Royal Caribbean Blog

The opportunity to cruise to Alaska again was really exciting, but the travel required gave me pause.

I live on the east coast, so this trip meant I'd have to fly cross country for a 7-night Alaska cruise on Serenade of the Seas. I love any excuse to cruise, but that flying more than 6 hours each way isn't easy.

Anytime you travel more than 3-4 hours, there are new challenges that emerge.  There are fewer flight options, costs rise, and it becomes an all-day affair.

I think certain itineraries are worth the extra travel effort, especially an Alaska cruise.

So taking my own advice, I booked flights to Vancouver that worked out perfectly.

I think I made the most of this trip by doing a few things smartly.

I booked flights from an airport that had better options

In planning this trip, I wanted to prioritize the easiest and smoothest travel options.

Yes, this meant likely spending more than if I chose a less-convenient flight, but the last thing I want to do is try to save a few bucks in exchange for a longer and more arduous travel day.

Air travel is wonderful when everything goes the way it's supposed to, and to that point, I made sure to book flights that would have the best chances of doing just that.

For my flight from New York City to Vancouver, I booked the earliest flight I could of the day. I prioritized booking the first flight available to avoid a potential problem.

Summer air travel is when thunderstorms and other severe weather typically starts up later in the day. Departing in the morning reduces the chance there will be storms or even turbulence.

Another smart decision I made was to book a hotel at the airport for the night before I departed, because I had early flight.

I booked the Courtyard by Marriott Newark Airport so I wasn't in a rush to make it to Newark, and then enjoy more sleep the day of flying.

Early morning flights are great for on-time performance, but it's never easy to get going and then power through a day with less than normal sleep.

Something else I'm glad I did was I prioritized booking a direct flight over taking a cheaper connecting flight. 

Reducing flight time means less time traveling, and I can get to Vancouver quicker and start enjoying the fun part of the trip.

For my return flight, I picked a noon flight so I had plenty of time to disembark the ship, get to the airport, and get through security without worrying about being able to make my flight. Alternatively, I avoided a late afternoon flight so I wouldn't be sitting around the airport all day.

Friends on my cruise took red-eye flights home, but when I landed back in Newark, I was so glad I was done traveling.

Booking the right flights removes a lot of travel anxiety

After flying to Europe multiple times and now Alaska, it's clear making travel day as easy as possible really makes a difference in enjoying your cruise.

I want to get to the ship and start the fun, not spend more time stuck on an airplane or airport. To that point, I look for the best flight options that minimize how long it takes to get from my home to the ship, and then back again.

In the case of these flights, I booked economy seats to help reduce the cost, because the direct flights were more expensive. I'd rather be in less glamorous seats if it means a quicker trip.

Less connections means less complications, and ultimately, I want my journey back and forth to be as effortless as possible. The last thing I want to do is have a travel disaster ruin the cruise before it begins.

Even seasoned fliers can get rattled when things don't go as expected, so I look for direct flights at optimal times to make things as easy as I can for myself.

I'm glad I went, but it helped things went well

I'm happy to say my flight plans worked about as well as I could have hoped, and I'm glad I made the trip across North America for it.

First and foremost, I had good weather the entire trip (including my travel days).

There was rain on the day I arrived in Vancouver, but it cleared out by the time I landed there. 

The weather in each of my departure cities was clear of any bad weather, making for on time departures from both.

Having on time flights makes any trip seem quite successful, so avoiding afternoon flights in the summer is a good strategy.

I'm glad I flew cross-country in order to get back to Alaska on Serenade of the Seas. But it greatly helps if you can maximize your trip with smart decisions (and a little luck) along the way.

Federal officials are investigating after an endangered fin whale was discovered on the bow of Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas when the ship arrived in Seward, Alaska.

The discovery was made on June 19, 2026, when the Quantum Class cruise ship docked in Seward following an Alaska cruise. According to NOAA Fisheries Alaska, the vessel arrived with a dead 61-foot female fin whale “on top of the ship’s bulbous bow.”

NOAA Fisheries is the federal agency responsible for protecting and managing marine mammals and fisheries in U.S. waters. According to NOAA, a local company later towed the whale to a nearby beach where marine mammal experts began preparing for a necropsy, which is the animal equivalent of an autopsy. The necropsy will be used to help determine how the whale died.

(Image of fin whale in Seward, Alaska following the incident. Photo shared by NOAA Fisheries Alaska on Facebook)

Officials had not determined yet whether the whale was killed in a collision with the ship, was already dead before becoming lodged on the bow, or died from other causes.

Royal Caribbean Group issued a statement to the press, "We are saddened to hear that one of our ships struck a whale while on its way to Seward." 

"We take any impact to marine ecosystems very seriously. The ship immediately reported the incident to the proper authorities."

In a statement, NOAA Fisheries said, “We are working with the Alaska SeaLife Center to perform a necropsy on the 61-foot, adult female fin whale to determine the cause of death.” 

The agency added that “initial findings indicate the whale was pregnant.”

Ovation of the Seas arrived in Seward, Alaska on June 19 after completing a one-way Alaska cruise from Vancouver. The 7-night sailing included visits to Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway, along with scenic cruising at Hubbard Glacier before concluding in Seward.

NOAA has launched an investigation

(Image of fin whale in Seward, Alaska following the incident. Photo shared by NOAA Fisheries Alaska on Facebook)

NOAA Fisheries confirmed that its Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident and is asking anyone with information to contact its 24-hour enforcement hotline.

The agency also urged members of the public to stay away from the necropsy site “for your safety and to allow space for the team to perform the examination and collect samples.”

At the time of publication, officials had not determined whether the whale died as the result of a collision with the vessel, was already deceased before becoming lodged on the ship, or whether other factors contributed to its death.

Investigators are expected to rely on findings from the necropsy and additional evidence gathered during the investigation to determine the whale’s cause of death.

Similar whale strike incidents have occurred before in Alaska

While seeing a whale lodged on the bow of a cruise ship is uncommon, incidents involving vessel strikes have occurred before in Alaska waters.

According to the International Whaling Commission, "over 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises are killed globally each year due to incidental bycatch and entanglement in industrial fishing gear, including trawlers."

One of the most notable cases occurred in 2001 when a pregnant humpback whale known as “Snow” was struck and killed by a cruise ship departing Glacier Bay National Park. Snow had been photographed and studied by researchers and visitors for decades, and her death became a turning point for whale-protection efforts in the region.

National Park Service scientist Scott Gende later told KTOO that Snow’s death “served as a catalyst to a lot of the efforts to reduce the probability of collision between ships and whales in the park.”

Since then, researchers, marine pilots, cruise lines, and federal agencies have worked together to better understand whale behavior and reduce the risk of vessel strikes. According to KTOO, federal officials documented 77 whale-vessel strikes in Alaska waters over a 10-year period, with endangered humpback whales accounting for roughly three-quarters of those incidents.

Experts acknowledge that whale strikes can occur even when ships are following established procedures. Marine pilot Larry Vose, who has spent decades navigating vessels through Southeast Alaska, told KTOO that avoiding whales is not always straightforward.

“Just like a deer running out in front of a car, you may or may not have time to react,” Vose said.

For example, a Princess Cruises ship arrived in Ketchikan in 2017 with a dead humpback whale across its bow. Carnival Corporation executive Eric Chamberlin later said the collision was not discovered until daylight and that the crew had followed established whale-avoidance procedures.

Whale conservation group calls for answers

The incident has drawn criticism from whale conservation advocates. Cooper Freeman, Alaska director for the Center for Biological Diversity, described the situation as tragic and called for a thorough investigation into the whale’s death.

“It’s heart-wrenching that this endangered pregnant fin whale was likely killed by this monster cruise ship,” Freeman said in a statement provided to USA Today.

He continued, “This deserves a full investigation, with hard questions asked about how it happened. But the real solution is mandatory speed limits in whale hot spots, which have been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of tragedies like this.”

While vessel speed reductions have been shown to reduce the likelihood and severity of whale strikes, collisions can still occur even when ships are operating within established guidelines.

According to findings from a 2016 whale-strike investigation involving a Holland America Line vessel in Alaska, the ship was operating in compliance with applicable speed and wildlife-protection regulations at the time of the incident.

NOAA released the following statement about the incident: "The OLE investigation determined that the vessel and operator are not liable for the 'take' of the fin whale in question. While the necropsy results identify the cause of death as related to a boat strike, it's unknown if the whale was in good health at the time of the collision (as fin whales have numerous documented health concerns)."

What are fin whales?

Fin whales are the second-largest whale species on Earth, surpassed only by blue whales. According to NOAA, fully grown fin whales can reach lengths of up to 85 feet and weigh between 40 and 80 tons.

The species is classified as endangered and is found in oceans around the world, typically inhabiting deep offshore waters in temperate and polar regions. Like many large whale species, fin whale populations were heavily reduced during the era of commercial whaling. Although conservation efforts have helped populations recover in some areas, NOAA says the species continues to face significant threats.

Today, NOAA states the biggest threats to fin whales include vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, underwater noise, and the effects of climate change. Fin whales, along with all marine mammals in U.S. waters, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal to disturb, harass, feed, hunt, or capture marine mammals.

Last month, Royal Caribbean completed a massive upgrade that added much-needed changes to Liberty of the Seas. I was lucky enough to sail on this Freedom Class ship to get a first look at what's new on a recent five-night cruise out of Southampton, England. 

Liberty of the Seas was supposed to receive her Royal Amplification in 2021. However, it was indefinitely postponed during the cruise industry shutdown. 

As such, a lot cruisers ranked Liberty at the bottom of the three-ship class because she lacked many of the modern venues, attractions, and design updates that had already been added to her sister ships.

During her dry dock, Liberty received changes that ensured there were new ways to drink, dine, and relax aboard the 154,407 gross-ton Freedom Class ship.

One of my favorite upgrades has to be the new Boots and Blades ice skating show, and the addition of Izumi Hibachi & Sushi is another welcome upgrade since I love teppanyaki!

Here's a look at the all-new Liberty of the Seas, sailing from Southampton, England, and Galveston, Texas, in 2026. 

A new resort-style pool deck

One of the most noticeable changes aboard Liberty of the Seas was the pool deck. During her Royal Amplification, the outdoor space was transformed into a colorful, resort-style escape.

The vessel already had the Perfect Storm waterslide duo and kid-friendly Splashaway Bay. However, the space was brightened up with Caribbean-themed decor and two Lime & Coconut bars.

The Lime & Coconut quickly became a favorite for its selection of fruity, tropical drinks. As such, it has been added to many ships in the fleet, including Navigator of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and now Liberty of the Seas. 

Even though the weather sailing from England to Germany was a bit chilly, the Lime & Coconut still proved to be one of the most popular spots on the pool deck.

Poolside tacos, burritos, and more at El Loco Fresh

Sabor Modern Mexican was removed from Liberty and replaced with a different specialty restaurant. That said, cruisers can still find simple Mexican fare at El Loco Fresh, Royal Caribbean’s complimentary Mexican restaurant, on the pool deck. 

Located on Deck 11 near the Splashaway Bay area, this convenient grab-and-go dining option has something for everyone, ranging from build-your-own nachos to burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. 

There's also a great salsa station where you can customize your meal with a variety of toppings like tomatoes, guacamole, onions, hot salsas, sour cream, and more. 

Cantina Fresca is located right beside El Loco Fresh. The colorful bar specializes in Mexican-themed beverages, offering a menu filled with margaritas, palomas, micheladas, and more. 

A new Japanese and sushi restaurant was added

According to Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza, the most popular restaurant in the fleet is Izumi — hence why this sushi and teppanyaki specialty venue was added to Liberty of the Seas. 

Izumi took the place of Sabor Modern Mexican on Deck 4 near the Schooner Bar. Although Izumi is an upcharge, it is consistently worth the extra cost for many guests because of its high-quality food and interactive dining experience.

"Izumi is actually the most popular restaurant by volume in the fleet," D'Souza said during a travel agent conference call. 

"Especially teppanyaki. It's a really wonderful experience. I think it's a perfect experience while you're on vacation."

Guests can splurge on premium coffee at Starbucks

Initially, the deck plans seemed to suggest that Royal Caribbean was replacing Boleros with a Starbucks. Fortunately, I can confirm that isn't the case, and the popular Latin-themed lounge remains exactly where cruise fans would expect to find it. 

That said, Liberty of the Seas did gain a new Starbucks during her amplification. Located on the opposite side of Deck 4, the specialty coffee shop gives guests a convenient place to grab specialty coffees, teas, and pastries during their sailing. 

Note, though, that Starbucks is not included in any of Royal Caribbean's drink packages. 

There's an expanded casino

Royal Caribbean has been focused on adding more casino space to its fleet. Consequently, Casino Royale on Deck 4 was expanded, featuring more table games and slot machines than before. 

This means that you won't find the photo gallery near Boleros anymore. Instead, the shore excursions and Focus gallery were moved and combined on Deck 3, right outside Studio B. 

Unfortunately, these changes mean that the On Air Lounge no longer exists. In my opinion, I'm glad Royal Caribbean chose to reshuffle these spaces rather than replace Vintages with a non-smoking casino like on Freedom of the Seas.

Liberty has a new country-themed ice skating show

If I'm honest, Royal Caribbean's ice skating shows aren't always my favorite. Sometimes, the themes are gimmicky, confusing, and underwhelming. 

However, Boots and Blades was a pleasant surprise — and that's coming from someone who usually can't stand country music. 

The production felt more polished and energetic than other shows, with impressive skating, strong choreography, and fun costumes. 

The stunt work was another highlight, especially the skating duo led by the ice captain. Some of the lifts and spins had the audience (myself included) holding their breath! 

Considering that Liberty is going to be based in Texas through at least April 2028, the country theme feels like a fitting choice and should definitely be on future cruisers' must-see lists. 

More cabins were added

Royal Caribbean added over 35 new cabins to Liberty of the Seas, removing some public spaces to make room for the additional passenger accommodations.

For example, the Conference Center on Deck 2 was replaced with new inside cabins. Additionally, the Card Room on Deck 10 was axed and replaced with multiple new staterooms, including cabins 1343, 1345, 1347, and 1349.

Unfortunately, not much work was done on the existing cabins. 

Enhanced Adventure Ocean youth spaces

Royal Caribbean updated its popular Adventure Ocean kids' club to reflect the programming on newer ships, complete with brighter designs and a more modern aesthetic. 

AO Juniors is separated from the AO Babies area, ensuring that younger children have spaces designed for their age groups. 

The Fuel teen area also became Social040. 

There's a new escape room

Finally, Liberty of the Seas got an upgraded escape room during her Royal Amplification. 

Now, passengers can test their wits at "Escape U: Art Studio" to solve puzzles and clues to "escape" before time runs out. The entrance is within the Star Lounge on Deck 5 and replaced the Connoisseur Club. 

"Gogh beyond the canvas and ace your test to unlock a vibrant surprise and colorful masterpiece," Royal Caribbean says about the escape room.  

Happy Sunday! I would like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! Hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Legend of the Seas is on its way and almost ready to welcome passengers onboard.

The brand new cruise ship departed its shipyard in Finland, and is headed to make final preparations.

Similar to a new house, Royal Caribbean needs to provision the ship now.

Royal Caribbean News

• Video shows new Royal Caribbean cruise ship barely squeezing under bridge
• A Royal Caribbean guest called their suite "scam" and a "nightmare"
• Man allegedly admits to photographing up passenger's dress on cruise
• 8% off Royal Caribbean gift cards (but beware the fine print)
• US-Iran deal is good news for cruise lines
• 6 things I learned when I sailed solo for the first time on a cruise
• 8 beverage package mistakes I always see people make
• I paid $3400 for a balcony on an Alaska cruise. It lacked privacy, but was much larger than normal
• 7 things I wish I knew before cruising to Alaska
• Conrad Hilton Fort Lauderdale hotel review

New RCB Video: 7 Days In A CONTROVERSIAL Balcony With NO PRIVACY

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 — 7 Days In A CONTROVERSIAL Balcony With NO PRIVACY — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

"Serious dangers": US travel warning for popular cruise port

The U.S. State Department has issued a warning to tourists in The Bahamas, including the islands cruise ships visit.

The new warning claims "serious dangers" associated with renting certain small water craft because of reported attacks against women.

It's an important reminder to be extra cautious about where you rent them from, if at all.

I tried another Alaska cruise after 4 years

I went back to Alaska for the first time in many years, and while the time change was frustrating, the experience was so worth it.

Alaska is one of those places you have to see to believe, and going back was better than even I expected.

Sailing from Vancouver, this 7-night cruise took us to four different ports and each had something special to see.

Royal Caribbean will let suite guests bring friends into its exclusive restaurant

A new change means suite guests can bring friends into their exclusive restaurant.

Royal Caribbean has changed its policy to allow suite guests to pay to bring non-suite guests into Coastal Kitchen.

There's a fee to bring guests, depending on which meal it is.

4 Disappointing Royal Caribbean balcony cabins that you might regret booking

Balcony cabins are the most popular stateroom category, but some rooms aren't as good as others.

Certain balcony rooms have blocked views, noise problems, or something else you might not like.

Consider this a warning so you don't end up disappointed later.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 613th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with small tweaks to how you cruise.

There are a handful of ships Matt hasn't been on in a few years and would rather go back on sooner than others. 

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

Legend of the Seas is still weeks away from welcoming its first passengers, but the world’s newest Icon class ship has already navigated one of the most complex parts of its delivery voyage.

The brand-new Legend of the Seas recently passed beneath Denmark’s Great Belt Bridge with just 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) of clearance, according to images and video shared by Royal Caribbean and fan site Loyal to Royal.

The transit comes just a few days after Royal Caribbean officially took delivery of the world’s largest cruise ship from the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. Legend of the Seas is now making her way to Cádiz, Spain, where final touches will be added before she welcomes her first passengers in July. Following her debut, Legend of the Seas will spend her summer sailing across the Mediterranean.

Royal Caribbean wrote on social media, “Legend of the Seas made it under the Great Belt Bridge with CENTIMETERS to spare. Now she’s on her way to the Euro summer of the century, sailing from Rome in just 14 days.”

Although Legend of the Seas' transit may look effortless in the video, navigating beneath the Great Belt Bridge requires extensive planning and careful coordination. More specifically, Legend of the Seas sits approximately 70 meters above the sea under normal conditions, while the navigational clearance beneath the bridge is roughly 65 meters.

To safely pass underneath the Great Belt Bridge, Legend of the Seas relied on several innovative engineering solutions.

Similar to other Royal Caribbean ships that completed the same transit, Legend of the Seas utilized retractable funnels and additional ballast water to pass under the bridge. The retractable funnels used during the crossing are not unique to the Icon Class. Similar systems can also be found aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships.

The vessel also relied on carefully calculated speed to temporarily reduce the ship’s overall height. By increasing the ship’s draft and sitting lower in the water, the vessel was able to safely clear the bridge with only centimeters to spare.

Royal Caribbean has previously explained that transits like this involve teams across multiple disciplines, including navigation officers, engineers, operators, and meteorology specialists who monitor conditions leading up to the crossing.

Video shared by Royal Caribbean captures just how close the clearance really was

The cruise line shared video of Legend of the Seas’ bridge crossing on social media. The video offers a closer look at the carefully planned transit, including the moment Royal Caribbean’s newest ship passed beneath the bridge with only about 12 inches to spare.

Aerial drone views show Legend of the Seas approaching the bridge, with the ship’s massive AquaDome appearing to nearly fill the available space beneath the structure.

Several close-up angles show the lowered funnels as Legend of the Seas approaches the Great Belt Bridge. As the ship passes underneath, passengers can be seen gathering along the railings to watch the rare transit unfold.

One angle of the video shows the bridge directly above the Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor logo, which is mounted near the ship’s open-air neighborhoods. From the camera’s perspective, the bridge appears almost close enough to touch!

Footage captured from behind the vessel showcases Legend of the Seas’ Category 6 waterpark and expansive upper decks as the ship passes beneath the bridge. The angle highlights the massive size of the ship and the narrow margin involved in this kind of transit.

Legend of the Seas isn’t the first Royal Caribbean ship to make the crossing

Several other Royal Caribbean ships have completed similar crossings beneath the Great Belt Bridge. In late 2023, Icon of the Seas completed a similar transit while sailing from Finland to begin preparations for her debut in Miami.

More famously, Allure of the Seas passed beneath the bridge in October 2010 with less than 20 inches of clearance while heading toward Fort Lauderdale ahead of her inaugural season.

Like Legend of the Seas, both ships relied on retractable funnels and careful ballast adjustments to temporarily reduce their height.

The Great Belt Bridge, which is locally known as Storebæltsbroen, is one of Denmark’s most recognizable engineering landmarks. The bridge opened in 1998 and stretches approximately 18 kilometers, or 11 miles, across the Great Belt Strait. The bridge connects the Danish islands of Zealand and Funen and serves as a vital transportation link between eastern and western Denmark.

What’s next for Legend of the Seas?

The bridge crossing comes shortly after Royal Caribbean officially welcomed Legend of the Seas into the fleet during a delivery ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. More than 1,200 crew members, shipyard workers, executives, and project partners attended the event, which marked the transfer of ownership from Meyer Turku to Royal Caribbean.

Legend of the Seas is the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking Icon Class, following the debut of sister ships Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

The vessel will soon arrive in Spain, where final touches will be added before she begins her inaugural season in Europe. Beginning July 4, 2026, Legend of the Seas will operate 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

In November 2026, the newest Icon class ship will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she will sail 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries. Every cruise will include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in The Bahamas.

Legend of the Seas features eight distinct neighborhoods with 28 dining options, seven pools, a Category 6 waterpark, Crown’s Edge thrill attraction, the AquaDome, and a redesigned Ultimate Family Townhouse. The vessel is also Royal Caribbean’s fourth ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner-burning fuel that helps reduce emissions compared to traditional marine fuels.

I'd estimate I've purchased a Royal Caribbean unlimited drink package at least 30 times, so I've gotten a lot of practice in maximizing it all.

Cruise drink packages are expensive, but they offer a way budget easily for all the beers, cocktails, sodas, and bottled water onboard while adding significant convenience.

I also believe drink packages are among the most popular add-ons people buy for a Royal Caribbean cruise.  Getting the lowest price and getting the most out of them are probably the most common questions I get from our readers.

When you consider buying the Deluxe Beverage Package for two people on a 7-day cruise can easily cost over $1,000, it should come as no surprise how quickly questions of "is it worth it?" pop up.

The key to understanding the value of a drink package is in how you use it, and unfortunately too many people overspend and misuse their beverage packages.

Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make when they buy a Royal Caribbean drink package.

Buying drink packages on the ship

If you wait to buy a drink package until you're on your ship, you're going to significantly overpay.

The absolute highest price for a drink package is when you buy it onboard because the onboard prices start high, and only offer a BOGO discount to help subsidize the second person's cost.

What you should be doing instead is pre-purchasing the drink package before the cruise begins.

No matter when you buy it before the sailing, the cost of a drink package will always be cheaper if you buy it prior to getting onboard. This is because Royal Caribbean runs a lot of pre-cruise sales that deeply discount the cost.

If you're skeptical why the price would be cheaper before you're on the ship, it's because Royal Caribbean executives want you buying things online. Every pre-cruise dollar spent will usually generate 50% more onboard revenue for that customer later.  It's a psychology thing within marketing.

The bottom line is don't wait to buy a drink package on the ship, because it's going to cost you hundreds of dollars more.

Waiting too long for a sale to buy a drink package

Now that you know not to wait to buy a drink package on the ship, you also don't want to wait to lock in a price.

Even though some people know to pre-buy a drink package, they try to time a sale and this results in them spending more than they expected.

If you know you want to get a drink package, go ahead and pre-purchase now at whatever price you see.  The mistake is waiting for a lower sale price later.

The reason this is a mistake is sometimes the price never comes down, and actually goes up.

I've seen a lot of people who read others got a lower price than them, so they wait to buy it.  And then the price never goes down, but actually increases.

You can cancel and re-price anything before the cruise begins.  Buying it now locks in your price, but allows you to take advantage of a price decrease later. You can cancel and rebook drink packages as many times as you like.

Ordering a drink without specifying the liquor

When you order your favorite cocktail on the ship, be sure to tell the bartender which liquor you want with it.

If you order a "martini", you're going to get well liquor.  This is the cheapest and lowest quality vodka available, but your drink package includes much higher shelf options.

What you want to do is ask for name brand liquors with any drink you order.

Most new cruisers are surprised to know their drink package includes brands like Jose Cuervo, Grey Goose, Captain Morgan, or Gentleman Jack.

It's just the super top shelf liquors that aren't included, and the bartender will usually warn you if you're trying to order something not included with a package.

Not taking advantage of all the other drinks you get

If you buy a Refreshment Package or the Deluxe Beverage Package, it's easy to focus just on the mocktails or cocktails, but the best way to make a drink package worth it is to take advantage of other drinks too.

Both of these packages include premium coffees and teas from Cafe Promenade, Pearl Cafe, or Cafe Lattetudes. These are the Starbucks-style drinks that would otherwise cost $5-8 each.

Plus, you can get sodas, Evian bottled water, energy drinks, and milkshakes.

The booze is probably why most people buy the unlimited alcohol package, but there's a lot more that get with it.  Not only can you get these other choices, but it makes it easier to break even on the daily cost.

Sharing drink package benefits with others

It's strictly forbidden to get someone a beverage who doesn't have a drink package with your package benefits.

The drink package benefits are only for the person that bought it, and sharing your drinks with someone else could result in having your drink package cancelled without a refund.

No matter how clever you think you are to cheat the drink package, the cruise line has seen it all before.

Not ordering bottled water with every drink order

My favorite inclusion with a drink package is bottled water, and I'll start stockpiling them in my stateroom for use later.

Even though the rules technically say you can only order one drink at a time with a beverage package, bartenders never seem to mind giving you a bottle of water along with your beer or cocktail.  This is because they want you to stay hydrated and not get sick.

Rather than ordering a bottle of water one at a time, start asking for a bottle with any drink order you make.  Bring those bottles back to your room, so you have them when you're thirsty in the middle of the night or want to take one off the ship for an excursion.

Missing out on the different drink menus around the ship

Did you know the drink menu is different depending on which bar you're at onboard?

While there is a fleetwide menu available on every ship, many specialty restaurants, lounges, and bars have their own special menu that has cocktails and mocktails you won't find anywhere else.

Royal Caribbean has undertaken a special mission of developing fun new drinks that go beyond the clichéd "boat drinks" people expect.

In addition to pina colada or daiquiri, some bars have toasted marshmallow old fashioned, painchiller, tequil-ya zombie, and much more.

Usually these cocktails are included with a drink package at no cost, so try them all!

A drink package includes gratuity, but I tip an extra dollar

It's not a mistake to rely purely on the included gratuity your drink package includes, but I've found you can get better service with a small tip each time you buy a drink.

Whenever I order a drink, I'll give the bartender an extra dollar bill. Why? Because I get better service with it.

This matters when you're at a crowded bar, because bartenders remember who tipped them and that translates to less waiting for a drink.

There's nothing wrong with not adopting my strategy, but I think it's a smart change to make.

My family of four and a group friends took a cruise to Alaska on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, which took us to places like Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Dawes Glacier.

Even though I've taken two other cruises to Alaska, this was my first in over 4 years. Back then, there were still Covid rules in place.

I was far from a novice on this Alaska cruise, as I've not only been there a couple of times before, but also spent plenty of time researching.

Getting back to Alaska, I was far from a novice.  And yet, I was still surprised by a few important things on my cruise and they are lessons I think almost anyone else headed to Alaska would want to know about.

Here are seven things I didn't expect about the overall experience.

The impact of the World Cup made my vacation more expensive.

I booked my Alaska cruise two years ago, but had no idea back then that the World Cup would play a significant role in my travel plans.

It never crossed my mind, but just like trying to cruise from the same city the Super Bowl is hosted in, hotel and airfare prices will skyrocket.

My cruise departed from Vancouver, Canada, which was one of two Canadian cities selected to host the World Cup. The result was when it came time to book flights and hotel rooms, I paid much more than I expected.

I stayed in the Pan Pacific hotel because it's in the same building as the cruise terminal. At $600 per room, per night, it cost me much more than I expected.

It's a good idea to look at what events are happening in the city you're cruising from to see what kind of impact it might have on demand to get there.

Creek Street in Ketchikan is a tourist trap.

I'll say it: I was disappointed how much Ketchikan was a tourist trap, especially Creek Street.

Creek Street is the picturesque street you've likely seen lots of photos that looks like a throwback to gold rush Alaska. 

While it does look as cute in real life, there's not much here that you won't find everywhere else around town (or in other Alaska towns you visit).

I was disappointed this part of Ketchikan didn't have more to it than more of the same souvenirs you'll see elsewhere. To be fair, all the ports in Alaska are kind of like this. Haines remains the most authentic town that I've visited.

My advice is take your photo of Creek Street, but you can avoid the crowds trying to get into every store because there's not much beyond what you'd find elsewhere in town.

I was impressed by how much Alaskan food offered on my ship.

I'm so used to Royal Caribbean's food that almost anything different grabs my attention.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the ship's chef's leaning into Alaska cuisine as much as they did.

The Windjammer buffet had a variety of different dishes from both Alaska and Canada.  While none of it might be the most authentic version you'll ever have, I give them a lot of credit for trying.

There was an "Alaskan breakfast sandwich" every morning, which was the combination of French toast, bacon and eggs.  

My favorite was the Alaskan salmon chowder soup, which was essentially New England Clam chowder, but salmon substituted for the clams. Plus, they even served it in bread bowls on one afternoon!

The bagel station had Alaskan salmon, Alaskan baked fresh cod, and a giant hoagie sandwich. I don't think the sandwich is related to Alaska, but it was different!

There was even a poutine station on one day, which a number of Canadians onboard seemed impressed by.

I was also very happy to see Alaskan Brewing beers offered onboard, which offered a nice alternative to the usual beers you'd find on Royal Caribbean ships.

A lot of stores closed early, regardless of how late ships were in port

Our itinerary had us in port fairly late for most ports, and yet a lot of shops were closed by 5 or 6pm.

The cruise schedule is well-known by shop owners, so I was surprised how many were closed even though our ship was in port until 8 or 9pm.

This isn't like the hardware store in your hometown.  These are towns that literally make all of their revenue off cruise ship passengers during the cruise season.  So you would expect them to maximize every minute considering how short the season is.

In both Juneau and Ketchikan, a lot of places were closed by the time we got to the early evening. That limits shopping and dining opportunities, and it forces our hand to return to the ship earlier.

If I'm being honest, this phenomenon occurs in other ports I've visited around the world where ships stay late. But those are towns and cities that have year-round tourists, whereas Alaska is more limited, and that's why I was surprised.

Prince Rupert is a sleeper hit.

Due to US maritime law, all Royal Caribbean ships make at least one stop in Canada.  It might look like a technical requirement, but I was fairly impressed by Prince Rupert Island.

This is a quaint town, but it's perfect for walking around and enjoying some time outside.  

We lucked out with amazing weather, so it helped greatly that Canada's rainiest city had no rain.

There's a sunken garden that was perfect for a quick stop, a few different breweries, and lots of scenic walks along the water.

Our cruise focused on Alaska, but don't overlook your time in Canada as well.

You don't need a parka, but glacier day will be chilly.

It's easy to look at an Alaska cruise and fall into the trap of thinking you need clothes fit for the arctic.

It's still summer in Alaska, and I think you can ditch the parka or heavy jackets.

I packed three outer layers on my cruise: a fleece jacket, a heavy hoodie sweatshirt, and a light rain jacket. That's it.

I think that's more than sufficient for the outdoors in any of the ports, even with temperatures that barely exceed 60 degrees.

The one day where you might really get cold is on your glacier visit.  For this day, double or triple down on what you brought.

I wore my fleece and hoodie on top of each other and was warm enough to be outside for long periods. A knit hat and gloves really paid off on glacier day.

Buying disposable hand warmers would probably be a good idea. (Affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to use)

The reality is I don't think it will be as cold as you might think, and we were in t-shirts more often than even I expected.

Excursions are expensive, but you'll regret not doing more.

Alaska shore excursions are much more expensive than in the Caribbean, but you really should bite the bullet and book them anyway.

While you can easily walk around town on your own without spending extra, the best things to see and do require an organized tour to do properly.

I booked a private wildlife tour in Sitka that absolutely blew me away, with both what we saw and how personal the experience was.

Captain Patrick only takes small groups of 6-8 people out on his boat to the spots he knows there are almost always lots of wildlife.

We saw whales, sea otters, bald eagles, and sea lions, and he explained everything about Alaska along the way.  When we couldn't find humpback whales, he extended the tour at no cost to find them.

For most people, Alaska is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so don't go cheap on the excursions.  Save more for the good ones that will take you to see and do things that are the top of your bucket list.

Normally, I'm one to argue that your pre-cruise hotel doesn't matter so long as it is safe and clean. However, a recent stay at an upscale beachfront hotel in Fort Lauderdale might have changed my mind about future vacations.

Not long ago, I stayed at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Hotel before a short four-night cruise out of Port Everglades. My fiancée and I decided to forgo our usual basic airport hotel and opted for something more luxurious and relaxing since we were celebrating my 27th birthday. 

Our partial ocean-view junior suite came to $503.69 after taxes. However, we booked the stay using my American Express Platinum credit card, so we took advantage of the card's semiannual hotel credit and only paid $203.69 out-of-pocket.

Other benefits included complimentary breakfast, a $100 hotel credit, and, upon arrival, a complimentary upgrade to a massive two-bedroom suite. 

After just one night, I'm convinced this is one of the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port — if you're in the mood to splurge. 

Although I still think basic airport hotels work fine for most pre-cruise stays, our experience at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale definitely made a strong case for why starting your vacation on a high note before embarkation isn't always a bad thing. 

Conrad Hotel Fort Lauderdale Amenities

To start, the property feels more like a resort than your average airport hotel. The lobby is spacious and elegant, while the large pool deck is arguably one of the hotel's best-selling points. 

It stretches out toward the ocean with an open layout that features a bar and grill, lawn games, umbrellas, and plenty of plush seating. I got lost in my current read soon after settling in — though the unpredictable Florida weather soon caused us to scramble inside. 

Other amenities include:

• Fitness center
• Complimentary two-hour daily bike rental
• Free beach setup (two chairs and one umbrella included)
• Morning yoga on the beach
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
• Open-air electric Moke rentals ($)
• Conrad Spa ($)
• Cabana and daybed rentals ($)
• In-room child care ($)
• Valet parking ($60/day)

Dining options

The Conrad Fort Lauderdale has both grab-and-go and full-service dining options available on the property. Whether you want to pick up a quick sandwich to eat by the pool or fuel up with an Italian feast, you are guaranteed to find something that satisfies your cravings. 

During our one-night stay, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at the Spinnaker Pool Grill while we waited for housekeeping to finish preparing our suite. It wasn't anything fancy, but our chicken quesadilla and turkey BLT wrap hit the spot after an early travel morning. 

We also had dinner at Vitolo, the hotel's Italian restaurant, sharing a standard margherita pizza. The service was prompt, and we thought the pizza was pretty solid. 

Finally, we took advantage of the complimentary breakfast and loved the sit-down experience, instead of a crowded buffet with powdered eggs, canned fruit, and nearly stale toast. In fact, we both agreed it was one of the more lavish breakfasts we'd had in a while, complete with a beautiful, chilled fruit platter, crispy potatoes, and a croissant waffle. 

Here's a full list of the on-site dining options at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale: 

• Vitolo
• Takato
• Spinnaker Pool Grill
• The Beach Hut
• Cornucopia Gourmet Market
• In-room dining

Conrad Hilton Fort Lauderdale Room Overview

Our two-bedroom suite was nothing short of impressive — though we certainly wouldn't have paid for it for a one-night stay. Complete with a fully-stocked kitchen, two and a half bathrooms, two bedrooms, a living room, and a large balcony, it was more space than we needed. 

In fact, we ended up turning the second bedroom into our suitcase's designated area. This kept the living room and our bedroom free of clutter. 

Perhaps the most impressive part of the Conrad suite was the primary bathroom. It featured a large walk-in shower, a separate soaking tub, robes, a dual-sink vanity with lots of counter space, and premium toiletries. 

Once the weather cleared up, I returned to the pool for a little more sunshine, while my fiancée opted to stay behind and nap. By the time 4:00 p.m. rolled around, I was surprised that I hadn't gotten an "I'm awake!" text yet, so I went back to the suite to check in and quickly realized that the blackout curtains did their job a little too well. 

Then, we quickly got ready for dinner at the hotel's Italian restaurant before returning to the suite to have a relaxing evening in the living room and watch the soft orange and pink hues in the sky as the sun set. 

Regarding the room's cleanliness and upkeep, some of the furniture felt a little dated, but overall, the suite was very well-maintained for a beach hotel that's been open for nearly a decade. 

We did not notice any stains on the carpet or lingering signs of heavy wear-and-tear, aside from the outdoor balcony, which had been exposed to the elements and needed a good clean. 

Final Thoughts: Is The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach A Good Pre-Cruise Hotel?

Overall, my stay at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach completely changed how I think about pre-cruise hotels. Although it isn't practical to splurge before every voyage, it was a nice reminder that the actual trip can begin before you set foot on board the ship on embarkation day. 

The great resort-style amenities, spacious accommodations, and solid lineup of dining options on-site made it easy to unwind and transition into vacation mode. Whether you want a low-key afternoon by the pool or a relaxing morning on the beach, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of everything the hotel has to offer!

Plus, I loved staying so close to the beach. It made my morning walk so much more enjoyable (before the midday heat set in, of course). 

That said, the hotel isn't the best fit for all cruise travelers. The property, for example, is expensive compared to nearby airport hotels, and there is no dedicated shuttle service to the cruise port or airport, so you will have to rely on rideshares or taxis both to the hotel and the cruise port.

Thankfully, both rides are short. Our Uber from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) took seventeen minutes, while our ride from the hotel to Port Everglades was just fifteen minutes. They weren't expensive, either, with both totaling $38.87, including tips. 

Moving on, the on-site dining options were expensive. For instance, we spent $60 for a chicken quesadilla and a turkey wrap at the pool grill — no drinks included! As such, it would be easy for a larger family to rack up a hefty bill before beginning their cruise. 

Still, if you are willing to pay more for comfort, location, and convenience to start your vacation in style, you can't go wrong with a pre-cruise stay at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale. 

Royal Caribbean has expanded access to one of its most exclusive onboard dining venues. The cruise line is now allowing select suite guests to invite non-suite passengers to dine at Coastal Kitchen for an additional fee.

The cruise line recently introduced a new policy that permits guests staying in Sky Class and Star Class suites to bring friends or family members who are not staying in suites into the exclusive restaurant. Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service Vicki Freed shared details of the new benefit during a travel advisor webinar on June 17, 2026.

According to information shared onboard, Star Class suite guests may invite up to four non-suite guests per meal, while Sky Class guests may invite up to two non-suite guests per meal. Based on the new policy, invited guests must dine together with the suite guest, and access remains subject to restaurant availability.

The new program includes a per-person fee structure depending on the meal being served. For instance, breakfast is priced at $15 per person while lunch costs $20 per person. Dinner for invited guests in Coastal Kitchen will be available for $25 per person.

Children are also eligible under the new policy to dine as non-suite guests in Coastal Kitchen. Royal Caribbean’s pricing indicates that children ages 6 and younger may dine free of charge, while children ages 7 to 12 are charged $15 per meal.

Royal Caribbean notes that all charges will be applied to the onboard account of the inviting suite guest rather than the invited passenger. Additionally, an 18% gratuity and VAT may apply depending on the sailing.

Coastal Kitchen has become one of the signature perks of Royal Caribbean’s suite experience. Exclusively available to qualifying suite guests, the restaurant showcases Mediterranean influences with the fresh flavors of California’s agricultural regions. Royal Caribbean describes the venue as offering everything from Pacific Coast favorites to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, paired with an extensive wine selection featuring vintages from regions such as Napa Valley and Tuscany.

How passengers can request access for non-suite guests

The process for inviting non-suite guests to Coastal Kitchen differs slightly depending on the suite category.

Royal Caribbean organizes its suite accommodations into three categories: Sea Class, Sky Class, and Star Class. Sea Class includes entry-level suites and more limited suite benefits, while Sky Class offers enhanced perks such as access to Coastal Kitchen and suite concierge services.

Finally, Star Class is Royal Caribbean’s highest suite tier and includes additional benefits such as a Royal Genie and complimentary specialty dining throughout the cruise.

To invite non-suite guests to dine at Coastal Kitchen, Royal Caribbean states that Star Class passengers can arrange access through their Royal Genie. This can be done before their sailing or once they're onboard. Requests may also be made through the suite concierge or Coastal Kitchen manager.

Guests staying in Sky Class suites can request access onboard through the suite concierge or directly with the Coastal Kitchen manager.

While reservations have always been required for Coastal Kitchen, availability for invited non-suite guests is limited. As a result, guests hoping to share the experience with friends or family may want to coordinate access as early as possible.

Access to Coastal Kitchen is one of the most popular suite perks

For many suite guests, access to Coastal Kitchen is one of the most valuable benefits included with their cruise fare. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a more intimate setting than the ship’s main dining room. In addition, menus rotate throughout each sailing to highlight seasonal ingredients.

Star Class passengers receive complimentary specialty dining throughout their cruise, along with access to Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Similarly, Sky Class suite passengers enjoy access to Coastal Kitchen for all three meals, while Sea Class passengers receive dinner-only access based on availability.

The restaurant offers a quieter dining experience for passengers with more personalized service. In addition, the menu provides higher-quality dishes and more refined entrees than guests will find in the main dining room.

According to Royal Caribbean’s website, Coastal Kitchen’s breakfast selections often include items such as feta and spinach frittatas, French toast topped with caramelized bananas, and Mediterranean-style plates featuring pan tomàquet, hummus, prosciutto, and Manchego cheese.

Moreover, lunch offerings might include dishes such as a Margherita flatbread topped with Buffalo mozzarella, sun-ripened tomatoes, and fresh basil, along with herb-crusted chicken breast served with roasted squash and Provençal tomatoes.

Dinner is a highlight for many suite passengers and typically features more elevated options. This might include Escargots à la bourguignonne prepared with garlic butter and parsley, roasted veal tenderloin with vin jaune sauce, and desserts such as rosewater panna cotta or fresh seasonal fruit.

Access to Coastal Kitchen is restricted to suite guests, although top-tier Pinnacle Club members may also dine in the restaurant based on availability.

Groupon has a new offer to save on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but buyer beware.

Royal Caribbean is running a gift card promotion on Groupon with 8% savings. Although savings are still possible, the deal’s terms and conditions put strong limitations on when and how the gift cards can be redeemed.

Groupon is currently offering a promotion on $100, $250, and $500 Royal Caribbean gift cards. The coupon site states the gift cards can be used for “cruise fares, onboard purchases, and more,” but Royal Caribbean fans have found conflicting information in the fine print.

We took a closer look at this Royal Caribbean gift card offer to see whether or not the 8% savings are worth the limitations.

The offer will save you 8% on Royal Caribbean gift cards

Royal Caribbean offers gift cards year-round on their website, but purchasing gift cards through Groupon currently yields the following discounts:

• A $100 gift card for $92
• A $250 gift card for $230
• A $500 gift card for $460

Gift cards can be purchased directly through Groupon and redeemed through Royal Caribbean. At the time of publication, no additional taxes and fees were applied at checkout.

The fine print has conflicting information about how to redeem the gift card

Although an 8% savings seems like a great deal, we urge cruisers to read the fine print before purchasing a discounted gift card. Groupon states conflicting information within the offer, making the redemption rules unclear.

In the discount’s description, Groupon states that “gift cards are redeemable towards cruise fares, pre-cruise purchases, and onboard purchases.” In the FAQ section of the offer, Groupon writes that the gift cards can “typically be applied to new or existing cruise bookings.”

The fine print, however, states that the certificate “may be used only as a form of payment toward a new reservation made directly with Royal Caribbean International.”

It also lists the following restrictions:

• Certificate value may only be applied toward the cruise fare for sailings quoted in USD
• Certificate cannot be used toward payment of the required initial deposit
• Certificate may not be split between multiple reservations or be partially redeemed
• Certificate may not be applied to a reservation within a group, charter, or casino program/promotions
• Certificate may not be used to purchase onboard credit or settle shipboard charges

The offer mentions that “gift cards are subject to Royal Caribbean’s standard terms and conditions” and recommends checking the official website for specific redemption policies.

“Read the terms and conditions very closely,” says a cruise travel advisor

Even though Groupon’s description claims this gift card can be used for pre-existing bookings and onboard purchases, we spoke with a travel advisor from MEI-Travel to clear up the confusion.

Jenn Greene has over 15 years of experience as a travel advisor specializing in cruises, and she urges cruisers to proceed with caution before booking this Groupon offer.

“As with any gift card offers,” she explained, “I would be sure to read the terms and conditions very closely. Many are not able to be combined with certain promotions. Once you redeem them you could lose onboard credit, valuable sales or onboard offers. Also, it takes around a week or so for these to be redeemed as you cannot call and have them applied.

If purchased too close to the payment you may have to still pay that balance because they cannot redeem the gift card in time. These are rarely ever for anything but payments towards fare, meaning you cannot take them onboard to redeem,” stated Greene.

She recommends working with a travel advisor to ensure you’re making the right choice before purchasing a gift card through this type of promotion.

For cruisers who typically book through travel advisors, for example, using the gift card could disqualify you from agency group rates. These group rates could offer more savings than the 8% discount from the Groupon gift card.

Overall, the deal can still save you money in select cases

Despite the conflicting terms and conditions, the offer can still be applied to new Royal Caribbean bookings in select circumstances.

If you purchase the $500 gift card for $460 and book a Royal Caribbean cruise directly through the cruise line, you will save $40 on the cruise fare.

Plus, if you have an American Express credit card, you may be able to combine the Groupon offer with an American Express spending offer, enabling you to save even more. Some cardholders report targeted Groupon offers of $10 back on $50 purchases, for example.

Overall, though, despite the advertised 8% savings, cruisers should proceed with caution if they plan to purchase a Royal Caribbean gift card through Groupon. The conflicting information and limitations may make it difficult to redeem the gift card unless you plan to book a new Royal Caribbean cruise in the near future.