Royal Caribbean Blog

Luggage tags are a small but essential part of Royal Caribbean’s embarkation process. If you’re looking for a way to keep your tags secure, protected, and easy to attach, luggage tag holders are a simple solution.

When you arrive for embarkation day, you will send off your checked bags with the cruise porters at the terminal. Every checked bag must be clearly tagged so it can be routed through the ship’s luggage system and delivered to the correct stateroom. After your luggage is whisked off by the porters, you won’t see it again until it’s delivered to your stateroom later that day.

In this way, your printed luggage tag is pretty crucial, as it's the only way the cruise line knows where to deliver luggage. Your luggage tag is essentially the only thing tying your suitcase to your stateroom. If it gets lost or damaged along the way, your bag can be delayed while crew members work to track it down. And you definitely don't want to add unnecessary stress to embarkation day by wondering where your suitcase ended up.

Even after years of cruising, I still find myself printing luggage tags at the last minute. This often involves a quick stop at the hotel concierge to print the tags and hunt down a stapler before heading to the cruise port. In fact, I’ve even arrived at the cruise terminal without printed luggage tags after completely forgetting them.

For many years, I never saw the value of luggage tags for a cruise. I would simply print my luggage tag and either tape or staple it to my suitcase. I never really thought twice about it, until one rainy embarkation changed my entire perspective.

While boarding our cruise in Sydney, Australia last fall, it was pouring rain all morning. Luckily, my dad had packed extra luggage tag holders that I borrowed before heading to the port. As we made our way through the terminal, I was relieved that my luggage tags were secure and protected from the rain. Other passengers had damaged luggage tags that weren’t legible because they were so soaked!

After this experience, I have continued to use luggage tag holders for my Royal Caribbean cruises. They provide me with peace of mind that my luggage tag will remain intact during embarkation. Also, they hardly take up any space for packing.

How Royal Caribbean’s luggage tags work

Royal Caribbean provides luggage tags in your pre-cruise electronic documents after your online check-in is complete. Luggage tags can be found in your eDocs, which are specific to your ship, sailing date, and stateroom. 

Guests are encouraged to print multiple copies of their luggage tags in case of damage or last-minute changes. You’ll fill in your name on each tag as well.

If a luggage tag is forgotten at home, porters at the terminal can still provide generic tags on embarkation day. However, Royal Caribbean recommends printing and securing your tags in advance to avoid delays. Generic tags also lack the color coding and location information crew members rely on, which can slow down how quickly your luggage makes its way to your stateroom.

Royal Caribbean’s luggage tags are printed on paper and designed to be attached to bags before boarding. This allows luggage handlers to sort thousands of bags efficiently and deliver them throughout the ship within hours of embarkation.

When a luggage tag is damaged, illegible, or torn off, this system can fail. Suitcases and bags without readable tags may be delayed, manually inspected, or temporarily set aside until crew members can identify the owner. While most bags eventually arrive, the process can take significantly longer, sometimes well into the evening on embarkation day.

Although Royal Caribbean doesn’t require any luggage tag holders, they are extremely useful. For this reason, you’re likely to see many other passengers at the cruise terminal utilizing them. And after years of cruising, I would consider them a cruise essential.

A protective luggage tag holder keeps the paper tag sealed and securely fastened to the bag handle. They also reduce the risk of tearing or loss from the baggage handlers. More importantly, it helps ensure your luggage moves smoothly through the system and arrives at your stateroom as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking to invest in luggage tags for your Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled our top choices for Royal Caribbean luggage tags and holders that you must have for your next cruise.

Note: Affiliate links are used throughout this article. If you purchase using the links provided in our article, we receive a small commission. This helps support our website and doesn’t cost you anything extra! You can also check out our Amazon Storefront for all of our cruise essentials and favorites.

1. Highwind 4-Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder

Link: Highwind 4 Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Suitcases - Compatible with Celebrity 2025 Royal Caribbean Luggage Tag Holders Travel Essentials Cruise Lanyard

Price: $6.99

This is one of the best-selling cruise essentials from our Amazon Storefront. Cruisers love how easy and convenient these are to use, and they have thousands of 5-star reviews!

Cruisers describe these luggage tag holders as well-constructed and secure, with strong cables that stay in place. Many people also mention their durability, ease of use, and snug fit for Royal Caribbean's printed luggage tags. This makes them a reliable option for embarkation day and luggage handling.

In addition, these tags can apparently be used for other cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. If you’re wanting a versatile luggage tag holder, this is a great option to consider! Also, there are multiple options for purchasing, including 4-packs and 8-packs. Some options also include ID lanyards — another cruise staple for many!

Cruise On: 4-Pack Luggage Tag Holders

Link: Cruise On Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder (4 Pack) – Fits All Royal Caribbean Ships, Durable Travel ID Holders for 2026-2027 Cruises, Clear Waterproof Cruise Essentials

Price: $12.99

Another great option is this 4-pack of luggage tag holders from Cruise On. Customers consistently describe these luggage tag holders as high quality and perfect for Royal Caribbean cruises. Reviews note the sturdy plastic construction and heavy-duty cables, which keep their Royal Caribbean luggage tags secure and protected throughout embarkation.

In addition, people also appreciate how easily Royal Caribbean's printed tags fit inside the holders and report that they hold up well over multiple cruises.

6-Pack Royal Caribbean Luggage Tag Holders

Link: Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean Ships & Celebrity, 6Pack Clear Tags Cruise Travel Essentials for 2025-2026

Price: $6.99

If you're wanting a pop of color on your luggage tag holders, look no further! Cruisers describe this 6-pack of Royal Caribbean luggage tag holders as durable and easy to use. Many also note that they hold up well over multiple cruises with little visible wear.

Reviews also highlight the luggage tag’s secure, well-fitting design for Royal Caribbean's printed luggage tags. Many reviewers mention how these tags are consistently useful and functional during embarkation. Moreover, most travelers consider them a worthwhile purchase and recommend them for cruisers. However, these tags will not work with other cruise lines, so you'll only want them for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises.

Seavilla 8-Pack of Luggage Tags

Link: 8 Pack Luggage Tags Travel Essentials & Cruise Essentials for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruise Ships by SEAVILIA

Price: $6.99

Those wanting a few additional luggage tag holders should consider this 8-pack from Seavilia. Cruisers frequently describe these luggage tags as well made, including the sturdy wire fasteners and durable plastic construction. Reviews also note that the tags stay securely attached throughout the cruise and hold up well during embarkation.

Many travelers appreciate how Royal Caribbean's luggage tags fit neatly inside. Also, several mention that they show little to no wear by the end of their cruise, even after multiple sailings. The brand also offers multi-pack options, with quantities ranging from 8 to 40 holders.

6-Pack Luggage Tag Holders + 3 Lanyards

Link: Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Luggage Tag Holders With Cruise Lanyards - Zip Seal Clear Holders and Badge Holders for Ship Cards (6 Tag Holders + 3 Lanyards)

Price: $8.99

This bundle includes two cruise essentials: Royal Caribbean luggage tag holders and three matching cruise lanyards. This makes it a convenient option for both embarkation day and onboard use!

The clear tag holders fit Royal Caribbean’s printable tags perfectly and attach securely with braided steel rings. In addition, the lightweight lanyards include detachable clips for easy access to your SeaPass card. Both pieces are water-resistant, helping protect printed luggage tags and cruise cards throughout your vacation.

Cruisers describe these luggage tag holders as both practical and reliable during their vacation. Many mention the durable vinyl sleeves, which help protect printed tags and keep them neatly in place. Reviewers also mention the ease of use and secure attachment, noting that the holders stay put while still being simple to remove when needed. Several reviewers also note that they feel the quality justifies the price, especially for frequent cruisers.

4-Pack Colored Luggage Tag Holders and Lanyards

Link: 4 Pack Clear Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Ships, 2 Pack Cruise Lanyards and Waterproof ID Badge Holder Suitable for Cruise Card, Cruise Essential Travel Accessories

Price: $9.99

This is another bundled option if you're looking to invest in luggage tags and cruise lanyards for your vacation. These luggage tags are made from durable PVC that holds up well in the wet, unpredictable weather. The water-resistant material helps protect printed information from moisture during transit. These luggage tags are sized specifically for Royal Caribbean printable luggage tags, along with Celebrity Cruises’ luggage tags. Some reviewers also mentioned these tags worked for their Norwegian cruise.

Finally, the set also includes tropical-themed cruise lanyards with a waterproof ID holder. This will keep your SeaPass card dry and easily accessible throughout your entire vacation. 

6-Pack Luggage Tag Holders, Lanyards, and Magnetic Hooks

Link: Cruise Accessories Works with All Cruise Lines Cruise Travel Essentials Cruise Luggage Tags for Royal Caribbean Ships and Celebrity, Cruise Luggage Tags for Carnival Cruise Ship (12)

Price: $13.99

This is the ultimate cruise-essentials purchase with luggage tag holders, lanyards, and magnetic hooks! Most cruisers describe these cruise accessories as very useful for their vacation. To start, magnetic hooks can be used in your Royal Caribbean cabin, as the walls are usually magnetic. These hooks allow you to hang small items directly on your wall, which can save space and keep your cabin organized.

Similarly, these luggage tag holders are designed to fit luggage tags for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. The zip-top seal helps keep paper tags from getting wet or tearing, and the thicker plastic feels sturdy enough for the way luggage is handled on embarkation day. 

Not to mention, many consider lanyards to be a must-have items for cruises to keep your card secure throughout the day. You'll be carrying your SeaPass everywhere you go, so it's important to have your card in a secure place.

14-Pack Colorful Luggage Tag Holders

Link: ME.FAN 14 Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holder for Royal Caribbean & Celebrity, Clear Cruise Tags Holder - Waterproof, Reusable, Zip Seal, Cruise Essentials

Price: $9.99

If you’re looking for a larger set of luggage tags for your Royal Caribbean cruise, this is a great option. These are highly rated with reviewers stating these tags are well-made and reliable. Many note how they like the colorful design!

Reviews also highlight the overall build quality, including screw-on enclosures that keep tags securely in place. Many travelers note that their luggage tags remain protected and intact throughout embarkation. Royal Caribbean cruisers add that printed tags fit well inside the holders and appreciate how easy they are to attach, remove, and reuse on future trips.

While there are many things people will complain about on a Royal Caribbean cruise, some are opinions you can safely ignore.

The internet is a great resource for learning about just about anything, including a cruise vacation. It can also help a lot with finding the right cruise, shore excursion, or activity onboard. Heck, this entire website is built around that premise.

I like to read through others' experiences on cruises, but there are some things you probably shouldn't make a buying decision off of because you read a negative experience online.

Some subjects are simply too subjective, and a cruise is so personalized. Unlike a review that criticizes Enchantment of the Seas for not having nearly as much to do for families as a newer ship, a dismal review one person have may have more to do with that person's likes and dislikes than an objective viewpoint.

Before you make any rash decisions, here are five complaints about cruises I wouldn't take to heart.

How comfortable the beds are on a cruise ship

Let's start with an easy topic that is so subjective, you may as well stop reading as soon as you see the topic: beds.

There are all sorts of complaints that Royal Caribbean's mattresses are too firm, too soft, too lumpy, or simply not what they prefer in bedding.

This is why the entire mattress industry has been built around different firmness levels. Everyone will never agree on what's the right level of firmness.

Personally, I prefer a firmer mattress, and I sleep well on Royal Caribbean ships. So clearly they work for what I prefer, but there are others that have a different feeling.

Don't forget you can ask for a mattress topper to help make it softer.

Ultimately, don't freak out if you see someone complaining about the comfort level of the beds. It might not be the as wonderful to sleep on as your luxury mattress at home, but it does the job.

Cruise ship reviews

If I had to pick one kind of complaint you should never use as the basis for any decision, it's cruise reviews.

You'll find plenty of negative reviews on Facebook and Reddit talking about how some ship is horrible, but I've been on those ships and I scratch my head how they had such a worse experience than I did.

The issue is a cruise ship has so many ways you can experience it.  For example, you could stay in your cabin all cruise and only order room service, but someone else could spend all day in the casino. 

There's simply too much variation on what you can do on a cruise ship to use a review as the basis for booking or not booking it.

Most often, bad cruise ship reviews stem from unrealistic or uninformed expectations. People writing cruise ship reviews aren't trained reviewers: they're dads that thought a ship should have free WiFi and less trivia events because "that's what it's like at Marriott".

What one person considers a deal-breaker, might be exactly what another cruiser loves about the vacation. Add in variables like weather, itinerary changes, and individual service interactions, and two people on the same cruise can walk away with totally opposite impressions.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships are not copies of each other.  Even within the same ship class, you'll find stark differences between each vessel. 

There's nothing wrong with reading ship reviews to see specifics that people liked or didn't like. Online reviews tend to reflect personal preferences more than an objective measure of how good a cruise actually is.

The stage shows around the ship

Royal Caribbean is known for their entertainment as being a differentiating factor from other cruise lines. Specifically, they're a market leader in the onboard shows.  But that doesn't mean everyone loves them all.

A great example of why show reviews shouldn't be taken as the gospel truth is the Broadway show, "Cats" on Oasis of the Seas. Perhaps no other show has such divided views among fans that either despise the show or love it.

I've told readers I can't stand magicians, jugglers, or ventriloquists because they're all the same and bore me.  But I know there are lots of people that love these shows too.

I try to go into every show I've never seen with an open mind, and I think you should give a show a try. You might love a show that gets lambasted by someone else. 

All those food reviews

Nothing is more synonymous with subjective than food reviews. After all, the word "taste" is used for both review and experience.

I would guess the top complaint among all cruisers is centered around food on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

I could write about how much I loved a particular restaurant and there will be plenty of readers who claim it's a terrible restaurant, they have better food at home, or they didn't like the food at all.

To be fair, I slammed the specialty restaurant Hooked for years, but then tried it again and liked it much more than I ever expected. 

If you're a classically trained chef and know how lobster thermidor should be served, bravo, I defer to your opinion. But since I think most of us are just people eating on a cruise, food reviews are just someone's random opinion.

I like to give any restaurant a chance because it might be my new favorite. Pier 7 is another good example of a restaurant others panned, but I really liked because I gave it a try.

How crowded a ship felt

A study by the University of Tokyo looked at how people judge how crowded a place is, and it found that people perceive how crowded a space feels largely based on the gap between the speed they want to move and the speed they’re actually able to move in a crowd.

This boils down to everyone has a different definition of how crowded is too crowded.

I won't pretend Royal Caribbean ships aren't crowded at times, or that you can easily get a pool chair at noon on a sea day. Those are valid complaints and definitely things I've experienced.

The difference is crowds ebb and flow, and I certainly wouldn't say it's a poor experience when it happens.  Unless you have your own private ship, there's going to be crowding of some kind.

You could argue a crowd means energy, which is important if you want a party atmosphere or are looking to socialize.

So reading "my ship was crowded" doesn't really mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of what makes that ship a fun vacation or not.

If you're wondering when you can book shows on Royal Caribbean, the answer depends on your ship, sailing date, and when reservations open in the Royal Caribbean app.

The problem is shows aren't available to book immediately. Royal Caribbean opens reservations for its shows much closer to the sail date.

Without a reservation, you will have to wait in the standby line for the show. That isn't inherently a problem, but it requires you to show up earlier and there's a risk of not making it in.

If you have the option to make a show reservation, here's when and how to book them so you can see all the performances onboard.

Royal Caribbean's policy isn't always accurate

The official policy is you can book a show on a ship a month before your cruise, but in practice, it's not always the case.

"Show reservations open on the first day of the month before sailing," is what the cruise line has on its website.

That means if you had a cruise in July, shows would be available to book on June 1st.

In my experience, show reservations don't always open exactly then. More often, there are discrepancies for when shows actually become available, and that's likely why you searched the internet to find an answer to this question.

I recommend starting to look for show reservations up to 60 days before your cruise is scheduled to set sail, because there's no consistency when Royal Caribbean actually opens up reservations to book.

Furthermore, there's no notification function to alert you that shows are open to book. It requires you to proactively log in and check to see if show reservations are available yet.

This is why a lot of cruisers will join a roll call for their cruise so that they can crowd-source when one person spots shows open to book.

Only Icon, Oasis and Quantum class ships require pre-reservations.  Other ships don't offer reservations because it's not needed.

Reservations can be made online up to 4 days before the sail date. After that, you'll need to wait to make a show reservation onboard.

New ships are even less predictable when shows are available to book

Royal Caribbean is consistently inconsistent with opening show reservations online, but it's worse with a new ship.

Legend of the Seas launches this summer and will offer a brand new musical onboard, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

There seems to be an extra lag factor with opening reservations on any new ship because apparently the onboard process of loading everything associated with a new ship requires extra time.

How to pre-book show tickets

Once reservations are open, it's free and easy to make a reservation.

You can use the Royal Caribbean app or My Royal Cruise website to book them by going to the Entertainment section.

Each show will appear, and from there you can select a show time.

There's no cost to make a pre-show reservation.  Reservations are available on a first-come, first-booked basis.

If you're staying in Star Class, you don't need to make show reservations because your Royal Genie will arrange seating for you.

If you bought The Key, you still need to make a reservation for the show.  The difference is there will be a section of seats held back for guests who bought The Key up until a few minutes before showtime.

If you're sailing with friends or family and want to book them tickets, all you need is is their reservation number and the last name of the primary guest.

When you go to make a reservation, there's an option to add other passengers.

What if all the shows are sold out?

If you missed the chance to book a show, you're not out of luck to actually see the shows.

Periodically check back if more reservations are available. It's unlikely, but sometimes more shows are added or people cancel their reservations.

Once you board the ship, I would recommend going to the box office on your ship. You can ask a crew member where it's located, but there are usually extra tickets held back to be offered onboard.

Likewise, the Royal Caribbean app once connected to the ship Wi-Fi may be able to access those extra seats.

Let's assume none of those tips worked, now what should you do? Get in the standby line!

Every show has a standby line, which begins letting people in once you're about 15-20 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.

The reality is people book up show reservations early because it's free and they want to get reservations just to have them.  But once they're on the ship, they're busy, tired, and distracted.  So there are a lot of no-shows to performances.

In my experience, if you can get in the standby line at least 30 minutes before the scheduled performance, there's a good chance you'll make it in.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live and work on the world's biggest cruise ship?

At the heart of every cruise vacation is the ship's hardworking crew members. From the housekeeping team to bartenders, dining room wait staff, and entertainers, it would be impossible to have a smooth sailing without the crew. 

Life on board as a crew member is exciting and demanding. Most crew members work long hours and live in tiny cabins below the passenger decks. In return, however, they meet people from dozens of different countries and build lifelong friendships. 

Ex-crew member Bryan James recently traveled aboard Star of the Seas with his girlfriend, Jaidyn, while she was finishing her contract. 

Although he is no longer working as an entertainer aboard cruise ships, James continues to document his life on his well-known YouTube channel, which has amassed over 500k subscribers. 

His channel is filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on board, as well as some cruise secrets from experienced sailors that will help you plan the ultimate getaway. 

In a recent video, Jaidyn briefly shares a look inside her crew cabin before signing off and starting her next chapter: relocating to Arizona with James. 

Read more: Crew member reveals that uneaten food on cruise ships isn't always thrown away

Better Crew Rooms on Icon Class Ships

When Icon of the Seas launched in January 2024, she was filled with record-breaking firsts, including the largest waterpark at sea, the first-ever elegant supper club restaurant, a brand-new enclosed AquaTheater, and a complimentary food hall. 

However, below deck, Royal Caribbean's team designed a completely different world for the 2,000-plus crew members who keep the ship running around the clock. Dubbed the "Crew Neighborhood," this hidden area spans four decks and functions like a miniature city-within-a-city, with everything from an indoor and outdoor pub, a dedicated game room, a gym, a mess hall, and even a salon. 

Another highlight of the new Icon Class ships is the redesigned crew accommodations. During the early stages of the class's conception, the cruise line sent out surveys to crew members asking them what they'd like to see aboard Icon, and at the top of the list were better cabins.

Icon Class vessels are the only cruise ships to feature unique L-shaped crew cabins. Other added features include privacy curtains, enhanced finishes and materials, and easier-to-climb beds. 

"This [L-shape] accommodation allows each crew member to have their own private space where they can really relax and have their own time," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO.

Read more: Photos show the secret crew-only areas on Icon of the Seas

Cruise Ship Crew Quarters on Star of the Seas

During her time on Star of the Seas, Jaidyn shared one of the new L-shaped crew cabins. Although the space isn't large, the redesigned accommodation feels more comfortable and private.

Jaidyn had the top bunk, complete with a grey privacy curtain, while her roommate slept on the lower bed positioned just below. The innovative layout creates a little separation between the two sleeping areas, with each crew member also having their own flat-screen television. 

The compact cabin also features built-in storage, ensuring that every inch of space is maximized and used efficiently. The built-in closet has hanging space, as well as small shelves for folded clothes, shoes, and other personal belongings. 

Directly next to the closet is a small staircase that leads up to the top bunk. These stairs make it easier and safer for crew members to climb into bed.

There are additional built-in drawers near the cabin's entrance door, too, along with a small desk with two shelves above it. Crew rooms typically have an attached ensuite bathroom. Jaidyn, however, doesn't show it. 

Finally, in the short room tour, Jaidyn explains that crew members are required to leave clean linens when departing the ship. 

"Here's everything that I'm kind of leaving behind for the next group of girls. We have to have clean linen, clean shower curtain, all of that," she says. 

Overall, the cabin isn't as grand as Star of the Seas' Royal Loft Suite, but it’s designed with practicality and comfort in mind for those spending long stretches of time at sea. 

Royal Caribbean just made it harder to miss the ship on port day.

Missing the ship is every cruiser’s nightmare. If you’ve ever wondered what happens if you miss a cruise ship, the rules are pretty strict.

A recent update to its app has a new countdown feature that makes it clearer what time you need to be back on the ship while in port.

Royal Caribbean Blog message board user Twangster shared screenshots while using the Android version of the app on Icon of the Seas as the ship was docked in Cozumel, Mexico.

In the final hour before all aboard time, the app sends a new warning notification counting down.

Making it easier to know to get back on the ship

In any port, passengers are told what time they need to be back on the ship before it departs. Of course, time flies when you're having fun and losing track of time can occur.

Passengers that are late to the ship can delay sailaway and even result in being left behind. That's not what the cruise line or passengers want.

The latest update adds a countdown timer and indicator bar how much time is left before the official all aboard time. That's the deadline to be back on the ship.

In every port, the all aboard time is posted on signs as you walk off the ship, as well as published in the Cruise Compass and Royal Caribbean app.

Don't confuse "departure time" with "all aboard" time. If you arrive at the gangway at the departure time, the ship will likely be gone. 

The all aboard time is typically 30 to 60 minutes before the scheduled departure. The idea is to get everyone onboard so the ship can depart on schedule.

With the new feature, at one hour before sailaway, a new notification appears. Similar to how an airline app will pop up with a warning when boarding will begin and then continuously update when different boarding groups are ready to go.

It's a small update, but a new way to easily convey (and remind anyone still ashore) to hurry back onboard.

What happens if you miss all aboard time on a cruise?

All aboard time is the deadline for passengers to return to the ship before it departs a port. If you miss that time, the cruise ship will usually leave without you. Guests who miss the ship must arrange their own transportation to the next port of call and are responsible for any travel costs.

In practice, it's up the ship's Captain if they'll wait for you or not.  Depending on the circumstances, the Captain may be more willing to wait.

In the case of passengers booked on a Royal Caribbean shore excursion, one advantage they have is the excursion can call the ship and remain in contact to alert them that they're behind schedule.

Royal Caribbean advertises anyone that books a tour through the cruise line is guaranteed to make it back onboard.

"When you book a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean, we guarantee that if your tour is delayed, the ship will wait for you. In the unlikely event that your tour is significantly delayed, and the ship cannot wait, we will make all the arrangements for you to return to the ship at no expense to you."

However, there is no such guarantee if you're running late on your own.

"The ship will not wait for any guest faring on their own, as it is their responsibility to be onboard before the ship's scheduled departure time."

I have one piece of advice for anyone that gets stuck and is running late, based on what a cruise ship Captain once recommended.

On the back of your Seapass card is a phone number to call in the case of an emergency.  The Captain of Voyager of the Seas once said it's best to call that number so you can convey how late you are.

There are no promises, but if you're in a taxi running 10 minutes late, letting Royal Caribbean know may convince the Captain to wait the few extra minutes for you to return.

But don't rely on this as a back-up option.  I recommend always planning to return to the ship at least 2 hours before the all aboard time.

Other tips for not being late to the ship

While the new app feature is a great addition, here are a few other tips for ensuring you're never on the wrong side of sailaway.

Set an alarm

I recommend planning to be back onboard the ship at least two hours before sailaway so that you have a buffer for traffic, emergency bathroom breaks, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Setting an alarm on your phone is a good idea so you don't overlook the fact you're coming up on when you need to return.

Set your phone or watch to ship time

Before you leave the ship, make sure your phone or watch is aligned with the ship time.

Ship time refers to what time the ship is following. If you're passing through different time zones, or the country you're in doesn't observe daylight savings time, the local time might be different.  And many phones will automatically adjust to the local time without notifying you.

You can always find the official ship time in the top left corner of the Royal Caribbean app.  It's also the time you'd see on any clock on the ship.

Double check it before stepping off the ship.

Avoid over drinking

Not to be the party pooper, but if you're drinking to excess, it's easier to lose track of time.

If you've seen enough "pier runner videos" over the years, you've seen people that are clearly inebriated trying to make it back on the ship.

Have a good time in port, but stay in control so you don't end up the subject of a TikTok short.

Royal Caribbean is bringing one of the most famous talent shows in the world to its newest cruise ship.

Beginning in August 2026, guests sailing on Legend of the Seas will be able to watch "America's Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas," a new stage production inspired by the hit television franchise. 

This will be the first time the Got Talent format will appear on a cruise ship, bringing a live version of the variety show to sea. It's a clear indication Royal Caribbean wants to push toward increasingly large and elaborate productions at sea.

Guests will be able to see it performed in the Royal Theater where there will be "a dynamic lineup of unique acts featuring performers from the Got Talent universe", from magicians and musicians to acrobats, aerialists and more.

A new headline show for Legend of the Seas

Royal Caribbean says they decided to add "America's Got Talent" to its newest ship to bring energy and excitement from television right to its passengers.

"At Royal Caribbean, we are constantly redefining live entertainment at every turn—bringing jaw-dropping performances to life across stage, air, water, and ice—and America's Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas is the perfect expression of that vision," said Christine Coachman, vice president of entertainment for Royal Caribbean.

The show will feature a dynamic lineup of performers from around the world, highlighting the variety acts that helped make the franchise a global phenomenon.

Royal Caribbean is partnering with Fremantle company to add the production onboard.

"We’re thrilled to bring Got Talent to an all-new at sea experience," said Erica Gadecki, executive vice president of partnership solutions at Fremantle. "We can’t wait to showcase incredible acts from around the world on a brand-new stage onboard."

What entertainment will be on Legend of the Seas?

The talent show is just one part of the entertainment lineup planned for Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Icon Class cruise ship.

Guests will also find several other performance venues and shows onboard, including:

• Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" musical
• AquaTheater performances featuring high divers, aerialists, dancers and robots
• Absolute Zero, described as the largest ice arena at sea
• Live music and nightlife at more than 20 bars and lounges, including venues like Lou’s and Dueling Pianos
• Immersive dining experiences such as Hollywoodland Supper Club and Royal Railway – Legend Station

AGT will share the stage with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as the story of Willy Wonka and his protégé will come to life on stage, with the Broadway musical.

Where Legend of the Seas will sail

Legend of the Seas is scheduled to debut in summer 2026 with 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises sailing from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Ports of call will include destinations such as Marseille, Naples, and Palma de Mallorca.

Later in the year, the ship will move to the United States for its Caribbean debut in November 2026, sailing 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Caribbean sailings will include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, along with destinations such as Aruba and Curaçao.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are two of the biggest mainstream cruise lines in the world. While the two brands have always had their differences, the contrast has become even more apparent in recent years.

While Royal Caribbean is thriving financially and seeing massive success, Norwegian Cruise Line has struggled to keep up. More specifically, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ stock prices have been trailing compared to Royal Caribbean’s, especially in the post-pandemic cruising era.

Over the past few years, Royal Caribbean’s stock has surged, but the same hasn’t been true for Norwegian. The cruise line has struggled to find the same momentum. Even as the cruise industry has experienced increased demand and NCL has introduced brand-new ships, the company hasn’t seen the same level of growth.

In 2025 alone, Royal Caribbean shares climbed about 39%, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ stock declined roughly 9% during the same period. Investors have taken notice, with Norwegian’s shares down about 20% over the past year.

Adding to the pressure, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has also seen significant leadership changes and growing investor scrutiny. In February 2026, the company replaced CEO Harry Sommer with John Chidsey, a longtime board member and former Subway CEO.

Around the same time, activist investor Elliott Investment Management revealed it had taken a stake of more than 10% in the company and began pushing for major changes to the board and overall strategy.

Elliott argues that Norwegian has fallen behind competitors due to inconsistent strategy, weak execution, and poor cost discipline. Now, Elliott is calling for a new business plan for Norwegian to help close the gap with rivals like Royal Caribbean.

As a longtime Royal Caribbean fan, I’ve also enjoyed cruising with Norwegian over the years. In fact, I’ve often preferred Norwegian’s more port-intensive and unique itineraries compared to Royal Caribbean’s sailings. Overall, I’ve taken six cruises with NCL, with another one actually planned next month. My Norwegian sailings have included various destinations around the world, including Africa, New England, Europe, and the Caribbean.

But in many ways, I’ve found that NCL pales in comparison to Royal Caribbean — and it’s easy to see why Norwegian is under pressure to make changes.

Norwegian offered itineraries it couldn’t execute

Personally, one of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line is their itinerary variety.

Over the past decade, Royal Caribbean has increasingly prioritized short Caribbean getaways to its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. On the other hand, Norwegian shifted its strategy towards destination-focused sailings with longer, more port-immersive itineraries around the world.

This was one of the reasons I started booking Norwegian cruises, as I found Royal Caribbean’s destination list had noticeably dwindled over the last decade. For instance, if I wanted to cruise to Africa for a bucket-list safari trip, I couldn’t book that with Royal Caribbean, even if I wanted to. On the other hand, Norwegian offered unique sailings to places like South America, Asia, the South Pacific, and even Antarctica.

Unfortunately, Norwegian Cruise Line offered many itineraries it simply couldn’t execute. For instance, the cruise line came under fire in 2024 when its Antarctica voyage was rerouted after passengers had already boarded the ship.

The cruise had originally been marketed as visiting Paradise Bay on mainland Antarctica, but passengers later learned the itinerary had changed. Instead of visiting the planned destination, the ship sailed to Admiralty Bay, located on King George Island more than 200 miles north of the originally advertised location. Passengers were outraged by the last-minute change, sharing their disdain on social media and with national media outlets.

Many passengers felt misled after booking what they believed would be a mainland Antarctica experience. However, Norwegian said the change was due to new regulatory requirements and reduced sailing speeds in the region.

This isn’t the only example of Norwegian offering itineraries they couldn’t execute. Throughout 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line made an unusually large number of itinerary changes, canceling dozens of cruises and redeploying multiple ships across its fleet.

Entire seasons in regions like Africa, Asia, South America, and Antarctica were scrapped as vessels were reassigned to more profitable Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, forcing thousands of passengers to rebook or cancel their vacations. Instead of risking my vacation with Norwegian, I returned to booking more reliable itineraries with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Great Stirrup Cay doesn’t compare to Perfect Day at CocoCay

I visited Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, for the first time while cruising aboard Norwegian Viva in 2024. In all honesty, I was shocked at how it compared to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, but not in a good way!

Great Stirrup Cay was beautiful, but it was very bare bones. The day started with a short tender ride to the island, which was one of the island’s biggest weaknesses. Unlike CocoCay where you can dock, Norwegian’s tendering operations often led to cancelled ports of call during adverse weather.

And while there was plenty of space to relax on the beach, the entire experience was quite boring. In addition, I was surprised by the lack of dining options available, especially compared to Royal Caribbean’s complimentary Snack Shacks available throughout the island. And if you didn’t want to swim in the ocean, there were no pools to enjoy.

Unfortunately, investors have identified this as one of Norwegian’s biggest failures as a company. While Royal Caribbean’s private island has been a huge source of revenue, Norwegian has failed to capitalize on the same success at Great Stirrup Cay.

Activist investor Elliott Management also pointed to Great Stirrup Cay as an underutilized asset, arguing that competitors have transformed their private destinations into powerful revenue drivers and brand differentiators. In contrast, Elliott says Norwegian has been slower to capitalize on its own island, with missed opportunities and delayed execution contributing to weaker performance compared to rivals like Royal Caribbean.

In response, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced major upgrades for Great Stirrup Cay. The cruise line has already opened a brand-new pier that allows ships to dock instead of tender. Other improvements include a new waterpark, a heated pool, and expanded dining options. The cruise line hopes these improvements will help the island compete better with destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Whiplash policy changes

As Norwegian has struggled in recent years, the cruise line has rolled out a series of unpopular policy changes, many of which appear tied to cost-cutting efforts. The frequent adjustments often felt reactive rather than part of a long-term strategy.

One example is the new fee introduced in Norwegian’s main dining rooms. Starting in late 2025, guests are now charged $5 for a second entrée in the main dining room. While some cruise lines have implemented similar policies to reduce food waste, such as Carnival Cruise Line, the change was not well received.

Many loyal NCL cruisers felt the policy change diluted the cruise line’s dining experience, along with the ability to try multiple dishes without worrying about extra charges.

Another unpopular change came shortly after when Norwegian restricted its room service. The cruise line introduced a policy limiting each guest to just one hot item and one cold item per delivery, even though the same service fees still apply. Previously, passengers could order multiple items under the flat delivery charge.

One of the most controversial changes came when Norwegian announced that drink packages could no longer be used at Great Stirrup Cay. For years, Norwegian allowed guests to use their beverage packages on the private island, similar to Royal Caribbean’s policy.

But, the cruise line later announced that drink packages would no longer be valid ashore, and a separate package would need to be purchased for its private island. As expected, this created immediate backlash from cruisers who had already purchased their drink package under the assumption they could use it ashore.

After the criticism, Norwegian delayed the policy implementation and temporarily allowed drink packages to continue working on the island throughout March 2026 while it reevaluates the change.

Individually, these policy changes might seem minor. But taken together, the frequent adjustments create a sense of inconsistency and whiplash for cruisers. Not to mention, all of these policy changes have dampened the onboard experience with more nickel-and-diming for cruisers.

Bait-and-Switch itinerary changes

For me, one of the biggest frustrations with Norwegian Cruise Line has been the bait-and-switch itinerary changes. This issue has been widely documented across social media and online forums, and it’s something I’ve never experienced with Royal Caribbean.

For my booked sailings, Norwegian would alter the itineraries immediately after final payment. As someone who booked sailings because of the ports of call, this was particularly frustrating. My itineraries would often be altered with shortened time in port, dropped ports of call, and added sea days.

Most of the time, Norwegian used the excuse that the itinerary changes were necessary for “fuel optimization” or to “improve the customer experience”.

This kind of poor itinerary planning has also been criticized by investor Elliott Management. The firm argues that the cruise line has developed a pattern of reactive strategy for deployments by pursuing initiatives misaligned with demand and then scrambling to correct course. The investor specifically pointed to frequent last-minute deployment changes and shifting itineraries as examples of inconsistent execution.

Unfortunately, this often leaves cruisers dealing with disappointing and frustrating itinerary adjustments. As someone who books a cruise based largely on the destination, it creates a sense of reduced transparency. I’ve found it increasingly difficult to book Norwegian itineraries knowing they may change after my final payment locks me into the sailing.

Diluted onboard experience and lack of entertainment

Royal Caribbean has some of the best entertainment at sea, especially aboard their newest and biggest cruise ships. Oasis and Icon class vessels feature entertainment that you can’t find on land, let alone on other cruise lines.

In comparison, I’ve often been disappointed by the entertainment offerings when cruising with Norwegian over the years. Some of my cruises lacked entertainment entirely during several nights onboard. And after cancelled ports created more time onboard, this lack of entertainment was especially noticeable.

Part of that shift may be tied to recent cost-cutting decisions. In recent years, Norwegian Cruise Line has scaled back many of its large Broadway-style productions that once helped define the brand’s entertainment lineup.

Several major shows were discontinued across the fleet, and the company has increasingly moved toward shorter, in-house productions rather than licensing expensive Broadway musicals.

While Norwegian has introduced new original shows in place of those productions, the experience often feels less impressive than what competitors are offering. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has continued investing heavily in large-scale entertainment with elaborate theaters, dedicated venues, and productions specifically designed for its biggest ships. This is one of the biggest draws for Royal Caribbean, and it truly differentiates the brand from others.

Beautiful new ships that are too crowded and small

Norwegian’s newest ships are undeniably beautiful, but they don’t feel properly designed to handle the number of passengers onboard.

I sailed on Norwegian Viva in 2024, and while the ship was stunning from a design standpoint, it often felt extremely crowded. The pool deck was one of the biggest pain points. There was essentially one small main pool for everyone to use, and it quickly became packed with guests trying to find a spot. Most of the surrounding deck chairs were filled early in the morning, leaving very little space to relax.

Crowding wasn’t limited to the pool deck either. Popular venues like the buffet frequently had long lines, and it often felt like we were constantly battling crowds to grab food, find seating, or navigate busy areas of the ship. For a brand-new vessel, the overall layout felt surprisingly tight and poorly executed.

Moreover, Elliott Management specifically pointed to Norwegian’s newer Prima-class ships, including Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, as examples of questionable strategic decisions.

The investor group argued that Norwegian prioritized smaller ship designs at a time when competitors were building larger vessels capable of carrying more passengers and generating higher onboard revenue. According to Elliott, the smaller size of the Prima class limits Norwegian’s earning potential compared with the mega-ships being deployed by competitors like Royal Caribbean.

Elliott also criticized what it described as excessive spending tied to the launch of the Prima Class. This included a lavish christening event in Reykjavik, where more than 2,600 guests were flown to Iceland for a ceremony featuring pop star Katy Perry. At a time when Norwegian was already struggling with years of weak financial performance, the extravagant media event raised questions about the company’s priorities.

Norwegian Cruise Line agreed with many of these missteps in its latest earnings call

Ultimately, many of the issues I’ve experienced while sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line mirror the concerns now being raised by both investors and the company’s own leadership - especially when compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean.

During a recent earnings call, new CEO John Chidsey acknowledged that Norwegian has suffered from “execution missteps” and internal misalignment in recent years. Leadership admitted the company expanded Caribbean capacity too quickly, before key infrastructure like upgrades at Great Stirrup Cay and supporting pricing strategies were fully in place. The result has been lower cruise fares and increased pressure on revenue despite strong demand for cruising overall.

Executives also acknowledged that Norwegian invested heavily in new ships while underinvesting in technology and revenue management systems that help optimize pricing and bookings. These decisions have limited the company’s ability to fully capitalize on demand compared to competitors.

Norwegian still has many strengths, including a loyal customer base, modern ships, and globally diverse itineraries. But with investors demanding faster improvement and leadership acknowledging past missteps, the cruise line now faces a critical moment.

In an industry where Royal Caribbean has managed to refine its strategy, Norwegian must now prove it can tighten execution and refocus its direction without losing the elements that once made the brand stand out.

Looking for the best Alaska excursions to try on your Royal Caribbean cruise? I've compiled a list of the best ones based on reader reviews.

Planning an Alaska cruise is exciting but choosing the right shore excursions can feel overwhelming fast. Every port promises glacier views, wildlife encounters, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, but not every tour is worth your time or money. With limited hours in each destination, picking the right excursions can make the difference between a good cruise and an unforgettable one.

Our team has been on various Alaska cruises over the years, and we've experienced many different tours. Plus, our readers have shared their own recommendations for the best options.

Updated for the 2026 Alaska cruise season, here are the best Alaska cruise excursions to consider at every major Royal Caribbean port. These tours consistently stand out for their scenery, unique experiences, and the chance to see the Alaska most travelers dream about.

Note: We make no guarantees about any of these tours. It's a list to consider based on feedback and our experiences. Book these tours at your own risk.

Best Alaska Cruise Excursions on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you're planning a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise, the excursions you choose can make or break the experience. Alaska is famous for wildlife encounters, glacier viewing, and historic Gold Rush towns, so the best tours take you beyond the port and into the region’s natural landscapes.

On this page

1. Juneau
2. Ketchikan
3. Skagway
4. Sitka
5. Haines
6. Icy Strait Point

Juneau shore excursions & tours

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Ultimate Whale Watch Combo: Great if you want both. You’ll have about 90 minutes at Mendenhall Glacier which is plenty of time to walk out to Nugget Falls and enjoy the views before heading out whale watching.Website

Mt. Roberts Tramway: If the weather is clear, you can easily take the Mt. Roberts Tramway to the summit and enjoy spectacular views below. This is not a full-day tour, so you could combine this with another tour.  Website

Whale watching with Jayleen's Alaska: Many cruisers recommended this tour company, and it has received high accolades, including being named the #1 Water Tour in Juneau, Alaska. Website

What watching with Alaska Tales Juneau: Another highly rated whale watching tour, where you can not only view whales, but they offer a money-back guarantee if you don't see any. Website

Whale watching with Harv & Marv: Another often recommended whale watching tour. They also offer lighthouse tours. Website

Juneau Whale Watch Adventure: A 3.5 hour whale watching tour with only 20 guests which makes it feel like a VIP experience! Small boat, friendly naturalists and fantastic close up whale sightings. Website

Jeep tour: Take a self-guided tour of Juneau in your own Jeep Wrangler. There's a GPS and narration provided to allow you to move as fast or slow as you want. Website

Sled Dog Discovery: Dog sledding is a great family-friendly tour that combines history and the opportunity to meet the dogs. Website

Glacier and Guided Walk: If you're feeling adventurous, try a helicopter tour that brings you to Mendenhall Glacier. Website

Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter & Dog Sledding: Take a helicopter flightseeing tour with dogsledding and land on the lower level of the Herbert Glacier. Website

Read more: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan shore excursions & tours

Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour: See this glacier-carved wilderness from the air. It's everything Alaska is known for in one. Website

Salmon Fishing in the Salmon Capital of the World: Looking for a good salmon fishing excursion? This is a great choice. Website

Ketchikan All In One: Small group tours that offer wildlife viewing, salmon fishing, and learning about the indigenous heritage of the area. Website (affiliate link)

Kayak Eco-Tour: Kayaking is a fun way to get close up to many of the natural wonders, and it's easy to pick up (even if you've never done it before). Website

Rainforest Walk and Totem Park:  A two-hour guided experience that brings you right into the heart of Tongass National Forest. You’ll walk past giant trees, waterfalls, and maybe even spot some wildlife. Website (affiliate link)

Combo helicopter tour: See the best views of the mountains and valleys surrounding Ketchikan Lakes and Mahoney Falls. Website

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: An entertaining spectacle of lumberjacks showing off their skills of carving wood using chainsaws, tree-climbing gaffs, and six-foot saws. Website

Totem Bight and Rain Forest Tour: Learn about the native history of Ketchikan while exploring a rainforest. Website

Fishing expedition: If you want to try to catch halibut, salmon, and more, a deep sea fishing expedition might be what you want. Website

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour: Educational & interactive Alaskan fishing tour meant to evoke the same style of fishing as seen in Deadliest Catch. Website

Ketchikan Duck Tour: Combining land and water exploration aboard amphibious vehicles, visitors enjoy narrated tours through downtown landmarks before transitioning to a scenic cruise along the waterfront.  Website (affiliate link)

Skagway shore excursions & tours

White Pass Scenic Railway: By far the most popular excursion in Skagway, see beautiful views from the comfort of the train. Website

Skagway Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Adventure: Go on wheeled dogsleds that are pulled by a team of sled dogs, and then meet puppies after. Website

Ghosts and Goodtime Girls walking tour: Storytellers take you around town to share what it was like for the women of the Klondike Gold Rush. Website

E-Bike rental: Get around Skagway on your own with an e-bike. Website

Jeep tour: Explore Skagway and the nearby Yukon Territory in a Jeep rental, which includes, maps, mile-by-mile guide as well as an interactive tour guide. Website

White Pass Train & Bike Tour: Take the White Pass train up, and then bike back down. Website

Sitka shore excursions & tours

Whale watching with Captain Gary: Many people swear by Gary, who is from Sitka and knows the area well. Website

Fortress of the Bear: Animal rescue center, that includes bears. Many tours include a stop here, but you can do it yourself if you prefer. Website

Alaska Raptor Center: A medical treatment center for eagles and any injured wild birds. Website

Small group wildlife and scenic boat tours: Offers the chance of viewing seals, sea lions, sea otters, whales, porpoises, and Sitka black tail deer. Website

Wildlife Quest & Fin Island Lodge: Boat tour to see wildlife, including sea otters, whales, and coastal brown bears. Lunch at Fin Island. Website

Totem Trail & Sitka Historic Park: The Totem pole park offers a hike through the rainforest. Website

Premier Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour: A small-group tour run by locals who know exactly where to look for whales, eagles, sea otters, and more. Website (affiliate link)

Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion: Explore Sitka Sound with a small group tour led by a born-and-raised Sitkan. Website (affiliate link)

Haines shore excursions & tours

Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Website

Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: Run by the State of Alaska, has around 100 bald eagles you can see at once. Website

Icy Strait Point shore excursions & tours

Icy Strait Point ZipRider: Go across six 5,330’ ziplines that will let you soar 300 feet above the rainforest below. Website

Whale watching with Glacier Wind Charters: See humpback whales, along with other wildlife. Website

Whale watching with Icy Strait Whale Adventures has a custom-built whale-watching vessel that has large windows that allow unrestricted viewing while getting up close and personal to whales. Website

Whale watching with Hoonah Travel Adventures offers an intimate small boat experience to their customers that have large viewing decks and oversized sliding windows. Website

Fishing charter: Offers group and private fishing trips. Website

Tree Top Adventure Park & Ropes Course: Self-guided courses with varying difficulty levels that allows you to advance through the obstacles at your own pace. Website

Wonderful Whales and Wildlife Tour: Small group, local captain, and tons of charm for whale watching. Website (affiliate link)

Why aren't there Royal Caribbean shore excursions on the list of recommended tours?

There are two reasons we did not include shore excursions sold by Royal Caribbean on this list.

First, it's difficult to ascertain if a specific tour sold by one ship on a particular sailing is the exact same tour as another sold on a different sailing and/or ship. Truthfully, it just wasn't practical to come up with a list given the generic names Royal Caribbean gives to their tour names and verify it's the same tour for anyone else booking it.

To be clear, there's nothing wrong with Royal Caribbean's shore excursions and I've often booked them myself. It was just easier to come up with a list of third-party vendors.

In addition, Royal Caribbean's tours are operated by third parties that the cruise line vets. The cruise line acts as a "middle man" in organizing it, so one way or another, you're going to end up with a third-party tour.  

In many cases, if you do a Google search for the Royal Caribbean Alaska shore excursion the exact tour appears from the vendor.

Granted, booking with Royal Caribbean does include certain benefits, such as ensuring the ship will wait for you if your tour is late getting back. 

In short, it's easier to research third party excursions. Plus, finding a great tour is one of the Alaska mistakes not to make.

How much do shore excursions cost in Alaska?

While it’s possible to find great deals on cruise fares to Alaska, shore excursions can often be more expensive than what you are used to on a Caribbean cruise. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend on Alaska cruise excursions can better help you budget your vacation while still having an incredible cruise experience.

Shore excursions can run anywhere from $50 to well over $500. If you're trying to save money, check out our list of cheap or free Alaska shore excursions.

To give an example of how varied prices can be, here are a few examples you may see for Royal Caribbean excursions:

Juneau

• Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest ($158.99/adult, $110.99/child)
• Helicopter Glacier Walkabout ($406.99)
• Mendenhall Glacier River Rafting ($141.99)
• Mount Roberts Tramway ($59.99)

Skagway

• Klondike Bicycle Tour ($115.75)
• Ghost and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour ($45.99)
• White Pass Scenic Railway ($140.99/adult, $74.99/child)
• Glacier Discovery by Helicopter ($379.00)

Sitka

• Taste of Sitka ($78.99/adult, $62.99/child)
• Siginaka Islands Cruise & Kayak Adventure ($163.99/adult, $125.99/child)
• Tongass Forest Nature Hike ($84.99/adult, $60.99/child)
• Native Cultural and Historical Tour ($55.99/adult, $42.99/child)

Shore excursions booked through independent providers are often cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s pricing, so be sure to look outside of Royal Caribbean for better deals.

Do I need a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise?

It’s not necessary to book a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise. In fact, some passengers prefer to explore on their own to have maximum freedom over activities, dining, and travel pace. While excursions are an “easy” option due to the fact that all logistics are handled by the tour operator instead of yourself, they can be a bit too limiting for some travelers.

Luckily, Alaska cruise ports are small and walkable, allowing visitors to experience the town’s history, culture, and nearby nature on foot. Even Juneau, the largest Alaska cruise port, still has plenty of walkable areas and ways to get around without booking an excursion, such as the Goldbelt Tramway and Mendenhall Glacier shuttle bus.

Some activities, like kayaking, whale watching, and ziplining, tend to be easier with a shore excursion than without, as all equipment, lifejackets, transportation, etc. is provided for you. Others, like hiking, visiting museums, and trying Alaska’s cuisine can easily be done without a pre-booked excursion.

Depending on what activities you book, that could impact what you need to pack for an Alaska cruise.

Years after Royal Caribbean overhauled its Main Dining Room menus to create a more streamlined dinner experience, Carnival Cruise Line seems to be following suit. 

The cruise line's new Express Dining option ensures that guests receive the same quality food and overall dining experience that Carnival is known for — in a fraction of the time, according to a recent press release. 

According to one Redditor, dinner aboard Carnival cruise ships can easily take an hour. "Hit up the lido [buffet], pizza or seafood shack if there’s a show or activity that you don’t want to miss," they advise. 

Someone else added, "I have noticed that when I was seated at a group table in the MDR, the wait staff tends to serve everyone at the same pace. So, if someone is a particularly slow eater, it may take longer to get through all the courses."

Supposedly, the multi-course Express Dining experience serves parties of six or fewer in under one hour. Currently, the program is available on 15 "fun ships," ranging from Carnival Jubilee to Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Vista; however, it'll be available fleetwide by the end of May. 

"Our guests continue to tell us they value greater flexibility in how they spend their time on board, and Express Dining was designed with that in mind," said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. 

"Our pilot program generated positive feedback from our guests. With this in mind, we are excited to expand Express Dining to offer them the same high-quality dishes and attentive service our dining rooms are known for, while giving guests the ability to use more of their time to enjoy all the other onboard fun."

The release continues, adding that special dietary requests will be accommodated during the Express Dining service. Additionally, guests with Carnival's flexible Your Time Dining can opt in to the Express Dining option through Carnival's mobile HUB App. 

Read more: Carnival menus 2026: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more

The push toward faster dining room meals at sea isn’t new

Royal Caribbean launched new fleetwide dining menus in January 2023. It was the first major overhaul the cruise line had made to its main dining experience in over five years. According to cruise line executives, the revamp was designed in part based on complaints that they needed to speed up the service. 

As cruise ships pack in more entertainment (think AquaTheater high diving shows, dueling piano battles, Broadway-style musicals, karaoke jam sessions, and more), it's important to balance dining with passengers’ other activities. 

Rather than spending two hours stuck in the dining room, Royal Caribbean created a solution to make the multi-course dinner experience feel less time-consuming without completely losing the key traits of traditional cruise dinners. 

Read more: I tried the new Royal Caribbean menus — here's how I'd rank everything I ate

"We've got so many things to do on board the ship, and we don't want to hold you hostage in your dining experience," explained Linken D'Souza, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage. 

"[T]he first thing [the menus] will help us do is improve the speed of the pace of the meal. Not hugely, but let's call it about 15 minutes is what we're seeing, which is a significant reduction, [and] gets us much closer to that 75-minute target."

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, added, "It's also fair to say that we get a lot of feedback from customers who do want to have a slightly faster [dinner] service."

Carnival's Express Dining has a similar goal. However, rather than assume every guest wants a shortened dinner experience, Carnival’s approach gives passengers the choice.

The Express Dining's menu features a slightly abbreviated selection of options to streamline service while still delivering the same multi-course experience cruise guests expect. During the pilot that began last summer, the menu was simplified to include just four appetizers, four entrées, and two desserts. The goal was to shorten dining times from around 90 to 45 minutes. 

Last year, Carnival also introduced a new buffet lunch option to make mealtime easier for families. The buffet's Family Express menus feature kid-approved favorites like chicken tenders, plain spaghetti pasta, hot dogs, mac and cheese, and sugar sprinkle cookies — alongside more sophisticated options that appeal to adults, including salmon croquettes, turkey escalopes, savory pork ribs, and chicken mirabella.

The standard buffet options didn't disappear. Rather, the Family Express service was added to offer a quick and streamlined lunch experience that fits into everyone's schedule, with salads, entrées, and desserts in one designated place. This layout makes it easy to grab exactly what you want without wasting time browsing the available options at each station. 

Read more: Carnival introduces new lunch option to make dining easier for families

Is the cruise ship dining room worth it?

Generally speaking, the Main Dining Room remains a highlight of today's cruise experience. Although it is far less formal than in decades past, the multi-course menu and attentive service allow guests to enjoy a more upscale meal than at the buffet. 

As cruise lines have recognized that travelers value flexibility on vacation, they’ve adapted their dining rooms to meet the needs of today’s passengers. 

For example, rather than being forced to eat at the same time each night, passengers can opt into Royal Caribbean's My Time Dining program, which allows them to make reservations for their preferred dining time or simply show up when it's most convenient. 

The best part about the cruise dining room is that it’s included in the cost of the cruise. You never have to worry about receiving a large bill for the multiple appetizers, entrées, and desserts that your party savored.

And if you are in a hurry to make one of the ship's shows, simply let your dining room team know. They will do their best to get you served and out the door as quickly as possible. 

Read more: 6 Unwritten rules to know before eating at the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean ships

When I took my first Royal Caribbean cruise 20 years ago, I was blown away by how much there was to do on one ship.

My first sailing on Explorer of the Seas was impressive, but it was nothing compared to the new wows I would experience as I tried newer and bigger ships. That's in essence why I fell in love with Royal Caribbean: their dedication to pushing boundaries, innovation, and going well beyond other vacations.

As I've cruised more ships across the fleet, I've found that each one has its own unique character and things you will want to try.  Even after two decades of cruising, I'm still amazed by some of the things you can do onboard, including dining, thrills, and entertainment.

When someone new to Royal Caribbean asks for recommendations, these are the five things I tell them to do and the two I advise skipping.

Picking an Icon Class ship is a great entry point

If there's something Royal Caribbean has done recently to live up to the hype, it's launch the Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

These are the biggest cruise ships in the world, and they are the perfect fit for a first-time cruiser because they offer the latest and greatest things Royal Caribbean can offer anywhere.

When you're new to the brand, you may not be aware yet of everything available. Plus, you've got to discover your own cruising style. I think an Icon Class ship is the perfect entry point because it has just about everything, and it's the sort of experience you won't come home disappointed with.

These ships have so many pools, a Broadway show, sprawling areas for kids, well-designed guest flow, and more activities than you can possibly squeeze into a week.

Other ships in the fleet have their own compelling reasons to book, but an Icon Class ship is as close to a sure-fire way to start your cruising vacations the right way.

See a Broadway show or high-diving performance

If there's one thing Royal Caribbean does better than any other cruise line, it's their entertainment.  I think you should absolutely make a point to see Broadway musicals, ice-skating shows, and AquaTheater performances because they're all top-tier.

On their bigger ships, you'll find lots of shows to see and I think these are some of the best crowd pleasers around. Plus they're all included with your cruise fare!

The Broadway musicals are especially impressive, such as Mamma Mia, Back to the Future, or Hairspray. It's incredible you can see a full show that would ordinarily cost hundreds of dollars on land but for no additional cost at sea.

Just as impressive are the shows in the AquaTheater, which feature high divers, slack liners, dancers, and aerialists. It's an incredible display that is difficult to describe in text, but I promise you'll walk away wowed by the spectacle.

If your ship has an ice skating rink, the ice shows in there are also quite good. Many of the skaters are former competitors on the national stage, and they can pull off very impressive feats.

All of the production shows are designed for families to enjoy together, and it's the perfect amount of culture to squeeze into your vacation.

Stop by different bars to enjoy the live music

Another homerun on any Royal Caribbean ship is the live entertainment each evening.

Various bars will have entertainment for you to enjoy:

• Schooner Bar: Piano player
• Pub: Guitarist
• Lou's Jazz Club: Jazz band
• Mason Jar: Country band
• Central Park: Harpist or jazz band
• Dueling Pianos: piano players
• Boleros: Band

It's so much fun bar hopping each evening to see the live performers here and enjoy a set or two.

Royal Caribbean invests heavily in live entertainment as a way to get you to come into the bar, and it's a great way to round out your evening.

Every performer has their own style, so I'd recommend sampling each one on your ship to find the right mix for you.

In most cases, it's songs you know the words to, and it pairs well with a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine.

Make a reservation at one of my favorite specialty restaurants

These days, Royal Caribbean has a lot of specialty restaurants, but a few stand out as must-eats.

I tell new cruisers they should have a mix of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Don't do just the included dining, but don't go all-in on specialty dining either. Two or three extra cost venues is a good introduction to see what you like best.

To be fair, not every specialty restaurant is worth dining at, so I'd recommend sticking to the very best ones.

My top specialty dining picks are Izumi Hibachi, 150 Central Park, and Playmakers. There are others, but those are solid starting points.

To be clear, there are others I like too. It's hard to go wrong with Chops Grille or Giovanni's because they're consistently satisfying.  I mean, how can you go wrong with a steakhouse or Italian food?

And be sure to pre-book a reservation to save money because it will cost you much more if you wait to book a reservation on the ship.  

Spend the day at Perfect Day at CocoCay

I think Royal Caribbean has built the best private island experience with Perfect Day at CocoCay.

This is so much more than a beach for cruise ship passengers.  The cruise line revamped and upgraded the island to offer just about everything you'd want in a beach day.

There are different beaches, each with their own vibe. You'll find a giant freshwater pool in the middle of the island.  A water park offers thrill seekers more than they can handle, and there's even an adults-only area if you need a break from family fun.

If your cruise ship is scheduled to visit CocoCay, you'll get a lot of marketing materials hyping it up.  I promise this island lives up to that hype because of how much there is to do. Plus, a lot of it is included in your cruise fare!

I recommend skipping the magic shows

I raved about the entertainment on Royal Caribbean earlier, but I'd recommend skipping the magic shows, jugglers, or ventriloquists.

In my "sorry, not sorry" part of this article, I think these are consistently the least entertaining shows.  Maybe kids of a certain age might enjoy them, but I think they're the sort of ho-hum, eye-roll inducing, and cliched performances that you'll quickly lament not having spent your time doing almost anything else onboard.

My issue with these shows is less the show itself and more that you want to take advantage of every minute you're onboard a ship. Simply put, there are much better choices for things to do than spending your time at these lackluster magic acts.

Swap out beach break shore excursions for a resort day pass

The ports of call your ship visits are just as important as the ship itself.  Most people book a cruise because of the places it will visit, but I'd warn against booking a tour that takes you to a beach with the cruise line.

The problem with "beach break" excursions is you're basically paying for a bus to take you back and forth along with a giant crowd of people.

Instead, I'd recommend booking a day pass to a resort. There are many providers that sell them, such as ResortForADay.com.

The advantage of a day pass is you can depart the ship when you want, instead of waiting for your tour to be called and going with a large group.  Sure, you need to pay for a taxi, but a taxi is more convenient and might even be cheaper.

Plus, a day pass to a resort includes not only access to a beach, but pools, restaurants, drinks and more. 

You gain more control, reduce the risk of overcrowding, and likely get more included by opting for a day pass instead.