Royal Caribbean

As a frequent cruiser, each voyage is about finding the perfect balance between splurging and saving, and I did just that on a recent 7-night cruise aboard one of the world's largest cruise ships, Wonder of the Seas. 

In total, I spent around $4,200 for my weeklong cruise, including airfare and onboard expenses. As expected, the most expensive part of the voyage was the cruise fare itself, which came to $2,292.10 or $1,146.05 per person, including taxes, port fees, and prepaid gratuities. 

Royal Caribbean is known for having the largest cruise ships at sea, having held the title since Freedom of the Seas launched in 2006. Since then, their ships have only gotten larger. 

Royal Caribbean boasts a fleet of 29 ships with another expected to join the fleet in August. Though you can expect the same service on ships as old as Vision of the Seas, the amenities onboard vary greatly. The line's newest ships have more restaurants, activities, and innovative features compared to older vessels. 

Last week, I set sail on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas. The massive cruise ship, which measures over 236,000 gross registered tons, is known as the “World’s Biggest Weekend” for the cruise line.

As a Florida resident, I was thrilled to learn the latest vessel from Royal Caribbean would be a few hours’ drive from home. Even better, I loved the opportunity to enjoy a quick escape aboard this brand-new vessel, which debuted in July 2024.

There's nothing quite like lounging on your private balcony on a beautiful sea day or as your ship pulls into your next port of call. 

Virgin Voyages enhanced the balcony experience by adding scarlet red hammocks to every verandah, whereas most cruise lines include only two standard chairs and a small table. 

One savvy passenger decided to copy Virgin Voyages by bringing a $20 hammock on his Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Royal Caribbean offers two types of dining experiences in the Main Dining Room: Traditional and My Time Dining. My Time (or Anytime) is the more flexible option and allows guests to dine at their preferred time within a designated window, rather than eating at the same time each night. 

You will make your dining time decision when booking. If you choose Traditional, you'll select one of two or three set times. The early seating usually occurs around 5:00pm to 5:30pm, with the latest seating taking place around 8:00pm to 8:30pm. 

The third installment in Royal Caribbean's Icon Class will debut in Barcelona in July 2026. That's right–Legend of the Seas is heading to Europe!

Legend of the Seas will be the first Icon Class ship to offer European cruises. Icon started its inaugural season sailing from Florida, and Star of the Seas will do the same in August. 

After over a dozen cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean, I finally embarked on an Alaska cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. 

Though I had stayed in interior cabins, it was my first time in a virtual balcony. I was thankful for the live video screen as we sailed through Alaska's fjords, but it wasn't the same as a private verandah. 

Still, my tiny inside stateroom was cozy and functional. And in the end, I didn't mind the absence of a balcony as much as I thought. It was hard to stay in the cabin for long with so many amenities on the ship!

CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas designed exclusively for the cruise line's guests. 

After completely renovating the island and reopening in May 2019, Royal Caribbean dubbed the new experience "Perfect Day at CocoCay." 

In fact, CocoCay was the first island of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Collection, which is meant to bring a next-level private island experience to cruise itineraries. The next private destination, Perfect Day Mexico, is slated to open in 2027. 

Whether you need to adjust your travel dates, switch itineraries, or cancel your cruise, Royal Caribbean has rules about making adjustments to your reservation. 

Generally, as long as you cancel your cruise before the final payment date, you won't lose your entire cruise fare. After final payment passes, you will be subject to a cancelation fee, which varies depending on how far in advance you cancel. 

If you need to change your travel dates or switch itineraries, there's usually a rebooking fee applied. You will also have to pay the difference in fare.