Royal Caribbean has had six cruise ships, including the Liberty of the Seas, impacted by Hurricane Erin as she continues to barrel across the Atlantic Ocean. 

Passengers aboard the August 21 sailing on Liberty of the Seas were originally scheduled to visit Bermuda. However, because of the storm's projected path, the ship's call at the Royal Naval Dockyard has been cancelled and replaced with another sea day. 

"Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we've been closely monitoring Hurricane Erin as she continues moving north. While the storm is not expected to directly impact our location, its projected path will pass near our itinerary, generating significantly larger waves ahead of its track," reads an email sent to guests.

"To ensure safe navigation and to provide a more comfortable experience for everyone on board, we'll now enjoy a Sea Day instead of visiting Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda. To help make up for this unexpected change, we'll now arrive in Philipsburg, St. Maarten at 10:00 AM instead of 2:00 PM, and depart at 7:00 PM instead of 8:00 PM."

All pre-paid shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean will be automatically refunded as onboard credit to guests' SeaPass accounts. Any remaining amounts at the end of the cruise will be reimbursed to the card on file within 14 business days.

Liberty of the Seas' August 16 cruise was impacted, too. Like the latter sailing, Liberty's scheduled call to Bermuda was cancelled to avoid cruising through the rough Atlantic waters. Instead, the ship headed north to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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

Other Royal Caribbean cruisers have also faced disappointment from cancelled ports

Vision of the Seas was the first cruise ship to have its itinerary changed because of the massive storm. At the time, it wasn't clear where then-Tropical Storm Erin would go, but it was fairly certain that it would head north. 

As such, guests on the August 14 sailing from Baltimore, Maryland, were informed that instead of calling at the Royal Naval Dockyard, they'd visit Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship was also able to arrive in Nassau, Bahamas, 6 hours earlier than planned.  

Moving on, Symphony of the Seas' August 17 cruise from Cape Bayonne, New Jersey, had its scheduled stop in Nassau on August 20 cancelled. According to Cruise Mapper, the ship is spending another day at sea and closely hugging the Florida coastline. 

(Credit: Cruise Mapper)

Utopia of the Seas faced a similar fate. Utopia was unable to visit Nassau on August 19. And, like Symphony of the Seas, she had an extra day at sea. 

Likewise, Harmony of the Seas could not call at Royal Caribbean's private island on her current 8-night cruise from Texas. Rather than visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay on August 19, the ship spent an extra day at sea. Her next scheduled port is Costa Maya, Mexico, on August 21. 

Finally, Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas returned to Miami, Florida, roughly 12 hours earlier than planned on Friday, August 17. The following cruise that departed on the 18th set sail directly for Nassau, rather than spending the day at sea. 

Read more: Here's What Happens If There's A Hurricane During Your Cruise

Hurricane Erin is the first major cruise disruption of the season

Up until mid-August, the Atlantic hurricane season had been pretty slow. One day, out of curiosity, I asked my boss if he thought the quiet streak would last, to which he replied that August 15 is like a "magic switch." 

As Hurricane Erin continued to gain strength, the storm forced cruise lines to make last-minute adjustments, starting with Vision of the Seas. 

Although Hurricane Erin has moved out of the Caribbean (after days of 130mph winds, torrential rainfall, and tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans without power), her impacts on the East Coast are still being felt.

Read more: With an ‘above normal’ hurricane season forecast, check these 5 things in your travel insurance policy

North Carolina, for example, is bracing for up to 4 feet of life-threatening storm surge along parts of the Outer Banks. 

Moreover, New York City's beaches are closed to swimming on Wednesday and Thursday due to powerful rip currents.

As of 2:00pm EDT on Wednesday, August 20, Hurricane Erin was moving north at 13mph with maximum sustained winds of 110mph, making it a Category 2 storm. 

Celebrity Cruises announced that its highly anticipated European river cruises will open for deposits on September 3, 2025. Sailings start in 2027 on the Danube and Rhine Rivers. 

Guests who place a $500 deposit will get early access to Celebrity's river cruises ahead of the general public. The deposits can be booked starting at 9:00am EDT on September 3, 2025. They're fully refundable. 

The reason that those with deposits will earn special access is due to the demand for the new cruise product. It's the first time a mainstream cruise line will launch river cruises. 

"There's an avalanche of demand," Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told Seatrade Cruise News. 

The cruise fares will be all-inclusive, so guests won't have to worry about paying extra for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, and other onboard experiences. This differs from their traditional ocean cruises but is similar to their sailings aboard Celebrity Flora in the Galapagos. 

Additionally, cruisers have the option to add a pre- or post-cruise stay in Prague and Budapest when Celebrity's river cruises open for booking. 

"We are excited to offer guests the chance to experience the first-ever Celebrity River Cruises vacations in 2027 with Priority Booking Access," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises.

"Guests will enjoy the warm hospitality Celebrity is known for, on innovative ships, with land experiences unlike any other, as we set sail on Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers."

There are a few ways to place a deposit, such as by visiting celebritycruises.com/river or calling Celebrity River Cruises at 1-833-474-8803. You can also visit Future Cruise on board or contact a trusted travel advisor. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Group had such a good year that Celebrity Cruises will start offering river cruises in 2027

Celebrity ordered 10 river ships

According to Celebrity, each ship will hold about 180 passengers and will be designed to look like the cruise line's award-winning Edge Class vessels. 

Celebrity Edge was revolutionary for the cruise industry when she launched in 2019. Since then, each of the Edge Class ships has continued to focus on connecting guests to the ocean with their outward-facing designs and innovative features like the cantilevered Magic Carpet.

Celebrity's newest Edge Class ship, Celebrity Xcel, is launching this November. 

Read more: 10 New river cruise ships ordered for Celebrity Cruises – what we know so far

Half of Celebrity's guests have already sailed or plan on sailing on a river cruise

Although Celebrity already focuses on offering world cruises to places like the South Pacific, Asia, and Europe, there are only so many ports of call that can accommodate Celebrity's smallest Millennium Class ships. 

As such, Celebrity's smaller river ships will invite guests to experience some of Europe's culturally and historically significant cities that can't be accessed by ocean vessels. 

River cruises also tend to be more immersive than traditional cruises, which means that guests can look forward to more cultural enrichment, trying local cuisine, and venturing on unique excursions. 

The world's second Icon Class ship is ready to make her grand debut in Florida.

Following in the footsteps of Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas joins Royal Caribbean's fleet as one of the largest cruise ships in the world. 

Onboard, guests will find everything from a record-breaking water park to one-of-a-kind entertainment options, unique dining options, and well-appointed staterooms. 

Whether you're counting down the days until your Caribbean cruise on Star of the Seas or are in awe at how cruise ships continue to push the boundaries of innovation at sea, there's no denying that Star's debut is a major milestone. 

Star of the Seas size

Star of the Seas is a massive cruise ship, measuring 1,196 feet long and 219 feet wide. At 248,663 gross registered tons with a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600, she's about 5% larger than Utopia of the Seas. 

It will be a long time until the Icon Class sisters are dethroned as the world's largest cruise ships. To put that into perspective, Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class debuted in 2008, and Oasis vessels held the record for over 15 years until 2024. 

Royal Caribbean loved making each Oasis Class ship slightly larger than the last. However, they've stepped back from that practice with Icon and Star of the Seas. 

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

Now, they're more focused on creating the best family vacations. "[The size has] never been a focus for us. The world's best family vacation was never about size for us. It still isn't," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, in 2024. 

As such, there are some noticeable differences between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. After Icon's launch, Royal Caribbean took guest feedback and made a few tweaks to Star. 

What's new and different onboard Star of the Seas

Generally speaking, the structural bones of Star of the Seas are nearly identical to Icon. The layout and separate neighborhoods remain, but there are new dining and entertainment options, as well as refreshed public spaces to better appeal to the line's target audience. 

Starting with entertainment, you can expect at least 3 new shows, including the highly anticipated Back to the Future: The Musical. There will also be a new high-diving spectacle in the Aquatheater (Torque) and an ice skating show in Absolute Zero (Sol). 

Like with all theater shows aboard Royal Caribbean ships, Back to the Future: The Musical, Torque, and Sol are included in the cost of the cruise fare for all guests.

Read more: What's new and different on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas

Moving on to one of the most important aspects of a great cruise vacation (the food), Royal Caribbean has redesigned the specialty supper club, as well as changed a few of the food stalls in the AquaDome Market. 

Instead of the Empire Supper Club (themed after none other than The Big Apple!), the Lincoln Park Supper Club will feature a Chicago-inspired theme. As such, the cocktails, menu, and music at the $200-per-person specialty restaurant reflect the spirit of Chicago. 

There are new complimentary options in the AquaDome food hall, too. Three stalls were swapped to bring new flavors and dishes to the high seas — Pig Out BBQ, Mai Thai, and La Cocinita replaced GNGR, Mac's, and Toast & Garden.

Throughout the ship, guests may also notice new bar menus. Aside from the fleetwide menu going to all vessels, the pub has a new menu, along with new non-alcoholic frozen drink machines at The Lime and Coconut and a new Painchiller dispenser. 

Outside, not much has changed. Unless, that is, you venture down to Surfside, the play-all-day neighborhood designed for families. 

Compared to Icon, the Splashaway Bay aqua park and Playscape received new features and more interactive play elements. The Water's Edge pool is more kid-friendly, too. 

There's also one extra hot tub near the entrance to the AquaDome Market. The hot tub was initally supposed to be on Icon of the Seas, but it was removed over weight concerns. 

When Royal Caribbean reevaluated the design, they discovered it wasn't necessary to remove it. As such, it was added to Star of the Seas' design plans early on. 

Finally, while there are no new innovations (such as an extra water slide), Star of the Seas is the only ship in the fleet to feature robotic vacuum cleaners. 

28 different stateroom categories 

Royal Caribbean built Star of the Seas to cater to families. As such, over 80% of the cabins onboard can accommodate three or more guests. Not only that, but 70% of all rooms will feature a private balcony. 

Cabins exclusive to Icon Class ships include:

• Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony
• Infinite Ocean View Balcony
• Infinite Central Park View Balcony
• Surfside Family View Balcony
• Surfside Family View Interior
• Interior Plus
• Sunset Junior Suite
• Surfside Family Suite
• Infinite Grand Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Sunset Corner Suite
• Icon Loft
• Ultimate Family Townhouse

Countless dining options

It's impossible to go hungry on Star of the Seas. Between the complimentary and specialty venues, there's something to satisfy all cravings. 

That said, you must be aware of which restaurants will cost you extra while on the ship. You can go the entire week without splurging on a specialty meal, but it's easy to be tempted by the restaurants' unique menus and atmosphere. 

Complimentary restaurants

You'll find 14 complimentary dining venues on Star of the Seas, including Sprinkles and the two suite-only restaurants: 

• Surfside Bites
• Surfside Eatery
• AquaDome Market
• Main Dining Room
• Coastal Kitchen (for those staying in suites)
• The Grove (for those staying in suites)
• Basecamp
• Sorrento's
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe (with a few exceptions)
• Sprinkles
• Pearl Café (with a few exceptions)
• Park Cafe
• Windjammer Marketplace

Specialty restaurants

14 venues onboard Star of the Seas come with an additional charge:

• Hooked Seafood
• Lincoln Park Supper Club
• Celebration Table
• Chops Grille
• Chef's Table
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Izumi in the Park
• Sugar Beach
• Desserted
• Playmaker's
• Pier 7
• Starbucks
• Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
• Trellis Bar (bar bites)

Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, through at least April 2027

Star of the Seas will offer 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Nearly every sailing will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. The one (current) exception is the May 3, 2026, cruise, which lists St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Haiti as its three ports of call. 

Before arriving in Port Canaveral on Aug. 9, Royal Caribbean invited media and influencers on board for a quick 3-night preview sailing from Ponce, Puerto Rico. 

Star of the Seas' official inaugural cruise will depart on Aug. 31 and sail to CocoCay, Roatán, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. 

However, the ship will embark on a series of short preview cruises beforehand, as the vessel's construction finished ahead of schedule. The first will depart on Aug. 16, 2025. 

The newest Icon Class ship was delivered to Royal Caribbean in July 2025

Construction of the brand-new vessel took over 730 days. The delivery was met with a celebration attended by cruise line executives, crew members, and shipyard employees in Finland.

Even though Meyer Turku's time with Star has come to an end, they're hard at work building Legend of the Seas. Legend of the Seas will sail out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following her inaugural debut in Europe in 2026. 

The passenger who was injured riding one of the water slides on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas plans to sue the cruise line for compensation. 

(Credit: @nowimtraveling [right])

The unidentified guest hired Alex Perez of Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., according to Local 10. Perez confirmed that his client suffered injuries after the acrylic glass on the Frightening Bolt slide broke on Aug. 7, 2025. 

The Frightening Bolt is the largest drop slide at sea. Its height of 46 feet and trapdoor launch make it one of the more extreme attractions on a cruise ship. 

Although the cruiser didn't fall through the gaping hole, other passengers reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands."

(Credit: @aaron.dv02 [left] / @fireal7 [right])

Videos and pictures began circulating on social media after the incident, showing the gushing water soaking the lounge chairs on Deck 15. 

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the guest received medical assistance and that the slide will remain closed until the company completes its investigation and makes repairs.

"Our firm has decades of experience handling cruise passenger injury cases, and unfortunately, incidents involving material or design failures aboard cruise ships are something we see far too often," stated Perez. 

(Credit: @maddietspmo [left] / @natalya.ash [right])

"Cruise ships have a responsibility to ensure that the attractions they open and encourage passengers to use are safe. We are thankful for the trust this family has placed in us to represent them."

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. is a leading maritime and cruise passenger injury law firm. They have a proven success record, according to their website. They have recovered over $500 million for their clients and won more than 3,000 cases. Combined, their team has over 200 years of experience. 

Read more: Cruise ship water slide breaks on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, passenger injured

Royal Caribbean isn't sure when the Frightening Bolt slide will reopen

"The company has not provided a timeline for reopening and is investigating whether the failure was due to a manufacturing defect, installation issue, or an unexpected impact," Royal Caribbean told UNILAD. 

However, the other slides at the Category 6 Waterpark remain operational, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge.

That said, Royal Caribbean shut down the Frightening Bolt on Star of the Seas following the accident on Icon out of an abundance of caution. One of the crew members said that it will remain closed until they can conduct a thorough inspection. 

Star of the Seas is set to embark on a series of short preview cruises beginning on Aug. 16. Her official maiden voyage is scheduled for Aug. 31. The 7-night cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Costa Maya, Roatán, and Cozumel. 

Read more: Spotted: Water slide closed on new Royal Caribbean ship after accident involving passenger on Icon of the Seas

It's hard to believe that a beloved film that was once rejected by Disney has made its way to the high seas. 

Royal Caribbean is bringing the musical version of the 1985 Back to the Future film to its cruise ship. Today, it's a cultural phenomenon, but it almost never happened.

Speaking onboard Star of the Seas, co-writer Bob Gale shared the story of the movie was pitched to movie executives.

The pitch was turned down over 40 times, with studios claiming that the story was too lighthearted for such a serious sci-fi premise. 

Even after the seemingly constant rejection, Oscar-winning director Robert Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale decided to take the pitch to Disney, where they received perhaps the harshest criticism of all. 

"Think they would make a movie about incest? You've got the kid and his mom in a car. Get out of here!" Gale recalled during a panel aboard Star of the Seas, the first-ever cruise ship to bring Back to the Future: The Musical to life at sea. 

It wasn't until Zemeckis worked on the 1984 hit movie Romancing the Stone that revisiting Back to the Future became possible. 

"Everybody in town did want to be in business with [Zemeckis]," Gale said, "And they said, 'Bob, what movie do you want to make?'... And all this time, there was one guy who always liked the script. His name was Steven Spielberg." 

Spielberg was already a powerhouse in Hollywood and had previously worked with Gale three times on the films I Want to Hold Your Hand (1978), 1941 (1979), and Used Cars (1980).  

Initially, Gale was worried that if Back to the Future tanked, he'd never be able to work with Spielberg again. But with the success of Zemeckis's Romancing the Stone, everything changed.

"Steven had just set up Amblin Entertainment on the Universal lot, and we became the first movie to be produced out of Amblin Entertainment. We got set up in 1984. And the rest, as they say, is history," Gale explained. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add Back to the Future musical to its next new cruise ship

That history wasn’t made without a few bumps along the road

Even after the film was greenlit, Gale and Zemeckis faced a series of challenges, starting with casting for the lead role of Marty McFly. 

"The president of the studio insisted that we cast Eric Stoltz to play Marty McFly. We could not get Michael J. Fox out of his TV series Family Ties. And so you know, when the president of the corporation tells you [that] you got to do something, you do it."

Still, they realized Stoltz wasn’t the right fit for the role, and they eventually let him go to cast Fox. 

Origins of Back to the Future: The Musical

According to Gale, Zemeckis and his wife saw The Producers on Broadway, which inspired his wife to suggest creating a stage adaptation of Back to the Future.

They had already finished Back to the Future II and Back to the Future III and were adamant about not creating a prequel or spinoffs. As such, Zemeckis and Gale leaned into the idea of a musical adaptation. 

"We thought if we did a theatrical musical that would be a way of giving the public more Back to the Future, but in a way that didn't disturb...the canon of the trilogy," he said. 

First, they called Alan Silvestri, who composed the music for the movies. Then, they reached out to Glen Ballard, a Grammy-winning songwriter who had previously worked with Silvestri on songs for The Polar Express. 

After a few weeks, Silvestri and Ballard came back with some songs, and the team knew they had something great in the works. 

"Now, it took us...four years from when we thought of the idea of doing Back to the Future to when we finally got it made, and ten years after that, all three movies were made," stated Gale. 

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

Comparatively, ten years after thinking about the musical adaptation, they still didn't have a director. Colin Ingram was the only producer they had met who thought it was a smart idea. 

However, once they got John Rando onboard, everything fell into place, including figuring out how to bring the DeLorean to the stage. 

"So here we are, now on a cruise ship. If the Me of today could travel back in time to August, September 1980, when Bob Zemeckis and I were struggling to write this script and said, 'Do you know guys know where this story is going to go? Do you know where you're going to be in the year 2025? You're going to be on a cruise ship in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.' Bob and I would have called security and said, 'We've got a lunatic in our office. Get him the heck out of here,'" he joked. 

An unidentified male passenger was injured on a water slide aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships.

(Credit: @aaron.dv02 [left] / @fireal7 [right])

The Frightening Bolt is one of six water slides at Category 6, a record-breaking waterpark on Icon of the Seas. At 46 feet tall, it's famous for being the biggest drop slide at sea, as well as its trapdoor launch, which makes it one of the more extreme attractions on a cruise ship.

Typically, the Category 6 Waterpark is a major draw for guests. However, on Thursday, August 7, one adult male was injured while riding the Frightening Bolt after an acrylic glass panel broke off.

Thankfully, he didn't fall through the hole. Instead, passengers reported seeing "skin laceration injuries from his legs to his hands." 

(Credit: @maddietspmo [left] / @natalya.ash [right])

That said, videos and photos shared on social media show water forcefully gushing through the opening where the panel broke, spraying the chairs overlooking the Hideaway and wake. Consequently, Deck 15 was closed following the accident to prevent further injuries and allow crew members to assess the damage. 

"Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Cruise Hive. 

With the Frightening Bolt closed, guests aboard Icon can still ride 5 other slides, including the Pressure Drop, Storm Chasers, Hurricane Hunter, and Storm Surge. 

Are water slides on cruise ships safe?

Generally speaking, the number of water slide-related accidents on cruise ships is rare. Cruise lines heavily invest in regular maintenance and safety inspections to make sure that they're operating smoothly. 

In fact, when I sailed aboard Icon of the Seas in April 2025, the Frightening Bolt was frequently closed for maintenance, and there were no issues when it was operational.

Still, as with any thrill ride, there's always a level of inherent risk. Whether it's a water slide, zip line, rock climbing wall, or ice skating rink, passengers should follow the posted safety instructions, including height and weight restrictions. It's also important to listen to crew members. 

Although the recent accident on the Frightening Bolt on Icon of the Seas was unfortunate, it's an isolated case. Thousands of guests enjoy these water slides safely every year. 

Royal Caribbean won't reopen the Frightening Bolt until it has been repaired and undergone rigorous testing to ensure it is ready to safely operate again. As such, it could be closed for an extra sailing or two. The next cruise departs on Aug. 9. 

The incident is causing some to rethink cruise ship water slides

"You know what doesn't cause me to plummet to my death? The adult pool. That's where I live," wrote one Reddit user.

Another added, "Went on [the Frightening Bolt] last summer and am also a grown man. Going on Star later this year, guess I won't be going on it...then."

"[W]hats most concerning to me is that the icon isn't even 2-3 years old and coupled in with the engine fire it had last year alongside the constant propulsion issues and other problems [it's] seriously making me reconsider sailing with royal," someone else chimed in. 

Icon of the Seas is currently on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

The 248,663 gross registered ton vessel departed Miami, Florida, on Aug. 2 and is scheduled to return on Aug. 9. 

The incident didn't cause any changes to the itinerary. According to Cruise Mapper, Icon of the Seas is docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay (as of 7:40AM EST), alongside Oasis of the Seas. 

Other ports of call on the itinerary included St. Maarten and St. Thomas. 

Royal Caribbean has revamped its fleet-wide drink menu. 

The base menu for cocktails, low-alcohol, and zero-proof drinks has been updated across all 29 of its ships, placing a greater emphasis on non-alcoholic beverages. It was introduced on Star of the Seas during a special media preview on August 7, 2025. 

Your favorite vacation cocktails, such as piña coladas, daiquiris, and mojitos, are still available. However, this menu refresh introduces a wider variety of craft cocktails and mocktails for those who might be interested in trying something different. 

This new menu will be available at all bars and lounges that don't have a specialized menu of their own, including the Schooner Bar, Boleros, and the Viking Crown Lounge. 

The biggest change is a greater emphasis on non-alcoholic drinks. This isn't necessarily a new trend. When Icon of the Seas launched in 2024, the cruise line crafted a dedicated menu for zero-proof drinks. And no, they are not just virgin versions of cocktails.

"We really took the time to curate them as standalone drinks without alcohol and really look at blending flavors that work together versus a stock virgin daiquiri that is just an alcoholic drink we’ve taken the alcohol out of. We didn’t even consider putting alcohol in these as we put them together," said Ed Eiswirth, Royal Caribbean's Director of Beverage Operations.

You'll still find the basics like soda, energy drinks, juice, and water, but the refreshed menu also features more handcrafted zero-proof beverages:

• Mule Kickback
• Espresso No-Tini
• Peach Perfect
• Lush Life
• Mai Spice

Whether you're sober or simply want to limit your alcohol intake, these new drinks can be great alternatives without feeling like you're restricting yourself:

• Yuzu Sunrise
• All Aboard Spritz
• Watermelon Mint Lemonade
• Passionista
• Crave the Wave

• Coconut Lime Refresher
• Tropical Crush
• Passion Starlight
• Tiger's Tale
• Berry Press
• Berry Necessary 

Additionally, there's more than one non-alcoholic beer and wine. There are also four Blind Tiger spirit-free sparkling mocktails: Lavender French 75, Side Car Mimosa, and Southside Mogito. 

The same "Taste of the Caribbean" drinks are available, including the Painkiller, Dark 'N Stormy, Goombay Smash, Planter's Punch, Papa Jac, and Rum Punch. 

Although the drinks remain the same, the menu features a refreshed design; the map-inspired layout wasn't completely replaced. 

The "Light & Lively" drinks include:

• Pineapple Guava Sangria
• Scarlett's Tropical Sangria
• Tropic Like It's Hot
• Make Me Blush
• Demure Paloma
• Botanical Breeze

The list of "Crisp & Refreshing" drinks is as follows:

• Love Story
• Berried Treasure
• Handcrafted Margarita
• Yuzu the One
• Curaçao Cosmo
• Cozumel Sunrise
• Cool as a Cucumber
• Strawberry Blonde

"Strong & Sprited" drinks are crafted for those who prefer a bold cocktail:

• Passion Spritz
• Blackberry Lemon Drop
• 'Rol and Rye
• Teqkil-Ya Zombie
• Kentucky Summer

Beer lovers, don't worry — there are still plenty to choose from. Still, some may find the selection lacking compared to bars on land:

• Blue Moon Belgian White
• Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic Belgian White
• Bud Light
• Budweiser
• Coors Light
• Corona Extra
• Dos Equis
• Foster's Oil Can
• Heineken
• Heineken 0.0 (Non-Alcoholic)
• Michelob Ultra
• Miller Lite
• New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA
• Paulaner Weissbier
• Red Stripe
• Sam Adams Non-Alcoholic Just the Haze IPA
• Stella Artois
• Stone Delicious IPA (Gluten-Reduced)
• Angry Orchard Hard Cider
• Strongbow Hard Cider
• Truly Hard Seltzer (Wild Berry or Strawberry Lemonade)
• Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea
• White Claw Hard Seltzer (Mango)
• Blind Tiger Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Mocktail

You will also find a selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle. Not all wines are available by the glass, but there are various brands from regions around the world. They also have red, white, and sparkling options.

There are several non-alcoholic wines, too:

• Natuero Sparkling (Spain)
• Cero Coma Blanco (Spain)
• Ariel Chardonnay (California)
• Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
• Naturero Syrah (Spain)

If you purchase a bottle of wine, you can bring it to any bar, restaurant, or even back to your cabin to enjoy; you don't have to finish it in one sitting. 

Finally, there's an impressive selection of spirits for those looking for a quick shot or liquor served neat:

• Vodka
• Rum
• Gin
• Tequila (over 15 kinds!)
• Mezcal
• Scotch
• Cognac
• Whiskey & Bourbon
• Apértif
• Liqueur 

Utopia of the Seas has cabins for all types of cruisers. Budget-friendly sailors can book affordable interior staterooms, while those with a larger budget can splurge on a luxurious suite within the Royal Suite Class. 

One such suite is the Owner's Suite. Although it isn't the two-story Ultimate Family Suite, it delivers an elevated cruise experience with access to the suite-only Coastal Kitchen dining room, a spacious private balcony, exclusive sun deck, upgraded bathroom, and more. 

Charlie Cartwright shared photos of his Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. While onboard, Cartwright stayed in cabin #18218. This particular stateroom is located all the way aft on Deck 18, just steps from the suite-only sun deck. It's also one deck above the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and the Suite Lounge. 

Pricing varies, but you can expect to spend over $2,000 per person on an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas. For example, the cost for two people in an Owner's Suite on Utopia's 3-night Feb. 6, 2026 departure costs $6,020. 

Here's a photo tour of a 1-Bedroom Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. 

Spacious living area

Measuring over 860 square feet, the Owner's Suite isn't a cramped stateroom. Instead, it offers ample room to relax and entertain, featuring a separate living room, a large bedroom with a plush bed, a private balcony, and an upgraded bathroom. 

In addition to a sofa and chairs, the living area has a dining table, which is nice for when you want to enjoy meals or snacks in your stateroom. 

The living area also acts as a second bedroom with a convertible double sofa bed, allowing up to four guests to stay in the suite. Thanks to the twice-daily service, it's easy for the bed to be set up at night and neatly tucked away in the morning, so you don't lose the space's functionality.

The cabin also features an impressive wet bar, complete with a coffee machine and mini-fridge (though it does not come fully stocked). This makes it easy to wake up, brew a fresh cup of coffee, and enjoy the sunrise from the balcony. 

Natural light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows and door that open up to the Owner's Suite private verandah. 

Compared to standard balconies, the suite's verandah offers significantly more space. In fact, it measures over 225 square feet, whereas a standard ocean-view balcony comes in at around 50 square feet. 

Not only does the balcony have comfortable loungers for watching the scenery, but there's another dining table. 

This helps bring the living area outside, making it a great place to gather for a pre-dinner drink or morning breakfast with your family. 

Private bedroom

Although the bedroom is separated from the main living area of the suite, guests don't have to miss out on the spectacular views. The large windows open up to the spacious verandah, rather than hiding passengers away in a dark room. 

The furnishings are a major upgrade compared to standard staterooms, too. The nightstands, for example, have marble tops and plenty of charging ports. The stylish headboard and ambient lighting help further distinguish the Owner's Suite from a standard cruise cabin. 

However, one of the highlights of the suite is the spacious bathroom. Outfitted with a double vanity, soaking tub, shower, bidet, and ample storage, you won't have to worry about fighting for counter space when getting ready in the morning or freshening up before dinner. 

The soaking tub is a nice touch for families with children, too. It's much easier to bathe a younger kid in the tub than to try to use the standing shower. 

Compared to some other suites (like the Royal Loft Suite), the bathroom does not have any natural light. It's the only bathroom in the cabin, too. There isn't an extra half-bathroom.

Still, all the upgraded features (namely the two sinks and luxurious tub) make the Owner's Suite's singular bathroom a step above standard cabins. 

What perks come with an Owner's Suite on Utopia of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class is comprised of three different tiers: Sea, Sky, and Star. The Owner's Suite falls within the middle Sky tier. As such, it comes with more benefits than regular cabins but not as many as the larger suites onboard (i.e., the Star Class suites). 

Perks for the Sky Class Owner's Suite include:

• Concierge Service
• All-Day Access to Coastal Kitchen
• Flexible Arrival Boarding & Priority Departure
• Access to the Suite Sun Deck
• Plush Bathrobes
• Luxury Pillow Top Mattress and Linens
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lazazza Espresso Coffee Machine
• Specialty Bottled Water (Upon Arrival)
• Priority Dining Reservations
• Suite Lounge Access (Complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and Cocktails Each Evening)
• One VOOM Wi-Fi Package Per Person

One notable exclusion is that Sky Class suites do not include a drink package. However, complimentary drinks are available in the Suite Lounge. 

Despite heightening concerns over flooding in Juneau, Alaska, you shouldn’t cancel your glacier excursion just yet.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipates that Mendenhall Lake in Juneau, Alaska, will flood sometime in the next 2-3 weeks. 

An update on Travel Juneau's Facebook page shared that officials are monitoring "the potential for a glacial lake outburst, similar to those experienced over the last two years."

Should the water levels rise, local authorities will close all lakeside trails and roads adjacent to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. The Mendenhall Campground will also be closed and evacuated. 

Until then, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center will remain open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, Sunday through Friday. 

As of Monday, July 28, 2025, the current height of the Suicide Basin, an over-deepened bedrock basin located approximately 1.8 miles up the Mendenhall Glacier, was 1,317ft. Comparatively, the basin's height in 2024 was 1,357ft, while it was 1,401ft in 2023. 

The NOAA released that the basin was rising roughly 3 feet per day and is expected to reach its capacity of 1,368ft in mid-August. The storage capacity of Suicide Basin varies due to ongoing changes in the Mendenhall Glacier, including ice melting and calving. 

Read more: Alaska Cruises on Royal Caribbean: Everything You Need to Know

Suicide Basin plays an important role in the formation of recurring glacial lake outburst floods because Mendenhall Glacier acts as a dam that allows water to build up in the basin. 

A glacier outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water from a glacier lake and is often caused by the failure of a natural dam (like ice, rock, or moraine) that holds back the lake's water. It can result in a sudden and potentially catastrophic flood downstream.

Scientists monitor these changes using elevation models, drones, and satellite imagery. 

No immediate cause for concern

"This is a routine precautionary update that happens every summer as part of NOAA's glacier monitoring," LaDonna Rose, an Alaskan fisherwoman, cookbook author, and self-proclaimed lover of salmon, shared in a recent comment on the Alaska Cruise Excursions and Packing List 2025 - 2026 Facebook group.

"If there is ever a risk of a lake outburst, tours and trails in the area are temporarily closed as a safety measure and reopened once everything is cleared. This is not something to be alarmed about, it's a natural part of how they monitor glacier activity each season," she added. 

Although cruise passengers should remain aware of the potential for a glacier outburst, they shouldn't be alarmed. Any closures will be communicated, particularly if they impact paid shore excursions to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. 

"No need to stress, this is just Juneau being Juneau and they're used to keeping visitors safe and informed," Rose said. 

Read more: 25 Alaska cruise tips to follow in 2025

Suicide Basin experienced record-level flooding on August 6, 2024

Although Suicide Basin has flooded annually since 2011, it's impossible to predict the exact timing of the GLOF. However, the flooding reached record levels in 2024, damaging at least 100 homes and cars. 

According to the NOAA, the Mendenhall River gauge crested at 15.99 feet on August 6, 2024. This exceeded the previous record of 14.97 feet set in 2023. 

At the peak of the event, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauge at Mendenhall River recorded a streamflow exceeding 33,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which was more than 8,000 cfs higher than 2023's levels.

Early estimates also revealed that 14.6 billion gallons of water were released from the Suicide Basin. That's enough water to fill more than 22,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Because the basin isn't as full as it was in 2024, any potential flooding this year might not be as catastrophic. That said, every GLOF is unique, and conditions can quickly change. 

Things to do in Juneau other than go to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Should your plans be disrupted due to the closure of the visitor center, there are plenty of other things to do in Juneau, Alaska. 

You can, for example, stroll the streets of the downtown area. It's kept many of the facades that make you feel as though you're walking through a Gold Rush mining town. It is home to popular restaurants and bars, too. These include the Red Dog Saloon and Tracy's King Crab Shack — a must if you want to try fresh crab.

You will also want to browse the shops to look for unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, jewelry, and locally made art. 

The Mount Roberts Tramway is another popular attraction that whisks you 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts, where you'll find panoramic views of Juneau, hiking trails, and more. 

If you want to be a little less active, consider a whale-watching cruise departing from the nearby Auke Bay. You never know what wildlife you will spot, from humpback whales to sea lions. 

Read more: Alaska shore excursions you can book without breaking your budget

We've all heard stories of cruisers lucky enough to earn free drinks and cruises just by gambling in the casino, but have you ever wondered what it took to walk off the ship with a complimentary cruise?

Chris Wong, a crew member who has worked with Royal Caribbean for over five years, recently broke down how the cruise line's Casino Royale rewards program works. 

In a video shared on Wong's popular YouTube channel, he gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at his daily responsibilities as a Casino Host on Allure of the Seas. 

He also shared what players need to know about the Casino Royale program, from how to earn points to what promotions are available during the casino's operating hours and what kinds of perks serious gamblers can expect. 

The Casino Royale program rewards players based on how much they gamble

Royal Caribbean's casino rewards program, which is entirely separate from the Crown & Anchor Society, is comprised of four tiers: Choice, Prime, Signature, and Masters. 

Cruisers' Crown & Anchor Society status is determined by how many nights guests have spent on Royal Caribbean ships. However, Casino Royale status is based solely on how much a guest gambles in the casino within a calendar year, which runs from April 1 to March 31. In other words, status isn't lifetime and must be earned annually.

According to Wong, there aren't any worthwhile benefits for entry-level members in the Choice tier. 

As such, most players strive to reach Prime (2,500 points). The main perks are free drinks in the casino while playing, as well as a waived 5% convenience fee for table game buy-ins with SeaPass cards. Prime cruisers also get one complimentary cruise per year in an interior stateroom. 

The next tier, Signature, requires 25,000 points. Wong says that one of the best benefits of this status level is that cruisers get one free VOOM Wi-Fi package per sailing, regardless of length. 

Additionally, the annual complimentary cruise cabin category is upgraded to a balcony. 

Read more: I got a free cruise from Royal Caribbean's casino. It was the perfect price, but I wish I had a window

Finally, Masters is the highest tier within the Casino Royale program, reserved for players who earn 100,000 points or more.

This level unlocks the most exclusive perks, including a complimentary cruise in a Grand Suite, priority access to the terminal on embarkation day, two VOOM Wi-Fi packages, dinner in the Coastal Kitchen suite restaurant, and more. 

Earning points on slot machines is more straightforward than on table games. Every $5 on a slot machine earns one casino point. However, the points earned from table games are based on a combination of your average monetary spend and the time spent at the table. 

You can start earning casino points on embarkation day. It's smart because you can take advantage of the complimentary FreePlay loaded onto your SeaPass account. 

"For the first two days of the cruise, everyone who is 18 years and older has mystery FreePlay to use [at] the casino," Wong says. 

The amount varies from $2 to $100, and it's completely random. All you have to do is go into the casino on Day 1 or 2 and visit a slot machine. 

To load the FreePlay onto the slot machine, follow these instructions:

1. Tap or insert your SeaPass card at the slot machine. You'll know it's successfully linked when the blue light turns green.
2. Select "Account" then "Personal Banker."
3. Enter the default PIN (month and day of your birthday, MMDD).
4. Reset your PIN and press "Enter" to validate.
5. Press "Transfer," then "Transfer to Game."
6. Select "Transfer Points to FreePlay" (to play your Rewards Points) or "FreePlay" (to play your promotional FreePlay).
7. Press "Yes" to continue and complete your transaction.
8. Don't forget to collect your SeaPass and log out of your Casino Royale account before leaving the machine. 

Lucky players will receive Instant Rewards Certificates (IRCs) on the last day of the cruise

Whereas your status within the Casino Royale program is based on the points accumulated throughout the calendar year, IRCs are awarded based on the number of points earned during one specific sailing. 

Wong explains, "The Instant Rewards Certificate is based on solely what you earn for the specific cruise that you are on."

The first IRC award is available upon earning 400 points. You won't earn a free cruise, but you will get $100 off a future sailing. 

From there, the rewards only get better the more points you earn. Wong says that as players continue to accumulate points during the cruise, better IRC levels unlock, which offer greater discounts, fully comped cruises, and even casino FreePlay. 

For example, if you earn 4,000 points during a single voyage, you'll receive a free cruise in a balcony cabin (or ocean-view on select sailings) and $500 in casino FreePlay — if you book your next cruise while onboard. 

"For the last few years, Casino Royale and NextCruise have started a cross-promotion where they work together," Wong says. 

As such, the bonus rewards in the third column are only available to those who place a deposit for their next sailing before disembarking. 

There's another catch: there's a select list of voyages that are available for these offers — you can't just book any cruise that catches your eye. 

"You come onboard for your cruise; you play in the casino; [and] you earn points as you play. However many points you have by the end of the cruise, you will receive an instant reward certificate in your room for either a discount off a future cruise or a complimentary cruise. And the third and final option is to pay your $200 deposit with the NextCruise [department], and this will give you a bonus award," he summarizes.

IRCs are printed by the Casino Host (in this case, Wong) on the second-to-last day of the cruise. 

Using a program called "Super-PlayMate," he can access everyone's unique folio IDs and cabin numbers to help properly address the letters. 

Then, he has to print the IRCs for eligible cruisers to deliver them to the housekeeping team, who ensures they are placed in the correct cabin on the last day. 

The offer letter is pretty self-explanatory. First, it lists your name and Crown & Anchor loyalty number. Below that is your offer code, which is just the month and year it was issued, as well as what cabin category it's valid for. 

However, the award is better explained under the offer code. In Wong's example, the IRC is for an oceanview or balcony stateroom on select voyages. 

It's important to take note of the expiration date. Although you don't have to sail by that date, you must have another cruise booked before then.

"[In] my professional opinion, the company isn't very forgiving if you forget about your reward and it expires," Wong warns. 

If you can't find a sailing that works for you, you can trade in your IRC for a discount on a cruise of your choice. 

Again, in Wong's example, rather than booking a complimentary cruise (minus the taxes, port fees, and gratuities), he could get $750 off any voyage of his choosing. 

Read more: I earned a "free" cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, and it saved me almost $9,000

Onboard casino promotions

It's important to check the Cruise Compass to see what daily promotions the casino is offering on your sailing. 

Wong explains a few of the common ones, including the nightly Snowball Raffle Draw, Hot Seat Promotion, and Bags of Cash. 

The Snowball Raffle Draw is offered every night on most Royal Caribbean cruises (Wong issues a disclaimer that actual promotions may vary based on the ship and sailing).

He says, "We give away $100 of FreePlay every night at 10:00pm. To qualify, everybody needs at least 100 casino points. We will use a random name generator to pick out everyone in the casino who has 100 points, and then it's going to spit out a name at random."

The Hot Seat Promotion runs from 11:00pm to midnight. Eligible active players in the casino (those with 100 points or more) are automatically entered to win anywhere from $50 to $150 in FreePlay. 

The drawings are every 15 minutes, with the prize money increasing $15 each round. 

Finally, the Bags of Cash promotion calls on three random players (again, with a minimum of 100 casino points) to select a mystery box containing a surprise amount of FreePlay. On the night Wong recorded the promo, the three cruisers won $50, $150, and $250.