Royal Caribbean Blog

We have all seen the videos of how crew members live onboard cruise ships. They live in tight quarters and often have to share a room with another member in their department. 

Cruise ships captains, however, live a little bit more luxuriously. A captain oversees all onboard operations to ensure that the ship is safely operating during each and every sailing-- it is not an easy job! 

While captain of Celebrity Edge, Captain Kate McCue posted a TikTok showing what her living quarters looked like. The video, which was published in August 2020, has amassed over one million likes! 

Keep reading to see Captain McCue's living quarters while captain of Celebrity Edge!

Who is Captain Kate McCue?

Captain McCue made history as the first American woman to be named captain of a mega cruise ship. In 2015, she became the commanding officer of Celebrity Summit at only 37-years-old. 

During her time at California State University, she landed an internship with Chiquita Brands International, where she worked on one of their cargo ships and helped to transport bananas between Ecuador and Los Angeles. 

After graduating with her degree in business administration, she moved to Hawaii and worked as a general deckhand on a catamaran. When Captain McCue began to apply for positions with cruise lines, it took her nine months to be offered an entry-level third mate role by Disney Cruise Line. 

In 2003, she moved to Royal Caribbean after being offered the role of second officer, and only one year later, she was promoted to first officer. 

Her dream was to take command of a vessel one day. In order to accomplish this goal, Captain McCue knew that she needed to further her education, and in 2009, she earned her Chief Mate and Master's License from the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies

By 2011, she was working as a staff captain for Royal Caribbean. This position is second-in-command! 

Celebrity Cruises asked Captain McCue to consider applying for a captain’s position in 2015, and she accepted the job of commanding officer for Celebrity Summit, making her the first first female commanding officer of a mega ship in the United States. 

As of June 2023, she is captain of Celebrity Beyond, the cruise line's newest ship that is sister to Celebrity Edge. For those interested in following along on her journey as a cruise ship captain, you can subscribe to one of her social media platforms. On TikTok, for instance, she has around 3.5 million followers on TikTok, as well as a total of 8.6 million likes!

What does the main living space look like?

"Welcome to my humble abode also known as the Captain's Quarters!" says Captain McCue as she began the video and opened the door to her cabin.

There is no shortage of natural light in this stateroom thanks to the amount of windows and infinite veranda. 

Immediately, viewers get a sense of how important Bug Naked, an elf sphynx cat that lives with Captain McCue onboard the ship, is to her! You see a plush bed directly under the infinite veranda, perfect for Bug. 

The room is furnished with a large couch and coffee table, media console, and television. As she continues on with the video, she shows a framed picture of Saint Nicholas on one of the built in shelves. 

"Because we're superstitious," she says, "there's somebody we never travel without; this is our patron saint of seafarers, Saint Nicholas." 

What do the bedroom and bathroom look like?

Overall, the bedroom feels pretty standard for Celebrity Cruises. She shows a king sized bed, night stands, and another television. As soon as she walks into the bathroom, however, you realize that this is no ordinary stateroom. 

There is a double sink, rain shower, and even soaking tub, which is great for Bug! The bathroom even connects directly to the primary entry hallway, as well as the bedroom. 

Let's take a look at the main galley and office

Directly across from the bathroom is the main galley, and yes, there is another television in here! It is also home to Bug's litter box and stroller.  

Despite not having a fully equipped kitchen, Captain McCue's Captain's Quarters does have a full-sized refrigerator that is stocked with water and Bug's cat food. Likewise, the drawers of the galley are packed with snacks, such as gummy bear and candy bars. Plus, there is a large table that is able to seat six guests. 

Connected to the main galley is Captain McCue's office, which in turn is connected directly to the ship's Bridge. 

The Bridge is where the ship is commanded, and it is located at the forward of the ship. This is where the captain and other crew members carry out navigational duties. 

"We have a minimum of three very qualified and licensed officers manning the bridge at all times," said McCue. 

"Three different teams rotate every four hours on and eight hours off....[and] the teams are made up of an officer of the watch, assistant officer of the watch and a quartermaster look out."

How do other crew members live?

Kristine Kugler is currently a dancer onboard Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas, and she posted a video to her YouTube channel in March 2023 showing what her living situation is like. While Captain McCue has her own stateroom, Kugler shares a stateroom with another crew member. 

Depending on the crew member's position onboard, they, too, might be able to have their own cabin, albeit not as luxurious as Captain McCue's. 

Kugler shows a bunk bed, large television, drawers purchased from Amazon for additional storage, closer, and foldable table.  

While the room itself is in no way a spacious suite, Kugler provides the most commentary about the size of the bathroom. "The first time we stepped into these bathrooms, it was definitely a culture shock," she said.

"Because it's a lot tinier than really anything we're used to, and we have to share it with another person."

At the end of the day, the stateroom that a crew member is assigned to is based on their position. Since Captain McCue is the ship's highest responsible officer with decades worth of experience, she has earned the right to one of, if not, the best possible accommodations onboard. 

If you are interested in learning more about Captain McCue, check out her social media pages! She has a TikTok and Instagram and posts content regarding operational duties onboard and ports of call. 

It's one thing to make a mistake on your cruise, but it's quite another if that mistake ends up costing you a lot of money too.

No one wants to make a mistake, but a costly mistake hurts much worse than a mistake that is simply a lesson learned.

On a cruise in 2019, I booked a last-minute hotel in Nassau, Bahamas because I thought it was a great rate at the popular Baha Mar resort.  It turned out to be a very similarly named hotel nearby, and without access to the incredible resort I thought I was going to.  Since it was non-refundable, I wasted a lot of money on that mistake.

While that mistake hurt my wallet, there are worse mistakes a new cruiser could make, such as putting their entire cruise vacation investment in jeopardy.

That got me thinking about the absolute worst mistake someone could make that would cost them the most money if they did it.

I wanted to narrow down the options to something someone could choose to do and think it was a good idea, as opposed to something more subjective. Certainly a Royal Caribbean drink package you never order any drinks for would be costly, but that depends on the person.

In considering the costliest cruise mistake possible, it would have to be something that puts your entire vacation cost at risk.

Booking a flight the same day the cruise ship departs

In considering the possible negative financial ramifications along with the probability of it happening, it's clear to me booking your flight the same day your cruise is set to begin is arguably the costliest mistake.

For a land vacation, anyone would book a flight for to arrive in the city they'll be staying in on the same day of their first night of their hotel stay.  That makes perfect logical sense for a land trip, but it's counterintuitive for a cruise vacation.

Essentially, you're playing with fire by relying on your flight to be on time and not impacted by the typical delays and cancellations the air travel industry encounters often.

Having a tight schedule of landing, collecting your luggage, and then getting to the port leaves little wiggle room for any kind of delay.

Flight delays or cancellations, bad weather near your house, car breakdowns and a variety of other unforeseen possibilities can wreak havoc on your schedule.

The embarkation window on the first day of your cruise is limited, and if you arrive too late, you'll miss your cruise and there's no refunds for a no-show.

That means your entire cruise fare will be lost.

Not only can you not board a cruise ship late, the cut-off time for embarkation is actually a lot earlier than the sail-away time.

Even if you book an early flight, there's no guarantee that flight wont encounter a problem that results in getting you to your destination too late to make the ship.

Royal Caribbean (nor any cruise line) will not refund your money if you miss the cruise due to a travel delay.  Trip insurance might pick up some of the tab, but it will not allow you to actually go on the cruise vacation you planned and dreamed about.

The way to guard against this problem is to book a flight that gets you to your embarkation city at least one day before your cruise sets sail.

By flying in a day early, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, you have another day to make a flight, and the chances of a catastrophic delay happening twice in a row is unlikely.

In addition, flying in early means significantly less stress for everyone. The last thing you want to do is start your vacation worrying every minute until you arrive in your embarkation port that a travel delay could appear. Just the lingering thought of a delay is enough to make your vacation anything but relaxing.

What if I book my flights with the cruise line?

You might think by booking your flight with Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program, you'll be safe if your flight is delayed because the ship will wait for anyone that booked flights with the cruise line.

This is actually a misconception, because even if you arrive late on a flight booked through the cruise line, the ship still will sail without you.

Instead, Royal Caribbean will assist in getting to the ship at another port. That doesn't account for the time you miss onboard the ship.

"The Emergency Travel team will work with you to find alternative flights. In some instances, same day viable flight options may not be available, and in those instances we accommodate you to the next available port where you may legally join the ship."

Note the word "legally" in the Air2Sea policy, because you may not be allowed to join the ship in the next port.

The United States (and other countries) have cabotage laws that prevent foreign-flagged ships to pick up and drop off passengers in any port.

Foreign flagged cruise ships (which are all of Royal Caribbean's ships) are required to make a stop in a foreign port when sailing roundtrip from the United States.

The law is part of the Passenger Vessel Service Act (PVSA) of 1886 is to protect the U.S. Merchant Marine (the licensed (officers) and documented (trades) personnel on the ships) and to protect U.S. shipyards that both build and repair the ships.

In layman's terms, this means Royal Caribbean cannot let you join a ship at a U.S. port if you later will be disembarking at a different U.S. port unless a visit to a distant port such as Aruba is on the itinerary.  

Who to call if you have a problem getting to the ship on embarkation day?

Royal Caribbean has a phone number for emergencies on the day you are set to cruise.

If your travel plans are disrupted and you're unable to make the cruise, you can call Royal Caribbean's Day of Sailing helpline at 800-256-6649 or 305-539-4107 (Int'l).

If you're looking for an elevated cruise experience, Celebrity Cruises is known for providing guests with a memorable cruise vacation that comes with a plussed atmosphere.

Whether it's your first Celebrity cruise or you want to learn more about the cruise line, we have assembled some of the best tips and tricks to make the most of your cruise vacation. 

Advice on saving money, when is the best time to book packages and excursions, and can't miss events and activities are all critical to know. 

Here are our top 50 tips and tricks to help you have a fantastic Celebrity cruise. 

1. Save money on drinks

Drinks can be an expensive add-on to a cruise vacation. Depending on what and how much you drink, a package may be the way to go. Celebrity offers both a classic and premium alcohol package as well as non-alcoholic options. Details are listed on your cruise planner, and it's cheaper to snag a pre-cruise deal rather than waiting until once you are onboard to purchase them.  

Another way to save money is to bring your own wine onboard. Guests of the drinking age are allowed to bring one 750 ml bottle of wine per person but no spirits or beer.  Do note that alcoholic beverages purchased from onboard shops or in ports of call will be secured by ship until the end of the vacation.​​​

2. Watch for deals 

Celebrity offers a quality cruise experience, and its prices often reflect that. While not the most expensive in the marketplace, it can run slightly higher than some other companies, such as Royal Caribbean. 

Good news though, the cruise line offers numerous promotions throughout the year. A frequent deal is 75% off the second guest, along with additional onboard credit. Watch out for other discounts that include basic wi-fi and the classic drink package. Make sure to sign up on their website to get up-to-date offers. Also, working with a good travel agent can help you understand what is available.

3. Book packages and excursions early

Celebrity offers a number of pre-cruise deals, such as internet packages, shore excursions, dining, and spa treatments. Not only does advance purchasing get you a better deal, but it can also help avoid the disappointment of a sold-out excursion. If something is no longer offered, there are no guarantees that space will open up. It is far better to book something in advance and then cancel it later. 

Booking early even applies to the cruise itself. Cruise prices have been trending upward, so don't expect last-minute deals. Celebrity does offer its “Best Price Guarantee so that if a lower cruise fare is found, guests may apply for the savings, which offers some peace of mind. In the event of a price drop, contact the cruise line directly (or through a travel agent) to see what you are entitled to in terms of savings (some conditions apply).

4. Leverage your Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor status

Celebrity has its own loyalty program called Captain's Club, which has six tiers offering varying perks to repeat cruisers. The cruise line has a reciprocity agreement with Royal Caribbean due to their common ownership. 

What does this mean for new cruisers? You can qualify for loyalty perks even before your first Celebrity cruise (Although you can’t combine points among the different brands). Cruisers with established status with Royal Caribbean are asked to contact the Captain's Club to ensure they are promoted to the equivalent tier prior to sailing. 

5. Know what’s included in your cruise fare

There are two main fare options when booking a Celebrity cruise. The basic fare is called the cruise-only rate, which is their lowest fare and is available for inside, oceanview, veranda, and concierge-level staterooms. This is the standard cruise offering dining, entertainment, and daily activities.

The “all included” option includes the Classic Drink Package and Basic Wi-Fi, which can be significant savings if guests plan to purchase packages anyway. 

In addition to this, the cruise line offers AquaClass, which has special access to Blu, a private restaurant, the thermal suite, and complimentary fitness classes. You do not have to purchase the all-inclusive package, though. You are able to stay in an AquaClass room with a base fare. 

One above this is the Retreat, which is the most all-inclusive option with premium drink and wi-fi packages, private dining, sundeck, and lounge, as well as concierge and butler service.

6. Use a good travel agent 

serif">Clearly, Celebrity has a lot of options, different fares, cabin alternatives, and lots of onboard experiences to choose from. Using a good travel agent can be a great way to navigate all these choices and make sure you get the best price possible.

Often the best way to get a travel agent is to get a recommendation from a friend or family. They should be familiar with Celebrity and have booked/ sailed with them before. Travel agents are paid through the cruise line, so there is no additional cost for cruisers, and they can save you both time and money by finding the best deal, as well as managing any issues that come up. 

7. Kids are welcome on Celebrity Cruises 

Celebrity may not be known as a family cruise line, but it does welcome passengers of all ages. The cruise line provides numerous complimentary programs, family-friendly excursions, and pint-sized menus to make cruising easier and more fun for families.

They also offer free kids and teen programs in a dedicated, supervised environment. Camp at Sea features sports, arts and crafts, theme parties, treasure hunts, and much more. Teens can hang out with friends in their own spaces, play in video game competitions, dance, and enjoy sports. They can even take culinary classes.

 8. Maximize loyalty points  

Make sure to sign up for Celebrity’s loyalty program, called Captain’s Club, which awards points based on the length of sailing and stateroom category. Even when you aren’t sailing, there is the opportunity to earn more points. Celebrity’s Power Up points give guests a chance to earn extra points by watching videos, taking surveys, or engaging in social media activities. Power Up points are converted at a ratio of 10 Power Up points to 1 Club point.

The activities are easy to complete and informative. The recent promotion in May (worth 30 points) asked loyalty members to watch a video that features Celebrity captains as they discussed how the Edge series of ships continue to revolutionize the industry.  

9. No smoking in the casinos

Celebrity’s onboard casinos provide passengers with various slots and table games, including blackjack, poker, craps, baccarat, and roulette. The cruise line offers casino guests Blue Chip Club Rewards, which has concierge service, beverage perks, free play, and much more.

It may be a surprise to many, though, to find out that Celebrity Cruises has a no-smoking policy when it comes to their casinos. This may be welcome news to some or an unexpected disappointment for others. The cruise line cites the health and comfort of guests as the rationale for this rule.

The no-smoking policy extended to most areas of the ship, including cabins and balconies. There are limited outdoor areas onboard areas that are designated for smoking.

10. Dine at complimentary venues

Beyond the main dining room and Oceanview Cafe, there are some other great free dining venues to check out onboard.

• Café al Bacio, is a European-style café onboard many Celebrity ships. Cruisers seem to love the café and often has a lineup for its custom coffees and gelato. While the coffees are an extra charge, the exquisite pastries and sweets are complimentary for all. This is an absolute must-try!
• Eden Café offers a wide variety of morning beverages and casual culinary bites. The bright and airy atmosphere and al fresco make it the perfect spot. 
• Spa Café is another venue to enjoy. Grab something fresh and flavorful, such as avocado bruschetta, a fresh fruit place, or an acai bowl. Great for a post-workout, healthy snack, or if you want a break from over-the-top cruising eating.
• The Mast Grill is a top deck eatery where guests can get their barbeque/ grill favorites, such as a burger, along with other options like a sandwich and salad.

11. Know the dress code

In recent years, dress codes have become a somewhat controversial topic among cruisers as some lament the days of tuxedos and ballgowns, whereas others feel that they are on vacation and should be able to dress as they please. 

On Celebrity Cruises, guests are expected to dress at minimum “ smart casual" for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Shorts and flip-flops are not considered smart casual. And, unlike many other cruise lines, this is enforced. If a guest shows up in shorts for dinner, they can fully expect to be refused entry into those venues. So pack accordingly so as to not miss out on the main dining room or have to buy pants onboard.  

12. Sail the world with Celebrity 

For guests wanting to try a different type of itinerary, Celebrity has an impressive range of sailings that span the globe. Their fleet of 15 has many mid-sized ships that can venture to ports of call that some of the bigger ships can't. Even the new Edge series can sail through the Panama Canal.

From North and South America to Europe, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific, Celebrity ships stretch out to visit 300 ports worldwide. It has even designed a series of ships to visit the Galapagos Islands, with advanced technology that minimizes the impact on the environment and provides an incredibly intimate setting with under 100 guests.

13. Try a variety of activities 

Celebrity Cruises offers its guests a wide range of entertainment and activities onboard its ships. World-class theatre productions, live bands, classes of all types, and trivia are some of the fun things to do while sailing.

There are also some unique and interesting activities beyond the expected. How about lawn bowling or practice putting on real grass? Wine pairing, whiskey tasting, a ship tour, pickleball, glass blowing, or watching a movie on a rooftop garden are part of the amazing selection of events. 

Celebrity ships do have a lot to love, but there are some things you won't find on a Celebrity ship. There are no epic waterslides, waterparks, bumper cars, roller coasters, rock climbing walks, ice skating, and carousels that are common on the mega-ships of cruise lines like Royal Caribbean.

14. Try out the Magic Carpet (for free)

The Edge series of ships feature the brightly colored Magic Carpet, which jets off one side of the ship. It is far more than a gimmick; it is a multipurpose venue that offers the most specular views, in addition to acting as a launch pad for tenders in ports that require them. 

Although dining at the Magic Carpet is an extra cost, during the day, guests can enjoy the scenic views for free (drinks are extra, though). Its opaque roof allows for breezes while keeping out of the hot sun. A perfect spot to relax. 

15. Indulge in specialty dining

For those who consider themselves foodies or love to explore different types of cuisine, Celebrity is the place for you. There is a wide array of dining experiences beyond the traditional buffet and main dining rooms. 

French cuisine, highlighted at Le Petit Chef, sushi, steakhouse, and Eden, all delight guests with their gastronomy. There is an extensive range of options led by Michelin-star chefs and other culinary experts to ensure top quality. Buying a dining package before the cruise is the most economical way to go. 

16. Celebrity is autism friendly

Celebrity Cruises offers autism-friendly interactive initiatives for families, including sensory-friendly films,  toys, and dietary menu options. Additionally, they offer a wide range of autism-friendly products and services, such as priority check-in, boarding, and departure, and special dietary accommodations. The cruise line seeks to make things easier with flexible grouping by ability for children 3 to 12 years old. 

For more fun, autism-friendly films are presented in a low-lighting and low-volume environment. The cruise line also has an Autism Friendly Toy Lending Catalog along with non-toxic crayons, markers, watercolors, building blocks, dominoes, and picture books.

17. Enjoy the (free) extras

One of the biggest surprises of sailing on a Celebrity cruise are some of the nice (and more often free) touches. One of the best is the ability to drop your stuff off in your cabin, even when it's not ready. No worries about lugging around carry-ons while you explore the ship. A small thing, but super convenient. 

Cabins have a few extra niceties, including upgraded bath products. No three-in-one mystery shampoo, conditioner, and soap in the shower. Pool towels, no problem, no need to be held hostage over a fee for a towel you never signed out.

Another plus is the variety of chilled fruit waters on the dock to welcome guests back to the ship, particularly nice after a hot day in the sun. They also had a crew there with cool towels to freshen up. All these little things add up, making you feel pampered and appreciated. 

18. Gratuities vary by cabin type

Celebrity automatically adds gratuities to guests' accounts, an additional thank you to employees who work very hard to make your cruise vacation special. The amounts are: 

• $18 USD per person per day for Inside, Ocean View, and Veranda staterooms

• $18.50 USD per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms  

• $23.00 per person per day for guests of The Retreat.  

This is separate from the 20% gratuity that will be added to all beverages, mini bar purchases, and beverage packages. Celebrity has noted that gratuities are distributed to dining, bar, and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel services teams.

19.  Rotate between themed main dining rooms

While only offered on the Edge series of ships, one of the most significant changes Celebrity has made is the separation of the main dining rooms into four different themed venues. Cyprus, Cosmopolitan, Tuscan, and Normandie offer specialties as well as classics such as steak, chicken, and shrimp and signature dishes.

Being smaller than a standard main dining room, these themed dining rooms have more of a specialty dining feel and offer some mouth-watering options. Before you book the pricier specialty dining venues, you may want to give them a try. Normandie, in particular, is well known for its beef tenderloin dish, among other gourmet items on its menu. 

20. Leave some things at home

There are a few items that are prohibited on Celebrity ships for the safety of the guests and the smooth operation of the vessel. Guests cannot bring an iron or steamer onboard the ship, but they do offer laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing services for an additional fee. This can be arranged through the cabin attendant.

Other things to leave home include anything that generates heat or has open flames, like candles, hot plates, coffee makers, or kettles. Curling and flats irons are okay. Extension cords, illegal drugs (including marijuana), knives, and other weapons aren't allowed as well. Although wine is permitted, hard alcohol and beer are sadly not. 

21. You can use your Celebrity drink and wi-fi packages at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay 

A private island in the Bahamas is quite an exciting addition to any sunny Caribbean itinerary, and Celebrity has recently announced that it will be visiting Royal Caribbean’s popular Perfect Day at CocoCay. This is great for families as well as adults who want a day in the sun. The island has a waterpark, a lively Oasis Lagoon pool, as well as tons of laid-back beaches, and the stylish Coco Beach Club that features an infinity pool, lobster for lunch, and incredible over-the-water bungalows. 

Celebrity passengers visiting for the day can use both their drink and wi-fi packages while on the island, which has a number of great bars and complimentary food venues. 

22. Watch out for gift card limitations 

Gift cards have become increasingly popular, a great present for that hard-to-buy person on your list. Celebrity gift cards are available in increments of $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500, providing a wide range of options. 

There is a catch, though. Gift cards can only be applied toward new bookings. They cannot be used to pay for any ship board charges, including but not limited to gift shop purchases, casino debts, shore excursions, or gratuities. For those wanting to give a more flexible gift, onboard credit can be purchased for a cruise at the Celebrity Store on their website. 

23. Prepaid gratuities are no longer included in the all-inclusive packages

Celebrity gained a lot of praise from cruisers for its all-inclusive package, making for a stress-free vacation thanks to a number of included benefits like drinks, wi-fi, and gratuities. However,  the cruise line has recently announced that they are removing prepaid gratuities from these packages. Cruisers will need to make sure to budget accordingly. 

Any new booking after October 4, 2023, will be subject to these new exclusions. Thankfully, it does apply to current bookings.

This is a significant change that cruisers might not realize when booking, especially if they have had the all-inclusive package in the past. This change will add to the cost of a cruise, especially for Retreat guests, who will now pay $23 per day per person.  

24. Download the Celebrity App 

Don’t wait until onboard; download the Celebrity App prior to the cruise to check out information like menus and events. Checking in and the muster drill can be quickly done on the app. Another great bonus is that the app can also be used to keep in touch with fellow cruisers with a free chat feature. 

Once onboard, the app provides a wealth of information on activities, events, excursions, and announcements, as well as keeps up to date on onboard spending. Some ships, such as the Edge series of ships, allow passengers to control their stateroom via their phone, including the TV, lighting, temperature, and window shades. It can be downloaded through the app store or Google Play. 

25. Celebrity’s buffets are scaled back in the evenings 

Something a little surprising, but Celebrity’s buffet offering is paired down during dinner, in comparison to a much more extensive lunchtime offering. For those who love the full-size buffets on ships such as Royal Caribbean, be prepared for a different style of evening buffets. This isn’t to say that the food is not good; it is, and in fact, Celebrity is well known for their top not-cruise, and their buffets have a number of stellar dishes. 

This new change was introduced earlier this year, with staff explaining that it was to prevent food waste. With so many guests heading to the main dining room and specialty restaurants, the Oceanview Café is not busy enough to demand such a large offering. For those with picky eaters in your group, you may want to head to the main dining room or consider specialty venues. 

26. Basic wi-fi is only available as part of all-included packages 

Celebrity offers its guests two options to connect to the internet:  basic and premium wi-fi. The lowest-priced option, the basic wi-fi allows passengers to browse the web, send emails, and text family and friends via select messaging apps. 

However, Celebrity has recently made a change, whereby this value option is only available when purchased as part of eligible “All Included” rates. It can no longer be purchased separately, either before or during the cruise. This all-included rate also includes the classic drink package and can add several hundred dollars to the cost of the cruise fare. 

27. There is no self-serve laundry onboard 

For guests who are on a longer trip or have some younger, messy guests in their traveling party and are in search of laundry, there are limited options. Celebrity provides laundry and dry cleaning services on a per-item basis for suits, dresses, and more casual items. There are no self-serve facilities, unfortunately. 

As with most cruise lines, guests cannot bring an iron or steamer on board; however, the cruise line does offer pressing services (priced by item) with a 4-item special of $25.00. Many cruisers hang up wrinkly clothes right away in the bathroom, letting the steam of the shower do its magic. There is also Downy Wrinkle Release, which works wonders. They have smaller, travel-size bottles, which are perfect for a cruise. ,

28. Upgrade your cabin for less 

For those guests who are interested in upgrading your cabin, Celebrity has their Move UP Program that allows guests to bid on an upgrade. You can log in to the website to determine if your cruise is eligible and review the stateroom options. You can bid on more than one room and will only be charged for the first two people for the room you win. 

It is a good idea to check out the current price for the cabin when making a bid to ensure it is worth the money. There are a couple of important caveats to consider when trying this program. Once the bid is accepted, your card will be charged immediately, and the upgrade amount paid is final and non-refundable. You have no choice in location. 

29. Board early when possible 

Once check-in is complete,  Celebrity provides its guests with a time frame for arrival at the ship. The earlier you check-in online, the earlier your port-assigned port arrival time will be. Getting onboard earlier means your vacation starts earlier, and you can also get any must-dos out of the way, like booking specialty dining.

This does not mean you can show up whenever you want, though. If you arrive several hours before your assigned time or even before current passengers have disembarked, you may end up waiting, in some cases, outside. Conversely, give yourself plenty of time to get to the port, and it is highly recommended to not fly in on the day of the cruise, given the issues with flight cancelations of late. 

30. Pick your cabin carefully 

For those of you who are light sleepers who don’t ever want to hear your neighbors watching TV, or the annoying sounds of pulsating music, it is a good idea to look at the floor plans carefully to get the best cabin possible. The Celebrity website provides deck plans for each ship with venues and cabins clearly marked. It is a good idea to look at what is above, below, and beside the stateroom you are considering.

Adjoining rooms and unobstructed views are something to consider as well. For example, on Celebrity’s newest Edge series of ships, the Magic Carpet moves up and down along the side of the ship. This can mean that the platform passes by cabins, with the ability to see in, especially if the curtains/shades are open. Additionally, people who are prone to seasickness do better on the lower decks and in the middle of the ship. Avoiding the front (bow) and rear of the ship.

31. Drop off your carry-on in your cabin 

One very nice perk of sailing with Celebrity Cruises is the ability to quickly stop in at your cabin on embarkation day to drop off your carry-on luggage. This is something that is not ordinarily common on many other cruise lines but is a really nice touch. 

Sometimes, even small bags can weigh you down while navigating the ship, getting lunch, and balancing that all-important first cocktail. This can be even trickier with excess baggage. A quick drop-off (while the crew gets things ready) is a great way to start a cruise and lessen the load. 

32. Book flights with Celebrity (for peace of mind) 

An option that many cruisers value is the ability to book their airfare with Celebrity. This provides peace of mind, knowing that they will handle any flight disruptions and delays. This is very important in this day and age with constant aviation disruptions, which can wreak havoc. In fact, Celebrity promises that If your flight is changed or canceled, they will help you find a seat on a new flight or even meet the ship at the next available port.

It can also help with cash flow management as flights do not need to be paid until the final cruise payment, unlike regular bookings that require immediate payment.

33. Try older ships to save money

Celebrity has gotten a lot of fanfare for its innovative Edge series of ships, which have reimagined cruise ships in the best of ways. But don’t ignore some of the veteran ships of the fleet, many of which have been modernized and often come at a lower cruise fare cost. 

The cruise line’s modernization program, “revolutionized” as they call it, has a budget of $500 million for updates to the entire fleet, which includes new spaces, the addition of the Retreat Area, updated restaurants and bars, as well as cabins, casino, spas and Retreat Area (suite-only area). Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Summit are two of the ships that have gone through the process. This means that passengers get to enjoy updated ships, with oftentimes lower prices than the newer ships in the fleet. 

34. Get the muster drill out of the way early 

One of the best updates to cruising has been the addition of a virtual muster drill whereby guests can watch a video to learn about all the safety rules and regulations for their cruise. This can easily be done on your phone in less than five minutes; in fact, many passengers complete it while waiting to board. Then, once onboard, just a quick drop-in at the muster location, and it's all done. 

Although you don’t need an internet package to complete it once onboard, you will need access to wi-fi to download the Celebrity app, which is best to do at home.

35. Review Celebrity’s cancelation policy 

When booking and paying off a cruise, it is really important to understand the terms and conditions associated with this purchase. For example, if you book a non-refundable cruise and want to cancel, you will lose your deposit and a portion of the payment, depending on how long until the cruise. 

For example, within 30 days, guests are not eligible to receive any money back, which is why insurance is so important. If you are sick or you miss the cruise due to a delayed flight, the cruise line will not refund you. Guests can purchase insurance directly from Celebrity, in addition to numerous other independent companies, some of which cover transportation delays, medical issues, or cancel for any reason. 

36. Photo packages can’t be purchased post-cruise 

A photo package can be a fantastic way to capture all those wonderful cruise memories. Many love getting pictures done on formal nights when they are dressed and look great. Also, it is an opportunity to get family pictures in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. 

Often a disappointment to many, pictures and packages cannot be purchased post-cruise, so it is important to make sure this is booked if this is a must-have for you and your family. 

37. Take advantage of embarkation day offers

Although most things like wi-fi and drink packages are cheaper when purchased pre-cruse, there are some embarkation specials to watch out for. Specialty dining, spa packages, and services are among the most popular and can be a fantastic add-on to a cruise vacation. 

Before rushing into purchasing these extras, it is a good idea to make sure of any restrictions. Some deals are only valid on sea days or shorter than a standard service. Overall, it can be a great way to start the cruise and save some money at the same time. 

38. Book your next cruise before you disembark

The end of a cruise can be a sad occasion for most, with cruisers feeling no rush to get back to reality. A great way to get over this and save money is to book your next cruise while still onboard. 

With its Future Cruise Vacations Program, Celebrity offers its guests the best offer available, as well as current promotions such as extra onboard credit. There are two options for this program. The first is the Book Now Program, where guests select their itinerary and dates and receive up to $500 in onboard credit. The other option – Book Later Program, allows guests to reserve a sailing, with the option to pick up a cruise within 6 months. With this option, passengers will receive up to $500 in onboard credit. 

39. Check your onboard account often

There are plenty of ways to keep track of spending while onboard, and while this can be a not-so-fun part of the day, it is best to keep tabs on your bill. Thanks to Celebrity’s app, this is a quick process that can be done in seconds. Alternatively, you can visit guest services and get a printout of the bill. 

Sometimes mistakes happen, or your kids charge something you are unaware of. Whatever the issue, it is best to keep on top of it. It is far easier to pop into guest services while onboard instead of dealing with an issue once home. 

40. Enjoy free room service

Everyone loves a free perk, and starting the day off with breakfast on your balcony is heavenly. Passengers receive complimentary room service on Celebrity ships. In particular, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast, which is available e from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day of the cruise except disembarkation day. Outside of these hours, room service has a fee of $9.95*, plus a 20% gratuity will automatically be added to your check.

For guests staying in the Retreat, room service is complimentary. Celebrity top-end suites, in addition to Zenith Captain Club members, receive complimentary room service 24 hours a day.

41. Cruise off-season 

Sailing off-season, or shoulder season as it is commonly referred to, is one of the best ways to save money and a great time to cruise. Early January and fall can be great times to travel, especially when kids go back to school. 

Celebrity offers a vast array of cruises, with lots of choices every month. One great itinerary to take advantage of during the off-season is cruising to the Mediterranean during the winter months. With exotic ports in Egypt and Israel as well as Spain, it is a spectacular cruise. Another bonus is that there are far fewer crowds during these months, which makes seeing famous sites a lot more manageable. 

42. Bring a reusable water bottle 

There are a lot of great reasons to bring our own water bottle on a cruise. Save money by skipping pricey bottled water, being good to the environment, and staying well hydrated are some of the top reasons. It is always a good idea to add some nice cold water to the mix while sipping cocktails in the sun. 

This is also a great option when going onshore and unsure about the cost and quality of local water. Some bottles even have filters to clean water-borne illnesses or bacteria, getting rid of E. coli. No need to worry about local water when doing an excursion for a day. 

43. Be ready to cruise 

Around 45 days before your cruise, check-in will become available, and it’s a good idea to do this as soon as possible to secure an early boarding time. Earlier on the ship means you get your vacation started sooner!  Check-in is a fairly quick process but does require appropriate identification on hand to upload details to the system.

When that magical day finally arrives and you get to the ship, make drop-off seamless by printing your luggage tags ahead of time.  Porters have blank luggage tags at the port, but it is a good idea to print them ahead of time and ensure they are well fastened to your bag. Many people use plastic holders to protect them, so the names and stateroom are clearly legible. In addition to this, staple them on, and be sure to give your porter a tip. 

44. Try a guaranteed stateroom to save money 

When booking a cruise, Celebrity provides its guests with the option to select from a number of cabin categories, including interior, ocean view, veranda, and suites, among other options. Once the room type has been picked, cruisers can choose between letting Celebrity assign them a room or self-selecting. 

What is the benefit of letting the cruise line assign a cabin? The answer is money. This option can save hundreds of dollars off the total cruise fare. There is a catch, however. You may end up in a cabin with an obstructed view or in a less desirable area of the ship, like under a nightclub. 

45. Plan to arrive a day ahead when flying to catch your cruise

This is one of the most important tips for getting on a cruise. Fly in the day before. There have been countless stories of guests missing their cruise due to flight delays, and unfortunately, it has become a reality for traveling these days. The last thing anyone wants is to start their vacation by stressing out whether they will make it to the port on time. Come the day before, get a hotel, and relax by the pool. 

In addition to this, for those driving a good distance, again, it is best to allow for lots of time. Accidents appear out of nowhere, which can clog up roads for hours. If the worst case happens, the ship will not wait and not be reimbursed for the lost cruise. 

46. Pay attention to ship time

Cruise ships sail on their own time, “ship time," as it is called. All of the activities, entertainment, embarkation, and disembarkation are according to this nautical clock. Many cruise ships sail across a number of time zones while traveling, and the cruise line will advise its passengers if and when they need to adjust their clocks. Sometimes, this aligns with local time, and sometimes it does not. 

This can be confusing at times, especially after a few drinks and you misread the clock at the local bar. Everyone has seen pier runners on social media as they race down to the dock, screaming at the cruise ship to wait for them. You do not want to be one of those people. If you have your phone on roaming, it will adjust to local time, which can add to the confusion. Set your phone to not change by putting it on airplane mode or use an old-fashioned, offline analog watch. 

47. Don’t bother bringing a towel 

This is a frequent question for many but no, guests do not need to bring a towel when packing for their Celebrity cruise. With all the other things that you need to pack, plenty of clothes and shoes, as well as leaving room for souvenirs, a bulky towel is not necessary. 

The cruise line has a number of places throughout the ship to get beach towels to bring on shore for beach days, as well as regular towels in the stateroom. Another plus to sailing with Celebrity is that there is no signup process to get a towel; you just help yourself with no fear of being charged if you leave it by accident on your pool chair. 

48. Bring some cash

It is a good idea to bring some money on your Celebrity cruise, but many people are not sure how much. While most places accept credit cards, cash can be better when dealing with small vendors in ports. Often, for a couple of dollars for some fun souvenirs, they won't take credit cards. It's also good for tipping in a taxi. 

Onboard, cash is the best way to show your appreciation for hard-working staff. Many guests bring small bills for bar staff, cabin staff, waiters, or anyone else who makes the cruise special. 

49. Join a FB group for your sailing (or other message boards) 

There are numerous message boards and Facebook groups that have pages for specific sailings for each cruise line. This is a great way to get information and meet other guests who will be on your cruise. Many times, they organize information events and meet-ups, as well as other activities once you are all onboard. 

This is also a good opportunity to share ideas about excursions, what’s great to do onboard, as well as other trip details like hotels and transportation to the port. 

50. Bring must-haves from home 

Although there are a number of shops onboard Celebrity ships, must-have items like sunscreen can be quite expensive, and the range of products is limited. Your favorite shampoo, late-night snack, or protein bars for a short excursion will probably not be available on the ship. 

Packing all you need is particularly important for families with kids. Make sure to include diapers, your kids' favorite pre-packaged snacks, and everything that your kids need to feel comfortable. Some of these items should be included in your carry-on, as it might be hours until your luggage is delivered to your cabin. Bathing suites are must-haves for many who want to enjoy the fun right away. Don't forget to include them in your carry-on!

While it's no surprise that demand for cruising has never been higher, you might be intrigued to hear how much those that have never cruised before are booking cruises.

Royal Caribbean Group saw terrific results in the first quarter of 2023, and its top executive is seeing all sorts of positive signs that the cruise giant has rebounded significantly.

One metric that stands out is how much demand for a cruise resembles pre-2020, signaling that the effects of the cruise industry shutdown are all but forgotten among consumers.

Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO, said in a recent interview demand from people that have never cruised before is actually better today than in 2019.

"We're seeing more new to cruise than we had seen in 2019," he said in reference to who's booking cruises this year. "We're seeing more first to brand, which is very much in line with our growth expectations for our capacity, growth as our new ships come on."

"Historically, you know, pre-pandemic, about a third of our guests were new to cruise, a third of our guests were loyalists, and the third of our guests refers to brand."

"What we see now is one propensity to cruise has completely returned back that was in 2019."

The return of new cruisers to the market is what drives a cruise line like Royal Caribbean back to profitability, because the amount of people that have never cruised before is the largest source of new customers.

The cruise industry was unfairly singled out in 2020-2021 as it was the only industry federally prevented from restarting for months, then had to get approval to restart as well as reporting cases.

Any concerns of consumers being wary to get back on a ship since seem to have been abated with these new numbers.

Demographics of who is booking a cruise

In terms of who's cruising, Mr. Liberty explained what sort of customers the company is attracting in 2023.

"So we have really three core brands that are really in their different segments," he explained.

"And so they all address different age and demographic categories. Like our Royal [Caribbean] brand is very focused on multigenerational family. Our Celebrity brand, people that are in their early 50s, more Gen X in nature. And our SilverSea brand, which is Ultra Luxury and Expedition, tend to attract a little bit of the Baby Boomer side of things."

That being said, younger cruisers are definitely coming to cruise.

"What we are seeing is the guest is actually a little bit younger on average than what we saw pre-pandemic."

"And a lot of that is because there's more millennials that are now into the system as they got married and started to have kids and are looking to experience incredible travel experiences."

"We continue to see the ability to raise price in the current market"

It's not your imagination, the price of a cruise is going up and that's because the market is tolerating it.

In a question about pricing, Mr. Liberty talked about the fact the company sees an opportunity to raise prices without negatively impacting demand.

"We continue to see the ability to raise price in the current market," Mr. Liberty explained.

"The main driver of that, one, I think, is having best brands, best ships win. And our guests get this incredible experience on our ships. And that gets broadcasted through advocacy of our guests, who are experiencing that."

Essentially, Royal Caribbean Group believes a combination of their ship quality and word of mouth is helping their cause.

Mr. Liberty also brought up a point of how much value a cruise vacation has over a land vacation, a statistic he's talked about quite a bit in the past.

"There's also a pretty significant value gap to land-based vacation."

"That gap was about 15% to 20% pre-pandemic. Today, it's about 35% to 45%. And we're going to make, you know, a pretty good dent in it here in 2023."

Tipping

One of the hot button topics is gratuities on a cruise ship, and Mr. Liberty answered a question about tipping on a cruise ship.

He was asked about the backlash related to "tip-flation" that's happened recently.

"We have a gratuity. It raises typically just based off of how inflation is changing. And that's more what is. It's pretty much a standard fee. Of course, our guests and can provide more. The guests can also choose not to, you know, not to tip if they don't choose to."

Read more: Should you prepay gratuities for your Royal Caribbean cruise?

"But-- but a gratuity-based system, a service-based system, we think is really important. But we're not chopping at every corner here on tipping. We have pretty much a standard fee for it."

Read more: Can I remove cruise ship prepaid gratuities?

Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship is making steady progress towards being completed, and we have a new look at what it looks like now.

Icon of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. Based on the new set of photos, the top deck is starting to come together.

In an effort to keep our readers up to date, RoyalCaribbeanBlog commissioned its own aerial drone photos to share what we can see so far from the shipyard.

These photos were taken on June 6, 2023 to provide a glimpse of how the ship looks today.

Having visited the shipyard last month, it's clear one noticeable change from the exterior is how much of the ship is no longer covered up.

Another change you might detect is the addition of more of the water slides.

Icon of the Seas will have an entire water park when the ship launches, known as Category 6.

Category 6 will be the largest waterpark at sea, with six record-breaking slides. Other Royal Caribbean ships have only 2 or 3 slides.

• Pressure Drop: the industry’s first open free-fall slide
• Frightening Bolt: the tallest drop slide at sea
• Storm Surge & Hurricane Hunter: family raft slides which can fit 4 riders per raft
• Storm Chasers: the cruise industry’s first mat-racing duo

The water slides are part of the Thrill Island neighborhood.

Royal Caribbean thinks Thrill Island will be a beacon for thrill seekers.

At the front of the ship, you'll find a sprawling pool deck that the cruise line hopes evokes a resort-style feel.

Read more: Royal Caribbean designed its new Icon of the Seas cruise ship to have a beach retreat experience

Icon will have 62% more water surface area than the Oasis Class cruise ships, and that means more pools than the cruise line has ever had before.

You'll find the largest pool at sea, an adult only pool, and the first suspended infinity pool at sea. Five of the seven pools on Icon of the Seas are located in Chill Island.

Something else I noticed is we can see more of The Grove and the Suite Neighborhood.

Beyond the top deck changes, the side of the ship looks more like the concept art we've seen.  With less of the protective coverings on, there's more glass visible.

At 250,800 gross tons ,the 20-deck-high vessel will be the biggest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in 2024. 

What we can see from the air is just a fraction of what Royal Caribbean has planned for the ship.

Royal Caribbean has lofty expectations for its first Icon Class ship, which has the aim of being the ultimate family vacation and a megaresort at sea for all to enjoy.

Icon of the Seas has a price tag of more than $2 billion and has been under construction for just about two years. 

Nearly ready for the next phase

There's still seven months to go until Icon of the Seas begins sailing with paying passengers, and there's still lots of work left to complete.

In May 2023, Royal Caribbean said Icon of the Seas more than 80% done.

In fact, the shipyard said last month that Icon of the Seas could start her sea trials as early as mid-June.

When the sea trials are complete, there may be some final adjustments that need to be made before the ship is prepared for delivery.

Once the ship reaches 90% completion, much of the final ceiling panels and final finishes are added to make the ship look more complete from a visual standpoint.

In the fall, the plan is to finalize all staterooms, the commissioning of the ship, and all the special features.

Being the first in a class of ships, Icon of the Seas has more time built into her build schedule to prepare it for service.

Royal Caribbean is leaning into the future of cruise ship with a new type of fuel the company test out on one of its ships.

Becoming a sustainable company has been an established goal, and it appears trying out a new type of fuel could assist in getting them to that point.

Later this summer, Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas and Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Apex will begin operating with a sustainable biofuel. Both ships will be sailing in Europe at the time the test begins.

Designed to attract families that enjoy a mega-resort, the 228,081-ton Symphony of the Seas is the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean's groundbreaking Oasis Class series. 

Celebrity Apex, the second ship in Celebrity's Edge Class, is a 130,818-ton, 2,900-passenger cruise ship and one of Celebrity's newest ships.

The goal is to evaluate how well the fuel works, and "contribute critical data and research on the fuel's capabilities and supply chain infrastructure needed to further the industry's alternative fuel ambitions."

Powered by biofuel

Simply put, the new biofuel's goal is to reduce a cruise ship's carbon emissions.

The biofuel blend is produced by purifying renewable raw materials like oils and fats and combining it with fuel oil.

Biofuel greatly reduces carbon emissions compared to the burning of the fossil fuels used in marine gas oil. It's processed through an oil refinery and is molecularly identical to diesel. 

The end result is an alternative fuel that the company hopes is cleaner and more sustainable.

Symphony of the Seas will undergo a three-month test with the new fuel while the ship sails from Barcelona, Spain.

Symphony, however, is not the first Royal Caribbean ship to be powered by biofuel.

Last fall, Navigator of the Seas tested out biofuel when she sailed from Los Angeles, California and became the first a cruise ship to sail from a U.S. port while using renewable diesel fuel.

The test on Navigator was conducted on a three-night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico in October 2022 with one engine powered by 30 tons of biodiesel.  

The test lasted three months.

In the case of Navigator, the biofuel was a combination of waste vegetable and frying oils, animal fat and corn. 

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty talked about the importance of such a step in the evolution for the industry, "Biofuels will play an increasingly important role in achieving, not only our own, but the entire maritime sector's decarbonization goals in the short and medium term."

"We take great pride in continuing to push our industry forward in exploring innovative fuel solutions that reduce carbon impact and preserve the vibrancy of the oceans we sail."

Building on efficiency

Symphony of the Seas is an intriguing test case for Royal Caribbean. As the second largest cruise ship in the world, she is indicative of what cruise ships today are realistically all about.

Even before this test, Symphony was built to be more efficient than previous ships.

Symphony consumes 25% less fuel than Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas.

Plus, the ship had a few ways to improve energy efficiency onboard compared to earlier Oasis Class ships.

One major change was the use of tiny air bubbles under the hull to make the vessel glide more smoothly through the water. 

What happens next?

After the trials are completed this summer, Royal Caribbean Group plans to scale up the use of alternative fuels, including biofuels, across upcoming European summer sailings.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean Group said it plans to continue to use alternative lower carbon fuel as part of its overall plan.

In addition to biofuels, Royal Caribbean Group is building ships that can leverage liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to reduce emissions.

Commonly referred to as a transition fuel, LNG results in 95% fewer particulate matter emissions, nearly eliminates sulfur emissions and reduces nitrogen emissions by 85%, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%.

LNG isn't the ultimate solution, but a step in the journey.

Sustainable by 2050

Royal Caribbean Group calls its overarching sustainability goals "Destination Net Zero", and biofuels are one way it intends to get there. 

Announced in 2021, there are two simple goals:

• Delivery of a net zero emissions cruise ship
• A path to net zero emissions by 2050

Destination Net Zero's four-pronged approach includes:

1. Modernization of the cruise company's global brands fleet through the introduction of 13 new energy-efficient and alternatively fueled vessels.
    
2. Continued investment in energy efficiency programs for its fleet, including energy saving technologies, enhanced data systems and digitalization.
    
3. Development of alternative fuel and alternative power solutions.
    
4. Optimized deployment and integration of strategic shore-based supply chains.

Tropical Storm Arlene formed in the Gulf of Mexico last week right at the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is always a concern for cruise ship passengers.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs between June 1 and November 30, and it's a time of year when tropical storms could impact cruise itineraries. 

While there is potential for a hurricane to affect cruise plans, I wouldn't go as far as to say you should avoid cruises for five months of the year either.

With hurricane season back, now is a good time to refresh yourself on the basics and what you should know for this season.

Experts predict "near normal" 2023 hurricane season

For what it's worth, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published their outlook for the 2023 hurricane season.

According to the agency, a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

The agency thinks there will be between 12 and 17 named storms, with 5-9 of them becoming hurricanes.  They expect between 1 and 4 will be major hurricanes.

NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.

The reason why it's expected to be less active than recent years are related to the El Nino effect that suppress storm development:

• An above-normal West African monsoon.
• El Niño.
• Favorable conditions local to the tropical Atlantic Basin.
• Warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

You can read the full outlook on NOAA's website.

Of course, these are just best guesses, so what will actually happen is still unknown.

Basics of hurricane season

If you have a cruise planned during hurricane season, don't assume the worst about it being disrupted. More than likely, there won't be hurricanes around when you cruise. 

However, if a tropical storm does end up coming around the same time as your cruise, here are the basics.

Buy travel insurance

Hurricanes don't just disrupt cruise ships, they can wreak havoc on many other aspects of travel. Getting to and from your cruise ship is just as likely, if not more so, to be impacted by a storm.

Travel insurance policies are relatively inexpensive and provide so much peace of mind should your plans not work out. 

Now is a good time to research the various travel insurance providers that are out there and review what a policy covers.

Keep in mind not all travel insurance policies are the same, so read the fine print about when it kicks in, and what it does and does not cover.

Ships will avoid hurricanes

If there is a hurricane predicted in the path of your ship, Royal Caribbean will go around the storm.

Itineraries can be flipped (port order changed), swapped out (eastern instead of western Caribbean or vice versa), or completely new itineraries created.

As long as the embarkation port is open, your ship will almost certainly sail, but there could be an itinerary change. Per the cruise contract you agreed to when you booked a cruise, no compensation is required to be given if your itinerary changes.

The bottom line is your ship will not sail anywhere near the storm.

What if the storm changes path and my ship is now in the way?

If the ocean starts getting too rough, cruise ships are able to outrun the storm.

A typical hurricane moves around 10 knots, but cruise ships can get up to 22 knots or higher in speed.

You can get a great deal

Want to find some of the cheapest prices for a Caribbean cruise? Book something in late summer or early fall.

Some of the cheapest times of the year to go on a cruise are the months of September and October because it falls right in the peak of hurricane season (and school is back in session). Late August is also usually priced cheaply.

Should you cruise during hurricane season?

The reality is many storms never impact land, and few have a direct impact on places cruise ships will visit. Moreover, if there is a storm in the area, Royal Caribbean will change the itinerary to avoid ever getting near the path of the storm.

The best reason to cruise during hurricane season is the lower prices. Cruises during this time of year scare away some people, and so prices tend to be lower to attract others. Moreover, the peak of hurricane season is when school is back in session, so less families are likely to cruise during this time of year.

Ultimately, you should cruise during hurricane season if you are flexible with your plans and okay with an itinerary shift. The weather might not be ideal, but there is a very good chance you will still be able to go on your cruise.

If I had to pick between cruising the Caribbean or cruising Alaska, I would pick Alaska every time.

I have cruised to Alaska each year for the past three years, and it’s quickly become my favorite cruise destination. The landscapes, wildlife, and port-intensive itineraries in Alaska are unlike any other cruise destination in North America, and I can’t get enough.

Those who have never cruised Alaska may find the concept of an Alaska cruise confusing. Why would anyone pay to be cold on vacation? What is the point of a cruise if you can’t suntan on the pool deck?

An Alaska cruise is, truthfully, very different from a traditional cruise experience in the Caribbean. You’ll swap a bathing suit for a jacket, sandals for boots, and sunglasses for binoculars.

Despite the colder weather, Alaska cruises offer unique ways to explore this fascinating region of the world, from booking a whale watching tour to dogsledding on a glacier.

While there are a few things I don’t like about Alaska cruises—namely, the ultra expensive shore excursions—I still prefer cruising to Alaska over Caribbean itineraries, and here are 8 reasons why.

What I love most about Alaska cruises is watching the scenery when sailing from port to port.

As much as I love visiting Alaska’s cruise ports, I enjoy watching the scenery from onboard even more.

In the Caribbean, your cruise ship spends most time at sea sailing through the open ocean. The majority of the time, once your ship sails away from port, you won’t see land until you arrive at your next port of call.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

Alaska cruises offer stunning scenery while your ship sails from port to port. Once you enter the state’s Inside Passage, your ship will be surrounded by land on both sides. You’ll see small islands, jagged cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers from the comfort and warmth of your cruise ship.

When I cruise to Alaska, I spend hours admiring the scenery from the Solarium, the pool deck, or a quiet lounge. It’s hard to beat sipping a hot chocolate while watching mountains, glaciers, and volcanoes out the window!

I love the tropical views on a Caribbean cruise, but for me, it doesn’t compare to what you’ll see in Alaska.

As an active traveler, I love the outdoor adventure opportunities offered in Alaska.

I’m always looking for outdoor activities when I cruise, and there’s perhaps no better place to explore the outdoors than Alaska.

Alaska’s nature is vast, rugged, and remote, but there are outdoor activities accessible to all guests. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice outdoorsman, you can easily find ways to explore the state’s nature during an Alaska cruise.

Related: Alaska cruise excursions

Many shore excursions in Alaska have an outdoor focus. You’ll find plenty of hiking, biking, kayaking, and even rock climbing excursions in Alaska cruise ports.

If you don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars on an excursion, it’s easy enough to explore nature without an organized tour. I prefer exploring ports on my own and have found outdoor activities in every cruise port, from day hikes in Sitka to bike rides in Juneau.

You can certainly still enjoy the outdoors in the Caribbean, but it’s hard to beat the outdoor activity offerings in a place like Alaska.

The wildlife viewing opportunities in Alaska are unmatched compared to other cruise destinations.

Alaska is home to majestic wildlife. There are an estimated 30,000 bears in the state along with an equal number of eagles. Additionally, eight species of whales frequent Alaska’s chilly waters during the summer months, including humpback, gray, orca, and minke whales.

Spotting wildlife is a major attraction for those booking a cruise to Alaska, and you’re almost guaranteed to see these animals during your week in the state.

I'm currently onboard an Alaska cruise, and just yesterday I spotted a mama black bear and two cubs through my binoculars from the ship. Later in the evening, a humpback whale made an appearance on the ship’s starboard side as we relaxed in the Solarium.

Related: What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?

In fact, I’ve spotted two whales since I began writing this blog post!

Beyond viewing wildlife from the ship, you can book a variety of wildlife-focused shore excursions. From whale watching tours to sea otter quests and visiting a bear rehabilitation facility, there are plenty of ways to get up close (but not too close!) with wildlife on an Alaska cruise.

You can book a one-way Alaska itinerary to explore the state more in-depth, and I love having this option.

When it comes to booking an Alaska cruise, you have two options: a roundtrip sailing or one-way itinerary.

Roundtrip cruises depart Seattle and return one week later. Throughout the week, they visit three Alaska cruise ports and also stop in Victoria, British Columbia.

Roundtrip sailings are convenient, as passengers can book a roundtrip flight, and if they drove to the cruise port, they can park their car in Seattle for the week.

One-way sailings, on the flip side, travel in one direction, starting in one port and ending in another. Northbound itineraries start in Vancouver, Canada and end in Seward, Alaska. Southbound cruises go in the opposite direction.

Related: 50 best Alaska cruise tips

One-way itineraries allow passengers to travel Alaska more in-depth—they stop at four Alaska cruise ports instead of just three.

Furthermore, starting or ending the cruise in Seward, Alaska allows guests to explore interior Alaska before or after the cruise. Visiting sites like Denali National Park and Preserve and Kenai Fjords National Park is just a few hours’ drive away from the cruise port in Seward.

Having one-way itinerary options is another reason I prefer Alaska cruises over Caribbean itineraries. One-way itineraries are not common in the Caribbean, and are usually only found on lengthy repositioning cruises.

While I cruise often, I enjoy land-based vacations for the ability to explore a destination at a slower pace. Booking a one-way itinerary allows you to experience the best of both worlds in Alaska.

Glacier viewing days are another reason I prefer Alaska cruises over Caribbean itineraries.

Most Alaska cruises include a scenic viewing day of a glacier, and these spectacular days are another reason I prefer Alaska cruises over Caribbean cruises.

Most round trip itineraries make a visit to Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, a 600 foot tall, 30 mile long glacier at the end of the Endicott Arm Fjord. Some itineraries also visit Tracy Arm Fjord and the twin Sawyer glaciers.

One-way itineraries often visit Hubbard Glacier, a 75 mile glacier that flows to Disenchantment Bay in southeast Alaska. At 400 feet tall and 6 miles wide, seeing this glacier makes for an unforgettable cruising day, and it’s something you’ll never see on a Caribbean cruise.

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

On glacier viewing days, your cruise ship sails through a narrow fjord amongst colossal cliffs and tall, narrow waterfalls. As your ship approaches a glacier, you’ll see icebergs and maybe even wildlife like seals, eagles, and whales.

Once at the glacier, the ship will turn 360 degrees, allowing guests to see the glacier from anywhere onboard.

Pictures don’t do Alaska’s glaciers justice—the scale and majesty of these massive ice sheets must be seen in person to truly appreciate their grandeur.

I’m a destination-focused traveler, and Alaska cruises focus more on the destination instead of the cruise ship itself.

In the age of mega cruise ships, it’s easy to place more of a focus on the ship itself instead of the destination. After all, today’s biggest cruise ships are destinations within themselves, with distinct neighborhoods, dozens of dining choices, and an endless array of activities and entertainment.

When cruising in the Caribbean, most passengers choose a cruise based on ship rather than itinerary. The ports seem almost secondary to the features of the cruise ship itself. In fact, some passengers do not even disembark the ship in ports of call, instead preferring to spend their time enjoying the ship’s amenities.

Related: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska

In Alaska, on the contrary, the focus of the vacation is on the destination instead of the ship. For most guests, visiting Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they are excited to relish every moment as much as possible.

You’ll catch more passengers researching ports of call, watching sailaway from outer decks, and visiting monuments and museums about the state’s culture. There’s a sense of excitement in the air when cruising Alaska that I haven’t yet seen on a Caribbean cruise.

As someone who lives on the west coast, it’s hard to beat the convenience of cruising to Alaska.

I live in the western United States, and it’s significantly easier for me to get to Seattle compared to east coast ports like Miami, New York, and Port Canaveral.

Because of this, I’ll always prefer booking a cruise from a port on the west coast, such as Seattle, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Doing so means I can hop on a short two hour flight instead of a twelve hour travel day with lengthy layovers.

Related: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

This also means flight prices are significantly cheaper than those to Florida. I recently booked a flight to Seattle for $150 roundtrip; flights to Miami, on the other hand, can be over $600. At that price, I might as well fly to Europe instead of Florida!

Additionally, the lack of a time difference when cruising from the west coast leaves me far less tired for the first few days of the cruise. Instead of recouping from jet lag and red-eye flights, I can kick off my vacation feeling more energized.

I enjoy the break from the summer heat when cruising to Alaska, even if it is a bit cold.

If you live in a warm climate like Arizona, visiting Alaska in July is akin to someone from Minnesota booking a Caribbean cruise in January.

Instead of traveling for sunny days to get you through winter, you’re cruising for chilly, cloudy days to help you survive the summer!

The temperatures in southeast Alaska typically range from 55-70° F during the summer months, with most days averaging around 65 degrees. While warm by Alaska standards, temperatures will feel cool for most passengers from the lower 48.

Booking a Caribbean cruise during the summer brings drastically different weather. It’s not uncommon to see highs above 90 degrees in Cozumel in July, and that’s not even mentioning the 80% humidity.

Personally, I prefer cruising somewhere colder in the summer months as opposed to traveling to a warmer climate. Although you won’t find me traveling to Alaska in January, I’m always eager to escape the heat of summer with a cold weather cruise.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Check out more of our helpful tips:

• How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise
• When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Happy Sunday! It is getting hot outside, and the Royal Caribbean news this week is equally heated.

Should you book early or late dinner on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

There are three choices when you book a cruise for a dinner time: early, late, and My Time Dining. 

Each option gets you a seated dinner in the Main Dining Room, but there are pros and cons to each choice.

Royal Caribbean News

• Icon of the Seas is designed to have a beach retreat experience
• Is a cruise ship cabin on the lowest deck bad?
• Royal Caribbean cruises in August 2023: What to expect
• 10 things to know before you book an Alaska cruise
• Why cruise ship occupancy rates  over 100% isn’t actually a problem (or what you think it means)
• Where to cruise this summer: 8 destination ideas

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 500th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, answering your Royal Caribbean cruise questions.

In celebration of the 500th episode, Matt decided it was appropriate that the episode be all about the listeners!

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

New RCB Video: 11 Overrated & Underrated Cruise Tips!

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 11 Overrated & Underrated Cruise Tips! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

What an inside room on Quantum of the Seas looks like

Curious to see what a cheap inside room on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas looks like for an Alaska cruise?

Inside cabins are usually the least expensive option for booking a cruise, which saves money for other things, such as a drink package or shore excursion.

Take a tour of Jenna's tiny, windowless cabin on Quantum of the Seas for her Alaska cruise. 

Two shore excursions in the same day is a mistake!

No matter how good it seems, booking two shore excursions for the same day is actually a bad idea.

While it may be enticing to try to squeeze in two different tours on the same day, there's a few good reasons why you will regret that decision.

You're better off booking just one organized tour per day!

7 reasons to eat at specialty restaurants only on your cruise

Sometimes it's a good idea to splurge, like when it comes to opting for only specialty restaurants on your cruise.

Considering how much food is included in your cruise fare, doing all specialty may seem counter intuitive, but the ambiance, food quality, and cuisine options at specialty dining is a compelling alternative.

Here are 7 reasons to eat at specialty restaurants instead of the Main Dining Room on your cruise.

Things I've tried on Royal Caribbean that I won't do again

 Allie listed the things she's done on a cruise ship that she won't be doing again.

We all have our own set of "one and done" lists, and this week focuses on the activities and choices Allie made on Royal Caribbean that she'll skip next time around.

August is a popular month for a summer cruise, with some of the warmest temperatures you'll find anywhere a Royal Caribbean cruise ship sails.

If you're taking a Royal Caribbean cruise in August, expect to find lots of families enjoying their summer break trip. In fact, August is such a popular month for cruises that demand for cruises can be quite high, especially in the first half of the month.

As summer begins its slow fade into fall, August means it will still be plenty warm almost anywhere you sail. 

Europe will be quite warm, and Alaska cruises can enjoy comfortable outdoor temperatures too.

In the Caribbean, August represents the off season as the hurricane season is about to kick up in chances of a storm.

If you have a cruise in August, here's what to expect on your sailing.

Ships sailing in August 2023

Royal Caribbean operates cruises in three markets in August: Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. You'll also find cruises to Bermuda and Canada too.

Starting in Alaska, you'll find August to be Alaska's peak season because of warm weather and school out of session, which enables families to visit. However, crowds and higher cruise fares are to be expected at this time of year and rain is likely, especially in August. You will want to book well in advance for an Alaska cruise in August, as itineraries tend to sell out quickly.

The Bermuda cruise season is between May and October, with highest demand between June and August.  This makes a Bermuda cruise in August probably more expensive than if you sailed in September or October.

You'll find a smattering of Royal Caribbean ships operating in the Caribbean during the month of August, mostly because a portion of the fleet has is in Europe.

July and August are the most popular months to travel by cruise ship in Europe because of the warmth you'll find around the continent.

August weather on a cruise

Just like July, August is a very warm month for a cruise.

A Mediterranean cruise in August means you could encounter a heatwave, especially in places like Greece.  You can expect normal temperatures to be in the 80 degree range, with overnight lows in the 60's.

One advantage of August in Europe is the optimal weather. Typical August weather on land and at sea are at their best this time of year, so expect smooth sailing into port, and dry, sunny days ashore.

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

Alaska cruises in August is when you'll not only find warm weather, but also rain. This means you should expect a washout during your Alaska shore excursions. Daytime average high temperatures are in the low- to mid-60s in August, and lows are in the upper 40s and lower 50s.

Read more: When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

If you like it hot and humid, then a Caribbean cruise in August is just what you wanted.

The Caribbean may not see the kind of temperature swings you experience across the United States in August, but it will rain every day in the Caribbean. On the plus side, ocean temperatures are at their warmest in August.

If you do select an August cruise in the Caribbean, keep in mind this is the month hurricane season starts to kick up in intensity.

Read more: What to know about cruising during hurricane season in the Caribbean

Is August a good month to cruise?

August tends to have a different sort of feel to it depending if you cruise the first half or second half of the month.

Early August is still very much summer, and more similar to July in terms of weather, crowds, and prices.

Once you get to late August, many kids are back in school, and the weather can also start to cool down in places like Alaska or Europe. In addition, hurricane season in the Caribbean starts becoming more impactful.

Speaking of hurricanes, if you have a Caribbean cruise in August, it's not unheard of for there to be a tropical storm that disrupts your itinerary.  You should be prepared for an itinerary change if a storm does pop up.

Hurricane season lasts from June through the end of November, but most storms occur during August and September.

August isn't a bad month to take a cruise to The Bahamas or Caribbean, but you should be aware of the risks of an itinerary change.  And in case you're wondering, it's unlikely for your cruise to be cancelled due to a hurricane.  The most likely scenario if a tropical storm is projected to be in the path of your ship is for your itinerary to change.  

In terms of prices, you can probably find much better prices for an August cruise in the final two weeks compared to the early part of the week. Someone looking for a last-minute cruise deal could probably have some degree of luck with a late August cruise.

If you dislike large numbers of children, avoid sailing in August because of the fact school is on break for most kids.

For anyone cruising to Europe, keep in mind many Europeans head out for their own vacation during August, so be aware that some businesses might be closed. As crowds thicken over the summer, especially at popular tourist attractions, pickpockets will be on the prowl -- be smart about your belongings.

More information

• 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship
• 2022 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide
• Things I've done that I'll never do again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 7 things worth checking again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 6 things you may not have tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise