12 Things Royal Caribbean Has Subtly Phased Out—And How It Impacts Your Next Cruise

Royal Caribbean International has long been celebrated as a leader in the cruise industry, offering cutting-edge amenities, vibrant entertainment, and unforgettable dining experiences.

However, seasoned cruisers may have noticed some subtle—and not-so-subtle—changes over the years. As the cruise line continues to innovate, a few beloved features have quietly sailed into the sunset.

Here’s a look at eight key changes, what’s replaced them, and whether the magic of cruising is still intact.

Changes Royal Caribbean Has Quietly Made

Daily Housekeeping

For years, twice-daily housekeeping was a hallmark of cruising with Royal Caribbean. It was a small luxury that ensured your cabin was always in pristine condition, whether you’d just woken up or returned from a busy day ashore.

This meant fresh towels, a neatly made bed, and sometimes even those adorable towel animals that added a touch of whimsy to the day.

Now, standard cabins receive housekeeping service only once daily, with guests selecting either morning or evening. For those staying in suites, the twice-daily service remains intact, offering a little extra indulgence for premium cruisers.

The shift has understandably sparked mixed reactions. Some miss the convenience of having their cabin refreshed multiple times a day, especially after a midday rest or a hurried change before dinner. Others, however, appreciate fewer interruptions, finding it easier to enjoy a slower pace or a bit of extra privacy.

For many, the change feels like a sign of the times—a cost-saving adjustment that aligns with evolving trends in hospitality. Compared to the single service offered at most hotels, daily housekeeping is still a welcome feature, even if it’s less frequent than before.

Ultimately, while the loss of twice-daily tidying may make you nostalgic for the golden age of cruising, it’s far from a dealbreaker.

After all, cruising is about the destinations, experiences, and unforgettable moments, not just the number of times your cabin is cleaned. Still, for those of us who adore the pampering of cruising, having the option to bring back twice-daily service would feel like an extra sprinkle of magic.

Room Service Charges

Room service used to be one of the quintessential indulgences of cruising—a way to enjoy breakfast in bed or satisfy a late-night craving without leaving the comfort of your cabin. For years, it was included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, making it feel like a seamless part of the all-inclusive experience.

However, in recent years, Royal Caribbean introduced a fee of $7.95 per order for room service, with the exception of continental breakfast, which remains complimentary unless you add hot items.

While the fee applies per order rather than per dish, it’s a notable departure from the previous no-cost model and a shift toward a more à la carte approach.

For many cruisers, this change is bittersweet. On one hand, the convenience of room service hasn’t gone away, and the pricing isn’t exorbitant when compared to similar services at resorts or hotels.

On the other hand, there’s a certain charm in knowing you could order freely without worrying about extra charges. It’s a small but symbolic adjustment that some guests feel chips away at the all-inclusive spirit of a cruise.

That said, the impact on the overall experience is minimal for most passengers. With a wide array of complimentary dining options available onboard—including 24-hour venues—room service is often seen as a backup or occasional treat rather than a dining necessity.

The fact that continental breakfast remains free for those who don’t need hot items is a thoughtful compromise for early risers who love to ease into their day.

While paying for room service may feel like a step back for some, the variety and quality of dining options onboard still ensure that every craving can be satisfied.

For those who do miss the old ways, though, the hope remains that this luxury could someday return as part of the standard cruise package.

Loyalty Program Changes

For years, Royal Caribbean’s Diamond Plus members enjoyed a standout perk: access to the Concierge Lounge. This exclusive space offered a serene environment for relaxing with complimentary drinks and snacks, making it a coveted retreat for the cruise line’s most loyal guests.

However, this benefit has been officially retired, a change attributed to overcrowding as more passengers achieve Diamond Plus status.

In practice, the lounge’s exclusivity had already been fading. On many sailings, access was limited due to space constraints, with suite guests often prioritized.

While the removal of this perk feels like a loss for those who cherished the quieter ambiance and personalized service, the impact has been less dramatic for cruisers who had already experienced its decline in availability.

Royal Caribbean has shifted focus to ensure its loyalty program continues to offer value in other ways. Benefits such as complimentary drinks, discounts, and onboard perks remain intact, ensuring loyal passengers are still recognized and rewarded.

For those seeking an intimate, upscale experience, the Suite Lounge remains an option, though it comes with the premium cost of suite accommodations.

While the retirement of the Concierge Lounge marks the end of an era, it’s also a reflection of the evolving needs of today’s cruisers.

Royal Caribbean continues to prioritize memorable onboard experiences, ensuring that even as specific perks change, the overall value of its loyalty program remains strong.

For those who miss the lounge, the hope remains that the cruise line will introduce new perks that capture the same spirit of exclusivity and appreciation.

Their Legendary BOGO Drink Package Deal

For years, Royal Caribbean offered a last-minute deal for passengers who hadn’t purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package (DBP) before boarding. On embarkation day, cruisers could take advantage of a buy-one-get-one 50% off (BOGO) promotion, making it a more affordable option for those hesitant to commit beforehand.

While the base price varied by sailing, the deal was a welcome consolation for those looking to save on drink packages.

However, this popular offer quietly disappeared in July 2024, with no official announcement from Royal Caribbean. Guests began noticing its absence as the deal stopped appearing on embarkation day across most ships. The loss was especially felt by cruisers who didn’t purchase the DBP ahead of time and were now left with the full-price option.

Adding to the challenge, Royal Caribbean requires all adults in the same cabin to purchase the DBP if one person opts for it onboard.

Before the cruise, guests could request exemptions, allowing one person to purchase a non-alcoholic Refreshment Package instead. Onboard, however, there’s no flexibility, and sharing drinks with those without a package is strictly prohibited.

Update: Recently, the BOGO offer has reappeared on select sailings, such as the September 30–October 4 itinerary of Utopia of the Seas. However, this comeback comes with significant changes. First, the base price for the DBP during the promotion is often set at $110 per person, per day—one of the highest rates Royal Caribbean uses. Second, and more critically, the deal now ends at sailaway. Guests must make their purchase before the ship departs, a stark contrast to the previous policy of extending the offer through the first day of the cruise.

While some crew members have reported the deal sporadically returning on other sailings, its availability remains inconsistent.

The Midnight Buffet

There was a time when the midnight buffet was the crown jewel of a cruise’s dining experience. With limited meal options outside the main dining room, these extravagant late-night spreads offered something special for passengers craving a snack after an evening of entertainment.

The buffets were a feast for the senses, featuring ice sculptures, towers of desserts, and carefully arranged canapés. It wasn’t just about the food—it was a full-on event that added a touch of glamour to cruising.

As cruise ships expanded their dining offerings, the midnight buffet began to fade into history. Today’s ships boast 24-hour options, including cafés, pizzerias, and specialty restaurants, ensuring passengers are never far from a bite to eat no matter the hour.

With more practical alternatives available, the midnight buffet became less essential, eventually disappearing from most itineraries.

While the idea of the midnight buffet is fondly remembered, it’s clear that modern dining options more than make up for its absence.

Passengers now enjoy greater variety and convenience, and the need to schedule a visit to a specific late-night feast has become obsolete. That said, there’s a certain charm to the memory of loading up a plate under the stars or marveling at the artistry of the displays.

Would I welcome its return? Perhaps for the nostalgia and fun of reliving a tradition, but in today’s cruising world, the midnight buffet isn’t a necessity.

With so many delicious and accessible choices available at any time, cruising has evolved to meet modern expectations without losing its culinary magic.

Dining and Bar Changes

Over the years, Royal Caribbean has revamped its dining and bar options, bidding farewell to some cherished venues that once held a special place in cruisers’ hearts.

Among these is the Champagne Bar, a sophisticated spot that offered a refined atmosphere for enjoying bubbly cocktails and expertly crafted martinis. While the bar has been replaced by newer concepts, its elegance and charm are fondly remembered by long-time guests who enjoyed its more intimate vibe.

Another nostalgic loss is the “Jade” section of the Windjammer buffet, which once featured unlimited sushi and other Asian-inspired dishes.

Though the sushi wasn’t known for its gourmet quality, the excitement of indulging in endless rolls without an extra charge was part of the appeal. Today, sushi fans can dine at Izumi, Royal Caribbean’s specialty sushi restaurant, which focuses on higher-quality offerings—but at an additional cost.

Sabor, the cruise line’s Mexican dining venue, has also been gradually phased out, with only a few ships still hosting this fan-favorite restaurant. Known for its tableside guacamole and flavorful margaritas, Sabor offered a lively, casual alternative to more traditional cruise dining options. Its disappearance has left many guests nostalgic for its unique menu and fun dining experience.

While it’s disappointing to see these beloved venues retired, Royal Caribbean has made strides in elevating its overall dining and bar experience.

The newer venues and specialty restaurants bring fresh concepts and higher-quality cuisine, catering to modern tastes and expectations. Though longtime cruisers may miss the variety of the past, there’s no shortage of exciting options to explore on board.

Change is inevitable, and while these departures may feel bittersweet, Royal Caribbean’s commitment to innovation ensures that the dining and bar scene remains a vibrant part of the cruising experience. Whether it’s trying a new specialty cocktail or discovering a fresh culinary concept, there’s always something new to savor.

E-Muster Drill

If you cruised before 2021, you likely remember the traditional muster drill, an essential safety briefing that was far from a highlight of embarkation day.

Passengers were required to stop whatever they were doing, gather at their assigned muster station—often outdoors in the heat or tightly packed into an indoor area—and endure a lengthy presentation on safety procedures.

While the drill was vital for passenger safety, it often felt like an inconvenient way to kick off a vacation.

Enter the e-muster drill, a modern approach that completely reimagines this necessary process. Introduced in 2021, the e-muster allows passengers to watch the safety briefing on the Royal Caribbean app or their stateroom TV at their convenience.

Once completed, passengers simply check in at their muster station to confirm attendance. No standing in the sun, no waiting in crowds, and no interruptions to your first hours onboard.

This streamlined process has been widely praised as one of Royal Caribbean’s most passenger-friendly innovations. For many, it’s hard to imagine going back to the old way, especially when the e-muster drill allows guests to begin their vacation with less stress and more time to explore the ship—or enjoy a welcome cocktail.

While some cruise lines still adhere to the traditional method, Royal Caribbean’s approach has set a new standard for efficiency and convenience.

The e-muster drill not only enhances the embarkation experience but also ensures that passengers are informed and prepared in a way that feels seamless and easy. It’s a win-win, making safety briefings less of a chore and more of a quick formality. For cruisers, this change is a welcome breath of fresh sea air.

Entertainment Changes

Royal Caribbean has long been a leader in onboard entertainment, offering a wide range of activities and shows that captivate guests of all ages. Over the years, however, the cruise line has made some noticeable changes, retiring a few beloved experiences.

One of the most memorable losses is the DreamWorks Experience. For years, families delighted in meeting beloved characters like Shrek, Puss in Boots, and Alex the Lion. Themed events featuring these iconic characters brought a touch of movie magic to the high seas.

However, as DreamWorks films faded from pop culture prominence, Royal Caribbean ended the partnership and shifted its focus to creating in-house entertainment offerings.

While some families may miss the nostalgic charm of these character meet-and-greets, the cruise line’s modern productions and activities continue to impress.

Another noticeable change is the removal of the Skypad, a bungee trampoline activity that incorporated virtual reality for an added thrill. While the physical structure remains on some ships, the activity itself has been retired, likely due to safety concerns.

Its departure has left some adrenaline-seekers disappointed, but Royal Caribbean’s ships still offer a variety of exciting attractions, from rock climbing walls to surf simulators.

Do I miss these changes? In some ways, yes—the DreamWorks characters were a fun addition for families, and the Skypad offered a unique twist on onboard thrills.

That said, Royal Caribbean’s ability to innovate and adapt has ensured there’s always something new and exciting to enjoy. The cruise line continues to deliver with dazzling productions, cutting-edge technology, and fresh activities that keep guests entertained from sunrise to sunset.

While it’s always bittersweet to see old favorites go, these changes are a testament to Royal Caribbean’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re catching a world-class show, exploring themed entertainment zones, or trying out the latest onboard attraction, there’s never a shortage of ways to make lasting memories.

Tuxedo Rentals Are No More

Once a staple of the cruise experience, tuxedo rentals have quietly disappeared from Royal Caribbean’s onboard services. Formal nights on a cruise were a grand occasion, and the ability to rent formalwear onboard saved space in luggage while ensuring passengers could participate in style.

The service’s removal likely reflects a shift toward more casual cruising, as well as changing guest preferences. While tuxedo rentals may be missed by some, the modern trend of more relaxed formal nights makes the loss less impactful for many.

Onboard Flower Sales Discontinued

Buying flowers onboard was a thoughtful way to celebrate special occasions during a cruise, whether it was an anniversary, birthday, or romantic evening.

However, this service has quietly been phased out. While it wasn’t a highly publicized change, the absence of this small touch has left a gap for those who appreciated the ability to add a little extra sentiment to their cruise.

Fewer Free Activities for Kids

While Royal Caribbean still offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment, long-time cruisers may notice a reduction in some free activities that were once common.

Complimentary craft sessions, character meet-and-greets, and themed events have become less frequent or transitioned to premium, pay-per-use options.

Families can still enjoy a wealth of onboard options, but some may miss the extra touches that came at no additional cost.

Removal of Certain Themed Nights

Themed evenings, such as decades or tropical nights, were once an integral part of the cruise’s festive atmosphere.

While some ships still include these events, they’ve become less standardized across the fleet. For guests who loved dressing up and immersing themselves in the fun of themed parties, this change has been noticeable.

The Bottom Line

Royal Caribbean has evolved to meet the expectations of today’s travelers, balancing cost-efficiency with innovation.

While some changes, like the introduction of room service fees or the end of twice-daily housekeeping, may feel like compromises, the essence of a Royal Caribbean cruise remains: world-class dining, entertainment, and exploration.

Change is inevitable, but the cruise line’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience ensures the magic is far from gone.

What do you think? Are there any old features or traditions you’d like to see make a comeback? Let us know in the comments below!