Royal Caribbean Blog

After you book an Alaska cruise, your next question might be which shore excursions are the best to book.

Alaska is known for its natural wonders, and many people want to maximize their time in Alaska by going on the best tours that allow them to see the major highlights. Whale watching, dog sleds, glacier viewings, historical tours, and many more are the most requested excursions cruisers want.

Our team has been on various Alaska cruises over the years, and we've experienced many different tours. Plus, our readers have shared their own recommendations for the best options.

Note: We make no guarantees about any of these tours. It's a list to consider based on feedback and our experiences. Book these tours at your own risk.

Here's our list of recommended cruise ship excursions to help make your search easier.

Juneau shore excursions & tours

Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching Combo Tour: You'll get to see the two best things in Juneau: whales and glaciers. Website

Mt. Roberts Tramway: If the weather is clear, you can easily take the Mt. Roberts Tramway to the summit and enjoy spectacular views below. This is not a full-day tour, so you could combine this with another tour.  Website

Whale watching with Jayleen's Alaska: Many cruisers recommended this tour company, and it has received high accolades, including being named the #1 Water Tour in Juneau, Alaska. Website

What watching with Alaska Tales Juneau: Another highly rated whale watching tour, where you can not only view whales, but they offer a money-back guarantee if you don't see any. Website

Whale watching with Harv & Marv: Another often recommended whale watching tour. They also offer lighthouse tours. Website

Jeep tour: Take a self-guided tour of Juneau in your own Jeep Wrangler. There's a GPS and narration provided to allow you to move as fast or slow as you want. Website

Sled Dog Discovery: Dog sledding is a great family-friendly tour that combines history and the opportunity to meet the dogs. Website

Glacier and Guided Walk: If you're feeling adventurous, try a helicopter tour that brings you to Mendenhall Glacier. Website

Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter & Dog Sledding: Take a helicopter flightseeing tour with dogsledding and land on the lower level of the Herbert Glacier. Website

Read more: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan shore excursions & tours

Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour: See this glacier-carved wilderness from the air. It's everything Alaska is known for in one. Website

Ketchikan All In One: Small group tours that offer wildlife viewing, salmon fishing, and learning about the indigenous heritage of the area. Website

Kayak Eco-Tour: Kayaking is a fun way to get close up to many of the natural wonders, and it's easy to pick up (even if you've never done it before). Website

Combo helicopter tour: See the best views of the mountains and valleys surrounding Ketchikan Lakes and Mahoney Falls. Website

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: An entertaining spectacle of lumberjacks showing off their skills of carving wood using chainsaws, tree-climbing gaffs, and six-foot saws. Website

Totem Bight and Rain Forest Tour: Learn about the native history of Ketchikan while exploring a rainforest. Website

Fishing expedition: If you want to try to catch halibut, salmon, and more, a deep sea fishing expedition might be what you want. Website

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour: Educational & interactive Alaskan fishing tour meant to evoke the same style of fishing as seen in Deadliest Catch. Website

Skagway shore excursions & tours

White Pass Scenic Railway: By far the most popular excursion in Skagway, see beautiful views from the comfort of the train. Website

Skagway Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Adventure: Go on wheeled dogsleds that are pulled by a team of sled dogs, and then meet puppies after. Website

Ghosts and Goodtime Girls walking tour: Storytellers take you around town to share what it was like for the women of the Klondike Gold Rush. Website

E-Bike rental: Get around Skagway on your own with an e-bike. Website

Jeep tour: Explore Skagway and the nearby Yukon Territory in a Jeep rental, which includes, maps, mile-by-mile guide as well as an interactive tour guide. Website

White Pass Train & Bike Tour: Take the White Pass train up, and then bike back down. Website

Sitka shore excursions & tours

Whale watching with Captain Gary: Many people swear by Gary, who is from Sitka and knows the area well. Website

Fortress of the Bear: Animal rescue center, that includes bears. Many tours include a stop here, but you can do it yourself if you prefer. Website

Alaska Raptor Center: A medical treatment center for eagles and any injured wild birds. Website

Small group wildlife and scenic boat tours: Offers the chance of viewing seals, sea lions, sea otters, whales, porpoises, and Sitka black tail deer. Website

Wildlife Quest & Fin Island Lodge: Boat tour to see wildlife, including sea otters, whales, and coastal brown bears. Lunch at Fin Island. Website

Totem Trail & Sitka Historic Park: The Totem pole park offers a hike through the rainforest. Website

Haines shore excursions & tours

Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Website

Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: Run by the State of Alaska, has around 100 bald eagles you can see at once. Website

Kroschel Films Wildlife Center: Photo opportunities and close encounters with lynx, wolves, wolverines, caribou, foxes, and much more. Website

Icy Strait Point shore excursions & tours

Icy Strait Point ZipRider: Go across six 5,330’ ziplines that will let you soar 300 feet above the rainforest below. Website

Whale watching with Glacier Wind Charters: See humpback whales, along with other wildlife. Website

Whale watching with Icy Strait Whale Adventures has a custom-built whale-watching vessel that has large windows that allow unrestricted viewing while getting up close and personal to whales. Website

Whale watching with Hoonah Travel Adventures offers an intimate small boat experience to their customers that have large viewing decks and oversized sliding windows. Website

Fishing charter: Offers group and private fishing trips. Website

Tree Top Adventure Park & Ropes Course: Self-guided courses with varying difficulty levels that allows you to advance through the obstacles at your own pace. Website

Why aren't there Royal Caribbean shore excursions on the list of recommended tours?

There are two reasons we did not include shore excursions sold by Royal Caribbean on this list.

First, it's difficult to ascertain if a specific tour sold by one ship on a particular sailing is the exact same tour as another sold on a different sailing and/or ship. Truthfully, it just wasn't practical to come up with a list given the generic names Royal Caribbean gives to their tour names and verify it's the same tour for anyone else booking it.

To be clear, there's nothing wrong with Royal Caribbean's shore excursions and I've often booked them myself. It was just easier to come up with a list of third-party vendors.

In addition, Royal Caribbean's tours are operated by third parties that the cruise line vets. The cruise line acts as a "middle man" in organizing it, so one way or another, you're going to end up with a third-party tour.  

In many cases, if you do a Google search for the Royal Caribbean Alaska shore excursion the exact tour appears from the vendor.

Granted, booking with Royal Caribbean does include certain benefits, such as ensuring the ship will wait for you if your tour is late getting back. 

How to book Alaska cruise excursions

When it comes to booking an excursion for an Alaska cruise, you have two main options: book through Royal Caribbean directly or with an outside provider.

Booking through Royal Caribbean

Booking directly through Royal Caribbean tends to be more expensive, but is a safe option in terms of reliability and cancellation policies. Royal Caribbean vets tour operators thoroughly before offering an excursion to guarantee you’ll have the safest, most authentic experience possible.

On the chance a Royal Caribbean excursion runs late, the cruise ship will wait for the tour group before leaving port. If for some reason the ship is unable to wait, Royal Caribbean will make arrangements and cover the cost of the tour group's return to the ship.

Read more: Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship?

Booking through Royal Caribbean directly also tends to be convenient, as all excursions are listed directly on the Cruise Planner site. You won’t have to browse the internet and read reviews from independent companies prior to booking an excursion. Plus, if you have onboard credit, you can put that toward an amazing excursion!

Booking through an independent provider

While there are several pros to booking an Alaska cruise excursion through Royal Caribbean directly, booking through an independent tour operator can provide a wider range of excursion options, lower prices, and smaller groups.

Read more: Top ways to avoid crowds on an Alaska cruise

Simply put, there are many more shore excursions available in Alaska than the limited supply offered by Royal Caribbean. A quick search on Tripadvisor or Viator for Alaska cruise excursions will result in far more choices than what may be offered on your cruise.

Royal Caribbean excursions tend to be priced higher than independent excursions because the cruise line receives a cut of the excursion cost from the tour operator. Booking on your own eliminates the middleman, often leading to more affordable prices.

While the cruise ship will not wait for you if you’re running late on an excursion through an independent provider, this is a rare scenario as reputable tour providers have years of experience getting tour groups back to the ship on time. In addition, tour operators may offer similar cancellation policies to Royal Caribbean on the chance your cruise itinerary changes.

Read more: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

How much do shore excursions cost in Alaska?

While it’s possible to find great deals on cruise fares to Alaska, shore excursions can often be more expensive than what you are used to on a Caribbean cruise. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend on Alaska cruise excursions can better help you budget your vacation while still having an incredible cruise experience.

Shore excursions can run anywhere from $50 to well over $500. To give an example of how varied prices can be, here are a few sample prices you may see for Royal Caribbean excursions:

Juneau

• Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest ($158.99/adult, $110.99/child)
• Helicopter Glacier Walkabout ($406.99)
• Mendenhall Glacier River Rafting ($141.99)
• Mount Roberts Tramway ($59.99)

Skagway

• Klondike Bicycle Tour ($115.75)
• Ghost and Goodtime Girls Walking Tour ($45.99)
• White Pass Scenic Railway ($140.99/adult, $74.99/child)
• Glacier Discovery by Helicopter ($379.00)

Sitka

• Taste of Sitka ($78.99/adult, $62.99/child)
• Siginaka Islands Cruise & Kayak Adventure ($163.99/adult, $125.99/child)
• Tongass Forest Nature Hike ($84.99/adult, $60.99/child)
• Native Cultural and Historical Tour ($55.99/adult, $42.99/child)

Prices of shore excursions through independent providers are often cheaper than Royal Caribbean’s pricing, so be sure to look outside of Royal Caribbean for better deals.

Do I need a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise?

It’s not necessary to book a shore excursion on an Alaska cruise. In fact, some passengers prefer to explore on their own to have maximum freedom over activities, dining, and travel pace. While excursions are an “easy” option due to the fact that all logistics are handled by the tour operator instead of yourself, they can be a bit too limiting for some travelers.

Read more: Top 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise

Luckily, Alaska cruise ports are small and walkable, allowing visitors to experience the town’s history, culture, and nearby nature on foot. Even Juneau, the largest Alaska cruise port, still has plenty of walkable areas and ways to get around without booking an excursion, such as the Goldbelt Tramway and Mendenhall Glacier shuttle bus.

Some activities, like kayaking, whale watching, and ziplining, tend to be easier with a shore excursion than without, as all equipment, lifejackets, transportation, etc. is provided for you. Others, like hiking, visiting museums, and trying Alaska’s cuisine can easily be done without a pre-booked excursion.

What to bring on an Alaska cruise excursion

Packing for an Alaska cruise excursion is a bit more complicated than bringing a beach towel and flip flops. You’ll want to make sure you are prepared for any weather conditions you may face so you remain comfortable and warm throughout the day.

Read more: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska?

Clothing

Packing layers is key on an Alaska cruise. Depending on the month you’re cruising to Alaska, packing a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt as a base layer is essential. Even though you’ll be surrounded by glaciers, it can get relatively warm in southeast Alaska, especially in the summer months.

A waterproof jacket is another necessity, as rain is extremely common to encounter on an Alaska cruise. Instead of an umbrella, wear a waterproof jacket with a hood that you can take on and off throughout the day.

Read more: What should I pack for a cruise to Alaska?

Packing a warm layer is also important in case of chilly temperatures. Sweatshirts, sweaters, and down jackets will keep you warm on the coldest of days!

Choose your footwear carefully before an Alaska cruise excursion. If your excursion involves hiking through the rainforest, tennis shoes with non-slip soles or hiking boots will be helpful. If you’re just planning to walk around town, regular sneakers will be fine. It’s a good idea to make sure the shoes you pack for an Alaska cruise are water-resistant. Having water seep through your shoes is very uncomfortable!

Accessories

Bringing a waterproof or water-resistant daypack on an Alaska cruise is essential to ensure your electronics, identification, and any other valuables remain protected throughout the excursion.

Packing a warm hat and gloves is also recommended, particularly if you’re cruising to Alaska in the shoulder season months of May and September.

Read more: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise at the end of the season

Binoculars can be another great item to pack for an Alaska cruise excursion, as they give you the chance to view Alaska’s wildlife and scenery up close. Bringing binoculars will definitely come in handy if you book a wildlife excursion.

Sunscreen and sunglasses are also important to pack. While you may not associate an Alaska cruise with needing protection from the sun, it can be strong on sunny days, as sunlight shines not only from the sky but also from glaciers and snow. A travel-sized sunscreen container should be adequate for an Alaska cruise.

You may also want to consider packing snacks to bring with you on your excursion, especially if traveling with kids. Alaska shore excursions can be more active than what you’re used to, so having a bag of trail mix or granola bars on hand is helpful.

More Alaska cruise resources:

• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
• What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?
• When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?

The answer to which Royal Caribbean cruise ship is the biggest depends on when you check.

At the moment, the largest Royal Caribbean vessel (and largest cruise ship in the world) is the Icon of the Seas.

In 2024, Icon of the Seas beat out Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship, ushering in Royal Caribbean's New Icon Class.

She overtakes Wonder of the Seas in gross tonnage, passenger capacity, and length.

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by size

As of right now, it's unlikely that any other cruise ship will surpass her until 2025.

In August 2025, Star of the Seas, the next Icon Class ship, will take her maiden voyage.

Only a few details have been released about Star of the Seas, and her size hasn't been confirmed.

However, Royal Caribbean has said that subsequent Icon Class ships will not be a foot bigger than Icon of the Seas.

In the meantime, Icon of the Seas takes the crown as the largest Royal Caribbean ship.

Icon of the Seas officially began passenger cruises in 2024.

At maximum occupancy, she carries 7,600 guest passengers and 2,350 crew members, equalling a total occupancy of nearly 10,00 people.

Read more: I took the inaugural cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship. It was a giant party, but not everything was totally ready

That's the population of a small town, all gathered on one cruise ship.

She is 20 decks high, 250,800 gross tons, and 1,198 feet long. 

If Icon of the Seas were stood up on one end, it would be taller than the Chrysler Building in New York City and the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas!

Read more: Icon of the Seas size comparison

The 20-deck ship has seven pools, eight distinct neighborhoods, and six waterslides that make up an entire water park.

Despite surpassing Wonder's size, Icon of the Seas actually has fewer cabins than the Oasis Class ship.

Icon only has 2,805 cabins compared to Wonder's 2,867.

Royal Caribbean intentionally built its new ship this way to accommodate more families onboard in larger cabins that fit three or four passengers.

Here's some more data pitting Icon of the Seas vs. Wonder of the Seas:

Gross tonnage

• Icon of the Seas: 250,800
• Wonder of the Seas: 236,857

Length

• Icon of the Seas: 1,198
• Wonder of the Seas: 1,188

Total decks

• Icon of the Seas: 20
• Wonder of the Seas: 18

Maximum passengers

• Icon of the Seas: 7,600
• Wonder of the Seas: 6,988

Crew capacity

• Icon of the Seas: 2,350
• Wonder of the Seas: 1,551

Big or small ship?

There are pros and cons to going on a big cruise ship.

In general, the bigger the ship, the more space the cruise line has to add things to do while you are onboard.

Space is always at a premium on a cruise ship, so if a ship is bigger, it has more room to offer more activities.

Smaller cruise ships don't have nearly as many whiz-bang amenities, and for some people, this matters more than for others.

Read more: What’s the difference between a large and small cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean has a reputation for building innovative and large ships, and many of the smallest ships in the fleet would still be considered large if they suddenly became part of another cruise line.

Why cruise ships are getting bigger

The trend in the cruise industry is to build bigger ships, so typically the smaller ships are also the older ships.

There are a lot of great things about older ships. They come at a better value, with more unique itineraries, and a more intimate, close-knit atmosphere onboard.

Newer ships, which are typically larger, offer the latest and greatest, the most hyped activities and innovative amenities.

Every cruiser is different, so everyone feels differently about the importance of the age of your ship.  

Read more: 12 differences between the big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships

So why are cruise lines building bigger ships?

Economy of Scale

The other aspect of making money is cost control and economies of scale make these bigger ships more profitable. 

Whether 1,000 or 5,000 passengers are onboard, there are common expenses such as wages for the captain, cruise director, chief engineer, and other staff that must be paid. 

Spreading these costs out over more passengers enhances profitability for the cruise line.  

What does this mean to the bottom line? 

According to Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO, “newer, larger ships can break even on cash flow at around 35% capacity while older, smaller ships are closer to 50%." This makes a significant difference.

Despite these new ships having a price tag of over $1 billion, they have proven to be more cost-effective as building one large ship is more feasible than building two smaller ones.

Once a cruise ship covers its costs, it can focus on additional revenue sources, the icing on the cake.

Read more: I went on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship and saw why the surging hype is real

Marketing

A key aspect of a successful marketing strategy is a great product, and bigger cruise ships are just that. 

These floating cities have tons of amazing amenities, especially for those guests who want to try the latest and greatest things.

With kids' areas, lounges, adult-only only sun decks, and world-class dining options, larger ships appeal to a broad target market. Whether it be families, solo travelers, honeymooners, or retirees, there is something for everyone.

New cruise ships create lots of buzz. 

With each new ship being bigger than the last, anticipation is heightened.  Facebook groups monitor the construction progress posting pictures and providing updates on sea trials.

Travel agents and media provide reviews and YouTube videos with all the new details, to excite would-be passengers and drive sales with good publicity.

Great amenities and activities

New ships like the Icon of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas have all the newest bells and whistles, with the flexibility to operate in different regions such as the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.

Odyssey of the Seas with its 17 different restaurants and a variety of bars and lounges means that cruisers will not be short on great food and drink options. New onboard activities like a skydiving simulator, virtual reality bungee experience, and the SeaPlex activity interior all keep kids and parents busy.

Guests can also rent casitas for an additional fee, so no worries about getting a great spot on the sundeck on busy sea days.

Wonder of the Seas features some brand-new design elements such as a designated suite neighborhood with more suite-only amenities.

In addition, the ship has a redesigned pool deck experience and a new kids' playscape. These new features on the fleet’s biggest ship will no doubt be a big draw for consumers.

Revenue

The purpose of these bigger ships is to make more money. A big part of this equation is to increase revenues, especially as it relates to the amount of onboard spending.

Gambling at the casino, specialty dining restaurants, spas, and drink packages among other additional fee-based activities are all geared toward this. 

With the exception of Utopia of the Seas, which begins sailing in July 2024 and will offer 3 and 4 day cruises, cruise lines are putting their newest ships on 7-day sailings, giving cruisers more to do and more time to spend.

 Older ships are more frequently sailing on 3-4 day cruises.

For a 7-day cruise, Royal Caribbean makes an average of $300 per person after deducting expenses. 

Passengers spending an extra couple hundred dollars on a drink or photo package, a massage, or playing blackjack, all help to improve margins, a significant impact on the cruise line's bottom line.

Suites

Larger ships mean more space. The development of a suite-only exclusive area is another revenue management strategy. 

Icon of the Seas has an innovative layout with a dedicated suites-only neighborhood.

The exclusive neighborhood has upscale amenities for guests who are willing to pay for them, such as a private two-story sundeck, and an exclusive restaurant, the Grove.

Suite guests also have access to the Coastal Kitchen dining room, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Suites are a huge source of revenue for the cruise line as they can cost tens of thousands of dollars more than a standard balcony or interior stateroom.

For example, a 7-day 2025 Eastern Caribbean cruise on Icon of the Seas costs $2,185 per person in an interior cabin.

Read more: I spent $2800 for 7 nights in a 157-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my tiny cabin

However, a one-bedroom Owner's Suite with Sky Class amenities is priced at $12,504 per person.

That's over 5 times the prices for just about double the space!

Even at this growing premium pricing, the demand for suites continues to grow.

Big Royal Caribbean cruise ships are great, but sometimes the commute of getting from your cabin to the fun can get tiresome.

On my last two cruises, I ended up with cabins on a lower deck than usual and near the stairs.  It might seem like a big deal, but it made a big difference in my enjoyment overall.

There are compelling arguments of where to pick your cabin.  Aft cabins offer great views, mid-ship cabins are more stable, and some balconies are larger because of the ship design.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabin guide

I am one of those people that doesn't spend a lot of time in my cabin, but I do find myself going back and forth a lot. With so much happening onboard, sometimes you need your sunglasses, or laptop, or bathing suit, or playing cards. But I don't want them all at once.

Out of necessity, I've started booking cabins that are on a lower deck and near the staircases, and it's made my enjoyment of the cruise far better.

Being on a low deck helps avoid elevator waits

Picking a cabin that is just one or two decks away from the Royal Promenade is half of the strategy.

Conventional wisdom says to book a balcony cabin on a higher deck for the views. I'd argue in the Caribbean, there's a negligible difference in terms of views between deck 7 and deck 9.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Being on a lower deck means you can easily go up one or two staircases and get to the heart of what's happening on the ship. You'll mostly find activities between decks 3, 4 and 5 on most Royal Caribbean ships because that's where the theaters are located, along with Royal Promenade, and many bars.

If all I have to do is go up a deck or two, I can easily manage that and skip the elevator.

I find after 2 or 3 decks of going up stairs, I start to feel like Peter Venkman in Ghostbusters trying to climb 22 flights of stairs.

This same methodology would hold true if I was staying on a higher deck in regards to the pool and buffet, but I find there's more happening to draw me to the lower decks.

Read more: Choosing the Quietest Cabins on Royal Caribbean

Picking a cabin near stairs is even better

Now combine a lower deck cabin with a cabin in close proximity to staircases, and you've got a winning combination.

Royal Caribbean ships have two stairwells, with one towards the front and another mid-ship. 

If you pick a cabin all the way forward or all the aft, you're going to find a long distance to traverse each time you go to and from your room.

This is especially true on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class cruise ships where the hallways seem to go on indefinitely.

When I stayed in a room near the stairs, I found it so convenient to be able to get to my cabin. With kids, this is so helpful because inevitably, someone forgot something back in the room.

Plus, not having to go very far to get something from my room is quite convenient.

Because I enjoy spending most of my time around the Promenade, having a cabin near the stairs makes it so easy to get back and forth to get or drop off something.

Avoid cabins with noise bleed

Before you pick the first cabin on deck 6 near the stairs, you'll want to make sure it's not above or below a public venue.

Ideally, you'll pick a cabin that is one deck above and below another cabin.

You want to avoid any cabin that is above or below a pool, bar, lounge, or restaurant because of the potential of noise bleeding through to your cabin.

Read more: Choosing a cabin for your cruise

Additionally, don't book a connecting room if you don't know the person in the connecting room because the connecting door is poor at preventing noise bleed.

The key is to look at the deck plans on Royal Caribbean's website before you select a room.

Suites are the exception

This strategy works for inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins, but if you prefer to stay in a suite, you're out of luck.

Suites tend to be located on higher decks. On Royal Caribbean's newest ships, you'll find its Suite Neighborhood on decks 17 and 18.

If you want to book a suite, you probably won't be able to pick a cabin on a lower deck.

Read more: A $7,000 Suite on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

An oversold cruise ship isn't unheard of in the cruise industry.

Travelers may be used to hearing about oversold flights or hotels, but cruise lines do sometimes overbook their ships anticipating last-minute cancellations. It's much less likely for an oversold cruise ship to result in someone being booted off the ship, but it does rarely occur.

Unlike a flight, being out of a cruise vacation means a multi-day plan change and it's not like there are as many cruise ships as airplanes in service to pick up the slack.

In case you're wondering, here's how Royal Caribbean handles overbooked cruises so you know what to expect.

Looking for volunteers

In the weeks leading up to the cruise, Royal Caribbean monitors its bookings as part of its inventory management process.  If it sees a potential issue, the cruise line reaches out proactively to remedy the situation.

Guests sailing on Symphony of the Seas June 14, 2024 cruise received an email last week to ask select cruisers if they would consider rebooking.

Royal Caribbean did not come out and use words like "oversold" or "overbooked", but the email appears to be a way to free up cabins so the ship will not be oversold.

"Ahead of your Symphony of the Seas June 14, 2024, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel plans," the email to booked passengers said.

The cruise line was quick to add that if you are committed to sail, to disregard the email.  The idea is to ideally find people booked on the cruise that might cruise a lot and can change their plans because this isn't their one and only major cruise they have booked.  Or, they are looking to find an opportunistic deal hunter that wouldn't mind deferring their trip in exchange for a good reason.

The exact compensation offered will depend on the situation, so don't take this example to be the most likely scenario you could expect.

In the case of Symphony of the Seas, guests had two choices:

1. Change to another Symphony of the Seas cruise departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey in the same room category originally booked, plus get a full refund.

2. Cancel and get a 100% refund, plus 100% value of the cruise fare in the form a Future Cruise Credit.

With both scenarios, you'll get all your money back and a free cruise (or at least the value of a free cruise).

Usually forecasts work out

Why do cruise lines oversell cruises to begin with? It's because it's a practical approach to their business, Billy Hirsch, author of CruiseHabit, told Royal Caribbean Blog.

The reality is based on historical data there are usually people that either cancel at the last-minute or don't show up to the cruise.

"Even if a sailing is totally booked weeks out, there will almost always be some number of guests who cancel at the last minute or fail to show up. Trying to fill cabins at the last minute is risky and can harm price integrity," Hirsch said.

What cruise lines do is make a prediction, based on history, of how many empty staterooms they'll likely have ahead of sailing and sell that many extra rooms ahead of time.

"To cruise lines, cabins on a cruise are perishable commodities - if they aren't sold by sailing, they're worthless."

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabin and suites

As was the case with Symphony of the Seas, if those predictions are off, a lucrative offer can balance things back out, "If just before sailing it appears some guests will be turned away, lines tend to make, 'too good to refuse' offers, like a full refund, a 100% future cruise credit, and sometimes even additional credits or cash. 

"Usually forecasts work out, but when they don't, if those offers are so good that people are happy to accept them, then everyone leaves the port feeling good - whether on the ship or in a cab."

Can you be booted off a cruise?

It's extremely rare for a cruise to be oversold and not enough volunteers to make enough room, but it has happened.

In December 2023, guests on Quantum of the Seas sailing from Australia ran into a situation where a few passengers were left behind when the ship ran out of cabins.

Avoid guarantee cabins if you're worried about oversold cruises

In all my years of covering Royal Caribbean, the amount of oversold cruises occurring resulting in someone being kicked off a cruise can likely be counted on my hand. Nonetheless, there's one simple step to take to avoid the situation.

Guaranteed cabins (known as "GTY") are rooms sold without a specific assignment at a lower rate.  The idea is Royal Caribbean will assign you a room later from one of the unsold cabins.

Read more: What are the different types of cabins on a cruise ship?

While not an official policy that has been announced by Royal Caribbean, it stands to reason those with an unassigned room would be at a higher risk in this hypothetical situation.

If you're concerned about booking a guarantee cabin in the future, I would personally recommend you not worry about it. 

I've booked plenty of guaranteed cabins over the years, and will continue to do so. I believe the risk of an oversold cruise is so remote that it's not worth worrying about. Plus, the additional savings of a guarantee cabin are hard to overlook.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

There are easy ways to save money on cruises with a family, thanks to a few tricks I've learned.

After more than 44 cruises with my kids, Matt has figured out a few ways to save money along the way.

Cruising with the whole family has become more and more popular on Royal Caribbean ships.

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• 7 Things Cruisers Wish They Packed for Their Alaska Cruise This Year
• Can I change my room on Royal Caribbean?
• 95 Things You Can Pack For A Cruise in 2024
• How to avoid overeating on a cruise

5 Reasons to CRUISE SOLO (and 1 reason not to)

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 — 5 Reasons to CRUISE SOLO (and 1 reason not to) — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Cruiser complains about "obstructed" balcony and sparks Internet backlash

A cruiser who recently sailed on Icon of the Seas took to the Internet to ask if her balcony view should be considered obstructed.

In her viral TikTok, @abbiesnormal asks if the railing below her balcony is considered an obstruction.

Thousands of commenters responded, most of them disagreeing with Abbie's categorization. 

How a Gen Z trend is changing the cruise drink menu

Studies have found that Gen Z is more and more sober-curious, often opting for non-alcoholic beverages.

To meet the shifting remand, the cruise line has begun to adjust its drink menus. 

Here's how Royal Caribbean is catering to the younger demographic.

We asked our readers what one easy thing they do to make their cruise better

Are there any low-effort ways to improve your cruise experience?

We took to the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook group to ask our readers what one easy thing they do that makes their vacation better.

From ordering room service to using a travel agent, these are the 12 easy things our readers do to make their cruise better.

Cruise ships are nearly synonymous with food, but that doesn't mean you have to overeat.

Vacation represents an opportunity to indulge, and even if you aren't gluttonous, there are so many opportunities presented throughout the course of your cruise to eat.  Some of this is a matter of convenience, while other food choices are certainly meant to appeal to your sweet tooth.

As an example, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has 27 different dining venues to choose from.  That's a lot of food to consider.

While you certainly could eat everything you see onboard, you probably aren't looking to eat quite that much. 

If gaining weight on your cruise is not what you'd like to remember from your vacation, here are some easy ways to not overeat on a cruise.

Focus on unique dishes

When presented with food choices, start by eliminating familiar foods and focus on what you might not get at home.

Every calorie counts, so why not look for something different than what you usually have, rather than ordering a familiar dish you've had a number of times.

This is especially true at the buffet, where you could choose between burgers, hot dogs, or a variety of other food.

When browsing the buffet ask yourself, “is this potato salad going to be better then what I can get at home?” 

Look for small plates at the buffet

There's an entire psychology to overeating, and one good tip is starting with a smaller plate.

Instead of grabbing one of the large buffet plates, go to the salad section and pick up one of the smaller plates.

Use the small plate and fill that up and start there.  

That isn't to say you can only have one plate, but you might have some luck tricking your brain into eating less by still filling your plate.

Exercise to work off the excess food

If you see overeating as an inevitability, exercise is a good counterbalance.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships have terrific fitness centers that are included with your cruise fare.  Treadmills, free weights, and exercise machines are available to use.  In addition, there are exercise classes that have an extra cost.

Avoid the buffet

If you see the buffet as the largest draw to overeating, don't go there in the first place.

There are plenty of other places to eat on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship other than the buffet.

The Main Dining Room is open for breakfast every day, and is also open for lunch on sea days.

You could order room service and enjoy a meal on your balcony.  Room service has an extra cost to it, but it's a fixed cost and doesn't matter how much food you order.

Some ships have great alternative options to the Windjammer, like the Aquadome Marketplace on Icon of the Seas.

Eat high protein food first

In general, it's a good idea to stay well-hydrated before you eat a morsel of food, and then when you do eat, prioritize your foods:

1. Eat all of the high protein foods first
2. Then eat fibrous vegetables and fruits
3. Save the carb heavy foods and desserts for last

Eat slowly, and drink water before and after a plate of food.

The idea is you'll feel full before you over do it.

Avoid the sugary tropical drinks

Besides food, the drinks on a cruise can add to overeating.

There are many cocktail choices on a cruise, so if you can avoid the sugary tropical drinks in lieu of wine, or liquor and mixers, that might help too.

Ask Main Dining Room waiters not to bring the bread basket

When you sit down for a meal in the Main Dining Room, there will be a bread basket waiting for you and this is a giant vat of carbs.

Temptation is tough to resists, so remove the temptation by asking your waiters to not bring you bread in the first place.

Eat like you normally do at home

Remember, you don’t have to "get your moneys worth" at the buffet. You don’t have to have two entrees just because you can. It’s not required that you clean your plate.

Try to stick to your normal eating routine at home, in terms of times and frequency you would eat.

Try new things, order your favorites, but don't order two entrees every night simply because you can.

What are you allowed to pack for your next cruise?

Even the most veteran cruisers can forget to pack important items for their trip.

And new cruisers will discover that packing for a cruise is different than for vacations on land.

Most cruise ships visit multiple different ports of call, each a unique destination with a different culture, climate, and tours available.

Not only that, but you'll be staying on a cruise ship that has a variety of exciting events and activities, from social events like dance parties to exciting adventures such as ziplining, ice skating, and rock climbing.

You'll need to be prepared to take advantage of all the thrills a cruise has to offer!

Packing the right items will save you time and money in the long run.

Even if you find a forgotten object for sale on the cruise ship, it could cost much more than it would on land.

Whether you find yourself in a rush or you want to double-check your packing list, here's a helpful guide to 95 essential items you can pack.

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon, which contains an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase it. You can shop more on our Amazon Storefront!

1. Passport

Remembering your passport or other identification is key to having a smooth cruise. 

You'll be required to present these to board the ship, exit at ports of all, and disembark when you return home.

Also, having a passport on hand is useful for any emergencies, such as if you get stuck on land or need to fly home early.

2. Wallet

Don't forget your wallet or purse to carry cash, cards, and ID. You'll want one that closes securely and can be tucked away into a bag or snug pocket.

3. Credit or debit cards

While you can use your SeaPass cards for payment on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, having a card on hand is still a good idea for port visits, getting cash, or any emergencies.

4. Cash

You'll also want to pack cash with you, especially to tip the porters who will take your bag on embarkation day and tour guides on your excursions. You may also want to give crew members cash gratuities.

We recommend bringing a minimum of $100 in cash.

5. Glasses and glasses cleaner

If you wear prescription glasses, bringing the necessary supplies for them is essential.

There will be lots of beautiful sights to see, and you never want to make a mistake that leaves you virtually blind!

6. Contact lens and solution

On the other hand, if you choose to wear contacts instead, make sure you have everything you'll need for them to stay clean and moisturized.

Bring a lens case, lens solution, and eyedrops at a minimum.

Consider also bringing a backup pair of glasses in case you lose a contact lens.

7. Phone

Your electronics will come in handy on a cruise, especially a cell phone. Royal Caribbean allows you to check in and complete your muster drill online.

You can also reserve shows and activities, and find information about the cruise ship from your phone.

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

8. Laptop or tablet

If you also like to use a larger electronic device, you can pack one for work, emails, movies, or writing. 

9. Charger

Don't forget all the chargers you might need! 

Whether for a phone, laptop, tablet, camera, watch, or razor, check that you have the right charging cord for each device.

10. Camera

A cruise is the perfect time to snap some gorgeous pictures. 

Whether you use a digital camera or a Polaroid, don't forget to pack it!

11. Headphones

Skip the loudspeaker, and pack headphones instead. 

They will allow you to listen to podcasts or music, or have phone calls without disturbing other cruisers.

12. Portable charger

Cruise ship cabins don't always have a lot of outlets available. 

When you have multiple cruisers using their phones a lot, it's easy to run out of space to charge.

We recommend bringing a portable charger bank, which also allows you to charge off the ship as well!

I like the long-charge Anker PowerCore 20 External Battery Pack. 

13. Books

Even if you're not a huge reader, a cruise is the perfect place to start. There's nothing more relaxing than lying down at the beach or pool with a cocktail and an enjoyable novel.

Read more: How to de-stress on a Royal Caribbean cruise (without alcohol)

14. Journal or notebook

Journaling is a great way to manage your thoughts and emotions over the length of a cruise, or just to take down reminders for yourself. 

Bring a journal or a notebook so you'll be able to write down whatever comes to you.

15. Purse or tote bag

While you may not think you'll need a small bag or purse, it will come in handy around the cruise ship. 

I like to pack one small purse to bring to dinners, and one larger tote bag to bring to the gym or pool.

16. Backpack

I recommend bringing a backpack for excursions off the cruise ship. 

A backpack also works as a great carry-on bag for when you board a cruise ship. 

You could end up carrying this bag around the ship for a few hours before the stateroom opens, so bring one that fits items well and feels comfortable.

17. Fanny pack

If you prefer to bring a smaller amount of items off the cruise ship, a fanny pack is the perfect unobtrusive bag.

It can also be tucked under a T-shirt to avoid any thieves grabbing items out of it.

19. Waterproof bag

You'll inevitably encounter many bodies of water on a cruise. 

To prevent your valuables from getting wet, pack a dry or waterproof bag.

20. Luggage tags

Before a Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll receive printable luggage tags to affix to your luggage.

However, these paper tags can easily tear or break off.

I like to place them inside plastic luggage tag holders.

They're reusable for every cruise!

Read more: 6 tips to help keep a cruise line from losing your luggage

21. Underwear and bras

When it comes to clothes, you don't want to forget any essentials, especially because laundry costs extra while onboard a cruise ship.

Bring all the pairs of underwear and bras that you might need.

22. Socks

Socks are also important for walking around comfortably. 

Even when I'm traveling somewhere warm, I never end up packing enough.

23. Pajamas

Don't just assume you can sleep in your everyday clothes, which will end up dirty or sweaty.

Pack comfortable, cool sleeping clothes for your cruise.

24. T-shirts

Comfortable, casual tops are essential for your cruise. I usually pack 4-5 casual shirts for a 7-day cruise.

25. Shorts

Especially if your cruise travels to a tropical location, shorts will come in handy on the beach or on hot tours. 

I usually find I can never pack enough shorts for a cruise.

26. Pants

Don't forget to pack some long pants as well! 

Shorts aren't welcome in the Main Dining Room, and the cruise ship can get cold in the evenings. 

27. Blouses or dress shirts

Along with those long pants, bring a couple of button-up shirts or blouses. These will be useful for dinnertime and evenings on the cruise ship.

28. Skirts

Skirts are versatile and free-flowing, perfect for walking around a new city or wearing to a dining venue onboard.

29. Formal wear

Most cruises will have at least one formal or "dress your best night." 

Pack formal wear such as dresses, suits, or tuxedos.

Read more: Royal Caribbean formal night: What to wear

30. Jeans

Jeans are also useful for a variety of activities onboard. Not only that, but they also match with just about anything.

Just don't pack too many pairs, as jeans can be heavy and take up luggage space. 

31. Flip-flops

I like bringing a pair of flip-flops or slippers to wear up to the pool deck on a cruise. 

They slip on and off easily and I don't mind if they get wet.

32. Sandals

For slightly nicer tropical footwear, pack some light sandals with an open toe.

33. Sneakers

On my first cruise, I was surprised to find that sneakers were required to enter some cruise ship activities, like laser tag and ice skating. 

They also come in handy for those long travel days on your feet.

34. Dress shoes

Along with your formal wear, don't forget to pack dress shoes or heels. Just make sure they're still comfortable enough to dance in, as you could go straight from dinner to the nightclub or other cruise events.

35. Belts

If you have any looser pairs of pants, pack a belt to go along with them.

36. Sundresses

Sundresses are cute, tropical pieces, perfect for your pretty vacation pictures. 

They also slip on easily over a swimsuit while you're disembarking the cruise ship or heading into lunch.

37. Rainjacket and boots

Depending on the climate you travel to, it could rain on your cruise.

Cruises that leave from the Northeast U.S., travel to Alaska, or during the Caribbean's rainy season are especially susceptible.

Pack some rain gear so you aren't surprised and stuck indoors.

38. Jewelry

For those who wear jewelry, don't forget your favorite accessories!

These could range from necklaces to rings, bracelets, or earrings.

39. Sunglasses

The sun tends to beat down on a cruise ship, and sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes.

Bring at least one pair.

40. Sunhat

A sunhat is another useful way to protect from the sun. 

You'll especially want one if you visit a beach on your cruise.

41. Swimsuits

It should go without saying that a swimsuit is an essential item to pack on a cruise.

Cruise ships have pools and waterslides onboard right onboard, and often stop at tropical ports home to pristine beaches.

42. Scarves

Scarves are another useful accessory. 

I like to use them to tie back my hair or complete an outfit.

43. Wrinkle release spray

Since you can't pack an iron on your cruise, a wrinkle-release spray helps smooth out wrinkled clothing.

We recommend this wrinkle release spray.

44. Mini sewing kit

For any wardrobe mishaps, it's good to have a small sewing kit onboard. Otherwise, you'll have to search for one to purchase.

45. Stain remover

Laundry also comes at an extra cost on a cruise ship, so consider packing a portable stain remover.

Personally, I use Tide pens.

46. Toothbrush and toothpaste

Teeth cleaning supplies aren't provided onboard a cruise ship, so stay prepared to keep those teeth fresh and white!

47. Dental floss

Even if you're on a shorter cruise, pack along some dental floss as well.

48. Mouthwash

Mouthwash is also an important aspect of keeping your mouth fresh. 

49. Body lotion

With chlorine-filled pools, salty beaches, and sunny days, your skin can easily dry out on a cruise.

Body lotion will help prevent this, and a product with fragrance will also double to improve your scent.

50. Liquid hand soap

There will be hand soap provided in your Royal Caribbean bathroom, but this usually comes in the form of a drying bar soap.

If liquid hand soap is more your style, consider packing your own.

51. Shampoo and conditioner

The hair products provided will also be simple and not suited to every hair type. 

Bring your own shampoo and conditioner to ensure that your hair care routine doesn't miss a beat.

52. Body wash

Along those same lines, the 2-in-1 body wash on Royal Caribbean ships isn't everyone's favorite.

I always bring my own, which also ensures that I won't have to share it with anyone else.

53. Loofah

Washcloths are provided onboard, but if you prefer to use a loofah to clean your body, you'll want to pack one.

54. Deodorant

Cruises can take lots of physical activity, which can leave you hot and sweaty. Forgetting deodorant would be a major faux pas! 

55. Perfume or cologne

Similarly, you'll want to remember to pack the usual fragrances you wear. A nice scent elevates your outfit and aura for the day.

56. Shaving cream and razors

Over the length of a cruise, most people end up shaving at least once. Packing all the right materials will make that hair removal go smoothly.

57. Feminine hygiene products

Even if you're not expecting to use them on your cruise, you should always pack feminine hygiene products.

Travel, stress, and time zones can alter your cycle, and it's best to be prepared.

58. Detangling spray or cream

Looking good is the key to feeling good on vacation, so don't skimp when it comes to packing all your hair products.

Detangling spray or creams will prevent your hair from getting matted or tangled.

Read more: I went on four cruises and found the best way to protect Black hair on vacation

59. Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is one of the most key essentials you can pack on a cruise. You'll want to wear it every day to prevent any nasty sunburns.

60. Aloe vera

If you do end up getting sunburned, a natural aloe vera can soothe the burn and accelerate your healing.

61. Tweezers

Tweezers are useful for more than just plucking stray hairs. 

I use them to place fake eyelashes, measure eyeliner, and adjust straying piercings.

62. Scissors

You're allowed to bring scissors on a cruise, and they come in handy. Consider packing a small pair of nail scissors.

63. Nail file 

Strenuous activities can cause your nails to chip or break. 

To prevent any jagged edges, be prepared by bringing a nail file.

64. Lip balm or chapstick

Just like preventing dry skin, you want to prevent dry lips on your cruise. An oil or butter-based chapstick is the best tool.

65. Edge control and brush

If you like to style your edges, don't let them go on a cruise! 

Pack along a good edge control and brush to keep them tamed.

66. Hairbrush and comb

Hair styling tools are also useful, especially if you have specific products that wouldn't be sold onboard a cruise ship.

67. Hair ties and scrunchies

You'll also need items to tie and style your hair with. I usually bring extra hair ties, scrunchies, ribbons, and bobby pins when I travel.

68. Anti-seasickness medicine

It's hard to predict if you'll experience seasickness until you get onboard.

Pack along some Bonine or Dramamine to get ahead of any nausea and dizziness.

Read more: I tried the most common seasickness hacks on my cruise. Here’s what works best 

69. Cold medicine

Especially on crowded cruise ships, sicknesses can easily spread. 

By bringing medicine along, you won't have to buy any onboard and can deter a visit to the ship's medical center.

70. Band-aids and Neosporin

I always pack a mini first aid kit on my cruises, complete with bandages and anti-infection creams.

71. Allergy medicine

If you're prone to allergies of any kind, get ahead of those symptoms by packing allergy medicine.

I pack both allergy pills (such as Benadryl) and a skin cream like Hydrocortisone.

72. Pain relieving medication

You'll also want to prevent any aches, cramps, or soreness, by packing your own over-the-counter pain management medication.

73. Face moisturizer

The skin on the face is more sensitive and requires special moisturizer as well as sunscreen.

Pack your favorite face cream to stave off any dryness or acne.

74. Makeup

Whether you only wear mascara and blush, or you're excited to do a full beat on formal night, don't forget to pack all your makeup supplies.

75. Birth control

Plan ahead for any life-changing mishaps by bringing birth control pills or Plan B.

76. Hand sanitizer

With self-serve buffets and crowded public areas, cruise ships can become a haven for germs.

Protect yourself by bringing along hand sanitizer—and keep an eye out for the hand washing stations Royal Caribbean provides!

77. Insect repellant

The tropical islands many cruises visit are home to an array of mosquitos, flies, and other bugs.

If you pack insect repellant, you'll end up thanking yourself. 

78. Travel pillow

Especially if you need to fly to reach your cruise ship's port, a travel pillow is the perfect comfortable accessory.

79. Bonnet

You can't control the material of the pillowcases onboard a cruise ship, so a bonnet is the easiest way to protect your hair at bedtime. Bring at least one silk bonnet that is large enough to fit your hairstyle.

80. Eye mask

If you're sensitive to light, you might want to pack an eye mask for sleeping.

Although cruise ship cabins get extremely dark at night, your travel buddy could use a night light or want to turn on lamps before bed.

81. Snacks

Yes, Royal Caribbean ships have a massive variety of food onboard. 

But they sometimes lack healthy or vegan snacks, so I prefer to pack my own.

Bringing a few bags of dried fruit, chips, or pretzels is a great way to fend off any nighttime munchies.

82. Wine

Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring one 750 mL bottle of champagne or wine onboard per adult.

I highly recommend taking advantage of this policy, as it's a great way to save money on alcoholic drinks.

83. Corkscrew

If you're packing that bottle of wine, don't forget a corkscrew to go along with it!

84. Nightlight

Since cruise ship cabins (especially windowless inside cabins) get so dark at night, bringing a nightlight helps you prevent any bumps in the dark.

85. Reusable water bottle

This is a travel essential when it comes to a cruise.

Packing a reusable water bottle is a cheap, sustainable way to make sure you stay hydrated while onboard.

86. Magnetic hooks

Did you know cruise ship cabin walls and ceilings are made of steel? 

That means magnets can stick to them, and magnetic hooks are a great way to take advantage of that for some extra storage.

87. Hanging organizers

For longer cruises, smaller cabins, or bigger travel groups, storage for all your items can become an issue.

A hanging organizer helps you find a place to store your items while leaving precious cabinet and floor space free.

88. Shower suction hook

A suction hook can stick right to the walls of a shower, adding extra space to store towels and toiletries.

89. Packing cubes

Packing cubes are the handiest method for cramming all your travel essentials into your luggage. 

They save space by squeezing items like clothes and toiletries together and fitting in neat squares.

Read more: I packed for my Alaska cruise in a carry-on suitcase. Here's what I packed and how you can do it too.

90. Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags are also a useful packing tool. 

I usually put my liquids inside them, so that nothing spills out into my luggage while I travel.

91. Snorkel gear

By bringing your own snorkel gear, you can turn any beach on your shore excursion into an adventure for free.

92. Surfboard

The FlowRider, Royal Caribbean's surfing simulator, is the perfect chance to practice surfing onboard a cruise ship.

The cruise line allows you to bring and use an approved FlowRider surfboard.

93. Beach toys

For families and active travel buddies, a set of beach toys will entertain for hours.

94. Power strip

With limited outlets onboard a cruise ship, packing a USB power block will expand your space and ensure no one fights over getting a chance to charge.

95. Lanyard

On your cruise, you'll notice many cruisers using a lanyard to hang and hold their SeaPass. That way, they won't lose the important item and can carry it around hands-free.

Can you change or upgrade a stateroom after booking your cruise?

It might feel like your stateroom choice is a significant decision, one that will set your cruise experience in stone.

Whether you want to save money with an interior cabin, feel the ocean breeze in a balcony stateroom, or enjoy luxury in an elegant suite, choosing a stateroom is a big deal.

A cruise cabin becomes your home for the length of the sailing, so picking one that fits your travel needs is essential.

Desires can also change throughout the process of preparing for a cruise.

Maybe you want to splurge on a bigger room, change the location, or try a different stateroom category.

Whatever the reason, it is possible to change your stateroom, even if you've already made your final payment.

Here's how you can do so.

Read more: How to upgrade your cabin on Royal Caribbean

Changing your cruise cabin

Assuming there's unbooked cabins for your sailing, if you wish to change your cruise cabin, you can do so anytime before the sail date by contacting your travel agent.

If you do not have a travel agent, call Royal Caribbean customer service at 866-562-7625. They will assist you as best they can with finding and booking a new stateroom.

If your desired stateroom is an upgrade from the previous category, you can expect it to be repriced and any promotions from the original booking would be lost to the current promotions. 

Any previous payments or deposits you've made will apply to the new prices, but you'll have to pay the difference.

When your new stateroom costs more than the previous one for any reason, you'll have to pay the difference.

If you're choosing the same room category, you'll switch at no extra charge.

The cost of changing your room will be the difference between your current booking and the cost of the prevailing rate for the new stateroom.

It's important to remember that you will not receive any refunds if you're changing staterooms after the final payment has been made. Even if your new stateroom costs less than the previous one, you won't receive any of your money back.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean has many offers that change frequently. 

If you booked your cabin with a particular sale or offer, you may lose the booking incentives of that offer.

Prices fluctuate constantly, so when changing rooms, Royal Caribbean will use the current rate of the new cabin on the day that you change it.

This new stateroom price will determine the fare difference.

Last-minute rates can also be quite high, so you should be prepared to pay an extra cost for changing your room, even if you're staying within the same stateroom category.

Finding a stateroom

Of course, changing your stateroom also depends on there being unsold cabins left to switch to.

Most cruise ships sail completely full, so you can expect staterooms to sell out in the weeks before the cruise.

Read more: How full is my cruise ship: How to tell if your cruise is fully booked

The closer to the cruise you attempt to change your room, the fewer options you'll have available.

If you're wondering which cabins are available to switch to, you can go to the Royal Caribbean website and begin a mock booking.

In the booking process, select your desired stateroom category, and the screen will show you exactly what cabins are still available.

If you see any that suit your preferences, you can close the fake booking and proceed to call Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to begin the process of switching to that cabin.

Bid for a RoyalUp upgrade

If you specifically want to upgrade your cruise cabin, another option is to make a bid for it.

Royal Caribbean has a bidding program that allows you to bid for a higher cabin category, called the RoyalUp program.

With this blind bidding program, you can place a bid for cabins that cost more than the one you previously booked.

Essentially, cruisers can bid on a possible range of prices you'd be willing to pay.

Using the Royal Caribbean website, you'll browse through the available stateroom categories and select the amount you'd be willing to pay for each upgrade.

Read more: RoyalUp tips & tricks

When you make your bid, you'll enter your payment information. If you win the bid, your card will be automatically charged and you will be switched to the new stateroom.

It's important to note that this final charge is not refundable. If you win the bid, it becomes binding.

However, you can withdraw or cancel the bid before any decisions are approved.

Bids are accepted up to 2 days before embarkation day.

The benefit of using the RoyalUp program is that you can make a bid that is cheaper than the cost of simply upgrading to the cabin.

It's also easy to do; you merely select your bid from the Royal Caribbean website.

However, one downside is that it's a guessing game without any guarantee. You won't know if there are any cabins available to upgrade to, or what other cruisers are bidding for them.

It's purely based on luck.

You also won't be able to choose the cabin's location, if you are granted an upgrade.

Additionally, you cannot use the RoyalUp program to gain extra Crown and Anchor Society points. If you book a standard cabin originally, but make a bid and successfully move up to a suite, you'll still only receive one point per night of the cruise.

Can I change my room after I get on board?

We recommend that you book the category of room you desire, or try to change the cabin before your sail date.

It is possible but very unlikely that you'll be able to change your stateroom after you get onboard.

Royal Caribbean's website reads: "Because of the popularity of cruising almost all our rooms are occupied. It is very unlikely to be able to change or upgrade your room onboard."

Since the cruise line makes an effort to fill its ships each sailing, empty staterooms are rarely available.

However, if you still want to switch cabins when you get onboard, you can go to Guest Services to request this.

For the best chance, try to speak with them as soon as you get on board.

How can you make your cruise just a little bit better without much fuss?

We wanted to find some more simple, low-effort ways to make your cruise a more enjoyable vacation, so we took to the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook group to ask our readers what they do.

Hundreds of comments later, here are 12 easy things our readers do to make their cruise better.

1. Go with the flow

Karen Taylow Henelde commented: "Go with the flow and participate!"

One easy way to improve your cruise is by deciding to go with the flow of activities during your cruise.

Plans can change, and delays happen, so it's best to forgo any attachment to a specific outcome.

Leslie Lasage Babineaux expanded on this advice, saying to "take every moment as it comes, especially during embarkation and debarkation."

"I go with the same attitude with every day on the ship. Wake up and just go with the flow of the day. You never know what activities will be on the schedule that you will love. If not, grab a cocktail and sit by the pool or walk around the ship."

It's hard to predict what will be the most enjoyable activity until you get onboard, so going with the flow ensures you'll have a fun cruise!

Read more: 13 things I wish I'd done differently on my first cruise, from avoiding seasickness to eating at different venues

2. Get to know the crew members

Making connections with crew members onboard just takes some kindness and conversation, and it can make your cruise so much better.

"Get to know some of the staff," Patty Vognild commented.

"Once you ask them some questions about their home/country and family they usually light up."

Asking others about themselves is an easy way to show care, and humanize crew members instead of ignoring them.

Royal Caribbean crew members work hard on all aspects of the cruise, from covering entertainment to serving guests in the Main Dining Room, to the stateroom attendants cleaning your cabin every day.

"Making some of those connections makes the cruise more enjoyable!" Vognild added.

On cruises where I've befriended crew members (whether a bartender or a waiter), I've always learned more about the ship and felt like I had a friend to come back and see.

3. Order room service breakfast

Many readers commented that ordering room service breakfast is an easy thing that improves their cruise.

"[We] order room service for breakfast so we don't have to worry about crowds, clothes, or showers first thing in the morning," Melissa Renee said.

Continental room service breakfast is free and can be ordered as late as the night before.

Your food will be delivered right to your door at the time you select, and you can enjoy it from the comfort of your cabin.

Ordering room service breakfast, especially on excursion days, gives you extra time to get ready and help circumvent crowds at other complimentary venues.

4. Pre-pay gratuities

Pamela Martin commented: "Pay anything at all before I set foot on the ship. No bills leaving."

Royal Caribbean allows you to pre-pay the obligatory gratuities before your cruise.

You can easily do this by contacting your travel agent, or logging onto the website and paying online.

Experienced cruisers like to pre-pay their gratuities because it allows them to pay off the balance early and lock in the current gratuity rate.

If you prefer to budget and spread out your expenses, pre-paying is a smart idea.

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they regretted packing for their cruise

5. Bring more money and fewer clothes

Mark Olwick gave some sound advice in his comment: "Take twice as much money and half as many clothes as you think you’ll need."

Bringing plenty of money, especially cash, ensures that you have enough to spend on souvenirs, food, and tips. 

While there is an ATM machine on your ship, it will come with a lot of fees, so grab your cash ahead of time.

And when it comes to packing, you won't need as many clothes as you expect.

If you know how to pack efficiently and bring adaptable clothing, you'll save yourself space in your luggage.

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

6. Go to the Main Dining Room

Dining at the Main Dining Room is free and easy to manage on board a cruise ship.

Tammy Baumann said she "very much [enjoys] the Main Dining Room."

Baumann recommends cruisers go "so [the staff] can spoil you, bring you your favorite beverage without you even asking, scrape away your crumbs, and honor you."

The Main Dining Room is a cruise institution, an elegant, complimentary venue where cruisers are served multiple-course meals.

Given its formality, the venue is a great place to relax and enjoy trying new dishes.

If you dine there every night, the waitstaff will get to know you and your preferences.

7. Unpack and organize your clothing

One of the first things I do when I get onboard and inside my cruise cabin is unpack all my clothing and the majority of my items.

Tammy Albert does the same. "It's very hard living out of luggage!" She commented.

Unpacking completely allows you to make the cruise cabin your home, take stock of the things you packed, and organize the stateroom.

Your clothes and items will be within reach, making it easier to get ready during the day.

Unpacking ultimately saves you time and space.

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they wish they packed for their cruise

8. Enjoy the moment

"Take a moment to just enjoy the view with your own eyes," Tom Johnson advised.

"Yes, it is great to get a photo of something, but give yourself a chance to look at what you are seeing."

This is a great tip, not just for cruises, but for all types of travel.

Taking time to soak in the scenery and reflect on the wonder of your experience reminds you why you've traveled all this way.

Pause on the photos and entertainment, and just appreciate everything around you.

Read more: Best things to bring on a cruise under $10 I always regret forgetting to bring

9. Use a travel agent

Booking with a travel agent was Jan Lefave's top tip.

Most agents charge no fees for their services, and it can save you a lot of time.

Since travel agents have access to better rates and often offer onboard credit, they'll also save you money on the cruise.

Travel agents can help with any of your booking and question questions, even when you're onboard the ship.

They'll offer peace of mind in emergencies, and allow you to use headspace for the more fun parts of planning.

"Life is too short to get hung up on silly things," Lefave commented.

10. Allow yourself to spend time indoors

"It’s ok to just chill in your room," Ian Hunter said.

"Sometimes I feel like I’m 'missing out' but if you just want to sit in your room or balcony and relax then that’s just fine!"

Cruise ships have endless activities available on board, not to mention the exciting ports of all that many cruises will stop at.

Staying inside your cruise cabin can feel like a waste of time when there are so many things to do. But it's your vacation and you're allowed to relax inside the cabin, or even take a nap.

"It’s your vacation and if you want some alone time to just relax and recoup then do it," Hunter added.

11. Arrive early for embarkation day

We always recommend arriving at the cruise port at least a day before embarkation day.

Ted Reighard mentioned this tip on the Facebook post, advising other cruisers to arrive ahead of time for embarkation day. 

If you're flying in, this might mean staying near the port the night before.

This just means moving up your travel plans by one day and is definitely worth it.

You'd never want to lose a cruise that cost thousands of dollars just because your flight got delayed!

The cruise ship won't wait for you, so plan to make sure you get on board.

12. Try new things

Part of the beauty of cruising is getting the opportunity to try so many new things, from visiting new parts of the world to activities like surfing to tasting new cuisine.

Rowan Humphries's advice was: "Don’t be afraid to try new things."

"In the Main Dining Room, my aim was to try food that I wouldn’t normally eat at home."

Challenge yourself to try new things, and enjoy aspects that you won't get to try at home.

For Humphries, this meant eating things like steak and seafood, but it can look different for everyone.

Just encouraging yourself to step out of your comfort zone is one easy way to make your cruise exciting and enjoyable.

Read more: I went on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Here are the 7 best things I ate on the ship.

How do you get to the biggest cruising port in the world?

Are there any efficient ways to travel from Fort Lauderdale to a cruise in Miami?

The port of Miami is one of the most well-known cruise ports used by Royal Caribbean.

Not just popular with Royal Caribbean, PortMiami is actually one of the most active cruise ports in the world and one of the busiest ports in the United States.

If you cruise frequently in the U.S., chances are you will have a cruise out of this busy city.

Royal Caribbean currently has four ships that homeport in Miami, Florida: Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas.

Cruisers trying to reach these ships by plane have two airport options.

The closest airport is the Miami International Airport (MIA), located just 8 miles (a 15-minute drive) away from the cruise port.

However, travelers can also fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

If you choose this second option, how can you easily reach the Miami cruise port? 

This post is your comprehensive guide on how to travel from FLL to Port Miami.

Read more: Guide to cruises from Miami

Why fly to Fort Lauderdale Airport?

While the Miami airport is the closest to Miami’s cruise port, there are several reasons to fly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) instead.

It is a less-crowded airport, with shorter lines and wait times.

If large crowds stress you out, or you might be short on time flying to or from your cruise, FLL could be a good choice for you.

Additionally, there are some fun attractions located near Fort Lauderdale that you could enjoy before or after your cruise.

From quiet beaches to the famous Florida Everglades to miles of waterways, there is a lot to experience away from the bustle of Miami.

Read more: Guide to cruises from Fort Lauderdale

The following airlines service FLL:

• Air Canada
• Air Transat
• Alaska
• Allegiant
• American
• Avianca 
• Azul
• Bahamasair
• British Airways
• Caribbean
• Copa
• Delta
• Emirates
• IBC
• JetBlue
• Norwegian
• Silver
• SkyBahamas
• Southwest
• Spirit 
• Sunwing
• TAME
• United
• Westjet

Where is the Royal Caribbean cruise terminal in Miami?

The Port of Miami, also called PortMiami, is located on Biscayne Boulevard, about 3 miles east of downtown Miami.

PortMiami is one cruise port that is located right next to the big city, with easy access to hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers near the cruise terminals.

It is made up of several connecting islands, with the main cruise terminals located on Dodge Island.

Royal Caribbean mainly uses Terminal A at Port Miami, although any remaining ships will also port at Terminal G.

Read more: Best Miami hotels near the cruise port

How do I get to the Port of Miami from Fort Lauderdale?

The Fort Lauderdale International Airport is located 26 miles away from the Port of Miami. 

To travel between the two, you could use a shuttle, a rideshare app, a taxi, public transportation, or a rental car.

Depending on the time of day, it takes about 30 minutes to travel between the airport and the cruise port. However, if traffic is busy, the journey could take more than 60 minutes.

Shuttle service

A shared shuttle van service usually has the cheapest price of your transportation options.

You can either book a shuttle with Royal Caribbean or look for private shuttles offered from the airport to the cruise port.

There is a Fort Lauderdale Airport shuttle that runs every 5-20 minutes. However, you will have to reserve this shuttle at least 24 hours in advance.

Prices vary depending on the distance and number of people traveling. 

For example, a private van that seats 6 people costs $196 for a trip between FLL and PortMiami.

Price: $20-40 per person

Time: 30-40 minutes 

Rideshare

Rideshare apps are one of the quickest and easiest ways to order transportation by car.

Prices do vary, and can increase quickly during busy times.

Uber’s website currently lists the price of an UberX from FLL to PortMiami as $52.

Lyft quotes about $60 for the same ride.

The drive between PortMiami and FLL takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Price: $55-60

Time: 30-40 minutes 

Taxi

Taxis will also be swiftly available once you disembark the plane and exit the airport.

However, they are usually more expensive than rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.

Taxi Calculator currently lists the price of a taxi from PortMiami to FLL as $86. These prices can increase up to $100 if the driver has to wait for you, or if traffic is busy.

Price: $85-100

Time: 30-40 minutes 

Public transportation

If you’re looking for the cheapest option to travel between the cruise port and an airport, you might consider public transportation.

The transit system isn’t straightforward, and it will require you to take a couple transfers between trains and buses before you reach your destination.

Taking public transit will increase your travel time to over 2 hours, especially if you have to wait between transfers.

However, the price is cheap; only $2.25 per ride, per person. 

Price: $2.25 per ride

Time: 2 hours

Car rental

Driving yourself always lends an air of ease, privacy, and comfort to your trip. You can make as many stops as you’d like with your own rented car.

Renting a car is a great option if you’re planning to spend a few days in Florida before your cruise. 

You can rent the car directly at the FLL airport, then take your time driving down to Miami.

Prices will vary depending on what company you book with, how long you rent the car, and what kind of car you prefer.

As an example, Enterprise’s website prices a midsize vehicle, like a Toyota Corolla, at $56 per day.

Price: $55-70 per day

Time: 30-40 minutes 

How do I drive to the cruise port?

For directions to the Miami cruise port, use the address 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL, 33132. 

Remember to double-check which terminal your ship will be sailing out of.

From Fort Lauderdale International Airport, follow these instructions:

• Via Port Tunnel: Take I-95 South to Exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach. 
• Merge onto MacArthur Causeway. 
• Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards the Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.
• Via Port Bridge: Take I-95 South to Exit 3B, N.W. 8th Street. 
• Turn left onto 5th Street and continue straight until you reach the Port of Miami entrance. 
• Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal. 
• Get on FL-836 E in Miami from Departures, NW 21st St and Exists 2-3-4

Want to park once you get there? Port Miami does have parking available at all terminals. 

Parking at Terminal A is currently listed at $35 a night, which adds up to a whopping $245 for a 7-night cruise. 

The port accepts cash, and MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit cards. You will not be able to use a debit card to pay.