Following our recent video showing Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas docking at the new, state-of-the-art MSC Terminal AA in PortMiami, we received a flurry of questions: Is this permanent? Do I need to go to the MSC terminal for my cruise?

You are correct—the move is not permanent for all sailings. The Freedom of the Seas is currently part of a logistical juggling act, strategically using the new Terminal AA only on specific, high-traffic days.

Here is the essential breakdown of why Freedom is using the massive MSC terminal and how you can know for certain where your cruise will depart from.

When Royal Caribbean Ships "Share" Space

The change is directly related to the massive growth of Royal Caribbean's fleet, especially the new, large Icon-Class and Oasis-Class ships.

Royal Caribbean's dedicated terminal, Terminal A (The Crown of Miami), is designed to handle their flagship vessels. Freedom of the Seas is being relocated to the neighboring Terminal AA on days when Terminal A is already occupied by an even larger ship.

You can generally expect Freedom of the Seas to dock at the MSC Terminal AA on days when the following scenario occurs:

Essentially, Freedom of the Seas acts as the overflow ship, utilizing the brand-new, enormous Terminal AA when Royal Caribbean's most massive vessels are in PortMiami. This ensures that the two largest terminals in the world (Terminal A and Terminal AA) work together to process the huge number of passengers.

Safety & Logistical Advice

As the docking location is fluid, your cruise documents and SetSail Pass are your primary source of truth.

1. Check Your SetSail Pass (Don't Trust Old Info!)

Your final cruise documents and the Royal Caribbean app will confirm your departure terminal about 7 to 10 days before sailing.

Retired Chief’s Tip: Do not rely on the terminal listed on your original booking confirmation. Terminal assignments are flexible. Always use the information provided in the final documentation to ensure you direct your ride-share or taxi to the correct terminal.

2. Terminal AA is Modern and Massive

If you do dock at Terminal AA, you can expect a very efficient, stress-free experience:

• Brand New Facility: Terminal AA is the largest cruise terminal in the world and is designed for high-volume passenger processing.

• Convenient Parking: The new parking garage at Terminal AA is right next to the building, making luggage drop-off and boarding logistically smooth.

• Long Walk (But Protected!): Because the terminal can accommodate multiple ships, be prepared for a long walk from the terminal entrance to the ship's gangway. Look for the moving walkways (like those we observed in our video) to assist with the trek!

The flexibility of Freedom of the Seas docking at Terminal AA is a sign of PortMiami’s dedication to keeping traffic flowing. Be prepared to go to either spot, and always confirm your terminal before you arrive!

Need to see the new facility? Watch our video of Freedom of the Seas performing the test run at the new MSC Terminal AA:

Royal Caribbean Ship Docks at the MSC Terminal! (A Very Confusing Arrival?)

Rene Cortin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hey, fellow travelers, and welcome back to Ports and Pensions. We're tracking a very important update for anyone with a South America cruise on their calendar, especially if it includes stops in Argentina.

Here’s what we've found.

What is the New Requirement?

And to be clear, this rule isn't just for airports—it is being enforced at all points of entry, including maritime ports where cruise ships dock.

Where Is This Coming From? (The Official Source)

This isn't just a rumor or a new cruise line policy. We dug a little deeper, and this requirement is part of a new federal law in Argentina, specifically Decree 366/2025.

This decree was published in Argentina's "Boletín Oficial" (their official government gazette) and it fundamentally changes how their public healthcare system interacts with tourists. The new law allows public hospitals to charge non-residents for services. As a result, the government is now requiring visitors to have insurance to prove they can cover their own medical costs if needed.

How Does This Affect Your Cruise?

This is the most critical part for your cruise planning.

Based on the notifications being sent out, you may be asked to show proof of your insurance policy at two different points:

1. By Argentine immigration officials when you arrive in port.

2. By the cruise line before you even board at your departure port (e.g., in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, etc.).

As we've seen with MSC, the cruise lines are being tasked with verifying this documentation. The last thing anyone wants is to be surprised at the check-in counter and potentially be denied boarding for not having the required paperwork.

The "Ports and Pensions" Takeaway

We have always strongly recommended that cruisers purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy, especially one that includes robust medical and medical evacuation coverage.

Your domestic health insurance here in the U.S. (especially Medicare) typically provides zero coverage outside of the country. A medical emergency at sea or in a foreign port can be financially catastrophic.

This new requirement from Argentina simply adds a layer of official enforcement to something that has always been a smart travel practice.

So, if you have a cruise booked that visits Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, or any other Argentine port, here is our strong recommendation:

1. Check With Your Cruise Line: Call them or your travel agent immediately and ask for their specific policy on this new Argentine rule.

2. Review Your Policy: If you already have travel insurance, pull up the documents. Make sure it clearly states you are covered for international medical emergencies, hospitalization, and evacuation.

3. Get the "Proof": Contact your insurance provider and ask them to email you a "Certificate of Coverage" or a "Visa Letter." This is a standard, one-page document that summarizes your coverage. Print a copy and keep it with your passport and cruise documents.

This is a developing situation, but it's always better to be over-prepared. We'll keep an eye on it and let you know if anything changes.

Let us know in the comments—have you been notified by your cruise line about this?

Stay safe, and happy sailing!

Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, offers a host of incredible experiences, but one area stands out for its elevated luxury: the Coco Beach Club. The main question we had—and that every cruiser asks—is whether this paid upgrade is truly worth the splurge. We took the plunge to find out.

Pricing and Strategy: When to Buy

The first thing to understand about the Coco Beach Club is its highly dynamic pricing. The cost is not fixed; it can change daily, vary between ships, and spike significantly during holiday sailings.

• Price Range: We’ve personally seen the price fluctuate wildly, from a low of around $90 per person to a peak of over $250 per person.
• Our "Buy It Now" Moment Strategy: Our best advice to you is to monitor your Cruise Planner constantly. If you see the price drop to around half of its peak value, that's your signal to book immediately.

The Coco Beach Club Atmosphere

The moment you step through the entrance of the Coco Beach Club, the atmosphere shifts completely. While the nearby Oasis Lagoon has an energetic, party-like atmosphere, the Beach Club is defined by instant tranquility.

The music is low-key, the service was great, and the entire space feels exclusive. If you are looking for a break from the crowds and the loud, chaotic energy of the main areas, this is your peaceful escape. We spent five hours here, and it was pure relaxation.

VIP Perks and Service

The price tag doesn't just buy you a quieter beach; it buys you a premium experience with dedicated service:

• The Infinity Pool: One of the club’s biggest selling points is the stunning, warm infinity pool. It is built for relaxation and soaking up the sun, not battling for space. Attendants circulate constantly to take drink orders, and for families, it’s a quieter alternative to the huge Oasis Lagoon.
• Dedicated Beach & Seating: The club boasts a pristine, dedicated beach with powder-soft sand. Every seat—whether a lounger or a daybed—feels premium, eliminating the morning race for a chair.
• VIP Touches: High-quality, thick towels are provided, and a surprising amenity was the complimentary sunscreen (which *I* definitely needed with my bald head!).

The Elevated Dining Experience

For us, the food was the most compelling reason to try the Coco Beach Club. This is an opportunity for elevated dining far beyond the standard cruise fare.

The highlights of the menu include:

• Whole Lobster: The whole Caribbean lobster was tasty, although we noted it wasn't as firm as a Maine lobster.
• Surf and Turf: We also enjoyed the fillet and lobster combination.
• Must-Try Dish: The Coco Lobster Sandwich: For our group, the consensus was that this was the best item on the menu. It was described as a coconut-crusted lobster cake and is something you have to try.

Our Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?

The answer to the central question depends entirely on your cruising style and priorities.

We would consider booking the Coco Beach Club again if we were able to get a good deal. The relaxing environment and elevated food were a wonderful change of pace.

Check out our full video review here: COCO BEACH CLUB at CocoCay: Is the Luxury Upgrade WORTH the PRICE?

What's the best deal you have ever snagged for the Coco Beach Club? Let us know in the comments below!