Royal Caribbean Blog

Following the massive success of Royal Caribbean's first private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line is planning to launch a second Perfect Day location in the South Pacific.

Perfect Day at Lelepa is set to launch in the coming years, although no official opening date has been set.  The private destination will be constructed on Lelepa Island in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu.

During my recent South Pacific cruise itinerary, I jumped on the opportunity to visit Lelepa Island when my ship docked in nearby Port Vila. Although Perfect Day at Lelepa is not yet open—it hasn’t even begun construction—visiting the island gave me a first hand look at what this unique destination may offer cruisers.

From out-of-this-world snorkeling to gorgeous beaches and friendly locals, here are the main insights I gained from my day ashore that you should look forward to.

Like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Perfect Day at Lelepa will be a private destination exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise passengers

Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise ports. The private island, located just 140 miles from Miami, features a waterpark, freshwater pool, exclusive beach club, and multiple beaches. Over two million cruise passengers visit the destination each year.

Related: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets

Given the popularity of the first Perfect Day destination, Royal Caribbean announced a second Perfect Day destination, Perfect Day at Lelepa, in 2019. Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers thrilling activities like water slides and jet skis, Perfect Day at Lelepa will place more of a focus on the ecological beauty and diverse culture of Vanuatu.

The island will also be the first private cruise destination in the world to achieve carbon neutrality.

According to locals, construction has not yet started for Perfect Day at Lelepa

Following the 2019 announcement of Perfect Day at Lelepa, the cruise line planned to open the destination sometime in 2022. These plans, however, were quickly derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Royal Caribbean has not released any new updates about Perfect Day at Lelepa since March 2022, when a few artist renderings were released about what the destination could look like. 

The company’s silence has many loyal cruisers wondering what the current status is with the destination. This is what I was most curious to find out as well.

As soon as my ship docked in Port Vila, I hopped in a taxi for a 30 minute ride to the western side of Efate Island, from where I would board a small boat to Lelepa Island and start my day tour with Lelepa Island Day Tours.

During our short five minute boat ride from Efate to Lelepa Island, I asked the boat’s captain about the private destination, and whether or not construction had begun.

He pointed to the far north side of the island to indicate where the destination would be located, and told me that construction had not yet begun. 

It’s unclear whether the infrastructure and buildings for the Perfect Day at Lelepa are being constructed elsewhere and will be transported to the island at a later date. That being said, if there’s one thing I learned during my time on the island, it’s that the opening date still appears to be very far away.

Lelepa Island’s coastline is dotted with beaches

Unfortunately my day tour to Lelepa Island was unable to visit the part of the island that will become Perfect Day at Lelepa. My tour guide explained that they used to bring visitors to that area of the island, but cannot do so anymore due to the agreement with Royal Caribbean.

Even so, I was able to catch a glimpse of what will become one of the island’s main beaches. While I only saw the beach from a distance, it appeared to be longer than other beaches around the island.

Of the beaches I visited during my day ashore, though, most of the beaches weren’t made of fine sand. Rather, they were composed of small pieces of coral.

While not as comfortable as the soft sand somewhere like Perfect Day at CocoCay, the crystal clear, refreshing water will certainly make visiting Lelepa a perfect beach day for visitors.

Snorkeling opportunities at Perfect Day at Lelepa will be far better than those at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a popular snorkeling spot on any Caribbean cruise, but Perfect Day at Lelepa easily blows the Bahamian island away.

During my visit to Lelepa, I had the opportunity to snorkel amongst some of the most colorful and abundant coral I’ve ever seen. From the moment I put my head under the water, I was left speechless with the variety of marine life in front of me.

As our tour guide put it, “People say the snorkeling here is even better than the Great Barrier Reef.” I have to agree.

If there’s one thing to be excited about with the launch of Perfect Day at Lelepa, it’s the snorkeling opportunities. Bringing your own snorkeling gear ashore is a must. Like at Perfect Day at CocoCay, it’s possible that snorkeling and scuba diving tours may be offered at an additional cost.

The island also offers the ability to visit a large cave as well as a local village

Outside of the beaches, Lelepa Island offers a few more activities for visitors. Of course, it’s unclear whether these options will be offered to guests at Perfect Day at Lelepa, but it’s possible they could become shore excursions.

The first is a visit to Fele’s Cave, an 114 foot high cave with rock drawings up to 3000 years old. These cave paintings show animals, geographic shapes, and a human representation of Chief Roi Mata, a powerful chief of Vanuatu who was believed to have ruled in the 16th century.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when we approached Fele’s Cave during my visit to Lelepa Island, but I was stunned by the cave’s size and the spiritual history it represented for thousands of years.

We also made a visit to Natapao, the main village on Lelepa Island.

One of the most unique aspects of visiting a destination like Vanuatu is experiencing the unique cultures of Melanesia. Visiting the local village was a way to learn more about the local way of life on the island and purchase souvenirs that support the town's economy.

For those looking to experience the island outside of just the beach, these two options make an excellent choice.

Like any new project, locals have mixed feelings about the private destination, but overall thoughts remain positive

Although Royal Caribbean’s marketing puts forth the image that Perfect Day at Lelepa is a remote island, the reality is that Lelepa Island is located just across from Port Vila, the most populous city in Vanuatu.

Despite the island’s proximity to the main economic hub in Vanuatu, though, life remains relatively traditional for the 600 residents calling Lelepa home. With no access to freshwater, locals must visit Efate Island—where Port Vila is located—daily to collect water, and all electricity is provided via generators and solar power.

It goes without saying that a project as monumental as Perfect Day at Lelepa will likely change the lives of many on Lelepa Island. Most locals I spoke with seemed to be in favor of the private destination, as it will provide a significant source of economic generation for the island. Some, however, are of course worried about how it may affect the current way of life.

The island is sure to be successful with the Australian cruise market, but those in North America should also consider a visit

It's likely Perfect Day at Lelepa will quickly become a major selling point for cruisers based in Australia. South Pacific itineraries remain extremely popular in the region, offering a tropical getaway to islands primarily in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Itineraries depart from both Sydney and Brisbane, Australia.

The benefit of visiting one of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day locations over a traditional cruise port is the private atmosphere. Only Royal Caribbean cruise passengers will be permitted at Perfect Day at Lelepa.

Plus, even though some excursions may be offered at an extra cost, there will be no charge to visit Perfect Day at Lelepa, as it will be included in guests’ cruise fares.

Despite the fact that I could not visit the future destination’s exact location up close, traveling to Lelepa Island gave me an idea of what to expect once Perfect Day at Lelepa launches.

The most spectacular part of my day was the snorkeling—it was the most magnificent coral I’ve ever seen. Aside from exploring underwater, the beaches and pristine nature of Lelepa Island are sure to impress the estimated 800,000 passengers to visit the destination each year.

For more updates on Perfect Day at Lelepa, be sure to subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog newsletter and follow our Facebook page so you can be notified as soon as Royal Caribbean releases new information about this exciting new destination.

It's been seven years in the making, but the world’s biggest cruise ship is making its debut.

Measuring a staggering 1,198 feet, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas was delivered today at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland and is on schedule for her maiden voyage from Miami, Florida to the Caribbean on January 27, 2024.

Delivery of the ship signifies transfer of ownership of a new cruise ship.

The 20-deck cruise ship has a maximum capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members.

Icon of the Seas is delivered

Executives from Royal Caribbean took delivery of the ship at a ceremony at the shipyard.

Construction took over 900 days, and the momentous occasion was met with celebration by both the shipyard and the cruise line.

In attendance at the celebration were more than 1,200 crew members and workers, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer.

Mr. Liberty shared his thoughts on the significance of the delivery, "Today, we are celebrating more than a new ship; it’s also the celebration of the culmination of more than 50 years of innovation and dreaming at Royal Caribbean to create the ultimate vacation experience."

"Delivering Icon of the Seas represents all that can be accomplished with strong partnerships and a commitment to delivering memorable vacations responsibly, and we thank Meyer Turku and an incredible village of skilled partners for joining us on this journey. The memories millions of families and vacationers will make on Icon will be our greatest accomplishment yet."

Mr. Bayley also shared why Icon of the Seas will be a big deal for the cruise line for many years to come, "Welcoming Icon of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean family is a remarkable accomplishment years in the making for thousands of innovators, engineers, architects and designers

"Seven years ago, we had an ambitious idea to create the first vacation truly made for every type of family and adventurer; now, it’s in our hands, and in this final stretch, we’ll bring it all to life for the biggest debut in our history in January 2024."

Icon of the Seas is now on her way to Cadiz, Spain, where it will receive its finishing touches before heading to its year-round home in Miami.

A long journey

Royal Caribbean placed the order for Icon of the Seas in October 2016, but conceptual work for it likely went even further back.

The cruise line has referred to Icon as a "white paper" ship, meaning they started with a blank slate in terms of ideas for this ship.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider described the design process for a new ship as, "never ending."

"You go through a great design process. We've got in our new build organization excellent architects and designers, with partners in the yard who really are focused on the kind of nautical marine side of some of the innovation that we're trying to do."

The ship was originally scheduled for delivery in early 2022, but that was pushed back due to delays brought about by the global health crisis.

Royal Caribbean wasn't alone in facing disruptions in those years, as the entire cruise industry was shutdown for almost two years. Nonetheless, work on Icon of the Seas continued and while the original delivery date may have been pushed back, the revised date held firm and there were no other issues.

While the global health crisis may have been a hindrance, it didn't stop the process according to Mr. Schneider, "The pandemic didn't stop the work. It slowed it a bit and created certain challenges."

Innovations aplenty

Icon of the Seas is two months away from beginning her first cruise, and the ship is primed with lots for families to enjoy.

The ship will begin operating 7-night cruises from Miami, Florida to the Caribbean in late January.

Icon of the Seas comprises eight neighborhoods, one of which is specifically designed for families with young children.  Royal Caribbean is doubling down on the family vacation market, not only trying to attract families that cruise other lines, but land vacationers who never considered a cruise vacation.

Cruise line executives have spoken on how they believe Icon of the Seas will go after the land vacation market that typically goes to a theme park or resort in Orlando, Florida.

The ship will have new types of cabins, a water park, new neighborhoods, and plenty of activities inbetween. It will also offer a bigger array of dining venues, bars and deck-top attractions than any cruise vessel ever built.

You'll find more than 40 restaurants and bars, industry-leading entertainment across the cruise line’s four signature stages and more.

There's 28 different kinds of cabins, including the new three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse. The townhouse comes at a hefty price, with families paying $80,000 for a week to stay in it.

A floating city

Not only is she big, but Royal Caribbean is loading her up with all sorts of new offerings.

There are 8 neighborhoods (one more than the Oasis Class ships), with three of the neighborhoods being an all new concept.

• AquaDome is at the front of the ship, offering 220-degree views and a 55-foot waterfall
• Suite Neighborhood has a Mediterranean restaurant and two-floor sundeck
• Central Park is a five deck open-air park that has living plant walls
• Chill Island has four pools and a swim-up bar
• Thrill Island is where you'll find the Category 6 waterpark, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, mini-golf course and more.
• Surfside neighborhood designed for young families
• Royal Promenade shopping and entertainment district
• The Hideaway at he back of the ship offering 180-degree views and an infinity pool

Icon is also the cruise line’s first ship that can be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel. The dual-fuel engines will work alongside a lineup of energy efficiency initiatives and industry-leading environmental programs on board, like the first waste-to-energy plant at sea. Twenty-four percent more energy efficient than the standards required for ships being designed today, the cruise line’s most sustainable ship yet will mark the next step in parent company Royal Caribbean Group's journey to introduce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

When will Icon of the Seas sail?

Now that Icon of the Seas is part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, preparations are underway to make sure she is ready to welcome the first guests.

The inaugural sailing will take place on January 27, 2024 from Miami, Florida when Icon of the Seas will sail to the Eastern Caribbean and Royal Caribbean’s private islands of Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

She'll be based in South Florida though at least April 2026. By then, however, they'll be another Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in service, although it's currently unknown where she will sail from. 

The ship isn't quite ready to welcome passengers onboard.  While construction is complete, the ship needs to be supplied, staffed up, and filled with various amenities to finish the ship.

After taking more than 70 Royal Caribbean cruises, I thought it was time to try a cruise on sister-brand Celebrity Cruises.

Over the last few years, I think Celebrity has raised its notoriety among the cruise industry and its eye-catching Edge Class cruise ships have gotten a lot of people to reconsider booking a Celebrity cruise, myself included.

As someone who loves to cruise on Royal Caribbean, trying a different cruise line seemed a bit strange. I enjoy Royal Caribbean, and there's a reason why I love to cruise over and over with this line.  But at the same time, I was curious what the experience would be like to cruise on Celebrity.  

Unlike other cruise lines out there, Celebrity is within the same corporate umbrella as Royal Caribbean International, so it felt less strange to go on another cruise line.

Read more: Who owns Royal Caribbean?

After talking about it for a long time, I booked my family on Celebrity Apex for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise over the Thanksgiving holiday.

I picked Apex because I wanted a new ship, and the Edge Class has gotten so much attention that I felt it would be a great first step forward to try Celebrity.

I was never concerned about having a bad time onboard, but I was curious just how much I would enjoy the experience.  Would it feel exactly like Royal Caribbean? Would I fall in love and never want to go back? What would my kids think of it all?

Pre-cruise and embarkation

Everything leading up to the cruise and the check-in process for a Celebrity Cruise felt pretty much the same as Royal Caribbean.

Both lines use the same backend for its app.  While there are two different apps, they look and work exactly the same but with a different color scheme.

I did a status match in the months leading up to the cruise with my Crown and Anchor Society status.  Both lines will honor your status on either line, with Diamond, Diamond Plus or Pinnacle Club members getting Elite status in the Captain's Club.  This is one tier below their upper most loyalty level.

Having Elite status in Captain's Club didn't really get me much value on my cruise, but it was nice to have it, just in case.

Celebrity Apex sails from Port Everglades and the cruise line has its own cruise terminal.  It's a beautiful building, and set up efficiently.  Certainly in-step with any of Royal Caribbean's newer terminals.

Infinite balcony cabin

In looking at which cabin to book, we went with a cabin category I never would have booked if not for a great deal on it.

Thanks to my friends at MEI Travel, they had a special agency rate on Concierge Class infinite veranda cabins that made it just as cheap to book those rooms as a standard veranda.

It can be a little confusing to understand what Concierge Class gets you, as the name seems to imply you get a higher level of service. Celebrity has sub classes of cabins that get special benefits, including the Concierge Class and Aqua Class.

In short, Concierge class gets you an infinite veranda cabin with some additional benefits. The actual cabin is very similar to a normal veranda, but there are some extra perks included.

The main perks of Concierge Class are:

• Priority Embarkation and Debarkation
• Embarkation day lunch
• Priority Dining Time in main dining room
• Canapes and sparkling wine on request
• Upgraded pillow menu
• Concierge Service
• Destination Seminar
• Umbrella and binoculars during the cruise in your cabin
• Complimentary shoe-shining service
• Extra hairdryer in the stateroom
• Upgraded Hansgrohe rainfall showerhead
• Embossed keyholder and tote bag

That sound impressive, but most of these perks will likely go unused.  The best benefits are the embarkation day lunch, concierge service, canapes and champagne, and priority embarkation.

Because everyone cruises differently, how useful all of this is can vary and we barely used any of the benefits.  The canapes were not the sort of food I liked, and I don't drink champagne.

The concierge team was very friendly and welcoming, and did assist with any issues we had, but we didn't have many problems for them. We booked a standard dining time every night pre-cruise, so priority times in the dining room didn't help.  And the rest of the benefits either went unused or didn't factor much into the experience. 

I think next time I wouldn't book Concierge Class if it cost more than a regular cabin. 

When I told others I was cruising on Celebrity, so many complained about the infinite veranda concept, because they said it ends up just being a big window that sucks all of your air conditioning out instead of being a balcony experience.

As for our cabin itself, I really wanted to love the infinite balcony design.  Unfortunately, they were right.

The infinite veranda is a great cabin, with plenty of space for two people. The balcony sitting area means you get more space to use inside the room when the balcony isn't "open". 

The problem is you have to weigh whether would you rather have the veranda open and be able to look out and enjoy the breeze, or air conditioning in your cabin for the next hour.  On a Caribbean itinerary where the humidity is quite high, this is a much more difficult conundrum.

As soon as you open the verandah, the air conditioning turns off, the cold air escapes outside and everything in your room fogs up almost immediately.

If it's not hot or humid out, then this works quite well.  But in Puerto Rico, it was disappointing.

So we just kept our infinite veranda closed for the cruise and we managed to have a good time nonetheless. It was nice having views of the ocean, and the extra space provided by the balcony sitting area was nice to have.

I loved how big the cabin felt, especially the bathroom. The shower was extra large, and there was lots of vanity space.

Plus and enhanced feel

Celebrity's tag line is they embody "modern luxury" and it manifested itself in Apex's look and feel.

Coming from Royal Caribbean, you'll quickly notice drinks served in glasses and buffet plates that aren't made out of plastic. Chairs everywhere have extra padding, drinks are poured freely instead of using jiggers, and the entire experience feels more premium.

It's subtle, but I enjoyed having a more plush feel to it all, in the same way a luxury sedan feels compared to contemporary sedan.

There are a few areas this really stands out, such as the Oceanview Cafe buffet, the Cafe al Bacio, and the pool deck.

Oceanview Cafe is your standard cruise ship buffet, but the variety of food was quite impressive. There were panini stations, a freshly grilled meat station, more made-to-order cooking stations than I've ever seen, and overall more choices.

Cafe al Bacio is the coffee shop that not only has a variety of coffees you can order by waiting your turn, but there's tables and chairs you can sit at and get waiter service to take your order.

If you can imagine a Royal Caribbean pool deck with the Solarium's furniture throughout the pool deck, that's essentially what Apex's pool deck is like.

I never went on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and wished for these sort of changes, but I certainly welcomed them on Celebrity.

Really good food, especially if you're a foodie

One aspect of Celebrity a lot of readers told me about was Celebrity's food game.

In short, you're going to find a wider variety of foods at any of the restaurants that go beyond what I might expect to find on Royal Caribbean.

I found a lot of these extra choices to lean heavily into the adventurous palate. If you aren't a picky eater, I think you'll find a lot more to consider on a cruise beyond a beef dish, a pasta, a chicken, or some vegetables. 

It really shines with Celebrity's specialty restaurants, and even I was surprised to find duck leg confit, a tomahawk steak cut, roasted trout.

Of course, this assumes you actually would order these items, or you'd stick to similar fare that you'd find on Royal Caribbean.

In my opinion, it's better to have too many options than not enough. So I liked that it wasn't "more of the same" with the food choices.

We ate most nights in the Main Dining Room, which was very akin to the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean before its latest menu changes.

There are four dining rooms on Celebrity Apex and each serves the same menu, along with a subset of special dishes unique to that restaurant.

Our waiters gave us a secondary menu that had a copy of what those special items are in the other restaurants, in case we wanted to order off of them. 

Moreover, the waiters were willing to substitute items and order things off the menu. When I asked about an Indian curry dish option, the head waiter arranged to have it every night I would dine there. When my youngest daughter just wanted pasta while dining at Rooftop Garden, our waiter ran downstairs to the Main Dining Room to get it.

Speaking of the menu, it's worth noting that Celebrity still has a Main Dining Room menu that has a classics section, where a subset of the evening menu never changes.  This means you can get escargot, French onion soup, and a grilled chicken of every night of the cruise in addition to the rotating options.

Not as much to do onboard as Royal Caribbean

If there was one area of my first Celebrity cruise that made me wish I was back on Royal Caribbean the most, it was the daily activities.

There were activities, shows, and events offered, but far fewer than on Royal Caribbean. There were maybe one or two trivia sessions per day, and at night the offerings really slowed down. 

I'm not a party animal or someone that goes from activity to activity on my cruises, but Apex skewed heavily towards a "let's sit down and relax" vibe.  That's perfectly fine, but it made me realize how much I missed having a pub singer, Schooner Bar player, trivia host, or multiple shows to see.

The ship had a silent disco, DJ music, and other typical entertainment of the sort, but there were far fewer sessions.  Many of the instrumentalists would play "coffee house" versions of the songs, which kept the pace slower.

Every cruise line has a stereotype about it, and Celebrity's has historically been that it caters to an older crowd than on Royal Caribbean.  I can see some of the truth in how it's a bit tamer in terms of the ship's energy level.

That isn't to say there isn't anything happening onboard. You'll find events in the Royal Caribbean app, but there just isn't as much as on Royal Caribbean.

I can keep myself entertained in the daytime, but I love things to do after dinner and I was disappointed in the lack of options.  We ended up in bed by 10pm on most nights because there just wasn't a lot happening.

Non-smoking casino was wonderful

Win or lose in the casino, the fact the casino on Celebrity Apex was 100% smoke free was fantastic.

On Royal Caribbean's ships, smoking is allowed in the casino, and it tends to become the indoor smoking lounge just as much as a place to gamble and smoke at the same time.

The fact smoking is allowed in Royal Caribbean's casinos doesn't stop me from going, but it was nice a nice change to have the casino smoke-free.

Considering the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates just 11.5% of Americans smoked in 2021, it's clear Celebrity has moved towards embracing 88% that don't smoke.

I'm not here to start a debate about the virtues of smoking, just point out the casino on Celebrity Apex was non-smoking and I really enjoyed it.

Always Included was disappointing

When Celebrity Cruises announced they would offer a cruise fare that bundled WiFi, drinks, and gratuities, I thought it was a godsend. In reality, not so much.

We booked the Always Included fare, which at the time included basic WiFi, drink package, and gratuities. The line has since removed gratuities from this option.

The wifi that's included is abysmally slow and useful for texting and not much else. For my kids, it's fine because they could use a break from the real internet.  But for anyone else, it stinks.

Compounding the problem is how much Celebrity charges for their wifi packages compared to Royal Caribbean. To upgrade my WiFi package, I would have to pay an additional $230.93 for one device or $412.93 for two devices. That's on top of the cost of the Always Included package.

The classic beverage package adults receive with Always Included is fine, assuming you drink pretty basic options.  I found it very limiting, and worse were the prices the cruise line charges for drinks if you don't have a drink package.

As a Pinnacle Club member in Crown and Anchor Society, I missed my daily complimentary drink vouchers and how nice it was to have that perk. 

Celebrity has a happy hour for its top tier members, but it's only two hours and has a very limited drink menu.

More hits and misses

Here's more of what I liked and didn't like about  my first Celebrity cruise, in addition to what I mentioned already.

What I liked

Magic Carpet: Essentially a bar that moves up and down the side of the ship, I liked the breeze, views, and seating.

Cafe al Bacio: The coffee house I always wanted on a cruise ship.

Theater with a protruding stage: The theater's stage and digital screen behind it were beautiful and really made the audience feel part of the show.

If Royal Caribbean is going to stop paying for musicals that need a traditional stage, this is something new ships should start borrowing.

Ship size & layout: Apex is 1,004 feet long, which makes it slightly longer than a Radiance Class ship but smaller than a Voyager Class ship.

It was easy to get around, and nearly all the public venues not at a pool were between decks 3, 4, and 5.  It made getting around and between venues very easy and quick.

What I didn't like

Bar service was nearly non-existent: In most bars or lounges, it was very difficult to sit down in a chair and get a drink because no waiters ever came by.

On Royal Caribbean, if you sit at a bar, you'll be inundated by waiters coming to take your order.  On Apex, it was the opposite. 

It might have just been our sailing and some bad luck, but other guests I spoke with on the ship reported a similar experience.

Elite Perks: I status matched from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity and being at the second-highest tier didn't really get me much.

In practical terms, there was no reason to really use the benefits provided:

• Access to exclusive daily coffee house-style breakfast and Evening Cocktail Hour
• 30% off Wi-Fi package or Wi-Fi upgrade
• 15% off Drink Package or upgrade to Premium pre-cruise
• Complimentary access to Persian Garden (on one port day)
• One complimentary bag of laundry (wash, dry, fold) on every sailing

I did use the WiFi discount, but I did not find as much value as what I might get with Royal Caribbean.

Happy Sunday and Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends! There is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to share this week.

Our team has taken a lot of shore excursions over the years, and we've stumbled across a few in the Caribbean that are definite tourist traps.

There's nothing wrong with a tourist-friendly spot, but some places are just a waste of time because they go so far over the line of being overpriced and underwhelming.

The problem with these sorts of places is you're likely to feel like you wasted your time and could have gone somewhere else better.

Royal Caribbean News

• Crown's Edge on Icon of the Seas costs $89 and is now bookable
• Icon of the Seas size comparison
• The best way to book a cruise, explained
• Adventure of the Seas vs. Voyager of the Seas
• I tried a small ship and here's what I liked about it
• Bionic Bar: Royal Caribbean's cruise ship robot bartenders

Video: 3 Nights Onboard The World's Biggest Cruise Ships

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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 — 3 Nights Onboard The World's Biggest Cruise Ships — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Review: Florida's Brightline Train For Taking a Cruise

I took the new highspeed train that goes between Orlando and Miami to get to my cruise.

While not cheap, Brightline provides a convenient and fast way to get between Central Florida and South Florida without having to deal with the hassle of flying or boredom of driving.

The new train has a lot of conveniences, and makes the transit a lot easier than driving.

Which deck is best on a cruise ship?

Does it matter which deck you pick for your cabin on a cruise?

When choosing the best deck on a cruise ship, you have to weigh several factors to find the perfect choice for you.

If you are traveling with kids, have mobility issues, like to party at the pool, or are sailing to Alaska, the choice of the best deck could vary considerably.

How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Before you get on a cruise, how much money should you bring with you?

While Royal Caribbean is a cashless ship for most transactions, there are still quite a few good reasons to have cash with you.

Both onboard and off the ship, having at least some cash will make things easier for you.

Icon of the Seas vs Titanic

How much bigger and different is the newest cruise ship in the world versus the most well-known?

Icon of the Seas is about to become the biggest cruise ship in the world, but a lot of people compare cruise ships to Titanic.

From size, to pricing, to activities onboard, here's how different Icon of the Seas is to Titanic.

In the world of cruising, bigger isn’t always better.

Many cruisers are familiar with the grandeur and scale of Royal Caribbean’s exciting mega-ships. 

I personally experienced luxury cruises on some of those colossal vessels, such as the Wonder of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas. 

After cruises on the bigger Oasis and Freedom Class ships, it was time for me to try a cruise on a smaller ship.

I sailed on Radiance of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship.

While not the smallest Royal Caribbean has to offer, the ship only has 13 decks and a capacity of 2,500 guests. 

The contrast from the larger ships was stark. The experience opened my eyes to the potential charm and advantages of a smaller cruise adventure. 

I found that, although there are disadvantages to a smaller ship, this type of cruise can also offer a refreshing change of pace.

In this article, I’ll share my insights into the unique aspects that set small Royal Caribbean ships apart from their larger counterparts. 

1. The ship had a more defined, intimate culture

One of the most significant differences of sailing on a small ship was the sense of a more defined, intimate ship culture that permeated the experience.

While on the ship, I noticed crew members acting closely and calling one another by name, even over ship announcements. 

The ship’s captain, Captain Marek, also brought a much more personal touch to the sailing. I saw him walk around the ship, taking pictures with guests. He even performed one night, singing songs in the Centrum. 

I also attended the Captain’s Q&A, which is present on other Royal Caribbean ships, but felt more personal with a smaller group.

While some of this is dependent on Captain Marek’s sociable and kind personality, I’m sure that piloting a smaller ship helps him spread that friendly energy and create a more intimate ship community.

Personal touches like these make the ship a warm, welcoming atmosphere and allow guests to feel like more than just passengers—they feel like part of a close-knit cruising community.

2. The atmosphere felt quiet and calm

One difference that became very apparent once I stopped onboard was the sense of calm and serenity around the vessel. Unlike some of the larger, bustling ships, Radiance of the Seas felt like a much more tranquil and laid-back place.

There were so few crowds and noise everywhere onboard that my introverted spirit began to soar.

Especially at night, I could walk around a completely quiet ship. Most cruisers clustered at the bars or in the nightclub, leaving the majority of the ship tranquil.

For example, my friend and I would walk around the upper decks to look at the stars outdoors. Sometimes we would travel the whole deck without seeing anyone else!

This was a stark contrast to my cruises on larger ships, especially on Wonder of the Seas, where I could barely find a quiet place, much less one with no people around. 

If getting some peace and quiet is a concern for your future cruises, I highly recommend sailing on a smaller ship.

The absence of crowds and noise made it easier to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the open sea without the noise and distractions found on larger ships.

Read more: 10 reasons why I didn't want to go on a cruise, but glad I gave it a try

3. Staff was more attentive, providing a personalized experience 

While Royal Caribbean has always impressed me with the quality of guest care, I could tell that the smaller scale of the ship allowed staff to be even more attentive to the needs of each guest.

From the dining room to the room service, the crew members went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable cruise experience. 

I noticed that crew members would recognize and greet me again after seeing me on the deck.

When we ordered room service breakfast, staff would call us before delivering to make sure we were ready to receive it. 

This attention to detail made sure my needs were always anticipated and met. I felt that the smaller ship lent itself to more genuine hospitality from crew members and created an environment where passengers’ individual needs could be even more prioritized. 

4. I navigated the ship with ease

Navigating Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships had felt like a daunting task. The larger ships, such as Wonder of the Seas, have multiple neighborhoods and many decks, making you feel like you’re traversing a small town.

I’m not the best with directions, so took me about 3-4 days to get comfortable navigating the larger ships. It was hard to even remember which end was the fore and which was the aft!

On the smaller cruise ship, however, the layout was more straightforward and compact, making it easy for me to find my way around. With fewer decks and a more compact design, I felt comfortable traversing Radiance of the Seas by Day 2 of the cruise.

This saved us time when it came to getting lost and deciphering maps and allowed us to spend more time enjoying the amenities and activities onboard.

We didn’t have to rely on crowded, slow elevators for the whole of the cruise, as well. I was comfortable taking the stairs for much more of this cruise due to the ship’s smaller size. 

5. There was no need to make reservations

On my larger cruise ship experiences, I had to be on the lookout for events and venues that could fill up quickly or require a reservation.

We had to move fast when it came to dining reservations and show up early to find a seat in the shows.

Unlike on mega-ships, where availability was limited, my smaller cruise offered a hassle-free experience. There was no need for me to plan ahead, as I found I could simply show up to whatever activity or event I wanted and find plenty of spots available. 

These events, such as comedy shows, Zumba classes, or groups on the pool deck, felt more intimate and connected with much fewer people present.

6. Seating was more easily available 

One common struggle on larger ships is finding a vacant seat, especially in popular dining areas like the Windjammer buffet. 

On the smaller ship, I found that many more seating options were available. In the Windjammer, I could enjoy meals without the stress of searching for a table.

And the bars had hardly any lines, whereas I would have had to wait for several minutes on a larger ship.

This contrast added comfort to the already-relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Of course, this difference has two sides: on one hand, the smaller ship has fewer people aboard, meaning that more seating was available in some areas. 

However, on the other hand, the smaller ship meant smaller areas, so I did find fewer seats available in places like the pool deck.

7. Provides the unique experience of sailing out of small ports

Choosing a smaller ship opens up the possibility of disembarking from smaller ports.

In the case of my Radiance of the Seas cruise, this meant we could sail out of Tampa.

This smaller port allowed for a more convenient, streamlined departure experience. 

The ship could also sail directly under the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the gateway to Tampa Bay. Radiance of the Seas clears the bridge with just 6 feet of leeway, so it is an incredible opportunity to watch the small ship navigate.

We could also sail right up to our ports of call at Costa Maya and Cozumel, meaning no extra tender ships were required. 
 

Icon of the Seas will become the biggest cruise ship in the world when she launches in 2024, but how does that stack up against other ships?

When Royal Caribbean announced it would build a new class of cruise ship, the Icon Class wasn't set to be the biggest in the world.  But those plans changed along the way, and Icon of the Seas will overtake the Oasis Class ships for rank of the biggest ships.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer said it wasn't their intention to build a giant ship, it just organically happened, "We didn’t start with the world’s largest ship. The ship was actually smaller in its initial design. But as we went through the creative journey, we did more research with our guests, and we found that this is what they want."

That might lead you to wonder how much bigger will Icon of the Seas be, and how does she rank compared to other Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

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

How big is Icon of the Seas?

Icon of the Seas is indeed really big.   The new ship measures 1,198 feet long with 250,800 gross tonnage and is capable of carrying 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. The ship is encompasses 20 decks, has seven pools, and six waterslides that make up an entire waterpark.

If you were to stand Icon of the Seas up on its end, it would be taller than the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas and the Chrysler Building in New York City.

Icon of the Seas is divided into 8 neighborhoods, which are distinct areas of the ship meant to make it easier to navigate.

• AquaDome is at the front of the ship, offering 220-degree views and a 55-foot waterfall
• Suite Neighborhood has a Mediterranean restaurant and two-floor sundeck
• Central Park is a five deck open-air park that has living plant walls
• Chill Island has four pools and a swim-up bar
• Thrill Island is where you'll find the Category 6 waterpark, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, mini-golf course and more.
• Surfside neighborhood designed for young families
• Royal Promenade shopping and entertainment district
• The Hideaway at he back of the ship offering 180-degree views and an infinity pool

There are over 2,800 staterooms on Icon of the Seas, as well as over 40 bars and restaurants onboard (23 of them are completely new to Royal Caribbean).

Is Icon of the Seas the biggest cruise ship in the world?

Icon of the Seas will become the biggest cruise ship in the world, overtaking Wonder of the Seas by gross tonnage, passenger capacity, and length. 

It's unlikely any other cruise ship will overtake Icon of the Seas, until Star of the Seas debuts in 2025.

Royal Caribbean hasn't confirmed that Star of the Seas will be bigger than icon, but it's been Royal Caribbean's tradition to build slightly bigger ships than the previous one in the class.

How much bigger is Icon of the Seas compared to other ships?

Let's look at Icon of the Seas' specs to see how she measures up to Royal Caribbean's other big ships.

Gross tonnage

1. Icon of the Seas: 250,800
2. Utopia of the Seas: 236,860
3. Wonder of the Seas: 236,857

Length

1. Icon of the Seas: 1,198
2. Utopia of the Seas: 1,188
3. Wonder of the Seas: 1,188

Total decks

1. Icon of the Seas: 20
2. Utopia of the Seas: 18
3. Wonder of the Seas: 18

Maximum passengers

1. Icon of the Seas: 7,600
2. Wonder of the Seas: 6,988
3. Symphony of the Seas: 6,680

Crew capacity

1. Icon of the Seas: 2,350
2. Utopia of the Seas: 2,300
3. Wonder of the Seas: 1,551

How about other cruise lines? Here's how Icon of the Seas compares to the biggest cruise ships of the major cruise lines.

Gross tonnage

1. Icon of the Seas: 250,800
2. MSC World Europa: 215,863
3. Carnival Jubilee: 183,521

Length

1. Icon of the Seas: 1,198
2. Carnival Jubilee: 1,130
3. MSC World Europa: 1,093

Total decks

1. MSC World Europa: 22
2. Icon of the Seas: 20
3. Carnival Jubilee: 18

Maximum passengers

1. Icon of the Seas: 7,600
2. MSC World Europa: 6,762
3. Carnival Jubilee: 6,631

Crew capacity

1. Icon of the Seas: 2,350
2. MSC World Europa: 2,138
3. Carnival Celebration: 1,735

It can be confusing how to measure a cruise ship, because gross tonnage is a nonlinear measure of a ship's overall internal volume.

What this means in layman's terms is that cruise ships are measured by volume and not weight.  This is because their designs can vary greatly, so it makes more sense to measure a ship in this manner.

At 250,800 tons, Icon of the Seas will measure 6% bigger than Utopia of the Seas, which amounts to a difference of 13,940 GT. 

As you can see, the difference in size between Icon and the Oasis Class ships isn't enormous, but it's enough to call it the biggest cruise ship in the world.

When Royal Caribbean set out to design Icon of the Seas, they didn't have a particular tonnage in mind.  According to Mr. Schneider, they had a completely different goal in mind, "We’ve been working on Icon since 2016–2017, if you go back to our original memo that starts off a new class of ship. Typically, that process is about aspiration. It doesn’t detail things like we want a ship that weighs 250,000 tons."

"Instead, it’s aspirational and rooted in what we would say as a headline. This ship’s headline is: this is the best family vacation on the planet."

And in case you're wondering, Icon of the Seas is about 5 times bigger than Titanic.

All the new features are a bigger difference maker

While Icon of the Seas might not be substantially larger than Utopia of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas, what Royal Caribbean is adding to Icon is more notable.

Royal Caribbean wants this ship to offer more for families to see and do with additional attractions and amenities that the line hopes will attract customers away from land resorts.

The cruise ship's water park, family neighborhood, and staterooms designed for families with five and six passengers are at the heart of this drive.

So far, the demand for a cruise ship this big and with this much to do for families has been a mega hit for the cruise line. It's broken sales records and forced the company to release more sailings earlier than planned in order to meet demand for new bookings.

One of the biggest draws to taking a cruise is having the opportunity to visit beautiful destinations around the world. If you cruise often with Royal Caribbean, you’ll likely find yourself sailing frequently to the Caribbean (as the namesake suggests). On the flip side, one downside of cruising is that the destinations you visit could be quite touristy, especially if it’s a busy cruise port.

There is a fine line between being a tourist and getting roped into a tourist trap. By definition, a tourist trap aims to attract tourists and their money by offering overpriced experiences, services, souvenirs, food or entertainment.

Most often, tourist traps feel like a waste of your time and money. These are usually crowded with other tourists who were roped into the same overrated experience. In the end, you’ll feel disappointed and conned by tourist traps - and unfortunately, there are plenty of tourist traps to avoid in the Caribbean.

When taking a cruise, you have the option to book an excursion through the cruise line or explore independently. While there are some choices better than others, no one wants to feel like they were scammed by a tourist trap. 

Here is our list of tourist traps to avoid in the Caribbean.

Señor Frogs

If there is one bar you should avoid throughout your Caribbean cruises, it’s Señor Frogs. These bars are conveniently located right next to the cruise port where you disembark the ship. Señor Frogs has mastered the art of the tourist trap thanks to its strategic placement at each cruise port. 

Unfortunately, Señor Frogs is a huge tourist trap around the Caribbean - regardless of which port you’re docked in.

Most are roped into Señor Frogs by the party ambiance, along with fun drinks, loud music and vibrant decor. The promise of a party vibe is the biggest selling point. What you’ll find is a crowded bar with overpriced drinks and mediocre food. Unsurprisingly, Señor Frogs serves low-quality alcohol with the hopes of getting tourists drunk enough that they’ll continue purchasing overpriced drinks. 

Señor Frogs also relies of gimmicky marketing, balloon animals and crazy hats to rope in cruise ship passengers. Honestly, you’re probably better off purchasing drinks in port elsewhere or even onboard your cruise. There are plenty of other great bars to party at throughout the Caribbean with authentic cuisine and reasonably priced drinks. 

Costa Maya Port

One of the absolute worst tourist traps in the Caribbean can be found at the Costa Maya cruise port. If you walk off your cruise in Costa Maya, you’ll find yourself navigating a maze of shops with sellers hounding you to come into their shops. 

After walking through some initial shops, you’ll reach the main center of the cruise port, which is surrounded by even more shops. In fact, you cannot simply exit the Costa Maya cruise port without wandering through the maze of shops. You’ll need to turn on blinders to exit the port area without going into any shops. 

If your ship is docked with other cruise ships in port at the same time, you can expect the port area to become extremely congested. 

The cruise port of Costa Maya also features a large pool, which is free to use. However, you’ll be approached to visit nearby shops and bars during your time there. You can also find animal encounters, such as swimming with dolphins, in the Costa Maya port area. As you can imagine, this experience is also a tourist trap and will cost you hundreds of dollars.

Atlantis Resort in The Bahamas

One of the most popular Caribbean destinations in the world is the Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. This massive resort is ocean-themed and located on Paradise Island and spans across 171 acres. Essentially, the resort is famous for being famous.

If your cruise ship docks in Nassau, you’ll see many excursions to Atlantis offered. As such, prices to visit Atlantis for cruise ship passengers have skyrocketed in recent years. Considering you won’t have more than a few hours at the resort when visiting on a cruise ship, it’s tough to justify the price.

For example, Royal Caribbean offers a shore excursion to Atlantis to swim with dolphins and visit the waterpark for $465 per person! This only includes 6 hours at the resort, costing you about $77 per hour for each person to visit Atlantis.

While this is not a traditional tourist trap, the cost to visit Atlantis for only 6 hours is astronomical. Your time and money is better spent at a different resort in Nassau.

Diamond’s International

Similar to Señor Frogs, the strategic placement for Diamond’s International at every Caribbean port should be a red flag. While purchasing affordable jewelry in the Caribbean is a common practice, Diamond’s International is one tourist trap you should rethink visiting. 

To start, Diamond’s International is likely receiving a financial kickback from the cruise lines. This is why you will see many advertisements throughout your cruise encouraging you to step inside to look at the jewelry. Diamond’s International also offers cruisers a free charm to get you in the door as a marketing tactic. You can collect the charms - which are cheaply made - throughout Diamond’s International locations with a punch card. 

Although some might have good experiences, many consider Diamond’s International to be a tourist trap. Be sure to do your due diligence with research if you choose to shop inside these stores during your cruise. 

Hell in Grand Cayman

Perhaps the poster child for tourist traps, you’ll find "Hell" in Grand Cayman. This interesting rock formation is made from limestone rocks eaten away by algae, giving it a volcanic appearance. Legend has it that the name "Hell” evolved long ago from an early British Commissioner touring the island, who apparently exclaimed the formation reminded him of what hell must look like. 

Regardless, Hell in Grand Cayman is a tourist trap. The small rock formation might be interesting, but the entire appeal comes from the notion that you can say, “I went to hell!”

The country built an entire attraction around the rock formation with platforms and shops to visit. Even on the Grand Cayman Department of Tourism website, it states, “In the Cayman Islands, tourists can go to Hell. This uniquely named attraction is located in the district of West Bay on Grand Cayman.”

Many tours will stop at Hell in Grand Cayman, but it’s certainly not a site that you need to go out of your way to visit.

Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica

Located in Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls has been a top attraction for visitors and cruisers alike. Dunn’s River Falls is a large waterfall that allows you to climb around thanks to its naturally terraced rocks. There are natural pools of water with the river ending at the beach with views of the sea. 

While it seems like a great place to visit, you’ll be surrounded by tons of tourists and other cruisers. The Dunn’s River Falls has been around for many years, but the attraction is now littered with tourists everywhere. If you’re taking an excursion through the cruise line, you can expect dozens of other tours visiting at the same time. You even need to form a human chain to navigate the falls with your guide to ensure your group stays together. 

There’s no chance you’ll get a decent picture on the falls without hundreds of other tourists in the background. As with any tourist trap, you’ll have to navigate a gift shop and market.

Key West Southernmost Point

While Key West does not have as much cruise ship traffic as other destinations, the island is the southernmost point in the continental United States. If you make your way to the southern side of the island, you’ll find the famous monument stating, “Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A."

This tourist trap might not be soliciting your money, but it is wasting your time. There is always a line to take pictures with this monument sign. Because Key West is usually hot and humid, you can expect to be drenched in sweat waiting in line. When visiting this tourist trap back in February, I was frustrated to see so many people cutting around the line to take pictures with the sign. 

If you’re nearby the sign and there is no line for a picture, it is a fun memory to have. However, it’s not really worth your time to wait in a long line to snap a picture with it.  

Honorable Mention: Maho Beach in St. Maarten

While this might be controversial, some could argue that Maho Beach in St. Maarten is a tourist trap. The St. Maarten airport is located on the edge of the island with a strip of beach right at the end of the runway. As such, you can sit on the beach and watch the planes land incredibly close to the ground. 

Maho Beach is certainly unique, as its best known as the "Airport Beach." For most cruisers, this would be a one and done kind of experience. The beach itself is nothing special and somewhat small, so it gets crowded quickly. There is one bar nearby that has food and drinks available, but that also becomes quite busy as the day goes on.

However, if you are an aviation geek (like my husband) then this is a worthwhile experience. My husband had Maho Beach on his bucket-list for many years and absolutely loved visiting. You can track when the most exciting planes are landing to ensure your time is worthwhile. However, the others in our group (who were not aviation geeks) were underwhelmed and ready to leave after an hour or two. 

Honorable Mention: Stingray City in Grand Cayman

Another popular stop in Grand Cayman is Stingray City, which is an area filled with shallow sandbars. Visitors can take a quick 25-minute boat ride to swim, pet and interact with stingrays. The area has become known as "Stingray City" and many excursions will take cruisers out to the sandbar to interact with the stingrays.

In my opinion, this is a one and done type of experience. Stingray City can become very crowded with the boats on the sandbar, which can create a hectic experience. Not to mention, stingrays can be dangerous if you accidentally touch them the wrong way or happen to step on one in the sand. 

Some find Stingray City to be underwhelming and overcrowded. This means you won’t get much time with the rays, as other boats will be competing for time with the animals too. 

Getting to your next cruise in Florida could be a lot easier now.

Brightline opened up regular high-speed train service between Orlando and South Florida, with stops at the two major cruise ports. This means you could get to Miami or Fort Lauderdale with ease from the Central Florida region. Of course, residents of South Florida could do the reverse and take the train up to Orlando for a Port Canaveral departure.

The train service offers a much needed alternative to boring car rides and short flights that require a great ordeal of trouble to get through the airport.

Departing from Orlando International Airport, it's a convenient way to get between Orlando and Miami, with stops along the way. There's talk of expanding the route to Tampa as well.

For my cruise from Port Everglades, I took my family on the Brightline to try it out myself.

Departure from Orlando

I live in the Orlando area, so we booked tickets on the train to take us down to Fort Lauderdale for the evening prior to our cruise beginning.

This was actually my fourth time on the train, but first with a lot of luggage and my family.  And this was the first time I was taking the train for the purposes of going on a cruise.

Booking tickets is quite simple via the Brightline website or app and very similar to booking an airplane ticket.

There's two types of fares: Smart and Premium.

Smart is essentially coach, while Premium is described as first class.  With Premium, more amenities are included. The starting price is $99 per person for Smart, and $149 per person for Premium.

Smart seats get complimentary WiFi, leather seats, and power outlets at each seat. 

Premium gets you all of that, plus lounge access, complimentary food and drinks, and extra space with each seat.

We took a car service to the Brightline station at the airport, and were dropped off in front of the building. The reason I did this was because the first time I took the train, parking in the Orlando airport was limited and confusing. There is not good signage where to park for train, as the parking garage is shared with the airport.

Unfortunately, we arrived too late to have our luggage loaded onto the train for us.  Evidently you need to be there at least 30 minutes before departure.

I had purchased Premium tickets for this trip, which included 1 piece of luggage per person. Checked bags for Smart guests would have been $25 each.

After going through a security checkpoint where we sent our belongings through a bag scanning machine, we headed to the Premium Lounge.

The Premium Lounge is a designated area to wait in for guests that bought Premium tickets.  

You not only have reserved seating, but also have access to complimentary soft drinks, water, snacks, fruit, vegetables, cookies, and even self-serve beer.

If you don't have a Premium ticket, there is seating around the waiting area, along with a bar and places to buy snacks or a souvenir.

Boarding doesn't begin until a few minutes before the train is scheduled to depart. About 10 or 15 minutes before the departure time, the doors are opened for guests to board.

Unfortunately on the day we departed, the incoming train was delayed about 15 minutes. 

Once onboard the train, Premium guests are in the first car and everyone else in the other cars. You pick a seat when you book the train and find your seat in the proper car once onboard.

Each seat has multiple power outlets, and the WiFi was plenty fast, although occasionally it would drop out in rural areas. It would return to service quite quickly.

Being in Premium, you're given complimentary snacks and beverages to start once the train departs. It's very similar to first class on a domestic airline: beers, wines, cocktails and choice of chips, chocolate, nuts, and more.

The first three times I took the train for business, I had no issues and it went very smooth with everything on time.  On the train I took for my cruise, the incoming train was delayed and then about 10 minutes after leaving the station, we had to stop on the tracks for about 15 minutes due to let an incoming train pass.

Once we got going, the train really got up to speed. It's capable of doing speeds as high as 125 mph in the stretch between Orlando and the east coast of Florida. It slows down a bit for other parts of the trip, but the company says the train averages 69 mph.

For our meal service, it was a choice of a vegetarian caprese sandwich or an Italian sandwich. 

The food was fine, and since it was included in my Premium fare, I certainly didn't mind at least picking at it and having something to eat until we got to our hotel.

The train makes just a few stops between Orlando and Miami: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura.

Pricey, but with wonderful convenience

In thinking who is Brightline good for, it's really about weighing convenience over price.

Brightline tickets aren't cheap, but they probably will cost less than an airplane ticket.  More importantly, a train ride has significantly less hassle than the door-to-door airport and airplane experience.

I'm not sure a Brightline train ride is as ideal as replacement for a short plane ride as I think it's meant to be a compelling alternative to driving.

The drive between Orlando and South Florida is across a very rural part of the state with little to see.  Like all highways, it gets boring quickly and you always have to factor in traffic, weather, or animal crossings that could make the trip much longer.

Having done the drive dozens of times, it's so much easier to take the train and not have to contend with traffic or weather delays.  Plus, I can be more productive during the journey.

The experience from station to station is exemplary. Terminals are bright, new, and easy to navigate. Having grown up with Metro North trains in Connecticut and New York that had drab trains and seemingly ancient and dirty stations, the Brightline experience was remarkably more enjoyable.

I wish the train staff would come around more often to pick up trash.  You're given a sanitary wipe, drinks, snacks, and food, but they would rarely come around to collect trash. Most passengers started using unused seats as somewhere to stash their trash.

I also didn't love how short of a window there is to board.  When they open up the boarding process, you have just a few minutes to get onboard. No time for a bathroom break or to deviate. I wish the train had more time in the station for guests to get situated in their seats.  It wasn't a problem, it just felt rushed.

Bottom line

Without a doubt, I'm a Brightline customer for the foreseeable future because I despised the tedious and boring nature of driving the same route.

It's not a cheap way to go, but Brightline offers pleasant conveniences that make up the difference.

If your goal is to find the cheapest way not to drive to South Florida, Brightline isn't going to be it.  But if your goal is to easily go to your cruise across Florida, it's a heck of a lot easier than flying.

As some that does not want to deal with the long drive and unknown factors that come with traffic or weather, I've found my family's preferred way to go to Miami for a cruise.

There are a few ways you can book a cruise vacation, but what is the best way to book a cruise?

If you do a little research, you'll see cruise fare prices are more less the same when you factor in taxes, fees, and various add-ons.  So why should you book one way or another?

There are advantages to booking a cruise with different outlets and agents. Unlike air travel or hotels, booking a cruise is far more complex and has not gotten as simple as those manners of travel.

This is because of all the personalization that goes into choices you make when picking a cruise.  There's the cabin category, how many people in the room, gratuities, travel insurance, and it all changes if you opt for one cruise ship over another.

Where hotels and flights are looked at as simpler to book directly with the provider, cruise ships aren't as clear cut a choice.

So, what's the best way to book a cruise? Based on our experience through booking hundreds of cruises and feedback from our readers, here's what you should know about each way.

Direct with the cruise line (phone or web)

Pros: Simple approach, full control over your reservation, available 24 hours a day

Cons: No access to special rates, responsibility to manage reservation and changes on your own

Because the public has become so conditioned to book travel directly with the airline or hotel, many first-time cruisers look to book a cruise with the cruise line directly.

You can book a cruise with Royal Caribbean by going to their website or calling their toll-free number and speaking to a representative. In either case, you'll be lead through a series of options.

This freedom in picking a direction and potentially settling on a choice is the greatest weakness with this method for someone that is brand new to cruising.

There are so many choices, as you'll have to pick a ship and sail date, and then narrow down your search to a particular category.  Those three choices alone can be daunting, and you'll have to navigate hundreds of possibilities.

The cruise line website provide little to no assistance in why you should pick one ship, sailing, or itinerary over another.  If you call the cruise line, depending on the representative you speak with, they could be helpful or not at all.  In both scenarios, it's expected you'll know what you want to book, so the onus is on you to figure it all out.

A nice perk of booking with the cruise line directly is you can manage your own reservation. This means you can change who's booked, the sail date, or other details by simply picking up the phone and calling.  Royal Caribbean's website has a few self-service options as well, but many changes to a reservation require a phone call.

Speaking of phone calls, Royal Caribbean's toll-free number can sometimes get very busy. Hold times of over an hour are not uncommon.

With a travel agency

Pros: More "hand holding" for newbies, access to special group discounts and rates, middle man to deal with cruise line

Cons: Dependent on agent to make changes to core agent, not all agents are good, some agencies charge fees

It may surprise you to hear travel agents still exist and they are a very popular way to book a cruise. 

Travel agents work with you to pick the cruise you want, and then do the footwork of getting it all reserved. They will guide you through the process if you're new to cruising, or take down what you want like a dinner order and then process it.

Royal Caribbean pays travel agents a commission, so there's no direct cost to you for using an agency.  Some agencies elect to charge fees for their services, but that's on a case-by-case basis.

When you approach a travel agent to book a cruise, they should ask you a series of questions related to what you're interested in booking and be able to help navigate the dizzying array of choices.

The better travel agents will have years of cruising experience themselves and be able to offer personal advice on what to consider, as well as a deep knowledge of offers available that you might not be able to find on your own, such as group space rates and travel consortiums.

They are a middle man, and the advantage is when there's something to book or change, they are the ones that do the work to wait on hold and make the change. Travel agents also have more self-service tools they can utilize for making changes. 

The downside to this is when you want a timely change, like when there's a price drop or some other time-sensitive reservation to make and you have to wait for the agent to do it. Royal Caribbean will not allow someone who booked a cruise through a travel agent to make a change to their core reservation.  Don't worry, the fun aspects to planning a cruise are still available for you to book (i.e. drink packages, shore excursions, spa appointments, and more).

Another consideration is not all travel agents have the same experience, knowledge, or abilities. Some agents might only be working part time and/or brand new to the industry. Certainly travel agents are just as able to make a mistake as someone booking on their own directly with the line. 

If you can find a knowledgeable and well-respected travel agent, they can be a valuable asset in assisting you throughout the process. This is especially true when there's a problem, such as if the cruise line changes or cancels a sailing, there is a mistake made by the cruise line, or some other unforeseen issue.  The really good agents step up and act on their clients behalf to rectify the situation and make things right.

There are thousands of travel agencies, both online and local to where you live.  Finding a good one is a matter of word of mouth and recommendations from trusted friends. 

Through mega travel websites

Pros: Easy to find pricing, extra incentives to book

Cons: No dedicated agent, flaky support if there's a problem

There are no shortage of travel booking sites where you can book a cruise, in addition to a hotel, car rental, or flight.

To be accurate, these sites are just like any travel agent in that they're a third party that can book a cruise. The difference is how they operate from a customer standpoint.

A nice advantage of these sites are the up-front prices you can find, especially for sailings that have low prices. It's usually easier for the cruises with the lowest prices to surface.

Another reason a lot of people book cruises on these big sites are the extras they offer, including bonus onboard credit, free specialty dining credits and more. These sites can do this because they use part of the commission they get from the cruise line to give back to the client in a credit.

Depending on the site, the booking process may be completely or partially online.  Meaning you might have to get in contact with one of their representatives (read: travel agent) to complete the booking.

At this point, the booking and management of the reservation is just like with a travel agency and you'll be dependent on them to make changes.

Managing a reservation is arguably the worst downside to booking with a travel agent site. You probably won't have the same agent each time, so it's a matter of the round-robin call center you get. Their knowledge can be hit or miss, and during the cruise industry shutdown of 2020-2021, we heard the most reports of clients effectively abandoned by these sites because they stopped operating.

As a vacation package through an airline

Pros: Convenience of booking, possible discount on airfare or travel by bundling, extra airline miles

Cons: Third party support, fees

We see people sometimes booking their cruise as a package deal with an airline because it's an easy bundle.

Not only can you book a cruise with the same people that you need to book your flight with, but you can earn many more frequent flier miles. We've seen cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles depending on your selected cruise. 

Plus, you might be able to stack the deal with an airline credit card and you can really get a ton of points.

However, airline vacation planners might not be as knowledgeable about the ins and outs of cruises as a Las Vegas hotel. A problem with the cruise line might be better handled with a dedicated travel agent.

Through big box retailers

Pros: Lots of onboard credit, gift card reward just booking

Cons: Must be a member to book, cannot bid for stateroom upgrade

Just like how a big box retailer can save you money on bulk toilet paper or eggs, they offer incentives to book a cruise with them.

They are just like a travel agency, but the difference is the lucrative extras they can provide. Many people that book a cruise with them cite the cash cards they get back for booking, or the additional onboard credit. They rebate their cruise line commission as a way to drum up sales.

The disadvantage of big box retailers are notoriously long wait times to call in to make changes, and the strange fact you cannot bid for a stateroom upgrade.

Costco mysteriously doesn't allow its customers to bid for a room upgrade with the RoyalUp program.

What to ask before you book a cruise

No matter how you choose to book a cruise, before you commit to the reservation, there are a few important questions to ask.

Fees

Be aware up front of any fees or costs for using their services, including cancelling the cruise.

Cruise lines may charge a cancellation fee depending on when you book and which fare type you book, but some agencies or websites will charge their own fee too.

Ask if there's any fee for making a change to the reservation, cancelling the cruise all together, or changing ship or sail date.

What happens if there's a price drop

You should also ask what to do if the price of your cruise goes lower than what you paid.

Royal Caribbean will allow a price adjustment if the fare drops before the final payment date to residents of select countries (i.e. United States and Canada). Nearly any place you book will require you to monitor the price for such a drop, but ask if they monitor it too.

Also ask how to submit a price drop so the agent can process it, and if there are any fees.

Bottom line

You won't pay more to book a cruise through the cruise line website or a third party, but the incentives, extras, and services you receive are what make the difference.

Depending on which option you use to book, you could end up with bonus onboard credit or extras. Any third party you select will also require them to be your gobetween or any cancellations or changes to your reservation.

There are two good reasons to book a cruise with someone other than the cruise line: access to special rates, and extra service.

While the base fares should be the same no matter where you book, group rates are a special way to get even lower rates.  Group rates are hit or miss, so there's no way to really know what they are until you start looking around. And the cruise line will never offer these.

Some sites stand out for just how much you can get back in booking incentives, as well being convenient with the total vacation planning process.

When you choose where to book your cruise, you want to balance the service you get with the incentives they offer. You could get a ton of onboard credit at the expense of slow service when you need changes.

We recommend working with a good travel agency that has been recommended by a trusted source for providing good service and helpful advice. Whether you are a new cruiser or experienced, having someone who knows their stuff and can work on your behalf to troubleshoot any problems you encounter is worth any amount of onboard credit.

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

If you're brave enough to try the most challenging thrill attraction Royal Caribbean has ever conjured up, you can book it now.

The first Icon of the Seas cruise is just two months away, and the ship is full of all sorts of thrills to entice its passengers, including an entire water park, surf simulator, and ropes course that goes over the side of the ship.

Bookings for the Crown's Edge opened on Tuesday for guests to reserve a spot.

Crown's Edge is part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride, and an all-out test of courage.  It's a ropes course-style attraction that goes around the ship's Crown and Anchor logo.

This activity first takes passengers on a ropes course as they walk and balance on different shapes and pathways. Sounds easy? Here’s the catch: you’re walking off the side of the ship with nothing but the ocean below you.

If that doesn’t sound thrilling enough, the walkway drops for the second part of the ride, and you suddenly find yourself swinging 154 feet above the ocean back to safety.

Royal Caribbean thinks it will be the ultimate aerial adventure and a new test of bravery.

The cruise line says the ride experience is approximately 90 seconds and may vary by rider. The full experience will be approximately 15 minutes long, which includes time for gearing up.

To try this thrill, you'll need to pay $89.99 per guest for a spot.

It should come as no surprise that Royal Caribbean is charging for Crown's Edge, as the line confirmed it would be an extra-cost activity back in November 2022.

The Crown's Edge is not the first signature attraction Royal Caribbean has charged extra for.

The cruise line started charging for pool deck casitas, the escape rooms, and North Star observation pod once demand began to exceed available times, and so the cruise line used nominal pricing to help ensure it was easier to get a spot.

Crown's Edge ride requirements

In order to try the Crown's Edge, you need to be at least 6 years old, weigh at least 44 pounds, and be 49 inches tall.

You cannot be taller than 83 inches and weigh no more than 297 pounds.

Planning Crown's Edge

Before it was built, Royal Caribbean was planning out how this thrill attraction would work from it's Miami headquarters.

In their Innovation Lab, Royal Caribbean first built out the safety briefing area where guests will gear up and learn what they need to do to enjoy the experience in a proper manner.

Royal Caribbean Senior Product Owner, Emily Rodriguez, talked about what they get from designing this space in the real world, "in building out this space, I think it helped us understand what that flow would look like, and how to think through all of the small details to how we brand the jumpsuits, how we brand the helmets, and what the photo and video experience would be like."

Royal Caribbean then used tape in their headquarters parking lot to map out to provide the scale of the experience, "We wanted to do here is tape out the experience to understand scale."

The climax of the experience is a drop through portion, which Royal Caribbean described as "pretty scary" when they tested out the drop harnesses with just a 4 foot drop in a warehouse in Bulgaria. 

More thrills coming

Whether you try the Crown's Edge or not, there are lots of other hair-raising thrills waiting for you on Icon of the Seas.

There's an entire neighborhood of the ship called Thrill Neighborhood to house them all.

The Category 6 waterpark has 6 record-breaking slides, that include slides that can boomerang you off a slide’s “lotus leaf wall” over the ship’s edge, or have you wait anxiously for the free fall slide’s “floor” to drop beneath you:

• Pressure Drop: the industry’s first open free-fall slide
• Frightening Bolt: the tallest drop slide at sea
• Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter: family raft slides which can fit 4 riders per raft
• Storm Chasers: the cruise industry’s first mat-racing duo

The waterpark slides are complimentary.

Icon of the Seas will also have a FlowRider surf simulator, Lost Dunes miniature golf, the Adrenaline Peak rock climbing wall and a sports court.

No cost for these activities either, although there are private sessions you can pay for at the FlowRider.

Read more: I learned how to surf on a weekend cruise