Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast Episode - Gone But Not Forgotten: Royal Caribbean features Matt misses the most

I've heard all the New Year's resolutions for losing weight, saving money, and being a better person, but what about ways to be a better cruiser?

I can't help but always think about my next cruise vacation, and this is the perfect time of year to gather inspiration for what to do in the year to come.

I started thinking about different ways I could give myself a gentle nudge in a different direction to push me a little out of my comfort zone.  While I won't be trying the FlowRider, there are other ways to mix things up without feeling intimidated.

Here are the 10 ideas I have for New Year cruise resolutions that might spark a new joy for you as you cruise in the new year.

Cruise like a first-timer for a day

The first thing I thought of was how I could cruise differently, and embracing a first time cruiser's attitude is just the ticket.

Because I cruise a lot, I probably have a distinct pattern to how I cruise, especially on the first day.

Instead, it might be fun to use the first day as an excuse to pretend it's your first cruise. Wander the ship, take the spa tour, ask questions, and generally be curious.

Veteran cruisers sometimes forget how magical cruising felt the first time, and this might be a way to get that spark back.

Sneak in a cruise for a long weekend

When you're at your desk day dreaming of a cruise, I'll often try to use the calendar to my advantage.

Royal Caribbean offers more weekend cruises than ever, so see if you can find a long weekend that would allow you to book another cruise.

For example, perhaps Labor Day weekend or Memorial Day weekend, which each have built-in days off.  You could then make a weekend cruise work with less paid time off required.

Alternatively, pick a weekend where you know one of the days off you would need is not going to be very busy. A lot of schools when they reach the end of the semester tend to wrap things up and have an easy go of it those last couple days.

Pick a night to really dress up

While formal night is not very popular anymore, dressing up for themed nights has never been more fun.

Every Royal Caribbean sailing will have themed nights, and this is the year you should finally give it a try.

I don't mean buy a shirt off Amazon that says "This is my party shirt". I mean, pick one theme and get a total outfit that goes all-in.

Whether you pick decades night, white night, or red night, start scouring stores for matching outfits that really stand out.  

Cruising is about having fun and I think the families that have distinct outfits not only get noticed, but they're great conversation starters.

Book the cruise you've been "saving for later"

This is the year you should finally book that one cruise you have wanted to take but always said "someday".

Whether it’s Alaska, Europe, or a longer itinerary, I think now is the time for it.

I took my family on their first European cruise this past summer and it was so much fun and rewarding that I only regret we didn't try it a couple of years earlier.

You never know what the future may hold, so take advantage of the opportunities now.  

Talk a crew member beyond "where are you from"

One of the best parts of cruising is meeting crew members because some of them are amazing people who make the experience that much better.

When you can tell a crew member isn't very busy, try striking up a conversation with them to get to know them a little bit better. 

Try asking them questions such as how long they’ve worked at sea, or what guests always miss. 

Not only do crew members pick up on trends you might overlook, but they've got really fun stories too.

Skip the show and go to the pool

I love a good night swim, or even a hot tub at night, so try it out too.

There's usually one pool or hot tub left open in the evening. Instead of seeing a show, grab a towel and hop in and enjoy some time when the pool deck is the least crowded.

Royal Caribbean will usually show movies or a sporting event on the big screen at night, so you could combine the pool with something to watch.

Go to the beach you've never been to at CocoCay

My comfort zone extends to Royal Caribbean's private island too, because I tend to do a lot of the same thing.

There are a number of beaches you can go to at Perfect Day at CocoCay, so this might be the year to try a new one.

Harbor Beach is vastly underrated as a great spot. Not only is it a very short walk from the pier, but it's right next to Skipper's Grill. You can grab snacks (ice cream anyone?) quite easily.

Another idea is to walk all the way down South Beach until you reach Cove Beach. It's about as remote a beach as you can find on the island.

If you want a different bar to hang out at, try the Wacky Seagull Bar on Chill Beach. They have chairs that look out to the ocean and lots of shade too!

Eat at the restaurant I always skip

My personal cruise resolution is to go back to restaurants I usually skip.

Johnny Rockets, Wonderland, Hooked are the restaurants I not only skip but don't even think about going to.  Instead, I'm going to give them all another chance this year.

I don't have to love it, but I'm sure I can find something to enjoy there. Plus, it will get me out of the same specialty restaurants I always eat at.

Come back to the ship early on one day

I was originally going to write "stay onboard while everyone else gets off the ship", but I think the happy medium is to come back early one day instead.

When you have a port that you're not sure what to do, get off the ship early and explore the shopping and dining.  Or head to a beach for the morning.

But instead of spending all day ashore, return to the ship early so you can enjoy short lines and quiet pools. This works even better if you went to the beach because you're already in your bathing suit!

Say yes to one spontaneous decision

A friend had this idea to go into a cruise with if something comes up to try, you almost have to say "yes".

• A last-minute specialty dinner
• An unexpected sailaway drink
• A random activity you overheard someone talking about in the elevator

This resolution might be the thing that helps create memories you never planned on in the first place.

A new ship, giant suites, and a trip back in time were just some of the amazing things I got to try on Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2025.

I was fortunate to be able to go on 14 different cruises over the course of this year, which brought me to both coasts of the U.S. and an extended trip overseas in Europe.

I love cruising because of how easy it is to see the world, but there's also so much to experience onboard. Sometimes I book a cruise because of where it will take me and other times there's something new and exciting onboard to try.

I was inspired to share my top cruise memories of the year and hope you'll share yours in the comments below!

Took my family for their first European cruise

As soon as 2025 began, I had June circled on my calendar as the top cruise I was looking forward to this year.

I had taken two cruises to Europe already, but my family hadn't come yet.  This time, I was bringing them and we had an epic month of cruising and exploring planned.

Combining a pre-cruise trip to London and Paris, I took my wife and kids through so much of northern Europe and it's the kind of trip we still talk or reference regularly.

There's certainly nothing wrong with a Caribbean cruise, but seeing the world by cruise ship is a next-level opportunity. 

We got to see fjords, see a West End show, eat at countless cafes, and meet so many nice people in all the countries.  Having lunch in a German beer garden or snacking on fresh strawberries in Norway set new standards for food.

I loved how much we got to see and try out together.  It was by far the sort of cruise we'll measure all others against in the future.

Tried Silversea for the first time

Speaking of Europe, I got my feet wet with my first time on a luxury cruise.

While I had sailed with Celebrity Cruises a few times, Silversea is unlike anything I had experienced before (full disclosure, Silversea invited me to sail with them as their guest).  The quality, approach, and attention to detail of this style of cruising blew me away.

Silversea is a sister brand to Royal Caribbean, but the similarities stop fairly quickly.  Silversea has invested in creating an onboard experience where you feel like the center of attention anywhere you go.

Every room is a suite, and every suite has a butler. It's not that I need a butler, but darn if I didn't enjoy having someone unpack my clothes and draw me a bath!

I loved the intimate venues and careful attention each crew member paid to guests. I've never felt more like Norm from "Cheers" than on Silver Dawn. 

Sometimes you try something different and appreciate it, but don't necessarily fall in love. In the case of Silversea, I really want to get back on and try another soon.

I got onboard Star of the Seas before anyone else

Sometimes my job has great perks and this came when I was invited to fly to Puerto Rico and board Star of the Seas first.

Ever since Icon of the Seas first debuted last year, I've been astounded by how impressive Icon Class ships are.  Certainly Star of the Seas is no exception.

I went on two preview sailings to get a sense of what makes Star of the Seas stand out, and there's nothing like exploring a brand new cruise ship.

The differences between Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas aren't substantial, but like a new phone, you can easily pick out small things that make a big difference.

There's no question the food hall is better on Star, and I greatly preferred Back to the Future over the Wizard of Oz. Even the supper club is better on Star.

Saw Back to the Future: The Musical for the first time

I mentioned I loved seeing Back to the Future: The Musical while I sailed on Star of the Seas and it was the kind of show I loved every minute of.

I was so happy to see there would be a Broadway musical on Star instead of an in-house production show, and this one did not disappoint.

It probably didn't hurt that I loved the Back to the Future trilogy as a kid growing up. I can quote half the movie (my wife told me not to do that during the show), and the musical is a faithful adaptation of the film.

It's a bit condensed for run time and certain parts from the movie are either removed or reworked to be practical for the stage. But it's a fantastic ride through a well-known story. The fact it's included with your fare adds to the value of this ship.

I started a new gym routine

On a personal note, I'm proud of myself for staying with a workout regiment that I began while sailing on Enchantment of the Seas.

I took my first cruise ever on Enchantment back in January, and since I knew Enchantment wouldn't have a lot to offer compared to big ships, I decided to hit the gym.

The fitness center is included at no charge on all Royal Caribbean ships and it's better than most gyms I've been to on land.

What started out as something to do has become part of my routine at home and at sea. Not only do I feel better about myself, but it's helped lower my cholesterol. 

I went many years without ever using any cruise ship gym, but I'm glad I finally gave it a try here.

I cruised in Star Class once, but had two genies

Sometimes doing "research" on a cruise is pretty darn fun, and that came when I got to try two instances of Royal Caribbean's top suite perks.

In March, I sailed on Icon of the Seas to see what the Star Class experience is like on that ship and if going over Spring Break would make it more valuable.

The Icon Loft Suite has enough space for a family, and practically includes everything on the ship.  

By far the best thing about Star Class is the Royal Genie, who takes care of your every need.

Royal Caribbean expanded the Royal Genie services to some of its smaller ships and I gave that a try while in a balcony cabin on Independence of the Seas in Europe.

I was skeptical how useful a Genie would be on a ship lacking all the amenities of a big ship, but truthfully I loved how much better our cruise was because of her attentiveness.

Being treated like a VIP is wonderful, and I can safely say that Star Class doesn't disappoint in that regard.

Don't worry, I made up for these experiences in a few inside cabins too.

I tried new dining options

Eating on a cruise ship is one of the top reasons I always cruise, and Royal Caribbean opened up new spots for me to try.

I got to dine at the Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas, which is a $200 per person, six-course meal that combines music, cocktails and service.

I liked it even better than the supper club on Icon, and on a personal note, I was able to enjoy it with the company of a friend who just passed away earlier today.  I'll miss you and always think of you when I pass by this restaurant, Ann Marie.

Another new offering is the whiskey tasting seminar held in the Royal Railway on Utopia of the Seas.

Ever since Royal Caribbean opened an immersive dining restaurant, I've been hooked on how much fun it is.  With the whiskey tasting, you get a condensed version of the dining experience along with a great introduction to whiskey.

You would need to take 100 cruises for a week in order to reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty status, but a five year old just did it.

While sailing on Star of the Seas last week, the cruise line recognized Aydin Derakhshan as its newest Pinnacle Club member.

Similar to the airlines, cruise lines have loyalty levels that offer special rewards and benefits for repeat customers. 

For most tiers of the Crown and Anchor Society, kids under 18 years old can inherit their parent's status. However, to reach Pinnacle Club, you need to achieve it on your own by sailing enough to accrue the points.

Photo by Nora Ramadan

So yes, Aydin had to actually go on enough cruises to get his 700 points.

Aydin has now accumulated 702 points, making him the youngest person to hit the coveted status.

He reached Pinnacle in just 3 years

Photo by Twangster

Royal Caribbean holds a special event on all but the short cruises to thank its loyal customers and recognize repeat cruisers.

Whenever someone reaches 700 points, they get called up on stage to be awarded their new status.

Aydin and his family were sailing on the biggest cruise ship in the world, Star of the Seas, when he finally made it there.

The Atlanta, Georgia resident took his first cruise in 2022 and almost immediately started cruising.

The feat is even more impressive when you consider Royal Caribbean prohibits children younger than 6 months from cruising at all.  So Ayden got to Pinnacle in just while missing out on half a year of eligibility.

If you do the "cruise math", that works out to 117 suite or 234 non-suite nights per year the last 3 years.

At the Top Tier event, Aydin said his favorite ship was Star of the Seas and his favorite port of call was Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The previous youngest cruiser to reach Pinnacle was 7 years old

Royal Caribbean doesn't usually publish information about its cruisers, but according to cruise fans, Aydin beat out the record for youngest person to make it to Pinnacle by 2 years.

As of 2023, Ryan Tyson was recognized as the youngest Pinnacle member at 7 years old.

In a video he collaborated on with the cruise line, he said his favorite ship was Oasis of the Seas because it has Portside BBQ specialty restaurant.

He also loves all the activities onboard, including the SeaPlex, mini golf, and everything on the sports deck.

What you get for making it to Pinnacle

Now that Aydin has set a new record for being Pinnacle, he will enjoy a lifetime of special perks.

Off the bat, he'll qualify for a free cruise as a way to thank him for his loyalty.

Photo by Kenneth Jarvis

On any cruise he takes, he'll enjoy:

• Priority boarding in the suite line
• 6 complimentary drinks per day
• Free internet package every cruise
• Access to Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge (assuming there aren't too many other Pinnacles onboard)
• A gold pin to wear around the ship
• Invitations to exclusive events
• Reciprocal status with Celebrity or Silversea

As a Pinnacle Club member myself, the amount of freebies you get is quite impressive.  The drink vouchers, Wi-Fi package, and priority embarkation are easily my favorite benefits of the bunch.

Congratulations to Aydin and his family

Achieving Pinnacle Club status is quite a milestone for anyone, but especially for kids who are brought onboard by their parents.

Being a super frequent cruiser is not just about bragging rights, but quite a fun way to see the world.  Going on that many cruises means at a young age Aydin has already visited a number of countries.

It can be argued that traveling with young kids is great for boosting their brain development, creativity, social skills, and global awareness. We don't know every port of call or country he visited, but cruising and being exposed to so many cultures is a great educational tool to "open your eyes to the world", figuratively speaking.

Welcome to the club, kid!

I've taken over 100 cruises on Royal Caribbean ships, but a lot of people will ask what's so great about going on a cruise.

If you think I cruise a lot, I'm just one person in a much bigger world of people that discovered and fell in love with cruises as their preferred form of vacation.

Not only are there fans of cruising, but it continues to grow every year breaking records each time. According to an industry report, 34.6 million went on a cruise in 2024 and that number is expected to swell to 42 million by 2028.

Someone who has never been on one might be curious what's so great about a cruise and why are they so popular.

Here are six reasons why cruises are more popular than ever.

Cruise ships evolve faster than iPhones

One thing about cruise ships is they're constantly changing in an effort to out do each other.

It reminds me a lot of iPhones or cars, which have to push forward with new features in order to stand out. Similarly, each year new cruise ships debut with new ways to wow its customers.

It's exciting to see what the next ship will have onboard, such as Legend of the Seas debuting with a two story casino, new Broadway show, and an immersive train restaurant.

Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines build new ships not only to add capacity, but as incentive to try a cruise in the first place.  Bigger and bolder cruise ships capture the attention of the public and it's lead a lot of people to give it a try.

Unpack once, visit multiple places

Cruise ships may have evolved from ocean liners, but the main premise remains the same: get onboard and see places around the world.

Unlike a hotel or resort, your accommodations travel with you.  It's almost like magic to wake up in a new place each day.

This is something unique to cruises, as no other form of travel offers this without repacking and doing the moving yourself.

Plus, the places you visit are quite impressive. You could be at a beautiful port in the Caribbean, docked near a well-known city, or spending the day at a private port.

So many food choices

Royal Caribbean says the top two reasons people go on a cruise with them is for the destinations you visit and the food.

Cruise ships are packed with so many restaurants that going on a cruise just for the food is reason enough to try it.

You'll find a blend of cuisines and dining options: buffets, hibachi, and supper clubs.

And yes, some of the restaurants are included in your cruise fare and there's no limit to how much you can order.

I think the varied cuisines and cooking styles appeal to many cruisers, as does the opportunity to enjoy dinners each night along with a show.

Just like a city, having "dinner and a show" on a cruise ship is quite popular and it's at the heart of the evening options.

It really is for everyone, regardless of age

It's cliched to say "fun for all ages", but cruises truly do offer more for everyone. I think a cruise is well-suited for catering to all ages in a way land vacations cannot compete with.

Every day there is programming and events that offer things to do for kids, teens, parents, adults, grandparents and more.

• Different pools for lounging and splashing
• Water slides to race down
• Stage production shows to watch
• Musicians performing in bars and lounges
• Hosted trivia for groups to compete
• Fitness centers to get a workout in
• Spa treatments
• Shore excursions to explore and learn

Plus, there are more age-specific events too. You'll find gambling in the casino for adults, supervised care in the kids club, and nightly events at the teen center.

What I love about a cruise is you can go with your family, but not feel like you all have to do the same thing at the same time.  If I'm visiting a city or historical site with my family, we're all walking around and doing the same thing.  On a cruise, we can do our own things before joining back later for family time.

Plus, it's all up to you how much or how little you want to do any of it.  

Sleep when you feel like it, eat when you feel like it, do things when you feel like it, live as if time just isn't a thing.

Still the best bang for your buck

While cruises have gotten more expensive in recent years (but then again, what hasn't?), I still think they're the best vacation value out there.

In fact, the value proposition of a cruise makes it a top reason why people try a cruise for the first time.

Royal Caribbean Group executives talk often about the "value gap" between a land vacation and a cruise and why consumers are attracted to cruising.

"The appreciation of so much more you get out of cruise experience than you do by land based [vacations]", Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty explained during an earnings call this year.

What this means is because cruises include accommodations, travel, entertainment, and most food, you get more the cost than you would staying at a resort.

I recently tried a land vacation at Disneyland Paris and while we had fun, the value of a cruise was quite apparent as I started to count all the extra costs that didn't exist on a ship.

Traveling by sea is undeniably stunning

Lastly, going on a cruise ship and sailing the ocean is a lovely way to travel.

There's something inherently romantic and relaxing about being on the ocean and watching the world sail away.

While I don't think watching the horizon from your cruise ship balcony is necessarily the top reason cruises are so popular, I do believe it's a supporting reason why people come back to it.

Sailing on the open sea shows colors you never knew the ocean could produce, and it's incredibly relaxing.

The other reasons in this article are top reasons to cruise, but when your ship sails across the open vista that is the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Pacific, it's hard not to fall in love with the view.

Happy New Year! Before we pop champagne and toast to a better year next year, we have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share.

Royal Caribbean quietly added one more cruise deployment for new cruises to book in 2027-2028.

The "Remaining Caribbean" deployment was added to the schedule and will be released in a few weeks.

What it entails remains to be seen, but there could be some answers to missing ship questions.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean started its Christmas and New Years sale
• The top Royal Caribbean news stories of 2025
• When could Royal Caribbean's new Points Choice start?
• 6 mistakes I wont be making on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2026
• How I'd rank 4 different inside cabins
• The 5 most underrated cruise ship activities people skip too often
• Royal Caribbean Blog staff holiday wish list
• 13 things to know before going on Wonder of the Seas

Video: The BEST and WORST Cruises I Took in 2025

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: The BEST and WORST Cruises I Took in 2025.

Royal Caribbean is launching 3 extraordinary projects in 2026

As we look forward to 2026, Royal Caribbean is ready to launch three big new projects.

Cruise fans have good reason to be excited, as we're going to get more than just a new ship.  It's going to be a year of incredible expansion.

By the end of the year, we'll have not only a new ship to sail on, but new places to explore.

The unwritten rules of the cruise buffet

Thou shall know the buffet rules before going up for seconds!

Before you hit the Windjammer or El Loco Fresh, you should be aware of unwritten cruise ship buffet rules that you're expected to know.

Buffets are about as ubiquitous on cruise ships as horns on cars, but it's not a free-for-all in there.

Royal Caribbean's new beach club have readers rethinking trips

Now that the Royal Beach Club is open, people are starting to reconsider their plans in Nassau.

Traditionally, Nassau has been a "let's stay on the ship" port because it lacked quality excursions. 

That's changed with the opening of the beach club, and cruise fans are taking note.

Big vs Small ship: What it's like to try the smallest ones

Many cruisers start off with big ships, but then start to wonder what it's like to go on a small ship.

Royal Caribbean's fleet has ships of many sizes, including a few that have much less than 4,000 passengers.

Elizabeth went on Vision of the Seas and was pleasantly surprised by how un-disappointed she was.

I spent over two months on a cruise ship in 2025, and unfortunately I made my share of mistakes along the way.

After counting up all of my Royal Caribbean cruises (and one Silversea cruise), I spent 73 nights cruising. It's incredible and I'm quite fortunate to be able to sail that much.  I try not to take it for granted, and I love being able to see the world in this manner.

However, I had a few missteps across my journeys. Luckily, there weren't any truly terrible mistakes. I avoided the major pitfalls of cruising, and in retrospect, the mistakes I made were ways I can improve how I cruise in the future.

Here are the six things I did wrong on cruises this year, and how I'll hopefully avoid them all next year.

I once forgot to pack pants

I was about halfway to the airport when I realized I didn't pack pants for my first sailing on Star of the Seas.

I packed plenty of shorts, but I completely forgot to pack jeans or slacks to wear in the evening.  This was a problem that could have easily been avoided with a packing list.

We have a comprehensive cruise packing list so no one has to forget to pack pants, but I neglected to check it all over before I left.

Luckily, I was flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico, so I was able to make a pit stop at Walmart and pick up a few pairs.  But going clothes shopping at Walmart is not how I wanted to start my trip.

It's always a good idea to review a packing list so you're certain before you leave that you have everything.

Balancing shore excursions and relaxation

If you're like me, then you get so excited for a cruise that you want to pick out amazing shore excursions in every port of call. The downside is you can easily over do it all with what seems like fun plans.

I found on my spring break cruise on Icon of the Seas after a couple of beach days in a row, my family had "hit the wall" with so much happening.

It's easy to over plan and then feel exhausted. But it's also a fine line with how much is too much.

The lesson learned here it's a good idea to leave plans in a port or two more ambiguous. That way, you have the option to not do a tour and wing it with lunch or some shopping.  And if you're in the mood for another beach, then hop in a taxi.

Neglecting to check airfare prices with the cruise line first

Early in the year I went to book my summer European cruise airfare and almost overpaid for it.

I thought booking the flight directly with the airline would be a good idea, but later I discovered that it was cheaper to book the same flights through Royal Caribbean.

Thanks to the Air2Sea program, there are subsidies for select Alaska and European flights.

Luckily, I had booked refundable flights so I cancelled it and then rebooked with Air2Sea to take advantage of the lower prices.

If you have a cruise booked in 2026 to Alaska or Europe, there's already a similar discount on flights that you should consider before booking any flight.

Limiting myself to the buffet when I cruise solo

Sometimes I go on cruises by myself because it doesn't work out for my family to join me for them.  When I cruise solo, I avoided sit down restaurants like the Main Dining Room, and that was a mistake.

I gave eating in the Main Dining Room alone a try and I liked it so much more than I expected.

Thanks to how expediate the service is, I was able to enjoy my favorite MDR dishes without feeling awkward being there alone.

Moreover, I never once felt like I was out of place because I was eating alone. The staff was very attentive too.

While I might not want to eat with strangers in the Main Dining Room, having a table for just myself was the perfect way to enjoy dinner beyond every night at the buffet.

Waiting for a Black Friday sale

This year's Black Friday sales saved me money on my Royal Beach Club reservations, but overall it felt like the discounts weren't as good in the past.

The lesson is never wait for one sale to bank on the best discounts.

It felt like the Black Friday discounts on pre-cruise purchases were better in 2023 and 2024 than this year, primarily because there were deeper discounts offered on drink packages and Perfect Day at CocoCay add-ons.

I probably found better sales during random promotions over the summer than on Black Friday.  That's fine, because I routinely check the Cruise Planner to see if there are new offers.

But I bet there are some people that do not look for new discounts as often as I do, and no single Royal Caribbean sale is ever "the best" time to book for lower prices.

Not gambling enough to maintain my casino offers

As I've explored Royal Caribbean's casino loyalty program, it's become clear you have to maintain a certain level of gambling in order to keep those discounted/free casino offers rolling in.

At one point in the year, my offers dried up and I wasn't getting anything while friends had new offers.

It seems you can't go on a cruise and skip gambling to maintain your status. It's vague how those offers get sent out in the first place, but most cruisers agree you need to gamble at least 200 points per cruise to show them that you're active.

To get 200 points, you'd need to wager $1,000 over the course of your sailing.  

Of course, you won't lose every single bet you make and you might actually win money from time to time.  So realistically, I found I could get to 200 points with about $400 or $500.  Less, if I actually hit a decent payout.

My plan in the coming year is to gamble less onboard, but dropping a hundred bucks here or there over the course of a week is a way to have a little fun between other activities.  And if it gets me additional offers for cruises, then that's a win.

Beginning in early 2026, Royal Caribbean has said it's making its biggest loyalty change in years by giving them the chance to earn points while cruising other brands within the company.

Points Choice will allow guests to decide which loyalty program receives the points they earn on a sailing. Instead of points automatically being credited only to the brand you sailed, guests will be able to move those points to another Royal Caribbean Group loyalty program if they prefer.

This means Royal Caribbean fans can take an occasional cruise on Celebrity or Silversea and still grow their Crown and Anchor status. The company hopes it will create a more flexible loyalty ecosystem across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

Here’s a full breakdown of what Points Choice is, how it works, and when it starts.

What Is Points Choice?

Announced as "coming soon" last October, Points Choice is a new loyalty option that lets guests choose where their earned loyalty points are applied after a cruise ends.

With Points Choice, you can now earn points from the Royal Caribbean Group cruise brand of your choice, with the amount of points you earn from a cruise depending on

• Cruise line
• Number of nights sailed
• Stateroom category

The key change is what happens after the sailing is complete. Prior to Points Choice, you'd earn points under each cruise line's program.

Instead, guests will have the option to apply those points to the loyalty program they choose, including:

• Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean International)
• Captain’s Club (Celebrity Cruises)
• Venetian Society (Silversea)

If a guest is happy keeping their points with the brand they sailed, no action is required. Points Choice only comes into play if you want to redirect your points to a different loyalty program.

Points exchange rates

Points will be converted using brand-specific exchange rates.

While an exact date for a formal announcement has not been revealed, the company has said more information is to come in early 2026. 

When exactly? We're not certain yet.

Win-win change for cruisers and line

When Royal Caribbean Group executives announced the Points Change program, it was clear this is meant to be beneficial to consumer and company.

For guests, it means you can try a cruise on one of the other Royal Caribbean Group brands without sacrificing points.  Many cruisers want to climb the loyalty ladder to accrue better perks, such as reaching Diamond or Pinnacle Club status within Crown and Anchor Society.

Reaching higher Crown and Anchor levels garners better perks, such as complimentary drink vouchers and other discounts.

Company leadership hopes Points Choice will spur more bookings from their loyal customer base, which they see as a valuable asset.

"This initiative further strengthens the overall value of our loyalty proposition, deepening engagement across our portfolio and reinforcing our commitment to putting the guests at the center of our orbit as our ecosystem expands," said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty on a recent earnings call.

"It creates a virtuous cycle of demand, value and advocacy, one that drives both short term performance and enduring growth. It's a model that compounds over time, and we're just at the beginning of what it can become."

Royal Caribbean has big plans for 2026 to expand well beyond just cruises.

As demand continues to accelerate for a cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean is poised to match it with three big openings to choose from.

Part of why I prefer sailing with them is because of their propensity to be a market leader and bring new ideas and products to the forefront. In 2026, I think we will see the vision for how sailing with Royal Caribbean will have a major difference from other lines.

As we look to the new year, here are the three biggest openings to look forward to in 2026.

A new Icon Class cruise ship, Legend of the Seas

First sailing: July 2026

A new mega cruise ship will enter service, becoming the third in the Icon Class and offering a number of firsts for this ship class.

Legend of the Seas won't just be a copy of Icon or Star of the Seas.  Details about this new ship reveal notable changes that might become instant favorites with cruisers.

The popular immersive dining experience, Royal Railway Station, will be added to the ship that makes it seem like you're riding in a classic train car and following Marco Polo's famous route from the Far East to Europe.

The five-course meal offers different cuisines from each of the regions Marco Polo travelled through.

Plus, there will be a two-story casino, making it the first Royal Caribbean ship with this feature.

If you prefer a show for entertainment, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" will be the musical onboard. 

The story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.

More dining changes include all new food stands in Aquadome Market, plus a juice and smoothie bar that will be added.

Legend will also have a Hollywood theme and new menu coming to its supper club offering.

Of course, Legend of the Seas will include plenty of what has made Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas so successful and popular.

The ship will have an entire water park, shows in the Aquatheater and ice rinks, over 40 bars and places to eat, and of course a Chief Dog Officer too.

A second beach club will open this summer in Europe

Estimated opening: Summer 2026

Two beach clubs will open in 2026, starting with Royal Beach Club Santorini in the summer.

Located in the Greek isles, this is a different kind of beach club.  The cruise line hasn't revealed everything about this new club quite yet, but it appears they've acquired an existing operation and will give it a Royal Caribbean makeover.

Essentially, this is a shore excursion limited to Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers exclusively, and it's a total beach day that holds itself to Royal Caribbean's high standard.

"Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome vacationers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises and combine the breathtaking volcanic beaches of this iconic Greek island with the company's signature experiences alongside the vibrant Grecian spirit and culture to create the ultimate Santorini experience."

Just like the beach club in The Bahamas, this one will be an all-inclusive that includes food, drink, Wi-Fi, and even a scenic ferry tour along Santorini’s coastline, plus stops in the picturesque towns of Oia and Fira.

It's too early to now exactly what the experience will entail, but those on an eastern Mediterranean cruise will have a new option for their day in Santorini.

Another beach club opens at the end of the year

Estimated opening: December 2026

Royal Caribbean will open up its third Royal Beach Club at the end of 2026 in Cozumel, Mexico.

The cruise line purchased Playa Mia and will essentially raze the property and then rebuild it back up as a completely new offering.

Just like the other beach clubs, this will be open to just Royal Caribbean cruise passengers and come with an extra cost.  Passes are not yet open for sale, so we don't know pricing.

A day pass will include access to swim-up bars, pools cabanas to rent, snorkeling, kayaking, restaurants, and street markets. Being this is in Mexico, the food options will include plenty of Mexican favorites.

There are 5 main areas: Main pool, North Beach, The Mercato, South Village, and South Beach.

There will be a pool with a swim-up bar, along with a side that's toes in the sand that stretches over to the beach.

As you're unwrapping presents, Royal Caribbean has also brought out its Christmas and New Year's sale.

Major holidays are always an excuse for new promotions, and it's a good opportunity to check if there are any lower prices on cruise fares or add-ons.

There are two components to this sale: discounts on cruise fares and packages for your sailing that you've already booked.

Here's a look at everything Royal Caribbean has on sale this week so you might be able to snag a better deal.

Up to 55% off select pre-cruise purchases

Royal Caribbean has a new round of discounts for drink packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and more.

This is the first opportunity since Black Friday to see if there's been a sizeable price drop on any of these bundles and extras.

No matter what the price is listed today, it's always cheaper to pre-book online than wait to book onboard.

Flash sale dates: December 15–22, 2025

Applies to: Sailings departing from December 16, 2025 through December 31, 2026

Beverage Packages

• Up to 55% off pre-cruise prices
• Includes classic soda, water packages, refreshment combos, and up to varied savings on deluxe packages

Shore Excursions

• Up to 35% off
• Not only are certain tours booked ahead cheaper, but excursions tend to sell out

Dining

• Up to 55% off specialty dining experiences
• That includes unlimited dining packages, Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table reservations, and other curated culinary experiences

Spa & Wellness

• Up to 30% off select treatments
• Spa discounts online are off a specific treatment. Onboard, the discounts tend to be combo or bundle deals

VIP Passes & Internet

• The Key up to 50% off
• Internet packages up to 35% off

Photos, Gifts & Gear

• Up to 50% off photo packages and 20–30% off select gifts and gear
• Ideal for families that want to stop for a lot of photos around the ship

You can find these discounts listed in the Cruise Planner website or Royal Caribbean app.

Keep in mind every sailing as its own discount, and prices can vary considerably from one ship or sailing to another.

Cruise Fare Savings: Dash for Deals

This may also be the perfect time to book a new Royal Caribbean cruise.

The Dash for Deals promotion is combinable with the typical BOGO60 and Kids Sail Free offers.

Here’s how it works in the 2025-2026 holiday window:

Dash for Deals booking window: December 23–29, 2025

Sailing window: Sailings departing on or after December 24, 2025

Up to $800 instant savings:

• 5 nights or less
  • Savings of $125 USD for Inside and Ocean View
  • $200 USD for Balconies
  • $400 USD for Suites
• 6 nights or longer
  • $225 USD for Interior and Ocean View
  • $300 USD for Balconies
  • $800 USD for Suites

The key winning strategy with Dash for Deals is that the savings stack with other offers like BOGO60, Kids Sail Free, and certain kickers.

The holiday fare sale isn’t limited to Dash for Deals. Two other well-liked parts of the holiday offer are:

BOGO60 — Buy One, Get Second Guest 60% Off

• Booking window: December 9, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Applies on sailings departing on or after December 10, 2025
• Second guest in the same stateroom gets 60% off their cruise fare

Kids Sail Free

• Same booking window as BOGO60
• Available on sailings 3 nights or longer
• Guests 12 and under sail free when booked in the same stateroom as paying adults

Bonus Kickers

There are also kicker savings that apply to specific Caribbean cruises based on travel dates and ship routes.

• Booking window: December 23, 2025 – December 29, 2025
• Applies on Caribbean sailings departing January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
• Extra savings by stateroom category and sailing length:
• 5 night or less
  • $25 USD for Interior, Ocean View, and Balconies
  • $50 USD for Suites
• 6 nights or longer
  • $50 USD for Interior and Ocean View, and Balconies
  • $100 USD for Suites