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Royal Caribbean launches a half dozen new 2025 and 2026 itineraries in latest deployment

In:
14 Feb 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

Royal Caribbean has officially released 2025 and 2026 voyages from the Northeast and Long Caribbean cruises. 

Symphony of the Seas

You can visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in the Bahamas, Canada/New England, Bermuda, and more from cities like New York, Baltimore, and Boston on five different ships:

  • Symphony of the Seas
  • Odyssey of the Seas
  • Vision of the Seas
  • Brilliance of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas 

If you're looking to take a port-intensive Southern Caribbean cruise, you'll want to look at sailings onboard Brilliance of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas from San Juan in November and December. 

Allure of the Seas will be returning to Galveston, Texas after a stint in Florida making longer voyages to the Caribbean following her Royal Amplification in early 2025. 

And, finally, Serenade of the Seas will spend late 2025 and early 2026 making 7- to 11-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members are able to book on Royal Caribbean’s website starting today, while the official opening for the general public is Thursday, February 15. 

Ready to begin planning your next vacation? Here's a breakdown of new offerings in 2025 and 2026. 

Bayonne/New York City

New York as seen from Bayonne

Three ships will offer cruises from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey in 2025, the largest being Symphony of the Seas

Symphony will sail from Cape Liberty from April to October, similar to 2024. Afterward, the ship will return to Miami. Guests have numerous different voyages to choose from, with the shortest being 7 nights and the longest 9. Examples of itineraries include: 

  • 7-Night Bahamas & Perfect Day: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida; Nassau, Bahamas; Perfect Day at CocoCay
  • 9-Night Eastern Caribbean: Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Odyssey of the Seas

Odyssey of the Seas will sail on cruises ranging from 7 to 14 nights in January, February, March, April, November, and December 2025. There will be 7- and 8-night sailings to The Bahamas, including Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as longer cruises to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean. 

Odyssey will also make a single transatlantic cruise from Bayonne visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores; Málaga, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; Valencia, Spain; and Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy. 

Finally, Liberty of the Seas will be the only ship to sail from Cape Liberty in 2025 to Bermuda on 4-, 5-, 6, and 9-night cruises. Like Odyssey, you can also choose to sail to the Eastern Caribbean; however, what sets Liberty of the Seas apart is her offerings to Canada and New England: 

Liberty of the Seas
  • 9-Night Canada & New England: Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick [Overnight]; Halifax, Nova Scotia  
  • 9-Night Canada & New England: Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick
  • 9-Night Canada & New England: Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick [Overnight]

Bayonne is an exciting embarkation port because it's located just miles from New York City. Whether you want to extend your cruise with a jam-packed pre- or post-cruise stay, there are endless ways to customize your cruise vacation while also budgeting time to visit the Big Apple. 

Read more: Bahamas cruise guide

Baltimore

Since Baltimore is a much smaller port, you won't find any mega-ships like Symphony of the Seas sailing from Maryland. 

Instead, Vision of the Seas will offer a variety of different cruises to guests visiting places like Bermuda, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and the Southeast Coast of the United States that range from 5 nights to 12 nights. 

It's perfect for those who prefer a more intimate cruising experience and don't want to deal with the hassle of sailing out of Port Canaveral or Miami, two of the busiest ports in the world:

Read more: What to do in Bermuda on a cruise

Boston

boston

If sipping on craft brews, indulging in fresh seafood, and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage of New England and Canada is more your vibe, look no further than the offerings from Boston. 

Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship that launched in 2002, will be the only Royal Caribbean sailing from Boston in the fall of 2025. The majority of her sailings will be 7-night cruises to Canada and New England; however, there will be one unique cruise from Boston to San Juan in November. 

Prior to arriving, passengers will visit Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda; St. John's, Antigua; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands. 

San Juan

After spending the fall up north, Brilliance of the Seas will sail from San Juan in November and December 2025, as well as January, February, March, and April 2026. She'll be joined by Jewel of the Seas. 

Both vessels will primarily sail on 7-night cruises to the Southern Caribbean to ports such as Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; Roseau, Dominica; and Bridgetown, Barbados. 

Galveston

Terminal in Galveston, Texas

Allure of the Seas will (finally) be undergoing her Royal Amplification in early 2025, so if you've been waiting to book a cruise on Allure, 2025/2026 is the perfect time! 

In March 2026, she'll return to Galveston for 5- and 7-night cruises to the Western Caribbean, visiting ports like Costa Maya, Mexico; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatán, Honduras. 

Before then, however, she'll sail from Fort Lauderdale on 6- and 8-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. This means that if you want to take a short cruise onboard, you shouldn't push it off for long. 

Fort Lauderdale

port-everglades

In late 2025, you can find longer itineraries onboard Serenade of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale to exotic places in the Southern Caribbean, as well as shorter voyages to the Western Caribbean:

  • 7-Night Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya, Mexico
  • 10-Night Eastern Caribbean: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Johns, Antigua Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The demand for Royal Caribbean cruises is higher than ever, and if you wait to book your next sailing, you will likely find limited inventory

Oasis of the Seas in New York with Statue of Liberty

Not only does booking early ensure that you have access to the lowest prices, but it's also smart if you're hoping to score a specific cabin. Inventory is selling out further in advance, so if you decide to wait until the last minute, you might be disappointed with your options. 

Prices seem to be increasing from week to week, meaning that if you want to lock in the lowest possible rate, your best bet is to go ahead and place the deposit on your 2025 cruise as soon as possible. 

When I went to book a sailing onboard Icon of the Seas for June 2025 in mid-January, I paid $5,125.60, including gratuities, for two in an interior room. At the time of writing roughly one month later, Royal Caribbean's website was advertising the same sailing starting at $5,716.72 before tips. While a cruise onboard Royal's newest vessel, the pricing trend is being seen on ships of all ages. 

Deck chairs at sunset

If you happen to notice that the price has decreased before final payment, you'll be able to contact Royal Caribbean (or your travel agent) to have the new price honored on your reservation. 

Additionally, if you aren't able to commit to a sailing that far in advance, you can always place a refundable deposit, which will ensure that you don't lose any money in the event that your schedule changes before final payment is due. 

Cruise ship passenger on the 9-month world cruise made 860 Valentine's Day cards for all the crew members

In:
14 Feb 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

Traditionally, Valentine's Day is when you spoil your partner with flowers, chocolate, and a nice meal. One TikTok user, however, took a different approach. Rather than focusing on a loved one, she decided to make a Valentine for every Ultimate World Cruise crew member. 

TikTok-Valentines-Hero

Little Rat Brain (@little_rat_brain) is currently sailing onboard Serenade of the Seas for the entire duration of the world cruise. To show her appreciation for those who are working to make this voyage both memorable and possible, she crafted Valentine's Day cards for all 860 crew members on the ship. 

"Did you know that there's an incinerator tech onboard? I didn't," she states in her TikTok

"I have never seen him, and I am sure that many people have also never seen him. But I wanted to give him a Valentine's Day gift." 

She alluded to the idea in a previous video where she bought a seemingly absurd amount of lollipops 

TikTok-Valentine-1

On February 11, the first segment of the world cruise concluded, with some passengers disembarking in Los Angeles to make way for new guests before beginning the Ultimate Asia Pacific segment. 

While the ship was docked, Little Rat Brain made her way to Target to restock some necessities and art supplies, as well as lots (I mean lots) of lollipops. Whenever she emptied a bag, it seemed as though there couldn't possibly be more DumDums. The pile, however, kept getting larger and larger. 

TikTok users didn't let the copious bags of DumDums go unnoticed. "LRB,,, what are you going to do with many lollipops," wrote Tabby, while LL MCB commented, "You and my grandmother are gonna have to meet and talk about your DumDum addictions."

When it came to the actual construction, Little Rat Brain ended up needing to call in reinforcements

TikTok-Valentine-2

It appears as though she had been thinking of this idea for a while, as she begins the TikTok by opening a Staples box and pulling out sheets of cardstock paper with a custom design printed on them. In fact, the design is the same as the tapestry that's hung in her inside cabin! 

After taking out a sheet of paper, she began to draw hearts on the back of each, stating that she couldn't find a heart stamp. She did, however, find a stamp that says, "You make this world a beautiful place," which she uses overtop the hand-drawn heart. 

"I am continually astonished by how hardworking [and] how incredible [the crew] are," she says, "I really just wanted to give them a small token of my appreciation."

TikTok-Valentine-3

Once each card was individually cut and stamped, she taped a DumDum to every single one, explaining that she went with lollipops because they fit numerous dietary restrictions. 

At one point, she realized that the project was larger than she had thought, so she asked for help from other cruisers. Thankfully, everyone was willing to assist, and the Valentine's Day cards were delivered just in time for their crew party. 

The response has been overwhelmingly positive

Serenade of the Seas

While it's not uncommon for guests to leave small gifts or extra cash for their cabin steward, favorite bartender, or Main Dining Room wait staff, it is pretty rare for someone to go the lengths to ensure that everyone onboard gets something. 

With the majority of the crew away from their families on long contracts at sea, this small gesture warmed the hearts of many on social media. 

TikTok user Teriarnott832 wrote, "This is so stinking cute! I'm sure the crew was very thankful to be remembered."

TikTok-Valentine-Comments

"This is so thoughtful I could cry 😭 I hope someone gets YOU a valentine too !" said Cadyn. 

drjennytravels, who was one of the reinforcements Little Rat Brain recruited, remarked, "It was a pleasure to assist in this endeavor. You are soooo thoughtful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️".

Royal Caribbean International even commented saying, "our crew deserves the world!! thank you for this 🫶". 

The second segment of the Ultimate World Cruise is underway

Great Ocean Road australia

The Ultimate Asia Pacific segment is the longest of the four segments that comprise the entire world cruise. It will last nearly three months and visit three World Wonders — the Great Wall of China, Great Barrier Reef, and the Taj Mahal — before concluding on May 9 in Dubai. 

Even before departing from Miami, the voyage had taken social media by storm. With months having passed since the ship watched Florida disappear into the horizon, numerous individuals onboard have gained fame by posting "day in the life" videos and giving those at home an insight into what this one-of-a-kind cruise is like. 

Little Rat Brain, for instance, has over 145,000 followers, as well as 1.1 million likes. The first TikTok that was posted regarding the Ultimate World Cruise was on December 10. The slideshow depicts her pre-cruise stay in Miami leading up to embarkation, including the gala. That video alone has over 1.1 million views and 50,000 likes. 

Top 10 Icon of the Seas hidden secrets

In:
14 Feb 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Ready to take a cruise on Icon of the Seas, but want to know the best kept insider secrets about this game-changing cruise ship?

Icon of the Seas in CocoCay

Royal Caribbean has put together an incredible new ship that offers more for families to do than ever before, and it's the first in the Icon Class. There are so many choices for dining, activities, and ways to relax.

If you're like me, you want maximize your vacation and take advantage of every tip and trick so you can have the best possible vacation. If I've learned anything from cruising a lot, it's that there are usually a handful of secrets you can rely on to get ahead of everyone else.

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas

I spent over a week on Icon of the Seas to track down the best tidbits to share with you. Here are the 10 hidden secrets to know before going on Icon of the Seas.

Rye and Bean is secret place for coffee in the morning

Rye and Bean

Everyone loves a latte, cappuccino, or macchiato in the morning, but the line for it at Pearl Cafe can get pretty long.

Instead of waiting in line for your premium coffee drink (which is included in a Royal Caribbean drink package), go to the Rye and Bean in the Aquadome instead.

Rye and Bean is a coffee bar that is best known for its coffee-based cocktails.  But it has an espresso machine and is open in the morning too, and can make your favorite coffee drinks without the giant line that Pearl Cafe usually gets.

rye-&-beam-sweet-foam

In my experience, I found most people have no idea Rye and Bean is open in the morning or that it can make your coffee drink too, and the lack of a line was proof of that.

Speaking of Rye and Bean, you should make plans to go there later in the day for a cocktail too, because their espresso martinis and cocktails are top notch.

USB plugs and outlets at the bars

Outlet

If you've ever gone on a cruise and lamented the lack of ways to keep your devices charged, Icon of the Seas does not contribute to that stereotype.

Many bars have USB charging plugs and even standard electric outlets available for guests to use, including Pearl Cafe, The Overlook, and Playmakers.

I've seen USB outlets at certain bars on Royal Caribbean ships before, but electric outlets too is so helpful for using laptops. Given how inviting Pearl Cafe and The Overlook are to spending many hours there, it's a great spot for conducting remote work.

Given how useful the Royal Caribbean app is onboard a ship, you might end up going through battery power faster than at home, so it's convenient to have ways to charge your devices.

Secret homage to Royal Caribbean's history

Manhole cover

Royal Caribbean likes to include subtle nods to its past on its cruise ships, and if you look closely, you'll spot one on Icon of the Seas.

If you're a Royal Caribbean super fan, you'll want to keep an eye out for a nod to the ship's leadership located in the Royal Promenade.

There's artwork on one end of the Promenade that has a manhole cover, which can easily be overlooked.  However, it lists the sewer cover company manufacturer as, "Fain, Liberty, Bayley, Kulovaara & Co.".

Michael Bayley and Jason Liberty

These are the last names of Royal Caribbean's top leadership responsible for Icon of the Seas becoming a reality.

  • Richard Fain is the Chairman of the Royal Caribbean Group board, and was Royal Caribbean Group's CEO for much of the project's time before stepping down.
  • Jason Liberty is the current President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
  • Michael Bayley is the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
  • Harri Kulovaara is the Executive Vice President of Maritime & Newbuilding, and is responsible for leading the design and construction of its new ships. 

Color coding for the direction of where you are on the deck

Icon of the Seas cabin number

Getting around a ship as big as Icon of the Seas is not easy off the bat, but Royal Caribbean color coded the decks to make it easier.

As you walk up or down of the corridors where staterooms are located, you may notice the color of the cabin nameplate changes.

A light teal, indicates you are in the forward section of the ship.  A darker shade of blue means you are aft, and a blend of the two means you are in the middle.

Icon of the Seas cabin number
Icon of the Seas cabin number
Icon of the Seas cabin number

The idea is to provide a reference for where you are.  Perhaps you forgot exactly the cabin number you're looking for, but the visual cue of the color may spark your memory quicker.

Trellis bar has food

Trellis Bar

It's rare to find a bar on a Royal Caribbean ship that also serves food, but you should be aware there is a secret food menu at the Trellis Bar.

The Trellis Bar is not a new venue to Royal Caribbean. It's been the signature bar for Central Park on all of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, but those bars only served drinks.

Trellis Bar menu

On Icon of the Seas, there is a food menu too, where you can order mac & cheese poppers, steak bites, and fries. Perfect for noshing while you enjoy a few cocktails!

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen menu items at Giovanni’s Wine Bar

Giovannis

Speaking of food at a bar, you might be interested to know you can order food from Giovanni's Italian Kitchen while seated at the bar.

This is more than just a way to snack like you can at the Trellis Bar, it's actually a hack to get around the restaurant being booked up.

If there's no reservations left for lunch or dinner because Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is booked up, you can go to the bar and order the same food without any reservations required.

Walk to the back of the Windjammer for quieter seats

icon-windjammer

With a ship as big as Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean made the Windjammer buffet as big as possible too.

It can certainly get crowded (especially for breakfast), and seats get taken up quickly.

If you walk all the way to the back of the Windjammer, though, you will find a smaller seating area that tends to be much less crowded.

Pier 7 is free for kids

Pier 7

The sit-down specialty restaurant in the Surfside Neighborhood has one important difference from any other specialty restaurant.

Kids under the age of 12 are totally free, which means you only have to pay for the adults in your group (as well as any teenagers).

This makes it a far more affordable family dinner out if you don't have to worry about paying for the kids.

How to get a seat at Dueling Pianos

Dueling Pianos

Dueling Pianos is one of the most popular venues on Icon of the Seas and you'll quickly notice the place gets very busy to the point every single chair is taken up.

If you'd like to have seats and a table for your group, the key is to arrive early.  My advice is show up at least 30 minutes before the scheduled performance time to get a seat.  There will be people that arrive even earlier than that, especially for the earlier show times.

Dueling Pianos

If there is a performance at 11pm or later, it tends to be less busy and even people that have a table will start to head out as it gets closer to midnight.

Nonetheless, grab a table a half hour before show time (or earlier) just to be safe.

Binoculars

Binoculars

Hidden around Icon of the Seas are binoculars you can use to check out what's around.

Royal Caribbean wanted Icon of the Seas to be more outward facing than Oasis Class ships, and to that point, they added binoculars around the ship.

Binoculars

There's no cost to the binoculars. This is a fun activity for kids or adults to try to find them all and it is one of those hidden gems many guests simply overlook.

Did we miss any Icon of the Seas secrets? Share them in our comments!

Royal Caribbean cancels Freeport shore excursions after reported attack on two women

In:
13 Feb 2024
By: 
Elizabeth Wright

Guests sailing on upcoming Royal Caribbean cruises that visit Grand Bahama Island had their shore excursions cancelled, which comes right after news of two American passengers that were attacked there earlier this month.

Two American passengers disclosed that they were drugged and raped while visiting the Pirate's Cove Resort. Since then two people have been arrested on sexual assault charges.

"Due to a recent incident in Grand Bahama Island, we've made the decision to temporarily suspend select tours. Unfortunately, this includes your Beach Getaway and Lunch" the email to passengers reads. 

"As a result, we've issued a full refund to your original form of payment, which you should see within 14 business days. Some banking institutions may take longer."

"In the meantime, please feel free to visit My Royal Cruise or the Shore Excursions Deck once onboard to review options for your time in port." 

Shore excursion cancellation email

Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson, two 31-year-old mothers from Kentucky, were supposedly on the girl's trip of a lifetime. They had saved for months for a Carnival cruise from Jacksonville, Florida, and were enjoying time together on the beach when they were offered a two-for-one drink deal from a resort employee. 

According to a USA TODAY article, Nicholas Gerson, the women's Miami-based attorney, said, "They became inebriated and were both taken away and raped." Both women were unaware of the recently imposed travel warning by the U.S. Department of State and "not aware of any warnings given by Carnival." 

Two individuals, a 54- and 40-year-old man, were arrested on Sunday in relation to the attacks. 

On January 26, the U.S. Department of State issued a level 2 advisory warning in The Bahamas due to crime 

Buildings near Nassau port

According to the country summary, the majority of the crime in The Bahamas occurs in the capital of New Providence, which is where Nassau is located, as well as Grand Bahama Island. 

"In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas."

"Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence."

Nassau buildings

The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert a few days prior to the Department of State. They advised that all U.S. citizens should be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau at all hours of the day since the beginning of 2024. 

They claim that the primary motive has been retaliatory gang violence. 

Additionally, the warning states that activities involving commercial recreational watercraft aren't consistently regulated

In November 2023, a ferry filled with passengers en route to Blue Lagoon Island off the coast of Nassau encountered rough seas and began to take on water before capsizing and killing one woman from the United States. Since the boat was near shallow waters, it didn't completely submerge. Independence of the Seas was the only Royal Caribbean ship docked on the day of the incident. 

Royal Caribbean used to offer a variety of excursions to Blue Lagoon, including beach breaks, snorkeling, and dolphin encounters. Since the accident, however, the cruise line has decided to cancel all tours through March 2024 as they continue their investigation. 

Guests with booked tours will automatically receive a full refund back to their original form of payment. Like tours in Grand Bahama Island, these refunds will be processed within 14 business days. 

How to stay safe when visiting The Bahamas (or any port of call)

Whenever you travel, it's imperative that you keep your guard up at all times. While the likelihood of a crime being committed against you is low, it's never impossible. 

When going ashore, you should aim to keep a low profile and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you happen to be the victim of a robbery, don't physically resist it. 

It is also smart to closely monitor your drinks. If you're able to, you should watch the bartender make it, and if anything seems off, ask someone else to remake it. 

Senor Frogs in Nassau, Bahamas

Rather than venturing off with a random tour operator that you find on the streets, consider booking a tour through Royal Caribbean. 

They work with reputable local operators to ensure that safety is at the forefront of every tour. Even then, however, you should always monitor your surroundings, as was proved during the Blue Lagoon Island incident. 

Passenger dies on Royal Caribbean's 9-month world cruise

In:
13 Feb 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean has confirmed reports of the passing of a passenger aboard a cruise ship sailing the cruise line's first ever world cruise.

Serenade of the Seas in Los Angeles
Photo by Gabriele Latham

Serenade of the Seas is conducting a world cruise that began in December, and just wrapped up its first leg having sailed around South America and seen Antarctica.

Following rumors of a passenger's death on social media, the cruise line issued a statement confirming the incident.

We reached out to Royal Caribbean for confirmation and the cruise line issued this statement, "A guest sailing on board Serenade of the Seas has sadly passed away. We are actively providing support and assistance to the guest’s loved ones at this time. Out of the privacy of the guest and their family, we have nothing further to share at this time."

A spokesperson for the cruise line also noted that the passenger that passed away was not part of the full Ultimate World Cruise, and had just booked the individual sailing.

There are around 800 passengers who booked the entire world cruise transit, with many other passengers onboard for shorter legs. It appears the person that passed away was onboard for a shorter segment.

Serenade of the Seas in Maine

The Ultimate World Cruise will take 274 nights on Serenade of the Seas that will visit more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world.

It began on December 10, 2023 and will end on September 10, 2024.

You might be surprised to read that cruise ships have morgues onboard, just in case. Unfortunately, people die every day, even while on vacation. It's unlikely to occur on a cruise, but it does happen once in a while.

The morgue is usually located on a lower deck, far away from where cruise ship passengers would ever visit. Royal Caribbean does not share specific information about the morgue on Serenade of the Seas, but other cruise ships typically have a stainless-steel refrigeration room with individual compartments.

Serenade of the Seas in Bar Harbor

Depending on where the ship is and when the death occurs will determine if the body should be repatriated at the next port the ship visits, or if it can remain onboard in the morgue until the cruise concludes. U.S. regulations require cruise ships to carry body bags onboard a ship.

The average cruise ship morgue can store a body for up to one week.

Given this happened on a world cruise, it's more likely arrangements would be made to have the body taken off the ship at a port and sent home, but that information is not publicly disclosed.

World cruise social media obsession

serenade-of-the-seas-dreamstime

Someone passing away on a cruise ship might make headlines to begin with, but Royal Caribbean's world cruise has generated buzz for just about everything that has happened on it.

Ever since the world cruise began on December 10, 2023, TikTok has been obsessed with the sailing for some reason.

People on TikTok have been overly intrigued with the notion of going on a cruise ship for almost a year and sailing around the world.

There's been tens of million of views so far on the platform just for the World Cruise hashtag, and wild speculation has fueled the content.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said during a press conference last month on Icon of the Seas that the world cruise has been, "quite an interesting project."

"We had no clue that it would become a [sensation]. I think there's been 290 million views of some of the TikTok stuff that's gone out in the ultimate cruise."

A perfect example of the online sensation is the person that created a bingo card for things that could happen on the world cruise.

The video has over 350,000 views so far and the squares range cover just about every minor and major possibility.

  • Getting sunburned
  • Norovirus
  • Brands sponsors for passengers
  • Pirate takeover
  • A wedding
  • Someone goes home early
  • Port errand runs
  • Minor mystery to solve

Possible itinerary change in the Red Sea

Red Sea

Royal Caribbean hasn't announced anything yet, but it might have to adjust the ship's itinerary when it arrives to the Red Sea due to the unrest in the area.

During a call with Wall Street investors on February 1, Royal Caribbean Group executives said they are closely watching the situation there, "The safety of our guests and crew is of top priority and we are constantly monitoring the situation," said Royal Caribbean Group Chief Financial Officer Naftali Holtz.

"We only have a handful of repositioning cruises scheduled in the region this year, and have already rerouted one of our Silversea ships, and have contingency plans for a couple of others in the spring."

How to get from Venice to Ravenna cruise port with the shuttle (and vice versa)

In:
12 Feb 2024
By: 
Jenna DeLaurentis

One of Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise embarkation ports in Europe is Ravenna, Italy, and if you’re cruising from the port this summer, here’s how to get there.

Venice Italy and cruise ship side by side image

In 2021, the city of Venice, Italy banned large cruise ships from entering the Venetian lagoon. This ban came with major implications for the cruise industry, which frequently offered cruises departing from the city to visit ports in the Adriatic Sea and Greek Isles.

Instead of stopping cruises in this region altogether, Royal Caribbean began offering itineraries departing from Ravenna, Italy instead of Venice. Yet while itineraries may still call Ravenna the “Venice” cruise port, the reality is that Venice is located roughly 90 miles away from Ravenna.

The majority of passengers cruising from Ravenna fly into either Venice or Bologna, Italy, and it can be challenging to figure out how to get to the cruise port from these cities.

Related: 30 best European cruise tips

In this guide, we’ve compiled the most up-to-date information on how to get to and from the Ravenna cruise port so you can start your European cruise vacation without any stressful setbacks.

Option #1: Royal Caribbean shuttles from Venice to Ravenna cruise port (and vice versa)

Venice Italy Rialto Bridge view

From Venice to Ravenna cruise port (embarkation day)

The easiest way to reach Ravenna’s cruise port from Venice is by booking a Royal Caribbean shuttle.

Royal Caribbean offers a shuttle service from two locations in Venice. The first is from Marco Polo Airport, and this is the best option for those flying to Venice on the day their cruise begins. As of 2023, the shuttle cost $45 per person.

Note that it takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Ravenna from Venice, so if you are flying to Venice on the same day as your cruise, it’s crucial that your flight arrives before 11 AM. To avoid the risk of missing your ship, it’s recommended that you arrive as early as possible on embarkation morning.

Alternatively, the safer option is to arrive at least a day before your cruise begins.

The second location to catch a shuttle from Venice to Ravenna is from Tronchetto, a parking and bus station in the historical city center of Venice. This option is ideal for those who are spending time in Venice prior to their cruise. As of 2023, this shuttle cost $58 per person.

The shuttle location in Tronchetto is a twenty minute walk from Piazzale Roma in Venice, or you can take a people mover for €1.50 per person.

Shuttles must be booked by calling Royal Caribbean or your travel agent, upon which you can find the most up-to-date schedules for the shuttle buses.

From Ravenna cruise port to Venice (disembarkation day)

Ravenna Italy walkable street

Royal Caribbean offers a shuttle service from the pier in Ravenna to Venice's Marco Polo Airport on disembarkation morning, but only for flights departing after 11:45 AM.

As of 2023, this shuttle was priced at $45 per person, and it takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Venice’s Marco Polo Airport on the shuttle.

If you are not headed directly to the Venice airport from Ravenna, there is also the option to be dropped off in Tronchetto instead. As of 2023, this shuttle service cost $58 per person, and is a convenient option for those spending time in Venice after their cruise.

Option #2: Take the train from Venice to Ravenna (and vice versa)

Italy train

From Venice to Ravenna cruise port (embarkation day)

In addition to a shuttle bus, another way to get from Venice to the Ravenna cruise port is by train. Taking the train from Venice’s Santa Lucia station to Ravenna’s train station takes a little over three hours and comes with an overall cost of around $40.

The train from Venice to Ravenna is not direct, and it requires a change in either Bologna or Ferrara, Italy. Although having to change trains might seem stressful, you will find train stations easy to navigate and with plenty of signage.

Because the train is not direct, you will not find “Ravenna” listed on the train platform in the Venice train station. Instead, look at your ticket for the correct train number. If you have to make a change in Bologna, you will first board a train to Bologna, not to Ravenna.

Train tickets can be purchased online through Trainline or on the Trainline app. Alternatively, you can book tickets upon arrival to the station, but it’s recommended to book in advance.

Once you arrive at Ravenna’s train station, you can reach the port either by booking a Royal Caribbean shuttle bus or by taxi. The taxi ride should cost around €25 from the train station to the port.

If you would prefer to book a Royal Caribbean shuttle bus from Ravenna’s train station to the cruise port, contact Royal Caribbean or your travel agent for more information.

From Ravenna cruise port to Venice (disembarkation day)

Venice canal

Royal Caribbean offers shuttle buses from the Ravenna cruise port to Ravenna’s train station on disembarkation morning. It takes twenty minutes to reach the train station, from where you can hop on a train to anywhere in Italy.

These shuttle buses cost $10 per passenger and can be booked at Guest Services once onboard your ship.

Like en route to Ravenna, you will need to make a change in Bologna or Ferrara, Italy to get to Venice. Most transfer times in this direction are around a half hour, which gives plenty of time to make the connection.

Taking the train to Santa Lucia station in Venice drops you off directly in the historic center of the city. Therefore, this option is convenient if you plan on spending time in Venice after the cruise. If you’re simply heading to the airport, one of Royal Caribbean’s shuttles is a better option.

Staying in Ravenna before or after the cruise

Ravenna Italy person cycling in the city center

One benefit of taking the train as opposed to a shuttle bus is that you have the schedule flexibility to spend time sightseeing in Ravenna. As a small Italian city, Ravenna offers a quaint, walkable city center and is famous for its elaborate mosaics and Byzantine architecture along with its fresh cuisine from Italy’s Emilia Romagna region.

For those interested in exploring a more local side of Italy before or after their cruise, Ravenna is worth a short stay.

Option #3: fly into Bologna instead of Venice

Bologna Italy at sunset

Even though Royal Caribbean refers to Ravenna as the Venice cruise port, there are other major Italian cities within a similar distance to Ravenna, such as Bologna and Florence.

Arguably, in fact, it’s more convenient to fly into and out of Bologna when cruising from Ravenna as opposed to Venice. The city is located just an hour's drive or direct train journey from Ravenna, making it much easier to reach the cruise port compared to flying into Venice.

The downside with flying into and out of Bologna is that there are no direct flights from the city to the United States, so a connection will be necessary. Venice, on the other hand, offers direct flights to several cities on the east coast along with Chicago.

To get between Bologna and Ravenna’s cruise port, you can book a shuttle through Royal Caribbean or take the train. As of 2023, Royal Caribbean’s shuttle to Bologna’s airport cost $40 per person, and was only available for flights departing after 10:50 AM.

A shuttle was also offered from the cruise port to Bologna’s train station for $30 per person, which is helpful for those taking a train from Bologna to elsewhere in Italy.

Finally, another way to get to Bologna is by taking the $10 shuttle bus from the cruise port to Ravenna’s train station followed by an hour train from Ravenna to Bologna, which costs around $10.

I ate at every new restaurant on Icon of the Seas and here's how I would rank them

In:
12 Feb 2024
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Icon of the Seas introduced new restaurants that serve up different cuisines, with some complimentary and others costing extra.

I tried Icon of the Seas restaurants

The first Icon Class ship has more than 20 dining venues onboard, and I was eager to try out all the new options. After all, it's an opportunity to see Royal Caribbean's take on these restaurants.

After sailing on Icon of the Seas for more than 10 days, I was able to visit the restaurants that did not previously exist on any other Royal Caribbean ship until Icon. If you want to see all the restaurants on Icon of the Seas, check out our list.

In this post, I've ranked each of the new restaurants in order of my preference. Of course, food is subjective and I am certain not everyone will agree with my opinions. 

1. Empire Supper Club

Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club empty

As the most expensive specialty restaurant that Royal Caribbean has ever developed, you would probably have lofty expectations for the Empire Supper Club and I'm happy to say it matches up more than I could have expected.

Empire Supper Club is more than just another extra-cost restaurant, it's an entire dining experience that includes an 8-course meal, matching cocktails, and evening entertainment in one. The experience takes about three hours, and it has a formal dress requirement where men need to wear a jacket (yes, it's actually enforced).

Chilean sea bass

Inside the restaurant, you'll be serenaded by a jazz trio that perform musical standards synonymous with the first half of the 20th century in New York City. Gershwin, Sinatra, and the sort.

The music matches up with each course and cocktail you are served in an intimate dining experience. Unlike Chef's Table, you are not seated with others, but tables are very close. The entire restaurant can only accommodate 38 guests per night and there's just one seating.

While not inexpensive by any means, Empire Supper Club delivered a dining experience unlike anything we've had on a cruise ship and the food and cocktails were really darn good too.

Pros:

  • Fine cuisine. The Chilean Sea Bass might have been the best food I ate on Icon
  • Cocktails are varied and included in the cost
  • Entertainment adds so much to the dinner experience

Cons:

  • Three hour meal
  • Kids allowed, but no discounted pricing
  • Formal attire required
  • Most expensive restaurant you'll find on Icon of the Seas

2. Aquadome Market

aquadome-icon-5

Royal Caribbean's first food hall concept is located in the Aquadome neighborhood and it's instantly my new favorite complimentary restaurant.

The AquaDome Market has five stalls that offer different quick-serve cuisines, and it's a new concept to the cruise line. Royal Caribbean has had buffets and grab-and-go locations, but never a food hall.

The choices are:

  • Creme de la Crepe (French crepes)
  • Mac's (Macaroni and cheese)
  • Feta Mediterranean (Greek cuisine)
  • GNGR (Asian cuisine)
  • Toast and Garden (Sandwiches and salads)
aquadome-icon-1

You simply walk up to any of the food stalls and order what you'd like. There's no limit and all the menu options are included in your cruise fare.

By far Feta and Creme de la Crepe are the two best options available. The food is made fresh, and assembled exactly the way you'd like it.

Mac's and Toast and Garden are quite good too, if you're in the mood for that cuisine.  GNGR was a disappointment in the sense I felt the quality of food here was the same as the Windjammer buffet, whereas it felt like the rest of the stations had something different to offer.

Pros:

  • No extra cost
  • Added food variety that you cannot find elsewhere on the ship
  • Customizable food choices

Cons:

  • Not convenient to get to in most cases
  • Can get very busy, leading to long lines

3. Pier 7

Buddha bowl

If you're skipping the restaurants in the neighborhood dedicated to young families because you aren't cruising with kids, you're really missing out.

Pier 7 is a new specialty restaurant in the Surfside neighborhood that costs extra for adults, but is complimentary for kids under the age of 12.

Royal Caribbean calls the food at Pier 7, "California-inspired dishes," but I appreciate anytime we can get something more than just the usual cruise ship fare. You'll find surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict and sharable platters. The Korean fried chicken and Buddha bowls were both favorites when I dined here.

Pier 7

The lunch and dinner menus differ, and there are brunch options too, if you're a late riser.

Kids under the age of 12 eat free, and everyone else pays a $14.99 cover charge for two plates in any category.

Pros:

  • Different cuisine choices that go well beyond burgers, hot dogs, and pizza
  • Kids are free
  • Brunch options

Cons:

  • Guests without kids may not enjoy venturing into Surfside
  • Outdoor seating is loud

4. Pearl Cafe

Pearl Cafe

Royal Caribbean replaced Cafe Promenade with an upgraded concept in Pearl Cafe. Think of Pearl Cafe as Cafe Promenade 3.0, as it builds on every aspect of this favorite venue.

Located behind The Pearl on the Royal Promenade, you'll find an assortment of grab-and-go options available 24 hours a day.  Plus, there are snacks you can pick up from ordering at the counter.  All the food here is included.

Pearl Cafe also includes complimentary coffee, tea, and other beverages.  There are extra-cost premium coffees available to order as well (and included in a drink package).

Pearl Cafe choices

The grab-and-go food is a revelation, as it makes it so easy to have a snack to enjoy immediately or bring back to your cabin to eat later. Plus, the snacks served behind the counter are significant upgrades in food quality from the ho-hum choices at Cafe Promenade.

Just as compelling as the food is the seating, as Royal Caribbean added giant glass windows that allow guests to enjoy a beautiful view with their coffee and snack. Plus, there are outlets underneath every single seat so you never have an excuse to leave. 

Pros:

  • Beautiful views
  • Convenient grab-and-go snacks offered 24 hours per day
  • Comfortable seating

Cons:

  • Coffee lines get long in the morning
  • Noise from Royal Promenade can impact enjoying this venue

5. Izumi in the Park

Izumi sushi from window on Icon of the Seas

In addition to the tried-and-true favorites at Izumi, Royal Caribbean has added a third dining option.

Izumi in the Park adds a walk-up window to get sushi and desserts without the fuss of reservations. A selection of sushi is made available, and you can purchase these items and take the food to eat in Central Park, in your cabin, or anywhere on the ship.

The concept is simple, and it's perfect for when you're in the mood for sushi but maybe the restaurant isn't open, or you just want something small to snack on.

Bubble cone

Don't overlook the Bubble Cones, which are soft waffles curved to hold ice cream and it's really darn good.

Pros:

  • Convenient way to eat sushi
  • Bubble cones are really good

Cons:

  • Not included in any dining package
  • Limited sushi choices compared to the sit down restaurant

6. The Grove

Food from The Grove

If you're a suite guest, there's a new dining venue exclusively available to you in the Suite Neighborhood.

The Grove is a buffet, but it's notable different from the Windjammer. You'll find "casual Mediterranean food" just steps away from the Suite Sundeck. This means there's a convenient dining choice if you're spending the day sunning yourself on one of the many loungers or in the whirlpool.

There's many different foods to pick from, including hot dogs wrapped in pretzels, caprese salad, watermelon and plenty of antipasto.

The grove

Essentially, this is to give anyone who spends their day in the suite area something to enjoy while still in their bathing suit and it's aways good to have more choices.

Pros:

  • Convenient for someone in the suite sun deck
  • Different and healthy food choices available

Cons:

  • Only available to suite guests
  • Probably not a restaurant you'll go out of your way to eat at

7. Surfside Eatery

surfside-icon-1

I think it's a genius idea to have a buffet that caters to kids, and that's exactly what Royal Caribbean has in Surfside.

Surfside Eatery ensures no kids (or their parents) go hungry with a buffet that offers more simple and kid-approved foods than you'll ever find at the Windjammer.

It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it's a smorgasbord of chicken nuggets, quesadillas, hot dogs, pizza, and more. 

There's also food here for adults to enjoy that Royal Caribbean calls a twist on kids classics.

Pros:

  • More kid-friendly food than anywhere else
  • No added cost
  • Indoor and outdoor seating

Cons:

  • Kid food means don't expect high quality food
  • Outdoor seating is loud from Surfside

8. Desserted

Desserted

If you're in the mood for over-the-top desserts on Icon, head up to Desserted Milkshake Bar.

The menu consists of the most decadent desserts you can imagine, including milkshakes that have alcohol in them for the adults.

It's a creative menu, with the glasses they come in adorned with candy and toppings too.

There's also basic milkshakes you can order that cost less, as well as soda floats.

Pros:

  • Decadent desserts you won't find anywhere else
  • Located near pools for convenient break from a hot day
  • Option to add alcohol

Cons:

  • Not included with any drink package or dining package
  • Expensive

9. Surfside Bites

surfside-icon-8

If a buffet requires too much time, Royal Caribbean has your back with Surfside Bites.

Surfside Bites is next-door to the Surfside Eatery and it's a walk-up window where you can get on-demand snacks.

The menu includes burgers, popcorn chicken, cinnamon-sugar donut holes and more.

There's no frills here, just grab it and be on your way. This is the kind of food to get when your kids get hungry running around Splashaway Bay, but they don't want to leave the pool either.

Pros:

  • Very fast and convenient
  • Perfect for getting food to your kids before a full hangry meltdown occurs

Cons:

  • Limited menu
  • No seating

10. Basecamp

basecamp-icon

Basecamp is located in Thrill Island and it offers mostly extra-cost food in a convenient location for anyone who is enjoying Thrill Island or The Hideaway.

There are a few complimentary items on the menu, but they're limited and I doubt anyone will be able to subsist on those choices for a meal. A hot dog, tater tots, and pretzel bites are the only choices that cost nothing extra.

The rest of the menu is priced a la carte, and it includes a burger, chicken sandwich, cheese curds and more. The waffle chicken nuggets and cheese curds are really good.

Basecamp menu

Essentially, Basecamp is about being convenient.  It's closer than the Windjammer on the other side of the ship, and you can grab something here while in a bathing suit and then be able to go right back to the water slides or adults-only pool.

Pros:

  • Convenient to Thrill Island and The Hideaway neighborhoods
  • A few complimentary choices for a snack

Cons:

  • Extra-cost items are expensive

What about Celebration Table?

Celebration Table on Icon of the Seas
Photo by Beci Mahnken

Unfortunately, I did not get an opportunity to eat at Celebration Table, so I cannot include it in my rankings.

While I did not eat there, Beci Mahnken, President and CEO of MEI Travel, did get a chance to try it and I asked her for her quick synopsis.

"Recognizing the importance of intimate gatherings, Royal Caribbean has curated a unique dining experience onboard the Icon of the Seas, named the Celebration Table. With sophisticated decor and excellent service, it's an ideal setting for special occasions. "

"Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or any celebration, Royal Caribbean has created a space for making cherished memories in a relaxed, private setting."

Salmon
Photo by Beci Mahnken

Celebration Table is a new choice where you pay to rent out the venue for you and up to 12 of your friends and family.

You have the choice of four different menus, and it's essentially a semi-private venue to book if you have a birthday, anniversary, or general party.

  • The American menu lays out comforting classics like crispy fried onion rings, coconut shrimp, Cajun chicken breast, BBQ meatloaf and peach cobbler.
  • The Asian menu offers an eclectic selection, such as chicken satay, vegetable rice, Korean-style grilled short ribs, chicken cashew, and sweet donuts.
  • The Italian Menu delivers well-known rustic delicacies, including bruschetta, meatballs with polenta, cavatappi sugo rossa, rigatoni all’amatriciana and tiramisu.
  • The Seafood Menu includes fresh and sumptuous faves like fried calamari, garlic mussels, shrimp alfredo, baked salmon and a Meyer lemon tarte.

The price starts at $999.99 for the rental.

Royal Caribbean News Round-up February 11, 2024

In:
11 Feb 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

Happy early Valentine's Day! Hope the holiday is filled with chocolate, flowers and a Royal Caribbean cruise! I'm spreading the Royal Caribbean love with our look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week.

Royal-Railway-exterior-Utopia

Utopia of the Seas will have an immersive train-inspired restaurant, along with a few other new dining concepts.

Launching in July 2024, Utopia will have more than 40 options for drinking and dining. 

Royal Railway – Utopia Station is one of them, and it promises to have a full-fledged dining experience onboard the ship.

Royal Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 525th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! Matt is back from the first inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas and shares his thoughts after trying out this brand-new cruise ship.

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

New RCB Video: Cruise ship worst case scenarios and what to do!

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 — Cruise ship worst case scenarios and what to do!— and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide

kentucky-summer-trellis-bar-drink-package-2

All-inclusive drink packages are one of the most popular add-ons for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The drink packages offer a fixed daily cost, so guests can budget ahead of time and receive unlimited access to drinks.

You might be wondering what you get with a drink package and if it's really worth the additional cost, so we’ve summarized the details of the 2024 Royal Caribbean drink package

What it was like on the inaugural Icon of the Seas cruise

Icon-Suite-Neighborhood-24-Coastal-Kitchen-View-of-AquaTheater

An inaugural sailing is unique from other sailings; a combination of “Woodstock and Prom.”

It’s like a giant party, reunion, and celebration, all rolled into one.

After a maiden voyage on Icon of the Seas, Matt can conclude that being among the first to walk onboard is an awesome feeling.

However, there can be hiccups along the way. An inaugural cruise isn’t for someone who wants the ship to be running perfectly.

11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

icon-windjammer

There are important do's and don'ts to a cruise ship buffet.

Buffets are great for the convenience and variety they offer, but you want to make sure you're not going against the grain when you dine here.

From not washing your hands to bypassing the made-to-order stations, here are 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

Empire Supper Club review

Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas

Is Royal Caribbean’s most expensive restaurant worth a taste?

The high-anticipated Empire Supper Club is a sophisticated specialty venue with an atmosphere of glitz and glamor.

The venue transports you to New York City in the 1930s, featuring a sultry live jazz trio.

The $200 cover price includes an eight-course meal and never-before seen cocktails.

Angie went ahead and tried the Empire Supper Club for the evening, and here’s everything she ate.

11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

In:
10 Feb 2024
By: 
Calista Kiper

A cruise ship buffet may be a casual dining venue, but that doesn't mean proper etiquette should be ignored.

Windjammer buffet

You're on vacation, you're serving yourself at the buffet, it's easy to not think twice about what you shouldn't do at the Windjammer.

Pretty much all cruise ships have at least one all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

On Royal Caribbean ships, this buffet is a complimentary venue called the Windjammer. It is a popular choice for its convenience and variety, with long hours open and a constant spread of all different kinds of food. Icon of the Seas actually has two buffets with Surfside Eatery.

If you’re craving a simple salad, but someone else in your travel party wants a heartier meal—like beef stew or hamburgers—there’s something to satisfy everyone’s desire.

However, before you dive right into the smorgasbord of food, there are certain do’s and don’ts you need to understand.

From not washing your hands to bypassing the made-to-order stations, here are 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet. 

Forget to reserve a seat 

icon-windjammer

Unlike the Main Dining Room, the Windjammer does not have assigned seating. 

If you’re not alert, you might have trouble finding and saving your seat. I’ve even seen cruisers forced to eat while standing at countertops.

At busy times, like peak mealtimes, breakfast, and embarkation day, it can get crowded!

Mariner of the Seas Windjammer

My strategy to save a seat is to look for a table when I first enter and leave an item like a water bottle, book, or jacket so others know I’ve reserved the spot.

Along these same lines, keep in mind that crew members are likely to clear your cups and plates away if you leave them unattended. To avoid their helpful hands, don’t leave the table until you’ve finished your serving.

Skip the handwashing station

Before you enter, make sure that you stop at the handwashing station. 

If you’re not able to wash your hands, at least remember to use hand sanitizer found in dispensers located throughout the ship.  

Since the Windjammer is a self-serve buffet, so many passengers will be grabbing the utensils. It’s easy for germs to spread, so remember to avoid touching your face and hair at the buffet.

Handwashing stations

Additionally, if you're not feeling well, you should avoid the buffet. Instead, consider ordering something from room service or having someone else in your travel party bring some food back to your stateroom. Not only will rest help you feel better quicker, but it's kindest to think about the safety of other guests, too. 

If you eat multiple servings—finishing one plate and going back for more—be sure to sanitize your hands in between, as well.

You don’t want to lick your fingers and then return to the serving utensils with dirty hands.

Dive in before assessing all of your options 

From salad bars to a variety of different hot dishes and desserts, cruise ship buffets have seemingly endless options for you to choose from. 

Before making any decisions, you should walk through the entire buffet to see what's available.

While one of the first dishes you see might look appealing, you could also find something you'd rather try elsewhere. 

If you fill up your plate too early, you'll likely end up wasting food. Moreover, options tend to change daily, especially for dinner. 

Don’t get stuck to one option, but rather open up your tastebuds, and save room to try many types of dishes! 

Waste food

Evaluating your options before selecting what sounds the most delicious is smart to ensure that you don't waste food. 

Even if you feel like you will eat everything that you put on your plate, it's smart to start with one plate of food and return to the buffet for seconds if you're still hungry. 

Plus, you never know if your cravings will change. Maybe the pasta you grabbed will satisfy your need for carbohydrates and you'd rather get a side salad or vegetables. 

Rather than assuming you'll want three pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and fruit for breakfast, start with what you know you'll eat and return for seconds. 

Avoiding waste is the most polite thing to do, for the cruise line, crew members, and for other guests.

Reuse the same plate

Windjammer food on a plate

Reusing your plate is a big no-no at all buffets, as it can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of germs. 

If you are finished with your plate or food, or just unsatisfied with what you got, leave your dirty dishes at the table while you go grab something else to eat. There will be crew members walking around to clear tables, so you don't have to worry about removing the dishes yourself. 

Even if you're returning for just a single dessert or small side, always grab a new plate. 

You can reuse the same silverware, but only if you leave it at your table. Don’t bring it up to the self-serve stations and risk contamination.

Grab food with your bare hands

Serving utensils are available for a reason. Even if you just washed your hands and are sure that they're clean, it is still considered impolite to grab food from the cruise ship buffet with your hands. 

If the roles were reversed, you would not want to eat food that someone else had touched. 

Even if you want finger foods like chicken tenders and fries, there will be tongs available for you to place however much you want on your plate. 

The only exception would be pre-packed items, such as a carton of milk or small yogurt. 

Cut anyone in line

Everyone's in the buffet for the same reason: you all want to eat. It’s important to exercise patience while on a cruise ship, as there are thousands of other people onboard trying to enjoy their vacation, too. 

Even if there aren't any defined lines, you should not cut people off who appear to be waiting for a specific station. Don't be afraid to ask if someone's in line! 

If you interrupt the flow of traffic, you are being disrespectful to those who have been waiting longer.

Imagine if everyone thought that they had first dibs; chaos would ensue.

Skip the made-to-order stations

The buffet is a great option for quick meals, like before a shore excursion in the morning or an event in the afternoon.

But even if you’re looking for a quick bite, don’t be afraid to place an order at the made-to-order station. If you don't see something pre-made that sounds good, you can always construct your own fresh dish. 

While the cuisine itself usually varies (i.e., you might find a pasta bar one night and stir fry the next), you can rest assured knowing that not everything in the buffet has been sitting under heat lamps for hours. 

Pasta station

The made-to-order station is a good compromise for those who aren't in the mood to sit through a three-course meal after spending a long day ashore but don't want standard buffet food. 

Eating dinner in the buffet is also great for those who don't want to adhere to traditional cruise ship dining times. Rather than having to stick to a specific time (like dinner assigned at 5:45 P.M. or 8:00 P.M.), you can simply show up at any point during operating hours. 

Rush to the buffet on embarkation day

Navigator-disembarkation

One of the first places people visit on the ship is the buffet. If you happen to have an arrival time that's in the middle of the boarding process, you'll want to avoid the buffet for a little bit. 

Read more: 12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise

People often board in the middle of the day, and then rush to the Windjammer for lunch. While it’s a good idea, it means that the buffet fills up quickly and sometimes defeats the purpose of showing up for a quicker meal.

Some cruise ships have other options, so you can eat without venturing into the buffet on the first day. On Oasis Class ships, for instance, you can visit Park Cafe in Central Park on embarkation day.

There, you’re able to get a custom salad and sandwich without dealing with the crowds that are present at the buffet. 

Not speak up if you have food allergies 

Windjammer food

Food allergies can be life-threatening, and cruise lines know the importance of having allergen-free menus. If you don't see anything at first, don't be afraid to ask a crew member at the buffet. Some cruise lines recommend sending an email to their dining team ahead of time. 

Royal Caribbean states, "Lactose-free/soy milk, ensure, and kosher meals are available at no extra charge. All you have to do is notify us at least 45 days prior to sailing (90 days for European/South American Itineraries)."

Even if you've discussed your dietary needs with the dining staff, also be sure that you keep your emergency medication, such as an EpiPen, on you at all times in case you're accidentally exposed. 

Wear a swimsuit or go barefoot

The Windjammer is more casual than the Main Dining Room. 

If you don't feel like dressing up on formal night, you can go to the buffet for dinner in a T-shirt and shorts without feeling underdressed. 

However, even though the Windjammer is a more casual venue onboard, it still has a dress code that you must abide by.

For example, don’t waltz in from the lido deck in a wet swimsuit. 

If hunger strikes while you’re swimming in the pool or lounging in the hot tub, you need to dry off and throw a cover-up on.

Shoes are required, too.

Read more: What to wear on a cruise that works for all dress codes

10 side-by-side photos show Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, at day and night

In:
09 Feb 2024
By: 
Angie Vognild

Icon of the Seas is truly a beautiful ship at both day and night.

Thrill Island and Surfside at day and night

In the morning, you can have breakfast in Central Park, take a dip in one of the seven pools or nine whirlpools, or attend a round of trivia.

At night, grab a bite to eat at one of the many new restaurants, check out a comedy show, or cheers with a drink while watching the sunset.

No matter what time of day, there’s so much to do and see on the world’s largest ship!

Here’s what some of the neighborhoods look like during the day and night onboard Icon of the Seas.

Chill Island

Chill Island on Icon of the Seas

Spread out across decks 15, 16, and 17, Chill Island features four of the seven pools onboard Icon of the Seas.

These pools include Royal Bay, the largest pool on Icon, Swim & Tonic, the first swim-up bar at sea, Cove Pool, and Cloud 17, both offering infinity ocean views. During the day, you’ll find many people relaxing in one of these pools. There are also so many chairs and loungers that you will have no problem finding one to call yours for the day.

Need a drink? Chill Island has three Lime & Coconut bars, and one of them has a new frozen cocktail bar. If you want a snack, El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca isn’t far!

Chill Island on Icon of the Seas

The pools at Chill Island are not busy at night (because a lot of them do close around 7 or 8 p.m., although Cloud 17 is usually open until 11 p.m.), but that doesn’t mean this neighborhood isn’t the place to go when the sun goes down.

To get the night started, there’s a bandstand and DJ that plays tunes during the sailaway parties.

The whirlpools are open 24 hours a day, so this is a great place to wind down for the day. And, there was a time or two during my cruise when there were late-night parties on the pool deck, like the “Too Wet Feet with a Caribbean Beat” party at Royal Bay.

Oftentimes, Chill Island was very much a chill place at night.

Central Park

Central Park on Icon of the Seas

Perhaps the most peaceful place on Icon of the Seas is Central Park on deck eight.

With four plant walls that are five decks high, Central Park is stunning. There’s a total of 30,550 plants to admire! I enjoyed having an infinite balcony cabin that overlooked this gorgeous neighborhood.

Read more: I stayed in a 200-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship, where there's a new kind of balcony. Here's what it's like inside.

There are a few specialty restaurants located here, like Chops Grille, Izumi, and Empire Supper Club, as well as bars like Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues, Bubbles, and Trellis Bar.

Some mornings, I would stop by the Park Café for breakfast. The egg sandwiches, bagel bar, and fresh fruit were all a great way to start my day. There was another afternoon when I tried the cookies & cream bubble cone at Izumi in the Park. It was so good and one of my favorite treats onboard Icon of the Seas!

I believe at night is when Central Park comes to life. One night, I sat at the Trellis Bar with a cocktail and just watched what was going on around me. It was calming and I couldn’t get over how beautiful the whole neighborhood was.

During the inaugural sailing, I was able to enjoy dinner at both Izumi and Empire Supper Club. Both dinners were excellent and worth the upcharge, in my opinion.

Read more: I dined at Royal Caribbean’s most expensive restaurant: I didn't expect to like it as much as I did

Surfside

Surfside on Icon of the Seas

Surfside is a brand new neighborhood for young families that was introduced on Icon of the Seas.

Located on deck seven, families will find three water experiences at Surfside, including Water’s Edge for adults and Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay for kids. In addition to pools, you’ll find places to eat, like Surfside Eatery, Surfside Bites, Pier 7, and Sugar Beach. There’s also a bar with drinks for kids and adults called The Lemon Post.

What’s great about Surfside is that it’s conveniently located by Adventure Ocean, the kids club found on every Royal Caribbean ship.

As you can imagine, this neighborhood is much busier in the day. The few times I stopped by at night, there was hardly anyone there! I think that is because the kids were probably in bed by then.

During the day, kids can stop by the arcade (which is open 24 hours), take a ride on the carousel, and crawl around on the Playscape jungle gym. At night, there were a few events that took place, such as “Once Upon a Bedtime Story” and the “Family Dance Party,” but most events were during the day.

Overall, I found that this neighborhood was never really that busy. This could be because I sailed at the end of January when kids are typically in school - this will probably change as time goes on, especially during the summer months.

Royal Promenade

Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas

The Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas is the first to feature floor-to-ceiling windows and two connecting decks (decks five and six).

While the Royal Promenade is found on many Royal Caribbean ships, the promenade on Icon of the Seas has lots of new venues, like Dueling Pianos, 1400 Lobby Bar, The Pearl, Spotlight Karaoke, and more.

Both day and night, you will find so much to do and experience in the Royal Promenade! 

In the morning, you will often find a long line at Starbucks, people shopping for Icon of the Seas merchandise, or grabbing something to eat at The Pearl Café. The Pearl Café is a beautiful spot to sit and watch the ocean, so be sure to stop here at least once on your cruise.

At night, The Royal Promenade is bustling! I found that the busiest places were Dueling Pianos, the Point & Feather pub, and The Attic comedy club. Because these venues are not super big, I highly recommend getting to all of the shows extra early to secure a spot, and be sure to make reservations as soon as you can for all of the shows that require one.

Read more: Mastering your Icon of the Seas cruise with the best tips

AquaDome

AquaDome on Icon of the Seas

The AquaDome neighborhood includes more than just the AquaTheatre. Here you will also find The Overlook, Rye & Bean coffee bar, Hooked Seafood, and the first food hall for Royal Caribbean: the AquaDome Market.

The busiest time in the AquaDome was at night when “Aqua Action!” was being performed. This show is breathtaking and a must-see onboard Icon of the Seas. This was the only aqua show being performed during the inaugural sailing, but down the road, there will be another one called “Pirates vs Mermaids.”

I ate at the AquaDome Market frequently during my cruise. I usually went for dinner, and it was hardly ever busy. But, Crème de la Crepe was popular at night for a late-night snack! If you want to avoid the lines, I would recommend coming to the AquaDome Market at night.

The Overlook on Icon of the Seas

The Overlook is a unique spot on Icon of the Seas. This area is usually busier during the daytime because people can view the ocean from one of the pods. But, the Overlook bar is open until 9 p.m. and if you’re lucky enough to snag one of the pods, this is a great place to enjoy a cocktail. 

Thrill Island

Thrill Island on Icon of the Seas

The highlight of Thrill Island is Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea at more than 17,000 square feet, which consists of six waterslides. The Category 6 waterpark is open until 9 p.m., but I found that it was busiest during the day.

During my cruise, I tried Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea, and Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide at sea. They were both exhilarating! Neither of them had long lines, but I saw the family raft slides (Hurrican Hunter and Storm Surge) had long lines.

Guests will also find Crown’s Edge near the waterpark. Crown’s Edge is a ropes course that hangs over the side of the ship and has a drop that is 154 feet above the ocean. I conquered Crown’s Edge at night, which was a fun and somewhat scary experience. I think it would be even more thrilling to do during the day!

Also at Thrill Island is the classic FlowRider surf simulator, mini golf (called Lost Dunes), and rock climbing (called Adrenaline Peak). These activities are most popular during the day.

The Hideaway

The Hideaway on Icon of the Seas

The Hideaway is the adults-only area on Icon of the Seas. You can come here to enjoy some fun music from the DJ, relax in one of the two hot tubs, or swim in the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

During my cruise, I had the opportunity to rent one of the Hideaway Pool daybeds for the entire day. While there, I got an idea of how busy The Hideaway was throughout the day.

Read more: I tried the $350 in-pool daybed rental on Icon of the Seas. It was pricey, but you get a prime spot

The Hideaway was not busy in the early morning. The pool opened at 10 a.m., and there were a few people either in the pool or grabbing loungers. By the afternoon, the entire Hideaway was hopping! Lots of people were in the pool, almost every chair was claimed, and the DJ was busting upbeat tunes.

Even around dinner time (5 p.m.), there were people still swimming and lounging in the chairs. I didn’t think it would be busy at this time, but as it got closer to closing (9 p.m.), not many people were there anymore.

If you want to enjoy The Hideaway with fewer people, I would recommend getting there close to opening at 10 a.m. or after dinner around 7 or 8 p.m.

Where is your favorite place, day or night, on Icon of the Seas? Let us know in the comments!