Royal Caribbean Blog

Dreams of bigger cruise ships homeporting from Tampa are officially dead. 

On Thursday, March 19, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that blocked the proposed cruise port in Manatee County near Tampa, as reported by The Herald-Tribune. 

Senate Bill 302 was first introduced by State Sen. Ileana Garcia and was later passed by the Florida Senate with a unanimous 38-0 vote. This granted specific protections to the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, specifically prohibiting the necessary dredging required to build the port. 

"Florida remains an important destination for cruise expeditions," DeSantis said during the press conference in Bradenton. "There's not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and aquatic preserve."

He added that the necessary work required to build the new terminal "...would have a major, major change in the lifestyle and the environment of the folks that live in this area."

The new cruise terminal was initially proposed by SSA Marine, a marine terminal operator that's been around since 1949, in January. 

Had the proposal been approved, the 328-acre Knott‑Cowen tract, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay next to the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, would have been transformed into a bustling cruise terminal capable of accommodating larger ships. 

Because of the Skyway Bridge's height restrictions, only smaller vessels — think Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Carnival Paradise, Norwegian Star, Celebrity Constellation, and Margaritaville at Sea's Islander — can sail from Tampa. 

As such, a new terminal on the seaward side of the bridge would have allowed larger, more innovative ships to call Tampa home for the first time. 

Opposition against the new Tampa Bay cruise port

From the get-go, the cruise port proposal faced opposition from environmental groups, local residents, and elected officials. 

Within days of the announcement, a Change.org petition was launched. It quickly gained traction, garnering thousands of signatures, and by March 19, it had over 19,000 supporters. 

"This would be absolutely devastating to Tampa Bay. This is the last shoreline that [is] undeveloped in manatee county and it should stay that way. Such a critical part of [the] bay that is already over developed and over pressured. It would also kill my business as a local fishing guide," one opponent of the proposal said.

Someone else added, "I have lived in this area for over 25 years and we kayak fish in that area. It would be absolutely devastating. The traffic would be unbearable as it already is...and Manatee County is not going to add roads or fix the roads that we already have to accommodate that many people."

"STOP the Destruction! Having been here over 40 years, I've witnessed [an insurmountable] loss of [habitat] and fishing decline...due lack of developmental and environmental control. Tampa Bay is recovering and should be Protected Now and in the Future!" wrote another resident. 

"I have lived in Florida my whole life and there's always been destruction left and right but just thinking back to when you actually used to be able to enjoy the scenery and not always hear or see constant construction. [It's] so sad and disappointing how much of the beauty is gone. This port would absolutely destroy the ecosystem and all the living creatures that live there we DON'T need anymore development," chimed in another concerned local. 

Moreover, State Sen. Jim Boyd added an important amendment to SB 302 that effectively made it impossible for a private company to build on the sensitive Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve land. 

Although the bill gives a few small exceptions, it states that "No further dredging or filling of the submerged lands of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve shall be approved or tolerated by the board." 

"In an effort to protect the pristine coastal area of East Tampa Bay, which has small keys, little bays, and mangroves, this amendment restricts the dredging or filling of submerged lands within the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve," Boyd said to his fellow Senators.

Port Tampa Bay had record-breaking cruise passenger numbers in 2025

Even without the addition of larger ships, Tampa’s cruise industry is experiencing steady growth and popularity. 

In 2025, Port Tampa Bay welcomed over 1.6 million cruise passengers, along with over 262,000 shipping containers, according to Spectrum Bay News 9.

To accommodate the port's growth, Port Tampa Bay is in the midst of working on its $1.2 billion "Master Plan 2030" vision. This includes building warehouses, expanding terminals, and even constructing a brand-new cruise passenger terminal.

"For us, it’s playing, maintaining the maritime industry, protecting it, allowing it to grow, prosper and integrating ourselves with our future plans and the growth of the region — the city of Tampa," Port Tampa Bay Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Raul Alfonso told Spectrum News.

Months after thousands of guests were informed that their booked sailings on Freedom of the Seas had been canceled due to redeployment scheduling, a new wave of sudden cancellations is affecting even more passengers. 

Passengers on over 20 voyages aboard Freedom of the Seas from May through September 2027 received the dreaded email notification this week.

"As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process - which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, Freedom of the Seas will be redeployed for our Summer 2027 season," the email reads. 

"We know how much effort goes into planning your vacation and apologize for the inconvenience," the cruise line continues.

The canceled sailings range from 5-night cruises to the Dominican Republic and Perfect Day at CocoCay to 4-night Bahamian getaways, as well as 9-night itineraries that include stops in Aruba and Curaçao. 

Royal Caribbean did not provide a specific reason for the cancellations beyond citing the line's "ongoing itinerary planning process." However, they did offer options to rebook on alternative sailings or issue full refunds.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cancels multiple sailings on Freedom of the Seas due to redeployment

Rebooking options available for impacted Freedom of the Seas cruise ship passengers

According to the email sent to the guests on the Sept. 17, 2027, voyage, there are four options available. The first allows them to automatically move to a 4-night voyage aboard Wonder of the Seas from Miami, Florida, at a prorated rate. This means that the original stateroom category price will be protected or lowered to the current advertised fare.

If that sailing doesn't work, guests may choose from a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on Adventure of the Seas or a 3-night Bahamas Getaway voyage on Jewel of the Seas. Like the first option, these alternatives are also offered at prorated rates, meaning guests won’t pay more than their original booking for the same stateroom category. 

"Regardless of the sailing length of the cruise you move to, if your booking was already paid in full and your cruise fare decreases, we'll provide you with a refund for the difference," the email adds. 

The third option allows passengers to rebook any other Royal Caribbean sailing without paying the usual non-refundable deposit change fee. Guests, however, are responsible for any difference in pricing for the cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items, such as specialty restaurants, drink packages, and excursions.

Finally, if passengers cannot find a new Royal Caribbean itinerary that works for them, the cruise line will issue a full refund of the paid portion of the cruise fare and any prepaid amenities to the original form of payment. 

Refunds will be credited to the original form of payment within 14 business days. However, refund times may vary depending on the financial institution.

"If you used a Future Cruise Credit on this sailing, and you request a refund instead, we'll refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and we'll issue a new certificate," the email clarifies. 

"If you booked your airfare through Royal Caribbean, it will be automatically refunded to you. However, if you booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them."

Those who don't contact Royal Caribbean by April 1, 2026, will automatically be moved to the first sailing. In this case, it's the 4-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas departing on Sept. 20. 

"Thank you for understanding, and we hope you find another cruise with us. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or looking to explore, relax, and recharge, we have no doubt your time with us will be nothing short of amazing," Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Guest Experience concludes. 

Read more: After 3 sailings on Freedom of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Other interesting deployment news

(Credit: ScottishRobbie / Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Forum)

Royal Caribbean was toying with test load sailings for an upcoming unnamed cruise ship. ScottishRobbie shared the find on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum, posting photos of 7-night itineraries from Miami aboard "HE." Unfortunately, these itineraries have since been removed from the website

No formal announcement has been made regarding the fourth Icon Class ship's name or homeport. However, with the test loads starting around Sept. 2027, it is uncanny timing, considering Icon of the Seas is being redeployed to Galveston one month prior.

"I guess [the test loads confirm] what has been suspected for a while now - Icon 4 will...take over the Miami 7 nighters when Icon moves to Galveston," the poster speculates.

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas fast facts

Launched in May 2006, Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom Class cruise ship that, at the time, held the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. 

She measures 156,271 gross tons, is 1,111 feet long, and can accommodate 3,926 passengers at double occupancy. 

Highlights of this fan-favorite ship include the Perfect Storm water slides, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Splashaway Bay, a non-smoking casino, Izumi Hibachi, Social003 teens-only hangout, and a Caribbean-themed pool deck. 

The Freedom of the Seas ship will sail from Miami, Florida, through April 2027. It's unclear where she will move that summer. However, the website indicates that she will continue sailing from PortMiami in Oct. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean breaks ground on new Miami cruise terminal

Could Royal Caribbean be closer to revealing its next new cruise ship?

It appears Royal Caribbean is toying with test load sailings for an upcoming unnamed cruise ship. 

The 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises on a ship that begins with "HE" were briefly available on the website. ScottishRobbie shared the find on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum. 

"Under the ship heading HE, these are available to book. Doesn't mention the name of the ship when you try to book," he explains. 

(Credit: ScottishRobbie / Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Forum)

"HE" is likely a placeholder for the fourth vessel in the groundbreaking Icon Class, which is expected in the second half of 2027. 

Based on the test load dates, the sailings appear to begin in September 2027 and could offer 7-night itineraries to popular destinations, such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Cozumel, Roatán, and, of course, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Could Icon 4 replace Icon of the Seas in Miami?

Icon of the Seas has called Miami home since she entered service in Jan. 2024. However, she's moving to Texas in Aug. 2027. She will offer 6- and 8-night voyages to the Western Caribbean, calling at ports like Costa Maya (which is set to become Perfect Day Mexico) and Cozumel (the future home of the Royal Beach Club Mexico). 

As such, this timing aligns almost perfectly with the Sept. 2027 test sailings listed under "HE" on the Royal Caribbean website. Positioning Icon 4 in Miami after Icon's departure would ensure that the cruise line maintains a strong presence in the South Florida market without interruption.

"I guess [the test loads confirm] what has been suspected for a while now - Icon 4 will...take over the Miami 7 nighters when Icon moves to Galveston," ScottishRobbie speculates. 

(Credit: ScottishRobbie / Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Forum)

Of course, this cannot be officially confirmed until Royal Caribbean makes a formal deployment announcement. It is, however, a compelling theory. 

With Legend of the Seas only calling Port Everglades home seasonally (and Star of the Seas sailing from Port Canaveral), South Florida is on track to temporarily lose a full-time Icon Class ship. 

South Florida is a critical cruise hub, meaning that it wouldn't make sense for Royal Caribbean to leave Miami without a flagship Icon Class ship for long.

In fact, PortMiami set a yearly record for cruise passengers during fiscal year 2025, welcoming 8,564,225 cruisers — a 4.02% increase in cruise passenger totals compared with 2024's record of 8,233,056.

Royal Caribbean is also building a brand-new terminal in Miami. Cruise Terminal G will cost $345 million and have the capacity to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers. Officials claim that the terminal's completion date is late 2027, which would also fit the arrival timeline of Icon 4. 

Icon 4 is under construction in Finland

Construction of Icon 4 is underway at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where Icon and Star of the Seas were also built — and where Legend of the Seas is currently being built. 

The ship's keel-laying ceremony was in Sept. 2025, marking the placement of the first building block in the dry dock where the ship will take shape.

Following maritime tradition, coins were also placed under the first steel block to bring good fortune and protection to the vessel.

Read more: Construction starts on one of Royal Caribbean's largest cruise ships

For me, spending the day at the beach or pool is a must-do when my cruise ship visits a Mexican port of call.

After readers asked me for a which Cozumel beach club to pick, I decided to try Mr. Sanchos Beach Club once again because it's the #8 ranked thing to do in Cozumel on TripAdvisor.

I had been there before in 2022, and frankly, I hated it. Compared to other beach clubs around Cozumel, I thought it was underwhelming. However, that was 4 years ago and I wanted to give it another try.

I booked 4 all-inclusive day passes on their website for $248 to give us up to 10 hours.

Easy to get there and get situated

If there's one easy thing about Cozumel that they do well, it's taxis. 

Along with a family we were traveling with, we got a taxi for 7 that cost $40 each way.

Once we arrived at Mr. Sanchos, we were warmly greeted by the staff and directed to check-in. You can pre-purchase admission before your visit for as little as $79.00 per adult; $50 per teen, and $40 per kid.

After checking in, we were assigned a waiter that would work with us for the day and the waiter took us to our spot.

You can request chairs and a palapa anywhere that's not already taken, either near the beach or pool. I prefer the pool, so we got one in the "new area" that was recently expanded.

We had plastic tables and chairs to use, and our waiter allowed us to also snatch a few nearby loungers. The seating is mostly typical of other beach clubs around Cozumel, although I've found others have more loungers.

There were unlimited food options and nonalcoholic beverages to choose from

Your admission includes unlimited food and drink, with just a few exceptions.

• Unlimited food from the buffet
• Unlimited food delivered by your waiter
• Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Access to the beach
• Umbrellas at every table
• Use of ocean kayak
• Lockers

While everything is indeed unlimited, it's not exactly the best food or top shelf liquors either.

Our waiter service was excellent, and both Hillario and Diego were extremely attentive. We tried a wide selection of food, although I prefer to lean into Mexican food when I'm in Mexico.

The tacos, fajitas, and chicken sandwich were all adequate, but not great.  To paraphrase the Roman Caesar in "History of the World Part 1", it was good. Not great, but good.

In terms of drinks, they have plenty of your typical beach cocktails and beers.

One thing they don't have are shots. This was really surprising to me, but I'm guessing they want to keep things from getting out of hand.

Basically, nothing was exceptional, but it was certainly good enough.

The beach was huge, with lots of sand and few rocks

You won't struggle trying to get into the ocean at Mr. Sanchos.

The beach is enormous, as is the beach club itself. Even on our mostly overcast day, the beach was very inviting and water color looked tropical.

I appreciated there were not many rocks or seaweed to contend with. It's the right water depth for wading in and not immediately having the water go over your head.

As morning turned to lunch, it was clear how big the resort is and how many people were visiting.

I walked along the beach and it was easily a 10 minute walk from one end to another. Even though it wasn't completely sold out, you won't confuse a visit to Mr. Sanchos with any kind of a secluded beach.

Our day was dampened by ants, barely any Wi-Fi, and cold pools

My biggest issue with Mr. Sanchos was the lack of quality to the day. Meaning, it felt unremarkable and we had issues that dogged us all day.

There were two problems with the Wi-Fi. The signal barely reached out seats, resulting in off and on connectivity.

But even when the Wi-Fi did connect, there were dropouts often. It resulted in a lot of tossing your phone onto the table out of frustration.

Then there were a lot of ants around our seats. 

On top of that, the pools weren't heated, and it resulted in pools that were "you gotta get used to it" temperature.

No single issue was a deal breaker, but all of it combined to leave a poor experience. 

Next time I'll go to a different beach club

Ultimately, I think I'd rather go back to Paradise Beach or Buccanos than Mr. Sanchos.

I think the problem I have with Mr. Sanchos is how all the little things in their delivery add up to a less than stellar experience.

Their footprint is significantly bigger, and when it gets full, you'll definitely notice the crowds. The lack of functional Wi-Fi and mediocre food also were the things that instantly made us think of Paradise Beach.

Not to mention Royal Caribbean will be opening its own beach club in Cozumel later this year, which gives us yet another compelling alternative.

The staff were wonderful, so I have no issue with the service. But I think there are better places to spend your day in Cozumel.

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) jumped into action last week to rescue a sick passenger on the Star of the Seas cruise ship. 

Members of the USCG Sector San Juan were called regarding a cruise guest who needed to be medically evacuated from one of the world's largest ships. 

In response, an MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew was deployed from Air Station Borinquen to reach and rescue the 64-year-old passenger while the cruise ship was 200 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

Footage shared by the USCG shows the ill passenger being carefully hoisted from the ship’s helipad in a rescue basket, followed by a USCG crew member who returned last to the helicopter.

In addition to the passenger, the crew rescued his next of kin and the cruise ship nurse. They were then safely transported to Centro Médico Hospital for further medical treatment.

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

"This was a great example of the professionalism of all of the Coast Guard units, medical professionals, and the crew of Star of the Seas to execute an early morning hoist of the patient," said Lt. Nicholas Forsythe, Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen copilot for the case. 

"The coordinated efforts ensured the individual was able to safely reach the higher level of care he required."

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

Star of the Seas was on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, when the dramatic rescue unfolded. 

According to the USCG's Facebook post, USCG Sector San Juan was notified on Monday, March 9, 2026, about the ill passenger. As such, the medical evacuation happened early on during the cruise while en route to St. Thomas. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

Other ports of call on the weeklong voyage included Perfect Day at CocoCay and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Star of the Seas returned to Florida as planned on Sunday, March 15. 

Medical evacuations are tricky. Rough seas and strong winds can make rescue missions difficult. It's not uncommon for cruise ships to adjust their course or speed, possibly making an unscheduled stop to safely evacuate passengers. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

In November 2025, for example, Star of the Seas suddenly diverted to Nassau, Bahamas, after a fun-filled day at Perfect Day at CocoCay to disembark an ailing cruise guest. 

Also in November, Allure of the Seas returned to her homeport of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, due to a medical emergency. Supposedly, it was too windy to deploy a helicopter, so the massive Oasis Class ship temporarily docked to allow the ill passenger to safely disembark. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

These stories are a reminder of how important travel insurance is, as medical evacuations can cost upward of $250,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

In these unfortunate cases, the initial medical evacuation is only one piece of the financial burden. Payment will be required for treatment at the hospital ashore, too. These expenses can add up quickly, especially if you're at an international hospital where your regular health insurance policy isn't accepted. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

For instance, one cruiser racked up over $13,000 in medical bills after she fell ill on her first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise. After being transported to a hospital in Costa Maya, local doctors wouldn't even treat Khiali Baxter until they received a $2,500 payment upfront. 

In total, she incurred more than $9,000 in medical expenses at the hospital, including several different procedures to help stabilize her condition. Before being evacuated from the cruise ship, she had been vomiting blood and had lost consciousness. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

Launching in August 2025, Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. She measures a whopping 248,663 gross tons and is 1,196 feet long. At double occupancy, Star can accommodate 5,610 passengers and 2,350 international crew members. 

Highlights include the family-friendly Surfside Neighborhood, record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, Lincoln Park Supper Club, Back to the Future: The Musical, and more. 

Mariner of the Seas has officially re-entered service after undergoing routine dry dock maintenance in The Bahamas. 

The Voyager Class ship last went to dry dock in 2023, where the work focused on minor cosmetic refreshes and standard upkeep. Subtle improvements included repainting the water slides, resurfacing the pool decks, and installing a new FlowRider water pump. 

This time, the ship's dry dock also seemed to err on the side of general maintenance, rather than major upgrades. Mariner of the Seas underwent a $120 million Royal Amplification in 2018, adding new thrills, restaurants, staterooms, and entertainment to the aging vessel. 

(Credit: Joshua Pettit & Alan Flynn / Facebook)

As a result, this latest dry dock focused on preserving the amenities already onboard, while also introducing a handful of small enhancements. 

What's new aboard the Mariner of the Seas cruise ship

(Credit: Alan Flynn / Facebook)

Passengers currently sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas have shared photos and updates of the ship’s refreshed areas. 

For starters, Mariner received a few brand-new colorful casitas on the pool deck. These rentable spaces offer cruisers private shaded spots in the middle of the action, rather than having to fight the chair hogs for prime loungers. 

According to the Royal Caribbean app, the onboard price for a port day casita starts at $150, while the sea day price jumps to $400. You can save money by reserving the casita in advance through the mobile app or Cruise Planner website. 

(Credit: Alan Flynn / Facebook)

Another change made during Mariner of the Seas' refurbishment was the addition of RFID Wow Bands. These wristbands allow passengers to easily access their staterooms with a single tap. They can also be used to make onboard purchases, such as cruise drinks or merchandise, without needing to carry around a physical SeaPass card. 

"So glad they finally have wow bands!!! They are so convenient for kids, we got them on harmony and they are a game changer. Im glad I kept them so we can re use them!" rejoiced one happy cruiser in a dedicated Mariner of the Seas Facebook group. 

Wow Bands aren't included in Royal Caribbean's cruise fare and can be purchased for $9.99. They can also be reused on future sailings. However, you'll need to carry your SeaPass when disembarking in ports of call. 

(Credit: Pamela Thrun Kinsell / Facebook)

Moving on, one passenger, Noah Kingston, explained they ran into the Cruise Director in the Royal Promenade and asked what he thought was the ship's biggest change. His response was the sound system. 

Kingston added that he also observed a motion-activated nightlight in the closet, along with a new thermostat — though another passenger commented that their stateroom's thermostat didn’t seem to be new.

"Most areas I’ve seen so far look clean, freshly painted, and well maintained. Overall, nothing revolutionary so far, but a lot of small, noticeable improvements that make the ship feel refreshed," he concluded. 

When was Mariner of the Seas refurbished?

Mariner of the Seas spent a few weeks tied up in The Bahamas during her recent dry dock. She was out of service from mid-February to March 16, 2026, while work was carried out at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.

Her first sailing back in service departed on March 17, 2026, from Galveston, Texas. She'll remain in Texas through October, when she'll reposition to New Orleans for a brief stint before moving to Europe in April 2027. 

How old is Mariner of the Seas?

The Mariner of the Seas cruise ship is 22 years old, having set sail on her maiden voyage on November 16, 2003. She measures 139,863 gross tons and 1,020 feet long. Mariner can accommodate 3,344 guests at double occupancy, along with 1,200 international crew members. 

Although she isn't the newest ship in the fleet, she offers solid value for cruisers. Onboard, guests will find a wide range of onboard amenities — typically for lower fares than newer vessels. 

During the ship's Royal Amplification, several new attractions and venues were added, including The Perfect Storm water slides, Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z, an escape room, The Bamboo Room tiki bar, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Jamie’s Italian, and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi.

As such, there's a slew of amenities and dining options on the vessel, enough to cater to all kinds of travelers, ranging from families to couples and even solo cruisers. This makes Mariner of the Seas a good cruise ship for those who prioritize variety and affordability. 

Read more: After 12 sailings on Mariner of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Royal Caribbean is bringing its beach club concept to a surprising new destination.

Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be the first exclusive cruise destination in the South Pacific, and the cruise line revealed the first visitors will be able to go there beginning October 2027.

This will be the fourth Royal Beach Club operation, adding onto the two that will open later this year. 

Previously, Royal Caribbean had indicated Lelepa would be more of a standalone product instead of a Perfect Day or Beach Club.  However, we now have a better scope of what it'll be when it's operational.

Pristine beaches

Located on the northwest side of Vanuatu, Royal Beach Club Lelepa will feature two stunning beaches. Vanuatu is located east of Australia.

Available exclusively to Royal Caribbean passengers, visitors will be able to choose between the beaches, as well as an adults-only area (18+).

There is family-friendly East Beach and "adventure-primed" West Beach, plus a peaceful Nature Trail to explore.

Just like all of its beach clubs, it'll be all-inclusive with unlimited food and drink. However, there's one big difference.

While other Royal Beach Clubs require the purchase of a day pass to enter, entrance to Royal Beach Club Lelepa is included in your cruise fare.

Royal Beach Club Lelepa offers access free of charge to two beaches, an Adult’s Only area, and the Nature Trail, along with other complimentary items including:

• Entry
• Transportation via tender to the island
• Loungers
• Umbrellas
• Towel Refresh
• 2 Eateries
• Restrooms
• Beach Games (volleyball, beach cricket, and more)

You’ll also find equipment for games like cornhole and beach cricket at both beaches, and volleyball courts on West Beach, all free of charge. 

For an extra cost, you can pay for:

• Day beds
• Shore excursions
• Watersport equipment (kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel gear)

Guests will board a complimentary tender that takes from and to the ship. Royal Caribbean will build a brand new jetty to welcome the tender boats in.

One thing you won't find at Lelepa are any pool options. In addition, there won't be Wi-Fi on the island.

Opening in October 2027

Sailings departing at the end of October 2027 will be the first to visit.

Sailings with calls at Royal Beach Club Lelepa open for sale on March 18, 2026 EDT / March 19, 2026 AEDT.

Two ships will offer cruises to Royal Beach Club Lelepa, sailing from Sydney and Brisbane. Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will each be the first two ships to call on the island.

Admission to the island is available to guests of all ages.

Food options to indulge

Food is complimentary at Lelepa, with two restaurants and four beach bars.

Gluten free and vegetarian options are available at all the island’s dining venues, as well as options to suit most dietary needs.

In addition to alcoholic beverages, there are non-alcoholic drink options, such as water, sodas, juices, teas, plus local coffee and smoothie options.

The minimum age to consume alcohol at Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be 18.

How this beach club will be different

Unlike Royal Beach Club Nassau, this one is included in your cruise fare. 

In fact, all three of its beach clubs required a separate admission cost, but Lelepa will be included in the fare. 

Speaking to the media in June 2025, Royal Caribbean indicated part of that decision not to charge was because Lelepa isn't exactly like the other beach clubs or even Perfect Day.

Another difference is there won't be a freshwater pool.

The cornerstone of the Royal Beach Clubs in Nassau and Cozumel are the heated pools. However, Lelepa won't have them.

Another key difference is there will be more of a connection to nature, which is something Royal Caribbean identified in their market research.  That's part of the reason there will be a different look and feel to it.

Expanding its private island strategy

When Royal Beach Club Lelepa opens, it will be one of four beach clubs that flank two Perfect Days.  It's all part of a broader strategy to outmaneuver and out deliver any other cruise line or resort.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and Perfect Day at CocoCay are already open and welcoming thousands of guests a month.  Each has been a home run for Royal Caribbean in terms of guest satisfaction and revenue.

Opening this year will be Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece, along with Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico.

Both of these clubs will build on the success of the first beach club, and have an unrivaled experience passengers can opt into while visiting for the day.

Following that will be opening of Perfect Day Mexico, a bigger and more impressive version of what we have at CocoCay.

All of them are available only to Royal Caribbean passengers (as well as sister brand ships).  But vacationers on other cruise lines are unable to visit, making it a walled garden just out of reach for the competition.

Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is always a good idea, but it can be especially memorable over a holiday, such as St. Patrick's Day. 

The cruise line's newest vessel, Star of the Seas, is currently celebrating her first St. Patrick's Day at sea. Royal Caribbean Blog's Head Honcho, Matt Hochberg, reports that the ship is decked out in green, with themed decorations, festive activities, and unique, limited-time partnerships. 

The Royal Promenade is filled with inflatables, ranging from larger-than-life leprechauns to four-leaf clovers and horseshoes. 

There's even an inflatable rainbow near the 1400 Lobby Bar — though, unfortunately, there’s no pot of gold at the end (the closest thing is the Pot of Gold slot tournament in the casino at 11:00 p.m.)

And what's a holiday without a balloon drop? The crew aboard Star of the Seas has already prepared for the celebration, with green and white balloons hanging from the ceiling. 

The Pearl, the Royal Promenade's moody centerpiece, is illuminated in green and gold for the occasion. This helps cast a festive glow on the central thoroughfare, where you'll find everything from the Guest Services desk to the 24-hour Pearl Café and Royal Caribbean-branded shops. 

The Bell & Barley Pub is also getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with a selection of themed drinks that are available all week. 

"We are commemorating this occasion on board with a pub takeover featuring Jameson's Irish Whiskey. Our team has collaborated with our partners at Pernod Ricard to create three signature drinks," said Ed Eiswirth, Senior Director of Beverage Operations at Royal Caribbean. 

"These cocktails will be available throughout the week, as one day of celebration is simply not enough."

The three "Lucky Sips" include the Golden Clover, Pot 'O Gold, and Charmed Apple. The Golden Clover ($14) is made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, mango, lime juice, mint, and Angostura bitters. Pot 'O Gold ($14) is also crafted with Jameson Irish Whiskey, though it leans into a sweeter vibe with amaro, peach, lemon juice, and a peach ring garnish.

Finally, the Charmed Apple ($14) is the only beverage on the limited-edition menu that doesn't use Jameson Irish Whiskey. Instead, it features an Espolòn Silver Tequila base, blended with Cointreau, passion fruit, Granny Smith apple, and lime juice.  

In addition to decorations, the daily planner is filled with St. Patrick's Day-themed activities, such as trivia, a balloon drop with the cruise director staff, and family arts & crafts at Adventure Ocean. 

Star of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. She departed on March 15 and is scheduled to call at CocoCay, Cozumel, Roatán, and Costa Maya before returning to Florida on the 22nd. 

It's the dawn of a new era for Nassau cruisers — if you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, that is. 

Private cabanas aren't a new concept. In fact, some of the dreamiest are the overwater cabanas at the Coco Beach Club. However, Royal Caribbean invested in perhaps its most swanky cabana yet at its all-new beach club in The Bahamas. 

The Ultimate Family Cabana is a one-of-a-kind retreat designed to feel like a beachside villa that goes far beyond the average beach set-up. 

Available at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the cruise line's extra-cost private club in Nassau, the Ultimate Family Cabana is unlike traditional cabanas that offer private loungers, shade, and other basic amenities. 

Instead, the two-story sanctuary feels like a miniature beach house — complete with everything from a slide to a private bathroom, reserved beach space, frozen drink machine, television, and more. 

Here's what you can expect inside.

Royal Caribbean's new Ultimate Family Cabana

Before you even walk inside, you will realize this cabana is unlike any other. With its premium amenities, the Ultimate Family Cabana is poised to become Royal's top-of-the-line product when it comes to perfect beach days. 

Royal Caribbean's largest cabana is located within the Family Beach area of the beach club, just steps from the zero-entry pool and picturesque beach. 

However, you may not want to spend much time outside the cabana. As you enter, you're welcomed by an expansive living room with comfortable chairs and couches that could easily live on someone's private lanai. 

There's also a dedicated dining area, complete with a large table and seating for the whole group. This is convenient, seeing as the cabana can accommodate up to 12 people. 

Moving on, one of the highlights of the Ultimate Family Cabana is the frozen drink machine, ensuring you can get all-you-can-(reasonably)-drink piña coladas and daiquiris with no wait. 

Nearby is a small shaded kitchen, housing a fridge and sink. Opposite the kitchen is the cabana's private bathroom. This means you won't have to trek far for restroom breaks during your ultimate beach day. 

Upstairs is where you’ll find some of the best views in the entire beach club. The second level opens to a plush daybed, table, chairs, and a wet bar. This makes it easy to sip on a crafted cocktail or snack while enjoying the breezy deck.  

The entrance to the neon orange spiral slide is also on the second level of the Ultimate Family Cabana. One neat feature of the slide is that there's a button at the top that "primes" it with water. This ensures that you don't get stuck or burn your bottom on the way down. 

Even if you aren't an avid slide-goer, you will want to visit the second level at least once — mostly to take in the scenery of the turquoise Bahamian waters.

You can also people-watch, as the elevated vantage point offers sweeping views of the Family Beach area and pool. You can even see the towering Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. 

Back downstairs, the Ultimate Family Cabana continues to impress with its beachfront hot tub. This ensures that, even on the chilliest Bahamian days, you can soak up the sunshine and white-sand shoreline. 

The best part is that the hot tub is located steps from a private beach area. As such, you'll have a dedicated space to relax away from the hustle and bustle — all without fighting for a prime lounge chair! 

That's not all, either. Just beyond the hot tub, the cabana’s private beach area also features a hammock. I don't know about you, but I could easily fall asleep reading here. It's the perfect spot to catch up on anyone's endless "TBR" (to-be-read) list! 

No matter how you choose to spend your day at Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Family Cabana, you'll find it has ample spaces to relax and recharge. It's the best of both worlds, really — you can enjoy the newly-opened Royal Beach Club while having a private space with luxurious amenities to retreat to. 

How much does the Royal Beach Club Ultimate Family Cabana cost?

The Ultimate Family Cabana's amenities sound incredible, but the cost is a big part of the equation, too. Affording this slice of paradise isn't for the casual budget cruiser. 

The onboard price for the cabana is $10,000. However, you can save thousands by reserving it through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner. 

For example, during my upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, the Cruise Planner lists the Ultimate Family Cabana with a 30% discount, bringing the price down to $6,999.99.

Comparatively, day passes to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island cost around $97 to $110 per person, depending on whether you want unlimited non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages included. 

Despite the hefty price tag, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley claimed the demand for the cabana is unprecedented. 

"In the first hour when we opened for sale, we sold our Ultimate Family Cabana for one day at $10,000, which was quite remarkable...Subsequently, we've sold a lot of days in the Ultimate Family Cabana at $10,000," he said during an earnings call last year. 

Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is Royal Caribbean's newest addition to its growing private destination portfolio. 

The private beach club destination was created in partnership with The Bahamas and is located on Paradise Island — a narrow strip of land near the Nassau cruise port. 

Unfortunately, the 17-acre beach club isn't included in your cruise fare. As such, it acts more like an optional shore excursion, with access to the private beaches, heated pools, unlimited beverages, and local cuisine available for an added cost. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is divided into three main areas: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach. Family Beach is where the Ultimate Family Cabana is located, along with the Shallow End Pool & Swim-Up Bar, Paradise Grill location, and more. 

Party Cove is the social hub of the beach club — think non-stop music, flowing drinks, and a lively energy that's tailored toward adults. Here, you'll find the world's largest swim-up bar, rentable day beds, another Paradise Grill, and more. 

Finally, Chill Beach was designed for guests who want a relaxed atmosphere and peaceful oceanfront spaces. Complete with beach bars, another pool and swim-up bar, and easy-access to local cuisine at the Paradise Grill, it’s the perfect spot to unwind without feeling overwhelmed by activity. 

Currently, Royal Caribbean offers two types of day passes to Royal Beach Club: the Open Bar Day Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining) and the Non-Alcoholic Day Pass (Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining). 

Because of the day pass options, it’s worth noting that your Royal Caribbean drink packages don’t carry over to the Royal Beach Club. Even if you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, you'll need to purchase the Open Bar Day Pass to enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages ashore. 

Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. The heated pools and all-inclusive pass fixed a long-standing problem

You check the weather forecast before your cruise and suddenly your excitement turns into dread: rain every day.

While it looks like your Caribbean vacation is about to be washed out before it even begins, the truth is it probably won't. That scary-looking forecast doesn't mean it will rain all day, or even for every long. In fact, it's more likely the rain will miss you and end up with plenty of sunshine.

The thing most people don’t realize is Caribbean weather forecasts are famously misleading. 

Before you panic, here's some reassurance why that "rain forecast for the entire cruise" rant is probably not as bad as it looks.

Why Caribbean forecasts almost always show rain

Weather forecasting relies on models, and the models in the Caribbean are not nearly as sophisticated or well-developed as those in the United States.

Part of the reason for this is because there are less weather stations around the Caribbean. Many countries don't have the financial resources to buy a radar station and that means there's far less weather radar information to feed into models.

I'm not saying the weather forecasts are useless, but don't take them as the gospel truth for what to expect.

Rain is common in the tropics

As someone that lives in Florida, I know that when there's rain in the forecast, it's rarely an all-day affair.

When you get into the warm months of the year, rain storms tend to pop-up and develop as the day goes on. Warm ocean water + humidity = pop-up storms.

That means you start off the day sunny, see clouds in the afternoon, and experience a quick downpour.  Or not at all.  Tropical rain storms are usually small cells that move quickly and may hit one beach, but not another.

Even if the forecast is accurate that it will rain, it's doubtful the rain will last very long. Sometimes it's a few minutes, sometimes an hour or so.  But most of the day is likely to be rain-free.

That forecast is a percentage chance, not a guarantee

Something else you should look at in any weather forecast is the percentage chance of rain.

It may list rain every day of your cruise, but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee. Often the percentage listed is far less than 100%, and that means forecasters aren't really sure.  They see the potential for precipitation, but it's unclear when or where exactly it will rain and for how long.

So meteorologists use a percentage in their forecast to handicap the likelihood of rain. Even a 70% or higher chance or rain may result in no rain at all.

Weather apps show rain icons even if the chance is small. A 30–40% chance of rain may mean a short shower somewhere nearby.

This is one of those situations as a cruiser you need to have a "glass is half full" approach and hope for the best.

Why cruise ships are good at avoiding bad weather

On sea days, you have the best chance to avoid the worst rain.

Cruise ship Captains can reroute around large storm systems. That's not to say they'll avoid every rain cell, but they will seek a better route if there's a big system out there. In fact, Royal Caribbean has its own meteorologist to help predict bad weather and keep ships away from it.

In the case of a hurricane, Royal Caribbean could re-arrange ports or change itineraries.  They won't do that for a regular rain storm, but it's important to know major storms have contingency plans.

How to read a cruise weather forecast correctly

Before you text your family your "cruise is ruined", here's what I'd look at in any forecast.

Start by looking at hourly forecasts, not daily icons. If your ship is going to depart by mid afternoon, you could miss the worst of the rain.

Next, check precipitation percentage, not just symbols. They're estimates and anything less than 50% is probably not worth changing any plans around.

Lastly, even if it does rain, expect short bursts of rain, not constant storms.

Prepare for rain, but expect sunshine

My advice is understand that, yes, it could rain. But it probably won't be a washout.

Plan for a fun time ashore and enjoy your day.  However, if it does rain, don't let it stop you in your tracks.

Heck, if there's no lighting, hop in the pool or ocean and embrace being wet while you're already wet!

If you have plans on land, packing rain ponchos might be prudent. Or just duck under cover and let it all pass.

If your cruise is going to Alaska, the weather changes so quickly there that rain is likely. But it usually moves on soon enough.