Royal Caribbean Blog

April is seemingly the month for ship upgrades, as Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas arrived in dry dock for a major refit.

One of three cruise ships set to get a Royal Amplification, new venues and changes are going to be added.

After completing a transatlantic crossing in March, Harmony entered the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain a few days ago.

Here's what's happening to the ship today, and what we can expect from the six-week drydock.

Major work already underway

Upgrade work did not waste any time, as Harmony of the Seas is undergoing major work already.

I walked to an area near the shipyard to observe the ship getting work done on nearly all areas, including the top decks.

Different teams are focused on parts and working in tandem.  

The most visible work is at the very front of the ship, above the bridge. This is where the new Ultimate Panoramic Suites will be added.

These spacious suites do not have balconies, but they have floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.

In addition, cranes are lifting large pieces of equipment and replacement structures to higher decks.

A new Caribbean-inspired pool deck will replace the old deck, along with the addition of the Lime & Coconut. These are tropical bars that evoke more of a Caribbean feel than the previous generic pool bars.

At the back of the ship, other teams are deployed working near the Aquatheater.

Remember, not all work done to cruise ships in dry dock are upgrades.  In many cases, routine maintenance work is taking place to keep the ship operating nominally.

New restaurants, bars, and experiences coming to Harmony

The most notable changes coming to Harmony of the Seas will take place inside the vessel.

New bars & dining venues coming to the ship include Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, El Loco Fresh and Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse.

A number of new staterooms are being added to the ship, such as 28 cabins on deck 6, 11 and 14. The new ships replace venues such as Vitality Cafe, Wonderland, and the conference center.

The Pesky Parrot will replace the Bionic Bar, which is a welcome change by many cruisers. 

The Bionic Bar was intriguing when it first debuted in 2014, but it hasn't aged well.  The Pesky Parrot is a fun new bar idea that combines a Tiki bar with Caribbean feel. It was first added to Utopia of the Seas.

Another big change will take place on deck 4 with the removal of the Crown Lounge and Attic (comedy club). These spaces are being replaced with an expanded non-smoking casino.

Don't worry, the Crown Lounge will be relocated to partially replace the teen club in the Living Room.

Will Harmony of the Seas get a pool?

One of the unanswered questions about Harmony's upgrades is will it finally get a pool in the adults-only Solarium?

Harmony is the only cruise ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet without a pool in the Solarium, and it's because at the time, the cruise line experimented with a water mister as a way to add more seating but allow guests to cool off.

It's largely been panned by cruisers as a mistake, because even a small pool is more enjoyable.  When Symphony of the Seas debuted a few short years after Harmony, Symphony had a pool in its Solarium area.

Royal Caribbean has not specifically announced a pool will be added, so we'll have to wait and see.

Returning to service in May

Harmony of the Seas will resume cruises in late May with a European cruise season.

The 7-night cruises will sail from Barcelona, Spain to destinations in the Western Mediterranean until late July.

In August, Harmony will transition back to Florida, where she will offer primarily 7-night cruises from Port Canaveral.

One of four cruise ships getting work done this month

Royal Caribbean will have a number of ships in drydock in April, with Harmony one of them.

Four ships will be in dry dock, with three getting major upgrades.

The Royal Amplification program is an initiative to breath new life into aging cruise ships. It aims to bring newer concepts and proven winners to older cruise ships so they can better compare to newer ones.

Ovation of the Seas previously started work this year, with Liberty of the Seas scheduled to start work soon.

Royal Caribbean joined the growing list of cruise lines canceling visits to a popular Alaska fjord this year.

Royal Caribbean's 2026 Alaska cruise season is set to kick off later this month. Travelers are either just weeks or months away from enjoying the local seafood, stunning views, and unbelievable wildlife sightings. 

However, Royal Caribbean recently informed passengers that all visits to one popular fjord are canceled due to "ongoing navigation concerns." The change affects nearly one dozen sailings departing in June, July, August, and September. 

"Due to a recent landslide and ongoing navigation safety concerns, we’ll no longer be able to cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska. Instead, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenic cruising through Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier," reads the email sent to guests on Tuesday, April 7. 

Endicott Arm is home to Dawes Glacier, a massive tidewater glacier that frequently sends enormous icebergs crashing into the fjord, while Tracy Arm Fjord is famous for its narrow passageways and twin Sawyer Glaciers.

"We apologize for the last-minute change caused by this unfortunate event – your safety is always our top priority," the email continues. 

Not the first cruise line to axe visits to Tracy Arm Fjord this year

Last month, Holland America Line removed all visits to Tracy Arm Fjord from its 2026 Alaska cruise season. 

"Our tour operator has advised [that] the Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer in Juneau, AK has been modified due to operational considerations," the line's cancellation email said. 

"...[U]nstable ice and geological conditions currently preclude vessels from entering Tracy Arm Fjord; all 2026 departures will explore Endicott Arm Fjord instead."

Weeks later, Carnival Cruise Line notified passengers via email that all visits to the fjord were canceled due to unsuitable "geological conditions."

The change affected over two dozen sailings on three ships — Carnival Miracle, Carnival Luminosa, and Carnival Spirit — departing from late April through mid-September. 

Finally, Virgin Voyages pulled the plug on Tracy Arm Fjord visits during the line's inaugural Alaska season because of the "ongoing landslide risk."

Read more: Carnival cancels all 2026 Alaska cruise visits to popular glacier

Tracy Arm Fjord landslide

Last August, a landslide occurred in the Tracy Arm Fjord near the South Sawyer Glacier about 80 miles south-southeast of Juneau.

The incident sent a lot of rocks plunging into the water. The impact also triggered a localized tsunami within the fjord.

The U.S. Geological Survey claims that there is ongoing danger within the fjord, with "continued rockfall and smaller-scale landslide events from the exposed landslide scar are expected and could impact the water, potentially causing [a] future local tsunami."

Is Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier worth it?

Cruise itinerary changes are more common than you may think. Although they can be disappointing, maintaining a positive attitude is key to ensuring that your vacation isn't ruined before it even begins. 

Any fjord and glacier viewing experience in Alaska is memorable, and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier is no exception. 

"For me, it was the most beautiful and memorable day of the entire trip. While we did not do [an] excursion, the ship navigated the ice in the water and went as far up the Endicott Arm as it safely could," wrote one Redditor on the r/royalcaribbean thread. 

"We got within visual distance of Dawes Glacier before the ship literally did two 360 spins to turn around. While we were still quite a ways from the glacier, the entire experience was spectacular."

Multiple cruise lines have made headlines over recent unpopular changes. Although Royal Caribbean has stayed on the sidelines, many travelers are watching closely to see if (and when) the line will follow suit. 

Generally speaking, the cruise industry follows trends, and it's not uncommon for one line to make a major change, then see other lines incorporate a similar approach. 

Royal Caribbean, for example, was the first cruise line to redefine the private island experience with its massive renovation of CocoCay. Carnival and Norwegian later copied Royal's successful blueprint and upgraded their private destination experiences. 

Along those lines, it's impossible to ignore the smaller-scale changes quietly shaping the cruise experience, from sudden gratuity increases to itinerary changes and more. 

Royal Caribbean has not made any formal announcements regarding the following changes. However, these trends have already shaken the industry, and it would not be surprising if Royal Caribbean eventually adopts similar changes. 

Raise cruise gratuities

Not even halfway through 2026, and four major cruise lines have increased their gratuities. Margaritaville at Sea kick-started the trend when cruisers noticed that the line had quietly raised the daily gratuity rates on its website back in January. 

Carnival Cruise Line quickly followed suit, sending an email to passengers in early February announcing a modest (but noticeable) increase in daily gratuities across its fleet, along with its Bottomless Bubbles soda package for adults.

By mid-April, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line (two lines that operate under the Carnival Corporation & plc. umbrella) also adjusted their daily gratuity rates, aligning them with the increases implemented by their sister brands.

Royal Caribbean hasn't publicly announced any gratuity increases. However, we wouldn't be shocked if an email popped up in travel advisors' inboxes sooner rather than later. 

Royal Caribbean last raised its daily gratuity rate in November 2024, bringing the new rate for standard cabins to $18.50 per person (up from $18) and suites to $21 per person (up from $20.50). 

Read more: Another cruise line suddenly raises the daily gratuity charges

Implement an oil surcharge

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused fuel prices to skyrocket, which is impacting the cruise industry. As a result, two Asian cruise lines, StarCruises and Dream Cruises, both owned by Resorts World Cruises, implemented new fuel surcharges. 

The fees, which range from ~$11.70 to ~$25.52 USD, went into effect on March 20, 2026, for all new bookings and require all passengers over the age of two to pay, including children. This means that on a five-night cruise, a family of four could be forced to pay upwards of $525 in added fees.

"[The] fuel surcharge will be introduced for new bookings made on or after 20 March 2026. This surcharge is determined based on the operating requirements of each ship and itinerary; and may therefore vary across our fleet," reads the letter sent to booked guests. 

"This surcharge will be reviewed in line with fuel price movements and may be adjusted downward if prices ease or revised for new bookings should prices continue to rise."

Fuel is one of the cruise industry's largest and most volatile expenses, and although Royal Caribbean hedged (or pre-bought) 60% of its 2026 fuel at $474 per metric ton, the remaining 40% is subject to market fluctuations.

Like StarCruises and Dream Cruises, Royal Caribbean's cruise contract states that the cruise line has the right to impose a fuel surcharge on its guests without warning, either when booking the cruise or anytime before the sailing begins. This means that, although no surcharge has been announced, Royal Caribbean could add one if fuel prices continue to rise and stay high. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean stock has been falling as Iran war fuels oil price fears

Royal Caribbean joins the growing list of cruise lines dropping popular Alaska fjord from its 2026 itineraries

Moving on, Holland America Line was the first cruise line to cancel all excursions to Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska due to "unstable ice and geological conditions." As such, all excursions from Juneau, Alaska, will visit Endicott Arm Fjord. 

Carnival Cruise Line also canceled all visits to the popular fjord for the entirety of the 2026 Alaska cruise season, claiming that the waterways aren't suitable for cruise ship navigation. 

Most recently, Virgin Voyages called off all visits to the Tracy Arm Fjord during the line's inaugural Alaska season because of the "ongoing landslide risk."

Read more: Carnival cancels all 2026 Alaska cruise visits to popular glacier

Although neither Carnival nor Holland America Line's emails explicitly state it, the cancellations are also likely a result of the major landslide that occurred in the fjord last August, which caused millions of cubic feet of rock to tumble into the water. The impact then triggered a localized tsunami within the fjord.

The area remains under observation, as continued rockfall and smaller-scale landslide events are expected, according to scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey. 

We previously reported that Royal Caribbean had not announced any changes to its Alaska itineraries. However, on April 7, they sent an email to passengers, confirming they also axed the fjord from its schedule.

"Due to a recent landslide and ongoing navigation safety concerns, we’ll no longer be able to cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Alaska. Instead, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenic cruising through Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier," the email reads. 

"We apologize for the last-minute change caused by this unfortunate event – your safety is always our top priority."

Royal Caribbean's newest ships have some of the most opulent suites at sea. 

Wallet-friendly cruisers will appreciate the affordable, albeit windowless, inside cabins. However, those with a larger vacation budget will appreciate splurging on a stateroom within Star of the Seas' Royal Suite Class.

From the somewhat-justifiable Sky Junior Suites to the multi-deck Ultimate Family Townhouse, guests staying within the Royal Suite Class will be treated to an elevated cruise experience, complete with access to a suite-only sun deck and dining room, upgraded bathrooms, spacious accommodations, and more. 

Beci Mahnken, the founder and CEO of MEI-Travel, shared photos of the Owner's Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. Mahnken has over 25 years of experience and specializes in Disney vacations, Universal trips, and the major cruise lines.

"Love the color palette of this one-bedroom onboard Star of the Seas—calming, polished, and effortlessly relaxing. It’s the kind of space that makes it easy to unwind… or convince yourself a nap is absolutely necessary before dinner," she said on Facebook.

Onboard Star of the Seas, there are eight Owner's Suites — all located within the Suite Neighborhood on Decks 16 and 17. Mahnken stayed in cabin #17012, which is one deck below the Grove suite-only sun deck. 

Like the other Sky Class suites, the Owner's Suite aboard Star of the Seas isn't the cheapest cabin on board. According to Royal Caribbean's website, an ocean-view balcony aboard Star's June 27, 2027, sailing starts at $2,592 per person. Comparatively, Owner's Suite comes in at around $14,908 per passenger, or $29,814 for a 7-night cruise for two people.

Here's a photo tour of an Owner's Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Read more: 7 things I wish I knew before my first cruise on Star of the Seas

Indoor and outdoor living areas

With over 650 square feet of interior living space, the Owner's Suite on Star of the Seas isn't your standard cruise cabin. Rather, the spacious suite offers plenty of room to entertain and relax. 

In addition to a comfy sectional, the living area has a small dining table, making it easy to enjoy meals in your suite. For example, if the weather is inclement, you can opt for room service breakfast inside and not have to worry about cramming around the small coffee table. 

Moving on, the traditional living space also serves as an extra sleeping area, with the sectional converting into a double sofa bed when needed. Along with the Royal King (which can be split into two twin-sized beds), the Owner's Suite can sleep up to four guests.

The 190-square-foot balcony isn't as jaw-dropping as the verandahs found in some of the larger Star Class suites — think the Royal Loft Suite or the Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

Still, the plush seating and al fresco dining table ensure that the private retreat is versatile. Whether you want to catch up on your to-be-read (TBR) list or host an evening cocktail hour, the balcony's space is easily adaptable. 

Owner's Suite bedroom

The Owner's Suite aboard Star of the Seas has a separate bedroom, giving the primary passengers more privacy. The sleeping area is thoughtfully designed, too, with the bed positioned toward the floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can enjoy uninterrupted ocean views.

Storage space is also plentiful in the room. There's a large closet, built-in drawers, hooks, and more, which allows passengers to unpack and keep everything organized during their vacation. 

Star of the Seas' Owner's Suite has an upgraded vanity area, too. Tucked just off the closet area, the vanity features a well-lit mirror, generous counter space, and multiple outlet sockets. 

Perhaps one of the most impressive spaces in the suite is the expansive bathroom, which forgoes the traditional capsule showers and cramped counters.

Instead, the bathroom has a nice soaking tub, a separate shower, and a massive vanity with dual sinks. The blue tile immediately catches your eye and adds a vibrant pop of color that blends with the stateroom's color palette. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Royal Caribbean Owner's Suite perks

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Owner's Suite falls within the Sky Class tier. While it does not include some of the perks reserved for Star Class guests, it comes with a slew of benefits that definitely enhance the overall onboard experience. 

Perks for the Sky Class Owner's Suite on Star of the Seas include:

• Concierge Service
• All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen*
• Specialty Bottled Water (upon arrival)
• VOOM, The Fastest Internet at Sea
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Reserved seating section in select entertainment venues (reservations required)
• Suite Lounge Access
• Access to The Grove Suite Sun Deck:
• Royal Caribbean Plush Bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress and Linen
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine 

I've traveled to Europe every summer for the past four years, and I swear by my strategy for avoiding jet lag.

Jet lag is so frustrating when it hits you, and it can ruin the first few days of any trip. Since I have so much planned for a European trip, the last thing I want to do is be napping all day and awake all night.

I just flew from my home in Florida to Lisbon, Portugal and completed a 13 hour journey across two flights a layover. My problem is even if I purchase lay flat seats, I can never sleep at all on airplanes.

I've adopted a solid strategy to avoid getting jet lagged, but I can't say the first day is a breeze either. 

Nonetheless, I follow two simple rules to avoid jet lag because it sets me up for a great start to my trip in Europe without messing up my sleep schedule.

The mistake most travelers make

After flying all night, you're going to be tired and a nap seems like the obvious first thing to do once you get to Europe, but it's a terrible mistake.

Napping, even for "just a little bit", is a recipe for totally messing up your sleep cycle.

My flights always land in Europe in the morning hours, so taking a nap then would almost certainly set me up for jet lag later.

The problem with napping on day one is it resets your body clock the wrong way. The result will be waking up at 2 or 3am and be wide awake.

I won't lie, it's not easy to avoid a first day nap, but you'll be happy for the rest of the trip you didn't.

The first step is don't go to sleep until local bedtime

As soon as you land, set your phone and watch to local time and don't even think of sleeping until that evening.

This works because it forces your body to sync to local time, instead of perpetuating your body clock's assumption that you're still back home.

This is easily said, but it's not easy. After an overnight flight with little or no sleep, you'll start to drag in the early afternoon.

When I landed in Lisbon, I got a pep of energy from the excitement of arrival and getting all my things over to the hotel.  Heck, i was still feeling good right into lunch.

But then 1 or 2pm hits, and your body catches up. All you can think about is closing your eyes for a nap, even a short one.

I won't sugarcoat it: you're going to feel terrible for a few hours, but it's pain you can handle in order to knock out jet lag before it starts.

The payoff will be you're going to get the best damn sleep of your life that evening, and better yet, feel like a million bucks the next day.

The next step is to keep moving all day to stay awake

The key to surviving my first rule is to keep yourself going, because staying active prevents the crash.

The last thing you want to do is be in your hotel room because that bed is going to start speaking to you.

Instead, drop your things off, take a shower, and then head out to explore.

You want to walk as much as possible, exploring the city and staying outdoors.  You'll still feel tired, but it'll be much more manageable.

You also want to avoid sitting too long. No car, bus or train rides for more than a few minutes.

I recommend starting off with general sightseeing, and definitely make a stop or two at coffee shops.  European cafes are magical, so take advantage of them with caffeine boosts.

At first I resisted an afternoon coffee because it might mess with my sleep, but that's a rule for at home.  When you're staving off jet lag, all rules are off.

If you have the opportunity, sunlight is also your friend. Sunlight helps reset your internal clock a bit.

What my first day in Europe was actually like

My flight landed at 7:50am, so I was against the clock from the start.  My theory was to make it to at least 7pm before going to sleep.

Between deplaning, immigration, and getting your luggage, there's at least an hour or so spent.  Then I got an Uber to take me to my hotel.

I was worried my room wasn't going to be ready because I was arriving to the hotel around 9am, but luckily it was.  While I could have dropped off my luggage, a shower seemed like a great idea.

I left my things in my room, took a quick shower, and changed clothes before heading out.

My plan to keep me moving was a visit to Castelo de São Jorge, plus a meandering about of the city.

I took the local bus and was dropped off at the water front, where I took in my first city sights.  The sun was shining, there were lots of tourists, and I was immersed in the energy of exploring Lisbon.

The walk up to the castle was nearly all uphill. That's painful for my legs, but I doubt anyone has ever fallen asleep walking uphill.

The views from the castle were tremendous, and it was my first "I'm really here" moment.

After touring the castle grounds, I wandered the nearby streets until I found some street food that looked good. I wanted something quick and easy, without spending an hour sitting.  That's why I went with kabob. Hardly a Portuguese specialty, but it's something you find all over Europe.

By mid-afternoon, I was starting to drag and the novelty of being in Europe began to be overtaken by fatigue.

I searched for a coffee shop and found a great spot, where I had two iced coffees.  The first one didn't do much, but by the time I was halfway through my second coffee, I started to really get my second wind.

For the evening, I wanted to keep it practical with an early dinner and in bed no earlier than 7pm.  I actually made it a little bit longer, thanks to some news I had to cover here. 

The hardest part (and why most people fail)

Without a doubt, the temptation of a nap in the afternoon is most people's downfall.

That early afternoon exhaustion leads to people caving because they justify it. "Just a quick nap" turns into hours, and even if you wake up, you're groggy and feel even more tired.

You really have to treat day one as a reset day, not a productive day. Above all else, focus on the discipline of staying awake.

The payoff came on day two

I woke up on the second day right around 9am and it was like I slept at home. I felt refreshed and ready for my adventure to begin.

This meant the next day when I boarded my Silversea cruise ship, I was functional and ready to do everything.

I also didn't waste pre-cruise hotel nights. I had two days in Lisbon, and I got the most out of it rather than sleeping in my hotel.

My primary goal was ensuring I could maximize every minute of my cruise, and I was on the perfect sleep schedule by the time I boarded.

The first day was a drag, but I'm glad I did it

I knew my jet lag strategy before I got on any airplane, and while I wanted to sleep so bad most of my first day in Europe, I was so glad after to not be jet lagged.

The sooner you get on local time, the better.

I also think avoiding alcohol, having coffee in the early afternoon, and being able to check-into my hotel room early helped a lot.

In fact, I really think my hotel room was a big deal because that shower made me feel so much better than all that air travel.

This strategy isn't complicated, but it is uncomfortable for a few hours. It's all worth it on the second day and you're ready to tackle Europe and your cruise.

Four Royal Caribbean ships are currently out of service in dry dock at the same time.

Three of the vessels are undergoing major Royal Amplification upgrades, while one is receiving routine maintenance to ensure that she stays fully operable and in good condition for years to come. 

Ovation of the Seas was the first ship to begin this year's busy dry dock season, arriving in Singapore on March 16, 2026. Harmony of the Seas followed, with the work on the Oasis Class ship starting on April 2. Liberty of the Seas is next, entering the shipyard in late April to undergo her long-awaited Royal Amplification upgrades. 

Odyssey of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship currently in dry dock for routine maintenance. 

Here's everything we know about the work that the cruise line has ordered for all the vessels in dry dock right now. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean just announced major upgrades to its cruise ships

Ovation of the Seas Dry Dock

Ovation of the Seas is in dry dock in Singapore. She's expected to re-enter service on April 17, embarking on a 14-night one-way cruise from Singapore to Japan. 

Guests can look forward to a range of enhancements across the ship, including new restaurants, updated entertainment venues, refreshed accommodations, and restored public spaces.

For starters, 40 new staterooms are being added to the Quantum Class ship, including the popular (and expensive) Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suites. 

Ovation will also receive a renovated pool deck, expanded casino, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Teppanyaki, the tiki-themed Pesky Parrot bar, and a new nightlife spot called Sound Cellar.

To make room for these additions and changes, a few amenities are being axed. The Bionic Bar, for instance, is being replaced by the Pesky Parrot, Izumi Teppanyaki will take the space of the whimsical Wonderland specialty restaurant, and Jamie's Italian will be transformed into Giovanni’s.

Finally, the Music Hall will be replaced by an expanded Casino Royale and the new Sound Cellar venue. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals plans to upgrade one of its cruise ships with a giant casino, new restaurants, and more

Harmony of the Seas Dry Dock

Next up on the docket is Harmony of the Seas. She is stationed in Cádiz, Spain, and is expected to return to service on May 21, offering a quick 3-night getaway to celebrate her new upgrades. 

Although Harmony is one of Royal Caribbean's newer mega-ships, the dry dock work will give her the line's newest innovations and freshen up public spaces. 

Updates include a new Caribbean-style pool area with The Lime & Coconut bar, El Loco Fresh, a redesigned adult-only Solarium, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, relocated Crown Lounge, the largest Casino Royale in the fleet, Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade, and Pesky Parrot Bar. 

And like Ovation of the Seas, they're adding more than 90 new cabins to Harmony of the Seas, including the Ultimate Family Suite. 

What's on its way out? Wonderland, Sabor, the Bionic Bar, and the Conference Center. The total square footage of the Solarium is also being reduced to make way for new suites. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add upgrades to the biggest ship it's ever changed. Here's what's planned

Liberty of the Seas Dry Dock

Liberty of the Seas was supposed to undergo her Royal Amplification dry dock in 2021, but those plans were canceled due to the industry shutdown during the global pandemic. 

Now, she's en route to Europe to finally get her much-needed upgrades. Liberty departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 3 on a one-way cruise to England. She'll arrive in Southampton on April 19, then head to the shipyard. 

Liberty of the Seas will receive similar changes as the Harmony and Ovation ships, including a reimagined pool deck, a new Royal Escape Room concept, more cabins, and an expanded casino. 

She will also get new food and beverage options, including El Loco Fresh, The Lime & Coconut bar, Izumi Teppanyaki, and Starbucks.

Venues being removed from Liberty of the Seas include Sabor, the Card Room on Deck 10, The Connoisseur Club, On Air, and Boleros. 

After the work is completed, Liberty will begin her summer European season on May 29. She'll offer various itineraries from Southampton to destinations like Norway, Germany, Spain, and Portugal before moving to Galveston in October.  

Read more: Royal Caribbean will upgrade Liberty of the Seas cruise ship with new restaurants, cabins, and more

Odyssey of the Seas Dry Dock

Finally, Odyssey of the Seas is in southern France for a cruise ship dry dock. She was floated into a narrow basin of water, which was then drained to allow technicians and mechanics easy access to the ship's hull. 

Although Royal Caribbean has not disclosed what work is being performed on the Quantum Class ship, dry docks typically include routine mechanical work; inspections of propeller blades, thrusters, stabilizers, and navigation software; cleaning of the hull with a power-washing system; and replacing any worn or damaged parts. 

Minor interior refurbishments may also be completed, such as repainting venues or replacing worn carpets and bedding. In short, a dry dock is when the cruise line gets a chance to give the ship a little more attention that can't be done when there are thousands of passengers on board. 

(Credit: Sarges Raffy / Facebook)

Odyssey of the Seas will return to service on April 16, embarking on an 8-night cruise from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. 

Passengers hate when a cruise skips a port.

Excursions you spent hours picking out go missed, plans are disrupted, and it feels like part of your vacation is suddenly missing.

And then it happened to me again. Before I even boarded my Silversea cruise this week, we had an itinerary change to drop two ports of call because of weather.

But after sitting through a live Q&A with a cruise ship captain explaining exactly how these decisions are made, I came away seeing itinerary changes very differently.

What I heard wasn’t about convenience, cost, or even just guest satisfaction. It was about avoiding situations that can turn dangerous faster than most people realize.

Weather changes quickly, even when it doesn't look it

While sailing on Silver Ray, Captain Giovani Schiaffino held a special event to explain why we were having a change in plans and more importantly, to illustrate the dangers had we not shifted plans.

One of the biggest misconceptions passengers have is assuming decisions are based on current conditions.

Royal Caribbean Group is always looking much further ahead, even up to a week early.

"We are always… looking ahead," the captain explained. "Four or five days ago… we noticed that there was something building up."

That "something" was a developing low-pressure system in the Atlantic, moving toward the coast of Portugal. Silver Ray was scheduled to start a sailing from Lisbon, and sail north to Porto and Vigo before heading south to the Mediterranean.

Royal Caribbean Group doesn't just rely on one app or report, they have multiple layers of forecasting.

Captain Schiaffino said they have three tiers of forecasts, including government reports, the Weather Reporting Institute, and even third-party sites like Windy.

They're taking into account a constant stream of real-time data from professional forecasting systems to make an informed decision. They're certainly not guessing.

Wind, waves, and what happens next

No one wants it to rain on their cruise, but precipitation isn't going to change cruise plans alone.

What the ship's Captain is worried about is what's happening out in the open ocean.

Captain Schiaffino broke it down into the factors they monitor, "Wind condition, sea state, precipitation… and what are they building in the ocean… storms… swell…"

In our case, the concern was the coming danger associated with strong winds and large waves.

"We have gust of 40 knots of wind and… five, six meters swell," he explained.

To put that in perspective, a six-meter swell is nearly 20 feet. Not only is that a very tall wave, but you get lots of motion.

"The period of the swell… the ship will be going up and down… sometimes the period can be anticipated… delayed… and that’s why the ship is moving too much."

That unpredictable movement is what makes conditions uncomfortable at best, but could be unsafe.

Why not just wait out the storm?

A common question passengers ask is simple: why not go to the port and wait for the weather to pass?

The Captain's answer surprised me because sometimes waiting creates a bigger problem.

"We could… stay 60 hours, 72… we were stuck… for three days," he said.

That would have an enormous ripple effect in the rest of our itinerary. Missing one port, and suddenly you're missing the next one too. The entire itinerary can fall apart.

He also mentioned there's another issue people don't think about, which is the port could close because of bad weather.

"Some ports… get closed for the bad weather… they don’t want to have any responsibility."

Cruise ships can handle bad weather, but the Captain is worried about everyone onboard

Modern cruise ships are built to sustain terrible weather conditions that they'll like never actually sail into. They can handle rough seas, but that doesn't mean they should.

The captain was blunt about this, "Ship is very stable… very solid… but I will avoid… I will be a criminal if I put a ship in six, seven meters swell."

That line stuck with me, because it reframes the entire discussion. This isn't about what the ship can do. It's about what the Captain is willing to risk.

Lots of people are involved with a change in plans

A cruise ship Captain isn't acting like Captain Kirk on instinct.  He involves a lot of people, both onboard and onshore.

It’s a coordinated effort between:

• The ship’s bridge team
• Cruise line operations teams
• Weather experts
• Port authorities

Royal Caribbean Group employs their own Chief Meteorologist, who is one of those key people in provide guidance.

Craig Setzer's primary job is detection and look at the incoming weather to see signs that skipping a port or sailing elsewhere is something to be considered.

Outrunning a storm is another option

A surprising insight from Captain Schiaffino was going faster is another way to avoid bad weather.

"I increased the speed in order to skip the passage of this weather," he said.

That means burning more fuel to stay ahead of the front and minimizing the impact to the ship and guests onboard.

Cruise ships are called "floating hotels", but they're constantly navigating changing conditions.

Why I'll look at itinerary changes differently now

I'll probably still be disappointed anytime a port gets skipped, but having the proper context helps understand it better.

The next time it happens, I won't chalk it up to some gut call, guess, or assumption. I'll know the ship's Captain saw something coming, and took a deeper look along with leveraging a heck of a lot of resources.

And after hearing how those decisions are made, that’s exactly what I would want them to do.

I was recently asked what's one dessert that can't be missed on a Royal Caribbean ship, and it got me thinking about the perfect answer.

Royal Caribbean serves lots of food on its cruise ships, and desserts range from the rich to to he decadent. Plus, they have timeless classics.

Certainly I would never fault someone for having the soft serve ice cream at the pool deck, but I quickly thought of one dessert my family will order every single cruise.

If your ship has Playmakers Sports Bar and Grille, you've got to try the Campfire Cookie for a home run of a treat.

We order a Campfire Cookie at least once a cruise

Royal Caribbean's sports bar has two desserts on its menu, each priced a la carte.

The Campfire Cookie is a warm, gooey treat that needs time to prepare before you can have it.  Usually it's about 15-20 minutes of prep time, which is a good sign because it means it's not mass produced.

It's a freshly baked and served hot chocolate chip cookie topped with marshmallows, but that description doesn't do it justice.

Baked and served in a sizzling skillet, the first layer is a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. It is topped with a generous layer of toasted marshmallows and served with Nutella and caramel sauce.

It's served with a side of vanilla ice cream and milk shooters. That's right, you're going to want to chug a shot of milk to help with the richness of it.

It's theoretically big enough to share, but good luck on relinquishing control of it to someone else. I find I want to keep eating bite after bite. So while you could share one between two people, I'd recommend ordering one for each of you to avoid the competition.

Why it's better than other desserts

Typical cruise desserts are mass produced and while they are sweet, there's nothing like a hot, baked, fresh dessert.

Each one is prepared when you order it, so you can't get it immediately.  The bake time starts off as a sign something special is coming.

It's also a consistently good dessert, meaning regardless if you order one on Symphony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, or Star of the Seas, it's really good.

I also think the genius of this dessert is it hits multiple cravings at once: cookie, smore, and ice cream in one.

And yes, it's theoretically shareable because it's large enough. However, in practice, you probably won't want to.

Best time to order it

We've had the Campfire Cookie as both an after dinner dessert, as well as a snack.

If you're already having lunch or dinner at Playmakers, then we will tell our waiter that we intend to order the Campfire Cookie. That way, they can prep it and we just have to tell them we're ready for it and they can time it properly.

I think it's best in the evening, but we've come back aboard the ship after a shore excursion to have one as an afternoon snack.

Regardless of what time of day you order it, there's just enough time to have a drink while you wait.

It's an affordable treat for a great after-dinner stop

Everything on the Playmakers menu is priced a la carte, which means you only pay for what you order.

We will often wrap up dinner at the Main Dining Room and then head to Playmakers just for dessert.  Since it only costs $9, it's a reasonable cost and doesn't require a full cover charge.

It's decadent, and when nothing jumps out from the dessert menu elsewhere, my kids (and wife) will suggest we go get a Campfire Cookie instead.

No reservations are required (or available) at Playmakers, you just have to go there and order it from the waiter.

I've tried so many different Royal Caribbean desserts over the years, but none compare to the Campfire Cookie.

The red velvet cake at Chops Grille, mochi ice cream at Izumi, or Royal Cheesecake at the Main Dining Room are all pretty darn good.  But I don't think any of them are remotely on the same level as this cookie.

If you're going to spend money on one dessert on your cruise, make it this one. Even if you think you’re too full… this is the one time to ignore that feeling.

Playmakers has an over-the-top ice cream sundae too

If marshmallow isn't your thing, I could make a good argument for the other dessert on Playmaker's menu, the Touchdown Sundae.

Served in a football helmet, it's an impressive five scoops of ice cream piled on top of each other with caramel, chocolate syrup,
whipped cream and more! 

Yes, you get to keep the helmet after.

Happy Easter! Whether you are celebrating the beautiful Spring holiday with a luxurious meal, or hunting for eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny, I hope that you are having a relaxing Sunday.

Royal Caribbean revealed its new cruise ship coming next year, Hero of the Seas.

The fourth Icon Class ship is packed with new venues, updates, and a few surprises.

Launching in August 2027, Hero will be based in Miami.

Royal Caribbean News

• 5 subtle changes to coming to Hero of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean just changed the names of the zones at its Bahamas beach club
• Perfect Day Mexico gets green light again after legal fight
• Tampa cruise port plans a massive new terminal expansion to meet demand
• 6 things Royal Caribbean should steal from Celebrity Cruises
• The hidden robots quietly running your Royal Caribbean cruise
• What you need to know about the Royal Caribbean soda cup
• Royal Caribbean Drink Vouchers vs Celebrity Elite Happy Hour
• Experts predict "below average" hurricane season
• Royal Caribbean swaps cruise ships sailing from Europe in latest deployment change

New RCB Video: Hero of the Seas details, rumors and what's new

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — HERO OF THE SEAS: Details, rumors, and what's new — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

New Royal Caribbean credit card just announced that works across all brands

A new Royal Caribbean credit card was announced this week, and it will introduce new perks to encourage brand loyalty.

The new Royal ONE card comes in two versions, and it will allow guests to earn points they can use towards sailings on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea.

The new cards are about encouraging repeat cruisers to sail more and within the Royal Caribbean Group brands.

Royal Caribbean's new Treehouse Suites costs as much as $200,000 (and people are booking it)

One of the new ideas coming to Hero of the Seas is a three-deck Ultimate Treehouse Suite that costs over $200,000 for a week.

This is an epic suite that has just about everything a family could wish for in a cruise ship cabin, plus incredible theming and every perk available onboard.

It sleeps twelve, spans three decks, and includes a rooftop terrace with a private whirlpool, a two-deck teen area, and a hideout game room.

The worst shore excursions cruisers say they’d never book again

Some shore excursions are downright disappointing, and there's a clear pattern as to which ones were mentioned the most.

Over 500 responses were sent in for which tours cruisers disliked, and large sightseeing tours were by far the most commonly mentioned kind of cruise excursion that were filled with regret.

Nearly all the tours people did not like were ones that sounded great on paper, but didn't deliver on the expectations.

I stopped joining Facebook groups for my cruises

I hate to say it, but cruise ship Facebook groups have become more painful than helpful.

I used to always sign up for them, but they've largely become filled with unnecessary drama, misinformation, and spam.

While I like sharing in the pre-cruise excitement with others, I've stopped signing up for them to avoid the negatives.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 602nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt talks about the Ultimate Family Treehouse proves an idea.

The response to the Ultimate Family Treehouse has generally been intrigue, so Matt thinks it's time to expand this idea to other cabins.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

I've taken a few cruises on Celebrity Cruises and found policies and ideas that Royal Caribbean is missing out on.

Every cruise line has its plusses and minuses, including my beloved Royal Caribbean.  

Among the cruise lines, there seems to be a gamesmanship of trying to out do each other.  But since Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are owned by the same company, why reinvent the wheel?

I'm not advocating both lines operate exactly the same, but when there's a good idea, it's a good idea for both. After all, Celebrity ships visit Royal Caribbean's private destinations and beach clubs openly.

I came up with five ideas I think Royal Caribbean should copy from Celebrity Cruises immediately.

Passengers can drop their luggage off in their cabins before rooms are ready

The first time I took a Celebrity Cruise, I thought it was incredible that you could drop off your bags, cans of soda, or anything else you carried on in your stateroom before they're officially ready.

Like Royal Caribbean, cabins are not ready on embarkation day for you to use until the early afternoon. The difference is on Celebrity, you can stop by to drop anything you want off. 

This takes away a major pain point of boarding day, because rooms aren't usually ready until 1pm. Until then, you have to carry backpacks, strollers, and other knick-knacks around. For families, this is a big problem.

Heck, you could bring your luggage on the ship yourself too and avoid having to wait for the bags to be delivered later.

Keeping part of the buffet open late

I think Royal Caribbean has always lacked compelling late night food options that go beyond pizza.

On Celebrity, they keep one section of their buffet at Oceanview Cafe open much later after the rest of the buffet closes.

Part of the reason Celebrity does this is their late night pizza is located in Oceanview Cafe, so the venue is already open anyway.  However, you'll also find pastas, salad, and a few other options.

To Royal Caribbean's credit, adding the Aquadome Market and keeping that open until midnight is a worthy alternative. But that's only available on Icon Class ships.

Making the casino completely non-smoking

Both Celebrity Cruises and Silversea have completely non-smoking casinos, and Royal Caribbean should finally make that change too.

I admit, as a non-smoker, this is something that directly benefits me.  But given how much more space Royal Caribbean has given to building out non-smoking casino space, clearly there's a demand.

Today, Royal Caribbean's casinos are split into a smoking and non-smoking side. As you might imagine, the smoke (and odor) doesn't obey the dividing line.

Back in 2022, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said they saw a drop in casino business whenever they experimented with a non-smoking casino. I could be wrong, but I've not seen the line run another experiment since a temporary Covid restriction in 2021.

I think attitudes about smoking have changed a lot, and if they're willing to expand the casinos to offer more non-smoking space, that's a sign there's a lot of demand for that. I think it's time to rip the band aid off and copy Celebrity's lead.

A more full service cafe like Cafe al Bacio

Sometimes a small change makes a big difference, and Cafe al Bacio is a great example.

The genius of Cafe al Bacio on Celebrity is the service that comes with it.  You can get your own coffee at the bar, or take a seat and have someone bring it to you.

That might not sound like a big deal, but it really adds to making the venue feel like a coffee house vibe.  And I'm willing to bet I'll spend more on coffee if someone is offering to bring me another.

Pearl Cafe on the Icon Class ships is certainly a major step up from Cafe Promenade, but I'd love to see it go full service.

I love the theater design from the Edge Class ships

When I went on Celebrity Ascent, I was very impressed by how much the stage design contributed to making a regular musical revue show better.

First, the stage is more circular than a traditional stage, allowing the audience to surround it.  That adds a different dimension to the show, as you feel more immersed.

Second, there's an amazing LED screen behind the stage that does a better job of storytelling than lasers and lights ever could.

I really think this makes a typical cruise ship show of singing and dancing stand out more.

You don't have to check out towels

On Celebrity, pool towels are given out without having scan your Seapass card and it's so much better.

On Royal Caribbean, you have to scan the towels out, and then back in or face a $25 fee.

I get that they want towels to be brought back and not left all over, but it's one of those policies that seems to cause more problems than it solves.  Not only is having to scan towels in and out cumbersome, but there's been a real problem with incorrectly being charged for towels after the cruise is over.