I recently returned from a cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas when I had a sudden realization: Royal Caribbean has the best entertainment in the cruise industry and the competition isn’t even close.

I've cruised with multiple cruise lines over the last few years, including brand-new ships from competitors like Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. Even while watching their top-tier entertainment, it didn't compare to Royal Caribbean.

In fact, it’s rare in today’s cruise landscape to find a cruise line willing to invest resources in live entertainment. Shows are expensive for cruise lines, especially compared to low-effort game shows that seem to be dominating the cruise industry. The costs come from employing cast members who need specialized training, along with the advanced technology that can cost millions to install and maintain.

Because of this, many cruise lines are scaling back their entertainment budgets by trimming cast sizes, replacing expensive Broadway shows, and leaning on low-cost variety acts to fill the schedule.

However, Royal Caribbean has taken the opposite approach. At a time when competitors are cutting back, Royal Caribbean continues to invest heavily in onboard entertainment. 

From Broadway musicals to high-diving acrobatics and state-of-the-art ice performances, Royal Caribbean is continuously pushing the boundaries of cruise entertainment. Some might argue that Royal Caribbean’s entertainment rivals major theme parks and Las Vegas productions. And that’s not an exaggeration, as the cruise line has been creating unparalleled entertainment for decades. 

Here’s why Royal Caribbean's entertainment is unlike anything else in the cruise industry, especially as rival brands continue scaling back. 

Royal Caribbean’s entertainment has always been ahead of its time

When Royal Caribbean launched Voyager of the Seas in 1999, it became the first cruise line to feature an ice-skating rink, called Studio B. At the time, it was an absurd concept to include an ice skating rink on a moving cruise ship. The investment was expensive and time consuming, as detailed in former Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain’s new book, Delivering the Wow.

Fain writes, “Adding an ice-skating rink on a ship turned out to be a difficult and expensive proposition. Yet it was our approach that made it a defining moment for our corporate culture. Our willingness to make such a major commitment spoke volumes about our determination to evolve from a cruise line to a true vacation provider.”

Royal Caribbean’s gamble paid off, as Studio B has become a fan favorite for cruisers. Now, the cruise line has incorporated an ice skating rink on every new ship, including its brand-new, groundbreaking Icon class. Fain even states that Royal Caribbean is the largest employer of figure skaters in America now!

In this way, each new ship class has continued to raise the bar with entertainment. For instance, the Oasis class was introduced in 2009 with an aft-facing AquaTheatre that featured high-divers, synchronized swimmers, and gravity-defying stunts. The industry had never seen anything like it before on a cruise ship, including 30-foot diving platforms and a deep, illuminated pool.

The AquaTheatre was a hit, and it's been incorporated in every Oasis class ship over the last decade. With this, Royal Caribbean has slowly established itself as the cruise industry’s leader in entertainment and live productions. And 15 years later, no other cruise line has even come close to replicating it.

Entertainment is a core identity of Royal Caribbean

For Royal Caribbean, entertainment has become a defining feature of the brand. With each new ship class, the cruise line continues to display its unwavering commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

Unlike competitors, Royal Caribbean has integrated top-notch entertainment into every new ship’s design. Every new Royal Caribbean ship is intentionally engineered around purpose-built entertainment venues, ensuring the ship’s design supports large-scale productions that rival those on land.

Although the Voyager and Freedom class introduced a new concept of imaginative entertainment, the Oasis Class remains one of the most entertainment-heavy ship classes ever built.

Each Oasis class ship features multiple world-class entertainment venues, including the AquaTheater for diving and aerial shows, Studio B for iconic ice-skating productions, and a full-scale Broadway theatre that seats over 1,300 guests. Broadway shows include full-scale, licensed productions such as Grease, Mamma Mia!, and Hairspray.

All of Royal Caribbean's Oasis class vessels also continue to receive show upgrades and technical enhancements. When Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022, the inTENSE AquaTheatre show featured an all-female cast of athletes, synchronized swimmers, and high divers that performed alongside lasers and digital effects.

While cruising aboard Wonder of the Seas with my best friend last month, we were both in awe of all the entertainment aboard. Compared to competitor cruise lines, or even land-based vacations, it’s tough to compete. We marveled at the top-notch production shows each night, and even attended the inTENSE AquaTheatre show twice! 

Royal Caribbean continues its commitment to entertainment with the Icon class of ships

Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon class vessels take the cruise line’s entertainment to the next level. For example, while the AquaTheater on the Oasis Class ships was a huge success, Royal Caribbean chose to reimagine the concept by moving the production indoors beneath a breathtaking glass dome.

Fain describes in his book how he actually sketched the concept of the new AquaDome on a napkin and challenged engineers to bring it to life. This redesign turned out to be a major engineering hurdle for Royal Caribbean. Relocating the AquaTheater’s massive weight from the ship’s lower aft to its upper forward section was far from conventional.

In the end, Royal Caribbean redesigned its AquaTheatre into the AquaDome at the front of the ship’s top deck. The new aquatic venue is safely secured under a 327-ton glass dome, which is both a technical and creative masterpiece.

Inside the AquaDome, guests can experience shows like Aqua Action! and Pirates vs. Mermaids. Both of these high-energy productions showcase diving, robotics, and digital projections.

By moving the aquatic theatre indoors, the production team is now able to control lighting, temperature, and acoustics, which creates an immersive theatrical experience. In addition, weather isn’t a major concern like it is for the outdoor AquaTheaters on Oasis Class ships, which can be canceled due to high winds or storms.

In addition to the AquaDome, Royal Caribbean expanded its ice rink with Absolute Zero. This is the largest ice skating rink on any Royal Caribbean ship class! Featuring digital backdrops, custom sound design, and choreographed drone lighting, Absolute Zero’s shows take Royal Caribbean’s ice productions to a new level.

And the innovation doesn’t stop there! Royal Caribbean introduced The Wizard of Oz musical on Icon of the Seas, while Star of the Seas showcases Back to the Future: The Musical. Both of these have been huge hits with cruisers and praised for their impressive, full-scale productions.

In addition, it was recently announced that Legend of the Seas will feature the Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The vessel is scheduled to join Royal Caribbean’s fleet in 2026. This further exemplifies Royal Caribbean's continued commitment to expanding its entertainment offerings, even when it's costly.

Competitors can’t keep up with Royal Caribbean's entertainment

(Deal or No Deal Gameshow on Carnival Mardi Gras)

Royal Caribbean’s dominance in entertainment comes down to its infrastructure. Because the cruise line designs ships around these performance spaces from the start, the entertainment offerings feel integral to the ship's design. 

For example, the AquaTheater and AquaDome require impressive engineering designs with specialized pools, multi-level seating, and hydraulic lifts that few shipbuilders could replicate without starting from scratch.

That’s likely why competitors haven’t followed suit. The cost and space requirements are restrictive, and for most cruise lines, entertainment simply doesn’t drive demand the way Royal Caribbean’s does. This allows Royal Caribbean to continue pushing the envelope, while other lines have been slowly scaling back on entertainment.

(Beetlejuice Musical on Norwegian Viva)

Most notably, Norwegian Cruise Line has been considered one of Royal Caribbean’s closest competitors, especially when it comes to onboard entertainment. The cruise line even earned acclaim for licensing Broadway hits such as Jersey Boys, Six, and Footloose.

However, in recent years, Norwegian Cruise Line made a series of disappointing entertainment cutbacks. The company reduced cast sizes, cancelled long-running contracts for Broadway productions, and replaced large-scale production shows with cheaper alternatives. Some cast members reported that entire production teams were being dismissed and others had substantially reduced schedules.

While Norwegian Cruise Line was once renowned for their Broadway production shows, that’s no longer the case. Essentially, it was too expensive to continue running shows of this caliber. The cruise line also cited that guests preferred shorter shows that were produced in-house compared to the longer Broadway shows.

(Variety act on Norwegian Star)

During my 12-night cruise with Norwegian last year, there were multiple nights without any sort of entertainment. This was shocking! While I don’t expect a Broadway production each night, some sort of variety act, comedian, or magician would be appreciated.

For long-time cruisers, the entertainment shift is noticeable and disappointing. Entertainment was once a defining feature of Norwegian Cruise Line, especially on its Breakaway and Prima class ships, but that distinction has started to fade.

In addition, when I cruised on Norwegian Viva during her inaugural season, I was surprised that one of the main production shows was a game show titled "Press Your Luck". While game shows can be fun, they’re cheaper to produce and don’t require the same level of talent or production resources as a full cast performance.

Many loyal Norwegian cruisers share the same sentiment - scaling back entertainment and removing Broadway production shows have been diluting the overall cruise experience.

Carnival takes an entirely different approach to entertainment, but it’s still not comparable

Carnival Cruise Line’s entertainment shows are designed for broad appeal, focusing on high-energy shows and in-house productions with singers, dancers, and aerialists.

On the cruise line’s newest Excel class ships, guests can enjoy theater productions like Celestial Strings or Rio Carnival, which combine dancing, live music, and choreographed performances. I enjoyed these production shows during my cruises aboard Carnival’s Excel class ships, but they weren’t at the same level as Royal Caribbean’s AquaTheater or ice shows.

Carnival also places a heavy emphasis on game shows, including Family Feud and Deal or No Deal. These interactive shows are fun and engaging for guests, especially those who enjoy being part of the spotlight, but they also highlight a shift in Carnival’s entertainment strategy. Instead of investing in large-scale, production-heavy performances, the line increasingly relies on guest participation, where passengers essentially become the performers themselves.

Comedy is another focus for Carnival’s onboard experience with the Punchliner Comedy Club offering daily shows for guests. The cruise line often features a rotating lineup of comedians offering both family-friendly and adults-only sets. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a signature element of Carnival’s laid-back, fun-focused atmosphere.

However, the format remains relatively simple with one comedian, a microphone, a spotlight, and a small stage. This is a far cry from the multimillion-dollar productions and immersive venues that you can find on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships.

Entertainment is a strategic investment for Royal Caribbean - and it’s working 

At a time when much of the cruise industry is making cost-cutting entertainment decisions, Royal Caribbean continues to do the opposite. Instead, Royal Caribbean is treating entertainment as a strategic investment rather than a discretionary expense.

The company’s commitment to awe-inspiring performances has become a core part of its brand identity. These are major engineering and financial investments incorporated directly into ship design. Unlike competitors, Royal Caribbean builds entire vessels with entertainment at the heart of the design, turning every ship into a destination in itself.

And the cruise line's strategy is working! Royal Caribbean Group reported record-breaking financial results in Q2 2025, with second-quarter revenue and net income climbing from prior year's financial results. 

In addition, load factors reached 110%, signaling demand continues to be exceptionally strong. This is an indication that guests are not only sailing, but also paying premiums to experience what Royal Caribbean offers.

The financial success and growth of Royal Caribbean highlight the brand’s strategy of differentiation through innovation, particularly in entertainment. There’s no denying that Royal Caribbean’s commitment to this advancement and innovation is directly fueling growth.

Additionally, the cruise line's newest ships consistently sell out faster with higher average fares than other ships. This further proves that guests see value in the unparalleled experience that Royal Caribbean offers. Unlike competitors who are scaling back production shows to save costs, Royal Caribbean has doubled down on creativity, boldness, and advancement. 

From the ice rinks of the Voyager Class to the cutting-edge AquaDome of the Icon Class, Royal Caribbean has spent decades transforming live entertainment into its competitive advantage. And as long as Royal Caribbean keeps treating entertainment as an investment, not an expense, it will continue to deliver something no other cruise line can replicate.

Note: If you purchase Richard Fain's book through our Amazon link in this article, we receive a small commission. This is no additional cost to you but it helps support our site. Thanks!

Royal Caribbean has officially confirmed that its Specialty Coffee Card can be used on multiple cruises, ending years of confusion among loyal guests.

For years, Royal Caribbean cruisers were unsure about policies regarding the Specialty Coffee Cards offered by the cruise line. As one of the more popular drink add-ons, a Specialty Coffee Card provides 15 punches for specialty coffees at a discounted rate. This includes everything from iced lattes to chai teas and Frappuccinos during your cruise. 

However, one of the biggest points of confusion surrounding the coffee card was whether any unused punches could be carried over to future cruises. Some cruisers would share success stories of using the same card on multiple Royal Caribbean cruises, while others were told the punch card was only valid for the one sailing.

Now, Royal Caribbean has clearly stated that Specialty Coffee Cards can be used during multiple sailings. During a recent cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas, Marc Van Niekerk, a Royal Caribbean Blog reader, shared photos of an updated version of the card.

The text on the back of the Specialty Coffee Card now clearly reads, “This card is shareable and multiple orders can be redeemed at one time. Card is also transferable to any other Royal Caribbean ship and sail date. Specialty coffees do not include beverages from licensed Starbucks stores.”

In addition, Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner has updated verbiage on the Specialty Coffee Card description to reflect the policy change. The Cruise Planner now states, “The Specialty Coffee Card can be used on future sailings if punches aren’t depleted. There is no minimum purchase or maximum limit when using the Specialty Coffee Card.”

Now, we have official confirmation that unused punches don’t expire at the end of your cruise and can be redeemed on future Royal Caribbean sailings. This update allows cruisers to get more value from their purchase by using any remaining punches on their next cruise. Most importantly, there is no longer any confusion about how the Specialty Coffee Card can be used for multiple cruises. 

The policy clarification is a welcome change for coffee-lovers

While Royal Caribbean provides drip coffee as a complimentary beverage, specialty coffees come at an additional cost. According to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner, the Specialty Coffee Card can save cruisers up to 50% on specialty beverages during their cruise. 

With 15 punches on each card, guests can use one punch to cover smaller drinks like a single espresso, tall latte, chai latte, specialty tea, or hot chocolate. Two punches are required for larger beverages such as a double espresso, grande or venti lattes, chai lattes, teas, hot chocolate, or a Frappuccino.

There’s no denying the Specialty Coffee Card can be a great value if you plan to splurge on specialty coffees during your cruise. However, there has been longtime confusion regarding the number of cruises you could use the card. 

Cruisers often debated the policy, with some stating you can use the card over multiple itineraries. Others argued that crew members advised that Specialty Coffee Cards could only be used during one cruise, and the punches would not transfer to another sailing.

In fact, one Royal Caribbean Blog reader posted on our forum last year, “If I purchase a coffee card but do not use all the allotments, can I use the same card on my next sailing on a different vessel?”

The post received many replies from other Royal Caribbean cruisers with a mix of responses. Some had luck using the coffee card multiple times, while others weren’t as lucky.

One responder said, “It is a 'your mileage may vary' situation. I've been able to and been denied. I have never seen a "sale" on the coffee card-always $31.00. I do not know if you can purchase it on board. If it is available onboard for the same price, why not try the old card, and if denied, purchase a new one.”

“My last coffee card had the ship name, supporting "no" answer. However, if the ship name is blank, some folks use it. The description in cruise planner should mention a single cruise,” replied another cruiser.

One cruiser also said, “Tried it once and it was a no-go.”

Others had better luck, writing, “I have purchased many coffee cards and always used them ship to ship and have never had an issue.”

"I just saw this asked on Facebook, and was actually surprised that the answers seemed to vary, but leaned heavily toward yes. A LOT of people said they have used them on multiple cruises with no problem, especially if they did not write the ship name on the card.  Some even said they were specifically told they were allowed to do so, which is why they bought them,” shared one cruiser.

“I did, twice on the same ship. I was even told I could by the cafe staff. I did cross out the old cabin # and put in the new one in pen so they would put the right one down to get their share of gratuities,” explained another traveler. Now, it's clarified that guests can take advantage of their coffee cards for multiple sailings, if they choose. 

In general, people love the Specialty Coffee Card for its convenience and value

Many Royal Caribbean cruisers are fans of the Specialty Coffee Card, as it provides a great value for those who like to start their morning with a latte or cappuccino. For example, on a Reddit post regarding whether the coffee card is worthwhile, the majority of responders were proponents.

Because $31 covers 15 punches, each specialty coffee averages around $2 per beverage for single-shot espressos. This can be significant savings if you’re someone who drinks specialty coffees each morning, which can easily cost $5 to $7 per drink.

Regular coffee drinkers find the Specialty Coffee Card can pay for itself within the first few days of a cruise. In addition, many cruisers love the card’s flexibility and convenience. Because the coffee card is sharable, you can split beverages with your travel party. It can also be used for a variety of espresso-based drinks, including iced lattes, cappuccinos, chai teas, Frappuccinos, and more.

With this flexibility, cruisers find the Specialty Coffee Card to be an appealing alternative to the pricier drink packages offered by Royal Caribbean.

In addition, because you’ve already prepaid for your specialty coffee, you don’t have to worry about a surprise bill at the end of your cruise. Whether you want an afternoon pick-me-up from Cafe Promenade or you look forward to a frothy latte every morning, the Specialty Coffee Card can be a great way to save money for coffee-lovers.

This is a simple and budget-friendly way to enhance your Royal Caribbean cruise, especially if you aren’t a fan of the provided drip coffee. And now, the card is even more valuable with confirmation that you can enjoy unused punches for future sailings. 

Black Friday might be a couple months away, but that doesn’t mean you need to wait until November to stock up on your favorite cruise essentials.

Amazon’s Prime Big Day Deal Day is here! Every fall, Amazon features a multi-day sale with steep discounts on some of the website’s most popular items. For cruisers, this means it’s a great time to splurge on the cruise must-haves that you’ve been eyeing.

This fall, Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days will run from October 7 at 12:00am (Pacific Time) through October 8 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Amazon promised this sale will feature exclusive deals for Prime Members, like up to 65% off Anker power banks and 50% off Samsonite luggage.

According to Amazon, there will be millions of deals across categories for top brands. For cruise travelers, this can mean serious savings on items like luggage, electronics, and travel essentials.

In addition, Amazon has also introduced “Today’s Big Deals” with special daily discounts for some of the hottest offers. These go fast, so you’ll want to keep an eye on drop times at 12am, 8am, and 1pm PT.

If you want to participate in this fall’s sale, you’ll need a Prime membership to access the sale, or you can start a 30-day free trial.

As someone who loves to online shop, I look forward to Amazon’s biggest sales every year. I’ve been able to snag some amazing deals on my favorite cruise gear, such as my portable sound machine and Apple AirPods.

If you’ve been waiting to buy cruise essentials and you have upcoming cruises this winter, it’s the perfect weekend to shop. With thousands of different products on sale this fall, it can feel overwhelming to find the best deals on cruise essentials.

Lucky for you, I’ve sorted through all of best deals and rounded up the top items you’ll want to purchase for your next cruise.

Note: We receive a small commission if you purchase any products from our affiliate links below. Purchasing from these links costs you nothing extra, but helps support our site. All prices below were accurate at the time of publication. Prices may change during the sale based on availability. Check out our Amazon Storefront for more cruise and travel favorites! 

Cruise and Cabin Necessities

From magnetic hooks for your stateroom to travel-sized toiletries, these cruise essentials will make your cabin more functional and your cruise smoother. 

1. Magnetic Hooks

Cruise staterooms are very compact, and much smaller than a standard hotel room. You’ll want to optimize your small space as much as you can. For this reason, magnetic hooks are extremely popular for cruisers.Because cabin walls are typically magnetic, these hooks hang directly on the wall. This gives you additional hanging space for jackets, lanyards, hats, and bags.

Product Link: DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 30lbs+ Magnet Hook 2025 Cruise Cabin Ship Essentials Heavy Duty Strong Magnets Refrigerator Fridge Hanging for Classroom Beach Vacation Kitchen Grills Home 20 Pack (Silver)

Price: $9.97 (38% off)

2. Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

You’ll need to print your luggage tags at home and place the tags on your suitcases for embarkation day. Just like an airport, larger suitcases will be checked with cruise porters and delivered to your stateroom onboard.

Keep your printed luggage tags safe from water and damage during embarkation day with these holders. The clear sleeves help your luggage tag stay secure, and will protect your printed tag from rainy weather. They’re a small purchase that can make a big difference!

Product Link: Cruise On Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder (4 Pack) – Fits All Royal Caribbean Ships, Durable Travel ID Holders for 2025-2026 Cruises, Clear Waterproof Cruise Essentials

Price: $9.39 (20% off)

3. Portable Fans

If you’re heading somewhere warm for your cruise, you should consider packing a portable fan. Some prefer to have foldable fans in their cruise cabins to improve airflow and keep the cabin cooler at night. Others might prefer a hand-held fan that can be used during shore excursions or around the ship.

Product Link for Desk Fans: TOPK 2 Pack 5000mAh Portable Desk Fan, Ultra-thin Strong Wind Digital Display 4 Speeds Adjustable Small Quiet Battery Powered Personal Travel Fan for Bedroom, Office, Cruise, Library, Outdoor

Price: $29.99 (14% off)

Product Link for Handheld Fans: JISULIFE Portable Handheld Fan, Mini 3 In 1 with Rechargeable Battery, Personal Pocket Fan for Travel, Outdoor, USB Power Bank, Flashlight, Essential Ideal Gifts for Summer/Concert/Vacation - Blue

Price: $14.39 (20% off)

4. Motion-Activated Night Light

Our readers love this motion-activated night light, especially those who book interior cabins. Without natural light, it can be hard to navigate your stateroom at night. This highlight is motion censored to illuminate with movement, so it won’t wake up your cabin mates. In addition, it’s compact, easy to pack, and includes a magnetic base with sticky adhesives.

Product Link: Cruise On Motion-Activated Battery LED Light with Magnetic Base, 360° Rotating Night Lamp for Closets, Bathrooms, Hallways & Cabinets, Wireless, Easy Install, Auto Sensor for Hands-Free Illumination

Price: $14.39 (40% off)

5. Pop-Up Mesh Hamper

One of my favorite purchases for my cruise cabins has been a pop-up mesh hamper. This helps keep my stateroom organized and less cluttered. It’s lightweight and takes up virtually no space in my suitcase. This hamper makes it easy to contain dirty clothes in one spot rather than letting them pile up around the cabin.

Product Link: 2 Pcs Strong Mesh Pop-up Laundry Hamper, Quality Pop Up Hampers for Laundry with Durable Handles Solid Bottom High Carbon Steel Frame, Easy to Open and Fold Flat for Storage(Black)

Price: $13.59 (20% off)

6. Hanging Cosmetic Organizer

Cruise cabins are small, but the cabin bathrooms are even smaller. There can be limited counter space with minimal shelving, making it hard to store all of your toiletries and products. I never cruise without my hanging cosmetic organizer, as it’s easy to store on the back of the bathroom door. It’s the perfect solution to keep my skincare, makeup, and cosmetics nearly stored without cluttering the bathroom vanity.

Product Link: NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for women, Portable Hanging Organizer for Travel-Sized Shampoo, Conditioner, Brushes Set, makeup Accessories, Medium Size, Pink

Price: $14.32 (20% off)

7. Cruise Door Magnets

Decorating your cruise cabin door is becoming increasingly popular on ships. You’ll notice many cruisers like to decorate their cabin doors with fun magnets. This is a fun way to jazz up your stateroom, and many cruisers say it helps find their cabin. Magnets are easy to pack because they won’t take up too much luggage space and doesn’t leave any residue on the door.

Product Link: PHOGARY 17pcs Hawaiian Magnets for Cruise Door Decorations, Funny Luau Tropical Magnets for Cruise Metal Door Summer Hawaiian Party Decor

Price: $4.49 (50% off)

8. Travel Toiletry Bottles

If you’re trying to save space in your cruise cabin (or your suitcase!), consider using travel toiletry bottles. These allow you to bring your favorite products from home in these leak-resistant bottles.

Product Link: Travel Bottles for Toiletries, Tsa Approved 3oz Travel Size Containers BPA Free Leak Proof Refillable Liquid Silicone Squeezable Travel Accessories for Shampoo Conditioner Lotion (4 Pack)

Price: $7.99 (20% off)

Suitcases and Luggage Accessories

You’ll need a reliable suitcase to bring on your cruise, regardless of whether you’re flying or driving to the cruise port. I typically bring a carry-on suitcase aboard the ship and only check a larger suitcase for longer itineraries. After finally investing in higher-quality luggage, navigating the airports, hotels, train stations, and cruise terminals has been much better!

9. Samsonite Luggage Set

These Samsonite Carry-On Hardshell suitcases are a favorite for travelers; even better, they'tr expandable to make room for all your cruise treasures! This suitcase set receives high ratings for being high quality and lightweight, with smooth-rolling wheels.

Product Link: Samsonite Freeform 2-Piece Luggage Set - Carry-On & Large Checked Luggage with Dual Spinner Wheels - Durable Polypropylene Hardshell - TSA Lock, Airline-Approved - Expandable Hard Shell – Black

Price: $196.35 (20% off)

10. Coolife Luggage Set

If you’re looking to invest in more than just one suitcase, you could consider splurging on a luggage set during Big Deal Days! This Coolife Luggage set is an excellent deal with three different suitcases included. It's highly rated for its sturdy shell, smooth wheels, and lightweight design. 

Product Link: Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Hardshell Lightweight TSA Lock

Price: $152.99 (11% off)

11. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a must-have for many travelers, but I especially love them for cruising. They keep everything neatly organized in your suitcase and remove excess air so you can pack more.

Simply remove the packing cube from your suitcase and place directly in your cabin’s closet or drawer for easy unpacking! I designate one packing cube for dirty clothes on the way home, which makes laundry easier after the cruise is over too.

Product Link: BAGAIL 6 Set/8 Set/10 Set Packing Cubes Various Sizes Packing Organizer for Travel Accessories Luggage Carry On Suitcase

Price: $21.99 (21% off)

Product Link: 10 Set Compression Packing Cubes for Travel Essentials,Compressible Expandable Packing Cubes for Suitcase, OlarHike Luggage Organizer Bags for Travel,Handy Helper for Organizing Clothes(Black)

Price: $29.99 (35% off)

12. Electronics Organizer

I was fed up with all of the cords and chargers in my backpack, so I finally invested in an electronics organizer. It makes all the difference keeping everything neatly organized in my bag while traveling. I also use it in my cruise cabin to reduce clutter and keep all of my cords and chargers organized. 

Product Link: BAGSMART Large Electronics Travel Organizer Case, Tech Accessories Cord Storage Bag for Phone, Power Bank, SD Card, Cables, Black

Price: $11.19 (25% off)

13. Travel Pill Organizer

If you travel with medication, including over-the-counter meds, it’s a good idea to have a pill organizer. This can save you space in your luggage and your cruise cabin! I use these for things like vitamin C and zinc supplements to stay healthy while traveling!

Product Link: 2 Pack 3 Compartment Small Pill Box, Moisture Proof Case, Travel Organizer for Pocket Purse, Daily Portable Medicine Vitamin Container, Fish Oil and Supplement Storage

Price: $5.94 (15% off)

14. Travel Jewelry Organizer

Jewelry can quickly become unmanageable, especially with necklaces all tangled together. I like to bring a travel jewelry organizer on my cruises to safely store all of my earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Product Link: BELALIFE Travel Jewelry Case Organizer, Medium Foldable Storage Roll for Earrings, Necklaces, Rings, Bracelets, Brooches, Pink

Price: $13.59 (15% off)

Cruise Tech and Electronics

Amazon’s biggest sales typically have the best deals on technology and electronics. This means you can save big on some of the most popular tech items for cruises. From portable chargers to headphones, you’ll definitely want to check out the best tech deals for your upcoming cruise vacations.

15. Wireless Charging Station

One of my recent favorite travel purchases is a wireless charging station. This eliminates the need to bring multiple cords for different devices, such as your phone, smart watch, and wireless headphones. You can simply charge all of your devices at once. 

Product Link: Wireless Charger 3 in 1,RTOPS Magnetic Travel Wireless Charging Station Multiple Devices,GaN 3 in 1 Charging Station, Compatible for iPhone16/15/14/13/Pro/Max,iWatch,AirPods4/3/2/Pro(Adapter Includes)

Price: $24.28 (19% off)

16. USB Charging Station

Older ships may have a limited number of outlets available for charging your electronics. A charging station with multiple USB-A/USB-C ports supports multiple device charging for the cabin, so you don’t have to fight over the outlets.

Product Link: USB C Fast Charger, 100W GaN 6 Port Type C Charging Station Hub Block Cube, USB C Wall Charger Power Strip Adapter Plug for iPad iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Pixel Note Galaxy, 5ft Cord

Price: $19.98 (20% off)

17. Universal Adapter with USB Ports

This travel adapter is one of our readers’ favorite cruise products! This one is highly rated because of its compact size, functionality, and multiple USB ports. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously, which can be especially helpful in your cruise cabin. Not to mention, some cabins have European outlets that are often left unused if you don’t have an adapter.

Product Link: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, European Travel Plug Adapter (Not a Voltage Converter) - International Power Adapter Worldwide Charger with USB-C & 4 USB-A Ports, Travel Essentials (TA-105, Grey)

Price: $17.99 (28% off)

18. Portable Charger

You’ll be having busy days exploring your ports of call and spending days on the pool deck. You might not always want to return to your cabin to charge your phone or tablet, so it’s best to have a portable charger to keep your devices charged throughout the day.

Product Link: INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Slim 10000mAh 45W PD Power Bank, USB C in&Out Fast Charging Battery Pack, Travel Essential Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 17 16 15 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc

Price: $18.69 (38% off)

19. Extra-Long Charging Cord

An extra-long charging cord is especially convenient in your cruise cabin if there’s only one outlet on the vanity. This allows you to lay comfortable on the bed or chill on the couch while still charging your devices. I never cruise without mine!

Product Link: Extra Long USB C Cable Fast Charging 15FT, [Apple MFi] Long USB A to USB C Cable for iPhone17 16 15 Charger Cord 5m,Type C Cable C Charger for iPhone 16 15 Pro Max/16 15 Plus/iPad Pro/Google-2Pack

Price: $17.99 (10% off)

Cruising used to be a cheap getaway, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Although I find great value from taking a cruise, there’s no denying the cost has increased significantly over the last five years.

Not to mention, Royal Caribbean has been shifting their strategy to offer more party-focused cruises with short Caribbean itineraries. 

For example, Utopia of the Seas debuted last summer as Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis class vessel. The brand-new ship started offering 3-night and 4-night getaway cruises from Port Canaveral in Florida, and it proved to be a huge hit. Following Utopia of the Seas’ success, Royal Caribbean recently shifted another Oasis class ship, Wonder of the Seas, from 7-night sailings to 3-night and 4-night Bahamas cruises.

Short cruises are huge money-makers for the cruise line. In addition to attracting new cruisers, these party-focused itineraries are typically more expensive on a per-night basis. These itineraries also sell out faster than other sailings, so they make sense from a business standpoint.

For the consumer, short cruisers are also a winning strategy. The overall cost is often less for a 3-night or 4-night cruise fare, and you don’t need to take as many PTO days. This allows cruisers to set sail more often compared to weeklong itineraries, which can be more expensive overall and require more vacation days.

Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's President and CEO, stated in a 2025 Q2 press release, “As consumer preferences continue to evolve - toward more frequent vacations, closer-in vacation planning, and a greater focus on meaningful, experience-driven travel - our experiences are designed to meet these evolving expectations.”

Royal Caribbean has found that onboard spending has been higher as they’ve shifted more ships to shorter Caribbean itineraries. In the same 2025 Q2 financial update, Royal Caribbean stated, “Guest spending onboard and pre-cruise purchases continue to exceed prior years, driven by greater participation at higher prices.”

After totaling everything I spent on my 4-night Wonder of the Seas cruise, it’s easy to see why Royal Caribbean is leaning into short getaways. I spent $2,337.47 on my entire vacation last month, from $179.45 at specialty dining restaurants to $57 on internet access. Here’s a breakdown of my spending.

Our cruise fare was $1,315 for the cheapest interior cabin.

My best friend and I decided a few months ago that we were looking for a girl’s getaway trip together. She lives across the country from me, so this would be the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together. Not to mention, this was her first cruise!

Instead of splurging for a balcony, we opted for the cheapest interior cabin. This happened to be a guaranteed stateroom, meaning we didn’t get to choose the location of our cabin. Although this can be a gamble, it saved us money that we could spend elsewhere during our cruise.

We were pleased to be assigned an interior cabin on Deck 8 towards the front of the ship. The decks above and below us were also staterooms, which kept noise to a minimum. This was a great location on Wonder of the Seas, as we were close to the open-air Central Park with restaurants, bars, and shops. We were never far from the main attractions either.

Although our cabin was modern, it was extremely compact. After sailing in an interior cabin aboard sister-ship Utopia of the Seas, I expected the stateroom to be similar in terms of size and design. This wasn’t the case though, as our cabin was significantly smaller aboard Wonder of the Seas.

To my surprise, this interior cabin had very little space and lacked any couch or chair for additional seating. The layout was also unusual, with the vanity directly in front of my bed. We decided to separate the beds to open up the space, which did help.

The air conditioning also seemed temperamental, which isn’t good for a hot cruise to the Bahamas in August! Luckily, we requested a fan from our cabin attendant, and he provided a large floor fan that kept air circulating all night.

Other than the cabin’s size and temperature control, we had everything else we needed for our short cruise. Because Wonder of the Seas has so much to offer for entertainment, onboard attractions, and activities, we hardly spent any time in our stateroom anyway.

This was the largest expense of our entire vacation, totaling about 56% of the overall cost. Our fare included port fees, taxes, and prepaid gratuities.

I paid $57.98 for VOOM internet, but the reliable speed was worth it!

I always purchase internet while cruising, as my remote work requires occasional meetings and emails. As a Diamond Plus loyalty member, I receive two free days of VOOM Internet access on every cruise. On a 4-night cruise, this means I only needed to pay for two days to have unlimited internet access for the entire cruise.

I purchased my VOOM Surf + Stream internet package on the first day, which allowed me to apply my loyalty discount. I wish Royal Caribbean would provide loyalty discounts to purchases in the Cruise Planner before boarding. Had I purchased the Wi-Fi package before boarding, it would have cost around $92 for the 4-night voyage. Onboard, the cost was $115; but with my loyalty discount, the $57.98 cost was still cheaper than pre-purchasing.

The internet was fast and reliable throughout our entire cruise. I also appreciated being able to use the package while ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay. My friend was also surprised by the internet’s speed and reliability, as it was her first cruise and she wasn’t sure what to expect. 

This was one of the smallest expenses, costing only 2% of the total vacation cost.

We also splurged on specialty dining for two meals, costing us $179.45.

Oasis class ships are packed with specialty dining restaurants. And after trying other competitor cruise lines, I believe Royal Caribbean has the best specialty dining at sea. In this way, I am always happy to splurge on a specialty dining meal.

I typically book a specialty restaurant on the first night of the cruise, as it’s a reprieve from a hectic boarding day. Specialty dining restaurants are more upscale and intimate with attentive service, which can be a nice change from the main dining room. My friend wanted to try Chops Grille steakhouse, and I was happy to oblige!

We reserved a table for our first night, which allowed us to take advantage of my Diamond Plus BOGO specialty dining offer. The meal was excellent! We loved the experience of eating outside in Central Park as we sailed away from Miami on the first evening. I also tried the ribeye for the first time — it’s a new favorite! This meal was $76.70 for two people.

In addition, my friend loves sushi and definitely wanted to try Izumi, which is Royal Caribbean's Asian-inspired specialty venue. We decided to book lunch at Izumi while the ship was docked in Nassau, Bahamas. This worked out perfectly following our short day ashore, as we only walked around the port area. We both ordered the prix fixe option from Izumi's expansive menu, which included an appetizer, two main course selections, and dessert.

My friend tried the tuna poke bowl and sushi while I opted for the beef noodles and stir fry. She didn’t love her sushi, but everything else was fabulous. Izumi does not offer lunch specials, so it’s the same price regardless of when you dine. We paid $94.90 for our lunch here.

Finally, I couldn’t resist a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks! It was the first day of Starbucks offering their fall menu for the season, so I couldn’t say no. This latte was $7.85 and, although pricey, was similarly priced to what you'd pay at Starbucks on land.

In total, we spent $179.45 on specialty dining during our 4-night Wonder of the Seas cruise, or 8% of our vacation’s total cost. And it was worth every single cent!

My flight to Miami was $380 while airport parking was $20, totaling $400.

Even though I live in Florida, the Panhandle is about as far from Miami as you can get in the state. Instead of driving 8.5 hours, I opted to book a flight instead. My round-trip airfare on Delta Air Lines was $380 from my small airport in Destin, Florida. I also paid $20 to park my car at the airport. On the other hand, my friend booked her flight with points, making it technically free!

Typically, I prefer cruising from Port Canaveral, Florida due to the shorter driving distance. Airfare can add up quickly if you’re flying to a cruise port, especially if you’re traveling with kids. For this reason, short party-focused cruises are most popular for those who can drive to the embarkation port. At $380 for one ticket, this would be $1,520 for a family of four.

I was able to save some money by only eating lunch and dinner at the airport lounges, as I have access with one of my premium travel credit cards. Airport food is outrageously priced, so being able to take advantage of the airport lounges helps keep travel day costs down.

This was one of the bigger expenses, totaling 17% of the entire vacation cost.

We spent $101.04 on Uber rides between the airport, hotel, and cruise port.

Another downside of flying to your cruise port is not having a car to get around. Instead, you have to rely on taxis, Ubers, or shuttles. For this trip, we flew in the night before our cruise and booked a hotel for the night (as you always should!).

My Uber from the airport to the hotel was $41.89 while the following morning’s ride to the port was only $11.02. Our hotel was very close to the cruise port, so this Uber ride was very cheap because of the close proximity. After the cruise, we took another Uber from the cruise port directly to the MIA airport, costing us $48.13.

In total, we spent around $101.04 on Uber rides in Miami, which is 4% of the vacation’s total cost.

I booked a hotel in Miami for one night before the cruise, costing $304.

Because I flew into Miami the night before our cruise, I needed to book a hotel for the night. It’s always best practice to fly into your embarkation port at least one day before your cruise departs. For international flights, I add an extra buffer day or two. This ensures you have plenty of time to account for delays or cancellations.

I landed in Miami around 9:00 P.M. and made my way to the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. The hotel was recently remodeled, so the rooms felt up-to-date. With my Marriott status, we had breakfast included in the room fare. On the morning of embarkation, this was a great way to start our vacation.

The Marriott Biscayne Bay hotel is conveniently located by the cruise port. The morning of embarkation, we could see Wonder of the Seas in the distance at Royal Caribbean’s PortMiami cruise terminal. Because our hotel was close to the terminal, our Uber ride was quick and easy.

Overall, our hotel room was 13% of the entire trip’s cost, which is on the higher end. We probably could have booked a cheaper room closer to the airport, but we appreciated the convenience to the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

In total, our entire cruise vacation aboard Wonder of the Seas was $2,337.47.

This 4-night cruise was not necessarily a cheap getaway. We paid $2,337 in total for this vacation, including airfare, cruise fare, onboard purchases, our hotel room, and port transportation. For four nights, this comes out to $1,168.74 each, or $292 per person for each night of the cruise.

The cost of this cruise could have been much higher. For instance, I receive five complimentary drinks per day with my loyalty status. Had we purchased an expensive drink package or drinks individually, the cost would have hundreds of dollars more. We also skipped any shore excursions in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, which also cut down on costs.

In addition, my husband had to stay behind for work and, therefore, we didn’t need to pay a dog-sitter for the duration of this cruise. We’ve spent upwards of $500 to have an in-home pet sitter for our two Aussiedoodles. It’s easy to forget about the cost of pet care or home care when planning a vacation, but this can add up quickly.

In comparison, my 4-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas back in February was $2,683, which is only slightly higher than we paid for this vacation. While more expensive than you might anticipate, I really enjoy shorter cruises. In fact, I’ve already booked another sailing aboard Utopia of the Seas this winter. If you're a first-time cruiser or simply wanting a quick vacation, I would definitely recommend Royal Caribbean's short Caribbean options.

Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean’s Chairman and former CEO, is sharing some of the most dramatic, nail-biting moments throughout the cruise line’s history in his new book.

His new book is titled Delivering the WOW: Culture as Catalyst for Lasting Success and will be released on October 21, 2025. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Fain’s book, which is packed with juicy secrets from Royal Caribbean’s history.

Fain served as Royal Caribbean's CEO for more than three decades. While the cruise line started as a small Norwegian company with three vessels, Fain propelled Royal Caribbean into becoming one of the most valuable and profitable cruise lines in the world. 

Before taking on the role of CEO for Royal Caribbean, Fain worked for Gotaas-Larsen Shipping Corporation. This was a Norwegian shipping company and one of the three companies that co-founded Royal Caribbean. Fain served as treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, and Joint Managing Director during his 13 years at Gotaas-Larsen Shipping Company.

In 2022, Fain stepped down from his position as Royal Caribbean Group's CEO and still serves as a Chairman and Director of the Board. However, Royal Caribbean announced in June 2025 that Fain will step down from his position as Chairman. Instead, Jason Liberty, current Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, will succeed as Chairman beginning in Q4 2025.

Throughout the book, Fain outlines Royal Caribbean’s massive transformation during his time as CEO. The story highlights many lessons learned, including insights on business leadership and the importance of Royal Caribbean's WOW-focused culture. 

While the book leans heavily into the actionable business insights from Royal Caribbean’s history, Fain sprinkles in dramatic moments throughout Royal Caribbean’s long history. For instance, he shares how the original design of Icon of the Seas’ Aquadome was originally sketched on a napkin in the break room!

As a longtime fan of Royal Caribbean and business analyst, I was eager to read Fain’s stories and business perspective. While I’m not a huge reader, Fain’s book was fun and easy to read. I loved hearing his personal and professional thoughts on many key moments in Royal Caribbean’s history.

Here are some of Fain’s biggest Royal Caribbean secrets and behind-the-scenes moments from his 30 years as Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO.

If you want to purchase Richard Fain’s new book, Delivering the WOW, you can pre-order it here on Amazon. By using our link, Royal Caribbean Blog receives a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Sovereign of the Seas' construction was almost cancelled during the 1987 recession

At the end of 1987, Fain was asked to be the Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and he accepted. The role would begin in the first quarter of 1988, aligning with the launch of Royal Caribbean’s first megaship, Sovereign of the Seas.

Then the unexpected happened. While Fain was looking forward to his new CEO position, the New York Stock Exchange dropped 23 percent on October 19, 1987, which is now known as “Black Monday." At the time, this was the largest single-day market drop in American history. 

With so much uncertainty, Fain says the future of traveling and cruising was up in the air. The former CEO shares how he received a panicked phone call from one of the company's shareholders, urging him to cancel the order for Sovereign of the Seas.

That call came from George Soros, one of the largest shareholders in Gotaas-Larsen. Although Fain had worked with Soros before, this conversation was different. And while Sovereign of the Seas was almost completely built, Soros insisted that Fain cancel the ship’s order.

Fain explains the tense conversation in his book: “George opened up without any of our usual preliminaries: ‘Richard, you need to cancel the order for the Sovereign of the Seas.’ I said, ‘George, we can’t cancel the order. The ship’s finished. It’s almost built.’

He said, ‘I know it’s almost done, but you’ve got to cancel, because nobody’s ever going to want to cruise again. Everybody should just act now, and if they feel poor, they won’t buy a cruise. You should act before the shipyard realizes how bad the future will be.’

I said, ‘George, even if that’s true, the ship is built. We can’t cancel. They’re already vacuuming the carpets!’ He said, ‘You may have to pay them a penalty, but you’ve got to cancel.’”

Fain details that he was confident in the cruise industry’s resiliency from previous recessions, and he didn’t share the stock market’s widespread pessimism.

He writes, “I reminded [George] that Gotaas-Larsen owned only one-third of Royal Caribbean. We couldn’t unilaterally demand the cancellation of a contract. Fortunately…the 1987 crash was short lived. Within six months, the stock market was back to where it had been.”

Just a few months later, on January 15, 1988, Sovereign of the Sea debuted and was blessed by her godmother, Rosalynn Carter. She became one of the most important cruise ships in Royal Caribbean's history.

2. Carnival tried to buy Royal Caribbean in 1988

After her debut, Sovereign of the Seas was a massive success for Royal Caribbean. Fain explains how the megaship was “profitable from her maiden voyage on and her guest satisfaction scores were the highest in the company’s history.”

He continues that the future of Royal Caribbean was looking bright with such strong performance from Sovereign of the Seas. By May 1988, the company was looking at building on the success of Sovereign of the Seas, but competitor Carnival Cruise Line had other plans.

Fain explains, “One morning, Jack Seabrook, the chairman of Gotaas-Larsen, called with shocking news. Carnival, the largest and most powerful cruise line in the world, wanted to buy Royal Caribbean. With that news, our future, our vision, everything we had been working toward was in play. I had only been Royal’s CEO for a few weeks, and suddenly, this call sounded like it might change everything.”

The clock started ticking on a high-stakes, fast-paced deal. Over the course of 40 days, Fain scrambled to find an alternative option. He details late-night negotiations and unexpected network connections, determined to keep Royal Caribbean’s independence.

At one point, a massive wire transfer was needed to secure Royal Caribbean’s future. However, Fain explains that the transfer, worth $300 million, was somehow lost in the London banking system with only a few hours left on the clock. This was the capital needed to finalize a new partnership that would block Carnival's takeover. Without this, Carnival's offer would become the default, and Royal Caribbean's independence would be lost.

When the money finally arrived at the last possible moment, Royal Caribbean entered into a new partnership that allowed the company to maintain its independence. As Fain reflects in the book, this was a make-or-break moment that defined the company and later proved the importance of lasting partnerships.

3. Royal Caribbean’s signature rock climbing wall almost didn’t happen

Royal Caribbean is known for its one-of-a-kind, innovative thrills that you can’t find on any other cruise ship. One of the cruise line’s first notable and unique additions to its ships was a rock climbing wall. While it doesn’t seem as significant compared to today’s attractions, including full-scale waterparks, surf simulators, and zip-lines, the addition was revolutionary at the time.

Fain details how some of the company’s youngest team members actually pitched the idea of a rock climbing wall - and he resisted at first. 

In his book, the former CEO explains during the final design stages for Voyager of the Seas in 1999, there was a large, empty space behind the ship’s funnel. Fain asked a small team of younger team members to imagine something interesting to put there, hoping for a fresh perspective.

After studying the ship’s design for several weeks, the team came back with a proposal for the rock-climbing wall. The team explained how the vertical space was perfect for a rock wall, and there would be plenty of space for equipment. The team also pointed out that rock climbing was becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and could be popular with Royal Caribbean’s younger guests.

Fain states, “I resisted. I could not imagine anyone wanting to change into special gear on vacation and climb a wall. I didn’t tell them, but I privately went to a climbing studio and tried it myself. I came away with several bruises and a conviction that no reasonable person would find this fun.”

The team was pressed to find more reasonable alternatives, but they came back even more convinced that the rock wall would be the winner. “I hated all four ideas, but I thought the rock wall was the least terrible, so I agreed to it.”

However, Fain explains how the rock wall quickly became one of the most talked about features of the new ship.

He writes, “The cruise director commented, ‘Only a fraction of guests actually climb the wall, but it’s one of the most photographed features on board. It tells everyone this ship is different.’ It was so popular that we retrofitted it on our existing ships and have since included it on every new ship.”

Fain explains how this taught Royal Caribbean three valuable lessons. 

First, not everything needs to appeal to everyone. Even though only 10% of guests use the rock-climbing wall, its presence speaks volumes about the Royal Caribbean cruise experience. Second, it became symbolic of the shift Royal Caribbean was trying to make and emphasized that vacations don’t need to be sedentary. Finally, inspiration is everywhere, especially when you give people the opportunity to be creative.

4. Oasis of the Seas’ test blimp was almost shot down by the Swedish Air Force

(Photo shared by Loyal to Royal)

While Royal Caribbean has invented some of the most incredible shipboard technology, not all ideas were a success. Fain explains how the cruise line pursued the idea of putting a blimp on Oasis of the Seas, which ended up being a “spectacular failure”.

The blimp was meant to be towed 500 feet in the air above the vessel to give guests a view of the ship and its surroundings. Royal Caribbean hoped it would be a unique guest experience and a distinctive feature visible to people in the distance.

As you can imagine, Fain says the concept was technically challenging. He details, “It had to be able to withstand hurricane force winds and still be comfortable for 12 guests at a time. And it had to be tested under the most difficult of conditions—first in computer simulations, then in a wind tunnel, then on a special racing track, and finally onboard the ship during sea trials.”

(Photo shared by Loyal to Royal)

In the book, Fain explains how he tried the blimp himself, finding the ride stunning with breathtaking, sweeping views of the Swedish coast. “Once back on solid ground (i.e., the ship’s deck), the safety officer—who had been quiet during the ride—couldn’t stop talking about the view, how awe-inspiring it had been, and how blown away our guests would be.”

Because the blimp’s proper cradle wasn’t ready, the crew members tied the blimp to temporary moorings before bed that day. Unfortunately, there was a storm that night and the blimp actually broke free from the ship and flew away.

“Before we could find it, the captain received a call from the Swedish Air Force. Apparently, our blimp had floated into commercial air space, and the Air Force wanted to shoot it down. Luckily, before they opened fire, the blimp started descending and fell into the ocean. A fishing boat eventually picked it up.”

Fain says the blimp wasn’t meant to be, but it does showcase Royal Caribbean’s continued commitment to innovation at exceptional lengths. Even more importantly, the cruise line isn’t afraid to let go of an idea that isn't the right fit.

5. Royal Caribbean almost failed at building its ice skating rinks

Fain says Royal Caribbean is always determined to expand their entertainment options, especially with each new ship class. While ideating the next innovative space, Studio B came to life. However, the former CEO explains how the Studio B ice skating rink was one of the cruise line’s more interesting technical challenges.

“Our ships already had several entertainment spaces, but we wanted to add one additional space that would be different from anything else on the high seas. Peter Compton, who led our entertainment team, proposed adding a flexible space that would be patterned after the second stage in a TV studio,” writes Fain.

“He proposed calling it Studio B. Like a TV studio, there would be seating for the TV audience, and the space itself would be flexible enough to accommodate many kinds of activities.”

The team imagined what the space could be, but knew they wanted an ice skating rink. While testing artificial ice with a professional figure skater, the cruise line decided that the rink needed real ice. But, Fain never anticipated how challenging this could be.

Fain explains, “We learned instead that normal ice-skating rinks are made by pouring concrete over refrigerant pipes. That works fine on land, but ships flex as they move through the water. Ice can bend (who knew?), but concrete doesn’t.”

Royal Caribbean decided to design a viscous layer that resembled mud. This would stay soft near the bottom but firm towards the top. Because it could bend, the real ice rink could work on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.

Fain details how he visited the Finnish shipyard and watched the workers flood Studio B with water to create a smooth sheet of ice, just as he had hoped. 

“It looked incredible. We high-fived as the Zamboni started smoothing the surface. I had been nervous, but now I could see for myself that it worked. Success,” says Fain.

Even though the ice looked good, the professional skater said it was too warm and soft to skate on. Fain says his heart sank as he imagined the new magnificent cruise ship debuting with an empty Studio B at its core. Luckily, the engineers found a simple fix that included a new refrigerant with a lower freezing point.

“It made the ice harder and colder and the skaters much happier. The ice-skating rink was so successful that we have put it on 16 ships and became the largest employer of figure skaters in America. My heart leaps every time I watch a performance in Studio B and see those extraordinary skaters effortlessly glide across the ice, as if the laws of friction didn’t exist," states the former CEO.

Fain says this displays Royal Caribbean’s unwavering commitment to its innovation with such a difficult and expensive proposition.

Would you spend $150,000 to sail on a 7-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas with your family? 

One TikTok creator, @boredfarmfamily, recently sailed on Icon of the Seas in the magnificent Ultimate Family Townhouse suite. The family documented their cruise experience in the massive three-level suite and shared the video on TikTok, stating they spent $150,000 on their vacation. 

The family’s TikTok was titled, “Was it worth $150,000 for a family of 6 on Icon of the Seas?” In the video’s caption, she wrote, “Come see the most epic room on a cruise ship… the $150,000 Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas for a family of 6! Royal Caribbean really outdid themselves with this one.”

With such an outrageously high price tag, the video is going viral with over 1 million views, 100k hearts, and more than 7,000 comments. The jaw-dropping tour showcases the suite’s expansive layout, colorful design, and incredible kid-friendly amenities.

With a total price tag of $150,000 for six guests, this breaks down to about $21,428 per night. For six people, that comes out to roughly $3,571 per person, per night of the cruise. In comparison, I just spent four nights on Wonder of the Seas and only spent $292 per person for each night in our interior cabin!

Was the cost worthwhile for this over-the-top Royal Caribbean suite? According to the family, it absolutely was - and after seeing the suite, it’s easy to understand why. Here’s a full breakdown of the TikTok video, along with details about Royal Caribbean’s next-level and ultra-luxurious suite.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is truly unlike any other cruise cabin at sea.

This isn’t your average cruise suite. In fact, it’s the most expensive and spacious suite that Royal Caribbean has ever created. With 1,772 square feet of space, this over-the-top cabin is one of the most exclusive suites in the cruise industry. The suite is three levels and features two bedrooms that can sleep up to eight passengers. The size of this suite is larger than most apartments!

It’s been designed from top to bottom with families in mind, from the multi-story slide to the piano-key stairs that play music notes when you step on them. As you might expect, Royal Caribbean has incorporated imaginative, playful, and memorable components to bring the ultimate family vacation to Icon of the Seas.

The entire suite feels like a playground for the whole family to enjoy. Inside, guests can take advantage of activities like ping pong and other amenities that include a movie room, karaoke machine, video games, two large balconies, and a private hot tub. 

The Ultimate Family Townhouse even has its own mailbox and private patio with an exclusive entrance to the kid-friendly Surfside neighborhood. Of course, the townhouse suite also comes with top-notch perks and Royal Star Class luxuries. For example, all guests receive the following amenities and perks:

• Royal Genie
• Exclusive complimentary dining
• Complimentary drink package
• Suite lounge access
• Suite sun deck access
• Exclusive activities onboard
• Complimentary gratuities
• Expedited boarding & departure
• Priority entrance to onboard activities
• Complimentary minibar
• Still and sparkling water
• Unlimited VOOM high-speed WiFi
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
• Best seats in select entertainment

The TikTok video shows the family boarding Icon of the Seas with their Royal Genie — and a big surprise for the kids.

The TikTok begins on embarkation day with the family walking across the gangway onto Icon of the Seas. Because they booked the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the family received priority embarkation. They were met with their own Royal Genie, which acts as a concierge and personal assistant for the entire cruise.

A Royal Genie is meant to anticipate the needs of their suite guests, such as arranging one-of-a-kind experiences and planning reservations for entertainment and specialty dining. They can make just about anything happen, from snagging the best seats at the nightly shows to creating private surprises in the cabin itself.

According to the TikTok video, the parents were surprising their kids with the Ultimate Family Townhouse. The video states, “At this point, the kids still had no idea what their surprise was.”

The video shows the Royal Genie escorting the family on Deck 8 to their cabin entrance, although the suite spans across Decks 7, 8, and 9. At this point, the kids still don’t know they will be cruising in one of the most elaborate suites in the cruise industry!

The kids were instantly blown away by the suite surprise!

As you might expect, the big reveal comes as a surprise to the family’s kids. As the door opens, the family's in awe by the imaginative, whimsical suite. Royal Caribbean has even decorated the suite with balloons and a giant “Happy Birthday” sign in the living room for the family. 

The kids start making comments like, “Woah!” while the youngest daughter states, “I love it!” The parents respond that they’ve been planning the surprise for a while.

The most eye-catching feature is the suite’s very own in-room slide. The large red slide is a quick favorite for the family, as the kids begin sliding down with big smiles on their faces. The tunnel slide starts on the upper level and slides down into the living room - certainly way more fun than the stairs!

The main level includes an oversized living area with quirky and colorful furniture rather than a standard couch or chair. In another corner, we can see the in-suite cinema room with a large flatscreen TV, massive daybed, and popcorn machine for the ultimate family movie night. Video game consoles are available to use, along with a karaoke machine for family singing competitions.

The suite’s design is over-the-top with kid-friendly amenities and thoughtful touches.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse has plenty of space to comfortably accommodate up to eight guests. With two full bedrooms and three bathrooms, the family of six can be seen exploring the massive suite and all of its kid-friendly amenities. Floor-to-ceiling windows also provide unmatched views of the ocean and the ship’s wake.

While the master bedroom includes a king-sized bed and bathroom with twin vanities and a double shower, the kids' room is expertly designed. The TikTok video shows the family's kids exploring their own room with bunk beds and Disney-themed bedding. The kids' cabin has its own colorful bathroom, along with a TV and headset for each of the kids to enjoy in the cabin.

Across the cabin, Royal Caribbean has decorated the walls with playful graphics, like a giraffe wearing sunglasses. One of the upper levels also features a mesh play space with views of the lower level.

Even the dining area is decked out for kids!

The Ultimate Family Townhouse features a dining area that adds another layer of fun. Rather than a standard dining room table, this one comes to life with interactive, digital animations that kids can play with. The dining room’s gaming table is a highlight for the family, as the TikToker can be seen trying out the table’s many different features.

Of course, Royal Caribbean prepared the dining room with plenty of treats and goodies for the family on embarkation day. The TikTok video shows a beautiful display of desserts across the table, including colorful pastries, cupcakes, and miniature desserts. The family couldn’t help themselves from sampling the many different treats!

The massive suite features more outdoor space, a private patio, and an exclusive entrance to Surfside neighborhood.

If the suite’s interior features have left you impressed, just wait until you see the outdoor area. The suite’s total indoor space measures 1,772 square feet, but when you add in the multiple balconies and backyard, the outdoor space totals more than 700 additional square feet.

One of the most unique features of the Ultimate Family Townhouse is the private patio with a fenced-in backyard. This isn’t something you typically find in a cruise ship suite. A full-size Connect Four and ping pong table can be found in the backyard, along with outdoor seating.

The TikTok video starts touring the outdoor patio and wrap-around balconies. With its very own white picket fence and even its own mailbox, the outdoor space is unlike anything at sea.

In addition, the backyard has its own private entrance into the family-focused Surfside neighborhood. The private entrance allows the kids to go straight from their suite into the infinity pool, splash pads, and kid-friendly restaurants, such as the Surfside Eatery and Pier 7. Parents also have access to the Lemon Post Bar for cocktails and drinks, including kid-approved mocktails.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse also features two massive, wraparound balconies. The main balcony spans more than 400 square feet with additional space for lounging or dining outside. A private hot tub is another spectacular feature of the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which is sure to bring incredible sunset views!

In addition, the suite features a second balcony from the master bedroom for parents to use. This balcony is slightly smaller, measuring only 90 square feet.  In total, the Ultimate Family Townhouse covers nearly 2,500 square feet, making it larger than many actual townhouses on land.

Was it worth the $150,000 cost? The TikTok family says yes, but many of the comments aren’t sure.

At the end of the TikTok video, Bored Family Farm concludes their tour with footage of the family enjoying their private hot tub. The family states the suite was “definitely worth the $150,000 for our family of six,” and says the cruise vacation leaves them with memories of a lifetime.

For most cruisers, that price tag is jaw-dropping and likely out of reach. Considering the average salary for an American is around $66,000 and the median household income per year is $83,730, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is not realistic for the average cruiser.

With the TikTok video going viral online, some of the comments disagree that $150,000 is worth a 7-night cruise aboard Icon of the Seas.

“$150,000 to be an a cruise ship. I would never waste my money like that,” states one TikTok user in the comment section. Another cruiser responded, “We were on the same ship and I paid about $142k less.”

“With that kind of money why go on a cruise, they could’ve rented a yacht,” responded another commenter.

On the other hand, some people felt the family had every right to spend their money however they wanted. One TikTok user fired back at critics, “‘I would never spend that kind of money on a cruise.’ Well, great—probably because you don’t have that kind of money. Let their parents do what THEY want with THEIR money. No one asked for your opinion. Thanks.”

“If you have $150k to drop on a cruise, you don't owe any of us an explanation! Enjoy!!” reads one of the top comments. Another comment states, “If I had the money, I would do it too for my kids. When you have MONEY, 150K is nothing.”

Another TikTok user states, “The kids are going to have these memories forever, money comes and goes! Sooo happy for them and you too mom and dad for making it happen!!”

While the Ultimate Family Townhouse is far beyond the budget of most cruisers, Royal Caribbean has discovered it’s a massive hit with top-tier spenders. According to Royal Caribbean, the Ultimate Family Townhouse was sold out during Icon of the Seas' inaugural cruise season. At the time, Royal Caribbean said the price tag was upwards of $80,000, which is about half the cost that Bored Family Farm paid.

Cruise cabins are notoriously small. Unless you’re splurging on a spacious, luxurious suite, you can expect your cruise stateroom to be smaller than an average hotel room.

The size of a cruise cabin varies greatly by cabin category, cruise line, and cruise ship. First-time cruisers might be surprised by the compact nature of cabins, especially windowless interior staterooms.

Most inside cruise cabins are anywhere from 140 square feet to 180 square feet, while balcony cabins tend to be larger, between 175 square feet to 220 square feet. On the other hand, suites are larger but range greatly. Some can be as large as 1,500 square feet, while entry-level junior suites are closer to 300 square feet.

For the majority of cruisers sailing in standard cabins, this means a little bit of clutter can quickly make your small space feel out of control. Not to mention, if you’re traveling with multiple people in your same stateroom, you’ll want to maximize your space with smart storage hacks.

If you’re wondering how to make the most of your small cruise cabin, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve sailed on over 50 cruises, mostly in tiny interior staterooms and standard balcony cabins. Even as an occasional over-packer, I’ve always been able to comfortably unpack in my cruise cabin. Consider using these expert tips and storage strategies to keep your cruise cabin both organized and tidy.

P.S. We've included some referral links to products listed in the article. If you use our link, we earn a small commission on your purchase. This costs you nothing extra but supports our site. Feel free to check out our Amazon Store Front for other favorite cruise products and essential travel items. Thanks!

1. Bring magnetic hooks

One of the best items to bring for your cruise cabin organization is a small set of magnetic hooks. Because cruise cabins have metal walls, anything magnetized can be hung directly on your wall.

Many longtime cruisers will never embark on a cruise without magnetic hooks. These can be used for a variety of purposes, but especially hanging small items on your cabin wall, such as lightweight jackets, your cruise lanyard, and small bags. I find these are especially important for longer itineraries where you might be packing more than normal. Instead of cluttering your vanity, you can keep these hanging on the magnetic hooks.

A small pack of magnetic hooks is a cheap investment in your cabin essentials. Some packs include 6 magnetic hooks for only $4.99. If you’re wanting to hang heavier items, such as larger bags or winter coats for an Alaskan cruise, consider upgrading to heavy-duty magnetic hooks that can hold more weight.

2. Unpack your suitcase

A few years ago, I cruised with family members who refused to unpack their suitcases on a 12-night cruise. With four people in an interior stateroom, they kept their suitcases stacked on the couch for the entire cruise! The cabin was so cramped, they were constantly tripping over their unpacked bags.

Cruise cabins are equipped with closets, shelving, and drawers for storage. While I rarely unpack in a hotel room, I always utilize the storage in a cruise cabin. This makes your stateroom quickly feel more organized rather than feeling like you’re living out of a suitcase.

After boarding your cruise, consider spending 30 minutes unpacking your belongings. I prefer to unpack after the ship sets sail and before dinner on the first day. If you need additional hangers for the closet to hang more clothes, simply ask your stateroom attendant, and they’ll be happy to provide those for you. Once you're unpacked, you won't need to worry about this for the rest of the cruise!

3. Use packing cubes for easy unpacking

Speaking of unpacking, you should also consider using packing cubes for your next cruise. I started using packing cubes a few years ago, and now I never travel without them. Packing cubes allow you to organize your clothes into separate cubes to stay organized. 

I prefer using compression packing cubes for my carry-on during shorter cruises to optimize every inch of my suitcase. Compression packing cubes have a second zipper to condense your clothes and remove extra air. I’m not typically a very organized person, but packing cubes change that. 

My suitcase is neatly and perfectly organized when I head to the cruise terminal. After arriving to my cabin on the first day, I simply remove the packing cubes and place them into the drawers or shelves in the stateroom. This makes unpacking a breeze! At the end of the cruise, I’ll designate one packing cube for dirty clothes to make laundry easier when I return from vacation.

4. Store your suitcase under the bed

Remember my family members who refused to unpack in their cabin? Imagine my shock when I saw all eight of their suitcases stacked on top of one another. Because it was their first cruise, they hadn’t considered keeping some suitcases under the bed to save space. This is a huge storage strategy, and you shouldn’t forget about the empty space under your bed. 

I prefer to cruise with my favorite set of luggage from Away Travel for easy storage. One of the biggest perks of this luggage is the ability to store the smaller suitcases within the largest one. I can cruise with three suitcases (which I’ve done for longer 12-night to 15-night itineraries) and unpack without issue. I’ll store the smaller suitcases in my large checked bag and store this under my bed.

If you prefer to leave your suitcase unzipped, you can also use this for dirty clothes during the cruise. This can slide out from under the bed whenever you need to access it, and return to its storage spot when not needed.

Use this link for $40 off your Away Luggage purchase!

5. Bring a collapsible mesh hamper for dirty clothes

One of my favorite hacks for cruise cabin storage is packing a collapsible mesh hamper. These are also available at the dollar store for $1.25, making them a very cheap investment to improve your cabin experience.

A collapsible hamper takes up virtually no space in your suitcase, especially in larger suitcases where you can lay it on the bottom of your luggage. Keep the hamper in your closet throughout the cruise for dirty clothes instead of forming a large (and probably stinky) pile of clothes at the bottom of the closet. I prefer transferring the dirty hamper directly into a designated packing cube for returning home.

6. Do laundry in your cabin bathroom

No one wants to think of doing chores while on vacation, especially laundry! But, if you’re trying to keep your suitcase light with minimal packing, you could wash a few items in your cabin bathroom. In fact, I did laundry in a cruise cabin bathroom for 100 days during my Semester at Sea study abroad program in college. I lived on a cruise ship and washed all of my clothes in the sink.

You can bring a small laundry detergent, such as travel-sized Tide packets, or even use the provided soap in your shower. I've used both the bathroom sink and the shower to wash a few items while cruising. 

If I need to wash a few items, I’ll prioritize washing my athleisure clothes with quick-dry material. Most cruise cabin bathrooms will have either a retractable hanging line or hooks in the shower for hang drying. It’s certainly not glamorous, but it gets the job done!

7. Pack a hanging toiletry bag for cosmetics

If you think your cruise cabin itself is small, wait until you see the bathroom! Cruise cabin bathrooms are often compact, especially on older cruise ships, and space can be very limited. Most cruise stateroom bathrooms have some shelving for storage, but it’s minimal. With multiple people sharing the bathroom, you might find yourself running out of room for everyone’s toiletry bags and cosmetics.

To stay organized without taking up too much space, pack a hanging toiletry bag to place on the back of the door. The toiletry bag is easily accessible without taking up any space on the vanity or counter. I’ve never been on a cruise ship without hooks on the back of the bathroom door, so you can be assured that you’ll have a place to hang your bag.

8. Bring a charging stand for electronics

If you’re like me, you travel with way too many charging cords for your electronics. It seems like everything needs to be charged these days, but few things have the same charging port. In addition, older cruise cabins might only have one or two outlets to charge all of your electronics. With more than one person, you might find yourself fighting over the outlets to charge your devices. 

To keep your vanity organized and save space in your suitcase, pack a multi-use charging stand. These can charge multiple devices at once, including your phone, smartwatch, and headphones. This will save you space in your cabin and reduce clutter on the vanity. 

9. Pack versatile outfits

Most mainstream cruises are generally very casual, meaning you won’t need to be too dressy for dinner in the evenings. This is especially true on a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you’re tight on space for your luggage, don’t stress too much about your dinner outfits.

Prioritize packing outfits that are versatile for your entire vacation. I prefer to pack dresses that I would be comfortable wearing throughout the day. In addition, I don’t pack a specific outfit for formal night anymore. This takes up too much space in my luggage, and I don’t want to bring a special pair of shoes that I’d only wear one evening.

As such, don’t be afraid to rewear your dinner outfits. Only you will know that you’re wearing the same outfit twice! Like they say, you’re never going to see these people again. Save the space and minimize your dinner outfits. 

A new tropical disturbance in the Pacific Ocean is causing at least one cruise ship to be rerouted away from its path.

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas has adjusted its current itinerary to reroute away from Cabo San Lucas and avoid the impact of Tropical Storm Mario.

One cruiser posted to a Royal Caribbean Facebook page about the last-minute itinerary change. The guest, who is currently sailing on Ovation of the Seas, reported that the captain announced the reroute to avoid Tropical Storm Mario.

The passenger wrote, “On Ovation preparing to leave Los Angeles…The captain just came on and due to Tropical Storm Mario forming near Cabo San Lucas, our ship’s itinerary has changed. We have 2 days at sea now and 2 days in Ensenada, Mexico (overnight). Really wanted to go to Cabo, but oh well. As long as we’re on a ship, who cares!!!”

Another guest onboard posted to Reddit about the itinerary change. The poster shared, "Our overnight cruise to Cabo on Ovation just was bumped to Ensenada because there was no chance for tenders with the tropical storm. Entirely understandable but still a massive bummer. Especially since we now head back to a port we didn’t want to visit again, much less for two days."

Tropical Storm Mario officially developed on Friday off the Pacific coast of Mexico. The storm is forecast to bring heavy rain with strong winds and potential flooding to the Baja California peninsula. Because Cabo San Lucas doesn’t have a dock for cruise ships, guests must take small tender boats to go ashore. 

Ovation of the Seas is currently sailing a 5-night Cabo Overnight itinerary from Los Angeles, California. The Quantum class ship departed from Los Angeles today, September 12, 2025, for the Baja California cruise.

The cruise ship was scheduled to arrive in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on September 14, 2025 for an overnight stay. Ovation of the Seas was meant to depart Cabo San Lucas on September 15, 2025 and spend one day at sea before returning to California. Instead, the cruise ship will spend two days at sea before docking in Ensenada, Mexico for an overnight visit.

The revised itinerary allows Ovation of the Seas to steer clear of the storm’s path while still providing passengers with a port experience in Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center described Tropical Storm Mario as a “tiny” storm, but the system is expected to intensify over the next few days. The storm has reported sustained winds of 40 mph, which could extend upwards of 25 miles north of the storm's center.

In addition, tropical storm conditions could be possible as a result of the system along portions of the coast of Michoacan as the system moves parallel to the southwestern coast of Mexico.

Forecasts show that heavy rainfall will impact Jalisco and nearby regions through Saturday morning, and the National Hurricane Center warns this could result in flash flooding for high terrain areas. Tropical Storm Mario is predicted to bring two to four inches of rain. 

The National Hurricane Center states that gusty winds are possible along the coasts of western Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima. Tropical Storm Mario is currently moving toward the west-northwest at 14 mph and forecasters predict this will continue throughout the weekend.

By Sunday, the system is forecast to shift farther out to sea, gradually moving away from land. As it tracks west into the open Pacific early next week, Tropical Storm Mario should begin to weaken. However, coastal areas may still feel lingering effects like high surf and scattered showers.

Ovation of the Seas is still scheduled to return to Los Angeles, California on September 17, 2025 despite the revised itinerary. It’s not uncommon for cruise lines to reroute ships to avoid storms to maintain the safety of the vessel, crew members, and passengers. In addition, rerouting ensures guests can still enjoy their vacation comfortably without stormy weather and rocky seas.

Earlier this summer, I flew across the country to set sail on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas to Baja California. I was lucky enough to sail on the Quantum class ship’s inaugural cruise to Cabo San Lucas. In fact, my itinerary was one of the ship’s first cruises from California.

Ovation of the Seas arrived in Los Angeles in May 2025 as the largest cruise ship to ever dock in Port of Los Angeles’ World Cruise Center. To meet the growing demand for West Coast cruising, Royal Caribbean made the strategic decision to deploy Ovation of the Seas to California.

Although Navigator of the Seas had already been sailing from Los Angeles for a few years, the Voyager class ship is smaller and older. This isn’t uncommon, as most cruise lines homeport their older and smaller ships on the West Coast. If you wanted to experience Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest ships, you’d need to trek across the country to Florida.

As such, Royal Caribbean’s announcement of bringing Ovation of the Seas to Los Angeles was a welcome change for West Coast cruisers. Although Ovation of the Seas was first built in 2016, the Quantum class vessel showcases some of Royal Caribbean’s newest technology and innovation.

From the North Star observation pod to the iFly skydiving simulator and the massive SeaPlex indoor activity space, Ovation of the Seas is about 20% bigger than Navigator of the Seas.

When the opportunity presented itself to cruise from Los Angeles, California, on Ovation of the Seas, I couldn’t resist! Our 5-night cruise was reasonably priced at $700 per person for a Virtual Balcony stateroom. My mom was excited to accompany me on this cruise, as she had never visited Cabo San Lucas before. She would be flying from South Dakota while I was traveling from Florida.

We had a great time on our short cruise, and I regret that I didn’t book a longer itinerary to make the most of my time on the West Coast. Here’s why one short cruise on Ovation of the Seas wasn’t enough.

Travel time was longer and more expensive than I anticipated.

Although I should have known better, I was still surprised by how long it took to reach the West Coast for this cruise. My entire travel day was nearly ten hours from the time I left my house until I arrived at the hotel in Los Angeles.

To my surprise, the travel day was more expensive and grueling than I had prepared for. My round-trip flight was nearly $500, and although that’s becoming more typical for domestic flights, I spent the same amount on an international flight to Denmark this summer!

I fly internationally frequently, so I typically consider any domestic flight to be a walk in the park. After a 36-hour travel day to Singapore just two months before, I wasn’t concerned about this travel day from Florida to California.

In other words, it didn’t really register with me that the flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles would take five hours. Add in a four-hour layover and the chaos of navigating LAX, and by the time I finally made it to bed, I was completely exhausted.

After such a long travel day, I immediately regretted only booking a 5-night cruise. Whenever I travel longer distances, such as flying overseas, I always try to make the most of my time and money with a longer vacation. I’ll spend a few days before and after the cruise to optimize my time even more.

Before boarding Ovation of the Seas, I was already wishing I had booked a longer itinerary. Throughout her summer season, Ovation of the Seas offered a range of itineraries, from shorter 3-night cruises to Ensenada and longer 7-night itineraries to multiple ports of call in Baja California.

Looking back, I wish I had booked a longer itinerary on Ovation of the Seas to see more destinations in Baja California and maximize my time.

I was pleasantly surprised by Baja California.

Because I live in Florida, I haven’t visited Baja California very much. My family had taken a cruise to Ensenada more than 15 years ago, and it wasn’t our favorite port of call. Actually, Mexico isn’t one of my top destinations at all for cruising.

On this cruise, my mom and I were excited to visit Cabo San Lucas for the first time. The overnight port would allow us to have more time ashore than typical itineraries. We decided to book an excursion to ease logistics, especially considering we had never visited this port of call before.

We ended up having a fantastic time on our excursion! Our tour brought us to the famous arch formation on an expedition-style speed boat. We had incredible views of the harbor from the sea, including a great view of our ship!   

The rest of our tour included tequila tasting, homemade quesadillas, touring a glass factory, and shopping in town. Both my mom and I were impressed with Cabo San Lucas, and we felt very safe throughout the tour.

Considering our cruise was only five nights, and we ended up enjoying Cabo San Lucas far more than we expected, I wish we had booked a longer itinerary. From the dramatic rock formations at Land’s End to lively beach clubs and the marina’s bustling atmosphere, there was so much to see and do!

Luckily, Ovation of the Seas isn’t limited to shorter sailings. The ship is scheduled to sail a variety of itineraries from Los Angeles, including 7-night and 8-night voyages that give travelers more time to explore ports.

Read more: I took my 64-year-old mom on a cruise. I learned 5 important lessons

Other itineraries this summer to Baja California included stops in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Overnight ports are more common for cruises to Baja California, which are my favorite! Those longer cruises not only provide extra days ashore but also allow for more time onboard to enjoy the ship’s amenities. 

I love cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class ships.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class is my favorite ship class in the entire fleet. These ships aren’t quite as big as Oasis or Icon class ships, but you can still find some of the most modern amenities.

Most importantly, I tend to prefer the port-intensive sailings with Royal Caribbean to experience new destinations whenever possible. In general, the cruise line’s biggest ships are more about the onboard experience and less about the destinations.

However, I’ve found that Quantum class ships have the perfect balance between state-of-the-art amenities and port-heavy itineraries. For instance, I’ve cruised to Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, and the Canary Islands aboard Quantum class ships — and these are some of my top cruise experiences ever!

Ovation of the Seas is almost 10 years old, but you wouldn’t guess her age based on the ship’s design, cutting-edge amenities, and modern features. You can also find Royal Caribbean’s signature onboard thrills, such as the FlowRider, North Star observation pod, and iFly skydiving simulator.

In addition, I love all of the dining options available on Quantum class ships. There are more complimentary restaurants available, such as the Solarium Bistro, Two70 Cafe, and Fish & Ships. Not to mention, Ovation of the Seas also features a variety of specialty dining restaurants, such as Chops Grille, Izumi Sushi, Wonderland, and Jamie’s Italian.

My mom and I tried two specialty dining restaurants during our cruise: Chops Grille and Jamie’s Italian. Both meals were excellent, and we always appreciate the elevated ambiance and service. However, we still had a great experience in the main dining room on the other nights.

Entertainment is another highlight on Ovation of the Seas. My mom and I love seeing all of the production shows onboard, and we hardly had time to see everything available. One of the production shows, Live Love Legs, was one of the best production shows we’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. My mom loved it so much, she watched the show multiple times!

We enjoyed our virtual balcony stateroom, although it was noisy.

For this cruise, we booked a virtual balcony interior stateroom. I had never experienced this type of cabin before, which featured a massive LED screen with live footage of the ship. I thought it might be gimmicky, so I didn’t have high expectations for the experience. To our surprise, we enjoyed the virtual balcony more than we anticipated.

At first, the picture wasn’t necessarily impressive — and we were surprised we actually had to close the curtains at night. I figured the screen could be turned off, but we couldn’t seem to find a switch. Luckily, we did pack a clothespin to secure the curtains each night and keep the room dark.

Once we arrived in Cabo San Lucas, we enjoyed being able to see the views from the ship. It was a nice feature in the cabin, although I wouldn’t necessarily want to spend extra for the virtual balcony.

Read more: 6 packing mistakes I made on my Mexican Riviera cruise, and 5 things I’d bring next time

The worst part of our stateroom was its location. We were located right under Adventure Ocean, meaning we could hear kids running and screaming throughout the day. Luckily, this wasn’t an issue at night when Adventure Ocean was closed, but it certainly interrupted my sea day naps!

I’d book another cruise on Ovation of the Seas, but I’d prefer a longer itinerary next time.

Royal Caribbean is clearly making a bigger commitment to the West Coast with its expanded presence in Los Angeles. Ovation of the Seas is the largest ship ever to sail from the port of Los Angeles, and it’s clear Royal Caribbean is beginning a new era of cruising in the region.

As a Florida resident, I am accustomed to quick and easy access to weekend cruises. But Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class is my favorite in the fleet, and I will never turn down an opportunity to sail on one of these ships.

However, this trip was a good reminder that when you travel a long distance to cruise, it is worth booking at least a 7-night itinerary. After a 10-hour travel day across the country, spending only five nights onboard Ovation of the Seas felt too short.

Even still, my mom and I had a wonderful time together on Ovation of the Seas, with Baja California being a highlight of the voyage. While the travel time to get there was lengthy, I would not hesitate to sail on the ship again. Next time, I would choose a longer West Coast itinerary that visits more ports of call to make the most of my time.

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas is the latest ship in the cruise line's fleet to shift toward shorter Caribbean getaways. Now offering 3-night and 4-night cruises from Miami, Florida, Wonder of the Seas joins her sister ship, Utopia of the Seas, as the newest Oasis Class vessel sailing party-focused itineraries.

Last week, I set sail on Wonder of the Seas for the ship’s first 4-night cruise since debuting in 2022. Prior to this cruise, Wonder of the Seas has only been sailing 7-night itineraries. My best friend flew to Miami to join me on her first ever cruise! We were eager to see what the experience would be like, especially as Wonder of the Seas begins a new era of party cruises.

I’ll be honest: I’m not a huge partier. That’s not to say I don’t like to have fun, but I prefer spending my evenings attending the headliner production shows versus dancing in the nightclub into the late evening. Whenever I cruise with my 64-year-old parents, I’m often going to bed earlier than they are!

For this cruise, I challenged myself to attend the various parties offered onboard so I could review the entire party-centric experience. Many of the parties on the agenda were ones that I had never attended before, other than the classic Sailaway Party.

Whether you want to dance through the decades or rock a toga at the headphone disco, Wonder of the Seas had no shortage of parties. However, even with all of the parties, I never felt like the onboard crowd was out of control. After witnessing some crazy parties on rival Carnival Cruise Line, I was relieved to see a lively atmosphere without chaos.

During my Wonder of the Seas cruise, I attended five different parties to see how they compared. Here’s what each party was like, and which one was clearly better than the others!

1. Sailaway Party

Embarkation day is always exciting, as it’s the start of another cruise vacation! There’s no better way to kick off your cruise than a classic Sailaway Party on the pool deck. I’ve attended many of these parties throughout my years of cruising, so I was prepared for a crazy gathering as we sailed away from Miami.

We arrived shortly before the party started on the pool deck, right around 4:30 p.m. Many cruisers were already in the pool by the time the Sailaway Party started while others lined around the deck above the pool.

Unlike many cruise ships, Oasis Class vessels don’t have a traditional pool deck because of the open-air Central Park below. Instead, there are two pools split between the starboard and port sides. This layout limits the amount of open space for gathering, so most of the party action happens in the pools themselves.

We found chairs near the ship’s Royal Caribbean logo overlooking the two pools. This was a perfect spot, as it was slightly shaded without being too far from the action. The cruise director, live band, and activity staff members were across the deck and kept the party going.

To my surprise, the Sailaway Party felt relatively tame compared to others I’ve experienced. The crowd was excited and the music was plenty loud, but the overall energy seemed a bit lower than expected. Without much room to dance on the deck, perhaps people weren’t feeling the DJ music. I wasn’t looking for a crazy party like I’ve seen on Carnival cruises, so this Sailaway Party was lively, but laid-back. 

2. Bringing the Beat Back: A Party Through the Decades

On our first night onboard, we joined one of the sailing's first themed parties, held at 11:15 p.m. on Deck 5 in the Royal Promenade. After a hearty dinner at Chops Grille, the late start felt a little tough to rally for, but we did it!

This party was described as the following: “Bring the dance moves, the energy and the threads from your favorite decade — because we’re throwing it back tonight with a groove-tastic tour through the 70s, 80s and 90s. From shoulder pads to voguing, we can’t wait to turn back time.

As the evening began, we immediately noticed many party-goers had packed themed clothes for the occasion, with lots of 70s and 80s outfits onboard! Unfortunately, our suitcase space was tight, so we didn’t bring any costumes for this party.

When the party started at 11:15 p.m., the Royal Promenade was packed with people partying, singing, and dancing! The dancers and cruise director were leading the party on a small stage in front of Cafe Promenade. Others were watching from Deck 6, which overlooks the Royal Promenade, so it was a full house. 

Many of the party-goers were around my parents’ age, which makes sense considering the decades theme. In fact, my parents probably would have loved to attend this party with many of their favorite tunes playing! We didn’t stay too late, but the energy was high and it was a lot of fun to watch.

If you’re someone who wants to partake in the themed parties, be sure to check your Royal Caribbean app prior to embarkation. Most of the themed parties will be listed in the daily agendas, so you can pack accordingly. You can also check your email for communication directly from Royal Caribbean regarding the planned parties and themed nights.

3. Plunge Day Pool Party

One new-to-me party on the agenda was the Plunge Day Pool Party, which was scheduled to take place on the second day of our cruise. This event was held on the pool deck in the early afternoon during our sea day. 

The party was described as the following: “Party, chill, repeat — Vegas style! Our resident DJ brings vibes from The Strip poolside for a day party like no other. Get ready for surprise giveaways and get down to awesome throwback jams from every genre — while our crew uses water blasters to make it rain.”

Out of all the events, this was the one I couldn’t wait for, as the description promised plenty of fun. Since I’m not someone who loves to stay up late, a daytime party is more of my vibe! By the time I arrived for the Plunge Day Pool Party, both of the pools were full of people. Many already had a drink in hand for the event when the music started playing.

The cruise director hyped up the crowd, racing around the pool deck with a camera crew and spotlighting party-goers on the big screen. People were jumping around and dancing to the DJ's tunes - it was such a fun environment! I didn’t end up catching the water blasters or any of the surprise giveaways, but the music delivered on its promise with a mix of genres that kept the energy high on the pool deck. 

There were good vibes all around, and I enjoyed attending this event the most! If you love pool parties, this is one you won’t want to miss. Even if you can’t find a spot in the pool, hang around one of the chairs or loungers to soak in the fun. 

4. Royal Kappa Chi (Adults 18+)

Nothing screams party quite like a college frat house! This was another party that I hadn’t seen before on a Royal Caribbean cruise, so I made sure to attend and see what it was all about.

This fraternity-style gathering was described as the following: "School is in session. Gather up your crew for the ultimate collegiate party with Royal Kappa Chi. We’re talking late-night pong battles and the chance to reclaim the title of flip cup champions. It’s just like the good old days, only better — with DJ mashups and party vibes.”

The Royal Kappa Chi party was held on the final night of the cruise at 8:30 p.m. in The Attic, which is a versatile lounge space on Wonder of the Seas. There were tables set up across the venue with red solo cups, perfectly branded with Royal Caribbean’s “fraternity” logo.

The tables were set up for games of beer pong, although the cups were actually filled with water. Everyone at the party was playing beer pong when I arrived, although I’m sure you could play your favorite party game with the cups. The bar was also busy, and most of the attendees were hovering near this area. 

The music was definitely geared toward the college party vibes, which was fitting for the occasion. This was a popular party with the younger crowd, as I didn’t see many older folks attending this gathering. 

Considering the event is meant to be like a fraternity party, I wasn’t surprised by the attendance demographics. I just turned 30, and I was on the older side of guests attending this party. I would guess most attendees were in their early 20s and some looked like they were still in college. If you miss your college days, this party is for you!

5. Silent Toga Party (Adults 18+)

The Silent Toga Party was held on the final night of our cruise at 10:45 p.m. in the adults-only Solarium. This themed event first debuted on sister-ship Utopia of the Seas and was originally exclusive to that vessel. The party was clearly popular, leading Royal Caribbean to add the Silent Toga Party to Wonder of the Seas as well.

The party was described as the following: “Silent disco or toga party? It’s the best of both worlds. Put on your most chic Roman garb or grab a free toga, power up those headphones, and groove to your choice of Zeus-approved jams as three DJs deliver EDM, Latin, and pop hits.”

I normally love attending the silent disco, as it’s a family favorite, especially for my dad. But, to be honest, I wasn’t overly excited about this party taking place on the last night of the cruise.

The final evening is always a bit hectic with packing and preparing for disembarkation the next morning, especially if you need to have your suitcases packed and set out in the hallway. For that reason, I would have preferred the Silent Toga Party to be scheduled the night before.

However, I can see how others might enjoy having a lively send-off on the final night. Togas are provided at the event, so you don’t need to rip apart your bedsheet for the party. There was also someone from the activities staff helping everyone assemble their togas properly. 

Regardless of it being the final night, the Silent Toga Party was well-attended with everyone donning their bedsheet togas! The dance floor filled up quickly while I was there, and everyone was dancing the night away. 

The Plunge Day Pool Party was my favorite party during the entire cruise!

Looking back, I was surprised by how much fun I had attending all of the parties on Wonder of the Seas. While late-night parties aren’t usually my thing, I loved that the sailing featured plenty of different events so everyone could find something to enjoy.

Each party had its own personality, whether it was dancing through the decades in the Royal Promenade, reliving college days at Royal Kappa Chi, or sporting a toga for a silent disco send-off.

But the Plunge Day Pool Party was, without a doubt, my favorite party on the cruise!  As someone who doesn’t usually stay up late on cruises, I loved that this party was held during the day instead of late into the evening. The Plunge Day Pool Party was fun, energetic, and lively without being too crazy. The music amplified the experience, and it perfectly fit the pool party theme!

There’s no shortage of parties on Wonder of the Seas, but even if that’s not your scene, you’ll still find plenty to love about the cruise. From the jaw-dropping entertainment to the wide selection of specialty dining restaurants, onboard thrills, and activities, there is truly something for everyone.