Royal Caribbean Blog

Reaching Diamond status is a big deal for a lot of cruisers because of all the perks Royal Caribbean includes.

More cruisers than ever have made it to Diamond status, thanks to a surge in cruise demand. Cruising has not only become more accessible to the public, and a lot of people are coming back again and again.

When I reached Diamond level many years ago, I was excited for getting access to the dedicated lounge.  Since then, Royal Caribbean added new benefits, such as drink vouchers, that made it even more useful.

If you're getting close to Diamond, I think there are things I wish I knew before I made it there so that you can avoid missing out and not committing any faux pas' along the way.

The Crown Lounge is more like a social club than a rowdy spot

As a Diamond member in Crown and Anchor Society, there's a dedicated lounge for you on every ship.

One of the most surprising things about this space is it's less like a bar scene, and more like a quiet area. It's not a library by any means, but I think there's a certain expectation among many cruisers it's somewhere to keep the volume to conversation level.

This is especially true in during the day, because the lounge is where you'll find people reading, playing cards, enjoying coffee, or sitting with friends.

In the evening when cocktails are served, it gets the busiest with more guests in there to hang out.

Basically, be respectful of others in the lounge when it comes to how loud you are.  It seems to be unwritten rule not to take phone calls in there, nor is it acceptable to use it as a playground for young children. To be clear, kids are allowed and welcome in the Crown Lounge. Just like the adults, they can't be rowdy in there.

Frankly, I think the Crown Lounge has a stuffy feel to it, but it's largely been that way ever since I first got access to it.

You need to specify when using your Diamond drink vouchers

Without a doubt, the best benefit of Diamond level is the four drink vouchers you get everyday.  You'll want to take full advantage of this "mini-drink package" in a few ways.

I think it's incredible that Royal Caribbean gives all of its Diamond members four free drink vouchers per day to use on pretty much any drink.

First, make sure you tell the bartender or waiter when you order the drink that you want to use your voucher.

If you don't say anything, they may charge your SeaPass account for the beverage.  So be sure to mention when ordering the drink that you want to use your Diamond voucher.

Second, be sure to also specify the liquor you want in the cocktail so you get full value from your voucher.

If you ask for an Old Fashioned, they're going to likely use the well liquor that is the cheapest option.  But you can ask for a brand name liquor and it's still included in your voucher value.

Lastly, don't let your daily vouchers go to waste!

If you don't use all four of them every day, you should order extra bottles of water.  Stock piling bottled water in your stateroom is a good idea so you have access to it when you need it later, or to bring them on shore excursions.

You can't bring friends into the lounge

As neat as the Crown Lounge is, you cannot bring friends or family that aren't Diamond yet.

Over crowding in the lounge is bad enough as it is just among the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members.  So Royal Caribbean prohibits non-Diamond guests from coming in.

When you make Diamond, your spouse and kids under 18 also get your Diamond status too.  So don't worry about having to leave them behind.

However, if you're cruising with friends or family that are not Diamond yet, then the lounge is not available to them.

This is part of the reason why the cruise line switched to offering vouchers for drinks to be used at any bar.  You can enjoy this benefit anywhere else on the ship, so you can spend time with others and not lose out on vouchers.

Ask the Diamond Concierge for help with small problems onboard

I think one of the least utilized Diamond perks is the Crown Lounge concierge.

The Diamond concierge is akin to the Suite Concierge, although I'm not certain they have as much "power" in pulling strings. Nonetheless, they are still a useful option.

Basically, the Diamond concierge is a step up from Guest Services and likely has a shorter line too.

You can go there to settle billing issues, get questions answered, and even make reservations.

One adjustment to make when you get to Diamond is to stop and think if the Diamond concierge could assist instead.  It might save you time in line at Guest Services or a trek to that desk.  Or perhaps you can just combine some hors d'oeuvres with your inquiry.

The free coffee machine in the lounge is a hidden gem

You won't see the coffee machine listed on the benefits list, but so many Diamond members love having access to it.

Inside the Crown Lounge is a self-service coffee machine that makes espresso, coffee, and lattes. It's free to use and is available 24 hours per day.

There are cups there, so you can enjoy it in the lounge or take it elsewhere around the ship or back to your stateroom.

For many cruisers, this is just what they need every day. It's a step up from the complimentary coffee you get around the ship and doesn't require using a drink voucher at Cafe Promenade.

It should come as no surprise that the machine is busiest in the morning, and you'll also find an assortment of breakfast items as well.

Each morning there are various pastries and light bites that you can grab to accompany your coffee.

How the free day of internet works

A very common question new Diamond members want to know is how to use that free day of WiFi access included in your Diamond benefits.

You're entitled to a one day (24 hour) pass of internet access, and it can only be redeemed onboard the ship. You cannot apply or use it towards a pre-cruise purchase.

Once on the ship, connect to the ship's WiFi. Sign up for an internet access plan, and you should see your free day discount listed.

Is it cheaper to wait to the ship and use your free day or pre-purchase? It depends on the length of your cruise, as it can save you money if you're on a short 3-nighter. Otherwise, buy an internet package in advance.

If you've been holding out for a Royal Caribbean drink package, now might be the time to buy one.

Royal Caribbean started its Black Friday sale with an early access sale last week, and that sale continues this week leading up to the actual holiday.

Traditionally, this shopping holiday is one of the best times of the year to buy a drink package because it usually coincides with the lowest prices of the season.

If you're like me, Black Friday is an annual reminder to check drink package prices to see if there are any new discounts.

Drink packages as low as $46.99 per day

Perhaps the most popular add-on you can buy for a Royal Caribbean cruise is a drink package, and select sailings are seeing prices as low as $46.99 per person, per day.

In going through my upcoming cruises I have booked, I saw varying prices that differ from ship to ship.

The lowest Deluxe Beverage Package price I could find was $46.99 per person, per day on a 7-night Serenade of the Seas cruise to Alaska.

With that price, it would take just 4 cocktails per day to break even on the price. Or 3 cocktails and one specialty coffee from Cafe Latte-tudes.

On a Brilliance of the Seas cruise I have booked in March 2026, the Deluxe Beverage package is just $48.99 per person, per day. That means I'll need to have coffee in the afternoon too in order to break even.

Remember, these are just examples of discounts that you might spot. Each cruise has its own pricing based on Royal Caribbean's algorithm that factors in the type of sailing, newness of the ship, and how well the drink package is selling so far.

The rest of my cruises that I have booked have varying prices:

• Star of the Seas 7-night: $53.99
• Wonder of the Seas 4-night: $62.99
• Utopia of the Seas 3-night: $53.99
• Legend of the Seas 7-night: $58.08

Other cruisers found even more lucrative prices than I did with this sale.

Michael Poole shared a screenshot of his package coming in at just $41.99 per person, per day for his upcoming sailing. Meanwhile Kathryn Koo claims her 15-night transatlantic on Odyssey of the Seas is priced at $27.99 per person, per day.

Margit Ritzert shared a $46.99 price, Mike Stacy found it for $43.99

No matter which sailing you pick, it's likely a substantial discount considering Royal Caribbean is regularly charging over $100 per person, per day for the same package when purchased onboard ships. In fact, all purchases made online are cheaper than waiting to book during the sailing.

Sale runs through December 12

Royal Caribbean's Black Friday sale officially will be available until November 30, 2025. But then the Cyber Monday sale begins on December 1st and will go through December 12th.

Because Royal Caribbean employs dynamic pricing for its cruise add-ons, the name of the sale is less relevant than what the actual out the door price ends up being.

"Up to 50% off" is the listed discount for beverage packages during these sales, but savvy cruisers know the percentage off any product is not always the total story.

More importantly, the price could change at any point during the sale period.  It's a good idea to periodically re-check the price, especially on the actual Black Friday or Cyber Monday holiday.

Here's the fine print for drink package discounts through the holiday sale season:

Beverage: Up to 50% off

• Evian Water Package: 50% off onboard prices
• Classic Soda Package: 35% off onboard prices; CARBINTL sailings – 40% off onboard prices
  • Kids Savings (age under or equal to 12): 50% off Classic Soda Package
  • Cabin Offer (Interior and Oceanview): +5% off on Classic Soda Package sale offer.
• Refreshment Package: Discount varies by ship.
  • Kids Savings (age under or equal to 12): 50% off Refreshment Package
  • Teens Savings (age under 18/21, > 12): 40% off Refreshment Package
  • Cabin Offer (Interior and Oceanview): +5% off on Refreshment Package sale offer, excluding RBC
    sailings
• Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package: 15% off onboard prices; ASIA sailings – 35% off onboard prices
• Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.
  • CAS Diamond and above: 55% off Deluxe Beverage Package
  • Prime Casino Royale members: 55% off Deluxe Beverage Package (thru March ’26)
  • Signature Casino Royale members: 60% off Deluxe Beverage Package (thru March ’26)
  • Masters Casino Royale members: 65% off Deluxe Beverage Package (thru March ’26)
  • Cabin Offer (Interior and Oceanview): +5% off on Deluxe Beverage sale offer, excluding sailings
    with 50% offer and RBC sailings. 

It's not too late to get a better price

If you already bought a drink package, you can still take advantage of a Black Friday or Cyber Monday price drop.

Royal Caribbean allows guests to cancel (and then re-book) any pre-cruise purchase up to 48 hours before your cruise date with no penalty.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers.

Royal Caribbean has closed the waterslides on multiple cruise ships to enhance their safety for guests. 

Passengers on Harmony of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas have reported that the slides aboard their ships were closed during their recent sailings. 

These include:

• The Blaster (Navigator of the Seas, closed as of Nov. 20)
• Riptide (Navigator of the Seas, closed as of Nov. 20)
• Perfect Storm Cyclone and Typhoon (Independence of the Seas, closed as of Nov. 20)
• Supercell (Harmony of the Seas, is or was closed)

Read more: Harmony of the Seas slides: What you need to know

Royal Caribbean has not issued a fleetwide announcement regarding the waterslide closures, much to the frustration of future guests who are unsure whether they'll be operational by their cruise date. 

That said, the Cruise Compass app has been updated to reflect the temporary closures aboard Independence of the Seas. 

Guests can find the notification on Day 1 of their sailing under the "Welcome aboard! Tap for hints and tips as we set sail" tab, positioned between the gangway information and the daily planner.

(Credit: smokeybandit/Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum)

Although disappointing, each ship offers a variety of activities to keep guests entertained, including multiple pools and kid-friendly splash areas, surfing simulators, rock climbing walls, sports courts, and a full line-up of shows and onboard entertainment. 

Moreover, to compensate for the closure, other amenities, such as the FlowRider surf simulator, may stay open for a few extra hours. It's important to check the app to stay updated on the operating hours while on board. 

Replacing the acrylic tube parts with safer fiberglass sections

(Photo of the ongoing waterslide repair efforts on Navigator of the Seas. Credit: Armour3d/Reddit)

Navigator of the Seas' Captain James spoke about the ship's waterslide closures during a recent sailing, giving more insight into the situation and providing a potential timeline of when they will reopen on the Voyager Class ship. 

"It's those acrylic tube parts that are cracking on us, so we just said, 'You know what? Enough's enough,'" he remarked. 

Royal Caribbean brought on engineers to conduct a full assessment of the slides and determine the best long-term solution. They informed the cruise line that they needed to be taken out of service and essentially rebuilt to ensure durability for years to come. 

Continuing, Captain James explained, "They've had to refabricate parts, and they're actually gonna replace the acrylic with the fiberglass sections."

It's not a fast process, either. According to Captain James, each section is custom-made and cannot be pulled from existing inventory. 

The first installation on Navigator of the Seas is scheduled for Dec. 1. The Riptide mat racer slide will be worked on first, followed by the Blaster. 

If all goes according to plan, Navigator's slides should be up and running on Dec. 22, right in time for the ship's holiday cruises. However, guests have reported seeing notifications on the mobile app that the slides on Independence will be closed through Feb. 2026. 

Captain James also alluded to the fact that other Royal Caribbean ships had issues with their waterslides, causing the cruise line to launch a broader review of the slide's safety across multiple vessels in the fleet. 

Earlier this year, a cruise passenger was injured on a waterslide on Icon of the Seas

A guest sailing on one of the world's largest cruise ships sustained multiple injuries after an acrylic panel broke on a slide in the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark in August. 

At 46 feet tall, the Frightening Bolt is famous for being the biggest drop slide at sea. The trapdoor launch makes it one of the more extreme attractions on Icon and Star of the Seas. 

After the incident, the slide remained closed throughout August as the cruise line made the necessary repairs. Other slides, including the Pressure Drop and Hurricane Hunter, remained open. 

Following the accident, the injured guest retained Alex Perez of Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., to pursue legal action against Royal Caribbean.

"Our firm has decades of experience handling cruise passenger injury cases, and unfortunately, incidents involving material or design failures aboard cruise ships are something we see far too often," Perez said.

Cruisers react to slide closures

As news of the closures spreads, passengers have expressed their disappointment on social media. While it is frustrating that the waterslides are closed, many are upset with how Royal Caribbean is handling the situation and the lack of communication from the cruise line. 

"We just booked for the end of March. Why are they not sharing that?? It’s one of the reasons we booked on this ship!" shared Katie Taylor, a future Navigator of the Seas passenger, on Facebook. 

Jennifer Vranekovic added, "I even sent [Royal Caribbean] messages telling them guests are only finding out in Facebook groups and not being notified. It should be pinned on the booking page as a notice since this isn’t random or new, they have been down [for] months. Travel agents don’t even know."

Guests currently onboard the affected ships are upset, too. Many embarked with children expecting to enjoy the slides, only to discover the closures after getting on board. 

"We didn’t even find out about the slides until we got on [Navigator of the Seas] and my girls wanted to go down the slide and they told us it was closed," said Tinneke Rossi.

"The only waterslide that was open was the yellow one. My kids were very bummed," shared Meredith Marlatt Dusek in a Harmony of the Seas Facebook group. 

Elizabeth Francis agreed, saying, "For those with kids--it can entertain them for hours if there are multiple slides. Royal markets these ships as having all these cool water slides."

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships are the world's largest cruise ships, offering more amenities, dining options, and entertainment than any other vessels at sea. 

The class's namesake ship, Icon of the Seas, debuted in January 2024 and set a new standard for family cruise vacations. 

From the world's largest waterpark at sea to new Broadway-style productions, family-friendly areas, and dining concepts, every moment aboard Icon Class ships is meant to be unforgettable and unlike any other cruise vacation. 

As the largest cruise ships in the world, the massive Icon Class vessels can accommodate over 7,000 passengers at maximum occupancy. 

The ships also host 2,350 crew members from all over the world. This means that, at full capacity, Icon Class ships can welcome nearly 10,000 people. 

Don't let the crowds intimidate you, though. Royal Caribbean did an impressive job designing these mega-ships. 

With expansive public areas, multiple pools, dining venues, and restaurants, it's easy to find ways to relax, play, and eat without feeling cramped and overwhelmed. 

Here's everything you need to know to determine if a vacation aboard an Icon Class ship is right for you. 

What are the Icon Class ships?

As of November 2025, Royal Caribbean has two Icon Class ships in service:

• Icon of the Seas (2024)
• Star of the Seas (2025)
• Legend of the Seas (not yet in service, expected 2026)
• Icon 4 (not yet in service, expected 2027)
• Icon 5 (not yet in service, expected 2028)

The cruise line is set to welcome the third Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, in July 2026. She will be the first to offer European cruises, as Icon and Star of the Seas sail exclusively to the Caribbean from Florida (for now). 

Royal Caribbean Icon Class size

Both Icon Class ships in service measure just shy of 250,000 gross registered tons (GRT). In fact, the Icon Class ships come in at 248,663 GRT. 

In comparison, Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, which were the largest in the world until Icon launched in 2024, measure anywhere from 225,282 to 236,473 GRT. 

In terms of length, Icon and Star of the Seas stretch 1,194 feet from bow to stern. Moreover, they're 219 feet wide. 

Icon Class ship highlights

There's more to do, see, and eat on Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships than on any other vessel at sea. 

Starting with entertainment, each ship has different shows in the Absolute Zero ice rink, Royal Theater, and AquaTheater. 

Icon of the Seas

• Royal Theater: "The Wizard of Oz," "The Effectors: The Origin Story," "Showband! Live. Music Now."
• Absolute Zero: "Starburst: Elemental Beauty," "Once Upon a Time: The King's Royal Ball"
• AquaTheater: "AQUA ACTION!"

Star of the Seas

• Royal Theater: "Back to the Future: The Musical," "Create," "Showband! Live. Music Now."
• Absolute Zero: "SOL"
• AquaTheater: "Torque" 

Additionally, each ship hosts a variety of game shows, including the famous "Love and Marriage Show," where three lucky couples go head-to-head to see just how well they know each other, as well as dance parties and parades. 

The ships also bring on rotating headliner acts, musicians, and comedians. All the shows are available free of charge since they're included in Royal Caribbean's cruise fare. 

Pro tip: don't miss the Dueling Pianos show! It's exclusive to Icon Class ships and pits two talented pianists against each other in a high-energy, interactive performance where guests request songs and sing along. The venue fills up fast, so you will want to secure seats early! 

Moving on to amenities, Icon Class ships are packed with options for every type of traveler, from young kids to grandparents — think waterparks, sports courts, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, mini-golf, and more. 

Many activities aren't exclusive to Icon Class ships. Rather, they're upgraded to create a one-of-a-kind experience. 

For example, many Royal Caribbean ships have a miniature golf course. However, the courses on Icon and Star of the Seas were creatively themed to match the vibe of the "Thrill Island" neighborhood. 

Similarly, the rock climbing wall was reimaged and renamed. "Adrenaline Peak" had different courses for all skill levels and offers the "ultimate rock climbing expedition and [the line's] highest vantage point yet."

Next, like Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis Class ships, Icon Class vessels have an ice skating rink. Not only do the talented skaters put on jaw-dropping shows, but guests can also sign up for complimentary skating sessions. 

On Icon Class ships, the ice rink is the line's largest yet and is conveniently located near the Royal Promenade. 

While Icon and Star of the Seas have plenty of amenities that are familiar to long-time cruisers, the ships also have entirely new experiences that set them apart. 

The Crown's Edge, for example, is a new extra-charge attraction that's part ropes course and part zip line. Brave guests will make their way across suspended platforms to a platform that dangles off the edge of the ship. Then, they will experience a sudden drop and zip over the ocean back to safety. 

Next, the Category 6 Waterpark is the largest waterpark at sea and is home to six record-breaking waterslides:

• Pressure Drop
• Hurricane Hunter
• Storm Chasers
• Storm Surge
• Frightening Bolt

Other water-based amenities include the Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay aqua park for kids and babies, and seven pools — each with a unique vibe and atmosphere. 

• Royal Bay (largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water)
• Hideaway (adults-only infinity pool)
• Swim & Tonic (adults-only pool with swim-up bar)
• Water's Edge (family-friendly pool in the Surfside neighborhood)
• The Cove (a smaller pool located near the Royal Bay pool)
• Cloud 17 (infinity-edge pool near the Lime & Coconut Bar)
• Suite pool (suite-only pool located in the Grove)

If that doesn't seem like enough to keep you busy, Icon Class ships also feature an escape room, laser tag course, casino, jogging track, and carousel. 

Finally, kids will love the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programming on Icon Class ships. The daytime activities are included in the cruise fare. However, late-night programming costs $15 per hour from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Icon Class ships also feature the Royal Babies & Tots nursery program for children between the ages of 6-36 months. As of November 2025, the Royal Babies & Tots nursery fees are $9 per hour until 6:00 p.m. and $12 per hour after 6:00 p.m. 

Icon Class dining options

Icon Class ships have more dining venues onboard than any other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. This means that, regardless of your craving or vacation style, you're bound to find something to satisfy every appetite.

There are 13 complimentary (or included) restaurants on Icon Class ships. Many are available fleetwide, including the Windjammer Marketplace and Main Dining Room. However, five are brand-new concepts that are exclusive to Icon and Star of the Seas. 

• Park Cafe
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Sorrento's
• Main Dining Room
• El Loco Fresh
• Sprinkles
• Vitality Cafe
• Coastal Kitchen (for suite guests only)
• Pearl Cafe
• Surfside Bites
• Surfside Eatery
• AquaDome Market
• Basecamp

Diving into the new dining venues, the Pearl Cafe is essentially a next-gen Cafe Promenade. There are a lot of grab-and-go food options, such as pasta or veggie trays, that make snack time easier than ever. However, this is also where guests can order specialty Starbucks drinks for an extra cost. 

Surfside Bites is a fast-casual spot in the Surfside neighborhood, perfect for busy families who need to fuel up between activities. The options aren't anything fancy, but they're definitely kid-approved: popcorn chicken, French fries, cheeseburgers, etc. 

Families who want more variety can head to the Surfside Eatery. Think of this like an extended version of the Windjammer buffet. However, rather than having to haul children up to Deck 15, it's located in the heart of the Surfside neighborhood. 

The AquaDome Market is Royal Caribbean's first food-hall concept. The stalls on Icon and Star of the Seas are different, but both offer a mix of international flavors, fresh ingredients, and quick-service options.

AquaDome Market options on Icon of the Seas 

• Crème de la Crèpe (Crèpes)
• GNGR (Asian)
• Mac's (Mac and cheese)
• Feta (Mediterranean)
• Toast & Garden (Sandwiches and salads)

AquaDome Market options on Star of the Seas 

• Feta (Mediterranean)
• Crème de la Crèpe (Crèpes)
• Mai Thai (Thai and Southeast Asian dishes)
• Pig Out BBQ (American BBQ)
• La Cocinita (South American-inspired street food)

Finally, there's Basecamp. Basecamp can be found in the Thrill Island neighborhood and was designed to be a spot to relax between activities. Food options include warm pretzels, tater tots, and chicken tenders. There's also a bar nearby for those who need to quench their thirst with a tasty cocktail. 

Icon of the Seas also boasts an impressive number of specialty restaurants, though there are plenty of included options for those who don't want to spend extra money on food:

• Chops Grille
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
• Playmakers Sports Bar
• Hooked Seafood
• Starbucks
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Empire/Lincoln Park Supper Club
• Pier 7
• Desserted
• Trellis Bar
• Celebration Table

Izumi in the Park is Royal Caribbean's first-ever to-go sushi window, where you can grab sushi, hot gyoza, or soft-serve bubble cones for a refreshing afternoon sweet treat! It's located in Central Park. 

Pier 7 is the all-day brunch restaurant in Surfside that dishes up tasty options like mango lime shrimp tostadas, smoked salmon benedicts, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and surf & turf tacos.

The supper clubs are perhaps the most unique dining experiences aboard Icon Class ships. The concept is the same on both ships: a $200-per-person, eight-course meal is paired with live music and drinks.

That said, the theming, menu, and presentation differ. On Icon of the Seas, the Empire Supper Club was designed after New York City in the 1930s. The menu focuses on premium American cuisine with dishes like wagyu, oysters, and more. 

The supper club takes on a new vibe aboard Star of the Seas. The Lincoln Park Supper Club was themed after Chicago in the 1930s and 1940s. Menu items include kampachi, steak tartare, crab ravioli, and the famous Palmer House brownie that originated in the Windy City. 

If you'd prefer a more intimate specialty dining experience, consider booking the Celebration Table. It's kind of like an elevated Chef's Table. However, instead of a set prix fixe menu curated by the chef, you can choose between a few family-style options: American, Seafood, Italian, and Asian. 

Moving on, Desserted is the brand-new specialty milkshake bar, while Trellis Bar now offers a small menu of bar bites for an extra charge. 

Icon Class cabins and suites

Icon Class ships feature 28 unique categories of staterooms, ranging from spacious inside cabins to multi-story suites. 

As some of the world's family-friendliest ships, it should come as no surprise that more than 80% of all the staterooms can accommodate 3 or more guests. Moreover, more than 70% of Icon Class rooms have balconies. 

In total, there are 2,805 staterooms on Icon and Star of the Seas, broken down into 179 suites, 1,815 balcony cabins, 276 ocean view rooms, and 535 interior cabins.

All suites aboard Icon Class ships are part of the Royal Suite Class, meaning guests can expect lavish cabins and upscale amenities compared to older vessels. 

The exact benefits vary based on the category. For example, Sea Tier suites (i.e., Sunset Junior Suites and standard Junior Suites) are the most restrictive, meaning you won't have access to The Grove Sun Deck or Coastal Kitchen for breakfast or lunch.

If you have a little extra money to burn, consider splurging on a Star Class suite. These are the largest cabins on Icon and Star of the Seas and come with perks like an unlimited drink package, Royal Genie (essentially a butler), and more. 

Where do Icon Class ships sail?

As of November 2025, both Icon Class ships in service — Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas — sail from Florida to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Icon offers vacations from Miami, Florida, while Star calls Port Canaveral, Florida, home. 

However, when Legend of the Seas debuts in July 2025, she will be the first Icon Class ship to sail in the Mediterranean, with voyages departing from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Legend will move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2025, where she'll alternate between 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises. The shorter voyages will visit the Western Caribbean, while the 8-night cruises will sail to the Southern Caribbean ports of Aruba and Curaçao. 

Then, in April 2026, Legend of the Seas will return to Europe for another European season. Once again, the Mediterranean voyages will depart from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. 

Icon and Star of the Seas will both remain in Florida until August 2027 — when Icon of the Seas will make the move to Galveston, Texas, and offer Western Caribbean cruises to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico and Royal Beach Club Cozumel. 

Packing for a cruise is a more intentional endeavor than packing for a weekend trip to New York City or Walt Disney World. 

When traveling on a cruise, you must pack the essentials carefully, considering both the onboard activities and shore excursions in port. 

That said, cruise cabins have limited storage. It's easier to pack more than you think you'll need, just to run out of space when settling into your stateroom. 

One user asked what experienced travelers regretted packing for their cruise on Reddit. The post received over 200 comments, with many saying that they had second thoughts about how much clothing they brought. 

Other answers ranged from common household items like steamers to lanyards and soda. Here's a round-up of the most regretted items packed for a cruise vacation. 

Too many clothes

Many cruisers shared that they regretted bringing too many clothes. While planning vacation outfits is fun, trying to pack multiple outfits for each day can be stressful. 

"I packed ~12 outfits and 4 swimsuits + coverups for a 7night/8day cruise and I could have packed less than half of that," wrote ResolutionStunning42. 

Instead, they wished they had focused on bringing a few nicer outfits, a few comfortable outfits, swimsuits, and a single cover-up. 

luckyvacaythrowaway added that they would not have brought clothes they felt insecure in at home, since they didn't end up wearing any of them. 

If you bring too many clothes, your cabin can quickly become a cluttered nightmare, making it harder to find the shirt you really want to wear for White Night. 

Shoes

On a similar note, a lot of travelers thought they had packed too many shoes. Not only do shoes take up a lot of valuable luggage space, but it's harder to organize them in the stateroom. 

"[I] now try to only pack two pairs and I wear my bulkiest pair on the plane/ship (sneakers). I then pack a pair of flip flops or water shoes for the pool and spa areas," shared 317ant. 

They also bring a pair of sandals that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. 

Uncomfortable shoes are also a no-go. Although you might be okay running back to the room mid-evening to change, your feet will thank you for bringing footwear that can handle long days ashore and evenings running from activity to activity. 

Box of tissues

Cruise cabins are stocked with the basics, including hand soap and tissues. As such, one traveler regretted bringing their own box of tissues. 

HawaiianShirtsOR wrote, "It just took up suitcase space unnecessarily. I have no idea why I thought there wouldn't be tissues in my cabin."

Typically, the tissues can be found tucked into one of the dressers or vanity drawers. You can also ask your cabin steward if you can't find them or need extras. 

Body wash and shampoo

Cruise cabins are equipped with basic toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and body wash. On Royal Caribbean ships, standard staterooms have a shampoo-body wash hybrid. 

As such, Intelligent_Ad_1385 argues that travelers do not have to pack body wash or shampoo.

Bringing your own bottles takes up luggage space and adds unnecessary weight, especially if you pack full-sized products. 

That said, many cruisers disagree with them, saying that personal hygiene products are essential. 

"I would recommend bringing shampoo and conditioner 100%, that soap is super harsh, it works [perfectly] on the body but it will strip all the moisture out of your hair," wrote iamadesert. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean cabins do not have any conditioner. If you forget, you'll have to visit the onboard shops and pay for an overpriced travel bottle. 

Haircare products

On a similar note, one passenger shared that they regretted bringing their haircare products. 

"My hair was never done. I did need my [leave-in] conditioner so I could get the brush through my hair, but a curling iron and other products were laughable to me! It's so windy and humid sometimes! I'll never bring them again," stated GoldengirlSkye. 

This comes down to personal preference, though. Some cruisers enjoy styling their hair on vacation and couldn't imagine leaving home without important products or tools, especially those with textured hair. 

Steamer

Cruise lines have a long list of prohibited items that guests are not permitted to bring aboard their ships. Many items are common sense, like firearms, explosives, and illegal drugs. Others, however, can be easily overlooked during the packing process. 

Unfortunately, one cruiser learned the hard way that everyday household items can be flagged during the check-in process. 

No-Tank-1826 said, "We packed a travel steamer and got a note in our checked luggage that it was confiscated, 🤪 and we could pick it up from security after the cruise."

Read more: 5 things you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025

Wrinkle-release spray

Since steamers (and irons) aren't allowed on Royal Caribbean ships, many cruisers opt to bring wrinkle-release spray. As popular as it may be, maestra612 claimed that they ended up leaving it untouched in their cabin during their sailing. 

If you don't want to worry about finding wrinkle-release spray before your cruise, I've found that hanging the wrinkled garment in question to hang in the bathroom while showering works pretty well. 

The steam from the shower relaxes the fibers. Generally speaking, many wrinkles will smooth out by the time you're clean, but it isn't a fool-proof replacement for an iron or steamer. 

Pop-up laundry hamper

Many cruise content creators recommend bringing a pop-up laundry hamper. However, several cruisers regret listening to that advice. 

little_blu_eyez is one of them. In their eyes, the pop-up hamper took up too much floor space. Instead, they started using packing cubes. 

"I fully unpack when I get onboard," they said, "As I wear clothes I pack them back into the cube."

By the last night, they're already halfway packed and can spend more time enjoying the ship, rather than scrambling to fold everything neatly back into their suitcase. 

Alternatively, Due_Warthog725 suggests bringing a trash bag for dirty clothes.

Books

Many passengers love finding a comfortable lounge chair and diving into their newest book. Others, however, would rather spend their vacation taking advantage of the ship's amenities. 

East_Celebration6706 commented that they took a book on their cruise, but they did not open it once — there were too many other activities on the ship!

On a similar note, if you are planning on bringing books on board, you may want to invest in a Kindle. Rather than bringing bulky hardcover or paperback books with you, you can download multiple titles onto a single, lightweight device. 

Pro tip: download a variety of books before you board, especially if you aren't planning on purchasing Royal's Wi-Fi package. 

"Make sure you download any books you think you might like to read before you go since I think it would be very hard to do on board," advised tylersmom1919. 

Laptop

Vacation is a time to kick back and relax. However, if you bring a laptop with you, you may feel obligated to check in on how things are going at the office. 

That's what happened to thinkdeep. Bringing a laptop meant that they weren't able to fully disconnect during their hard-earned vacation. 

Magnetic hooks

There are tons of articles out there about how to maximize cabin storage (Royal Caribbean Blog is guilty of having a few). While we're big fans of magnetic hooks, they haven't been a home run for everyone. 

According to zzrryll, they never needed the hooks that "people insist on shilling." To be fair, newer ships tend to have smarter storage options, from extra hooks to clever shelving. 

As such, the takeaway from zrryll's comment is that before packing recommended storage accessories, research your cruise cabin. You may find that your specific stateroom has more than enough storage without needing to bring extra hooks. 

Over-the-door shoe organizer

Like magnetic hooks, some travelers have found the over-the-door shoe organizer hack to be overrated. 

"It all seems so excessive. Never once I have needed an over the door hanging organizer with 3 million pockets," said dawson33944, a Diamond cruiser within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society. 

IslandGyrl2 added, "The shoe organizer is a hint you've over-packed; it just brings your clutter out into the open, and it makes a clunk-clunk every time you open the door."

Read more: 30 cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Fan

Fans can be great accessories in the warm Caribbean or Mediterranean — nobody wants to overheat while trying to enjoy one of the ports of call. Sometimes, they can be useful in the staterooms, too. 

However, MyRunningAcct did not find their cabin hot or stuffy. As such, they ended up not needing the portable fan that they had brought.

RochR0k agreed, adding that their stateroom was so cold they had to turn off the air conditioning. 

Formal attire

It is no surprise that cruises are not as formal as they used to be. In fact, many modern-day cruisers elect not to participate in formal night. Some cruise lines, including Norwegian, have effectively gone away with traditional formal nights entirely. 

SeaSpeakToMe wrote, "Our first cruise we brought [one] nicer outfit (not super formal) for formal night and learned it’s not our style. Now we hit up the buffet or some other included food on formal nights. I can see the appeal, it’s fun to dress up sometimes, but it’s not my vacation style."

Unless formal nights are a must for you, you may be happier packing casual dinner outfits and skipping the dining room altogether. 

Telescope

If you are cruising to Alaska, binoculars are a must. You don't want to miss the dramatic landscapes or impromptu wildlife sightings. However, telescopes are generally considered overkill on a cruise. 

"I wanted to take in the sights of the ports from the top deck and see things up close and personal. Results were....okay," shared tubbis9001. 

It also didn't work well for stargazing. They could not keep the telescope stable enough to see the moon or stars while on the bow. 

Case of water

Royal Caribbean's base fare includes select beverages, such as tap water, drip coffee, lemonade, hot chocolate, and juice. However, bottled water costs extra, along with soda, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, and more. 

Many cruisers who decide to forego Royal's pricey drink package bring on limited quantities of non-alcoholic beverages, including one case of water or soda. While it can help save money, some cruisers think hauling on beverages isn't worth the effort. 

"[The water we brought] didn't get drunk and I dont think that terrible in room fridge could even catch up over the whole 5 day cruise so they were still barely chilled," said icebox_Lew. 

Another guest shared a story about having their carry-on soda bottles burst open in their bag:

"The soda we bought was in bottles and I thought that I had them well-packed to be safe. I was wrong. A couple clinked together and one broke. At least it was in our carry-on that contained mostly swimwear which was really easy to clean."

The moral of the story is that if you're going to bring drinks on your Royal Caribbean cruise, make sure that they are securely sealed and well-cushioned — the same goes for wine. 

Lanyards

You're either Team Lanyard or Team Anti-Lanyard. Personally, I think lanyards make cruising easier. However, they aren't the most fashionable accessories, so I understand why some may prefer to find more creative ways to keep their cruise card safe. 

One passenger said that they ditched their lanyard after it kept getting tangled. Instead, they preferred using a fanny pack. 

TollerLuvLJP added, "I discovered I hate the feeling of having something hanging around my neck. My clothes all have pockets, or I bring a bag."

Not enough over-the-counter medications

Just like you can regret packing too many clothes or pairs of shoes, you can also regret not packing enough of something. 

Being stuck in the middle of the ocean for days on end means you should come prepared with basic, over-the-counter medications. 

Cruise ships have medical facilities onboard, but they lack a full-size pharmacy. Moreover, while the onboard shops have a limited supply of medication, they are more overpriced than at your local drugstore. 

goinhungryyeah shared that they wish they had packed more random over-the-counter medication for stuff they never expected. 

Start with pain relievers, cold & flu meds, antacids, cough drops, seasickness medication, Band-Aids, toothache gel, and eye drops. You may find that you want to add more to your list. 

One of the best reasons to sail on a slightly older Royal Caribbean cruise ship is when you can get a great deal, even if it's an inside room.

Freedom of the Seas is approaching being 20 years old, but don't let her age fool you. The ship got a massive upgrade in 2020 that added a lot, plus recent changes to its casino. That has added a lot to what this cruise ship can offer.

So when I received an offer to sail in an inside cabin on Freedom of the Seas for just port fees and taxes, I jumped at the chance.

Not only would I be able to go back onboard a favorite ship of mine, but also sneak in another getaway cruise before the end of the year.

Here's what it's like to choose one of the smallest staterooms on Freedom.

How I got such a low price

The secret to paying just port fees and taxes on what is essentially a "free cruise" is I received the offer through Royal Caribbean's casino.

I think the casino loyalty program is the best value in cruising right now, and you don't need to be a mega gambler in order to qualify for these offers.

Basically, I play enough in the casino on my sailings to qualify for offers to be mailed to me. Most casino pros recommend at least 200 - 300 points per sailing at a minimum to likely qualify.

One offer had an inside stateroom for free on a 5-night Freedom of the Seas cruise scheduled to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel. Spoiler alert, we didn't visit either of those places.

All I had to pay were the port fees and taxes.  Since I was sailing solo, I paid just $272. I got $39.58 refunded onboard when we didn't go to the scheduled ports.

An inside room is small, but it's perfect if I'm alone

You can argue the virtues of if an inside room is a good idea or not, but I really don't mind them. This is especially true when I'm on the cruise without my family.

With the kids in school, the choice of taking an inside room wasn't a problem. The casino offers are inflexible in that regard, although I might have been able to spend more to upgrade to a balcony.  I felt if I'm getting a "free room", I'm going to take advantage of that and limit my costs.

Royal Caribbean assigned me cabin 6669, which was a short walk from the aft elevator bank. I greatly prefer to have a cabin near the elevators instead of down the hall, so this worked out well.

Plus, it was one deck from the Royal Promenade.  This made it very convenient to be able to run back to my room for anything.

Royal Caribbean opens its cabins on embarkation day usually at 1pm, and I walked into a small space, but since it was just me, it's all I needed.

I've stayed in a lot of inside rooms on cruise ships, and while their exact dimensions or configuration may differ slightly, they all tend to have a similar feel.

There's a private bathroom, sitting area, vanity, and bed.  Plus, you'll find closet space too.

One thing I noticed immediately was the cabin decor felt like a 20 year old ship. As a rule of thumb, Royal Caribbean never updates its stateroom look during scheduled maintenance. They have never commented why, but I assume it's a cost issue.

While the motif may be dated, it's not a big deal. You adjust quickly to it and it doesn't affect the enjoyment of the cruise. It's just something that may initially jump out.

When I entered the cabin for the first time, the beds were pushed together to form one bed. That's not inherently a problem, but one of my favorite cruise hacks is to have the beds split apart to make the room feel bigger.

With the beds together, it required climbing over the bed to get in or out of the bed. But with them split, it's much easier to get around.

Plus, it made the space feel more open.

The bathroom is certainly big enough for just one person, but it's effectively the same bathroom layout and size as most non-suites cabin bathrooms on this ship.

There's a little storage space behind the mirror, but you can also stash some things below.

Just a reminder that Royal Caribbean only provides the 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash, so be sure to pack your own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

At the vanity, you'll find all of the power outlets for the room.

There are no USB plugs, so you'll need to bring your own adaptor.  I recommend buying this power adaptor because it offers 4 USB outlets, and will work in both US or EU power outlets. (Affiliate link means I'll make a small commission if you buy it, but it costs you nothing extra)

I also received complimentary soda and bottled water, but that's because I'm a top tier member within Crown and Anchor Society.

When you reach the upper tiers of the program, there are a lot of freebies that you get every sailing. Not only does this save me money, but it's so convenient to have them waiting in the cabin.

Opposite the desk and chair is the couch. I rarely ever use my couch for a place to sit, as it tends to accumulate various belongings as the cruise goes on.

The couch isn't big enough to sleep on, unless you're rather short or a child perhaps.  But it's not very deep either, so I think it's best suited for a visitor stopping by.

I was surprised how large the closet is, as there are both shelves and plenty of hangers.

You could easily store your clothes and suitcases in here, although I prefer to slide my suitcase under my bed.

The perfect getaway cabin

Considering the low price I paid for this room, I have no complaints about the cabin.

The outdated decor doesn't mean much since I basically used the room to sleep, shower, and change.  Otherwise, I was mostly out and about the ship. I even chose to do most of my work from public venues.

The downside to an inside room is there's no natural light, so you cannot easily tell the time of day. Nonetheless, I adjusted quickly and would set alarms so I knew if I was sleeping too late.

I think most people that choose a room like this on Freedom of the Seas are doing so to save money and get to cruise for a lower price. If so, this stateroom should offer the perfect way to get aboard without any extra frills.

One passenger was kicked off a Royal Caribbean cruise after getting into an alleged violent altercation with another guest. However, his family didn't pause their fun because of his immature mistake. 

The 44-year-old Australian passenger was on a 10-night cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas when he allegedly assaulted another guest on the Quantum Class ship around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, as reported by Otago Daily Times. 

The Aussie male was kicked off the ship when it docked in Dunedin, New Zealand, and had to pay for his transportation home. His family, however, remained on board to finish out their vacation. Thankfully, the other guest only sustained minor injuries and received medical attention for a cut on the nose. 

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Police confirmed the incident in a statement to PEOPLE, further adding that officers were alerted about the altercation on Nov. 13. Police then met Anthem of the Seas in Port Chalmers after it docked. 

"Officers attended and spoke with those involved, and following this, the alleged offender was given a warning. He was also escorted off the ship," the statement continued. 

Anthem of the Seas departed from Sydney, Australia, on Monday, Nov. 10. After a port-intensive cruise in New Zealand, visiting Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Lyttelton-Christchurch, Wellington, and Picton, the ship will return to Sydney on Nov. 20. 

Although larger media outlets don't reveal how the incident played out, it was severe enough for Royal Caribbean to kick one of its paying passengers off mid-cruise. 

Fights on cruise ships aren't necessarily common, but they are always taken seriously, whether they occur on a Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or MSC vessel. 

"Inappropriate or abusive behavior is not permitted," states Royal Caribbean's official cruise contract, "This includes: uninvited physical contact, solicitation, harassment, vandalism, theft, violence, use of fake/false identification, [and] underage drinking."

Recently, two streamers were kicked off a Royal Caribbean ship in The Bahamas after fighting on the pool deck

During an organized streamers' cruise, two livestreamers — David Ryan and Dave Willis — were removed from Harmony of the Seas after a violent altercation on the pool deck. 

Supposedly, the two began fighting over a joke. However, it quickly escalated, and they began punching and tackling one another to the ground.

The nature of their group cruise meant the fight was immediately caught on camera and widely circulated online, which led to swift intervention from Harmony's security team. 

Ryan and Willis were kicked off at the ship's next port of call: Roatán, Honduras. This showcases Royal Caribbean's strict zero-tolerance policy for violence and disruptive behavior that jeopardizes guest and crew members' safety.

Your next visit to Royal Caribbean's private island could have a beer that's been missing for almost six years.

It's been a while, but the cruise line confirmed it's bringing back the Chilla Thrilla beer to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The cruise line introduced this exclusive brew that was produced in partnership with Funky Buddha Brewery.

Before you throw a few back, here's what's been revealed.

Coming to private destinations and ships

When Royal Caribbean opened Perfect Day at CocoCay, the introduced a lot of firsts, including a branded beer.

Chilla Thrilla was available for just a few months in 2019, as the cruise industry shutdown of 2020 halted distribution.

When cruises restarted in 2021, the beer wasn't brought back because of apparent supply chain issues.

However, that's changing, as Royal Caribbean confirmed Chilla Thrilla is coming back. The cruise line shared on its social media feeds an update:

The Royal Caribbean x Funky Buddha Brewery Chilla Thrilla is a refreshing blonde ale brewed with a splash of mango and guava, perfect for a full day of soaking up the sun.

Grab this Florida-brewed tropical ale at any of our private destinations and ships sailing out of the US.

This marks the first time since early 2020 the beer will be available, and it sounds like as long as your cruise ship sails from the U.S., you'll be able to sample it. Funky Buddha claims the beer is available on any ship sailing to the Caribbean.

In fact, it's already been spotted on Explorer of the Seas.

And yes, the beer is included with Royal Caribbean's popular drink packages.

What does it taste like?

According to the brewer, Chilla Thrilla is a "Blonde Ale with Mango and Guava". 

It's a drink meant to evoke a tropical taste, which is why it leans in the fruity direction.

"A crisp body and tropical vibe makes Chilla Thrilla perfect for a day packed full of fun in the sun."

Funky Buddha claims it pairs well with the food you can get at CoocCay, including a Cuban sandwich, mango and habanero wings, carnitas tacos, fresh citrus and stone fruits.

Beer fan site Untappd listed the fan reviews of Chilla Thrilla at 3.5 stars across over 500 reviews.

Over the past year, I've done a lot of cruise travel.

I've taken over a dozen Royal Caribbean cruises this year, in both the Caribbean and Europe, from Mexico to Norway to the Dominican Republic to Germany, and much more.

Although my cruises have been positive overall, things can always go wrong.

Here are the biggest mishaps I've encountered on Royal Caribbean cruises, and how I prepare for them in advance.

Dining is a top priority, so I pre-book it all and never book My Time Dining

The food on a cruise ship is always a highlight, so it's one of the first focuses I place in my cruise planning process.

My approach is to have all of my dining picked out and reserved before I step foot on the ship.

This used to be impossible if you had specialty dining in mind, but now that Royal Caribbean allows guests to pre-book with the dining packages, it can be done.

I find pre-booking reservations so important because it eliminates wasting time on embarkation day running around and wasting vacation time making bookings. Plus, it removes the guess work out of if there will be availability for the day and time you want.

More controversially, I never book My Time Dining for my dinner in the Main Dining Room. Instead, I book traditional dinner and pick a set time.

I know plenty of our readers swear by My Time Dining, but I avoid it because of the long lines that develop at peak hours.

While traditional dining is inflexible, I never have a wait for a table and I can walk right in and go straight to my table and have the same table, waiter, and table mates without any concern of how long it might take to get seated.

My Time Dining isn't a mistake, it's just more complicated and I prefer simplicity in this case.

Even though I cruise a lot, I'll pack seasickness medicine

I amaze myself when I get seasick, but it does happen from time to time.

The good news is I never am worried about it because I pack medications to easily deal with it. Most of the time I don't get motion sickness, but a couple of times I'll start to feel off and recognize I'm probably seasick.

I always pack Bonine chewable tablets with me (link contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra).  

There are other remedies for avoiding getting seasick, but I find popping a pill like this works the best.

Some experienced cruisers say you can get seasickness medicine from Guest Services or the medical facility for free, but I never rely on that because it's not an official policy.  Plus, if I'm feeling queasy, it's easier to get what I need from my stateroom and have it ready to go.

I avoid traveling same day as my cruise begins

Anyone that plans to fly to their cruise ship the same day it is scheduled to depart is playing with fire.

Between bad weather, government shutdowns, mechanical failures, and airline staffing issues, there are all sorts of opportunity for your travel plans to be negatively impacted.

You should never, ever fly the same day of your cruise.  Instead, plan to arrive at least one day early so if your flight plans change, you can still make the cruise.

When traveling overseas, I'd recommend bumping that up to at least 2-3 days early. Not only do you need to make sure your flight is on time, but you'll have to wrestle with jetlag.

You can make arguments about some of my other pieces of advice in this article, but I truly believe this is one you're wrong to fly the same day.  Heck, I live in Florida and will come in a day early for a cruise out of Miami because I never trust public transportation.

I always have travel insurance purchased

The chances of you getting sick or injured on a cruise are pretty low, but I'll still buy travel insurance every single time.

There are so many unknown factors beyond getting hurt while traveling that could ruin your trip and cause you great financial hardship.

• Losing your job right before the trip
• Death in the family
• Hurricane or bad weather changing your plans
• Cancelled flights
• Lost luggage

When it comes to last-minute cancellations, you're going to be out of luck without travel insurance.  No matter how good of a sob story you have, Royal Caribbean isn't giving your money back if you want to cancel in those days leading up to the cruise.

And of course the cost of onboard medical treatment isn't cheap either (and they don't take any insurance onboard). 

Travel insurance is inexpensive and the safety net every traveler should have before they step foot aboard a cruise ship.  It's peace of mind that should anything negative come up unexpectedly, you're covered.

Before the ship sets sail, I have an internet package and I prep my phone

While there are some people that like the idea of disconnecting while on a cruise, I'm definitely not one of them.

I not only value being able to stay in contact with friends and family while on my cruise vacation, I think it makes my trip better.

That's why I always buy an internet package for my cruise. I even buy an extra one so I don't have to swap between phone and laptop, and that's so I can stay in contact easier while onboard.

The key is to pre-purchase an internet package before the cruise begins to save money compared to buying a package onboard the ship.

Equally important, I'll put my phone into airplane mode to avoid roaming fees.

One of the most common and costly mistakes people make on a cruise is allowing their phone to roam while at sea, and that can rack up hundreds of dollars in fees.

Before your ship sails away, put your phone into airplane mode so it won't start roaming.

Buying a WiFi package means I can easily text or call anyone (thanks to WiFi calling), and avoid an unexpected cell phone bill when I get home.

Getting sleep is important, so I'll pack ear plugs

On some occasions noise from creaking, other passengers, or ambient noise can make sleeping more difficult while aboard.

I always have disposable ear plugs packed for this situation (link contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra).  

It's rare that I need them, but over the years I've run into situations where it's needed. Most commonly it's a result of windy conditions that cause the ship to rock more than usual, and that can make hangers clang together or the stateroom ceiling creak.

Rather than try to ignore the noise, I'll quickly grab a pair of ear plugs and head back to sleep quicker.

A heavily debated question is, “What’s the best cruise line?” While it ultimately depends on your personal preferences, reputable rankings can help you by weighing key factors, such as value for money and dining. This year, Royal Caribbean performed better in a popular rankings list than it did last year.

The 12th annual U.S. News & World Report Best Cruise Lines rankings were released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The rankings cover the most popular cruise lines in ten categories:

• Best Luxury Cruise Lines
• Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• Best Cruise Lines for Couples
• Best Cruise Lines for Families
• Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean
• *Best Cruise Lines for Dining — Luxury (*new)
• *Best Cruise Lines for Dining — Mainstream (*new)
• *Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers (*new)
• *Best Cruise Lines for Wellness (*new)

Compared to last year, when Royal Caribbean only ranked in the top three for “Best Cruise Lines for Families,” the cruise giant walked away with awards in two categories heading into 2026.

This year, they earned second place for “Best Cruise Lines for Families,” as well as third place for “Best Cruise Lines for the Money.”

The latter isn’t a significant jump, but it is worthy of praise — Royal Caribbean placed fourth in the same category in the 11th annual rankings.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises was favored in this year’s rankings, receiving a top-three placement in three categories, including one brand-new one: “Best Cruise Line for Wellness.” This isn’t much of a surprise, as Celebrity’s AquaClass product offers an immersive wellness experience.

Celebrity also beat Royal Caribbean in the "Best Cruise Lines for the Money" category, coming in second just below Virgin Voyages. However, the premium cruise line came in first place last year. 

Newcomer Explora Journeys also received an impressive number of accolades, placing in the top three in six categories.

"U.S. News Travel’s offerings are continuously evolving to meet consumers where they are as they consider new destinations, adventures and experiences," said Nicola Wood, Senior Travel Editor at U.S. News.

"The 2026 Best Cruise Lines rankings recognize the top cruise lines in a variety of categories, allowing travelers to compare features, amenities and itineraries across multiple lines. Now, four brand-new ranking lists give even more comprehensive choices for cruisers to create their ideal experiences at sea."

Here’s a breakdown of the 2026 rankings:

Best Cruise Lines for the Money 
1. Virgin Voyages 
2. Celebrity Cruises 
3. Royal Caribbean International

Best Luxury Cruise Lines 
1. Viking Ocean Cruises 
2. Explora Journeys 
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families 
1. Disney Cruise Line 
2. Royal Caribbean International 
3. Norwegian Cruise Lines

Best Cruise Lines for Couples 
1. Viking Ocean Cruises 
2. Explora Journeys 
3. Seabourn Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean 
1. Disney Cruise Line 
2. Virgin Voyages 
3. Explora Journeys

Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Luxury 
1. Viking Ocean Cruises 
2. Explora Journeys 
3. Oceania Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean 
1. Viking Ocean Cruises 
2. Explora Journeys 
3. Silversea Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Mainstream
1. Virgin Voyages 
2. Celebrity Cruises 
3. Disney Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers 
1. Crystal 
2. Norwegian Cruise Line 
3. Oceania Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Wellness 
1. Celebrity Cruises 
2. Explora Journeys
3. Virgin Voyages

How is the best cruise line determined?

U.S. News & World Report scores ships based on their overall rankings, a numerical score that is represented by a graphical star rating rounded to the nearest half-star.

Three important criteria determine the overall rankings:

1. Expert Rating — 30% (U.S. News & World Report editors assign each ship an Expert Rating between 3 and 5 based on the ship’s level of luxury, size of the ship, the ship’s launch date, when the ship was last updated, crew-to-passenger ratio, cabin categories, and more)
2. Traveler Rating — 50% (Ship's traveler ratings are provided under license by Cruiseline.com. Reviewers assign a rating between 1 and 5 based on their level of satisfaction with their cruise experience)
3. Health Rating — 20% (A ship's health rating is based on sanitation inspection scores published by the Vessel Sanitation Program [VSP] at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]).