Royal Caribbean Blog

Construction at Royal Caribbean's new private destination in Mexico is now cleared to move forward following court rulings that lifted earlier injunctions.

On March 27, a hearing was held regarding the injunction, with the Mexican judge granting Royal Caribbean a suspension against the closure carried out by Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (PROFEPA), the federal agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations, in January.

Earlier this year, PROFEPA halted demolition at one of three sites after inspectors found "landfilling and compaction activities on a dirt road in a low-lying coastal jungle area with mangroves, as well as demolition and debris removal, all without the required environmental impact authorization from the competent federal authority." 

(Credit: Francisco Javier Hernández / Facebook)

The provisional suspension was issued after environmental activists raised concerns about the large-scale project, claiming that Mahahual's drainage and sewage management problems could be worsened by the proposed water park. There was a debate over whether Perfect Day Mexico could damage the nearby mangroves, too. 

However, despite the environmental concerns, the judge ruled in Royal Caribbean’s favor, allowing construction to resume, a local news outlet reported.

(Credit: Francisco Javier Hernández / Facebook)

While critics argue that this ruling places corporate policies and economic interests above community and environmental protection, Royal Caribbean has made it clear that it cares about the environment and will do what it can to safeguard mangrove areas, coastal ecosystems, and local wildlife. 

Royal Caribbean has consistently said it plans to follow all regulatory requirements and minimize environmental impact as the project moves forward.

For example, when questioned about the project by El Financiero last year, Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, said, "We are not going to touch anything at all in the mangrove conservation area," adding that the mangroves are already dying due to pollution from the municipal water treatment plant.

The company has also said it is committed to transparency and compliance with Mexican regulations as the legal process unfolds.

Why this matters

A project as ambitious as Perfect Day Mexico was bound to get the attention of a lot of people, and developing projects anywhere has its challenges.

On the surface, cruise fans can look forward to the eventual opening of a massive new private destination experience that builds upon the tremendous success of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Just as important is this legal maneuver proves how committed Royal Caribbean is to improving the local community around Mahaual and protecting the environment.

Just last week, the company announced plans to build a new, state-of-the-art solid waste management facility in the area. This is an example of a win-win opportunity for company and community.

The current trash management that serves the area is less than ideal, and Royal Caribbean needs something more robust to support building Perfect Day Mexico.  Significantly strengthening local waste infrastructure in Mahahual not only gets them what they need, but ensures the people living in the community have access to it too.

The new solid waste facility will incorporate advanced sorting technologies, closed-loop processing systems, high-efficiency material recovery solutions, and best-in-class environmental controls, enabling more efficient waste handling, resource recovery, and reduced reliance on landfills.

Plus, they're working with Maritime Procurement Services (MPS), which is a local company and that boosts the economy there.

In October, Royal Caribbean announced plans to clean up the mangroves in the area because for years, the coastal wetlands have been used to discharge wastewater from the municipal treatment plant.

According to Mr. Schneider, the antiquated sewer plant was leaking into the surrounding mangrove ecosystem, contaminating both the mangroves and the beach adjacent to the cruise ship pier.

In turn, Royal Caribbean will build their own reverse osmosis system to provide drinking water as well as a treatment plant to clean up the area, which will later be transferred to the municipal government to serve the entire community.

Royal Caribbean gives you drink vouchers, Celebrity hands you an open bar for a couple hours, so which perk actually feels like the better deal once you're onboard?

Royal Caribbean Group offers some of the best loyalty perks in the cruise industry, and one of the most valuable benefits for top-tier members is complimentary drink vouchers. While both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises reward loyal guests with free beverages, each cruise line has its own approach to how those drinks are offered and used onboard.

After cruising extensively with both cruise lines, I’ve had the chance to experience their loyalty drink perks many times. With Royal Caribbean Group's status match program, I have Diamond Plus status with Royal Caribbean and Elite Plus status with Celebrity Cruises. While my status qualifies me for drink perks on both cruise lines, each one takes a different approach to how those benefits are offered, with its own pros and cons.

For instance, Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program offers a ton of flexibility with daily drink vouchers that can be used almost anywhere at any time. On the other hand, Celebrity Cruises hosts a nightly happy hour with unlimited drinks from a set menu during a two-hour window.

Depending on how you like to drink on a cruise, one loyalty program might work better for you than another.

I was reminded of these differences during my recent 14-night cruise with Celebrity Cruises aboard Celebrity Equinox across South America. During that sailing, I was able to experience the Elite Happy Hour each night of the cruise.

We ended up going to Ensemble Bar every evening before dinner. We had an excellent waiter who was extremely attentive night after night and provided fantastic service. It was something we looked forward to each evening as a family!

More importantly, I was able to see how Royal Caribbean and Celebrity’s drink perks differ, especially when it comes to how and where you can use them throughout your cruise. What’s included with each loyalty perk also varies significantly, which can make a big difference depending on your drinking preferences. 

Royal Caribbean’s drink vouchers are very flexible

Royal Caribbean currently provides drink vouchers to Crown & Anchor members at the Diamond level and above. One of the biggest perks of reaching Diamond status is receiving these daily drink vouchers that can be used throughout your cruise. Even kids receive the benefit, although they are limited to non-alcoholic drinks.

Once you reach Diamond status, you’ll receive 4 drinks per person, per day on every Royal Caribbean cruise you take. Similarly, Diamond Plus members receive 5 drinks per person, per day, while top-tier Pinnacle Club members receive 6 drinks per person, per day.

Royal Caribbean specifically states that Diamond members and above receive: “Complimentary daily drinks up to $14 in value ($13 on Singapore sailings, $15 on UK and Australia sailings — excludes Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted). Each drink voucher can also get you 40% off on wine bottles less than $100, and 20% off bottles more than $100.”

The vouchers are loaded directly onto your SeaPass account, so there are no paper coupons to carry around. When you order a drink, you simply tell the bartender or server that you would like to use one of your Diamond drinks.

The vouchers are good only for that day, so it is very much a use-it-or-lose-it system. Once you reach 6 a.m. the next day, the voucher total resets. You cannot save vouchers for another day or borrow them from future days.

One of the biggest advantages of Royal Caribbean’s system is where the drinks can be used. You can redeem your drink vouchers at pretty much any bar, restaurant, or lounge onboard. The drink vouchers even work at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is a huge benefit. This flexibility is what makes the drink perk so useful, as you are not stuck in one venue or forced to wait until a certain time each evening.

Royal Caribbean used to offer a nightly happy hour instead, similar to Celebrity

If you’re newer to cruising with Royal Caribbean, you might not realize that the cruise line hasn’t always used the now-popular voucher system. The cruise line actually used to have a nightly happy hour for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members. This perk offered unlimited drinks in the Diamond Lounge each night from a more limited menu that included basic well drinks, wine, beer, and soda.

This was the system for a long time, and after my sister and I turned 21, we were frequent visitors in the Diamond Lounge with our parents! Going to the lounge each night was a highlight of the cruise.

After my husband inherited my Diamond Plus status when we got married, we also became big fans of the happy hour. The limited menu was not always our favorite, but it was better than paying higher prices for drinks.

(Enjoying Happy Hour in the Diamond Lounge during our honeymoon in 2018)

And as newlyweds with a smaller vacation budget, we definitely took advantage of the unlimited drinks during happy hour! Although the menu was limited, the drinks were unlimited. And if you found a good bartender working hard for a tip, you might even be able to get drinks that were not technically on the menu.

After the shutdown, Royal Caribbean revamped the perk. The cruise line wanted to deter people from crowding in the lounge every night for drinks, so it replaced the old happy hour with the drink voucher system. With the new system, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members could get drinks from any bar up to $14. The drinks could be used at any time of day, which meant you no longer had to wait until happy hour every evening.

For most cruisers, the change was positive. The vouchers provided much more flexibility and allowed people to order from a wider range of drinks than the limited happy hour menu once allowed. And you can use the drinks ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which was not an option before with the lounge-only happy hour!

Of course, some people were disappointed about losing the unlimited aspect of the old system. The voucher setup created a hard daily cap that did not exist before. In some ways it became more flexible, while in other ways it became more limited. However, I think most people overall are very happy with the voucher system.

Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour allows unlimited drinks, but with more limitations

Comparatively, Celebrity Cruises has a nightly Elite Happy Hour for Elite, Elite Plus, and Zenith members. This takes place in certain bars from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each night, and you can order unlimited drinks from a set menu. The menu includes a selection of basic cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, and some non-alcoholic drinks. Not all bars participate, although most onboard do.

This is where Celebrity’s system differs significantly from Royal Caribbean’s. You cannot order drinks elsewhere using the perk. Instead, you have to wait until happy hour each night and order from the designated menu at a participating bar.

For example, if you want to order a piña colada by the pool during the day, you will be paying out of pocket. And even if you wait until happy hour, you still wouldn’t be able to get a piña colada, as it is not on the Elite Happy Hour menu.

On the other hand, Celebrity’s happy hour does technically allow for unlimited drinks during that two-hour period. If quantity matters most to you, that is a huge advantage. You can theoretically drink as much as you want during happy hour. However, you have to be in a participating bar, which means you cannot use the perk on the pool deck or in a restaurant.

Most people would agree that any free drink is a good drink. But, if you prefer more elaborate cocktails or top-shelf liquor, you might be disappointed by the menu. 

However, one nice advantage is that you can order bottled water and soda during happy hour. This doesn’t count against a daily threshold like it would on Royal Caribbean, as Celebrity isn’t tracking how much you order.

Celebrity’s embarkation day rule used to make the perk more frustrating

When I first started cruising with Celebrity in 2023, Elite Happy Hour was not available on embarkation day. You had to wait until the second night of the cruise to enjoy the perk. This felt unnecessarily restrictive, especially if you were only taking a short sailing.

For instance, my sister and I took a 4-night cruise on Celebrity Silhouette, so we could only enjoy the happy hour for three nights. Similarly, my parents took their first Celebrity cruise that same year, and they were disappointed when they went to the bar on the first night and found out they could not order a drink.

When they asked why the happy hour was not available on embarkation day, no one could really provide a good answer. Now, within the last year or two, Celebrity has extended the happy hour to include embarkation day. That was a very welcome change!

Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour menu is decent, but not expansive

One of the most important things to understand about Celebrity’s loyalty perk is that the drink options are more limited than the ship’s overall bar menus. You cannot order a Lychee Martini or an Old Fashioned, for example. The included menu is much more basic.

The menu features a mix of basic spirits like Absolut vodka, Bacardi rum, and Jim Beam, along with beers such as Heineken and Bud Light, plus wines and classic cocktails like a Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, or Mimosa. While there’s a range of standard options, it’s limited to simple drinks and select brands, meaning anything more premium or specialty would cost extra.

If you’re content with simple cocktails, beer, wine, or basic mixed drinks, the perk can be sufficient. However, if you prefer frozen beverages, more elevated cocktails, or premium spirits, the limited menu may feel somewhat underwhelming.

Royal Caribbean’s biggest advantage is versatility

Personally, I prefer Royal Caribbean’s drink voucher system compared to Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour. For instance, I don’t always want my free drinks during a two-hour window in a specific bar each night. Sometimes I want a cocktail by the pool in the afternoon! Other times, I might want a glass of wine with dinner or a beach drink while visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.

There’s so much flexibility with Royal Caribbean’s drink vouchers, and it can save you hundreds of dollars if you’re someone who likes to drink daily.

Another major benefit is that the vouchers work more like a mini drink package. Since they can be used on a much broader range of beverages up to the price cap, you are not limited to one tiny loyalty menu. You can use them for cocktails, bottled water, premium coffee, soda, and more.

I love to have a drink or two each day of my cruise, but I rarely use all five of my Diamond Plus drinks each day of a cruise, especially on a longer itinerary. If I still have drinks left at the end of the evening, I usually stock up on bottled water for the next day.

Finally, it’s also a major perk that you can share your drink vouchers. When I have cruised with friends who do not have the same voucher perks, I have been happy to share my drink vouchers with them. When my parents have cruised with my aunt and uncle, they usually share their 10 combined drink vouchers each day so everyone can enjoy a drink or two.

However, one downside is that Royal Caribbean's vouchers are not unlimited

The biggest drawback of Royal Caribbean’s system is obvious. The drinks are flexible, but they are not unlimited.

For some people, the daily voucher amount is more than enough. For others, it might seem too restrictive. If you are someone who likes to drink throughout the day and into the evening, you may run out of vouchers and have to pay out of pocket.

The vouchers can either feel very generous or very restrictive depending on your habits. If you order a specialty coffee, soda, or bottled water, you aren’t using the full value of the vouchers. I’ve even asked for these to be charged to my account so I can save my vouchers for more expensive drinks throughout the day.

Celebrity’s happy hour offers unlimited drinks and a social atmosphere

If you care most about being able to order as many drinks as you want during those two hours, you might prefer Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour. You do not have to count drinks the way you do with Royal Caribbean’s vouchers, as you can technically order as much as you’d like during the two hours.

There is also a social element to Celebrity’s happy hour that a lot of people enjoy. Since the perk happens in the same bars at the same time every night, you tend to see the same people over and over. This creates more of a nightly ritual and lounge atmosphere. On my recent Celebrity Equinox cruise, going to Ensemble Bar each evening became part of our routine, and having the same attentive waiter each night really enhanced the experience.

I find that Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour can be underwhelming

The main problem with Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour is how restrictive it can feel compared to Royal Caribbean. You have to wait until happy hour each night to get your free drinks, and you have to visit a participating bar to order from a limited menu.

If you want a drink earlier in the day, you are paying out of pocket. And, if you want a more elaborate cocktail, you are paying out of pocket. If you are traveling with people who do not have loyalty status, you can't share your benefit with others. This can make Celebrity’s drink perk feel more limited, even though it is technically unlimited for those two hours.

In fact, I have seen recent discussion online where cruisers asked why Celebrity has not changed to drink vouchers. Personally, I have wondered the same thing!

But I was surprised by how many people said they prefer Celebrity’s happy hour over Royal Caribbean’s drink vouchers. More than half of the comments said they liked the happy hour because it’s actually unlimited. Additionally, you can order soda and water without using one of a limited number of drinks.

Celebrity fans also liked the social aspect of seeing the same people every night. I saw multiple comments saying, “Celebrity is not Royal Caribbean, it doesn’t need to change, we like how it is.” I thought that was interesting, because I personally tend to prefer Royal Caribbean’s drink vouchers.

Which loyalty drink perk is better?

I understand why some people prefer Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour. If your top priority is unlimited drinks and you enjoy the social aspect of going to the same bar each evening, Celebrity can be a better option. There is also value in not having to count your drinks during those two hours.

But personally, I still prefer Royal Caribbean’s vouchers. I appreciate being able to order from almost anywhere, at any time, from a much wider drink selection. I also like that the vouchers work at Perfect Day at CocoCay, making the day feel even more inclusive. Finally, it’s great that you can use them for cocktails, bottled water, specialty coffee, soda, or whatever else makes the most sense that day.

Celebrity’s happy hour is still a good perk, and I enjoyed it on my recent Celebrity Equinox cruise. But it feels more restrictive to me. Royal Caribbean’s vouchers feel more practical, more flexible, and more in line with how I like to drink on a cruise.

If your priority is unlimited drinks during a set happy hour and you enjoy the built-in social atmosphere, Celebrity may be the better fit. If you value flexibility, broader drink selection, and the ability to use the perk on your own schedule, Royal Caribbean’s drink vouchers are likely a better fit.

At the end of the day, both loyalty perks can save cruisers hundreds of dollars and reduce the need for an expensive drink package.

Royal Caribbean announced plans for Hero of the Seas to launch in 2027, but I found a few tidbits about this ship that will make it different from other cruise ships.

Every new ship is always a bit different from the previous ones. Even when they're the same class, Royal Caribbean takes every opportunity to refine and improve a ship.  They capture so much guest feedback that their product development team seeks to improve ships going forward.

The cruise line has already marketed the major changes coming to Hero: an expanded adults-only area, two new family raft slides, and a New Orleans-themed supper club. Plus, it will introduce an immersive train car dining experience and a two-deck Ultimate Family Treehouse suite.

However, if you didn't dig through every piece of news released, there are a couple of tidbits I discovered about Hero of the Seas worth sharing too.

According to Jennifer Goswami, Senior Director of Product Development, Hero of the Seas, "marks the beginning of the next phase of the Icon Class". With that in mind, changes are abound.

Swim & Tonic will be larger

Since the launch of Icon of the Seas, these ships have been focused on providing a connection to the water.  This includes pool access.

The Swim & Tonic pool has easily been one of the most popular ideas, and it will be bigger on Hero of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean says they will expand its footprint to be "refreshed and 30% larger". That means more space to be in the water and enjoying the bar experience.

As one of the adults-only areas on the ship, the Swim & Tonic is far less loud than The Hideaway.  On Hero, that area will also get an upgrade with a second pool that will have a DJ booth.

It's clear with both changes, Royal Caribbean wants more guests to be able to enjoy either venue by expanding the pool space.

Longer length water slides

Another example of listening to guest feedback is in the water slides.

Category 6 waterpark on Hero of the Seas will add the first-ever funnel raft slide at sea. But the other slides are getting changes too.

"Our guests are so happy with this water park," Ms. Goswami explained "The only thing they told us is they wish they were there longer."

"So, we've switched out some of our raft slides to make sure that the time that guests are on the ride is now longer and is even more thrilling."

Not only do we get a new slide, but we're also getting more time on the slides.

Food hall will no longer be cuisine specific

Aquadome Market quickly became my favorite included restaurant, and it's going to change for the better on Hero.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza revealed that while the Aquadome Market will have new food cuisine choices on Hero, they'll periodically change.

"We will always debut with five really well- tested concepts, but we're also going to design the stalls to no longer be so specific to a cuisine so that we can start to bring in different ideas and test it with guests as time goes on," he said.

This means when Hero of the Seas starts sailing, it will start with four new stall concepts, plus desserts at Crème de la Crêpe and freshly squeezed juices at Simply Pressed.

Later, we could see the stalls swap out cuisines for something new.

Personally, I'd love to see a food and wine, or rotating showcase of food from various countries.   

A better outdoor Chops Grille experience

Restaurants in Central Park offer indoor and outdoor seating, but if it's humid or rainy, then sitting outside isn't so great.

That's why Royal Caribbean will introduce new climatized outdoor seating at Chops Grille.

We don't have specifics yet, but it's likely this means enclosing the outdoor seating to offer not only protection from rain, but potentially also air conditioning. That would be a helpful change for a ship that will be sailing around the Caribbean.

Ultimate Family Treehouse will replace a different suite?

Deck plans aren't available yet as of the publishing of this article, but it looks like the new Ultimate Family Treehouse will take the place of where the Royal Loft Suite is located on the first three Icon Class ships. Don't worry, the Royal Loft Suite is being moved to another location.

Initially, I assumed it would replace the Ultimate Family Townhouse.  However, the renderings we've seen clearly show the Treehouse in the location that the Royal Loft Suite is located on other Icon Class ships.

This new type of stateroom is three decks high, and has a rooftop terrace, private whirlpool and dedicated teen space spanning two decks.

It sleeps up to 12 people.

Royal Caribbean Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider thinks it will be "designed for families with younger children, but really meant to be the ultimate family hangout."

Royal Caribbean is about to roll out two new credit cards that that are going to be offer more incentives to consumers.

For the first time, the company is introducing a single credit card that works across all three of its cruise brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. The new cards, called Royal ONE and Royal ONE Plus, are part of a bigger push the company has had to build customer loyalty.

Instead of earning rewards tied to just one cruise line, this new program is designed to let you earn and redeem across all of them.

The cards are expected to launch in the coming weeks, although an exact date hasn’t been announced yet.

Here's what has been announced and what you can expect with the new cards.

The first tri-branded cruise credit card

Not only is there a new credit card, but it's different how you can use it to redeem rewards.

Instead of being locked into just Royal Caribbean rewards, you'll be able to earn points whether you’re sailing on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea,  and then use those points across any of those brands.

The company says their goal is to make make rewards more flexible and easier to use as guests move between different lines. This is important given the recent changes to loyalty programs to make earning points between the lines easier.

It further reduces being siloed by brand. Instead, you can mix and match which cruise line you sail on and how you redeem your points.

This new card is designed to follow how people actually cruise today.

There's no word yet when you start applying for the card.  Current cardholders will receive the new terms and conditions and then begin the conversion process automatically. 

Two cards are launching

Royal Caribbean is launching two versions of the card to provide a choice in how they opt to travel.

Royal ONE (no annual fee)

The base version of the card comes with no annual fee and focuses on straightforward rewards:

• 3X points on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea
• 2X points on groceries, gas, and EV charging
• 1X point on all other purchases

It also includes a few travel perks, such as:

• Priority boarding on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises
• A $100 anniversary reward after qualifying spend
• No foreign transaction fees

This version is clearly aimed at casual cruisers who want to earn rewards without paying a yearly fee.

Royal ONE Plus ($99 annual fee)

The upgraded version of the card adds more earning power and additional perks, especially for frequent cruisers.

• 4X points on purchases with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea
• 2X points on groceries, gas, EV charging, plus air, hotel, and dining
• 1X point on all other purchases

Extra benefits include:

• Priority suite boarding across all three brands
• Priority luggage handling (Royal Caribbean and Celebrity)
• A $200 anniversary reward after qualifying spend
• A $120 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit every four years
• No foreign transaction fees

This card carries an annual fee, but it also has more perks and you can earn points more quickly to help justify it.  I think it's aimed at people that love to cruise already and who travel often enough to justify the annual fee.

Here are a few other important differences about these cards:

• The anniversary reward is recurring each year
• Points don't expire
• The old card has a maximum cap on points, but the new card doesn't
• The minimum point redemption will move from 1,000 to 5,000 points

Better rewards

Another improvement over the current credit card is what you convert your points into as you sail.

Points earned with the Royal ONE cards can be used for cruise fare discounts or onboard credits that can be redeemed for:

• Shore excursions
• Beverage packages
• Specialty dining
• Wi-Fi packages
• Onboard experiences

That flexibility is key. It aligns the credit card more closely with how people actually spend money on a cruise. They want rewards that save them money on how they already like to cruise.

What happens to the current Royal Caribbean credit card

If you already have the existing Royal Caribbean credit card, you won't be left behind.

Royal Caribbean Group says current cardholders will be automatically converted to the new Royal ONE card. From there, they’ll have the option to upgrade to the Royal ONE Plus version if they want the additional perks.

Is the new Royal Caribbean Royal ONE card worth it?

Ever since Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty mentioned a new credit card was in the works, plans are revolved around the idea of offering more to loyal cruisers.

When asked about the Royal Caribbean credit card during an earnings call, he said they were working on something better.

"We do have a co-branded credit card. It is tied today to our loyalty program, but not in the way that fits our ambition."

That ambition is evident in how this credit card offers more incentives than before, and it's part of a larger journey of empowering loyal cruisers.

Royal Caribbean Group introduced status matching in 2024, and then added Points Choice so you could earn points no matter which cruise line you sailed on. 

The credit card is the third step, because now you can earn credit card points and not be limited if you use them for a Royal Caribbean, Silversea, or Celebrity Cruise.  And whichever line you choose, you can earn points for that sailing back in the loyalty program of your choice.

That kind of flexibility didn’t exist before in this way.

"I think people want to be recognized," Mr. Liberty explained. "They and not just recognized for their spend today, but recognized for all that they have done in the past."

"And then we need to make sure we're creating an environment across our brands to make sure that in their lifetime of vacation, we have the right vacation experience that is relevant to them, and that they're benefiting from continuing to stay inside our ecosystem."

Both of these cards were made for those who love cruising and sail on Royal Caribbean brand ships pretty much every year.

That's because the reward earning potential is so much higher for booking a cruise and using the card to pay for any extras.

The Royal ONE Plus card certainly is best for anyone that cruises more than once a year, and the annual fee is negated by the $200 anniversary reward (with qualifying spend).

I think the genius of this card is you can earn points and then later decide if you want to redeem the points towards any one of the Royal Caribbean Group brands. That flexibility offers more freedom in how you can jump between lines more easily than in the past.

Of course, for those who don't foresee a cruise vacation in their future or are more immersed in the world of credit card rewards, it may not make sense to add this card to their wallet.

You will see tables filled with colorful cups on embarkation day. But what exactly are they? And how do you get one?

The Royal Caribbean soda cup is available for an extra charge and allows guests unlimited access to the ship's Freestyle Coca-Cola machines. 

The Freestyle machine is a convenient touch-screen interface that allows guests to choose from over 100 drink combinations, from classic sodas to unique flavored variations and no-sugar options. 

Royal Caribbean Freestyle cups are included with the Classic Soda Package. However, as of March 15, 2026, they are no longer included with the Royal Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages. 

While soda from bars, lounges, and restaurants is still included, guests who'd like access to the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine must purchase a souvenir cup onboard for $4.99.

Freestyle machines are located in high-traffic areas, such as the Royal Promenade and Windjammer Marketplace. You may find them in other spots, too. For example, there are Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in the Surfside Neighborhood on Icon Class vessels. 

If you are worried about carrying your soda cup around, consider purchasing a convenient sling. This will keep your hands free as you navigate from deck to deck. Some drink holders also have a slot for your SeaPass card — and no, you won't get as many strange looks as you think! 

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean soda cups are programmed for your specific voyage. As such, you cannot reuse them on future sailings. Moreover, Freestyle machines are not available on Brilliance of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas.

Is the Royal Caribbean soda package worth it?

Royal Caribbean's Classic Soda Package is the cheapest beverage package offered by the cruise line. However, it's also the most restrictive. For example, you cannot pick up bottled water, order a specialty coffee, or indulge in premium cocktails. 

"With the Classic Soda Package, you enjoy non-stop cans of soda, fountain soft drinks, and more Coca-Cola favorite beverages, for one low price. Unlock the endless variety of Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines as you explore and pour all you want with a Coca-Cola souvenir cup to take home," reads the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner. 

Unlimited soft drinks ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas, are also included. 

That said, while the Freestyle cup is included, there is a $4.99 charge if you misplace it on the ship. Additionally, packages cannot be shared and are non-transferable. 

So, is a Royal Caribbean soda package worth it? It depends on your drinking habits. For starters, it is the most affordable beverage package, which is an advantage for budget cruisers. 

Generally speaking, you can pre-purchase a soda package through the Cruise Planner for anywhere from $9.99 to $18.00 per person per day, plus gratuity.

Comparatively, the cost of a single soft drink aboard Royal Caribbean ships is $3.50, before the mandatory service charge. As such, if you can find a deal for about $10 per day, the package can help you save money as long as you consume at least three soft drinks each day of your sailing. 

Another perk is that the Royal Caribbean soda cup is included with the package. This means that you don't have to shell out an additional $4.99 per person for access to the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machine. 

For a family of four, this could potentially mean shelling out another $20 — on top of what was already paid for the packages.

That said, if you plan to enjoy specialty coffees, energy drinks, mocktails, and more, opting for the Royal Refreshment Package is a better choice. You don't have to buy a soda cup, after all. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean soda package review

After suddenly canceling over two dozen cruises, Royal Caribbean has revealed plans to redeploy its popular Freedom of the Seas cruise ship in 2027. 

Initially, guests booked on the canceled sailings were given a broad explanation, with the cruise line saying that the changes were part of their ongoing itinerary planning process, which can require "flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs."

The shift will see the 3,926-passenger vessel move away from voyages to The Bahamas and the Caribbean from Miami, and instead focus on a new lineup of European sailings, as first reported by Cruise Critic.  

This reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry, with demand for Northern European voyages to destinations such as the United Kingdom and Ireland at an all-time high. 

The move will complete a three-year rollout of all Freedom Class ships sailing from Southampton, which began with Independence of the Seas in 2025. Liberty of the Seas will sail from Southampton in 2026, followed by Freedom of the Seas taking over in 2027.

"The UK & Ireland is an incredibly important market for Royal Caribbean, and as a result, we’re excited to announce that we'll be upsizing our Southampton deployment in 2027 with Freedom of the Seas, following our long-standing success here with this class of ship," said Aaron Langford, Senior Sales Director UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean. 

"Freedom Class has consistently resonated strongly with British and Irish guests, and following a recent amplification, Freedom of the Seas offers a fantastic mix of scale, innovation, and guest-favourite features that deliver the ultimate family holiday," he added. 

European cruises on Freedom of the Seas are not yet available for booking. As of Monday, March 30, May through September 2027 remain greyed out on the website's calendar. 

Based on this year's Liberty of the Seas schedule, itineraries are likely to visit ports of call like Hamburg, Germany; Bruges/Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium; Bilbao, Spain; Vigo, Spain; Olden, Norway; and more. 

Freedom of the Seas fast facts

Freedom of the Seas is the namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class. When launched in May 2006, she was the world's largest cruise ship. Today, of course, that record is held by massive Icon Class vessels. 

Freedom of the Seas measures 156,271 gross tons, is 1,111 feet long, and can accommodate 3,926 passengers at double occupancy. Overall, she's a solid mid-sized cruise ship that offers a great balance of amenities at a reasonable price point. 

Highlights include a Caribbean-themed pool deck, Perfect Storm water slides, Splashaway Bay, FlowRider surf simulator, a non-smoking casino, Lime and Coconut bar, Social003 teens-only hangout, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and Izumi Hibachi.

Following her 2027 seasonal stint in Europe, Freedom of the Seas is expected to return to Miami in October and offer various itineraries, including:

• 4-Night Western Caribbean Holiday to Costa Maya, Mexico
• 5-Night Perfect Day & Caribbean Cruise to CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti
• 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise to Labadee, Haiti; Samaná, Dominican Republic; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• 9-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise to Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas

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

Royal Caribbean is making its next Icon Class ship bigger and bolder, with some serious new changes.

Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon Class ship, will set sail from Miami in August 2027, the cruise line announced on Monday. This will be the biggest cruise ship in the world when she debuts and offer new activities and experiences.

One takeaway from the early announcement is Royal Caribbean wants to offer even more to families to experience together.  While the majority of the ship is similar to other Icon Class ships, the big changes speak to the family cruise vacation.

"With more water, more thrills and more choices for all ages, we’re continuing to build on what our guests love about Royal Caribbean and delivering the experiences families are looking for when vacationing together," said the line's CEO Michael Bayley.

Here’s what guests can expect.

When will Hero of the Seas debut?

The ship will launch in August 2027.

Its homeport will be Miami, Florida.

Bookings open on April 1. 

Royal Caribbean says Crown and Anchor members can book on April 1 and the public can do so on April 2, but it's been our experience bookings are available for everyone on April 1st. The difference is bookings get publicized on April 2nd.

What's new coming to Hero of the Seas?

More pools, with a shift towards lounging

Royal Caribbean is never content with rolling out copies of its ships. They look for opportunities to improve and push forward.

Hero of the Seas will lean more into the "resort at sea" vibe. Don't worry, there's plenty of thrills too.

There will be 9 pools in total, making it the ship with the most at sea.  But the real change is how these pools will be used.

A new pool concept will be Coconut Cove, that has in-water loungers and chill Caribbean bar energy.

The Hideaway (adults-only area) is being upgraded to have a second pool.  Plus, it will have the largest swim-up bar at sea and an in-water DJ booth.

The waterpark is getting a new headline attraction

Category 6 waterpark has been notable for how big it is since debuting on Icon of the Seas, but it's getting even bigger on Hero.

Royal Caribbean is adding its first-ever funnel raft slide at sea. Plus, there will be new twists on the mat-racing Storm Chasers duo.

Both slides are the kind of water slides families can enjoy together, which is something the cruise line has heard its guests prefer over solo body slides.

Dining gets more experiential

Dining is evolving yet again with Hero of the Seas, as the ship will have 28 dining venues.  But the amount of places to eat isn't the whole story.

The New Orleans Parish Supper Club is a jazz experience that combines with a Cajun/Creole tasting menu.

There will be an immersive train car experience on Hero of the Seas. Royal Caribbean neglected to mention what the theme or motif will be yet.

Something else new coming to Hero are hands-on cooking classes in a new venue to be revealed. 

It will be located in the Surfside neighborhood where "families of all ages can learn kitchen skills together, from fun recipes for little ones to more advanced courses focused on chopping and baking."

Introducing the Ultimate Family Treehouse

Royal Caribbean is looking to outdo itself yet again with an over-the-top suite.

The Ultimate Family Treehouse is 3 stories and features a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space, and two main bedrooms each with their own bathroom and balcony.

The suite has direct access to Surfside.

What else can guests expect?

One truth about any new Royal Caribbean ship is the cruise line is never content to let any be carbon copies of each other.

Even when you get past the headline-generating changes for Hero, this new ship will likely bring more of what people already love about the Icon Class.

The Icon Class ships have been developed to be the biggest, boldest ships at sea. Icon of the Seas raised the bar for the entire vacation industry, and Hero of the Seas will refine it.

Instead of trying to outdo itself with entirely new concepts, Royal Caribbean is clearly doubling down on what worked and smoothing out what didn't.

The shift towards shared experiences is a key takeaway. The addition of family raft slides, cooking classes, and more group-friendly activities signals a move away from individual “wow” moments and toward things families can actually do together.

At the same time, Hero doesn’t abandon what made Icon Class successful in the first place. The core formula is still here: a mix of waterpark-style thrills, resort-style relaxation, and a long list of dining and entertainment choices. But instead of reinventing the wheel, Royal Caribbean is fine-tuning it.

For cruisers, that likely means a more predictable experience in a good way. If you liked Icon of the Seas, Hero looks like it will deliver more of what you already enjoy, with fewer trade-offs.

There's another cruise ship debuting first

While Hero of the Seas is grabbing a lot of attention, it's not the next new Royal Caribbean ship in line to arrive.

Legend of the Seas debut this summer as the third ship in the Icon Class. In many ways, Legend will act as the bridge between what guests have already seen on Icon of the Seas and the refinements coming with Hero.

Legend will debut in Europe first, and then come to the United States in November.

This new ship will have a Hollywood-themed supper club, offer brand new shows like America’s Got Talent and Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

Royal Railway Legend Station will be on the ship to become the first Icon Class ship to offer the immersive train restaurant before Hero.

Let's welcome spring with Royal Caribbean! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

On Star of the Seas, connecting rooms have a new option for making these rooms perfect, even if you don't know the person on the other side.

Connecting cabins are traditionally cruise rooms we don't recommend, but that has changed.

Matt tried out a set of these staterooms on his spring break cruise, and it's definitely a smart fix.

Royal Caribbean News

• Miami's cruise ship traffic problem is so bad, but there's a new plan to fix it
• Royal Caribbean glitch sends out "Welcome Aboard" emails over and over again
• Cruise ship requests blood donors from guests during middle of the night
• US issues "worldwide caution" alert to travelers
• You could be seated with strangers on a cruise. How to avoid it
• Yes, you can share a Royal Caribbean internet package (and it can save you money)
• I took my family on a spring break cruise. Here are the 6 tips I used to deal with the crowds
• 4 of the most commonly confiscated items on a cruise ship
• What is an Alaska Inside Passage cruise like?
• Celebrity Cruises drink packages explained: costs, perks, and if it’s worth it
• Why many travelers aren't canceling their cruises right now

New RCB Video: 5 Passengers Who Are Banned From Royal Caribbean Forever

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 5 Passengers Who Are Banned From Royal Caribbean Forever — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Cruise ship passenger sues Royal Caribbean for $75,000 after slipping and falling

Royal Caribbean is being sued after a passenger slip and fell on a wet floor on one of its ships.

The person fell backward in Central Park on Harmony of the Seas after it rained.

She is seeking $75,000 in a new lawsuit filed against the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean passenger dies during New Zealand cruise

A passenger died on board Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas ship earlier this week.

Anthem was sailing a 12-night New Zealand cruise at the time of the incident.

New Zealand Police are investigating the "sudden death" on behalf of the coroner with no cause of death yet disclosed.

I brought a 12-pack of soda on my Royal Caribbean cruise. Why it was a smart hack

I tried out one of the most popular money saving cruise tips and now I know why everyone does it.

Bringing your own soda on a cruise saves money, especially for casual drinkers.

While it was a hassle to carry it on embarkation day, it paid off during the rest of my sailing.

I ate my way through Royal Caribbean's newest mega ship. These are the 7 dishes I'm still thinking about

After a week on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Matt shared the best of the best food he ate onboard.

One thing new cruise ships always do well is the variety of food, and Star of the Seas did not disappoint.

From burgers to croissants, Matt listed his favorite foods of the cruise that truly stood out.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 601st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt laments the port times in select ports.

Certain ports always seem to have very short hours, and it's frustrating to Matt how it happens so often.

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

There's a chance you would have to sit with other passengers for a meal during your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Sharing a table with other guests is a cruising tradition going back decades, and it's still in use in a few situations.

Some people like the idea of being seated with others because it adds a social aspect to the meal, and it's a way to connect with others.  You rarely encounter such opportunities in today's society outside of cruising.

However, some people would greatly prefer not to deal with making conversation and other pleasantries during their meals.  Or they simply prefer to enjoy time with their own family.

Here's what you should know about being seated with strangers on a cruise ship, and when you can avoid it.

The best chance to sit with other passengers is in the Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the highest chance you'll be seated with someone outside your party is at dinner.

With Traditional Dinner, Royal Caribbean comes up with a seating arrangement to accommodate as many people as possible. There are small and large tables, and it's not uncommon to see a few couples seated together at the same table.

There's no way to know in advance what your table assignment will be, so you'll have to wait until you board the ship to see.  

Dining room table assignments are indicated at the bottom right corner of your SeaPass card, but you can also go to the Main Dining Room on embarkation and ask the staff there to verify for you.

If you have selected My Time Dining for dinner, the choice to be seated at a larger table or wait for a private table will be handled as you check-in.

Breakfast and lunch don't have pre-assigned tables, so you'll be seated on a first-come basis. 

Generally, you don't get asked to sit with other passengers, but if the dining room is busy, they sometimes will. Especially with small groups.

You could ask for a private table, but you may have to wait longer.

How to request a table alone

You can make a request pre-cruise to for a private table at dinner. 

A few weeks before your cruise, send an email to [email protected] asking for a table without anyone else. Provide them with your name, ship name, sail date, and cabin number.

You can also change your table assignment on embarkation day by speaking to the Head Waiter.

As you walk into the Main Dining Room, there's usually a crew member at a kiosk who can assist. It's not a guarantee that they can change it for you, but in my experience they almost always can offer you some kind of an alternative.

If you want to change tables later, that's an option too

If the idea of meeting new people and enjoying a lively dinner conversation sounds great, but the people you're seated with end up being dull or frustrating, you can always change to a different table later.

Ask the Head Waiter or Maître d for a new assignment, and they can usually work with you.  Their goal is for everyone to be happy and enjoy their meals.

You can't avoid sitting with strangers at two restaurants

Nearly every other restaurant doesn't require being seated with strangers, but there are two specialty restaurants where you don't have a choice.

Chef's Table is an intricate multi-course meal, paired with glasses of wine, and it's a special occasion where everyone is seated around the same table.

Because this is an intimate meal, there's just one table and it's limited to just a dozen or so passengers.  Therefore, you'll be seated with others.

The other restaurant with mandatory communal seating is Izumi Hibachi and Izumi Omakase.

Each hibachi table can accommodate around 10-12 guests.  This is very unlike Chef's Table, but because there's such high demand and limited times, you'll be seated with other passengers.

Of course, you could avoid being seated with someone you don't know by buying out the table.  Bring a large group with you and make reservations and you'll circumvent the issue because you're bringing the party!

I've been seated with other passengers for meals during shore excursions

The other situation where you could be seated with other passengers is on a shore excursion where a meal is included.

Tours that take you to a restaurant or home for a meal often have limited seating, so it's not uncommon to have to share a table.

Sitting with people you don't know could be a great social opportunity

Some people that cruise a lot swear by how much fun it is to sit with strangers for a meal.

In every situation where I've had to share a table with others, it's never been an awful experience. At worst, they're quiet and don't talk so I'll talk with just my family.

Plus, sitting with others could be a great idea for solo cruisers who wouldn't mind an opportunity to chat.

If you do share a table, be sure to arrive on time and avoid any controversial topics.  I recommend talking about your cruise and experiences onboard to keep it light.

Miami is considering building a train from the Miami International Airport (MIA) to PortMiami to help with the frustrating traffic problems. 

Miami-Dade County officials are reviewing recommendations for a non-stop train between the two popular transportation hubs, a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization confirmed. 

According to the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (MDTPO) 2050 Master Plan, published in September 2025, a train line could address the need for "safe, convenient, efficient, fast, and reliable connection" from MIA to PortMiami. 

The cruise terminal, which is one of the busiest in the world, experiences heavy congestion, especially on peak travel days. In fact, Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported that Royal Caribbean was offering complimentary bus transfers from PortMiami to MIA and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). 

The project would not be cheap, though, with the report claiming that the new rail line could cost anywhere from $600 million to $800 million for capital expenses. Additionally, it would cost between $9 million and $15 million to annually operate. 

PortMiami currently has a freight train bridge, but adding a passenger rail line would require an alternative. The initial report included eight public transportation solutions. However, according to a recent CBS News article, the MDTPO is now only considering two. 

The first is a 9-mile extension of the MetroMover people mover track, which could use either the existing Port Bridge or the Miami River Bridge. The downside to this option is that the MetroMover cars have a limited capacity of 50 people and an average speed of 9 miles per hour (mph).

A higher-capacity alternative would involve expanding the Metrorail system, requiring the construction of approximately 10 miles of new track. This option would also require building a new bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Read more: Best Ways to Get From the Miami Airport to Cruise Port

The Miami cruise port is busier than ever

PortMiami set passenger records for fiscal year 2025, which ran from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025, Miami officials said. This reflects higher cruise demand than ever. 

The Miami cruise port welcomed 8,564,225 cruise passengers, which is a 4.02% increase in cruise passenger totals compared with 2024's record of 8,233,056. 

This isn't a huge surprise, though, as Miami is home to some of the world's newest and largest cruise ships — think Icon of the Seas, MSC World America, and Carnival Celebration. 

These vessels offer weeklong cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. However, there are many ships that have quick turnaround times, sailing 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas. 

As such, it's not uncommon to see upward of seven or eight ships in port at the same time, meaning thousands of guests are simultaneously trying to disembark and embark. 

For example, on March 1, 2026, eight ships were docked at PortMiami, according to Cruise Mapper: Symphony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Brilliant Lady, Norwegian Aqua, MSC Divina, Celebrity Beyond, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Celebration. 

The sheer number of vessels in port often translates into gridlock, with many reporting sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for extended periods. 

"Went out of Port of Miami on a Sunday in January. Massive traffic. I am no longer taking any cruises departing from Miami," wrote one Redditor. 

Another added, "I [spent] 4 hours in... traffic chaos yesterday, February 22nd, 2026. Traffic was not moving at all and all the [U-turns] were closed obligating everybody to go to the end of the road to make a turn and create traffic on other cruises you didn't need to go by."

"People were walking through the highway in a hot and sunny day carrying kids [and] luggage 🧳 over barricades to be able to cross the bridge. I still can not find a valid reason for what... happened there yesterday. Total embarrassment for the port and the city."

"We cruised out of Miami for the first time earlier this month, and getting in and out of PortMiami was way more chaotic than we expected. For embarkation, six ships were sailing that day. Our hotel was less than a mile away, so the ride itself was quick, but traffic around the port was completely gridlocked," said someone else. 

"Our Uber driver couldn’t reach the designated drop-off area and ended up pulling into what looked like a parking garage entrance and stopping in the driveway. He pointed us toward an alternate way to walk to the terminal."

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