Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean has a new weather expert on staff who's job it is track bad weather and ensure cruise ships aren't near potential problems.

Craig Setzer is the company's new Chief Meteorologist, and as as we know, the only chief meteorologist working in the cruise industry.

Mr. Setzer took on his new role in August, and has over 25 years of experience in the field. He's an Emmy-winning former TV Meteorologist, having worked at CBS News and a few local television stations. In fact, he was CBS' Chief Meteorologist.

He also remains involved with the National Hurricane Center, teaching at World Meteorological Organization workshops, and presenting at American Meteorological Society conferences around the country.

Following his television career, he spent considerable time in providing his expertise in court cases related to marine weather, atmospheric lighting and visibility, storm-related damage and losses, wind drift, and human exposure in extreme conditions. 

Mr. Setzer posted on his Twitter account that working with Royal Caribbean is a dream role, "It’s a dream job utilizing my tropical & marine meteorology experience and allowing me to explore/advance operational maritime science in a way I couldn’t before."

According to Royal Caribbean Group's job posting for the Chief Meteorologist position earlier this year, Mr. Setzer will be responsible for providing expert analysis of weather systems, such as hurricanes, typhoons and any other kind of severe weather that could impact cruise ship sailings.

His guidance to the fleet with weather-related support and guidance is what ensures ships can alter itineraries, or simply take a different route to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for passengers.

Royal Caribbean was the first line to create the role of a meteorologist following a weather-related incident involving a Royal Caribbean ship in 2016.  

Historically, cruise lines used outside vendors to provide them with forecasts. 

After an internal investigation of the unsettling event, the cruise line decided they needed an in-house, dedicated resource.

Since then, the cruise line decided it was time to mitigate the chances of that sort of event from happening again by hiring someone in-house to provide better direction.

Royal Caribbean's first Chief Meteorologist, James Van Fleet, also came from a television background, and worked in the role from its inception until earlier this year when it was announced he was leaving the position.

Already busy tracking storms

If Mr. Setzer's social media postings are any indication, he's been busy tracking weather events in just the first few weeks on the job.

Hurricane Hilary is headed towards California, and he's been sharing key details about the intensity of the storm and what people can really expect.

He debunked some headlines related to the storm, sharing that he expects the storm to be much weaker by the time it reaches the United States.

"Some folks see this headline, 
...HILARY IS A LARGE AND POWERFUL CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE...
& see the center point cone headed toward California, thinking cat 4 is going to hit California. That's not correct."

"Looking at the forecast details reveal Hilary will be a much weaker but very wet storm by the time it reaches the US. Flooding will be main threat for Calif, AZ, much of the western US."

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas had her itinerary changed, and Mr. Setzer was involved in that decision.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader YoungFamilyExplorers shared a photo of a letter sent to passengers onboard the cruise ship with the new times in port, and the decision was made with the assistance of the Chief Meteorologist. 

Of course, he's also focused on the Atlantic for tropical storm development.  Hurricanes in the Atlantic are usually where the greatest impact to itineraries occur.

The U.S. government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) originally predicted a "near-normal" year with 12 to 17 named storms for the 2023 hurricane season, with five to nine would become hurricanes.

NOAA increased its forecast on August 10 to a prediction of an "above normal" year for hurricanes, because of record-warm sea surface temperatures.

The new prediction is for 14 to 21 named storms for the season as a whole, of which six to 11 could become hurricanes. Two to five could become major hurricanes, according to NOAA.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs between June 1 and November 30.

When docked at Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, crew members both ashore and onboard will work to make sure that your day is, in fact, perfect, but it doesn't hurt to come prepared with a few items that can help elevate your experience at this one-of-a-kind destination. 

Perfect Day at Cococay is designed to be a place anyone can go and have a wonderful time, but are there ways to further enhance your day there?

Past cruisers who are part of the Facebook group "Coco Cay - The Perfect Day" shared some things they brought with them or wish they had while they were there.

Here are 10 genius things you should bring to Royal Caribbean's private island to make it even better.

Please note that we have linked some 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. Shop more on our Amazon Storefront! 

Inflatable floats from Amazon

Sure, you can rent $20 mats through Royal Caribbean. Wouldn't it be smarter to just bring your own, though? Not only are they a better investment, as you can use them when docked in other ports of call, during the summer at the pool, or on future trips, but they are also more stylish. 

Nicole Fedoryka wrote, "Used at 4 different places on our cruise last month. Easy to blow up and let air out..."

The key is to make sure that they are inflatable, though. You do not want them to take up too much space in your luggage before you get on the ship. You should also refrain from using them in the ship's pools, as they are already limited in space. 

On Amazon, a 4-pack of inflatable mesh floats is only $21.99. If you want, you can also research inflatable tube floats, if you'd rather sit in a donut-shaped float. 

Baby powder

Did you know that baby powder makes sand fall off of your feet? That's what Debby Smith advised everyone to bring with them ashore. 

Don't put it on before you go in the water, though. Smith recommended applying it after you've finished hanging out in the ocean. 

Kate Zingarelli seconded this item: "[It] also makes getting dressed after swimming easier. After you take off your swimsuit, powder the sticky not quite dry areas. Clothes go on smoothly. Great for helping kids get dressed." 

This is a common household item that many have in a drawer or cabinet in their bathroom already. If you don't, though, a bottle is less than $5 on Amazon. 

Towel clips

Towel clips should be on any upcoming cruiser's packing list. They are great for sea days when there might be a steady breeze blowing throughout the pool deck. 

Being able to use them at CocoCay is just another reason as to why you should get them! They will be useful in keeping your towels secure while you take a refreshing swim, use the restroom, or grab a bite to eat. 

Marshall Upright wrote, "Towel clips to hold the towel on the chair. Amazon 16 for $9." 

You might not need 16, though. If you are a family of four, eight clips will most likely do the job! Plus, at $5.99 smaller pack is even cheaper than $9. 

SPF lip balm

Sunscreen is usually not an overlooked item when packing for a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas. I'll admit, though, that I don't think I have ever packed SPF lip balm!

With how easily I burn, this is something that I am going to start making sure is at the top of my life. 

Unfortunately, Facebook user Katie Foster learned this lesson the hard way, as her lips got burnt on a recent cruise. 

Whether CocoCay is your first or last stop, it is important to protect your skin at every port. If they get swollen, you won't enjoy yourself as much. 

Full-face snorkel mask

"I really debated getting [a mask], said Bill Wyszomirski, "but oh boy was I glad I did. I must've told my wife 4 times afterwards that I was so glad we had our won stuff. Don't regret it one bit." 

Full-face masks mean that you do not have to mess with a breathing tube or goggles; it is just a single piece of equipment!

If you're someone who loves capturing vacation memories, this one is great because it has a GoPro attachment.

While equipment can be rented while ashore, purchasing your own means that it can be used at other points during your vacation or on next year's trip! Like the inflatable beach mats, they are a better deal.

Locking privacy pouch

Like SPF lip balm, this is another item that I wish I had thought about sooner! As someone who travels solo on cruises pretty frequently, I am always worried about my belongings. 

"...we can leave our phones and purse while we [are] in the water or [go] to grab food/drinks," commented Shaunna Pion. 

During some research, I found that there are some bags that just lock without any sort of attachment to secure to your beach chair. 

I stumbled upon a water-resistant pouch with a security tether for only $26.99. It's perfect to protect your phone, cash, SeaPass card, and more. 

Liquid band-aids

Packing your own first-aid supplies is crucial for any trip. It is always smart to have band-aids on hand, especially when you are off the ship visiting a foreign country. 

One commenter reminisced on a time in which she wished she had liquid bandages after her son got injured. Brandi Leigh said that even though she had regular band-aids, she wished that she had liquid ones because standard band-aids kept falling off in the water, and the salt water stung his wound. 

Thankfully, another cruiser onboard had a tube of liquid bandage that she shared, so they could get back to having the best trip possible!

Liquid bandages do not actually adhere to the skin like traditional ones. Instead, the glue-like substance forms a tough protective barrier to seal out water, dirt, and germs. 

A spray fan

The Bahamas can get hot, like hot. The last time I was in CocoCay was over the week of the 4th of July. I was sitting in a shaded area of Chill Island sweating at 10 in the morning! 

Jenna Sprehe says that she had a spray fan to cool down while on the island. 

Even though the ocean and pool are always steps away, sometimes you just want a little mist while eating or reading a book on the beach! You don't always want to submerge yourself in the water. 

Many of them, like this $15 one from Amazon, do require batteries, though! Once you purchase it, you may find yourself needing it again in the future, like at the beach, a ballgame, camping, or waiting in line at a theme park. 

Collapsible folding wagon

If you're flying, you probably will not have the space for this, but those who live within driving distance should consider bring a collapsable folding wagon to CocoCay with them. 

LS McGallagher said, "Saw several people with fold up wagons (like we use for sports games) to lug stuff on/off boat. Seemed like a good idea if you have a lot of stuff."

Even though you will not have to worry about bringing your own beach chairs or umbrellas, there's still a lot of beach stuff that you might want to bring ashore with you. 

You will need towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothing for sure. What about beach toys? Inflatable mats? Snorkel masks? Things can take up room in a standard backpack or beach bag pretty quickly. 

Water shoes

If you are a first-time cruiser, you should come prepared for hot surfaces on the ship, especially on sunny days at sea. "Pool decks are hot," wrote Tina Kupfer-Fisher.

When docked, though, your water shoes can protect your feet on the pier, sand, and pathways when navigating the island. 

If you are spending the day in South Beach, for instance, you will have to walk to the Chill Grill for lunch, unless you are okay with the limited offerings at the Snack Shack. At 12:00pm and 1:00pm, you will not want to be barefoot! 

Don't worry, flip-flops will work just fine if you don't have water shoes. They just tend to be more secure and slip-proof. 

Fear not, Royal Caribbean won't be charging you for pizza on your next cruise.

A customer survey made its way around the internet that posed the question if people would consider paying extra for the pizza that is currently free onboard.

Cruise fans erupted in an avalanche of condemnation that the cruise line would even consider charging cruise ship passengers for pizza.

The controversy reached Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley's desk, as he took to social media to calm concern over such a change.

How it all started

Last week, a RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader shared a copy of an email survey he received from Royal Caribbean asking about many topics, including opinions on making the free pizza an extra charge item.

Royal Caribbean surveys are a commonly used tool for the company to evaluate and get feedback on all aspects of its operations.  However, the question of charging for pizza was something new, since the Sorrento's Pizza onboard has always been a complimentary option.

The question on the survey was, "If Sorrento's Pizza was offered for a fee, would you still dine there?".

It then asked if changing Sorrento's from complimentary to an extra cost venue would stop them from cruising with Royal Caribbean, "How would Sorrento's Pizza being offered for a fee impact your likelihood to choose Royal Caribbean in future?"

As word spread about this question, a lot of cruise fans began to worry that charging for pizza was a step on the slippery slope of higher cruise costs.

In fact, it seemed many people were more upset with the precedent it sets, rather than actually paying for the food.

Dawn Thompson's comment on social media exemplified many people's thoughts ont he matter, "I understand cruise ships lost a lot of money during Covid, but trying to make up all that money at once by putting an up charge on everything! They will lose their base and limit the amount of new customers and lose more!"

"We are not charging for pizza"

Mr. Bayley posted on his Facebook page an update that addressed the pizza survey and to assure guests there will not be a change.

He first explained how the survey question came to be, "A couple of weeks ago we conducted one of frequent small group guest surveys. As usual we asked questions on this n that!  Including customer thoughts on $ charges for Pizza!   The question was posted with the result that many emails and comments were sent! "

According to him, 80% of the respondents said they were against Royal Caribbean charging for pizza onboard its cruise ships.

"The survey said 80 per cent of guests were opposed, 20 per cent of guests said they would still go for Pizza with a charge."

He also said about a quarter of the people would consider changing other cruise lines if Royal Caribbean began charging for pizza.

Most importantly, Mr. Bayley assured cruisers the free pizza isn't going anywhere, "To calm all our Pizza lovers don’t worry we are not charging for Pizza."

A relief to cruise fans

For many cruise fans, this update was a welcome sigh of relief.

Nancy Bridges posted, "Thank you for listening, Michael."

Tracey Garner added, "Thank you for listening to your loyal customers! It is very much appreciated!"

Mike Barngrover joked, "That's a relief Michael. I did not want to move my cruises to Carnival."

Russel Lomas suggested working on the surveys so they aren't as easily misconstrued, "You may want to think about how the question was worded in the survey so that in future people to do not get into an uproar on social media about issues or questions like this."

Although cruising continues to be one of the most affordable vacations you can take, you still want to be as savvy as you can when it comes to saving money. Almost everyone is looking to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to booking a cruise vacation. 

Unless you have an unlimited travel budget (and if so, I am very jealous), you’ll want to make sure you are getting the best possible rate for your cruise fare. To start, money saved on your cruise fare gives you more room in your travel budget. This allows you to splurge on things that are important to you while cruising, such as exciting excursions, wifi, drink packages, specialty dining, and more. 

For me, saving substantial money on a cruise fare allows me to cruise more frequently. I love to travel, so getting a great deal is very important to me when booking a future sailing.

We’ve all heard people say you should book your cruises as soon as bookings open to save money. But, cruise lines release itineraries as far as two years in the future. Others suggest waiting until the very last minute to get the best price possible. So, which is actually the best approach to save money?

Between constant price promotions, changing sales, and dynamic pricing from Royal Caribbean, it can be difficult to know when the best time to book a cruise is. Depending on when you book your cruises, you have a sweet spot for the time you’ll be able to save the most money.

Read more: Top things that are totally worth spending extra for on a Royal Caribbean cruise

I am going to share with you the biggest money-saving hack for your next cruise. This trick has worked for me on almost every cruise that I’ve booked in recent years since I learned it was possible. I’ve saved anywhere from $50 to $1,500 with this hack. In fact, I just saved $572 on an upcoming cruise to Africa that I’ll be sailing on in January! 

This hack is all about booking that cruise now and repricing it later to save money. Here’s why I book my cruises far in advance (when possible) and how I take advantage of repricing policies to save anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

We recently asked our Royal Caribbean Blog followers on Instagram how far in advance they prefer booking their next cruise. 

Of those who responded, 48% of our followers prefer to book cruises within 6 to 12 months before the itinerary’s departure date. On the other hand, 40% of cruisers said they prefer booking booking further in advance with at least 12 or more months. Finally, just 13% of our followers said they prefer booking cruises at the last minute with less than 6 months in advance.

As you can see, there is no single approach that works for everyone, as we all have different schedules, budgets and travel preferences. Some people cannot plan two years in advance while others cannot financially risk waiting until the last minute and hope for a fantastic deal just for the price to be hiked. 

Personally, I’ve booked cruises with both approaches. For some highly-anticipated itineraries, like my recent sailing to Israel on Odyssey of the Seas, we booked more than a year in advance to snag a good cabin. On the other hand, I’ve found awesome last-minute deals sometimes too.

But, I’ve also been burned a few times booking cabins at the last minute, which left me spending hundreds of dollars more. 

But, the most money I’ve saved when booking cruises involves the following strategy: book now and reprice often.

While this might not seem like a revolutionary secret, this strategy has been proven successful time and time again. Repricing my cruises has saved me a lot of money over the years and I cannot believe people do not do it more often. 

This strategy involves booking a cruise as far in advance as you can with the expectation that you can (and will) reprice your cabin as the departure gets closer. 

Keep in mind that only residents of certain countries can re-price a cruise after booking, such as the United States or Canada. Sorry, Brits!

You want to give yourself as much time as you can to reprice your upcoming cruise. This allows you to monitor the price periodically to see whether you can save money on your booked sailing. Preferably, you should book cruises that are around 8 months or more in the future to allow you the opportunity to reprice often. 

I've also found that the more time I give myself to make a final payment, the more likely I am to receive an American Express offer for the cruise line to earn extra cash back or point bonuses. 

Because of Royal Caribbean’s dynamic pricing system, the cruise prices are constantly fluctuating with supply and demand. The more popular sailings will see prices slowly increase as the departure of the cruise approaches while less popular sailings will have no choice but to drop prices to entice people. 

Ultimately, repricing takes advantage of prices ebbing and flowing to save you money. If you book a cruise and the price only goes up, then you know you snagged the best price possible. But, if the price drops, you can take advantage of this by getting your reservation repriced. 

Once you see a lower price for the exact stateroom category and sailing you have booked, you simply contact the cruise line and ask for them to reprice your cabin; or, even better, book with a travel agent and let them handle the repricing for you, which requires even less work on your part. 

But, the key to this strategy is ensuring you have enough time to reprice before final payment is due on a cruise. 

Once you’ve made your final payment on a cruise reservation, you do not have much wiggle room on the final price. Therefore, booking with the intent of repricing should be done far in advance. 

Note: You might remember the only exception to this policy was during the post-pandemic restart when you could reprice your cruise reservations with Royal Caribbean up to 48 hours before departure. This policy (one that I truly loved, as you can imagine) has since been retired and no longer applies. It was fun while it lasted!

For most cruises, Royal Caribbean states that payments are due 90 days in advance from a cruise departure date. Shorter sailings from 1-4 nights are required to make final payments at least 75 days in advance. This timeline is one that most cruise lines follow, but it’s important to confirm when you need to make a final payment before you plan to utilize this strategy.

If you’ve made your final payment, you probably won’t be able to reprice your cruise with a lower published fare. In fact, I have a theory that Royal Caribbean drops the current price of a cruise right after an itinerary passes the final payment window (but, I have a trick for still saving money that I will discuss later in the article - read on!).  

According to Royal Caribbean’s policy, if you book a cruise within 90 days of sailing (i.e the final payment window) and you see a lower price within 48 hours of booking, the cruise line will offer you onboard credit for the difference. But, if you are outside of the final payment window, you’ll typically have the opportunity to contact the cruise line and have your cruise fare repriced to match the current price. 

The repricing process is even easier when you work with a travel agent - something we always recommend.

I only just started working with travel agents in the last few years, but it’s been a game changer for booking cruises. This is not a forced plug for our sponsor, MEI Travels, but truly my opinion on how valuable a travel agent can be in these types of situations. While we use MEI for our business travels here at Royal Caribbean Blog, I have started to use MEI for my own personal leisure cruises too. 

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

To start, a good travel agent will know all of the repricing policies for different cruise lines. You can simply ask your travel agent to check for a reprice on your sailing and they can take charge with getting the price adjusted, if applicable. 

In this case, you are not only saving money, but also your valuable time. You don’t have to call the cruise line yourself and request the reprice, which involves time on hold usually. Instead, your travel agent can advocate for you and get the reprice done without you needing to intervene. 

For my recent reprice, all I had to do was email my travel agent asking if she could look into possibly repricing my upcoming sailing because it appeared the price had gone down. I sent her a screenshot of the pricing that I was seeing on my end. She was able to contact the cruise line and reprice the cruise fare for me very quickly, saving me hundreds of dollars and my time. 

Here’s exactly how I repriced an upcoming cruise, step by step, to save $572.

After finding an itinerary that interested me, I started to price out a few different cabins and monitor the price for a couple of days. Once I decided to pull the trigger, I opted to book the cabin that best within my budget. I put down the deposit to secure my booking. 

Now, you probably have seen that cruise lines are constantly running promotions. The cruise lines try to establish some sense of urgency that a current promotion is only running for a limited time. But, I can assure you, there is always some sort of promotion happening! 

After making the initial deposit, I started to periodically check the price of the same cruise. Since I work remotely from home on the computer, it only takes me a few minutes to go online and see what the current price is of my sailing. As holidays and promotions slightly change, you can see the price of the cruise change as well.

For a few weeks, the price was consistent with what we had locked in. But, over this past weekend, I decided to start booking excursions. During the process, I went to the website and looked at the current price of our cruise.

I was ecstatic to see that the final price of the exact same cruise we booked had gone down $572! Luckily, final payment for this cruise is not due until the end of next month so it was a quick process with my travel agent to get the price down. 

I’ve also used a similar strategy to save money on my cruises when booking far enough in advance. 

I have used a similar strategy for getting a great deal on balcony staterooms. The more I’ve cruised, the more I have come to appreciate having my own balcony. This is especially true on scenic sailings, like Alaska, Norway and Iceland.

But, the price for a balcony stateroom is normally double the cost of an inside cabin when I initially book a cruise. Instead, I will initially book the cheapest fare that I can get onboard and monitor the price for either an opportunity to reprice or cheaply upgrade to a balcony. 

For example, on my recent Iceland cruise, I originally booked an inside cabin guarantee for about $2,800. My ultimate goal was to get a balcony for much cheaper than the original $4,500 sticker price. This cruise was booked in October 2022 for a cruise in June 2023, which gave me around 8 months to snag a better deal for my inside cabin or upgrade to a balcony. 

In the months leading up to final payment, I continued to monitor the price of the cruise. Sadly, the inside cabin prices did not drop like I had hoped. As I theorized earlier, right after the final payment deadline had passed, the price of the cruise dropped drastically. 

An inside guarantee cabin was now selling for $1,400, which was half the cost of what we paid!  A gamble for a last-minute price would have worked out in this scenario, but since it was past final payment, we could not get a reprice.

However, you can always upgrade your cabin after final payments! Of course, cruise lines will not stop you from upgrading your stateroom, especially if they can get a little more money from you. In my case, the demand for the sailing was obviously a little low with the prices being dropped close to the sail date.

I took this opportunity to upgrade our stateroom to a balcony for just $200. Had I originally booked a balcony for us, it would have cost me around $1,500 more than waiting for the price to drop and choosing to upgrade then. Last summer, I was even able to upgrade my stateroom to a balcony from an inside cabin and it saved me $500! 

Of course, you risk that the demand for balconies will be so high that the price will also increase. But, in my experience, the prices will certainly fluctuate and if you book far enough in advance, you have more opportunities to snag a great deal. 

At the end of the day, the further in advance you book, the more opportunities you have to save money. 

There are many advantages to booking a cruise far in advance; for me, the biggest advantage is allowing myself enough time to reprice my sailings and get the best rate possible. I’d argue it might even be the most important reason to give yourself ample time to book a cruise, as you can either reprice or upgrade your stateroom in this case. In addition, you will have more lucrative cabins to select from if you book far enough in advance. 

I would also highly recommend working with a travel agent who can quickly reprice your bookings and deal with the cruise line directly for you. This will save you both time and money.  

Whether you choose to save money by repricing your current cabin or monitor prices for a cheap upgrade, you should be periodically monitoring your cruise fares after making a reservation. By monitoring the prices of your booked cruises for repricing, you’ll have the opportunity to save hundreds to thousands of dollars. A small effort on your end can be very lucrative for you, especially if you cruise often. 

It’s most important to reprice before final payment is due, as you won’t have much flexibility to reprice once the final payment date has passed. However, within 90 days of your cruise, you might be able to snag a very cheap upgrade for a higher stateroom category.

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Whether you are taking a weekend cruise to the Bahamas or on an epic sail to the furthest destinations, there are a lot of cruisers who think booking a balcony cabin is worth it every single time.

What makes a balcony room so popular is the private space that gives a convenient means of seeing the beauty of the ocean and landscapes your ship visits. No matter where your ship takes you, being able to have a view from your own veranda really makes a difference.

As a matter of fact, balcony cabins are the most popular type of cabin you’ll find on pretty much any cruise ship, and plenty of cruise fans love these rooms too.

Although balcony rooms do come at a higher cost than interior cabins, the extra cost can be justified by the stunning experience and private comfort. If natural views and private spaces are a priority to you, a balcony room may be the best option for your cruise vacation. 

We posted a challenge to our readers on the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook page to share with us their best balcony photo, the sort of photo that really evokes what makes this cruise ship room category so desirable.

After receiving hundreds of entries, here are the top 19 balcony photos our readers took on their Royal Caribbean cruise.

Picture from Alessandra Stover.

This fun submission shows some of the beautiful advantages of a balcony cabin. While considering the pricier balcony option, remember the beautiful sunlight and sea view you’ll have available. 

If you’re celebrating or wanting special time with your loved one, a balcony room also provides a romantic and private outdoor space for couples to enjoy. You can see the ocean, stargaze, and enjoy meals outdoors, all from the comfort of your own room. 
 

Photo from Shearin Kidd Johnson, Independence of the Seas.

This view of Perfect Day At Coco Cay is from one of the Independence of the Seas’ balcony staterooms. This balcony room allows cruisers to view their destination as the ship approaches—a fun preview of what’s ahead!

The Freedom Class Independence of the Seas boasts fifteen decks and 1918 staterooms, 724 of which are balcony options. You can guarantee a unique and beautiful balcony view on this ship, with a wide array of choices. 

Photo from Josh Overmyer, Jewel of the Seas.

This view from Jewel of the Seas reveals one of the major benefits of a balcony room: the sights of the ocean all around! Josh wrote that “this was the view I stared at all the time, so I took this photo and used it as my phone background ever since!”

If you’re going on a cruise and enjoy a beautiful sea view, a balcony room will allow you to maximize your time with visible ocean views. Especially for a shorter cruise, taking the balcony option will ensure you get your money’s worth of the water. 

Photo from Dawn Flowers Gratzke, Wonder of the Seas.

Dawn’s photo shows a loft suite on Wonder of the Seas, complete with two levels.

For larger families, or those with young children, a loft suite can provide a bigger space and a more flexible schedule. Instead of leaving the comfort of your room to explore the public deck, you can experience the ocean right outside your room. 

Families will also appreciate the separate spaces: there’s always another area available if you need some peace and quiet.

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Photo from Kelly Lene-Tarman.

Deciding between an oceanview stateroom or a balcony? Keep in mind that a balcony stateroom is typically bigger and offers a private, outdoor seating area rather than just an ocean-facing window. 

If you want an extra area to enjoy breakfast and coffee, feel the wind on your face, and actually experience the outdoors, consider booking a balcony room. 

Photo from Dana Fox, Alaska.

Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate a balcony view on beautiful natural cruises like Alaska. The closer view provides fantastic views and photo opportunities from sunrise to sunset. 

Photo from Karin Geistert Reinhart.

Planning on bringing a furry friend along? Service animals, such as Karin’s, are permitted onboard, so consider their experience in the stateroom as well. 

Pets will need more space and fresh air than a typical cabin provides. Consider booking a balcony room to make sure your pet has just as positive an experience as you do. 

Photo from Taryn Dawson.

Taryn’s photo displays another fun aspect of a balcony stateroom: the deck views. Even with a view of the ship’s deck instead of the ocean, this room still offers natural light, an extra outdoor space, and a viewpoint to people-watch and preview the ship’s activities. 

As opposed to a suite, this balcony stateroom will still have a larger space and more perks and benefits included. 

Photo from Judy Vang.

Still wondering if a balcony stateroom is worth it? You can also consider factors such as the amount of time you will spend in the room. If you think you’ll spend a lot of time in your cabin, you’ll want to invest in a more quality, enjoyable room. 

For families with small children, it could be a long task to herd enough down to a main, public deck. Napping babies will also keep you close to the bedroom while they’re asleep, leaving you wishing for an extra space to spend time in. With a balcony, you’ll have that extra space and a method of entertainment for any other impatient children.

Photo from Katie Meyers.

“Golden Girls while the sun is coming up,” Katie commented. As mentioned previously, a balcony allows you to set your own schedule when it comes to mealtimes and downtime spent out on the water. 

Traditional dining times in the main room are limited. For example, an early riser like Katie might be up as early as five A.M. But traditional breakfast doesn’t begin until 7-8 A.M. Having a balcony space gives you something to do while you wait for that traditional schedule to open up. 

Photo from Ashley Holenstein.

If you’re worried about motion sickness or seasickness at all, a balcony might be a safer option. 

Having a larger room midship minimizes the ships’ movement around you, making it feel more stable than in a smaller fore or aft room. In a balcony, you can also focus more clearly on the outdoors and the line of the horizon, keeping you stable and in sync with the ship’s movement. 

Photo from Collin Hext, Adventure of the Seas. 

This photo shows a gorgeous balcony view of Cozumel, Mexico, from a Junior Suite on Adventure of the Seas. 

The Adventure boasts fourteen decks and 1,963 ​​staterooms, 125 of which are suites. The Junior Suites on this ship are some of the smallest suites, at 277 square feet, but they are still larger than other balcony staterooms.

As the cheapest of the suites available, Junior Suites have some—but not all—perks included, such as bathrobes, expresso machines, luxury bathroom amenities, and priority boarding. 

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Adventure of the Seas. It was small and windowless, but for $300 a night, it was a great deal. Take a look inside.

Photo from Leigh Michael.

Leigh’s submission shows an amazing view of the Sydney Opera House, another example of the many views available from a balcony stateroom.

Cruises will, of course, provide a beautiful view of the sea. But ships visiting particular sites or cities, such as Royal’s Caribbeans’ new itineraries going to Australia and New Zealand, can provide a spectacular view of classic tourist sites and city scenes. 

Photo from ​​Jana Mishelle.

Are you worried about spending extra money on excursions? With the investment in a more upgraded room, you can stay in and relax with a glass of wine or a book, all while getting a great view of the port! 

Staying in while the rest of the ship enjoys a port excursion can be a great way to enjoy some peace and quiet, especially if you have a balcony to yourself.

Read more: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

Photo from Chris Slaight.

When it comes to the best cabin locations on a cruise ship, a hump balcony is one of the best balcony options. 

The hump balcony staterooms are the cabins on the middle outer edge, whereas the line of the ship curves outward. These rooms usually have a larger balcony and more space, in addition to being more centralized to the rest of the ship. 

Photo from Sandi Harris Villano.

This submission shows another Junior Suite view, this one from the Vision of the Seas, a Vision Class cruise ship. 

The Vision Class ships are the oldest and smallest of the Royal Caribbean ships. Although they include most of the typical entertainment and amenities you would expect from a Royal Caribbean fleet, the room sizes are smaller and the activities less modern.

For example, the Junior Suites on Vision of the Seas are just 243 square feet. If you are planning a Vision Class vacation and room size is an important factor for you, consider upgrading to some of the larger rooms.

Read more: The rare cruise ship cabins that everyone wants to book immediately

Photo from Ellis Mingin, Oasis of the Seas.

As a step up from the Junior Suites, this view from a Grand Suite cabin on Oasis of the Seas shows just how big the 371 square foot room looks. 

One of the large Oasis Class ships, Oasis of the Seas boasts eighteen decks and 2,801 staterooms. In addition to the modern activities and famous entertainment available on all Oasis class ships, purchasing a Grande Suite cabin will earn you perks such as priority boarding, free luxury amenities, concierge services, access to the Suite Lounge, priority boarding, priority bookings, ship tours, VIP pool deck seating, and so much more. 

Photo from Stacy Leveille, Freedom of the Seas.

This view of Castries, St. Lucia was taken from deck ten of Freedom of the Seas, a Freedom Class ship. 

Hailing from the midsize Freedom Class ships, Freedom of the Seas has 14 decks in total, with 1,963 staterooms. Between the Freedom’s balcony options, the Deluxe is 177 square feet, while the Superior upgrades to 189 square feet. For a medium-size ship, the balcony rooms are a larger upgrade.

Read more: 10 things you should know before cruising onboard Freedom of the Seas

Photo from Scott Ciarlone.

“Love me an aft balcony!” Scott wrote. An aft balcony overlooks the back of the ship, displaying a wider view and different perspective than available from other balcony staterooms. 

The aft balconies are popular because they offer a larger balcony space and a special view of the wake of the ship as it passes through the water.

Don't mess with the pizza is the message Royal Caribbean cruise fans are saying loudly back to the cruise line.

UPDATE: Royal Caribbean CEO says pizza will remain free

In the days since it became public that Royal Caribbean asked select customers what they think about paying extra for the pizza that is currently complimentary from Sorrento's pizza.

The question was part of a survey that wanted to get customer feedback about many aspects of the cruise experience, but this particular question struck a nerve with so many of our readers and viewers.

"Charge for pizza? If that happens I’m out, that’s the last straw," is what Scott North wrote after reading about the question, and his sentiment was shared among many other readers.

The survey wanted to know if Royal Caribbean decided to charge for pizza, would people still pay for it and would it impact their choice in cruising with Royal Caribbean.

While nothing has actually changed in terms of the price of pizza on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the very notion of thinking of charging for something as basic as a slice of pizza on a cruise has so many readers up in arms.

Over 300 Facebook comments along with 600 YouTube comments illustrate a growing frustration with potentially higher prices to cruise.

The principle of the change

Most readers seem to be upset about the direction Royal Caribbean seems to be headed in, rather than actually paying extra for pizza.

"Charging for pizza?? This is starting to get out of hand," is what Andy Pope wrote and a lot of people seem to agree that they see the slippery slope of adding more costs to an already expensive cruise cost.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog YouTube viewer MikeyAtTheBar is also worried about what charging for pizza leads to, "Were they to start charging for Sorrento's and were it to be successful, what's next? How many other things could they start charging for? Shows? Water slides? Windjammer? MDR? It's a slippery slope."

Twitter user @Williamson_KB posted this meme as a way to poke fun at the idea of charging for pizza.

Dawn Thompson understands the bigger picture, but thinks the cut backs since cruising restarted in 2021 is getting out of hand, "I understand cruise ships lost a lot of money during Covid, but trying to make up all that money at once by putting an up charge on everything! They will lose their base and limit the amount of new customers and lose more!"

What Dawn is referring to is something a lot of readers pointed to as well in their comments. In 2023, Royal Caribbean introduced a new main dining room menu that reduced the amount of options on the menu and limited each passenger to one lobster.

They also changed cabin service for non-suites from twice a day to once a day, which came after increasing automatic crew member gratuities in 2022.

Andy Januse doesn't like the direction either, "I am Loyal to Royal but lately they way they are nickel and diming everyone to death is really leaving a sour taste in my mouth and might even make me consider switching lines altogether."

Looking at other lines

Many people that commented on the survey question questioned their choice in cruise line.

"I am a Diamond member and after September cruise I’ll be Diamond Plus.I have started for the first time in my life looking at other cruise lines like NCL, where some sales offer for free a lot of the things Royal Caribbean charges for," is what Theodore Jones wrote.  "Too much nickel and dimming and I’ll be out."

"I'll take my 3-5 cruises a year to another line. Enough of this silliness," wrote Matt Bender.

Marc Razz Sr. is also considering other options, "RCCL seems like the are pushing us loyal clients to try other companies. As MSC is attempting to make a splash in tristate area, this may be my final straw."

Highest cruise prices yet

Then there's the comments by Royal Caribbean Group executives to Wall Street that they want to raise prices even higher.

Royal Caribbean has always charged extra for certain add-ons, like drinks or shore excursions, but the possibility of charging for pizza comes at a time when the price for a cruise is already on the rise.

While Royal Caribbean Group is still saddled with billions of dollars of debt that it took out in the form of loans since 2020, it is slowly beginning to pay those loans back thanks to higher cruise fares.

In short, people in 2023 are paying more for their cruises than in 2019, which was the previous high water mark for cruise revenue.

The company disclosed cruise rates were up 17% in the second quarter compared to 2019.

Capacity overall was at 105% and net yields up 12.9% comparted to 2019 numbers.

After releasing the earnings, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty told CNBC he thinks prices will go even higher in talking about the value gap between a cruise and land vacation.

"In the earlier part of this year, that value gap was somewhere around 45%. And today, we've closed that value gap by about ten percentage points, so we still think there's a lot of runway that is still there to close," he said. 

"We always want to be as competitive as we possibly can be, but of course, we want that gap to be much smaller."

"We were able to close that gap to about 10-15 points pre-covid, we think there's a lot of opportunity for us to close that gap even further."

Celebrity Cruises is expanding their sailings to the Caribbean, bringing four more ships to three Florida ports in 2024. 

In late June, Celebrity announced that two ships, Celebrity Reflection and Beyond, would begin sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay in April 2024. 

Related: Celebrity announces its cruise ships will visit Royal Caribbean's private island

The cruise line is further expanding their Winter 2024-2025 Caribbean season with the addition of Celebrity Apex, Constellation, Equinox, and Summit. 

All sailings will open for booking on August 22, 2023. 

“We are so excited to unveil this new program," says Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, "It provides our guests with more options to experience the natural beauty of the Caribbean, which is elevated by our personalized experiences on board."

Where will the ships be sailing from?

The four ships will be sailing from three different Florida ports: Port Canaveral, Tampa, and Port Everglades. This means that you can choose a voyage departing from West, Central and South Florida!

“As part of this expansion, we are thrilled to add Port Canaveral to our list of home ports," says Hodges Bethge, "It is a perfect market to reach a wide mix of both in- and out-of-state travelers looking for fun in the Caribbean sun."

The first time that Celebrity Cruises will be sailing from Port Canaveral

Potential cruisers will have 20 new itineraries onboard Celebrity Equinox from Port Canaveral, the world's busiest cruise port, to choose from that depart between November 21, 2024 to April 19, 2025. 

Most will be 7-nights and visit Caribbean destinations like Belize, Grand Cayman, Mexico, San Juan, St. Maarten, and The Bahamas. 

If you want to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, consider one of the two spring break cruises in March. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Celebrity Cruises as our new partner and honored to be part of their Caribbean expansion plans,” says Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.

“The demand for Celebrity Cruise sailings from our Port has been growing. Now, with Celebrity Equinox home ported here, there are great opportunities for even more cruise travelers to experience the cruise line’s high-quality experience, while experiencing the comfort and ease of travel provided by our Port."

Cruises from West Florida

While Tampa is not as popular as Miami or Port Canaveral, you can still find some great sailings on smaller ships from this embarkation port! 

With Celebrity Constellation calling Tampa from from January 2 to April 6, 2025, you will have a total of 14 sailings to choose from that visit places like Belize, Honduras, Key West, and Mexico that range from 6- to 7-nights. 

Plus, you can even select a cruise that visits New Orleans during Mardi Gras, which is scheduled for March 1, 2025. 

“There has never been a better time to sail Celebrity Cruises from Port Tampa Bay. We are excited for Celebrity’s new offerings and our continued successful partnership,” said Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President and CEO.

“Celebrity Constellation is a beautiful ship that provides travelers with an unforgettable cruise experience, all the while being located just steps from Tampa’s top attractions.” 

Related: 20 Celebrity Cruises Tips & Tricks

More opportunities to sail from South Florida

Celebrity Apex will be home ported at Port Everglades from October 23, 2024 through March 8, 2025. She'll be joined by Celebrity Summit, who will sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas from February 25 to April 10, 2025. 

Apex's cruises will be shorter, ranging from 6- to 7-night itineraries and visiting ports like St. Maarten, San Juan, Grand Cayman, and Mexico, as well as select sailings to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Summit's five itineraries will be a little bit more diverse. They range from 5- to 9-nights and still across the Eastern and Western Caribbean. 

“As one of Celebrity Cruises’ homeports, we are excited about the new sailings on Apex and Summit," said Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels. 

"In addition to the line’s ‘resort at sea’ experience, their cruise guests can expect to experience unrivalled customer service and ease of sailing at Port Everglades."

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. It reopened in 2019 after receiving $250 million in upgrades and renovations. 

There are infinite ways you can spend your day ashore, whether you want to relax on the beach and take a tip in the crystal-clear turquoise waters or ride the tallest waterslide in North America: Daredevil's Peak. 

You can ever splurge on the ultimate VIP day at the Coco Beach Club and enjoy a heated infinity pool, specialty restaurant, 20 exclusive overwater cabanas, and more.

In January 2024, you'll be able to visit Hideaway Beach, an adults-only paradise, with private cabanas and a new signature food outlet. 

Have you ever realized in the middle of a trip you’d forgotten an essential item?

Packing for a cruise means trying to anticipate all your needs before you leave home, because there isn't an opportunity to just run to the store once you get on the cruise ship.

That realization always leads to a panic of making lists and reminders so you know you won’t forget it the next time. 

While traveling, you may be far from home and unable to find exactly what you need. Remembering to pack all the right items will ensure a relaxing vacation prepared for all your needs.

We asked followers on our Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook what is one thing they wish they’d packed on their last cruise. We received well over 200 responses and sifted through them all to find the top items that would be beneficial to a lot of people. 

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.

1. A fan

“A travel fan,” Deanna Poljanowski said, “I’ve learned and have one this time.” 

Whether you want a portable fan to hold on a hot beach or a bedroom fan for some white noise, a travel fan could always be a helpful addition.

Remember that you may spend time on deck or beaches where you’ll want a little relief from the heat. A handheld portable fan could provide some instant relief and cool air.

A small bedroom fan will provide white noise and stir up any stale air in your cabin. If you have trouble falling asleep onboard, a small fan will be a big help. 

Some readers liked this portable rechargable fan to bring with them.

2. Sneakers

“I forgot to pack my sneakers! Couldn’t play on the sports court without them,” Angeline Deshazo wrote. If you’re looking forward to playing any sports on board, bring proper footwear. 

Royal Caribbean ships boast many sports activities, such as over 30 options on Oasis Class ships, including golf, badminton, ping pong, surfing, basketball, ice hockey, pool, and tennis.  

While people may think of cruises as only involving pool and beach activities where they might need flip-flops or sandals, remember the need for sneakers and sports footwear.

Read more: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

3. Binoculars

Carolyn Groves Pierce said she wished she brought binoculars. 

Your cruise will likely travel through beautiful stretches of sea or even land. Although you can view some sights with the naked eye, being on a cruise in a beautiful location such as Alaska may leave you wishing for a closer view. 

With a quality pair of binoculars, you will be able to view any islands, nature sites, or even wildlife from the comfort of your ship. This binocular model is highly rated for an Alaska cruise.

Read more: When is the best time to see wildlife in Alaska?

4. Wine

Kodi Moskorisin commented she wished she’d remembered her own wine. 

Royal Caribbean does offer an all-inclusive drinks package, but did you know you can bring your own wine onboard?  Having a taste of your favorite wine from home can help you save money and feel comfortable.

If you’re the type that enjoys a glass of wine at night, or you don’t need the abundance of drinks available in the daily package, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and pack some wine of your own!

5. Entertainment

“More books,” wrote Julie Phelps. 

Your cruise is meant to be a relaxing vacation, so much sure you have plenty of entertainment available for your downtime or any waiting periods.

For any fast readers, bring extra books and magazines. Or if you want a lot of entertainment options, invest in an onboard WiFi package. In addition, be sure to reserve time to check out the ship’s award-winning live shows! 

6. Magnetic hooks

The cruise ship walls and ceilings are steel,” Lenee Jorgenson said, “I use magnets with hooks for everything!”

Although your cabin will have storage available, cruisers often need more space than is provided.  

If you think you may need extra cabin storage, you can purchase magnetic hooks to hang on the walls and ceilings. This is a valuable way to hang clothes, accessories, decorations, or curtains in your cabin without compromising your storage space. 

You could bring these magnetic hooks, which worked well as one of our inside cabin hacks.

7. Sunscreen

“Higher SPF sunscreen,” wrote Sarah Keough. 

You will spend plenty of time in the sun on your cruise—whether on deck, at the beach or pool, or exploring your favorite island excursion. 

This heavy sun exposure can leave you at risk for severe sunburns. A bad sunburn could ruin even the best cruise, forcing you to stay indoors while you heal and miss out on the fun. 

Make sure to do your research and prevent this by protecting yourself with high SPF sunscreen. This also leads to our next submission: 

8. Aloe vera

Nicole Armendariz commented she wished she’d brought “aloe vera gel. My husband was as red as a lobster at one point!”

If you forget a high enough SPF sunscreen and end up with a bad sunburn, aloe vera gel is a natural healing method for soothing the burn, healing skin faster, and getting rid of that redness for any vacation photos. 

Read more: 22 unpleasant cruise ship problems you aren't prepared for

9. Snacks

“Little things like pretzels, nuts, M&Ms,” wrote Carla Belin. “I don’t always need pizza at midnight.” 

Little snacks can fit just fine in a suitcase and help tide you over between meals. 

While your ship will have snacks on deck, complimentary options can be harder to find between meals, especially later at night. If you are a midnight snacker, having small options on hand can save you money and the stress of finding something available. 

Additionally, for anyone with dietary restrictions such as gluten sensitivity, packing personal snacks ahead of time can also be a relief from searching for something that fits your needs. Your snacks will already be planned out, ready for you to enjoy. 

10. Nausea medicine

Mary Torres commented that she ended up needing nausea patches or medicine. 

While most ships are large and relatively stable, some passengers are still prone to motion sickness. You could still suffer from seasickness while on board, so plan ahead and bring what you need for your cruise.  

Read more: Dramamine vs Bonine

You can also consult your doctor beforehand for the best options to cure onboard nausea. Get a prescription ahead of time to avoid an uncomfortable trip—and carry extras! You never know who may end up needing some relief. 

11. Glasses

“If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair,” said Lynn Creef Snyder. “Or one of those eyeglass repair kits.” 

While this may seem common sense, glasses-wearers should remember to bring an extra pair of glasses or a toolkit to repair any broken parts. For those who wear contacts, extra pairs are also important.

The last thing you want is for something to go missing and take your eyesight with it—and the right prescription could be hard to find! Make sure you can enjoy all the beautiful sights, and protect your eyesight by planning ahead. 

12. Ziplock bags

Sandy Yearsley-Swink wished she brought “various sizes of Ziplock bags” for “wet clothes and leftovers.” 

For anything you want to store away separately without using up too much space, consider a Ziplock bag. You can put dirty or wet clothes away in them, keeping them separate from your clean, dry clothes.
    
You can also keep leftover food in your Ziplock bags, ensuring it is secured for later, without any spilling or smells. 

Ziplock bags are useful for organizing and carrying all your toiletries, too—if any liquids spill, they will still be contained in the bag. 

13. Liquid soap

Janice Meyer Mori said she “brought liquid hand soup on our last cruise, going forward always on the list!”

Complimentary bar soap will be available in your cabin bathroom, but if you prefer the texture of liquid soap you’ll want to bring your own. For those with sensitive or dry skin, a soap from home is also the safest option. 

14. A small bag

Pen Jud Tolman said he wished he’d brought “a lightweight drawstring pack to carry my workout gear to the gym every the morning.”

If you’re planning to use the gym, sports court, or go on any excursions, you’ll want a lightweight bag to carry any essentials with you. This will ensure you can carry all the most important items without losing them or needing to dump out a larger bag. 

For any excursions you make, having a smaller drawstring or sling bag will be most convenient option.

15. Body lotion

Kelli Parks wrote: “There was none in the cabin and I had to buy the only one I could find on ship at the spa. Expensive mistake.”

If you’re looking for your own body lotion, bring some from home to avoid spending extra. With all the sun and salt water drying out your skin, you’ll definitely want some lotion on hand. 

Keep your skin smooth and happy with some body lotion from home.

16. Adjustable shoes

“Shoes that were more adjustable,” Alexis Ham wrote. “I suffer with cruise swelling.” 

Cruise swelling is a phenomenon people experience when their feet or ankles swell while on board. This may be due to the increased salt in the air, the changed diet, or dehydration while on board.  

Cruise swelling can often be prevented by watching your diet, exercising, and drinking water. But if you’re still struggling to get that swelling down, plan on bringing loose or adjustable shoes so you still have something to wear.

17. Water bottle

Danielle Zieger commented: “A Yeti to fill up and keep water in my room!”

Water is, of course, complimentary onboard, but what about your cabin room? It is essential that you stay hydrated outside of mealtimes, too: you’ll want water before bed, in the middle of the night, and right when you wake up.

Bringing your own water bottle ensures that you can fill it up anytime and bring it back to your room when you’re ready. 

You can also collect and refill the water bottles given to you at mealtimes, but bringing your own water bottle is an easier, more sustainable option to carry your water. People love Yeti water bottles, in particular, for their large size and ability to keep drinks cold for long periods of time. 

18. Swimsuits

Tara Samm suggested “more than 2 bathing suits.”

On your cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in pools, beaches, and waterparks. Bringing extra bathing suits will help you choose the most suitable one for each occasion. 

Maybe you’ll want a bikini for lounging on the deck and a sleeker suit for diving in the pool. If you’re sensitive to the sun, you also could pack long-sleeved options to protect your skin at the beach. 

Packing extra swimsuits will also save you time, as you can let wet pairs dry while you go swimming in the extras.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Dress Code

19. A carry-on

“A roll on bag or backpack for boarding the ship, carrying a bag was horrible,” said Susan Hayes.

Much like on an airplane, you’ll pack a larger bag and a smaller carry-on bag to hold while you board. Consider packing a carry-on with back straps or wheels so you don’t have to hold it the entire time you’re boarding. 

20. AirPods 

Many commenters, including Suzie Olsen Miller, wished they had remembered a pair of AirPods.

Any noise-cancelling headphones will be a big bonus for your trip, allowing you to listen to music or podcasts while blocking out any noise around you. 

AirPods are a great option as they are smaller than typical headphones and connect through BlueTooth, saving plenty of packing space. 

21. Shampoo and conditioner

“My own hair conditioner,” commented Kim Schwartz.

You will be provided with complimentary shampoo and conditioner in your bathroom, but many people find that the provided options don’t always suit their hair needs.

We recommend travel-sized versions of your favorite brands if you want something from home.

Shore excursions on an Alaska cruise can quickly ruin any budget. For those cruising to the 49th state on a budget, it can be challenging to figure out what to do in port without breaking the bank.

Activities like whale watching, helicopter rides, dog sledding, and scenic flightseeing excursions may be bucket-list activities to try on an Alaska cruise, but they certainly aren’t cheap. Fortunately, instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars on these tours, there are a plethora of low-cost—or even free—ways to spend your day in Alaska cruise ports.

The most commonly visited cruise ports in Alaska include Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan, and each of these ports offers low-cost activities ranging from hiking trails to museums, aquariums, and even glacier visits.

If you’re hoping to keep costs down but still have a wonderful experience while visiting Alaska, it’s helpful to know what options are available in each port.

Here are 16 cheap and free things to do in Alaska’s four most popular cruise ports.

Cheap and free things to do in Skagway

Skagway is a small town located at the most northerly part of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Situated on mainland North America just fourteen miles from Canada, Skagway is stunning, with tall, snow capped peaks dominating the landscape.

Skagway is most known for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush, and many attractions in Skagway showcase the town’s gold rush history, including the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway and the Gold Rush Cemetery.

Plenty of activities in Skagway are free, and here are some of our favorite things to do in this charming small town.

Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls

Skagway is known for its Gold Rush history, and you can walk to the Gold Rush Cemetery for free. The cemetery is located a half hour walk from downtown Skagway, or you can take the Skagway SMART bus for $5 each way. Information on the bus—and a map of bus stops—can be found here.

The Gold Rush Cemetery has no entrance fee, and while at the cemetery you can read stories about those buried there. As a place with such a unique, “wild west” history, many of the stories are quite surprising, and they allow you to get a glimpse of what Skagway was like in the town’s early days.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska

Another free activity is the 5-minute walk to Lower Reid Falls—the trailhead begins at the Gold Rush cemetery. There is no cost to visit the waterfalls, and the walk is well suited for both novice and experienced hikers. Once there, you can marvel at the three tier, 40-foot high waterfall.

Browse exhibits at the Skagway Museum

Another free activity in Skagway is to visit the Skagway Museum, which aims to preserve the history of the Skagway and Taiya Valleys.

At the museum visitors can enjoy exhibits on the region’s history, including information and artifacts from the Gold Rush era. Located just a block off of Broadway, the main tourist street in Skagway, getting to the museum is convenient for all cruise passengers.

Although entrance to the museum is free, a small donation (a few dollars will do) is recommended.

Lower and Upper Dewey Lake

More experienced hikers may want to consider hiking to Lower and/or Upper Dewey Lake.

Lower Dewey Lake is the easier hike of the two, and the trailhead to both starts just a five minute walk from downtown. The hike to Lower Dewey Lake is three miles with 793 feet of elevation gain, and hikers are rewarded with serene, untouched nature in all directions.

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

Upper Dewey Lake continues onward from Lower Dewey Lake and is the most challenging day hike on this list. It is only recommended for experienced hikers. Although the hike isn’t overly technical, there is over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Passengers should ensure they have enough time to complete the hike before their cruise ship departs, as it usually takes around 5-8 hours depending on your fitness level.

Walk to Yakutania Point

Another one of my favorite free things to do in Skagway is walk to Yakutania Point. If you’re not up for an intense day of hiking, the brief, relatively flat walk to Yakutania Point makes a nice option.

Yakutania Point sits on the tip of a peninsula at the end of the Lynn Canal, and it offers wonderful views of the cruise port, town, and nearby mountains. It’s arguably the best selfie spot in all of Skagway.

To access Yakutania Point, simply walk over the pedestrian bridge west of downtown (near the Skagway airport). From there, you can walk roughly ten minutes to reach the point. If you’d like to continue further along the trail, consider walking to Smuggler’s Cove for even more pristine views.

Cheap and free things to do in Juneau

The capital of Alaska may only have a population of 32,000, but that doesn’t mean it's lacking in things to do.

Juneau is a popular port for expensive excursions like whale watching tours and helicopter rides to glaciers. However, there are still more than enough cheap or free ways to spend a day in the city, and here are five of our favorites.

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit on any cruise to Juneau—I'd argue it can't be missed. Just 13 miles from downtown, the glacier is easily accessible to cruise ship visitors without the need to rent a car or take an expensive helicopter ride.

The cost to visit Mendenhall Glacier is just $5, which includes access to the trails and visitor center. That being said, I have never encountered a place to pay the fee on my four previous visits to the glacier, although I never visited with a guided tour.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Unfortunately, while accessing the glacier area comes at a low cost, getting to the glacier is another story. Most passengers not on an organized shore excursion opt for the glacier express bus, which has regularly scheduled shuttles between downtown Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier for $45 round trip.

Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle from Cycle Alaska—e-bikes are available—and ride the 13 miles to the glacier yourself, which is primarily on bike paths.

There is the option to take a public city bus to the glacier, but the ride takes around an hour as opposed to the usual thirty minutes. Additionally, the bus stop closest to the glacier, on Dredge Lake Road, is still a half hour walk away from the visitor's center. At only $2 per adult, however, it’s still an option for those on an extremely tight budget.

Stroll the Boardwalk and South Franklin Street

Downtown Juneau is scenic, with a picturesque waterfront and magnificent peaks surrounding the city. Right in front of where cruise ships dock downtown is a boardwalk perfect for taking a stroll and admiring the views.

If you don’t have anything planned for your day in Juneau, consider walking around downtown and relaxing on a bench or table on the boardwalk. One of my favorite things to do is grab a tasty treat—such as a block of fudge from the nearby Alaska Fudge Company—and enjoy dessert at one of the waterfront tables on the boardwalk.

Grab a drink at the Red Dog Saloon

While not entirely free, consider grabbing a drink from the Red Dog Saloon, a wild west-style saloon just a few minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal.

The Red Dog Saloon will immediately transport you to Juneau’s mining era, with western-style architecture, live entertainment, and eclectic decor, such as the framed gun from Wyatt Earp, known for his 1881 gunfight in the wild west of Arizona.

Related: Tips for taking an Alaska cruise on a budget

The signature drink to try at the Red Dog Saloon is the Duck Fart, a shot made with Kahlúa, Irish cream, and Crown Royal. At around $7.50 per shot, it’s well worth the cost to enjoy the ambiance and music at the Red Dog Saloon.

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Visiting a museum is the perfect way to stay warm on a chilly, rainy day in Alaska. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum, located next to the Alaska State Capitol building, costs just $6 for adults and is free for kids 12 and younger.

At the museum guests can browse exhibits on Juneau’s history, Native Tlingit culture, Juneau’s geography, the state’s mining history, and more. Walking tours are also offered, although with the exception of the state capitol tour, they come with a cost of $31.50 per person.

Hike to Mount Roberts (or to the tramway station)

Outdoorsmen and women looking for a challenge should consider hiking to Mount Roberts, a 3,819 foot mountain towering over downtown Juneau. Not for the beginner hiker, the Mount Roberts trail has over 3,700 feet of elevation gain, but the views are definitely worth the climb.

The trailhead begins on the outskirts of downtown Juneau, a 25-minute walk from the cruise port area.

If you don’t want to climb all the way to the top of the mountain, you can instead climb to Gastineau Peak, where you’ll find activities and amenities like a Nature Center, restaurant, cultural theater, and additional hiking trails. This area is the top of the Mount Roberts tramway, which takes guests from downtown Juneau up the mountainside on a cable car.

If you’d like, you can choose to ride the tram back to downtown Juneau instead of hiking down the mountain.

Cheap and free things to do in Ketchikan

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “First City” as it is the first Alaskan city you’ll encounter while traveling north. Due to its southerly location, Ketchikan is usually the first or last port of call in Alaska on a cruise.

Although there are several excursions you could book in Ketchikan, such as a visit to the Misty Fjords National Monument, many of the town’s most popular activities are free of charge.

This makes Ketchikan an easy port to visit without spending much (if anything) extra on activities.

Creek Street and Married Man’s Trail

Almost every visitor to Ketchikan takes a walk along Creek Street, the former red-light district in the town’s gold rush era. Buildings on the street were constructed over the water along a wooden boardwalk, and signs next to the buildings provide insights into Ketchikan’s history.

Strolling Creek Street is completely free, although certain attractions along the street may charge an entrance fee. You might even spot wildlife in the creek as well, including salmon and sea otters.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska

As you near the end of Creek Street, the boardwalk continues upwards into the rainforest, which is known as the Married Man’s Trail. Once used by married men to conspicuously reach the red-light district, the path is now a free way to explore Ketchikan’s nature.

Whereas most of the views on the path are blocked by trees, it’s still a fun and quick activity to do on any visit to Ketchikan.

Tour Dolly’s House Museum

Another low-cost activity is found on Creek Street, and that is a tour of Dolly’s House Museum.

Dolly was one of the most famous madams working on Creek Street between 1919 and 1954. After prostitution was deemed illegal, she continued living in the house until moving to a nursing home. Her colorful, historic house has been maintained throughout the past few decades, transporting visitors to another era altogether.

Admission to tour Dolly’s House is just $10, making it an affordable way to spend an hour or so during your port day.

Tongass Historical Museum & Totem Heritage Center

Two museums in Ketchikan, the Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center, should definitely be on your to-do list. For only $9 per person, you can purchase a pass to visit both museums.

The Tongass Historical Museum, located in the center of downtown, tells the story of Ketchikan’s history and culture and includes a collection of old photographs and artifacts.

The Totem Heritage Center focuses on the history and artistic traditions of the native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. The museum showcases a collection of totem poles, art pieces, and photography collections.

A free shuttle bus is operated between the two museums (along with other attractions). To find the bus, look for a bus that says "Downtown Shuttle" or ask a staff member at the museum.

Cheap and free things to do in Sitka

Sitka is the only Alaska cruise port facing the open ocean instead of the Inside Passage, and its location on the remote Baranof Island has influenced its history for over 10,000 years.

Sitka offers a quintessential Alaska experience, as the town allows visitors to easily explore nature, spot wildlife, and stroll through the charming downtown area.

Because most tourist attractions are located within close proximity to each other, it’s easy to explore Sitka without an organized tour. Not only that, but many of these attractions come with a low cost, meaning you can enjoy your day without ruining your budget.

Sitka National Historic Park

Starting in downtown, you can walk to the entrance of the Sitka National Historic Park in just fifteen minutes. This 113-acre park preserves the site of a battle between the Native Tlingit people and Russian traders, and includes several miles of easy, flat walking trails in the lush green rainforest.

A must-visit trail is the Totem Trail, a mile-long path with 18 Tlingit and Haida totem poles.

Of course, like any hiking trail in Alaska, visitors should be cognizant of any wildlife in the area and take precautions when walking through the forest.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska

Sitka Sound Science Center

A great activity for a chilly weather day in Sitka is to visit the Sitka Sound Science Center. The science center is just ten minutes from downtown by foot and has an admission cost of $12 for adults and $10 per child.

At the science center you can get up close to aquatic creatures in the center’s aquarium—which include touch tanks—and take a tour of the facility, which teaches visitors the role of salmon and aquaculture in Southeast Alaska.

The Sitka Sound Science Center is one of the best kid-friendly activities in Sitka, and you can purchase admission online ahead of time or once you arrive.

Visit Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center on your own

Two wildlife attractions are extremely popular in Sitka: Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center.

Fortress of the Bear is a bear sanctuary that rescues and cares for orphaned bears. While there, visitors can observe the bears’ behavior and view them in a safe environment, unlike in the wild!

The Alaska Raptor Center, on the other hand, is a bird rehabilitation facility that rescues and rehabilitates injured birds of prey, including bald eagles, snowy owls, and red-tailed hawks.

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

Visiting both sites is common on many shore excursions in Sitka, but these often come with a steep price tag of $70-100. Instead, opt for a ticket on a shuttle bus, which leave regularly from the Sitka Visitor Center, conveniently located right where shuttles from the cruise port drop passengers off downtown.

For $20, you can ride to both sites on the shuttle bus, although the admission fee of each center is not included. Fortress of the Bear charges $15 per adult, $5 for youth aged 8-15, and children 7 and under are free. The Alaska Raptor Center charges $15 per adult, $6 for youth aged 6-12, and children 5 and under are free.

If you visit both sites with the shuttle bus, the cost is $50 per adult, which is cheaper than any shore excursion offered.

Explore Russian influence in downtown Sitka

There are three free attractions in downtown Sitka that provide insights into the city’s Russian influence. As the former capital of Russian Alaska, Sitka once had around 700 Russians living in the town before Alaska was sold to the United States in 1867.

The first free attraction to visit is the Russian Bishop’s House, a National Park Service building that was once the center of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. The Russian Bishop’s House is one of the last surviving buildings with Russian colonial architecture in the United States.

You should allocate around an hour to visit the building, as it features museum exhibits and offers a guided tour. We recommend visiting in the early morning to sign up for a time slot, as there’s no guarantee a walk-in will be accepted.

Another free attraction downtown is the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, which was the location where Alaska was formally handed off to the United States. Atop this small hill are informational boards on Sitka’s history along with some of the best views you’ll see in all of the region.

Lastly, visiting St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral is another way to learn more about Sitka’s history, as visitors can browse the cathedral’s unique architecture and artwork. The church was originally built in the 1840s but was rebuilt in 1976 following a fire, and it’s one of the best representations of Russia’s cultural influence in Alaska in the 19th century.

Note: St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral requests a $5 donation per visitor.

Looking for more inspiration on what to do in Alaska's cruise ports? Check out these articles:

• Alaska cruise excursions
• Alaska cruise whale watching guide & tips
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

For my recent cruise onboard Adventure of the Seas, my mom and I stayed in the cheapest cabin available.

I selected an inside guarantee cabin around two months before the sailing departure. A significant factor as to why I selected this cabin type was because of the cost. I definitely don't mind cruising in inside cabins, so I thought the $2,160 price was reasonable for a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing.

Read more: How much does a cruise cost?

Because this was an guarantee cabin, I was not able to select its location on the ship. Of course, I always prefer to get a cabin midship for the smoothest possible sailing. I tend to get motion sick, so being in the middle of the ship is ideal for less movement.

However, from my experience with inside guaranteed cabins, it usually ends up being in the very front or back of the ship. For this sailing, we were in the very back of the ship.

About two weeks before our sailing, I checked the Royal Caribbean app and noticed our assigned cabin was 9379. This cabin was situated on the starboard side, in the aft of the ship. 

This cruise was the first time I purchased The Key, so upon opening the door to our stateroom, I saw my purple carry-on on the couch. It was so convenient not to lug it around for the first several hours onboard the ship! 

My first impression of the cabin was that it was tidy and clean. 

We noticed right away that the cabin was quite spacious at 160 square feet. The decor wasn’t dated, but the drawers had a pink tint to them that reminded me the ship is in fact 22 years old.

As soon as you walk into the cabin, you are met with a large closet. The closet had 18 hangers and six wide, wire shelves for all the clothes we packed.

The beds were separated per our request prior to embarkation. Next to both of our beds was a side table with a drawer and an open compartment. One side table had a phone on top that took up the majority of the space.

Each bed had a wall light above our heads. This was perfect for reading and getting all settled in before turning off the lights and the cabin becoming pitch black. The darkness made for good sleeping; this is one of the advantages of an inside cabin.

Our cabin included a full-sized couch. This was nice for another place to sit instead of our beds. Sure there were a few stains on the cushions, but it was nothing terrible. We even lined up our shoes (yes, my mom brought seven pairs of shoes) under the couch for easy viewing and access.

The vanity is a great feature of the cabin because of all the storage. It had nine drawers: six deeper ones and three shallow ones. I found the shallow drawers hard to use, especially since one had a hair dryer in it, rendering it unusable for other things. On both sides of the vanity were glass shelves for additional items. 

On the right side of the vanity was a TV that could swivel in different directions so wherever we were in the cabin, we could see the screen. My mom loved this because she slept on the same side as the vanity and was able to position the TV to be at the foot of her bed so she could watch TV while falling asleep.

Above the TV was a safe and two deep shelves for more storage.

Below the TV was a mini refrigerator. The refrigerator was useful primarily for keeping water and sodas cool. It didn’t get super cold. We tried to put a plate of complementary fruit we received in there, but it didn't fit. We wished it had a deeper shelf so we could have stored more in there. 

The biggest disappointment in our cabin was the lack of outlets. By day two, we were really wishing we had packed an approved power strip so we would have more outlets to charge our cell phones, iPads, watches, camera, and laptop. We were constantly shuffling devices based on need and usage.  

Before the sailing, I thought I had read online that there was another outlet behind the beds. I looked under and behind both beds and unfortunately didn’t find one.

Read more: The clever reason to bring a European power adapter on your cruise ship

The bathroom was certainly not glamorous, but it got the job done (literally!). 

The major thing that caught my eye was four Salt + Breeze bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion on the bathroom counter on embarkation day. This was the first time I’ve had that in a cabin. 

We later asked our room attendant and she said that was a perk for Diamond and above guests. I was very happy to have these toiletries because I am not a fan of the all-in-one soap in the shower.

Behind the right mirror were three shelves for various toiletries. I didn't need this extra storage, so my mom utilized it. We had two sets of towels hanging up when we arrived, but after asking our stateroom attendant, we had three sets each day which was helpful. 

The shower (I call it a space pod!) was compact, but it always had plenty of hot water and good pressure. If you are curious, the approximate diameter of the shower was 29 inches.

Overall thoughts about our cabin

We really appreciated the location of our cabin. There was only one room next to us before you turned the corner to the suites that are across the back of the ship. This meant there was very little foot traffic throughout the day and night, making the location pretty quiet.

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

Another aspect of the cabin location we enjoyed was the proximity to the Windjammer and pool deck. We only had to walk up two flights of stairs to be near all the excitement!

Something random we noticed was how extremely heavy our cabin door was when trying to open or close it. On the plus side, I think the weight of the door may have helped cut down noise from the hallway.

Our luggage was delivered to our door by 1:30 p.m. on embarkation day, so as soon as we got them, we started to unpack everything. After unpacking, we hid our suitcases under the beds so they could be out of the way to leave as much open space as possible.

Read more: Best inside cruise ship cabin hacks

Not long after receiving our luggage, we met our stateroom attendant. This was my first cruise since the new housekeeping change (one cleaning per day instead of two), so she explained to us that she was available every day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and asked what time we preferred. Since we had early dining room seating at 5:30 p.m., we selected 6 p.m. each day. 

We had no issues with the once-a-day cleaning. It was nice not having to worry about knocking on the door in the early mornings and waking me up. I also liked not feeling rushed to leave our cabin in the morning so the attendants can clean before their afternoon breaks.

Our stateroom attendant was wonderful and bought extra pillows for us and gave us a paper Cruise Compass every night on our beds (per our request).

Overall, I would say I was pleased with our tiny stateroom. Considering the ship's age, she is in respectable condition. I believe because of the quietness, ideal location on the ninth deck, and convenience to the Windjammer and pool deck, I'd recommend this cabin to future cruisers.