Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society benefits can improve your cruise experience, but points earned can also transfer to experiences on land. Royal Caribbean has a partnership with MGM Resorts, offering a tier match between the Crown & Anchor Society and MGM Rewards program.

For no extra cost, you can link your Crown & Anchor level and immediately take advantage of MGM benefits including resort fee waivers, discounts on entertainment, and complimentary hotel upgrades.

I recently headed to Las Vegas to take a closer look at how linking your Royal Caribbean account with MGM Rewards can enhance your MGM experience, whether in Las Vegas or beyond.

In this article:

• Overview
• Where can I use MGM Rewards benefits?
• Hotel benefits
• Retail benefits
• Dining benefits
• Transportation benefits
• Entertainment benefits
• Gaming and access benefits
• Overall thoughts

Overview

MGM Rewards (formerly known as M Life Rewards) is a loyalty program with benefits and rewards available at select MGM properties in Las Vegas and around the United States.

MGM Rewards tier points are earned through the following:

• Gaming: slots, video lottery terminals, video poker, and table games
• Hotel accommodations, dining, and spa (4 tier credits per dollar spent)

There are no set tier points earned per dollar spent on gaming. Instead, MGM Rewards points are earned based on time spent playing, average bet, and game type.

There are five tiers within MGM Rewards:

• Sapphire (Up to 19,999 Tier Credits)
• Pearl (20,000 - 74,999 Tier Credits)
• Gold (75,000 - 199,999 Tier Credits)
• Platinum (200,000 Tier Credits)
• Noir (by invitation only)

Tier match

Luckily, Crown & Anchor Society members do not have to spend any money at MGM properties to take advantage of MGM Rewards. Through a tier match offered between MGM Resorts and Royal Caribbean, Crown & Anchor Society members can immediately begin receiving discounts and rewards.

The tier level you receive with MGM Rewards depends on your tier in the Crown & Anchor Society:

• C&A Gold = Sapphire status with MGM Rewards
• C&A Platinum = Pearl status with MGM Rewards
• C&A Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club = Gold status with MGM Rewards

Linking your account

To link your Crown & Anchor Society account with MGM Rewards, first make a free account on the MGM Resorts website. Next, contact an MGM Rewards representative through phone or email:

• Phone: 866-761-7111
• Email: [email protected]

Let the representative know your Crown & Anchor Society number. They will contact Royal Caribbean to confirm your information and link you to the appropriate tier with MGM rewards. In my experience this took only a few minutes. As I am a Diamond member in the Crown & Anchor Society, I immediately became a Gold Member with MGM Rewards.

Where can I use MGM Rewards benefits?

MGM Rewards can be used at the following destinations:

Las Vegas

• Bellagio
• ARIA Resort & Casino
• Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas
• MGM Grand
• The Signature at MGM Grand
• Mandalay Bay
• Delano Las Vegas
• Park MGM
• The Mirage
• New York-New York
• Luxor
• Excalibur

Regional Destinations

• Beau Rivage
• Gold Strike Tunica
• Borgata
• MGM Grand Detroit
• MGM National Harbor
• MGM Springfield

Hotel benefits

While both Sapphire and Pearl members of MGM Rewards receive a guaranteed lowest room rate when booking direct, the best hotel benefits come with Gold tier and above.

Most hotels on the strip all come with resort fees which must be paid in addition to the hotel fare each night. The majority of resort fees run around $35 - 40 per night plus a 14% tax added on the nightly hotel fare.

Perhaps the best benefit for MGM Gold members and above is having the nightly resort fee, along with taxes and fees, waived each night of your stay. As the resort fee and taxes can add $50+ to your hotel cost each day, this leads to instant savings no matter if you stay just one night or an entire week.

In addition to the resort fee waived, Gold MGM members and above can take advantage of a priority check-in line at the front desk and a complimentary enhanced room upgrade at check-in, based on availability. The complimentary room upgrade usually entails an upgrade to a room with a Strip view or higher floor, but if those rooms are unavailable, guests can be upgraded to a higher tier room such as a suite.

Park MGM

To test out the hotel benefits through MGM Rewards, I booked a room at the Park MGM. Getting the resort fee waived can only be done when booking directly through the MGM Rewards website, so I booked online and headed to the hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

I booked a standard room with two queen beds at the Park MGM for $105.05. The resort fee and tax, which I did not have to pay due to my MGM Rewards status, would have been an additional $44.22. When you book, the website still tells you the resort fee and taxes are due upon arrival. This is waived when checking in at the front desk.

Upon arrival at Park MGM, I initially entered the general check-in line as I did not realize I had another option. As I was waiting in line, though, I spotted the VIP line for Gold MGM members and above. The VIP line had no wait and I was able to get checked in right away.

It was around 1PM, and while check-in was not officially open until 3PM, a room was ready. I inquired, however, about the complimentary enhanced room upgrade for Gold MGM members. While a room upgrade was not available at 1PM, one would be ready at the normal check-in time.

I decided to wait two hours to see what kind of upgrades MGM Rewards members can receive. In the meantime, I checked out the pool areas at the Park MGM, which are complimentary for hotel guests. The Park MGM has three pools, two bars, and plenty of comfy seating available. It definitely seemed like a great space to spend hot, sunny days in Las Vegas.

I received an upgrade to a Stay Well Two Queen room, which enhances the guest safety experience with improved air purification, aromatherapy, dawn simulator lighting, an upgraded mattress, and a chlorine-reducing shower infuser. The room was quite spacious and I enjoyed having access to the Stay Well amenities throughout my stay.

Retail benefits

MGM Rewards members receive discounts at participating retail shops in Las Vegas. Sapphire members receive a 5% discount, Pearl and Gold members 10%, and Platinum and Noir members 15%.

“Participating retail” seemed vague, and the MGM Rewards desk did not have a list of participating retail stores available. I ended up finding an old PDF from the ARIA Resort & Casino which lists participating retail at MGM properties in Las Vegas.

The participating retailers list is quite extensive, covering both high-end retail like Tesorini and resort-themed souvenir stores such as I love NYNY. The list seemed to cover most retail stores at MGM properties.

Any discount is nice when in Las Vegas, and as I was planning to purchase a souvenir or two anyway, I decided to take advantage of my 10% discount. I walked into the Shoppe at Park MGM and saved a few dollars on souvenirs to take home.

One thing that caught my eye in the (outdated?) retail brochure was the fact that certain spas were listed in participating retail. I was curious whether this discount was just for spa retail or if it could be used for spa treatments, so I asked MGM Rewards staff members, to which I received varying responses.

Some staff members thought spa treatments were included in the discounts whereas others were not certain. I headed to The Spa & Salon at New York-New York to check for myself where it was confirmed that the discount was only for spa retail. While disappointed I would not be booking my discounted manicure, I purchased a few retail items from the spa anyway for 10% off.

Dining benefits

MGM Rewards properties, whether in Las Vegas or beyond, have a wide array of cuisines available, from quick-service buffets to fine dining. MGM Rewards members receive benefits for dining at MGM properties.

Dining benefits start at the Pearl tier with a dedicated line at the buffet for Pearl and above. Those with Gold status or above also receive priority reservations for fine dining and a dedicated line at participating restaurants outside the buffet.

I decided to try out a dining benefit by heading to the buffet at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, located just across the street from the Park MGM.

Upon arrival, I immediately noticed the dedicated buffet line for MGM Rewards members. While I got to the buffet near closing and there was no line anyway, I can see how this would be a fantastic, time-saving benefit during peak hours.

I was able to be seated within a few minutes, and while I wouldn't say the buffet at Excalibur is the fanciest in the world, I enjoyed the crepe and omelet stations as well as the wide range of cuisines available.

Note: While the dining benefits on MGM's website also list a $100 dining credit for those reaching the Gold tier, this benefit is not available for members who reached Gold simply by linking their Crown & Anchor Society account.

Transportation benefits

MGM Rewards benefits also extend to transportation, providing discounts and benefits guaranteed to save members money when traveling to Las Vegas and beyond.

Visitors of any tier in MGM Rewards who need a car rental will save up to 30% off base rental rates with Avis. Those with Pearl status and above can enjoy complimentary self-parking at MGM Rewards destinations, and those with Gold Status and above can enjoy complimentary valet parking.

While I took a Lyft to my hotel in Las Vegas, I would have saved $15 per day in parking fees through my MGM Rewards status had I brought my car.

Entertainment benefits

MGM Rewards members receive discounts on entertainment and access to complimentary shows at MGM Rewards destinations. While benefits on hotel stays, transportation, and dining were relatively straightforward, MGM’s entertainment benefits are more complex as most are on a case-by-case basis.

These are the main entertainment benefits through MGM Rewards:

• Exclusive MGM Rewards pre-sale access for select entertainment & sporting events
• Discounts to select shows at MGM Rewards destinations
• Complimentary tickets to select exclusive MGM Rewards concerts in Las Vegas

Initially I thought there would be a percentage discount on shows at MGM properties like Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group. Upon speaking to a representative, though, it appears discounts are offered on a case-by-case basis dependent on demand for each particular show. There was no list of shows offering discounts available, so I was unable to take advantage of this benefit.

One new benefit MGM Rewards is offering is complimentary tickets to select MGM Rewards concerts in Las Vegas. Through this benefit, MGM Rewards members will be notified of complimentary concerts exclusive for Pearl members and above. 

Gaming and access benefits

Earning a higher status with MGM Rewards by linking your Crown & Anchor Society account brings a variety of gaming and access benefits to be enjoyed at MGM Rewards destinations.

Dedicated reservation lines, non-expiring MGM Rewards points and slot dollars, VIP line access to select Las Vegas nightclubs, bonus on slot dollars earned, and invitations to member-only events and tournaments are just some of the gaming benefits MGM Rewards members can enjoy.

Overall thoughts

Linking your Crown & Anchor Society account to MGM Rewards is completely free and 100% worth doing before staying at an MGM property, whether in Las Vegas or at regional destinations. Saving money and time is guaranteed, whether through complimentary parking or VIP check-in lines.

I think the greatest value of MGM Rewards is, by far, having resort fee and taxes waived for those with Gold status and above. With a savings of around $50+ per night, this can save visitors hundreds of dollars on a stay in Las Vegas or other MGM properties.

In addition, I really enjoyed the complimentary room upgrade available. While I wasn’t upgraded to a significantly larger room or a suite, the upgrade from a standard room to a Stay Well room was well appreciated.

Although I wasn’t traveling to Las Vegas at the busiest time of year or on a weekend, I still enjoyed having access to priority lines at check in and the buffet. I never had to wait in line more than a few seconds, and I’m sure this is a benefit that would be extra helpful during peak times of the year.

I do not have any complaints on benefits offered, especially as I received these benefits simply by linking my Crown & Anchor Society membership to MGM. There was definitely a sense of uncertainty from staff members when I inquired about what benefits were included for MGM Rewards members, though.

Conflicting statements on entertainment discounts and retail options were a bit frustrating when figuring out how to use my MGM Rewards benefits. I encountered this even when asking questions at the MGM Rewards desks at several resorts, so I was surprised there wasn’t more concrete information on the loyalty program available. However, seeing as though the change from M Life Rewards to the MGM Rewards program is quite new, it’s understandable that there may be some confusion on all benefits.

Overall, I was able to save money and time through MGM Rewards and I would recommend any Crown & Anchor Society member to create and link their account to MGM prior to traveling to Las Vegas or beyond.

Sitka is a common port on Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska, located on the western side of Baranof Island and directly facing the Pacific Ocean. Offering a blend of Russian, Tlingit, and American cultures, Sitka offers everything from breathtaking day hikes to historic monuments.

If your Alaska cruise visits Sitka, it’s a great idea to learn about what activities are offered in town so you can make the most of your day in port. Let’s take a look at the best activities to do on a cruise to Sitka.

Fortress of the Bear

Photo credit: Fortress of the Bear

Fortress of the Bear is a bear rehabilitation facility, offering a second chance at life for orphaned and sick brown bears in Alaska. 8 bears are currently housed at the facility: Toby, Lucky, Chaik, Smokey, Bandit, Tuliaan, Nuka, and Nikishi.

Fortress of the Bear has a three-quarter acre habitat in the Tongass National Forest, and visiting the facility offers the opportunity to get within just 25 feet of Alaska’s brown bears in a natural setting. Visitors can view bears from a large, covered viewing platform and learn about the bears from on-site naturalists.

Visiting Fortress of the Bear is an excellent activity for those hoping to catch a glimpse of Alaska’s brown bears and support an organization working to improve the lives of young bears that have been orphaned.

Spot marine life

A cruise to Sitka, much like other Alaska cruise ports, brings the opportunity to spot majestic wildlife, particularly in the ocean waters.

You’ll find tour operators offering whale watching shore excursions throughout the season. While Sitka may not be as popular for whale watching compared to ports like Juneau or Icy Point Strait, it still offers the opportunity to spot humpback whales, otters, sea lions, seals, and a slim possibility of spotting orcas.

One excursion that may be of interest to animal lovers is the “Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest” tour, which brings guests on a three-hour boat ride through Sitka Sound to spot sea otters, sea lions, porpoise, seals, bald eagles, whales, bears, and other types of wildlife. A naturalist guide accompanies the group as they sail through picturesque mountain scenery, offering insightful information about Sitka’s ecosystem and history.

Kayak Sitka Sound

Kayaking is a sport popular for visitors to Alaska, allowing the chance to explore the state’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife from the water. Kayak excursions in Sitka take visitors to nearby destinations including Sitka Sound and the remote Siginaka Islands.

While traveling via kayak, visitors have the chance to spot wildlife both above and below the water including otters, sea lions, bald eagles, jellyfish, and crabs. Kayak excursions to Sitka Sound even give visitors the chance to kayak with views of Mount Edgecumbe, a 3,201 foot volcano west of Sitka.

Alaska Raptor Center

Bird lovers will enjoy a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for injured raptors. The Alaska Raptor Center works to rescue and rehabilitate hawks, owls, eagles, and other birds of prey.

Visitors to the Alaska Raptor Center will have the opportunity to witness these majestic birds fly through the air and learn more about the center’s work to help raptors regain strength and independence before being released back into the wild.

The Alaska Raptor Center can be visited on your own or through a shore excursion.

Walk around the historic town

If you don’t want to plan an organized excursion while in Sitka, consider walking around town on your own. VisitSitka.org provides a list of historic sites to discover around town, from the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society to the Russian Block House.

The Sheldon Jackson Museum makes for an interesting activity in Sitka, which houses a collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material including totems, baskets, masks, and traditional clothing.

The Sitka Sound Science Center is another activity to add to a day exploring town. The center’s small aquarium houses sea urchins, anemones, starfish, rockfish, sculpins, salmon, a wolf eel, and more. There’s also interactive exhibits and a skeleton of an adolescent killer whale on display.

Outside of museums, monuments, and educational centers are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shopping.

Discover Sitka’s Russian influence

Sitka was originally inhabited by the Native Tlingit people. In 1799, Russian explorers settled Old Sitka, much to the dismay of the Native people. Russians were victorious during the 4-day long Battle of Sitka in October 1804, though, and established a settlement named Novo Arkhangelsk (New Archangel).

The city grew in the early 1800s, and it was officially designated the capital of Russian America in 1808. Russians remained in Sitka until the land was transferred to the United States in 1867, following Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War.

Visitors to Sitka today can discover the remnants of Russia’s influence in Sitka by visiting monuments and tasting Russian cuisine.

The Russian Bishop’s House is a popular spot to visit, which was the residence of Ivan Veniaminov, the first Bishop of Alaska and the headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. Today the Russian Bishop’s House has been transformed into a museum, offering artifact displays and information about daily life in Russian Alaska.

Another popular spot to visit is St. Michael Cathedral. While technically a reconstruction of the original church following a fire in 1966, St. Michael Cathedral is a designated National Landmark giving insights into Russia’s influence in Alaska.

Those looking to taste Russian-influenced cuisine while in Sitka may enjoy Pel’Meni, a casual, quick-serve Russian dumpling restaurant serving beef and potato dumplings topped with curry powder, butter, sriracha, rice vinegar, and cilantro.

Visit the Sitka National Historical Park

The Sitka National Historical Park is a 113-acre waterfront park in Sitka that preserves the site of a battle between the Native Tlingit people and Russian traders.

The park is free to visit and within walking distance from downtown Sitka. It includes nature trails, a visitor center, and a theater showing a video about Sitka’s history.

A popular trail at the park is the Totem Trail, a mile long walkway through the forest that has eighteen hand carved Tlingit and Haida totem poles. Also in the park is the Russian Memorial Trail, leading visitors to the grounds of the Battle of Sitka. Visitors can explore the trails on their own or join a guided walk with a park ranger.

Visiting the Sitka National Historical Park can be a relaxing way to spend time in Sitka while taking in the surrounding nature and history.

Visit the Baranof Castle State Historic Site

Photo credit: Jrozwado

Take in the best views of Sitka from the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, also known as Castle Hill. The formal transfer ceremony of Alaska from Russia to the United States occurred on top of Castle Hill, making the Baranof Castle State Historic Site an integral part of Alaska’s history and transformation.

Castle Hill was originally inhabited by the Native Tlingit people who built a fortification on the land. From 1804 to 1967, the site was occupied by Russians, at which point Alaska was officially transferred to the United States.

As the site is accessible from downtown Sitka, it makes for an easy activity to add to your day exploring the town.

Go on a day hike

Like all of southeast Alaska, Sitka is surrounded by mountain peaks emerging dramatically from the ocean below. Visitors looking to explore Sitka’s nature are in luck, as there are a variety of day hikes to choose from.

A top rated trail in Sitka is the Mount Verstovia Trail, a 4.5 mile out and back hike leaving near downtown Sitka and to the peak of Mt. Verstovia at 3,300 feet. A challenging hike with several thousand feet of elevation gain, this hike is not for beginners, although it offers unparalleled views of Sitka’s scenery. Most hikers will stop at Picnic Rock (2,550’) as the trail to the top of Mt. Verstovia from there is unmaintained. 

If you’re looking for something easier, consider Sitka’s Cross Trail, an accessible gravel-paved trail for cycling and walking. The trail is 3.8 miles each way and connects through Sitka’s neighborhoods and tourist destinations, offering a tranquil place to walk while remaining close to town.

Passengers looking to get extra active may enjoy the “Sitka Bike and Hike” excursion, which brings guests on a 4 mile bike ride along the shore of the Pacific ocean and 1 mile hike through the rainforest.

Eat and drink your way through town

Photo credit: Ludvig's Bistro

A wonderful way to experience Sitka’s cultural melting pot is through food and drink. Cuisines from around the world can be found in Sitka, from upscale Mediterranean to quick-service seafood.

If you’re interested in a fancier sit-down meal while in Sitka, consider dining at Ludvig’s Bistro, the highest rated restaurant in town. Menu highlights at Ludvig’s Bistro include Wild Alaskan Paella Mixta, Rockfish n Chips, Ludvig’s Chowder, Bistro Steak, and Tuscan Scallops.

For a more casual meal, head to Ashmo’s food truck for fish and chips, salmon mac and cheese, and black cod over rice.

Looking for a drink? Check out Ernie’s Old Time Saloon for a variety of beers on tap or a cocktail. On days with particularly cold weather, spend some time in one of Sitka’s coffee shops to warm up with a coffee and pastry.

Local’s guide of what to do in Sitka, Alaska

Mollie Breese lives in Alaska and came up with a few things worth trying that only locals really know about, but you should try too!

Enjoy a quiet walk through an old Russian cemetery  

Prior to the United States’ purchase of the Alaskan territory, Russian fur traders and fishermen were the principal foreign inhabitants of coastal Alaska (then called Russian America). Reminders of these past adventurers remain embedded throughout Alaskan communities, and if you talk to a local, the chances are high that they have a Russian relative in their bloodline. 

As the once capital of Russian America, Sitka maintains strong ties and cultural undertones to this period of Russian heritage. Visitors can see this history firsthand at the old Russian Orthodox cemetery located in the heart of downtown Sitka. This 200-year cemetery contains beautiful tombstones marking the graves of Russian Orthodox parishioners. Each tombstone is remarkably unique, with some falling to the test of time and nearly completely covered in moss. Placed in the moss-covered forest, a walk in this cemetery will make you feel miles away from town. 

While walking a cemetery may not seem like an exciting affair, this walk allows visitors to see a lasting mark of history today. When visiting, remember to be respectful, as this cemetery is still in use today by local families.

You can access the cemetery off Seward Street, near the Sitka Lutheran Cemetery. The cemetery was vandalized in January 2022, but local organizations continue restoring the area and returning it to its former beauty. 

Take a hike along Beaver Lake Trail and look for wildlife 

If you’re up for a little more adventure, head over to Beaver Lake Trail to enjoy a 3-mile hike through old-growth forests and along a pristine mountain lake. You will need to rent a car or pay for a taxi to access this route. The trailhead is outside of town at Blue Lake Campground. However, there are plenty of sights to enjoy in the area, making the trek worth it. If you have a more extended stay in the area, you can hike to the trailhead from downtown Sitka via the Herring Cove Trail. This trail departs from Sitka road and is about a one-hour trip. 

Beaver Lake Trail is a 3-mile trail with a steep elevation gain in the first quarter of a mile. The trail rises sharply up 200 feet with a series of switchbacks before leveling off to its ascent to Beaver Lake. The huffing and puffing is worth it once hikers reach the lake and behold the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. This trail is short enough to be combined with other sightseeing stops throughout the day. Wildlife is common along this path, so keep your eyes out for bears, eagles, deer, and ermine. 

Local tip: Pack rain gear, bear spray, and bug spray for this outing. While the Alaskan wilderness is beautiful, it is also incredibly buggy in the summer months. Bears can be frequent visitors along this route, so take extra precautions and always be Bear Aware.  

Grab lunch at the Fresh Fish  

While you should visit Sitka for the scenery, you will want to stay for the food. Sitka is not short on delicious restaurants and cafes, and you could spend weeks experiencing all the wonderful flavors found in this city. However, if you’re only in town for a short bit, make a stop at the Fresh Fish food truck for one of the best meals in town. After all, you can’t visit Alaska without trying the local seafood! 

Fresh Fish offers a bare menu of locally-caught poke, chowder, and ceviche. The menu changes often, so it is always fun to swing by and see what they are offering. Meals are made quickly, so you can grab a delicious treat quickly before heading out on your next adventure. 

Local tip: Fresh Fish is typically open Friday-Wednesday from 11:30-3:00. Depending on the day, the cart does move around in town. Check out their Facebook page or Instagram @thefreshfish.ak for the latest updates. 

Take a boat ride to Goddard Hot Springs

Even in the summer, Sitka can experience chilly temperatures and gloomy days. One of the best ways to still enjoy the outdoors, even on a cloudy day, is to catch a boat to Goddard Hot Springs. The boat ride from Sitka is about an hour and offers splendid views of Baranof Island from the water.

Keep your eyes on the lookout for whales and other marine mammals on your journey. Located to the south of Sitka, visitors can plan to spend at least half of a day exploring these natural wonders and enjoying a dip in the warm waters. 

The city of Sitka owns the Goddard Hot Springs, and the springs are free to the public. Each spring is protected within wooden huts, keeping out the worse of the Alaskan weather. Pack plenty of layers for the return trip, as temperatures can dramatically vary on the water. 

Look for Puffins at St. Lazaria Island

Sitka sits on the outside of the Interior Passage, making it an excellent destination for bird viewing during the short summer months. Thousands of sea birds flock to the Sitka area between May and September to breed and nest along the sea cliffs and islands. One of the best places to see this natural phenomenon is St. Lazaria Island. 

St. Lazaria is the summer home of dozens of bird species, including puffins, petrels, auklets, and oystercatchers. These birds nest along volcanic cliffs and feed upon the abundant Fish and marine life that congregates in the waters around the island. St. Lazaria is one of 2,500 Alaskan islands that comprise the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. It is estimated that over half a million birds return to this location each year to raise their young. 

St. Lazaria Island is located to the north of Sitka and is only accessible by boat. Numerous charters and water taxis depart from Sitka every day to take eager birdwatchers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts on a cruise along the edges of this protected island. Otters, seals, and humpback whales are also a common sight on this journey. 

Local tip: This may not be the best choice for visitors prone to seasickness. Pack a pair of binoculars for this journey, as there will be much to see! While much of the water around Sitka is protected from weather, the ride out to St. Lazaria can be rough if the weather turns.  

Regardless of how you choose to spend your day in Sitka, Alaska, you are guaranteed to enjoy it. This makes it one of the top stops to enjoy your Great Alaskan Journey! Fair winds and smooth sailing! 

More information on what to do in Alaska's cruise ports:

• Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska
• Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska
• Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska

With less than a month until cruises begin in the Mediterranean this year, Royal Caribbean has released its Barcelona & Italy health protocols.

The Mediterranean cruise season will commence in earnest in May, so Royal Caribbean has published what the pre-cruise & onboard Covid health requirements will be for passengers.

These particular protocols apply to sailings from Spain and Italy through May 31, 2022. 

Some destinations we visit require additional testing and may have restrictions for guests who are not up-to-date with their vaccines. 

Vaccines

All guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated, having received their final dose no less than 14 days prior to sailing.

Additionally, for the purpose of these Barcelona & Italy sailings, to be considered up-to-date, guests must have received all doses in their vaccine series and have received their booster if the second vaccine was administered over 270 days (9 months) ago.

Children aged 5 to 11 years are not required to be vaccinated. However, kids who have been fully vaccinated may present proof and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests. Children with one dose of a vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated.

Royal Caribbean will not accept a Certificate of Recovery in the place of a vaccination record.

Entry requirements

All guests traveling to Spain will need to complete an FCS Health Control Form prior to entering Spain.

All guests ages 6 years and up traveling to Italy will need to complete an European Passenger Locator Form (PLF) prior to entering Italy.

Testing

Pre-cruise from Spain

​Guests who are up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 2 days before sailing.

Guests who are not up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before sailing.

Embarkation from Spain

All unvaccinated guests ages 2 - 11 years will be required to take a boarding day antigen test in the terminal and receive a negative result in order to sail. 

Pre-cruise from Italy

All guests who are up-to-date with their vaccines will be required to present a negative test result for a COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before sailing.

Embarkation from Italy

All unvaccinated and not up-to-date guests ages 2 years and older will be required to take a boarding day antigen test in the terminal and receive a negative result in order to sail.

This test will be complimentary for children ages 2 - 11 years.

Guests ages 12 years and older who are considered unvaccinated or not up-to-date will be charged $55 USD per test.

Onboard testing

Guests who are considered unvaccinated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or who are not up-to-date with their vaccines will require additional testing during our sailings.

This test is at the guest's expense if they are ages 12 years and up and considered unvaccinated or if they are not up-to-date at the price of $55 USD per test. These guests will receive registration information once onboard based on the below:

• During the Cruise: Depending on the itinerary, guests 12 years and older — or 6 and older in Italian & Greek ports — will have additional testing requirements.
• Prior to Disembarking sailings from Spain: Guests 12 and older who meet the above criteria will test before disembarking.
• Prior to Disembarking sailings from Italy: Guests 6 years and older who meet the above criteria may be required to test before disembarking, based on the itinerary.

Guests under 2 years old are not required to test.

Masks

Masks are optional for vaccinated guests and expected for onboard for unvaccinated children aged 2 years and older. 

Masks will be required in Adventure Ocean, in the cruise terminal, and may be required at various destinations.

These protocols are subject to change.

Shore Excursions

Fully vaccinated guests can visit most ports of call freely. Depending on their itinerary, guests who are not up-to-date with their vaccines may require multiple tests to disembark in ports of call. All guests going ashore must still follow local health and safety guidance when visiting each port of call.

What travel documents to bring with you

• Passport/European ID Card is needed for all guests with a validity of at least 6 months after their sailing’s return date. EU Nationals may also present their European ID card.
• Proof of Vaccine must be presented by all guests 12 and older. Acceptable proof of vaccination must be in the form of the original vaccination record document issued by your country's health authority or healthcare provider that administered the vaccination, with the full cycle of doses being completed no less than 14 days prior to sailing. Guests living in the EU are advised to present their EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate.
• Negative Test Result must be presented by all vaccinated guests upon arrival at the port.
• For Spain: Negative Test Result must be presented by all vaccinated guests upon arrival at the port.
• For Italy: Negative Test Result must be presented by all up-to-date guests upon arrival at the port
• For Spain: FCS Health Control Form must be completed here by all guests age 12 and up before entering Spain.
• For Italy: European Passenger Locator Form must be completed here by all guests ages 6 years and older before entering Italy.
• Proof of Residency may be needed for guests traveling with a passport/European ID card that was issued from a country different from their country of residence.
• Health Questionnaire to be completed on our Royal Caribbean App the day before you board.

Full protocols

More information

• What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?
• What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
• 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise

While Royal Caribbean's flexible cancellation policy has come to an end, the cruise line will still allow last-minute cancellations if you or someone in your group tests positive for Covid-19.

When the Cruise with Confidence ended on March 31, a lot of cruisers were worried that you would be out of luck financially if someone caught covid before their cruise. 

The good news is Royal Caribbean has a separate policy that covers passengers who test positive for covid before their cruise begins that runs for another year.

If you're wondering what happens if someone tests positive in the last few days before a cruise begins, here's a look at Royal Caribbean's policy and why there is still some flexibility in cancelling at the last minute for health reasons.

Covid-19 assistance

The Cruise with Confidence program allowed passengers to cancel their cruise for any reason up to 48 hours before the day a cruise began, but that program was aimed primarily at assuaging concerns of not feeling comfortable going through with a booking, rather than someone being unable to cruise.

In parallel to Cruise with Confidence, Royal Caribbean's Covid-19 assistance program covers guests who test positive for covid at no extra charge.

If you, or anyone in your traveling party, tests positive for Covid-19 within 10 days before your cruise begins (or at the cruise terminal), Royal Caribbean will refund 100% of the cruise fare to all of you. You also have the option for a future cruise credit (FCC) instead.

Royal Caribbean defines "traveling party" as your family members living with you in the same household and traveling companions assigned to your stateroom on the cruise.

This applies to cruises departing on or before March 31, 2023.

Royal Caribbean says your test result must be submitted as proof of a positive result in order to qualify for a refund, unless you tested positive from a test administered by Royal Caribbean.

If you had close contact with a positive or suspected covid-19 case within 10 days of embarkation, and Royal Caribbean deems you are unfit to travel, you, and anyone
else in your traveling party who cancels, are eligible for a refund of the cruise fare paid, or an optional FCC equal in value to the same. 

Anyone effectively denied boarding in these circumstances will be entitled to a refund, or an optional FCC, for the cruise fare paid to Royal Caribbean. 

You can refer to the full policy here.

Refunds during a cruise

Additionally, if your cruise is cut short for reasons related to Covid-19, Royal Caribbean will provide a pro-rated refund of the cruise fare for cruises departing on or before April 30, 2022.

If you test positive for COVID-19 during the cruise, Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of Covid-19 related medical treatment onboard, any required land-based quarantine, and travel home for you and your Traveling Party, for cruises departing on or before April 30, 2022.

There is no word yet if either of those two policies will be extended beyond April 2022.

Royal Caribbean has a new way for guests to pay off their cruise in increments rather than waiting until the final payment date to pay the cruise in one lump sum.

The new FlexPay option was announced on Monday as a tool for travel agents to offer their clients an easier way to schedule payments.

Travel agents were always able to take partial payments prior to final payment date, but it required the client or the agent to arrange for those payments to occur on their own.  With the new FlexPay program, this can be scheduled and set up in advance.

At this time, it is only available if booking a cruise through a travel advisor. This means someone who books their cruise directly with the cruise line instead of a travel agent can not use this feature.

Read more: Top things you didn't know travel agents can do for your cruise vacation

Royal Caribbean hopes FlexPay will make it more convenient for both advisors and guests and save time.

Travel partners can now pre-schedule up to 10 automatic payments that can be arranged by date, amount and can even accept more than one credit card.  

There's no fees to using it, so FlexPay is totally free.

If client changes their mind or wants to modify their payment schedule, the agent make those alterations in a few clicks.

FlexPay is available immediately for use for both Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity.

More tools for travel agents

FlexPay is one of many new innovations aimed at making life easier for travel agents.

The pandemic brought with it a greater need for agents to be in contact with the cruise line, which contributed to longer hold times on the phone.

In an effort to combat the need to get on the phone, Royal Caribbean has been working on creating self-service tools to lessen the load on phone-based support.

Some examples of these tools include:

• Allowing travel agents to redeem future cruise credits (FCC) and check the status of a FCC online
• Send personalized FCC reminder emails to clients 
• Generate leads with eQuote
• Online tool for travel agents to access and share directly with clients the current protocols for the guest’s sailing date and itinerary
• Travel partners can explore the available offerings (i.e., shore excursions, dining options, beverage/dining packages, etc.) based on ship and sail date to better serve their clients 

Why use a travel agent to book a cruise?

Unlike other forms of leisure travel, a good travel agent can be a major asset for booking a cruise.

The actual booking of a cruise is simple enough for anyone to handle, but the nuances of navigating the many different options and promotions is challenging even for the most veteran cruiser.

Not only do travel agents have access to all the discounts Royal Caribbean has to offer, but a good travel agent may have access to special promotions provided by their travel consortium.

More importantly, travel advisors can save their clients time just as much money. Long hold times while trying to contact the cruise line are not limited to travel agents. Many cruise fans report long hold times to get through to ask even basic questions.

Equally important is when changes are needed to a reservation. Travel agents have access to automated tools that the public does not. In addition, travel agents should be clued into the various policies that could greatly impact the cruise fare price.

Read more: Top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation

It’s finally Spring! That means warmer temperatures, sunny days, and vacation. I don’t know about you, but for me, nicer w also means more time to read the kind of books I can relax with;  the kind of brain candy that gives me an escape from reality. 

These kinds of books are perfect for cruising, because I can pick them up and put them down as often as I need to as activity allows–though let’s be honest, once I really get sucked into a story, it’s SO hard to put it down! A quick wave at the bartender for another Gin & Tonic, and I’m a very happy cruiser. 

I’ve picked out some pretty fun novels for you this month:  some romance, some fantasy, some suspenseful thrillers. Pick out a few and head down to the Solarium to spend a day with the characters. Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen, and let me know which books you liked!

Romance

1. Tempting Taste by Sara Whitney:  Any series that has Cinnamon Roll in the name has to be delicious, right? This one begins with a grumpy baker clashing with a self-assertive PR wiz. Can they work together, or will the salt vs sweet be too much to balance?
2. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang:  When Stella, a woman more inclined toward math and algorithms than romance, needs to gain experience in the dating world, she hires escort Michael. Maybe she can get some data on dating from him that will help tilt the scales in a more logical direction.
3. A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe:  The first in Shupe’s Four Hundred Series set in the Gilded Age of New York City, we meet a Lady in a hurry to find a match. However, that particular match must be an absolute terror, so her father will refuse so she can marry who she wants instead. Unfortunately, the man she picks is up to good, instead of the evil she wanted.

Fantasy

1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss:  Thought of by some as an adult version of Harry Potter, this is the story of the most notorious wizard in the world and how he came to be. Born in poverty, he found his way into a school of magic, and became a legend.
2. The City of Brass by SA Chakraborty:  Travel to Cairo, to a magical world filled with enchantments. Nahri accidentally summons a djinn warrior, and finds that the myths of her childhood are not just the stuff of legends, and that actions do, in fact, have consequences.
3. Written in Red by Anne Bishop:  When Meg, a seer, shows up in Lakeside Courtyard, the community doesn’t know what to do with her. She’s not one of the Others, those that live there. But Simon Wolfgard has an instinct to protect her, even though there is significant risk involved. Is she prey, predator, or someone worth protecting?

Suspense/Thriller

1. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova:  Follow the history of Dracula back through a historian’s clues and letters. Can you save her father from impending doom?
2. The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott:  Literature lovers will appreciate this spy thriller based on a true story during the Cold War. Two secretaries are pulled from the CIA typing pool for a top secret mission. This mission, should they choose to accept it, is to smuggle Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR so that it can be published.
3. Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam:  Vacation is supposed to be relaxing, but when Amanda and Clay rent a vacation home on Long Island, things don’t go as they plan. The home’s owners show up in the middle of the night, there’s a crisis in New York and they need to escape. Can the two families trust each other isolated in this rural house, cut off from everyone else?

What have you been reading lately? Do you make more time for reading when the weather warms up? What sounds good from this list? Share in the comments!

Spring is here and it is also Sunday, which means we are celebrating warm(er) temperatures and Royal Caribbean news from this week!

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas will sail from Miami when she arrives in the United States.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley dropped the news during an interview. The announcement came the same week the keel was layed for Icon of the Seas.

According to Mr. Bayley, Icon will first head to Southampton and then come to the U.S.

Royal Caribbean news

• Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class cruise ship will be called Utopia of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean will send Icon of the Seas to the UK first
• Royal Caribbean releases 2023 west coast cruises from Los Angeles
• Royal Caribbean breaks its own record for most cruise bookings in a day and week
• Carnival and NCL raised their daily gratuities
• Royal Caribbean updates: Utopia of the Seas, new cruise ship orders & more
• 3 important cruise tips all those cancelled flights reminded us of this weekend
• Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan
• Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska
• Matt live blogged from Oasis of the Seas this weekend

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 449th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring advice for someone going on a cruise for the first time.

In an effort to share good first time cruise advice, Matt talks about how to approach going on your first cruise.

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: How to communicate on a cruise ship

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 — How to communicate on a cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

8 questions to ask yourself before picking a cruise ship

Before you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, it's a good idea to go over some important considerations.

Depending on your preferences, one ship might be a better idea than another to sail on.

Here's a look at the questions you should be asking yourself prior to selecting a Royal Caribbean ship to ensure you find the best ship for you.

The self-service buffet is back on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has switched from crew members serving guests at the buffet to allowing guests to serve themselves.

Cruises that departed on or after April 2, 2022 have the new policy in place.

Having crew members serve passengers instead of guests was one of the early changes cruise lines made during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to limit the spread from person to person.

What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

If you are thinking about the best month to go on a Mediterranean cruise, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each month.

 While there isn’t necessarily a “perfect” time to take a Mediterranean cruise, this guide should help you decide which season works best for you.

Our last day on Oasis of the Seas ends on a high note with a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

I was ready for some fun on land today, and it turned out to be a very temperate day.  A weak cold front went through the area last night and the result was mild temperatures and low humidity.

We got off the ship at 9am and took the tram to the Coco Beach Club.

I booked a beach cabana at the Coco Beach Club for this visit. While I had stayed in the floating cabanas a few times, I've never done the beach cabanas.

We had cabana 25 for the day, and there was more living space than I was expecting, including a hammock to use.

I was concerned about it being too warm in the cabana, but the breeze was perfect.

Usually they serve you lunch in the cabana, but because the seagulls that stalk your meal are too annoying for my preference, I opted to dine at the Coco Beach Club restaurant for lunch.

The Mediterranean appetizers are vastly underrated, especially the hummus.

I had the filet mignon because of how good it has been on previous trips, and it was just as good this time around too.

After lunch, I wanted to get in the water so we went to the infinity pool.

About 3 weeks ago they installed heaters so the infinity pool is now heated to around 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit. Just warm enough to feel refreshing, but not too warm to feel like a bath.

I thought we might spend just a little while in the pool, but ended up spending the rest of the afternoon there because it was so relaxing.

All aboard was 4:30pm and we made it back to the ship at 4pm in order to take full advantage of our time at the beach club.

Back onboard, I showered and changed for dinner.

We had reservations for Giovanni's Table but a full day of CocoCay fun wore us out, so it was a casual meal in the Windjammer for dinner.

After dinner we played a little bit in the casino and then enjoyed jazz music in Jazz on 4.

Overall, it was a nice getaway cruise.  Certainly being at 92% capacity, the ship was not empty. Short cruises always have a different dynamic than longer sailings, but it just felt like the lines were just a bit longer than usual.  Perhaps I'm still adjusting mentally away from limited capacity sailings.

I thought Oasis really holds up well with her amplification, especially seeing Aqua80s again. And based on the guests on the pool deck, I think the pool deck overhaul there really was a hit with passengers.

Thanks for following along on this trip.  We've got two more live blogs coming in April, with other writers sharing experiences on Mariner of the Seas and then back again on Oasis.

My next cruise will be on Serenade of the Seas to Alaska in late May.

Our first full day on Oasis of the Seas is a sea day, which means time to check out the ship and relax.

When you're on an Oasis Class ship for just three nights, it leaves little time to try to see everything, but then again, a cruise is better than no cruise!

We started off our morning with breakfast in Coastal Kitchen, which is the complimentary restaurant for suite guests.

Our cabin is on Deck 17, which is the same deck as Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Lounge. It's very convenient to have our cabin so close, especially after being in an AquaTheater suite on a different deck and at the aft of the ship while we were on Wonder of the Seas.

One thing I quickly notice when we cruise without the kids is just how much more free time we have to take things easy. My kids always want to know what the next thing to do is, so this time around it's nice to take it down a notch.

We headed to the pool deck to enjoy some time outside with the ocean breeze.  The weather today was warm (high of 83 degrees fahrenheit), but the sea breeze kept things comfortable.

I walked around the Suite Sun Deck, which is an area reserved just for suite guests. There's not only ample seating that wraps around the elevated deck, but "cabanas" available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Next up was the Top Tier Crown and Anchor Society event in the AquaTheater.

It's unusual to have a top tier event on a 3-night cruise, but I guess it's easier to keep it going since Oasis mostly does 7-night cruises than stop for one sailing.

Before the event began, I met Miles from Manchester, UK.  He loves to cruise and started cruising when he was six months and one day old.  

Since then he's been on 33 cruises already, and has a goal of making Pinnacle Club status as soon as he can.  It's great meeting cruisers like Miles who love going on a ship so much.

After the top tier event, we walked down to the jogging track to see one of my favorite Oasis of the Seas hidden secrets: the aft facing chairs.

For lunch, we booked Izumi hibachi.

While dinner reservations booked up quickly before the cruise began for Izumi hibachi, lunch is usually available on sea days and not bookable online.

It was another great meal, and the food did not disappoint.

After lunch we went back to our suite to relax a bit. My wife enjoys going out on the balcony and reading her book.

I did a little bit of work from the suite, and then headed to Portside BBQ to check out the live guitarist.

Nate performs in Portside BBQ, and he was the guitarist in the pub on Mariner of the Seas back in 2019. It was great seeing him perform again on a ship.

I then headed to the back of the ship to enjoy the breeze at the Wipeout Bar.

As afternoon turned to evening, I headed back to the room to get ready for dinner.

On short sailings, Royal Caribbean doesn't call it formal night. Instead, they refer to it as dress your best.  "What's the difference", you ask? If you ask me, it's the same difference. Essentially, wear something nicer than you do the other nights.

It was time for dinner at 150 Central Park this evening.

Whenever we dine at 150 Central Park, it's an excuse to eat primarily the garlic bread they bring out at the beginning of the meal and the fried cheesecake for dessert.

Our after dinner drinks took us to Playmakers, since the temperatures had cooled down and it was pleasant being on the Boardwalk.

Tomorrow we will be at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Stray Observations

When your cruise doesn't have very far to go, the Captain will take the ship in some interesting patterns.

Royal Caribbean just had one heck of a week in terms of record demand, echoing a strong desire for people to go on a cruise ship.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean said two different internal booking records were eclipsed during the week of March 26 - April 1, 2022.

The company saw both the most bookings in a single day and the higher booking volume booking week that it has ever seen in the entire history of the company.

The record number of bookings came via the Royal Caribbean website, over the phone, and through travel agents.

Royal Caribbean isn't surprised by the news given how well-received cruising has been among the 1.5 million people that have cruised since January 2021 on its line.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley thinks not only do people want to cruise again, but they are eager to get out and vacation, "The enthusiasm and excitement for the successful return of cruising is undeniable."

"We could not have reached this incredible milestone without the unwavering support of our loyal guests, our valued travel advisors and partners, and the Royal Caribbean International team around the world."

"Everyone has made an incredible impact and contributed to this accomplishment in every single way."

Royal Caribbean's strong rebound from two years of shutdown and a cautious restart stems largely from its effective health protocols that demonstrate how safe going on a cruise can be, especially when compared to land-based alternative leisure travel that require few, if any, protocols.

Today's announcement shows consumer demand remains quite strong for cruise ship travel.

Other cruise lines seeing big demand too

There's something in the water, as Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line that broke records recently.

Earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Line said it had the busiest booking week in its entire history between March 28 - April 3, 2022.

Oceania Cruises set a new single-day booking record for its 2024 Around the World in 180 Days voyage.