Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean is starting April off with a brand new sale on pre-cruise purchases.

The "Soak Up The Savings" sale begins on April 1st (no joke), and promises up to 35% onboard prices.

The sale runs between April 1 - 7, 2022 and is valid on sailings departing between April 6, 2022 - December 31, 2022.

Here's a look at what sort of discounts you might be able to find:

Beverage: Up to 40% off

• Classic Soda Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.
• Classic Soda Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 25% off onboard prices.
• Spring Water Cans: 40% off onboard prices.
• San Benedetto Water Cans: 40% off onboard prices.
• Evian Water Bottles: 40% off onboard prices.
• Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.
• Deluxe Beverage Package + VOOM Surf & Stream 1 Device: Over 30% off onboard prices.
• Refreshment Package: Discount varies by ship.

Shore Excursions: Up to 25% off

• Shore Excursions: Discount varies by ship.

Internet: Up to 50% Off

• VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.
• VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.
• The Key: DIscount varies by ship

Dining: Up to 55% Off

• Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 9N sailings: Discount varies by ship.

Gifts & Gear: Up to 20% Off

• Anniversary Decorations with Champagne
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Chocolate Cake & Strawberries
• Happy Birthday Decorations with Vanilla Cake & Strawberries
• Inky Beach Set
• Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe)
• Inky Travel Set
• Red Wine and Cheese
• Royal Caribbean Beach Towel
• Strawberries with Champagne
• White Wine and Cheese

Photo Packages: Up to 70% Off

• Photo Packages: From 5 - 100 Print and/or Digital Options: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: Private Photo Session: Discount varies by ship.
• Photo Package: All Digital: Discount varies by ship.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

More helpful information

• Should you buy pre-cruise purchases now or wait to buy it onboard?
• 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• How much should I budget for a cruise?

Nearly all Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska include a stop in Alaska’s picturesque capital city of Juneau. Whether hiking at Mendenhall Glacier, booking a whale watching tour, or traveling by floatplane, Juneau and the city’s surrounding area boast a variety of outdoor and cultural activities for cruisers to enjoy.

While Juneau is Alaska’s second most populous city, its population is only around 32,000, making it a comfortable destination to explore on a day in port. Surrounded by ice fields, mountains, and waterfalls, Juneau is a favorite port for many on an Alaska cruise.

Choosing what to do in Juneau on a cruise can be a difficult decision in the planning process, as the city offers a wide range of options for all interests and fitness levels. Let’s take a look at the best activities to do on a cruise to Juneau.

Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area

One of the most popular places visited by cruise passengers in Juneau is Mendenhall Glacier. While the glacier can be accessed via helicopter or boat, most visitors arrive by road to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area.

The recreation area is quite big, with five short walks and hikes to choose from as well as an informative visitor’s center. Stunning views are available in every direction, whether spotting eagles in the trees, marveling at huge mountain peaks, or taking in glacier views across the lake.

A recommended trail at the recreation area is the trail to Nugget Falls, a 377 foot waterfall located near Mendenhall Glacier. This is a popular trail due to its short length of just 1.5 miles roundtrip on a gravel path.

You can purchase a tour that visits Mendenhall Glacier, but we recommend taking a taxi or shuttle bus so you can explore on your own time. A shuttle bus can be found right outside the pier once you dock in Juneau, with round trip tickets around $45 per person.

Helicopter glacier tour

Alaska’s nature is breathtaking, and a great way to truly grasp the scale of Juneau’s mountains and glaciers is by helicopter. The most common spot for helicopter tours in Juneau is Mendenhall Glacier.

Helicopter tours usually include either a guided walk on the glacier or a dog sledding excursion. Guests on a helicopter tour will wear glacier boots for a secure walk around the ice and marvel in the spectacular scenery of Juneau’s icefields.

Helicopter tours are not cheap, with prices around $340 per person or more. Despite the higher cost, though, they are often a highlight of an Alaska cruise, offering a completely unique experience that cannot be replicated at the majority of cruise ports around the world.

Whale watching excursion

Juneau is one of the best Alaska cruise ports for whale watching, with humpback whales being most commonly spotted. Around 600 humpback whales call the waters near Juneau home in the summer months, leading to many sighting opportunities for cruise passengers.

Whale watching tours are offered through Royal Caribbean shore excursions or can be booked directly through local providers. Some tours combine whale watching with tours of Mendenhall Glacier, salmon bakes, and additional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Tour operators will often give a $100 cash refund (or partial refund) to guests on the chance that no whales are spotted on a tour. During the summer months, though, spotting whales on a tour is very common so a refund is rare.

Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway

The Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway brings riders from 56 feet above sea level to 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts (about halfway up the mountain). 

At the top of the tram, passengers can view downtown Juneau, the Chilkat Mountains, Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, and Admiralty Island.

The Goldbelt Tram provides more than just a scenic view once at the top, though. On top of the mountain are hiking trails, tourist shops, a Nature Center, and a restaurant. An accessible trail is available as well.

Ambitious hikers may want to hike the rest of the way up Mount Roberts via a trail near the top of the tram which leads to the peak.

The Goldbelt Tramway is located about a five minute walk from the ship in Juneau, making it a convenient activity for guests to enjoy. The tramway is $45 for adults, $30 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 and under. The price includes unlimited rides up and down Mount Roberts throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the ticket counter once in Juneau.

Red Dog Saloon

Established in Juneau’s mining era, the Red Dog Saloon is an iconic place to grab a drink near the cruise port in Juneau. Filled with eclectic decor and memorabilia including a historic gun, paper currency from around the world, and a walrus oosik, the Red Dog Saloon is a fun place to hang out while in Juneau.

The menu at the Red Dog Saloon includes three signature drinks: the Duck Fart shot, Glacier Margarita, and Miners Scratch Hard Lemonade. In addition to signature drinks are beers, wine, liquors, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks. A food menu is available as well.

Hanging out at the Red Dog Saloon is great to do on days when the weather is particularly cold and rainy, or before you board the ship after a long day exploring Juneau.

Take a floatplane

Taking a floatplane from Juneau while on a cruise can take you to destinations further away from the city less visited by tourists. They also give a completely different perspective of Alaska’s scenery than what you can see from the cruise ship.

Some floatplane excursions take off in Juneau, fly around the area, and land back in Juneau. Others, such as the “Brown Bear and Wildlife Search by Floatplane” excursion, include a stop at a remote stream with high concentrations of brown bears. The plane lands near the stream, allowing guests to catch close-up glimpses of brown bears in their natural habitat before flying back to Juneau.

With aerial views of the Juneau icefield, glaciers, waterfalls, rainforests, and mountain peaks, flying on a floatplane is sure to be an unforgettable excursion.

Kayak near glaciers

Juneau’s nearby scenery provides some of the best kayaking experiences visitors can experience anywhere, and kayaking excursions are a popular choice for those looking to get active.

Popular kayak spots in Juneau include the Mendenhall wetlands and Smuggler’s Cove. Guests hoping to get a closer look at Mendenhall Glacier will be in luck on a kayak, with some tours offering loops of Mendenhall Glacier Lake.

Kayaking can also get visitors closer to wildlife, offering the opportunity to spot whales, seals, salmon, otters, and more from the water.

Go hiking

Outdoorsy cruisers will love the access to both beginner and challenging hiking trails near downtown Juneau. Aside from the excellent trails at the top of the Goldbelt Tramway and Mendenhall Glacier are other day hikes to consider.

One of these is Perseverance Trail, a 4.6 mile out and back through the forest, offering views of the valley and waterfalls along the way. The hike’s trailhead can be accessed via a steep, 1 mile uphill walk or taxi.

Those looking for a shorter, more casual walk may be interested in the Gold Creek Flume Trail, a 1.4 mile out and back hike. Much of the trail is on a boardwalk and is suitable for beginners and kids while still offering wonderful views in all directions.

Learn about and experience dog sledding

Dog sledding tours are a popular excursion choice for animal lovers in Juneau, offering the chance to learn more about dog mushing, Alaska’s state sport.

It’s estimated that dog mushing has been a reliable form of transportation in the Arctic for thousands of years, though the earliest archaeological evidence of dogsledding is dated around 1,000 A.D. Today the sport is popular throughout Alaska, with the state home to the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a long distance sled dog race traveling from Anchorage to Nome.

While dog mushing is traditionally a winter sport, there are still ways to experience it while on an Alaska cruise.

Some tours will begin with a helicopter tour over Juneau, landing on Mendenhall Glacier for a dog sledding ride on top of the glacier. Others will travel via shuttle bus to Juneau’s Musher’s Camp, where visitors can meet and cuddle with husky puppies before a mile-long ride through the forest.

The helicopter and dog sled combo tends to be on the higher end of excursion prices, whereas a visit to the Musher’s Camp comes at a more reasonable price.

Read more about a sled dog excursion here.

Eat seafood

Photo credit: Tracy's King Crab Shack

While Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer fantastic dining options, don’t forget to taste local cuisine while on an Alaska cruise, specifically Alaskan seafood.

The most popular restaurant for visitors to try is Tracy’s King Crab Shack. Located right near the cruise port, Tracy’s King Crab Shack, as the name implies, focuses on dishes made with king crab. From king crab legs to crab bisque and crab cakes, this is a go-to spot for many hoping to taste the freshest Alaskan seafood around.

Photo credit: The Salmon Spot

If you’re hoping to try salmon while in Juneau, look no further than The Salmon Spot. While it’s easy to miss this small food stand at first glance, The Salmon Spot offers fresh salmon patties, salmon burgers, and salmon chowder. As a plus, it’s conveniently located near the cruise port, making for a quick, delicious meal before heading on an excursion or back onboard.

Another option for tasting Alaskan salmon is through a salmon bake. Some excursions in Juneau may include an Alaskan salmon bake, where guests can dine on salmon, chicken, and side dishes in the rainforest.

If you're staying in Royal Caribbean's top tier suites, you're going to want to know how to maximize the experience, including what your Royal Genie offers.

Royal Caribbean's top suite experience is known as Star Class, and it includes a crew member who is a blend of personal concierge and magic maker.  Known as a Genie, this crew member works with just three cabins or so to manage every need onboard.

Having tried two different Royal Genies so far, my takeaway has been there is a learning curve to being able to fully utilize what Royal Caribbean packs into the experience. In fact, what's listed on paper as your benefits is really just a starting point. Depending on your genie and how vocal you are, the experience can vary significantly from person to person.

The cost of booking one of the cruise cabins that includes a Royal Genie is not cheap, with prices usually starting in the five figures. So with that kind of investment, getting your money's worth is something you probably want to investigate.

Here's my best advice for someone trying a Star Class suite for the first time, and get everything out of it you can.

It makes even basic activities easier

It's easy to start planning all the big ticket things your Star Class suite includes, but don't overlook the basics either.

Having a Royal Genie is all about making your life onboard easier, especially when it comes to lines.

Genies have the ability to cut the line for almost everything, including onboard activities.

Your genie can get you to the front of the line for laser tag, water slides, and pretty much any other onboard activity. This is especially helpful with kids, who often want to do all the fun things onboard.

Every Genie is different

If you read the description of the Royal Genie service from Royal Caribbean, it sounds like the Genie experience is going to be the same for anyone you get, but it's far from that.

Each Genie has their own style and approach to offering their services, and that means your experience can vary between different Genie's.

Star Class, by its very definition, is designed to be a personalized experience.  While the overall "rules" are fairly consistent, the specific amenities do tend to vary by ship and even among Genies on the same ship.  

I hesitate to ever say one Genie is better or worse than another. Instead, they are simply different, so if you've had a Genie in the past, your next Genie will likely do things slightly differently.

What this means is some Genie's are better about pre-cruise communication than others, while other Genies prefer to spend more time socializing with their guests than others. 

Each Genie will help you with planning your days and nights with things like specialty dining reservations, entertainment seating, booking onshore excursions, and personal escorts onto and off of the ship, as needed. They're basically a walking and talking Guest Services that you can message anytime.

When you meet your Genie onboard, it's always a good idea to share what you're looking for during the sailing.  Just keep in mind how each Genie goes about their duties will vary.

Read more: What is the difference between suite concierge and a Royal Genie?

Ask for everything

One of the early mantras I learned from others that book Star Class often is to rely heavily on the Genie to provide everything.

As someone that is used to planning a lot before the cruise and not wanting to be a bother, this was a bit of an adjustment, but the real value of having a Genie is having them take care of your every need.

What this means is any food or drink you want should go through the Genie, rather than you getting it yourself. If you want to see a show, or reserve a seat somewhere, ask the Genie.

I even asked my Genie to reserve seats at the Mason Jar bar because it was busy.  He investigated and got us reserved seats.  

Of course I can do many of these things on my own, but paying for the Star Class experience gets you this service.  So to best take advantage of what you're paying for is to not feel like a bother to the Genie by making requests.

Specialty dining galore

Another major benefit of booking Star Class is all the specialty dining is included with your cruise fare.

Just like the unlimited dining package, you can dine at any specialty restaurant and pay nothing extra for the experience.  

Unlike the dining packages, your Genie can reserve tables for you before the cruise.  He or she can also deliver any food from a specialty restaurant to your stateroom as long as the restaurant is open.

We usually feed our kids dinner before we drop them off at Adventure Ocean, so when we are in Star Class, my kids order steak from Chops Grille and pizza from Giovanni's Kitchen because it's included.

While Coastal Kitchen (the complimentary restaurant for suite guests) is included in your cruise fare as well, it seems to me the included specialty dining is far more lucrative to take advantage of for your dining plans.

Check-in is super easy

An underrated benefit of being Star Class is you'll never have such an easy check-in procedure at the cruise terminal.

Regardless of your check-in time with the Royal Caribbean app, your Genie will ask you what time you want to arrive.

When you get to the terminal, a designated porter just for Suite Guests will take your luggage and bring it directly onboard the ship immediately.

You then get to enter the cruise terminal and complete the check in process ahead of others. Your Genie meets you in the cruise terminal and takes you immediately up to your suite.

They say patience is a virtue, but it's not necessary with the Star Class.

Gratuities are crazy (depending who you ask)

How much to tip your Genie at the end of the cruise is a gray area, to say the least.

There's all sorts of ideas on what is appropriate and the amounts are all over the place.

In my experience, there is no right or wrong answer, as you have to consider all sorts of people book Star Class and there's no specific gratuity recommendation by Royal Caribbean.

The Genie will appreciate whatever gratuity you deem is appropriate at the conclusion of the sailing, but for anyone trying Star Class for the first time, you will quickly discover tipping is the wild west for Genies.

Depending on my experience onboard, I pick an amount and multiply it by the amount of people I'm travelling with and go from there.

Your cabin is your castle

Another mantra of the Star Class experience is to spend more time than ever in your cabin.

Because your Genie can deliver all the food and drinks you want to the cabin, plan on spending more time enjoying the lavish accommodations you have booked.

Star Class cabins are large, and offer a ton of living space coupled with beautiful views, so enjoy them as much as you can.

You can have not only food delivered, but cocktails too.  Heck, some Genies have arrange in-suite parties with bar cart, ice cream socials, and more.

Going back to one of the lessons I talked about earlier, ask for everything and whenever possible, have it delivered to your cabin.

Free laundry

Another underrated perk is you can enjoy all the laundry you want for no cost.

Instead of coming home with a suitcase full of dirty laundry, send it out to be laundered.

My advice is send it out daily, rather than a huge bag at the end of the cruise. It's easier to manage because you have to fill out the laundry form each time.

Is Star Class worth the cost?

I bet even if you read every part of this article, the one question you still have is if Star Class is worth paying significantly more to get.

The Star Class experience is a splurge of epic proportions, so this is not a question of can you do enough to "break even". Just like first class on an airplane, or buying a Corvette, you're doing these things because you can and it's nice to reward yourself sometimes.

Each time I've stayed in Star Class I come to the same conclusion: it was a wonderful way to spend my cruise, and it spoiled us. I think that's exactly what Royal Caribbean wants guests to feel like after they try Star Class.

Obviously not everyone will be able to afford Star Class, and that's okay. You can have an amazing cruise experience without a Royal Genie and filet mignon delivered to your cabin. 

If you do elect to try Star Class, do as much as you can to maximize your cost by utilizing all the services and perks of Star Class. 

There's just about a day left to book a cruise that qualifies for Royal Caribbean's policy that allows for a last minute cancellation.

The Cruise with Confidence program is set to expire on March 31, 2022, which means cruises booked after will not qualify for the program.

There's been no word from Royal Caribbean on it being extended, so it appears the program may very well come to an end at the end of the day on Thursday.

Cruise with Confidence program is the name of the offer for guests who can cancel their cruise even after final payment date, up to 48 hours before a ship is scheduled to sail in exchange for a future cruise credit.

As of the writing of this article, it applies to sailings booked by March 31, 2022 that depart by September 30, 2022.

The program was introduced at the start of the global pandemic so passengers could feel assured they could change their mind closer to sail date.

The flexibility this program provides is a great "safety net" for anyone with a cruise booked who is unsure what the cruise world may look like closer to your sail date. In short, there is very little risk when your booking is protected with Cruise with Confidence since you can change your mind at any time.

Royal Caribbean thought Cruise with Confidence would have ended before, but the Omicron variant compelled them to keep it going once more.

What happens after Cruise with Confidence ends?

Once Cruise with Confidence comes to an end, cancellation policies revert back to pre-pandemic.

Cancellations may occur up to the final payment date without penalty if you booked refundable cruise fare. Typically the final payment date for most cruises is 90 days before a cruise begins.

If you booked a non-refundable cruise fare, and are outside of final payment, you will receive a Future Cruise Certificate in the amount of the cruise deposit, less a $100 per guest change fee.

After final payment date, there is a penalty for cancelling a reservation in the form of losing a percentage of the cost of the cruise. The exact amount of this penalty depends on how close to your sail date you are when cancelling.

In addition, the enhanced Best Price Guarantee program reverts back, which means guests can reprice their cruise up until final payment date. After final payment date, price changes are not allowed.

Moreover, certain countries had been able to price match because of the enhanced Best Price Guarantee.

What you should do before Cruise with Confidence ends?

If you are thinking of booking any cruise between now and September 2022, it may make a lot of sense to at least put a deposit down now to not only lock in the price of your cruise, but also ensure you can cancel it under Cruise with Confidence up to 48 hours before the sailing.

Of course, there are still some other means to retain some level of flexibility to change your mind later even without the program. 

• Book refundable cruise fare so you can cancel before final payment date for a 100% refund.
• Consider a "Cancel for any reason" travel insurance plan

How to get flexibility in the future

As Royal Caribbean sunsets Cruise with Confidence, this is a good reminder how to book a cruise with maximum flexibility.

While cancelling at the last minute for any reason may be a thing of the past, there are still some easy ways to change your mind down the line.

Book refundable cruise fare

Be sure to put a refundable deposit down, and not a non-refundable deposit.

While a non-refundable deposit will save you some money, those savings are offset by the inflexibility and change fees it comes with.

Purchase cancel for any reason travel insurance

While not as easy as Cruise with Confidence, there are some travel insurance policies that allow you to cancel for any reason.

Most travel insurance only kicks in under certain conditions, but there are Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policies that allow you to get reimbursed for travel costs.

A typical CFAR policy allows you to cancel a cruise and any associated prepaid activities for whatever reason you choose. 

Be sure to read the policy before buying one of these plans, as you usually have to purchase a plan within 14-21 days of making a deposit.

Cancel for any reason insurance is not available in all states, so check with your insurance provider if you're eligible. 

One other thing to consider is most CFAR plans only pay out 50 to 75 percent of your out-of-pocket expenses if you decide to cancel. Expect to pay as much as 40 percent more on your policy for the privilege.

Wait longer to book a cruise

While I always advocate booking as early as you can to lock in a good price, if you're uncertain about your plans, perhaps waiting to place a deposit makes more sense.

Talk with a good travel agent about prices, and if you see prices starting to creep up, consider putting down a deposit or see if prices drop again.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed its warning against going on a cruise ship due to Covid-19.

The CDC website removed the warning from its website after previously dropping the warning level to level 2.

Plummeting Covid cases on cruise ships as a result of the cruise industry's effective health protocols have meant the government agency sees no reason to warn the public against traveling on a ship as a risk for catching Covid.

The CDC last lowered the warning level to level 2 on February 15, 2022.

The CDC website now just talks about being up to date with Covid-19 vaccines before going on a cruise, and sharing its recommendations for how to keep yourself safe while traveling. 

The CDC recommends anyone going on a cruise

• Check cruise line requirements for testing and/or vaccination
• Get travel insurance
• If traveling by air, check airline requirements.
• Wear a well-fitting mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation.

The rest of the recommendations center around not traveling if you have or had Covid and how to protect yourself and others.

Cruise industry reaction

As you might imagine, the cruise industry welcomed this change by the CDC.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued a statement following the removal of the warning, "Today’s decision by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to altogether remove the Travel Health Notice for cruising recognizes the effective public health measures in place on cruise ships and begins to level the playing field, between cruise and similarly situated venues on land, for the first time since  March 2020."

"From the onset of the pandemic, CLIA’s cruise line members have prioritized the health and safety of their guests, crew, and the communities they visit and are sailing today with health measures in place that are unmatched by virtually any other commercial setting."

A full circle for the CDC

Throughout the previous two years, the CDC and the cruise industry have been at odds with views of how safe going on a cruise ship is due to Covid-19.

Following the cruise industry voluntarily shutting down in March 2020, the CDC banned cruise ship travel in the United States. This ban would remain in place for many months while the CDC and cruise industry worked to craft new regulations to ensure its return would be safe for all guests, crew members, and the communities ships visit.

There was a lot of back and forth, and the CDC held the cruise ships to a different standard from other forms of leisure travel.

Following the Omicron variant, the CDC began relaxing its view of risks of going on a cruise ship. The CDC lowered its warning level, while at the same time relaxing health protocols.

While Royal Caribbean shore excursions have many options, some cruisers find themselves looking elsewhere for something to do in port. Whether you’re looking for an activity not offered by Royal Caribbean, hoping to find a better price, or want to see the widest range of tours available, it’s helpful to know where to look.

It’s important to note, of course, that booking a tour through an outside provider does not come with the same benefits as booking through Royal Caribbean directly. Booking through Royal Caribbean ensures the tour operators are vetted and approved, and on the off chance your tour runs late, you can take comfort in knowing the ship will wait for you before leaving port.

That being said, booking independently can mean smaller tour sizes, more excursion options, and lower prices. The benefits of an independent tour provider often outweigh the drawbacks, especially when you are able to read reviews from those who booked the tour in the past and know that you are booking with an experienced tour company.

The following websites and tips are what we use to find shore excursions outside of what Royal Caribbean offers.

Resortforaday.com

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day with all the amenities of a resort, look no further than Resortforaday.com.

Resortforaday.com is a service that sells day passes at resorts and hotels for cruise passengers. There are currently resorts available in 23 ports, the majority of which are in the Caribbean.

The exact amenities and inclusions of a day pass through Resort For A Day vary, as offerings are subject to the resort’s policies. Some resort day passes include all-inclusive food and drinks whereas others give a food and beverage credit. Likewise, some resorts are kid-friendly and include access to a waterpark or kids club whereas others are adults-only.

A day pass at the Westin Cozumel, for example, includes unlimited food and beverages, beach and pool access, a kids club for children aged 4-12, outdoor showers, wifi, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding.

Margaritaville Beach Resort & Waterpark in Nassau, on the other hand, is not all-inclusive. Food and drinks must be purchased individually, but pool, beach, and waterpark access are available to day pass guests.

It’s important to choose a day pass wisely to ensure the resort’s offerings and ambience fit within your travel style. If you want a relaxing, quieter day in port, an adults-only resort may be the best fit. If you’re traveling with kids, though, a resort offering a waterpark or kid-friendly activities would be a better choice.

Most resorts allow access to day pass guests from around 9 or 10am until 5pm.

Tripadvisor.com and Viator.com

Tripadvisor is an excellent research option due to its lists of things to do in cruise ports around the world. To search for tours and activities in your port of call, go to Tripadvisor’s front page and click the “Things to Do” button.

Input the name of your cruise port and you’ll be taken to a page with a wide range of tours available. One of the best benefits of Tripadvisor is the amount of reviews available on the website. Reading reviews from those who have booked the tour in the past is helpful, as it allows you to learn more about the excursion’s benefits and drawbacks.

Not only does Tripadvisor list tours you can book directly through their website, but it also lists the essential things to do and eat at each location. These lists can be helpful for passengers planning a DIY excursion. Knowing the best beaches, restaurants, and attractions in your port of call can make exploring on your own a whole lot easier.

Viator, like Tripadvisor, allows you to book tours from independent tour operators, and has a wide range of tour categories available. From Arts & Culture to Classes & Workshops and Food & Drink, you’re sure to find a tour that fits your interest on Viator.

Shore Excursions Group

While similar to Tripadvisor and Viator, Shore Excursions Group focuses solely on shore excursions for cruise ship passengers. Tours are offered all around the world, from the Caribbean to the Arabian Gulf and Asia.

Shore Excursions Group makes it easy to pick a tour that fits within your cruise ship’s itinerary, as tours are filtered by your cruise ship’s specific departure date and ports of call. There’s no need to check your calendar or worry about accidentally booking the wrong day, as Shore Excursions Group has all Royal Caribbean itineraries listed on their website.

Shore Excursions Group features several different types of tours: small group tours, private tours, scenic tours, cultural tours, active tours, and city tours. Each type of tour comes with its own style, whether traveling to Alaska’s glaciers on a scenic tour or cycling through small towns in Europe on an active tour.

Message blog forums

Online message boards are a great way to find more information about your cruise ship, and they can also be a useful research tool when deciding what to do in port. Hearing from those cruisers who have been to your destination before is valuable, as they are able to offer their recommendations on what to do (and what not to do) in a particular port.

The Royal Caribbean Blog message boards, for example, have a shore excursions board where you can ask questions to fellow cruisers and learn more about what each port of call offers. If you’re wondering if a certain tour is worth it or you're trying to choose between two separate tours, odds are someone on the message boards has first-hand experience with your port of call and can help you make a decision.

Google (“port name + tour”)

Sometimes the easiest way to find a shore excursion on your own is through a simple Google search.

If you’re looking for something to do in St. Maarten, for example, search “St. Maarten tour” on Google. You can customize this further if you wish, searching “St. Maarten tour kid friendly” if you’re traveling with kids or “St. Maarten tour catamaran” if you want to sail around the island.

Google will list the most top-rated websites where you can book shore excursions and read reviews from those who have done the tour previously. It’s hard to go wrong with a Google search when researching shore excursions, and it is a good starting point for those researching activities in their ports of call.

April means a full month of spring Royal Caribbean cruises to choose from, as well as the moving of ships back to Europe.

This article is an effort to share what you need to know about going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the month of April, with important news, tips, and helpful information along the way.

Just like March, April is when many families look to enjoy a spring break cruise. That means higher demand for cruises in April through the Easter holiday, and higher guest counts more than likely.

Easter falls on April 17, 2022, which is usually the culmination of spring break demand.  The last week and half of April could see less demand for cruises, since school will be back in session.

If you want to avoid crowds, look for a cruise in the last week of April.

Ships sailing in April 2022

• Freedom of the Seas from Miami, Florida
• Anthem of the Seas from Cape Liberty, New Jersey
• Odyssey of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Allure of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Symphony of the Seas from Miami, Florida
• Independence of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida
• Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida
• Mariner of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida
• Oasis of the Seas from Miami, Florida
• Liberty of the Seas from Galveston, Texas
• Adventure of the Seas from Galveston, Texas
• Explorer of the Seas from San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles, California
• Spectrum of the Seas from Singapore
• Grandeur of the Seas from Bridgetown, Barbados
• Brilliance of the Seas from Tampa, Florida
• Enchantment of the Seas from Baltimore, Maryland
• Jewel of the Seas from Miami, Florida
• Wonder of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Vision of the Seas from from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Radiance of the Seas from Los Angeles, California beginning April 23, 2022
• Serenade of the Seas from Los Angeles, California, beginning April 26, 2022
• Voyager of the Seas from Copenhagen, Denmark, beginning April 15, 2022

Three more Royal Caribbean cruise ships return to service in April.

Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas will start back up with a repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver so that they can be ready for the start of the Alaska cruise season in May.

Voyager of the Seas will sail from Barcelona to Copenhagen on April 15, and then begin regular service from Copenhagen in late April to kick off Royal Caribbean's European season.

At the end of April, only one Royal Caribbean cruise ship will remain out of service since the pandemic, which is Rhapsody of the Seas.

Transatlantic sailings

April is the time of year for many Royal Caribbean ships to leave the Caribbean waters and sail east to Europe.

Wonder of the Seas will bid adieu to her temporary home in Fort Lauderdale and sail to Barcelona, Spain on a 14-night transatlantic cruise on April 20th.

Here's a look at the other transatlantic crossings in April:

• Brilliance of the Seas 14-Night Portugal & Spain Crossing to Rome: April 25, 2022
• Jewel of the Seas 14-Night British Transatlantic to Amsterdam, Netherlands: April 29, 2022
• Odyssey of the Seas 14-Night Spanish Transatlantic to Rome, Italy: April 23, 2022
• Vision of the Seas 14 Night Transatlantic Cruise to Barcelona, Spain: April 29, 2022

Health protocols for April 2022 cruises

With Royal Caribbean ships sailing from many places other than the United States in April 2022, the exact protocols will vary somewhat, but the core requirements seem to be universal.

All Royal Caribbean guests age 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. 

With the exception of the transatlantic crossings that do not allow anyone unvaccinated onboard, Royal Caribbean does not require kids younger than 12 to be vaccinated.

All crew members on every ship will be fully vaccinated.

Masks are optional for vaccinated passengers onboard its ships indoors.

Unvaccinated children are expected to wear masks indoors and in crowded settings. All children, regardless of vaccination status, will need to wear a mask in Adventure Ocean. Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time.

Covid testing requirements are nearly all the same, with the exception of transatlantic crossings. 

Vaccinated guests must show a negative COVID-19 test result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day. 

Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before boarding day. This test cannot be taken on boarding day for unvaccinated kids.

Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test. 

Different protocols for some sailings

Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's requirements for your sailing, especially if you are on a transatlantic cruise, or sailing from somewhere outside of the continental United States, such as Puerto Rico or Barbados.

As an example, the transatlantic crossings require all passengers to be fully vaccinated, and only one day before the cruise to get a negative Covid test result.

It's important to double check the protocols on Royal Caribbean's website well before your embarkation day to ensure you are doing everything you need to be, in the right timeframe.

April weather on a cruise

Spring in the Caribbean means warm temperatures before the summer heat arrives in the region.

You'll find higher temperatures across the board, with it far less likely to be chilly during your cruise once in the Caribbean.

You will find warmer temperatures in places like The Bahamas, and if you take a Southern Caribbean cruise, expect average high temps to reach the low 90s.

April is the the end of the dry season in the Caribbean, so don't expect too much rain.

Just like in the Caribbean, expect warm temperatures in the Mexican Riviera, with high temperatures in the mid 80's to low 90's.

April weather in the Mexican Riviera is some of the best weather once you get to Mexico. April is the driest month of the entire year based on historical data from the Mexico Tourism Ministry.

Easter on a cruise

If your cruise sails over the Easter holiday, you can expect some special events onboard.

The exact activities will depend on the sailing, but in the past we've seen:

• Easter Sunday Catholic Mass
• Easter Word Search
• Easter Scrapbooking Workshop
• Family Easter Scavenger Hunt

In addition, Royal Caribbean has had special foods in the Windjammer and main dining room.

Royal Caribbean has posted new cruises in 2023-2024 from Panama.

The newly released sailings offer 6- and 7-night Southern Caribbean cruises that begin in either Colon, Panama or Cartagena, Columbia. Sailing from these ports is a first for Royal Caribbean in almost a decade.

Rhapsody of the Seas will sail between December 2023 and April 2024.

Royal Caribbean believes these new itineraries combine the international cuisine, entertainment and nightlife on a single cruise that does not require a travel visa.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley shared the exciting news on Facebook, "I am very excited to announce that starting in 2023, Panama is your newest jumping-off point for the captivating shores of the Southern Caribbean onboard Rhapsody of the Seas."

The new cruises are available to book immediately.

Short Panama Canal Cruises

Not only are there cruises that visit many exotic destinations in the region, but this also offers 7-night Panama Canal crossings.

The 7-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruises starts off with a visit to Cartagena before traversing the Panama Canal and spending time in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Sailings from Cartagena

Something else novel about this new deployment are cruises from Cartagena.

Located in Colombia, Cartagena is known for its romantic colonial architecture and Caribbean coast line.

More deployments to come

There are still more cruises to be announced for the 2023-2024 cruise season.

Royal Caribbean's deployment schedule is as follows:

• Week of April 4: Los Angeles and 9/5-night Miami
• Week of May 16: 7-night Caribbean
• Week of June 6: Singapore

Keep in mind that the deployment schedule is subject to change.

Planning on booking a 2023 cruise? These stories will help:

• All about Vision Class cruise ships
• 5 things to look for before you book a cruise
• What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
• Should I take a short or a long cruise?
• Why you shouldn't book the cheapest cruise you can find

Royal Caribbean has released its Covid-19 health protocols for cruises sailing to Alaska, including ships that sail from Vancouver.

The Alaska cruise season is set to begin soon, and Royal Caribbean has released the pre-cruise & onboard Covid health requirements for passengers.

The protocols differ slightly if your ship embarks in Vancouver or Seattle.

The latest protocols are for guests cruising to Alaska from the U.S. and from Vancouver, British Columbia through May 31, 2022. 

Vaccines

All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated.

Children aged 5 to 11 are not required to be vaccinated. However, kids who have been vaccinated may present proof and follow the fully vaccinated protocols. 

All crew members onboard will be fully vaccinated. 

Royal Caribbean will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in the place of a vaccination record.

Testing

Testing is required to enter Canada and to board the ship. These requirements vary depending on guests’ age and vaccination status.

• Pre-Cruise: All guests 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result to board the ship.
  • Vaccinated guests: PCR or antigen test must be taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing.
  • Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11: PCR test must be taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing — but not on boarding day. Antigen tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests.
  • Pre-cruise testing costs and scheduling are the guest's responsibility.
• Certificate of Recovery: Instead of a negative pre-cruise test, a Certificate of Recovery and a positive PCR test taken between 11-90 days prior to our sail date can be provided to sail with us.
• Embarkation Day: Unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 will take a complimentary antigen test for COVID-19 during check-in. Registration details will be sent via email in advance. 
• Prior to Entering Canada: Unvaccinated guests 5 to 11 years old will take a complimentary antigen test onboard prior to visiting or debarking in Canada.

For sailings debarking in Seattle, Washington or Seward, Alaska: Unvaccinated guests age 2 – 11 years will take a complimentary antigen test onboard no more than 1 day before arrival to the U.S. 

Guests under 2 years of age will not be tested.

Testing for Cruisetour Guests

Passengers that booked an add-on tour before or after their cruise in Alaska (known as a cruisetour) have additional testing requirements.

• Royal Caribbean Cruisetour guests need to take a COVID-19 test on their own, at guest's expense, before the land-tour portion of your Cruisetour.
• Vaccinated guests must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 2 days before the day the land tour starts. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
• Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 must show a negative test result for a PCR test (not antigen) taken no more than 3 days before the day the land tour starts.
• Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-Cruisetour test.

Cruisetour guests will also need to complete the pre-cruise testing to board the ship in addition to the pre-tour testing. Vaccinated guests are advised to bring an eMed test kit with them on their Cruisetour to meet the pre-cruise testing requirement.

For vaccinated guests without a test kit or unvaccinated kids age 2-11 in need of a PCR test, a testing provider in Anchorage will be available to test guests at their own expense.

Details on how to register for testing in Anchorage will be provided by your Cruisetour guide.

Excursions

There are no restrictions on which tours passengers can book in Alaska, regardless of vaccination status.

Royal Caribbean is still "working closely with local government and health authorities to finalize protocols and requirements for going ashore in Canadian ports of call."

Masks

Masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests.

Royal Caribbean expects unvaccinated children to continue wearing masks indoors and in crowded settings.

Masks are required for all children age 2 years and older while at the Adventure Ocean youth program.

Guests under 2 years do not have to wear a mask at any time. 

Documentation

In addition to bringing a passport, Covid-19 vaccination card, and a Covid-19 test result, there's one additional piece of documentation passengers should bring for all sailings from Seattle, Seward and Vancouver.

All travelers to Canada, or their legal guardians, must download the ArriveCAN app or complete the mandatory travel information via the ArriveCAN website prior to your entry into Canada.

This applies whether guests are departing on their cruise from Canada, ending the cruise in Canada, or visiting the country as a port of call.

Royal Caribbean says they are working with the Canadian government to make this process easier for guests arriving by cruise ship, and will ensure guests have guidance to complete this process smoothly onboard. 

More information

• Top 10 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

A Royal Caribbean cruise offers endless opportunities to try new and exciting desserts. From a sundae with twelve scoops of ice cream to a s’mores cookie and tiramisu, there is a dessert fit for every guest onboard.

As someone with a sweet tooth, trying new desserts is one of my favorite parts of a cruise. Being able to order a dessert I may otherwise be hesitant to try, or one that I have never heard of before, is always a highlight of my meals onboard.

On my recent cruise on Wonder of the Seas, I took up the challenge of finding the best desserts to eat onboard. After much “strenuous” dessert research, I’ve put together my list of the top six desserts to try on Wonder of the Seas.

Fried Cheesecake from 150 Central Park

Starting off our list of top desserts is perhaps the most delicious of all: fried cheesecake from 150 Central Park.

Fried cheesecake is a dessert I never knew I needed until I tasted it. Rich, creamy cheesecake covered with a crunchy, powdered sugar-coated shell and doused with fresh whipped cream and caramel sauce? Yes, please!

150 Central Park exceeded my expectations as soon as I tasted my first course, but they really went above and beyond with the fried cheesecake. This may be one of my favorite desserts of all time.

If you’re considering dining at 150 Central Park on your next cruise, don’t hesitate to order the fried cheesecake for dessert (and bring your stretchy pants!).

Warm Bread Puddin’ from The Mason Jar

I was so full after my hearty dinner at The Mason Jar that I actually skipped dessert. Due to my aforementioned sweet tooth, skipping dessert on a cruise is unheard of!

Because of this, I had major FOMO (fear of missing out), so I made sure to return to The Mason Jar later in the cruise to try a dessert.

Luckily The Mason Jar bar features a late night menu after 9PM, so I could order menu items without eating a full meal at the restaurant. With fried oreos, Georgia peach ice cream, and chocolate pecan pie on the menu, choosing a dessert was a difficult task in itself.

Ultimately, after hearing a few guests rave about it, I decided on the Warm Bread Puddin’.

Soft, sticky, and sweet, the warm bread pudding is made from buttery croissants and soaked in vanilla-bourbon custard. To top it all off is a serving of rich vanilla bean ice cream, offering the perfect balance between warm and cold.

Bread pudding is not a dessert I would typically order, but I was definitely glad I did.

Note: the Warm Bread Puddin’ isn’t technically on the late night menu, but I was still able to order it without a problem.

Campfire Cookie from Playmakers

I first tasted the campfire cookie on my first cruise on Mariner of the Seas and it has been one of my go-to desserts ever since. In fact, I love this dessert so much that I’m (very slightly) upset whenever I’m on a ship without Playmakers!

The campfire cookie is one of two desserts at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. In simple terms, the campfire cookie is a chocolate chip cookie with marshmallows on top.

A dessert of this caliber, though, deserves a more thorough description. Let’s take a deeper dive into the three components of the campfire cookie:

• Layer 1: a warm, gooey, extra-chocolatey chocolate chip cookie cooked in a skillet
• Layer 2: a generous coating of marshmallow, toasted to perfection and topped with nutella and caramel sauce
• Layer 3: a side of rich vanilla ice cream and milk to add to the cookie

What’s great about Playmakers is that, while it is a specialty restaurant, the menu items are priced a la carte. Therefore, there’s no need to sit down for a lengthy three course meal in order to try the campfire cookie.

At $6, it’s a dessert well worth the cost.

Baklava from Solarium Bistro

Solarium Bistro is one of my favorite complimentary dinner options on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship. Not only is it usually much less crowded than other venues, but it offers cuisine not available elsewhere onboard.

From hummus and pita to lamb chops and babaganoush, the Mediterranean-style cuisine at Solarium Bistro always hits the spot.

If you have room in your stomach after your eighth serving of hummus, be sure to head to the dessert station. My favorite dessert at Solarium Bistro is also one of my favorites onboard, and that is the nutty, sugary, and sticky baklava.

For a complimentary dessert that is tricky to make, the baklava onboard is surprisingly good. I’ve never seen baklava anywhere else on a Royal Caribbean ship other than Solarium Bistro, so don’t miss it on your next Quantum or Oasis Class cruise.

Crispy Sesame Balls from Izumi

Overshadowed by Izumi’s mochi ice cream are the Crispy Sesame Balls. Unassuming yet unique, the sesame balls are the star of Izumi’s dessert menu.

The sesame balls are made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, which brings a chewy, mochi-like texture to the dessert.

Each sesame ball is then filled with a small amount of red bean filling, which is slightly sweet yet not overpowering. Red bean is a common dessert flavor in Japan, often used as a filling for steamed buns and mochi.

Lastly, each sesame ball is coated in sesame seeds and fried. The crunchy sesame coating gives each bite a toasted, nutty flavor that blends perfectly with the sugary, chewy consistency inside the sesame ball.

Each order comes with four sesame balls which are served warm.

The majority of guests dining at Izumi tend to order mochi ice cream without considering other desserts on the menu. During your next meal at Izumi, step out of your comfort zone and try the Crispy Sesame Balls. You’ll thank me later!

Pool deck soft serve

The last dessert on our list is also the most simple: a heaping cone of complimentary soft serve from the pool deck.

On every Royal Caribbean ship is a soft serve ice cream/frozen yogurt station where guests can enjoy unlimited and free ice cream cones. The most common flavors are vanilla, chocolate, and twist, although strawberry (my personal favorite) may be available as well.

While a cold ice cream cone is extremely satisfying on a warm Caribbean day, there are a few ways to take your soft serve game up a notch:

• Add soft serve ice cream to a cup of soda for a soda float
• Bring a cookie or brownie from the Windjammer and add ice cream on top
• Put ice cream in a cup and add chocolate milk. Mix it together for a DIY chocolate milkshake!
• Make an Italian affogato by filling a cup with vanilla ice cream and adding a shot of fresh, warm espresso

There are a few runner-ups I should add to my list: Key Lime Pie from Chops Grille, Go Bananas from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, and coconut cookies from Cafe Promenade.

What is your favorite dessert on a Royal Caribbean ship? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our FULL ship tour of Wonder of the Seas to learn more about Royal Caribbean’s newest ship:

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