Millions of people will take a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025, and there are important tips to have a great vacation this year!
2025 is set to be a big year for Royal Caribbean with the launch of their second Icon Class ship, finally updating Allure of the Seas, and unveiling a new exclusive beach club experience in Nassau.
Whether you’re a devout Royal Caribbean cruiser or new to the brand, there are some important do’s and don’ts to consider when planning your cruise in 2025 to help you maximize your time onboard and minimize any pre-vacation stress.
As in previous years, you'll want to follow timeless cruise tips, such as pre-purchasing cruise add-ons, arriving the night before your ship is scheduled to depart, and repricing your cruise until final payment.
Here's our list of the best 25 do's and don'ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025.
DO expect higher prices
You should expect higher prices for a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025, and that's because of how red hot demand is for this type of vacation.
In looking at Royal Caribbean Group's quarterly results, customers are consistently paying more for cruises and booking them in higher numbers. As a result, Royal Caribbean Group executives plan for the higher pricing trend to continue into 2025 and beyond.
While fares are higher, you can take an affordable vacation by staying in interior staterooms, sticking to complimentary dining, and cruising during the off-season.
What this means is 2025 isn't the year of waiting for a price drop.
DO book your Royal Caribbean cruise through a travel agent
Travel agents are valuable resources for even the most seasoned cruisers because they act as experts for all things Royal Caribbean. Whether you can't decide between an itinerary, want advice on a cabin, or have some questions about the complimentary activities, you'll benefit from utilizing a travel agent when booking your 2025 Royal Caribbean cruise.
Travel agents also have access to exclusive deals not available when booking directly with the cruise line, which means they'll save you time when planning your cruise and likely help you save money!
If you booked a cruise onboard at NextCruise, you can transfer your reservation to your travel agent once home. This lets you take advantage of the onboard booking bonus and the perks of an agent!
DON’T fly into your embarkation city the day your cruise departs
One of the riskiest things you can do when making pre-cruise arrangements is booking your flight for the same day your ship departs.
An unexpected flight delay or cancellation could cause you to miss your long-awaited cruise, and you might not have the opportunity to meet up with it at a later port of call. Even if you do, flying to the next port at the last minute will be expensive and stressful.
To be safe, you should always fly into your cruise port at least the night before. Even if you think a 6:00am departure will arrive early enough, consider the time it takes to deplane, collect your luggage, and get to the port. Traffic delays are just as unpredictable as airfare!
DO purchase travel insurance
Speaking of missing cruise ships, travel insurance is crucial regardless of whether you're going on a 3-night Bahamas voyage or a 14-night transatlantic sailing.
A good policy will cover things like trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay coverage, baggage delays, emergency medical coverage, onboard medical expenses, and more. You don't want to be stuck with a hefty bill for onboard medical services because you neglected to purchase insurance.
If you're a frequent traveler, consider an annual policy. It's easier and more cost-effective than purchasing insurance directly through Royal Caribbean for each sailing. Plus, it'll cover other land-based trips.
Read more: Cruise travel insurance and why you need it
DON’T forget to purchase add-ons through the Cruise Planner
Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner is the best place to begin planning your vacation. This is where you'll find cruise line-sponsored shore excursions, drink and Wi-Fi packages, specialty restaurants, and more.
You'll often save money by pre-purchasing your add-ons, rather than waiting until you're onboard. Once on the ship, you cannot take advantage of Royal Caribbean's pre-cruise sales, which can help save hundreds of dollars on everything from drink packages to excursions.
Plus, you will have the most available options by making all your reservations in advance. It's not uncommon for shore excursions and specialty restaurants to sell out ahead of time.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site
DON’T immediately book the cheapest stateroom
Inside cabins offer the best deal but are not the right choice for all travelers. These windowless rooms are typically the smallest onboard.
If you're sailing on a ship like Utopia or Icon of the Seas, you might assume you’ll spend little time in your cabin. However, even if not in the room often, the cost of a balcony is still worth it for some because of the extra living space.
Moreover, the most affordable cruise fares are often on older ships, such as Enchantment of the Seas. The lack of amenities on older vessels can be disappointing to some. If you're looking forward to trying the FlowRider or ice skating at sea, avoid older Royal Caribbean ships.
Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin guide
DO take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s app
Before arriving at the terminal, download Royal Caribbean's mobile app.
It'll be your lifeline onboard, with everything from the e-muster drill to the daily schedule and your onboard statement available at your fingertips.
Additionally, you can chat with other guests, book specialty restaurants, browse photos, and check out the rotating Main Dining Room menus whether you're relaxing in your cabin or moving about the ship.
DON’T expect your ship to be empty
Royal Caribbean ships are some of the most sought-after at sea, so it's not surprising to learn that a 2023 report revealed Royal Caribbean ships sailed at 102.1% capacity during the first quarter of the year.
In fact, it's common for cruise ships to sail above capacity between 103% and 107%, as some cabins can accommodate three, four, five, and six guests.
Though crowds are inevitable on cruise ships, venues are designed to comfortably accommodate many guests at once. Activities are also strategically offered to disperse passengers, keeping them active around the ship.
DO choose the right dining time
Royal Caribbean offers two dining options for dinner in the Main Dining Room: traditional and My Time Dining. If you select My Time, you are responsible for making your own dining reservations for each night of the cruise, whereas with traditional dining, you'll eat at the same time each night. You'll also have the same wait staff.
Choosing the wrong dining time or preference can be a buzzkill. If, for example, you're used to eating around 6:00pm each day, you likely will not enjoy having dinner around 8:00pm. Likewise, if you choose My Time Dining but forget to make reservations for your preferred dining time, you might have to wait for an available table.
Stop by the Main Dining Room to confirm your dining situation on embarkation day. If you choose the traditional seating, you can also look at your assigned table to see if it meets your needs and preferences.
DON’T forget to check your travel documentation ahead of time
Suppose you're sailing on a round-trip cruise from Miami to the Bahamas. In that case, you can technically board with a government-issued photo I.D. and proof of citizenship, such as a driver's license and birth certificate or certificate of naturalization (if you're a U.S. citizen).
However, passports are required for specific sailings, such as voyages from Barcelona or one-way cruises that depart from U.S. ports, including Los Angeles or Tampa.
As soon as you book your cruise, locate your travel documentation. It's best to know when your passport expires ahead of time in case you must renew it. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your cruise's end date! For example, if you're going on a cruise in May 2025, your passport's expiration date cannot be before November 2025.
Read more: Can I cruise without a passport?
DO expect ports to be busier
In mid-2023, Nassau opened the first phase of its port expansion, which increased capacity to 10,000 guests with berths for six ships per day, including three Oasis or Icon Class vessels.
The expansion was a major success, with the popular Bahamas port reporting a record-breaking 5.6 million cruise guests in 2024. Nassau hasn't finished the project, either. They're planning on adding a multi-million dollar waterpark inside the secured port.
It was also a record year for Juneau, Alaska. The state's capital shared that they welcomed 1.68 million cruise passengers in 2024, up from 1.64 million in 2023. In short, more people are cruising than ever before, and this is evident in port.
DON’T be surprised by policy changes
Royal Caribbean implemented various policy charges in 2024, including no longer allowing guests to take unopened beer cans to their staterooms and increasing the daily gratuity amount.
Looking back at these changes and those that occurred in 2023, additional policies may be added, changed, or removed altogether in 2025.
Read more: Royal Caribbean changes policy on how it serves beverages
DO understand how Royal Caribbean’s gratuities work
As of November 2024, the gratuity rate for Royal Caribbean cruises is $18.50 per person, per day for standard cabins (Junior Suites and below) and $21.00 per person, per day for suites.
This means a family of four in a standard stateroom on a 7-night cruise can expect to pay an extra $518 for the week. The same family would pay $588 in gratuities if cruising in a suite.
You have two options when it comes to paying them. First, you can opt to pre-pay them before your cruise. This can be done when booking or by calling Royal Caribbean/your travel agent after placing your deposit. Alternatively, you can have them charged to your onboard account and settle the balance before disembarkation.
DON’T assume bigger is better
Icon of the Seas finally entered service in 2024 as the largest cruise ship at sea. For over a decade, the title was held by Oasis Class ships. However, the new class of ship redefined the mega-cruise experience with a recording-breaking water park, brand-new neighborhoods, dining experiences, shows, and more.
Utopia of the Seas also joined Royal Caribbean's fleet as the second-largest cruise ship. The new Oasis Class ship is packed with familiar amenities and new experiences, making her a perfect blend of innovation and tradition.
That being said, bigger isn’t always better. Some cruisers prefer Royal Caribbean’s smaller ships, which can access more unique ports of call and offer a more intimate onboard experience. For example, while brand-new, Utopia of the Seas only sails on 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas. If you've already visited Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, you may wish to cruise on an older vessel and visit new destinations.
Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise destinations you can visit
DO complete your muster drill
You must complete Royal Caribbean's muster drill on embarkation day even if you've sailed with the company before. Passengers who fail to complete the required safety drill will be hunted down by crew members. The drill is mandatory to ensure all sailing guests are familiar with emergency procedures.
Thankfully, Royal Caribbean has made it easier to complete the muster drill. Instead of sitting through a lengthy in-person drill, passengers watch a few short videos on the mobile app or stateroom television. Then, they visit their assigned muster station.
Before sailing away, the ship's Captain and Cruise Director will give a few more announcements over the PA system and sound the emergency alarm. However, nobody is required to report to their muster station at that time.
DON’T be afraid to status match with Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean Group announced a new Status Match Program in 2024 to enhance the experience for guests sailing with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. This program offers a new solution to loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers who were worried about losing valuable perks of the highest Crown & Anchor Society tiers.
Now, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can match into the corresponding tier across all three brands. For example, Pinnacle Club members can now hold Zenith status with Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club and vice versa. Similarly, Diamond Plus cruisers can sail as Elite Plus members with Celebrity.
Though the benefits aren't identical as each line has its own perks, the Status Match Program guarantees that loyal cruisers still receive similar high-level privileges.
Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's new loyalty match program
DO complete online check-in as soon as it opens
45 days before your cruise, you can complete the first steps of Royal Caribbean's check-in process. The online portion requires you to input your travel documentation and credit card information, as well as select an arrival time at the terminal.
We recommend writing the date your check-in opens on your calendar to ensure you can snag the ideal arrival time for your party. The earliest times tend to go quickly, so if you want to be one of the first onboard, you won't want to forget this important date!
DON’T wait until the last minute to book airfare
Don't wait too long to book your airfare unless going on a last-minute cruise. Otherwise, you could pay hundreds of dollars more for the same flight that was cheaper a few months or even weeks prior.
Start researching flights as soon as you've placed your deposit. Securing your ticket early ensures you lock in a better price, as airfares tend to rise as the departure date approaches.
Plus, if you're hoping to use airline miles to reduce your out-of-pocket cost, airlines typically limit how many reward seats are available on each flight.
DO check the price of your cruise ahead of final payment
Whether you want to cruise for as little as possible or have more money allocated for add-ons, nothing feels better than finding a great rate for your cruise fare!
In the months leading up to your cruise, frequently re-price your sailing. If you notice the price has dropped, contact Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to lock in the lower rate. It can only be done before the final payment date.
NOTE: this only applies to residents of certain countries, such as the United States and Canada.
DON’T smuggle prohibited items onboard
Packing for a cruise is different than packing for a land vacation. Since you won't be minutes from your local drugstore, you must have all your essentials, from over-the-counter medications to toiletries and sunscreen. However, there are certain items you can't bring on board.
For example, irons and steamers are banned from cruise ships because of the fire hazard they pose. They also recently added multi-outlet extenders to its prohibited item list.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean doesn't allow marijuana on its fleet even if it's prescribed for medicinal purposes. You could be kicked off or denied boarding if you bring something illegal onboard.
Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise
DO step outside your comfort zone
Have you cruised to the Caribbean countless times? Consider embarking on a new itinerary to Alaska, Europe, or the South Pacific! Because of Royal Caribbean's diverse range of destinations, you can cruise all over the world while receiving the same service and benefits.
You can also step outside your comfort zone in familiar ports of call. For example, if you've called at St. Maarten before but never visited the famous Maho Beach, your upcoming Caribbean cruise could be the perfect opportunity to watch planes soar above your head as they land.
Or maybe you'd like to try something new onboard, such as an art auction, craft workshop, all-access tour, or fitness class.
Read more: I Tried Doing Every Activity on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
DON’T wait until you’re home to resolve onboard issues
Don't wait until you are home to contact Royal Caribbean regarding discrepancies on your onboard statement. Instead, visit Guest Services while on your cruise.
There are crew members onboard to handle various situations and ensure everything meets your expectations. Do not hesitate to speak out if you think something should be improved, such as the service in the Main Dining Room or the upkeep of your cabin.
If you keep problems to yourself, you can't expect them to be resolved during your vacation.
DO remain flexible
Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean cannot control the weather. Sometimes, the ship's crew must cancel a port of call to keep everyone onboard safe. Inclement weather could also cause shows to be canceled.
In other cases, you could find your favorite specialty restaurant or must-do excursion fully booked. Regardless of the issue, it's important to remain flexible when booking a cruise and make the most of your time onboard.
For example, if you miss a port because of bad weather, consider splurging on a spa treatment to make the otherwise disappointing day more memorable.
DON’T forget to leave your worries behind as you set sail
No matter what is going on when you board the ship, try your best to leave those worries behind. Vacation is your time to relax and recharge. Being present in the moment can help you enjoy all the experiences onboard.
Watch the horizon disappear as you sip on the first cocktail of your cruise. Afterward, venture to the Main Dining Room for a three-course meal knowing you don't have to clean any dishes afterward!
Parents also don't have to worry about entertaining their children. While your kids are having a blast at Adventure Ocean, you can fully immerse yourself into a vacation mindset.
DON'T overlook what’s new for Royal Caribbean in 2025
In addition to Star of the Seas joining the fleet, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will finally open in Nassau.
This new all-inclusive beach club is not included in the cost of your cruise fare; however, it promises an exclusive retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Nassau. Guests will enjoy private pools, beaches, bars, restaurants, cabanas, and more.
Allure of the Seas is also set to receive a major renovation. The $100 million-plus Royal Amplification will add new dining venues, activities, and more to the beloved Oasis Class ship. The upgraded vessel will debut in Europe in spring 2025.
