Royal Caribbean Blog

Since Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas entered service three years ago, I've sailed on her five times and it's easily one of the best cruise ships in the world.

Mega cruise ships are the norm among the mass market lines, but the size isn't everything.

I sailed on Wonder in a few different kinds of cabins, including one of the biggest suites you'll find in the world while at sea.

Being the fifth in the Oasis Class, it's clear a lot of lessons learned have been applied and the ship stands out as a great choice for families that want a wide variety of activities, shows, places to eat, and a fun family vacation vibe.

More things to do than you possibly can squeeze into a week

If variety is the spice of life, then Wonder of the Seas is the ghost pepper of cruises.

While Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for having as many activities as possible on a ship, Wonder of the Seas raised the bar with some of the changes it introduced. They wanted to include more than you could do in a week, and that's a good thing.

Just how big is Wonder of the Seas? It can handle up to 6,988 passengers when totally full.  Luckily like all Oasis Class ships, the layout and scheduling of activities helps distribute passengers.  That isn't to say there wont be lines or crowds, but it's not as bad as you might think on a ship with that many people.

What you'll notice first about Wonder of the Seas is just how many places there are to go, which I think is part of the appeal of a mega ship.  New cruisers are amazed how many areas there are and what's around the next corner.

There are three different theaters onboard with totally different experiences in each: an outdoor AquaTheater, indoor traditional stage theater, and an ice skating rink theater.

The pool deck is filled with lots for families to love. There are multiple pools, three waterslides, hot tubs, and even an adults-only pool for the parents to enjoy.

At the back of the pool deck is the sports deck with a zip line, surf simulator, play area for young kids, sports court, and even a mini-golf course. You could spend an entire day trying to knock out all of those things. 

Be sure to give the Ultimate Abyss a try, which is a 10-deck high slide that takes you down to the Boardwalk neighborhood. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it looks.

That's on top of the traditional cruise activities held around the ship, such as bingo, trivia, demonstrations, karaoke, and game shows.

I found every night so many compelling options to do, and that's why I booked multiple cruises on Wonder. I wanted to try to "see it all", but it just wasn't possible on a 7-night cruise.

How to get around the ship easily

When you board Wonder of the Seas, you'll walk right on to the Royal Promenade, which is one of the eight unique neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods is what Royal Caribbean calls its distinctly themed areas of the ship to help separate the ship and make it easy for passengers to navigate.

• Suite Neighborhood: Reserved for suite guests only with a private lounge, sun deck, world-class dining, and personalized service (Decks 17 & 18)
• Boardwalk: Open-air neighborhood  with a carousel, hot dog stand, candy store, sports bar, and arcade (Deck 6)
• Royal Promenade: Bustling area with shops, bars, and entertainment  (Deck 5)
• Entertainment Place: Where you'll find the main theater, comedy club, ice skating rink, and casino (Deck 4)
• Vitality Spa and Fitness: Spa and fitness center with a gym, salon, barbershop, and thermal suite (Decks 5 and 6)
• Pool and Sports Zone: Waterslides, pools, and sports activities (Decks 15 and 16)
• Central Park: Open air park with real plants, fine dining, boutiques, and a moving bar (Deck 8)
• Youth Zone: Special area for kids and teens with activities, games, and educational fun (Deck 14)

One key difference about Wonder of the Seas compared to the Oasis Class ships that preceded it is that it has a suite neighborhood, which was a new innovation at the time.  

This means if you're booked in a suite, there's an entire area of the ship reserved just for you, including a suite lounge, sun deck, and restaurant.

Once on the ship, I think the neighborhoods make it easy to quickly know where you are and figure out how to get to where you're going.

Lots of restaurants, but many cost extra

There's no chance of going hungry on Wonder of the Seas, as it has more restaurants than you can dine at in one week.

Like all Royal Caribbean ships, there's a mix of restaurants included with your cruise fare that cost nothing extra to eat there as well as other restaurants that have a cost.

Don't worry, you won't have to pay extra in order to stay full.  The Main Dining Room and Windjammer buffet serve up three meals a day, while other restaurants have snacks and times when they're serving food too.

Of the included restaurants, don't miss El Loco Fresh. It's located near the pools and has fantastic grab-and-go Mexican food that always hits the spot.

I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention Sorrento's has pizza most hours of the day, and is quite popular for a late-night snack.

The selection of extra cost specialty restaurants is quite impressive, and when I sail on Wonder, I always get a specialty dining package so I can indulge in the various options.

My favorites are Izumi Japanese cuisine, Mason Jar restaurant and bar, 150 Central Park, and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen. 

Many cruisers equally love trying Wonderland, which is loosely themed after the "Alice in Wonderland" story, or Johnny Rockets, which has burgers, shakes, and hot dogs with a 1950's theme to it.

If you are booked in a Grand Suite or higher, be sure to take advantage of the meals you get in Coastal Kitchen.  This is the suites-only restaurant that has breakfast, lunch, and dinner offered.  It's included with your cruise fare and it feels like a specialty restaurant without the price tag.

The best Oasis Class ship?

Compared to the other Oasis Class ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet, it's clear the tweaks, additions, and changes on Wonder of the Seas stand out from the pack.

While Royal Caribbean has continued to tinker with the Oasis Class formula with the even newer Utopia of the Seas, I think Wonder is so close in features to Utopia that you'd truly need to be a super cruiser to notice them.

By far the best change made is the addition of the Suite Neighborhood and the suite sun deck within that area.  I think it's a sun deck you'd actually want to hang out in, and it's conveniently located too.  The sun deck on other ships lack shade and are usually far from the cabins suite guests reside in.

Credit should also be given to the resort style pool deck, which has a feel to it of being better than the older ships. The addition of the Lime and Coconut bar offers creative cocktails to enjoy.  My favorite is the Lime and Coconut drink, which goes down so smooth that you can easily get to three before realizing it.

Royal Caribbean added The Vue bar onto the pool deck, and it's a fun twist on a traditional pool deck bar. As the name implies, it provides wonderful views and a great breeze to go along with its drinks.

Something else families will love is the Playscape within the sports deck.  It replaced a second Flowrider surf simulator, but gives parents of young children exactly what this age group needs: an enclosed space to run around and play and get out all that toddler energy.

If you've never cruised before, then comparing Wonder of the Seas to other ships is irrelevant, so just know you picked a really good ship.  If you have been on one of the other Oasis Class ships, I think you'll love these changes as much as I do.

What I loved to do on Wonder of the Seas

Cabins have so much storage

Not only do the cabins on Wonder of the Seas have modern touches to them, the amount of storage provided is perfect.

Traditionally cruise ship cabins have limited storage, but I found more closets, drawers, and shelves to use than I expected.

Families will really like how easy it is to put things away and keep the room tidy, which is usually a struggle when I cruise with my kids.

Speaking of cabin design, there's more USB and power outlets than in older cruise ships, which is another boon.

Fun shows every night

If Royal Caribbean has a top strength, it's their ability to produce really good shows that you'll want to see again and again.

On Wonder of the Seas there's probably going to be at least two production shows per night, and it's included in your cruise fare.  Each of these shows has really high production values, and I'd recommend anyone sailing to see them all at least once.

The AquaTheater show and Effectors II are probably my top choices, for how talented the cast is and how they can make the amazing stunts they do look so effortless.

I've seen the aqua show the most across all my sailings, because it's that much fun to see the cast perform.

The sleeper hit is the ice skating show, which might be overlooked because it's ice skating. My kids and I loved the pacing and use of contemporary music.

I also love going to the various bars at night for live music.  Royal Caribbean puts a major focus on live entertainment, and it shows. Jazz performers in Central Park, a guitarist in the pub, or the country band playing at the Mason Jar bar, are all must-sees for me on my sailings.

A suite area I actually want to hang out in

Up until Wonder of the Seas, I never saw the value in spending a lot of time in the suites-only areas, especially the sun deck.

Royal Caribbean fixed the issues and designed an area that's comfortable, offers a lot, and is convenient to get to.  

The fact there's shade and sunny areas of the sun deck makes it so enjoyable to be up there, especially when the hot Caribbean sun makes it very warm.

There's a plunge pool to enjoy too, and it's perfect for lounging.  

Someone that hasn't cruised before may be drawn to booking a suite because they tend to stay in suites in hotels for bonuses that come with those rooms. Similarly, a cruise ship suite is about rewarding guests with added service that make the entire experience easier to enjoy.

Super specialty dining

If you're not at least sampling a few specialty restaurants on Wonder of the Seas, I think you're missing out.

There are a lot of top notch restaurants on this ship, and I could eat at a few of the specialty options every day, because they are that darn good.

Within Central Park are a number of great choices, and I think if you didn't plan on doing specialty dining, you'll quickly be tempted when you walk by them.

Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen are all located here, and the hardest decision is which to eat at first.

Izumi Hibachi is a real crowd pleaser for how much fun it is, I don't think I've ever missed dining at Izumi at least once on all my five cruises on this ship.

Then there's Playmakers Sports Bar in the Boardwalk, and I love going here for a burger at lunch, or late night snacks while I watch a baseball game on the many televisions they have.

What I hated about Wonder of the Seas

Bionic Bar

Royal Caribbean had a moment when it was really into robots, and the Bionic Bar is an example of that trend that has since faded away.

This bar is located right in the middle of the Royal Promenade and has robots that make drinks for you.  Kind of neat, but none of the drinks ever taste that great, and the novelty of the robots making the drink fades quicker than the ice melts in your drink.

The good news is the Bionic Bar was abandoned on Utopia of the Seas, but it remains on Wonder and wastes prime real estate.

Movie screen is really loud

Royal Caribbean added a movie screen to the pool deck, which is a great idea, because other Oasis Class ships lacked such a screen.

The problem is it's located above Central Park, and all that music, dialogue, and noise from the films emanates down into the park, and it's noticeably loud.

No Broadway show

While I really like Effectors II show in the Royal Theater, I wish there was a full Broadway show instead.

Wonder was the first of the Oasis Class ships to buck the trend of including a Broadway show onboard, and I miss it.  I really liked that it had a fully developed plot, great music, and was easily recognizable.

Plus, I felt the Broadway shows added a distinguishing factor to the cruise line to choose Royal Caribbean over the others.

Royal Caribbean's in-house shows are good, but they're not up to the caliber of total entertainment Broadway offers.

Who should book a cruise on Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has been focused on families for years, but Wonder of the Seas is its best offering in this market outside of Icon of the Seas.

The ideal cruiser for this ship is a multi-gen family looking to vacation together, but not necessarily spend every minute together.

You'll find lots for kids of all ages to enjoy. The teen area is quite big and even has an indoor and outdoor deck. Younger kids have the most space Royal Caribbean has dedicated to kids programming. 

Royal Caribbean's kids club is vastly underrated. There's organized events, along with self-led options so kids have the choice in what fun they're into at that moment.

Add in the Boardwalk and Playscape, and parents have an impressive array of options.

My wife and I prefer to sail on Wonder of the Seas because we can find plenty to hold our attention. There's a giant casino, live music at a half dozen bars, dance parties, karaoke, and plenty of pool fun.

The other perfect candidate for Wonder of the Seas is someone that has never cruised before.

Because the ship has the latest and greatest that Royal Caribbean has to offer, I think it's the perfect ship for anyone that has thought about trying a cruise.

I have friends and family that have felt this way for years out of concern that ships are overcrowded, isolated in the ocean, or otherwise bored.

When I hear from new cruisers, many are astounded by how much there was to do onboard. Any fear of not having enough to do or feeling "trapped" are almost always brushed aside after they get home.

Itineraries and pricing

Wonder of the Seas offers year-round 7-night sailings from Port Canaveral, but those plans will be changing.

Beginning September 1, 2025, Wonder of the Seas shifts to offer short cruises from Miami.

After Wonder moves to Miami, she'll begin offering 3- and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas that include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

This is a big change, because only offering short Caribbean cruises is meant to attract new cruisers.  Royal Caribbean wants to dominate the short cruise market by offering weekend sailings on its best ships in a bid to attract new cruisers.

Short Caribbean voyages are attractive to those seeking a shorter getaway or who might be new to cruising and cannot commit to the idea of spending a week on a ship. 

Prices for a 7-night Wonder of the Seas cruise from Port Canaveral start at $1,046 per person for an interior cabin, based on double occupancy. 

Once Wonder begins offering short Bahamas cruises, the cheapest price begins at just $499 for an inside room on a 3-night sailing.

The exact cost of a cruise on Wonder of the Seas will depend on which cabin you book, time of year you sail, and how far in advance you book.

Royal Caribbean made two changes to the amount of onboard credit you get when you book another cruise while on their ship.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a NextCruise office, where you can stop in and book a future sailing.

As of this week, the amount of onboard credit has changed by dropping the offer for longer sailings.

The base onboard credit offer no longer has specific amounts for sailings 10 nights or longer.

• 3-5 night and Repositioning cruises
  • Interior/Ocean View: $25 per cabin
  • Balcony/Junior Suite: $50 per cabin
  • Grand Suite & Above: $150 per cabin
• 6+ nights
  • Interior/Ocean View: $50 per cabin
  • Balcony/Junior Suite: $100 per cabin
  • Grand Suite & Above: $300 per cabin

New NextCruise offer

Old NextCruise offer

With the update, the extra onboard spend now maxes out after a sailing of 6 nights or longer.

Royal Caribbean also made a change to add a "Bonus Savings Offer", where passengers could add extra credits that combine with the core offer.

The bonus offer is a limited-time offer to incentivize new bookings, similar to how the cruise line offers bonus savings on new cruises booked generally as part of a sales promotion.

• 5-nights or Less
  • Interior/Ocean View: $25 per cabin
  • Balcony/Junior Suite: $50 per cabin
  • Grand Suite & Above: $100 per cabin
• 6+ nights
  • Interior/Ocean View: $50 per cabin
  • Balcony/Junior Suite: $100 per cabin
  • Grand Suite & Above: $200 per cabin

NextCruise Bonus Savings apply to Book Now reservations or Book Later reservations converted between January 6, 2025 to February 28, 2025 to Short Caribbean (5 nights or less), Long Caribbean (9+ nights), and 7 night or less Los Angeles sailings departing October 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026.

When you combine the bonus savings and the core offer, there's the potential to earn more onboard credit than would have been possible under the old program that had no bonus offer.

How Royal Caribbean's offer compares to other cruise lines

If you're wondering, here's what other major cruise lines offer when booking a new cruise onboard the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line offers less onboard credit than Royal Caribbean in most cases. 

Their "Welcome Home" program offers price protection, upgrades, 50% off standard deposits, and up to $50 per cabin or up to $100 per suite in onboard credit.

Norwegian Cruise Line has "CruiseNext", where passengers can book a deposit worth $250 or $500.

The $250 CruiseNext deposit can be used as a full deposit for nonsuite categories or as partial payment of suite deposits. The $500 deposits are full deposits for bookings in suites or The Haven.

MSC Cruises' program is more similar to Royal Caribbean in that the amount of onboard credit depends on the length of sailing and what type of cabin you book.

The amount of onboard credit ranges between $20 to $200, and it comes with a $100 per cabin reduced deposit amount, plus double MSC Voyagers Club loyalty points.

Advantage of booking a new cruise onboard a ship

One of the easiest ways to get money off a cruise is to book while on a ship.

For many years, Royal Caribbean has incentivized guests to book another cruise while on their current sailing.

It's a straight forward offer: book while on the ship and you'll pay the same price as what's listed online, but with extra onboard credit on top of any other promotion the cruise line is running.

Another benefit of booking at NextCruise is a reduced deposit, which has not changed with this week's update.

Royal Caribbean allows guests to book a sailing with only $100 per person deposits on select fares.

Once again, the deposit amount depends on the type of cabin you select, but this takes the sting out of the initial reservation cost.

The beauty of NextCruise is you can combine it with other offers that Royal Caribbean is running.

This makes it easy to stack promotions and rack up the greatest savings. You could get a Kids Sail Free deal, a BOGO offer, and add on the NextCruise offer.

The reason not to take advantage of this bonus

If all this onboard credit from NextCruise sounds like the perfect icing on the cake for your next booking, you probably should not wait to book onboard the ship.

Because Royal Caribbean cruise fares change by the minute, waiting to book on the ship could actually cost you more in the long term.

As more cabins are booked up for a given sailing, the price of a sailing will generally rise.

By waiting to book on the ship, the money you'd get from NextCruise might be outweighed by the higher cruise fare, thus negating the benefit you intended.

My advice is to book a cruise is early as you can in order to lock in the price.

The time to book at NextCruise is when you're on your cruise and have the notion to book a new sailing.  In that scenario, you should absolutely take advantage of the bonus credits.

Millions of people will take a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025, and there are important tips to have a great vacation this year!

2025 is set to be a big year for Royal Caribbean with the launch of their second Icon Class ship, finally updating Allure of the Seas, and unveiling a new exclusive beach club experience in Nassau.

Whether you’re a devout Royal Caribbean cruiser or new to the brand, there are some important do’s and don’ts to consider when planning your cruise in 2025 to help you maximize your time onboard and minimize any pre-vacation stress.

As in previous years, you'll want to follow timeless cruise tips, such as pre-purchasing cruise add-ons, arriving the night before your ship is scheduled to depart, and repricing your cruise until final payment.

Here's our list of the best 25 do's and don'ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025.

DO expect higher prices

You should expect higher prices for a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025, and that's because of how red hot demand is for this type of vacation.

In looking at Royal Caribbean Group's quarterly results, customers are consistently paying more for cruises and booking them in higher numbers. As a result, Royal Caribbean Group executives plan for the higher pricing trend to continue into 2025 and beyond. 

While fares are higher, you can take an affordable vacation by staying in interior staterooms, sticking to complimentary dining, and cruising during the off-season.  

What this means is 2025 isn't the year of waiting for a price drop.

DO book your Royal Caribbean cruise through a travel agent

Travel agents are valuable resources for even the most seasoned cruisers because they act as experts for all things Royal Caribbean. Whether you can't decide between an itinerary, want advice on a cabin, or have some questions about the complimentary activities, you'll benefit from utilizing a travel agent when booking your 2025 Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Travel agents also have access to exclusive deals not available when booking directly with the cruise line, which means they'll save you time when planning your cruise and likely help you save money!

If you booked a cruise onboard at NextCruise, you can transfer your reservation to your travel agent once home. This lets you take advantage of the onboard booking bonus and the perks of an agent! 

DON’T fly into your embarkation city the day your cruise departs

One of the riskiest things you can do when making pre-cruise arrangements is booking your flight for the same day your ship departs. 

An unexpected flight delay or cancellation could cause you to miss your long-awaited cruise, and you might not have the opportunity to meet up with it at a later port of call. Even if you do, flying to the next port at the last minute will be expensive and stressful. 

To be safe, you should always fly into your cruise port at least the night before. Even if you think a 6:00am departure will arrive early enough, consider the time it takes to deplane, collect your luggage, and get to the port. Traffic delays are just as unpredictable as airfare!

DO purchase travel insurance

Speaking of missing cruise ships, travel insurance is crucial regardless of whether you're going on a 3-night Bahamas voyage or a 14-night transatlantic sailing. 

A good policy will cover things like trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay coverage, baggage delays, emergency medical coverage, onboard medical expenses, and more. You don't want to be stuck with a hefty bill for onboard medical services because you neglected to purchase insurance. 

If you're a frequent traveler, consider an annual policy. It's easier and more cost-effective than purchasing insurance directly through Royal Caribbean for each sailing. Plus, it'll cover other land-based trips.

Read more: Cruise travel insurance and why you need it

DON’T forget to purchase add-ons through the Cruise Planner

Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner is the best place to begin planning your vacation. This is where you'll find cruise line-sponsored shore excursions, drink and Wi-Fi packages, specialty restaurants, and more.

You'll often save money by pre-purchasing your add-ons, rather than waiting until you're onboard. Once on the ship, you cannot take advantage of Royal Caribbean's pre-cruise sales, which can help save hundreds of dollars on everything from drink packages to excursions. 

Plus, you will have the most available options by making all your reservations in advance. It's not uncommon for shore excursions and specialty restaurants to sell out ahead of time. 

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site

DON’T immediately book the cheapest stateroom

Inside cabins offer the best deal but are not the right choice for all travelers. These windowless rooms are typically the smallest onboard. 

If you're sailing on a ship like Utopia or Icon of the Seas, you might assume you’ll spend little time in your cabin. However, even if not in the room often, the cost of a balcony is still worth it for some because of the extra living space.

Moreover, the most affordable cruise fares are often on older ships, such as Enchantment of the Seas. The lack of amenities on older vessels can be disappointing to some. If you're looking forward to trying the FlowRider or ice skating at sea, avoid older Royal Caribbean ships. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin guide

DO take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s app 

Before arriving at the terminal, download Royal Caribbean's mobile app. 

It'll be your lifeline onboard, with everything from the e-muster drill to the daily schedule and your onboard statement available at your fingertips. 

Additionally, you can chat with other guests, book specialty restaurants, browse photos, and check out the rotating Main Dining Room menus whether you're relaxing in your cabin or moving about the ship.

DON’T expect your ship to be empty

Royal Caribbean ships are some of the most sought-after at sea, so it's not surprising to learn that a 2023 report revealed Royal Caribbean ships sailed at 102.1% capacity during the first quarter of the year. 

In fact, it's common for cruise ships to sail above capacity between 103% and 107%, as some cabins can accommodate three, four, five, and six guests.

Though crowds are inevitable on cruise ships, venues are designed to comfortably accommodate many guests at once. Activities are also strategically offered to disperse passengers, keeping them active around the ship.  

DO choose the right dining time

Royal Caribbean offers two dining options for dinner in the Main Dining Room: traditional and My Time Dining. If you select My Time, you are responsible for making your own dining reservations for each night of the cruise, whereas with traditional dining, you'll eat at the same time each night. You'll also have the same wait staff. 

Choosing the wrong dining time or preference can be a buzzkill. If, for example, you're used to eating around 6:00pm each day, you likely will not enjoy having dinner around 8:00pm. Likewise, if you choose My Time Dining but forget to make reservations for your preferred dining time, you might have to wait for an available table. 

Stop by the Main Dining Room to confirm your dining situation on embarkation day. If you choose the traditional seating, you can also look at your assigned table to see if it meets your needs and preferences. 

DON’T forget to check your travel documentation ahead of time

Suppose you're sailing on a round-trip cruise from Miami to the Bahamas. In that case, you can technically board with a government-issued photo I.D. and proof of citizenship, such as a driver's license and birth certificate or certificate of naturalization (if you're a U.S. citizen). 

However, passports are required for specific sailings, such as voyages from Barcelona or one-way cruises that depart from U.S. ports, including Los Angeles or Tampa. 

As soon as you book your cruise, locate your travel documentation. It's best to know when your passport expires ahead of time in case you must renew it. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your cruise's end date! For example, if you're going on a cruise in May 2025, your passport's expiration date cannot be before November 2025.

Read more: Can I cruise without a passport?

DO expect ports to be busier

In mid-2023, Nassau opened the first phase of its port expansion, which increased capacity to 10,000 guests with berths for six ships per day, including three Oasis or Icon Class vessels.

The expansion was a major success, with the popular Bahamas port reporting a record-breaking 5.6 million cruise guests in 2024. Nassau hasn't finished the project, either. They're planning on adding a multi-million dollar waterpark inside the secured port. 

It was also a record year for Juneau, Alaska. The state's capital shared that they welcomed 1.68 million cruise passengers in 2024, up from 1.64 million in 2023. In short, more people are cruising than ever before, and this is evident in port. 

DON’T be surprised by policy changes

Royal Caribbean implemented various policy charges in 2024, including no longer allowing guests to take unopened beer cans to their staterooms and increasing the daily gratuity amount. 

Looking back at these changes and those that occurred in 2023, additional policies may be added, changed, or removed altogether in 2025. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean changes policy on how it serves beverages

DO understand how Royal Caribbean’s gratuities work

As of November 2024, the gratuity rate for Royal Caribbean cruises is $18.50 per person, per day for standard cabins (Junior Suites and below) and $21.00 per person, per day for suites. 

This means a family of four in a standard stateroom on a 7-night cruise can expect to pay an extra $518 for the week. The same family would pay $588 in gratuities if cruising in a suite. 

You have two options when it comes to paying them. First, you can opt to pre-pay them before your cruise. This can be done when booking or by calling Royal Caribbean/your travel agent after placing your deposit. Alternatively, you can have them charged to your onboard account and settle the balance before disembarkation. 

DON’T assume bigger is better

Icon of the Seas finally entered service in 2024 as the largest cruise ship at sea. For over a decade, the title was held by Oasis Class ships. However, the new class of ship redefined the mega-cruise experience with a recording-breaking water park, brand-new neighborhoods, dining experiences, shows, and more. 

Utopia of the Seas also joined Royal Caribbean's fleet as the second-largest cruise ship. The new Oasis Class ship is packed with familiar amenities and new experiences, making her a perfect blend of innovation and tradition. 

That being said, bigger isn’t always better. Some cruisers prefer Royal Caribbean’s smaller ships, which can access more unique ports of call and offer a more intimate onboard experience. For example, while brand-new, Utopia of the Seas only sails on 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas. If you've already visited Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, you may wish to cruise on an older vessel and visit new destinations. 

Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise destinations you can visit

DO complete your muster drill

You must complete Royal Caribbean's muster drill on embarkation day even if you've sailed with the company before. Passengers who fail to complete the required safety drill will be hunted down by crew members. The drill is mandatory to ensure all sailing guests are familiar with emergency procedures. 

Thankfully, Royal Caribbean has made it easier to complete the muster drill. Instead of sitting through a lengthy in-person drill, passengers watch a few short videos on the mobile app or stateroom television. Then, they visit their assigned muster station. 

Before sailing away, the ship's Captain and Cruise Director will give a few more announcements over the PA system and sound the emergency alarm. However, nobody is required to report to their muster station at that time. 

DON’T be afraid to status match with Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean Group announced a new Status Match Program in 2024 to enhance the experience for guests sailing with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. This program offers a new solution to loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers who were worried about losing valuable perks of the highest Crown & Anchor Society tiers. 

Now, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members can match into the corresponding tier across all three brands. For example, Pinnacle Club members can now hold Zenith status with Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club and vice versa. Similarly, Diamond Plus cruisers can sail as Elite Plus members with Celebrity.

Though the benefits aren't identical as each line has its own perks, the Status Match Program guarantees that loyal cruisers still receive similar high-level privileges. 

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's new loyalty match program

DO complete online check-in as soon as it opens

45 days before your cruise, you can complete the first steps of Royal Caribbean's check-in process. The online portion requires you to input your travel documentation and credit card information, as well as select an arrival time at the terminal.

We recommend writing the date your check-in opens on your calendar to ensure you can snag the ideal arrival time for your party. The earliest times tend to go quickly, so if you want to be one of the first onboard, you won't want to forget this important date!

DON’T wait until the last minute to book airfare

Don't wait too long to book your airfare unless going on a last-minute cruise. Otherwise, you could pay hundreds of dollars more for the same flight that was cheaper a few months or even weeks prior. 

Start researching flights as soon as you've placed your deposit. Securing your ticket early ensures you lock in a better price, as airfares tend to rise as the departure date approaches. 

Plus, if you're hoping to use airline miles to reduce your out-of-pocket cost, airlines typically limit how many reward seats are available on each flight. 

DO check the price of your cruise ahead of final payment

Whether you want to cruise for as little as possible or have more money allocated for add-ons, nothing feels better than finding a great rate for your cruise fare! 

In the months leading up to your cruise, frequently re-price your sailing. If you notice the price has dropped, contact Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to lock in the lower rate. It can only be done before the final payment date. 

NOTE: this only applies to residents of certain countries, such as the United States and Canada. 

DON’T smuggle prohibited items onboard

Packing for a cruise is different than packing for a land vacation. Since you won't be minutes from your local drugstore, you must have all your essentials, from over-the-counter medications to toiletries and sunscreen. However, there are certain items you can't bring on board. 

For example, irons and steamers are banned from cruise ships because of the fire hazard they pose. They also recently added multi-outlet extenders to its prohibited item list. 

Similarly, Royal Caribbean doesn't allow marijuana on its fleet even if it's prescribed for medicinal purposes. You could be kicked off or denied boarding if you bring something illegal onboard. 

Read more: What can you not bring on a cruise

DO step outside your comfort zone

Have you cruised to the Caribbean countless times? Consider embarking on a new itinerary to Alaska, Europe, or the South Pacific! Because of Royal Caribbean's diverse range of destinations, you can cruise all over the world while receiving the same service and benefits. 

You can also step outside your comfort zone in familiar ports of call. For example, if you've called at St. Maarten before but never visited the famous Maho Beach, your upcoming Caribbean cruise could be the perfect opportunity to watch planes soar above your head as they land. 

Or maybe you'd like to try something new onboard, such as an art auction, craft workshop, all-access tour, or fitness class. 

Read more: I Tried Doing Every Activity on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

DON’T wait until you’re home to resolve onboard issues

Don't wait until you are home to contact Royal Caribbean regarding discrepancies on your onboard statement. Instead, visit Guest Services while on your cruise. 

There are crew members onboard to handle various situations and ensure everything meets your expectations. Do not hesitate to speak out if you think something should be improved, such as the service in the Main Dining Room or the upkeep of your cabin. 

If you keep problems to yourself, you can't expect them to be resolved during your vacation. 

DO remain flexible

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean cannot control the weather. Sometimes, the ship's crew must cancel a port of call to keep everyone onboard safe. Inclement weather could also cause shows to be canceled. 

In other cases, you could find your favorite specialty restaurant or must-do excursion fully booked. Regardless of the issue, it's important to remain flexible when booking a cruise and make the most of your time onboard. 

For example, if you miss a port because of bad weather, consider splurging on a spa treatment to make the otherwise disappointing day more memorable. 

DON’T forget to leave your worries behind as you set sail

No matter what is going on when you board the ship, try your best to leave those worries behind. Vacation is your time to relax and recharge. Being present in the moment can help you enjoy all the experiences onboard.

Watch the horizon disappear as you sip on the first cocktail of your cruise. Afterward, venture to the Main Dining Room for a three-course meal knowing you don't have to clean any dishes afterward! 

Parents also don't have to worry about entertaining their children. While your kids are having a blast at Adventure Ocean, you can fully immerse yourself into a vacation mindset. 

DON'T overlook what’s new for Royal Caribbean in 2025

In addition to Star of the Seas joining the fleet, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will finally open in Nassau. 

This new all-inclusive beach club is not included in the cost of your cruise fare; however, it promises an exclusive retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Nassau. Guests will enjoy private pools, beaches, bars, restaurants, cabanas, and more. 

Allure of the Seas is also set to receive a major renovation. The $100 million-plus Royal Amplification will add new dining venues, activities, and more to the beloved Oasis Class ship. The upgraded vessel will debut in Europe in spring 2025. 

Nobody imagines they will be let down by their cruise ship vacation , but it happens sometimes for possibly avoidable reasons.

Cruises have never been more popular with tens of millions of people trying them out, especially people that have never cruised before.

But if you don't plan things out or manage your expectations, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment later.

These are the 10 reasons why some cruisers come home disappointed and how you can bypass these issues have a great cruise experience!

They pick the wrong cabin location

Cruise ship cabins aren't like hotel rooms in the sense they're not all similar.  In fact, you can make a really poor choice in where your cabin is located, leading to frustration later.

There are many categories of cabins, from spacious suites to tiny inside cabins. In a lot of cases, your vacation budget is the driving factor in which you pick.

But chasing the lowest price room is often a mistake because you end up with a cabin that's too small and lacks amenities you didn't realize you cared about, such as having natural light or fresh air.

This is especially true when you cruise with family and are sharing a cabin with more than one other person. Would spending more to have an extra bathroom make a big difference? Would you be okay stepping over everyone's belongings constantly?

Beyond cabin choice, is where the room is located.

Some rooms should be avoided because of noise bleed issues or because they might be more likely to make you seasick. 

The top downfall here is picking a guarantee cabin, where Royal Caribbean assigns you a room location in exchange for a cheaper price.  I'd recommend as a new cruiser skipping this option and picking the right cabin location that you won't regret every night.

They didn't use a good travel agent

There's no doubt the best way to book a Royal Caribbean cruise is with the help of a good travel agent.

A lot of new cruisers are surprised how useful and still relevant travel agents are when it comes to a cruise, but they truly are.  That's because of how personalized a cruise vacation is, and all the individual decisions you need to make in order to book a cruise.

Plus, travel agents are a tremendously useful resource for answering common questions and solving problems.  Royal Caribbean isn't perfect and they make mistakes.  It's much better to let a travel agent fix them for you.

Plus, they can assist with booking you flights, hotels, and other logistical needs associated with your trip.

I always use a travel agent and I recommend everyone use them too.  My favorite travel agency is MEI Travel, and you'll want to ask family and friends who they use and recommend too.

They chose the wrong cruise ship

There isn't a bad Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but there are definitely better ships for you and your family.

Royal Caribbean has a fleet of almost 30 ships, but picking the right one depends on what you're looking for and need in your trip.

Do you want a ship that has a lot to do for your kids? Or are you traveling without children and prefer to focus on the places you're visiting?  Do you want to book the best service possible in the biggest suites? Or are you looking to save money on your accommodations?

One mistake often made is chasing the cheapest price and ending up on a small, old cruise ship that lacks all of the cool features you see advertised.

But you could make the opposite mistake and book the newest cruise ship because it's the newest cruise ship and find there are far more families (and their kids) onboard.

They did not look into what's included with the cruise fare

Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive, but I think a lot of people that have never cruised before think it is.

The price you pay for your base fare includes some basics:

• Accommodations
• Unlimited food at certain venues
• Unlimited select beverages
• Entertainment
• Transportation between ports

Everything else will cost extra, and that's important to factor into your vacation budget.

There are extra costs you can optionally buy:

• Beverage packages
• Shore excursions
• Internet access
• Spa services
• Casino gambling
• Certain onboard activities

You'll want to look into what's included with your cruise fare, and what amenities are on your ship so you can take advantage of it.

They forgot to book things that are prone to selling out in advance

Some things will sell out before your cruise begins, and that could really leave you dismayed.

Royal Caribbean gives cruisers the option to book specialty restaurants, shore excursions, or cabana rentals and you will want to book them in advance.  Not only is it cheaper to book pre-cruise, but they have limited availability.

You'll have access to the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you book a cruise, and that's where you can book extras, including internet and drink packages, shore excursions, spa treatments, arcade credits, classes, and more. 

There are sales quite often, and that could mean lower prices.  Moreover, any price you find online will be cheaper than the cost onboard the ship if you wait.

Some of the discounts offered can be as much as 40% off onboard pricing.

They chose the wrong dining time for dinner

You have the choice of three dining options for dinner when you book a cruise: traditional early, traditional late, or My Time Dining (there's actually a third middle dining time too now).

If you select a traditional dinner time, you'll have the same table assignment, waiters, and tablemates every day of the cruise at the same time.

My Time Dining means you get to choose different times to eat dinner, but you'll need to make reservations.  The idea is you can curtail your dinner time to your other plans.

Both have their disadvantages, and that leads to disappointment. 

Having a fixed dinner time means a very rigid schedule each evening, and you may not like your waiters or tablemates.

The flexible dining times puts the onus on you to make reservations, and even with a booked time, there can be lines to get a table.

These dining times only apply to dinner, as other meals are all served first-come, first served.

They hated the crowds and lines

You can't sugar coat it: Royal Caribbean ships are giant ships that have thousands of passengers onboard any sailing. 

The biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, can handle as many as 7,600 guests!

Without a doubt, there will be times where there are lines and crowds, and some new cruisers are unprepared for that reality. Lines develop at the buffet, elevators, on disembarkation day, and even a lack of pool chairs on a sea day.

There are some strategies to counter the crowds, depending how flexible you are. You could choose to have dinner at off-peak hours, take the stairs instead of the elevator, go to the pool in the late afternoon or evening, or carry your own luggage off the ship on the final morning to beat the crowds.

You could also throw money at the problem and book a suite so you can have access to suite-only areas of the ship and the assistance of the suite concierge to mitigate waits.

They didn't purchase travel insurance

I think the single biggest mistake a new cruiser makes is skipping on travel insurance, which covers unforeseen events such as travel delays, medical emergencies, and luggage mishaps.

It's peace of mind, and like all types of insurance, is so useful if you ever need it. The cost of a travel insurance plan depends on the cost of your trip, but it's usually a couple hundred dollars.

For example, if your cruise costs $2,400, purchasing insurance through Royal Caribbean will cost you $199. 

In addition to the travel insurance Royal Caribbean sells, there are a myriad of third-party providers that sell it.  Just like auto or home insurance, there are different coverages and you can select which ones you need.

You never know if a calamity could strike, and your medical insurance probably doesn't cover you when you're outside the United States.  Plus, Royal Caribbean's medical facilities do not take any insurance and will charge you directly.

Besides a medical need, travel insurance kicks in to cover scenarios that most new cruisers never imagine, such as your ship getting stuck at sea and coming back later than scheduled. Or you losing your job right before a vacation and not wanting to travel.

Because a travel insurance plan is relatively inexpensive, you ought to get one to cover your family.  You probably won't ever need it, but if you do, it's a godsend.

They didn't research shore excursions

One of the top reasons someone books a cruise is for the places the ship visits, so don't leave your port plans to chance.

Trying to wing it, or booking the first tour you can find, is often the path to frustration when you realize you could have done things better.

The key is to take some time and plan out each port by looking into the tours offered, as well as what you can do on your own.

Piggybacking on one of the earlier tips in this article, doing research and finding the perfect tour in advance means you can book it before it sells out. Shore excursions seem to be the first thing to sell out on a cruise, especially when you're visiting far-flung destinations like Alaska or Europe.

The last thing you want to do is leave everything until the day you arrive in port and try to decide on the pier what your plans should be.

They didn't learn what certain words and phrases mean

You will probably hear certain words during your cruise that really don't get used anywhere else.

• Aft
• Forward
• Port
• Starboard

These are all directional words to help you better navigate the ship. The reason why these words exist is so that you can know your bearings from anywhere, regardless of the direction you happen to be facing.

The bow is the frontmost part of the ship, while the stern is located at the rear, opposite the bow. The terms "forward" and "aft" describe locations on the ship: "forward" refers to the front, and "aft" refers to the back.

Another really important term is "ship time", because it can mean the difference between being on time for returning to your ship or not while in port.

When your ship traverses time zones, the local time may change but not necessarily the time on your ship.

You'll hear people say, "stick to ship time", and that means to ignore local time and keep your phones and watches synched to the ship's time.

There are rules about what you can and cannot bring on a cruise ship, including water.

Royal Caribbean has specific rules about what you can and cannot bring onboard with you, and there are limits to things like bringing water.

More travelers are bringing water bottles with them on their cruise. There's a heightened awareness of the importance of staying hydrated in our lives, and that leads many to want to know how much water they can bring with them on a cruise.  Or if they can refill a water bottle.

Before you pack for your cruise, don't ignore the rules about how much water you can bring, and be sure to investigate what alternative options you have for having enough water for your needs.

Royal Caribbean’s official policy on bringing water

Royal Caribbean allows its passengers to bring water on a cruise, but only on one day of the sailing and in a limited quantity.

The cruise line does not distinguish between water or soft drinks, but does allow some non-alcoholic drinks to be brought:

Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day.  Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom.

This means you can bring up to 12 bottles of water with you on embarkation day only.

Moreover, it needs to be carried onboard and not put into your luggage that you give to porters to be delivered to your cabin.

Why? Because all bags are scanned in an X-Ray machine, and if they see bottles, the security team many not be able to distinguish between bottles of water or bottles of liquor. In that case, they'll hold your luggage back and you'll need to go to security and have them open it up and check it out.

You can also bring a water bottle to use and refill

Instead of plastic bottles, you're allowed to also bring your favorite water bottle onboard.

Whether you prefer a Hydroflask or Yeti cup or Stanley cup, they're all allowed onboard (Contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use).  There's one important caveat.

You cannot directly refill your water bottle at one of the ship's refillable water stations because of health concerns.  

Cups should never be re-used for refills because that cup was in contact with your mouth, and that's how illnesses can be spread.  Instead, Royal Caribbean provides plastic cups you can use to easily grab and fill.

In the case of a water bottle, you'd have to get the water from a plastic cup, and then pour the water into your water bottle from there.

Any bar or food service location will give you a glass of iced water. You can pour into your own sports bottle.

You don't need to bring water for a CPAP machine

If you have the need for a CPAP machine on your cruise, Royal Caribbean will provide water for you without the need for you to bring any.

The key is to fill out an online form for your CPAP requests.

There's no fee for the cruise line to provide you with the distilled water.

Royal Caribbean can provide the distilled water and an extension cord, at no extra cost. These items will be placed in your stateroom on the day of sailing.

Be sure to carry your CPAP/BIPAP machine onboard with your carry-on luggage. Don't check it in with the porters.

Alternatives to bringing your own water

If carrying your own water onboard seems like more hassle than it's worth, there are other options for you.

First and foremost, there is complimentary tap water in staterooms, dining rooms, and buffet areas.

It's perfectly safe to drink the water on a cruise ship straight from the tap, including the water that comes out of your bathroom sink.

All the water on your ship is rigorously distilled or purified according to sanitation standards approved by the U.S. Public Health Service.

The water is regularly desalinated, treated, filtered, and tested to confirm the water quality. It's probably cleaner than the tap water you get at home.

Read more: 8 Royal Caribbean cruise questions guests are too embarrassed to ask

If you prefer spring water, Royal Caribbean sells bottled water packages.

Packages of 12 Evian water bottles are sold that you can pre-purchase from the Royal Caribbean app or its Cruise Planner website.

The water will be delivered to your stateroom, and you can even share it with others. Plus, there's no heft on your part to worry about getting it to the ship.

The standard price for a 12 water bottle package is $45.

Another option is to buy an unlimited drink package, which also includes bottled water.

Both the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Refreshment Package include bottled water during your sailing, and there's no limit to it either.  Plus, you get other drinks to enjoy too as part of the cost.

Plenty of water, whether you bring your own or not

The bottom line is you can stay hydrated on your Royal Caribbean cruise whether you bring your own or not.

Packing water to bring on your cruise means you could save money on a costly drink package, and provide the exact brand and type of bottled water you prefer.

Remember that there's a limit on the amount of water you can bring, even if in practice, crew members sometimes don't get too concerned with the exact amount brought onboard.

Royal Caribbean's water policy is simple, but don't overlook the fact there's lots of water you can drink on the ship at no cost.

In fact, one really useful cruise hack is to bring water drink mixes to enhance the flavor of the water included with your cruise fare (Contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use). 

Plan ahead and review the cruise line rules to avoid surprises on embarkation day.

If you're like me, you love discovering new cruise tips to maximize your vacation, but some of them just don't work as well as they sound.

There are plenty of tried and true cruise tips that cruisers swear by because of how effective they are: fly in a day early for your cruise, invest in magnets for your cabin, research shore excursions, and book your cruise as early as possible.

I've tried many different so-called secrets, but some of them just aren't as effective as I thought they would be and it was a disappointment.

In retrospect, some cruise tips are more effective based on your personality and travel style. As an example, saving money by booking an inside cabin is a great piece of advice, unless you're claustrophobic or always stay in upscale hotel rooms.

I reviewed the tips and advice I've heard over the years and came up with my list of 8 cruise tips that made sense until I got on the cruise ship.

Avoiding overpacking

A lot of people advocate to avoid overpacking for a cruise vacation, and I think this is rooted in avoiding hefty luggage costs with the airlines than truly benefitting you on a cruise ship.

The travel world has become obsessed with minimalist packing, where you travel with as little luggage as possible.  Perhaps you've heard of cruising with just a carry-on suitcase?

I have to admit I got caught up in this trend and started packing less and less so that I could re-use clothing on the ship. There is some truth to the idea you have to have an entire outfit every night for dinner, plus a daytime outfit.

However, I found packing less clothing gave me more anxiety than satisfaction.

It felt like I was rationing clothes and subsequently justifying to myself I could re-wear that pair of jeans or shirt because, "it's not that dirty yet."

Of course I could use Royal Caribbean's laundry services, but it's pricey and takes a day or longer to get back to you.

Ultimately, I realized minimalist packing is fine for some, especially those flying low cast carriers that want to avoid fees.  But I don't fly Spirit, Frontier, or Breeze.  Heck, I rarely fly to my cruises because I live in Florida.

Moreover, when I do fly, I'm going to inevitably need to pay for one piece of luggage per person travelling. So I'll maximize that suitcase.

Not paying for internet access on the ship

One commonly cited piece of cruise advice is to skip buying an internet package in order to save money.

There's no free WiFi on a cruise ship (beyond using the Royal Caribbean app), and a package for the duration of your cruise will probably cost over $100 per person. So this compels some to advocate not buying internet at all.

While there's no doubt not buying an internet package will save money, I just don't find it practical at all.

Admittedly, I'm a geek and being on the internet is more important to me than perhaps other people.

I think it's only when you don't have internet access at all that you realize how many little things you rely on the internet for, besides email and web browsing.

Texting with family, checking weather forecasts before you leave the ship, and paying bills on time are all little things that are great to have the internet for on a cruise.

Plus, I don't equate internet access with being any more or less relaxed. There are plenty of distractions on a cruise ship beyond the internet, so besides not checking your work email, I think having WiFi provides another form of entertainment in addition to books, magazines, or movies.

I'm all for saving money, but I can't skimp on WiFi.

Skipping shore excursions and staying onboard

Something you hear from a lot of experienced cruisers is to stay on the ship during ports of call in order to take advantage of what's available onboard.

The rationale for this tip is that you could save money on a costly shore excursion, plus there's already plenty of entertainment and activities to do on the ship.  And with so many people off the ship, lines and waits for the top activities are much less, such as waterslides.

There's truth to this recommendation, except I feel cooped up when I'm on the ship instead of exploring or just doing something in port.

I love to cruise because of the amazing places I get to visit, and it seems counterintuitive to skip out on the fun things to do in port.

Granted, if there's a port I've been to a dozen times, I may not feel that compelled to go and walk around.  But whenever I've tried this tip and stayed on the ship, I feel like I'm a dog starring longingly out the window with dreams of going outside.

The workaround for this tip is to do both. Get off the ship early and do something, but get back onboard early and you can still take advantage of less lines.

Eat only at the complimentary restaurants

Another money saving tip you'll run across is to skip the extra cost specialty restaurants and only eat at the included options.

The longer the sailing, the less I agree with this tip because I really like variety in my dining.

While specialty dining does indeed cost more, I'm on vacation and not trying to save money on my lunches at work. Splurging is part of what makes vacation fun.

I do enjoy dinners in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, but once I get to day 4 or 5 of the cruise, I'm usually ready to change things up just a bit.

Having a few sushi rolls at Izumi, ordering a bowl of pasta at Giovannis, or getting a burger and nachos at Playmakers is a guilty pleasure that I'll go for every time.

Bidding to upgrade your cabin

I love the idea of paying less to get more, but I've stopped bidding for my stateroom upgrades.

If you're very flexible and don't really care where your room is located, then RoyalUp might be fine for you.  But I can't get past a couple of issues with it.

My first problem with RoyalUp is just because there is an option to bid doesn't actually mean there is a room to upgrade to, and I think a lot of new cruisers miss that detail.

The reason why Royal Caribbean offers these bid upgrades is primarily to account for last-minute cancellations.  So the bid you're making is really a backup option if someone decides to cancel.

The more troubling problem with RoyalUp is should your bid be accepted, you can't select where your room is located.

I think it's really important to pick a good cabin location to avoid noise problems, and you lose that ability once RoyalUp takes over.  A winning bid means the cruise line will pick where your cabin is located.

Waiting to book another cruise until you get onboard

You can get extra onboard credit and reduced deposit by booking a cruise on a ship, but I think it's a mistake to wait to book a cruise until your next cruise.

The problem with booking a cruise at NextCruise is if you know in the weeks or months leading up to your cruise which cruise to book.  By waiting until you get onboard the ship to book it, the price may increase to the point it offsets the benefit of getting extra onboard credit.

Royal Caribbean cruise prices are fluid and can change at anytime.  Over the course of days, weeks, or months, the price will almost certainly increase.

My advice is if you know there's a cruise you want to book now, go ahead and contact your travel agent to book it now. 

NextCruise is great for when you're on the ship and are struck with the motivation to suddenly book another cruise. In that case, you should definitely go and book the cruise at NextCruise.

Booking the cheapest cabin

Cutting corners and saving money where you can is definitely a sound financial strategy, but you also have to weigh the pros and cons of going cheap versus enjoying your well-deserved vacation.

It can be difficult to know if you should book the cheapest room on a cruise or spend extra for a nicer cabin.

If you shop by price alone, you may end up with a cruise cabin that you're stuck with for the duration of the cruise. There's nothing inherently wrong with an small inside cruise ship cabin, but it may clash with what you're used to on land.

Cruise ship cabins are typically much smaller than hotel rooms on land, and the smallest rooms on a ship are really small, coming in at less than 300 square feet.  If you're sharing this space with someone else, then the lack of space can really become problematic.

Everyone has a vacation budget, but be realistic about your cabin choice so you don't end up walking into your room and then realize you've made a mistake.

Pack an over-the-door organizer

There are so many good inside cabin hacks out there, but one I tried and won't ever do again is bring an over-the-door organizers.

This is a classic "sounds better than it is" scenario because you go to the dollar store and buy one of these and put it on the back of your cabin door or bathroom door.

The idea is to add more storage options, especially for shoes and toiletries.

I found the thing flops around too much on a cabin door, which lead to things falling out all the time.

Plus, unless you're sailing on a really old cruise ship, I just don't have that kind of a problem with finding storage.  Especially if your cruise is less than a week.

A far better tip is to invest in cruise magnets to help get clutter off the floor, and it works better for my style of cruising.

It looks like Royal Caribbean may be bringing a new cruise ship to the west coast.

Ever since Royal Caribbean started sailing again from Los Angeles in 2021, Navigator of the Seas has been based there to offer sailings.

Based on the updated port schedule, that could soon be changing.

The Ports America Los Angeles website schedule shows Voyager of the Seas will seemingly replace Navigator of the Seas in late 2026.

It's worth noting Royal Caribbean has not made any official announcements about a change yet.  The port schedule is merely a glimpse into what could be changing.

In looking at the schedule Voyager of the Seas arrives to begin cruises October 5, 2026.

Since Los Angeles is presumably Voyager's home port, we can deduce her sailing schedule:

• October 5, 2026: 3 night cruise
• October 8, 2026: 8 night cruise
• October 16, 2026: 5 night cruise
• October 22, 2026: 6 night cruise
• October 30, 2026: 8 night cruise

Navigator remains listed sailing from Los Angeles through November 5, 2026.  After that date, Navigator disappears from the schedule, while continues through at least December 2026.

The port schedule is only published through the end of December 2026.

It's not unusual for cruise ships to be redeployed around the world. No ship remains in the same port forever, as changing market needs compel Royal Caribbean to switch where ships sail from.

Moreover, there can be market needs to change ships. Shifting priorities, demands, and internal research are all reasons a cruise line will position one ship in one market over another.

Other returning ships

Something else worth mentioning in looking at the port schedule is the return of two Quantum Class ships.

Quantum will take her first cruise ever out of Los Angeles on October 2nd, 2025. Quantum will remain in Los Angeles through September 2026. After that date, she disappears from the schedule.

Royal Caribbean had already announced Ovation of the Seas will sail from Los Angeles in summer 2025, with cruises listed through September 23, 2025.

According to the schedule, Ovation of the Seas returns to the west coast and begins sailing from Los Angeles in September 2026.

• September 21, 2026
• September 24, 2026
• September 28, 2026

Ovation's arrival in Los Angeles coincides with the end of her scheduled cruises to Alaska in summer 2026.

Both Quantum and Ovation of the Seas are Quantum Class ships and notably larger ships than Navigator or Voyager.  

Quantum Class ships are designed for warm and cold weather climates. Both ships have a passenger capacity of 4,905 guests. That's about 900 more passengers than Navigator of the Seas.

They measure 1,138 feet in length and have a size of 168,666 gross tons, making them more than 100 feet longer and 30,000 gross tons bigger than Navigator.

A growing cruise market on the west coast

Royal Caribbean had been absent from Los Angeles for a decade, but is now committed to offering more cruises from there.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley told investors last summer he sees growth opportunities from LA sailings, "We have strong ambitions to grow the West Coast in the US."

Bayley said that Navigator, which has been on the West Coast for two years, has been "performing exceptionally well."

Bookings are selling quickly, and the cruise line is responding to high demand.

Upcoming deployments

We may know the official answer to how accurate Los Angeles' port schedule is in a few weeks when Royal Caribbean resumes its 2026-2027 deployment announcements.

Royal Caribbean had already announced 2026 Alaska cruises, some of its Europe 2026 cruises, and Summer & Yearlong Caribbean Northeast cruises.

Over the next few weeks, more cruises in 2026 and 2027 will be announced:

• Week of January 27, 2025: Europe 2.0
• Week of February 17, 2025: Short Caribbean & West Coast
• Week of February 24, 2025: Seasonal Caribbean
• Week of March 31, 2025: Australia
• TBD: China & Singapore

If this deployment schedule holds true (sometimes the cruise line delays its deployments), Royal Caribbean would confirm the ship line up for Los Angeles sometime during the week of February 17, 2025.

Welcome to the first week of 2025, and here is your look at all of the Royal Caribbean news you might have missed in the past week.

Ready for your first cruise of the year? There have been updates to what you can't bring on the ship.

In just the past few months, Royal Caribbean updated its list of things you can't bring on a cruise anymore.  And that's in addition to things people commonly pack that are still not allowed.

Before you leave home, make sure you leave these 5 things at home before your cruise begins.

Royal Caribbean News

• 12 Royal Caribbean guests sue cruise line, former crew member over hidden camera in cabins
• 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise destinations you can visit
• I take a dozen cruises every year. Here's the 20 things I do before every sailing begins
• Cruise splurges I made in 2024. Some weren't worth it
• 12 ways Royal Caribbean’s made its app the best in the cruise industry
• I tried the shore excursion that got shut down. The beach was great, but the tour was too expensive
• Real ID deadline is coming in the spring of 2025. How to get one now
• Here's What To Expect From This Year's After-Christmas Sale

Video: I'm not buying these things on my cruise in 2025

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — I'm not buying these things on my cruise in 2025 — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 553rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with wishes for Royal Caribbean in the new year.

Matt and Billy share their annual tradition of making three wishes each for what they want to see changed within Royal Caribbean.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Man spent $160 per day to reach Diamond status tier in just 30 days

One cruiser decided to get to Diamond status in Crown and Anchor Society in just one month.

The person went from Gold to Diamond in 30 days by booking back-to-back cruises and sailing various routes. 

He started his month-long journey with 21 cruise points. By the end, he had reached Diamond status, accumulating a total of 81 cruise points.

I tried Royal Caribbean’s luxury Star Class suite for the first time for $11,000

Jenna tried her first Star Class cabin, and while the perks were amazing, she thinks she might enjoy a cruise just as much in an inside cabin.

She sailed in a two bedroom AquaTheater suite on Utopia of the Seas, which came with the services of a Royal Genie, and access to the suite-only areas of the ship.

The price of these suites is a tough pill to swallow, especially when you consider how much money can be saved by staying in a lower category cabin.

One of the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships of all time is waiting to be rediscovered

Voyager of the Seas is 25 years old, but it's a great ship that should not be overlooked.

The 137,276-ton cruise ship was a game changer when she debuted.

Matt sailed on Voyager for the first time, and he was impressed by how this mega ship remains a compelling choice.

When it comes to cruising, I’m a hard-core budget traveler. The more money I can save, the more often I can travel - and that's always my goal!

Although traveling has become increasingly more expensive in the last few years, I still find incredible value from cruising. With accommodations, meals, entertainment, and onboard amenities included in your cruise fare, it offers exceptional value for your money. My budget can be stretched further while cruising with so much included in the fare. 

However, there are always opportunities to splurge while cruising. Expensive add-ons and upselling both seem to be more prevalent than ever. Because of this, budget travelers might find constant temptation to splurge on cruise extras, including drink packages, internet purchases, specialty dining, and excursions. 

For me, 2024 was a big year of travel. I sailed on eight different cruises across four continents. These far-flung itineraries required long international flights, during which I flew on nearly 100 separate flight segments in 2024. This amounted to 135,206 miles of flying, with 13 days of the year spent in the air.

I was able to check a few major destinations off my bucket list this year by cruising, including South Africa, Madagascar, Belgium, Indonesia, and Australia. I was able to reach these countries while cruising on four extremely port-intensive itineraries. 

This included two sailings on Norwegian Cruise Line to South Africa and New England. I also cruised twice with Celebrity Cruises to Norway and Australia in 2024. Other sailings included weekend cruises with Carnival Cruise Line.

Between credit card points, cheap interior cabins, and my remote work jobs, I was able to stretch my vacation budget significantly this year. With a few big splurges in 2024, some purchases were absolutely worth the expense, while others felt like a waste of money.

Worth it: Balcony stateroom

One of my favorite cruises of the year was a 7-night Norway fjord sailing on Celebrity Apex with my husband. We departed from England and visited three ports throughout Norway, including one stop in Belgium.

Although we typically book cheaper cabins like interior guarantee staterooms, we decided to splurge on a more expensive balcony cabin for this cruise. We knew Norway would be incredibly beautiful with stunning views of the fjords throughout the week. Because of this, we wanted to have our own private balcony so we wouldn’t miss any of the sights!

Our deluxe porthole balcony stateroom was pricey at $4,200, which is certainly on the expensive side for a 7-night itinerary. But, the splurge was absolutely worthwhile! With extra space in the cabin and our own veranda, our cabin felt like a slice of luxury.

We also decided to splurge on choosing our specific stateroom instead of booking a balcony guarantee. Although we saved money last year booking this kind of cabin on our Jewel of the Seas cruise with Royal Caribbean, our stateroom was above the nightclub. We couldn't sleep until midnight each evening because of the loud noise! 

This time, we strategically picked our stateroom because it was nestled among other cabins. This was worth every single penny! 

The highlight of our balcony was sailing through the fjords from the privacy of our veranda. After bringing two bottles of wine onboard for embarkation day, my husband and I enjoyed a relaxing happy hour on our balcony each evening, sipping wine as the ship sailed away from the ports of call. Watching the awe-inspiring fjords drift by made the splurge unforgettable. 

Waste: Spa treatment

During our cruise through the Norwegian fjords, my husband and I decided to splurge on a couple’s massage. Cruise ship spas are notoriously expensive, so the $400 cost for our spa treatment was not surprising.

Unfortunately, the overall experience fell short of expectations. The massage itself was wonderful, but I expected more for the price. I had high hopes for the Edge class spa, which is often advertised as a top-of-the-line amenity for Celebrity Cruises. As a premium cruise line, the onboard experience is centered around modern relaxation and rejuvenation.

First, the massage room lacked ambiance - it felt very plain and resembled a basic spa in a shopping mall. Some of the aspects of the experience also felt cheap. For instance, the masseuse placed a rolled-up paper towel over our eyes for the facial portion of the massage. For the cost of the spa treatment, I would expect at least a warm towel for my eyes.

In the future, I will probably prioritize thermal spa passes that can be used throughout the duration of the cruise. While cruising in Africa, I spent about $200 on a thermal spa pass to use for the 12-night voyage. This was the first time I splurged on a thermal spa pass - and it was definitely worth it!

This was one of the best splurges I made during that itinerary. I enjoyed the heated loungers with my book every afternoon, often resulting in a nap. This purchase felt far more worthwhile, as I could enjoy the spa amenities every day of the cruise. On the flip side, massages only last about 60 minutes. 

Worth it: Drink packages

As a frequent cruiser, I hardly ever splurge on a drink package because they’re extraordinarily expensive. Before 2024, I had only purchased Royal Caribbean’s drink package once and struggled to get my money’s worth. Keeping up with the required level of drinking throughout the cruise felt excessive, and I ultimately lost money on the drink package.

Also, with my Royal Caribbean loyalty status, I receive five daily drink vouchers for complimentary beverages priced up to $14 each. This perk is more than sufficient for me, essentially providing the benefits of a drink package without the added cost.

However, one of the cruises I booked this year included a drink package in the cruise fare. I cruised with Norwegian Cruise Line to Africa onboard Norwegian Dawn in January 2024. The cruise line’s “Free at Sea” pricing included a drink package, in which guests only needed to pay for the gratuities on the package. I had never tried this package before, but I thought the price was reasonable. 

For the 12-night cruise, I only paid about $500 in gratuities for Norwegian’s standard drink package. This included most of the drinks that I wanted to order, such as mojitos, martinis, and piña coladas.

Being able to indulge throughout this port-intensive itinerary was worth the splurge. I appreciated not having to worry about paying for every drink consumed, although I do wish specialty coffee was included in Norwegian’s standard drink package. Even still, I easily drank more than $500 worth during the 12-night cruise - and I would splurge on Norwegian’s drink package again.

Waste: Specialty dining

Specialty dining is typically a splurge I enjoy. When sailing on longer itineraries, a specialty restaurant can provide a change of pace from the main dining room. Specialty restaurants on cruise ships include higher-quality entrees and more attentive service for a reasonable surcharge. However, this wasn't always the case during my 2024 cruises. 

While cruising in Norway with my husband, he was especially interested in dining at Raw on Five onboard Celebrity Apex. As a sushi-lover, we heard rave reviews about the upscale experience. During our first sea day, we booked Raw on Five for lunch to try this raved-about restaurant.

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's new loyalty match program. I missed having drink vouchers, but it saved me hundreds of dollars

Unfortunately, Raw on Five did not live up to our expectations. My husband tried two sushi rolls and one plate of oysters for lunch. While the food was edible, the meal was not particularly impressive. Similarly, I tried the pork butt and felt the meat was rubbery and tough. For $60, our money could have been spent elsewhere.

Not all specialty dining was disappointing, though. My husband and I also dined at Rooftop Garden Grill during our cruise and had one of the best meals on any cruise! I also tried Tuscan Grill on Celebrity Solstice, which is one of my new favorite cruise ship restaurants. In fact, the meal was so delightful the first time that we returned for a second visit during our 15-night cruise in Australia.

Worth it: Cruise line excursions

I’m a destination-focused cruiser, so I usually pick my sailings based on the ports of call. If I am going to spend time and money to travel, I want to make sure I'm visiting destinations that I actually want to see. Because of this, I plan my days ashore meticulously to maximize the time in port.

While excursions through the cruise line can be undeniably expensive, my splurges in 2024 on these tours were absolutely worthwhile. Cruise-sponsored excursions provide added security that your cruise ship will not depart without you. This means unexpected traffic or delays aren’t a cause for concern during your time ashore.

In addition, I’ve discovered that cruise-sponsored almost always receive priority for disembarkation. If you’re docked in a port that requires tendering ashore, cruise-sponsored excursions will be among the first to head ashore. These tours also receive priority for ports of call that require face-to-face immigration.

Throughout 2024, I splurged on excursions offered through the cruise line - even if the cost was significantly more than booking an independent tour. While cruising around South Africa, we booked multiple safaris throughout our itinerary. Most of these safaris were hours away from the ports and required significant travel. Not to mention, we were required to do face-to-face immigration in South Africa.

I felt Norwegian’s excursions would be the safest option for touring, especially while traveling to an unfamiliar part of the world. We also received priority disembarkation in every port, which allowed us more time ashore. Because we were booked on a Norwegian excursion, we also avoided the chaotic immigration line with those going ashore on their own. 

Throughout 2024, I found myself booking more excursions through the cruise line for these reasons. I also booked the Flam Railway during our Norway cruise through Celebrity Cruises. In addition, we visited the Great Barrier Reef while cruising in Australia. Instead of looking to save money with an independent tour, we opted for Celebrity's snorkeling excursion because we would be traveling far from the anchored ship. 

Worth it: Disembarkation tours

Disembarkation tours became a new favorite splurge of mine in 2024. These excursions allow guests the opportunity to tour the disembarkation city before heading to the airport or continuing on with their travels. Instead of waiting around at the airport all day, you can utilize your time to explore the surrounding area.

The first disembarkation tour I booked was in Cape Town, South Africa, which was through the cruise line. Because our flight did not depart until 11 in the evening, we had an entire day to tour the city. I was ecstatic to see a tour of the Cape Peninsula to visit Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope, which are the southernmost points in Africa. Of course, I couldn’t wait to also see the precious penguins waddling around Boulders Beach!

With just two days to explore Cape Town, I was thrilled with this all-day excursion, as it made the most of our limited time in the city. We were able to venture around the Cape Peninsula all day and still arrive at the airport with plenty of time. In addition, we didn’t need to worry about storing our luggage somewhere in a secure location on the coach bus.

After this positive experience, I decided to utilize the same strategy in Singapore after disembarking from my cruise around Australia. We only had one day to explore Singapore before flying home the following day, so we organized a disembarkation tour through Viator. 

With four people, we had a private van that shuffled us around the city to the main sights. We were able to keep our luggage in the car safely before checking into our hotel later that night. This was the best way to end a fantastic cruise. 

With future cruises, I will continue to book disembarkation tours if the right opportunity presents itself. I’d rather see more of the local sights than wait around all day at the airport!

Kids Sail Free is a promotion Royal Caribbean offers from time to time on select sailings that are usually a great vacation discount.  Throughout the year, Royal Caribbean will offer Kids Sail Free deals as a way to encourage new bookings. 

Royal Caribbean regularly updates the offer on a monthly basis. In this post, we will cover information about the promotion, tips for booking it, and offer answers to frequently asked questions.

For starters, Kids Sail Free is an offer Royal Caribbean offers selectively throughout the year. 

What is Kids Sail Free promotion?

The exact offer details may vary, but Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free offers are usually consistent in their basics. Third guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger on select 4 nights or longer sailings are eligible for free cruise fare.

The "catch" with a Kids Sail Free deal are the blackout dates that prevent you from booking the promotion.

There are usually many blackout dates associated with any Kids Sail Free offer, which means if your cruise begins on or in any of the blackout dates, the Kids Sail Free offer does not qualify. Not surprisingly, most of the black out dates are over major school holidays in the United States calendar year. 

Here are some sample blackout dates from past Kids Sail Free offers:

• Spring break sailings departing March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025
• Holiday sailings departing December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026
• Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 16 – September 12, 2025

Kids Sail Free dates

Last updated January 3, 2025

Royal Caribbean is offering Kids Sail Free in January 2025.

The offer runs on bookings made between January 2 – January 31, 2025 and applies to select sailings 3 nights and longer departing on or after January 3, 2025.

It provides $0 cruise fare for additional guest 12 years old and younger as of the departure date booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guests.

Kids Sail Free excludes all sailings departing on or during any of the following dates March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025; May 22 – August 29, 2025; November 20 - 28, 2025;  December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026; March 6 – April 9, 2026; May 21 – September 4, 2026; November 19 – 27, 2026; December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027; March 5 – April 1, 2027 Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 16 – September 12, 2025; May 15 – September 11, 2026; Chinese New Year on Anthem of the Seas departing January 27, 2025.

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

How often does Royal Caribbean offer Kids Sail Free?

There is no pattern to how many times a year or when the offer will become available.

Kids Sail Free is usually available a few times throughout the year. In fact, Royal Caribbean has been offering Kids Sail Free deals far more regularly than ever before.

Is it really free?

Assuming your kids qualify for the deal, their cruise fare cost will be zero.

You are still responsible for paying for the taxes and port fees associated with the children, along with any other charges onboard.  But if you look at the cruise invoice, their cruise fare will be zero. 

Like all guests, a daily gratuity will be charged per passenger, including the kids.

Be sure to check the fine print before booking to understand exactly the full price of the cruise.

When comparing prices, it is critical to compare the exact cabin type to each other. 

Often, people will look at the price of a cabin designed for two people and then increase the amount of people in the cabin to four people, and get a different cabin category.

The easiest cabin category to see how much money Kids Sail Free can save are suites because most suites can accommodate up to 4 people all the time. Not to mention the per-person savings in a suite will be significantly higher than in lower cabins.

Kids Sail For Less

In addition to the Kids Sail Free offer, Royal Caribbean may also offer the Kids Sail For Less offer, which is typically 25-30% off cruise fare for third guests and higher booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualified guests.

The primary advantage of Kids Sail For Less is there are no blackout dates associated with Kids Sail For Less.  This means if you have a couple of kids in your stateroom, you receive a discount on them. 

Moreover, Kids Sail For Less often does not have age restrictions in place, so really any guest of any age who is a third guest, fourth guest, fifth guest, et al in the same stateroom as the first two guests can get a discount.

Is Kids Sail Free a lie?

A common question asked is when comparing prices, adding kids to a reservation in order to take advantage of a Kids Sail Free offer ends up increasing the overall price.

The reason why this occurs is when you select a cabin for two passengers, the system assigns you a stateroom designed just for two guests. When you add kids, it selects a different stateroom that is larger in living space so it can accommodate four people.

The vast majority of cabins on a cruise ship can only sleep two people.  Because they are plentiful, there is more supply, and higher supply means lower prices.  

Generally speaking, cabins that can sleep more than two people are fewer in supply.  There are not nearly as many, so they are in demand, they sell out quicker and that demand drives up the rate.  

If you were to compare booking a cabin as if everyone in your party was an adult and then compare that to two adults plus kids, you would see the price difference.  Only then is it apples-to-apples.