Royal Caribbean Blog

There's plenty happening with Royal Caribbean this week, so here is a quick wrap-up of changes and announcements you should know.

Things move quickly in the cruise industry, so to keep you up to date with the news, this article has a few different things that have happened this week.

Let's take a look at this week's Royal Caribbean cruise news.

Odyssey of the Seas cruise cancellations

There's a bit of a log jam in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this fall, which has necessitated a few Odyssey of the Seas cruises to be changed.

Royal Caribbean alerted travel agents that Odyssey of the Seas cruises departing between December 17, 2022 and December 31, 2022 have been revised. Essentially, the departure dates have changed and that means anyone who was booked on one of these cruises needs to pick a new sailing.

Guests have the option of staying booked on the revised sailing, which departs a day earlier, re-book to other sailing minus change fees, or a full refund.

Royal Caribbean will reimburse passengers for non-refundable, pre-purchased transportation change fees incurred (such as flight, train ticket, or rental car). 

• If they stay on Odyssey: up to $300 USD per guest for Domestic changes, or up to $500 USD per guest for International changes.
• If they pick another sailing: up to $200 USD per guest for Domestic changes, or up to $400 USD per guest for International changes.

Coast Guard concludes investigation into Royal Caribbean SpaceX incursion

Remember in January 2022 when a SpaceX launch was cancelled because Harmony of the Seas got too close to the launch site?

The Coast Guard wrapped up its investigation of Harmony of the Seas moving within the safety zone.

Prior to any SpaceX launch, there is an exclusion zone established so that no planes, ships, etc are able to enter the space, which adjoins against the second busiest cruise and shipping port in the country at Port Canaveral.

The Harmony of the Seas’ crew got underway from Port Canaveral and began voyaging toward the Bahamas. Harmony of the Seas entered an established safety zone, designed to ensure the safety of the public during the Cosmo Skymed rocket launch, without proper authorization. The launch was ultimately cancelled due to the encroachment into the surveilled launch hazard area.

“We are committed to protecting the maritime transportation system as well as finding the best practices to manage the intersection of space and maritime operations,” said Capt. Janet D. Espino-Young, prevention division chief, Coast Guard District Seven.

The statement went on to say the Coast Guard may pursue administrative enforcement actions, but did not specify if it would do so. Such actions may include monetary fines and or future vessel control actions.

Cruise planner update for Grandeur & Enchantment of the Seas

Good news for anyone that is booked on an upcoming Grandeur of the Seas or Enchantment of the Seas sailing: expect the enhanced cruise planner.

Over the last year, Royal Caribbean introduced its next generation cruise planning software, called My Royal Cruise.

My Royal Cruise is a new look to the website guests access to browse options and add-ons for their sailing.

Guests booked onboard Grandeur of the Seas sailings departing on or after May 27, 2022 and Enchantment of the Seas sailings departing on or after June 24, 2022, will now see the My Royal Cruise platform with all their existing bookings seamlessly and automatically transferred.

Casino Royale makes change to free cruise program

Casino Royale is informing guests of its popular program of a change to how free cruises are earned.

According to TheStreet, Royal Caribbean's casino rewards program has changed how it offers free sailing offers.

"Our certificate program recently changed. We no longer offer prequalified certificates, that are based on the previous sailing. We still have a certificate program, but now they are based on the active sailing and are awarded at the end of the sailing," the company said.

The free casino offers are based on how much a person gambles in the casino. You earn points on slots at 1 point for every $5 fed through the machines. Tables earn at different and varying rates.

The first casino status level you can hit is at 2500 points, which means you're probably gambling about $12,500 in order to hit that threshold.

You have the entire year to earn that 2500 points which will qualify you at prime for the rest of the qualifying year and through the entire next year. Prime benefits include a free interior stateroom cruise, no convenience charge to get cash from the cashier or at the tables and also free drinks while in the casino.

Royal Caribbean sends first cruise ship in 3 years to visit Haines, Alaska

Another milestone in the cruise industry restart has been reached with the arrival of Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas to Haines, Alaska this week.

The arrival of Serenade to Haines is the first time in three years a large cruise ship has visited the port.

The last visit was in September 2019.

Going on a cruise ship that docks in Canada? You're going to need to use Canada's mandatory app.

It’s currently a requirement to use the government’s ArriveCAN platform in order to enter the country for an upcoming Alaskan cruise. For cruises that depart and return to Canada, you will need to complete the form before boarding your cruise ship. 

You will also need to complete a form for any Alaskan cruise that includes a port stop in Canada, even if you do not plan to get off the ship.

ArriveCAN is a free, digital platform that requires travelers to enter upcoming travel plans and upload any COVID-19 vaccination certificates. You must create an account and submit the necessary travel information within 72 hours of your arrival into Canada. 

Anyone arriving to Canada by road, air, rail or marine vessel is required to provide travel information to the government through ArriveCAN. 

ArriveCAN is an app that you can download to your smartphone and submit upcoming travel to Canada. After creating an account and entering your travel information, you will instantly receive a QR code that verifies you have provided the necessary details for any upcoming trips.

Your ArriveCAN forms must be completed before you board any international flight that enters Canada. You will be required to show the QR code in order to board your Canada-bound flight. Additionally, crossing the land border through road or railway will also require the use of ArriveCAN. 

In addition, you must submit another ArriveCAN before boarding your cruise if your itinerary includes a return trip to Canada.

I sailed onboard Radiance of the Seas for the first Alaskan sailing of the season and everyone was caught off guard that a second ArriveCAN form was required. We thought we could use the same form required for the air arrival, but the port authorities required us to submit a second marine-entry form. 

Below is a step-by-step guide for how to complete the ArriveCAN form for an upcoming cruise. 

Download the App

To start, you’ll want to download the ArriveCAN app to your phone or tablet to enter your upcoming travel information. This is how you will generate the QR code needed to board your flight, cross the border and board your cruise ship. 

The app is available to download for iOS and Android devices. 

Although the ArriveCAN app will be the easiest way to complete the forms, you can also access the platform online through their website.

Create an Account

After downloading the app, you’ll be prompted to create an account. Again, you can also do this online through the ArriveCAN website. 

The account will require a password and email. Make sure this is an email you have access to while traveling, as you’ll receive confirmation of your completed forms. The app will also generate the QR code. 

Start a Form

Unless you live in Canada, you will be required to complete TWO forms for ArriveCAN. First, you’ll need to complete a form for your arrival into the country. Second, you will need to complete a form for entering the country by marine vessel (which includes cruise ships). 

Anyone that is entering Canada on a cruise ship from Alaska will need to complete the marine form. This includes one-way cruises from Alaska to Canada and round-trip cruises from Canada. 

You can only start your ArriveCAN form within 72 hours of your upcoming cruise embarks, so be sure you add this to your pre-cruise planning list. You will not have access to the form if your cruise is outside of 72 hours.

Reason for Travel

When you start a new form, you’ll be prompted to select your reason for traveling. Select ‘Discretionary/optional travel’, as this includes tourism. 

This option is only available if you’re a fully vaccinated foreign national. For those cruising to Alaska from Canada, vaccination is a requirement so this shouldn’t come as a surprise. 

Entry into Canada

The ArriveCAN form will next ask how you are entering Canada, whether by air, marine or by land. 

In this case, you will want to select ‘Entry by marine’ specifically for your Alaskan cruise because your cruise ship will technically be entering the country from the United States.

As we mentioned earlier, you should have already completed a separate form prior to your arrival in Canada, whether you arrive by air, rail or road. 

Marine Trip Details

ArriveCAN will next ask you to enter marine trip details, which includes the country of original departure, date of embarkation, port of entry and date of arrival. 

The country of original departure will be Canada if you are departing from Canada. Those cruising from Alaska will select the United States of America here. 

The date of embarkation will be the start date of your cruise. 

For port of entry, this will be the first port of arrival in Canada on your itinerary. For example, if you are cruising into Vancouver, you can select Vancouver Cruise Ship Operations. 

Date of arrival is the day you will be entering your first Canadian port. If your itinerary is a round trip from Vancouver or one-way from Alaska to Canada, this will likely be the last day of your cruise.

If you stop in Canada before the last day of your cruise, such as Victoria, Canada, you will want to use that date for the arrival date. 

Cruise Trip Details

The ArriveCAN will now ask if you are traveling on a cruise ship, in which you will select ‘Yes’. 

You will need to provide your cruise ship’s name, which should be available in the dropdown selection. It is also optional to provide your stateroom number(s) for your travel group. 

Finally, the ArriveCAN form will ask whether your cruise is terminating in Canada. If you are disembarking in a Canadian port, you will want to select ‘yes’. Cruises that simply stop in Canada during the sailing will want to select ‘no’. 

Contact Information

The form will next ask you to provide a phone number for your Primary Phone Number. There’s also a spot to provide a secondary phone number. 

You will also need to select whether your official language is ‘English’ or ‘French’. 

Traveler Information

ArriveCAN will now require you to select or add a traveler to your profile. You are able to add up to 8 travelers on the same trip as long as the people traveling together will be at the same locations. 

When entering traveler information, you will need to include your passport information, date of birth and name for each traveler. 

Proof of Vaccination

After entering your passport information for all travelers, you will be prompted to provide proof of vaccination. Currently, it’s a requirement to be fully vaccinated and provide proof for leisure travel to Canada.

The ArriveCAN app will ask you to enter information regarding your vaccination, including information regarding the first and second dose. The app will ask which vaccine you received (Pfizer, Moderna, etc), the country where the vaccine was administered, and the date of each vaccine dose you’ve received. 

Finally, you will be asked to upload proof of your vaccination. This can be a JPEG, JPG, PNG or PDF. You can also use your phone’s camera to take a photo of the vaccination receipt. 

You can upload one picture that proves you’ve received both doses or two separate photos that confirm each dose of the vaccine you received. If you only upload one photo, it will ask if you to confirm if you need to upload a second picture. For example, if you uploaded a picture of your CDC card and it shows both doses, you can select ‘No’ that you do not need to upload a second photo. 

Requirements for Travel 

The ArriveCAN app will now ask if you understand the requirements for travel that the Canadian government currently requires. For example, the first bullet on the list states that travelers who are fully-vaccinated with accepted vaccines and any accompanying children under 12 are no longer required to provide proof of a negative test result before entry. 

This section covers other requirements for travel for those under 5 and travelers who recently recovered from COVID-19. 

Additionally, fully-vaccinated travelers arriving in Canada no longer need to provide a suitable quarantine plan. 

Select ‘I Understand’ after reading through the requirements. 

Travel History

ArriveCAN will now ask if you or anyone traveling with you has recently visited any countries other than Canada in the last 14 days. 

For those who traveled from the United States, you will select ‘Yes’ and then select the arrow, in which you can enter the United States of America. 

You might also be prompted to provide an address in Canada, which could be the accommodations or address of the location you’re staying before embarking. 

Last Step: COVID-19 Self-Assessment

Finally, the last step of your form!

The ArriveCAN app will ask if you’ve had any COVID-19 symptoms that include fever, cough or difficulty breathing. You’ll want to select ‘no’ here unless you’re experiencing any symptoms.

After finishing the COVID-19 self-assessment, you will be ready to submit your form. 

Submission

After submitting, the ArriveCAN app will upload your documentation and required information into its system.

Once this is complete, you will receive a QR code in the app that can be used for boarding your Alaskan cruise. You will also receive an email confirmation that you have successfully completed the forms for your upcoming travels. 

In the ArriveCAN app homepage, you can also find the trip summary and the e-receipt of your trip. This will pull up the QR code if you need it again.

If you made a mistake on the form, you can also delete the trip and resubmit the necessary information. 

For those who have never cruised to the Mediterranean or traveled to Europe before, packing for a Mediterranean cruise can seem stressful.

Whether bringing clothing comfortable enough to walk around historic cities, modest enough to wear into churches, and dressy enough to dine at chic restaurants, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

In reality, however, there are only a few key differences to note between packing for a beach-centric Caribbean cruise and a Mediterranean cruise. From swapping flip flops for sneakers to packing nicer, fashionable outfits, here are our main tips and tricks to remember when packing for your Mediterranean cruise.

Comfortable walking shoes

Cruising to the Mediterranean can entail a lot of walking. It’s not unheard of for guests to walk several miles a day while exploring their ports of call. Therefore, packing a pair of sneakers or other comfortable shoes is essential to ensure you don’t get any painful blisters.

As far as closed-toed shoes, it’s not necessary to pack bulky tennis shoes that you would wear to the gym. Instead, casual yet comfortable shoes are recommended. Slip-on shoes, such as Toms, are comfortable enough to walk in all day, yet still appear sleek enough to fit in in a variety of destinations on your port day, like in restaurants, museums, and even the beach.

If you’re traveling to Europe in the peak of summer, though, you may prefer sandals. Pick sandals wisely, as it’s important to get a durable pair of sandals for a trip to Europe. Many streets in the Mediterranean are made from cobblestone, and walking in loose flip flops or thin sandals can easily get uncomfortable over the course of the day. Look for sandals with a durable sole and ankle strap for maximum comfort and reliability.

If you’re buying a brand new pair of shoes for your Mediterranean cruise, regardless of whether they are sneakers or sandals, be sure to walk around in them for a day or two before your cruise to ensure they are comfortable.

What shoes to NOT pack: While you may see European women walking around cobblestone streets in heels, these would not be the most comfortable shoes to wear for a full-day exploring port.

Breathable, light fabrics

The weather at Mediterranean ports, especially in the peak of summer, can get pretty hot. Cotten, linen, and other breathable fabrics are recommended. As a rule of thumb, if an article of clothing is comfortable to wear in the peak of summer back at home, it will probably be good to pack for a Mediterranean cruise.

Sundresses, rompers, and flowy shorts tend to be comfortable yet fashionable clothing for women while exploring the Mediterranean. Men may want to pack shorts or lightweight pants as well as t-shirts and light button-up shirts.

Casual yet nice clothing

Europeans take pride in dressing nicely, with a fashion sense that is, on average, more formal than what visitors from places like the United States or Canada may be used to, especially those who are used to cruising in the Caribbean.

The standard dress at Caribbean cruise ports tends to be extremely casual. Shorts, flip flops, and a tie-dye t-shirt from home are normal and acceptable. On a Mediterranean cruise, though, it’s smart to dress a bit more neatly.

During your port day in the Mediterranean, you may find yourself in a variety of settings, all with varying dress codes. From churches to restaurants, museums, and the beach, it’s smart to be prepared with the right outfit.

Men may want to wear well-fitted, nice t-shirts or short sleeved button-ups as opposed to old and baggy shirts. Instead of athletic shorts, opt for a nicer pair.

Women have a little more flexibility in terms of casual yet fashionable clothing. Lightweight sundresses, patterned shorts with a solid shirt, capris, a fitted t-shirt, and summer jumpsuits can all be great outfits on a Mediterranean cruise.

A great way to plan outfit ideas is by thinking of what you would wear to a semi-formal summer party back home. If you wouldn’t wear a wrinkled tie-dye t-shirt over stretchy athletic shorts, this probably isn’t the best outfit for a European cruise, either.

Pack appropriately if you plan to visit churches

Churches in the Mediterranean tend to have their own dress codes.

Those visiting Vatican City, for example, should have their shoulders and knees covered at all times during the visit. Offensive tattoos or apparel with slogans should not be visible and hats and caps must be removed prior to entrance. Generally, shorts, dresses, and skirts are allowed as long as they are at least knee-length.

A good rule of thumb is to wear what you would wear to church back home. If a crop top, flip flops, and booty shorts aren’t permitted at your local church, don’t wear this to a church in Europe, either.

You can always pack a change of clothes in your daypack if you're worried it might be too hot to walk around in the same clothing you wear into churches.

Purses and daypacks

Port days in the Mediterranean tend to be long, so it’s helpful to have a nice daypack or purse to carry your belongings in throughout the day. Choosing the perfect bag, though, requires a few more considerations than simply picking the first backpack you see.

While Europe is a safe destination for travelers, pickpocketing is not unheard of in major tourist areas, much like any other destination in the world. Be cautious of putting your phone or wallet in your back pocket, and choose a day bag wisely.

For ladies, consider a crossbody purse that you can wear from one shoulder to the opposite hip. This is a secure purse as it cannot easily fall off your body, and you can even place your hand over the crossbody bag while in busy environments like markets or the subway for added security.

If you prefer a larger backpack, consider a daypack with a “secret” back pocket. This is a backpack that has a zippered pocket at the back of the bag. As this pocket is against your back when walking, your valuables (passport, wallet, etc.) remain secure.

Please note that we’ve linked an item on Amazon, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it.

Cruise attire

Aside from packing the perfect outfits to wear in port, it’s important to remember to pack for your time onboard as well. Onboard attire on a Mediterranean cruise will be similar to any other cruise, with casual attire during the day and nicer outfits for the evening.

Mediterranean weather should remain quite comfortable throughout the summer, although it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket or cardigan in case of chilly weather in the morning and evenings while onboard. Likewise, those traveling to the Mediterranean in shoulder season will want to pack more warm-weather clothing like pants, long-sleeve shirts, and jackets.

Read more about what the weather looks like on a Mediterranean cruise month by month here.

What not to wear

Now that you have an idea of what to wear while on a Mediterranean cruise, what clothing items should you avoid?

Truthfully, there is no clothing item you necessarily have to avoid wearing on a European cruise that you would wear at home. There may be certain items that are unusual to wear among Europeans and clothing that will make you stick out as being from a certain location, but whether or not this matters to you is a personal choice.

You will stick out as a tourist when wearing items not usually worn by Europeans, including apparel with American sports team logos, American flags, camouflage patterned clothing, baseball caps, and workout apparel such as leggings.

This doesn’t mean you cannot wear these items, and you’ll see many tourists dressed like this, but it will make you stick out much more compared to wearing more neutral, neat clothing.

You may hear that Europeans don’t wear shorts or sneakers, but this is generally false information. You’ll see plenty of Europeans wearing shorts, particularly in cities near the coast. Sneakers are common as well, with brands like Adidas, Reebok, and Nike popular with Europeans throughout the Mediterranean.

More on the Mediterranean:

• Western Mediterranean cruise guide
• What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?
• How much does a Mediterranean cruise cost?

It's incredible to see how much progress Royal Caribbean has made in less than a year with its restart plans, but there are still a handful of issues the cruise line is working through.

Royal Caribbean is on the brink of having the last ship in the fleet restart operations (Rhapsody of the Seas), which is an important milestone for a company that was decimated by a "black swan" event in the form of the global health crisis.

While the cruise experience has improved rapidly with higher guest satisfaction scores, more ships back in service, and rolled back Covid protocols, there are still a few notable issues that Royal Caribbean is tackling.

It's important to note that these issues are not just Royal Caribbean problems. Nearly every form of travel leisure has their fair share of challenges. The reason why I'm bringing these issues up is to help anyone with a cruise manage expectations properly.

There has been many bumps on the road to Royal Caribbean's restart, but they've been able to navigate them well, and it stands to reason these issues are likely temporary as well.

Here are the challenges Royal Caribbean has to tackle at the moment, which anyone with a cruise this summer should be aware of.

Covid cases

Covid isn't gone by any means, and that means there are still Covid cases on cruise ships.

To be fair, there's always been some level of Covid cases on any Royal Caribbean sailing, but Royal Caribbean's protocols have limited the spread to ensure it doesn't become a ship-wide problem.

Covid cases are going to be an ongoing problem for a while, just like every facet of life.  Just like in society, we're learning to live with it, but that doesn't mean there won't be cases popping up onboard.

Based on reader feedback, it seems guests are reporting seeing or experiencing Covid cases on individual sailings and it's almost certainly a reflection of a general rise in Covid cases around the world right now.

YouTube vloggers Travel Spree unfortunately caught Covid and had to be isolated while on their Symphony of the Seas cruise.

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RoyalCaribbeanBlog message board user anxiouscruiser shared their experience testing positive for Covid while onboard Serenade of the Seas, "it sucks but I knew the risk when I chose to cruise. I just wish it didn't happen to us."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly review, there has been a week-on-week increase in the number of counties with high levels of COVID-19. As of May 11, 2022, the current 7-day moving average of daily new cases (84,778) increased 30.7% compared with the previous 7-day moving average (64,863).

In short, more Covid cases in society is going to likely translate to more Covid cases onboard cruise ships. Unlike on land, cruise ships at least have requirements and protocols that do their best to mitigate the spread of Covid.

What this all means is you should be cognizant of the fact there are more Covid cases, and take whatever precautions you deem fit. Perhaps that's wearing a N95 mask while indoors, or changing shore excursion plans to prioritize outdoor tours.

Staff shortages

Every company is dealing with not enough workers, and that includes cruise ships.

On some ships, certain venues or forms of entertainment are not yet open so that they can better utilize crew members. In other cases, there may simply not be enough crew members to manage every situation that can arise.

There's an interesting message board thread discussing the general issue on the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards.

While many guests are understanding of the general problems all business have in hiring, they also feel moving to full capacity with less than a full compliment of crew causes guest satisfaction problems, "I think we all understand the troubles of staffing right now, but Royal Caribbean should match their ships capacity with their staffing.," said carlosalonsor.

"I think Royal Caribbean just found it a bit harder to staff up than they expected to," smokeybandit opined. "For those who do want to return, lots of red tape to get them on board again. Then there are those who have found a happy life off a ship or those that are just hesitant to return for various reasons."

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Robert Joseph Dulo shared a similar issue with staffing shortages on Explorer of the Seas last week, "The staff and the ship could not handle the capacity with many service and food issues."

"I left them detailed survey responses and hope they look closely at them as my experience was similar to others that I talked to. I hope they make the appropriate changes or they will start to lose cruisers, especially me. They seemed to not be ready for higher capacity."

Even if Royal Caribbean could snap their fingers and hire everyone they need right now, there's still the issue of visa delays, quarantine rules in some countries, vaccine requirements, and more.

The good news is Royal Caribbean is indeed trying to hire as many new crew members as they can, with recruitment drives in countries around the world. It does not appear to be a problem the cruise line is not aware of by any means.

In the meantime, bring extra patience with you, along with sunscreen, a camera, and a good book.

Supply chain problems

Tangentially related to the first two issues, you may run into certain items not available onboard your cruise.

Primarily, we've seen this in the past in the form of certain brands of liquors not available. Remember the CocoCay-branded beer? That was an early victim of supply chain issues.

Just like staffing problems, this is not likely an issue that will go away overnight. In its first quarter 2022 earnings, Royal Caribbean Group said they're managing supply chain challenges, mainly related to fuel and food costs.

In my experience, how much of an impact it has on your sailing will greatly depend on which brands of types of food and drink you prefer, as well as general demand onboard. Each sailing has a different assortment of guests onboard, and the ships are doing their best to supply accordingly.

What this means for your cruise?

After reading about these issues, what should your takeaway be for an upcoming sailing?

Certainly the problems Royal Caribbean is facing are the sort of things the company has to mitigate and address in order to improve, but if your cruise is coming up in the next few weeks, it's possible it could impact your cruise.

At a minimum, it's food for thought. Throughout the restart of cruise operations, there have been hurdles for passengers to navigate. So while today's problems are a concern, it's not like there haven't been things Royal Caribbean has overcome in the past year.

It may also be an opportunity to gauge how comfortable you are with embracing a certain level of flexibility. Nothing is perfect, including cruise ships, so if the prospect of your favorite liquor not being available, or a longer wait for drinks at bar truly irks you, then perhaps you should put off your cruise until the situation improves.

As cruise fans, we love this kind of a vacation and no one ever wants to be disappointed. It's why I think it's critical to be as honest and up-front with what others are seeing so we can all make the right decision to sail or not.

The sort of problems Royal Caribbean has are also being dealt with at plenty of other land-based travel destinations. So the grass is not greener necessarily elsewhere.  But that doesn't mean a cruise right now is superb either.

An educated consumer tends to have a better experience overall, and this article is intended to ensure you are up-to-date with what's happening.

Alaska's state capital is chock full of adventure. As one of the state's largest cruise and airport hubs, Juneau has established itself as a tourist destination.

Tucked beneath towering mountains, this city offers something for everyone while taking an Alaska cruise. Whether you want to stroll down the historic streets of downtown, toss out a line in a picturesque inlet, or climb aboard a floatplane to view glaciers from the sky – Juneau has it all. 

Mollie is a resident of Alaska, who has spent many years visiting everything her state has to offer, including extensive visits throughout Southeast Alaska.

You can easily find recommendations for top things to do or see in this bustling Alaskan community, but we're going to take you off the beaten path. In this guide, I will provide you with a list of top places to visit in Juneau from a local's perspective. 

5. Spend an Afternoon on South Franklin Street (Downtown Juneau)

Juneau boomed during the late 1800s. Thanks to the discovery of gold, miners, traders, swindlers, and more made the trek north to America's Last Frontier. Fishing villages quickly transformed into bustling cities (Well, cities by Alaska standards), and many of the old buildings still stand today. 

Walking around Juneau's downtown is like stepping back into a time machine to the 1890s. Visitors can head towards South Franklin Street to reach the heart of the historic area. The wide sidewalks and quaint buildings have played host to a variety of shops and restaurants throughout the ages. The multitude of stores carries souvenirs, local Alaskan crafts, fine arts, books on Alaskan history and nature, and handmade jewelry. 

The downtown area is easily accessible by foot to the main cruise ship port. During your shopping experience, be sure to pop over to Marine Park with your binoculars to take a peek at Mount Juneau.

This is a popular spot to see mountain goats, especially in the late summer when their white coats stand out against the green landscape. 

Local Tip: If it's sunny, be sure to catch a ride to the top of Mount Roberts via the Mount Roberts Tramway.

While this trip isn't worth it on a cloudy day, the views are unparalleled on a clear day. Be sure to pack extra layers. It is often much windier or colder at the top.

You can also hike to the top if you're feeling more adventurous. The trail from downtown is 6 miles round trip and takes about 2-3 hours (depending on stops). You can also hike to the top and ride down (or vice versa).

Treat yourself to a beer at the tram's bar, and the ride down is free! 

4. Visit the Touch Tank at the Douglas Island Pink and Chum Hatchery

The Douglas Island Pink and Chum Hatchery (DIPAC) is a great place to learn, view, and touch the sea life that inhabits the waters around Juneau and southeastern Alaskan. This hatchery is crucial to maintaining salmon populations, but it also offers a variety of great activities for visitors eager to learn more about the infamous salmon run and other wildlife. 

If you're visiting between July and September, the hatchery is one of the best places in the area to view the salmon run. Head over to the Ladd Macaulay Visitor, situated inside of the hatcher, to watch this natural phenomenon unfold. 

In season, salmon surge up the hatchery's fish ladder. At times, the run is so thick that you could walk across the water on their backs (Of course, this activity is not allowed. But you get the picture). This is also one of the best spots to watch bald eagles fish the waters. With the salmon so thick, eagles are almost guaranteed to snag a meal on each dive. 

The hatchery also has viewing windows where you can watch the salmon struggle upstream beneath the surface. Education signs will help you identify which species of salmon you're viewing. 

If you're visiting outside of the salmon season, there is still plenty to see and do. DIPAC's touch tanks invite both the young and old to get close to Alaskan beautiful sea critters. You can touch urchins, crabs, sea stars, and sea cucumbers, and staff is available to educate curious visitors. There is also a salmon rearing facility and aquarium onsite, where salmon and other marine life can be viewed year-round. 

3. Drive to Echo Cove

Juneau can only be accessed by plane or boat, but that doesn't mean there aren't any roads in the area.

There are approximately 250 miles of road throughout the city and borough of Juneau, with stretches of road extending out into the beautiful wilderness surrounding the city.

One of the best stretches of road extends out of downtown Juneau to Echo Cove via the Glacier Highway. This 80-mile round trip offers visitors the chance to hike and view wildlife at their own pace. 

Car rentals are available throughout the Juneau area, with many offering pick-up services at the cruise ship port. Be sure to pack a lunch, water, sunscreen, and bug spray for this journey, as services are few and far between outside of the city.

This drive can easily fill up a day with all of the scenic viewpoints and trails along the route, or you can opt to camp along the road if you are staying in Juneau longer. 

Here are some of my favorite stops along this drive: 

• Eagle Beach - This beach offers great views of Lynn Canal, the Chilkat and Juneau Mountains, and plenty of easy hiking trails. This is also a great vantage point to see humpback whales from the shore. 
• Jensen-Olsen Arboretum - An idyllic public garden that is a miniature version of the famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia
• The National Shrine of St. Therese – a historic landmark about 20 miles outside of Juneau. This stop has a beach stone chapel, spanning views, and quiet gardens. There is also a gift shop and lodge onsite. 

Local Tip: Do a portion of this drive at sunrise or sunset (assuming your ship is there late enough).

This is when wildlife is more active, and you are more likely to catch sight of a fox, wolf, or bear along the route. The lighting also makes for dramatic landscapes as a backdrop for your photos. 

2. Go Bear Viewing on Admiralty Island

Juneau is home to both black and coastal brown bears. Both of these species of bears can be viewed in and around Juneau, especially when out on the road. In the late summer, both bears are a common sight in salmon streams and berry bushes. Due to their dense population, it is always recommended to carry bear spray and a small blow horn when hiking or exploring. Both are easily available in the downtown shops and outfitters in Juneau. 

If you're heading to Juneau to catch sight of the infamous grizzly, there is no better place than at Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island. While black bears can average around 400 pounds, their distant cousins, the coastal brown bear, can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Brown bears are Grizzlies, but they are considerably larger than the grizzlies found in the interior. That is thanks to a rich diet of salmon, berries, and other fatty-riched foods that are readily available along the Alaskan coast. 

While both species co-exist elsewhere, Admiralty Island is home to only the brown bear. It is estimated that around 1,600 brown bears call Admiralty Island home, making it one of the densest populations of brown bears in the world. 

The Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area is situated inside the Pack Creek Bear Sanctuary. This sanctuary is only accessible by boat or plane, so most visitors catch a 30-minute floatplane ride from Juneau. The sanctuary is open from June 1 through September 10, with the peak season occurring from July 5 through August 25. During the peak season, visitors are limited to 25 per a day. 

A permit is required to visit the sanctuary, with half of the permits available for public purchase. Due to the difficulty in reaching the sanctuary and securing a permit, I recommend booking a bear guide to solve both of these problems. Bear guides are also knowledgeable in bear behavior and help keep you safe while you observe these majestic animals in the wild. 

While this isn’t a local secret, this is one of the best places to view brown bears en masse in Alaska.

But don’t worry if you can’t swing a permit here. Black bears are numerous throughout Juneau and out on the road, and brown bears are incredibly common throughout mainland Alaska.

When visiting Alaska, it is never if you see a bear, but when. 

1. Take a Guided Kayak Trip to Mendenhall Lake

Juneau is a water destination. Surrounded by islands with countless inlets and glacier lakes, this is a water lover's dream destination. One of the most spectacular trips is a voyage along Mendenhall Lake to Mendenhall Glacier. 

Visitors can opt for a guided kayak tour to Mendenhall Lake, where you can kayak between floating icebergs and experience the serenity of Tongass National Forest for the water. The tours allow paddlers to view the glacier from a safe distance while learning more about the history and nature of the region from the experienced guide. Keep an eye out for otters, beavers, and bears, as they are frequent visitors along the banks of Mendenhall Lake.

Permits are required to paddle close to the glacier, so opting for a guide makes this journey easier and safer. Guides also supply all the gear needed. While some fitness level is needed to participate in the 2-hour adventure, visitors do not need to be kayak experts. Guides provide kayaking tips and lessons, and the lake remains calm on sunny days. 

If kayaking sounds too extreme, visitors can also enjoy Mendenhall Glacier on a charter cruise. Helicopter tours are also often if you want to see the glacier from the sky. Both of these experiences are easier physically, but they lack the serenity found only with a paddle. 

Local Tip: If you're under a time restraint, you can also view the glacier from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

If you have longer to explore, consider a hike to Nugget Falls from the visitor center. This trail will bring you close to the glacier as well as to the viewing point of Nugget Falls, a 377-foot waterfall plummeting into the lake.

Simply look for signs from the visitor center pointing to the falls. The 2-mile hike is level and on gravel, making it the perfect option for families. 

More Alaska information

• Alaska cruise packing list
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Best time to cruise to Alaska

If you're going on a Royal Caribbean cruise with close friends or family, you might want to link your reservations together.

Linking reservations is an optional feature to make dining arrangements a little bit easier.

Here's a look at the why and how of linking reservations on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Related: 40 BEST Royal Caribbean tips, tricks & hidden secrets

Why link reservations?

In short, linking reservations together means you can more easily facilitate dining reservations, especially in the main dining room.

Every stateroom has a reservation number, and there is no inherit way for Royal Caribbean to know guests staying in one cabin want to dine with guests in another cabin. This is especially true for larger families that split up among different cabins. Grandma and grandpa might not be on the same reservation as all the grandkids! 

Royal Caribbean makes cruising fun for families and groups of all sizes, but that usually means there are multiple reservations involved. Since you’re traveling together, it makes sense that you would want to eat together in the dining room and plan excursions together.

Related: Dinner on Royal Caribbean: Early Dinner vs. Late Dinner

Or maybe you have someone really generous in your group who is paying for your drink package or wants to surprise you with a spa day! 

Lnking reservations allows for an easier time of booking entertainment since you won't have to look up the reservations later. Once you get onboard, you can quickly reserve whatever shows you want to see without having to scramble to figure out everyone's reservation number. 

It's an extra step that makes planning other aspects of the cruise a little bit easier when your travelling party is spread across more than one cabin.

How to find my reservation number

Before you can link a reservation with yours, you will need some basic information about each person's reservation:

• Reservation number
• Last name
• Date of birth

The most common issue for anyone that wants to link reservations is finding their reservation number. There are a few ways to find your reservation number, so it's just a matter of whatever is easier for you.

You can find that by logging into your Royal Caribbean account. I find that it is easiest to do this on an actual computer, rather than the mobile app.

After logging in, the reservation number should be listed with every cruise you have booked.

Other ways to get the reservation number include:

• Look at your invoice you received when you booked the cruise
• Call Royal Caribbean or your travel and ask for the number

How to link reservations

Once you're ready, you can link reservations together in one of three ways:

• Have your travel agent do it for you
• Call Royal Caribbean and have them do it
• Do it yourself online

In the case of a travel agent or going through Royal Caribbean, this requires you to simply contact either one to make it happen.

If you want to do this on your own, you can log onto the Royal Caribbean website.

If you're in the Cruise Planner and select the drop down menu, you'll see that you can check-in, link other reservations, and more by viewing your cruise details.

This will redirect you to your upcoming cruises page where you can then scroll down and select "Add a Cruise."

From there, you'll be redirected to a page that will allow you to locate their reservation and give you the option to link their reservation with your cruise!

You will need to input their last name, reservation number, and birthday. 

Now you are all set! Your Main Dining Room table reservations will be set together. You’ll also have access to each other so that you can pay for each other’s excursions and other Cruise Planner items, including My Time Dining reservations.

Linking reservations makes the planning process much easier. A single person can handle all of the reservations for everyone in your party, even if you are dispersed across the cruise ship in different cabins!

If you aren't sure if your reservations were linked or not, you can call Royal Caribbean to confirm. On embarkation day, it's always wise to stop by the Main Dining Room to confirm your dining assignment, too. 

Stay up-to-date with all the Royal Caribbean news from this week with our roundup of all this week's news.

Could Icon of the Seas be even bigger than the Oasis Class cruise ships?

One Royal Caribbean executive recently said Icon of the Seas will be the largest ship when she debuts next year.

Sean Treacy, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, said, "Icon will be the biggest. It launches in the fall of next year."

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean allows crew members to freely get off the ship in ports again
• Royal Caribbean says cruise ships should be back to full capacity by summer
• Royal Caribbean updates: Land tour testing change, The Cove & more
• Excursion review: Pearl Island Beach Escape in Nassau
• Excursion review: De Palm Island Aruba excursion review
• A look at the best Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise deals in 2023
• Guide to cruises from Tampa
• Royal Caribbean room service guide & tips
• Five ways to find fitness on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
• Royal Caribbean Group releases 2021 sustainability report
• Must-eat foods on a cruise to Italy
• Beach Reads: Mental Health Awareness Month

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 454th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which explains how and why to book a cruise onboard.

NextCruise is where you can go on your ship to book another cruise. Matt details what you need to know about booking a cruise onboard.

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

15 reasons to book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas

There are a few different Oasis Class cruise ships, but the original is still a great choice to sail on.

Oasis of the Seas was upgraded in 2019 and offers plenty to see and do onboard. In fact, we came up with 15 reasons to book a cruise on Oasis of the Seas.

8 mocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

Need a recommendation for a great non-alcoholic drink to try on your cruise?

There are lots of possibilities, but we have a list of 8 must-try mocktails when you go on your next cruise.

Where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise

Besides seeing the amazing sights of Alaska, there are some great places to eat and have a drink.

Our in-house Alaska expert shares her top picks for food, beers, cocktails, or coffee at each stop along your Alaska cruise.

Why Freedom of the Seas is a great choice for a short cruise

Ever thought about taking a weekend cruise?

Freedom of the Seas sails short 3-night cruises from Miami, and here's why Freedom of the Seas is a great option for a cruise vacation.

Tampa offers a convenient embarkation port for cruises to the Western Caribbean, including many with Royal Caribbean.

When you think about cruising out of Florida, Miami and Fort Lauderdale are probably the first port’s that come to mind. If you are looking for something a little quieter, on Florida’s west coast sailing into the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find Tampa. 

Port Tampa Bay is the home port for five ships from four cruise lines, offering itineraries to the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean and even Transatlantic cruises. 

How to get to the Tampa Cruise Port

Port Tampa Bay is located just 8 miles from the Tampa International Airport, and less than a mile from downtown Tampa, making it one of the easiest cruise ports to get to. 

The address of Port Tampa Bay is 1101 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602.

Royal Caribbean typically uses Terminal 2, but will also use Terminal 3 when needed. Passengers should follow the digital signage at the port to find the correct terminal for their ship. 

Flying to Tampa Cruise Port

Tampa International Airport

Flying into the Tampa International Airport is the easiest for those needing to fly in prior to their cruise. With over 90 nonstop destinations and 260 daily departures, travelers have plenty of options to choose from to get to and from their cruise.

With the port located so close to the airport, it is recommended to use a taxi or rideshare app Port Tampa Bay, which will usually cost between $18 - $25. The drive should only take 15 - 20 minutes.

One of our biggest tips at Royal Caribbean Blog is to fly into your departure port the night before your cruise, to ensure that you don’t encounter delays that could make you miss your embarkation time. There are plenty of hotels to choose from located near both the Tampa airport and Port Tampa Bay, making getting to the port on embarkation day a breeze. 

What Time Should I Schedule My Flight from Tampa?

When booking your travel home after your cruise, it is important to not book too early of a flight, as you do not want to risk missing the flight home. 

Even though TPA is located close to the port, we recommend booking a flight home no earlier than 11:30am. While you may be able to walk off the ship by 8:00 - 9:00AM on disembarkation day, it isn’t guaranteed, and you don’t want to end up missing a morning flight.

Royal Caribbean Shuttle Service

Royal Caribbean offers shuttle service from the airport to the port (and vice versa), for an extra fee. There are also outside vendors who offer shuttle service such as Infinity Transportation.

Since the airport is located so close to the port, I recommend utilizing a rideshare or taxi service over a shuttle. Not only will prices typically be lower, you also won’t have to wait on a shuttle to fill up before being able to leave.

Parking at Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay has very convenient parking options for the cruise terminals. Since it is located so close to downtown Tampa, there are plenty of parking garages to choose from. 

The closest option is the Port Tampa Bay parking garage, located just across the street from the three terminals. Beginning on October 23, 2022 the price for self parking will increase from $15 to $15.75 per day, and oversized parking (RV's, etc) will increase from $30 to $31.50 per day. 

Port Tampa Bay also offers valet parking for $15.75 per day (effective October 23, 2022, previously $15), plus a one time fee of $20. This is a great option for those who have trouble walking, or don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking their car. To utilize this option, you simply pull up to the curbside of the terminal entrance, and the valets will take care of the rest. 

Where to stay the night before your cruise from Tampa

As we mentioned, it is highly recommended to fly in the day before your cruise departs. When doing that, booking a hotel is an important part of the planning process when cruising from Tampa. 

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may want to stay closer to the cruise port and downtown Tampa. This will give you an opportunity to explore the city and see the sights before leaving for your cruise. The Tampa Bay Riverwalk and Channelside areas offer plenty of dining, shopping and sights. 

If your flight is arriving later in the evening, you may want to stay closer to the airport and head to the cruise terminal in the morning. The Westshore area is located just outside the airport, and has plenty of hotels to choose from. 

Recommended hotels include:

• Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa
• Tampa Marriott Water Street
• Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District
• Hampton Inn Tampa Avion Park Westshore
• AC Hotel Tampa Airport

Some hotels will offer a shuttle service to the terminal on embarkation day, but we still recommend using a rideshare service, as you will have flexibility on the timing. 

Which Royal Caribbean ships sail from Port Tampa Bay?

One of the best parts of cruising out of Tampa, is getting to sail under the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge to enter the Gulf of Mexico.

However, this bridge can only accommodate ships that measure 180 feet from the top of the waterline. For this reason, Royal Caribbean uses Port Tampa Bay for its Vision and Radiance class of ships. 

Enchantment of the Seas will call Tampa home beginning in November 2023, offering 7-night Caribbean cruises.

Radiance of the Seas will sail out of Tampa starting in November 2023, offering 4 and 5-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises, visiting Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. 

Where to Watch a Sailaway

If you find yourself in Tampa before or after your cruise, and want to catch a ship sailing through Tampa Bay, there are plenty of areas to watch from. 

The closest viewing spot you’ll find is at the cruise terminal. Port Tampa Bay allows you to walk right up near the ships, for an unforgettable view. 

If the ship is leaving from Terminal 2, you can walk over to the Sparkman Wharf to take in the view, while grabbing a drink from the beer garden or a bite to eat from one of the many food stands.

Another great option is David Islands Beach, less than 15 minutes away from the port. Here you can sit back and relax with your toes in the sand, or even get in the water as you watch the ships sail away from Port Tampa Bay. 

Arguably, one of the best sites to see is the ship sailing under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This bridge is located about a 30-45 minute drive south of Tampa, and it takes the ships about 2 hours after departure to reach the bridge.

While you can’t stop on the bridge to view the ships, you can go to either the north or south fishing piers to watch them sail under the bridge.

Royal Caribbean Group released on Friday its sustainability report for the year 2021.

This is the 14th annual sustainability report that Royal Caribbean has released to the public, and it outlines the environmental policies across the company.

This report provides a comprehensive update on Royal Caribbean’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) actions and activities across all of the company’s brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.

This year for 2021, Royal Caribbean Group reworked their ESG report to even more reflect the company’s efforts towards creating more sustainable cruising within the industry. The report focuses on five areas in which Royal Caribbean Group is working towards sustainability specifically. These five areas include: champion communities and the environment; provide unforgettable cruise experiences; foster human rights and be an employer of choice; advance net zero innovation; and govern responsibly. 

Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Group said the following, “all of us at Royal Caribbean Group are focused on delivering the best vacations possible and doing so responsibly. This reflects our commitment to continuous innovation and building a sustainable cruise industry while growing our business for good.”

The debut of the 2021 sustainability report comes on the heels of Royal Caribbean Group announcing that they have committed to an additional five-year partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF). 

“Much of what the Royal Caribbean Group has achieved has involved collaborators and partners. One of the most important is World Wildlife Fund. WWF’s counsel on key sustainability matters has added rigor and accountability across many facets of the business, including sustainable tourism, sourcing, and reduction of emissions. The company is currently embarking on a new set of co-developed targets involving reduction of food waste. WWF is knowledgeable in the ecology and environmental characteristics of many of the company’s destinations,” stated Chairman of Safety, Environment, Sustainability and Health Committee for Royal Caribbean Group, William K. Reilly. 

The ESG report for 2021 highlights Royal Caribbean Group’s efforts to become increasingly energy efficient. Some of the ways Royal Caribbean Group details their energy efficiency include: 

• Capturing engine waste heat to heat shower and galley water.
• Co2 and occupancy-based ventilation controls to optimize AC fan energy consumption.
• Advanced Emissions Purification system to treat and clean exhaust gases.
• LED and fluorescent lights to reduce energy use and produce less heat.
• AI-based weather routing to optimize timing, route, speed, and distances traveled.
• Chiller and HVAC upgrades to reduce energy consumption. 
• Shorepower connects to the local electrical grid while docked and completely removes emissions. 
• Galley energy management system, including demand-based ventilation, to benchmark equipment energy usage. 
• Optimized power plant design to better sync with ship’s operational profile. 
• Improved hull with anti-founding paint and redesigned propulsion system. - Air lubrication system to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. 

The 2021 ESG report emphasizes Royal Caribbean Group’s efforts to decarbonization, especially through the company’s Destination Net Zero strategy. This strategy aims to identify Science-Based Targets (SBT) and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Strategy’s such as these will help the company identify their goals and achieve their targets in the realm of sustainability. 

Destination Net Zero demonstrated Royal Caribbean Group’s focus on serving as a focal point for change within the industry, with developments that include the following: 

• Introducing a fuel-cell hybrid design that allows for zero emissions in each port the ships dock.
• Future-proofing the company’s ship-building portfolio through fuel flexibility and innovation that ensures that each new ship class that Royal Caribbean debuts is 20% more energy efficient that the previous. 
• Developing waste management technologies that can convert waste to energy. Currently 100% of the Royal Caribbean fleet is equipped to be land-fill free.
• Being prepared, through shore power, to connect to local power grids as soon as it becomes available.

Other areas that Royal Caribbean Group is working towards are: sustainable business development and growth, sustainable tourism, waste management, and continued carbon emissions reduction. 

Some additional statistics released in Royal Caribbean’s report include:

• “We reduced our waste-to-landfill by 87% from 2007 to 2021.”
• “We eliminated single-use plastic condiment packages, cutlery, and shopping bags. We’ve now reduces our single-use plastics by 60% since the beginning of the initiative.”
• “We protect destinations by offering more than 2,000 GSTC-certified sustainable tours around the world.”
• “We granted $21 million in relief funds across 78 countries.”

To read Royal Caribbean Group’s 2021 sustainability report and learn more about the company’s efforts towards sustainable cruising, readers can visit: www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/sustainability 

The Alaska cruise season has just begun in 2022, and all this excitement might be the impetus you need to book a cruise to The Last Frontier in 2023.

While some may be able to turn around and book an Alaska cruise for later this season, many families need more time to plan out a trip. Not to mention the financial benefits of booking a cruise to Alaska well in advance.

Being just about a year away, we are in a prime point of the calendar to look ahead to 2023 and reserve an Alaska cruise.

Royal Caribbean will send four cruise ships to Alaska in 2023, and we took a look at the cruise pricing as it stands now to pick out some of the best prices you could get by booking right now.

Just like cruises to the Caribbean and Europe, Alaska cruise prices fluctuate all the time. But, the best prices are usually found when booking a year in advance. The Alaska season is short, so that means limited opportunity (and subsequently cabins) to reserve a sailing.

A look at Royal Caribbean's Alaska 2023 cruise prices

Our methodology is simple: I looked at the price for two adults to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska in 2023 and came up with the lowest price for each of the sailings in Royal Caribbean's 2023 Alaska season.

The search was conducted on May 12, 2022 and the prices were accurate as of the time of the search. It's doubtful the price would have changed much, if at all, between when the search was conducted and when the article was published.

In comparing the data across 84 sailings, I wanted to come up with the best possible prices to see what patterns could be discerned.

There also could be various other discounts that could be applied to alter these prices, such as Crown and Anchor, residency, and age discounts.

Cheapest cabin price for 2023 Alaska cruise

• Cheapest possible cabin (inside): Enchantment of the Seas 7-night Alaska cruise April 23, 2023 from Vancouver: $381
• Cheapest possible oceanview cabin: Enchantment of the Seas 7-night Alaska cruise April 23, April 30 or September 17, 2023 from Vancouver: $621
• Cheapest possible balcony cabin: Ovation of the Seas 8-night Alaska cruise May 11, 2023 from Seattle, Washington: $793
• Cheapest possible suite: Enchantment of the Seas 7-night Alaska cruise September 17, 2023 from Vancouver: $2,005

It's no surprise that the cheapest Alaska prices came exclusively during the shoulder season in April and September. 

Moreover, the fact the cheapest cabin was found three out of four times on Enchantment of the Seas is not surprise since Enchantment is the smallest and oldest ship offering cruises to Alaska in 2023.

Typically, Royal Caribbean discounts its oldest and smallest ships because there is less demand for these vessels, regardless of where they are sailing to. When compared to the two Ovation Class ships or even Radiance of the Seas, Enchantment has the least activities and things to do onboard.

Average cheapest price for 2023 Alaska cruise

Next I wanted to get an idea of what the average price is for each sailing when comparing the lowest price for each cruise ship cabin category.

Across all ships

• Inside cabin: $744.04
• Oceanview: $896.61
• Balcony: $1,428
• Suite: $2,544

Enchantment of the Seas

• Inside cabin: $757.41
• Oceanview: $907.85
• Balcony: $1451.41
• Suite: $2549.82

Ovation of the Seas

• Inside cabin: $757.47
• Oceanview: $908.51
• Balcony: $1433.81
• Suite: $2565.43

Quantum of the Seas

• Inside cabin: $758.85
• Oceanview: $907.51
• Balcony: $1433.75
• Suite: $2562.33

Radiance of the Seas

• Inside cabin: $765.66
• Oceanview: $916.48
• Balcony: $1452.78
• Suite: $2565.74

Most expensive cheap cabin price for 2023 Alaska cruise

In case you're wondering how much of a deal the cheapest cabin prices were listed earlier, here are the top weeks you can expect to find the highest price among the lowest fares available.

• Inside cabin: Ovation of the Seas 7-night Alaska cruise July 21, 2023 from Seattle, Washington: $1,001.00
• Oceanview cabin: Ovation of the Seas 7-night Alaska cruise July 17, 2023 from Seattle, Washington: $1191.00
• Balcony cabin: Radiance of the Seas 7-night Southbound Alaska cruise July 21, 2023 from Seward, Alaska: $1987.00
• Suite:  Ovation of the Seas 7-night Alaska cruise July 21, 2023 from Seattle, Washington: $3423.00

The highest prices for a 2023 Alaska cruise will be found right in the middle of prime season during the month of July.

July is when it is warmest in Alaska and every school is off for summer break. This means the most people possible have the opportunity to take a vacation, and mid July is exactly when we see the highest prices for an Alaska cruise.

Moreover, three out of the four highest prices are found on the newest cruise ship, Ovation of the Seas. Ovation offers the latest features of all the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska, which carries the highest wide-appeal.

I was surprised to see Radiance of the Seas coming in with the highest price for a balcony cabin given that Radiance is older and smaller than either Ovation or Quantum of the Seas. Plus, Radiance is sailing an open-jaw from Seward to Vancouver, which usually turns off a lot of people.  Perhaps the itinerary is particularly appealing to many, along with the fact Quantum Class ships have a higher percentage of balcony cabins.

Should I wait to book a last minute Alaska cruise?

The alternative to booking a year in advance is to wait for a last minute cruise.

There can be good deals for Alaska cruises closer to sailing, but you run the risk of there not being that lucrative of a deal.

If you really don't care about your cabin type or week you sail, you might get lucky with a last minute booking, especially if you can cruise in the shoulder season when many others are unable to go.  The months of April, early May and September are in that shoulder season when the temperatures are lowest and school is still in session.

If you look at 2022 Alaska cruise prices, there are some low prices available, primarily on Radiance of the Seas open-jaw sailings. Prices at the time this article was written were as low as $240 per person, although that's for an interior cabin at the end of August. That price jumps to $863 per person if you want a balcony room.

Many cruise fans advocate a balcony cabin is a must-do when sailing to Alaska.

Generally speaking, waiting to book a 2023 Alaska cruise at the last minute is not a great idea, unless you live close to the west coast. Expensive airfare prices alone might offset any savings you get from a last minute cruise fare.