Royal Caribbean Blog

The pandemic may have delayed Royal Caribbean's plans to open a new private island, but those plans are still moving forward.

According to Royal Caribbean, Perfect Day at Lelepa is still on track to open and we have a look at what it might look like.

Located in Vanuatu in the South Pacific, Perfect Day at Lelepa was initially announced in October 2019 to open sometime in 2022. Then Covid hit and those plans were put on hold.

There is no updated opening date as of yet.

Australian website Cruise Passenger shared an artist rendering of what the private destination will look like, which is our first preview of the island's design.

While Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas offers thrills, Royal Caribbean has a different vision for Lelepa.

When first announced, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said the new project was created in partnership with the community of Vanuatu, "to showcase the distinct natural ecological beauty and diverse local culture of the island nation as well as provide employment and education opportunities."

"We believe our destinations should be sustainably designed," Bayley said. "That idea goes beyond simply protecting the ecological features of Lelepa and includes showing respect for the people and traditions that make this a special place."

Earlier in March, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider confirmed that Lelepa is still part of the cruise line's plans.

According to Mr. Schneider, it's still in their "planning cycle" and Royal Caribbean hopes Perfect Day at Lelepa is part of a broader strategy in the region.

"We are really waiting for the Pacific to reopen in a massive way....but we still have our property in the Lelepa, and still have plans for a Lelepa."

Environmentally friendly

Whenever Perfect Day at Lelepa gets built, it will be designed in a sustainable way.

When Royal Caribbean announced the project, Royal Caribbean Group Chairman Richard Fain talked about what the company is doing to reduce the carbon footprint of the destination.

"There's also one, very special aspect of this project that is also worth noting. Lelapa will be the first private cruise destination in the world that achieves carbon neutrality. All of the energy consumed will be generated from renewable sources. Accomplishing that requires both major investment and major innovation, but Perfect Day at Lelapa will be rich in both."

How big will it be?

The original plans for Lelepa was to handle less passengers than CocoCay.

Mr. Bayley talked about the capacity, "The volume will be less less than Perfect Day at CocoCay, which I think at its peak in a few years will get to close to 3 million people going there."

"The number for Vanuatu, I think, reaches close to 750-800,000 is currently in our plans."

A Mediterranean cruise is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular European cruise destinations, with the Western Mediterranean often a starting point for first time cruisers to Europe.

With some of the world’s most historic and breathtaking scenery, monuments, and cultures, going on a cruise to the Mediterranean allows you to experience multiple locations in a short amount of time.

Deciding which itinerary and ship to choose from as well as what to do in port, however, can be overwhelming for those who have never cruised to Europe.

In this guide we take a deeper look at the Western Mediterranean’s top destinations, itineraries, and things to do, as well as common concerns and questions faced by those planning a cruise to Europe.

Shortcuts:

• Best itinerary for a Western Mediterranean cruise
• How far away are cities from ports?
• Will I have enough time at each port stop?
• Land vs cruise vacation to the Mediterranean
• What to do in Mediterranean cruise ports
• Languages on a Mediterranean cruise
• Mediterranean cuisine
• What to bring on a Mediterranean cruise
• Will my phone work on a Mediterranean cruise?

Best itinerary for a Western Mediterranean cruise

Cruises to the Western Mediterranean generally visit Spain, France, and Italy. Some of the most common ports visited are Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno (Pisa), Villefranche (Nice), Provence (Marseille), Naples/Capri, and Barcelona.

Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest cruise ships tend to visit the most popular Mediterranean ports in Western Europe, whereas smaller ships visit both popular and lesser known destinations.

Other Western Mediterranean ports include Palermo, Catania, Portofino, Valencia, Cartagena (Spain), Ajaccio (Corsica), Palma de Mallorca, and Monte Carlo (Monaco).

Choosing which itinerary to book for a Western Mediterranean cruise comes down to your preference, budget, and ship choice.

All Mediterranean ports will offer the opportunity to explore European cultures, try new foods, visit historic monuments, discover unique architecture, visit the beach, and make memories to carry with you far after your cruise is over.

If you’ve never been to the Mediterranean before, picking an itinerary that includes the most popular cities in the region (Rome, Florence, Barcelona, etc.) can be a great choice. If you’ve visited those cities before, though, choosing an itinerary that visits smaller cities in the Mediterranean might be your best bet.

While picking a cruise based on the ship is not as important in Europe as it is in the Caribbean, you’ll still want to take the ship into consideration. If you know you want to sail on a large, new cruise ship, you will want to book a cruise on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship. This greatly lowers the itinerary choices to choose from.

If you are more interested in visiting unique ports even if it means sailing on a smaller ship, consider sailing on a Vision or Radiance Class ship to the Mediterranean.

Something unique about Mediterranean cruises is that you can opt to start the cruise from multiple ports.

For example, you can book a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise leaving from Rome on May 12th or you can book the same cruise leaving from Barcelona on May 15th.

If you embark in Barcelona, you’re joining a cruise that many have already been on for several days. Likewise, when the cruise returns to Rome, you will get off at port to explore the city whereas passengers who started the cruise a week ago are now disembarking the ship.

How far away are cities from ports?

As you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise, you may notice that, while cities like Rome and Florence are listed on the itinerary, the cruise technically docks in Civitavecchia or Livorno, Italy.

Several major cities in the Mediterranean are not oceanfront, meaning a train, bus, or car ride is necessary to reach the city from the cruise port. In other ports, such Barcelona and Genoa, cruise ships dock nearby the city center, making access to the city a breeze.

While ports may be far away from some cities, Royal Caribbean allots a significant amount of time per day at these stops. When a cruise docks in Civitavecchia, as an example, the ship may be there from 7am - 8pm, allowing guests plenty of time to travel to Rome, spend the day exploring the city, and return back in the evening.

Self explore cities

Royal Caribbean will often have an excursion option that solely provides transport to and from the port to the center of the city. This is a great option for those who want the ease of Royal Caribbean transport to and from a destination but want to explore the city without a guided tour.

For example, in Pisa they offer the “Pisa on Your Own” tour, which takes guests from the port of Livorno to the heart of Pisa. They can then explore the city on their own for an allotted time before catching the shuttle bus back to port.

There is no need to worry about local train or bus delays causing you to miss the ship when booking transport through Royal Caribbean. You only need to be back at the designated shuttle bus or location at the allocated time in order to make it back to the ship.

These self-guided excursions with transport are often named “[Destination city] on Your Own” in the Cruise Planner.

Will I have enough time at each port stop?

A common concern of cruisers booking a Mediterranean cruise is whether they will have enough time at each port stop or not. While in the Caribbean many islands are small enough to see in one day, Mediterranean cities often require more time to explore thoroughly. 

A Mediterranean cruise should be looked at more as a “sampler” rather than an immersive dive into each destination. One could spend a year in Rome or Barcelona trying to see everything and that still wouldn’t be enough time. A day in each port is usually not enough time to fully explore the city, but does provide enough time to view the highlights.

My recommendation is to spend a few days before and after your cruise in your departure city to allow for extra sightseeing opportunities.

If your cruise departs from Barcelona or Rome, for example, try to arrive there at least 2-3 days before the cruise begins. Not only do you need extra time to recover from jetlag, but these cities are some of the world’s most spectacular and deserve a few days for sightseeing.

Likewise, if your cruise starts in one city and ends in another, try to plan a few days on land both before and after the cruise.

Land vs cruise vacation to the Mediterranean

Another common concern for those planning a cruise to the Mediterranean is they will “miss out” on European culture and lifestyle by spending evenings on a cruise ship instead of on land.

While it’s true that a Mediterranean cruise will not allow you to dive as deep into local culture compared to traveling more slowly on a land-based vacation, a cruise offers its own set of benefits.

One of the best parts of cruising in Europe compared to traveling on land is that all transportation is arranged for you. There’s no need to worry about booking a ton of train tickets, reserving multiple hotels, and lugging your suitcase from one city to another. On a cruise you will be able to visit multiple European countries while only unpacking once.

Another benefit of a cruise to the Mediterranean is that you’ll be able to see many destinations in a short amount of time. Trying to fit 3-4 destinations in multiple countries on a weeklong land vacation would be hectic and stressful. On a cruise, though, you are traveling from one port to another as you sleep, waking up in a new city each day stress-free.

That’s not to say there aren’t drawbacks to a cruise vs land vacation in Europe, however. A land vacation to Europe, assuming you are spending more than one day in each place, generally gives you more time to experience each destination. Being able to spend evenings wandering around European cities and experiencing nightlife is a highlight for some travelers to Europe, and this is not very common to have access to while on a cruise.

Planning a few days before and after your cruise in your departure city can give you the best of both worlds. Being on land for a few days prior to the cruise will allow you to see more of your departure city, experience European nightlife, and explore the Mediterranean without worrying about making it back to the ship on time.

Then, after a few days on land, you can board the cruise to experience multiple destinations and countries in one week without the hassle of traveling to and from different cities and countries on your own.

What to do in Mediterranean cruise ports

After you book a cruise to the Mediterranean, it’s time to plan your days in port. While it’s not necessary to plan everything in advance, it’s helpful to have an idea of what is offered at each port in your itinerary.

Many cruisers visiting Florence plan to visit the Duomo or Statue of David. Those visiting Nice may take a stroll along the waterfront Promenade des Anglais. Likewise, Vatican City and the Colosseum are extremely popular places to visit in Rome. 

Deciding what to do in port comes down to your interests. For some cruisers, a day in Barcelona visiting museums and historical monuments is ideal. Others may prefer to spend the day drinking sangria on the beach or walking around the city center.

Therefore, don’t feel pressured to book an excursion only because it is the “must do'' activity in a certain place. If you would rather explore a city on your own as opposed to standing in line for historical monuments or churches, you will still have an amazing cruise experience.

In fact, part of the fun on a Mediterranean cruise is simply wandering around the destinations you visit. It can be easy to plan an entire day from start to finish, but sometimes it is even better to arrive without a plan and see where the day takes you.

I would recommend knowing ahead of time whether or not you want to make the journey into cities far away from port (such as visiting Rome from Civitavecchia). As some destinations require 1-2 hours of traveling each way to reach the city from port, having a plan of how you will get to and from port is helpful.

Languages on a Mediterranean cruise

From French to Spanish, Catalan, and Italian, you can expect to hear a diverse range of languages on a Western Mediterranean cruise. And while English is widely spoken in Europe, you shouldn’t always expect everyone to speak it.

You likely won’t have trouble getting by with English in tourist areas and city centers of popular European destinations such as Florence and Marseille. If you’re traveling to the countryside or to lesser visited destinations in the Mediterranean, though, English may be less widely spoken.

Learning the basics of the language spoken in the countries you will visit on a Mediterranean cruise can make your experience smoother. Luckily, most languages spoken in the Western Mediterranean share many similarities with each other and are relatively easy to pick up as an English speaker.

Here are some key phrases I recommend learning in your destination’s language:

• Greetings (hello, good morning, good afternoon, how are you, etc.)
• Paying for things (how much is it, thank you, no thank you, etc.)
• Transportation (words like train, ticket, bus, etc.)
• Common foods (for menus that are not in English)

Mediterranean cuisine

One of the most attractive parts of booking a cruise vacation is the fact that food is included in your cruise fare. It’s possible to spend an entire week (or longer!) on a cruise ship and solely eat at complimentary restaurants, making your vacation food budget effectively $0.

However, eating exclusively on the cruise ship is one of the worst things you can do on a Mediterranean cruise!

Mediterranean cuisine is one of the most beloved in the world. Whether wood-fired pizzas in Naples, baguettes and croissants in Nice, paella in Barcelona, or gelato in Rome, trying new foods is a key aspect of traveling through the Mediterranean.

Allocate some of your budget toward trying food while in port. From a morning espresso and pastry at a local cafe to a sit-down lunch in the city center, trying local cuisine will definitely be a highlight of a Mediterranean cruise.

While some may feel taking the time to sit down for a long lunch while at port is wasting time, it’s actually one of the best ways to experience a destination’s culture. In addition, it forces you to relax in the middle of the day while at port which can be well appreciated during long, hot summer days.

Here are a few key food tips for a Mediterranean cruise:

• Always walk several blocks in either direction away from the tourist areas before selecting a restaurant. Food in tourist areas is often lower quality, inauthentic, and overpriced
• Restaurants with small menus are typically always better than those with many pages of menu items offering several different types of cuisines
• Restaurants with menus solely in the local language are usually a good bet for authentic cuisine

What to bring on a Mediterranean cruise

Packing for a Mediterranean cruise shares some similarities with a Caribbean cruise, but has a few more considerations.

When I travel to Europe, I tend to pack clothes that are comfortable yet fashionable. While I may wear a wrinkly t-shirt and gym shorts off the ship at Perfect Day at CocoCay, I prefer dressing nicer while visiting European cities. Nice jeans, sundresses, jumpsuits, and blouses tend to fit in more with the style found in Europe compared to the casual outfits of a Caribbean cruise.

Packing comfortable walking shoes is a must while in Europe, as you’ll likely find yourself walking a lot more than on a Caribbean cruise. It’s not uncommon for guests to walk several miles a day while exploring a Mediterranean city, and the last thing you want to bring back to the ship are painful blisters.

Some churches in Europe will have their own dress codes, as well, so this is important to know for guests planning to visit places like the Sagrada Familia and Sistine Chapel. Generally, major churches in the Mediterranean require arms, shoulders, and legs to be covered. If you don’t want to be covered the entire day, pack a change of clothes in your day bag for after the church visit.

I also recommend avoiding certain clothing items that will make you stick out as a tourist, including apparel with American sports team logos, any type of patriotic or political attire, and camo patterns.

Make sure to pack euros with you or visit an ATM while in port. Unlike in the Caribbean or Mexican ports where you can usually get by with USD, this is not accepted in Europe.

When I travel to Europe I make sure to bring a debit or credit card with no international fees. That way I can take out money at ATMs without worrying about incurring high fees.

As always, be sure to alert your bank of your upcoming travels to avoid any pauses or alerts on your account due to withdrawals made in Europe.

Will my phone work on a Mediterranean cruise?

Unless you have a phone plan that includes international data, your phone’s data will not work in Europe. And while having phone service isn’t entirely necessary, I would recommend at least one person in your travel group has international data on their phone for the duration of the cruise.

International data offerings differ based on which phone provider you use. Some providers may have a daily fee for international service whereas others can charge by the amount of data used.

In addition, some phone plans may already come with international data in the Mediterranean, so be sure to check with your phone provider about whether or not you can access data abroad free of charge.

If you don’t have international data, you can access the internet via wifi while in port. Wifi should be relatively easy to encounter, especially closer to the city center. Many restaurants and cafes will have free wifi available to customers.

Like on all cruises, make sure to put your phone back on airplane mode once onboard the ship to avoid roaming charges.

Royal Caribbean is busy with plenty of changes, and I want to make sure you're aware of everything happening.

Between the major announcements, there are a good amount of smaller updates that occur every week, so this is a quick round-up of Royal Caribbean news from this week.

Many thanks to the RoyalCaribbeanBlog community for helping spot what has changed.

If you ever have a news tip, feel free to email it to [email protected] for possible inclusion in a future update!

New biodegradable straws

There's a new kind of biodegradable straw on at least some Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean got rid of plastic straws on its cruise ships in 2018, but the paper straw replacements have been received with mixed reactions.

According to the StrawFish website, the straws are able to biodegrade without the need for oxygen, in a process called anaerobic biodegradation. This is essential because landfill conditions consist of extremely low oxygen levels.

In fact, they've been tested to 100% biodegrade in under 27 weeks in natural landfill conditions.

So far they've been spotted on Harmony, Freedom, and Jewel of the Seas.

Readers that tried them have all reported them being a far better solution compared to the paper straws they replaced.

Thanks to twangster and Dan Kohout for providing photos.

First Royal Caribbean ship to reach 100% capacity

We may have had the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship get to full capacity since the pandemic.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Shannon Ford is sailing on Odyssey of the Seas this week and reported the ship's Captain mentioning during her sailing.

The Captain added this is the first sailing to be sold at 100%.

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Spring break has seen many ship capacities rise from around 50-60% limits that were in place in January and February.

New shampoo and body wash

Guests are seeing a new brand of shampoo, body wash, and conditioner in their cabin on at least some ships.

Janet Pirkle shared a photo of the new Salt + Breeze brand toiletries that were added to her Junior Suite on Mariner of the Seas.

Other cruisers reported seeing Salt + Breeze brand liquids added to select cabins on Harmony, Explorer, Odyssey, and Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean is still using Malin & Goetz on other ships in the suites.

Galveston cruise ship terminal construction update

Royal Caribbean's new cruise terminal in Galveston is making significant progress in its construction.

Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees posted an update on the progress of Pier 10.

The new building should be complete in about 8 months.

Once complete the 68-foot-tall building will be faced with colorful blue panels, vertical accent windows, and the distinctive Royal Caribbean anchor logo.

Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class cruise ships may be the oldest and smallest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, but still offer plenty to choose from in terms of itineraries, activities, dining, and entertainment onboard.

Cruising on a Vision Class ship offers more of a traditional cruise experience compared to an Oasis or Quantum Class ship, and many guests find they love the no-frills, relaxing atmosphere found onboard.

Vision Class ships were built to sail the entire world, and this certainly rings true as the class offers among the most diverse cruise itineraries of Royal Caribbean’s fleet.

Let’s take a deeper look into Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class to see what they have to offer for guests and where in the world they can take you.

Vision Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean currently has four Vision Class cruise ships in service:

• Grandeur of the Seas is the third ship of the class, and she sails from Barbados, Miami, and Galveston, offering cruises to the Caribbean.
• Enchantment of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class, and she sails primarily from Baltimore, Ft. Lauderdale, and Vancouver, offering cruises to the southeast coast of the US, the Caribbean, Canada, New England, and Alaska.
• Rhapsody of the Seas is the fifth ship of the class, and she sails from Haifa, Limassol, Venice (Ravenna), Barcelona, Athens, Rome, Miami, and Barbados. She offers cruises to Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
• Vision of the Seas is the sixth ship of the class, and she sails from Ft. Lauderdale, Baltimore, and Barcelona, offering cruises to the southeast coast of the US, Mediterranean, and Southern Caribbean.

There were two other Vision Class cruise ships that have since been sold to Marella Cruises. The first was Legend of the Seas, which was launched in May 1995 as the first Vision Class ship. The second was Splendour of the Seas, which launched in March of 1996.

The Vision Class did not follow the same naming pattern found in the rest of Royal Caribbean’s fleet. With other classes of ships, the first ship in the fleet shared the same name as the class. However, Vision of the Seas was actually the last ship in the Vision Class.

Vision Class size & design

The Vision Class ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity).

• Grandeur of the Seas: capacity of 2,440 guests, 916’ long, 73,817 GT
• Enchantment of the Seas: capacity of 2,730 guests, 989’ long, 82,910 GT
• Rhapsody of the Seas: capacity of 2,416 guests, 915’ long, 78,491 GT
• Vision of the Seas: capacity of 2,514 guests, 915’ long, 78,340 GT

Enchantment of the Seas is bigger and offers different features than the other three Vision Class ships due to the vessel being extended by 73 feet in 2005. To do this, the ship was cut apart in the middle and welded back together once the new sections were added.

Not only does she fit around three hundred more passengers than other Vision Class ships, but she has lounges and activities not found on other Vision Class ships. However, lengthening Enchantment went over the initial budget and time Royal Caribbean had allotted, so plans to stretch the remaining Vision Class ships were scratched.

Vision Class ships, like Radiance Class ships, were constructed with plenty of glass. This leads to panoramic views of the ocean or port through large windows and glass walls around the ship.

Vision Class ships also have a Centrum instead of a Royal Promenade or Royal Esplanade. While a promenade provides a main thoroughfare spanning one or two decks, the Centrum is an open area that spans several decks up the ship. A set of elevators is located in the middle of the Centrum and bars, dining venues, and lounges are found on the decks overlooking the Centrum.

Activities and things to do on Vision Class ships

Rock climbing wall 

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, there is a rock climbing wall on each Vision Class cruise ship. This is a complimentary activity open to guests at select times throughout the sailing. Rock climbing shoes and a harness are provided, and guests can test out their strength by climbing to the top.

Jump Zone

On Enchantment of the Seas is the Jump Zone, a set of four bungee trampolines where guests are strapped into a harness connected to bungee cords. This is similar to the Sky Pad on Royal Caribbean’s newer or amplified ships, although without the virtual reality feature. Both kids and adults can try this activity.

Arcade & kids activities

Each Vision Class ship has an arcade, and while this comes at an extra cost, kids are sure to be entertained with air hockey, racing games, and prizes.

Each ship also has Adventure Ocean, with childcare and activities available for kids aged 6 months to 17 years.

Spa and fitness

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, Vision Class ships have a spa and fitness center onboard. The spa offers a wide selection of treatments including deep tissue massages, facial treatments, and salon services.

The fitness center is complimentary, but offers fitness classes and nutrition consultations at an extra cost.

Inside the fitness center locker rooms on Vision Class ships are showers, a sauna, and a steam room. These facilities are complimentary for guests to use throughout the cruise. On newer Royal Caribbean ship classes, guests must purchase a spa pass to access the sauna and steam rooms, so this is a great benefit of sailing on a Vision Class ship.

Other activities

Classic cruise activities such as trivia, game shows, dance classes, craft classes, and live music take place on Vision Class ships throughout the day. 

Pool Deck on Vision Class ships

Vision, Rhapsody, and Grandeur of the Seas have one main pool and four jacuzzis on the main pool deck area.

Due to being stretched, Enchantment of the Seas has a larger pool deck. She has two main pools and a kids area. Kids onboard will enjoy her Splash Deck area, an interactive splash area with 64 jets. Many of the jets are connected to a touch-pad system, allowing kids to direct where the water is splashing.

Enchantment of the Seas also has a 65 foot suspension bridge on each side of the pool deck, allowing guests to cross over the pool deck area from above.

The pool deck is a hub of activity during the cruise, from live Caribbean music to the Men’s International Belly Flop Competition and guided morning stretches. Each ship has an outdoor movie screen on the pool deck as well, which plays movies throughout the day and evening.

In addition to the pools in the main pool area, the adults-only Solarium on each Vision Class ship has one pool and two whirlpools. The Solarium features a retractable roof that can be open or closed depending on the weather, although the roof usually remains closed.

Park Cafe is also located in the Solarium, which is a complimentary venue offering soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and dessert. While children under 16 cannot use the Solarium’s facilities, they can eat at Park Cafe.

Entertainment on Vision Class ships

While Vision Class ships may not have the same amount of entertainment venues found on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, they still offer plenty to see and do during your cruise. The main entertainment venue on Vision Class ships is in the theater.

The main entertainment lineup on Vision Class ships is as follows:

• Grandeur of the Seas: All Access, Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme, and Tango Buenos Aires
• Enchantment of the Seas: Stage to Screen and Can’t Stop The Rock
• Rhapsody of the Seas: Ballroom Fever, Pure Country, and Piano Man
• Vision of the Seas: Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme and Boogie Wonderland

In addition to original production shows in the Royal Theater, Vision Class ships provide a wide range of additional entertainment, from vocalists to comedians, live bands, game shows, guest lectures, and more.

Each Vision Class ship also has a lounge area in the aft of deck 6. The name of this venue differs by ship, but it features plenty of seating and a stage, and is used as a secondary entertainment venue onboard.

Food & Dining

Vision Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Windjammer Marketplace
• Main Dining Room
• Park Cafe
• Chops Grille
• Chef’s Table
• Caffe Latte-tudes
• R Bar
• Schooner Bar
• Solarium Bar

The following specialty dining venues are available on Grandeur, Vision, and Rhapsody of the Seas but not Enchantment of the Seas:

• Izumi Japanese Cuisine (sushi and hot rocks option)
• Giovanni’s Table
• Chef’s Table

Due to Enchantment being stretched in 2005, she is quite different from the other Vision Class ships. She has Boleros, a Latin-themed bar with live Latin music and dancing. There is also the Oasis Bar on the pool deck that directly faces the ocean, offering spectacular views as you sail.

Unique Itineraries

Just like Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class ships, the smaller size of the Vision Class cruise ships means they can offer a more diverse range of cruise itineraries around the world. Here are some of the unique itineraries offered:

• 7-night Israel and Egypt Cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas departing Limassol, Cyprus and visiting Israel (Haifa and Jerusalem) and Egypt (Port Said and Alexandria).
• 11-night Southern Caribbean Cruise on Vision of the Seas, departing Ft. Lauderdale and visiting Colón (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Cartagena (Colombia), Aruba, Curacao
• 8-night Canada & New England Cruise on Enchantment of the Seas, departing Baltimore and visiting Boston, Bar Harbor, Portland (Maine), and Halifax
• 14-night Ultimate Caribbean Cruise on Grandeur of the Seas, departing Barbados and visiting St. Vincent, Grenada, Curacao, Bonaire, Cartagena, Colón, Puerto Limon, Aruba, and Dominica

Shorter cruises are also common on Vision Class ships, including 4 and 5-night Caribbean and European cruises.

Who is the Vision Class for?

The Vision Class is a great choice for those guests who don’t mind sailing on a ship without the latest attractions and activities Royal Caribbean provides, and who want to explore more unique destinations.

Those looking for Royal Caribbean’s newest attractions like waterslides, ziplining, skydiving simulators, bumper cars, and virtual reality zones would be better off selecting newer and bigger ships. But for passengers looking for a place to relax, sit by the pool, and enjoy live music in a lounge at night, a Vision Class ship can be a good option.

Vision Class ships may not have as many dining options as new ships, but they still offer three specialty dining venues in addition to the complimentary restaurants (with the exception of Enchantment of the Seas). Therefore, guests will have a few dining options to choose from each night or when celebrating a special occasion.

Those looking for more adventurous itineraries are sure to love the Vision Class, too. From Egypt to Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia, you’ll be able to tick more countries off your list with a Vision Class ship.

Many Vision Class itineraries are port intensive, so you may find yourself spending less time onboard than when you sail on a larger cruise ship. On a port-intensive itinerary, many passengers are tired from several days in a row exploring ports, so the ship is used more of a rest and relaxation area than the main attraction of a vacation.

This differs from an Oasis or Quantum Class ship, for example, where the ship is often advertised as the main attraction and the ports are an afterthought. 

Vision Class ships are best for those wanting a traditional, relaxing cruise experience while still being able to enjoy excellent entertainment, dining, and activities.

A Royal Caribbean cruise vacation includes a lot of activities, dining, ports to visit, and things to do, but it is not an all-inclusive vacation.

Cruises offer a great deal of value, but there are extra costs to be aware of, so that you can budget around them.

In order to avoid sticker shock later, here are the top extra things on a cruise that will cost you extra, and how to reduce your out-of-pocket price.

Onboard photos

Cruise vacations are all about the memories you make onboard, and Royal Caribbean has plenty of photographers each evening to capture them.

These photo opportunities cost nothing to stop and take, but if you want a print or digital download, it will cost you extra.

A single 8x10 print will cost $19.99, although there are photo packages that will cost you less per print.

The best way to avoid this cost is to skip the photographers and take your own photos around the ship, or on shore. While you will not have access to their backdrops, there are lots of good alternatives. Staircases, balconies, the pool deck, and various spots around the Royal Promenade/Centrum make fantastic ad-hoc backgrounds for any photo.

Shore Excursions

Cruises are at their heart a means of which to visit different places around the world. Each day your ship whisks you away to a new port of call, where you have access to a slew of activities there.

The easiest and most straight-forward way to find something to do on shore is to book a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean. While the cruise line shore excursions are extremely convenient, they do come at a price.

You can save a few dollars if you book a shore excursion on your own through a third party service.  You could also bypass a tour or activity all together, and simply walk around the port on your own, or hop in a taxi and go to a pre-determined destination.

The best way to lower this cost is to research shore excursion options in advance, and figure out the most cost effective strategy for your day in port.

If you do explore on your own, ensure you are working with a trusted tour operator (meaning they have a good reputation online), and manage your time to ensure you get back to the ship well before you are required to return.

Alcohol

While Royal Caribbean does include some drinks with your cruise fare, alcohol is not one of them.

Enjoying a cocktail, beer or glass of wine on a cruise is a very popular option, that can add up quickly.  Royal Caribbean's drink prices for booze will often be in the $10-13 range before you add gratuity.

For anyone that wants more than just an occasional drink here or there, you have a few options to keep that bar tab lower.

The easiest strategy is to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package. These drink packages offer a one-time flat fee for unlimited drinks on your cruise. They are not cheap, but do offer a fixed budget option that can save you money, if you drink enough.

Perhaps the best money-saving tip for keeping your bar bill down is to drink off the ship. Quite often, the cost of alcoholic beverages in the ports you visit is substantially cheaper, especially in the Caribbean.

While not as convenient as drinking on the ship, you can often get far more value from drinking on land than onboard.

Back onboard the ship, keep an eye out for drink specials and even free drinks. The drink of the day offers a different discounted cocktail, while happy hour specials, complimentary champagne or alcohol tasting events can be found during the cruise.

If you’re considering purchasing a Deluxe Beverage package on Royal Caribbean, our video on the pros and cons of a drink package may help you decide if it’s the best choice:

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Soda and nonalcoholic drinks

Like alcohol, soda and nonalcoholic drinks are not included in your cruise fare. Nonalcoholic drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise include fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, mocktails, soda, specialty coffees and teas, bottled water, and milkshakes.

Nonalcoholic drinks can be purchased individually throughout the cruise or guests can purchase the Refreshment Package from the Cruise Planner website. The refreshment package includes unlimited nonalcoholic drinks throughout the cruise, usually at a cost of around $23 per night.

If you only plan to drink soda, you can purchase a soda package instead of a refreshment package. Soda packages run around $10 per night if purchased in advance on the Cruise Planner website. Each soda package, like other drink packages, comes with a souvenir cup that guests can refill throughout the cruise at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines or other venues onboard.

Specialty coffee and tea

If you like to start your morning with a latte, espresso, or frappe, you should know that these are not included in your cruise fare.

Specialty coffees and teas can be found at select venues around the ship, such as Cafe Promenade, the Windjammer, and Cafe @ Two70. Prices of specialty coffees and teas are similar to what you find on land.

All drink packages cover specialty coffees and teas, or guests can opt to purchase the Cafe Select Coffee Card, which usually costs around $31.

The Cafe Select Coffee Card is a physical punch card that guests can use for up to 15 espresso based beverages throughout the cruise. The exact rules of the card can vary by ship and barista. Sometimes a barista will punch two holes in the card for a large beverage that uses multiple espresso shots, whereas others will only punch one. This card also seems to work for specialty tea beverages as well, such as chai lattes.

Starbucks

Starbucks is not included in your cruise fare or with any dining or beverage package, including the Cafe Select Coffee Card. Starbucks purchases will be charged to your SeaPass account or you can opt to pay through the Starbucks app.

Passengers can earn rewards in the Starbucks app through onboard purchases but are unable to redeem rewards on a Royal Caribbean ship.

One new change Royal Caribbean is implementing, though, is the use of Starbucks coffee at its other coffee locations onboard. Therefore, guests using a drink package or coffee card somewhere like Cafe Promenade can enjoy specialty coffee drinks made with Starbucks coffee.

Specialty Restaurants

One of the biggest trends in cruising today is specialty restaurants, which offer additional dining options at an extra cost.

Sushi, seafood, steaks, hibachi and more have become popular dining alternatives on Royal Caribbean ships, and most have a cover charge that will carry a per-person cost to dine there.

The easiest way to save money on these is not go at all. Royal Caribbean offers plenty of complimentary food on its ships in the main dining room, and other venues. Free food is available all day, every day and it is not bad at all.

If you really want to try a specialty restaurant, buy a dining package to cut down on the cost.

If you’re considering purchasing a dining package, check out our YouTube video where we go over the pros and cons of a Royal Caribbean dining package:

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Room service

The majority of room service is not included in your cruise fare, with the exception of continental breakfast, which is complimentary for guests.

The continental breakfast menu includes items like bagels, toast, coffee, tea, juices, fruit, and oatmeal. There is also an American-style breakfast available with foods like pancakes and eggs, but this comes with an extra charge.

All room service aside from continental breakfast comes with a charge of $7.95 per room, plus an 18% gratuity. Note that the charge is per room and not per item, so you are able to order as much as you like for one charge.

Gratuity

Royal Caribbean charges a daily gratuity to cover the wait staff and stateroom attendants and recognize great service aboard their cruise.

As of January 2, 2018, the daily gratuity amount is $14.50 per guest, per day for those guests in standard accommodations.  Guests in suites will pay $17.50 per person, per day in gratuities.  The daily gratuity amount is the same for all passengers, regardless of age.

While this gratuity is unavoidable, you should be aware of tipping that comes in other venues.

An automatic 18% gratuity gets added to most onboard purchases, including the spa, drink purchases and more.

There is not a way to avoid tipping, and it is well-deserved for the hard working crew members. What you ought to do is budget accordingly and be aware it is part of the overall cruise cost.

Souvenirs

No matter what type of vacation you go on, bringing home a souvenir to remind you of the trip is a near-constant.

Whether you elect to buy souvenirs on the ship or in the ports you visit, these gifts will cost you extra.

One good way to save on onboard purchases is to wait until the end of the cruise. Usually there are last-day sales at the shops onboard, including discounts on t-shirts.

You can also save money buying goods in the ports you visit, where local products and vendors may offer similar options at discounted prices.

Spa Treatments

Treatments in the Vitality Spa on Royal Caribbean ships are not included in your cruise fare. Treatments can be reserved ahead of time via the Cruise Planner app or purchased once onboard.

Discounts can usually be found at the spa on port days, so be on the lookout for discounted treatments listed on the Cruise Compass once onboard.

If you are unsure of whether you should book a spa treatment or not, consider taking a tour of the spa. Spa tours are free of charge and take place during the first day of your cruise, where you can see the spa’s facilities and learn more about the different types of treatments available.

Thermal spa

Oasis and Quantum Class ships have a thermal spa onboard, where guests can enjoy hot stone loungers, saunas, steam rooms, and a rainforest shower throughout the duration of their cruise. Thermal spa passes average around $100-120 for a 7-night cruise and guests can access the facilities at any time.

On Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom class ships, sauna and steam rooms are complimentary to guests and located within the locker rooms in the fitness center.

Salon

Like the spa, treatments in the salon at the Vitality Spa are not included in your cruise fare. Haircuts, shampoos, style dries, updos, manicures, and pedicures all cost extra.

Salon treatments can be purchased on the Cruise Planner before your cruise or once onboard. If you’re hoping to have your hair styled for a special occasion or formal night, it might be a good idea to reserve your appointment in advance.

Fitness classes

The Vitality Fitness Center is found on every Royal Caribbean ship. Unlike a tiny gym you might find in a hotel, the Vitality Fitness Center is a full-sized gym with a wide range cardio and weight equipment, free weights, and stretching areas.

The fitness center is complimentary for guests, but fitness classes like yoga, pilates, and spinning come at an extra cost.

Each fitness class can be purchased individually once onboard, but the most cost effective way to take advantage of fitness classes is through a Class Pass.

Class Passes range from $39.99 for any 3 fitness classes or $69.99 for unlimited classes on a 5-7 night cruise.

There may be some complimentary fitness activities listed on the Cruise Compass or in the Royal Caribbean app as well, including morning stretch and Zumba.

WiFi

While the cost for onboard internet has come down quite a bit over the last few years, it is not free.

Royal Caribbean's wifi (known as Voom), offers reasonably fast internet access for a flat daily cost. There is a 24-hour option, but the unlimited internet for the duration of the cruise is a more popular choice.

To save on the cost of WiFi, pre-purchase a package before your cruise. There are discounts for WiFi packages almost all the time, and they really are much cheaper than on the ship.

Speaking of extra costs, do not use your phone's cellular connection for data, as you will be roaming and come home to a monster bill.

Chat feature

The Royal Caribbean app has a chat feature available to guests for a cost of $1.99 per person, per day. The chat feature allows guests to message other passengers onboard through the Royal Caribbean app regardless of whether the passengers have a VOOM internet package or not.

This can be a nice option for families or friends who need to message each other while onboard but aren’t interested in purchasing an internet package for everyone in their group.

Ship-to-shore telephone calls

It’s possible to make phone calls from your stateroom’s telephone to shore, but it will come at an extra cost. The current charge for ship-to-shore telephone calls is $7.95 per minute, which will be automatically billed to your SeaPass account.

A more cost effective way to make calls ashore is by purchasing an internet package and placing calls through wifi calling or a service like Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger.

Adventure Ocean select times and offerings

Royal Caribbean is a fantastic cruise line for families due to the extensive amount of kids activities and programming available onboard. Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s children’s programming, which provides supervised childcare and activities for guests aged 6 months to 17 years.

Adventure Ocean is included in your cruise fare with two exceptions: childcare after 10PM and the nursery. Childcare for ages 3-11 incurs an hourly fee of $7 between the hours of 10PM and 2AM.

AO Babies/Royal Babies & Tots is the nursery onboard, providing childcare for babies and toddlers 6-36 months old.

The nursery comes at a cost of $6-8 per hour depending on the time of day. There is also an open play area of the nursery with toys and play mats. Parents can bring their toddlers to the open play area throughout the day for free provided they are supervising their child.

Puzzle Break Center

Select Royal Caribbean ships have the Puzzle Break Center, an escape room in which passengers must complete a series of puzzles to “break out” of the room in an allotted amount of time.

Each ship has a different escape room, so if you’ve tried the Puzzle Break Center on one ship it won’t be the same challenge as another. The Puzzle Break Center is $20/person and the game lasts approximately one hour.

Zone Zero

Zone Zero is a fully-immersive virtual reality experience found only on Odyssey of the Seas. Guests at Zone Zero wear a full virtual reality suit that includes sensors on their hands, legs, and feet, as well as goggles and a backpack that contains most of the virtual reality hardware.

Guests then walk through a virtual world, fighting pirates as a group. Every move you make is simultaneously made via your avatar in the virtual reality world, making for a truly impressive cruise activity.

The cost of Zone Zero is $18/person. Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to reserve this activity through the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you get onboard.

North Star (sea days)

The North Star is an observation pod found on Quantum Class ships that takes guests up to 300 feet above sea level for dramatic 360 degree views of the ship.

The North Star has both complimentary and extra cost options. The North Star is free of charge while ships are docked in port, with time slots open throughout most of the day.

At sea, each ride up The North Star comes with a cost of $29.99 per person.

Some sailings may have “Premium” North Star experiences offered, with a cost of $49.99 per person, per ride. This is most commonly found on Alaska cruises during visits to places like Hubbard Glacier and the Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier.

While there are many complimentary rides available, reservations can fill up quickly. Be sure to open the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you get onboard to reserve The North Star, whether you are looking to book the complimentary or extra cost ride.

Note: prices are subject to change by sailing, ship, and departure port

RipCord by iFLY (longer flight)

Royal Caribbean’s indoor skydiving simulator is similar to The North Star in that there are both complimentary and extra cost options.

Complimentary rides at RipCord by iFLY involve watching a short skydiving instructional video, changing into skydiving apparel, and putting your flying skills to the test with a one minute ride.

Two minute rides are available at The North Star for a cost of $49.99 per person. Advanced flying classes may also be offered onboard which also come with an additional cost.

Note: prices are subject to change by sailing, ship, and departure port

Arcade

All Royal Caribbean ships have an arcade onboard for both kids and adults to enjoy. The size and offerings of the arcade vary by ship, but it always comes at an extra cost.

Most arcade games cost between $1-3 per game. Arcade credits can also be purchased in advance on the Cruise Planner, but we recommend buying as you go to avoid any leftover credits at the end of the cruise.

Casino

Of course, Casino Royale on Royal Caribbean ships comes at an extra cost. And while there is the possibility of winning big, there’s also the (more likely) possibility of losing money, too.

Keep an eye out for the “Learn To Play: Casino Table Games” activity listed in the Cruise Planner. This is a lesson in how to play either Blackjack, Roulette, Three Card Poker, or Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

During this activity, guests will receive step-by-step instructions in these table games. The lesson costs $25 per person, but it includes $25 in FreePlay for casino games and two complimentary drinks.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society receive between $2-6 in free play to be used in the casino throughout the cruise.

The Key

The Key is an upgrade you can purchase before your cruise which is meant to bring exclusive experiences to your cruise vacation. Benefits of The Key include priority check-in at the cruise terminal, a Chops Grille embarkation day lunch, private time at onboard activities, a 1 device VOOM Surf & Stream internet package, priority departure from ship-to-shore at tender ports, and early access to entertainment venues.

The Key is priced per day on a sailing, with daily prices ranging from $25 to $42.

If you are considering purchasing The Key for an upcoming cruise, several members of the Royal Caribbean Blog team have recently reviewed their experience with The Key:

• Royal Caribbean's The Key Review
• Counterpoint: Why we love The Key
• I tried The Key on an Oasis Class ship to see if it's worth it

We also have a video sharing our thoughts on The Key on the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel:

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All Access Ship Tour

Royal Caribbean offers the All Access Ship Tour, which takes guests “backstage” on a cruise ship to see what happens behind the scenes. Passengers visit the galley to learn about how cruise ships prepare food for thousands of guests, the bridge, the laundry room, engine control room, and more.

The All Access Ship Tour can be reserved on the Cruise Planner website. The cost can vary, but is usually in the ballpark of around $120 per guest.

Gifts and gear

If you’re cruising for a special occasion, want to send a gift to someone’s stateroom, or are simply looking to enhance your experience in a fun way, you can purchase gifts to be delivered to a cabin onboard.

Gifts include chocolate covered strawberries, Royal Caribbean themed beach towels, and a beach toy set for kids.

There are also plenty of ways to celebrate a special occasion through gifts onboard, from room decor for a birthday or anniversary to a birthday cake and champagne.

Purchasing an item from the Gifts and Gear section of the Cruise Planner will ensure the item or room decor is in your stateroom on the first day of the cruise.

Medical services

Going to the onboard Medical Center is something no passenger wants to do, but also something you should be prepared for in case of an emergency or unexpected illness.

Treatment at the Medical Center is not included in your cruise fare and all medical expenses incurred will be billed to your SeaPass account. There is no way to avoid the upfront cost at the Medical Center, with or without insurance.

It’s possible to get reimbursed for medical expenses through your insurance at home, but it is not guaranteed as Royal Caribbean’s Medical Center may be considered out of network. Therefore, purchasing travel/cruise insurance prior to your cruise is recommended to ensure any medical expenses are reimbursed.

Laundry and dry cleaning services

Royal Caribbean offers laundry and dry cleaning services onboard which come at an extra cost. Pricing is dependent on the type of laundry service and item washed. A full list of prices can be found here.

Another popular laundry option is the wash and fold service. For a fixed amount of $34.99 per bag, guests can have their dirty clothes washed, folded, and returned to their stateroom.

Airport or hotel transfers

Getting to and from the cruise terminal from the airport or your hotel is not included in your cruise fare. The most common ways of getting to the cruise terminal are rideshare services like Lyft or Uber, an airport shuttle bus service, taxi, or hotel shuttle.

Rideshare services and taxis tend to be the most straightforward option as guests can call a ride at the time that is most convenient for them. Shuttles, however, can be a cost effective option if guests are traveling solo or with just one other person to a cruise terminal further away from the airport (such as from Orlando to Port Canaveral).

The exception to this is for passengers who have purchased an airport-to-pier transfer through Royal Caribbean’s Air2Sea program. If this option was purchased when booking a flight, transfer to and from the airport will be provided to guests.

If you have questions about getting to the airport on disembarkation day, contact guest services onboard to learn about your options. They may also have shuttle bus space available which you can purchase for an extra cost.

Your thoughts

Which extra cruise costs do you typically buy? Which do you always skip? Is there a money saving tip you want to share? Post your questions and suggestions in the comments!

For the first time in two years, Royal Caribbean will offer a Kids Sail Free offer.

While the cruise line has brought out a number of different promotions during the pandemic, kids sail free has been absent until now.

The Kids Sail Free deal has been a popular option for families because kids 12 years old and under staying in the same room as two adults are free to cruise.

Beginning on March 24, the kids sail free offer is back, which can be combined with a few different other discounts.

The new offer includes up to $550 off the cruise fare, plus 30% off every guest, and kids sail free.

The new deal begins March 24, 2022, so you will not see new pricing until that date.

Deal details

Kids Sail Free applies to new bookings made between 3/24 – 3/31/22 on sailings departing on or after June 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023.

It provides free cruise fare for third guests and higher who are 12 years old and younger as of departure date on sailings 3 nights or longer booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests in a triple or quad occupancy stateroom.

Kids Sail Free excludes Thanksgiving sailings departing 11/18/22 – 11/25/22, Holiday sailings departing 12/22/22 – 1/8/23, Spring break sailings departing 3/10/23 – 3/24/23, and Easter sailings departing 4/6/23 – 4/16/23.

Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and apply to all guests.

Up to $550 off Extension applies to new bookings made on 3/24– 3/28/22. Up to $550 off Extension provides up to $550 USD instant savings for select sailings departing on or after 4/24/22.

Savings amount is per stateroom and varies by category booked and sailing length:

• Sailings 5 nights or less, $25 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $75 for Balconies and $150 for Suites
• Sailings 6 nights or longer, $50 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $100 for Balconies and $550 for Suites.

Offer open to residents of US, Canada, Puerto Rico and select countries in the Caribbean. 

Is this a good deal?

Kids Sail Free deals definitely save money, but the issue has always been finding dates that were not blacked out. With Kids Sail Free being offered over the summer, there is ample opportunity for families to take advantage of the offer.

Your best value with Kids Sail Free will be in the higher category rooms, especially balcony and suite rooms, where the savings on the third and fourth passenger are more substantial.

Of course, Kids Sail Free deal requires the kids to be in the same stateroom as the parents, so you cannot split across multiple rooms and use the offer.

Using a good travel agent, you can easily compare and contrast prices between sailings.

Since the restart of the cruise industry in June 2021, Royal Caribbean crew members have been serving guests at all buffets onboard its cruise ships. Cruisers on some Royal Caribbean ships this week have reported guests are now serving themselves at the buffet.

Photo credit to Lin Pojeta

The move from a self-service to full-service buffet was one of Royal Caribbean’s health protocols introduced to prevent the spread of Covid-19 onboard. In the past, passengers would grab tongs or serving spoons and serve themselves at the buffet, but the new protocol meant that only Royal Caribbean crew members would serve food to guests.

This protocol was present at all buffets onboard, whether at the Windjammer Marketplace or smaller buffets like Solarium Bistro, and was one of the changes Royal Caribbean made that many passengers appreciated the most.

In the previous month or two, however, Royal Caribbean’s buffet service protocols have been getting noticeably more relaxed. Drinks like coffee, water, and juice, which were once served by a crew member, moved to self-service stations earlier this year. In addition, I noticed select food items, like bagels and pita bread, moved to self-service at Solarium Bistro on a recent Wonder of the Seas cruise.

While most ships are still having crew members serve guests at the buffet, a handful of ships changed to self-service for guests.

In a Facebook group for Pinnacle members in the Crown & Anchor Society, several cruisers posted about the return to a self-service buffet. Passengers onboard Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas mentioned their sailing has returned to self-service, with crew members no longer serving guests at buffets.

Photo credit to Lin Pojeta

Currently, the move does not appear to be fleet-wide, as a guest on Grandeur of the Seas this week noted her ship was still operating a full-service buffet. 

UPDATE: Royal Caribbean crew members continue to serve guests at Windjammer across the fleet. While there was self-service on some ships today, crew will be serving guests tomorrow again in Windjammer.

A change in direction

The transition back to self-service buffet is a change in direction from what cruise line executives said a few months ago.

In September 2021, Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain mentioned he thinks crew members serving guests at buffets is a better approach altogether, in addition to protecting the health of guests onboard.

“On board, the buffet, where it’s now being served to you instead of you picking up the tongs yourself. And I suspect that for us, that will be a permanent feature, because independent of health reasons, it’s just better.”

Mr. Fain also mentioned that when the crew members serve guests at buffets, the food ends up being fresher due to the fact that a crew member is able to realize the container is empty right away and grab a fresh one.

Aside from the health benefits of only a few crew members touching buffet tongs and serving spoons as opposed to hundreds of guests, there are a few more advantages to note.

Many guests feel there is less food waste created when crew members serve guests at the buffet, as they are more likely to give a reasonable portion size compared to guests filling their plate.

And while perhaps moving to self-service may not have an impact on Covid-19 transmission onboard, many guests still feel a self-service model is less sanitary than a full-service model, despite the fact that guests must wash their hands upon arrival to the buffet.

Photo credit to Lin Pojeta

CDC requirements

Royal Caribbean may have made the change back to a self-service buffet in response to the Center for Disease Control’s latest requirements for cruise ships.

In the Operations Manual for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters, the CDC states that “food and beverage stations may be operated as self-service at the cruise operator’s discretion”.

The move to a self-service station is subject to a few requirements listed by the CDC, the majority of which involve promoting physical distancing at the buffet. Cruise lines must encourage distancing through physical guides to direct the flow of passengers, provide signage for social distancing, and provide an appropriate number of staff to monitor distancing.

In addition, cruise lines must provide hand sanitizer at the entrances to food and beverage stations, ensure adequate supply of high-touch materials (serving spoons, tongs, etc.) to minimize sharing of the utensil by many guests, limit seat capacity at the buffet, and install physical barriers where it is difficult for guests to maintain a proper physical distance.

Royal Caribbean appears to be following the CDC’s guidelines to allow for a self-service buffet, even if this is a move not welcomed by all cruisers.

Moving back to a self-service buffet has been a highly contested topic for Royal Caribbean cruisers since the restart of the cruise industry. Those in favor of crew serving guests have mentioned the increased cleanliness and lack of food waste as major reasons why they would like to keep a full-service buffet.

Photo credit to Lin Pojeta

Those in favor of a self-service buffet, on the other hand, enjoy being able to serve themselves exactly how much they would like of each item without having to go through a crew member to do so.

Royal Caribbean’s health protocols are constantly shifting, so only time will tell whether the buffet fully transitions back to self-service or not. As of now, the change only seems to be on select ships but not fleetwide.

How do you feel about a self-service vs full-service buffet? Would you like to see Royal Caribbean crew members continue to serve guests at buffets onboard? Let us know in the comments below.

With Royal Caribbean's European cruise season just weeks away from beginning, the cruise line has begun to publish its health protocols for cruises in the region.

Guests with cruises booked in Europe this summer have been anxious to know what the onboard experience will be like, as well as what changes they can expect. 

Royal Caribbean has been cautious with announcing protocols, as government regulations and health expert recommendations have been changing regularly. But the first set of protocols for cruisers is starting to emerge.

Royal Caribbean informed passengers on its transatlantic sailings, as well as cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark, of what to expect for Covid protocols.  Protocols for other ships sailing in Europe in 2022 are expected soon.

Royal Caribbean also added that these protocols are subject to change due to evolving government regulations in the region.

Here's a look at the first protocols released so far on Royal Caribbean's website.

Transatlantic

Royal Caribbean has released protocols for guests sailing from U.S. to Europe on Transatlantic cruises.

These apply to the following sailings:

• April 20, 2022 Wonder of the Seas sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Barcelona, Spain
• April 23, 2022 Odyssey of the Seas sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Rome, Italy
• April 29, 2022 Vision of the Seas sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Barcelona, Spain
• April 29, 2022 Jewel of the Seas sailing from Miami, Florida to Amsterdam, Netherlands
• May 2, 2022 Anthem of the Seas sailing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to Southampton, U.K.

Vaccination

For transatlantic sailings, all guests, regardless of age, must be fully vaccinated. Guests who do not meet this requirement, including unvaccinated children under age 12, will not be permitted to board a transatlantic sailing departing from the U.S. to Europe.

Additionally, all crew members onboard will be fully vaccinated.

Testing

Depending on where your ship sails to, the testing requirements are different.

Most transatlantic guests must show a negative result for a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 1 day before boarding day. This is due to a requirement from the government of Spain for ships that visit the country.

Guests on the May 2nd Anthem of the Seas sailing to the U.K. will have 2 days to complete this test.

During the cruise, guests 12 and older 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 the sailing depending on itinerary. 

Masks

Masks are optional for vaccinated guests onboard. Masks will be required in Adventure Ocean, in the terminal, and may be required at various destinations.

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/ boosters may require multiple tests to disembark in ports of call.

Cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark

Voyager of the Seas will sail from Copenhagen in the summer of 2022.

Vaccination

All Royal Caribbean guests aged 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination approved by the WHO or EMA, with the final dose administered at least 14 days before sailing.

Children aged 11 and under do not require COVID-19 vaccination to cruise. However, kids aged 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may present proof of full vaccination and follow the protocols for vaccinated guests. 

All crew onboard the ship are fully vaccinated and receive a booster dose as they become eligible.

Testing

Sailings longer than 10 nights may have additional onboard testing requirements.

Pre-cruise

Besides what Royal Caribbean requires, non-EU or Schengen visitors must present a negative Covid-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours of their flight departure time.

Prior to embarkation day, fully vaccinated guests will need to show a negative result for an antigen test taken no more than two days before boarding day.

Unvaccinated kids age 2 to 11 will take a complimentary test when checking in at the terminal.

During the cruise

Depending on their itinerary, guests who are not up-to-date with their vaccines/ boosters or whose vaccine is not approved by the EMA, may require multiple tests and curated shore excursions to disembark in ports of call.

For sailings from Copenhagen, this currently includes guests age 12 and above for the rest of Europe.

Prior to disembarkation

Guests age 15 and above not up-to-date with their vaccines/ boosters , will take an antigen test within two days of disembarkation day. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test.

Guests under 2 years of age do not need to complete a pre-cruise test.

Masks

Masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests.

Masks are required for all children age 2 and older while at the Adventure Ocean youth program. Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time. 

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/ boosters may require multiple tests to disembark in ports of call.

Royal Caribbean has released its plans for cruises down under in 2023-2024.

Three cruise ships will sail from Australia: Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas.

"It’s thrilling to welcome back two Quantum Class ships Down Under, demonstrating Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the region. Plus, because there’s always more room for adventure with Royal Caribbean, we’ve taken the opportunity to bring Enchantment of the Seas to Australia to offer unique sailings that visit new destinations we know our guests are excited to explore," said Gavin Smith, managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean International.

"We look forward to even more guests, their loved ones and families creating memories while holidaying with us in several of the most spectacular places on earth."

Here's a look at each of the ships sailing from Australia:

Quantum of the Seas

Homeport: Brisbane

Following its first summer season in Brisbane in 2022, Quantum of the Seas returns to offer 3- to 13-night cruises.

Itineraries include visits to destinations in Queensland, such as Airlie Beach and Cairns, Queensland. Longer sailings visit places in the South Pacific, such as Port Vila, Vanuatu, and Noumea, New Caledonia.

Ovation of the Seas

Homeport: Sydney

Ovation of the Seas will sail from Australia for the fifth season and offer a series of 9- to 11-night cruises around New Zealand, including Milford Sound, Wellington and Bay of Islands. 

There are also 3- to 9- night cruises around Australia that visit Hobart, Adelaide and Eden; as well as cruises to the South Pacific islands.

Enchantment of the Seas

Homeport: Sydney

Enchantment of the Seas will sail from Australia for the first time, and she will visit some brand new destinations for any Royal Caribbean ship, such as Kangaroo Island and Gladstone, Australia. 

Royal Caribbean has arranged a series of 8- to 11- night cruises to the South Pacific that visit Raiatea, French Polynesia; Isle of Pines, Mare; and Lifou, New Caledonia.

If you have the time, check out the 34-night circumnavigation cruise that visits all of Australia and New Zealand by booking a combination of two itineraries.

Availability

These new sailings are available to book immediately.

To sweeten the deal, Royal Caribbean is offering half-price deposits for sailings booked by Australians between March 23 and April 5.

There's a change of plans for Radiance of the Seas winter plans.

Instead of cruising from Australia, Royal Caribbean will be based in New Orleans, Louisiana and Galveston, Texas.

The original plan was for Radiance to offer sailings from Sydney, Australia from October 2022 through April 2023. In an email to travel agents, the cruise line acknowledged the disappointment this change has caused, "We know this news may be disappointing, and we apologize for the impact to your clients' vacation plans."

There was no specific reason given why Radiance was deployed away from Australia.

Guests booked on Radiance of the Seas from Sydney will be given options for cancellation or rebooking.

Return to New Orleans

Royal Caribbean hasn't sailed from New Orleans since before the pandemic, when Majesty of the Seas was based there.

Traditionally, New Orleans has been a port Royal Caribbean bases its ships from year-round. Instead, it would base ships there temporarily, rather than having a permanent presence.

New sailings

Radiance of the Seas will offer a Panama Canal crossing from Los Angeles on October 20, 2022, when she will begin sailing from New Orleans 

Radiance will begin her New Orleans cruises on November 3, 2022 with a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise.

Once in New Orleans, Radiance will offer 4-7 night Western Caribbean cruises that visit destinations in Mexico, Belize, Jamaica, and and Cayman islands.

In early 2023, Radiance moves to Galveston, Texas where she will offer 7-10 night Western Caribbean cruises.

The new Radiance of the Seas cruises are not yet available to book.