Royal Caribbean Blog

Choosing the right cruise ship is one of the most important steps when planning your cruise vacation. There is nothing worse than feeling disappointed on vacation, especially if you book a cruise ship that falls short of your expectations.

The top considerations for choosing a cruise ship should include your budget, itinerary preference, and travel group’s needs. This means if you’re traveling with children, you should properly research the amenities and attractions available for kids onboard.

However, if you’re looking to avoid sailing with kids or families, you’ll also want to carefully choose your cruise ship. Most mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean appeal to families, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ships that are best suited for adults.

I’ve been cruising for as long as I can remember with my first cruise at just three years old. My family sailed with Royal Caribbean every year when I was growing up, meaning I’ve sailed on just about every ship in the cruise line’s fleet. In addition, I’ve also sailed on every Royal Caribbean ship class - including the now-extinct Sovereign Class!

As you can imagine, cruising as an adult on Royal Caribbean is a vastly different experience. The waterslides and zip lines aren’t quite the draw for me anymore; instead, I prefer indulging in the more adult-focused activities and amenities.

Since my husband and I are still proud DINKs (double income, no kids), we typically book cruises on Royal Caribbean with the adult experience in mind. While you might not be able to avoid kids altogether, there are some Royal Caribbean ships that are better for adults than others.

Of the 46 cruises I’ve taken in my life, here are my picks for the best Royal Caribbean ships for adults.

1. Grandeur of the Seas

I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. Looking at Royal Caribbean’s fleet as a whole, the Vision Class is arguably the best for adults. Why? Because the Vision Class ships have hardly anything to do for kids.

I’ve been sailing on Vision Class ships for two decades, starting with Enchantment of the Seas in 2005. As a kid, the ship was a total snooze fest with very few onboard thrills or attractions. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate the Vision Class ships more and more.

Last fall, I sailed on Grandeur of the Seas with my sister and we couldn’t believe how much we enjoyed our vacation. Grandeur of the Seas was built in 1996 and holds 1,992 guests at maximum capacity, making her a small-to-midsize cruise ship.

Yes, the cruise ship is 28 years old and lacks many bells and whistles of newer ships. Despite her age, adults looking to relax and disconnect will find this easy to do on old “Lady G." As a bonus, there were hardly any kids onboard and so many spaces to enjoy the ocean views. 

The ship has an adults-only indoor Solarium, along with a spa and plenty of bars and lounges. I was surprised to see there were multiple specialty dining restaurants onboard as well. These are excellent choices for adults looking to have a more upscale, intimate dining experience.

Not to mention, Grandeur of the Seas has a variety of itineraries available - ranging from weekend getaways to longer voyages down to the Southern Caribbean. I wouldn’t hesitate to book Grandeur of the Seas for another adult getaway.

2. Spectrum of the Seas

Perhaps the most unique ship on my list, Spectrum of the Seas is another excellent Royal Caribbean ship for adults. Back in July 2019, I sailed to China and Japan onboard Spectrum of the Seas, which was the first Quantum Ultra Class ship. It was unlike any Royal Caribbean cruise we had taken before!

You don’t read or hear much about Spectrum of the Seas, as she predominately operates only in East Asia; however, she is one of Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ships that has so much to offer for adults. As the largest ship on my list, Spectrum of the Seas clocks in at 169,000 gross tons and holds 5,622 guests at maximum capacity.

To start, Spectrum of the Seas offers some incredibly rare itineraries throughout Asia. For those destination-focused cruisers, this Quantum Ultra Class ship is one to consider for her itineraries alone. You can find sailings throughout Asia, including ports of call in China, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea.

In my experience, sailing on Spectrum of the Seas was a cultural experience in and of itself. The ship was designed to cater to the Asian market, giving her some distinctive attributes compared to other Royal Caribbean ships. The entertainment was top-notch with headliner production shows like The Effectors, Showgirl, and Silk Road.

You’ll also find a variety of specialty and complimentary dining restaurants onboard. Most notably, there are ten specialty dining options aboard including Wonderland, Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, Izumi, Sichuan Red, and Teppanyaki.

Additionally, you won’t have to fight the chair hogs during your cruise because the top decks are not jam-packed like other sailings. It was always easy to find an outdoor chair if we wanted a little bit of sun, ensuring a relaxing experience. I recommend booking a sailing when kids are in school - September to July - to ensure a quiet cruise.

3. Mariner of the Seas

Moving back to smaller and older cruise ships, Mariner of the Seas is one of my all-time favorite cruise ships as an adult. While the ship caters to cruisers of all ages, the Voyager Class cruise ship just received the Royal Amplification treatment worth $120 million. 

Mariner of the Seas is a modestly sized ship, measuring 138,000 gross tons and holding around 4,000 guests at capacity.

I’ve sailed on Mariner of the Seas multiple times and it never gets old! I first sailed on Mariner of the Seas in elementary school, followed by an exotic Southeast Asian itinerary to Thailand and Malaysia with my husband. Last year, I sailed on Mariner of the Seas twice for a fun getaway cruise to Mexico with friends and family.

To start, I love The Bamboo Room, which is a unique bar that was added to Mariner of the Seas during her Royal Amplification. The tiki bar is Polynesian-inspired with a special menu of tiki-themed drinks - it’s the perfect place for adults wanting to indulge in a variety of cocktails.

Also, Mariner of the Seas has a nice selection of complimentary and specialty dining options. For adults wanting to indulge, the specialty dining selection on Mariner is more than sufficient. In fact, her Royal Amplification also brought three new specialty restaurants: Playmakers Sports Bar, Jamie’s Italian, and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi.

Not to mention, I love the entertainment on Mariner of the Seas, especially the ice skating performances. Adults can spend time in the adults-only Solarium on Mariner of the Seas. Similar to other ships, I recommend booking a sailing during the school year to avoid too many kids onboard. Avoiding holidays and spring break will help mitigate the number of families onboard too.

4. Serenade of the Seas

As an adult, I’ve spent more time on Radiance Class ships than any other in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. This is mostly because Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships sail on the more far-flung itineraries.

My husband and I sailed on Serenade of the Seas in 2021 on one of Royal Caribbean’s first post-pandemic cruises. Perhaps I am looking back with rose-colored glasses on that experience, but Serenade of the Seas was a great choice for adult cruisers.

During our sailing, there were very few kids onboard, which has been the case for almost all of my Radiance Class sailings. Serenade of the Seas is one of the smaller ships on my list, measuring 90,000 gross tons with 2,490 guests at capacity. You won’t find much for kids to do on this medium-sized ship, detracting families from booking their next trip on Serenade of the Seas.

The ship’s smaller size allows her to dock without restriction in most ports, unlike Royal Caribbean’s larger ships. This doesn’t mean you can’t find Royal Caribbean’s classic bars, lounges, and restaurants onboard for adults to enjoy.

Both of my experiences on Serenade of the Seas were memorable with one cruise to Alaska and another sailing across Northern Europe visiting 8 different countries. Adults looking to sail on Serenade of the Seas will appreciate the vast array of itineraries to book, from Alaska to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Europe.

In fact, Serenade of the Seas is currently sailing on Royal Caribbean’s first-ever Ultimate World Cruise. Those wanting an unparalleled Royal Caribbean experience can still book segments throughout Europe for this summer and into fall.

5. Rhapsody of the Seas

Looping back to Vision Class ships, I’m going to finish the list with another controversial pick: Rhapsody of the Seas. This old cruise ship was built in 1997 and represents a significantly different cruising era than the new mega-ships we see being built today.

I sailed on Rhapsody of the Seas a few years ago with my husband for our honeymoon. We sailed from Venice to Croatia and the Greek Isles. Given her small size of 78,000 gross tons, she can only hold around 1,900 guests at capacity, which creates a more intimate cruising experience.

Unlike Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships, Rhapsody of the Seas doesn’t have any flashy onboard thrills or attractions. You can peacefully sit on the top deck enjoying the ocean breeze without the commotion of waterslides or splash pads.

As one of the smallest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Rhapsody of the Seas was an excellent choice for us when we were newlyweds sailing on a budget. Even as an older ship, she was in good condition for sailing. The ship had everything we needed for a comfortable cruise without the distraction of kid-friendly thrills, leading to very few kids onboard. 

For a port-heavy itinerary, I would highly recommend Rhapsody of the Seas for any adults!

What do you need to know before cruising the Mediterranean?

Cruises are most well-known for destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean.

However, cruising the Mediterranean is a marvelous method of seeing some of the world's best art and historical sites.

The Mediterranean Sea provides access to countries like Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Croatia, and Turkey.

Read more: How much does a Mediterranean cruise cost?

I love how much is included in a cruise, and they provide the opportunity to see many unique destinations.

If you're looking forward to trying a cruise to this region, there are some important details you should know first.

After taking my second Mediterranean cruise, here are the top things everyone should know before cruising the region.

Read more: I’ve been on 3 European cruises, and I see people making the same 12 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them

Know the history of your destinations

My most essential tip is to do your research beforehand.

Don't assume that your tour guides will provide all the information to you.

Before my cruise, I checked out several library books about the countries I'd be visiting. 

These books gave me something to do on the plane and provided some helpful context to the nations and sights I was looking forward to.

Be sure to also research the ports and cities you'll be visiting on the cruise. 

Don't assume that each city within a country is the same—many regions have distinct languages and cuisines.

Doing research prepares you to understand the sites you'll be seeing. Especially in historical cities like Florence and Rome, doing proper research on the past of the area will greatly enrich your experience.

Not only that, but when you do research you'll better know the cultures and customs of the area.

Avoid being an ignorant tourist, and educate yourself to better interact with the locals.

Learn a few words in the local language 

Adding on to the previous tip, I recommend learning as many words as you can in the local language.

Even if you feel unequipped to fully study a new language, learning just a few phrases will go a long way.

I recommend teaching yourself how to greet and thank people at a minimum. You could also learn how to ask, "Do you speak English?", instead of assuming that everyone does.

While stopping at a bathroom in Italy, I saw another American cruiser walk up to the bathroom attendant and ask her a question in English.

The woman stared back blankly, refusing to respond, and finally, the American had to walk away with her question unanswered.

Politely addressing someone in the local language shows respect and knowledge of the culture.

I noticed a lot of shopkeepers and restaurant owners perk up when I first tried to address them in their native tongue. This is especially true in France.

Even though I couldn't speak much, they appreciated that I tried to, instead of assuming that everyone around me should speak English.

Not only that, but the locals I met also helped me improve and learn more new words!

It's a great way to appreciate the culture and immerse yourself in a new country.

The summer season will be unbearably packed

You've probably heard it before, but let me reiterate: summer in the Mediterranean gets very crowded.

I chose to sail the Mediterranean in June because I saw a deal on an Oasis of the Seas cruise. I heard that the cities would be busy, but assumed I could handle the crowds.

Read more: Why you need to cruise the Mediterranean in winter with Royal Caribbean

After all, it's just some tourists, right? Wrong.

The crowds were nearly unbearable, especially when it came to popular destinations like the Uffizi Gallery or the Vatican.

Some areas were so packed full of people that I felt like I could barely enjoy the destination.

Especially at the famous Uffizi Art Gallery in Florence, it was hard to even see the classical art for all the people in the way!

I had to pick my way through the throngs of tourists and keep a close eye on my belongings. 

If I could do the cruise over, I'd choose a cruise early or late in the cruising season.

Bring clothing or cover-ups that cover your shoulders and knees

Many major destinations, especially churches, require that visitors dress modestly. 

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

At a minimum, you should try to cover your shoulders and knees, and not wear anything low-cut.

To help me prepare for these requirements, I packed some pairs of pants, cardigans, and scarves.

On days out, if I wore shorts or a tank top, I'd make sure to bring a scarf along, just in case I wanted to enter a site that required more modest clothing.

In general, I also find that Europeans dress more formally than Americans, so I'd recommend packing less casual clothing. At the very least, don't wear flip-flops or sweatpants in public.

And feel free to go all out for formal night on the cruise.

Arrive at your embarkation port early 

We recommend getting to your port at least a day before any cruise.

The same applies to a Mediterranean sailing, but I'd suggest getting to the port as early as possible.

With so much international travel and potential airline delays, you'll want to give yourself as much of a margin as you can.

On my recent Mediterranean cruise, every single flight I took was delayed by at least an hour.

I was quite grateful to arrive at my cruise port the day before but wished I had decided to arrive in the city even earlier.

One day isn't enough time to get over the jetlag you'll experience from switching time zones.

Jetlag can make you exhausted all day long, and if you don't recover quickly, it could limit your cruise experience.

Getting exhausted right before a busy, port-intensive Mediterranean cruise (where you'll also do lots of walking!) is a recipe for disaster.

To rest up ahead of time, I recommend getting to the embarkation port at least 2-3 days before the cruise.

Plus, this gives you more time to explore the area before the sailing begins. 

A small fire on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas caused a temporary power loss.

Icon of the Seas docked in Costa Maya, Mexico on Tuesday afternoon when guests reported the ship lost power while docked.

UPDATE: A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson confirmed there was a fire and a brief loss of power, but all necessary safety procedures took place, and teams were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Backup power was the first the activate, followed by main power.

The ship is proceeding as scheduled, according to the spokesperson.

Reports flew in online quickly of the event.

Reddit user reddituid posted, "I'm on the ship. The power went out for 20 minutes. Calls on the intercom were Bravo Bravo Bravo, then later instruction 23. Crew are at emergency stations."

The code of "bravo" indicates fire.  It's a way to easily share with crew members what incident is occurring, so that they can respond quickly.

An hour or so later, the same person wrote, "Everything back to normal. Power was out about 20 minutes, people not able to board or leave for an hour, and crew at muster stations for 60-90 minutes. No official announcement what the incident was."

X/Twitter user @mkntze shared a real-time thread of updates, "Some type of mishap on #IconoftheSeas while docked in Costa Maya.  Crew responding to emergency instructions, and we’ve had intermittent power outages.  First emergency calls were for forward engine rooms.  Gangway activity suspended."

"Crew announcement on #iconoftheseas indicates an “incident” in the lower technical areas.  Several unconfirmed reports of possible fire in an engine area.  Multiple emergency crew announcements over PA, but using code words so as not to panic guests."

The ship's gangway was temporarily closed during the incident, but @mkntze shared that gangway activities resumed shortly thereafter.

Another update added that clearly something had happened, but it did not seem serious, "passed 2 crew in fire suppression gear.  They appeared to be done with whatever work they had been doing, not moving with a sense of urgency.  Crew members have been calm and it feels like things are getting back to normal."

On Reddit, AlterEgo_Persuasion recapped their experience onboard:

We were going through security at the gangway to get back on the ship when all of the crew at the metal detectors walkie talkies started blaring “BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO” and crew seemed a bit unbothered until the leader of the group yell “GO! GO!” I guess the crew had been doing drills throughout the morning and were confused to the legitimacy of the call coming over their radios.

We were able to eventually get onto the ship once one crew member was given the okay to perform manual searches. We did hear over the radio that two hose crews were enroute.

We felt better being on the ship knowing that the crew is highly trained! Happy all is back to normal and I can get a drink!

Fire on a cruise ship is a serious matter

Fire is the biggest threat to cruise ships because of how quickly it can spread. 

Fires on cruise ships are rare, but it's one of the most dangerous problems that could occur, so mitigating the threat is why the line prohibits so many household items from being brought onboard. It's why you can only smoke in designated areas, and will never see lit candles onboard.

Furthermore, it's why crew members train for fire drills repeatedly to ensure they know what to do in case it actually happens. They are evaluated on their response by both their supervisors as well as in quarterly evaluations by the United States Coast Guard.

Just like on land, incidents do occur and the vast majority of times there is a fire onboard, it's for something minor such as a fire in the oven, overheating wires, or even just the smell of smoke.

While a lot is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare, there are extra costs that can add up to your final bill.

The base cruise fare you pay includes your cabin, most meals, and entertainment.  It represents an excellent value, and it's attractive to many people who want to try cruises for how much you get.

However, a Royal Caribbean cruise is not all-inclusive and there are things that will cost extra. Some may surprise you, but it's part of the modular approach to cruise ship pricing.

While you may not be shocked to see a spa treatment or souvenir costs extra, there are fees that will encounter that are not as obvious.

The more you know in advance of your cruise means there is less to be surprised by later on.

Gratuities

With the exception of Australia, Royal Caribbean does not include gratuities for crew members in its cruise fare and you'll be expected to pay it later.

Royal Caribbean charges an automatic gratuity to every passenger, regardless of age, that covers the services provided by your stateroom attendant and dining room staff. These crew members work extremely diligently to ensure you have a great cruise experience, and the gratuity is a way to recognize their hard work.

Decades ago, gratuities were paid by hand in the form of cash at the end of the cruise and it was always a bit awkward. To make it simpler, these have become automatic to be charged to the guest. 

If you were to book a cruise and then do nothing else, you'll see a daily charge of $18.00 per person, per day for standard cabins and $20.50 per person, per day for guests in Grand Suites and above. 

The best way to avoid paying gratuities onboard is to pre-pay them prior to the cruise beginning. Simply ask your travel agent (or Royal Caribbean if you booked directly with the cruise line) to add it to your account.  This ensures you pay the gratuities before the cruise begins and there are no surprises once onboard.

Before someone comments on this post and points out you can go to Guest Services to remove gratuities from your account all together, it's important to note that ability is so that the guest can then turn around and pay gratuities in cash "the old fashioned way".  It is not meant as a money-saving strategy.

Internet

When you're on a cruise ship, expect to have to pay to use the internet on mainstream cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean.

Unlike hotels on land, the cost of satellite internet is significantly higher. Internet on land relies on cables, whereas cruise ships don't have that ability.

Internet access on Royal Caribbean will cost you about $22.99 for one device at a time onboard, although you can get a discount if you pre-purchase it on Royal Caribbean's website.  Likewise, there are WiFi discounts offered for Crown and Anchor Society members.

You could avoid internet charges by waiting until you get to a port of call to use the internet. Quite often there are restaurants, bars, or cafes that include free internet for their visitors. Some cruise terminals offer complimentary WiFi as well.

Another option is to book a suite (Grand Suite or higher category suite) on an Oasis, Icon, or Quantum Class cruise ship.  Suites on these big ships include a complimentary one-device internet package for each guest in the cabin, regardless of age.

Onboard attractions

Royal Caribbean is known for the amazing things you can do on a cruise ship, and some come with an extra cost.

There are private lessons at the Flowrider surf simulator, rides on the North Star, and private karaoke sessions that all have an extra cost.

The good news is you can avoid these extra costs by taking a more DIY approach.

The Flowrider has plenty of complimentary sessions throughout your cruise. While you won't have an instructor, the crew members working are happy to offer tips and advice when it's your turn.  A few falls and you'll probably pick it up.

Read more: I learned how to surf on a weekend cruise

North Star costs money if you go for a ride while the ship is at sea, but it's complimentary while in port.  In my experience, there's no reason to pay for the sea day sessions.  You'll get a very similar experience while docked in port.

Newer Royal Caribbean cruise ships with private karaoke rooms can be rented at Spotlight Karaoke, but this is a luxury you don't need to buy. In the main venue, karaoke is complimentary, so you just need to sign up for a turn.

Some onboard activities have no workaround to the cost, such as the escape room or Crown's Edge experience. If you really want to try these, you'll have no choice but to pay them.

Room service fee

Royal Caribbean charges for room service to have food delivered to your cabin, and it's a $7.95 service fee with a 18% gratuity that brings the total price to $9.40. This is per order, not per item.

The continental breakfast has no service fee, and it offers toast, bagels, coffee, donuts, cereal and more. It's perfectly suitable for a light meal.

If you really love room service, then you could book a suite. Grand Suites and above include room service as part of the suite experience.

Specialty restaurants

No matter which cruise ship you sail on there, there will be a few restaurants that have an additional cost to dine there.

Read more: How does specialty dining work

The appeal of these restaurants are cooking styles and/or food quality you cannot find elsewhere on the ship.

Before you assume these restaurants are necessary, you shouldn't overlook the included restaurants. Most people find the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet and other included options satisfactory and an enjoyable experience too.

While there's nothing wrong with choosing to pay extra for a specialty restaurant meal, be aware there is more than enough food included with your cruise fare that you do not have to pay for the extra cost restaurants.

Read more: 7 reasons to eat at specialty restaurants instead of the Main Dining Room on your cruise

If you think you will eat at a specialty restaurant, be sure to pre-book before the cruise because there are discounts offered regularly off the onboard price.

Beverages

Just like dining, there are some drinks included with your cruise fare and others that cost extra.

Royal Caribbean includes coffee, water, tea, and flavored water in its cruise fare, so you don't need to pay extra for bottled water or specialty coffees.

If you want soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, you'll probably save money if you purchase those in the ports your ship visits.

Many times the cost of a beer, latte, or margarita is cheaper in the ports you visit than on the ship.

Another option for those that want to enjoy unlimited drinks without the surprise bill later is to buy a drink package. Pre-purchasing one could save you hundreds of dollars later.

Shore excursion prices

Royal Caribbean will offer many shore excursions in the ports you visit, and while these organized tours are a great way to see the place you are visiting, they're optional.

You could very easily walk off the ship and explore on your own. There's no requirement to have a tour booked in order to disembark a cruise ship.

By doing a little research prior to your vacation, you could come up with a walking tour on your own.  Or you could just walk around and see what you can find on foot.

A less-expensive option is to book a shore excursion through a third-party (rather than Royal Caribbean). Sometimes this gets you a similar tour at less of price. Be sure to vet the tour operator and ensure you have ample time to return to the ship before it is scheduled to depart.

Read more: Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship shore excursion

Royal Caribbean wants you to cruise with its CEO on its newest cruise ship.

While sailing on this year's President's Cruise, Royal Caribbean announced the date and cruise ship for the next annual event.

While onboard the 2024 President's Cruise sailing through the Western Mediterranean, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced the 2025 President's Cruise will be held on Utopia of the Seas on the September 22, 2025 sailing.

This is a 4-night cruise that departs Port Canaveral, Florida and visits Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

The past two cruises have been held on Oasis Class ships. The 2023 President's Cruise was on Allure of the Seas, while this year's is on Oasis of the Seas. 

Selecting Utopia brings the event back to the United States, and it celebrates onboard the cruise line's new focal point for attracting new cruisers.

Guests onboard the 2022 President's Cruise sailed to Alaska aboard Ovation of the Seas.

The 2020 President's Cruise, which was a European cruise onboard Allure of the Seas, was canceled due to the global cruise shutdown during the pandemic, and a 2021 cruise was never scheduled. 

What is a President's Cruise?

A Royal Caribbean President's Cruise is an annual sailing hosted by Michael Bayley, the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean. 

Anyone is eligible to attend, meaning you don't have to hold a certain status within the Crown & Anchor Society. It's a great opportunity for Royal Caribbean fans to sail together with exclusive merchandise and special events.

The 2023 President's Cruise included a live performance by the ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan, while this year's cruise brought the '80s band Culture Club onboard. 

Additionally, there are tons of surprises and commemorative opportunities for those onboard. Since Mr. Bayley is onboard, it's common for some of the most loyal cruises to want to join, making President's Cruises somewhat of a reunion. 

"The annual President’s Cruise is one of the most spectacular Royal Caribbean adventures. Set sail with President & CEO Michael Bayley on a special voyage filled with surprises and unique moments at every turn," says the Royal Caribbean website. 

"We’re talking celebrity guest entertainment, customized shore excursions, exclusive parties, unforgettable events and so much more. No matter where in the world the President’s Cruise takes you, once-in-a-lifetime memories are always on the itinerary."

What to expect on Utopia of the Seas

The choice of Utopia of the Seas coincides with a couple of initiatives for Royal Caribbean.

First and foremost, Utopia is a brand new ship and the President's Cruise is an opportunity to show off what Utopia offers and what makes this ship stand out from the fleet.

Utopia is all about a fun time, and it boasts more than 40 ways to dine, drink and celebrate. 

This particular sailing will also occur once the new beach club opens in Nassau, Bahamas.  Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is a brand new concept, where Royal Caribbean passengers have the choice to purchase admission to a limited-access beach club located on Paradise Island.

The 17 acre property is meant to be a private oasis exclusive for Royal Caribbean, and it will open in summer 2025. 

The sailing will also include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, which essentially sets up this President's Cruise to encompass a few of the cruise line's crown jewels in one sailing.

My Mediterranean cruise was packed with exotic ports, historical sites, classical art, and incredible food. But I made one crucial mistake: not staying longer.

I sailed on a 7-night Oasis of the Seas cruise to Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain,  and Florence, Rome, and Naples, Italy.

When I stepped off the tour bus in Florence, Italy, I saw a scene that looked like it was out of an impressionist painting.

Plush green trees and medieval architecture lined the banks of the wide Arno River.

Young people sunbathed on the river bank, reading and smoking cigarettes.

"Places like this really exist?" I wondered.

I longed to join the sunbathers and grab a cappuccino at the cute cafe I saw by the river, but I didn't have enough time.

Instead of getting to eat or walk around, I had to rush straight to my appointed time at the Uffizi Gallery art museum.

After the art museum, the time for the tour was over, and we had to get onto the bus for a two-hour drive straight back to the cruise ship.

"Next time," I promised myself.

I didn't have enough time to explore each port

Traveling by cruise ship barely gave me time to explore each port.

The vessel stopped in each town for about twelve hours.

However, I found that the largest, most famous cities near these ports (such as Florence and Rome) were quite far from where the vessel was docked.

When we visited Florence, it took longer than two hours to get from the port, La Spezia, to the famous Renaissance city.

So much travel time cut into my chance to explore Florence.

I only had three hours to spend there—leaving me wishing I could have tried more food and seen more historical sites.

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

A day or more would have been ideal to explore.

The same happened in Rome, but even worse, I booked an afternoon tour of this rich historical city.

It took over an hour to travel from the port city of Civitavecchia to Rome, and we still had to return before the ship left at 8 P.M.

Because I had so little time in each port, I often could only book one tour or visit one museum.

In Naples, Italy, for example, I was torn between seeing the ancient city of Pompeii or visiting the famous Blue Grotto on the coast of Capri.

I could only choose one, and it broke my heart to be so close to these incredible sites and not be able to see them.

For this reason, I should have booked a much longer stay in Europe on either side of my cruise.

Some of my fellow cruisers told me that, after the cruise, they were planning on staying in Spain for a week or traveling around Europe for a month.

I quickly realized that I should have gone this route as well.

One week in Italy and one in Spain would have given me much more time to see all the exciting places I wanted to.

The cruise didn't provide many opportunities to try local food

I'm ashamed to admit this, but I traveled to Italy and still didn't try any local pasta.

Although I ate regional meals as often as I could, the cruise only stopped at each port for such a short amount of time.

I had to manage my schedule carefully. 

Rather than trying the food, I ended up prioritizing seeing historical sites, buying souvenirs, and visiting museums.

Since the cruise ship offered so many complimentary options, I put less effort into finding local cuisine, knowing that I could always eat when I got back on the ship.

While this was a convenient way to find food and save money, I missed out on trying some great local dishes.

Italy is especially famous for many foods, such as pasta, pizza, and lasagna.

While Royal Caribbean's dining staff did serve some of these meals onboard, I knew that it wasn't as authentic.

Because I didn't extend my stay in the Mediterranean past the length of the cruise, I missed out on trying actual local cuisine.

If I'd been able to stay longer on land, I would have been able to try so many more meals.

Staying longer would have given me a chance to recover from jetlag 

It took a Herculean amount of effort to recover from jetlag on this cruise.

With an 8-hour time difference and a 12-hour flight, I was exhausted by the time I arrived in Spain.

I had to force myself to stay awake until the evening so my body clock could adjust to the local time.

Even though I arrived in Spain the day before the cruise embarked, it was not nearly enough time to adjust.

While I made myself stay awake to experience the amazing sites and exciting amenities, I spent most of my cruise exhausted.

Not only was I suffering from jetlag, but the cruise was also packed with port stops: 5 out of the 7 total days were port days.

Each day at port required me to wake up early, get to my tour or go off the ship, and spend a lot of time walking around.

I would come back to the ship with sore legs and aching feet and still want to spend time experiencing the ship's amenities.

Because of this, I never fully adjusted to the local time.

I simply napped when I could, and for the last couple of days, I barely slept at all!

The cruise was so fast-paced that I had less energy to explore in the long run, making it even harder to see everything I wanted to.

Staying in the area for a longer time would have made the long flights worth it, and given me a chance to recover from jetlag and exhaustion.

It would have stretched out my time into a more relaxing pace.

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean has revealed the new shows and parties on its newest mega-ship, Utopia of the Seas.

The entertainment lineup on this Oasis Class ship has everything from original productions to late-night comedy shows.

Royal Caribbean plans to continue the Oasis Class tradition with an AquaTheater show and an ice skating performance. 

Plus, countless parties and live musicians provide entertainment late into the night.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean releases price for immersive train-inspired restaurant
• Utopia of the Seas shipyard photos show how close Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship is to being ready
• I chose an inside cabin on my recent Oasis of the Seas cruise because it was the cheapest option, and I actually loved how much space it had
• I tried Royal Caribbean's new loyalty match program. I missed having drink vouchers, but it saved me hundreds of dollars
• How much does Royal Caribbean specialty dining cost?
• I tried going alone on a group shore excursion, and it was a smart way to enhance my Mediterranean cruise
• Royal Caribbean is ready for cruise ships to begin plugging into Miami's new shore power

New RCB Video: I booked CHEAP 4 and 5 night cruises. Was it worth it?

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 — I booked CHEAP 4 and 5 night cruises. Was it worth it? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 537th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available.

Matt recently sailed a 5-night Bermuda cruise on Liberty of the Seas with his family and shares everything that surprised him about the sailing.

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.

A look inside the crew member cabins on Utopia of the Seas

What do the crew member cabins look like on the second biggest cruise ship in the world?

A new video shows exactly what one crew cabin looks like on Utopia of the Seas, and it's definitely small.

While it's a private cabin, it does have a shared bathroom.

7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, "The World's Biggest Weekend," is meant to appeal to passengers hesitant to book a weeklong cruise, and it's brimming with exciting features.

This vessel is weeks away from beginning guest cruises and Royal Caribbean is starting to reveal several brand-new features that can't be found on any other Oasis Class ship.

From a new category of Suite stateroom to the longest dry slide at sea, here are the new things available on Utopia of the Seas.

4 Ways to Tell If You're Getting a Good Deal on Your Cruise

How can you be sure your cruise vacation is coming at the best value?

Royal Caribbean has tempting sales every week, from BOGO deals to percentages off the price.

These deals may look good on the surface, but it's important to double-check that you're actually getting a good deal.

I took my first solo cruise on Royal Caribbean's biggest cruise ships. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone

Calista took her first solo cruise on an Oasis Class ship and was surprised at the experience. 

Like every sailing, cruising alone has its pros and cons. 

After spending seven nights onboard Oasis of the Seas for a Mediterranean sailing, here's Calista's review on solo cruising.

A video shared on YouTube shows what crew cabins are like on the world's second-largest cruise ship. 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, has worked on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas. Currently, he's at the shipyard in France gearing up for the launch of their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. 

When he isn't singing, you can find him playing video games or making videos for his social media channels. On Instagram, he's amassed nearly 200,000 followers, while his TikTok has over 800,000. 

In his most recent YouTube video, he gives viewers a look into the crew accommodations on Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship. Despite the small quarters—particularly the shared bathroom—, the video has received positive comments thanking James for sharing. 

@Disneyobsessed23 wrote, "Omg this is so cool man! I am now thinking about working on a cruise ship now!"

"Downside: tiny room.  Upside: it's not shared with another random crew member (like most crew cabins on most ships)," commented @pileofstuff.

Let's look at his single crew cabin onboard Utopia of the Seas. 

Read more: 7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

"I think...the strangest part about being on a ship is the tiny, tiny rooms we have to live in"

Before showing viewers his stateroom, James tries to explain just how small the room is: "Imagine your adult walk-in closet and then cut it in half, and then cut it in half two more times...that's about the size of our rooms." 

Cabins aboard Icon of the Seas were redesigned to maximize limited floor space; however, those on Utopia don't appear to be as modernized. While James doesn't have to share his stateroom with another crew member, the available space is minimal. 

What you see when you enter is pretty much what you get. The single twin-sized bed is directly across from the personal sink and closet. There's not even a nightstand to store the cabin's phone, so it's hung on the wall. The television is affixed to the wall at the foot of the bed, too. 

James' friend and fellow performer Jeff, who is about 6'4" or 6'5", laid in the bed to show just how small it is. To comfortably fit, he says he curls up when he sleeps. 

The Jack-and-Jill bathroom means he shares it with another crew member

Despite sharing the washroom, there's just barely enough space for a toilet and shower. Both crew members have their own sinks in their stateroom, eliminating the need to work one into the bathroom's floor plan. 

Jeff once again serves as a model to showcase the overall size of the shower: "If I just barely go up on my tiptoes, there's the ceiling." 

"You can never get the shower head actually over your head; you have to kneel down," says James. 

Since there's not a ton of floor space, he has to store the stool in his wardrobe

According to James, the only stressor of his crew cabin on Utopia of the Seas is trying to effectively manage the space: "That's why I try to only bring one bag of stuff because if you have anything more than one bag,...there's no room." 

Above the bed, he shows two cabinets and one open-face shelf for more personal items. The latter is where James keeps water bottles, while the cabinets are where he stores his laundry bag. Jeff has a different approach, as he claims he keeps his clean clothes in the concealed cabinets. 

Beside the stateroom's door, there's a small built-in shelving unit that houses the safe, and there are a few hooks on the wall. Since cruise ship cabins have magnetic walls, James could bring more hooks to hang items like hats, lanyards, small bags, etc. 

You can follow along on James' journey on Royal Caribbean's newest party ship on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. According to his Instagram, he'll be onboard Utopia of the Seas until September 9, 2024. 

I went on my first solo cruise to Europe on a mega ship in June on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas for seven nights around the Western Mediterranean.

I booked a 7-night Mediterranean cruise, sailing round-trip from Barcelona, Spain to Palma de Mallorca, Florence, Rome, and Naples, Italy.

Sailing on such a thrilling ship with exotic destinations was the perfect opportunity to choose a cheaper cabin, so I booked an interior guarantee stateroom. 

The total cost of the cruise was $2070.02 (including pre-paid gratuities). 

Since I cruised solo, the price came out to $295 per night.

A few weeks before my cruise, I saw that I'd been assigned room 7452, a windowless inside cabin located far forward on deck 7.

Read more: Should I book a guarantee stateroom on a cruise?

Guarantee staterooms are usually located in less-desirable spots onboard since Royal Caribbean assigns the leftover, unpurchased cabins before the cruise.

However, I ended up loving the position of this cabin.

It was conveniently close to the forward elevators, and being on deck 7, rather than a lower floor, helped me not feel seasick inside.

Royal Caribbean's deck plans indicate that the cabin measures 149 square feet in total.

When I first walked in, I was surprised to discover that the room felt quite spacious. 

To the right of the door was a large couch, which could seat at least three people or expand into a double sofa bed. 

Since I was traveling alone, I left it as a couch, and it made for a great place to leave my bags or clothes for the next day. 

Thanks to the sofa bed, the cabin could sleep four guests in total, so it was a lot of space for one person.

Next to the couch was a large closet, complete with seven shelves, the stateroom's safe, and a large amount of hanging space and hangers.

I loved this space—especially since it was all in one area, making it convenient for me to keep all my clothes and swimsuits in one spot.

It was large enough to hold all my clothes and luggage. I also liked that the hanging space had a sliding door, so I could close it to hide my luggage and dirty laundry. 

To the left of the front door, I found the vanity/desk of the stateroom.

The left side had a set of shelves and a large mirror complete with a ring light.

The right side held the cabin's TV, which displayed over 20 free channels.

Below the TV were a set of three drawers and a mini-fridge, which kept my food so cold that I regretted leaving brownies in there.

The only thing I found inconvenient about the desk area was that there wasn't a chair in front, and the couch was too far away to use it to sit at the desk.

If I wanted to do my makeup at the vanity or otherwise use the desk, I had to stand up.

Past the desk and the couch, I faced the large Royal King bed.

Above the bed were decorations and paintings, and two bedside tables sat on each side.

Each table had an adjustable night light, and the left side held the stateroom's telephone, which I could use to call any services onboard.

The bed was so huge for one person, and I found it very comfortable.

Read more: Everything you wanted to know about Oasis of the Seas

Back to the front of the room, I found the door to the bathroom.

Though it was small, the space was well-organized, and I didn't have any problem using it for all my needs.

I was also very happy to see that the shower had a real door and tube encasing it, instead of a plastic curtain.

While the water pressure and temperature were great, the water spout got easily tangled, and I often had to wrangle it around my body to get the right flow.

The only provided toiletries in the bathroom were a bar of hand soap and a two-in-one hair and body wash. 

While I used the hand soap and had no problem with it, I stayed far away from the body wash, finding it drying and too strongly perfumed.

A cute blue backsplash under the wide mirror continued the Royal Caribbean ocean theme.

Under the sink were a series of shelves, as well as extra towels and toilet paper.

Although the counter was narrow, it ended up being long enough that I had space to store anything I needed.

Above the counter, there were also more shelves. Again, they were a weird shape, running deep rather than wide. I felt like I had to reach my arm far in to grab my products.

Additionally, they each had a small metal bar in front, perhaps to prevent items from falling if the ship rocked.

Despite the strange shapes, I found that the bathroom had plenty of shelves and hooks for all my items.

Even though she's the oldest Oasis Class ship, Oasis of the Seas doesn't feel 15 years old.

The only aspect of the room that felt more aged was the lighting, which seemed dimmer than in other Oasis Class ships I've been on.

However, I was dissatisfied with the cleanliness of the cabin. I found items that I shouldn't have if the room had been thoroughly cleaned, such as tape on the walls and old earrings on the floor.

Altogether, the cabin was great and had more than enough space for me to store all the items I needed for 7 days of travel.

Since the itinerary was very port-heavy and the ship had so many amenities to explore, I didn't spend much time in the cabin.

In fact, there was so much to see that I barely slept at all!

What is it like to cruise solo on one of Royal Caribbean's mega-ships?

While I have cruised alone before, this month was my first time sailing on an Oasis Class ship by myself.

I took a 7-day Mediterranean cruise on Oasis of the Seas, spending my time alone exploring exciting ports like Barcelona, Spain, and Rome, Italy.

The Oasis Class is such a uniquely large and thrilling type of cruise ship that I was curious about what to expect onboard.

Would I feel more lonely in the wide expanse of the vessel?

Or would the increased number of people onboard provide more opportunities for connection?

In the end, I was surprised by just how amazing this cruise turned out to be.

Based on my experience, the pros of a solo cruise far outweigh the cons. 

With proper planning ahead of time, you don't have to feel lonely or bored!

After seven days onboard Oasis of the Seas, here are the top pros and cons of cruising solo.

Read more: 5 things that surprised me about going on my first solo cruise, from enjoying my stateroom to conversing with others

Con: Exploring ports by yourself

One of the biggest downsides to cruising by myself was that I had to explore ports alone.

When you're already visiting a brand-new country with a foreign language and unfamiliar customs, facing all this alone can make the experience even more uncomfortable.

It can be very difficult to have an international flight and travel to a new city all alone.

Read more: 8 lessons learned after trying a European cruise for the first time

It caused me to feel much more aware of my safety and required that I do a lot of research to have a good experience.

I had to find a safe hotel, book it, and check in by myself. I had to carry my own suitcases and find the best tourist sites alone.

Without the support of someone else, the burden fell on me to stay safe and plan my itinerary.

One method I had for combating this responsibility was by booking group tours. 

That way, I had the support of a tour guide and the company of a group of other cruisers.

Pro: Going at your own pace

As someone who loves doing things independently, cruising solo feels extremely freeing.

You have an entire ship to explore, ports to tour, and no one limiting your schedule. 

I love cruising because I get complete control over my itinerary, with no one else comprising my priorities.

I can nap when I choose, visit the museums and historical sites that I want to visit, and eat where I want.

Especially on an Oasis Class ship, with such a wide breadth of activities to choose from, cruising alone made it easier to make time for my favorite things.

Read more: I've only sailed Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships: Will I be disappointed if I try other ships?

Con: Eating alone 

While I have no problem eating alone in my hometown, something about being on a cruise makes it more awkward.

Especially when I dined in the Main Dining Room, people seemed concerned or confused that I was traveling by myself.

Surrounded by big groups and loud families, I felt a little uncomfortable eating at a table alone.

However, being on an Oasis Class ship made this a better experience. 

When I previously cruised solo on Enchantment of the Seas, I felt much more self-conscious.

People even came up to my table and asked me if I was okay.

On Oasis of the Seas, it was easier to blend into the crowd, and I even noticed other cruisers dining alone.

Pro: A room to yourself

One of my favorite aspects of cruising alone was getting a room all to myself.

Especially in those cheaper, smaller interior staterooms, it felt much more spacious with only one person.

Those 149 square feet were all my own.

I could use all the storage in the cabin, hang my clothes using the whole closet, and spread my items out over the room.

Traveling without a partner also meant that I got to shower, nap, and wake up whenever I wanted.

I enjoy ordering room service breakfast, and it can be hard to find space to eat and keep food for 2 in an inside cabin.

By myself, however, I had plenty of room to dine and leave my food on the desk.

Con: Feeling bored

Cruising with a travel buddy means you always have someone to talk to, and a partner to share exciting experiences with.

While sailing alone can be a peaceful experience, it also makes for a slightly boring cruise.

With just me to entertain, I sometimes found myself feeling dull and unsure of what to do next.

However, Oasis of the Seas also made it hard to be completely bored. 

There were always events happening, and more activities than I had the chance to try! 

When I put my mind to it, I could really enjoy the experience alone.

Pro: Meeting new people

Cruising solo forces you to make conversations and attempt to meet new people onboard.

Without bringing a travel buddy of your own, you become inspired to chat with others and make new friends.

When I cruised alone on Enchantment of the Seas, I barely talked to anyone onboard. Families and couples seemed to keep to themselves, not even making conversation in the elevators.

In contrast, Oasis of the Seas almost overwhelmed me with the amount of connections to be made.

People would chat on the elevators, speak to me on group shore excursions, or introduce themselves at the club.

I built relationships with my new buddies in the hot tub and at all the activities onboard.

In the end, I made so many friends that I had to start being intentional about getting time alone!

It hardly felt like a solo cruise at all.