Royal Caribbean Blog

Our last day on Oasis of the Seas ends on a high note with a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

I was ready for some fun on land today, and it turned out to be a very temperate day.  A weak cold front went through the area last night and the result was mild temperatures and low humidity.

We got off the ship at 9am and took the tram to the Coco Beach Club.

I booked a beach cabana at the Coco Beach Club for this visit. While I had stayed in the floating cabanas a few times, I've never done the beach cabanas.

We had cabana 25 for the day, and there was more living space than I was expecting, including a hammock to use.

I was concerned about it being too warm in the cabana, but the breeze was perfect.

Usually they serve you lunch in the cabana, but because the seagulls that stalk your meal are too annoying for my preference, I opted to dine at the Coco Beach Club restaurant for lunch.

The Mediterranean appetizers are vastly underrated, especially the hummus.

I had the filet mignon because of how good it has been on previous trips, and it was just as good this time around too.

After lunch, I wanted to get in the water so we went to the infinity pool.

About 3 weeks ago they installed heaters so the infinity pool is now heated to around 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit. Just warm enough to feel refreshing, but not too warm to feel like a bath.

I thought we might spend just a little while in the pool, but ended up spending the rest of the afternoon there because it was so relaxing.

All aboard was 4:30pm and we made it back to the ship at 4pm in order to take full advantage of our time at the beach club.

Back onboard, I showered and changed for dinner.

We had reservations for Giovanni's Table but a full day of CocoCay fun wore us out, so it was a casual meal in the Windjammer for dinner.

After dinner we played a little bit in the casino and then enjoyed jazz music in Jazz on 4.

Overall, it was a nice getaway cruise.  Certainly being at 92% capacity, the ship was not empty. Short cruises always have a different dynamic than longer sailings, but it just felt like the lines were just a bit longer than usual.  Perhaps I'm still adjusting mentally away from limited capacity sailings.

I thought Oasis really holds up well with her amplification, especially seeing Aqua80s again. And based on the guests on the pool deck, I think the pool deck overhaul there really was a hit with passengers.

Thanks for following along on this trip.  We've got two more live blogs coming in April, with other writers sharing experiences on Mariner of the Seas and then back again on Oasis.

My next cruise will be on Serenade of the Seas to Alaska in late May.

Our first full day on Oasis of the Seas is a sea day, which means time to check out the ship and relax.

When you're on an Oasis Class ship for just three nights, it leaves little time to try to see everything, but then again, a cruise is better than no cruise!

We started off our morning with breakfast in Coastal Kitchen, which is the complimentary restaurant for suite guests.

Our cabin is on Deck 17, which is the same deck as Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge. It's very convenient to have our cabin so close, especially after being in an AquaTheater suite on a different deck and at the aft of the ship while we were on Wonder of the Seas.

One thing I quickly notice when we cruise without the kids is just how much more free time we have to take things easy. My kids always want to know what the next thing to do is, so this time around it's nice to take it down a notch.

We headed to the pool deck to enjoy some time outside with the ocean breeze.  The weather today was warm (high of 83 degrees fahrenheit), but the sea breeze kept things comfortable.

I walked around the Suite Sun Deck, which is an area reserved just for suite guests. There's not only ample seating that wraps around the elevated deck, but "cabanas" available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Next up was the Top Tier Crown and Anchor Society event in the AquaTheater.

It's unusual to have a top tier event on a 3-night cruise, but I guess it's easier to keep it going since Oasis mostly does 7-night cruises than stop for one sailing.

Before the event began, I met Miles from Manchester, UK.  He loves to cruise and started cruising when he was six months and one day old.  

Since then he's been on 33 cruises already, and has a goal of making Pinnacle Club status as soon as he can.  It's great meeting cruisers like Miles who love going on a ship so much.

After the top tier event, we walked down to the jogging track to see one of my favorite Oasis of the Seas hidden secrets: the aft facing chairs.

For lunch, we booked Izumi hibachi.

While dinner reservations booked up quickly before the cruise began for Izumi hibachi, lunch is usually available on sea days and not bookable online.

It was another great meal, and the food did not disappoint.

After lunch we went back to our suite to relax a bit. My wife enjoys going out on the balcony and reading her book.

I did a little bit of work from the suite, and then headed to Portside BBQ to check out the live guitarist.

Nate performs in Portside BBQ, and he was the guitarist in the pub on Mariner of the Seas back in 2019. It was great seeing him perform again on a ship.

I then headed to the back of the ship to enjoy the breeze at the Wipeout Bar.

As afternoon turned to evening, I headed back to the room to get ready for dinner.

On short sailings, Royal Caribbean doesn't call it formal night. Instead, they refer to it as dress your best.  "What's the difference", you ask? If you ask me, it's the same difference. Essentially, wear something nicer than you do the other nights.

It was time for dinner at 150 Central Park this evening.

Whenever we dine at 150 Central Park, it's an excuse to eat primarily the garlic bread they bring out at the beginning of the meal and the fried cheesecake for dessert.

Our after dinner drinks took us to Playmakers, since the temperatures had cooled down and it was pleasant being on the Boardwalk.

Tomorrow we will be at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Stray Observations

When your cruise doesn't have very far to go, the Captain will take the ship in some interesting patterns.

Royal Caribbean just had one heck of a week in terms of record demand, echoing a strong desire for people to go on a cruise ship.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean said two different internal booking records were eclipsed during the week of March 26 - April 1, 2022.

The company saw both the most bookings in a single day and the higher booking volume booking week that it has ever seen in the entire history of the company.

The record number of bookings came via the Royal Caribbean website, over the phone, and through travel agents.

Royal Caribbean isn't surprised by the news given how well-received cruising has been among the 1.5 million people that have cruised since January 2021 on its line.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley thinks not only do people want to cruise again, but they are eager to get out and vacation, "The enthusiasm and excitement for the successful return of cruising is undeniable."

"We could not have reached this incredible milestone without the unwavering support of our loyal guests, our valued travel advisors and partners, and the Royal Caribbean International team around the world."

"Everyone has made an incredible impact and contributed to this accomplishment in every single way."

Royal Caribbean's strong rebound from two years of shutdown and a cautious restart stems largely from its effective health protocols that demonstrate how safe going on a cruise can be, especially when compared to land-based alternative leisure travel that require few, if any, protocols.

Today's announcement shows consumer demand remains quite strong for cruise ship travel.

Other cruise lines seeing big demand too

There's something in the water, as Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line that broke records recently.

Earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Line said it had the busiest booking week in its entire history between March 28 - April 3, 2022.

Oceania Cruises set a new single-day booking record for its 2024 Around the World in 180 Days voyage.

Ketchikan is the southernmost port in Alaska visited on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Known for its fresh seafood, Native culture, and gorgeous scenery, this small town is often a favorite among those cruising to Alaska.

Ketchikan is a port that is easy to explore with no prior planning, as the town’s center is very walkable, offering many dining options, museums, walking trails, souvenir shops, and activities. Nonetheless, it’s always helpful to have an idea of what opportunities are available in your port of call to ensure you have the best day possible.

Here’s a list of our top ten activities to do on a cruise to Ketchikan. From hiking through nature to learning about the town’s history and Native people, there’s sure to be an activity waiting for you in Ketchikan.

Walk through Creek Street

Wandering through Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street is a must on any visit. The town’s infamous red-light district in the past is now a scenic walkway, offering the chance to learn about Ketchikan’s history.

Creek Street is famous for its history and unique over-the-water architecture. The district was founded around 1903, when the Ketchikan Town Council ordered all brothels to relocate to the east side of town. A popular spot for the many young single (and married) men working men in Ketchikan, houses of prostitution were active on Creek Street throughout the first half of the 20th century.

Outside of Creek Street’s fascinating history is a beautiful walk through unique, colorful buildings with shops and museums. As it is located right over a creek, you’ll also have the chance to spot wildlife such as salmon and otters playing in the water.

If you continue out of Creek Street into the woods, you’ll run into Married Man’s Trail. Named after the married men who would take a more conspicuous path to Creek Street as opposed to being seen on the walk in town, this is a short nature trail that offers nice views of town while walking through the forest.

Tour Dolly’s House Museum

The most famous attraction on Creek Street is Dolly’s House Museum. A brothel turned museum, Dolly’s House was the home of Dolly Arthur, a madam working in Ketchikan between the years of 1919 to 1954, at which point prostitution became illegal. Despite the average Ketchikan worker bringing home around $1 per day, it wasn’t uncommon for Dolly to earn $75 or more each day.

Dolly’s House was particularly popular in the prohibition area, when she sold small portions of liquor at a high price. This was common at the houses on Creek Street, as they often had a secret door beneath the house allowing liquor to be brought in. Dolly’s House is still filled with Dolly’s belongings and furniture just as she left it when she moved into a nursing home.

Deer Mountain Trail

Of all the mountain peaks near Ketchikan, Deer Mountain will likely be the one to catch your eye the most. Peering down at the town of Ketchikan and your cruise ship while docked is the pointy, 3001 ft. peak of Deer Mountain.

If you’re looking to break a sweat while in Ketchikan, consider hiking to the peak of Deer Mountain. While a challenging hike, hard work will be rewarded at the top of Deer Mountain, with panoramic views of surrounding islands and mountains, the city, lakes, and rainforest.

The roundtrip hike is around 6.5 miles, but as there is 3000 ft. of elevation gain, hikers should budget 5-6 hours for the roundtrip hike depending on fitness level.

The trailhead is located 1.3 miles from where cruise ships dock in Ketchikan, but it is a very steep walk through town to get there. Taking a taxi to the trailhead is an option for those who have more limited time or who want to save their energy for the trail itself.

Get active

Photo credit: SoutheastExposure.com

Outside of hiking, there are plenty of other ways to get active in Ketchikan. Whether kayaking, ziplining, or canoeing, getting active can be a fantastic way to explore more of what Ketchikan has to offer.

The “Tatoosh Islands Wilderness Kayak Adventure” takes guests on a guided kayak tour of the Tatoosh islands with the chance of encountering bald eagles, seals, whales, sea lions, and otters.

The “Rainforest Canoe & Nature Trail” excursion also brings guests out on the water, but aboard a 37-foot canoe instead of a kayak. Following a canoe ride is a nature hike where visitors can learn more about the native flora and fauna of Tongass National Forest.

Those looking for a more thrilling adventure may be interested in the “Rainforest Canopy and Zipline Expedition,” where guests fly through eight zip lines across a rainforest canopy.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Photo credit: Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack show is a lumberjack competition (yes, that’s a real thing), in which Alaskan lumberjacks put their chopping, sawing, tree climbing, log rolling, and axe throwing skills to the test.

Unique, funny, and entertaining, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is sure to be something you have never seen before.

The lumberjack show is located near where cruise ships dock in Ketchikan and lasts only around an hour, making it a nice option to add to other activities during the day. Tickets can be purchased via a Royal Caribbean shore excursion or at the door.

Learn about Tlingit culture and history

While an Alaska cruise brings stunning landscapes and wildlife, there is also the opportunity to learn more about southeast Alaska’s Native culture and history.

The Saxman Native Village is a small community near Ketchikan and a popular destination for passengers interested in Native culture to visit. Here guests can learn about the Tlingit peoples’ history, culture, and ways of life through a local guide, dance performance, and visit to the Beaver Clan House.

Visits to the Saxman Totem Park are recommended as well, home to one of the largest collections of authentic and handmade totem poles in the world.

Tour the Misty Fjords National Monument

22 miles east of Ketchikan is the Misty Fjords National Monument, a natural array of cliffs, fjords, and 3,000 ft. mountains emerging straight up from the ocean. The area is a dense rainforest complete with waterfalls and glacial lakes, as well as abundant wildlife.

Visiting the Misty Fjords is a popular tour in Ketchikan, as it allows passengers to get a closer look at Alaska’s nature and scenery in a small vessel. Guests travel along the Behm Canal to Rudyerd Bay and view New Eddystone Rock, a 237 ft. pillar of basalt sticking out of the water, along with the stunning scenery and wildlife found on either side of the fjords.

Visiting the Misty Fjords National Monument via seaplane is an alternative tour option. These tours take guests on a small seaplane for an hour-long ride around the Misty Fjords, offering unparalleled views of this remote wilderness area from above. Seaplane tours include a water landing, sure to be a unique experience for most passengers.

Alaska Bear Adventures

Another adventure by air takes guests to scenic, remote destinations near Ketchikan that offer a high chance of spotting bears and other wildlife.

Bear-sighting tours, such as the “Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane” tour, include a floatplane ride to Neets Bay followed by a short trail to an observation deck. Here guests have the opportunity to watch bears feasting on salmon in the rainforest.

Due to the floatplane transportation, these tours tend to come at a higher cost than other excursions.

Go fishing

Alaska is a dream destination for avid fishermen, and fishing is possible for cruise passengers visiting Alaska. Local fishing companies can be chartered for a day while in port, offering the chance to customize fishing excursions on the water.

Rockfish, cod, herring, salmon, and halibut are popular throughout the Ketchikan area, although salmon and halibut are the most common. 4 and 6 hour fishing charters are usually available for those arriving to Ketchikan by cruise ship.

Fish processing is available for those who would like to take their catch home and enjoy tasty Alaskan seafood after their cruise is over. Fishing excursions can also be booked through Royal Caribbean directly.

Enjoy Ketchikan’s culinary scene

You’re likely to have some down time during the day in Ketchikan, especially if you did not plan any organized tours for the day. Luckily, the town offers a variety of places to eat and drink, taking in local culture and cuisine while enjoying delicious food.

The Alaska Fish House is sure to be a busy lunch spot while in Ketchikan, offering some of the freshest seafood in town. From fish tacos to salmon chowder and Alaskan king crab, this is the place to eat in Ketchikan if you want to try Alaska’s seafood.

If you’re not interested in seafood, Ketchikan offers other types of cuisines. There’s Chico’s Mexican restaurant which, despite its name, is said to have the best pizza in town. If you’re in the mood for a burger, don’t hesitate to try Burger Queen, a no-frills restaurant serving up fish and chips, big burgers, and milkshakes. 

If you’re looking to enjoy a beer, check out the Bawden Street Brewery. Located a short walk from the cruise ship, Bawden Street Brewery is the only microbrewery in Ketchikan and focuses on ales, saisons, and sours. While a small brewery, it offers a relaxing way to wind down after a busy day in port prior to boarding the ship.

It's almost the weekend, and I've got a new report to share of various Royal Caribbean updates.

Between the major announcements, there are a good amount of smaller updates that occur every week, so this is a quick round-up of Royal Caribbean news from this week.

Many thanks to the RoyalCaribbeanBlog community for helping spot what has changed.

If you ever have a news tip, feel free to email it to [email protected] for possible inclusion in a future update!

Utopia of the Seas construction begins

As we reported earlier this week, construction formally began on Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas.

Among other changes, Utopia will be the first Oasis Class ship powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) when she launches. Royal Caribbean believes LNG is the cleanest fossil fuel available to cruise ships today and additional environmentally friendly applications on board Utopia will boost energy efficiencies and further reduce emissions overall.

In addition to Utopia, Icon of the Seas will also be powered by LNG when she launches a year earlier in fall 2023.

Utopia of the Seas is expected to launch in Spring 2024.

Royal Caribbean considering ordering more new cruise ships

Speaking at the Celebrity Beyond delivery event in France, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty indicated ordering additional new cruise ships is something they are considering.

Travel Weekly reports Mr. Liberty said Royal Caribbean Group is considering ordering new ships for all three brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Silversea.

New ship orders would be placed "as soon as business is back to normal pre-Covid levels, which is not far out."

"It could be later this year, or next year, but we have ships still on order through to 2026, so we have a little time."

Currently Royal Caribbean has orders in place for Utopia of the Seas and three Icon Class cruise ships.

Hideaway Beach construction update

I have a new photo update of the progress being made on the Perfect Day at CocoCay expansion, which will add a new adults-only beach.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Steve Cohen snapped photos of the Hideaway Beach construction from onboard Independence of he Seas.

Hideaway Beach could open mid to late 2023.

It's time to hop aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas for a quick 3-night cruise!

I haven't been on Oasis of the Seas since late 2019, and when I saw a short cruise offering listed, I decided to book it and enjoy a weekend escape.

For this cruise, it will be just me and my wife sailing.  My parents flew in to stay with the kids, which means 3-nights of cruising fun for me, and 3-nights of my kids seeing how much they can get out of grandma spoiling them.

Oasis of the Seas sails from PortMiami, so I drove down the day before and stayed at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas hotel in Fort Lauderdale.  I stayed in Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami to help break up the drive from Orlando.

The morning of the cruise, we drove to Miami. With traffic, Google estimated it would take about 55 minutes.

For this cruise we booked a Category L1 Crown Loft Suite. I had originally booked a balcony, but then spotted a reasonable price to move up to a suite and thought why not try it.

Our check-in time was noon, but the concierge email a few weeks before the cruise indicated we could arrive an hour early than whatever time we had for check-in.

Sailing from Terminal A in PortMiami, we parked at the garage and were able to go right in to check-in.

Once onboard the ship, our first stop of the day was the Windjammer for lunch. 

This was our first time in the Windjammer since Royal Caribbean reverted back to allowing passengers to serve themselves, instead of the crew.

While I preferred crew members serving guests, serving ourselves is how the Windjammer was every time before the pandemic and I never thought twice about it then.

Our next stop was the Suite Lounge to meet the concierge.

Nadia welcomed us in and helped book all of our shows. While this is just a 3-night cruise, they are performing Cats, Aqua80s, and Frozen in Time.  

We booked reservations for Aqua80s and Frozen in Time, which the concierge took care of for us.

Nadia had booked specialty dining reservations before the cruise a few weeks ago when she sent a welcome email. The only restaurant she couldn't book was Izumi Hibachi, so we made a stop there to get a reservation for lunch on day two.

We spent the early afternoon relaxing on the pool deck. It was a warm day, but there was just enough of a breeze to keep it comfortable.

The cabins were ready at 1:30pm, so we went to drop our stuff off and check out the suite.

This is my second time staying in a Crown Loft Suite, although it was on Harmony of the Seas.

In terms of layout, the room looked the same on Oasis.  The split level design is a neat change from traditional cruise ship cabins, and the views you have from either level of the ocean from the giant glass windows is fantastic.

There are two bathrooms (one on each level) and a giant balcony.

Our next stop was to take a ride on the Rising Tide bar, which is an Oasis Class signature venue where the bar slowly moves between the Royal Promenade on deck 5 and Central Park on deck 8.

This was not only my first drink of the cruise, but my first time trying the new biodegradable straws. 

Compared to the paper straws that this replaced, it felt much better and did not degrade at all in my drink.

Friends of mine made it onboard and we went to check out Portside BBQ.

One of the best changes to Oasis from her Royal Amplification in 2019 was the addition of a new restaurant concept in Portside BBQ.

While I had eaten lunch already, I just couldn't resist having a plate of smoked turkey and cornbread.

I would also be remiss if I didn't talk about how great the brookie dessert is, which is half cookie and half brownie.

Next up was welcome aboard trivia in the Schooner Bar.  Trivia is always such a fun activity, and I learned how many presidents Bosnia & Herzegovina has had (3).

We sailed away from Miami around 5pm.

Dinner this evening was at Chops Grille.

Our evening entertainment was Aqua80s in the AquaTheater, which is a show set to the music of the 1980s.

I love this show the most of any AquaTheater show simply because I know all the songs and I think the energy level here matches the music perfectly.

Tomorrow is a sea day.

Stray Observations

I purchased Royal Caribbean's chat feature to try it out again.

I activated it first on my phone and was able to send messages to my wife and she receive them without paying for the feature on her phone yet. This would be a good scenario for kids to buy it for them so they could send one-way messages potentially.

I also tested out the chat notifications and got push notifications when the phone was not actively being used, and even to my wife's Apple Watch.

There were a lot of reminders for passengers to do the muster drill via the public address system. Certainly more than I recall hearing on one sailing, and most were in Spanish.

Royal Caribbean’s European cruise season runs from April through October or early November each year, with the busiest times for a Mediterranean cruise found in July and August.

Choosing when to cruise the Mediterranean can be a difficult choice, as each season brings its own benefits and drawbacks. Shoulder seasons can offer a great price point, but can also come with colder water temperatures and occasional rain. The peak summer season offers sunny, long days, but also tends to be the most crowded time of year both onboard and in port.

Ultimately, whichever season you cruise to the Mediterranean you will encounter incredible history, delicious food, extraordinary scenery, and diverse cultures. While there isn’t necessarily a “perfect” time to take a Mediterranean cruise, this guide should help you decide which season works best for you.

Early shoulder season: late April and May

There are two shoulder seasons during the Mediterranean cruise season each year: spring and fall.

Many Royal Caribbean ships cross the Atlantic in April each year, traveling from the Caribbean to Europe in preparation for the cruise season. Ships arrive at the end of April or early May, the start of the spring’s shoulder season in the Mediterranean.

Weather

In the early season you can expect pleasant temperatures that are ideal for exploring the Mediterranean’s cities. In Barcelona, expect highs of around 70°F throughout most of May, with temperatures rising toward the end of the month. If you’re traveling further south to Athens, though, expect highs around 75-80°F.

Due to comfortable temperatures, the early shoulder season in the Mediterranean is a nice time to explore ports that can get uncomfortably hot in the peak summer months. Long days touring ancient sites like the Colosseum or walking through the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik can be a lot nicer when temperatures are still comfortable.

Water temperatures during this time of year will not be as warm as they will be later in the summer, though. Water temperature in Mykonos, Greece, for example, tends to average around 66°F in May versus 78°F in August.

Crowds and pricing

The months of April and May will bring fewer crowds on a Mediterranean cruise compared to mid-summer. As the school year has not finished yet, there tend to be fewer families and children onboard as well.

Not only that, but there will be fewer tourists in your ports of call. While cities like Rome and Barcelona stay relatively busy each year, the peak tourist season is in the summer months, leading to the biggest crowds and lines at tourist attractions. Therefore, shoulder season should offer more pleasant sightseeing compared to the peak season.

Pricing during shoulder season tends to be slightly cheaper than mid-summer. An ocean view balcony stateroom for 2 adults on a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on Symphony of the Seas in early May is priced at $3056 total. The same sailing and stateroom category on a cruise in mid-July is priced at $4,216 total.

June

June in the Mediterranean offers beautiful weather and long, sunny days. The month of June can be looked at as a transition between the shoulder season of the spring and the peak months of July and August.

Weather

Temperatures rise throughout the month of June in the Mediterranean, leading to daily highs in the low to mid-80s in ports like Rome and Catania, whereas ports further north, like Nice and Genoa, will see highs in the mid-70s. Most days will be sunny, with little to no chance of precipitation.

For those who want a mix of pleasant temperatures in port with fairly comfortable water temperature for swimming, June may be the most ideal month to cruise the Mediterranean.

Crowds and pricing

As the school calendar comes to an end and families prepare for summer vacation, expect crowds and prices to rise.

Early June should come with fewer crowds than later in the month, as many families do not vacation as soon as the school year is over, preferring to wait until a bit later in the summer. However, the draw of ideal summer vacation weather in June will bring more crowds than you’ll see in the shoulder season.

Crowds will also increase in your ports of call, as many travelers begin summer vacations to Europe at this time. From college graduates backpacking through the Mediterranean to school travel groups, honeymoons, and family vacations, Europe’s most popular destinations will get more crowded throughout June.

June's pricing tends to be slightly higher than cruises in May, but typically several hundred dollars less per person than in July or August. An ocean view balcony stateroom for 2 adults on a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on Wonder of the Seas in mid-June is priced at $3501 total. The same sailing and stateroom category on a cruise in mid-July is priced at $4,360 total.

July and August

July and August is the peak season of Mediterranean cruises, bringing the highest temperatures, prices, and crowds. Prime vacation time for those traveling to Europe and for Europeans themselves, Mediterranean ports of call will be bustling with energy and the region’s beaches will be busier than normal.

Weather

Expect high temperatures no matter where you visit in the Mediterranean during July and August. Ports like Cannes, France can see daily highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, whereas cities like Valencia and Rome can see daily highs in the low to mid-90s.

Sightseeing with such high temperatures can be challenging and uncomfortable for cruise ship passengers, so it’s important to plan appropriately, wear lightweight clothing, drink plenty of water, and take rests in the shade throughout the day.

Luckily, peak summer brings the best swimming temperatures in the Mediterranean, allowing you to cool off at the beaches in port. A classic beach day on the Amalfi Coast or French Riviera will be best during these months, with water averaging around 75-80°F in places like Capri and Nice.

Little to no rain should be expected in July and August.

Crowds and pricing

Late June through mid-August are the busiest times to cruise to the Mediterranean. During the peak of summer, families with children are common onboard as well, as a mid-summer cruise fits well in the school summer vacation schedule.

During this time of year, you’re likely to see ships near full capacity, and not only will ships be busy, but the ports of call you visit are likely to be busier, too. Tourists from around the world flock to Europe’s world-class destinations in the summer months, which may lead to more lines and higher demand for popular activities in port.

Along with more demand comes higher prices, with July usually the most expensive month of the season and August slightly cheaper. A 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Odyssey of the Seas in mid-July, as an example, is priced at $3,163 total for 2 adults in an ocean view balcony room.

Of course, cruising in the peak summer months does not always have to come with a huge price tag. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider cruising on one of Royal Caribbean’s older ships or sailing in an interior or ocean view stateroom as opposed to a balcony. 

By switching to a smaller ship and room category, you’re guaranteed to find lower prices. A 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Brilliance of the Seas in mid-July is priced at $1,860 for 2 adults in an interior cabin, around $1300 cheaper than a cruise on Odyssey of the Seas.

Are businesses closed in August?

If you’re cruising the Mediterranean during the month of August, you should be aware that this is when many Europeans take vacation, heading to the Mediterranean’s beaches for maximum relaxation.

You may encounter some businesses and restaurants closed during August, but this is unlikely to significantly impact your cruise experience. Major tourist sites and the majority of businesses within cities will remain open in August.

September and October

The Mediterranean cruise shoulder season returns in September as a new school year begins, leading to fewer crowds and lower prices. In addition, the temperature in early September remains excellent, making the month one of the best times of the year for a Mediterranean cruise.

October sees slightly chillier weather than September, but is also considered one of the best months for a Mediterranean cruise, and a bit of a “hidden secret” among those cruising to Europe in the fall. Royal Caribbean’s Mediterranean season continues to late October or early November, at which point ships return to the Caribbean for the winter season.

Weather

Early to mid-September can be looked at as an extension of summer in most Mediterranean cruise ports, with hot, sunny temperatures. Temperatures begin to cool down in late September and early October, but still remain relatively pleasant.

Barcelona, for example, sees daily highs in the mid 70s and low 80s in September, whereas in October the daily highs tend to be in the low to mid 70s. Further south in Cyprus, expect daily highs in the mid 80s in September and low 80s in October.

Fall can also be a great time to visit the most southerly Mediterranean ports, such as Egypt and Israel, as the peak summer months are almost sure to be uncomfortably hot. 

Whereas rain in the Mediterranean is rare throughout the majority of summer, the chance of precipitation tends to increase in October, although unlikely to bring heavy rainfall. Rainfall is also dependent on the port, with cities like Kotor often receiving over 150mm of precipitation in October and Athens only around 37mm.

Crowds and pricing

Crowds will not be as prevalent on a fall cruise to the Mediterranean due to the start of the school year and end of summer vacation. European tourists flocking to Mediterranean beaches in August have returned home by mid-September, and the peak season for land-based tours and travel has ended.

That being said, as the temperatures are still favorable in early fall, don’t expect to have Mediterranean destinations to yourself. Most ports will still receive a fair amount of tourists during the fall, especially closer to the beginning of September.

Prices in September and October tend to be comparable to prices seen in May or early June, allowing for great savings compared to cruising in July or August. If your schedule allows for it, an early fall cruise to the Mediterranean can be an excellent option.

It looks like Royal Caribbean will homeport Icon of the Seas in Miami, Florida when she arrives in the United States.

In a recent interview, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about how excited he was for Icon of the Seas, and mentioned in passing that the new ship will be based at PortMiami.

Mr. Bayley was speaking with TTG Media and explained following Icon of the Seas' debut in the UK summer season, “We will take [Icon of the Seas] across the Atlantic to Miami, which is where it’s going to be homeported.”

Bayley also stated that Icon of the Seas would likely have some stops in New York or Boston during the ship's East Coast transit. 

This was the same interview that Mr. Bayley mentioned Icon will visit Southampton, UK initially.

Debuting a brand new ship in the UK for its inaugural sailing season isn’t the first for Royal Caribbean; in fact, Harmony of the Seas first debuted to the UK market before transiting to the U.S for its homeport.

Bayley also emphasized how important the UK market is for Royal Caribbean, which helped solidify the cruise line’s decision to debut Icon of the Seas to the country first. 

"An Amazing Ship"

Royal Caribbean has been very quiet about its new Icon Class of ships, creating a lot of buzz in the cruising industry about the ship's design and features. Icon of the Seas will be the first cruise ship in the Icon Class. 

Little is currently known about Icon of the Seas, but Bayley did allude to being very impressed with Icon of the Seas. He stated, “The ship is unbelievable. It's an amazing ship. What’s fascinating about Icon is the sheer amount of product."

Although this gives us very little detail about Icon of the Seas itself, Bayley is certainly hyping up Royal Caribbean’s newest ship.

According to Bayley, Icon of the Seas will be a game-changer for the cruising industry, as the cruise line has spent 5 years designing the ship.

Just this month, Bayley said Royal Caribbean rented a movie theater in Miami and the company spent an entire day reviewing Icon of the Seas with internal stakeholders, marketing members and other executives. This meeting also focused on how Royal Caribbean plans to reveal Icon of the Seas to the public. 

Tradition, Evolution and Revolution

Although Bayley isn’t allowed to reveal anything specific, he explained that Icon of the Seas will feature a combination of ‘tradition, evolution and revolution’ cruising elements from Royal Caribbean. 

Bayley acknowledged that Royal Caribbean cruisers will always love certain features about the brand. These fan favorites, like the Schooner Bar, determine which traditional elements continue to be found on ships across the fleet.

On the other hand, evolution elements revolve around continuously improving elements that cruisers love, such as entertainment venues and waterslides. Finally, revolution elements are ‘industry-firsts’ and are meant to be WOW factors for the company.

In regards to revolutionary, it is known that Icon of the Seas will also be the first LNG-powered cruise ship for Royal Caribbean. This is a huge step towards Royal Caribbean's sustainability efforts to use cleaner, more environmentally-friendly fuel. 

Industry Leader

In general, Royal Caribbean leads the cruise industry with designing the biggest and most innovative ships at sea. It was the first cruise line to bring many onboard thrills to a cruise ship, such as the first zip-line at sea, the first surf simulator at sea and the first skydiving simulator.

With the Oasis Class ships, Royal Caribbean introduced its multi-neighborhood concept to the cruise industry, which featured an entire opened-aired Central Park and Boardwalk at sea. 

With Bayley hinting that Icon of the Seas details have been shared internally at Royal Caribbean, this could signal that more information about the new cruise ship will be made public soon. Bayley also stated that the cruise line plans to host an interactive event, potentially this spring or fall in New York, to reveal Icon of the Seas to the public.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class is the first class of new vessels since 2014 when Royal Caribbean launched the first of its Quantum Class ships. 

Selecting the best ship for your Royal Caribbean cruise can be a difficult task, especially if you’ve never cruised with Royal Caribbean before.

Royal Caribbean has six classes of ships: Vision Class, Radiance Class, Voyager Class, Freedom Class, Quantum Class, and Oasis Class. Each class comes with its own features, entertainment, layout, and itinerary options.

Whereas some passengers may value adrenaline-filled activities onboard like ziplining and rock climbing, others may be looking for a more traditional cruising experience. Likewise, having an idea of how far you want to travel to reach the cruise departure city, what type of entertainment you prefer, and what you like to do while onboard are all important considerations to make.

Let’s take a look at the questions you should be asking yourself prior to selecting a Royal Caribbean ship to ensure you find the best ship for you.

Am I traveling with kids?

While any Royal Caribbean ship makes for a fantastic family vacation, certain ships simply offer a lot more for kids to do and experience onboard.

Ships may offer water slides, ice skating, bumper cars, circus school, ziplining, the FlowRider, indoor skydiving, and more. Bigger or recently amplified ships will have more activities for kids onboard, but you will find activities like rock climbing, mini golf, and Adventure Ocean programming on all ships.

If you’re traveling with children aged 6-36 months, you’ll want to look for a ship that offers a nursery. The nursery, unlike Adventure Ocean programming for older children, does come at an extra cost, but the price is quite reasonable at $6 - $8 per hour depending on the time of day. 

Passengers with children still in diapers may want to look for a ship with a baby splash pad area so their kids can cool down and enjoy the pool deck. 

How much does itinerary matter?

Royal Caribbean offers itineraries to many of the world’s most famous attractions and picturesque islands. Whether the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas or historical cities of the Mediterranean, you’re guaranteed to visit some incredible destinations while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Asking yourself how much the itinerary matters to you on a cruise is a good first step to choosing a ship. Larger ships are more limited in port options compared to Royal Caribbean’s smaller ships, which may offer more unique itineraries to lesser-known destinations.

Many Oasis Class cruise ships, for example, tend to visit the same ports in the Caribbean on most itineraries: Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Roatan, Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Labadee, Falmouth, and San Juan.

Some Oasis Class itineraries occasionally make stops at places like Puerto Plata, Aruba, and Curacao, or travel to Europe. For the most part, however, itineraries are not as varied on Oasis Class ships compared to smaller Royal Caribbean ships.

Therefore, if you’re hoping to travel to lesser-visited ports such as St. Lucia, Cartagena, Puerto Vallarta, or Martinique, you’ll want to look for an itinerary on a smaller cruise ship.

Will I be eating at specialty restaurants?

Royal Caribbean offers fantastic complimentary dining options. Whether a sit-down meal in the Main Dining Room or grab-and-go lunch at El Loco Fresh or the Windjammer, there is plenty of food to choose from onboard.

Many passengers prefer to eat at specialty dining, though, in order to take advantage of the wide variety of restaurants available on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every Royal Caribbean ship has at least one specialty restaurant onboard, with all except one (Enchantment of the Seas) having three or more. 

Oasis and Quantum Class ships will have the widest selection of specialty dining options, from the eclectic fare and dining experience found at Wonderland to elegant meals at 150 Central Park. For foodies, larger Royal Caribbean ships can be a great option for the sheer variety of cuisine and restaurant choices available. It’s possible to eat dinner at a different venue every night on Royal Caribbean’s largest ships and still not try every restaurant!

That being said, even smaller Royal Caribbean ships have enough specialty dining options. Radiance of the Seas, as an example, may be a smaller ship, but still offers specialty dining at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Samba Grill, Izumi, and Chef’s Table.

What value do I place on entertainment?

Royal Caribbean prides itself on offering impressive entertainment with talented, professional casts from around the world. From backflips on an ice skating rink to aerialists spinning around a hoop in the air, you’re sure to be amazed by the entertainment onboard.

The bigger the Royal Caribbean ship, the more entertainment venues found onboard. Certain passengers value entertainment more than others, so if entertainment is a make or break for you on a cruise, it’s important to have an idea of what venues and shows are offered on each type of ship.

If you are hoping to watch full-length Broadway shows and the latest and greatest of technology incorporated into productions, cruising on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship would be a good option.

While not the biggest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, the Voyager Class offers plenty of options when it comes to entertainment, with the Studio B ice skating rink, main theater, and live music in various venues throughout the ship, from the pub to Boleros.

Vision and Radiance Class cruise ships offer shows in the main theater and live music, but they do not have a separate entertainment venue like Studio B or an AquaTheater. However, many passengers are content with the variety of entertainment options available on smaller ships, with signature theater productions, comedians, game shows, and live music performed throughout the cruise.

What do I like to do while onboard?

If your idea of a relaxing cruise vacation means spending all day, every day on the pool deck or in the Solarium, you will most likely be happy on any Royal Caribbean ship. Even the smallest of Royal Caribbean’s ships offer pools, whirlpools, and adults-only relaxation areas.

In fact, if you prefer to spend your days simply relaxing with a book and looking out at the ocean, you might actually prefer a smaller ship over a large one. Smaller ships often have more quiet space on the outdoor Promenade Deck, helicopter pad, and in the front of the pool deck to relax and unwind away from crowds and activities.

If you want to have a nearly endless amount of activities going on throughout the day, though, look for a Voyager (amplified), Freedom, Quantum, or Oasis Class ship. Whether pickleball competitions, karaoke bars, ziplining, or bungee jumping, there’s sure to be a lot to choose from on a larger Royal Caribbean ship.

Will I be staying in a suite?

If you plan to book a suite for your next cruise, you may want to take a look at what the suite experience will be like on the ship you are considering.

Suite benefits on a Royal Caribbean cruise can vary from ship to ship, although they all feature the same basic benefits like priority boarding, concierge service, VIP pool deck seating, etc. Oasis and Quantum Class ships, however, offer the Royal Suite Class to those in Grand Suites and above, which is an elevated cruise experience for suite guests.

The highest tier of the Royal Suite Class is Star Class, where guests have access to the Royal Genie service and complimentary specialty dining, beverage packages, internet, gratuities, and more.

Suite guests on Oasis and Quantum Class ships also have access to Coastal Kitchen, a complimentary dining venue only for suite guests. Coastal Kitchen is available every day of the cruise for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In fact, Wonder of the Seas has an entire Suite Neighborhood dedicated exclusively to suite guests, so this can be a nice ship to book if you plan to stay in a suite. The Suite Neighborhood features Coastal Kitchen, the Suite Lounge, and a private sun deck complete with its own bar, plunge pool, and lounge areas.

How far away is the port from where I live?

If you’re picking a cruise ship, consider whether you want to drive or fly to port and if you’re okay traveling to a port far away from where you live. While the hub of Royal Caribbean cruising is in Florida, ships sail from many ports around the world.

If you live in the northeast, you may want to consider booking a cruise on one of Royal Caribbean’s ships that sail from New York (Cape Liberty). Ships of various sizes sail from Cape Liberty, from Radiance Class to Quantum and Oasis Class. It may be easier for those in the New York area to sail on Oasis of the Seas rather than fly to Florida to sail on Symphony of the Seas.

Likewise, if you are within a short driving distance to Baltimore and are looking for a no-frills getaway, you might want to consider a cruise on Enchantment of the Seas or Vision of the Seas. While not the newest and biggest ships Royal Caribbean offers, they can offer a fun getaway departing from close to home.

If you live in southern California or on the west coast, consider cruising on Navigator of the Seas to the Mexican Riviera as opposed to flying to Florida. You will have a similar experience onboard as on other Royal Caribbean ships without needing to fly across the country.

What will the weather be like on my cruise?

It’s a good idea to know what the weather may be like on your particular cruise itinerary before picking a ship.

Some Royal Caribbean ships offer more indoor spaces than others, making certain ships ideal for sailing in colder weather. Quantum Class ships, for example, have an indoor SeaPlex instead of an outdoor Sports Court, allowing guests to enjoy sports activities no matter the weather.

Likewise, Vision, Radiance, and Quantum Class ships feature an indoor pool as opposed to only an outdoor pool. While the indoor pool on Vision and Radiance Class ships is for adults only, as it is located within the Solarium, Quantum Class ships have an indoor pool available for guests of all ages.

If you plan to sail from New York to the Caribbean, for example, it could be nice to sail on a Quantum Class ship (Anthem of the Seas) instead of Oasis of the Seas to take advantage of the indoor spaces when sailing through colder weather en route to the Caribbean.

What questions do you like to ask yourself before choosing a cruise ship? Let us know in the comments below.

Royal Caribbean has been quiet on just about every detail of its new Icon Class cruise ships, but we now know she'll start cruising first in the UK.

The cruise line has reveled very few details about the ship, but it sounds like more information will be revealed sooner than later.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley confirmed when Icon of the Seas debuts, she will sail from the UK at the start of her career.

Speaking to TTG Media, Mr. Bayley emphasized how important the UK cruise market is by mentioning Icon of the Seas will sail from Southampton.

"I promise you will bring Icon of the seas into Southampton. The UK will be the first country and market that we will bring this incredible ship into [when it launches] in ’23."

This is not the first time a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship went to the UK first, before heading to the United States after.

Harmony of the Seas was the last Royal Caribbean cruise ship to do so. She started off with a series of short getaways to Northern Europe from Southampton, followed by cruises from Barcelona before heading to the United States shortly thereafter.

Royal Caribbean opted not to send Symphony of the Seas to the UK when she debuted because Harmony was poorly received by the British press.

More details coming soon

Mr. Bayley went on to talk about just how impressed he is with Icon while not divulging any additional details, "This ship is unbelievable."

"What's fascinating about Icon is the sheer scale of the product."

He talked about the fact details of the new ship have been shared internally at a closed-door event in Miami recently among key marketing and sales and revenue people. This could point to more information coming soon.

Mr. Bayley also said Royal Caribbean is working out details for timing of an event in New York later this year to announce more information.

Last month, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider said the public can expect to get more details on Icon between April or May.