Royal Caribbean International’s newest cruise ship has officially been christened. A blessing was spoken over Utopia of the Seas by godmother Meghan Trainor during a ceremony at Port Canaveral in eastern Florida. DJ Rev Run and DJ Ruckus were also part of the party, as were Royal Caribbean crew members, executives, media, and invited guests.

Celebrating the people and work that brought Utopia of the Seas to life, the “All About That Bass” star took center stage at the ship’s open-air AquaTheater to bestow safekeeping onto the ship, its crew, and the guests who will sail upon her. The singer then performed live for the audience. She’ll perform another concert on board while the ship is docked at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“Becoming Utopia’s godmother and being here for this incredible celebration with Royal Caribbean is a dream come true,” said Meghan Trainor, godmother of Utopia of the Seas. “From performing on a breathtaking stage while we’re in the middle of the ocean to having my fans here to sing and dance with me and experiencing it all with my family – Utopia really is the ultimate short getaway. I’m so honored to be part of the memories so many will make here.”

Friday will mark the start of regular passenger sailings for Utopia, which will operate three-night weekend and four-night weekday voyages. The vessel debuts a brand-new tiki bar for Royal Caribbean called the Pesky Parrot, as well as a brand-new dining experience called Royal Railway – Utopia Station that makes guests feel like they’re dining on a real train car as the scenery passes them by.

“We set out to create a utopian playground at sea that delivers the perfect short getaway and ultimate vacation,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “I’m immensely proud of our dream team that turned this vision into reality. Utopia of the Seas embodies our commitment to push boundaries and deliver the best vacation experiences responsibly.”

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class, which also includes Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder of the Seas.

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Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis-class ship has officially arrived in the United States. Utopia of the Seas arrived in Port Canaveral on Thursday morning, making it the largest cruise ship that has ever called the space coast port home.

Over 2,000 crew members celebrated the vessel’s homecoming across the ship’s outdoor areas, as the ship gears up for her christening and official debut later this month. During the naming ceremony, GRAMMY-winning artist and songwriter Meghan Trainor will take center stage to bestow blessings and good fortune on Utopia before performing some of her hit songs.

Utopia of the Seas features over 40 ways to dine, drink, and party including a lineup of parties only available on this ship, two casinos, a new Caribbean tiki bar called The Pesky Parrot, a first-of-its-kind immersive train car dining experience called Royal Railway — Utopia Station, a number of swimming pools, and more.

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth vessel in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class, which includes sister ships Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder of the Seas. She will operate three and four-night voyages, all that feature a call to the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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Royal Caribbean has announced that the godmother of its newest Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, is singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor.

The cruise line is also hosting an exclusive three-night celebration starting July 15th — and 52 fans have the chance to join the festivities. Starting today through Sunday July 7th at 11:59 pm eastern time, fans can enter for the chance to join the celebration. Official rules for the giveaway can be found on Royal Caribbean’s instagram.

The three-night christening cruise will include a live performance by Trainor while the ship is at Royal Caribbean’s private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as the naming ceremony. The events take place days prior to the ship’s official July 19th debut in Port Canaveral.

“It’s an incredible honor to join the Royal Caribbean family as godmother of Utopia of the Seas and set the tone for the parties to come,” said Meghan Trainor. “The best part is that we get to bring that weekend energy to the stage with my family and fans. What’s better than being on vacation with the people you love and dancing to your favorite music? Let’s make some beautiful memories and get this party started!”

Kicking off the three-night celebration, Royal Caribbean and Trainor will name Utopia in the presence of special guests, crew members, media partners, and 52 fans — one for every weekend of the year — and their guests. Trainor, as godmother, will join a longstanding maritime tradition when she bestows safekeeping onto the ship, its crew, and the guests who will sail aboard for years to come.

Keeping the party going will be Trainor’s exclusive show in the iconic open-air AquaTheater, and fans will be able to meet the star in person.

Utopia of the Seas will be the first Oasis-class ship to debut with a schedule of three-night weekend and four-night weekday voyages. Guests will be able to enjoy over 40 restaurants, bars, and party venues; two casinos; a train car dining experience; more pools than days to count; ice, air, and water entertainment; and more.

Every sailing on Utopia of the Seas will include a call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which features a water park, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and Bahamas, the adults-only Hideaway Beach, and more.

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Royal Caribbean has announced details on the entertainment that will be on offer aboard its brand-new mega ship Utopia of the Seas. From production shows and nightclub parties to comedy acts, live bands, and game shows, there’s something for everyone aboard this upcoming vessel.

Aqua80Too

The decade’s biggest hits set the tempo for this AquaTheater show as high divers, slackliners, and 3D aerialists deliver the stunts, the energy, the drama, the action, and the fun.

Youtopia

Youtopia is an ice-skating odyssey through ideal perfection, fantastical times and places, and beautiful artistry — with champion performers that leave guests in awe with spins, jumps, and stunts.

All In!

The biggest parties and musical celebrations in history are happening — from Studio 54 to Burning Man. And guests have a ticket to watch them all unfold in Royal Caribbean’s latest original theater production.

Silent Toga Party

Head to Mount Olympus for the ultimate silent toga party. Bring your own classic Roman garb or grab a free toga and learn how to tie it. Then sip craft cocktails from gold chalices while your choice of three DJs spin tracks worthy of the gods.

ReZolution Dance Party

ReZolution Dance Party is an immersive, late-night experience that puts the focus on you. Dance to DJ-spun beats while projecting images — from fireworks to colorful koi — transform you into living art.

Royal Kappa Chi

Gather up your crew and head for The Attic for the ultimate collegiate party with Royal Kappa Chi. There will be beer pong battles, flip cup championships, and the chance to reclaim the title of Quarters King or Queen.

Pool Parties

Utopia of the Seas will also feature pool parties and DJ mashups throughout the cruise that transform the poolside into a dance floor.

Utopia of the Seas is the latest ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, which includes Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, and Wonder of the Seas. It’s set to debut in July, operating three and four-night Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral in Florida.

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Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship and the first in a completely new class for Royal Caribbean. So, there’s a lot to learn before your cruise. We spent ten days on this new cruise ship and have come up with these 22 expert Icon of the Seas tips, tricks, and secrets that you need to know before setting sail.

Our 22 Expert Icon of the Seas Tips, Tricks, and Secrets You Need to Know

Don’t Let the Size Scare You

Yes, Icon of the Seas is over 250K gross tons with 20 decks, 8 neighborhoods, and over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges. But, don’t let the size scare you. Having sailed on many of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class and Oasis-class ships, we personally enjoyed Icon of the Seas more.

In our opinion, we like the layout better and thought that the ship felt more spacious overall than Oasis-class vessels. The Royal Promenade is more open, and the reimagined neighborhoods help to disperse the crowds better.

In particular, there are dedicated areas for adults, families, and teens with all the amenities needed to stay all day. So, you can carve out your own space without feeling like you are surrounded by 6,000 other guests.

Be Sure to Try the New Free Dining Options

On a completely new ship, of course you’ll find several new dining options. While there are new up-charge venues, there are also many new casual and complimentary options. And we made sure to try them all!

Some of our personal favorites include the AquaDome Market, Pearl Cafe, and Surfside Bites. AquaDome Market is a new food hall serving up gyros, mac n’ cheese, small Asian dishes, crepes, and more. The Pearl Cafe is an evolution of the Cafe Promenade serving elevated breakfast, lunch, and to-go items throughout the day. Surfside Bites is a new takeout window in the family neighborhood serving up popcorn chicken, burgers, and churros.

While Park Cafe is a staple on many Royal Caribbean ships, this Central Park version features tapas in the evenings. There’s also Basecamp offering snacks in Thrill Island and a second buffet, Surfside Eatery.

Kids Eat Free at Pier 7

With the addition of new complimentary dining options, there are also a few new specialty dining options. Pier 7 is one of them. This casual restaurant in the Surfside neighborhood has a beachside vibe that is perfect for families.

The venue serves brunch and dinner with an a la carte menu featuring items like shrimp tostados, seafood cioppino, and a California burger, along with brunch items like Sunrise Benedict and pancakes.

And the best part is that kids under 12 eat free! Now, mom and dad can enjoy elevated menu items while still spending time with the kids.

Snag Your AquaTheater Seats Early

If you are familiar with Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class, then you probably know that the AquaTheater features some of the best production shows found anywhere at sea, or on land for that matter. While in a new location, you won’t want to miss these shows on Icon of the Seas either.

Instead of being outside in the Boardwalk neighborhood aft on the ship, you’ll find all the high-diving and acrobatics indoors in the AquaDome neighborhood forward on Deck 15 on Icon of the Seas.

The signature productions here do require reservations but seating is first come, first served. Thus, one of our expert Icon of the Seas tips is to scope out your ideal seats early. You can then grab a drink from the nearby Rye & Bean bar while awaiting all the action.

Prior to showtime, staff will come around to scan your SeaPass card to ensure that you do have a reservation. No, you won’t be able to sneak in to the show this way, as you will be asked to leave if you don’t have a reservation for that particular showtime.

You Can Do More With the App

Royal Caribbean is always looking for ways to innovate, and they’ve done that with all aspects of Icon of the Seas. Even the app has new features to streamline processes so you can spend more time enjoying the ship and less time waiting in line.

For instance, there is a new chat feature where you can ask questions instead of waiting in line at Guest Services. An AI-based “virtual assistant” is the first line of defense but someone onboard from Guest Services is also monitoring and will reply when needed.

You can also now view and order all your photos within the app. In fact, the entire Photo Gallery is essentially absent on Icon of the Seas aside from a small area behind the Pearl that doubles as a shore excursion and photo gallery desk and works off of a virtual queue system.

Know Your Cabin Options

Icon of the Seas introduced several new cabin options for Royal Caribbean. There are 28 different types of rooms, including the most controversial infinite balcony cabins. So, before you book your cruise, make sure you know all the cabin categories and subcategories. This will ensure you pick the right one for your travel party.

For instance, if you are looking at balcony cabins, you’ll have the choice between ocean view balconies, Central Park view balconies, Surfside family view balconies, along with infinite balconies.

Personally, we prefer a traditonal balcony when compared to an infinite balcony; thus, we stayed in an ocean view balcony while sailing on Icon of the Seas. It really all comes down to your personal perferences and your budget when deciding on a room type.

Get Familiar With the New Layout

Even if you’ve sailed on other Royal Caribbean megaships, it’ll take a bit to get your bearings on Icon of the Seas as the layout is fairly different. We suggest you review the deck plans prior to your sailing and then spend some time on embarkation day exploring the different areas. This will help ensure that you don’t miss out on anything.

For starters, you’ll notice the Royal Promenade is much larger and now two stories. Here, you’ll find some new venues along with some that have been relocated like The Attic comedy club and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Further, there is no Boardwalk neighborhood; instead, there is the new Surfside neighborhood dedicated to families with small children. Subsequently, the AquaTheater is relocated to the front of the ship.

It also takes some manuevering to find Absolute Zero, the new ice rink, which can only be accessed by walking through Playmakers. The kids and teens areas are found nearby as well. Similarly, there’s an escalator off the Promenade that you’ll need to take down to the casino.

You Can Get Sushi Without an Izumi Reservation

Izumi is one of the most popular Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants. On Icon of the Seas, this venue has been relocated to Central Park with sushi and hibachi options. Like any specialty restaurant, Izumi requires reservations and has an associated fee to dine at the venue.

However, one of our Icon of the Seas tips is that you can actually get sushi without a reservation at the brand-new Izumi in the Park take-out window.

The menu features grab-and-go items at a la carte prices that guests can enjoy anywhere, any time of day. So, if you’re in the mood for some sushi but don’t want to take the kids to a 2-hour sit-down dinner, this is the perfect compromise.

We suggest you try the bubble cones too!

You Can Get Starbucks Drinks With Your Beverage Package

If you have a Royal Caribbean drink package, you CAN get Starbucks drinks that are included but you just need to know where!

On Deck 5 of the Royal Promenade, there is a licensed Starbucks kiosk. Here, you can get frappucinos, refreshers, teas, espresso, cold brews, and other coffee-based drinks. These drinks WILL cost you extra money though.

One deck above, there’s the Pearl Cafe. Pearl Café is open 24 hours a day and is your go-to spot for snacks and coffee. This drink menu also features espresso and coffee-based drinks, cold brew, teas, and frappucinos. While not as extensive of a beverage menu, these Starbucks drinks WILL NOT cost you extra money if you have a drink package. Cafe Select coffee cards can also be used on these drinks.

Of course, if you don’t have a drink package, you’ll pay a la carte for the drinks at either location.

But Milkshakes Aren’t Included

Speaking of what’s included and what’s not included in the drink packages on Icon of the Seas, let’s talk milkshakes. As many Royal Caribbean cruisers probably know Johnny Rockets milkshakes are included on other ships in the fleet. However, there’s no Johnny Rockets on Icon of the Seas. Instead, there’s the Desserted Milkshake Bar.

Located in Thrill Island on Icon of the Seas, you might almost miss it amongst all the thrills. Whether the kiddos want a traditional milkshake or adults want to indulge on a boozy concoction, these will cost you extra. They are not included in any drink packages, and prices range from $9 to $18 for milkshakes and $7 for floats.

Our vote is to skip them as they look better than they taste.

There Are More Dining Times Available

When it comes to the Main Dining Room, Icon of the Seas offers a pretty typical cruise experience. The 3-story grand dining room is located on Decks 3, 4, and 5 and has both traditional and My Time dining options. Like other ships in the fleet, guests can enjoy a rotational menu that changes nightly regardless of which dining option they choose.

My Time Dining is available from 6:30 PM to 9 PM daily in the Deck 3 dining room. However, instead of your typical Early and Late seating for traditional dining, Icon of the Seas actually has 4 different dinner times. The Deck 4 dining room has a 5 PM and 8 PM seating and the Deck 5 dining room has a 5 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:30 PM.

This gives cruisers even more options. Personally, 5 PM is too early for us and 8 PM is too late, so we love the addition of the 6:45 PM timeslot.

Crown’s Edge is Cheaper on Port Days

The Crown’s Edge is Royal Caribbean’s attempt at a ropes course on one of its ships. However, unlike the ropes courses on NCL or Carnival, this activity is an up-charge. We’ll give Royal Caribbean that it is more themed with adventurers needing to escape from Thrill Island. But, the only real draw of this 90-second attraction is when the floor drops from beneath you and you zip line over the edge of the ship.

So, we do think the price is a bit steep. Even though the price dropped drastically since it’s initial launch at $89, it was still $49 on our sailing for a sea day or $39 for a port day. If you really want to test out this attraction, we suggest you sign up in the app for a port day to save some money.

Alternatively, you can also check your cruise planner for any sales and promotions pre-cruise as some cruisers have recently reported even lower prices.

Know the Requirements for Category 6

If you and the family plan to test out the thrilling Category 6 water park on Icon of the Seas, you’ll want to know the requirements first. These attractions are really geared for tweens and teens, so the younger kiddos probably won’t make the cut.

The Category 6 Waterpark is home to 6 slides and 5 unique attractions. These waterslides include two body slides, two family raft slides, and two mat racing slides.

• Pressure Drop
• Frightening Bolt
• Storm Chasers
• Storm Surge
• Hurricane Hunter

Cruisers must be 52” tall to ride the body slides, Pressure Drop or Frightening Bolt. To compete against family and friends on the Storm Chasers mat-racing duo slides, riders need to be at least 48” tall. Likewise, all family members must be at least 48” tall to ride the Hurricane Hunter or Storm Surge family raft slides.

There Are Outlets Around the Ship for Charging Devices

The days of disconnected cruising are in the past. Regardless of whether or not you want to disconnect from the outside world while on vacation, you’ll likely still use your smartphone. Even if it’s only to chat with members of your travel party or to view the daily schedule.

Likely though, you’ll have smartphones, earbuds, tablets for the kids, and maybe even laptops that will need to stay powered. Luckily, there are several spots around Icon of the Seas with outlets for charging such devices.

The Pearl Cafe and the Overlook in the AquaDome are two such places. So, you can relax with a view and maybe even grab a snack or a drink while you let your devices charge. This eliminates the need of having to return to your stateroom to charge them up. Of course, we always bring a portable power bank as well especially when going ashore.

Don’t Let the Elevators Out Smart You

While intelligent elevators have been a thing on land for a while now, they’ve only just begun popping up on cruise ships. When we heard that Icon of the Seas would have them, we were skeptical. Our first experience with such elevators was on an MSC ship and it was a disaster. So, how would they work on the largest cruise ship in the world?

Luckily, Icon of the Seas has plenty of large elevator banks, so there were never any issues requesting a ride up or down throughout the day. Even during busy times, like after a show or after dinner, the system had no issues finding space for everyone needing a lift.

All guests need to do is select a deck and an elevator will be assigned to them. When the elevator arrives, it will take you (and the other guests also assigned to the elevator) to your desired destinations without any fumbling with elevator buttons. During our sailing, this process was quick and efficient, often giving us an express ride with few stops. So, we’ll take that as a win!

There’s a Sea Day Brunch

As a relatively newer offering, Royal Caribbean ships now have a sea day brunch. This occurs on the first sea day and is distinct from the other days of the sailing which offer breakfast and/or lunch. The menu is a hybrid of breakfast and lunch items. It includes dishes like a cheese plate, potato soup, omelets, pancakes, chicken and waffles, steak frites, and more.

Brunch is available from 8:30 AM to 12 PM in the Deck 3 MDR, and there is no additonal charge for this meal. It’s the perfect way to start your cruise if you choose to sleep in a bit on that first sea day. Even though we wouldn’t recommend sleeping in as there is so much to do and see in just seven days!

Book Early for the Best Price

This Icon of the Seas tip actually applies to all cruises. But, as the newest and largest ship in the fleet, Icon of the Seas comes with a hefty price tag. Thus, it’s even more important to book your Icon of the Seas cruise early to secure the best price.

We typically book our cruises 8 months to a year in advance. Though, Royal Caribbean has Icon sailings open to book through April 2026. So, planning a trip for one or two years in the future is definitely possible. Of course, there is always the potential for last minute deals, but we generally find that the price of a sailing only goes up over time.

Booking ahead of time not only gives you lower fares, but it also gives you a better selection of cabins and more time to pay off the cruise. Further, it gives travelers time to review the ports of call, plan their time ashore, and consider other add-ons like drink packages or specialty dining.  

Make Sure to Complete Your Check In Early

You’ll want to keep an eye on your Royal Caribbean app when it gets closer to your sailing date. The app will let you know when check-in opens but it’s usually around 45 days prior to your cruise. It’s important to complete this check-in early to secure an early boarding time. After all, the earlier you board the ship, the sooner your vacation starts!

The check-in process also entails inputting your personal information, uploading a security photo, linking a form of payment for onboard purchases, adding passport information, and signing the cruise contract. Once all this is complete, you’ll be “cruise ready” and able to use the Express lane at the terminal on boarding day.

Find Your Pool Vibe

Along with the other reimagined spaces on Icon of the Seas, there are also some differences when it comes to the traditional “pool deck”. This outdoor space now features three distinct neighborhoods: Chill Island, Thrill Island, and The Hideaway. And there are seven total pools on the ship! This means there’s always a pool to fit your vibe.

In Chill Island, there’s the Cloud 17 pool on Deck 17 which offers a more relaxed setting for all cruisers, with plenty of padded loungers and a small infinity pool. The Deck 16 Swim and Tonic is another popular spot, as it’s Royal Caribbean’s first swim-up bar at sea. On Deck 15, there’s the record-breaking Royal Bay Pool on the starboard side and the secluded Cove Pool for those seeking some shade on the portside.

Adults will want to check out the Hideaway. Overlooking the wake, this venue features the first suspended infinity pool at sea, along with signature cocktails and a beach club vibe. And families with little kids can access the Surfside neighborhood’s Water’s Edge pool on Deck 7, along with a separate splash pad and even a water feature for babies adjacent to this pool.

Don’t Miss All the New Bars

Similar to dining, Icon of the Seas also debuts several new bars and lounges with signature cocktails and entertainment that you won’t want to miss. In fact, there are ten completely new concepts for Royal Caribbean.

Within the Royal Promenade, there’s the 1400 Lobby Bar and Dueling Pianos. The lively Dueling Pianos is wildly popular, so be sure to arrive early if you want a chance at getting seats for a show. We also really enjoyed the signature cocktails and glamourous decor at the 1400 Lobby Bar.

Some of our other favorite drinks can be found at the Lemon Post in the Surfside neighborhood and Rye & Bean in the AquaDome. There’s also a walk-up champagne window and Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues in Central Park, a frozen Lime & Coconut bar, and the tasty Overlook Spritz served at the Overlook Bar.

This “drink around the ship” is going to take some strategy to accomplish!

Be Sure to Make Your Entertainment Reservations

Royal Caribbean is always in the forefront when it comes to entertainment, and Icon of the Seas lives up to that reputation with some of the best production shows we’ve ever seen.

The signature entertainment on Icon of the Seas occurs in one of four venues: Royal Theater, AquaTheater, Absolute Zero, and The Attic. The Wizard of Oz and AquaAction were our favorites, but the newly redesigned ice rink is quite impressive as well.

All of these shows do require advanced reservations which can be made pre-cruise in your online cruise planner or once onboard the ship. We recommend that you book these shows as soon as you can because they should not be missed.

If for some reason you can’t get reservations, all hope is not lost. We were unable to get reservations for the comedy show in The Attic but were still able to see the show using the standby line. Just be aware that the queues start forming well before showtime.

Prepare Your Cabin

Regardless of your cabin selection, you should do several things on the first day of your cruise to organize the room. We always recommend packing magnetic hooks to hang items like bags, hats, and coats.

Another packable item we always take is an over-the-door shoe organizer. Here, you can place accessories and toiletries like suntan lotion, sunglasses, jewelry, cords, and small electronics to help you save valuable counter space.

Also, you will want to make sure you unpack your clothes. Packing cubes will make this task easy and organized, especially given the new metal baskets in the closet. Then, with your bags unpacked, make sure to place your suitcase under the bed; that way, you have as much space as possible in your stateroom.

Another item we always suggest is a cruise-approved power adapter for charging devices. However, Icon of the Seas does have quite a few outlets, including USB and USB-C, so it might not be necessary this trip.

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Do you have any other Icon of the Seas tips to add to our list? Have you cruised on this new Royal Caribbean ship yet? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences sailing on the world’s largest cruise ship.

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Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas has been delivered to the cruise line, making it the 28th ship in the fleet. A handover ceremony was recently held at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The ship was under construction for over two years prior to the delivery, where 1,600-plus crew members and workers came together to mark the momentous moment the ship was handed over to Royal Caribbean in the ship’s AquaTheater. Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, and General Manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique Laurent Castaing hosted Utopia’s first party to recognize the achievements of the nautical engineers, designers, architects, and more.

In the weeks leading up to her July 19th debut, Utopia of the Seas will make her way to the U.S. as the Royal Caribbean teams make finishing touches to get the ship ready. The vessel will debut with three and four-night getaways from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Highlights of the ship include:

• Five swimming pools including a resort-style pool and a sloping beach-entry pool
• The Perfect Storm waterslide trio
• New poolside food truck, Spare Tire
• Adults-only Solarium pool
• The longest Ultimate Abyss dry slide in the fleet
• Royal Railway dining experience
• Izumi in the Park sushi and Japanese-inspired street food pickup window
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
• New Caribbean tiki bar, Pesky Parrot
• The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar
• Two rock climbing walls
• Utopia Playscape playground

“With the delivery of Utopia of the Seas, we have the keys to the ultimate weekend,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “This is the short vacation that packs every way to make amazing memories in a 3-night weekend or 4-night weekday getaway. Vacationers want every minute to be a minute well spent, and the unmatched combination of Utopia and Perfect Day at CocoCay will deliver that. We are proud and excited to soon debut Utopia in a big way!”

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Have you ever taken a cruise on one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships? Are you excited about the upcoming debut of Utopia of the Seas? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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Royal Caribbean Group has announced that loyalty members from its three wholly-owned cruise brands — Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea — will attain equivalent tier status on any of its brands.

The status match program allows members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, and Silversea’s Venetian Society to enjoy reciprocal tier status no matter which brand they sail with. Program highlights include:

• Seamless Status Recognition: Members of one of the cruise lines’ loyalty programs are now eligible to receive one-for-one status match across all three brands after enrolling in each program.
• Onboard Benefits: When sailing on each sister brand, guests can enjoy the onboard benefits offered by each brand for their equivalent tier status.
• Tier Matching: Guests already enrolled in multiple loyalty programs will be automatically matched across brands within 7 days to ensure they receive their appropriate loyalty status.

Here are the status matching levels:

• Royal Caribbean Gold = Celebrity Classic = Silversea 1 VS Day
• Royal Caribbean Platinum and Emerald = Celebrity Select = Silversea 100 VS Days (members with Select and 100 VS Days enjoy Platinum benefits on Royal Caribbean)
• Royal Caribbean Diamond = Celebrity Elite = Silversea 250 VS Days
• Royal Caribbean Diamond Plus = Celebrity Elite Plus = Silversea 350 VS Days
• Royal Caribbean Pinnacle Club = Celebrity Zenith = Silversea 500 VS Days

As an example of how this works, a Venetian Society member with 250 VS Days and an upcoming sailing on Celebrity can enroll in Captain’s Club, which would give them Elite status once their loyalty accounts are connected.

It’s important to note that this is a status match program — NOT a points pooling system. It’s also worth mentioning that RCI and Celebrity have already had a status match program, but previously the highest tiers that guests could match into were Diamond and Elite. Now, the program works up to the highest tier and it includes Silversea.

New benefits onboard for members who have their status matched will begin with sailings departing on June 5, 2024.

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Perhaps one of the most common questions we receive is whether a drink package is worth it. When it comes to purchasing Royal Caribbean Drink Packages in 2024, the cruise line has made some updates that could impact your decision.

So, for some, going with a drink package could be a complete waste of money. For others, these options will be a great value. As loyal to royal cruisers, we have purchased several of these packages over the years. Thus, we can help you determine which, if any, are right for your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Table of Contents

• Royal Caribbean Drink Package Basics
• Royal Caribbean Drink Package Options
• Costs of Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
• Deluxe Beverage Package
• Refreshment Package
• Soda Package
• Is a Drink Package Worth it on RCI?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Historically, the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages have been a good value. Purchasing one pre-cruise has saved us money during many cruises over the years. Also, it’s always been an easy way to make our cruise more hassle free. However, given recent changes in pricing and benefits, we have not purchased a drink package on our recent cruises because the value for us has been diminished.

Ultimately, you will need to weigh the pros and cons and run the numbers to determine if one of the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages is right for you. Whether or not you should purchase one for your next vacation is an individual decision that depends on several factors. 

These factors can include the price, your drink preferences, your cruise itinerary and if private islands are included, and your loyalty status with the brand.

GUIDE TO ROYAL CARIBBEAN DRINK PACKAGES!

Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean Drink Packages (2024)

Royal Caribbean Drink Package Basics

There are a few different drink package options available across the Royal Caribbean fleet. While what is included in each package differs, there are several basic policies that govern all of the drink packages. Knowing these basics before you even review the plan options might make your decision to purchase one easier.

The Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

In 2024, Royal Caribbean is offering three drink packages. There is the alcoholic drink package, also known as the Deluxe Beverage Package. There are also two non-alcoholic drink packages, the Royal Refreshment Drink Package and the Classic Soda Package.

For all the coffee lovers, there is also the Café Select coffee card.

In addition, cruisers can also pre-purchase cases of water. For most cruises, guests can order a 12 pack or 24 pack of 1 liter bottles of Evian.

The Cost of Royal Caribbean Drink Packages in 2024

Royal Caribbean drink packages have dynamic pricing. This means that the price will vary based on ship, time of year, and itinerary. However, don’t be surprised if the advertised price in your Royal Caribbean cruise planner is much higher than it was a few years ago.

The typical beverage package price ranges are as follows:

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $69.99-$125 per person, per day
• Royal Refreshment Drink Package: $29-$38 per person, per day
• Café Select Coffee Card: $31 for 15 drinks
• Classic Soda Package: $12.99-$15 per person, per day

However, the cruise line often runs pre-cruise sales and promotions. Often, cruisers can get drink packages on sale from 10% to 40% off the retail price. We have taken advantage of these discounts to get a better deal on several cruises.

As an example, the Deluxe Beverage Package for one of our upcoming cruises is quoting a sale price of $73.99 and an onboard price of $115, or 35% off! On the same trip, the Refreshment Package is $25.99 and the Soda Package is $9.99, for a discount of 30%.

If you see a deal, we recommend purchasing. Remember, if the price goes down even further prior to your sail date, it is possible to cancel and rebook the package at the lower rate.

Everything Included in Royal Caribbean Drink Packages in 2024

Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package

Royal Caribbean offers only one alcoholic drink package, known as the Deluxe Drink Package.

So, many cruisers refer to this as the unlimited drink package, as it includes essentially all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Since the cruise restart, the price of the Deluxe Drink Package has skyrocketed. While the cruise line implements dynamic pricing, the starting price for this package is much higher than it was a few years ago.

For our upcoming Utopia of the Seas cruise, the starting price for this package is $115 per person, per day. That is certainly a lot of pina coladas and daiquiris to hit the break-even point!

This plan covers all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $14. This allotment covers basically all 16 oz beers and a decent selection of red and white wines at the onboard restaurants and bars.

Further, the package also includes most liquor and premium spirits. Brands such as Grey Goose, Tito’s Vodka, Patron, Johnny Walker Black Label, and Dewar’s 12 scotch are all included, as are Premium and Classic cocktails.

If a drink costs more than the maximum dollar amount, guests will only pay the difference (+18% gratuity on the difference).

While this package does include a lot, some drinks are excluded.

Room service and minibar items are not included. Drinks in souvenir glasses, specialty beers, and super premium category beverages are also excluded. Further, all beverages served inside licensed Starbucks stores are not included.

You can view our Royal Caribbean bar menus from a recent Icon of the Seas cruise to determine the pricing of your favorite beverages.

In addition, the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package includes several premium non-alcoholic beverages not included in the cruise fare. Among these are fountain soda, Coca-Cola freestyle machines (where available), still and sparkling water, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices.

Plus, guests who purchase the Deluxe drink package will receive a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100, and 20% discount on wine prices above $100.

With current onboard pricing, it takes more than 8 cocktails to hit the “break even” point for the Deluxe drink package.

Royal Caribbean Non-Alcoholic Drink Packages 2024

Royal Refreshment Drink Package

If you want more options than just soda in your Royal Caribbean non-alcoholic drink package, then the Royal Refreshment package might be right for you.

The cruise line advertises the Royal Refreshment package onboard price as $38 per person, per day on most cruises.

This plan gives cruisers unlimited choice of premium coffees and teas, soda (including the souvenir cup), bottled water (both sparkling and still), freshly squeezed juices, smoothies at Vitality Cafe (on select ships), and non-alcoholic frozen drinks.

Essentially, you can enjoy almost any non-alcoholic beverage on this package, including Johnny Rockets milkshakes. There are only a few exclusions, such as Starbucks from licensed kiosks and Desserted milkshakes. Starbucks brewed coffee from other onboard locations ARE included.

Recently, Royal Caribbean has introduced a number of new zero-proof cocktails. These alcohol-free options are usually around $7 and are included in this package. Among some of our favorites include the Blueberry Nojito and All Aboard Spritz.

With current onboard pricing, it takes about 6-8 non-alcoholic drinks to hit the “break even” point for the Royal Refreshment drink package.

Classic Soda Package

The Classic Soda Package is a popular drink package choice for families. Current onboard pricing for this package is $15 per person, per day.

This plan includes unlimited soda from the bars and restaurants onboard the ship and at the private islands. However, it does not include cans of soda or soda ordered through room service.

Further, guests who purchase this package will get a souvenir cup. If you happen to lose this cup, there is a $9.95 replacement fee.

Many Royal Caribbean ships have Coke Freestyle machines. These freestyle machines dispense over 100 different soda/flavor combinations. So, you can make your own crazy soda concoctions using your souvenir cup.

Of note, guests who do not purchase a drink package will not be able to use the freestyle machines.

Soda is priced around $3.50, meaning that you will need to drink about 4-5 sodas a day to recoup the costs of purchasing the Soda package.

Are Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Worth it?

Ultimately, that is a question that only you can answer based on your own drinking habits. Essentially, the question should be whether you will consume enough to make the purchase “worth it”. 

Below are the average costs of the different beverages within each category from a recent Royal Caribbean drink menu.

Using this chart, you can do the quick math to see if you would routinely hit the daily “break even” point for the above drink packages based on the current pricing for your particular sailing.

When compared to competitor brands, Royal Caribbean drink packages are on the higher end of pricing, with Carnival being cheaper and NCL being more expensive.

However, if you are looking for convenience, a Royal Caribbean drink package ensures you never have to worry about the bar tab at the end of the cruise!

Another caveat is that the revamped Crown and Anchor member drink perk does make the decision to purchase a beverage package a bit more difficult for those Diamond status and above.

With these new perks, C&A guests can use their drink vouchers for any drink up to $14, any time of day. This is no longer limited to just Happy Hour in the Crown Lounge. Diamond cruisers receive 4 drink vouchers, Diamond Plus 5 vouchers, and Pinnacle 6 vouchers.

Honestly, this is the main reason we’ve stopped purchasing a Royal Caribbean drink package. Instead, we purchase a Cafe Select coffee card and a case or two of water.

We Answer All of Your Royal Caribbean Drink Package Questions!

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It certainly pays to be loyal to one particular cruise line. Most cruise lines offer incentives for repeat customers with loyalty programs. These tiered programs offer cruisers more and more perks as they work their way up the ranks. In this Guide to the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society, we provide all the details on each level in this loyalty program including all the associated benefits.

Guide to Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society Levels and Benefits (2024)

How to Sign Up for Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society

Becoming a member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society is easy. All you need to do is take a cruise! Royal Caribbean cruisers are automatically enrolled in the Crown and Anchor Society after the completion of their first sailing.

Cruisers then receive loyalty points equal to the number of cruise days sailed. For instance, a seven-day cruise will earn you seven points. Guests who book suites earn double points. This point structure applies to all cruise destinations. Further, the cruise line will occasionally run promotions offering double points for booking.

How to Earn Points in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society

As mentioned above, you will accrue Crown and Anchor points for each night you spend on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Cruisers will receive these points after completing their cruise.

Therefore, if a current sailing bumps you into the next level, you will not recognize the new benefits until your next sailing. Further, you will earn these points based on the cabin category for which you paid. Complimentary or reduced rate upgrades into suites do no qualify for additional points.

If you have kids and they don’t have as many points as you, they are still able to share in your tier status until they are 18. However, their own individual accounts only reflect the cruises they’ve taken, and therefore only the points they’ve earned.

Kids cannot achieve Pinnacle Club status, and are removed from a family relationship in your account upon their 18th birthday. Pinnacle Club member tier status can only be earned by an individual or spouse accumulating 700 cruise points or more.

Like most loyalty programs, the more points you accumulate, the more benefits you receive.

These benefits are broken down into three groups: Exclusive Savings, Onboard Rewards, and Benefits on Land. These benefits vary by Crown and Anchor Society levels but can range from onboard discounts, to private events, and booking discounts on certain room categories.

Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society Levels

GOLD: To become a member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society Gold Level, you need as little as three points. That means that after one quick three-day getaway to Perfect Day at CocoCay, you will qualify.

PLATINUM: To move up to the second tier in the Crown and Anchor Society, you will need to achieve 30 points. This equates to as few as five traditional length cruises if staying in a traditional stateroom. This is also the first tier where you will begin to receive discounts on balcony cabins and suites.

EMERALD: The third Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society level is Emerald. You will achieve this tier at 55 points. There is not much difference in terms of perks between Emerald and Platinum status.

DIAMOND: You will achieve Diamond level in Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society at 80 points. In addition, this is the first category where the benefits really start to add up. The biggest perks are access to the Crown Lounge, nightly free drinks, and a Backstage Tour on cruises that are five nights or longer.

DIAMOND PLUS: You will need 175 points to reach the Diamond Plus level. This tier will qualify you for two free days of internet and a free bag of laundry. In addition, you will have priority seating in some entertainment venues, among a few other perks. Plus, since this is a very large point category, personalized gifts are provided at 175, 340, and 525 points.

PINNACLE: Every Royal Caribbean loyalist’s dream is to become Pinnacle one day. To attain this Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society level, you will need a whopping 700 points. This is about two full years at sea! Of course, your rewards for being the most loyal cruisers are many extra perks. This includes milestone FREE CRUISES!

Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society Benefits

Exclusive Savings

The exclusive savings offered for each of the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society levels are pretty similar. They include discounts on balcony and suite staterooms and reduced rate upgrades (when available). Plus, there are Crown & Anchor exclusive rates which are applicable to specific ships and sail dates.

Onboard Rewards

The onboard rewards offer the biggest perks and discounts. These rewards do vary a bit more based on the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society levels. All tiers except Gold qualify for an exclusive Top Tier Event on sailings that are five nights or longer. All tiers Diamond and above get a lapel pin upon reaching the next status. Guests who are Emerald and above receive complimentary bottles of water in their stateroom.

Onboard discounts on a large variety of items and services are also a perk of having loyalty status with Royal Caribbean. These offers are subject to change and vary based on tier status. Plus, these offers sometimes vary even by ship. For example, below are Diamond level benefits:

• 50 percent off any glass of wine, beer, or soda (two coupons per sailing)
• 50 percent off a Johnny Rockets milkshake (two coupons per sailing on select ships)
• 20 percent discount on any glass of wine, beer, or soda
• $5 off a $25 dry clean or press
• $10 discount on a $34.99 wash and fold laundry bag on 5+ night cruises
• 30 percent discount on a single photo, photo package, or photo book
• 15 percent off Royal Caribbean logo products sold onboard (minimum $25 purchase)
• 20 percent off any spa service (excludes medi-spa services)

Kids also get their own discounts, here are some Diamond ones:

• 50 percent off one scoop of ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor (on select ships)
• Buy 1 movie rental in your stateroom and receive the second free
• Spend $15 in arcade credits to get $5 off your onboard expense account or spend $50 in arcade credits to get $25 off

Drink Vouchers

Now, perhaps the biggest benefit of the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society are free drinks once Diamond status is achieved.

Since COVID, Royal Caribbean began issuing free drink vouchers to Diamond tiers and above that could be used in just about any venue around the ship to help minimize crowding in the Crown Lounge. Though COVID isn’t the same level of concern anymore, the vouchers have remained in place.

Diamond level gets four drink vouchers daily on beverages worth up to $14 (excludes Starbucks, the Bionic Bar, and Desserted). Diamond Plus gets five per day, while Pinnacle level guests receive six vouchers each day.

Benefits on Land

The benefits on land are very similar for each of the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society levels. For example, all levels receive a monthly newsletter, priority notice on special offers, and Crown & Anchor exclusive rates. Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members have a dedicated call center for inquiries.

Reciprocity With Other Brands

Finally, Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society status will qualify you for reciprocity with sister brand Celebrity Cruises. Platinum members and higher will receive matching Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club member benefits.

In addition, the cross-over benefits will be equal to a matching tier status. However, cruise points will remain according to actual cruises taken and calculated using the accrual system for each respective brand. Further, credits earned on one brand are not combinable with credits earned from another brand.

For instance, Platinum and Emerald levels will be equivalent to Select in Celebrity Cruise’s Captain’s Club. Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club levels will be equivalent to Elite in Celebrity Cruise’s Captain’s Club.

Also, Pinnacle Club membership tier level can only be obtained through earning the appropriate number of points on Royal Caribbean ships. Likewise, there are no cross-over points to Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club Elite Plus or Zenith levels.

Comments

To which of the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society levels do you belong? Do you take advantage of all the perks associated with this loyalty program? Drop us an anchor below to let us know if you prefer to stay loyal to one brand or cruise with a variety of brands.

The post Guide to Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society (2024) appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Royal Caribbean’s latest Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, is making her way to the ocean for the first time today to begin five days of sea trials. These tests, which are one of the final construction milestones of a ship, begin just 10 weeks ahead of the vessel’s official debut in Port Canaveral this July.

More than 900 experts — specialists across areas like naval architecture, engineering, navigation, and design — are on board to push the ship to its limits and make sure it’s ready to sail with passengers. The teams are carrying out hundreds of tests and inspections, from how the ship moves through the open water and the operation of its navigation systems to engine performance, back-of-house technical checks, and more.

The five-day trial will cover over 1,000 miles and, once complete, Utopia of the Seas will head into the final phase of construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.

Starting July 19th, Utopia will welcome vacationers to make memories on short three-night weekend cruises and four-night weekday voyages. From more than 40 ways to dine, drink, and party — including Royal Railway, a first-of-its-kind immersive train car dining experience — to more pools than days of the week, there’s something for everyone on this new mega ship.

Every voyage on Utopia of the Seas will include a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The island features the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and Bahamas, as well as a waterpark and a newly-opened area just for adults called Hideaway Beach.

Comments

Are you planning to sail Utopia of the Seas once it debuts? Have you sailed any of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates!

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