Royal Caribbean Blog

I spent over two months on a cruise ship in 2025, and unfortunately I made my share of mistakes along the way.

After counting up all of my Royal Caribbean cruises (and one Silversea cruise), I spent 73 nights cruising. It's incredible and I'm quite fortunate to be able to sail that much.  I try not to take it for granted, and I love being able to see the world in this manner.

However, I had a few missteps across my journeys. Luckily, there weren't any truly terrible mistakes. I avoided the major pitfalls of cruising, and in retrospect, the mistakes I made were ways I can improve how I cruise in the future.

Here are the six things I did wrong on cruises this year, and how I'll hopefully avoid them all next year.

I once forgot to pack pack pants

I was about halfway to the airport when I realized I didn't pack pants for my first sailing on Star of the Seas.

I packed plenty of shorts, but I completely forgot to pack jeans or slacks to wear in the evening.  This was a problem that could have easily been avoided with a packing list.

We have a comprehensive cruise packing list so no one has to forget to pack pants, but I neglected to check it all over before I left.

Luckily, I was flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico, so I was able to make a pit stop at Walmart and pick up a few pairs.  But going clothes shopping at Walmart is not how I wanted to start my trip.

It's always a good idea to review a packing list so you're certain before you leave that you have everything.

Balancing shore excursions and relaxation

If you're like me, then you get so excited for a cruise that you want to pick out amazing shore excursions in every port of call. The downside is you can easily over do it all with what seems like fun plans.

I found on my spring break cruise on Icon of the Seas after a couple of beach days in a row, my family had "hit the wall" with so much happening.

It's easy to over plan and then feel exhausted. But it's also a fine line with how much is too much.

The lesson learned here it's a good idea to leave plans in a port or two more ambiguous. That way, you have the option to not do a tour and wing it with lunch or some shopping.  And if you're in the mood for another beach, then hop in a taxi.

Neglecting to check airfare prices with the cruise line first

Early in the year I went to book my summer European cruise airfare and almost overpaid for it.

I thought booking the flight directly with the airline would be a good idea, but later I discovered that it was cheaper to book the same flights through Royal Caribbean.

Thanks to the Air2Sea program, there are subsidies for select Alaska and European flights.

Luckily, I had booked refundable flights so I cancelled it and then rebooked with Air2Sea to take advantage of the lower prices.

If you have a cruise booked in 2026 to Alaska or Europe, there's already a similar discount on flights that you should consider before booking any flight.

Limiting myself to the buffet when I cruise solo

Sometimes I go on cruises by myself because it doesn't work out for my family to join me for them.  When I cruise solo, I avoided sit down restaurants like the Main Dining Room, and that was a mistake.

I gave eating in the Main Dining Room alone a try and I liked it so much more than I expected.

Thanks to how expediate the service is, I was able to enjoy my favorite MDR dishes without feeling awkward being there alone.

Moreover, I never once felt like I was out of place because I was eating alone. The staff was very attentive too.

While I might not want to eat with strangers in the Main Dining Room, having a table for just myself was the perfect way to enjoy dinner beyond every night at the buffet.

Waiting for a Black Friday sale

This year's Black Friday sales saved me money on my Royal Beach Club reservations, but overall it felt like the discounts weren't as good in the past.

The lesson is never wait for one sale to bank on the best discounts.

It felt like the Black Friday discounts on pre-cruise purchases were better in 2023 and 2024 than this year, primarily because there were deeper discounts offered on drink packages and Perfect Day at CocoCay add-ons.

I probably found better sales during random promotions over the summer than on Black Friday.  That's fine, because I routinely check the Cruise Planner to see if there are new offers.

But I bet there are some people that do not look for new discounts as often as I do, and no single Royal Caribbean sale is ever "the best" time to book for lower prices.

Not gambling enough to maintain my casino offers

As I've explored Royal Caribbean's casino loyalty program, it's become clear you have to maintain a certain level of gambling in order to keep those discounted/free casino offers rolling in.

At one point in the year, my offers dried up and I wasn't getting anything while friends had new offers.

It seems you can't go on a cruise and skip gambling to maintain your status. It's vague how those offers get sent out in the first place, but most cruisers agree you need to gamble at least 200 points per cruise to show them that you're active.

To get 200 points, you'd need to wager $1,000 over the course of your sailing.  

Of course, you won't lose every single bet you make and you might actually win money from time to time.  So realistically, I found I could get to 200 points with about $400 or $500.  Less, if I actually hit a decent payout.

My plan in the coming year is to gamble less onboard, but dropping a hundred bucks here or there over the course of a week is a way to have a little fun between other activities.  And if it gets me additional offers for cruises, then that's a win.

Beginning in early 2026, Royal Caribbean has said it's making its biggest loyalty change in years by giving them the chance to earn points while cruising other brands within the company.

Points Choice will allow guests to decide which loyalty program receives the points they earn on a sailing. Instead of points automatically being credited only to the brand you sailed, guests will be able to move those points to another Royal Caribbean Group loyalty program if they prefer.

This means Royal Caribbean fans can take an occasional cruise on Celebrity or Silversea and still grow their Crown and Anchor status. The company hopes it will create a more flexible loyalty ecosystem across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

Here’s a full breakdown of what Points Choice is, how it works, and when it starts.

What Is Points Choice?

Announced as "coming soon" last October, Points Choice is a new loyalty option that lets guests choose where their earned loyalty points are applied after a cruise ends.

With Points Choice, you can now earn points from the Royal Caribbean Group cruise brand of your choice, with the amount of points you earn from a cruise depending on

• Cruise line
• Number of nights sailed
• Stateroom category

The key change is what happens after the sailing is complete. Prior to Points Choice, you'd earn points under each cruise line's program.

Instead, guests will have the option to apply those points to the loyalty program they choose, including:

• Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean International)
• Captain’s Club (Celebrity Cruises)
• Venetian Society (Silversea)

If a guest is happy keeping their points with the brand they sailed, no action is required. Points Choice only comes into play if you want to redirect your points to a different loyalty program.

Points exchange rates

Points will be converted using brand-specific exchange rates.

While an exact date for a formal announcement has not been revealed, the company has said more information is to come in early 2026. 

When exactly? We're not certain yet.

Win-win change for cruisers and line

When Royal Caribbean Group executives announced the Points Change program, it was clear this is meant to be beneficial to consumer and company.

For guests, it means you can try a cruise on one of the other Royal Caribbean Group brands without sacrificing points.  Many cruisers want to climb the loyalty ladder to accrue better perks, such as reaching Diamond or Pinnacle Club status within Crown and Anchor Society.

Reaching higher Crown and Anchor levels garners better perks, such as complimentary drink vouchers and other discounts.

Company leadership hopes Points Choice will spur more bookings from their loyal customer base, which they see as a valuable asset.

"This initiative further strengthens the overall value of our loyalty proposition, deepening engagement across our portfolio and reinforcing our commitment to putting the guests at the center of our orbit as our ecosystem expands," said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty on a recent earnings call.

"It creates a virtuous cycle of demand, value and advocacy, one that drives both short term performance and enduring growth. It's a model that compounds over time, and we're just at the beginning of what it can become."

I took four Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025, and I booked an interior cabin for each and every sailing. Although I knew to expect a windowless cabin on every ship, I was surprised at how much these rooms can vary from one ship to another.

Naturally, interior cabins on older ships will be more outdated than those on Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels. Knowing this, I wrongly assumed that a newer cabin would always be the most well-designed.

After sailing on Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Star of the Seas, I found things I liked and disliked about each cabin. My room on Anthem of the Seas, for example, featured abundant storage options, whereas my Star of the Seas cabin had the most modern aesthetic.

In order to properly rank these cabins, I judged the rooms in four categories: storage, connectivity, layout, and cost. In addition, I allocated three bonus points for positive features in each room, whether for the bathroom or seating areas.

All prices listed are for two adults in a guarantee inside room, including taxes, fees, and gratuities.

So, after spending four cruises in interior cabins this year, here’s how I’d rank them from best to worst.

Anthem of the Seas

• Storage: 10/10
• Connectivity: 8/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 4/10 ($210 per person, per night)
• Virtual balcony bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 32/40 (29/40 + 3 bonus points)

In June, I spent a week cruising to Alaska on Anthem of the Seas, and my interior cabin was a cozy place to call home during my time onboard.

Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class cruise ship. This is my favorite class of vessels in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. I love the modern decor, ship layout, unique itineraries, and innovative cabins found on Quantum Class ships.

I cruised to Alaska in the peak summer season with a June 20th departure, and I paid $2,937 total for the room. Although I loved the additional hours of sunshine and warmer weather, the price reflected that.

Even with the high price, though, it was still my favorite interior cabin of the year.

Pros:

All interior cabins on Anthem of the Seas feature a virtual balcony, which is a large floor-to-ceiling television screen that projects a live feed of the outdoors during the sailing.

I wouldn’t consider this a balcony replacement, but I still enjoyed being able to “see” the scenery from my inside stateroom.

Read more: Virtual balcony cruise cabin review

Connectivity was great in the cabin, too; there was an outlet on one side of the bed along with outlets at the desk.

As far as storage, there was more than enough space to unpack. The room featured a vanity with five drawers, shelves above the desk, storage cabinets above the bed, and a closet with shelving and hanging space.

The layout also offered plenty of walking space. I shared the cabin with my brother, and we never felt cramped in the room.

Cons:

Aside from the high price, I didn’t have many complaints with my interior cabin. If anything, I wish the room featured a couch instead of a small chair so we had extra seating space.

Some interior cabins on Anthem of the Seas do have a couch, but because I booked a guarantee inside the room, I couldn’t choose my exact cabin location.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Anthem of the Seas inside cabin

Allure of the Seas

• Storage: 8/10
• Connectivity: 4/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 8/10 ($150 per person, per night)
• Couch bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 30/40 (27/40 + 3 bonus points)

I boarded Allure of the Seas for a 4-night cruise following her amplification in April, and I was excited to see all the new changes and upgrades made to the vessel.

Cabins, however, were not upgraded during the amplification. Allure of the Seas launched in 2009, so I expected my cabin to be somewhat outdated.

I paid $1,260 for the 4-night cruise, bringing the cost to $315 per night for two adults, which included taxes and gratuities. At just over $150 per person per night, I thought the price was fair to sail on a renovated cruise ship.

Pros:

As a whole, I found the room layout optimal. Even though it was the smallest room category on the ship, there was ample room to walk around the cabin.

Storage was abundant as well, although not quite to the same standard as Anthem of the Seas. The vanity was packed with shelves and drawers, and the closet had built-in shelves and space for hanging clothes.

The bathroom was modern, and it also had significant storage space next to the sink.

Finally, I appreciated a bigger couch in the room instead of a small chair, and there was even a small coffee table.

Cons:

Connectivity was severely lacking in the cabin. There were just three outlets on the desk and one in the cabin’s bathroom. I missed having outlets by the bedside, as it makes charging my phone at night more convenient.

Aside from connectivity, the furnishings were in need of a refresh. In particular, the couch’s upholstery was stained and well-worn.

Despite a few faults, I was pleased with my cabin on Allure of the Seas. It offered a great value for sailing on a ship with so much to see and do onboard.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Allure of the Seas inside cabin

Explorer of the Seas

• Storage: 7/10
• Connectivity: 4/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 8/10 ($154 per person, per night)
• Couch bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 29/40 (26/40 + 3 bonus points)

Explorer of the Seas was the oldest Royal Caribbean ship I sailed on in 2025, having launched in 2000. Knowing this, I expected my cabin to feel outdated, but I was actually pleasantly surprised by the room.

I initially booked my 7-night cruise to Greece with my mom, and we paid $2,149 for the room, or $307 per night ($154 per person). A few months later, however, my dad joined the cabin, raising our total cost to $2,830, or $404 total per night ($135 per person).

Given the dreamy Greek Isles itinerary in May, I thought the price was more than reasonable.

Pros:

I shared my small interior cabin with both of my parents, but it felt spacious enough that we never felt too cramped. With the beds separated, there was significant walking space in the main living area, and I appreciated the couch for extra seating.

The amount of storage space was a nice surprise; we all unpacked without much hassle.

The closet had built-in shelves and hanging space, and the desk had plenty of storage. There were nine drawers below the desk in addition to shelving above the TV and behind the mirror. The cabin’s nightstands also had storage space.

Cons:

I didn’t have any major complaints with my cabin. The number of outlets was limited, but this was to be expected on a 25-year-old cruise ship.

In order to share the cabin with both of my parents, one of us had to sleep in the room’s pullman bed. I certainly didn’t love sleeping on the tiny, thin mattress, but most guests won’t need to use this feature of the room.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Explorer of the Seas inside cabin

Star of the Seas

• Storage: 5/10
• Connectivity: 10/10
• Layout: 4/10
• Cost: 3/10 ($276 per person, per night)
• Bathroom bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 25/40 (22/40 + 3 bonus points)

This might come as a shock, but the “worst” interior cabin I sailed in this year was on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship.

I booked an interior cabin on my 4-night Star of the Seas cruise in August, and paid a whopping $2,210 for two adults. At around $552 per night, it was my most expensive cabin of the year, but still somewhat reasonable for a brand-new cruise ship.

Even though the ship itself was nearly perfect, I found a lot of room for improvement in my cabin.

Pros:

Whereas older cruise ships lack cabin connectivity, Star of the Seas had more than enough outlet options. Strangely enough, there was a charging outlet on only one side of the bed, but there were enough other outlets and USB ports elsewhere in the room.

The room had a clean, sleek aesthetic. Because it was the inaugural sailing, everything was shiny and completely brand new.

I also appreciated the cabin’s extra spacious bathroom, which featured a larger-than-typical shower with a bench seat.

Cons:

Although my cabin was modern in its decor, it lacked storage space, and the layout felt extremely cramped.

The desk lacked the same amount of storage found in my cabins on Allure, Explorer, and Anthem of the Seas. There were just two shallow drawers with an awkward diagonal configuration.

The closet, too, lacked functionality. There were no built-in shelves like I found on other ships, and instead of drawers, the closet had four pullout baskets.

I cruised on Star of the Seas with my mom, and we had trouble unpacking completely with the limited space. She opted to live out of her suitcase in the back corner of the room.

Aside from storage, the cabin’s layout was awkward. A small armchair was crammed between the bed and closet, and the desk’s location was inconvenient, as it was directly in the main walkway at the cabin’s entrance.

My mom and I kept running into each other when going about the cabin.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Star of the Seas inside cabin

Interior cabins differ greatly, so you have to make the cabin work for you

Despite staying in the cheapest, smallest cabins onboard, I enjoyed all of my Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025. The four cabins were far from equal, but I found things to like about each and every one.

If there’s one thing I learned about cabins this year, it’s to always come prepared. Your cabin might have fewer outlets than you expect, so be sure to pack extra USB hubs and long cables to make charging your electronics easier.

Likewise, consider bringing items like magnetic hooks and over-the-door shoe organizers if sailing on a ship with fewer storage options.

Read more: Inside cruise ship cabin hacks you need to try

Overall, even my “worst” interior cabin of the year was still a cozy place to call home during my vacation.

At the end of the day, a cabin is just a small part of your cruise experience, so I wouldn’t necessarily pick one ship over another just because of the cabin features.

Instead, pick a ship or itinerary that interests you the most, and learn to make the cabin work for you and your travel party.

Royal Caribbean has big plans for 2026 to expand well beyond just cruises.

As demand continues to accelerate for a cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean is poised to match it with three big openings to choose from.

Part of why I prefer sailing with them is because of their propensity to be a market leader and bring new ideas and products to the forefront. In 2026, I think we will see the vision for how sailing with Royal Caribbean will have a major difference from other lines.

As we look to the new year, here are the three biggest openings to look forward to in 2026.

A new Icon Class cruise ship, Legend of the Seas

First sailing: July 2026

A new mega cruise ship will enter service, becoming the third in the Icon Class and offering a number of firsts for this ship class.

Legend of the Seas won't just be a copy of Icon or Star of the Seas.  Details about this new ship reveal notable changes that might become instant favorites with cruisers.

The popular immersive dining experience, Royal Railway Station, will be added to the ship that makes it seem like you're riding in a classic train car and following Marco Polo's famous route from the Far East to Europe.

The five-course meal offers different cuisines from each of the regions Marco Polo travelled through.

Plus, there will be a two-story casino, making it the first Royal Caribbean ship with this feature.

If you prefer a show for entertainment, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" will be the musical onboard. 

The story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.

More dining changes include all new food stands in Aquadome Market, plus a juice and smoothie bar that will be added.

Legend will also have a Hollywood theme and new menu coming to its supper club offering.

Of course, Legend of the Seas will include plenty of what has made Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas so successful and popular.

The ship will have an entire water park, shows in the Aquatheater and ice rinks, over 40 bars and places to eat, and of course a Chief Dog Officer too.

A second beach club will open this summer in Europe

Estimated opening: Summer 2026

Two beach clubs will open in 2026, starting with Royal Beach Club Santorini in the summer.

Located in the Greek isles, this is a different kind of beach club.  The cruise line hasn't revealed everything about this new club quite yet, but it appears they've acquired an existing operation and will give it a Royal Caribbean makeover.

Essentially, this is a shore excursion limited to Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers exclusively, and it's a total beach day that holds itself to Royal Caribbean's high standard.

"Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome vacationers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises and combine the breathtaking volcanic beaches of this iconic Greek island with the company's signature experiences alongside the vibrant Grecian spirit and culture to create the ultimate Santorini experience."

Just like the beach club in The Bahamas, this one will be an all-inclusive that includes food, drink, Wi-Fi, and even a scenic ferry tour along Santorini’s coastline, plus stops in the picturesque towns of Oia and Fira.

It's too early to now exactly what the experience will entail, but those on an eastern Mediterranean cruise will have a new option for their day in Santorini.

Another beach club opens at the end of the year

Estimated opening: December 2026

Royal Caribbean will open up its third Royal Beach Club at the end of 2026 in Cozumel, Mexico.

The cruise line purchased Playa Mia and will essentially raze the property and then rebuild it back up as a completely new offering.

Just like the other beach clubs, this will be open to just Royal Caribbean cruise passengers and come with an extra cost.  Passes are not yet open for sale, so we don't know pricing.

A day pass will include access to swim-up bars, pools cabanas to rent, snorkeling, kayaking, restaurants, and street markets. Being this is in Mexico, the food options will include plenty of Mexican favorites.

There are 5 main areas: Main pool, North Beach, The Mercato, South Village, and South Beach.

There will be a pool with a swim-up bar, along with a side that's toes in the sand that stretches over to the beach.

As you're unwrapping presents, Royal Caribbean has also brought out its Christmas and New Year's sale.

Major holidays are always an excuse for new promotions, and it's a good opportunity to check if there are any lower prices on cruise fares or add-ons.

There are two components to this sale: discounts on cruise fares and packages for your sailing that you've already booked.

Here's a look at everything Royal Caribbean has on sale this week so you might be able to snag a better deal.

Up to 55% off select pre-cruise purchases

Royal Caribbean has a new round of discounts for drink packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and more.

This is the first opportunity since Black Friday to see if there's been a sizeable price drop on any of these bundles and extras.

No matter what the price is listed today, it's always cheaper to pre-book online than wait to book onboard.

Flash sale dates: December 15–22, 2025

Applies to: Sailings departing from December 16, 2025 through December 31, 2026

Beverage Packages

• Up to 55% off pre-cruise prices
• Includes classic soda, water packages, refreshment combos, and up to varied savings on deluxe packages

Shore Excursions

• Up to 35% off
• Not only are certain tours booked ahead cheaper, but excursions tend to sell out

Dining

• Up to 55% off specialty dining experiences
• That includes unlimited dining packages, Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table reservations, and other curated culinary experiences

Spa & Wellness

• Up to 30% off select treatments
• Spa discounts online are off a specific treatment. Onboard, the discounts tend to be combo or bundle deals

VIP Passes & Internet

• The Key up to 50% off
• Internet packages up to 35% off

Photos, Gifts & Gear

• Up to 50% off photo packages and 20–30% off select gifts and gear
• Ideal for families that want to stop for a lot of photos around the ship

You can find these discounts listed in the Cruise Planner website or Royal Caribbean app.

Keep in mind every sailing as its own discount, and prices can vary considerably from one ship or sailing to another.

Cruise Fare Savings: Dash for Deals

This may also be the perfect time to book a new Royal Caribbean cruise.

The Dash for Deals promotion is combinable with the typical BOGO60 and Kids Sail Free offers.

Here’s how it works in the 2025-2026 holiday window:

Dash for Deals booking window: December 23–29, 2025

Sailing window: Sailings departing on or after December 24, 2025

Up to $800 instant savings:

• 5 nights or less
  • Savings of $125 USD for Inside and Ocean View
  • $200 USD for Balconies
  • $400 USD for Suites
• 6 nights or longer
  • $225 USD for Interior and Ocean View
  • $300 USD for Balconies
  • $800 USD for Suites

The key winning strategy with Dash for Deals is that the savings stack with other offers like BOGO60, Kids Sail Free, and certain kickers.

The holiday fare sale isn’t limited to Dash for Deals. Two other well-liked parts of the holiday offer are:

BOGO60 — Buy One, Get Second Guest 60% Off

• Booking window: December 9, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Applies on sailings departing on or after December 10, 2025
• Second guest in the same stateroom gets 60% off their cruise fare

Kids Sail Free

• Same booking window as BOGO60
• Available on sailings 3 nights or longer
• Guests 12 and under sail free when booked in the same stateroom as paying adults

Bonus Kickers

There are also kicker savings that apply to specific Caribbean cruises based on travel dates and ship routes.

• Booking window: December 23, 2025 – December 29, 2025
• Applies on Caribbean sailings departing January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
• Extra savings by stateroom category and sailing length:
• 5 night or less
  • $25 USD for Interior, Ocean View, and Balconies
  • $50 USD for Suites
• 6 nights or longer
  • $50 USD for Interior and Ocean View, and Balconies
  • $100 USD for Suites

Growing up a fan of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, I was convinced smaller vessels weren't for me. However, after sailing on Vision of the Seas, I realized that couldn't be further from the truth. 

For nearly two decades, Royal Caribbean's marketing has been consumed by its mega-ships, starting with Oasis of the Seas in 2009. 

Although their grandeur is worthy of praise (did you ever think cruise ships would have massive parks filled with thousands of live plants or outdoor theaters for high-diving aqua shows?), there’s a different kind of charm that comes with sailing on a smaller ship that doesn't make loving them wrong. 

Ten years after first cruising on an Oasis Class ship, I finally sailed on one of the line's oldest and smallest ships: Vision of the Seas. 

Measuring just 78,340 gross registered tons (GRT), Vision is a far cry from Oasis and Icon Class ships — both of which come in at over 220,000 GRT. However, after spending 5 days on board, I learned why, despite being outdated and lacking the same adrenaline-pumping amenities, they remain a favorite for so many loyal cruisers. 

In the end, there are pros and cons to big and small cruise ships, and the best choice comes down to what kind of vacation you're seeking. If you have younger kids, older ships may not have enough to keep them entertained. However, if you're interested in a relaxed or port-intensive getaway, Royal Caribbean's older ships might be perfect for your next cruise. 

Smaller ships can sail to and from more ports

Compared to Oasis and Icon Class ships, Vision, Radiance, and Voyager Class ships have more diverse itineraries. 

For example, throughout 2026, Royal Caribbean's smallest ships will offer sailings from ten embarkation ports in North America, including Baltimore, Maryland; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, Canada. 

Comparatively, Oasis and Icon Class vessels primarily operate out of Florida, though you can find cruises leaving from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey, and Galveston, Texas. 

The reason is that smaller ships can get in and out of ports that mega-ships simply can't access, which opens the door to more convenient departure options for many travelers. For example, when I cruised on Vision of the Seas in 2024, many of my fellow guests were from the DMV area. 

Even if you aren't local, it can be nice to explore new departure ports. I had never visited Baltimore before my Vision cruise and enjoyed exploring the Fells Point neighborhood. 

Smaller cruise ships are easier to navigate and heavily focus on intimacy 

While newer ships, starting with Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class, have a Royal Promenade (or Esplanade) that serves as the main thoroughfare, older vessels have classic Centrums. These hubs connect the surrounding public areas with sweeping ocean views. 

On Vision of the Seas, for example, Guest Services was steps from the casino on Deck 5, while Cafe Latte-tudes, the specialty coffee shop, was one deck above near the Art Gallery. 

Not only was the vessel easier to navigate, but with fewer guests, the intimate ship culture permeated the entire experience.

Although Royal Caribbean has stellar crew members on all its ships, it is easier to foster stronger connections on smaller ships; interactions are naturally more personable when there aren't 5,000 other people onboard. 

This also means that there are fewer crowds to navigate, which creates a more relaxed environment. Still, though, don't wait until the last minute to grab a seat for popular activities, like the Crazy Quest or karaoke! 

Quality control is easier

Have you ever been responsible for feeding thousands of people? Me neither, but whenever I host gatherings at home, it's easy to get overwhelmed and cut corners to ensure that everything is ready on time. 

Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean's food hasn't been as good as it used to be. In fact, my partner and I were disappointed with our experience on Icon of the Seas after sailing on MSC World America and noticing how much better the food was. Although both ships are roughly the same size (coming in at over 210,000 GRT), we felt that MSC did a better job with presentation and consistency. 

That said, I was pleasantly surprised by my dining experience on Vision of the Seas; the food quality benefits from the ship's smaller size. With fewer guests to serve, the kitchen isn't as overworked, meaning they can focus more on attention to detail and quality. 

Don't get me wrong, the food wasn't Michelin-star worthy, but nearly everything was tasty and satisfying. In fact, my specialty meal at Izumi on Vision was superior to experiences on Symphony and Icon of the Seas. 

Read more: Vision of the Seas Food Review; Pictures

There's less nickel-and-diming 

Okay, you'll still have to pay for drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty restaurants; however, did you know that older Royal Caribbean ships have complimentary saunas and steam rooms? 

While aboard Vision of the Seas, my friend and I took advantage of the free sauna in the ship's spa. It's a small perk, but one that makes the experience a little more indulgent without shelling out money for the thermal suite. 

The biggest cons about smaller ships are that they're outdated and have limited entertainment options

One of my biggest quarrels with Royal Caribbean is that they don't update their older ships as much as other lines. For example, when I sailed on Carnival Elation, a Fantasy Class ship that's the same age as Vision of the Seas, I was surprised by my inside cabin's modern touches. 

Rather than have one or two outlets by the vanity, there were bedside USB ports! Comparatively, my stateroom on Vision of the Seas had just two standard American and two European plugs. The clingy shower curtain wasn't ideal, either. 

In general, the ship's aesthetic felt like a flashback to the 90s. And while I always joke that I was meant to grow up in the 90s (proud '99 baby here!), the dated look was more tiring than nostalgic. 

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Vision of the Seas

Moreover, if you are a fan of Royal Caribbean's AquaTheater shows and Broadway-style productions, you'll be disappointed with the entertainment options on older ships, which are more limited in scale. 

Bottom line: Big ship vs small ships

I've been lucky enough to cruise over two dozen times, and as I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate small, mid-size, and mega-ships — and each one is better suited for different vacations and travel preferences. 

Sure, if you want the flashiest ship filled from bow to stern with ziplines, surf simulators, mini-golf courses, and waterslides, you won't like what a Vision or Radiance Class vessel has to offer. 

However, if you are more destination-oriented or prefer fewer crowds, a smaller ship might be perfect for you. Plus, they're often more affordable, making them great for budget-conscious travelers. 

Read more: After sailing on 28 ships, this is how to pick a cruise you'll love

How cruise ship passengers look at a day spent in Nassau, Bahamas could be changing thanks to Royal Caribbean's new beach club.

Royal Caribbean has officially opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island earlier this week, and it's an exclusive shore excursion that the cruise line hopes will change how people view their day in port there.

Part of the impetus for building this club was to address low customer satisfaction scores with Nassau, according to Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

"Nassau is in the bottom ten percent,” he said of guest feedback of any port the cruise line visits.

The new beach club is aimed to reversing that and invigorating customers and the port itself.

According to an informal poll on Facebook, over 200 people in less than 24 hours said they're more likely to get off the ship now while in Nassau because of Royal Beach Club.

Most voted that it won't change how they spend their day.

One thing is clear, it's gotten the attention of a lot of people booked on an upcoming cruise.

Will the new Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas change your plans for visiting Nassau going forward?

Yes

"Changes everything about it, I’m booked on my next cruise Feb ‘26 and will probably book it for every single Nassau stop I have coming up. I always do the drink package and with the bundles it makes the RBC day pass cost insignificant." - Chris S.

"I plan to go at least once to try it out. Probably something I might do every once in awhile but not every time. The views look pretty nice from some of the pictures I’ve seen." - Brian L.

"I will gladly pay for it. Went once in 2024 and swore I’d never go back. With this we will definitely be going back 2026!" - Michele G,

No

"Wont change a thing. It's an excursion like anywhere else. Don't do others, wont do this." - Dieter D.

"We always stay on the ship now. Hope everyone gets off as we will be on Star for the first time and there is lots to explore." - Susan A.

Price is a factor

A number of responses pointed to their decision depends on how much a day pass to the Royal Beach Club costs.

Royal Caribbean employs dynamic pricing, which means the cost of a day pass depends on which ship you're sailing on, the date of your visit, and how many other passes have been sold.

In my experience, the price for a day pass that includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and food could cost between $119 - $250 per person.

"The price needs to come down before I will consider i." -  Kelly A.

"At that price? Not gonna change a thing." - Jacalyn B.

What makes RBC stand out

Royal Caribbean says going to its new club will "redefine the ideal beach day", and so far it's setting a high bar.

Having visited Royal Beach Club Paradise Island a few days before it officially opened, it seems Royal Caribbean wants to offer a convenient option to its guests for the best beach, pool, and party wrapped into one.

Because it's sold by the cruise line, it's easy to reserve. No researching or guessing which beach is the best and which one has what they need.  It's all inclusive, so everything is included.

Thanks to a short ferry ride over, it's also convenient and quick to get there.

On my visit to the new beach club, what stood out is Royal Caribbean brought in its best ideas from Perfect Day at CocoCay and consolidated it into this.

Every pool is heated, it has access to amazingly beautiful Bahamian ocean water, and it offers the choice of party or relax (or both).

If you've been to Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Beach, or Oasis Lagoon, then you'll quickly pick up on how those three concepts were clearly the inspiration for what we have in Nassau.

It's hard to go wrong with the formula that has already been popular with passengers at CocoCay.

No matter which Royal Caribbean cruise ship you sail on, there's going to be more things to do than you physically experience. But I think a handful slip under vacationer's radars.

I think the breadth of things you can do on a cruise is a major part of the appeal. It's your choice to do any or all of it, but having the opportunity to enjoy so much programming makes for anything but a boring vacation.

I've tried lots of the activities onboard, but I've discovered a few that truly stand out.  They're not only special, but I think a lot of other cruisers overlook it for various reasons.

While the bellyflop competition and sexiest man contests will always be popular, here are five Royal Caribbean activities you shouldn't miss.

Captain's Corner

Probably the most interesting event held on a ship is an opportunity for cruise ship passengers to ask the ship's Captain a question.

On all but the shortest sailings, the Captain will hold an informal Q&A event where you raise your hand and can ask a question.

If you're like me, you develop a handful of questions about what it's like to live, work, and operate a cruise ship.  

Questions usually cover many nuances of how a cruise ship works, from crew life, to careers, and more.

One question that was particularly interesting was when a passenger asked how late will a cruise ship wait for you if you're late.

Another one was how many people does it take to sail a cruise ship.

Sometimes the Captain is asked rather silly questions. My favorites include:

• Do crew members live on the ship?
• Is the toilet water salt water?
• Does the ship tow a power cable behind it?

It's a fun event and something you should attend to get a better sense of how these floating cities operate.

Walk for Wishes

Truly one of the best examples of Royal Caribbean's philanthropic partnerships is a special event for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Every sailing there's an opportunity to donate money and get a join in a group walk around the ship to raise awareness and money for such a worthy cause.

Usually there are opportunities to buy a special shirt and then at a designated time on a sea day, crew members and guests join in for a casual walk around the ship.

Cruise vacations are an escape, and some families choose to sail on Royal Caribbean as their families' way to forget about the hardships and reality of a devastating health diagnosis.

I not only appreciate the cruise line's support of such a worthy charity, but it's also a great way to take a few minutes out of your day to show your support too.

Veteran tribute

Another way Royal Caribbean recognizes its guests is by holding a special event to honor those that served their country.

Military veterans choose to sail with Royal Caribbean and while they do not seek special thanks while on their vacation, the cruise line chooses to honor them.

During this event, the national anthem is sung and the ship's staff takes a moment to remember those that have fallen in defense of their country as well as to give thanks to those that are sailing that day.

It's a touching tribute to service members and their families.  Considering the rest of the day is spent relaxing, indulging, and otherwise doing "cruise things", it's a lovely way to honor active and retired military with a moment of recognition.

Top Tier party

Customer loyalty is more than just lip service on Royal Caribbean.  On any sailing longer than 4 nights, the ship hosts a special recognition event.

The Top Tier event is open to all guests who are at least Platinum status within the Crown and Anchor Society program.  

I love this event because it's an open invitation for the cruise line to thank customers for their loyalty.  It's not a card or email, but a full blown party.  There are complimentary alcoholic beverages and officers there to welcome you and thank you.

Once it begins, the ship's Captain, Hotel Director, and Loyalty Ambassador all give quick speeches to say hello and thank you.

Plus, they recognize cruisers who have reached Pinnacle Club status as well as the top three cruisers onboard.

The Top Tier party isn't going to wow you or be something you'll tell your friends about.  But as someone who cruises a lot with Royal Caribbean, it's nice to have an event where they recognize our loyalty.

Behind-the-scenes tour

If you've looked around any cruise ship and wondered how it all works, you really should try the All Access Tour.

For a modest fee, you can go on a guided tour of areas of a cruise ship passengers don't get access to otherwise. This includes the navigational bridge, kitchen, laundry room, and more.

Plus, you get to walk through crew member only areas and get a glimpse of what it's like living and working on a a cruise ship.

By far the bridge is the most interesting part of the tour. This is where the Captain and officers work as they safely maneuver the ship in and out of port. 

I'd recommend this tour to anyone that ever thought about how cool it would be to see the inner workings of a cruise ship.

Choosing between Wonder of the Seas and Star of the Seas isn't as simple as picking the newer ship.

Royal Caribbean keeps raising the bar with its newest ships, so choosing the right one seems harder than ever. While both are among the largest cruise ships in the world and packed with activities, dining, and entertainment, each has a very different ship design and itinerary.

Wonder of the Seas is one of the last ships in the popular Oasis Class, and is the product of refined updates. Star of the Seas is just the second Icon Class ship that introduced so many innovative experiences and redesigned neighborhoods that have set a new standard for the cruise industry.

Depending on what you're looking for in a cruise, each ship has a different approach to what you can expect on your vacation.

If you’re trying to decide which ship is better for your next cruise, here are the key differences you should know.

Quick Comparison

Before we dig into the nuances and aspects of what makes Wonder and Star different, here is a glance at key metrics.

Ship Basics

Wonder of the Seas was at one time the biggest cruise ship in the world. While it lost that title a few times over, it remains in the top 10 biggest ships in the world and certainly won't leave you bored.

Star of the Seas doubles as Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and biggest cruise ship in the world. Star is 14,000 gross tons heavier and a bit longer than Wonder.

Another key difference between each ship is Star of the Seas is about 24% more efficient than a ship like Wonder. That's largely due to the fact it runs on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as its primary fuel, as well as a streamlined hull design, and significant improvements made in waste heat recovery.

Star of the Seas currently sails 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from its homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida. Every sailing includes a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Wonder of the Seas only sails short cruises that are 3- or 4-nights long and is based in Miami, Florida.

Design & Neighborhoods

Royal Caribbean introduced the concept of neighborhoods on a cruise ship with the launch of the Oasis Class, and it further enhanced it with the Icon Class.

Both Wonder and Star rely on neighborhoods to make it easy to navigate these megaships, even if you've never been on one before.

You will find some of the same neighborhoods on both ships, with a few differences. Here are the neighborhoods on Wonder of the Seas:

• The Boardwalk, a nostalgic, family-fun area featuring a carousel, Playmakers, and the AquaTheater.
• Pool & Sports Zone, which features a Caribbean-style pool deck and thrilling water slides.
• Central Park, a lush, open-air garden with thousands of live plants.
• The Royal Promenade, the main thoroughfare, complete with shops and entertainment venues.
• Entertainment Place, the center of entertainment, featuring the comedy club, casino, Royal Theatre, and Studio B.
• Youth Zone, home to Adventure Ocean programming, an arcade, and a teen club.
• Vitality Spa & Fitness, Royal Caribbean's spa and fitness center.
• Suite Neighborhood, reserved area for suite guests and has its own restaurant, bar, and sun deck.

Here's how Star of the Seas is different with its neighborhood lineup:

• Thrill Island, home to a six slide waterpark, surf simulator, rock wall, and more.
• Chill Island, the pools and hot tubs on the top deck of the ship designed for relaxing.
• Surfside, area designed with young families in mind with restaurants, activities, and Splashaway Bay.
• AquaDome, home to the AquaTheater, it also features restaurants and bars with sweeping views from the front of the ship.
• The Hideaway, the adults-only Vegas pool party with infinity pool off the back of the ship.
• Suite Neighborhood, even bigger area for suite guests.
• Royal Promenade, two deck bustling center of the ship with shopping, dining, and bars.
• Central Park, open-air garden in the center of the ship.

Dining

You will find lots of dining options on both ships with a mix of included and extra cost restaurants.

It can be argued Star of the Seas offers more included restaurants that are worth dining at, compared to Wonder. It's an impressive array of included restaurants that had me questioning buying a dining package.

Both ships have a Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet, that offer meals every day.  The Main Dining Room is open every day for breakfast and dinner (lunch on sea days). The Windjammer is open every day for all meals.

Wonder of the Seas has the Mason Jar, which is a Southern American restaurant. It's a country restaurant and bar, with many staples of comfort food from the South.

Star of the Seas has the Lincoln Park Supper Club, which is six-course meal that pairs music, cocktails, and food to create a fancy night out. This jazz club dining experience is unparalleled with the level of sophistication and service provided.

Perhaps the best included restaurant on any Royal Caribbean ship is the AquaDome Market. This is a food hall concept where there are different stalls for different types of cuisine. Thai, BBQ, Mediterranean and more are available.  

Plus, Star has specially designed restaurants for kids in the Surfside area. These lean heavy towards pizza, chicken fingers, hot dogs, and the typical foods kids love.

Here's a look at what venues are on each ship: 

Staterooms

Each of these Royal Caribbean ships have the same basic four cabin categories: inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite.

Star of the Seas actually has less cabins at 2,805, while Wonder of the Seas has 2,867 cabins.

Both ships have balcony rooms that face inwards instead of out to the ocean. You'll find Boardwalk and Central Park view balcony rooms on Wonder, while Star has Surfside and Central park view balcony rooms.

Star of the Seas has a number of room categories that you won't find on Wonder, and that's because Royal Caribbean came up with new ones for this ship class. Over half of the staterooms on Star of the Seas are unique to the Icon Class, including 8 new Suite categories and rooms designed specifically with families in mind. 

The Surfside Family Suite is one such room that offers space for kids and their parents to share.

It's divided into three areas and can handle up to 4 passengers.

The beauty of this room is the kids nook, which has a pullout sofa that converts to a bed. There's a TV just for the kids, along with USB plugs too.

Both Star and Wonder each have an impressive Ultimate Family Suite.  

The Ultimate Family Townhouse on Star of the Seas is an over-the-top jaw-dropping stateroom that easily costs over $100,000.

It has its own slide, movie room, bunk beds, and private patio with a fenced-in backyard.

The suite’s total indoor space measures 1,772 square feet, but when you add in the multiple balconies and backyard, the outdoor space totals more than 700 additional square feet.

Entertainment and activities

You won't be bored on either of these two ships, because Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for offering more to do onboard than anyone else.

Both ships offer trivia, rock wall climbing, surfing, mini golf, water slides, and laser tag.

One notable difference is Wonder of the Seas has the Ultimate Abyss, a 10 story high dry slide that looks quite intimidating. While not as scary as it seems, it's a thrill attraction families love.

Star of the Seas has significantly more water slides than Wonder. In fact, Star has double with 6 slides.

Both ships have Royal Caribbean comedians, live performances, ice skating shows, and AquaTheater shows. However, Star stands out because it has a full Broadway show.

Back to the Future: The Musical is performed on Star of the Seas and it's included in your cruise fare.  This is the same musical you'd see touring in theaters and it's a fantastic production.

The exact bars and lounges vary slightly, so here's a breakdown of which are available:

Who each ship is best for

In deciding to sail on Wonder of the Seas or Star of the Seas, the length of the cruise will be a major factor.

Wonder of the Seas offers 3- and 4-night cruises, and these are usually the kind of cruises first time cruisers gravitate towards because they offer a sampling.

Another advantage of going on Wonder is it will likely cost less because they are shorter sailings.  This allow someone on a budget or anyone wanting to squeeze in an extra cruise an attractive option.

You'd want to pick Star of the Seas for a traditional weeklong cruise vacation. Star visits many more places outside of The Bahamas, and there's a good mix of sea days and port days.

Plus, Star of the Seas is brand new and has the latest and greatest options. 

Certainly families will love either ship, but if you have kids under the age of 8, I'd recommend Star of the Seas because of how much more there is for them to do onboard.

You can argue adults sailing without kids might find Wonder more appealing because it has an indoor adults-only Solarium, the Mason Jar bar, and more of a party vibe because of the short sailings that include more parties.

Royal Caribbean had one of its best years ever in 2025 with the launch of a new ship, big announcements, and stellar financial performance.

It was also a busy year with lots happening. Sometimes the news was exciting and upbeat, and other times bad things temporarily overshadowed the fun.  Nonetheless, there was a lot to love and reflect on from this year.

With the end of the year just a few days away, I wanted to share which news stories garnered the most attention and notoriety in the year.

Here's a look back at this year's big Royal Caribbean news.

Perfect Day Mexico and beach club reveal

Jaws dropped when Royal Caribbean unveiled plans for new beach clubs and a second Perfect Day location.

Held at a special event in New York, Royal Caribbean announced the opening of Perfect Day Mexico, two beach clubs, and a new beach destination.

Perfect Day Mexico is the crown jewel of the announcement. Located in what is today Costa Maya, this is Royal Caribbean's biggest land project ever. 

Royal Caribbean cruisers will have the choice of miles of beaches, heated pools, a giant water park, and even the longest lazy river in the world.

Plus, the lazy river will have a few different "Tubes and Tequila Bar" locations you can stop at, where you latch your tube to a bar and take a break for a cocktail.

In addition, a new beach club is coming to Cozumel, Mexico.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel will open in December 2026 and offer a new beach getaway option that matches the cruise line's high standard.

The idea is to build the idyllic resort centered around the pool, beach, sun, food and culture.

There will be a pool with a swim-up bar, DJ, and plenty of Mexican food to enjoy too.

Finally, a new private destination will open in the South Pacific in early 2027.

Lelepa is located on the island of Vanuatu, and it's a different kind of product that doesn't fit into the other destinations mold.

A series of "villages" will be built to offer various beach options. There's no water park, DJ, or lazy river here. Instead, it's about relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Star of the Seas launch

A new Royal Caribbean joined the fleet this year.

Star of the Seas became the world's largest cruise ship and began sailing in August. The second in the Icon Class, Star measures 1,196 feet long and 219 feet wide. 

Although Star of the Seas is more similar to Icon of the Seas than not, there are a few key differences that help give Star a defining personality of her own. 

First, Royal Caribbean is raising the entertainment bar even higher with its new theater production, Back to the Future: The Musical, which will have the largest orchestra at sea. Not only that, but there are also new shows in the ice skating rink and AquaTheater.

The AquaDome Marketplace is getting a refresh, too. Instead of GNGR, Mac's, and Toast & Garden, guests will find Pig Out BBQ, Mai Thai, and La Cocinita. 

Similarly, the Lincoln Park Supper Club is replacing the Empire Supper Club. The $200-per-person specialty restaurant will feature a Chicago-inspired theme with the cocktails, menu, and music reimagined to reflect the spirit of the Windy City. 

Icon of the Seas confirmed for Galveston

People living in Texas and Oklahoma celebrated the announcement Icon of the Seas is coming to Texas.

Galveston will call Icon home beginning in August 2027.

This has been a long-rumored deployment, and it's confirmation means the Texas cruise market is getting one of the biggest and most impressive cruise ships in the world.

It opens up Icon to an entirely new cruise market in Texas, and the ship's arrival coincides with the opening of Perfect Day Mexico.

Labadee visits cancelled

Royal Caribbean ships were unable to visit Labadee through much of 2025, and that will continue into next year.

The cruise line halted visits to Labadee until at least May 2026.

The issue is the ongoing civil unrest and violence in the country, which forced Royal Caribbean's hand in making this decision.

"Out of an abundance of caution," the announcement read.

Nothing else has been announced since, but at least half of 2026 will begin without visits to one of Royal Caribbean's best known private beaches.

Loyalty points will be interchangeable

Perhaps the biggest loyalty program change ever announced by Royal Caribbean, we can expect a major shift next year.

The Points Choice program will be fully revealed in "early 2026", and will change how cruisers earn loyalty points when they cruise between lines.

The new program promises to allow cruisers to earn and apply loyalty points across the family of brands within Royal Caribbean Group.

It appears that means someone taking a Celebrity Cruise could earn Crown and Anchor Society points for that sailing. Or vice versa.

More details will be forthcoming in the early part of the year.

Drink package rule change

Royal Caribbean dropped its drink package exception rule in 2025, much to the dismay of many families.

There had been an unpublished option to allowed for someone who is unable or unwilling to drink alcohol to call in and get an exemption to the rule requiring all adults in the same stateroom to buy a drink package.

That workaround is now no longer available and it's because too many passengers were sharing drink package benefits.

"This change allows us to ensure guests are consuming their beverage package responsibly. Over time, requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change," the company spokesperson said.

The original intent of the exception was to offer an alternative to guests who couldn't drink alcohol, such as expectant mothers, people in recovery, and other specific needs. However, too many people took advantage of it.

Broadway show was removed from two ships

A Broadway show performed on two different cruise ships was quietly removed with no replacement Broadway show.

Grease is no longer performed on Harmony or Independence of the Seas.

Instead, it appears cruise line created production shows have taken its place.

No reason was given why Grease was removed, but there's plenty of speculation related to costs.

New non-smoking casinos added

Non-smokers got some welcome news with new ways to gamble on ships.

Freedom of the Seas replaced Vintages wine bar with a non-smoking casino, while Wonder, Utopia, and Allure of the Seas had the Crown Lounge and even the Attic replaced with non-smoking casinos.

The idea is to offer more ways to enjoy the fun of the casino to those that do not care to be in a room sharing space with smokers.

The cruise line has not gone as far as banning smoking in the casino outright, providing a non-smoking alternative venue seems to be their new strategy.

Legend of the Seas details revealed

Legend of the Seas won't enter service until 2026, but 2025 was the year we got all the details about this new ship.

This is going to be one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, coming in at 250,800 gross tons, and be able to accommodate up to 7,600 passengers.

Legend of the Seas will welcome paying guests for the first time when she sails in Europe in summer 2026.

Legend remains in Europe through October, until the ship departs on a 13-night transatlantic sailing.

The new ship heads to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to sail in the winter.

Bookings are available now for all open sailings.

First Royal Beach Club opened

Sneaking in right before the end of the year, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened its beaches to cruisers in the final weeks of the year.

Located in Nassau, Bahamas, this is the cruise line's first beach club and it's designed to be the ultimate beach day option.

Think of it more like a "super shore excursion" than a private island beach day.  There's an admission cost, but it has unlimited food, drink, and Wi-Fi.  Plus, transportation is included.

The area is divided into three zones to provide a different vibe for everyone.

Plus, it's only open to Royal Caribbean cruise passengers in one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.