Royal Caribbean released new "badges," which award guests for traveling on specific ships and allow loyal fans to track their progress across the cruise line’s entire fleet. 

The badges are awarded on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity's mobile apps and serve as a fun way for cruisers to celebrate their loyalty. 

Guests can easily view their badge collection in the respective apps by scrolling to the small head icon and selecting "profile" across from their name. 

From there, you can click "recent badges" and see all the ship badges you've earned, providing a clear visual representation of your travel milestones within the company. 

Ships you have sailed on are vibrantly colored in, while ships you have not sailed on are greyed out. At the top, you can also see how many ships you've sailed on. 

For example, if you have been on 10 of Royal Caribbean's 29 ships, it will read, "10 out of 29 badges earned" at the top of the screen, giving you a quick overview of your progress.

It will also indicate how many other cruisers have earned the badge. For instance, according to Royal Caribbean's app, over 1.1 million passengers have sailed aboard Allure of the Seas. 

According to Royal Caribbean's app, the most popular ship in the fleet is Allure of the Seas, with 1.2 million cruisers, followed by Oasis (1.0 million) and Freedom (1.0 million).  

On the flip side, the least sailed on (because it hasn't launched yet) is Star of the Seas, with a total passenger count of 0. 

149.9k cruisers have earned "Icon of the Seas" badges for sailing on the cruise line's largest and most innovative vessel since it launched in Jan. 2024. Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ship, has welcomed 187.4k guests. 

Read more: I sailed on Royal Caribbean's mega-ship designed for first-time cruisers

According to Celebrity's app, their most sailed ship is Celebrity Equinox (433.9k), whereas Celebrity Flora, the cruise line's luxury expedition ship, has only seen 11k guests. 

If you haven't sailed on a specific ship and click on it, a window will pop up that says, "Book cruise." However, Royal Caribbean wants repeat cruisers, so if you've been on a specific ship, a pop-up reading, "Book again," will appear.

The new feature is only available through the mobile app. Though you can see your past cruises on the website, they appear as a list and give more details about the sailing, revealing the duration, itinerary, and dates. 

Do former ships have badges?

Certain ships no longer part of Royal Caribbean's fleet are noticeably missing, including Monarch of the Seas, Sovereign of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Song of America, Song of Norway, and the original Legend of the Seas. 

In other words, it appears the ship has to be actively sailing for Royal Caribbean to be eligible to receive a badge through the mobile app. Retired ships, even if they haven't been scrapped, aren't listed. 

For example, the former Splendour of the Seas is now sailing as Marella Discovery for Marella Cruises. 

The same goes for Celebrity. Ships like Celebrity Zenith, Celebrity Mercury, Celebrity Xperience, and Celebrity Xpedition are excluded from the badge collection. 

Similarly, Celebrity Century, a Century Class ship that debuted in 1995 for Celebrity Cruises, operates for Marella Cruises as Marella Explorer 2 but is missing from the app. 

It can take up to 30 days post-cruise to receive a new badge

"Badges can take up to 30 days post-cruise to display. Requests to add missing cruises or points must be submitted within 12 months after the debarkation date of your sailing," says the app. 

"Any requests made beyond the 12 month period will not be accommodated."

Cruisers heading to Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island will have to leave their private speakers behind. 

As part of the "Special Tips" section in the Cruise Compass delivered to passengers sailing aboard Icon of the Seas' March 15 cruise, Royal Caribbean quietly introduced a new policy banning personal speakers on Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Though personal speakers aren't yet included on Royal Caribbean's prohibited items list as of Friday, Mar. 21, the notice reads, "Glass bottles and personal speakers are not permitted on the island."

Presumably, this new change is part of the cruise line's effort to maintain a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere on CocoCay, as personal speakers can cause a lot of noise disruptions. 

Other bullet points within Cruise Compass' tips section aren't a surprise. For example, young cruisers must wear swim diapers in the pools and Splashaway Bay. 

Fishing and taking marine life as souvenirs are also prohibited, and Royal Caribbean reminded guests not to feed the seagulls. 

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

Why the ban?

Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line restricting personal speakers. Last year, Carnival banned Bluetooth speakers from its fleet of "FUN" ships, citing safety concerns. 

Because all passengers must hear updates made over the PA system, Carnival decided to ban speakers because they could interfere with urgent safety announcements. 

“All speakers (including Bluetooth, portable, and wireless types) and radios are prohibited and will be held and returned at the end of the cruise...Consequently, guests must use earphones when listening to music or watching shows/movies on personal devices in public spaces," reads Carnival's website. 

Shortly after the ban, cruisers began to debate whether Royal Caribbean would follow in Carnival's footsteps. 

"Will RC follow suit with speaker bans? Curious if this [is] even a problem on RCL ships," asked sheeplewatcher on a Royal Caribbean Reddit thread. 

One of the top responses described a less-than-pleasant experience at Royal Caribbean's private destination in Haiti:

"[I] was at labadee at few weeks ago. My family was the first of a few to set up at Nellie’s beach in the front row. 20mins later a large family comes down and sets up in the front row. Loads up the speaker and sets it to top volume," wrote modestcouch.

"THEN they all head into the water as far as they could from their seats. The [lifeguard] came down. Looked around to see whose speaker it was. Finally he grabbed it. Turned it off."

Another user explained they also encountered disruptive personal speakers on CocoCay and onboard one of Royal Caribbean's ships:

Vivid-Syrup-3317 said, "Yeah we had this issue...It definitely wasn’t deafeningly loud, but we chose to sit at chill island as far away as we could get from the pool and south beach for a reason. We also encountered 2 or 3 people walking around the inside of the ship with their speakers. It was mildly annoying."

Additionally, many other users said they'd welcome such a ban. 

"Please ban them everywhere," Thick_Asparagus3978 pleaded, "I have reached my limit with speakers being played constantly [wherever] I go. It wouldn't be bad if they had any common sense as to the [volume] but they [don't]."

However, while banning personal speakers on CocoCay may appease many, for the time being, this ban only applies to Royal Caribbean's private island. 

It may also be a temporary ban during the busy spring break season, which tends to see rowdier-than-usual crowds. 

Royal Caribbean also updated guidance on a popular travel item last year

It's not uncommon for cruise lines to update their list of prohibited items as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Last year, for example, Royal Caribbean added "multi-plug outlets."

This shocked many, as multi-plug outlets were long considered a cruise must-have to combat the shortage of charging options in many cabins. 

Shortly after updating their website, Royal Caribbean clarified the ban on multi-plug outlets didn't include "consumer type power conversion device USB charger[s]."

A draft of a U.S. government list with over 40 countries facing travel bans was recently made public. Among those on the list are four popular Eastern Caribbean cruise destinations: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. 

The Caribbean countries face potential travel restrictions if their governments don't address unspecific "deficiencies" within 60 days as part of what appears to be President Donald Trump's latest crackdown on migration. 

However, leaders from the listed nations have said they haven't received communication from the United States about the travel ban or their country's governing issues, catching the Caribbean nationals by surprise.

“There’s nothing we’re not afraid to answer to. We have been very transparent. We engage governments in transparency. People know us. What we say in the night, is what we say in the day; our word is our bond,” Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Monday during a press conference, as reported by the Miami Herald. 

“We are prepared to engage everyone, including the United States, in this matter. So whatever concerns the United States may have, which I do not know of yet, we are prepared to respond.” 

The governments of Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis also sent diplomatic notes to the State Department requesting confirmation of the reports and seeking clarification.

St. Kitts' government emphasized it has upheld “consistent and open dialogue with the U.S. government" since 2022, particularly about the country's Citizenship By Investment Program, which allows foreign nationals to buy a second citizenship for as little as $100,000, allowing them visa-free access to more than 100 countries. 

St. Kitts isn't the only country that has faced scrutiny over its Citizenship By Investment Program. Other Caribbean nations, including Dominica and Saint Lucia, offer similar programs that have received negative attention under the assumption that they're exploited by criminals who wish to launder their money or hide their identity and assets.

Haiti was also included on the travel ban list, facing potential restrictions due to ongoing political instability and security concerns because of the devastating gang conflict that has forced over 1 million locals from their homes. 

Last year, Royal Caribbean even halted cruises to its private destination in Labadee, Haiti, as a precaution due to the escalating violence. 

Though they restarted cruises to Haiti in late 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned flights to Port-au-Prince through at least Sept. 2025. 

That said, while the reasoning is unclear, one future Celebrity cruise departing on April 28, 2025, had its scheduled visit to Labadee changed to Grand Turk over a month in advance. It's possible the stop was switched due to the dire situation in Haiti. 

"To provide you with a better guest experience, we have made the decision to cancel our visit to Labadee, Haiti. Instead, we'll visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, from 8:00am - 6:00pm on Friday, May 2nd," reads an email shared to the r/cruise Reddit thread. 

If Haiti's travel ban goes into effect, it will affect certain visas for tourists and students entering the United States.

An anonymous U.S. official warned that the list is not set in stone and could be subject to changes after further review by the administration.

Should you be worried about your cruise itinerary?

If you have a cruise planned to St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Dominica, or Antigua and Barbuda, the proposed bans are unlikely to have an immediate impact. 

In terms of safety, these Caribbean nations are generally considered safe for tourists. That said, as with any destination, it's always good to stay aware of your surroundings and not let your guard down. 

Tourism is a major part of the local economy, and cruise ports are typically well-monitored. Plus, excursions are designed with safety in mind. However, if you are worried about going off your own, consider booking a tour through Royal Caribbean. 

Existing travel advisories 

Another smart way to stay informed about your travel destination is by checking the U.S. State Department's travel advisories.

For example, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia all currently have a Level 1 Advisory, which means travelers should exercise normal precautions. This indicates that these destinations are generally safe for tourists, and there are no major safety concerns at the moment. 

Haiti, however, has a Level 4 Advisory, indicating that Americans shouldn't travel to the country due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care. That said, Labadee is generally considered safer because it is a private destination operated by Royal Caribbean, with heightened security measures in place. 

Royal Caribbean passengers traveling to Roatán are in for a surprise, as the country of Honduras recently issued stricter guidance about a popular shore excursion. 

Roatán welcomed 1.7 million cruise passengers in 2024, making it the most visited cruise destination in Central America last year. The island is famous for several things, including diving and snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and animal sanctuaries. 

Many cruisers like to visit wildlife rescues while in Honduras, including Victor's Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary, AJ's Monkeys and Sloths, and Daniel Johnson's Monkey & Sloth Hangout. In the past, these sanctuaries were more than a zoo, with interactive opportunities to hold animals like sloths, capuchin monkeys, and macaws. 

Recently, however, Honduras has cracked down on such activities, implementing regulations on animal encounters aimed to prevent the “over manipulation of wildlife," including, "carrying and holding animals for exhibition and taking photographs."

Companies that fail to comply with the new restrictions and rules face intervention by the FTIA (inter-institutional task force against environmental crime), as well as administrative sanctions. 

Cruise passengers with tours booked through Bodden Tours were sent an alert informing them that the popular animal encounters would no longer be available, effective immediately.

"As of March 1, 2025, the Honduran government, through the Wildlife Department of the National Institute for Forest Conservation and Development, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF), implemented regulations, which intensified efforts to protect endangered and vulnerable species," the notice reads. 

"These new regulations directly impact our operations at Victor's Monkey & Sloth Sanctuary...At this time, we are unable to offer ANY Sloth-Hugs as of March 14, as we have been informed by authorities that TODAY is the [last day] for these interactions." 

While visitors can no longer hug sloths, the sanctuary assures that guests can still visit the animals and observe them in a hands-off manner.

"You will still be able to enter the animal's habitats for up-close viewing, photos and selfies, but touching or disturbing the sloths will not be permitted. This means that we can no longer offer fuzzy sloth hugs." 

tjcruisers posted on a Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum that some interactions had been paused before Bodden Tours' update was sent out: 

"We docked at [Roatán] a few days ago and had that excursion booked. Definitely correct, couldn’t hold the sloths but we’re able to be near them. Before going on the tour, the tour company made sure we were aware and made us sign off that that they told us."

Another popular wildlife rescue, AJ's Monkeys and Sloths, claims that they will allow guests to hold sloths a little bit longer. However, the encounters won't be offered after May. 

Read more: Best things to do in Roatán, Honduras cruise port

"It's a bummer as a tourist. But I recognize it's for the better"

Many seem to understand the need for stricter regulations. 

"Honestly if these parks and excursions are leading to animal mistreatment and trafficking I'm 100% on board. Ban them, and prosecute the parks. We've done these things before though, and they all claim to be rescue and/or rehab centers," shared emarkd on a Reddit thread. 

"I did some zip lines with money & sloth at the end while in Roatan. It was fun and I’m glad I got to do it last August, but I’m also glad they’re doing something to control it," added TXJKU4ME.

Others, however, expressed their disappointment over the changes and wished companies would be more upfront about the situation. 

"Whaaaat..... we have an excursion booked at Daniel Johnson's coming up here in a few months, does that mean that's a no-go now?" asked Callec254.

Several-Eagle4141 said, "I’ll admit I’m sad. I had an excellent time with my young son at one of these."

Tom Wrenn went one step further, calling out Daniel Johnson's Monkey & Sloth Hangout on Facebook for not answering questions about the encounters. 

"They won't answer the questions you all keep asking about holding the sloths," he commented on a post about the website's technical difficulties. 

Roatán offers other tours

If you are worried about paying for an animal encounter and being limited to just viewing them, don’t worry: there are plenty of other memorable experiences on the island. 

From zip-lining through lush forests to exploring the underwater world while snorkeling, wild ATV tours, and relaxing all-inclusive beach breaks, Roatán, Honduras, offers a diverse range of activities.

Do not let the new regulations discourage you from finding another tour and making the most of your time in port! The island is beautiful and shouldn't be missed just because wildlife encounters are restricted. 

Read more: I checked out a private island in Honduras —with crystal clear beaches and all-inclusive drinks, it far exceeded my expectations

Amidst the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada, one U.S. Senator threatened to have cruise ships skip Canada when cruising to Alaska. 

Historically, Alaska cruises sailing round-trip from the U.S. have had to call at a Canadian port to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Service Act (PVSA) of 1886, which requires foreign-flagged cruise ships to visit a foreign port if sailing a closed-loop cruise from the United States.

Alaska’s U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan claimed he'd propose an amendment to the PVSA after British Columbia Premier David Eby said he'd introduce legislation to place tolls on Alaska-bound commercial trucks. 

“I’m here to share that we will be introducing a new law in the coming days to respond to this historic challenge: unprecedented legislation. It will include such countermeasures as allowing the province to apply fees to commercial trucks that transit through British Columbia on their way to Alaska,” Eby said speaking at the Legislative Assembly building in Victoria. 

As a result, Sullivan said Congress could pass a law exempting cruise ships from the required stop in Canada when sailing from the Lower 48 to Alaska. 

Alternatively, he could seek an exemption by executive order issued by President Trump. Either way, Sullivan claimed the impact on Canada's economy could be in the "billions."

“You know, Canada, you don’t want to mess with Alaska,” Sullivan added, “If you do, we’re going to work hard on having our cruise ships bypass your ports, and that’ll help our economy tremendously, it’ll help our tourism industry tremendously, and it’ll really hurt their tourism.”

Currently, cruise ships that depart from U.S. ports like Seattle often call at Victoria on the final evening of the cruise before making their way back to Washington. 

For example, a round-trip Alaska cruise on Anthem of the Seas may depart from Seattle and visit Sitka, Skagway, and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier before making its way to Victoria. 

This new exemption would mean that cruise ships no longer have to visit Canada on voyages from the U.S. Instead, they could potentially adjust their itineraries to include additional stops in Alaska or spend more time offering scenic cruising at glaciers. 

Read more: I’ve been on 5 Alaska cruises, and one itinerary was far better than the rest

If Sullivan's threats are successful, it wouldn't be the first time the United States passed an exemption

In 2021, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a new bill to repeal and reform the PVSA. The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act (ATRA) was signed into law in May but was only temporary and applied just to 2021 cruises.

Before the act went into effect, Canada banned cruise ships from entering their waters due to the global pandemic. As such, Alaska cruises from the United States—such as Seattle or San Francisco—were impossible. 

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) tried to make the change permanent, arguing that the requirement "unintentionally put many Alaskan businesses at the mercy of the Canadian government."

The Cruising for Alaska’s Workforce Act would have allowed any ship carrying more than 1,000 passengers to transport passengers between a port in Alaska and another port in the United States, directly or by way of a foreign port.

Read more: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Here are 16 things that surprised me the most

After a Royal Caribbean ship nearly failed its health inspection, the cruise line has made big changes to remedy the problems.

Symphony of the Seas had its regular health inspection conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scoring just one point above "unsatisfactory." 

The inspection took place in early February and yielded over 50 violations that raised serious concerns about the ship's hygiene and safety protocols.

These ranged from crew members handling ice with open wounds on their forearms to improper food storage and failing to properly report children in the youth programs with present GI symptoms. 

Spencer Aronfeld, known on TikTok as @cruiseshiplawyer, said that it typically costs cruise lines around $65,000 to quickly correct all the violations of a nearly-failing report. 

"The score was an 86, which is barely satisfactory. One point less, which is an 85, would have been an unsatisfactory evaluation, which probably would have caused them to have to cancel the cruise," he explained. 

Roughly a month after the inspection, a corrective report for the deficiencies was released, which is required by the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program. However, the VSP can't verify that the deficiencies have been corrected until after conducting the next vessel inspection or re-inspection. 

The 8-page document details what Royal Caribbean did to correct the violations and ensure that Symphony of the Seas meets the necessary health and safety standards moving forward.

In other words, it serves as a crucial step to maintain trust with loyal passengers that Royal Caribbean strives to uphold the safety and well-being of everyone aboard their fleet of ships. 

Read more: These were the 5 cleanest Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year, according to the CDC

The corrective report details what Royal Caribbean did to remedy 57 violations found by CDC inspectors

Some of the worst violations include improper food storage. 

For example, at Johnny Rockets, a metal bin used for disposing of raw hamburger plastic and paper packing was on the front preparation counter and was in contact with the burger topping area.

Before leaving Johnny Rockets, the inspector noticed what appeared to be blood splatter on the preparation counter, too. 

In the corrective report, Royal Caribbean claims the, "[standard operating procedure] has been modified and Burgers are unwrapped from plastic and paper packaging before placing them in [a] hotel pan to avoid any cross contamination. Team has been retrained with new SOP."

The initial report also revealed that 25 raw, shelled eggs were stored in a plastic bag in a crew cabinet next to a manager's desk. An unopened bag of potato chips and an open bottle of hot sauce were stored below the raw eggs in the same cabinet. 

When the crew was asked about the eggs, the inspector discovered they had been brought into the upholstery office the day before. The eggs, chips, and hot sauce were all taken to the incinerator room and discarded. 

According to the corrective report, "Inspections were conducted of Upholstery, Carpenter and Repair workshop areas. Management met with the Division using these areas, [and] reminded them regarding food safety and no food items to be brought to the workshops. Unannounced inspections to continue [on] a regular basis."

Another violation revealed that a crew member accessing an ice machine's technical department in the Solarium had open and scabbed sores on his forearm. 

Like the inspector, Royal Caribbean also advised all crew members to protect wounds with bandages before working on any food-grade equipment and before entering food areas.

Still, perhaps one of the most shocking violations was the improper medical identification of acute gastroenteritis cases in the youth clubs. 

In January 2025, five out of eleven vomiting and diarrhea incidents reported in the children's activity center weren't appropriately handed. As such, symptomatic children weren't isolated because they were not assessed or incorrectly assessed for meeting acute gastroenteritis. 

For example, around 9:20pm on Jan. 9, Adventure Ocean reported that a 9-year-old child had vomited. Less than two hours later, housekeeping reported a vomiting incident on the bed for the same child. 

The parents called the medical center around midnight to report multiple episodes of vomiting. They finally brought their child to the medical center around 3:10pm on Jan. 10 for abdominal cramps. The medical notes for the visit stated that the "child has had several episodes of vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain."

This case met the acute gastroenteritis reporting definition, but the child wasn't isolated, and the case wasn't included on the acute gastroenteritis log. 

To remedy the violation, Royal Caribbean revised the standard operating procedure for reporting PVI/PFI incidents. Plus, they conducted training sessions with the medical team about acute gastroenteritis knowledge, so they can properly identify and report cases following the criteria as per the VSP manual. 

Not only that but in the future, the medical team "will reach out to each PVI/PFI case by calling them twice. If they are unable to make contact, they will [hand the case] over to the security team and guest [relations] to get in touch with the person involved in the incident ASAP."

Speaking of illnesses, while onboard, the CDC inspection team noticed that the child activity crew didn't follow their illness exclusion policy, allowing known symptomatic children into the activity center. 

Around noon on Jan. 21, Adventure Ocean reported a diarrhea incident for a 3-year-old child. The activity center reported another incident for the same kid around 8:00pm the same evening, though they indicated that it was "code brown," or non-GI related.

The medical team didn't follow up with the parents to assess for isolation because a non-medical crew member stated it wasn't related to acute gastroenteritis.

The corrective report states, "Every PVI and PFI in Adventure Ocean will be closely monitored. The team has been retrained and coached, and we will be following these steps: Once a PVI or PFI incident occurs in Adventure Ocean, the AO staff will report the incident to the dispatcher and the medical team will be advised of the incident with an additional call to the nurse on duty, providing information about the child."

"The staff will inform the AOM to monitor the incident, adding it to the PVI/PFI log and noting in the system that the child may not return until cleared by the medical team...The medical team will do the evaluation and diagnosis of the child, following up on the incident, and communicating further with AO once the child has been cleared to return to Adventure."

Other violations, including soiled food service items, broken soap dispensers, and areas without written symptom guidance posted were easily remedied by the ship's team. 

For example, at the child activity center, an open play area for parents to play with their young children did not have written symptom guidance posted. As such, a sign was printed, laminated, and placed in the area. 

Additionally, the soap dispenser in one of the men's restrooms wasn't mounted to the bulkhead, making it difficult to operate. 

Corrective action began immediately by the plumping team. Plus, crew members were coached about the importance of hand washing stations always being properly equipped and available. 

A pool/hot tub net had also been stored in one of the showers, making it inaccessible for guests during the 1.5 hours the main pool had been open. 

Consequently, crew members received training on net storage, ensuring that the shower remains always accessible to guests. 

Read more: 10 tips to make your next cruise healthier

Sailing on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is a vacation on one of the biggest cruise ship's in the world, but it also comes with a big price tag for everything it offers.

I went on a 7-night sailing that cost me more than $4,500 for the cruise fare, hotel, airfare, and plenty of onboard purchases.

Since Oasis Class ships are among my favorites at sea, I couldn’t resist sailing aboard Wonder for a week to the western Caribbean.

I made the most of my time on the ship without completely breaking the bank by employing some money-saving strategies, such as booking an interior stateroom and cruising during the shoulder season.

In total, I spent $4,698.16 on my weeklong Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise on Wonder of the Seas, including airfare to Florida and miscellaneous onboard spending. It wasn't the cheapest vacation, but it was worth every penny! 

My guarantee inside cabin was $2,292.10

In a dream world, I’d always cruise in a balcony stateroom. However, they’re more expensive than interior cabins, and given how frequently I sail, this isn’t realistic.

As such, I booked a guarantee interior stateroom for my 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas. The total was $2,292.10, including taxes, port fees, and gratuities for two people. 

Because I booked a guarantee cabin, we could not choose our stateroom’s location and were assigned cabin 9116. 

The standard interior stateroom was all the way forward on Deck 9. I typically prefer midship staterooms, especially when sailing with my partner, as she gets seasick more easily than I do. However, we got lucky on our particular sailing. 

There were very few times we felt excessive movement in our stateroom. One evening, my partner said the rocking kept her awake later than she would have liked, but a little Dramamine helped her doze off before midnight. 

That said, the stateroom was well-appointed. Traveling as a couple, we kept the bed configured together, rather than separating the mattresses and having two smaller twin-sized beds. 

Read more: I got seasick on two cruises. Here's what I'll do differently next time

Besides the location, my only other quarrels with the cabin were the lack of a loveseat or sofa and hooks. While we had a chair, I would have preferred a larger couch as a catch-all place for our miscellaneous items. At times, we had multiple bags piled on the tiny chair. 

Our cabin's walls were also noticeably bare other than a small gallery wall arrangement on the left side. As such, there wasn't a great spot to hang lanyards or day bags. Though larger staterooms onboard typically have hooks beneath the television, this area was occupied by the dresser. 

If I were to cruise on Wonder again, I'd prioritize bringing magnetic hooks to help utilize the wall space more efficiently and better organize our belongings. 

My onboard expenses, including a specialty meal at The Mason Jar and a few souvenirs, came out to $403.91

Everyone’s onboard spending looks different. Some may prefer to splurge on a drink package, whereas other cruisers might spend their money on a specialty dining package or shore excursions in port.

While on Wonder of the Seas, I didn’t fully restrict myself to the complimentary amenities. As such, my onboard spending came to $403.91.

Before the cruise, my partner and I made a reservation for The Mason Jar to try its brunch because neither of us had eaten there before.

When we booked our cruise with our travel agent, we were gifted $50 in onboard credit that we used to help offset the cost. This meant we paid just $9.20 per person or $18.40 altogether.

I wish I had a lighter dinner the night before because my stomach definitely wasn't ready for a multi-course meal at 11:00am on our final day onboard! Everything from the deviled eggs to the over-the-top cinnamon roll and twice-fried Oreos was delicious and worth the cost. 

On embarkation day, we also decided to skip the Main Dining Room and eat at Playmakers for dinner. An order of six wings, a chicken sandwich, and the infamous campfire cookie was $40.72, including an extra tip for our prompt waiter.

In addition to food, we spend money on a few souvenirs onboard. One of my guilty pleasures is purchasing new toys for my dog, Dexter. One night, as we were browsing the shops, we couldn’t resist buying a new collar and first-mate dog toy for him. These two items came out to be $22.93.

In all fairness, he did need a new collar. We somehow misplaced his and were using one that didn’t fit our old guy very well. The toy was a fun bonus!

Another miscellaneous purchase was my partner’s lanyard. I was in Florida before her, so she packed on her own. A few items were forgotten, including a lanyard! She also forgot her trusty handheld fan. Thankfully, we took it easy, booking a private driver with an air-conditioned car in Roatán, staying onboard in Cozumel, and spending time in the pool while docked in Costa Maya. 

Royal Caribbean ships don’t have a shortage of lanyards, so she picked one up on embarkation day for $10.64 in the Royal Promenade while we waited for the announcement that staterooms were ready. 

We also bought two new T-shirts in the Royal Promenade for $30. Usually, I steer clear of these sales; however, I wanted a new comfy shirt to sleep in, and $15 for an oversized shirt isn't a bad deal. 

Alcohol is something to consider on any cruise, regardless of which line you're sailing with. We limited our daily consumption since we decided to save money and not purchase a drink package. For the most part, we stuck to our four included Diamond vouchers. 

Read more: The secrets to achieving Diamond status quickly on Royal Caribbean

However, there were a few times we wanted an extra drink when attending activities like the adults-only silent disco in the Solarium or watching The Quest in Studio B. 

Plus, we tried the Bionic Bar and invented our own concoctions, and I couldn't go too long without a crisp Diet Coke. My partner also purchased a Cafe Select Coffee Card for her iced coffees each morning. Altogether, these beverages totaled $199.14. 

One night, we purchased ice cream at Sugar Beach while watching Inside Out 2 at the AquaTheater. Our two scoops of Cookies & Cream ice cream came out to $7.08. It was my first time trying Sugar Beach and though it was a nice treat, the soft serve at Sprinkles is a solid option and does not cost anything extra. 

Finally, if there’s one place my partner and I have to visit on every cruise, it’s the arcade. Or, in my case, the adult arcade, aka the casino! Between the slots and a few failed claw machines, we spent $75.00.

Before the cruise, we reserved The Key for $517.86

After 14 Royal Caribbean cruises, I decided to try The Key to see if it was worth the relatively high price tag. It came out to $517.86 for two passengers, or $36.99 per person, per night, for our weeklong cruise on Wonder of the Seas. 

The Key Program gives guests certain priority benefits, such as reserved seating in the main theater and AquaTheater, an exclusive welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room, and more. 

It also includes a VOOM Surf & Stream package for one device per person, so since my partner and I were both going to purchase a Wi-Fi package, we decided to splurge on The Key for extra perks while on our 7-night cruise. 

The Key did not include priority or expedited boarding in the terminal at Port Canaveral; however, once on the ship, we dropped off our carry-on bags in the Main Dining Room and enjoyed a three-course meal. 

It was a nice touch to begin our weeklong cruise away from the crowds in the buffet. However, the food wasn't really anything that special. 

Throughout our voyage, we also took advantage of the reserved seating in the AquaTheater. We had amazing seats front and center and were in awe of the talented divers and dancers as they performed daring stunts and synchronized routines. 

We also utilized The Key's private zip line time on the last day, though this wasn't planned. We wanted to watch the Yes or No game show in the karaoke lounge; however, all seats were filled when we arrived. Instead of standing in the corner, we made our way to Deck 16 and rode the zip line with no wait! 

Overall, though, I don't think The Key was worth the cost. While having extra benefits was nice, I'd rather spend the money on a cabin with a view or a shore excursion. 

We did not even use The Key's express disembarkation. After grabbing a coffee at Cafe Promenade, we joined the line in the Royal Promenade and were off the ship in minutes. 

I booked an excursion through Viator in Roatán, Honduras, for $140

Since my partner and I visited Cozumel last year, we opted to stay onboard, saving money and taking advantage of fewer crowds. However, it was my fiancée's first time in Roatán, and she really wanted to visit an animal sanctuary. We booked a last-minute tour through Viator for $140 including a tip, and I'd highly recommend it!

Though we booked through Viator, the tour company was called Roatán Breakaway Tours. We easily located our driver, Kendall, outside the port, and were whisked away on a 3.5-hour excursion that visited Daniel Johnson's Monkey & Sloth Hangout, the Roatán Rum Company, and the Roatán Chocolate Factory. 

Kendall was a fantastic driver, and we learned a lot about the island as we drove to each stop. This was easily one of the highlights of our cruise! Who wouldn't want to hold an adorable sloth or have cute monkeys jump all over them?

This was the only excursion purchased, as we planned a cheap port day in Costa Maya, venturing off the ship for a quick dip in the port's pool before returning onboard. 

One thing to note is that if you plan to stay in Costa Maya's port area and use the lounge chairs, you must purchase something from a nearby bar. 

We ordered two overpriced and over-sugary mojitos for $38.00 and thought that since we bought something from a port bar, we could move freely from one pool to another. Unfortunately, we were told you must purchase something from the closest bar. So, even though we spent nearly $40.00 at the Mojito Bar, we couldn't sit near the Costa Maya Beach pool. 

While ashore, I spent $52 on souvenirs 

Even though I say I'm not going to purchase anything in port, I always come back with something new. 

This time, it was a handmade shot glass made in Honduras, as well as a magnet for my partner's desk at work and a rum cake. 

We also bought local hot sauce for our family, and my partner couldn't resist trying a cookies and cream popsicle from the Roatán Chocolate Factory. Altogether, these items came to $52. 

I spent $1,254.29 on airfare and transportation

Before my cruise on Wonder, I took a 4-night cruise aboard Margaritaville at Sea's Islander out of Tampa. As such, I began my two-week trip by flying into Tampa and out of Orlando. My airfare with American Airlines was $402.97. 

Thankfully, I gave myself time and flew into Tampa the day before my first cruise, as I had to deal with two canceled flights before finally departing Charlotte about four hours later than scheduled. 

After my cruise on Islander, I took an Uber from Tampa to my hotel in Orlando, where I stayed for two nights between sailings using Hyatt points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards. This was the most expensive rideshare of the trip, costing $133.95. 

Rather than spend a full Saturday in the hotel, my partner and I purchased a one-day multi-park ticket to Universal Studios. This was completely optional, though, and came out to $466.48 for both of us. 

My partner's flights were more affordable. Because she doesn't have loyalty status with a specific airline, she booked a one-way flight to Orlando on Spirit, and I used American miles for her return flight. She paid just $82.19 for the flight from Charlotte to Orlando, which included a checked bag. 

On the morning of our cruise, we took a Lyft from our hotel across Universal Studios to the Orlando airport to catch our bus to Port Canaveral for $23.75. We booked our shuttle through Go Port and paid $59.98 each or $119.96 altogether. 

It was my first time using Go Port, and it was such an easy experience. After checking in around 9:45am, we waited until our boarding group number was called. It took less than fifteen minutes from when we lined up to board the bus to when we were en route to Port Canaveral. 

Using Go Port to return to the Orlando airport was just as smooth and efficient. We easily located Go Port's check-in counter after leaving the terminal and were off in minutes thanks to an almost full bus. The shuttle got us to the airport by 8:30am, and we were through security and passing time in the lounge by 9:10am, hours ahead of our 1:00pm flight. 

The last expense of my 7-night cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas was a Lyft ride from the Charlotte airport back home, which came to $24.99.

Royal Caribbean cancelled a cruise on one of its cruise ships because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. 

Passengers booked on the upcoming 3-night sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas were informed that their cruise would not proceed as scheduled. The sailing was scheduled for March 7, 2025.

"We have been monitoring the progression of Tropical Cyclone Alfred as it slowly moves toward Brisbane. Due to the development of the storm and the closure of the Port of Brisbane, the previous Quantum of the Seas sailing has been delayed returning to port, and as a result, our 3-Night sailing has unfortunately been cancelled," the email to confirmed guests reads.

All passengers will receive a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits and pre-paid add-ons, as well as a Future Credit Card to be used on a future Royal Caribbean cruise. 

The amount varies based on the stateroom category booked and applies per cabin, not per person:

• Inside cabin: $150 USD
• Outside cabin: $200 USD
• Balcony cabin: $250 USD
• Deluxe cabin: $400 USD

Quantum stuck at sea

Quantum of the Seas' February 28 sailing was due to return to Brisbane on March 7. However, the 168,666 gross registered ton ship (GRT) will remain at sea because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The rare, powerful weather system is a Category 2 storm with destructive wind gusts of up to 96mph. 

"Due in Brisbane Australia on Friday 7th March, however TC Alfred is due to make landfall in Brisbane the same day and the port is closed. Will now dock on Monday 10th March," wrote Jester_Fleshwound on a Reddit thread. 

In addition to 3 extra sea days, Quantum will visit Noumea, New Caledonia, for the second time. Quantum is expected to arrive on March 7. The ship previously called at Noumea on March 3, followed by Mystery Island, Vanuatu, on March 4. 

Royal Caribbean gave guests complimentary internet to help them stay connected while adjusting to the unexpected changes. 

Additionally, passengers who booked airfare through Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program will automatically have their flights adjusted. Those who booked independently will receive a credit of $200 USD for domestic travel and $400 USD for international travel per person. 

Regarding Wi-Fi and drink packages, Royal Caribbean is extending VOOM Surf & Stream packages for three days at no extra cost. 

However, guests with drink packages must pay an extra $35 USD daily for the Deluxe Beverage Package and $14 USD for the Royal Refreshment Package. There's no additional charge for the Soda Package. 

Passengers who decide not to extend their drink package and purchase beverages individually will receive 50% off. 

Finally, guests who didn't pre-pay their gratuities will notice additional charges for the three extra days onboard, while all passengers will receive 3 more nights' worth of cruise points, bringing the total for their voyage to 10. 

Other cruise ships impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Several other cruise ships have had their itineraries altered because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, including Norwegian Sun, Queen Anne, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Encounter, and Carnival Luminosa.

Like Quantum of the Seas, Carnival Luminosa's March 6 cruise from Brisbane was canceled while the ship remains at sea to avoid the storm.

"Our Fleet Operations Center continues to keep a close eye on Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Given its current track, the storm is expected to directly impact the Brisbane area in the coming days and the port is now closed as it prepares," read an email sent to guests.

"Regrettably, we have no alternative but to cancel your voyage. We know this is disappointing and we are truly sorry for the disruption to your holiday plans." 

The current 11-night sailing was slated to conclude on 6; however, Carnival guests shouldn't expect to disembark any earlier than March 8. 

Work is underway on making major upgrades to Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas.

The second-ever Oasis Class ship is currently in Cádiz, Spain, undergoing an extensive $100 million-plus dry dock to enhance its amenities and overall guest experience. 

Allure was initially on the schedule for Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program. However, the pandemic had other plans, and her dry dock was indefinitely postponed. 

Years later, she's finally receiving the enhancements she deserves, boosting her onboard offerings to be more consistent with newer ships in the fleet. 

“Allure will be reimagined with the best of Royal Caribbean and what travelers love. Between new favorites, like the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, and experiences that unlock core memories time and time again, from an incredible pool deck to an unmatched combination of thrills and ways to chill, Allure will have even more of everything that makes it a standout favorite," said Jay Schneider, Chief Product Innovation Officer, Royal Caribbean International.

Following Allure's season in Europe, a first since 2015, she'll reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2025, where she will remain through October 2026, excluding a short stint in Galveston, Texas, in March and April 2026. 

One TikTok user on-site during the dry dock, @evasion_20s, has taken to social media to share exclusive content about Allure's refurbishment. 

The short videos range from showing cabins to Adventure Ocean, the brand-new Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade, and the pool deck, all in anticipation of Allure of the Seas welcoming guests onboard in Spain on April 11. 

Refreshed staterooms

It's rare for Royal Caribbean to completely redesign cabins during dry docks. However, it's usual for them to be updated and refreshed, ensuring they last for many, many more years. 

For example, @evasion_20s shows staterooms with torn-out carpets. With the furniture and carpet removed, it's a great time to replace the bedding and other worn-out furnishings, which is difficult when Allure is in regular service. 

However, Allure is receiving new suites above the bridge. The "Ultimate Panoramic Suites" will provide guests with 200-degree ocean views from the comfort of their cabins. Plus, passengers will enjoy the slew of perks that come with staying in a Star Class suite. 

Revamped Adventure Ocean

Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean's award-winning youth program. While adults can spend the day in the Solarium, Adventure Ocean spaces are exclusively for kids and teens. 

Younger cruisers sailing on Allure of the Seas can expect exciting new Adventure Ocean areas, including Play Place, the AO Theater; hands-on art, science, and tech events at the Workshop; interactive games at the Arena;  and even a brand-new Social298 venue with video games, music, movies, and more just for teens. 

The programming is included in your cruise fare, so families with children of all ages, including babies, can rest assured knowing there are dedicated activities for everyone onboard. 

Resort-style pools

The reimagined Caribbean pool deck will teleport guests to the tropics even if they're on a port-intensive European getaway. In addition to the new color scheme, guests can look forward to casitas, in-pool loungers, daybeds, and more. 

Additionally, the pool deck will finally receive what it has lacked compared to other Oasis Class ships: the Perfect Storm water slides.

The Cyclone, Typhoon, and SuperCell champagne bowl will bring another layer of thrills to cruises aboard Allure of the Seas. 

Younger kids and tweens will enjoy Splashaway Bay, featuring slides, water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools, and two drench buckets, while adults can lounge in the Solarium complete with new touches and the fan-favorite Samba Grill. 

New restaurants

While Samba Grill might not be a new addition, Allure of the Seas is introducing exciting dining options that cater to various tastes, including The Mason Jar and Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade. 

Both are specialty restaurants that aren't included in your cruise fare. Playmaker's is à la carte, meaning you only pay for what you order, while The Mason Jar has a set cover charge. 

The Mason Jar is a relatively new concept that debuted on Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and was added to Utopia of the Seas in 2024. Once Allure returns to service in April, The Mason Jar will be found on three ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. 

Read more: The best bar scene is only on two of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships

The Southern-inspired restaurant offers classic comfort food like fried chicken and waffles, buttermilk biscuits, deviled eggs, gumbo, chicken pot pie, coleslaw, collard greens, and more. 

Playmaker's is like your favorite sports bar back home. The no-frills joint is a great place to stop for a drink before an AquaTheater show, grab a low-key dinner on the Boardwalk, or catch the latest sports game. Note that it's replacing Sabor, the Mexican restaurant that was previously available.

Don't worry, though. You can still get your Mexican fix while sailing on Allure. For a while, the Oasis Class ship had a "knock-off" El Loco Fresh at the Wipe Out Café. 

Now, she'll finally have the proper complimentary Mexican restaurant where guests can grab yummy quesadillas and build their own nachos.  

El Loco Fresh will be on Deck 15 near the Sports Court. 

Ultimate Abyss

Allure of the Seas is also receiving the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. 

First launched on Harmony of the Seas, the Ultimate Abyss has quickly become an Oasis Class staple and was even added to Oasis of the Seas during her Royal Amplification. 

The slide is included in your cruise fare and takes you from the aft of Deck 16 to the Boardwalk on Deck 6, spitting riders out beside Playmaker's. This means that, along with Sabor, the Sabor Bar is also being removed to make way for the end of the Ultimate Abyss slide. 

New bars

The Pesky Parrot is perhaps one of the most unique additions to Allure of the Seas. The brand-new bar launched on Utopia of the Seas in July 2024. 

It's a lively, tropical-themed bar that brings a vibrant atmosphere to the Royal Promenade. Unfortunately, the relaxed Champagne Bar will be removed and replaced by the Pesky Parrot tiki bar. 

The Lime and Coconut is another new bar coming to Allure of the Seas, though it isn't new to the fleet. The popular pool bar offers guests the perfect spot to unwind with tropical drinks on a sea day. And yes, you can use your drink package at both!

Royal Escape Room and Laser Tag

If slides aren't your thing, whether wet or dry, Allure has plenty of other activities to keep you busy, from an ice skating rink to the zip line, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and mini-golf course.

Allure of the Seas will receive a new themed escape room and laser tag course while in dry dock, adding to the fun available onboard.

The Royal Escape Room — Apollo 18: Lunar Landing is the latest in the cruise line's escape room lineup. Participants will be transported to 1973 as they hunt for clues to help Apollo 18 successfully land on the moon. Note, however, that this experience isn't included in your cruise fare.

Conversely, Battle for Planet Z, Royal Caribbean's glow-in-the-dark laser tag course that takes over the Studio B ice skating rink, doesn't cost extra.

Read more: What are the Oasis Class Ships?

Inside staterooms are usually my least favorite cabins on a cruise ship; however, I was pleasantly surprised by my windowless room on Wonder of the Seas. 

I began cruising on Oasis Class cruise ships at 14 when my family embarked on a weeklong spring break voyage aboard Oasis of the Seas to the Western Caribbean. 

However, I sailed on Oasis, Allure, and Harmony of the Seas before finally staying in an interior stateroom on Symphony of the Seas a few years ago. 

Since then, I've become accustomed to saving money by booking inside cabins. Most recently, I cruised in an interior stateroom on Wonder of the Seas on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

To save even more money, we booked a guarantee cabin, meaning that we couldn't choose our stateroom's location. As such, we were randomly assigned room 9116 at the front of the ship. 

Initally, I was worried I'd regret not selecting my cabin, as staterooms in the forward of a cruise ship can sometimes experience more motion, especially during rough seas. 

Thankfully, the seas were calm during our weeklong voyage, and we did not experience much rocking in our tiny cabin. 

Our interior stateroom was $2,292.10, including prepaid gratuities. However, I'm confident we could have gotten a better rate on our shoulder season cruise had we booked more than two months in advance. 

Though I wish we had a more central location on such a large ship, I was happy with my stateroom on Wonder of the Seas. I rarely spend much time in my cabin when cruising on mega-ships anyway! 

Tiny but well-appointed

Cruisers seeking spacious accommodations rarely book cheap interior staterooms. Because they lack natural light and don't have private verandahs, they're typically the smallest accommodations on a cruise ship. 

This was certainly the case aboard Wonder of the Seas. Our cabin wasn't large but was cleverly designed to maximize the available space. The layout was efficient, with just enough room for the essentials, including a bed, desk, chair, dresser, and two nightstands. 

On embarkation day, I asked my cabin steward for a mattress topper, as I don't find Royal Caribbean's beds the most comfortable. 

Though I was disappointed to learn Wonder didn't have toppers, he padded the bed with an extra comforter. It wasn’t quite the same as a mattress topper, but it helped improve the sleep experience and made the mattress feel much more plush than without.

Because Wonder of the Seas is a newer ship having debuted in 2022, the stateroom was well-appointed with a fresh aesthetic and modern amenities. 

Perhaps one of my favorite features was the beside charging options, as the table lamps were outfitted with USB ports and standard American outlets. 

Older Royal Caribbean ships don't usually have bedside charging options, so it's nice that the company has updated their rooms with practical, convenient features. 

I appreciate charging my phone directly from the bedside table. While it's a small detail, it makes the cruising experience much better, especially after long days exploring the ship or port when you want to scroll on social media or play a mindless game before bed. 

Cabin 9116 didn't have a shortage of other charging options, either. The vanity was home to three American outlets, two USB ports, and two European plugs. 

Typically, I never travel without my trusty European adapters, as some ships have just two American and two European outlets. 

But with the ample charging options in this cabin, I didn’t need to worry about running out of places to plug in my devices.

Another pleasant surprise was the storage space

Before my 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas, I spent 4 nights on Margaritaville at Sea's Islander and two nights in Orlando, Florida, visiting Universal Studios (I'm bummed I was there one week before they launched the new Wizarding World wands!). As such, my checked bag wasn't light, coming in at around 45 pounds! 

Between my almost-overweight bag, backpack, and my partner's belongings, I was a little concerned about where we'd stow everything in our interior cabin. To my surprise, there was enough space to organize everything.

The closet had enough hangers for our dresses and blouses, while the small cubbies were great for stashing my packing cubes, shoes, and other smaller items. 

There was also a small dresser directly next to the closet with multiple drawers where we kept undergarments and swimsuits. 

However, I wish our stateroom had hooks for beach bags and lanyards. Because there wasn't a great place to hang anything, our cabin's singular chair, excluding the vanity chair, became a catch-all place to help keep the floor and vanity clear of clutter. 

Modern bathroom

The bathroom also had plenty of storage. I never travel without my hanging toiletries organizer, and it stayed out of the way on the back of the door during our sailing. This freed up the three shelves for my partner. 

Even then, the bathroom never felt overwhelming with cosmetics or toiletries strewn about. The shelves provided more than enough space for essentials, and the bathroom felt organized despite the small size. 

The shower had amazing water pressure and felt larger than other standard showers. Rarely did I bump my elbows into the glass door! 

Like other Royal Caribbean ships, however, the shower had the same 2-in-1 shampoo-body wash hybrid and small toiletries shelf. 

I'm always prepared with my own products, never leaving home without my preferred shampoo and conditioner. 

That said, because I was on a two-week trip, I brought larger bottles instead of my usual travel-sized ones. 

The small shelf isn't ideal for larger bottles, and outside of my shampoo and conditioner, there wasn't much room for my face wash or our two razors. 

Moreover, after 14 Royal Caribbean cruises using the cheap bar soap provided, I finally tried one of the best bathroom hacks: bringing your own liquid soap. 

Perhaps I just have chronically dry hands, but I hate using the provided soap. In fact, it's one of the reasons that lotion is always on my must-pack list. 

However, the foaming Dial soap turned out to be a game changer. The gentle formula felt much better on my skin and didn't create the same soapy mess that bars typically do. 

Relatively noisy during the day

As soon as we were assigned cabin 9116, I went to Wonder's deck plan to see where exactly we'd be spending 7 nights. I was disappointed to learn it was at the front of the ship and even more upset when I discovered it was next to a crew-only area once onboard. 

I didn't have many issues with the noise as I prefer to spend as little time as possible in the cabin while on a cruise ship. However, my partner prefers to take afternoon naps in the stateroom versus a Solarium chair. 

Because our cabin was next to the linen closet, she frequently heard crew members outside the stateroom in the afternoon while cabins were being serviced. Sometimes, the noise would start as early as 7:45am as they prepped for the morning shift. 

Read more: I always choose this time to have my cruise room cleaned

Thankfully, though I was worried about feeling the ship rocking at night, I didn't feel much movement at all. My partner felt a little differently, but she's more sensitive to motion sickness than I am. 

Dramamine, motion sickness patches, and acupressure bands helped turn an otherwise negative experience into something more manageable.  

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

While I didn't have a bad cabin experience, I'd hesitate to book this stateroom again because of its location

Deck 9 is such a great deck on Oasis Class ships, as you're only one deck above Central Park and four above the Royal Promenade. 

On massive ships like these, grabbing an elevator can sometimes be difficult, so it was nice to know we didn't have to rely on waiting for an elevator after a show when the banks were busier than usual.

However, I'll always take a midship stateroom over one in the forward or aft of the ship simply because you never know what sea conditions will be like on any given sailing.

Because my partner is much more susceptible to seasickness than I am, paying extra to choose our cabin is almost always justifiable, as we've had some less-than-pleasant experiences, such as when sailing on Disney Magic last November.  

Sometimes, however, you can get lucky with guarantee staterooms. On my upcoming sailing on Icon of the Seas, we gambled with another GTY cabin and booked an unassigned Surfside stateroom for $3,802.46. 

Weeks before sailing, however, we noticed that we were assigned a midship Central Park infinite verandah, much to our surprise!