Following an incident onboard Carnival Breeze and in response to guest inquiries, Carnival Cruise Line may soon be adding a seemingly innocuous item to their prohibited items list.
Confetti “cannons” – the party-popper type used in gender reveal parties or for other celebratory moments, may not be brought onboard Carnival cruise ships.
While the party item is not yet officially banned by the cruise line, one concerned guest has brought the matter to the attention of brand ambassador John Heald via his popular Facebook page.
“We just came off the Breeze. My daughter was having a gender reveal party for her and her significant other. They had planned to use the confetti cannons to show the rest of the family if she was having a boy or a girl,”the guest explained.
“The confetti cannons were confiscated. We were told that they are not allowed. There is nowhere that this is written! The party was ruined and nobody would help us. Why are they not allowed?”
The guest does not clarify the exact sailing of Carnival Breeze when they had planned the gender reveal party, but the ship is currently homeported from Galveston and offering 4- and 5-night Western Caribbean itineraries.
It is true that as of this writing, confetti cannons are not officially prohibited by Carnival Cruise Line. Nevertheless, Heald addressed the guest’s concerns and explained why they are not permitted.
“I can imagine the disappointment,”Heald began.“The biggest reason is that had you done this outdoors and some of the confetti had gone overboard we would be in breech of environmental rules and regulations.”
Many types of confetti use microplastics or may have dyes that are not environmentally safe. Cruise lines must follow strict regulations for the discharge of any items overboard, including anything that might accidentally be released.
Heald goes go on to explain that some confetti is used onboard Carnival cruise ships, but it is only used indoors and in a controlled manner where it does not pose a marine contamination hazard.
“We do use confetti in some of the show finales in the theatres but not outside. And indeed it is not something easy for housekeeping to clean up,”he explained.“We do allow confetti at the organized weddings we have on board but again only indoors.”
Heald is also planning to reach out to the appropriate executives at Carnival Cruise Line to see about getting confetti cannons specifically added to the prohibited items list. The wording of any new item ban has to be done carefully to ensure there is no confusion.
“Carnival conducts security scanning of all luggage and reserves the right to confiscate any item, which in Carnival’s sole discretion, is deemed dangerous or can pose a risk to the vessel or its guests.”
Carnival Cruise Ships in Mexico (Photo Credit: Marathon Media)
While party-popper-style confetti cannons may not seem “dangerous” per se, they can certainly be hazardous to the marine environment every cruise ship relies on. Furthermore, if a party cannon were aimed inappropriately, it could potentially cause injuries to those nearby.
Other Recent Prohibited Items on Carnival Cruise Line
Cruise lines can and do frequently update their prohibited items lists as new concerns may arise. At times, it can be confusing about why certain items are not permitted onboard, but there is always a reason.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line recently banned Bluetooth speakers, citing safety reasons as well as overall guest enjoyment. If speakers are too loud, onboard safety announcements or alarms might not be audible, and furthermore, loud speakers can disrupt other guests’ enjoyment of their cruise vacation.
Even small items with heating elements, such as clothes irons and steamers, immersion heaters, and heated blankets are not permitted as they can pose a fire hazard.
With respect to items going overboard and potentially contaminating the marine environment, Carnival Cruise Line already bans helium-filled balloons. Small single-use plastics, such as straws and coffee stirrers, have not been offered aboard Carnival ships for several years.
Two popular cruise destinations have received updated travel advisories from the US Government – and guests who will be sailing here will want to pay extra attention to staying safe in these ports.
The first of these destinations is Honduras, which is a country in Central America that is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
While the US State Department kept Honduras at a Level 3 travel advisory – which means tourists should reconsider travel – the government adjusted the reasons behind the advisory on December 10, 2024.
Previously, the advisory was set due to crime and kidnapping, but now crime is listed as the only reason.
“Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, remains common. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, narcotics, and human trafficking, is widespread. Local authorities may lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime incidents,”reads the advisory.
“Around resort areas in the Bay Islands, which include Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja, there is a concentration of resources, and these areas are better policed,”continues the advisory.
Cruise ships most commonly dock in the Port of Roatan, which is located in the town center of Coxen Hole in the capital city of Roatan – and is usually the port of choice for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, which is located on the south side of Roatan, is also one of the largest cruise port in the Caribbean. This port is mainly called upon by Carnival-owned ships.
Between the two ports, Honduras welcomed 1.4 million passengers in 2023– which was an increase of 47.6% – with continued growth expected for the tourism sector.
But while Roatan is listed as a safer part of the country, the US Government still recommends that cruisers keep safety top-of-mind – such as by staying aware of their surroundings, avoiding the demonstrations that occur frequently throughout the country, and not using public transportation (including white car taxis).
This would likely be a good port to book private excursions directly through the cruise line – as the cruise brand would have already vetted vendors for safety and quality.
Costa Rica Travel Advisory Updated
As another Central American country that is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica can pop up on cruises sailing to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Panama Canal, and the US Pacific Coast.
While Costa Rica isn’t quite as popular as Honduras among the major cruise lines, the main cruise ports (Puerto Caldera, Puntarenas, and Puerto Limon) are visited by mainstream brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
That said, the hundreds of thousands of cruisers who sail to this destination annually should be aware that the US Government also updated the travel advisory for Costa Rica on December 10, 2024.
Costa Rica is on a Level 2 travel advisory, which means that tourists should exercise increased caution while traveling here. Like Honduras, the level of the advisory didn’t change, but rather the reason behind it.
The advisory was and still is in place due to crime, but the explanation behind what type of crime and what resources are available has been edited.
“Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, also affects tourists,” reads the current advisory.
But before the update, the explanation included an additional sentence that read “the Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.”
It’s unclear why that sentence was removed and if security resources are still in place.
But like in Honduras, guests who sail here should practice caution – such as by being aware of their surroundings, avoiding walking alone on poorly lit beaches or streets, and to avoid displaying signs of wealth to deter potential robbers.
A vacationer from Louisiana became the 1.5-millionth cruise guest to transit the Port of Galveston in 2024, as the growing port careens toward welcoming a record 1.6 million cruise guests before the year turns.
On December 6, 2024, the port received Katrular Buchanan and her family, hailing from Amite, Louisiana, at Cruise Terminal 28, where they were ready to board Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic for a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise.
“We’re very happy for the Buchanan family and thank them for sailing from Galveston. We’re also excited to celebrate this milestone with long-time cruise partner, Disney Cruise Line,”said Rodger Rees, port director and CEO of Galveston Wharves.
The 2,700-Disney Magic, which has been seasonally based in Galveston going back as far as 2012, will sail to Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico, on her current itinerary. The ship is sailing 4- and 6-day cruises from Galveston until April 2025, before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale and then Port Canaveral through October 2025.
The Port of Galveston, the fourth-busiest in terms of cruise arrivals, is the largest drive-to port in the south-central US region, with a population of some 30 million within 300 miles.
The port attracts cruise guests from major cities such as Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, and Dallas, Texas, plus Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
The fast-growing port in 2025 will open a new cruise complex that will house its fourth terminal. The $156 million project features a 165,000-square-foot terminal and massive parking areas. When completed, the terminal will serve major cruise lines such as MSC Cruises and the brands of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
A recently released financial report shows the facility made significant growth progress in 2023, when nearly 1.5 million cruise guests transited the port, sailing from Galveston on 354 ships.
“The port’s continued growth as a home port is great news for avid cruise travelers, for local people who work in cruise-related jobs, and for the entities that benefit economically, including suppliers, maritime services, hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses,” said Rees.
1.5-millionth cruise guest at Galveston
When the final numbers from 2024 are revealed, it is expected the port will have set a record of 380-plus cruises. In 2025, the port expects 400-plus cruises and 1.75 million cruise guest arrivals.
The predictions bode well for the local population, since the port’s cruise and cargo operations help to support more than 4,500 jobs. Those positions represented, in 2023, $291 million in personal income.
Popularity of Galveston Promises Continued Growth
All of the major cruise lines have a seasonal or year-round presence at Galveston. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, currently has four ships based there — Carnival Dream, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Miracle, while Royal Caribbean has Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas. MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape will begin sailing from Galveston when the new terminal opens in fall of 2025.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings recently announced a major, long-term pact with the port, under which ships from all three of its brands — Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — will be based at Galveston.
The 10-year agreement, which will begin when the port’s new terminal is open and has renewal options, was announced in October 2024.
Norwegian Cruise Line will homeport two ships at Galveston, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, beginning in November 2025, and sail Western Caribbean voyages.
Black Friday sales historically cause a frenzy, but Virgin Voyages discovered just how many holiday shoppers were chasing deals after Thanksgiving when it saw its highest booking day in its 10-year history.
The adults-only cruise line announced Black Friday sales, which took place on November 29, 2024, broke its booking records. Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, December 2 and 3, respectively, further fueled a surge in demand.
In fact, over the three-day period, Virgin Voyages saw bookings and revenue increase by more than 300 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2023, capping off a record-breaking sales event.
“In an environment where value is disappearing and travelers are feeling the pinch of changes from others, we are doubling down on being an incredible value for Sailors with all our inclusions, such as Wi-Fi, soft drinks, still and sparkling water, unlimited fitness classes, no upcharges for specialty dining and more,”said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.
“We’re committed to stick to our roots and not nickel and diming our Sailors, before, during or after their voyage with us,” he added.
The announcement comes amid the cruise line’s climbing revenue, which is 60 percent higher overall compared to 2023. Virgin projects its revenue will increase another 50 percent in 2025.
The company also reported strong repeat cruiser numbers, with up to 60 percent of passengers returning for additional cruises. That said, 70 percent of Black Friday and Cyber Monday bookings came from first-time passengers.
Said Saverimuttu,“We are so grateful for the support that we’re seeing from our loyal customers and travel advisor community and their passion for the award-winning, kid-free experiences we have created and built from scratch together. Breaking records would not have been possible without our First Mates.”
Expanding Its Horizons
Virgin Voyages is looking ahead to 2025 and beyond with plans to introduce its fourth ship, the 110,000-gross-ton Brilliant Lady.
Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa, Italy, the new 2,700-passenger vessel will debut on September 5, 2025, with its maiden voyage departing from New York City.
Brilliant Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: UrAvgPhoto)
The cruise line will also be reintroducing Scarlet Lady to guests following its two-week drydock at the end of November 2024.
Also, 110,000 gross tons, as is the case for each Virgin Voyages ship, the vessel’s refurbishment included the addition of 24 “Seriously Suite” RockStar Quarters on Deck 11 and dining enhancements such as a Chinese-inspired menu and cocktails in the Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle.
The cruise line is also set to make 2026 a landmark year with the introduction of its vessels to new itineraries, including its first-ever Alaska season. The inaugural Alaska voyages, launching in May from Seattle, will sail to picturesque calls like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.
Plus, Virgin will offer longer voyages to far-flung destinations such as Iceland, offering guests opportunities for more immersive experiences. And, with Seattle joining the ranks as a new home port, along with New York and Los Angeles, the UK-based fleet is expanding its reach across the United States to expand its audience.
Additionally, Virgin Voyages introduced its Annual Pass product earlier this month, allowing passengers to embark on unlimited voyages for a year. Interest in the pass has been high and the cruise line expects it will sell out by the end of 2024.
As cruise lines put more and more investment into their private island destinations, a focus on specific types of experiences can be a great way to attract guests and entice them to book sailings.
Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are working together and have now announced a new name for Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
The island will now be known as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, emphasizing the focus on calming, peaceful experiences and a connection to the island’s natural beauty as a natural paradise.
“Calling this piece of paradise RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay reinforces our commitment to preserve the attributes that make the destination so appealing as we expand access and welcome more guests to the destination’s crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and lush landscapes,”said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
New enhancements for the island are planned, including both north and south welcome plazas, a new beach club, updated dining venues, and more. A new tram service will be added for convenient transportation, and lounging areas expanded with the highly popular cabanas.
The renaming announcement follows the August 2024 reveal that a new pier will be constructed at the island. This will permit Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee – to visit the island.
Other upgrades were also hinted at in August, but now guests have much more to anticipate at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Both cruise lines, however, are committed to ensuring the natural beauty of the destination is preserved. Even the architecture for the new buildings will complement the authenticity of the island.
“Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997,”said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
“The south side of the island, where Holland America has always visited, will remain the secluded paradise our guests are accustomed to and a marquee destination for almost every cruise visiting the Caribbean. The new beach club and refreshed food and beverage spaces will embrace and preserve the island’s pristine beauty while enhancing our award-winning experience.”
The renovations and enhancements are expected to be selectively begin opening by summer 2026. All updates and additions should be completed by the end of 2026.
Visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
A variety of 2026 and later itineraries from both Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line will include visits to the upgraded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Many guests are especially interested in the visits from the larger vessels, as those ships are highly popular but have been unable to visit Half Moon Cay due to tendering needs and passenger capacities.
Now, itineraries in September 2026 for all three Excel-class ships are available for booking. While earlier itineraries may yet be adjusted depending on the construction schedule and if enhancements are completed earlier than anticipated, Carnival Jubilee will be the first to visit.
Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay
Homeported from Galveston, Texas, Carnival Jubilee‘s September 19, 2026 departure is an 8-night Bahamas voyage with calls to both the exciting and more energetic Celebration Key as well as a call on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on September 23.
Two days later, on September 25, Carnival Celebration will visit the peaceful new destination as part of a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary sailing from Miami. That cruise will also be visiting two other private destinations – Celebration Key and Amber Cove.
Finally, on September 28, 2026, Mardi Gras will make her first call to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay also on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary but sailing from Port Canaveral.
Carnival Cruise Line’s inclusion of multiple private islands on the same itinerary will appeal to guests who enjoy the exclusivity of each destination. Furthermore, the cruise line is committed to ensuring unique and memorable experiences at each one.
“Many of our 2026 and beyond itineraries will feature both RelaxAway and Celebration Key, providing guests with complimentary experiences enjoying both idyllic and ultimate beach days,”said Duffy.
Both destinations are intended to preserve and showcase Bahamian culture without disrupting each island’s natural tropical beauty.
Celebration Key will be more colorful and energetic, great of travelers of all ages with a waterpark, multiple pools, and fun options for everyone. RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will be a more peaceful and idyllic destination, offering the perfect relaxation cruise travelers crave.
Cruise vacations can be a time to spoil yourself, but you also have to consider your budget. When it comes to add-ons and upgrades, Royal Caribbean’s suite perks can be well worth the added costs for guests who seek exclusive amenities, priority access, and extra comforts that can elevate the whole experience.
From priority boarding to luxurious suite amenities and exclusive lounges, Royal Caribbean suite perks can definitely add substantial value, but whether or not they’re worth the extra money depends on your preferences.
Before we get into the perks that come with a Royal Caribbean suite, let’s look at whether or not these perks are worth the added price.
The answer is that it depends. Here are a few factors that play a role.
What Is Your Budget?
For starters, your vacation budget should be one of the main factors. While everyone enjoys spoiling themselves while on vacation, you have to remember that modern cruise ships are packed with exciting amenities and gourmet dining establishments that allow all guests to enjoy a sense of luxury, not just those who have booked the more premium accommodations.
In other words, only spend what you are comfortable with, as you do not want to blow your budget chasing suite perks you can’t really afford. Remember, prices can vary drastically between cabins and suites, even on a single Royal Caribbean ship.
For example, on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class ships,like Navigator of the Seas, prices can range from $670 for an inside cabin to over $2,600 for an Owner’s Suite, qualifying you for Star Class. So, in that sense, you’re paying almost $2,000 just to enjoy all of the perks the highest tier of suite guests gain access to.
For some passengers, this could be well worth the added cost; for others, choosing the cabin and having the option to book a second cruise while still saving money makes way more sense.
For those who are not constrained by a budget and highly value convenience, luxury, exclusivity, and the additional private space that comes with a suite, paying the extra for the perks of a Royal Caribbean suite can more than justify the additional costs.
Who Are You Traveling With and What Are You Celebrating?
Royal Caribbean Couple on a Cruise (Photo Credit: yanchi1984)
For families traveling with children, groups of friends, or even those celebrating a special occasion, like an anniversary or honeymoon, there are plenty of reasons to pay extra for the improved accommodations, exclusive amenities, and more convenient services, like reserved tables at restaurants.
From a purely financial standpoint, a lot of the perks you get are about perceived value. Sure, you get lots of freebies that you would otherwise need to pay for, like complimentary Wi-Fi and entry to the Coastal Kitchen with all of its free drinks and food, but a lot of the other perks are more about saving you time and letting you indulge, rather than providing you with valuables.
What Do You Want Out of Your Cruise Vacation?
Ultimately, the decision on whether or not the suite perks are worth the additional costs rests with the individual.
If you seek added comfort and value in a truly elevated experience, Royal Caribbean’s suite upgrade can definitely enhance your cruise vacation, but it is far from necessary to book a suite to enjoy a voyage on a Royal Caribbean vessel.
It is also worth looking at the specific ship you plan to travel on. Some of the newer and bigger ships, like Quantum of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, or Odyssey of the Seas, have far more private, suite guest-only areas than the smaller vessels, like Radiance of the Seas.
So, What Is a Suite?
Infinity Suite
When traveling on a cruise ship, passengers can book different types of accommodations. Where a cabin is considered the base-level accommodation, a suite is an upgraded type of quarters that offers more space, more luxurious amenities, a higher level of services, and, in some cases, access to restricted areas on the ship.
In general, booking a suite means that your private space on the ship will have a larger sleeping area, better bed, luxury bathroom amenities, and sometimes even an ocean-view balcony.
Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, offer suites in different categories, ranging from junior suites that provide a little bit of extra space for passengers to incredibly luxurious penthouse-style suites reminiscent of some of the world’s most opulent hotels.
On Royal Caribbean cruise ships, in particular, a suite tends to be more than just more spacious accommodations. This is because booking a suite usually includes access to elevated service levels and additional amenities. Hence, we are talking about Royal Caribbean suite perks!
Sure, a suite on a Royal Caribbean vessel will also have the same basic advantages over a cabin, like more space, a bigger bed, and usually a better view, but you will also gain access to exclusive benefits compared to a standard stateroom.
Royal Caribbean divides its suites into different classes, each offering its own benefits depending on the suite category and the price to book it. With that said, all three tiers of the Royal Caribbean’s suite category of accommodations give you access to basic Royal Suite Class benefits.
The suite program has the slogan “Luxury That’s Anything But Boring,” so you can expect an elevated cruise experience, regardless of which of the three tiers you book.
Royal Caribbean Suite Class Benefits
While booking any suite class on a Royal Caribbean voyage will unlock a base level of benefits, there are additional perks you will unlock depending on the suite tier you have booked.
While there are numerous subcategories within each tier, suites are generally divided into three tiers on Royal Caribbean ships, each with its own exclusive benefits:
Sea Class
Royal Caribbean Suite (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt / Shutterstock)
Sea Class suites are considered the entry-level category for suites on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Compared to booking a junior suite through another cruise line, these suites feature extra space, an improved bed, and enhanced bathroom facilities. Booking a Sea Class Suite will also unlock the following perks:
A stocked Lavazza espresso coffee machine in the room.
Access to Sea, Sky, and Star dining establishments (Includes an exclusive restaurant on Spectrum of the Seas).
priority reservations to other specialty restaurants.
Royal Caribbean plush luxury spa bathrobes (only for use onboard the ship).
Luxury pillow top mattress, linen, and extra plush pillows.
Beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are not included with Sea Class Suites. You will also not have access to exclusive lounges.
Sky Class
Royal Caribbean Grand Suite
These larger suites include Grand Suites and Owner’s Suites. They tend to be larger than Sea Class Suites and usually offer an ocean view, often with a private balcony. In addition to all of the perks you get with a Sea Class Suite, booking a Sky Class Suite also unlocks a variety of additional perks:
Complimentary dedicated concierge service.
All-day access to Sea, Sky, and Star dining establishments. This includes the Coastal Kitchen, a complimentary a la carte Mediterranean-style breakfast and lunch restaurant that is exclusively for suite guests.
Bottled water upon arrival.
Complimentary Wi-Fi (Royal Caribbean’s VOOM internet and streaming service, which is advertised as the fastest internet available through any cruise line).
Flexible boarding times and priority departure procedures.
Reserved seating for entertainment venues and live shows (available upon request).
Access to private suite lounges. Includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
All-day access to the private suite sun deck (this includes access to The Grove on Icon of the Seas).
With the exception of complimentary cocktails at certain private lounges, beverages are still not included with Sky Class Suites.
Star Class
Royal Loft Suite
Star Class is the top-tier option aboard a Royal Caribbean vessel. Currently, these accommodations are only available on Quantum, Icon, and Oasis Class ships.
In addition to all of the perks and upgrades you get with Sea and Sky suites, you get a huge list of exclusive benefits if you shell out for Star Class accommodations, including the following:
Exclusive access to Royal Genie Services, a private assistant that can arrange all of your premium seating for performances, make dining reservations on your behalf, plan celebrations, organize luggage handling, and just about any other requests you may have while enjoying your cruise vacation. Resorts often describe this as a private butler service.
Complimentary unlimited dining package with numerous unique menu items available in specialized restaurants.
Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including specialty coffees and premium cocktails.
Complimentary Refreshment Package for guests under the legal drinking age.
Still and sparkling water brought to your suite daily.
Complimentary minibar stocked daily with Coca-Cola products, water, and some alcoholic beverages.
Complimentary gratuities at all establishments.
Free and unlimited VOOM internet and streaming.
Expedited boarding and departure times and a complimentary luggage valet service.
Guaranteed best seats in the house for select entertainment venues, including most live performances.
Priority entrance and line pass for most onboard activities and amenities.
Complimentary laundry and pressing services available upon request.
These premium perks are in addition to those listed for Sky and Star level suites, and your assigned Royal Genie can even help book shore excursions and other plans to ensure your vacation is as stress-free as possible. Booking any Star loft suite will unlock all of these benefits.
Royal Caribbean Suite Perks
As you can see from looking at the breakdown of the three main suite categories, Royal Caribbean suite perks can range from small room upgrades, like a fully stocked espresso machine, to extremely extravagant privileges, like priority access to certain included restaurants, upgraded seats at live performances, and even fully complimentary food, drinks, and internet.
To really help you understand how these suite perks can elevate your entire cruise experience, here’s an overview of some of the key perks that suite guests can enjoy:
Priority Access
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
Suite guests enjoy priority access across multiple points of the cruise experience, including the following:
Depending on the suite tier and the category you have booked, this can include a dedicated priority check-in counter at the terminal and priority boarding and departure procedures.
In other words, if you choose to do so, you can take the express path to boarding and departing the ship, saving you time and frustration. Skip the lines and get on and off the ship exactly when you want.
Suite guests can also enjoy a true VIP experience when it comes to enjoying amenities on the ship. From reserved spots in prime seating for live shows to skipping lines for popular amenities, booking a suite can give you access to special privileges and exclusive experiences while on the ship.
For those looking to spend some time relaxing by the pool, select ships also offer VIP pool deck seating for suite guests, guaranteeing you get a comfortable spot in a prime location.
Plus, you can enjoy suite lounge access, exclusive sun decks with enhanced privacy, complimentary specialty dining establishments, and more.
Speaking of dining, guests from all levels of the suite program enjoy extra perks at dining establishments. From Sea Class to Star Class, suite guests will receive priority when booking reservations for specialty dining venues.
Some restaurants even offer a special seating section for suite guests. Basically, you will be able to eat what you want to eat when you want to eat it, and if you have booked a suite that qualifies as a Star Class Suite, those meals will be entirely complimentary.
Luxury Amenities
Family Suite on Spectrum of the Seas (Photo Credit: Phuong D. Nguyen)
Royal Caribbean’s suites are outfitted with high-end amenities designed to add an even greater sense of luxury and comfort to your vacation.
From upgraded bathroom amenities, like rooms with a rainfall shower and a jacuzzi-style bathtub, to higher quality toiletries, the bathroom inside a suite will far exceed the cramped quarters you get with a standard cabin.
All types of suites also feature in-room Lavazza coffee machines, so you can start your day with a freshly brewed cup of name-brand coffee in the comfort of one of several Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes hanging in your closet.
The beds are also enhanced, with premium bedding and pillow-top mattresses standard in all types of suites. Beyond room service, which is also provided to suite guests, those with Star Class Suites can even enjoy a complimentary minibar, which is stocked daily.
Complimentary Add-Ons
Coastal Kitchen on Harmony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean suite guests also enjoy various complimentary services that those in standard staterooms have to pay extra for. For starters, complimentary room service is provided with no delivery charge, so you can relax and enjoy everything your luxury accommodations offer. For those with Star Suite status, a complimentary laundry service can ensure that your clothing is fresh and ready for you to wear.
Gaining access to private, suite-only restaurants, like the Coastal Kitchen, is also a complimentary add-on that suite guests can enjoy. For those staying in Sky and Star Class Suites, a complimentary VOOM Surf and Stream Package, which would typically cost $17.99 per guest per day, is another value-adding service that comes standard with the room.
Extra-Sweet Suite Extras
Ultimate Family Suite – Room 1820 Deck 18 Midship Starboard
If you are staying in one of the more premium suites that would give you Sky or Star status, such as a Crown Loft Suite or the Icon of the Sea’s Ultimate Family Suite, you would also enjoy even more perks and privileges.
Unlimited access to the Suite Lounge can be a particularly alluring incentive. These luxurious and well-attended private lounges offer guests complimentary cocktails, snacks, and a relaxed atmosphere that can be difficult to find elsewhere on a crowded cruise ship.
For Star Class guests, the opportunity to enjoy the personalized assistance and attention you get from a dedicated Royal Genie can take all of the stress out of travel.
This personal concierge will handle everything you need. From taking care of your dinner and private breakfast reservations to booking excursions and spa days and making special arrangements on your behalf, this on-demand service is an incredible extra for those who have paid extra for the highest tier of suite.
Our Final Thoughts
As a brand, Royal Caribbean focuses on providing guests with an enhanced experience while they are on board the cruise line’s ships. While this is true for all guests, those who have booked upgraded accommodations can enjoy additional suite perks that offer major advantages in terms of convenience, comfort, and exclusivity.
Ultimately, deciding whether to pay extra for these premium upgrades depends entirely upon your budget and preferences. If you enjoy paying more for a more premium experience, Royal Caribbean suite perks can be well worth the cost.
On the other hand, if you value having a memorable experience at a reasonable price, a standard stateroom can still provide you with everything you need.
Guests on their first night of a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean and the Bahamas experienced a scare when emergency crew began to appear.
Taking to social media, passengers on MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore reported seeing smoke on the 170,412-gross-ton ship in the late hours of December 8, 2024, while traveling from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the cruise line’s private Ocean Cay resort in the Bahamas.
“Elevators are shut down, some of the boat smells like smoke. Anyone else know anything?” posted one guest on Reddit.
“I was standing right under the smokestack when there were two huge bangs followed by lots of ‘sizzling’ then lots of smoke that smelled exactly like an electrical fire,” posted another guest, who said the fire occurred on Deck 18 Aft.
Additional accounts said the vessel was using generator power and that dining rooms were closed. “The galley does not have complete power. The dining rooms are closed. Internet on board is spotty. Parts were shipped to [Ocean Cay] overnight from the Bahamas and they’re flying a part in. The crew is doing an amazing job.”
Cruise Hive reached out to MSC Cruises, with the cruise line confirming a small fire had broken out on an upper deck but that it had quickly been contained. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported.
“On the evening of December 8, a small electrical fire was reported in the emergency generator room on an upper deck of the ship and was swiftly extinguished, with no injuries reported,”a spokesperson from the cruise line told Cruise Hive.
“We do not anticipate any changes to the remaining itinerary or upcoming sailings,” the statement continued.
The ship remains in Ocean Cay, as was originally scheduled, and will not depart until noon on December 10, 2024, giving the crew time to make proper repairs.
The itinerary will continue unaffected to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Port Canaveral on December 15.
Procedures in Place to Deal With Onboard Fires
Electrical fires can happen when electrical systems fail, overheat, or are not properly maintained. For instance, the constant vibration and movement on a ship can damage or fray wires over time, sparking a fire.
They can also take place due to power surges, loose wiring connections, or overloaded circuits.
Of course, a fire on a ship is one of the most serious situations you can have at sea. Unlike on land, where emergency services can help put out fires, a ship is self-contained and in the middle of an ocean.
MSC Seashore at Ocean Cay (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
Fires can also spread rapidly in enclosed spaces and, if electrical fires affect navigation systems and other essential operations, a fire could cripple a ship’s ability to function.
This is why vessels like MSC Seashore, which debuted in 2021, are equipped with cameras, smoke and heat detectors, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and fire hoses.
For MSC Cruises, specifically, the fleet is equipped with a “Hi-Fog high-pressure water mist fire protection system, which suppresses and extinguishes fires by discharging a fine water mist at high velocity.”
All crew members also undergo Basic Safety Training, which includes basic firefighting, and all ships feature four Fire Patrols trained by and working with onboard Safety Officers.
MSC Cruises’ crew are no strangers to fire, unfortunately. In June 2024, an electrical fire ignited in the laundry room aboard MSC Armonia as it arrived in Venice, Italy, requiring assistance from the local fire brigade. No injuries were reported, and the ship’s itinerary was not affected.
One of my fondest memories from my childhood was going on a Disney cruise with my parents. I fondlyremember spending the day in Castaway Cay – which is located in the Bahamas in the South Abaco district, near Great Abaco Island.
While my parents explored the private island, I spent much of my time in the Scuttle Cove kid’s club – where I vividly remember going on an exciting expedition to hunt for dinosaur bones with the other children.
Although we were just kids playing with toys in the sand, the cast members – which is the name for all Disney employees – truly brought the story to life in a way that made it feel real and exciting.
When I took my first Disney Cruise as an adult with my husband in 2022 – which was a 4-night sailing onboard Disney Dream to Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay – I was curious how the exclusive DCL destination would live up to the expectations I had built in my head from my childhood experience.
While there were perhaps a few things that could have been improved upon, I was actually pleasantly surprised by how fun a day in Castaway Cay could be for two childless adults.
What I Loved About Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay 5k (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman)
First, it’s easy to navigate the pier. Castaway Cay is not a tender port – so you can simply walk on and off the ship. The port is also exclusively used by Disney Cruise Line, so you’re not struggling through crowds of people from other cruise ships.
Disney also has cast members stationed within the cruise port to offer directions and to capture unique photo ops with the cruise ship from the shores of Castaway Cay – which we definitely took advantage of.
There are also unique character photo ops around the island, but we did not look for those – although it would have been fun to see their special beach-day costumes in person.
The highlight of our day was completing the Castaway Cay 5K. This completely free activity is a great source of exercise – which was needed after everything we had been eating onboard – and a great way to see the island.
It was also a moment of victory for me to complete the course – not just because we got cool medals for it and the sense of accomplishment, but also because it marked my comeback after having major ankle surgery almost exactly one year prior.
It was also a very low-key experience that allowed us to get out of the crowd and go at our own pace.
Despite how it sounds, the 5K is not operated as a race. You simply follow the signs that mark the course and then check in at the bike rental stand to retrieve your medal once you’re done.
Speaking of free activities, we absolutely loved Serenity Bay – which was the perfect way to cool off after running (ok, mostly power walking) three miles.
With medals in hand, we headed to the adults-only area. I’m not sure if we were just extra hot and tired, but the water felt beyond amazing.
The ocean was calm, warm, and practically see-through – and we enjoyed watching little fish swim around our feet. We also appreciated the calmer, and less busy atmosphere from being surrounded by only cruisers who were 18-years-old or older.
Disney’s Castaway Cay (Photo Credit: Anthony Giarrusso)
But while we could have floated in Serenity Bay forever, we did try out Boat Beach and the family beaches – taking advantage of the float rentals (about $15 per tube at the time) and the AquaTrike ($30 for 30 minutes at the time).
While you can pre-reserve the floats and excursions if you know for a fact you want them, we were able to take advantage of the rental and activity as a spur of the moment decision on the day of our visit.
At the end of it all, we were also quite happy about how little our day in Castaway Cay actually cost us. Considering the BBQ lunch is also free (and delicious), and accounting for the light shopping we did, we spent less than $150 on the Bahamian island.
But while we made it through the port call without breaking the bank, you can certainly spend a pretty penny on the island if you’re travelling with a bigger family, book several of the shore excursions, or opt for more expensive tours or experiences – not to mention the cost of a Disney Cruise in general can be pretty steep.
Our biggest expense from the day was shopping – and it’s certainly hard to resist temptation as the shops and stands sell souvenirs and handicrafts you won’t find onboard or at other ports of call. However, these magical finds do not come at a discount.
While my husband and I absolutely loved our experience in Castaway Cay, there are a few not-so-great things to think about now that I’m looking back.
First, keep in mind that there may be long lines for the buffet lunch – which is served at several locations around the island.
We got lucky and didn’t have to wait because we happened to be next to the buffet in Serenity Bay when lunch service began. However, by the time we made it through our short line, there were people behind us who said they ended up waiting for 10-15 minutes before they made it to the front.
Similarly, the lines at the tram stops can get pretty long – especially at the beginning and end of the day when there is a rush of guests entering and exiting the island.
The trams may be worth waiting for if a guest has a disability or injury that makes walking difficult, but we had no trouble walking around the entire island – in addition to completing the Castaway Cay 5k!
Castaway Cay is only 3.1 miles long and 2.2 miles wide – and we found we could get almost anywhere in about 10 minutes or less. Speaking of lines, some parts of the island do get quite crowded – most notably the family beaches.
Unsurprisingly, we found the family beaches to be a lot less peaceful – with kids screaming, splashing, and occasionally crashing into us and knocking us off our rented inner tubes. We didn’t hate being in the water there, but we certainly didn’t stay as long as we did in Serenity Bay.
It’s also worth noting that as magical as Disney is, they cannot guarantee perfect weather.
Even during our port call, the morning started out rather windy – but thankfully, Disney Dream was still able to dock without much issue and the wind subsided by mid-morning.
Eventually, we didn’t notice the wind at all – aside from when a bigger gust occasionally tried to blow our floats away, which we found funny.
That said, we met some avid Disney cruisers who said they had visits to Castaway Cay cancelled at the last minute due to weather in the past.
If you want to see what Castaway Cay is like for yourself, all you have to do is book a Disney Cruise that includes the private island on the itinerary – which can be done online, by calling the cruise line, or through a travel agent.
Aside from Disney Wonder, all in-service Disney ships offer sailings to Castaway Cay at various points during the year – as will Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny when they officially enter service at the end of 2024 and the end of 2025, respectively.
The private island is even included as part of Disney Treasure’s maiden voyage – which is a 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing embarking from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 21, 2024.
Select sailings in 2025 and 2026 onboard Disney Dream also call on both Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – which is the cruise line’s new private island destination in the Bahamas that recently opened in summer 2024.
Cruise passengers heading to Mexico in early 2025 can breathe a sigh of relief – albeit a short one – as the nation’s government has announced its new Federal Law of Rights tax will be delayed by six months.
The “non-resident” fee, which has been in effect since 1999 but exempted cruise travel, was set to begin charging guests of cruise ships disembarking in Mexican ports $42 (860 Mexican pesos) per person in January 2025.
Following cruise industry uproar, Mexican authorities have now postponed the tax on cruise passengers until July 1, 2025.
The uproar comes largely from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which fears the tax will cause a 15 percent drop in cruise calls. It says cruise lines will be forced to alter itineraries to avoid Mexican ports as they appeal to guests who don’t want to pay an additional $168 in fees as a family of four.
The Mexican Association of Cruises (AMANAC) expressed similar concerns, warning of a “progressive drop in arrivals” that would hurt employment and income for various sectors in Mexico, including suppliers, tour operators, and taxis.
“The impact of this tax on Mexican tourist destinations will be disastrous,” it believes.
Additionally, the FCCA says the reduction in cruise traffic will offset the intended tax revenues, significantly harming Mexico’s cruise tourism and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
“We thank the Mexican government for listening to our concerns and proposing a delay in the implementation of the tax that will fall mainly on American citizens,”said the FCCA’s CEO Michele Paige.
She added, “We look forward to the opportunity to continue meaningful dialogue around a balanced solution that protects Mexico’s communities, supports its vibrant tourism industry, and ensures the affordability of cruise travel for our guests.”
Cruise Industry Warns of Financial Fallout
The Federal Law of Rights, Ley Federal de Derechos, outlines various fees and charges for services provided by the federal government, including those related to tourism and immigration.
Historically, cruise ship passengers were exempt from certain immigration fees under this law as they are considered “in transit” travelers who typically remain on board or spend limited time ashore during port calls.
However, on December 3, 2024, the Mexican government dropped a bombshell by revealing it had passed new legislation that would impose the new tax for cruise travelers beginning January 1, 2025.
“The removal of the in-transit tax exemption – which was provided to our industry over a decade ago for valid reasons that still apply today – was done without our prior input and after the legislation was passed,” said Paige.
“It is ironic that until this law was abruptly announced the industry was looking to grow business in Mexico, and now the opposite will occur,” she continued.
Cruise Pier in Cozumel, Mexico (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Industry growth includes the construction of exclusive cruise destinations, such as Royal Caribbean’snew Royal Beach Club Cozumel, set to debut in 2026, and Perfect Day Mexico near Costa Maya, which is scheduled to open in 2027.
At $42 per person, the new tax would make Mexico one of the most expensive cruise destinations globally and 213 percent more expensive than the average Caribbean port.
With over 10 million cruise passengers expected in 2025, Mexico stands to make millions in taxes on cruise guests traveling to popular ports like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
However, communities already benefit from ship arrivals. Cruise passengers visiting Mexico in the first four months of 2024 alone were reported to have spent an average of $83.90 each.
AMANAC anticipates the loss of passengers and ship calls will equate to less income for communities, “fewer jobs and lower tax revenues for the government.”
The FCCA and AMANAC now have until July 1 to convince the Mexican government not to enforce the tax on guests. If they don’t, all eyes will remain on Mexico’s cruise ports as to whether they’ll be able to maintain their appeal.
