Royal Caribbean named retired Gen. Lori J. Robinson — the first woman to lead a U.S. combatant command — godmother of Legend of the Seas, with a Veterans Day naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale on November 11. The godmother reveal is usually the last beat before a new ship enters service, so this locks in the Icon Class ship's homeport (Port Everglades, not Miami) and both of its Perfect Day at CocoCay itineraries.

Exactly how much to bring for a week at sea: 7 tops, 4 bottoms, 2 swimsuits, and just 2 formal outfits — because most 7-night sailings have only two dress-up nights, not five. We break down the mix-and-match math and include a genuine carry-on-only version.

Sailing Royal for the first time? The moves that actually matter: check in the moment your window opens for an earlier boarding slot, buy drink and Wi-Fi packages through the Cruise Planner (they're cheaper pre-cruise), and match the ship to your trip before you match the price. A no-fluff first-timer playbook.