Royal Caribbean Blog

Nobody wants to think about their long-awaited vacation coming to a screeching halt because of a sudden illness. However, life doesn't slow down even when we're miles out at sea. 

If you get sick on a cruise ship, the severity of your illness will determine whether you can be treated in the onboard medical center or require an urgent medical evacuation.

Either way, you are looking at a situation that can become very costly very quickly. For example, medical evacuations can cost upward of $250,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

One recent passenger shared their experience being medically evacuated from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The person, who goes by Ditchdoc on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum website, described how the sudden onset of dizziness and shortness of breath quickly developed into a life-threatening situation. 

"On the morning of the fifth day of a seven-day cruise [the Radiance of the Seas ship] was in Nassau Bahamas. I went to the gym around 7 AM even though I was feeling a little rough. I had been dealing with sinus issues, and I had [a] few drinks the previous evening. After only 2 or 3 minutes of lifting some light weights, I became dizzy and short of breath," they began. 

"I left the gym and found a nearby deck chair to sit on for a few minutes. I went back to our cabin to [lie] down... [A]fter about an hour I had a bowel movement that is commonly called 'a dark, tarry stool.' I have 25 years' experience as a paramedic and 13 years' experience as a nurse, and I recognized at this point I had an upper GI bleed. That is, I was losing blood, probably in my stomach."

Ditchdoc did not want to frighten his wife and assumed that since the cruise was almost over, the issue could be dealt with when they returned home. He also wanted to avoid going to the ship's medical center, knowing the visit would likely be expensive. 

Instead, he skipped a planned shore excursion and stayed back to rest, but by the time she returned that afternoon, his condition had worsened.

"She got back about 2 in the afternoon, and I walked up one flight of stairs to the Windjammer. Again, I was dizzy and out of breath and could barely get to a chair to sit down and I had no appetite. We went back to the cabin where I had another black-looking bowel movement... My wife called 911, yes, that is what you call on the ship, and convinced the person on the other end [that] they needed to come to our cabin, he continues. 

After a brief check-up in his stateroom, where it was discovered that one of his symptoms was a resting heart rate of around 110, the two first responders and the security officer determined he needed to be seen in the medical center.

His time in the medical center was brief 

Once in the medical center, Ditchdoc explained his symptoms, and the doctor ordered a CBC (complete blood count) test and chest x-ray. 

The results revealed that his hemoglobin was at 6.8, whereas the typical hemoglobin for a healthy adult male is around 14 to 16. This quickly explained why he was feeling dizzy and short of breath, escalating the emergency medical condition. 

"The primary treatment would be administering units of whole blood via an IV and a[n] esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD. An EGD is a tube with a camera inserted through the mouth, into the stomach to look for and correct any bleeding. It is usually done by a gastrointestinal specialist," he says. 

"What could be done in the [ship's] medical center was start [an] IV to help replace fluid loss. This helps increase blood pressure even if it does not increase oxygen. Next they hung a drip of protonix which reduces stomach acid and improves clotting and finally they pushed tranexamic acid (TXA) via IV to counteract the anti-clotting effects of blood thinners like the aspirin I take on a regular basis."

Ditchdoc was thankful for the treatment on the ship, which he thinks was instrumental in slowing down and stopping the internal bleeding. However, without access to whole blood or the specialized testing needed to determine blood type, there was little choice but to transfer him off the ship to a larger medical facility that could provide the care he needed. 

"By now, the ship had two doctors and four nurses involved in addition to upper management in Guest Relations, a Care Team and Security," he recalls. 

"At this point, the ship had already departed Nassau Bahamas about an hour earlier. The next port had no medical facilities at all. The ship turned around and went back to Nassau." 

The hospital in Nassau allegedly did not provide great care

Royal Caribbean assigned two crew members to help Ditchdoc's wife quickly pack up their cabin, along with a crew member who disembarked the ship and acted as a personal assistant and escort. 

"[She helped my wife] with anything she [needed] including meals, [a] hotel and such. She would eventually pay her own way but having someone assist with our hastily packed luggage, who was familiar with Nassau, was generous and helpful. There was no charge for this assistance," he says.

He was disembarked on a stretcher and placed in an ambulance, observing people on the top decks and balconies watching the scene unfold in real-time. 

"Initially they were quiet until I raised my hand and [waved] at which point they broke out into cheering," Ditchdoc adds. 

He was transported to the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where he spent the next roughly 15 hours receiving minimal treatment. 

"I was placed on an ambulance style cot with no sheet, pillow or blanket. A few of the staff there showed some compassion but mostly they did not seem to care whether I was there or not," he alleges. 

"About 1 AM, my wife who had gone to a local hotel with the help of the Royal Caribbean Care Team Member, called me to let me know an air evacuation had been arranged. This was probably the best call I ever received in my life."

He was medically evacuated from The Bahamas to South Florida

Royal Caribbean coordinated the air evacuation through Offshore Medical Logistics. The doctor in charge of the air evacuation confirmed that the flight would arrive at noon, and the medical team would bring whole blood. 

"At a time when I was not sure just what the future held in terms of getting proper treatment, Royal Caribbean staff had once again stepped up and provided exactly what was needed even though I was no longer on the ship," he remarks. 

"On schedule, the air evacuation team arrived. Before we could leave my wife had to pay almost $1,000 for various 'treatments' I never got... [Once] we left the building the air crew (a nurse and a paramedic) immediately started a unit of whole blood. Another bumpy ride in an old ambulance to the airport and shortly we (my wife and I) were in the air on the way back [to] the United States about 2PM."

Ditchdoc was transferred to Broward County Hospital by 5 p.m. for further treatment, and shortly after his arrival, he saw a doctor and several nurses, along with a patient advocate. He also had blood drawn, an additional IV started, antibiotics administered, and tests scheduled, with arrangements made for admission to a private room in the medical-surgical unit.

Royal Caribbean managed to get the couple's luggage back to the U.S.

In addition to the medical care itself, Royal Caribbean also helped the couple manage their luggage under extreme time pressure.

"It was just too much and too heavy to include on the medical evacuation flight, a small Lear 35 twin engine jet. The Royal Caribbean Care Team Member [who] had been so instrumental in taking care of my wife's needs made sure our luggage was transferred to the next available Royal Caribbean ship departing Nassau, coming back to the US," he explains. 

"This happened to be Symphony of the Seas returning to Port Miami two days after I was discharged from the hospital."

Always buy travel insurance

Ditchdoc was charged $3,100 for treatment aboard the cruise ship, along with nearly $1,000 by the hospital in Nassau. However, he expects both to be reimbursed by their travel insurance policy, in addition to the hotel stay and necessary food purchases. 

The most costly expense was the medical evacuation, which cost over $120,000. 

"I just found out what the air evacuation bill was. Are you sitting down? A bit over 126k. I was only off by an order of magnitude or so," he commented on the discussion forum thread. 

There's an entirely different language at sea that you may know nothing about.

Just like pilots, cruise lines have a robust list of code words and abbreviations to communicate and eliminate misunderstandings. For example, you may hear "Alpha," "Bravo," "Oscar," or "Echo" while on board. 

You shouldn't immediately rush to your muster station and frantically throw on a life jacket. Instead, these terms help to relay important information to crew members, such as man overboard incidents and medical emergencies. 

For example, "Alpha" is a popular code word to indicate a medical emergency. Typically, the word is repeated, then followed by a specific location, such as Deck 11, Portside, Aft. This lets the appropriate crew members know where to respond without causing unnecessary panic among passengers. 

"The codes are used when notifying crew from various departments who are needed quickly. It is quicker and causes less concern among the passengers. If the passengers need to be notified, there will be a plain language announcement," says Don Goldstein, a retired Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Other codes serve different purposes. "Bravo," for instance, is used by Royal Caribbean to signal a fire or other serious emergency, while "Oscar" indicates an active man overboard situation.

Not all cruise lines have the same code words, either. For example, rather than using "Oscar" to signal a possible man overboard situation, Disney Cruise Line uses "Mr. M.O.B." 

Similarly, they use "Operation Brightstar" to tell the crew about medical emergencies, and "Red Party" to disclose the location of an onboard fire. Funny enough, "Winnie" is used when someone has an accident in the pool!

Goldstein adds that other common code words used aboard cruise ships include "Kilo, Kilo, Kilo," which requests all crew to report to their emergency stations. 

"Zulu, Zulu, Zulu" (or "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie") is another commonly used code word that indicates a security threat or possible fight or disturbance on the vessel. 

So, what should you do the next time you hear a secret code word on a cruise ship? Stay out of the way. Although you may know what's going on, you don't want to get in the way of crew members performing important — and sometimes lifesaving — duties. 

In many cases, crew members may restrict access to certain areas to limit foot traffic and prevent possible interference during urgent situations. 

For example, multiple cruisers reported that Deck 7 and Deck 8 were closed during a man overboard incident on Norwegian Getaway. 

"If passengers hear a code call, they should stay away from the area mentioned in the call unless part of the call is directed at passengers or guests. For instance, if guests hear 'Alpha, Alpha, Alpha, Deck 7, starboard side stairwell 3,' they should stay away from the forward starboard stairwell on Deck 7," Goldstein explains. 

"If any action by passengers is desired or required, the announcement will specifically say so."

Read more: Cruise worker reveals the secret emergency codes you never want to hear on a ship

You can check your luggage to have your bags brought onboard a cruise ship, but a lot of cruise passengers skip it.

Unlike checking a bag with the airlines, having your bags brought on the ship has no cost and is far less logistically challenging.

As you arrive at the cruise terminal, there are porters waiting to take your luggage so it can be delivered later to your stateroom.

I take advantage of this service every single time, because bringing your own bags aboard the ship is more trouble than it's worth.

Here's why you should let Royal Caribbean handle your cruise ship luggage instead of hauling it yourself.

Checking your luggage vs bringing a carry-on

I recommend giving the porters any luggage larger than a backpack so it can be taken on the ship for you.

The porters working outside the terminal entrance don't work for the cruise line, but they're quite friendly and technically don't charge a fee.  I say "technically" because there's no cost to check your bags, but a tip is expected.

It's customary to give them a gratuity of $1-$2 per bag.

Royal Caribbean doesn't charge baggage fees nor do they limit you in how many pieces of luggage you can bring onboard the ship. 

"Each guest is permitted to carry a reasonable amount of personal property (including luggage) aboard the vessel," is how the policy is worded.  In all my years of covering Royal Caribbean, I cannot recall an instance where a passenger was denied luggage because they had too much. 

Any luggage you give to the porters needs to be tagged, just like at the airport.  Royal Caribbean provides luggage tags you can print at home and affix to your bag.

If you forget them, the porters can easily attach the tags for you.

What you shouldn't give the porters are any bags that have personal documents or valuables inside. You'll need your passport or birth certificate for check-in later.

Moreover, I'd keep any cash or expensive jewelry, electronics with you in a carry-on bag.

You can bring your luggage onboard, but it's bulky and a pain to deal with

I shake my head when I see a family dragging all their luggage on a ship because it seems like an unnecessary hardship.

Your stateroom isn't ready until about 1pm, so bringing your own bags on the ship means bringing them with you all over until cabins are ready. No, you cannot go drop your bags off at the room earlier (although Celebrity Cruises allows this).

Cruise ship hallways are narrow, and elevators are small. It's busy enough on embarkation day getting around, and I feel the hassle of taking your luggage around just so you can have them an hour or two earlier than if they were delivered doesn't make sense.

Unlike the airlines, there's no cost to check your luggage on a cruise. The gratuity for the porters is a negligible amount of money, and the convenience of not having to deal with them is so worth it.

It's also worth noting you can only bring luggage on the ship yourself that can fit through the security scanners. That giant suitcase likely won't fit, and then you'll have to turn around and give the bag to the porter anyway.

I see too many families with kids trying to take all their luggage up and down decks. It's a completely unnecessary problem to encounter, which is why I'll always gladly hand my luggage to porters when I arrive at the terminal.

How you can store your luggage on a cruise ship

Any bags you check with a porter will be delivered to your stateroom.  

In my experience, bags usually arrive by early to mid afternoon. The only thing that would delay your bags being delivered is if there's something inside that's on the prohibited item list. If that occurs, the bags will be held by security and you'll have to go get it from them.

When your bags arrive to your stateroom, there's enough room to store the luggage inside your cabin.

Most conventional luggage should fit under the bed.  If we have a few pieces of luggage, we'll nest them inside each other and then slide it under the bed.

One thing I'll always do is unpack for my cruise, rather than living out of my suitcase. Cruise ship cabins have a lot storage, even in a small inside room. You'll find drawers and closets to use (including hangers).

I've found it's worth unpacking to make it easier to quickly find clothes I need later.  Plus, it helps with keeping clothes unwrinkled.

You can let Royal Caribbean take your bags off the ship at the end of the cruise too

On the final night of the cruise, you can leave your luggage outside your cabin door and have it delivered to the cruise terminal for you.

I have mixed feelings about whether to use this or not.

On the one hand, it's much easier to let them take your bags off the ship.  If you have mobility issues, kids, or lots of luggage, this is a godsend for how much easier it is to walk off the ship the next morning.

Royal Caribbean will leave luggage tags in your cabin, and there's a number on it. The number corresponds to a certain hour they will be ready to pick up in the terminal.

Read more: What the debarkation process is like on Royal Caribbean

However, putting your luggage out the night before the cruise ends means you have to pack that night, which disrupts your final day.  Plus, you still have to leave essentials and an outfit for the next day for the next morning.

The major compelling reason to carry your luggage off the ship yourself is because it's much faster. 

If you need to be off the ship as early as possible, those carrying their own luggage can disembark any time after it has been cleared by authorities. If you have an early flight home, this is your only recourse.

Personally, I tend to carry my bags off the ship most times so I can be on my way as early as I can. Not only do I want to beat the rush off the ship, but I see the last morning as a "rip the band aid off" kind of situation and would rather be done with it all.

If you do decide to let Royal Caribbean take your luggage off the ship, be sure to leave anything you'll need for the final evening and next morning out of that bag. Toiletries, valuables, identification, pajamas, and an outfit for the next day should all be taken off the ship by you in a smaller bag.

It's not uncommon to see someone walking off the ship on the last morning of the cruise in their pajamas because they clearly forgot to leave out an outfit.

Royal Caribbean's social media-famous President and CEO joined the national board of Make-A-Wish America. 

Make-A-Wish America, a popular nonprofit that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, announced on Monday, May 11, that Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, along with Thomas Mazloum, Chairman of Disney Experiences, joined their national board. 

Bayley heads the world's largest cruise line and oversees a global workforce of more than 60,000 employees who help deliver memorable vacation experiences to guests across a fleet of over two dozen ships.

He's responsible for the brand's end‑to‑end operations and has helped expand the portfolio of Perfect Day destinations and Royal Beach Clubs, including the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and Royal Beach Club Santorini. 

Bayley is also credited with spearheading the company's deep commitment to Make-A-Wish, which has granted more than 3,000 wishes to date. In 2024 alone, the cruise line welcomed kids on ten different ships, granting over 50 wishes and raising $1.8 million in donations. 

"Thomas and Michael bring a deep understanding of how powerful experiences can create connection, joy, and lasting memories for families," said Leslie Motter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. 

"That expertise will help us reach more children and deepen the impact of every wish, so even more families can experience the hope and strength a wish can bring."

Royal Caribbean's "Wishes at Sea" program

In 2024, Royal Caribbean officially partnered with Make-A-Wish to help contribute to the nonprofit's efforts with fundraising and in-kind donations of memorable family experiences. 

The program includes a variety of initiatives, ranging from Walk for Wishes 5Ks to auctions featuring exclusive experiences and more. 

Winnable experiences include everything from getting the chance to blow the ship's horn to private time with Rover and Sailor on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. 

"We got to have the private session [with Rover] by winning the Make a Wish Auction on the second day of the cruise. In case you aren't aware, Royal Caribbean has a partnership with Make a Wish and does special auctions on each cruise for a variety of experiences / perks," one passenger explained on a Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum.

"On Icon of the Seas, a private session with Rover is usually one of the items. We got into a small bidding war with another family, but stopped bidding at $300. The cruise director then offered both our families sessions with Rover if we both made a $300 donation. We quickly agreed."

Another guest recently shared that they won a unique experience during a recent sailing of Symphony of the Seas: the chance to sound the ship's horn as it departed from St. Maarten. 

(Credit: Shanna Manley / Facebook)

"We got to blow the ship’s horn on our Symphony of the Seas cruise! The only way you get to do this is by bidding and winning the Make a Wish Auction on the ship. They hosted 2 separate auctions on our sailing," Shanna Manley posted in a Facebook group. 

Other experiences included in the auction during her sailing included restaurant and photography packages, a meet-and-greet with the ship's captain, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne. 

Even if you don't want to donate hundreds of dollars, there are simple ways to take part and support the nonprofit. For example, on every sailing, passengers can join a group walk around the ship to help raise awareness and support the meaningful Make-A-Wish cause.

"The memories we make with our families and friends on vacation are among the moments that are the most special and impactful, and for wish kids and their families, that very impact can change the course of their lives," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. 

"We are thrilled and humbled to partner with Make-A-Wish for years to come. In this partnership, we are in a position to do what we love – delivering memorable vacations – while making a difference in the lives of those at the heart of Royal Caribbean, families, who need it most."

Not every destination a cruise ship visits is one that every passenger will actually get off at, and certain ports are definitely more skipped than others.

For first-time cruisers, the idea of staying onboard while docked in port might sound strange. After all, why would you pay for a cruise visiting exciting destinations only to skip getting off the ship?

But after enough cruises, many travelers find themselves revisiting the same ports over and over again, especially in regions like the Caribbean and Bahamas.

At the same time, modern day cruise ships have become destinations themselves. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest vessels are packed with waterslides, zip lines, surf simulators, specialty restaurants, massive pool decks, and adults-only retreats.

On busy sea days, thousands of passengers compete for these same amenities, which can lead to crowded pools, packed bars, and long lines. That’s why many seasoned cruisers say cruising’s best-kept secret is skipping a port day to stay on the ship instead.

Especially on larger vessels, staying onboard can feel like having access to a private resort for the day. The pools are often much quieter, the ship’s main attractions usually have shorter wait times, and there are fewer crowds around the bars and restaurants. In addition, finding a chair on the pool deck becomes much easier when the majority of passengers are ashore.

Because of this, many repeat cruisers intentionally skip certain ports and use the opportunity to enjoy the ship instead. Here are some of the most commonly skipped cruise ports among experienced travelers.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau might be one of the most visited cruise ports in the world, but it’s also one of the most commonly skipped by repeat cruisers. Because of its close proximity to Florida, Nassau appears on many short Caribbean itineraries, especially for Royal Caribbean sailings.

While Nassau does offer plenty to do with nearby beaches, Atlantis Paradise Island, and historic attractions, many cruisers say the destination has become overwhelmingly crowded over the years. On busy days, multiple mega ships can dock at once, which floods the downtown area with thousands of passengers all trying to explore the same area at the same time.

Many cruisers also complain about aggressive vendors, pushy taxi drivers, and crowded beaches. In addition, the souvenir shops can be expensive around the city and the entire atmosphere is very commercialized. For those who’ve visited Nassau multiple times already, the experience begins to feel very repetitive.

Instead, many frequent cruisers use Nassau as the perfect port day to skip. This is especially true for shorter 3-night and 4-night itineraries that might only have one sea day anyway.

However, Royal Caribbean recognized the port’s notorious reputation among cruisers and opted to invest in a new experience to elevate Nassau’s appeal. The brand-new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island provides an exclusive experience for passengers looking for a more curated and upscale beach day away from Nassau’s crowded downtown areas.

The all-inclusive beach club was designed to combine “the vibrancy and beauty of The Bahamas” with Royal Caribbean’s signature resort-style amenities. Located on Paradise Island, the destination features two beaches, three pools, unlimited dining at three beach grills, 10 bars, live music, local artisan huts, and roundtrip transportation on colorful water ferries from the cruise port.

According to Royal Caribbean, the destination was created after guests said they wanted “more ways to make the most of their vacations in The Bahamas.” The cruise line hopes the new experience will provide cruisers with a more curated and upscale alternative to the traditional Nassau port day experience.

Falmouth, Jamaica

Falmouth, Jamaica is a common stop on Western Caribbean itineraries, although many experienced cruisers say they rarely leave the ship here anymore unless they’ve booked a specific excursion in advance.

The cruise port itself is modern and heavily developed for tourism, with shops, restaurants, bars, and organized transportation located within the secured area. However, many travelers feel the experience changes quickly once you leave the gated port.

For instance, complaints about aggressive vendors, constant pressure to purchase souvenirs or tours, overpriced taxis, and general safety concerns are commonly mentioned by repeat visitors.

One of the biggest complaints from cruisers is the overwhelming amount of “hustling” outside the port gates. Some passengers describe being constantly approached by vendors trying to sell tours, transportation, merchandise, or photos, even when politely declining. Others say they felt unsafe exploring independently because of how persistent the sales pressure could become.

Transportation is another reason some cruisers choose to skip the port altogether. Cruisers have reported frustration with expensive taxi fares, difficulty finding reliable transportation back to the ship, and confusion surrounding transportation pricing outside the port area.

For cruisers who don’t have an excursion booked, Falmouth often becomes an ideal day to stay on the ship instead.

Victoria, British Columbia

While Victoria is a beautiful city to visit, many Alaska cruisers end up skipping the port entirely because of timing rather than the destination itself.

Most Alaska cruise ships only stop in Victoria for a few hours in the evening before departing again later that same night. These short visits are scheduled primarily because foreign-flagged cruise ships are required to make at least one stop in Canada before returning to the United States under maritime law.

As a result, Victoria is often considered more of a technical stop than an actual port day.

By the time ships arrive, many passengers are already exhausted after several busy days exploring Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and outdoor excursions. Others don’t necessarily feel motivated to rush ashore for just a couple of hours in the evening. Because the stop is usually so short, many cruisers don't feel like they can fully experience Victoria anyway. 

Additionally, many itineraries visit Victoria on the final night of the cruise. By this point during the cruise, most cruisers are already focused on packing their luggage, preparing for disembarkation the following morning, and getting ready for a long travel day back home. Instead of trying to cram sightseeing into just a few hours at night, many passengers choose to stay onboard. 

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of the most famous cruise ports in the Mediterranean, known for its dramatic cliffside villages, whitewashed buildings, and blue-domed churches. However, despite its postcard-worthy scenery, many repeat cruisers say the actual port experience can be exhausting.

The biggest issue with Santorini is overcrowding. During the summer season, multiple cruise ships often arrive at the same time, bringing thousands of passengers to a relatively small island with limited infrastructure.

Since Santorini is a tender port, passengers must first take small boats ashore before dealing with long cable car lines to reach the main town of Fira. Others choose to walk the steep staircase or ride donkeys up the cliffs, both of which come with their own challenges.

Many cruisers say the crowds can quickly overshadow the beauty of the island, especially during peak summer months. Personally, I’ve seen cruisers wait over an hour just to return back down to the tender dock later in the day!

Because of this, many experienced Mediterranean cruisers choose to stay onboard in Santorini, particularly if they’ve visited before. Also, staying onboard still allows passengers to enjoy views of Santorini’s iconic whitewashed villages and dramatic cliffsides since cruise ships anchor directly in the island’s scenic caldera harbor.

For some cruisers, admiring the famous scenery from a quieter pool deck or balcony without dealing with crowds and long cable car lines is a more relaxing way to experience the destination.

Similar to Nassau, Royal Caribbean is also attempting to improve the Santorini experience with its brand-new Royal Beach Club Santorini.

The beach club is designed to provide a more curated beach experience away from some of the island’s busiest tourist zones while helping reduce congestion across Santorini. Instead of sending thousands of passengers directly into crowded areas like Fira and Oia at the same time, Royal Caribbean’s “Ultimate Santorini Day” excursion spreads guests across multiple locations throughout the day.

The experience includes access to Royal Beach Club Santorini along a volcanic black sand beach with loungers, umbrellas, towels, Wi-Fi, Greek food, draft beer, house wine, and transportation included. The excursion also incorporates visits to Santorini’s most popular towns, including Oia and Fira, allowing guests to experience the island in a more structured and less chaotic way.

Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya, Mexico is one of the most divisive cruise ports in the Caribbean. Unlike other destinations, Costa Maya was developed specifically for cruise tourism. The port complex was designed entirely for cruise passengers, as it's filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, pools, and entertainment venues.

While some travelers enjoy the convenience and party-like atmosphere, many repeat cruisers say the destination is overly manufactured and lacks authenticity compared to other Mexican ports.

Leaving the port area can also be inconvenient, as many beaches and attractions require either transportation or an organized excursion. Many cruisers also complain about the port's confusing layout, which is intentionally designed to bring passengers through the shopping area before exiting.

Because of this, Costa Maya has become another popular port to skip for experienced cruisers.

However, this will soon change when Royal Caribbean opens Perfect Day Mexico. Set to open in 2027, Perfect Day Mexico will be a massive private destination development located in the Mahahual and Costa Maya region.

Similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the destination is being designed specifically for cruise passengers with large-scale attractions, beaches, pools, dining, entertainment, and exclusive experiences.

According to Royal Caribbean, Perfect Day Mexico will feature the world’s tallest waterslide tower, the world’s longest lazy river, more than 30 waterslides, multiple beach neighborhoods, pools, restaurants, bars, and adults-only areas.

The project is intended to transform the Costa Maya experience into a resort-style destination that gives cruisers additional options beyond the existing port area. Royal Caribbean has also emphasized that the destination will incorporate Mexican culture, regional food, music, and local art throughout the experience.

Freeport, Bahamas

Freeport is another port in the Bahamas that many frequent cruisers choose to skip, especially on shorter itineraries.

Although the island offers beaches and excursions, many of the most popular attractions are located far from the cruise port itself. Without booking transportation or an excursion, the immediate port area is very industrial and underwhelming compared to other Caribbean destinations.

For some passengers, the effort of organizing transportation isn’t worth it during a shorter port visit. Moreover, taxis can be expensive to visit anywhere worthwhile from the terminal area. Others feel Freeport lacks the atmosphere and walkability they prefer when visiting a cruise destination.

As a result, many cruisers choose to remain onboard when visiting Freeport and take advantage of the quieter atmosphere on the ship.

Colon, Panama

Colon, Panama is another port many experienced cruisers say they would skip on future sailings unless they specifically wanted to visit the Panama Canal.

Located at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, Colon is often included on itineraries because of its proximity to one of the world’s most famous engineering landmarks.

However, the city itself receives consistently negative reviews from repeat cruisers. Many travelers describe Colon as rundown, unsafe, and lacking tourist-friendly infrastructure outside the port area. Multiple cruisers say they felt uncomfortable walking around independently, while others noted that even locals and tour guides warned them not to venture far from the main tourist areas.

The cruise terminal area includes a shopping complex, but many passengers describe it as quiet, underdeveloped, or lacking much to do. Because of this, many cruisers feel there’s little reason to visit Colon itself.

For many passengers, the Panama Canal excursions are still considered worthwhile and even bucket-list experiences. Wildlife tours through Gatun Lake, visits to the locks, and eco tours featuring monkeys and sloths are often viewed much more positively than the port city itself. However, if cruisers don’t have a specific excursion booked, Colon often becomes a skipped port day.

Why I personally love skipping a port day

I didn’t fully understand the appeal of staying onboard until last year while sailing aboard Utopia of the Seas. During our stop in Nassau, Bahamas, my husband and I decided to remain on the ship instead of heading ashore yet again.

Since we’d already visited Nassau multiple times, we figured we’d rather enjoy Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis Class ship without the usual crowds. Ultimately, it was one of the most relaxing days of the cruise!

We started the morning with breakfast at Johnny Rockets, where we had no trouble finding a table right away. Normally, the complimentary breakfast there is much busier on sea days. Afterward, we headed to the adults-only Solarium, which was very quiet and peaceful for a ship carrying more than 6,000 passengers. My family had no issue finding lounge chairs together overlooking Nassau’s turquoise waters, something that’s almost impossible during crowded sea days.

Throughout the afternoon, we enjoyed Utopia of the Seas’ many amenities without lines or crowds. We were able to get drinks immediately with quick bar service and eat lunch at El Loco Fresh without issue. Even the pools were noticeably calmer and more manageable with fewer people vying for space

This experience completely changed my perspective on skipping ports. Now, I am convinced that staying onboard during a port day can be one of the best ways to enjoy a massive cruise ship.

20 years ago today, Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas embarked on her inaugural sailing. Although not as large as mega-ships like Oasis or Icon of the Seas, she forever shaped the cruise industry, setting new standards for onboard innovation, scale, and guest experience. 

Freedom of the Seas, the namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class, was based on the groundbreaking Voyager Class ships, which were the first to feature an ice skating rink at sea, a main Royal Promenade thoroughfare, and more. 

However, these ships didn't hold a world record for long, as Queen Mary 2 surpassed them in gross tonnage just four years after Voyager of the Seas' launch in 2004. 

Still, these vessels proved that there was a market for bigger cruise ships packed with more amenities, entertainment options, and dining venues than ever before — and Royal Caribbean was ready to deliver.

Enter Freedom of the Seas, which reclaimed the title of the world’s largest cruise ship upon her debut in 2006 — and Royal Caribbean hasn't lost it since. 

Freedom of the Seas ushered Royal Caribbean into a new era of mega-ship cruising and innovation.

Although Freedom of the Seas is virtually identical in terms of layout and ship design to Voyager Class ships, she introduced a host of new features that set her — and the cruise line — apart from anything else at sea. 

For starters, Freedom of the Seas was the first cruise ship to have a FlowRider surf simulator on board. Today, this amenity is a staple on new Royal Caribbean ships and has even been added to older vessels.

Freedom was also the first ship to feature cantilevered whirlpools and the H2O Zone water park, which has since been replaced by Splashaway Bay. 

Freedom of the Seas measures 156,271 gross tons, 1,111 feet long, and can accommodate over 3,900 passengers at double occupancy, according to the cruise line. 

Still, Royal Caribbean was already thinking about the future before Freedom's maiden voyage.

Royal Caribbean placed the order for the line's first Oasis Class vessel in February 2006, three months before Freedom of the Seas joined the fleet. This signaled the cruise line's commitment to pushing boundaries and building larger, more impressive ships. 

They haven't strayed far from this mindset in over 20 years, with each new Oasis Class ship building upon the innovations of its predecessors, adding more dining options, immersive experiences, and activities than ever before. 

Most recently, Icon Class ships took everything Oasis of the Seas introduced to an entirely new level, with the introduction of the cruise line's first-ever food hall, the largest ice rink at sea, an enclosed AquaTheater, the three-deck-high Ultimate Family Townhouse, and so much more. 

Is Freedom of the Seas still a good ship in 2026?

Some cruisers aren't fans of Royal mega-ships and prefer the intimacy of older vessels. However, just because Freedom isn't as large as Wonder or Star of the Seas, both measuring over 236,000 gross tons, doesn't mean she lacks excitement or amenities. 

In 2020, Freedom of the Seas underwent a $116 million renovation, bringing newer concepts — such as El Loco Fresh, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, the Perfect Storm water slides, a laser tag course, the Lime and Coconut Bar, and a Caribbean-themed pool deck — on board. 

These renovations ensured that Freedom was up to speed with many newer vessels in the fleet. Yet, the dry dock did not compromise her cozy, intimate, and nostalgic vibe.

In fact, I consider her one of the best vessels in the fleet, offering great value for guests who may not want to spend thousands on an Oasis or Icon Class vacation.

I'm not the only one who remains a Freedom enthusiast, either. Many praise the aging vessel online, celebrating her ability to deliver memorable and exciting vacations without being too costly or overwhelming. 

"I’ve been on Freedom 4 times. Once as a kid in its inaugural year, and 3 times as an adult. It’s still an amazing ship and there’s so much for kids to do. It’s my favorite ship in Royal’s fleet. Wait times anywhere are minimal. We never had an issue getting into any show or dining. Highly recommend!" shared one Redditor on the r/royalcaribbean thread. 

Another chimed in, "Freedom of the Seas is a huge ship - the largest in the world when it was launched 19 years ago. There are tons of activities and entertainment for kids and families, this ship has always been a great option for families with kids."

"The Freedom Class is my favorite because it’s not as intimidating (for me) as Oasis and above. I don’t want to make reservations months out," someone else wrote. 

The praise continued on Facebook, with one user writing, "We went last summer and had a ball! The ship was clean, the food was good and the staff [was] excellent!"

Another comment reads, "We have been on Freedom three times in the last eight years. It's a good ship to start your first cruise on. It's not massive like the Oasis class or Icon Class ships. Yet, still has plenty of things to do. Plus since it's a smaller class of ship you can go to ports that Oasis and Icon class ships can't."

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

Sometimes the cost of a Junior Suite is only a few hundred dollars more than a balcony room on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and that leads to the question of if it's worth upgrading or not.

Whether the extra cost is substantially more or not, the real question is are you paying for meaningful perks or just a slightly larger room?

I've sailed in Junior Suites many times, including most recently on an older ship. I've found the extra benefits of a Junior Suite and larger room to be quite useful. Nonetheless, I didn't want to overpay for them either.

Consider your travel style, ship class, and budget before choosing. Let's compare.

Balcony vs. Junior Suite comparison

What you get with a standard balcony cabin

A balcony room is the most popular type of cruise ship cabin because it's truly the middle ground option that is affordable for a lot of families.

With this type of stateroom, you'll have a slightly larger room than an interior cabin and have access to your own outdoor space.  This means you have an outside view from your room, as well as a private verandah to step out to and enjoy the fresh air and views.

Every balcony comes with a fairly standard set of features:

• King size bed (can be split apart)
• Private bathroom
• Sofa/couch
• Vanity seating area

The reason balcony cabins are so popular is because they have the best mix of price and comfort.

You have outside views and access to the outdoors without feeling like you're overspending.  Usually the price difference between an inside to a balcony is a reasonable cost.

Plus, a balcony feels like a major jump in experience from an inside room. Many cruisers swear by staying in a balcony because it adds just enough of a difference to make their room feel less insular, while also adding natural light to enhance it all.

Balcony cabins are especially attractive to first-time cruisers because it's the "goldilocks" cabin. 

What makes a Junior Suite different

The real selling point to a Junior Suite is how much more space you get compared to a balcony room.

The exact size depends on the ship, but you'll quickly notice how much larger these cabins feel. The living area is enormous, and there's a walk-in closet too.

The balcony in a Junior Suite tends to be larger than a standard balcony.

Another important reason some people prefer a Junior Suite is the fact it has a full tub instead of a shower. Lower category staterooms on Royal Caribbean ships have a stand-up shower only.

Another equally important Junior Suite perk are the benefits that come with this room.

Royal Caribbean will give you an extra Crown & Anchor point per night, which allows you to reach higher loyalty tiers faster. This is a major reason cruisers will book a category JS room.

You'll also get priority boarding in the cruise terminal, which means you can board with the suite guests.

Space permitting, you'll be able to dine at Coastal Kitchen on Oasis, Icon, and Quantum ships. This is a bonus complimentary restaurant that is exclusive to suite guests.

It's important to remember that despite its name, a Junior Suite isn't a real suite in terms of benefits.  Unless you book a Sky Junior Suite, you don't get the full suite benefits, including:

• No Royal Genie
• No access to the Suite Concierge
• No included W-iFi
• No included drink package
• No suite lounge access
• Breakfast and lunch at Coastal Kitchen are not included

When paying extra for a Junior Suite is absolutely worth it

The longer the sailing, the better the argument to move up to a Junior Suite.

On short cruises, you're going to be likely busy trying to squeeze in as much fun as you can, and so time spent in the stateroom is going to be limited.

On longer cruises, you'll probably spend more time in your room. This is especially true of transatlantic crossings. 

A lot of cruisers will say they move up to a Junior Suite on especially scenic itineraries, such as in Europe or Alaska.

I also think a Junior Suite is helpful when you're sharing a room with more than 2 people.  If you have kids, the extra living space will feel amazing.

Personally, I tend to splurge for a Junior Suites on older ships because the price isn't usually as much. Junior Suites can feel dramatically more comfortable on older ships.

Lastly, if you are prioritizing chasing higher cruise line loyalty, then a Junior Suite makes sense.

When a balcony cabin is the better choice

By default, a balcony is going to be the more economical choice.  So being on a budget may make this the defacto choice.

If your cruising style is that you tend to be out and about and barely use your room other than for showering, sleeping, and changing, then a balcony makes more sense.

You could also make a good argument to take the money needed to upgrade to a Junior Suite and spend it on something else to enhance your cruise, such as a drink package, shore excursion, or specialty dining. If upgrading means sacrificing excursions or drink packages, I'd keep the balcony cabin.

If I had the choice of one of those add-ons or a better room, I'd probably lean towards the add-ons because they can have a major impact in how you enjoy your trip.

One of the top regrets people have about a Junior Suite is not understanding these rooms don't have full suite benefits.

It's a common source of disappointment that despite the name, a Junior Suite isn't actually a real suite. So not having access to the Suite Lounge or other suite perks leads some to wish they hadn't booked one.

My advice after trying both

Balcony cabins are almost always going to be the better value, so it's a question of how much more a Junior Suite will cost.

It's also a question of your own personal needs: extra space, extra loyalty points, and your cruising style.  Some people will deem a Junior Suite far more necessary.

Anytime I've ever booked a Junior Suite, it's been because the price was nominally more than a balcony.  For me, that's a couple hundred dollars at the most more.

I love how much bigger a Junior Suite feels, and the extra Crown & Anchor points are a great perk, but I won't pay top dollar for it either.

I consider Junior Suites an "opportunistic splurge". If I want to celebrate a special occasion, or simply book something nicer, I'll go with a full suite.

I don't think I've ever regretted booking a balcony. The extra space in a Junior Suite matters more than most cruisers expect. But if upgrading means sacrificing excursions or drink packages, I'd keep the balcony cabin.

Happy Mothers Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a new cruise booking too.

Anyone cruising to The Bahamas on May 12 won't be able to have any alcohol, even at Royal Caribbean's private island.

Because of a Bahamian law that suspends liquor sales on election day, any "intoxicating liquor" isn't allowed to be served in the country on that day.

This includes both the Royal Beach Club and even Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean News

• No Royal Caribbean cruise ships will visit its private island this week
• Royal Caribbean just rebranded Air2Sea
• New Royal Caribbean casino $100 booking fee sparked a debate among cruisers
• 5 things I always do at the buffet to make my meal better every time.
• Royal Caribbean has more limits than most cruisers realize. Here are the biggest ones
• I went to Royal Caribbean's two best beach clubs in one weekend. One is worth your money more
• What to know before trying Star Class
• What Royal Caribbean is getting right on its ships this year
• Royal Caribbean asked cruisers for their best tips and here are the best ones

New RCB Video: I Tried A $11,000 Cruise Ship Suite

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—I Tried A $11,000 Cruise Ship Suite—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

First look at Royal Caribbean's new beach club

Royal Beach Club Santorini is open, and we have a full review of what you can expect.

Leon from Loyal To Royal was among the first visitors, and discovered what this new shore excursion offers guests.

Unlike the club in The Bahamas, this one offers scenic tours along with a beach day.

I spent $170 on Amazon products for my cruise. Three were worth it

There are lots of products on Amazon marketed as for a cruise, but are they actually useful?

Matt bought 10 of them to try on his recent Utopia of the Seas cruise, and discovered three gems among the bunch.

In fact, the three he bought and loved are now part of his "must-pack for every cruise" list.

I sailed on one of the oldest and smallest Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships. I'd only book one again

How does an old Royal Caribbean ship compare to an old Carnival ship?

Elizabeth went on Vision of the Seas and Carnival Elation, and it's clear each ship has a different take on what you can expect.

Both ships are 28 years old and offer a different way to cruise compared to today's newest vessels.

7 things nobody warns you about before an Alaska cruise

Real talk: everyone sells you on the beauty of an Alaska cruise, but there are a few truths you should know about this kind of a sailing.

They won’t tell you that one itinerary is preferred over another, or that you can save money with a few hidden tricks.

Some of these things could help sway your choice in which itinerary to choose.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 607th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Now that we know the approximate capacity of the Discovery Class ships, Matt shares what this means for when they launch.

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

I've spent almost a month of this year living on a cruise ship, and it's clear Royal Caribbean is doing something right.

I was talking with my team about the cruises I've taken so far in 2026, and it seems like I unintentionally became a case study for Royal Caribbean's current strategy.

I've been on four sailings across three ships (plus an extra on their ultra luxury brand):

• 3-night Utopia cruise
• 7-night Star of the Seas cruise
• 7-night Brilliance of the Seas cruise
• Another 3-night Utopia sailing

Whether I was on an older ship, party itinerary, or brand-new ship, I noticed a clear pattern in what Royal Caribbean is doing especially well right now. I think it's at the heart of why more cruisers keep coming back.

After 20 nights, here's what I've noticed.

Royal Caribbean has mastered the "different vacation for different people" strategy

Regardless of which ship I was on, one truth about going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is how approachable it is for everyone, regardless of age.

A strength of this line is how you can find things to enjoy onboard for pretty much all ages. In fact, many of them are also the sort of activities the whole family can enjoy together.

A great example is the silent disco party. No matter how many times I've cruised, this is one of the most popular activities onboard, and it makes sense given how it works for nearly all ages.

By the same token, these big ships offer enough space to have family activities in one space, adult-focused things in another, and party zone in another place.

Utopia of the Seas is a great example of this strategy.  The pool deck, especially at sailaway, is a hopping party with loud music, dancing, and more energy than I could ever conjure up.

It's not my jam, so I usually spend sailaway on my balcony, on the Suite Sun Deck, or perhaps watching a game at Playmakers.

I love how passengers can find nonstop energy or a calmer atmosphere, and it applies to almost every aspect of the sailing.

They understand short cruises

I think in the past, short cruises felt like "samplers", but now, they feel intentionally designed.

I sailed twice on Utopia of the Seas this year, plus I squeezed in a 4-nighter on Wonder of the Seas in December.  Both of these ships were designed for 3- and 4-night cruises.

It's clear that Royal Caribbean has tested and optimized these weekend sailings to be as smooth as possible and packed with everything you'd want.

Embarkation and disembarkation is super smooth, thanks to a streamlined app and the fact these ships dock quite early. 

Despite the fact it's only a couple of days, there's a condensed entertainment schedule that allows you to see all of the shows that would otherwise be spread across 7-nights.

Moreover, the high-energy atmosphere really makes these cruises feel different. I'm not the center of the party, but I like that a weekend cruise on Utopia fundamentally feels different than my weeklong cruises.

And the real highlight now are the two port stops, thanks to major investments in each.

Perfect Day at CocoCay acts as an extension of the ship, and it's so darn easy to go from ship-to-shore and expand on the fun.

Add to that the new Royal Beach Club in Nassau that finally solved the "there's nothing good to do in Nassau" problem, and you've got a winning combination.

I think the key to success is Royal Caribbean figured out people don't necessarily want a shorter version of a 7-night cruise. They want a completely different kind of vacation.

Loyalty is working, and it's keeping us coming back for more

Royal Caribbean executives have repeatedly talked about repeat guests becoming a bigger percentage of passengers. I certainly see why given how easy it is to book another one.

Between the loyalty program integration, perks, and familiarity of experience, I think that provides tremendous confidence in what we're buying.  Yes, prices have shot up considerably year-over-year, but I'm far more willing to spend on a Royal Caribbean cruise than an equally expensive land vacation alternative with a lot of unknowns.

When I step onboard, the familiarity that comes with being a repeat cruiser reduces stress. It's predictable in a good way.

Truly, the Crown & Anchor benefits are a major factor in coming back to cruise. 

When I took my family to Disneyland Paris, I couldn't believe how much extra I was spending on food and drink compared to a cruise. 

I believe a lot of credit to how seamless it is to cruise over and over, needs to be acknowledged.

Older ships still matter more than people realize

I spent a week on Brilliance of the Seas, and while it lacks so many features on the newer ships, it also accentuates the fact not every great cruise needs water slides or endless neighborhoods.

Being one of the smaller ships, it's so easy to get around a ship with barely 2,000 passengers.  Not only is it easier to navigate, there's a calmer atmosphere, and ocean views everywhere.

Royal Caribbean's smart move may actually be keeping older ships relevant while expanding aggressively into mega ships. We've got a number of years before the Discovery Class ships start becoming relevant, so there's still plenty of lifespan left in older ships.

I love new ships because of everything they pack in, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the simple pleasure of "classic cruising" on a Radiance Class ship.

Proving this point, I'm headed back on another Radiance Class ship next month when I sail to Alaska on Serenade of the Seas.

Technology is finally becoming useful instead of annoying

Royal Caribbean's tech journey hasn't been super smooth, but there's no question it's working well right now onboard its ships.

It may not be perfect, but the app functionality on the ship is something I take for granted now.  From check-in, to activity planning, to messaging, it works efficiently.

When I was in my Star Class suite on Utopia of the Seas, I was able to open the blinds in the living room from my app.  Necessary? No. But I'll definitely take advantage of it when I'm on the couch watching a movie and I want to close the blinds so I can see the movie without glare!

Heck, the muster drill alone being digitized is something I will occasionally remind myself how annoying it used to be when it was all in-person.  Now, it's a minute or two and you're done.

Most notably is how reliable cruise ship Wi-Fi is today. For years, I hated how expensive and slow it was until Royal Caribbean switched to Starlink.

They had a few growing pains getting Starlink optimized onboard, but I don't go on ships anymore worried if the Wi-Fi will work or not on this cruise.

I think the best cruise tech disappears into the background instead of forcing you to use it constantly.

What Royal Caribbean still needs to improve

While they're doing a lot of things right, no one is perfect.  To their credit, they crave guest feedback as a way to get it right.

One issue, especially on short cruises, is show and activity reservation require military precision to get what you want.  

Frankly, I have no idea how people who don't read blogs like this or are totally invested in researching their cruise manage to get any show reservations. It's egalitarian in how it's offered, but it rivals Ticketmaster in how quickly it all sells out.

Another issue is the hyper focus for perfect scores among crew members.

I think Net Promoter Scores are a flawed system because anything less than perfect isn't good enough, and the evidence of that is in how crew are forced to beg for a "10" at every opportunity.

It's becoming far more prevalent now to go to almost any meal and get a spiel from your waiter about the importance of the guest survey. Not only does this skew scores, but it's disruptive and annoying to guests.

I'm also concerned with the trend of focusing more and more on revenue generation above all else.  We have ever expanding casinos that take over entertainment space, new programs that come with an extra cost, and every expansion in CocoCay or Royal Beach Club has a cost.

Of course they are a for-profit company, but I miss the balance of innovation and revenue chasing that used to exist. 

The proof is in how many of us are coming back again

After 20 nights onboard in just a few months, what stood out wasn't one perfect ship or one unforgettable meal. It was how refined Royal Caribbean's overall strategy now feels.

Each sailing I took offered a little something different, but there's a core experience that I think is chugging along quite smoothly.

It's a smart approach to vacation building, and we're now at a point where so much is expected to be flawless in execution.  That's a sign they've reached a point where things are where they should be, for both consumer and company.

A Royal Caribbean cruise is one of the best vacations you can take. However, there are plenty of interesting (and sometimes frustrating) policies that can catch both first-time and veteran sailors off guard.

For example, gratuities aren't included in your cruise fare. Although this seems like common knowledge, many cruisers are taken aback when they see the daily service charge automatically added to their SeaPass account.

And that is just the beginning.

From strict drink package rules to restrictive cabin categories and sneaky loyalty benefit redemption policies, here are the biggest Royal Caribbean limitations you should know about.

The Unlimited Dining Package isn't totally unlimited

The Unlimited Dining Package is easily the best way to explore the ship's finer culinary experiences, including Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, and Izumi Sushi.

However, the $20 daily credit is non-refundable and can only be used once per day, per à la carte specialty restaurant. These include Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, Portside BBQ, and Fish & Ships.

In other words, you can't go to Playmakers twice in the same day. Or order more than $20 per person of food during a meal.

Even with the dining packages, several premium experiences come with an extra charge

In addition to the once-per-day à la carte specialty restaurant restriction, some higher-end experiences are excluded from Royal Caribbean's specialty dining packages.

If you want to eat at Izumi Hibachi, Izumi Omakase, The Chef's Table, the Royal Railway restaurants, or the upscale supper clubs, you'll have to pay an additional fee — even if you have the Unlimited Dining Package:

Izumi Hibachi: $15

Izumi Omakase: $60

Royal Railway: Adult, $50 / Child, $25

The Chef's Table: $50

Empire Supper Club / Lincoln Supper Club: $130

The same applies to upgraded offerings at included specialty restaurants, such as the Chops Grille Fine Cuts menu, which carries a separate surcharge.

The Freestyle soda cup is no longer included with the two priciest drink packages

As of March 15, 2026, Royal Caribbean's Coca-Cola Freestyle soda cups are no longer included with the Royal Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages — they're only included with the Classic Soda Package.

Although guests may still order unlimited soda from bars, lounges, and restaurants, those who would like access to the Freestyle machine must purchase a souvenir cup onboard for $4.99.

One thing to note is that Royal Caribbean soda cups are programmed for your specific voyage, so you can't reuse them on future sailings.

Drink packages can't be shared

Speaking of drink packages, Royal Caribbean strictly prohibits passengers from sharing them. To prevent this, they require all passengers over the drinking age to purchase their own package if one person in the stateroom gets the Deluxe Beverage Package.

If you are caught sharing a drink package, the cruise line can immediately cancel the package without issuing a refund. They can also charge you for every drink you've consumed.

Although sharing drink packages may seem like an easy way to save a few hundred bucks during your cruise, the risks far outweigh the rewards.

Crown & Anchor discounts can't be redeemed pre-cruise

Royal Caribbean has the best loyalty program at sea. Full stop. As you climb the ranks of the Crown & Anchor Society, you'll earn perks like daily complimentary drinks, free Wi-Fi, BOGO specialty dining, and more.

However, there's an important catch: the benefits can't be applied to any pre-cruise sales before you board. In other words, if you are eligible for one complimentary day of VOOM Wi-Fi, you must wait until you are onboard the ship to redeem it.

This essentially means you can't combine your Crown & Anchor perks with the pre-cruise sales through the Cruise Planner. You can either pre-purchase your add-ons or wait until you're on the ship to book your BOGO specialty meal or activate your discounted internet plan.

Cabanas have strict capacity limits

Renting a private cabana is a great way to level up your day ashore at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island or Perfect Day at CocoCay. That said, cabanas have strict capacity limits, so only a set number of guests can use them at any one time.

Certain cabanas also include admission to extra-charge areas, such as the Royal Beach Club, adult-only Hideaway Beach, upscale Coco Beach Club, or Thrill Waterpark. Capacity limits help ensure that these spaces never become overcrowded or compromise the sense of exclusivity they are designed to provide.

For example, a cabana at Thrill Waterpark may start at around $850 and include admission for up to six guests. Similarly, the Coco Beach Club's overwater cabanas can accommodate a maximum of eight guests per day.

Read more: I rented a $1,400 cabana at Royal Caribbean's private island

Booking a guarantee cabin means you completely forfeit the ability to choose your stateroom's location

Booking a guarantee (GTY) stateroom is an easy way to save money on your cruise fare. Instead of selecting your exact cabin, you let Royal Caribbean do it for you at a lower price.

Although you are guaranteed a room on the ship within your chosen category — such as inside, neighborhood balcony, or suite — you are not guaranteed a specific cabin or location.

This means you could be randomly assigned to a connecting stateroom or placed in a cabin near a noisy crew access point.

Royal Genie services don't work at Perfect Day at CocoCay

One of the best perks of Royal Caribbean's Star Class suites is the Royal Genie, a crew member who serves as a personal concierge, butler, and magic maker.

They will help with everything from making specialty dining reservations to booking excursions and even being your personal escort on and off the ship — except at CocoCay.  

This is because there are no Star Class benefits on the island itself. However, that doesn't mean they can't help you plan an epic day ashore before you disembark.

Casino cash advances are allowed, but they can be cut off

In recent years, many veteran cruisers, myself included, would tell you that an easy hack to get cash on the ship while avoiding the pesky ATM fees is to withdraw from the casino.

However, Royal Caribbean has begun cracking down on this. Now, casino cash allowances come with a gambling requirement — along with a $3 convenience fee. If you don't gamble most of what you pull out, you may not be allowed to continue charging to your SeaPass account in the casino.

"We just did a cruise where [we] put in $200, but the slots were so tight that we stopped playing at $180. When we went back later on the cruise, we were not allowed to use our room account," alfaeric shared on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum.