will once again return to Europe in April 2027.

Whenever a new Royal Caribbean ship debuted in Europe first and then sailed to North America for a winter cruise season, this has been the pattern of waiting to officially name and christen the ship until it arrives closer to Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami.

When Harmony of the Seas started cruising, it debuted in Europe first and then sailed to the United States at which point the naming ceremony was held.

Later this summer, Royal Caribbean will announce who the ship's ceremonial godmother will be and when the naming ceremony will be held.

The event will be held in the ship’s AquaTheater, in the AquaDome neighborhood, which is an enclosed theater that has restaurants nearby at the front of the vessel.

New Icon Class ship with favorites and new features

While Legend of the Seas is the third in the Icon Class, it's not an exact replica of Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean knows well enough to leave what's working well onboard, including so many of the ship's neighborhoods and popular venues.

Legend of the Seas will have the same eight neighborhoods and amenities as the other two ships, but will also introduce a few firsts.

"America's Got Talent LIVE" will be among an array of brand new shows coming to this ship.  This will be an extension of the show many have seen on TV, but this time on a cruise ship.

In addition, there will be a Broadway show, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

Passengers will also be able to enjoy a two-story casino, with one deck being exclusively non-smoking.

Two new restaurants will be added. 

A new immersive classic train restaurant will be added, Silk Routes at Royal Railway – Legend Station.

Diners will feel like they are on a classic train traveling across Asia and tracing Marco Polo's route. Every course will match a different region the train is passing through.

Hollywoodland Supper Club is a new fancy restaurant themed to the golden age of Hollywood.

Music of the 1940s and 1950s will be intertwined with a multi-course meal that is paired with a cocktail with each serving.

Cruise balconies are the most popular type of accommodation on the ship. However, they aren't all created equal, and some are definitely worse than others.

Certain balcony cabins, for example, have obstructed views. This means rather than looking out over the open ocean, your view may be partially blocked by lifeboats or bulky support structures. 

One time, I booked a Junior Suite on a cruise without doing much research, assuming that because it was a "suite," it would be located in a prime spot with a spacious balcony — I couldn't have been more wrong. 

The Junior Suite was located all the way forward and next to a public observation deck. This meant that if any other cruisers walked out over the bridge wings, they could peer directly at my balcony.

There are other kinds of balconies that you might not enjoy, either, such as interior-facing rooms on Oasis and Icon Class ships, along with the controversial infinite verandas that lack private outdoor space. 

Knowing that not all Royal Caribbean cruise balconies are created equally, here's how to avoid the wrong ones when booking your next vacation. 

Be wary of booking top-deck balcony cabins.

I try to avoid cabins underneath the pool deck, especially when sailing somewhere tropical and warm, because they're just so dang noisy. No, you likely won't hear people thumping above you or crew members dragging lounge chairs early in the morning. However, if you want to actually enjoy your balcony, the nearby pool deck can be frustrating. 

On one cruise, I was staying in a balcony on Deck 18, and the main pool deck was on the same level. There was one afternoon when I wanted to lounge on the veranda (it wasn't cheap, after all!) but realized that the sound of the nearby music and passengers made it seem like I was just steps from the action. 

Now, I automatically rule out balcony staterooms on higher floors, as I don't want to suffer from the loud noise levels that come with being so close to one of the ship's busiest areas. 

Interior-facing balcony rooms lack privacy.

Neighborhood balconies are cabins that face inwards towards the ship, rather than out to the ocean. These include Boardwalk, Central Park, and Surfside balcony staterooms. 

Although they might be a little bit cheaper than ocean-facing balconies, passengers in cabins opposite yours can see directly into your room if the curtains aren't drawn. Other guests can also glance up and easily see onto your balcony while walking in the public neighborhood areas below. 

Sometimes, these cabins are loud, too. For instance, when I stayed in a Central Park balcony on Icon of the Seas, I didn't realize how easily the sound of live jazz performances would carry up through the open-air neighborhood. 

Watch for obstructed view balconies.  

Obstructed balconies can result in major letdowns, especially if you're sailing somewhere scenic like Alaska or Norway. Instead of picture-perfect ocean views from the comfort of your private veranda, you may arrive on embarkation day to discover that a gaudy orange lifeboat, large beam, or other structure is directly in your line of sight. 

Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean's deck plans should indicate if a balcony is obstructed, and at what percentage. As such, you should always check the ship's deck plan before booking a cabin just to ensure you don't end up with a bad cruise room. 

I'd also recommend working with a trusted travel agent, as they can often identify problematic, obstructed-view cabins and help find better options in the same price range.

Infinite balconies aren't "real" balconies. 

Exclusive to Icon Class ships, you might wonder whether an infinite balcony is worth it or not for your sailing on Icon, Star, Legend, or Hero of the Seas. Although I've sailed in infinite balconies before, I can't say they're my favorite type of cruise room, though others love them for their spaciousness and added privacy (in certain situations). 

In short, these unique cabins are designed to bring passengers closer to the ocean by turning the entire stateroom into a balcony. There's no outdoor veranda. Instead, infinite balconies have a floor-to-ceiling window that opens with the push of a button.

I found that my Central Park infinite balcony was more like an extra-large room with a window. Since there were cabins directly across from mine, I never felt like I had the same sense of privacy that comes with a traditional balcony.

When I did have an ocean-facing infinite balcony, I hated that the air-conditioning shut off as soon as the window was lowered. This is something to be wary of since it won't take long for the cabin to become humid and stuffy in warm climates.

Guarantee balcony cabins are a huge gamble.

An easy way to end up with a disappointing balcony cabin is to indirectly book it. What does that mean? Well, Royal Caribbean offers customers a money-saving option, letting the cruise line pick their cabin assignment in exchange for a lower base fare. 

Although this is an easy way to potentially save hundreds of dollars, it's a gamble as to which kind of room you'll get. Oftentimes, those who booked a guaranteed rate will end up in a "leftover room" that other passengers didn't pick. This could be for a ton of different reasons, such as an obstructed view, a location near noisy public venues, or the proximity to the elevators. 

The same premise applies to RoyalUp bids. While bidding on a higher-category cabin might sound appealing, you could end up with a room in a bad location since you can't select the exact cabin. 

Let me be very, very clear in saying that there's nothing wrong with saving money or scoring a great deal on a better cruise room. It's just important to understand the pros and cons and whether you're okay risking the possibility of ending up in a less-than-ideal location.

What are the best Royal Caribbean balcony cabins to book?

There are two types of balcony cabins I try to book — if possible. First, I love any centrally located, mid-ship veranda. These make it easy to navigate the ship, which is especially important on massive vessels like Utopia of the Seas or Icon of the Seas. However, they also tend to be the most stable, making them ideal for guests who are prone to motion sickness. 

In my opinion, aft balconies are worth every extra penny, too! Not only do they usually stray from the standard cookie-cutter design of other cabins, but they also overlook the ship's wake. This is the trail of white, frothy water the vessel churns up as it sails in the open water, and is often considered one of the most picturesque views at sea.

Finally, if you have a larger family, you may want to look into Royal Caribbean's family balcony cabins. These highly sought-after cabins are designed for larger families and groups, accommodating up to six guests with a separate bunk bed area for kids. 

Are inside cabins better than balconies?

Having been on over three dozen cruises, I've stayed in tons of different types of cabins, ranging from tiny windowless staterooms to suites with butlers! 

Although I prefer balconies because I think they provide a good value between comfort and overall experience, there are times when you might be okay with saving money by booking an interior cabin. 

For instance, if you book a cruise on one of the biggest ships in the world (i.e., Icon or Oasis Class vessels) or a port-intensive itinerary, there's a good chance you won't spend much time in your room because you're going to be busy exploring the ship and different destinations. 

Recently, my sister and I sailed on our first European cruise together aboard Harmony of the Seas. Though neither of us is a stranger to cruising, it was her first time staying in an inside stateroom. I was worried she might feel cramped or complain about not having natural light, but she ended up saying she might consider an inside cabin again if the price was right. 

In the end, spending extra money on cabin amenities you won't really use can be a compelling reason to book a cheaper inside room instead.

As someone that cruises a lot, I surprised myself when I realized it had been too long since my last Alaska cruise.

Alaska is one of those places that should be at the top of everyone's must-do cruise list because it's a beautiful destination and is arguably best seen by ship (rather than on land).

It's been four years since my last cruise to Alaska, and I truly was shocked how long it had been since I went. I think because I started cruising to Europe, the cruises requiring long haul flights were taken up.  Nonetheless, I was determined to go back.

I selected a 7-night roundtrip sailing on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas that departed from Vancouver and would take us to three Alaskan ports.

Here's why it was such a standout trip.

I saw beautiful scenery every day from my balcony.

I don't always book a balcony room on every cruise, but I made a point to have one for this trip.

There are plenty of places to see all the scenery around us from public areas on the ship, but having a balcony is a special experience.  This is especially true on glacier day.

Being able to step outside anytime I want and see mountains, waterfalls, and (hopefully) marine life is why the higher cost of a balcony is worth it for this type of sailing.

On the morning we visited Dawes Glacier, I sat outside with my coffee and watched as you traversed Endicott Arm. If I started feeling the chill, I could easily hop back inside and then watch from the comfort of my bed.

I was able to see eagles soaring from the comfort of my room, and then the approach to the glacier was incredible. It made the balcony cost worth immediately worth it.

The opportunity to see whales, seals, and eagles is unlike any other tour.

I visited three ports in Alaska: Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau, and there was no shortage of animals to see.

While I love experiencing the culture and learning about the history of places I visit elsewhere, seeing the big game wildlife in Alaska is unparalleled.

Excursions aren't cheap in Alaska, but I'm so glad we spent the money for a private boat tour of Sitka sound, where we got to see humpback whales, seals, sea otters, and grey whales.

My kids were enthralled by seeing these animals close-up, and it was the family bonding experience that made the price tag worth every penny.

Captain Patrick even kept us out late past our tour time because he wanted us to be able to see more whales.

In Juneau, we rented a Jeep and drove around to see various sights, including Mendenhall Glacier.

Even if my girls were there for the Instagram-worthy photos, I loved the memories we made along the way (including a stop at McDonalds because the french fries are "fire").

I booked a highly-rated tour in Ketchikan to visit waterfalls and see more marine life. Once again, the connection with animals is something you don't get in the Caribbean or Europe. 

I love the relaxed pace of an Alaska cruise.

Being on a smaller cruise ship and the fact we docked in almost every port in the afternoon meant we had slow starts to every day.

I'm so used to being on Caribbean sailings where there are a lot of early starts to get to the beach, or we're trying to squeeze in all the amazing things to do on Royal Caribbean's big ships. My family loved sleeping in and taking their time before it was time to head out.

There's no question there is a quieter atmosphere on an Alaska cruise, and that's largely because of the focus is on where you're going and what you can see outside.

Plus, the cooler weather outside limited the typical pool deck activities that you'd find in the tropics. 

It's clear people didn't book this cruise for a party like you'd find on a short Utopia of the Seas sailing. Instead, everyone seems to be all about what's happening outside.

We had amazing weather every day of our cruise.

You can't ever bet on the weather in Alaska, but we lucked out with how perfect the weather was every day of the sailing.

The only significant rain was on embarkation day in Vancouver.  After that, the sun was shining and there was barely any rain the rest of the voyage.

In fact, we visited Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, which are two places well-known for how much rain they receive. Prince Rupert Canada's "wettest city", while Ketchikan gets about 149 to 160 inches of rain per year. 

Both days were sunny for us, and it was very comfortable being outdoors to enjoy touring.

Even on our glacier visit, we got bursts of sunlight and very little ice to impede our approach to the glacier.

Since we were cruising in early June, temperatures barely got above 60 degrees on any day, but I relished every minute of it.  

As someone that lives in Florida and has to deal with seemingly never ending sweltering humidity, I was very happy to enjoy crisp and refreshing temperatures.

Alaska is notorious for how extreme the weather can change, but we had consistently beautiful conditions every day.

The time zone differences was the one big problem for me.

I don't know how all you west coasters can deal with being three and four hours behind east coast time, because I always felt like the world had passed us by.

The time difference meant trying to keep up with the news cycle was a real challenge.  I had to wake up every morning at 6am so I could not miss any news, which is a product of the fact I work from cruise ships.

I recognize not everyone is remotely working while on a Royal Caribbean ship, but the time difference was a challenge when talking with friends and family back home, as well as having time to watch sports.

Personally, it felt like I was always behind what was happening "in the real world", and it's the only reason I don't book more Alaska cruises.

Overall, cruising to Alaska was a bucket-list trip.

While it wasn't my first Alaska cruise, this voyage will easily be one of the best I've taken in a while.

It was so special to see glaciers, watch whales swim near us, and explore the Alaskan countryside. Plus, when we got to enjoy one of the most underrated cruise ships in the fleet.

Without a doubt, I loved this itinerary and mad at myself for not returning to Alaska sooner. I need to make sure my next trip out here isn't so many years away.

A passenger sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas has been charged following an alleged incident during a recent Caribbean cruise. Authorities say the man attempted to photograph beneath a teenage girl’s dress while onboard the ship.

According to USA Today, an affidavit from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office states that 25-year-old Matthew Stilwell of Pawnee, Illinois, was charged with three counts of video voyeurism following an incident that allegedly occurred aboard the cruise ship on May 31, 2026. Video voyeurism is a criminal offense involving the alleged use of a recording device to secretly capture images of another person without their consent.

WPLG Local 10 News reported that the alleged victim was a 13-year-old girl sailing aboard Allure of the Seas. The teen reported that Stilwell had attempted to use his cellphone to photograph underneath her dress while the two were inside one of the ship’s onboard shops.

The incident reportedly took place during an Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard Allure of the Seas, which departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on May 30, 2026.

At the time, CruiseMapper shows Allure of the Seas was sailing an 8-night round-trip Eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale. The itinerary included visits to Basseterre, St. Kitts; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Florida.

According to the affidavit, the alleged incident occurred on May 31, 2026, while the ship was at sea en route to St. Kitts.

Alleged incident occurred inside ship gift shop

According to deputies, the girl told investigators she was browsing jewelry inside Allure of the Seas’ gift shop when she became aware of Stilwell’s behavior.

An arrest report states that the victim noticed Stilwell was “standing unusually close behind her with the camera application open on his cellphone.”

Authorities said the victim reported that Stilwell attempted to take photographs underneath her dress on three separate occasions. The girl eventually ran to her mother and reported what had happened, according to investigators.

The arrest report also indicated that Stilwell and the alleged victim were known to each other prior to the incident.

Investigation began after Allure of the Seas returned to Florida

According to CruiseMapper, Allure of the Seas returned to Port Everglades on June 7, 2026, at the end of the 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Following the ship’s arrival back in Fort Lauderdale, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies boarded the vessel and began investigating the allegations.

As part of the investigation, authorities reviewed surveillance footage from onboard cameras. According to the affidavit, CCTV footage from the ship corroborated the victim’s account of the incident.

Following the review of surveillance footage, deputies also interviewed Stilwell. According to reporting by WPLG Local 10 News, details regarding an alleged confession were redacted from the publicly released arrest report.

Based on the investigation, Stilwell was arrested and charged with three counts of video voyeurism. Court records reviewed by USA Today did not list an attorney for Stilwell at the time of publication.

According to WPLG, Stilwell was taken into custody on June 7, 2026. The station reported that he was being held at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Broward County. Jail records cited by WPLG showed his bond was set at $22,500.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the alleged incident, and the cruise line did not immediately respond to USA Today’s request for a statement.

A cruise port visited by Royal Caribbean cruise ships every week has a new warning out for tourists.

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 warning for The Bahamas on Monday, related to a popular activity.

The updated warning is about renting jet skis around The Bahamas, because there are "serious dangers" associated with doing so.

United States Ambassador Herschel Walker spoke in a recorded video about the issues with this activity, and why the government is now getting involved, "I need to warn you about some serious dangers associated with renting jet skis and small water craft, and swimming at beaches where jet skis and small water craft are being operated in shallow water."

Travel warnings should always be considered, especially when it pertains to safety.

Since Royal Caribbean ships visit The Bahamas on a near daily basis, here's what you should be aware of before booking shore excursions there.

A new warning about jet skis and being near jet skis

The U.S. Embassy issued a new warning to Americans about the "serious and ongoing dangers" of renting jet skis in The Bahamas.

Moreover, they want to urge caution about visiting the beaches around The Bahamas because of this danger.

First and foremost, Americans should be aware of the risks of operating or going on a jet ski ride while in The Bahamas due to the lack of enforcement of safety regulations in that country.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau has received several reports of jet ski operators sexually assaulting U.S. citizen women, including two cases in 2026.

They outline a pattern of similar incidents in 2025 and 2024.

"Some victims reported that male jet ski operators sexually assaulted them after soliciting them for jet ski rides from the small islands just east of Paradise Island, downtown Nassau, and Paradise Island beaches. This includes the area from Junkanoo Beach to Saunders Beach and Cabbage Beach."

Victims say they were taken to an isolated island by jet ski and then assaulted there.

The other issue are accidents on jet skis.

In August 2025, a U.S. citizen riding a jet ski was killed after being struck by an unlicensed operator driving an unregistered boat off Paradise Island.  In 2024, 6 U.S. citizens were hospitalized with injuries from jet ski accidents.

In his video statement, Ambassador Walker pointed out issues specifically around Nassau and Paradise Island.

He called them "preventable accidents".

He also said the U.S. government is working with The Bahamian government to address the issues, but in the meantime, additional caution is needed.

Not the first warning about jet skis in The Bahamas

There have been similar warnings about jet skis and renting small boats in The Bahamas, but this warning is a new call to be vigilant.

In May 2025, the State Department warned of violent crime, swimming risks and firearm warnings.

The swimming risks overlap the new warning, advising Americans sexual assaults and beach safety.

"Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms."

Royal Caribbean ships visit Nassau almost daily

There's a good chance if your Royal Caribbean cruise sails from the east coast of the United States, it's going to visit somewhere in The Bahamas.

The new warning is primarily aimed at someone that might rent a jet ski on their own, as opposed to through the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean sells jet ski rentals through licensed and insured operators that have been vetted by the cruise line.

In fact, the warning specifically mentions certain beaches where tourists will go on their own, such as Junkanoo Beach.