Royal Caribbean Blog

I was able to take advantage of a few smart strategies to help make my money go further on my first Celebrity cruise.

While I’m usually a budget cruiser, my recent cruise on Celebrity Silhouette initially proved otherwise.

I upgraded from my typical interior cabin to a balcony room, and I booked my airfare way too late, which set me back a staggering $1,400.

Additionally, my cruise itinerary was set to visit Norway, a country frequently listed as one of the most expensive in the world. I felt as if I were setting myself up for failure as far as budget was concerned, but I was still determined to save money wherever I could.

By utilizing Celebrity’s loyalty status perks, forgoing splurges onboard, and keeping in-port spending to a minimum, I was surprised with the savvy ways I was able to save money throughout my weeklong cruise.

Here are the five ways I saved money on my first Celebrity cruise.

I took advantage of Celebrity’s loyalty status matching program, maximizing benefits to save as much as possible

One of the easiest ways I saved money on my Celebrity cruise was through matching my Crown & Anchor Society status on Royal Caribbean to Celebrity’s Captain’s Club program.

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean allow guests to match their loyalty status from one cruise line to the other, allowing passengers to reap the benefits of the reciprocal loyalty program—even if it’s their first time on the cruise line.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club loyalty program info, tips & secrets

As a Diamond Plus member on Royal Caribbean, I matched my status to Celebrity’s Captain’s Club when I booked my cruise. My status matched Celebrity's Elite Plus status, the second-highest tier of the loyalty program.

This led to lucrative benefits during my cruise, including discounts on wifi and drink packages, a 15% discount at specialty restaurants, two complimentary bags of laundry, one free scoop of gelato, a day in the thermal suite, and access to exclusive events.

Although I didn’t take advantage of every benefit offered, a few select benefits led to great savings. The Elite Happy Hour, for instance, allowed me to enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages from 5-7PM every evening, and I could also start each day with a complimentary latte from the onboard coffee shop, Café Al Bacio.

I was grateful for these benefits as they enabled me to minimize my onboard spending. I didn’t need to worry about paying for laundry or spending $15 for a single cocktail, and saving nearly $40 on the wifi package was an awesome perk, too.

I planned my own activities in port because Celebrity’s excursion prices were steep

Norway and budget-friendly don’t necessarily go hand in hand, but I was still surprised by the prices of shore excursions offered by Celebrity Cruises.

Having never been to Norway before, I was looking forward to exploring the four ports of call on my itinerary. The Norwegian fjords looked spectacular, and I knew I wanted to see as much as I could in each destination. As an active traveler, I was particularly interested in excursions involving hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits.

Related: Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship?

Unfortunately, looking at Celebrity’s excursions ahead of my cruise left me disappointed. Organized tours to destinations like Briksdal Glacier and Pulpit Rock (Norway’s most famous hike) were over $200 or $300 a person. Even independent tours I found on GetYourGuide and Viator were expensive. Norway was already living up to its pricey reputation, and hadn’t even arrived in the country yet!

Before shelling out nearly $1,000 on excursions, I checked whether or not I could get to each port's top attractions on my own. Luckily, I found economical ways to do the same activities I wanted to book with a cruise-sponsored excursion.

Instead of booking a $170 excursion to hike Pulpit Rock, I booked a $40 shuttle bus that departed from central Stavanger and dropped me off at the trailhead. The return trip left five hours later, giving me more than enough time to finish the trail (and grab a well-deserved ice cream at the basecamp).

In Olden, I booked the Loen Skylift on my own to enjoy enchanting views of Norway’s Nordfjord. The cable car’s ticket was $53 for a roundtrip ride, and I got to and from the skylift in just six minutes on a local bus (just $3 each way).

My port days in Ålesund and Molde were easier to plan independently, as I planned to stay within the city centers. Each town offered charming, historic streets, quaint cafes, and gorgeous views from the waterfront. My expenses were minimal in both of these destinations.

I took public transportation to the port instead of a taxi or shuttle

One of the hidden expenses of a cruise vacation is the expense of getting to and from your cruise port. Although you might book airfare far in advance, it’s easy to forget about planning transportation logistics to the ship itself.

My cruise itinerary departed from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, but my flight arrived at the country’s main airport outside of Amsterdam. As always, I arrived a day prior to my cruise. I spent the night in Amsterdam with a plan of traveling to Rotterdam on embarkation morning.

Related: How to prepare for a cruise: Last minute things you should do

One of the most convenient aspects of cruising in Europe is the extensive public transportation network in major cities. In most circumstances, there’s no need to book expensive private transfers or call an Uber to the port when cheaper—and arguably more convenient—options exist.

So instead of booking Celebrity’s $40 transfer or shelling out over €100 for a taxi, I searched for directions to the port on Google Maps. An $18 train ride from Amsterdam brought me to Rotterdam’s central station in under an hour. From there, a short, $2 metro ride brought me just a 5-minute walk away from the city’s cruise port.

If you’re traveling with more than two people, or if you have large suitcases, there’s an argument to be made for private transfers. In my scenario, though, taking public transportation made the most sense whilst also saving money.

I kept souvenir shopping to a minimum and avoided expensive meals in port

After reading how fellow cruise writer Allie spent over $800 on souvenirs on her recent European cruise, I was worried about whether or not I could keep my shopping budget to a minimum. She stated how the cost of souvenirs in Norway was exorbitant, with $40 t-shirts and $60 crewnecks.

Reading this beforehand, I made a mental note to keep souvenir spending to a minimum. Of course, traveling with a carry-on suitcase helped, as I couldn’t fit much more into the bag anyway. So instead of purchasing heavy knickknacks and clothing, I bought small souvenirs like magnets, which were cheaper and easier to pack.

Related: Top 30 extra cruise costs that aren't included

Furthermore, I saved money by avoiding the more expensive dining options in port. On long port days, it’s inevitable that you’ll spend some money on food, whether a sit-down meal or grab-and-go snack.

Most restaurants in Norway are anything but budget-friendly; sit-down meals seemed to average around $25 for an entrée. I could see these prices breaking my budget on a land-based trip, but because I only had four days in Norway, spending $100 on four lunches while in port wasn’t a huge deal.

Even still, I tended to choose more casual dining venues instead of the fancier sit-down options. One of my best meals, in fact, was from a Thai food truck in Ålesund, and the meal only set me back $13. If I needed a quick snack, I could find a scrumptious pastry at a local bakery for around $3-5.

Staying budget-conscious with souvenir and food purchases in port helped me avoid spending more than I wanted to. Luckily, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything by doing so.

I stuck to only included dining options, despite the intriguing specialty restaurants

Although I usually cruise on a budget, one of the add-ons I frequently splurge for on a cruise is specialty dining. There’s not anything wrong with the included food on a cruise ship, but I prefer the enhanced dining experience of specialty venues, both in ambiance and cuisine variety.

Yet on Celebrity Silhouette, I forwent the specialty options and dined at only included restaurants. I split my meals between the Main Dining Room and Oceanview Cafe buffet. Outside of these venues, the ship offered complimentary burgers at Mast Grill, grab-and-go pastries at Café Al Bacio, and health-focused fare at Spa Café.

Related: What's included on a Celebrity cruise?

I also made sure to avoid food and beverage classes offered by Celebrity. Although the pizza making class they offered onboard was probably fun, I couldn’t fathom spending over $70 for the experience.

The included restaurants provided enough variety that I didn’t feel the need to spend extra at specialty restaurants. By spending nothing extra for food onboard, I could allocate these savings toward meals and snacks in port instead.

Sometimes splurging is worth the convenience, but I was happy to keep to a budget on my Celebrity cruise

At the end of the day, I’m glad I used these savvy tricks in order to save money on my Celebrity cruise. That being said, there’s a time and a place for using these budget-saving strategies.

There’s no denying that booking shore excursions through the cruise line is convenient, for example, and not all travelers want to deal with the hassle of planning port days on their own. Sometimes, spending an extra $100 on an organized tour is worth it for a stress-free trip.

Plus, add-ons like drink packages and specialty dining can greatly enhance a passenger’s onboard experience. There were times I wanted to try those picture-perfect cocktails at the Martini Bar, or that steamy bowl of ramen from Raw on 5, without thinking about the cost of each purchase.

At the end of the day, though, saving money on a cruise enables me to cruise more often. Every cruiser has a different travel style, and I’ll stick to even the tightest budget if it means I can continue booking cruises to far-flung destinations around the world.

With so many destinations to choose from in the Caribbean, it’s easy to see why these itineraries are so popular with cruisers. From mountainous regions to the sandy beaches, there is a little bit of something for everyone.

Since I was a toddler, I have been cruising around the Caribbean. Even growing up in the Midwest, my parents would take me and my sister on a yearly Royal Caribbean cruise, typically over spring break or summer vacation.

I’ve been able to visit nearly all of the Caribbean destinations reachable by cruise ship. With the exception of a few islands - such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao - and a few countries, like Colombia, I’ve enjoyed exploring this region of the world over the last two decades.

Overall, I’ve been to 25 Caribbean destinations by cruise ship. Therefore, it’s pretty rare when I sail on a cruise that visits a new port of call. Anytime I can visit a new destination in the Caribbean, I am giddy like a little kid.

Last year I was able to visit two new countries while cruising: Honduras and the Dominican Republic. I also visited Turks and Caicos for the first time - and I loved the experience. However, at this point, I’ve done almost all of the touristy excursions throughout the Caribbean that you can possibly do.

I’ve held a stingray in Grand Cayman, zip-lined in Costa Rica, swam with the dolphins in Mexico, snorkeled with sea turtles in Barbados, and lounged on all of the picturesque beaches. Finally, I’ve been lucky enough to transit through the Panama Canal by cruise ship, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read more: How to choose the right Caribbean cruise sailing

Of course, there is always a new experience to be had regardless of how many times you’ve visited the Caribbean! There are some destinations that I can’t wait to return to while others are fine as one-and-done.

Here are the four Caribbean destinations I would visit again in a heartbeat, along with three ports that I would skip.

St. Maarten

One of my all-time favorite ports in the Caribbean is Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The island is actually owned by both the Netherlands and France, with the northern part of the island being French and the Southern part being Dutch. As such, St. Maarten has a unique blend of varying cultures and so much to offer.

I’ve been to St. Maarten multiple times and one of my all-time favorite activities is visiting Maho Beach. Being married to a pilot, my husband absolutely geeks out over this iconic beach where the runway approach is right over the beach. The planes land so close to the beach it almost seems like you can touch them!

Is Maho Beach the nicest beach in St. Maarten? Not necessarily, but it’s certainly one of the most memorable and unique beaches you’ll find in the Caribbean. For me and my family personally, this is such a fun place to visit while cruising.

Moreover, there is so much to do in St. Maarten, including relaxing on the island’s many pristine beaches, shopping on Front Street, and hiking to Mount Concordia. The island feels quaint, clean, and easy to navigate.

Whenever I am looking to book a Caribbean cruise, I look to find an itinerary with a port stop in St. Maarten. It’s one of those places that I find myself always excited to visit again after countless good experiences ashore.

Dominica

Nicknamed "The Nature Island," Dominica is one of the prettiest Caribbean ports I’ve ever visited. Although I’ve only been to Roseau once, I’ve been wanting to return ever since. The island has such a diverse, mountainous landscape with hot springs, beaches, and tropical rainforests.

While cruising on Jewel of the Seas a few years ago, my husband and I took an excursion through Royal Caribbean to Morne Bruce, Trafalgar Falls, and the Emerald Pool. We marveled at the Trafalgar Falls before swimming in the freshwater Emerald pools, surrounded by more cascading falls.

We were able to see so much of the island, but I wished we had more time to explore! Dominica was lusciously green with beautifully blue ocean water. I also appreciated that we were the only ship docked, as Dominica can only accommodate one cruise ship each day. It didn’t feel like the island was overtaken by cruisers!

Roseau is a more rare cruise port for Royal Caribbean. You’ll either need to fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, or book a longer itinerary from Florida that visits the Southern Caribbean. However, I highly recommend booking an itinerary with a stop in Dominica if you can.

St. Thomas

I’ve been able to visit St. Thomas multiple times over the years and it continues to be one of my favorite Caribbean destinations.

The first time I visited St. Thomas was in middle school on a family reunion cruise. We booked a sailboat tour and sailed around the island - my mom still makes the sailor’s homemade guacamole recipe to this day! I remember thinking it was one of the bluest ocean waters I had ever seen.

Typically, I like to head over to the famous Magens Bay for a lovely beach day. Magens Bay has soft sand and crystal-clear ocean water for swimming. Because the bay is shaped like a horseshoe, you don’t have to worry about rough seas. There are plenty of other beautiful beaches on the island too.

St. Thomas also has great shopping and quaint villages! During my last visit to St. Thomas, my dad purchased a stunning emerald ring for me as a special keepsake. I wear it every day with fond memories of St. Thomas! The island has so much to do, including visiting Blackbeard’s Castle or the Skyride to Paradise Point.

Overall, I’ve had only positive experiences during my time in St. Thomas. Look to book either Southern or Eastern Caribbean sailings with Royal Caribbean if you want to visit St. Thomas on your future cruise.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perhaps unsurprising, I truly love visiting Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas: Perfect Day at CocoCay. If I am being honest about which destinations in the Caribbean that I look forward to returning to, Perfect Day at CocoCay is at the top of my list.

I’m not alone in this either, as Royal Caribbean has stated that CocoCay is the cruise line’s highest-rated destination! First, visiting CocoCay is not only extremely convenient, but also so relaxing.

The private island feels all-inclusive with so many beaches, pools, and restaurants included in the cost of your Royal Caribbean cruise. As a Diamond Plus loyalty member, I love that I can use my free drink vouchers while ashore. Anyone with a drink package can also take advantage of their purchase at CocoCay as well, which is a huge perk!

The island has a little bit of something for everyone, including Thrill Waterpark, the adults-only Hideaway Beach, the exclusive Coco Beach Club, Oasis Lagoon swim-up bar, a floating tiki bar, and multiple beaches with loungers.

Overall, Perfect Day at CocoCay really feels like a beach getaway. There is no denying you are on vacation when you’re docked here. I love being able to truly unwind and not have to worry about how I am going to spend my day.

Royal Caribbean sails to Perfect Day at CocoCay on nearly every Caribbean itinerary. Currently, the cruise line has 144 itineraries with stops scheduled in CocoCay. If you’re hoping to visit this private destination, there’s a good chance your itinerary already includes a stop!

Honorable Mention: Key West

While not necessarily in the Caribbean, one of my all-time favorite cruise destinations is Key West, Florida. Known as the southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West is a lovely destination while cruising.

The port of Key West is right in the city center, so you hardly have to venture far if you’re looking for shops and restaurants. The city is so charming with pastel-colored buildings, wandering chickens, and live music coming from the many beach bars.

Key West is laid-back and easy to walk around. I love visiting all of the shops and bars around the port. My sister and I recently visited Key West during our cruise on Celebrity Silhouette and walked to the Southernmost Point Buoy and enjoyed leisurely strolling the side streets. I would never turn down a port stop in Key West.

Skip: Jamaica

Perhaps my least favorite destination in the Caribbean, Jamaica is one port of call that I would be fine skipping for the foreseeable future. In fact, I am surprised cruise ships continue sailing to Jamaica. Royal Caribbean cruise ships typically dock in Falmouth, Jamaica, although I’ve also visited Ocho Rios, Jamaica by cruise ship.

First, the area outside of the port and touristy area is very rough. The last time I visited Jamaica, I remember thinking that I’d be fine if I never visited the island again. Generally speaking, the area outside of the cruise port feels unsafe once you leave the secure area. It’s not uncommon to be offered drugs for purchase, sometimes by pushy sellers. Unless I book an excursion, I typically stay on the ship when docked in Jamaica.

Read more: Caribbean tourist traps to avoid on a cruise

Even on an excursion, you can expect to spend nearly two hours driving to and from the cruise port. Many cruisers find their excursions run behind schedule or deviate from the planned agenda, although this hasn’t been my experience. If you’re visiting Dunn’s River Falls, which is one of the main tourist attractions for cruisers, you can expect to find a massive tourist trap upon arrival.

Overall, I am glad that Jamaica is crossed off my bucket list of countries that I’ve visited, but it’s certainly not a destination that I need to visit again.

Skip: Nassau

Located in the Bahamas, Nassau is one of the most common cruise ports for Caribbean sailings. It seems like every cruise I book these days has a port stop in Nassau! However, it’s one port that I would be fine never visiting again.

To start, the cruise port is always jam-packed with cruise ships, as the port can accommodate up to six ships in a single day. Nassau can even accommodate up to three Oasis Class ships! This leads to a very crowded port with tens of thousands of cruisers taking over the city. Last year, Nassau set a record for having almost 30,000 cruise passengers visiting the port in a single day!

Also, the excursions in Nassau are super expensive. If you want to visit Atlantis, be prepared to fork out hundreds of dollars per person for a few hours at the resort. Those choosing to visit a resort for the day will likely spend $100 per person. I’m always shocked by the inflated excursion costs in Nassau!

Unless you book an excursion or take a taxi to Paradise Island, Nassau itself feels disingenuous. If you wander too far outside of the port area, you can find yourself in tough areas very quickly. I’ve never run into an unsafe situation while visiting Nassau, but it’s not a port that I look forward to visiting.

Even after visiting Nassau close to 12 times, the port has never left me very impressed. I consider Nassau one of those port days where I stay on the ship and take advantage of everyone being ashore. Staying onboard during a port day allows you to enjoy a quiet ship and all of the amenities to yourself.

Skip: Belize

One port in the Caribbean that I don’t need to visit again anytime soon is Belize. Royal Caribbean’s ships dock in Belize City, which certainly isn’t the safest destination in the Caribbean. Unless you decide to visit the Mayan Ruins or tube down the caves, Belize doesn’t have much else to offer.

The port area for Belize is very lackluster, not to mention you need to tender to and from the ship to get ashore. I first visited Belize back in elementary school during a cruise on Enchantment of the Seas. We walked around the port area and decided there wasn’t much to see before tendering back to the ship.

Although I’ve visited Belize by cruise ship, I also traveled to the country for a mission trip back in high school. After seeing so much of the country in a very different light, I haven’t had much desire to return for vacation.

Overall, Belize isn’t a destination that I feel the need to visit again on a cruise ship. I find the tender ride to and from the ship to be the most exciting part of visiting this destination. Again, I am happy to cross this off my list of countries visited, but Belize City leaves little to be desired for me.

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A short weekend cruise is a great getaway, but how much will it cost?

A 3-night cruise provides a short, sweet, and affordable vacation that is perfect for those on a budget.

Because the cruise is only a few days, you'll spend less on onboard expenses and shore excursions because there's simply less time on the ship.

Royal Caribbean offers 3-night cruises for as little as $400 per person.

But exactly how much can you save by cruising a shorter sailing?

Prices vary greatly depending on a ship's size and age, the stateroom category you chose, and the sailing date.

A really good last minute deal might come in closer to $500 for two people, but you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a 3-day cruise as a median price.

What's the average cost of a 3-night cruise?

The price of any cruise can vary greatly from one sailing to another. 

As a starting point, our team estimates you'll spend about $150 per night, per person on a base cruise fare.

This base price can increase or decrease depending on cabin category, time of year, the popularity of the sailing, and the ship you choose.

A 3-night cruise on an older ship will probably cost less than a newer ship, but both will cost more during Spring Break than the third week of January. In short, there are a lot of factors that determine the price of a cruise.

Additionally, while 3-night cruises are cheaper than week-long sailings, a cruise over the weekend tends to cost more than a 4-night cruise during the week. Why? Weekend cruises are generally more popular.

Read more: How different is a 3-night vs 4-night cruise?

This base cruise fare for a 3-night cruise includes accommodations, meals and snacks at complimentary venues, Adventure Ocean children's programs, entertainment and activities, complimentary drinks, and access to ship amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and fitness centers.

Prices in the U.S. now include all taxes and fees (such as port fees), but exclude the cost of gratuities, add-ons, and your other transportation.

The ship's size and age also impact the cost

You'll want to start planning your weekend cruise by choosing a ship to sail on.

As a general rule, newer and bigger ships have more amenities but come at a higher cost.

For example, a 3-night Bahamas and Perfect Day weekend cruise on Oasis of the Seas costs $480 per person. That's if you choose an interior room in November 2024, coming out to $160 per night, per person.

In contrast, a Bahamas weekend cruise on Grandeur of the Seas, a smaller Vision class ship, costs $422 per person in April 2025. For an interior stateroom, you'd be paying around $140 per person, per night.

However, if you wanted to sail on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, cruises start at $582 per person.

Before you book a weekend cruise simply based on price, be sure that you'll enjoy all the ship has to offer.

You should choose a vessel based on the itinerary, amenities, and entertainment you appreciate.

Stateroom category has the biggest influence on price

Your cabin category will be one of the biggest influences on your final price tag.

It's one of the aspects that make cruising so adjustable to each budget. Whether you'd like to save money by choosing a smaller room or splurge on a suite, the category is completely your choice.

When booking a cruise, you'll want to carefully decide which has the most value to you: are you looking to save money for shore excursions at port, or do you want to splurge on a lavish suite?

Your choice can mean the difference between thousands of dollars.

Looking at a 3-night sailing on Anthem of the Seas in January 2025, a Penang Cruise costs $432 per person in an interior cabin.

The cheapest cabin, an interior room is a smaller space with no windows.

Upgrading to a balcony room on this sailing takes you up to $572 per person, while a Junior Suite starts at $1,300 per person.

For the biggest leap in price, the huge Royal Loft Suite comes in at $3,820 per person.

Read more: I'm a new cruiser and tried a weekend cruise on one of the biggest cruise ships. It was filled with lots in a short amount of time

Sailing during peak season and holidays raises your cruise fare

Cruise fares also vary depending on the time and season.

The most expensive sailings will fall during holidays, 3-day weekends, spring and summer break, and the weeks from Christmas to New Year's.

On dates like these, when adults are off work and children have a break from school, supply and demand tend to affect the price.

Cruising during peak dates like these can increase your cruise fare to nearly double what the same sailing might cost in the low season.

To save money on your 3-day cruise, you'll want to cruise during the shoulder season.

Each region has a different season in which you'll find the lowest fares and fewer crowds. 

Additionally, if you're planning a cruise further in advance, it's still better to purchase the sailing as early as possible.

Prices increase as the sailing date gets closer, and from one year to the next.

Add-ons are your choice, but they increase the final bill

In addition to the cruise fare, you have the opportunity to add on optional amenities.

Since Royal Caribbean cruises aren't all-inclusive, it's up to you whether you'd like to purchase add-ons like WiFi, drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and souvenirs. 

Prices on these cruise add-ons vary depending on the item and sailing, but they are typically cheaper for shorter cruises.

Though drink packages and spa treatments can be pricey, you'll find that the cost is less for your shorter, weekend cruise.

Royal Caribbean keeps its cruises non-inclusive so that cruisers can choose which add-ons to purchase based on their preferences.

Your overall base is cheaper overall, and you won't end up paying for anything you don't want.

In 2022, Royal Caribbean Group noted that the average cruisers spent between $90-100 per person, per day on cruise add-ons.

You'll also have to pay for transportation to and from the cruise port

Additional travel (before and after the cruise) is another factor to include in your cruise budget.

Getting to and from your cruise port will be your responsibility; another added expense.

When planning for your cruise, include in your budget the cost of flights, taxis, and baggage if you need to fly to the cruise port, or gas, parking, and tolls if you need to drive.

It's important to consider how and when you'll travel to the cruise port before purchasing the cruise.

We always recommend arriving at the embarkation port a day early, in case any travel delays occur. This will require you to find lodging or book a hotel room the night before embarkation day—another added cost.

Read more: I tried my first 3-night cruise, here's how it went

Royal Caribbean is among the cruise lines already changing their plans due to Hurricane Ernesto.

Royal Caribbean has begun re-routing a number of ships to avoid the path of the hurricane.  

Ernesto was first a tropical storm affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands on Wednesday, but has now strengthened to a hurricane.

"We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by weather," a letter from the cruise lines to guests booked on Icon of the Seas read informing them of the change.

"Your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather."

Icon of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship, and is one of the first cruise ships to change plans due to Ernesto.

The original plan was for Icon to visit the Eastern Caribbean cruise ports of  St. Thomas, St. Kitts and then the Bahamas. Instead, Icon will switch to a Western Caribbean itinerary and visit: Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan, Honduras.

In addition, guests will have an additional two hours to enjoy at the private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

A second Royal Caribbean cruise ship has also had to change itineraries due to Ernesto.

Rhapsody of the Seas is sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico and will reverse its itinerary to avoid the storm.

Rhapsody will start the cruise by going to Barbados instead of St. Croix.  She'll return to St. Croix on Saturday, August 17th.

Ernesto's formation coincides as we are nearing the peak of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

It started out as Invest 98L, and then became Potential Tropical Cyclone Five. As it moved moved over the warm waters of the tropical Atlantic Ocean it became better organized and eventually became what is now Hurricane Ernesto.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Ernesto is located about 180 miles northwest of Grand Turk Island and about 765 miles south-southwest of Bermuda. It's moving off to the northwest at 16 mph and has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph with higher gusts.

It should become a Category 3 hurricane by Friday.

The storm is likely headed towards Bermuda next.

How Royal Caribbean plans changes

When there's bad weather in the world, Royal Caribbean will always monitor it to ensure their ships avoid it.

Along with Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, the ship's Captain makes the decision for the best course of action.

Tropical Storm Ernesto may not be a weather event for the mainland United States, but it's enough of a threat to change ship plans.

Mr. Setzer posted on Twitter/X on Monday, "Thanks to a deepening upper trough near the east coast, the US mainland threat from what will become Ernesto is very low. The exact details of impacts to the northeast Caribbean are a little less certain but a hurricane strike is unlikely there. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Bermuda around week's end."

In the case of Icon of the Seas, the letter explained changing from an Eastern Caribbean to a Western Caribbean itinerary made the most sense, "Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been monitoring inclement weather along our intended path. Due to the adverse weather, we’ve modified our itinerary to provide you with the most enjoyable sailing experience."

Radical itinerary changes are not ideal for passengers given the original plans they booked, but avoiding the path of a tropical storm is the right decision every time.

One thing I really love about a cruise is when you can share the experience with friends and family, and it's one of the best kind of vacations when you're accounting for different ages.

When I've taken a land vacation with my extended family, it seems inevitably some people end up "doing their own thing" because what others are doing isn't to their liking.  And that usually means more separation from everyone because of distances involved.

I find a cruise vacation lends itself more towards being together, and even when you're not, you're never too far away.  Royal Caribbean is in that sweet spot for large families because they have lots for kids, parents, grandparents and weird uncles to enjoy.  It doesn't lean too heavy into one particular demographic.

I don't necessarily want a vacation where my entire family feels like we're "joined at the hip", but it's still important to feel like we spent time together.

Regardless of which type of vacation you pick, it's not easy balancing the needs of every family member and everyone coming home satisfied at the end of the trip.

Planning a multigenerational cruise

I think it's important early on to get buy in from everyone involved.

When you're picking the cruise ship, dates, itinerary, and travel arrangements, you want to make sure everyone is on the same page.

One of the top challenges of planning a family trip is not defaulting into the "travel czar" for everyone.  You don't want the family thinking one person has taken over the trip planning and it's become "their trip".

While some degree of decision making will ultimately need to be made by one person, the more you can include others in the decision making process, the better it ends up going.

Cruises are great because families have options for staterooms, depending on their budget.

Read more: Ways I Save Money on Cruises With Family

An easy idea to make this work is to start the planning process the next time your family is together.  Christmas, Thanksgiving, someone's birthday, or any time you can have the principles in the same room makes for simpler choices and less passive aggressive texts later.

Everyone's family dynamic is different, but the more inclusion you start off with, the better you are later.

Work with a travel agent

You know what starts more arguments among family members? Money.

Everyone has grandiose visions of that perfect family trip, but handling money is not pretty. You don't want to be the "bad guy" reminding everyone to pay, and you definitely do not want to be a middle man for taking payments.

My advice is loop a travel agent in as soon as you want to book so they can deal with collecting payments and making other arrangements.

Not only can a good travel agent ensure everyone is paid up and there's no confusion about who owes who money, but they could be a great asset as well.

If you book enough cabins, you might qualify for a group discount.  Even if you don't, travel agents have access to special rates that could save everyone money.

Read more: 10 secrets Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew

Plus, travel agents are there to take care of any problems anyone encounters with the cruise line.

One you think a multigenerational trip is possible, I'd contact a travel agent to get the ball rolling.  

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Kids

Plan on time together at least once a day

One secret to a great multi-gen cruise is not planning out every minute of every day.  

Some of your family will be up at dawn, and others will emerge around lunch.  Don't worry about trying to be together all the time.

Instead, plan on having one time per day you are together, and I think dinner is the perfect opportunity.

Not only will everyone be awake for dinner, but it's the perfect time to see everyone and talk about what everyone did.  Plus, the Main Dining Room is conducive to handling large groups.

Beyond that one time together a day rule, make it clear there's no hard feelings for what happens the rest of the day. It's their vacation as much as yours, and sometimes you want to do your own thing.

To help avoid drama later on related to "I didn't know you were doing that", a group text is a good idea (along with paying for an internet package for at least one person per family).

Read more: Royal Caribbean wifi guide

Book shore excursions early

Once you have a cruise booked, I think the next thing to tackle are shore excursions.

It's not easy finding tours that work for everyone, but you'll want to start on it before some of them start to sell out.

Beach days are the simplest and most popular choice for a multigenerational trip, so that's always an easy starting point (especially in the Caribbean).

Read more: 11 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean

No matter which tour you pick, it's also good to split the costs evenly. If someone wants to pay for the entire family, that's fantastic, but if not, plan on everyone paying for their share so that there's no arguments later who paid for what.

Going back to the first tip, you'll also want to get buy in for which shore excursions you pick. It's not a big deal if some family members do their own thing, but I find a tour I do with everyone feels a lot more special.

Focus on what will make memories

After you get home and the trip is over, the most important takeaway will be the memories you make.

What that means is having first experiences that create family bonding moments with memories. The sort of things that happen that everyone talks about for years later because it was funny, loving, or just a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A lot of families elect to buy matching t-shirts for the trip. Not only is it something to wear together on the first day of the cruise, but you can wear it for months or years later.  It's like a rock concert shirt that commemorates that you were there.

Beyond souvenirs, focus on things you can all do together. While there's no guarantee going to the CocoCay waterpark or singing karaoke will make a memory you'll think about for the rest of your life, it's more likely than just not doing anything at all.

I've rented a yacht in St. Thomas on one trip and while not cheap, it's been a tour we've talked about a lot over the years because we had an epic day.

When I cruise with my parents, I've noticed they much prefer big family dinners where we can all sit together and share stories. 

Mixing in different opportunities to foster memories is a good priority for any multigenerational trip.

The biggest cruise ship in the world has gotten a lot of attention, but there are a few things that also stand out about Royal Caribbean's mega ship.

Stacey Boden is a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser who recently sailed on Icon of the Seas. During her sailing, she noticed some aspects she felt no one else is talking about. Stacey took some time to write this guest post entry about what she loved and what she disliked on the world's largest cruise ship.

My spouse and I have been on a total of 6 cruises, all on Royal Caribbean, since May 2017. 

Initially, we started out going on an annual cruise. In 2019, we canceled 2 sailings we had booked due to expecting and having our first child. We resumed cruising in June 2022.

In 2023, we began scheduling sailings twice a year and we are hoping to scale up to three sailings a year soon. 

I noticed several things that I loved and some things I didn't love as much on our recent Icon of the Seas sailing. These are some things that I haven't heard anyone else mention yet.  

Things I loved: the accessibility

I noticed on Icon some features that make the ship more accessible to everyone. 

The addition of the shower bench

I am sure anyone who has ever attempted to shave their legs in the shower in a non-suite stateroom welcomes this change. In cabin bathrooms on Icon of the Seas, showers are now equipped with a sizable bench for guests to rest or sit on. 

In addition, this feature could be helpful to individuals who are older or with invisible physical disabilities such as dysautonomia who may not require wheelchair use or accessibility but who may need to occasionally sit down in the shower. 

This makes it possible without the use of an added shower chair.

Hands-free doors

Many of the doors to public restrooms throughout the ship have hands-free door openers. 

This feature is helpful for a few reasons including cutting down on "touch points" that spread germs, preventing guests from having to open heavy doors, and also for individuals who may utilize a wheelchair or electric scooter. 

The handicapped stalls within the restroom additionally have these door openers as well as touchless door locks. 

Family restrooms

Icon of the Seas has several family restrooms, and families with young children are not the only ones who benefit from these restrooms. 

These bathrooms are also great for situations such as a family member assisting an individual with disabilities or members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may not be comfortable using a different, gendered restroom.

Smoking areas

No longer is the smoking area something you accidentally walk through on the pool deck. 

It seems the smoking area has been moved to an area that can only be accessed toward the back of the Cloud 17 area. 

Additionally, the new ventilation system in the casino was fantastic for clearing away the smoke. This sailing was the first time I could actually tolerate being in the casino.

Things I wish existed on Icon of the Seas

There were a few things on Icon of the Seas that I wished existed or that I wished Royal Caribbean would bring back.

Shaded area in Hideaway Pool

I am an individual who has been known to get a sunburn at the mere thought of going outside. 

My spouse and I went to the Hideaway pool one morning as soon as it opened and hung out at the far-left side. 

At that time of day, we had approximately 45 minutes until the sun peaked out from the side of the ship and the little bit of shade was now gone. I would love it if there was some sort of way to introduce the option for shade in this area. 

Regular old body slides

Category 6 waterpark has 6 water slides. Two are family raft slides, which can accommodate 2-4 riders in a raft. 

One of them is a speed slide. This style of slide is a body slide where riders are sent down a steep, free fall plunge to the ground. 

Two are mat racers, in which the rider rides a mat face-first down the slide. 

The final slide is a drop-launch capsule in which the floor drops out from underneath the rider into the slide. I personally would have preferred a feet-first body slide without a steep drop as I am not very adventurous.  

Floor display for elevators

My spouse mentioned this next one and I agree. 

The addition of the destination elevators — panels where guests can select which floor they're headed to and then hop on a specific elevator — has been fantastic. 

However, it is really difficult to figure out how long you will be waiting for the elevator. It would be great to still have a display with what floor the elevator was on or even for the display pads to give individuals an idea of an approximate wait time. 

Cocktail drink mixes

Sometime since our last cruise Royal Caribbean stopped using the Sunsational/Island Oasis drink mixes for cocktails. These mixes come in a carton and are used for fruit drinks such as pina coladas and margaritas. 

Instead, bartenders are now using a brand called Finest Call, which comes in plastic bottles. My personal opinion is that this brand isn't as good. 

Anything food and drink related is very subjective, however, I felt that this new drink mix was missing a lot of the flavor I had come to know and love from the previous brands Royal used.  

Shorter spa services

I would have been more willing to purchase spa services if they offered shorter services costing less. 

For example, I would love to see a 1-day thermal suite option or 30-minute massage services. The shortest massages are about 50 minutes long, and they cost from $179-$399.

Just as Utopia of the Seas has proven an appetite for shorter sailings that may cost less overall but more per day, I think that there is an untapped market for shorter services or upgrades that cost less overall but may cost more per minute. This could extend beyond the spa and extend to half-day casita rentals and more. 

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean announced $100 million plus updates coming to Allure of the Seas in 2025.

The long-delayed Royal Amplification of Allure of the Seas is expected to cost at least $100 million.

Allure will begin her upgrades in March 2025, and by the time she re-enters service in April 2025, she will have over 35 places to eat, drink, and splash onboard.

Like refurbishments on past ships, Allure will get new restaurants, upgrades, and an overall radical transformation.

Royal Caribbean News

• Passenger went overboard from Royal Caribbean cruise ship while on Mediterranean cruise, report says
• Royal Caribbean CEO says new ship class coming in 3-4 years
• I toured the $10,000-per-day mega suite on Royal Caribbean’s new ship. Take a look inside the cruise line’s mind-blowing cabin for families
• 15 lessons after trying Royal Caribbean's 274-night world cruise
• Royal Caribbean head of entertainment reveals how long it takes to create a new show for a cruise ship
• 4 Royal Caribbean splurges to skip lines
• How many drinks per day can you have with a drink package?

New RCB Video: 4 Ways to Tell If Your Cruise Deal is Too Good To Be True!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 4 Ways to Tell If Your Cruise Deal is Too Good To Be True! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 541st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, and this episode features two special guests.

Two of our RCB writers review their recent cruises with Matt, talking about what it's like to work while on a cruise ship.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

5 things to know before sailing on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

Before you set sail on Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis-Class ship, there are some important aspects to know.

Each sailing currently lasts three or four nights, so you'll only have a few days to experience everything onboard.

From the Royal Railway to the most underrated entertainment, Matt has discovered the top secrets on Utopia of the Seas.  

Red Flags to Look for on Cruise Shore Excursions

Booking the wrong shore excursions could waste your time, money, or even end in a dangerous experience.

How can you avoid choosing a scam of a tour?

Here are the top red flags to look out for before choosing a shore excursion.

Royal Caribbean CEO explains why mega cruise ships are so popular 15 years after their inception

What drives Royal Caribbean to keep making mega-ships, even 15 years after its first? 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, answered this question at a talk on Utopia of the Seas' preview cruise last month.

"This class of ship for Royal Caribbean has been a true game changer," he said, thanks to the neighborhoods onboard and appeal to all ages.

Royal Caribbean's drink packages offer unlimited beverages during a cruise, but the question is how much can you practically consume every day.

The premise of a drink package is pay a flat fee to enjoy as many cocktails, beers, glasses of wine, coffees, and bottles of water as you like during your cruise.  Drink packages have become incredibly popular with cruisers, and the average price has steadily gone up over the years.

Read more: Everything you need to know about a Royal Caribbean drink package

One user on the Royal Caribbean subreddit was curious how much others were truly drinking every day to make that cost worthwhile.

"Those who get the drink package, how many alcoholic drinks do y'all end up consuming per day and do you drink every day?" the thread asked.

Over 200 responses followed, with cruisers sharing their experiences with Royal Caribbean's drink packages.

Drink counts

The responses to the Reddit thread ran the gamut of possible responses, with some people claiming to have consumed easily over 100 drinks over the course of one sailing.

cat_mom_dot_com answered with her count depending on how into drinking their day was, "20 to 30 on the hardcore days. 5 to 10 on the lowkey days."

Warm-Refridgerator242 explained being on vacation is a different approach than being at home, "I would say I end up having between 10 and 15 drinks a day and I don't typically drink besides on cruises. It can sound like a lot but when you wake up around 8 am and you're up until night you'll end up having a good amount of drinks!"

They added that the appeal of the drink package is the convenience of not worrying about a bar bill later, "I definitely recommend it overall, it's nice being able to get a drink and not worry about if you like it or not because you can always order another. Plus the convenience factor of not having to sign every receipt is nice."

Many of the answers came in between 10-20 drinks per day, with many people saying not every drink contained alcohol. The Deluxe Beverage Package and the Royal Refreshment Package both include bottled water, premium coffee & teas, juices, sodas and other soft drinks.

DoctorHathaway explained how the drink package works beyond alcohol, "I do about 12 alcoholic drinks a day. I also drink about 2 specialty coffees, a bunch of fountain drinks (mostly flavored seltzers), and I usually grab about 4-6 bottles of water from the bar."

If the drink counts sound high, many were quick to point out that the potency of Royal Caribbean's drinks did not seem very high. Many people said the bartenders measure the amount of liquor dispensed and that resulted in drinks not being as potent as you might expect.

"It’s worth it for the convenience"

The overwhelming consensus among those that responded in the thread was no matter how much they consumed per day, the drink package value was worthwhile.

When you buy a drink package, the cost includes the drinks and gratuity, along with the ability to sample drinks.  There's no penalty for not finishing drinks.

Ginsengii shared that while they did not drink a lot, the freedom it provided was worth the cost, "I don’t think my husband and I will “get our money’s worth” in terms of literal cost per drink, but to me, it’s worth it for the convenience. "

"I’m someone who would hem and haw over spending the extra money on a second drink at dinner or skip out on the mimosa at breakfast if I had to make the decision to pay for it in the moment. By buying the package, I am able to fully relax and not worry about costs because everything is prepaid."

"It might not make total sense, but it works for me."

Practical-Money-7982 talked about how having a drink package changes how they cruise, "For me the package is always worth it no matter how much I drink."

"I have more fun when I'm drinking as I have trouble loosening up. If I don't buy the package I will not drink at all because I'll have to justify $15/drink which I will not be able to."

The break even point

While there were some flaunting daily drink counts, many were also looking at how much they had to drink to make the drink package cost worthwhile.  

Justifying the drink package price was about determining how much they had to drink each day to end up spending the same amount if they paid for drinks on their own.  Royal Caribbean drink prices are about $7.99 for a beer, $10-$14 per cocktail, and $3.50 for a soda.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its drink packages, so the price varies from sailing to sailing.  And there are pre-cruise discounts if you buy before the cruise begins.

Read more: How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

OhWhatsHisName calculated it was very easy to get your drink package value back without going too heavy into alcoholic drinks, "I can get fancy coffees in the morning, milkshakes and other fruity drinks throughout the day, bottled waters for excursions, etc. so factor those in, then to break even for the alcoholic drinks that's not even 5 a day, so that's 2 alcoholic drinks at lunch, 3 at dinner, which is very easily hit."

Jane_Marie_CA also found 3-10 cocktails a day combined with juices, soda, iced lattes, and smoothies made the package a good buy, "my break even point is somewhere between 4-5 cocktails a day when I factor my non booze consumption."

Some felt it wasn't worth it

While most of the people in the thread celebrated the virtues of a drink package, others lamented the purchase and couldn't justify it.

Gat0rJesus felt having the drink package made them drink more than they would otherwise, "We got it and had to drink far more than normal to make it worth it."

MaroonCanuck added, "The sheer caloric intake of some of these posts 15-20 drinks a day. Oh my heart hurts."

For a few people, the up front cost made them think twice, "Average 8-10. It was fun. Prob won't do it again, though. Will just pay out of pocket or bring some on board," BrushYourFeet said.

A cruise ship passenger may have gone overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reports online say.

According to a post on Reddit, guests aboard Explorer of the Seas were awoken to rescue efforts at 5am on Friday.

"They turned the ship about and launched multiple boats and had spotlights looking into the ocean. I could hear high pitch sounds coming from the distance. I fear someone may have gone overboard," wrote Aramedlig.

Later in the thread, the same user posted, "Confirmed it is a man overboard. They just made an announcement."

Explorer of the Seas is sailing a 7-Night Greece & Croatia itinerary that set sail from Ravenna, Italy.  According to the report, the ship was between Dbrovnik and Zadar, Croatia when the incident occurred.

Another Reddit user on the same sailing added more details regarding the rescue efforts. 

"They have several local ships on either side and about 6 of the onboard fast rescue launches out," wrote Harleys-for-all.

"We've formed a line in the sea about 2 miles wide and are slowly combing the area."

User lesleyanne_b shared a photo of the rescue efforts, "They’re still actively searching. High speed rescue ship and two tenders, with Croatian ship supporting on starboard side."

Kilo_watt added, "Croatian Coast Guard and Air Force are helping. Our port of call to Zadar today has been canceled."

Screenshot care of Marine Traffic

Based on the ship's path, it's clear it engaged in a series of movements in an effort to locate the passenger.

According to a report by the Croatian newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija, the person in question is, "a young citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."

Explorer of the Seas is a large cruise ship, capable of carrying 4,290 passengers at maximum capacity, along with 1,185 crew members. She is 1,020 feet long and 157.5 feet wide.

The first sailing of Explorer of the Seas took place on October 28, 2000.

Onboard safety precautions

The chances of falling overboard on a cruise ship are extremely low.

Deck railings on Royal Caribbean cruise ships are at least 42-inches high, which comply Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010.

In addition, there are thick metal or Plexiglas panels or metal bars are positioned under the railings to prevent people from slipping through. 

When a man overboard situation occurs, the media usually reports on it and it leads some to wonder how it could happen in the first place.

An article from The Points Guy points out cruise ships have railings that are around chest height to ensure passenger safety and to prevent someone from slipping and falling overboard.

"The only way you risk a fall is if you're standing on furniture to peer over the side or climbing somewhere you're not supposed to. It's not possible for you to trip over a door frame or slip on a wet deck and fall off of a vessel."

Passengers going overboard are rare

The chances of a cruise ship passenger going overboard are quite low, but it does occasionally happen.

In a report from Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), there were 212 identified overboard incidents from cruise ships for either crew members or passengers between 2009 to 2019. 

Of these overboard incidents, only 48 (or 28.2%) individuals were successfully rescued. Around 71.8% of people who go overboard from cruise ships are sadly never recovered or located. 

The CLIA report also shows an overall decline in overboard incidents throughout the 10-year period. The overboard incident rate decreased 64% from 2009 to 2019, with an incidence rate of 0.00004 overboard reports per active lower berth in 2019.

The report states, “When compared with the growth in capacity in the industry over the study years, man overboard incidents continue on a downward trend.” 

Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer a cabin for any budget, but there is one suite that shines above all others, both in amenities and price: the Ultimate Family Suite.

As a family-focused cruise line, Royal Caribbean is no stranger to kid-friendly activities onboard its vessels. Whether waterslides, zip lines, or laser tag, there are countless ways to keep kids (and adults!) entertained onboard.

The vast majority of families book interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins, as these staterooms provide all the necessary amenities at a reasonable price point. Yet what if you could bring family-friendly fun into your cruise cabin?

The Ultimate Family Suite does just that, and this two-story, colorful cabin offers a truly unique experience in the cruise industry. The mind-blowing cabin is available on just four ships—Symphony, Wonder, Icon, and Utopia of the Seas. 

Royal Caribbean Blog had the chance to tour the cabin on a recent Utopia of the Seas cruise.

Staying in the Ultimate Family Suite isn’t cheap—prices average around $10,000 per night

With an in-cabin slide, private jacuzzi, cozy movie room, and gorgeous ocean views, the Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas is one of the most expensive cabins on Royal Caribbean, second only to the slightly larger Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas.

Prices vary from sailing to sailing, but on average, guests can expect to pay between $20,000 and $50,000 for a 3 or 4-night sailing on Utopia of the Seas.

With two adults and two kids in the cabin, a 4-night cruise in April came out to $37,332 for the cabin, whereas a cruise in late February was priced at a whopping $59,124. “Budget” sailings can occasionally be found, with a 3-night cruise in August priced at just $22,948.

The suite can accommodate up to nine passengers, and guests enjoy Star Class benefits

If a $59,000 cruise gave you a jump scare, I do have some good news—up to nine guests* can stay in the Ultimate Family Suite. The more guests in the cabin, the lower the price per passenger.

The 4-night cruise in late February, for example, costs $14,781 per person with four guests in the cabin. If nine guests (four adults and six kids) stayed in the suite instead, the price per person is just $6,866 per person, or $61,796 total.

Related: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

While not everyone wants to sail with nine passengers in a single stateroom, it can be a great option for larger travel parties. Additionally, the Ultimate Family Suite shares a connecting door with a Crown Loft Suite, which can accommodate an additional four passengers.

Plus, not only does the price include lodging in the opulent cabin, but passengers also receive Royal Caribbean’s Star Class benefits.

Star Class is the highest tier of the cruise line’s Royal Suite Class, and comes with impressive perks like a personal Royal Genie, access to exclusive suite areas, and complimentary internet, drink, and dining packages.

Let’s jump in and take a look inside the Ultimate Family Suite

Whether you’re planning a cruise in the Ultimate Family Suite or adding the room to your wishlist, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of this remarkable cabin.

Colorful signage, along with a hopscotch carpet, welcome guests to the Ultimate Family Suite. Even before walking through the doors, it’s clear you’re about to enter somewhere special.

The entryway leads to the suite’s dining table, which also functions as a digital play area. Screens provide endless entertainment, with digital coloring apps and card games available with the touch of a button.

There are eight separate game areas at the table, which can also be switched off in order to transform the screens into a regular table.

If you’d prefer screen-free play, opt for the drawing board behind the table instead. Alternatively, the cabin’s Lego wall near the entryway is sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike.

The pièce de résistance of the suite, of course, is the massive two-story living room.

Colorful and vibrant, just this single room sets the Ultimate Family Suite apart from any other cabin on the ship.

A spacious television area comes complete with two lounge chairs along with a sofa, which can be converted into a bed for those traveling with a large party.

Don’t forget about the cozy nook next to the television, either, which features adorable fruit-shaped pillows.

I’d be remiss not to mention the Ultimate Family Suite’s in-cabin slide, which takes guests from the second to first floor.

There is no other cabin on the ship with its own slide, making it an extra-unique feature of the stateroom. After all, why take the stairs when you can slide downstairs instead?

If the slide weren’t cool enough, there’s also a hidden cranny behind the slide with pillows, a giant Connect 4 game, and a suspended chair.

Undoubtedly, though, the best hideaway for kids in the Ultimate Family Suite is the movie room.

With two TVs, a mini bar, and giant couch, there’s really no reason to ever leave the cabin and venture elsewhere onboard.

If a regular couch is too lame for the kids, they can watch a movie from the room’s shark-themed nook instead.

The last room downstairs is the spare bedroom.

Whereas the second floor features the master bedroom and kids room, the downstairs room is meant for extra guests, whether traveling with grandparents, additional kids, or a second family altogether.

The room features a king-sized bed along with a chair, desk, closets, and drawers for storage. A bathroom—the third in the cabin—is downstairs, too, which has a double vanity and shower.

Now let’s head upstairs, and no, we can’t take the slide to the second floor.

Still in the theme of making the Ultimate Family Suite as fun as possible, Royal Caribbean created a piano staircase. When walking up or down, each footstep creates a note, making a song as guests travel between floors.

Luckily, the sound can be switched off if you’re worried about the constant noise.

The stairs lead to the master bedroom. Unlike the spare room downstairs, the master bedroom is not separated from the rest of the cabin by a wall.

Although this makes the room less private, a curtain can separate the bedroom from the living room below. Plus, it means parents can enjoy sprawling views from the cabin’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

Being a suite, the master bedroom (along with the other rooms) comes with upgraded amenities compared to standard cabins on Utopia of the Seas, including mattresses and linens.

Aside from the bed, the master bedroom also features a lounge chair, desk, and four closets. A mini fridge is inside one of the closets, providing a convenient way to enjoy a refreshment without the need to go downstairs.

The master bedroom has its own bathroom with a dual vanity and large shower, which offers a rainforest shower head along with adjustable shower wands and jets along the shower’s walls.

The bathroom, like the others in the Ultimate Family Suite, comes equipped with Malin + Goetz body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

A door separates the master bedroom from the kids room next door. The door can be opened regularly or, as another option, tiny cruisers can crawl through the door’s miniature opening from one room to the next.

The space-themed kids room features four twin beds, each of which has a set of outlets and a television.

One of the bottom beds functions as a couch, but it can be converted to a bed if needed.

The kids room has its own bathroom, too. Unlike the other bathrooms in the suite, you'll find a bathtub.

Now let’s check out the Ultimate Family Suite’s stunning outdoor space. To get there, we’ll take the slide.

There are regular cruise ship balconies… and then there’s the Ultimate Family Suite’s balcony.

The balcony offers an unobstructed view of the ocean along with an 8-person dining table and climbing area for kids. Perhaps the most dreamy feature of all is the balcony’s private jacuzzi—a major upgrade compared to sharing jacuzzis with other guests on the pool deck.

All in all, the Ultimate Family Suite is definitely a splurge. As someone who typically books the cheapest interior cabins when I cruise, my short tour was probably the closest I’ll get to staying in this cabin myself.

For many passengers, just the thought of spending $10,000 a night on a cruise cabin seems outrageous. Other guests, on the other hand, book the suite as a special, once-in-a-lifetime type of cruise experience.

Related: 5 best cruise ship suites on Royal Caribbean

Regardless of where you fall on the book-it-or-not debate, there’s no denying that the Ultimate Family Suite offers a unique cabin experience. There’s no suite quite like it anywhere else in the cruise industry, and its innovative features certainly provide an unmatched, unforgettable experience for families.

*Note: Royal Caribbean's website states up to ten guests can stay in the suite, but when checking prices, a reservation agent stated the cabin can only accommodate nine guests