Royal Caribbean Blog

I usually hunker down at home for New Year's Eve, but this year I wanted to party it up.

Everyone thinks of the ultimate for New Year's Eve party as freezing in Times Square fighting a crowd and wearing an adult diaper, but that sounds like the worst idea to me.  Instead, I looked at how we could combine my favorite way to vacation with ringing in 2025.

Over a year earlier, I booked two cabins on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas so I could spend New Year's Eve somewhere other than home.

It seemed like a great way to avoid the overwhelming nature of going into a city, without compromising on the party atmosphere.

I booked two connecting ocean balcony cabins for my family on a 5-night sailing of Voyager of the Seas that departed Port Canaveral, Florida.  Not only would we be on the ship for New Year's Eve, but we'd get to visit Cozumel, Mexico and Royal Caribbean's private island too.  That gets me beautiful beach days in addition to the party I sought after.

The price for each cabin was $3,200, bringing the total for both rooms at $6408.36.

You have a choice of parties to attend

Royal Caribbean splits up its ship into different party zones, with the idea that you can get different vibes at each.

We had a list of the parties offered delivered to our stateroom, with times that each would occur.

All the parties have no cost to them, so it's just first-come, first-to-party.

By far the most popular party was the Times Square-esque party on the Royal Promenade, which has a giant balloon drop.

Being a family cruise line, there were other options to drop your kids off or party with your kids.  This is a major benefit of celebrating New Year's Eve on a cruise ship, because it's rare to find kid-friendly options at land parties.

There are optional tables you can rent, and it was more expensive than I expected

On the Royal Promenade, there's an option to rent tables for the duration of the party.

You get a reserved table with chairs, along with drink service and complimentary bottle of champagne.

The cost was $800 for the table. While I can appreciate the exclusivity factor and not having to be elbow-to-elbow with others, it seemed like a steep price.

Nonetheless, they sold all of their tables, so clearly there's a market for it.

I decided to forgo paying for a spot, and find our own luck.

We spent our night hopping between parties

My original plan was to check out all the parties, but I ended up closer to the Royal Promenade.

I started out with live music in the Pub, prior to the festivities officially kicking off.

The pub singer played a couple of sets, beginning at 6:30pm. Technically this wasn't one of the New Years Eve parties, but it set the tone.

After his set was done, we ventured out to to the Royal Promenade.

It wasn't busy at all, with just a small crowd around the band that was playing music at the center of it.

In fact, the Promenade never got truly busy until the 11pm hour.  I think most people were doing what I was doing up until then and roaming.

We found a spot in the Schooner Bar, which is one deck below the Royal Promenade.  There was no entertainment here, but there was full bar service and seats. Plus, I could run up to the Royal Promenade quite easily.

Once 11pm, things start to get serious with the party atmosphere.

On the Royal Promenade, the crowd really sets in and for those seeking a typical New Year's Eve celebration, this is what you'll get.

Lots of people together, ready to welcome in the new year.

The ship's entertainment staff is there to count it all down, and right at midnight the balloons are dropped and there's a massive eruption of cheers.

In all, I loved how easy it was to get in and out without any traffic, or real thought into what we needed to do. It was all there to enjoy.

If you want to celebrate New Year's Eve without fuss, I think this is the way to go

There's no doubt spending New Year's Eve on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was the right play for our family.

Partying on land is great, but it involves much more planning. Plus, I would never want to go to a city and do the ball drop experience. A cruise was the perfect approximation of what it's all about without the hassle.

The downside to booking a New Year's Eve cruise is you'll pay a higher price for a holiday sailing.

Bargain hunters will not find the price of a cruise over a major holiday palatable, but there's plenty of other people willing to pay it. Our ship was completely sold out, and clearly many opted to spend more on a reserved table for the party.

The simplicity of it all is what makes a cruise such an attractive vacation to begin with, and this holds true with a New Year's Eve cruise.

Several passengers are suing Royal Caribbean after one of the company's former crew members was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison for placing hidden cameras in guests' staterooms and secretly recording young children. 

Aronfeld Trial Lawyers filed the 30-page lawsuit in the U.S. Southern District of Florida in Miami on Thursday on behalf of 12 U.S. plaintiffs, as reported by CBS News. 

Arvin Joseph Mirasol, a cabin steward from the Philippines, was arrested in March after a passenger onboard Symphony of the Seas reported finding a concealed camera in their bathroom. The device was discovered when the guest reached under the sink to grab toilet paper. 

He was arrested when the ship returned to Port Everglades on March 3, 2024. Mirasol's electronics were seized, and authorities uncovered videos of child pornography dating back to Dec. 2023. 

In addition to the recordings, he would hide under guests' beds while they were in the shower. He also claimed to pleasure himself while watching videos during a post-Miranda interview, adding he "wants to control it...but can't."

Mirasol was convicted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in August, with U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian sentencing him to 30 years in prison. He also faces up to 15 charges of video voyeurism in Broward Circuit Court.

"The fact that many of the victims we represent still do not know if and how their images have been used or circulated is incredibly disturbing. Some of the plaintiffs are children - and once an image is on the internet it is there forever," said the plaintiffs' attorney Spencer Aronfeld in a news release.

Read more: Royal Caribbean crew member accused of hiding cameras to spy on guests

"We hope that RCCL will take full responsibility for the heinous and reprehensible conduct of its crewmember. And we hope that this lawsuit will motivate RCCL and the other major cruise lines to spend more effort screening their crewmembers so that this type of assault never happens again."

The law firm added that the plaintiffs have suffered "physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental and nervous disorders." 

The permanent and ongoing nature of the injuries has caused lasting harm. As a result, the plaintiffs seek a judgment for all damages allowable under the law, including punitive damages. 

Not the first lawsuit

In October, a Royal Caribbean guest, identified as Jane Doe, filed a class action lawsuit alleging that she was filmed by a hidden camera in her stateroom bathroom. 

The lawsuit accuses Mirasol of recording Doe "while undressed and engaged in private activities," and uploading images of Doe to the internet.

“Upon information and belief, Mirasol transmitted and/or uploaded images of the Plaintiff while undressed and engaging in private activities, to third parties and/or to the world wide web, including, but not limited to, the dark web, without Plaintiff’s prior knowledge or consent,” the complaint states. 

The lawsuit holds Royal Caribbean responsible for failing to provide sufficient security, training, or supervision to prevent sexual assaults. Additionally, it claims the cruise line didn't warn guests about the risk of such crimes and failed to notify passengers who stayed in staterooms serviced by Mirasol. 

The lawsuit suggests that as many as 960 passengers who sailed on Symphony of the Seas between December 1, 2023, and February 26, 2024, may have been affected by Mirasol's actions.

Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis Class ship based out of Florida

Symphony of the Seas currently sails from Miami, Florida, on 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. She's one of the largest cruise ships in the world, following Icon of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. 

The 228,081 gross registered ton ship will relocate to Cape Liberty, New Jersey, in April 2025, primarily offering itineraries to the Bahamas. However, she'll make two 9-night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean on April 30 and July 4. 

Guests can take advantage of one of four pools, an ice skating rink, a miniature golf course, an outdoor AquaTheater, more than 20 dining options, a zip-line, Broadway-style entertainment, and more. 

Read more: I stayed in a $1,400 stateroom on Symphony of the Seas

Ranking the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships often highlights the newest and biggest ships because of how many innovations and cool things there are to do onboard.

Voyager of the Seas is 25 years old, but remains a great family cruise experience and should not be overlooked.

I'm sailing with my family on Voyager of the Seas, and it's actually my very first time on this ship.  While I've sailed on plenty of Voyager Class ships over the years, this is the first time on one of Royal Caribbean's original game changers.

When Voyager of the Seas launched in 1999, it was the world's largest cruise ship.  It even had its own zip code because of how noteworthy it was at the time.

The 137,276-ton cruise ship ushered in the modern age of mega ships, and paved the way for significantly larger ships to follow.

Sailing from Florida after years being overseas

This is my first time ever sailing on Voyager of the Seas and the major reason I haven't been able to try this ship is because she was always based elsewhere.

For many years, Voyager was homeported in Australia and Asia. This meant it was just out of reach for me to sail on.

All cruise ships eventually get moved around, and Royal Caribbean shifted Voyager back to Florida for the 2024-2025 season.

Voyager arrived at her new homeport of Port Canaveral in December, and is offering 4- and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

Unlike Utopia of the Seas, Voyager's itineraries have a bit more variety to them.  Voyager will not only visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, but also Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Bimini.

For those that want more exotic locales, you'll get short cruises with varied ports on Voyager.

Water slides, shows, pools, and more

Ready for family fun on your cruise? Voyager of the Seas delivers on it.

Royal Caribbean spent $97 million in 2019 to enhance Voyager, bringing a few upgrades to the ship.

The list of changes include renovated cabins, two waterslides, a new spa, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, redesigned kids and teens spaces, and a new nursery for babies and toddlers.

It's quite noticeable how good the changes have been to the kids club spaces on Voyager. 

There's a nursery now on the ship, and Adventure Ocean has the same updated programming that you'll find on Wonder of the Seas or Icon of the Seas.

The most noticeable upgrade are the addition of racer waterslides, and every ship Royal Caribbean has added slides to has been a major win for families.

Even if you don’t usually go on waterslides, these new additions are worth a try.

Of course, Voyager has a few staples that are still crowd pleasers and have been for years, such as the rock climbing wall, ice rink, mini-golf area, and FlowRider.

There's also a few shows onboard, including a Broadway revue show in the Royal Theater and an ice skating performance. 

The shows are the perfect "dinner and a show" evening offering.

Plus, you'll find the usual assortment of evening entertainment, such as game shows, singers, musicians, and movies.

Nearly all the entertainment on Voyager is included in your cruise fare, which means there's plenty of ways to have a great day and evening without paying more for it.

Upgraded spaces too

It's worth noting how much of an overhaul the Vitality Spa received, as it's not usually an area of a cruise ship that gets a ton of work.

Royal Caribbean offers a large, purpose built spa on Voyager that is brand new. There's a more contemporary design to the waiting room and treatment rooms. Plus, there are so many ways to look out to the ocean while getting a treatment (assuming you can keep your eyes open).

If you're lucky enough to be staying in a suite, the suite lounge has a new look to it that matches Royal Caribbean's newest ship lounges.

Located on Deck 14 next to the Viking Crown Lounge, the suite lounge has a good look and better views.

Voyager of the Seas is probably cheaper than any of the newest ships

Speaking of value, one of the top reasons I was drawn to Voyager of the Seas is the price.

Compared to other ships, you're going to save a lot of money sailing on Voyager. New cruise ships always have a premium price tag, but Voyager is the perfect middle ground to avoid the sticker shock you get with Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, or Icon of the Seas.

Plus, Voyager offers a good assortment of family fun onboard. While you won't confuse Voyager for Icon, you aren't compromising on the variety of activities like you would if you opted for an even older cruise ship, such as Grandeur of the Seas.

Plus, you're getting varied itineraries too. Anytime you can find a short Caribbean cruise that goes somewhere other than The Bahamas, I'd consider that a good choice.

Every cruise line has an app, but Royal Caribbean's is by far the best one in the industry right now.

Whenever you're comparing apps, it's a subjective exercise. But I think Royal Caribbean's is so much better because of how many features they've rolled into it.

While the app has existed in various forms since 2017, a renewed focus and push to make the app really useful began in 2020 and has continued to today.

It's not a perfect app, but I think some of the features added over the last two years have really stood out from other lines.  And that's given the app separation from the pack, given how other cruise line apps lack so many of this functionality.

Royal Caribbean’s app is free to download for Apple and Android users - and it’s quickly become a must-have for cruising. 

From a streamlined onboarding process to improving the onboard cruise experience, here’s why Royal Caribbean’s app has become the gold standard of cruise technology.

1. So easy to plan everything before the cruise begins

One of the key features that sets Royal Caribbean’s app apart is its functionality prior to even stepping onboard your cruise ship. 

Before your vacation begins, you can use the Royal Caribbean app to plan excursions, purchase internet, reserve specialty dining and buy drink packages. This means you don't need to go online to the cruise planner, instead utilizing the app for quick purchases. This allows you to plan more conveniently from your phone, such as when you’re on the go and away from your computer.

In comparison, I find Norwegian Cruise Line’s app worthless before you sail onboard. Even with a recent refresh, many report constant glitches and freezing with attempting to pre-cruise plan. 

Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line’s app only redirects you from the app to the browser online for pre-boarding planning, making the app feel less functional.

2. A digital safety drill is inside the app

Embarkation day has greatly improved because of the eMuster with Royal Caribbean's app. 

Perhaps one of the least parts of cruising, all cruise passengers are required to complete a safety briefing under law before the ship can set sail. Gone are the days of crowding onto the promenade deck in the scorching heat for the mandatory muster drill. This painful safety drill never felt like the best way to start your vacation. 

Royal Caribbean revolutionized the way muster drills are conducted by incorporating the drill into its app. to Now, guests watch the pre-cruise safety video, hear the emergency horn sound and accept safety guidelines on Royal Caribbean’s app. 

Guests can complete the safety briefing at their convenience now, as long as all requirements are completed by a certain time on embarkation day (usually in the late afternoon). You have to visit your muster station in person once onboard, but you have a timeframe to complete this step.

3. It can get you into your cabin

Some of Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ships allow guests to unlock their staterooms with a digital key through the app. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, allow guests to use the app to unlock their stateroom. Although this functionality has been available in the hotel industry for a while, Royal Caribbean is one of the first cruise lines to integrate this technology. 

The digital key setup is straightforward and only requires three steps before you can start using the app for your stateroom key. This means you don’t need to fumble around a beach bag looking for your SeaPass card.

Also, some new ships allow guests to use the Royal Caribbean app in their stateroom. You can also use the Royal Caribbean app to control the stateroom TV, including streaming content from your phone directly to the TV. In addition, you can control the room temperature, lights and curtains in some staterooms.

4. Going "curb to bar" quickly

Boarding day can be hectic regardless of which cruise line you’re sailing with. Luckily, Royal Caribbean’s app provides easy access to check-in, upload security photos, complete the health questionnaire, scan your passport photo and generate a mobile boarding pass. You can also select your arrival times for embarkation.

Once you’re at the terminal for cruising, you can continue accessing your boarding pass within the app or download the pass to your phone’s wallet. 

Unlike Carnival Cruise Line, which still requires guests to print their boarding passes for embarkation day, Royal Caribbean’s app is much more convenient in this way.

5. Free chatting onboard

Another major perk of Royal Caribbean’s app is being able to chat with other guests during your cruise - for free! Starting in January 2023, Royal Caribbean announced that all guests could use the chat feature on its app as a complimentary perk moving forward. 

This allows for easy communication onboard the ship, especially when you're at sea and away from cell service. After all, internet on a cruise ship is still very expensive. Guests can chat with their travel group without needing to purchase internet access. On select ships, guests can also chat with Guest Services through the app, avoiding long lines at the desk

Other cruise lines, including both Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, charge each guest to access onboard chat while cruising. Carnival Cruise Line charges $5 per person to use their HUB app's chat feature. 

6. Future cruise planning

Not only does Royal Caribbean’s app provide an enhanced onboard experience, but you can also book future vacations! One of the newer features of Royal Caribbean’s app is the ability to plan a future cruise directly on your phone. With a new search functionality, prospective cruisers can easily look for their next cruise vacation. 

This feature makes it easy to plan your next cruise directly from your phone, avoiding the need to navigate a browser. You can even purchase gift cards in the app for your future cruise and have your new reservation booked with just a few clicks.

If you're sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can also take advantage of NextCruise deals without needing to visit the office on the ship. There's no better way to get over the post-cruise blues than booking your next sailing before disembarking!

7. See your photos without the crowd

Remember when cruise lines would print out every photo taken and display them in a gallery each evening? While some older vessels still use traditional photo galleries, Royal Caribbean’s app integrates digital photo capabilities for your sailing. The app provides extremely easy access to your professional photos taken during your cruise. 

While onboard, you will provide the photographer with your stateroom number after photos are taken. This will link the digital photos directly to your profile, which is accessible in your Royal Caribbean app. You can view all of the photos you’ve taken, along with downloading and purchasing photos on the app. Now, you don’t need to waste time combing through hundreds of photos of strangers to find your pictures!

8. Manage your loyalty status

Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program - the Crown and Anchor Society - is also accessible in the cruise line’s app for all loyalty members. Considering Royal Caribbean has one of the best rewards program for loyal cruisers, it's important to keep track of how many points you have and the benefits you're entitled to. 

First, cruisers can now enroll in the Crown and Anchor Society though Royal Caribbean’s app. This feature makes enrollment quick and convenient for newer cruisers. Directly on your phone, you can also view your current loyalty tier and associated benefits for the Crown and Anchor Society. The app also displays your total cruise points and number of cruise nights for quick access, so you can stay up-to-date on your status.

9. Book restaurants with a few clicks

One of the biggest highlights of cruising with Royal Caribbean is having so many dining options to choose from, including both complimentary and specialty restaurants. However, the larger the cruise ship, the more important it is to plan your dining reservations in advance. With more guests vying for reservations at the restaurants onboard, waiting until the last minute for making specialty dining reservations isn’t a good strategy.

The Royal Caribbean app allows you to browse onboard restaurants, reserve specialty dining, and schedule My Time Dining reservations. This can be especially helpful for those wanting to avoid a long line for My Time Dining in the main dining room each night.

Those who purchase a dining package, such as the Ultimate Dining Package, can also reserve all restaurants in Royal Caribbean's app as well. This latest update has been a highly-anticipated change, as many cruisers scrambled to make reservations on embarkation day.

10. Check out everything happening onboard

Before Royal Caribbean launched its app, the cruise line handed out daily schedules, known as the Cruise Compass. With the inception of the app, Royal Caribbean has essentially ditched the physical Cruise Compass (unless guests request one specifically) for its digital platform. The app allows you to browse daily activities, headliner showtimes, themed parties and more.

With Royal Caribbean’s app, guests are empowered to manage their cruise experiences and daily onboard activities. Cruisers can bookmark certain activities to create a custom, personalized schedule for each day. The app also sends 15-minute reminders for your bookmarked events, ensuring you won’t miss a thing.

11. See the menus to decide where you want to eat

While it may seem like a small detail, I love that I can see the menu in the Main Dining Room for every day of the cruise in advance.

Instead of having to wait to see the menu until you show up, you can access each menu for the duration of your sailing. 

The advantage here is being able to plan out when you want to skip the main dining room and book specialty restaurants instead. For instance, I plan to book our specialty dining on the evenings when the main dining room menus are less appealing. But, no one wants to miss lobster night in the dining room!

Although Carnival Cruise Line has the same feature for their app, Norwegian Cruise Line does does not provide nightly menus for their main dining room in their app. Instead, the evening menu is only available for viewing outside the restaurant, posted in the afternoon on the same day. This isn’t a huge issue, but it is a nuisance!

12. Book flights

Another feature that differentiates Royal Caribbean’s app from competitors is the ability to book flights for your upcoming sailings. Royal Caribbean’s app has a new feature to book flights directly in their app. The app also includes options for exploring transportation and lodging, though these redirect users to an online browser.

Air2Sea allows you to book flights for your cruise through Royal Caribbean. This provides additional assistance if issues arise with your travel, which can be helpful if you encounter unexpected travel challenges tying to get to and from the cruise port. 

Booking a cruise is undoubtedly exciting, but the thrill can quickly fade when you start thinking about all the planning involved. Before your vacation can begin, there are some important steps that all cruisers should take.

Although one of the perks of booking a cruise is having minimal logistics, some preparation is usually necessary. Theoretically, you could show up on embarkation day without any prior planning and still have a great time. However, this doesn’t mean you should plan to show up to the cruise terminal without doing some basic planning.

After booking your cruise, you may find the planning process a bit overwhelming. Modern cruise ships rival floating cities, bustling with thousands of other guests and offering endless options for things to do. Between excursion planning, airfare, dining reservations and more, there are many details to iron before setting sail.

After sailing on 50 cruises, I’ve learned that a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are 20 tried-and-true steps I always take before cruising to ensure my vacation is seamless and stress-free.

1. Verify travel documents

If you are planning a cruise, you should absolutely make sure you have the appropriate travel documents. Whether you are planning to cruise using your passport or your birth certificate (which is only allowed for certain sailings departing from the United States), confirming travel documentation is my top priority.

Double-check that your passport is not expiring within the next six months, which is often a requirement to visit other countries. If your passport is expired or expiring soon, you should start the process of applying for a new passport. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple months depending on the current backlog. 

Finally, confirm whether any visas are needed for your itinerary. For instance, my recent cruise from Sydney to Bali and Singapore required a tourist visa to visit Indonesia. If you’re sailing on a more exotic itinerary, this is especially important.

2. Book airfare, if needed

Some cruisers are lucky enough to live within driving distance of a cruise port; however, it’s not uncommon for vacationers to fly to their cruise embarkation port. However, you should always fly into your cruise port at least one day before departure to ensure you don’t encounter any delays or cancellations.

Most of my itineraries require airfare, so I usually look my flights shortly after reserving my cruise. I prefer to book further in advance to have the most options that align with my travel needs and the cruise schedule. 

3. Research itinerary and ports of call

As a destination-focused traveler, I extensively research every port of call on a cruise itinerary. I want to ensure my time in each port is maximized to the fullest, especially when I am on a tight schedule. For each port of call, I always spend time researching the top things to do in each destination to make sure I can see and do everything I want. 

For instance, some cruise ships will dock far from a city center, such as Le Havre, France or Civitavecchia, Italy. Le Havre is a port city that is advertised as the gateway to Paris while Civitavecchia is the closest port city to Rome, Italy. 

Without researching these ports of call, you might assume touring the famous cities of Rome and Paris are convenient and easy. However, Paris is more than two hours from Le Havre and Civitavecchia is one hour from the city of Rome.

4. Book cruise-line excursions

For any cruise, it’s important to look at the excursions offered by the cruise line. First, this can give you a good gauge on the top things to do in each port of call. Personally, I like to read the tour descriptions to see what each port has to offer, including which activities or attractions are feasible to visit from the port.

Second, I prefer to book excursions through the cruise line for certain destinations or itineraries. Cruise-sponsored excursions are convenient and provide a guaranteed return to the ship. Because of this, shore excursions through the cruise line can be very popular and sell out quickly.

It’s best to book your excursions as soon as possible, especially considering you can cancel your tour if you change your mind. The added flexibility and convenience of cruise line excursions is often worthwhile, in my opinion.

5. Prebook add-ons

In addition to excursions, it’s important to budget for other add-ons needed for your cruise. This could include drink packages, internet access, specialty dining reservations, spa treatments and other onboard experiences.

It’s usually best to prebook your add-ons before setting sail, as cruise lines offer pre-sailing discounts. Once onboard, you will often find higher prices for these add-ons (especially drink packages!).

6. Find a hotel for the night before

Because I usually need to fly to my embarkation port, I also need to book a hotel for the night before. Following the golden-rule of cruise travel, I always book a flight that arrives at least one night before my cruise embarks. If I am wanting to explore the embarkation port for longer, I will fly to the city a couple days in advance.

In this way, booking a pre-cruise hotel is one of my must-do items. You can book a hotel months in advance, and I prefer to secure my reservation using credit card points. The further in advance you can book a hotel, the more options you have for utilizing these redemptions.

7. Plan transportation to the port

After arriving to the embarkation city, you will also need to consider transportation to the cruise terminal. Sometimes this is easy and convenient, while other times require planning and research. If you are driving yourself to the cruise terminal, make sure you know where to park and how much you can expect to spend.

If you need to travel further, consider prearranging your transportation. This has proven useful in many occasions, especially for terminals located far from the city. Take into account how much luggage you’ll be traveling with as well.

For example, I’ve cruised from Southampton, England many different times for cruises. I always spend time in London before embarkation, which is about 80 miles from the Southampton cruise terminal. There are a few options for transportation, but I always book the direct train from London to Southampton beforehand.

8. Monitor pricing for a better deal or upgrade

Although this has become less common with increased prices and demand for cruising, I continue to monitor my booked cruises for better deals. If I find a cheaper cruise fare for my itinerary before final payment, I simply contact my travel agent and ask for a reprice. This has saved me thousands of dollars over the years!

If the final payment deadline has passed, you might be able to upgrade your cabin to a higher category. Even if I am unable to reprice my reservation, I’ve been able to upgrade my interior cabin to a balcony or suite when prices decreased closer to the sail date.

9. Check-in for cruise

It might seem obvious, but make sure you check-in for your cruise before heading to the terminal! Last year, I forgot to check-in for my cruise onboard Grandeur of the Seas before embarkation day. Although I was able to complete my check-in at the cruise terminal, this was a huge headache. 

I had to spend extra time confirming my documentation at the terminal, which delayed the start to my vacation! In addition, I had to confirm with guest services that my payment account was up-to-date onboard. Now, I always check-in for my cruise after receiving the reminder email from Royal Caribbean. This ensures I can choose the best arrival time for my schedule. I also find I am less likely to forget checking in for my cruise if I do this right after being reminded.

10. Confirm health requirements

Depending on your cruise itinerary, you might have health requirements that need to be met before embarkation. While most cruises in Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska do not typically have health requirements to consider, other destinations around the world do.

For example, you might need a Yellow Fever vaccine to visit certain countries around Africa or South America. Malaria medication might be recommended for cruises around Asia as well. Confirm you have proper documentation for any medication based on entry requirements for your itinerary as well. It’s best to check with your doctor about health requirements before your cruise begins, even if this simply entails routine vaccination.

11. Replenish my travel pharmacy

Speaking of health requirements, another thing I religiously do before cruising is replenish my travel pharmacy. Because onboard medication is expensive while cruising, it’s best to bring some over-the-counter medication onboard with you in case you need it. No one wants to think about getting sick on vacation, but even minor ailments can be a nuisance while cruising. 

For my travel pharmacy, I ensure I have everything from pain relief, antihistamines, seasickness medication and basic first aid necessities. I will pack a few extra doses for longer itineraries to make sure I don’t run low on any medication. It’s always best to be prepared for the worst case scenario, even if you don’t thing you will need it.

12. Print baggage tags

One must-do item that I tend to forget is printing baggage tags. Cruise lines will provide downloadable tags for you to print before arriving at the embarkation port. These are attached to your suitcases before handing your luggage to the cruise ship porters at the terminal.

The baggage tags are available either through the cruise planner or app. You print the tags and attach them to your suitcase using either tape, staples or a luggage tag holder. I prefer to use a luggage tag holder to keep my printed tags secure, minimizing the chance of the tag falling off.

13. Bring cash and small bills

Cruise ships are essentially cashless for purchases, but I always make sure I pack some cash before setting sail. This also includes smaller $1 bills for tips, which I often provide to the bar tenders throughout the cruise. In addition, I prefer giving cash tips to my cabin stewards and dining room waiters on the final day of the cruise.

Moreover, cash is sometimes needed throughout your sailing in different ports of call. Although credit cards are widely accepted, you shouldn’t be cashless while traveling. Having some cash on hand can be necessary for transportation or souvenir purchases.

14. Download Royal Caribbean app

The cruising experience on Royal Caribbean is almost entirely digitalized now in the post-pandemic era. Everything from the muster drill to daily schedules can be found on the app while cruising. Royal Caribbean’s app is very handy for not only the onboard experience, but also before you set sail. While some cruise lines only have apps that are usable onboard, Royal Caribbean’s app is a good resource for your cruise planning as well. 

You can see the deck plans, dining reservations, excursions and more when using Royal Caribbean's app. Therefore, I highly recommend adding the app to your phone before cruising. Royal Caribbean’s app is available to download in the iTunes Store for Apple products or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

15. Make dining reservations

When sailing on larger cruise vessels, such as Oasis or Quantum class ships, I always make sure I reserve specialty dining before embarkation. With so many people sailing onboard these bigger ships, specialty dining reservations can be hard to come by after boarding. These restaurants fill up quickly, so I want to make sure I can secure a booking that works for my schedule.

Also, it’s easy to change reservations once you’re onboard your cruise if you need to. I’ve had to adjust specialty dining bookings after embarkation, and it’s never been an issue. Although you might not have many options for time slots, you do have flexibility onboard.

16. Start packing list

After taking 50 cruises, I consider myself an expert cruise packer. I have my go-to cruise outfits and essentials, including cabin must-haves. Even still, I prefer to make a list of everything that I want to remember to pack for my cruise. This is especially important if I am sailing on a port-intensive itinerary or a longer cruise to a new destination.

In the notes app on my phone, I create a simple packing list of the essentials that I cannot forget to pack for my cruise. Everything from electronics to chargers and passports are typically on my packing list. 

17. Check the weather

In the same manner, I also religiously check the weather before packing anything for my cruise. Although the Caribbean and Mediterranean are typically sunny and warm, other destinations around the world are less predictable.

For example, Alaska cruising can bring blistering cold weather or clear sunshine on a beautiful day. I don’t want to pack the wrong attire for the climate, so monitoring the weather gives me a good idea of what to pack. Packing appropriately is essential for a smooth cruising experience - and preparing for a variety of weather changes can ensure you are prepared for anything.

18. Watch itinerary-specific YouTube videos

I’ve visited many popular cruising destinations over the years, including Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska and Canada. However, if I am sailing to a new destination, I find YouTube to be an excellent resource for planning.

YouTube is full of useful, first-hand experiences for cruisers. This is especially true for more unique destinations, such as my upcoming cruise to India and Sri Lanka next year. Many different creators and local experts share practical tips for travelers and cruisers on YouTube. I find these videos help me set my expectations appropriate for my upcoming cruise, allowing me to plan more efficiently.

19. Join the Facebook group

Most itineraries have a dedicated group on Facebook to join. By searching your cruise ship and specific sail date, you can request to join these groups before cruising. These groups are very resourceful and allow cruisers to connect before setting sail.

The Facebook groups provides a place for cruisers to share tips and updates, along with asking questions about your specific sailing. Some cruisers will even plan meetups for their upcoming cruise!

20. Allocate enough time to pack

Last-minute packing can be very overwhelming for some people. I prefer to pack the weekend before my cruise to be certain that I have enough time to pack everything I need. I do not want to be rushed while packing, as this often leads to forgotten items and unnecessary stress.

Generally speaking, packing usually takes me longer than I anticipate. For longer itineraries with varying climate, such as my 12-night cruise to Iceland last summer, I easily spend four to five hours packing. Waiting until the last minute or running out of time only leads to more stress right before your vacation.

Last year, Royal Caribbean canceled excursions to the popular Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau following a deadly boating incident. Having resumed operations, I booked a tour to Blue Lagoon Island on a recent sailing aboard Allure of the Seas to see how things had changed and whether safety measures had been improved. 

On November 14, 2023, a water taxi filled with cruise passengers en route to Blue Lagoon Island encountered rough seas. Due to the intake of water, the shuttle boat capsized and killed one guest. Thankfully, the shuttle was in shallow waters and didn't completely submerge. 

As a result of the fatal incident, Royal Caribbean canceled excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, and the island closed to undergo various inspections and reviews of its fleet of vessels, excursion policies, staff training protocols, and other safety operations. 

The Bahamas Port Authority approved reopening the island in January 2024. However, Royal Caribbean's suspension lasted through March 2024 while the company performed its own investigation. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cancels excursions to Blue Lagoon Island following deadly incident

Since I booked my 4-night Bahamas cruise at the last minute, the excursion to Blue Lagoon Island was pricey at $114.40 per person. However, if you purchase the tour in advance through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner, you can snag a much better deal at around $71 per person.

Our meeting time was 10:30am, so we weren't in a rush to get off the ship. Instead, my dad and I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the Main Dining Room before making our way to the assigned location. 

This was my first time purchasing a beach excursion in Nassau. I usually avoid them due to their high costs. After my time at Blue Lagoon Island, I'm even more excited for Royal Caribbean to open the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Even if the price point is similar, the all-inclusive amenities at the Royal Beach Club will make it well worth the cost compared to places like Blue Lagoon Island. 

Read more: I paid $830 for a cheap last-minute cruise on Allure of the Seas

Hectic check-in

As we made our way to the Zone 1 meeting spot, we were met by hordes of other passengers waiting to check in for the excursion to Blue Lagoon Island. At first, it was hard to figure out where we were supposed to go, as there seemed to be a lot of confusion. 

Two groups were meeting at the same time—one for the Deluxe Beach Break and the other for the Dolphin Encounter. Once Royal Caribbean crew members stepped in and created two distinct lines, we finally checked in with one of the Blue Lagoon Island employees and got our wristbands and meal vouchers. 

Around 10:50am, we started heading towards the tender boats. Knowing what happened one year before, I was a little anxious. However, the staff members were attentive and gave clear instructions. 

Safety briefing

The 30-minute ferry ride to Blue Lagoon Island departed at 11:05am. 

Shortly after leaving, the crew conducted a safety briefing, informing guests where the life jackets were and demonstrating how to use them. They also asked if anyone would like to wear one during the ride. 

It was smooth sailing on the way there, though my dad laughed at their song choices. He didn't think "Sweet Home Alabama" fit the vibe of a boat ride to an island in the Bahamas!

Beautiful beach but not enough umbrellas

By the time we got there, most of the chairs and umbrellas close to the arrival area were taken by earlier groups. While the beach isn't massive, fewer umbrellas are available as you trek further down the shoreline, so we had to walk a bit to find a spot with some shade—a necessity for someone who burns as easily as I do. 

My dad and I initially settled on two seats that weren't directly in the sun. However, he decided that wasn't good enough and began hunting for a stray umbrella, as a few were lying on the ground. Another cruiser helped him find one and carried it back to our seats. 

We were grateful for the help, and once the umbrella was set up, the shade made all the difference. Since there was just one departure time back to Nassau, we were worried that without an umbrella, we would end up baking in the sun and overheating. 

The spot was comfortable enough for my dad to take a quick nap while I ventured into the chilly waters. However, we both agreed that if we were to return with a later arrival time, we'd likely spend the extra money on a clamshell, rather than waste time trying to find a shaded spot. 

The setup of the beach area reminded me more of Carnival's Half Moon Cay than Perfect Day at CocoCay, where umbrellas are plentiful. Half Moon Cay, however, charges guests $35 per umbrella, so they're scarcely seen on the beach. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay vs Carnival's Half Moon Cay

Having finally gotten situated around noon, it was time for lunch before we knew it

Lunch worked differently than at the cruise line private islands I've visited. To help control crowds, the ships were assigned different dining times. Allure of the Seas, along with Carnival Dream and MSC Meraviglia, were scheduled to eat from 12:00pm-1:30pm, while some ships, like Carnival Conquest, dined as early as 10:00am. 

As we were waiting in line, an employee collected our meal ticket, which was included in the excursion's cost. The cafeteria-style options at the Shifting Tides Restaurant featured a selection of cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, Bahamian peas and rice, and corn on the cob. There was also a toppings and condiments station, along with garden salad and green beans. 

The restaurant also had à la carte options for those who booked a tour that didn't include lunch—think chips & queso ($12.60), crispy chicken wraps ($19.80), fish & chips ($21.60), and Caesar salads ($14.40). However, since our $230+ excursion included lunch, we opted for the cafeteria-style offerings. 

The cheeseburger was surprisingly tasty. It's exactly what you'd expect at a beachside grill. The BBQ chicken was another solid option. The chicken was juicy and coated with a tangy yet sweet barbeque sauce. That said, I wasn't a fan of the overly cooked corn on the cob—it was too mushy for my liking. 

When we checked in for the excursion, we were given a drink ticket that we were excited to redeem for a tropical beverage during lunch. Unfortunately, we learned it was only valid for watered-down iced tea, fruit punch, or lemonade in the dining pavilion. 

Other non-alcoholic drinks, including water, were an extra cost. For example, a bottle of Dasani water was priced at $5.50, while sodas were $3.60 each. 

Other activities 

My dad and I finished lunch around 12:45pm. With about two more hours on the island, we returned to our shaded oasis for a little bit before deciding to explore the other amenities. 

The turquoise water was so inviting that I couldn't resist dipping my toes in for a while. However, the sand was rough and gritty, so I'd recommend bringing a good pair of flip-flops or water shoes! Also, don't forget a towel from your cruise ship and plenty of sunscreen.

Once we were finished with the beach, we wandered into the souvenir stores and tried a local hot sauce. Then, we ventured to the animal exhibits, watching people swim with dolphins and interact with sea lions. 

If spending all day lounging in a beach chair isn't your thing, you can pay for a water activity upon arrival, including a snorkeling kit ($20), kayak and paddle board ($20 for 30 minutes), or the floating aqua park ($20 for all day access). 

Want to do it all? Consider the Junkanoo Pass, which includes all the water sports activities for $30 or $45 depending on which excursion you booked. Adults can also upgrade to the adults-only beach for $65 per person. 

Other activities at Blue Lagoon Island include hair braiding, henna art, and a beach volleyball court. There's also complimentary Wi-Fi. 

The speed was what you'd expect with hundreds of people on a small island. It would randomly cut out at times, such as when I was trying to check in for my flight home. 

It served its purpose; however, I wouldn't necessarily rely on it for anything. The further down the shoreline you go, the more spotty it gets. It was nice to have included Wi-Fi while ashore, though. 

Return shuttle 

Allure of the Seas' return taxi was scheduled to begin boarding at 3:00pm with plans to depart the island at 3:15pm. However, we noticed guests lining up around 2:40pm. The staff let us begin boarding early, and we were on our way back to the cruise ship piers at 3:00pm on the dot. 

Thankfully, the ride back was smooth and uneventful. Like on the way to Blue Lagoon Island, the crew conducted another safety briefing to ensure guests knew where the lifejackets were located and where to disembark in the event of an emergency. 

While the calm turquoise waters were beautiful, I wouldn't spend over $100 on another excursion to Blue Lagoon Island

Despite the reassuring safety measures, the high cost of the excursion was hard to justify. In the end, I felt a little ripped off; however, that's partly because I booked the tour at the last minute without any discounts—$70 feels much more reasonable for what the Deluxe Beach Break offers! 

In the end, I wish my dad and I had considered an all-inclusive beach day. The Warwick Paradise Island, for example, offers inclusive day passes for $125 each. Similarly, Breezes Resort has a pass for just $100 per person. 

While guests are responsible for their own transportation, the price includes access to all food and drinks, which feels like a much better value for the money. 

Royal Caribbean's after-Christmas sale might be your best chance to get in on a holiday deal before they all run out.

While everyone focuses on Black Friday, there are ample deals to be had as the calendar winds down.

The good news is the New Years Sale has some discounts that are just as good as they were during Black Friday.  It's not quite as lucrative, but we're seeing lower prices again and it might be the time to jump on it.

Here's what to expect with Royal Caribbean's New Year's sale.

Cruise favorites on sale

Finding a good cruise deal is what some people relish, and I'm not one to mock that.  Finding a good deal is such a good feeling!

Here's a breakdown of what's being offered. Keep in mind there are terms and conditions that apply, and you should refer to them before booking.

Let's begin with the holiday sale happening right now on pre-cruise purchases.

The New Year's Sale runs runs on Cruise Planner and app purchases made through January 2, 2025.

You'll find discounts on cruises that depart between December 23, 2024 - December 31, 2025. 

• Beverage: Up to 40% off
  • Evian Water Package: 40% off onboard prices.
  • Classic Soda Package: 30% off onboard prices.
  • Refreshment Package: Discount varies by ship.
  • Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.

• Shore Excursions: Up to 50% off
  • Shorex: Discount varies by ship.
  • Select Tours on ports Phillipsburg, St. Maarten & Port Vila, Vanuatu: Up to 50% Off
  • Labadee Aquatics: 40% off onboard prices
  • Wynwood Walls and Art Walking Tour: 10% off onboard prices

• Internet: Up to 30% Off
  • VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.

• Dining: Up to 40% Off
  • Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 14N sailings: Discount varies by ship.
• Spa: Up to 30% Off Select Times
• Photo Packages: Up to 65% Off
  • Photo Packages from 5 - 100 Photos: Discount varies by ship.
  • Private Photo Session: 60% off onboard prices
• Gifts & Gear: Up to 35% Off
  • All Gifts & Gear products (except Inky Beach Towel): 20% off onboard prices
  • Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe): 35% off onboard prices

• Onboard Activities: Up to 30% off
  • All Access Ship tour: 20% off onboard prices
  • Observatorium: 20% off onboard prices
  • Mission Control Apollo 18: 20% off onboard prices
  • Escape the Rubicon: 20% off onboard prices
  • EscapeU: Freshman Year: 20% off onboard prices
  • RipCord by iFLY Two Minute Experience
  • North Star Extended Experience: Discount varies by ship.
  • FlowRider Private Lesson: Discount varies by ship.
  • FlowRider Group Lesson: Discount varies by ship.
  • EscapeU: Freshman Year: 20% off onboard prices

Even if you've already bought one of these items, you can take advantage of the lower prices.

If the price is lower, you can cancel and rebook the add-on with no penalty up to 48 hours before your cruise date.

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.

Up to $600 off a new cruise booking

If you're thinking about booking a new cruise, there's discounts on that too.

The Weekend Savings sale adds instant savings on cruises booked, up to $600.

Weekend Savings applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 27 – 30, 2024 on sailings departing on or after December 28, 2024, and provides an instant savings per stateroom, varying by stateroom category booked, sailing length as follows:  

• 5 nights or less
  • $75 USD for Inside and Ocean View
  • $150 USD for Balconies
  • $300 USD for Suites
• 6 nights or longer
  • $150 USD for Interior and Ocean View
  • $225 USD for Balconies
  • $600 USD for Suites

It's combinable with the BOGO60 deal too.

BOGO60 applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 10 – January 2, 2025, on sailings departing on or after December 11, 2024, and provides 60% off the cruise fare of the second guest booked in the same stateroom as the first, full fare paying guest, as well as 30% off any additional guests booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guest.

Kids Sail Free is also combinable, and it applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 10 – January 2, 2025, on select sailings 3 nights and longer departing on or after December 11, 2024, and provides $0 cruise fare for additional guest 12 years old and younger as of the departure date booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guests. 

Kids Sail Free excludes all sailings departing on or during any of the following dates November 22 - 29, 2024; December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025; March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025; May 22 – August 29, 2025; November 20 - 28, 2025; December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026; March 6 – April 9, 2026; May 21 – September 4, 2026; November 19 – 27, 2026; December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027; March 5 – April 1, 2027 Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 16 – September 12, 2025; May 15 – September 11, 2026; Anthem of the Seas sailings departing November 21 – December 28, 2024 and Chinese New Year on Anthem of the Seas departing January 27, 2025.

Happy New Year! Before we pop champagne and toast to a better year next year, we have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share.

Royal Caribbean had an amazing 2024, and its CEO celebrated just how good a year it has been.

Michael Bayley is the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and shared a holiday greeting summing up everything the cruise line did to make it an incredible year.

From launching two new ships, to announcing a new private beach day, to other firsts, Mr. Bayley is very proud of how good this year has been.

Royal Caribbean News

• These were the 5 cleanest Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year, according to the CDC
• More cruises to Puerto Rico cancelled, with no update yet on when it will get fixed
• The cruise ship safety drill could be even faster and better with important changes, inventor says
• Are last-minute cruises cheaper?
• 6 tips for the best time to buy Royal Caribbean 
• Caribbean island is hiking port fees for cruise ship passengers
• After 17 cruises in 2024, these are the best things I did on Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year

Video: How much I tip everyone on a cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — How much I tip everyone on a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean perfected the sports court, solving the top reason I always avoided them

There are sports courts on every cruise ship, but the SeaPlex is the only sports court Matt will visit.

Sports courts on cruise ships have been around for a while, but the Quantum Class ships have a different take on it, and the difference is significant.

Between climatizing the space, integrating a sports bar, and offering more activities than ever, the SeaPlex is so much more enjoyable.

Best first-time cruise destinations

Is there are a better cruise to take if it's your first cruise than another?

After cruising for decades, it seems clear certain sailings are a better choice than others for someone that has never been on a cruise ship.

Whether it's because of the destination, length, or ship choice, there are certain itineraries that are best for first-time cruisers.

What surprised me staying in Royal Caribbean's biggest suites

When you book one of the biggest suites on a cruise ship, you expect lots of space, but there are a few surprises too.

Matt sailed in some of the biggest suites you can book this year, and there were a few takeaways he wasn't expecting.

While these rooms are far from cheap, they include top tier service and you'll want to take full advantage of everything offered.

How a balcony cabin on 5 ships differs

Balcony cabins are the most popular cruise ship room category, but they can be different from each other.

Royal Caribbean offers sub-categories of balcony rooms that mix up the amenities, size, and location.

While the core experience is the same across them all, one stood out as being the best value.

As the start of your cruise gets closer, you're probably looking at shore excursions, but is there a best time frame to book?

The ports of call your ship visits will offer a variety of tours that can be booked through the cruise line or with an independent party. There are limited spots in each of these tours, and prices can vary considerably.

Just like a retail purchase, you might be concerned booking too early and not getting the lowest price.  Or wait too long, and it will be sold out.

Having taken dozens of cruises, I've seen the dynamic shift with when to book a tour.  In fact, the region you cruise to can often dictate how early you need to book an excursion.

When it comes to booking a Royal Caribbean shore excursion, you'll want to be opportunistic about when you book it.

The best time to book an excursion is as early as you can

If there's one mantra to remember about when to book a shore excursion, it's the earlier you can book, the better.

Shore excursions sell out quite commonly, so the earlier you book, the less the chance the tour you want to do will not be available.

Royal Caribbean's tours are all fully refundable, so that means you can book a tour six months before your cruise and then change your mind up until the sailing to get a refund.

Moreover, you can take advantage of a price drop later by cancelling and rebooking.  In short, there's little risk with booking a shore excursion very early because you can change your mind later.

You should book a shore excursion in the Caribbean about 3-5 months before your cruise begins, but there's no risk with booking even earlier.

If you're booking an independent excursion not sold through the cruise line, review their cancellation terms. Most will allow a refund as long as you don't try to cancel at the last minute.

It's even more important to book early in Europe or Alaska

If you're taking a bucket list cruise to Europe or Alaska, I cannot stress enough the importance of booking a tour early.

It's been my experience cruisers headed to far flung destinations are more eager to book tours than in the Caribbean.

It could be because of the unfamiliarity with the region, or plain excitement for something different, but I've observed Royal Caribbean shore excursions sell out quicker in these regions.

It's equally important to note not to overlook third party tours in Alaska or Europe.  Many times the exact same tour seen on Royal Caribbean's website is sold through various companies.

Regardless of where you book, I'd advocate getting a head start and booking your excursions for Alaska or Europe at least 4-6 months early.  In fact, booking a Royal Caribbean excursion 6-9 months in advance is probably a safer bet to avoid disappointment if it were to sell out.

Be sure to check out our list of recommended tours for each port in Alaska.

Waiting to book on the ship is probably a mistake

Thanks to the proliferation of the Royal Caribbean app and improvements made to its website, more cruisers are booking excursions earlier and in greater numbers.

If you wait to book an excursion on your ship, you're probably making a mistake because of how much will be sold out.

Cabanas at Royal Caribbean's private island will be almost certainly sold out, as will day passes to the waterpark and elevated beach club.

Even if it's not sold out, you will pay more on the ship because the cruise line offers pre-cruise discounts. Once you're onboard, it's too late to take advantage of those sales and you'll pay full price.

Royal Caribbean has a lot of sales

Booking a shore excursion early will not only lock in a spot, but probably save you money too.

There are sales almost every week, and deeper discounts offered on some holidays too.  While it's arguable how lucrative any one sale is, you will save money booking a shore excursion on the Royal Caribbean website instead of waiting to book it onboard.

The best Royal Caribbean sale of the year is likely Black Friday, because it's when the biggest discounts are typically offered.  

While I don't deny there are good deals on Black Friday, I wouldn't wait for November to book a shore excursion.  

Instead, book your tour as early as you can and then check again if the price has gone down during any one sale, including Black Friday.

Third-party tours tend to sell out later

If you miss the boat on that perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion, you might find the same one or better through a third party.

Independent shore excursions are a great alternative to going through the cruise line, but you'll need to do your own vetting process.

In my experience, the tours sold through independent agents or the tour operator itself take longer to sell out.  That's because it's not as easy or simple to track down by cruisers.

Moreover, there are many more third party excursion options out there. 

That isn't to say you can wait until a few weeks before your cruise to book a shore excursion. I would recommend booking your tours early.  In fact, if you're going to Alaska or Europe, I would still stick to booking at least 4-6 months early as a rule of thumb.

If you're totally late on booking a shore excursion, booking an independent tour might be your best option.

One other option is a free shore excursion, which have no cost but a tip for the guide is expected.

I tried one of these in Spain and it was far better than I ever expected.

Don't overlook a DIY excursion

It's easy to assume you should book an organized tour as your de facto option, but in many ports you might be better off without an organized tour.

If your ship is docked in a city, you can easily explore without a guide.  There are so many guide books, Google Maps, and YouTube videos explaining the best spots to see, that you can easily do something on your own.

Before you book a tour, you might consider going on your own as an alternative.

In addition, if you're late booking tours and not finding many options, going it alone might be your last option.  With a little research, you can easily find something to do.

Cruise ships are regularly inspected to ensure they are maintaining a healthy and safe environment, with five Royal Caribbean ships getting a perfect score.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts random inspections of cruise ships and shares their findings with the public. 

The purpose is to ensure cruise lines meet the standards expected of them and to mitigate the chances someone would get sick on a ship, somewhat similar to how restaurants and supermarkets are inspected.

Traveling on cruise ships exposes guests to new environments, communal spaces, and high volumes of other people, all of which can exacerbate the risk of illness.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) gives each cruise ship a rating on a scale of 0-100 once the inspection is complete.

As 2024 comes to a close, the CDC revealed 27 cruise ships got a perfect sanitation score.

In 2024, the CDC conducted a total of 151 inspections and most scored a 95 or better. Of those, 29 were Royal Caribbean ships.

Five Royal Caribbean ships earned a perfect score this year:

• Mariner of the Seas: Inspected 10/28/2024
• Jewel of the Seas: Inspected 9/28/2024
• Serenade of the Seas: Inspected 9/10/2024
• Radiance of the Seas: Inspected 7/21/2024
• Brilliance of the Seas: Inspected 5/16/2024

Interestingly enough, this list is comprised of the entire Radiance Class of ships, with just Mariner of the Seas being a Voyager Class ship.

What were the scores for the other Royal Caribbean ships?

There's a good chance you're wondering how the rest of the fleet did, besides these five perfect scores.

The good news is every Royal Caribbean ship passed (a score of 85 or lower is unsatisfactory), with Adventure of the Seas coming in with the lowest score of 89.

You should also be aware that after each inspection, crew members respond to the results and offer corrective actions to remedy the issues inspectors found.

The end result is a cleaner cruise ship.

Inspection scores don't tell the whole story

Remember, non-perfect scores don't mean an unhealthy or unsafe ship.

The CDC's inspections and VSP scores are important, but not the only factor in ensuring a cruise ship is clean.

Cruise ships are also mindful of the impact that bad news and excessive press about sickness can have. Royal Caribbean wants its guests to be healthy and enjoy their cruise enough to sail again.

Every vessel, no matter its VSP score, features several health awareness tactics and oversight of outbreak prevention.

Guests on Royal Caribbean ships will spot hand-washing stations, free hand sanitizer, health awareness signs, and even crew members reminding guests to clean their hands.

If guests do fall sick, Royal Caribbean has a series of health protocols to prevent further infection, no matter the source.

This program, implemented in 2023, includes six tenants:

1. Stop buffet self-service if the onboard norovirus rate exceeds 1.5%
2. More crew training on acute GI symptoms and avoiding cross-contamination
3. More GI training for onboard medical teams
4. Increased oversight of the Outbreak Prevention Plan
5. Switching to PDI SaniCloth Prime hospital-grade disinfectant wipes, which carry a claim against norovirus (Contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use)
6. Contactless tap technology, so crew members don't have to handle SeaPass cards