I Love Royal Caribbean, But These 6 Things Drive Me Mad

Look, I’ll be the first to say it – I love Royal Caribbean. I’ve cruised with them loads of times, I recommend them to friends, and I’ve had some of the best holidays of my life on their ships. But let’s be real: just because you love something doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

Like any long-term relationship, there are things that drive me absolutely mad. Stuff they could fix tomorrow but… just don’t. So here it is – my no-filter list of things Royal Caribbean really needs to sort out.

Because if I have to watch one more guy stroll into the main dining room in flip-flops and a vest, I might actually lose it.

1. Cutbacks When You’re Making Bank

We all gave cruise lines a bit of grace during the pandemic. Times were tough, money was tight, and we understood that some things had to go. Housekeeping once a day instead of twice? Fine. Fewer little luxuries? Sure, we got it.

But fast forward to now – Royal Caribbean is thriving. They’re making record profits, they’ve brought back shareholder dividends, and they’re launching ships that cost more than small countries. So why are passengers still dealing with budget-era service levels?

Star Class guests – the ones paying £80k+ for a week of cruising luxury – are now being hit with extra charges for premium dining. The “Unlimited” Dining Package comes with credits and limits that make it feel more like a meal deal than a perk. If you’re going to raise prices (and they are), at least bring the value back too. Because at the moment, it feels like we’re paying more… for less.

Related Reading: 8 Things Royal Caribbean Have Quietly Taken Away – And What’s Replaced Them

2. Rules? What Rules?

Royal Caribbean has plenty of rules – they just don’t seem that bothered about actually enforcing them. It’s like they made a list, stuck it on a noticeboard, and then collectively decided to never look at it again.

Take dress codes. Technically, you’re not supposed to rock up to formal night dressed like you’re heading to the beach bar. But guess what? You absolutely can. I’ve seen people in swimwear and baseball caps get seated in the main dining room without so much as a raised eyebrow from staff.

Then there’s smoking and vaping – both technically restricted to certain areas. But if you’ve ever caught a whiff of something suspicious on a balcony or seen someone blow a massive cloud indoors, you know enforcement is basically non-existent. The same goes for check-in times. Emails make it sound like you’ll be banished if you show up too early. Reality? No one cares.

It’s not about being a cruise Karen – it’s about consistency. If there are rules, great! Just… maybe follow through on them?

3. Casino Freebies: A Total Mystery

If you’ve ever gambled in Royal Caribbean’s casino, you might’ve heard whispers of mythical free cruise offers floating around. Spend a bit of money, get a surprise email with a free sailing. Sounds great, right? The only problem: no one actually knows how it works.

Some people gamble thousands and get absolutely nothing. Meanwhile, your mate who shoved $20 into a slot machine “just for fun” gets a free balcony cabin to the Bahamas. It’s like a casino fairy flies around randomly handing out trips, and you just hope she’s feeling generous that day.

There’s zero transparency. No criteria. No real communication. If Royal’s going to keep dangling free cruises like a carrot, the least they could do is explain what you actually need to do to get one. Right now it feels like cruise roulette – and not in a good way.

Related reading: How Playing at Royal Caribbean’s Casino Could Land You a Free Cruise

4. The Crown & Anchor “Early Booking” Myth

One of the perks Royal Caribbean proudly advertises is that Crown & Anchor loyalty members get early access to new cruise itineraries. Sounds good, right? A full 24-hour head start before the general public. VIP vibes.

Except… it’s complete nonsense. Anyone can book the moment the new sailings go live – no special code, no verification, no secret handshake required. Whether you’ve cruised 50 times or never set foot on a ship, you’re all hitting “Book Now” at the same time.

It’s not that we’re demanding the red carpet – we just want honesty. If there’s no real early access, don’t pretend there is. Because calling something a perk when it’s literally not a perk? That’s just taking the mick.

5. No Love for Smaller Home Ports

With over 30 ships in the fleet, you’d think Royal Caribbean could spare a few for the ports that aren’t Miami, New York, or Barcelona. But lately, it feels like if you’re cruising from anywhere less “glam”, you’re getting ghosted.

Baltimore’s getting dropped. Boston? No sailings after this year. And if you live near one of these ports, you’re suddenly expected to fly across the country just to board a ship – adding more cost and hassle to your holiday before it’s even begun.

We get that business is business, but loyal cruisers in these regions kept Royal going through the hard times. A little consistency (or dare we say loyalty?) to those smaller ports wouldn’t go amiss – especially when there are more ships now than ever before.

6. The Not-So-Hidden Extra Costs

Royal Caribbean loves to advertise low starting prices – and to be fair, they can look like a total bargain at first glance. $399 for a seven-night cruise? Sign me up. But if you’ve cruised before, you already know the fare is just the beginning.

Once you start adding drink packages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, gratuities, port fees, and taxes, the cost of your “budget cruise” can balloon quickly. Yes, it’s all technically optional – but most people want to enjoy their holiday without feeling like they’re missing out.

The upside? Royal lets you pick and choose what you pay for, which can actually work in your favour if you’re not into drinking or don’t care about staying connected. Plus, you can save a fair bit by booking extras like drink packages or excursions in advance rather than onboard. Still, it would be nice if the headline price was a little more realistic from the start.

Still Cruising, Still Complaining

Here’s the thing: I’ll probably be back on a Royal Caribbean ship next year. Maybe even later this year (it’s still one of my favorite cruise lines). Because despite the gripes, the chaos, and the occasional smell of vape in the lift, cruising with Royal is still brilliant.

But just because we love it doesn’t mean we’ll stay quiet. Loyal cruisers want it to be better – and honestly, it could be. Enforce the rules, stop the random charges, and give us the value we’re paying for. Is that really too much to ask?

So here’s your tough love, Royal Caribbean. You’re doing great – but we know you can do better. We’re rooting for you… now please, sort the dress code thing. Seriously.

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