Two stowaway owls have been living the good life in Spain after hitchhiking on Allure of the Seas' transatlantic cruise in February. 

During the 12-night voyage, a pair of burrowing owls felt right at home in the ship’s Central Park neighborhood after boarding the ship in Miami, Florida. 

The owls were eventually caught by crew members using nets, fed and watered according to expert guidelines, and handed over o Spanish officials after arriving in Barcelona. 

Since arriving in Spain, the owls have been living lavishly at the CITES Wildlife Rescue Center (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in Murcia. 

Read more: Adventurous owls took a 2-week vacation after stowing away on one of the world's largest cruise ships

Their quarantine will wrap up in January, after which they are slated to be returned to the United States around the middle of the month. Their return airfare will be covered by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the charitable arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). 

Natalie Montero-McAllister, the FWC's Imperiled Species Policy Administrator, told The Guardian that the owls are ground-dwelling, spending most of their time in burrows or open areas.

As such, they likely were confused by the ship's vast metal expanses and the absence of their usual diet, consisting of small reptiles and birds, frogs, and rodents.

"It must have been very bewildering for them. Some of the newer cruise ships have a lot of green space, and like plant life on board to make it more park-like, so I’m curious if that may have been something that was of particular interest or comforting for them," she added. 

Still, it's not clear how the owls made it on Allure of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship and one of the world's largest cruise vessels, in February. 

After returning to the U.S., they will be released into the wild once they pass an assessment and re-assimilation test at a Florida facility. 

"We plan to release them to another area that they’re likely familiar with, since they came from somewhere in Miami. We’re under the impression that they are accustomed to urban environments, so we’ll bring them to another urban environment, so that way it’s something familiar to them," Montero-McAllister explained. 

Tindl Rainey, the Director of Conservation at the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, said that they are happy to help ensure the owls have a safe transition back to their natural habitat.

"They’re having quite the adventure, and we’re glad to help get them safely back to a burrow in Florida," she stated.

Not the first stowaway owls on a Royal Caribbean cruise

(Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Facebook)

In 2023, passengers reported seeing a burrowing owl aboard Symphony of the Seas during a Caribbean cruise. 

Royal Caribbean contacted local wildlife authorities to safely apprehend and remove the owl from the ship's Central Park neighborhood, and biologist Ricardo Zambrano boarded the ship in Florida on disembarkation day to safely capture the owl with help from the crew.

"Zambrano only had a one-hour window of time between the passengers disembarking and new passengers coming aboard for their week-long vacation to Mexico [to capture the owl]!" the FWC said in a Facebook post. 

(Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Facebook)

"With some of the crew’s help, [Zambrano] placed mist nets around the owl’s perch of choice, the exit signs by the door. Two unsuccessful attempts later, the owl was now sitting on the balcony of a [10th-story] cabin. The crew stood below making noise to distract the owl as [Zambrano] snuck up and safely netted the owl from the railing!"

Royal Caribbean's first-ever private beach club is one step closer to welcoming guests. 

On Friday, December 12, the cruise line assembled a giant 43-foot Crown & Anchor logo at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

It's one of the — if not the largest — physical Crown & Anchor symbols in existence. 

"To put that in perspective, the Crown and Anchor on the side of the Star of the Seas is about 37-38 feet," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean Group Chief Product Innovation Officer, during the 2025 President's Cruise. 

That makes the structure in Nassau roughly 5-6 feet larger than the logo on one of the world's largest cruise ships. 

The assembly was livestreamed by PTZtv on the Port Nassau webcam, with all images in this blog courtesy of PTZtv. 

The massive, blocky components were lifted via crane and put into place piece by piece, almost like a gigantic LEGO set. 

Based on the webcam footage, it appears that the logo will be on the inward-facing side of Paradise Island, giving all cruise guests, Royal Caribbean or not, a clear view of the massive emblem as their ships sail into Nassau.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is set to officially open on December 23, 2025, with guests on Utopia and Radiance of the Seas among the first to experience the cruise line's first beach club destination. 

Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, admission isn't included in your cruise fare. Rather, it's more akin to traditional shore excursions, with day passes available for purchase through the Cruise Planner or at the shore excursion kiosks on board.

There are different types of passes, with the most expensive starting at around $169.99/person and including everything from unlimited alcoholic beverages to lounge chairs and umbrellas, all-day dining, Wi-Fi, and more. 

As it stands, Royal Caribbean has two more beach clubs in the works: Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Royal Beach Club Santorini. 

Royal Caribbean also shared a short 17-second reel of the structure's construction

The time-lapse video starts with the construction crew building the center of the anchor before expanding outward.

A strong, core structure allowed the team to build the surrounding elements that give the logo its recognizable shape, with the crown's middle prong being the last piece added. 

The final few seconds of the clip show the sheer scale of the Crown & Anchor installation at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

The logo dwarfs everything from the two-story Party Cove to the restaurant shacks and the construction equipment below as the team works to get the finishing touches in place before the club’s grand opening. 

Other construction updates

There are just ten days to go before paying guests are welcomed to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island for the first time. 

This leaves little room for delay as everything must be fully operational by Dec. 23. 

While recent photos show that the beach club is coming together, there's still a lot of work to be done to ensure the destination is guest-ready. 

From afar, the colorful beach club is really taking shape. However, construction debris must be cleared, furniture arranged, and landscaping finished in under two weeks. 

Guests sailing aboard this weekend's Utopia of the Seas cruise get more time on the ship than planned. 

Due to the incoming cold front, the ship will arrive back at Port Canaveral, Florida, later than scheduled, as confirmed by Scott Sanders of Disney Cruise Line Blog. 

Utopia was initially supposed to arrive for disembarkation at 6:00 a.m. Upon boarding the ship, however, current passengers were told to expect a delayed arrival time of 2:00 p.m.

Guests were given the option to disembark, though they had to decide by 3:00 p.m. Moreover, according to the cruise line's weather policy, no compensation will be provided for those who stay on the ship. 

"On Sunday evening, there is going to be a cold front passing through this region here in Port Canaveral, and behind it will be some very high wind[s], higher winds than what is safer to bring the ship into the port of Canaveral," the Captain said over the public address system.

They will continue to monitor the system, warning passengers that further changes may be necessary since the weather does not always follow the predicted forecast.  

"Your safety and the safety of the ship is the number one priority that I have on board here," he added. 

There are no other confirmed changes to the Dec. 12 sailing of Utopia of the Seas. As it stands, the Oasis Class ship is still scheduled to call at Nassau on Saturday and Perfect Day at CocoCay on Sunday. 

The National Data Buoy System issued a warning about this weekend's weather, saying that a cold front is expected to push through the Atlantic coastal waters from Flagler Beach to Jupiter Inlet on Sunday evening and night. 

Conditions will be relatively calm on Sunday before deteriorating later in the day, with northwest winds of 20 to 25 knots expected. Seas will build from 4 to occasional heights of 11 feet after midnight. 

Strong winds and high seas will persist on Monday, though dangerous conditions are expected to subside throughout the day. 

For example, northeast winds of 25 to 30 knots will decrease to 15 to 20 knots in the afternoon. Still, the intracoastal waters will stay rough. 

An email was also sent to impacted passengers on the Dec. 15 voyage

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer, we are closely monitoring the approach of a strong cold front Sunday night into Port Canaveral. This system will bring high winds that will make our scheduled arrival into the port challenging," it reads.

"With safety in mind, the ship is expected to be delayed in returning to the port by approximately six (6) hours, but the situation remains fluid. We’ll continue to monitor the forecast in case anything changes."

Royal Caribbean will send a follow-up by Sunday at 6:00 p.m. EST with updated arrival times. 

Additionally, the email states that, because of Monday's late departure, the ship has to swap its scheduled visit to Nassau on Tuesday with a sea day:

"The good news is we’ll still have a chance to visit Nassau on Thursday with updated call times. Not to worry, you’ll still have the same amount of time in port to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer!"

Any pre-paid excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Nassau will be automatically rescheduled, and those that cannot will be canceled and refunded to guests' SeaPass account to be used as onboard credit. 

The visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Wednesday, Dec. 17, remains unchanged. 

An American grandmother was arrested and fined after "accidentally" forgetting to leave her gun in her car. 

Mary Robinson, 69, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was caught with a black Kel-Tec .380 armed with four rounds of ammunition while on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. 

The Royal Bahamas Police Force boarded the cruise ship shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Dec. 2 at Prince George Wharf in Nassau, according to the crime report. 

Robinson was identified and subsequently arrested after being found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

(Credit: Graci Exendine/GoFundMe)

She then spent about five days in the island's infamous Fox Hill Prison, which — according to the U.S. Department of State — is infamous for overcrowding issues, inadequate sanitation and medical care, and poor nutrition. 

Robinson pleaded guilty to the possession charges on Dec. 4 and paid an $8,000 fine, her attorney, Bjorn Ferguson, confirmed. 

"In default, she would have [had to spend] 24 months at the Bahamas Department of Corrections," Ferguson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 

A local news outlet reported that, while before Magistrate Lennox Coleby, Robinson apologized and explained that she forgot her handgun was in her purse because of Oklahoma's open carry laws.

Robinson's granddaughter, Graci Exendine, launched a GoFundMe to raise money to cover the fine and extradition costs. In just nine days, the fundraiser had surpassed its goal of $12,000. 

"She went on a cruise for her adopted son Johnny's 12th birthday. She is 69 years old and on her trips she usually [brings] some kind of protection but usually leaves it in the car since you aren’t allowed to bring it on the ship," Exendine shared in the GoFundMe description. 

"Well accidentally she didn’t leave it and it was found in her bag when they checked at the Bahamas and she was arrested."

Weapons are prohibited from cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has a long list of items that guests are prohibited from bringing on board their ships, among them knives, firearms, ammunition, and other weapons. 

It's unclear how Robinson's handgun made it past security in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when embarking on the 4-night cruise — and it has puzzled cruisers who have gotten seemingly less dangerous items confiscated. 

"I couldn’t get a [handheld] steamer on board," Derek Von Langen commented on Cruise Blog's Facebook post. 

Others aren't as trusting of Robinson's story, arguing that it is hard to "forget" that you have a weapon on your person. 

"If you don't know where your weapon is, you aren't safely carrying and should have your right to carry revoked," Richard Leatherman added on the post. 

Ferguson told PEOPLE that bringing a firearm to The Bahamas is "problematic," as possession charges are taken very seriously. Consequences are severe, ranging from massive fines to lengthy prison sentences. 

As such, it is important to understand the local laws of where you're traveling. For example, you shouldn't wear camouflage clothing in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, or Dominica. 

Moreover, even if marijuana is legal in your state, it is prohibited aboard cruise ships since it is still banned at the federal level. 

Possession, like with handguns, can lead to arrest, fines, being denied boarding, or getting kicked off the cruise ship. 

Read more: 5 things you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025

Another cruiser was arrested for firearm possession on a Royal Caribbean cruise earlier this year

On Feb. 25, a guest on Oasis of the Seas was arrested in Aruba for attempting to board the ship with a revolver.

The firearm was discovered during a routine security check, a local media outlet reported. The unidentified male was then detained, escorted off the ship, and transported to the local precinct for questioning. 

Oasis departed from Florida on Feb. 22, meaning — like Robinson — the passenger’s weapon either slipped past embarkation screening or was purchased during the ship’s 14-hour visit.

Royal Caribbean's ships have cabins for all types of cruisers, and their new mega-ships are no exception. 

Budget-friendly cruisers can book affordable, albeit windowless, interior staterooms, while those with more wiggle room can splurge on multi-story suites within the Royal Suite Class.

One such suite is the Royal Loft Suite. Although it still doesn't compete with the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathrooms, and more. 

Lesley Sawhook, one of the owners of Exclusive Travel Partners, shared photos of the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship. Sawhook has over 15 years of experience and specializes in all-inclusive resorts, Disney and Universal trips, and major cruise lines. 

Onboard Star of the Seas, there's just one Royal Loft Suite. It's located within the Suite Neighborhood on Decks 17 and 18, although the entrance to the suite is on Deck 17. 

The Royal Loft Suite is steps from the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant and Cloud 17 pool. It's also one deck below The Grove Sun Deck. 

Like the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the Royal Loft Suite isn't cheap. In fact, don't be surprised if it's more expensive than the family-friendly suite. 

For example, the cost for two people in a Royal Loft Suite (at the time of publication) on Star of the Seas' 7-night Jan. 11, 2026, departure costs $66,761. Comparatively, the Ultimate Family Townhouse is $65,481. 

Here's a photo tour of the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Spacious indoor and outdoor living areas

With over 1,400 square feet of interior living space, the Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers more than enough room to relax and entertain on one of the world's largest cruise ships.

In addition to two sectionals, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your spacious suite. There's also a wet bar with an upgraded coffee machine, ice bucket, and glasses. 

Additionally, the living area acts as a third (yes, third!) bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to six guests to stay in the suite.

It also features a piano, which can be a major plus if you have a talented cruiser in your travel party. Even still, it's a nice statement decoration that makes the space feel more refined. 

Although the interior living space is impressive, the balcony is undoubtedly a major highlight of the Royal Loft Suite. 

Coming in at 705 square feet, there's no shortage of space (or ways) to take advantage of the suite's verandah.

From the two outdoor dining tables to the private hot tub, it’s designed for relaxation and entertaining. Plus, the wrap-around balcony gives you a front-row view of the ocean, as well as the ship's top deck. 

You never have to wonder what the vibe is like on the pool deck, but the best part is that you don't have to worry about crowded hot tubs. 

Loft bedroom

The primary master bedroom of the Royal Loft suite isn't enclosed. Instead, the open concept allows guests to take in the sweeping ocean views from the second-story bedroom. 

The large floor-to-ceiling windows allow tons of natural light in, rather than hiding suite guests away in a dark room. It also features a king-sized bed with a Matermoll Summer Mattress. 

That said, one of the highlights is the spacious ensuite master bathroom. 

Outfitted with an extra-large vanity with dual sinks, a massive shower, soaking tub, and ample storage, you don't need to worry about stepping over one another when getting ready. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with younger children, too. 

Although there’s another full bathroom downstairs, that one doesn’t have a tub — just a standing shower. 

Another plus is that the master bathroom has some natural light, as well as a spacious vanity area. There's also a separate toilet room with another sink. 

Yes, that makes 3 sinks on the second level of the Royal Loft Suite!

Second bedroom

Downstairs, there's a second full bedroom. It lacks access to the balcony, but the floor-to-ceiling window overlooks the pool deck. 

As expected for a suite, the furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms. For example, the nightstands are nicer, and there's an abundance of bedside charging ports.

The stylish headboard further helps distinguish the second bedroom in the Royal Loft Suite from standard cabins. 

The second full bathroom isn't too shabby, either. The extra-long vanity doesn't have dual sinks, but it offers plenty of counter space for toiletries and other everyday essentials. 

 What perks come with a Royal Loft Suite on Star of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Royal Loft Suite falls within the highest Star Class tier. As such, it comes with a slew of benefits to enhance the onboard experience.

Perks for the Star Class Royal Loft Suite include: 

• Exclusive access to Royal Genie Service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
• Complimentary dining throughout the ship (including most specialty dining venues; premium choices in the Main Dining Room; lobster at Chops Grille; Trellis Bar and Playmakers food items; ice cream floats, milkshakes, and shakes at Desserted; and more)!
• Priority reservations and a discounted per-person cover charge at Izumi, Hibachi/Teppanyaki ($15.00), Chef’s Table ($50.00), Izumi Omakase ($60.00), and the Lincoln Park Supper Club ($130.00)
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package (for guests 21 years or older)
• Complimentary Refreshment Package (for guests under the legal drinking age)
• Still and sparkling water replenished daily
• Complimentary gratuities
• Complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi
• Expedited boarding & departure
• Best seats in the house in select entertainment venues
• Priority entrance to many onboard activities
• Suite Lounge access (complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening)
• Access to The Grove
• Complimentary minibar stocked with Coca-Cola® beverages and water
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Luxury mattress, pillows, and linens
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Luxury bathrobes for use onboard
• In-suite coffee machine

Royal Caribbean is one step closer to breaking ground on its new beach club in Cozumel. 

The cruise giant submitted its required environmental impact study for approval, as reported by Riviera Maya News. This submission is an important milestone and one of the final hurdles before construction can officially begin. 

According to the INEGI Classification of Economic Activities, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel project is categorized within the tertiary sector, specifically under "cultural and sports entertainment services, and other recreational services."

This means that the beach club won't include hotels. Rather, it will focus on daily recreational activities, such as swimming, shopping, and dining. 

Royal Caribbean's environmental impact study adds that the beach club will generate a daily flow of visitors without overnight stays, consistent with the definition of economic units classified under sub-sector 713. 

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel is proposed to be located within the municipality of Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico. 

The cruise line is taking an existing spot, the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, and redeveloping it for its guests. This makes it one of the least invasive options, as it can utilize existing infrastructure and prior authorizations.

The site is located about 6.5 miles from Cozumel’s International Cruise Terminal and is roughly 42 acres. Of that acreage, about 13 acres are designated for the project's development, while 29 acres are designated as open areas. 

According to the environmental study, the landscaped green areas and surrounding natural areas will be preserved, restored, and left undisturbed. 

Moreover, Royal Caribbean plans to incorporate local natural materials, such as quarry stone and native woods, into the construction.

They will also finish with regional colors to create an atmosphere that complements Quintana Roo's coastal landscape.

Inside the beach club, guests can expect restaurants offering picturesque ocean views, a market-style food court with Mexican and other classic fast food options, and plenty of bars to stay "hydrated." In particular, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel will feature poolside bars that offer themed drinks throughout the day. 

Additionally, there will be private beach palapas (stilt houses); outdoor lounge areas with sun loungers, hammocks, and lounge chairs; shower and restroom facilities; and sports and beach activities. 

Read more: We got our first look at Royal Caribbean's private beach club in Mexico, and it looks stunning

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel is based on three fundamental pillars

The first, operational and recreational excellence, guarantees efficient services, comfort, and a high-value-added experience for tourists. 

The second pillar, environmental commitment, focuses on minimizing impact, respecting the natural environment, ensuring a responsible use of resources, and a harmonious integration with the ecosystem. 

Finally, the third pillar emphasizes the use of previously affected areas. Rather than build on untouched land, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be developed on a site where previously authorized facilities already exist (i.e., the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park). 

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel project is estimated to have a useful life of 26 years and 3 months. 1 year and 3 months constitute the preparation and construction phases, leaving the remaining 25 for the operation and maintenance phases. 

When will the Royal Beach Club Cozumel open?

Royal Caribbean hasn't released an official opening date. However, the brand-new beach club is expected to welcome guests in 2026. 

According to Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s Chief Product Innovation Director, work began around May 2025. 

If the timeline is consistent with the environmental impact proposal, that would indicate an opening in August or September 2026. This is simply speculation and has not been confirmed by Royal Caribbean. 

Similar to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the Royal Beach Club Cozumel is a bookable shore excursion. The experience comes with an extra cost, unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, where guests can enjoy the island's beaches for free. 

Virgin Voyages is offering to recognize your airline, hotel, or cruise loyalty status, so you can enjoy special benefits on an adults-only cruise. 

This means that now is the best time for elite Royal Caribbean and Celebrity members to try the cruise line without losing their hard-earned benefits. 

The all-new Sailing Club Status Match promotion is valid on new bookings made between December 9, 2025, and March 31, 2026, and submissions must be received at least 14 days before your sailing.

Guests who qualify will unlock Blue Extras perks on their first sailing, including one complimentary bag of laundry, one complimentary specialty coffee per day, and an invitation to an exclusive onboard cocktail hour. 

"Loyalty programs have gotten it backward," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. "They ask for more, give less, and call it a reward. We’re flipping that. From the moment Sailors step aboard, we want them to feel recognized, relaxed, and reminded of why they fell in love with travel in the first place."

How to participate in Virgin's Sailing Club Status Match program

First, you must create a Sailor Account through Virgin Voyages' website. If you already have an account, you'll have to log in to access the Status Match request form. 

Then, you'll choose your eligible airline, hotel, or cruise loyalty program and upload proof of your status by Jan. 16, 2026. Moreover, Sailing Club Status Match submissions must be received at least 14 days before your voyage.

If you aren't at least a Platinum Royal Caribbean or Select Celebrity cruiser, don't worry — there are over 35 travel programs included in the promotion. 

As such, frequent flyers, hotel loyalists, and cruisers across a wide range of brands may qualify for the limited-time deal. 

Here's a rundown of some of the included programs:

• Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society
• Celebrity Cruises' Captains Club
• Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards
• Carnival’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club
• MSC Cruises' Voyagers Club
• Princess Cruises Captain's Circle
• Holland America's Mariner Society
• Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Club
• American Airlines’ AAdvantage
• United MileagePlus Program
• Delta SkyMiles
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Hilton Honors
• World of Hyatt
• IHG One Rewards

After your status application is approved, you will be sent an exclusive Access Key via email. This must be used when making your new Virgin Voyages booking to unlock the Blue Extras benefits. 

To take advantage of this offer, your cruise must be booked by March 31, 2026. All open-for-sale revenue cruises are eligible. 

Note that the loyalty perks are only applied to the primary sailor on the reservation and can only be used once. Finally, the benefits earned through the Sailing Club Status Match offer are not transferable, non-exchangeable, and have no cash value.

Virgin Voyages vs Royal Caribbean: Why loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers should consider a Virgin cruise

Earlier this year, I embarked on my first-ever Virgin Voyages cruise after over a dozen sailings with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. 

Although there are areas where Royal and Celebrity shine, I would be open to sailing with Virgin again for a few key reasons. 

First, the dining is more diverse. Rather than being limited to a crowded buffet or a single dining room, Virgin Voyages offers a wide range of globally inspired options. The best part? Everything's included. 

This means that, unlike on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, guests don't have to pay extra for the specialty Italian restaurant, upscale steakhouse, Mexican eatery, or lively Korean BBQ spot. 

Moreover, the standard buffet was replaced with The Galley, a massive food hall with multiple stalls all specializing in different cuisines. My favorites were Noodle Around and Let’s Taco Bout It. 

Moving on, I appreciated the modern touches throughout the ship. Starting with my interior stateroom, the touch-screen tablet could be used to adjust the cabin's lighting, order room service, and even operate the television. The rainfall shower was a bonus, too. 

Beyond the cabin, the ship was filled with stylish design elements that made it feel like a boutique hotel, rather than a mass-market cruise ship — think sleek lounges, ambient lighting, and cozy nooks for reading. 

Still, the highlight of a Virgin Voyages cruise is the adult-oriented experience. Although Celebrity Cruises caters more to adults than Royal Caribbean, it doesn't come close to the offerings on Virgin, including drag performances, wild late-night parties, and more. 

At the end of the day, a Virgin Voyages cruise will be different than Royal Caribbean. There aren't any Broadway-style productions, waterslides, surf simulators, or zip lines. 

Read more: I took my first Virgin Voyages cruise on its newest ship. Here are my brutally honest thoughts

However, the trade-off is an edgy, gastronomic adults-only cruise where you don't have to worry about kids splashing in the pool or running around the hallways. 

Virgin's new Sailing Club Status Match promotion makes it easier for loyal Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests to be open to trying this unique take on cruising.  

A viral video shows an outraged passenger attacking another crew member on one of the world's biggest cruise ships, and the shocking footage has sparked major discussions across social media platforms. 

Fighting is one of the easiest ways to get kicked off (and banned) from cruise ships. However, despite the headlines, some guests have not learned that their actions have consequences. 

Recently, a hostile guest assaulted a crew member on Icon of the Seas at the Category 6 Waterpark. The kicker? His actions were caught on camera and shared on Facebook. Since being posted on December 5, the video has been viewed over 1 million times. 

Before throwing the violent punch, the belligerent guest is seen getting in the crew member's face and aggressively yelling. 

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

The crew member, who appears to be a lifeguard based on their uniform, was knocked to the ground by the forceful blow. Another crew member intervened and tackled the passenger to the ground, presumably to prevent further violence. 

After regaining his stance, the unidentified passenger walked away with his middle finger raised toward the crew and stunned passersby. 

He was followed by crew members, though — likely to keep a close eye on them until the ship's security team could arrive and apprehend the guest for questioning. 

"This behavior is absolutely disgusting"

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

Social media users reacted to the 55-second clip online. Some simply stated that the behavior should not be tolerated on board, while others were quick to blame the line's unlimited drink package.

"[The guest] should be forced to pay the employee for pain and suffering - this is abuse, doing this to any random person would result in jail time. For some reason assaults on service workers always get walked off as nothing," commented one person on a thread in the r/Cruise Reddit community. 

Someone else chimed in, "Wow, what a little punk piece of garbage. As soon as he gets off the ship, I hope they have cops waiting to send him to jail."

(Credit: Pat Brumley Ph D/Facebook)

"If I [were] a betting man, I’d be more likely to blame the onboard free-flowing unlimited drink packages," another added on a separate post. 

Although Royal Caribbean has yet to comment on the incident, the cruise giant has strict policies on passenger misconduct

The cruise line's Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy is extremely clear: Inappropriate or abusive behavior is not permitted on board. "Uninvited physical contact" is also against Royal Caribbean's rules. 

These policies aren't suggestions, either. Should a passenger violate these rules, which are all agreed upon in the cruise contract, they face removal from the ship, possible legal action, and a permanent ban from future Royal Caribbean Group sailings. 

Unfortunately, incidents like that aren't uncommon. Multiple livestreamers were recently kicked off Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas. Two members of the "Cx group" — David Ryan and Dave Willis — got into a violent altercation on the pool deck that was recorded in real time. 

According to bystanders, the duo began arguing over another streamer. However, things quickly escalated, and they began throwing punches and eventually tackling one another to the ground. 

As a result of their actions, Ryan and Willis were kicked off Harmony and left in Roatán, Honduras. 

Royal Caribbean just revealed its next batch of Caribbean cruises in 2027 and 2028. 

As part of the cruise line's scheduled deployment release, Royal Caribbean's seasonal Caribbean sailings are now available for booking. 

13 ships based out of Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Panama are part of this week's release, including Allure of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas. 

Here's a breakdown of what's new and what's on the horizon. 

Legend of the Seas will return to Fort Lauderdale in 2027

After Legend's second seasonal European deployment, the third Icon Class ship will return to Fort Lauderdale for a winter stint, sailing on 6- and 8-night getaways to the Southern and Western Caribbean. 

You can book cruises to places like the cruise line's award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico (the soon-to-be-home for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel), Willemstad, Curaçao; Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, and more. 

Highlights of Legend's onboard experience include 28 dining options, all-new entertainment headlined by Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and more. 

Mariner of the Seas to sail from The Big Easy

Following Mariner's European deployment, she will move to New Orleans, Louisiana, for the 2027-2028 winter and spring seasons. The 6- to 9-night adventures will call at a variety of ports, including Belize City, Roatán, and Cozumel. 

New Orleans is a great pre- or post-cruise destination. From the historic French Quarter to the lively Bourbon Street and famous Creole cuisine, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in NOLA. 

Grandeur of the Seas to sail from Puerto Rico and Latin America

From May to December 2027, Grandeur of the Seas will be based out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. As such, she will offer port-intensive Southern Caribbean cruises to hot spots like Tortola, British Virgin Islands; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Castries, St. Lucia; and more.

In December, she'll sail from Colón, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia, to the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. These cruises present a unique opportunity to call at some of the Caribbean's most sought-after destinations, while also highlighting vibrant local cultures. 

Allure of the Seas will call two South Florida ports home

The recently amplified Allure of the Seas will sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting in May 2027 before moving to Miami in November. 

While in Fort Lauderdale, Allure's line-up will consist of 6- and 8-night voyages to the Western and Southern Caribbean. Ports of call include Perfect Day at CocoCay; Willemstad, Curacao; Falmouth, Jamaica; and more.

After she moves to Miami, she'll offer weeklong cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Oasis of the Seas will take Allure's spot in Fort Lauderdale, offering short cruises to The Bahamas

Fort Lauderdale won't be without an Oasis Class ship for long — after Allure moves to Miami, her spot will be taken by Oasis of the Seas. 

Starting in November 2027, Oasis will offer a series of 3- and 4-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. 

Freedom of the Seas will offer a range of different itineraries 

Freedom of the Seas is a fan favorite — and for good reason. The OG Freedom Class ship offers a good mix of value and amenities. In short, she's a great pick for budget-conscious travelers who don't want to sacrifice adrenaline-pumping activities, comfort, and entertainment. 

Starting April 2027, Freedom of the Seas will sail from Miami, Florida, on 4-, 5-, 7-, and 9-night cruises around the Caribbean. 

Destinations vary but include Curaçao, Aruba, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau, and more.

Independence of the Seas will also sail from Miami

Independence will join Freedom of the Seas in Miami, Florida, in November 2027. During the winter and spring, the ship will offer 4- to 8-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

The getaways will take guests to visit iconic landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, admire vibrant sea life in Grand Cayman, and soak in the Caribbean sun at the all-new Royal Beach Club Cozumel. 

Adventure of the Seas will spend the summer and winter in Port Canaveral

Adventure of the Seas will begin offering cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, in April 2027. Travelers can look forward to a variety of itineraries, including 4-, 5, and 9-night voyages. 

According to the cruise line, Adventure's itineraries are perfect for beach lovers, as the ship will visit destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau (for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island), and Cozumel (for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel). 

Another Voyager Class ship will sail from Florida

Explorer of the Seas will join Oasis of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale in November 2027. 

Unlike the Oasis Class ship, however, Explorer won't offer any short cruises. Instead, vacationers can pick from 6- to 8-night adventures to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Ports include Perfect Day at CocoCay; Falmouth, Jamaica; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and more. 

Enchantment of the Seas will sail from Tampa

Enchantment might not be the flashiest ship in the fleet, but there's a lot to love about the classic charm of Vision Class ships. 

Starting in April 2027, Enchantment will set sail on a variety of sun-soaked 5- and 7-night Western Caribbean cruises, visiting destinations like Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.

In November, she'll move to offering shorter 4- and 5-night cruises, also to the Western Caribbean. 

Guests can embark on weeklong cruises aboard Brilliance of the Seas

Starting in November 2027, Brilliance of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises from Tampa, Florida.

The Western Caribbean cruises will call at popular ports including Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and more.

Rhapsody of the Seas will be based out of San Juan

Guests can sail to idyllic destinations aboard Rhapsody of the Seas during the ship's winter 2027 deployment. 

The 6- to 8-night getaways will call at various ports, including St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Johns, Antigua; Castries, St. Lucia; and Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis. 

Jewel of the Seas to offer short cruises from Fort Lauderdale in 2027

Finally, from April to November 2027, Jewel of the Seas will offer 3- and 4-night voyages from Port Everglades to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. 

These cruises are perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a quick Caribbean getaway without committing to a full week at sea. Plus, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be open by then, so guests can enjoy two days ashore at private destinations in The Bahamas. 

More deployments coming soon

Royal Caribbean will continue releasing new sailings soon. The next round of Caribbean deployments is scheduled for the week of February 9, 2026. 

We're still missing the cruise line's October 2027 - April 2027 deployments in Australia, China, and Singapore. However, as of December 9, Royal Caribbean hasn't given an estimated date for when these will be shared. 

For now, here's what's open for booking: 

• NOW OPEN: Alaska (May 2027-Sept. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: Europe (April 2027-Oct. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: 7-night & short Caribbean (March 2027-April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Northeast, California, & Texas (April 2027-April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Seasonal Caribbean (April 2027-April 2028)

Royal Caribbean was forced to change over a dozen itineraries on Spectrum of the Seas as tensions between Japan and China continue to rise. 

Guests on at least 14 voyages leaving Shanghai between January and April 2026 were told their cruises would no longer call at Japanese ports.

"We're looking forward to welcoming you onboard Spectrum of the Seas for our February 18, 2026 sailing!" reads an email shared by Cruise the World on Facebook. 

"As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we've modified our upcoming sailing. On Day 3, we'll now be visiting Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea, in place of our previously scheduled stop [of Okinawa]." 

(Credit: Cruise the World/Facebook)

The email continues, stating that the cruise line adjusted the ship's departure time from Shanghai (Baoshan), China, to 4:00 p.m.

Cruise the World shared a second communication received from Royal Caribbean, informing them that the 5-night Feb. 27 departure will no longer call at Okinawa or Ishigaki, Japan. 

Rather, guests will enjoy an overnight visit to Seoul (Incheon), South Korea, arriving at 7:00 a.m. on Day 3 and departing at 5:00 p.m. on Day 4. 

"We're excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruisers to have a certain level of flexibility," the email concludes. 

Other changes to Royal Caribbean's Asia cruises

These aren’t the only voyages impacted by the escalating tensions in Japan and China. 

Alongside the Feb. 18 and 27 cruises, several other Spectrum of the Seas itineraries scheduled from late January into early April have also been adjusted. 

Starting with the Jan. 28 sailing, multiple cruises to Nagasaki have been reworked to visit alternative ports outside of Japan. 

Read more: 5 things I wish I knew before trying a Royal Caribbean cruise in Asia

In all cases, the Japanese cruise destinations were swapped with South Korean ports.

• Jan. 28, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 1, 2026: Replaced Okinawa and Ishigaki, Japan, with an overnight stay in Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• Feb. 6, 2026: Replaced Fukuoka, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 14, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Busan, South Korea.
• Feb. 18, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• Feb. 27, 2026: Replaced Okinawa and Ishigaki, Japan, with an overnight stay in Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• March 4, 2026: Replaced Nagasaki, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 8, 2026: Replaced Kumamoto and Kagoshima, Japan, with Busan and Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 13, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea.
• March 17, 2026: Replaced Fukuoka, Japan, with Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
• April 6, 2026: Replaced Okinawa, Japan, with Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea. 

Escalating Japan-China tensions

Relations between the two Asian countries began rapidly deteriorating in November over Japan's stance on Taiwan's political status. 

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made controversial remarks about Taiwan, prompting China's Consul-General to retaliate on X. 

The post, which has since been deleted, claimed "the intruding dirty neck" must be cut off without a moment's hesitation, and was directed at Takaichi. 

Tensions have continued to rise since then. Most recently, Japan lodged a formal protest after Chinese J-15 fighter jets locked radar on Japanese aircraft near the southern island of Okinawa, as reported by the Associated Press. 

Japan's Defense Minister said it was "an extremely regrettable" act and "a dangerous" one that "exceeded the scope necessary for safe aircraft operations."

The radar lock on Saturday is believed to be the first involving Japanese and Chinese military aircraft.

Read more: Royal Caribbean is betting big on this exotic destination. After 4 cruises here, I can see why

Chinese citizens have been advised to avoid travel to Japan

The Japan Times reports that the directive has resulted in mass flight and hotel cancellations across the country. 

According to the Kansai International Airport (KIX), the number of December flights scheduled between Osaka and mainland China, excluding Hong Kong and Macau, has been reduced by 34%. 

Additionally, about 50% to 70% of reservations at 21 hotels made by Chinese nationals through Dec. 31 have been canceled. 

Although Royal Caribbean has neither confirmed nor denied that the recent itinerary changes were prompted by the ongoing geopolitical situation, the timing closely aligns with the rapid decline in Japan–China relations and other travel disruptions across the region.