8 Things Royal Caribbean Have Quietly Cut And What They’ve Replaced Them With in 2025

If you’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean for years, you’ve probably noticed a few things have quietly disappeared. Changes have been creeping in, and while some of them make perfect sense, others leave us wondering what happened to those little touches that made cruising so magical.

Over my years of sailing with Royal Caribbean, I’ve seen the cruise line evolve, innovate, and, yes, cut back. From dining and entertainment to loyalty perks and onboard services, some changes feel like upgrades, while others might make you nostalgic for the “good old days.” 

Read on as I take a trip down memory lane and explore what’s been cut, what’s been kept, and whether we’re really missing out.

1. Housekeeping Once a Day

Once upon a time, Royal Caribbean offered twice-daily housekeeping for all cabins, ensuring that your room was immaculately tidied both in the morning and again in the evening. This was particularly convenient for those midday naps or pre-dinner downtime, as you’d return to find your bed freshly made and towels replenished. But as of recent years, this service has been reduced to once a day for standard cabins, with guests now choosing between morning or evening service. Suites, however, still enjoy twice-daily attention.

On paper, this cutback feels significant, but in practice, it’s not as dramatic as you might think. The main thing I miss? Having the bed neatly remade if I’ve had a cheeky nap during the day, it’s more of an aesthetic perk than a functional one.

That said, fewer housekeeping visits mean fewer interruptions, which can be a blessing if you’re someone who loves a lazy morning or an early night.

Is it a cost-saving measure? Absolutely. Does it detract from the cruise experience? Not as much as I expected. It’s a change I’d happily reverse if given the option, but it hasn’t stopped me from enjoying a fantastic cruise. After all, it’s hard to complain about housekeeping when many hotels these days barely manage once per stay!

2. The Midnight Buffet

The midnight buffet was once a hallmark of cruising, offering passengers a late-night feast of indulgent treats. Decades ago, cruise ships had fewer dining options, with the main dining room often being the only real choice for meals. 

The midnight buffet filled a gap, providing something special for those who wanted a little extra after-hours dining. Elaborate displays of food—think ice sculptures, mountains of desserts, and beautifully presented canapés—made it feel like a grand event.

However, as cruise ships evolved, so did their dining options. Today, most ships have 24-hour venues like cafés, pizza stations, and speciality restaurants offering a variety of options well into the night. 

In this new age of round-the-clock dining, the midnight buffet became redundant. It was eventually phased out and replaced by more practical solutions.

Do I miss it? Not really. While the idea of a midnight buffet is romanticised by many, in practice, it likely wasn’t as magical as we imagine. The variety of dining options now available more than compensates for its absence. That said, I wouldn’t turn down a late-night buffet if it made a comeback—there’s just something fun about piling up a plate under the glow of the moonlit deck!

3. E-Muster Drill

If you’ve cruised before 2021, you’ll remember the in-person muster drill—a safety briefing that was mandatory for all passengers before setting sail. It meant dropping everything you were doing on embarkation day, lining up at your muster station (often outdoors in the sweltering heat), and enduring a long, drawn-out explanation of safety procedures. While necessary, it was hardly the most enjoyable way to kick off your holiday.

Enter the e-muster drill, and suddenly, the experience was transformed. Now, you can watch the safety briefing on the cruise line’s app or your cabin TV at your convenience. The only requirement is a quick check-in at your muster station, and that’s it—no standing in the sun, no crowding, no interruptions. This change, introduced in 2021, is arguably one of the best enhancements Royal Caribbean has made in decades.

Personally, I can’t imagine going back to the old system. The e-muster drill is efficient, stress-free, and lets you enjoy your first few hours on board. While some cruise lines still cling to the traditional method, I hope they eventually follow Royal Caribbean’s lead, because who wants to start their cruise with a queue when there’s a cocktail waiting at the bar?

4. Room Service Charges

Room service used to be one of those small luxuries included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether you fancied a late-night snack or a leisurely breakfast in bed, it came at no extra charge. But in recent years, the cruise line introduced a service fee of $7.95 per order, plus an 18% gratuity, which now applies to most room service orders.

The exception? Continental breakfast items are still complimentary, so if you’re happy with pastries, fruit, or juice, you can still enjoy breakfast in bed without the extra charge. Hot breakfast items, however, fall under the paid menu.

If you’re sailing in a Grand Suite or higher, you may still find that the service charge is waived as part of your suite perks. Policies can vary slightly by ship, though, and Royal Caribbean notes that these charges are “subject to change without notice.”

I have mixed feelings about this change. On one hand, I dislike the idea of paying extra for something that used to be included; nobody enjoys feeling nickelled and dimed on holiday. On the other hand, the reality is that the room service menu was never particularly extensive or exceptional. Aside from the convenience, it wasn’t a major highlight of the cruise dining experience.

That said, I do appreciate that the complimentary continental breakfast option is still available — it’s a nice middle ground. Ultimately, while I wouldn’t say I love this change, it hasn’t significantly impacted my cruise enjoyment. With so many other dining options available, room service has become more of a backup plan than a must-have feature.

5. Loyalty Programme Changes

For years, Royal Caribbean’s most loyal cruisers, especially Diamond Plus members, enjoyed access to the exclusive Concierge Lounge, a quiet and comfortable space perfect for unwinding with drinks and snacks.

However, this perk has since evolved. The lounge has been rebranded as the Crown Lounge, and while access is now officially extended to Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members, the experience can vary depending on the sailing.

Related reading: Is Royal Caribbean Diamond Status Worth It? Here’s What You Get

In practice, some guests have reported restricted access or limited hours for Diamond-level members on certain cruises, particularly during peak evening times when the lounge gets busy. These restrictions are usually ship-specific and designed to manage crowding – an ongoing challenge as more passengers reach higher loyalty tiers.

While it’s easy to miss the old Concierge Lounge’s sense of intimacy, the Crown Lounge still offers a pleasant spot to socialise, grab complimentary drinks during happy hour, and catch up with fellow frequent cruisers. The change reflects Royal Caribbean’s growing loyalty base and its efforts to balance exclusivity with inclusivity.

Do I miss the old days? Maybe a little, but the benefits for loyal cruisers remain strong, and Royal’s continued investment in onboard experiences helps ensure that even long-time guests still feel valued.

6. Dining and Bar Changes

Over the years, Royal Caribbean has said goodbye to several beloved dining and bar venues, each with its own loyal fanbase. One of the most nostalgic losses is the Champagne Bar, a sophisticated spot where cruisers could enjoy bubbly cocktails and classic martinis. While the bar has been replaced by newer concepts, its unique charm still lingers in the memories of long-time guests.

Another big loss for some was the Jade section in the Windjammer buffet, which once offered unlimited sushi alongside other Asian-inspired dishes. Although the quality wasn’t top-tier, the novelty of endless sushi at no extra cost was a delight. In its place, Royal Caribbean introduced Izumi, a speciality sushi restaurant that focuses on higher quality but comes at an added cost.

Then there’s the gradual phasing out of restaurants like Sabor, the cruise line’s Mexican concept known for its tableside guacamole and margaritas. Sabor now only appears on a handful of ships, having been replaced by venues like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, and the lively Lime & Coconut bars that have become staples of the newer ships.

Personally, I miss the variety these venues offered, but I can’t deny that Royal Caribbean’s newer bars and speciality restaurants have elevated the overall dining experience. While it’s sad to say goodbye to old favourites, the cruise line’s focus on innovation means there’s always something fresh and exciting on the horizon.

7. Entertainment Changes

Royal Caribbean has continued to evolve its entertainment over the years, retiring a few favourites while introducing some of the most ambitious productions at sea. One notable farewell was the DreamWorks Experience, which brought characters like Shrek, Puss in Boots, and Alex the Lion to life for families.

My little one loved meeting those characters on board, and the themed events added a magical touch. But as DreamWorks partnerships faded, Royal shifted focus to its own original productions, a move that’s proven hugely successful.

Today, entertainment is bigger and bolder than ever. Productions like Effectors 2 and AquaTheater’s high-dive shows have become signature experiences, alongside Broadway classics and innovative ice-skating performances in Absolute Zero – a reimagined rink concept debuting on the refreshed Legend of the Seas in 2025.

The Skypad, a bungee trampoline attraction with a virtual reality twist, has also been phased out across much of the fleet, likely due to safety concerns. But in its place, Royal continues to add new activities and immersive technology-driven experiences to keep passengers entertained.

Do I miss the old days? Perhaps a little, but it’s hard to argue with the incredible creativity and quality of today’s shows. Royal Caribbean’s ability to reinvent its entertainment is one of the things that keeps the cruise line feeling fresh, even for those of us who’ve been sailing for years.

8. Other Services We’ve Said Goodbye To

Over time, Royal Caribbean has quietly retired a handful of onboard services, many of which were small but appreciated conveniences. For instance, it’s no longer possible to rent tuxedos onboard, a service that saved space in your suitcase and ensured you were dressed to impress on formal nights. 

While practical, the thought of wearing a suit many others had also borrowed might explain why this service was phased out. Similarly, the ability to buy flowers onboard, once a sweet way to mark special occasions, has also been discontinued, though it’s unlikely many passengers noticed its disappearance.

These changes haven’t significantly impacted the cruise experience for most. Tuxedos and flowers feel like remnants of a more formal cruising era that doesn’t align as well with the casual, modern approach many guests prefer today.

The Bottom Line

Royal Caribbean has certainly changed over the years, trimming some beloved traditions while introducing bold new innovations. From the loss of the midnight buffet to the arrival of digital muster drills and modern venues like Lime & Coconut, the cruise line continues to evolve with the times.

Some changes, like once-daily housekeeping or room service fees, might make long-time cruisers nostalgic for the past, but they’re balanced by incredible new entertainment, dining, and tech-driven conveniences that make modern cruising smoother than ever.

For me, the heart of a Royal Caribbean cruise remains the same: great food, fantastic entertainment, and the chance to explore new destinations in comfort and style. Sure, I miss a few of the old touches, but the spirit of fun and innovation that defines Royal Caribbean is still very much alive.

Change is inevitable, but when it comes to cruising, Royal still manages to keep the magic afloat.

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