Icon Class ships are the biggest in the world, and it includes a lot of dining, entertainment, and things to do in your cruise fare.

The world's largest cruise ships aren't the least expensive, but people are curious what you get at no additional cost and what other things will cost you out of pocket.

Both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are sailing right now, with the addition of Legend of the Seas in 2026, followed by an unnamed Icon Class ship in 2027. 

For that price tag, you might be wondering what's included on an Icon Class ship. From multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room to family-friendly activities and jaw-dropping entertainment, there's a lot packed into the cruise fare. 

However, a vacation on an Icon Class ship isn't all-inclusive. 

Accommodations

Your cruise fare is based on the stateroom category you pick. The most affordable cabins are windowless, interior staterooms, while the most expensive options include suites within the Royal Suite Class. 

Icon Class ships have over 25 stateroom categories, with more than 70% having private balconies. Even better, over 82% of all the cabins can accommodate 3 or more guests, opening a broad array of cruise rooms for families. 

For example, certain staterooms have separate sleeping areas, bunk beds, and split bathrooms. Select suites also come with extra perks like access to the exclusive Suite Neighborhood, priority boarding, free Wi-Fi, a concierge team, and more. 

That said, even if you choose the cheapest cruise cabin on an Icon Class ship, you'll have once-per-day housekeeping and access to all the standard complimentary dining venues and entertainment. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Dining

Icon Class ships have over 20 restaurants and bars onboard, from fleetwide favorites like Chops Grille to exclusive venues you won’t find on any other Royal Caribbean ship, such as the Aquadome Market, Surfside Bites, and Basecamp. 

Not all are included, though. If you aren't careful, you could stumble into the $200-per-person supper club. Still, between the complimentary restaurants, there’s more than enough variety to satisfy most cravings without spending extra.

Read more: Icon of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

Complimentary restaurants on Icon Class ships

🍽️Pearl Café (with a few exceptions) 

🍴Park Café

🍽️Windjammer Marketplace 

🍴Surfside Bites

🍽️Surfside Eatery 

🍴AquaDome Market 

🍽️Main Dining Room 

🍴Coastal Kitchen (suite-only dining room) 

🍽️The Grove (suite-only al fresco buffet) 

🍴Basecamp 

🍽️Sorrento's 

🍴El Loco Fresh

🍽️Vitality Café (with a few exceptions) 

🍴Sprinkles

🍽️Room service (complimentary continental breakfast)

Extra cost restaurants on Icon Class ships

🍽️Empire Supper Club (Icon of the Seas) + Lincoln Park Supper Club (Star of the Seas) + unnamed, Hollywood-themed supper club (Legend of the Seas) 

🍴Celebration Table

🍽️Chops Grille 

🍴Izumi Hibachi & Sushi 

🍽️Izumi in the Park 

🍴Hooked Seafood 

🍽️Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade

🍴Pier 7

🍽️Starbucks

🍴Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar 

🍽️Trellis Bar (light bar bites) 

🍴Desserted

Read more: I ate at every new restaurant on Icon of the Seas and here's how I would rank them

Drinks

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, select beverages are included in your base fare. These include water, tea, drip coffee, lemonade, iced tea, milk, juices (not fresh squeezed), and hot chocolate. If you want anything else, like bottled water, a cocktail, fresh-squeezed juice, a glass of wine, specialty latte, or beer, you'll have to pay extra. 

You can purchase each drink individually or buy a Royal Caribbean beverage package. The Deluxe Beverage Package includes unlimited alcoholic drinks as well as non-alcoholic specialty beverages. As such, it's the most expensive Royal Caribbean drink package. 

The Refreshment Package covers all non-alcoholic drinks, like mocktails, energy drinks, soda, specialty coffees, and bottled water. However, if you’re only interested in soft drinks, the Soda Package offers unlimited soda.

Read more: I saved money by buying the coffee package

Entertainment

One of the best parts about a cruise vacation is the complimentary entertainment. On Icon Class ships, Royal Caribbean takes things to the next level with Broadway-caliber productions, ice skating performances, high-diving spectaculars, dueling pianos, fun parades, parties, and more. Here's what you don't have to pay extra for:

🎤Absolute Zero (ice skating shows)

🍿AquaTheater (high-dive and synchronized swimming water shows)

🎤Boleros (Latin-themed live music)

🍿Lou's Jazz 'n Blues (bar with live jazz music)

🎤Music Hall (two-story live music venue)

🍿Dueling Pianos (interactive sing-along piano battles)

🎤Royal Theater (Broadway-style shows and original productions)

🍿Schooner Bar (Nautical bar with live pianist)

🎤Spotlight Karaoke (public karaoke rooms, private ones are available for an extra charge)

🍿The Attic (comedy club)

🎤The Overlook (comfy lounge with live music)

Read more: What's new and different on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas

Kids programming

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships feature some of the best Adventure Ocean programming in the fleet. 

It's free for cruisers between the ages of 3 and 12 until 10 p.m. From 10 p.m. onwards, Adventure Ocean's late-night programming incurs an additional hourly fee. All activities are supervised by the youth staff. 

Teens aged 13 to 17 have a separate hangout space called Social020. It's designed for them to relax, socialize, and enjoy activities away from the younger kids and adults.

Thrills

Icon Class ships have some of the best thrills at sea, from the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark to the over-water Crown's Edge ropes course/zip line. Like with dining, however, not all activities are included. 

Many attractions, such as the rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, and water slides, are free to enjoy as much as you'd like throughout the cruise. That said, some experiences, like Crown’s Edge, arcade games, and escape room, are available for an extra charge. 

Here's a breakdown of the included thrills on Icon Class ships:

🚢Adrenaline Peak (rock climbing wall)

🛝Baby Bay (baby splash zone)

🚢Splashaway Bay (kid-friendly aqua park)

🛝Carousel (Surfside family ride)

🚢Category 6 Waterpark (record-breaking waterpark at sea with 6 slides)

🛝Fitness center (gym with complimentary machines, weights, and more)

🚢FlowRider (surf simulator)

🛝Lost Dunes (mini-golf course)

🚢Playscape (outdoor play area for kids with climbing features and interactive games)

🛝Running track (open-air track that loops around the ship)

🚢Sports Court (basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and other court games)

🛝Absolute Zero (free skating sessions)

Chills

As fun as it is to take advantage of the adrenaline-pumping attractions on Icon Class ships, there are plenty of spots to relax by the pool, too. 

One important distinction compared to other ships is that there isn't an adults-only Solarium. Instead, it was replaced with The Hideaway, which has a more lively, upbeat atmosphere, with a live DJ and suspended infinity pool. 

😎Cloud 17 (upscale retreat tucked away on the top deck)

🛟The Cove (oceanfront infinity pool)

😎Whirlpools (nine on Icon, ten on Star of the Seas)

🛟Swim & Tonic (adults-only swim-up pool)

😎The Hideaway (adults-only retreat with suspended infinity pool)

🛟Royal Bay Pool (the largest pool at sea)

😎Water's Edge (family-friendly pool in the play-all-day Surfside neighborhood)

🛟The Grove (suite-only pool and sun deck)

Read more: Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas is the plussed-up version of the best cruise ship in the world

Having grown up cruising on Royal Caribbean ships, it's not easy considering other lines. But I was intrigued by an adults-only cruise.

Recently, I tried Virgin Voyages for the first time.  

While Royal Caribbean remains the gold standard for family-friendly fun, Virgin excels at creating an adult-centric experience, complete with drag performances, late-night parties, and more. In short, the two couldn't be more different.

As a child-free woman in their mid-20s, Virgin's onboard experience was a welcome change. Yet, there were a few things I wish they had stolen from Royal Caribbean's playbook. 

Here's what stood out on my cruise aboard Brilliant Lady and where Royal Caribbean excels. 

Dining

Virgin Voyages revolutionized the onboard dining experience by getting rid of crowded buffets and noisy dining rooms. 

Instead, every ship offers a food hall with stalls serving freshly prepared dishes such as sushi, tacos, burgers, and spicy ramen, as well as six complimentary restaurants. Each specializes in a different cuisine, like Mexican, Italian, Spanish-inspired tapas, and Korean BBQ.

While the concept itself was great, I found myself missing Royal Caribbean's fast-casual options. On Royal Caribbean ships, it's easy to go to El Loco Fresh for tacos or a quesadilla whenever I want, but on Virgin Voyages, I had to carve out more time to wait for my food in The Galley. 

Even the pizza on Virgin Voyages is made-to-order, which means I couldn't grab a single slice between activities or late at night. The grab-and-go options were mostly limited to pastries, pre-made salads, and wraps. 

Moving on, I missed the basic options available in Royal's dining room. Virgin’s specialty menus focus on innovative and trendy dishes, meaning classic staples like shrimp cocktails and French onion soup are not available.

Although I loved the Dakgangjeong crispy chicken at Gunbae, corn custard and black bean salad from The Wake, and Pink Agave's achiote-marinated smoked pork, it became evident that Virgin isn't the best cruise line for selective eaters.

Planning is also more important than ever. Since there are no assigned dining times, you'll need to log in right at midnight when reservations open. Otherwise, you may get stuck with inconvenient meal times, especially at popular restaurants like Razzle Dazzle, The Wake, and Pink Agave. 

As such, my partner and I ended up with a lot of 9:00 p.m. reservations. Instead of waiting that late, we typically arrived at 5:45 p.m., right when the restaurants opened, and asked to sit at the bar. 

Activities and nightlife

Royal Caribbean's ships are known for their endless activities, ranging from water slides to zip lines, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators, ice skating rinks, escape rooms, and more. 

Virgin's daytime offerings focus more on relaxation and wellness, and let guests gear up for the high-energy nightlife. As such, you won't find many onboard attractions, other than the main pool, outdoor Athletic Club, arcade, private karaoke rooms, and tattoo parlor.

While Virgin's claim to fame is the iconic Scarlet Night party, the first night started off strong with a late-night PJ party, followed by an electric glow party on the second day. 

That's not to say that Royal doesn't have fun parties, but Virgin strayed away from the typical silent discos and predictable theme nights. Everything was edgier and felt like we had a VIP invite to the coolest nightclub in town, rather than a cruise ship dance party. 

Entertainment

Royal Caribbean's entertainment is top-tier, especially if you're sailing on a newer ship with Broadway-style productions (i.e., The Wizard of Oz on Icon of the Seas and Back to the Future: The Musical on Star of the Seas). Oasis and Icon Class ships also have AquaTheater and ice skating shows, which showcase jaw-dropping stunts and cutting-edge technology. 

That said, Virgin's entertainment is scaled down in comparison and specializes in edgy and unconventional shows. Instead of the standard theater productions, Brilliant Lady features a brand-new murder mystery comedy that focuses on debunking the suspicious activity surrounding the untimely death of pop star Sheena.

The resident drag queen also hosted different events, such as bingo, karaoke, a pop-up storytime in The Roundabout, and more. My favorite, however, was the country-inspired Diva Goes West drag performance. 

My biggest gripe with Virgin's entertainment is that there wasn't a reservation system. 

Whereas on Royal ships, you can easily make reservations to secure your spots at popular theater, ice skating, and AquaTheater shows, we had to queue up as early as two hours ahead of events for seats in the tiny venues. 

Although it's recommended to arrive early for the best seats, I've never had to worry about wasting hours in line on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Fleet variety

When it comes to fleet variety, it's no surprise that Royal Caribbean takes the cake. They have a ship for every type of traveler, from smaller, intimate vessels to the world's largest cruise ships. 

In contrast, Virgin's modest fleet of four is nearly identical. Although you may find a few minor changes (i.e., Brilliant Lady doesn't have a record shop, and Razzle Dazzle has a new Spanish-inspired tapas menu), the bones are the same. 

Surprisingly, Virgin offers a variety of itineraries despite its limited fleet, ranging from Caribbean getaways to port-intensive Mediterranean cruises and even voyages to The Last Frontier. The diversity helps keep each Virgin cruise interesting, even if the ship is pretty much the same. 

Still, because Royal Caribbean has 29 ships (with more on the way), it’s hard to compete with the number of experiences they offer. 

For example, next summer, you can book a European cruise aboard Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's next-gen Icon Class ship. However, if you want something more low-key with fewer crowds, Royal will have five other vessels deployed in Europe, so you can choose the perfect ship based on your travel style.

In comparison, Virgin Voyages will have just two ships in Europe next summer. This means that, in addition to fewer itineraries, Virgin sailors have less flexibility when it comes to departure date. 

Read more: I chose an inside cabin on my recent Virgin Voyages cruise because it was the cheapest option

Inclusive fares

While finding good cruise deals is still possible, it's more expensive to take a cruise vacation today than in the past. Cruise fares increased by over 15% in 2023 compared to 2019, meaning that travelers are trying to be more strategic with their planning to make their budgets go further. 

Royal Caribbean's cruise fares don't include everything. In addition to the base price, passengers will often shell out hundreds of dollars on add-ons like drink and Wi-Fi packages, specialty meals, and gratuities. 

It can be frustrating for guests who hate feeling like they're being nickel-and-dimed. 

Virgin Voyages, however, prides itself on having more inclusive fares. Although not all-inclusive, guests do not have to worry about budgeting extra for gratuities, essential drinks (like soda, drip coffee, water, and tea), and Wi-Fi.

All dining is included, too. Unlike Royal Caribbean ships, where you have to pay extra for specialty meals, ice cream, etc., Virgin Voyages offers a wider variety of dining options at no additional charge. 

Drink packages

One thing you must pay extra for on Royal Caribbean and Virgin ships is alcohol. Royal Caribbean offers three core drink packages, where guests can enjoy unlimited soda, non-alcoholic, or alcoholic beverages for a set daily price. 

Virgin, however, doesn't have any traditional drink packages. Instead, you must pay for each drink individually. You can, however, save money by pre-purchasing a bar tab. Essentially, you'll get a little extra free money by preloading your onboard account before your cruise. 

The amount of free money depends on how much you spend:

• $225 worth of drink credits for $200 (12% of pre-cruise savings)
• $350 worth of drink credits for $300 (16% of pre-cruise savings)
• $600 worth of drink credits for $500 (20% of pre-cruise savings)
• $925 worth of drink credits for $750 (23% of pre-cruise savings)
• $1,250 worth of drink credits for $1,000 (26% of pre-cruise savings)

That said, make sure you attend Virgin's sailaway party. They have free-flowing champagne available during the celebration. 

Although cruises are meant to be fun and relaxing, you can't disregard the rules that come with being on board. These regulations aren't meant to restrict your enjoyment, but to ensure everyone's safety and comfort during the sailing. Breaking the rules can have serious consequences. 

A recent TikTok shows teenagers climbing on their balcony's railing while at sea. According to the poster, @dvandzzedsw, the stunt happened aboard Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship sailing from Miami, Florida. 

Climbing on balcony railings is not allowed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. "Sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited," reads the company's cruise contract. 

The fate of the cruisers is unknown, but other guests have been banned from future sailings for similar reckless behavior, even if no one was injured. 

(Credit: @dvandzzedsw/TikTok)

For example, a woman was banned for life in 2019 after posing for a photo on her balcony's railing. She was caught by a fellow guest sailing on Allure of the Seas, who snapped a picture to share with crew members. 

The teens captured themselves inching along the narrow railing as the open ocean churned up white seafoam below. One was even wearing flimsy flip-flops and seen protuding their stomach over the railing while holding onto the ceiling above. 

The video may have been meant as clout for social media, but it showcases a dangerous activity that could result in serious injuries — or even death. According to data calculated by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), out of the 212 overboard incidents between 2009 and 2019, just 48, or 28.2%, were successfully rescued. 

No amount of likes or views is worth putting your life at risk. Moreover, these boys will likely be banned from sailing with the cruise line again, hindering future family vacations with Royal Caribbean and its sister lines, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. 

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

"You need to teach and watch your children or deal with the consequences"

Cruisers have taken to social media to express their outrage after watching the short 5-second clip. 

One Redditor went as far as saying that the teenagers, along with their parents, should be banned from sailing with Royal Caribbean. 

"Not only should the teens be banned for 10 years but their parents or guardians they had with them on the cruise should be banned as well," they wrote.

"I'm sorry, but you need to teach and watch your children or deal with the consequences. If you have a teen that would engage in this sort of risky behavior you should not be bringing them on a cruise." 

Other users added that they're worried the cruise line may go as far as banning balcony cabins or restricting them to guests 18 years or older. However, one Redditor reassured them that such a move is unlikely:

"They will only ban balconies when the cost outweighs the profits, no matter how many people fall off of them."

Although I prefer balcony cabins, I didn't think a private verandah was worth the extra money on a 2-night sailing aboard one of the world's biggest cruise ships. 

Royal Caribbean has begun leaning more into the short cruise market with 3- and 4-night sailings to its award-winning private island in The Bahamas. However, they rarely offer 2-night getaways.

As such, I was intrigued by a somewhat rare opportunity to take a 2-night cruise, especially on a ship as large as Oasis of the Seas. With limited time onboard, I knew most of my time would be spent exploring the ship, rather than relaxing on a balcony. 

Costing $724.98 for two people (including taxes, port fees, and gratuities), the inside cabin wasn't cheap. In fact, we spent more on flights from Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale! 

Still, paying extra for a balcony stateroom seemed like a waste of money. For this particular sailing, I knew we'd get the most value from enjoying the ship's amenities and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Oasis of the Seas is a destination in and of itself, with sprawling neighborhoods, countless dining options, unique entertainment, and adrenaline-pumping activities. She was updated in 2019 to feature newer amenities, too. Now, guests can enjoy the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, the Perfect Storm water slides, and more. 

Having spent over 50 nights on Oasis Class ships, I knew what to expect onboard. However, my travel partner was embarking on her first-ever cruise — and this was the perfect introduction. 

Our two days on Oasis of the Seas were jam-packed from the moment we set foot on the ship. As such, we were only in the room to sleep and shower, which is what I figured.

I don't regret saving money and staying in a windowless inside cabin — it was perfect for our quick Bahamian getaway! 

What to expect from Oasis of the Seas rooms: inside cabin review

It's no surprise that the newer the ship, the nicer the cabin. Staterooms on ships like Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas have better storage options, modern designs, and smart features like bedside outlets. 

Throughout her 15+ years in service, Royal Caribbean has kept Oasis of the Seas up to par through regular refurbishments and upgrades. However, the staterooms are nearly identical to how they were when the ship debuted in 2009.

There's room for the essentials, though. The layout maximizes the space to comfortably fit a bed, desk, loveseat, coffee table, and two nightstands. 

In fact, I was surprised by how spacious room #12153 was. Earlier this year, I sailed on Wonder of the Seas, and my tiny interior stateroom barely had room for an extra chair! 

Comparatively, my cabin on Oasis of the Seas had a nicely sized sofa, which is where we kept our suitcases during our 2-night cruise. 

While I typically unpack as soon as possible, it was unnecessary on such a short cruise. That said, storage space was abundant, so those on longer voyages won't have trouble settling in.

Some may think that older Oasis Class ships don't have a lot of storage, but between the closet, built-in shelves, drawers, and vanity area, there's more than enough room for two people. 

Another difference compared to newer ships is that these cabins lack outlets. Unlike my inside staterooms on Wonder and Symphony of the Seas, the only outlets on Oasis are found near the vanity. 

Moreover, they are just standard American and European plugs — no USB or USB-C options. If you like to have your phone charge beside the bed, make sure you bring a portable charger (or a really, really long cable). 

As an older ship, there was no key slot by the door to power the cabin's electricity, either. Instead, there was one master switch button that had to be left on for the lights and air conditioning to work. 

Although not necessarily as environmentally friendly as newer ships, we never had to worry about accidentally leaving our SeaPass in the cabin when we left. 

Speaking of air conditioning, our stateroom stayed surprisingly cold for the entire sailing. I've sailed in some cabins where, even when the thermostat was at its lowest, the room never felt very cool. 

Aside from those minor differences (i.e, fewer outlets, dated design, less storage, and a master power switch), the cabin had the same amenities as newer ships. 

For example, the mini-fridge kept our two bottles of wine cool; the television worked fine; and the beds were just as comfortable as other ships. 

(You can always ask for a mattress topper or extra pillows if you're a particular sleeper and need a plush bed.) 

Finally, one thing I love about older Oasis Class bathrooms is how spacious they feel. They aren't as cramped as other bathrooms on ships like Wonder of the Seas. 

That's not to say they feel as large as my master bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in closet at home, but for a cruise ship, the bathroom in my inside cabin on Oasis of the Seas was roomy. 

The bathroom was well-maintained, and that extended to the shower itself. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, the shower had the same 2-in-1 shampoo-body wash hybrid and small toiletries shelf.

Read more: I always pack two things for my cruise bathroom that I'll thank myself for later

However, I was pleasantly surprised with the two hooks inside the shower, which were perfect for hanging our wet swimsuits after spending the day ashore at CocoCay. 

These were in addition to the hooks on the back of the bathroom door. I never travel without my hanging toiletries organizer and would have been disappointed if the only hooks were inside the shower. 

Additionally, the shower pressure was strong, and I loved seeing how clean the showerhead was.

There wasn't any noticeable lime scale buildup or discoloration. In fact, the showerhead looked brand new!

I would book another interior stateroom on Oasis of the Seas again

Cruise ships are floating cities with endless dining and entertainment all under one roof. Oasis and Icon Class ships, especially, take cruising to another level with their size, variety of venues, and onboard activities.

Inside cabins are a great way to cruise on a budget. If you're hardly in your stateroom (like I was on Oasis of the Seas), you don't have to splurge on a balcony cabin. 

With so much happening around the ship, from live music to karaoke, AquaTheater performances, mini-golf tournaments, game shows, and more, your stateroom is a place to recharge and shower.

I think it's smarter to spend the extra money on add-ons like shore excursions and specialty meals. 

Royal Caribbean's new Bahamas beach club is opening earlier than previously announced. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau will welcome guests on December 23, 2025, just two days before Christmas. Earlier, Royal Caribbean claimed the beach club would open on the 27th. 

Passengers aboard holiday sailings on Radiance of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will be among the first paying visitors to the hottest new beach club in The Bahamas.

The ribbon-cutting event will take place on December 13, with an invite-only soft opening to follow ahead of the official opening date. 

The soft opening, like shakedown cruises, is to give Royal Caribbean a chance to test everything before its launch.

This ensures that crew members are fully trained and that guest experiences meet Royal Caribbean’s standards.

According to the soft opening emails, Royal Caribbean is offering a complimentary Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar & Dining for the person who receives the email, as well as all guests booked in the same stateroom.

Unfortunately, there's no way to request an invitation. Moreover, they are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for admission on another date.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a 17-acre slice of paradise

Nassau has ranked poorly in guest satisfaction surveys compared to other ports of call. For repeat cruisers, it's often treated as an extra sea day, with many passengers choosing to stay onboard and take advantage of the ship's amenities. 

Despite its unpopularity, Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. On April 8, 2025, the Nassau Cruise Port welcomed 31,011 cruise passengers from six ships, breaking the previous one-day record set just one month earlier. 

The goal of the Royal Beach Club is to change the negative perception by offering an all-day destination experience that encourages guests to disembark the ship without feeling forced to settle for overcrowded beaches. 

Once it opens on December 23, one analysis estimated that over 1 million guests could buy passes to the beach club each year. 

And yes, buy. Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, cruisers must purchase admission to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

Passes start at $129.99 per person for the Day Pass with Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining, and are all-inclusive. 

The alcoholic pass is more expensive but includes unlimited alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, cocktails, and frozen drinks. (Note: Royal Caribbean drink packages will not work at the beach club.) 

Inside the beach club, guests will find everything from the world's largest swim-up bar to local artisan shops, multiple beaches, massive cabanas, and more. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will also showcase Bahamian culture through an industry-first cooperative initiative that gives back to the local community.

As part of the revenue-sharing agreement, up to 49% equity will be reserved for Bahamian ownership and investment.

I've cruised on dozens of Royal Caribbean ships, and it's clear there are a few kinds of cruise rooms that are the better than others.

I've had my fair share of bad staterooms, from noisy cabins near crew access doors to hard-to-find interior staterooms. 

When planning your first Royal Caribbean cruise, it's important to pick the right cabin. Otherwise, you could be kept awake by the late-night thumping of the nightclub or awoken by the anchor dropping in tender ports. 

While the "best" cruise room is determined based on your budget, preferences, and itinerary, there are 5 solid options that rarely disappoint — and one that is almost a bad idea for first-timers. 

Traditional ocean balcony

Balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category, and for good reason. Who wouldn't want to wake up to a front-row view of the ocean or a new port of call, especially on a scenic cruise to places like Alaska and Norway? 

Generally speaking, balcony staterooms offer a great balance of space, amenities, and price. They aren't as cheap as windowless inside staterooms, but they aren't going to break the bank like spacious suites within the Royal Suite Class. 

The newer the ship, the more balcony cabins available. For example, Icon of the Seas has a whopping 1,815 balcony staterooms onboard. 

Be careful, though. Oasis and Icon Class vessels have interior-facing balconies. You don't want to choose a neighborhood balcony if you're dreaming of an ocean view. 

Read more: I stayed in balcony cabins on 5 different cruise ships. Here's how they compared

Midship inside room

An unfortunate reality of cruising is seasickness. Even if you don't think you'll be affected by the ship's rocking, it is smart to come prepared with remedies like Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or even prescription patches from your doctor. 

You never know when you will hit an unexpected storm, and rough seas can make even seasoned travelers feel queasy and dizzy. 

Another pro tip is to book a midship interior stateroom, preferably on a lower deck. Although nothing is ever guaranteed, these cabins often experience the least amount of movement. 

By staying close to the midship, you reduce the swaying sensation felt most in forward and aft cabins, as the middle of the vessel is like an equilibrium point. 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

Connecting cabins for families 

While most Royal Caribbean staterooms are designed to accommodate two to four guests, fitting four people into one cabin can feel crowded and uncomfortable. 

As such, many families like to book connecting (or adjoining) staterooms. It's cheaper than splurging on a suite, and it gives everyone more space to unwind and settle in. 

Having two bathrooms is a major perk, too. Instead of rushing to shower after a long day ashore or compete with your teens for vanity space, everyone can get ready at their own pace. 

Connecting cabins come in nearly every stateroom category, from interior to ocean-view, balcony, and suite. There are even some suites that connect to standard cabins for a flexible setup that allows parents to enjoy the suite perks while keeping the kids close by. 

Read more: I booked two cabins for my kids. I'd book the same family travel hack, but there's one thing I'd change

Grand Suite

Royal Caribbean suites come in all shapes and sizes, from Junior Suites (that are essentially large balcony cabins) to the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon and Star of the Seas. Because of this, it can be hard to narrow down the best pick. 

However, if you're looking for a suite with a good variety of perks without splurging on a top-tier room, a Grand Suite is a solid choice. Grand Suites offer more space, upgraded amenities, priority boarding, and access to exclusive areas like suite lounges. 

Even better, guests staying in Grand Suites on Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships can dine at the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant.  

Still, Grand Suites are more expensive than standard cabins. For instance, a Grand Suite on Icon of the Seas' October 3, 2026, sailing starts at $4,905 per person. However, an ocean-view balcony on the same sailing starts at closer to $1,950 per person. 

As such, Grand Suites are smart for first-time cruisers looking to celebrate something special onboard, such as a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or graduation, rather than the frequent sailor. 

Infinite Balcony

Infinite balconies are controversial. Some love the extra living space, while others miss having a traditional cruise balcony. 

Although nothing comes close to having personal, outdoor space on a cruise ship, there are some pros to these Icon Class-exclusive cabins. First, you get uninterrupted views of the ocean from the massive floor-to-ceiling window. 

Another big advantage is the extra indoor living space. This is a perk in the Caribbean, when it is sometimes too warm to take advantage of the balcony. On extremely hot or humid days, you won’t lose usable cabin space that might otherwise remain unused.

Finally, infinite balconies are more private, as they don't share thin dividers with neighboring cabins. Since the balcony area is enclosed within your stateroom, it's practically impossible for other guests to peek into your space or hear your conversations. 

First-time cruisers should avoid guarantee cabins

Guarantee (or GTY) cabins might seem appealing because of the cost. 

For a cheaper rate, you give up the ability to select your stateroom, allowing Royal Caribbean to randomly assign your cabin closer to your sailing date. You won't be given a room lower than the category you booked. Beyond that, however, the exact location is up to Royal Caribbean. 

It's a risky gamble. For example, if you choose a guarantee balcony, you could end up with an obstructed view room. On the flip side, those worried about motion sickness could be assigned a cabin at the front of the ship, where you're more likely to feel the vessel's movement.

While some guests have gotten lucky with the random upgrade or perfect cabin location, there's a lot of uncertainty when reserving a guarantee stateroom. 

As such, it is best to avoid guarantee cabins on your first cruise.

Your first-ever cruise is a special experience. Even if you fall in love with vacations at sea, nothing will ever come close to the feeling of stepping on a ship for the first time.

Having been on over 30 cruises, I love sailing with first-time cruisers whenever possible. There's something special about seeing their reactions to everything onboard, from the amenities to the dining room, cabin, and entertainment. 

Recently, I invited a close family friend, Mariela, to join me on a short 2-night sailing on Oasis of the Seas. She didn't immediately accept the invitation, as she had always been wary of going on a cruise. 

"I never was interested in cruising. I was afraid of being around so many people and being on the open ocean," she said. 

When she finally said yes, I handled all the travel details, from booking flights and the pre-cruise hotel to making dinner reservations. In fact, she didn't even remember the name of the ship when we got to the airport! 

As such, she experienced everything from a blank slate: no research and no real expectations. Here's what Mariela thought of her first cruise — and why she's already planning another. 

First impressions of Royal Caribbean

Oasis of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. The namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class redefined what a cruise could be when she debuted in 2009, and she is still just as jaw-dropping today.

With only two nights onboard, I knew we needed to make the most of our limited time on the ship. Although we had a 1:30 p.m. arrival appointment, we showed up at Fort Lauderdale's Terminal 18 around 11:15 a.m. 

We had no trouble dropping off our luggage, going through security, and having our documents checked, and Mariela was setting foot on her first-ever ship by 11:30 a.m.

"Getting on the ship was easier than I thought," she recalled, "I thought it was going to be crowded and disorganized, but everything is so well planned. You don't feel stressed. There are people everywhere to make the process quick and tell everyone where to go." 

After we were on board, Mariela immediately took notice of how clean the ship was. Being stuck on a dirty ship was one reason why she had never taken a cruise before. 

However, she didn't find anything out of place. There weren't any fingerprints or smudges on the elevators, and the buffet was spotless. She especially liked the famous "washy washy" station before entering. 

Not only that, but the crew members were polite and helpful. Even though she was traveling with a seasoned pro, she appreciated how approachable and attentive the crew was, particularly during the muster drill. 

Moving on, she was satisfied with our inside cabin:

"I think, for everything the ship offers, you don't need anything more than an interior stateroom," she said, "You use the cabin just to shower and sleep because the ship offers so much that you don't want to be in the room."

The bed and pillows were comfortable, and she was surprised when she learned that we could split it into two smaller beds, which our stateroom attendant happily did. 

For two people, she thought it was plenty big and didn't mind not having a view. In fact, she preferred it! Not seeing the pitch-black ocean gave her peace of mind as we sailed from South Florida to Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Similarly, she did not mind the small cruise bathroom. "I don't care if the bathroom is small if it is clean," she added.

Something she didn't expect was the towel animal left by our cabin steward. It was a cute touch, and she loved the hanging monkey. 

When I explained that the longer the cruise, the more towel animals you usually get, her eyes lit up. 

Oasis of the Seas cruise ship amenities 

Throughout the entire two days onboard, Mariela couldn't stop saying how beautiful and wonderful everything was. 

"Two days is not enough, especially for your first time. The ship has too many things to do, " she claimed. 

We kept ourselves busy and were never bored. Still, we barely scratched the surface of everything Oasis has to offer! For instance, we didn't spend time on the pool deck and didn't do the water slides, zip-line, mini-golf course, or Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

For Mariela, the AquaTheater and ice skating shows were a highlight. Initially, it seemed as though the weather was not going to cooperate; the seas were a bit too rough for the high dives to be performed safely. 

We got a shortened performance with the dancers, which she thought was impressive. However, I suggested that we return around 10:25 p.m. to see if the later show would go on as scheduled. 

Although the seats on Deck 6 were full (minus those in the splash zone), we found standing room on Deck 7 near the rock climbing wall. 

Mariela was mesmerized by the water effects and aerialists, and she held her breath as the tightrope walker balanced 114 feet above sea level. 

"The water show was good. It's great for everyone, like families with kids or solo travelers. Everyone can enjoy the tricks," she added. 

For her, the ice skating show was just as awe-inspiring. When it ended, she learned over and whispered, "I could watch ice skaters all night and never get bored." 

Not only were the skaters talented, but the costume line-up was impressive, featuring everything from sparkly ensembles inspired by the underwater world of The Little Mermaid to larger-than-life duck costumes. 

We did not slow down after the shows. On the first night, we went dancing at Boleros. Mariela, who was born and raised in Colombia, was impressed with the live music. 

"The Latin bar was so nice. Oasis is a good ship because there's something for everyone. My husband [who is of Puerto Rican descent] would love Boleros," she said. 

The next night, we watched karaoke in the Spotlight Karaoke lounge. Mariela was not sure what to expect from the adult-only session, but she enjoyed herself. 

"You don't need to be drunk to have a good laugh. Everyone was so friendly, too. It was good entertainment," she added. 

Finally, Mariela liked the ship's layout. She loved the Boardwalk and Central Park, two of the ship's most unique neighborhoods, and couldn't believe that all the plants in the latter were real. 

"I love Central Park in New York City; it's like a mini LEGO version on the cruise," she said. Conversely, she thought that the Boardwalk was great for families and appreciated how the entire ship did not feel overcrowded. 

Oasis of the Seas food review

Mariela was shocked by the sheer volume of food available on Oasis of the Seas. As one of the largest cruise ships, there's food everywhere you look, from the Windjammer buffet to pizza in the Royal Promenade, tacos from El Loco Fresh, and, of course, multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room. 

With just two days on the ship, we tried to sample as much as we could, starting with lunch in the Windjammer Marketplace.

"The buffet was good. The burger was absolutely delicious, and my tongue has a good taste for burgers," she said. 

When dinner rolled around, she couldn't believe the menu in the dining room. She ordered a shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, prime rib, and cheesecake. 

What surprised her even more was the quality of the food, especially considering the price of the cruise. Not a single dish was disappointing. 

The next day, we had breakfast in the Windjammer, lunch ashore at CocoCay, and dinner at Chops Grille. 

Chops was her favorite meal during our short getaway cruise. Although she didn't think the Caesar salad was much different from the dining room's (minus the croutons), she couldn't get over her NY Strip steak and sauce. 

That said, she mentioned that she might not want to pay for a specialty restaurant on every cruise. The Main Dining Room felt formal, had quality dishes, and did not cost anything extra. In her opinion, if you don't know any differently, you won't be disappointed if you only eat at the included restaurants on a cruise. 

"I think I gained 10 pounds in two days," she joked.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

A few years ago, Mariela and her family visited Atlantis on Paradise Island. However, after crossing Perfect Day at CocoCay off her bucket list, she says she isn't sure she would return to the former. 

"CocoCay is very relaxing, and the fact that there is something for everyone is nice. You have so many options that it never feels crowded," she said. 

We spent our morning at Chill Beach before moving to the Oasis Lagoon pool after lunch. Even though people hung around the swim-up bar, there were so many other areas to escape to in the pool. 

She tried the island's famous Coco Loco drink and thought it was a perfect drink for a day in The Bahamas — though if you're not a big drinker, one is enough. 

Plus, the food on the island was good with options for everyone. She especially loved the brownie from the Chill Grill and added soft-serve on top!

Read more: What's Free on Perfect Day at CocoCay and What's Not

Seasickness on a cruise

One reason Mariela had never taken a cruise was that she was worried about seasickness. She isn't alone, either! Many cruisers, even experienced ones, are susceptible to motion sickness. 

She did feel the ship rocking a little bit, but she came prepared with Dramamine and a motion sickness patch. 

Funny enough, she loved the sensation of the ship swaying through the ocean at night! 

Read more: I tried the most common seasickness hacks on my cruise. Here’s what works best

Is Royal Caribbean a good cruise line for a first-timer?

Although we were only on Oasis of the Seas for two days, there was very little that Mariela was unhappy with. 

Everything from the food to the entertainment and private island experience exceeded her expectations, and she did not feel ripped off. In fact, she felt like Royal Caribbean was giving too much for the money!

"For two days, you can't say anything bad. What are you going to complain about?" she remarked. 

"Oasis is really a ship that you can find anything for anyone to do. If you get bored, you have a problem," Mariela concluded, "I only spent two days on the ship, and I am already wanting to go back. That tells you how good it was."

Staying hydrated on cruise ships is important, and Royal Caribbean is apparently trying to make it easier by selling hydration packets at its onboard bars. 

According to one Facebook post, some cruisers have begun seeing Liquid I.V. packets on Royal Caribbean ships. Not only that, but the packets are listed as being included in drink packages on select sailings. 

One user shared a screenshot of the Deluxe Beverage Package terms and conditions from the app, and it clearly states that "Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier drink mix packets" are included. 

Other people chimed in, saying that they had seen the packets onboard ships at bars. 

(Credit: Facebook)

"On symphony every bar had packets of it," one person wrote. 

Another added, "Every bar had the packets on STAR and UTOPIA."

"On Mariner, I saw it at Cafe Promenade," said someone else. 

Other comments revealed that Royal Caribbean is also offering a new beverage bundle that includes Evian water and Liquid I.V. packets. 

Andrew Kerr shared that the "Ultimate Hydration Package" on his Symphony of the Seas cruise starts at $35.99 per package. 

Still, it seems that the availability of the Liquid I.V. packets is something that's being rolled out slowly. 

(Credit: Facebook)

Although one Facebook user saw that Liquid I.V. packets were included in the Deluxe Beverage Package on their Oasis of the Seas cruise, others have reported that the packets don’t appear on the drink package list in the Royal Caribbean app for their sailings.

For example, two cruisers did not see anything mentioned about Liquid I.V. packets for their upcoming cruises on Wonder of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas. 

Liquid I.V. packets are filled with electrolytes, so your body can absorb water faster and keep you feeling hydrated and energized during your sailing. 

Maintaining proper hydration helps prevent negative side effects like fatigue and headaches, which can put a damper on your vacation. 

When purchased on Amazon, a 16-pack of Liquid I.V. packets runs at about $23 to $24 USD, breaking down to roughly $1.45 per packet. 

If these packets are truly a new addition to the Deluxe Beverage Package, it would add more value to the pricey package. 

Instead of paying out of pocket for the packets or worrying about packing them, guests can enjoy them as one of the benefits of the (nearly) all-inclusive drink package. 

They would also give passengers another option other than Powerade or bottled water. For instance, instead of carrying a full drink off the ship, you could pick up one of the packets and add it to a glass of water during lunch ashore. 

Putting mattresses on cruise balconies isn't exactly a new trend. However, one guest took the idea to a whole new level. 

A viral video taken at Perfect Day at CocoCay shows a Royal Caribbean passenger with a rollaway cot on their balcony, comfortably relaxing and reading. The unidentified guest also made a make-shift nightstand with one of the balcony's chairs. 

The passenger was sailing aboard Allure of the Seas, according to the ship's lifeboats. It wasn't the first time someone had done some light redecorating on their balcony on Allure, either! 

In March 2024, two guests were caught lying on their mattress on the balcony while the ship was docked at CocoCay. The Facebook post garnered mixed opinions from Royal Caribbean fans and cruisers alike. 

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

The TikTok showing the cruiser on the cot, which was posted by user @cartelmarcel, has received over 165k likes, 2,400 comments, and 1,900 shares since being posted in February 2025. 

And like the previous incident, the TikTok sparked a flurry of opinions across the cruising community, with many defending the passenger’s creativity and vacation. 

"Imagine judging someone for relaxing on their vacation that they paid for 😬🙄," one TikToker wrote

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

"Let's normalize not recording people all the damn time," another added. 

One user commented, "They thought it was weird to roll a bed onto a balcony but not weird to record someone who is minding their own business?" 

Should you film cruisers without permission?

(Credit: Facebook)

The act of filming other cruise passengers, without their knowledge or consent, has gotten a lot of criticism online.

Although balcony rooms are often visible from other cabins, especially when docked in port, many still believe they are entitled to privacy on their balcony. 

"People have no privacy these days," someone commented on @cartelmarcel's TikTok, "There should be a law against people recording and posting you without your consent." 

That said, because there are no rules prohibiting this, you should be careful with what you do on your balcony — or anywhere else on the ship.

If you don't want to become the next viral sensation, you shouldn't do anything that you would not be okay with being shared online. 

Moving cruise cabin furniture out to your balcony is becoming popular amongst cruisers

(Credit: @naomijaneadams/TikTok)

The guests on Allure of the Seas aren't the only cruisers who have been caught with cabin mattresses on their balconies. Another guest was criticized for creating a bed on their balcony while sailing to Antarctica. 

In a viral TikTok shared in June 2024, Naomi Adams posted herself on her verandah with a plush comforter and the text, "Is somebody gonna match my freak (travel to Antarctica and set up my bed on the ship balcony so I don't miss any whales penguins & seals)."

Another person posted that a twin-sized mattress fits perfectly on Carnival Breeze's balconies:

Read more: Passenger criticized on TikTok for making a bed on cruise ship balcony

(Credit: @numberonecrush88/Reddit)

"...[W]e figured out that the twin sized mattresses fit on the carnival breeze cove balconies. Way more comfortable than a deck chair. We were very careful to not damage or dirty anything and we put everything back where we found it after enjoying some wine and a cheese plate on the balcony," numberonecrush88 wrote on Reddit. 

Even with the trend becoming more popular on social media, not everyone is on board with the idea of dragging cabin mattresses onto the balcony. 

"Hmm, I think bringing an air mattress would be a good alternative to using the bed mattress. I don’t love the idea of people putting the mattress on the ground overnight then back in the cabin. I feel like the mattress will get damp that way," one Redditor said. 

"Nah, this is weird. Other people now have to sleep on that mattress that was sitting on an exterior floor. I get [that] those mattresses aren’t the cleanest to begin with, but this is unnecessary. So many people lack [self-awareness], it’s crazy. There are chairs out there for a reason,” said someone else. 

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) just made a drink package change that even Royal Caribbean fans don’t like because they’re worried of the precedent it sets.

Effective March 1, 2026, Norwegian's "More at Sea" drink package will no longer be valid at Great Stirrup Cay. However, complimentary beverages, like iced tea, juices, and water, will still be provided.

Instead, NCL will release a new package specifically for use on its private island — for an additional cost. The cost is unknown at this time, but Norwegian claims they will be available for booking on Jan. 1, 2026. 

The move has sparked discussions among cruise enthusiasts. Some noticed that Royal Caribbean is already implementing a similar policy at its new beach club in Nassau. 

Read more: Norwegian just made an unpopular drink package change at its private island

"I am wondering if there is a new Bahamian policy or law regarding alcohol sales, because it was recently announced that on Royal Caribbean’s new “private club” in Nassau (the one you could literally throw a baseball to from the end of the cruise ship pier), the same thing is happening," one person shared on Reddit. 

And they're right. Royal Caribbean drink packages will not work at the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island. Rather, there are different day passes that include food and beverages. 

The more expensive option includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, while the cheaper pass includes all non-alcoholic beverages — though alcoholic drinks are available à la carte. 

Everyone who wants to visit the new beach club must purchase a day pass, even if they have a Royal Caribbean drink package for the ship. 

Would Royal Caribbean ever ban drink packages from Perfect Day at CocoCay?

It's unlikely. Perfect Day at CocoCay is essentially an extension of the onboard experience. As such, drink packages and Crown & Anchor drink vouchers are accepted across the island, from the swim-up bars to the overwater cabanas. Wi-Fi even works on the island, too.

This is different from the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, which will function more like a shore excursion than a private island. If you don't purchase a day pass, you can't access the exclusive club and can explore other parts of Nassau instead. 

There's very little reason for Royal Caribbean to limit its drink package at CocoCay. In fact, doing so would undermine one of its biggest selling points, especially for guests who value the convenience and cost savings of prepaid cruise amenities. 

Following Norwegian’s announcement that its "More at Sea" drink package will no longer be valid at Great Stirrup Cay starting March 2026, many cruisers have taken to social media to express frustration, with some even debating whether to cancel future sailings.

It's even more surprising considering that the cruise line is investing $150 million to upgrade the island to better compete with CocoCay's amenities. By the end of 2026, Great Stirrup Cay will have a brand-new water park, pier, heated pool with swim-up bar, family-friendly splash pad, and more. 

"Yeah...we are gold status in NCL, but stuff like this has me ready to look elsewhere. Interesting...they are starting this now that a dock will be in place and more ships will actually stop there," wrote one Reddit user. 

Another added, "Wow!!! I was already disappointed that the Vibe Beach Club doesn’t extend to GSC. We might be just staying onboard at that stop! No thanks!"

"Wow this feels like a money grab especially with CocoCay across the water still honoring the RCL drink packages," one comment read. 

Carnival doesn't accept its drink packages at Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key, either. Last year, Carnival hiked the price of its CHEERS! package to over $80 per day, even if purchased in advance. 

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key

Still, it can't be used at any of the line's private destinations. This is considered to be one of the biggest criticisms from guests.

Once NCL's new drink package rule goes into effect, Royal Caribbean will be one of the only cruise lines that lets guests use its drink packages ashore, along with MSC Cruises (Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve) and Princess Cruises (Princess Cays).