Royal Caribbean is renowned for building the world’s biggest and most advanced cruise ships. However, it wasn’t until last year that my husband and I cruised on an Oasis class ship together for the first time.

Although we’ve traveled the world, most of our sailings have been aboard Royal Caribbean’s older and smaller ships. Our very first Royal Caribbean cruise was aboard Mariner of the Seas in Southeast Asia, followed by our engagement trip on Brilliance of the Seas and honeymoon on Rhapsody of the Seas!

Since then, we’ve cruised together in Alaska, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, the Canary Islands and the Caribbean many times. Typically, we book our cruises based on the itinerary rather than the ship itself. For many years, we never even cared about the ship at all, as the destinations have always been the highlight.

For instance, our most recent Royal Caribbean cruises have been aboard Jewel of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas. So, when my parents invited us to join them on a 4-night cruise aboard the brand-new Utopia of the Seas, we were eager to experience one of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships.

Not to mention, Luke and I had never cruised together on a brand-new ship before! Even more exciting was the fact that my husband, Luke, would experience an Oasis class ship for the first time. While this wasn’t my first time onboard one of the world’s largest cruise ships, this would be our first time together aboard an Oasis class ship.

Overall, Luke was impressed with the entertainment and dining options, but he hated dealing with the constant crowds. We had a wonderful family vacation, but like any trip, it wasn’t perfect. Here’s what he thought of his first Oasis class experience, and whether we will consider booking another one.

Entertainment was a highlight, which normally isn’t the case for Luke

My husband enjoys cruise entertainment, but it’s usually not his favorite aspect of a cruise. His favorite shows are typically comedy acts, and he won’t turn down a magician or variety act. Instead, Luke typically prefers relaxing in a bar or lounge after dinner, followed by an earlier bedtime.

That really aboard Utopia of the Seas, as Luke was blown away by the entertainment! In my opinion, Oasis class ships have some of the best cruise ship entertainment in the industry. I really hyped up the entertainment, and luckily, it didn’t disappoint.

Luke was especially impressed by the Aqua80Too show at the AquaTheatre. He said the diving, acrobatics, technology, and synchronized elements were unlike anything he had seen at sea. Throughout the entire cruise, he kept commenting on how talented the athletes were and how well-executed the production was.

In addition, he loved the ice skating performance on board. We have seen ice shows on Voyager Class ships before, but the YouTopia show felt elevated in both choreography and overall production quality. 

By the end of the sailing, even the late-night comedy show on the final evening turned into one of our favorite shared moments. The comedian had us laughing so hard that we were in tears!

He loved the wide selection of specialty dining options

When Luke and I took our first cruise together, I knew he would love all of the complimentary dining options. What 21-year-old college kid doesn’t love an all-you-can-eat buffet?

During our early years of cruising together, we only dined at the complimentary restaurants. We were newlyweds on a budget, so we didn’t have a lot of extra cash to splurge. Not to mention, there is already so much included in your cruise fare, so we never felt the need to spend extra.

Over the years, we’ve started to splurge on specialty dining experiences. Now, we really appreciate the elevated ambiance, attentive service, and higher-quality cuisine. We’ve never purchased a specialty dining package, but we always try two or three of the specialty restaurants during our cruises.

On Utopia of the Seas, Luke was shocked by the huge selection of dining options. During our four nights aboard, we managed to dine at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, and Mason Jar. Each restaurant offered a distinct and memorable experience, although Mason Jar did not quite meet our expectations.

Even still, the dining variety available on an Oasis Class ship is especially impressive. With only four nights aboard, there were still venues we did not have time to try, including Izumi Sushi, which is one of Luke’s favorites.

Compared to the older and smaller ships with only a few places to eat, it’s a completely different dining experience aboard an Oasis class ship.

However, we both found the main dining room to be underwhelming on Utopia of the Seas. This has become a common theme for us in recent years. At this point, we include specialty dining in our cruise budget, as we pretty much always splurge now. While the service is always attentive, the cuisine in the main dining room simply does not compare to specialty venues.

Embarkation day was overwhelming, which wasn’t the best first impression

They say first impressions are everything, but the crowds on embarkation day were particularly off-putting for Luke. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that you might experience crowds while cruising aboard an Oasis class ship. These are among the biggest cruise ships in the world, with Utopia of the Seas holding nearly 6,000 passengers at capacity.

However, it seemed like we were battling the crowds from the minute we arrived at Port Canaveral for embarkation. The crowds only continued as we entered the Royal Promenade after boarding and looked for a quick snack. Sorrento’s was packed with passengers lining up for pizza, and we found ourselves weaving through the busy walkway just to get through.

Once we finally escaped the Royal Promenade, we headed to another packed venue: the Windjammer buffet. Luke loves seafood, so he was especially excited to indulge in lobster during the seafood spread. Embarkation day is always one of the busiest times in the Windjammer, and adding lobster to the menu only seemed to amplify the crowds.

Finding a table proved to be the biggest challenge. Traveling with my grandma, who uses a walker, made navigating the busy restaurant even more stressful. What should have been a relaxed first lunch onboard quickly turned into a frustrating experience. We didn't return to the Windjammer after this, as we wanted to avoid the long lines here. 

At the same time, Luke and I were running around frantically trying to get our dining and entertainment reservations.  He said he hadn’t experienced anything like that on embarkation day before, and it wasn’t exactly relaxing. Unfortunately, securing all of your reservations is crucial aboard an Oasis class ship.

With so many people vying for reservations at the same time, you’ll want to ensure you have all of your plans sorted as soon as possible.  For example, we weren’t able to secure entertainment reservations before boarding, and our Diamond Plus BOGO specialty restaurant can only be redeemed onboard. This meant our first few hours of vacation were pretty chaotic.

Luke loved the thoughtful design and amenities

After sailing on many older ships together, Luke immediately noticed how modern Utopia of the Seas felt. Newer ships naturally come with updated technology and state-of-the-art amenities, but he really appreciated the thoughtful details throughout the ship. Beyond the aesthetics, Luke appreciated how intentional and practical many of the features felt.

For instance, he loved the dedicated jogging track on Utopia of the Seas that wraps around the ship. As a runner, he appreciated being able to run easily without weaving through chairs or loungers on the pool deck. Although I am not a runner, I enjoyed being able to walk around the path with my parents and soak in the ocean views.

Moreover, Luke found our interior stateroom to feel contemporary and functional with many thoughtful design elements. Although we booked the cheapest cabin on board, our stateroom was very comfortable for the four nights on board.

In particular, Luke appreciated the USB port and outlet conveniently located on the nightstand. On many older ships, the only outlets are at the vanity, which usually means relying on a portable charger at his bedside. With phones, watches, headphones, and laptops all needing regular charging, that small design upgrade makes a noticeable difference.

Finally, Luke even noticed the improved bathroom layout in our cabin. As a 6’4 cruiser, he loved having a larger walk-in shower with more space. This was certainly a welcome design improvement compared to older ships, which can often feel outdated and very cramped.

We still prefer smaller vessels, although it was a great vacation!

Despite the ship’s many impressive amenities, Luke still prefers cruising on smaller vessels. As destination-focused cruisers, we prefer visiting new regions and booking sailings to new ports of call. 

Unfortunately, Oasis class ships are limited in where they can sail because of their massive size. In addition, you won’t be able to tender ashore while cruising aboard an Oasis class vessel, further limiting the ports of call that you can visit.

If you’re someone who prioritizes unique ports and longer voyages, you won’t be sailing on Oasis class ships very often. For those wanting to experience new places, Oasis class ships never seem to check the boxes. Additionally, Royal Caribbean has been transitioning its Oasis class ships to focus on shorter, party-centric sailings in the Caribbean.

Additionally, cruising together aboard Utopia of the Seas felt completely different than our recent Royal Caribbean cruises, such as our 12-night cruise to Iceland on Jewel of the Seas. As a Radiance class vessel, Jewel of the Seas is about 60% smaller and holds only 2,191 passengers.

With fewer passengers onboard, Luke and I loved being able to see familiar faces throughout our cruise. This built a sense of community, especially on a longer voyage. Luke and I value those small interactions with both crew members and fellow guests.

This isn’t to say we didn’t enjoy the service aboard Utopia of the Seas, as it was very professional. However, the experience felt less personal, likely because of the ship’s larger passenger capacity. This can make it harder to grow those connections during your sailing.

Essentially, our cruise on Utopia of the Seas was extremely fun and memorable. We loved being able to spend time with my family, including my late grandfather who recently passed away. However, we both prefer the smaller, more intimate cruise ships, such as Celebrity’s Edge class ships.

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, and it’s also my personal favorite after 33 sailings with the brand.

My first cruise with them was when I was in fifth grade. My grandparents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and decided to bring our entire family aboard Enchantment of the Seas. That trip sparked a lifelong love for cruising with Royal Caribbean! 

From that point on, my family continued sailing with the cruise line nearly every year. As we got older, cruising became part of our routine, with spring breaks, summer vacations, and holidays often spent onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.

By the time I was in high school and college, our family became more destination-focused when booking cruises. We started taking more diverse sailings in Europe and Asia, and cruising allowed us to see more of the world together. Seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris was my biggest travel dream, and it came true when I was just 16 years old aboard Vision of the Seas!

A few years later, I introduced my now-husband to Royal Caribbean during college on Mariner of the Seas for a Southeast Asia cruise. He was immediately hooked on the experience! A few years later, he proposed in Venice while we were cruising the Mediterranean on Brilliance of the Seas. The following year, we honeymooned aboard Rhapsody of the Seas across Greece and Croatia. 

Since then, we have taken bucket-list cruises to Alaska, Iceland, and the Canary Islands with Royal Caribbean. And most recently, I sailed across Asia with my family on Anthem of the Seas from Singapore to Tokyo.

As you can probably tell, cruising with Royal Caribbean has been a constant in my life. I’ve celebrated major milestones onboard, making many of the ships sentimental because of the precious memories made onboard.

But even after trying other cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, I keep coming back to Royal Caribbean. Here’s why Royal Caribbean is my favorite cruise line, even after 33 cruises.

A loyalty program with great perks

One of the biggest reasons I continue cruising with Royal Caribbean is the Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program. I proudly earned Diamond Plus status while I was still in college - I was thrilled to enjoy happy hour after turning 21 in the Diamond Lounge!

After getting married, my husband inherited my Diamond Plus status and started enjoying the same perks. Since then, we’ve also taken full advantage of the reciprocal benefits with Celebrity Cruises to earn Elite Plus status with similar benefits.

One of the best perks we receive is five daily drink vouchers aboard every Royal Caribbean cruise. This alone saves us hundreds of dollars on every sailing, and it’s not something we take for granted. Because of those loyalty drink vouchers, we rarely feel the need to purchase drinks or book a drink package at all.

We also appreciate many of the other benefits, including complimentary Wi-Fi, BOGO specialty dining credit, free photos, complimentary laundry service, and more. I appreciate that Royal Caribbean recognizes my loyalty and provides rewards that are meaningful and valuable.

Looking ahead, I’m especially interested in the new Points Choice program, which will give me even more flexibility to continue building status with the brand that best fits each trip.

Innovative ships that still impress me

Royal Caribbean remains one of the strongest innovators in the cruise industry, and its ships continue to rank among the most advanced in the world. 

I’ll never forget sailing on Mariner of the Seas shortly after she debuted and realizing I could ice skate on a cruise ship! At the time, it felt unbelievable. That moment has always stayed with me, and it forever changed the way I view Royal Caribbean as a brand.

Since then, Royal Caribbean’s innovation has only continued. I love the Oasis and Quantum Class ships, with Quantum Class being my personal favorite in the fleet.

While I’ve only spent a short amount of time onboard an Icon Class ship so far, the ship's massive size and impressive design left me speechless.

Because of this, my family and I gravitate toward the newest and largest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. These vessels are packed with amazing amenities and they’re thoughtfully designed. Royal Caribbean’s innovation continues to surprise me, even after decades of cruising with them!

Entertainment is top-notch

Once you start sailing with other cruise lines, it becomes very clear how strong Royal Caribbean’s entertainment really is, especially on newer ships. While other cruise lines are cutting back on entertainment, Royal Caribbean continues to invest and innovate with its onboard entertainment.

In my opinion, Oasis and Icon ships have some of the best cruise ship entertainment in the entire industry. This is one of the biggest highlights when cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest vessels.

To start, AquaTheater shows feature high-diving stunts and aerialist performances that you can barely find on land, let alone on a cruise ship. Additionally, I’ve always loved the ice skating productions in Studio B with Olympic-style jumps and twirls. The performances are truly impressive and unlike anything else that you’ll find on competing cruise lines.

In addition, Royal Caribbean’s Broadway-style productions and cutting-edge technology take onboard entertainment to another level. Some ships even feature full-length musicals, which have been just as enjoyable as the Broadway shows I’ve seen on land.

However, I’ll be honest that some of Royal Caribbean’s older ships could benefit from refreshed entertainment options. You won’t find the wow-factor that the newer vessels have, mostly because the ships lack the dedicated venues needed for the performances. 

Even still, I appreciate that Royal Caribbean consistently offers a nightly headliner show on every cruise, which isn’t always the case on other cruise lines. For instance, I’ve cruised many times with Norwegian Cruise Line where some evenings lacked any entertainment!

Intuitive and impressive ship design

Royal Caribbean’s newest ships are not only beautiful, but they're also intuitively designed. Even on older ships, I don’t experience the same level of crowding I’ve felt on other cruise lines.

The cruise line has always prioritized forward-thinking ship design, and the introduction of neighborhoods on Oasis Class vessels was truly revolutionary for the industry. These distinct spaces help spread guests out, improve crowd flow, and reduce onboard lines. I also love that each area has its own personality, with dedicated dining, bars, lounges, and attractions.

I’m especially excited about Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Discovery Class ships. Rumors about this new ship class had been circulating for years, with expectations that the vessels would be smaller and designed to replace the aging Vision and Radiance Class ships. That long-anticipated class was finally confirmed this week!

The idea of smaller vessels that can access more ports is exciting, which should bring more diverse itineraries to Royal Caribbean’s fleet. 

A global presence 

Historically, Royal Caribbean offered port-intensive and diverse itineraries. However, there’s no denying that the cruise line has shifted more toward shorter Caribbean sailings in recent years, which has reduced the itinerary variety.

Even still, the past two decades of cruising with Royal Caribbean allowed me to see parts of the world I never imagined visiting.

With Royal Caribbean, I’ve walked the streets of Jerusalem, watched my veteran father be deeply moved by the history of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, met elephants in Thailand, stood at the Great Wall of China in Beijing, admired the Eiffel Tower in Paris, got engaged in Venice, and finally visited Tenerife as a long-standing bucket-list destination.

Being able to experience so much of the world with Royal Caribbean has been a huge blessing in my life. Those experiences have absolutely shaped how I travel and how I see the world. Cruising with Royal Caribbean inspired me to study abroad on Semester at Sea, where I spent 100 days traveling the world in college on a cruise ship. 

Broad appeal to many demographics

Over the years, I've grown to appreciate how Royal Caribbean has been a good fit for our family at every stage of life. When we were kids, the ships had more than enough activities to keep everyone entertained. The onboard thrills were always so impressive and exciting!

As we grew into teenagers and young adults, cruising together was still our family’s preferred way to travel and spend time together. Royal Caribbean gave us lasting memories, all while allowing us to explore the world as a family.

Whether that means relaxing by the pool, enjoying a show at night, or just spending time together without the stress of constant logistics, cruising makes multigenerational travel easy and convenient.

Now, as adult children traveling with parents in their 60s, Royal Caribbean continues to be our top choice. The ships are accessible and comfortable, with a good balance between activity and downtime. Everyone can move at their own pace, which is perfect for multigenerational travel.

For example, we cruised with my 90-year-old grandparents aboard Utopia of the Seas last winter. It was an incredibly special trip, as it ended up being my grandfather’s final cruise before he passed away later that winter. It’s rare to find a vacation that still works as families change, but Royal Caribbean has continued to fit our lives over time.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is the best private island experience

When it comes to private island experiences, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is in a league of its own. I remember visiting the island as a kid, when it felt pretty bleak and forgettable, long before its massive transformation. I was shocked the first time I visited the revamped island after the pandemic. 

And after experiencing Amber Cove with Carnival and Great Stirrup Cay with Norwegian, I can confidently say that Royal Caribbean’s private island stands out as the best. Overall, the island feels well designed and everything is spread out nicely, which makes it feel less crowded and easier to enjoy. 

There are many reasons to love Perfect Day at CocoCay, but one of the biggest reasons is how inclusive it feels. I love that I can use my loyalty drink vouchers and internet package on the island, just like I do onboard the ship. 

The included food options are also excellent with multiple options throughout the island. Where else can you enjoy unlimited funnel cakes? In this way, I really don’t feel nickel-and-dimed on Royal Caribbean's private island, even if there are upgraded experiences that you can splurge on.

In comparison, other cruise lines charge extra for food and drinks on their private islands, which adds up quickly. You also need to purchase separate drink packages to use ashore, which is frustrating and feels less inclusive. 

Consistently strong service

Over my 33 cruises, I’ve consistently had excellent service on Royal Caribbean. I’ve never once felt that service was lacking or disappointing. From dining room servers and cabin stewards to bartenders, the crew delivers an attentive, professional experience.

For instance, you never have to go far for a drink, as bar servers are always happy to help. Service always feels efficient without being rushed, and crew members are clearly well-trained and professional. After cruising with other brands, I've noticed Royal Caribbean's high level of service and consistency even more.

Smooth operations and logistics

This is something I didn’t fully appreciate until I started cruising more with other cruise lines. In my experience, Royal Caribbean is simply better at onboard logistics, and the entire ship runs like a well-oiled machine.

For me, this is most apparent on culturally immersive sailings, such as my recent cruise that visited Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. From the beginning, Royal Caribbean clearly communicated what was required for embarkation, including visas and printed documents. Everyone onboard understood when passports needed to be turned in and how to obtain tender tickets.

For instance, when Jeju Island was experiencing a downpour of rain, Royal Caribbean preemptively offered a refund for our excursion if we decided to cancel. They also provided partial compensation due to the weather, which is completely out of their control anyway!

On the other hand, I’ve found that Norwegian often struggles with operational planning and logistics. Processes like lining up early in the morning for tender tickets, instead of distributing them the day before, don’t make sense to me. There also tends to be more confusion onboard Norwegian’s sailings, especially when itineraries or ports of call change. 

By comparison, Royal Caribbean seems to be more proactive than reactive. Communication tends to be transparent and plans are well explained. Logistics are easy to follow and consistent across the fleet, which I appreciate.

Finally, I also don’t experience the same bait-and-switch feeling with Royal Caribbean. For instance, I’ve had multiple Norwegian sailings with changed or dropped ports of call after final payment, which can be frustrating. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean has never given me that same impression, and I trust the brand with my vacation.

Many cruisers consider booking a refundable fare when reserving their cruise vacation, but is the added cost worth the flexibility? 

As an avid cruiser and someone with a degree in actuarial science and statistics, I’m always interested in the math behind everyday decisions. I can't help that my mind is mathematically wired! As you might imagine, this curiosity extends to cruise pricing and travel planning. I love to strategize on the best and easiest ways to save money, and I always aim to make the most informed decisions.

This has included one of the most debated booking questions: Is a refundable cruise deposit worth it?

For many years, I only booked non-refundable deposits to save money. However, my life was a lot more predictable back then. For some context, my husband is in the military, which means our future plans are often very unpredictable. Deployments, cross-country moves, and training are constantly floating around our busy schedule.

Booking a cruise two years in the future with my husband carries a much lower probability of actually happening. In comparison, if I book a cruise with my parents, my sister, or friends, there is a higher likelihood that it actually happens as planned.

Because of that uncertainty, I almost always book refundable deposits when my husband and I are cruising together. As much as I’d love to plan trips years in advance with certainty, that just isn’t realistic for us.

However, I had never actually considered assigning real probabilities to my decision-making. Instead of just considering whether I’ll probably take the cruise or not, I realized I could try to determine the likelihood of a cruise happening. With this, I could make more informed decisions about whether a refundable fare was worth the added cost. 

For example, we booked a Celebrity cruise to India that was scheduled for this fall, and we chose a refundable deposit. Luckily, our MEI travel agent was able to provide a refundable fare with the agency’s group rates, so the cost was minimal for a refundable fare.

But, India experienced some geopolitical tensions over the summer, so we decided the trip no longer felt like the best option for us. We canceled the cruise and rebooked a new sailing to New Zealand instead. Had we booked a non-refundable deposit, we would have either lost a $900 deposit or paid roughly $200 to switch itineraries (which is what most likely would have happened).

For our New Zealand cruise, we again booked a refundable deposit, even though we were only six months away from the sail date. However, this cruise went as planned (and it was amazing!). In the end, we paid a little extra for flexibility and peace of mind for this itinerary, but didn’t actually use the option to cancel.

Looking back, we probably could have booked a non-refundable deposit for our New Zealand cruise. However, we wanted to have the peace of mind that we wouldn’t lose money if we had to change our plans again.

When thinking more about this topic, I recently came across a fascinating thread on the Royal Caribbean Blog Forum where cruisers tried to answer this exact question using math and probability. It’s a great example of how thinking just a little more analytically can help you make a better booking decision. As a data analyst myself, I loved reading through everyone's theories!

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether paying extra for a refundable deposit is actually worth it, you’re in the right place. Here's how you can consider taking a more strategic approach to your decision-making process. 

Taking a mathematical approach to non-refundable deposits

In the forum thread titled “Refundable or Non-Refundable Deposit: A Mathematical Approach,” JFCruise aimed to analyze whether a refundable or non-refundable deposit made more sense financially. 

The poster wrote: “I think this might be one of the most common questions 'Is the Refundable Deposit Worth It'? And I was curious to see how 'worth it' it was, using math and probabilities. So, I fired up Excel and tried to figure out when it's worth it.”

Essentially, JFCruise was looking to determine the breakeven point where paying extra for the refundable deposit makes financial sense. Depending on a person's probability of canceling their cruise and the cost of the refundable fare, sometimes the math doesn't support refundable fares. Let's dig into this a little further!

How Royal Caribbean handles non-refundable deposits

Before diving further into the math, it’s important to clarify how refundable and non-refundable deposits work on Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean offers both refundable and non-refundable fares, each with different pricing and flexibility. In general, non-refundable fares will be the cheapest option, but they come with risk.

If you cancel before final payment, your deposit is not returned and considered forfeited. However, you do have an option to change your sailing for a penalty, usually $100 per person. 

On the other hand, refundable fares are more expensive, but provide you with flexibility and peace of mind. If you cancel your cruise before final payment, you get your deposit back in full and no money is lost. 

Let’s look at an example

To determine whether a refundable deposit is worth the extra cost, JFCruiser introduced a simple idea borrowed from probability theory, known as expected cost. In plain English, this means looking at what a decision is likely to cost you on average, based on how likely you are to cancel your cruise.

One example in the thread looked at an 8-night cruise for two people with these numbers:

Non-refundable deposit (NRD): $250 per person = $500 total "at risk" if you cancel before final payment

Refundable option premium (RD): $250 more per stateroom (the “extra” you pay upfront for flexibility)

From there, the math is pretty simple at a high level:

1. If you book non-refundable and later cancel, you lose $500.
   1. So the “risk cost” = ($500 × probability of cancellation).
2. If you book refundable and don’t cancel, you pay $250 extra for flexibility you didn’t use.
   1. So the “wasted premium” = ($250 × probability of NOT canceling).
3. The breakeven point is when those two expected amounts are equal.
   1. Our equation: $500 × (probability of cancellation) = $250 × (probability of NOT canceling)

Let’s simply assume the “probability of NOT canceling” = (100% − probability of canceling). With a little algebra, this equals a 33% probability of canceling, for this example. 

In other words, once your chance of canceling is more than 33.33%, paying an extra $250 for a refundable fare starts to make sense financially. As you are more uncertain about taking your cruise, the added flexibility is more worth the cost. On the flip side, if your chance of canceling is less than 33.33%, non-refundable fares are usually the better option.

Let’s look at some other scenarios comparing the refundable and non-refundable logic

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its cruise fares, meaning the price difference between refundable and nonrefundable options can change frequently.

To make this easier to visualize, here are a few simplified scenarios using real-world numbers. It’s important to consider that the deposit itself isn’t a “loss” if you take the cruise, as it’s applied to the fare. The only money at risk with a refundable booking is the extra amount you paid for flexibility.

Example 1: Very high chance of canceling (80%) | Low chance of sailing (20%)

• Deposit at risk with non-refundable: $500
• Extra cost for refundable: $250

Non-refundable expected loss: (0.80 * $500) = $400

Refundable expected loss: (0.20 * $250) = $50

Conclusion: If there’s an 80% chance you’ll cancel, booking a non-refundable fare means you’re very likely to lose most of that $500 deposit. Paying $250 for a refundable option dramatically reduces that risk. In this case, refundable clearly makes the most financial sense.

Example 2: Very low chance of canceling (5%) | Very high chance of sailing (95%)

• Deposit at risk with non-refundable: $500
• Extra cost for refundable: $250

Non-refundable expected loss: (0.05 * $500) = $25

Refundable expected loss: (0.95 * $250) = $237.50

Conclusion: If you’re almost certain you’ll take the cruise, the refundable option becomes more of an unnecessary expense. You’re far more likely to sail than cancel your cruise, meaning you’ll almost certainly pay extra for flexibility you won’t use. Here, non-refundable is the smarter choice.

Example 3: Refundable costs are very similar to the non-refundable deposit at risk

• Deposit at risk: $500
• Extra cost for refundable: $550

Break-even probability: (Cancellation probability x 500) = (1 - Cancellation probability) x 550 

This equals: 550 / (500+550) = 52.38%

Conclusion: In this scenario, you’d need more than a 52.38% chance of canceling your cruise for the refundable option to make sense. If your plans are fairly solid, booking a non-refundable fare is usually the better option. If your plans are truly uncertain, refundable may still be worth it. Moreover, if you're someone who wants peace of mind with your deposit, the added flexibility and protection could be worthwhile. 

Example 4: Refundable premium is much higher than the deposit

• Deposit at risk: $500
• Extra cost for refundable: $1,000

Breakeven probability = (Cancellation probability x 500) = (1 - Cancellation probability) x 1000

Equation: 1000 / (500 + 1000) = 66.67%

Conclusion: In this scenario, the refundable option only makes sense if there’s a very high chance of canceling. Mathematically, you’d need roughly a two-thirds (about 67%) or greater likelihood that you’ll cancel before final payment for the refundable option to break even.

If your plans are even moderately solid, you’re paying significantly more for flexibility than the amount you’re actually protecting. This makes the non-refundable option the more practical choice in most cases.

A simple mathematical way to think about refundable fares

Spreadsheets might not excite you in the same way they do for me, and that's totally fair! So, if you’re not looking to get your calculator out every time you book a cruise, here’s a simplified approach to determine if a non-refundable fare is worth the potential savings for you.

At a high level, you'll want to ask yourself three questions:

1. How much is the deposit I could lose?
2. How much extra am I paying for a refundable fare?
3. How likely am I to cancel before final payment?

Here’s a simple example. Let’s say your non-refundable deposit is $500 and the refundable fare costs $600 more.

In this case, you’re paying more to protect less. From a purely mathematical standpoint, the refundable option only makes sense if there’s a high chance you’ll cancel (more than 54.50%)

Now flip the numbers. If the non-refundable deposit is $500 and the refundable premium is $200, the math is more favorable towards a refundable deposit. In this case, the breakeven point is 28.60%, and you’d only need to believe there’s a 28.6% chance you’ll cancel

In this case, the math becomes much more favorable toward refundable, especially if you’re booking far in advance or dealing with uncertain schedules.

What caveats should we consider?

Many cruisers in the comment section were intrigued by the analytical approach to the discussion of non-refundable vs refundable fares. In fact, many also provided some helpful caveats and real-world considerations.

To start, several people noted that the fare difference between refundable and non-refundable cruise fares matters more than the deposit itself. Paying an extra $200 to protect a $500 deposit is very different than paying an extra $800 on your cruise fare to protect the same amount.

Others pointed out that timing plays a role during the decision-making process. As cruises get closer to final payment, the price difference between refundable and non-refundable fares often shrinks. As the sail date approaches, most people have a better idea of whether they'll be able to sail. 

A few commenters also mentioned the role of travel insurance, noting that many policies reimburse non-refundable deposits for covered reasons. For travelers who always carry insurance, non-refundable fares can feel like the better choice.

For example, my annual travel insurance policy with Allianz has reimbursed me for nonrefundable deposits in the past. When my husband was deployed and I had to cancel a trip, his deployment qualified as a covered reason under the policy.

Of course, there is also an emotional aspect to making this decision. Even when we try to rationalize our decisions, our emotions can take precedence. For example, even if the math favors choosing a non-refundable deposit, some people simply prefer the peace of mind with refundable fares to protect their deposit.

Is a refundable deposit worth it?

There’s no universal rule for whether a refundable deposit is worth it. It ultimately comes down to the details of your travel plans and personal situation.

For cruisers with predictable schedules and high confidence they’ll be able to sail, non-refundable deposits often make the most sense. If you have a travel insurance policy, this will also provide extra protection for covered reasons.

For those booking far in advance, choosing a refundable deposit can be the best option. This is especially true if you’re juggling uncertain work schedules or have a more unpredictable life (like me). For some, the peace of mind is always worth the added cost for a refundable deposit, even if the math doesn't support the decision. 

Although I’ve typically booked non-refundable deposits in the past, I’ve definitely leaned towards refundable fares in recent years. I’ve discovered that booking refundable group rates with my MEI travel agent is only marginally more expensive than the cruise line’s price.

For instance, I was able to book a refundable group rate with drinks and internet included on my last Celebrity cruise. The price I paid was only a few hundred dollars more than Celebrity was offering directly online. The small cost was absolutely worthwhile in this case!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Long Sleeve Swing Dress

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

Price: $19.99

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

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

2. Denim Jacket

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

Price: $23.90

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

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

3. Romper with Pants

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

Price: $29.99

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

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

4. Lightweight, Button Down Cardigan

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

Price: $14.99

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

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

5. Sweatshirt Dress

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

Price: $19.99

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

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

6. Dark Wash Jeans

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

Price: $39.99

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

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

7. Casual Trousers

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

Price: $19.99

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

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

8. Midi Dress

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

Price: $49.99

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

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

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

9. Flowy Skirt

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

Price: $18.99

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

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

10. Oversized Turtleneck Sweater

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

Price: $32.99

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

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

Royal Caribbean has launched a new feature inside its mobile app called Vacay Market, and it’s not your typical cruise souvenir shop!

Vacay Market is a built-in shopping marketplace that you can now find directly on the Royal Caribbean app. The new marketplace allows users to purchase everything from Royal Caribbean–branded merchandise to vacation outfits, beauty products, kids’ clothing, toys, luggage, and pickleball gear!

Even better, it’s all shipped directly to your home, meaning you don’t need to be onboard now to purchase Royal Caribbean merchandise.

The new Vacay Market appears as a pop-up on the Royal Caribbean app’s homepage. Royal Caribbean describes Vacay Market as a place to “shop for stunning fashion, gifts, branded merch, and travel essentials,” with the added perk of direct, free shipping.

Vacay Market has hundreds of items available for purchase already, making it the perfect place to shop before your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

What you can buy from Vacay Market

Vacay Market is divided into different categories, including Branded Merch, Royal Badges, Apparel, Travel Essentials, Accessories, Home, Beauty & Wellness, Kids, Toys & Games, and Footwear.

While I expected to find mostly Royal Caribbean merchandise, I was surprised by the wide range of items available in Vacay Market. It felt more like shopping on Amazon, with a mix of cruise essentials and vacation necessities.

Of course, this is a great place to stock up on branded Royal Caribbean merch with the classic Crown & Anchor logo. You can find insulated tumblers, wine cups, notebooks, cosmetic cases, tote bags, passport wallets made from real leather, jewelry organizers, fanny packs, cooler totes, embroidered fleece blankets, and more. 

Prices range from the low $20s for smaller items up to $70 for premium drinkware sets and specialty bags. You can even find pickleball equipment, including branded paddles and pickleball bags priced around $55–$60.

Vacay Market offers Royal Badges to bring home your cruise memories

One of the more interesting sections within Vacay Market is the Royal Badges collection. This appears to be Royal Caribbean’s attempt to turn cruise experiences into physical, collectible souvenirs.

Royal Badges include items like pins, T-shirts, premium baseball hats, and shot glasses, all themed around specific destinations or experiences. Currently, Perfect Day at CocoCay is the only available badge option, although we can likely expect to find more options in the future!

For example, the Royal Badges Pin Set of 2 is priced at $14 and labeled as “exclusively available in app” for purchase. The product description leans heavily into collectibility, describing the pins as keepsakes that are meant to showcase “earned badges and bragging rights” from past voyages.

The Vacay Market also includes apparel, beauty, home, and more

In addition to branded merchandise and Royal Badge items, Vacay Market also offers apparel, beauty products, and travel essentials for your upcoming cruise. The apparel section includes dresses, cover-ups, sarongs, jumpsuits, swimsuits, polos, and rashguards, with many items priced between $68 and $98. However, some items are priced close to $200.

Additionally, footwear includes flip-flops, slides, jelly sandals, handmade leather shoes, and loafers, with several items priced between $100–$200.

In the Beauty & Wellness section, you'll find plenty of travel-size beauty products and cruise must-haves. Options include sunscreen sticks and sprays, aloe cooling mists, grooming kits, oral care bundles, hair tools, essential oil rollerballs, and toiletry kits. Many of these items are practical for cruising, although you might find them priced higher in the Vacay Market than other retailers.

Finally, kids’ offerings include cruise outfits, UPF-rated swimwear, toys, puzzles, building block sets, STEM kits, kids’ tablets, headphones, and games.

How checkout works

Purchases from the Vacay Market are completed entirely inside the Royal Caribbean app. Items are shipped to your home and standard shipping is listed as free. The app indicates that shipping is typically within one to five business days after purchase.

In addition, some items will be fulfilled by third-party vendors rather than Royal Caribbean directly. Items will indicate which vendor will fulfill the order. Payment is handled like standard e-commerce checkout, with sales tax applied depending on location.

Some items are labeled app-exclusive, including many of the Royal Badge items, so be sure to check your Royal Caribbean app if you’re interested in beginning your collection!

Your cruise cabin quickly becomes your home away from home, but this month, I splurged on decorations to make our cabin feel even cozier for Christmas.

The holiday season is always magical with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and seasonal decor everywhere you look. My husband and I look forward to decorating our house each year for the Christmas season. Once November hits, our home stays festive through January with decorations!

Because we were jetting off to Australia for a 12-night cruise to New Zealand, I decided to stop by my local dollar store to pick up some seasonal decorations for our cabin. It might seem frivolous or unnecessary, but my husband and I are huge fans of the holiday season.

More importantly, we’ve spent multiple Christmases apart over the years because of my husband's military deployments. So, we truly cherish the time we’re able to spend together during the holidays.

I figured the dollar store would have plenty of inexpensive options to bring onboard for decorations, and I was right! Our local Dollar Tree was filled with holiday decor, and I was pleased to find many lightweight, easy-to-hang items that would work perfectly in a cruise cabin. Some items were more than $1.25, and I also purchased other cruise-related essentials to bring along. 

My plan was to bring the decorations aboard, enjoy them for the duration of the cruise, and leave them behind at the end of our trip. Because everything was so affordable, I didn’t mind parting with it at the end of the cruise. But, in the end, I gave our Blu hostess a bag filled with decorations and Christmas goodies for her to enjoy. 

In addition, leaving the decorations behind meant freeing up extra space for shopping on the way home. I love bringing back treasures from my travels, so I knew that space would be put to good use.

Here’s how I spent $40 at the dollar store to decorate our cabin and get into the Christmas spirit during our cruise. 

First, Celebrity Edge was decorated beautifully for the holidays around the ship!

If you’ve ever cruised during the Christmas season, you know cruise lines truly deck out their ships from head to toe in holiday decor. Throughout December, you’ll find beautiful displays, festive garlands, and massive Christmas trees placed all around the ship. It's pretty much impossible to forget that it’s the most wonderful time of the year, even on a cruise ship!

The Grand Atrium on Celebrity Edge was covered in garland and warm, glowing lights when we boarded. I was so excited to see that the decorations were already up when we boarded right after Thanksgiving. 

Walking into the ship immediately felt festive and cozy, which set the tone for the entire cruise, despite the hot Australian heat! It truly felt like we were in the Christmas spirit from the moment we boarded.

In addition, there was a huge Christmas tree in the atrium, decorated with beautiful ornaments and twinkling lights. It quickly became one of our favorite spots onboard. 

The massive Christmas tree made the perfect backdrop for happy hours or after-dinner drinks while enjoying live music in the atrium. I also loved seeing it lit up in the mornings when we stopped by Cafe al Bacio for our daily coffee, making our early mornings feel special and festive.

As the cruise went on, even more holiday displays appeared around the ship. Toward the end of the sailing, a beautiful, over-the-top gingerbread display popped up outside of Eden. The display included intricately detailed gingerbread houses and spectacular Christmas decorations. Almost every passenger walking by stopped to admire the display and take a picture!

We booked an AquaClass Infinite Veranda stateroom for our cruise, which gave us plenty of space to decorate.

For this sailing, we decided to splurge on an Infinite Veranda cabin with AquaClass perks. We booked cabin 9268 on Deck 9 aboard Celebrity Edge, and it turned out to be a great location. Our cabin was quiet and tucked away from heavy foot traffic. In addition, it was conveniently located on the ship so we never felt far from restaurants, lounges, or elevators.

Our stateroom included a couch, vanity, king bed, and the Infinite Veranda space. The bathroom was also surprisingly spacious, and we were impressed by how much extra room the Infinite Veranda added to the cabin. Unlike a traditional balcony, the Infinite Veranda features floor-to-ceiling windows and a small sitting area that blends seamlessly into the living space.

This layout made the entire cabin feel open and more spacious than a standard stateroom. Because the walls are magnetic, I packed my magnetic hooks to hang Christmas decorations and lightweight items around the cabin. 

I also brought a few heavy-duty metal clips from the dollar store for extra flexibility, knowing we’d likely have more to hang on the walls than normal. My husband was surprised these heavy-duty clips were from the dollar store, as he was impressed by the quality. 

I decorated our cabin after unpacking our suitcases and immediately wished I had brought even more decorations.

On embarkation day, I was eager to unpack my belongings and get settled in our stateroom. After unpacking my clothes and feeling organized, we started decorating the cabin for Christmas. 

For decor, I packed tinsel-style Christmas trees to hang around the stateroom. They were simple, but lightweight to pack and festive for our stateroom. Because they weren't expensive, I didn’t worry about them getting damaged. 

I actually purchased even more decorations to pack, but I decided not to bring them since they didn’t fit well in my suitcase. Some decorations already looked bent before packing, so I didn't trust they'd survive the flight to Australia! The tinsel pieces ended up being the easiest and most practical option.

The first thing we added was a large red Christmas bow on our cabin door. I didn’t bring Christmas magnets for the door, although that would have been another easy option. One of our neighbors used magnets on their door, which I thought looked really cute.

We loved having the big red Christmas bow on our door because it made our cabin easy to spot in the hallway. The glittery bow felt festive without being too much. I used a heavy-duty clip from Dollar Tree to hang it, and it stayed in place for all 12 nights without any issues.

Inside the cabin, we placed a small snowman near the entrance, so we were greeted by him every time we came back. Across from it, Edge-class staterooms have a small cubby with a built-in light that usually holds a piece of decorative art. We swapped that out for two small Christmas trees that fit perfectly in the space. With the light above them, they added a nice little holiday touch.

I also brought Christmas window clings to decorate the mirror. They weren’t traditional stickers, which was important because I didn’t want anything that could leave residue or damage the cabin. If you plan to decorate your cruise cabin, it’s always worth double-checking the rules and sticking with removable options.

That said, the window clings didn’t hold up very well. They slowly fell off throughout the cruise, and after putting them back up several times, we eventually gave up and tossed them.

We added two more tinsel Christmas trees to the main wall of the cabin, hanging them with magnetic hooks. Because they were so lightweight, one hook per decoration was enough. If you plan to bring anything heavier, you’ll probably want stronger or extra hooks. I loved waking up each morning and seeing those little Christmas trees on the wall.

When you’re cruising in warm weather, especially during summer in New Zealand, it’s easy to forget that it’s actually Christmas. Having a few simple decorations in the cabin helped it feel cozier and a bit more like home.

I also packed a few other Christmas-themed cruise essentials from the dollar store.

Before every cruise, I make sure to bring a handful of must-have products I rely on. One of my non-negotiables is a bottle of liquid hand soap for the bathroom. I absolutely hate using a bar of soap to wash my hands on a cruise, especially during a longer itinerary. 

Liquid soap just feels cleaner to me, and bars of soap tend to get mushy after a few days. It’s a small upgrade, but it makes a noticeable difference in your cabin experience. 

While shopping at the dollar store, I found an adorable bottle of liquid soap shaped like Santa. It was a fun change from my usual Softsoap and fit right in with the Christmas theme in our cabin. And for $1.25, it was a steal! We ended up using most of the liquid during the cruise and tossed the bottle before disembarkation.

The dollar store is also a great place to pick up self-care items. I like bringing face masks and body scrubs to make evenings in the cabin feel a little more relaxing. Instead of spending a lot at the spa on a facial, I’d much rather do a face mask at night while watching a Christmas movie.

In addition to face masks, I packed these seasonal winter berry shower fizzies for the cabin. They're similar to a bath bomb, but dissolve on the shower floor instead and release a light scent as the steam builds. This is an easy way to make a standard cruise ship shower feel a little more luxurious! I’d use one at the end of the day after dinner, and it was a nice way to wind down before bed.

Similarly, I always stock up on these $1.25 antibacterial wipes from Dollar Tree by Biopure. They come in a pack of 40 and are surprisingly good quality for the price. The small pack is easy to travel with, so I keep it in my bag at all times. I bring them on excursions, to the buffet, to the pool deck—basically everywhere!

My dollar store had some fun seasonal scents that I couldn’t resist. I picked up the sugar plum and cherry pie scents, which were a nice change from the regular wipes! 

I’ve even written a full article about why these wipes are a cruise must-have. For example, these wipes contain aloe and vitamin E, so they don’t dry out my hands like some sanitizers do. Studies have also shown that sanitizing wipes can be more effective than hand sanitizer alone, especially when handwashing isn’t available. 

I was determined to stay healthy on this cruise, and I made it home without getting sick. I honestly credit those wipes for doing their job, and I loved the festive Christmas scent as a bonus.

I loved decorating our cabin for Christmas, and I would do it again!

I didn't plan to decorate the cabin to look over-the-top, but we appreciated having a cozy, festive space that felt like home during our 12 nights aboard Celebrity Edge. Coming back to a festive cabin after a long day in port or a sea day made it feel more personal and relaxed. This truly became our home away from home! 

I liked that everything was inexpensive and easy to pack from the dollar store. I didn't feel bad leaving it behind at the end of the trip. In fact, our hostess at the Blu restaurant was excited to use the decorations for her cabin! The extra space in our suitcase was quickly used for the many different treasures we purchased in New Zealand. 

I spent around $40 on everything at the dollar store, including some other cruise-essentials like toothpaste, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. While it might seem unnecessary, bringing Christmas decorations brought us extra joy during our cruise without adding stress or clutter. 

If you love the holidays and you're planning to cruise in December, I'd highly recommend adding a few basic decorations to your cabin as an easy way to make the experience feel even more magical.

Royal Caribbean is preparing to unveil its brand-new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island next month, and we just received a sneak peek of the new resort on social media!

Over the weekend, Royal Caribbean shared an exclusive look at the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. On Royal Caribbean’s official Instagram page, a short reel was shared to showcase the beach club’s progress as the cruise line makes final touches.

The caption reads, “The beach day of your dreams is almost ready for you. Which sport are you most excited about?”

The video's narrator says, “Come with us for a construction sneak peek of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, just over a month before it opens."

The behind-the-scenes video tour reveals major progress at the new beach club, including the massive oceanfront infinity pool, colorful cabanas, stunning beaches, custom water shuttles, and hand-painted murals from local Bahamian artists.

Royal Caribbean originally announced plans for the private resort in Nassau back in June 2023. After more than two years of planning, environmental approvals, government partnerships, and construction, Royal Caribbean appears to be entering the final stretch before the beach club’s opening.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is scheduled to open on December 23, 2025. Royal Caribbean guests will receive exclusive access to the 17-acre resort. While we’ve seen plenty of renderings and construction photos, this sneak peek is one of the most comprehensive looks yet at how the resort is coming together in real life.

Custom ferries will take cruisers to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Royal Caribbean’s sneak-peek video opens with an exclusive look at the vibrant, colorful ferries crossing the harbor.

Before we can even see the beaches or the massive infinity pool, we’re introduced to the colorful fleet that will soon deliver guests to Royal Caribbean’s newest destination. Our first glimpse of the beach club experience!

“These private ferries will take you straight from the pier to the island. They’re custom-made and looking so good already!" says the video's narrator. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is trying to elevate cruise ports passengers complain about

The colorful fleet of brightly painted water ferries is one of the most charming additions to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Royal Caribbean confirmed that it will have five custom-built ferries operating the short route across the harbor. Each one is designed to reflect the lively personality and tropical culture of The Bahamas.

Each vessel features a bold color scheme and a fun, themed name: Flirty Flamingo (pink), Sassy Starfish (blue), Coral Calypso (orange), Twisted Turtle (green), and Lucky Lizard (turquoise).

Beyond the aesthetics, Royal Caribbean announced the ferries were engineered for efficiency. Built with lightweight aluminum hulls and equipped with advanced navigation and propulsion systems, they’re designed for quick turnaround times and smooth, reliable travel. The ride is short, as it will take just a few minutes to cross the harbor. But, the elevated design and colorful presentation is a fun way to begin your day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Chill beach features custom cabanas with uninterrupted ocean views

Once you arrive at the beach club, you can explore three different zones: Chill Beach, Family Beach, and Party Cove. The construction sneak peek video gives an exclusive look at the new Chill Beach zone.

The video states, “After a quick and cute ride, we head straight for Chill Beach. These cabanas make the perfect spot to set up your beach day home base. The pool here is over 400 feet long with a shallow ledge to soak up the sun and ocean views.”

Chill Beach is designed for guests who want to slow down and enjoy a quieter, more refined slice of the Royal Beach Club experience.

This peaceful stretch of shoreline will offer a relaxed atmosphere compared to the lively, energetic Party Cove. This area is intended to feel like a true retreat focused on relaxation where guests can enjoy the scenery and amenities without distraction.

At the heart of this area is The Deep End Pool, which is a serene, resort-style pool featuring a swim-up bar. Guests will be able to sip cocktails or mocktails while remaining comfortably in the water, surrounded by palm trees and stunning views of the Atlantic.

Because Chill Beach is meant to be calming, guests will find a more subdued poolside experience here.

Along the shoreline, beach bars provide convenient access to tropical drinks throughout the day. Umbrellas will provide some much-needed shade for comfortable loungers so you can enjoy your drinks all day long.

Nearby, the Paradise Grill will serve a selection of fresh and flavorful dishes, offering beach-friendly meals with a Bahamian twist. Its location will make it easy for guests to grab lunch without having to leave the comfort of their spot on the sand.

And for those seeking a more elevated experience, Chill Beach also features a collection of beach and pool cabanas available for an additional cost.

These private retreats are outfitted with comfortable seating, shaded lounging areas, and even a personal attendant for quick service. With uninterrupted views of the ocean or the pool, the cabanas provide an extra level of comfort and privacy. This will allow guests to settle in and enjoy a full day of relaxation in one of the most tranquil corners of the beach club.

Local artwork will showcase Bahamian culture

Next, we can see some of the beautiful artwork that will bring Bahamian culture to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

“And then we had to stop and check out the incredibly talented local artists at work, adding to their custom pieces all around the island,” says the video.

Royal Caribbean is placing a major emphasis on Bahamian culture at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, and one of the most distinctive ways that comes to life is through the resort’s extensive local art program. The cruise line has expanded its Artist Discovery Program, which was originally launched onboard Icon of the Seas. The program will bring 11 Bahamian artists to create murals, sculptures, and large-scale installations throughout the beach club.

These designs will appear across 25 different locations, transforming the property into an immersive, open-air gallery that reflects the colors, energy, and traditions of The Bahamas.

According to Royal Caribbean, the artists were chosen not only for their talent, but also for their deep connection to Bahamian culture.

Their creations will follow three themes that define the destination experience. First, the Underwater Adventures will highlight the country’s vibrant marine life. Next, Junkanoo Jubilee will celebrate the island’s rhythmic music, dance, and festival traditions. Finally, Bahama Bliss will bring tranquility and escape that draw millions of visitors to the islands each year.

Each artist will bring a unique interpretation of Bahamian life to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Royal Caribbean says the program was designed to give local artists with a global platform, offering grants and additional support to emerging and established artists. The cruise line emphasized how the beach club will showcase the authentic culture rooted in the Bahamian community.

Family Beach will be a laid-back, kid-friendly escape

Another zone at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be Family Beach, which is designed to be a relaxing, safe space for kids to spend their day. The Instagram video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the pool and cabanas at Family Beach.

“We then head over to Family Beach, where you can snag one of our picture perfect cabanas and the amazing ocean views,”

This part of the Royal Beach Club will offer convenience, shade, and open space, making it easy for families to enjoy the day without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The shoreline here is calm and inviting for kids who want to swim in the ocean. There will also be plenty of loungers and umbrellas throughout, so parents can keep an eye on the water while still having room to unwind.

One of the highlights of Family Beach is The Shallow End, a zero-entry pool that offers effortless access for all ages. This pool will have an easy wade-in spot for young kids and a comfortable lounging area for adults.

You can also take advantage of a swim-up bar with tropical cocktails, mocktails, and frozen drinks - all without ever leaving the water! The design is intentionally simple and intuitive to create a space that feels safe, open, and enjoyable for families of all sizes.

Food and beverages will also be close by, thanks to beach bars and a convenient location of the Paradise Grill. Guests of the beach club can enjoy made-to-order dishes and snacks with Caribbean influences, including everything from salads and island-seasoned meats to kid-friendly bites.

For those looking to elevate their day, Family Beach features some of the most impressive cabanas on the island. 

The standout option is the Ultimate Family Cabana, a two-story retreat designed with small groups and families in mind. This premium cabana includes luxury amenities, spacious seating areas, and private nooks for both relaxation and play. It’s the beach club’s most exclusive family offering on the island for an additional cost.

Additional beach and pool cabanas are available throughout the area, offering shaded lounge spaces, plush furnishings, and personal attendant service.

These cabanas give families a dedicated home base for the day, allowing parents to relax while kids enjoy the nearby pool and beach. Whether guests choose the massive two-story retreat or a more traditional cabana, Family Beach is sure to bring unforgettable memories for the entire family!

It’s the final countdown to Royal Beach Club!

With construction nearly complete, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is quickly transforming from a long-awaited concept into an exclusive resort destination. 

The narrator ends the video saying, "We ended the day with a look at the pool being filled. That's all for now!"

It’s a fitting end to the sneak peek tour, as the beach club’s three distinct zones will ensure that every type of cruiser can have their perfect resort day in Nassau, Bahamas. From the quiet escape of Chill Beach to the kid-friendly Family Beach with The Shallow End and the playful energy of Party Cove, there’s a little something for everyone.

For years, Perfect Day at CocoCay has been the brand’s signature private-destination experience. Now, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island marks the start of a new era. In fact, Royal Caribbean has plans for more Royal Beach Clubs to redefine the in-port experiences for cruisers.

Just a few weeks ago, the cruise line announced a brand-new Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece. Royal Caribbean describes how they will introduce an innovative system designed to alleviate the island’s notorious congestion by distributing guests across three arrival points. This approach will maximize time ashore while helping preserve the character of one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Royal Beach Club Santorini is just one part of Royal Caribbean Group’s rapidly expanding portfolio. The cruise line plans to expand with Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Royal Beach Club Lelepa in 2027. The cruise line will also unveil a brand-new Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya, Mexico.

Royal Caribbean is emphasizing a strategic push toward creating more exclusive, premium experiences on land that complement the next generation of Royal Caribbean ships.

Booking a last-minute cruise was once an easy way to save money on your vacation, but is that still the case?

We’ve all heard the stories of travelers scoring last-minute cruises for unbelievably low prices. In fact, multiple posts recently circulated online showing ridiculously cheap cruise fares for last-minute sailings aboard Freedom of the Seas.

One Reddit user posted an unbelievable $7 cruise fare for a 5-night cruise that departed the following week, on November 15, 2025. Even with the extra $236 for taxes and fees, this cruise deal seemed too good to be true.

One commenter, who was also booked on the same sailing, provided additional context for the low price point. The cruiser shared, “I am on this cruise. Just to give you some background... originally we were scheduled to go to Labadee, then we got rescheduled to go to Puerto Plata. 

Then there was a scheduling conflict with the dock so they moved us to Falmouth.  Then the hurricane hit Jamaica.  We are now being rerouted to Cozumel instead of Falmouth. So every time the schedule has changed, everyone has complained and cancelled.”

Although few travelers can book a cruise just one week before departure, this example shows how shifts in supply and demand can dramatically influence cruise pricing. In this case, demand for Freedom of the Seas’ itinerary continued to fall, which allowed more cabins to become available.

With lower demand comes lower pricing, as cruise lines aim to sail as close to full capacity as possible. And once guests are onboard, Royal Caribbean expects to generate additional revenue through alcohol sales, specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and other onboard spending.

For many years, it wasn’t uncommon for cruisers to book last-minute sailings like this to save money. In fact, it was one of the easiest ways to save money on a cruise vacation a few years ago! Now, it isn’t exactly a guaranteed way to bring down your cruise costs.

Here’s a deep dive into Royal Caribbean’s last-minute cruising, and whether you can actually save money if you wait to book your cruise.

Royal Caribbean continues to report record-breaking demand, which drives up pricing.

Throughout 2025, Royal Caribbean has continued to report strong financial results. In April 2025, Royal Caribbean Group reported a 109% load factor, meaning ships sailed with full cabins, often with more than two guests per room.

Revenue and pricing both moved higher. Total revenue reached $4.0 billion, and the cruise line specifically credited the quarter’s earnings to stronger than expected pricing on close-in demand. This refers to late-booking passengers that pay higher rates than Royal Caribbean anticipated.

Royal Caribbean also reported record bookings during wave season, which runs from mid-January to March each year. The cruise line also stated that April 2025 bookings were also ahead of last year, with “booked load factors at higher rates.”

What does this mean for the average cruiser? In practical terms, this means the company is filling ships earlier and at better prices, which leaves fewer empty cabins that would normally be discounted close to sailing.

CEO Jason Liberty summed up the demand by noting that “bookings for 2025 have remained on track, cancellation levels are normal, and we continue to see excellent close-in demand.”

With fewer cabins to book, last-minute deals are harder to find

From an economics perspective, it’s easy to see how supply and demand plays into pricing here. Cruise ships have a fixed number of cabins, and Royal Caribbean is selling a larger portion of that inventory at higher prices.

When demand is strong and cabins are nearly full, there is little reason to mark down the remaining staterooms at the last minute. Last year, the trend was similar, as Liberty summarized in the cruise line’s second quarter earnings calls.

The cruise line's CEO stated, “Bookings have consistently outpaced last year… and we have significantly fewer staterooms left to sell.”

With significantly fewer staterooms left to sail, Royal Caribbean has no incentive to discount cabins at the last minute. From a business perspective, the strategy makes sense to maximize revenue. For the average cruiser, this means waiting to book your cruise could end up costing you more money than booking further in advance.

That’s why last-minute deals in 2025 have been mostly limited to shoulder-season sailings where demand drops and supply is in excess.

Holiday sailings are extremely popular with increased demand.

If you’re looking to sail during the upcoming holidays, you likely won’t find a great last-minute deal over Christmas or New Year's Eve. I reviewed pricing data from Gangwaze.com for upcoming late-November and December sailings to look for last-minute pricing trends, for the purposes of this article. 

Across multiple ship classes, there was one undeniable trend: Christmas and New Year’s sailings rarely get cheaper as the departure date approaches. These weeks remain the most expensive for most of the year, which is driven largely by families booking cruises around school breaks. Even older ships, like Jewel of the Seas, show elevated pricing during this period.

For example, the December 20, 2025 itinerary aboard the new Icon of the Seas has inside cabins selling for $2,601, an 11% increase from the overall average for that itinerary. Moreover, prices for the sailing reached an all-time low in mid-July at $1,600 per person. However, those booking within the last few weeks would be paying nearly $1,000 more per person compared to booking four months prior.

In addition, the brand-new Star of the Seas shows similar last-minute pricing trends. Cruisers booking two weeks before the November 30, 2025 sailing would be paying 26% more than the average price of $1,881 for a balcony cabin. Earlier in the year, the sailing hit its lowest point at $1,500 in June 2025. But, by mid-November, fares had climbed nearly 60% to just under $2,400.

As you can see, holiday sailings around Christmas and New Year's Eve have peak demand across the fleet, and last-minute deals are highly unlikely. For the newest and most popular ships, like Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, prices continued to climb all the way until departure date.

Before and after the holiday season, pricing trends look completely different.

While holiday weeks are essentially immune to last-minute discounting, the weeks before and after Christmas tell a very different story. Early November through mid-December actually showed some of the steepest price drops for last-minute sailings, even on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships.

Let’s look at Icon of the Seas’ January 10, 2026 sailing. With the sailing less than two months away, pricing has fallen drastically for balcony cabins. The average cost of this sailing was $1,869 per person, which has decreased by 37% to $1,177.

Even the newest vessel, Star of the Seas, has some last-minute deals available. The November 23, 2025 sailing, which is departing in less than one week, has seen interior and balcony prices drop by more than 40% in recent weeks. The November 30, 2025 sailing also shows a 23% decrease for interior staterooms, falling from a September high of $1,750 to $1,344 this week.

Looking at Royal Caribbean's website, some of the cruise line's cheapest sailings are actually within the next few weeks. For example, Grandeur of the Seas has pricing starting at $244 per person for a 7-night sailing departing on November 29, 2025. According to Gangwaze historical pricing, this is 58% cheaper than the average price of $579 for an interior cabin.

We often see cruise prices drop in general between September and November, meaning this is a good time to look for last-minute deals. However, we might not anticipate a last-minute deal like this for Thanksgiving weekend.

Additionally, the weeks following New Year’s Eve are another underrated time to cruise. Once the holiday rush ends, demand drops sharply, and fares in January and early February are often far more affordable. With fewer travelers sailing, cruise lines may have extra cabin inventory, making last-minute deals more likely during this period.

What could be contributing to current pricing fluctuations?

Cruise pricing in late 2025 is being shaped not only by strong consumer demand, but also broader macroeconomic factors. For instance, travelers are grappling with elevated airfare costs, ongoing economic uncertainty, and lingering inflation that is making it more expensive to vacation. However, this also drives prospective travelers to book further in advance and search for higher value vacations, including cruises. 

“Consumers continue to prioritize experiences and make room in their budgets for meaningful vacations. Our independent research, combined with millions of daily customer interactions, continues to show positive sentiment towards travel and leisure and continued growth in spend,” explained Liberty in Royal Caribbean's October 2025 earnings call.

He continued, “Roughly three-quarters of consumers intend to spend the same or more on vacations over the next twelve months, a level that has remained consistent for several quarters. While the broader consumer environment has normalized from the exceptional strength over the past two years, demand for experiences and leisure travel remains intact.”

“Cruising offers superior value for money versus alternative options, driven by the high-quality onboard amenities and services, pricing inclusive of meals and entertainment, and the opportunity to visit a variety of destinations with the convenience of having everything in one place,” concluded the cruise line's CEO.

At the same time, broader financial uncertainty has made some travelers more cautious, leading to occasional waves of last-minute cancellations or shifts in travel plans. These competing dynamics, with surging demand on one side and sporadic disruptions on the supply side, help explain why pricing has been less predictable.

For instance, some of the last-minute deals appearing this fall and winter may stem from cruisers canceling or shifting their plans. Recent airline schedule disruptions have forced some travelers to adjust or scrap their vacations altogether. When enough guests change their reservations, a wave of newly available cabins can create unexpected opportunities for last-minute discounts.

In addition, the powerful Hurricane Melissa recently hit Jamaica and forced cruise lines to adjust their itineraries. And, as mentioned in the Reddit post about Freedom of the Seas’ $7 cruise fare, some passengers canceled their sailing after too many itinerary changes. 

All of these factors influence the availability of last-minute cruise deals, even around the holiday season. For travelers with flexible schedules, it’s still entirely possible to find cheap cruises closer to the departure date, but flexibility is still the key.

How can you find a last-minute deal for Royal Caribbean?

If you’re determined to snag a discounted fare, expect to hunt around and stay extremely flexible with your travel plans.

First, look for last-minute deals during shoulder seasons and during off-peak months. As we just discussed, this is when you’re most likely to find an excess of cabins available. Your odds of finding a deal increase during the offseason or shoulder season, when demand naturally dips. For most Royal Caribbean itineraries, this includes the quieter months of September through November and January.

In addition, keep an eye out for potential price drops right after a sailing’s final payment deadline. This is when booked guests must pay their remaining balance for their vacation. If someone’s plans change, they may cancel or switch to a different cruise around this time, which causes unexpected inventory to open up.

You might even see some last-minute deals right before final payment date when cruise lines have a better idea of expected occupancy. If cabins remain unsold, that’s typically when last-minute price reductions begin to appear, and fares may continue dropping as the sail date approaches.

Certain destinations also have price-sensitive windows. For example, Alaska often sees cheaper fares on the first and last sailings of the season, which usually include late April, early May, and early October. For the Caribbean, hurricane season can lead to occasional last-minute markdowns once school is back in session.

Additionally, consider less popular itineraries with longer routes. Some itineraries have inherently lower demand, which can open the opportunity for last-minute availability. Repositioning sailings, especially transatlantic and transpacific crossings, can offer some incredible deals and last-minute savings.

These longer voyages with extra sea days attract a smaller audience, increasing your chances of finding discounted cabins closer to departure.

Moreover, Royal Caribbean has multiple promotional categories on its website for last-minute deals. Be sure to check out the Last Minute Cruise page on Royal Caribbean’s website for a quick look at the best short-notice deals. Another promotion is the “Going, Going, Gone" sales, which offer pop-up promotions for sailings leaving within the next few weeks or months.

Regardless of which route you take, the biggest key to securing a last-minute deal is flexibility. You won’t be able to get your heart set on a specific sail date, ship, or itinerary. Additionally, don’t expect to have many options for cabin selection. This means you might find yourself in a less desirable cabin category or location onboard. 

However, these sacrifices can be worthwhile for those looking to cruise for a cheaper fare. The more you save on your cruise fare, the more you can spend on shore excursions, specialty dining, or poolside cocktails during your cruise!

A 67-year-old man from Malaysia has been convicted of sexually abusing a child while cruising aboard the world’s largest cruise ship.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, a federal jury in Miami has convicted passenger Lay Ong for abusive sexual contact of a minor while cruising aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas this spring.

The press release states that Ong was found guilty on October 23, 2025 for the crime. According to WPLG Local 10 News, the federal criminal complaint reports the incident took place on April 2, 2025 while Icon of the Seas sailed through international waters, en route to PortMiami.

The Justice Department stated, “According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lay Ong, 67, was walking down a stateroom corridor when he encountered two boys, ages seven and nine, playing outside their cabin. Evidence showed that Ong began speaking with the children while touching the seven-year-old’s head and chin, then reached down and squeezed the child’s genitalia before walking away.”

NBC6 South Florida reports that, according to the affidavit, the boys told the 7-year-old’s parents about the incident. The parents then notified cruise ship security to investigate the crime.

Additionally, the affidavit states that the boys told investigators Ong asked whether they were boys or girls, then said “let me check” before inappropriately touching the child. After the encounter, Ong supposedly walked away from the children.

The affidavit reports that Icon of the Seas’ security cameras also captured the encounter, according to NCB6 South Florida. Ong said he was “playing” with the boys when the incident took place, and claimed he only touched the 7-year-old’s stomach.

Ong was found guilty of abusive sexual contact with a minor and faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison for the crime. A judge will determine his sentence at a later date after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines. Authorities said Ong will also be subject to deportation after serving his sentence.

“Abusing a child is an unforgivable act,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones in the press release. “This verdict makes clear that anyone who preys on a child—anywhere, and under any flag—will be held to account.”

The FBI’s Miami Field Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ilana Malkin and Yeney Hernandez prosecuted it.

According to Gangwaze, Icon of the Seas was sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise from Miami, Florida when the crime occurred. The Icon class vessel departed from PortMiami on March 29, 2025 for the sailing. The itinerary included two sea days and visits to Roatan (Honduras), Costa Maya (Mexico), Cozumel (Mexico) and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas.

Pack your bags, Swifties — another Taylor Swift-themed cruise is on its way!

Fans looking to step into their cruising era will be excited to learn that another Taylor Swift–themed sailing is planned for next year. Hosted by Straight Away Travel, the 4-night Girlhood Getaway will be called “Karma is a Cruise".

The upcoming Taylor Swift–themed cruise will set sail on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. “Karma is a Cruise” will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with ports of call in the Bahamas, including Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The sailing also features one day at sea, which is expected to include themed activities and events for Taylor Swift fans.

The upcoming cruise follows the success of last year’s Taylor Swift–themed sailing aboard Allure of the Seas. Now, fans can set sail again for another group cruise filled with friendship bracelets, themed events, and nods to the singer’s discography.

Jamie from Straight Away Travel has curated the private group experience aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. According to the agency’s website, Girlhood Getaways are known for cultivating an inclusive community centered on empowerment, authenticity, and fearlessness.

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

“Get ready for something truly special — this isn’t just a cruise, it’s a celebration of All Things Girlhood! Jamie is planning a lineup of exclusive onboard experiences just for our group, all designed around friendship, empowerment, and embracing who we are — loud, proud, and unapologetically our true selves,” states the website.

While the full schedule is still being finalized, Straight Away Travel has outlined a variety of themed activities planned for the group that include:

• Welcome meet-and-greet reception

• Friendship bracelet-making sessions and trading

• Themed trivia and lyric-based games

• Costume night inspired by various Taylor Swift eras

• Karaoke and dance events

• Curated photo stations and onboard photo opportunities

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

According to Straight Away Travel, the organized event is meant to build a sense of community among Swifties by encouraging participation and recreating the fan experiences that have become central to Taylor Swift’s cultural influence.

In addition to the organized events, Taylor Swift fans can take advantage of the many amenities available aboard Liberty of the Seas. The Freedom class vessel features popular onboard attractions, multiple pools, world-class entertainment, and a wide selection of complimentary and specialty dining options.

Cabins are available for booking with double occupancy rates for the February 2026 sailing. Prices start at $594 per person for an interior stateroom, $746 for an Oceanview stateroom, and $829 per person for balcony cabins. 

Taylor Swift fans wanting to secure their spot will need to provide a non-refundable deposit of $200 per stateroom at the time of booking. Rates include the stateroom, taxes, and port fees but exclude gratuities, travel insurance, drink packages, dining packages, and optional Royal Caribbean activities.

This isn’t the first Taylor Swift fan cruise.

(Photo from In My Cruise Era sailing. Photo credit: Marvelous Mouse Travels)

Straight Away Travel isn’t the first travel agency to organize a Taylor Swift-themed cruise. Back in October 2024, Marvelous Mouse Travels hosted another successful fan-focused event for Taylor Swift fans. This group cruise was called “In My Cruise Era” and took place aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.

That voyage brought together Swifties from across the country for a 3-night sailing built around the same core themes of connection, community, and mutual love of Taylor Swift. 

Swifties sailing aboard Allure of the Seas enjoyed organized fan meetups, friendship bracelet exchanges, dance parties, and late-night karaoke. In addition, Taylor Swift fans attended nightly eras-themed parties where cruisers dressed up as their favorite album era.