Cruising, as an industry, has evolved a lot over the last 20 years or so. And while there are a ton of newer cruise fans, there are probably just as many who’ve cruised for a long time – and they aren’t always happy with the changes that have been made.
Royal Caribbean has long been one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, but it’s a very different proposition to the cruise line that won over previous generations of fans.
So I did some digging, and put together a comprehensive list of the things that Royal Caribbean used to offer, that they no longer do.
And yeah – it’s not a short list. I can’t believe there are over 50 things on it!
First though, check out this commercial from the 1980s!
Cabin Service & Amenities Changes
1. Twice-a-day housekeeping no longer offered
2. Turndown service with chocolates is long-gone
3. Towel animals are not necessarily provided
4. Fruit baskets no longer given to all staterooms
5. The Cruise Compass is now fully digital – no more printed options
6. No stationery provided in your cabin
7. Toiletries have gone from branded items you could take home to generic dispensers
8. Bathrobes are no longer automatically provided
9. Mini-bar restocking isn’t consistent
There was a time when staying in a Royal Caribbean cabin felt like a treat in itself. But over the years, many of the small touches that added charm and comfort have quietly disappeared.
For example, twice-a-day housekeeping is no longer the norm. These days, guests are asked to choose whether they’d like their cabin cleaned in the morning or evening – not both.
Along with this, the classic turndown service with chocolates on your pillow is now a thing of the past.
Towel animals, once a nightly delight, are now hit-or-miss. Some guests still get them, but many don’t.
Fruit baskets, once a welcome gift in all cabins, are gone too unless you’re in a suite. You’ll also notice that printed Cruise Compasses – the daily schedule – are no longer automatically delivered. You’ll need to use the app, or ask at Guest Services if you prefer a paper version.
Other niceties have faded as well. Cabin stationery, like note paper and postcards, is no longer provided. Toiletries have changed too – branded mini bottles have been replaced with wall-mounted dispensers.
Bathrobes are no longer automatically provided in most cabins, and even mini-bars may not be restocked unless you specifically ask.
While none of these changes are deal-breakers on their own, together they reflect a shift away from the pampering experience many cruisers remember. These little touches made your cabin feel special – now, things are simpler, and a bit more stripped-back.
Buffet Changes
10. The Midnight Buffet has been discontinued…
11. As has the Chocolate Buffet (typically)
12. You don’t get ice sculptures and special décor in the buffet anymore
13. Speciality sushi offerings in the buffet are not common
Royal Caribbean’s buffets used to be events in their own right – something passengers genuinely looked forward to. But over time, many of the stand-out features have quietly disappeared.
Most noticeably, the midnight buffet, once a nightly highlight with elaborate spreads and creative displays, is no longer offered. This was more than just a late-night snack – it was a bit of theatre, complete with ice sculptures and decorative themes. Today, it’s been replaced by more basic grab-and-go options.
Also missing is the chocolate buffet, which used to delight guests with everything from chocolate fountains to themed desserts. While chocolate treats can still be found onboard, the dedicated buffet has largely been phased out.
Likewise, speciality items like sushi, once included in the Windjammer buffet under the Jade brand, are now more likely to be found in extra-charge venues like Izumi.
Gone too is the sense of occasion. Buffets now tend to favour function over flair, with fewer themed decorations or standout dishes.
It’s all still clean and efficient, and there’s certainly plenty to eat, but the wow factor has been scaled back. Many guests miss the fun and excitement these buffets used to bring – it wasn’t just about filling your plate, but enjoying a spectacle.
These changes may be part of Royal Caribbean’s effort to reduce food waste and streamline service, but for long-time cruisers, it feels like something joyful has quietly slipped away.
Main Dining Room Changes
14. No more Baked Alaska parades
15. Tableside flambe options aren’t offered anymore
16. The popular cold soup dishes (e.g. chilled fruit soups) are gone
17. Lobster tails are now more limited
18. Fewer courses – you used to see appetizers, soups and salads as distinct courses
19. No more dessert cart to show off the various options
20. Special chateaubriand nights are no more
21. Themed nights with décor have stopped
Dining in the main restaurant used to be a highlight of the cruise – something many guests dressed up for and genuinely looked forward to each evening.
But over the years, several long-standing traditions and favourites have quietly disappeared from the experience.
Perhaps the most iconic loss is the Baked Alaska parade. Once a flamboyant end to the cruise, waiters would march through the dining room with flaming desserts held high, often to cheers and applause.
Today, it’s gone (and it’s gone from most other cruise lines, too) along with other tableside flambé dishes, like Cherries Jubilee or Bananas Foster, which were once a real treat to watch and enjoy.
Cold soups, like fruit-based chilled options, have mostly disappeared from menus. These unique starters were a refreshing change and a fan favourite for many.
Similarly, lobster tails, once a regular highlight of formal nights, are now usually limited to one complimentary portion – with extra tails coming at a cost.
There’s also been a clear simplification in how meals are served. Guests used to receive separate courses for appetisers, soups, and salads, making meals feel more elegant.
Today, these are often merged or reduced. The dessert cart, where staff would show off your choices in person, has also vanished – now you simply order from the menu.
Other traditions, like themed dining room décor on special nights and Chateaubriand nights, have been quietly dropped.
While dining is still enjoyable, many guests miss the flair, variety, and sense of occasion that the main dining room used to offer every evening.
Dress Changes
The formal night dress code is no longer strictly enforced
22. You can’t rent a tuxedo onboard anymore
23. Formal nights used to be a big part of the cruise experience, especially on Royal Caribbean
Guests would don their finest eveningwear – tuxedos, cocktail dresses, even floor-length gowns – and the whole ship would take on a more glamorous feel. These nights felt special, like stepping into a black-tie event at sea.
That’s changed quite a bit. The dress code for formal nights has been significantly relaxed in recent years.
While you’re still welcome to dress up, it’s no longer expected. You’ll now see a mix of outfits in the dining room on formal night, including people in polo shirts, casual dresses, or even shorts.
For some, this makes things more convenient, especially when packing, but others feel it takes away from the sense of occasion.
Another tradition that’s disappeared is the onboard tuxedo rental service. For those who didn’t want to pack formalwear, renting a tuxedo used to be an easy option.
It was especially helpful for first-time cruisers who wanted to take part in the tradition without committing to buying a full outfit. Now, with rentals gone and dress codes more relaxed, many cruisers simply skip the formality altogether.
While the more casual approach appeals to some, especially families or those on shorter cruises, others miss the elegance and shared experience of a ship-wide formal evening. It’s one of several examples of Royal Caribbean shifting towards a more laid-back, flexible cruise style – at the expense of old-school cruise charm.
Bar & Beverage Changes
24. You can’t enjoy free sodas in the Main Dining Room anymore
25. Souvenir glasses aren’t typically made of glass
26. You can’t drink any duty-free that you buy onboard
27. More restrictions on the alcohol you can bring onboard
28. You used to get free champagne at farewell dinners – but no more
There was a time when drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise felt like a bit more of a treat – both in terms of price and experience. But over the years, several changes have reshaped how drinks are served, what’s included, and how much you’ll pay for them.
Did you know that sodas used to be included at no extra charge when you were in the Main Dining Room? Where soft drinks were once included as part of your meal, they’re now only available through a paid soda package or individually at extra cost. This change alone has surprised many returning cruisers.
Souvenir glasses – especially those tied to cocktails of the day – used to be made of actual glass and often felt like a keepsake worth bringing home. Today, they’re more likely to be plastic (if offered at all), and many guests feel the quality has dropped.
There are also stricter rules around alcohol. You can no longer drink any duty-free liquor bought onboard during your cruise – it’s held until the end.
Similarly, bringing your own alcohol onboard is now far more restricted than it once was.
And finally, one charming touch that’s gone is the farewell dinner champagne toast.
Where once two bottles of bubbly might be placed on each table as a celebratory send-off, this gesture has disappeared. These little moments added a sense of occasion – now they’re just fond memories for longtime cruisers.
Entertainment & Activity Changes
29. The DreamWorks character experiences have been discontinued
30. Horse racing games have been taken away
31. Skeet shooting and golf ball driving activities have been removed
32. Rarely see overnight stays at islands
33. No more live bands by the poolside
34. Passenger talent shows have been phased out for generic karaoke
35. Crew entertainment during dinner has been mostly removed
Entertainment used to be one of the most memorable parts of a Royal Caribbean cruise – and while there’s still plenty to do, some beloved traditions and unique activities have quietly disappeared over time.
One big loss is the DreamWorks Experience, which brought characters like Shrek and the Madagascar crew onboard for meet-and-greets, themed events, and kids’ activities.
It was a highlight for many families and a big reason some guests chose Royal Caribbean over other lines. Today, it’s gone, replaced with more generalised youth programming.
Horse racing games, once a fun and interactive pastime, have also disappeared from most ships. So too have more unusual activities like skeet shooting and golf ball driving off the back of the ship, which were once part of the “only at sea” charm.
While safety and environmental concerns played a part, these offerings were unique and helped set cruising apart from a land-based holiday.
Island overnights, where you could stay docked overnight and explore more deeply, are now extremely rare with the cruise line.
And the vibe around the pool deck has shifted too – live bands have become less frequent, replaced by DJs or, more commonly, pre-recorded music playlists. It’s a change not all guests appreciate.
Other touches – like passenger talent shows, crew performances during dinner, and a general sense of ship-wide celebration – have been phased out.
Many of these were small, informal traditions, but together they helped make cruising feel fun, social, and a little bit magical. Their absence leaves some regulars feeling like the spark just isn’t quite the same.
Venue Changes
26. The Sky Pad virtual reality trampoline is gone
37. Cigar Lounges have been mostly eliminated
38. You don’t get a proper chapel on newer ships
39. Libraries have been downsized or removed
40. The Viking Crown Lounge has been repurposed
41. Onboard flower shop services have been removed
As Royal Caribbean updates and modernises its ships, a number of familiar venues have been quietly removed, repurposed, or scaled back – sometimes without much fanfare.
For long-time cruisers, this has meant the disappearance of some favourite spaces that once added personality and variety to the onboard experience.
One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the Sky Pad on the Freedom Class ships, a virtual reality trampoline attraction that was popular with both kids and adults.
While the structure may still be visible, the activity itself has been discontinued.
Similarly, cigar lounges like the Connoisseur Club have been phased out, leaving smokers with fewer – and less comfortable – places to unwind.
More subtle, but just as disappointing for some, is the loss of dedicated chapel spaces. These quiet venues were used for weddings or vow renewals, but also for regular religious services, and their absence on newer ships removes an option many guests valued.
Libraries, too, are either gone or drastically downsized, as the cruise line leans into digital entertainment.
The Viking Crown Lounge, once a signature space with sweeping views and a relaxed vibe, has been repurposed on newer ships – often for suite guests or speciality venues. While replacements may offer modern flair, many feel they lack the charm and accessibility of the original.
And finally, even the onboard flower shop, which allowed guests to buy fresh arrangements for celebrations or surprises, has disappeared.
It’s one of those little touches that, while not essential, added warmth and a little bit of a romantic vibe to the cruising experience.
Loyalty & Perk Changes
42. Concierge Lounge Access for Diamond Plus members is typically gone
43. Printed keepsakes including passenger lists have been taken away
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society has long been a key part of the cruise experience for repeat guests, rewarding loyalty with special perks, access, and little surprises.
But over the years, some of those benefits have been reduced, restructured, or removed.
One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of Concierge Lounge access for Diamond Plus members.
This used to be a popular perk that gave high-tier guests access to a quiet, exclusive space for drinks, snacks, and service. Now, it’s the Suite Lounge, and generally reserved for suite guests only.
Printed keepsakes, like passenger lists or commemorative cruise documents, were once a charming way to remember your trip. These have been phased out, likely in the name of cost and efficiency.
While the Royal Caribbean app offers a digital experience, it doesn’t replace the feeling of holding a thoughtful souvenir in your hand.
Having said that, a printed passenger sounds a bit sus… I think GDPR might have an issue with it today!
Guests have also noted that small gifts, priority boarding, and exclusive discounts have been quietly downgraded or removed altogether for lower-tier members. Even some mid-tier perks don’t feel as generous as they once did.
In general, the loyalty programme has shifted away from adding value for repeat cruisers and towards upselling more premium options, like suite bookings and paid experiences.
While the points still add up, many seasoned travellers feel the returns aren’t quite what they used to be – and that the line is more focused on new bookings than rewarding those who keep coming back.
General Service Changes
44. You aren’t greeted by crew as you board and shown where your cabin is
45. Galley tours are now more limited
46. Bridge tours have generally been discontinued for security reasons
47. You can no longer host guests before you sail
48. Tender tickets aren’t printed anymore – it’s first-come, first-served
49. You don’t get paper cruise documents anymore
50. The cruise line is moving away from that small-ship atmosphere
51. More limited towel service poolside
52. Free popcorn at movie nights is no more
53. Room service is now charged
54. Exercise classes cost extra
55. Birthday and anniversary cakes are an extra charge
56. No more streamers launched off the ship at sail away
Beyond specific venues or perks, some of the most noticeable changes on Royal Caribbean cruises have been to the overall service and onboard experience.
In the past, it was common to be greeted by crew as you boarded, with someone even escorting you to your cabin.
That personal touch has disappeared, which you can understand for the modern megaships – that’s a lot of crew needed to greet 6,000+ people!
The once-standard streamers tossed off the ship at sail away are gone – a celebratory tradition many fondly recall. It probably wasn’t the best for the environment, though.
Bridge visits have largely been phased out, and galley tours are more limited, often due to security or health regulations, but it’s still a noticeable loss for those who enjoyed seeing behind the scenes.
You also can’t invite non-cruising guests onboard before sailing, which was once a fun way to share the experience. Even the tender ticket system has gone, replaced by a less structured, first-come-first-served approach that can cause confusion.
Paper has also been pushed aside. Cruise documents, passenger lists, and even daily planners like the Cruise Compass are now largely digital, which isn’t always a smooth transition – especially for older passengers.
Elsewhere, once-standard touches like poolside towel service, free popcorn at movie nights, and celebration cakes for birthdays or anniversaries now often come with a charge.
You can still swap towels near the pool, but it might be a more hidden away space. The popcorn is more likely to be a charged extra now. And the cakes? Also available to buy if you want.
As one guest put it though, that’s not necessarily a bad thing…
But add in things like paid room service, extra charges for fitness classes, and a shift towards larger ships that feel less personal, and it’s easy to see why some loyal cruisers say the magic has faded just a bit.
The core of the cruise is still there – but many of the extras that made it feel special have quietly sailed away.
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Final Word
Cruising with Royal Caribbean is still a great way to relax, explore, and enjoy life at sea – but it’s hard to ignore how much the experience has changed over the years. Many of the little extras that once made a cruise feel luxurious, charming, or just plain fun have slowly disappeared.
From the loss of turndown chocolates and midnight buffets to the scaling back of loyalty perks and onboard traditions, these changes may seem minor individually, but together they signal a shift in what cruising looks and feels like today.
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. Far from it. Ships are bigger, more high-tech, and packed with new activities.
It’s important to remember what’s been added as well as what’s been taken away!
Whether it’s cost-cutting, modernisation, or changing passenger expectations, one thing is clear: the Royal Caribbean experience is evolving. It’s not quite what it used to be – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I’d rather have a zipline than skeet shooting anyway!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
