Royal Caribbean going even bigger on its biggest ships.

An announcement was made late on Monday night by Royal Caribbean Group that it has ordered two more Icon Class ships.

The unnamed newly ordered vessels, referred to for now as Icon 6 and Icon 7, will be constructed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.

The two new ships will be delivered in 2029 and 2030.

Royal Caribbean Group had slots reserved for options to build Icon 6 and Icon 7, but now they've exercised those options and those plans are confirmed.

The Icon Class ships are the biggest in the world, measuring an 250,800 gross registered tons and can carry a maximum of 7,600 passengers. There are 28 different stateroom categories.

This is a clear indication Royal Caribbean believes its Icon Class formula is working, and it's betting heavily that demand for these mega-ships will continue well into the next decade.

A major expansion of ships

The addition of orders for Icon 6 and 7 come less than a year since they ordered Icon 5.  That's a significant jump in the orderbook.

Icon of the Seas made headlines for all the right reasons when she debuted in 2024, and it was clear that this class was a revolution.  Icon ships are now the new standard bearer that all new ships are judged against, regardless of line.

Legend of the Seas is set to debut this summer, which will be the third Icon Class ship. Hero of the Seas will join the fleet in 2027, followed by Icon 5 in 2028.

This means Royal Caribbean will build the most of any class of ships with the Icon Class (tied with Oasis Class). As a company as focused on profitability as Royal Caribbean Group, that's no coincidence that the experience is matching up to sales.

Why Royal Caribbean is doubling down

This isn’t just about building more ships. It’s about doubling down on a strategy that has clearly resonated with cruisers and the marketplace.

The Icon Class was designed as a "white paper" ship, which means they designed it from the ground up without a starting basis. Instead of simply adding more features, the company has focused on creating distinct "neighborhoods" onboard, each with its own identity, atmosphere, and purpose.

Part of the genius of these ships is that they work on so many levels, including families. It's a true multi-generational ship because families, couples, seniors, and kids can all find plenty to do. Often, together. That comes in the form of a massive water park, adults-only spaces, and high-end dining and entertainment.

That broad appeal has translated into strong demand.

Royal Caribbean executives have repeatedly pointed to the Icon Class as a key driver of bookings, pricing power, and overall guest satisfaction.

What we know about Icon 6 and 7

If you're looking for what will be different about Icon 6 or 7, you'll have to wait a bit longer for those answers.

Royal Caribbean has not yet announced names, where they will be based, or any features.  It's really just confirmation that they will build two more ships than they had previously disclosed.

Based on the pattern of Icon Class ships thus far, it's safe to assume Royal Caribbean will employ a strategy of maintaining much of the core Icon Class experience, but experiment with tweaks and changes to make it even better.

As an example, Hero of the Seas will see pools added and expanded, which reflect guest feedback from Icon and Star of the Seas.

Expect a similar evolution with future ships that take into account lessons learned from earlier vessels.

The brand new Royal Beach Club Santorini has opened to welcome its first cruise ship passengers.

The "Ultimate Santorini Day" is a new kind of excursion offered on the Greek island exclusively to Royal Caribbean passengers.

The first guests were welcome to a new private-style destination in Greece that blends a traditional port day with a curated, all-inclusive beach experience.

Unlike a traditional cruise line private island, this is a curated shore excursion that goes beyond what a third party can offer. Royal Caribbean built out an island visit that offers the very best experience based on what its customers have always wanted.

Think of it like a premium shore excursion built right into one of the most visited cruise ports in the world.

A different kind of excursion

The first guests arrived today to try it out, and we have our first look at what this is all about.

Royal Caribbean opted to takeover an existing beachfront location on the southern coast of the island and transform it into a branded experience that matches up to what its guests yearn for in a beach day.

In fact, they picked Santorini because the island had high appeal with guests, but low satisfaction scores. This has been a core part of Royal Caribbean's formula of picking ports that don't perform as well as they'd like and add a beach club to enhance it.

It started with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, and will expand to Cozumel as well later this year. 

A day pass includes:

• Transportation from the ship
• Access to black sand beach
• All-you-can-eat Greek cuisine
  • Unlimited Greek frozen yogurt
  • Gyros, Greek salads, food trucks
  • Complimentary welcome drink
  • House wine, draft beer, and more
• Visits and transportation to Oia and Fira

Odyssey of the Seas was the first ship to visit the island with paying guests, and Royal Caribbean Blog reader Nick J. shared photos of his experience.

Royal Beach Club Santorini is part of a packaged excursion called the "Ultimate Santorini Day," which combines sightseeing with a beach break.

Santorini has struggled with cruise overcrowding for years, and Royal Caribbean is trying to smooth out that experience by spreading guests across multiple locations throughout the day.

What the beach club itself offers

At its core, Royal Beach Club Santorini is a beach-first experience. The setting is a stretch of Santorini’s signature volcanic black sand coastline, with wide-open views of the Aegean Sea.

When you get to the beach, you can expect:

• Reserved loungers and umbrellas
• Towels and beach facilities
• A Mediterranean buffet and quick bites
• Draft beer, wine, soda, and water
• Wi-Fi access throughout the property

There's also a clear emphasis on local flavor. Instead of generic cruise fare, the food leans into Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

Who can access it

The beach club is open to:

• Guests sailing with Royal Caribbean
• Guests on Celebrity Cruises
• Guests on Silversea
• Local residents, depending on availability

There are no age restrictions, so it’s designed to work for families as well as adults.

The bigger strategy behind beach clubs

This opening is part of a much larger rollout.

Royal Caribbean Group plans to expand its land-based portfolio significantly over the next few years, including:

• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
• Royal Beach Club Cozumel
• Perfect Day Mexico
• Royal Beach Club Lelepa

The goal is clear: give guests more controlled, predictable experiences that garner high satisfaction scores.

As Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said, expanding these destinations gives guests "more ways to have unforgettable experiences."

I booked what is technically the cheapest of the top tier suites on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas so we could get the best perks that would spoil us.

A handful of suites fall into the Star Class category, which has practically everything included, priority access, and the services of the Royal Genie. If your goal is to splurge and treat yourself, this is the best way to go about it.

I booked the two bedroom Aquatheather suite for me and my wife, along with our two kids. The total cost of the room was $11,437. Steep, but a cheaper price than some of the much larger and lavish suites.

Since this was going to be my wife's birthday, I decided to book this type of a cruise ship stateroom so we could celebrate in style. After all, she misses out on some of my cruises I go to for work, so I wanted to treat her to something extra nice.

We sailed on a 3-night weekend cruise that departed from Port Canaveral with stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.  A quick escape, so we wanted to maximize our time onboard with a really nice place for our family and friends to congregate.

Here's what it's like to stay in this mega suite, and what you get for the cost.

Aquatheater suites are massive, with lots of room for everyone

The first thing you'll notice about an Aquatheater suite is how giant this room is overall.

There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and an even larger wraparound balcony. 

For families, this is easily the best suite option given that there are separate sleeping areas and two full bathrooms. That's a luxury not often found in many other suites.

At 823 square feet, plus 772 square feet of balcony space, you can spread out.  Not to mention we can easily invite friends to join us in the room and still not come close to making the room feel crowded.

The balcony is the real highlight of this cabin

The first thing you'll notice about this suite are the amazing views all around you.

From the living room, there are near panoramic views of the ocean and Boardwalk neighborhood. Stepping outside to the balcony, you're greeted with something to see all around you.

Aquatheater suites have a balcony that extends to both sides, offering a traditional ocean balcony experience on one side, and then a view of the Aquatheater and Boardwalk on the other.

At night, you have the perfect view for the aqua shows below.  

On Utopia of the Seas, the "Aqua80s Too" is the show that was performed two times per night on two nights of the cruise.

While your seating is to the side, it is an amazing vantage point to have and really gives you the proper perspective of the performance. Plus, there's no rush to get a seat or trying to squeeze your way out when the show is over.

Plus, our Genie brought the kids a DIY ice cream bar, while the adults had popcorn too.

During the daytime, there are loungers, a full table and chairs, plus a couple chairs on both sides of the balcony so you can enjoy the view from anywhere.

I only regret we didn't have a meal outside, but otherwise, the balcony was one of the top reasons we gravitate towards this type of suite.

The living room has lots of space, and doubles as a backup bedroom

Back inside the suite, the living room has a giant television that you can watch from the dining table or couch.

Because the living room is wrapped by the balcony, you'll find lots of living space here, which is perfect for entertaining friends.

The fridge is stocked with complimentary beers, soft drinks, and water. One of the many perks you get with a Star Class suite is having the beverage package included with your fare, along with a stateroom attendant that keeps your fridge stocked.

Plus, there's a coffee and espresso machine that you can use too. Personally, I prefer to have my Genie deliver Starbucks to my suite because that's another included benefit.

The couch can be expanded into a bed, allowing for a greater capacity or maybe just having the kids enjoy a "sleepover" there.

The master bedroom is the perfect enclave

Whenever we've stayed in an Aquatheater suite, we love having our friends come to visit and hang out.  However, it's equally nice to have a dedicated area just for me and my wife.

The master bedroom is as large as many interior cabins, but furnished much nicer.

There are two sets of massive closets on one side with more than enough storage space for all your clothes. Even if we were cruising for a week, there would have been ample space for everything.

There's even a door to the balcony, along with a window here.

There is a TV in this room as well.

Nearby is the vanity and seating area.  Not only is the large mirror located here, but you will find lots of power outlets too.  In fact, there are so many power outlets around this suite.  

I love that there are USB outlets on both sides of the bed. Dare I say, this is one suite you don't need to bring a power adaptor onboard.

The attached bathroom has a tub and shower, instead of a standup shower.

The bathroom isn't massive, but it's nice to have the tub.

There's a separate room for the kids, which is the kind of separation we look for in any cabin

A few steps away is a second bedroom that can sleep up to 4 people.

This is perfect for kids (or even their friends) because there are two beds on the ground (it can be combined into one bed), along with two pullman beds that fold down from the wall.

It has its own TV and vanity as well, which makes this room almost like an inside room within the suite.

There's no attached bathroom, so instead anyone sleeping in this room would need to walk across to the secondary bathroom of the suite.

This bathroom is your typical cruise ship bathroom.  Because it's accessible from the living room, it means anyone visiting can use it without needing to go into any of the bedrooms.

The best thing about this suite isn't the room at all

The balcony is massive and has great views, and even the suite itself has lots of space for a family. But the top reason to book this suite is for the Royal Genie services.

Star Class suites come with a Genie that you share with 2 or 3 other suites.

Think of the genie as a magic maker that's job is to ensure you get everything you want or need without much waiting.

They can arrange almost everything onboard for you, including shows, meals, room service, and more.  Since pretty much everything onboard is included with your cruise fare, the genie takes care of the rest.

Here are some examples of things the genie did for us on this sailing:

• Took care of my cabana location request for Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Arranged for Starbucks and breakfast to be delivered each morning
• Sent up afternoon snacks
• Booked all of our specialty restaurants
• Met us at the shows and dinner to escort us in
• Arranged for private elevator rides disembarking the ship

Of course, I could do most of these things myself.  But the point here is it's nice to let someone else take care of you instead.

Our genie really made us all feel like family while we were onboard and treated us as such. Having a genie is the "easy button" to how to cruise.

Our suite was massive and very expensive. But it's the perfect way to splurge

I would never try to convince anyone an Aquatheater suite is some kind of a good value, but I do think it's the perfect way to go big on vacation.

Everyone has different budgets, needs, and tastes when it comes to cruising. And there are always going to be some people that want an all-out celebration in an epic kind of suite.

Because this was only 3-nights, the $11k price tag was manageable. Had this been a weeklong cruise, I'm not sure I would have been able to justify the cost.

No one needs a suite like this, but my goodness, is it an incredible way to enjoy a cruise.

Happy weekend! In case you missed any Royal Caribbean news, here is a look at everything that happened this week!

Royal Caribbean has a new option for anyone booking a guaranteed cabin to find out their cabin for a fee.

For $30, the new Early Assign program offers a way to know your cabin assignment weeks earlier than normal.

The new option is being tested out as a way to give cruisers peace of mind while also generating extra revenue.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean just changed its casino comp cruises
• Royal Caribbean is planning a month-long party at sea with deals, giveaways, and surprises
• No, Royal Caribbean isn’t replacing lunch with brunch at one of it's restaurants
• Meet the most famous crew member on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• What happens if you miss the cruise ship safety drill?
• I always make a point to meet these 7 crew members on every cruise
• What are the biggest, longest, and tallest cruise ships in the world?
• I stayed in the cheapest cruise rooms on two major cruise lines. Here's how they compared, and which I liked better

New RCB Video: Five Forbidden Electronics Royal Caribbean Security Is Confiscating From Staterooms This Year

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! 

This week, we are sharing our latest video—Five Forbidden Electronics Royal Caribbean Security Is Confiscating From Staterooms This Year—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Legend of the Seas begins sea trials

The next new Royal Caribbean ship is finally at sea.

Legend of the Seas has started her sea trials, which is a major milestone in the ship's progress.

This is when certain navigation and technical systems are put to the test.

Royal Caribbean is about to open a beach club in Santorini. Here's how it will be different

One of the designers of the new Royal Beach Club Santorini shared how this private destination will be different.

In a few days, a new Royal Beach Club will open in the Mediterranean, and it addresses a need in the market.

Royal Caribbean believes it will offer the ultimate way to experience the Greek islands.

I spent 12 days on Royal Caribbean's smallest ship

Ira spent almost two weeks on one of Royal Caribbean's smallest and oldest ships.

Vision of the Seas doesn't have all the features you'll find on a big ship, but it makes up for it in other ways.

Cruising on an older ship gets you a much lower price, as well as a more intimate cruise experience.

Inside an interior room on Symphony of the Seas

For $1,400, Elizabeth stayed in the smallest cabin for a week.

You'll pay a premium to sail on a bigger and newer ship, but this cabin has plenty of storage space.

At just 149 square feet, it's not big by any means, but there's so much happening onboard the ship, so how much time would you spend in it?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 605th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

Matt lists three features he wants to see on the Discovery Class ships, and three he doesn't want onboard.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean’s annual casino loyalty perks are starting to hit accounts, and longtime players are noticing something feels different right away.

Every year in April, those that gambled enough on Royal Caribbean ships to reach a higher tier are eligible to receive a complimentary cruise.

The complimentary cruise certificates that once followed a predictable set of rules have been replaced with a new system that, for some members, offers more flexibility than ever before, while others don't see as much return value.

For some, the update opens the door to longer sailings and even higher-tier cabins.

Here's what has changed.

Royal Caribbean gives you a free cruise every year, if you play enough in their casinos

Royal Caribbean offers perks for gambling in its casinos through the Casino Royale program.

This is a separate loyalty program from Crown & Anchor Society, and it resets every year.  Based on how many points you earn in a calendar year, you can reach higher tiers.

Prime is the level that offers perks, and it includes complimentary drinks in the casino while playing, no fee for cash advances, and a complimentary cruise each year.

The annual complimentary cruise offerings are different from last year

On April 21st, members who obtained the highest tier started to see their annual certificates appear in their account. 

In years past, you could choose any cruise that wasn't listed on an exclusion list. The excluded sailings were typically holiday sailings or event cruises. It was also limited to any sailing for 7 nights or less.  

The framework was simple: if a sailing wasn’t on the excluded list and was seven nights or less, it was fair game.

Craig Hart reached the highest casino status at Masters, and he said the Master’s list has changed from a list of excluded cruises to a list of included sailings up to 25 night and ranged from balcony to Grand Suite. 

On paper, that sounds like a major upgrade. Longer cruises and higher-end accommodations were rarely part of the annual certificate conversation before.

He thinks some people may see this as a great change, but others may not as much value in it.

Within the email sent out by Casino Royale, there were also talks of "new limited-time bonus offers and special perks throughout the year, so you have the chance to upgrade your annual cruise benefit." 

What this means, no one knows yet, but it may create more value for the casino players.

Win or lose? Casino players debate if they like the change

For some casino guests, the expanded list represents a clear win. Access to longer voyages opens up options that simply didn’t exist under the old rules, particularly for travelers who prefer repositioning cruises or extended itineraries.

The inclusion of higher-category cabins also suggests Royal Caribbean is willing to offer a more premium experience to certain players, at least on select sailings.

At the same time, the move from an "exclusion list" to an "inclusion list" changes how flexible the benefit feels. Instead of browsing the full range of sailings and ruling out a handful, players are now limited to a curated selection chosen by the cruise line. Even if that list is extensive, it can still feel restrictive compared to the previous system.

That perception matters, especially for a loyalty program built around repeat play and predictable rewards.

Craig is curious to see how these changes impact how cruisers look at the value in the program, "While more people obtain status in the casino because of the value in years past, Royal Caribbean ships are sailing at or over capacity.  As this new casino year progresses, new ships start sailing and ships continue to sell out, it will be interesting to see other changes that will be made this year."

Depending on your cruising preferences, the available ships and sailings are either useful or not.  Newer ships, such as the Icon Class are not very prevalent. On Reddit, there were plenty of opinions.

• "Prime used to be any 7 day in an interior with a list of exceptions (usually just new ships and holidays). Now its a 500 cruise list. Huge downgrade. Boo!"
• "Mostly older ships and shorter sailings."
• "Highly disappointing. Most of these are older ships that I get an offer for in the mail 3 times a week."
• "No Icon for prime. Mostly older ships ships and short trips."

The sentiment shared by some is they gambled last year with a certain expectation, but feel the new change wasn't expected.

One person on Reddit posted, "I purposely gambled far more than I normally do to achieve Prime in anticipation for an interior on any 7 day cruise, 2+ year old boat, minus holidays."

"Not getting that is being bait and switched."

If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean this September, your vacation is about to come with a lot more than just the usual shows and pool days. 

The cruise line is bringing back its Royal Birthday Bash with special events, surprise giveaways, and even some deals that could save you money before you ever step onboard.

The promotion centers on sailings departing between September 1 and September 30, 2026, on cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico.

The Birthday Bash was first introduced last year, and this year's version leans heavily into both the onboard experience and the pre-cruise savings.

Here's what Royal Caribbean has planned if you happen to be cruising in September.

Royal Caribbean picked the month with the most birthdays

According to Royal Caribbean's research, the month of September has the most birthdays of any month. Therefore, they want to make every sailing feel like a birthday party.

Guests can expect themed events and pop-up surprises throughout their cruise, including special birthday cocktails, raffles and giveaways, and one of the more visible additions—a balloon drop party that turns a public venue into a full-on celebration.

Importantly, you don’t need to be celebrating your own birthday to take part. Royal Caribbean is opening the festivities to anyone sailing during the month. If you are celebrating a birthday, though, expect a few extra touches that lean into the theme.

Look for a special pre-cruise sale

Royal Caribbean is pairing the onboard celebration with a limited-time sale that runs from April 24 through May 7, 2026. 

During that window, there is a mix of discounts and incentives aimed at both new bookings and guests who already have a September cruise reserved.

One promotion is familiar: third and fourth guests sailing free. For families or groups booking a single stateroom, that can represent a meaningful savings, especially on shorter Caribbean sailings.

On top of that, the cruise line is adding up to $200 off stateroom pricing for September departures.

This isn't Kids Sail Free, it's any third and fourth passengers (taxes, fees, and overall pricing still apply). It's a good opportunity to bring friends and sail together.

For guests who already have a cruise booked in September, Royal Caribbean is also rolling out a set of pre-cruise deals that run slightly longer, from April 21 through May 12, 2026. These discounts focus on add-ons that many cruisers end up buying anyway.

Some of the notable discounts include:

• 50% off the Unlimited Dining Package
• 50% off admission to Thrill Waterpark
• 50% off admission to Hideaway Beach
• 40% off onboard Wi-Fi

Guests ages 12 and under can get up to 50% off refreshment and soda packages, along with 35% off arcade access.

One detail that may appeal to more experienced cruisers is that Royal Caribbean says these Birthday Bash offers can be combined with other promotions. That stacking potential is where some of the better deals tend to emerge.

A fun excuse to cruise

Whether you have a birthday or not in the month of September, Royal Caribbean is looking to give folks a reason to try a cruise.

While September may statistically have the most birthdays of any months, it's likely no coincidence that there are deeper savings for a cruise during the peak of hurricane season.

Early fall has traditionally been a shoulder season for Caribbean cruising, with lower demand compared to peak summer and holiday periods. Promotions like this can help fill that gap, while also giving guests an added reason to book a sailing that might already be priced more competitively.

Still, for guests already booked (or those considering a September trip), the Royal Birthday Bash adds an extra layer to the experience. It might save money or just add extra fun to everyone's vacation.

Royal Caribbean is known for all the fun you can have while sailing, but does that experience match up on one of its smaller ships?

Guest writer Ira Winkler is a longtime cruise fan who has been sailing with Royal Caribbean for years. He recently sailed on Vision of the Seas and shared his thoughts about what it's like to sail on one of the smallest and oldest ships in the fleet.

It's an annual tradition to take a cruise for my birthday, which is New Year's Eve. On a 10-day cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas across Southeast Asia the previous year, my wife suggested we try Vision of the Seas, as it is based in Baltimore, just 40 minutes from my home. 

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

We found a 12-day cruise on Vision, with six sea days and five port days. It also stopped at four ports I had never visited before. However, with six sea days, and the Liberty being the smallest ship I had previously cruised, it seemed like a risk. Turns out, it was one of the best cruises ever. 

While it ranked among my favorites, there were a few areas where we missed the larger ships. Perhaps my lessons will help you decide if small ships are an option for you.

Read more: I've cruised on one of Royal Caribbean's smallest ships and one of its biggest. I was surprised how much I liked the small ones

The price is really hard to beat

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

I noticed an immediate difference while booking the cruise at the Next Cruise desk on the Anthem. The cost of sailing on Vision of the Seas was impossible to beat. 

I usually travel in a suite, and sometimes in Star Class, for my birthday. If you cruise over a holiday week, it can easily cost well over $30,000. However, I booked the Royal Suite for 12 days for less than $15,000. The lower prices are consistent for all cabin classes. 

As such, I learned that small ships can provide you with experiences that you may otherwise not be able to afford or justify. 

It is important to set the right expectations

I was going to be nine points short of Diamond status before the 12-day cruise. So, my wife and I decided to take a five-day cruise on Vision of the Seas in a Junior Suite to get ten points before my birthday cruise and achieve Diamond status. This had the side effect of allowing us to know what to expect on the longer cruise. 

We knew we were not going to get the same Broadway-caliber shows that newer vessels, such as Oasis of the Seas, offer. As such, we leaned more into the daily schedule and took advantage of the trivia sessions and other contests. 

My wife and I also knew that we shouldn't expect the same facilities as the larger ships, including expansive pool decks, updated staterooms, and numerous dining venues. 

In short, you don't have to take a separate trip to know what to expect, but if you accept enjoying the ship for what it offers, as opposed to focusing on what it doesn't, you can thoroughly enjoy what is there.

Nothing beats sailing from a local cruise port

Traveling out of a local port provides benefits that I did not understand until I did it. Being able to wake up at my convenience and choose when to drive to the ship decreased my stress more than anything else on the cruise. I can now understand why people who live in Florida can cruise so frequently!

There is much less stress than flying in the day before, settling into a hotel, and then getting another form of transportation to the ship the next day. It is also significantly less money as you don’t pay for airfare and hotel rooms. Getting to a cruise can cost more than the cruise itself for many people. 

Even the departure from the ship is stress-free, as you can choose when to disembark the ship and not have to rush to the airport and deal with flights home.

Baltimore is easy and convenient 

Baltimore itself is a very easy port. You're dropped off just steps from the terminal. And even if you park your car, you're probably less than 100 yards from the entrance. 

The security line usually takes less than ten minutes, too. The longest part of the boarding process is walking from the check-in area up the ramp and onto the ship.

Read more: Essential tips for Baltimore Maryland sailings

You feel the ocean more

One of the downsides of a smaller ship is that you feel the waves more than on large ships. Sailing out of Baltimore for three days to the Southern Caribbean meant we were sailing through the North Atlantic for a good portion of the time. 

We dealt with the ship rocking while walking and lying in bed. It wasn't terrible, but if you are prone to seasickness, you will need to take precautions. We were also in the Royal Suite, which on Vision is at the front of the ship. As such, we felt the waves more, especially at night.

Tips to quiet the cabin

Given the age of the Vision of the Seas and the sounds that come with sailing through the open ocean, you can experience more cabin creaking than on other ships. It can be especially annoying if you are a light sleeper. 

The maintenance team, however, is used to complaints, and they placed pieces of cloth in the wall joints when we complained. This does cut down on the creaking. They can also tighten the doors and other parts of the cabin that have some movement.

Additionally, I'd recommend putting unused hangers on the floor of the closets to stop the rattling and look to secure any other items that are moving freely.

Read more: Noise-Free Cabins: How to Avoid Loud Rooms on Your Cruise

Vision of the Seas is an intimate ship

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

Given the size of the vessel, you will run into the same people a lot. Obviously, this can be a blessing and a curse — depending on the people. There was one woman on our cruise who was clearly a little rude, but most people were great. 

We also ran into the staff on port days, who were great to catch up with. A salesman from the jewelry shop ran over to help us take a picture, while our assistant waiter told a water taxi to wait for us. Overall, there was much more of a community vibe on a smaller ship.

Something else that was unique was that Vision's bridge wings were not enclosed, like they are on larger ships. This meant the bridge crew was basically on the balcony as they docked the ship. 

Being in the Royal Suite, we were immediately behind the bridge. From our balcony, we exchanged pleasantries with the Captain and his team on the mornings when they docked the ship. These are the types of experiences that truly make a cruise memorable!

Read more: I spent 5 nights onboard one of Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ships

Easy-to-navigate layout

We didn't appreciate it as much as we should have on this cruise, but after being on Allure of the Seas two months later, it was much easier to get around the ship. 

Our cabin was on Deck 8, and even though it was in the very front of the ship, we were at most a ten-minute walk away from anything. We rarely had to climb or descend more than four decks to get anywhere!

The size of the ship never caused us to rush. If we left anything in the cabin, it was not an inconvenience to go back and get it. This resulted in a much more relaxed experience than we have on larger ships.

Friendly crew

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

There's a motto to Vision of the Seas that what it lacks in size, it makes up for in heart. After 12 days onboard, and having traveled on nine other ships, I found Vision's crew to be the most friendly and personable. 

Our cabin attendant, Aladin, was a joy to see every day, and we never had a more responsive attendant who anticipated our needs better. This was not our first time in a Royal Suite, and having traveled in Star and Sky class as well, Aladin’s quality of service went above and beyond any other service team we previously had.

Likewise, the wait staff was exceptional. They were incredibly personable, and we looked forward to seeing them every night. They had our drinks ready for us. They knew our preferences and had everything prepared. If we showed up late, they found a way to accommodate us. 

The Cruise Director’s team also recognized us by name. While departing the ship, I ran into the Captain, face to face for the first time, and he turned to shake my hand and thank me for being on his ship. I told him about how friendly the crew was, and he smiled and said, "It's our heart."

Read more: I always make a point to meet these 7 crew members on every cruise. They matter more than you think

Fewer children and teenagers

I would probably recommend other ships to parents with children and teens. Although there definitely were children on this ship, the children on board apparently met others through the ship's programs, and they frequently wandered the ship as there were fewer things to do. 

My wife overheard some of them arguing over whether the Royal Suite actually existed, and she invited them back and gave them a tour of the cabin.

Overall, if you're a cruiser who wants to avoid children and teens, this is the ship to do it!

Entertainment was lacking

On the downside, there are no major Broadway shows. There is no ice-skating rink. There is no AquaTheater or Two70. That aside, the band, singers, and dancers in the production shows were outstanding. The headliners were, however, hit or miss.

Vision of the Seas does have the Centrum, which is best described as a small promenade. It is open to most decks of the ship and hosts bands and other entertainment. The band was Rockport and is one of the best cover bands you will experience. 

Otherwise, there are the typical cruise ship activities. In general, entertainment is one of those areas that requires setting the proper expectations, as the experience differs greatly from massive Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships. 

Suite benefits were also lacking 

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

We had some nice perks staying in the Royal Suite. The Suite Concierge, for example, met us at the security checkpoint before boarding and escorted us through the check-in process, onto the ship, and directly to our cabin. He also checked in with us daily to see if there was anything we wanted. He was in many ways a Star Class genie and did a good job at it.

However, if you do frequently travel in suites, you will notice a few downsides compared to larger ships. For example, Coastal Kitchen does not exist below Quantum Class ships. For breakfast, they do open Chops Grill for suite guests, but unfortunately, there was only one very overworked waiter. 

There is no free WiFi, either, and the Suite Lounge is small, but sufficient in size compared to the small number of guests who appeared to use it. There is also no dedicated suite sun deck. They do save seats for suite guests at shows, but it was unnecessary as the theater was never even close to full.

Good itineraries

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

Possibly the most intriguing part of the cruise was the itinerary. Smaller ships can go to ports with smaller capacity. This trip stopped in St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Croix, and Dominica. 

These are not the most common ports for Royal Caribbean. It did provide for a more diverse cruise than most and was a welcome change!

Easy disembarkation process

Like embarkation, departure was just as easy. Given the smaller number of passengers, debarkation seemed faster. The Suite Concierge escorted suite guests off the ship at their leisure, but even non-suite guests were able to depart at a reasonable pace. 

And much like the embarkation, going through Customs and Border Patrol was fast, and it was then a few steps back to cars or other transportation. 

Vision of the Seas isn't perfect, but the pros of a smaller ship make up for the cons

(Credit: Ira Winkler)

I love traveling on large ships; however, Vision of the Seas sets herself apart. The departure port, the lower cost, and the unique itinerary overcame the downsides. 

The large number of sea days provided a more relaxing experience. Likewise, the fact that the ship is smaller and less crowded allowed for a much more relaxed cruise.

Whether it's right for you or not depends on what you value. With the proper expectations and the right mix of what you are looking for, even the smallest and oldest ships can provide an awesome experience. 

While I admit that it sounded like a cliché before the cruise, I can attest that what Vision lacks in size, she makes up for in heart.

Royal Caribbean is just days away from opening its newest private destination with a beach club in the Mediterranean.

Royal Beach Club Santorini is opening for the summer cruise season in Greece, and it looks very different from anything the cruise line has done before.

Speaking during a recent webinar, Keri-Ann Chin-Sang, Senior Director of Product Development, pulled back the curtain on Royal Beach Club Santorini ahead of its debut. What she described isn't a scaled-down version of Perfect Day at CocoCay, but something far more intentional, and far more exclusive.

"In five days, we'll be celebrating the debut of Royal Caribbean's first ever Royal Beach Club in Europe," Chin-Sang said during her explanation.  She's actually spent the last few weeks in Greece working on it. "We're super excited… we are here in the final days of adding the finishing touches and making sure everything's just perfect for guests."

One thing is clear from her overview of the new beach club: Royal Caribbean is taking a completely different approach to what a "private destination" looks like in Europe.

This beach club will be smaller, and more exclusive

Unlike a private island experience, the Royal Beach Club is not meant to be anything like CocoCay.

"What you're seeing here is… probably a little bit smaller than what everyone typically thinks of when you think of a Royal Caribbean private destination," Chin-Sang explained.

Whereas CocoCay can accommodate over 10,000 people, Royal Beach Club Santorini has a smaller footprint.

"Royal Beach Club Santorini is truly an exclusive experience in this first season for really just about 300 guests at a time."

"Currently the plan is 300 guests at a time… in a day we're looking at 900 guests for the day. But at any one time, we're planning for an intimate group of 300 guests."

That limit is intentional as a way to to respond to one of Santorini’s biggest challenges.

Royal Caribbean is trying to solve Santorini's major problem

Royal Caribbean's research showed them that while Santorini is one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe, it's also been frustrating for guests.

"Santorini always has high appeal with guests, but somehow came back with low satisfaction," Chin-Sang revealed.

"In digging into that, we realized that it's mostly about the transportation, the crowds, the wait times."

If you’ve ever visited, you've probably experienced long tender lines, packed streets in Fira, and the infamous cable car queues.

Royal Caribbean sought to design a beach club experience that fixes those problems.

"We thought really long and hard about how we could fix that and enhance the guest experience and make sure that guests are really able to maximize their day on the island."

You'll have a "build your own adventure" approach when in Santorini

Admission to the club goes beyond a beach day. Royal Caribbean is bundling the beach club into what it calls the "Ultimate Santorini Day" tour.

"This three stop build your own adventure… allows people to plan their day," Chin-Sang explained.

Guests will be able to experience multiple parts of the island in a structured, seamless way.

"Some guests will be able to start their day at the beach club. Some guests will start their day with the towns… Oia and Fira, and every stop along the tour has its own unique charm."

That includes:

• Oia
• Fira
• The beach club

"You can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on a black sand beach with an unlimited Greek buffet… like who wouldn't want this perfect tour in Santorini," she said.

The biggest difference, though, is how easy it's meant to be.

"You don't have to think hard about waiting in a long line, or waiting in the sun to ride the cable car… you are ushered from location to location on a cozy, air conditioned bus."

In other words, Royal Caribbean is trying to make a port notorious for crowds and waits into a much easier experience.

This club was designed to fit in, not stand out

Another major shift is how the destination looks, because it's not using bright colors or incorporate attractions.

"We didn't want to make this your traditional beacon, bright colors of a Royal Caribbean destination," Chin-Sang said.

Their goal was to make it feel like part of Santorini itself.

"We wanted to really make sure that we were developing a property that felt like it was part of Santorini, authentic to the local architecture."

A day at the beach club is meant to be picture perfect

The beach club includes many of the amenities cruisers expect, in addition to the backdrop of being on a beautiful Greek island.

"It is the kind of scenery guests dream about," Chin-Sang said, describing the setting.

"It's set at the southern coast of Santorini, with a backdrop of these unreal volcanic cliffs."

Here's what's included:

• A black sand beach
• Loungers and umbrellas
• Changing huts and showers
• A main bar and buffet

"All of the amenities that guests are looking for are just a few steps away… it's pretty much a hassle free day."

In fact, small details have been refined to ensure it's a great experience, "The beach is at a lower elevation than the restaurant, so all of the restaurant seating is the best seat in the house."

Food will be a focal point to embrace being in Greece

Food is another area where Royal Caribbean is leaning into the destination.

"We've worked for several months… with local chefs to really pour that authentic Greek vibe into the menu."

You can expect to find on the menu gyros and souvlaki, Greek burger, vegetarian moussaka, and more.

"My personal favorite… the unlimited Greek frozen yogurt," she said.

Drinks are also included, with a strong local focus.

"We're very, very excited to be able to offer a Royal Beach Club exclusive craft beer… it's called Lava Lager."

Guests will also find custom wines made specifically for Royal Caribbean visitors. There will be custom red, white, and rosé wine varietals.

Royal Caribbean is doing something different in Santorini

If there’s one theme that comes through in this preview, I think it's that they're taking a far different approach with this beach club.

Their goal isn't to build the biggest or most feature-packed destination. Instead, they're trying to solve a problem their research tells them exists and then deliver a better version of Santorini.

"We found the most gorgeous site that we could possibly find on the island," Chin-Sang said.

"And we've made it into an experience where the transportation is curated, it's included… you don't have to think hard."

Considering Royal Caribbean has a reputation of going big, they're building something much more tailored to the destination.

If it works, it could usher in a new approach to how it tackles private destinations in other parts of the world.

Royal Caribbean is offering a new way to book a guaranteed cabin without having to wait as long for the room assignment.

Appealing to a common frustration among cruise ship passengers that let the cruise line pick their room in exchange for a cheaper price, the "Early Assign" program will ensure you aren't waiting months to have one picked for you.

Traditionally, there's no telling how long it could take before your room would be assigned after booking a guaranteed room. It could be days, weeks, or months. In fact, the exact room could technically be assigned on the day of embarkation.

Instead, there's a new program out to let you bypass the waiting by paying a nominal fee.

You pay for Early Assign, and it's like front-of-the-line access

Not actual logo, just something we made up!

Royal Caribbean announced a pilot program on Wednesday called, "Early Assign", where you pay a fee to have your guaranteed cabin assignment much faster than usual.

The cost is $30 per cabin.

As of right now, it's a pilot program and available only to U.S. bookings during specific pre-sailing windows:

• Cruises five nights or less: 30-60 days before sailing
• Cruises six nights or longer: 50–80 days before sailing

It's available for these room categories:

• WS
• XB
• XQ
• XN
• NQ
• YO
• YQ
• ZI
• ZQ

Guests will receive their stateroom assignment within 24 business hours of Royal Caribbean's receipt of payment in full.

In addition, Early Assign that lets you switch to another open cabin in your category, based on availability. This means if you prefer a different room location than the one you were assigned and there's an unsold room left in the same category as yours, you can switch to it.

To be fair, that's something anyone can do, regardless if they booked a guaranteed room or not. But perhaps Royal Caribbean is highlighting this because taking advantage of Early Assign provides more time so there would still be other unsold rooms.

If you opt in and pay the $30, the cabin is assigned immediately.

Early Access is not available for casino fares.

The $30 payment for Early Assign is non-refundable, regardless of cancellation. If a cruise booking is canceled, the Early Assign fee is forfeited and not refunded, regardless of cancellation timing.

Travel agents can book it on behalf of their clients, but there's indication that someone booking without a travel agent couldn't book it.

Is Early Access worth it?

It's clear that Royal Caribbean wants to address a complaint among cruisers who feel waiting until the last minute to know which room they've been assigned is less than ideal.  Moreover, they're going to turn that need into a revenue generator.

While some cruisers may not care how long it takes to get a room assigned, others are less care-free.  The question of "how long does it take to get a cabin assigned" is one of the more common frequently asked questions on the Royal Caribbean message boards.

The reason guarantee cabins exist is to help fill in unsold rooms.  Royal Caribbean essentially offers you a lower price in exchange for letting them pick your room location.

It's also a tool cruise lines use to oversell cruise ships with the assumption last-minute cancellations typically occur.

By reducing the wait time involved in a guaranteed booking, it's like the "easy button".

The program reminds me of how some airlines offer early boarding if you pay extra.

One thing it won't do is allow you to pick a specific room or location.  The cruise line says the new program does not guarantee deck, location, view, or specific stateroom attributes. Really, it's just a way to know your room location sooner.

I've booked guarantee rooms with mixed results

Over the years, I've occasionally booked guarantee rooms as a way to save money.

I primarily relied on it when I'm cruising solo, because my room location isn't as important when it's just me.  Not only am I okay with a smaller room, but I'm not that particular. Plus, my kids aren't with me, so I don't need to have my cabin be near theirs.

In my experience, I've always ended up with a cabin at the end of a hallway and often a connecting room.

There's usually a reason unsold cabins remain unsold in the final months before the cruise begins, largely because it's further away from the elevators. Or it's attached to a connecting cabin with someone they don't know on the other side.

Still, the money saved by going this route is difficult to overlook. 

Those that aren't susceptible to getting seasick and don't mind a longer walk to elevators may find the trade-offs well worth it.

I won't book a guarantee room for every cruise, but it is a useful option when I'm flexible in my travel plans.