Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas was stuck in Vancouver, Canada, after encountering technical issues with the engine. 

The 90,090 gross-ton vessel was supposed to depart Vancouver on Sunday, July 6, on a 7-night voyage to Alaska. However, the ship was forced to return hours after setting sail and remained docked overnight. 

"Currently on Serenade …. Just left port and we are now returning back to Vancouver...'Technical issues with the engine,'" Heather Albert shared in the Serenade of the Seas Facebook group. 

Albert later updated the post around 12:40pm EST, saying that the Captain announced they were running tests on the technical issues, but had no real answers yet. 

Royal Caribbean has not confirmed exactly what is wrong with the engine or what has caused the issue. However, Serenade of the Seas had technical issues last week, which impacted the previous voyage to Alaska. 

According to other reports online, Serenade canceled at least one port of call during the sailing. The ship also missed a scenic day of cruising in the Tracy Arm Fjord. 

"I just got off Serenade and I was so glad to get off it half the ports were canceled due to ship issues, we couldn’t go into icy point because ship issues had to cut one port short too," wrote one cruiser on the r/RoyalCaribbean Reddit thread. 

Instead of calling at Icy Strait Point, guests aboard the June 29 cruise had an extra day at sea while they proceeded directly to Ketchikan. 

Everyone was given onboard credit equal to one day of their cruise fare. It was automatically credited to guests' onboard accounts. Whatever wasn't spent will be refunded to the card on file. 

Serenade of the Seas finally set sail around 9:30pm EST 

Serenade of the Seas was slated to arrive in Sitka, Alaska, on July 8. However, the delay is causing the vessel to miss its first port of call to make up for the lost time. 

According to Albert's Facebook post, the tests have been showing good propulsion results, and they received confirmation that they'd set sail around 6:00pm PST. The Vancouver Harbour webcam confirmed this and showed Serenade pushing back from the pier thirty minutes later, closer to 6:30pm PST. 

Other ports on the itinerary include Tracy Arm Fjord (scenic cruising); Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Updates on the new itinerary and compensation are forthcoming. 

Future guests are anxiously awaiting updates on their itinerary

If Royal Caribbean can't fix the ongoing issue, they might be forced to cancel future sailings to give them more time to repair the engine.

Last year, passengers ready for a fun-filled cruise to Alaska were left disappointed when the propulsion system faced a technical issue that impacted the ship's speed, forcing the cruise line to cancel the sailing after everyone had already boarded.

Royal Caribbean let passengers use the ship as a floating hotel for two nights while they adjusted their travel plans. Still, it wasn't the vacation anyone had envisioned. The sailing the week after was canceled, too. 

Read more: I was on the Royal Caribbean cruise canceled after we boarded. I was disappointed, but I’m grateful for the memories

There's no word whether future sailings on Serenade of the Seas will be canceled. However, many are preparing for the worst. 

"I’m sailing August 10th I hope if they cancel they do it soon so I can figure another trip out before school starts," one concerned guest shared on a Serenade of the Seas Facebook page. 

Another added, "Honestly with all the issues I’ve been reading about that the people on board have had the past few weeks I’m hoping they just cancel our July 13th sailing. At least then we all get a full refund and can rebook."

The wildest events on a cruise ship are off-limits to guests — no suite or loyalty status will get you in. 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, revealed that these secret crew-only parties are sometimes so large that they need to close down one of the public spaces to accommodate the crowd. 

"Crew parties can get so big that there's no place that you can throw them below deck," James says in a recent TikTok, which has amassed over 130k views. 

"So, to solve this, the cruise ship will shut down a place like the ice skating rink or the Solarium, and they'll lock the doors and say it's a private event." 

According to James, the parties are typically thrown about once per month, and they’re massive. They sometimes draw more than 1,000 crew members on mega-ships like Utopia of the Seas.

On smaller ships without ice skating rinks, they will throw a "provisions party," where the crew parties "deep, deep below deck in one of the large storage areas." 

Some vessels are even notoriously known as party ships, and James says that he knows plenty of crew members who don't care about the ports of call: 

"If the crew bar is good, then they're good to go."

Special events for Seafarers' Day

Seafarers' Day is an annual holiday dedicated to those who work on ships. It takes place on June 25 and isn't just for cruise ship crew; it's for seafarers of all stripes who work on ships and play an important role in the global maritime industry. 

To celebrate, cruise lines often go all out with special events for the crew. After all, there wouldn't be cruise vacations without the hardworking crew members!

"[It] kinda feels like Christmas, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving all wrapped up in one," James says. 

James celebrated Seafarers' Day while working on Allure of the Seas in Europe (he will be onboard Allure until August 21, 2025). 

One of the highlights included a huge raffle for prizes like PlayStation game consoles, iPads, and GoPros. The crew mess was also transformed into a festive banquet hall with a chocolate fountain, freshly carved turkey, plenty of desserts, decorative ice sculptures, and more.  

However, the star of Seafarers' Day was the massive party thrown for the crew — with unlimited free drinks like beer and soda. 

Speaking of food, did you know that crew members sometimes get leftovers from the guest buffet?

In a previous video, James revealed that uneaten food doesn't necessarily get thrown away at the end of the night. 

"If there's something really good leftover, it winds up downstairs at something that we call 'midnight mess,'" he explains, "And the sooner you get there, the better the food is. I'd say after an hour, it ends up just being normal crew mess food." 

In this particular TikTok video, James shows that the special dishes available for the crew included grilled pork chops, sautéed spinach, and shrimp curry. Although it's small, the midnight mess is a well-deserved treat for those who help keep the cruise ship running.

Read more: Crew member reveals that uneaten food on cruise ships isn't always thrown away

A Caribbean nation has added a new measles requirement to tourists, including those that visit by cruise ship.

Honduran authorities recently announced that they're requiring documentation to show proof of a measles vaccine for travelers coming from the United States, even those arriving by sea. 

If someone can't receive the vaccine, they must show proof 72 to 80 hours before their flight of a negative measles test. 

The new requirement went into effect four days ago, but travelers onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships haven't been notified about any changes regarding the updated entry rules, leaving passengers confused about what to expect. 

Honduras' new health measure seems to be part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of measles, a highly contagious virus that infected roughly 10.3 million people worldwide in 2023, amid rising global numbers, particularly in the United States.

A few days ago, Michigan reported the state's second outbreak, bringing the U.S.'s total confirmed cases this year to over 1,200. Health workers have also been rushing to contain an outbreak in a country jail in New Mexico, according to the Associated Press. 

As of June 24, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,227 measles cases in 37 states and jurisdictions, including:

• Alaska
• Arkansa
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York City
• New York State
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington

In 95% of cases, the vaccination status is "unvaccinated or unknown." Just 5% of the confirmed cases have had either one or two doses of the MMR vaccine. 

Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and/or red, watery eyes. Within a few days, small white spots, known as Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth, followed by a distinctive red rash that can spread from the head to the rest of the body. 

The virus is dangerous and can lead to serious complications, especially in babies and young children. 

Roatán is a popular port of call on Western Caribbean itineraries

In July and August, four Royal Caribbean ships are slated to call at the Coxen Hole port in Roatán: Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas. 

Carnival also has a private port in Honduras called Mahogany Bay. Between both ports of call, over 25 visits are expected in July alone. 

This means thousands of U.S travelers could be affected by the new vaccination requirement this summer.

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras advises travelers to have travel documents up to date and easily accessible, as well as to carry proper identification at all times. It's also important to visit the CDC Travelers' Health Page and monitor local media for updates. 

Guests sailing on Star of the Seas can now make specialty dining reservations using Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner.

The new Royal Caribbean ship will begin sailing in August, and cruisers have been clamoring to book its restaurants.

As the newest Icon Class ship, there's a lot to look forward to, from "Back to the Future: The Musical" to the first-ever facial recognition cabins and an enhanced Surfside neighborhood. 

However, one of the best parts of any cruise vacation is the food, and Star of the Seas is set to deliver with a wide range of complimentary and specialty restaurants. 

With the exception of passengers with My Time Dining, reservations aren't needed for the included venues, such as the AquaDome Market, Windjammer Marketplace, and El Loco Fresh. 

That said, if you're planning to indulge in any of the ship’s specialty dining options, like the Lincoln Park Supper Club, Chops Grille, or Izumi Hibachi, you’ll want to make reservations as soon as possible. 

These venues fill up quickly, and it's not uncommon for the most desirable times to be taken before embarkation day. By utilizing the Cruise Planner to reserve your spot, you can guarantee that you and your travel party can dine at the best restaurants at your preferred time, rather than settling for an inconvenient early or late reservation. 

You can also make specialty dining bookings by calling Royal Caribbean at 1-800-398-9819 or speaking with your travel agent. 

Read more: 8 changes coming to Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship (and 1 returning favorite)

What specialty restaurants are on Star of the Seas?

Star of the Seas has 14 extra-cost dining venues. 

However, only eight can be booked in advance through the Cruise Planner: Lincoln Park Supper Club, the Chef's Table, Chops Grille, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Izumi Sushi, Izumi Hibachi, the Celebration Table, and Hooked. 

Other specialty restaurants include Playmaker's Sports Bar & Arcade, Izumi in the Park, Desserted, Trellis Bar, Starbucks, and the brand-new concept replacing Pier 7 in Surfside. 

Read more: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

How much do specialty restaurants cost?

Generally speaking, you'll save money booking your specialty restaurants in advance thanks to Royal Caribbean's pre-cruise sales. 

The price varies based on ongoing promotions. However, you'll typically pay more if you wait to book your specialty meals on the ship. 

Here are the prices for specialty restaurants on Star of the Seas for the first revenue sailing on August 16, 2025:

• Celebration Table — Dinner: $1,000 (Up to 14 guests. No pricing discounts for smaller parties)
• Chef's Table — Dinner: $110/guest
• Lincoln Park Supper Club — Dinner: $200/guest
• Chops Grille — Dinner: $70/guest
• Chops Grille — Lunch: $30/guest
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — Dinner: $55/guest
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar — Lunch: $25/guest
• Izumi — Lunch & Dinner: $40/guest
• Izumi Hibachi — Dinner: $70/guest
• Izumi Hibachi — Lunch: $45/guest
• Hooked — Dinner: $65/guest
• Hooked — Lunch: $25/guest

Royal Caribbean also offers dining packages to help guests save money while experiencing more than one of the delicious specialty restaurants onboard. 

Options like the 3-Night Dining Package or the Unlimited Dining Package bundle the price and allow you to visit multiple specialty venues. It's easier than making individual reservations in many cases.

Dining packages can also be booked directly through the Cruise Planner. In the past, you had to wait until you were onboard to make your dining reservations with the Unlimited Dining Package. However, Royal Caribbean now lets guests book their specialty meals on the Cruise Planner. 

Read more: I paid $660 to just eat at specialty restaurants on an Icon Class ship. It was better than advertised

Star of the Seas is set to enter service on August 16, 2025

The 4-night cruise will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, and visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Following a few more short cruises, Star will finally begin offering regular weeklong voyages on August 31. They will alternate between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, won't enter service until 2026. However, guests can look forward to a few new dining changes, such as a re-themed supper club. 

Cruise ship buffets dish up hundreds of pounds of food each day to cater to different taste preferences and dietary restrictions, but have you ever wondered what happens to the uneaten food? 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, revealed what happens to uneaten food once the passenger buffet closes for the night. 

James has worked on numerous ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, including Odyssey of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and, most recently, Allure of the Seas in Europe. 

He regularly shares vlogs and short videos across multiple social media platforms, showing what life is like as a crew member aboard a cruise ship. His content has attracted a large audience, with more than 835,000 followers on TikTok alone.

In one recent video, James explained that uneaten food doesn't necessarily get thrown away at the end of the night. 

"If there's something really good leftover, it winds up downstairs at something that we call 'midnight mess,'" he explains, "And the sooner you get there, the better the food is. I'd say after an hour, it ends up just being normal crew mess food." 

On this particular night, James shows a few special dishes available for crew members, including grilled pork chops, shrimp curry, and sautéed spinach. 

Part of a larger effort to reduce food waste onboard

There's no denying that food waste is a major problem on cruise ships. From multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room to massive all-you-can-eat buffets and quick-service options scattered throughout the ship, the volume of food prepared each day is staggering. 

That said, once food is served — whether in the dining room or placed in the buffet — it can't be returned to the ship's kitchen to be reused later. So, it's either eaten or thrown away. 

To help combat the issue, Royal Caribbean Group created a new initiative dubbed "Win on Waste." As of early 2024, Royal Caribbean Group reported a reduction in food waste of about 33%. 

This milestone marked significant progress toward their goal of reducing food waste across its fleet by 50% by 2025 — as well as saving tens of millions of dollars a year. 

To help reach its goal, the company has implemented programs to track food consumption, introduced food waste awareness campaigns, assigned new onboard roles, and begun tracking guest demand for specific menu items. 

Another major advancement is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust food production in real time. For example, AI helps chefs estimate how much food should be ordered, prepped, thawed, and produced on a given day. 

It's been successful, too. When the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, began sailing in January 2024, the AI system helped ensure the vessel was utilizing 86% of the onboard food supply.

In the same video, James reveals other facts about life onboard a cruise ship

Depending on the cruise ship, guests might be able to travel as low as Deck 3, 2, or 1. For example, Allure of the Seas' lowest passenger deck is 3, whereas Carnival Luminosa's is Deck 1. 

Regardless, there's a whole different world below the public decks. These lower levels are hidden from guests and are where many ship operations take place, as well as where most crew members live, eat, and relax. 

"Deck 1 is not the lowest deck on a cruise ship," James says, "Below that is Deck 0 [and] below that is Deck -1. We call it 'Tween Deck.'"

The lowest decks of a cruise ship don't look the same as the upper levels, with carpeted hallways and nicely decorated lounges. 

Instead, the industrial spaces, which are often below the waterline, are bare with non-slip tile and fluorescent lighting. James claims that they look more like "a submarine."

Below deck is also where a lot of crew members live. The compact cabins aren't as luxurious as standard staterooms. Plus, many crew members have to share rooms with other employees. 

"Did you know that pretty much everyone [who] works on a cruise ship has a roommate?" James asks in the video. 

"It's either going to look a little bit like this, where you've got bunk beds...or it'll look like this, where you have your own room but you share a bathroom with somebody."

He goes on to add that the shared walls are thin, meaning you can hear everything that your neighbor is doing. 

Read more: Dancer reveals her tiny crew-only cabin she lives in on a cruise ship

"If you wanna have your own room, you have to work your way up the pecking order, either being an engineer [or] running a department," says James. 

Two roles on a cruise ship that typically come with private cabins are the Captain and the Cruise Director.

After 15 Royal Caribbean cruises, I finally splurged on the Unlimited Dining Package. 

Although part of the allure of cruise vacations is the complimentary dining that's included in the base fare, I've found that specialty restaurants typically have higher-quality food and a more intimate setting. Plus, I cruise so frequently that the dining room has begun to lose its appeal. 

So, my partner and I decided to purchase Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package for our weeklong vacation on Icon of the Seas. As the largest cruise ship in the world, she's filled from bow to stern with specialty dining options, including Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, Hooked, Pier 7, Chops Grille, and more. 

The Unlimited Dining Package wasn't just about indulging in better food. It was about the variety, atmosphere, and service. For example, we had the flexibility to dine at multiple specialty restaurants per day, allowing us to explore more of the ship's culinary options. 

Making our reservations was easy thanks to Royal Caribbean's new feature that allows guests to book their specialty dining package reservations in advance, rather than once onboard. Even after booking, we could easily make changes through the Cruise Planner, adjusting restaurants and reservation times as needed.

As our cruise neared, we looked forward to tender lobster at Hooked, flavorful Italian classics at Giovanni's, and fun interactive meals at Izumi Hibachi. 

However, by the end of the voyage, we didn't feel as satisfied as expected. Instead, we felt burnt out. The pressure to "get our money's worth" meant we ate more than we usually would on a cruise. Dinner began to feel like something we had to check off a to-do list, rather than something we were looking forward to on vacation. 

Here's why I wouldn't purchase the Unlimited Dining Package again — even as someone who is a fan of specialty restaurants on cruise ships. 

Read more: I take over 10 cruises a year as a cruise reporter. I always book this one thing — even though it costs extra money

It's not all-inclusive

Certain restaurants have an upcharge, even if you purchase the Unlimited Dining Package. For example, to eat at Izumi Hibachi, you must pay an extra $15 per adult. 

Because hibachi is one of our favorite meals at home and on a cruise ship, we made reservations to eat at Izumi twice during our 7-night cruise, resulting in $60 of upcharges. 

Other restaurants come with similar caveats. Royal Railway, for instance, is not included with the Unlimited Dining Package and requires an upcharge of $50 per adult and $25 per child. 

Chef's Table, the cruise line's multi-course dinner hosted by a chef and sommelier, also comes with an upcharge of around $50 per person. 

Similarly, Royal Caribbean's relatively new Izumi Omakase experience costs an extra $60 per person, even if you've purchased the Unlimited Dining Package. 

The most expensive upcharge is for Empire Supper Club, a premium, reservation-only dining experience that blends an eight-course tasting menu with craft cocktails and live jazz paired to each course. 

Even with the Unlimited Dining Package, guests must pay an additional $130 per person to dine there. However, the onboard price costs $200, just $70 more than the upcharge with the dining package. 

Depending on which restaurants you want to eat at, you may be better off booking each individually, especially if there's a good pre-cruise sale on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner. There are no discounts on the upcharges for the specialty restaurants, as they're paid once onboard the ship. 

Additionally, certain menu items aren't included with the Unlimited Dining Package, including Chops Grille's Iconic Cuts and the broiled Maine lobster. The latter costs around $25 (after the mandatory service charge), while the price for Chops' Iconic Cuts varies from $16.99 to $39.99. 

Read more: I spent $60 to eat at Royal Caribbean’s most bizarre restaurant. I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the best meals of my cruise

It's too much food on a weeklong cruise

Overall, we found that eating at specialty restaurants for 7 nights in a row was too much food for us — our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs! The first few nights were exciting, but we began to feel sluggish and overly full by the middle of the cruise.

One sea day, we pushed ourselves even more, indulging in a multi-course brunch at Pier 7 ahead of our dinner at Chops Grille. 

Although both meals were delicious, the constant indulgence in heavy meals left little room for snacking. This was disappointing at CocoCay when I couldn't eat as many coconut shrimp as I wanted at Hideaway Beach!

Read more: Royal Caribbean menus: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more 

It also made it difficult to fully enjoy each meal, especially during the second half of the trip. By that point, dining felt like a commitment. 

At $665.48 per two people, the Unlimited Dining Package on the world's largest cruise ship broke down to nearly $100 per night. As such, we felt a lot of pressure ot maximize each meal to get our money's worth. Had we wanted to save money, we could have eaten in the buffet, the Main Dining Room, or other included venues!

Some ships have limited specialty restaurants

Sailing on Icon of the Seas meant we didn't have a shortage of restaurants to choose from. However, older vessels don't have nearly as many specialty dining options. 

While Icon boasts more than 20 dining venues, including new concepts like the Empire Supper Club and Pier 7, older Royal Caribbean ships have just a handful of specialty restaurants, typically limited to staples like Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi Sushi.

For example, Vision of the Seas, a Vision Class ship launched in 1998, features four specialty restaurants: Izumi Sushi, Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table, and the Chef's Table. The latter has an upcharge, too. On a weeklong cruise, eating at the same specialty restaurants can quickly start to feel repetitive. 

A 3-night dining package would meet our needs better

Next time, we'd likely consider a 3-night dining package, rather than the pricey unlimited one. Because there's so much food included in the base fare — ranging from the buffet to fast-casual bites and Main Dining Room — spending nearly $700 on specialty dining felt wasteful, especially since we didn't enjoy the package as much as expected. 

Not only are the 3-night packages more affordable, but they also offer more flexibility without the pressure to plan your entire cruise around dining reservations or big meals. Additionally, if you're on an older ship, you'll have fewer restaurants to cross off your list, so you may not want to pay to eat at the same venues over and over. 

Ultimately, the Unlimited Dining Package is a great way to indulge in the ship's best culinary offerings. However, it's not the right fit for me. I'd prefer a smaller package so I could enjoy specialty restaurants — while leaving room for coconut shrimp.

Read more: I ate my way through 29 cruise ships. These are the 9 best things I tasted that stood out from the rest

One of Royal Caribbean's most famous crew members is bidding life at sea a fond farewell. 

Chris Wong, a crew member who has worked on cruise ships since as far back as 2013, is taking his final bow after years of service on some of the line's most dazzling vessels.

"I have officially announced and decided that this will be my last ever contract as a crew member for Royal Caribbean. After a long career with this company, it is now time to move on to the next phase of my life. I am excited and nervous for what is to come," he shared on a Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum. 

Wong's 11th — and final — contract is aboard Allure of the Seas. Allure finished up a massive dry dock a few months ago and is sailing in the Mediterranean for the first time since 2015. 

He shared on his Patreon that taking this contract was a difficult decision. However, working aboard Allure after her multi-million dollar renovation in Europe was too enticing to turn down. 

Although he wasn't planning to return to sea, he states that there's no way he is going to change his mind about continuing to work on cruise ships. 

"No matter what happens this year, this is going to be my final contract...this will be my last year as a seafarer," he says in a video posted to his popular YouTube channel.

"Now is the time. I've always been told that you will know when the right time is for you to walk away from this life."

He rose to fame during the pandemic, giving cruisers a first look at ships as they restarted

Wong started sharing vlogs on YouTube in 2019, shortly before the global pandemic caused the cruise industry to shutter. Since then, he's amassed 114,000 subscribers and over 8 million views. 

His content during the cruise shutdown offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what life on cruise ships was like during one of the most uncertain times in the industry's history. 

He posted videos showing what it was like to be stuck in quarantine as a crew member, as well as providing updates on their protocols. 

For example, the crew wasn't allowed off the ship for a while, but he was happy to share that in May 2022, they were finally granted shore leave again. 

After the pandemic, he continued to vlog about his experiences as a crew member. He provided great coverage of Icon of the Seas during her launch, going as far as showing what their newly designed cabins looked like and the crew-only neighborhood. 

Read more: Photos show a tiny crew-only cabin on Icon of the Seas

"This has given me everything"

Working on cruise ships for over a decade allowed Wong to travel the world. 

Not only that, but he was part of some amazing projects, including working on Ovation of the Seas during her restart after the pandemic, as well as on Icon of the Seas during her inaugural season as the world's largest cruise ship. 

2024 was a big year for Wong, too. In August, he received his 5-year recognition award, followed by a major promotion to Casino Host in December. 

Yet, despite his success within the company, Wong felt it was time for a change. 

"The way I was able to travel, the way I'm able to make friendships that span the globe, the opportunity to create this online community. My whole professional life, what I'm trying to say, has been incredible, and I owe it all to Royal Caribbean," he says. 

Read more: Photos show the secret crew-only areas on Icon of the Seas

Wong will make the transition to becoming a paid passenger

After finishing his contract on Allure of the Seas, Wong's plan is to continue to sail aboard cruise ships. However, he wants to experience them as a passenger, rather than a crew member. 

His overall goal is to work his way up the ranks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, ultimately becoming a top-tier Pinnacle Club cruiser — a status reserved for the most loyal fans. 

That said, one of the ways he hopes to fund this next chapter is through the Chris Wong Membership Club. This is a subscription-based community for fans who want to support his journey, gain behind-the-scenes access to his adventures, and receive exclusive content.

He also plans to provide tips on how to book cruises, review pre- and post-cruise hotels, talk about dining reservations, and more. 

"This is going to be a crucial part to start my journey to becoming a Pinnacle member within the Crown & Anchor Society," Wong explains. 

Pricing starts at just $1 per month. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean crew member shares how much he makes working on a ship

Royal Caribbean is about to launch a brand new mega-ship this summer, but don't overlook their smaller vessels.

Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is ready for its best summer yet. While most eyes are hyper-focused on Star of the Seas' launch in August, there's a lot more worth talking about. 

For example, Ovation of the Seas just began her first season sailing from Los Angeles to the Baja Peninsula. 

Before the 168,666 gross-ton vessel set sail from California, the largest Royal Caribbean ship to call Los Angeles home had been Navigator of the Seas. 

When Royal Caribbean returned to Los Angeles after more than a decade in 2021, Navigator signaled the company's commitment to expanding its West Coast presence. 

Now, with Ovation of the Seas stepping in, they're even more excited to double down on their offerings out of California to ports like Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. 

Ovation, which launched in 2016, features next-level amenities like a skydiving simulator, an indoor multi-purpose venue, a North Star glass observation capsule, and more. 

Anthem of the Seas makes her Alaska debut

This summer is filled with firsts for Quantum Class ships. In addition to Ovation sailing from Los Angeles, Anthem is heading to Alaska for the first time. 

Anthem of the Seas launched in 2015 and has sailed across the globe, from Norway to Spain, Australia, and Japan. However, this marks her inaugural season exploring The Last Frontier. 

Sailing from Seattle on 7-night itineraries every Friday through September 26, Anthem will call at iconic ports like Skagway, Juneau, and Sitka.

All the while, passengers can enjoy Anthem's signature Quantum Class features. The North Star observation capsule is a highlight, as it offers panoramic views of Alaska’s glaciers and snow-capped mountains from over 300 feet above sea level.

Read more: I’ve been on 5 Alaska cruises, and I see people making the same 20 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them

Amplified Allure of the Seas in Europe

Looking for a different kind of adventure? There's none more exciting than Allure of the Seas' summer season in Europe. Not only is this Allure's first time in Europe since 2015, but it follows her highly anticipated amplification. 

Allure of the Seas was supposed to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2020; however, the plans were indefinitely postponed due to the global pandemic. 5 years later, she finally got the attention she desperately needed compared to newer Oasis Class ships. 

Now, Allure sports a resort-style pool deck, Perfect Storm waterslides, Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Playmaker's, Mason Jar specialty restaurant, Pesky Parrot tiki-bar, a new AquaTheater show, and more. 

In short, if you've been waiting to sail aboard Allure of the Seas, there's no better time than this summer, especially as she's set to visit culturally rich cities in Europe. Allure will remain in the Mediterranean through late October, when she'll reposition to offer Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean just finished $100 million in upgrades to Allure of the Seas. First look at all the changes

Finally, Star of the Seas is set to sail from Port Canaveral, Florida

There's no denying that Icon of the Seas has been a smash hit. Building on that momentum, Star of the Seas promises to add to the experience with new dining options and shows. 

For instance, Royal Caribbean is switching the theme of the upscale supper club. Rather than copying and pasting the same old-school NYC experience, the Lincoln Park Supper Club will pay homage to Chicago in the 1930s. Additionally, Pier 7 is being replaced by a new dining concept. There will be an extra hot tub, too! 

Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Star will transport guests to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. All itineraries include a scheduled stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Ahead of her maiden voyage on August 31, Star will embark on short 3- and 4-night showcase sailings starting on August 16, 2025. Ironically, her original inaugural cruise was scheduled for the 17th but was pushed back because of construction delays. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals 21 ways to party, dance, and show on its new Icon Class ship

In celebration of environmental advocacy and sea turtle conservation, Royal Caribbean Group and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have partnered to launch a new awareness campaign. 

Shell Week will run from June 8 (World Oceans Day) through June 16 (World Sea Turtle Day) and is meant to bring ocean lovers of all ages together through interactive digital rewards available in the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises mobile apps. 

One of the highlights of the campaign is a bracket-style Turtle Tournament, where turtles will go head-to-head in daily videos. Participants can view the videos to learn new facts and vote for their favorites. The winning turtle will be crowned on June 16 — World Sea Turtle Day — via social media. 

There's also the Ocean Explorers Club in both the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises apps. Cruisers can find interactive educational content and conservation activities. Plus, there's a chance to earn the special Ocean Explorers virtual badge. 

The best part about this badge? You don't have to sail on a new cruise ship or visit a different region of the world! 

ShellWeek.com is set to go live later this week. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean rolls out badges for every ship you've sailed on

One of the best parts of the new campaign is the chance to win a trip to Florida

Shell Week also features a sweepstakes where one lucky winner will receive a 2-day trip to Florida for two. 

That's not all — at the heart of the experience is a special opportunity to spend a day in the field with a WWF scientist studying sea turtles in their natural habitat.

The heart of the campaign lies in connecting cruisers with Royal Caribbean Group's SEA the Future initiative

The initiative, which launched in 2023, focuses on sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation.

Through the initiative, Royal Caribbean Group helps sustain the planet by improving the company's energy efficiency, treating the water it uses, and keeping waste from reaching landfills. 

Additionally, they hope to inspire future generations, connect with local cultures, and support economic vibrancy. 

The last pillar — accelerating innovation — reflects Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to creating sustainable ship designs and exploring cutting-edge technologies that create best-in-class experiences. 

Everything from the reduction of food waste to water conservation helps the company work toward their goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals behind-the-scenes secret to how cruise ships make their own water

If you've recently been annoyed by a surge of notifications popping up from your Royal Caribbean app, you’re not alone.

Cruisers have reported receiving numerous pop-ups on their devices from the mobile app. However, they don't contain any important information. Rather, they're test notifications filled with placeholder text like "head - test segment 1, subtitles - test segment 1, content - test segment 1." 

The generic phrases ascended sequentially with each push notification, going from "test segment 1" to "test segment 19" within hours. 

Royal Caribbean confirmed they were aware of the pop-ups but didn't say what updates were being made to the mobile app. 

"We're sorry you received pop-ups. Our IT team is doing updates on the app. We've let them know guests are receiving notifications. Sorry about that," Royal Caribbean wrote on X. 

It seems the random notifications finally subsided around 12:30pm EST. 

The random spam of pop-ups left guests confused and irritated

"I thought I was going crazy," CaptGoodvibesNMS commented on a Reddit thread about the glitch, "Now I know it’s RCI losing their marbles."

Another sarcastically wrote, "Make sure you click every single notification, make sure they know we got it."

Amidst the jokes and confusion, others hypothesized as to what the notifications could be related to. 

"Do we think these notification issues are related to booking trouble?" asked one Reddit user. "I put some excursions and a soda package into my cart this morning but was unable to check out — I kept getting a 'cart empty' or 'cart rolled away' message on both the app and website."

One user seemed to agree, as they noted they couldn't log into their Royal Caribbean account during the push notification incident. 

Personally, whenever I clicked on one of the notifications, I was redirected to a webpage to book flights through Royal Caribbean. This could mean they're working on a feature that allows guests to book Air2Sea flights directly on the app. 

Although annoying, the vague notifications resulted in funny memes on social media

The digital hiccup quickly became an inside joke within the cruise community, and forums filled up with sarcastic cracks about the incident.

For example, amishengineer suggested that everyone mark themselves "safe from testing in production," as one might on Facebook after a natural disaster or major event. 

Others joked about the notifications like it was a multi-day all-nighter, mimicking the famous SpongeBob SquarePants meme of Mr. Krabs looking frazzled while keeping the Krusty Krab open 24 hours for days in a row. 

Another user quipped, "boy oh boy i cant wait for [test] 19, really wonder what surprises it holds." 

Royal Caribbean has recently added new features to the app

It seems Royal Caribbean's been playing with its mobile app more than usual lately. Two months ago, they rolled out new app-exclusive badges that denote which ships you've sailed on. 

A little over a month later, they enhanced the feature to include destinations. Different regions of the world that Royal Caribbean ships visit are listed, including Bermuda, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Europe, and Mexico.

Although it's a quirky feature that subtly makes guests want to become repeat cruisers, it doesn't add anything practical to the app experience, which may explain why they're playing with a new functional tool.