I had never heard of Water Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but as soon as I read about this gorgeous island, I knew I wanted to check it out.

I’ve been to St. Thomas more times than I can count, so when I saw that it was a scheduled port of call on my current Symphony of the Seas sailing, I was planning on staying onboard and grinding out some of my work.

That is, however, until I heard about Water Island, a quiet and secluded island off the coast of St. Thomas that's also the smallest of the four U.S. Virgin Islands and only has about 180 full-time residents!

The water ferry

I disembarked around 8:50am and began the ten minute walk to the Crown Bay Marina, which is right outside of the cruise terminal. The ferry sails from Dock D and is located directly next to Tickles Dockside Pub.

I had just missed the 9am departure, so I planned on making myself comfortable for the next hour. I was pleasantly surprised when they did an extra run around 9:40am!

You don’t need to worry about going to a ticket office prior; the $15 roundtrip fare is payable via cash only upon embarkation. I received a hard piece of plastic that was my return ticket, and I really appreciated how it listed all of the departure times!

We departed for Water Island at 9:42am and arrived only ten minutes later. The views of St. Thomas on the way there were breathtaking, and I got to see a (nearly) 360° view of the ship.

Honeymoon beach

When we arrived, we were greeted by a bus driver who was providing free transfers to Honeymoon Beach.

It was a quiet day despite five ships docked in St. Thomas (that means over 17,000 passengers), and there were plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent, as well as complimentary palapa umbrellas.

There wasn’t even any music playing on the beach; it came from excursion boats or the restaurant.

If relaxing on the beach isn’t your vibe, don’t worry! They also offered a variety of different water sport equipment, including paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkel gear, and for the first time in my life, I saw a floating cycling class.

Apparently, you can also pay for a floating picnic table ride for a minimum of $100. Unfortunately, I did not see anyone picnicking in the bay, even when I returned in the afternoon.

You can also rent golf carts to help you navigate the island. They start at $45 per hour, but you can rent one all day for $125. 

Other amenities include a restroom and souvenir store.

The Crossing

After checking out Honeymoon Beach, my plan was to walk (fourteen minutes, according to Google Maps) to Limestone Beach, but I quickly realized that this might not be possible; everyone I saw was riding in a golf cart. The incline of the roads were steep, and there were no trees or buildings to provide any shade.

I did, however, stumble upon the cutest shed called The Crossing, which was probably the highlight of my morning. Outside, you can purchase virgin shaved ice for $5 (they offer twenty different flavors!), beer, wine, hard seltzer, soda, or water.

On a more pleasant day, there’s some outside seating available, which is probably ideal before hopping back onto a golf cart. I can see some major and unfortunate spills happening this way!

To escape the heat, I went inside and checked out the local art that’s available for purchase. I’m regretting not buying one of the stickers that I saw!

After cooling down with a cherry flavored shaved ice, I decided to keep trekking towards Limestone Beach. One local in a golf cart stopped me to tell me that I was heading in the wrong direction and that it wasn’t the best beach to visit because of how rocky it is.

I was also told that Sprat Bay Beach is only accessible to those staying within Sprat Bay Estates. There went my entire plan!

I was still curious as to what the Limestone Beach was like, even if I had to navigate some rocks. After I was pointed in the right direction and kept going for a few minutes, a vacationing couple stopped and asked, “Are you trying to walk this entire island in the heat for fun?”

Fort Segarra

They shared the same sentiments about Limestone Beach and told me I was better off hitching a ride with them and visiting Fort Segarra, an underground fort built during World War II. However, the war ended before it was completed, so the structure was abandoned.

The ride in the golf cart took about five minutes, but it went up a lot of hills and poorly paved roads.

When we walked inside of the fort, we all agreed felt like a horror movie. There were no lights, and giant holes in the floor were covered with wooden planks.

Plus, I could tell that this was a place that people go to party, as there were broken beer bottles everywhere. If you walk all the way through, you’ll find to two gun embankments.

The sweeping views of St. Thomas and the ocean made the journey worth it. There was a picnic table on top of the fort, and I’d highly recommend adding lunch here to any Water Island itinerary.

Lunch at Dinghy's Beach Bar & Grill

After taking in all of the views, the couple planned on giving me a ride back to Honeymoon Beach, where I was planning on grabbing lunch at Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill.

Well, like the rest of my morning, this did not go as planned. We were stopped a little over halfway there by the owner of the golf cart rental company who said that the golf cart was only able to seat two people. Thankfully, she gave me a ride the rest of the way.

The menu felt standard for a beachside joint, with offerings like burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and salads.

Even though I ate a shrimp based appetizer and entree last night for dinner, I opted to order the bang bang shrimp ($16.00), and, of course, their signature frozen cocktail: the creamy dinghy ($11.00). After all, I was at the beach!

It took almost twenty minutes to receive my food after placing the order. Since I technically ordered an appetizer, I wasn’t expecting the portion to be large.

I was served five fried shrimp coated in sauce and garnished with green onions, enough to satisfy me until I returned to the ship!

The shrimp was golden and crispy, though a few pieces were so large that cutting the tails off was difficult; you could barely see them through the fried batter!

I saw a lot of people eating the sandwiches, including some of the HiRO cast members, and I wish I had tried one of them instead.

On the other hand, the creamy dinghy was fantastic! This was my first frozen drink of the cruise, and I was not disappointed. It tasted like a piña colada with a more muted pineapple flavor.

The service at Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill was slow. It took over twenty minutes to receive my bill. This was upsetting because I was hoping to get some time to hangout on the beach before catching the water ferry back to St. Thomas.

Overall thoughts

While I had an adventurous morning on Water Island that allowed me to explore a new place, I think that I would want to rent a golf cart to maximize my time on the beach and see more of the island.

Since I really enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of Honeymoon Beach, I definitely plan on returning in the future!

When Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009, it was the first cruise ship in the world to feature a lush, open-air garden. Named after New York City's Central Park, it's one of seven (or eight, if sailing on the Wonder of the Seas) distinct neighborhoods onboard Oasis Class ships, and despite the concept being over a decade old, it is still one of the most beloved spaces on any cruise ship.

The other neighborhoods are Entertainment Place, the Royal Promenade, Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, Boardwalk, Youth Zone, and the Pool and Sports Zone. Aside from the spa, they all tend to have a more energetic atmosphere, which makes Central Park's peaceful nature stand out.

An upscale public area situated in midship on deck 8, Central Park offers restaurants, high-end shopping, and tons of plants, over 20,700 to be exact (talk about a Royal Caribbean delivering a WOW factor!). It even has more plants than the Great Pavilion Exhibition at the Chelsea Flower Show!

It's a place that makes you wonder if you're actually on a cruise ship. 

However, you’ll never truly forget that you’re on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, as the laughter and music from the pool deck can be heard throughout the day, albeit at a lower volume than the top deck. All three waterslides jet over the edge, and you can look up to see the rushing of water with guests passing through.

Here's why Central Park is my favorite neighborhood onboard the Symphony of the Seas.

A floating garden at sea 

As soon as you walk into Central Park, you are greeted with vine-wrapped metal columns. As you continue along the pathways, you'll hear recordings of birds, crickets, and other animals while you pass tropical foliage, seasonal flowers, shrubs, and a variety of different trees, including young Indian Laurel Figs, Shady Ladies, and Buddhist Pines, all of which are housed in steel decks.

Signage helps to clearly identify the difference species of trees and plants, as well as their scientific botanical names, origins, and other fun facts that might come in handy during trivia one day.

While onboard the Symphony of the Seas, I learned that the Star Jasmine, an evergreen vine originally from China, climbs 40 feet up tree trucks, and Purple Showers are often referred to as “Mexican Petunias” due to the shape of their 5-petal flowers.

Another fun fact is that the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, which is originally from Eastern Asia, can be used as a herbal treatment to provide relief for arthritis because the extracts serve as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

When you reach the middle of the park, you’ll find "green walls" covered in flowering vines and ferns that are five decks, or twenty-five feet, high, as well as beautiful fern-covered trellises (a great photo-op!). 

During the day, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see one of the three horticulturalists maintaining the garden’s plants. On the second day of my seven-day itinerary, I saw two tending to the Croton shrub outside of the Cartier store around 10:30 in the morning. 

What you won’t see, however, is the intricate system of irrigation, fertilization, lighting, and drainage that's required to help sustain such a unique venture. There's even a landscape specialist onboard! 

Onboard "getaway"

If you’re looking to find a place of sanctuary on your cruise, look no further than Central Park.

You won't find many rowdy children hanging out here during the day, as it lacks family-friendly activities, like the pool deck's Splashaway Bay or the Boardwalk's carousel.

Many guests find it to be an ideal place to escape from the crowds and settle down in the plush seating underneath the protruding glass-arched domes with a good book. 4 benched nooks, rocking chairs, and numerous tables are also available. Guests can also play a game or two of chess to test their strategic skills. 

I've also seen passengers playing with a deck of cards!

You're never far away from a cup of coffee or tea to sip on, as the Park Café provides both during their breakfast and lunch services. 

As this was my first work cruise, I found that working in Central Park was a great way to balance getting my assignments done and making sure that I was still getting some of the traditional cruise experience. I didn’t find it as distracting as the Royal Promenade, Boardwalk, or pool deck.

Plus, I was always guaranteed a seat, usually completely to myself. While it would have been nice to type away with some ocean views, I certainly didn't want to spend time scouring for a seat everyday. 

Top-tier dining and bar options, especially at night

You can find many of the specialty dining restaurants onboard in Central Park, including Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian, and 150 Central Park, which provide guests with a more intimate dining experience compared to the Main Dining Room. 

Plus, if the weather permits, you can choose to dine al fresco, which I highly recommend during dinner, as the evening is when Central Park’s true beauty comes out. In the center of the park, the neighborhood is lit up by the pink and blue hues of the Royal Promenade that escape through the raised glass domes, while the sides are lit by street lamps. You can enjoy listening to the relaxing live classical music on the guitar and piano. 

At night, faux candles are places on tables that foster a more upscale, and perhaps romantic, environment, which is complimented by the increased ability to hear animal sounds due to minimal noise from the pool deck. Something on my bucket list is an adults-only date night in one of the speciality restaurants!

Central Park also houses Park Café, one of my favorite complimentary dining options. I love the made-to-order salads and, of course, their infamous roast beef sandwich. I also think they have some of the better quick-service dessert options onboard, like this delicious blueberry streusel cake. 

It’s a great place to grab breakfast, too. I find that it’s much quieter than other breakfast options, like the Windjammer or even Main Dining Room, which sometimes had a 20+ minute wait on my sailing. I also like how they have fewer options than some of the other larger breakfast venues; I have fewer decisions to make before having my morning cup of coffee!

Additionally, there are three distinct bars in Central Park: Trellis Bar, Vintages, and the Rising Tide Bar. Even if you are eating dinner elsewhere, they’re still great places to grab a pre-dinner drink and soak in the nighttime ambiance of the neighborhood. 

Conclusion 

While kids and teens may find Central Park's relaxed atmosphere to be a bit boring compared to the thrills available elsewhere on the ship, it's a great place for adults to escape and "connect" with nature. If you're onboard during a port day, you almost feel as though you are in your own personal oasis! 

Regardless of whether you want to spend extended time in the neighborhood or just walk through on your way from the aft of the ship, Central Park should be be on anyone's list of "things to do" while sailing on an Oasis Class ship.

Royal Caribbean's new main dining room menus are officially here.

Symphony of the Seas is the one of the first cruise ships in the fleet to launch the official new menu following weeks of testing, along with Wonder of the Seas. 

In late 2022, Royal Caribbean began testing new menus onboard the Symphony of the Seas. After receiving positive feedback from guests, they announced that they were going to permanently change the menus on all ships within the fleet.

Royal Caribbean cited the swiftness of service as the primary reason for implementing new menus. Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO, said that guests often complain about the length of dinner service.

In addition to a new design, each night's menu will have a theme: French, Italian, etc. There are still no sugar added and vegan options available, as well as premium selections.

A Maine lobster tail can be purchased for $16.99, Chops Grille filet mignon for $19.99, and surf & turf for $34.99. 

Here's a first look at the new menus onboard the Symphony of the Seas. 

Welcome Aboard

The theme for the first night is "Welcome Aboard," and the cuisine served is American. The menu features some "classics" from the old menu, including the caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, escargots, New York strip steak, spaghetti bolognese, Royal cheesecake, and ice cream. 

All sailings will feature the Welcome Aboard menu on the first evening.

French Night

The dining theme of night two onboard the current Symphony of the Seas sailing is French Night.

It seems as though the primary feedback they received for the menu was in regard to the desserts, as many of them have been updated compared to the sample menu that was tested last month.

Sailings six nights and longer will offer the French Night menu on the first formal night.

Italian Night

All sailings will feature the Italian Night menu on at least one evening.

Caribbean Night

On Caribbean sailings, the Caribbean Night menu comes out on the first evening at a Caribbean port.

Mexican Night

On Mexico sailings, the Mexican Night menu comes out on the first evening at a Mexico port.

The Royal Night

Gone are the days of ordering multiple lobster tails. If you'd like a second, you'll now be charged $16.99 plus 18% gratuity. 

Sailings six nights and longer will offer The Royal Night menu on the second formal night.

Mediterranean Night

British Night

Sailings six nights and longer will offer the British Night menu on at least one evening.

Bon Voyage Night

Sailings six nights and longer will feature the Bon Voyage menu on the final evening

Kids' Menu

The kids' menu is offered every night of the sailing and does not change. 

What's different about the menus?

One change is more of a cohesive theme to each night, with different cuisines and cooking styles highlighted in each day's menu.

Look for themes such as Italian, American, or Caribbean themes, with the chef's featured choices listed at the top of the menu.

Something else guests may notice is the removal of the "classics" section, which offered a subset of menu options that were available each night and never changed. 

Royal Caribbean is also limiting guests to one lobster tail for no additional cost on the evening the broiled lobster is available.

Prior to this change, guests could order unlimited lobster tails, but the realities of the lobster trade forced Royal Caribbean's hand in part.

Royal Caribbean can only buy 90% Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified food, which means that lobster needs to be either farm raised or wild caught. A recent shift in Maine lobster purchasing due to environmental concerns has places like Whole Foods halting the purchase of the items.

As a result, Royal Caribbean has changed to buying Canadian lobster that is still MSC certified.

Importance of guest feedback

It's been a few years since the last time Royal Caribbean refreshed their dining menus, which is why they relied on guest feedback when curating the new menus. 

During the testing phase, they sent a team of six people onboard the Symphony go the Seas who were responsible for conducting in-person meetings with 30-40 passengers per day. In addition, surveys were sent out via email. 

In an exclusive interview, Linken D'Souza, the Global Vice President of Culinary, Dining, & Beverage said, "If there's four or five modifications we can make, we'll iterate and make those changes. If there's a theme that's not working and we're seeing a lot of dissatisfaction on a specific day within the cruise period, we'll review that experience."

A quicker, more consistent dining experience

As previously mentioned, one of the reasons for this change is to decrease the time guests spend in the Main Dining Room.

The company believes that dinner should last around 75 minutes. Prior to the new menus, passengers could spend 95-120+ minutes at dinner. A shorter dinner service allows guests to get enjoy other activities during their cruise vacation. 

If you do not want a faster dining experience, all you have to do is tell your waiter. 

"I think holistically, when you look at both the service experience we create with the theming of nights and then the food that's layered in...you're going to see hotter, fresher, more consistently plated, beautiful food," said Mr. D'Souza. 

When will the new menus be on all ships?

Royal Caribbean expects the new menus to be available on all ships by early February.

The current plan is to begin the new menu deployment in January, and by early February, it should be available on all ships across the fleet.

Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class cruise ships aren't the line's largest or flashiest, but they offer a great value of innovation and comfort for a reasonable price. 

While there aren't as many entertainment and dining options as on Oasis and Icon Class ships, there's a good variety of activities and restaurants, ranging from the three-deck dining room to poolside fish & chips. 

Although Freedom Class ships are no longer the largest in the fleet, they should not be overlooked. Within recent years, Royal Caribbean has invested in upgrading Freedom and Independence of the Seas as part of its Royal Amplified program, adding new features and amenities to the older vessels. 

Liberty of the Seas is set to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2026, too. 

Considering a cruise on one of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class ships? Here's everything you need to know before placing your deposit. 

What are the Freedom Class ships?

Royal Caribbean launched three Freedom Class ships between 2006 and 2008:

• Freedom of the Seas (2006)
• Liberty of the Seas (2007)
• Independence of the Seas (2008)

The size of Freedom Class ships ranges from 154,407 gross registered tons (GRT) to 156,271 GRT. Liberty and Independence of the Seas are 1,112 feet long, while Freedom is one foot shorter, coming in at 1,112 feet in length from bow to stern. 

In comparison, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships, AKA the world's largest cruise ships, measure just shy of 250,000 GRT and are over 1,190 feet long. 

What is there to do on Freedom Class ships?

Freedom Class ships are known for all the fun activities on the top deck, including cantilevered hot tubs, a FlowRider surf simulator, waterslides, adults-only Solarium, a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, Splashaway Bay kids aqua park, a sports court, and, of course, the pools!

Generally speaking, the amenities on the three Freedom Class ships are nearly identical. However, Freedom of the Seas received a new Caribbean-style pool deck in 2020, while Liberty of the Seas is the only cruise ship in the fleet with the Tidal Wave boomerang waterslide. 

Back inside, guests will find Studio B, the cruise line's ice skating rink that transforms into a nightclub once the sun has gone down. It's also home to some of the wildest events on the ship, including the adults-only Crazy Guest game show and Battle of the Sexes. 

In terms of entertainment, the options are more limited than on Oasis and Icon Class ships, which famously have the high diving shows at the AquaTheater. However, between the original production shows, headliner acts, and live music, there’s still no shortage of ways to stay entertained throughout the cruise.

Freedom of the Seas shows

• Royal Theater: "Marquee," "Once Upon a Time"
• Studio B: "Freedom-ice.com"

Liberty of the Seas shows

• Platinum Theater: "Saturday Night Fever — The Musical"
• Studio B: "Encore! An Ice Spectacular"

Independence of the Seas shows

• Royal Theater: "Invitation to Dance," "The Tap Factory"
• Studio B: "Freeze Frame"

Be sure to check the Cruise Compass on the Royal Caribbean app to see when other events, such as parades and dance parties, will take place. 

Additionally, all three Freedom Class ships have Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programming for children, as well as the Royal Babies & Tots nursery program for children between the ages of 6-36 months. The latter has an additional fee, while Adventure Ocean's daytime programming is included in the cruise fare. 

As of November 2025, the late-night Adventure Ocean fee is $15 per hour from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Moreover, the Royal Babies & Tots nursery fees are $9 per hour until 6:00 p.m. and $12 per hour after 6:00 p.m. 

Freedom Class dining

There's no shortage of great dining options on the Freedom Class ships. In addition to the complimentary (included) Main Dining Room and all-you-can-eat Windjammer buffet, there are a variety of specialty (extra-charge) restaurants for guests to enjoy. 

The complimentary restaurants on Freedom Class ships include:

• Main Dining Room
• Sorrento's
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Café Promenade 

The specialty restaurants vary. Although each features the iconic Chops Grille, the rest of the lineup differs by ship. For example, Liberty of the Seas is the only Freedom Class ship with Sabor, a casual Mexican restaurant. However, it is being removed in 2026 as part of the ship's Royal Amplification. 

Here are the specialty restaurants you will find on each Freedom Class ship:

• Chops Grille
• Chef's Table
• Giovanni's Table (Liberty and Independence only)
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen (Freedom only)
• Johnny Rockets
• Sabor (Liberty only)
• Fish & Ships (Independence only)
• Izumi Sushi & Hibachi (Freedom and Independence only)
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (Freedom and Independence only)

Freedom Class cabins

Freedom Class ships have four categories of staterooms: inside, ocean-view, balcony, and suite. The total number of staterooms varies between 1,899 to 1,963. 

All standard staterooms (i.e., inside, ocean-view, and balcony) have the same basic amenities, including an ensuite bathroom, bed, television, mini-fridge, safe, closet space, and outlets. 

Suites come with more benefits, though the suite program on Freedom Class ships is not as robust as Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships. 

Still, while you may not have access to a private restaurant or Royal Genie, all Royal Caribbean suites (excluding Junior Suites) on Freedom Class ships come with double Crown & Anchor Society points, priority embarkation and disembarkation, access to a dedicated suite lounge, and reserved pool deck seating. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Liberty of the Seas' Royal Amplification

Liberty of the Seas' long-awaited Royal Amplification is scheduled to take place in late April and May 2026. 

During the ship's dry dock, new features will be added, while some, including Sabor, will be replaced to make way for newer concepts. 

Highlights of Liberty's Royal Amplification include:

• An expanded casino
• Izumi Teppanyaki (R.I.P. Sabor!)
• Starbucks
• Royal Escape Room
• New staterooms
• El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca
• The Lime & Coconut Bar

Read more: Royal Caribbean will upgrade Liberty of the Seas cruise ship with new restaurants, cabins, and more

Where do Freedom Class ships sail?

Because Freedom Class ships are smaller than Oasis and Icon Class vessels, they tend to offer more unique itineraries, particularly around Europe. However, you can also find shorter voyages to The Bahamas — perfect for first-time sailors, family reunions, and birthday celebrations. 

Here's a breakdown of the Freedom Class deployment schedule through April 2028:

Freedom of the Seas deployment schedule

• November 2025 - April 2027: Miami, Florida (The Bahamas and Caribbean)

Liberty of the Seas deployment schedule

• November 2025 - April 2026: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (The Bahamas)
• May 2026 - October 2026: Southampton, England (Europe)
• October 2026 - April 2028: Galveston, Texas (Western Caribbean)

Independence of the Seas deployment schedule

• November 2025 - April 2026: Miami, Florida (Caribbean)
• April 2026 - October 2026: Cape Liberty, New Jersey (Bermuda, Caribbean, and Canada/New England)
• November 2026 - May 2027: Miami, Florida (Caribbean)
• May 2027 - October 2027: Cape Liberty, New Jersey (Bermuda, Caribbean, and Canada/New England)

Who should sail on a Freedom Class ship?

These days, Freedom Class ships remain popular because of the sheer number of activities they offer onboard, as well as their value. Generally speaking, a cruise on a Freedom Class ship will be more affordable than one on an Oasis or Icon Class vessel. 

Since Freedom Class ships are no longer the newest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, the cruise line tends to price them a bit lower than newer and larger ships.

Despite their age, they offer lots to do for all ages, from the sports court to the ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, mini-golf course, world-class dining, and original entertainment. 

Perhaps the biggest drawback of Freedom Class ships is the lack of the Royal Suite Class program. High-end cruisers may prefer sailing on a ship with a more expansive suite offering, as the Royal Suite Class added perks, better amenities, and a more elevated overall experience. 

For example, Freedom Class ships do not have the Coastal Kitchen suite restaurant. Moreover, if you want a Royal Genie, you'll have to pay extra for the service, even if you're staying in the Royal Suite. 

Freedom Class tips and secrets

The best sailaway spot on any cruise ship can be found on Freedom Class ships. Rather than venturing up to the crowded pool deck, go all the way forward on Deck 4 to the helipad. It's quieter, and you'll get amazing panoramic views as the ship pulls away from port. 

Speaking of views, don't overlook the Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 14. Not only are some of the best events of the ship held here (don't sleep on the Silent Disco!), but during the day, you can enjoy a crafted cocktail and take in the sweeping views of the ship, the ocean's horizon, and the port of call.