You might be surprised at some of the things you cannot bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including clothing irons.

You'll have shirts, dresses, suits, and pants packed in your suitcase, so one of the planning questions you might have for a cruise is related to ensuring those clothes look great when it's time to wear it.

Royal Caribbean does not allow guests to bring irons onboard, and they do not have irons for passengers to use in their cabins (or anywhere).

Irons are a fire hazard, and fire is the biggest threat to cruise ships. Fires on cruise ships are rare, but it's one of the most dangerous problems that could occur, so mitigating the threat is at the heart of many Royal Caribbean policies related to what you can and cannot bring onboard.

While there are not irons available to use in your stateroom, there are still ways to get your clothes looking their finest and adhere to the important rules of what you can and cannot bring onboard.

No irons allowed

You're not allowed to pack, bring, or use an iron on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. And steamers are also not allowed to be brought onboard.

If you try to bring one, it will be confiscated and returned to you after the cruise is over.  The security team screens every piece of luggage coming onboard the ship and they look for irons (and other contraband items).

A lot of passengers are unaware of the rule, and bring irons only to have them taken away.  

When you disembark your ship on the final morning of the sailing, look for a table with all the confiscated items somewhere in the cruise terminal. You'd be surprised at all the things people try to bring on a cruise ship.

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

Unlike a hotel room, there are no irons available to use in your stateroom either.  In fact, there are no self-service laundry facilities on Royal Caribbean cruise ships either.

Laundry can be sent out

You cannot iron your own clothes, but you can pay to have Royal Caribbean do it for you.

Every ship has the option for guests to have their clothes washed, folded, pressed, or dry cleaned. There is a per-item fee for this service, but it's the only way to get your clothes washed and/or ironed during your sailing.

The price of Royal Caribbean's laundry services vary based on if you want it washed or dry cleaned, and each item has a specific cost. There's a specific cost for shirts versus underwear versus a jacket.

Royal Caribbean offers a more cost-effective laundry option known as the wash and fold special. 

Ask your stateroom attendant, but there will be an option to fill a small bag with whatever clothes you can fit in there for the flat fee of $35.

This is great to launder shirts, bras, shorts, and other small clothing and have clean clothes to wear again during the cruise.

Read more: Royal Caribbean laundry services on your cruise

Laundry for suite guests

Are you staying in a suite? If so, Royal Caribbean provides complimentary pressing for the first formal night on your cruise.

It's a lesser-known suite benefit, but all you have to do is ask your stateroom attendant about it on the first night of the cruise (usually formal night is on the second night) and they can arrange to have your clothes sent out and then ready for the first formal night.

In addition, if you're staying in a Star Class suite on an Icon, Oasis, or Quantum Class cruise ship, laundry is complimentary every day. 

Star Class guests just need to fill out the form and put their clothes in the provided bag that's found in the closet.  Leave it on the bed, and it will be done for you.

Star Class suites are the most expensive rooms you can book on a Royal Caribbean ship, but they do include free laundry every day and that means you could potentially end the cruise with clean clothes!

DIY solution to ironing

You want to get wrinkles out of your clothes but don't want to pay Royal Caribbean to press it for you? There's another option.

Cruise fans have devised a method for dealing with wrinkles without resorting to laundry services.

The first is to turn on your stateroom shower and get the bathroom steamed up. 

Spray the clothes with Downy Wrinkle Release (contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use but supports this site), which you are allowed the bring on the ship.

Then hang the clothes in the bathroom.

Other strategies to battle wrinkles

If you can avoid getting your clothes wrinkled in the first place, then an iron won't be necessary at all.

Here are the strategies our readers have tried over the years that might work for you:

Roll your clothes

This works well for t-shirts or dresses, but if you roll clothes up (rather than folding them), it helps prevents wrinkles.

Rolling clothes can help a lot, but you just can't do it quickly. Each item needs to be ironed, then when rolling make sure the pieces are flat and not creasing anywhere. 

Once you're done and put them in the bag they won't move or make any new creases, so if you're careful it can work really well. The thicker roll helps prevents wrinkles on thin items.

Not only does rolling clothes help with preventing wrinkles, but it's a good packing strategy too.

Unpack as soon as you arrive

Unpack your luggage as soon as your bags are delivered to your cabin and hang everything up.

The sooner you get clothes out of the bag, the better.

Anything that is wrinkled can be sprayed with the Downy Wrinkle Release spray.

Pack the right clothes

Certain clothes are going to be more likely to be wrinkled in the first place, so rethink what you're going to pack for the cruise.

As an example, khakis tend to be my biggest culprit to the wrinkle monster.  Instead of khakis, I'll bring dark blues or blacks. 

Ladies might consider yoga pants aa another good choice for casual clothes that won't get wrinkled.  A reader said she wont wear blouses with elaborate ruffles or peplums or fluttery things.  Those adornments are thin and they will wrinkle and the shower trick even struggles to get ruffle wrinkles out. 

For men, ask your dry cleaner at home to pack dress shirts with tissue paper to help fight wrinkles.

Reuse clothing

If you choose to pay for pressing, pay for formal night clothes so you could reuse the formal night clothes.  

That means bringing bringing two dress shirts, having them pressed on night one, and then alternate your dress shirt wearing just for dinner, so your amount of wear is reduced.  

Embrace the wrinkles if all else fails

At the end of the day, no one on the ship will really care if your clothes are wrinkled. You're not on a ship with your social circles that will hold it against you for decades; you're on a ship for a few nights with people you're likely never to see again.

Plenty of other people on the ship will have wrinkled clothes too, and the ones that pay a lot of money to have their clothes pressed will be in the minority.

Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or anticipating setting foot on a ship for the first time, there is a lot to be learned from each experience. Even as someone who has cruised over a dozen times, I still find myself making mistakes and thinking that I should have known better! 

When I took my first Mediterranean cruise, for instance, I waited until the week before to begin researching my ports of call and booking excursions. Similarly, I have forgotten my online check-in date more than once and gotten stuck with a later arrival appointment. 

From reserving My Time Dining reservations in advance to arriving the day before your cruise is scheduled to depart, here are 10 habits that you should make part of your cruise routine. 

Book your cruise early and reprice often

Royal Caribbean releases itineraries as far as two years in advance. Between sales, dynamic pricing, and other promotions, it can be difficult to know when the best time to book your cruise is; however, the further you book in advance, the more time you have to reprice if you notice a price decrease leading up to final payment. 

Often, the cheapest rates can be found as soon as Royal Caribbean releases new itineraries. If there's a specific ship or itinerary that you have your heart set on, the safest bet is to place a deposit as early as possible. As the ship fills up, prices are raised. 

Even if the price of your sailing doesn't decrease, you can rest assured knowing that you booked it when prices were the lowest. 

Read more: The biggest cruise hack you're not doing that has saved me thousands of dollars

Don't wait until you are onboard to reserve cruise add-ons

After you have placed your deposit, you will gain access to Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website. This is where you'll be able to make reservations for shore excursions and specialty restaurants, as well as book drink and Wi-Fi packages, spa treatments, and more. 

While you technically can wait until you are onboard to worry about your add-ons, it is smarter to deal with that in advance. Not only will you be able to soak up every moment of your time onboard without thinking about planning, but you'll usually save money, too. 

The actual discounts will vary; however, it is not uncommon to find sales where you can receive 10% to 40% off the onboard prices of specialty restaurants, drink packages, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. 

Over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I was able to take advantage of the Cruise Planner sale and score a great deal on an excursion in Naples, Italy. Rather than paying $285 for two people for the "Taste of Sorrento and Pompeii" excursion, my partner and I were able to pay about half, or $300 total. 

Read more: 45 easy ways how to save money on a cruise (2024)

Arrive the day before your cruise is scheduled to depart

Booking your flight on embarkation morning might seem like a smart way to save money since you won't have to take another day off of work and worry about a pre-cruise hotel. If, however, you fall victim to the unpredictability of the airline industry, you could find yourself missing your cruise, as the embarkation window on the first day of the cruise is limited. 

Even if you think that your arrival time leaves a lot of room to spare, you need to factor in how long it will take for you to deplane, collect your luggage, and travel to the terminal. 

Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

Book with a travel agent 

To some, booking with a travel agent might feel like you're giving up agency over your vacation. From my experience, however, it has been the exact opposite. A good travel agent will only be as involved as you want them to be. 

One of the primary advantages of booking with a travel agent is their expertise; however, they also have access to exclusive group rates, so they can sometimes get you a lower rate on your cruise fare than is advertised on the cruise line's website! 

New cruisers will benefit from their knowledge, though, as they can help them select the best itinerary, stateroom, shore excursions, specialty dining meals, and more. 

Always bring a non-surge power strip

The older your cruise ship, the fewer power outlets your stateroom will have. When I cruised on Navigator of the Seas, for instance, I was shocked to find just two American outlets and a single European one. 

Even if you are sharing a stateroom with just one other person, you'll likely bicker over who gets to charge what device and when. Today, most people travel with multiple devices, such as mobile phones, AirPods, cameras, smart watches, iPads, etc. 

Royal Caribbean prohibits extension cords onboard their ships since they see them as a fire hazard. That, however, doesn't mean that they aren't solutions! Rather than bringing the random extension cord you have lying around in your kitchen drawer, head to Amazon to look for a non-surge power strip that's cruise-compliant.

This will ensure that even if you're cruising on one of the oldest vessels in the fleet, you will have plenty of outlets to keep all of your devices charged. 

Understand the Deluxe Beverage Package rule

Typically, if one person in a cabin wants a Deluxe Beverage Package. Royal Caribbean requires all other guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom to purchase it, too. This is to prevent guests from sharing it. 

There is a workaround, though. If you're sharing a cabin with an adult who doesn't drink, or does not drink much, you can call Royal Caribbean and ask that they get the Royal Refreshment Package instead. 

This will save you a lot of money compared to if you were to purchase two Deluxe Beverage Packages, as the alcoholic package is more expensive than the non-alcoholic one. 

Note, however, that if you get caught sharing a drink package, Royal Caribbean has the right to revoke it without issuing a refund. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean drink package rules overview

Check-in for your cruise as soon as possible

45 days before your cruise, Royal Caribbean's online check-in portal will open. You can either complete it via the app or on your web browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari. 

During this process, you will input your identification documentation, set up your onboard expense account, and select a check-in time, which is when you'll be able to enter the terminal on embarkation day. 

The earliest time varies based on your itinerary; however, the earliest tends to be somewhere around 10:30am, with the latest being somewhere in the mid-afternoon. 

While your travel plans might not allow you to select the earliest time available, there are many advantages to finishing your check-in as soon as possible. 

For instance, you won't have to worry about it as your sailing approaches, and you can focus your pre-cruise planning efforts on packing and getting everything in order before you leave. 

Read more: 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

Pre-pay for your gratuities 

At the time of booking, you'll have the option to pre-pay for your gratuities. If you choose to do so, you will be able to pay them off with the rest of your cruise fare, as the total for the gratuities will be added to the amount to be settled by final payment. 

Additionally, pre-paying for your gratuities means that you will lock in the current rate. Every so often, Royal Caribbean revises their gratuity rates for their crew members. 

This just happened in November 2023, as Royal Caribbean announced that the automatic gratuity rate would be increasing from $16.00 USD for those in standard staterooms (Junior Suites and below) to $18.00 USD per day. Suite guests also saw an increase from $18.50 to $20.50. 

If you decide to book My Time Dining, make sure that you make reservations in advance

Royal Caribbean offers guests two different types of main dining experiences: traditional and flexible. If you choose the latter, known as My Time Dining, you'll be responsible for making your own dining reservations each evening, whereas those who opt for traditional dining will eat at the same time each evening with the same wait staff. 

My Time Dining is great for those who do not want to eat at the same time each night of their cruise.

You can choose what time works best for you and your travel companions, meaning that you can easily schedule dinner around the rest of your plans, whether that's a longer excursion in port or a much-needed afternoon nap after lounging by the pool. 

While you don't have to make reservations, it is recommended. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for an available table. 

Read more: How to book My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean

Don't save must-do onboard activities for the last day

If there are any activities that you really want to do, make sure you do them early on during your sailing.

Unpredictable weather could deem it too unsafe to operate the FlowRider or have the AquaTheater cast perform tricks. Waiting until the last minute could mean that you're out of luck, as there won't be any other opportunities on the current sailing. 

Of course, you shouldn't try and pack everything into the first day. With all the embarkation and sail away excitement, you do not want to tire yourself out too quickly. 

Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts

Before booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll want to understand what is and is not included in your cruise fare. 

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean cruises aren't all-inclusive. Before getting too excited about the cheap cruise deal that you found, you'll want to consider how much extra you will spend on cruise fees. 

While not all are required, there are some that you have to pay, such as port fees and gratuities. These two things alone can tack on an extra $400 per person depending on where you're cruising to and how long the sailing is. 

Read more: What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

Here are 11 cruise fees you should know about before booking your Royal Caribbean cruise, so you can appropriately budget. 

Port fees

When Royal Caribbean sends out emails advertising cruise deals, the rate shown doesn't include port fees. These mandatory fees vary based on where you're sailing to, with port fees in Alaska costing more than those in Europe or the Caribbean. 

In July 2025, for instance, the port fees on a 7-night sailing to Alaska onboard Quantum of the Seas cost as much as $295 per person, while the fees for a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean onboard the brand-new Icon of the Seas cost around $185 per person.  

Port fees are charged by the ports of call to the cruise line, as ships do not get to dock for free, and are then passed on to passengers. They're usually a summation of a few different fees, including the docking fee, per-passenger fee (head tax), and pilot fee. 

Unlike gratuities that can be adjusted at Guest Services, port fees are paid in full by the time of final payment.

Wi-Fi

Hoping to stay connected while at sea? You will have to purchase a Wi-Fi package. Unlike other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean only offers a single package: Voom Surf + Stream.

With this package, you'll get 24-hour access to the internet. There aren't any restrictions on what you can access, either.

You can browse the web, send, and receive emails, and chat on messenger apps, as well as stream your favorite television shows, music, and movies. You're also able to video chat with those back home and post on social media.

Of course, there are ways for you to check in on everyone at home without paying $20 per day, such as only connecting while in port at local restaurants or coffee shops. For most, however, it's not feasible to be completely out of touch with the world. 

Related: How to get free wifi on Royal Caribbean

Gratuities 

As of November 2023, the automatic gratuity rate for Royal Caribbean cruises is $18.00 per person, per day for standard cabins (Junior Suites and below) and $20.50 per person, per day for suites.

This means that a family of four in a standard balcony stateroom on a 7-night cruise can expect to pay an extra $504 for the week. 

You can choose to pre-pay them before your sailing, either at the time of booking or by calling Royal Caribbean/your travel agent, or have them added to your onboard account to be settled at the end of your cruise. 

Each guest, regardless of age, will be assessed the daily gratuity, which is then split amongst hardworking crew members. 

Premium menu options

Included in your cruise fare is unlimited food from complimentary dining venues onboard. While the restaurants vary based on cruise ship, all Royal Caribbean vessels have a Main Dining Room and buffet. 

If you choose to eat in the ship's dining room, you'll notice a few premium options on the menu:

• Maine lobster tail: $16.99 (a single lobster tail is included on itineraries with "The Royal Night" menu)
• Chops Grille filet mignon: $19.99
• Surf & turf: $34.99

There will be plenty of things to choose from if you don't want to pay for these upgraded offerings. If, however, you want a more intimate dining experience, you will want to consider splurging on a specialty dining meal. 

These range in pricing; however, if you book ahead through the Cruise Planner, you can take advantage of pre-cruise sales. 

Related: First look at Royal Caribbean's new main dining room menus

Room service

Speaking of dining, every Royal Caribbean ship offers 24-hour room service, where you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks delivered right to your cabin. Whenever I cruise in a balcony, I make a point to enjoy breakfast on my private verandah at least once!

Aside from continental breakfast, all Royal Caribbean room service orders incur a $7.95 fee, as well as an 18% gratuity, bringing the total cost to around $9.40. 

The fee is a fixed-cost, meaning that you'll pay the same amount whether you order one dish or three. 

Royal Caribbean's continental breakfast includes items like toast (wheat, white, gluten-free), plain bagels, English muffins, assorted pastries, cereals, fruits, and yogurts. If you want any hot items, you'll have to order those and pay the service charge. 

Additionally, it’s customary to give a small cash tip to the crew member delivering the food to your stateroom. 

Corkage fees

Each guest is permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne with them when they board their ship. While this likely won't be enough to last you the entire cruise, bringing your own alcohol onboard, even in a limited quantity, is a great way to save a little bit of money and enjoy your favorite wine on the ship. 

You aren't charged to bring the bottle onboard; however, if you opt to consume it in a public area, such as the dining room, you'll be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. 

To avoid this pesky fee, simply consume the wine in your stateroom. Don't bring the bottle with you to dinner or a show. 

Thermal suites 

There's no denying that cruise ship spas are expensive, with a 50-minute Swedish Massage costing upwards of $150. 

Thermal suites are popular because you can either a pass that gives you access for the entire cruise. For instance, on my upcoming cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas, the Cruise Planner lists a 7-day pass at $125, which is cheaper than a 50-minute treatment!

Childcare 

Don't worry, Adventure Ocean programming is complimentary for kids between the ages of 3 and 12 during the day. An hourly rate applies after 10:00pm, though. There is a separate program for teens (12-14 and 15-17). 

Additionally, children under the age of 3 cannot partake in the complimentary programming. Instead, Royal Babies & Tots is a nursery drop-off for guests between the ages of 6 and 36 months. This costs $6 per hour between 9:00am and 6:00pm and $8 per hour from 6:00pm until midnight. 

Regardless of where your child has to go, there will be age-appropriate activities for them to enjoy while parents get some much-needed alone time. 

Select non-alcoholic beverages 

Your base fare includes select beverages, including water, milk, tea, coffee (regular and decaf), lemonade, iced tea, flavored waters, juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed), and hot chocolate (via instant packets). 

If you want anything else, such as specialty coffees, sodas, or mocktails, you'll have to either pay for each drink individually or splurge on a Royal Caribbean drink package. 

As of December 2023, most zero-proof cocktails are $7.00, with specialty coffees at Cafe Promenade and Cafe Latte-tude ranging from $4.00-$5.50. Soda onboard Royal Caribbean ships costs $3.50. 

Royal Caribbean offers two different non-alcoholic packages: the Classic Soda Package and the Royal Refreshment Package. 

The latter is the more expensive package, as it includes all non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails), Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages and soda refills at any venue, bottled still and sparkling water, specialty teas and coffees, Johnny Rockets shakes, and freshly squeezed juices.

The Classic Soda Package includes just soda, so you'll have to pay extra for any other non-alcoholic beverages. 

Related: What drinks are free on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

Alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic beverages cost extra on Royal Caribbean cruises, too. Whether you want a cocktail, glass of wine, or crisp beer, you'll have to be willing to spend some additional money. 

The Deluxe Beverage Package is their only alcoholic package. As such, it's also their most expensive. Typically, it can cost anywhere from $56 to $105 per person, per day.

Packages are priced dynamically, meaning that the ship, itinerary, and time of year all play a role in what the cost is for your specific sailing. 

If you opt to purchase each drink individually, you'll find most cocktails around $14.00, with beer ranging from $7.49-$7.99. Hard ciders, like Angry Orchard and Strongbow, are $7.99, and most glasses of wine fall within the window of $8.00-$14.00. 

Those sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Lababee, Haiti will be delighted to know that drink packages work ashore!

Certain onboard activities

Royal Caribbean is known for packing its ships full of onboard thrills. Depending on which class you sail on, you'll find anything from ice skating rinks to skydiving simulators, bumper cars, zip lines, water slides, and more. 

While the majority of activities are included in the cost of your cruise fare, there are some you'll have to pay extra for, such as the North Star observation capsule on sea days or fitness classes. 

Similarly, if you want a FlowRider lesson, whether it's private or a group, you'll have to pay extra, with the latter being the cheaper option. Usually, group lessons cost around $60 per person. 

Related: Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included

Selfies aren't just for influencers anymore. It's actually the important step to do pre-cruise to get on the ship faster.

When the day arrives to get on your cruise ship, the last thing you want to do is waste time in the cruise terminal instead of boarding the ship.  Yet, too many people skip a pivotal step that can move things along quicker.

Royal Caribbean has made its app easy the key to boarding your ship.  Similar to an airline boarding pass, you can do it all via the app. But unlike a flight, cruise ship passengers are asked to take a photo of themselves.

The purpose of taking a photo of your face is so that ship security has a record of it, and you have to do it before embarkation.

The photo is optional in the app, but if you wait to take the photo in the cruise terminal, you'll waste time there and more importantly, take longer to get onboard.

Read more: Royal Caribbean app walkthrough and tips

This might sound like it's not a big deal to take a photo before the cruise, but Royal Caribbean is about to make it far more important.

Why taking a selfie will become more important

It's easy to overlook taking a selfie during the check-in process, but soon you'll definitely want to do it ahead of time.

Royal Caribbean is getting close to introducing a new way to check-in for a cruise that rewards passengers who do everything they need to do before embarkation day.

A new Express Boarding option is being tested in PortMiami on at least one ship, and it's meant to speed up the process for people who do everything they are supposed to in the app ahead of time.

This means you scan your passport, take a selfie, and enter your credit card and emergency contact details.

It might not sound like a big deal to have the fastest way onboard, until you're waiting in a line that you didn't have to wait in.  No one likes waiting in line when others can breeze past them.  

Find the right spot for the photo

One word of advice to avoid having to re-do the photo later is ensure you pick a spot that has a neutral background.

Royal Caribbean doesn't want things in the background, so take the photo in front of that boring hallway in your home instead of in the car or at the office.

Speaking of things that don't belong in the photo, make sure you aren't wearing any hats or sunglasses in your selfie photo.

If you don't do this, you'll have to re-take the photo in the terminal.

How to take selfie

You can take a selfie photo and upload it two ways.

The easiest is through the Royal Caribbean app. You can start the check-in process 45 days prior to your cruise departure date. 

Once you have the option to check-in, you'll see "Check-in now" enabled.  From there, "Travel Info" is the first section to complete.

The selfie photo is available under "Snap a security photo".

Alternatively, you can do the check-in on the Royal Caribbean website.  The problem with the website is you need a way to take a photo and get it to your computer.  There's no doubt taking a photo from your phone while already in the Royal Caribbean app is easier.

Read more: Royal Caribbean check-in process guide

More tips to speed up embarkation

In addition to taking a selfie, you'll want to to do a few more things.

Be sure to enter all of the information in check-in process so that each section has a green check mark next to it. This means entering your personal information, travel documents, credit card, and emergency contact information.

A day before the cruise, the health questionnaire will become available in the app, and that's the final step in checking in for the cruise.

On boarding day, there are also a few good tips to assist in getting from curb to ship as quick as possible:

• Have your travel documents (passport) in hand
• Take a screenshot of your SetSail pass, just in case the app doesn't work
• Have luggage tags printed and attached to your luggage

Read more: 15 Royal Caribbean boarding process tips for a fast embarkation

Experts will tell you the best time to book a cruise is as soon as you pick out the right ship and itinerary, but some people still wonder if they're better off waiting to book a cruise later to try to get a better deal.

It's understandable why you might think there's a special or better time to book a cruise, because in other forms of travel there are inside scoops on when is the best time to book. 

The reality is a cruise ship is priced differently, and waiting to book is usually a mistake because of how the industry works.

While there are exceptions and times when a promotion seems lucrative, the best time to book a cruise is when you see a price that fits in your budget and and seems like a good price. If you think it's a good deal, go ahead and pull the trigger on booking it. There's no telling if or when the price may go down.

What is the best day to book a cruise?

There are definitely better days of the week to book a flight, but that's not the case with cruises.

Royal Caribbean does offer "Going, Going, Gone" rates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, they tend to be very limited offers on close-in sailings. If you're planning your family vacation, waiting for one of these to roll around isn't a great strategy.

Prices of a cruise can change by the minute, and there isn't any kind of pattern that favors one day over another. While the cruise line's internal pricing logic isn't publicly known, anecdotally, there isn't any reason a price would be less on a certain day.  When it's time to raise or lower the price, it happens in real-time.

Just to confirm this theory, I reached out to a travel agent to get a sense of their experience.  Considering how many cruises they book every day, I wanted to know if there was a better day of the week to book a cruise.

"There isn't a best day of the week to book a cruise, as prices change often," said Sharla Manglass, Travel Planner with MEI & Mouse Fan Travel.

"Some people seem to believe that waiting for Black Friday, WOW, or Kids Sail Free sales will be the best option for them."

What is the best month to book a cruise?

There isn't necessarily one month that's better than another, but cruise lines love to tie sales to major holidays.

The month of November stands out because it has two of the most well-known shopping holidays: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While these sales tend to favor retail sales more, the truth is cruise lines trot out special bonus incentives for those that book a cruise during these days.

In fact, cruise lines get into the "spirit" of Black Friday by starting sales a week or more in advance, so you'll have time in the second half of November to take advantage of the sales.

However, it's a mistake to wait to book a cruise until Black Friday. Instead, book the cruise now.

Royal Caribbean allows price adjustments with no penalty until final payment date, so if you do notice a price drop when Black Friday rolls around, call Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to get the cruise fare adjustment.

Plus, you might find that Black Friday cruise deals are not very different from promotions you’ll see throughout the rest of the year. Unlike retail and technology stores, for example, cruise pricing does not drastically change on Black Friday. You might find that the Black Friday promotion is nearly the same as other promotions during the year.

What is the best time of year to book a cruise?

If you had the inspiration to book a cruise, ideally it would be in the beginning of the year during Wave Season.

“Wave Season” is a cruise industry term for the time of year in which cruise lines tend to offer their best promotions. Wave season traditionally occurs between January and March. The name comes from the fact bookings in this period are what carry the cruise industry for the rest of the year.

Wave season promotions vary based on year, but you might see savings like 60% off a second guest and up to $150 onboard credit to use onboard. If you’re browsing Royal Caribbean’s website during wave season, you should take advantage of the offer to hopefully save some money and get onboard perks.

The other really good time of year to book a cruise is when Royal Caribbean releases new itineraries.

Generally speaking, the best prices for a cruise are when a new sailing is put on sale and all the cabins are open to book. Inventory is at its highest, and prices only go up as rooms get booked.

Cruise itineraries are usually released around two years in advance. The first batch of new cruises go on sale around November and December, and the rest come out in February, March or April.

One way to stay informed about new cruise itineraries is by subscribing to Royal Caribbean’s marketing emails or following Royal Caribbean Blog.

Can I book a cruise at the last minute?

Your best bet is to always book as far in advance as possible, you could try for a last-minute booking instead.

Truthfully, booking a cruise at the last minute is a crapshoot.  If there are any good deals, the choices are going to be limited in terms of dates, ships, and cabin choice.

Equally importantly, you'll have to pay the entire fare at once, because cruises booked less than 90 days before sailing require deposit and the full fare to be paid at the same time.

The bigger issue is there may simply not be a last-minute cruise deal to be had.  Cruise ships are sailing full, and people are booking cruises earlier and in more numbers than ever before. 

However, if you're very flexible with when and where you sail, there could be something out there if you keep your eyes out for price drops. If a cruise is past final payment date and not all rooms have been booked, Royal Caribbean may drop prices in order to encourage more passengers to book the cruise.

It helps a lot if you can drive to your cruise so that you don't have to then figure out last-minute airfare or hotels.

Should you book your next cruise on the ship?

Cruise lines offer additional incentives if you book another cruise once on their ship, but it's not always the best strategy.

If you're on a ship and are suddenly struck with the inspiration to book another cruise, yes, booking onboard is a good idea. You will receive up to $600 in onboard credit  and a lower deposit amount simply for booking a cruise on the ship.

That may sound like a great reason to wait to book onboard, but waiting to book a cruise until you get on a ship is a mistake. Even if you have a cruise coming up in a few weeks or months, it’s almost always better to book a future cruise you are interested in while at home now because the price could go up between now and your sailing, negating the advantage of booking on the ship.

How do I know if I'm getting a good deal when I book?

January is the heart of winter in the northern hemisphere, so while temperatures are likely to be at their coldest, is this the right time for a cruise?

Picking the right month for a cruise depends on various factors, but January has its own considerations. It's also not as popular a month to take a vacation because nearly everyone just had time off with the December holidays just a few weeks earlier.

Among the cruise industry, January is actually one of the best months to go on a cruise because it has a few advantages that draw many back year after year.

You might be surprised how good of a time it is to go on a cruise in January.

Lowest prices of the year

Assuming you skip a cruise that goes over the New Year holiday, cruises in January tend to be quite inexpensive and that's because of the lack of demand.

Cruise prices tend to reflect demand, and when there's less demand, prices are usually lower.  In January, kids are back in school and adults are back at work.  It's not very common to take vacation time in January considering the built in time off that comes with Christmas and New Years.

Due to less demand, you will probably have a higher chance at finding a last-minute deal in January than in many other months. Keep an eye out for January cruise deals starting in November each year and check frequently to make sure you’re aware of the best deals being offered.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to last-minute cruise deals

Just like the cruises, flights tend to be cheaper too for a January cruise.  With less people in general interested in a vacation, you may find that getting a flight to your embarkation port isn't as expensive as a month or two later.

A winter escape

Nostalgia for a winter wonderland usually runs out by the time bitter cold temperatures arrive in January, so a January cruise is a great idea to get out of town.

By taking a January cruise, you get to head south and to warmer temperatures.  There’s something extra wonderful about suntanning on a beach when everyone else is freezing back home!

Less kids

If you prefer going on cruises with less kids onboard, then January is the perfect month for you.

With the exception of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, most kids will be in school and unable to cruise. Therefore, far fewer families and children will be onboard your cruise ship.

With school back in session, school aged kids will be far less likely to be on your sailing for the longer sailings.  Three night weekend cruises can still get their fair share of families from driving distance towns, but a seven night cruise should have less.

Of course, toddlers and other young children not yet in the day school system may be there, so don't expect an adults-only sailing.

Perfect outdoor weather

It's warm in the Caribbean year round, but January is one of the most comfortable months to be outside in this region.

January is the start of the dry season in the Caribbean, so you can expect less humidity and more comfortable temperatures than what you’ll find during the summer months. Plus, hurricane season is not a concern during January.

January can also be a great time to book shore excursions you wouldn’t otherwise book during the warmest months of the year. Visiting Mayan ruins in Mexico, hiking in St. Kitts, and exploring downtown Cozumel can be much more enjoyable in January compared to July or August.

The only downside to the lower temperature and humidity is the possibility of a cold front sliding through, especially in The Bahamas.

It’s not uncommon to see January averages in the Bahamas in the low 70s, which can surprisingly feel quite chilly on cloudy and windy days. Ocean temperatures can be colder, too, making swimming less comfortable.

If your cruise is headed further south, east, or west, it should be plenty warm to swim. Remember, ocean temperatures take longer to cool or heat up than air temperatures, so one cold front will not dramatically affect how warm the water is.

All things considered, weather is unpredictable and, more often than not, you’ll encounter warm, sunny skies on a cruise in January. Regardless of whether the forecast shows 70°F or 85°F, it will almost certainly be warmer than the weather back home!

Best cruises in January

If you're sold on a January cruise, there's plenty of great choices to consider.

In the winter, most Royal Caribbean ships offer cruises from North America. The abundance of ships in North America means there are more opportunities to find last-minute cruise deals and more flexibility over which ship to book.

Here are some ideas for which cruise to pick for a January sailing.

Cruises to Mexico

What's better than a cruise that gets you warm temperatures, tacos, beaches, and lots to explore?

Royal Caribbean offers a lot of itineraries that visit the Yucatan Peninsula, which means going to places like Cozumel and Costa Maya.

Not only are these ports sufficiently south to almost guarantee warm temperatures, but a visit in January is idyllic because of how less humid it is outside.

Mayan ruins are a favorite shore excursion, but since these ruins are located in the jungle, it can be downright sweaty most times of the year.  By going in January, you could check them out for yourself with far less perspiration involved.

In fact, being outdoors in general is lovely in Mexico, so don't overlook a beach day visit either.

Cruises to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao

If your goal is to find the absolutely hottest temperatures, you will want a Southern Caribbean cruise.

Cruises that go to the "ABC Islands" of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are as far south as you can get in the Caribbean, and temperatures in this region rarely change much throughout the year.

The average high temperature in Aruba in the month of January is 86°F and the average low is 76°F. You won't have to worry about being chilly here.

Since these islands are known for their beaches, a Southern Caribbean cruise is perfect for this month.

West Coast cruises

Have you cruised from Los Angeles yet?

If you take a seven night cruise down the Baja Peninsula, you will get to visit the Mexican Riviera with the best possible weather.

Ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta are very popular in winter because of how wonderful the weather can be.  By taking a January cruise, you could combine not only a January escape, but also an excuse to try this itinerary.

Read more: Mexican Riviera cruise guide

There are a few ways you can book a cruise vacation, but what is the best way to book a cruise?

If you do a little research, you'll see cruise fare prices are more less the same when you factor in taxes, fees, and various add-ons.  So why should you book one way or another?

There are advantages to booking a cruise with different outlets and agents. Unlike air travel or hotels, booking a cruise is far more complex and has not gotten as simple as those manners of travel.

This is because of all the personalization that goes into choices you make when picking a cruise.  There's the cabin category, how many people in the room, gratuities, travel insurance, and it all changes if you opt for one cruise ship over another.

Where hotels and flights are looked at as simpler to book directly with the provider, cruise ships aren't as clear cut a choice.

So, what's the best way to book a cruise? Based on our experience through booking hundreds of cruises and feedback from our readers, here's what you should know about each way.

Direct with the cruise line (phone or web)

Pros: Simple approach, full control over your reservation, available 24 hours a day

Cons: No access to special rates, responsibility to manage reservation and changes on your own

Because the public has become so conditioned to book travel directly with the airline or hotel, many first-time cruisers look to book a cruise with the cruise line directly.

You can book a cruise with Royal Caribbean by going to their website or calling their toll-free number and speaking to a representative. In either case, you'll be lead through a series of options.

This freedom in picking a direction and potentially settling on a choice is the greatest weakness with this method for someone that is brand new to cruising.

There are so many choices, as you'll have to pick a ship and sail date, and then narrow down your search to a particular category.  Those three choices alone can be daunting, and you'll have to navigate hundreds of possibilities.

The cruise line website provide little to no assistance in why you should pick one ship, sailing, or itinerary over another.  If you call the cruise line, depending on the representative you speak with, they could be helpful or not at all.  In both scenarios, it's expected you'll know what you want to book, so the onus is on you to figure it all out.

A nice perk of booking with the cruise line directly is you can manage your own reservation. This means you can change who's booked, the sail date, or other details by simply picking up the phone and calling.  Royal Caribbean's website has a few self-service options as well, but many changes to a reservation require a phone call.

Speaking of phone calls, Royal Caribbean's toll-free number can sometimes get very busy. Hold times of over an hour are not uncommon.

With a travel agency

Pros: More "hand holding" for newbies, access to special group discounts and rates, middle man to deal with cruise line

Cons: Dependent on agent to make changes to core agent, not all agents are good, some agencies charge fees

It may surprise you to hear travel agents still exist and they are a very popular way to book a cruise. 

Travel agents work with you to pick the cruise you want, and then do the footwork of getting it all reserved. They will guide you through the process if you're new to cruising, or take down what you want like a dinner order and then process it.

Royal Caribbean pays travel agents a commission, so there's no direct cost to you for using an agency.  Some agencies elect to charge fees for their services, but that's on a case-by-case basis.

When you approach a travel agent to book a cruise, they should ask you a series of questions related to what you're interested in booking and be able to help navigate the dizzying array of choices.

The better travel agents will have years of cruising experience themselves and be able to offer personal advice on what to consider, as well as a deep knowledge of offers available that you might not be able to find on your own, such as group space rates and travel consortiums.

They are a middle man, and the advantage is when there's something to book or change, they are the ones that do the work to wait on hold and make the change. Travel agents also have more self-service tools they can utilize for making changes. 

The downside to this is when you want a timely change, like when there's a price drop or some other time-sensitive reservation to make and you have to wait for the agent to do it. Royal Caribbean will not allow someone who booked a cruise through a travel agent to make a change to their core reservation.  Don't worry, the fun aspects to planning a cruise are still available for you to book (i.e. drink packages, shore excursions, spa appointments, and more).

Another consideration is not all travel agents have the same experience, knowledge, or abilities. Some agents might only be working part time and/or brand new to the industry. Certainly travel agents are just as able to make a mistake as someone booking on their own directly with the line. 

If you can find a knowledgeable and well-respected travel agent, they can be a valuable asset in assisting you throughout the process. This is especially true when there's a problem, such as if the cruise line changes or cancels a sailing, there is a mistake made by the cruise line, or some other unforeseen issue.  The really good agents step up and act on their clients behalf to rectify the situation and make things right.

There are thousands of travel agencies, both online and local to where you live.  Finding a good one is a matter of word of mouth and recommendations from trusted friends. 

Through mega travel websites

Pros: Easy to find pricing, extra incentives to book

Cons: No dedicated agent, flaky support if there's a problem

There are no shortage of travel booking sites where you can book a cruise, in addition to a hotel, car rental, or flight.

To be accurate, these sites are just like any travel agent in that they're a third party that can book a cruise. The difference is how they operate from a customer standpoint.

A nice advantage of these sites are the up-front prices you can find, especially for sailings that have low prices. It's usually easier for the cruises with the lowest prices to surface.

Another reason a lot of people book cruises on these big sites are the extras they offer, including bonus onboard credit, free specialty dining credits and more. These sites can do this because they use part of the commission they get from the cruise line to give back to the client in a credit.

Depending on the site, the booking process may be completely or partially online.  Meaning you might have to get in contact with one of their representatives (read: travel agent) to complete the booking.

At this point, the booking and management of the reservation is just like with a travel agency and you'll be dependent on them to make changes.

Managing a reservation is arguably the worst downside to booking with a travel agent site. You probably won't have the same agent each time, so it's a matter of the round-robin call center you get. Their knowledge can be hit or miss, and during the cruise industry shutdown of 2020-2021, we heard the most reports of clients effectively abandoned by these sites because they stopped operating.

As a vacation package through an airline

Pros: Convenience of booking, possible discount on airfare or travel by bundling, extra airline miles

Cons: Third party support, fees

We see people sometimes booking their cruise as a package deal with an airline because it's an easy bundle.

Not only can you book a cruise with the same people that you need to book your flight with, but you can earn many more frequent flier miles. We've seen cruise specials offer up to 100,000 miles depending on your selected cruise. 

Plus, you might be able to stack the deal with an airline credit card and you can really get a ton of points.

However, airline vacation planners might not be as knowledgeable about the ins and outs of cruises as a Las Vegas hotel. A problem with the cruise line might be better handled with a dedicated travel agent.

Through big box retailers

Pros: Lots of onboard credit, gift card reward just booking

Cons: Must be a member to book, cannot bid for stateroom upgrade

Just like how a big box retailer can save you money on bulk toilet paper or eggs, they offer incentives to book a cruise with them.

They are just like a travel agency, but the difference is the lucrative extras they can provide. Many people that book a cruise with them cite the cash cards they get back for booking, or the additional onboard credit. They rebate their cruise line commission as a way to drum up sales.

The disadvantage of big box retailers are notoriously long wait times to call in to make changes, and the strange fact you cannot bid for a stateroom upgrade.

Costco mysteriously doesn't allow its customers to bid for a room upgrade with the RoyalUp program.

What to ask before you book a cruise

No matter how you choose to book a cruise, before you commit to the reservation, there are a few important questions to ask.

Fees

Be aware up front of any fees or costs for using their services, including cancelling the cruise.

Cruise lines may charge a cancellation fee depending on when you book and which fare type you book, but some agencies or websites will charge their own fee too.

Ask if there's any fee for making a change to the reservation, cancelling the cruise all together, or changing ship or sail date.

What happens if there's a price drop

You should also ask what to do if the price of your cruise goes lower than what you paid.

Royal Caribbean will allow a price adjustment if the fare drops before the final payment date to residents of select countries (i.e. United States and Canada). Nearly any place you book will require you to monitor the price for such a drop, but ask if they monitor it too.

Also ask how to submit a price drop so the agent can process it, and if there are any fees.

Bottom line

You won't pay more to book a cruise through the cruise line website or a third party, but the incentives, extras, and services you receive are what make the difference.

Depending on which option you use to book, you could end up with bonus onboard credit or extras. Any third party you select will also require them to be your gobetween or any cancellations or changes to your reservation.

There are two good reasons to book a cruise with someone other than the cruise line: access to special rates, and extra service.

While the base fares should be the same no matter where you book, group rates are a special way to get even lower rates.  Group rates are hit or miss, so there's no way to really know what they are until you start looking around. And the cruise line will never offer these.

Some sites stand out for just how much you can get back in booking incentives, as well being convenient with the total vacation planning process.

When you choose where to book your cruise, you want to balance the service you get with the incentives they offer. You could get a ton of onboard credit at the expense of slow service when you need changes.

We recommend working with a good travel agency that has been recommended by a trusted source for providing good service and helpful advice. Whether you are a new cruiser or experienced, having someone who knows their stuff and can work on your behalf to troubleshoot any problems you encounter is worth any amount of onboard credit.

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

The Bahamas and Caribbean are two of the most popular year-round cruising destinations. 

It can be hard to decide between the two, as both promise pristine beaches with turquoise waters and white sand. 

Depending on the itinerary you choose, you might be able to visit both. Some 7-night Caribbean cruises also call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. 

Here's what you should know about Caribbean vs. Bahamas cruises to help you determine which you will like better. 

Caribbean cruises tend to visit more ports of call

Compared to The Bahamas, the Caribbean has more ports to visit and is divided into three different regions: Eastern, Western, and Southern. You can take three Caribbean cruises and visit new and exciting destinations each time! 

It's not uncommon for ships to sometimes include a stop in The Bahamas on these longer itineraries.

Icon of the Seas, for instance, is scheduled to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on every Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise between January 2024 and April 2026. 

Possible ports of call in the Eastern Caribbean include San Juan, Puerto Rico; La Romana, Dominican Republic; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Western Caribbean cruises sail to Mexico, Jamaica, Belize, Grand Cayman, and Honduras. 

Related: Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port

The Southern Caribbean is the furthest from the United States, so if you sail from Florida, you should expect the itinerary to be at least eight nights. San Juan is a popular embarkation port for more port-intensive Southern Caribbean cruises as well. 

Destinations here include the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), as well as St. John's, Antigua; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Bridgetown, Barbados.  

The majority of Caribbean cruises tend to be around a week since the islands are located further than The Bahamas. Did you know that Nassau is less than 190 miles away from Miami?

That being said, it's possible to find sailings that are longer and shorter! If you find one that's less than a week, it will usually only visit one or two ports of call, whereas those that are around a week visit anywhere from three to four. 

The Bahamas are great for a quick getaway

Since The Bahamas are located just off the coast of Florida, you will find numerous 3- and 4-night itineraries, making this region a great escape for a quick getaway.  

Historically, Royal Caribbean has deployed older ships for these short sailings. This is changing with Utopia of the Seas, as this brand-new ship is advertised as "The World's Biggest Weekend" and won't start her inaugural season with longer cruises to the Caribbean. 

Related: Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

While The Bahamas are an archipelago comprised of over 700 islands, most sailings visit the same few. Whether it is a 3- or 4-night cruise from Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami, your itinerary will likely visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Longer sailings to The Bahamas depart from more northern ports like Baltimore and Cape Bayonne in New Jersey. Even so, the only major difference is the addition of a stop in Port Canaveral, rather than another island in The Bahamas, as well as more sea days. 

Occasionally, you may find a cruise that stops in Bimini or Grand Bahama Island. These sailings, however, tend to be on older ships, such as those within Royal Caribbean's Vision Class. 

The overall cost of a cruise to The Bahamas is less

When comparing prices, the advertised rate for a shorter cruise to The Bahamas will be less than a 7-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. 

Additionally, you won't have to pay as much in add-ons, either. Typically, Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi packages are around $20 on the Cruise Planner. On a 4-night cruise, that would add up to be around $80, whereas you could spend as much as $140 on a 7-night sailing. 

When browsing available sailings in July 2024, a 4-night cruise to The Bahamas onboard Freedom of the Seas starts at $521 per person for an interior cabin.

Freedom is also scheduled to go on a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise the same month, but pricing starts at $858 per person. This is roughly a $340 difference for two extra nights onboard!

Related: Bahamas cruise guide

You'll also pay less in gratuities. As of November 11, 2023, the automatic service gratuity for those in standard staterooms (i.e., interior, ocean view, balcony, and Junior Suites) is $18.00 per person, per day. Guests in suites are subject to higher rates, or $20.50 per person, per day. 

For a 4-night cruise in a balcony, you'll pay $72 per person, whereas those on a 7-night cruise will pay $54 more per person, or $126 each. 

The Caribbean has a greater variety of shore excursions

The Bahamas is primarily known for its beautiful beaches, and while that doesn't mean you cannot find exciting excursions, the Caribbean has a greater variety of options that aren't beach-based. 

While visiting Jamaica, for instance, you can either go zip-lining or visit the famous Dunn's River Falls. On the same cruise, you can visit ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico or attend a salsa making class. If you want to relax, both ports have beaches nearby as well. 

Even ports in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean have some pretty unique options. While visiting Curaçao, for instance, I opted to take a tour of the island and got to visit the Hato Caves, The Curaçao Museum, and the liqueur distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo. 

In St. Maarten, you can visit Pelican Peak and ride a 1,500-foot zip line or take an ATV/jeep tour of the island. 

Since the Caribbean is made up of different countries, you will have the option to experience different local cultures, too. 

Related: I've been on 12 Caribbean cruises, and I see passengers making the same 14 mistakes. Here's how to avoid them

All cruises to The Bahamas depart from the East Coast, whereas some Western Caribbean sailings depart from Texas and Louisiana

There's no denying that airfare can be expensive. A family of four can easily spend over $1,000 in pre-cruise transportation when flying from their home state. 

When planning a Caribbean cruise, many people automatically think that they have to sail from Florida. Royal Caribbean, however, also offers voyages from Galveston, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana. 

If you live in Dallas, you're only 4.5 hours from the port in Galveston, meaning you won't have to worry about booking pre- or post-cruise flights. 

Those coming from the West Coast might find also more affordable flight options since Houston is not as far as Florida. Either way, a shorter flight is always a win! 

Your best bet for warm weather during the winter is the Caribbean

During the winter months, The Bahamas are subject to the occasional cold front. In January, the average high is around 79 degrees, while the average low drops to 64.

I visited Perfect Day at CocoCay twice in January 2023, and while the second visit was a tad warmer, I was rather chilly both times considering I was in The Bahamas! In fact, it was too cold to get into the ocean during the first visit. 

Some of the best months to visit The Bahamas are November, late April, or early May. Not only do all of these months fall outside of the Atlantic hurricane season, but they're also less likely to experience a cold front. 

Plus, since these months fall outside of the peak season, you will find lower cruise fares!

Since the Caribbean is further south, it stays warm all year. During the months of December, January, and February, they will be less hot and humid than during the summer, when islands can see daily highs exceeding 90 degrees!

Related: When is the best time to go on a cruise?

Royal Caribbean is on the verge of releasing new cruise ship itineraries for 2025 and 2026, and now is the time to start preparing.

The deployment schedule for new Royal Caribbean cruises has been posted, and we will get new cruises to start booking beginning at the end of October.

While your first instinct might be to wait and see what's available and make a decision based on that, I think there are some really important things to do start doing now to properly prepare.

Booking a cruise when sailings first go n sale is one of the best ways to save money on a cruise. Prices tend to be lowest when they first go on sale, and go up from there. A tried-and-true strategy is book early and take advantage of a price drop between now and the final payment date (assuming you live in a country that allows this).

A few simple steps now can make the decision making process easier once the new bookings are available. If nothing else, you'll take care of a few important tasks and that means less things to do later.

Check your vacation time availability

Some people work at companies where their PTO time goes quickly and you'll need to get your requests in first.

It's a good idea to outline times of the year you want to take vacation time from work to go on a cruise and put those requests in as soon as possible.  Some companies have a "first-come, first-granted" policy and once someone has time off, others cannot take the same week.

Now is a good time to get those requests in, or at least evaluate how competitive it will be.

Coordinate with travel agent which ships and times to target

I love to work with a good travel agent to make booking any cruise easier, and once again, this strategy is how to approach a newly released sailing.

It's a good idea to let your travel agent know what you have in mind to book.  Maybe it's an Alaska cruise, or a 7-night on a brand new cruise ship to the Caribbean.  Whatever the plans, loop your travel agent in early so they are on the same page as you.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

This is doubly important because sometimes travel agents have access to new sailings before they are loaded onto the Royal Caribbean website. It's not uncommon for new cruises to appear in Royal Caribbean's backend first, and then appear on the website later.

By letting your travel agent know which times of the year, ships, and who will be sailing now, it makes the booking process so much smoother later when you're ready to pull the trigger on a new booking as they are available.

Pick a cabin

If you have an idea of which ship or ship class you're interested in booking, you should also start researching cabins to book.

Read more: Royal Caribbean ship classes ultimate guide

I like to give my travel agent two or three cabins I would be interested in booking, so that when she gets me a quote, we both know what to expect.

Since you wont know which ships are going to be in a particular region before the new bookings go live, you could refer to what's available in 2024 or early 2025 and make an educated guess.  Even if the ship changes from year to year, the ship class tend to be the same.

If you're interested in a suite, then you will want to make an extra effort to book early.

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Suites book up the fastest of any cabin type because there are so few of them, and demand for suites is higher than other cabins.

It wouldn't be a big deal if you took a few days to decide on a balcony vs inside room, but suites tend to go so quickly you may want to narrow down the choices early.

Look at historical airfare prices

No matter how fantastic a cruise sounds, if the overall cost to go on that vacation is too high, it may sink your plans.

If you think cruise fare prices are fluid, you should look at airfare prices.  Therefore, it's a good strategy to look at historic airfare prices to get a ballpark idea of how much that will cost.

A lot of families have a budget in mind for their entire trip, which includes the cruise fare, shore excursions, incidentals, and airfare.

Fare Detective has an Airfare History Chart that you can plug two airports in and get historical flight price data.

You could also look for a flight coming up in 2024 and use that as a metric for what to expect as well.

Double check when new ships will start sailing

If there's one step I always forget, it's to think about what's not on sale yet.

There's nothing like a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship and it generates a lot of buzz. So before you plan to book any cruise in 2025, think about the new ships that will be coming online at that time.

As an example, Star of the Seas will begin sailing sometime in summer 2025, and that might change your plans to go to Europe or try Alaska.

If going on a new ship would be important, you might consider holding off booking a summer 2025 cruise now, or book a refundable cruise fare so that you can change your mind later.

Read more: Royal Caribbean refundable versus non-refundable cruise fares

Planning a cruise? Start here:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?