Royal Caribbean ships have been sneakily removing beloved perks and traditions over the years, hoping cruisers like you and me wouldn’t notice. Midnight buffets? Disappeared. Twice-a-day housekeeping? Forget it! Those dreamy chocolates on your pillow? Vanished into thin air. It’s as if the cruise line is trimming away the extras we didn’t think we’d miss. But here’s the deal—we do miss them.
Curious about what else has been phased out? Let’s uncover the list of what’s ended up in the depth of the ocean and what’s taken its place. Some of these changes might leave you nostalgic, others downright baffled.
Twice-a-Day Housekeeping
Royal Caribbean quietly switched most staterooms to once-a-day housekeeping, leaving you to choose between morning or evening service. Many cruisers express their disappointment that this once-standard perk has disappeared. Many viewed it as part of the luxury cruise experience they expect onboard.
One cruiser online shared that they miss the turndown service, towel animals, and complimentary chocolates. Another said they are baffled that gratuities are higher, and service is poorer.
No Turndown Service with Chocolates
Wondered where those delicious chocolates on your pillow went? Yep, they’re gone as well. This once luxurious cruise tradition is now a sweet memory confined to the history books. Sure, it’s a minor change, but still, for many cruisers, it was a thoughtful touch that made evenings feel special.
Here’s what one cruiser shared on a cruise forum: “I really miss the turndown service. On my last cruise, I noticed the hallways were filled with dishes at night. I suspect this was due to the lack of nighttime room cleaning.”
Towel Animals Reduced
Noticed fewer towel animals? It’s true. Royal Caribbean has quietly cut back on the adorable creations that used to greet you after a long day. While still seen occasionally, they’re now more of a rare treat than an everyday delight. Some cruisers call it a loss of whimsy onboard.
One guest shared, “Towel animals always made me smile—they were such a fun surprise!” Another joked, “Guess it’s one way to save on laundry!”
Various Food and Dining Options
For seasoned cruisers, the biggest grievance with Royal Caribbean isn’t the flashy extras—it’s the food. Iconic dining traditions have vanished, beloved options have sunk, and once-extravagant menus feel stripped bare.
Dining—once the heart of the cruise experience—seems to have hit the rocks, leaving many cruisers wondering where the magic has gone.
Midnight Buffet
Gone are the days of midnight feasts with ice sculptures and lavish spreads. The iconic buffets have been replaced by grab-and-go pizza and snacks. While Royal says it reduces waste, many guests feel it’s lost the magic. One cruiser said, “It wasn’t just food—it was an event!”
Jade Sushi in Windjammer
The Windjammer’s Jade Sushi station, once a favorite for free Asian-inspired dishes, is no more. Specialty dining like Izumi has taken its place—for a price. A cruiser shared how they miss the casual sushi nights and it feels like the cruise line is after every last cent.
Lobster Tail Limitations
Unlimited lobster tail dinners? Sorry—they’re lost at sea without a trace. Now, you’re limited to one free tail per cruise, with extras costing $16.99 a time. Guests aren’t thrilled. One commented that it was always a cruise staple and that charging for more feels cheap. Another added that paying makes it less enjoyable, no matter how good it is.
Cold Soups and Classic Dishes
Cold soups and classic dishes like lamb and duck have disappeared from the main dining room menus. Many cruisers miss the variety. However, some Windjammer buffets have a server that makes customized salads. But passengers complain about long lines for them. Another pleaded for Royal Caribbean to bring back the chilled soups because basic salad starters get boring.
Tutti Salad Bar in MDR (Main Dining Room)
The beloved Tutti Salad Bar in the main dining room—a highlight with health-conscious travelers—is history. Guests fondly recall customizing their salads with endless toppings. One cruiser said “It was a small thing, but it felt so fancy,” one guest said. Another added, “Why take away something everyone loved?”
In general, cruisers feel that Royal Caribbean has slowly been cutting back on food quality in the buffet and Main Dining Room.
Tuxedo Rentals
Who doesn’t love dressing up for a formal night on a Caribbean cruise ship? From now on, you’ll need to pack your own tuxedo. The tux rental service is another thing the cruise line has done away with. As a compromise, Royal Caribbean has relaxed the dress code for formal evenings—but not everyone welcomed this change.
The online consensus is mixed on the subject of tuxedo rentals. Some cruisers I’ve read about fondly recall renting tuxedos for special occasions, while others said they didn’t mind as fewer guests dress formally now.
Formal Nights Dress Code Relaxation
Formal nights on Royal Caribbean aren’t what they used to be. A relaxed dress code means fewer tuxedos and gowns and more casual attire like shorts and polos. While this makes packing more manageable, many seasoned cruisers miss the elegance and tradition of formal nights.
From what I’ve read online, some guests feel formal nights have lost their charm—which once felt like stepping into a glamorous bygone era. However, others think that formal dining is old-fashioned and does not have a place in a modern, more casual society.
Flower Shop Services
The onboard flower shop—once a blossoming part of Royal Caribbean cruises—has quietly wilted away. Guests loved the convenience of purchasing fresh arrangements for special occasions. But unfortunately, it’s impossible to buy fresh flowers on board, making it challenging to plan floral surprises.
I’ve read that many cruisers feel the loss of this service dampens the romantic atmosphere, especially for anniversaries and celebrations.
Printed Cruise Compass
Getting a printed daily Cruise Compass used to be a staple of cruising—not anymore. It was helpful for planning daily activities, getting perks and discounts, and making the most of the cruise experience. While the printed version is still available, you must now request it at guest services.
From my experience, using the printed version is far easier for planning. Although the cruise ship app is handy for most things, seasoned cruisers find it clunky and impractical for reading while enjoying the morning coffee.
Crown & Anchor Society Perks
Royal Caribbean has gradually trimmed the perks Crown & Anchor Society members receive. From complimentary gifts to exclusive lounge access, many benefits have either disappeared or been downgraded.
For example, Diamond Plus members no longer have access to the Concierge Lounge. And they enjoy fewer loyalty perks like keepsakes. Also, Gold-tier perks have been significantly downgraded. Gone are small gifts, exclusive discounts, and priority boarding.
Many seasoned cruisers I’ve read about feel the loyalty program no longer rewards long-term guests, and there’s definitely no ‘loyalty’ from Royal Caribbean’s side to long-term guests.
DreamWorks Experience
Once a beloved feature on Royal Caribbean ships, The DreamWorks Experience has quietly sailed into the sunset, never to return. Guests used to enjoy meeting characters like Shrek and Alex the Lion, exclusive movie screenings, 3D films, and a slew of themed youth club activities. In place, the cruise line focuses on its own entertainment options instead.
I’ve spoken to many families who say they miss the charm and excitement these characters brought to the cruise. For many, it was a reason to book a cruise with Royal Caribbean, but now many are exploring other cruise line options with better entertainment options.
Reduced Pool Deck Entertainment
Pool deck entertainment isn’t quite the party it used to be. Live bands and energetic activities have dwindled, leaving a quieter atmosphere. While some guests enjoy the peace, others miss the lively vibe that once-defined poolside fun, including contests, games, and spontaneous dance sessions.
Many cruisers I’ve read about feel the decks now lack excitement, saying, “It’s just not the same without the live energy and music by the pool.” Others lamented that the Sky Pad is no longer available—a hit with adults and kids.
Champagne Bar
The Champagne Bar was once an elegant spot for enjoying bubbles and class—until it popped its last cork. Cruisers express that they miss the sophistication of the bar, calling it a “loss of old-school cruise elegance.” So, the curated champagne selection is now just memories.
Unfortunately, many cruisers are not impressed by its replacement—the more modern Bionic Bar. Cruise passengers feel the robotic replacement lacks the charm and intimacy of the original. One said that it’s just a waste-of-space gimmick and that the bar is always empty.
So, maybe the Bionic Bar is something the cruise line will phase out in due course.
Ice Sculptures and Extravagant Buffets
Once a dazzling centerpiece of Royal Caribbean’s culinary events, ice sculptures and extravagant buffets have quietly melted away into a sea of memories. These grand displays used to have towering ice carvings and endless spreads of exotic morsels. Not anymore.
In place, you get simpler dining options with less flair and extravagance. While practical, it’s nothing more than a cost-cutting exercise, leaving many cruisers nostalgic for the dramatic flair of the past.
Higher Gratuity Charges
Seasoned cruisers have noticed that Royal Caribbean increases gratuities year-on-year. Some see it as a test of cruiser patience to see how much they’re willing to spend on tips. Also, I’ve read many complaints that the reduced quality of services on board doesn’t warrant the hike in gratuities.
Debates continue to rage online about pre-paid gratuities and whether they should be included in cruise fares with a policy of direct tipping. However, most cruisers are asking: “Why are we tipping more for a scaled-back service?”
Pay-for-Room-Service Policy
The introduction of a room service fee for hot food feels for some cruisers like nickel-and-diming. And get this: in addition to the service charge, 18% gratuities are automatically added. So, expect to pay around $10 for this convenience that used to be free. Thankfully, continental breakfast remains complimentary—for the time being.
Royal Caribbean’s spin is that charging a service fee reduces waste. May that be so. However, many miss the days of getting hot food delivered to the cabin and enjoying alfresco dining on a balcony under the stars.
Increased Drink Package Costs
Drink package prices have climbed steadily, with costs now rivaling luxury hotel rates. Many cruisers feel the rising prices make all-inclusive drink packages less appealing, especially for light or occasional drinkers. Another cruiser noticed that they no longer give souvenir glasses with the drink of the day.
Depending on how much you drink, a drinks package may be worth it. However, it will add hundreds of dollars to the cruise price. Grumbling cruisers frequently post in forums that the drink package hikes are just a “cash grab.”
Priority Boarding Removal
Royal Caribbean has put the squeeze on which cruisers get priority boarding. It’s disappeared for loyal Crown & Anchor members and non-suite guests. Although the cruise app makes the boarding process much easier, taking away the perk for frequent cruisers feels like a downgrade.
I found on Royal Caribbean’s website that Crown & Anchor members qualify for flexible arrival. And not all suites get priority boarding, for example, junior suites. Many lament this loss, saying it dilutes value and that it now lacks the VIP treatment.
Viking Crown Lounge
The iconic Viking Crown Lounge, known for its panoramic views and exclusivity, has quietly disappeared on newer ships. Once a public favorite, it’s now repurposed for suites or specialty venues. Many cruisers miss its open charm, but some note it has been replaced by lounges that lack the same magic.
Cigar Lounges
All cigar lounges like the Connoisseur Club have been stubbed out over the past years. Smokers reminisce about the times they could relax in cozy spots and enjoy luxury cigars. Not anymore. To smoke inside, you must go to the casino, where smoking is only permitted while actively playing.
Guests now must turn to outdoor smoking areas, which lack the ambiance of the original lounges.
No Library and Chapel Spaces
Newer or refurbished Royal Caribbean ships no longer have places for quiet reflection, whether it’s a chapel or library. Some cruisers like the chapels for religious services on Easter or Christmas sailings or for weddings. With more people reading books on electronic devices, libraries are becoming less and less common on cruise ships.
Small Ship Preferences
Royal Caribbean’s move toward massive ships has left fans of smaller vessels nostalgic. Intimate ships like Sovereign of the Seas are no longer part of the fleet. Many cruisers feel the personalized experience has been replaced by bigger crowds and queues, with some switching to smaller lines for a cozier vibe.
No More Free Popcorn
Royal Caribbean has even taken away free popcorn during movie nights and events. Like many cruisers, I always thought it was a nice touch to give out complimentary popcorn. The vibe online is that the cost associated with making popcorn is so small that it feels like penny-pinching to take it away. Is it another example of Royal nickel-and-diming customers?
Specialty Dining Fees
Paying more for getting less seems to be the consensus of many faithful Royal Caribbean cruisers. Many complain that the drop in quality in the MDR makes specialty dining options more attractive. However, price hikes have made these once-affordable options harder to justify.
Long Boarding Process
The long boarding process has been replaced by a streamlined system via the Royal Caribbean app. Guests can now check-in, upload documents, and reserve activities before arrival, making embarkation faster and smoother. While convenient for most, some older passengers find the tech reliance challenging without additional assistance at the port.
How Royal Caribbean Changes Impact the Cruise Experience
Royal Caribbean’s efforts to adapt to changing times haven’t always been smooth sailing. Nostalgic cruisers often see these updates as a drop in value or standards, especially paired with rising prices. While conveniences like app-based check-ins and e-muster drills appeal to modern travelers, for many, these changes can’t replace the charm of bygone traditions.
Expert Tips for Navigating Royal Caribbean Cruise Changes
Changes to Royal Caribbean’s services and amenities have caused some once-loyal cruisers to check out other cruise lines. Very often, lines like Norwegian Cruises, Celebrity, and Virgin Voyages have better deals.
Here are some tips on ensuring you continue to enjoy a top-notch cruise experience on Royal Caribbean:
- Plan ahead by using the Royal Caribbean app for reservations, activity schedules, and check-ins.
- Budget for extra costs for specialty dining, room service, and gratuities to manage expectations.
- Request printed Cruise Compass schedules.
- Leverage loyalty perks and Crown & Anchor Society benefits, like drink vouchers and discounts.
- Embrace the casual vibe, but don’t be afraid to pack an outfit for a formal night if you love the traditional cruise elegance.
My Final Thoughts on Royal Caribbean Changes
Like them or not, Royal Caribbean’s changes reflect the evolution of cruising, as the industry adapts to modern trends and guest preferences. Sure, I miss the grandiose midnight buffets, nighttime turndowns, and chocolates on my pillow. But I’ve also embraced the seamless convenience of app-based check-ins and modern amenities. Despite the shifts, cruising still delivers unforgettable experiences.
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