What Benefits Come With Sky Class on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

What Benefits Come With Sky Class on Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Royal Caribbean’s Sky Class represents the middle tier of its exclusive Royal Suite Class, positioned between Sea Class and the ultra-luxury Star Class. Designed for travelers who want VIP treatment, priority access, and premium dining—without the extreme cost of Star Class—Sky Class offers a refined blend of comfort, convenience, and exclusivity.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore every confirmed Sky Class benefit, explain who Sky Class is best for, compare it with other suite tiers, and offer practical tips to help you maximize value. All information is based on official Royal Caribbean disclosures and publicly available sources. Where details vary by ship or itinerary, this is clearly stated.

Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class

Royal Caribbean categorizes its suites into three experience levels:

Suite Tier	Experience Level	Ideal For
Sea Class	Entry-level suites	Occasional suite cruisers
Sky Class	Premium luxury	Couples, families, special occasions
Star Class	Ultra-luxury	Concierge-level, all-inclusive feel

Sky Class is designed to deliver meaningful luxury upgrades without requiring a fully personalized vacation planner (a Star Class feature).

luxury upgrades without requiring a fully personalized vacation planner (a Star Class feature).

What Is Sky Class on Royal Caribbean?

Sky Class is a premium suite experience that includes:

• Priority services from embarkation to disembarkation

• Access to exclusive venues (where available)

• Enhanced dining privileges

• Premium internet and amenities

Unlike Star Class, Sky Class does not include a Royal Genie personal concierge, but it still offers significant time-saving and comfort benefits that many cruisers consider the “sweet spot” of Royal Caribbean luxury.

Complete List of Sky Class Benefits (Verified)

1. Priority Embarkation & Departure

Sky Class guests enjoy:

• Dedicated check-in lines

• Priority boarding at the terminal

• Expedited disembarkation

This can save 30–90 minutes compared to standard boarding, especially at busy homeports like Miami or Barcelona.

Based on Royal Caribbean’s official guest arrival guidelines.

2. Concierge Service (Shared Concierge)

Sky Class includes access to a Suite Concierge, who assists with:

• Dining reservations

• Show bookings

• Shore excursion guidance

• Special occasion arrangements

Important:This is not a private concierge. Services are shared among Sky Class guests.

3. Access to the Concierge Lounge

On ships that offer it, Sky Class guests can access the Concierge Lounge, featuring:

• Continental breakfast

• Evening hors d’oeuvres

• Dedicated concierge desk

• Quiet seating area

Availability depends on ship class.

4. Coastal Kitchen Dining Access

One of the most valuable Sky Class perks is access to Coastal Kitchen, Royal Caribbean’s private restaurant.

Coastal Kitchen Highlights:

• Mediterranean-California fusion cuisine

• Breakfast and dinner service

• Less crowded than Main Dining Room

• Priority seating over Sea Class guests

• Menu offerings may vary by ship and itinerary.

5. Complimentary VOOM Surf + Stream Internet

Sky Class includes:

• High-speed VOOM Surf + Stream

• One device per guest

This is especially valuable on longer cruises or for remote workers.

According to Consumer Reports, cruise internet packages can cost $20–$30 per day—making this a meaningful inclusion.

6. Preferred Seating at Shows

Sky Class guests receive:

• Reserved seating in select theaters

• Priority access for headline entertainment

This reduces the need to arrive early or wait in lines.

7. Suite-Exclusive Sun Deck Access (Ship-Dependent)

On select ships, Sky Class guests may access:

• Private sun decks

• Padded loungers

• Enhanced poolside service

Note: Availability varies by ship class.

8. Premium In-Suite Amenities

Sky Class suites typically include:

• Upgraded bath products

• Plush bedding

• Espresso machines (suite-dependent)

• Priority room service delivery

9. Flexible Dining Privileges

Sky Class guests benefit from:

• Priority reservations at specialty restaurants

• Concierge-assisted dining planning

 Specialty dining is not free, unlike Star Class.

Sky Class vs Sea Class vs Star Class (Comparison Table)

Feature	Sea Class	Sky Class	Star Class
Concierge Service	No	Shared	Personal Royal Genie
Coastal Kitchen	Limited	Full Access	Full Access
Priority Boarding	No	Yes	Yes
Internet Included	No	Yes	Yes
Specialty Dining Included	No	No	Yes
Beverage Package Included	No	No	Yes
Private Shore Excursions	No	No	Yes

Who Should Choose Sky Class?

Sky Class is ideal for:

• Couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons

• Families wanting priority access without Star Class cost

• First-time suite cruisers

• Travelers who value time savings and dining access

If you want luxury without micromanagement, Sky Class is often the best value tier.

What Sky Class Does Not Include (Important Transparency)

Based on publicly available information, Sky Class does not include:

• Complimentary beverage packages

• Free specialty dining

• Unlimited spa access

• Royal Genie personal planner

• Complimentary shore excursions

If these features are essential, Star Class may be more suitable.

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Sky Class Benefits

Step 1: Book Shows Early via Concierge

Contact the concierge immediately after boarding to reserve entertainment.

Step 2: Use Coastal Kitchen Strategically

Reserve breakfast on sea days to avoid Windjammer crowds.

Step 3: Schedule Internet-Heavy Tasks

Leverage included VOOM for work calls during off-peak hours.

Step 4: Ask About Ship-Specific Perks

Some ships offer unpublished Sky Class amenities.

Health, Safety, and Travel Considerations

While Royal Caribbean sets onboard policies, general travel health guidance comes from organizations like:

• WHO (World Health Organization) – www.who.int

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – www.cdc.gov

These organizations recommend:

• Staying hydrated on cruises

• Practicing hand hygiene

• Reviewing vaccination guidance before international travel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Sky Class worth the extra cost?

Yes, for travelers who value priority services, dining access, and reduced wait times.

2. Does Sky Class include drinks?

No. Beverage packages are not included.

3. Can Sky Class guests eat at Coastal Kitchen every day?

Yes, subject to availability and ship policies.

4. Is Sky Class available on all Royal Caribbean ships?

No. Availability depends on ship class and suite category.

5. Does Sky Class include a butler?

No. That is exclusive to Star Class.

6. Can Sky Class guests use Star Class areas?

No. Access is tier-restricted.

7. Is Sky Class good for families?

Yes, especially for families wanting priority access and dining convenience.

8. Do Sky Class benefits change by itinerary?

Some benefits vary by ship and region.

9. Is gratuity included?

Standard gratuity policies apply unless otherwise stated.

10. How do I confirm Sky Class benefits before booking?

Check Royal Caribbean’s official suite page or contact their customer service.

Final Verdict: Is Sky Class the Right Choice?

Sky Class on Royal Caribbean Cruises offers a well-balanced premium experience—combining exclusivity, convenience, and elevated dining—without the all-inclusive cost of Star Class. For many travelers, it delivers the highest return on investment in Royal Caribbean’s suite hierarchy.

If your goal is less waiting, better dining, and priority treatment, Sky Class is a compelling upgrade that genuinely enhances the cruise experience.