Royal Caribbean Blog

Los Angeles is ready to welcome a new era of cruise travel with a brand-new terminal project. 

(Credit: Pacific Cruise Terminals, LLC)

On January 22, 2025, the Port of Los Angeles announced that Pacific Cruise Terminals, LLC (PCT) was selected as the developer and operator of the new Outer Harbor cruise terminal. The project was initially announced in 2024. 

PCT, a joint venture between Carrix, Inc. and JLC Infrastructure, will also redevelop and operate the existing World Cruise Center on the Port's Main Channel. 

The Outer Harbor cruise terminal will be able to handle the newest and most environmentally sustainable cruise ships in California. It will also offer open spaces, recreational facilities, and enhanced access to the LA Waterfront for residents and tourists. 

(Credit: Pacific Cruise Terminals, LLC)

"This new Outer Harbor cruise terminal and World Cruise Center redevelopment will allow us to capture more of the rapidly growing cruise business, while also establishing Los Angeles as the primary West Coast gateway for cruise operations," said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. 

"This project will also be a huge win for our Port communities, who will greatly benefit from the economic activity generated by such significant public and private investment in our LA Waterfront."

At the time of publication, PCT hasn't released an estimated timeline for when the terminal will be operational and open to cruise passengers. However, it's sure to boost Los Angeles’ position as a leading cruise destination for West Coast vacations. 

Read more: I flew across the country for a 3-day cruise. I maximized the trip by making a few smart decisions

Booming cruise passenger numbers drive LA's expansion

In 2025, the Port of Los Angeles welcomed over 240 cruise calls and a record-breaking 1.6 million passengers, up from 183 calls and 1.1 million passengers in 2024, according to the Port’s website. 

Last year, Royal Caribbean made the strategic decision to deploy Ovation of the Seas to California. As such, the Quantum Class ship became the largest cruise vessel to ever dock at the World Cruise Center. 

Moreover, Carnival Cruise Line announced plans to construct a new $26-million shoreside destination in Ensenada, Mexico, a popular cruise port on sailings from Los Angeles. 

Both these moves highlight a growing demand for bigger and more modern cruise ships in the region. 

Each cruise ship visit generates roughly $1.3 million in local economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors, along with crucial port operations. 

Carrix is the parent company of SSA Marine

SSA Marine recently announced it is pushing to build a new multi-berth cruise port in Manatee County, Florida. 

According to the proposal, the terminal would be built on a roughly 328-acre coastal property known as the Knott‑Cowen tract at the mouth of Tampa Bay. 

As such, situating the terminal beyond the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge would finally open Tampa to larger cruise ships. 

Currently, only smaller vessels, such as Royal Caribbean's Vision Class ships, can operate from Tampa due to the bridge's height restrictions. 

Although the new port project is in the early planning phase and has not been officially approved, initial work to identify and evaluate potential environmental, traffic, noise, and public access considerations has already begun.

Pending approval, construction of Tampa's newest cruise terminal would take three to five years.

Like the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Tampa Bay had record-breaking numbers in 2025. The Western Florida cruise port welcomed over 1.6 million cruise passengers last year, along with over 262,000 shipping containers, as reported by Spectrum Bay News 9. 

Read more: A new proposal could solve the Tampa cruise problem that limits ship size

The best cruise I took last summer was my European adventure that brought me around Norway. But not everything went as I had hoped.

I cruised to Norway on three different sailings, including one on Silversea.  It's an incredibly beautiful country, and seeing as much of it by ship proved to be a great idea.

The issue I ran into was despite my planning, not every aspect worked out to my liking.

Still, I had a great vacation in Europe and it was the kind of trip I know my family will be talking about for many years.

Any good trip requires planning, packing, and a good strategy for tackling every day. You don't need military precision, just a smart approach that leverages experience and advice.

Here are five things I would've done differently on a recent cruise to Norway.

Planning out our hikes would have made it much more enjoyable

We thought it would be a good idea to mix in a hike, but for novices, it's not as simple as it sounds.

Hiking is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of Norway, but there's a fine line between "leisurely" and "strenuous", especially since a lot of hikes are graded by people that do it all time.

While in Molde, we wanted to try out a hike that promised stunning views of the city and surrounding area. 

Our first mistake was implicitly trusting ChatGPT to pick a trail for us, even when specifying we needed something easy for kids. It suggested the Varden Molde Panorama.

However, if we had cross referenced that with a site like AllTrails, we would have seen it's listed as "moderately challenging route" and "takes an average of 3 h 7 min to complete."

The grade of the hike was too difficult for us, and made it barely half way up. We shared in a good laugh after how difficult it was, but I was dejected that we didn't get to conquer it.

Next time, I'll need to rely on human advice for picking out a fun, yet not-so-challenging trail to try.

I wish I had spent money on Uber a few times

In the cities we visited, walking seemed like the right idea to get around because the cities are mostly flat and not very large.

However, I regret how much walking we did just to save a few bucks on transportation.

The issue is we'd be full of energy and vigor and ready to walk all around a city. Inevitably, we'd reach our destinations on foot and then realize it's a lengthy walk back.

In Oslo, we wrestled with the notion if we should walk all the way back or pay for an expensive Uber ride. Our group ultimately decided on walking.  I saved money, but I also had sore feet.

The problem with sore feet is you're using those same feet the next day in port, and it all adds up.

I'm not advocating to explore Norway next time by private car everywhere, but I think it if there's a walkable, yet long distance, paying for transportation might be a smarter decision to ensure you can enjoy the trip.

I regret booking a multi-hour bus tour

If there's one shore excursion I instantly regretted, it was a bus tour of the fjords in Olden.

I booked a panoramic bus tour of Nordfjord, and while we did stop at some lovely places, the pacing and length of time on the bus diminished the value.

I think experiencing natural beauty is best with more time spent walking and exploring an area, rather than a 15 minute bus tour.

Bus tours might work for some people, but I despise how slow they move and how little time you seem to have in places you care about.

Worse, our bus tour was late getting back to the ship for the all aboard time. It was a Royal Caribbean excursion, so I wasn't worried about getting left behind.  But on principle it bothered me, and also meant we had no time to grab a souvenir afterwards.

If I could do Olden over again, I would have either booked a small group tour or simply stayed within Olden and enjoyed the stunning lakes there.

Relying on weather forecasts was a waste of time

Every evening my family and I would talk about plans the next day and inevitably we'd check weather forecasts and none of them ever agreed on what we could expect.

After a couple of days, I stopped even checking the weather forecast because they were inconsistent and usually incorrect.

Weather in Norway can best be summed up as, "it might be sunny, cloudy, rain a little, and then back to sunny again."

My advice is plan for a little of everything. Have a lightweight jacket that you can put on if it rains or if its cold, but something you can easily stuff into a backpack.

Dress with a t-shirt and sweater, so you can easily take the sweater off or put it back on.

I certainly would not make or cancel plans based purely on weather forecasts and "go with the flow".

I spent too much money on soda

An Americans, my family is used to having a Coca-Cola with lunch. But in Europe, that's an expensive habit.

A single can of Coke would cost at least 3 or 4 Euros, and that adds up quickly among everyone in the family and across multiple days.

There are two ideas I could have relied on to avoid this unnecessary expense.

First, is to rely on either water provided or bring a water bottle along. Given how much we walked, having water is probably a better choice anyway.

Second, we could have taken cans of soda off the ship with us for a meal.  

We had a beverage package onboard, and it would have been easy enough to stash it in a backpack if the kids really wanted a soft drink with their meals.

Royal Caribbean is ending one of its cruises early to avoid winter storm Fern.

Passengers on Harmony of the Seas were informed on Thursday that their sailing will be cut by a day because of the storm. The Oasis Class ship was supposed to call at Cozumel, Mexico, on Friday, January 22. However, the final port visit of the 7-night Western Caribbean cruise was canceled at the last minute. 

Now, the 226,963 gross-ton vessel will spend Friday at sea en route to Galveston, with plans to arrive in Texas around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23. 

"We are tracking the development of a major winter storm expected to impact Southeast Texas beginning late Saturday. In order to give you the best chance at a safe and uninterrupted journey home by avoiding the winter weather impacts to local infrastructure and transportation, we have decided to arrive in Galveston one (1) day earlier than originally scheduled," read a letter delivered to current passengers. 

(Credit: OldPostageScale/X)

Guests do not have to disembark on Saturday. If they wish to remain on board until Sunday, they may do so. 

However, remaining passengers must inform their cabin attendant or Guest Services by 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Unfortunately, the stores and casino will be closed in Texas, though. 

"Due to Customs and Border Protection requirements, all guests extending their stay will be asked to debark the ship with their travel documents in hand and reboard once the ship has been fully debarked. Luggage can stay onboard, no need to bring it shoreside with you," the letter continued.

(Screenshot taken at 9:50 a.m. EST. Credit: Cruise Mapper) 

Cruise Mapper shows that as of Friday at 9:50 a.m. EST, Harmony of the Seas had already cleared the Yucatán Peninsula and was sailing north through the Gulf of Mexico toward Texas.

Harmony departed from Galveston on Sunday, Jan. 18. There were no impacts to the first part of the itinerary, with the ship calling at its scheduled ports of Roatán, Honduras, and Costa Maya, Mexico, before the sailing was adjusted.

Compensation for the early return

All passengers will receive a one-day refund of the paid cruise fare as an onboard credit. 

Additionally, all pre-paid Royal Caribbean shore excursions for Cozumel, Mexico, were automatically canceled and refunded as onboard credit to guests' SeaPass accounts. 

According to the letter, onboard credits can be used anywhere on the ship, and any remaining amounts will be refunded to the card on file at the end of the sailing. 

Thankfully, there's no impact on the Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits that guests will earn for the weeklong cruise. 

"You'll receive loyalty points for the original sail nights, instead of the nights sailed. For this sailing, you'll still receive 7 nights worth of loyalty points," the letter concluded. 

Winter Storm Fern has placed more than 200 million Americans under weather advisories

The potentially historic winter storm is expected to bring snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures to 230 million people in more than 30 states across the U.S., from Arizona to Texas, North Carolina, and Massachusetts. 

Local officials have told residents to prepare for widespread power outages, travel disruptions, and school closures. 

Airlines are also bracing for significant flight delays and cancellations, with more than 1,000 flights already canceled on Saturday, CNBC reported. 

As such, carriers have waived change and cancellation fees, as well as fare differences, for major airports across the country. Even restrictive basic economy fares can be changed without penalty. 

Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas was forced to skip a scheduled stop in Costa Maya because of reported damage to the cruise pier. 

Grandeur was expected to arrive in Costa Maya, Mexico, around 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22. However, passengers were informed ahead of time that the visit would have to be canceled. 

"Grandeur of the Seas port stop at Costa Maya cancelled...due to damaged pier from today," shared Md Tag Service Agent on X. 

A letter was later delivered to impacted passengers explaining the last-minute change and shore excursion refund options.

"We hope you're enjoying your time onboard the beautiful Grandeur of the Seas! As we continue our voyage, we wanted to inform you about a change to our itinerary," the letter begins.

"Due to damage at the pier in Costa Maya, Mexico, we'll have to skip our visit and enjoy a [sea day] instead. We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change...We thank you for your understanding and look forward to the remainder of our time together!"

All pre-paid shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean will be automatically canceled and refunded to guests' SeaPass accounts as onboard credit. Any remaining credits at the end of the cruise will be refunded to the card on file.

(Screenshot taken at 9:04 a.m. EST on Jan. 22. Credit: Cruise Mapper)

Cruise Mapper confirms that Grandeur was unable to arrive as scheduled. Instead of showing the Vision Class ship in Mexico, the popular tracking website shows the vessel sailing north along the Yucatán Peninsula.

Although Grandeur wasn't able to safely dock in Costa Maya, three other cruise ships — including Harmony of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, and TUI's Mein Schiff 1 — were still able to call at the port on Jan. 22. 

This seems to indicate that the damage was limited to a single cruise pier area in Costa Maya. At the time of publication, it's unclear how long repairs might take or whether future Royal Caribbean sailings could be affected by the damage. 

Grandeur of the Seas is currently sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise from Tampa, Florida. 

The Vision Class ship departed on Jan. 17 and called at Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Belize City, Belize, earlier this week. She's expected to arrive back in Florida as scheduled on Jan. 24. 

Norwegian Encore is also skipping Costa Maya

Norwegian Encore, a Breakaway Plus Class ship, won't be calling at Costa Maya as planned, either. In a letter delivered to guests shared in a public Facebook group, passengers were told they couldn't dock at Costa Maya because of circumstances "beyond [their] control." 

However, this last-minute change is allowing passengers to make history as the first overnight cruisers to visit Great Stirrup Cay.

"[W]e're thrilled to announce an extraordinary, first-of-its-kind experience, an overnight stay at our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. This will mark the first overnight visit offered to Norwegian Cruise Line guests," the letter says. 

(Credit: Laura Clingo/Facebook)

"This moment gives you the opportunity to be among the first guests to experience Great Stirrup Cay after dark, truly making cruise history...As the sun sets, the energy shifts to an unforgettable evening celebration, with all nighttime activities focused on the vibrant Great Life Lagoon, the all-new pool area."

Guests can freely roam the island until midnight, but they won't want to miss the Glow Party under the stars from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The next day, passengers will have until 5:00 p.m. to enjoy the island’s beaches, pool, and other amenities. 

Read more: Cruise line spends $150 million to make its private island even better

Grandeur of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's oldest cruise ship 

Grandeur of the Seas entered service in December 1996. Not only is she currently the oldest operating ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, but she is also the smallest. 

Grandeur measures just 73,817 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 1,992 at double occupancy. Comparatively, Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class ship, comes in at 248,663 gross tons and can carry 5,610 guests at double occupancy. 

Grandeur of the Seas will offer Caribbean cruises from Tampa, Florida, through May 2026. Afterward, she'll move to Central and South America and embark on a series of Southern Caribbean cruises from Colón and Cartagena. 

Then, beginning in April 2027, Grandeur will sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a few months before moving back to Central and South America in December. 

Royal Caribbean quietly rolled out a new add-on that bundles some of the most popular cruise add-ons into one combo package.

At first glance, these seem like the "easy button" solution, but at over $100 per person, per day, it's a major up-front investment.  However,  these bundles combine a full-cruise drink package with access to extra-cost areas at Perfect Day at CocoCay or the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. 

For the right cruiser, these combos can be a big money-saver. But others may be overpaying for things you might not use. 

Here's what Royal Caribbean's combo packages include, how the pricing really works, and how to decide if one actually makes sense for your cruise.

What's are the combo packages?

Combo packages are an all-in-one bundle that combines a beverage package with entry to extra cost areas of Perfect Day at CocoCay and/or Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

Instead of buying each add-on separately, Royal Caribbean offers them together at a discounted daily price.

Each of the combo packages are priced per person, per day and the daily price includes an unlimited drink package, and up to two extra cost areas

• Deluxe Beverage Package + Royal Beach Club Open Bar Day Pass
• Refreshment Package + Royal Beach Club Non-Alcoholic Day Pass
• Deluxe Beverage Package  + Ultimate Beach Combo (Royal Beach Club & Hideaway Beach)
• Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo (Royal Beach Club & Thrill Waterpark)

There are a few things to know up front:

• The drink package applies to the entire length of the cruise, not just beach days
• Beach club and CocoCay access applies only on the port day
• Combos aren't available on every sailing
• Pre-cruise discounts are often tied to sales, casino offers, or loyalty status

They're also not available on every sailing. Primarily you can expect to find them on a sailing that visits either Nassau and CocoCay.

How much do they cost?

There's a daily fee for the entire duration of the cruise, and it's available to book before the cruise begins.

Like all of Royal Caribbean's pricing, it's based on your sail date, ship, and demand.  That means one person could pay more than someone else on a different ship.

Plus, Royal Caribbean has extra discounts tied to Casino Royale status, or Crown & Anchor status.

Here are example prices for an upcoming Utopia of the Seas 3-night cruise:

• Deluxe Beverage Package + Royal Beach Club: $110.99 per guest, per day
  • $332.97 total for 3 nights per person
• Refreshment Package + Royal Beach Club Non-Alcoholic Day Pass: $74.99 per adult, per day, $27.99 per child per day
  • $224.97 total for 3 nights per adult
  • $119.97 total for 3 nights per child
• Deluxe Beverage Package  + Ultimate Beach Combo: $124.99 per guest, per day
  • $374.97 total for 3 nights per person
• Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo: $100.99 per guest, per day
  • $302.97 total for 3 nights per adult
  • $227.97 total for 3 nights per child

If you have status with the casino, the Deluxe Beverage Package + Royal Beach Club price drops to $100.99 per guest, per day and the Deluxe Beverage Package  + Ultimate Beach Combo drops to $113.99 per guest, per day.

Combo packages vs buying separately

The obvious question is do these bundles actually save you any money compared to buying it all separately.

Using my Utopia sailing example, here is how the pricing works out for a combo versus booking the items individually. Keep in mind I have Prime casino status discount applied to my offers.

• Deluxe Beverage Package + Royal Beach Club: $302.97
  • Deluxe Beverage Package: $179.97
  • Royal Beach Club Day Pass: $136.99
  • Combo savings: $13.99
• Deluxe Beverage Package  + Ultimate Beach Combo: $341.97
  • Deluxe Beverage Package: $179.97
  • Royal Beach Club Day Pass: $136.99
  • Hideaway Beach Day Pass: $49.99
  • Combo savings: $24.98
• Refreshment Package + Royal Beach Club Non-Alcoholic Day Pass: $224.97
  • Refreshment Beverage Package: $92.97
  • Royal Beach Club Day Pass: $139.99
  • Combo savings: $7.99
• Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo: $302.97
  • Refreshment Beverage Package: $92.97
  • Royal Beach Club Day Pass: $139.99
  • Thrill Waterpark pass: $64.99
  • Combo savings:  -$5.02

In all but one package, I would save money by purchasing a combo.  Multiply the savings per person, and it can add up.

Are Royal Caribbean combo packages worth it?

Combo packages can make sense for the right buyer, assuming you were already interested in everything the bundle includes.

The cost savings aren't enormous, but it's enough that it's worth buying compared to each item individually.

The better question is, are you interested in everything the combos include?  Meaning, you already planned to buy a Deluxe Beverage Package and you were planning to visit Hideaway Beach, Thrill Waterpark, or Royal Beach Club anyway.

If so, the combo deal offers prepaid convenience and predictable onboard spending.

However, combo packages may not be ideal if:

• You don’t drink much alcohol (or any)
• You prefer free CocoCay areas
• You only want beach upgrades for one person in the cabin
• You’re sailing with kids who don’t need drink packages
• You don’t want to commit in advance

Should you buy a Royal Caribbean combo package?

Royal Caribbean is offering a convenient way to package popular add-ons into one, and it could save you money.

Before buying, I'd recommend doing the math to ensure the combo will actually save you money. These are not automatically a good deal. However, for the right cruiser, they can offer real savings and convenience. 

If you were already planning to buy a Deluxe Beverage Package and a paid beach experience, the combo is often cheaper, but only if you would’ve bought both anyway.

As with most cruise add-ons, it's important to match the package to how you actually will cruise before blindly buying it.

You don’t need to be part of a large group to enjoy a cruise. In fact, cruising can be a safe and enjoyable way to travel solo. However, if you’re an extrovert, you might be wondering what opportunities you'll have to meet other travelers while on board. 

I've taken multiple solo cruises — from a short Bahamian getaway to a weeklong voyage to Alaska — and while I prefer traveling with my loved ones, I can attest that cruising alone gives you the chance to meet new people and form friendships that you might not otherwise encounter in your daily life. 

Making friends on a cruise is easier than you think. However, you must be willing to put in the effort, whether that means attending an event you'd typically avoid or striking up a conversation with a stranger at the bar. 

Here are 8 ways to embrace your social butterfly and meet people on a cruise ship. 

Join your sailing's Facebook group

Most cruises have an unofficial Facebook group started by other guests, giving you a dedicated space to ask questions about the itinerary, ship, or even arrange activities like bar crawls or slot pulls. 

These groups are a great way to break the ice and begin connecting with fellow guests before your sailing. While onboard, many passengers will continue to utilize the group to coordinate meet-ups, inquire about events, and share tips and experiences. 

To find your group, all you have to do is search your ship name and sailing date. Here are a few examples:

• Utopia of the Seas May 4-8, 2026
• Ovation of the Seas July 17-24, 2026
• Star of the Seas Aug. 2-9, 2026

Request to sit at a large table during dinner

The Main Dining Room has tables for two, which are ideal for solo travelers who prefer to dine alone. However, there are also larger tables that can accommodate 6, 8, or even 10 passengers. 

If you’d like to sit at a shared table, visit the maître d' on embarkation day. While shared tables aren’t guaranteed, you can make your request, and the crew will do their best to seat you with other passengers. 

Another option for those who want more flexibility is My Time Dining. If you meet guests you’d like to dine with during your cruise, you can request the next available table during the dining room’s operating hours.

Book a specialty restaurant with a shared table

Two specialty restaurants — the Chef's Table and Izumi Hibachi — have shared tables that encourage conversation among guests. While the meals aren't included in your cruise fare, they could be worth the extra charge if you want a more interactive and social dining experience. 

Even if you don't walk away with a new lifelong friend, the culinary experience is leagues above the standard fare in the dining room. At Izumi, for example, you can enjoy a lively Teppanyaki meal, complete with fried rice and your choice of protein prepared right in front of you!

The Chef's Table is the ultimate food experience on any Royal Caribbean ship. The six-course meal includes a wine pairing that's carefully selected to complement the savory appetizers, flaky fish, and decadent dessert. 

Read more: Guide to Izumi Sushi and Hibachi restaurant

Visit Adventure Ocean

If you aren't sailing alone but are worried about your children getting bored or feeling "stuck" with mom and dad, encourage them to visit Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's award-winning youth program. 

The age-specific activities are supervised by trained staff, so you can have peace of mind while enjoying some much-needed adult-only time. 

After "graduating" from Adventure Ocean, pre-teens and teens can enjoy dedicated spaces just for them, including Social020, Social100, and the Living Room. 

Finally, young adults shouldn't overlook the Hyperlink events, which target guests between the ages of 18 and 25. Activities range from trivia to "frat" games and nightclub meet-ups. 

If they don't make a friend on the first visit, there are plenty of opportunities to try again. Just like in school, it is nearly impossible to make a solid connection in homeroom. 

Start a conversation at the bar

People (myself included) tend to get chattier after a drink or two. While I might find myself feeling reserved, I'll typically begin warming up to new people halfway through a drink. 

Royal Caribbean ships have the perfect bar for everyone, whether you like singing along to tunes at the pub or relaxing with a glass of wine at Vintages. 

Starting a conversation can be as easy as asking someone what drink they ordered or bonding over a favorite song. 

Join a trivia team

Trivia is a popular cruise ship activity and is offered multiple times throughout any sailing. Themes range from music to Harry Potter, geography, logos, and general knowledge. 

Royal Caribbean’s activities team allows players to form teams, which is a great way to bridge gaps in knowledge among team members.

If you show up alone, try seeking out a smaller team to join. Even if you aren't confident in your knowledge, trivia competitions are an easy way to break the ice and introduce yourself to others. 

Hang out in the Suite or Crown Lounge

Talking to cruisers in the Crown Lounge is a great way to meet like-minded travelers who also enjoy cruising. It's easy to strike up a conversation about your favorite ship, destination, or Cruise Director! 

The more you visit, the more chances you’ll have to mingle with others. Consider stopping by in the morning to use the upgraded coffee machine, as well as at night for a cocktail before dinner. 

The Suite Lounge has a similar vibe, though it's accessible by all guests staying in a suite, not just dedicated loyalty members with at least 80 cruise points. 

Read more: Inside Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge: Perks, Access & What to Expect

Speak up during excursions 

While there are plenty of chances to meet new guests on the ship, it's just as easy to connect with fellow passengers on shore excursions. 

Since you'll be together for a few hours, whether on a bus during a panoramic sightseeing tour or on a boat for an afternoon snorkeling excursion, you have ample time to strike up a conversation about a shared experience. Perhaps you saw a sea turtle grazing on the ocean floor or enjoyed marveling at a historic landmark in Rome. 

During a snorkeling tour in St. Thomas, my partner and I happened to sit next to two couples who had either resided or were currently living in North Carolina, just like we do! 

Royal Caribbean has announced more schedule changes for Spectrum of the Seas, with a number of sailings seeing significant changes that eliminate planned stops in Japan.

The impacted sailings are for upcoming departures from Shanghai, China that originally were scheduled to visit ports in Japan.  Passengers have been informed their their itineraries are changing just a few weeks before the sailing begins.

The reason for the changes? It stems from growing geopolitical friction between China and Japan and recent travel guidance from Chinese authorities advising against travel to Japan.

As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we’ve modified our upcoming sailing. We’re excited to bring you this refreshed experience and appreciate your understanding, as itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruises to have a certain level of flexibility.

Impacted cruises are sailings between May 2026 and April 2027, and the result has been some sailings shortened, changed routes, or swapping out to alternative ports. All of the sailings are for Spectrum of the Seas.

Spectrum can accommodate over 4,200 guests at double occupancy and operates year-round in Asia with deployments out of Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Emails sent to passengers by the cruise line say the changes as part of "ongoing itinerary planning."

Email copy provided by reb6

Some of the itinerary changes are comprised of conventional port swaps, but on longer sailings that were scheduled to be Japan-centric, the sailings have had to be restructured or truncated.

Among the Japanese ports removed from multiple itineraries are Okinawa, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. In their place, Spectrum of the Seas is now scheduled to call on South Korean destinations such as Busan, Jeju, Seoul, and Yeosu, depending on the specific sailing.

However, not every single sailing to Japan has been changed. 

Compensation and options

Depending on how drastic the changes have been to the itinerary, there are different compensation being offered.

This includes partial refunds, onboard credit, and reimbursement of change fees for associated flights and ground transportation, where applicable. 

Guests may also have the option to rebook onto alternate departures that more closely resemble their original itinerary, although space is limited.

More changes after initially announced last month

Today's round of itinerary changes follows similar itinerary updates that occurred in December 2025.

More than a dozen scheduled sailings of Spectrum of the Seas out of Shanghai between January and April 2026 were updated, removing planned visits to Japanese ports in favor of alternate destinations, primarily in South Korea such as Jeju Island, Busan, and Seoul (Incheon).

While Royal Caribbean did not explicitly cite the geopolitical situation, the timing of these adjustments coincides with rising tensions between China and Japan and related travel advisories.

Affected guests received notifications outlining specific port swaps and updated departure details, with the cruise line describing the changes as part of its "ongoing itinerary planning process."

Itineraries originally calling on destinations like Okinawa, Ishigaki, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima were altered to avoid Japan, reflecting the concerns with travel between the two countries.

Continuing trouble between China and Japan

The issue at hand began in late 2025 when diplomatic relations between China and Japan deteriorated sharply following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments in parliament about the possibility of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces taking action if China were to attack Taiwan. 

The subject of Taiwan and it's sovereignty as it relates to mainland China has been a third rail topic for decades.

China views Taiwan as part of its territory and strongly opposes any suggestion of external military involvement. 

Japan's remarks were interpreted in Beijing as crossing a diplomatic "red line," sparking widespread protests from Chinese officials.

The Main Dining Room is a staple experience on Royal Caribbean cruises. However, many passengers may opt to skip the dining room in favor of specialty restaurants or a quicker, casual meal at the buffet, leaving them wondering if they should tell their waitstaff that they won't be there for dinner. 

The question was recently asked in a Royal Caribbean dining Facebook group, where a cruiser debated whether they should let their waiter know about the nights they plan on dining elsewhere. 

"We have reserved specialty dining on days 3, 4, [and] 5 of our upcoming 8-day trip. Should we let the [Main Dining Room] know that we won’t be there for those dinners but WILL be back for days 6 & 7?" they asked. 

While you aren't required to let your waiter know, many cruisers consider it common courtesy. 

If you choose traditional dining (i.e., the early or late seating) and know you’ll be missing a night (or two), it's polite to let them know. 

That way, they won't be waiting on you and can better manage their table assignments and service flow for the dinner seating. It also helps them know if the table will be used for My Time Dining guests. 

The responses were largely in agreement, stating that it's polite to let your waitstaff know when you won't be there. 

"We always let our waiters know when we will not be there," said one user. 

Another added, "Assuming you have the traditional, set dining time, common courtesy would be to let your waiter know you won't be there on those nights so the waiter and your fellow table mates are not waiting on you before starting their meal."

"[T]hey will tell you it's not necessary, but it is common courtesy to let them know," someone else agreed. 

One cruiser wrote, "It's simple courtesy to let them know the evening before as often the waiters will have prepared for you to show up. Our waiters frequently have our preferred beverage ready and even the cheese plate that we usually order to share at the table."

If you have My Time Dining, your server may ask you to request them the next night. If you have no intention of returning to the dining room, you can simply say that you have other plans. 

However, if they don't ask, there's no need to inform them, as My Time Dining is on a first-come, first-served basis — it's not expected that you will have the same waitstaff each night, like with traditional dining. 

If you have traditional dining, you can relax knowing that your assigned table and servers will be ready to welcome you each night you choose to eat in the dining room, even if you skip a few.

Read more: Royal Caribbean My Time Dining versus Traditional Dining

Why cruisers might skip the Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room is designed to be a flexible option for cruisers. Although many choose to eat there every night since it's included in your cruise fare, others may prefer the intimate setting of specialty restaurants. 

You can either purchase a specialty dining package or pay the individual cover charges at restaurants like Izumi, Chops Grille, Hooked, and more. 

Another reason passengers might skip the dining room is for a quick meal at the buffet, rather than devoting time to a multi-course dinner. There are also more choices than in the dining room, so you can mix and match to create your perfect plate. 

The good thing is that you can choose how you want to mix up your cruise dining experience (or not). 

And if you do decide on a whim to skip the dining room, it's okay. Cruising is all about flexibility, and your waiter will understand the last-minute change of plans. 

Read more: 11 reasons eating at the cruise buffet instead of the dining room is better

Royal Caribbean has a big year of Alaska cruises planned, and one ship is going to take more passengers farther northwest than ever before.

The 2026 Alaska cruise season will begin in May, and there are four Royal Caribbean cruise ships offering cruises through September.

Before you pick a ship, it's important to know the pros and cons of each, and why you might want to choose one over another.  This is especially important in a region like Alaska, because where you go on the sailing matters a lot.

This year's schedule has a big change, with Ovation of the Seas mixing up the usual order of things and doing something totally different.  But is that the right choice for you?

The largest cruise ship to to combine a cruise with a Denali land tour

A major change for Royal Caribbean this summer is Ovation of the Seas is taking over the weeklong one-way voyages between Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Going on Ovation means more access to what you can do within Alaska's interior. Sailings include visits across the Gulf of Alaska between Hubbard Glacier and Seward. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Sitka, Alaska.

The advantage of going on Ovation is you can tack on up to six additional nights for land-based exploration that can take you to places such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna and Alyeska. There's even excursions that can take you tundra trekking and glass-dome train rides.

In past years, this was a route for the smaller Radiance Class ships, but Royal Caribbean wants to offer a big, bold choice. Typically, only big ships sail roundtrip from Seattle.  

This is significant change because now you can enjoy a big ship with everything there is to do onboard, while also adding a cruisetour to it. Those preferring megaships won't have to compromise between their preferred ship size and their desired itinerary.

Before you book, you should expect a higher price tag to get to and from this sailing. In many cases, you'll have to book two separate one-way flights, one of them departing from an Alaska city, which often costs more than a simple round-trip out of Seattle or Vancouver. If you’re trying to keep expenses down, that extra airfare can add up quickly.

Another big ship with roundtrip cruises from Seattle

If you're looking for a more convenient Alaska cruise on a megaship, Anthem of the Seas might be the choice for you.

Based in Seattle, Anthem of the Seas will offer 7-night roundtrip sailings to the most popular Alaskan ports.

One thing to look for before you pick a sailing is if a glacier viewing is included.

Not all of Anthem's sailings include a glacier viewing day.  You'll know if it does if "Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier" is listed.

The reason why a glacier viewing is preferred is it allows potentially the best viewing of a glacier you can get without boarding a helicopter or seaplane.

Your ship will get as close as safe to the glacier and then proceed to do a 360-degree turn to offer everyone a view. It's incredible to see.

However, how close your ship can get to the glacier depends on the weather and how much ice is in the channel. It's not uncommon to have a glacier viewing cancelled or simply held quite far back.

Just like Ovation, Anthem is a Quantum Class ship and that means there's lots to do onboard. In fact, Anthem of the Seas has the West End musical, "We Will Rock You".

The budget big ship in Alaska this year

Voyager of the Seas may not be as big or new as Anthem, but there's lots to love about this classic Royal Caribbean ship. There's still a big ship feel, and Voyager will sail from Seattle to offer 7-night cruises.

This will be the first year Voyager is in Alaska, but Royal Caribbean has had Voyager Class ships here in the past.

Just like Anthem, not all of its itineraries include a glacier viewing. The advantage of the non-glacier viewing sailings is you get an extra port of call in the port of Sitka. An extra port visit is arguably just as good as a glacier viewing opportunity.

This ship first debuted in 1999 and set the standard for modern cruise ships by introducing features that are still crowd-favorites today, such as the Royal Promenade, rock climbing wall, and ice skating rink.

There's also FlowRider surf simulator and Perfect Storm waterslides on the top deck, provided you don't mind the cooler temperatures on an Alaska cruise.

The hidden gem offering round-trip Alaska cruises from Vancouver

If you're looking for something a little different, Serenade of the Seas will offer 7-night Inside Passage sailings from Vancouver that have slightly more interesting itineraries than what you'll find in Seattle.

Embarking an Alaska cruise in Vancouver gives guests the opportunity to sail through Canada’s Inside Passage. As the ship departs the city, guests can enjoy mountain landscapes surrounding both sides of the ship. This provides a sneak peek into the remarkable scenery yet to come.

There are seven different itineraries, including visits to Sawyer Glacier.  Plus, some sailings stop at Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Both of these are uncommon places for a Royal Caribbean ship to sail to on an Alaska cruise.

Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance Class cruise ship, which makes her significantly smaller in size and capacity compared to Ovation and Anthem of the Seas.

Her smaller size makes it easy to get around, as well as enjoy views from around the ship.  Radiance Class ships have a lot of glass and outward viewing opportunities from inside.

However, there's far less activities to do onboard. This may be an issue for families or thrill seekers that want a higher caliber of entertainment on their cruise.

How to choose the right ship for an Alaska cruise

I think the ship is secondary to the places you'll visit on an Alaska cruise, but your ship choice shouldn't be overlooked either.

There are three different ship classes in Alaska for the 2026 cruise season, and each has its advantages.

If you want to see the most possible in Alaska, a cruise on Ovation of the Seas is going to be the best choice.

The one-way sailings can be combined with a Cruisetour, so you can visit places such as Denali National Park and Preserve and Banff National Park. It's arguably the best way to see all of Alaska in one trip.

However, if you want to save money while still seeing Alaska, I'd recommend one of the ships sailing from Seattle.

Both Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas offer roundtrip cruises that will likely reduce the cost of flights because there are many more flights into Seattle than Vancouver.

Anthem of the Seas offers state-of-the-art amenities. The vessel is more modern than Voyager or Serenade, having been launched over ten years after the latter.

Voyager, especially, is a great value because of the ship's age.  But you still get the "big ship feel" and activities onboard.

You should pick Serenade of the Seas for a ship that has more of a laid back vibe. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the Quantum Class ships, but a lot of cruisers that love Alaska pick a ship of this size for the atmosphere.

Serenade of the Seas is fairly small, with just 2,500 passengers, but the places it sails is the best reason to book it.

Departing from Vancouver on a Radiance Class ship means passengers can enjoy a more in-depth itinerary once in Alaska.

Ovation is making a big splash

I think the fact Royal Caribbean is offering a megaship to do the open-jaw sailings for the first time this year, is a big deal.

Historically, this route was relegated to older, smaller ships and it was a bit of a compromise.

If you're going to do one Alaska cruise ever, Ovation might be the best choice to check the box.

If you decide to try Ovation, I'd recommend booking a back-to-back sailing so you can do a roundtrip flight from Vancouver to make your travel plans simplest.

Many cruisers consider booking a refundable fare when reserving their cruise vacation, but is the added cost worth the flexibility? 

As an avid cruiser and someone with a degree in actuarial science and statistics, I’m always interested in the math behind everyday decisions. I can't help that my mind is mathematically wired! As you might imagine, this curiosity extends to cruise pricing and travel planning. I love to strategize on the best and easiest ways to save money, and I always aim to make the most informed decisions.

This has included one of the most debated booking questions: Is a refundable cruise deposit worth it?

For many years, I only booked non-refundable deposits to save money. However, my life was a lot more predictable back then. For some context, my husband is in the military, which means our future plans are often very unpredictable. Deployments, cross-country moves, and training are constantly floating around our busy schedule.

Booking a cruise two years in the future with my husband carries a much lower probability of actually happening. In comparison, if I book a cruise with my parents, my sister, or friends, there is a higher likelihood that it actually happens as planned.

Because of that uncertainty, I almost always book refundable deposits when my husband and I are cruising together. As much as I’d love to plan trips years in advance with certainty, that just isn’t realistic for us.

However, I had never actually considered assigning real probabilities to my decision-making. Instead of just considering whether I’ll probably take the cruise or not, I realized I could try to determine the likelihood of a cruise happening. With this, I could make more informed decisions about whether a refundable fare was worth the added cost. 

For example, we booked a Celebrity cruise to India that was scheduled for this fall, and we chose a refundable deposit. Luckily, our MEI travel agent was able to provide a refundable fare with the agency’s group rates, so the cost was minimal for a refundable fare.

But, India experienced some geopolitical tensions over the summer, so we decided the trip no longer felt like the best option for us. We canceled the cruise and rebooked a new sailing to New Zealand instead. Had we booked a non-refundable deposit, we would have either lost a $900 deposit or paid roughly $200 to switch itineraries (which is what most likely would have happened).

For our New Zealand cruise, we again booked a refundable deposit, even though we were only six months away from the sail date. However, this cruise went as planned (and it was amazing!). In the end, we paid a little extra for flexibility and peace of mind for this itinerary, but didn’t actually use the option to cancel.

Looking back, we probably could have booked a non-refundable deposit for our New Zealand cruise. However, we wanted to have the peace of mind that we wouldn’t lose money if we had to change our plans again.

When thinking more about this topic, I recently came across a fascinating thread on the Royal Caribbean Blog Forum where cruisers tried to answer this exact question using math and probability. It’s a great example of how thinking just a little more analytically can help you make a better booking decision. As a data analyst myself, I loved reading through everyone's theories!

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether paying extra for a refundable deposit is actually worth it, you’re in the right place. Here's how you can consider taking a more strategic approach to your decision-making process. 

Taking a mathematical approach to non-refundable deposits

In the forum thread titled “Refundable or Non-Refundable Deposit: A Mathematical Approach,” JFCruise aimed to analyze whether a refundable or non-refundable deposit made more sense financially. 

The poster wrote: “I think this might be one of the most common questions 'Is the Refundable Deposit Worth It'? And I was curious to see how 'worth it' it was, using math and probabilities. So, I fired up Excel and tried to figure out when it's worth it.”

Essentially, JFCruise was looking to determine the breakeven point where paying extra for the refundable deposit makes financial sense. Depending on a person's probability of canceling their cruise and the cost of the refundable fare, sometimes the math doesn't support refundable fares. Let's dig into this a little further!

How Royal Caribbean handles non-refundable deposits

Before diving further into the math, it’s important to clarify how refundable and non-refundable deposits work on Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean offers both refundable and non-refundable fares, each with different pricing and flexibility. In general, non-refundable fares will be the cheapest option, but they come with risk.

If you cancel before final payment, your deposit is not returned and considered forfeited. However, you do have an option to change your sailing for a penalty, usually $100 per person. 

On the other hand, refundable fares are more expensive, but provide you with flexibility and peace of mind. If you cancel your cruise before final payment, you get your deposit back in full and no money is lost. 

Let’s look at an example

To determine whether a refundable deposit is worth the extra cost, JFCruiser introduced a simple idea borrowed from probability theory, known as expected cost. In plain English, this means looking at what a decision is likely to cost you on average, based on how likely you are to cancel your cruise.

One example in the thread looked at an 8-night cruise for two people with these numbers:

Non-refundable deposit (NRD): $250 per person = $500 total "at risk" if you cancel before final payment

Refundable option premium (RD): $250 more per stateroom (the “extra” you pay upfront for flexibility)

From there, the math is pretty simple at a high level:

1. If you book non-refundable and later cancel, you lose $500.
   1. So the “risk cost” = ($500 × probability of cancellation).
2. If you book refundable and don’t cancel, you pay $250 extra for flexibility you didn’t use.
   1. So the “wasted premium” = ($250 × probability of NOT canceling).
3. The breakeven point is when those two expected amounts are equal.
   1. Our equation: $500 × (probability of cancellation) = $250 × (probability of NOT canceling)

Let’s simply assume the “probability of NOT canceling” = (100% − probability of canceling). With a little algebra, this equals a 33% probability of canceling, for this example. 

In other words, once your chance of canceling is more than 33.33%, paying an extra $250 for a refundable fare starts to make sense financially. As you are more uncertain about taking your cruise, the added flexibility is more worth the cost. On the flip side, if your chance of canceling is less than 33.33%, non-refundable fares are usually the better option.

Let’s look at some other scenarios comparing the refundable and non-refundable logic

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its cruise fares, meaning the price difference between refundable and nonrefundable options can change frequently.

To make this easier to visualize, here are a few simplified scenarios using real-world numbers. It’s important to consider that the deposit itself isn’t a “loss” if you take the cruise, as it’s applied to the fare. The only money at risk with a refundable booking is the extra amount you paid for flexibility.

Example 1: Very high chance of canceling (80%) | Low chance of sailing (20%)

• Deposit at risk with non-refundable: $500
• Extra cost for refundable: $250

Non-refundable expected loss: (0.80 * $500) = $400

Refundable expected loss: (0.20 * $250) = $50

Conclusion: If there’s an 80% chance you’ll cancel, booking a non-refundable fare means you’re very likely to lose most of that $500 deposit. Paying $250 for a refundable option dramatically reduces that risk. In this case, refundable clearly makes the most financial sense.

Example 2: Very low chance of canceling (5%) | Very high chance of sailing (95%)

• Deposit at risk with non-refundable: $500
• Extra cost for refundable: $250

Non-refundable expected loss: (0.05 * $500) = $25

Refundable expected loss: (0.95 * $250) = $237.50

Conclusion: If you’re almost certain you’ll take the cruise, the refundable option becomes more of an unnecessary expense. You’re far more likely to sail than cancel your cruise, meaning you’ll almost certainly pay extra for flexibility you won’t use. Here, non-refundable is the smarter choice.

Example 3: Refundable costs are very similar to the non-refundable deposit at risk

• Deposit at risk: $500
• Extra cost for refundable: $550

Break-even probability: (Cancellation probability x 500) = (1 - Cancellation probability) x 550 

This equals: 550 / (500+550) = 52.38%

Conclusion: In this scenario, you’d need more than a 52.38% chance of canceling your cruise for the refundable option to make sense. If your plans are fairly solid, booking a non-refundable fare is usually the better option. If your plans are truly uncertain, refundable may still be worth it. Moreover, if you're someone who wants peace of mind with your deposit, the added flexibility and protection could be worthwhile. 

Example 4: Refundable premium is much higher than the deposit

• Deposit at risk: $500
• Extra cost for refundable: $1,000

Breakeven probability = (Cancellation probability x 500) = (1 - Cancellation probability) x 1000

Equation: 1000 / (500 + 1000) = 66.67%

Conclusion: In this scenario, the refundable option only makes sense if there’s a very high chance of canceling. Mathematically, you’d need roughly a two-thirds (about 67%) or greater likelihood that you’ll cancel before final payment for the refundable option to break even.

If your plans are even moderately solid, you’re paying significantly more for flexibility than the amount you’re actually protecting. This makes the non-refundable option the more practical choice in most cases.

A simple mathematical way to think about refundable fares

Spreadsheets might not excite you in the same way they do for me, and that's totally fair! So, if you’re not looking to get your calculator out every time you book a cruise, here’s a simplified approach to determine if a non-refundable fare is worth the potential savings for you.

At a high level, you'll want to ask yourself three questions:

1. How much is the deposit I could lose?
2. How much extra am I paying for a refundable fare?
3. How likely am I to cancel before final payment?

Here’s a simple example. Let’s say your non-refundable deposit is $500 and the refundable fare costs $600 more.

In this case, you’re paying more to protect less. From a purely mathematical standpoint, the refundable option only makes sense if there’s a high chance you’ll cancel (more than 54.50%)

Now flip the numbers. If the non-refundable deposit is $500 and the refundable premium is $200, the math is more favorable towards a refundable deposit. In this case, the breakeven point is 28.60%, and you’d only need to believe there’s a 28.6% chance you’ll cancel

In this case, the math becomes much more favorable toward refundable, especially if you’re booking far in advance or dealing with uncertain schedules.

What caveats should we consider?

Many cruisers in the comment section were intrigued by the analytical approach to the discussion of non-refundable vs refundable fares. In fact, many also provided some helpful caveats and real-world considerations.

To start, several people noted that the fare difference between refundable and non-refundable cruise fares matters more than the deposit itself. Paying an extra $200 to protect a $500 deposit is very different than paying an extra $800 on your cruise fare to protect the same amount.

Others pointed out that timing plays a role during the decision-making process. As cruises get closer to final payment, the price difference between refundable and non-refundable fares often shrinks. As the sail date approaches, most people have a better idea of whether they'll be able to sail. 

A few commenters also mentioned the role of travel insurance, noting that many policies reimburse non-refundable deposits for covered reasons. For travelers who always carry insurance, non-refundable fares can feel like the better choice.

For example, my annual travel insurance policy with Allianz has reimbursed me for nonrefundable deposits in the past. When my husband was deployed and I had to cancel a trip, his deployment qualified as a covered reason under the policy.

Of course, there is also an emotional aspect to making this decision. Even when we try to rationalize our decisions, our emotions can take precedence. For example, even if the math favors choosing a non-refundable deposit, some people simply prefer the peace of mind with refundable fares to protect their deposit.

Is a refundable deposit worth it?

There’s no universal rule for whether a refundable deposit is worth it. It ultimately comes down to the details of your travel plans and personal situation.

For cruisers with predictable schedules and high confidence they’ll be able to sail, non-refundable deposits often make the most sense. If you have a travel insurance policy, this will also provide extra protection for covered reasons.

For those booking far in advance, choosing a refundable deposit can be the best option. This is especially true if you’re juggling uncertain work schedules or have a more unpredictable life (like me). For some, the peace of mind is always worth the added cost for a refundable deposit, even if the math doesn't support the decision. 

Although I’ve typically booked non-refundable deposits in the past, I’ve definitely leaned towards refundable fares in recent years. I’ve discovered that booking refundable group rates with my MEI travel agent is only marginally more expensive than the cruise line’s price.

For instance, I was able to book a refundable group rate with drinks and internet included on my last Celebrity cruise. The price I paid was only a few hundred dollars more than Celebrity was offering directly online. The small cost was absolutely worthwhile in this case!