Royal Caribbean Blog

I recently stayed in a cruise ship cabin I knew was in a location that I recommend avoiding, but I was curious if it would be as bad as people say.

This cabin is located at the very front of the ship, offering a view you don't usually get. However, this room location is notorious for being bad with motion.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, which is one of the newest ships in the fleet.  Some cruise advice is rooted in decades old lore, so I was curious if staying in a cabin all the way forward would be a mistake.

I didn't seek out this room, but it was what was left when I received an offer from the casino loyalty program for a "free cruise".

I decided to give it a try and see if the room's layout and view would make up for any potential issues with noise, movement, or something else.

I stayed in an oceanview cabin at the very front of the ship

My room was cabin 9500, which is at the very front of Utopia of the Seas.

Most cruise ship hallways go from the front to the back of the ship, but when you reach the front of the ship, the hallway turns sideways.

Unlike most oceanview cabins, this one faces forward instead of to the side, offering a view most other cabins don't get.  This is partially why I booked the room.

Plus, it's a large space.  The layout of the cabin adds more living space because the room is angled to the front.

Walking into the stateroom, the layout is typical of most standard rooms on Utopia.  A private bathroom is at one side, with the bed and closet space nearby.

In fact, there is a lot of storage space in these rooms. Frankly, I think the amount of storage space and closet configuration is superior on Oasis Class ships compared to the newer Icon Class ships.

There are two large closets on either side of the bed, with shelves and hangers inside.

Past the bed is a large couch and vanity.

The couch is plenty big, and it faces the large window. I thought it might be perfect for watching the world go by, but the window is angled enough so that you can't see the horizon if you're laying down on it.

The vanity has a mirror, electric outlets, and a chair.  When seated here, you can get a great view outside the window.

The window itself is massive and there's an electric curtain to open or close it.

A sign indicates the window should be closed at night to prevent ambient light from my cabin illuminating outwards and potentially causing trouble for the ship's bridge above.

There's not much to see at night, so that's not a problem.

The switch made it simple to open and close the shade, and the shade did a great job at blocking out the light to keep the room dark for sleeping. I was impressed how dark the room got when the shade was closed.

Since the window is angled, the head space quickly shrinks as you get closer to the window.  

Even though an adult cannot stand up straight right at the window, the room felt quite big and I'm certain a standard oceanview cabin would not have felt nearly as big.

Movement in the room made sleeping difficult

Conventional wisdom says cruise ship cabins at the very front of the ship should be avoided because they tend to have more of a sensation of movement. 

That advice was accurate for my sailing.

As Utopia moved through the ocean, any waves the ship encountered were broken by the front of the ship and the shudder seemed to be worse in my room than elsewhere.

One evening I was in the Mason Jar bar, and I had to go back to my room to get something. I instantly noticed the amount of movement was more noticeable in my room compared to the bar.

Personally, movement doesn't bother me as much because I think it helps me sleep.  A gentle rocking motion isn't so bad for how I like to cruise.

However, someone more sensitive to motion might find it nauseating.

The real problem with this room was when the ship would dock in the early morning hours.

On this 3-night cruise, we visited Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.  On both stops, the ship used its bow thrusters to safely move it alongside the pier.

The problem is those bow thrusters are directly below my room and it felt like an earthquake each time they were used. 

Docking began around 6am or so, and it took about 20-30 minutes to complete the procedure.  This meant I was startled awake by the shuddering and it lasted long enough to make going back to sleep difficult.

I'm not someone to sleep until noon, but I'm also not an early riser. This would be the top reason I wouldn't book this room again.

A room at the front of the ship has a long walk

If I value sleep the most, convenience would be second.

The fact this room is all the way at the front of the ship and this is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, the distance to walk was substantial.

It really meant that it wasn't quick if I needed to run back to the room for something.  Obviously this is a "first world problem" and I don't expect any sympathy for it.  But I guarantee anyone staying in this room might think twice if they truly need to go back to the cabin because of the distance.

When I've stayed in rooms much closer to elevator or stairs, I don't lament going back to my room as much.

The greater distance to walk is a minor gripe, but something else that added to my experience.

I was surprised how many people prefer this kind of a room

When I shared my experience staying in this cabin on YouTube, more people than I expected commented that they wouldn't mind booking this cabin.

The overarching theme among those that said they would book it seem to be they are early risers and don't sleep past 7am.

"Instead of turning me off of it you sold me on it. I would never close the window shade. I would lay under there at night to watch the stars. I wake up at 6am normally anyways."

"If I wanted to sleep in a hotel, I'd go to a hotel for cheaper and not go on a cruise ship."

"Ship movement doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I try and book as far forward and as high as possible. Love the rockin and rolling!"

Suffice to say, I don't agree with their assessment.  But it goes to show you why online cruise reviews are so subjective, and why you should never use them as a basis of booking a cruise or not.

I won't book this kind of room again

While I thought the view and window were great, I wouldn't book a room at the front of the ship again because of the poor sleep I got.

I can deal with the long walk and the extra movement, but the lack of sleep really bothered me.

It wouldn't be an issue on a sea day, but since Utopia of the Seas only does short 3- and 4-night cruises, it's almost all port days.

Someone posted on my YouTube video this would be a great room for toddlers because of the extra living space. Plus, they're short enough the lower ceiling wouldn't be a factor.

I thought the room itself was great, and I even got to see a SpaceX rocket launch from my window.  There's no denying it's something different and not your typical cruise ship room.

However, I think the advice to avoid cruise ship rooms at the front is still a mistake to avoid.

In the future, I'll stick to a room closer to midship for the convenience and less issues with movement.

Read more: How to choose a cabin

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship is back in service after engine problems, and a temporary issue with its private island pier has been fixed.

Between the itinerary changes due to the unprecedented winter weather, technical issues, and damaged piers, the past few weeks haven't been the smoothest for travelers. Thankfully, recent repairs and better forecasts seem to be helping things get back on track. 

For starters, Anthem of the Seas is back in service after being pulled for repairs to address a technical issue that arose last month. Passengers aboard the January 27, 2026, cruise were informed just a few days before embarkation that, as a result, their sailing had been unfortunately canceled. 

"Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we're returning to begin required maintenance. Unfortunately, we will not be able to complete the needed repairs in time for our 27 January sailing," read the upsetting email. 

(Credit: Mattynice75/Reddit)

However, according to a Reddit post shared on Saturday, Feb. 5, Anthem of the Seas is ready to welcome passengers back on board. 

"Beautiful day to board Anthem of the Seas. After she spent 10 days alongside for emergency repairs it’s great to see Anthem here in Sydney for our cruise. Perfect day for it too," wrote Mattynice75. 

Cruise Mapper further confirms that Anthem of the Seas returned to Sydney and set sail on the scheduled 7-night round-trip Queensland cruise. She is expected to arrive in Airlie Beach on Feb. 9. 

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 1:25 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 6)

Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class cruise ship that debuted in 2015. She'll remain Down Under through April 2026 before relocating to Seattle for a seasonal stint in Alaska. Anthem is scheduled to return to Sydney, Australia, in October. 

She measures 168,666 gross tons, 1,141 feet long, and can accommodate over 4,100 passengers at double occupancy. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cancels Australia cruise because of propulsion problem

CocoCay pier is fully operational again

At least two cruise ships had to cancel their visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay this week after high winds caused the catwalks to fall into the sea on the eastern side of the pier. Freedom of the Seas was diverted to Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, while Celebrity Reflection went to Freeport, Bahamas. 

"As the Captain announced earlier, due to this past weekend's winter storm, which included strong winds and heavy seas at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, catwalks fell into the sea on the eastern side of the pier," read the informational letter given to guests aboard Freedom of the Seas. 

"Unfortunately, divers have not been able to locate all of them, which prevents us from safely docking the ship at Perfect Day at CocoCay. After exploring and exhausting all other alternatives, we'll skip our visit. We'll now enjoy a sea day tomorrow and visit Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM," it continued. 

(Credit: Lynette Trease/Facebook)

Future cruisers were initially wary that their visits to CocoCay might be canceled due to the recent pier damage. However, Royal Caribbean confirmed that the repairs were complete in a statement given to TravelPulse:

"Perfect Day at CocoCay experienced adverse weather over the weekend of January 30–February 1 and temporarily closed. Following assessments, the eastern side of the pier was unavailable for docking, and select itineraries were adjusted. Guests were informed directly, and operations have since resumed."

This was confirmed when both Adventure and Liberty of the Seas successfully docked on Thursday, Feb. 5. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! The dock at Coco Cay is re-open! Liberty and Adventure are currently here!" Lynette Trease shared on Facebook. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ship Diverted from CocoCay Due to Temporary Pier Issue

Another winter storm caused two ships to skip visits to CocoCay today

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 1:45 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 6)

Unfortunately, while the pier is fully repaired, strong winds on Friday, Feb. 6, prevented two ships from docking safely, forcing last-minute cancellations for guests sailing on Explorer and Icon of the Seas. 

Angela Marie Collins Frost shared the news on Facebook, with Cruise Mapper confirming that the scheduled port day was turned into an extra day at sea for the vessels. 

According to Wunderground, the reported winds in the Bahamian capital of Nassau were around 17-18 miles per hour (mph) this morning. While that might not seem extreme, the winds were strong enough to make docking unsafe for large vessels.

Icon of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that previously called at St. Maarten and St. Thomas. The Icon Class ship is due to return to Miami on Saturday, Feb. 7. 

Explorer of the Seas is finishing up a 5-night Bahamian cruise. The 137,308 gross-ton vessel departed Port Canaveral on Feb. 2 and visited Bimini two days later. She'll return to Florida on Saturday as well. 

What is the best room you can get on a cruise ship?

What makes the decision so difficult is there are so many personal preferences and sub-categories to consider. How many people are you sharing the room with? Are you prone to getting seasick? Will you spend more time at the pool or casino? How much of a budget do you have?

There are lots of considerations that go into picking the perfect room, and it goes well beyond cost.

A stateroom is similar in some respects to a hotel room, but cabins tend to be smaller. Plus, I think a cruise ship room selection is more important because you're likely to be on a ship longer than a hotel.

Before you choose a Royal Caribbean cruise ship room, I would recommend looking at TK important things first.

Cruise room types, explained

Let's start with the basics, because every Royal Caribbean ship falls into one of four major categories.

• Interior rooms: Smallest and (usually) cheapest rooms on a cruise ship, inside rooms have no windows or access to the outside. It's four walls with no view.
• Oceanview rooms: If a cabin with a view is important, an oceanview room comes with a window. Usually a bit larger than inside rooms, oceanview cabins have either a porthole or window that has a view outside (although you cannot open the window).
• Balcony rooms: Balcony rooms are the "Goldilocks stateroom" because they have access to fresh air via a balcony that has at least two chairs and a table. The convenience is undeniable, and the cost to move up is affordable compared to the next category.
• Suites: The luxury option for vacationers that want opulence with their room choice. Suites have the most living space, ideal locations, and often have separate living and sleeping rooms. Plus, they come with extra perks and included amenities.

All cabins on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship come with basic amenities, such as a private bathroom, bed, sitting area, closet, and vanity. The difference is bigger rooms may have more space, and suites have extra perks.

What is the best room location on a cruise ship?

The best room location sounds like a simple question, but it depends on your needs and preferences. Some people care more about proximity to areas they frequent, others want quiet locations above all else.  

The generally accepted ideal location for any room is to be in the middle of the ship, on a mid to lower deck. That's because you'll feel the least movement and be centrally located on the ship.

Rooms at the very front or on higher decks can sometimes feel like there's more movement because the roll and rocking of the ship tends to be worst there.

Don't let that scare you, as cruise ships are quite stable most of the time.

Being closer to an area of the ship you'll spend more time is important too. If you're someone that will be up at the pool all the time, why not pick a room on a higher deck so you can easily pop in and out without much of a trek.

But if you prefer bar hopping, the casino, or the restaurants, picking a cabin on a lower deck might make more sense.

But before you book any room, there are cabins to avoid because of noise issues.

The rule of thumb is to avoid rooms above or below a pool deck, bar, or other public venue. You want to book a room that has another stateroom above and below your cabin.

When my kids were young, I told my travel agent to find us a room near the kids club so we could quickly bring them back and forth. But as they got older, I switched to rooms close to the Royal Promenade so I could conveniently get to the evening activities.

Should you let the cruise line pick your room?

Royal Caribbean offers guests the option to let the cruise line pick their room assignment in exchange for a discount, but this comes with a few important things to know.

A guaranteed room assignment means at some point between when you book the cruise and the sail date, Royal Caribbean will choose the specific room from the leftover cabins that haven't been sold yet. 

It could take days, weeks, or even months for your room to be assigned and it could take all the way until the day of your sailing.

The potential issue is you may get a less desirable room location, such as a cabin all the way forward, a connecting cabin, or a cabin under the pool deck.

Not everyone hates their assignment, and it may end up being a perfectly adequate room.  Given the amount of money saved, booking a GTY room might be perfect.  

I think you should choose this option if you're flexible with a room location, not a light sleeper, and not particular susceptible to getting seasick.

Pick a room by balancing cabin size, budget, and amenities

Start the selection process with the least expensive cabin and moving up to see which option matches your needs and budget.

An inside room will suffice, but if you can afford to move up to a balcony or suite, then see how much more that option will be. There are wonderful aspects to each room type, but if you can't afford it, then it's not worth considering.

Royal Caribbean ships offer various room categories, including balcony rooms that face inwards, inside cabins with an LED screen that have an outside view, and many family rooms designed for larger families.

An inside room will be the cheapest option and small. But it gets you on the ship and you can argue you'll be so busy enjoying all the activities onboard and ashore, so why spend more on a room you will use for sleeping, showering, and changing?

It's an economical choice, but since it has no windows, that may be a stumbling issue.

Moving up to an oceanview or balcony cabin adds a way to look outside during your cruise, but the price can vary wildly.

On average, an oceanview usually isn't much more than a balcony. Think of it like moving up from a small to a medium popcorn at the movie theater. They price it so you think you may as well go for it.

The cost of a balcony can vary greatly, especially if you're sailing to Alaska or the Norwegian fjords because balconies are in high demand for those itineraries.

A suite rarely disappoints, but the price tag can be substantial. Royal Caribbean suites can easily cost between $10,000 and $30,000 for a 7-night cruise.  In fact, the epic 1,772 square foot Ultimate Family Townhouse averages over $100,000 per sailing.

Picking a cruise room based on price is a mistake because you'll likely end up disappointed in what's missing or how much you feel you overpaid for it.

Once again, I recommend working with a good travel agent to narrow down your choices and make it easier to find the right room for your family.

Celebrity Cruises is known for its chic ships, upscale ambience, and world-class dining. As such, it's a popular choice for travelers seeking a premium cruise experience. 

While Celebrity is owned by the parent company of Royal Caribbean, the two lines couldn't be more different. Neither is inherently better than the other, though — the right choice for you depends on your travel style. 

After taking over 10 Royal Caribbean cruises, I embarked on my first-ever Celebrity cruise aboard the line's newest Edge Class ship (at the time) in 2024. Within minutes, I was wowed by the multi-deck Grand Plaza, modern cabins, and expansive buffet. 

Since then, I've continued to choose Celebrity over Royal Caribbean for its design-forward ships, destination-focused itineraries, and elevated service. 

However, there are a few things I wish I had known before my first Celebrity cruise, especially as someone who isn't necessarily part of the cruise line's primary target audience. 

Celebrity isn't much more expensive than Royal Caribbean

When you hear "premium cruise line," it's easy to automatically assume that means higher base fares. In reality, however, Celebrity isn't much more expensive than Royal Caribbean. In fact, you can sail on one of the line's newer Edge Class ships for less than Royal Caribbean's Icon and Star of the Seas. 

Here's an example: In 2024, my partner and I booked a dreamy 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Celebrity Ascent, which was the line’s newest ship at the time. Our infinite veranda stateroom for two cost $4,990.32, including taxes, port fees, gratuities, a drink package, and Wi-Fi.

Comparatively, we sailed on Icon of the Seas in 2025. The base fare was lower at $3,802.46, but we ended up spending an extra $990.92 on the Deluxe Beverage Package and $219.90 for Wi-Fi. The kicker? The price didn’t even include an ocean-view stateroom!

For that reason, I wouldn’t dismiss Celebrity Cruises at first glance. You might be able to score a better deal than you would on a Royal Caribbean ship. 

Flexible package options let you customize your experience 

On a similar note, Celebrity makes it easy to tailor your vacation to your preferences and budget. When you book your sailing, you can book the line's "All Included" rate, which bundles a Classic Drink Package and Basic Wi-Fi into the price. 

You can upgrade your packages through the Cruise Planner before your sailing, though it’s entirely optional. Alternatively, you don’t have to choose a bundled fare and can add the individual add-ons that you want. 

This flexibility makes it easy to vacation in a way that feels personalized. For example, Royal Caribbean offers just one alcoholic beverage package. Celebrity, however, lets you choose from two drink package tiers, allowing guests to pick the option that best fits their personal drinking habits and budget.

Read more: Is Celebrity's drink package worth it? I tried both to see which was better

Similarly, Wi‑Fi on Celebrity is flexible and customizable. When my partner and I booked our cruise to Norway aboard Celebrity Eclipse, Basic Wi‑Fi was included in the "All Included" fare. 

We didn’t think upgrading both of our internet packages was worth the cost. So, we upgraded my partner's Wi-Fi package for just $48.50 (thanks to our Elite discount), while I stuck with the basic option. 

Since Royal Caribbean has just one internet package, if we both wanted to be connected at the same time, we would have to purchase two VOOM packages. 

Don't miss the buffet on the last sea day

On the last sea day, the buffet transforms into a seafood extravaganza with everything from a massive shrimp cocktail tower to ceviche, mussels, strip steaks, and elaborate desserts. Even if you aren't a big seafood fan, you can't miss the chocolate fountain, intricately designed cakes, and other yummy treats. 

Beyond the seafood feast, the buffet is a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The made-to-order stations are my favorite. The stir-fry, in particular, has never disappointed me. You'll find other rotating global dishes, too, including seafood saganaki and chicken paella. 

The specialty restaurants are worth the extra cost

Speaking of food, I've found Celebrity to have some of the best specialty restaurants at sea. From the tableside cooking at the French-inspired Murano to the upscale flavors at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud and the casual bites at the Rooftop Garden Grill, there's something for every palate and budget. 

While that's not to say the complimentary options aren't satisfying (they are!), Celebrity's specialty restaurants just offer a completely elevated culinary experience — think creative menus, premium ingredients, and attentive service. 

If you aren't sold on the $125-per-person experience at Le Voyage, consider the Fine Cut Steakhouse for a more approachable yet memorable dining experience. Tuscan Grille on Solstice Class ships is another personal favorite, with tender steaks, delicious pasta, and incredible wake views. 

Read more: I ate my way through a luxury cruise ship. These are the 6 dishes I'm still thinking about

You can enjoy complimentary drinks while actively gambling in the casino

All casino players can enjoy basic drinks while playing in the casino aboard Celebrity ships. It doesn't matter if it is your first-ever visit to the casino or if you're a serious gambler — you just have to be actively playing. 

The options are limited, though. Expect a small selection of well liquors, beer, wine, and soda. Moreover, service can be slow. Still, having the option for complimentary drinks in the casino highlights why Celebrity is classified as a "premium" cruise line. 

This benefit differs from Royal Caribbean's Club Royale program, where you have to earn enough points before you can receive complimentary beverages. Another bonus? The Celebrity's casinos are non-smoking. 

It's important to arrive at activities ahead of time

Activities like game shows, Musical Murder Mystery, and trivia are wildly popular on Celebrity cruises, so you want to arrive early to snag a seat.

Many of the game shows are highly interactive. Some, like "True or False," encourage every audience member to participate. Other times, you can enter your name in a drawing and try to be one of the lucky contestants that gets to battle it out on stage. Even if you aren't selected, the high-energy activity hosts make the game shows entertaining to watch.

The Musical Murder Mystery should be on every adult's must-do list, too. It isn't offered on every sailing, so when it is, you can imagine that it fills up fast. The immersive performance, typically led by the Cruise Director and/or the activity staff, is hilarious and will have you laughing non-stop. 

Celebrity isn't just for older travelers

Because I'm in my mid-20s, I always assumed that I would feel out of place on a Celebrity cruise. Royal Caribbean caters more to families, while Celebrity generally attracts a slightly older crowd. While that's definitely true, I found that I didn't mind the low-key atmosphere. 

Non-stop thrills used to be my favorite way to vacation as a teenager (I still remember my initial obsession with Oasis Class vessels). However, Icon of the Seas was exhausting. My partner and I agreed that we felt like we needed a vacation after our vacation!

Rather than trying to cross off every amenity — from water slides to Broadway-caliber musicals, AquaTheater shows, comedy performances, rock climbing walls, and more — I prefer sea days spent lounging by the pool, destination-focused itineraries, upscale cocktail bars, and world-class cuisine. 

Plus, Celebrity really isn't that tame. The daily schedule includes ABBA sing-a-longs, late-night deck parties, silent discos, and more. In short, if you're expecting a retirement community-like vibe, you'll be surprised! 

The loyalty perks are pretty solid, but I missed the daily Diamond vouchers

As a Diamond Crown & Anchor Society member, I get Elite perks when sailing with Celebrity. These include a nightly happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., a complimentary bag of laundry, Wi-Fi discounts, and more. 

Still, I prefer the Crown & Anchor benefits, especially the daily Diamond vouchers. While I enjoy Celebrity’s happy hour, the Diamond drinks offer far more flexibility — I can use them ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay, sip a mimosa with breakfast, or enjoy a cocktail in the evening at the famous Schooner Bar. 

Over the course of a weeklong cruise, the vouchers, which can be used on beverages valued up to $14, can save a lot of money. 

Additionally, since I typically book Celebrity's "All Included" rate, the nightly happy hour isn't that valuable to me. Conversely, the flexibility of the Diamond drinks means I rarely feel the need to splurge on a pricey Royal Caribbean drink package.

Even though Royal Caribbean's private destination in Haiti is closed, one of its ships made a quick stop for an important reason.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas made an unscheduled stop in Labadee, Haiti, to drop off relief supplies while cruise visits are suspended due to the ongoing unrest around the couuntry.

In January, Royal Caribbean made the difficult decision to cancel all scheduled visits to Labadee through December 2026. Rather than calling at the private Haitian port, ships have been rerouted to destinations like Nassau, Bahamas; George Town, Grand Cayman; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Bimini, Bahamas. 

Even though ships aren't supposed to resume visits this year, guests aboard Oasis of the Seas' current 6-night Western Caribbean cruise reported that the ship briefly stopped at Labadee on Tuesday, February 5. 

Passengers were not permitted off the 226,838 gross ton vessel while it offloaded relief supplies. The operational and humanitarian supplies stop highlights the cruise line's support of its private destination during the ongoing crisis. 

The destination can't completely shut down when there aren't any active visitors, so the supplies are likely what’s necessary to maintain the cruise port and its skeleton staff.

Haiti is currently under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory from the U.S. State Department due to escalating gang violence and serious security concerns. While the Labadee resort area is protected by a private security force, Royal Caribbean said it suspended calls to Haiti out of an "abundance of caution."

NBC 6 South Florida recently reported on the crisis, stating the violence has dramatically increased since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

With gangs now controlling large parts of the capital, families have been forced to flee and live in makeshift shelters. Shockingly, more than 1.4 million people have been displaced across the country as the political instability and gang violence worsen. 

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 3:15 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 5)

Cruise Mapper further confirms the visit, showing Oasis of the Seas making her departure from Haiti around 3:15 p.m. EST. Now, Oasis will make her way back toward Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for disembarkation on the 7th. She already called at the scheduled ports of Nassau and Falmouth earlier this week. 

Multiple passengers were arrested on Sunday, February 1, after attempting to smuggle illegal drugs on Symphony of the Seas.

Nine passengers were boarding a sailing chartered by Atlantis Events, which was marketed as "the world’s biggest gay festival at sea." However, they were all apprehended during the check-in process when a trained K-9 narcotics dog flagged their bags. 

Miami-Dade County inmate records reveal that the men tried to bring on drugs ranging from MDMA to ketamine, methamphetamine, and GBL, Local 10 reported. 

Some of the quantities were too low for a full-blown investigation by Homeland Security. Instead, they were passed on to Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office deputies. 

As of Monday morning, court records indicate the defendants were in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center near Doral, Florida.

"[The Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office] arrested a total of nine individuals on various drug-related charges," Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Detective Joseph R. Peguero Rivera said in a statement to The Advocate. 

Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis Class cruise ship that entered service in 2018. According to Royal Caribbean's website, she measures 228,081 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of around 5,500 at double occupancy. 

Through April 2026, Symphony of the Seas will offer Caribbean sailings from Miami, Florida. Afterward, she will relocate to Galveston, Texas, where she will remain through at least January 2028. 

Symphony of the Seas is set to return to Miami on Sunday, Feb. 8.

One defendant had "several bags" of pills and liquid

(Pictured: Ryan Medrano. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Joshua Eddy, 41, of West Hollywood, California, was caught with "several bags of several pills and liquid," court records state. The substances tested positive for 19.33 grams of MDMA, 3.45 grams of ketamine, 7.55 grams of meth, and 80 grams of GBL.

He appeared in court on Monday, facing a total of four charges, including three counts of possession of a controlled substance and trafficking MDMA. Judge Christina Miranda set a $7,000 bond. Eddy's arraignment court date is scheduled for April 2, 2026. 

Joshua Jenkins, 39, of Tacoma, Washington, was also arrested on Sunday, Feb. 1, when trying to board Symphony of the Seas. 

(Pictured: Brad Kloha. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

According to Jenkins' court records, his bags were flagged for further screening, which then revealed pills that tested positive for 2.11 grams of meth.

He also appeared in court on Monday with a charge of possession of a controlled substance. Unlike Eddy, however, he was released on his own recognizance.

Moving on, Brad Kloha, 41, of Nashville, Tennessee, was caught with pills that tested positive for 16.3 grams of MDMA and 17.8 grams of ketamine.

(Pictured: Adam Jones. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Court records show that he appeared in bond court on Monday, facing two charges: Possession of a controlled substance and trafficking MDMA. Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Laura Gonzalez-Marques set his bond at $6,000. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers reported finding "a container" with pills in the bag of Adam Jones, 49, of Atlanta, Georgia. The pills eventually tested positive for 22.8 grams of meth. 

The arrest quickly moved from the port to the courtroom, where official records state that Jones appeared on Monday and faced one charge of drug trafficking. His bond was set at $5,000. Along with Eddy, Jones is set to appear for his arraignment on April 2. 

(Pictured: Tamar Wilson. Credit: Mugshot Zone)

Hoi Le, 52, of San Francisco, California, had "two clear baggies with suspected narcotics" in his luggage. Court records reveal that the baggies were tested and came back positive for 14.94 grams of meth and 3.2 grams of ketamine. 

He appeared in bond court on Monday and faced two charges: Possession of a controlled substance and trafficking meth. Judge Michelle A. Delancy set his bond at $5,000, and he is scheduled to appear in arraignment court on April 2. 

Ryan D. Medrano, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona; Tamar J. Wilson, 37, of Chicago, Illinois; Daisuke Nakanoh, 40, of Chicago, Illinois; and Ricardo Gabriel Junquera, 39, of Miami, Florida, were also arrested and face similar drug charges, including allegations involving cocaine and GHB, according to court records.

Multiple deaths have occurred during Atlantis Events-chartered cruises that date as far back as 2010

To start, GLAAD board member Spencer Yu died of a heart attack that was allegedly due to drug use while sailing on Mariner of the Seas in 2009, The Advocate reported. 

One year later, a 37-year-old passenger died while on Liberty of the Seas in 2010. Local police issued a statement that said there appeared to be "no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death."

In 2012, a 30-year-old man went overboard from his stateroom balcony. Eight years later, another passenger sailing aboard an Atlantis Events-chartered cruise died after going overboard in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Two years prior, television personality Joel Taylor, 38, died aboard Harmony of the Seas, as shared by PEOPLE. His toxicology report by the Institute of Forensic Sciences of Puerto Rico reported that he had a fatal amount of drugs in his system, including MDMA, Zolpidem, ketamine, and MDA. 

The Advocate confirmed yet another death in January 2022, though Atlantis Events claimed that the death was "nothing out of the ordinary."

Finally, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the death of a passenger in 2024 in a statement to The Advocate, which was later confirmed to be Jonathan Mindrum, 36, of Chicago, Illinois. 

Following his death, Mindrum’s father, Craig, wrote a touching tribute in Newsweek, remembering his son as one of "...the smartest people [he's] ever known."

"[I]t was my son's ability to bring together apparently disparate pieces of knowledge and experience—knit them together and perform a new synthesis—that really set him apart for me," Craig said. 

Experts claim that seniors are the most experienced cruisers, spending more money on longer trips than other age groups. However, they routinely make a huge and potentially costly insurance mistake. 

Squaremouth reports that 95% of seniors (those 65 and older) cruising in 2026 are repeat sailors, often booking voyages of two weeks or longer with an average spend of nearly $7,000. 

Despite their extensive experience at sea, many senior cruisers — a staggering 76% — miss out on important travel insurance protections by assuming their Medicare coverage extends abroad. In reality, most traditional health insurance plans don't provide coverage outside of the United States. 

Not only that, but many seniors who do purchase travel insurance policies still end up underprotected. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that medical evacuations can cost upward of $250,000. Yet, 35% of seniors buy less than $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, while 32% purchase less than $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. 

For example, Royal Caribbean's standard travel insurance policy only includes up to $25,000 in Emergency Accident Medical coverage and $50,000 in Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage. 

As a result, roughly one-third of senior cruisers are underinsured while at sea. That means that, even if you think your insurance policy will help during unexpected emergencies, you could still be left paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket, depending on the final costs. 

Beyond underinsuring, here are two other mistakes senior cruisers make when it comes to travel insurance. 

Waiting too long to buy travel insurance

Seniors commonly have pre-existing health conditions compared to other age groups, such as heart issues or diabetes. As such, they're at a greater risk of complications while traveling, highlighting the need for added protections like Cancel for Any Reason and Trip Interruption for Any Reason. 

However, if you don't purchase a travel insurance policy within a certain window, you could be out of luck. Many seniors aren't eligible for these important protections because policies often must be bought within 14 to 21 days of making your initial cruise deposit. 

Consequently, waiting too long to purchase travel insurance could greatly reduce or eliminate all flexibility to cancel or interrupt your trip for (nearly) any reason. 

Skipping out on key cancellation coverage

Cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, offer their own travel insurance policies that you can purchase when you book your cruise. However, according to Squaremouth, they have poor cancellation terms and only provide future cruise vouchers, rather than cash refunds. 

If you don't have any non-refundable trip expenses or have credit card coverage, you should always add Trip Cancellation coverage. Unfortunately, 23% of seniors don't think this is necessary. 

With Trip Cancellation coverage, you are protected against costly pitfalls.

Read more: Her $13,000 infirmary bill was higher than the cruise itself: Why one cruiser regrets not buying travel insurance

How old is too old to go on a cruise?

Research from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) indicates that Baby Boomers are the wealthiest generation in history — and they love to travel!

Seniors have the time to get away and travel because they are retired. However, as previously mentioned, they also face a greater risk of complications while traveling due to underlying health conditions that are common as one ages. 

While cruise lines don't enforce a maximum age limit for their passengers, seniors must take extra precautions before hitting the high seas to ensure that they can have a safe, fun vacation. 

These measures include consulting with their primary doctor and ensuring that they purchase not just adequate but robust travel insurance that provides a safety net for emergencies and mishaps.

Additionally, seniors with mobility issues should plan ahead and reserve an accessible stateroom, as they're limited compared to the number of standard cabins available. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas has 41 accessible rooms, while Vision of the Seas, one of its oldest and smallest ships, has just 14.

These wheelchair-friendly staterooms feature wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered surfaces, and more.

Read more: How old is too old to go on a cruise? What an expert recommends

Just like the first two ground-breaking vessels, Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship will have its own Chief Dog Officer. 

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, shared that the newest puppy was recently born.

"Breaking News ! A Legend has been born and she is as cute as cute can be ! Mmmmm now if only we had a name for this little cutey and future Chief Dog Officer of the new ICON class Legend of the Seas," Bayley wrote on Facebook. 

Icon of the Seas was the first ship to feature a full-time Chief Dog Officer. Even before moving on board, Rover captured the hearts of thousands online. 

Star of the Seas followed the same "paw" prints, with Sailor joining the crew on the second Icon Class ship in 2025. Now, cruise fans eagerly awaiting Legend of the Seas' launch have something else to look forward to. 

Rover didn't join Icon of the Seas until she was six months old. The unnamed puppy will likely follow a similar time frame, giving Royal Caribbean time to properly train her and help her develop sea legs.

If this is true, the newest Chief Dog Officer won't join Legend of the Seas until at least August 2026, after the vessel's maiden voyages in July. That said, this remains speculation, as Royal Caribbean has not confirmed an official timeline or date.

Cruise fans share their name ideas on social media

Bayley's comment section was flooded with name ideas for the adorable new pup. Within hours, the post had over 400 comments with cruise fans weighing in on what Royal Caribbean executives should name the soon-to-be Chief Dog Officer. 

Brie Marie Becker suggested Siren because, "...she’s a captivating legend who will be traveling the seas."

"'NOCI' Icon spelt backwards. Pronounced 'Gnocchi' like the Italian potato dumplings," commented Barbara Bamford.

Debbie Debra Patton Evans added, "Bonnie...as in the song, my Bonnie lies over the ocean....my Bonnie lies over the sea...."

"How about Coco?! Could be after the style legend Coco Chanel or after the island Coco Cay!" wrote Rhonda LaPlace Thompson.

Other ideas include:

• Legend
• Destiny
• Anchor
• Gilligan
• Maisy
• Ranger
• Pearl
• Norway

Legend of the Seas will enter service earlier than expected 

Legend's construction has moved along more quickly than anticipated. As such, passengers booked on the first sailing in July were informed that the inaugural cruise was moved up to July 4, 2026. 

"We simply cannot wait to show off The Next Icon of Vacations – Legend of the Seas, that we have now added one (1) extra sailing, a 7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise on 4 July 2026, that will be the inaugural sailing to kick off the celebrations for our inaugural season!" the email reads. 

The maiden season for the new Icon Class ship will commence in Europe — a first for this class of mega-ships. Then, Legend will relocate to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before returning to Europe for a seasonal stint in 2027. 

During its European season, Legend will call on bucket-list destinations including Naples, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; and La Spezia, Italy — all while being an Instagram-worthy destination herself. 

The Alaska cruise season lasts just a few months between May and September, but is there a best time to book that cruise?

Some cruisers prefer the warmest temperatures of July and August, while others will tell you early or late gets you the cheapest prices.  And yet, rain, mosquitos, and crowds can diminish the benefit of each month.

Our team has collectively sailed to Alaska dozens of times, and we've found there is a good argument for each month that depend on your priorities.

Each month has an advantage, but the ideal month to pick has to balance what you want the most versus the downsides.

Here's what you should know about the best month to cruise Alaska for you.

The best month for an Alaskan cruise depends on what you want the most

The perfect month for an Alaska cruise is really based on what factors are the most important to you.

It's a myth there is one single month that is universally the best month for an Alaska cruise.

Instead, you have to prioritize what's important to you.

Next, let's look at what each month offers as a good reason to sail then.

Lower prices if you sail in the shoulder season

Royal Caribbean calls the early and late months the shoulder season, because they have less demand than the peak of a season and act like a shoulder to building or lessening demand.

By far the cheapest Alaska cruises are almost always found in May, early June, and September. You could save hundreds or thousands of dollars if you take a cruise then instead of July.

These months are cheapest because it's when school is in session and families cannot go on a cruise vacation yet. That also means less crowds in the ports you're visiting.

However, these months are also the coldest months of the season in Alaska because they are at the very start or end of Alaska's short summer.

Another advantage of going in May or early June is it tends to be driest month. Regardless of any other factor, no one likes getting rained on during their day out and about.

What is the best month for seeing animals?

If your goal is to go whale watching, see sea lions, bears, & birds, then certain months are going to be better than others.

To be clear, you'll see plenty of animals around any month. Bald Eagles are particularly prevalent throughout the season.

But bear season differs from moose, humpback whale season, and salmon season has a late start.

The peak of bear-watching is late June or early July. 

There are multiple types of salmon, each with their own best time.  The most popular time is when the salmon swim upstream.  King salmon runs start in late May and the season runs through September.

June and July is when the humpback whales migrate through Alaska's Inside Passage.

The warmest months in Alaska

If enjoying the best temperatures is important to you, then I would pick late June through mid August.

Alaska weather is anything but predictable, but we typically see a significant warming trend right around July. Mid to late June is when we start to see temperatures climb, and July is the peak of summer when you t-shirts (and even shorts) are "in bloom".

The hotter temperatures continue into August and start to slide off by the time you get through the middle of the month.

However, the downside to a July or August Alaska cruise is you'll pay much more and contend with the worst crowds of the season.

A cruise in July to Alaska can see prices start at $1,000 per person for a 7-night sailing in an inside room. 

For example, Anthem of the Seas has a 7-night cruise from Seattle to Alaska, and an inside room is $1,350 per person, but a balcony room is $2,101 per person.

Since school is out of session, you'll find more families and kids. That means bigger crowds when you're ashore and more people touring.

What cruisers say is the best time to go on Alaska cruise

When the question of the best time of year was asked on Facebook, over 70 responses were shared from people that have gone there. Here's what they said.

The month with the most votes was August, which dominated the results. It had more than July and September combined. 

Moreover, July and August together received the most overwhelming majority of “favorite” responses.

The people that voted for May and June cited solid niche appeal, for being able to see snow, enjoy quieter ports, and take advantage of shoulder season value.

September shows strong support from travelers who like fewer crowds and fall colors.

The worst months to cruise to Alaska

There are downsides to any month to cruise to Alaska, but the end of the season is generally considered the least favorable time to go.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises in September (and sometimes into October), but this is when you'll encounter colder temperatures and more rain.

Cruising to Alaska in September sees some of the highest precipitation all year, although there’s a higher chance of nicer weather during the first half of the month. Temperatures average in the mid-50s and lows in the low-40s. 

October is perhaps the worst month to cruise to Alaska. Not only is October the rainiest month, but days are far shorter than during the summer, and the average high is under 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Despite the colder temperatures and rain, I'd be willing to bet you'll find amazing Alaska cruise deals if you wait and sail in September.

If you're feeling lucky, I've seen the most last-minute deals for cruises in September than any other Alaska cruise month.

Month-by-month guide to Alaska

This table illustrates quickly the advantages of each month to cruise to Alaska.

I tried Silversea for the first time last year and it changed my perspective of cruising, but when I go again, I've already come up with some changes for the second round.

I went on Silver Dawn in summer 2025 to try out Royal Caribbean's luxury cruise line sister brand, and it was not at all what I expected. Having done Celebrity Cruises, I thought it would be more of the same, but I was very wrong.

The core cruise experience is still the same, but so much of what you experience onboard and ashore impressed and surprised me.

Thanks to Royal Caribbean Group's new Points Choice offering, I was reflecting on the amazing 7-night Norwegian fjords cruise. Maybe it's just how my mind works, but I look at past cruises for opportunities to make the next one better.

I came up with seven things I'd change when I try Silversea again.

I want to try their newest ships

Silver Dawn wasn't an old ship by any means, but I really want to prioritize their newest ship to see how that stacks up.

Silversea's newest ship class are the Nova Class, and there are two ships: Silver Ray and Silver Nova.  Like Royal Caribbean, new ships tend to represent the latest and greatest features.

While Silversea doesn't have a waterpark, rock wall, or carousel, it does lean into experiences a lot more.  I'm curious what the very best this luxury line has to offer is like, and how it compares to a slightly older ship.

Now that I think about it, down the line I'd like to try an older ship too to see what that's like. But a new ship is high on my must-do list.

I need to preplan with my butler better

If there's one area of my first Silversea cruise that missed the mark, it was my interactions with my butler.

I had a great butler, but I didn't think I took advantage of what they offered as much as I should have.  And in retrospect, I think that's because I didn't communicate in advance as much as I should have.

My butler did a good job at guessing my needs sometimes, but next time I'd try coordinating times and then committing to them better.

I regret not having dinner in my suite at least once, just to experience it.  I think picking a port day (instead of a sea day) would be best so I could come back from a tour and not have to worry about getting dressed up for dinner.

I know it sounds silly, but the fact the genie will draw a bath for you was much better than I expected. Bubbles, music, and a glass of wine was the perfect way to relax after a long day of touring.

The thing is I need to start my day with times and ideas for what to plan for so the butler can have it ready for me later. 

I'd rethink my dinner plans

I ate great on my first Silversea cruise, but it became clear I misjudged the culinary offerings after a couple of nights.

I ended up loving Atlantide, which is similar in nature to the Main Dining Room.  It had so many fantastic choices that really jived with the sort of food I typically order.

In fact, the complimentary dining was outstanding. I made a point to hit up La Terrazza for their morning and lunch buffets because the quality and selections were terrific.

Another lesson learned was you really need to pre-book specialty dining to get a good time.  La Dame and Silver Note were fabulous, but I had to shoehorn them in because I took too long to book it.

I think I went in assuming reservations wouldn't be as critical as Royal Caribbean, but I was wrong on that.

Speaking of Silver Note, I thought I would have made it back there for a drink at the bar to enjoy the jazz but never did.  I need to remedy that the next time around. I love a good drink coupled with live music, and the entertainment at Silver Note was really good.

I want to try the cooking class again

I tried the S.A.L.T. cooking class on Silver Dawn, and even though I clearly have terrible cooking presentation skills, I'd love to try it again.

The idea behind the S.A.L.T. Lab is you get to cook a dish inspired by the cuisine of the region you're visiting.  All of the ingredients and supplies you need are prepared for you.  Heck, they even clean up after you!

To be fair, berry compote isn't easy to prepare or serve because there's a fine line between burning it and then keeping it all together so it's not falling apart. Nonetheless, I thought it was a lot of fun.

I thought it was such a different idea and something you'd never find on Royal Caribbean. While I have no aspirations to be a cook or teach myself how to make these dishes at home, I think it's just a fun thing to try.

I'd plan to go to more activities

Just like other cruise lines, there are a good assortment of activities around the ship.  In fact, I probably I didn't try as many as I should have on my first cruise.

Trivia is by far the most popular activity on Silversea. There's a progressive nature to it, and I'd love to give it a try on day one so I can get in on the fun. Plus, it's a great way to meet other passengers.

Because a Silversea ship is relatively smaller than any Royal Caribbean ship (just a few hundred passengers), it's much easier to meet other passengers, especially at bars or during events.

I got to chat to a few people around the ship, but I think going to activities helps that cause too.

If I have a cruising fault, it's I fall into the same routine and I need to force myself to get out there and try new things.  Next time on Silversea I intend to do that!

Arts Café is the best place for work

The coffee shop on Silversea is probably the best spot I've found on any ship to get work done while staying properly caffeinated.

I used to think Celebrity Cruises' Café al Bacio was the gold standard, but I think Arts Café has it beat.

The service is great at both, but the staff at Arts Café knew my coffee order very quickly and kept the refills coming. 

Since any cruise I go on is a "work trip", finding good places to work is important.  My cabin works fine, but the chairs aren't as conducive for long periods of sitting and typing.  I try to find chairs and tables with a good height so I'm not leaning over the keyboard too much.

Plus, the views inside and outside at Arts Café were fantastic.  When the weather cooperates, a scenic view to go along with my iced coffee is all I need.

More pool time

To be fair, we were in Norway and the weather wasn't always great for hanging out at the pool. Nonetheless, I wish I spent more time there.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, there's no crowds on the pool deck and I wish I had spent more time there just laying out and enjoying being outdoors more than I did.

On one particularly warm day, I was in the pool and hot tub and it was great. The pool was heated, and it felt great to hang on the edge and close my eyes.

Next time, I'd like to visit the pool more than just once.