Royal Caribbean Blog

Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, measuring over 1,100 feet in length and featuring a capacity for almost 7,000 passengers.

With its opulent furnishings, top-of-the-line amenities, and attentive staff, the Wonder of the Seas offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime cruising experience.

The ship features a range of exciting activities and attractions for guests of all ages, including a casino, spa, swimming pool, fitness center, and multiple dining venues. Plus, with its variety of cabins to choose from, there is something for everyone aboard the Wonder of the Seas.

One of the standout features of Wonder of the Seas is its state-of-the-art design. The ship's sleek and modern exterior is sure to turn heads, and the interior is just as impressive. With its spacious and luxurious staterooms, multiple dining options, and exciting onboard activities, Wonder of the Seas is the ultimate floating resort.

We’ve put together a guide to help you plan a cruise on Wonder of the Seas and learn more about the amenities, features, staterooms, activities, dining, and entertainment available onboard.

Wonder of the Seas overview

Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, whose inaugural sailing was on March 4, 2022.

She is currently the largest cruise ship in the world, taking the title from her sister ship Symphony of the Seas. At 1,188 feet long, 210 feet wide, and with a gross tonnage of 236,857, Wonder of the Seas is a massive vessel.

Read more: Wonder of the Seas vs. Symphony of the Seas

She has a capacity of 5,734 guests at double capacity and 6,988 guests total. With 2,300 crew onboard, the total capacity for Wonder of the Seas is 9,288 passengers!

Despite having such a high capacity, it’s unlikely that Wonder of the Seas will feel extremely crowded. Due to Royal Caribbean’s innovative Oasis Class ship design, Wonder of the Seas is split into several neighborhoods.

The neighborhoods are designed to space out guests and provide a diverse experience throughout the ship, with each neighborhood offering different amenities, activities, and dining.

Like other Oasis Class ships, Wonder of the Seas has the following neighborhoods:

1. The Boardwalk, meant to evoke nostalgia for oceanfront boardwalks of the past. The Boardwalk is complete with an arcade, candy store, hot dogs, sports bar, and Johnny Rockets.
2. Pool & Sports Zone, where guests can enjoy the ship’s pools, hot tubs, and signature activities on the Sports Court
3. Central Park, a tranquil area where guests can walk and relax along thousands of plants and flowers. Central Park is home to several restaurants, retail stores, bars, and artwork.
4. The Royal Promenade, the main thoroughfare on Wonder of the Seas where guests can enjoy bars and lounges, shop, and grab a coffee
5. Entertainment Place, the hub of signature entertainment on Wonder of the Seas, complete with a comedy club, ice skating rink, theater, and casino
6. Youth Zone, home to Adventure Ocean programming, an arcade, and teen club
7. Vitality Spa & Fitness, a peaceful spa and salon with a diverse range of treatments available. The fitness center is available at no extra cost to guests.

Wonder of the Seas differs from her Oasis Class sisters, however, in that she has an eighth neighborhood onboard, the Suite Neighborhood.

The Suite Neighborhood is an exclusive enclave available just for suite guests on Wonder of the Seas. Located at the top of the ship, suite guests can enjoy a private neighborhood that features the Coastal Kitchen restaurant, Suite Lounge, and private Suite Sun Deck.

While other Royal Caribbean ships have a private sun deck for suite guests, Wonder of the Seas takes this concept one step further. The Suite Sun Deck on Wonder of the Seas is a large outdoor space featuring comfy loungers, its own bar, and a plunge pool. The sun deck overlooks both the ocean and sports deck area.

While not the "ship within a ship" concept other cruise lines have, the Suite Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's most expansive enclave for suites guests on any ship in its fleet.

The Suite Neighborhood offers an exclusive experience for guests looking to enhance their cruise experience, and can be a selling point for those deciding between booking a suite or not.

This area is truly designed to be a destination for suite guests to enjoy with less impetus to leave the suite decks.

Wonder of the Seas dining

As an Oasis Class ship, there is no shortage of dining options found on Wonder of the Seas. Both complimentary and specialty dining options are available and come in a wide range of cuisines and styles, meaning there is something for everyone to eat onboard.

With so many restaurants included in your cruise fare, it’s entirely possible to eat only at the complimentary venues on Wonder of the Seas. From Mediterranean-inspired dinners at Solarium Bistro to American breakfast at Johnny Rockets, it’s unlikely you’ll get bored with the complimentary restaurants available.

Wonder of the Seas also has a wide selection of specialty dining venues. Specialty restaurants come at an extra cost, but offer cuisines and dining experiences not found elsewhere onboard.

Specialty restaurant meals can be purchased individually or as part of a dining package. Purchasing a dining package allows you to try several different restaurants at a lower cost than purchasing each meal individually.

Dining package availability is limited, so it’s a good idea to book a dining package early via the Cruise Planner website. Both a 3-night Dining Package and Unlimited Dining Package may be available depending on the cruise.

Wonder of the Seas complimentary dining options:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Park Cafe
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe
• Coastal Kitchen (suites only)
• Room service (continental breakfast only)
• Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

Wonder of the Seas specialty dining options:

• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
• Wonderland
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
• Hooked Seafood
• 150 Central Park
• Sugar Beach (ice cream and candy only)
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Starbucks
• Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)
• The Mason Jar
• Chef’s Table

A restaurant brand new to Wonder of the Seas is The Mason Jar, a southern-inspired venue featuring dishes from diverse regions of the American south.

Open for brunch and dinner, menu highlights at The Mason Jar include Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles, Stuffed French Toast, Crab Beignets, Classic Po’boy, Lobster N’ Crawfish Gumbo, Shrimp N’ Grits, and the Southern Burger.

Adjacent to the restaurant is The Mason Jar Bar, serving specialty cocktails including the PB&J Old Fashioned, Mississippi Moonlight, and All Shook-Up shake.

Read more: The Mason Jar Southern food restaurant on Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas is the only Oasis Class ship to feature Royal Caribbean’s newest Italian restaurant, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Guests can dine on Italian-American cuisine, with menu highlights including chicken parmesan and spaghetti carbonara. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen also has an extensive pizza menu with pizzas made to order in the restaurant’s own pizza oven.

Next to Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is Giovavnni’s Wine Bar, which offers a selection of Italian wines. Guests at the wine bar are also able to order food from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen next door, although the menu is limited and not included in the dining package. However, this can be a nice option for those wanting to try just an appetizer or pizza from the restaurant, and the prices per item are quite reasonable.

Wonder of the Seas Bars & Lounges

Just like dining venues, Wonder of the Seas has no shortage of bars and lounges to explore. Two brand new bars were brought to Wonder of the Seas: Cantina Fresca and The Vue.

Cantina Fresca is a Latin-themed bar focusing on Mexican-inspired cocktails. This is the place to go onboard for margaritas, with flavors including pineapple jalapeño, strawberry, mango, and passion fruit. Mexican agua frescas are also available here, the first ever offered on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Cantina Fresca is conveniently located next to El Loco Fresh near the Sports Court, offering the perfect beverages to go along with burritos, nachos, and quesadillas.

The Vue is the second new bar on Wonder of the Seas. Taking the place of what would have been a second cantilevered hot tub, The Vue offers picturesque views of the ocean during both day and night. The bar is partially covered by a mosaic canopy, which lights up at night in a kaleidoscope of color.

Other bars and lounges on Wonder of the Seas include:

• Schooner Bar
• Trellis Bar
• Boleros
• Rising Tide Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Cask & Clipper Pub
• Wipe Out Bar
• The Attic
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• The Lime and Coconut

Shows & Entertainment

Wonder of the Seas is packed with entertainment venues and shows to satisfy thousands of guests per week. All shows and entertainment are included in your cruise fare, although reservations are usually required for signature performances. It’s a good idea to open the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you get onboard and reserve your preferred time slots for shows.

There are three main entertainment venues on Wonder of the Seas: the AquaTheater, the Royal Theater, and Studio B.

In the AquaTheater guests can enjoy inTENse, the first AquaTheater show to feature an all-female cast. As the name implies, inTENse is an intense performance with aerial acrobatics, slacklining, high diving, tumbling, and synchronized swimming. Adding to the performance are immersive lighting and sound effects that are sure to leave guests inspired.

The Royal Theater is home to two headliner performances: Voices and The Effectors II. Voices: An Intimate Performance on a Grand Scale, is a hybrid virtual and live show featuring vocal, musical, and dance performances.

The Effectors II: Crash ‘n’ Burn is a sequel to the original show found on Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas. Royal Caribbean’s cast of superheroes returns to the stage in this performance to battle their archnemesis known as Crash (and his sidekick Burn).

The Effectors II uses dramatic and state-of-the-art technology to create scenery, imaging, and storytelling throughout the show. 

While not a show that was offered when the ship launched, it began performances in June 2022.

In Studio B, the ice rink onboard, guests can travel through the year’s seasons with 365: The Seasons on Ice. The Wonder of the Seas ice show tells the story of Earth’s changing seasons through projection mapping, lighting and sound, costumes, and set design. The ice show features a talented cast of professional figure skaters and includes an impressive performance from an aerialist.

Outside of the main headliner shows on Wonder of the Seas are a variety of other entertainment options. Guests can enjoy live music throughout the ship, from piano tunes at Schooner Bar to acoustic guitar at the pub.

Something new to Wonder of the Seas is live country music at The Mason Jar. On most evenings (and some afternoons), a country band performs at the bar. Guests here can listen to live tunes while sipping a drink from one of the comfy rocking chairs found throughout the bar.

Comedy shows are performed throughout the cruise as well, either in the Royal Theater or in The Attic comedy club.

Pool deck

The pool deck on Wonder of the Seas is a hub of activity throughout the cruise, for both guests looking to relax in the sun and those wanting to participate in onboard activities.

The pool deck’s design shares many similarities with other Oasis Class ships. There are three main pools, several jacuzzis, and one Splashaway Bay location for kids.

Parents with young children will especially enjoy Splashaway Bay, as it provides a splash pad and aqua park area with water sprayers, slides, and dump buckets.

The Perfect Storm waterslides are also found on the pool deck. These are a set of three waterslides: two racing and one that ends with guests sliding around a “champagne” or “toilet” bowl to the bottom. Waterslides are complimentary and open for most of the day.

Wonder of the Seas features a Caribbean-style pool deck, complete with colorful decor and The Lime and Coconut bar. There are three Lime and Coconut locations on the pool deck. Two are found next to the pools on either side of the ship, and the other is located on the upper pool deck.

The location above the pool deck offers comfy seating with panoramic views of the ship and ocean, and is sure to be a popular hangout spot on sea days. Signature drinks to try at The Lime and Coconut are the Rum Runner, Mai Tai, Watermelon Rita, and Lime and Coconut.

In addition to the ample seating around the pool deck, Wonder of the Seas has several casitas available for reservation. These come at an extra cost and provide a covered daybed option for guests looking for a bit more comfort. The casitas on Wonder of the Seas are all located on the upper pool deck on deck 16.

Wonder of the Seas has more diverse pool seating compared to other Oasis Class ships. Across from the massive television overlooking the pool are padded theater chairs. These chairs are accessible throughout the day for guests looking to relax or watch a movie.

Solarium

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, Wonder of the Seas has an adults-only Solarium. Available to guests 16 and older, the Solarium offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle found elsewhere onboard. 

The Solarium on Wonder of the Seas differs from other Oasis Class ships in that It is fully enclosed and climate controlled. This ensures guests are able to enjoy the Solarium in any type of weather.

Inside the Solarium are hot tubs, a small pool, and plenty of pool chairs to lounge in. Padded chairs, mushroom loungers, and sofas are available to sit in as well, leading to maximum comfort for guests.

Here guests can also find the Solarium Bridge wings, one of the hidden secrets on Wonder of the Seas.

Also located in the Solarium is the Solarium Bistro, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Solarium Bistro is a complimentary dining venue that usually has fewer crowds than other venues onboard. Above the Solarium Bistro is Hooked Seafood, where guests can dine on New England style seafood dishes.

Signature activities on Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas is packed with immersive, thrilling, and unique activities for guests of all ages. Most signature activities on Wonder of the Seas are included in your cruise fare. Most are open every day of the cruise, although exact days and times can be found on the Cruise Planner or in the Royal Caribbean app.

Something new to Wonder of the Seas is the Wonder Playscape, an underwater-themed playground with climbing walls, nets, games, puzzles, slides, and plenty of nooks and crannies to discover.

The Wonder Playscape is intended for kids up to 12, but seems to be geared more toward younger children.

Other activities on Wonder of the Seas include:

• The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide taking guests nine decks down from the Sports Court to the Boardwalk neighborhood
• The zipline, during which guests fly over the Boardwalk neighborhood
• FlowRider, a surf simulator for boogie boarding and standup surfing
• Escape from Planet Z laser tag
• Wonder Dunes mini golf
• Rock climbing walls
• Sports Court area for activities like basketball, pickleball, soccer, ping pong, etc.
• Ice skating rink in Studio B
• Carousel

Wonder of the Seas is set to have an Escape Room located next to Adventure Ocean, but it is not currently built. Once constructed, the Escape Room will likely come at an extra cost.

There are also two arcades onboard: a large arcade near Adventure Ocean and a small set of games next to Playmakers on the Boardwalk. The arcade has an additional cost.

Other activities found on Wonder of the Seas include trivia, game shows, scavenger hunts, karaoke, pool games, and more.

Adventure Ocean

Wonder of the Seas follows Royal Caribbean’s updated Adventure Ocean programming, with childcare and activities for children aged 6 months to 17 years.

Adventure Ocean is free for guests, with the exception of the nursery (6-36 months) and childcare after 10pm.

The following areas are offered in Adventure Ocean on Wonder of the Seas:

• AO Kids, for children aged 6-12, which features a large open area for games like dodgeball, as well as video games, interactive digital tables, and hangout spaces
• AO Juniors, a space for kids 3-5 years old with age-appropriate activities and open play areas
• AO Babies, a nursery area for children between 6 and 36 months
• AO Theater, where movies, talent shows, games, and performances are held
• The Workshop, home to craft and science lab activities
• Play Place, a play area for kids featuring climbing and playground equipment. This area is open throughout the day for parents to visit with their children.

Teens aged 13-17 onboard Wonder of the Seas also have their own designated spaces. The teen areas of Adventure Ocean are less structured than those for other age groups, with teens free to come and go as they please.

The first teens-only space onboard is Social100. This space has plenty of comfy seating and hangout space, video games, books, a vending machine, foosball tables, and interactive digital tables.

Teens also have access to the Social100 Patio, located outside on deck 17. The Social100 patio features its own hot tub, non-alcoholic bar, beanbag chairs and other lounge seating, selfie photo spot, and giant chess set.

Wonder of the Seas cabins and suites

With a capacity of 6,988 guests, there is an array of stateroom categories to choose from when booking a cruise on Wonder of the Seas. In fact, there are a total of 2,867 staterooms found onboard.

Choosing which stateroom to book ultimately depends on your budget and vacation style. Some guests may prefer booking an interior or ocean view room and putting the money saved towards add-ons like a drink package or shore excursion. Others may value the extra space and privacy a balcony or suite provides, even if it comes at a higher cost.

I stayed in a balcony room on my first Wonder of the Seas sailing, and it was a great choice.

No matter which stateroom you choose, all cabins come with a private bathroom, television, vanity/desk area, dresser, couch or lounge chair, outlets, a mini fridge, and storage.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

Here are the non-suite staterooms available on Wonder of the Seas:

• Interior
• Interior with Virtual Balcony
• Promenade View Interior
• Central Park View Interior
• Ocean View
• Central Park View Balcony
• Boardwalk View Balcony
• Ocean View Balcony
• Ocean View with Large Balcony

Read more: Wonder of the Seas cabins to avoid

Accessible staterooms are also available in most room categories, which come with extra space including wider doors, ramps, lowered sink and vanity, lowered storage and safe, etc.

The following suites are available to book on Wonder of the Seas:

• Junior Suite with Balcony
• Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom
• Owner’s Suite - 1 Bedroom
• Crown Loft Suite with Balcony
• Royal Loft Suite
• Spacious AquaTheater Suite - 1 or 2 bedrooms
• Ultimate Family Suite

Read more: A look at the big suites on Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas is the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to have the Ultimate Family Suite. Complete with an in-suite slide, colorful step climbers, interactive piano staircase, three bedrooms, a jacuzzi, and a movie/game room, the Ultimate Family Suite is sure to impress all kids onboard.

Wonder of the Seas itineraries

Since November 2022, Wonder of the Seas offers year-round sailings from Port Canaveral.

Destinations range from Perfect Day at CocoCay and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Cozumel, Mexico.

How much does Wonder of the Seas cost per person?

The exact cost of a cruise on Wonder of the Seas will depend on which cabin you book, time of year you sail, and how far in advance you book.

The cost of a Wonder of the Seas cruise begins as little as $800 per person and goes up to $1,500 per person.

Meet Wonder of the Seas' Godmother

Marie McCrea is the Godmother of Wonder of the Seas, after being nominated in a contest held on TikTok.

Marie McCrea is a mom, wife and cancer survivor. Marie overcame adversity with incredible strength, and at the center of her story are the memories she inspired and made with her family through it all. 

Wonder of the Seas frequently asked questions

How much did Wonder of the Seas cost to build?

Royal Caribbean paid $1.35 billion to the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Naizaire, France to build the ship.

It took them three years to build the ship, which included a construction delay due to the global health crisis in 2021.

How many restaurants are on Wonder of the Seas?

There are more than 20 different places to eat on Wonder of the Seas. 

Not all the restaurants are free to dine, as some have an extra cost to dine there.

• Main dining room
• Sorrento's
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Cafe Promenade
• Boardwalk Doghouse
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar (extra cost)
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (extra cost)
• Hooked Seafood (extra cost)
• El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca
• The Lime & Coconut (extra cost)
• Izumi (extra cost)
• Wonderland (extra cost)
• 150 Central Park (extra cost)
• Johnny Rockets (extra cost)
• Starbucks (extra cost)
• Sugar Beach (extra cost)
• Chops Grille (extra cost)

Is Wonder of the Seas sailing at full capacity?

Yes, all of Royal Caribbean's ships are sailing at or near full capacity since Memorial Day 2022.

While the ship sailed at reduced capacity when it first debuted, the amount of passengers have steadily gone up since then and has reached full capacity in summer 2022 sailings.

Is there an escape room on Wonder of the Seas?

Not yet.

It looks like there's a space for it near Adventure Ocean, but the venue is not open. Royal Caribbean has not commented on what the escape room will entail, nor when it might open.

More Wonder of the Seas resources:

Wonder of the Seas FAQ

Interesting facts you may not know about Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas Live Blog

10 things to do before you board Wonder of the Seas

Cruise lines follow trends when designing, adding, and removing activities to their ships, and Royal Caribbean is no exception. Golfing simulators, inline skating, and a boxing ring are just some of the cruise ship activities Royal Caribbean has implemented and later phased out.

The latest trend? Pickleball.

It’s no secret that pickleball is soaring in popularity throughout the United States; this racquet sport is the fastest growing sport in the nation.

In fact, it’s estimated that over 36 million people played pickleball in the United States between August 2021 and August 2022, and now you can play it onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

What is pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. The game is played with a paddle and a hollow plastic ball on a 20x44 foot court and can be played in singles (2 players) or doubles (4 players).

The sport is easy to learn and accessible to a wide range of age groups and fitness levels, from kids to seniors, which is one of the reasons it has grown so quickly.

The basic objective of the game is to hit the ball to the other side of the court and prevent your opponent from hitting it back to your side. Points are scored when the opponent fails to return the ball (or hits it out of bounds). The first team to reach 11 points wins, as long as they are 2 points ahead.

Pickleball is a relatively new sport, having been invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The sport’s official rulebook was published in March of 1984, and by 1990 the game was being played in every US state.

Today, the game has a professional league, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), and the PPA Tour has received investments from celebrities including LeBron James, Mark Cuban, and Patrick Mahomes.

And while you won’t be finding any professional pickleball tournaments on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you will find many opportunities to try this popular sport.

How can I play pickleball on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Pickleball is an activity included in your cruise fare and equipment is provided (although you could also bring your own).

To find when pickleball is offered onboard, check the Cruise Compass or Royal Caribbean app. More often than not, Open Play Pickleball is offered in the mornings of your cruise, from around 8AM to 11AM. It’s located on the outdoor Sports Court (or indoor SeaPlex on Quantum Class ships).

Related: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

“Open Play” means you simply show up to the court, grab a paddle and ball, and start playing. If the court is full when you arrive, you’ll have to wait for the court to open up. Because of this, we recommend showing up as soon as the activity begins to guarantee an open court.

It’s important to note, however, that not all Royal Caribbean ships offer pickleball. Smaller, older ships are less likely to offer the sport compared to the newer ships in the fleet. Additionally, the courts used are not pickleball-specific courts; they are used for a variety of other sport activities.

Here are the 16 Royal Caribbean ships that offer pickleball:

• Adventure of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas

Why you should play pickleball on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

Meet new people

Like many sports, pickleball can be a fantastic way to meet new people. It’s a social sport, and playing with other passengers can foster new friendships. You may find yourself playing with the same passengers day after day, and you’ll likely run into your new friends around the ship throughout your sailing.

Playing pickleball on a Royal Caribbean cruise can be a great way to meet fellow passengers as a solo traveler, too. Cruising solo on Royal Caribbean may seem daunting, but you'd be surprised at just how easy it is to connect with others onboard. Sports like pickleball, basketball, and volleyball can be a wonderful way to connect with a diverse range of passengers.

Related: 5 things that surprised me about going on my first solo cruise

Stay active

Cruises are synonymous with lounging by the pool and indulging in unlimited food and drinks, but many passengers prefer staying active on a Royal Caribbean cruise. And unlike running around the jogging track or using a stationary bike at the gym, pickleball feels more like fun than exercise.

A fun way to pass the time

Sea days are a popular time to play pickleball on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Starting a morning at sea with a few games of pickleball can help pass the time as your ship sails from place to place. While activities like trivia and watching live music area always fun, switching up your cruising routine with a game of pickleball can make your cruise more unique.

What should I wear to play pickleball?

When playing pickleball on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for flexible, fast movements.

Here are some of our top suggestions of what to wear:

• Athletic shorts/pants: Bringing a pair of comfortable, elastic shorts or workout leggings is recommended when playing pickleball. Wearing jeans or tight pants can lessen the flexibility of movement needed when playing pickleball.
• Closed-toed shoes: Closed-toed shoes are required on Royal Caribbean’s sports courts. Sneakers are your best choice, as they are designed for athletic activities. Bringing sneakers with shoelaces is recommended as well, as laced shoes are required on other onboard activities like the zipline.
• Baseball hat/sunhat: Pickleball courts are located on the upper decks of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships. The sun can get strong on these decks, so we recommend wearing a hat to block the sun.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: Just like a sunhat, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun while playing pickleball, and definitely remember to put on sunscreen!

How will pickleball’s growing popularity affect the cruising industry?

It’s likely we’ll continue to see pickleball being offered on Royal Caribbean cruises. As the sport continues growing more popular, cruise lines will continue to market the activity on their ships and in promotional materials.

A great example of marketing pickleball is through a personal story from Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International Senior Vice President of Sales.

Freed began playing pickleball in her neighborhood during the pandemic, and during this time, one of her neighbors suggested going on a cruise. Once Freed mentioned how Royal Caribbean’s ships have a pickleball court onboard, her neighbors were immediately drawn to book a cruise.

Soon enough, her group had 12 suites booked onboard a weekend cruise on Freedom of the Seas. They played pickleball every morning and had such a great time that they are already planning a second trip!

For pickleball-enthusiasts, having a court onboard can be a deciding factor between choosing one cruise over another, and Royal Caribbean certainly sees the possibilities of marketing pickleball on their ships.

Other cruise lines have followed this trend as well, with Holland America named the Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association. All Holland America ships feature pickleball courts and complimentary beginner pickleball lessons are offered fleetwide.

During these lessons, instructors teach the rules of pickleball to guests, allowing them to enjoy the game throughout the cruise.

While no pickleball lessons are being offered on Royal Caribbean ships, watching a few YouTube videos should allow you to understand the basics of the game before you get onboard.

What other sports activities are available onboard aside from pickleball?

Outside of pickleball, there are many other popular sports activities available on Royal Caribbean cruise ships for no extra cost:

Sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton, and dodgeball can all be played on Royal Caribbean’s Sports Court. Check the Royal Caribbean app for open play times for these sports. There are often tournaments available as well, along with specific times for kids and teenagers onboard.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a rock climbing wall, too, and several have bungee trampolines and FlowRider surf simulators, all of which can be fun ways to exercise during your vacation.

On cold or rainy days, you can also enjoy a selection of indoor sports activities, including ice-skating, bumper cars, laser tag, and dance classes.

Other activities to enjoy on a Royal Caribbean cruise include:

• Waterslides
• Shuffleboard
• Escape Rooms
• Scavenger hunts
• Pool games
• Mini golf
• The Ultimate Abyss slide
• Carousel
• Trivia
• Game Shows
• Entertainment productions

For more information on fun things to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise, check out these articles:

• Top things to do on a sea day on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Trying out the free activities on Harmony of the Seas
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• Which Royal Caribbean ships have water slides?

Fear not, Royal Caribbean's new safety drill isn't going anywhere.

When cruises restarted in 2021, Royal Caribbean lead the way with a new approach to the safety drill that gave guests more time and flexibility to getting the maritime safety requirement taken care of during the course of the first day of their cruise.

The change was widely heralded by passengers who loved the change because of how much easier the process became.

In the last few months, two major cruise lines announced they were reverting back from eMuster to the traditional muster drill that required passengers to stop their vacation and attend a safety drill meeting.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced their change last week that they, "have made the decision to reinstate synchronized muster drills on embarkation day across all vessels in the fleet."

Disney Cruise Line made a similar decision in November 2022.

"We don't really look backwards"

Greg Purdy is Royal Caribbean International's Senior Vice President of Marine Operations, and he unequivocally stated the cruise line has no interest in going back to an in-person muster drill.

"We have no intention of moving back," Mr. Purdy said when asked about other lines changing and if Royal Caribbean would do the same. "We are always looking for opportunities to improve. So if we see a way to improve our drill, we certainly will will pursue that."

"We're always open to change, but we're not so open to going backwards. So we will always look for moving forward and doing things if they're better to do for our guests and our crew."

The decision to stay with eMuster has a lot to do with the results it has produced.

He mentioned that Royal Caribbean has "extremely high percentage rates for guest participation", which is in part due to training of the crew members to facilitate it, as well as plenty of reminder announcements."

Mr. Purdy went on to say participation rates are higher with eMuster than the old way, "we're fairly aggressive about ensuring that you complete the safety drill prior to sailing. So we see rates typically upwards of over 97% on our ships for participation."

"That's actually better than the old traditional drill."

Technology has played a pivotal role in ensuring guest participation is higher because stateroom attendants have access to data if their guests have completed the muster drill yet.

"We're much more proactive and ensuring that you get to the drill or that if you have any questions that those are addressed."

Most importantly, guests get the important information while making the process easier overall, "This has been a real win for the guest and a win for those of our crew that are charged with with safety responsibilities in an emergency."

Mr. Purdy sees the eMuster as a good balance of explaining important information while giving guests a better overall experience, "we wanted to see how do we avoid crowds and how do we give people a more pleasant experience, but most importantly, an experience where the knowledge is transferred in a in a better way."

To that point, he thinks eMuster is a "big step" forward for the cruise line, "we think that it really was a a huge step for us as a quality vacation in the world."

Improving on problems from the old drill

Mr. Purdy pointed out that the old way of the muster drill had its own deficiencies to contend with, "one of the things we saw with that in those early days was that people were dragging those life jackets around the ship."

And since everyone had to stop what they were doing and go up or down stairs to their muster stations with the old drill, it lead to accidents, "not only were they damaging the life jackets, but they were also tripping them a lot of trips and slips."

Of course, Royal Caribbean switched to having the life jackets staged at the muster station and stored in cabins. But there were more issues.

"We started looking even more...you still have these crowds that are just kind of following flows and going to a muster station, but still having slips and trips, not having a comfortable or easy experience."

Royal Caribbean then added safety videos to stateroom televisions, but the advent of apps on everyone's phones lead to the idea of a digital approach to safety drills.

"As people got more used to using their phones, that's when the idea came up saying, couldn't we have an even better transfer of knowledge if we start to leverage the tools we have, which are the apps and the videos."

"And let's think it through, how could we make this safer and also eliminate this kind of period of time that everybody's in this moving down in the masses without really understanding kind of what they're doing or where they're going?"

The other major improvement of eMuster over the old drill was comfort for guests. 

In the old way, people were lined up (often outdoors), which was problematic for elderly guests and young children.

"This is a situation that is counter to a good experience where we're ultimately transferring quality safety knowledge to the guests."

With eMuster, guests get the safety information in a better way, "they're able to have a more personal experience with the crew to ask them questions about the muster, to receive further instruction about donning the life jacket or or what should they bring."

Mr. Purdy went on to say surveys show that passengers are getting more of the important info with eMuster, "for us, this is really an improvement in the transfer of knowledge."

"We actually did surveys to test that, is their retention of knowledge better, and in fact, it was."

How does eMuster work?

If you haven't experienced Royal Caribbean's new muster drill process, it's quite easy.

Within the Royal Caribbean app, you navigate to the safety area and watch a short, animated safety video demonstrating how to properly put on a lifejacket.

Then you play a sound clip of the emergency horn sound, so that you know what to expect.

Finally, you locate your muster station and report there to check-in with a crew member.

Once you arrive at the assembly station, a crew member will give you a very brief safety demonstration. After this is done, they will scan your SeaPass, indicating that you have completed the eMuster drill.

If you don't have a smart device or prefer not to do things digitally, you can go right to your muster station and a crew member will lead you through the process.

Read more: What to expect with Royal Caribbean's new virtual safety drill

Working with the Coast Guard

Not only is eMuster a win with guests, but it's been a process approved by local authorities as well.

Mr. Purdy talked about how the U.S. Coast Guard and DNV maritime classification society to ensure everything is satisfactory, "we've had very good Coast Guard exams...the process seems to be very sound and working very well to maintain our crew knowledge and to keep our guests safe."

Originally developed to help with norovirus

While eMuster was first rolled out after cruise ships resumed service in 2021, the concept had its origins prior to 2020.

When Royal Caribbean began working on a new approach to muster drills, they envisioned a benefit for norovirus incidents, "I remember being in a meeting saying this may help us with Noro at the time, because we thought, wow, people won't be people be able to transmit anything to each other because we have a little more space now through on the first day of that vacation when people are traveling in and coming from all these different places."

When the global health emergency hit, then the benefits of a distributed muster drill process increased dramatically, "We had thought that people on ships in general, in all of our ship design and flows, we try and avoid crowds having to be bottlenecked or to just have have any discomfort."

What's next for eMuster?

I asked Mr. Purdy what improvements or enhancements we can expect from the eMuster process.

"I think a lot of the eMuster improvements that we see near term are more in the kind of the technology able to do it without the unit being on WiFi [in case of power or internet problems]."

"I think we're always also looking at how do we improve the training of our crew to be prepared to answer whatever kind of are the trending questions that are coming up from our guests."

Whether eMuster or the old drill, Mr. Purdy pointed out Royal Caribbean was always looking at ways to enhance and improve the process, "it's not like we implement it and then forget about it. We really do look at how do we continually improve it."

Cruises to Alaska on Royal Caribbean include dining, entertainment, activities, and transportation to some of the world’s most stunning ports, but are they all-inclusive?

The idea of an all-inclusive Alaska cruise is enticing, but Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive. There are extra costs you may incur which are not included in your base cruise fare.

Royal Caribbean’s approach is to offer a lower entry price to a cruise, allowing guests to pay for add-ons as they wish.

Because of this, it’s possible to cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean and spend nothing extra once onboard. There’s more than enough complimentary food options, beverages, activities, and entertainment to keep passengers busy throughout the entire sailing.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive Alaska cruise experience, though, there are a few purchases you can make before your sailing to have almost everything included once onboard your Royal Caribbean ship.

Let’s dive in to look at all-inclusive Alaska cruise options and how you can create an all-inclusive experience on Royal Caribbean.

Which cruise lines offer all-inclusive Alaska cruises?

None of the mass-market cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, etc.) offer an all-inclusive Alaska cruise experience in their base fare. Some, however, allow you to purchase extra packages that aim to provide a more all-inclusive experience.

Holland America, for example, offers the “Have It All” package, which includes a $100 shore excursion credit, signature beverage package, one night specialty dining, and a wifi package for $50 per person, per day.

However, this is still not entirely all-inclusive, as it only includes one night at a specialty restaurant and a limited dollar amount for shore excursions.

Truly all-inclusive Alaska cruises are hard to come by, only to be found on luxury or expedition cruise lines like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas. And even then, you’ll still have to pay extra for things like spa services and shore excursions.

The good news is that, while a Royal Caribbean cruise is not entirely all-inclusive, you can turn a standard cruise experience into a more all-inclusive sailing by purchasing only a few add-ons.

What is included on a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise?

Like any Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to realize what’s included in your cruise fare when planning an Alaska vacation.

The following is included in your base cruise fare with Royal Caribbean:

• Accommodations (your cruise cabin)
• Gratuities (pre-paid in advance at $16 per person, per day)
• Meals and snacks (excluding specialty restaurants)
• Drinks (water, tea, coffee, lemonade, iced tea, milk, juices, and hot chocolate)
• Adventure Ocean child programming
• Activities and entertainment
• Fitness center
• Pool and sun decks

Related: What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare?

Although there's a lot included, there are several add-ons not included in the cruise fare. Specialty restaurants, internet, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and shore excursions are just some of the extra costs you may incur on an Alaska cruise.

Related: Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included

A step-by-step guide to creating an all-inclusive Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean

There are a few key add-ons to purchase before your Alaska cruise that can provide an all-inclusive experience once onboard.

By purchasing these ahead of time on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website, you will encounter minimal (if any) additional costs onboard your ship.

Step One: Purchase a drink package

To keep cruise fares lower for all guests, Royal Caribbean does not include alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, soda, and mocktails in its base cruise fare. Therefore, in order to create your all-inclusive Alaska cruise, you’ll want to purchase a drink package.

There are three main drink packages available on Royal Caribbean:

• Deluxe Beverage Package (alcoholic & nonalcoholic beverages)
  • $67 to $79 per person, per night
• Royal Refreshment Package (nonalcoholic beverages)
  • $28 to 38 per person, per night
• Classic Soda Package (Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages)
  • $9 to $14 per person, per night

Drink package prices can change from day to day. As with any pre-cruise purchase on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner, you can cancel and rebook any add-on if you see a price drop. 

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site

Therefore, we recommend booking drink packages as soon as possible. If the price goes down, you can cancel and rebook the package with no penalty. If you wait to book, on the other hand, and the price increases, you’ll be stuck paying the higher price.

Step Two: Purchase a specialty dining package

Although there’s more than enough complimentary food included on an Alaska cruise, if you truly want an all-inclusive experience with Royal Caribbean, you’ll want to book a dining package.

The Unlimited Dining Package is the best choice for those planning an all-inclusive Alaska cruise. This package allows guests to dine at specialty restaurants an unlimited number of times throughout the sailing at one set price.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Unlimited Dining Package

Specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean offer cooking styles and cuisines not found elsewhere onboard, and they provide a more intimate atmosphere than the Main Dining Room or Windjammer buffet.

You can expect to pay around $225 per guest (plus 18% gratuity) for an Unlimited Dining Package on a 7-night Alaska cruise.

Step Three: Pre-book an internet package

Internet is not included on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and if you’re looking to create an all-inclusive vacation while staying connected to friends and family back home, you’ll want to purchase an internet package.

The best option for a Royal Caribbean internet package is the VOOM Surf & Stream package. This package covers both web browsing and streaming, allowing you to surf the web, watch YouTube videos, and Facetime loved ones back home.

For a 7-night Alaska cruise, a VOOM Surf & Stream internet package will cost around $17 per device, per day.

The total cost of an "all-inclusive" cruise to Alaska on Royal Caribbean

If you purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package, Unlimited Dining Package, and internet package before your Alaska cruise, you can expect to spend around $920 per person on a 7-night sailing.

What about shore excursions on an Alaska cruise?

Shore excursions are not included in the price of a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, but they are highly sought-after. From whale watching tours to kayaking, you’ll certainly want to consider booking an excursion for your Alaska cruise.

Related: Alaska cruise excursions

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise excursions must be booked individually; there is no “Unlimited Shore Excursion” package available. Alaska shore excursion prices range from $30 for basic walking tours to $500 for helicopter landings on glaciers.

There’s no requirement to book shore excursions on an Alaska cruise. In fact, many of Alaska’s cruise ports offer plenty to do without spending extra. However, shore excursions are an important additional cost to budget for on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska.

Another alternative: book a Star Class suite for an all-inclusive Alaska cruise

Star Class is the top-tier of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class. It’s the closest you’ll get to an all-inclusive Alaska cruise with the cruise line, and it’s only available on Quantum Class ships sailing to Alaska.

Star Class on Royal Caribbean includes priority boarding, Coastal Kitchen restaurant access, luxury stateroom amenities, complimentary VOOM wifi for each guest, concierge service, access to the Suite Sun Deck, laundry, a Royal Genie, gratuities, specialty dining, and a Deluxe Beverage Package.

Related: A beginner’s guide to sailing in Star Class

Essentially, Star Class provides the most all-inclusive experience you can find on a Royal Caribbean cruise. A few of the only add-ons not included with Star Class are retail and spa services.

The caveat? Star Class isn’t cheap, and the price of these cabins on an Alaska cruise is usually in the five figures. If you’re looking to splurge, though–and have the budget to do so–by all means, book a Star Class room for an all-inclusive Alaska cruise.

If you can’t shell out $15,000 for one vacation, you’re better off booking the Deluxe Beverage Package, Unlimited Dining Package, and internet package on top of your cruise fare in a regular cabin. This provides an “all-inclusive” experience at a more reasonable price for any cruise to Alaska.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Here’s our best advice:

• Alaska cruises from Seattle Guide & Review
• 50 Alaska cruise tips you should use
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

It appears Royal Caribbean is offering a new way for guests to make cruise ship cabin requests before they board.

Historically, Royal Caribbean has relegated cabin requests to either onboard the ship or via a special needs form.

Guests sailing on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas this weekend were sent a text message with an option to provide stateroom preferences prior to sailing.

It's not clear if all ships have this option.

The message was sent three days prior to the start of the sailing.

The text message includes a link that takes you to an online form.

Upon clicking the link, you will see a brief description that provides options for customizing your cabin before boarding.

Most notably, you must complete the form the same day you receive the text. If you do not submit the form on time, you will need to speak with your stateroom attendant once onboard if you have any accommodations.

It is unclear what would happen if the guest does not have a cellphone to receive this text. There is a possibility that they would receive an email instead to fill out the form.

What questions are on the Guest Request Form?

The form includes five questions that allow you to have your cabin ready in the configuration you want prior to your arrival.

The first three are about your particular sailing. You need to specify the ship you are sailing on, the sail date, and your booking ID. If any of this information is wrong, the form will not be processed.

Questions four and five are related to the particular needs of the guest.

For stateroom requests, you can indicate if you want:

• The bed to be separated
• A baby crib
• An extra blanket
• A joining stateroom door to be opened

For medical requests, you can indicate if you need:

• Distilled water (for CPAP machine use)
• An extension cord (for medical devices only)
• A medical fridge
• A sharps container (to dispose injectable medications)

How this is different

Prior to this option, guests that wanted a change to their beds or have adjacent stateroom doors unlocked would need to wait until they boarded to inform their stateroom attendant.

With this new form, passengers can submit their preferences ahead of time.

The form doesn't encompass every possible request, as there is no comment section to make additional special requests, such as extra pillows or soap for example.

If you have special needs, you would have to fill out the Guest Special Needs Form.

The special needs form needs to happen no later than 30 days prior to your sailing, “except for sign language interpreting requests which must be submitted 60 days prior to sailing” according to the Royal Caribbean website.

How other cruise lines do it

When sailing on cruise lines such as Carnival and Norwegian, guests are able to specify if they want the beds separated before stepping foot on the ship.

For both cruise lines, during the online check-in process, there is a prompt to indicate your cabin preferences.

After adding your passport and credit card information, as well as selecting your arrival time, you complete the online check-in for your Royal Caribbean cruise. They do not ask for cabin preferences.

Typical cruise cabin setup

All cruise cabins have at least two twin beds that can be joined together to make one large bed.

Most one-bedroom cabins have four beds: two on the floor and two beds that can be pulled down from the ceiling.

Depending on the cabin, some rooms may even have a pull-out couch that can be used as another bed. This is typically found in larger suite cabins.

Connecting staterooms on a cruise ship

If a family or large group cruising together does not want to share one stateroom, two staterooms (or more) next to one another is a great option.

To ensure your family or group stays in a connected stateroom, you can look at the ship map to see which rooms are connected. To make your life easier, you can have your travel agent do that for you.

Booking as early as possible ensures you will get staterooms next to each other, or at least, nearby.

Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, is the biggest cruise ship in the world. She features the most modern activities, cabins, entertainment, and dining choices found in the fleet, and there’s no wonder why she is a favorite among many Royal Caribbean cruisers.

While the entire ship is remarkable, there are a few key areas where Wonder of the Seas really stands out. From a reimagined pool deck to a suites-only oasis, here are the 10 things Royal Caribbean got right with Wonder of the Seas.

Brunch at The Mason Jar Bar & Restaurant

The Mason Jar is Royal Caribbean’s newest specialty restaurant concept, with a menu inspired by dishes from various regions of the American South. From chicken pot pie to blackened catfish and St. Louis-style ribs, the restaurant features dishes you may not eat regularly at home.

Related: The Mason Jar Southern food restaurant review on Wonder of the Seas

In addition to dinner, The Mason Jar is also open for brunch on sea days. Both sweet and savory brunch is available, with items including chicken and waffles, salmon-avocado toast, stuffed french toast, and a crispy chicken sandwich.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, so when I heard that Royal Caribbean’s newest restaurant would feature a brunch menu, I couldn't wait to try it.

I ordered the red velvet pancakes–akin to dessert for breakfast–and tried the restaurant’s gargantuan cinnamon roll. As someone with a sweet tooth, I was in heaven, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book brunch again on my next Wonder of the Seas cruise.

Giovanni’s Wine Bar

While Vintages Wine Bar is found on many Royal Caribbean ships, the cruise line took its wine bar concept up a notch with Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the newest Italian restaurant concept on Royal Caribbean. Giovanni’s Wine Bar is an extension of the restaurant, which offers wine and à la carte appetizers, pizzas, and desserts from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Related: How Royal Caribbean reimagined its signature Italian restaurant

At Vintages, only a small tapas menu is available, so I loved having an extensive menu of à la carte dishes to choose from at Giovanni’s Wine Bar. Items were priced quite reasonably (around $3-9 for appetizers and $9-12 for pizzas).

I felt the wine bar made an excellent dinner (or snack) choice for those who wanted to try Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen without forking over $50 for dinner per person. Plus, I loved the modern, bright design of the wine bar–a stark contrast to the darker and moodier vibe of Vintages.

inTENse AquaTheater show

Shows in Royal Caribbean’s AquaTheaters are always spectacular, but the AquaTheater show on Wonder of the Seas is one of the best I’ve seen yet.

inTENse, the ship’s AquaTheater show, is the first to feature an all-female cast. Not only did I love the female empowerment of the show, but the slacklining, high-diving, aerial performances, and synchronized swimming were beyond incredible. The show lives up to its name; it is intense!

If you’re sailing on Wonder of the Seas, don’t miss this performance.

Suite Neighborhood

Wonder of the Seas is the first Oasis Class ship to feature a designated Suite Neighborhood, accessible only to suite guests. This neighborhood includes a Suite Lounge, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and private sundeck with its own bar and pool.

Related: Wonder of the Seas neighborhoods tour

The Suite Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas is an enhanced version of the suites-only areas on other Royal Caribbean ships. Even though other ships may have a private sun deck, lounge, and restaurant for suite guests, they are rarely located in the same place. The Suite Neighborhood combines these features into one convenient area for suite guests, creating a "ship within a ship concept" that is not found on other ships.

Guests in Grand Suites and above can access the Suite Neighborhood, and those in Sea Class (Junior Suites) can dine at Coastal Kitchen for dinner only.

Although I’m not sure I’ll ever sail in a $20,000 suite, the Suite Neighborhood certainly has me dreaming about cruising in luxury!

Windjammer size

On other Oasis Class ships, the Windjammer is quite small in relation to how many guests are onboard. With so many other dining choices available, Royal Caribbean wanted to make the Windjammer less prominent on the Oasis Class.

They later realized, though, that passengers prefer having a large buffet with plenty of seating and endless food choices. Because of this, the Windjammer was reimagined on Wonder of the Seas and is the largest buffet in the fleet.

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

As someone who enjoys dining at the Windjammer for breakfast and lunch more than other venues, I appreciated the larger buffet size on Wonder of the Seas. I find that I rarely eat at the Windjammer on other Oasis Class ships; the area always feels too cramped for my liking.

On Wonder of the Seas, though, I dined at the Windjammer nearly every day of my cruise and was impressed by the size and variety of offerings.

Cantina Fresca & El Loco Fresh

El Loco Fresh is one of my favorite complimentary dining options on any Royal Caribbean ship, and I’ll never pass up a quick lunch of burritos, nachos, and tacos.

Wonder of the Seas took El Loco Fresh to the next level by placing it adjacent to a brand-new bar, Cantina Fresca. Cantina Fresca is a Mexican-inspired bar featuring margaritas and aguas frescas, which offer the perfect accompaniment to chips, salsa, and unlimited guacamole.

Additionally, the bar’s location near the Sports Court is perfect for those who want to grab a quick bite to eat in between time at the pool and signature activities like zip lining and the FlowRider.

Climate-controlled Solarium

The adults-only Solarium on Wonder of the Seas may just be the best in the fleet. Unlike other Oasis Class ships, it’s fully enclosed and climate-controlled. In my opinion, this makes it a far more comfortable spot to relax compared to the open-air Solariums on other Royal Caribbean ships.

Related: Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships

Outside of being climate-controlled, the Solarium is beautiful. With a domed ceiling, comfy lounge chairs, art pieces, a pool, and a plethora of jacuzzis, it’s one of the best hangout spaces on Wonder of the Seas.

Social100 teens-only patio

Wonder of the Seas features Royal Caribbean’s new rendition of Adventure Ocean kids programming, which focuses on giving kids more flexibility in what they’d like to do compared to the old Adventure Ocean.

Related: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Part of the new Adventure Ocean includes updated teen spaces, and Wonder of the Seas features both an indoor teen lounge and private outdoor deck known as Social 100: The Patio.

The Patio features its own bar, hot tub, comfy seating areas, large chess board, and selfie backdrops. It’s somewhere passengers aged 13-17 can meet and mingle with kids their own age, and I can imagine it’s a popular spot for teenagers onboard.

I would have loved this hangout space as a teen, and I’ll admit I’m a little jealous there’s not an adults-only equivalent of this space!

Cowboy hat stage in the Royal Promenade

Every Royal Promenade on an Oasis Class ship features a large piece of artwork. While the five-ton, 3D metallic head on Harmony of the Seas impressed me, I was especially impressed by the use of artwork on Wonder of the Seas.

The Wonder of the Seas Royal Promenade features a silver-plated, giant cowboy hat. Upon first glance, I didn’t pay much attention to it.

Later on in my cruise, however, I discovered that the art piece also functions as a stage for The Mason Jar band. I thought this concept was unique and enjoyed listening to the musicians while strolling around the Promenade.

Colorful, reimagined pool deck

The Wonder of the Seas pool deck immediately transports passengers to a Caribbean paradise, with colorful decor and tropical-themed bars dotted along the ample deck space. I’d argue that the pool deck on Wonder of the Seas is the best in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

One of my favorite aspects of the pool deck is The Lime & Coconut, Royal Caribbean’s signature Caribbean-themed bar. This bar features the best of the fleet’s tropical cocktails, including the creamy, tangy Lime & Coconut cocktail, Mai Tai, and Goombay Smash.

Related: Wonder of the Seas Guide, itineraries, features, and more

I appreciated the variety of seating available on the pool deck. Comfy loungers can be found throughout the deck along with private casitas (available by reservation only), in-pool loungers, and even “theater” seating in front of the pool deck’s TV screen.

The pool deck is guaranteed to be busy on any Wonder of the Seas cruise, and it’s the perfect place to catch some sun as you sail through the Caribbean.

The anticipation of a cruise vacation is almost as fun as the trip itself. With endless food, diverse destinations, impeccable service, and impressive entertainment options, boarding a Royal Caribbean cruise is nothing short of exciting.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your very first cruise, you’ll find certain aspects of the vacation stand out more than the rest. Some cruisers can’t wait to watch shows each evening whereas others look forward to elegant dinners and tranquil evenings on their balcony more than anything else.

Regardless of your cruising style and preferences, there’s plenty to be excited for on any Royal Caribbean cruise. These are the top 15 things I look forward to every time I go on a cruise ship.

An escape from the ordinary

Boarding a Royal Caribbean cruise transports you far away from day to day life back at home. There’s no need to worry about sitting in traffic, going grocery shopping, or answering work emails. Instead, your biggest worries of the day will be whether to order spaghetti bolognese or steak for dinner (why not both?).

Escaping the normalcy of life at home is always one of the things I look forward to every time I go on a cruise ship. I love waking up in a new place each day, meeting new people, and enjoying three-course meals every evening.

The post-cruise depression really sets in when I settle back into the routine of cooking, cleaning, and working upon returning home, but it’s always worth it.

A schedule of fun activities

As a kid, I loved attending summer camp, where I could participate in a schedule of fun activities like arts and crafts, dodgeball, and rock climbing. A Royal Caribbean cruise, with its daily schedule of activities in the Cruise Planner, often feels like a summer camp for adults, and I absolutely love it.

Related: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

While no one is obliged to participate in any activities on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I find that having a schedule of things to do at nearly every hour of the day is amazing. From trivia to scrapbooking classes, pickleball tournaments, and cocktail seminars, I’m always impressed by the variety of programming available onboard.

I’m usually more of a go-with-the-flow type of traveler, but whenever I’m on a Royal Caribbean ship I religiously check the Cruise Planner to see which fun activities are coming up next.

Visiting new ports

One of the best aspects of cruising for me is the opportunity to explore new destinations. I always prefer booking an itinerary that visits places I’ve never been to before, allowing me to experience the childlike sense of discovery that comes with exploring somewhere new.

Cruising is unique compared to land-based vacations in that you can experience vastly different destinations each day. Exploring the Basque country of Spain on Monday and quaint French towns on Tuesday is something you can’t experience as easily on a land-based trip, and that's something I love most about cruising.

Indian food

Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines; the spicy, aromatic, unique blend of flavors paired with rice and naan perfectly aligns with my palette. One thing I always look forward to when I board a Royal Caribbean cruise is the variety of Indian food I can enjoy during my sailing.

Related: Top 10 insider tips for Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room

You can find Indian food on Royal Caribbean ships in both the Windjammer buffet and Main Dining Room. The Windjammer always has several options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including chana masala (my personal favorite), butter chicken, and egg bhurji.

Indian dishes are offered in the Main Dining Room, too, but are not always on the menu, so ask your server which Indian dishes are available for your meal.

Desserts

Unlimited food is synonymous with cruising, and I’ll put Royal Caribbean’s desserts near the top of my list on what I look forward to every time I go on a cruise ship.

As someone with a huge sweet tooth, I feel like a kid in a candy store anytime I’m onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. Molten chocolate cake? Tiramisu? Unlimited soft serve ice cream? I’ll skip dinner and head straight to dessert!

Related: Top desserts to try on Wonder of the Seas

Don’t even get me started on the fried cheesecake from 150 Central Park, one of the most beautiful dishes I’ve ever had the pleasure to try. Royal Caribbean simply kills the dessert game, and I’m all here for it.

Live music

The convenience of finding live music onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship cannot be understated, and this is one of the things I look forward to most every time I sail. It’s extremely easy to find impressive musicians around the ship, whether acoustic guitar in the pub or piano tunes at Schooner Bar.

On any given day on a cruise ship–even on Royal Caribbean’s smallest ships–you’ll find live music. While most performances are during the evening, it’s common to find music throughout the day as well, such as a reggae band on the pool deck or classical guitar player at Vintages wine bar.

The service

I’ve never experienced the level of service you receive on a Royal Caribbean cruise anywhere on land.

Whether it’s the incredible service from my stateroom attendant, attentive waiters in the main dining room, or just conversing with bartenders, the incredible service from Royal Caribbean’s crew members is something I look forward to every time I board a ship.

Adjusting back to "normal" customer service is one of the hardest parts about returning home!

Ice skating shows

The ice skating shows on Royal Caribbean ships are vastly underrated. I always hear passengers discussing their favorite Broadway musicals or AquaTheater performances onboard, but rarely the ice skating shows.

Maybe it’s the former gymnast in me, but I love watching the twists, tricks, and flips put on by the talented ice cast. I’ll never get tired of watching back flips on ice, triple axels, and the nerve-wracking headbanger skill–during which a skater’s head comes dangerously close to the ice.

I’ll admit I don’t always understand the storyline of the ice skating shows, but you’ll still always catch me reserving the first show of the cruise on any Royal Caribbean ship.

Meeting crew members

Royal Caribbean crew members are from all over the world, and one thing I always look forward to when boarding a cruise is conversing with the crew onboard.

I’ve gotten to know several crew members during my time onboard, from bartenders to my stateroom attendant and waiters. I always love hearing about their lives back home, how they ended up working on cruise ships, and what their favorite destinations have been.

Chatting with crew members is one of the most interesting aspects of cruising for me. After all, where else can you have a conversation with people from the United States, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Ukraine, Turkey, India, the Philippines, China, and Indonesia in one place?

My home away from home

Coming back to your cabin after a long day exploring port is a wonderful feeling, and my cruise cabin always feels like my home away from home by the end of the sailing.

Even in the smallest of interior cabins, I feel much more “at home” in a cruise cabin compared to a standard hotel room. Maybe it’s the cozy size (or perhaps the escape from the busy atmosphere found elsewhere onboard), but I always look forward to spending time in my cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Sunsets at sea

One place you’ll always find me during sunset on a cruise ship is lounging in a pool chair near the jogging track. I love the quiet, peaceful environment of the pool deck once most passengers have gone to dinner, and the upper pool deck is arguably the best spot to catch views of the sunset.

Related: The best spot for sailaway on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship

I make it a point to watch the sunset nearly every evening onboard, whether from the pool deck, the helicopter pad, or the dining room. And with a cocktail in hand? Even better.

Spending time with friends and family

I find cruises to be the perfect vacation to enjoy with friends and family. They offer the ideal mix of structure and freedom, allowing each member of the family to choose how they would like to spend their day.

I live across the country from most of my family, so I always cherish the time we can spend together when cruising, whether in the Caribbean, Europe, or Alaska. I’ve also had the chance to cruise with some of my best friends who live across the country (or across the ocean) from me.

There's something extra special about making memories with your loved ones on a cruise, and I can't wait to explore more of the world with my friends and family in the future.

Trying new cocktails

Before I started cruising, my repertoire of cocktails was minimal at best. I found myself ordering the same basic cocktails anywhere I went without knowing better. While gin and tonics are great, they’re a bit boring compared to the signature drinks you’ll find on a Royal Caribbean ship.

One thing I look forward to on every cruise is trying new cocktails, whether a standard piña colada or something more unique, such as a PB&J old fashioned or cucumber martini.

Related: Top 10 cocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

Plus, if you have a Deluxe Beverage Package or Crown & Anchor Society drink vouchers, you can try a variety of cocktails without worrying about whether or not you’ll like the drink.

I’ve “wasted” several drink vouchers on cocktails I haven’t enjoyed, but on the flip side I’ve ordered cocktails I was skeptical about which have since become my favorite drinks!

Karaoke

Funny enough, one of my favorite activities to attend on a cruise ship is karaoke. While I’m too shy to get on the stage myself, the energy and performances at karaoke on a cruise ship are unmatched.

In fact, I find myself spending nearly every evening at karaoke on some sailings. Some of the best cruises for this are short 3 and 4-night itineraries from South Florida. These sailings tend to have a higher party atmosphere than other cruises, leading to some seriously fun performances at karaoke.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

While I don’t visit Perfect Day at CocoCay every time I cruise, it’s something I always look forward to whenever the port is on my itinerary.

Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas lives up to its name: it’s absolutely perfect. White sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and the stunning Oasis Lagoon pool make the island a fantastic place to spend the day.

What I appreciate about Perfect Day at CocoCay is that you don’t need to spend anything extra once on the island. Beach chairs, umbrellas, food, and several non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary. In addition, there are plenty of activities for guests of all ages, including Splashaway Bay for kids and a sports area with basketball, volleyball, and other beach games.

And if you do want to spend extra while on the island? There’s a wide selection of add-ons to book, from private cabana rentals to an adrenaline-packed day at Thrill Waterpark.

Read more about Perfect Day at CocoCay:

• 40 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets
• Guide to Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

What do you look forward to most whenever you board a Royal Caribbean cruise? Let us know in the comments below!

When is the best time to cruise? It is one of the first questions you will ask yourself when planning a cruise vacation, and truthfully, there is no right answer. The “best” time to cruise depends on your destination, budget, and travel style, and it can vary widely from person to person.

Every destination has a peak season, low season, and shoulder season. Peak season is where you will encounter the best temperatures, but these sailings come with higher cruise fares and more crowded ships since they often correspond with the American school calendar.

Low season, on the other hand, can lead to the best savings, but you may come across poor weather and itinerary changes (i.e. hurricane season). In some destinations, such as Australia, cruises are simply not offered by Royal Caribbean during the low season due to lack of demand. 

Finally, there is shoulder season, where you will find lower cruise fares and fewer crowds along with relatively comfortable temperatures.

Knowing the best time to cruise in each region can be confusing, so we have put together a destination by destination guide to better help you plan your next cruise. Let’s jump in!

Best time to cruise the Caribbean: December - April

Cruises to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean are offered year-round, and each season comes with pros and cons. Therefore, you should weigh which factors are important to you in each season before booking a cruise.

Winter is one of the best times to cruise the Caribbean, especially if you are looking to trade out blizzards for beaches. You will find temperatures in the 70s and 80s throughout the winter months, although ports located further north (such as Nassau or Perfect Day at CocoCay) might be chilly, as they are subject to the occasional cold front. 

Related: The best time to go on a Caribbean cruise

Summer is also a popular time to cruise the Caribbean, and many guests appreciate more hours of daylight during this time of year. However, summer brings some of the highest crowds and temperatures, so it is not necessarily the best time to sail for all guests.

Surprisingly, hurricane season can be a great time to cruise the Caribbean, but only if you remain flexible. Weather during the later part of hurricane season (August through October) is hot and humid, but you can often find fantastic cruise deals during this time of year. 

In July 2024, for instance, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Harmony of the Seas starts around $980 per person for an inside cabin. The same cruise is offered for $440 less, or $540 per person, in September 2024. 

Related: What it's like on a cruise ship when there's a hurricane

However, you will have to be prepared for last-minute itinerary changes. Royal Caribbean will not sail into a hurricane, of course, so they might switch from a Western Caribbean to Eastern Caribbean itinerary (or vice versa) to avoid the storm.

Best time to cruise The Bahamas: March - May

Bahamas cruises are popular year-round, but what many passengers do not realize is that The Bahamas are located further north than other Caribbean cruise ports. The location of the islands can impact their weather patterns more than ports located further south.

Throughout most of the year, cruising to The Bahamas results in warm, sunny weather, but there is always the possibility of unfavorable forecasts in the winter months.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide

January is the coldest month for Bahamas cruises, although temperatures can be unpredictable. One week may have lows in the mid-50s with high winds and rain, whereas the following week can be 75 degrees with sunny skies.

Expect more precipitation from June to September and drier conditions between November and April. The months of March, April, May, and November often see the most comfortable temperatures with little precipitation.

Pricing is similar to that of Caribbean cruises. Summer months tend to be more expensive than cruises in the shoulder season. Likewise, since many cruises to the Bahamas are only 3- and 4-nights, any 3-day weekend will see an increase in pricing, too. 

As an example, a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas departing on February 23, 2024 starts at $392 per person, while a cruise the weekend prior over President's Day costs $522 each!

Best time to cruise Bermuda: April-June

Contrary to what some may believe, Bermuda is not located in the Caribbean! It is actually about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Bermuda cruises are offered between April and October, and the island makes a popular port stop for those cruising from the northeast. 

The early season in Bermuda (April and May) sees some of the lowest prices and has comfortable temperatures in the 70s. The water temperature, however, can be cold at this time of year, so it is not the best time to visit for those hoping to enjoy beach activities.

Nonetheless, April and May are excellent times to enjoy Bermuda outside of just beaches, from cycling the historic Railway Trail to horseback riding and celebrating local holidays.

A 5-night cruise on Liberty of the Seas departing from Cape Liberty (New York) can cost as little as $460 per person during this time of the year. Expect them to increase at least $200 during the summer months, sometimes more! 

Related: What to do in Bermuda on a cruise

June, July, and August bring more crowds and higher cruise fares, but offer the best temperatures for water and beach activities. You can enjoy snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach during these months.

The late season (September and October) is also a nice time to visit the island. Temperatures are still warm during these months, but there are far fewer tourists. This makes the island’s pace much more relaxed than the peak summer season, although you do have to remain flexible with your itinerary since September and October fall in hurricane season.

Best time to cruise Alaska: May-June

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season runs between May and September, with peak season starting in mid-June and continuing until late August. During the five month season, the weather can vary considerably, so it is important to know which type of weather should be expected before you book your cruise.

The best months for an Alaska cruise are in June, July, and August. The summer months bring the warmest temperatures, most wildlife viewing opportunities, and longest daylight hours. If you are hoping to participate in outdoor activities while in Alaska such as hiking or whale watching, the summer months are your best bet.

This time of year is extremely popular, so many itineraries can book up quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to book an Alaska cruise during the peak season as early as possible.

Related: Alaska cruise guide

The cheapest cruise fares to Alaska are found during the shoulder season months of May and September. In September 2024, for instance, you can book a 7-night one-way cruise on Radiance of the Seas for less than $450 per person for an inside cabin. Balcony cabins are always more expensive; however, they are often still less than $1,000 per person during the shoulder season. 

Although these months may not bring the best weather (frequent rainfall and cold temperatures are to be expected), they are undoubtedly the cheapest months to cruise Alaska. As a plus, you will find far fewer crowds during the shoulder season as well.

Best time to cruise to Europe: April-May, September-October

Royal Caribbean’s European cruise season runs from late April to late October, and itineraries are offered in a range of destinations, from the snowy fjords of Norway to the dramatic coastlines of the Greek Isles.

Due to the variety of destinations offered, the best time to cruise can vary from place to place.

Northern Europe itineraries are most popular during the peak of summer in June, July, and August. This is when you will find the best weather and most daylight in Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland, although higher cruise fares should be expected. 

A 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton begins at $1,270 for sailings that depart in July 2024. 

The Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Greek Isles are popular throughout the entire cruise season, but summer can bring very warm temperatures. Unlike on a Caribbean cruise, you will likely spend less time at the beach and more time sightseeing in busy cities while cruising Europe. Walking around ports like Florence, Athens, and Barcelona in the summer can be uncomfortably hot.

Moreover, summer is busy in general with many land-based tourists and Europeans taking summer holidays, meaning that you will encounter more people while exploring each port of call. 

Related: Western Mediterranean cruise guide

Because of this, the spring or fall can be a wonderful time to cruise these regions of Europe. Temperatures are not nearly as warm as in the summer, making it a perfect time to sightsee in cities like Rome and Paris. In addition, crowds will be far fewer as many families are at work and school. 

As another benefit, airfare tends to be much cheaper in the spring and fall compared to the summer months.

Best time to cruise the Mexican Riviera: October - April

Cruises to Mexico from Los Angeles sail to the Mexican Riviera, a name coined for the country’s picturesque towns along the Pacific Coast and Baja California. Ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Catalina Island are found on Mexican Riviera itineraries.

While the Mexican Riviera is a year-round cruising destination, the region sees more diverse weather patterns compared to the Caribbean side of Mexico. Ports on Mexican Riviera itineraries are located in different climates and latitudes, so the best time to cruise to one port may not be the best time for another.

Related: Mexican Riviera cruise guide

There are two main Mexican Riviera itineraries found on Royal Caribbean cruises:

• 3 & 4-night cruises to Ensenada, Mexico and Catalina Island
• 7-night cruises to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta

Short cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island are best during the summer months, when temperatures are in the mid-80s with sunny skies. During the winter, these more northerly ports can see temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

For itineraries visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, the peak season to sail is between December and April. Escaping the winter for a sunny holiday is popular during these months, and you’ll find comfortable temperatures in the region, with highs around 75 to 80 degrees.

Related: When is the best time to cruise the Mexican Riviera?

The Mexican Riviera also has a dry and rainy season, with the dry season from November to June and the most precipitation expected in August and September. More arid ports, such as Cabo San Lucas, will receive little rainfall year-round.

No matter the month you sail, it is recommended to bring a jacket, sweater, or other warm layers. It can be chilly as your ship sails down the coast of Baja California, so it’s common to need a light jacket during the mornings and evenings while onboard.

In terms of pricing, you will encounter the best pricing during the months of January and February, the last week of April after spring break, the end of August through mid-November, and the first two weeks of December for the winter holiday season begins. 

A 7-night cruise onboard Navigator of the Seas that departs on January 8, 2024, for instance, is currently priced at $486 per person. The same cruise increases to about $900 per person in June 2024!

Best time to cruise Australia and New Zealand: December-February

The cruise season in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific runs from late October to April each year, coinciding with summer in the southern hemisphere. The most popular time of year for these cruises is in December and January, as these months coincide with school holidays.

Not only are holiday cruises more crowded, they see an increase in pricing, too. If you are cruising from Sydney, you may also want to be prepared for Australia Day, which occurs at the end of January, as this holiday draws large crowds to the city. 

The peak summer season in Australia offers the perfect temperatures for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the region’s breathtaking beaches and world-renowned cities. Like Australia, New Zealand is also best visited during the summer months.

South Pacific cruises to Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia are vastly popular, although most sailings are offering during the region’s rainy season from November to March. Just like the Caribbean, though, rain showers do not last all day and should not negatively impact shore excursions and activities.

Related: 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

Like all cruise destinations, shoulder season is the best time to sail for those looking to save money. Some of the cheapest fares are found in October and April when school is in session.

Best time to cruise to Asia: November-February

Royal Caribbean offers cruises from Singapore year-round. The majority of these sailings visit Southeast Asian ports like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. However, there are occasionally longer itineraries offered visiting ports in Japan, China, and the Philippines.

If you are planning a cruise to Southeast Asia, the most important distinction to make between seasons is the rainy season versus the dry season. Humidity and temperatures are high year-round, but the coolest and driest weather is typically found between November and February.

The warmest time of the year is between March and May, and the region’s monsoon season falls between June and October. Rainfall does not typically last all day, however; instead, it appears in short, strong bursts.

All things considered, the best months for a Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore are November, December, January, and February. Pricing will vary, but you can expect 5-night cruises to cost as little as $650 per person or upwards of $1,050 if you cruise over a holiday, such as Christmas or New Year's. 

For cruises visiting ports further north, such as in Japan and China, you will want to sail during spring, summer, and early fall. Royal Caribbean’s itineraries to these destinations are currently being offered only during the peak summer months.

Best time to cruise Canada and New England: September-October

New England and coastal Canada are known for their nature, views of the Atlantic Ocean, and fresh seafood. 

Cruises to Canada and New England typically operate between the months of May and October. Sailings in the latter half of the season are popular because of the fall foliage. 

Voyages in the beginning of the season are subject to pleasant temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, and since it is not yet peak season, you can often find a great rate. Once June rolls around, summer festivals begin to occur, such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Canada Grand Prix, and more.

The summer months are also a great time to try some fresh seafood. Plus, you are more likely to see wildlife during this time. If you are sailing off the coast of Prince Edward Island, be sure to keep an eye out for seals!

If, however, temperature is a concern, you should know that summer in New England brings temperatures in the 80s, but you should not be surprised if they extend into the high 90s.  

As fall rolls around, prices will begin to increase due to the peak foliage opportunities, and while many families may not be onboard, you can expect crowds in port. 

Best time to cruise Hawaii: April-June

Hawaii cruises are great because they allow you to travel from island to island without having to worry about going through airport security and other travel logistics--you can visit multiple islands and only have to unpack your suitcase once! 

Royal Caribbean does not offer year-round sailings to Hawaii. In 2024, they are only offering Hawaii cruises in April, September, and October. Moreover, none of them are round-trip sailings; they are repositioning cruises. 

April is part of the islands' dry season, meaning that you will encounter the lowest amount of rain, and the daytime average temperature is often somewhere between the high 70s and low 80s. Moreover, the spring months are the end of the humpback whale season, so you may be able to spot some migrating up to Alaska!

In the fall, October tends to be wetter than September. Regardless of which month you cruise, the temperature will average somewhere in 80s. 

Pricing varies based on length of itinerary and ship age. You can find 9-night cruises priced around $750 per person or 13-night cruises that begin at $1,165 each. 

Related: Ultimate Hawaii cruise guide

Best time to cruise the Panama Canal: December-March

Cruising through the 51-mile Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many cruisers. 

The typical cruise season lasts from September to April, with a break in the summer due to the region's rainy season. Deployment schedules can vary, though. 

Between the months of December and mid-April, the weather is usually sunny and dry, with the average temperature avenging around the mid- to upper-80s. The region's rainy season begins in mid-April and extends through December. Usually, however, the rainfall does not begin to significantly increase until May. 

January through March is often the region's busiest season, as the weather is most ideal and offers passengers an escape from colder temperatures throughout the United States. 

The cheapest cruises are most likely going to be during the rainy season. A 14-night cruise onboard Brilliance of the Seas that departs on November 7, 2023, for instance, starts at $1,076 per person. In comparison, a 14-night cruise in April 2024 is currently priced at $1,481 per person. 

Thankfully, the rain showers are short-lived and most common in the afternoons and early evenings. 

Royal Caribbean's ship classes are known for offering some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Royal Caribbean groups its ships in classes, which are based largely on the ship general design and structure.

Within each ship class, there can be variations of features, restaurants, or activities that have been added or modified over the years. While there may be three, four, or more ships within a particular class, the exact onboard activities can vary.

You might be wondering what makes Royal Caribbean's ship classes different from each other, and it boils down to the size of the ship, onboard amenities, and signature activities offered.

There are seven Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes. Each ship in the class was built around the same time and from the outside certainly looks similar.

Icon Class

Icon of the Seas entered service in January 2024, offering cruises from Miami and taking the title of the world's largest cruise ship. She is over 6% bigger than Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, and offers nearly unlimited activities, amenities, and dining options onboard.

This is the first new class of ships since the Quantum Class debuted in 2014, and the Icon Class is the first class to be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas).

Icon of the Seas has several new features not found elsewhere in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, including the cruise line’s first onboard waterpark and indoor AquaDome space.

Icon Class ships, like Oasis Class ships, will be split into neighborhoods:

• The AquaDome, home to an indoor AquaTheater and lounge space
• Central Park, an outdoor oasis with shops and restaurants
• Chill Island, the pool deck of Icon of the Seas
• Thrill Island, home to the Category 6 waterpark and sports activities
• Surfside, a family-friendly neighborhood with a pool, Splashaway Bay, and kid-friendly dining venues
• The Hideaway, located in the aft of the ship with a pool, bar, whirlpools, and seating areas
• Suite Neighborhood, a private neighborhood for suite guests with a pool, sun deck, and two dining venues
• Royal Promenade, an indoor thoroughfare with retail, lounges, and restaurants

Related: Icon of the Seas: itinerary, features, and more

Why choose Icon Class: If you want the biggest, boldest, and most exciting cruise ships at sea, an Icon Class ship will provide all of that and more! The ship truly is the destination with the Icon Class, and it’s especially fun for families.

Icon Class ships

• Icon of the Seas
• Star of the Seas (2025)
• Unnamed Icon Class ship (2026)

Related: 7 of the most cutting-edge features coming to Icon of the Seas

Icon Class highlights

• Category 6 waterpark
• Swim-up pool
• The Hideaway neighborhood with a suspended pool
• Cloud 17 adults-only area
• AquaDome neighborhood
• Surfside neighborhood for families
• Suites-only neighborhood
• Largest ice skating rink in the fleet
• The Pearl
• New suites and stateroom categories
• Central Park
• FlowRider surf simulator

Related: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Oasis Class

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships offer the latest and greatest features found on any ship in the fleet, as well as in the industry. The Oasis Class cruise ships are the largest cruise ships in the world sailing today.

The Oasis Class ships can handle just about 5,500 passengers and have a gross tonnage of over 225,000 tons.

Related: All about Oasis Class cruise ships

If you are concerned about crowds and navigating a ship of this size, Royal Caribbean has you covered.  Royal Caribbean designed the ship to be easy to get around, and break up crowds.  Seven neighborhoods help distinguish parts of the ship apart to guests, and there are so many activities on Oasis Class ships that everyone will be on their own schedule.

Oasis Class ships are among the newest Royal Caribbean ships, so they are packed with the latest and greatest.

Why choose Oasis Class: You want it all on one ship! The latest features, tons of activities, and great dining.

Oasis Class ships

• Oasis of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas (coming July 2024)
• Oasis 7 (coming 2028)

Oasis Class highlights

• Neighborhoods
• AquaTheater
• 3D Movies
• Broadway Musicals
• Waterslides (except Allure of the Seas)
• Zip Line
• Central Park
• 2 FlowRider Surf Simulators
• Boardwalk 
• Carousel
• Ice-Skating Rink
• Loft Suites
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Adults-only Solarium pool area

Quantum Class

The innovative Quantum Class cruise ships were designed to user in the 21st century with a blend of high-tech, and tried-and-true family vacation experiences. These stylish new ships offer incredible views and activities onboard. 

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Quantum Class ships have signature features found just on these ships, and are a big hit with families of varied ages.  Quantum Class ships are the sort of cruise ship that has something for everyone to enjoy, whether you are new to cruising or an established veteran.

Why choose Quantum Class: Families looking for lots to do onboard, along with some incredible features.

Quantum Class ships

• Quantum of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

Quantum Class highlights

• North Star
• RipCord by iFLY 
• Seaplex
• FlowRider Surf Simulator
• Two70 
• Virtual Balcony Staterooms
• 3D Movies
• Loft Suites
• Music Hall
• Broadway Musicals
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Adults-only Solarium pool area

Freedom Class

Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class cruise ships offer a big ship experience, with plenty to see and do onboard.  In fact, Royal Caribbean updated two of them with much more to do in just the last few years.

Freedom Class ships represent an excellent value for families that want to cruise on a large ship, have lots of activities, but not break their budget.  From a pure value standpoint, the Freedom Class ships are a great choice for a fabulous cruise experience.

Related: All about Freedom Class cruise ships

Freedom Class ships are essentially a slightly larger version of their Voyager Class sisters.

Why choose Freedom Class: Big ship experience, minus the premium price tag that the newer ships in the fleet currently command.

Freedom Class ships

• Freedom of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas

Freedom Class highlights

• Aqua park
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Ice-Skating Rink
• Royal Promenade
• British-Style Pub
• Designer Shopping
• Adults-only Solarium pool area
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Panoramic staterooms
• FlowRider Surf Simulator
• Water slides

Voyager Class

When Royal Caribbean introduced the Voyager Class, it revolutionized the industry with features and activities that we cannot dream of not having on a cruise ship these days.  Mini-golf, the Royal Promenade, ice skating and more all had their start on the Voyager Class.

Related: All about Voyager Class cruise ships

Just like the larger Freedom Class ships, Voyager Class vessels are a terrific value, and offer some incredible itineraries.  Royal Caribbean is not done investing in these ships, having added new restaurants, surf simulators, aqua parks, entertainment and more over the last few years.

Why choose Voyager Class: Plenty to do onboard, newly added features and terrific pricing.  It is a great choice for families looking to save.

Voyager Class ships

• Voyager of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas

Voyager Class highlights

• Rock Climbing Wall
• Ice-Skating Rink
• Royal Promenade
• British-Style Pub
• Virtual Balcony Staterooms
• Adults-only Solarium pool area
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• FlowRider Surf Simulator

Radiance Class

Radiance of the Seas combine lots of glass and open areas to provide guests with a classic cruise experience.  

Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships are stylish, and get into many of the smaller cruise ports around the world that Royal Caribbean's larger ships cannot.

Related: All about Radiance Class cruise ships

Radiance Class ships do not skimp on things to do, offering varied dining experiences, as well as terrific live entertainment. Veteran cruisers enjoy the Radiance Class for the ship's refined offering and easy going atmosphere.

Why choose Radiance Class: Beautiful ships that offer a time-honored cruise experience, with a connection to the ocean itself.

Radiance Class ships

• Radiance of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas

Radiance Class highlights

• Sunlit Glass-Covered Spaces
• Glass Elevators
• Adults-only Solarium pool area
• Self-Leveling Pool Tables
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Indoor movie theater
• Mini-golf

Vision Class

Royal Caribbean designed their Vision Class ships to fit into almost any port, which means guests can travel to exotic ports of call around the world.

Related: All about Vision Class cruise ships

Like the Radiance Class, Vision Class ships combine a small size with many activities that have been added over the years. Whether you are looking to "do it all" or just relax, Vision Class ships are a good choice.

Why choose Vision Class: Impressive itineraries that other ships in the fleet cannot offer. 

Vision Class ships

• Grandeur of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas

Vision Class highlights

• Adults-only Solarium pool area
• Bungee Trampoline (Enchantment of the Seas)
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Specialty Dining Options
• Outdoor Movie Screen
• Broadway-Style Shows

Last December, my husband and I hit a personal milestone as we celebrated our 100th cruise together. Coincidentally, that sailing was also my 100th cruise with Royal Caribbean.

I was curious to see how my approach to cruising has changed since our first sailing in 2004, and also how things have changed in the cruising industry.

From cruising more frequently to booking better cabins, we've made several key changes to our cruising approach in the past 19 years. Here are the top ways my cruising style has changed after 100 sailings.

Frequency of cruising

When we first started cruising, we sailed once a year, and always in October for our anniversary, which usually coincided with Halloween sailings. 

As time went on, we started doing two weeklong cruises and two weekend sailings each year.  Once we realized that reaching Pinnacle Club status was a realistic goal, we began cruising ten or more times per year, which is pretty much where we still are today.

Related: Pathway to Pinnacle: How I reached the top of Royal Caribbean's Loyalty Program

Ports vs. Ship

Early on, whenever we booked a cruise, we always made sure to pick an itinerary with at least one port that was new to us. However, when you frequently sail to the Caribbean, that gets harder to do.

Of course, you can take cruises to Alaska, Europe or Australia to find new destinations, but for me, that involves a lot of flying, which I am not a fan of doing. Therefore, it’s basically the Bahamas and Caribbean. I like to choose an itinerary with Cozumel as it’s a personal favorite of ours.

The ship itself, though, has become more of a selling point for us when booking a cruise. A Voyager, Freedom, or Oasis Class ship is a must. Then again, we still haven’t been on a Quantum Class ship, so who knows, maybe that will be a favorite in the future.

As far as departure ports go, Port Canaveral will always be our first choice. Sure, it’s the one closest to home, but we also feel it's the most efficient.

Accommodations

In the beginning, our approach to picking a stateroom was always “whatever is cheapest”. That meant a lot of interior cabins, some of which were so tiny you could lay on the bed sideways and stretch out to touch both walls! We figured since we weren’t in the room that much, the size didn’t matter. 

Today we find ourselves spending more time enjoying the room. We typically book Junior Suites with the occasional Crown Loft Suite. I’m at the point where I need to have a balcony, even if it’s an interior-facing cabin like the Central Park balcony we recently tried on Wonder of the Seas. I just like to have the option of fresh air.

Onboard Activities

I would guess everyone new to cruising feels the same way about onboard activities: you have to do everything in the Cruise Planner to make the most of your vacation. That certainly was us when we started cruising; we went to every show and trivia game available! 

Today when it comes to trivia, I only show up to the ones that I have the most interest in, such as classic rock and Disney-themed trivia.

Long gone are the days of the Flowrider, ziplining, and ice skating. Instead, I find myself enjoying a more relaxing experience.

Sailing on the same ships over and over again means you have seen the main theater shows multiple times, although there are favorites that I still look forward to. I never miss a performance of Ice Games! on Allure of the Seas or Aqua80 on Oasis of the Seas. Plus, there are always guest entertainers that keep the shows fresh for frequent cruisers.            

Dining

Our early days of cruising were all about the Main Dining Room for dinner. One of our goals was always to score that elusive table for two by the window (which rarely, if ever happened). Breakfast and lunch were exclusively in the Windjammer. 

Dining venues included in your cruise fare have come a long way since we first started cruising. The Oasis Class ships now offer the Solarium Bistro, Park Café and El Loco Fresh, to name a few.

Recently, we’ve migrated to mostly specialty dining restaurants, especially on embarkation day.  The crowded Windjammer at lunch that first day just stresses me out! It’s worth the cost for me to be able to enjoy nachos and wings at Playmakers at a leisurely pace.

We’ve also found ourselves ordering more room service than in the past, and I really enjoy having breakfast on the balcony.

Drinks

In 100 cruises, I think we bought the Deluxe Beverage Package three times. Once we became Diamond members, we just enjoyed our free drinks during happy hour in the lounge each evening. 

After the restart of the cruising industry in 2021, the Crown & Anchor Society changed the free drinks to an allotment of drink vouchers per day. These vouchers can be used anywhere onboard at any time, and they have definitely changed our approach to drinking onboard.

I get a vanilla latte most mornings at Café Promenade, then enjoy cocktails throughout the day. These drink vouchers also work at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee!

These drink vouchers are the second best thing to come from the pandemic (the first being the virtual muster drill, but I digress).

Excursions

When we first started cruising, we used to do an excursion in every port. From swimming with dolphins in Cozumel, visiting Stingray City in Grand Cayman, ziplining in Labadee, and horseback riding in Montego Bay, we literally did it all!

The excursions we book now are primarily at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s not unusual to find us at Thrill Waterpark, and we’ve also been known to book the Coco Beach Club or floating cabanas.

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

In Europe, we did ship excursions and explored on our own. Tours booked through Royal Caribbean are easier, but if you’re a planner like me, you can see so much more on your own. Just make sure you’re back by all aboard time!

Onboard expenses

Nowadays when we cruise, we no longer purchase photo packages, massages, and gifts for everyone we know. I will, however, always buy an ornament of the ship the first time I sail on a new one. I started this with our very first ship and have kept up with the tradition all this time.

After 100 cruises, I’ve noticed that my spending has transitioned more from charging things on my SeaPass card to needing more cash. I use this cash for extra gratuities to the bar staff, dining servers, stateroom attendants, and concierges (and for the occasional slot machine).

Even though the way we cruise has changed over the past 19 years, our love for it has not. I look forward to the next 100!