Balcony guests on select Freedom of the Seas sailings are being offered a surprising new upsell: Royal Genie-style perks, typically reserved for the most expensive suites, now available a la carte — for a price.
Cruise Radio learned about the offer from a reader who booked on a short June cruise to CocoCay and Nassau.
While checking the My Royal Cruise planner, they spotted a “Royal Genie Package” listed under the VIP Passes tab, despite being in a standard balcony stateroom.
The price? $300 per adult per day ($200 per child).
What is Royal Genie?
The Royal Genie is usually something you only get with a top-tier Star Class suite on Oasis and Quantum-class ships. Think personal concierge, specialty dining, VOOM internet, and front-row seats to just about everything onboard.
Seeing a version offered to balcony guests on a Freedom-class ship is a shift, indicating that Royal may be rethinking how it delivers its premium perks.
According to the listing, the bundle includes many Genie-style perks: suite gratuities, deluxe beverage package, concierge planning, FlowRider reservations, reserved theater seating, Suite Lounge access, deluxe drinks, and more.
To be clear, it does not include a suite cabin — only the service element of the package.
The same reader checked other upcoming Freedom and Independence of the Seas cruises and didn’t find the package offered, suggesting this is either a test or a limited-time offer.
The fine print confirms it’s only available to purchase between April 24–29, 2025, for sailings through December 31, 2026.
Royal hasn’t formally announced the change, but it’s clear they’re testing new ways to offer the suite experience to more guests without the upgraded room requirement.
A Royal Caribbean call center representative informed us they have “received several calls regarding this upgrade, with many guests thinking it’s an error.”
