Meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the likelihood of an El Niño developing by mid-summer has significantly increased — but what does that mean for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season?

According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, a transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral is expected within the next month, with a 55% chance that the ENSO-neutral conditions are likely to continue from May through July 2026. Afterward, there's a 62% chance that El Niño is likely to emerge and persist through at least the end of 2026. 

To understand what this means, it helps to look at the broader El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which comprises La Niña, ENSO-neutral, and El Niño. The three phases play a key role in global climate patterns, affecting everything from weather to wildfires, ecosystems, and economies. 

El Niño is a natural climate pattern marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and occurs every 2-7 years. It weakens trade winds and changes global atmospheric patterns. 

On the flip side, La Niña is associated with cooler-than-average Pacific waters, which results in stronger trade winds and enhanced Atlantic hurricane activity. 

Whereas El Niño leads to wetter conditions in the southern U.S. and warmer, drier weather in the northern part of the country, La Niña causes colder and stormier winters in the northern U.S. and Canada, while producing drier, warmer winters in the South. 

For Florida cruisers, the resurgence of El Niño during the 2026 hurricane season is encouraging, as it could mean that there are fewer named tropical storms during the season's most active weeks. 

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. However, the busiest part of the season is typically August through October. If El Niño takes hold, this destructive period may see fewer storms, and thus impact fewer cruise itineraries. 

How does El Niño affect hurricane season?

Just because El Niño could reduce storm activity during the peak hurricane months doesn’t guarantee a quiet season. For example, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a strong Category 3 storm during the strong El Niño year in 2023. 

Official seasonal hurricane forecasts haven’t been released yet, but they will provide more insight into how the developing El Niño could affect the 2026 hurricane season. 

AccuWeather is scheduled to release its prediction on Wednesday, Mar. 25, followed by Colorado State University on Thursday, Apr. 9. 

Read more: What experienced cruisers do differently during hurricane season

However, La Niña is generally when Atlantic hurricanes are more favorable due to the stronger trade winds and reduced wind shear. This makes it easier for storms to form and intensify. 

Moreover, during El Niño, the atmosphere over the warm Pacific experiences a broad rising motion, which is offset by sinking air over the tropical Atlantic and Africa. The increased atmospheric stability over areas where storms are most likely to develop makes it harder for hurricanes to form and intensify, which often leads to fewer overall storms. 

"With a strong El Niño forecast to form, it's a good bet we'll see a below-average season in the Atlantic. Still, most El Niño seasons still have 1-2 high-end hurricanes," said Andy Hazelton, an associate scientist at the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, in an X post. 

"Most of the time they recurve (like Erika 97) thanks to an enhanced subtropical jet, but occasionally you get a storm that sneaks through (like Betsy 65). While it's impossible to tell the details of individual storms at this range, the flavor of the season seems fairly clear: likely less activity in the Caribbean and deep tropics, with what does form mostly in the subtropics and East/Central Atlantic."

Are we in El Niño or La Niña?

Right now, we're still in La Niña. "La Niña continued in February 2026, with below-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) persisting in the east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean," the Climate Prediction Center's recent Diagnostic Discussion reads. 

However, the equatorial subsurface has continued to rise, showing the above-average surface temperatures across the Pacific are getting warmer than usual. 

The discussion continues, "[T]he increasing odds of El Niño are supported by the large amount of heat in the subsurface ocean and the expected weakening of the low-level trade winds. If El Niño forms, the potential strength remains very uncertain, with a 1-in-3 chance that it would be 'strong' during October-December 2026."

Read more: Check these 5 things in your travel insurance policy before hurricane season

As Royal Caribbean nears the opening of its new beach club in Cozumel, Mexico later this year, they've made an announcement related to beach access.

As part of the company's dedication to community well-being and sustainable tourism, Royal Caribbean is developing new public beach access in the Zona Hotelera Sur area, a recent press release revealed. 

Public beach access in the Cozumel area has long faced challenges, including traffic conflicts, limited signage, and inadequate lighting. As such, relocating the path will ensure greater accessibility, improved safety, and enhanced facilities.

The cruise line plans to begin construction as soon as it obtains all of the necessary regulatory and environmental permits, with the current public beach access remaining open until the new facilities are fully operational.

Read more: We got our first look at Royal Caribbean's private beach club in Mexico

This new initiative aligns with Royal Caribbean's SEA the Future sustainability program. While the cruise line is focused on offering memorable vacation experiences aboard its fleet of ships and award-winning private destination portfolio, they want to do so in a way that sustains the planet, energizes local communities, and accelerates local innovation. 

Uplifting and upholding environmental preservation, economic development, and sustainability means that these destinations will be accessible and desirable for generations to come. 

"We are excited to bring the Royal Beach Club experience to Cozumel while ensuring that beach access, a right guaranteed under Mexican law, is available to all. This initiative reflects our dedication to creating shared value by improving safety, accessibility, and infrastructure for the community,” said Ari Adler Brotman, President, Royal Caribbean Mexico.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel is set to open in 2026

An official opening date has yet to be announced for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel. However, it's expected to open to cruise passengers in 2026. 

Like the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the next private destination is designed to operate as an extra-cost shore excursion, unlike the complimentary access guaranteed to everyone visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

The main idea behind the new beach club is to give guests easy access to breathtaking ocean views and a curated beach experience unlike any other. 

At the Royal Beach Club Cozumel, patrons will find everything from swim-up bars to oceanfront pools, private cabanas, snorkeling opportunities, local street markets, tequila tastings, cooking classes, and more. 

Pricing and day pass availability have yet to be revealed by the cruise line. 

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live and work on the world's biggest cruise ship?

At the heart of every cruise vacation is the ship's hardworking crew members. From the housekeeping team to bartenders, dining room wait staff, and entertainers, it would be impossible to have a smooth sailing without the crew. 

Life on board as a crew member is exciting and demanding. Most crew members work long hours and live in tiny cabins below the passenger decks. In return, however, they meet people from dozens of different countries and build lifelong friendships. 

Ex-crew member Bryan James recently traveled aboard Star of the Seas with his girlfriend, Jaidyn, while she was finishing her contract. 

Although he is no longer working as an entertainer aboard cruise ships, James continues to document his life on his well-known YouTube channel, which has amassed over 500k subscribers. 

His channel is filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on board, as well as some cruise secrets from experienced sailors that will help you plan the ultimate getaway. 

In a recent video, Jaidyn briefly shares a look inside her crew cabin before signing off and starting her next chapter: relocating to Arizona with James. 

Read more: Crew member reveals that uneaten food on cruise ships isn't always thrown away

Better Crew Rooms on Icon Class Ships

When Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024, she was filled with record-breaking firsts, including the largest waterpark at sea, the first-ever elegant supper club restaurant, a brand-new enclosed AquaTheater, and a complimentary food hall. 

However, below deck, Royal Caribbean's team designed a completely different world for the 2,000-plus crew members who keep the ship running around the clock. Dubbed the "Crew Neighborhood," this hidden area spans four decks and functions like a miniature city-within-a-city, with everything from an indoor and outdoor pub, a dedicated game room, a gym, a mess hall, and even a salon. 

Another highlight of the new Icon Class ships is the redesigned crew accommodations. During the early stages of the class's conception, the cruise line sent out surveys to crew members asking them what they'd like to see aboard Icon, and at the top of the list were better cabins.

Icon Class vessels are the only cruise ships to feature unique L-shaped crew cabins. Other added features include privacy curtains, enhanced finishes and materials, and easier-to-climb beds. 

"This [L-shape] accommodation allows each crew member to have their own private space where they can really relax and have their own time," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO.

Read more: Photos show the secret crew-only areas on Icon of the Seas

Cruise Ship Crew Quarters on Star of the Seas

During her time on Star of the Seas, Jaidyn shared one of the new L-shaped crew cabins. Although the space isn't large, the redesigned accommodation feels more comfortable and private.

Jaidyn had the top bunk, complete with a grey privacy curtain, while her roommate slept on the lower bed positioned just below. The innovative layout creates a little separation between the two sleeping areas, with each crew member also having their own flat-screen television. 

The compact cabin also features built-in storage, ensuring that every inch of space is maximized and used efficiently. The built-in closet has hanging space, as well as small shelves for folded clothes, shoes, and other personal belongings. 

Directly next to the closet is a small staircase that leads up to the top bunk. These stairs make it easier and safer for crew members to climb into bed.

There are additional built-in drawers near the cabin's entrance door, too, along with a small desk with two shelves above it. Crew rooms typically have an attached ensuite bathroom. Jaidyn, however, doesn't show it. 

Finally, in the short room tour, Jaidyn explains that crew members are required to leave clean linens when departing the ship. 

"Here's everything that I'm kind of leaving behind for the next group of girls. We have to have clean linen, clean shower curtain, all of that," she says. 

Overall, the cabin isn't as grand as Star of the Seas' Royal Loft Suite, but it’s designed with practicality and comfort in mind for those spending long stretches of time at sea. 

Years after Royal Caribbean overhauled its Main Dining Room menus to create a more streamlined dinner experience, Carnival Cruise Line seems to be following suit. 

The cruise line's new Express Dining option ensures that guests receive the same quality food and overall dining experience that Carnival is known for — in a fraction of the time, according to a recent press release. 

According to one Redditor, dinner aboard Carnival cruise ships can easily take an hour. "Hit up the lido [buffet], pizza or seafood shack if there’s a show or activity that you don’t want to miss," they advise. 

Someone else added, "I have noticed that when I was seated at a group table in the MDR, the wait staff tends to serve everyone at the same pace. So, if someone is a particularly slow eater, it may take longer to get through all the courses."

Supposedly, the multi-course Express Dining experience serves parties of six or fewer in under one hour. Currently, the program is available on 15 "fun ships," ranging from Carnival Jubilee to Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Vista; however, it'll be available fleetwide by the end of May. 

"Our guests continue to tell us they value greater flexibility in how they spend their time on board, and Express Dining was designed with that in mind," said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. 

"Our pilot program generated positive feedback from our guests. With this in mind, we are excited to expand Express Dining to offer them the same high-quality dishes and attentive service our dining rooms are known for, while giving guests the ability to use more of their time to enjoy all the other onboard fun."

The release continues, adding that special dietary requests will be accommodated during the Express Dining service. Additionally, guests with Carnival's flexible Your Time Dining can opt in to the Express Dining option through Carnival's mobile HUB App. 

Read more: Carnival menus 2026: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more

The push toward faster dining room meals at sea isn’t new

Royal Caribbean launched new fleetwide dining menus in January 2023. It was the first major overhaul the cruise line had made to its main dining experience in over five years. According to cruise line executives, the revamp was designed in part based on complaints that they needed to speed up the service. 

As cruise ships pack in more entertainment (think AquaTheater high diving shows, dueling piano battles, Broadway-style musicals, karaoke jam sessions, and more), it's important to balance dining with passengers’ other activities. 

Rather than spending two hours stuck in the dining room, Royal Caribbean created a solution to make the multi-course dinner experience feel less time-consuming without completely losing the key traits of traditional cruise dinners. 

Read more: I tried the new Royal Caribbean menus — here's how I'd rank everything I ate

"We've got so many things to do on board the ship, and we don't want to hold you hostage in your dining experience," explained Linken D'Souza, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage. 

"[T]he first thing [the menus] will help us do is improve the speed of the pace of the meal. Not hugely, but let's call it about 15 minutes is what we're seeing, which is a significant reduction, [and] gets us much closer to that 75-minute target."

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, added, "It's also fair to say that we get a lot of feedback from customers who do want to have a slightly faster [dinner] service."

Carnival's Express Dining has a similar goal. However, rather than assume every guest wants a shortened dinner experience, Carnival’s approach gives passengers the choice.

The Express Dining's menu features a slightly abbreviated selection of options to streamline service while still delivering the same multi-course experience cruise guests expect. During the pilot that began last summer, the menu was simplified to include just four appetizers, four entrées, and two desserts. The goal was to shorten dining times from around 90 to 45 minutes. 

Last year, Carnival also introduced a new buffet lunch option to make mealtime easier for families. The buffet's Family Express menus feature kid-approved favorites like chicken tenders, plain spaghetti pasta, hot dogs, mac and cheese, and sugar sprinkle cookies — alongside more sophisticated options that appeal to adults, including salmon croquettes, turkey escalopes, savory pork ribs, and chicken mirabella.

The standard buffet options didn't disappear. Rather, the Family Express service was added to offer a quick and streamlined lunch experience that fits into everyone's schedule, with salads, entrées, and desserts in one designated place. This layout makes it easy to grab exactly what you want without wasting time browsing the available options at each station. 

Read more: Carnival introduces new lunch option to make dining easier for families

Is the cruise ship dining room worth it?

Generally speaking, the Main Dining Room remains a highlight of today's cruise experience. Although it is far less formal than in decades past, the multi-course menu and attentive service allow guests to enjoy a more upscale meal than at the buffet. 

As cruise lines have recognized that travelers value flexibility on vacation, they’ve adapted their dining rooms to meet the needs of today’s passengers. 

For example, rather than being forced to eat at the same time each night, passengers can opt into Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining program, which allows them to make reservations for their preferred dining time or simply show up when it's most convenient. 

The best part about the cruise dining room is that it’s included in the cost of the cruise. You never have to worry about receiving a large bill for the multiple appetizers, entrées, and desserts that your party savored.

And if you are in a hurry to make one of the ship's shows, simply let your dining room team know. They will do their best to get you served and out the door as quickly as possible. 

Read more: 6 Unwritten rules to know before eating at the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean ships

With cruise fares steadily increasing in recent years, it’s no surprise that many travelers are on the hunt for a great deal. Unfortunately, if you see a price that seems too good to be true, it likely is. 

Although there are plenty of savvy ways to save money on a cruise, many low fares come with a long list of caveats, from hidden fees to restrictive cabin types that may be disappointing. In many cases, the advertised "cheap" price applies only to certain departure dates, stateroom categories, or cruise ships. 

Before jumping the gun and booking what seems to be an unbelievable deal, you must read the fine print to avoid any surprises. You don't, for example, want to brag about finding an affordable cruise on Icon of the Seas just to discover the deal is only valid on small, no-frill Vision or Radiance Class vessels. 

In this article, we'll share some cruise "deals" that you should be wary of — from misleading promotions to those that create unrealistic expectations about the onboard experience. 

"Free" cruise offers

(Credit: quarterWest1368)

You may receive an email or a postcard saying you’ve "won" a free cruise or are eligible for an exclusive deal. Word to the wise? Be extremely skeptical of these offers. 

Unless it's through the Casino Royale program or Crown & Anchor Society, the "free" cruise typically comes with strings attached, such as requiring you to attend a lengthy timeshare or vacation club presentation. 

You can certainly look into the promotion and read the fine print. However, don't be surprised if the exciting offer turns into more of a headache than it is worth. 

Cheap cruises on older ships

Generally, the lowest fares are for sailings on older vessels, such as Enchantment of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. While these ships can still make for a great vacation, the onboard amenities are more basic than those on newer mega-ships. 

For example, Vision and Radiance Class vessels don't have record-breaking waterparks, FlowRider surf simulators, ice skating rinks, or zip lines. There are also fewer dining and entertainment options. 

Whereas Icon of the Seas has an indoor AquaTheater, world-class theater, AquaDome food hall, and numerous specialty restaurants, older ships are more scaled back and are reminiscent of a different era of cruising. 

Again, that isn't necessarily a dealbreaker. In fact, the Royal Caribbean Blog team loves older ships. However, it's important to be aware of the differences, especially if you are expecting your experience to match the action-packed commercials you've seen on television. 

Additionally, cheap cruise fares are not all-inclusive. As such, you will be responsible for add-ons like gratuities, drink packages, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi, which can significantly drive up the total cost of your vacation. 

Read more: Why you shouldn’t skip Royal Caribbean's older (and smaller) ships

Kids sail free promotions

As a family-friendly cruise line, Royal Caribbean often offers deals where children under a certain age can sail for "free" ("free" is a generous term, because nobody is actually stepping foot on a cruise ship without paying something).

While the kids sail free promotion can help reduce the overall cost of the cruise, it’s important to note that taxes, port fees, and gratuities still apply. In other words, it's just the cruise fare itself that's "free."

The deal typically only covers children 12 and under staying in the same stateroom as their parents/guardians, too. As such, if you are a family that prefers multiple cabins, the kids sail free promotion won't be useful. 

Moreover, tons of blackout dates could prevent you from taking advantage of the deal. For example, many spring dates are excluded from the promotion, meaning you may have to pay full price if you're considering a spring break cruise. 

Read more: I've taken my kids on cruises since they were babies. It's been the best way to teach them independence as they've grown older

Last-minute cruises

Royal Caribbean doesn't want to operate any sailings with empty cabins. As such, you may notice that they significantly drop pricing in the months and weeks leading up to a cruise with lots of availability. 

If you are local and live near the cruise port, taking advantage of a last-minute cruise can be a great way to snag a lower fare. However, last-minute airfare can be expensive and negate the total savings from the cheaper cruise. 

Stateroom availability may also be limited. Consequently, you might get stuck with a windowless interior cabin instead of an ocean-view balcony. If you need adjoining rooms, this cannot be guaranteed, either. 

Additionally, because Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner lets passengers begin to book add-ons months in advance, certain excursions, specialty restaurants, and onboard activities may already be fully booked by the time you snag your last-minute stateroom. 

Read more: Is booking a last-minute Royal Caribbean cruise a good idea? Pros, Cons & What to Expect

Too-good-to-be-true cabin upgrades

Through the RoyalUp Program, cruisers can bid on higher category staterooms. For example, if you book a standard interior cabin, you can bid on an ocean-view balcony. If you're lucky, you may score the upgrade at a fraction of the normal cost. However, it's important to be aware of the downsides of the bidding program. 

For starters, you cannot pick the new stateroom's location. So, if you paid extra for a mid-ship cabin away from noisy venues, it is not guaranteed that your new room will be in a similarly quiet spot. You could also end up in the front of the vessel, which isn't ideal for cruisers who suffer from motion sickness. 

Moreover, you can't request connecting cabins when trying your luck through the RoyalUp Program. This means that families could end up being split apart and dispersed on different decks. 

Read more: The trick to getting a Royal Up bid accepted (it's all about availability and luck)

Guaranteed stateroom deals

On a similar note, you can elect to save a few dollars by letting Royal Caribbean randomly assign your stateroom, rather than choosing your exact cabin at the time of booking.  

If you aren't picky and do not have your heart set on a specific cabin configuration or location, a guarantee stateroom could be a good deal. At the end of the day, you will be given a cabin in your chosen category (if not higher) and have access to the same amenities as everyone else on the ship (i.e., private bathroom, television, personal safe, housekeeping service, etc.).

However, there's always the risk of being assigned a room in an undesirable location, such as underneath the pool deck or near the late-night smoking casino. Having a bad cruise room can ruin your onboard experience and leave lasting negative memories of the entire vacation. 

Port Canaveral is one step closer to introducing a new solution to address the crowded parking garage complaints. 

(Credit: Canaveral Port Authority)

As the world's busiest cruise terminal, thousands of passengers arrive by car for their long-awaited vacations, and limited parking has long been a source of frustration at the Central Florida port. 

"[T]he biggest recurring nightmare is the traffic and the long wait to exit. [I]f you park in the official terminal garages...a lot of people got trapped in there for hours trying to leave...[T]he second horror story is getting turned away or circling forever," wrote a Redditor on the r/parkingguides thread. 

To tackle these issues, Port Canaveral is constructing a massive 13-story parking garage. The $93 million project will be the largest and most complex parking garage ever constructed at Port Canaveral, with 3,732 parking spaces available for those sailing out of Terminals 5 and 6. It's expected to open sometime in the fall of 2026. 

(Credit: Ivey’s Construction/Canaveral Port Authority)

Port Canaveral recently announced in an official press release that construction of the new parking garage has reached a major milestone, with a large 600-square-foot, 36.7-ton pre-cast concrete wall section being lowered into place. This signals the start of the garage’s vertical construction. 

With approximately 80% of Port Canaveral cruisers driving to the port, it's important to expand parking capacity to comfortably accommodate all passengers. Once the garage is completed, the port will offer nearly 17,500 parking spaces across eight different garages and surface lots, making parking at Port Canaveral easier. 

The new 1.2 million-square-foot parking garage is part of the Port Canaveral Advantage program, a costly capital improvement initiative that will invest nearly $1 billion in much-needed upgrades over the next five years. 

(Credit: Ivey’s Construction/Canaveral Port Authority)

Key components of the program include the expansion of Cruise Terminal 5 and Cruise Terminal 10, along with more parking upgrades and the implementation of technology designed to streamline embarkation and debarkation. Cruise Terminal 5 frequently welcomes Royal Caribbean ships like Adventure, Voyager, and Explorer of the Seas. 

"Port Canaveral is not only the world’s busiest cruise port, but also one of the nation’s most convenient and easily accessible. Our focus on customers is essential to delivering a high-quality guest experience," said Captain John W. Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. 

"This new parking garage is an investment in our commitment to making Port Canaveral the best it can be for our valued cruise partners and their guests."

Read more: I tested the $60 Orlando cruise ship shuttle to Port Canaveral

How much is parking at Port Canaveral?

When planning a cruise vacation, it's important to budget for everything from the bucket ticket items, like the fare itself, to the smaller but necessary expenses, like parking. 

Currently, Port Canaveral cruise parking costs $20 per day, plus tax, for standard vehicles and RVs. The rate includes the day of embarkation and disembarkation. Moreover, parking is pay-on-arrival, and the cruise port does not accept reservations. 

This means that for a weeklong cruise, you can expect to spend over $180 to park your vehicle at Port Canaveral. 

Port Canaveral is the world's busiest cruise port

Port Canaveral broke its passenger record in 2025, reflecting higher cruise demand than ever. During the 2025 fiscal year, the port welcomed over 8.6 million cruise passengers, up from 7,592,535 in 2024. The staggering numbers secured Port Canaveral's spot as the busiest cruise port in the world.

Some of the world's largest cruise ships homeport in Port Canaveral, including Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. Star embarks on 7-night Caribbean voyages every Sunday, while Utopia offers 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas every Friday and Monday. 

More than a dozen additional ships also depart from Port Canaveral, such as Disney Treasure, Carnival’s Mardi Gras, Celebrity Apex, MSC Seashore, Adventure of the Seas, and Norwegian Prima. In total, Port Canaveral claims that seven major cruise lines operate over 1,000 sailings from the port. 

Read more: PortMiami, Port Canaveral set yearly records for cruise passengers

Not only is Port Canaveral extremely busy, but it is also well-liked by cruisers — proven when the port was named the "Best North American Homeport" in Cruise Critic’s 17th Annual "Best in Cruise" Awards. 

"Earning this kind of accolade validates our focus on providing a high-quality experience for all cruise guests sailing from our Port,” said Captain John W. Murray. 

"We are the start and finish of every cruise, and our continued investments in improving the guest experience at Port Canaveral is our commitment to the business growth of our cruise partners."

The addition of the new 13-story parking garage and other needed port improvements highlight Port Canaveral's dedication to maintaining its reputation as a top-rated homeport, as well as making it easier for passengers to begin and end their vacations. 

Before specialty restaurants and late-night pizza became the norm, cruise ships had a different after-hours tradition: the legendary midnight buffet.

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Today, nearly every Royal Caribbean cruiser is familiar with the Windjammer Marketplace, El Loco Fresh, and Sorrento's. However, these dining options weren't always around. In fact, there's one that, if given the option, many cruisers would gladly bring back — even if it meant replacing greasy late-night pizza.

The cruise ship midnight buffet was once a beloved tradition at sea. Even today, with ships larger and more technically advanced than ever before, nothing quite captures the mystique of the midnight buffet's gorging and excitement in the same way. 

The midnight buffet was more than a grand feast (though without fast-casual options like Sorrento's, it was needed to satisfy late-night cravings). At its core, the midnight buffet was a spectacle and a form of entertainment during a time when AquaTheaters, high-quality musicals, and more did not exist. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

The Main Dining Room was transformed into a dazzling display of culinary artistry — think the Seafood Extravaganza at the Oceanview Café on Celebrity Cruises, but on an even grander scale — and before cruisers could dig in, they were allowed to walk through and admire the carefully arranged tables. 

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean began phasing out the elegant ice carvings, fruit sculptures, and chocolate fountains in the 1990s and early 2000s. Now, the once-popular midnight buffet, also known as the "Gala Buffet," exists only in memories, photographs, and home movies. 

Read more: What it was like to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the 1970s

The Royal Caribbean midnight buffet was replaced with other dining options

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Over the years, late-night venues like Sorrento's and Café Promenade rose in popularity, reflecting a bigger shift in the cruising industry. While these included spots offer around-the-clock snacks, from simple sandwiches to cookies, fruit, and hot slices of pizza, they also highlight that today’s ships cater to a more casual, flexible crowd. 

Unlike the midnight buffet, towering displays of food aren't set out for one hour and then discarded. Instead, fast-casual food options are prepared and replenished as needed throughout the day, ensuring that less goes to waste. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Plus, these spots just easily adjust production as needed, rather than pumping out massive quantities of food when many passengers are already asleep. 

That said, although mega-ships place a greater emphasis on the economy of scale (meaning that the costs of successfully executing a midnight buffet don't make a lot of business sense), many cruisers fondly remember the specialty and would be happy to see it return to Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

"Went on my first cruise in 2005 (18 years old) and all i talked about was the food. 14 years later and my wife books an alaskan cruise for our honeymoon and in some weird twist of fate it was the same exact boat...," explained Worldly_Project_6173 on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread. 

"She had heard all our stories, saw the pictures, and was disappointed when we got there and all the food options were so generic and there was no midnight buffet. Feels like they switched from chefs to food warmer uppers."

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Burnt_Crust_00 added, "Loved them! Ice carvings, bread sculptures, fruit carvings, etc. One of the highlights of the cruise!!!"

 "My first cruise was [on] Majesty in 1994 and they had afternoon tea and a midnight buffet every night!! You walked through the dining room to admire all the fruit and ice sculptures then a second walk through to serve yourself," said AutumnOpal717. 

"I was lucky enough to be alive at a time when this was still a thing. It was the best part of the cruise," reminisced another cruiser.

The Royal Caribbean food options past 10:00 p.m. are limited

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Compared with the elaborate midnight buffets of decades past, the late-night options on Royal Caribbean's ships are disappointing, especially if you're on an older ship. Generally speaking, you are limited to pizza and whatever pre-made options are available at the coffee bar. 

Comparatively, Carnival Cruise Line reintroduced a late-night buffet a few years ago. Although it is not as extravagant as its predecessor, with impressive dessert displays and fruit carvings, the options are plentiful — ranging from chips and salsa to hot dogs, chicken tenders, French fries, potato salad, and more. 

(Credit: @Dtj780/Reddit)

Even Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's premium sister brand, has a section of its buffet open at night, allowing guests to choose from salads, meats and cheeses, pizza, and more. On some ships, you can request made-to-order pasta, too. 

Will Royal Caribbean ever bring back its midnight buffet? Only time will tell. However, if they decide to appease nostalgic cruisers, the buffet would likely be more about efficiency than boasting elaborate displays to brag about on social media. 

Read more: 4 things that are different about dinner on a cruise ship in the 80s vs today

Royal Caribbean is one of many companies hit hard this week by the fallout of the Iran conflict, as its stock price took a tumble.

Oil prices surged on Friday amid growing fears of a broader storage crisis in the Middle East, which could force the world's largest oil producers to halt extraction. But what does this mean for cruise lines that rely on massive amounts of fuel for their ships to travel between ports?

Unsurprisingly, fuel is one of the cruise industry's largest and most volatile expenses. In Q4 2025, Royal Caribbean consumed 439,000 metric tons of fuel at $667 per metric ton, according to GuruFocus, and the company projects using 1.76 million metric tons throughout 2026, at a total cost of roughly $1.17 billion. 

Although 60% of Royal Caribbean's 2026 fuel was hedged (or pre-bought) at $474 per metric ton, the remaining 40% is subject to market fluctuations — for better or worse. Approximately 10% of the 2026 fuel consumption is expected to be from LNG and biofuel blends. 

As such, based on the 2026 fuel forecasts, there are over 520,000 metric tons of fuel that could be subject to a 30% price increase. 

The cost of West Texas Intermediate oil, the U.S. oil benchmark, jumped to $86.57 per barrel on Friday morning, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 4.7% to $89.44, as shared by CBS News. Both were trading near their highest levels since April 2024. 

Thankfully, oil prices aren't close to what they were in late 2007 and 2008, when the West Texas Intermediate benchmark hit roughly $146 per barrel — around $220 in today's money when adjusted for inflation. At around $86 per barrel as of Friday, current oil prices remain well below those historic highs.

Royal Caribbean's hedges mean that the company isn't as susceptible to wild market swings, which helps soften the blow of rising fuel prices.

Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival Corporation & plc doesn't hedge any of its fuel. Brokerage William Blair & Co. claims that the rising fuel costs could penalize the company's full-year earnings by about 20 cents per share, Seatrade Cruise News reported. 

Consequently, the rising oil prices have created significant uncertainty for cruise operators, contributing to a sudden decline in cruise stocks. If prices remain high, cruise companies like Royal Caribbean and Carnival may face tighter profit margins and see major impacts on current share prices. 

Will Royal Caribbean pass on a fuel surcharge to guests?

According to Royal Caribbean's cruise contract, the cruise line has the right to impose a fuel surcharge on its guests without warning, either when booking the cruise or anytime before the sailing begins. 

"Subject to the terms of this Section, Carrier reserves the right, without prior notice to Guest, to impose a fuel supplement charge (the 'Fuel Supplement'). Carrier may impose such Fuel Supplement either at the time of booking or thereafter at any time prior to sailing," the contract states. 

The contract further specifies when a fuel surcharge could be imposed. If, after booking, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude exceeds $65 per barrel or the Henry Hub Natural Gas Spot price exceeds $3 per million British Thermal Units, Royal Caribbean can charge guests up to $12 per day, per person.

"Carrier may, in its sole discretion, require Guest to prepay the Fuel Supplement prior to boarding the Vessel or apply such charge to Guest’s onboard folio at the time of sailing. Guest’s refusal or failure to prepay any Fuel Supplement may be deemed as a cancellation by Guest," the contract continues. 

Despite the specific terms and conditions (and West Texas Intermediate fuel clearly exceeding $65 per barrel as of March 6), it is unlikely that Royal Caribbean will add fuel surcharges, even as oil prices continue to spike. 

When oil prices rose in 2022, Royal Caribbean Group opted not to pass the costs directly onto passengers, The Points Guy reported. Then-spokesperson Jonathon Fishman explicitly said, "We won't be imposing fuel surcharges" in an emailed statement to the online publication. 

The company’s hedging strategy plays a key role in the decision since 60% of the 2026 fuel has already been locked in and accounted for in the budget, meaning the cruise line has a buffer for sudden market changes. 

In other words, they don't have to immediately resort to drastic measures like imposing fuel surcharges and can avoid burdening passengers with unexpected fees, even though it's something everyone agrees to in the contract. 

Why are crude oil prices rising?

Last weekend, the U.S. and Israel launched multiple sustained air and missile strikes against Iran, targeting the country's missile infrastructure, military sites, and leadership, the BBC reported. During the attacks, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and several high-ranking officials were killed.

Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles towards Israel and several Gulf states, which hit or were intercepted in countries like Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. 

They also halted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about 20% of global oil shipments.

On a normal day, about 138 vessels travel through the Strait of Hormuz. However, that number dropped to "single-digit levels," according to a statement issued on March 6 by the Joint Maritime Information Center. 

"Recent AIS review indicates transits continue at single-digit levels, with only 04 confirmed commercial transits observed in the past 24 hours. JMIC has no indication that these vessels were escorted," reads the statement. 

"This represents a near-total temporary pause in routine commercial traffic, resulting from ongoing regional conflict dynamics involving Iran, including warnings against transits by U.S., Israeli, European, and allied vessels."

Read more: How the US-Israeli attacks in Iran are impacting cruises so far

Within the past two years, Royal Caribbean has made multiple dining changes that are helping to reshape and simplify the line's food experience. 

Dining is a central part of any cruise vacation. Whether you enjoy the vast options of the buffet, indulgent three-course meals in the Main Dining Room, or intimate specialty restaurants, a lot of your decisions revolve around when and where you're going to eat. 

Not only that, but mealtime serves as a built-in social time, where you gather with friends and family to reconnect, talk about the day's activities, and plan the rest of your time on board. 

As such, small tweaks to menus, seating times, or better reservation systems can feel significant when planning a cruise. Cruises are all about convenience, so any well-thought-out update isn't just about the food itself — it's about making your vacation flow as smoothly as possible. 

Introduced a third seating time in the dining room

Historically, Royal Caribbean offered two traditional dinner times on its ships, seating guests around 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Although the traditional seating worked for many, others thought the times were either too early or too late. 

Consequently, in 2024, the cruise line added a third dining time to fit other passengers' schedules, ensuring that dinner remained a convenient and enjoyable part of the daily cruise experience. The exact time of the extra seating depends on the ship and itinerary, but it typically starts between 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

While My Time Dining lets guests choose when they want to eat each night, the third traditional seating offers a middle ground for those who still enjoy having the same wait staff but want something more flexible.

According to Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, the change was made to give cruisers "more choice and variety and flexibility for their vacation."

"We're just trying to create more convenience, variety, and options for our guests," he said during an exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean Blog. 

He added that early tests of the new third set dining time were overwhelmingly positive, with cruisers giving the seating higher ratings than the early, late, and My Time Dining options. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean introduces third dining time

Added a feature to pre-book specialty restaurants with dining packages

Specialty restaurants are popular add-ons on Royal Caribbean cruises — from the classic Chops Grille to interactive hibachi experiences, indulgent Italian feasts, and more. 

Many cruisers prefer the specialty experience over the Main Dining Room, citing the intimate vibe, higher-quality food, and personalized service as making the meals more memorable. 

With the cruise line's dining packages, guests can now enjoy specialty meals without the hassle of paying for each experience separately. 

In the past, one of the major caveats with the packages was that you had to wait until you were on the ship to confirm your reservations. 

Now, however, you can pre-book specialty restaurants for the Unlimited Dining Package, along with the 3-Night Dining Package, on the Cruise Planner. This means you do not have to scramble to the reservations desk on embarkation day! 

You can make reservations for dinner or lunch (when available). Plus, the online portal indicates all available dining times, blocking out those that are fully booked.

Read more: Royal Caribbean extends a fix to a huge dining package problem

Began charging no-shows at restaurants

On a similar note, with specialty restaurants being in such high demand, the cruise line implemented a policy to cut down on last-minute cancellations caused by no-shows. 

In Sept. 2024, Royal Caribbean sent an email to travel agents informing them that it had plans to begin charging for no-shows at its specialty dining restaurants. 

"We will be implementing charges for no-shows at specialty dining reservations across the fleet. Our goal is to preserve these limited seats for clients eager to experience our exclusive, limited-capacity dining options. By encouraging guests to honor their reservations, we aim to enhance the overall experience," the notice read. 

Modifications to the reservation are not allowed within 24 hours of the scheduled dining time. According to the cruise line's website, cancellation fees start at $25 per person and increase to $50 for restaurants like the Empire Supper Club, Lincoln Park Supper Club, Chef's Table, Royal Railway, and Izumi Hibachi, where seating is more limited. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will now charge for no-shows at specialty restaurants

Simplified how cruisers can request a dining change

Most recently, Royal Caribbean made it easier for guests to change their preferred dining time through its website. 

Previously, you had to either call the cruise line or your travel agent, which could be time-consuming. Now, with just a few clicks online, it's easier than ever to move from the early seating to the late seating. 

You can also request to change from one of the traditional seatings to My Time Dining, giving you the option to choose when you'd like to eat each night (and vice versa). 

If an option is full, such as the early seating, you can select the box to be put on the waitlist. Should a spot open up, the system will update to reflect the change. 

To access the new dining change feature, you must first log in to your Royal Caribbean account on the website. From there, navigate to your upcoming cruise and click "Manage Reservation," followed by "Room and Guests."

Your current dining selection will appear under "Preferred Dining Time." However, you can easily click “Edit” to choose a new time or put yourself on the waitlist for your preferred option. Note that if you booked through a travel agent, you may still have to contact them to change the dining time on your cruise. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean simplifies dinner planning with website update

Royal Caribbean is known for its world-class entertainment, but some shows are better than others.

From high-diving spectacles in the AquaTheater to Broadway-caliber productions in the main theater, Royal Caribbean's ships consistently deliver shows that leave spectators speechless. However, not every show lives up to the hype. 

One curious cruiser went to Reddit to ask other sailors what performances left a more memorable impression than others. 

"What Royal Caribbean shows or entertainment left you in awe during your cruise?" asked papabauer on the r/royalcaribbean thread. 

"I'm curious to hear about the performances or entertainment options on Royal Caribbean ships that truly captivated you! Whether it was a Broadway-style musical, an ice skating show, or the stunning Aqua Theater performances, I’d love to know what impressed you the most."

Within one day, the post received over 90 comments, with cruisers passionately sharing their experiences from recent voyages. Some praised the jaw-dropping AquaTheater shows, while others couldn't stop talking about the ice skating shows and musicals. 

In no particular order, here are the best Royal Caribbean shows that cruisers can't get enough of. 

The Wizard of Oz (Icon of the Seas)

"The Wizard of Oz" is exclusive to Icon of the Seas. This Broadway-style musical brings the beloved classic film to life with stunning costumes, immersive sets, and talented performers. 

The show quickly became a favorite among cruisers, with many flocking to the comments of the Reddit post to praise the musical production. 

"[We got my dad] to agree to [see the] wizard of oz last month on icon. He stayed awake for the whole show. We are headed out on star soon. I mentioned [that] back to the future is the show scheduled for the trip. He said he would like to see it and was surprised [by] how much he enjoyed [the] wizard of oz. For him that’s a huge compliment for the show," shared oOoOsarahOoOo.

BeagleMom agreed, saying, "The Wizard of [Oz] on Icon was breathtaking." 

Aqua80 (Oasis of the Seas)

While BeagleMom was a fan of "The Wizard of Oz," she said nothing compares to Aqua80, the outdoor AquaTheater shows on Oasis of the Seas. 

Her opinion was a popular one, with many agreeing that Aqua80 is one of the best shows that Royal Caribbean offers. 

"Aqua 80 is the best thing I have ever seen on a ship, mind blowing, phenomenal," said karenmarie303. 

sedona71717 wrote, "Aqua 80 on Oasis. I grew up in the 80s and it felt like a time machine. I was crying at several points in the show— it just took me back."

Aside from Aqua80, many comments agreed that any of the AquaTheater shows are worth seeing. For example, tam6767 thought that the aqua show on Symphony of the Seas should have cost extra — it was THAT good. 

GermantownTiger also reminisced on their first time seeing an AquaTheater show, writing, "[The show] was incredible. Our first Oasis class ship we sailed was Symphony of the Seas in 2019. HIRO is the name of the show...we'll always remember it."

Someone else added that even though the standard Royal Caribbean performances don't really impress them, they're always awe-struck by the aqua shows.

"[T]he tightrope walkers for the Aqua show do absolutely impress me. Last time I went it was super windy and pouring, yet he got through it like it didn’t even bother him. Incredible," prettycote said. 

Back to the Future: The Musical (Star of the Seas)

As the second ship in the ground-breaking Icon Class, you'd expect Royal Caribbean to bring its A-game to Star of the Seas — and they certainly did. Starting in the main theater, multiple cruisers said they were wowed by "Back to the Future: The Musical."

Redditor jonregister couldn't wrap their head around the fact that the entire show took place aboard a moving cruise ship.

"Back to the Future on Star was insane!" agreed TheEverydayStoic. 

"Torque, Sol and [Back to the Future] are all insanely good. All would be hundreds for admission on land," said vpat48. 

Torque (Star of the Seas)

If musicals aren't your thing, make sure you prioritize seeing the aqua show on Star of the Seas. For many loyal cruisers, it's one of the best ones in the entire fleet. 

The AquaTheater on Icon Class vessels was moved to the front of the ship and enclosed within the AquaDome. As such, it's a little smaller than the outdoor venue. Still, the aerial stunts, high-tech visuals, and jaw-dropping dives are no less impressive. 

Organic_Question_860 commented, "I was in awe [of Torque] the entire time. So were my kids. They wanted to stay in our seats and watch the next show."

SOL (Star of the Seas)

A lot of passengers also thought that the ice skating show on Star of the Seas was better than the one aboard Icon of the Seas.

"Ice show on Star is better than Icon as it is not interrupted by the magician and then the stunt ramp skate guys are thrilling. It flows better," explained tsmrssmith. 

snowflakeFTW was also impressed with the ice skating show, saying, "Just got off Star last week. Back to the Future and SOL were great."

Mamma Mia (Allure of the Seas)

While there's a lot to appreciate about the new Icon Class ships, they aren't the most affordable in the fleet. However, you don't have to worry about sacrificing top-tier entertainment if you cruise on an older vessel. 

"Mamma Mia" on Allure of the Seas, for example, is a crowd favorite. And how could it not be? The production features ABBA's greatest hits, including "Dancing Queen," "Super Trouper," and "Mamma Mia," and energetic choreography that delivers the same fun night out atmosphere that made it a global sensation on land. 

"We were on Allure for 2 weeks (8d/6d back to back) a few years ago, and saw [Mamma] Mia three times because we enjoyed it so much. Twice on our own, and [then] again with friends who joined us for the second cruise," geko29 commented. 

Ice Odyssey (Voyager of the Seas)

Over half of Royal Caribbean's fleet has an ice rink onboard, making its ice-skating productions one of the cruise line’s signature entertainment offerings. 

One Redditor argued that Voyager of the Seas' Ice Odyssey showcased some of the best talent that can be found on the high seas. 

FearlessKnitter12 claimed that they have seen the ice show on Voyager "many times." Even with different casts, the performances have been "excellent." 

Once Upon a Time (Freedom of the Seas)

Older ships that lack Broadway-style musicals don't always have the best reputation, with some in the comments of the Reddit post talking about how they aren't fans of the original productions. "Once Upon a Time," however, is an exception.

This fairytale show is for those "who never abandoned their inner child." Rather than retelling one specific tale, it focuses on popular childhood stories and adds details that the Brothers Grimm and others left out. 

"'Once Upon a Time' was astonishingly good. The dancing and singing, yes, but also the tech. I was sure one of the backdrops was just impressively painted, but then parts of it moved and other parts opened like windows," said HawaiianShirtsOR.

Sonic Odyssey (Quantum of the Seas)

Another original production show that's well-received is "Sonic Odyssey" on Quantum of the Seas. From the Earth Harp to the massive drum wall, talented violinist, and harmonizing singers, the show celebrates the power of music in a multisensory way.

"Before sailing on [Quantum] of the Seas I read reviews on the show 'Starwater' how you will either like it or you wont and honestly I [didn't] get [the] hype for people who liked it. I thought it was boring...However Sonic Odyssey in the Royal Theater was fantastic!" wrote ClearCollar7201.

goinhungryyeah agreed, commenting, "There was...a really good one on Quantum (NOT Starwater), it was a guy with huge drums and other interesting instruments."

Flight: Dare to Dream (Symphony of the Seas)

grandmacruises and john4brown both thought that "Flight: Dare to Dream" aboard Symphony of the Seas was worth mentioning, with the latter saying that they really enjoyed it during their cruise. 

"Flight: Dare to Dream" is an original show that chronicles the aviation milestones, starting in the near distant future with the land of the world's first-ever aerospace cruiser. 

One of the most show-stopping moments, however, comes at the end of the production, with a massive dramatization of the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.