58 Perks and Traditions Royal Caribbean No Longer Offers

If you’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean for a while, you’ve probably noticed that the experience isn’t quite what it used to be. The ships are bigger, flashier, and full of new attractions, but some of the small touches and traditions that made cruising feel extra special have quietly disappeared.

From cabin perks to dining room rituals, there are dozens of little things that long-time cruisers still talk about with nostalgia. We’ve rounded up 58 of the biggest changes Royal Caribbean has made over the years, and you might be surprised by how many you remember.

The Disappearing Cabin Touches

Once upon a time, stepping into your Royal Caribbean cabin felt like entering a little haven of luxury. Over the years, though, many of those extra details that made the experience feel special have quietly sailed away.

Here are some of the biggest changes you’ll notice today:

1. No More Twice-Daily Housekeeping – Guests now choose a morning or evening service, rather than enjoying both.
2. Turndown Chocolates Gone – The classic bedtime treat has been retired.
3. Towel Animals Hit-or-Miss – Some guests still get them, others don’t.
4. Fruit Baskets Removed – Unless you’re staying in a suite, you won’t find one waiting in your cabin.
5. Cruise Compass Is Digital-First – Printed versions aren’t delivered automatically; you’ll need to request one or use the app.
6. Cabin Stationery Vanished – No more note paper, postcards, or branded pens.
7. Mini Toiletries Replaced – Those collectible little bottles have been swapped for wall-mounted dispensers.
8. Bathrobes by Request Only – They’re no longer standard in most staterooms.
9. Mini-Bar Restocking Inconsistent – Don’t expect daily top-ups unless you ask.

These changes might seem small individually, but together they’ve shifted cabins from feeling pampered and personalised to something a bit more practical. The trade-off is that today’s ships offer larger staterooms, more dining options, and endless activities, but some cruisers still miss those little luxuries.

Buffet Traditions That Have Disappeared

Royal Caribbean’s buffet used to be more than just a place to grab a meal – it was part of the entertainment. Over time, though, many of the little extras that made the Windjammer such a highlight have quietly been removed.

1. Midnight Buffet Retired – Once a nightly spectacle with extravagant displays and ice sculptures, it’s now a thing of the past. Late-night snacks are still available, but they’re more low-key grab-and-go options.
2. Chocolate Buffet Phased Out – The all-chocolate extravaganza (fountains, themed desserts, everything!) is no longer a regular feature.
3. No More Ice Sculptures or Themed Décor – Buffets are simpler and more functional now, with less focus on presentation.
4. Speciality Sushi Missing – Complimentary sushi, once offered under the Jade brand, has moved to paid venues like Izumi.

Today’s buffet is still clean, efficient, and full of food, but the sense of theatre and celebration has faded. These changes likely help reduce food waste and streamline service, but for long-time cruisers, it feels like a little bit of the “wow” factor has quietly disappeared.

Main Dining Room Changes

The main dining room was once the crown jewel of a Royal Caribbean cruise, a place where dinner felt like an event. Over time, though, many of the traditions that made it so memorable have quietly slipped away.

1. No More Baked Alaska Parade – Once a show-stopping moment, waiters would march through the dining room carrying flaming desserts to cheers and applause.
2. Tableside Flambé Dishes Gone – Classics like Cherries Jubilee and Bananas Foster have disappeared from the menu.
3. Cold Soups Missing – Chilled fruit soups, a fan-favourite starter, are rarely offered now.
4. Lobster Tails Limited – You’ll usually get just one complimentary tail, with extras available for an additional charge.
5. Fewer Distinct Courses – Appetisers, soups, and salads are often combined or simplified, making meals shorter and less formal.
6. No Dessert Cart – Instead of having desserts presented tableside, you now just order from the printed menu.
7. Chateaubriand Nights Discontinued – These once-popular special evenings are gone.
8. No More Themed Dining Room Nights – Décor and themed events in the dining room are now a thing of the past.

Dinner is still enjoyable, and the quality of food remains high, but many long-time cruisers miss the theatre and sense of occasion that used to make dining feel truly special.

Bar & Beverage Changes

The drinks experience on Royal Caribbean used to feel like a little extra treat, but over time, the inclusions have been scaled back and the rules tightened. Here’s what’s changed:

1. No More Free Sodas in the Dining Room – Soft drinks once came with your meal at no extra cost. Now you’ll need to buy them individually or get a soda package.
2. Souvenir Glasses – The glass cocktail glasses that made great keepsakes have mostly been replaced with plastic versions (or removed entirely).
3. Duty-Free Liquor Held Until the End – Anything you buy onboard is now stored until the last day – no more enjoying it in your cabin during the cruise.
4. Tighter BYO Rules – Bringing your own wine or spirits onboard is much more restricted than it used to be.
5. Farewell Champagne Toast Gone – Those bottles of bubbly once placed on dining room tables as a send-off have disappeared.

While there are still plenty of bars and drink options onboard, including the freestyle Coke machines and fun cocktails, many long-time cruisers miss these little touches that made drinks feel like part of the celebration rather than just another purchase.

Formal Nights & Dress Code Changes

There was a time when formal night felt like stepping into a black-tie gala at sea. Guests would dress to the nines – tuxedos, evening gowns, and cocktail dresses were everywhere, and the entire ship seemed to transform for the occasion.

But things have changed, and formal nights are now a much more casual affair:

1. Dress Code Relaxed – You’ll now see everything from tuxedos to polo shirts, casual dresses, and even shorts in the dining room on formal nights.
2. No More Tuxedo Rentals – The onboard rental service is gone, meaning you either pack your own formalwear or skip dressing up entirely.
3. Less of a Ship-Wide Event – Formal nights used to feel like a shared celebration; today, many passengers simply opt out.

For some cruisers, this shift is a relief – it’s easier to pack light and stay comfortable. But for others, it’s a loss of the elegance and sense of occasion that made cruise dining feel special. It’s just one more example of Royal Caribbean’s move toward a more flexible, casual cruise style.

Entertainment & Activities That Have Disappeared

Entertainment is still a huge part of the Royal Caribbean experience, but some of the quirky, memorable traditions that made cruises feel unique have quietly faded away over the years:

1. DreamWorks Character Experience Gone – Families once enjoyed meeting Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and the Madagascar crew onboard. Now youth programming is more generalised.
2. Horse Racing Games Retired – The interactive betting game was a fun social activity that brought passengers together — now removed.
3. Skeet Shooting & Golf Ball Driving Discontinued – Safety and environmental concerns saw these “only at sea” activities phased out.
4. Island Overnights Are Rare – Staying docked overnight to explore deeper is now uncommon.
5. Fewer Live Poolside Bands – DJs and playlists have replaced many of the live music performances around the pool deck.
6. Passenger Talent Shows Replaced – These have mostly given way to karaoke or other pre-scheduled activities.
7. Crew Entertainment During Dinner Scaled Back – Wait staff used to sing and dance nightly — now it’s typically just once per cruise.

These might seem like small things, but together they created a festive, ship-wide energy that many seasoned cruisers still miss. The result is a cruise experience that feels a bit more polished and efficient, but a little less magical.

Venue Changes

As Royal Caribbean continues to modernise its fleet, some familiar spaces have been quietly removed or repurposed, often without much announcement. For long-time cruisers, these were the spots that added character and variety to life onboard.

1. Sky Pad Discontinued – The popular virtual reality trampoline on Freedom Class ships has been shut down, even though the structure is still there.
2. Cigar Lounges Gone – Dedicated spaces like the Connoisseur Club have been removed, leaving fewer comfortable options for smokers.
3. No Dedicated Chapels – Wedding and vow renewal spaces have mostly disappeared, along with places for religious services.
4. Libraries Downsized or Removed – Digital entertainment has replaced physical books, leaving little or no space for quiet reading.
5. Viking Crown Lounge Repurposed – This once-iconic lounge with sweeping views has been converted into suite-only or speciality venues, losing some of its charm and accessibility.
6. Flower Shops Discontinued – Guests can no longer order fresh flowers onboard for special occasions, a small touch that once added romance to the cruise.

These changes may not affect the core cruise experience, but they do mean fewer quiet corners and fewer personal touches. For many guests, they’re a reminder that today’s ships are focused on efficiency and premium spaces — sometimes at the expense of charm.

Loyalty & Perk Changes

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society has always been a big draw for repeat cruisers, offering perks that made loyal guests feel valued. Over time, though, several of those benefits have been scaled back or restructured, and some have disappeared completely.

1. Concierge Lounge Access Removed for Diamond Plus – Once a favourite perk, this quiet retreat with complimentary drinks and snacks is now reserved for suite guests via the Suite Lounge.
2. No More Printed Keepsakes – Passenger lists and commemorative cruise documents have been phased out, replaced by digital records (and, let’s be honest, likely to avoid GDPR headaches).
3. Fewer Small Perks for Lower Tiers – Priority boarding, small gifts, and exclusive discounts have been reduced or removed entirely for some levels.
4. Mid-Tier Benefits Feel Weaker – Even guests with multiple sailings under their belt say the rewards don’t feel as special as they once did.

Overall, the programme seems to focus more on upselling premium experiences, like suites and paid add-ons, than rewarding loyalty. The points still accumulate, but many long-time cruisers feel the benefits no longer carry the same weight.

General Service & Experience Changes

It’s not just the venues and perks that have changed – the overall feel of a Royal Caribbean cruise has shifted over the years. Many of the little touches that made the experience feel warm and personal have quietly disappeared.

1. No Personal Welcome Anymore – You’re no longer greeted by crew and shown to your cabin at boarding.
2. Sail-Away Streamers Gone – The colorful paper streamers tossed overboard at departure are now a thing of the past.
3. Bridge Tours Discontinued – For security reasons, bridge visits are rare.
4. Galley Tours Limited – These are far less common, often only offered on longer cruises or as a paid experience.
5. No Pre-Sail Guests – You can’t bring non-cruising friends onboard before departure anymore.
6. Tender Tickets Eliminated – It’s now a first-come, first-served process for tender boats.
7. Paperwork Phased Out – Cruise documents, passenger lists, and even the daily Cruise Compass are now mostly digital.
8. Poolside Towel Service Reduced – Towels are still available, but less visible and self-serve.
9. No Free Popcorn at Movie Nights – It’s a paid extra now.
10. Room Service Fees Introduced – Complimentary room service is mostly gone, except for continental breakfast.
11. Free Fitness Classes – Many group workouts now come with a charge.
12. Celebration Cakes Cost Extra – Birthday and anniversary cakes are no longer complimentary.

While these changes might make operations smoother, they’ve also taken away some of the charm and spontaneity of cruising. Loyal guests often say the “magic” hasn’t disappeared completely, but it has become harder to find.

Final Thoughts

Cruising with Royal Caribbean is still an incredible way to explore the world, unwind, and enjoy life at sea, but there’s no denying the experience has changed.

The loss of little touches like turndown chocolates, midnight buffets, free champagne toasts, and personal welcomes might seem minor on their own, but together they paint a picture of how cruising has evolved over the years.

That said, it’s not all bad news. Today’s ships are bigger, flashier, and packed with innovations, from ziplines to robot bartenders, that earlier cruisers could only dream of.

Whether these changes feel like a step forward or a loss of old-school charm depends on your perspective. One thing is certain: Royal Caribbean is constantly adapting to meet the expectations of a new generation of cruisers.

Which of these changes do you miss the most? Or do you think cruising is better now than ever? Let us know in the comments — we’d love to hear what you think.

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