Royal Caribbean banned outlet extenders on its cruise ships. Its change started a debate what's allowed

In:
25 Sep 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean's recent policy change has a lot of people with an upcoming cruise confused if they can bring their favorite cabin hack with them.

Allure of the Seas aft

The cruise line updated its list of things you cannot bring on a cruise last week, and the fallout has been a lot of confusion about what is and what isn't allowed.

The change was simple enough, they added "multi-plug outlets" to the list, but it did not specify what exactly that means. Specifically, which outlets, plugs, or devices are no longer permissible to bring.

Royal Caribbean has long banned surge protectors and power strips, but multi-plug outlets is not only new, but vague.

Outlet extender

There are a myriad of devices you can purchase to add more charging options to an existing outlet, but it's not clear which of these will be allowed.

Some have a combination of USB ports and traditional power outlets, while others are just USB ports.

The result has been a lot of room for interpretation.

Photo by Miriam Cartmell

It can be argued this change closed a loophole that allowed for multi-outlet adapters without cords to be technically "legal." Under this change, those would be prohibited.

Royal Caribbean did not specifically say why it made this change, but since the multi-plug outlet addition was in conjunction with power strips, it's likely about mitigating fire risk.

Fire is the top concern for cruise ships, because fires can spread quickly on a ship. Power strips and outlet extenders have the potential to overload an outlet and cause a fire.

"Creating chaos"

In addition to posting on social media, some cruisers asked Royal Caribbean via social media for clarification.

One person asked Royal Caribbean's X/Twitter team if an European to 110V converter block that has USB ports built in is allowed given that it doesn’t add more plugs and isn’t corded. 

Zack from Royal Caribbean's social media team replied, "We do allow blocks that have multiple USB plugs, however, as it has an additional power outlet it wouldn't be permitted."

USB power adaptor reply

That answer seems to back up the idea that only devices that add additional USB ports but no additional power outlets is what this change is all about.

@NiceCarFather felt the reply didn't go far enough, "Is there a plan to post a list of acceptable and unacceptable chargers on the website?  This is creating chaos among your customer base and we’re trying to be compliant by being informed."

The person added, "saying charging blocks are permitted doesn’t tell someone whose charging block their USB-C and 110V outlet combo isn’t ok."

Power outlet answer

In another reply, Leah from the social team wrote, "Electrical Extension Cords - including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets are NOT allowed. We do allow the multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables."

Based on Royal Caribbean's social team replies, it appears a USB hub that lacks any electrical outlets would be allowed, such as this Anker 6 Port USB Charging Station (contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link).

It takes up one electrical outlet in your cabin, while providing six new USB outlets.

A single EU to American power adaptor could also be allowed, since it does not add any new outlets. 

Why outlet extenders are so important

Outlets in stateroom

Given how many devices people bring with them on vacation these days, having enough power outlets in a cabin has been a long-standing struggle.

Cruise ships built more than 10-15 years ago have very few outlets in the cabin.  Many of Royal Caribbean's ships built before 2010 have just two outlets in total in the cabin.

For years, cruisers have relied on cruise packing hacks to bring their own outlet extender plug to provide a safe and effective way to add more outlets.

These outlet extenders mean less contention over which device can charge first, such as phones, watches, laptops, or tablets.

Carnival will not follow Royal Caribbean's ban

Carnival Liberty in Nassau

If you're keeping score at home, it appears Carnival Cruise Line will not add the same ban as Royal Caribbean.

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald wrote on Facebook, "I read about this and we have no plans to do the same. Thank you, just remember no power strips with a surge protector are allowed."

Here's when Royal Caribbean will put new 2026-2027 cruises on sale

In:
24 Sep 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

We now know when Royal Caribbean will open up the first set of new 2026-2027 bookings.

The cruise line posted the dates the public can begin booking new cruises beyond what's currently available.

As is the case once again, Royal Caribbean will releases the new sailings in two parts: in the fall and again in the spring.

The good news is the first deployments will come out a bit earlier than usual, beginning in October.

2026 2027 Royal Caribbean deployment schedule

Week of October 21, 2024

  • Region: Alaska
  • Sailing Time Frame: April – October 2026

Week of October 28, 2024

  • Region: Europe
  • Sailing Time Frame: April – October 2026

Week of November 11, 2024

  • Region: Summer & Yearlong Caribbean
  • Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

Week of November 18, 2024

  • Region: Northeast
  • Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

Week of January 27, 2025

  • Region: Europe Cont.
  • Sailing Time Frame: TBD

Week of February 17, 2025

  • Region: Short Caribbean & West Coast
  • Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027
Aruba beach

Week of February 24, 2025

  • Region: Seasonal Caribbean
  • Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

Week of March 31, 2025

  • Region: Australia
  • Sailing Time Frame: October 2026 – April 2027
Spectrum of the Seas in Singapore

TBD

  • Region: China & Singapore
  • Sailing Time Frame: April 2026 – April 2027

All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

If you need help translating Royal Caribbean's code for each region, here's what you need to know.

  • Yearlong Caribbean: Cruise ships that are deployed all year to the Caribbean. Does not include ships that visit the Caribbean part of the year
  • Northeast: Cruises that begin from New York, Baltimore, or Boston
  • Europe Cont: Expect the European cruises to come in two batches.  No word on which ones will be in which batch.
  • Seasonal Caribbean: Cruises that go to the Caribbean (but not from a Northeast port) that sail just part of the year.

What is a deployment schedule?

The deployment schedule is the plan for when Royal Caribbean will open select sailings for sale.

There is no indication of which day in the given week the new sailings will go on sale.  It could happen any day in that week.

Guests will commonly misconstrue the new cruises to come out on the exact day, rather than at some point during the week.

When the new sailings are available, it is common for the new itineraries to be entered into the booking system first, and the website second. This means in some cases cruises are bookable earlier if booked over the phone or with a travel agent, even if they do not appear on the website.

What should you do now to be ready to book a 2026 or 2027 cruise?

If you are in the market for a cruise during one of these new deployments, you will want to keep an eye out for once cruises go on sale.

Royal Caribbean typically allows Crown and Anchor Society members a 24 hour head start on the general public, but since anyone can sign up for Crown and Anchor Society, there is no excuse for waiting.

Ships docked at CocoCay

Talk with your travel agent in the days leading up to the new deployments coming online so you can jump on specific bookings and book them.  

One of the best strategies for the lowest prices is to book a cruise as soon as it goes on sale.  Hard-to-find staterooms are also available during this period, so now is the time to lock in a studio room or a suite.

Planning on booking a cruise in 2026-2027? These stories will help:

Top 5 Largest Royal Caribbean Ships: Why Size Matters

In:
24 Sep 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

Royal Caribbean has the biggest cruise ships in the world and it proves exactly why size matters.

Wonder of the Seas

The cruise line's fleet of 28 vessels comes in a range of sizes, with the largest ships being in the Icon Class and Oasis Class.

While you can have a great vacation on a big or small cruise ship, the world's largest cruise ships stand out for more than just their size

These ships feature exciting amenities you wouldn't expect to find on a cruise ship, from waterparks and ice skating rinks to immersive dining experiences.

Looking into Central Park

Unique events and venues on these ships continue to draw people in, even 15 years after the first Oasis Class vessel debuted.

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

Let's dive into what makes Royal Caribbean's 5 biggest mega-ships so special. 

5. Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas pool deck

Gross Tonnage: 226,963 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,479 (double occupancy)

When she was launched in 2016, Harmony of the Seas was the biggest cruise ship in the world. 

As another iteration in the ground-breaking Oasis Class, Harmony both continued and expanded on the mega-ship concept.

Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2024)

The vessel is split into seven neighborhoods:

  • Central Park
  • Boardwalk
  • Royal Promenade
  • Pool and Sports Zone
  • Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
  • Entertainment Place
  • Youth Zone
Royal Promenade on Harmony of the Seas

Each area focuses on a different attraction, allowing like-minded cruisers to join together in one location. These neighborhoods hint at exciting features you can only experience on a Royal Caribbean mega-ship.

Read more: What’s the difference between a large and small cruise ship?

Harmony of the Seas features the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Splashaway Bay kid's waterpark, an ice skating rink, the AquaTheater, Perfect Storm waterslides, ziplines, Flowrider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, Rising Tide Bar, and rock climbing.

The ship also offers 20 dining venues, including popular choices such as Jamie's Italian, Izumi, Chop's Grille, and Johnny Rockets.

4. Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas docked

Gross Tonnage: 228,081 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,518 (double occupancy)

Symphony of the Seas debuted in 2018. As the fourth Oasis Class ship, her success proved just how popular Royal Caribbean's mega-ships are.

symphony-of-the-seas-solarium

Symphony of the Seas features the same seven neighborhoods as Harmony of the Seas, with a stellar Central Park that grows 20,700 live plants.

The vessel also added a laser tag experience—the Battle for Planet Z—and an escape room for even more onboard activities. 

If a family is looking for the best Royal Caribbean ship and also looking for a luxurious accommodation, they can stay in the Ultimate Family Suite, a 1,346-square-foot cabin.

Ultimate Abyss on Utopia of the Seas

Popular features also include the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Perfect Storm waterslides, AquaTheater, FlowRider surf simulator, Bionic Bar, and rock climbing wall. 

Popular dining venues include Hooked Seafood, Wonderland, Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, and more.

The mega-ship also features a Broadway-level production of Hairspray!

3. Wonder of the Seas

Photo by Stephen S.

Gross Tonnage: 236,857 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,734 (double occupancy)

In 2022, Wonder of the Seas was released as the next Oasis Class ship.

Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean went above and beyond by adding an eighth neighborhood to the popular Oasis Class format. 

The Suite neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas provides a private, exclusive experience for suite guests, with its own plunge pool, bar, Coastal Kitchen venue, and Suite Lounge.

In addition to a luxury neighborhood focused on suite guests, Wonder also has the classic Oasis Class amenities, such as a stellar AquaTheater show, water slides, the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, laser tag, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, carousel, Splashaway Bay, and arcade.

Effectors 2. Photo by @dek_mak

Wonder of the Seas features the Effector II show, a sequel to the popular, most technologically advanced show in the cruise industry.

Read more: Boardwalk vs. Surfside: What to expect in Royal Caribbean's family neighborhood

She was also the first vessel to feature the specialty Southern comfort food venue, the Mason Jar.

2. Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas pool deck

Gross Tonnage: 236,860 GRT

Length: 1,188 feet long

Passengers: 5,668 (double occupancy)

Utopia of the Seas promenade

Just launched in July 2024, Utopia of the Seas continued Royal Caribbean's reputation for breaking records. She became the biggest Oasis Class ship released thus far, beating out Wonder of the Seas by 3 gross tons.

Utopia was also the first mega-ship to debut by offering short sailings, focusing on becoming "The World's Biggest Weekend."

The ship features 8 distinct neighborhoods, 21 dining venues, 5 pools, and 8 hot tubs.

Pesky Parrot on Utopia of the Seas

She introduced several innovations to the Oasis Class, such as outdoor seating in Giovanni's, a brand-new bar called the Pesky Parrot, a multi-story Lime and Coconut Bar, The Spare Tire food truck/eatery, and an extended Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

One of the must-see highlights on Utopia of the Seas is the Royal Railway dining experience, an immersive, train-car-themed specialty restaurant.

1. Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas Starburst show

Gross Tonnage: 250,800 GRT

Length: 1,198 feet long

Passengers: 5,610 (double occupancy)

Icon of the Seas became the largest cruise ship in the world upon her debut in 2024.

Icon of the Seas AquaDome

She is the first ship in the Icon Class, introducing an entirely new way of cruising, with brand-new dining venues and bars.

The mega-ship features 8 neighborhoods in a completely unique layout:

She introduced many unique features, some of which will continue in subsequent Icon Class ships.

The Pearl

The Pearl, for example, is a unique art installation and sensory experience guests can walk through.

Icon also introduced the complimentary AquaDome Market, the cruise line's first food hall, which serves five unique types of cuisine: mac 'n' cheese, Asian food, soups and sandwiches, crepes, and Mediterranean bowls.

Destination elevators also first came out on Icon of the Seas, solving the issues of crowding and long wait times previously experienced on Oasis Class ships.

Surfside

Read more: Icon of the Seas size comparison

Not only did guests receive an upgraded adventure onboard, but crew members did, as well. The cruise line listened to employees about what they needed to develop a new, crew-only neighborhood.

Hurricane Helene path forces Royal Caribbean to change cruise ship itineraries

In:
24 Sep 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

As hurricane and tropical storm watches go up around the Gulf Coast of Florida, Royal Caribbean has already made changes to its cruise ship plans.

Wonder of the Seas

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the path of Hurricane Helene and is predicting already a category 3 storm with winds of 120-125 mph.

This would make Helene a major Category 3 storm, and it's headed north from the Yucatan peninsula through the Gulf of Mexico.

Helene was upgraded on Wednesday to a category 1 hurricane with 80-mph sustained winds. The storm was centered about 85 miles east-northeast of Cozumel, Mexico, early Wednesday.

Hurricane aerial view

So far, Royal Caribbean has changed the four of its ships paths to avoid going anywhere near the projected path of the storm.

Wonder of the Seas

Photo by Stephen S.

One of the biggest cruise ships in the world is getting re-routed to avoid Hurricane Helene.

Royal Caribbean has changed itineraries for Wonder of the Seas and she will go from a Western Caribbean sailing to an Eastern Caribbean one.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader David Elliott is on Wonder of the Seas and reported, "Captain has just announced that we will be cancelling all current stops on the Western route to go to the East route.  We will be going to St. Thomas and St. Maarten."

wonder-from-gangway

Wonder of the Seas is sailing from Port Canaveral on a 7-night cruise that began on September 22.

Passengers sailing on the ship posted in a Facebook group their relief at the change, "And the announcement is in. Glad we will all be safe," wrote Karen Henschke.

Tim Johnson added, "Thanks Captain Rob for keeping us safe"

Rachel Majure wrote she didn't like the new itinerary includes one less port of call, "So bummed they cut out a stop."

Serenade of the Seas

Serenade of the Seas

Royal Caribbean also changed the itinerary of Serenade of the Seas.

Just like Wonder, Serenade will swap out her original Western Caribbean itinerary for something else.  In this case, the ship will head to The Bahamas.

John Edwards is on Serenade and shared a copy of the letter given to passengers in their cabin.

Serenade of the Seas itinerary change

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been monitoring inclement weather along our intended path due to a developing tropical storm in the Yucatan Channel. In order to stay safe and well clear of this tropical system, we have decided to head to the Eastern Caribbean instead of Western Caribbean for this sailing. 

"As a result, we will skip our visits to Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, and visit Nassau and Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas instead. While this wasn’t the original itinerary planned, we know you’ll have a memorable time!"

Serenade will now visit Nassau, Bahamas on September 24 and Grand Bahama Island on September 25.

Mariner of the Seas

Mariner of the Seas in Nassau

The September 21st sailing of Mariner of the Seas will also skip a stop in Mexico due to Helene.

While Mariner of the Seas made it to Costa Maya, Mexico on Monday, the ship will skip a visit to Cozumel in order to get clear of the area.

Change of itinerary for Mariner of the Seas

Guests sailing onboard the ship received a letter informing them of the change. Reddit user dawson33944 posted a copy of the letter.

"In order to stay safe and well clear of this tropical system, we have decided to skip our visit to Cozumel and enjoy a Sea Day instead," the letter read.

Mariner is scheduled to return to Galveston, Texas on Thursday.

Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas in CocoCay

Just like Serenade of the Seas, Royal Caribbean skipped a visit to Cozumel and will instead remain in The Bahamas.

The September 21st sailing of Independence was scheduled to be a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise to Cozumel and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

While the ship did make it to CocoCay, the ship will remain in The Bahamas and visit Nassau instead.

Staying ahead of the storm

Hurricane Helene path

In the letters sent to guests aboard cruise ships with an altered itinerary, Royal Caribbean reminds passengers that, "being onboard is one of the safest places because we are faster and can move out of the way of any inclement weather."

Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer shared an update on X on Tuesday expressing his view on the intensity of the storm as it comes closer to the United States.

"I never say "prepare for a cat 4", just "prepare for a hurricane" but there is major hurricane possibility," he wrote.

Craig Setzer at work

According to Setzer, the disturbance continues to experience wind shear from an upper low over southern Mexico. This has kept quick organization of the cyclone restricted overnight.

But the models show a major storm, and the question is always where it will go. He thinks one concern is how far east it will veer and impact the Tampa Bay area with storm surge, "The members on the right/east side of the track are all notably stronger, meaning if the storm favors a more east track then it will likely be more intense.  This implies significant storm surge risk to the Florida west coast including Tampa Bay."

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday declared a state of emergency for 41 counties along and near Florida's Gulf Coast because of threats from the storm.

Royal Caribbean cancels cruise on world's biggest cruise ship because of "unplanned maintenance"

In:
23 Sep 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean has cancelled an upcoming cruise on the largest cruise ship in the world for maintenance reasons.

Icon of the Seas aerial

In a rare situation where an entire sailing is cancelled, guests booked on the cruise were informed that their voyage will not happen.

The September 28 sailing of Icon of the Seas is now cancelled. In an email to travel agents, Royal Caribbean explained, "We are currently conducting unplanned maintenance onboard Icon of the Seas."

Icon of the Seas launched earlier this year in January, and made headlines for assuming the title of world's largest cruise ship. She surpassed Wonder of the Seas in gross tonnage, passenger capacity, and length.

Side by side image of Wonder of the Seas vs Icon of the Seas

At maximum occupancy, she carries 7,600 guest passengers and 2,350 crew members, equaling a total occupancy of nearly 10,000 people.

Royal Caribbean did not specify what issue is affecting the ship, or any details related to any incident.

The ship will need to remain in dock for the work to occur, "while our crew is working hard to address this as quickly as possible, there is still some work that needs to be done over a few days while the ship is docked."

Cancellation email for Icon

The cruise line went on to apologize and explain passenger's options going forward, "As a result, we'll be cancelling our upcoming September 28, 2024, sailing. We understand the disappointment this news may bring and we're truly sorry for the impact to your vacation plans."

Icon of the Seas sails year-round from Miami, offering 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Refunds and credits for the cancelled cruise

icon-sea-trials-round-2-1

A cancelled cruise is quite rare, and even though it's for some kind of mechanical issue, the cruise line wants to do its best to make it right.

Anyone booked on the Icon of the Seas September 28 sailing will get a 100% refund, including taxes and fees.  In addition, all pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions will be refunded.

On top of the refund, Royal Caribbean will also provide a Future Cruise Credit worth 100% of the cruise fare paid to be used towards another sailing.

Icon of the Seas aerial

That means anyone on the cruise got their money back, and equivalent credit to use on another cruise.

Future Cruise Credits will be available in approximately 14 business days.

Passengers that booked flights directly through Royal Caribbean will have those flights automatically refunded. However, if they pre-purchased air and transfers independently, Royal Caribbean will reimburse any travel change fees up to $200 USD per guest for domestic travel and $400 USD per guest for international travel.

What happened to Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean did not specify the issue the ship encountered, but the current sailing is still happening.

Reddit user ArrogantAlmond posted, "I'm on Icon now, and we just got word that we're skipping St Thomas (which was Wednesday) because the ship has maintenance issues. We have to sail slower, so we need the extra day to get back."

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Chris Hodnett also confirmed the change in a X tweet.

Tweet about cancelled Icon of the Seas cruise

Guests on the current sailing of Icon of the Seas received a letter with the update.

Letter to guests

The letter said, "The ship is currently undergoing maintenance and will sail at a reduced speed. Unplanned maintenance happens, and our teams are hard at work to quickly address."

Guests on the current sailing are receiving onboard credit equivalent to one day of the cruise fare paid.

A slower speed is usually indicative of propulsion issues the ship.  It's not unheard of for a cruise ship to lose one of its engines or propellor systems (known as Azipods) that require the ship to sail at a slower speed.

Icon of the Seas aerial

The ship is still seaworthy and can get passengers safely back to port, but a slower speed means it cannot complete its itinerary in time, and perhaps that's why Royal Caribbean feels it best to keep the ship out of service for a week to make repairs.

In past examples, some ships have been able to operate at a slower speed, while others went immediately into dock for work.

Radiance of the Seas

Earlier this year, Radiance of the Seas had to cancel cruises because of propulsion problems that slowed the ship.

In 2023, Anthem of the Seas adjusted her speed as a result of engine problems and was able to continue operating. Oasis of the Seas also had a similar issue around the same time. 

In the case of Oasis, work was done while the ship kept operating with her other engines.

Cruise ships have redundant engines

While Royal Caribbean decided to take Icon of the Seas out of service, cruise ships are designed with redundancy in mind.

Cruise ships have multiple engines, and often not all engines are running even when there are no issues. This allows the ship to give engines a break, and have backups when a situation like this arises.

In most cases, the ship is able to continue operating safely, albeit at a reduced speed.

Exclusive benefits for Pinnacle members: What makes it worth it?

In:
23 Sep 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty program tier offers the very best onboard perks a cruiser can get.

Pinnacle Club logo next to cruise ship

Pinnacle Club requires 700 points to reach, and it's 525 points more than the next tier down.  It may seem like a lifetime of cruises away to reach the level, but every time I cruise, I'm grateful to have made it.

I have taken almost 100 cruises with Royal Caribbean, and accumulated over 800 points within the Crown & Anchor Society. My point total is pretty small compared to most other Pinnacles I know, but it still counts!

Read more: How to earn Crown & Anchor points quicker

Crystal block with letter

I was never one to cruise just for loyalty status, but the benefits as you get towards the top are undeniably nice to have.  Royal Caribbean's benefits offer easy ways to save time and money, and it's difficult to imagine cruising without them.

Here's a glimpse at the exclusive perks that come with Pinnacle Club membership.

Priority everything

Check-in sign

One thing that changed a lot when I moved from Diamond Plus to Pinnacle is you truly feel like you're cruising first class, even when you're not in a giant suite.

Royal Caribbean grants Pinnacle Club members priority boarding with suite guests, which means you have a special boarding line and lounge area in the cruise terminal.  When it comes time to board the cruise, you're among the first to board too.

Once onboard the ship, Pinnacles are allowed access to the Suite Lounge for the duration of the cruise (assuming there aren't too many onboard). This is a less busy alternative to the Crown Lounge, and also comes with great views too.

Icon-Suite-Neighborhood-23-Coastal-Kitchen

Access to Coastal Kitchen on the new ships is a tremendous benefit too, as it adds a new complimentary restaurant choice.  I've started eating more often at Coastal Kitchen than I ever did when I stayed in a suite.  Maybe it's because of the added value, or maybe it's because they have French onion soup on the dinner menu every night.  You decide.

Pinnacles have the option of wear a gold name tag that's given to them when the turn Pinnacle. Personally, I've never worn it, but many Pinnacles swear by it because they notice enhanced service from crew members.

Pinnacle Pin

I think my gold colored SeaPass card for being Pinnacle stands out enough, but you can't deny it crew members tend to do a double take when they see you're Pinnacle.

Just like embarkation, the suite concierge will escort you off the ship on the final day of the cruise, and you'll get luggage tags for the first group too.

Special added events

Cheers with an officer table

As a Pinnacle Club member, you'll get invited to various events during your cruise. Depending on your sailing length, there can be different events to choose from.

On my most recent sailing on Anthem of the Seas in Europe, I was invited to a Pinnacle lunch event where we had a group meal with other Pinnacles onboard and the chance to meet the officers.

Cheers with an officer

Known as "Cheers with an officer", it's basically the Chops Grille lunch served in the Main Dining Room, and since everyone is a Pinnacle Club member, there are a lot of "war stories" being shared among big time cruisers.

Topics of discussion included favorite itineraries, upcoming cruises booked, and pretty much anything relevant happening in cruising right now.  It's like a super cruiser discussion thread in real life.

Pinnacles are also invited to other events, such as behind the scenes tours, Top Tier events, and more.

It's optional to attend any of them, but going adds a dimension of community you won't find at the other tiers.

So many free drinks

I thought getting 4 free drinks a day as a Diamond member was nice, but having 6 as Pinnacle makes a big difference.

Royal Caribbean gives free drink vouchers to use at any bar, restaurant or lounge every day of the cruise. It's an incredible benefit:

  • Diamond: 4 drinks per day, per person
  • Diamond Plus: 5 drinks per day, per person
  • Pinnacle: 6 drinks per day, per person.

My kids get free drinks too, albeit they're at Diamond Plus level.

1400-lobby-bar-icon

Since moving up to Pinnacle Club, I haven't bought a drink package since turning Pinnacle because I get so much value from my free drinks (and casino benefits).

Even if I use up all my drink vouchers for the day and pay out of pocket for 3 or 4 drinks, I'm still saving money compared to a Royal Caribbean drink package.

Free cruise incentive

Voyager of the Seas

If you think once you hit Pinnacle that you max out the rationale to continue cruising with Royal Caribbean, think again.

Besides wanting to take advantage of the added perks I already mentioned, Royal Caribbean will continue giving Pinnacles free cruises in the future.

When you hit 700 points, you'll get a free seven night cruise to the Caribbean in a balcony cabin to use. If you choose a cruise that matches all three of those conditions, then the base cruise fare is free except for port fees, taxes and gratuity.

Allure of the Seas in Nassau

If you want something else, then you have the choice to take a $2400 value to use towards any cruise, which means you could upgrade to a suite, or do a 9-night cruise, or simply sail elsewhere in the world.

You'll get another free cruise every 350 points after that, which means there's a good reason to keep going.  For example: 700, 1050, 1400, 1750, 2100, et al.

Incredible status matching with Celebrity

Celebrity-Eclipse

Royal Caribbean recently updated its status matching with sister line Celebrity Cruises, and the result is incredible.

I just sailed on Celebrity Reflection and was granted full Zenith level membership, which is Celebrity's top loyalty level.  

Status-Match

I was given a complimentary premium drink package, premium one-device wifi package, access to The Retreat (suite lounge), priority embarkation/disembarkation, and more.

I was blown away by how lucrative being a Zenith member is, and I got it all simply for being a Pinnacle Club member.

Retreat

I sailed on Celebrity Apex last year before the status matching change, and the updated benefits make sailing on Celebrity so much more tantalizing.

Moving up to Pinnacle means you not only reach the top level of Royal Caribbean, but also Celebrity. That adds a major bonus to the value.

Reaching Pinnacle has changed how I cruise

Matt in central park

While I don't think chasing loyalty status is a good reason to cruise, I can't deny I've enjoyed the benefits that have come with being Pinnacle.

In short, it's made me feel more valued by the cruise line for my loyalty, and meeting other Pinnacles has been a real highlight.

I think the benefits you get at Diamond are plenty good on their own, but if you find down the line getting closer to that 700 point threshold, it might make sense to think about a strategy to get there given how nice these added perks have been for me.

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

In:
23 Sep 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

The food is one of the best parts of any cruise, and I was looking forward to the dining experience onboard Vision of the Seas. 

Vision-Dining

Overall, the food on Vision was better than some of the larger ships I've sailed on within the past year, namely Freedom of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. Izumi, in particular, was out-of-this-world, with the fresh sushi and drool-worthy appetizers making it a must-visit. 

Still, not every meal was a home run. Here's a breakdown of everything I ate during my 5-night cruise aboard Vision of the Seas, including a few dishes I'd skip next time. 

Of note, I'm not a food critic and am not classically trained in anything cuisine-related. Others may come to their own conclusions, as everyone has different taste buds and preferences.

Embarkation Day Lunch

Lunch from the Windjammer buffet on Vision of the Seas

Though I'm no stranger to Royal Caribbean cruises, this was my first time sailing on a Vision Class ship, and I was worried that the buffet would lack variety—similar to my experience on Carnival Elation, a ship similar in size and age to Vision.  

Thankfully, that wasn't the case. While the buffet wasn't as expansive as those on newer and larger ships, I always found something appealing, starting with the chicken curry on embarkation day! It had a nice flavor and was a little spicy, something I rarely say as someone with an above-average spicy tolerance. 

To complement the chicken and rice, I made my own salad and tried a few polenta fries. You can never go wrong with a refreshing salad; however, the polenta fries were just okay. Nothing to necessarily write home about. 

Dessert in the buffet on Vision of the Seas

The biggest disappointment of the meal was the pineapple upside-down cake. The flavor was nice, but it was dry. 

After sailing away, my friend and I headed to Park Cafe for some pizza to hold us over until dinner.

Pizza onboard Vision of the Seas

Perhaps an unpopular opinion, but Royal Caribbean's pizza is just fine. I've had better cruise ship pizza on other lines—namely MSC. 

Embarkation Day Dinner

Appetizer at Izumi on Vision of the Seas

My favorite, and I mean favorite, meal on Vision of the Seas was at Izumi. It was the only specialty restaurant I ate at, and it did not disappoint. Everything was mouthwatering, from the refreshing edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp roll and savory miso ramen.

Since we pre-booked through the Cruise Planner, we had the option of one appetizer, two large plates, and one dessert. If you're more interested in a light meal, you can always order à la carte. 

Sushi at Izumi on Vision of the Seas

Between the spicy miso ramen and champagne lobster roll, the latter was my favorite. 

It was unlike any sushi roll I've had before, and I appreciated how the flavors came together. The blanched lobster was tender and sweet, perfectly complimented by the champagne sauce. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean changed the sushi roll sizes for its fixed price menu

Ramen at Izumi on Vision of the Seas

The spicy miso ramen was tasty, but I'd probably skip it next time in favor of another sushi roll. 

The noodles seemed slightly undercooked, but the broth had that expected rich umami flavor that's always comforting. 

Dessert at Izumi on Vision of the Seas

For dessert, I went with the crispy sesame balls. Served warm, the outer layer was perfectly crispy, giving way to the soft red bean paste filling. It was both sweet and savory.

Breakfast Day 2

Breakfast from the Windjammer on Vision of the Seas

Unfortunately, I woke up feeling a little seasick the next day, and my motion sickness patch hadn't kicked in by the time we went to breakfast. We were sailing through some pretty choppy waters, with the Solarium pool drained and closed the entire day. 

Since I wasn't feeling great, I went with a lighter breakfast consisting of eggs, some fruit, and a small piece of avocado toast. As expected, the eggs were standard cruise ship buffet eggs. They were a little cold, but I attribute that to our late arrival ten minutes before closing. 

The fruit tasted fresh, but it was the avocado toast that stood out the most. The avocado topping was creamy and ripe. 

Lunch Day 2

Lunch from Park Cafe on Vision of the Seas

Despite the pool being closed because of the rough sea conditions, I spent the greater part of the first sea day in the Solarium. It made for a convenient setup, especially after learning the sauna and steam room were complimentary. 

For lunch, my friend and I didn't gravitate far, joining the line at Park Cafe shortly after it opened. Compared to my salad in the Windjammer the day before, I was much happier with my new creation. Honey mustard dressing is so underrated! 

I also got the signature Kummelweck sandwich with spicy mustard and horseradish. The roast beef was perfectly cooked, and it was a great complement to the salad. 

Dessert from Park Cafe on Vision of the Seas

My mid-day sweet treat wasn't as disappointing as the pineapple upside-down cake. The pistachio pound cake was so moist with a subtle pistachio flavor that wasn't too overwhelming. 

In fact, I thought it was so good I got it again that evening as a late-night snack before bed. 

Dinner Day 2

French Onion Soup on Vision of the Seas

For dinner, we went to the Main Dining Room. At first, I was a bit weary of dining during the 5:00pm seating, but it worked out, as it allowed us to work up an appetite for pizza after enjoying the evening entertainment. 

I started with the French Onion Soup, and do I really have to say anything else? I don't think the soup has ever left something to be desired. It really is just that good. 

MDR Food on Vision of the Seas

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my entrèe. I tried the Seafood Linguine earlier this year on Quantum of the Seas, and I should have learned my lesson then. 

Though the sauce was creamy and the shrimp was cooked well, everything else about the dish was pretty bland. Next time, I know to go with the Roasted Beef Tenderloin. 

MDR Food on Vision of the Seas

The Warm Apple Cobbler is one of my go-to desserts. 

I'll usually debate switching things up and ordering the Cappuccino Chocolate Cake or Toasted Almond Creme Puffs, but there's something so satisfying about warm apples and cold ice cream. 

Read more: How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works

Breakfast Day 3

Breakfast from the Windjammer on Vision of the Seas

The next morning, I was feeling much better and eager to arrive in Bermuda! The weather, however, still wasn't in our favor. Despite the yucky conditions, we made the most of our time ashore, venturing to Hamilton and exploring the local stores. 

When it comes to breakfast, I'm a bit predictable and tend to avoid the sugary stuff. As such, I went with scrambled eggs, the tried-and-true hash brown patty, and peaches. 

This was my favorite breakfast in the Windjammer. Though the eggs were a little cold again, the hash brown patty was crispy, and the peaches were juicy and sweet. 

Lunch Day 3

Lunch from the Windjammer buffet on Vision of the Seas

Since we didn't arrive in Bermuda until around 1:30pm, we decided to fuel up with lunch from the Windjammer buffet before making our way onto the rainy island. 

Overall, I was happy with my lunch! While the veggie sandwich could have had more than two small pieces of cooked squash on it, the slathering of pesto mayo made up for it with a burst of flavor. 

Not only that, but I found the stir fry to be tasty, too. I will say, however, that it wasn't as good as the made-to-order station on Celebrity Ascent. Nonetheless, it was still satisfying, with a variety of vegetables and small bites of chicken. 

Dessert from the buffet on Vision of the Seas

For dessert, I went with a small Oreo treat. It was only after my friend tried it and said how delicious it was that it caught my eye. After the first bite, I was hooked—the fluffy filling was nicely balanced with the crunch of the crumbled cookie bits. 

Dinner Day 3

Dinner in Bermuda

That night, we decided to have dinner off the ship, maximizing our time ashore. We stumbled upon a small restaurant in Hamilton offering $35 lobster rolls. 

I don't think my New England-born-and-raised fiancèe would have approved, but I thought the dish was decent for the price—especially considering that Bermuda is known for being pricey.

Breakfast Day 4

Breakfast from the Windjammer on Vision of the Seas

It was back to the Windjammer the next morning. Unfortunately, this was perhaps the most disappointing meal onboard. 

The heat lamp made the shell of the hardboiled egg almost too hot to crack. When I finally succeeded, I didn't take more than two bites, finding it overcooked, dry, and rubbery. The most upsetting part was the hash brown. I was looking forward to the satisfying crunch. Instead, it was on the soggy side. 

That said, the fruit and chicken sausage were pretty average, and I tried a bite of my friend's banana streusel muffin that was surprisingly good. 

Lunch Day 4

Salad from Park Cafe on Vision of the Seas

I was worried our shipwreck snorkeling excursion would get canceled due to the inclement weather. However, luck was finally on our side. It didn't start storming until sail away! 

When we got back onboard, we had worked up an appetite and headed straight to the Solarium for lunch at the Park Cafe. 

Once again, I went with a custom salad topped with honey mustard dressing, and as I'm writing this, I'm thinking it's something I need to purchase!

Sandwich from Park Cafe on Vision of the Seas

I also ordered the tomato, mozzarella, and pesto sandwich. 

While the tomato was juicy, embodying the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, I wish the sandwich had been toasted a few seconds longer. The mozzarella was strangely warm and cold. 

Dinner Day 4

MDR Food on Vision of the Seas

When we sat down for dinner, I advised my friend that the Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp had never been a letdown. 

She decided to go with the Asian-Style Pork Bao Buns, and after trying one of my shrimp, she immediately flagged down our waiter to get an order. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Menus: Main Dining Room, Specialty Restaurants, & More

MDR

For my entrèe, I was torn between the Stuffed Grilled Eggplant and Rustic Chicken Korma. Both sounded intriguing, albeit with very different flavor profiles. In the end, I went with the Chicken Korma and was happy with my decision!

When it arrived, I was struck by the fragrant aroma of the spices. Each bite of chicken was tender, and the rice soaked up all the flavors of the curry. 

MDR Food on Vision of the Seas

The dish was served with a side of crispy poppadum and raita. 

MDR Food on Vision of the Seas

The Blueberry Cobbler was the perfect sweet treat. The vanilla ice cream added a nice contrast to the tart blueberries. However, I wish it had been served a little warmer. 

Breakfast Day 5

Breakfast from the Main Dining Room on Vision of the Seas

After a few disappointing experiences in the buffet, we decided to try the Main Dining Room for breakfast. The overall ambiance felt a world apart from the bustling buffet. 

I ordered a classic Eggs Benedict, a dish I find indulgent and comforting. The presentation wasn't anything worthwhile, but it tasted great! 

I was, however, displeased with the hash brown. Even in the Main Dining Room, it wasn't as crispy as I would have liked. 

Lunch Day 5

Wrap and salad from the Park Cafe on Vision of the Seas

Once again, we opted to have lunch at Park Cafe. I went with a turkey wrap and the same salad creation as the day before. 

I found the wrap pretty dry; the lack of a creamy dressing or juicy tomato left something to be desired. 

Dinner Day 5

MDR Food on Vision of the Seas

Before we knew it, we were heading to our table in the Main Dining Room for one final dinner. The menu on Day 5 was Italian, and I settled on the Golden Polenta Fries, Lasagna al Forno, and Tirasmu. 

The polenta fries were much better than the ones from the buffet on embarkation day, but despite the description on the menu, I didn't find the dip spicy. It tasted more like standard marinara sauce! 

MDR Food on Vision of the Seas

Out of all the entrèes in the Main Dining Room, the Lasagna al Forno was the most disappointing. 

I had high hopes for a comforting dish layered with rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, but what arrived felt lackluster. 

While the flavors were decent, the sauce was a little bland and could have used extra seasoning. 

MDR Food on Vision of the Seas

That said, the BEST thing I ate in the dining room was the Tirasmu. The layers of coffee-soaked cafe and creamy mascarpone melted in the mouth!

Disembarkation Breakfast

MDR Breakfast on Vision of the Seas

We skipped the buffet on disembarkation day, as we weren't in any rush to get to the airport for our 3:30pm flight. Instead, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room. 

The scrambled eggs were served at a much better temperature than those in the Windjammer, but the hash brown patty was a different story. Instead of a golden, crispy patty, I got a sad, soggy one. 

MDR Breakfast on Vision of the Seas

The fruit cup was a great complement to the meal, though. It included a mix of watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and cantaloupe. Each bite was refreshing! The pineapple, however, was the true star. 

Unexpected perks of cruising during the off-season

In:
23 Sep 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Explore the hidden benefits of cruising outside peak travel periods, such as fewer crowds, better deals, and unique itineraries.

Symphony of the Seas

You can take a cruise vacation throughout the year, but there are some great advantages to going during a less busy time.

According to Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty, he expects cruise prices to go up over the next few years, which means finding a lower fare cost will become more difficult.

One strategy to go on a cruise while spending less is to book a cruise in the off season or shoulder season.

Navigator in Mexico

I always book a few Caribbean cruises in September or October because there are lower prices. The combination of peak hurricane season and kids restarting school brings a welcome price dip after the busy summer season.

All forms of travel see ebbs and flows, and going when others cannot travel is a top strategy for getting a better deal.

No matter where in the world you want to take a cruise, you'll find times of the year when demand wanes and that's good for consumers.

Here's a look at the hidden benefits of cruising outside peak travel periods.

When are off season cruises?

Freedom in Nassau

Depending on which region of the world you want to take a cruise, there are a few months to target for off peak demand.

One common thread among all off season times is the fact that school is in session. Family cruising is a big component to cruise demand.  Even if the kids aren't going on the cruise, a lot of parents skip vacations because they are unwilling to pull them out for a trip.

September in Alaska

The shoulder season and off peak times to cruise by region are:

  • Caribbean: September and October, January, May
  • Alaska: May or September
  • Europe: April, May, September, October
  • Australia: October, November, March, and April

Read more: When is the best time to go on a cruise?

Rum Cay in The Bahamas

In the Caribbean, cruising during hurricane season (especially after August) is a double edged sword.  On the one hand, you'll get better prices than earlier in the summer. However, you run a higher your itinerary being modified or completely changed because of a tropical storm.

Don't worry, your ship will avoid the worst of any storm, if there is a hurricane present. Royal Caribbean actually has its own meteorologist on staff to provide expert guidance of where ships should go if there are any weather issues.

Better deals

Utopia of the Seas in CocoCay

If you take a cruise during any of these months, there's consistently lower prices. It's even when you might be able to find a last minute cruise deal.

In general, pricing tends to be lower for an off season cruise because less people want to sail.  It could be because of school or work schedules, or cooler temperatures.

If you're very flexible, you could watch Royal Caribbean's Going, Going, Gone rates for a super last minute deal.  I find consistently every year great prices on Alaska cruises in September or European cruises in October and November. However, it requires you to be nimble in the booking process.

Amalfi Coast

When you compare the price of a summer season sailing vs one earlier or later, it could save you hundreds of dollars.

As an example, a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska on Anthem of the Seas September 5, 2025 starts at $811 per person, whereas the same cruise on July 11, 2025 starts at $1235 per person.

That's $2,469.68 for two people in July vs $1,621.88 in September. And that's just for an inside cabin, which will cost more since a lot of people prefer a balcony on an Alaska cruise.

You'll often find Kids Sail Free deals on a cruise during these lower demand times, which can really rack up savings for families.

Off season cruising has other financial benefits beyond the cruise fare.

There's a good chance your flights will be cheaper too, as peak summer pricing affects airfare just as much as cruise fare. Ditto for hotels for a pre- or post-cruise stay.

If you happen to go during the tail end of a season (September in Alaska or Europe), you may find deals on end of season merchandise too.

Smaller crowds

I love going to Alaska in May or Europe in September because of how uncrowded the places your ship visits will be.

While saving money is indeed a great reason to pick an off season cruise, I think the lower crowd numbers is the best reason.

What you'll discover during the shoulder seasons is there are fewer ships, as well as fewer land tourists to contend with. This means less people in your port, and shorter waits for museums, natural wonders, tours, and more.

Empty Skagway street

In Alaska it's very apparent the difference between a cruise in June vs July when you walk into a port like Sitka or Skagway and notice far fewer tourists.

With smaller crowds, you can do more with less wait and my satisfaction rate with the experience is much better.

Unique itineraries

Another advantage of going on a cruise at the very beginning or very end of the cruise season are the special sailings you can book.

Seasonal cruise markets have to move ships into position, and then return them at the conclusion of their time there.  This means cruise lines will offer repositioning cruises that begin in one region, and end in a different one.

You could sail from Australia to Hawaii, or Hawaii to Vancouver.  There are also transatlantic crossings that feel like the classic ocean liner voyages of the past.

Ovation of the Seas in Sydney

These cruises visit ports not usually included on a typical sailing, and in some cases it's the only opportunity to go to these places on a cruise ship.

Plus, repositioning cruises are longer cruises, which means they tend to be cheaper per night than other cruises and it's a great way to earn more loyalty program points.

Royal Caribbean News Round-up: September 22, 2024

In:
22 Sep 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

Happy Sunday, and welcome back to an edition of our Royal Caribbean news round-up. We'll summarize all the latest news from the cruise line, so just sit back, relax, and read on.

Photo by John McCarry

Royal Caribbean has quietly updated its banned item list to include something many people bring on a cruise.

The list has many items you'd expect to find on the list, such as weapons or illegal drugs, but the latest change is a headscratcher.

The inclusion of multi-outlet plugs on the list means keeping devices charged in a cabin on older cruise ships will be more of a challenge going forward.

Royal Caribbean News

New RCB Video: 5 things to avoid on Royal Caribbean (and what to do instead)

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—5 things to avoid on Royal Caribbean (and what to do instead)—and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Influencers left kids alone in cruise ship cabin sparks controversy

Abby and Matt

Two famous social media influencers recently sparked outrage after leaving their children alone in a cruise ship cabin.

While onboard Navigator of the Seas, Matt, and Abby Howard posted that they left their 1 and 2-year-old children unattended during dinner.

The Internet had a lot to say regarding the matter.

What cruisers are doing instead of buying a drink package

Ordering drinks from a waiter

Drink packages have never been more expensive, and cruisers are starting to look for other options.

Deluxe drink packages are a popular add-on, but prices are regularly rising to over $100 a day, per person. 

Many cruisers are moving on to other, less expensive ways of purchasing alcoholic and specialty drinks onboard.

How to earn Crown & Anchor Society points faster

Odyssey of the Seas

Looking to move up in the loyalty society levels?

Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society provides some great benefits for its loyal cruisers, and there are strategies one can use to earn more points.

From staying in a suite to cruising solo, you can move up the loyalty ladder faster with a few tricks.

Cruise mistakes you’ll only make once

Ship in Puerto Vallarta

There's a good chance these cruise mistakes are so bad, that if you ever made them, you'd never do it again.

Among the many things you could do differently on a cruise vacation, a handful stand out as major oopsies.

You can easily avoid these mistakes by knowing what to do instead.

Best cruises to maximize Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits

In:
21 Sep 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

Royal Caribbean's loyalty program offers some of the best benefits in the cruise industry, but you can only utilize them while on a cruise.

Couple on Icon of the Seas

As much as you might want to cruise frequently, vacationing is a luxury, and it can be hard to find time to plan your next sailing.

So while on those infrequent cruises, how can you best maximize your Crown and Anchor Society benefits

The program offers great value at every level: you can expect to receive discounts, vouchers, and even free cruises as part of your rewards.

Specific cruises will offer the best value for loyalty members who want to utilize their benefits.

If you'd like your next sailing to use all the advantages available from the Crown and Anchor Society, certain cruise ships, itineraries, and ship classes will help you maximize your experience.

Icon and Oasis Class ships offer more ways to redeem

Looking into Central Park

When booking your cruise, you'll want to think about the amount of opportunities you'll have to redeem your reward vouchers and discounts.

Depending on your tier of the loyalty program, you'll get discounts on drinks, complimentary specialty beverages, free casino plays, and even BOGO dinners at specialty restaurants.

Every tier of the Crown and Anchor Society receives:

  • 50% off coupon for any glass of wine, beer, or soda
  • 25% off any coffee beverage
  • 10% off any wine, beer, or soda by the glass
Sunset bar on Celebrity Silhouette

Ships with more venues will offer more opportunities and varied choices when it comes to redeeming these coupons, so Royal Caribbean's mega-ships (such as its Oasis and Icon Class) are your best bet for maximizing these benefits. Plus, kids get these benefits too.

From the amount of casino machines to bars onboard, everything about these ships offers more ways to cash in.

Read more: How to earn Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society points faster

Icon of the Seas aerial

Icon of the Seas, for example, has 14 specialty restaurants and 18 bars and lounges—offering a wide selection of menus and themes.

Throughout the length of your cruise, you could redeem complimentary daily drinks at an assortment of bars.

Use drink vouchers on a stop at a private island

Those drink vouchers turn into complimentary daily drinks once you reach the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle tiers of the Crown and Anchor Society.

And since drink discounts and packages also apply while on Royal Caribbean's private destinations, booking a cruise that visits Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, Haiti will grant you extra time to take advantage.

Since most discounts only apply on the ship, you might be tempted to stay onboard during port days to make the most of free WiFi and drinks.

CocoCay-Drinks

However, stopping off at a Royal Caribbean private destination allows you to still use both while enjoying beautiful beaches and luxurious cabanas.

Booking a sailing that stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, Haiti is a great way to maximize even more benefits.

Read more: What being a Pinnacle member means to me

Get discounts when you book a balcony or suite

utopia of the seas balcony cabin

The Crown and Anchor Society also offers discounts to its members who are booking balcony cabins or suites, so look at upgrading when you book your next cruise.

Starting at 30 points, cruisers can get discounts when booking balcony and suite staterooms.

While spending more on a cabin might not sound like a good deal, you'll be rewarding yourself with more luxurious accommodations while also taking advantage of loyalty offers.

Aquatheater bedroom

Not only that, but cruisers also receive an increased discount for making a reservation more than six months ahead.

Royal Caribbean tends to reward guests for booking further ahead of time, so booking a balcony or suite stateroom far in the future will give you extra deals.

  3-5 nights 6-9 nights10+ nights
Platinum $75$125$225
Emerald$125 $225$325
Diamond$150$250$350
Diamond Plus$175$275$375
Pinnacle Club$175$275$375

Consider the Crown Lounge onboard 

crown-lounge-icon-of-the-seas-2

Royal Caribbean has a dedicated area on all of its ships just for passengers that have reached at least Diamond level.

Access to the Crown Lounge is included in benefits for the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle tiers.

Open 24/7, this exclusive area features complimentary food, coffee, access to the Diamond concierge, and nightly happy hours.

To ensure that you're making the most of this benefit, you can research the Crown Lounge onboard specific Royal Caribbean ships.

Cruisers like to discuss their preferred size, layout, and style of the Crown Lounge, so look for a ship that best suits your preferences.

Spectrum of the Seas aerial at sea

Some members prefer a bigger lounge, where they can spread out and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Others visit the exclusive venue for the social aspect, enjoying meeting other loyal Royal cruises, so they look for a more intimate experience.

Whatever your tastes, look for a specific ship to meet those needs.

Book an Alaska, Asia, or Europe sailing for your free cruise

The highest tier of the Crown and Anchor Society is rewarded with a free cruise.

Once passengers reach 700 points, they receive a free 7-night cruise in a balcony cabin (at the prevailing rate of a Caribbean cruise). Once they reach 1,400 points, the 7-night cruise is upgraded to a Junior Suite.

A free cruise sounds like a dream come true.

Royal Caribbean does not allow guests to book this sailing on a brand-new ship (it must be more than a year old), so you'll want to maximize these benefits by booking more expensive itineraries. 

The cruise line visits destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, France, Spain, Greece, Singapore, and Japan—all of which can be booked on your yearly free cruise.

Read more: I planned out 6 years of cruises so I could reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty tier

However, the free sailing doesn't include taxes, fees, or transportation, so you'd still have to pay for travel to and from the cruise port.

Use package discounts on shorter cruises

3-5 night sailings are a great opportunity to save money on WiFi and drink packages—with fewer days onboard, the daily packages cost even less.

When purchased onboard Diamond Plus members get 30% off deluxe drink packages, while Pinnacle members get 40% off.

Gold, Platinum, and Emerald members get discounts on Internet packages purchased onboard, while Diamond guests get one free day of internet access.

Diamond Plus cruisers earn two free days of Surf & Stream internet package per sailing, and Pinnacle Club members get a free Internet package for the length of the cruise.