A Royal Caribbean cruise ship passenger was reported overboard, but it turned out to be a false alarm.

What could have been a scary, life-threatening situation turned out to be nothing more than a teenage prank on one of the world's largest cruise ships.

Jason Peterson of Orlando, Florida, is currently on the Oasis of the Seas with his immediate family. In exclusive email correspondence with Royal Caribbean Blog, Peterson initially reported that an alert was issued on the starboard side of Deck 11. 

Someone else in the cruise ship's Facebook group claimed that they heard "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar" (Royal Caribbean's secret man overboard code word) over the public address system around 1:00 p.m.

(Credit: Jason Peterson)

Peterson stated that the ship was going to turn around and attempt a rescue operation, with numerous crew members on the open decks. At the time, the vessel was sailing past the northern coast of Cuba, near Cayo Guajaba in the province of Camagüey.

However, he shortly followed up by saying that the man overboard signal was a false alarm. 

"Some teens apparently thought it was a good prank. The individual in question has been found onboard. Everyone is safe," he said.

(Credit: Jason Peterson)

On X, another passenger added that following the Oscar announcement, the Captain reported that the Coast Guard had been notified for assistance, and they would be turning back toward the GPS location where the overboard alert was issued.

After they arrived, the crew searched for around 30 minutes, even asking passengers to help by using the zoom feature on their cell phones. At 1:45 p.m., the Captain came back over the public address system and said the passenger had been found and that it was a joke made by some children. 

Continuing on, Peterson said, "It definitely had a somber mood for a little while and impacted people from being able to use the pools and some of the entertainment due to the sharp turn around the ship made as part of the rescue efforts."

(Credit: Screenshot taken from Cruise Mapper)

Multiple other guests have taken to social media to express their frustration and disapproval of the prank.

"Those kids should be confined to their cabin and their parents should have to pay for the rescue boats coming out. They should all be banned. The kids should have to stand on board when we get off and let everyone know that they are responsible," one passenger wrote on Facebook. 

Someone else added, "Turns out it was a prank. A little girl had her friends tell her grandma she fell overboard. Coast guard and rescue boats called in to help. Ship turned around. Captain and cruise director just announced he’s calling off coast guard and rescues. Turning the boat back around to continue to port as normal."

"Man if you’re here as the parent of these kids. DO. BETTER. Jesus. Absolutely unbelievable how some of you deal with your kids," chimed in another disgusted passenger. 

Although the situation turned out to be a false alarm, Royal Caribbean's skilled crew members sprang into action to activate search and rescue protocols. Had the situation been real, their quick response would have been critical in the potential rescue or recovery of the overboard passenger. 

Oasis of the Seas is currently on the last day of a 6-night Caribbean cruise. The 226,838 gross-ton vessel departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 15. The itinerary included stops at Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. 

(Credit: Jason Peterson)

Despite the incident, Oasis of the Seas is continuing its voyage as scheduled. She's expected to return to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, March 21. 

Read more: What happens when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship?

Dreams of bigger cruise ships homeporting from Tampa are officially dead. 

On Thursday, March 19, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that blocked the proposed cruise port in Manatee County near Tampa, as reported by The Herald-Tribune. 

Senate Bill 302 was first introduced by State Sen. Ileana Garcia and was later passed by the Florida Senate with a unanimous 38-0 vote. This granted specific protections to the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, specifically prohibiting the necessary dredging required to build the port. 

"Florida remains an important destination for cruise expeditions," DeSantis said during the press conference in Bradenton. "There's not really a need to add another port in the middle of a conserved area and aquatic preserve."

He added that the necessary work required to build the new terminal "...would have a major, major change in the lifestyle and the environment of the folks that live in this area."

The new cruise terminal was initially proposed by SSA Marine, a marine terminal operator that's been around since 1949, in January. 

Had the proposal been approved, the 328-acre Knott‑Cowen tract, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay next to the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge, would have been transformed into a bustling cruise terminal capable of accommodating larger ships. 

Because of the Skyway Bridge's height restrictions, only smaller vessels — think Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Carnival Paradise, Norwegian Star, Celebrity Constellation, and Margaritaville at Sea's Islander — can sail from Tampa. 

As such, a new terminal on the seaward side of the bridge would have allowed larger, more innovative ships to call Tampa home for the first time. 

Opposition against the new Tampa Bay cruise port

From the get-go, the cruise port proposal faced opposition from environmental groups, local residents, and elected officials. 

Within days of the announcement, a Change.org petition was launched. It quickly gained traction, garnering thousands of signatures, and by March 19, it had over 19,000 supporters. 

"This would be absolutely devastating to Tampa Bay. This is the last shoreline that [is] undeveloped in manatee county and it should stay that way. Such a critical part of [the] bay that is already over developed and over pressured. It would also kill my business as a local fishing guide," one opponent of the proposal said.

Someone else added, "I have lived in this area for over 25 years and we kayak fish in that area. It would be absolutely devastating. The traffic would be unbearable as it already is...and Manatee County is not going to add roads or fix the roads that we already have to accommodate that many people."

"STOP the Destruction! Having been here over 40 years, I've witnessed [an insurmountable] loss of [habitat] and fishing decline...due lack of developmental and environmental control. Tampa Bay is recovering and should be Protected Now and in the Future!" wrote another resident. 

"I have lived in Florida my whole life and there's always been destruction left and right but just thinking back to when you actually used to be able to enjoy the scenery and not always hear or see constant construction. [It's] so sad and disappointing how much of the beauty is gone. This port would absolutely destroy the ecosystem and all the living creatures that live there we DON'T need anymore development," chimed in another concerned local. 

Moreover, State Sen. Jim Boyd added an important amendment to SB 302 that effectively made it impossible for a private company to build on the sensitive Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve land. 

Although the bill gives a few small exceptions, it states that "No further dredging or filling of the submerged lands of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve shall be approved or tolerated by the board." 

"In an effort to protect the pristine coastal area of East Tampa Bay, which has small keys, little bays, and mangroves, this amendment restricts the dredging or filling of submerged lands within the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve," Boyd said to his fellow Senators.

Port Tampa Bay had record-breaking cruise passenger numbers in 2025

Even without the addition of larger ships, Tampa’s cruise industry is experiencing steady growth and popularity. 

In 2025, Port Tampa Bay welcomed over 1.6 million cruise passengers, along with over 262,000 shipping containers, according to Spectrum Bay News 9.

To accommodate the port's growth, Port Tampa Bay is in the midst of working on its $1.2 billion "Master Plan 2030" vision. This includes building warehouses, expanding terminals, and even constructing a brand-new cruise passenger terminal.

"For us, it’s playing, maintaining the maritime industry, protecting it, allowing it to grow, prosper and integrating ourselves with our future plans and the growth of the region — the city of Tampa," Port Tampa Bay Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Raul Alfonso told Spectrum News.

Months after thousands of guests were informed that their booked sailings on Freedom of the Seas had been canceled due to redeployment scheduling, a new wave of sudden cancellations is affecting even more passengers. 

Passengers on over 20 voyages aboard Freedom of the Seas from May through September 2027 received the dreaded email notification this week.

"As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process - which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, Freedom of the Seas will be redeployed for our Summer 2027 season," the email reads. 

"We know how much effort goes into planning your vacation and apologize for the inconvenience," the cruise line continues.

The canceled sailings range from 5-night cruises to the Dominican Republic and Perfect Day at CocoCay to 4-night Bahamian getaways, as well as 9-night itineraries that include stops in Aruba and Curaçao. 

Royal Caribbean did not provide a specific reason for the cancellations beyond citing the line's "ongoing itinerary planning process." However, they did offer options to rebook on alternative sailings or issue full refunds.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cancels multiple sailings on Freedom of the Seas due to redeployment

Rebooking options available for impacted Freedom of the Seas cruise ship passengers

According to the email sent to the guests on the Sept. 17, 2027, voyage, there are four options available. The first allows them to automatically move to a 4-night voyage aboard Wonder of the Seas from Miami, Florida, at a prorated rate. This means that the original stateroom category price will be protected or lowered to the current advertised fare.

If that sailing doesn't work, guests may choose from a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on Adventure of the Seas or a 3-night Bahamas Getaway voyage on Jewel of the Seas. Like the first option, these alternatives are also offered at prorated rates, meaning guests won’t pay more than their original booking for the same stateroom category. 

"Regardless of the sailing length of the cruise you move to, if your booking was already paid in full and your cruise fare decreases, we'll provide you with a refund for the difference," the email adds. 

The third option allows passengers to rebook any other Royal Caribbean sailing without paying the usual non-refundable deposit change fee. Guests, however, are responsible for any difference in pricing for the cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items, such as specialty restaurants, drink packages, and excursions.

Finally, if passengers cannot find a new Royal Caribbean itinerary that works for them, the cruise line will issue a full refund of the paid portion of the cruise fare and any prepaid amenities to the original form of payment. 

Refunds will be credited to the original form of payment within 14 business days. However, refund times may vary depending on the financial institution.

"If you used a Future Cruise Credit on this sailing, and you request a refund instead, we'll refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and we'll issue a new certificate," the email clarifies. 

"If you booked your airfare through Royal Caribbean, it will be automatically refunded to you. However, if you booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them."

Those who don't contact Royal Caribbean by April 1, 2026, will automatically be moved to the first sailing. In this case, it's the 4-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas departing on Sept. 20. 

"Thank you for understanding, and we hope you find another cruise with us. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or looking to explore, relax, and recharge, we have no doubt your time with us will be nothing short of amazing," Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Guest Experience concludes. 

Read more: After 3 sailings on Freedom of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Other interesting deployment news

(Credit: ScottishRobbie / Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Forum)

Royal Caribbean was toying with test load sailings for an upcoming unnamed cruise ship. ScottishRobbie shared the find on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum, posting photos of 7-night itineraries from Miami aboard "HE." Unfortunately, these itineraries have since been removed from the website

No formal announcement has been made regarding the fourth Icon Class ship's name or homeport. However, with the test loads starting around Sept. 2027, it is uncanny timing, considering Icon of the Seas is being redeployed to Galveston one month prior.

"I guess [the test loads confirm] what has been suspected for a while now - Icon 4 will...take over the Miami 7 nighters when Icon moves to Galveston," the poster speculates.

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas fast facts

Launched in May 2006, Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom Class cruise ship that, at the time, held the title of the world’s largest cruise ship. 

She measures 156,271 gross tons, is 1,111 feet long, and can accommodate 3,926 passengers at double occupancy. 

Highlights of this fan-favorite ship include the Perfect Storm water slides, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Splashaway Bay, a non-smoking casino, Izumi Hibachi, Social003 teens-only hangout, and a Caribbean-themed pool deck. 

The Freedom of the Seas ship will sail from Miami, Florida, through April 2027. It's unclear where she will move that summer. However, the website indicates that she will continue sailing from PortMiami in Oct. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean breaks ground on new Miami cruise terminal

Could Royal Caribbean be closer to revealing its next new cruise ship?

It appears Royal Caribbean is toying with test load sailings for an upcoming unnamed cruise ship. 

The 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises on a ship that begins with "HE" were briefly available on the website. ScottishRobbie shared the find on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum. 

"Under the ship heading HE, these are available to book. Doesn't mention the name of the ship when you try to book," he explains. 

(Credit: ScottishRobbie / Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Forum)

"HE" is likely a placeholder for the fourth vessel in the groundbreaking Icon Class, which is expected in the second half of 2027. 

Based on the test load dates, the sailings appear to begin in September 2027 and could offer 7-night itineraries to popular destinations, such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Cozumel, Roatán, and, of course, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Could Icon 4 replace Icon of the Seas in Miami?

Icon of the Seas has called Miami home since she entered service in Jan. 2024. However, she's moving to Texas in Aug. 2027. She will offer 6- and 8-night voyages to the Western Caribbean, calling at ports like Costa Maya (which is set to become Perfect Day Mexico) and Cozumel (the future home of the Royal Beach Club Mexico). 

As such, this timing aligns almost perfectly with the Sept. 2027 test sailings listed under "HE" on the Royal Caribbean website. Positioning Icon 4 in Miami after Icon's departure would ensure that the cruise line maintains a strong presence in the South Florida market without interruption.

"I guess [the test loads confirm] what has been suspected for a while now - Icon 4 will...take over the Miami 7 nighters when Icon moves to Galveston," ScottishRobbie speculates. 

(Credit: ScottishRobbie / Royal Caribbean Blog Discussion Forum)

Of course, this cannot be officially confirmed until Royal Caribbean makes a formal deployment announcement. It is, however, a compelling theory. 

With Legend of the Seas only calling Port Everglades home seasonally (and Star of the Seas sailing from Port Canaveral), South Florida is on track to temporarily lose a full-time Icon Class ship. 

South Florida is a critical cruise hub, meaning that it wouldn't make sense for Royal Caribbean to leave Miami without a flagship Icon Class ship for long.

In fact, PortMiami set a yearly record for cruise passengers during fiscal year 2025, welcoming 8,564,225 cruisers — a 4.02% increase in cruise passenger totals compared with 2024's record of 8,233,056.

Royal Caribbean is also building a brand-new terminal in Miami. Cruise Terminal G will cost $345 million and have the capacity to accommodate up to 7,000 passengers. Officials claim that the terminal's completion date is late 2027, which would also fit the arrival timeline of Icon 4. 

Icon 4 is under construction in Finland

Construction of Icon 4 is underway at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, where Icon and Star of the Seas were also built — and where Legend of the Seas is currently being built. 

The ship's keel-laying ceremony was in Sept. 2025, marking the placement of the first building block in the dry dock where the ship will take shape.

Following maritime tradition, coins were also placed under the first steel block to bring good fortune and protection to the vessel.

Read more: Construction starts on one of Royal Caribbean's largest cruise ships

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) jumped into action last week to rescue a sick passenger on the Star of the Seas cruise ship. 

Members of the USCG Sector San Juan were called regarding a cruise guest who needed to be medically evacuated from one of the world's largest ships. 

In response, an MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew was deployed from Air Station Borinquen to reach and rescue the 64-year-old passenger while the cruise ship was 200 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

Footage shared by the USCG shows the ill passenger being carefully hoisted from the ship’s helipad in a rescue basket, followed by a USCG crew member who returned last to the helicopter.

In addition to the passenger, the crew rescued his next of kin and the cruise ship nurse. They were then safely transported to Centro Médico Hospital for further medical treatment.

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

"This was a great example of the professionalism of all of the Coast Guard units, medical professionals, and the crew of Star of the Seas to execute an early morning hoist of the patient," said Lt. Nicholas Forsythe, Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen copilot for the case. 

"The coordinated efforts ensured the individual was able to safely reach the higher level of care he required."

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

Star of the Seas was on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, when the dramatic rescue unfolded. 

According to the USCG's Facebook post, USCG Sector San Juan was notified on Monday, March 9, 2026, about the ill passenger. As such, the medical evacuation happened early on during the cruise while en route to St. Thomas. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

Other ports of call on the weeklong voyage included Perfect Day at CocoCay and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Star of the Seas returned to Florida as planned on Sunday, March 15. 

Medical evacuations are tricky. Rough seas and strong winds can make rescue missions difficult. It's not uncommon for cruise ships to adjust their course or speed, possibly making an unscheduled stop to safely evacuate passengers. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

In November 2025, for example, Star of the Seas suddenly diverted to Nassau, Bahamas, after a fun-filled day at Perfect Day at CocoCay to disembark an ailing cruise guest. 

Also in November, Allure of the Seas returned to her homeport of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, due to a medical emergency. Supposedly, it was too windy to deploy a helicopter, so the massive Oasis Class ship temporarily docked to allow the ill passenger to safely disembark. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

These stories are a reminder of how important travel insurance is, as medical evacuations can cost upward of $250,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

In these unfortunate cases, the initial medical evacuation is only one piece of the financial burden. Payment will be required for treatment at the hospital ashore, too. These expenses can add up quickly, especially if you're at an international hospital where your regular health insurance policy isn't accepted. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

For instance, one cruiser racked up over $13,000 in medical bills after she fell ill on her first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise. After being transported to a hospital in Costa Maya, local doctors wouldn't even treat Khiali Baxter until they received a $2,500 payment upfront. 

In total, she incurred more than $9,000 in medical expenses at the hospital, including several different procedures to help stabilize her condition. Before being evacuated from the cruise ship, she had been vomiting blood and had lost consciousness. 

(Credit: U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan/Facebook)

Launching in August 2025, Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. She measures a whopping 248,663 gross tons and is 1,196 feet long. At double occupancy, Star can accommodate 5,610 passengers and 2,350 international crew members. 

Highlights include the family-friendly Surfside Neighborhood, record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, Lincoln Park Supper Club, Back to the Future: The Musical, and more. 

Mariner of the Seas has officially re-entered service after undergoing routine dry dock maintenance in The Bahamas. 

The Voyager Class ship last went to dry dock in 2023, where the work focused on minor cosmetic refreshes and standard upkeep. Subtle improvements included repainting the water slides, resurfacing the pool decks, and installing a new FlowRider water pump. 

This time, the ship's dry dock also seemed to err on the side of general maintenance, rather than major upgrades. Mariner of the Seas underwent a $120 million Royal Amplification in 2018, adding new thrills, restaurants, staterooms, and entertainment to the aging vessel. 

(Credit: Joshua Pettit & Alan Flynn / Facebook)

As a result, this latest dry dock focused on preserving the amenities already onboard, while also introducing a handful of small enhancements. 

What's new aboard the Mariner of the Seas cruise ship

(Credit: Alan Flynn / Facebook)

Passengers currently sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas have shared photos and updates of the ship’s refreshed areas. 

For starters, Mariner received a few brand-new colorful casitas on the pool deck. These rentable spaces offer cruisers private shaded spots in the middle of the action, rather than having to fight the chair hogs for prime loungers. 

According to the Royal Caribbean app, the onboard price for a port day casita starts at $150, while the sea day price jumps to $400. You can save money by reserving the casita in advance through the mobile app or Cruise Planner website. 

(Credit: Alan Flynn / Facebook)

Another change made during Mariner of the Seas' refurbishment was the addition of RFID Wow Bands. These wristbands allow passengers to easily access their staterooms with a single tap. They can also be used to make onboard purchases, such as cruise drinks or merchandise, without needing to carry around a physical SeaPass card. 

"So glad they finally have wow bands!!! They are so convenient for kids, we got them on harmony and they are a game changer. Im glad I kept them so we can re use them!" rejoiced one happy cruiser in a dedicated Mariner of the Seas Facebook group. 

Wow Bands aren't included in Royal Caribbean's cruise fare and can be purchased for $9.99. They can also be reused on future sailings. However, you'll need to carry your SeaPass when disembarking in ports of call. 

(Credit: Pamela Thrun Kinsell / Facebook)

Moving on, one passenger, Noah Kingston, explained they ran into the Cruise Director in the Royal Promenade and asked what he thought was the ship's biggest change. His response was the sound system. 

Kingston added that he also observed a motion-activated nightlight in the closet, along with a new thermostat — though another passenger commented that their stateroom's thermostat didn’t seem to be new.

"Most areas I’ve seen so far look clean, freshly painted, and well maintained. Overall, nothing revolutionary so far, but a lot of small, noticeable improvements that make the ship feel refreshed," he concluded. 

When was Mariner of the Seas refurbished?

Mariner of the Seas spent a few weeks tied up in The Bahamas during her recent dry dock. She was out of service from mid-February to March 16, 2026, while work was carried out at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.

Her first sailing back in service departed on March 17, 2026, from Galveston, Texas. She'll remain in Texas through October, when she'll reposition to New Orleans for a brief stint before moving to Europe in April 2027. 

How old is Mariner of the Seas?

The Mariner of the Seas cruise ship is 22 years old, having set sail on her maiden voyage on November 16, 2003. She measures 139,863 gross tons and 1,020 feet long. Mariner can accommodate 3,344 guests at double occupancy, along with 1,200 international crew members. 

Although she isn't the newest ship in the fleet, she offers solid value for cruisers. Onboard, guests will find a wide range of onboard amenities — typically for lower fares than newer vessels. 

During the ship's Royal Amplification, several new attractions and venues were added, including The Perfect Storm water slides, Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z, an escape room, The Bamboo Room tiki bar, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Jamie’s Italian, and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi.

As such, there's a slew of amenities and dining options on the vessel, enough to cater to all kinds of travelers, ranging from families to couples and even solo cruisers. This makes Mariner of the Seas a good cruise ship for those who prioritize variety and affordability. 

Read more: After 12 sailings on Mariner of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is always a good idea, but it can be especially memorable over a holiday, such as St. Patrick's Day. 

The cruise line's newest vessel, Star of the Seas, is currently celebrating her first St. Patrick's Day at sea. Royal Caribbean Blog's Head Honcho, Matt Hochberg, reports that the ship is decked out in green, with themed decorations, festive activities, and unique, limited-time partnerships. 

The Royal Promenade is filled with inflatables, ranging from larger-than-life leprechauns to four-leaf clovers and horseshoes. 

There's even an inflatable rainbow near the 1400 Lobby Bar — though, unfortunately, there’s no pot of gold at the end (the closest thing is the Pot of Gold slot tournament in the casino at 11:00 p.m.)

And what's a holiday without a balloon drop? The crew aboard Star of the Seas has already prepared for the celebration, with green and white balloons hanging from the ceiling. 

The Pearl, the Royal Promenade's moody centerpiece, is illuminated in green and gold for the occasion. This helps cast a festive glow on the central thoroughfare, where you'll find everything from the Guest Services desk to the 24-hour Pearl Café and Royal Caribbean-branded shops. 

The Bell & Barley Pub is also getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with a selection of themed drinks that are available all week. 

"We are commemorating this occasion on board with a pub takeover featuring Jameson's Irish Whiskey. Our team has collaborated with our partners at Pernod Ricard to create three signature drinks," said Ed Eiswirth, Senior Director of Beverage Operations at Royal Caribbean. 

"These cocktails will be available throughout the week, as one day of celebration is simply not enough."

The three "Lucky Sips" include the Golden Clover, Pot 'O Gold, and Charmed Apple. The Golden Clover ($14) is made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, mango, lime juice, mint, and Angostura bitters. Pot 'O Gold ($14) is also crafted with Jameson Irish Whiskey, though it leans into a sweeter vibe with amaro, peach, lemon juice, and a peach ring garnish.

Finally, the Charmed Apple ($14) is the only beverage on the limited-edition menu that doesn't use Jameson Irish Whiskey. Instead, it features an Espolòn Silver Tequila base, blended with Cointreau, passion fruit, Granny Smith apple, and lime juice.  

In addition to decorations, the daily planner is filled with St. Patrick's Day-themed activities, such as trivia, a balloon drop with the cruise director staff, and family arts & crafts at Adventure Ocean. 

Star of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. She departed on March 15 and is scheduled to call at CocoCay, Cozumel, Roatán, and Costa Maya before returning to Florida on the 22nd. 

It's the dawn of a new era for Nassau cruisers — if you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, that is. 

Private cabanas aren't a new concept. In fact, some of the dreamiest are the overwater cabanas at the Coco Beach Club. However, Royal Caribbean invested in perhaps its most swanky cabana yet at its all-new beach club in The Bahamas. 

The Ultimate Family Cabana is a one-of-a-kind retreat designed to feel like a beachside villa that goes far beyond the average beach set-up. 

Available at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the cruise line's extra-cost private club in Nassau, the Ultimate Family Cabana is unlike traditional cabanas that offer private loungers, shade, and other basic amenities. 

Instead, the two-story sanctuary feels like a miniature beach house — complete with everything from a slide to a private bathroom, reserved beach space, frozen drink machine, television, and more. 

Here's what you can expect inside.

Royal Caribbean's new Ultimate Family Cabana

Before you even walk inside, you will realize this cabana is unlike any other. With its premium amenities, the Ultimate Family Cabana is poised to become Royal's top-of-the-line product when it comes to perfect beach days. 

Royal Caribbean's largest cabana is located within the Family Beach area of the beach club, just steps from the zero-entry pool and picturesque beach. 

However, you may not want to spend much time outside the cabana. As you enter, you're welcomed by an expansive living room with comfortable chairs and couches that could easily live on someone's private lanai. 

There's also a dedicated dining area, complete with a large table and seating for the whole group. This is convenient, seeing as the cabana can accommodate up to 12 people. 

Moving on, one of the highlights of the Ultimate Family Cabana is the frozen drink machine, ensuring you can get all-you-can-(reasonably)-drink piña coladas and daiquiris with no wait. 

Nearby is a small shaded kitchen, housing a fridge and sink. Opposite the kitchen is the cabana's private bathroom. This means you won't have to trek far for restroom breaks during your ultimate beach day. 

Upstairs is where you’ll find some of the best views in the entire beach club. The second level opens to a plush daybed, table, chairs, and a wet bar. This makes it easy to sip on a crafted cocktail or snack while enjoying the breezy deck.  

The entrance to the neon orange spiral slide is also on the second level of the Ultimate Family Cabana. One neat feature of the slide is that there's a button at the top that "primes" it with water. This ensures that you don't get stuck or burn your bottom on the way down. 

Even if you aren't an avid slide-goer, you will want to visit the second level at least once — mostly to take in the scenery of the turquoise Bahamian waters.

You can also people-watch, as the elevated vantage point offers sweeping views of the Family Beach area and pool. You can even see the towering Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. 

Back downstairs, the Ultimate Family Cabana continues to impress with its beachfront hot tub. This ensures that, even on the chilliest Bahamian days, you can soak up the sunshine and white-sand shoreline. 

The best part is that the hot tub is located steps from a private beach area. As such, you'll have a dedicated space to relax away from the hustle and bustle — all without fighting for a prime lounge chair! 

That's not all, either. Just beyond the hot tub, the cabana’s private beach area also features a hammock. I don't know about you, but I could easily fall asleep reading here. It's the perfect spot to catch up on anyone's endless "TBR" (to-be-read) list! 

No matter how you choose to spend your day at Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Family Cabana, you'll find it has ample spaces to relax and recharge. It's the best of both worlds, really — you can enjoy the newly-opened Royal Beach Club while having a private space with luxurious amenities to retreat to. 

How much does the Royal Beach Club Ultimate Family Cabana cost?

The Ultimate Family Cabana's amenities sound incredible, but the cost is a big part of the equation, too. Affording this slice of paradise isn't for the casual budget cruiser. 

The onboard price for the cabana is $10,000. However, you can save thousands by reserving it through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner. 

For example, during my upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, the Cruise Planner lists the Ultimate Family Cabana with a 30% discount, bringing the price down to $6,999.99.

Comparatively, day passes to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island cost around $97 to $110 per person, depending on whether you want unlimited non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages included. 

Despite the hefty price tag, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley claimed the demand for the cabana is unprecedented. 

"In the first hour when we opened for sale, we sold our Ultimate Family Cabana for one day at $10,000, which was quite remarkable...Subsequently, we've sold a lot of days in the Ultimate Family Cabana at $10,000," he said during an earnings call last year. 

Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is Royal Caribbean's newest addition to its growing private destination portfolio. 

The private beach club destination was created in partnership with The Bahamas and is located on Paradise Island — a narrow strip of land near the Nassau cruise port. 

Unfortunately, the 17-acre beach club isn't included in your cruise fare. As such, it acts more like an optional shore excursion, with access to the private beaches, heated pools, unlimited beverages, and local cuisine available for an added cost. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is divided into three main areas: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach. Family Beach is where the Ultimate Family Cabana is located, along with the Shallow End Pool & Swim-Up Bar, Paradise Grill location, and more. 

Party Cove is the social hub of the beach club — think non-stop music, flowing drinks, and a lively energy that's tailored toward adults. Here, you'll find the world's largest swim-up bar, rentable day beds, another Paradise Grill, and more. 

Finally, Chill Beach was designed for guests who want a relaxed atmosphere and peaceful oceanfront spaces. Complete with beach bars, another pool and swim-up bar, and easy-access to local cuisine at the Paradise Grill, it’s the perfect spot to unwind without feeling overwhelmed by activity. 

Currently, Royal Caribbean offers two types of day passes to Royal Beach Club: the Open Bar Day Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining) and the Non-Alcoholic Day Pass (Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining). 

Because of the day pass options, it’s worth noting that your Royal Caribbean drink packages don’t carry over to the Royal Beach Club. Even if you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, you'll need to purchase the Open Bar Day Pass to enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages ashore. 

Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. The heated pools and all-inclusive pass fixed a long-standing problem

Gambling is risky — however, sometimes trying your luck in the cruise casino is rewarding and can save you thousands on future vacations. 

One such cruiser, Redditor Apprehensive-Gap1339, recently took to Reddit to share how they turned one lucky run in the casino into nearly $50,000 worth of Royal Caribbean sailings, equating to over 100 nights at sea. 

The original idea began on a 14-night transatlantic cruise from Miami to Southampton, in which they began to wonder if they could "hack" the Casino Royale program and walk away with two free cruises each year. 

"...[I]f we're paying for 2 cruises on average per year...why not try to hit the 2,500 points or in this case it was 3k on that sailing to get 2 free guaranteed cruises (one for hitting prime and one for 3k on one cruise). I had never gambled on a cruise ship before this," they explain. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean crew member shares how to earn free cruises in the casino

Continuing on, "Statistically if you play the slots you'll lose about 85% of what you put in so it would have been about a projected $2500 loss if odds played out. I actually ended up about $500 at the 3k points mark (I got lucky!) Little did I know that genuinely good cruise offers started rolling in as soon as I got back to shore."

Offers included 7 to 8-night voyages on Oasis Class ships in balcony cabins. Because Apprehensive-Gap1339 works remotely, they were able to book multiple cruises throughout the year without worrying about the sail date or PTO. 

However, as they began to sail more and gamble less, their offers gradually became less generous. They went from getting offers in balcony cabins on newer ships to windowless, interior staterooms on older vessels. 

(Credit: Apprehensive-Gap1339/Reddit)

Since their very first casino offer cruise on Oasis of the Seas in November 2024, every sailing they've embarked on has been booked through the Casino Royale program, totaling 105 nights at sea and 144 loyalty points. 

"I am not saying this is a magic free-cruise hack but my net gambling losses over the whole experiment was $1,195.16. I did not gamble in all of 2025-2026," they add. 

Across their 15 casino-offer cruises, they've taken one one-way and fourteen round-trip sailings from ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Boston, Los Angeles (San Pedro), and Port Canaveral. 

Read more: I gamble a lot on Royal Caribbean ships to earn free cruises. Here are my 10 hacks to maximize the cruise casino perks

During their adventures, they visited nearly 50 ports of call across the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, Canada, and Europe, with the most visited stops being Perfect Day at CocoCay (10x); Nassau (4x); Philipsburg, St. Maarten (4x); Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas (4x); Labadee, Haiti; (3x); and Falmouth, Jamaica (3x). That said, their favorite destinations were Bermuda, Lisbon, Halifax, and Aruba. 

Apprehensive-Gap1339 primarily sailed on Oasis Class ships, calling vessels like Symphony, Oasis, and Utopia of the Seas home on over 55 different cruises. However, he also sailed on Independence of the Seas (21x), Navigator of the Seas (7x), Brilliance of the Seas (7x), Grandeur of the Seas (7x), and Enchantment of the Seas (5x). These experiences gave them a deeper understanding of the Royal Caribbean fleet, learning what different classes offer. 

"I understand that I am extremely lucky to be in a position to do this. It's a little surreal to be only 1 night away from diamond plus. This resulted in memories that I will remember forever and for that I am very very grateful. I am only sharing this in an effort to provide some real financial transparency into the real costs and into what is possible/real with those that are curious about casino offers."

Here's a breakdown of how Apprehensive-Gap1339 turned a little casino play into major cruising rewards that, out-of-pocket, would have cost around $50,000. 

How much did they gamble to begin receiving Royal Caribbean casino offers? 

Casual gamblers who put $50 or $100 on a slot machine and then walk away aren't likely to see any worthwhile rewards pop into their email inbox. 

According to Apprehensive-Gap1339, they initially aimed for 2,500 points in the casino to earn Prime status. However, they ended up with some beginner's luck and made it to 3,000 points, only losing $1,195:

"The first big run happened because I got to 3,000 points on a transatlantic and then the offers started pouring in after that. My original math...was that I had about $17,500 of slot coin-in to end up down about $1,195, which was lucky."

(Credit: Apprehensive-Gap1339/Reddit)

"Typical casino slot [odds] should have put me closer to a loss of closer to $2500-3000. That outcome should not be treated as normal but for the sheer amount of offers I was able to take advantage of it was incredible."

For them, slots were the easiest way to track their casino points evenly. As such, they avoided the table games and only focused on the slot machines, where you gain one point per $5 bet.

Casino points are tracked via SeaPass cards, so when gambling, remember to sign into the machine with your cruise card. Otherwise, the points won't go toward your Royal Caribbean casino loyalty program progress. 

Casino offers aren't "free"

Although the cruise fare is "free" guests booking a casino offer are required to pay taxes, port fees, and other expenses. In their Reddit post, Apprehensive-Gap1339 included a cost breakdown to help give a better understanding of how much he saved versus what their out-of-pocket spend would have been. 

According to their post, they spent $1,942.20 on gratuities, $2,028.64 on WiFi, $2,591.65 on port fees and taxes, and $3,600.84 on flights. 

Excluding the initial casino spend, their out-of-pocket cost was a little over $10,000, breaking down to $96.11 per night. That is a great value considering everything that's included in a cruise — ranging from accommodations to food, select beverages, entertainment, and transportation. 

Had they booked each sailing through Royal Caribbean's website, the cost would have come out to around $49,848 for the 15 cruises. 

Apprehensive-Gap1339 would not hesitate to do something like this again, but they would do a few things differently. For starters, they would take advantage of more back-to-back cruises to cut down on the cost of airfare, which was more expensive than over 100 days of gratuities and Wi-Fi. 

Additionally, they wouldn't cruise at the same pace they previously did. 

"I would not do [this] again at this same pace. That pace was just a little too much to be [fully] enjoyable," they explain, "There were stretches where I was cruising an absurd percentage of my days, and while it was amazing, it also gets tiring always being in transit, half-packed, managing flights, dealing with laundry, and just not being home."

Read more: I got a free cruise in the ship casino. Here's what it really cost me

Royal Caribbean casino Prime benefits

Apprehensive-Gap1339's initial goal was 2,500 casino points because that's the threshold for Prime status, which unlocks the first real, worthwhile benefits, including:

• 10% Vitality Spa discount
• Waived fee for cash advances in the casino
• Complimentary drinks in the casino
• Discount on VOOM Wi-Fi
• Annual cruise in an inside cabin (up to 7 nights)

Club Royale is more akin to airline and hotel loyalty programs than the cruise line's Crown & Anchor Society. In other words, points must be accumulated annually to reach certain status levels. So, if you reach Prime status this year, you aren't grandfathered into the tier for life.

(Credit: Apprehensive-Gap1339/Reddit)

The Club Royale qualification period runs from April 1 through March 31 of the following calendar year (i.e., April 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026, then April 1, 2026 — March 31, 2027). 

Read more: I spent $500,000 in a cruise ship casino this year. Getting Royal Caribbean's top casino status gets a lot of perks, but is it worth it?

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner is your go-to tool for planning your vacation. However, even after you've booked your add-ons, it pays to regularly check the ongoing sales and promotions to potentially save money.

Add-ons bought through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner are fully refundable up to two days before your cruise's departure date. 

This means that if you purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package for $78.99/day and later notice that it has decreased to $69.99/day, you can cancel your purchase, have the funds credited back to your original form of payment, and rebook at the lower price. 

The same goes for specialty restaurants, shore excursions, Wi-Fi packages, VIP passes, and more. 

It is important to note that Royal Caribbean will not automatically issue any refunds if the price of an add-on drops. You must request it and rebook at the lower price. Moreover, if you cancel an add-on while on the ship, it will be refunded as onboard credit. 

Making a habit of revisiting the Cruise Planner website can help maximize your savings. It never hurts to check the current rates for add-ons, especially during flash sales. Adjusting your current booking can help you take advantage of better discounts!

Here's an easy-to-digest guide on how to cancel and rebook pre-cruise purchases through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner. 

First, you must log in to access the RCCL Cruise Planner

These first steps will be familiar to anyone who has navigated to the Cruise Planner in the past, whether to browse the available add-ons or make entertainment reservations. 

In the right-hand corner of Royal Caribbean's website, click on "Sign In." This will then open a pop-up window asking for your email address and password. 

After logging in, you'll see a list of your upcoming cruise(s). If your next cruise is missing, simply select "Add a Cruise" at the bottom of the page to link your booking to your Crown & Anchor account. 

To do this, you'll need to enter your last name, date of birth, and reservation number. As an example: "Wilson, 12/31/1980, 5310089."

Once your reservation is successfully linked, you can navigate to the Cruise Planner by clicking on "Plan my cruise."

Open up your order history to see all past purchases

There will be a small circular icon with your initials in the top-right-hand corner. Click on it to open a drop-down menu. 

Directly underneath "Profile" will be a link labeled "Order history." This is where you will want to go to see all your past Cruise Planner purchases. 

From here, you can select which order you want to cancel. This might be for something as simple as changing a My Time Dining reservation or rebooking a drink package for a lower price. 

Follow the Cruise Planner's instructions to complete the cancellation. Once it's done, you'll be redirected to a webpage displaying a confirmation message with the exact refund amount and the original form of payment used (if applicable).

The refund is not automatic and may take a few business days to be processed, depending on your banking institution. 

Rebook your cruise add-ons

Once you've canceled your past purchases, you can rebook your desired add-ons for the lowered price. Pre-cruise sales change frequently, so if you notice a price drop, it's worth canceling and booking again to lock in the better rate on everything — from tours to internet packages and drinks. 

First, you must locate the add-on and add it to your cart. This can be done by clicking on the "Reserve" or "Purchase Now" button.

Multiple cruise add-ons can be added to your cart and bought at once. Payments can be made with a debit or credit card, as well as with onboard credit. Royal Caribbean also lets guests split the payment, using a portion of the onboard credit and billing the remainder to their personal card.  

An email confirmation is sent out once the payment goes through, and you can view your add-on(s) in the "Order history" tab, giving you easy access to manage, cancel, and review your Cruise Planner purchases before your sailing. 

Read more: 10 Things to check after booking a Royal Caribbean cruise (that could save a lot of money!)

Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner phone number

You can also call a Royal Caribbean vacation planner to help modify your add-ons. U.S. residents can call (800) 205-9812 between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. EST to speak with a live agent. 

However, making changes through the Cruise Planner website is typically easier and more time-efficient, as you do not have to waste time on hold, explain your situation, or provide secure payment details over the phone.

When should you buy Royal Caribbean add-ons?

You can wait to purchase add-ons like drink packages, specialty meals, and internet on your Royal Caribbean ship. However, you will pay more than if you were to secure them before embarkation. In fact, planning ahead can often save you hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars. 

When, for instance, I sailed aboard Icon of the Seas, my partner and I pre-purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package for $990.92, including the mandatory service charge, over four months before our spring break sailing. This breaks down to around $70.78 per person, per night, whereas if bought on board, it's not uncommon for the Royal Caribbean drink package to cost upward of $100 per person. 

Generally speaking, it's best to buy add-ons as soon as you can. Shore excursions and specialty restaurants, for example, have limited availability. As such, you shouldn't be surprised if many tours are sold out in the weeks leading up to your voyage, especially if you're visiting somewhere like Alaska or Europe. 

Drink packages, internet, and other popular services also tend to increase in price as your sail date approaches. As mentioned, if you buy an add-on and later notice that the price has decreased, it's extremely easy to cancel the original purchase and rebook it at the lower rate through the Cruise Planner website. 

Consequently, there is no harm in securing your add-ons early. You will have the flexibility to cancel and rebook if a better deal appears before your cruise. However, you won't have to worry about sudden price increases affecting your vacation budget. 

Read more: When should you buy Royal Caribbean drink package, wifi, tours & other add-ons