One of the challenges of cruising frequently is finding new things to do, whether it’s a shore excursion or activities on the ship.  

While searching my Cruise Planner for my recent sailing on Adventure of the Seas, I came across something I hadn't noticed before, a cocktail making class. I have done several mixology classes in the past on Disney cruises, but didn't know that Royal Caribbean offered them. 

The “Taste of the Caribbean” class was described as a tropical tasting experience presenting six rum-based cocktails. It goes on to say that "in the 50+ years of sailing the Caribbean, we’ve learned a lot about exotic elixirs and are passing on that knowledge to you. Learn tips and tricks to bring your favorite vacation cocktails home with you." 

The event took place in Boleros during the afternoon on the last sea day of our 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing. We were introduced to Savio, the Lead Bartender who was hosting the class. 

On each table was a placemat that had the names of every cocktail we would sample along with a description of the ingredients and the Caribbean island that made it famous. 

Going off my previous experiences, I assumed the drinks would be made before our arrival, but that was not the case. In fact, Savio wanted the class to be interactive. For each drink, he invited two people to come up to the table, where all the ingredients were set up, and learn how to make each cocktail. 

Twelve of us got to try our hand at bartending, while another server passed the samples out. Then they would use the drinks the participants made to give out extra samples to anyone who wanted a refill. 

The drinks

We started the class with the Goombay Smash, a popular drink onboard that originated in the Bahamas.  It consists of Malibu Coconut rum, Kraken Black Spiced rum, orange juice, and pineapple juice.  

It’s frequently the drink of the day, but I had never tried it. I was surprised by how much I liked it, as I’m not typically a fan of coconut or pineapple. 

I volunteered to craft our second drink, the Planter’s Punch from Jamaica. This one had Myers’s Original Dark rum, pineapple, orange and lime juices with grenadine. Like the Goombay Smash, it was fruity and delicious. 

I coaxed my husband to try his hand at the next drink, the Painkiller from the British Virgin Islands. It featured Pusser’s rum, pineapple and orange juices, coconut syrup, and a dash of nutmeg. I liked it more without the nutmeg; however, my husband didn’t like it at all. At least he enjoyed the process of creating it!

Our fourth cocktail was the Papa Jac from Puerto Rico. I hadn’t heard of this drink before. Its ingredients were Bacardi Superior rum, passion fruit syrup, and lime juice. I wasn’t particularly fond of this one. 

Every drink up to this point was made the same way, shaken 10 times and strained over fresh ice. 

Read more: Top 10 cocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

The fifth drink was the classic Rum Punch from Barbados made with Captain Morgan Original Spiced rum, Bacardi Superior rum, guava and passion fruit syrups, and pineapple and lime juices.  

Instead of shaking this one, we were instructed to roll it back and forth in the shaker. After straining, it was topped with a float of Kraken Black Spiced rum. 

Our final sample was the Dark 'n Stormy from Bermuda with Gosling’s Black Seal rum and Gosling’s ginger beer. This drink used a layering method where you could see the rum just sitting on top.  

I didn’t like this one at all, as I’m not a fan of ginger beer. However, the woman who made the drink was excited to do so because it is a favorite of hers. 

The app said the class would last an hour, but ours ended up being 90 minutes. The price for our sailing was $50 per person. It is neither included in the drink package nor is there a discount if you have it. However, I thought it was a good value for what was included. 

Classes are also available for wine, champagne, and scotch. Their availability and prices vary by sailing, so be sure to check your cruise planner early as they can sell out. 

It's smart to book in advance because the maximum number of participants is 35. We made our booking just a little over three months before our cruise. 

Read more: How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

I enjoyed the class a lot and would definitely do another one

I was impressed with the hands-on experience rather than just listening to a lecture.  

It was interesting to see the difference between the drinks that we made versus the professionals while using the same ingredients and measurements. 

It wasn’t just about learning the components of the drinks but the technique that goes into making them — it really is an art. I loved being able to try new cocktails that I wouldn’t normally order for myself while having fun! 

The powerful blow of a cruise ship's horn is an unmistakable sound on any cruise vacation, but what is it like to blow the horn yourself? I got to try it on my recent cruise, and here's how.

Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean announced a partnership with The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish—a nonprofit organization founded in 1980—grants wishes to children who have been diagnosed with critical illnesses. The wishes can be anything from a trip to Disney World to meeting their favorite celebrity, being a firefighter for a day, or, in Royal Caribbean’s case, taking a cruise.

Wishes At Sea is the name of Royal Caribbean's partnership program with Make-A-Wish, and guests can help make this partnership possible by giving donations and making select purchases onboard.

Each ship is selling branded t-shirts for $25, along with hosting a “Walk for Wishes” sometime during the sailing. You can also opt to fill out a card in your stateroom specifying a donation amount, which will then be added to your onboard account.

The most unique way to contribute to the cause is by auctioning off items or experiences

While onboard Odyssey of the Seas for an 8-night sailing earlier this month, my husband and I decided to participate in the Make-A-Wish auction on the pool deck. Jamie, our cruise director, was great about advertising the auction and previewing some of the amazing experiences up for bid.

On the third day of our cruise, we headed to the pool deck for the auction. This turned out to be quite the event, as all the senior officers were in attendance, including Captain Marek.

Royal Caribbean's ships are all in competition with each other to raise the most money. Currently, Odyssey of the Seas is leading the way. Jamie is so determined to win the fleet-wide contest that he has committed to shaving his head if they raise over $30,000 before the end of April!

The auction items up for bid included:

• Bingo cards
• Surf and Stream Internet package for the entire voyage for one device
• Dinner for two in a specialty restaurant (excluding Chef's Table and Izumi Teppanyaki)
• Pickleball lesson with the sports staff
• $100 credit for the arcade
• Digital photo package of every picture your family took during the voyage
• Private FlowRider lesson
• A behind-the-scenes tour of the theater with the cast of the Effectors including backstage access
• A tour of the galley with the Executive Chef
• A tour of the engine room with the Chief Engineer
• An All Access ship tour

In addition to all of these items, there were two additional auction items that offered the most exclusive experiences. First was the dinner at Chops Grille with the ship's captain (and up to eight guests). The other big ticket item was being invited to the bridge during sailaway from Perfect Day at CocoCay, which included a champagne toast with the captain and officers, and the opportunity to blow the ship's horn.

It was wonderful to see so many guests participating in the auction. There was something for everyone with a variety of price points for every budget. Of course, many items went for more than what you could buy them for in the Cruise Planner, but it is for charity, after all!

The competition was tough for the last two big ticket items. The dinner at Chops Grille ended up going for $1,000, and we won the auction for the CocoCay bridge experience with our $2,000 bid.

I got completely caught up in the bidding war. My husband said he was about ready to restrain me, but I really wanted this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After Jamie pointed to me and yelled, “SOLD,” he asked the family I was bidding against if they would match my bid. They said they would and he gave them the experience too!

Following our winning bid, it was time to blow the ship's horn

On the last day of our cruise, we met in Schooner Bar at 4:15PM, just before Odyssey of the Seas was to sail away from Perfect Day at CocoCay. There, we were met by a crew member that escorted us to deck 12, where the security team cleared us to go to the bridge.

Captain Marek was the most gracious host. He gave us a tour of the bridge, introduced us to all of his officers, and personally stayed with us the entire time answering questions and pointing out every instrument. We were even invited into the communications room to watch him make the announcement welcoming everyone back to the ship.

We have been to the bridge on other ships before, but we have never had the captain give us such individualized attention. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him or his team.

Terrence, the Playmakers manager, offered us champagne to celebrate the sailaway. As a former sommelier for Royal, he talked to us about the differences between champagne and sparkling wine along with explaining how white and red wines are made.

As soon as we departed the pier, we were each offered to blow the horn a total of three times.  We were docked with Freedom of the Seas and they would signal back to us. Because Freedom was our first Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as the ship where we renewed our vows, that was extra special for us.

We were then moved to the wings where we could watch the sailaway. It was so smooth and seamless. It was even more of a treat to have a clear, sunny day. The photos from the wings could never do it justice. It must be a view that never gets old.

We spent an hour on the bridge, and it went by so quickly. Everyone was so gracious and generous with their time, and it was a unique experience that I will always treasure.

Overall, the ship raised $13,400 in a combination of shirt sales and auction items. Odyssey of the Seas is now a mere $4000 short of their April goal. I sure hope someone gets a picture of Jamie after he shaves his head!

Allure of the Seas has just started sailing out of Port Canaveral doing short three and four night cruises.  Their second sailing was during Halloween.

You might not think of Halloween and a cruise ship as an obvious must-do, but maybe you should reconsider.

My husband and I attended our first All Hallow’s Eve on the Freedom of the Seas in 2006 and always cruise during that time, as our anniversary is three days prior. It’s our favorite time to sail.  

Here is everything we did and saw that made our holiday extra special.

What costume to wear?

Halloween isn’t just for kids!  In fact, in our experience, there are more adults that dress up than the children.  Since we live within driving distance to Port Canaveral, it’s a little easier for folks like us when it comes to packing. We have the luxury of not having to worry about airline luggage weight limits yet we still didn’t want to bring an extra suitcase filled with elaborate costume accessories.

Keep in mind all clothing and wigs tend to be compressed in your luggage and may need time to get their shape back. You can only imagine how much space my giant petticoat took up in my suitcase!

This year we went as characters from the movie “Grease.”  We dressed as Marty Maraschino and Danny Zuko. (My husband wasn’t too pleased that people kept calling him Elvis or The Fonz. LOL) We like to do couple costumes that will match something on the ship. Knowing there was a Johnny Rockets onboard, I knew I’d be able to get some awesome photos in that venue. Even the crew enjoyed seeing us in costume and helped us plan the perfect photo opportunity.

 Tip:  We purchased our outfits years prior at the Halloween stores’ November 1st sale where all the costumes and accessories were 50% off.  If you know you’re going to sail during that time, it’s a great way to save money!  However, you can still celebrate the season without a costume at all.  We saw plenty of passengers dressed in Halloween themed t-shirts and dresses.

Halloween morning

Unlike Christmas, where the ships have holiday décor up for months, Halloween onboard is typically celebrated just that one day.  You won’t see decorations around the ship until October 31st and they will all be quickly put away on November 1st.

We hurried down to the promenade at 7 a.m; anxious to see all the spooky sights.  We were greeted with none.  

Confused, we stopped by the Guest Services desk and asked where all the Halloween decorations were.  We were informed there wouldn’t be any this year because the ship had just switched home ports this week.  That seemed odd to me as the decorations are typically stored on the ship so it shouldn’t matter where the ship is sailing from. That was kind of disappointing.

Something we’ve learned over the years of cruising is that every ship has a different way of doing things. However, there were plenty of Halloween activities listed in the cruise compass so I knew there would at least be a celebration for the holiday.

Adventure Ocean Fun

I stopped in to the kids club area to ask the staff there what activities would be offered for the children.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the entire area was decorated with “Happy Halloween” signs, balloons, cobwebs and the like.  It looked very festive in there.  

There were plenty of events scheduled throughout the day and evening such as a costume contest, a parade, Halloween themed arts and crafts and a scavenger hunt.  

While there was no official trick or treating around the ship, we did encounter several fellow passengers that were handing out candy to children on the promenade.

A Spooky Surprise

Our ship was docked in Nassau that day.  Upon returning, we were greeted with Halloween decorations!  There was a display of carved pumpkins outside of the Windjammer as well as adornments up and down the Royal Promenade.  

I don’t know what ended up changing their mind.  My theory is there must have been a lot of people voicing their displeasure concerning the lack of ambiance onboard at Guest Services, just as we had earlier in the day.  It made for a much better mood around the ship.  

We did the Monster Mash

The fun started for the adults at 5 p.m. with Halloween themed afternoon trivia and continued well past the witching hour. 7:15 p.m. in the Schooner Bar featured Halloween “Name that Tune” trivia.        

Costume contests started in the casino at 9 p.m.  Anyone dressed up that was playing at the slot machines were automatically entered.  The casino hosts would covertly circle the room and pick out random winners that were eligible for a variety of secret prizes.

The Royal Promenade was packed as the costume parade began at 11 p.m. There were so many wonderful costumes.  

Some of my favorites were “The League of their Own” group, a couple dressed as Maverick and Goose from “Top Gun” and Captain Jack Sparrow from “The Pirates of the Caribbean.”  I couldn’t help but laugh at the dozen or so inflatable sharks, perfect costumes for a cruise.

Studio B was the focal point of fun.  The holiday party started at 10 p.m. and went on until midnight.  The ice skating rink was covered with a dance floor and was packed with party goers. The live DJ played songs from Taylor Swift to Rhianna; line dances featuring the Cha-Cha slide, the Cupid Shuffle, and the Wobble.  And of course, Halloween favorites such as The Phantom of the Opera, Ghostbusters, and Thriller. 

There were two opportunities to sign up for the Halloween costume contest throughout the day.  Winners were chosen in Studio B at 11:15 p.m.  The winners were split up into categories: Scariest costume, Best Couple, Best Group, Scariest Costume and Overall Best Costume.

The party continued into the wee hours of the night for the 18 and up crowd with a D.J. in the Blaze nightclub that began at midnight. 

Final thoughts

I always recommend going on a Halloween cruise.  It is so fun to see all the creative costumes.  This year was different as Halloween also fell on formal night so it was an interesting mix of people dressed as zombies and others in ball gowns and suits although the majority were in costume.   It is a late night though, as the events take place after all the dining and show times. As someone who goes to bed early on their cruises, it was hard for me to be able to make all the festivities but I wouldn’t miss it!

I recently participated in my first-ever Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise, and it was so much more fun than I expected.

Long before I was a writer for Royal Caribbean Blog, I was a fan. It was actually my husband that discovered the blog, and we were impressed with the accuracy of the information and enjoyed the live streams and videos.

A couple times a year, Royal Caribbean Blog hosts a group cruise in conjunction with MEI Travel, the blog’s travel agency partner. These group cruises allow fans to sail together while participating in group activities both onboard and in port, including pub crawls and shore excursions.

When I saw that there would be a group cruise out of Port Canaveral last December, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Not only did my husband and I book the cruise, but my parents booked a cabin too.

Boarding the ship, I really had no idea what to expect. Truth be told, I get nervous in group settings, so I wasn’t sure it would be something I’d enjoy, but it ended up being a blast!

Here’s what it’s like to participate in a Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise and how you can book one of these exciting sailings.

Booking a Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise

We typically book our own cruises, but for the group cruise, we booked with MEI Travel. Booking through MEI Travel means we could participate in all group activities onboard.

While we still could have participated in some group activities if we booked the cruise ourselves, there were other activities exclusive to those that booked with MEI Travel. I wanted to make sure I got to do everything that was offered, so we booked with the travel agency.

Originally, the cruise was supposed to be on Harmony of the Seas. It was a 6-night sailing in December that went to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.

After booking it, Royal Caribbean changed the ship to Wonder of the Seas, but did not charge anything extra to passengers who had originally booked Harmony of the Seas.

What a treat it was to be able to cruise on the brand new ship at a discounted price!

Our first Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise event was on embarkation day.

The group cruise’s first meet and greet event was scheduled after 4PM on embarkation day. This gave everyone enough time to board the ship, do some exploring, and have time to put their carry-on items away once the cabins were available.

For this event, we met in the Music Hall. We checked in with a member of MEI Travel and were given a lanyard showing we were part of the group.  

The bar staff walked by with trays of complimentary drinks. We opted for the sex on the beach cocktails and raspberry champagne. The bar was also open for those that wanted to purchase their own favorite beverage.

There was a live band on the stage, and most of the group congregated around the bar to mingle.

The second day of our cruise brought us to Perfect Day at CocoCay. After our port day, we enjoyed another group event in the evening.

Since we were in Perfect Day at CocoCay on the second day of our cruise, our next group event wasn’t until 8PM that evening.

Having the event in the evening gave us flexibility to spend our day however we wanted. We opted to stay on the ship while in port to do more exploring, and we were able to enjoy dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.

At 8PM, we met up with the group at the Rising Tide Bar, the bar that travels up and down between the Royal Promenade and Central Park neighborhoods.

The Rising Tide Bar meetup was more subdued and it was easier to hold a conversation compared to the one in the Music Hall. I enjoyed the more intimate setting.

Day three of our cruise had three separate group cruise events, all of which were fun ways to connect with other fans onboard.    

It was back to the Music Hall for the first event of the day with the guitarist from the pub providing entertainment. There was a beautiful table set up on the dance floor with muffins, pastries, and coffee. The event was scheduled from 10AM to 12PM.

Unfortunately, we only caught the tail end of the event due to the Crown & Anchor Society’s Top Tier Event being scheduled at the same time. We attended the Top Tier Event to receive our 1050 point milestone recognition and to watch my parents turn Pinnacle!

Related: Pathway to Pinnacle: How I reached the top of Royal Caribbean's Loyalty Program

Immediately after the Music Hall gathering was the second event of the day, and the first event of the cruise exclusive to those who booked the sailing directly with MEI Travel.

This event was a private lunch in the Main Dining Room. There were three choices for appetizers and entrees—I opted for the classic cobb salad and grilled ribeye. Everyone enjoyed New York cheesecake for dessert, and everything was delicious. We were seated at a large table and were able to chat and get to know more of our fellow Royal Caribbean Blog fans.

We went straight to the Schooner Bar after lunch to start the final event of the day: the bar crawl! Practically all of our group had the drink package, so this was a popular event. We used our free Crown & Anchor Society drink coupons and ordered Schooner Bar’s signature drink, the lavender daiquiri, which coincidentally is one of my favorites.

The next stop on the crawl was the Cask & Clipper, the English pub. The group opted for Irish car bombs, and they had put in their order while we were still at the Schooner Bar, so the staff had time to prepare them for our arrival. I just stuck with martinis—this time a lemon drop.

The third bar of our crawl was Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Their signature beverage, the knockout punch, is my favorite. Since we were on the Boardwalk, some of the group caught a ride on the carousel before we headed to our final stop.

We ended the bar crawl in Matt’s AquaTheater suite. His Royal Genie had arranged a bar to be set up on their balcony, and the views from the balcony were amazing. We could watch the show’s performers practicing in the AquaTheater’s pool and enjoy a view of the ship’s wake.

A port stop in Costa Maya featured a private beach excursion with the group.

On day four, we were treated to a private excursion at Maya Chan Beach Resort. This excursion was only for those who had booked through MEI Travel.

I had never been to Maya Chan, so I was surprised that it was a half hour drive from the cruise port. Some of the roads to get there were extremely bumpy, but the drivers tried to make the trip as comfortable as possible. After all, they take this route every day so they were familiar with the conditions of the roads.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff and given a tour of the area before being shown to our own private section of the beach. We were offered complimentary beverages along with tortilla chips, guacamole, and pico de gallo while waiting for lunch to be served.

Related: Excursion Focus: Maya Chan Beach in Costa Maya

There were canoes and stand-up paddle boards for our use. For a nominal fee, you could have a massage on the beach, which my husband was eager to partake in!

Our authentic Mexican buffet lunch included items such as flour tortillas with chicken, beef, and pulled pork, along with Mexican rice and a selection of homemade salsas. Everything was delicious!

The staff at Maya Chan was amazing. They were friendly, attentive, and even came around to each family to schedule our return time back to the ship. It was a perfect day.

There were no group activities scheduled the next day in Cozumel, but the final day of our cruise brought two more meetups.

Since we were porting in Cozumel on day five, we did not have any group events scheduled.

The first event on day six, the last day of our cruise, was the only one I missed. The event was an hour (8AM-9AM) of private time at the ship’s Perfect Storm waterslides, and was another exclusive event for passengers who booked with MEI Travel.

Instead, I opted for brunch with my family at The Mason Jar (where I wouldn’t need to get my hair wet!).

Related: The Mason Jar Southern food restaurant review on Wonder of the Seas

At 11AM, we met up in the Music Hall to watch Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog and Beci from MEI Travel record a podcast highlighting the events of the group cruise. That was the last official event, however I did run into a bunch of our members in the casino having shots! Later, they moved into the smaller Golden Room casino for some table games.

I loved my first Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise. Here’s how you can participate in the next one.

What I loved most about the Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise is that it was the perfect blend of planned events along with plenty of free time to make the cruise your own. It almost felt like two cruises in one!

We had a great time with the group, and then enjoyed quiet time in the Suite Lounge and dinners in Coastal Kitchen.   

If you want to participate in a Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise, you can find more information on upcoming sailings here. Booking the cruise with MEI Travel gives you access to exclusive events throughout the sailing.

There are currently four more group cruises planned:

• June 16, 2023 on Navigator of the Seas, sailing from Los Angeles
• October 22, 2023 on Serenade of the Seas, sailing from Boston
• March 16, 2024 on Rhapsody of the Seas, sailing the Panama Canal from Colón
• June 29, 2024 on Icon of the Seas, sailing from Miami

Last December, my husband and I hit a personal milestone as we celebrated our 100th cruise together. Coincidentally, that sailing was also my 100th cruise with Royal Caribbean.

I was curious to see how my approach to cruising has changed since our first sailing in 2004, and also how things have changed in the cruising industry.

From cruising more frequently to booking better cabins, we've made several key changes to our cruising approach in the past 19 years. Here are the top ways my cruising style has changed after 100 sailings.

Frequency of cruising

When we first started cruising, we sailed once a year, and always in October for our anniversary, which usually coincided with Halloween sailings. 

As time went on, we started doing two weeklong cruises and two weekend sailings each year.  Once we realized that reaching Pinnacle Club status was a realistic goal, we began cruising ten or more times per year, which is pretty much where we still are today.

Related: Pathway to Pinnacle: How I reached the top of Royal Caribbean's Loyalty Program

Ports vs. Ship

Early on, whenever we booked a cruise, we always made sure to pick an itinerary with at least one port that was new to us. However, when you frequently sail to the Caribbean, that gets harder to do.

Of course, you can take cruises to Alaska, Europe or Australia to find new destinations, but for me, that involves a lot of flying, which I am not a fan of doing. Therefore, it’s basically the Bahamas and Caribbean. I like to choose an itinerary with Cozumel as it’s a personal favorite of ours.

The ship itself, though, has become more of a selling point for us when booking a cruise. A Voyager, Freedom, or Oasis Class ship is a must. Then again, we still haven’t been on a Quantum Class ship, so who knows, maybe that will be a favorite in the future.

As far as departure ports go, Port Canaveral will always be our first choice. Sure, it’s the one closest to home, but we also feel it's the most efficient.

Accommodations

In the beginning, our approach to picking a stateroom was always “whatever is cheapest”. That meant a lot of interior cabins, some of which were so tiny you could lay on the bed sideways and stretch out to touch both walls! We figured since we weren’t in the room that much, the size didn’t matter. 

Today we find ourselves spending more time enjoying the room. We typically book Junior Suites with the occasional Crown Loft Suite. I’m at the point where I need to have a balcony, even if it’s an interior-facing cabin like the Central Park balcony we recently tried on Wonder of the Seas. I just like to have the option of fresh air.

Onboard Activities

I would guess everyone new to cruising feels the same way about onboard activities: you have to do everything in the Cruise Planner to make the most of your vacation. That certainly was us when we started cruising; we went to every show and trivia game available! 

Today when it comes to trivia, I only show up to the ones that I have the most interest in, such as classic rock and Disney-themed trivia.

Long gone are the days of the Flowrider, ziplining, and ice skating. Instead, I find myself enjoying a more relaxing experience.

Sailing on the same ships over and over again means you have seen the main theater shows multiple times, although there are favorites that I still look forward to. I never miss a performance of Ice Games! on Allure of the Seas or Aqua80 on Oasis of the Seas. Plus, there are always guest entertainers that keep the shows fresh for frequent cruisers.            

Dining

Our early days of cruising were all about the Main Dining Room for dinner. One of our goals was always to score that elusive table for two by the window (which rarely, if ever happened). Breakfast and lunch were exclusively in the Windjammer. 

Dining venues included in your cruise fare have come a long way since we first started cruising. The Oasis Class ships now offer the Solarium Bistro, Park Café and El Loco Fresh, to name a few.

Recently, we’ve migrated to mostly specialty dining restaurants, especially on embarkation day.  The crowded Windjammer at lunch that first day just stresses me out! It’s worth the cost for me to be able to enjoy nachos and wings at Playmakers at a leisurely pace.

We’ve also found ourselves ordering more room service than in the past, and I really enjoy having breakfast on the balcony.

Drinks

In 100 cruises, I think we bought the Deluxe Beverage Package three times. Once we became Diamond members, we just enjoyed our free drinks during happy hour in the lounge each evening. 

After the restart of the cruising industry in 2021, the Crown & Anchor Society changed the free drinks to an allotment of drink vouchers per day. These vouchers can be used anywhere onboard at any time, and they have definitely changed our approach to drinking onboard.

I get a vanilla latte most mornings at Café Promenade, then enjoy cocktails throughout the day. These drink vouchers also work at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee!

These drink vouchers are the second best thing to come from the pandemic (the first being the virtual muster drill, but I digress).

Excursions

When we first started cruising, we used to do an excursion in every port. From swimming with dolphins in Cozumel, visiting Stingray City in Grand Cayman, ziplining in Labadee, and horseback riding in Montego Bay, we literally did it all!

The excursions we book now are primarily at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s not unusual to find us at Thrill Waterpark, and we’ve also been known to book the Coco Beach Club or floating cabanas.

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

In Europe, we did ship excursions and explored on our own. Tours booked through Royal Caribbean are easier, but if you’re a planner like me, you can see so much more on your own. Just make sure you’re back by all aboard time!

Onboard expenses

Nowadays when we cruise, we no longer purchase photo packages, massages, and gifts for everyone we know. I will, however, always buy an ornament of the ship the first time I sail on a new one. I started this with our very first ship and have kept up with the tradition all this time.

After 100 cruises, I’ve noticed that my spending has transitioned more from charging things on my SeaPass card to needing more cash. I use this cash for extra gratuities to the bar staff, dining servers, stateroom attendants, and concierges (and for the occasional slot machine).

Even though the way we cruise has changed over the past 19 years, our love for it has not. I look forward to the next 100!

Cruises are a time to splurge on food and drinks that we normally wouldn’t have at home, whether endless soft serve ice cream on the pool deck or three course meals in the Main Dining Room.

While I usually splurge on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I recently had an 8-night back-to-back sailing on Independence of the Seas and I wanted to watch my weight. Plus, one day after we disembarked Independence of the Seas we would board Wonder of the Seas for the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise. I was determined to fit into my dresses for that cruise!

I am prone to putting on weight fast. It's not unusual for me to gain 8-12 pounds on a weeklong cruise. I knew keeping a healthy diet would be a challenge onboard with all the tempting, delicious food and cocktails available, but I had a goal I was committed to reach.

Eating healthy onboard

I decided to eat most of my meals in the Windjammer as I figured there would be more selections there than the Main Dining Room. Having dinner in the Main Dining Room with the bread basket in front of me for two hours would be too hard to resist!

My motto as I entered each meal was to make healthy choices. Breakfasts were very simple, mostly consisting of cereal with banana slices and occasionally a slice of bread. We went to the Main Dining Room one morning for breakfast where I had a veggie omelet with mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and spinach.

I even ordered my cereal from room service a couple mornings; there's no reason why I can't enjoy breakfast on my balcony! I did, however, pass up the vanilla lattes I usually like to have on cruise mornings. Instead, I opted for Earl Grey tea with no milk and Splenda.

I enjoyed pre-dinner snacks of raw vegetables and chicken skewers in the Diamond Lounge. For dinner, I started with a raspberry vinaigrette salad, roasted broccoli, carrots, and usually a meat from the carving station (turkey or beef).

For dessert, I opted for pieces of cantaloupe and watermelon.

I drank a lot of water

Another healthy choice I made on my cruise was to drink a lot of water. I brought a Royal Caribbean tumbler onboard with me (the one that you get with a soda package). I measured how much liquid it would hold before my trip so I could keep track of how much water I consumed. 

The tumbler was easy to keep filled as there is always water available. My go-to places for water refills were Cafe Promenade and Sorrento’s. 

Before my cruise, I also researched lower calorie cocktails if I wanted to indulge, but I ended up just sticking to water. Our concierge even suggested brewing some flavored tea and putting it over ice for more variety!

Exercising onboard

I start every morning at home with a 5K run around my neighborhood, so on the ship, I visited the jogging track every other day for my 3.1 mile run. I always went running on the track pre-dawn to see an amazing sunrise and to hopefully get most of my run finished before the crowds showed up.

I have a love/hate relationship with the jogging track. Even though the run/walk lanes are clearly marked, there’s always a slow-moving group that takes up the entire track—or worse yet—walks the wrong way around it. I try to remember to pack my patience!

Treadmills make me dizzy, so I'm not a huge fan of going to the gym, although I did do a little bit of the step machine one morning. 

Speaking of steps, I took the stairs EVERYWHERE. I'm proud to say that I didn’t see the inside of an elevator for 8 days! One day we got off the ship twice at Perfect Day at CocoCay to meet up with friends that were on the ship next to us and I took the stairs from Deck 1 to 14 twice in an hour!

Not all exercises have to be regimented, and part of exercising onboard is making it fun. I had a blast jumping in the Sky Pad, and one morning I did the sky climber since the rock climbing wall wasn’t open yet. There was also basketball, soccer, and open time on the ice rink available. You’d be surprised how much of a workout you can get doing those activities!

Something else that worked for me was to keep a journal of what I ate, how much water I drank, and which exercises I did each day. Time gets away from me on a cruise and it’s easy for me to forget what I ate and if I need to make adjustments on the next meal or the next day. 

Did it work?

My goal after 8 nights on Independence of the Seas was to see the same number on the scale when I got home as when I left. I was extremely surprised to find out that I actually lost a pound and a half.

It felt great to be able to wear those dresses I had been determined to fit into on the group cruise. While on the Wonder of the Seas group cruise, I splurged on specialty restaurants and cocktails on the brand new ship. It’s all about balance!

Short cruises are the perfect getaway, how different are they if you go on a 3-night or a 4-night sailing?

I recently did a back-to-back cruise on the Independence of the Seas. The first cruise was the four night sailing, the second was the three night voyage.

While not my first time doing a back-to-back sailing in order to extend a weekend sailing, I wasn't sure if a 3 day cruise is worth it compared to a 4-nighter because of how similar they are.

I was curious if that one extra day made that much of a difference. It turns out, it was more than I expected.

Itinerary

A four night cruise will typically leave Monday afternoon and return early Friday morning, whereas a three night cruise will leave on Friday afternoon and come back Monday morning. This can be the biggest deciding factor as to which sailing to choose.

If you work Monday through Friday, it may be more beneficial to take a weekend sailing as the four day will take up almost an entire work week.

Both itineraries included Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay as ports of call.

The only difference being a day at sea on the four night sailing.

Price

You may be surprised to find out that four day cruises are less expensive than the weekend sailings a majority of the time.

While I don’t know the exact reason for this, I would speculate that it’s because it’s easier for people to sail on the weekends thus, it sells out more often. Simple supply and demand.

Day at Sea

The four day sailing has a day at sea built in and that really makes it feel more relaxing.

I’ve always felt very rushed on a three day cruise. Embarkation day is crazy on any ship. You have to check in, go through security at the port, do your safety briefing, get acclimated to the ship and figure out what activities you’d like to do. The next two days you’re in port and before you know it, your cruise is over.

The extra sea day is perfect to be able to enjoy the ship or just relax.

If you’re a fan of the casino, it will be open the entire day. Plus, there are offerings on that sea day that aren’t available on the weekend cruises.

Sea Day Brunch

On a three day sailing, the dining room is open every day for breakfast for approximately two and half hours. It serves your typical fare of eggs, pancakes, omelets etc.

However, the four day sailing has a sea day brunch that extends into the afternoon. You will find the same breakfast offerings as other days but also on the menu are lunch items including cheddar and potato soup, a charcuterie plate, the Royal burger and chicken and waffles.

Captain’s Corner

The Captain’s Corner is a question and answer session with the senior officers.

Ours featured the Captain, the Hotel Director and the Chief Engineer. The cruise director and his staff walk around the room with microphones and allow passengers to ask anything they’d like about the company, the ships or questions that are specific to the officer’s positions.

This is a favorite activity of mine that I never miss. I’m used to seeing it offered on seven day sailings. I don’t think I’ve even seen it on a shorter itinerary so this was a treat.

All Access Ship Tour

I love that the ships have started bringing back the all access tours. Each one is customized a little different however, parts of the ship you may see include the galley, the laundry facilities, crew corridors, the engine rooms and the navigation bridge.

There was a morning and afternoon tour listed on the four night sailing. It was not offered at all on the three night cruise.

You can check your cruise planner on Royal Caribbean’s website prior to your cruise to see if it’s available for your specific sailing. I would highly recommend booking it before you board.

Read more: Royal Caribbean brought back the behind-the-scenes tour: here's what it's like

Motion

If you are concerned with motion sickness on a sea day, then four night sailing is perfect for you.

Since there is an extra day built into the itinerary, the ship doesn’t have to travel as fast to get to the Bahamas. There were times I swear the ship was just slowly drifting to its next destination. I didn’t feel the ship move once.

Atmosphere

There was a completely different mood between the three and four night sailings. The three night cruises have a reputation of being a “party” vibe and that’s pretty accurate. If you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere, that’s the sailing for you.

The three night was filled with a younger crowd. There were birthday parties, bachelorette parties and even a wedding on that sailing.

In contrast, the four night sailing was more subdued. There was more of a mature crowd. In fact, I don’t think I saw more than a handful of children on board. It was definitely quieter and more relaxed.

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned earlier, we were on a back to back sailing. I was surprised to see Independence of the Seas offer the special lunch in the main dining room for repeat cruisers on turnaround day. I hadn’t experienced that since the return to service. It was at the same time as the Key guests lunch but we were in different parts of the dining room. I don’t know if the menu was the same.

So, is the three of four night sailing better? Really, any cruise is a great cruise so you can’t go wrong with your choice.

I would love to be able to do more of the four nights. That sea day really made a difference in the cruise feeling more relaxed and much longer than just one extra day.

There may not be a position on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship more mysterious than the Royal Genie.

What adds to the intrigue is that you may not even realize you see them around the ship. A Genie doesn’t wear a nametag so they easily blend in to their surroundings. They are one of the few crew members that has access to the entire ship. Their impact on a Star Class passenger though is nothing short of magical.

I recently had the honor of interviewing a current Royal Genie. He preferred to keep his name anonymous as to not draw attention to himself personally and to keep the focus on the Genies as a whole.

However, he wanted to share some things you may not know. How does one become a Genie? What training do they go through? What would they like first time Star Class cruisers to know?

Let’s find out.

Who is chosen to be a Royal Genie?

To be able to apply for the position, one must have two years of hospitality service experience and possess a degree in the industry. Genies are typically former Suite or Diamond Concierges.

Being hired from outside the company is rare but does happen. They would be expected to have similar qualifications which you would normally find as a concierge of a five star hotel.

Genies go through an extensive interview process with multiple Human Resource and Guest Service managers. They are required to make a short 2 minute video, simulating picking up a guest from the terminal and escorting them onto the ship, for example.

They must demonstrate how they would handle a variety of guest situations. The final interview is with the Genie Fleet Coordinator. The entire process can take two or more months to complete.

Read more: What is the difference between suite concierge and a Royal Genie?

Training to become a Royal Genie

Being chosen as a Royal Genie is only the beginning.

Pre-pandemic, new Genies were flown to London to take classes at the British Butler Institute. There, they learned proper service techniques from a former butler to the Queen.

They visited wineries, learned about varieties of cheeses and correct caviar presentation. Did you know you have to use plastic spoons to serve caviar as a metal one will change the flavor? I didn’t, but maybe that’s just me.

A Genie's schedule

What time a Genie starts their day will likely depend on if the ship is in port or at sea.

Port days are generally earlier as most guests request to get off of the ship first, especially if they’re calling on one of the private islands. The Genie will escort them to the beach or pool with the loungers of their choice before the general public has disembarked.

A typical end to their day would be around 11 p.m. At that point, most of the activities have ended and the specialty restaurants are closed.

At the end of their five month contract, it is common for the ships management to ask if they’d like to return to the same ship.

Additionally, when Genies receive appraisals from guests and crew members, they are able to get more opportunities; like moving to a new ship, for instance.

What can a Genie do?

The Genie’s goal is provide their guests with a unique, unforgettable and magical experience. Communication is key. They carefully listen to their guests needs and tailor their trip with experiences they may not have even suggested.

Common guest requests are parties in their suite. Everything from birthdays, anniversaries and retirements to vow renewals and celebrations of life for family members that have passed on.

Your experience may differ depending on if you’re on an Oasis or Quantum class ship.

Oasis class tends to be more “show oriented” where the Genie will make sure you have the best seat in the house.

Quantum class is more “activity oriented” where your Genie will escort you to the iFly, North Star, bumper cars and acrobat school.

The only limits on a Genie’s power are things that go against company policies and local government laws. For example, guests would not be allowed in any backstage areas and bridge tours are currently suspended due to Covid restrictions. Additionally, your Genie cannot bypass the line at customs for you on debarkation morning.

Read more: My advice for someone using a Royal Genie on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Requesting a Genie

All Genies are amazing and more than capable of handling guests requests but can you request a specific Genie?

The answer is, maybe.

It depends on the ship if the Genies are able to trade guests. It is generally not a problem, especially if you already have a prior relationship with a Genie.

Regardless, it is not unusual for the Genies to help each other out. There are at least three Genies per ship to take care of anywhere between eight and eleven suites.

How much to tip a Genie?

As a Star Class guest, daily gratuities are included in the cruise fare however, Genies are not included in that. When asked if he could provide some type of monetary guideline for genie gratuities, he instead referred to tipping as an “appreciation of service.” He reminded me that even beyond money, gratitude and kindness are always appreciated.

If you check message boards online you will find many discussions regarding tipping the Genie and the amounts vary greatly. However, $100 per cabin/per day seems to be a pretty consistent opinion among Star Class cruisers.

I would say that the amount you give should be based on how they made your vacation special, how many people they are arranging experiences for and your overall connection to them personally.

Will Star Class expand?

I was surprised to learn that a lot of the requests he receives from guests is to have the Star Class program implemented on other Royal Caribbean ships.

He recommends that guests fill out their comment cards to let Royal know their wishes.

Final thoughts

When asked what a first time Star Class cruiser should know, the response was, trust your Genie to accomplish your dreams. Put yourself in vacation mode. Relax and know that they will take care of planning and organizing everything for you.

To him, being a Genie is like being on stage. If your performance is seamless, you should never see what’s going on behind the scenes. While the Genie gets a lot of the credit, he reiterated it is a team effort with many different departments to make sure you have the most unique vacation experience possible.

Royal Caribbean has steadily updated each of its Oasis Class cruise ships, but Allure of the Seas is the last ship that has features from the original design.

When Oasis of the Seas started sailing in December, 2009 it was the largest, most innovative cruise ship in the world. Thirteen years later it is still a marvel in the industry.

Four other Oasis class ships have come along with different features including new restaurants, dry slides, water slides and escape rooms.

Read more: What was added to each Royal Caribbean ship during its Royal Amplified refurbishment

Due to the global pandemic, Allure of the Seas has had her scheduled upgrades suspended for at least the next three years (according to the current Hotel Manager).

While I’m here on my favorite Oasis class ship for the next eight days, I thought I’d share some classic features of the ship you either can’t find on the others or are slowly being phased out.

Royal Promenade

One of my favorite venues is the Champagne Bar. I’m always looking for a good martini and the Champagne Bar consistently delivers with my classic favorites. The bar staff also is great at coming up with new flavors I’ve never thought to try.

That space has been replaced with the Bionic Bar on the other Oasis Class ships. This is where you can get your drinks made for you by the robotic bartenders. I, myself am not a fan of the Bionic Bar which obviously puts me in the minority or Royal wouldn’t keep adding them to their ships. I miss the personal connection to the bar staff and the inviting ambiance of the Champagne bar. The Bionic Bar always seems to be very bright and stark in contrast.

Deck 5 is also where you’ll find the On-Air Club. It’s here that karaoke and some visual trivia takes place. While it still exists on other ships, Oasis and Wonder have re-named it “Spotlight Karaoke” and it is now a designated karaoke bar.

Pool Deck

The biggest difference between Allure and the other Oasis class ships is the absence of the water slides.

The other four ships have “The Perfect Storm.” They consist of two twisting slides, The Typhoon and The Cyclone along with a separate bowl-style slide named Supercell. In this area on Allure you’ll find three hot tubs.

Another missing feature is the Lime and Coconut bars that are found on Oasis and Wonder. The Sand Bar and Pool Bar are in these locations but they don’t deliver the Caribbean theming that the Lime and Coconut brings to those ships.

The Solarium Bistro is available on all ships for breakfast and lunch however, Allure is the only one that turns the restaurant into the Samba Grill in the evenings. Samba Grill is Royal’s take on the Brazilian Steakhouse, with gauchos serving meats tableside.

Deck 15 on Allure is also where you’ll find the last of the Wipe Out Café’s. This outdoor restaurant serves breakfast daily. You can find hamburgers and sandwiches during lunch hours. It has been replaced by El Loco Fresh on Oasis and Symphony.

The Living Room is the onboard club for teens. I wouldn’t say it’s being phased out, as there will always be an area for the younger cruises, however, that space on Oasis has been replaced by Port Side BBQ and on Wonder by their expanded Windjammer Café.

Deck 14: No Escape!

The card room on Deck 14 (named Seven Hearts) has board games and computers; along with plenty of tables.

This area on Oasis and Wonder has been replaced by Escape rooms Apollo 18 and The Observatorium, respectively.

Diamond Lounge

Allure is the only ship that still has their Diamond Lounge on Deck 11, overlooking the Boardwalk. It is, by far, my favorite location in the fleet. The lounge is for Crown and Anchor members, Diamond and above.

Here, you have access to a specialty coffee machine. Food includes continental breakfast in the morning, some snacks during the day (cookies, fruit etc.) and hors d’oeuvres in the evening, with cocktail service.

There is also a dedicated concierge to help you with things like dining and show reservations.

There are stairs leading up to Deck 12 that used to be part of the lounge but is now reserved for Chef’s Table dinner.

On the other Oasis class ships, the Diamond Lounge (and the Library next door) has been replaced with the Wonderland specialty restaurant or in Oasis’ case, additional staterooms.

Boardwalk

The other major difference between Allure and the others is the absence of The Abyss, the dry slide. You will not find the two purple tubes at the end of the Boardwalk blocking your view to the ocean. I happen to love that, especially if you have Boardwalk balcony room.

Sabor, the Mexican specialty dining venue has been replaced on Oasis, Symphony and Wonder with Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.

Allure’s Boardwalk Donuts, Cups & Scoops ice cream parlor and the Arcade also occupy the space that has been taken over by Playmakers on the other ships.

In addition, Sabor has a separate bar in the center of the Boardwalk that on the other ships is the landing area of The Abyss slide.

Comedy Club

Deck 4 is where you’ll find the dedicated comedy club on Allure.

On her sister ships, that has been turned into the Diamond Club lounge.

No need to fear, comedy lovers. You can still find the comedians in Blaze, The Attic or even in the main theater.

Specialty Suites

Allure and Oasis are the only ships in the class that feature the Owner’s and Grand Panoramic Suites.

These suites are pretty much the same layout with the Owner’s being approximately 160 square feet larger. They are on opposite sides of deck 17 (1701 and 1758).

What makes them particularly unique is the private hot tub on their balconies.

Final thoughts

There hasn’t been an official date for Allure’s amplification beyond a vague three year timeline. No word on what she will receive but you can pretty much bet it will include the Abyss and Perfect Storm slides. In fact, I noticed that in the gift shop, the ship ornament for Allure already has the addition of the Abyss.

This winter Allure will be leaving Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale and moving on to Galveston, Texas. In the fall of 2023, she’ll be back in Florida doing three and four night sailings from Port Canaveral. I look forward to sailing on her many more times in these next three years to enjoy the venues I love before they’re gone forever.

Royal Caribbean operates two private islands that offer passengers a curated and exclusive experience where the cruise line manages the entire visit.

While cruise ships can take you to different islands in the Caribbean, they can also stop at pristine places reserved just for cruise ship passengers.

These days it's rare to find an itinerary in the Caribbean that does not include a stop at one of the private islands.  Many Caribbean itineraries will visit either Labadee or Perfect Day at CocoCay, or even sometimes both.

The idea behind both of these places is a controlled, yet relaxing environment, where there's none of the fuss associated with finding a tour or haggling with vendors. Instead, Royal Caribbean sets everything up and admission to either island is included with your cruise fare.

Private destinations have evolved from secluded beach to full-day destination with different things you can do. Just like a cruise ship, Royal Caribbean realized people like to spend their time ashore differently. Some like a party atmosphere, while others want no noise and just the water. 

Which private island is better for you?  What makes them different or are they pretty much the same? 

Let’s take a detailed look at these two beautiful islands.

A brief history

While Labadee is known as a private island, it is actually a peninsula on Haiti’s north coast.  It was the first private destination for Royal Caribbean, who leased the land in 1986. 

CocoCay is actually named Little Stirrup Cay.  It was originally leased by Admiral Cruises in 1985.  When Royal Caribbean acquired Admiral Cruises in 1988, they took over the lease and changed the name. Leases for both islands run until 2050.  It’s a pretty good assumption that they’ll be renewed.

Both destinations were originally tender ports, meaning you had to take a small boat from the ship to the island.  Now they both have a pier that has made visiting there much easier and reliable. A pier allows cruise ships more flexibility with regard to weather conditions, thus meaning less missed calls.

Royal Caribbean invested heavily in a major overhaul in 2019 that saw over $250 million invested to expand the island's offerings with a waterpark with 13 slides; the region’s biggest wave pool; the region’s largest freshwater pool; and a beach club area for an extra cost aimed at those who want an elevated experience.

Climate & Topography

Since both private islands are in the tropics, the climate is very similar. 

It is usually hot and humid most of the year, with the highest temperatures in July.

Although CocoCay is located further north, their temperatures can dip into the 60’s in January.  Both destinations are in the path of a possible hurricane.  

CocoCay is mostly flat while Labadee is surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains. 

Things to do in CocoCay

You can’t miss the advertising Royal Caribbean has been doing for Perfect Day at CocoCay since it’s refurbishment in 2019 and with good reason.  CocoCay has become a must-do destination.  It’s Thrill Waterpark has slides that can rival most theme parks on land.

They have zip lines that stop at various platforms throughout the park and island (1600 feet in all), a tethered helium balloon that lifts you up to 450 feet in the air and Splashaway Bay, a complimentary kids area with slides and water buckets.

CocoCay has the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon, which also has a swim up bar.  For a fee you can rent one of the cabanas that surround the pool or just grab any of the free lounge chairs.  There is also a DJ providing music.

But what if you just want to relax?  Then head to the beach!  South Beach is a more quieter area since it’s further away.  You can upgrade your experience by purchasing a pass to the Coco Beach Club.  There you will also find a beach and the infinity pool. 

One of the most unique things about CocoCay are the floating cabanas.  They can accommodate up to 8 people and include access to the Coco Beach Club.

You’ll have your own private slide into the ocean, a hammock that sits just over the water, a shower, a safe, and a dining area.  What I loved most about it was the ability to play our own music by connecting to the cabanas Bluetooth system. 

They are pretty expensive. The average price I’ve seen for my recent sailings has been $1699 and up, which I guess isn’t bad if you split it up between four couples but for just my husband and I, that price is hard to justify.  But sometimes you can find a deal.  We did last October and were happy that we could finally experience the cabanas.

Food on CocoCay

CocoCay offers a complimentary buffet with everything from burgers to tacos.

I love the Snack Shack that has chicken sandwiches, burgers, mozzarella sticks and funnel cakes.

Captain Jack’s, which is adjacent to the Skippers Grill buffet, has flavored chicken wings and fries for a fee.

Coco Beach Club has a lunch that is more elevated than the complimentary options with lobster and filet mignon. If you have the drink package, it can also be used on both private islands.

Things to do in Labadee

Labadee was the first to introduce over the water cabanas. 

They are more of a simple design and don’t include all of the bells and whistles of the ones on CocoCay.  However, they’re quiet and have more of a secluded feel. They allow access to the ocean via a nearby staircase.

Another option is the hilltop cabanas that are farther away from the beach but have amazing views of the ocean and the ship. There are also beachfront and standard cabanas.

There is one thing Labadee has that the current CocoCay doesn’t, which is a “suites only” area called Barefoot Beach.  It’s definitely more peaceful there and makes for a relaxing day.

Labadee also has thrills of its own.  The Dragon’s Breath zip line starts 500 feet above sea level and plummets you at speeds up to 50 mph 2600 feet to the beach below.  It is the longest over the water zipline in the world.

For a bigger rush, you can zip line head first on Dragon’s Fire’s. Dragon’s Tail is an alpine style coaster that takes you around a mountain and there’s the Dragon’s Splash water slide.  The Arawak Aqua Park is in the ocean itself and has slides and trampolines.  

Labadee also offers tandem parasailing which I really enjoyed.  It takes you up about 400 feet and the views of the mountains are spectacular!

Both islands also have jet skiing, snorkeling and floating beach mats. One thing to keep in mind is that Labadee does not have a freshwater pool.  

Food on Labadee

Buffet dining is available throughout the island.  Again, there is an upgraded buffet at Barefoot Beach for the suite guests that includes lamb and filet mignon.

Similarities between CocoCay & Labadee

While you can pick out a number of ways Labadee and CocoCay are different from each other, they have a lot more in common.

At the heart of both visits is a beach day. You will find multiple beaches to visit, and each beach is included with the cost of your cruise (except for Coco Beach Club for an additional cost and Barefoot Beach for suite guests).

A complimentary lunch is also offered at both, along with certain activities such as hammocks, sports courts, and a splash area for younger kids.

An opportunity to purchase local goods from residents of either The Bahamas or Haiti is also part of the islands experience. Be sure to bring cash if you wish to purchase a souvenir.

And no Royal Caribbean private destination is complete without a few bars to visit. In fact, both CocoCay and Labadee have a swim-up bar you can visit just off the beach.

CocoCay vs Labadee: which island should you pick?

You really can’t go wrong with a visit to either destination.

While CocoCay has been updated with the latest amenities, Labadee has an unmatched natural beauty. Both destinations are a treat to have on any itinerary.

The beaches at both spots are great, although CocoCay's sand tends to be less rockier than Labadee.

If you like variety of things to do, or are a "pool person" more than a "beach person", then you should pick CocoCay. You can still find seclusion and quiet at either South Beach or Chill island, but there's more happening at CocoCay.

If you like a relaxed beach day above all else, than you should pick Labadee. The zip line, alpine coaster, and other tours are enough to satisfy someone who has reached peak serenity.

Ideally, your itinerary includes a visit to both islands. There are a handful of these sailings, and they can be a great vacation choice.