Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of the articles and news we shared about Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean is ending its partnership with Ben & Jerry's ice cream this year.

In an announcement to travel agents, the cruise line announced that they will be removing all Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shops onboard its cruise ships.

"Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Shop onboard 13 of our ships will be moo-ving out and making way for something sweeter," the announcement read, stating that December 15th was the last date to taste Ben and Jerry’s ice cream onboard.

Royal Caribbean will be replacing the brand with its own in-house Ice Cream parlor.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean in talks to buy hotel resort in Freeport Bahamas, report says
• Royal Caribbean names greatest soccer player ever as its "icon" for new Icon of the Seas cruise ship
• 8 advantages of booking a suite on your next cruise
• 11 cruise fees you should know about before booking
• Can you bring weed on a cruise?
• Wonder of the Seas vs Symphony of the Seas
• What is a cabin steward on a cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 520th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

This week, we’re responding to listener emails! From Matt’s most recommended cruises to traveling with babies, check out this episode to hear all your questions answered. 

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

You can subscribe to the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or RSS.

Video: 8 Reasons Why Upgrading is Worth It for Your Cruise

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Check out the link to view our latest video: 8 Reasons Why Upgrading is Worth It for Your Cruise

The best time to book cruises by day, month, and last-minute

Is there a secret scoop on the best time to book your cruise?

The truth is, waiting for that special moment is a mistake. The best time to book your cruise is when you see a price that fits your budget and needs.

Industry prices can change by the minute, with no specific pattern. Travel agents have also confirmed that there isn’t any best day of the week to book a cruise.

However, cruise lines often offer promotions around major holidays and “Wave Season,” which runs from January to March.

In the end, it’s most important to seize the deals that align with your needs rather than waiting for a specific time.

I took my first cruise alone and did these 7 things to make solo cruising more fun and less lonely

Taking a solo cruise sounds intimidating, but there’s no reason to be afraid.

Some opportunities are worth taking, even if you have to do it alone.

Calista felt nervous before her first solo cruise, but through the experience, she was able to develop helpful strategies. 

She lists seven tips she tried to make the experience more enjoyable and less lonely.

From making conversation onboard to staying connected online, she was able to minimize feelings of isolation and enjoy the cruising experience. 

The extra step you should take before your cruise for the fastest way on a ship

You’ve spent weeks planning and packing, and embarkation day is finally here.

As you enter the cruise terminal, the last thing you want is a delay before you can finally get onboard.

To get onto your ship the fastest, don’t forget this pivotal step!

The Royal Caribbean app facilitates your boarding process, and the line is now testing a new Express Boarding option. 

This express option, being launched in PortMiami, will reward passengers who complete all necessary pre-boarding tasks on the app. Most important of all: taking the right selfie.

7 things I liked better about Royal Caribbean cruises than Carnival

The debate runs deep—and everyone has their own preferences—but is Royal Caribbean really better than Carnival?

Elizabeth has always been faithful to Royal Caribbean but recently tried two Carnival cruises for the first time.

While she enjoyed her cruises on Carnival’s Celebration and Vista, there were some aspects of Royal Caribbean’s experience that she still craved.

Beginning with the digital embarkation process and continuing to faster Main Dining Room service, she shares everything that Royal Caribbean did better.
 

When it came to taking my first solo cruise, I was definitely nervous and unsure what to expect. 

When first I realized I would have the opportunity to travel to the Mediterranean—but I would have to do it alone—I wasn't sure if that would be a good fit for me.

In the end, I knew that some opportunities are worth taking, even if you have to do it alone.

I packed up and traveled the 18 hours to begin a cruise on Enchantment of the Seas, sailing from Athens, Greece, to Barcelona, Spain.

The 7-night cruise was an amazing experience and a chance to see part of the world I’d never experienced before. 

However, cruising alone was a challenge. Not only did I have to be hyper-aware of safety, but it was also a lonely task to travel alone for such a long period of time.

If you’re planning on taking a cruise alone, don’t fear! I developed 7 strategies to make my solo cruise more fun and less lonely. These tips can help you conquer your nerves and make a solo trip even more worth it.

1. Attend cruise ship activities

Royal Caribbean ships offer a variety of events to help cruisers meet each other and have fun. 

Self-guided groups are available on every Royal Caribbean ship for cruisers with every possible interest to meet up. The most common ones I’ve seen are for singles and solo travelers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, members of Alcoholics Anonymous, and groups for various religions. If you keep an eye on the ship’s schedule, you’ll see there’s something for everyone!

These groups are a great opportunity to people and make friends with common interests as you.

However, I will place a warning here: the self-guided groups are usually more sparsely attended. On my cruise, I attended the groups for solo travelers and members of the LGBTQ community but found that they weren’t always full of other people.

My advice is to go frequently, and if you don’t make friends at first, keep trying! There are many available groups, and often they are offered on multiple days over the cruise. 

2. Purchase WiFi for connectivity

This tip may not be for everyone, but it helped me!

Buying WiFi on a cruise is optional, and it also comes with an extra charge. Personally, I did not end up purchasing WiFi for the entire length of the cruise, so I paid about $30 per day on the days I chose to buy it.

Although having WFi can take your attention away from the natural wonders, the ship’s amenities, and many activities onboard, it helped me stay connected on my solo cruise.

Solo traveling has the potential to make you very lonely, as you’re cruising out alone and in a strange place. Staying connected through technology is a great way to alleviate that loneliness.

I was able to use social media, text friends and family, and make phone calls when I was feeling extra lonely.

When used sparingly, and mostly on sea days, it was a great way to stay in touch with my loved ones.

Additionally, having WiFi helps provide entertainment for the boring moments of traveling alone. 

3. Make conversation with crew members

Royal Caribbean’s crew members are there to ensure you have the best possible experience on board, and their kindness can extend beyond a simple “hello.”

I found so much social fulfillment in making conversation with crew members at the dining venues, pool areas, and events. 

Not only did I get the chance to spark up conversation on board, but the crew members I met hailed from all parts of the world and had different journeys to get to the ship. I even got to practice with Indonesian with some staff!

If you take the time to chat with crew members around you, you’ll find that they have advice, stories, and a fascinating perspective into the cruising world. It’s the perfect way to fend off loneliness and have an enriching conversation with a kind stranger.

Read more: 7 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship

4. Stay busy with activities

Another method I used to keep my mind off my solo status was staying busy and taking advantage of all the activities around me. After all, solo traveling is done for a purpose, and what better way to keep yourself cheerful than reminding yourself why it’s worth it?

Onboard, there are many activities you can attend daily, from trivia games to poolside dance parties, to special casino deals. I would often wander around onboard and find an activity to join in on whenever the need arose.

Making the most of all the fun opportunities around you ensures that you’ll feel fulfilled on a solo trip and remind yourself why it’s all worth it.

5. Plan ahead by bringing entertainment

Bringing entertainment along with you is another great way to amuse yourself and stave off loneliness.

Before my cruise, I downloaded movies and TV shows onto my phone, fun games that I could play even off WiFi, and a number of books onto my Kindle. 

That way, I had all my favorites downloaded for days that I chose not to buy WiFi, or needed some extra activity. 

Planning ahead by bringing entertainment meant that I was never bored, even while sitting alone on many occasions. Having familiar forms of media—whether it’s your favorite songs or an old movie—with you can also be a comforting touch to a lonely cruise.

If you’re someone who’s afraid of sitting alone in public, such as at the dinner table, don’t worry!

On my solo cruise, all I had to do was pull out a book or put in some headphones, and the rest of the world would fade away. I could enjoy a meal or pool chair alone, and no one bothered me or looked at me strangely.

6. Take group tours

I was very grateful that I chose to purchase Royal Caribbean shore excursions on my cruise.

These organized group tours got me face time with other cruisers and brought together a community of travelers interested in one common goal.

I’ve always enjoyed getting to know tour guides on my cruises, so a solo cruise is also a great opportunity to have more time with them!

Other than that, I noticed that other cruisers would make conversation with me as we toured and explored. It was a lovely reminder that I was not completely alone and a fun opportunity to share the sights and sounds with others.

Traveling sometimes is better when you have someone to share it with.

7. Embrace the alone time

Most of all, it’s important to remember that a solo cruise is just that: solo. Instead of spending the majority of your trip fighting off feelings of loneliness and distracting yourself, don’t forget to embrace the time alone.

While it was a challenging cruise, I really enjoyed the peace of solo travel. You can move at your own pace, always have a quiet moment, and do whatever you’re in the mood for. Plus, I loved having hotel rooms and cruise staterooms all to myself!

Ultimately, solo travel is a great way to get to know yourself and spend some peaceful time on a vacation in a new location.

Take advantage of the trip, and embrace it! Set personal goals, try to meditate and journal, and relish in doing some challenging but exciting. 

Good news, we are all one week closer to our next Royal Caribbean cruise!  In case you missed any of the Royal Caribbean fun from this week, here is our weekly round up!

Royal Caribbean’s second Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, is now available for booking.

Star will operate out of Port Canaveral, Florida and cruisers can now book 7-night Caribbean sailings beginning on August 17, 2025. 

Prices start at $​​2398 per person for an interior guarantee cabin.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean opens new slide at Perfect Day at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark
• Royal Caribbean announces new photo perk for its loyalty program members
• Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship prices are more expensive than Celebrity's new premium ship
• Video shows Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship barely passed under a bridge
• 7 Best cruise ports in the Caribbean
• Is January a good time for a cruise?
• Vintage photos show how drastically cruise ships have changed during the last century
• I tried the new cocktails coming to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 519th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has a review of Celebrity's newest ship.

Matt and Don sailed on Celebrity Cruise’s brand-new Celebrity Ascent. In this episode, they discuss what makes the Edge Class ship unique. 

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

Video: Why I Chose a Smaller Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Why I Chose a Smaller Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Video shows look around Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach

Royal Caribbean has made progress on the adults-only beach expansion located on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Called Hideaway Beach, the location will cater to guests 18 and older.

A new video from inside the park, posted by Marissa Abreu, Royal Caribbean’s Director of Design, shows a first look at the progress made.

Hideaway Beach will be a paid add-on for adults seeking a child-free experience, spanning over 8 acres.

6 things I loved and 3 things I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise

Every cruise ship has pros and cons, including Royal Caribbean’s older ships.

Jenna recently sailed on Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship built in 2002. She provides a balanced perspective on both the positive and the negative aspects of a cruise experience on Brilliance of the Seas.

She loved the ship’s entertainment options, dining experiences, friendly crew, enjoyable excursions, spacious staterooms, and the overall cruise atmosphere.

On the negative side, Jenna experienced issues with the embarkation and disembarkation processes, crowded spaces at certain times, and limited specialty dining options. 

How long does it take to build a cruise ship

The process of building a cruise ship is no overnight feat, so how long does it take exactly?

With Icon of the Seas almost ready for her first sailing, we have a good example of the process and what goes into making an idea into a ship.

From concept, to steel cutting, to float out, and then launch, it's a multi-year process involving tens of thousands of people.

I went on four cruises and found the best way to protect Black hair on vacation

After four cruises, Calista has developed the best method to protect Afro-textured hair while on vacation.

Challenges such as weather, the elements, time limitations, and packing space can make it difficult to care for Black hair while on a cruise.

However, with the help of protective hairstyles, moisturization, and essential haircare products, you can prevent damage and maintain healthy hair during a cruise vacation.

We live in a world that has not always provided the resources or public perception for us to best care for Afro-textured hair.

Because of this inherent bias, it can be hard to begin a natural hair journey. 

Committing to your healthiest natural hair is a life-long process that takes work and requires you to find the resources you need to care for your hair wherever you are. 

As someone who has worn my hair naturally my whole life, I knew that beginning to cruise would mean its own journey of discovering how best to care for my hair.

After having been on my fourth cruise, I’ve been able to explore and experiment with what styles work best for my hair while cruising. 

I’ll start by explaining the main challenges cruising poses for natural hair and then provide the solutions I’ve discovered from my experience.

What are the challenges of caring for natural hair on a cruise?

The elements

Cruises are an amazing way to get up close and personal with nature. On ships, there are pools with water and lovely views of the ocean. 

On ports, you can experience everything, from beaches to mountain hikes to jungle adventures.

Depending on the cruises’ ports-of-call, your hair could face many different climates and elements.

At the very least, you will be exposed to wind, water, and salt—all elements that can challenge your hair-care journey.

The wind can muss up and tangle your hair. Salt is known to be damaging and drying, and you’ll want to hydrate your hair or even wash it out if exposed. And depending on your hairstyle, water can ruin the look!

Time limitations

Taking care of natural hair can be time-consuming. Afro-textured hair is beautiful but often requires a more gentle hand. 

Especially for those with longer hair and women who prefer more complex styles, caring for our natural hair can take up a lot of time.

Natural hair has a tighter, coarser curl pattern that requires more attention and careful detangling.

Moisture retention is also a concern, requiring frequent deep conditioning and moisturizer.

Although it depends on the individual experience, a wash day can take one or more hours. 

Personally, when I wear my thick, natural curls out, doing my hair can add 20-30 minutes to my morning routine.

Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of the hairstyle you choose to wear on your cruise so you don’t cut into any precious vacation time.

Packing space

In addition to taking some extra time, certain products are essential to pack along for your natural hairstyles. Daily, many people use moisturizers, edge control, and detangling tools.

On a wash day, many more products could be required.

It’s best to prevent washing your hair while on a cruise since wash day can take so much time and energy. If you do expect you’ll need one—whether you’re taking a longer cruise or expecting your hair to get dirty—it’s important to bring all your own supplies. 

The provided 3-in-1 body and hair wash on Royal Caribbean ships will only strip your hair, and a good conditioner and leave-in product are always essential for a good wash-and-go. 

To best care for your curls, select a gentle shampoo, a leave-in conditioner, and preferred styling items like gel.

Products also need to be packed securely to prevent leaks.

Satin pillowcases, bonnets, and scarves are also important to protect your hair at night.

Although hair dryers are present in ship bathrooms, you’ll also want to consider packing your own preferred methods of drying your hair, whether you prefer a diffuser, a microfiber towel, or air-drying. 

It’s important to plan ahead and pack carefully to keep your natural hair looking beautiful. However, certain hairstyles can minimize the amount of products you need to bring along.

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

I tried different ways of wearing my hair on my four cruises

I went on my first cruise in August and learned so much from that experience. 

On that cruise, I decided to wear short, natural braids without any braiding hair added. This was a great hairstyle, as it was lightweight, short, and required very little product.

The only downside was that this style is a little less protective since it relies on my natural hair.

While I respect people who always wear their natural hair out and limit protective styles, this hasn’t worked for me on a cruise.

On my second cruise, I wore my natural hair, beginning with a braid-out and wearing it loose for the rest of the cruise.

This was tough. Wearing it out meant I still had to wake up and style my hair every morning, and even when I changed outfits.

In addition to that, my hair got wet, both in the ocean and pool, and I didn’t bring enough hair supplies to wash it while on the ship.

I had to spend two days with dry, tangled hair, keeping it in buns.

Thankfully, my second cruise was a shorter, 3-night sailing, so I could survive the few days without a wash. I just kept adding leave-in conditioner and detangling my hair daily. 

After that cruise, I learned my lesson and concluded that protective styles are the best way for me to protect my hair, save time, and prevent needing a wash day.

For my third cruise, I wore braids again, and they saved me time getting ready in the mornings. 

However, my hair again got soaking wet while I was snorkeling, causing the braids to look frizzy and old. I had to take them out as soon as I got home. 

On my fourth cruise, I once again wore long braids, and this time was careful to keep them dry. This meant that I didn’t do many involved water activities, but my hair stayed looking nice!

Based on my experience, I recommend short and simple protective styles

In the future, I think the best way to keep my hair healthy, maintainable, and looking good throughout the cruise—while still enjoying activities to the fullest—would be to wear a protective style and bring along a swim cap to prevent it from getting too wet. 

Protective styles such as braids allow you to save time, look good, and protect your hair from the elements. 

When I wear braids, I only have to pack a few items: edge control, mousse, and a couple styling tools. If they do get wet, hair dryers are already available in the staterooms. 

On my cruises, I most often see other Black people wearing braids, but there are other protective styles, too!

If you have locs, there is a built-in protective style that needs no extra work to be cruise-ready.

Crochet styles, weaves, or even sew-ins would also work. 

I personally don’t like the heavy, hot feeling of weaves and wigs—especially on tropical or beach vacation cruises. However, I have also seen other Black people wearing them on cruises, so it’s all a matter of preference!

I personally prefer braids, but also want to try other protective styles, such as Bantu knots, twists, and head wraps.

Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one hairstyle.

On my first cruise, I laughed at a friend who took out his cornrows halfway through the 7-night sailing. 

In hindsight, there’s nothing wrong with switching it up!

You could plan multiple different hairstyles, and you even have the option to get braids done at various Caribbean ports where natural hair services are offered.

Happy December! We cannot believe that we are already one full week into the month – there is so much going on with holiday preparation and shopping and baking!

The second Icon Class cruise ship is coming to Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean announced Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral when the new ship launches in 2025.

The sister ship to Icon of the Seas, Star's first batch of sailings will go on sale on December 6, 2023.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks how cruise ships will handle anti-tourism
• I visited Royal Caribbean's next Perfect Day private destination
• 7 things new and different to love about Celebrity Ascent
• I took my first Celebrity Cruise on a new ship. We had a great time, but I missed Royal Caribbean's entertainment
• Is the front or back of cruise ship better?
• How long does it take to board a cruise ship?

Video: I took my first Celebrity Cruise and it was not what I expected!

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After spending decades taking more than 70 Royal Caribbean cruises and reaching Pinnacle status, Matt felt ready to try a cruise on the sister brand, Celebrity Cruises.

Over Thanksgiving, he chose a cruise on the new Celebrity Apex, and was surprised by his experience!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Check out the link to view our latest video: I took my first Celebrity Cruise and it was not what I expected!

Royal Caribbean takes ownership of the world’s biggest cruise ship

After seven years of preparation, the world’s largest cruise ship is ready to make its debut.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was delivered at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, signifying its transfer of ownership.

Icon of the Seas boasts the capacity for 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew members. She is 1,198 feet long and 20 decks tall. 

First time cruise tips for Royal Caribbean

Are you preparing to take your first Royal Caribbean cruise? Or are you even anticipating your first cruise ever? Every cruise line is different, so it’s important to do your research, get prepared, and know what to expect!

We have some new and updated tips to make your first experience a great one.

From proper documentation to prohibited items, here are our top first-time tips for Royal Caribbean cruises. 

5 things I hope Royal Caribbean steals from Celebrity Ascent (and one they shouldn't)

After sailing a combined number of nine nights on Celebrity Cruise ships, Matt now has identified some great features from the Celebrity Ascent that Royal Caribbean should consider adopting.

This new, Edge Class ship was just launched in 2023, and boasts 16 decks, all packed with top-class amenities and entertainment.

However, there is one aspect Royal Caribbean should stay away from: the All Included program. Read about Matt’s experience and inspired ideas for Royal Caribbean and more in his article. 

I stayed in the cheapest, smallest cabin on Enchantment of the Seas for $210 per night

Calista spent only $210 per night to stay in the smallest, cheapest room on Enchantment of the Seas.

She used the guarantee cabin process to receive the cheapest cabin, and was assigned a small, windowless inside stateroom spanning just 142 square feet.

Despite the wear and tear on this older ship, this cabin was no smaller than any of the other cheap, guarantee staterooms she has stayed in on other, newer Royal Caribbean ships. Take a look inside this Vision Class, 1996 cruise cabin. 

Paradise Beach all-inclusive beach pass review

Going to an all-inclusive beach resort is the perfect way to take advantage of a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. In this article, we outline what you can expect from a visit to Paradise Beach.

The resort has three major areas: the pool, the beach, and various amenities, such as restrooms and bars. Including attentive service and great food and drinks, you can pay one price for access to all of these amenities.

The variety of activities and reasonable price make Paradise Beach a great option for couples, families, and groups looking for a fun day with quality service. 

What is it like to stay in the cheapest stateroom on Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas?

I just got back from sailing on a 7-Night Mediterranean cruise, starting in Athens, Greece, and ending in Barcelona, Spain.

Enchantment of the Seas is an older, smaller Vision Class ship, first launched in 1996.

Enchantment was the last Royal Caribbean cruise ship to be lengthened, which is when they cut the ship in half and inserted a new section in the middle. It added 151 new cabins.

She now has 1142 staterooms, with a capacity for 2252 passengers and 852 crew members.

For my cruise, I paid a total of $1471, or $210 per night. With two people on the cruise, we would have split this into $105, but I was taking a solo trip and had to suck up the extra fees because of the single supplement fee solo cruisers have to pay.

The cheapest cabins on Enchantment can be obtained through the guarantee cabin process.

By choosing a guarantee stateroom, you can gain a cheaper price in exchange for the cruise line assigning a cabin to you.

I was assigned a small, windowless inside stateroom spanning just 142 square feet.

Read more: All about Vision Class cruise ships

When I arrived onboard, I saw that my stateroom was in a very low position on the ship’s 11 decks, located down on deck 2.

While this left me in close proximity to my Main Dining Room table on deck 4, I had to use the elevator for almost everything else. 

When I opened the door on embarkation day, I was greeted with a small, clean room. 

One concern with a windowless cabin is a lack of light, since the cabin itself does not have any natural light. As someone who loves lots of light around me, I found that this cabin was well-lit from the room's lighting fixtures.

The stateroom's closet was located at the very front, to the right of the door. It held six shelves and ample hangers, as well as enough floor space for me to leave my suitcases inside the closet for the length of the cruise.

Opposite the closet, I found the door to the bathroom.

It was small, with an even smaller tube-shaped shower. Despite the small size of the shower, I appreciated the rounded glass door and hot, heavy water pressure.

The sink and toilet also remained high-quality for the length of my stay, and I appreciated all the mirrors located above the bathroom sink.

I find that the bathrooms on Royal Caribbean ships really lack counter space next to the sink, so you have to get creative with using shelves, bags, and nearby hooks.

Thankfully, there's always lots of cabinet space located behind the mirrors and shelves underneath the bathroom sink.

After the bathroom, I faced the stateroom's combination desk/vanity. This wide desk features many drawers for storage, a mirror, bright vanity lighting, and to the left, even more shelves and storage. 

In the shelves to the right, I stored my books. I also stored my IDs, valuables, and electronics in the small safe provided.

One thing that I did find strange was that the room was missing the mini fridge cooler located inside most Royal Caribbean staterooms. I found an empty cabinet where this appliance would usually be located. 

Opposite the vanity sat a small, comfortable armchair and the TV above it. 

Although the TV may look like it's at a strange angle, you could still view it from this armchair by adjusting the metal arms to which it was mounted. These adjustable arms ensure that you can turn the TV and still see it from almost everywhere in the stateroom. 

Like most of Royal Caribbean's older ships, this TV was a simple device with a few free channels included. Since I could not stream to it, I mostly used my laptop to watch TV shows or to head up to movie showings on other decks.

Besides this armchair was the large stateroom bed. Since I was traveling alone, I chose to keep the beds joined together. As a solo traveler, this meant the bed felt luxuriously large. 

Two lamps, with shelves underneath them, were on either side of the bed. Although I kept looking throughout the cruise, I never found any electricity ports near the bed, so I had to keep charging my phone at the outlet on the desk. 

On day one, my stateroom attendant introduced himself and offered a few times he could clean the room daily. I chose evening service, so he could come each day when I went to eat dinner at the Main Dining Room.

I loved that he would leave behind these small towel animals each night—every day he left a new type of towel creature! 

For the most part, I found that the ship was high-quality despite its age. The linens stayed clean and fresh, and all the amenities worked perfectly.

The small stateroom even reminded me of the room I stayed on when I cruised on the new, huge Wonder of the Seas.

However, the wear and tear began to show as I stayed throughout my cruise.

This lamp fell apart when I tried to turn it off, and I could never push the bottom piece back in. 

I also noticed that the cabin had fewer artwork and decorations than newer ships I've cruised on. 

On one of my long treks taking the elevator up to the Windjammer, the elevator itself broke down, leaving me stuff inside for a few moments. After this glitch, the elevator was shut down for the day and only reopened when it was fully repaired. 

Despite the wear and tear on this older ship, this cabin was no smaller than any of the other cheap, guarantee staterooms I've stayed in before.

And there are benefits to sailing on a smaller ship: the service was quicker and more attentive. When I ordered room service to this stateroom, staff would answer my call right away, and bring the food within 30 minutes. 

Enchantment of the Seas takes you back to the basics. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. The ship had a more defined, intimate culture

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. The atmosphere felt quiet and calm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Staff was more attentive, providing a personalized experience 

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

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

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

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

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

4. I navigated the ship with ease

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

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

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

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

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

5. There was no need to make reservations

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

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

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

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

6. Seating was more easily available 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did you know some Royal Caribbean cruise ships have drinks served by a robot?

The innovative feature involved in Royal Caribbean's Bionic Bar means you can order a drink served by a robot.

You'll find these special bars on several of the cruise line’s ships and offers both custom and classic drinks.

The technological wonder is a fascinating feature many cruisers want to take advantage of—here’s how it works.

What is the Bionic Bar?

Royal Caribbean’s Bionic Bar is a unique bar that combines technology, entertainment, and alcohol to provide a popular, interactive experience for cruisers on select Royal Caribbean ships.

This bar is a robotic system that uses a pair of bionic arms to mix and serve drinks onboard. The two robots were first introduced on Quantum of the Seas in 2014, one of the first of its time. They were engineered in Italy to be able to shake, measure, stir, and strain all types of drinks.

Since its first introduction, the bar has become a popular, innovative attraction onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer a unique and fun way to order both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Royal Caribbean ships are known for their innovation in this bar is just one example of the main features you can try. 

Whether you are spicing up a drink package, trying your first beverage of the day, or ordering a Mocktail just to give it a try, this bar is worth the experience.

The robots can produce 2 drinks every 60 seconds and up to 1,000 drinks per day. At certain peak hours, the bar can get extremely full.

However, many guests find that they would rather try this experience once, experience the novelty, and then move on to other bars located on the ship.  

The price of drinks at the Bionic Bar is the same as cocktails at any other bars on the ship.

Guests’ drinks are charged to their SeaPass account through the SeaPass card. For guests who have a Royal Caribbean drink package, they can order at the bar, and the drink will be included in their package benefits.

Drinks ordered at the Bionic Bar still come with an automatic 18% gratuity, which is distributed to the human bar staff later on.

Attendants at the bar serve to clean the bar area, restock bottles as needed, and take care of any minor technical issues with the Bionic robot.

Read more: Ten Best Royal Caribbean Bars

How do you order a drink?

Customers can approach the bar and place drink orders on a tablet—usually an iPad or smartphone—near the counter. 

First, swipe your SeaPass card to begin the order. Then, select what drink you’d like. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean wants your Bionic Bar drink recipe

After you select your drink order, the robot bartender will start to create your beverage.

Various bottles of mixers and liqueurs surround the bar, and you can observe as the robot arm begins to select, carefully measure, and mix each ingredient. 

An interactive wall above the bar will display fun statistics about your order, the list of passengers in the queue, as well as the play-by-play progress of your drink being served.

When the drink is ready, you can scan your SeaPass card at the counter, and the robot will slide your glass over to you.

Although the bartender will try its best, the arm’s technology is not perfect: sometimes items can slip and spill! 

In these moments, human crew members are present to clean up any messes, and the robot is always able to start over.

After you receive your drink, you can have a seat at the bar and continue observing or walk away to enjoy your drink in another area of the ship. 

There is no time or drink number limit on your order, so you can feel free to stay and keep placing orders.

Read more: Top 10 cocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

Bionic Bar menu

The menu options at this bar are much the same as other drinks on Royal Caribbean’s bar menus, with a few specials thrown in. 

Preprogrammed options are listed on the menu, divided between Bionic Classics and Bionic Signatures. 

There is also an option to create, select, and save your own drink combination. A multitude of custom combinations are available, with 30 spirits and 21 mixers to choose from. 

You can also choose how strong the drink should be, if you want it shaken or stirred, and if you’d like ice with it—there are endless possibilities when it comes to drink orders at the Bionic Bar.

How much is a drink at the Bionic Bar?

The cost of a drink at the Bionic Bar depends on what drink you order, but you can expect it to be up to $14 in value.

Mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks should come in at around $8 or so.

The good news is an unlimited Royal Caribbean drink package will cover drinks up to $14 in value, so any drink you order from the Bionic Bar should be included with that.

Which ships have a Bionic Bar?

The Bionic Bar is located on the following Royal Caribbean ships: 

• Anthem of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of The Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder Of The Seas

The Bionic Bar is usually located in a prominent area of the ship, inviting passengers to slow down and wonder at the technological marvel.

Usually, the Bionic Bar has at least a few patrons at most times of the day, with many others pausing to take pictures and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kids use the bar?

Although children are free to watch, alcoholic drinks are only served to guests 21 and over on sailing from North America and guests 18 and over on sailings from Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Are there non-alcoholic drinks?

Yes, non-alcoholic drinks are also served at the bionic bar and can be ordered in the same way as an alcoholic beverage. If you have a non-alcoholic drink package, it can also be utilized at the Bionic Bar.

Does it work with a drink package?

Yes, guests with a Royal Caribbean drink package may order drinks at the Bionic Bar, and it will be included with their package benefits.

Happy Sunday! Temperatures may be dropping, but there is plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share. This is your weekly summary of all the Royal Caribbean news from this past week, perfectly fitted for your consumption.

Royal Caribbean has opened reservations for its high-end supper club, the Empire Supper Club, on its upcoming Icon of the Seas launch in 2024.

This formal supper club will be the first of its kind, an elegant and glitzy experience like never before. 

It is priced at $200 per person, or just an additional $130 for guests with the Unlimited Dining Packing.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels excursions to Blue Lagoon Island following deadly incident
• How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?
• Royal Caribbean is starting its own streaming service
• Behind Icon of the Seas and the AquaDome lift
• The former Song of America cruise ship is going to be scrapped
• You can now book 2025-2026 7-night or longer Caribbean cruises on Royal Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean Captain talks about new smaller cruise ship plans

Video: Inside the Mega Suite on the World's Biggest Cruise Ships

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Check out the link to view our latest video: Inside the Mega Suite on the World's Biggest Cruise Ships

I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Radiance of the Seas

Paying just $151 a night, Calista decided to sail in the cheapest cabin on Radiance of the Seas.

Located midship, with no windows, this small cabin became her home for the 5-night sailing.

Her cabin tour shows the room’s features and explains whether the inexpensive price was worth staying in the small stateroom. 

Sorrento's pizza on Royal Caribbean cruise ships

Royal Caribbean’s food venues are well-known for their quality and service, and Sorrento’s Pizza is one such complimentary venue.

Deanna reviews Sorrento’s Pizza, the grab-and-go restaurant available on many cruise ships, either as its own restaurant or as part of the Cafe Promenade or Park Cafe.

What are the menu, hours, and cost at Sorrento’s Pizza? Read more here. 

Comparing the cheapest cabin on Carnival Celebration vs Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas

Elizabeth recently stayed in windowless interior cabins onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Celebration—the cheapest options available on both cruise lines.

From the bathroom to seating to storage, Elizabeth compares the two cabins, sharing which aspects she likes more from each cabin.

I chose to cruise on a smaller Royal Caribbean cruise ship. It saved me money and brought me to ports I prefer

Matt shares why he preferred to sail on a smaller Royal Caribbean ship, such as on his cruise on Radiance of the Seas. 

Radiance is Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ship, but that’s no reason to avoid sailing on this ship.

Sailing from the small Tampa port, this sailing was an inexpensive way for Matt to travel to multiple ports in Mexico. 

Experienced cruisers know that the port you choose to sail out of has a big impact on your embarkation day experience. 

After experiencing the thrill of setting sail from the bustling large ports of Port Canaveral and Miami on my first two cruising adventures, I decided it was time to explore a new Florida port. 

For my third cruise, I embarked on a 5-night Radiance of the Seas sailing, departing from the smaller, more intimate port in downtown Tampa.

If you’re considering sailing from a smaller cruise port like I did, here’s what you can expect from embarkation day out of Tampa, Florida. 

I didn’t prepare as carefully as I usually do for embarkation day

While picking an earlier check-in time saves you from waiting in line, I didn’t make it a priority for this cruise.

My friend and I checked in on the app only about a week before the cruise, so we had to select a later check-in time in between 12:00 P.M. and 12:30 P.M. 

On previous cruises, I have arrived a little earlier, but I was glad I got the chance to experience the later time block on embarkation day. 

Additionally, my friend decided to fly into Tampa to meet me the very morning of the cruise: arriving at about 8:00 A.M.

Usually, we recommend flying in the night before your cruise, to ensure that nothing goes wrong and you can still make it onto the cruise ship in time.

However, my friend had no issues, and we still had several hours to spare before our cruise.

My friend and I ordered an Uber to arrive at the port around 12:00 P.M. 

Despite our looser planning, all went well, and we arrived right on time! 

When we arrived at the port, finding the terminal was complicated

Located in downtown Tampa, right next to the aquarium, this port was filled with cargo ships and other cruise ships. 

Whereas my cruises out of Port Canaveral and Miami had a much more international presence, it seemed like the Tampa port attracted a lot of native Floridians. 

Once I was onboard, almost everyone I talked to seemed to come from somewhere in Florida.

When I first arrived, I thought it looked crowded for such a small port. Little did I know that would become the theme of the day.

Our Uber driver had to circle around a couple terminals to find the correct one. While we waited in the car, we completed the mandatory safety briefing on the app so we wouldn't have to do it once we got onboard. 

At the Tampa port, Royal Caribbean uses both terminals 1 and 3, depending on which ships are in port. Since Grandeur of the Seas was embarking on the same day, Radiance of the Seas was located further down at Terminal 3.

It was hard to navigate through—we had to go around aquarium parking and other terminal entrances—but thankfully, security guards stood at several locations to give us directions.

Finally, our Uber driver was able to pull into the port and drop us off at the entrance. 

Immediately, a porter stopped us and took our bags. This was one benefit of being at a smaller terminal: we were able to find a porter and hand off our bags right out of the car’s trunk!

However, the experience became a lot harder from there.

We had to wait in line for an hour before we could even enter the terminal

We got in line to go up the stairs or escalator to enter the terminal. However, as soon as we got in line, we saw that the stairs and escalator were closed off, and staff were preventing people from walking up. They said that it was so crowded inside the terminal that we had to wait down the stairs to prevent it from getting congested.

After about 10 minutes, staff opened up the escalator and allowed us to walk up. However, the lines only grew longer from there.

The lines stretched out past the entrance onto the outdoor level of the terminal.

We had to walk around the building to even get in line, and the lines only grew longer from there.

We stood in the heat for quite some time, waiting for the line to even move forward into the shade.

I found myself regretting not packing my sunglasses in my carry-on. As time went on, it became more of an issue of survival, and I wished I had packed more water and snacks.

As Florida tends to be in the middle of the day, it became very hot and sunny.

I started to worry that some people would start to pass out. If I was feeling overheated, how much worse would the elderly and children feel?

I could hear babies crying behind me in line, as the line started to stretch on even longer and wrap around the outside of the terminal.

However, one positive aspect of sailing out of this port is that we had a beautiful view of downtown Tampa, the water, and the palm trees as we waited. 

Since Radiance of the Seas is the smallest ship I've sailed on so far—only carrying 2,300 passengers—I was surprised that such a small ship would have longer lines than I’m used to. 

As we surveyed what looked like hundreds of people in line with us, I heard someone behind me say: “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

It was an hour before we even made it inside the terminal and into the blessed relief of shade and A.C. 

Once we made it inside the terminal, the process went much faster 

After that, however, things went smoothly: staff checked our passports and SetSail Passes before we got into a fast-moving line through security. 

The security there told us that it was a very hectic day, but I still found myself wondering why such a small ship would have so many people in line. 

That seems to be the disadvantage of sailing out of a smaller port: there is not a lot of space for people to wait, especially indoors. 

After that, a crew member checked our passports and SetSail Passes again, and we entered one last checkpoint where a crew member examined our SetSail Passes.

It was easy sailing after that last checkpoint: we just had to exit the terminal, walk up the gangway onto the boat, and find our muster station.

This part held most of the ease I was expecting from embarking on a smaller boat. It was quick and easy to enter the ship and find our muster station. We received a short safety briefing from the crew member at our station, made sure that we had already completed the safety lessons on the app, and we were free to go.

After arriving at the terminal at 12:00 P.M., we finally finished checking in at 1:30 P.M. It was the longest embarkation process I’ve experienced so far. 

But now that the process was completed, my friend and I could explore the ship and head up for lunch at the Windjammer.

We were ready for the adventure to begin!