Royal Caribbean Blog

After suddenly canceling over two dozen cruises, Royal Caribbean has revealed plans to redeploy its popular Freedom of the Seas cruise ship in 2027. 

Initially, guests booked on the canceled sailings were given a broad explanation, with the cruise line saying that the changes were part of their ongoing itinerary planning process, which can require "flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs."

The shift will see the 3,926-passenger vessel move away from voyages to The Bahamas and the Caribbean from Miami, and instead focus on a new lineup of European sailings, as first reported by Cruise Critic.  

This reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry, with demand for Northern European voyages to destinations such as the United Kingdom and Ireland at an all-time high. 

The move will complete a three-year rollout of all Freedom Class ships sailing from Southampton, which began with Independence of the Seas in 2025. Liberty of the Seas will sail from Southampton in 2026, followed by Freedom of the Seas taking over in 2027.

"The UK & Ireland is an incredibly important market for Royal Caribbean, and as a result, we’re excited to announce that we'll be upsizing our Southampton deployment in 2027 with Freedom of the Seas, following our long-standing success here with this class of ship," said Aaron Langford, Senior Sales Director UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean. 

"Freedom Class has consistently resonated strongly with British and Irish guests, and following a recent amplification, Freedom of the Seas offers a fantastic mix of scale, innovation, and guest-favourite features that deliver the ultimate family holiday," he added. 

European cruises on Freedom of the Seas are not yet available for booking. As of Monday, March 30, May through September 2027 remain greyed out on the website's calendar. 

Based on this year's Liberty of the Seas schedule, itineraries are likely to visit ports of call like Hamburg, Germany; Bruges/Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium; Bilbao, Spain; Vigo, Spain; Olden, Norway; and more. 

Freedom of the Seas fast facts

Freedom of the Seas is the namesake ship of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class. When launched in May 2006, she was the world's largest cruise ship. Today, of course, that record is held by massive Icon Class vessels. 

Freedom of the Seas measures 156,271 gross tons, is 1,111 feet long, and can accommodate 3,926 passengers at double occupancy. Overall, she's a solid mid-sized cruise ship that offers a great balance of amenities at a reasonable price point. 

Highlights include a Caribbean-themed pool deck, Perfect Storm water slides, Splashaway Bay, FlowRider surf simulator, a non-smoking casino, Lime and Coconut bar, Social003 teens-only hangout, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and Izumi Hibachi.

Following her 2027 seasonal stint in Europe, Freedom of the Seas is expected to return to Miami in October and offer various itineraries, including:

• 4-Night Western Caribbean Holiday to Costa Maya, Mexico
• 5-Night Perfect Day & Caribbean Cruise to CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti
• 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise to Labadee, Haiti; Samaná, Dominican Republic; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
• 9-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise to Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas

Read more: After 3 sailings on Freedom of the Seas, I’m convinced this ship offers the best value Royal Caribbean has to offer

Royal Caribbean is making its next Icon Class ship bigger and bolder, with some serious new changes.

Hero of the Seas, the fourth Icon Class ship, will set sail from Miami in August 2027, the cruise line announced on Monday. This will be the biggest cruise ship in the world when she debuts and offer new activities and experiences.

One takeaway from the early announcement is Royal Caribbean wants to offer even more to families to experience together.  While the majority of the ship is similar to other Icon Class ships, the big changes speak to the family cruise vacation.

"With more water, more thrills and more choices for all ages, we’re continuing to build on what our guests love about Royal Caribbean and delivering the experiences families are looking for when vacationing together," said the line's CEO Michael Bayley.

Here’s what guests can expect.

When will Hero of the Seas debut?

The ship will launch in August 2027.

Its homeport will be Miami, Florida.

Bookings open on April 1. 

Royal Caribbean says Crown and Anchor members can book on April 1 and the public can do so on April 2, but it's been our experience bookings are available for everyone on April 1st. The difference is bookings get publicized on April 2nd.

What's new coming to Hero of the Seas?

More pools, with a shift towards lounging

Royal Caribbean is never content with rolling out copies of its ships. They look for opportunities to improve and push forward.

Hero of the Seas will lean more into the "resort at sea" vibe. Don't worry, there's plenty of thrills too.

There will be 9 pools in total, making it the ship with the most at sea.  But the real change is how these pools will be used.

A new pool concept will be Coconut Cove, that has in-water loungers and chill Caribbean bar energy.

The Hideaway (adults-only area) is being upgraded to have a second pool.  Plus, it will have the largest swim-up bar at sea and an in-water DJ booth.

The waterpark is getting a new headline attraction

Category 6 waterpark has been notable for how big it is since debuting on Icon of the Seas, but it's getting even bigger on Hero.

Royal Caribbean is adding its first-ever funnel raft slide at sea. Plus, there will be new twists on the mat-racing Storm Chasers duo.

Both slides are the kind of water slides families can enjoy together, which is something the cruise line has heard its guests prefer over solo body slides.

Dining gets more experiential

Dining is evolving yet again with Hero of the Seas, as the ship will have 28 dining venues.  But the amount of places to eat isn't the whole story.

The New Orleans Parish Supper Club is a jazz experience that combines with a Cajun/Creole tasting menu.

There will be an immersive train car experience on Hero of the Seas. Royal Caribbean neglected to mention what the theme or motif will be yet.

Something else new coming to Hero are hands-on cooking classes in a new venue to be revealed. 

It will be located in the Surfside neighborhood where "families of all ages can learn kitchen skills together, from fun recipes for little ones to more advanced courses focused on chopping and baking."

Introducing the Ultimate Family Treehouse

Royal Caribbean is looking to outdo itself yet again with an over-the-top suite.

The Ultimate Family Treehouse is 3 stories and features a rooftop terrace and private whirlpool, a two-deck teen space, and two main bedrooms each with their own bathroom and balcony.

The suite has direct access to Surfside.

What else can guests expect?

One truth about any new Royal Caribbean ship is the cruise line is never content to let any be carbon copies of each other.

Even when you get past the headline-generating changes for Hero, this new ship will likely bring more of what people already love about the Icon Class.

The Icon Class ships have been developed to be the biggest, boldest ships at sea. Icon of the Seas raised the bar for the entire vacation industry, and Hero of the Seas will refine it.

Instead of trying to outdo itself with entirely new concepts, Royal Caribbean is clearly doubling down on what worked and smoothing out what didn't.

The shift towards shared experiences is a key takeaway. The addition of family raft slides, cooking classes, and more group-friendly activities signals a move away from individual “wow” moments and toward things families can actually do together.

At the same time, Hero doesn’t abandon what made Icon Class successful in the first place. The core formula is still here: a mix of waterpark-style thrills, resort-style relaxation, and a long list of dining and entertainment choices. But instead of reinventing the wheel, Royal Caribbean is fine-tuning it.

For cruisers, that likely means a more predictable experience in a good way. If you liked Icon of the Seas, Hero looks like it will deliver more of what you already enjoy, with fewer trade-offs.

There's another cruise ship debuting first

While Hero of the Seas is grabbing a lot of attention, it's not the next new Royal Caribbean ship in line to arrive.

Legend of the Seas debut this summer as the third ship in the Icon Class. In many ways, Legend will act as the bridge between what guests have already seen on Icon of the Seas and the refinements coming with Hero.

Legend will debut in Europe first, and then come to the United States in November.

This new ship will have a Hollywood-themed supper club, offer brand new shows like America’s Got Talent and Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

Royal Railway Legend Station will be on the ship to become the first Icon Class ship to offer the immersive train restaurant before Hero.

Let's welcome spring with Royal Caribbean! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

On Star of the Seas, connecting rooms have a new option for making these rooms perfect, even if you don't know the person on the other side.

Connecting cabins are traditionally cruise rooms we don't recommend, but that has changed.

Matt tried out a set of these staterooms on his spring break cruise, and it's definitely a smart fix.

Royal Caribbean News

• Miami's cruise ship traffic problem is so bad, but there's a new plan to fix it
• Royal Caribbean glitch sends out "Welcome Aboard" emails over and over again
• Cruise ship requests blood donors from guests during middle of the night
• US issues "worldwide caution" alert to travelers
• You could be seated with strangers on a cruise. How to avoid it
• Yes, you can share a Royal Caribbean internet package (and it can save you money)
• I took my family on a spring break cruise. Here are the 6 tips I used to deal with the crowds
• 4 of the most commonly confiscated items on a cruise ship
• What is an Alaska Inside Passage cruise like?
• Celebrity Cruises drink packages explained: costs, perks, and if it’s worth it
• Why many travelers aren't canceling their cruises right now

New RCB Video: 5 Passengers Who Are Banned From Royal Caribbean Forever

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 — 5 Passengers Who Are Banned From Royal Caribbean Forever — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Cruise ship passenger sues Royal Caribbean for $75,000 after slipping and falling

Royal Caribbean is being sued after a passenger slip and fell on a wet floor on one of its ships.

The person fell backward in Central Park on Harmony of the Seas after it rained.

She is seeking $75,000 in a new lawsuit filed against the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean passenger dies during New Zealand cruise

A passenger died on board Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas ship earlier this week.

Anthem was sailing a 12-night New Zealand cruise at the time of the incident.

New Zealand Police are investigating the "sudden death" on behalf of the coroner with no cause of death yet disclosed.

I brought a 12-pack of soda on my Royal Caribbean cruise. Why it was a smart hack

I tried out one of the most popular money saving cruise tips and now I know why everyone does it.

Bringing your own soda on a cruise saves money, especially for casual drinkers.

While it was a hassle to carry it on embarkation day, it paid off during the rest of my sailing.

I ate my way through Royal Caribbean's newest mega ship. These are the 7 dishes I'm still thinking about

After a week on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Matt shared the best of the best food he ate onboard.

One thing new cruise ships always do well is the variety of food, and Star of the Seas did not disappoint.

From burgers to croissants, Matt listed his favorite foods of the cruise that truly stood out.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 601st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt laments the port times in select ports.

Certain ports always seem to have very short hours, and it's frustrating to Matt how it happens so often.

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

There's a chance you would have to sit with other passengers for a meal during your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Sharing a table with other guests is a cruising tradition going back decades, and it's still in use in a few situations.

Some people like the idea of being seated with others because it adds a social aspect to the meal, and it's a way to connect with others.  You rarely encounter such opportunities in today's society outside of cruising.

However, some people would greatly prefer not to deal with making conversation and other pleasantries during their meals.  Or they simply prefer to enjoy time with their own family.

Here's what you should know about being seated with strangers on a cruise ship, and when you can avoid it.

The best chance to sit with other passengers is in the Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the highest chance you'll be seated with someone outside your party is at dinner.

With Traditional Dinner, Royal Caribbean comes up with a seating arrangement to accommodate as many people as possible. There are small and large tables, and it's not uncommon to see a few couples seated together at the same table.

There's no way to know in advance what your table assignment will be, so you'll have to wait until you board the ship to see.  

Dining room table assignments are indicated at the bottom right corner of your SeaPass card, but you can also go to the Main Dining Room on embarkation and ask the staff there to verify for you.

If you have selected My Time Dining for dinner, the choice to be seated at a larger table or wait for a private table will be handled as you check-in.

Breakfast and lunch don't have pre-assigned tables, so you'll be seated on a first-come basis. 

Generally, you don't get asked to sit with other passengers, but if the dining room is busy, they sometimes will. Especially with small groups.

You could ask for a private table, but you may have to wait longer.

How to request a table alone

You can make a request pre-cruise to for a private table at dinner. 

A few weeks before your cruise, send an email to [email protected] asking for a table without anyone else. Provide them with your name, ship name, sail date, and cabin number.

You can also change your table assignment on embarkation day by speaking to the Head Waiter.

As you walk into the Main Dining Room, there's usually a crew member at a kiosk who can assist. It's not a guarantee that they can change it for you, but in my experience they almost always can offer you some kind of an alternative.

If you want to change tables later, that's an option too

If the idea of meeting new people and enjoying a lively dinner conversation sounds great, but the people you're seated with end up being dull or frustrating, you can always change to a different table later.

Ask the Head Waiter or Maître d for a new assignment, and they can usually work with you.  Their goal is for everyone to be happy and enjoy their meals.

You can't avoid sitting with strangers at two restaurants

Nearly every other restaurant doesn't require being seated with strangers, but there are two specialty restaurants where you don't have a choice.

Chef's Table is an intricate multi-course meal, paired with glasses of wine, and it's a special occasion where everyone is seated around the same table.

Because this is an intimate meal, there's just one table and it's limited to just a dozen or so passengers.  Therefore, you'll be seated with others.

The other restaurant with mandatory communal seating is Izumi Hibachi and Izumi Omakase.

Each hibachi table can accommodate around 10-12 guests.  This is very unlike Chef's Table, but because there's such high demand and limited times, you'll be seated with other passengers.

Of course, you could avoid being seated with someone you don't know by buying out the table.  Bring a large group with you and make reservations and you'll circumvent the issue because you're bringing the party!

I've been seated with other passengers for meals during shore excursions

The other situation where you could be seated with other passengers is on a shore excursion where a meal is included.

Tours that take you to a restaurant or home for a meal often have limited seating, so it's not uncommon to have to share a table.

Sitting with people you don't know could be a great social opportunity

Some people that cruise a lot swear by how much fun it is to sit with strangers for a meal.

In every situation where I've had to share a table with others, it's never been an awful experience. At worst, they're quiet and don't talk so I'll talk with just my family.

Plus, sitting with others could be a great idea for solo cruisers who wouldn't mind an opportunity to chat.

If you do share a table, be sure to arrive on time and avoid any controversial topics.  I recommend talking about your cruise and experiences onboard to keep it light.

Miami is considering building a train from the Miami International Airport (MIA) to PortMiami to help with the frustrating traffic problems. 

Miami-Dade County officials are reviewing recommendations for a non-stop train between the two popular transportation hubs, a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization confirmed. 

According to the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (MDTPO) 2050 Master Plan, published in September 2025, a train line could address the need for "safe, convenient, efficient, fast, and reliable connection" from MIA to PortMiami. 

The cruise terminal, which is one of the busiest in the world, experiences heavy congestion, especially on peak travel days. In fact, Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported that Royal Caribbean was offering complimentary bus transfers from PortMiami to MIA and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). 

The project would not be cheap, though, with the report claiming that the new rail line could cost anywhere from $600 million to $800 million for capital expenses. Additionally, it would cost between $9 million and $15 million to annually operate. 

PortMiami currently has a freight train bridge, but adding a passenger rail line would require an alternative. The initial report included eight public transportation solutions. However, according to a recent CBS News article, the MDTPO is now only considering two. 

The first is a 9-mile extension of the MetroMover people mover track, which could use either the existing Port Bridge or the Miami River Bridge. The downside to this option is that the MetroMover cars have a limited capacity of 50 people and an average speed of 9 miles per hour (mph).

A higher-capacity alternative would involve expanding the Metrorail system, requiring the construction of approximately 10 miles of new track. This option would also require building a new bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Read more: Best Ways to Get From the Miami Airport to Cruise Port

The Miami cruise port is busier than ever

PortMiami set passenger records for fiscal year 2025, which ran from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025, Miami officials said. This reflects higher cruise demand than ever. 

The Miami cruise port welcomed 8,564,225 cruise passengers, which is a 4.02% increase in cruise passenger totals compared with 2024's record of 8,233,056. 

This isn't a huge surprise, though, as Miami is home to some of the world's newest and largest cruise ships — think Icon of the Seas, MSC World America, and Carnival Celebration. 

These vessels offer weeklong cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. However, there are many ships that have quick turnaround times, sailing 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas. 

As such, it's not uncommon to see upward of seven or eight ships in port at the same time, meaning thousands of guests are simultaneously trying to disembark and embark. 

For example, on March 1, 2026, eight ships were docked at PortMiami, according to Cruise Mapper: Symphony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Brilliant Lady, Norwegian Aqua, MSC Divina, Celebrity Beyond, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Celebration. 

The sheer number of vessels in port often translates into gridlock, with many reporting sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic for extended periods. 

"Went out of Port of Miami on a Sunday in January. Massive traffic. I am no longer taking any cruises departing from Miami," wrote one Redditor. 

Another added, "I [spent] 4 hours in... traffic chaos yesterday, February 22nd, 2026. Traffic was not moving at all and all the [U-turns] were closed obligating everybody to go to the end of the road to make a turn and create traffic on other cruises you didn't need to go by."

"People were walking through the highway in a hot and sunny day carrying kids [and] luggage 🧳 over barricades to be able to cross the bridge. I still can not find a valid reason for what... happened there yesterday. Total embarrassment for the port and the city."

"We cruised out of Miami for the first time earlier this month, and getting in and out of PortMiami was way more chaotic than we expected. For embarkation, six ships were sailing that day. Our hotel was less than a mile away, so the ride itself was quick, but traffic around the port was completely gridlocked," said someone else. 

"Our Uber driver couldn’t reach the designated drop-off area and ended up pulling into what looked like a parking garage entrance and stopping in the driveway. He pointed us toward an alternate way to walk to the terminal."

Read more: Royal Caribbean breaks ground on new Miami cruise terminal

Every cruise, I watch passengers get stopped before boarding at security for items they had no idea were banned.

Most people make an honest mistake by bringing things that aren't allowed onboard because they're a fire or security hazard. Most of these confiscated items don't get them in trouble, but it does result in a frustrating start to their vacation and the loss of the item until they return.

I know when I pack something for a cruise, I'm counting on having that item.  So getting to taken away would put a dent in my plans.

While Royal Caribbean has a lengthy list of things you can't bring on a cruise, four are clearly the top items that seem to be accidentally brought onboard the most.

The most commonly confiscated item are irons and steamers

If you ever pass by the table of confiscated items to be picked up after a cruise is over, I can pretty much guarantee you'll see mostly clothing irons and steamers.

So many people mistakenly believe they can bring them on a cruise, but they'll be taken away as soon as they're spotted in your bags.

The reason why you can't bring clothing irons or steamers on a cruise is they are a fire hazard.  If left unattended, they could start a fire and that's a risk Royal Caribbean won't take.

Fire is the most dangerous scenario for a cruise ship, so the ship's crew are extra vigilant when it comes to preventing fires.

Since irons and steamers aren't allowed, you'll have to figure out an alternative to getting wrinkles and creases out of your clothes.

There are a few options people rely on as a backup:

• Sending clothes out to be pressed onboard (extra cost)
• Bringing wrinkle release spray
• Leaving clothes in the bathroom while the shower runs to absorb the steam
• Rolling clothes in their suitcase

Each idea has its pros and cons, so you'll need to find the one that works best for your needs.

Beer or liquor isn't allowed to be brought onboard

A few cruise lines allow you to bring beer on embarkation day, but not Royal Caribbean. You cannot bring beer or liquor on your cruise.

In fact, the cruise line has gotten more stringent with checking for these items because people try to sneak it onboard.

You are allowed to bring wine or non-alcoholic drinks on your cruise. However, they might still search your bag if they see something in the bag scan that even resembles booze.

This rule is also enforced when you come back on the ship in a port of call. Cruisers like to buy bottles of liquor to bring home, but it will be taken from you until the cruise is over.

Power strips and other unapproved power adaptors are commonly taken from people

If clothing irons are the most confiscated item, then power strips are probably number two on the list.

You cannot bring a power strip or surge protector on a cruise. That's been a rule for many years, and it's because it's also a fire hazard.

But Royal Caribbean also prohibits bringing multi-plug outlets, which is a more recent change in policy.

The simplest way to know if your power adaptor is allowed on a Royal Caribbean ship is to make sure it only has one A/C outlet. The amount of USB outlets is irrelevant.

I recommend this universal power adaptor that works well for cruise ships and will help you if you end up traveling elsewhere around the world (Link contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use).

Appliances

As a general rule, you can't bring kitchen appliances on your ship either.  

I've seen rice cookers, electric kettles, and coffee machines on the confiscated items table because people think they can save money and make certain foods in their cabin.

"Electrical items and electronic equipment not designed for personal grooming" aren't allowed.

If your ship sails from the UK, you can expect an electric tea kettle in your cabin. 

Otherwise, you'll need to book a suite in order to have a coffee machine or electric kettle ready to use in your cabin that has been provided by the cruise line.

Days before the war in Iran reached the one-month mark, the U.S. Department of State issued a "worldwide caution" alert for American travelers. 

"The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate," reads the recent security alert. 

"U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world," the department added. 

Recently, the Trump administration began considering deploying thousands of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East. Two anonymous sources told Reuters that the troops would be coming from the U.S. Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division. The soldiers are stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Additionally, Iran dismissed a U.S. ceasefire plan and made a counterproposal demanding reparations, as reported by NPR. These conditions include safeguards against future attacks on Iran, the payment of war reparations to the country, and full recognition of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

The situation remains very fluid, and it's important to research your destination's specific advisories before setting sail. High-risk areas are dangerous, and by visiting, you could be putting yourself at risk. There's also a chance that the U.S. will have limited ability to help in an emergency. 

That said, the new alert isn't banning U.S. citizens from traveling. Rather, it urges heightened vigilance and monitoring of local conditions. 

Six Cruise Ships Remain Stuck in the Arabian Gulf

After the U.S.-Israel attacks, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. This important waterway connects the Arabian Gulf to the rest of the world. Consequently, the closure greatly disrupted maritime traffic, including cruise itineraries. 

On an average day, around 138 vessels travel through the Strait of Hormuz. However, on March 24, the Joint Maritime Information Center reported there were just four transits on March 22 and six on March 23. 

"The overall maritime threat environment remains at a critical level due to recent attack patterns, continued navigation interference, and persistent operational disruption, to include port facilities, across the region," the report adds.

As of March 25, six cruise ships remain stuck in Gulf Arab countries due to the closure, including MSC Euribia, Mein Schiff 4, Mein Schiff 5, Celestyal Discovery, Celestyal Journey, and Aroya. 

The Strait's closure has also greatly affected travel and daily life globally. For example, the Strait of Hormuz regularly sees 20% of global oil shipments. With oil tankers not being able to make their way to other ports, the price of oil has risen around the world.

Fortune reported that the cost of Brent oil, the main global oil benchmark, traded at $99.75 per barrel on March 25, 2026. One month ago, the price was just $71.49 per barrel. 

Read more: Multiple Cruise Ships Remain Stuck in the Arabian Gulf

The best way to experience The Last Frontier is on an Alaska Inside Passage cruise. Not only do you benefit from the conveniences of a cruise vacation, but you also get front-row views of some of the most stunning scenery and wildlife on the planet.

The term “Inside Passage” refers to the coastal route of protected waterways that runs from southeastern Alaska through British Columbia. It stretches roughly 1,000 miles in total and offers some of the most scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities from a cruise ship. 

An Inside Passage cruise also stops in some of Alaska’s most iconic destinations, such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. These ports give cruisers the chance to visit historic gold rush towns, learn about Native Alaskan culture, enjoy scenic hikes, try local seafood, and more. 

However, the towering landscapes are what set an Alaska Inside Passage sailing apart from voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Europe. From snow-capped mountains to massive glaciers and cascading waterfalls, the scenery is what draws many travelers to Alaska. 

Of course, I'd be remiss not to mention the wildlife, which is another highlight of taking an Alaska Inside Passage cruise. You might be lucky enough to spot humpback whales breaching in the distance, bald eagles soaring overhead, or a brown bear hunting for its next meal. 

Alaska cruises typically run from May through September, though some cruise lines may begin and end their seasons earlier or later. Early planning is recommended to give yourself time to select the best itinerary, ship, cruise room, and shore excursions to match your interests before they sell out. 

Here's everything you need to know about taking a cruise through the famous Alaska Inside Passage. 

Glaciers in Alaska's Inside Passage

A cruise is a great way to see some of Alaska's beautiful glaciers. Most Inside Passage cruises include a scenic day sailing through fjords, where you can view calving glaciers from the comfort of your vessel. 

Popular spots include Tracy Arm Fjord (for the twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm (for Dawes Glacier), and Glacier Bay National Park, which is home to over 1,000 glaciers. That said, most cruise itineraries only visit six glaciers: Margerie Glacier, Grand Pacific Glacier, Red Glacier, Lamplugh Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, and Gilman Glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier is a popular tourist attraction in Juneau. However, it is not accessible by cruise ship. It can be easily viewed through short hikes or once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tours for aerial views. 

Hubbard Glacier is another renowned glacier located in eastern Alaska near the border with Canada. While it is not in Alaska's Inside Passage, it’s still one of the state’s most impressive glaciers and the largest tidewater glacier in North America.

Read more: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: which glacier is better to see on a cruise?

Alaska's Tongass National Forest

Inside Passage cruises also give you the chance to visit the vast Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. 

Spanning nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest blankets the southeast Alaska portion of the Inside Passage and is filled with Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red cedar trees.

It's home to a lot of wildlife, too, ranging from bears to bald eagles and salmon during the summer months, populating its rivers and streams. 

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise Ports

Alaska's Inside Passage isn't just known for its breathtaking scenery. The ports of call offer a solid mix of native culture, history, and local adventure. 

In Skagway, for example, you can learn more about the state's Gold Rush history on a scenic ride on the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, while Juneau is known for the famous Mendenhall Glacier and whale-watching opportunities. 

Here's a breakdown of all the Inside Passage cruise ports:

• Sitka —The former capital of Russian Alaska, Sitka was originally founded by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago. The port offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. Downtown, visitors can explore the famous St. Michael Orthodox Cathedral, browse local shops, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants. The 113-acre Sitka National Historic Park is a must for nature-lovers.
• Juneau — Juneau is the capital of Alaska, with the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and wildlife viewing opportunities making it one of the most popular tourist spots in the state. Here, you'll find everything from whale-watching tours to stunning hikes and fresh seafood. The 13-mile Mendenhall Glacier is a highlight, too.
• Ketchikan — Ketchikan, a small town at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage, is best known for its idyllic scenery and Native culture. It's also called the "Salmon Capital of the World," which is fitting since it's a fishing hub. Creek Street should be on every visitor's list. The boardwalk, built on wooden pilings, is lined with shops, homes, and galleries.

• Icy Strait Point — This private port was opened to cruise passengers by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans in 2004. While many prefer to enjoy the port area's attractions, ranging from the ZipRider to convenient restaurants and shopping, it's close to Hoonah, the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. Icy Strait Point is also one of the best cruise ports for whale-watching thanks to its proximity to Point Adolphus.
• Skagway — Skagway is a small town that's famous for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, much of the historic downtown area feels like a step back in time. One of the port's most popular attractions is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a scenic railway climbing 2,885 feet to the summit of the White Pass. Active travelers will love the easy access to hiking trails, too.
• Haines — Finally, Haines is one of the most quaint ports found on any Alaska cruise itinerary. Activities include sea kayaking, rafting, cycling, and ATV tours. However, don't overlook the local restaurants and shops, where you might find a hidden gem. 

If you are going on a round-trip Inside Passage cruise from Seattle, your ship will likely stop at Victoria, British Columbia. This is to satisfy the Passenger Vessel Services Act's requirement that all foreign-flagged ships must visit at least one foreign country. 

Still, the downtown area is well worth exploring, with stunning Victorian buildings, local pubs, and boutiques lining the harbor. 

Read more: Alaska cruise ports guide

What Royal Caribbean ships visit the Alaska Inside Passage?

During the Alaska cruise 2026 season, four Royal Caribbean ships will visit The Last Frontier: Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas. 

Two vessels — Ovation and Serenade — will offer one-way voyages from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada, and vice versa. 

In addition to a scenic day of cruising in the Hubbard Glacier area, these sailings will also call at ports within the Inside Passage, like Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka. 

The round-trip cruises on Anthem and Voyager of the Seas are ideal for cruisers who want an easier time planning travel logistics, as they begin and end in Seattle, Washington. 

Read more: 50 Alaska Cruise Tips for Your Royal Caribbean Cruise

How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

If you plan it right, taking an Inside Passage cruise doesn't have to break the bank. Prices for an Alaska cruise vary depending on the ship, itinerary, time of year, and stateroom type. 

For example, a cruise departing in July will be more expensive than one in May. Additionally, balcony rooms will cost more than windowless inside staterooms. 

To help you gauge costs, we priced out a few 2026 and 2027 Alaska cruises in inside and balcony rooms. Keep in mind that add-ons, including shore excursions, specialty restaurants, transportation, and gratuities, will increase the price. These prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without warning.

Serenade of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise from Vancouver, Canada — June 21, 2026

• Interior: $889 per person
• Balcony: $1,821 per person

Serenade of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Inside Passage Cruise from Vancouver, Canada — September 13, 2026

• Interior: $786 per person
• Balcony: $1,157 per person

Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington — May 18, 2026

• Interior: $1,200 per person
• Balcony: $1,801 per person

Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington — August 10, 2026

• Interior: $1,381 per person
• Balcony: $1,973 per person

Voyager of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington — June 11, 2027

• Interior: $867 per person
• Balcony: $1,700 per person

Voyager of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Adventure Cruise from Seattle, Washington — September 10, 2027

• Interior: $728 per person
• Balcony: $1,231 per person

Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Seward, Alaska — June 4, 2027

• Interior: $884 per person
• Balcony: $1,597 per person

Anthem of the Seas: 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier from Seward, Alaska — September 10, 2026: 

• Interior: $824 per person
• Balcony: $1,376 per person

It's recommended to book an Alaska cruise as soon as you decide you want to visit the Inside Passage. Waiting for a cheap last-minute fare usually does not pay off, as fares tend to get higher closer to the sail date.

Read more: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

I ate so much good food on my Royal Caribbean cruise aboard Star of the Seas. In fact, a few were really fantastic.

Every cruise has a wide variety of food, and I'll admit I often go on cruises purely for the food.  The destinations it visits are great, the shows are wonderful, but all the food brings me back each and every time.  

If there's one area you'll notice an improvement with a new vs old cruise ship, it's the food. Royal Caribbean has steadily upped its food game over the years, and each new ship represents a step forward with new options.

After 7 nights on Star of the Seas for a spring break cruise, here are the seven dishes I ordered that I couldn't get enough of during my voyage.

I ordered the chicken parmigiana at Giovanni's Italian twice, because it was so good

My staple for any Italian restaurant is chicken parmigiana, because it's reliably good and can be used as a barometer for the restaurant as a whole.

We ate at Giovanni's Italian Kitchen twice during our cruise (because we had a dining package), and I ordered this dish twice.

The chicken parm here was huge, had a good mix of sauce and cheese, and the chicken wasn't rubbery, too flat, or tough. 

I ordered a side of spaghetti to go with it, but it came with spaghetti and it was just the right amount to compliment the chicken.

All the food at Giovanni's is freshly prepared, and this is one of many dishes I love with the new menu offered.  Shout out to the margherita pizza, giant meatball, and house salad as being really good too.

I always order the sushi platter at Izumi as one of my dishes

I'm no stranger to Izumi sushi on any ship, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love the sushi on Star of the Seas too.

When you eat at Izumi, you have the choice of a few different small dishes, entrees, and dessert. Regardless of how many times I eat here, I think I always order at least one sushi platter.

There are two choices: Chef's Sushi Selection and Assorted Sashimi. The difference is nigiri vs sashimi rolls, and depending on my mood, I might pick one over the other.

On this occasion, I went with the Chef's Sushi Selection because the rice seemed like a good idea.

Not only is this a tasty option, but it's also an excellent value for how many rolls you get for the price.

I started ordering a chocolate croissant at Pearl Cafe with my morning coffee

I'm not a breakfast guy. I need have an iced coffee everyday and that's usually it until lunch.

But if we have shore plans, I'll grab something to eat so I'm not hangry at 10:30.  The chocolate croissant from Pearl Cafe looked nice, so I ordered it.  And then I ordered it again every single day the offered it.

Pearl Cafe seems to alternate between two breakfast menus each day, so I could only have the chocolate croissant every other day.

I love the combination of a buttery croissant with the richness of chocolate. 

I've had similar pastries on other European cruises, and Royal Caribbean's version is pretty darn good. Tasty, quick, and the perfect compliment to my coffee.

The internet said the smash burger at Basecamp is the best, but I didn't believe them. They were so right

Last year we asked our readers for the best snacks on Royal Caribbean, and so many people said the smash burger was it.

I was skeptical that it was that good, or that it could be better than the burger at the Windjammer.  

I was so wrong.

Basecamp has quickly become one of the best restaurant ideas to come out of the Icon Class, and I think the smash burger is a great example.

Smash burgers are regular burgers, but pressed into a super hot griddle until it gets a deeply caramelized crispy crust. Add onions, lettuce, pickles, and a tomato, and you get a winner.

I grabbed one for a late-afternoon snack and I was really impressed how good it tasted.  Not only was it better than the Windjammer burgers, but after wolfing one down, I wanted another.

The best steak on Star of the Seas is the filet mignon at Hooked

I recently came around to liking Hooked Seafood again after years of hating on it, and the filet mignon is a top reason why.

You can make arguments for the filet mignon from Chops, Coastal Kitchen, or Giovanni's being the best steak on the ship. But I really think Hooked was the best I had.

It's simple, but it's a generous sized cut of meat and cooked well.

I think I like the seasoning they use primarily as the difference maker. I'm not a "sauce on my steak" guy.

Ultimately, I think this steak doesn't try to do too much, and because it's a decent sized cut, is something I'd order any day.

Shout out for the blackened salmon, which is also quite good!

The Playmakers chicken tenders became my ultimate comfort food

Our cruise went over the NCAA Basketball March Madness tournament, so I found myself spending a lot of time in Playmakers Sports Bar.

The chicken tenders are giant hunks of breaded chicken, and I think it pairs so well with the BBQ sauce you can get to go with them.

Every time I went to Playmakers, I'd order them. Even when I was just there for a drink. It's a solid meal in and of itself, as well as being the kind of snack you can pick at.

Plus, it's served with french fries that are equally addictive to snack on while watching a game and drinking a beer.

While the nachos, burger, and crunch rolls at Playmakers are all quite tasty, I found it was the tenders I wanted to have first, every time.

I had at least 3 or 4 falafel bowls from Aquadome Market, because it was both good and didn't make me feel guilty

It's easier to snack if you can tell yourself it's "healthy", and that's exactly what I did at Aquadome Market.

Royal Caribbean's food hall is my favorite included restaurant, and I think I must have gone up there at least 3 or 4 times during my cruise. It might have been more.

The Feta hall has the option of falafel, chicken, or pork to be used in a pita or bowl.

I used to order the pita bread, but it's nearly impossible to eat without making a giant mess all over yourself.  I switched to the bowl to make it more manageable and then justified having more because there were less carbs.

I'm all for dishes made fresh and customized the way I want it. All veggies, no feta, extra hummus.

I wish they'd make the falafel fresh rather than in batches, but it's still so darn satisfying.

A passenger aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship sailing in the South Pacific has died.

As first reported by People and confirmed by the police, a passenger was found dead aboard Anthem of the Seas as the ship was on its way to Waitangi, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

A police statement confirmed basic details surrounding the death.

"At around 1:45 a.m., Police were notified of a death on board the Anthem of the Seas cruise ship which was arriving from Sydney, Australia."

Police are “making enquiries into the person's death on behalf of the coroner."

The police are now investigating the "sudden death", and no cause of death has yet been disclosed.

Royal Caribbean confirmed the incident as well, issuing a statement to members of the media.

"We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests. We are supporting authorities in their investigation"

No other details have been shared regarding the person's identity, what may have happened, or any other details surrounding the nature of the death.

Anthem of the Seas is on a 12-night roundtrip New Zealand cruise. The ship's itinerary includes visits to the Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Dunedin, featuring scenic cruising in Dusky and Milford Sound before returning on April 3, 2026.

Anthem of the Seas is a 168,666 a gross ton vessel, and one of the Quantum Class ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. It can accommodate up to 4,180 guests and 1,500 crew members.

It debuted in 2015, and is a relatively newer ship.