Royal Caribbean Blog

A new ship, giant suites, and a trip back in time were just some of the amazing things I got to try on Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2025.

I was fortunate to be able to go on 14 different cruises over the course of this year, which brought me to both coasts of the U.S. and an extended trip overseas in Europe.

I love cruising because of how easy it is to see the world, but there's also so much to experience onboard. Sometimes I book a cruise because of where it will take me and other times there's something new and exciting onboard to try.

I was inspired to share my top cruise memories of the year and hope you'll share yours in the comments below!

Took my family for their first European cruise

As soon as 2025 began, I had June circled on my calendar as the top cruise I was looking forward to this year.

I had taken two cruises to Europe already, but my family hadn't come yet.  This time, I was bringing them and we had an epic month of cruising and exploring planned.

Combining a pre-cruise trip to London and Paris, I took my wife and kids through so much of northern Europe and it's the kind of trip we still talk or reference regularly.

There's certainly nothing wrong with a Caribbean cruise, but seeing the world by cruise ship is a next-level opportunity. 

We got to see fjords, see a West End show, eat at countless cafes, and meet so many nice people in all the countries.  Having lunch in a German beer garden or snacking on fresh strawberries in Norway set new standards for food.

I loved how much we got to see and try out together.  It was by far the sort of cruise we'll measure all others against in the future.

Tried Silversea for the first time

Speaking of Europe, I got my feet wet with my first time on a luxury cruise.

While I had sailed with Celebrity Cruises a few times, Silversea is unlike anything I had experienced before (full disclosure, Silversea invited me to sail with them as their guest).  The quality, approach, and attention to detail of this style of cruising blew me away.

Silversea is a sister brand to Royal Caribbean, but the similarities stop fairly quickly.  Silversea has invested in creating an onboard experience where you feel like the center of attention anywhere you go.

Every room is a suite, and every suite has a butler. It's not that I need a butler, but darn if I didn't enjoy having someone unpack my clothes and draw me a bath!

I loved the intimate venues and careful attention each crew member paid to guests. I've never felt more like Norm from "Cheers" than on Silver Dawn. 

Sometimes you try something different and appreciate it, but don't necessarily fall in love. In the case of Silversea, I really want to get back on and try another soon.

I got onboard Star of the Seas before anyone else

Sometimes my job has great perks and this came when I was invited to fly to Puerto Rico and board Star of the Seas first.

Ever since Icon of the Seas first debuted last year, I've been astounded by how impressive Icon Class ships are.  Certainly Star of the Seas is no exception.

I went on two preview sailings to get a sense of what makes Star of the Seas stand out, and there's nothing like exploring a brand new cruise ship.

The differences between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas aren't substantial, but like a new phone, you can easily pick out small things that make a big difference.

There's no question the food hall is better on Star, and I greatly preferred Back to the Future over the Wizard of Oz. Even the supper club is better on Star.

Saw Back to the Future: The Musical for the first time

I mentioned I loved seeing Back to the Future: The Musical while I sailed on Star of the Seas and it was the kind of show I loved every minute of.

I was so happy to see there would be a Broadway musical on Star instead of an in-house production show, and this one did not disappoint.

It probably didn't hurt that I loved the Back to the Future trilogy as a kid growing up. I can quote half the movie (my wife told me not to do that during the show), and the musical is a faithful adaptation of the film.

It's a bit condensed for run time and certain parts from the movie are either removed or reworked to be practical for the stage. But it's a fantastic ride through a well-known story. The fact it's included with your fare adds to the value of this ship.

I started a new gym routine

On a personal note, I'm proud of myself for staying with a workout regiment that I began while sailing on Enchantment of the Seas.

I took my first cruise ever on Enchantment back in January, and since I knew Enchantment wouldn't have a lot to offer compared to big ships, I decided to hit the gym.

The fitness center is included at no charge on all Royal Caribbean ships and it's better than most gyms I've been to on land.

What started out as something to do has become part of my routine at home and at sea. Not only do I feel better about myself, but it's helped lower my cholesterol. 

I went many years without ever using any cruise ship gym, but I'm glad I finally gave it a try here.

I cruised in Star Class once, but had two genies

Sometimes doing "research" on a cruise is pretty darn fun, and that came when I got to try two instances of Royal Caribbean's top suite perks.

In March, I sailed on Icon of the Seas to see what the Star Class experience is like on that ship and if going over Spring Break would make it more valuable.

The Icon Loft Suite has enough space for a family, and practically includes everything on the ship.  

By far the best thing about Star Class is the Royal Genie, who takes care of your every need.

Royal Caribbean expanded the Royal Genie services to some of its smaller ships and I gave that a try while in a balcony cabin on Independence of the Seas in Europe.

I was skeptical how useful a Genie would be on a ship lacking all the amenities of a big ship, but truthfully I loved how much better our cruise was because of her attentiveness.

Being treated like a VIP is wonderful, and I can safely say that Star Class doesn't disappoint in that regard.

Don't worry, I made up for these experiences in a few inside cabins too.

I tried new dining options

Eating on a cruise ship is one of the top reasons I always cruise, and Royal Caribbean opened up new spots for me to try.

I got to dine at the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas, which is a $200 per person, six-course meal that combines music, cocktails and service.

I liked it even better than the supper club on Icon, and on a personal note, I was able to enjoy it with the company of a friend who just passed away earlier today.  I'll miss you and always think of you when I pass by this restaurant, Ann Marie.

Another new offering is the whiskey tasting seminar held in the Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas.

Ever since Royal Caribbean opened an immersive dining restaurant, I've been hooked on how much fun it is.  With the whiskey tasting, you get a condensed version of the dining experience along with a great introduction to whiskey.

You would need to take 100 cruises for a week in order to reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty status, but a five year old just did it.

While sailing on Star of the Seas last week, the cruise line recognized Aydin Derakhshan as its newest Pinnacle Club member.

Similar to the airlines, cruise lines have loyalty levels that offer special rewards and benefits for repeat customers. 

For most tiers of the Crown and Anchor Society, kids under 18 years old can inherit their parent's status. However, to reach Pinnacle Club, you need to achieve it on your own by sailing enough to accrue the points.

Photo by Nora Ramadan

So yes, Aydin had to actually go on enough cruises to get his 700 points.

Aydin has now accumulated 702 points, making him the youngest person to hit the coveted status.

He reached Pinnacle in just 3 years

Photo by Twangster

Royal Caribbean holds a special event on all but the short cruises to thank its loyal customers and recognize repeat cruisers.

Whenever someone reaches 700 points, they get called up on stage to be awarded their new status.

Aydin and his family were sailing on the biggest cruise ship in the world, Star of the Seas, when he finally made it there.

The Atlanta, Georgia resident took his first cruise in 2022 and almost immediately started cruising.

The feat is even more impressive when you consider Royal Caribbean prohibits children younger than 6 months from cruising at all.  So Ayden got to Pinnacle in just while missing out on half a year of eligibility.

If you do the "cruise math", that works out to 117 suite or 234 non-suite nights per year the last 3 years.

At the Top Tier event, Aydin said his favorite ship was Star of the Seas and his favorite port of call was Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The previous youngest cruiser to reach Pinnacle was 7 years old

Royal Caribbean doesn't usually publish information about its cruisers, but according to cruise fans, Aydin beat out the record for youngest person to make it to Pinnacle by 2 years.

As of 2023, Ryan Tyson was recognized as the youngest Pinnacle member at 7 years old.

In a video he collaborated on with the cruise line, he said his favorite ship was Oasis of the Seas because it has Portside BBQ specialty restaurant.

He also loves all the activities onboard, including the SeaPlex, mini golf, and everything on the sports deck.

What you get for making it to Pinnacle

Now that Aydin has set a new record for being Pinnacle, he will enjoy a lifetime of special perks.

Off the bat, he'll qualify for a free cruise as a way to thank him for his loyalty.

Photo by Kenneth Jarvis

On any cruise he takes, he'll enjoy:

• Priority boarding in the suite line
• 6 complimentary drinks per day
• Free internet package every cruise
• Access to Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge (assuming there aren't too many other Pinnacles onboard)
• A gold pin to wear around the ship
• Invitations to exclusive events
• Reciprocal status with Celebrity or Silversea

As a Pinnacle Club member myself, the amount of freebies you get is quite impressive.  The drink vouchers, Wi-Fi package, and priority embarkation are easily my favorite benefits of the bunch.

Congratulations to Aydin and his family

Achieving Pinnacle Club status is quite a milestone for anyone, but especially for kids who are brought onboard by their parents.

Being a super frequent cruiser is not just about bragging rights, but quite a fun way to see the world.  Going on that many cruises means at a young age Aydin has already visited a number of countries.

It can be argued that traveling with young kids is great for boosting their brain development, creativity, social skills, and global awareness. We don't know every port of call or country he visited, but cruising and being exposed to so many cultures is a great educational tool to "open your eyes to the world", figuratively speaking.

Welcome to the club, kid!

I've taken over 100 cruises on Royal Caribbean ships, but a lot of people will ask what's so great about going on a cruise.

If you think I cruise a lot, I'm just one person in a much bigger world of people that discovered and fell in love with cruises as their preferred form of vacation.

Not only are there fans of cruising, but it continues to grow every year breaking records each time. According to an industry report, 34.6 million went on a cruise in 2024 and that number is expected to swell to 42 million by 2028.

Someone who has never been on one might be curious what's so great about a cruise and why are they so popular.

Here are six reasons why cruises are more popular than ever.

Cruise ships evolve faster than iPhones

One thing about cruise ships is they're constantly changing in an effort to out do each other.

It reminds me a lot of iPhones or cars, which have to push forward with new features in order to stand out. Similarly, each year new cruise ships debut with new ways to wow its customers.

It's exciting to see what the next ship will have onboard, such as Legend of the Seas debuting with a two story casino, new Broadway show, and an immersive train restaurant.

Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines build new ships not only to add capacity, but as incentive to try a cruise in the first place.  Bigger and bolder cruise ships capture the attention of the public and it's lead a lot of people to give it a try.

Unpack once, visit multiple places

Cruise ships may have evolved from ocean liners, but the main premise remains the same: get onboard and see places around the world.

Unlike a hotel or resort, your accommodations travel with you.  It's almost like magic to wake up in a new place each day.

This is something unique to cruises, as no other form of travel offers this without repacking and doing the moving yourself.

Plus, the places you visit are quite impressive. You could be at a beautiful port in the Caribbean, docked near a well-known city, or spending the day at a private port.

So many food choices

Royal Caribbean says the top two reasons people go on a cruise with them is for the destinations you visit and the food.

Cruise ships are packed with so many restaurants that going on a cruise just for the food is reason enough to try it.

You'll find a blend of cuisines and dining options: buffets, hibachi, and supper clubs.

And yes, some of the restaurants are included in your cruise fare and there's no limit to how much you can order.

I think the varied cuisines and cooking styles appeal to many cruisers, as does the opportunity to enjoy dinners each night along with a show.

Just like a city, having "dinner and a show" on a cruise ship is quite popular and it's at the heart of the evening options.

It really is for everyone, regardless of age

It's cliched to say "fun for all ages", but cruises truly do offer more for everyone. I think a cruise is well-suited for catering to all ages in a way land vacations cannot compete with.

Every day there is programming and events that offer things to do for kids, teens, parents, adults, grandparents and more.

• Different pools for lounging and splashing
• Water slides to race down
• Stage production shows to watch
• Musicians performing in bars and lounges
• Hosted trivia for groups to compete
• Fitness centers to get a workout in
• Spa treatments
• Shore excursions to explore and learn

Plus, there are more age-specific events too. You'll find gambling in the casino for adults, supervised care in the kids club, and nightly events at the teen center.

What I love about a cruise is you can go with your family, but not feel like you all have to do the same thing at the same time.  If I'm visiting a city or historical site with my family, we're all walking around and doing the same thing.  On a cruise, we can do our own things before joining back later for family time.

Plus, it's all up to you how much or how little you want to do any of it.  

Sleep when you feel like it, eat when you feel like it, do things when you feel like it, live as if time just isn't a thing.

Still the best bang for your buck

While cruises have gotten more expensive in recent years (but then again, what hasn't?), I still think they're the best vacation value out there.

In fact, the value proposition of a cruise makes it a top reason why people try a cruise for the first time.

Royal Caribbean Group executives talk often about the "value gap" between a land vacation and a cruise and why consumers are attracted to cruising.

"The appreciation of so much more you get out of cruise experience than you do by land based [vacations]", Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty explained during an earnings call this year.

What this means is because cruises include accommodations, travel, entertainment, and most food, you get more the cost than you would staying at a resort.

I recently tried a land vacation at Disneyland Paris and while we had fun, the value of a cruise was quite apparent as I started to count all the extra costs that didn't exist on a ship.

Traveling by sea is undeniably stunning

Lastly, going on a cruise ship and sailing the ocean is a lovely way to travel.

There's something inherently romantic and relaxing about being on the ocean and watching the world sail away.

While I don't think watching the horizon from your cruise ship balcony is necessarily the top reason cruises are so popular, I do believe it's a supporting reason why people come back to it.

Sailing on the open sea shows colors you never knew the ocean could produce, and it's incredibly relaxing.

The other reasons in this article are top reasons to cruise, but when your ship sails across the open vista that is the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Pacific, it's hard not to fall in love with the view.

Happy New Year! Before we pop champagne and toast to a better year next year, we have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share.

Royal Caribbean quietly added one more cruise deployment for new cruises to book in 2027-2028.

The "Remaining Caribbean" deployment was added to the schedule and will be released in a few weeks.

What it entails remains to be seen, but there could be some answers to missing ship questions.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean started its Christmas and New Years sale
• The top Royal Caribbean news stories of 2025
• When could Royal Caribbean's new Points Choice start?
• 6 mistakes I wont be making on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2026
• How I'd rank 4 different inside cabins
• The 5 most underrated cruise ship activities people skip too often
• Royal Caribbean Blog staff holiday wish list
• 13 things to know before going on Wonder of the Seas

Video: The BEST and WORST Cruises I Took in 2025

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: The BEST and WORST Cruises I Took in 2025.

Royal Caribbean is launching 3 extraordinary projects in 2026

As we look forward to 2026, Royal Caribbean is ready to launch three big new projects.

Cruise fans have good reason to be excited, as we're going to get more than just a new ship.  It's going to be a year of incredible expansion.

By the end of the year, we'll have not only a new ship to sail on, but new places to explore.

The unwritten rules of the cruise buffet

Thou shall know the buffet rules before going up for seconds!

Before you hit the Windjammer or El Loco Fresh, you should be aware of unwritten cruise ship buffet rules that you're expected to know.

Buffets are about as ubiquitous on cruise ships as horns on cars, but it's not a free-for-all in there.

Royal Caribbean's new beach club have readers rethinking trips

Now that the Royal Beach Club is open, people are starting to reconsider their plans in Nassau.

Traditionally, Nassau has been a "let's stay on the ship" port because it lacked quality excursions. 

That's changed with the opening of the beach club, and cruise fans are taking note.

Big vs Small ship: What it's like to try the smallest ones

Many cruisers start off with big ships, but then start to wonder what it's like to go on a small ship.

Royal Caribbean's fleet has ships of many sizes, including a few that have much less than 4,000 passengers.

Elizabeth went on Vision of the Seas and was pleasantly surprised by how un-disappointed she was.

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

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

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

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

I once forgot to pack pants

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

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

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

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

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

Balancing shore excursions and relaxation

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

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

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

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

Neglecting to check airfare prices with the cruise line first

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

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

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

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

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

Limiting myself to the buffet when I cruise solo

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

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

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

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

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

Waiting for a Black Friday sale

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

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

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

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

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

Not gambling enough to maintain my casino offers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is Points Choice?

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

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

• Cruise line
• Number of nights sailed
• Stateroom category

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

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

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

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

Points exchange rates

Points will be converted using brand-specific exchange rates.

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

When exactly? We're not certain yet.

Win-win change for cruisers and line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anthem of the Seas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

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

Read more: Virtual balcony cruise cabin review

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

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

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

Cons:

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

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

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

Allure of the Seas

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

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

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

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

Cons:

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

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

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

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

Explorer of the Seas

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

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

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

Cons:

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

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

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

Star of the Seas

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

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

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

Cons:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A new Icon Class cruise ship, Legend of the Seas

First sailing: July 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A second beach club will open this summer in Europe

Estimated opening: Summer 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another beach club opens at the end of the year

Estimated opening: December 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Up to 55% off select pre-cruise purchases

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

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

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

Flash sale dates: December 15–22, 2025

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

Beverage Packages

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

Shore Excursions

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

Dining

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

Spa & Wellness

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

VIP Passes & Internet

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

Photos, Gifts & Gear

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

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

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

Cruise Fare Savings: Dash for Deals

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

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

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

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

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

Up to $800 instant savings:

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

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

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

BOGO60 — Buy One, Get Second Guest 60% Off

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

Kids Sail Free

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

Bonus Kickers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smaller ships can sail to and from more ports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quality control is easier

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

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

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

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

Read more: Vision of the Seas Food Review; Pictures

There's less nickel-and-diming 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom line: Big ship vs small ships

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

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

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

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