Royal Caribbean Blog

I recently returned from my first ever cruise from the United Kingdom, a 7-night Spain & France cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. Taking a cruise from the UK came with several differences than what I’ve experienced on cruises from the US.

From Main Dining Room meals to port options and expanded drink menus, it was fun to spot the differences in a Royal Caribbean cruise experience when departing from across the pond.

If you’re interested in booking a cruise from Southampton, here’s what you need to know about sailing from the UK.

Limited ship choices

Anthem of the Seas, a Quantum Class ship, calls Southampton home in the summer months, offering cruises to Norway, Spain, France, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.

While having only one ship to book is very limited compared to what you’ll find in the United States or Mediterranean, the good news is that Anthem of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most modern cruise ships.

As a Quantum Class ship, Anthem was built to sail in many types of weather conditions, and you’ll find a variety of indoor spaces throughout the ship, from multiple indoor pools to an indoor SeaPlex offering activities like bumper cars and volleyball. The entertainment on Anthem of the Seas is sure to impress, too, with a full-length Broadway production of We Will Rock You.

The ship has plenty of complimentary and specialty dining venues to enjoy as well, including Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Sushi, Wonderland, Chops Grille, Johnny Rockets, Solarium Bistro, and Cafe @ Two70.

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas, will be debuting in the United Kingdom in fall 2023 prior to being homeported in Miami, Florida. If you’re hoping to sail on the latest and greatest ship offered by Royal Caribbean, keep an eye out for when Icon of the Seas will be available to book.

Main Dining Room menu differences

Something unique about cruising from the United Kingdom is that the Main Dining Room menu will offer two additional menu options each day: an English-style option and an Indian option.

Menu items include shepherd's pie, chicken tikka masala, chicken and leek pie, and fish curry. You’ll definitely have the opportunity to taste diverse Main Dining Room meals when sailing from the UK!

More gins and whiskeys available

One interesting find on my Anthem of the Seas cruise was a menu of gins and beers located at bars around the ship. This is another way in which Royal Caribbean caters its offerings to guests from the UK, and it was a fun difference to spot onboard!

Menu items include Guinness, Magners Irish Cider, Old Speckled Hen, Hendrick’s, Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger, and Sipsmith.

Getting to the Mediterranean will take more time

If the idea of a sunny Mediterranean cruise sounds appealing to you, keep in mind that the United Kingdom does not have the most convenient access to the Mediterranean sea.

Reaching destinations like Rome and Barcelona from Southampton can take quite some time, so you won’t find any 7-night cruises visiting Mediterranean ports from the UK. Many Mediterranean cruise itineraries will be around 14 nights instead!

The Bay of Biscay can be choppy

If you’re on a cruise itinerary leaving from Southampton that travels to France, Spain, the Canary Islands, or the Mediterranean, your ship will be passing through the Bay of Biscay. The bay is located above northern Spain and to the west of France.

The Bay of Biscay is a body of water that has been feared by sailors for centuries due to its proximity to the open Atlantic waters and storms in the winter months. While today’s modern navigation technology and ship construction has no problem passing through the Bay of Biscay, you may still encounter choppy waters.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to pack seasickness remedies with you to ensure you can remain comfortable throughout the cruise.

Visiting unique ports

One advantage of cruising from the United Kingdom is that you’ll have the opportunity to visit less common cruise ports.

As an example, cruising from Southampton will give you the chance to visit ports like La Coruña, Vigo, and Bilbao in Spain along with La Rochelle and Le Havre in France.

These ports receive far fewer tourists and cruise ships compared to the most popular European cruise destinations. This can lead to a much more relaxed feel while in port, giving you more opportunity to immerse in local culture and lifestyle without hoards of other tourists around.

If you have more time to spare, you can also book a longer cruise visiting the Canary Islands along with ports in Portugal and mainland Spain. Cruise itineraries to the Canary Islands are not very common, but you’ll typically find a few itineraries on Anthem of the Seas every year.

Weather is unpredictable

While this may not be surprising for those who call the United Kingdom home, don’t be shocked if you encounter cloudy skies and chilly weather when cruising from Southampton. The weather on my June UK cruise was far from ideal for much of our time at sea, and I found myself wearing jeans and a jacket nearly every day.

This may not always be the case, however. When we arrived in our first port of call in France, we encountered lovely temperatures in the 70s. Just a day or two before, though, a heat wave passed through with temperatures over 100 degrees!

Weather is likely to be unpredictable, so remember to check the weather forecast before packing for your cruise!

You can visit Paris

If visiting Paris is on your bucket list, look for cruise itineraries that visit the port of Le Havre, located around 2.5-3 hours from the city center of Paris. Royal Caribbean offers excursions visiting popular spots in the city, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre.

Be prepared for a long port day in Le Havre, as excursions to Paris will likely be over 10 hours! They also tend to be quite expensive, with some tours costing several hundreds of dollars.

You can choose to visit Paris on your own instead of on a Royal Caribbean excursion, but keep an eye on the time. With such a long travel time required to reach the city from Le Havre, you don’t want to risk missing the ship!

Gateway to Norway

If you’re hoping to visit Norway, cruising from Southampton will offer the chance to visit the country’s stunning fjords and charming towns. Royal Caribbean regularly offers 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruises visiting ports like Geiranger, Bergen, and Alesund.

A Norwegian cruise is arguably one of the most scenic in the world. If the idea of sailing past colossal mountain peaks on both sides of your cruise ship seems intriguing, don’t hesitate to book a cruise to Norway.

More guests and crew from the UK onboard

A Royal Caribbean cruise departing from Southampton will likely have a higher percentage of crew and guests onboard from the United Kingdom and Ireland. On my recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas, I'd guess that upwards of 80% of guests were from the UK! This was a huge difference compared to cruises leaving from the United States, where a large majority of guests are from the US or Latin America.

I enjoyed the shift in guest makeup on my UK cruise and it was fun talking to other guests on Anthem of the Seas, as I was able to learn more about the lifestyle in culture in different areas of the UK.

Cruising from Southampton is convenient

One aspect I really appreciated on my cruise from Southampton was how accessible the port is from London via public transit. The United Kingdom has an extensive train network, and there is a direct train from London’s Waterloo station to Southampton.

I paid $70 for my roundtrip train ticket on the app Trainline, and it only took around 90 minutes to reach Southampton from central London.

Not only that, but the port in Southampton is within walking distance of the train station! While I took an Uber on my way to the ship, I decided to walk to the station on disembarkation day to avoid a long wait for a taxi or Uber. It only took around 15 minutes!

Have you ever cruised from the United Kingdom? What tips and tricks do you have for those cruising from Southampton for the first time? Let us know in the comments below!

Our last port of call brought us to Split, Croatia. The past week has flown by way too quickly, and it was bittersweet disembarking the ship this morning knowing we were visiting the last of five beautiful ports on this itinerary!

Split is the second biggest city in Croatia, and it's a seaside destination for both Croatians and international tourists.

Split is the first port we've had this week where you can walk off the ship and get to town without a tender or bus ride. It was a nice change of pace to be able to disembark on our own time and get to town quickly without spending time waiting around.

It was a ten minute walk from the port to town, where we walked through the city's walls into old town. Just like yesterday in Kotor, it was like we had stepped into medieval times.

Our first glance of Split was the central square of the Palace of Diocletian, an ancient palace built in the 4th century. The palace was built to be both a Roman military camp and a place for Diocletian, a Roman Emperor, to spend his retirement.

We spent some time navigating through Split's narrow streets and taking in the city's history. I was fascinated by the city's old walls, where the old section of Split met the new.

Interestingly enough, many exterior shots in the series Game of Thrones were filmed in Split. It's easy to see why they picked Split as a filming location, as parts of the city definitely make you feel like you've traveled back in time.

A Game of Thrones museum and souvenir shop are located in town, too, which could make for a fun activity for big fans of the series!

Afternoon at the beach

The temperature today was unpleasantly toasty at 96 degrees, so we didn't have the best conditions for walking around town all day.

Instead of roasting in the heat, we decided to visit a nearby beach in the afternoon to cool down.

Split is known for being a resort town with plenty of beaches, so I was curious to see what the hype was about. We decided on Kasjuni Beach, located 15 minutes away from Split.

For whatever reason, my phone service was not working this morning in Croatia, so I could not order an Uber to the beach. Instead we grabbed a taxi near Split's old town entrance. The taxi was metered, but at around $30 for a 15-minute ride to the beach, it seemed pretty steep.

Kasjuni Beach is located in a small cove, so the water is calm, clear, and refreshing. Greenery and hills line one side of the beach, whereas the other faces the open Adriatic.

We forgot to bring pool towels out with us this morning (a rookie mistake!), so we decided to rent beach chairs to use for the day. A beach club operates on Kasjuni Beach and offers daybed and beach chair rentals. A restaurant and bar are also available, as well as changing areas and restrooms.

We stayed at the beach for around two and a half hours, where we cooled off in the sea, relaxed on our beach chairs, and enjoyed a lunch we packed from a bakery in Split.

Fortunately my phone service began working later in the day, so we were able to Uber back to town for about $8 (over $20 cheaper than the taxi!).

Back to Split

While the beach was really nice, we wanted to head back to Split to explore more of the old city. After all, we can find beaches anywhere in the world, but we would only have a few more hours to explore Croatia!

We did some souvenir shopping in the city and enjoyed some tasty gelato. In these historic towns, it's just as fun to wander around without a plan as it is to plan a full day of sightseeing!

Our last stop of the day was a climb up the bell tower at Diocletian’s Palace, which stands over 180 feet in the air and offers panoramic views of Split. We purchased tickets to the bell tower for $6 each and began the climb. Extremely steep stone stairs at the beginning of the tower turned into metal stairs a few flights up, which were much easier to climb.

The view from the top was spectacular, offering views of Split, the port, the Adriatic, and surrounding mountains.

Back onboard

Our port day in Split was short today, with all-aboard at 4PM. Once we got back onboard, I spent a couple hours working on Royal Caribbean Blog content in the Centrum. With views of Croatia and the Adriatic as we sailed away from Split, it was as good as an "office" can get!

We still had around $100 of onboard credit available to spend, so we made a reservation at Izumi for dinner tonight. There is no hibachi option on Rhapsody of the Seas, so we enjoyed udon noodle dishes, ramen, fried rice, and potstickers!

Everything was delicious as usual, and a meal at Izumi isn't over until you have mochi ice cream and crispy red bean sesame balls.

We ended our night with a gorgeous sunset on the pool deck before heading back to our staterooms to (sadly) pack our bags.

I think this has been the best cruise itinerary I've ever done (although it may be tied with Alaska). It was very port-intensive, so I wouldn't say it was the most relaxing cruise, but the early mornings and thousands of steps walked in port were beyond worth it.

I'm sad to see this cruise end, but I'm super glad I got to share this experience with my siblings. The good news? Our cruise ends tomorrow in Italy, which makes for a good excuse to keep exploring Europe!

Thanks for following along on my live blog! We'll be back again with more live blogs from Matt on Mariner of the Seas during the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise later this month.

Royal Caribbean has updated the situation with Quantum of the Seas needing to slow its speed and skip Alaska glacier visits.

Earlier this week, guests booked on Quantum of the Seas on August sailings were sent an email to inform them that the ship would skip glacier viewings on their sailing.

Thus far, the August 1, 8, and 15 Alaska cruise sailings are impacted. Quantum of the Seas is sailing 7-night Alaska cruises from Seattle.

A new email was sent today to guests booked on Quantum of the Seas to update the situation as to why the change is necessary.

Royal Caribbean says the speed limitations are caused by a technical issue with one of the engines.

While that may sound alarming, the cruise line reminded guests the ship has four engines, and one of them requires repairs and the repair parts are delayed, "Quantum has four engines. One requires some repair and there's a delay in receiving the parts needed. Additionally, another engine is scheduled for routine maintenance soon, which means we'll have to reduce our overall speed during these sailings."

"While we're doing everything we can to expedite this, the global supply chain situation that we're all experiencing is further impacting the delay."

Royal Caribbean was sure to note the safety of the ship is not compromised, "Safety is always our top priority. Our ships can safely sail in these kinds of situations, just at reduced speeds."

Trying to make up for a missed glacier

As to skipping a visit to Dawes Glacier, Royal Caribbean says they have tried to find an alternative but the logistics are not simple, "We've been working tirelessly to find a way to visit Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier for your sailing, but this would result in drastically reduced port times."

"And given that there's always a risk of missing the Glacier due to weather, it's best to go with the surer option of keeping better times in port. The decision to modify our itinerary wasn't taken lightly."

"We've done everything possible to minimize the impact to your time with us and are sorry for the inconvenience."

Increased compensation

Royal Caribbean also included a change to the compensation for the change in itinerary.

First, the amount of onboard credit offered is now one full day of cruise fare paid, per person.

Any unused onboard credit will be available to be refunded back to your credit card.

If not visiting the glacier causes someone to no longer want to sail, Royal Caribbean will allow them to cancel.

Guests have until July 17 to change their mind if they no longer want to sail and they can get a full refund, including non-refundable deposits and/or pre-paid amenities.

Guests will need to contact their travel agent to cancel, and should get a refund within 14 business days.

Royal Caribbean will also allow the refund amount to be moved to a different sailing.

Full letter

Here's a copy of the full letter Royal Caribbean sent.

Thanks to John Trivedi for sharing the email.

Happy July 4th and Canada Day to everyone out in blog land! Many of you are enjoying a relaxing and long weekend, and I hope this week's round up of all the Royal Caribbean news makes it even better!

When will Covid testing and vaccine requirements go away?

That might be the most frequently asked question cruisers want to know and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley addressed this question.

He also talked about if Royal Caribbean will add a fuel surcharge, when the Icon of the Seas reveal will be, smoking in the casino & more.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean updates: Labadee suite change, Starlink approved, cup change & more
• Quantum of the Seas will skip glacier viewing in August due to engine trouble
• Royal Caribbean's July 4th Cruise Planner sale is happening right now
• Flight attendant shares 20 tips to minimize air travel fiascos

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 459th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, in which Matt reflects on his Covid experience on an Alaska cruise.

As an addendum to last week's podcast episode, Matt talks about his experience with Covid on a cruise ship and what his takeaway from it all.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: What’s the best piece of cruise advice you have ever received?

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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 — What’s the best piece of cruise advice you have ever received? — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Read our Greek Isles Live Blog

A European cruise is a bucket list cruise for so many people, especially a Greek Isles cruise.

We have a day-by-day look at what it's like to sail on Rhapsody of the Seas around Greece.

Read our 7-night Greek Isles cruise live blog and see all the fun you can have exploring these beautiful islands.

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas reaches first major milestone

The next Oasis Class cruise ship is on its way to becoming a reality.

At the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, a keel-laying ceremony was held for Utopia of the Seas.

Utopia of the Seas will be the first LNG-powered ship in the Oasis Class when she debuts in 2024.

We tried the new Starlink internet on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

How fast is Elon Musk's Starlink internet service? We put it through its paces on a weekend sailing of Freedom of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has quietly begun testing Starlink on Freedom of the Seas, and many are curious just how much faster this internet is compared to the traditional onboard internet service.

Over the course of 3-nights, Nicole tested the ship wifi and the results did not disappoint.

You're ready to take a cruise ship vacation, but want to know when is the best time to cruise to the Caribbean?

There really isn't a bad time to cruise around the Caribbean given that it is a year-round destination and plenty warm every month.

There are pros and cons to certain months of the year that might make you pick one over another, as the winter months are definitely a favorite and when you'll find the most Caribbean cruises offered.

While there are many factors that make a particular time optimal for a Caribbean cruise, many experts believe the best time for a Caribbean cruise is in the winter from November through March because of the significant less risk of rain and lower humidity. Ocean conditions tend to be fairly calm as well, and it's the reason why winter is the peak season for the Caribbean cruise market.

Of course, peak season cruising means higher prices and a winter cruise will cost you more on average than a summer or fall cruise. The cheapest time for a Caribbean cruise is between August and November because school is back in session and the threat of hurricanes and a higher chance of rain.

Here's a look at what each month of the year is like for a Caribbean cruise so that you can pick the best time for your family to cruise the Caribbean. 

When is the best Caribbean weather?

Cruises to the Caribbean are split up into three regions: Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.

Best weather in the Eastern and Western Caribbean

If you're looking for warm weather, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and beautiful beachfront destinations, then the winter months are often ideal. Winter in the Caribbean sees plenty of sunshine with temperatures ranging from 70s-80s Fahrenheit (20-30 Celsius). Some islands may experience cooler temperatures but it is rarely ever below 60˚F (15˚C). These balmy conditions offer excellent swimming and snorkeling as well as warm evenings perfect for exploring local cuisine or simply relaxing after a long day at sea. Another factor to consider during this time is that most schools are in session so there will be fewer children onboard resulting in an overall quieter environment.

Moreover, this is the time of year that is not part of hurricane season.

In addition, cruising between December and April means an escape for many guests who are coming from colder locations further north.  It is a popular time for many to escape to warmer temperatures. When it is 5 degrees at home, spending the day in the Caribbean can be a really great idea.

The weather on excursions and beach days will be more comfortable in the winter months. Whether you’re walking around Mayan ruins in Costa Maya, lounging in a beach chair in St. Thomas, or going hiking in St. Lucia, you won’t feel as hot as you would in the peak of summer.

Best weather in the Southern Caribbean

While winter is still a fantastic time to cruise to the southern Caribbean, our recommendation for the best time to cruise this region is during hurricane season.

The southern Caribbean has a lower chance of being impacted by hurricanes, as it mainly lies below the hurricane belt. Therefore, during hurricane season in the fall, you are still likely to see lower prices but have a lower probability of your cruise being affected by a hurricane.

What about the summer?

June, July, and August are the most popular months to cruise to the Caribbean, and cruising in the summer comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. 

Summertime also offers longer days with beautiful sunsets—ideal for romantic cruises—and plenty of island hopping opportunities since some islands have peak season during this time allowing them to accommodate more tourists than they would otherwise.

That said, temperatures tend to be much higher during these months reaching up into the 90s (30s Celsius). The warm air can make sightseeing tiring so if you plan on doing a lot of island hopping opt for an itinerary that includes more stops so you can spend your days discovering each island’s offerings without tiring yourself out in the heat.

Looking at a weather forecast in the summer can initially be a bit disappointing, as you will often see that the forecast shows rain every day. However, usually the rain does not last the entire day, and often lasts only an hour or so.

With kids out of school in the summer, you should expect to see more families onboard. Summer can be a great time for families to cruise because they do not have to rely on a school schedule, giving them more flexibility in cruise itinerary and length.

One advantage of cruising in the summer is that the ocean temperatures tend to be warmer than in the winter. While the water in the Caribbean usually stays quite comfortable, the water temperature can get chilly in more northerly Caribbean destinations during the winter. This is something that you will not have to worry about by selecting a cruise in the summer.

Another advantage of cruising in the summer months is that daylight hours are longer. Whereas in the winter it may get dark around 5:30PM, in the summertime, sunset may not be until 7 or 8PM, depending on where in the Caribbean you are sailing.

Should I cruise in the Caribbean during hurricane season?

Cruising during hurricane season may sound scary, but it is not as crazy as it may seem.

Hurricane season runs between June 1 and November 30, and it is the time of year when we typically see tropical storms form in the Caribbean. The most common months to see hurricanes are in August and September. Of course, that does not mean there is a hurricane every day, nor does it mean when there is one, the entire Caribbean is affected.

First and foremost, Royal Caribbean employs a Chief Meteorologist to track every disturbance and storm out there, and provide guidance to each cruise ship on how to best avoid the storm. 

Royal Caribbean will absolutely, positively, avoid the path of any hurricane. Itineraries will be flipped, swapped or completely changed to avoid going anywhere near the storm. The cruise line has said time and time again that the safety of its guests, crew and ships are vital, and they will not send their vessels near any hurricane.

In rare situations, entire sailings have been canceled if the path of the storm rules out any possibility of a ship making it in or out of its homeport.

The top reason to cruise during hurricane season is it will cost you a lot less to cruise during this time of year, and the likelihood of a storm directly impacting your cruise is low.  Moreover, your ship will not go in or near any storm.

Cheapest months to go on a Caribbean cruise

If you are looking to get the lowest cost for a Caribbean cruise, late August through early November see some of the lowest prices of the year.

Cruises in this time period have two things in common: it is the peak of hurricane season and it is also when most families are unable to vacation due to the school calendar. The combined effect is lower demand for cruises, and thus, lower prices.

You can also find bargains during other times of the year when school is typically in session, such as mid-January to mid-February, mid-April through the end of May, and the first two weeks of December.

While we recommend cruising to the Caribbean in the winter months, don’t expect to find the cheapest fares around the holidays. Cruises around Christmas and New Year’s will, unsurprisingly, come with higher prices. That being said, the holidays can be a fun time to set sail with special dining menus, decor, and events throughout the ship.

There are always exceptions, but the key to finding the best price on a Caribbean cruise is to try to go when most others cannot cruise. Avoiding religious holidays and the school vacation calendar is a good start.

Caribbean holidays and festivals

A great way to dive deeper into the cultures of the Caribbean islands you visit is by experiencing local holidays and festivals. Festivals happen throughout the year and can be a unique way to experience a port during your cruise.

Heading to Barbados? Each summer, the island nation hosts the Crop Over Festival. Crop Over is a festival that originated over three hundred years ago when the Bajan people celebrated the end of the sugar cane growing season. Nowadays, Crop Over is celebrated with music, dance, arts, concerts, street parties, and plenty of Barbadian rum!

The festival is celebrated with events from May to August, with the biggest celebration taking place on Grand Kadooment Day in early August. Most events take place in Bridgetown, where Royal Caribbean ships port.

The biggest festival in the Caribbean each year is Carnival. Celebrated throughout the Caribbean, the most famous Caribbean carnival is in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago is held each year on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. From street parades to calypso music, elaborate costumes, and dancing, a full port day of partying is guaranteed.

Carnival and similar festivals are also celebrated in other Caribbean islands. Exact dates may change depending on the year, so be sure to check if you will be sailing to these islands during Carnival.

• St. Lucia: Mid-July
• St. Vincent: June and July
• Grenada: August
• Aruba: January - March
• St. Maarten: April
• Bahamas: May
• Curaçao: January - March
• Dominica: February

What times of the year should I avoid?

While there isn’t a particular time of year that needs to be avoided when cruising to the Caribbean, you may prefer a certain time of the year based on your schedule and cruising style.

Royal Caribbean is a family-oriented cruise line. Sailings that occur during spring break, holidays, and the peak of summer will have more kids and families onboard. If you are looking for a sailing free from a lot of kids, these are probably not the best times to cruise. Likewise, if you have children and want them to be around a lot of other kids or teens, these times of the year can be a good choice.

In addition, cruises during spring break may see an influx of college-aged students, thus leading to a bigger party atmosphere. Cruise pricing during this time in March or April can also be higher than choosing to cruise in February or May instead.

Oftentimes, however, the length of a cruise can have a bigger impact on the ship’s atmosphere even more than the time of year. Shorter, 3 and 4-night cruises are likely to have a bigger party vibe and more families onboard, whereas longer cruises tend to skew quieter.

Luckily, you will likely have nice weather no matter what time of the year you sail to the Caribbean. Certain times of the year may be more warm, humid, or rainy than others, but in general, the weather in the Caribbean is warm and breezy. 

Today we visited one of the most scenic places I have ever been: Kotor, Montenegro! Nestled in an isolated area on the Bay of Kotor, this small town is known for its medieval Old Town and unbelievable scenery.

From the moment I saw a photo of Kotor on Royal Caribbean’s website, I knew I had to book a cruise to Montenegro. In fact, I made sure to book this itinerary specifically over others because it visited not only the Greek Isles, but also the Balkans.

That decision turned out to be a great one, because today was one of the best port days yet! (Do I say that every day?)

First impressions of Kotor, Montenegro

I did not want to miss the scenic passage into Kotor, so I set my alarm for 5AM this morning. Luckily our clocks were set back one hour the night before, so it wasn't too early. A lot of other passengers must have had the same idea, because when I reached the pool deck around 5:30 there were already plenty of people outside eager to watch Montenegro's gorgeous scenery pass by.

We collected our tender tickets at 7AM and were off the ship by 7:30. The tender ride to Kotor was only around five minutes, offering stunning views of Rhapsody of the Seas surrounded by tall mountain peaks on all sides. The tender boat dropped us off at the pier, which is only a 1-2 minute walk to Kotor's famous Old Town.

It was like we had stepped out of the 21st century and entered medieval Europe. Many buildings and churches were built over 900 years ago, and I felt like I could be in a fairytale. Narrow, cobblestone streets led to public squares, where locals and tourists alike gathered to enjoy breakfast and relax amongst Kotor's surrounding mountains.

I fell in love with the town instantly, and my day was only just beginning!

Hiking to the Castle of San Giovanni

One of the top activities to do in Kotor is to visit the Castle of San Giovanni, located above Kotor’s Old Town and the city walls. Some type of fortification has been located in Kotor since before the 6th century, although the current structure of the castle was built by the Venetians in the 15th century.

The trailhead to the Castle of San Giovanni can be accessed from Old Town with an €8 entrance fee. The hike takes around 40 minutes to reach the top via over 1350 steps!

Luckily, almost the entire hike was in the shade, so it was relatively pleasant even when climbing. The trail had plenty of areas to take a rest, and there were also vendors selling water and snacks. Amazing views were in abundance for the entirety of the trail, but the best views were, of course, at the top.

Exploring more of Kotor’s Old Town

Following the hike, I stopped at a local cafe for a fresh orange juice and “Moscow Cake”, made with cream, cherries, pineapple, and almonds. It was delightful!

One thing you’ll notice when walking around town is the abundance of cats. Cats are a symbol of Kotor, and it was fun to check out a bit of the town's "cat tourism". There are several cat-themed souvenir shops filled with handmade trinkets, magnets, and decor.

We also made a brief visit to the Kotor Cat Museum, which offers photos and information dedicated to the love of cats around the world. It was certainly a unique place. Proceeds at the museum go toward keeping Kotor’s cats fed and happy. A few kittens called the museum home, too, which was definitely very cute!

After so much exploring and hiking, it was time for lunch. There’s quite a bit of Italian influence in Kotor due to Italy’s proximity and presence in the Bay of Kotor throughout history. This influence can be seen in the cuisine as well, with risottos and pastas common on menus in Kotor.

We had lunch at La Catedrale Pasta Bar, where we enjoyed pasta pomodoro and homemade white wine, which was quite refreshing on such a sunny day. One of my favorite parts of a European cruise so far is having a nice sit-down lunch outdoors each day!

Back onboard

Unfortunately the weather was almost to the point of being unbearably hot once afternoon came, and we were quickly getting exhausted. The sun was beyond strong today, and while there were plenty of shady spots in Kotor, there was not much of a breeze! The Old Town of Kotor is small, however, so we felt as if we had seen most of the town in a relatively short amount of time.

We got back onboard around 1:30 and were in desperate need of a nap, both to cool down and catch up on sleep. I'm glad we got off the ship as soon as possible this morning, as we were able to explore the majority of Old Town before it got too hot. Plus, crowds increased significantly in the afternoon. If you have a Mediterranean cruise booked in the future, I'd definitely recommend disembarking the ship early in the morning.

After our "quick" nap (which ended up being about 3 hours), we hung out in the Centrum where we took in the views of Kotor and surrounding area. By late afternoon, clouds started to roll into the bay and temperatures cooled down significantly.

We had dinner tonight in the Windjammer, which proved to be a wonderful place to watch the beginning of sailaway. The Windjammer on Rhapsody of the Seas is located forward instead of aft, so it offered a great view of the helicopter pad and ship as we began the journey to Croatia.

After dinner, we headed upstairs to the pool deck to enjoy more panoramic views of one of the most beautiful sailaways I've ever seen!

We also found a "hidden secret" spot on Rhapsody of the Seas. Located on deck 9 and accessible from the Solarium or via steps near the rock climbing wall is an area of pool chairs with nice views off the ship’s port side. We relaxed here for an hour, taking in the last views of Montenegro before we entered the open seas of the Adriatic.

We spent the rest of the evening in the Solarium and on the pool deck before heading back to our stateroom. Tomorrow we will be in our last port of call: Split: Croatia!

We have a look at some of the changes Royal Caribbean has made or announced over the last week.

With a fleet of 26 ships, there are always going to be things happening and in an effort to keep everyone up to date, here's a quick run through of the latest news from this week.

In addition to starting construction on a new cruise ship and Royal Caribbean's CEO sharing his thoughts on policy changes, here is a look at everything else that happened this week you should know about.

Labadee suite cabanas now available online

It's now easier to book a cabana for suite guests when visiting Royal Caribbean's private destination of Labadee.

Royal Caribbean alerted guests booked in a suite that they can begin reserving cabanas at Barefoot Beach online via the Royal Caribbean cruise planner.

These suites are only available for guests booked in grand suites or higher.

Prior to this change, cabanas were reserved once the ship's suite concierge emailed guests a week before the cruise. The entire process was done offline.

With the update, suite guests can book a Barefoot Beach cabana just like other cabanas at Labadee.

SpaceX Starlink gets FCC approval

Starlink internet service on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship got one step closer to reality this week.

The Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX to provide Starlink satellite internet to vehicles in motion, which includes cruise ships.

A few weeks ago, Royal Caribbean petitioned the FCC to approve Starlink for moving vehicles so that cruise ships could utilize the service, hinting that a deal between Royal Caribbean and Starlink was possible.

As of now, Freedom of the Seas is actively testing Starlink with impressive speeds thus far.

Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on if a deal with Starlink is going to happen, nor what ships could see the service implemented onboard.

Soda cup change

If you purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package, expect a different cup design.

Guests on a few different Royal Caribbean ships have reported a change in the soda cup guests receive with their purchase.

The cups seem to come in either orange or blue color, and don't have the Coca-Cola branding typically seen with other designs.

While a definite change in look, the cup design is not new.

Royal Caribbean first used these cups at Labadee and CocoCay as far back as 2016.

Italian airport transfers

Royal Caribbean has added new transfer options for cruises sailing from Ravenna, Italy.

Due to the distance from Venice to Ravenna, guests will need to arrange transportation both to and from the ship on boarding and departure day either by purchasing a competitively priced transfer through Royal Caribbean International or by making their own private arrangements.

Guests can book these transfers before their cruise by contacting their travel partner or by reaching out to Royal Caribbean.

Additionally, guests may purchase transfers at Venice Marco Polo Airport on boarding day. However, please note that boarding day transfers will have limited availability and are available for purchase on a first come-first served basis.

Pre-Cruise Shuttles:

• Shuttle services will be available from locations in the area including Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice City Centre (Tronchetto). Guests may select their preferred transfer based on their flights and selected check-in time for boarding the ship.
  • When booking a shuttle, guests will also be advised of the latest possible flight arrival time to board their shuttle.
  • If you are arranging transfers on your own, flights should arrive into Venice no later than 11:35 AM to allow time to arrive to the ship.
• Each shuttle will be boarded at 50% capacity to ensure physical distancing.
• The journey to the ship from Venice, Italy can take up to 3 hours (depending on traffic conditions), so please be sure to dress comfortably and keep travel documents, medications, or any other important items in your carry-on luggage
• Once onboard shuttles departing from Venice, guests will have access to phone charging stations and will be provided with bottled water. Then, about halfway through the journey,  a comfort stop will be made where guests will be able to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and purchase snacks for the remainder of the trip.
  • Please note: Depending on driving conditions, the comfort stop may be skipped depending to ensure all guests arrive to the ship on time.
• Check-in for your sailing will take place at the cruise terminal in Ravenna, Italy.

Post-Cruise Shuttles:

• When booking a shuttle, you’ll be advised of the earliest possible flight departure time to board your shuttle.
• Just like on boarding day, the journey back to Venice, Italy can take up to 3 hours, so don’t forget to dress comfortably!
  • All the same amenities available on the pre-cruise shuttle from Venice – bottled water and the ability to charge your phone – will also be available for guests traveling on the post-cruise shuttle to Venice.

Today is the first and only sea day of my 7-night Greek & Adriatic cruise, and we spent the day relaxing as we left the Ionian Sea and entered the Adriatic.

Our port days the previous three days started super early in the morning, so I took it easy this morning with a chai tea latte from Cafe Latitudes, which I enjoyed in the Centrum while catching up on Royal Caribbean Blog work.

Lunch was in the Windjammer today. I think I prefer the Windjammer to other dining options onboard due to the sheer range of options available. Today's highlights were a pasta bake with spinach and cheese, grilled vegetables, and baklava!

After lunch, I grabbed a coffee in the Diamond Lounge. The Diamond Lounge on Rhapsody of the Seas is in a slightly odd location, as it's in a corner of the Shall We Dance Lounge with barriers that don't reach the ceiling.

However, I feel the views in the Diamond Lounge are far superior than the lounge's location on other ships due to the vast views of the ocean available.

The art auction had just started in the Shall We Dance Lounge. I've never attended the art auction before, and after editing several Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube videos where Matt states he dislikes the art auction, I never had an inkling to go.

The auction's free champagne caught my eye, however, so Lauren and I sat down to watch.

We actually enjoyed ourselves a lot more than we thought we would! While we had no plans to purchase artwork (some were being auctioned for $10,000-20,000!), it was weirdly fun to watch the staff hype up each art piece and raffle off prizes. While I'm not sure I entirely understand why the art gallery and auctions exist on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, it was certainly an interesting way to spend an hour.

Following the art auction was a fan-favorite cruise activity: the World's Sexiest Man Competition. It's impossible not to laugh during this competition, as the ship's "sexiest" men battle through a series of physical challenges and interview questions. It's one of those classic cruise ship activities that sound cheesy, but is quite entertaining!

At this point in the afternoon we were sailing alongside the coast of Albania, which was fascinating! I love seeing different countries and landscapes from afar on sea days, especially those I know little about.

I had to catch up on some Royal Caribbean Blog work in the afternoon, so I hung out in my stateroom for a few hours before dinner.

We had our last dinner tonight in the Main Dining Room, as we'll be eating in the Windjammer tomorrow and Izumi on our last night.

I ordered the eggplant parmesan as my main (which I got with a side of spaghetti marinara) and the molten chocolate cake for dessert. Everything in the Main Dining Room has been excellent on Rhapsody of the Seas, and the service from my waiters Marvic and Bayu was great!

We decided to see a show after dinner, as we had not yet seen any production show onboard. We watched a variety show, which started with a musical performance by the ship's orchestra followed by a magician.

Watching a magic show is unexpectedly becoming one of my favorite types of shows to attend on a cruise!  While the magic is impressive, the comedic remarks of the magician add to the performance and make it a fun, family-friendly activity where the whole audience gets involved.

On a side note, the Broadway Melodies theater on this ship is beautiful! I'm loving the more intricate design of an older cruise ship.

We ended the night with a drink at Schooner Bar, which we drank while lounging on the Promenade deck and watching the calmest water I've ever seen pass by.

A sea day was well-appreciated after three busy port days, and we all feel rested for the remainder of our cruise. Tomorrow I will be waking up bright and early for one of the most anticipated moments on this cruise: sailing into the port of Kotor, Montenegro.

Stray observations

Most people I've talked to prior to this cruise seemed to view small cruise ships in a negative way, but I think this type of ship works well for a port-intensive itinerary! I never use most of the features on bigger ships anyway (water slides, zipline, etc.) so my experience on Rhapsody has not been much different than my day-to-day on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship.

Many announcements and events are being translated into Portuguese and Spanish on this cruise, as there are a ton of Brazilians onboard as well as guests from Spanish speaking countries.

The seas have been almost perfect for the entire week so far. A Greek Isles cruise may be a good choice for those prone to seasickness (except for the tender boat rides!).

Guests booked on Quantum of the Seas to Alaska this season will have to forgo scheduled glacier visits.

Royal Caribbean notified guests booked on Quantum of the Seas this season that due to "a speed limitation caused by a technical issue with one of the ship’s engines", planned visits to Dawes Glacier have been cancelled.

Thus far, the August 1, 8, and 15 cruises are impacted.

Dawes Glacier is famous for its 600 foot tall, half-mile wide active icecap. It's one of the major highlights of an Alaska cruise.

Royal Caribbean did not disclose what the engine issue is exactly.

Quantum of the Seas is sailing 7-night Alaska cruises from Seattle.

While the engine issue is not a major problem, it will require itineraries to be adjusted. Primarily, Royal Caribbean has adjusted some arrival and departure times in Alaska and British Columbia.

"As a result, we’ve replaced our visit to Skagway, Alaska with Ketchikan, Alaska on Wednesday, shifted our visit to Sitka, Alaska to Thursday, and we’ll no longer visit Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier on Friday. We’re terribly sorry for any inconvenience caused by this, but the safety and comfort of our guests and crew is always our top priority."

Depending on the itinerary, times and ports of call are being adjusted, such as dropping Skagway or replacing it with Ketchikan.

The cruise line is offering compensation due to the loss of Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier from the itinerary.

• $75 USD for Interior and Ocean View staterooms
• $100 USD for Balcony staterooms
• $200 USD for Suites

If at the end of the cruise you there is a remaining amount left over, it will be refunded to the card on file.

Cruise ship propulsion problems not uncommon

While unsettling, engine problems are not unheard of in the industry.

In just the last few years, both Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas had engine issues that restricted their speeds. Allure in particular had propulsion issues in 2019, 2017, and 2013.

Fellow Quantum Class ship Anthem of the Seas had an issue with her azipod in 2016.

It's important to note that a propulsion problem is not a safety concern for guests sailing.

Reader reaction

No one is ever happy when a scheduled port visit has to be dropped, and cruise fans shared their dismay on the RoyalCaribbeanBlog message boards.

smokeybandit wrote, "I wonder what the decision point was between cancelling a couple cruise to fix the issue vs. taking away one of the most sought after aspects of an Alaskan cruise and handing out OBC to just sail with a busted engine."

Tom Trudnowski thinks dropping a visit to the glacier removes the primary appeal of an Alaska cruise, "the only reason you pretty much book an Alaska cruise, is to cruise the inside passage and see the glaciers, everything else is secondary, if important at all."

D Alt recognized this issue as something that can happen to any sailing, "These things happen. Mechanical equipment needs repair from time to time and they can't always predict when something is going to break down."

Royal Caribbean operates two private islands that offer passengers a curated and exclusive experience where the cruise line manages the entire visit.

While cruise ships can take you to different islands in the Caribbean, they can also stop at pristine places reserved just for cruise ship passengers.

These days it's rare to find an itinerary in the Caribbean that does not include a stop at one of the private islands.  Many Caribbean itineraries will visit either Labadee or Perfect Day at CocoCay, or even sometimes both.

The idea behind both of these places is a controlled, yet relaxing environment, where there's none of the fuss associated with finding a tour or haggling with vendors. Instead, Royal Caribbean sets everything up and admission to either island is included with your cruise fare.

Private destinations have evolved from secluded beach to full-day destination with different things you can do. Just like a cruise ship, Royal Caribbean realized people like to spend their time ashore differently. Some like a party atmosphere, while others want no noise and just the water. 

Which private island is better for you?  What makes them different or are they pretty much the same? 

Let’s take a detailed look at these two beautiful islands.

A brief history

While Labadee is known as a private island, it is actually a peninsula on Haiti’s north coast.  It was the first private destination for Royal Caribbean, who leased the land in 1986. 

CocoCay is actually named Little Stirrup Cay.  It was originally leased by Admiral Cruises in 1985.  When Royal Caribbean acquired Admiral Cruises in 1988, they took over the lease and changed the name. Leases for both islands run until 2050.  It’s a pretty good assumption that they’ll be renewed.

Both destinations were originally tender ports, meaning you had to take a small boat from the ship to the island.  Now they both have a pier that has made visiting there much easier and reliable. A pier allows cruise ships more flexibility with regard to weather conditions, thus meaning less missed calls.

Royal Caribbean invested heavily in a major overhaul in 2019 that saw over $250 million invested to expand the island's offerings with a waterpark with 13 slides; the region’s biggest wave pool; the region’s largest freshwater pool; and a beach club area for an extra cost aimed at those who want an elevated experience.

Climate & Topography

Since both private islands are in the tropics, the climate is very similar. 

It is usually hot and humid most of the year, with the highest temperatures in July.

Although CocoCay is located further north, their temperatures can dip into the 60’s in January.  Both destinations are in the path of a possible hurricane.  

CocoCay is mostly flat while Labadee is surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains. 

Things to do in CocoCay

You can’t miss the advertising Royal Caribbean has been doing for Perfect Day at CocoCay since it’s refurbishment in 2019 and with good reason.  CocoCay has become a must-do destination.  It’s Thrill Waterpark has slides that can rival most theme parks on land.

They have zip lines that stop at various platforms throughout the park and island (1600 feet in all), a tethered helium balloon that lifts you up to 450 feet in the air and Splashaway Bay, a complimentary kids area with slides and water buckets.

CocoCay has the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon, which also has a swim up bar.  For a fee you can rent one of the cabanas that surround the pool or just grab any of the free lounge chairs.  There is also a DJ providing music.

But what if you just want to relax?  Then head to the beach!  South Beach is a more quieter area since it’s further away.  You can upgrade your experience by purchasing a pass to the Coco Beach Club.  There you will also find a beach and the infinity pool. 

One of the most unique things about CocoCay are the floating cabanas.  They can accommodate up to 8 people and include access to the Coco Beach Club.

You’ll have your own private slide into the ocean, a hammock that sits just over the water, a shower, a safe, and a dining area.  What I loved most about it was the ability to play our own music by connecting to the cabanas Bluetooth system. 

They are pretty expensive. The average price I’ve seen for my recent sailings has been $1699 and up, which I guess isn’t bad if you split it up between four couples but for just my husband and I, that price is hard to justify.  But sometimes you can find a deal.  We did last October and were happy that we could finally experience the cabanas.

Food on CocoCay

CocoCay offers a complimentary buffet with everything from burgers to tacos.

I love the Snack Shack that has chicken sandwiches, burgers, mozzarella sticks and funnel cakes.

Captain Jack’s, which is adjacent to the Skippers Grill buffet, has flavored chicken wings and fries for a fee.

Coco Beach Club has a lunch that is more elevated than the complimentary options with lobster and filet mignon. If you have the drink package, it can also be used on both private islands.

Things to do in Labadee

Labadee was the first to introduce over the water cabanas. 

They are more of a simple design and don’t include all of the bells and whistles of the ones on CocoCay.  However, they’re quiet and have more of a secluded feel. They allow access to the ocean via a nearby staircase.

Another option is the hilltop cabanas that are farther away from the beach but have amazing views of the ocean and the ship. There are also beachfront and standard cabanas.

There is one thing Labadee has that the current CocoCay doesn’t, which is a “suites only” area called Barefoot Beach.  It’s definitely more peaceful there and makes for a relaxing day.

Labadee also has thrills of its own.  The Dragon’s Breath zip line starts 500 feet above sea level and plummets you at speeds up to 50 mph 2600 feet to the beach below.  It is the longest over the water zipline in the world.

For a bigger rush, you can zip line head first on Dragon’s Fire’s. Dragon’s Tail is an alpine style coaster that takes you around a mountain and there’s the Dragon’s Splash water slide.  The Arawak Aqua Park is in the ocean itself and has slides and trampolines.  

Labadee also offers tandem parasailing which I really enjoyed.  It takes you up about 400 feet and the views of the mountains are spectacular!

Both islands also have jet skiing, snorkeling and floating beach mats. One thing to keep in mind is that Labadee does not have a freshwater pool.  

Food on Labadee

Buffet dining is available throughout the island.  Again, there is an upgraded buffet at Barefoot Beach for the suite guests that includes lamb and filet mignon.

Similarities between CocoCay & Labadee

While you can pick out a number of ways Labadee and CocoCay are different from each other, they have a lot more in common.

At the heart of both visits is a beach day. You will find multiple beaches to visit, and each beach is included with the cost of your cruise (except for Coco Beach Club for an additional cost and Barefoot Beach for suite guests).

A complimentary lunch is also offered at both, along with certain activities such as hammocks, sports courts, and a splash area for younger kids.

An opportunity to purchase local goods from residents of either The Bahamas or Haiti is also part of the islands experience. Be sure to bring cash if you wish to purchase a souvenir.

And no Royal Caribbean private destination is complete without a few bars to visit. In fact, both CocoCay and Labadee have a swim-up bar you can visit just off the beach.

CocoCay vs Labadee: which island should you pick?

You really can’t go wrong with a visit to either destination.

While CocoCay has been updated with the latest amenities, Labadee has an unmatched natural beauty. Both destinations are a treat to have on any itinerary.

The beaches at both spots are great, although CocoCay's sand tends to be less rockier than Labadee.

If you like variety of things to do, or are a "pool person" more than a "beach person", then you should pick CocoCay. You can still find seclusion and quiet at either South Beach or Chill island, but there's more happening at CocoCay.

If you like a relaxed beach day above all else, than you should pick Labadee. The zip line, alpine coaster, and other tours are enough to satisfy someone who has reached peak serenity.

Ideally, your itinerary includes a visit to both islands. There are a handful of these sailings, and they can be a great vacation choice.