Royal Caribbean has proposed a new floating dry dock in a Central American country.

On Wednesday, Royal Caribbean Group officials met with José Raúl Mulino, Panama's President, to talk about constructing a floating dry dock on the country's Pacific coast, as first reported by Seatrade Cruise News. 

According to the proposal, the floating dock would be large enough to service large vessels and serve as an alternative to dry docks in Asia and North America that are either too busy or not large enough to accommodate massive mega-ships. 

Not only that, but the 130,000-ton, 1,312-foot dock would also be equipped to handle container ships and other specialized vessels.

During the meeting, Royal Caribbean officials presented the planned services and the project’s development phases scheduled from 2026 through 2031, adding that the project could generate anywhere from 500 to 800 jobs. 

Plans highlighted a low-carbon and resilient industrial platform, responsible wastewater management, and adherence to international safety and environmental standards.

The proposed facility would be located in Chiriquí Province on the Pacific coast of Panama, specifically in the Punta Piedra area of Puerto Armuelles. 

The location near one of the world's busiest maritime corridors could make the floating dry dock a strategic service point for cruise ships, container vessels, and other large ships.

Panama's president supports the dry dock, claiming that it would enhance the country's importance as a maritime hub and generate skilled jobs in an area that's been neglected for years.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Royal Caribbean Group, as well as Panamanian government officials and local authorities, including Luis Roquebert, administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority; Royal Caribbean Group's Josh Carroll, SVP of deployment; and Andre Pousada, regional VP of government relations.

Royal Caribbean has been building up its North American shipyard presence for a while

In 2000, Royal Caribbean Group, along with Carnival Corporation & plc and the Grand Bahama Port Authority, founded the Grand Bahama Shipyard. 

For more than two decades, the facility has been a leading destination for cruise ship dry docks, refits, and revitalizations, with Royal Caribbean maintaining a 40% ownership stake.

Under a 2024 agreement, the Bahamian government and the Grand Bahama Shipyard approved a $600 million project aimed at transforming the shipyard and turning it into the largest cruise ship repair facility in the world.

The upgrades will feature the world’s two largest floating dry docks, while also creating hundreds of jobs and an apprenticeship program.

In November 2025, the first of the two floating dry docks, called "East End," was delivered to the Freeport shipyard, as reported by The Nassau Guardian. The floating dry dock can lift 93,000 tons and measures roughly 1,172 feet in length and 229 feet in beam.

"The arrival of East End greatly enhances cruise docking and retrofit capability and expands our commercial docking capacity," said Chris Earl, CEO of Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited. 

"The transformation of Grand Bahama Shipyard represents a huge opportunity to create a world-class ship repair ecosystem here in The Bahamas, and we look forward to working with the community to make this significant investment a success."

Read more: Bahamas strikes $600M Deal: Inside the massive shipyard transformation set to dominate cruise repair

What happens during a cruise ship dry dock?

Dry dock is another term for scheduled ship maintenance, during which a vessel is taken out of service so that inspections, repairs, and upgrades can be completed that cannot be done while the ship is in the water. 

Typically, cruise ships undergo a routine dry dock every five years, though vessels may be pulled from service to fix sudden mechanical issues that cannot be safely repaired when the ship is operating. 

The ship is moved into a specially designed dock where the water is drained, providing easy access to the hull and other underwater components, such as the propellers, thrusters, and rudders.

At the same time, dry docks are also an opportunity to renovate public spaces, upgrade cabins, and introduce new venues that cannot be added when the vessel is full of paying passengers. 

Read more: What is a cruise ship dry dock?

Royal Caribbean is working to address coastal health and quality of life concerns in Mexico ahead of the opening of its new private destination. 

Sargassum, a type of seaweed that's known for accumulating on beaches, has been a recurring challenge in Mahahual and neighboring areas in Mexico, disrupting everything from natural habitats to the air quality. 

For example, as sargassum decomposes, it releases hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, producing a strong, unpleasant odor that can cause respiratory distress. Large patches of sargassum can also block sunlight from reaching plants and corals. As the seaweed decomposes, it consumes the oxygen in the water and harms the marine life. 

To combat this issue, Royal Caribbean has partnered with residents, businesses, environmental specialists, and even the Mexican Navy to establish a community-driven working group to help strengthen sargassum protection and removal efforts. 

This initiative is designed to deliver both immediate results and long-term benefits for the Costa Maya's cruise port, the community of Mahahual, and the southern coast of Quintana Roo.

According to the cruise line, early actions are already underway, including adding new anchor points to reinforce net systems and deploying seaweed skimming equipment designed to efficiently remove floating sargassum from the water. 

Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean aims to implement a long-term solution with a state-of-the-art, low-noise, and low-impact system that will automate sargassum collection. 

"Clean and thriving shorelines are essential to the people of Mahahual," said Ari Adler, President, Royal Caribbean Mexico. 

"The community told us protecting this coastline is a top priority, and we’re acting on that commitment — deploying new equipment, strengthening barriers, and working hand-in-hand with local partners and the state of Quintana Roo to keep these beaches clean."

Royal Caribbean has been thinking about the seaweed problem for a while

Even before announcing its newest private destination, the cruise line had been exploring ways to help Mahahual and the surrounding coastline manage the persistent sargassum problem. 

"[W]e [will] work with...environmental experts on how to...help protect the coastline and make it suitable, and then protect the incoming flow of seaweed," Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Chief Product Innovation Officer, told Royal Caribbean Blog last year. 

In addition, Schneider noted that trash along the shoreline was another concern that needed attention.

"[S]o one of the things we will do...is completely clean the coastline, but as we keep talking to the government, the big issue we have is not our ability to clean up a property; it's our ability to sustain it. We will end up putting significant manpower [into] ongoing cleaning of the coastline, because the amount of trash coming into this coast is pretty significant and very sad," he said. 

Ultimately, Royal Caribbean isn’t just after a beautiful stretch of coastline — though that is certainly part of the appeal. The company is equally committed to environmental stewardship and the long-term well-being of Mahahual and its surrounding communities, especially when faced with other concerns about the large-scale project.

Perfect Day Mexico is expected to open in 2027

Perfect Day Mexico does not have a set opening date yet. However, a cruise line spokesperson said that the brand-new private destination is set to debut "in late 2027," with the official date expected to be announced sometime this year. 

The new private destination promises a stretch of pristine beaches, unique experiences, and sustainable development. As such, it will be a standout addition to Royal Caribbean’s private destination portfolio, expanding on the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas.

Highlights include the world's longest lazy river, adults-only beach, six pools, twelve dining spots, the tallest waterslides in North America, and more. 

Read more: When is Perfect Day Mexico going to open? Here are the latest details

Given its name, you might expect Royal Caribbean to be one of the leading cruise lines in the Caribbean — and you'd be right. The cruise line has built a solid reputation for offering year-round Caribbean itineraries to places like Mexico, Aruba, and St. Maarten. 

Royal Caribbean's innovative ships, family-friendly activities, and world-class entertainment keep passengers coming back time and time again. 

However, if you're planning your first cruise, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. One easy way to narrow down potential sailings is to consider who you're sailing with, as Royal Caribbean caters to a wide variety of demographics. 

Families, for example, love the line for its record-breaking water parks, complimentary kids' clubs, and other adrenaline-pumping amenities, while couples appreciate the adult-only pool decks, specialty dining, and high-quality entertainment options. 

Thankfully, there’s a Royal Caribbean cruise tailored for all travelers — no matter your age, budget, or personal preferences. 

Best Cruise for Families

Royal Caribbean markets itself as the ultimate family cruise line, and there is a lot of truth behind its claim to fame. From the world's largest cruise ships featuring sprawling water parks, sports courts, zip lines, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and more, to award-winning youth programs, Royal Caribbean has built a strong reputation for being the best cruise line for families. 

You can't go wrong with a family vacation aboard an Icon Class ship, including Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. Once Legend debuts in July, you can sail aboard the world's largest ships to The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Europe. 

Icon Class ships are known for the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, family-focused Surfside neighborhood, a multi-deck pool area, new entertainment options, the cruise line's first-ever food hall at sea, and so much more. 

Oasis Class ships are another solid option, as they offer many of the same jaw-dropping amenities at a slightly lower price point. For example, Oasis Class ships have an AquaTheater that is home to high-diving spectacles. Many ships also have Broadway-style performances in the main theater. You can watch Mamma Mia aboard Allure of the Seas and Hairspray on Symphony of the Seas, just to name a few. 

Other Oasis Class highlights include:

• Ultimate Abyss Dry Slide
• Perfect Storm Waterslides
• Central Park
• Boardwalk with Carousel
• Zip Line
• Two Rock Climbing Walls
• Flowrider Surf Simulator
• Adult-Only Solarium
• Adventure Ocean Youth Programming

Read more: My family of 4 went on our first cruise on the biggest cruise ship in the world

Best Party Cruise Ships

While "Royal Caribbean" and "party cruise" aren't exactly synonymous, they have some ships that are geared more toward a party crowd. 

Utopia of the Seas, for example, is Royal Caribbean's first-ever purpose-built ship for the short cruise market. It has everything cruisers know and love about Oasis Class vessels, along with a unique schedule designed around high-energy getaways — think fraternity-themed parties, silent toga discos, and more. 

Generally speaking, any 3-day or weekend cruise will have a rowdier atmosphere than weeklong voyages. These shorter itineraries tend to attract celebratory travelers who want non-stop fun from the moment they step on board until they're walking off on disembarkation morning. 

Plus, they are typically cheaper than 7-night cruises. Even if the fare itself seems steep, add-ons — like drink packages and Wi-Fi — are charged for fewer nights. For example, instead of paying $70 per day for a drink package on a weeklong cruise, you’d only pay for three or four nights on a short party cruise, which can make the final cost seem more reasonable. 

Read more: I sailed on Royal Caribbean's mega ship designed for first-time cruisers — it is undeniably fun

Best Cruise for First Timers

Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are good ships for first-timers since they're packed from bow to stern with the cruise line's most highly-rated amenities and dining options. Since sailings are only 3 or 4 nights, first-timers can experience Royal Caribbean highlights, including the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas, without feeling overwhelmed on a longer voyage. 

That said, if you know that you're more interested in a weeklong cruise that visits more unique ports in the Caribbean, like St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Cozumel, Roatán, or even Oranjestad, Aruba, you'll have considerably more options to choose from — from Southern Caribbean cruises on tiny Vision Class ships to Western Caribbean cruises on vessels like Star of the Seas. As such, it’s important to know your own priorities. 

Do you, for example, care about sailing on a ship with a ton of amenities, or would you prefer a more intimate ship? Are you sailing with kids, or are you taking an adult-focused getaway? Do you have a strict budget, or do you have more flexibility in your spending? Are you more interested in spending time ashore, or do you want to be on the ship as much as possible?

Answering these questions first will help you choose the right ship, itinerary, and stateroom, as there truly isn't a "one size fits all" answer to the best cruise for first-timers. 

Read more: This is how to pick a cruise ship you'll love

Best Cruise for Couples

Just because Royal Caribbean's primary target audience is families doesn't mean that couples can't have a great time onboard. In fact, my partner and I — both in our mid-20s and childfree by choice — have sailed on multiple Royal Caribbean ships, from Freedom of the Seas to Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, and we’ve consistently enjoyed ourselves. 

However, if you're seeking a more adult-tailored experience, you may want to consider sailing with Royal Caribbean's sister line, Celebrity Cruises. With a focus on world-class dining, quality entertainment, and upscale ships, the onboard experience feels more refined than Royal Caribbean's. Those who already have status with Royal Caribbean can enjoy reciprocal benefits through Celebrity's Captain's Club, too. 

However, if you're set on trying Royal Caribbean, I'd recommend an Oasis Class ship. While they're still heavily family-focused, they are less so than the Icon vessels and offer the adult-only Solarium sun deck. Specialty restaurants, nightclubs, and Broadway-style performances may also be of interest to couples. 

Read more: I've been on 21 Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and here are the best 8 cruise ships for adults

Best Senior Cruise

Because of their convenience, cruise vacations are great for older travelers who might not want to worry about coordinating transportation between cities, unpacking and repacking, and hauling luggage through busy airports. Once on the ship, nearly everything is taken care of — from dining to housekeeping, entertainment, and more. 

Plus, cruise ships are designed to be accessible. As such, they're a solid vacation choice for those with mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, or other physical limitations. Royal Caribbean vessels have accessible staterooms with wider doorways, grab bars, roll-in showers, and more.

Still, not every ship in the fleet was designed the same way. For older travelers who want a balance of accessibility, easy-to-navigate spaces, and a more relaxed atmosphere, Quantum Class ships are a good option. These vessels are smaller than the ground-breaking Oasis and Icon Class ships, but they still feature modern amenities and refreshed design elements. 

The Voyager and Freedom Classes shouldn't be overlooked, either. While they aren't as modern as the Quantum vessels, the modest size makes them easy to navigate. Amenities include the main Royal Promenade thoroughfare, Studio B ice rink shows, an elegant three-deck-high dining room, and an adult-only Dolarium. 

Best Cruise Ship for Solo Travelers

Finally, you don't have to be traveling with friends or family to take a cruise. In fact, solo cruises have become increasingly popular recently, leading Royal Caribbean to add dedicated cabins for one aboard many of its ships, including:

• Anthem of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas.

These rooms are advantageous for single travelers because they eliminate the dreaded single supplement fee and are priced for just one person. 

As a solo cruiser, the best cruise ship depends on your needs. If, for example, you want a larger vessel packed with amenities, a single cabin aboard a ship like Harmony of the Seas could be the perfect fit. Conversely, if you're seeking a more traditional, intimate experience, consider Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, or Serenade of the Seas. 

These ships don't have the same bells and whistles as newer vessels, but they provide a relaxed, comfortable cruising experience and are ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter pace or want to focus more on the ports of call rather than nonstop onboard activities. 

Read more: I sailed alone on one of Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ships and was surprised by how easy it was as a solo traveler

The real cruise planning fun begins after you've placed your deposit. However, even when you think you've planned the perfect getaway, it's worth double-checking a few key details before setting sail. 
 

From small details like arrival times to important travel documentation, there's a lot you should review more than once, even if you think you've covered your bases. 

Royal Caribbean's pricing typically fluctuates in the months leading up to the departure. This means that the price you paid for your cruise, drink package, or other add-on may not be the best available rate. 

A quick check every so often could lead to cost savings that you can put toward another vacation or splurges that you had sidelined. Even if it doesn't save you money, double-checking some things can give you peace of mind and make your vacation experience as stress-free as possible. 

The base fare

For starters, you should continuously check the fare on Royal Caribbean's website up until your final payment date. 

Although Royal Caribbean appears to have begun cracking down on re-pricing, noticing a price drop can be in your favor (and your wallet's). If you notice that the base fare has decreased, you can contact Royal Caribbean to see if you are eligible for a reprice. 

For example, if you paid $1,700 for a balcony cabin on a weeklong Caribbean cruise and discover that the fare dropped to $1,500, you could potentially save $200 on your vacation. 

Read more: My family tried 4 hacks to save time and money on Royal Caribbean that failed, but we learned tips for next time

Pre-cruise add-ons through the Cruise Planner

In addition to checking the cruise fare, you should keep an eye on your desired add-ons, such as drink and internet packages, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions.

The best way to save money on these extras is by purchasing them in advance through the Cruise Planner. However, Royal Caribbean runs various sales and promotions, meaning that the price you paid for the drink package could be different the following week or month. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to cancel and rebook something through the Cruise Planner. 

As such, you must book your add-ons when they're at a reasonable price you feel is justifiable. Afterward, keep an eye on the price so you can cancel and rebook without penalty if a better value comes along. 

Travel documents

Ensuring you have the right travel documentation is about more than avoiding stress at check-in. By planning ahead, you can prevent pricey expedited passport fees — or even worse, losing out on the cost of your entire vacation. 

U.S. travelers don't always need a passport to go on a cruise. If, for example, you're sailing on a round-trip (or closed-loop) cruise from Miami or Port Canaveral, Florida, you can bring a valid birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. 

However, if you're traveling on a one-way cruise (like from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada) or from international ports — think Barcelona, Spain, or Southampton, England — you'll need a valid passport. 

A valid passport means it does not expire for at least 6 months after your cruise's disembarkation date. As an example, if your cruise ends on June 13, 2026, you need a passport that doesn't expire until December 13, 2026, or later. 

Entry/visa requirements

On a similar note, if you are traveling abroad, you should double-check that you understand the country's entry requirements. 

Some countries allow foreign visitors entry with just a passport, while others require travelers to obtain a visa in advance. Requirements can also vary based on your nationality. For example, all U.S. residents must obtain an electronic Vietnam visa in advance. 

If you need to apply for a visa, give yourself plenty of time to account for delays or issues. Another alternative is to use a visa service to help streamline the application process.

Show reservations

Many ships, particularly Oasis and Icon Class vessels, allow passengers to reserve times for popular shows through the Cruise Planner. 

Popular shows, including the AquaTheater, Broadway-style musicals, and ice skating spectacles, fill up quickly, especially during peak sailings. As such, while you can wait until you are on the ship, booking in advance typically gives you the best selection of times. 

If you don't see any times that appeal to you, it pays to recheck the Cruise Planner. You never know when someone else will cancel to avoid dining conflicts or other activities. 

GTY cabin assignment

If you booked a guarantee stateroom to save a few extra dollars, you will want to continuously check the site to see when your cabin's been assigned. 

While you can't change your room assignment, you can start to familiarize yourself with its location. If, for example, you find that you're given a cabin near the front of the ship, you can begin to map out directions to popular venues like the pool deck, dining room, and youth clubs. 

However, remember that with a guaranteed cabin, you have no say over where your room will be located. As such, if you have a specific preference (i.e., no connecting staterooms, a cabin away from the elevators, etc.), you must pay extra to choose your room, rather than rely on luck. 

RoyalUp upgrade offers

If you're lucky, you might be able to score a better stateroom for less money through Royal Caribbean's RoyalUp Program, which allows guests to place bids on higher cabin categories for less than what they would cost outright. 

Those whose bids are accepted could "win" an upgraded stateroom. For example, you could go from a windowless inside cabin to a spacious balcony for $200 more per person. 

Of course, upgrades aren't guaranteed — bids are accepted based on availability and a random algorithm. Still, it's worth checking to see what the minimum bids are. However, you're more likely to win a better cabin if you bid above the minimum. 

Read more: The trick to getting a Royal Up bid accepted (it's all about availability and luck)

Crown & Anchor Society loyalty benefits

Most loyal cruisers know how to maximize their Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits, but it doesn't hurt to review them before your sailing. 

For example, if you're a new Diamond cruiser, you can take advantage of perks like a free professional photograph and a day of VOOM Wi-Fi. 

The four complimentary daily drink vouchers are useful, too. In fact, depending on your drinking habits, you might not even need to debate whether the pricey Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it

Read more: Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program info, tips, and secrets

Check-in times

Your best shot at securing your desired arrival time is by marking your calendar for when the check-in window opens. Although the arrival times aren't as strictly enforced as they were in the past, choosing your ideal window eliminates any stress that you might be turned away at the terminal. 

However, if you notice that your desired time isn't available, it doesn't hurt to keep checking to see if it eventually opens up. People occasionally change their plans at the last minute, so you never know what may open if you don't check! 

Read more: Royal Caribbean check-in process

Weather

Finally, it’s smart to keep an eye on the weather forecast as your cruise approaches. Knowing what to expect helps you plan what to pack — and you never know when a sudden cold front or storm system may impact your ports of call. 

For example, in late January 2026, a historic nor'easter impacted much of the East Coast, causing ships to divert away from The Bahamas and adjust their itineraries. 

Chances are, many of the guests aboard Carnival Sunshine didn't expect to wake up to a Lido Deck blanketed in snow as they returned to Norfolk, Virginia!

Sailing on one of the world's largest cruise ships is a bucket list vacation for many. However, with all the excitement that comes with record-breaking amenities, dining options, and activities, it's easy for even the most seasoned sailors to become overwhelmed during the planning process. 

In April 2025, my partner and I embarked on a 7-night cruise aboard Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship at the time. Since her debut, Star of the Seas has joined the fleet, and looking ahead, the third ship in the class, Legend of the Seas, is set to launch in July 2026 in Europe. 

With each new class of ship, Royal Caribbean continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible at sea, with the Icon Class vessels being no exception. While there are some similarities to Oasis Class ships, including the open-air Central Park neighborhood, Icon Class ships have new features and layouts that make them entirely unlike anything else afloat. 

Although the sheer scale of these ships can feel overwhelming, a little bit of planning can go a long way. While I'm not saying that you have to create a detailed itinerary and pre-plan every moment of your vacation, crossing a few things off your pre-cruise checklist can make your experience more enjoyable and stress-free before you even set foot on board. 

Here are six things I did before my cruise on one of the world's largest cruise ships to eliminate hassles and make our pricey vacation as stress-free as possible. 

Read more: I went on the world's most family-friendly cruise ship without kids. It was worth the $7,000 price tag for 5 reasons

Reserved all specialty restaurants in advance

As a travel writer who focuses on the cruise industry, I like to distinguish my vacations from work trips. For example, I'll typically stay in windowless interior staterooms when on assignment. On personal vacations, however, I prefer booking balcony cabins. 

Similarly, while I'll typically splurge on at least one specialty meal on work trips, my partner and I opted for an Unlimited Dining Package on our weeklong Icon cruise. As such, we didn't set foot in the Main Dining Room once, not even for breakfast! Pre-purchasing the package allowed us to save money on higher-quality meals — ranging from perfectly cooked filets at Chops to lobster tails at Hooked and sushi at Izumi. 

Thankfully, Royal Caribbean now lets guests with the dining package pre-book their meals through the Cruise Planner. Historically, you had to wait until you were on board, unless you purchased each meal separately. We took advantage of this new feature and secured our preferred dining times for the entire week. This meant we weren't scrambling to finalize our dining plans on embarkation day. 

Read more: I paid $660 to eat just specialty dining on Icon of the Seas

Pre-booked add-ons through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner 

Speaking of the Cruise Planner, we spent countless hours combing through the online booking portal to find good deals on add-ons like the Deluxe Beverage package, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. 

In the end, I'm happy with what we paid for everything extra. For example, our unlimited drink package came in at $990.92 for two people. Our three excursions in CocoCay, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas were reasonable, too, costing nearly $590 for premium experiences like a small group VIP snorkeling tour, guided ATV adventure, and relaxing adults-only beach escape. 

Had we waited until we were on the ship, we would have paid far more for our cruise add-ons. Although none of the extras were necessary, they enhanced our overall cruise experience and made our vacation on one of the world's largest ships even more memorable. 

Read more: I paid $220 to try Royal Caribbean's new VIP excursion. It was pricey, but it made our beach day much better

Completed online check-in

Royal Caribbean's online check-in process opens 45 days before your departure date. Completing it as soon as possible ensures that you won't run into any problems in the terminal — unless you make a joke in line that you "forgot" your partner's passport (Yeah, that didn't go over well, and I don't recommend trying to be funny about missing travel documents). 

During online check-in, you’ll need to provide details such as your travel documentation and emergency contact information, and set up your onboard spending account

This is also when you will select an arrival appointment. Although the check-in times aren't as strictly enforced as they were post-COVID, it's still wise to select your desired time to avoid any arrival hiccups. The earlier times are generally selected first, so it’s a good idea to set a reminder for when your check-in window officially opens.

Read more: Your embarkation day on a cruise, explained. What happens and what to expect

Flew in the day before embarkation

As much as I love cruising, I can't bring myself to move to Florida — the heat and humidity are too much for me year-round. Plus, Charlotte has been a great place for my partner and me, and we don't have any plans to leave in the foreseeable future!

That said, I fly so often for cruises that I’ve become attached to my airline status. When I wasn't sure if I'd retain my American status, I applied for the Platinum Select Citi credit card to ensure that I wouldn't lose any of my valuable benefits in 2026. 

When flying for a cruise, it's important to arrive at least one day before your departure date. That way, you have a buffer in case of any unexpected delays or cancellations. This may mean taking an extra day off work and spending money on a hotel, but it's better than missing out on your entire cruise! 

Pre-cruise hotels don't have to be anything fancy, either. Before our vacation on Icon of the Seas, I used Hyatt points for a basic stay at the Hyatt Place Miami Airport-West/Doral. The complimentary breakfast was a nice perk, and we didn't break the bank on a short overnight stay! 

Rather than feeling stressed in the airport awaiting a morning flight, we woke up knowing that we were a short ride from the cruise terminal and that nothing (minus a life-threatening emergency) could get in the way of us embarking on our long-awaited vacation. 

Read more: I always do 6 things before I book a cruise if I have to fly there

Arranged pre-cruise transportation through Uber

I requested a rideshare the morning before we flew to Miami. This meant that my partner and I knew exactly when we had to be ready, and we did not have to wait for a last-minute ride to be confirmed on embarkation day. 

While you can certainly order an Uber or Lyft, another option would be to consider staying at a hotel with shuttle services. This can offer travelers peace of mind, as you don't have to worry about anything on embarkation day other than arriving at the pre-determined pick-up spot on time!

Read more: Where to stay in Miami before a cruise (with a shuttle)

Stayed flexible

Icon Class ships are massive — they're so large that it's impossible not to question how it stays afloat! 

Although it is natural to want to cross off everything there is to do on board, it is just as important to listen to your body, slow down, and rest. 

During our sailing, we didn't feel bad when we decided to sleep in or retire early. While there was always something to do, we knew our vacation wouldn't be as enjoyable if we didn't take in everything at our own pace. 

Read more: 10 lessons learned after trying Icon of the Seas for the first time

Royal Caribbean is making a major change to its pricey beverage packages. 

Effective March 15, 2026, the Coca-Cola® souvenir cup and access to Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines will no longer be included with the Deluxe or Royal Refreshment Packages. 

Guests who would like access to the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machine can purchase a souvenir cup onboard for $4.99. 

Historically, you could pick up a Coca-Cola® souvenir cup on embarkation day as part of the drink packages’ benefits and have unlimited access to the Freestyle machines throughout the voyage. Now, the perk is an optional add-on. 

Soda will still be included in the packages. However, without the souvenir cup, guests will be limited to canned soda and fountain soda served directly from bars, lounges, and dining venues. Consequently, they will no longer have convenient access to the Freestyle machine’s flavor options.

Guests who prefer the variety offered by the Freestyle machines must decide whether the extra $4.99 fee is worth it. For a family of five, this could potentially mean shelling out another $25 — on top of what was already paid for the packages. 

The policy change only impacts the Deluxe and Royal Refreshment Packages, which are, ironically, the cruise line’s more expensive beverage options, costing anywhere from $32 to $115 per person, per day. 

The Classic Soda Package will continue to include the Coca-Cola® souvenir cup and access to the Freestyle machine. However, the souvenir cup cannot be used for unlimited refills on future sailings. Moreover, the drink package includes only one cup. If you lose the souvenir cup during your voyage, you must pay $4.99 to replace it. 

Royal Caribbean's Classic Soda Package costs anywhere from $9.99 to $18 per person, per day. However, if you utilize the Cruise Planner's pre-cruise sales, it's easy to score a deal for less than $15 per day. 

Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines are not available on the following ships: Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas.

Guests who purchase a drink package on or before March 15 will be grandfathered in

(Credit: sdale39/Reddit)

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed to Royal Caribbean Blog that drink package bookings made on or before March 15, 2026, will retain the previous benefits, including a soda cup and unlimited access to the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines.

"Guests who purchased a Deluxe or Refreshment Package pre‑cruise on or before 03/15/26 will not have to pay for a souvenir cup if they request one. The Classic Soda Package will continue to include a souvenir cup," they clarified. 

What is included in the Royal Caribbean drink package?

While the Coca-Cola® souvenir cup is no longer automatically included with the Deluxe and Royal Refreshment Packages, the packages themselves still offer a wide range of beverages. 

No other changes were made to the Deluxe Beverage Package. As such, the package will continue to include unlimited alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails, liquor, beer, and wine (up to $14 per serving), along with a long list of non-alcoholic options:

• Beers: Domestic, imported, and craft beer brands
• Wine and sparkling wine by the glass
• Canned and fountain soda
• Fresh and bottled juices
• Smoothies and protein shakes
• Specialty coffee and teas (excluding licensed Starbucks® stores)
• Bottled and sparkling water
• CocoLove coconut water
• Red Bull
• Powerade
• Johnny Rockets® Shakes
• Mocktails (including non-alcoholic spirits), non-alcoholic beers, and non-alcoholic wines

The Royal Refreshment Package also covers a solid selection of non-alcoholic options — ranging from mocktails to specialty coffees, bottled water, juices, and standard canned and fountain sodas:

• Canned and fountain soda
• Bottled still water, sparkling water, and CocoLove coconut water
• Fresh-squeezed juices
• Smoothies and protein shakes
• Specialty coffees and teas (excluding licensed Starbucks® stores)
• Johnny Rockets® Shakes and Desserted Soda Floats
• Non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beers (only available to guests of legal drinking age)
• Frozen drinks (e.g., non-alcoholic piña colada)

Both packages also include drinks ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti. This means you can sip on a beachside strawberry daiquiri, beer, sparkling water, or crisp Diet Coke at no extra cost (depending on your package). 

Cruisers react to the sudden policy change

Loyal Royal Caribbean fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts about the removal of the Coca-Cola® souvenir cup from the drink packages. 

Overall, many see the move as a reduction in value, claiming that Royal Caribbean is trying to "nickel-and-dime" guests by stripping away small perks that were once standard inclusions. 

"Unbelievably cheap on Royal's part. It will no doubt be wrapped in a bs statement about 'reducing waste,'" one Redditor wrote. 

ArissP added, "Just a way to [eke] out more profit. The cups don’t cost that much to manufacture, so it’s just another way of increasing total profit."

"Oh this makes me so angry. I purchased the refreshment package so we could have that cup and smoothies. My cruise is the 22nd so we'll just miss out," someone else frustratedly commented. 

Not all reactions have been negative, though. A handful of cruisers acknowledged that they don't use the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines, with the souvenir cups going to waste. 

"So much waste with these things. And on many boats, there just aren't very many freestyle machines, so often, one would not be inclined to make the trek to refill it," said AntifaMiddleMgmt. 

"We have 12 of these at home in a box in the basement. On our next [cruise] this summer, my wife and I weren't even going to bother picking ours up. My kids mostly use them for water at night next to their bed."

azspeedbullet agreed, writing, "Overall i think it is a good change. A ton of cups [don't] get used or only used for the cruise and then thrown into the trash 5 dollars is very reasonable to pay for that cup for those that really need it." 

"I rarely used it. My kid and I had the soda package and 99.9% of the time we just went to the bar to get a soda. My wife and son had an alcohol package. They never used it," SafetyMan35 chimed in. 

Royal Caribbean has even more tropical fun planned for 2027 and 2028. 

The cruise line's newest deployment release adds more island-hopping options to the already packed lineup. Now, cruisers have even more options to choose from — ranging from short sailings aboard Jewel of the Seas to Southern Caribbean adventures on Vision of the Seas. 

Many cruises also highlight Royal Caribbean's upcoming additions to its private destination portfolio, visiting ports like Nassau (for the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island), Cozumel (for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel), and Costa Maya (for Perfect Day Mexico). 

New Royal Caribbean 2027-28 Itineraries

Starting with Jewel of the Seas, the Radiance Class ship will embark on a series of 3 and 4-night voyages from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2027 and 2028. This isn't exactly breaking news, as it was previously revealed that Jewel would offer sailings from Fort Lauderdale in the December 9, 2025, deployment release.

The 90,090-gross-ton vessel will officially relocate from Tampa to Port Everglades in April 2027 for short getaways to The Bahamas. 

Itineraries will visit popular ports of call such as Nassau and the cruise line’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with Bimini, Grand Bahama Island, and Key West. 

Serenade of the Seas will also be based out of Florida, sailing a variety of cruises to the Western Caribbean from Tampa.

She will begin sailing from Western Florida in Oct. 2027, with voyages ranging from 5-night cruises to the Western Caribbean to longer 9-night Eastern Caribbean adventures. 

6-night voyages in 2028 will call at a mix of ports like Roatán, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso, while 8-night sailings will expand the itinerary to include additional destinations such as Belize City and George Town. 

Finally, Vision of the Seas will leave her seasonal homeport of Baltimore for sunny San Juan in Oct. 2027. This continues the trend of having an older ship stationed out of Puerto Rico. 

The Vision Class vessel will primarily offer weeklong cruises to the Southern Caribbean, visiting the picturesque ports of Antigua, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, and St. Thomas. 

However, to kickstart 2028, Vision of the Seas will embark on a 6-night Southern Caribbean sailing to the ABC islands. 

Royal Caribbean Deployment Schedule

Royal Caribbean's 2027 — 2028 deployment release has almost been completed. The next round of sailings is scheduled for the week of March 2, 2026. 

As of now, the cruise line's Oct. 2027 — April 2028 deployments in Australia, China, and Singapore are still unavailable. 

Here's what's available for booking — and what else cruisers have to look forward to:

• NOW OPEN: Alaska (May 2027 — Sept. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: Europe (April 2027 — Oct. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: 7-Night & Short Caribbean (March 2027 — April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Northeast, California, & Texas (April 2027 — April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Seasonal Caribbean (April 2027 — April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Remaining Caribbean (April 2027 — April 2028)
• Week of March 2, 2026: Singapore (October 2027 — April 2028)
• Week of March 16, 2026: Australia (October 2027 — April 2028)
• TBD: China (October 2027 — April 2028)

After booking a solar eclipse cruise, some passengers were worried they wouldn't see the eclipse, but Royal Caribbean has stepped in to clarify and adjust the plans. 

The August 6, 2026, sailing aboard Liberty of the Seas was marketed as a special voyage to witness the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.

However, according to guests, the original itinerary meant they would only "experience 94-96% [totality], which [would not] even be close to a total eclipse experience."

After receiving complaints, the cruise line adjusted the ship’s route to ensure passengers were positioned directly in the path of totality. The cruise line changed the itinerary for a once-in-a-lifetime sailing.

(Credit: plasmid732/Reddit)

"We're looking forward to welcoming you onboard Liberty of the Seas TOTAL Solar Eclipse & Spanish Flair cruise later this year! As we prepare for our upcoming adventure, we wanted to share an update to our itinerary," the letter sent to booked passengers reads. 

Continuing, it says, "To give everyone the best possible total solar eclipse viewing experience during our sailing, we'll adjust our route after our visit to Gigón, Spain. Instead of stopping in Lisbon, Portugal, we'll head directly to Vigo, Spain, which places us in route to the optimal viewing area."

Cutting Lisbon was an important and necessary change for this special sailing. Had Liberty of the Seas kept the Portuguese port of call on the itinerary, the visit would have been extremely short and largely impractical for guests hoping to explore the city.

Other Changes to Liberty of the Seas' Solar Eclipse Itinerary

(Credit: plasmid732/Reddit)

Axing Lisbon wasn't the only change made to the 9-night European voyage aboard Liberty of the Seas. 

Initially, the Freedom Class ship was scheduled to visit La Coruña on Aug. 11, followed by a day at sea before calls in Lisbon and Vigo. However, the revised itinerary now has the ship sailing directly from Gijón to Vigo, with the solar eclipse viewing taking place at sea on Aug. 12.

Additionally, the visit to La Coruña has been moved to after the eclipse viewing. The reshuffled schedule has allowed the cruise line to add an extra port to the itinerary — Le Havre (Paris), France — on Aug. 15.

"[W]e are now able to offer a more rewarding and unhurried visit to Paris," the letter adds, "In Le Havre, make your way over to Paris and see why it's the European center for excellence in cuisine, architecture, fashion, and the fine arts...Whatever you decide to do, it will be an amazing time, as you will still be on a high with that Solar Eclipse afterglow."

This is the updated solar eclipse 2026 cruise itinerary on Liberty of the Seas:

• Aug. 7, 2026: Southampton, England (Depart 5:00 p.m.)
• Aug. 8, 2026: Cruising
• Aug. 9, 2026: Bilbao, Spain (8:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.)
• Aug. 10, 2026: Gijón, Spain (9:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.)
• Aug. 11, 2026: Vigo, Spain (10:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.)
• Aug. 12, 2026: Solar Eclipse (Cruising)
• Aug. 13, 2026: La Coruña, Spain (7:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.)
• Aug. 14, 2026: Cruising
• Aug. 15, 2026: Paris (Le Havre), France (8:00 a.m. — 9:00 p.m.)
• Aug. 16, 2026: Southampton, England (Arrive 5:30 a.m.)

"Woot Woot! I’m just so glad they listened!"

The change has been met with widespread excitement online. Passengers expressed relief that Royal Caribbean listened to feedback, while other cruise enthusiasts chimed in with excitement over the rare celestial event getting the spotlight it deserved.

"That's actually really awesome and I'm glad to hear the company was receptive to feedback," one Redditor commented. 

Someone else added, "I’m not on this cruise but this is an incredible success story of a massive corporation listening to feedback from their customers. This is something other companies should take note of."

Solar Eclipse Cruise 2026: A Rare Viewing Opportunity at Sea

Witnessing a total solar eclipse is an extremely rare event, and it's even more special if you're at sea!

The total eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, will be Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999. As such, destinations along the path of totality are already preparing for a major tourism surge — cruises included. 

Along with Royal Caribbean, cruise lines like Carnival, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Albatros Expeditions, Holland America, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), Princess Cruises, and Virgin Voyages are offering unique itineraries that allow passengers to witness the eclipse from the water.

Read more: Carnival just added a solar eclipse cruise, and it's the hot trend for 2026

While the first days of Odyssey of the Seas' current Bahamian cruise have been marred by snowy conditions in New Jersey, passengers have made the most of the unusual situation. 

Knowing the wintery conditions they’d face, one guest, Leonard, came fully prepared with everything needed to build a snowman — including Kingsford charcoal for the buttons and latex gloves. 

He wasn't the only stranded passenger to embrace the snow. The creations ranged in size from tiny, table-top snowmen to child-height figures. Either way, the playful snowmen helped keep spirits bright when many were anticipating being halfway to The Bahamas. 

For example, Debra Lunt built a miniature snowman on her cruise cabin's balcony, complete with small eyes and a soft smile. 

"Making the best of it on Deck 7!! Meet Hernando!!" added Kelly Ann.

Ashley Langenfeld also shared a picture of her little snowman, saying, "We’ve been having fun with it! Can’t say I had 'build a snowman on a cruise ship' on my bucket list, but I can now cross that one off!"

Joanne E. Shi, another passenger, posted a photo of her small snowman on Facebook. According to her comment, she's staying on Deck 9. 

Others took a different approach. Rather than braving the frigid temperatures, some passengers relaxed indoors, sipping cocktails in Odyssey's Solarium (or SNOWarium, if you will). 

"I’m on the ship right now, drinks are flowing, and the Solarium is perfect! We should be able to depart later tonight if all goes well with the port," explained Chris Slaight. 

Whichever way the current guests are choosing to make the most of their first full day aboard the ship, one thing's certain: being on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship is better than being at work, school, or home!

Why was Odyssey of the Seas stuck in the New York area overnight?

Winter Storm Hernando disrupted thousands of passengers traveling via air and cruise ship, including Odyssey of the Seas.

The Quantum Class ship's departure was delayed on Sunday, February 22, due to "high winds and rough seas."

As such, the thousands of passengers aboard the 167,704 gross-ton vessel woke up to a winter wonderland, rather than the ocean's vast horizon.  

A cruise ship originally destined for a tropical escape to The Bahamas is instead stuck in New Jersey and covered in snow.

Winter Storm Hernando has wreaked havoc in the travel industry, disrupting thousands of passengers traveling via air and cruise ship. 

One such vessel, Odyssey of the Seas, was stuck in port overnight. As the record-breaking winter storm slammed the New York City area, Odyssey was blanketed in snow across the Hudson. 

The Quantum Class ship was originally supposed to depart Bayonne (Cape Liberty), New Jersey, on Sunday, February 22. However, "high winds and rough seas" forced the cruise line to delay its departure. 

Rather than waking up to the ocean's endless horizon, passengers were surprised by the rare sight of snow-covered decks and gray skies. 

Jerel Donovan and Warren Caesar provided photos of what it's like on the cruise ship that's blanketed in white, fluffy snow.

As of 2:35 p.m. EST on Monday, Feb. 23, Cruise Mapper reveals that Odyssey has yet to depart New Jersey and head south toward The Bahamas. 

Odyssey is supposed to call at Port Canaveral, Florida, on Feb. 24, followed by Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. 

However, further itinerary changes could be possible depending on when the ship finally sets sail.

While docked in New Jersey, the onboard shops and casino must remain closed due to local laws and regulations. 

MSC Meraviglia was also stuck in the New York City area overnight, remaining docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal around noon on Feb. 23. 

Meraviglia's itinerary is similar to Odyssey of the Seas in that she is supposed to call at Port Canaveral, Florida, on the 24th, then visit MSC Cruises' private island in The Bahamas on Wednesday. The final stop on the 7-night itinerary is Nassau. 

Unfortunately, passengers on both ships must wait and watch the storm continue to pound the Northeast until they're able to safely depart. 

Earlier on Monday, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey shared on X that all operations at APM Terminals Elizabeth, Port Newark Container Terminal, Maher Terminals, Port Liberty Bayonne, and New York and Red Hook Barge Terminal were closed due to the severe winter weather.

Over 600,000 homes and businesses have been left without power as the bomb cyclone continues to bring heavy snow and powerful winds to the region, according to The Weather Channel. Hurricane Hunters have even begun flying into the storm to gather data. 

Over 15 inches of snow has accumulated in New York's Central Park so far, marking the city’s heaviest snowstorm in over five years since the pandemic. The last time New York saw higher snowfall totals was during the 17.4-inch storm that lasted from January 31 to February 3, 2021.

Should NYC see another 2.4 inches of snow, Winter Storm Hernando will officially become the city's heaviest snowstorm since January 2016.