Royal Caribbean Blog

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. 

Royal Caribbean offers an elite option for someone that wants to pay top dollar for the very best amenities and perks at sea.

Star Class is the subset of suites that come with the most lavish furnishings and front-of-the-line access.  It's the kind of experience where you'll feel like a VIP and get to bypass lines around most of the ship.

As you might expect, this is an expensive option too. Similar to a first class ticket on an airplane, the jump in cost from the cheapest fare to Star Class is substantial.  

I've sailed in different Star Class suites over the years, including the Ultimate Family Suite and Loft Suites.  Each room has its own feel, but the service that comes with each is consistently impressive.

I've justified the cost each time by focusing on how much is included and leveraging the added benefits.  It's a splurge, but it undeniably adds some amazing benefits you simply cannot get otherwise.

With the high price tag, I think anyone that tries Star Class would want to fully maximize the experience so they don't miss out on anything.

After staying in all the Star Class suites, here is what I would recommend to anyone that is looking to give Star Class a try.

It's expensive, so don't try to rationalize the cost

Before you start to crunch the numbers, you have to go in understanding booking Star Class will never make financial sense. It's a splurge that you should look at as a way to treat yourself.

Royal Caribbean includes a lot of extra perks and amenities that help with the cost a little:

• Complimentary beverage package
• Included gratuities
• Complimentary Ultimate Dining Package
• One device internet package for everyone in the cabin
• Complimentary laundry
• Complimentary mini-bar stocked with alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks

Those inclusions represent hundreds of dollars, but some Star Class suites cost as much as $200,000. 

If you're going book Star Class, you have to go in with the understanding it's not a cost-effective booking strategy. Rather, it's a fun way to cruise if you can afford it.

Star Class is available on certain ships only

Royal Caribbean only offers Star Class suites on its newest and biggest ships, so you cannot book it on every ship in the fleet.

It's available on Icon Class, Oasis Class, and Quantum Class ships:

• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Hero of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Legend of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Star of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas

The Royal Genie service is the best reason to book Star Class

While you will choose from some truly incredible suites, I think the top reason you should even consider a Star Class cruise is because of the Royal Genie service that comes with the room.

Your Genie isn't a butler, but more like a cross between a butler, concierge, and your best friend that likes to surprise you.

You share your Genie with up to 3 other suites, but trust me, it will feel very personalized.

About a week before your cruise begins, you'll be assigned a Royal Genie via email. You should get a welcome email from them, where they introduce themselves and provide an overview of the coming sailing.

Your Genie will meet you inside the cruise terminal on the first day and escort you onboard the ship.

From this point forward, they are there to assist and make your cruise better. You can message them anytime via WhatsApp, and they will check-in regularly with you.

Most people that are new to Star Class are unsure how to properly use the Genie. They're timid and feel bad asking the Genie for things, but the truth is that's what you're paying them for.  

Your Genie can do so much for you, including:

• Set up parties in your suite
• Reserve seats at any show for you
• Book dining reservations and escort you to your table
• Have any food or drink on the ship delivered to your suite (including specialty dining)
• Arrange for priority elevator rides
• Decorate your suite
• And much more

I found the best strategy is to politely ask for as much as you can. You'll be surprised how willing and able they are to make most requests happen.

By the end of the cruise, I can all but guarantee you'll fall in love with your Genie because of how much they enhanced your cruise.

I would prioritize specialty dining because it's included

Since Royal Caribbean includes a dining package with your Star Class booking, I would plan to indulge in as much specialty dining as you can.

Considering the extra cost specialty dining has, now is the time to really get your money's worth by eating there early and often.

Your Genie will almost certainly make preemptive reservations, but you can ask them to change it as you see fit.

When I stay in Star Class, I'll book lunch reservations too.  Plus, don't hesitate to send food back to the suite. As long as the specialty restaurant is open, they can deliver food to your suite.

When we sailed in Star Class on Utopia of the Seas, my family was too tired after a fun day at the Royal Beach Club so we asked our Genie to have dinner from Giovanni's Italian Kitchen to be delivered to our suite instead of going to the restaurant.

I messaged him our order, and exactly when I requested it to be delivered, room service arrived with the food.

Regardless of where you eat the food, I would plan around the extra cost food and skip eating in the Main Dining Room or Coastal Kitchen.

I've had mixed results with the "Land Genie", so I recommend skipping it

Over the last couple of years, Royal Caribbean introduced a pre-cruise Star Class planning feature that they call a "land Genie".

It's essentially a representative from the cruise line who attempts to coordinate your preferences and upsell you on cabanas and other options leading up to the cruise.  The idea is you tell them everything you want, and they convey it to the Genie so you have less to do in the final days.

In my experience, the land Genie service has been disappointing because on multiple occasions, the Genie has no idea what requests we made to the land Genie.

As a result, I recommend ignoring the land Genies and waiting for the welcome email from the Royal Genie.  At that point, email them all of your requests.

Checking in and boarding your ship is different with Star Class

When you arrive to the cruise terminal, look for the Star Class entrance instead of the regular line to enter. There's usually a purple banner of some kind to mark where to check-in.

In fact, do not give the porters your luggage.  Instead, bring your luggage to the Star Class check-in area because they have special luggage tags and a designated porter that will take your bags onboard.

They will expedite delivery of your luggage to your suite.

After confirming your details, a port agent will escort you through the cruise terminal and check you in.  They will bring you to meet your Genie in the suites boarding area, at which point they will hand you off to them.

Your Genie will then escort you onto the ship. They will take you straight to your suite and give you a printout of the plan you made together.  Keep in mind this plan is a suggestion, and you can change it at anytime as you see fit.

Expect welcome aboard snacks and drinks awaiting you in the suite. It won't be a meal, but something to munch on.  Plus, your fridge will be fully stocked.

How to use the Royal Genie the best way

I'd argue the top reason to book a Star Class suite isn't the cabin, but the Royal Genie service that you get with it.

The first time you have a Genie, it can be confusion how and when to utilize them because the information provided by Royal Caribbean is quite vague. There's no list of things you can ask for, so it's all up to you.

First and foremost, don't be shy about making requests. The genie would be the first to tell you that they're there to make your cruise better, and they want to do anything they can to assist. The worst they'll tell you is they can't do something, but usually have an alternative in mind.

You can also ask the genie for ideas of what to ask for.  Meaning, ask them what fun or special things they've done for other families in the past, especially age-specific things. 

I never knew about having an ice cream party in the suite for my kids until a genie suggested it.

Don't be afraid to say "no" to the genie.  They will come up with lots of ideas for what you can do onboard, but don't feel bad if you have no interest it.  Or you'd rather take advantage of your massive suite.

At a minimum, you should never go to Guest Services if you're in Star Class. Let your genie handle any and all questions or discrepancies you may have.

Tipping in Star Class

One of the top questions people have about being in Star Class is related to gratuities.

According to Royal Caribbean, Star Class includes "Complimentary Gratuities", but the question is how much to tip your genie or room attendant.

In my experience, there's no right or wrong answer of how much extra to tip.  But I definitely do tip extra to both of them.

I'll share my tipping strategy for Star Class, but keep in mind it's just my opinion and other people claim to have tipped more and less than I do.

For the genie, I tip $100 per day (regardless of how many people are in my suite). It's a lot, but once you've tried Star Class, I think you'll see how much they do and how far they go to make your cruise better.

Depending on the length of the cruise, I'll tip my stateroom attendant extra. Somewhere between $50 and $100 extra is usually where I land. It's worth noting in some Star Class suites, we've had two stateroom attendants.

The bottom line about gratuity is they will be appreciative of whatever you can give them. It's not a competition, and whatever you're comfortable with will be satisfactory. You certainly don't have to do anything like I do.

Is Star Class worth it?

If you're looking for the ultimate splurge on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Star Class is the most impressive way to go all out.

Practically everything is included in your cruise fare, and you get to enjoy the best your ship has to offer without much waiting or lines.

Because of the high price tag, it's a luxury that only some will be able to justify. Star Class is never a good value, and you could save a lot of money skipping it and booking something else.

Clearly Royal Caribbean wanted Star Class to appeal to a small segment of cruisers who value service and enormous suites above all else. It was never meant to be something everyone could or should try.

If spending five or six figures on a week-long cruise is something you can afford to do, I believe Star Class is a very fun way to cruise. For these people, the experience and doing something special outweighs the enormous cost.

How do some of the industry's oldest and smallest cruise ships compare?

Growing up, I was convinced that newer meant better — that the newer the ship, the better the dining options, amenities, and overall vibe of the ship. 

However, as I began branching out and sailing on older vessels, I quickly discovered why so many veteran sailors adamantly avoid mega-ships like Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas. For example, they lack the same intimate feel as older ships, and they often feel way more crowded. 

Size isn't the only thing that's changed about cruises over the past three decades. Today's vessels are almost like floating amusement parks, with roller coasters, water slides, ice skating rinks, unique bars, fun dining concepts, and other innovative features. 

In 2024, I sailed on Vision of the Seas and Carnival Elation. Both these ships launched in 1998 and are among the two lines' oldest and smallest vessels at sea. 

Vision of the Seas, for example, measures 78,340 gross tons, while Star of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships, comes in at 248,663 gross tons. Comparatively, Carnival Elation measures 71,909 gross tons, and Carnival Jubilee, Carnival's biggest ship, is 183,521 gross tons, according to the cruise line. 

Although these vacations were far from glamorous, they offered a different perspective on cruising that's often overlooked today. 

Here's how my cruises on old Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships compared — and which one offered a better experience for the money. 

Cabin Comparison

On both five-night cruises aboard Vision of the Seas and Carnival Elation, I stayed in the cheapest possible accommodations: windowless interior staterooms. 

There were pros and cons to both rooms. Carnival Elation's, for example, felt a little more modern, with added charging options, including bedside USB ports. This was due to the ship's multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2017, when all staterooms received new island-inspired interiors and upgrades. 

As such, my inside room on Carnival Elation didn’t feel nearly as dark or worn as I expected for a ship approaching 30 years old.

On the flip side, Vision of the Seas' bathroom was cleaner and better maintained, though both had shower curtains and were compact. 

The bathroom on Carnival Elation was the worst part of the stateroom. For starters, there was barely any storage, and the showerhead was disgusting, showing obvious signs of limescale build-up. 

It also broke a few days into the cruise, with the small piece attaching the showerhead to the bolted rod falling off. It took over a day before maintenance could fix it, and whenever we showered, water splashed everywhere.

I also thought that, while Vision of the Seas' room was smaller at 132 square feet (compared to Elation's 185 square feet), it had a more efficient and functional layout. 

There was a small couch that served as a great catch-all place for our tote bags, lanyards, and raincoats. There were also two nightstands, so my friend and I had equal space to store water bottles, books, and portable phone chargers. 

I also preferred this cabin's storage options, which included a cabinet with deep shelves above the television and built-in shelves in the bathroom. 

Read more: I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. I'd only book one again

In comparison, there was more empty space in my Carnival Elation cabin, with no loveseat and just one nightstand. This was strange since there were two USB ports built into the headboard on that side of the bed.  

The storage wasn't as ideal, either. For example, although there were shelves near the vanity, they were exposed, making the space feel more cluttered. There was also just one small rack for toiletries and cosmetics in the bathroom. 

In the end, while the décor and amenities of my Vision of the Seas inside cabin were a little more dated, it was the more comfortable choice due to its cozy layout, smart storage options, and updated bathroom.

Ship Amenities

Neither Vision of the Seas nor Carnival Elation is known for its record-breaking amenities. In fact, both vessels are pretty bare-bones compared to today's mega-ships. You won't find zip lines, ice skating rinks, rope courses, or roller coasters onboard. 

That said, Carnival Elation offered more exciting activities beyond the standard daily schedule and pool deck, including a small water park and mini-golf course. Comparatively, Vision of the Seas offers a rock climbing wall and a sports court. 

I also enjoyed Carnival's evening entertainment lineup more, with hilarious comedians at the Punchliner Comedy Club and talented musicians at Duke's Piano Bar. The live shows weren't all that bad, either, though they were a far cry from the Center Stage productions on newer ships like Mardi Gras or Carnival Celebration. 

That said, I much preferred Vision of the Seas' pool areas, especially the adult-only Solarium. The enclosed space was so relaxing, and it kept us shielded from the inclement weather that plagued most of our voyage. Plus, it was steps from the Vitality Spa, which had a complimentary sauna and steam room available to adults. 

The adult-only deck on Carnival Elation wasn't well-kept, with soot blanketing the lounge chairs and even staining my partner's clothing. 

Beyond that, both vessels also offer a casino, live music, game shows, and more. Generally speaking, I thought that Royal Caribbean's events were more low-key. However, the silent disco in the centrum was just as fun as Carnival's on the Lido Deck!

Read more: After taking 18 cruises, I sailed on Carnival Elation. Here are 4 things I loved (and 4 I didn’t) about Carnival's smallest ship

Food Review

Carnival has long blown Royal Caribbean out of the water when it comes to its fast-casual dining options — and that remained true aboard Carnival Elation. The Fantasy Class ship had everything from juicy cheeseburgers to made-to-order tacos and fresh pizza. 

The casual options on Vision of the Seas were more limited in comparison. However, I'd argue that Vision of the Seas is a better ship for foodies since it places a greater emphasis on its main dining experience and specialty restaurants. 

Onboard Vision, there are four specialty restaurants, including the cruise line's beloved steakhouse, Chops Grille. Carnival Elation doesn't even offer that, with its two specialty restaurants being the pricey Chef's Table experience and a casual sushi joint. 

While it's safe to say that most cruisers believe the overall quality of Royal Caribbean's food has declined in recent years, my experience on Vision of the Seas was a pleasant surprise. 

Izumi Sushi, in particular, was a home run, where I enjoyed everything from the edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp roll and savory miso ramen.

That said, the Main Dining Room was consistent and reliable. I had more hits than misses, including the French Onion Soup, Warm Apple Cobbler, Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp, Rustic Chicken Korma, and Tiramisu.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Carnival Elation, where my partner and I left the dining room disappointed and underwhelmed on multiple occasions. 

One night, for example, my partner was served a bland chicken breast with hardly-seasoned vegetables. The same lackluster vegetables were served with my chicken parmigiana.

Not only was the dining room's food mediocre, but the service was slow. Our drink orders weren't taken one night until about thirty minutes after we sat down. 

Read more: I spent 5 days eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Here’s everything I ate, including some dishes I’d skip

Vision of the Seas vs. Carnival Elation: Which is best?

Picking a cruise ship can be a difficult choice. Not only do you have to think about the itinerary, but also whether the vessel has the onboard amenities that you're interested in. 

If, for example, you want a newer mega-ship, neither Vision of the Seas nor Carnival Elation is a good choice since these dated vessels lack when compared to the endless dining options, world-class shows, and high-tech amenities found on ships like Star of the Seas and Carnival Celebration. 

Still, an older ship can be a good home base for your next vacation, especially if you're worried about the price. 

For example, my five-night cruise on Vision of the Seas in an inside stateroom cost $1,396.76 for two travelers, including taxes, port fees, and gratuities. 

My five-night sailing on Carnival Elation over spring break cost nearly the same, coming in at $1,475.30 for two passengers in a standard inside room. 

Comparatively, I recently paid over $1,700 for a seven-night cruise on Carnival's Mardi Gras ship from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean, and my weeklong cruise on Icon of the Seas last year cost well over $7,000, including our Central Park infinite veranda cabin, drink package, and shore excursions. 

So, yeah, older ships can provide tremendous value for travelers looking to stretch their budgets as far as possible. However, as this article shows, it's even more important that you devote time to researching the specific ship before putting down a deposit.

In the end, I'd pick Vision of the Seas over Carnival Elation any day because it offered a more balanced overall experience. 

Both ships show their age and lack the flashy features of modern mega-ships. That said, although the onboard entertainment and amenities weren't as impressive as Carnival Elation's, I much preferred the dining experience, adult-only sun deck, and overall vibe of the vessel. 

Read more: I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back

After cruising to Alaska six times, I’ve learned there are several things cruise lines don’t warn you about before you set sail.

Marketing materials tout the state’s marvelous glaciers and historic towns, but they fail to mention important details about planning your cruise.

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

Here are my top Alaska cruise warnings that the brochures and cruise line websites won’t tell you about.

Itineraries from Vancouver are (arguably) better than those from Seattle

Seattle and Vancouver are the two most popular embarkation ports for sailings to the Last Frontier, but itineraries can vary greatly between these two cities.

Cruises from Seattle are typically roundtrip itineraries, and most cruise lines deploy their newer, larger ships from the city. Cruises from Vancouver, on the other hand, are usually offered on smaller ships. Many of these itineraries are one-way cruises, in which you sail from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska (or vice versa).

Read more: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

After trying both, I would choose a one-way itinerary from Vancouver over a roundtrip sailing from Seattle. A cruise from Vancouver to Seward can visit four Alaska ports in one week, while the latter may only visit two or three.

Plus, going farther north brings you to the doorstep of Alaska's interior. Before or after the cruise, you can visit places like Denali National Park and Preserve and Fairbanks.

A one-way cruise requires more complex travel logistics, but I think it's worth the hassle.

Ports can be overwhelmingly packed with tourists

Marketing materials about Alaska cruises showcase the state’s natural beauty, but they fail to show pictures of what ports actually look like.

If you’re cruising to Alaska in the peak summer season, expect crowds... and a lot of them. In 2025, Juneau reported up to 21,000 cruise tourists in the city in a single day. In 2026, new regulations will limit that number to 16,000 (and 12,000 on Saturdays).

Read more: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Even with the new limitations, crowds are still a major issue. Most ports, whether Sitka, Ketchikan, Skagway, or Juneau, host several ships every day, and each ship has thousands of passengers onboard.

As a result, downtown streets are often packed, and popular attractions, like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, are filled with other tourists.

There are ways to avoid some crowds on an Alaska cruise, but don’t expect calm, quiet cruise ports.

You might not visit the jewel of Alaska cruise itineraries: Glacier Bay

A disappointing fact of cruising to Alaska is that not all cruise lines offer sailings to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

This national park covers 3.3 million acres of wilderness, and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately, only select cruise lines acquire permits to visit the park.

In 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line have permits to visit the park, along with a selection of smaller cruise lines.

Read more: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise?

Lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises do not have permits. These cruise lines often feature itineraries to other glaciers, such as Dawes Glacier and Hubbard Glacier. Any glacier is beautiful, of course, but I’d argue that Glacier Bay is the crown jewel of the area.

Brochures from these cruise lines won’t mention anything about Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. If you’re set on visiting Glacier Bay, select your cruise line carefully.

Shore excursions aren’t necessary, but you probably want to book them

For a long time, I thought shore excursions were unnecessary on an Alaska cruise. There’s a lot to do within walking distance of where your cruise ship docks, and I’ve enjoyed many excellent port days in Alaska without an organized tour.

Yet on my most recent cruise to Alaska, I regretted not booking a shore excursion. Although towns like Skagway and Ketchikan are charming, you have to travel farther from downtown to experience the best of Alaska’s outdoor experiences.

Read more: Best Alaska cruise excursions to book

For many passengers, visiting Alaska is something they’ll only do once. I think it’s worth it to splurge on a few excursions to make the most of each port day.

Activities like helicopter rides, whale watching tours, and glacier hikes can truly elevate your time in Alaska in a way that exploring on your own cannot.

There are hidden ways to save a lot of money

Alaska cruises can be expensive, but there are some easy ways to save money on your trip.

If you’re purchasing airfare to Seattle or Vancouver, check flights through Flights by Royal first. This is Royal Caribbean’s flight booking system, and the cruise line often offers lower prices compared to booking flights directly through the airlines.

I once scored a roundtrip flight to Seattle in first class for less than booking an economy flight directly through Alaska Airlines.

There are sneaky ways to save money on shore excursions, too.

Read more: Here's how much I spent on a 7-night Alaska cruise

Last year, for example, I visited Juneau aboard Anthem of the Seas. I wanted to visit Mendenhall Glacier, but didn’t want to pay $60 for a roundtrip shuttle (or over $150 on a Royal Caribbean shore excursion).

Instead, I took the local city bus for $2 each way. The 8 Valley Express Bus leaves from downtown Juneau every thirty minutes. It takes roughly thirty minutes to reach Dredge Lake Road, the bus stop closest to the glacier.

From there, it’s a half-hour walk to the glacier, or you can rent a bike from a bike share station near the bus stop.

It took a little longer than an organized excursion, but I still had time to see the glacier, hike to Nugget Falls, and spend time in downtown Juneau before heading back onboard.

If you do a little research beforehand, you might find hidden ways to save a lot of money on your cruise.

You’ll want a ship with an indoor pool

Outdoor pools and jacuzzis typically remain open on an Alaska cruise, but I recommend booking a ship with an indoor pool. Most (but not all) ships sailing to Alaska offer indoor pools, but you’ll want to double check before booking. Options vary by cruise line.

When I cruised to Alaska on Royal Princess, for example, I was disappointed there was no indoor pool on the ship. Even if you don’t plan on swimming, this climate-controlled space is a comfortable area to enjoy the scenery.

Fortunately, most Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska have an indoor pool and/or an adults-only Solarium. On ships without a separate indoor pool for all passengers, the adults-only indoor pool is opened to all ages at select times during the sailing.

Finally, when you sail makes a huge difference

I took my first Alaska cruise in October, and the weather was far from ideal. It rained every day and temperatures were near freezing. I still had fun, but the poor weather put a damper on the trip.

For the most part, the Alaska cruise season runs from May through September. My rainy October cruise was a rare exception, and I certainly wouldn’t book a cruise that late in the season again.

Each month of the season offers pros and cons. The ideal months to visit are June and July, where you’ll experience the warmest temperatures and most hours of daylight. May can offer comfortable temperatures, too, and often has lower prices.

Similarly, August and September may see fewer crowds, especially once the school year begins.

Before booking the first or cheapest Alaska cruise you see, take time to research weather conditions at that time of year.

Royal Caribbean guests will face a surprising ban at its private island for one day this month.

Guests on two upcoming Royal Caribbean sailings learned that alcohol sales are banned from Perfect Day at CocoCay on the day of their scheduled visit. 

Although CocoCay is not the cruise line's newest addition to its private destination portfolio, it's undoubtedly a fan favorite, winning numerous accolades from major news outlets. 

It has everything from resort-style pools and over-the-water cabanas to an adult-only retreat, beautiful beaches, a massive water park, and more, ensuring that everyone has their "perfect day" ashore. 

Admission to the island is included in your cruise fare, meaning that it won't cost you anything extra to debark from the ship and enjoy a day frolicking in the Bahamian waters. 

However, cruise passengers on two upcoming sailings received a sudden email informing them that their visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay will come with an unexpected restriction: no alcohol sales anywhere on the island. 

"There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections. We've explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout The Bahamas," the email reads.

It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages will not be served at Perfect Day at CocoCay during your visit. Please note, Perfect Day at CocoCay will remain fully open, and nonalcoholic beverages will continue to be available throughout the island. You'll still be able to enjoy the beach, amenities, food, entertainment, and other offerings available during your visit."

The ban only applies to alcoholic beverages served on the island. This means that those who remain on the cruise ship can continue to take full advantage of their alcoholic beverage packages and Diamond drink vouchers. 

Two ships will be in CocoCay on Election Day — Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas — which is scheduled for May 12, 2026. 

The 226,838-gross-ton Oasis of the Seas will be on a seven-night Bahamas cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, according to Cruise Mapper. CocoCay is the last stop on the weeklong itinerary before the 5,602-passenger ship makes her way back up north. 

On the flip side, Wonder of the Seas will have just departed from Miami, Florida, on a four-night cruise. CocoCay is the first port of call on the short itinerary, followed by Nassau on the 13th. 

Alcohol sales were also banned from Royal Caribbean's new beach club last month

(Credit: BIS Bahamas / Facebook)

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is one of the cruise line's newest endeavors, offering guests an all-inclusive beach experience with upgraded dining, private beaches, and sweeping ocean views just minutes from the Nassau cruise port. 

Unlike CocoCay, admission isn't included in your cruise fare, and you can pay a pretty penny for the exclusive escape. For example, the open bar day pass with unlimited alcoholic beverages and dining costs around $170 per person, before any pre-cruise discounts through the Cruise Planner.

However, on Thursday, April 30, the open bar day pass was essentially useless since alcohol service was banned at the private destination due to the ongoing early voting for the national elections. 

"Pursuant to section 99 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Chapter 7), the Parliamentary Commissioner hereby informs the general public that all licenses issued under the provisions of the Business Licence Act (No. 25 of 2010) for the sale of any intoxicating liquour shall be suspended during the hours of the day on which a poll is being held for a general election (including the Advanced Poll)," reads the public notice issued by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas' Ministry of National Security.

The dates and hours on the public notice include Thursday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

"...[A]ny person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed doing so while not holding a licence under the provisions of the Business Licence Act," the notice continues.

As Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported, Royal Caribbean provided full refunds to guests who had purchased the alcoholic day passes on April 30. 

"Earlier today, we were informed of a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections where advanced polling stations are located," the letter given to impacted passengers begins. 

It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages could not be served during your visit [to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island] due to this nationwide restriction that applies throughout The Bahamas... While this may not have matched your expectations, especially while enjoying your day ashore, guests continued to have full access to the beach, amenities, and all other aspects of the Royal Beach Club experience during the stay."

According to the public notice, Royal Caribbean cannot distribute alcohol on May 12, either, since it is a general election day in The Bahamas. As such, guests visiting the Royal Beach Club should expect similar restrictions at the beach club. 

The only Royal Caribbean ship docking in Nassau on May 12 is Utopia of the Seas, according to Cruise Mapper.

Cruisers took to social media to express their confusion about the ban at CocoCay

Alcohol sales at CocoCay were still permitted on April 30 during The Bahamas' early voting, so many cruisers are confused as to why the stricter enforcement now appears to apply to the private island. 

"I'm going down rabbit holes to figure out why this suddenly would apply to Coco Cay when it hasn't in the past (assuming that email is authentic). The Berry Islands were part of a voting district realignment new for this election but that doesn't seem to be relevant since it's not like they were unrepresented before," smokeybandit wrote on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum. 

They added, "I really hope RC clarifies why this is suddenly an issue. And I wonder if they'll avoid Coco Cay stops in future election years."

Why wasn't the island closed for maintenance during the national election?

This year, Royal Caribbean closed Perfect Day at CocoCay the week before the election. This is due to its annual maintenance to keep everything running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues down the road.

According to Cruise Mapper, CocoCay's next ship arrivals are not until Sunday, May 10, when Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas arrive on the final day of their Bahamian voyages from Florida.

As such, CocoCay is open and on the schedule during the national election, leaving some passengers wondering whether the cruise line underestimated the impact of The Bahamas’ nationwide alcohol restrictions when planning itineraries to CocoCay. 

"They usually do maintenance in May and close the island with no stops. I guess they didn't foresee this enough to coordinate it for this week," AshleyDillo remarked. 

Every month, Royal Caribbean has a different casino offer for its high roller members, and this month's has a new fee.

Cruisers have noticed that along with its May offer of a complimentary cruise, there's now a booking fee that goes with.

Periodically (and seemingly randomly), Royal Caribbean's Casino Royale program will send to its members offers to sail for free or at a reduced rate.  These are targeted offers for people that gamble a lot on Royal Caribbean ships.

What's different this month is there's now a fee to go along with the "free" cruise offer.

Here's what the booking fee looks like, and why it's generating a lot of chatter among those that like to cruise and gamble.

There's a new $100 casino comp fee

As soon as the new casino offers started rolling into cruisers' accounts, many saw the same thing: a new fee.

The $100 casino comp fee means you'll need to pay $100 for a complimentary cruise, along with the port fees and taxes.

It's a nominal fee for what is otherwise representative of thousands of dollars off a cruise fare, but it's not what cruisers have typically found.

In the example provided by Royal Caribbean Blog reader madkidd00000007, the offer is for a complimentary Balcony or Oceanview cabin for two.  It has a $100 booking fee per stateroom.

The offer is valid to be booked by May 31st for sailings the depart between May 4 and December 31, 2026.

To be fair, this isn't the first time we've seen this fee. A similar fee happened once a few months ago on an offer for two rooms, but it's back again today. 

According to Ampurp85, they were told the fee is to supplement the fact it's a better-than-usual offer.

"The rep says there will now be some offers that have a booking fee. Either because they will offer better rooms or longer cruise dates."

The representative added that in the event of a cancellation, everything but the booking fee is refundable. Moreover, this booking fee will not be on all offers, just certain ones. 

How to get complimentary casino offers

Booking fee or not, you may be curious how to qualify for a "free" cruise.

Truthfully, there isn't a rhyme or reason that can be determined how to consistently receive offers other than playing often in the casino on every sailing you take.

Certainly, reaching higher casino loyalty tiers helps.

While not a hard and fast rule, it seems more offers go out to casino players in the Signature and Masters tier than Prime.  But that doesn't mean those in Choice or Prime don't receive offers as well.

Moreover, if you do get an offer, it's important to play in the casino and spend enough onboard.  It's been a common observation from casino players that any complimentary cruise you take, there's an unwritten expectation that you'll gamble enough on that sailing too. Otherwise, the quantity of future offers may decrease.

How much do you need to gamble? Most cruisers believe you need to earn at least 200 points on a comped cruise.

Casino offers have been changing this year

One theme so far with Casino Royale has been they're not doing the same old predictable things.

Since the new casino calendar year began in April, there have been some big changes to Royal Caribbean's casino program.

The biggest has been for the annual complimentary cruise that is included with the Prime tier and higher.

Instead of having an an exclusion list of which sailings aren't eligible for the annual complimentary sailing, there's now a list of included sailings. All other cruises are not available.

In addition, Casino Royale introduced a variety of program changes related to earning points and tracking points.

The Royal Caribbean app now shows your casino points and status, further integrating casino loyalty with cruise loyalty.

Another key change is Signature level players now receive onboard credit based on the length of their sailing. Previously, Signature players didn’t receive any onboard credit at all.

Royal Caribbean also increased the earning requirement for video poker to $15 per point. That means you now have to wager more money to earn the same number of points.

Lastly, the onboard instant offers seem to have been cut back.  While nothing has been announced by the line, cruisers have noticed the cabin categories offered were lower than before, and the amount of free play was reduced.

Royal Caribbean opened its first beach club in Europe with an exclusive offering for its cruise ship passengers.

Royal Beach Club Santorini opened last week, offering passengers a full-day shore excursion on the popular Greek island.

Leon is a good friend of ours and runs the wildly popular Loyal to Royal Instagram account. He was among the first to try the new beach club and check out what's new and different.

Here is his full review of the new private beach club.

Welcome to the newest Royal Beach Club

The new Royal Beach Club Santorini by Royal Caribbean genuinely surprised me, not just because of how beautiful it is, but because of how different it feels from what I experienced at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas when it first opened last year.

Of course, I expected some differences. 

The Mediterranean has a completely different vibe than the Bahamas. And honestly, that is exactly what makes this beach club work so well. Instead of a high energy, party style destination, this feels like a calm, laid back escape that perfectly matches the vibes of Santorini.

From Odyssey of the Seas to the Royal Beach Club 

Our day started with a tender ride from Odyssey of the Seas to the island. 

From there, everything was seamlessly organized by Royal Caribbean. We hopped on a bus and within about 20 minutes, we arrived at the beach club.

The drive itself was already something special. You travel through the rugged interior of Santorini, surrounded by rocky landscapes, before suddenly arriving at the coast. It is one of those moments where you realize you are somewhere truly unique.

My first impression

The arrival set the tone immediately. 

We were welcomed with a refreshing Greek drink, but without any over the top fanfare. No loud music, no party crowds, just a calm, easygoing atmosphere. 

Once inside, you are free to explore and pick any spot you like. There is no need to reserve seating, no extra tickets, and no long lines. That sense of freedom really stood out to me. It felt effortless from the very beginning.

Greek flavors done right

Around noon, the buffet opened and this is where the experience really comes to life if you love food. 

You will find a wide range of fresh Greek dishes: gyros served in warm pita bread, crisp salads, freshly prepared fish, souvlaki and more. There is truly something for everyone.

And do not skip dessert. The Greek sweets are worth trying, but the real standout for me was the Greek frozen yogurt served at the bar. It is offered in three flavor combinations and incredibly creamy.

Designed for comfort and the heat

One of the smartest design choices is the large, mostly covered terrace. On hot summer days, you can sit comfortably in the shade almost anywhere. There is also a smaller open air section if you prefer to soak up the sun.

The whole space feels light, airy, and fresh, thanks to the color palette and overall design. It is stylish without trying too hard and very much in line with the Santorini aesthetic. From the main terrace, you can walk down to the beach below, a striking black volcanic shoreline lined with loungers and umbrellas.

What I really appreciated is that it never felt overcrowded. Capacity is clearly managed well, so you always have space to relax. Guests come and go throughout the day, which keeps the experience feeling exclusive while still accessible.

How I would compare it to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Having visited both beach clubs, the contrast between Santorini and Nassau is clear and intentional. 

The beach club in Nassau leans into that classic Caribbean energy: lively, social, and more focused on a beach party vibe. 

In Santorini, it is the opposite. Everything is about slowing down, enjoying the scenery, and embracing a more relaxed Mediterranean pace. Neither is better. They are just designed for completely different experiences.

Final thoughts

Royal Beach Club Santorini is a fantastic addition to Royal Caribbean’s growing beach club collection. It feels thoughtfully designed for its location, blending seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty and atmosphere. 

Set between the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, it truly feels like a hidden escape. And the best part is that it is easy to combine with exploring the rest of the island, which has so much more to offer.

If you are cruising the Mediterranean, this is exactly the kind of experience you did not know you needed, until you are there.

Check out Loyal to Royal for more Royal Caribbean news, updates, and more!