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.

Most people think the crew on a cruise ship are just there to serve drinks, clean cabins, and keep things running in the background. But after more than 100 cruises, I've learned that a handful of crew members have an outsized impact on your entire vacation.

Knowing who these important crew members are can take you cruise from "good" to "great" quite quickly.

The crew on Royal Caribbean ships work extremely hard, so you should expect all of them to be friendly and helpful. The difference is there are a few that can help enhance your vacation.

Here are the 7 crew members on any Royal Caribbean ship you should know about that can step in if there's a problem, or are going to be important to get to know early on.

The Cruise Director is responsible for all the fun onboard

Royal Caribbean ships have so much happening, and it's all the work of the Cruise Director and their staff.

Usually your first interaction with the Cruise Director is when you hear an announcement of the public address system welcoming you onboard and informing you about fun things happening around the ship.

Not only is the Cruise Director usually a very friendly person to meet, but they can tell you about any special events coming up, or simply let you know if there's a specific activity that will be offered.

Heck, you could always request a certain event if it's not on the schedule and they might be able to assist (provided it's logistically feasible). 

As an example, I asked the Cruise Director once for professional wrestling trivia because it was an event on one cruise. Sure enough, it was added to the schedule.

Meet your cabin attendant on the first day so you can convey any special requests

You will want to meet your stateroom attendant early on in your cruise, because they will be the crew member you interact with the most. Plus, they can help enhance your experience.

Usually, the cabin attendant will come by your room on the afternoon of the first day to introduce themselves to you. They will try to swing by your room in the early afternoon.

This is when they will not only introduce themselves, but ask if you have all your luggage, and offer you a variety of upgrades and requests such as:

• If you want your cabin serviced in the morning or evening
• Do you need extra towels?
• Do you want the beds split apart or pushed together?
• Would you like ice delivered to your cabin each day?
• They will take care of any laundry you need sent out

Plus, the cabin attendant is who to speak with first if there's any kind of a maintenance issue in your room.  Air conditioning not working as well as it should? TV won't turn on? Broken furniture? Stains, spills, or other "oopsies"? They are who you want to get in contact with.

They will provide you with their card, and there's a special extension you can dial to reach them if you don't spot them out in the hallway.

Plus, the room stewards are the people that make those fun towel animals, organize your room when you're away, and deliver any mail or surprises to your cabin.

It's amazing how helpful the stateroom attendant can be on any cruise, so it's critical to meet them.

I will go to the Loyalty Ambassador to sort out any questions I have about my perks

One of the vastly underrated crew members on any ship is the Loyalty Ambassador because they are the problem solvers.

I don't know about you, but I run into problems with my Crown and Anchor point totals being off.  Plus, I've heard people having delays getting their Points Choice conversions to go through.

They're also very useful for helping figure out how many points my kids have in their push to reach Pinnacle Club on their own. My kids only see my point total in their account, so we need the Loyalty Ambassador to help.

They are also very helpful for changing your Crown and Anchor onboard benefits.  Once your reach Diamond Plus, there are certain gifts you will get every sailing. We will periodically change what we're getting so that we can mix things up. 

The only issue is actually tracking down where the Loyalty Ambassador is located.  On many ships, it seems they are hidden away in an obscure location.

The Hotel Director will be so helpful if you run into any unresolved problems

Rarely there's a problem that goes beyond a quick call to the maintenance department, and that's when the Hotel Director is quite helpful.

I never engaged much with the HD for a long time because I didn't quite understand their role.  They are responsible for everything on the ship that isn't Food & Beverage or on the marine side of things (like what the Captain and engineering team does).

They are the crew member you want to know just in case there's a problem that isn't getting resolved. Nearly all the problems I've had in my cabin have been quickly taken care of, but one time we had an issue that needed escalation.

On a cruise many years ago on Rhapsody of the Seas, there was a leak that was slowly coming through the floor and maintenance couldn't easily identify the source. After a few back and forth attempts, the Hotel Director stepped in and said while we were on a tour, they would rip up the carpet and get a good look.  She coordinated he whole thing while we were gone and the repairs were done by the time we got back.

To find the Hotel Director, their office is almost always located near Guest Services. Speak with Guest Services and they can put you in contact with them.

If I'm staying in a suite, getting to know the Suite Concierge could help

Arguably one of the best perks of staying in a suite is access to the Suite Concierge.

You should get an email from them a few days before your cruise to welcome you onboard and explain the suite perks available.

Think of them like your first step in problem solving, because they are available exclusively to suite guests and can do pretty much anything Guest Services can do. Plus, they seem to be more motivated with trying to ensure you're happy.

You can email them before the cruise to book any dining (like Coastal Kitchen) or tours you prefer.

Just like Guest Services, they are who you should go to when you have a billing discrepancy, general question, or need a Seapass card replaced.

I make a point to stop in the Suite Lounge on the first day of the sailing to introduce myself.

The Lead Bartender at your favorite bar is a hack for the best service

When you find your favorite bar on the ship, it's not a bad idea to look for who the lead bartender is there.

The reason meeting the Lead Bartender can be smart is they're the most experienced server there.  There's a good chance they have better-than-average mixology skills and are a good resource to recommend new drinks to try.

When the bar isn't busy, I love to strike up a conversation with them.  Because of their tenure, they have tons of stories from past cruises and they've seen it all.

Usually they stand out because their uniform is a little bit different from other bartenders at the bar. If you're in doubt, ask one of the other bartenders who it is.

When I'm playing in the casino, I'll make a point to meet the Casino Host

When my wife and I go on a cruise, we know ahead of time if it's a cruise we want to try to earn points in Royal Caribbean's casino versus a sailing where we aren't planning to gamble much.

If we are chasing points, I'll usually go to the Casino Host a few times to follow-up on point totals, check the offer sheet, and get answers to any questions I might have.

I've observed there's a certain art to schmoozing the Casino Host. When I cruise with friends, the Casino Host is a great resource for opening up a table so we can all play a game together.

I didn't expect this Royal Caribbean crew member to become the most popular person on the ship, but there's no question guests love their interactions.

On every ship, there is a crew member at the entrance to the ship's buffet reminding guests to wash their hands before entering. Their job is to welcome guests and direct them to use the hand washing station or use the hand sanitizer.  But the manner in which they do it has changed a lot more recently.

Today, you can typically find an energetic crew member who is stationed here that sings, dances, and there's no mistaking what they want you to do.

Often their songs are parodies of pop songs, with the lyrics changed to encourage or remind people to wash their hands.

While the position isn't new, the fun take on it is a relatively new change that always seems to generate smiles and laughs from passengers.

Stacian's wild outfits have made her a selfie must-do

Perhaps the most well-known Windjammer greeter is a woman named Stacian, who has worked with Royal Caribbean for over 24 years.

She has over a dozen different outfits she wears while at her job, and they are over-the-top costumes that are designed to do one thing: catch your attention. It makes sense, because her job is ensure everyone that walks into the buffet stops to wash their hands first.

Photos of her have spread across social media, and she has costumes based on Rainbow Bright, Minnie Mouse, a nurse, and more.

It's her fun and welcoming approach to her job that makes her so beloved by other passengers.

"She was on Windjammer when I cruised absolutely loved her she was so much fun," Gianly Surie wrote.

"She is always fun, no matter what she does, we really enjoyed her," added Eileen Hilbert.

Currently, Stacian is sailing on Symphony of the Seas.

Every ship has a Mr/Mrs Washy Washy

It's not clear which crew member originated the role, or took it upon themselves to start singing as part of their job, however, it's practically part of the job description now.

Argel Symbol is one of the most well-known Mr. Washy Washy crew members, having been featured on Royal Caribbean's social media channels.

He is 38 years old and from the Philippines. He started doing the role on Navigator of the Seas in 2022, and has been a mainstay ever since.

In an interview on TikTok, he said his favorite memory in his role has been the reactions from kids.

His approach to his job is to find songs he likes, and then change the lyrics to incorporate a reminder to wash hands.

"We have some kids here, and he gave me some hugs and some autographs...my best memory in washy washy."

He is often spotted on Reels, Tiktoks, and on Youtube of him dancing and singing his heart out.

One of the top videos of Argel has 1.6 million views. It's a clip of him singing a parody of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" but the lyrics are, "no washy, no food".

It's silly, but it's an undeniable memory maker

The first time you spot a crew member in this role, you might scoff or be taken back by it. But quickly you realize how undeniably fun the role is.

The songs are catchy, and the costumes can be genuinely impressive. The washy washy greeter is hard to miss, and more often than not, guests want a photo of them and/or with them.

The genius of this role is Royal Caribbean clearly gives them creative leeway in how each one does their job. Some will use a Bluetooth speaker to play music they sing along to, some dance, some wave, but they all make an extra effort to stand out.

In the viral video of Argel, he's seen dressed in a fried egg costume alongside another crew member dressed as a donut. The video was taken while he was working on Icon of the Seas in 2024. 

"I suddenly want to go on a royal cruise [because] of them," one person wrote.

Hailey Banks added, "All these washy washy guy videos I’ve been seeing lately has me wanting to go on another cruise."

"Mr. Washy Washy doing the lord’s work," another person wrote.

This crew member serves an important role

Believe it or not, being the washy washy guy or gal is actually helpful to the overall health of the ship.

Royal Caribbean promotes healthy hand hygiene as a way to stem the spread of sicknesses that spread by touch, such as norovirus.

Newer cruise ships now have hand washing stations near the entrance to restaurants, in addition to the traditional hand sanitizers. Guests are strongly encouraged to wash with soap and water for 20 seconds, as hand sanitizer is not effective against all germs.

Moreover, handwashing stations are a requirement of the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program for any new ship built after 2025, which requires one handwashing station per 100-person seating venue.

Providing the stations is one thing, but getting guests to stop and wash their hands is another.  After all, people are on vacation and they could easily overlook a lot of things.

The washy washy crew member steps in a fun way to remind people to stop and wash their hands before entering.

Handwashing helps prevent the spread of disease, especially in a public, shared space like the Windjammer buffet.

Did you miss any of this week's Royal Caribbean news? No worries, because we have you covered with our wrap-up of cruise news!

A family paid $45,000 for a family cruise, but it was never actually booked.

A couple from Miami are being charged with allegedly defrauding people for a Royal Caribbean cruise they were never booked on, along with other luxury goods.

The couple arrested were paid through Zelle, checks, and cash instead of the payments going to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean reveals the entertainment coming to its next-level Icon Class ship
• Royal Caribbean trademarks a new kind of mega beach cabana
• Top reasons to eat at specialty restaurants instead of the Main Dining Room on your cruise
• I went on the newest ultra-luxury cruise ship. It changed what I expect from cruising
• I'm an American that went to Spain by cruise ship for the first time. Here are 8 things that surprised me
• Cruise passengers are sharing their best theme night outfits. Some are seriously creative
• Royal Caribbean Group launches new foundation with first major investment in education
• Infinite Veranda vs Traditional Balcony. One surprised me more than I expected
• Royal Caribbean mobile app check-in: Is it worth it, and if so, when?

New RCB Video: 8 Royal Caribbean Ideas That Failed Miserably

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—8 Royal Caribbean Ideas That Failed Miserably—don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Royal Caribbean responds to rumors about closed water slides on its ships

Water slides have been closed on the biggest cruise ships, and Royal Caribbean says the rumors out there are false.

According to guests, most of the slides have been closed in the Category 6 waterpark for many days. There are stories about cost-cutting measures as to why the slides aren't operating.

A Royal Caribbean representative shared the real reasons that don't back up the online claims.

There’s now a new “first” sailing for Legend of the Seas (but it’s not the inaugural)

There's now an earlier sailing of Legend of the Seas when it arrives in Florida.

The cruise line announced it's adding a 3-night cruise prior to the official inaugural sailing.  

Since Legend will be ready earlier, Royal Caribbean wants to have the ship in service earlier than expected.

First look at changes Royal Caribbean has made to Ovation of the Seas

Ovation of the Seas just finished a multi-million dollar Royal Amplification, and we have our first look at what's been changed.

The ship has new bars and restaurants, an expanded casino, and even new staterooms.

Ovation is one of three ships this spring getting upgrades.

Spotted: New brunch specialty meal

A new brunch option is available to book at one of the most popular restaurants on Royal Caribbean.

The Chops Grille Brunch is an extra cost option to enjoy things like Steak & Eggs with filet mignon, avocado toast, shrimp tortellini alfredo, or cherries jubilee.

It appears to be only offered on newer ships at the moment, but could be something to look for in the future on other vessels.

Royal Caribbean updated its casino program, and one change could hit players hard

Casino players are reporting Royal Caribbean has made changes to its loyalty program that could impact how you play onboard.

Depending on how you gamble, some of the changes will be welcomed by players, and others perhaps not.

The tweaks include extra benefits, less points-per-dollar, and more.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 604th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! 

MSC Cruises announced they're building a beach club in The Bahamas, and Matt shares his reaction to the announcement.

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 just finished updates to one of its cruise ships as it returns to service with new features and upgrades.

Ovation of the Seas spent a number of weeks in drydock in Singapore to undergo a major refurbishment.

Royal Caribbean calls it a "Royal Amplification" because it's when a ship gets big changes that have since been introduced on newer ships.

Thanks to our friends at Cruise Beyond SG group, we have new photos of what the changes look like onboard.

Here's our photo tour of what's new, different, and changed on Ovation of the Seas.

What's new on Ovation of the Seas

Facebook user Ace/Blue took these photos around the ship, which is now sailing from Singapore.

First up, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen replaced Jamie's Italian towards the aft of deck 5.

Both restaurants offer Italian food, but Giovanni's is the cruise line's in-house branded option. It replaces an Italian restaurant that had a menu created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

On the Royal Esplanade, Starbucks has taken over for the former cafe known as La Patisserie.

While La Patisserie did offer Starbucks drinks, this means it will be a Starbucks kiosk and offer a full menu of what the coffee giant has on any given day.

Drink packages do not work at Starbucks, but you can use a Starbucks rewards card to pay for drinks and earn stars.

One of the bigger changes to Ovation is the addition of the Pesky Parrot Bar.

This tiki-inspired bar was first introduced on Utopia of the Seas and has since been added to Allure of the Seas as well.

The Pesky Parrot replaces the Bionic Bar, which had robot bartenders.

Royal Caribbean appears to be slowly replacing the Bionic Bar concept.  It was a success for its time, but the technology was the focal point, and the cruise line is looking to craft grander experiences for its guests.

The new bar has fruit-based concoctions that will put you in a Caribbean state of mind

There's even a robotic parrot that will randomly say things.

At the launch of the bar on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said the idea for the parrot was that one one uncle or aunt who is the life of the party and tends to drink a little, but as the day wears on, drinks a lot.

If you're a fan of frozen drinks, this will be your new favorite bar. They have specialized blenders that can create all sorts of options.

My favorite was the pina colada that tastes like peanut butter.

On the surface, it sounds like a fun tiki bar, but when you see it in person, you'll realize it was designed to be your go-to hang out spot.

Another big change is there is now a hibachi restaurant on Ovation of the Seas.

Izumi Teppanyaki has been added, taking over the space from the Wonderland specialty restaurant.

According to Izumi founder and chef Travis Kamiyama, this new expansion is the first time on a Quantum Class ship that will have teppanyaki near the sushi restaurant, "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newly amplified teppanyaki restaurant adjacent to Izumi sushi, a first for our [Quantum] class, where the synergy between the two establishments will enhance the dining experience with our experienced chefs and waitstaff."

This new area offers just the hibachi dining, where chefs cook in front of you.

Hibachi has become the most popular restaurant (by volume) across Royal Caribbean, so the changeover reflects how in-demand a teppanyaki restaurant is.

It's no surprise given how entertaining this style of dining has been on other ships.

If you prefer sushi or other Japanese cuisine, there's a stand-alone Izumi restaurant around the corner.

There's a new Suite Lounge on Ovation of the Seas, located on deck 14 midship.

Royal Caribbean opted to convert the old lounge (known as the Concierge Lounge) on deck 12 into staterooms. Then it converted The Living Room (teen club) into the new Suite Lounge.

The change in location is primarily to address complaints the old location was too far away because it was hidden away at the back of deck 14.

This new location is far more accessible.

Just like all Suite Lounges, there are complimentary snacks and coffee machine.

In the evening, there's a happy hour with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for suite guests.

Access to the Suite Lounge is for guests staying in a Grand Suite or higher (as well as Pinnacle Club members).

New cabins were added near the Schooner Bar on deck 5.

Ten new cabins were added here, replacing the photo gallery.

There's even a subtle Schooner Bar theme outside the rooms in the hallway.

The newly added rooms are interior staterooms 5160 to 5178.

Another big change is Royal Caribbean expanded the casino space on deck 3.

Casino Royale took over Music Hall entirely to replace the venue on deck 3.

More casino space means more revenue, and it's the most likely reason for Music Hall being eliminated on Ovation.

Based on changes we've observed across the fleet, Royal Caribbean has prioritized expanding its casino offerings whenever a ship gets upgrades.

The upper portion of Music Hall has become the Sound Cellar.

At the time these photos were taken, the space was still being prepared.

Since cabins replaced the Photo Gallery that used to be near the Schooner Bar, there's now a photo gallery area combined with the shore excursions desk.

More changes to Ovation

In addition to the photo update we have, Royal Caribbean has made other upgrades to the ship.

There's now the Ultimate Family Suite onboard, a two-story space with a slide and other family-focused amenities.

The pool deck has gotten changes too.

The Splashaway Bay kids aqua park has been reworked and expanded.

More cabins are being added to deck 16, in front of the fitness center.

Ovation is headed back to North America

The first passengers since the amplification boarded today, and the ship will begin a journey back to the west coast of the United States.

Sailing from Singapore on April 17 to Yokohama, Japan, the 14-night cruise will visit destinations in Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Japan.

From Yokohama, Ovation will sail a 15-night voyage to Canada, which will end in Vancouver on May 15, 2026.

At that point, Ovation will offer open-jaw Alaska cruises for the summer that sail between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.

Alaska cruises on Ovation will include visits to Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Skagway, as well as cruising around Hubbard Glacier.