Royal Caribbean Blog

I recently participated in my first-ever Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise, and it was so much more fun than I expected.

Long before I was a writer for Royal Caribbean Blog, I was a fan. It was actually my husband that discovered the blog, and we were impressed with the accuracy of the information and enjoyed the live streams and videos.

A couple times a year, Royal Caribbean Blog hosts a group cruise in conjunction with MEI Travel, the blog’s travel agency partner. These group cruises allow fans to sail together while participating in group activities both onboard and in port, including pub crawls and shore excursions.

When I saw that there would be a group cruise out of Port Canaveral last December, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. Not only did my husband and I book the cruise, but my parents booked a cabin too.

Boarding the ship, I really had no idea what to expect. Truth be told, I get nervous in group settings, so I wasn’t sure it would be something I’d enjoy, but it ended up being a blast!

Here’s what it’s like to participate in a Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise and how you can book one of these exciting sailings.

Booking a Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise

We typically book our own cruises, but for the group cruise, we booked with MEI Travel. Booking through MEI Travel means we could participate in all group activities onboard.

While we still could have participated in some group activities if we booked the cruise ourselves, there were other activities exclusive to those that booked with MEI Travel. I wanted to make sure I got to do everything that was offered, so we booked with the travel agency.

Originally, the cruise was supposed to be on Harmony of the Seas. It was a 6-night sailing in December that went to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.

After booking it, Royal Caribbean changed the ship to Wonder of the Seas, but did not charge anything extra to passengers who had originally booked Harmony of the Seas.

What a treat it was to be able to cruise on the brand new ship at a discounted price!

Our first Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise event was on embarkation day.

The group cruise’s first meet and greet event was scheduled after 4PM on embarkation day. This gave everyone enough time to board the ship, do some exploring, and have time to put their carry-on items away once the cabins were available.

For this event, we met in the Music Hall. We checked in with a member of MEI Travel and were given a lanyard showing we were part of the group.  

The bar staff walked by with trays of complimentary drinks. We opted for the sex on the beach cocktails and raspberry champagne. The bar was also open for those that wanted to purchase their own favorite beverage.

There was a live band on the stage, and most of the group congregated around the bar to mingle.

The second day of our cruise brought us to Perfect Day at CocoCay. After our port day, we enjoyed another group event in the evening.

Since we were in Perfect Day at CocoCay on the second day of our cruise, our next group event wasn’t until 8PM that evening.

Having the event in the evening gave us flexibility to spend our day however we wanted. We opted to stay on the ship while in port to do more exploring, and we were able to enjoy dinner at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.

At 8PM, we met up with the group at the Rising Tide Bar, the bar that travels up and down between the Royal Promenade and Central Park neighborhoods.

The Rising Tide Bar meetup was more subdued and it was easier to hold a conversation compared to the one in the Music Hall. I enjoyed the more intimate setting.

Day three of our cruise had three separate group cruise events, all of which were fun ways to connect with other fans onboard.    

It was back to the Music Hall for the first event of the day with the guitarist from the pub providing entertainment. There was a beautiful table set up on the dance floor with muffins, pastries, and coffee. The event was scheduled from 10AM to 12PM.

Unfortunately, we only caught the tail end of the event due to the Crown & Anchor Society’s Top Tier Event being scheduled at the same time. We attended the Top Tier Event to receive our 1050 point milestone recognition and to watch my parents turn Pinnacle!

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

Immediately after the Music Hall gathering was the second event of the day, and the first event of the cruise exclusive to those who booked the sailing directly with MEI Travel.

This event was a private lunch in the Main Dining Room. There were three choices for appetizers and entrees—I opted for the classic cobb salad and grilled ribeye. Everyone enjoyed New York cheesecake for dessert, and everything was delicious. We were seated at a large table and were able to chat and get to know more of our fellow Royal Caribbean Blog fans.

We went straight to the Schooner Bar after lunch to start the final event of the day: the bar crawl! Practically all of our group had the drink package, so this was a popular event. We used our free Crown & Anchor Society drink coupons and ordered Schooner Bar’s signature drink, the lavender daiquiri, which coincidentally is one of my favorites.

The next stop on the crawl was the Cask & Clipper, the English pub. The group opted for Irish car bombs, and they had put in their order while we were still at the Schooner Bar, so the staff had time to prepare them for our arrival. I just stuck with martinis—this time a lemon drop.

The third bar of our crawl was Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Their signature beverage, the knockout punch, is my favorite. Since we were on the Boardwalk, some of the group caught a ride on the carousel before we headed to our final stop.

We ended the bar crawl in Matt’s AquaTheater suite. His Royal Genie had arranged a bar to be set up on their balcony, and the views from the balcony were amazing. We could watch the show’s performers practicing in the AquaTheater’s pool and enjoy a view of the ship’s wake.

A port stop in Costa Maya featured a private beach excursion with the group.

On day four, we were treated to a private excursion at Maya Chan Beach Resort. This excursion was only for those who had booked through MEI Travel.

I had never been to Maya Chan, so I was surprised that it was a half hour drive from the cruise port. Some of the roads to get there were extremely bumpy, but the drivers tried to make the trip as comfortable as possible. After all, they take this route every day so they were familiar with the conditions of the roads.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the staff and given a tour of the area before being shown to our own private section of the beach. We were offered complimentary beverages along with tortilla chips, guacamole, and pico de gallo while waiting for lunch to be served.

Related: Excursion Focus: Maya Chan Beach in Costa Maya

There were canoes and stand-up paddle boards for our use. For a nominal fee, you could have a massage on the beach, which my husband was eager to partake in!

Our authentic Mexican buffet lunch included items such as flour tortillas with chicken, beef, and pulled pork, along with Mexican rice and a selection of homemade salsas. Everything was delicious!

The staff at Maya Chan was amazing. They were friendly, attentive, and even came around to each family to schedule our return time back to the ship. It was a perfect day.

There were no group activities scheduled the next day in Cozumel, but the final day of our cruise brought two more meetups.

Since we were porting in Cozumel on day five, we did not have any group events scheduled.

The first event on day six, the last day of our cruise, was the only one I missed. The event was an hour (8AM-9AM) of private time at the ship’s Perfect Storm waterslides, and was another exclusive event for passengers who booked with MEI Travel.

Instead, I opted for brunch with my family at The Mason Jar (where I wouldn’t need to get my hair wet!).

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

At 11AM, we met up in the Music Hall to watch Matt from Royal Caribbean Blog and Beci from MEI Travel record a podcast highlighting the events of the group cruise. That was the last official event, however I did run into a bunch of our members in the casino having shots! Later, they moved into the smaller Golden Room casino for some table games.

I loved my first Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise. Here’s how you can participate in the next one.

What I loved most about the Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise is that it was the perfect blend of planned events along with plenty of free time to make the cruise your own. It almost felt like two cruises in one!

We had a great time with the group, and then enjoyed quiet time in the Suite Lounge and dinners in Coastal Kitchen.   

If you want to participate in a Royal Caribbean Blog Group Cruise, you can find more information on upcoming sailings here. Booking the cruise with MEI Travel gives you access to exclusive events throughout the sailing.

There are currently four more group cruises planned:

• June 16, 2023 on Navigator of the Seas, sailing from Los Angeles
• October 22, 2023 on Serenade of the Seas, sailing from Boston
• March 16, 2024 on Rhapsody of the Seas, sailing the Panama Canal from Colón
• June 29, 2024 on Icon of the Seas, sailing from Miami

Royal Caribbean Group had such a strong first quarter results for 2023 that the company dramatically updated its expectations for the rest of the year. The cruise company's executives talked about what drove these kind of big numbers.

Royal Caribbean bumped its full-year adjusted earnings forecast by nearly 50%, which would result in best year ever.

As per usual, the top executives at Royal Caribbean Group spoke with Wall Street analysts to go over the results, and there's some interesting facts and statements for cruise fans.

Over the course of the hour-long call, Royal Caribbean Group talked about Utopia of the Seas, the opening of Hideaway Beach, how popular their product is right now, and what to expect with the China cruise market.

Here's what stood out to us in the earnings call.

North America is dominating the cruise market right now

If you want the 10 second summary of why Royal Caribbean had such a good quarter, it's that people from North America are booking cruises at a pace and price never before seen.

There was such high demand for Caribbean cruises in the quarter that it translated into more people sailing on each ship, while paying more for cruise ticket prices and spending more money onboard their ship.

It caught the company off guard, as Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty noted they had expected a slower first quarter, "we thought the first quarter would be a transition period, we always expected the rest of the year to be strong. The fact that demand for the coming nine months is so much stronger than our already robust expectations says a lot about the strength of the consumer and the strength of our brands."

"While demand has been strong across all products and markets, we continue to see exceptional strength from the North American consumer. This strength, in combination with the incredible perfect day at CocoCay has resulted in record yields for our Caribbean sailings.

How strong were these bookings? The company says bookings outpaced 2019 levels "by a very wide margin" throughout the entire first quarter and into April.

Moreover, Mr. Liberty said the booking window "is now completely back to normal", meaning any reluctancy to book a cruise following the pandemic has eroded.

Europe is doing well too

While Caribbean cruises are super popular, European cruises are doing well too.

Royal Caribbean Group CFO Naftali Holtz talked about the numbers, "European bookings are nicely outpacing 2019 levels, with peak summer sailings trending particularly well in recent weeks."

He mentioned Odyssey of the Seas' European season in particular is, "attracting quality demand and rates."

Bookings for Europe might have been something the company worried about, but it's proving to be a great bet. Mr. Liberty shared, "for Europe, I think we were a little bit concerned going into the year, but because of our of our global and nimble sourcing model, we really have seen a surge in European bookings and we feel very good on how Europe is going to play out this year, but not to the level that we saw in the in the Caribbean."

Is Royal Caribbean holding back cabin inventory?

At the very end of the call, Mr. Liberty seemed to say that the inventory of cabins when a new sailing is released is not necessarily all the cabins at once.

A question was asked about how booking and inventory will be handled in the future, and Mr. Liberty talked about their process.

"We used to kind of put everything out there and all the suites would be sold basically right off the bat. And then you would kind of work your way down to the inside cabins," he said in answering the question.

"While now, we we hold back inventory, and we release it based off of our what are much more sophisticated revenue management models that we have today."

He did not get into any kind of specifics, but it's an interesting comment for consumers if indeed every cabin is bookable at once or not.

Utopia of the Seas will sail the Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has not announced where Utopia of the Seas will be homeported or where she will sail to, but we did get one tidbit that could point to where Utopia will be based.

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, and will launch in 2024.

In talking about Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley spilled the beans on one fact we can expect about the new ship.

"We haven't announced the deployment, but Utopia will also be going to Perfect Day," he said during the call.

This means Utopia will almost certainly be homeported somewhere on the east coast of the United States.

Royal Caribbean's ships don't visit CocoCay typically when based in Galveston, so that likely removes that possibility.

Mr. Bayley also said Utopia will be "coming online in June."

Royal Beach Club will open around summer 2025

Speaking of things we didn't know before, Mr. Bayley said when the new Royal Beach Club will open.

The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will be the first Royal Beach Club, which offers a curated beach day for an extra cost.

We knew it would open in 2025, but now it appears to be closer to the start of summer.

"Our intention is to have the Royal Beach Club open in towards the end of the spring, summer of '25."

The beach club's capacity will be around 2,500 to 2,750 passengers per day.

More passengers booking pre-cruise than ever before

It's not your imagination: people are booking more shore excursions, internet, dining, and drink packages than ever before.

According to Mr. Liberty, about two thirds of guests are now booking pre-cruise add-ons before their cruise begins. Compare that to 48% in 2019.

You can expect more features and updates to both Royal Caribbean's website and app in the near future, "while we have made a significant leap in our commercial capabilities, we are still in the early innings of our journey and will continue to add features and capabilities to our app and commercial engines."

New cruisers

In the first quarter, the percentage of guests who were either new to brand or new to cruise surpassed 2019 levels by a wide margin.

Mr. Holtz said customers new to Royal Caribbean Group brands as well as customers first-time cruisers all together "significantly exceeded 2019 levels."

Moreover, he emphasized that it's important to keep those cruisers, "at the same time, we also focus on making sure that they stay there and increase repeat rates."

China reopening in 2024

The one cruise market that Royal Caribbean has not resumed service yet is China, but the company is looking at mid-2024 for that to occur.

China was a major market for Royal Caribbean International before the cruise industry shutdown. According to Mr. Bayley, Royal was the top brand in the Chinese cruise market by volume.

"We're now more encouraged by all of the signals that we've had for our reopening in China in '24", Mr. Bayley said.

"We've now started to rebuild our sales organization in China and we expect hopefully by late spring, early summer to be back operating out of China '24."

"Our expectation is that this market will return to how it was pre pandemic."

"The value of a Chinese customer is very high when you look at their their the net revenue from a from a Chinese consumer it's typically around the same level as an American and slightly higher."

Icon of the Seas won't begin sailing until January 2024, but she's already a home run for the cruise line.

Icon of the Seas is better booked than any other ship launch, and Royal Caribbean is "getting exceptional demand with bookings well surpassing previous records," is what Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said during the company's earnings call with Wall Street analysts earlier today.

"Despite being on sale for only five months, Icon is significantly more booked for her inaugural season at materially higher rates than any other Royal Caribbean ship launch."

The new cruise ship is still almost 8 months away from its first sailing (the first cruise is in January 2024), but it's booking up at a pace never before seen and at even higher prices.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about this fact, "Icon is literally the best performing new product launch we've ever had in the history of our business, and we're delighted with volume and rate and that really is a full 24 product."

"I know it's a brand new product and it's stunning, but it's really driving a huge amount of demand and great rate."

Royal Caribbean's first quarter results were so good, that the company had to re-adjust its full year expectations because business is booming right now.  

Truist analysts Patrick Scholes and Gregory Miller said, "This was the best quarterly cruise result vs. expectations we have seen in many years."

New class of ship leading big demand

The results are clear: a lot of people are excited to sail on Icon of the Seas.

At 250,600 tons, she will take the title of the biggest cruise ship ever built and that size is good news for Royal Caribbean's bottom line.

Once finished, she will have two more passenger decks than the current biggest ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas.

Icon will also be about 10 feet longer than Wonder, coming in at 1,198 feet long.

"Our normalized load factor will we will begin to rise," Mr. Liberty explained. "And that's really leading with with icon coming on, which will have a higher load factor profile."

What Mr. Liberty means is Icon can handle more passengers too. 

The maximum capacity for Icon will be 7,600, about 7% higher than Wonder of the Seas' maximum capacity of 7,084 passengers.

Icon of the Seas was announced as a new kind of cruise ship back in 2016. She is under construction in Finland, and will be the first new class of Royal Caribbean cruise ship in almost a decade.

Not only is she big, but Royal Caribbean is loading her up with all sorts of new offerings that has clearly resonated with consumers.

The ship will have new types of cabins, a water park, new neighborhoods, and plenty of activities inbetween.  

One big focus of the ship is the family cruise market, which the cruise line is actively targeting.

Icon of the Seas will have a dedicated neighborhood for families, known as Surfside.  Surfside is aimed at competing with the Orlando family vacation market.

In 2022, Mr. Bayley talked about how Icon will offer something more intriguing to families that might otherwise consider a Florida land vacation, "The Icon product, along with Perfect Day, with the kind of experiences that we're offering, with the kind of new accommodations that we have on Icon and the experiences that we have for young families, older families and of course couples and singles and what have you, is really squarely standing shoulder to shoulder with Orlando and those kind of destinations."

"We're really focusing on this target market, which is family and of course has many new neighborhoods, including a neighborhood called Surfside, which is absolutely focused on young families and those young families with children six and under travel all year round, because obviously parents can pull their kids out of pre-K."

Mr. Liberty echoed that goal in his comments today, "With Icon, we set out to create the ultimate vacation for thrill seekers, the chill enthusiasts, and everyone in between without compromise."

The first sailing of Icon of the Seas, a seven-night voyage out of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean, is scheduled for January 27, 2024.

The ship will sail year-round out of Miami in 2024, alternating between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, with four different routings available for departures between January 2024 and April 2025.

Last-minute cruise bookings help swing Royal Caribbean Group's financial fortunes towards a better place in the first quarter.

Royal Caribbean Group released its first quarter 2023 results on Thursday, which included better results than the company forecasted despite a net loss for the quarter.

The company had a first quarter loss of $47.9 million.

These results were significantly better than the company's guidance primarily due to strong close-in bookings at higher prices, continued strength of onboard spend, and favorable timing of operating costs.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said he was pleasantly surprised with the numbers, "We knew that demand for our business was strong and strengthening, but we have been pleasantly surprised with how swiftly demand further accelerated well above historical trends and at higher rates."

"Leisure travel continues to strengthen as consumer spend further shifts towards experiences. Demand for our brands is outpacing broader travel due to a strong rebound and an attractive value proposition," added Liberty. "We are increasing full year guidance, given the significant momentum in our business, and we are well on our way to achieve our Trifecta goals."

First quarter by the numbers

Total revenue for the first quarter was $2.9 billion, with a net loss of $47.9 million.

Overall capacity was at 102% for the quarter.  Capacity (load factors) can be over 100% when more than two people stay in a cabin (i.e. children).

Gross Cruise Costs per Available Passenger Cruise Days ("APCD") increased 8.2% as-reported and 8.8% in Constant-Currency, compared to the first quarter of 2019. 

Royal Caribbean Group had a better first quarter because of three reasons:

• Strong close-in demand for cruises (people booking more cruises close to sail date)
• Ships sailing with more people and at higher prices
• Lots of people booking things for their cruise onboard or online

Royal Caribbean Group reports it is generating significantly more bookings at meaningfully higher prices than in prior years, particularly from the North American consumer. 

In the first quarter, the company continued to benefit from multiple actions taken over the past several years to reshape its cost structure which is helping to offset persistent inflation.

"First quarter results reflect continued strong demand for cruising and our teams' focus on delivering the best vacation experiences that exceed guest expectations," said Naftali Holtz, chief financial officer, Royal Caribbean Group. "We also benefited from favorable timing of operating expenses, as well as our continued focus on improving margins consistent with our Trifecta goals."

As of March 31, 2023, the Group's customer deposit balance was at a record $5.3 billion.  

Big demand for cruises

The key detail in the first quarter results seems to be stronger than expected demand for cruises.

There was particularly strong close-in demand for Caribbean itineraries, which accounted for close to 80% of first quarter capacity of available cabins to book.

To put this in perspective, booking volumes in the first quarter were significantly higher than the corresponding period in 2019. 

Because of this demand, Royal Caribbean Group saw a record-breaking WAVE season, which drove up prices as well added more people onto cruise ships.

As a result, the company has adjusted its  full-year expectations for ticket and onboard revenue, as well as earnings. They're calling it a "significant increase" in the forecast.

In a statement filed today, the company expects to significantly exceed prior record Adjusted EBITDA, achieved in 2019. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial metric that includes the removal of various one-time, irregular, and non-recurring items from EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization)

Paying back loans

Between 2020 and 2022, Royal Caribbean Group took out a number of loans to keep the company going during the cruise industry shutdown.  Here's an update on paying them back.

During the first quarter, the company repaid $0.3 billion of debt maturities and generated $1.3 billion in operating cash flow. In the first quarter, the company issued $0.7 billion of 7.25% senior guaranteed notes due 2030 to refinance 2023 and 2024 debt maturities and extended $2.3 billion of its existing revolving credit facility commitment to April 2025. 

As of March 31, 2023, the scheduled debt maturities for the remainder of 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 were $1.8 billion, $2.3 billion, $3.7 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively.

New cruise ships

In 2023, Royal Caribbean Group will take delivery of three new cruise ships:

• Icon of the Seas
• Celebrity Ascent
• Silver Nova

All of these ships were ordered and financed pre-2020.

Royal Caribbean Group expects to spend about a half billion dollars on capital expenditures on non-new cruise ships.

Would they order more new ships? They only said that half a billion dollar figure does not "include potential ship sales or additions that the company may elect in the future."

If your Royal Caribbean cruise had a scheduled stop in Skagway, Alaska, it looks less likely you'll be able to go.

Guests booked on Quantum of the Seas for this year's Alaska cruise season received updates via email from the cruise line that stops there have been replaced with visits to other ports.

So far, there's been no change to Ovation of the Seas' scheduled visits to Skagway. This post will be updated if that changes.

Skagway is one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports, but an issue with the pier is preventing as many ships as usual from calling on it.

Last cruise season, landslides in Skagway, Alaska impacted the pier where Royal Caribbean ships dock. The resulting damage to the pier has necessitated the change, according to the cruise line.

The issue comes from large rocks above the railroad dock in Skagway. Rock slides are not uncommon, but falling rocks last year damaged the pier. Moreover, a rather large rock, known locally as "ship rock", is at risk of falling.

Ship rock poses a danger over one area of the pier, but the remainder of the dock is long enough to accommodate two cruise ships, provided one of them is relatively small.

"While repairs have been ongoing, they won't be ready for two large ships visiting simultaneously," the email to passengers said.

Instead, Quantum of the Seas will visit other ports.  Depending on the sailing, the replacement ports vary. Some itineraries are having the Skagway stop replaced with Icy Strait Point, Alaska, with others are going to Ketchikan, Alaska instead.

In addition, more time is being given in other ports to make up for the issue.

Any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore excursions booked for Skagway will automatically be refunded to the original form of payment. 

What to do in Icy Strait Point

If your new itinerary is taking you to Icy Strait Point, you can expect to find quite a few fun activities for your time there.

Icy Strait Point, located in Hoonah, Alaska, offers visitors a unique cultural experience, as it is owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, a native Alaskan corporation. 

Related: How I spent the day at Icy Strait Point on my Royal Caribbean cruise

One of the top attractions in Icy Strait Point is the ZipRider, which is the world's largest zip line. This exhilarating ride offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The zip line stretches for 5,330 feet and descends 1,330 feet, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. 

For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the Icy Strait Point nature trail is a great option. This trail is a two-mile loop through the forest, offering visitors the chance to see wildlife and learn about the local flora and fauna. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.

Visitors to Icy Strait Point can also take a whale watching tour, where they can spot humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life. The tours are led by experienced guides who offer interesting insights into the whales' behavior and habitat. The tour boats are specially designed for wildlife viewing, offering a comfortable and safe experience for visitors.

Icy Strait Point is also home to the Huna Totem Heritage Center, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the culture and history of the Tlingit people. Visitors can learn about the Tlingit's rich history and traditions, view traditional art and artifacts, and watch cultural performances. The center also offers workshops where visitors can learn traditional crafts such as basket weaving and carving.

For those interested in fishing, Icy Strait Point offers excellent opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including salmon and halibut. 

Finally, Icy Strait Point is a great place to sample local Alaskan cuisine. The port has several restaurants and cafes that offer fresh seafood and other local dishes. Visitors can try fresh Alaskan salmon, crab, and other seafood specialties, as well as traditional Tlingit dishes such as fried bread and smoked salmon.

What to do in Ketchikan

Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," this city offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historical sites. 

One of the most popular activities in Ketchikan is salmon fishing. Visitors can book a fishing charter and try their hand at catching a variety of salmon, including king, coho, and pink salmon. 

Related: Local guide of places to visit in Ketchikan, Alaska

Another popular activity in Ketchikan is visiting the Totem Bight State Historical Park. This park is home to a collection of totem poles, some of which date back to the 1800s.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the park and learn about the history and culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who created these beautiful works of art. The park also has a replica of a traditional Native Alaskan longhouse.

Visitors to Ketchikan can also take a scenic flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords National Monument. This vast wilderness area is known for its dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. 

Ketchikan is also home to the Tongass Historical Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the region. Visitors can learn about the early settlers, the fishing industry, and the Native Alaskan cultures that have shaped the area. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents, as well as interactive exhibits that offer a hands-on learning experience.

Finally, Ketchikan is home to many shops and galleries that offer local art and crafts. Visitors can browse through the shops and pick up a unique souvenir or gift, such as a hand-carved totem pole or a piece of traditional Native Alaskan art. The city also has several restaurants that offer fresh seafood and other local dishes, as well as craft breweries and distilleries that offer tastings and tours.

Read more about Ketchikan:

• Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan
• Visiting Saxman Native Village in Ketchikan
• Spending a day in Ketchikan, Alaska on a cruise

What to do in Sitka

Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty, Sitka is a popular destination for visitors on an Alaska cruise. 

One of the most popular attractions in Sitka is the Sitka National Historical Park. This park is home to a collection of totem poles, some of which date back to the 1800s.

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

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the park and learn about the history and culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who created these beautiful works of art. The park also has a visitor center that offers educational exhibits and programs on the area's history and culture.

Another must-visit attraction in Sitka is the Russian Bishop's House. This historic building was built in 1843 and served as the residence for the Russian Orthodox bishop in Alaska.

Today, the building is a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the Russian colonial period in Alaska. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and learn about the daily life of the Russian bishop and his staff.

Sitka is also home to many outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can take a guided hike through the nearby Tongass National Forest, which is home to towering trees, rushing streams, and a diverse array of wildlife.

For those interested in the natural history of the area, Sitka offers several options. The Sitka Sound Science Center is a research and education center that offers exhibits and programs on the marine ecology of the area.

The Alaska Raptor Center is another great option for nature lovers, with a focus on the rehabilitation and release of injured birds of prey, such as bald eagles and owls.

Read more about Sitka:

• Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska
• Spending a day in Sitka, Alaska while on a cruise
• Exploring downtown Sitka on your own

Planning your first cruise? If so, you probably have a long list of questions about dining on a cruise ship. What food is included? Can you eat as much as you want? How many restaurants are on a cruise ship?

What seems like basic knowledge to frequent cruisers can cause confusion for first-time cruisers. So much confusion, unsurprisingly, leads to a lot of questions about dining on a cruise ship.

Here at Royal Caribbean Blog, we hear the same questions about cruise ship dining over and over again. They’re not inherently “dumb” questions, but some first-time cruisers may feel embarrassed to ask so many questions about dining onboard.

To make your first cruise experience stress-free, we’re answering 17 of your really dumb cruise ship dining questions.

What is the Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean?

The Main Dining Room is the name of Royal Caribbean’s traditional sit-down restaurant. This is the largest dining venue on any Royal Caribbean ship—it spans multiple decks and serves thousands of passengers each day.

While dining in the Main Dining Room you’re presented with a menu with appetizers, main courses, and desserts. You can order as many items as you please, whether you want multiple appetizers or three slices of pie!

Related: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

Everything in the Main Dining Room is complimentary aside from a few extra cost items, which are listed at the bottom of the menu. These include lobster and steak from Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean's signature steakhouse.

The Main Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast and dinner are served every day whereas lunch is available on sea days only. The breakfast and lunch menu may be combined into a brunch menu on sea days.

What is the Windjammer on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

The Windjammer is the name of the main buffet on a Royal Caribbean cruise. This venue is where you’ll find the widest selection of food onboard, and it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The Windjammer is included in your cruise fare.

All meals at the Windjammer should offer enough variety to satisfy all passengers. Breakfast offers both traditional American fare—pancakes, bagels, eggs, and hash browns—along with a selection of international cuisine like fried rice and Indian curry.

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer Cafe buffet

Dinner in the Windjammer has a theme each evening, although you’ll still find classic options like hamburgers, pizza, and pasta. One night may offer Caribbean cuisine like jerk chicken and plantains whereas another evening may feature Italian, Mexican, or Chinese dishes.

Are there limits to how much you can eat at the buffet?

There are no limits to how much you can eat at the buffet on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Feel free to indulge in eight slices of pizza, five desserts, and a plate of french fries… there’s no one stopping you!

You should, however, grab a new plate each time you visit the buffet station, as using the same plate multiple times is a health hazard.

What are specialty restaurants and how much do they cost?

Specialty restaurants are restaurants that are not included in your cruise fare. Unlike the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, dining at these restaurants incurs an additional fee.

Dining at specialty restaurants is completely optional, but many passengers enjoy the cooking styles and selection of cuisine at these venues. Specialty restaurants offer everything from sushi and hibachi at Izumi to Italian pasta and pizza at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Related: What is the best Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant?

Compared to the complimentary venues onboard, specialty restaurants may offer a more intimate atmosphere as well, making them perfect for celebrating special occasions or a date night.

The cost of Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants varies from venue to venue, but you can expect to pay around $25 for lunch and $50-60 for dinner. More casual restaurants, such as Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, offer lower prices and are priced à la carte.

What food is free on Royal Caribbean?

The majority of food on a Royal Caribbean cruise is free—it’s easy to go an entire cruise without spending anything extra on food. With the exception of the Main Dining Room, the majority of complimentary food venues are quick grab and go spots.

Here is a complete list of complimentary food venues on Royal Caribbean:

• Windjammer: Royal Caribbean’s main buffet
• Mini Bites: grab and go casual fare (only on Harmony of the Seas)
• El Loco Fresh: Mexican fare served buffet style
• Dog House: hotdog stand
• Splashaway Cafe: casual pool deck fare (only on Spectrum of the Seas)
• Solarium Bistro: a more relaxed buffet compared to the Windjammer with Mediterranean cuisine served for dinner
• Cafe Promenade: grab and go snacks served all day, such as muffins, sandwiches, and cookies
• Sorrento’s Pizza: pizza slices served (almost) all day
• Coastal Kitchen: complimentary restaurant only for suite guests on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships
• The Cafe at Two70: grab and go soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks on Quantum Class ships
• Park Cafe: grab and go soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks on Vision, Radiance, and Oasis Class ships
• Vitality Cafe: health-focused snacks (protein shakes and smoothies cost extra)
• Main Dining Room: Royal Caribbean’s traditional sit-down dining restaurant
• Surfside Eatery: kid-friendly dining on Icon of the Seas
• Fish & Ships: only select items are complimentary on Ovation of the Seas
• Johnny Rockets: complimentary for breakfast only on Oasis Class ships

How do I know which restaurants are on my ship?

Every Royal Caribbean ship offers different food venues, with some restaurants overlapping on all ships and others only available on one or two ships in the fleet.

The easiest way to find out which food venues are on your Royal Caribbean cruise ship is to check the Royal Caribbean app. By downloading the Royal Caribbean app and linking your cruise reservation to your account, you can view the dining venues on your ship.

Related: Royal Caribbean app walkthrough and tips

To do so, click on the dining tab in the lower left corner of the app. From there, you can view every venue on your ship and whether or not they are included in your cruise fare.

You can also view the menu for most restaurants as well as operating hours.

Can I bring food on a cruise?

All guests are permitted to bring non-perishable food on a Royal Caribbean cruise. This includes packaged goods like cookies, chips, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and candy, as well as pre-packed baby food.

You are not allowed to bring perishable food like fruits, vegetables, meat products, and homemade goods.

Related: What food or drinks you're allowed to bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise

There is more than enough food to keep you satisfied on a Royal Caribbean cruise, so we don’t usually recommend packing anything extra. That being said, parents with young kids may want to bring their child’s favorite snacks to have on hand in the room or on a shore excursion.

Can I look at the dining room menus in advance?

You can look at Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room menus in advance on the dining tab in the Royal Caribbean app.

As the dinner menu changes each evening, knowing what’s offered on a particular day can help you plan your vacation. If you’re planning to book a specialty restaurant, for example, you may want to book the restaurant on a day when the Main Dining Room menu isn’t as appealing to your tastes.

Related: I tried the new Royal Caribbean menus, and here's how I'd rank everything I ate

Traditional Dining vs My Time Dining: what’s the difference?

Dinner in the Main Dining Room comes with two options: traditional dining or My Time Dining.

Traditional dining is when you eat at the same time each evening at the same table and with the same waiters. This option is best for those who prefer a set dinner schedule and who don’t need flexibility with their dining time.

My Time Dining, on the other hand, allows you to dine at a time most convenient for your schedule. You can show up to the dining room and wait for an available table or make a reservation for the evening in advance. With My Time Dining, there’s no need to eat at a set time each night, although you will not have the same tables nor the same waiters throughout the cruise.

You will select your preferred dining style (traditional dining or My Time Dining) when you book your cruise.

Related: Royal Caribbean My Time Dining versus Traditional Dining

How do I make dining reservations?

Dining reservations are required for select venues on Royal Caribbean, including My Time Dining in the dining room and at specialty restaurants.

To make My Time Dining reservations, visit Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner to select a time for each evening. If you do not make reservations, you can always show up to the dining room at any time during dinner service, but you may have to wait in a line.

Specialty dining reservations can be reserved in the Cruise Planner as well.

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

What time is dinner on Royal Caribbean?

Dinner times may vary slightly depending on your cruise itinerary, but it's typically held from around 5:30PM to 9PM on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

There are two traditional dining times, which are usually around 5:30PM and 8:30PM. Passengers can choose the time that works best for their dining preference (early or late seating).

My Time Dining opens later than traditional dining; it is open from around 6:45PM to 9PM each day.

How long does dinner last on Royal Caribbean?

You should expect dinner in the Main Dining Room to last between 75 minutes and 90 minutes, although it may be shorter or longer depending on your group size, number of dishes ordered, and speed of service.

Dinner at specialty restaurants lasts roughly the same amount of time as dinner in the Main Dining Room. Casual venues like the Windjammer offer much quicker service—it’s possible to be in and out in 15 minutes!

Do I have to sit with strangers at dinner on a cruise?

In the past, it was common to be seated with other passengers in the Main Dining Room. Due to space constraints, you could be assigned to a table with several other travel parties.

While this still happens today, you have much more flexibility when it comes to having your own table. Most of the time, you’ll be seated at your own private table. If you are assigned to a table with other passengers, simply request your own table and Royal Caribbean will accommodate you.

Some passengers still enjoy sitting with other travel parties in the Main Dining Room, though, as it allows them to connect with other guests during their sailing.

Is room service free on Royal Caribbean?

Room service is not free on a Royal Caribbean cruise, albeit with one exception.

Royal Caribbean’s room service menu incurs a $7.95 per order fee plus 18% gratuity. This means that, regardless of how much you order, you will be charged one set amount.

Related: Royal Caribbean room service guide & tips

Free room service is only offered on the continental breakfast menu, which serves cold items like yogurt, bagels, and muffins, but not pancakes, eggs, and bacon. You will not incur a fee for ordering continental breakfast, although tipping the crew member who delivers the food is recommended.

What is the dress code on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean’s dress code is relatively casual, with formal wear only suggested on formal nights, which occur one to three times during your sailing depending on the cruise’s length.

You can dine at casual venues like the Windjammer and El Loco Fresh in swimsuit cover-ups, shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. Generally speaking, as long as you’re not wearing only a bathing suit, you’re in the clear.

For dinner in the dining room and at specialty restaurants, dressing smart casual is recommended. Think of smart casual as a nice pair of slacks, blouses, collared shirts, and dresses.

Royal Caribbean suggests wearing formal wear on formal night, including suits and ties, cocktail dresses, and evening gowns, but it’s not required. This suggestion is only for dinner in the Main Dining Room, meaning you can dress casual and dine in other venues that evening instead.

Related: What to wear on a cruise formal night

Plus, the dress code is not strictly enforced on formal night, so there’s no need to dress in a black-tie look. While we advise dressing nicely for formal night, you can wear the same semi-formal outfits on formal night as you would wear any other night in the dining room.

Can kids order from the adults menu? And can adults order from the kids menu?

The Main Dining Room has both a standard menu and a kids menu, but passengers can order from whichever menu they prefer.

The kids menu is limited but offers a selection of kid-friendly favorites such as mac and cheese, pizza, and burgers. It stays the same throughout the entire cruise. The regular dinner menu, of course, has more diverse options and changes each day of the sailing.

Kids can order from the standard menu if they would like to try a wider range of food. Adults, on the contrary, are free to order from the kids menu if they don’t see anything they want on the regular menu.

How does Royal Caribbean handle dietary restrictions?

Royal Caribbean can accommodate most dietary restrictions onboard. 

The Main Dining Room menu specifies if a dish is vegan or has no sugar added. A vegan appetizer, main course, and dessert is offered each evening in the dining room along with several more vegetarian options. Vegans and vegetarians do not have to notify Royal Caribbean of their dietary needs in advance.

Those with other dietary restrictions, such as severe allergies, gluten-free, and Kosher, should send Royal Caribbean an email more than 45 days prior to their cruise. Notifying Royal Caribbean of your allergies will help ensure that your dietary needs are met.

You can email Royal Caribbean at [email protected]. In the email, include the guests’ names, booking number, ship name, and sail date.

Royal Caribbean’s cruise port in Cape Liberty, New Jersey offers cruises year round, sailing to destinations in the Caribbean, Canada, and Bermuda. If you’re flying to New York City before a cruise from Cape Liberty, you’ll want to arrive the night before your cruise begins and book a pre-cruise hotel.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest city in the United States has an overwhelming amount of hotel options. Some cruisers prefer to stay near the cruise port in New Jersey whereas others enjoy spending the night across the river in Manhattan.

To make your cruise planning process easier, we’re sharing our list of some of the most recommended hotels to book before your cruise.

Where to stay in New York/New Jersey before your cruise

Near Newark Liberty International Airport

If you are flying into Newark and do not have plans to sightsee in New York, your best bet is to spend the night near the airport. As a major airport, there are countless hotels located just a few minutes drive away from the arrivals area.

We especially recommend staying near the airport if your flight arrives in the afternoon or evening. It can be tempting to book a luxury hotel in Manhattan the night before your cruise, but after a long day of flying, your future self will be grateful your hotel is just a 5 minute drive away from the airport!

Related: Guide to cruises from New York

Staying near the airport does not typically lead to the most exciting evening before your cruise begins. Most of these hotels are not located near the most exciting restaurants and attractions, although the convenience makes staying near the airport a great choice for many cruisers.

Manhattan

New York City is one of the most fascinating, bustling cities in the world. It’s understandable that many cruise passengers enjoy sightseeing in the city before their cruise begins. If you plan to explore New York before your cruise, we recommend staying in Manhattan.

Spending the night in Manhattan means you can easily enjoy the city’s atmosphere, whether attending a Broadway show, visiting museums, or strolling through Central Park. Plus, you will be within walking distance to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shopping while in the city.

Of course, staying in Manhattan makes it more difficult to reach the Cape Liberty cruise terminal on embarkation day. Therefore, we only recommend staying in Manhattan if you arrive early the day before your cruise or spend a few days in the city before the start of the sailing.

If your flight doesn’t get into Newark until 10PM the night before your cruise, for example, you won’t reap any of the benefits of staying in Manhattan. In this case, it’s more convenient (and more cost effective) to stay near the airport instead.

Downtown Jersey City

If you’re looking for a more interesting place to stay near Cape Liberty but would rather not travel into New York City, consider spending the night in Jersey City. Not only is Jersey City closer to the cruise port than Manhattan, but it still offers a wide array of restaurants and things to do the night before your cruise.

If you’re traveling to Cape Liberty from the west—whether Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Upstate New York—Jersey City is a convenient place to stay en route to the cruise terminal.

Near LGA/JFK

Although New York City has three major airports, we always recommend flying into Newark before a Royal Caribbean cruise from Cape Liberty. Newark Liberty International Airport is located just a 15-20 minute drive from Cape Liberty.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), on the contrary, are around an hour’s drive away and require crossing bridges into and out of Manhattan. Nonetheless, many cruisers fly into JFK and LGA before a cruise from Cape Liberty, whether due to flight prices or having more direct route options.

If you fly into LGA or JFK, you have a wide selection of hotels to book for the night before your cruise. If you arrive late, you might prefer staying near the airport and making the trek to New Jersey on embarkation morning.

If you arrive early, however, you could stay in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, or travel closer to Cape Liberty to avoid the hour’s drive on embarkation day.

Here are our top ten recommended hotels:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City

• Average nightly price: $200 to $475
• Address: 455 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310
• Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City is located in downtown New Jersey and has a beautiful view of the New York City skyline. It’s only a 20 minute drive from Cape Liberty, making transportation to the cruise terminal convenient on embarkation day.

Hotel amenities include an on-site restaurant and fitness center. The hotel has both junior and standard suite rooms available with one or two beds—some rooms have a sofa bed as well.

For those interested in visiting Manhattan, the DoubleTree is located a five minute walk from the Newport Station in Jersey City, from where you can take the PATH train to Manhattan.

Hyatt House Jersey City

• Average nightly price: $260 to $425
• Address: 1 Exchange Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07302
• Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

Another hotel option in Jersey City is the Hyatt House Jersey City. Staying across the Hudson River from Manhattan offers a great value in a pre-cruise stay, and the hotel is located a one minute walk away from the Exchange Place station, which takes you to Manhattan on the PATH train in under ten minutes.

In addition, staying at the Hyatt House makes transportation to the cruise port easier on embarkation day—it takes just 25 minutes and doesn’t require crossing any of the city’s bridges.

Amenities at the Hyatt House Jersey City include free breakfast, free wifi, digital check-in, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. RoofTop at Exchange Place, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, offers stunning news of New York City’s skyline from across the Hudson River.

Both standard rooms and suites are available to book. Studio and one bedroom suites include a sofa bed, separate living and sleeping area, and a kitchen.

Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City

• Average nightly price: $230 to $420
• Address: 21 2nd St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
• Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

The Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City is located along the Hudson River Waterfront

Hotel amenities include a 24 hour complimentary coffee station, fitness center, and free wifi. 

The Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City offers both studio and one Bedroom Suites, some of which have a view of New York City’s skyline. Studio suites fit up to two guests whereas one bedroom suites can fit up to four guests. All rooms feature a full kitchen, television, desk, and premium movie channels.

Home2Suites by Hilton Newark Airport

• Average nightly price: $150 to $230
• Address: 620 Rte 1 and 9 S, Newark, NJ 07114
• Location: Near Newark Liberty International Airport

If you want to stay near the Newark airport, the Home2Suites by Hilton Newark Airport hotel is a great option. Located just five minutes from the airport, it offers a convenient place to spend the night after a long day traveling.

Amenities at the Home2Suites include free breakfast, free wifi, a fitness center, and airport shuttle. Both king and queen bed suites are available along with connecting rooms for use when traveling with a larger group.

Having complimentary breakfast available at the hotel is a plus for many cruisers, as they can enjoy breakfast before heading to the cruise port. The Cape Liberty port is located just eight miles from the hotel.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Airport

• Average nightly price: $220 to $300
• Address: 95 International Blvd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
• Location: Near Newark Liberty International Airport

The Embassy Suites, like the Home2Suites, is located just a few minutes away from Newark Liberty International Airport. This hotel is an excellent choice for those arriving in New Jersey earlier in the afternoon. In addition to a place to rest after a flight, the Embassy Suites offers several additional amenities for a more enjoyable stay.

Amenities at the Embassy Suites include free made-to-order breakfast, free wifi, an airport shuttle, indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary evening reception, and an on-site restaurant. The restaurant, The Local Kitchen, serves American fare and is perfect for guests in search of a nice sit-down dinner without needing to leave their hotel.

Rooms at the Embassy Suites have a separate living room area along with a sofa bed, microwave, refrigerator, and work space.

Residence Inn by Marriott Newark Elizabeth/Liberty International Airport

• Average nightly price: $200 to $325
• Address: 83 International Blvd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
• Location: Near Newark Liberty International Airport

If you’d prefer to stay at a Marriott property near the Newark airport, look no further than the Residence Inn by Marriott Newark Elizabeth/Liberty International Airport. The property is located just ten minutes from the airport and twenty minutes from the cruise port.

Hotel amenities include a free airport shuttle, complimentary American and hot breakfast, fitness center, convenience store, and free wifi.

All rooms at the Residence Inn are suites; studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom suites are available with queen bed(s) and a sofa bed. Rooms feature a dining table, couch, desk, full kitchen, and television.

InterContinental New York Times Square

• Average nightly price: $430 to $570
• Address: 300 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
• Location: Times Square, Manhattan, New York

Arriving in New York with plenty of time to spare before your cruise begins? If so, consider staying near Times Square for easy access to the city’s top attractions during your stay.

The InterContinental New York Times Square may not be the most budget-friendly hotel on this list, but it’s hard to beat the location for a pre or post-cruise stay in Manhattan. It’s located just a four minute walk away from Times Square, and a forty minute drive from the Cape Liberty cruise port.

A wide selection of rooms are available, which feature views of midtown Manhattan. Most rooms accommodate two guests, although junior suites are also available which can accommodate four guests.

The hotel features a fitness center and on-site restaurant, although most guests staying at the hotel will spend the majority of their time exploring the city.

Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square

• Average nightly price: $300 to $500
• Address: 312 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
• Location: Midtown Manhattan

Another excellent hotel option in Times Square is the Homewood Suites by Hilton New York/Midtown Manhattan Times Square. Like the InterContinental, this hotel is in the hustle and bustle of New York City’s Theater District, and is a forty minute drive from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port.

Hotel amenities include free breakfast, free wifi, a fitness center, and connecting rooms. While the hotel does not have an on-site restaurant, it’s within walking distance to hundreds of restaurants in the city.

Conrad New York Downtown

• Average nightly price: $400 to $570
• Address: 102 North End Ave, New York, NY 10282
• Location: Battery Park, Manhattan, New York

If you want to stay in Manhattan but would prefer to avoid the chaos in Times Square, consider a stay at the Conrad New York Downtown in Lower Manhattan.

The Conrad is within walking distance to attractions like Battery Park, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and Rockefeller Park. It’s located a thirty minute drive away from the cruise port, which can, of course, vary based on city traffic.

Amenities at the Conrad New York Downtown include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and room service.

Hyatt House New York/Chelsea

• Average nightly price: $300 to $500
• Address: 815 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001
• Location: Chelsea, Manhattan, New York

The Hyatt House New York/Chelsea is located in the heart of Manhattan, just a short walk from tourist destinations like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Park. Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood is famous for its art galleries, but it’s also where you’ll find popular attractions such as The High Line park and Chelsea Market.

Because of this, staying at the Hyatt House makes for an exciting pre-cruise stay, whether you arrive the day before your cruise or spend several days in the city before setting sail.

The hotel’s amenities include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, fitness center, free wifi, rooftop terrace, and digital check-in. Both suites and standard guest rooms are available, all of which offer floor-to-ceiling windows looking out towards the city.

What does trying out one of the biggest cruise ships in the world get that you might not get on a smaller ship?

With about 40% of Americans planning to travel at least once in 2023, they are some key things that you will take into consideration prior to making the final decision. These include budget, activities, and total value for your money. Nobody wants to spend thousands of dollars of their hard-earned money on a trip that they do not enjoy!

I knew that I wanted to take a cruise in early 2023, and I decided on a 7-night cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. As a solo traveler, I paid $1,393.20 for the cruise fare and gratuities, which breaks down to just about $200 per night. While not the cheapest cruise vacation, I wanted to experience what one of the largest cruise ships in the world had to offer.

I am no stranger to Oasis Class ships. In fact, this was my fifth time sailing on one. They are my favorite class of ship, so I was hoping to see if Symphony of the Seas lived up to my expectations.

Besides the sheer size of the 228,081 gross registered ton vessel, here are some more reasons why I loved sailing onboard Symphony of the Seas. 

Why book Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas is filled with seemingly endless dining options and activity choices, making it an ideal vacation for just anyone looking for a mega ship vacation-- it does not matter if you are a young couple or multigenerational family. 

While not the newest Oasis Class ship, Symphony of the Seas proves that Royal Caribbean is constantly striving to improve and make the best even better! She debuted in 2018 as the largest cruise ship in the world and has some key differences that set her apart from her younger counterparts. 

The 6,680-passenger capacity ship, for instance, was the first Oasis Class ship to replace Sabor on the Boardwalk with Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade. 

Additionally, it was the first ship in the entire fleet to receive Hooked Seafood, a specialty restaurant that serves up fresh New England-style seafood for a nominal fee. 

Of course, thanks to Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplification program, these venues can now be found on other Oasis Class ships, too. 

Since she is no longer the largest cruise ship, vacations onboard Symphony of the Seas are often cheaper than those on Wonder of the Seas, the ship that current holds the title until Icon of the Seas' launch in January 2024!

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

Plus, between May 2023 and April 2025, there are a wide variety of different itineraries to choose from, ranging from short 3- and 4-night cruises out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, to 7-night cruises to Florida and the Bahamas from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), and 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises. 

Refreshed adults-only Solarium

I am 23 years old with no children, so when I cruise, I like to be able to have a space to retreat from families. Not only is the Solarium a child-free place, but it is aesthetically a nice place to be. 

Unique to Symphony of the Seas is a one-of-a-kind art installation that is comprised of thousands of dichroic acrylic elements. You will not believe how beautiful it is at night!

Unlike on Harmony of the Seas, which I sailed on back in 2018, I did not have to leave the Solarium to take a dip in the pool. That was a major plus for me! In essence, I never had to spend time on the regular pool deck. Unless, that is, I wanted to take advantage of the other amenities, such as the Perfect Storm waterslides.  

And while all Oasis Class ships have a Solarium Bistro onboard, I found the one on Symphony of the Seas to be particularly nicer. The two-story space shares the top floor with the specialty restaurant Hooked Seafood. It has a much more refined feel, despite the fact that children can technically eat there, and I preferred it over the Windjammer Marketplace!

Unique entertainment options

Royal Caribbean is known for their entertainment options onboard their cruise ships, particularly their newer ones. In total, Symphony of the Seas has four main shows: Hairspray, HiRO, 1977, and Flight: Dare to Dream.

Of course, there's also live music, comedy shows, and more. There was never a moment that I was bored during my cruise. In fact, I found trying to squeeze everything in to be a bit overwhelming (totally worth it, though!). 

I was a bit disappointed to find out that Hairspray was not a full-length Broadway-style production. That being said, the 90-minute show was my favorite! I had previously seen it onboard Oasis of the Seas in 2014 and remember it being hilarious, especially the cast's ability to improv with the technical difficulties.

Thankfully, there were not any issues during this show, but the cast still had an unmatchable energy; it was evident that they loved what they did. 

The best piece of advice I can offer when it comes to shows is to make reservations for all of your "must-sees" as early as possible, especially the AquaTheatre show. You never know if later productions will have to be canceled due to unfavorable sailing conditions. 

More complimentary dining

I am a huge foodie, and going out to eat with friends and family is one of my favorite things to do! Knowing that, you can imagine that the dining options onboard a cruise are important to me. 

I do not mind splurging on specialty restaurants every now and then, but one way I like to make sure that I get my money's worth on any cruise vacation is by eating as much complimentary food as possible. 

In the past, I have been disappointed with the lack of complimentary dining options onboard Royal Caribbean ships. Thanks to the Royal Amplification program, though, many ships have begun to get more options, following in the footsteps of Oasis Class ships. 

Between the Main Dining Room, Park Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Solarium Bistro, Boardwalk Dog House, Sorrento’s Pizza, Windjammer Marketplace, and Cafe Promenade, I found it easy to rotate between dining options and never get tired of anything. 

El Loco Fresh was my favorite quick-service spot, as I loved being able to build my own tacos and nachos! The array of hot sauces and salsas was great, too. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sailing on Symphony of the Seas?

Advantage: Tons to see and do

As I previously mentioned, I was never bored during my cruise. Aside from the numerous entertainment options, there were other onboard activities that I wanted to cross off my list, including zip lining, mini-golf, sliding down the Ultimate Abyss, relaxing in Central Park, and more.

In fact, I did not even the chance to try everything out, which makes Symphony of the Seas is a great vacation option for those who constantly like to being thinking about what is next!

Disadvantage: Limited ports of call

I have been on ten cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean throughout my life, meaning that I have visited many of the same ports over and over and over again. The repetition did not really bother me when I was younger; I was glad to be on a vacation! 

Now, however, I am more focused on cruises with different itineraries. In June, I am going on my first-ever Europe and Mexican Riviera cruises, and I could not be more excited! Every single port of call will be a new place for me.

Due to the size of Symphony of the Seas, it is harder (nay, impossible) for the ship to be able to sail to certain places. You will not, for instance, ever find the ship in Alaska! 

Cabins

Symphony of the Seas has cabins available for all budgets and travel preferences, from affordable interior cabins to the lavish two-story Ultimate Family Suite. 

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Inside cabins

When I sailed on Symphony of the Seas, I stayed in an interior stateroom. While this meant that I did not have any access to natural sunlight, I was able to spend money on other experiences to enhance my overall experience, such as a shore excursion in St. Maarten and lunch at Izumi. 

Most inside cabins are somewhere between 150 and 260 square feet, with the latter being the Family Interior Stateroom that can accommodate up to six guests. 

The cheapest option will be a standard inside room; however, you can also select a virtual balcony stateroom or one with a window that overlooks the interior of the ship, whether that be the Boardwalk, Central Park, or Royal Promenade. 

Ocean view

Ocean view staterooms are a great option for those who want to be able to see outside but who do not necessarily want to pay for a balcony. Like with inside cabins, the largest of these rooms are categorized as "Ultra-Spacious Oceanview" rooms and are 270 square feet. In comparison, the smallest are around 180 square feet. 

Balcony

When booking a balcony stateroom on any Oasis Class ship, it is important to pay attention to what category you are looking at, as there are balconies that overlook Central Park, the Boardwalk, and ocean.

Naturally, the latter will be the most expensive. Plus, at 55 square feet, their balconies are more spacious than the 50 square foot balconies that accompany Central Park and Boardwalk balcony rooms. 

In terms of the inside square footage, however, all standard balcony rooms are around 180 square feet. 

Suites

Suites onboard Symphony of the Seas are divided into three categories that comprise what is known as the Royal Suite Class: Star Class, Sky Class and Sea Class. Suites in the first two categories come with more perks than Junior Suites, the only suite in the Sea Class. 

In total, there are eleven different types of suites to choose from: Junior Suites, one- and two-bedroom Grand Suites, Owner's Suites, one- and two-bedroom AquaTheatre Suites, Crown Loft Suites, Star Loft Suites, as well as a single Royal Loft Suite, Villa Suite, and Ultimate Family Suite. 

Dining

Complimentary

There are ten complimentary dining options available to all guests on the ship, regardless of stateroom:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Solarium Bistro
• Park Cafe
• Cafe Promenade 
• Sorrento's
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Vitality Cafe
• Room Service (note that outside of the continental breakfast, there is a $7.95 delivery surcharge)

Those staying in suites can access Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; however, Junior Suite guests can only dine here during dinner. 

Specialty

Specialty restaurants offer a more intimate dining experience compared to complimentary options. They, of course, come with an additional surcharge and are not included in the base price of your cruise. Regardless, they are a great way to make your vacation a little more special:

• Chops Grille
• Jaime's Italian
• Wonderland
• Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
• Hooked Seafood
• 150 Central Park
• Vintages Wine Bar
• Playmakers
• Johnny Rockets
• Starbucks

Things to do

There's genuinely no shortage of things to do onboard Symphony of the Seas. During the day, you can relax by one of five pools, hang ten on one of two FlowRider surf simulators, zip line above the Boardwalk, play a round of mini-golf or see what game is being played in the Sports Court, or ride down the Ultimate Abyss slide or Perfect Storm waterslide trio. 

Even if you do not want to cool off in the pool, the pool deck is home to many events that you may want to watch, such as the belly flop competition, scuba classes, poolside bingo, and more. It is important to check your Cruise Compass daily to make sure that you do not miss anything!

In addition to the fifteen bars and lounges on the ship, there are so many different entertainment options that will keep your evenings booked solid! From the Broadway-style musical Hairspray, to HiRO, 1977, and the Royal Caribbean Productions original Flight: Dare to Dream.

Children and teens will love Royal Caribbean's award-winning youth programming, whether that be Adventure Ocean for those up to 12 years old or their teen-exclusive lounges.

After years of cruising exclusively in North America, I'm ready to try my first Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe.

A cruise to Europe had been on my radar for a long time, but timing and a cruise industry shutdown prevented me from getting there until now. Thanks to a semi-last-minute opportunity, I'm taking my first European cruise and it'll be a Norwegian Fjords cruise later this month.

I'm booked on a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, England that will visit Haugesund, Geiranger, Olden, and Bergen, Norway.

Not only have I always wanted to try a cruise from Europe, the idea of a colder weather cruise held much more appeal to me as I enjoy a break from the endless summer that I "enjoy" living in Florida.

While the Royal Caribbean cruise ship experience is fairly consistent across the fleet and around the world, cruising to Europe is bound to bring its own differences and nuances that will be a challenge compared to what I'm used to.

Besides the obvious travel requirements to get from the United States to England, I realized there's going to be a number of changes on how I cruise and logistics I have to plan for prior to my arrival.

I've done about as much research as I can leading up to my cruise in just two weeks, and here are the things I'm planning to do before I take my first European cruise.

Convert some cash into Pounds and Euros

While I don't think anyone would not take US Dollars, I believe it's a good idea to get at least some cash in both Great British Pounds and Euros for when I'm off the ship.

Royal Caribbean certainly takes dollars (like in the casino), but I'll be spending a few days before and after the cruise in London (more on that later in this post), along with time on shore in Norway.

At first I thought I would just rely on a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, especially since credit cards are so widely used in Europe. But I think having at least some spending cash in local currency will greatly benefit me, especially if there's street foods or other quick transactions necessary.

My plan is to get cash for my cruise before the cruise from my bank, and then do a currency exchange once I get into London. Airport currency exchange kiosks are convenient, but one benefit of having a few days in London before my cruise is I can take the time to get a better rate at spot in the city.

I'm not entirely sure how much local currency I'll actually need and/or want to change, but I figure there will be additional opportunities to do so again later.  Plus, I could always change back to Dollars prior to my flight home.

Buy a travel adaptor

Between the Airbnb I booked, trains I'll take, and places I'll visit, I'm going to need to keep my phone and laptop charged and my US plugs won't work.

I didn't own any travel adaptors, so I set out to find one that will work in both England and Norway. 

In my research, I found a ton of similar devices that would do the trick. I settled on the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (this is an affiliate link, which means I get a small commission but there's no extra cost to you) primarily because it was the Amazon recommended option and seemed to be priced well among its peers.

It's an all-in-one adapter that has 4 USB-A ports (2.4A), 1 USB-C port (3A), and 1 AC socket.

Spend a few days pre-cruise in London

No matter where you cruise, it's a good idea to always fly in at least one day before your cruise begins.

I'll be spending two nights before my cruise in London, which will provide plenty of time to adjust to local time and more importantly, see the city.

I've never been to London, so I booked an Airbnb in the Mayfair district so that I could be centrally located.  My plan is to explore on my own and start my trip off with sightseeing and plenty of local food.

London seems like a very easy city to navigate via the London Underground (tube), so I'm optimistic about my chances of working a lot in.

Take the train from London to Southampton

Anthem of the Seas sails from Southampton, which is about an hour and a half away via a train ride.

It takes about an hour and there's lots of trains that go there and it seems like the most cost-effective way to get there. I could also take a taxi or bus, but traffic concerns are pushing me towards the train.

Once I get to Southampton Central Station, I'll take a taxi.  I believe it will cost around £10/$13 and takes 10 minutes by taxi.

My only concern with this plan is there could be a rail strike planned for that weekend. The idea of strikes impacting travel like this is quite foreign in the United States.

I can always fall back on an Uber ride if all else fails, so I'll leave that as my contingency plan.

Skip excursions in some ports

If I've learned one thing from my friend Emma Cruises, it's the importance of doing things on your own in port in Europe.

There are lots of shore excursions you can book, but most of the towns in Norway are small towns you can easily walk and do things on your own.

Certainly in Bergen, my plan is to forgo any tour and explore on my own. The funicular railway seems quite easy to do on your own, plus the city has lots to see.

In other ports, I do have Royal Caribbean tours booked simply to get easily to the fjords.  My overarching goal is to see the fjords and natural wonders of Norway, so I want to ensure I see them.  To that point, I have booked a few tours through the cruise line.

I don't think booking a tour through Royal Caribbean is a mistake by any means, but I'm sure I could book similar tours on my own for cheaper. The only risk with going through Royal Caribbean is if the weather is worse when your tour is slated, you may not get a great view compared to someone who was able to go later because they went on their own schedule.

No matter where you book your tours, it's very important to book them as early as you can because of how quickly shore excursions are selling out.

In the case of Haugesund, we leave early (7am to 3pm), so I decided it was more important to stick with the cruise line.

Given it's my first time in Norway, I'm a bit apprehensive about getting around, so I'm probably being more cautious than necessary.

Pack for Norway like an Alaska cruise

In doing research for a Norwegian Fjords cruise, it became quickly apparent how similar the weather is to an Alaska cruise.

Just like Alaska, the weather can change rapidly, so you'll need proper clothing to adjust to rain, sun, cold, and warm conditions.

In short, the weather in Norway can be highly variable, and can also change dramatically from morning to afternoon.

The best strategy is to pack in layers. This means going with the three layers to pack:

• Base layer: t-shirt and jeans
• Warm layer: Fleece or down jacket/sweater
• Waterproof layer: Thin waterproof jacket suitable for when it rains

At the very least, I'll pack my waterproof shoes, a waterproof jacket, jeans, and a couple of hoodies.

Since I have proper clothing from my Alaska cruise last summer, there isn't much I have to buy specifically for this cruise.

Read more: The worst cruise packing mistakes to avoid

Lots of sun (even at night)

Another similarity to Alaska cruises is how late the sun sets in Norway.

Summer in Northern Europe means the sun sets much later than what we're used to at home.

The average sunset time in May in Norway is 09:49 pm.

It's an adjustment, but after a day or two you'll get used to it.  In my Alaska cruises, I don't recall ever struggling to go to sleep, although it is odd to see sunlight outside your cabin.

I don't think I'll need to go to the lengths of packing an eye mask, as the cabin curtains usually does the trick for me. Even when I take an afternoon nap, the room can get quite dark.  I will need to remember to pack a hair clip to ensure the curtains stay together.

Book a balcony cabin

If there aren't enough Alaska cruise comparisons yet, one more is the importance of booking a balcony cabin.

Even though I'm going solo on this cruise, I decided to book a balcony for the casual scenery viewing opportunities.

As the ship sails up and down the coast of Norway, there will be lots to see around us and my plan is to either be in the cabin or my balcony so I can quickly see things going by.

When I was in Alaska last year, we didn't have a balcony and I regretted not being able to quickly pop outside to see what was happening and then back inside. 

Every crew member plays an integral part is making sure that you have a memorable vacation, from those who you directly interact each day of your cruise with to those who work behind-the-scenes. 

The responsibilities of crew members, however, often entail more than what you see at the surface, and thanks to social media, we are able to get a more in-depth view as to what working as a crew member onboard a cruise ship is really like. 

Jordan Bauth, a 25-year-old professional figure skater working onboard Wonder of the Seas, documented her week in a recent YouTube video. The video blog spans the course of one week from April 9 to April 16 and shows what she does in addition to skating during the ice shows. 

Jordan's YouTube channel has amassed over 60,000 followers and 8,130,476 views. While she posts a lot of content about her life as a cruise ship crew member, she also enjoys making videos about fitness, health, figure skating, and travel. 

Keep reading to learn more about crew life from Jordan's perspective working in entertainment!

Day 1

Jordan begins the video on turnaround day, when Wonder of the Seas was docked in Port Canaveral and a new set of excited guests boarded the ship. 

Since the two ice skating shows were not until later that evening, she was able to get off of the ship for awhile with some other crew members to run errands, with their first stop being the port to pick up some packages. 

Next, she visited Walmart to pick up some snacks and other necessities. "Our holy grail for turnaround said," she chuckled, "we're ready to spend some money!" 

After what she claimed to be a successful Walmart trip, they made a stop at Starbucks before going to eat at Thai Thai Sushi Bar. 

When they returned to the ship, she had a little bit of downtime before she had to get ready and warm up for the first of two shows. At 6:45pm, she and her fellow cast members met to discuss some notes before hitting the ice. 

"It was so rocky...that was a tough show to do," she said after finishing the first show of the evening. 

It was not until afterwards that she was able to eat dinner, which was some oatmeal with bananas. 

Day 2

The first full day of the cruise started out differently, as she was scheduled to work at the Voom internet desk in the Royal Promenade from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Immediately after her shift, Jordan had to change into a pirate costume and meet the other cast members for the parade. 

This was followed by lunch before heading to the ice rink at 5:00pm ahead of the warm ups for the 8:30pm and 10:30pm shows. 

"Today's been like a chill yet productive day," she said in the video.

"I did work Wi-Fi from nine to noon, then I went straight to parade at twelve o'clock call, had lunch, and then I edited for a couple of hours and watched an episode of Euphoria." 

Day 3

The third day of the cruise was the first of three in a row where there were no ice shows. With her free time, she hung some LED string lights that she purchased at Walmart on turnaround day. In the video, she got excited talking about how she could change the color of the lights with a small remote! 

After walking around the jogging track soaking up some sea day views, she made her way to the fitness center for a bit, grabbed some lunch, and then returned to her cabin to work on some editing for a few hours and repaint her nails. 

Day 4

On Day 4, Wonder of the Seas was docked in St. Kitts along with Celebrity Apex, Carnival Magic, and Marella Explorer 2. Jordan got off of the ship and went to a nearby resort for a little while to relax. 

This was the only time she would be in St. Kitts during this contract, so she made the most of her time here by lounging in the sun, reading some of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and grabbing a vegetable plate to eat.

Despite not having any shows that day, she had to return to the ship to work All Skates, which is when Studio B is open for guests to skate. 

To prepare, all of the helmets and skates have to be moved out into Studio B. "...we had to set up all of the skate racks; they're quite heavy as you can see," she said, "It's taller than I am by a bit. [We also] set up all the helmets, chairs, and we're waiting to open the doors."  

Afterwards, she went to the crew dining room to eat dinner. 

Day 5

On Day 5, she had more ship-wide responsibilities than the previous day. 

First was the all crew drill, which she claimed gets repetitive. Once the announcement was made, she headed to her muster station to complete the drill and then got off the ship to spend some time in St. Thomas.

She and a few other crew members headed to the Crown Bay Marina to eat at Tickles Dockside Pub. On the way there, they admired the large yachts that were docked. "Just boat shopping," she joked!

At Scoops and Brew, she got an iced latte with almond milk and caramel that she ate with her wrap and fries from Tickles. 

Note: Tickles Dockside Pub is actually right across from Dock D, which is where you can board a short ferry to visit Water Island. 

Jordan had an early all aboard time due to the second "Anchors Away Street Spectacular" parade of the week, and she used her GoPro camera to capture some live footage during the parade, which was full of energy and confetti. 

Afterwards, she headed to the gym and was surprised that the stair master was available! Here, she watched the ship sail away from St. Thomas before doing some pilates and stretching. 

"I had such a good little gym session," she said, "My lower body feels really just tight today, so a nice long stretch was very much needed." 

She returned to her cabin to shower before a 5:30pm meeting and did laundry before going to bed. 

Day 6

On the second to last day of the cruise, Jordan started off the day by showing her breakfast. After three days off from shows, there were two that evening at 7:00pm and 9:00pm. Beforehand, though, she walked around the track outside, made some phone calls, and worked on editing a video. 

"I'm really excited to perform," Jordan said, "because it feels like ages since our last show day." At 6:15pm, she and the other cast members reported to discuss notes. At 11:00pm, she was finally able to eat dinner, and she used some quinoa that she took from lunch to make a salad. 

Day 7

Is any cruise to the Caribbean complete without a stop a Perfect Day at CocoCay? Jordan went to South Beach thinking it would be less crowded than other areas; however, she was surprised to find it just as busy! In fact, she had to walk around for a bit before she was able to find an open chair. 

She was not able to get off first thing because she had a meeting about brand standards. 

While on the island, Jordan was able to enjoy the island's buffet and had half of a portobello mushroom salad, some french fries, and a taco salad. 

"One thing I will never able to comprehend is the size comparison between any oasis class ship and the other ships in the fleet," she remarked on her way back to the ship. 

At 4:00pm, she had to report to understudy rehearsal and then warmed up before the final ice skating show of the cruise, and per usual, she ate her dinner afterwards. 

Jordan ending the vlog by saying, "It's been such an eventful cruise. I'm grateful everyday to be here and loving every second! I appreciate you all for being on this journey with me."