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

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

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

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

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

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

First impressions of Royal Caribbean

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving on, she was satisfied with our inside cabin:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oasis of the Seas cruise ship amenities 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oasis of the Seas food review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect Day at CocoCay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seasickness on a cruise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Credit: Facebook)

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Credit: Facebook)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

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

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

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

(Credit: @cartelmarcel/TikTok)

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

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

Should you film cruisers without permission?

(Credit: Facebook)

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Credit: @naomijaneadams/TikTok)

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

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

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

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

(Credit: @numberonecrush88/Reddit)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key

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

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

A good cruise director can make an already exciting voyage even more memorable.

The cruise director is often at the forefront of the onboard activities, from themed parties to the morning TV show. Their attitude and enthusiasm set the tone for the entire cruise.

If you’ve had an awesome cruise director before, then you know how important they are to the overall experience.

Whether you are curious about who the cruise director is on your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise or want to book your next sailing with your favorite, the schedule below can help.

Editor's note: schedules can change at any time due to crew rotations and personal circumstances. We will update this article as new information becomes available. If you would like to share the cruise director on your current sailing, please email [email protected].

The last update was made on October 13, 2025

Adventure of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

John Blair 
As of: January 11, 2025
Sign off date: October 31, 2025

Allure of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Michele Scarpato 
As of: September 21, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Anthem of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Michelle Oliveira
As of: July 12, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Brilliance of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Kat Falcon
As of: July 11, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Enchantment of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Rob McNally
As of: August 16, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Explorer of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook. Rous is on the right)

Mark Rous
As of: September 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Freedom of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Caroline Peters
As of: August 24, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Grandeur of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Chris Gruby
As of: September 13, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Harmony of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Mario Isla
As of: Unknown
Sign off date: November 9, 2025

Icon of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Gemma Hugo
As of: August 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Independence of the Seas

Susan Adams
As of: September 10, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Jewel of the Seas

Eric Lopez
As of: October 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Liberty of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Tami Salto
As of: August 30, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Mariner of the Seas

Bobby Broughton
As of: July 3, 2025
Sign off date: November 15, 2025

Navigator of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Daniel Gilham
As of: September 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Oasis of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Cory Rogers
As of: August 8, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Odyssey of the Seas

Mey Lou
As of: Unknown
Sign off date: November 5, 2025

Steve Knisley
As of: November 5, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Ovation of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

James Robinson
As of: September 22, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Quantum of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Bal Gabor
As of: Unknown
Sign off date: TBA

Radiance of the Seas

Bill Brunkhors
As of: August 15, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Rhapsody of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram)

Carlo Loga
As of: September 14, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Serenade of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Joff Eaton
Sign on date: Unknown
Sign off date: TBA

Spectrum of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Bonnie Bai
Sign on date: Unknown
Sign off date: TBD

Star of the Seas

(Credit: LinkedIn)

Chris Brown
As of: October 12, 2025
Sign off date: TBD

Symphony of the Seas

(Credit: Instagram. Armstrong is on the right)

Lauren Armstrong
As of: September 14, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Utopia of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Marc Walker
Sign on date: October 3, 2025
Sign off date: January 31, 2026

Vision of the Seas

Dominic Richard
As of: October 9, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Voyager of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Sheenagh Walker-Ayers
As of: August 11, 2025
Sign off date: TBA

Wonder of the Seas

(Credit: Facebook)

Ricky Matthews
Sign on date: September 12, 2025
Sign off date: November 28, 2025

What does a Royal Caribbean cruise director do?

A cruise director is responsible for overseeing all entertainment and guest activities on the ship. 

They plan the onboard entertainment, including parties and shows, and coordinate with performers, musicians, and other entertainment staff to ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule. 

As a public figure, they will also make onboard announcements, host events, and mingle with guests. A good cruise director is friendly and energetic, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for passengers. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay quickly became a fan favorite after its multi-million dollar renovation in 2019. Royal Caribbean transformed the island into a vibrant paradise tailored to every kind of traveler. However, many first-time visitors don't understand what is and isn't included. 

Thankfully, there are so many complimentary activities that you don't have to worry about spending extra money on the island. Everything from the sprawling beaches to the massive swimming pool, live music, and kids' splash zone is included in your cruise fare. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay also offers a variety of complimentary dining options that make it easy to grab a quick snack or refuel during lunch without needing to return to the ship. 

There are four Snack Shacks on the island that dish up favorites like mozzarella sticks, crispy chicken sandwiches, funnel cakes, and more. 

Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill offer more variety, from BBQ classics to tacos, sandwiches, salads, soft-serve ice cream, and more. Every dining venue also has at least one drink station with complimentary water and juice. 

Guests can enjoy as much food as they'd like throughout the day. For instance, you can visit the Snack Shack for a mid-morning snack of mozzarella sticks, then head over to the buffet later for a more filling lunch.

Perfect Day at CocoCay food

Starting with the Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill, you will find everything from a taco bar to Cuban sandwiches, hot dogs, freshly grilled burgers, and more. 

The taco bar is, understandably, a favorite. Each tortilla is freshly made with the on-site tortilla press, and I think they're better than the ones served onboard at El Loco Fresh! 

Plus, there are flour and corn options. The latter is perfect for those who enjoy the traditional taste of authentic tacos (and yes, you can add cilantro and lime!). 

When it comes to protein, options typically include pork, chicken, and steak carnitas, as well as marinated beans for vegetarians. 

Mexican rice is also available. It's a great filling or side!

There are different choices for cruisers who have had their fair share of tacos on board. Other complimentary options include burgers (with or without cheese), hot dogs, and BBQ chicken. 

And what goes better with a juicy burger than corn on the cob or French fries? 

Once you’ve filled your plate, the salsa and toppings bar is a must-visit. Whether you want to spruce up your burger with tomatoes, lettuce, and onions or fill your taco with cheese, guacamole, shredded cheese, and jalapeños, there's no shortage of ways to customize your meal. 

There's even a decent selection of hot salsas for those who want an extra kick. 

In addition to all the island BBQ staples, Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill also serve up a variety of ready-to-go sandwiches. 

These include the shaved ribeye cheesesteak sandwich, the Cuban sandwich, and the portobello & mozzarella sandwich. 

There's an assortment of fresh salads, too. 

From crisp mixed greens to the heartier country potato salad and refreshing tomato cucumber salad, there's a side for everyone. 

No beach day is perfect without fresh fruit, either. 

You can grab as many slices of watermelon, pineapple, bananas, or oranges as your heart desires since it's all included. 

And to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, there are brownies and cookies (conveniently located near the fruit). 

I love getting a brownie and topping it with vanilla soft-serve ice cream! You can even make a small ice cream sandwich to enjoy on the beach. 

Outside of the two buffets, there are four Snack Shacks around the island, located in Breezy Bay, Thrill Waterpark, Hideaway Beach, and South Beach.

Although some of the food is the same as the buffets (i.e., chocolate chip cookies, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chocolate caramel brownies), there are a few items that have developed a cult-like following — most notably, the mozzarella sticks. 

Pro tip: Order the crispy chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks with marinara to create a DIY chicken parmigiana sandwich. Instead of the cheese being melted, you get an extra crunch from the breaded mozzarella sticks. 

You can also order lighter options from the Snack Shack, such as a grilled vegetable salad or a Greek salad. 

Coco Beach Club menu and food

Coco Beach Club is not included in your cruise fare. However, if you purchase admission to the upscale club, you can eat at the private restaurant, which features an elevated 3-course menu, for no extra charge. 

The sit-down meal begins with a selection of tapas, including hummus, ceviche, and baba ganoush. Then, you can pick a made-to-order entrée. The entrées aren't basic hot dogs or burgers, either — think entire lobsters, filet mignon, and garlic tiger prawns. 

The third course, dessert, shouldn't be missed. It features decadent options like the Bahamian rum-soaked cake, tropical fruit sorbet, and brownies. 

Hideaway Beach Coco Cay food

Like with the Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Beach isn't part of the complimentary amenities at CocoCay. That said, the adult-only beach is more reasonably priced compared to Coco Beach Club. 

The food at Hideaway Beach is also included in the price of admission — and there are a few exclusive options that can't be found at other venues around the island. 

For example, although the Hideaway Hut essentially is just another Snack Shack, it also offers a coconut shrimp basket (my personal favorite!), a fish sandwich, and ceviche.

Additionally, Hideaway Beach is the only place on the island where guests can get pizza and empanadas. The Island Guava Barbeque Chicken is a favorite for its sweet and tangy flavor. 

One Royal Caribbean guest sailed straight into the Guinness World Records after running the fastest marathon distance run on a ship in December 2024. 

Shane Wood's New Year's cruise on Ovation of the Seas was more than just a holiday vacation with his family. 

While sailing in the Tasman Sea from Sydney, Australia, to New Zealand, Wood attempted to break the world record for the fastest marathon distance run (completed by a male). 

He crossed the "finish line" in record time, completing the marathon in just 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 47 seconds. In total, he ran 78 laps around the 1,141-foot-long cruise ship and had an overall pace of 4 minutes and 10 seconds per lap. 

While the Ovation of the Seas feat earned him a Guinness World Records title, it wasn’t his fastest marathon to date; he completed the 2024 Melbourne Marathon in 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 14 seconds.

It also wasn't the first time he had ever run a marathon on a cruise ship. While sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023, he impulsively decided to run a full marathon on a port day in Noumea when the vessel was empty. 

"I've always looked for things to motivate my training and challenge myself, and this felt like one of those moments," he said in an exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean Blog. 

His friend mentioned that he might have broken the unofficial record for the fastest marathon run on a ship. 

Curious, he did some digging and eventually contacted Guinness World Records. It took over one year to get the attempt registered and to work through the logistics, but it gave his training more of a purpose. 

After completing a marathon in October 2024, Wood took a few weeks to recover before hyperfocusing on preparing for the world record attempt on his holiday cruise. 

"[I] went straight into a focused two-month marathon training block specifically to prepare for the Gusiness World Record attempt," he recalled. 

He already had a solid foundation in place, though. In a normal week, he runs an average of 120 kilometers (~74 miles), so while he had two months of dedicated marathon prep, it wasn't anything he wasn't used to. 

Wood added, "[My training] was really built on years of consistent high-volume training."

That consistency started nearly a decade ago, when he first took up running at the age of 45. At the time, his daughter was on her school's rowing team, and they trained as early as 7:00 a.m. After dropping her off, he began walking on the bay's running track. Soon enough, the walks turned into runs, and as her training schedule intensified, he found himself running more often. 

What's next for Wood? Since becoming a Guinness World Record holder, he has continued to train and compete in various marathons. However, his main goal is to break the Australian male 55 marathon record of 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 14 seconds — nobody has beaten the time since George McGrath set it in 1975, though John Meagher tied the record in 2018. 

"Alongside that, I'm also working to maintain my 3-hour marathon pacer role, which I really enjoy...It's incredibly rewarding to help other runners achieve their goals while staying sharp myself," he said. 

You can follow Wood's running journey on his Instagram! 

Not the first time Ovation of the Seas has been involved in a Guinness World Record

In 2016, Ovation of the Seas helped earn Royal Caribbean a Guinness World Record for the tallest observation deck on a cruise ship. 

The North Star Observation Capsule measured 290 feet and 8 inches above the water line on October 29, 2016, in Hong Kong, China. 

That said, Ovation of the Seas wasn't the first cruise ship with this innovative feature. The North Star initially debuted on Quantum of the Seas in 2014. Since then, it's become a Quantum Class staple aboard Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum, and Odyssey of the Seas. 

The unique observation capsule lifts guests high above the ocean for panoramic, 360-degree views.

Royal Caribbean changed an itinerary on its newest ship to avoid Tropical Storm Jerry. 

The disturbance developed into a tropical storm on October 7, which prompted Star of the Seas to cancel a scheduled port of call in St. Maarten. Instead, the 248,663 gross-ton ship will remain in San Juan, Puerto Rico, overnight on Oct 8. 

The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise departed on Sunday, Oct. 5, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Thankfully, guests were able to enjoy their visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay on Monday, followed by a day at sea on Tuesday. 

"Due to the expected path of Tropical Storm Jerry, The A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities wishes to inform the public of the following ship cancellation: Star of the Seas. Thursday, October 9th, 2025," the Port St. Maarten Group shared on Facebook. 

A current passenger confirmed the change, saying that the Cruise Director delivered the news via the intercom across the ship and into everyone's cabins. 

"[The] cruise director [spoke] right to our cabin in an announcement. Two days in San Juan instead," Sheri Edmondson-Wood commented on Port St. Maarten Group's post. 

Star of the Seas arrived in Puerto Rico around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8. She will remain there overnight until Oct. 9, giving guests more time to enjoy Puerto Rican cuisine and take advantage of the nightlife. 

Read more: Cruising in hurricane season: What you need to know

A few weeks ago, Star had another Caribbean itinerary changed to avoid a strengthening tropical storm system in the Atlantic Ocean.

Rather than sailing to the Eastern Caribbean, Royal Caribbean's newest ship headed west to steer clear of the storm and rough seas. This meant they did not visit the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas. 

Guests were notified of the itinerary change before embarkation in an email. 

How strong is Tropical Storm Jerry?

As of the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) 11:00 a.m. AST advisory on Oct. 8, Tropical Storm Jerry had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was headed west-northwest at 23 mph. 

Tropical Storm Jerry is the 10th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and could strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday as it continues to churn over the open ocean. 

Regardless, the storm is expected to bring tropical storm conditions to parts of the northern Leeward Islands, British Virgin Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands, including heavy rainfall from Thursday to Saturday. 

Tropical storm watches have been placed into effect for cruise destinations like St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Antigua, and Anguilla.

As such, more cruise ships will likely begin to adjust their plans, especially those with scheduled visits to the Eastern Caribbean, as Jerry continues on its projected path. 

For example, Oasis of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship currently on a 7-night Caribbean cruise, is expected to call at St. Kitts on Oct. 9. 

Read more: I booked a cruise during hurricane season. Although the itinerary was changed, I had a great time

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas will skip two ports of call on its current Panama Canal cruise due to two storms in the Pacific Ocean. 
 

Guests sailing aboard Radiance of the Seas' October 4, 2025, cruise were notified that they'd no longer visit Cabo San Lucas or Mazatlán. Instead, the ship will spend two extra days at sea on Oct. 6 and 7. 

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been closely monitoring a tropical disturbance that is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone forming along our voyage path," reads the email sent to impacted passengers. 

"These [storms’] forecast track makes it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey toward Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán, Mexico. So, after exploring all of our options, we’ve decided to enjoy two (2) Sea Days instead."

Although skipping two ports is disappointing, Royal Caribbean emphasized that the safety and comfort of its guests and crew remain the company’s top priority.

Moreover, passengers will receive a non-refundable onboard credit based on their stateroom category as compensation:

• Inside: $75 USD
• Outside: $100 USD
• Balcony: $175 USD
• Suite: $200 USD
• 3rd or more guests: $25 USD per person

Any pre-paid excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for Cabo and Mazatlán will be refunded as onboard credit that can be used anywhere on the ship. Unused credit from the refunded tours will be reimbursed to the credit card associated with the guests' onboard account at the end of the sailing. 

The email continues, "We’re terribly sorry for this last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather."

Reminder to "washy washy"

After nearly 100 passengers were sickened on a recent sailing on Serenade of the Seas, Royal Caribbean reminded guests of the importance of washing their hands frequently, especially since illnesses like norovirus can spread quickly in shared spaces:

"As we’ll be spending more days at sea than planned, we want to remind you to please wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after restroom breaks and again before eating."

"We also encourage you to use the complimentary hand sanitizing gel available throughout the ship as often as possible. The gel should be rubbed thoroughly and continuously until your hands are dry. However, the hand sanitizing gel is not a substitution for thorough hand washing with soap and warm water."

Read more: Cruise ships suffer worst year for stomach bugs in over a decade. Here's what I'm doing to stay healthy

Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Octave

Hurricane Priscilla continued to strengthen early Monday in the Pacific Ocean, with gusty winds and heavy rains affecting the coastal areas of southwest Mexico. 

As of 11 a.m. MST, Hurricane Priscilla had maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, making the storm a Category 1. Moreover, Hurricane Priscilla was headed north-northwest at 6 mph and was about 245 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.

Octave became a hurricane on Sunday but was downgraded to a tropical storm on Monday morning. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the weakening Tropical Storm Octave was headed eastward with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. 

Would you live on a cruise ship for over two months?

Jack Reynolds, who runs the digital marketing and social media agency SizzleHQ, is doing just that. Reynolds set sail on August 31, 2025, with plans to spend 78 days on cruise ships. 

Earlier this year, he began receiving casino offers through Royal Caribbean's Club Royale website, many of them from September through November. Seizing the opportunity, he decided to try and get on as many cruises as he could, especially on ships he hadn't been on yet. 

Altogether, his journey spans 88 days, including travel days from the United Kingdom and a post-cruise visit to Walt Disney World, and he plans to record his own content while onboard. 

In an interview with Reynolds, which has been edited for length and clarity, we spoke about why he chose to take 18 back-to-back cruises and what he hopes to gain from the experience. 

Why did you decide to book 18 back-to-back cruises? 

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I chose 18 cruises because it was almost at the maximum limit of what I could achieve within my 86-day total period, while still having an element of variety and giving myself space in case of emergencies! 

They aren't strictly back-to-back, as I will be travelling from Fort Lauderdale to Miami to change vessels, and I will spend one day traveling from Miami to Tampa by bus to get on the smaller cruise ships.

Other than that, I only have around 4 days on land! Most of those will be at the end of the journey when I go to Walt Disney World in Orlando!

Was there some sort of catalyst that helped you set your mind on it?

Recently, I sold my house, so there was nothing holding me back! It was the perfect time to travel on a trip like this. 

I just turned 30, and it's been a stressful year! I am also using the weather, access to good food, and free access to a gym for 3 months as a catalyst to get healthy. 

How long did it take you to plan and book all 18 cruises?

Not too long, maybe 3-4 weeks. 

One of the most drawn-out parts was waiting to make sure that my visa wasn't going to run out in the middle of my travels. The ESTA visa waiver is 90 days, so 18 cruises for a total trip length of 86 days was pretty much the maximum I could do.

I also kept my eye on the casino website for more suitable offers. 

What's the rough estimate for how much this experience is costing you? 

This whole journey will cost me roughly £4,300, including my flights, tickets to Disney, food on land, etc. Thankfully, a lot of that is frontloaded before the cruises start. Some costs, like hotels and transfers, can be paid on the day of, helping to split the costs up nicely. 

I also have no living costs, so I'm spending roughly £52 per day, which is less than it costs me to live in the UK! Plus, I noted down the collective cost for this. If they weren't casino comps on cruises alone, it would be £19,600 — I think I got a deal!

Read more: How much is a Royal Caribbean cruise?

What's been the biggest logistical challenge in planning 18 back-to-back cruises?

Really, it's giving myself enough time to get to each port and not overplanning. Also, figuring out what I actually need/want to do is another challenge; it's a total mental health reset for me, but I know Royal looks after me! 

I've had nothing but great experiences on all classes of their ships!

Did you have a strategy to help you maximize your "free" days at sea?

Strategy? Not really. I have my own budgets. 

I don't really spend that much in the casinos, but I try and spend a little bit on each cruise. I have some free play (a total of about $350) on these cruises, so this will contribute to extra excursions or internet! 

In terms of casino strategy, I guess I do the $1.50 x 8, $3 x 4, then $6 x 2 trick to double the chances of getting money back. Of course, this also means that I've been known to rinse through money very quickly. I've gotten a few hand-pays in my time, though!

How many ships are you going on?

I'm going on 8 different ships, 6 of which I've never been on before: Oasis, Wonder, Jewel, Utopia, Adventure, Grandeur, Radiance, and Liberty.

Out of the 8, Wonder and Jewel of the Seas are the only ships I've sailed on before. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest

How often are you switching cabins, and what stateroom categories do you have booked?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I'm having to switch cabins quite frequently. 

Because this has been preplanned, I've let the cruise casino know beforehand, and my cabin steward takes my luggage to the next room free of charge, though I do tip when I can. Thankfully, my setup is very easy and portable.

There will be a couple of occasions where I stay in one cabin, though. 

I've mostly selected interior cabins or whichever comps were on the certificates I received — a few of the certificates rewarded me with an ocean-view room!

On a recent cruise around Africa, I didn't use my balcony much. The main benefit I got from the more expensive cabin was the sunlight!

Will you be alone for the entire cruise?

Not in the strictest sense! I've found cruises are a fantastic way to meet new people in one of only a few ways that almost keep you within the vicinity of like-minded people in your adult life, along with school and work. In fact, I still have friends from cruises I took 2 years ago! 

However, I am traveling solo, which has its benefits and perks! I'm also working each morning on the cruise, so I definitely will be able to be in touch and productive while onboard. Additionally, I phone my family regularly on WhatsApp.

Over the last 4 weeks and 6 cruises, I've made more friends than I have in the last 3 years. Cruises fix loneliness, genuinely!

Do you have any favorite spaces that double as great offices at sea?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

To be honest, I work best when it's quiet, so I can focus. I tend to stick my laptop in my room, because I can play games on it as well, then stay out of my room for the rest of the day! 

I will be taking days where I go into ports and record content, or even just days off. Although I thought burnout was impossible on a cruise ship, I spent the first two weeks resting and taking it easy. 

Read more: I work remotely from a cruise ship all the time, and a lot more people are doing the same thing

Did you book many pre-cruise add-ons (like drink packages, shore excursions, specialty restaurants, etc.)?

My first three cruises were aboard Oasis of the Seas. I prebooked internet and a soda package, as I'm a fiend for soda. After these cruises, though, I became a Diamond cruiser within the Crown & Anchor Society (I'll actually have hit 92 points after those 3, as I get double cruise points and sail for 14 nights total). 

Because of my new status, I will take the free 4 drinks a day vouchers and buy a soda or two. If I become Prime in the casino, I can always get drinks for free there, too!

In terms of dining, I have experienced most of the specialty restaurants on Royal's ships, and I must say that I generally enjoy the Main Dining Room and included options. The value I get going into a specialty restaurant is limited. Maybe I'll go to a Chop's lunch or something, but I am not really planning on doing so yet!

How much is Wi-Fi costing you for 78 days on a cruise ship?

For the first 14 days, it cost $15 per day (so $210), but after that, as a Diamond cruiser and potentially Prime in the casino, I get 1 free day and 30% off per cruise, and some of the cruises are only 3 nights! This means that I'll book on board for those. 

Later on in the trip, after the 12th cruise, I'll become Diamond Plus, so I will get 3 free days of Wi-Fi per cruise and 5 drinks per day! In total, I've calculated around $850 or £630 for nearly 3 months of internet at sea. 

What are you looking forward to the most?

(Credit: Jack Reynolds)

I'm looking forward to the weather, rest, no responsibility (except where I'm eating), and the Royal Caribbean experience! I love Royal (although I'm not totally loyal), but above all, I love cruising! It's an amazing way to see the world and places that I have never been before!

I write music professionally and personally, so I also brought an electric guitar (with headphones, don't worry) to record and play music to keep me occupied in my relaxation time!