Of all the restaurants on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the buffet is still one of my favorite places to eat.

I love the mix of food variety, how easy it is to get in and out, and the fact there's something for everyone.  I love that I can enjoy Indian curry, customized salads, or an overloaded burger while my kids can get chicken fingers or pizza. It's win-win for everyone.

While I'll primarily eat at the Main Dining Room or specialty restaurants, I like going to the Windjammer on embarkation day for welcome aboard lunch or hit it up for dinner after a long day in port.

When I pick the Windjammer to go eat, I always do four important things at every meal. I think these really make the meal more enjoyable from start to finish.

Wash my hands, even if i just did

It may sound clichéd to talk about how important it is wash your hands, but I'll do it every single time I walk in or out of the restaurant.

Quite frankly, I'm astounded how many people don't do this.  Stand near the Windjammer entrance for 30 seconds and you'll witness it yourself.

Cruise ship or not, washing your hands before you eat is a smart idea to mitigate the chances of getting sick while eating. It's not foolproof, but I'll do whatever I can to stay healthy on a cruise.

Most ships have handwashing stations at the entrance now, but on older ships there is a crew member that offers hand sanitizer.

Anytime I walk in, I'll take the time to wash my hands because it's too easy to become complacent.

Get a seat first, then go to the buffet

It's so tempting to grab a plate and hit the first buffet station you see, but that's a mistake.

It's usually very busy at the Windjammer, especially for breakfast.  You really ought to find a seat and then get food.

Early on when I cruised, I'd get my food and then do the awkward walk trying to find a table with two hands full of food.  Not only is it cumbersome, but the chances of accidentally spilling the food while looking for a table is quite high.

This strategy is not only a good idea to ensure you have somewhere to sit, but works well with families too.  Kids needs to know where you're going to be, and if they're young, you probably need to take shifts going up with the kids and then go back for yourself.

Usually the further you're willing to sit from the actual buffet stations, the higher the likelihood of finding an open table.

Be sure to prioritize outdoor seating if your ship has an outdoor area of the Windjammer. It's so nice to dine al fresco when possible on a cruise!

Check out all the stations before taking any food

The next thing I'll do is survey the food options because this is a lesson I learned the hard way.

It's so tempting to grab a plate and fill it up with the first options you see, but inevitably I see there's something else I would have rather have gotten.

Of course I can discord my plate of food and get a new plate with what I wanted instead, but I feel bad being quite that wasteful. There's no penalty or anything like that, but I try not to waste food when possible.

Instead, I'll do a quick walk around the buffet stations to quickly see what's around. 

Keep in mind in most Windjammers, one side is usually a mirror of the other, so you don't have to necessarily check out both sides of the buffet.

This strategy is especially helpful with the next thing I always do in the Windjammer.

Prioritize the cooking stations

My favorite thing about the Windjammer are the cooking stations, and I'll look to these first.

These cooking stations custom cook a specific type of cuisine the way you want it, and it really hits the spot for me every time.

The Asian stir fry is my absolute favorite, followed by the pasta station.  I think we all prefer our food prepared with one ingredient over another, and there might be something we'd rather have left out of it.

Plus, because it's cooked on the spot, it just tastes better.

There's no cost to the cooking stations, so take advantage of them whenever you can.

If you've never taken a cruise, Royal Caribbean is the perfect choice for most people because of its wide appeal.

I've been cruising with Royal Caribbean for over 20 years, and I've taken my family on dozens of cruises to places around the world.  It's an incredible vacation, and I think it offers something for just about everyone.

The new to cruise market is the single biggest untapped market of customers, and all cruise lines want to attract new customers to give it a try.

When considering the best cruise line for first timers, I think Royal Caribbean has fantastic choices that you won't regret.

A weekend getaway for first timers

Based on Royal Caribbean's marketing, it's clear a lot of people who have never cruised want to try a short weekend cruise as their first.

In this case, the marketing isn't wrong. Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas offer 3 and 4 night cruises to The Bahamas and they're billed as not only a short sailing, but two amazing ships to try.

The reason why these ships stand out is they're very new cruise ships that offer some of the best things you can do onboard, and because they're among the biggest ships in the world, there's also so much to do onboard.

You'll find lots for kids and adults to do on these ships, along with stops in The Bahamas every day. You'll visit Nassau, Bahamas and the cruise line's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

A day at the private island is about enjoying time in the sun and surf, and it's a kind of "walled garden" that offers just about everything you'd want in a beach or pool day. Most of what you can do here costs nothing extra, but there are some extra costs, like a waterpark or adults-only area.

Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas, and what you need to know about going here is Royal Caribbean is on the verge of opening a brand new option that no other cruise line can match.

The cruise line is building its first ever beach club, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, near where the cruise ships dock.

It will open in December 2025 and is like a Royal Caribbean owned and operated shore excursion available exclusively for its customers.

The beach club will have beaches and pools, three swim-up bars, seven beach bars, and more than 40 cabanas to rent. Plus, it's all-inclusive!

What you get with a cruise like this is a packed few days to try out not just a cruise, but sail on one of the best ships in the world and indulge in incredible days on shore and onboard.

Your time onboard will fly by, but as a new cruiser, this is perfect for someone that wants to dip their toe into the proverbial pool and try things out without compromising on what they get with the ship experience.

First time cruisers who want to see Europe

Maybe you're looking to combine seeing Europe for the first time with a cruise vacation.

Royal Caribbean not only offers cruises to just about every corner of Europe, but it's a convenient way to see a lot of places without the hassle of packing, unpacking, re-packing and getting around.

One advantage of a European cruise is it's far more port intensive than a Caribbean cruise because of all the time you'll want to spend ashore seeing these cities.  This is a boon for a new cruiser, since they'll be less ship dependent.

A Mediterranean cruise is among the top choices for first time cruisers in Europe, because it takes you to the places most people dream about.

The newly updated Allure of the Seas sails 7-night cruises from Barcelona, Spain that visits France and Italy. It'll not only cover the quintessential spots in the Med, but also get you on an impressive ship that will fit the needs of families too.

An underrated ship is Odyssey of the Seas, and it is sailing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Odyssey is a new ship, and visits Italy, Greece, and Turkey.  

I love sailing on Odyssey because of how much there is to do.  It's a bit smaller than Allure, but still offers plenty for families to do onboard.  

If you're taking a European cruise, the ship is arguably less important given how much time you'll be in port. However, the evening is when you'll want a ship that has lots happening.

Plus, both of these ships have upgraded kids club areas too. 

When picking a European cruise in the Med, I'd recommend going during the months of May, June or September because the weather is better (less hot) and the popular tourist attractions in the cities you visit will be far less crowded.

Empty nesters looking to try a cruise

The kids are off to college and now is the perfect time to try a cruise! If that's where you're at, there are a few kinds of cruises to try for the first time.

An Alaska cruise should be at the top of your must-see list, and you should go in the shoulder season when other families still have their kids in school and cannot travel.

Ever since I tried my first Alaska cruise, it blew me away with how impressive and majestic this part of the world is. 

The towns you'll visit are quaint with so much to see.  You're going to want to return almost immediately to experience more.

Even when you're not in port, there's so much to see around you.  Cruise ships sail the Inside Passage in Alaska, and that takes you on a scenic route with wildlife viewing opportunities and simply stunning landscapes.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises to Alaska from Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. There are advantages to taking an Alaska cruise from either port, but I generally recommend first timers start with a Seattle-based ship simply because it's easier to get to and (probably) cheaper too.

Once again, I think the ship choice matters, and you'll get bigger ships in Seattle.  Ship size isn't everything, but someone that has never cruised is likely expecting more of what they imagine and see commercials cruise ships can offer.

The family reunion trip

In many cases, the idea of taking an extended family vacation comes up and without a doubt, a cruise is the way to go.

When you have cousins, uncles, grandparents, and nieces involved, there are lots of competing needs. With a cruise, it allows you all to be together, but not feel like you're joined at the hip.  You're vacationing together without "being on top of each other."

A short cruise might make a lot of sense for the same reasons I outlined earlier for the weekend getaway. You get to sail on a big ship that has something for everyone, it will cost less overall than a longer cruise, and you can squeeze it into everyone's schedule.

Weekend cruises on Utopia of the Seas are so popular with family gatherings because taking a long weekend is palatable for just about everyone.

I'd also point a family reunion style trip to 5-7 night cruises because you can get to spend time with each other and not feel like it's over just after it started.

If you've seen a television commercial for Royal Caribbean, it's probably for Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas and these ships are incredible.

Experiencing the very best Royal Caribbean has to offer is even better with loved ones, and it's the kind of family cruise that you'll talk about for years to come.

Icon Class ships are not only the biggest in the world, but they are a leap in cruise ship development.  It's the latest and greatest, and that means you're not compromising on what there is to see, eat, or do onboard. Plus, it caters to kids just as much as adults.

The one thing you don't want to do for your first cruise

I'd caution anyone picking their first cruise to avoid one pitfall to avoid disappointment later.

Chasing the lowest price is rarely going to deliver the best vacation for your needs, but some people will simply try to find the cheapest cruise available. Later they realize that low price compromises in too many places.

I'm all for finding a good deal, but you need to weigh what kind of vacation you're looking for, and then focus on cruises that highlight that while also balancing price.

By simply sorting the cruises by lowest price first, you could end up on a ship that lacks the activities, restaurants, or shows that matter to your family.  Or it could visit places you have far less interest in going to.

Worse yet, you might book a stateroom that is noisy, small, or inconvenient.  

If you're looking to get a great deal, I'd advise following our advice outlined in this article, but try to take a cruise during shoulder season. That will get you to the places you want, on the ship you'll love, without spending the most for it.

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

A cruise passenger was arrested after an incident that took place in a Royal Caribbean elevator.

He is accused of attacking another passenger after the victim's wife complained that a group of "kids were jumping up and down on the elevator."

The man is facing a second-degree felony assault charge after a fight occurred on Liberty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean issues warning after cruise passenger later diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease
• Royal Caribbean quietly makes an internet change
• Royal Caribbean extends a fix to a huge dining package problem
• New Royal Caribbean ship construction progress revealed
• Did MSC Copy Royal Caribbean?
• Royal Caribbean brings back a surprising option it got rid of years ago
• I booked a European cruise on Royal Caribbean, but avoided the worst months
• 19 Things you didn't know about Royal Caribbean's cruise ship Chief Dog Officer
• The cheapest way to do Perfect Day at CocoCay without missing out
• Use this loophole to get around strict Royal Caribbean's drink package rule
• How to protect yourself from getting sick on a cruise
• I always book rooms near staircases on cruise ships. It's worth paying more to make my vacation easier and better

New RCB Video: Star of the Seas Deck-by-Deck Ship Preview

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—Star of the Seas Deck-by-Deck SHIP TOUR PREVIEW—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Why Royal Caribbean's major change is stirring debate

Royal Caribbean plans to shift almost all of its Oasis Class ships to short cruises, and that's causing quite a controversy among cruisers.

The strategy is to attract new customers, but established cruisers feel slighted because they don't like going on short cruises and it's cannibalizing what they see as some of the best ships in the fleet.

They dislike the idea of short cruises for their lack of port diversity, higher per-night pricing, and unattractiveness to travel to sail to these cruises.

Royal Caribbean is now selling Star Class VIP perks on its smaller cruise ships

You can start enjoying the very best suite class amenities and perks while booking an inside cabin on a smaller cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean has introduced the "Royal Genie Package" that offers the services of the Royal Genie on ships like Independence of the Seas.

Up until now, it was only available on the biggest and newest ships in the fleet.

I went on a 4-night Allure of the Seas cruise, and here's what everything cost

From the cruise fare to airfare to coffee, Jenna tallied up exactly how much everything costs from start to finish to go on a recent Allure of the Seas cruise.

We often look at just the cruise fare when picking ships, but there's a total vacation cost to account for as well.

It might help you to see the cost of everything to get a better sense of how to better budget for your vacation.

I always ask my cruise ship room attendant for 4 things on every cruise

The one crew member you're likely to interact with the most is your cabin attendant, and Matt always makes the same requests on every sailing.

The cruise line wants you to have an amazing vacation, and that starts with your in-cabin experience.

There are different ways you can have your cruise cabin personalized to your liking, and it's important to convey them.

These 6 extra cost restaurants are worth booking and the 2 you can skip

Among the many specialty restaurants, there are a few that are must-dos, and a couple you could safely bypass.

Matt has tried all of Royal Caribbean's extra cost venues and while each has its pros and cons, a few truly stand out as great choices.

Likewise, there's two that he thinks aren't worth your money.

Royal Caribbean appears to have introduced a new, unannounced Wi-Fi option that might fit your cruise needs nicely.

Internet on a cruise ship has slowly moved from novelty to must-have for so many people.  It's less about doing work from a cruise ship, but rather being connected and being able to stay in touch with friends and social media.

For those that want non-stop connectivity, the internet packages offered are fantastic. But what about someone that has more casual needs? Believe it or not, there's no free wi-fi on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Royal Caribbean has sold a 24-hour pass on its ships that isn't well known, but that's still much more access than just a quick task.  Plus, it costs $29.99 and is more expensive than the daily rate of the unlimited packages.

It looks like we may have a fix for those that need very limited internet.

New 60-minute Wi-Fi package

Guests on at least two Royal Caribbean ships this week report there's a new option for short-term internet needs.

Elizabeth Wright is an Associate Editor with Cruise.Blog and is sailing on Icon of the Seas this week. She confirmed the new option of a 60-minute package that costs $9.99.

It's only available once you're onboard, not pre-cruise.

There's one more catch, you actually have to ask them at the Voom desk to purchase it.

Just like the longer duration packages, it's the same high speed Starlink internet access that works quite well.  Our team has consistently found good success with Royal Caribbean's Voom options.

Better option for quick needs

Adding a one hour internet package may not be important for most cruisers, but it should serve a need that some have always wanted.

There are plenty of reasons why someone might want a short duration internet package but don't want or need to invest in something much longer. Royal Caribbean's internet options were previously "all or nothing."

Some people prefer to completely disconnect on vacation, and that means not having internet during their cruise. However, they may have reasons to be connected periodically.

• Checking in for flights
• Submitting school work
• Checking in with family periodically
• Emergencies

There's clearly a niche need, and those people may have skipped Royal Caribbean's internet all together in favor of using wifi in the ports they visit instead.

One good cruise hack is to find internet hot spots in the ports of call you visit because it can either be free or quite inexpensive.

The problem with this hack is finding an actual place offering it.  In my experience, the free spots are inundated with other people and speeds can be abysmal. 

Plus there's the security concerns of using public hotspots.

A Royal Caribbean option is certainly going to be more convenient and safer.

It's an effective option, but costs add up quickly

I think this new 60 minute option is perfect for people that have limited needs, but there's an argument for buying an unlimited package anyway.

The hour long package is only sold onboard the ship and for now is something you have to physically go to the Voom desk to get added to your account.  There is no way to pre-purchase or plan ahead.

That alone is a hassle, especially when the line for the Voom desk is inundated with cruisers who are trying to get their device working.

While it's only $10, that's a cost you could get more mileage out of with an internet package you pre-purchase, especially on short cruises.

As an example, for my 3-night Utopia of the Seas cruise in 2026 I have booked, it would cost just $65.97 if I pre-purchased an unlimited package. That is 6 times the price of the one hour package, but the it's a better value per minute, and I can use it throughout the cruise.

The more of these one hour packages you buy, the quicker the unlimited package makes more financial sense.

Keep in mind you can always change your mind on the ship.

Royal Caribbean allows you to buy an internet package for a pro-rated amount as the cruise goes on.  You could wait until the last day and buy it then, or even half way and only pay for the remaining days.

A new option that should make someone's cruise better

Ultimately, I think this new 60 minute internet package should be a benefit for at least some cruisers.

It will bring a little more revenue to Royal Caribbean from people that might of otherwise tried to find internet ashore or simply not bought it at all.

I think adding more flexibility is great for consumers.  Now the question is could we see even more flexible Voom packages in the future?

Royal Caribbean ships offer a lot of restaurants onboard, including new concepts that are not only novel, but incredibly different and fun.

After cruising on almost every ship in the fleet, I've eaten at every single one at least once.  In many cases, numerous times. In my experience, some absolutely live up to the hype, but others aren't worth your time or money.

One piece of advice I always give before sharing any of my opinions is to try it yourself.  There are very few restaurants that I think are worth skipping, but it can totally be a "me problem" rather than a holistic issue.

As an example, I don't like Hooked Seafood restaurant, but I also choose not to eat shellfish as a general rule.  That precludes me from most of the menu, so it's no surprise I don't love it.

Here's my list of six restaurants worth trying and the two you might want to skip on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Izumi Hibachi

The best crowd pleaser in my list is Izumi Hibachi because of how much fun it is, while also offering really good food.

Hibachi dining is something you likely have done on land, but Royal Caribbean has its own take on the popular cooking style.

Unfortunately there's no fire element on cruise ships because of how incredibly dangerous open flames can be, but they still put on a great show.  Each chef has their own style, and there's different tricks, songs, puns, and anything else to get a smile out of you.

The food is wonderful too, and even the pickiest of eaters should find something here.  The chicken option is quite plain and I've eaten with enough friends who love it to know it's a safe bet.

Overall, it's an entertaining meal that is so consistently good, I love going here on pretty much every cruise.

Portside BBQ

It's only available on Oasis of the Seas, but this is one of the best new ideas to come out of Royal Caribbean headquarters.

Portside BBQ is a casual restaurant where you order a combination of different bbq food and it's all so very good.

I was skeptical of the idea when it was first announced, but I'll eat here multiple times per cruise because it's that good. 

The smoked turkey sammie along with beef brisket is the kind of food I'd love to eat every day, if I could.

The side dishes are just as good as the mains.  Gooey and thick mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and I ended up doubling down on mac and cheese on subsequent visits.  The beans where combined with burnt ends, and had a fantastic, tangy flavor.

I also think the pricing is a great value, and a cheap meal overall.

150 Central Park

Too many new cruisers skip 150 Central Park because they aren't exactly sure what it is, or are afraid it's too fancy for them.

I was the same way until friends made me try it, and since then, it's a must-eat on any Oasis Class ship.

It's American food that's served in an upscale manner.  You'll find steak, chicken, lobster, fish, and a few other notable dishes.

The Beef Tenderloin is probably the best steak on the ship, even better than neighboring Chops Grille.

Each dish at the restaurant is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, all of which are harvested during the peak of their season. I

Royal Railway

If you're looking for the hottest dining ticket on a cruise ship today, it's Royal Railway Utopia Station.

This is an immersive train car dining experience and it's unlike any other specialty restaurant in the fleet (or on land).

From the moment you step foot on the station's "platform," you'll believe you're about to board a train. 

It's family friendly, so bring the kids.  I think it's a fantastic memory maker for families. The sort of activity that you'll be talking about when you get home after the cruise.

Playmakers

Comfort food will always have its place on cruise ships, and some of the best are at Playmakers Sports Bar.

Wings, burgers, fries, and beers are available in abundance while you watch one of the many television screens around the ship.

My family ends up in Playmakers for lunch and dinner a lot because it's simple yet satisfying. We don't have to get dressed up, and the food is really good too.

So many items on the menu are going to become favorites: onion ring tower, buffalo crunch roll, truffle burger, and touchdown nachos are all fantastic.

I like that we can go for a beer and a snack, or an entire meal. Sometimes we stop in for just dessert.

Empire Supper Club

Empire Supper Club is another new restaurant idea and it's the ultimate date night out.

This is a glitzy themed meal that incorporates high quality food, live entertainment, and cocktail pairings. It takes three hours to complete and men need to wear a jacket, but don't let that scare you aware.

The level of thought that went into matching the music, food, and beverages together is why I love cruises so much.

All the other restaurants on this list are typical specialty restaurants that differentiate themselves by cuisine or cooking style.  Empire Supper Club is an entirely different experience all together.

You'll be able to enjoy an eight-course meal, paired with cocktails that have been specially created for Royal Caribbean by a world renowned mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim. 

As you sip and dine, you'll be serenaded by a jazz trio that perform musical standards  from Gershwin, Sinatra, and the sort.

The venue can only seat 38 people and there's just one seating each night.  It's intimate and personalized.

However, I recommend skipping Samba Grill

I was surprised I didn't love Royal Caribbean's Brazilian steakhouse idea more, but Samba Grill really disappointed me each time I've dined there.

Available only on Radiance and Allure of the Seas, it meets the basics of a churrasco style of cooking, but falls flat on execution.

If you've eaten at one of these restaurants on land, you know about how the servers come by early and often with skewers of meat to serve you.  As long as you have the green button up, they'll come by.

The problem is Royal Caribbean chooses to ask its guests at what temperature they prefer their meats cooked, and that slows down the entire experience.  I spent more time waiting for the next round than eating, and it kind of ruined the atmosphere as I just decided I didn't want to wait again for the medium steak to come out of the kitchen again.

In my opinion, there are better spots than Johnny Rockets

Maybe I'm jaded, but I really don't see the value anymore with Johnny Rockets.

The menu hasn't changed in decades (but the price has gone up), and it's fairly lackluster food.  Burgers, shakes, hot dogs, and fries are great, but I really don't think it's that much better than the Windjammer buffet (which is free).  And it really doesn't stack up to similar food at Playmakers.

The Johnny Rockets menu on land is significantly better looking than the few options on the cruise ship version.

The best thing about Johnny Rockets is that it's probably one of the cheapest "all you can eat" specialty restaurants, but I've been disappointed in what's offered.

Small things can make a big difference on your cruise, including the role your stateroom attendant plays.

One of the things I try to do on the first day of the cruise is to meet my stateroom attendant so I can start things off on the right note. They are the crew member you're likely to interact with the most, and I think how your cabin is attended to matters to a lot of people.

No matter if your cabin is small or large, I think it's important to ensure you're happy with the experience in it.  

On any cruise I go on, when I meet my stateroom attendant, I always ask them four important things. Sometimes there's more, but I think these four are the ones that can be substantive.

How to pronounce their name

I hate awkward interactions and in my early cruising career, I was too embarrassed to ask a crew member how to say their name and then for the rest of the cruise it became "Hey you...".

Crew members come from around the world, and most names are easy enough to know how to say without asking.  But sometimes they can be difficult to know how to say it properly.

Even if the name appears like I'd know how to say it, they may say it differently.  Or they may have a nickname they prefer to go by.

I'll usually greet them and the first thing I ask is how to pronounce their name, repeating it out loud to avoid the embarrassment of admitting I still don't know their name later.

Have the room cleaned at night

Ever since Royal Caribbean cut twice a day cabin service, there's been a debate as to when to have your room cleaned.

My preference is to have it cleaned in the evening so my room is nice and prepared when I return in the evening for bed.

I've tried the morning too, but I find I feel rushed to get out of the cabin in the morning so the cabin attendant can tidy it up.  Since I work on a cruise ship, the morning is usually my busiest time of the day.

In addition, I prefer to have my bed made before I go to sleep.  There's always a good chance I'll take a nap during the day, and then the sheets are messed up again before bed.  I know, first world problem stuff.

Most importantly, I think it's just more convenient to have them clean the room in the evening because I'm almost always out and about the ship at dinner or at a show.

Extra towels in the bathroom

When I cruise with my family, having extra bath towels is a must-do.

By default, there's only two shower towels in a cabin.  That's fine for a solo traveler, but two towels is not going to last 24 hours when someone is washing their hair too.

Asking for more towels up front ensures we don't run out later, and no arguments among the kids of "who hogged up all the towels".

Opening the connecting doors

I think one of the best family cruise tips out there is to book two connecting rooms.

Two rooms provides separation from the kids, adds an extra bathroom, and lots of living space too. Plus, it's probably cheaper than a suite.

It's usually the case that the connecting door between both rooms isn't unlocked when we get into the cabin on the first day, so I'll ask them to unlock it.

In addition, if I have connecting balcony rooms, I'll ask for the balcony divider to be unlocked.

Not all balcony dividers can be unlocked, but my experience has been new ships have no issues.

I'll never ask my cabin attendant to do anything beyond their normal duties

There are a wide range of reasonable requests to make of your cabin attendant, but it's important to respect their boundaries.

First and foremost, never ask them to cover for you breaking cruise line rules, such as smoking in the cabin or balcony.

They're also very busy people, so I'd never request them leave their post to go check on something.  Many issues are for Guest Services, so if it's not a problem in my cabin, I'll seek assistance elsewhere.

Lastly, cabin attendants are some of the hardest working crew members onboard, and you should treat them with respect. Don't make demands or acting in a way that is disrespectful or inconsiderate. 

Passengers that sailed on a Royal Caribbean ship have gotten a notice someone on their sailing later were sickened by Legionnaires' disease.

Guests across various sailings in March and April 2025 received emails from the cruise line to inform to inform them of a possibility to be aware of, and the preventative measures the cruise line is taking.

To be clear, the guests were not diagnosed onboard the cruise ship, nor has there been a recognized outbreak linked to a specific sailing.

In the Symphony of the Seas Facebook group, Jenn Yazzetti, posted a copy of an email she received from Royal Caribbean after the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Royal Caribbean about the case.

The letter was sent to passengers booked on the April 30th sailing.

The CDC said one passenger was later diagnosed with Legionella after sailing on Symphony of the Seas.

"The CDC has advised that while they are unsure where exposed, a guest who recently sailed on Symphony of the Seas, was later diagnosed with Legionella."

"As a precautionary measure, we implemented heightened sanitation protocols and followed all CDC guidance."

No other information was shared related to who the person is, or other details.

Other people that were on recent Symphony of the Seas sailings received similar emails:

• March 9
• March 16
• April 6
• April 13

Another Legionella incident

This is the second time this year such letters were sent to passengers.

In January, a similar letter was sent to passengers about two past passengers later were sickened by Legionnaires' disease after sailing on Symphony.

In that case, one passenger had sailed on Symphony of the Seas in October 2024 and the other in December 2024, according to the CDC.

How it spreads

Legionella is not easily spread from person to person, but it's still something that could occur because cruise ships have pools and hot tubs.

According to Royal Caribbean, Legionella is not contagious from person to person. It is contracted by inhaling water droplets from a source containing the bacteria, which can be found throughout the world in any environment containing water - ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as municipal water systems, fountains, and whirlpools. 

Moreover, most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. 

Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches.  It's often confused with pneumonia.

Legionnaires' on cruise ships

Legionnaires' is a rare condition to begin with, but it has happened on cruise ships in the past.

During November 2022–June 2024, the CDC was notified of 12 cases of Legionnaires disease among travelers on two cruise ships. The CDC did not disclose the cruise line names or ships.

According to the CDC, their investigation revealed private hot tubs on selected cabin balconies were the most likely exposure source.

Some cruise ship cabin suites have a hot tub on the balcony, which is for the exclusive use of the guests staying in that cabin. The CDC says, "private hot tubs on cruise ships are not subject to the same maintenance requirements as are public hot tubs in common areas."

They recommended to cruise lines modification of the operation and maintenance of these devices by removing the heating elements, draining water between uses, and increasing the frequency of hyperchlorination and cleaning.

You'll be able to sail on the next new Celebrity Cruise ship a little bit earlier than expected.

Travel agents were informed today the cruise line has made some unexpected changes to the new ship’s inaugural sailings.

Celebrity Xcel is the next new ship and will be the fifth and final ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class series.

The ship debuts first in Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades for a brief winter season before transitioning to Europe, where it will offer Celebrity's first-ever overnight calls on Madeira, Portugal. Itineraries will last from seven to 11 nights, cruising from Barcelona and Athens.

Celebrity Xcel was originally scheduled to sail its inaugural cruise on November 18, 2025.

However, the new ship is closer to completion than originally anticipated, and there's a new "preview cruise" before it.

Earlier arrival

In an email to travel agents, Celebrity indicated they're adding a new sailing before the official inaugural.

"Our teams have been working diligently on building our new ship, and the completion is now earlier than we had originally anticipated."

"With the earlier delivery, we've now added a 4-Night Celebrity Xcel Preview Cruise, setting sail on November 9, 2025."

The catch is the November 18th sailing remains the official Inaugural Sailing, according to the cruise line.

"Please note that our November 18th sailing, that your clients are booked on, continues to be our Inaugural Sailing, where the main festivities will take place, as planned. We understand that for some guests, it's important to be the first onboard, and for others, being part of the inaugural celebration is what matters most."

With the new sailing, it's an opportunity to get on sooner and check out the ship before the maiden voyage.

Booked guests have the choice of moving their original reservation up to the November 9 one in the exact same suite or like-for-like stateroom currently booked - at the current prevailing rate. If there's an overpayment on the booking, they'll be refunded for the difference.

• Suite guests will have their same suites held for them as a courtesy.
• Guests in Aqua Class staterooms and below will have like-for-like staterooms available to choose from.

But if someone booked on the inaugural wants to remain there, there's nothing extra to do.

Booked passengers have until May 8, 2025 to decide.

The same thing happened to Royal Caribbean

It's deja vu for Royal Caribbean fans, as this is exactly what has happened to Star of the Seas.

The sequel to Royal Caribbean’s in-demand mega-ship Icon of the Seas was originally scheduled to sail its inaugural cruise on August 31, 2025.

But because the ship was ready sooner than expected, Royal Caribbean decided to add three “showcase sailings” ahead of the ship’s inaugural voyage.

"We have an updated timeline for the arrival of Star of the Seas at Port Canaveral," Royal Caribbean said in an email to passenger booked on the ship’s first sailings. 

"Building such a large and incredible ship is no easy feat, but lucky for us, there are times when we get to embark on our new ship ahead of schedule, and that time is now!"

Royal Caribbean has done this twice, and now has three preview sailings:

• 3-Night Perfect Day Cruise departing on Aug. 20, 2025
• 4-night Perfect Day Cruise departing on Aug. 23, 2025
• 4-night Perfect Day Cruise departing on Aug. 27, 2025

It opened up more sailings on a hot new ship, while of course adding more revenue for the line.

Xcel is not a copy and paste job

One big change is instead of The Eden, there will be The Bazaar. Located on the back of the ship, it's where you'll find shopping, dining, activity and entertainment options that take on the vibe of the ports the ship visits, changing each day to match the destination.

For its inaugural Caribbean season, Celebrity Xcel will rotate through four themed festivals celebrating the cultures of the Bahamas, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the broader Caribbean.  

When the ship moves to the Mediterranean in summer 2026, new festivals will highlight the European destinations on its itinerary.

As part of the experience, two restaurants inside a new space called The Bazaar will feature menus tailored to each festival’s theme. Guests can also take part in Celebrity’s first-ever destination-inspired cooking school, Chef’s Studio at Mosaic, where hands-on classes will teach regional recipes that match the day’s cultural spotlight.

The Bazaar is the first of seven redesigned venues debuting on Celebrity Xcel when it launches in November 2025.

The best perk of Royal Caribbean's suite program is now available for anyone to book on more of its ships.

Ever since the Royal Suite Class program was unveiled and began offering upgraded suite benefits, it's been the crown jewel of Royal Caribbean's suite program.

If you booked a Star Class cabin, you'd have access to a Royal Genie, who is responsible for making your cruise exceptional. This person is shared among 3-4 cabins and they are a combination concierge, problem solver, and front-of-the-line pass.

It's a personalized experience, and it easily stood out as the best reason to book one of Royal Caribbean's most expensive suites.

But now it looks like anyone might be able to book this as an a la carte service.

Royal Genie Package

A new option has appeared to book on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site within the VIP Passes section.

The Royal Genie Package is new, and it's advertised as having your Royal Genie on ships that don't have Star Class cabins.

"An ultra-exclusive offering that bestows even more VIP perks for your stay. From the moment you step onboard, your personal Royal Genie is there to grant your boldest wishes — from best seats in the house at your favorite shows to once-in-a-lifetime adventures catered to your preferences. 

"Dine in decadence onboard, with complimentary specialty dining and top-notch room service. Pack in more adrenaline with designated access to pulse-pounding activities, enjoy VIP welcome service, and sip the day away with unlimited beverages from anywhere onboard with a complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package."

In this example, the option is available to book on an Independence of the Seas cruise in June. Independence is a Freedom Class ships, and my cabin is a standard balcony cabin.

Benefits of booking a genie include:

• Royal Genie Services: Arranges prime entertainment seating reservations, manages dining and activities reservations, coordinates luxury shopping onboard, plans special celebrations, handles special requests and much more!
• Deluxe Beverage Package (for all guests of legal drinking age)
• Refreshment Package (for all guests below legal drinking age)
• Complimentary Specialty Dining at select venues onboard
• Complimentary Room Service
• VOOM® — Powered by Starlink internet, 1 Device per guest in the reservation
• Complimentary Stateroom Mini Bar Beverages (Coca-Cola canned products)
• Still & Sparkling Water Bottle Delivery
• Complimentary Starbucks® Beverages
• VIP Luggage Service (Arrival & Departure)
• VIP Welcome Food & Beverage Amenity
• Suite Lounge Access
• Complimentary Ice Cream at Sugar Beach
• Reserved Seating in the Main Theater
• Designated time to FlowRider®, Rock Climbing Wall & Ice Skating
• Complimentary Stateroom Movies
• Malin+Goetz Bath Amenities

It not only gets you the services of the Genie, but you also get suite perks too. 

In fact, the benefits are far above what suites guests on these ships receive, as it includes an internet package and drink  package.

Before you hit the book button, the price isn't cheap.

For my 8-night cruise in Europe, it's listed at $300.00 per adult per day, and $200.00 per child per day (Guests under age 6 are complimentary). That comes out to $2,400.00 per person on this sailing.

Most important, the Royal Genie Package is non-refundable pre-cruise and onboard. Once booked, you cannot cancel it.

Cruisers react to new offering

As soon as the new option appeared, there was a lot of disbelief among cruisers that love the option.

Within the "Star Class Cruisers" Facebook group, many people saw this as a very intriguing idea.

"Wow! I would totally pay that for Star class benefits," wrote Tammi Anderson.

Another person thinks it has potential, "If this is only on ships that do not do the Royal Suite Class, that makes sense. If this is going to be on all ships, that’s crazy and totally devalues a Star Class room."

Another person added, "Could act as an incentive for higher spenders to book on older ships."

Another interesting take came from Gayle Musselman in how it changes how you think about booking a suite vs balcony, "I'm actually considering dropping down to a balcony because the perks of our currently booked Owners Suite really don't justify the price difference."

Does the Genie make a difference?

It's difficult to quantify the impact a Royal Genie can make on your cruise, but having been in Star Class suites a number of times, it's certainly special.

Having a Genie is like having an all-access pass at a concert, where you get perks and options simply not available to anyone else.

Your Genie can set up in-suite parties, arrange for specialty restaurant meals to be delivered to your room, and even be your personal shopper onboard.

Moreover, the Genie spends time every day with your family.  They can walk around with you, instead of being at a desk.  This means you can be escorted into events, and past lines.

But there's an x-factor with a Royal Genie that goes well beyond what's listed in the included benefits. Each Genie has their own style, and they can personalize the experience through requests you make as well as ideas they come up with.

Some examples of what I've seen a Genie do in the past include decorating the cabin for a surprise birthday party, bring up an entire ice cream buffet for an ice cream social in the suite, coordinate a party on the balcony that comes with bar servers, get private elevator rides, and more.

When you add up all the possibilities, it stands out as a great way to splurge and most importantly, have an "easy button" for your cruise.

I was skeptical that I needed a Genie because I was so adept at planning my cruises on my own.  Frankly, it felt like a hindrance before I ever tried one because it felt like an extra step.

However, it turned out to be the fast pass for enjoying my cruise.  It's like laying in your bed and imagining things happening and they do sort of cruise planning.

It remains to be seen how this non-Royal Suite Class Genie experience compares, but Royal Caribbean created an impressive Royal Genie product on its big new ships.