A fire was reported at the dock of the Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal in Whittier, Alaska, at approximately 11 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The blaze, which started on a local tour boat, caused Norwegian Jade to move away from the dock, but no damage was reported to the cruise ship.
In order for emergency responders to access Whittier more efficiently, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was closed for several hours but reopened near 2 p.m.
The double-sided dock at the Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal in Whittier, Alaska, has been impacted by a fire while local units from Girdwood Fire and Rescue fought the blaze and a multi-agency response.
According to local news station KTUU, the tour boat Klondike Express was alongside the dock when the fire broke out on the morning of Monday, September 14, 2026. Klondike Express is operated by Phillips Cruises & Tours and offers day cruises from Whittier exploring 120 miles through Prince William Sound.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Western Alaska & U.S. Arctic noted that the tour boat was moored at the time with no passengers aboard. The boat was released from the pier to move it away from the dock, and the fire was extinguished. However, the vessel has received some fire damage, as confirmed in Coast Guard images further below.
Norwegian Jade was also at the dock at the time of the fire and moved safely away. No damage was reported to the cruise ship. Girdwood Fire and Rescue confirmed no injuries were reported and that the cruise ship was not impacted.
U.S. Coast Guard Responds to Whittier Cruise Port Fire (Credit: USCG Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic)
The fire department responded to assist with battling the blaze just before 11 a.m., along with units from Whittier Fire, Anchorage Fire, and LifeMed Alaska.
Video shared by Girdwood Fire and Rescue on Facebook shows black smoke billowing near the pier as the 2,402-guest Norwegian Jade slowly moves away from the structure. A small portion of Klondike Express‘s hull can be seen moving away from the far side of the dock, though the rest of the boat is obscured by the thick smoke.
In order for first responders to reach Whittier as quickly as possible, the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was closed for several hours. Girdwood Fire and Rescue and the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities posted an update just before 2 p.m. local time (6 p.m. ET) that the tunnel had reopened.
Whitter Port Fire (Credit: The Anchorage Fire Department)
No cause of the fire has yet been announced by any official agency. It is unknown how the fire may impact cruise operations in Whittier in the next few days.
Following Norwegian Jade‘s time in Whittier on Monday, no cruise ships are scheduled for the port until Royal Princess arrives on Thursday, September 24. Cruise Hive reported earlier that Royal Princess now has engine problems and has adjusted her current itinerary, but there are no changes yet to the September 19, 2026 departure that will bring the ship to Whittier.
Is Norwegian Jade Impacted by the Fire?
Norwegian Jade is scheduled to begin a 7-night one-way southbound Alaska cruise from Whittier on Monday, September 14, 2026 with scenic cruising near Hubbard Glacier followed by calls to Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan before arriving in Vancouver on Monday, September 21.
The September 14 departure is the ship’s last southbound sailing of the Alaska season. She will leave from Vancouver on September 21 for one more pass through Alaska on her way to Japan to spend winter sailing in Asia.
Cruise Hive reached out to Norwegian Cruise Line for more details and received the following statement:
“The safety and security of our guests, crew and the communities we visit are always a top priority. We are aware of a fire at the Chugach Glacier Gateway Cruise Terminal in Whittier, Alaska where one of our ships was scheduled to have guests embark from. As emergency personnel continue to respond to the situation, access to the area remains restricted. As a result, we will proceed with our embarkation process from an alternate location, Whittier Alaska Cruise Ship Terminal 1.”
Cruise Ship Terminal 1 is on West Camp Road, roughly two-thirds of a mile from the Glacier Creek Terminal across the water.
The cruise line goes on to note that there is not yet any confirmation of an impact to Norwegian Jade‘s itinerary, but any further updates would be communicated to guests directly.
Fires are a dangerous threat to cruise ships, but small incidents do happen. Cruise Hive just reported on a small fire onboard the upcoming Norwegian Aura on September 7, 2026, while the ship is under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. No injuries or significant damage were reported from that fire.
Royal Princess will no longer visit Juneau and Ketchikan on the current 7-night Alaska cruise that departed Seattle on September 12, 2026.
Princess Cruises is providing a 50% cruise fare refund to guests onboard and shore tours booked through the line for the cancelled ports are also refunded.
The cruise line has noted an “issue with our engines” as the difficulty, but the ship’s technical teams are working on the problem.
Guests aboard the September 12, 2026 departure of Royal Princess are not getting the Alaskan itinerary that was originally scheduled, as the ship has developed engine difficulties and must skip two ports of call.
“We are currently experiencing a technical issue with our engines that does not affect the safety of our guests or crew but does restrict our ability to proceed at the required speed to maintain our itinerary as planned,”the letter explained.
“Due to these circumstances, we will no longer call to Juneau, Alaska tomorrow, September 14. Instead we will spend the day at sea and head directly toward Skagway, Alaska, for our call at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15 as planned. Additionally, as a result of our reduced operational speed, we will no longer be able to call to Ketchikan, Alaska, on Thursday, September 17, and will proceed directly to Victoria, Canada.”
With Juneau and Ketchikan now cancelled from the 7-night cruise, Skagway and Victoria are the only ports remaining on the itinerary.
If there are no further changes, the 3,560-guest Royal Princess will visit Skagway from 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday and will be in Victoria from 9 p.m. until midnight on Friday, September 18.
The cruise line has not yet commented on whether the sailing will still include the planned visit to Glacier Bay for scenic cruising on Wednesday, September 16.
Photo Credit: Just dance
Princess Cruises has confirmed that if guests had booked shore tours through the cruise line for either Juneau or Ketchikan, those tours will be automatically cancelled and credited to guests’ onboard accounts. Guests do not need to visit either the Shore Excursions or Guest Services desks (both on Deck 5, Plaza Deck, just forward of The Piazza) to cancel tours.
Furthermore, the letter notes that all guests will now receive a 50% refund of their cruise fare. That refund will be processed back to the original form of payment, but may take 10-15 business days to process.
What Is the Difficulty?
Princess Cruises has not yet released any details of the “technical issue with our engines” impacting Royal Princess, only noting that the ship’s safety is not impacted.
“Our technical teams are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,”the cruise line noted.
There is no confirmation that the issue can be resolved before the end of this sailing on Saturday, September 19. At this time, the ship is expected to return to Seattle on schedule and there is no impact to the next sailing, a 14-night one-way cruise that includes Alaska and crosses the Pacific Ocean to Tokyo, Japan.
Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seascancelled an Alaska sailing that was supposed to depart Vancouver on August 30 because urgent repairs were needed and the ship had to remain docked. While no technical details on those repairs were officially released, propulsion difficulties are often the cause of such delays and cancellations.
This is not the first time a Princess Cruises’ ship has experienced propulsion difficulties while sailing in the Last Frontier. In July 2025, Ruby Princess had multiple ports rearranged and scenic cruising lost due to propulsion issues.
A recent Carnival guest was escorted to her stateroom, and the balcony door handle was removed after she overindulged in alcohol.
The ship is identified as Carnival Firenze, but the sailing date of the incident has not been clearly disclosed.
Carnival Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse service to guests and take other steps if guests do not drink responsibly.
Carnival Cruise Line takes safety very seriously, including how it pertains to consumption of the Cheers! beverage package and how guests may behave after consuming a few too many.
One recent cruiser learned just what types of steps Carnival will take to protect guests from potentially unsafe behavior, including removing key features of an individual’s stateroom, such as access to the balcony.
The guest posted a video of her experience to TikTok under the name @juicyloveboo, showing the security escort that returned her to her balcony stateroom.
The video was posted on Sunday, August 30, 2026 but there is no indication when it may actually have been filmed, as the guest does not identify the timing in her caption or the video itself.
She does note, however, “Yes, you should get the drinking packages, No you shouldn’t get 15 shots of patron reposado.”
Patron Reposado is premium brand of tequila aged at least four months and noted for its smoothness and slight oak and vanilla flavor.
The 15-second video shows the guest being escorted to her stateroom by three members of the ship’s security team. Once in her stateroom, the guest films walking toward her balcony only to discover that the interior handle had been removed from the balcony door.
“They took my balcony handle & revoked my drinking package,”she said, acknowledging that she was severely inebriated.
Carnival Cruise Line can take all necessary steps to prevent guests from harming themselves or damaging company property. With access to the balcony, a severely inebriated guest might attempt dangerous activities that could result in falling overboard, or else they might throw items overboard or otherwise be disruptive.
The caption includes the hashtag #carnivalfrienze [sic], undoubtedly referring to Carnival Firenze. The 4,126-guest ship is homeported from Long Beach, California, offering 3- and 4-night roundtrip sailings to Mexico.
Outside the closed balcony door, the Queen Mary can be seen, which confirms the location as the Port of Long Beach. The Queen Mary has been permanently moored in Long Beach since 1967 and currently serves as a tourist attraction, floating hotel, and event space.
When Did the Incident Happen?
On Sunday, August 30, Carnival Firenze was on the last full day of a 3-night weekend cruise that had departed on Friday, August 28, 2026, but the video could have been filmed long before that date.
In the comments on her video, the guest added a bit of further information that may clarify when the incident happened.
“Can I start by saying that a man died day 1 of the cruise so we had to turn around,”she noted, explaining that the guest’s alleged death had nothing to do with her alcohol consumption or video, just that it happened.
Cruise Hive previously reported that on August 25, 2026, a critically ill guest was evacuated from Carnival Firenze as the ship was sailing between Long Beach and Catalina on the first full day of the August 24, 2026 sailing. While there is no confirmation of a death or that guest’s updated condition, it is possible that is the incident she is referring to.
At that time, Carnival Firenze was sailing a 4-night itinerary to both Catalina and Ensenada, Mexico.
In addition to removing the handle from her stateroom balcony, the guest confirmed in further comments that the security officers confiscated her room key and her drink package was not refunded.
“No jail time they just took me to my room & took my key & balcony handle,”she said.
While she was not confined to the ship’s brig at any time, confiscating the key would effectively ensure she either cannot leave and return to her room or at least could not order more beverages.
The guest did note that she’s learned a bit about spacing out her drink orders for future cruises.
“So I’ve learned I have to start drinking early then space them out,”she explained.“Don’t start at 7pm trying to race the clock because the bars close at 1:30am.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, has previously confirmed that the line’s bartenders and other crew members are trained to watch for signs of inebriation and may cut off guests who are no longer drinking safely, regardless of the time of day, whether guests have purchased the drink package, or how many beverages they have consumed.
Royal Caribbean has celebrated the keel laying for the fifth Icon-class ship as its physical assembly begins.
The milestone was on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, which has built all the Icon-class ships.
No information on the ship’s name, homeport, or potential itineraries has yet been revealed.
Physical assembly has now begun on the fifth of Royal Caribbean’s massive Icon-class ships at the Meyer Turku shipyard in southwestern Finland, with the vessel’s official keel laying on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Meyer Turku confirmed the milestone with a Facebook post, noting that the first steel block is now in place for the ship as the hull assembly begins.
“The start of construction for the fifth Icon Class ship reflects the strength of the long-term partnership between Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku,”said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.
All five Icon-class ships have been (or are currently being) constructed by Meyer Turku: Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, Hero of the Seas, and now Icon 5. The fifth ship in the class has not yet had her name revealed but is referred to by her hull number, NB-1408.
“Building a series of ships allows us to continuously learn, improve and innovate, and each new vessel benefits from the expertise gained throughout the program. Together with our partner network, we are proud to demonstrate the world-class shipbuilding capabilities developed in Turku and to help shape the future of cruise shipbuilding,” said Lindholm.
The shipyard shared pictures of the keel laying that show the huge dry dock berth where the ship will take shape, with just a single block now in place. Also in the pictures in a forward wet berth is Hero of the Seas, which Cruise Hive reported was just floated out on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Royal Caribbean’s 5th Icon Class Keel
The two ships will remain next to each other at the shipyard while Hero of the Seas continues her interior construction work and Icon 5’s hull begins to grow.
Royal Caribbean also acknowledged the milestone and confirmed that the ceremonial coins were laid under the ship’s keel.
“Icon 5 just celebrated her keel-laying – the kickoff of the next two years of construction. Freshly minted coins were laid under the keel (the massive steel base of the ship) in the building dock, symbolizing well wishes and marking the official kickoff of physical construction,”the cruise line said on Facebook.
When Will the Fifth Icon Class Ship Set Sail?
Hero of the Seas is slated to welcome her first guests in August 2027, while Icon 5’s timeline for completion has not yet been fully specified. The fifth ship in the class is expected to be delivered in summer 2028, but an exact date for her first sailing is not confirmed.
It was less than eight months ago that steel was cut for Icon 5, marking the beginning of the ship’s construction on January 19, 2026.
Royal Caribbean has also already confirmed orders for two more Icon-class ships, which will be the sixth and seventh vessels in the class. That order was made on April 27, 2026, while Legend of the Seas was undergoing her sea trials.
Legend of the Seas has since debuted in the Mediterranean, where she will remain until October 25, 2026. At that time she will depart Barcelona on a 13-night transatlantic cruise to her new homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The sixth and seventh Icon-class ships are slated to debut in 2029 and 2030, respectively, but nothing further has been announced about their names, potential homeports, or what special features they may offer.
Royal Caribbean has also said that those details about Icon 5 will be released at a later date as the ship’s construction continues.
MSC World Asia has successfully completed its final sea trials ahead of its December debut.
The new flagship is scheduled for delivery on November 25 and will be officially named in Le Havre three days later.
Its first guests will be welcomed December 4 for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona.
MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC World Asia, has taken another step toward its scheduled November 2026 delivery. The 216,638-gross-ton vessel recently completed its final sea trials in the Atlantic.
After departing from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the vessel was put through a series of exercises. Propulsion, maneuvering and safety capabilities were tested, along with overall performance and efficiency for the LNG-powered vessel.
This final round of sea trials comes more than two years after construction of the vessel began at the French shipyard in April 2024. Cruise Hive previously reported on the steel-cutting ceremony that officially kicked off construction, during which the ship’s name was also announced.
The vessel was first floated out of the same French shipyard in November 2025. The first round of sea trials took place eight months later in July 2026. MSC World Asia has now returned to Saint-Nazaire for final preparations before delivery.
The cruise line is scheduled to take delivery of the third World Class vessel on November 25, 2026. An official naming ceremony will follow three days later in Le Havre. MSC Cruises has not yet revealed who will serve as the ship’s godparent.
New Flagship Set for December Debut With More on the Way
With sea trials now behind it, fewer than three months remain before MSC World Asia enters service. Helmed by Captain Paolo Benini, the ship will welcome its first passengers in Barcelona on December 4, 2026.
This inaugural 7-night sailing will call in Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta before returning to Barcelona on December 11. It will continue offering 7-night Mediterranean itineraries until mid-November 2027, when it will reposition to the Caribbean.
MSC World Asia Sea Trials
When it enters service, MSC World Asia will become the 24th ship in the MSC fleet. It is the third World Class vessel, following MSC World Europa in 2022 and MSC World America in 2025.
A fourth World Class ship, MSC World Atlantic, is currently under construction and set to enter service in 2027. MSC Cruises has also ordered additional World Class ships, including two scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031.
Features Coming to MSC World Asia
MSC World Asia will accommodate up to 6,764 guests across 2,614 cabins, according to MSC’s latest specifications. The ship will be organized into seven distinct onboard districts and feature new and reimagines spaces, as well as returning favorites.
The latest construction milestone comes just days after MSC unveiled five new bars and lounges that will debut aboard the ship. World Asia will also feature The Spiral @ Tree of Life, the longest dry slide at sea, measuring 266 feet and spanning 12 decks.
The design of the ship, onboard experiences, and dining was inspired by Asian art and culture. The Tree of Life, serving as the entrance to The Spiral and a focal point of The Harbour, was inspired by contemporary Asian cities and Singapore’s famous Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay.
Another design feature influenced by Asian culture is the Dragon, an illuminated steel sculpture hanging over the Promenade. Cruise Hive reported on the Dragon’s installation in August 2026, when the 39-foot-long sculpture was lifted into place at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard.
An injured cast member was airlifted from Disney Wonder on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 more than 300 miles northwest of Vancouver.
The Royal Canadian Air Force responded to the ship’s request for a medical evacuation and shared video and audio of the operation.
No further details have been released about the cast member’s identity or injuries, but the ship’s Alaskan itinerary was not impacted.
An airlift at sea is always a dramatic moment. On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, that drama was centered on Disney Wonder when an injured cast member required a medical evacuation the day after the ship departed on her September 7 sailing.
According to CHEK News, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron responded to the call with a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher plane to coordinate the operation. The incident took place in the early afternoon, 113 miles northwest of Port Hardy, roughly 327 miles northwest of Vancouver.
Disney Wonder is homeported from Vancouver for the Alaska season, offering 7-night roundtrip voyages to top Alaskan destinations. The September 7, 2026 cruise visited Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan before returning to Vancouver on Monday, September 14. The ship is home to 950 international crew members, which Disney Cruise Line calls cast members.
Disney Wonder Crew Member Airlift (Credit: The Royal Canadian Air Force)
Video from the RCAF shows the moments two search-and-rescue technicians were lowered onto the ship’s bow deck from the Cormorant helicopter, as well as the injured cast member being lifted to the hovering helicopter.
The audio between the ship and the rescue craft confirms the ship’s name and offers a unique insight into these medical evacuations, with rescue personnel and the ship’s crew communicating speed, the cast member’s location, and when the operation was complete.
Rescue personnel requested that the ship turn off its radar during the operation, as well as to slow to five knots (5.75 miles per hour) while the airlift was underway.
“Disney Wonder, from Rescue 915, thanks for your help, you can resume your speed,”the rescue team confirmed at the end of the operation.
“Thank you very much for your help, much appreciated,”the ship’s crew responded.
There was no reported change in Disney Wonder‘s itinerary, nor is the next cruise, departing Monday, September 14, impacted.
Disney Wonder Crew Member Airlift (Credit: The Royal Canadian Air Force)
The identity of the cast member and the nature of their injury were not disclosed. This is standard practice to safeguard the privacy of the cast member and their friends and family members at a very unsettling time.
Following the airlift, the cast member was transported to Comox, then transferred to a British Columbia Emergency Health Services helicopter to be transported to the appropriate hospital for medical treatment. No additional updates on their condition were reported.
Medical Evacuations Happen in Different Ways
Cruise Hive has frequently reported on cruise ship medical evacuations and the crews that make rescue operations possible in all conditions.
It does not matter if the individual in need is a crew member or guest, or what the nature of the medical emergency, as such operations are always undertaken with skill and dedication to save lives.
Most recently, a guest was airlifted from Carnival Legend while sailing in the English Channel on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Not all medical evacuations are via helicopter, however. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a guest was evacuated from Carnival Firenze by a lifeguard transport boat while the ship was sailing from Long Beach to Catalina Island, just 30 miles away.
The method of evacuation depends on several factors including the nature of the emergency need, how far a ship is from land and the appropriate medical facilities, and what rescue crews are immediately available to assist.
Cruise Hive is grateful that rescue personnel are available to assist crew members and guests whenever there is a need and thankful that their expertise and professionalism can help save so many lives.
Royal Caribbean is cancelling port day casita reservations due to an error that created unexpectedly low prices.
Reservations on all three Icon-class ships are affected and guests are being notified if their reservation is no longer valid.
Pricing errors do occasionally happen and cruise lines can correct the error without honoring mistaken prices.
Savvy cruise guests will always look for the best deals and discounts on specialty dining, drink packages, spa treatments, and other onboard amenities. For some guests onboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships, however, recent discounts are proving too good to be true and the cruise line is not honoring the savings.
Guests who booked “Port Day Casita” reservations in recent days have found what first appeared to be outstanding deals of less than $200 for the exclusive amenity.
The casitas are found on select Royal Caribbean ships, including all of the Icon and Oasis class vessels. Located on the pool deck, these luxury loungers include dedicated service, water, a charging outlet, complimentary welcome drinks, and a prime poolside location without any struggle to reserve deck chairs.
Casitas can be rented on both port and sea days. Sea days are more expensive but port days often have deals, and pricing varies on different sailings and days. For example, on an upcoming 3-night weekend sailing of Utopia of the Seas, casita rentals are available for $350 on port days.
Discounts are frequently offered for pre-cruise purchases, up to 35% or more off the rental price.
Some guests who recently found deals on port day casitas, however, have now had their reservations cancelled due to an error on Royal Caribbean’s part, only to find the casitas available again for a much higher price.
“I had booked a casita for $120 when they had a sale. They canceled my reservation and now that same casita is $384,”one guest shared on Facebook.
The cancellation notice from Royal Caribbean offered only a minimal explanation.
“Due to an error on our end, we’re unable to honor your Port Day Casita reservation for embarkation day,”the notification read.“As a result, a full refund will be issued to your original form of payment within 14 business days.”
Multiple guests chimed in with their similar experience, with all three Icon-class ships named as part of the cancellations: Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean Letter
Many guests are frustrated at the cancellations, believing it to be a bait-and-switch tactic in order to sell the popular amenity at a higher price. Cruise lines do generally reserve the right to cancel and refund purchases made at an incorrect price, however, whether for fares, add-on amenities, or onboard activities.
The notification email does state “the issue has since been corrected” so guests can check for new reservation opportunities if they are still interested in the casitas.
Not the First Time Wrong Prices Cause Cancellations
Impacted guests are understandably upset at losing such a great deal on a sought-after amenity, but this is not the first time a cruise line has had pricing errors that get rescinded.
In May 2026, Cruise Hive reported on low fare cancellations from Carnival Cruise Line when bookings were made in error during a systems outage and website update.
Years ago, however, cruise lines occasionally honored such errors. In 2019, Royal Caribbean experienced a website glitch that caused drink packages to be priced at just $18 per day, instead of the prevailing rate at the time of $55 per day. After an initial cancellation, that price was later honored after guest backlash.
Upgrading to a suite on Royal Caribbean can significantly increase your costs, but some say it’s worth it.
There are dozens of different suites to book on the line’s ships, at different price points and with differing amenities.
The most valuable suite perks come in the form of money saved in other areas, such as on WiFi, dining, drinks and more.
Even with as many cruises as I’ve been on, when it’s time to book my stateroom on any ship, I get excited about all my options. Do I choose the balcony with the stellar views? Or save my cash for spending at the new dining options or attractions? Or, in some cases, is it worth upgrading to a suite?
These are questions that a lot of cruisers are faced with and, on Royal Caribbean, the decision becomes even more difficult, as this cruise line offers so many stateroom and suite options. Both the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships have nearly 200 different suites onboard!
On my most recent Quantum of the Seas cruise, I upgraded and definitely did find the cost worth it, but your mileage may vary. Let’s talk about when it’s worth upgrading to a suite on Royal Caribbean and what you can expect from the experience.
The first thing you have to consider is whether or not the better perks you get with a suite are going to be worth the price that you’re paying. I don’t have an unlimited budget every time I book a cruise and I’m sure that you don’t either. As such, when I splurge, I want it to be worth every penny.
The cost of a Royal Caribbean suite is going to differ wildly depending on factors such as the itinerary that you’re on, the ship and its age, and the suite itself.
Here are a few prices that show the broad range in fares.
Grandeur of the Seas is the line’s oldest ship in operation. A suite stay on a seven-night, round-trip Caribbean cruise from Puerto Rico on this ship starts at $1,309 per person.
In contrast, let’s say you were to sail on one of the newest ships in the fleet, Legend of the Seas. Suite fares on a seven-night, round-trip Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale start at $4,390 per person.
Then, some ships sit more in the middle of the pack, as was the case when I sailed on Quantum.
As you can see, though, there are some huge, huge differences. For some, paying around a thousand dollars for a cruise and suite upgrade will be well worth it, but any more than that per person is completely out of the question.
Will You Be Paying for Cruise Perks Anyway?
Photo Credit: AliveGK
Keep in mind as you view those fares that suites do come with perks that you might otherwise pay for out of pocket, and some cruisers choose suites specifically for this reason.
On Reddit, someone reported that they recently paid $7,500 for a cruise with a suite on Symphony of the Seas and asked if that’s what people were really paying, and if that was normal.
Many other users chimed in and said that, yes, most travelers do pay the full fare for their suites, no comps, but that they find the price to be worth it due to the perks.
One commenter explained: “As a family of four (two teenaged girls) we’ve moved from booking two connecting rooms to a grand suite. Yes, it’s pricey, but here’s how we justify it: We all get free internet (1 account each), there’s no need to get the dining package (Coastal Kitchen) or the drink package (free drinks whenever we want in the suite lounge) and the escort off the ship/priority tender line/dedicated entertainment seating (like having The Key). When we do all that math, the price difference is almost always negligible.”
You should similarly consider doing the math.
First, add up your stateroom fare and what you’ll pay for in extras, like drinks, WiFi, etc. Then, look at the suite fare and what you’ll get for free.
That way, you can then see what an upgrade will really cost you.
Other Factors to Consider Beyond the Fare
Royal Suite
Maybe, though, you’ve checked out your particular sailing and the ship’s suite rates and you’ve found that you can handle the cost. Money will not be an issue and you’re not worried about overspending.
Even then, there are still factors to consider before you decide if the upgrade is worth it.
The Purpose of Your Cruise
When making these decisions, I personally consider who I’m traveling with, whether or not I’m celebrating anything, and what I ultimately want out of my cruise vacation.
If I’m traveling with several people and we want more space, and also happen to be celebrating a big milestone, like a significant birthday, anniversary or life event? Yeah, an upgrade to a suite might be worth it.
In contrast, if I’m on an older ship, sailing with just one other person, and the whole point of the cruise is to get out and see the itinerary stops, spending less time onboard overall? It’s probably not worth the upgrade.
Royal Caribbean Suite Options
Utopia of the Seas Ultimate Family Suite
Suites can range from just larger, more luxurious staterooms to two-story, mammoth structures with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoor spaces and more.
Royal Caribbean offers a vast number of suite types across its fleet, but most can be bundled into a few different categories. Here’s what to know about each as you consider which might be best for you.
Junior Suites
The jr suite is typically your most basic and also cheapest. It’s smaller than most suites, but bigger than most staterooms.
I wouldn’t consider it a suite in the traditional sense, as there’s no separate bedroom. However, for those looking for suite perks and a nicer stay on a smaller budget, the junior suite delivers.
Grand Suites
Grand suites have more of that traditional suite layout and come with one or two bedrooms. Depending on the size, you could also get an outdoor space with a hot tub.
Owner’s Suites
Owner’s suites aren’t terribly different from grand suites. As many cruisers on Reddit have pointed out, the biggest difference you’re going to see between the two categories on most ships is the size. Owner’s suites can be larger and offer extras like a separate bath and shower, dining table, better balcony, etc.
Royal Suites
Royal suites are a step above, and more of what you’d think of when you think “luxury cruise suite.”
You’ve got opulence. You’ve got separate living and dining areas, multiple bathrooms, a walk-in closet. Some are decked out with special features like baby grand pianos. They range in size, but some are literally bigger than a small home.
Family Suites
Family suites are relatively new on Royal Caribbean. It all started with the Ultimate Family Suite, which was introduced on Symphony of the Seas in 2018. At the time, this two-story suite with an in-suite slide was the talk of the town.
With Icon of the Seasand the subsequent Icon-class ships, Royal Caribbean has continued to expand its family-specific suite offerings, with options like the Surfside family suite in the family-focused Surfside ship neighborhood.
Quantum-class ships also have family junior suites, which are on the small side, like the normal junior suites, but can sleep up to five people.
Loft Suites
Loft suites are likewise relatively new for Royal Caribbean, and you can find them on the line’s newer classes, including Icon, Quantum and Oasis class ships. There are various different types of loft suites, but all generally come with big windows with big views and a second-story space.
Depending on the exact loft you book, you could get multiple bathrooms and bedrooms, extra outdoor space, etc.
Other Suite Types
And then, there are a handful of other suite types that you’ll find offered on various ships, that don’t really fall into the above categories, such as panoramic suites and an AquaTheater suite.
Royal Caribbean Suite Class Benefits
Family Suite on Spectrum of the Seas (Photo Credit: Phuong D. Nguyen)
When you book a Royal Caribbean suite, not all suite guests will receive the same amenities. Suites are split into three different suite classes: Sea, Sky or Star. Which class you’re in will determine the amenities you get.
Sea Class
Sea-class guests enjoy the following amenities and perks:
A dedicated check-in line
Priority boarding
Access to the suite-guest-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant for dinner (based on availability)
Bathrobes for use onboard
Luxury bath amenities
Luxury bedding
An in-room espresso machine
Some perks may differ according to the ship. For example, for guests on Spectrum of the Seas, you additionally get all-day access to Star Sky Sea Dining.
Sky Class
Sky-class suite guests enjoy all of the above, plus these additional amenities and perks:
High-speed internet
Concierge service
Access to exclusive activities
Suite lounge or concierge club access
Priority departure
All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
Bottled water
Priority dining and reserved seating at entertainment venues
On Spectrum of the Seas, Star of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, these passengers also enjoy access to outdoor sundeck spaces like The Balcony and The Grove.
Star Class
And lastly, Star-class suite guests get all of that plus the below extra amenities and perks:
Royal Genie services
Complimentary gratuities
Complimentary deluxe beverage package
Complimentary dining at some specialty restaurants and discounts at others
Priority entrance for onboard activities
Not familiar with the Royal Genie? Think of this as literally your own personal magic genie. Your wish is their command. This is the ultimate concierge.
Guests can ask the genie to make just about anything happen. It starts with the basic stuff, like helping you get a window seat at dinner or having your favorite dining room dessert ready and waiting every night of your cruise, to more unique requests like helping you throw in-suite parties or seeing a behind-the-scenes part of the ship.
How Much Do Royal Caribbean Suite Perks Matter?
Royal Loft Suite
As you’ve probably realized, some of the Royal Caribbean suite perks are more valuable than others.
A lot of cruisers aren’t going to really care about having a robe in their room, or at least they’re not going to care to the point of paying hundreds or thousands in order to get it.
However, as already alluded, some perks can save you money that you might be spending otherwise. Complimentary gratuities, beverages, dining and internet all add up.
If, though, you’re a budget-savvy cruiser and don’t plan on buying a beverage package or internet package, or dining at specialty restaurants, these perks may not matter to you one bit.
Whether or not the perks are worth the upgrade will ultimately depend on how you cruise, the money you plan spending anyway and the experience you want to have.
My Final Thoughts
I’m of the opinion that upgrading to a suite can absolutely make your Royal Caribbean cruise better. I definitely enjoyed the experience on Quantum of the Seas and would do it again.
I also understand that not everyone wants to spend their money on an upgrade and that’s perfectly fine! You can have an amazing cruise staying in even the most affordable stateroom, if you do it right.
Bottom line: Plan the cruise that makes the most sense for you and your budget. Don’t feel pressured to spend more than you should, but make sure you do the math and understand what you’re getting from your fare.
Carnival is asking guests on Carnival Miracle’s September 17 sailing from Seattle to strictly follow their arrival appointments.
Early arrivals will be asked to leave and return at their scheduled time.
The ship will share Seattle’s Pier 91 with Queen Elizabeth while a routine U.S. Coast Guard inspection also takes place.
Guests booked on an upcoming Carnival Miracle sailing from Seattle are being told not to arrive at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91 ahead of their assigned arrival appointments. The cruise line is expecting an unusually busy day at the terminal.
The 2,124-passenger ship is set to depart from Seattle on September 17, 2026 on a 9-night Alaska voyage. This sailing is scheduled to call at Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria, with scenic cruising through Endicott Arm before returning to Seattle on September 26.
Carnival sent a notice to guests on September 11, 2026, informing them of the high traffic expected at the port on the day of departure. The cruise line advised guests to adhere to their scheduled arrival times.
“To properly manage our embarkation operations, we kindly ask for your full cooperation with adherence to your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment,”the notice said.
Pier 91 will be shared between Carnival Miracle and a ship from another cruise line, leading to an expected higher guest volume than usual at the port. A routine U.S. Coast Guard inspection will also be taking place the same day, adding another complication to the busy embarkation.
The cruise line made clear that the arrival notice is more than just a suggestion. Guests arriving ahead of their assigned appointments should expect to be asked to leave and return later.
“Guests who arrive earlier than their assigned time will be asked to return within their designated timeframe,”the notice said.
Despite the busy embarkation day, the cruise line has not announced any change to the ship’s scheduled departure. Guests are still expected to be on board the 88,500-gross-ton ship by the time indicated on their boarding passes.
Carnival Miracle Letter
Carnival also reminded guests checking luggage to use porters assigned to the cruise line, identifiable by their orange vests. Guests are advised to personally carry important items such as travel documents and medications.
This isn’t the first time Carnival has sent a notice urging guests to stick to their scheduled arrival times on busy embarkation days. The advisory comes just days after Cruise Hive reported on a similar terminal-arrival reminder sent to Carnival Venezia guests in New York.
Two Ships Sharing the Seattle Terminal
The notice sent by Carnival on September 11 does not identify the ship that will be sharing Pier 91 with Carnival Miracle. However, the Port of Seattle’s official schedule identifies the ship as Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.
The 2,081-guest ship is scheduled to depart Pier 91 at 5:00 p.m. on September 17, one hour after Carnival Miracle’s scheduled 4:00 p.m. departure. She will sail a 7-night Alaska voyage, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, and Victoria, with scenic Endicott Arm cruising before returning to Seattle on September 24, 2026.
Carnival Miracle’s Final Alaska Cruise Before Repositioning
The September 17 sailing marks the final voyage of Carnival Miracle’s 2026 Alaska season. She will then reposition to Galveston with a 16-night Panama Canal cruise from Seattle departing September 26.
Along with scenic Panama Canal cruising, this sailing will visit Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas, and Cartagena before arriving in Galveston on October 12, 2026. From Texas, the ship will operate Caribbean voyages through early May 2027 before departing for Europe on a transatlantic sailing on May 6.
