Royal Caribbean Blog

If you have an upcoming cruise onboard Freedom of the Seas or are just curious as to what you can expect on this ship, we have a first-hand look at what's happening onboard.

Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship that was initially launched in 2006. In early 2020, she underwent Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplification program and received $116 million in upgrades. This means that if you sailed onboard prior to the pandemic, you would have had a different experience, as the ship received new venues, as well as updated some of their old ones. 

Read more: Freedom of the Seas vs. Liberty of the Seas

This was not my first sailing on Freedom of the Seas. My first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise was a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise back in 2011, so I was eager to see how the ship compared to my childhood memories. 

Here is a look into what it is like to sail on Freedom of the Seas in 2023. 

The boarding process

On embarkation day, I arrived just a few minutes shy of my check-in time of 12:30pm. I left my hotel, which was located near the Miami International Airport (MIA), at 11:30am and, after a quick stop at Target to pick up sunscreen, was at the terminal by 12:20pm. 

Related: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise

There was minimal traffic driving into the port, and I was able to quickly locate a porter and drop off my luggage. 

There was no line to enter the terminal, either. In fact, they were instructing people with check-in times as late as 1:30pm to go ahead and go inside. 

As soon as you enter the building, you ascend up an escalator and are greeter by port agents who instruct you to an available check-in agent who will scan your Set Sail pass, verify your travel documentation (i.e., passport or birth certificate/photo I.D.), and update your security image, if not done beforehand. 

Afterwards, you go through security and head up another set of escalators to get your embarkation picture taken and officially board the ship. 

To date, I think this was one of the quickest check-ins that I have ever had. Usually, I select the earliest possible time and am often seated before being able to board. Since I had a later time, I was worried that I would be faced with long lines. Within fifteen minutes of arriving at the terminal, I was onboard and exploring the ship.

Rather than go to the Windjammer for lunch, I opted to head up to the pool deck and grab something to eat from El Loco Fresh. There was a short line, but it as nothing like the nearby Windjammer. Plus, the timing worked out great because as soon as I finished lunch, staterooms were ready to be accessed.  

When sail away rolled around, I was able to easily find a spot on Deck 12, despite showing up a few minutes into the party. I had a great view of both the passing scenery and lively atmosphere on the deck below, which was pretty crowded. 

Disembarkation

The only other times I have cruised out of Miami have been onboard Symphony of the Seas. Both times were hectic due to the amount of people trying to leave the terminal (and port) at once. 

When I got my luggage tags, I was assigned group 37. On disembarkation morning, however, my app said that I was group 35. Rather than waiting until 9:15am, I was able to get off the ship around 8:40am. Within twenty minutes, I was outside waiting for a Lyft. 

Since there was less traffic that I anticipated, I only had to wait ten minutes for my ride to make its way to the pick-up spot. Overall, it was a smooth and quick disembarkation! 

Accommodations 

My home for my 4-night cruise was an interior stateroom located in the aft on the ship on Deck 8.

A few weeks ago, I stayed in another interior stateroom onboard Navigator of the Seas and am truly a fan of Deck 8 on Voyager and Freedom Class ships. It is only three decks below the pool deck and Windjammer and three above the Royal Promenade, meaning that I found myself using the stairs more often than the elevators!

Related: What it's like to cruise on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas in 2023

While the cabin was dated (as expected), it was comfortable and had everything that I needed, from a mini-fridge to keep my bottled water cool, safe in the closet, and plenty of hangers for my clothes.

If I was traveling with another person, the lack of outlets would have frustrated me, as there were only two located on the desk. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the water pressure in the bathroom, both in the shower and the sink! It was probably the best that I have experience on a cruise yet. I did not have any issues with water temperature, either. 

Dining

Since everyone has different tastes and preferences, cruise ship dining is a subjective topic. My favorite meal may be someone else's least favorite! 

On this particular sailing, I skipped the Main Dining Room for dinner. Instead, I ate at the Windjammer, Sorrento's, Playmaker's, and Izumi Hibachi, my favorite of which was Izumi. 

Out of the complimentary dining venues that I ate at, my favorite were El Loco Fresh and Sorrento's. They make for great quick-service bites; however, you can also make a full meal at either place depending on what you get.

A few slices for dinner while on a cruise may not be appealing to some, but it was exactly what I wanted after exploring Nassau and having a late lunch in port. 

Bar food is a favorite of mine, so a stop at Playmaker's is a must on any ship that has it. This was my first time trying the wings, and I was a little disappointed. While they satisfied my need for something spicy, the chicken wings themselves were not the best quality. They were actually some of the smallest wings I have ever seen! 

Teppanyaki is one of my favorite dining experiences, whether on a ship or not. While onboard Freedom of the Seas, I ate at Izumi Hibachi for the first time. In the past, I have stuck exclusively to the sushi. 

The chef was a lot of fun, and I was able to substitute sea scallops for beef tenderloin, meaning that I got to enjoy both lobster and steak! I thought that this meal was worth the splurge and would do it again, especially since I used my onboard credit for the majority of the cost and only paid $13.00 out of pocket. 

Entertainment

Freedom of the Seas does not have a Broadway-style production like some other Royal Caribbean ships do. That being said, they had offerings each night to satisfy those looking to catch a show.

The first night, I saw the ice skating show, FreedomIce.com. Perhaps it was because it was the very first show of the cruise, but, unfortunately, the skaters took quite a few falls. 

My favorite part of the show was the soloist who skated during Gwen Stefani's "Rich Girl." She was extremely talented and flawlessly landed each trick. 

The first production show that was offered in the Royal Theater was Marquee, which showcased a collection of Broadway songs. As expected, the quality was not that of their other Broadway-style shows, but it was an entertaining forty-five minutes. 

The following night was the only headlining act of the cruise: Mike Marino, a comedian who has performed on "The Tonight Show," "The Martin Short Show," "Comics Unleashed," and "The Boomed Show." While I have seen better comedians on ships, there were some jokes that had the crowd crying from laughing, including his impression of what announcements would be like if he was a cruise ship captain. 

The show on the last evening was Once Upon a Time. Personally, I preferred this production over Marquee. It highlighted different fairytales, such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood. 

Numerous different game shows were offered, too, including "Name that Tune," "60 Seconds or Less," "Majority Rules," "The Crazy Quest," "Friendly Feud," and "If You Know It, Dance It."

Onboard activities 

There was no shortage of things to do onboard Freedom of the Seas, from organized events to onboard activities. You will find a FlowRider surf simulator, Perfect Storm water slides, mini-golf, rock climbing, sports court, ice skating, and more.

The colorful resort-style pool deck cannot be found on many older ships, so Freedom stands out in this way. It definitely gives the ship a more tropical and "new" feel. 

When it came to organized activities, there were offerings ranging from trivia and sudoku to sporting competitions, bingo, laser tag, archery, and karaoke. Checking the daily planner is crucial to ensure that you do not miss out on anything that sounds intriguing to you, as the only announcements pertaining to activities were in the evenings to tell guests about the shows. 

My cruise had a single sea day, so I planned to get up early to find a comfortable seat in the Solarium. I was surprised when 11:00am rolled around and there were still open seats, albeit not a ton. 

Onboard internet 

With download speeds of 26.2mbps upload speeds of 5.92mbps, the internet was not as fast as what I had experienced on Navigator of the Seas a few weeks prior; however, it was sufficient to send and receive texts, browse social media, and more. 

Ports of call

Nassau, Bahamas

My 4-night cruise went to Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, with the first stop being in Nassau. I was most excited for this port, as the first phase of their $300 million port revamp opened just a few months ago. In the past, Nassau has been one of my least favorite destinations, so I wondered if this would change my perception. 

Now, the port is able to accommodate up to six cruise ships per day, including tree Oasis or Icon Class ships, meaning that the port can see up to 30,000 cruise passengers per day. Prior to the revamp, Nassau could accommodate 20,000 guests. 

After a short walk from the cruise berths, you enter a peaceful port area filled with local vendors selling anything from t-shirts to straw hats, alcohol beverages, jewelry, and more. You no longer have to exit the cruise port to do your souvenir shopping. 

Moreover, I appreciated the taxi stand inside of the port. If you want to take a cab to Atlantis, Cable Beach, or Baha Mar, all you have to do is walk up and get in the correct line.  

Related: Nassau, Bahamas opened the first phase of its cruise port revamp. Here's what's new and different

When, and if, you are ready to leave the terminal, you will exit right across the street from Pirate Republic Brewing Company, which has some incredible mozzarella sticks, and The Bahamas Shirt Company. When you are ready to return to your ship, you will enter the terminal from the same area. 

Between the new port area and the upcoming Royal Beach Club in 2025, I can see Nassau becoming a more desirable port of call. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay

This was my fourth visit to CocoCay; however, it was the first time that there was only one ship in port. This gave the island experience a completely different feel. No matter when you strolled up to the beach, you could find a seat on the third or fourth row. 

Plus, there were plenty of tables at the Chill Grill for lunch. In the past, there have been times where I have struggled to find an open seat!  

If you would like to do something a little bit more active than lounge on the complimentary beach chairs, consider booking the Thrill Water Park. Here, you can ride the tallest water slide in North America: Daredevil's Peak.

There are numerous other water slides, as well as a fun wave pool, to keep everyone in your party entertained all day. You are also able to exit and re-enter the park with the tap of your SeaPass card, so you can explore the island in between rides. 

Those who want a more exclusive experience should look into booking a day pass to the Coco Beach Club. This section of the island has plush seating, a sit-down restaurant featuring more upscale dishes, and even its own pool. 

There are countless ways to enjoy your day at CocoCay; just make sure you research your options ahead of time!

One of the most common concerns of first-time cruisers is feeling seasick. No one wants to spend their vacation nauseous and miserable, so knowing a few tips and tricks to prevent seasickness is helpful before your cruise.

You never know when rough seas will hit, causing you to feel the motion of the ship more than usual. 

The good news, however, is that seasickness is not nearly as common as you might think, and many passengers hardly notice the ship moving at all! 

Some of these methods require you to purchase remedies in advance. 

Here are our top ways to prevent and relieve motion sickness on a cruise ship so you can enjoy your cruise vacation as much as possible.

Editor's note: Royal Caribbean Blog makes no warranties with regard to the safety or effectiveness of any seasickness remedy. It is always best to consult with a physician prior to taking any medication, especially if you have existing medical conditions, are pregnant, or you are taking other medications.

Seasickness 101 

You will begin to feel the effects of seasickness if there is a conflict between your eyes, motion of the ship, and vestibular system located within your inner ear. By sending information to your brain regarding balance, motion, and the location of your head and body in relation to your surroundings, the vestibular system helps create a sense of balance and spatial orientation. 

To sum that up, the onset of motion sickness is when what you see if different than what your inner ear senses.

The symptoms of seasickness range from mild to severe, and you may find yourself suffering with anything from dizziness to fatigue, headaches, irritability, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats. 

Thankfully, each ship is headed by a skilled captain, who will do everything possible to avoid unfavorable sailing conditions. Moreover, ships are equipped with stabilizer fins that are meant to help reduce the motion felt by passengers.  

Reduce, however, does not mean eliminate. 

How to beat seasickness

There are numerous methods, both medical and natural, that aid in curbing the symptoms of motion sickness. What works for someone, however, may not work as well for someone else. That is why it is best to speak to your primary care physician if you are worried about getting ill on your cruise. They will be able to provide the best advice that takes into account your age and current health. 

Over-the-counter medications

Bonine and Dramamine are two popular medications that can be bought at practically any drug store that both have the goal of preventing you from feeling motion sickness. 

Having been introduced to the market in 1949, Dramamine is the older of the two. It's active ingredient is dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine which has a side effect of drowsiness. 

Likewise, Bonine uses meclizine, another antihistamine. This medication came into medical use in the early 1950s to treat nausea and vertigo and advertises itself to be less drowsy than Dramamine. 

For children, Dramamine manufactures Dramamine for Kids, the only over-the-counter medication motion sickness relief formula for children between the ages two and twelve. Rather than containing 50mg of dimenhydrinate per dose, it only contains 25mg. 

If you forget to purchase medication before you leave home, go to Guest Services or the onboard medical center and ask if they have any free packets of motion sickness medication available. 

Speak with a doctor about getting a prescription for scopolamine patches

Unlike some other remedies, if you are interested in getting a scopolamine patch, you will need to speak with a medical professional prior to leaving for your cruise. These patches work by delivering scopolamine to your body slowly over the course of several days, with one patch lasting up to three days. 

They are placed behind your ear around eight hours prior to when you need the medication to be in your system, making it more of a preventative measure. 

Purchase an acupressure band 

Acupressure pressure bands are a more natural remedy than over-the-counter medications. These wristbands work by applying pressure to the P-6 pressure point on your wrist. This is known to help reduce the feeling of nausea. 

These bands are not expensive, either. A single band can be purchased for less than $10 from Amazon. 

Choose the right stateroom during the booking process

The stateroom that you select can make a difference in how much you feel the rocking of the vessel. Rather than opt to save money on a guarantee cabin, you should choose one in a location that is less prone to feeling the ship's motion.

Staterooms that are located midship of the lower decks tend to feel less motion than those on higher decks or that are located in the forward or aft of the cruise ship. Moreover, since watching the horizon, as counterintuitive as it may seem, helps give you a sense of balance, you may want to consider booking a stateroom with either a balcony or exterior facing window. 

If you book an interior room, you will have to leave your cabin to head to a public space. 

Consider a port-intensive itinerary 

The more time you spend on and, the less you will have to worry about feeling the ship's movement while sailing. It is entirely possible to find a cruise with only one day at sea, even if it is 7-nights. 

Depending on your cruising preferences, you may even be able to find a sailing that spends each day in a different port of call. 

Not only will this reduce the amount of time onboard, but you will be able to cross off more destinations from your bucket list. 

Additionally, some bodies of water are more prone to strong winds and currents than others. These include the Bay of Biscay and Gulf of Alaska. The Caribbean can be hit with unpleasant weather during the latter part of hurricane season, too. That being said, any ocean can encounter unfavorable sailing conditions at any time.  

Watch your alcohol consumption

Whether you decide to splurge on a Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package or not, you should watch your alcohol intake if you are prone to motion sickness; dehydration will not make the situation better. 

In fact, you should limit your caffeine, too. You want to try and drink as much water as possible. Moreover, staying hydrated will help with any digestive issues that may arise while onboard, as most passengers indulge on more fatty and fried foods than they normally would.

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

Drink peppermint tea or ginger ale

6-gingerol, an active compound found in ginger, helps to reduce the feelings of nausea. For that reason, it is one of the best natural remedies for seasickness. While you can sip on ginger ale, you can also look for ginger tea, candies, and supplements. 

Similarly, the antibacterial properties found in peppermint tea help reduce nausea, too. It can also help ease stomach cramps since it works to relax your stomach muscles. 

Eat green apples

If you'd rather munch on something versus sip on tea or ginger ale, try and locate some green apples. They contain pectin, a type of fiber which helps to settle the stomach. 

In fact, make sure you eat in general!

While nausea may make your appetite disappear, that does not mean you should skip out on eating. If you are unable to stomach large meals, try snacking on crackers, bread, bananas, soup, or any other plain food. 

You should also avoid eating things that cause upset stomachs. This means that you will have to pass on the spicy, greasy, and fatty foods for the time being. If taking it easy at the Windjammer for a single day means you will be back to feeling like your sooner, it is worth it!

Avoid sitting backwards or sideways

Try sitting in the same direction as the ship's movement, as sitting in the opposite direction can further confuse your body. Rather than sitting backwards of sideways, find a chair that is facing forward.

This may help alleviate some feelings of motion sickness. 

Limit the time you stare at your phone screen

When you start to feel ill while at sea, it is best to put your phone to the side. Likewise, reading can often increase the effects of motion sickness, even if you are reading a handheld copy. 

If you have smooth seas, feel free to head up to the pool deck and read away. If you encounter rough weather, though, you will want to save the book for later. 

What is mal de debarquement syndrome?

When you disembark your cruise ship, do not worry if your body needs some time to adjust to being back on land. Some people feel like their body is swaying when they get off the ship, and it is completely normal! 

If, however, it has been a couple of days and your symptoms are beginning to interfere with your day-to-day life, make an appointment to speak with a medical professional, as you may be suffering from mal de debarquement syndrome.

Your next visit to Nassau, Bahamas is going to look different than you might remember.

Nassau spent $300 million upgrading their cruise port, which is referred to as Prince George Wharf, with the first phase of this redevelopment opening to the public on May 27, 2023. 

The port is now able to accommodate up to six cruise ships per day, including three Oasis or Icon Class ships. This means that Nassau is now able to host 30,000 cruise passengers per day, increasing their capacity by 10,000. By the end of 2024, it is estimated that Nassau will see four million cruise visitors. 

Construction will continue throughout 2023 and 2024 as builders work towards finishing the second phase. 

While the walk along the pier felt similar to previous visits to Nassau, the most noticeable difference is as you prepare to exit. No longer are you immediately met with individuals pressing you for tours or taxi rides. Instead, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through a plaza with shops.

It is only when you exit and cross the road that you are met with hagglers. 

Here is what you can expect when you visit the redeveloped Nassau Cruise Port. 

Related: Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

Taxi stand inside of the port

Almost immediately after exiting the berth area of the port, you are met with a dedicated taxi stand. This makes catching a cab to Atlantis, Cable Beach, and Baha Mar much simpler. Prior to reaching that point, there will be an individual ushering guests to the water taxi to Paradise Island if you would prefer to take that route.

There is also a separate line for those who wish to book a tour.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide

Emphasis on local shopping, artists, and culture

As you exit the berth area, you will see the Nassau Cruise Port Junkanoo Museum, which is an immersive experience that aims to share the story of the national cultural festival. 

Junkanoo is a Bahamian festival and street parade that takes place in late December of each year. It features music, costumes, and dancing. 

Moreover, the cruise port is filled with local vendors selling goods, such as straw baskets, jewelry, and more, meaning that you do not have to exit for your shopping needs if you do not want to. Further down, you will find actual storefronts. 

The Port Marketplace is where you will find these individual vendors. There are also places to grab a drink, with prices ranging from $8 for three shots to $15 for cocktails. Close to the exit, there is a gelato shop, which is a great option for those looking to cool down with a sweet treat either before or after spending the day ashore. 

If you are a fan of hair braiding, this is also where you will find an entire setup dedicated to just that. However, walking past, nobody was overly pushy. When I walked outside of the port near the Straw Market, I was approached multiple times and repeatedly spoken to, even when I disregarded their attempts to strike up a conversation.

As you walk through the Port Marketplace, you will stumble upon an exhibit highlighting Theodore Turnquest II, a freelance photographer at Nassau Cruise Port. 

"As a young adult living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)," the informational sign reads, "Theo's photography hobby has become a great source of comfort and an outlet to express himself creatively in recent years."

"Theo's photos are used on our social media channels, in presentations, and in other promotional materials, helping us to tell the story of Nassau Cruise Port. We truly value his work." 

Exiting and re-entering the terminal

When you exit the cruise terminal, you will find yourself near Pirate Republic Brewing Company and The Bahamas Shirt Company. This is the same place you will enter when you are ready to return to the ship.

From here, you can expect roughly a fifteen-minute walk to the Queen's Staircase and a ten-minute walk to Junkanoo Beach. 

In total, it takes roughly ten minutes to get from the ship to the exit if you do not stop for pictures or shopping. Depending on where you are docked, it could take even less time. 

While on Freedom of the Seas, the ship was docked near Zones 6, 7, and 8; however, the only available gangway was located in the aft, which meant that I had to walk all the way to and from Zone 8. 

Royal Caribbean's partnership with The Bahamas

In 2025, Royal Caribbean is set to open The Royal Beach Club, an exciting new option for cruise passengers visiting Nassau. 

The exclusive beach club will be located on Paradise Island, encompassing 17 acres of property, and be available only to Royal Caribbean cruise passengers for an additional cost. 

The pass will include beach club access, lunch, and beach chair rental. Certain extras, such as alcohol, soda, cabanas, day beds, and water sport activities, will cost more. 

In addition to multiple different beaches, guests will be able to take a dip in a spacious swimming pool and utilize the water sports center. 

What makes The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island stand out is that it will have a public-private partnership. This mans that Bahamians will be able to own up to 49% equity, and local businesses can take part in managing the majority of the experience.

Additionally, the construction phase and operation of the Royal Beach Club will create hundreds of jobs, with the economic impact estimated to be around $1 billion over the course of ten years.

Related: Royal Caribbean hires Bahamian business leader for head of new Bahamas beach club

When completed, this will give passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean ships to Nassau an option to enjoy a more relaxed day. With Nassau Cruise Port accommodating thousands of passengers from different cruise lines, the island can feel rather busy at times. 

In fact, the port broke its own record in 2023. On February 27, 2023, the port welcomed over 28,500 passengers on six different ships. 

I cruise to Alaska every summer, and I always see passengers making the same few rookie mistakes.

After five cruises to the 49th state, I’m familiar with the ins and outs of Alaska cruises. I know exactly what I should pack, which excursions I should book, and what to do in each cruise port.

For most first time cruisers to Alaska, however, this is not the case. Many of these passengers make rookie mistakes that can easily be avoided, whether packing incorrectly or unintentionally missing out on breathtaking views.

As someone who sails to Alaska often, I wanted to share the most common mistakes I see cruisers making on Alaska cruises so that you know what to expect.

Be sure to avoid these mishaps to ensure your cruise is as memorable and stress free as possible.

Booking shore excursions in every port

Alaska cruises offer some seriously intriguing shore excursions, from whale watching tours to helicopter rides over glaciers. There’s no doubt these excursions lead to an unforgettable day, but it’s not necessary to book an excursion in every port.

One advantage of Alaska’s small ports is that they offer plenty to do without needing an excursion or transportation from one place to another.

Most ports have walking trails, downtown shopping, and museums within walking distance to the cruise port. You can visit raging waterfalls, hike through the rainforest, and learn more about the state’s culture without spending much (if anything) extra.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

If you want to venture away from downtown, you can always book shuttles to destinations like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau or the Fortress of the Bear rehabilitation center in Sitka. Booking transportation on your own versus as part of a shore excursion not only gives you more flexibility, but lower prices, too.

Shore excursions are great for activities you cannot experience as easily on your own, such as kayaking tours and flightseeing experiences, but you can experience a lot of the state’s highlights on your own as well.

Worrying too much about the weather

“It’s going to rain every day!”

I’ve heard this sentence more times than I can count from those visiting Alaska for the first time. While preparing for an Alaska cruise, it’s tempting to check the weather forecast, but take it with a grain of salt.

Alaska’s weather can change rapidly from one moment to the next. At 7AM you may find yourself freezing with high winds and rain whereas at 1PM you might have to take off a layer because it’s too hot.

Related: When is the best time to cruise Alaska? Month-by-month guide

I always recommend packing layers for an Alaska cruise for this very reason. If you have the appropriate layers (a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer), you will be prepared for any type of weather condition.

It’s important to remain flexible, nonetheless, and to mentally prepare yourself to feel uncomfortable—it’s unlikely you’ll encounter ideal weather conditions in every port.

On a recent visit to Juneau, for example, I rode a bicycle to Mendenhall Glacier. On route to the glacier we rode in favorable conditions, with temperatures in the mid 60s and a slight breeze.

On the way back, we encountered heavy rainfall and were drenched by the time we made it back downtown. Sure, we were uncomfortable and our clothes were beyond filthy, but it didn’t ruin our cruise experience by any means.

Worrying about the weather will cause you unnecessary stress. As long as you wear and/or pack appropriate layers for each port day, everything should go smoothly.

Packing too warm of clothes for cruises in the middle of summer

One mistake I see many first time Alaska cruisers make is packing clothes more suited for Antarctica than southeast Alaska. As shocking as it sounds, you can feel uncomfortably warm on an Alaska cruise in the middle of summer.

In fact, my most recent Alaska cruise in mid June had me sweating more often than shivering. I could not believe the high temperatures we encountered—in Juneau it was nearly 80 degrees fahrenheit!

Needless to say, I immediately regretted wasting packing space with several sweaters, pullovers, and jackets. Most warm layers went unworn during the cruise, and I found myself in need of a lightweight t-shirt to avoid overheating!

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

If you’re cruising to Alaska in the middle of summer, I would avoid packing an excessive amount of warm layers. There’s no need to pack a parka, wool socks, and extreme weather gloves.  While you should definitely still pack a few warm outfits, be sure to pack lightweight layers like t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and, yes, maybe even a pair of shorts.

If you’re cruising to Alaska during the shoulder season (the beginning or end of the season), disregard this advice: you’ll definitely want the majority of your suitcase to be warm layers.

Thinking balcony rooms are necessary

Many first time cruisers to Alaska are under the assumption that they must book a balcony cabin for an Alaska cruise. Having a balcony cabin means you can enjoy Alaska’s scenery from the comfort of your stateroom, so it’s an extremely popular cabin choice on Alaska itineraries.

Booking a balcony cabin is certainly nice, but it’s not necessary in order to enjoy an Alaska cruise. I’ve cruised in an interior cabin on all five of my Alaska cruises, and I have no regrets about this decision. 

Related: Interior vs Balcony staterooms on a Royal Caribbean cruise

One of the unique aspects of cruising Alaska is sailing through the narrow inlets of the state’s Inside Passage. As your ship travels through Alaska, you can view the state’s huge mountains and islands on both sides of the ship.

Most balconies only have views of one side of the ship, meaning that by watching scenery from your balcony, you are missing out on half of the scenic views! Because of this, many cruisers find themselves heading to the pool deck or the helicopter pad anyway in order to have a wider view of the outdoors.

If a balcony room is in your budget, there’s no harm in booking one for an Alaska cruise. If it’s a stretch for your bank account, book an interior room and allocate additional vacation savings towards add-ons like shore excursions instead.

Eating dinner in the Main Dining Room during sailaway

Enjoying meals in the Main Dining Room is a staple part of any cruise vacation, but I hardly ever eat in the venue on Alaska cruises.

The Main Dining Room on Royal Caribbean ships is a gorgeous space, with most ships featuring a multi-story, opulent dining venue. However, there are limited tables by the windows, so only a small percentage of passengers dine with a window view.

While your ship sails through Alaska, you’ll want to be near a window or outside view as often as possible. If you have early dining, which is around 5PM, your dinner may coincide with the sailaway in Alaska’s cruise ports.

Related: Dinner on Royal Caribbean: Early Dinner vs. Late Dinner

Some of the most beautiful cruising occurs as your ship leaves port. The sailaway in Skagway, as an example, travels through the Inside Passage for several hours, passing massive glaciers and mountain ranges along the way.

If you’re eating in the Main Dining Room during sailaway, there’s a good chance you’ll miss some of the best scenery of the trip.

If your ship’s sailaway is at the same time as dinner, I recommend skipping dinner in the Main Dining Room and eating at the Windjammer buffet instead. Unlike the dining room, the Windjammer has large windows around the whole venue, allowing you to dine with a panoramic view of Alaska’s scenery.

Waiting too long to disembark the ship in port

One of the biggest mistakes I see passengers making on Alaska cruises is waiting too long to disembark their ship in a port of call.

Generally speaking, the earlier you disembark your cruise ship on a port day, the fewer crowds you’ll encounter in port. It’s not uncommon for there to be four or five cruise ships in busy ports like Juneau, which means 10-15,000+ passengers may disembark their ships on any given day.

Related: Local's guide of what to do in Juneau, Alaska

Alas, Alaska’s small, quaint cruise ports can feel crowded quickly, with peak crowds appearing around 11AM - 1PM. As passengers finish a morning shore excursion or disembark the ship after sleeping in, most walk the streets of each port's downtown, leading to higher crowds.

If you want to beat the crowds on an Alaska cruise, disembark your ship as early as possible. While this might require setting an alarm earlier than you would prefer, it’s worth it for the early morning exploring without the crowds.

Only considering roundtrip itineraries

There are two options when it comes to Alaska cruises: one-way itineraries and roundtrip itineraries.

Roundtrip itineraries travel roundtrip from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia, starting and ending in the same port. One-way cruises, on the contrary, travel in one direction—from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska and vice versa.

Many first time cruisers to Alaska book a roundtrip itinerary for convenience. In most cases, it’s easier to start and end in the same port, as it makes booking flights and/or driving to the cruise port much easier.

Nonetheless, one mistake I see passengers make on an Alaska cruise is only considering roundtrip itineraries. Of my five Alaska cruises, I sailed on four roundtrip sailings and one one-way cruise. The one-way cruise was, by far, the better itinerary.

A one-way cruise allows you to visit more ports and glaciers in Alaska, including those that are further away from the lower 48 like Hubbard Glacier. Additionally, traveling in one direction means you can extend your trip in Alaska’s interior to visit sites like Denali National Park & Preserve.

Before booking an Alaska cruise, be sure to consider the pros and cons of a one-way itinerary over a roundtrip sailing.

Not researching what to do before arriving in port

Each Alaska cruise port offers its own set of must-sees and dos, and one of the worst mistakes you can make when planning an Alaska cruise is not researching what to do in each port.

On my recent cruise to Skagway, I planned to hike to Yakutania Point, a lookout point with a stunning view of the Taiya Inlet. When it came time to disembark in port, I realized I had not yet researched how to get to the trailhead, and upon reaching town, my phone had no cell connection.

An emergency trip to the local library for wifi eventually led me to finding the trailhead, but I wished I had done more research ahead of time to avoid this unexpected scenario.

While you don’t have to book excursions in every port, we still recommend having a general idea of what to expect in each Alaska port. Whether you’re interested in a day hike in Sitka or museum visit in Ketchikan, it’s a lot easier to research things to do before you disembark the ship in port.

Eating only on the ship

Alaska is home to delightful, fresh cuisine—the state is famous for its fish, king crab, and reindeer meat. If you’re a seafood lover, one of the worst mistakes you can make on an Alaska cruise is eating only on the ship to avoid paying for food in port.

Although most food on a Royal Caribbean cruise is complimentary, I always suggest budgeting for a meal in port. Whether you grab a few fish tacos from a food truck or enjoy a sit-down meal in port, spending ~$20 for a tasty meal of Alaskan specialties is well worth the cost.

Related: Where to eat like a local on your Alaska cruise

Flying in the same day the cruise begins

Like any cruise destination, a huge mistake many passengers make is flying to their embarkation port the same day the cruise begins.

I always fly to my cruise ports the day before my cruise. Arriving a day early eases the stress of travel by ensuring I have enough wiggle room in the case of flight delays or cancellations.

Related: The costly cruising mistakes newbies make planning their first cruise

Not only that, but arriving early means I can enjoy a day in Seattle or Vancouver before my Alaska cruise. I always take this time to dine at a nice restaurant, go for an evening walk, and catch up on rest before embarkation day.

Time and time again, I see passengers booking flights the same day as their cruise. Not only is this risky, but it makes the first day of your cruise extra stressful. Instead of spending embarkation day sipping a cocktail stress-free, you’ll most likely be jet lagged and ready for a nap.

Forgetting binoculars

You can only get so close to Alaska’s scenery and wildlife while visiting on a cruise, but using binoculars makes you feel so much more connected to the state’s magnificence.

A common mistake many passengers make on an Alaska cruise is forgetting to bring binoculars. You can find a cheap pair of binoculars on Amazon for around $30, and believe us: it‘s well worth the small cost.

Related: What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?

I spend an embarrassing amount of time looking through my binoculars on an Alaska cruise—I’m on whale watching duty, as I like to call it. Whether spotting whales or viewing glaciers close-up, binoculars undoubtedly make an Alaska cruise more immersive.

Not using Port Valet in Seattle

If your Alaska cruise ends in Seattle, you should take advantage of the port’s luggage valet program.

Luggage Valet is a helpful, complimentary service offered by the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This service enables passengers to bypass check-in and baggage drop at the airport by completing these steps on their cruise ship instead.

If you sign up for luggage valet, you will receive a luggage tag near the end of your cruise. When you place your suitcase (with the luggage tag attached) outside your cabin door on the last night of the cruise, you will not see the suitcase again until you arrive at your home airport.

Luggage Valet transfers your suitcase directly from the ship to the airport and onto your plane. There’s no need to travel from the cruise terminal with the luggage yourself, and this is a huge time (and stress) saver for many passengers.

You can enroll for the service ahead of time or once onboard—a sign up sheet will be delivered to your stateroom during the cruise.

More Alaska cruise tips:

• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Alaska cruise whale watching guide & tips
• How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise
• What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?

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Celebrity Cruises is increasing their gratuities for the second time in less than one year. 

Gratuities are service charges that go towards different crew members, such as the dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants, and other hotel services teams.

Effective July 11, 2023, the automatic gratuity rate for all stateroom categories will increase: 

• $18.00 USD per person, per day for inside, ocean view, and veranda staterooms, increasing from $17.50.
• $18.50 USD per person, per day for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms, increasing from $18.00. 
• $23.00 USD per person, per day for guests of The Retreat, increasing from $21.00. 

The new rates will apply to all new bookings, regardless of sail date.

The gratuity increase only applies to cruisers who have not chosen an All Included or Always Included fare, as gratuities are included in the cost of those fares.

Retreat and AquaClass bookings made on or after July 14, 2022 are also exempt from automatic gratuities.

You are able to go to Guest Relations while onboard the ship to have the gratuity rate adjusted if you choose. 

Second increase in less than one year

Celebrity last increased their gratuities in October 2022. At the time, the rate for inside, ocean view, and veranda staterooms increased from $15.50 to $17.50; $16.00 to $18.00 for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms; and $19.00 to $23.00 for The Retreat. 

This means that they have raised their gratuity rate over 15% in just nine months. 

Note at the bottom of Celebrity's FAQ page, they state that the gratuity amounts are subject to change. 

What doesn't the automatic gratuity cover and how do they work?

The automatic gratuity does not cover onboard purchases, as it is a service charge that goes to the crew members. 

Per their website, there will be a 20% gratuity will be added to all beverage and mini bar purchases, as well as and beverage packages.

Similarly, an 18% gratuity will be added to all spa and salon purchases, as well as specialty dining cover fees, specialty dining packages that are purchased onboard, and room service.

If you do not prepaid for your gratuities, you will find a daily charge on your onboard account. 

If you do not wish to settle gratuities at the end of your cruise, whether that is via card or cash, you can prepay them before it begins. If you do not add them to your initial reservations, you may do so up to 48 hours prior to your sail date by calling Celebrity Cruises or speaking with your travel agent. 

Related: Should you prepay gratuities for a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Will Royal Caribbean also increase their gratuities?

Celebrity Cruises is part of Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Royal Caribbean International. At the time of writing, Royal Caribbean has not announced any increases to their gratuities. 

They last raised their rates in September 2022, with standard cabins (i.e., Junior Suites and below) increasing from $14.50 to $16.00 per day and suites from $17.50 to $18.50. Prior to 2022, the last time that they raised their gratuities was in January 2018. 

Celebrity is not the only cruise line that has increased their gratuities in 2023. Carnival raised their standard rate from $14.50 to $16.00 and suite rate from $16.50 to $18.00 in April. In fact, most cruise lines have seen an increase within the last year, whether it be late 2022 or early 2023. 

With over 4 million passengers sailing from Port Canaveral each year, there is no wonder that it was recently designated as the busiest cruise port in the world, effectively stealing the title from Miami. 

Unlike the latter, though, Port Canaveral is not located close to a major international airport. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located about 45 miles from the cruise port, whereas Miami International Airport (MIA) is less than 10 miles away. 

This means that transportation to Port Canaveral requires a little bit more time and money. 

Related: How to get to Port Canaveral for your Royal Caribbean cruise

Currently, Royal Caribbean has three ships deployed out of Port Canaveral: Independence, Mariner, and Wonder of the Seas. Between now and April 2025, though, a total of seven ships will call Port Canaveral their home, including the brand-new Utopia of the Seas, which will operate 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Keith Grice is a retired Fire Chief and Paramedic who has lived in Brevard County for 35 years. During the summer of 2022, he began working as a ride share driver, focusing on transporting guests from MCO, as well as Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), to Port Canaveral. He also does private rides since his vehicle meets the standards for Uber Black. 

When he and his wife cruise, they stick with Royal Caribbean and currently hold Emerald status through the Crown & Anchor loyalty program. He is looking forward to his European sailing on Odyssey of the Seas in 2024.  

Here is his advice for riders who are flying into the Orlando area and are weighing their transportation options. 

How to secure the best (i.e., least crowded and lowest priced) ride share from Port Canaveral

The earlier you get off of the ship, the lower your fare will be due to the abundance of ride share drivers waiting outside of the port. 

Grice gave the follow prices (keep in mind that they are an estimate) for rides that commence prior to 9:00am: 

• Uber X - $74.00 for up to 4 people
• Uber XL - $105.00 for up to 6 people
• Uber Comfort - $90.00 minimum for 4 people

Note that Uber Black is not available for passengers leaving Port Canaveral, but you can order an Uber Black ride from MCO to the port for approximately $145.00.

Moreover, these prices are estimates for rides that begin at Terminal 1 in Port Canaveral and conclude at MCO's Terminal B. 

Another way to save money is to buddy up with other travelers. If, for instance, you have friends or family members heading to the airport at the same time, order an XL car and split the costs, rather than ordering two X rides. 

Related: 8 reasons to get off your ship as early as possible on disembarkation day

How to decide what to tip

Per Grice, if the driver is friendly and actively helps to load your luggage into the nicely maintained vehicle (i.e., clean, no smells, etc.), 15-20% is ideal. 

"Like every service job," he said, "it can go down easily from there and up if the situation dictates." 

Additionally, drivers prefer to be tipped in cash. If, however, that is not an option, you can easily leave a tip through the mobile app. 

Is there a way to make getting picked up easier?

It is no surprise that the pickup areas located near the terminal are subject to crowds during disembarkation. To help your driver, you should turn the location option on. This way, they will be able to see your exact location. 

Additionally, it is helpful when you text your driver a descriptive location of where you are standing. Are you located near a large concrete column or sign? Plus, you can let them know what you are wearing. Grice suggests wearing brightly colored clothing. It is easier for them to spot someone wearing a bright green t-shirt than someone wearing navy!

When you see that they are approaching, do not be afraid to wave them down to get their attention. This helps them single you out amongst a sea of other individuals trying to find their drivers. 

"With so many people in a tight area," said Grice, "the drivers need help." 

These are things that will help them locate you in as timely of a manner as possible. 

Are ride share apps safe methods of transportation? 

Absolutely! The Port Authority requires that all ride share drivers be registered with the port in order to be eligible to pick up passengers. 

They have enforcement officers that roam the waiting lots and pickup areas in search of unregistered drivers. 

"Routinely, these same drivers try and solicit cash rides in the middle of the pick up area's, and the authorities work hard at running them off and issuing trespass tickets," remarks Grice.

"We have seen, on occasion, the authorities...catch them and force passengers out of the vehicles and order the driver to cancel."

As always, before getting into a vehicle, make sure you check the license plate and have the driver confirm your name. 

Common mistakes cruisers make when getting to and from Port Canaveral

Shuttles are an inconvenient mode of transportation. While the cost is similar when it is a single couple traveling, you will be subject to making multiple stops before reaching your destination. A ride share is much more comfortable and will take you directly to your final destination, whether that is the airport or cruise terminal. 

GoPort is a popular company that provides shuttle transportation between MCO and Port Canaveral. Per their website, pricing starts at $29.99 per person.

This means that if you have a family of four, you will be paying close to $120 per way for a shuttle. You will also be subject to their terms and conditions, which state that all shared shuttles operate on a first-come, first-served basis and will depart when only they are filled.

Grice also suggests to price out flights to and from MLB. While this airport is not as large as MCO, they do have a decent number of daily flights. Plus, hotels in this area are cheaper than those found by MCO, and the airport is only a little over 25 miles from the port.

Since it is a smaller airport, you will not have to worry about dealing with MCO's security, either. 

Related: Best hotels near Port Canaveral before the cruise

When booking a cruise vacation, you are faced with the decision of what stateroom category you would like to stay in at the time of booking. 

The cabin that you book will impact your cruising experience, whether it is an interior stateroom to help save money to allocate towards other incidentals or splurging on a suite for an upgraded cruising experience.  

Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, offers guests a wide variety of staterooms to choose from, including larger interior cabins and brand-new suites. 

Overall, Utopia of the Seas will have the same staterooms that are found on Wonder of the Seas, with the addition of three new categories and a few other enchantments. 

Here is a breakdown of all the cabin options onboard Utopia of the Seas to help you make the best decision.

Related: Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered

Standard staterooms

Interior cabins

The cheapest accommodations onboard any cruise ship are interior staterooms with no windows. Utopia of the Seas, however, will debut a new category of interior stateroom. Rather than having a rectangular shape, these cabins will be square to allow for more floor space. 

And as always with Oasis Class ships, you may select interior rooms with a window that overlook the Royal Promenade, Central Park, or Boardwalk. Note that all with a view of Central Park will be located on Deck 9 mid-ship, while those overlooking the Royal Promenade are located on Deck 7. 

These staterooms range from 172 square feet for a standard interior to 199 square feet for those with a view of Central Park. 

Wonder of the Seas was the first Oasis Class ship to include virtual balconies off of the bat; they were added during amplifications to other ships. Like Wonder, Utopia will have virtual balconies. These staterooms include 80-inch LED televisions that provide live HD views from outside the cruise ship, so while you may not have a window or sliding door to allow fresh air to flow into your room, you will be able to see what is going on outside!

Ocean view cabins

Ocean view cabins do not have any direct access to the outdoors like balcony staterooms do; however, you will be able to wake up each morning to natural light! When deciding between an interior and ocean view, this is a selling point for many people.

At 179 square feet, they are larger than the basic interior cabins. Plus, some feature a forward facing view of the ship overlooking the helipad on higher decks.

Balcony cabins

Oasis Class ships were the first cruise ships in the world to feature interior facing balconies, meaning that you could book a cabin with a balcony facing the ocean or one of the interior neighborhoods. These staterooms will return on Utopia of the Seas! 

All balcony cabins have 182 square feet of interior space, as well as 50 square feet of balcony space. Unless, that is, you book a Central Park balcony. With 52 square feet of balcony, they are slightly larger than Boardwalk and ocean view balcony staterooms. 

Likewise, ocean view staterooms with large balconies have more space outdoors, with a balcony of 80 square feet. 

Suites

Sea Class

As with other ships with the Royal Suite Class, the only suites included in the Sea Class are standard Junior Suites. These tend to be the smallest suite options and come with fewer perks than suites in higher tiers.

You, for instance, will not be able to access Coastal Kitchen for breakfast or lunch. Likewise, wi-fi will be an additional expense, and you will not be able to utilize the concierge service. 

One of the primary benefits is the additional living space, as these suites are 287 square feet with an additional 80 square feet of balcony. And, of course, they are cheaper than other Royal Suites. 

Related: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Sky Class

The new Sky Junior Suite will be similar to standard Junior Suites; however, those staying in these specific suites will receive Sky Tier benefits, meaning that they will have access to the Suite neighborhood, as well as dining at Coastal Kitchen any time of day and complimentary wi-fi, among other perks. 

Other Sky Class suites include Grand Suites, Owners Suites, Crown Loft Suites, and One-Bedroom AquaTheater Suites.

The total square footage of these suites ranges, as One-Bedroom Grand Suites clock in around 371 square feet, while One-Bedroom AquaTheater Suites are a little over 600 square feet.  

Related: 10 things to know about Sky Class suites on Royal Caribbean

Star Class

Suites within the Star Class are the only ones to include a Royal Genie, who serve as personal butlers and concierges for the duration of your cruise. In fact, their services begin prior to your vacation, as they can help arrange specialty dining reservations, entertainment seating, and shore excursions. This, among other benefits, is what makes this suite tier a costly investment. 

Solarium Suites are brand-new to Royal Caribbean and are only available on Utopia of the Seas. Each of the two suites will be located above the bridge wings on the port and starboard side of the ship on Deck 14. The stateroom numbers are 14130 and 14530. 

The panoramic windows will offer guests sweeping 280 degree views of the ocean from the large living space.

And while neither suite will have a balcony, it will offer the infinite balcony technology introduced on Icon of the Seas. With the push of a single button, the windows will lower to provide fresh air!

The cruise line is also bringing back the Royal Loft Suite, Ultimate Family Suite for up to ten guests, and Two-Bedroom AquaTheater Suite. These are some of the most luxurious and fun suites available on any cruise ship. Who wouldn't want to watch the AquaTheater show from the comfort of their own balcony or play a game of ping pong in one of the most colorful and kid-friendly suites at sea? 

Note that the Royal Loft Suite will be a bit different than on Wonder of the Seas. Outside on the balcony, guests will find a brand-new outdoor shower. Plus, the primary bathroom will have a spa tub. In terms of square footage, though, you can expect to still over 1,500 square feet of living space. 

And if booking the Ultimate Family Suite is on your bucket list, you should plan on booking far in advance. Since there is only one of these suites onboard the entire ship, they tend to go quickly, despite the large price tag. 

What are the benefits to each Royal Suite Class?

Not all suites are created equally, both in terms of design and perks. If you book a standard Junior Suite, you may be disappointed when you board and discover that you have a limited number of benefits compared to higher tiered -- and more expensive -- suites. 

Star Class Benefits

• Complimentary gratuities and internet
• Expedited embarkation and disembarkation
• Reserved premium seats in select entertainment venues, as well as priority entrance to many onboard activities
• Access to Suite Lounge and Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Genie service
• All-day access (i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to Coastal Kitchen
• Complimentary specialty restaurants, Deluxe Beverage Package and/or Refreshment Package
• Still and sparkling water replenished daily
• Complimentary minibar stocked with Coca-Cola, beverages, and water
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Luxury mattress, pillows, and bathroom amenities
• Frette linens
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sky Class Benefits

• Concierge service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen (i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Specialty bottled water upon arrival
• Complimentary internet 
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation
• Priority dining reservations
• Access to Suite Lounge and Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress and bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sea Class Benefits

• Dinner at Coastal Kitchen based on availability
• Royal Caribbean bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress and bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Happy July 4th and Canada Day to everyone out in blog land! Many of you are enjoying a relaxing and long weekend, and I hope this week's round up of all the Royal Caribbean news makes it even better!

There will be a new batch of cruise ships visiting Royal Caribbean's private island.

Celebrity Cruises announced two of its ships will begin visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, beginning in early 2024.

Celebrity Reflection & Celebrity Beyond will offer cruises that visit this private island in The Bahamas as part of a larger effort to offer more cruises year-round from Florida.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels Freedom of the Seas sailings for drydock work
• Celebrity Cruises redeployed ships to CocoCay because their fans wanted more Caribbean cruises
• Royal Caribbean is adding the best crew member cabins and areas on Icon of the Seas
• What it's like to cruise on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas in 2023
• 7 things Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class ships
• Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest
• Alaska cruises. Your questions answered

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 503rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, recorded while onboard Navigator of the Seas.

This week's episode was recorded during the Royal Caribbean Blog group cruise, and talks about the cruise and all the fun had during the week.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: Cruise tips that make sense until you're on the ship

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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 — Cruise tips that make sense until you're on the ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I think Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships need upgrades

While the Radiance Class ships may be known for their sleek elegance, they are also lacking in some important areas.

Allie sailed on 12-night cruise on Jewel of the Seas, and while she had a great time, she won't be sailing on this class again until more is done to upgrade the ships.

Compared to other ships in the fleet, Allie thinks the Radiance Class seem to lack important amenities.

21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package

If you buy a Royal Caribbean drink package, you're probably going to be eager to try out as many drinks as you can during your cruise.

The advantage of a Royal Caribbean drink package is that you can order as many drinks as you like with no extra cost. There's no penalty for trying a drink and not loving it and leaving it to the side.

Our team has tried dozens of cocktails on Royal Caribbean, and narrowed the list to 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package.

Boardwalk vs Central Park Balcony Cabins

The two inside-facing balcony rooms are intriguing options, but which one should you pick?

Central Park and Boardwalk cabins are identical to traditional balcony staterooms that face the ocean, but usually are priced less.

When considering either cabin, there are important things to now when picking a Boardwalk or Central Park balcony cabin.

I’ve cruised on four of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships, and they are by far my favorite ships in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which debuted in 2014, is famous for its technologically advanced design and modern amenities. There are five ships in the class, all of which fit around 5,000 passengers. They sail around the world, offering some of the cruise line’s most extraordinary itineraries.

While there’s no right or wrong ship to book for a cruise vacation, I find myself returning to Quantum Class ships more than other ships in the fleet. The atmosphere, amenities, and layout of these ships match everything I’m looking for in a cruise vacation.

Here are 7 things Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class cruise ships that keep me booking these ships again and again.

Modern design

Quantum Class ships were built to be technologically advanced, modern vessels, and Royal Caribbean certainly succeeded with this goal.

I find Quantum Class ships to be the classiest, most elegant ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. The design and decor of Quantum Class ships is more akin to what I would expect to see on a more premium line like Celebrity Cruises.

From the bright, art-covered walkway of The Via to the panoramic Two70 lounge, every space on Quantum Class ships has been thoughtfully designed.

I also appreciate how family-friendly activities, including the indoor SeaPlex and FlowRider surf simulator, are all centered at the aft of the ship. Having kid-focused activities in one place makes the rest of the ship feel like an adult-focused getaway.

Related: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Compared to Royal Caribbean’s oldest ships, which have outdated decor and poorly implemented layouts, Quantum Class ships are a breath of fresh air.

Indoor pool

All Quantum Class ships, with the exception of Odyssey of the Seas, have an indoor pool for guests of all ages.

Because most Quantum Class ships sail to both cold and warm destinations, Royal Caribbean wanted to design the ship so that pools could be enjoyed in any type of weather. One of the ways they did this was to make a portion of the pool deck indoors and climate-controlled.

While you’ll still find an outdoor pool on Quantum Class ships, the indoor pool is perfect when cruising to destinations like Alaska or Norway. Although the roof is technically retractable and can be opened in warm weather, the ships almost always keep the area enclosed.

Related: Everything you wanted to know about Royal Caribbean's pools

Other Royal Caribbean ships sailing in cold climates, such as the Radiance Class ships, only have an indoor pool in the adults-only Solarium. Even though the ships usually open the adults-only area for kids to swim during certain hours, there’s much more flexibility on Quantum Class ships because the indoor pool is for all ages.

Climate-controlled Solarium

While all Royal Caribbean ships have an adults-only Solarium onboard, the Solarium on Quantum Class ships is the best designed in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean’s Solarium is a pool space for guests sixteen and older and features pools, hot tubs, a bar, and pool chairs. On many ships, the Solarium is located outside, meaning guests cannot enjoy the space in unfavorable weather conditions.

On all Quantum Class ships, however, the Solarium is climate-controlled. Regardless of the weather outside, guests can enjoy the Solarium’s amenities, which include two large jacuzzis, a cascading pool, and in-pool lounge chairs.

Related: Everything about Royal Caribbean's Solarium

Even if they are not swimming, many guests use the Solarium as a hangout space on Quantum Class ships. Its large, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating make the Solarium a popular spot to watch the scenery outside, play a game of cards, or catch up with friends and family.

Hungry passengers will also enjoy dining at the Solarium Bistro, a complimentary venue located in the Solarium. Guests of all ages can dine at the bistro, which features standard buffet fare for breakfast and lunch and Mediterranean cuisine for dinner. The venue is typically far less crowded than the Windjammer buffet, making it a quieter meal option.

2-story Royal Esplanade

Many Royal Caribbean ships have a Royal Promenade, but Quantum Class ships have a Royal Esplanade.

The two concepts are more similar than different. Both the Promenade and Esplanade are indoor thoroughfares that run through the middle of the ship. Inside you’ll find bars, lounges, shops, restaurants, and service-based areas like Guest Services and the shore excursions desk.

Unsurprisingly, these areas can become uncomfortably busy during the cruise as thousands of passengers attend activities around the ship.

Therefore, one of the things Royal Caribbean got right with the Quantum Class ships was a 2-story Royal Esplanade. Instead of having everything on one floor, they split the Esplanade into two stories.

Not only did this enable Royal Caribbean to add more venues to the Esplanade, but it helped spread out crowds. To get from one side of the ship to the other, you can choose to cross through the Esplanade on either deck 4 or deck 5.

This is far more effective than all passengers walking through the same area, and it helps to cut down on crowds within the space.

Virtual balconies

Virtual balconies debuted with the Quantum Class, which are floor-to-ceiling television screens acting as a “balcony” in an interior cabin. These balconies provide a live feed from outside the ship, allowing guests to "see" outdoors.

Before my recent cruise on Quantum of the Seas, I wasn’t sold on Royal Caribbean’s virtual balcony idea. I had tried a virtual balcony twice previously—once on Ovation of the Seas and once on Anthem of the Seas—but I wasn’t entirely impressed.

On Ovation of the Seas, my virtual balcony had a broken screen, rendering it useless for the sailing. And on Anthem of the Seas, I found I was hardly in my room, and the scenery was not particularly interesting outside while in the open ocean.

Related: Royal Caribbean Virtual Balcony: Everything you wanted to know

Nonetheless, I kept an open mind when I boarded Quantum of the Seas, and I found myself enjoying the virtual balcony much more than my previous cruises.

While sailing through Alaska, I appreciated being able to see outside not only to check the weather, but to see whether or not we were sailing through a scenic area. I don’t like to miss out on any of the scenery while cruising to Alaska, so the virtual balcony helped me prepare for the weather conditions and know when I should leave my cabin to head outdoors.

Although a virtual balcony will never be equal to a real balcony, it’s definitely something Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class ships.

Large Windjammer

Dining at the Windjammer buffet is a must on any Royal Caribbean cruise, and the Windjammer location on Quantum Class ships is an impressive, well-designed space.

The Windjammer on these vessels is large and spacious. The buffet stations are designed with significant space between each cabin, which helps to cut down on crowding while filling your plate.

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

Aside from the buffet stations, there is ample seating around the Windjammer, so it’s never too hard to find a table. The seating extends all the way to the ship’s aft and even includes outdoor seating. If it’s too cold to dine outdoors, you can enjoy the scenery from the Windjammer’s expansive windows.

On some Royal Caribbean ships, the buffet design leads to the space feeling exceptionally crowded, but it never feels that way on Quantum Class ships. 

Dreamy itineraries

As a destination-focused traveler, I love the diverse itineraries offered on Quantum Class ships. 

Many of Royal Caribbean’s ships—especially the Oasis Class—stay in the Caribbean year round. While there’s nothing wrong with a Caribbean cruise, the itineraries on Quantum Class ships are far more exciting.

Quantum Class cruise ships were built to sail in a wide range of weather conditions, making them suitable for itineraries around the world.

Related: 15 countries you didn't know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

Quantum and Ovation of the Seas split their year between Alaska and Australia, whereas Odyssey of the Seas sails both the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Spectrum of the Seas offers cruises in Asia year round, and Anthem of the Seas will soon transfer to Singapore.

Whether you’re interested in visiting Tahiti, New Zealand, Japan, Norway, or Israel, a Quantum Class ship can take you there.

At the heart of every Royal Caribbean cruise vacation are the crew members who work to make sure each guest has a memorable experience. 

Royal Caribbean shared an inside look at how they designed the crew's neighborhood onboard the highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas, which will have over 2,300 crew members from 80 counties. They will have their own indoor and outdoor pub, gym, and even salon. 

"Building Icon of the Seas and putting all these amazing neighborhoods and 'wow; moments on there," said Jason Liberty, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, "that's really the beginning of the experience. But in order to deliver on that experience, it will require what makes Royal Caribbean so special, which is our crew."

The crew neighborhood spans four decks and will feature redesigned accommodations

"Well, the good thing about a new class of ships is that we really get a chance to start from scratch and elevate the crew life onboard," said Henrik Loy, Captain of Icon of the Seas.  

Royal Caribbean sent our surveys to crew members asking them what they wanted to see onboard Icon, and at the top of the list was a place their home away from home: their cabin. 

In fact, the new design has been patented for its unique L-shaped layout. Other features include privacy curtains, enhanced finishes and materials, as well as easier to climb beds. 

"This [L-shape] accommodation allows each crew member to have their own private space where they can really relax and have their own time," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO.

After architects designed what they thought crew members wanted, Royal Caribbean gave crew the chance to sit down and be involved first-hand in the process. Over 1,000 crew members reviewed the mockups in person, and they were not all the same position. 

In total, the represented members were from 25 different nationalities and from 25 different onboard positions, with the estimated age range begin 22- to 55-years-old. 

Crew amenities 

For the first time, the finishes that are found throughout the passenger areas will be similar to those found in crew spaces. 

"One of the things that we've enhanced is what's called The Clubhouse," said Robert Hines, Newbuild Human Resources Manager for Royal Caribbean International.

"It's an area at the front of the ship, and it's our space to really chill out and relax...It's our space to really bond as a team."

Here, they will be able to grab anything from a coffee to a cocktail while relaxing in a massage chair, or they can challenge a fellow crew member to a game of ping pong, foosball, or pool. 

Plus, there will be four digital windows that allow for real-time views outside. 

Onboard, crew members will be also able to take care of their grooming needs with a crew-only salon. There will also be a crew store, as well as a gym. 

Dining and lounge options

"The crew can looking forward to in the crew Windjammer a lot of the same options that we serve to our guests," said Rebecca Burns, Senior Manager of Restaurant Operations for Royal Caribbean International, "That was something that was very important to us when developing the menus."

In addition to both hot and cold food stations, Icon of the Seas will be the first to feature live cooking stations in the crew buffet.

And the best part is that there will be ocean views from the crew Windjammer through port hole windows.

When it comes to crew bars, there is both an indoor and outdoor space that have forward facing views. 

There is also a multipurpose room that is meant to give crew members an area to host celebrations. It is not just an entertainment venue, either, as it can also be used for trainings. 

For gamers, there is a dedicated game room just for them. This room will feature seven divided spaces that allow for everyone to have their own nook.

"There's a degree of practicality that has to be applied for all of our crew spaces because we have a lot of crew, so you've got to find that balance between functionality, practicality, and comfort and design," said Bayley. 

Icon of the Seas progress

In June 2023, Icon of the Seas completed her first round of sea trials. On June 22, the ship returned to the Meyer Turku shipyard after spending four days at sea. 

During the trials, she traveled hundreds of miles and had the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels tested by hundreds of specialists. 

Despite her initial departure being delayed, all tests were completed on time as outlined in the schedule. 

A lot still has to be done in preparation for Icon's maiden voyage on January 27, 2024. There is, for instance, another round of sea trials set for later in 2023.