Royal Caribbean Blog

As someone who travels almost every month on Royal Caribbean ships, I get to try a lot of cruise ship food.

Royal Caribbean executives have said that food is one of the top two reasons people book a cruise, and I've found a list of my favorites that I'll order every time I visit.

While I'm no food critic, I think these are dishes that truly stand out as being really darn satisfying.  

Based on my dining experiences and personal tastes, these are the top 15 best Royal Caribbean food if you love to eat.

Tomahawk steak from Chops

If you're a steak lover, you probably should try the Tomahawk steak option.

It's available as one of the premium cuts at the Chops Grille specialty restaurant. That means there's an additional cost on top of the restaurant's cover charge. 

My readers raved about this steak and implored me to try it when I sailed on Icon of the Seas recently. It's a giant piece of high quality steak.

I don't consider myself a steak expert, but I think this is the ultimate steak for anyone that considers themselves one.

World from Wonderland

One of the most different specialty restaurants you'll find is Wonderland, which is loosely based on the Alice in Wonderland tales.

Their dessert is so darn good. It not only tastes good, but looks so cool.

You are served a chocolate globe and then warm chocolate is poured on top of it to melt it all into a gooey and rich dish.

French Onion Soup from Main Dining Room

You don't have to pay extra for all of the best food, because an all-time favorite Royal Caribbean food is the French Onion Soup.

I've had French Onion Soup at a lot of restaurants, but Royal Caribbean's version is verifiably better. I'm not sure exactly why, but they do it right.

It's served piping hot with a fresh layer of melted cheese and just the right mix of onions, broth and bread.  Plus, the soup broth flavor is top notch.

It's also available every night at Coastal Kitchen on the dinner menu there.

There's a DIY version of this soup on some nights in the Windjammer, but it never hits the same way.

Crepes from Aquadome Marketplace

I probably could call out each of the food halls at Aquadome Market as worthy of being on this list, but the Crepes station deserves top honors.

The proof is in the consistently long lines for people waiting to get one.

It's freshly made just the way you want, and the perfect snack or meal.

Brisket from Portside BBQ

One of the most underrated restaurants across Royal Caribbean is Portside BBQ.  I don't know why it isn't on more ships, but it's really good.

Among the choices on the menu, I don't think you can go wrong with the beef brisket.  It's tender, smoked, and almost melts as you eat it.

Ranger Cookie from Cafe Promenade

Whenever I poll cruise fans for their favorite snack on Royal Caribbean, the Ranger Cookie comes up as a winner.

First and foremost, it's chewy and not brittle.  That's a win.  Plus it has a really good sweet flavor to it.

I'm not a huge coconut fan, but these cookies are probably the best quick snack around.

Kummelwick Sandwich from Park Cafe

Ever since I tried my first Kummelwick sandwich on Oasis of the Seas back in 2010, I've been hooked on this snack.

It's a roast beef sandwich served on a Kummelwick roll, and you can choose to have mustard, au jus, and/or horseradish served on it.

I think they've tweaked the sandwich over the years, but it's still a solid "I wasn't hungry, but I want one" kind of snack.

Broiled cod from Izumi Omakase

When I tried the new chef-driven Japanese restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, I expected the sushi to be my favorite food. But I fell in love with the broiled black cod.

Among the courses, this was my favorite for the incredible flavor.

It's really tender and after I finished it I wanted two more (I didn't get them, but I need to get back and have it again).

"Deep dish pizza" bread from Lincoln Park Supper Club

I'm a sucker for a good starter, and Lincoln Park Supper Club was exactly the right choice.

The "Deep dish pizza" bread is essentially a deconstructed pizza.  You are served the bread, and then add the cheese and toppings.

Indian curry from Windjammer

Want to know the most underrated food Royal Caribbean has on all of its ships? Indian curry.

You can get it every day in the Windjammer buffet or at dinner at the Main Dining Room. Each day they offer different varieties. 

I've been eating Indian food on Royal Caribbean since my first cruise and it's consistently one of the most flavorful dishes you'll find and remarkably satisfying.

Spaghetti Bolognese from the Main Dining Room

I know spaghetti and meat sauce isn't an exotic dish or something new you've never tried, but it's still one of my go-to MDR dishes to order.

There's something about their sauce that stands out, but the Spaghetti Bolognese is likely my top comfort food on Royal Caribbean.

Asian stir fry station in the Windjammer

The variety of food served at the cruise ship buffet is amazing, but I'll overlook it all if there's Asian stir fry available.

At one of the cooking stations that are usually at the back of the Windjammer, there is a custom stir fry offered (it's sometimes called Mongolian Grill too). You tell the chef which ingredients to include, as well as the sauce.

It's combined with noodles and a protein and it's the kind of food you can eat over and over again.

Margherita pizza from Giovanni's Italian Kitchen

Ever since Royal Caribbean overhauled Giovanni's, I've found so many new favorites.  But I think the margherita pizza is their best option.

It's not that surprising considering the cruise line tapped a master pizza expert to help them craft their pizzas.

Trust me, it's so much better than what you'll get at Sorrento's.

Filet mignon from Coco Beach Club

There are many candidates for the best steak across Royal Caribbean, but I think the best filet mignon isn't even on a cruise ship.

Available at the Coco Beach Club, it's easily the best steak I'll reserve the beach club just to have it.

I'm not good at describing how steak tastes, but compared to the versions at Chops, 150 Central Park, or other restaurants, I'll always prefer the Coco Beach Club version.

Fried cheesecake at 150 Central Park

Fried food usually a solid win for taste, but the fried cheesecake at 150 Central Park is worth the cost of admission alone.

This dessert is so sweet, and they serve you two.  Every time I think "I'll only eat one" but of course, I cannot help but eat them both.

Buddha bowl at Pier 7

Easily overlooked, but Pier 7 on the Icon Class ships has some great food, including the Buddha bowl.

A mix of fresh vegetables, fruit, grains, and a protein, I think it has a great combination of satisfaction while feeling guilt-free.

Can you cruise with a criminal record? The answer isn't cut and dry. 

Understanding how different countries and immigration authorities handle felony records is important to ensuring a hiccup-free vacation. 

In most cases, felons can generally go on a cruise, as there's no law prohibiting someone with a criminal record from boarding a ship. 

Ron Harper, a Licensed Paralegal and owner of OTD Ticket Defenders Legal Service, told Royal Caribbean Blog that lines can deny boarding to individuals with felony convictions.

Additionally, some countries have strict entry restrictions and may refuse entry to felons. Harper explains,

"Just having a ticket to board a ship does not mean you will be allowed to enter each and every port of call."

Cruise lines are allowed to perform background checks

Cruise lines reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone with a criminal history that could put the safety of other passengers and crew at risk. 

"Although there is no federal law that prohibits someone convicted of a felony from boarding a cruise ship, several large cruise lines (e.g., Carnival, Royal Caribbean) perform criminal background checks," Harper said. 

According to Royal Caribbean's website, the cruise line checks booking details against law enforcement registers and its internal records for the safety of all customers.

Carnival Cruise Line also conducts criminal background checks to safeguard Carnival guests and crew members. 

Their website is even more specific, adding that felons convicted of physical and/or sexual assault, armed robbery, and other violent crimes may be denied boarding. 

Where are felons allowed to cruise?

Generally speaking, most convicted felons can cruise to places like The Bahamas and the Caribbean. However, certain countries may restrict entry to people with a criminal record. 

"Most of the travelers believe that if they remain aboard the ship when they visit a port, they are not in trouble, but the fact is that the border agencies know about the ship by its manifest at least 96 hours before arrival," Barry Nussbaum, Owner and Senior Lawyer at Nussbaum Law in Ontario, said. 

Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand are among the countries that felons cannot travel to, even if the departing cruise leaves from the United States. 

According to Canada's laws, anyone with a criminal record is banned from entering the country, regardless of the crime's severity or when it was committed. Even minor offenses, like a DUI from college, may prevent entry unless an application for individual rehabilitation or a temporary resident permit is approved.

"I have witnessed families spend up to $5,000 on non-refundable tickets because they failed to obtain a Temporary Resident Permit or a full-fledged rehabilitation prior to going to the terminal," Nussbaum added.

With Canada being on the itinerary for nearly all Alaska cruises, voyages to The Last Frontier are off-limits to felons. The same applies to Canada/New England sailings from ports like Bayonne, New Jersey; Boston, Massachusetts; and Baltimore, Maryland.

Moreover, Caribbean cruises with scheduled stops in Mexico should be avoided, including popular Western Caribbean ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya, as well as Mexican Riviera destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

While less severe than Canada's laws, those who have committed a serious crime — think murder, smuggling, tax fraud, human trafficking, and vehicular theft — could be denied entry to Mexico. Generally speaking, minor infractions, like petty theft, are unlikely to prevent entry to Mexico on a cruise. 

Moving on, travelers must meet the country’s character requirements to enter Australia or New Zealand, demonstrating that they are of good character.

When applying for New Zealand's Electronic Travel Authority clearance, travelers are required to disclose any issues or activities that could affect the country's decision. This means you must tell them if you've been involved in criminal or human rights abuse activities, or removed or deported from another country.

Similarly, to obtain the needed Electronic Travel Authority to enter Australia, you must declare all criminal conduct that you've been charged with, even if it is still awaiting legal action. 

Nussbaum summarized that while destinations like The Bahamas or Mexico are generally less restrictive, countries such as Australia and New Zealand have strict character requirements that could make a vacation void before its commencement. 

Harper continued to explain that those on probation may face even more issues:

"Probation can create yet another layer of complexity because, in general, international travel (or even intra-state travel) will require authorization from the probation officer who is responsible for supervising the individual."

If you're like me, you like to make your birthday a multi-day occasion. From dinners with friends to bar hopping and spa days, there are tons of ways to celebrate at home. However, there's nothing like celebrating your special day at sea. 

In fact, my partner and I both decided to celebrate our birthdays on a cruise this year. With nonstop entertainment, multi-course meals, and more, a cruise felt like the ultimate way to ring in our late-20s. 

It won't be the first time I've celebrated someone's birthday on a ship, either. Years ago, I remember my sister’s face flushing with embarrassment on a Disney cruise when the crew surrounded our dinner table and began singing to her.

The best part about taking a cruise for your birthday is how easy it is to make the celebration feel even more special. And yes, you can do way more than blow out a candle at dinner. 

Here are 8 ways you can elevate your birthday cruise and make it even more memorable. 

DISCLAIMER: We’ve included Amazon affiliate links in this article. Shopping through these links won’t cost you anything extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog may earn a small commission on your purchase. Thanks for your support!

Tell your server in the dining room

Like in restaurants at home, cruise waitstaff will bring you a special dessert for your birthday free of charge — if you let them know. Plus, you (or your loved one) will become the center of attention for a minute as they crowd the table and sing a celebratory song.  

If you're traveling with a large party, you can purchase a full-sized cake for a nominal fee. According to the website, each cake costs $25.99 and comes in two flavors: spongy vanilla and decadent chocolate. Additionally, they're 6" round and serve 2 — 10 people. 

Let passengers and crew know you're celebrating with festive door decorations

Decorating cruise cabin doors is a fun and popular tradition. You don't have to be celebrating a birthday to spice up your door with fun magnets. However, it's not uncommon to see doors honoring someone's birthday with colorful décor and festive messages. 

In addition to pre-made birthday magnets, you can add a whiteboard, so fellow passengers can write dedicated birthday messages — just make sure the whiteboard has a magnetic dry-erase marker! 

Here are a few door decoration packs available from Amazon for inspiration: 

• LEIFIDE 12 Pcs Cruise Door Decorations
• Dazoratix Birthday Cruise Door Magnets
• 27PCS Cruise Door Decorations Magnetic, Large Birthday Cruise Magnets
• Xuhal 25 Pcs Birthday Cruise Door Magnets

Spruce up the inside of your cabin

Don't stop at the door! You can also decorate the inside of your cruise stateroom. Some guests prefer to bring their own decorations, including streamers and balloons. You can do this affordably at stores like Dollar Tree or Five Below, just be sure you have enough space in your suitcase to bring everything. 

Alternatively, you can buy Royal Caribbean's decoration kit. One advantage to this option, though more expensive, is that it will be set up upon your arrival if bought through the Cruise Planner. 

For an upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, the "Happy Birthday Decorations" pack costs $55.99 and includes a mirror cling, magnetic door sign, wire photo cable with clips, hanging ceiling décor, and one photo frame. 

There are also more expensive options that include fresh roses, a premium birthday cake, Moët Champagne, and more. 

Hide rubber ducks

Hiding rubber ducks has become a popular trend among cruisers, and some guests attach small notes or letters to the ducks to let others know where the hider was from and if they're celebrating anything. 

Instead of just letting your birthday sailor collect their own cruise ducks, you can also hide them around the ship, adding a small sticker or note to let finders know the ducks are part of a fun birthday celebration at sea!

Read more: Hiding ducks on a cruise got an upgrade

Bring a birthday sash

Before you head out the door, make sure you have a special birthday sash to wear on the ship! You can go one step further and wear a tiara, hat, and/or a t-shirt to really stand out. 

Wearing a themed birthday outfit not only makes the guest feel celebrated, but it also makes it easy for fellow passengers to wish them a happy birthday. I love seeing guests dressed up and try to say, "Happy Birthday" to everyone I see celebrating on the ship or ashore!

Here are a few birthday sashes available from Amazon for inspiration: 

• CAVETEE Birthday Crown and Sash for Women
• 2 Pack "It's my Birthday Sash"
• "It's My Birthday" Glitter Sash
• King Crown and Birthday Sash

Book a special dinner

Royal Caribbean ships offer several complimentary dining options, so you can enjoy the included food without spending extra. However, if you’re looking to make your birthday a little more special, treating yourself to a specialty restaurant is a great way to splurge. 

From the classic Chops Grille steakhouse to the lively Izumi Hibachi experience and whimsical Wonderland restaurant, there's a range of specialty venues to suit every taste. Each venue is more intimate than the dining room and promises an elevated dining experience with premium menu options and ingredients. 

Make sure you book in advance, though. This will ensure that you secure the best rate through the Cruise Planner and get your desired dining time. 

Read more: I'm a travel writer who cruises on Royal Caribbean every month. These 6 extra cost restaurants are worth booking and the 2 you can skip

Reserve a spa treatment

Another way to make your otherwise normal cruise feel more special is by booking a spa treatment.

Normally, I’m against cruise ship spas since they can be more expensive than similar treatments at home, but splurging on a massage, facial, or other pampering service for your birthday is worth it.

Like specialty restaurants, though, consider booking in advance. Another way you can save money on the cruise spa is by looking for port day specials. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices

Stay in a suite

Finally, for the ultimate birthday experience at sea, consider booking a suite instead of a standard cruise cabin. While more expensive, suites come with extra perks and upgraded amenities — like access to a private restaurant and sun deck — that can further differentiate your birthday cruise from the average vacation.

On older Royal Caribbean ships (i.e., Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class vessels), the suite program is more straightforward, while on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships, the top-tier Royal Suite Class rooms include perks like a Deluxe Beverage Package, Royal Genie service, and much more.

Even if you don't have thousands of dollars to blow on accommodations, consider an entry-level suite for added space. The larger balcony is perfect for enjoying breakfast at sea, while the tub-shower combo is ideal for taking a relaxing soak after a long day ashore.

Royal Caribbean has quietly updated its prohibited items list to tighten onboard safety and cybersecurity. 

Previously, "Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment" was listed under "Prohibited Items: What can’t you bring onboard?" 

However, the verbiage was recently updated to read: "Cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment (included satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, any other deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity)." The change was made sometime after December 10, 2025. 

Ships rely on digital systems for navigation, communication, and entertainment. As such, the clarification helps protect the critical systems from interference. 

Additionally, the new wording is much more precise and explicitly targets devices intended to hack, disrupt, or manipulate the onboard systems, including signal jammers, hacking toolkits, and unauthorized travel Wi-Fi routers. 

This means that ordinary electronics — think laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches — are still allowed on Royal Caribbean ships. 

Satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment were previously listed on the prohibited items list. However, the recent addition hones in on the purpose of the device.

While many passengers used travel routers to save money by extending one internet package's connectivity to multiple devices, they can also be used to create rogue networks that interfere with the ship’s Wi‑Fi system or even bypass security controls.

Royal Caribbean wasn't the first cruise line to ban travel routers, either. For example, Carnival's prohibited items list clearly states that "satellite dish[es], routers and other internet related equipment" are not allowed onboard.

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses

A new survey released by the consulting firm Protiviti found that cybersecurity is a top concern across organizations of all sizes, as reported by Cybersecurity Drive. 

According to the report, corporate leaders, including board members, chief financial officers, and chief operating officers, are "increasingly aware that cyber resilience must be embedded into enterprise strategy."

"This widespread prioritization underscores the almost universal recognition that cybersecurity is no longer a siloed IT issue but rather a strategic enterprise risk with implications for brand reputation, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance," Protiviti said. 

Following cybersecurity, third-party risks, or threats from outside vendors or partners that an organization works with, ranked second on the executives’ list of concerns. 

Royal Caribbean’s updated policy reflects a recognition that cybersecurity at sea is equally important as on land. 

By banning devices that could cause "deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity," the cruise line is ensuring that its digital infrastructure, along with the safety of guests and crew, remains secure. 

It appears as Royal Caribbean is changing stateroom assignments and room sizes on its next new cruise ship.

Legend of the Seas will launch in July, and it will be the third Icon Class ship and likely assume the title of world's largest cruise ship along with its sister ships.

Some cruise ship passengers booked on Legend of the Seas received emails that changes have been made to select cabins.

Not every passenger booked on Legend of the Seas got a notification of a room change, but certain cabins are changing the capacity which has led some people to be upgraded or moved to a different cabin that can accommodate their party size.

Here's what we're seeing so far related to this change.

"Royal Caribbean changed my cabin"

Based on what cruisers have posted online, select rooms have been recategorized on Legend of the Seas.

Here's one example of the change:

After a recent accommodations review, we've noticed that some staterooms, including yours, have been recategorized in our system. The great news is we'll relocate you to a like-for-like stateroom in the same category you booked.

In this case, it looks like the cabin they booked was changed to a new room category. The original cabin assignment has changed and the guest will have their reservation moved to a different room of the same category.

The person was booked in cabin 12292, which was a category D5 ocean view balcony with 3 people.  As a result of this change, their new cabin assignment is 8682.

Royal Caribbean utilizes sub categories for its cabins based on location, size, and how many people it can accommodate.

The difference between a category D4 and D5 balcony can sometimes be as simple as how close it is to the center of the ship.

Another example of the change is someone that was booked in a Surfside Family View Balcony.

While we know you originally booked a Surfside Family View Balcony, you'll now receive a complimentary upgrader to an Ocean View Balcony!

In all cases of room changes, there's been no extra charge or price change to the reservation.

So far, the common denominator with this change seems to be all the rooms had three people booked on the original reservation.

Jenn Greene, a travel advisor with MEI Travel, shared four different clients received an email similar to the one listed above and all of them had three people booked in the cabin.

Behind the scenes changes to reservations

Beside the room recategorizations, emails were sent out to other people booked on Legend of the Seas to inform them their reservation would be inaccessible for a couple weeks.

After a recent review, we're doing some behind the scenes maintenance. Kindly note, while we conduct this update, your booking will be unavailable to access on the app and website for about two (2) weeks from today. 

While Royal Caribbean does system maintenance routinely, it's unusual for a reservation to "disappear" for an extended period of time while they work on the backend.

"Rest assured, your reservation remains intact and unchanged," the email said.  

Legend of the Seas begins sailing this summer

The brand new Icon Class ship enters service in July with cruises around the Mediterranean.

While it might be the third Icon Class ship, it will not be a direct copy of Icon or Star of the Seas.

Legend will add an immersive train car restaurant that takes you on a virtual gastronomic tour through Asia and Europe, inspired by the travels of Marco Polo.

In fact, there will be 28 places to eat on this ship, including a revamped AquaDome Market food hall that will have all new food stands, along with a brand-new juice and smoothie bar serving freshly squeezed refreshments.

Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" will be performed aboard as the musical show in the Royal Theater.

The Hollywoodland Supper Club will offer a fancy multi-course menu set to the music of the golden age of Hollywood.

The 7-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Rome will visit destinations like Marseille, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca.

In November 2026, the ship will move to Fort Lauderdale to offer 6- and 8-night Caribbean itineraries. These sailings will visit Aruba, Curaçao, and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Bookings are open for all of its sailings through April 2027.

The ship boasts six waterslides, seven pools, an entire section of the ship dedicated to young families, as well as a dueling piano bar.

The ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

It's expected to be about the same size as both Icon and Star.  That puts the new ship at about 250,800 gross tons and can accommodate approximately 5,610 passengers at double occupancy or up to 7,600 passengers at maximum occupancy.

A Long Island travel agent has been charged with multiple counts of grand larceny and schemes to defraud after stealing over $50,000 from clients, police confirm. 

Tavia Thomas, 47, of Hempstead, New York, was the CEO and Destination Travel Specialist of her company, Destiny Travel. 

Authorities allege that she defrauded families by taking payments for vacations and failing to actually book them, PIX 11 reported. 

Some of the victims were hoping to sail on Royal Caribbean cruises. In July 2024, for example, she supposedly received $35,753.98 from nine people to book a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Bayonne, New Jersey. 

(Credit: LongIsland.com)

Unfortunately, when the victims arrived at the terminal to board their cruise, they were informed that their booking confirmations were fake, officials said. As such, they were denied boarding. 

Just one week later, Thomas was hired to arrange a resort reservation for a destination wedding through ALG Vacations. However, the reservation was never made, and the clients did not receive a refund for the $5,000 they had paid. 

LongIsland.com shared that several members of the wedding party also made payments to Thomas, totaling over $2,600, which were never refunded. 

A reporter from The Shade Room spoke with Denise Perez-Horton to learn more about the impact of Thomas' alleged actions. 

"Final payment comes, and I’m like, 'Okay, where’s the reservation number?'" she told Justin Carter. "…She’s like, 'Well, the resort had a child that was electrocuted in the pool…and they have mold...' downplaying the resort, and I’m like, 'What? What is going on?'"

Perez-Horton was then informed that the reservation was moved to another resort, though they still did not receive flight or hotel confirmations. When she called the resort, she learned that the business "never" got the booking from Thomas. 

In another case, a family of 50 paid Thomas over $10,000 for a celebratory birthday trip to the Dominican Republic. According to Nassau County police, she never booked the accommodations and failed to return the family’s money.

Thomas faces three counts of third-degree grand larceny, three counts of first-degree scheme to defraud, and two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Her arraignment was held on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at the First District Court in Hempstead. 

It's important to do your research before trusting a travel agent

A travel agent's job is to make your life easier by handling all the meticulous details of planning a trip, from confirming your stateroom to helping book specialty restaurants and arranging transportation. If they do it right, all you have to do is focus on enjoying your well-earned vacation.  

Unfortunately, as Thomas proved, not all travel agents operate with the same level of professionalism or client care as others.

That's why it is important to check reviews, verify credentials, and even ask for references before giving a stranger any payment information. 

If you aren't sure where to start, ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also look for agents affiliated with reputable organizations, like the American Society of Travel Advisors (the world's leading association of travel professionals). 

At Royal Caribbean Blog, we love working with MEI-Travel. Having now booked over one dozen cruises with MEI, I can attest that their employees are professional, timely, and dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience possible from start to finish. 

Read more: I always ask my travel agent for 4 things on every cruise I book to make my cruise easier

Crew members typically don't have large cruise ship cabins. Oftentimes, they have to share a tiny stateroom with another coworker, with the cabins barely large enough to fit bunk beds, a small desk, and a closet. Cruise ship captains, however, live very differently. 

Captains oversee all onboard operations to ensure that the ship is safely operating during each and every voyage. As such, their living quarters reflect the level of responsibility they carry. 

Their luxurious staterooms often feature a spacious bedroom and living area, easy access to the Bridge, panoramic views, and more. 

TikTok user Allie Rae shared a rare look at a captain’s cabin, posting a 30-second clip of her father's living quarters aboard the Independence of the Seas. 

The video, which was shared on Wednesday, January 5, has already received over 190,000 views and 18,400 likes. 

Thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with functionality

Rae opens up the door to reveal an expansive entryway before heading into the main living area. The elegant columns have been wrapped with tinsel for the holidays. 

The living room is anything but cramped, with a large entertainment center, flat-screen television, a couch, loveseat, recliner, and dining table. 

Tucked into the corner is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, while the bar has been fully stocked with wine and glassware. 

Finally, the living room is bathed in natural light from three portholes. This differs from most crew staterooms, as the majority of the cabins are windowless. 

The stateroom also has a large office with two massive portholes. As such, the captain has a quiet, functional space to review CCTV footage, plan routes, and handle other important administrative duties. 

Rae pans over to her father, who is hard at work in his office. "My name is Tor, and I work here," he jokingly says. 

(Credit: Tor I. Olsen/LinkedIn)

According to his LinkedIn page, Tor I. Olsen has been in the maritime industry since 1978. 

He began his career with Royal Caribbean in January 1987 aboard the Song of America and has since worked on several of the line’s most notable ships, including Empress of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas.

Rae's TikTok account also features videos highlighting the behind-the-scenes life of cruise ship crew members

For example, Rae posted a day-in-the-life video, showing her enjoying lunch in the Main Dining Room with her family before accompanying her father to help judge the crew's various holiday competitions, including the Christmas door, tree-making, and office decorating contests.

"After lunch, I got to go with my dad and the Executive Team here on board to judge some of the Christmas trees that were put in for a Christmas decorating contest," she says. 

"On top of that, I also got to go around with them and see the different doors that had entered in the door decorating contest. There were so many cute ones, [and] it was very hard to choose a winner," she adds. 

I think finding the cheapest cruise is all about choosing the right time of year.

There are certainly many factors to how Royal Caribbean prices a cruise, including age of the ship and stateroom category, but the date your sailing take places often has the biggest impact.

Certain times of the year are going to always be cheaper and that's because of demand. Our own research shows higher demand greatly drives up the price, regardless of the ship or cabin type.

If you're chasing lower prices for a cruise, you really ought to focus on when the time of year and departure date as key factors in finding a lower price.

Here are my tips for booking a cruise at the lowest price possible.

When is the cheapest time to cruise?

Regardless of if you want to cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, or Europe, the lowest prices are always during the shoulder season.

This industry term refers to the months of the year where there's far less demand, usually at the beginning or end of the cruising season in a region.  Hence the term "shoulder" because it augments the higher peak demand in the middle.

For example, you'll typically see lower prices for an Alaska cruise in May or September. Likewise, the Caribbean has lower prices the first two weeks of December.

Each region has its own cadence to when you'll find the shoulder season.  Europe has a longer cruising season than Alaska, and prices in the fall greatly differ from the summer.

The Caribbean is a year-round destination, so it doesn't have a shoulder seasons. Rather, Caribbean demand has peaks and valleys, and one week could be significantly cheaper than the next week.

If you're sold on a shoulder season cruise, there can be a few downsides.

The cheapest times to cruise are almost always when school is in session, which means families would have to pull their kids out of class to take advantage of a lower price.

Another issue can be the weather. Alaska tends to be rainy and colder at the beginning and end of the season. Plus, the lessened demand may see some stores, restaurants, or activities closed until the peak season begins.

What is the cheapest month to cruise?

Here's your shoulder season "cheat sheet" for which months will have the best prices because there's usually less demand.

When comparing the price in these months versus other months, you should see a dip in prices.

• Alaska: May, early June, or September
• Australia & New Zealand: April or November
• Bermuda: May, September, or October
• Canada & New England: May or October
• Caribbean: January, September, October or early December
• Mediterranean: March, April or November

You can include nearly all of hurricane season as a cheaper time of year to go on a cruise, especially mid-August through the end of October. The risk of a tropical storm, oppressive humidity, and school in session all contribute to lower demand.

When is the cheapest time to book a cruise?

One of the oldest pieces of cruise advice is to book early, and I think it's still the best time to book a cruise.

Because of how popular cruises are right now, the chances of a last-minute deal have lessened greatly. That's made booking early even more important.

I recommend booking a cruise at least one year early for three important reasons:

• Best chance at a lower price
• Highest availability of cabins, especially suites
• You can reprice the cruise if there's a price drop later

The closer you get to the sail date, the less cabins there are because other people book the cruise. That in turn drives up the price.

These days, Royal Caribbean prices each sailing individually with a pricing algorithm. In truth, conventional cruise sales are more marketing than actual widespread changes in price.

What this means is you shouldn't wait for a specific sale or time of year to book a cruise, because AI has become so sophisticated that cruise prices don't change based on any single promotion anymore.

It's also why last-minute deals are drying up compared to just a few years ago.

After a 12-night cruise to New Zealand with my husband, I flew directly to South Dakota to spend a week working in the office. While I normally work remotely from Florida, I always appreciate the opportunity to be in the office and connect with coworkers in person. 

In addition to freelance writing, I also work as a data analyst for my regular job. This meant I needed to plan for my New Zealand cruise and a week in the office while strategizing my packing plans. 

Of course, I absolutely love to shop for my outfits before vacation. Yes, I have a closet full of clothes, but it’s so fun to pick out new cruise outfits for any upcoming vacation. For me, it’s all part of the fun of planning and preparing for a vacation.

All of this meant that my back-to-back trips of cruising to New Zealand, and then visiting the office for work, created a unique packing challenge. As such, I needed to prioritize pieces that could transition easily from cruise wear to office attire. Every item had to earn its place in my suitcase, which meant focusing on versatility rather than packing separate outfits for each part of the trip.

It’s also important to note that my office environment is fairly casual. For example, jeans are definitely considered office appropriate. Needless to say, I wasn’t planning to pack my pencil skirt or blazer!

Moreover, New Zealand and South Dakota were both on the chilly side (although northern New Zealand was warmer). Because of the cooler weather, most of these recommendations would be for cold-weather cruising. This would include destinations like Alaska, Norway, Northern Europe, New England, New Zealand, Iceland, and more.

If you’re looking to invest in clothes that feel stylish and practical for both an upcoming cruise and time in the office, consider this your go-to shopping list. Below are my top outfit recommendations for women that transition seamlessly from cruise vacation to office attire.

Note: If you purchase from our Amazon links below, we receive a small commission. This is no extra cost to you, but it does help support our website. You can always check out our Amazon Storefront for all cruise essentials and must-haves.
 

1. Long Sleeve Swing Dress

Link: MOLERANI Women's Casual Simple Long Sleeve T-Shirt Loose Dress

Price: $19.99

One of my favorite outfits to bring on a cruise is a long sleeve swing dress. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and works well for a variety of settings. Whether I’m walking around a port of call or getting dressed for a day in the office, this is one of my go-to outfits. 

I wore this style of dress multiple times during our cruise and packed it in a few different colors because it's so versatile. It was especially perfect for our sailaway from Sydney, Australia, which I wore later that evening as a cute, comfortable dinner outfit. Once I returned to South Dakota, I continued wearing the same dress to the office, but I styled it with leggings and boots for colder weather. It ended up being one of the most practical outfits that I packed.

2. Denim Jacket

Link: Amazon Essentials Women's Jean Jacket (Available in Plus Size)

Price: $23.90

Another classic piece in my cruise wardrobe is a denim jacket. I love how easy it is to throw on when exploring ports on cooler days or during breezy evenings onboard. It’s one of those layers that works with almost anything and can be dressed up or down while still providing just enough warmth.

A denim jacket like this is also a staple in my office wardrobe. In the summer, I often layer it over a lightweight dress for an easy, comfortable work outfit. In the winter, it works just as well paired with a casual top and darker trousers for a typical workday. It’s a versatile, reliable piece that every woman should have, in my opinion!

3. Romper with Pants

Link: PRETTYGARDEN Jumpsuits for Women 2026 Spring Summer Casual Dressy Short Sleeve Romper Airport Vacation Travel Outfits

Price: $29.99

Rompers are one of my go-to outfits for cruises because they’re effortless to wear and always look put-together, especially when paired with a simple set of heels. Whether I need an easy dinner outfit onboard or something comfortable for exploring a port, a romper works perfectly. I find it can be dressed up or down with just a few accessories.

I’m also a big fan of wearing rompers like this back at the office. I stick to styles with pants to keep things work-appropriate, and they’re easy to layer for a more professional look. I often pair my romper with a denim jacket or a light sweater. This outfit is easy for the office while still being comfortable enough for a full workday.

4. Lightweight, Button Down Cardigan

Link: Yincro Women's Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Long Sleeve Soft Knit Cardigans Sweater

Price: $14.99

My mom’s number one rule for cruise packing is always to bring a light sweater. It hardly takes up any space in your suitcase, but it’s one of those items you’ll end up using constantly. A nice cardigan or sweater is an easy layer to throw on in the evenings or inside the ship, and it can quickly pull an outfit together. If you tend to get cold easily, cruise ship air conditioning can feel especially brutal, so a light sweater is a must-have.

In addition, a lightweight cardigan is also something I wear all the time back in the office. It layers easily over just about anything while also adding warmth, without feeling too bulky. In the summer, I love tossing a light cardigan over a dress for an easy, comfortable work outfit that still feels appropriate for the office.

5. Sweatshirt Dress

Link: KISSMODA Womens Sweatshirt Dress Fall Long Sleeve Pullover Tops Patchwork Casual Mini Dresses

Price: $19.99

One of my favorite cruise outfits for New Zealand was this casual sweatshirt dress from Amazon. It was warm, cozy, and easy to wear with a pair of leggings and white sneakers for sea days and cooler port stops. It was one of those pieces I kept reaching for because it was comfortable, but still looked cute.

I’ve also worn this dress plenty since getting back home. In the office, I layer it with leggings and heeled boots to make it feel a bit more professional for the office. It’s been perfect for winter workdays in the cold Midwest, as it’s cozy all day, but still work-appropriate.

6. Dark Wash Jeans

Link: Sidefeel Women's Wide Leg Jeans High Waisted Stretchy Raw Hem Zimbaplatinum Denim Pants

Price: $39.99

Jeans are a great option to bring on a cruise, whether you decide to wear them for dinner or during your time ashore. Whether you pair the jeans with a dressier top or a casual t-shirt, jeans are versatile for your vacation. I prefer a looser pair of jeans when cruising, as there’s nothing worse than a tight pair of pants after a week of cruise food!

For my office, jeans are acceptable for work attire. I try to avoid jeans with lighter wash or holes to maintain professionalism. This style is a great option to wear to the office, especially in the cooler winter months to stay warm!

7. Casual Trousers

Link: IWOLLENCE Women's Wide Leg Pants with Pockets High Waist Adjustable Knot Loose Casual Trousers Business Work Casual Pants

Price: $19.99

If you’re not really a jeans person, casual trousers can be a great alternative for both a cruise and the office. A looser pair of trousers is comfortable but still looks classy. This makes it easy to wear for dinner onboard, or as a more put-together outfit while exploring a port, especially in cooler weather. They’re also easy to style up or down depending on your plans for the day.

Trousers are also a staple for my trips to the office. A pair of trousers is something I can wear to work year-round, whether I’m pairing them with a blouse for a more classic office look, or a simple top for an easier workday outfit. They’re comfortable and versatile!

8. Midi Dress

Link: BTFBM Womens Summer 2025 Casual Midi Maxi Dresses Lightweight Short Sleeve V Neck Elastic Waist Boho Beach Dress Pockets

Price: $49.99

Another cruise staple for me is a midi dress. This is one of those items that I’ll wear both ashore during the day and again for dinner onboard, just styled a little differently. A change of shoes can make all the difference from casual daytime outfit to a dressier look at night.

Like most of my cruise clothes, I usually go for a looser fit so it stays comfortable all day. Most importantly, it doesn’t feel restrictive after enjoying all that great cruise food!

For the office, midi dresses are especially nice in the spring and summer when the weather starts to warm up. While I didn’t really wear my midi dress during colder winter days at work, they’re absolutely something I pack and reach for once the weather starts to warm up. I find midi dresses are easy, comfortable, and work well for the office.

9. Flowy Skirt

Link: HUSKARY Women's Summer Casual Elegant Smock Layered Tiered Maxi Skirt High Waisted A Line Flowy Long Skirts with Pockets

Price: $18.99

While I’m not really a fan of pencil skirts for the office, I do love a flowy skirt! This style is lightweight and comfortable, which makes it especially easy to wear on a cruise, particularly in warmer destinations where staying cool is important. The relaxed fit makes it practical for walking around port or spending a full day exploring without feeling restricted.

Paired with a cute top, a flowy skirt creates an effortless outfit that works just as well for a casual day ashore as it does for dinner onboard. At the office, I like to wear a flowy skirt with a sweater in the fall or spring. It's cute and stylish pretty much all year! It’s a great addition to any cruise or office wardrobe. 

10. Oversized Turtleneck Sweater

Link: LILLUSORY Women's Oversized Batwing Sweaters 2025 Fall Outfits Trendy Crewneck Knit Side Slit Fashion Pullover Tops

Price: $32.99

You might not immediately think to pack a turtleneck sweater for a cruise, but if you’re sailing to cooler destinations like Alaska, Norway, or Iceland, warmer layers are a must. A turtleneck is great for chilly days exploring ports of call and also works well paired with jeans for dinner onboard.

During the winter, I basically live in oversized sweaters when I go to the office. I usually wear my sweaters with a pair of leggings and heeled boots for a comfortable, but still office-appropriate look. You could just as easily pair this type of sweater with jeans or dress pants for a more traditional work outfit, which makes it a really versatile piece to have in your closet.

Passengers embarking on Quantum of the Seas' January 5, 2026, cruise out of Los Angeles were told to arrive later than planned. 

The Quantum Class cruise ship won't return to its homeport in California as originally scheduled due to a medical emergency on the previous voyage. 

"Due to a delay in our previous sailing, Quantum of the Seas will be arriving [at] the pier later than planned, and the terminal will be closed until 3:30 PM," read an email sent to impacted guests. 

The earliest arrival time was pushed from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the latest arrivals must check in at 6:30 p.m. All guests are required to be on the ship by 7:00 p.m.

(Credit: Andrew Schile/Facebook)

"If you have not completed check-in, please arrive at 6:30 PM. Arriving [at] the terminal earlier than your adjusted time will result in you being turned away until your new time," the email continued. 

In addition to later arrival times, passengers can't access the parking lot until 3:00 p.m, as they must wait until the current guests have left. 

Although the letter didn't explain why the ship was delayed, one guest shared that they were in Cabo San Lucas when one passenger "got critically ill." They had already departed but needed to return, so the guest could receive proper medical attention ashore. Consequently, they did not depart Mexico until around 9:45 p.m.

"Captain is really trying hard to make up time. There just isn’t enough time to do it. Captain told us today that we should expect to [dock] at noon to 12:30. 1st luggage will not be off [the] ship until 1:30 at the earliest," they added. 

(Screenshot showing Quantum of the Seas' location at 10:55 a.m. EST. Credit: Cruise Mapper)

According to Cruise Mapper, Quantum of the Seas was sailing off the coast of Encinitas, California, around 10:55 a.m. EST on Jan. 5. The vessel has yet to pass Catalina Island. 

Passengers will have more time to enjoy Ensenada, Mexico

Royal Caribbean doesn't offer many 2-night cruises. Although incoming guests will have less time to enjoy the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship, Royal Caribbean is adjusting the itinerary's schedule to give passengers more time in port. 

"Additionally, while we'll be departing from Los Angeles later than originally planned, this will not affect our arrival time in Ensenada," the cruise line said. 

"As a bonus, our departure from Ensenada will now be at 6:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM, giving you even more time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer."

About Quantum of the Seas

Quantum of the Seas is the namesake Quantum Class ship that debuted in 2014. The ship has 14 guest decks, over 2,900 cabins, and measures 168,666 gross tons. 

Known for its technological innovations, Quantum of the Seas is known for amenities like the Bionic Bar, Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule, and virtual balcony inside staterooms. 

Quantum of the Seas will offer cruises from Los Angeles, California, to Ensenada, Mexico, and the Mexican Riviera through Sept. 2026. Then, she'll reposition to Australia for a seasonal stint exploring the South Pacific. 

In April 2027, Quantum of the Seas will move to Seattle, where she will offer a series of Alaskan cruises, giving guests the chance to witness glaciers firsthand, try delicious seafood, and marvel at rugged landscapes. 

Read more: Quantum of the Seas Food Review