Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean has expanded access to one of its most exclusive onboard dining venues. The cruise line is now allowing select suite guests to invite non-suite passengers to dine at Coastal Kitchen for an additional fee.

The cruise line recently introduced a new policy that permits guests staying in Sky Class and Star Class suites to bring friends or family members who are not staying in suites into the exclusive restaurant. Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service Vicki Freed shared details of the new benefit during a travel advisor webinar on June 17, 2026.

According to information shared onboard, Star Class suite guests may invite up to four non-suite guests per meal, while Sky Class guests may invite up to two non-suite guests per meal. Based on the new policy, invited guests must dine together with the suite guest, and access remains subject to restaurant availability.

The new program includes a per-person fee structure depending on the meal being served. For instance, breakfast is priced at $15 per person while lunch costs $20 per person. Dinner for invited guests in Coastal Kitchen will be available for $25 per person.

Children are also eligible under the new policy to dine as non-suite guests in Coastal Kitchen. Royal Caribbean’s pricing indicates that children ages 6 and younger may dine free of charge, while children ages 7 to 12 are charged $15 per meal.

Royal Caribbean notes that all charges will be applied to the onboard account of the inviting suite guest rather than the invited passenger. Additionally, an 18% gratuity and VAT may apply depending on the sailing.

Coastal Kitchen has become one of the signature perks of Royal Caribbean’s suite experience. Exclusively available to qualifying suite guests, the restaurant showcases Mediterranean influences with the fresh flavors of California’s agricultural regions. Royal Caribbean describes the venue as offering everything from Pacific Coast favorites to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, paired with an extensive wine selection featuring vintages from regions such as Napa Valley and Tuscany.

How passengers can request access for non-suite guests

The process for inviting non-suite guests to Coastal Kitchen differs slightly depending on the suite category.

Royal Caribbean organizes its suite accommodations into three categories: Sea Class, Sky Class, and Star Class. Sea Class includes entry-level suites and more limited suite benefits, while Sky Class offers enhanced perks such as access to Coastal Kitchen and suite concierge services.

Finally, Star Class is Royal Caribbean’s highest suite tier and includes additional benefits such as a Royal Genie and complimentary specialty dining throughout the cruise.

To invite non-suite guests to dine at Coastal Kitchen, Royal Caribbean states that Star Class passengers can arrange access through their Royal Genie. This can be done before their sailing or once they're onboard. Requests may also be made through the suite concierge or Coastal Kitchen manager.

Guests staying in Sky Class suites can request access onboard through the suite concierge or directly with the Coastal Kitchen manager.

While reservations have always been required for Coastal Kitchen, availability for invited non-suite guests is limited. As a result, guests hoping to share the experience with friends or family may want to coordinate access as early as possible.

Access to Coastal Kitchen is one of the most popular suite perks

For many suite guests, access to Coastal Kitchen is one of the most valuable benefits included with their cruise fare. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a more intimate setting than the ship’s main dining room. In addition, menus rotate throughout each sailing to highlight seasonal ingredients.

Star Class passengers receive complimentary specialty dining throughout their cruise, along with access to Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Similarly, Sky Class suite passengers enjoy access to Coastal Kitchen for all three meals, while Sea Class passengers receive dinner-only access based on availability.

The restaurant offers a quieter dining experience for passengers with more personalized service. In addition, the menu provides higher-quality dishes and more refined entrees than guests will find in the main dining room.

According to Royal Caribbean’s website, Coastal Kitchen’s breakfast selections often include items such as feta and spinach frittatas, French toast topped with caramelized bananas, and Mediterranean-style plates featuring pan tomàquet, hummus, prosciutto, and Manchego cheese.

Moreover, lunch offerings might include dishes such as a Margherita flatbread topped with Buffalo mozzarella, sun-ripened tomatoes, and fresh basil, along with herb-crusted chicken breast served with roasted squash and Provençal tomatoes.

Dinner is a highlight for many suite passengers and typically features more elevated options. This might include Escargots à la bourguignonne prepared with garlic butter and parsley, roasted veal tenderloin with vin jaune sauce, and desserts such as rosewater panna cotta or fresh seasonal fruit.

Access to Coastal Kitchen is restricted to suite guests, although top-tier Pinnacle Club members may also dine in the restaurant based on availability.

Groupon has a new offer to save on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but buyer beware.

Royal Caribbean is running a gift card promotion on Groupon with 8% savings. Although savings are still possible, the deal’s terms and conditions put strong limitations on when and how the gift cards can be redeemed.

Groupon is currently offering a promotion on $100, $250, and $500 Royal Caribbean gift cards. The coupon site states the gift cards can be used for “cruise fares, onboard purchases, and more,” but Royal Caribbean fans have found conflicting information in the fine print.

We took a closer look at this Royal Caribbean gift card offer to see whether or not the 8% savings are worth the limitations.

The offer will save you 8% on Royal Caribbean gift cards

Royal Caribbean offers gift cards year-round on their website, but purchasing gift cards through Groupon currently yields the following discounts:

• A $100 gift card for $92
• A $250 gift card for $230
• A $500 gift card for $460

Gift cards can be purchased directly through Groupon and redeemed through Royal Caribbean. At the time of publication, no additional taxes and fees were applied at checkout.

The fine print has conflicting information about how to redeem the gift card

Although an 8% savings seems like a great deal, we urge cruisers to read the fine print before purchasing a discounted gift card. Groupon states conflicting information within the offer, making the redemption rules unclear.

In the discount’s description, Groupon states that “gift cards are redeemable towards cruise fares, pre-cruise purchases, and onboard purchases.” In the FAQ section of the offer, Groupon writes that the gift cards can “typically be applied to new or existing cruise bookings.”

The fine print, however, states that the certificate “may be used only as a form of payment toward a new reservation made directly with Royal Caribbean International.”

It also lists the following restrictions:

• Certificate value may only be applied toward the cruise fare for sailings quoted in USD
• Certificate cannot be used toward payment of the required initial deposit
• Certificate may not be split between multiple reservations or be partially redeemed
• Certificate may not be applied to a reservation within a group, charter, or casino program/promotions
• Certificate may not be used to purchase onboard credit or settle shipboard charges

The offer mentions that “gift cards are subject to Royal Caribbean’s standard terms and conditions” and recommends checking the official website for specific redemption policies.

“Read the terms and conditions very closely,” says a cruise travel advisor

Even though Groupon’s description claims this gift card can be used for pre-existing bookings and onboard purchases, we spoke with a travel advisor from MEI-Travel to clear up the confusion.

Jenn Greene has over 15 years of experience as a travel advisor specializing in cruises, and she urges cruisers to proceed with caution before booking this Groupon offer.

“As with any gift card offers,” she explained, “I would be sure to read the terms and conditions very closely. Many are not able to be combined with certain promotions. Once you redeem them you could lose onboard credit, valuable sales or onboard offers. Also, it takes around a week or so for these to be redeemed as you cannot call and have them applied.

If purchased too close to the payment you may have to still pay that balance because they cannot redeem the gift card in time. These are rarely ever for anything but payments towards fare, meaning you cannot take them onboard to redeem,” stated Greene.

She recommends working with a travel advisor to ensure you’re making the right choice before purchasing a gift card through this type of promotion.

For cruisers who typically book through travel advisors, for example, using the gift card could disqualify you from agency group rates. These group rates could offer more savings than the 8% discount from the Groupon gift card.

Overall, the deal can still save you money in select cases

Despite the conflicting terms and conditions, the offer can still be applied to new Royal Caribbean bookings in select circumstances.

If you purchase the $500 gift card for $460 and book a Royal Caribbean cruise directly through the cruise line, you will save $40 on the cruise fare.

Plus, if you have an American Express credit card, you may be able to combine the Groupon offer with an American Express spending offer, enabling you to save even more. Some cardholders report targeted Groupon offers of $10 back on $50 purchases, for example.

Overall, though, despite the advertised 8% savings, cruisers should proceed with caution if they plan to purchase a Royal Caribbean gift card through Groupon. The conflicting information and limitations may make it difficult to redeem the gift card unless you plan to book a new Royal Caribbean cruise in the near future.

Legend of the Seas, the highly anticipated next new Royal Caribbean cruise ship, has officially left the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and will soon enter service.

The 248,663-gross-ton vessel, and third in the Icon Class, sailed away from the shipyard and is on its way to start offering cruises soon.

Before that can happen, Legend needs to go to Spain.  There, the ship will prep before its first sailings begin.

"And she’s off! Legend of the Seas has officially departed from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and is now heading to Cadiz, Spain to get her finishing touches," the cruise line posted in a social media post.

Primary construction of the new ship began in October 2024 when the keel was laid. Then in September 2025, the ship was floated out. This is when the ship touches water for the first time and transitions from a dry dock to a wet dock.

In April 2026, Royal Caribbean held sea trials for Legend in order to ascertain the new ship's sea worthiness.  This is when all of the ship's systems are put to the test.

What's next for Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas is headed to Cadiz, Spain to enter a different shipyard in order to be fully provisioned.

While the new ship has completed construction, it's not ready to welcome passengers yet.  Think of it like a new house: when the builder finishes it, it doesn't mean the house has furniture, artwork, and all the things necessary to live inside.

Some crew members are already onboard, but more will join so that the cruise ship is fully operational.

After leaving the shipyard in Spain, Legend of the Seas will sail to Malaga, Spain, to offer a quick 4-night media preview sailing. This is when travel partners, media, and VIPs will sail on June 29 and visit La Spezia, Italy.

The inaugural voyage will be held on July 4, when paying passengers will board for the first time. Legend will homeport in Rome, Italy and begin a Western Mediterranean summer cruise itinerary.

The ship’s first regular sailing is set to depart on July 4th and is a 7-Night Western Mediterranean itinerary with calls to Provence, France; Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and La Spezia, Italy.

A naming ceremony is likely coming later this year

One detail we still don't know about Legend of the Seas is who the ship's godmother will be, and that detail is likely going to be a few more months away.

Legend of the Seas will sail in the Mediterranean for the summer before heading to Fort Lauderdale this winter.

In November, Legend of the Seas will arrive to start a winter cruising season in the Caribbean. This is when I expect the official naming ceremony to take place, headed up by the ship's godmother.

The new will will rotate between six- and eight-night Caribbean cruises. Following her five-month stint in Florida, she will once again return to Europe in April 2027.

Whenever a new Royal Caribbean ship debuted in Europe first and then sailed to North America for a winter cruise season, this has been the pattern of waiting to officially name and christen the ship until it arrives closer to Royal Caribbean's headquarters in Miami.

When Harmony of the Seas started cruising, it debuted in Europe first and then sailed to the United States at which point the naming ceremony was held.

Later this summer, Royal Caribbean will announce who the ship's ceremonial godmother will be and when the naming ceremony will be held.

The event will be held in the ship’s AquaTheater, in the AquaDome neighborhood, which is an enclosed theater that has restaurants nearby at the front of the vessel.

New Icon Class ship with favorites and new features

While Legend of the Seas is the third in the Icon Class, it's not an exact replica of Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean knows well enough to leave what's working well onboard, including so many of the ship's neighborhoods and popular venues.

Legend of the Seas will have the same eight neighborhoods and amenities as the other two ships, but will also introduce a few firsts.

"America's Got Talent LIVE" will be among an array of brand new shows coming to this ship.  This will be an extension of the show many have seen on TV, but this time on a cruise ship.

In addition, there will be a Broadway show, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

Passengers will also be able to enjoy a two-story casino, with one deck being exclusively non-smoking.

Two new restaurants will be added. 

A new immersive classic train restaurant will be added, Silk Routes at Royal Railway – Legend Station.

Diners will feel like they are on a classic train traveling across Asia and tracing Marco Polo's route. Every course will match a different region the train is passing through.

Hollywoodland Supper Club is a new fancy restaurant themed to the golden age of Hollywood.

Music of the 1940s and 1950s will be intertwined with a multi-course meal that is paired with a cocktail with each serving.

Cruise balconies are the most popular type of accommodation on the ship. However, they aren't all created equal, and some are definitely worse than others.

Certain balcony cabins, for example, have obstructed views. This means rather than looking out over the open ocean, your view may be partially blocked by lifeboats or bulky support structures. 

One time, I booked a Junior Suite on a cruise without doing much research, assuming that because it was a "suite," it would be located in a prime spot with a spacious balcony — I couldn't have been more wrong. 

The Junior Suite was located all the way forward and next to a public observation deck. This meant that if any other cruisers walked out over the bridge wings, they could peer directly at my balcony.

There are other kinds of balconies that you might not enjoy, either, such as interior-facing rooms on Oasis and Icon Class ships, along with the controversial infinite verandas that lack private outdoor space. 

Knowing that not all Royal Caribbean cruise balconies are created equally, here's how to avoid the wrong ones when booking your next vacation. 

Be wary of booking top-deck balcony cabins.

I try to avoid cabins underneath the pool deck, especially when sailing somewhere tropical and warm, because they're just so dang noisy. No, you likely won't hear people thumping above you or crew members dragging lounge chairs early in the morning. However, if you want to actually enjoy your balcony, the nearby pool deck can be frustrating. 

On one cruise, I was staying in a balcony on Deck 18, and the main pool deck was on the same level. There was one afternoon when I wanted to lounge on the veranda (it wasn't cheap, after all!) but realized that the sound of the nearby music and passengers made it seem like I was just steps from the action. 

Now, I automatically rule out balcony staterooms on higher floors, as I don't want to suffer from the loud noise levels that come with being so close to one of the ship's busiest areas. 

Interior-facing balcony rooms lack privacy.

Neighborhood balconies are cabins that face inwards towards the ship, rather than out to the ocean. These include Boardwalk, Central Park, and Surfside balcony staterooms. 

Although they might be a little bit cheaper than ocean-facing balconies, passengers in cabins opposite yours can see directly into your room if the curtains aren't drawn. Other guests can also glance up and easily see onto your balcony while walking in the public neighborhood areas below. 

Sometimes, these cabins are loud, too. For instance, when I stayed in a Central Park balcony on Icon of the Seas, I didn't realize how easily the sound of live jazz performances would carry up through the open-air neighborhood. 

Watch for obstructed view balconies.  

Obstructed balconies can result in major letdowns, especially if you're sailing somewhere scenic like Alaska or Norway. Instead of picture-perfect ocean views from the comfort of your private veranda, you may arrive on embarkation day to discover that a gaudy orange lifeboat, large beam, or other structure is directly in your line of sight. 

Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean's deck plans should indicate if a balcony is obstructed, and at what percentage. As such, you should always check the ship's deck plan before booking a cabin just to ensure you don't end up with a bad cruise room. 

I'd also recommend working with a trusted travel agent, as they can often identify problematic, obstructed-view cabins and help find better options in the same price range.

Infinite balconies aren't "real" balconies. 

Exclusive to Icon Class ships, you might wonder whether an infinite balcony is worth it or not for your sailing on Icon, Star, Legend, or Hero of the Seas. Although I've sailed in infinite balconies before, I can't say they're my favorite type of cruise room, though others love them for their spaciousness and added privacy (in certain situations). 

In short, these unique cabins are designed to bring passengers closer to the ocean by turning the entire stateroom into a balcony. There's no outdoor veranda. Instead, infinite balconies have a floor-to-ceiling window that opens with the push of a button.

I found that my Central Park infinite balcony was more like an extra-large room with a window. Since there were cabins directly across from mine, I never felt like I had the same sense of privacy that comes with a traditional balcony.

When I did have an ocean-facing infinite balcony, I hated that the air-conditioning shut off as soon as the window was lowered. This is something to be wary of since it won't take long for the cabin to become humid and stuffy in warm climates.

Guarantee balcony cabins are a huge gamble.

An easy way to end up with a disappointing balcony cabin is to indirectly book it. What does that mean? Well, Royal Caribbean offers customers a money-saving option, letting the cruise line pick their cabin assignment in exchange for a lower base fare. 

Although this is an easy way to potentially save hundreds of dollars, it's a gamble as to which kind of room you'll get. Oftentimes, those who booked a guaranteed rate will end up in a "leftover room" that other passengers didn't pick. This could be for a ton of different reasons, such as an obstructed view, a location near noisy public venues, or the proximity to the elevators. 

The same premise applies to RoyalUp bids. While bidding on a higher-category cabin might sound appealing, you could end up with a room in a bad location since you can't select the exact cabin. 

Let me be very, very clear in saying that there's nothing wrong with saving money or scoring a great deal on a better cruise room. It's just important to understand the pros and cons and whether you're okay risking the possibility of ending up in a less-than-ideal location.

What are the best Royal Caribbean balcony cabins to book?

There are two types of balcony cabins I try to book — if possible. First, I love any centrally located, mid-ship veranda. These make it easy to navigate the ship, which is especially important on massive vessels like Utopia of the Seas or Icon of the Seas. However, they also tend to be the most stable, making them ideal for guests who are prone to motion sickness. 

In my opinion, aft balconies are worth every extra penny, too! Not only do they usually stray from the standard cookie-cutter design of other cabins, but they also overlook the ship's wake. This is the trail of white, frothy water the vessel churns up as it sails in the open water, and is often considered one of the most picturesque views at sea.

Finally, if you have a larger family, you may want to look into Royal Caribbean's family balcony cabins. These highly sought-after cabins are designed for larger families and groups, accommodating up to six guests with a separate bunk bed area for kids. 

Are inside cabins better than balconies?

Having been on over three dozen cruises, I've stayed in tons of different types of cabins, ranging from tiny windowless staterooms to suites with butlers! 

Although I prefer balconies because I think they provide a good value between comfort and overall experience, there are times when you might be okay with saving money by booking an interior cabin. 

For instance, if you book a cruise on one of the biggest ships in the world (i.e., Icon or Oasis Class vessels) or a port-intensive itinerary, there's a good chance you won't spend much time in your room because you're going to be busy exploring the ship and different destinations. 

Recently, my sister and I sailed on our first European cruise together aboard Harmony of the Seas. Though neither of us is a stranger to cruising, it was her first time staying in an inside stateroom. I was worried she might feel cramped or complain about not having natural light, but she ended up saying she might consider an inside cabin again if the price was right. 

In the end, spending extra money on cabin amenities you won't really use can be a compelling reason to book a cheaper inside room instead.

As someone that cruises a lot, I surprised myself when I realized it had been too long since my last Alaska cruise.

Alaska is one of those places that should be at the top of everyone's must-do cruise list because it's a beautiful destination and is arguably best seen by ship (rather than on land).

It's been four years since my last cruise to Alaska, and I truly was shocked how long it had been since I went. I think because I started cruising to Europe, the cruises requiring long haul flights were taken up.  Nonetheless, I was determined to go back.

I selected a 7-night roundtrip sailing on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas that departed from Vancouver and would take us to three Alaskan ports.

Here's why it was such a standout trip.

I saw beautiful scenery every day from my balcony.

I don't always book a balcony room on every cruise, but I made a point to have one for this trip.

There are plenty of places to see all the scenery around us from public areas on the ship, but having a balcony is a special experience.  This is especially true on glacier day.

Being able to step outside anytime I want and see mountains, waterfalls, and (hopefully) marine life is why the higher cost of a balcony is worth it for this type of sailing.

On the morning we visited Dawes Glacier, I sat outside with my coffee and watched as you traversed Endicott Arm. If I started feeling the chill, I could easily hop back inside and then watch from the comfort of my bed.

I was able to see eagles soaring from the comfort of my room, and then the approach to the glacier was incredible. It made the balcony cost worth immediately worth it.

The opportunity to see whales, seals, and eagles is unlike any other tour.

I visited three ports in Alaska: Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau, and there was no shortage of animals to see.

While I love experiencing the culture and learning about the history of places I visit elsewhere, seeing the big game wildlife in Alaska is unparalleled.

Excursions aren't cheap in Alaska, but I'm so glad we spent the money for a private boat tour of Sitka sound, where we got to see humpback whales, seals, sea otters, and grey whales.

My kids were enthralled by seeing these animals close-up, and it was the family bonding experience that made the price tag worth every penny.

Captain Patrick even kept us out late past our tour time because he wanted us to be able to see more whales.

In Juneau, we rented a Jeep and drove around to see various sights, including Mendenhall Glacier.

Even if my girls were there for the Instagram-worthy photos, I loved the memories we made along the way (including a stop at McDonalds because the french fries are "fire").

I booked a highly-rated tour in Ketchikan to visit waterfalls and see more marine life. Once again, the connection with animals is something you don't get in the Caribbean or Europe. 

I love the relaxed pace of an Alaska cruise.

Being on a smaller cruise ship and the fact we docked in almost every port in the afternoon meant we had slow starts to every day.

I'm so used to being on Caribbean sailings where there are a lot of early starts to get to the beach, or we're trying to squeeze in all the amazing things to do on Royal Caribbean's big ships. My family loved sleeping in and taking their time before it was time to head out.

There's no question there is a quieter atmosphere on an Alaska cruise, and that's largely because of the focus is on where you're going and what you can see outside.

Plus, the cooler weather outside limited the typical pool deck activities that you'd find in the tropics. 

It's clear people didn't book this cruise for a party like you'd find on a short Utopia of the Seas sailing. Instead, everyone seems to be all about what's happening outside.

We had amazing weather every day of our cruise.

You can't ever bet on the weather in Alaska, but we lucked out with how perfect the weather was every day of the sailing.

The only significant rain was on embarkation day in Vancouver.  After that, the sun was shining and there was barely any rain the rest of the voyage.

In fact, we visited Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, which are two places well-known for how much rain they receive. Prince Rupert Canada's "wettest city", while Ketchikan gets about 149 to 160 inches of rain per year. 

Both days were sunny for us, and it was very comfortable being outdoors to enjoy touring.

Even on our glacier visit, we got bursts of sunlight and very little ice to impede our approach to the glacier.

Since we were cruising in early June, temperatures barely got above 60 degrees on any day, but I relished every minute of it.  

As someone that lives in Florida and has to deal with seemingly never ending sweltering humidity, I was very happy to enjoy crisp and refreshing temperatures.

Alaska is notorious for how extreme the weather can change, but we had consistently beautiful conditions every day.

The time zone differences was the one big problem for me.

I don't know how all you west coasters can deal with being three and four hours behind east coast time, because I always felt like the world had passed us by.

The time difference meant trying to keep up with the news cycle was a real challenge.  I had to wake up every morning at 6am so I could not miss any news, which is a product of the fact I work from cruise ships.

I recognize not everyone is remotely working while on a Royal Caribbean ship, but the time difference was a challenge when talking with friends and family back home, as well as having time to watch sports.

Personally, it felt like I was always behind what was happening "in the real world", and it's the only reason I don't book more Alaska cruises.

Overall, cruising to Alaska was a bucket-list trip.

While it wasn't my first Alaska cruise, this voyage will easily be one of the best I've taken in a while.

It was so special to see glaciers, watch whales swim near us, and explore the Alaskan countryside. Plus, when we got to enjoy one of the most underrated cruise ships in the fleet.

Without a doubt, I loved this itinerary and mad at myself for not returning to Alaska sooner. I need to make sure my next trip out here isn't so many years away.

A passenger sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas has been charged following an alleged incident during a recent Caribbean cruise. Authorities say the man attempted to photograph beneath a teenage girl’s dress while onboard the ship.

According to USA Today, an affidavit from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office states that 25-year-old Matthew Stilwell of Pawnee, Illinois, was charged with three counts of video voyeurism following an incident that allegedly occurred aboard the cruise ship on May 31, 2026. Video voyeurism is a criminal offense involving the alleged use of a recording device to secretly capture images of another person without their consent.

WPLG Local 10 News reported that the alleged victim was a 13-year-old girl sailing aboard Allure of the Seas. The teen reported that Stilwell had attempted to use his cellphone to photograph underneath her dress while the two were inside one of the ship’s onboard shops.

The incident reportedly took place during an Eastern Caribbean sailing aboard Allure of the Seas, which departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on May 30, 2026.

At the time, CruiseMapper shows Allure of the Seas was sailing an 8-night round-trip Eastern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale. The itinerary included visits to Basseterre, St. Kitts; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Florida.

According to the affidavit, the alleged incident occurred on May 31, 2026, while the ship was at sea en route to St. Kitts.

Alleged incident occurred inside ship gift shop

According to deputies, the girl told investigators she was browsing jewelry inside Allure of the Seas’ gift shop when she became aware of Stilwell’s behavior.

An arrest report states that the victim noticed Stilwell was “standing unusually close behind her with the camera application open on his cellphone.”

Authorities said the victim reported that Stilwell attempted to take photographs underneath her dress on three separate occasions. The girl eventually ran to her mother and reported what had happened, according to investigators.

The arrest report also indicated that Stilwell and the alleged victim were known to each other prior to the incident.

Investigation began after Allure of the Seas returned to Florida

According to CruiseMapper, Allure of the Seas returned to Port Everglades on June 7, 2026, at the end of the 8-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Following the ship’s arrival back in Fort Lauderdale, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies boarded the vessel and began investigating the allegations.

As part of the investigation, authorities reviewed surveillance footage from onboard cameras. According to the affidavit, CCTV footage from the ship corroborated the victim’s account of the incident.

Following the review of surveillance footage, deputies also interviewed Stilwell. According to reporting by WPLG Local 10 News, details regarding an alleged confession were redacted from the publicly released arrest report.

Based on the investigation, Stilwell was arrested and charged with three counts of video voyeurism. Court records reviewed by USA Today did not list an attorney for Stilwell at the time of publication.

According to WPLG, Stilwell was taken into custody on June 7, 2026. The station reported that he was being held at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Broward County. Jail records cited by WPLG showed his bond was set at $22,500.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the alleged incident, and the cruise line did not immediately respond to USA Today’s request for a statement.

A cruise port visited by Royal Caribbean cruise ships every week has a new warning out for tourists.

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 warning for The Bahamas on Monday, related to a popular activity.

The updated warning is about renting jet skis around The Bahamas, because there are "serious dangers" associated with doing so.

United States Ambassador Herschel Walker spoke in a recorded video about the issues with this activity, and why the government is now getting involved, "I need to warn you about some serious dangers associated with renting jet skis and small water craft, and swimming at beaches where jet skis and small water craft are being operated in shallow water."

Travel warnings should always be considered, especially when it pertains to safety.

Since Royal Caribbean ships visit The Bahamas on a near daily basis, here's what you should be aware of before booking shore excursions there.

A new warning about jet skis and being near jet skis

The U.S. Embassy issued a new warning to Americans about the "serious and ongoing dangers" of renting jet skis in The Bahamas.

Moreover, they want to urge caution about visiting the beaches around The Bahamas because of this danger.

First and foremost, Americans should be aware of the risks of operating or going on a jet ski ride while in The Bahamas due to the lack of enforcement of safety regulations in that country.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau has received several reports of jet ski operators sexually assaulting U.S. citizen women, including two cases in 2026.

They outline a pattern of similar incidents in 2025 and 2024.

"Some victims reported that male jet ski operators sexually assaulted them after soliciting them for jet ski rides from the small islands just east of Paradise Island, downtown Nassau, and Paradise Island beaches. This includes the area from Junkanoo Beach to Saunders Beach and Cabbage Beach."

Victims say they were taken to an isolated island by jet ski and then assaulted there.

The other issue are accidents on jet skis.

In August 2025, a U.S. citizen riding a jet ski was killed after being struck by an unlicensed operator driving an unregistered boat off Paradise Island.  In 2024, 6 U.S. citizens were hospitalized with injuries from jet ski accidents.

In his video statement, Ambassador Walker pointed out issues specifically around Nassau and Paradise Island.

He called them "preventable accidents".

He also said the U.S. government is working with The Bahamian government to address the issues, but in the meantime, additional caution is needed.

Not the first warning about jet skis in The Bahamas

There have been similar warnings about jet skis and renting small boats in The Bahamas, but this warning is a new call to be vigilant.

In May 2025, the State Department warned of violent crime, swimming risks and firearm warnings.

The swimming risks overlap the new warning, advising Americans sexual assaults and beach safety.

"Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms."

Royal Caribbean ships visit Nassau almost daily

There's a good chance if your Royal Caribbean cruise sails from the east coast of the United States, it's going to visit somewhere in The Bahamas.

The new warning is primarily aimed at someone that might rent a jet ski on their own, as opposed to through the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean sells jet ski rentals through licensed and insured operators that have been vetted by the cruise line.

In fact, the warning specifically mentions certain beaches where tourists will go on their own, such as Junkanoo Beach.

To err is human, to lose your cruise card is, well, common.

Cruises are unlike standard vacations, and if it is your first one, you'll find there is a learning curve in figuring certain things out. That said, there are a few mistakes you'll want to avoid so your trip goes smoothly from embarkation to debarkation. 

Steering clear of common pitfalls makes enjoying your cruise a lot easier. That way, you don't have to worry about losing money or wasting valuable time dealing with confusion over onboard charges. 

Having been on over 30 cruises, I've had plenty of chances to make mistakes and learn things the hard way. I've also seen countless other cruisers run into the same issues.

For example, I've spent far more on shore excursions, drink packages, and Wi-Fi by leaving those add-ons for the last minute. By planning ahead, I could have saved hundreds of dollars and had a better overall cruise experience. 

Although you won't get everything right the first time, knowing about the most common mistakes that most cruisers instantly regret can save you a lot of headaches.

Forgetting to cash out casino vouchers 

Forgetting to cash out casino vouchers is one of the easiest ways to waste money on your cruise. Royal Caribbean casino issues winnings in the form of printed vouchers that can be re-entered into machines for future play on the same voyage or redeemed before disembarkation. 

It is easier than you think to stash your casino voucher into a cabin drawer or pocket and completely forget about it. Unfortunately, once the casino closes, there's no way to get that money back — and the voucher cannot be used on future Royal Caribbean cruises. 

If your voucher is for a few cents, it is not worth worrying about. In fact, cruise casino vouchers can make for fun scrapbooking keepsakes. However, if you accumulated a $10 voucher on the first night, $35 on the second, and $100 on the third, you'll want to cash out before that money is gone for good. 

Not returning pool towels

One of my biggest quarrels with Royal Caribbean is that they track pool towels checked out to guests. Although I love that I don't have to worry about packing towels, forgetting to return them can result in unexpected charges on your SeaPass account.

The charge for an unreturned towel isn't enough to ruin your vacation, but it's an unnecessary expense that can be easily avoided. As such, when heading back to your cabin after a pool day or returning from a beachy excursion, make sure everyone in your group has their towel and immediately drop them off.

That way, you won't have to spend the final night trying to track down missing towels and waiting in line on disembarkation day to have the $25-per-towel charge removed from your onboard account. 

Leaving balcony doors open slightly

As implied by its name, Royal Caribbean is one of the leading cruise lines operating in the Caribbean. However, they sail to other warm-weather destinations, including the Mediterranean and the South Pacific. 

Although cruise ships have great air conditioning systems, there's one important caveat that many first-time passengers aren't aware of: leaving your balcony door ajar will shut off your stateroom's AC system. 

Consequently, make sure that you fully close and latch your balcony door whenever you're done using it. This will ensure you return to a cool cabin, rather than a humid box. 

Saving add-ons for the last minute

Never, ever save add-ons for the cruise ship. Popular extras like drink packages, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi will cost far more than if you pre-booked through the Cruise Planner. 

For example, it's not uncommon for the Deluxe Beverage Package to cost over $100 per person, per day on the ship. Online, however, you could save anywhere from 25% to 40%, depending on promotions and timing. In fact, I've seen drink packages discounted as low as $65 or $70 per day! 

The other issue with waiting to secure add-ons is availability. Onboard, you may have fewer specialty reservation options. This is especially true for smaller, popular venues like the Icon Class supper clubs, Izumi Hibachi, and Royal Railway. 

Using flushable wipes

On land, using flushable wipes may seem harmless, but they are one of the leading causes of plumbing issues on cruise ships.

Because ships have smaller, highly specialized sewage pipes, everything that's flushed must quickly break down to prevent clogs, which is why they use thin, rapidly dissolving toilet paper. 

If you flush other products, even those marketed as "flushable" or "biodegradable," you could cause major plumbing issues on the vessel. And just so you know, when a clog happens, it's not just your cabin that's impacted. Multiple staterooms will suffer the consequences of your actions because of the shared plumbing system. 

Assuming the buffet is open

Finally, one of the most common cruise mistakes is assuming the buffet is open 24/7. While ships do a great job of offering constant dining options, the Windjammer Marketplace has set operating hours and closes between meals for cleaning and resetting.

To avoid showing up when the buffet is closed, I'd recommend checking the daily schedule in the cruise app. That way, you'll know exactly when breakfast, lunch, and dinner service ends, as well as when it reopens. 

There's no shame in running to the Windjammer for a last-minute dessert, but you definitely don't want to show up half an hour after closing time and expect to find an array of options on display. At that point, you'll be limited to what's available at venues like Café Promenade and Café Latte-tudes. 

Forgetting their SeaPass card

Your Royal Caribbean SeaPass is arguably one of the most important items to carry around during your cruise. Not only does it function as your room key and onboard charge card, but it also serves as your identification for getting on and off the ship in port. 

If you go to disembark the ship without it, you will be turned away and forced to get it from your cabin before being allowed ashore. This is especially frustrating when you're with a shore excursion group and don't want to be left behind.

To avoid the hassle, make a habit of bringing your SeaPass card with you whenever you leave your stateroom. Many cruisers use a lanyard since it's easy to throw around your neck and harder to misplace than a lone card.  

One cruise ship passenger was so disappointed in what their cruise ship room looked like compared to the website description, that they called it a "nightmare".

Reddit user bambledsoe complained in a post online that their room on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas was a "scam" because they felt it didn't qualify to be referred to as panoramic or a suite. 

They booked an Ocean View Panoramic Suite, but felt the room didn't measure up to what was advertised.

"If you book the fantastic sounding Ocean View Panoramic Suite on this boat, check what your stateroom is. If it’s 1892-1910, you may as well cancel it because those rooms don’t qualify for the last two words," they wrote.

"They are slightly bigger than the standard non-balcony exterior rooms, but not really anything advertised." 

They also complained because the room was underneath the sports court, they could hear basketball being played until midnight.

According to bambledsoe, they were initially offered 10% of their cruise fare back as a credit, but eventually got $1,000 in onboard credit.  Still, they are upset and considering a class action lawsuit.

Their experience is a good reminder of how important doing research is for booking a cruise.

Cruise ship rooms aren't like airplane seats

One major difference in booking travel on a cruise ship is how much personalization exists.

All cruise ships have four major categories of rooms: inside, oceanview, balcony, and suites.  But there are so many sub-categories of cabins and variations based on a ship's class and year it was built.

You can never fully rely on the marketing description provided on the cruise line's website as your primary basis of selecting one room or another.  Certainly the stock images that are used across all ships aren't trustworthy, as they only provide a generic idea of what to expect.

Moreover, the complaint about cabin noise is an easily avoidable problem, because I always recommend checking deck plans to book a room that has other rooms one deck above or below it.

Booking a room underneath a public venue is one of the top cruise mistakes that we hear about.

Look for photos and videos of your room online

Say what you will about social media, but it's incredibly helpful when it comes to sharing cruise ship cabin photos.

So many people have posted videos and photos of their rooms on Facebook and YouTube that there's a good chance you can find what your exact room looks like.  Or at least a room that's the same category from the same ship.

In addition, you can easily seek advice from others about a certain room online.

Many people will post on message boards, Facebook, or Reddit to ask for someone else's experience in a specific cabin.  Once again, you might be surprised how often this works.

A travel agent can help you pick the right room

I think if this person had worked with a good travel agent, they could have avoided this situation in the first place.

Travel agents that sell a lot of Royal Caribbean cruises are well versed in how to pick a cruise stateroom, and they know not to pick rooms under common areas, and which room types might be best.

"Working with a knowledgeable and experienced travel advisor is essential to avoid the classic examples of expecting one experience and actually getting another," is what Zach Glenn, a Travel Advisor with MEI Travel, told me about this situation.

Jenn Greene is one of MEI Travel top performing agents, and she leverages her own experience in helping clients pick a room, " I have access to deck plan maps, actual photos from ship tours and much more. Often times a stock photo or AI generated photo will not show the real stateroom."

When I asked her how she guides a new cruiser to a specific cabin, she asks questions to understand their needs first, "Do you want to be in a quiet location so you can relax? Do you want to be near all the action? When it comes to say an oceanview vs a balcony, I ask how important having their own outside space is on vacation. You cannot guide a client without knowing how they like to travel."

This wasn't a "nightmare", but an avoidable problem

With all due respect to bambledsoe, I think anyone who's worried about encountering a similar situation should focus on looking up cabin reviews and other shared experiences before booking.

Booking a hotel or seat on an airplane is far simpler because there are less variables involved. It speaks to why booking a cruise online hasn't taken off like other forms of travel.

Working with a good travel agent, checking deck plans, and looking up photos or videos online are easy ways to see what a room looks like before you book.

Ironically, their Reddit post could now be helpful for others to avoid such a room in the future.

The United States and Iran reached an initial deal to end the war — and that's good news for cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean.

The announcement of the end of the US-Iran war announced on Sunday, and one of the ripple effects has been oil prices plummeting.

The two countries finally reached an agreement in June to extend their ongoing ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, The Associated Press reported. 

Cruise companies like Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation & plc, benefit directly when major geopolitical tensions ease. This is because lower conflict risk in shipping corridors like the Strait of Hormuz helps stabilize fuel costs and reduces the chance of once-in-a-lifetime itineraries being rerouted. 

Stock markets also typically react positively to geopolitical de-escalation. According to The Associated Press, stock markets were rallying worldwide on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 719 points, or 1.4%, as of 12:20 p.m. EST. The Nasdaq composite was 3% higher, too. 

Already, Royal Caribbean Group has seen shares move higher in early trading on June 15. The 14% jump over the past five days highlights how quickly cruise stocks can rebound when there are fewer risk concerns and more optimism. 

The US-Iran War began in February, when the United States and Israel began a series of sustained air and missile strikes against Iran, targeting the country's missile infrastructure, military sites, and leadership. During these strikes, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and several other high officials were killed.

The situation has been fluid since it began, with a brief ceasefire in April. The truce was violated numerous times by both sides, though. Additionally, both the U.S. and Iran had their own ideas of what the peace agreement would look like, with Iran quickly rejecting the first proposal for a 45-day two-phase ceasefire framework. Instead, they proposed their own 10-point plan.  

Although the war won't end overnight, world leaders from Europe to China welcomed the agreement, despite the uncertainty surrounding key issues like Iran's nuclear weapons program. 

The US-Iran deal will positively impact global oil prices

One reason the stock market is rebounding is that crude oil prices are dropping. The Associated Press said Brent crude oil fell 5.4% to $82.61, back to the same level as early March. 

Although that's still higher than the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil before the war, it is lower than the $120 peak seen not too long ago. 

Unsurprisingly, fuel is one of the cruise industry's largest and most volatile expenses. In Q4 2025, Royal Caribbean consumed 439,000 metric tons of fuel at $667 per metric ton, according to GuruFocus. Additionally, the company projects using 1.76 million metric tons throughout 2026, at a total cost of roughly $1.17 billion. 

60% of Royal Caribbean's 2026 fuel was hedged (or pre-bought) at $474 per metric ton, but the remaining 40% is subject to market fluctuations. This means that moderate changes in crude prices have a meaningful impact on costs and future earnings.

The decrease in the price of a barrel of crude oil translates to lower fuel volatility, which strengthens profit forecasts for Royal Caribbean Group. 

Still, the Strait of Hormuz, which carried a fifth of the world's crude oil before the war, won't open right away. As such, it will take months for the global oil crisis sparked by its closure to let up.