Royal Caribbean just filed a series of bizarre trademarks, and one appears to be for a new restaurant. 

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the cruise line submitted a new trademark for a Korean restaurant.

Although trademark applications are vague, they give a general indication of what the word or phrase is intended for. 

For example, the registration could indicate a new dining concept, modifications to the customer loyalty program, or general cruise ship services. 

In this case, SEOULMATE™ is a "trademark registration [that's] intended to cover the categories of restaurant services; Korean restaurant services."

Another possibility is the trademark is intended for one of Royal Caribbean International's sister brands, such as Celebrity Cruises or Silversea.

To be very clear, Royal Caribbean International has not made a formal announcement about this. Rather, this article is simply speculating on future additions to the fleet based on the trademark filing. 

Other interesting trademark filings

In addition to SEOULMATE™, Royal Caribbean filed a trademark for FRESH PRESS™. The registration is intended to cover the categories of restaurant services, specifically restaurant services featuring smoothies and juices. 

This concept appears to align with the line's existing Vitality Café, which suggests that Royal Caribbean could rebrand (or add to) its healthy dining options. 

It also seems that Royal Caribbean is thinking about creating more interactive experiences, like what they did with Admiral Awesome in Icon of the Seas' Surfside neighborhood. 

The CAPTAIN COOL™ trademark filing "is intended to cover the categories of arranging, organizing, conducting, and hosting social entertainment events; Hosting and conducting social entertainment events, namely, family game shows, for others; Entertainment services in the nature of hosting social entertainment events; Hosting social entertainment events, namely, family friendly events or games; Conducting live entertainment in the nature of games featuring a balance beam, ball toss, 3-legged race, treasure hunt, and immersive story time."

Another trademark points to what the family-friendly events or games could be called: COOLYMPICS™. 

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the filing is "intended to cover the categories of arranging, organizing, conducting, and hosting social entertainment events; Hosting and conducting social entertainment events, namely, family game shows, for others; Entertainment services in the nature of hosting social entertainment events; Hosting social entertainment events, namely, family friendly events or games; Conducting live entertainment in the nature of games featuring a balance beam, ball toss, 3-legged race, treasure hunt, and immersive story time."

As with SEOULMATE™, Royal Caribbean has not made any announcements about the new filings and what they could mean for its ships. 

It's not uncommon for the cruise line to file trademarks in batches, just in case they want to use the names later down the road. 

In many cases, they may file multiple trademarks and end up only using one. 

For example, last year, Royal Caribbean filed two trademarks for concepts relating to the "rental of beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and cabanas for recreational use":

• Ultimate Family Cabana
• Ultimate Celebration Cabana

As of Dec. 2025, only the Ultimate Family Cabana has been fully conceptualized. The cruise line's largest cabana will be exclusively available at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

However, that doesn't mean that they won't eventually use the name "Ultimate Celebration Cabana" somewhere else — perhaps at Perfect Day Mexico or the Royal Beach Club Cozumel? It's too soon to tell!

Picking the best cruise isn't as easy as sorting the price from "low to high." With that mindset, you'll likely end up disappointed, with cruising leaving a sour taste in your mouth. 

I've been cruising since I was 5 years old, and over 20 years (and 30 cruises) later, I've mastered how to choose the best cruise line and ship.

I'm a firm believer that there's the perfect ship, destination, and line for everyone — even those adamant that cruising isn't right for them. 

However, finding that right fit isn't as simple as selecting the newest, flashiest ship. Instead, you need to evaluate your priorities and budget. 

For example, the best cruise line for families will be different than the one ideal for couples seeking an adult-oriented getaway. 

Think of this as your ultimate guide to navigating all the options so you can pick a cruise that you will love. 

How to book a cruise for the first time?

First things first, one of the easiest ways to lessen the burden of spending countless hours on Google, YouTube, and Royal Caribbean Blog is to work with a travel agent. 

Not only can they help narrow down your search based on your preferences, but they can also help save you money with exclusive group rates. Plus, you never know when you'll be gifted perks like complimentary gratuities, a bottle of champagne, or a free dinner in one of the ship's specialty restaurants. 

For years, I thought that working with a travel agent meant giving up control over my vacations. However, after booking over 15 sailings with MEI Travel, I realized that having a trusted agent means gaining insider knowledge and access to special deals. 

Travel agents will also contact the cruise line on your behalf if you have any issues before or during your cruise. For example, if you need to change your sail date, they’ll handle the request so you only cover the standard change fee.

How to pick a cruise?

Regardless of whether you use a travel agent, 6 key factors will help you choose a cruise for the first (or 20th) time. 

First, you'll need to establish a budget. While the cruise fare will likely consume most of it, don't forget to account for extras like transportation, drink packages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and specialty meals. 

For example, if you find a too-good-to-be-true fare for a sailing out of Port Canaveral, consider how much you'll have to shell out in airfare. If flights from your small-town airport start at $400 per person to Orlando, that "deal" may be more costly than you think. 

Next, determine your destination. Are you dreaming of sailing through Alaska's picturesque Inside Passage, or do you want to spend your days lounging on beaches in the Caribbean with a cocktail in hand? 

Most mainstream cruise lines sail globally, though some regions may be seasonal, such as Europe and Alaska. 

In the end, your destination will shape the cruise line, ship, excursions, and overall vibe of your vacation, so it's a crucial step in narrowing down options. 

As an example, I prefer sailing with Celebrity Cruises in Europe due to the laid-back, adult-focused experience. However, if I'm eyeing a vacation to The Bahamas or Caribbean, Royal Caribbean is my go-to for its entertainment, variety of dining options, and endless onboard activities. 

Moving on, consider how much time you want to be at sea. Some first-time cruisers start out with short sailings, while others might opt for longer voyages that explore multiple destinations. 

Your work schedule, available vacation days, and kids' school calendar will play a role in the length of your cruise, too. A 7-day Caribbean cruise may be feasible, while a 14-night transatlantic cruise would be more challenging to make work. 

Keep in mind that the longer the cruise is, the more you will pay in daily add-ons, such as drink and internet packages. Whereas you may pay around $195 for an unlimited drink package on a 3-day Royal Caribbean cruise, that same package could cost $450 per person or more on a 7-night sailing.

After that, you can begin to think about which cruise line will meet your needs. Generally speaking, nine mainstream cruise lines offer sailings in the major markets, including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe:

• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Virgin Voyages

Each cruise line has its own personality, target audience, and onboard experience. For example, Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families with young children who love the magic of Disney. Highlights of the experience include character meet-and-greets, Broadway-caliber shows, themed dining, and immersive kids' clubs. 

That said, one of the cons of a Disney Cruise is that they're more expensive than competitors, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Norwegian — all of which also offer tons of family-friendly fun. 

Comparatively, Celebrity Cruises is geared more towards adults, with craft cocktail bars, fine dining experiences, port-intensive itineraries, and upscale spas. While families are welcome, the atmosphere is more refined. 

Enter Royal Caribbean, Celebrity's sister brand. Royal Caribbean is known for building the world's largest cruise ships, including Icon and Star of the Seas. However, they've technically held the title since Freedom of the Seas debuted in 2006. 

That means that, for decades, they've been at the forefront of cruise ship innovation, and their ships are packed with amenities for every type of traveler. 

That said, their older ships lack the same jaw-dropping features as the line's newest vessels, which is why it's important to thoroughly research the cruise ship you're considering before booking. 

Read more: I left Royal Caribbean for Celebrity after 20 cruises. Here's why I'm going back to Royal Caribbean next time

Icon of the Seas, for instance, is vastly different than Vision of the Seas. The former has a record-breaking waterpark, surf simulator, ice skating rink, mini-golf course, countless dining options, and cutting-edge entertainment (think high diving aqua shows and a Broadway-style production of "The Wizard of Oz"). 

In contrast, Vision of the Seas offers a more traditional cruising experience with smaller public spaces and fewer adrenaline-pumping attractions. 

If you don't want to sail on the newest or oldest ships in the fleet, check out Royal Caribbean's Voyager and Freedom Classes. These vessels continue to be popular amongst cruise enthusiasts because they strike a balance between modern amenities and value. 

Onboard, you'll find everything from rock climbing walls to ice skating rinks, surf simulators, spacious public areas, multiple pools, an elegant dining room, a specialty steakhouse, and more. 

Similarly, newer Carnival cruise ships will feel vastly different than older ones. I've sailed on Carnival Celebration and Carnival Elation, and prefer the sleek cabins, dining variety, and entertainment on Excel Class ships. 

Another important consideration is what cruise cabin you want. Most ships have four standard categories of staterooms: inside, ocean-view, balcony, and suite. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

Interior cabins are usually the cheapest. However, they're also the smallest and lack natural light. Ocean-view rooms have an exterior-facing window, but it doesn't open. If you want access to fresh air directly from your cabin, you'll want to book a balcony. 

There are more balcony rooms on newer ships compared to older ones. Also, some of Royal Caribbean's vessels have inward-facing balconies, so make sure you're careful when selecting a cabin on Oasis and Icon Class ships. 

Moreover, Icon Class ships have infinite verandahs, which are somewhat controversial. Unlike traditional balconies, infinite verandahs don't have a private outdoor area. Instead, the entire stateroom turns into a balcony with the press of a button, which lowers the top half of the floor-to-ceiling window. 

If you're looking for the most spacious accommodations on the ship, suites are the way to go. The perks vary based on the cruise line and ship. For example, Royal Caribbean's suite program is more robust than Carnival's. 

However, the benefits aren't consistent fleetwide. Royal Caribbean's newer ships (i.e., Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class vessels) feature the Royal Suite Class, which categorizes cabins into three tiers — each with its own set of perks. 

The suite program on older ships (i.e., Vision, Voyager, Radiance, and Freedom Classes) is more limited and offers fewer exclusive amenities. While you’ll still enjoy extra space and some perks compared to standard cabins, the experience isn’t as luxurious as what’s offered in the Royal Suite Class. 

Read more: I stayed in 3 mega cruise ship suites this year. 6 surprises made it better than I expected

Cruisers staying in top-tier suites within the Royal Suite Class enjoy benefits like an unlimited drink package and Wi-Fi, access to the suite-only dining room, a Royal Genie (essentially a butler), and more. 

Other cruise lines also have lavish "ship-within-a-ship" experiences with private areas, exclusive restaurants, and outstanding service. 

For example, I stayed in MSC's Yacht Club and was blown away by my spacious suite, the upscale Topsail Lounge, private pool deck, and more. Plus, it was not as pricey as Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class. 

To recap, the key factors to consider when picking a cruise are:

• Budget
• Destination
• Length
• Cruise line
• Cruise ship
• Cruise cabin

The perfect cruise for you won't be the same as your coworker, best friend, aunt, uncle, cousin, or neighbor

With over 100 mainstream cruise ships sailing globally, there's a cruise to match every travel style, budget, and bucket list destination. 

Some travelers thrive on mega-ships packed with the industry's latest technology and amenities, while others prefer cruising on smaller vessels to off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

At the end of the day, picking the right cruise isn't just about the itinerary. After all, the ship serves as your floating hotel, so you want to make sure that the onboard experience is just as memorable as your shore excursions. 

It's been months since Royal Caribbean ships have visited Falmouth, Jamaica. However, the port reopened and is welcoming cruise passengers once again. 

Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as the strongest landfall the country had ever recorded, causing catastrophic damage across the Caribbean nation. 

Not only that, but Melissa is one of the most intense landfalling Atlantic hurricanes on record (in terms of lowest barometric pressure), tied with the "Labor Day" storm of 1935.

The Category 5 storm was responsible for 32 deaths and up to $4 billion in insured losses in Jamaica alone, NBC News reported. 

(Credit: Port Authority of Jamaica/Facebook)

As such, Royal Caribbean and other major cruise lines had been diverting ships away from the country while it focused on critical relief efforts. 

However, according to the Port Authority of Jamaica, Falmouth is officially open to cruise traffic. Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess was the first vessel to call at Falmouth on Dec. 2, 2025. The 3,140-passenger ship is currently on a 12-night Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

"This restart supports renewed activity across the Falmouth community, stimulating business opportunities for local merchants, transport operators, and service providers," Jamaica's Port Authority shared on Facebook. 

(Credit: Port Authority of Jamaica/Facebook)

"The Port Authority of Jamaica remains committed to strengthening the communities in which we operate and contributing meaningfully to local livelihoods as we return to normalcy and advance ongoing rebuilding efforts."

Multiple Royal Caribbean ships, including Adventure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas, are set to call at Falmouth in the coming weeks. 

Other cruise lines, such as Disney, Norwegian, MSC, and Holland America Line, are also scheduled to visit Falmouth during the busy holiday season. 

Jamaica aims to resume full tourism operations by Dec. 15

Falmouth was the last cruise port in Jamaica to reopen to cruise passengers. 

Ocho Rios welcomed ships in mid-November, with guests aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam visiting the island on Nov. 11. The following day, thousands of passengers on the Carnival Sunrise also got to call at Ocho Rios. 

Likewise, Montego Bay welcomed nearly 2,900 passengers from the Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship on Nov. 24. 

However, Falmouth's infrastructure repairs took longer to complete. As such, the port remained closed into December. 

After Melissa's landfall, Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism. said the country was aiming to resume full tourism operations by Dec. 15.

"Tourism’s strength lies not just in its product offerings, but in its people and partnerships. The speed and synergy of our response show the industry’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to recovery with empathy, compassion, and innovation," Bartlett explained. 

While tourism operations were halted, many cruise lines pledged millions to aid the ongoing relief efforts. Cruise ships also delivered essential supplies, such as water, bedding, clothing, mattresses, and more. 

An unexpected pregnancy nearly cost one couple their New Year's cruise — until Royal Caribbean's CEO came to the rescue. 

The soon-to-be father shared the story on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread. In a post titled "Unexpected pregnancy is keeping us from a cruise (already purchased) over New [Year's]," JTH2014 explained that he feared he and his wife would lose out on their $1,500 vacation. 

"My wife and I had booked a cruise at the end of next month. We just found out a couple [of] weeks ago that she was already 18 weeks pregnant with our first child (she swears she didn't feel any different), meaning she will be past 23 weeks by our sail date, meaning they won't let us onboard," he wrote. 

Continuing, the expectant father said he called Cruises.com (presumably the third-party they had booked through) to figure out what options were available to them since they did not have travel insurance. 

Initially, while they were told they couldn't get a refund, they could reschedule their cruise to a later sail date due to the medical issue. However, their relief didn't last long. 

"I called [Cruises.com] again yesterday with the new cruise I had picked out six months after my wife's due date. Royal Caribbean is apparently now refusing [to] reschedule," he said.

"I contacted the cruise line myself, asking for more information. They basically said that allowing customers to reschedule for medical reasons is not an official policy, that they allow or disallow it 'at their discretion.'"

Fellow cruisers chimed in with advice in the thread. Some comments weren't helpful, advising the expectant couple to lie about how far along the mother was and enjoy their cruise anyway. 

"Just lie about how far along she is. I did on one of my cruises, not a big deal. All you do is click not over 23 weeks on the health questions," suggested one individual. 

Others mentioned the importance of travel insurance, though that wasn't helpful to the couple's current situation. 

Experienced cruisers encouraged them to keep pushing for a medical accommodation. Someone even suggested contacting Royal Caribbean's President and CEO, Michael Bayley, to see if the company's advanced resolutions team could assist. 

Read more: The 5 important Royal Caribbean email addresses you should know about

"This Sub-Reddit saved my Honeymoon"

In a follow-up post, JTH2014 happily shared that, thanks to the advice on their previous thread, the issue was resolved. 

"I thought for sure I was out that $1500, but someone suggested I send my story directly to the CEO's public email ([email protected]). Someone from his office called me today and said I am being granted a one-year credit for that balance," he explained. 

To him, that was better than the original offer. With more flexibility, he can pick any sail date, depending on how things are going with their baby. 

Babies have to be at least 6 months old to cruise from the U.S.

As generous as the offer was, commenters reminded JTH2014 that Royal Caribbean has strict guidelines for traveling with younger children. 

"[D]o be aware that [your] baby must be at least six months old to cruise domestically, and 12 months old for any sailing with more than two consecutive sea days," wrote crazydisneycatlady, a Platinum sailor within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society. 

With those rules in mind, the year-long credit may not give them as much flexibility as they hoped. Still, there is time to plan their first vacation together as a family of three during the last quarter of 2026 without losing the money that's already been paid. 

Experienced parents in the thread shared how much they enjoyed sailing with their infants, giving them a lot to look forward to.

Haterofstarbucks remarked, "I took a [6-month-old] on a cruise. My spouse and I had a blast on the ship with the [6-month-old]. Our son’s personality really came out on the ship. He was highly alert but not in the crawling phase. We just put him in the stroller and went exploring."

Read more: 8 Things I wish I knew about taking a baby on a cruise ship

Always buy travel insurance

JTH2014's situation highlights one possible medical scenario where travel insurance could make a huge difference. Unexpected events, from unplanned pregnancies to sudden illnesses, can derail well-planned vacations — even once you are onboard. 

Without insurance, you're stuck paying for any medical care received on the ship out of pocket, as cruise ships do not typically accept standard health insurance policies. 

For example, one first-time cruiser was stuck paying $4,000 for treatment after she began throwing up blood and losing consciousness while sailing on a Royal Caribbean ship. 

Khiali Baxter was then transported to a hospital in Costa Maya, Mexico, where she racked up over $9,000 in additional medical expenses for several different procedures to help stabilize her.

Aside from helping cover costly medical emergencies, travel insurance can also help protect against trip disruptions, lost luggage, and more. 

Port Canaveral and PortMiami, among the busiest cruise locations in the world, set passenger records in 2025, reflecting higher cruise demand than ever.

PortMiami, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, set passenger records for fiscal year 2025, which ran from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025, Miami officials said. 

The Miami cruise port welcomed 8,564,225 cruise passengers, which is a 4.02% increase in cruise passenger totals compared with 2024's record of 8,233,056. 

This doesn't come as a huge surprise, though. Miami is home to some of the world's newest and largest cruise ships, including Icon of the Seas, MSC World America, and Carnival Celebration. All offer weeklong voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean year-round. 

Moreover, MSC Cruises opened the world's largest cruise terminal in March. The 492,678-square-foot Terminal AA was designed to accommodate up to three ships from MSC’s World, Seaside, and Meraviglia Classes simultaneously — up to 36,000 embarking and disembarking passengers daily. 

The strong passenger growth also coincides with PortMiami’s booming cargo operations. During the 2024 fiscal year, PortMiami welcomed 1,115,058 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), marking the port's 11th consecutive year exceeding 1 million TEUs.

"PortMiami’s dual achievements highlight its dynamic role as both a cruise and cargo powerhouse, contributing billions to the local economy while advancing a future-ready vision of innovation, resiliency, and global connectivity," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb noted that the record-breaking numbers showcase "the dedication of [its] entire team and the strength of [its] partnerships with the cruise industry, cargo carriers, and the business community."

Meanwhile, Port Canaveral's numbers are even more impressive. During the 2025 fiscal year, the port welcomed a staggering 8,602,047 cruise passengers, up from 7,592,535 in 2024. 

This secured Port Canaveral's spot as the busiest cruise port in the world. Port Canaveral previously earned the record in 2022 but lost it the following year to PortMiami. 

Like PortMiami, some of the world's newest, largest ships homeport in Port Canaveral, including Utopia of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Carnival's Mardi Gras. 

Fiscal year 2026 kicked off on Oct. 1

It's poised to be an exciting one, too. Although neither Port Canaveral nor PortMiami is welcoming a new Royal Caribbean ship (Legend of the Seas is heading to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale), a slew of newer vessels will sail from Florida for the first time. 

For example, Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady embarked on a series of Caribbean cruises from PortMiami starting on Oct. 16. Additionally, Norwegian Luna, NCL's newest 3,571-passenger ship, will begin offering sailings from Miami in March 2026. 

Cruisers who don't have the proper documentation when traveling to their embarkation port may soon face a pesky $45 fee. 

Although cruise lines don't require U.S. citizens to have a valid passport on round-trip sailings from the States, travelers still need proper identification when flying to the port. 

The REAL ID requirement isn't new and went into effect on May 7, 2025. However, flyers without a REAL ID-compliant license must pay a hefty fee effective February 2026. 

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) announced that it will begin charging unprepared travelers a fee to verify their identity at the airport. The original proposal had the fee at $18, but the final amount was increased to $45. 

The modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, is designed to streamline the process for travelers who arrive without acceptable identification. The process will differ from airport to airport. That said, the TSA is working to offer online payment options, so travelers can pay before arriving at the airport. 

The $45 transaction is good for a 10-day travel period, meaning that many cruisers embarking on a 7-night voyage would only have to pay it once. Still, it's an annoying added expense — and one that is easily avoidable. 

According to the TSA, acceptable identification includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), valid passport book or passport card, permanent resident card, foreign government-issued passport, Veteran Health Identification Card, and U.S. Department of Defense ID, among others. 

"Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail," said Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Administrator for TSA Adam Stahl. 

"The vast majority of travelers present acceptable identification like REAL IDs and passports, but we must ensure everyone who flies is who they say they are...The security of the traveling public is our top priority, so we urge all travelers to get a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID as soon as possible to avoid delays and potentially miss flights."

Why you should not cruise without a passport

While your 3-night Bahamas cruise might not require a valid passport, now is the best time to go ahead and invest in one. Having a passport ensures you’re prepared for last-minute emergencies that could leave you stranded in a foreign port of call.

Moreover, you will not have to worry about getting a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, since a passport also serves as valid identification for domestic flights and will allow you to fly to your embarkation port with ease. 

Cruising without a passport means juggling extra paperwork, including a valid birth certificate, which can add extra stress to your vacation. 

Read more: You can take a cruise without a passport, but some require one

Many cruises require a passport, too. For example, if you want to sail on a one-way voyage through Alaska's picturesque Inside Passage or embark on a dreamy Mediterranean cruise, you'll need a passport. 

If you already have a passport, check its expiration date. If, for example, your upcoming cruise returns to Florida on August 1, 2027, your passport's expiration date should be no earlier than February 1, 2028. 

This is because most destinations require passports to be valid for at least six months after your planned return date to account for unexpected delays and emergencies. 

According to the U.S. Department of State's website, the current routine processing time for passports is 4-6 weeks. However, you can pay an extra $60 for the expedited process, which takes 2-3 weeks. Note that passport processing times don't include shipping.

Royal Caribbean is offering a sale on cruises in honor of Cyber Monday. 

Guests can save up to $1,000 off cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and more, as well as get free fares for 3rd and 4th passengers on select voyages. 

Cruises start at just $126 per person (before gratuities) and are available on sailings departing on or after December 2, 2025. 

Here's a look at Royal Caribbean's Cyber Monday sale highlights.

Up to $1,000 off in instant savings

Royal Caribbean's Cyber Monday sale is only valid on new bookings made on December 1, 2025. The instant savings vary based on stateroom category and sailing length:

5 nights or less

• Inside and Ocean View: $125 savings
• Balconies: $200 savings
• Suites: $400 savings

6 nights or longer

• Inside and Ocean View: $225 savings
• Balconies: $300 savings
• Suites: $1,000 savings

In addition to the instant savings, guests with confirmed bookings can take advantage of the Cruise Planner sale, which is seeing deep discounts on popular add-ons — up to 55% off. 

Sample cruise deals

The following cruises were priced as listed at the time of publication for three guests in an inside cabin:

• April 18-19, 2026: 1-night Southern Caribbean cruise on Serenade of the Seas, starting at $345
• January 13-16, 2026: 3-night Ensenada cruise on Navigator of the Seas, starting at $444
• January 26-31, 2026: 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on Enchantment of the Seas, starting at $734
• April 10-15, 2026: 5-night overnight Cabo cruise on Quantum of the Seas, starting at $1,045
• May 22-29, 2026: 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier cruise on Ovation of the Seas, starting at $2,456
• June 7-12, 2026: 5-night Hamburg & Bruges cruise on Liberty of the Seas, starting at $1,441
• September 27-October 4, 2026: 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Star of the Seas, starting at $3,326
• October 16-19, 2026: 3-night Perfect Day cruise on Jewel of the Seas, starting at $767
• May 7-14, 2027: 7-night Alaska Adventure on Anthem of the Seas, starting at $2,054
• September 19-25, 2027: 6-night Western Caribbean cruise on Icon of the Seas, starting at $2,315

Royal Caribbean's inside cabins are the cheapest. Moreover, many of the above rates are for guarantee staterooms, meaning that Royal Caribbean will assign your specific cabin before your cruise; you cannot choose the exact room. 

Additionally, the newer the ship, the higher the price tends to be, even when taking into account the ongoing Cyber Monday sale. Vessels like Icon, Star, and Utopia of the Seas offer the latest amenities, entertainment, and dining options, which warrant premium prices. 

How to make the most of Royal Caribbean's Cyber Monday sale

Travelers looking to maximize savings should prioritize looking at shorter cruises on older ships. Booking early also increases the chances of securing a better rate before sought-after itineraries and cabins sell out. 

That said, we're seeing some good pricing on last-minute cruises in December and January. Excluding holiday weeks, many sailings are experiencing lower demand. 

For example, a 4-night Perfect Day cruise on Liberty of the Seas starts at $358 for two people in an inside cabin. However, you would have to be flexible and be able to tie up loose ends by December 8, 2025. 

If you don't see a sailing you like, Cyber Monday is also a great time to book add-ons for upcoming cruises. Here's a glimpse at what my Cruise Planner is offering on drink and Wi-Fi packages, specialty meals, and more:

5-night Europe cruise on Liberty of the Seas in June 2026

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $58.99/night
• All-In Package: Drinks, Dining & WiFi: $99.99/night
• VOOM Internet Package: $17.99/night
• Unlimited Dining Package: $26.99/night

3-night Bahamas cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $53.99/night
• Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Open Bar Day Pass: $110.99/night
• VOOM Internet Package: $21.99/night
• Unlimited Dining Package: $38.99/night
• Hideaway Beach: $61.99/person
• Coco Beach Club Day Pass: $159.99/person

Maximize your Cyber Monday purchase

When booking cruises, don't forget to use a credit card that earns bonus points on travel purchases. It is an easy way to earn extra rewards that can help cover the cost of pre-cruise incidentals, including airfare and hotels!

Here are some travel credit cards that can help you maximize your cruise purchase:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 2 points/$1 spent on travel
• Capital One® Venture X Card: 2 points/$1 on everyday spend, including travel
• American Express® Green Card: 3 points/$1 on travel

Cyber Monday is also a great time to look into other travel deals. 

For example, I've been eyeing flights from Charlotte to Orlando in July for a cruise on Utopia of the Seas. American Airlines (my preferred airline due to status and flight availability) wants around $440 per person, or around $880 for my partner and me. 

However, by taking advantage of the Atmos points sale, I bought enough points to cover our flights for just $375 when booking through Alaska Airlines, an AA partner. 

Cruise ships offer different stateroom categories to accommodate various vacation preferences and travel budgets, ranging from windowless inside cabins to spacious suites. 

Sometimes, however, the cheapest cruise cabin isn't the best. While saving money is always great, the trade-off can affect your onboard experience. For example, a lower-category cruise stateroom typically means less space and no access to natural light.

Before you agree to a downgrade, consider what you might be giving up on your next vacation and whether the cost savings are worth it. Here are 7 reasons the cheapest cruise cabin isn't always the smartest choice. 

No fresh air or natural light

Interior cabins do not have private balconies or windows. As such, they're sometimes referred to as "shoeboxes" or "tombs" because of their compact size and lack of natural light. Some travelers don't mind the setup. Others, however, find the windowless staterooms disorienting and claustrophobic. 

Without a window or balcony, you can't watch the sunrise, step outside for fresh air, or check the current weather conditions. Your stateroom's television will typically have a live feed of the bow or top deck, but it's not a substitute for the benefits of a true verandah or window. 

Plus, if you suffer from motion sickness, being in an interior cabin can make it harder to orient yourself since you can't gaze out at the horizon. 

Limited storage space

Cruise cabins aren't known for being spacious. The lack of storage space, in particular, is a common complaint, especially on older ships. 

While all standard staterooms (i.e., interior, ocean-view, and balconies) provide storage options, the amount varies widely. Since inside cabins are the smallest, they may have limited closets, drawers, and shelving. 

This may not be an issue on a short 3- or 4-night cruise. However, those sailing on longer voyages, such as two-week cruises through the Panama Canal or across the Atlantic Ocean, could find the lack of storage frustrating. 

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Less space to relax

The size of inside cabins on Royal Caribbean cruise ships is inconsistent across the fleet. 

For example, most interior staterooms on Enchantment of the Seas come in at around 136 square feet, while those on Utopia of the Seas measure anywhere from 150 to 170 square feet. 

The smaller the rooms are, the less living space you have. In fact, it's not uncommon for many inside cabins to have limited seating, whereas most ocean-view and balcony staterooms have an extra sofa. 

Privacy is harder to come by

One major downside of inside and ocean-view cabins is the lack of a private verandah. Without a balcony, it's harder to savor private moments watching the passing scenery. On typical Caribbean sailings, this may not be as big an issue. 

However, on scenic cruises to places like Alaska or Norway, you might want your own outdoor space to enjoy glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. 

In fact, it is not uncommon for the top deck to be packed on glacier viewing days. As such, a room with a balcony means you won't have to fight the crowds for a good spot. You can even enjoy room service, complete with freshly brewed hot coffee, from the comfort of your private verandah. 

Basic amenities 

One reason to consider splurging on a suite is the extra benefits. The perks vary but often include upgraded toiletries, plush bedding, priority boarding, extra Crown & Anchor points, and access to exclusive lounges. 

Inside, ocean-view, and balcony rooms cover the basics, offering everything from an ensuite bathroom, daily housekeeping, and a television. However, the added comforts of a suite can make a noticeable difference, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion onboard. 

For example, Sky Class suites within the Royal Suite Class include complimentary VOOM internet; access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; priority boarding; suite lounge access; and more.

Read more: What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?

Last-minute upgrades are a gamble

RoyalUp is Royal Caribbean’s cabin bidding program that allows passengers to bid on higher stateroom categories before their cruise, with the chance to “win” a better cabin. 

It can be tempting to rely on last-minute upgrades to score a balcony or suite at a lower cost. However, availability varies, and there's no guarantee that your bid will be accepted.

There's less of a chance if your cruise sells out in advance, which is common during peak travel times. As such, you should secure your preferred stateroom when booking to avoid disappointment. 

Guarantee cabins are risky

Finally, the cheapest cruise cabins are guarantee inside staterooms. Rather than selecting your specific cabin at the time of booking, Royal Caribbean will randomly assign a stateroom before sailing based on the remaining inventory.

Although they're a good option for cruisers who want to save money on their fare, you risk being assigned a cabin in an undesirable location, such as near a noisy elevator bank or at the front of the vessel. 

Once the stateroom has been assigned, it cannot be changed. This could be frustrating if you're given, for example, a connecting cabin and don't know the party in the adjoining stateroom. 

Read more: I saved $240 on my cruise by letting Royal Caribbean choose my room, and I'd totally do it again

Royal Caribbean is making a major change to the way passengers can access their final bill after completing their cruise.

Historically, a paper copy of guests' final invoices is left outside the cabin on disembarkation morning. However, effective December 15, 2025, the cruise line will retire the printed copies of the spending summary. 

Passengers who want to view their statement before leaving the ship have a few options. First, they can use the Royal Caribbean mobile app, which allows guests to check their folio at any time during the voyage, not just on the final day. 

The final statement will also continue to be emailed to guests. Additionally, passengers can visit Guest Services to request a printed copy or check their spending summary on iTV, where available.

Royal Caribbean informed travel agents of the change in an email sent out on Nov. 25. 

"For ease of communication, we are discontinuing the use of printed invoices at the end of your clients’ cruises. Starting December 15, 2025, guests will have the convenient option to retrieve their final bill through the App, Email, Guest Services, or on iTV (where available)," the cruise line said. 

How to access digital folios

You can request spending summaries from past cruises by emailing [email protected] or calling 800-256-6649.

Note, however, folios are only available for 7 years. As such, final statements for cruises taken before 2018 are no longer available. 

Other things that have gone digital

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has implemented digital technology across many aspects of the onboard experience, starting with eDocs. 

Royal Caribbean (and Celebrity) cruisers do not need to print out a physical boarding pass. Instead, the SetSail Pass is available through the mobile app once the online check-in process has been completed. 

eDocs also contain helpful information like the reservation number, cabin assignment, sailing time, itinerary, and port directions. 

The eDocs also contain the printable luggage tags. While porters have tags available at the terminal, printing the tags and affixing them to your suitcase helps expedite the embarkation process. 

Finally, Royal Caribbean's Cruise Compass has done digital — well, mostly. You can still request physical copies of the daily schedule. However, passengers can access the Cruise Compass digitally through the mobile app. 

You can (and should) book your Royal Caribbean cruise in advance. 

Reserving your cruise ahead of time has its perks. For example, there are typically more cabins available, which means you can snag your ideal stateroom, whether it's a sought-after suite, solo room, or standard cabin in a specific location. 

Plus, booking in advance also means you will have flexible payment plans. Rather than having to pay the entire fare upfront, you can split your payments over time.

But just how early can you book a Royal Caribbean cruise? 

Royal Caribbean releases new deployments as early as two years before the sail date, though the widest selection of itineraries is usually available about 18 months before the departure date.

However, everyone can't plan that far in advance. Between work schedules, children's extracurriculars, and more, looking into a weeklong cruise that sails over one year away isn't always realistic. 

Still, the earlier you can start planning, the better your chances of locking in the best itinerary, stateroom, and price, even if it's just 6 to 9 months ahead of time. 

When does Royal Caribbean open bookings for future sailings?

Generally speaking, you can book most Royal Caribbean cruises around 18-20 months in advance. For example, at the time of publication, Royal Caribbean's website lists cruises available through April 2028. However, available 2028 cruises are currently limited to The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico. 

Even still, many guests opt to book their cruises somewhere between 9 to 12 months ahead of time to ensure that the dates work with their schedules. 

If you want to plan as far in advance as possible, the best way to keep an eye out for new Royal Caribbean sailings is to sign up for their newsletter, which will let you know when they plan on opening sailings for booking.

Royal Caribbean deployment schedule 2027-2028

You can also look at the cruise line's deployment schedule. Royal Caribbean has released when it plans on opening up new 2027-2028 itineraries for booking:

• NOW OPEN: Alaska (May 2027-Sept. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: Europe (April 2027-Oct. 2027)
• NOW OPEN: 7-night & short Caribbean (March 2027-April 2028)
• NOW OPEN: Northeast, California, & Texas (April 2027-April 2028)
• Week of Dec. 8, 2025: Seasonal Caribbean
• TBD: Australia (Oct. 2027-April 2028)
• TBD: China (Oct. 2027-April 2028)
• TBD: Singapore (Oct. 2027-April 2028)

New bookings are available to book at some point during the specified week, not necessarily on that Monday. Moreover, it's common for new sailings to be entered into Royal Caribbean's booking system first, followed by the cruise line's website. 

This means that you might be able to book a new cruise on the phone with a representative or through a travel agent, even if they aren't listed on Royal Caribbean's website. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds new Alaska itineraries, including two giant cruise ships

Best time to book a cruise

Cruise pricing can change by the hour, as fares fluctuate based on supply and demand. As demand increases and cabin availability decreases, prices rise. That said, you can generally find the best cruise prices by booking in advance. 

When new itineraries are released, the fares are lower to generate early interest. These prices increase over time as ships fill up and stateroom availability becomes more limited, especially for popular sailing dates such as Spring Break, Christmas, or New Year's. 

If you can book a cruise around 10 to 12 months before departure, you will likely secure the best rate. Cruise fares tend to steadily increase after that, with prices often at their highest within 1 to 3 months before the sail date. 

Can you book a cheap last-minute cruise?

Although too-good-to-be-true last-minute cruises aren't as common as they used to be, it's still possible to score a great deal by checking out Royal Caribbean's Going, Going, Gone PDF. 

These last-minute deals are for unsold cabins on upcoming cruises, with discounts ranging from good to incredible. New cruises are listed on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, though there are some weeks when no deals are posted at all — it all depends on the available inventory. 

The catch is that you’ll need to be flexible with your travel dates, departure ports, and itineraries. Moreover, most Going, Going, Gone cruises are listed past the sailing's final payment date. 

As such, you must pay the entire fare at the time of booking, rather than placing a deposit and having months to come up with the remainder of the balance. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean has a list of secret cruise deals most people don't know about. It's saved me hundreds of dollars