Royal Caribbean Blog

If you've ever been on a cruise ship and noticed there are moments that stick out for slowing everything down, you're certainly not alone.

While nearly all the experience being on a Royal Caribbean ship is fantastic, every cruise will have moments when you find it difficult to avoid a delay, regret, or general hassle.

I was on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas getting back on the ship after our day in Nassau when I ran into a very crowded elevator bank. Getting back on a ship can be one of those moments, but there are ways to circumvent the problem to a degree.

It got me thinking about other less-than-desirable situations on a cruise you might encounter and the tricks you need to know to beat them.

Lines at the cruise terminal

When you get to the cruise terminal, there's bound to be a line of people waiting to go through security and check-in for your cruise.

There's actually a shorter line you can get into simply by knowing how to complete the online check-in beforehand.

Express Boarding is available to anyone, but you need to know what to do and how to do it.

This special line is shorter and will get you onboard faster because you would have already completed all the important steps.

There's no cost to get Express Boarding, but you need to complete all of the online check-in steps within the Royal Caribbean app, including the selfie and health questionnaire. 

This is one of my favorite cruise hacks and worth doing every time to make check-in a breeze.

People reserving chairs at the pool deck

Whether you're at a Marriott resort or Royal Caribbean cruise, chair hogs are a thing. 

Some people get up early, reserve a bunch of lounge chairs by the pool, and then never relinquish them. Many times the chairs they reserve don't even get used for a few more hours after.

Royal Caribbean claims they have a policy to combat this practice, but I've rarely seen it enforced.

There are a couple workarounds (and no, I don't advocate moving their stuff. I don't want a confrontation on my vacation).

First, if you can get up to the pool deck before 10am, there's a good chance you'll have no problem getting a lounger yourself.

In my experience, it's the people that sleep in and roll up to the pool deck later in the morning or early afternoon that run into problems.

Another idea is to go to the pool on a port day, when there's far less demand for the pool. 

Staying onboard a ship on a port day is a frequent cruiser trick, and it feels like you have the entire pool to yourself.

Elevator congestion

I mentioned the issue earlier in this article about a crowded elevator, and you'll likely encounter crowded elevators multiple times during your cruise.

Elevators can get easily overwhelmed when a show lets out, dinner wraps up, or the aforementioned post-excursion rush.

The stairs are still the best alternative to crowded elevators. While taking the stairs may not be ideal, I find it can be faster in many cases than even waiting for an uncrowded elevator (especially if it's less than 4 decks).

I'd recommend taking the stairs if you're going under 3 decks.

For my excursion problem, you could take the stairs just a couple decks up and then wait for the elevator there. You'd be surprised how many people will get off the elevator at that point, freeing up space.

Waiting for a tender boat

It seems to be getting rarer to have a cruise with a tender port stop, but if you do, waiting for a tender boat in the morning can feel really frustrating.

Tender boats are slow loading and unloading, and they have a small capacity. With seemingly everyone trying to head ashore at the same time, it can lead to very long lines.

I find the best strategy if you have a tender port is to book a Royal Caribbean excursion to at least get you there.

Royal Caribbean excursions always get priority tendering.  This means you'll meet for your tour on the ship and then be escorted to a waiting tender boat just for those on a tour.

Say what you will about the advantages of a third party excursion, but I think in a tender port booking a cruise line excursion is a must-do to avoid the hassle and tender boat lines.

Waits for the water slides

Did you know most Royal Caribbean ships have water slides onboard? In fact, the Icon Class ships even have an entire water park!

A lot of people know about it, and that's why lines for the water slides can be among the longest waits you'll encounter on any Royal Caribbean ship.

Instead of taking your kids on a sea day and waiting in line, I have a few workarounds.

First, bring your bathing suits on embarkation day and hit the water slides as soon as you get onboard.

There's usually no line on the first day of the cruise because no one has their bathing suits with them (they're packed in their luggage). Change into your bathing suit at a public restroom and you'll practically have them to yourselves.

The second strategy is to come back early from a port day.

Get off the ship early and enjoy some time at the beach or on whatever tour you're doing. But if you can get on the ship a few hours before all aboard time, I've found the water slide lines to also be quite short.

Lastly, if all else fails, wake up early and hit the water slides then. 

Sea days will be the most crowded, but if you can get to the slides around 9am when they open, the lines are usually much shorter for a bit.

The "Why didn’t I know that?" regret

This is a problem I read about online after people get home from their cruise, where they realize too late they missed out on something they would have loved to do on their cruise.

Classic examples include:

• Missing a hidden venue
• Finding out about a perk too late
• Not using Crown & Anchor benefits
• Missing booking windows

There's a lot to see and do on a cruise, so I don't blame someone for overlooking one aspect of a cruise. However, I think avoiding FOMO is worthwhile with a little bit of prep work.

I recommend before going to bed to check the Royal Caribbean app or Cruise Compass to preview what events and activities are coming up tomorrow.

Before the cruise begins, try to pre-book everything possible. Shows, specialty restaurants, private karaoke sessions, and excursions are all things you can reserve and lock-in so there's no excuses later for missing it.

I also think joining a roll call group is a good idea to educate yourself on what's happening. Often times I don't know what I don't know until someone else mentions it and then I want to try it too. 

We have our own roll call section on our message boards or you can try a Facebook group.

Speaking of educating yourself, watch a ship tour video.  We have a full Royal Caribbean ship tours you can watch that cover every inch of the ship and don't include any sales pitches or my face in the video.

Lastly, don't miss out on the fun theme nights of your sailing.

You can look up the theme nights before your cruise begins and have the perfect matching outfit for everyone.

Surprise onboard charges

There have been plenty of cruises where I've asked aloud to my family, "who bought this?" as I point to a charge in the Royal Caribbean app.

In most cases, I forgot about something. But sometimes there's an error. 

On one cruise, the crew member misconstrued my terrible handwriting and thought I tipped them $80 at a restaurant. 

There are a few ways you can limit your onboard charges to avoid confusion later.

Prepaying gratuities is one way to eliminate a lot of onboard charges. Instead of getting a daily charge, I prefer to prepay so it's all take care of before I sail.

It's also a good idea to turn off in-app purchases for kids. You can go to Guest Services on the ship and ask to turn off their charging privileges to ensure they don't accidentally (or intentionally) start buying up arcade games.

And to lessen the surprise factor, I recommend checking your onboard account daily. This is so easy to do with the Royal Caribbean app.

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas successfully rescued six people from a small boat in the Western Caribbean.

According to social media posts, the Radiance Class vessel came to a "full stop" off the coast of Cuba on Sunday, February 15, 2026, to respond to a vessel in distress. 

"Current status on Radiance of the Seas. We are at a full stop pending rescue of 6 people," shared Mike Hoglander in the Crown and Anchor Society Facebook group. 

One Redditor also provided context on the situation, claiming that the captain saw the vessel and was forced to stop. Under international maritime law, vessels are legally required to assist anyone in distress at sea — so long as doing so doesn't endanger their own ship. 

(Credit: Mike Hoglander/Facebook)

According to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), vessels must proceed "with all possible speed" to assist persons in distress, provide help regardless of immigration status or nationality, and coordinate with rescue authorities. 

"[W]ere waiting for the Coast Guard to pick them up but I don’t think they could come," explained Junior-Front-5544. 

"At around 5:45-6 [the crew] decided to get them and there were 6 people. Captain said they will stay [on board] until port tomorrow at [Grand Cayman]."

(Credit: Junior-Front-5544/Reddit)

Hoglander updated his original post to share that all six people were successfully rescued from the small vessel that had begun taking on water. 

Cruise Mapper shows that Radiance of the Seas arrived in Grand Cayman on Monday, Feb. 16, as planned. 

The 90,090 gross-ton Radiance Class vessel is currently on a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise that departed on Feb. 14, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

(Credit: Junior-Front-5544/Reddit)

The first port of call on the itinerary is Grand Cayman, followed by Cozumel, Mexico, on Feb. 18. Radiance is expected to return to Florida on Friday, Feb. 20. 

Radiance of the Seas is a 24-year-old cruise ship that launched in 2001. She measures 962 feet long and can accommodate around 2,140 guests at double occupancy. 

Through April 2026, Radiance will offer Bahamian voyages from Fort Lauderdale. She'll relocate to Tampa, Florida, in April, where she will remain through at least April 2028. 

(Credit: Junior-Front-5544/Reddit)

Itineraries range from 4-night getaways to 8-night Western Caribbean cruises that visit ports like Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatán, and Costa Maya. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest

It's not uncommon for cruise ships to rescue passengers in distress

(Credit: @AileenCD/TikTok)

A few years ago, Odyssey of the Seas rescued 77 migrants off the coast of Greece while on a 7-night Greek Isles cruise. 

The sailboat was first spotted by a Maltese-flagged cargo ship roughly 112 nautical miles (129 miles) southwest of Pylos. Then, Greece's search and rescue authority helped coordinate the rescue operation.

A few months later, Voyager of the Seas rescued 4 adults, 2 children, and a black lab off a disabled sailboat drifting off the coast of Marrakesh, Morocco.

(Credit: Karen Fraser)

In Oct. 2025, Norwegian Epic rescued over 60 people from a boat in the Ionian Sea, USA TODAY reported. 

"The individuals were brought on board and tended to by the ship’s crew who provided a medical evaluation, food and other items for their comfort," said Norwegian in an emailed statement. 

"Following a mandatory directive from the Rescue Coordination Centre, the ship proceeded to Kalamata, Greece where the rescued individuals were turned over to the Greek authorities."

Enchantment of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean's oldest and smallest vessels, also saved a group of people from a raft that was "falling apart" in international waters between Mexico and Cuba. 

As reported by NBC News, Enchantment of the Seas launched two lifeboats and successfully rescued the distressed people. Afterward, the captain announced that everyone was in good health. 

Few people impacted the cruise industry as deeply as Richard Fain had.

With a career spanning decades, he became the leader of Royal Caribbean Group and an instant leader within the travel space. Under his leadership, Royal Caribbean launched the megaship era and revolutionized the cruise industry. But his biggest impact may have come with the cruise industry shutdown and guiding cruising back. 

He worked almost 40 years in cruising before stepping aside in recent years.

In his new book, Delivering the Wow he said, "Almost everybody is focused on what's going to happen next month or next year and I think it's the ability to focus on the north star that's key to success."

His words are an important reminder to almost anyone how important it is to be focused on your long term goal, despite the daily grind and distractions that can steer you away.

The advice in his book centers around a focus on how he used long term goals to guide him, in the same way mariners use the North Star to sail a ship at night.

"The north star is millions of miles away," he explained. "We don't expect to reach it. We're using the north star as a goal, a long-term direction. It's the same thing when you're building a business. It's just something we're constantly striving toward."

The advice is something that was important to him and the company as Royal Caribbean came out of the shutdown of 2020 and accumulated billions of dollars of debt and barely any income.

He called the realization that Covid would be a major problem prohibiting his business from functioning as "devastating".

Clearly the company's return to service and tremendous success in a few short years since 2020 has been the result of this business tenant emphasizing not losing sight of getting back to business.

Richard Fain's career

Richard Fain joined Royal Caribbean in 1988 and left a legacy that reshaped the modern cruise industry.

When he stepped into leadership, Royal Caribbean was a relatively small player with only a handful of ships. Over the decades, he helped transform it into one of the dominant forces in global cruising, with a fleet that spans continents and sets industry trends rather than follows them.

Royal Caribbean didn't just grow in size, it broadened its reach. Royal Caribbean expanded its portfolio to include Celebrity Cruises and later Silversea, giving travelers everything from contemporary mega-ships to premium and ultra-luxury experiences under one corporate umbrella. That diversification strengthened the company’s position and widened its appeal to different kinds of cruisers.

His leadership ushered in the megaship era. The debut of the Oasis Class vessels didn’t just build bigger ships, it fundamentally changed expectations of what a cruise vacation could be. Suddenly, a cruise ship wasn’t just transportation and a pool deck. They now have neighborhoods, entertainment venues, specialty dining, and attractions people had never seen at sea before. 

He was also a major supporter behind the bold reinvention of Perfect Day at CocoCay. What had once been a fairly typical private island stop became a full-scale destination with water park, cabanas, a massive freshwater pool, and experiences designed to rival shoreside resorts. 

It was another move that shifted the industry’s mindset because suddenly every other traditional cruise private island was obsolete. Since then, other cruise lines have quickly begun upgrading their own private islands to keep pace.

Decades of growth came to a halt in 2020 as the global shutdown hit cruise lines especially hard. Ships stopped sailing, revenue evaporated, and uncertainty hung over the entire sector. 

Through that period, Fain became a steady public voice for the company, frequently communicating with guests, travel advisors, and investors. Many credit his calm, consistent leadership during 2020 and 2021 with helping restore confidence that cruising would return.

Cruising did return, and Royal Caribbean emerged from it not just active, but strategically stronger. The company weathered the crisis, resumed expansion, and positioned itself for long-term growth.

He helped redefine what a mainstream cruise line could be, pushed the boundaries of ship design and destination development, and guided the company through one of the most challenging periods in its history. That combination of vision and resilience will likely define how his tenure is remembered.

A 13-night Celebrity Infinity cruise came to an early end when the vessel encountered a technical issue just before completing its itinerary. 

The Celebrity Cruises ship had departed Barcelona, Spain, on February 3 and was scheduled to conclude in Piraeus (Athens), Greece on February 16. Instead, an issue popped up that disrupted travel plans for the conclusion of the sailing.

According to multiple accounts from passengers aboard posted on Reddit, trouble began in the early morning hours of February 15, when the ship suddenly lost electrical power at approximately 3:00 a.m. while it was near Piraeus, Greece. 

Footage shared on social media shows tugboats pushing and pulling the ship as the crew worked to control its movement.

One passenger shared an account of the conditions on board during the power outage, describing how essential services like air conditioning, lighting and even toilets were affected. "No electric in the rooms, air con off, toilets off, Wi-Fi off," the added, recalling an announcement heard across the ship’s public address system.

The same guest said they heard an announcement for a "Bravo Bravo Bravo" alert, which is a code used on ships to warm of fire-related issues, although this hasn't been confirmed.

A letter given to passengers on the ship confirmed to the public that the ship experienced "a technical issue" while approaching Piraeus/Athens.

The cruise line did not go into specifics about what component or system failed, stating only that the onboard team was working to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible. "Your safety and well-being are our highest priority," the letter emphasized.

Celebrity Infinity is a 91,000 gross ton ship that can accommodate 2,170 passengers across 12 decks. The ship is 25 years old, having its inaugural sailing in 2001.

Cruise ending a day early

As a result of the unexpected shutdown, the cruise had to end one day earlier than planned. 

Originally, passengers were scheduled to begin disembarking on the morning of February 16, but with the issue, passengers were "encouraged" to disembark the vessel on the 15th instead. 

Celebrity offered a range of compensation packages to those affected. Every stateroom was promised a $300 reimbursement, and passengers were provided with access to free Wi-Fi in the terminal should they need to make onward arrangements. 

The cruise fare for the unused final day will be refunded to guests. Onboard credits will also be provided equivalent to one day of the cruise, calculated based on the amount each guest paid for their fare. 

Any prepaid packages, such as beverage, dining or shore excursions, will similarly see a one-day credit or refund applied. 

Guests will also get an extra $100 per person to pay for lunch or a taxi ride to cover incidentals.

For those who needed to change flights due to the sudden end of the cruise, the line agreed to cover up to $200 for domestic flight changes and $400 for international flight changes, per person.

Next cruise cancelled

On Sunday, Celebrity informed guests booked on the following sailing that the next cruise is cancelled.

"During our previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue and while our experts have been working diligently, we need additional time to complete necessary assessments and repairs."

"After carefully considering all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the February 16th, 2026, sailing. We sincerely apologize for this unexpected change and the disruption this causes to your travel plans."

The February 16th voyage was an 11-night sailing with stops in popular Mediterranean ports such as Mykonos, Katakolon, Iraklion (Crete), Rhodes, Limassol (Cyprus), Antalya (Turkey) and Kuşadası (Turkey).

Guests booked on this sailing will be given a full refund, plus additional compensation.

Hope you are having a great weekend.  Here is all of this week's Royal Caribbean cruise news.

Royal Caribbean added a new item to its banned list that has gotten a lot of mixed reactions.

Smart glasses are now banned from being worn in certain areas of the cruise ship.

The controversy about banning smart glasses stems from how is it fundamentally different than someone with a phone that can take photos.

Royal Caribbean News

• Forbes just named its first Five-Star rating restaurant on a cruise ship
• How I spent $972 on a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise - and what I'd do differently next time
• I go on Royal Caribbean once a month, but I usually skip 7 places on a cruise ship
• 20 years of Royal Caribbean cruises: What I've learned
• Royal Caribbean cruise rules beginners accidentally break
• 6 cool new gadgets that you can take on a cruise
• New cruise math: How your points are changing without disrupting your favorite line
• 5 reasons to avoid shopping for cruises by just price
• It's not too late to book a spring break cruise, but you need to act quickly
• Why bad cruise weather isn’t just a hurricane season problem
• Should you take a short cruise from Florida?

Video: Biggest Time-Wasters on Royal Caribbean

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Biggest Time-Wasters on Royal Caribbean — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Meet the cute puppy that will love on Legend of the Seas

When Legend of the Seas launches this summer, Skipper will be the "family dog" onboard.

The dog was recently born and now has a name.  Skipper plays on the traditional dog name each one has had, including Sailor and Rover.

Officially, Skipper will be the "Chief Dog Officer" and will live on the ship as a pseudo mascot and part of the crew.

He spent $500,000 in the cruise ship's casino to earn high roller rewards

Craig gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casinos to earn its highest loyalty tier, which includes a lot of extra perks.

By his estimation, he had to have played through at least $500,000 to earn the 100,000 cumulative points to reach Masters level.

While the amount of money to wager is staggering, the benefits are equally compelling.

I always ask these 7 questions on a cruise and it makes a big difference

It's so important to speak up and get your cruise the way you want it by asking 7 questions.

Some of these questions are said out loud, and others are ones you should be asking yourself. 

Asking all of them will likely get you a better cruise overall.

Your embarkation day on a cruise, explained

The first day of a Royal Caribbean cruise is busy, but we have an easy guide to what to expect on embarkation day.

From check-in to muster drill to dining reservations, there's plenty happening and it can feel overwhelming for a new cruiser.

Luckily, Royal Caribbean makes the process quite easy but knowing what to expect can make it a lot more manageable.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 596th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt is asked if an old ship will be disappointing.

Many cruisers are hesitant to try an old ship because they're worried it won't be nearly as good as a new ship.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Spring break is one of the most in-demand cruise periods of the year. After a winter full of cold, wind, and snow, a lot of families want to escape to a warm tropical vacation.

Royal Caribbean cruises are in high demand in March and April because schools have built-in time off, and that leads to more families cruising.  Suffice to say, there's a lot of other people looking to book a spring break cruise.

The good news is you can still book a spring break cruise, but you're going to need to be strategic about it and act quickly.

However, you'll need to have a degree of flexibility because with just a few weeks to go, there are fewer choices, and higher fares than if you booked last year. Nonetheless, it's still doable!

I'm here to help you work in a spring break cruise, provided you can take advantage of these five steps.

Last minute spring break 2026 cheat sheet

Before you read all of the best tips for finding a last-minute spring break cruise, here are the best options that most people overlook and are still available to book:

• Serenade of the Seas 7-night Southern Caribbean March 15, 2026 from Cartagena, Columbia: Prices for a balcony $1,030 per person
• Enchantment of the Seas 5-night Western Caribbean March 14: Prices for an inside $900 per person
• Navigator of the Seas 3-night Ensenada April 3: Prices for an inside cabin $491 per person
• Quantum of the Seas 6-night Mexican Riviera April 1: Prices for a balcony $849 per person

Prices were accurate as of the publishing of this article, but they could change quickly.

Be flexible with dates

The first problem you may run into is trying to shoehorn in a cruise that fits exactly with the week you have in mind.

A lot of schools have the same time off, so if you have the ability to travel another time, that might work out better.

The most popular spring break weeks this year are:

• Middle weeks of March
• The weeks surrounding Easter (April 5, 2026)

Here are a few tips for finding a cruise that skirts around these in-demand times:

• Find a a sailing a few days before or after local school breaks
• Look for a shorter 3–4 night cruise instead of 7-nighter
• Take your kids out of school and bypass your scheduled week off

Not everyone can take advantage of these tips, but if there's any wiggle room, you may find better options.

Expand your port options

If your first instinct is to find a cruise sailing from Florida, you should widen your search to find even better options.

I find most people only check one homeport because that's what they're used to, and that kind of tunnel vision can lead to limited choices.

Instead, this might be the year to try a spring break cruise from one of these alternative ports:

• Galveston, Texas
• Los Angeles, California
• Tampa, Florida
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Cartagena, Colombia

In my experience, drive-to ports still sell out fastest and most of those are in Florida.

If you want the "cheat code" to finding a good last-minute spring break cruise, I'd start with a west coast cruise from LA. These always seem to be the cheapest sailings and have the most inventory.

Cruises from Galveston tend to be another good choice because Texas isn't quite as drive-to as Florida.

If Florida is your best option, then I'd look for a cruise to Tampa.  Ships based here tend to be smaller and older because bigger ships cannot access the port.

Here are the ships you should be targeting because they're likely going to still be available and priced reasonably:

• Grandeur of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas

Don't shop by price alone

It's tempting to sort cruises by lowest price first, but the cheapest sailings will sell out first.

When you're in the market for a last-minute cruise, I find mid-range itineraries sometimes have more availability. Cruises that are 4- and 5-nights in length tend to evade top searches because weekend and 7-night cruises are the most popular spring break cruises.

Another mistake with shopping by price is waiting for a "deal" rarely works in spring break. It's just too in demand.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its cruises, which means the more the demand, the higher the prices go up.

If you spot a cruise that within your budget, I'd jump at the chance before the price goes up or the cabin sells out.  Or both.

Consider rooms you normally wouldn't

Starting your cruise search off with a balcony cabin might limit your choices, so instead try another category that could yield more options.

Oceanview rooms are a great alternative because you still get outside light and a view, but it lacks the access to the outdoors. 

If that seems like a compromise, remember that you'll be out and about enjoying everything your ship has to offer. So having a balcony is nice, but not critical.  

Another idea is to roll the dice with a guarantee cabin, where Royal Caribbean picks your cabin. 

Guarantee cabins usually result in being assigned either an unsold cabin or a room that gets cancelled at the last-minute. That doesn't mean it will be necessarily the worst room on the ship, but it's a great choice for saving money.  However, it definitely favors someone that doesn't get easily seasick and has a sense of adventure with their room choice.

The room category you can pretty much give up on finding are suites. 

There are so few of them to begin with, and demand is usually quite high.  The only chance might be an unsold Junior Suite or one of the very expensive suites that has such a high price tag it's given others pause before booking it.

Move fast on flights and hotels

Once you find a spring break cruise, be sure to quickly book a flight and a pre-cruise hotel stay, because those aren't getting any cheaper either.

Just like cruises, airfare spikes quickly during spring break.  In fact, this might be the time to cash in those credit card points to redeem a flight.

Speaking of flights, be sure to book your flight to fly in at least one day before your sailing begins. Never risk traveling the same day your cruise sails, because it's a mistake waiting to happen.

Hotels are also difficult because you're competing with everyone that wants a hotel for a land-based spring break vacation.

My advice is to look for hotels near the airport and well-away from the beach.  It might mean a longer Uber ride to the port, but you'll probably pay a lot less for the hotel.

Quick booking checklist

If you want a cruise this spring break, do this today:

✅ Search flexible dates

✅ Check multiple departure ports

✅ Be open to interior or guarantee cabins

✅ Book flights immediately after

Spring break cruises are possible, but don't wait

It's not too late to book a spring break cruise, but you'll want to act quickly.  Prices are only going up and more cabins will be sold out.

Real talk: every spring break cruise will sell out and the ships will sail full. Royal Caribbean won't have any problem selling them, given how they've explained recently close-in demand has been really strong for them.

I'd focus less on it being the absolute perfect ship and itinerary, and instead look for an opportunity to enjoy a warm, well-deserved break from your daily life.

Recently, I took a weekend cruise on one of Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ships, and I tried to keep my costs down since it was I was going solo.

I think it's possible to cruise on a budget, or at least a loose one.

I was invited to go on a "guys cruise" with some friends for a weekend in January. I took it as a challenge to try to make the trip happen without spending as much I would if this were a family vacation.

Between the cruise fare, excursions, dining, and Wi-Fi, I spent about

I booked the cruise with a casino offer, but regretted the room choice

I think Royal Caribbean's casino offers are the best value in cruising right now, but getting an offer can be tricky.

A couple of months before the sail date, I got an offer in the mail for this three-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas.

Since Utopia is based from Port Canaveral, this meant I could drive to the cruise port and not have to fly.

The offer was for a "free" oceanview cabin, but it wasn't free overall.  I still had to pay port fees, taxes, and gratuities for the room. The total cost was $685.13.

And yes, nothing is truly free from the casino.  I paid money on other cruises to qualify for a complimentary cruise offer. I think it would be disingenuous of me to pretend otherwise. 

I was assigned an forward-facing oceanview cabin that had a very interesting layout. It was located at the very front of the ship, which I later discovered wasn't ideal.

Not only was it a long distance to walk to and from, but the amount of vibrations from the ship docking every morning would jolt me awake every time.

I napped to make up for the lost sleep, but I'd pick a cabin in another location next time. Ideally, much closer to midship.

Wi-Fi was included because of my loyalty status, but I forgot to buy a second package

One of the best perks of having made it to Pinnacle Club status is I get a complimentary one device internet package every sailing.

For most people, this is all they would need. But because I'm working from the ship, I need to use internet on my phone and laptop.  When I swap from my phone to my laptop, I don't get phone calls or text messages until I swap back.  That's been a source of frustration.

Usually I pre-purchase a second internet package to take advantage of the pre-cruise savings. For some reason, I completely forgot to do that this time.

I could have paid for a package on the ship, but the onboard prices are quite high when compared to the pre-cruise discount.

I was annoyed at myself for not buying it, and ultimately relied on just one package. Since it was just 3 nights and over a weekend, I figured my work needs would be limited.

Next time I will double check my pre-cruise purchases the week before my sailing begins so I don't overlook something I assumed I had bought.

I visited the new Royal Beach Club on our second day to see what it's like

I may have booked this cruise with the notion it would be a "guys cruise", but it doubled as a research opportunity to visit the new Royal Beach Club.

Thanks to a Black Friday sale discount, I was able to get the unlimited alcohol day pass for $136.99 when I pre-purchased the pass.  This saved me paying the listed onboard price of $250.00.

For the price I paid, I thought it was well worth the admission cost.  Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, the beach club felt more like a shore excursion and I loved how good the service was throughout the day.

I can't wait to bring my family here in April when we return, and thanks to my pre-cruise purchasing strategy, I've found a much better price at just $89.99 per person!

I parked at the cruise terminal for the convenience

I could have saved money if I paid to park off site, but I'll always pay to park at the cruise terminal.

Being able to go right into the terminal and then back to my car when the cruise is over without dealing with a shuttle is worth every dollar.

I paid $85.60 for the ability to park at Port Canaveral. 

As advertised, it was easy to get in and out, and I was grateful to not add any fuss to my pre- or post-cruise logistics.

I tried Hooked Seafood again, but it could have been cheaper

On a whim, I went back to Hooked Seafood to give it another try because I had skipped this specialty restaurant for many years.

As it turned out, Hooked was much better than I expected and I regretted not re-trying Hooked again sooner.

The onboard price of dinner at Hooked is $65, which is a good reminder to either pre-purchase a meal before the sailing or buy a dining package.

Either of those strategies should cut the price significantly. As an example, dinner at Hooked for Utopia of the Seas in April costs $41.99 with the current sale that's offered.

I ended my cruise with free activities at the cruise line's private island

Our last day was spent at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is a private island exclusive for Royal Caribbean guests.

I love how much of the island's experience is included in your fare, so I didn't feel any pressure to spend more on the extra-cost areas.

Before disembarking the ship, I went to the fitness center and enjoyed the gym.  There's no cost to use the fitness center, and it's so much better than my gym at home.

There's no cost to access CocoCay, and there are a number of included beaches and restaurants.

Read more: The cheapest way to do Perfect Day at CocoCay without missing out

My loyalty perks saved me even more money

Part of the secret to spending less on a cruise is taking advantage of the perks Royal Caribbean offers its loyal guests.

I had 6 drink vouchers to use every day because I'm a Pinnacle Club member. It was an easy decision to forgo buying a beverage package and rely just on those drinks.

As a Prime level member in Casino Royale, I also had unlimited free drinks while at the casino bar. Combined with the drink vouchers, this is an incredible savings.

In my cabin, I found a few cans of soda and bottled water because it's one of the Diamond Plus amenities you can choose to have.

There's no question being loyal to Royal Caribbean gets me a lot of extras that I would have otherwise to pay for. Plus, it's an added incentive to cruise more.

I made the most of my weekend cruise without spending a lot

I had a great time going to The Bahamas for the weekend, and I think I managed to do it all without spending a lot.

The total cost was just $972.72, which was greatly the result of a casino rate and a lot of loyalty perks.

Not everyone can take advantage of either of these options, but I think it illustrates the potential for cheap cruising with the right strategy.  I would never advocate gambling to earn status or cruising to move up the Crown and Anchor ladder faster because overall, it would probably cost you more in the long run.

However, when the situation aligns better to allow you to take advantage of a situation like I had, then I think there's a good potential for a cheap weekend cruise.

I could have spent more and gotten a better cabin location. In fact, I would do just that next time.  I doubt I would take a room at the very front of the ship again because of the noise and movement issues there.

I also should have remembered to double check my pre-cruise bookings to ensure I have everything I expect booked before the cruise begins.

Because a Royal Caribbean cruise is so personalized, there are important things to always ask when you sail.

Royal Caribbean places such a high importance on guest satisfaction, and often you'll hear crew members asking if everything is as you expected it. This is why I think it's in your best interest as a vacationer to speak up and ask.

I understand no one wants to be a burden or be a problem for the crew. But the questions I think every passenger should ask aren't out of the realms of reasonable. It's about ensuring you're getting what you want, the way you want it.

On a recent cruise, my wife remarked to me there was an item on the Main Dining Room menu she wanted, but she didn't want anything else that came with it. I told her just ask for that one item, and sure enough, they were happy to serve it.

Here is my list of the nine questions you should always ask during your cruise to make your vacation better.

Can you help me with a problem?

Occasionally, something doesn't work the way you expect. Or there's a problem with someone or something on the ship. If that's the case, you should speak up and ask for help.

If you're disappointed with something, I'd reach out to a crew member and ask for help in remedying.

More often than not, I see people just accepting the issue as something they have to live with. A warmer-than-expected cabin, rude guest, missing amenities, or another unwanted situation is worth talking to a crew member about.

I think it's a mistake to "suck it up" and let it potentially ruin your cruise.

What you should do is try to find the crew member who can help directly with the situation. Guest Services is always a solid back-up option if you're unsure who would be best to contact.

When something breaks or you have a problem with something that's happening, this is when it's important to ask for assistance.

Can I have my food with (or without) that?

Within reason, you can have the food you order served the way you prefer it.

Food allergies and dietary needs are always a top priority for Royal Caribbean. It's why you'll be asked when you sit down at any restaurant if you have any of those requests to ensure it's taken care of immediately.

But what about if you prefer not to have gravy served on your potatoes? Or you want extra cheese spread all over your pasta? Yes, you can get those requests too.

Since many dishes in restaurants are prepared freshly, you have the opportunity to get it customized. 

There is a limit, so don't expect a completely new dish option. But the crew will work very hard to ensure they can accommodate you in any way they can.

Can I reprice that because it's cheaper now?

Saving money on your cruise feels almost as good as actually going on the cruise. It's why I'll watch the price of my cruise and add-ons like a hawk.

In this age of AI pricing algorithms, Royal Caribbean's pricing can change daily. This is especially true of pre-cruise add-ons.

Luckily, you can re-price a lot of things if you're vigilant about checking for price drops.

The easiest are the pre-cruise add-ons in the app or Cruise Planner site. Drink packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and more can all be cancelled and rebooked up until a few days before your cruise begins.

For my upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas, I've saved hundreds of dollars on repricing the Royal Beach Club in Nassau with this strategy.

You should also be asking your travel agent if you can reprice your cruise fare. Depending on which country you live in, you could take advantage of a price drop before the final payment date.

Repricing is easily the top way to save money on any Royal Caribbean cruise, and it's a question I'd ask myself or my travel agent often.

What other dining choices do I have right now?

Instead of defaulting to eating in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, always ask what else is open that you could eat at too.

On any ship, there are alternative restaurants open that could be less crowded or offer different cuisines.

An easy example is on embarkation day, when the Windjammer gets busy with everyone headed there. Instead, you could go to a specialty restaurant and have lunch there. Or grab a slice of pizza at Sorrento's, or a crepe at Aquadome Market.

You can ask a crew member for what options are available, or consult the Royal Caribbean app for a list of dining choices.

My three favorite alternative places to eat are Aquadome Market, El Loco Fresh, or Park Cafe. 

All three are complimentary, rarely have lines, and offer good food without much of a wait.

Read more: 7 Royal Caribbean foods that cruisers call the line's best-kept secrets

Should I come back another time?

I freely admit patience isn't a virtue I have a lot of, so waiting in line isn't something I like to do on a cruise.  To that point, I'll question if I'm better off returning later to avoid a wait.

In some cases, waiting in a line is unavoidable.  If I need to be somewhere, like a shore excursion, then I'll wait my turn.

But if my plans are more flexible, I'd recommend thinking twice about leaving to return a different time.

A great example are the water slides. If the line is quite long, consider coming back in the late afternoon or evening.  Or better yet, come back to the ship early from a shore excursion and take advantage of a likely less crowded ship.

Another situation that I'll spin around and try again later is if there's a line at Guest Services.  You can bet any line there will eventually subside, especially during dinner or in the evening.  

In some cases I'll go to a nearby bar and grab a drink and wait out the line so I can enjoy a cocktail while keeping an eye on how long the wait is.

You cannot avoid every wait on a cruise, but you might be able to have less of a wait if you're willing to reconsider when you get in line.

How are you?

Equally important to asking for help is also connecting with crew members and guests alike.

When I'm on a cruise, I'll run into my stateroom attendant, bartender, and activity host almost every day.  When I do, I like to ask them how they're doing because striking up a conversation with crew members can be quite interesting.

There are a number of rockstar crew members out there, but you won't discover them without chatting with them. Not only that, I find it really interesting to hear their experiences and share in an anecdote from their day.

Crew members work hard every day, but they're not robots. They're there to greet you and provided they aren't too busy, getting to know them could be a great opportunity.

You should also feel open to asking your fellow passengers how they're doing, because making friends on a cruise ship has been quite rewarding for me over the years.

There's something communal about a cruise that lends itself to being social, and I've found a friendly question or two to spark a conversation sometimes leads to a new friend onboard.

Are my travel documents up to date?

Even before you book a cruise, you should ask yourself if you have all the proper documentation.

The first thing I check is if my passport is not only valid today, but will it expire before this cruise I'm about to book.  Double check the expiration date that it will not expire before your cruise ends.

If you don't have a passport, I'd go and get one immediately.

The reason this question is important to ask is because not asking it could result in discovering all too late that your passport is expired or you don't have the right paperwork to board.

The first time I went to Alaska, I felt overwhelmed with what I should bring. After returning a few times, our team has come up with the best Alaskan cruise packing list anyone can use.

Royal Caribbean offers Alaska cruises each summer, and they've had four ships in the region each year. No matter which one you pick, you'll need to be prepared for an assortment of ever changing conditions.

The challenge with planning on what to pack is being prepared for rain, cold, warmth, and a changes between all of those throughout the day. Unlike the Caribbean, conditions can change hourly.  While you probably expect it to be cold, Alaska can be surprisingly warm too.

While packing for an Alaska cruise may require a bit more thought than packing for a trip to a warmer destination, with some careful planning and consideration, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

Packing Checklist

Before we dive into explaining all the situations and what to expect, let's start with the an easy list.

We prescribe to the "layers, layers, layers" approach so that you can be flexible with any changes in the weather. The morning could start off cold and rainy, but it might be sunny and warm by lunch time.

Keep in mind this list is specific for an Alaska cruise, and the goal is to give you the most important things so you'll be prepared and be able to enjoy the trip fully.  The last thing you want to do is realize you're missing something critical and it diminish your enjoyment of this kind of a vacation.

Clothing

• Best base layer: Natural Uniforms Under Scrub Tee Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt
• Best warm layer: Columbia Benton Springs Full Zip
• Best waterproof jacket: 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket
• Best beanie: SmartWool Unisex-Adult Rib Hat
• Best gloves: Tomily Touch Screen Phone Fleece Gloves

Shoes

• Best women's hiking shoes: Columbia Trailstorm Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best men's hiking shoes: Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Hiking Boots
• Best women's walking shoes: Skechers Glide-Step Rainy Day Waterproof Sneakers
• Best men's walking shoes: Skechers Performance Men's Go Walk Max

Gear

• Best binoculars: Bushnell 12x42 HD Binoculars
• Best reusable water bottle: Hydro Flask 32 Oz
• Best motion sickness medicine: Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

My experience is you want to bring a mix of clothes that you can interchange easily.  Rest assured, you don't need a completely new outfit for every day of your cruise. Instead, plan on bringing 2 or 3 layers you can swap in and out.

The reason we picked out certain items is for the quality each provides. There are usually plenty of cheaper knockoffs, but I've found certain brands work best, not just for this one trip but it'll be useful for your follow-up trips as well.

Layers

The most important packing mantra is to plan on wearing layers that you can take on or off depending on the conditions. The morning and evenings can be quite chilly, so you'll want flexibility to keep warm but also shed layers when the sun comes up fully.

Your base layer will be a short or long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, leggings, or other lightweight pants. On the warmest of days, shorts may be preferred whereas the coldest days may have you layering both leggings and jeans.

Your base layer could be a t-shirt, but I prefer a long sleeve crew neck shirt. Ideally, something that wicks moisture so you don't end up sweaty. That means it also won't get smelly and you can easily re-use it over multiple days.

The Women's Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt is a great example.

Over your base layer you’ll want to pack a warm layer. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece or down jackets will help keep you warm no matter the weather, and they’re easy to take off if it gets too hot.

In addition, don’t forget to pack a waterproof layer. Due to strong winds and ease of use in crowded areas, we don’t recommend packing an umbrella. Therefore, it’s important to pack a waterproof jacket with a hood. This should keep you dry in the wettest of conditions.

Footwear

You will need a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities. Active sandals, such as Chacos, can be nice in the summer months as well.

Packing a pair of comfortable lounge shoes for the ship is a good idea, too. Slippers, flip flops, or comfy sneakers can be nice to have when walking around the ship and your stateroom.

Whichever type of shoes you decide to bring, make sure the soles of your shoes have plenty of grip. You may encounter slippery or rocky surfaces on shore excursions or while exploring on your own, so you want to make sure your shoes have enough friction.

Accessories

Outside of your main clothes and footwear, don’t forget to pack accessories for an Alaska cruise. From hats to wool socks, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses, there are many accessories that you’ll want to bring with you to Alaska.

Related: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska?

A water-resistant daypack is one of our top Alaska cruise packing tips. You’ll need somewhere to put your valuables during the day, so making sure the pack is water-resistant or waterproof is crucial. A backpack will be the most comfortable option and can fit everything you’ll need for a busy day in port.

Binoculars may be of interest to you as well, especially if you plan to do any wildlife viewing excursions. Being able to see the state’s wildlife and nature up close is well worth the cost of an entry-level pair of binoculars.

I'd also recommend bringing a camera with a zoom lens or a cellphone that takes high quality photos. You should also bring enough chargers and enough memory cards for the hundreds of photos that you will likely take.

A portable charger is useful for full-day trips where you might burn through your cellphone battery. This portable charger is the one I recommend.

Alaska cruise packing list

Clothes

• Waterproof jacket with a hood
• Fleece or down jacket
• Sweaters and sweatshirts (to wear onboard and in port)
• T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
• 2-3 pairs long pants (jeans and slacks for dinner)
• 1-2 pairs leggings
• 1-2 pairs shorts
• Formal wear for dinner (2-4 dresses, collared shirts, etc.)
• Swimsuit
• Pajamas
• Casual loungewear for onboard
• Underwear and socks
• Clothes for the onboard fitness center

Footwear and accessories

• Water-resistant shoes with a sturdy, non-slippery sole (hiking boots, sneakers)
• Dress shoes for dinner
• Comfy shoes for walking around your stateroom/ship (sandals or sneakers)
• Water-resistant daypack
• Hat (baseball cap, beanie, etc.)
• Gloves
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Scarf
• Camera
• Waterproof case for cellphone
• Portable cellphone charger
• Things to do onboard (books, card games, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

How to avoid overpacking on an Alaskan cruise?

It's really easy to find yourself overpacking for an Alaska cruise because of the wide temperature swings involved in a typical sailing.

One area of the cruise you can probably ease up on in terms of packing is what to wear for dinner.

In general, the dress code tends to be more casual at dinner.  While there are still formal nights on Alaska cruises, you'll see far more guests opting for just jeans and a collared shirt rather than a suit or tuxedo.

I've also noticed most women not wearing dresses to dinner on an Alaska cruise and instead nice jeans, pants, and sweaters.

You can also reduce the amount of clothes you bring to Alaska by relying on laundry services.

Royal Caribbean offers laundry on its ships that you pay for, but if that means packing half the clothes you might otherwise pack, that could save a lot of space (and perhaps baggage fees from the airlines).

More Alaska cruise tips:

• 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Best time to cruise to Alaska
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

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Although cruising has gotten more expensive, it's still possible to find a good deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise — but if you're only looking for the cheapest option, you may end up disappointed.

While establishing a budget and sticking to it is an important planning step, it shouldn't be the only factor guiding your decision-making. 

Oftentimes, the cheapest sailings are on older ships in windowless inside cabins. Not only that, but the dates may be during the shoulder season, which might limit your flexibility when it comes to choosing itineraries or taking time off work. 

Balancing cost with your priorities and expectations is the best way to ensure that you have an unforgettable vacation at sea. In this article, we'll break down five reasons you should never choose a cruise solely based on the cost. 

Cheap cruises tend to be on older ships with fewer amenities 

New cruise ships are packed from bow to stern with activities, restaurants, and entertainment options. However, while ships like Icon and Star of the Seas might be the focus of the cruise line's advertising, the fleet encompasses far more than mega-ships, and the older vessels are still popular among loyal fans — though some are nearing 30 years old. 

Still, if you're someone who was captivated by a commercial with water slides, surfing simulators, zip lines, and ice skating rinks, you may find that Royal Caribbean's oldest ships don't have the same WOW factor. 

Older vessels, like the Vision and Radiance Class ships, are still a solid choice for travelers who prioritize value over the latest amenities. However, if you're traveling with kids who need constant stimulation or consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, a newer ship, even if it's a Voyager or Freedom Class vessel, may better meet your needs and expectations. 

Read more: What you gain (and lose) by choosing an older cruise ship

The cost per day on shorter cruises is higher, even if the overall price is lower than a weeklong sailing

"Cheap" isn't synonymous with "value." As such, it’s important to look beyond the total price and consider the cost per day to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. 

To give you an example, we'll compare the cost of short and long Royal Caribbean cruise sailings on similar ships and itineraries. Note that these prices were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change based on demand and availability.

Utopia of the Seas, June 4-7, 2027

• Interior: $1,010/person (~$337 per night)
• Outside View: $1,080/person (~$360 per night)
• Balcony: $1,150/person (~$383 per night)
• Suite: $1,878/person (~$626 per night)

Allure of the Seas, June 6-12, 2027 

• Interior: $1,258/person (~$210 per night)
• Outside View: $1,408/person (~$235 per night)
• Balcony: $1,485/person (~$248 per night)
• Suite: $3,346/person (~$558 per night)

At first glance, the 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas appears to be the better deal due to its lower total price, starting at just around $1,000 per person for an interior cabin. However, when broken down by night, the 6-night Allure of the Seas sailing offers double the time on board for only a modest increase in overall cost. This results in a lower per-day price and a greater overall value. 

In fact, you could book a balcony cabin on Allure of the Seas for a lower per-night cost compared to a windowless interior stateroom on Utopia of the Seas. 

Read more: Should you take a short cruise from Florida? Pros and cons of cheap weekend getaways

You could travel during a region's shoulder season and experience unfavorable weather

Sailing to The Bahamas in January, for example, is much cheaper than in June, July, or August. That's because winter weather in The Bahamas is cooler and less predictable. 

In January and early February of 2026, multiple ships had their scheduled visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay canceled due to high winds and rogue waves. Some guests ended up with an extra sea day, while some missed out on all scheduled ports, resulting in "cruises to nowhere." 

While taking a cruise during hurricane season is risky, inclement weather isn’t limited to just one time of year, and sailing during shoulder season can still lead to itinerary changes, missed ports, or cooler-than-expected temperatures that put a damper on your Bahamian beach day. 

The lowest rate on any sailing is often for tiny interior staterooms

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cruise room, and price is only one of them. Generally speaking, windowless inside cabins are the most affordable, and while they may be perfect for some travelers, others avoid them at all costs. 

Do you want to wake up and admire the passing scenery or have the morning sunlight illuminate your cabin? If so, an outside view stateroom or balcony will be a better fit, even if they cost a bit more.

Other considerations include cabin size, location, and proximity to public venues. For instance, you may not want to be located near the casino or nightclub. As such, it might be in your best interest to pay to select your specific stateroom, rather than rely on luck with a cheaper guaranteed room rate. 

Read more: Cruise ship rooms on Royal Caribbean: How to choose the best cabin

Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive, so you'll need to budget for other add-ons

Finally, Royal Caribbean's base fare only covers your accommodation, complimentary meals, select beverages, transportation, entertainment, and most onboard activities. However, it does not include add-ons like drink packages, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. 

These extras can significantly increase the total cost of your vacation, regardless of whether you're eyeing a 3-night getaway or a weeklong adventure. For example, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package costs anywhere from $56 to $115 per person, per night. 

As such, booking the cheapest cruise does not necessarily mean that your entire vacation will be inexpensive, so planning ahead for the additional expenses is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises. 

Read more: When should you buy Royal Caribbean drink package, wifi, tours & other add-ons