While you might feel inclined to book a Celebrity drink package to “save money,” the reality is that not every cruiser drinks enough to make the cost worth it.

Upfront, Celebrity Cruises’ drink package might seem like a good value, giving you access to unlimited beverages for one set daily price.

And for many, the package is worth the pricey investment. However, the true answer depends on your personal drinking habits and what you’re willing to pay for convenience. While drink packages help you budget your beverage costs in advance, saving money is not always a guarantee.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises’ drink packages — from what they include to the cost, tips, tricks, and expert reviews.

Celebrity Cruises Drink Package Overview

Before deciding which unlimited package is right for your cruise, it helps to understand how each option works. This Celebrity drink package comparison breaks down the main packages offered by Celebrity Cruises, so you can determine which meets your budget and drinking preferences.

The Celebrity Classic beverage package is the lowest-tier alcoholic package. Celebrity's drink packages are dynamically priced based on the ship, itinerary, and sail date. That said, you can expect the Classic package to start at around $65 per person, per day. 

This basic beverage package allows you to choose from select beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass up to $12 per serving. You will also get 15% off all wines by the bottle. If you order a beverage that is over $12, you will be charged the difference. If, for instance, you were to order a $19 martini, you would see a $9 + 20% gratuity charge reflected on your onboard account.

To at least "break even," you would need to drink about eight $12 beverages per day. One important thing to note is that this package does include the same non-alcoholic beverage options as the Non-Alcoholic Package. We’ll get more into that later.

The Celebrity Premium Drink Package is more inclusive than the Classic Package. With that, however, comes a higher price. You can expect the Premium Package to start at around $80 per person, per day.

Each guest who purchases this package will get specialty coffees and teas, craft and artisanal beers, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks, Coca-Cola products, premium bottled water, and wines by the glass up to $19 per serving. Instead of a 15% discount on all wines by the bottle, the package includes a higher 20% discount.

Just like the Classic Package, if you would like to order a drink over $19, you will be charged the difference plus gratuity. You would have to consume at least six $19 drinks per day to break even, compared to eight $12 drinks with the Classic Package.

Moving on, Celebrity only offers one non-alcoholic package — the Zero Proof Drink Package — which costs around $45 per person, per day and includes premium bottled water, specialty coffees and organic teas, Vitamin Water, Red Bull, bottled iced teas, frozen smoothies, zero-proof cocktails, and Coca-Cola products, as well as offerings from The Spa Cafe.

Regardless of which package you choose, it’s important to understand the restrictions. For example, all packages are sold on a per-cruise basis and do not include beverages sold in gift shops, mini-bars, or room service.

Here's a full list of what Celebrity's drink packages include in a convenient chart: 

How much is the drink package on Celebrity Cruises?

Unlike other cruise lines (i.e., Carnival, Princess, etc.), Celebrity's unlimited drink packages don't have a set price. Rather, the cost of the drink package on Celebrity Cruises is determined by the ship, itinerary, and sail date, among other factors. 

Generally speaking, you can save money on your Celebrity drink package by purchasing it in advance through the Cruise Planner. Like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity offers lucrative pre-cruise sales that can save you hundreds of dollars off the onboard pricing of popular add-ons — ranging from drink packages to shore excursions and specialty meals. 

Below is the pricing, along with the current pre-cruise sale discount, of Celebrity's drink packages on the April 12, 2026, cruise aboard Celebrity Beyond:

• Premium Drinks Package: $125 onboard, $92.99 pre-cruise
• Classic Drinks Package: $100 onboard, $84.99 pre-cruise
• Non-Alcoholic Drink Package: $45 onboard, $39.99 pre-cruise 

Comparatively, the cost of Celebrity's drink packages on the April 20, 2026, cruise on Celebrity Ascent in Europe is pretty different:

• Premium Drinks Package: $80 onboard, $59.99 pre-cruise
• Classic Drinks Package: $65 onboard, $54.99 pre-cruise
• Non-Alcoholic Drink Package: $45 onboard, $39.99 pre-cruise 

These prices do not include Celebrity's mandatory 20% service charge, which is automatically applied to all beverages and beverage packages, specialty dining and specialty dining packages, room service, and mini-bar purchases. 

What is All Included on Celebrity Cruises?

Pre-purchasing your drink package is an easy way to save money on a Celebrity cruise. However, there's another option. When you go to book your cruise, you can elect to bundle your cruise fare with a Classic Drinks Package and Basic Wi-Fi. This effectively eliminates the need to purchase add-ons separately and keep a watchful eye on the Cruise Planner. 

The All Included rate applies to nearly all of Celebrity's cruises, minus those in the Galapagos, in interior, ocean-view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass cabins. Suites within The Retreat come with a Premium beverage package and Wi-Fi. 

When pricing out an upcoming 7-night Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Apex in Nov. 2026, the standard cruise fare started at around $713 per person for an interior room and increased to $1,308 for the All Included rate. This breaks down to $85 per night. 

You can pay to upgrade from the Classic to the Premium Drinks Package, as well as from the Basic to the Premium Wi-Fi Package. You will save money if you do this pre-cruise through the online planning portal. However, you may also upgrade on the ship. 

Unfortunately, Celebrity's All Included rate no longer includes gratuities. Below are the current gratuity rates as of February 2026: 

• $18.00 USD per person, per day for Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms
• $19.00 USD per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms
• $23.00 USD per person, per day for guests of The Retreat.

How much are drinks on Celebrity Cruises?

Whether you’re planning to purchase a drink package or still deciding if it’s worth the cost, some prospective cruisers may be wondering about the à la carte drink prices on Celebrity Cruises. 

Generally speaking, on the low end, wines by the glass come in at around $12 but can cost as much as $40 for premium selections, depending on the label. There are some cheaper cocktails, too. However, most fall between $14 and $19. 

When it comes to beer, you'll find most cost around $10 to $14. A Corona Extra, for example, is $10, while a Terrapin Luau IPA is $14. 

Pros and cons of getting the Celebrity drink package

Value

If you are looking to splurge while on your vacation, you might save a lot of money by purchasing a drink package, rather than paying for each drink individually. The catch is that you have to be someone who enjoys indulging in a lot of drinks (i.e., at least a half-dozen per day). 

On the flip side, if you are a more casual drinker who enjoys two or three beverages per day, you might save money by buying each drink individually. There is no point in buying a drink package if you know that you will not be drinking enough to at least break even.

Additionally, depending on your preferred drinks, you might get more value out of the Premium Drinks Package than the Classic. It is not worth it to pay for the cheaper package if you will not be able to get your favorite drinks or be constantly charged the difference for higher-priced beverages.

Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of a cruise drink package is the convenience. You don't have to worry about racking up any large sums while on the ship, or think about whether you actually want to spend the money on a drink at that specific moment.

You also have the freedom to order an unfamiliar drink. If you don't walk away with a new favorite libation, you can order something else without feeling as though you wasted $12+.

Helps establish your cruise budget

Pre-purchasing a drink package via the Cruise Planner, or once you get on board, means you know exactly how much you'll spend on beverages during your vacation. 

This can help you appropriately budget for your vacation, rather than leaving you guessing about how much your final bill will end up being.

Drink fatigue

"Drink fatigue" happens when guests consume more than they normally do just for the sake of making the most of the drink package. If you have a package, it is important to ask yourself if you really want a drink or if you are getting one because you can. 

If you're on a shorter cruise, a drink package might make more sense than on a longer cruise, as having six or more beverages for three or four days is easier than maintaining that pace for an entire week when also waking up early for shore excursions, spending all day in the heat, etc. 

Celebrity Elite Happy Hour

Whereas Royal Caribbean rewards top-tier loyalty members with complimentary daily drinks, Celebrity Cruises offers Elite members and higher a daily happy hour with beverages from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (excluding embarkation day). 

However, it's important to note that the available drinks are limited compared to Celebrity's overall bar menus. For example, you can't order a Lychee Martini or an Old Fashioned. Still, you may find that a drink package is not as valuable with these loyalty benefits. 

You may be able to take advantage of the free happy hour even if you have never sailed on a Celebrity ship — thanks to Royal Caribbean's status matching program, which allows Crown & Anchor Society members to receive equivalent tier recognition in Celebrity’s Captain’s Club and Silversea’s Venetian Society. 

Itinerary

If you have more port days than sea days, a drink package may not make sense for your chosen itinerary. In many places, it is more cost-effective to enjoy beverages in port, where local establishments often offer lower prices than the cruise ship bars. 

Moreover, certain destinations — like Europe — tend to be more physically exhausting, with long days spent ashore touring culturally rich cities. As such, you may discover that you are less likely to take full advantage of a pricey beverage package than you would on Caribbean or Bahamian voyages. 

Can you use your drink package at Cococay?

Yes! Celebrity's drink packages allow guests to get unlimited drinks at just about every restaurant or bar on the cruise ship or private destination, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti.

Note that the beverage packages do not work at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Instead, guests purchase the bundle that most meets their needs, whether an all-you-can-drink option that includes unlimited alcoholic beverages or the more affordable non-alcoholic pass. 

Is the drink package worth it on a cruise?

Over the past few years, I've tried both of Celebrity Cruises' alcoholic drink packages to determine which offers the best value for cruisers. Although it's more expensive, I discovered that I prefer the Premium Package, which offers a more extensive selection of beverages — both non-alcoholic and alcoholic.

For example, Celebrity's Classic Package felt restrictive. I was stuck ordering basic well beverages that I'd get at a local bar back home, rather than enjoying craft cocktails made with top-shelf spirits and higher-end wines by the glass. 

When I had the opportunity to splurge on the Premium Package, the difference in offerings was extremely noticeable, and I didn't feel nickel-and-dimed for better beverages. 

For example, I sampled exclusive cocktails only available on Celebrity ships, including the World Class Bar's Celebrity No. 10, the Magic Carpet's Magic Spritz, and Café al Bacio's Salted Caramel Martini — all of which would have cost extra with the Classic Package. 

That said, the Classic Package is still a solid choice for cruisers who only want an occasional drink and don't care about the premium cocktails and wine, especially if they plan on kickstarting their day with a specialty latte at Café al Bacio. 

Read more: Is Celebrity's drink package worth it? I tried both to see which was better

If you've recently been annoyed by seemingly constant Royal Caribbean emails about your upcoming vacation, you’re not alone.

Cruisers have reported receiving numerous emails from the cruise line containing the same basic information about their reservation — myself included. 

Ever since paying off my upcoming 3-night voyage on Harmony of the Seas, my inbox has been flooded with a "Welcome Aboard" email nearly every day. 

The message always begins with, "Wohoo! You're officially booked, and we're thrilled you'll be joining us on your boldest vacation yet" before providing the booking number for "easy reference." 

Then, the email gives a brief reminder to make sure all of my travel party's details are completed and up to date in the reservation dashboard. 

"Once your information is complete, download the Royal Caribbean app to make the most of every vacation moment. Book shore excursions, make dining reservations, create a personal calendar for your onboard activities and more — all from your phone," it continues. 

"The countdown is on, and now it's time to start setting up your ultimate vacation! Start exploring all the ways to upgrade your adventure and score the best deals right now before you board Harmony of the Seas."

Beneath that, the email features a series of links that direct to the online Cruise Planner. This is where booked passengers can browse add-ons, like beverage packages, shore excursions, dining packages, and internet packages. In addition to the spammy emails, the Cruise Planner is also accessible through Royal Caribbean's website. 

Every "Welcome Aboard" email that I've received since Feb. 20 — there have been 20 — has been the exact same. As such, they've promptly ended up in my email's trash. In fact, after the first two or three, I stopped reading them entirely and automatically deleted them. 

According to a recent Reddit thread, I’m far from the only one dealing with the repetitive messages. 

"I booked my June 2026 cruise back in December, and finished paying it off in February. When I booked it, and everytime i made a payment, I got one of those welcome aboard emails, which i thought was weird but whatever. Now I seem to be getting them almost every day??" shared MissDeeBee.

"Just curious if this has happened to anyone else. I've double checked my reservation and nothing seems to have changed so it's just odd. I feel very welcome now, Royal Caribbean, you can stop now!"

Over two dozen users shared similar experiences, with some speculating that it could be a glitch. Others argue that it may be an aggressive sales tactic to increase pre-cruise bookings through the Cruise Planner. 

"I have an upcoming sailing in late April and I've received 'Welcome Aboard' emails since near the end of February. I had assumed it could be a glitch with their emailing software but I also could see they're trying to encourage us to book dining packages or shore excursions through those emails," Must-Be-Gneiss said. 

Meow217 added, "I have a cruise next month, and I’m getting the welcome aboard email daily as well, which hasn’t happened before. I thought it was because it was coming up so soon but I feel for [y'all] who still have a ways to go and are getting an email taunting you!"

"I’m getting the sense that their add on bookings aren’t quite what they were anticipating, so they’re pushing out as much marketing as possible to people to book drink packages, dining, and all of the other upcharge stuff that people are foregoing (in contrast to their projections for onboard spending). We cruise late next week and I’ve gotten fewer desperate, repetitive bits of communication from an ex," nmunyat joked. 

"OMG I just googled this about my own situation and found your post! I don't understand why they're doing this, but it makes me want to unsubscribe from all of their emails, but I see we're in good, but unfortunate company," Suspicious-Orchid-40 wrote. 

While Royal Caribbean hasn’t addressed the duplicate "Welcome Aboard" messages, it's clear that if it's a marketing strategy, it's backfiring. The emails are more annoying than helpful and are easy to ignore and delete. Plus, they're sent in addition to regular promotional emails that advertise ongoing sales. 

Read more: How far in advance can you book a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Not the first time Royal Caribbean has had a technological glitch

Last spring, Royal Caribbean cruisers reported receiving numerous pop-ups on their devices from the mobile app. The test notifications were filled with placeholder text and ascended sequentially from "test segment 1" to "test segment 19." 

The cruise line confirmed they were aware of the situation and let their IT team know about the annoying pop-ups:

"We're sorry you received pop-ups. Our IT team is doing updates on the app. We've let them know guests are receiving notifications. Sorry about that."

The notifications finally stopped at around 12:30 p.m. EST. Some found the pop-ups to be annoying, while others turned the situation into an inside joke of sorts and created funny memes that they shared on social media.

For example, on Reddit, amishengineer shared a meme that suggested everyone should mark themselves "safe from testing in production," referring to the Facebook feature people use after a natural disaster or major news event.

Another meme mimicked the famous SpongeBob SquarePants scene where Mr. Krabs looks frazzled while keeping the Krusty Krab open 24 hours for days in a row. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean app sends out erroneous pop-up messages

If someone needs a blood transfusion, the situation is treated as a medical emergency. What, however, happens when you're stuck in the middle of the ocean and can't reach a hospital?

Unfortunately, life doesn't slow down when we're on vacation. Medical emergencies can happen anywhere — even hundreds of miles from shore on a cruise. 

Recently, one Redditor posted a thread about an early-morning announcement on Oasis of the Seas. According to ClearContribution286, the Oasis Class vessel requested blood donors around 4:00 a.m. aboard the 8-night Southern Caribbean cruise. 

"At about 4am a shipwide call went out for blood donors... We were near Cuba, and it was too far to evacuate by helicopter," they explained. 

Thankfully, the Captain provided an update around breakfast time. However, the original poster was still stunned that cruise ships could perform blood transfusions at sea. 

"I figured it was more like an urgent care. Not the way I wanted to learn that they do so much more, but really glad that I was so wrong," they added. 

Although cruise ships have medical centers on board and can handle minor injuries and illnesses, they are not fully equipped like standard hospitals. As such, it's not uncommon for crew members to ask eligible passengers to donate blood. 

"I [had this happen] this earlier this year - a call out went for my blood type and someone who hadn't drunk alcohol for 24 hours and [was] younger than 50 - out of the 3 thousand people on board only about 10 met the criteria and came forward," MeridianNZ commented on the post. 

"I had a photo of my donor card on my phone, they accepted that - but said they would have also done a test if I was pretty sure. They then took some of my blood and the other 10 and then ranked us on some sort of quality scale and 2 of us ended up giving."

On a different thread, another passenger shared their experience aboard their cruise, with passengers jumping at the opportunity to help the guest in need. 

"This happened on the cruise I was just on back in September. It took all of 5 minutes, if that, after the cruise director made the announcement for him to come back on to announce there were plenty of volunteers and more were appreciated but not needed," said ArtichokeDistinct762. 

"I had literally just made it to the elevator, so I figured I’d take a look just in case. There had to have been like 20 people already, they definitely didn’t need me. It was pretty cool to see people show up for a complete stranger like that, restored my faith in humanity a little bit."

Cruise ships don't have blood banks on board

No government agency officially regulates medical practice aboard cruise ships. However, most ships follow the guidelines set by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). 

These guidelines state that cruise ship medical facilities should be able to provide quality medical care for passengers and crew; initiate appropriate stabilization, diagnostic, and therapeutic maneuvers for critically ill or medically unstable patients; and assist in the medical evacuation of patients in a timely fashion, when appropriate.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while roughly 3% of cruise medical center visits are for cardiovascular reasons, 80% of onboard deaths are caused by cardiovascular events. During these instances, rapid interventions — such as blood transfusions — are critical. 

Because cruise ship medical facilities are so small, they don't have the space to store a full-scale blood bank. As such, when a passenger or crew member needs a blood transfusion, they have to ask for donors. 

In many cases, those who are willing to donate may need to show the medical team a valid donor card. In other cases, they may perform a quick test to confirm blood type and screen for basic safety criteria.

"Our ships do not carry blood or blood products and do not routinely perform blood transfusions. However, in emergent situations, a blood transfusion may be possible if a donor can be identified on board," Carnival's FAQ reads. 

Sometimes, they may request a specific donor, such as someone with a certain blood type (i.e., O- or A-) or sex. Males, for example, are often preferred as blood donors because women who have been pregnant may carry antibodies in their blood that could trigger a serious reaction in recipients called Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI).

TRALI is a serious complication of blood transfusions that occurs when antibodies in the donor’s plasma react with the recipient’s white blood cells. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs, leading to respiratory distress. TRALI typically develops rapidly, often within hours of a transfusion, and can be life-threatening, which is why careful donor selection is so important. 

"I’ve been on several TransAtlantic cruises and on three of them they had medical emergencies. They asked for males with O Negative blood 🩸 No tattoos and No piercings," commented one Redditor. 

Someone else said, "[Cruise ships] don't have the resources/time to test for everything like the antibodies they usually test for to prevent Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury. If they're asking for blood on a ship, the person will die without it, so it's life or death...they're doing all they can."

In emergencies, it's often easier to simply specify criteria to quickly narrow down eligible donors and ensure the medical team can collect blood and perform the transfusion. 

If a donor isn't available, the medical team may focus on stabilizing the patient while other crew members try to coordinate a safe medical evacuation. That could mean calling in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to assist with a helicopter medevac or diverting to the nearest port of call. 

Read more: US Coast Guard rescues sick passenger from floating cruise ship at sea

Should you buy travel insurance for cruise vacations?

Trips to cruise medical facilities are costly because ships don't accept traditional health insurance policies. While you may have heard of medical evacuation stories costing thousands of dollars, it's just as easy to rack up a hefty bill below deck. 

For example, a few years ago, Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, were traveling aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas when Wasney began suffering from a series of seizures.

He was eventually evacuated by a rescue boat; however, the couple was shocked by a $2,500.22 medical bill that covered his general and enhanced observation, a blood test, and anticonvulsant medicine, as well as a fee for services performed outside the medical facility.

According to Royal Caribbean's Cruise Ticket Contract, all passengers agree "to pay in full...all charges for entertainment, goods, and services incurred by [the] Guest, or incurred by [the] Carrier on Guest's behalf." 

The Contract further states that the "Guest shall pay for all medical care or other personal services requested or required, whether onboard or ashore...If [the] Guest is unable to pay and the Carrier pays for such expenses, then [the] Guest shall reimburse [the] Carrier for those expenses."

Because many health insurance policies do not cover international treatment, those without travel insurance could be stuck paying for all the onboard medical expenses out-of-pocket.

Not only that, but travel insurance can also provide some compensation for unforeseen travel-related mishaps like lost luggage, delayed flights, and trip cancellations or interruptions. 

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.