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11 of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean

In:

20 Aug 2022

By:

Jenna DeLaurentis

There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a Caribbean beach with no worries in the world except deciding which tropical cocktail to order next, and on a cruise vacation, you’ll have the chance to do this at a different beach every day!

With crystal clear, turquoise waters and soft white sand, you’ll find some of the world’s best beaches in the Caribbean Sea, and while you’ll find beautiful beaches on every island, there are a few that outshine the others.

This list could have been hundreds of beaches long, as there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to discover throughout the Caribbean–from the Bahamas to Puerto Rico and beyond.

When visiting on a cruise ship, however, you have limited time to explore each island, so it’s important to make sure the beaches you visit are somewhat close to the cruise port.

Luckily, many of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches are located just a short ride away from cruise ports in the region. Here are the top 11 most beautiful beaches you can easily access from port while on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Trunk Bay, St. John

One of the most idyllic beaches in the Caribbean is Trunk Bay, located in the Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Trunk Bay is nothing short of a tropical paradise, and it even has an underwater snorkeling trail providing information about marine life and coral formations. Amenities on the island include food and drink stands, bathroom facilities, beach chairs, and snorkel rentals.

You can reach Trunk Bay through an excursion or from the Cruz Bay Ferry Terminal in St. Thomas. A taxi is required to reach the ferry terminal from the cruise port.

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

The most famous beach on St. Thomas is Magens Bay, a one mile stretch of beach with calm waters and fine, soft sand. Due to its beauty and proximity to the cruise port, it’s an extremely popular destination for visitors to St. Thomas.

There are enough amenities on the beach to get you through the day, with bathrooms, showers, a restaurant, concession stand, a bar, and beach chair/umbrella rentals.

Taxis or shuttles are available to reach Magens Bay, which requires a 15 minute drive up and down mountainous terrain, offering stunning views of the island. Taxis are more economical than booking an excursion, especially when traveling with larger groups!

The only downside to Magens Bay is that it can get very crowded, especially when many ships are in port!

Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin

Located on the French side of St. Martin is Orient Bay Beach, a 1.5 mile long stretch of pristine white sand with turquoise waters.

The southern end of the beach has many beach bars, restaurants, and hotels whereas the northern end has few services but more peace and quiet.

Be sure to taste French cuisine while at the beach, with several French restaurants and bakeries located nearby.

While many cruisers flock to Maho Beach in St. Maarten for the chance to view airplanes soaring overhead before landing at the airport adjacent to the beach, Orient Beach provides better swimming and lounging conditions.

Note: The southern end of the beach is clothing optional.

Playa El Cielo, Cozumel, Mexico

El Cielo means heaven in Spanish, and that should be enough of an indication that Playa El Cielo is heaven on Earth!

Located on the southwest coast of the island of Cozumel, Playa El Cielo cannot be reached by road. The best way to reach this slice of paradise is by boat, and you’ll find several excursions visiting the beach.

Most tourists visiting Playa El Cielo tend to snorkel, as this area of Cozumel has incredibly clear water and an abundance of marine life, including starfish and stingrays.

Valley Church Beach, Antigua

The small nation of Antigua and Barbuda has a whopping total of 365 beaches, one for every day of the year!

Valley Church Beach is one of the best on the island of Antigua and is located around 20 minutes by car from the cruise port. Located in Valley Church Bay, the beach has calm seas and unbelievably blue water.

While there are a few hotels and places to eat near the beach, it remains relatively undeveloped, making for a more serene beach experience than many of the others on this list.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent at the beach.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

While visiting Aruba requires a little more travel time compared to visiting islands closer to the United States, it’s certainly an island worth seeing.

Aruba is covered with breathtaking beaches, but the “best” is usually considered to be Eagle Beach, a wide stretch of soft white sand leading to the most turquoise and clear water you’ll experience on the island!

Eagle Beach is also home to two Fofoti trees, a twisted tree that grows on the beach and is shaped by Aruba’s strong wings, leading to the trees always pointing in a south-easterly direction. These trees are an iconic symbol of Aruba and make for a great photo opportunity!

Eagle Beach is located around 3 miles from the cruise port in Aruba, so reaching the beach via taxi is recommended. Some shore excursions may also include a stop at the beach.

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Seven Mile Beach, located on the island of Grand Cayman, is consistently listed as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. This ~6 mile (not 7 mile!) stretch of white-sand beach is the perfect setting for visitors looking to unwind in paradise.

Due to the beach’s size and popularity, there are plenty of amenities along Seven Mile Beach, with no shortage of restaurants and bars to enjoy during your time on Grand Cayman.

Seven Mile Beach is conveniently located just a 10 minute drive away from the cruise port in Grand Cayman, making the beach accessible via taxi or bus.

West Bay Beach, Roatan

One of the most common port stops on a Western Caribbean cruise itinerary is the island of Roatan, located north of mainland Honduras.

West Bay Beach is a beautiful tropical landscape, with a palm tree-lined sandy beach and incredible snorkeling right off shore. Many beach resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars are found at West Bay Beach, as well as a plethora of activities like snorkeling, diving, and parasailing.

Photo by Billy Hirsch of cruisehabit.com

Roatan is famous for its diving and snorkeling opportunities, and a coral reef is located swimming distance from the beach.

The beach is located around a 30 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. You’ll also find several excursion options providing transportation to and from West Bay Beach.

Barefoot Beach, Labadee

When you arrive at Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Labadee, Haiti, you’ll likely be amazed by the gorgeous scenery of the peninsula. Green mountains and small coves dot the landscape that is surrounded by beautiful and clear water.

While all of Labadee’s beaches make for a wonderful port day, one of the best is Barefoot Beach, reserved for suite guests on Royal Caribbean.

An upgraded lunch buffet and bar are available at the beach, along with cabanas available to reserve. There are more than enough complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas available as well.

Jalousie Beach, St. Lucia (Sugar Beach)

St. Lucia is most easily recognizable by the Pitons, which are two mountainous volcanic plugs rising over 2500 feet above sea level on the coast.

Situated at the foot of the Pitons is Jalousie Beach (Sugar Beach), a small, white-sand beach located in a cove that offers gorgeous views of St. Lucia’s unique landscape. When you picture St. Lucia, you’re likely picturing the view you’ll see from Jalousie Beach.

At the beach are a few restaurants and the Sugar Beach resort. Snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy the underwater marine reserve at the shoreline of Petit Piton, the smaller of the two Piton mountains.

Reaching Sugar Beach takes around an hour and a half by car from the cruise port, so it’s recommended to book a tour to the beach, especially if you have limited hours in St. Lucia. Some tours may reach the beach via speedboat instead of by car.

Great Anse Beach, Grenada

Photo credit: Varun Kapoor (no changes made)

The small island of Grenada boasts over 45 beaches, but the most popular beach on the island is Great Anse Beach. Spanning two miles long, Great Anse Beach offers ideal Caribbean beach conditions with plenty of amenities.

A variety of beach activities are available at Great Anse Beach including water-skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, check out Morne Rouge Beach, located just a 5 minute drive from Great Anse Beach. This beach will have even calmer and clearer waters than Great Anse Beach with fewer crowds.

Great Anse Beach is located five miles from the cruise port in Grenada. You can reach the beach via taxi, public bus, or water taxi. A water taxi is the quickest option, taking only 10 minutes or so to reach the beach from the ship.

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Top 10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

In:

Excursions

19 Aug 2022

By:

Jenna DeLaurentis

After booking a cruise, the next step in the vacation planning process often involves researching and booking amazing shore excursions around the world.

All too often, however, first-time cruisers or those who are new to a particular port can make rookie mistakes in the shore excursion planning process, which can lead to disappointment and extra money spent later on.

While everyone makes mistakes, it’s easy to be better prepared and have a stress-free day in port by avoiding these 10 common pitfalls when booking a shore excursion!

Booking only through the cruise line

Royal Caribbean offers wonderful shore excursion opportunities, from whale watching in Alaska to guided tours of Rome and catamaran excursions in Mexico.

However, don’t assume you have to book a shore excursion directly through Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean shore excursions are typically priced higher than tours you can find through independent tour operators due to the cruise line being the “middleman” between you and the tour company.

Take a look at local tour companies in your port of call to see which excursions are offered and if they’re available at a lower cost.

Recently I was browsing Royal Caribbean shore excursions for my upcoming Alaska cruise. I was interested in taking the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau, and found that the cost for the exact same experience was $59.99 when offered by Royal Caribbean and $45 to book directly on the Goldbelt Tram’s website!

Of course, booking an excursion directly through Royal Caribbean comes with more protection if the tour runs late, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of booking independently in your planning process.

Assuming you have to book an excursion in the first place

Many first-time cruisers may think they have to book an excursion in every port they visit, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy time on shore without spending extra on shore excursions!

Excursions can surely offer unique opportunities you can’t do on your own, such as helicopter tours, guided ATV tours, etc., but you can have comparably fun experiences in port without breaking the bank.

Not doing research

Don’t book a shore excursion based solely on the title or pictures without researching what the excursion entails.

If an excursion is titled "Mexico Beach Break," for example, it will likely mean you'll be provided transport to and from the beach with no guided tour in between. If you're interested in a more in-depth sightseeing experience with a guide, this is probably not the best choice for you.

Similarly, don't book the first tour you see. Research different tour operators and prices to see which works best for your preferences and budget.

You also want to check reviews before booking a tour. While reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, if you notice any major red flags, it’s probably best to search for another excursion.

Waiting too long to book an excursion

Once you’re sure you want to book a particular excursion, it’s best to book the tour as soon as possible to lock in the best price and ensure the tour does not sell out.

One benefit of booking tours through Royal Caribbean is that you can reprice the tour until 48 hours before the cruise. If you book a whale watching tour in Alaska for $160 and later see the price dropped to $130, you’re able to cancel and rebook the excursion at the lower price without penalty.

The main benefit of booking right away, though, is to ensure a tour doesn’t sell out.

Tours are more prone to sell out on cruises to “bucket-list” destinations like Alaska or popular cities in the Mediterranean. Because passengers on these cruises are typically traveling longer to reach a destination–and likely picked the cruise solely for the ports themselves–they’re more likely to book shore excursions.

Booking too many excursions

Some excursions are only 3-4 hours long, meaning that sometimes you can technically fit two excursions in one day if the times line up correctly.

While on paper this may seem like a good idea as it gives you the chance to explore more of port, it’s not always the best idea for a few reasons.

If your first tour runs late, you’ll risk missing the second tour. If both tours are booked through Royal Caribbean you’ll receive a refund for the second tour, but this may not be the case with independent tour providers.

Another reason not to book multiple excursions in one port is that shore excursions can be tiring. Even if you’re just laying in a beach chair in the hot sun, it’s easy to be exhausted and ready to get back onboard after the tour is over.

Instead of booking multiple tours, consider booking a tour in the morning and exploring the port freely in the afternoon. After the tour, feel free to grab lunch, have a few drinks, or shop before getting back onboard.

Not checking transportation logistics

One of the most important things to do before booking a shore excursion is to research how much transportation is required to reach the destination from the ship. Depending on the excursion, transportation time can vary from ~5 minutes to over two hours!

While on a cruise to Greece earlier this year, for example, I booked a 5 hour tour to Shipwreck Beach, named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. I booked the tour from a local operator when I arrived in port, and the tour looked awesome from the brochure and photos available.

I did not ask any questions about transportation logistics before purchasing the tour, though, so you can imagine my surprise when we boarded a bus instead of a boat! The tour required a 1-hour bus journey across the island to reach the boat.

While I did not mind the bus ride as it allowed me to see more of the island of Zakynthos and the tour was fantastic overall, I realized the importance of doing more research on transportation before booking a tour!

Not checking cancellation policies

Be sure to check cancellation policies for your tour before booking, especially if you’re not entirely sure you plan to do the excursion.

Most Royal Caribbean shore excursions can be canceled up to 48 hours before arrival in port without penalty, and full refunds will be provided to guests. Royal Caribbean shore excursions involving flights, trains, overnight stays, special events, and Private Journeys must be canceled at least 30 days prior to the sail date.

Independent tours, however, can have varying cancellation policies depending on the tour operator. Read through the fine print when booking a tour independently to ensure you don’t end up disappointed if you want to cancel the tour later on.

Overestimating fitness level

When browsing shore excursions in the Cruise Planner, you can filter tours by fitness level (mild, moderate, strenuous). Some excursions may require hiking on steep trails, kayaking for longer periods of time, etc.

Be sure to consider your fitness level (and the fitness levels of others in your group) before booking an excursion to ensure you will be able to complete the tour successfully and without too much struggle.

Not considering others in your group

A dream excursion for one passenger can be a nightmare to another. If you’re traveling with friends or family on a cruise, be sure to communicate your shore excursion interests with each other before booking.

If your idea of an amazing day in port is lounging by the beach with a drink in hand but others in your group want to go zip lining, it can lead to tension during the cruise planning process.

Be sure to communicate which types of excursions you’re interested in with your group. If you cannot find something everyone wants to do, consider splitting up and meeting after separate excursions for lunch or a drink before getting back onboard!

Considering others in your group is extra important if you’re traveling with young kids. While you may want to book a walking tour of historic sites in port, this might not be the best option with energetic kids who want to simply run around and have fun.

Look through shore excursions to determine which works best for your family before booking to avoid problems–and tantrums–along the way.

Not reading the fine print

The last mistake many cruisers make when booking a shore excursion is not reading the fine print. If you read the fine print, you’ll find that many of these “mistakes” (transportation logistics, cancellation policies, etc.) are listed in the fine print.

Outside of these tips, make sure you read the fine print to check what is and is not included on a tour. Some excursions may include lunch while others may not, so you might want to pack snacks or plan to enjoy lunch in port after the tour.

The fine print may also mention what to wear and what to bring on an excursion. You won’t want to show up to a hike with flip flops or a tour of a church in Rome with shorts and a tank top!

Reading the fine print is a surefire way to ensure you won’t encounter any surprises on the excursion.

More shore excursion tips & tricks:

10 cruise ship shore excursion mistakes to avoid

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3 hints what Icon of the Seas could look like

In:

Icon of the Seas

19 Aug 2022

By:

Matt Hochberg

As excited as everyone is for Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, the one thing everyone wants to know is what the ship looks like.

Icon of the Seas will be a new class of cruise ship, which means it will have a new structure to it that isn't exactly like any ship before. When it comes to ship class design, think of it like a car model, where one model looks different from another.

Royal Caribbean has promised the ship will be innovative and unlike any other ship before her.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said Icon of the Seas will feature a combination of ‘tradition, evolution and revolution’ cruising elements from Royal Caribbean.

Let's be clear, we don't know what it will look like, but we've gotten a few hints over the last few weeks as to its general look.

Until the design comes out, here are the latest hints to consider.

Hint 1: The front?

In the newest video update that showcases the creation of Icon of the Seas, what appears to be the front of the ship can be seen in the background of a meeting.

While it doesn't give a tremendous amount of detail, it looks as though Icon of the Seas might have a new bow design.

It's been speculated that Icon would be the first Royal Caribbean International cruise ship to employ a parabolic bow.

While visually polarizing, parabolic bow design is about engineering and not aesthetics. They are known for offering a smoother ride overall.

Sister company Celebrity Cruises has employed the parabolic bow to its Edge-Class ships and the consensus has been a success.

Hint 2: Blueprints

In both of the video updates Royal Caribbean has released, blueprints for Icon of the Seas can be seen in the foreground.

While the video isn't clear enough to show us exactly what the blueprints have on them, it seems to indicate there could be some kind of an open-air part of the ship.

The Oasis Class ships were the first to introduce open areas of a cruise ship in the form of Central Park and the Boardwalk.

Hint 3: The ship's silhouette?

Perhaps the most compelling evidence of the ship's look could be from a recent accolade given to Royal Caribbean's top cruiser.

A photo emerged online of what looks like the silhouette of Icon of the Seas as a gift to Royal Caribbean's top cruiser, Super Mario.

Is this gift an actual representation of what Icon's profile will look like? Or is it just a generic design they came up with for gifts?

When will we know what Icon of the Seas look like?

If these hints aren't satisfying your curiosity, you aren't alone.

Royal Caribbean has said we should get further details about Icon of the Seas later this fall.

When Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO, was asked in June 2022 about when we might get more information, he pointed to September, "We are launching Icon of the Seas starting this September."

"By launching, I mean, we are we are starting to communicate. We have a whole planning program of communication, social media, marketing, TV, radio, you name it."

Icon of the Seas is set to debut in late 2023.

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Live Blog Preview: Taking a cheap Alaska cruise

In:

Radiance of the Seas Live Blog

19 Aug 2022

By:

Jenna DeLaurentis

I’m headed to Alaska this week for a 7-night cruise from Vancouver to Seward, and I’ll be live blogging along the way from Radiance of the Seas!

Of all the cruises I’ve experienced thus far, my cruise to Alaska last year has been the one I’ve cherished most, so I cannot wait to head back to Alaska and explore more of the state’s gorgeous scenery, delicious food, and unique culture.

Why I chose this cruise

I did not choose this cruise based on itinerary, time of year, or ship. Instead, I set off to research and book the cheapest Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean to see just how affordably one can cruise to the state.

My findings led to a 7-night one-way cruise from Vancouver to Seward on Radiance of the Seas, and the price was extremely reasonable.

The total cost of the cruise for one person, including taxes, fees, and pre-paid gratuities, was only $825 (interior cabin).

To add a second guest and pre-pay their gratuities was only $321 more, bringing the total cruise fare for two guests to $1146!

Outside of the cheap cost of this cruise, it gives me a chance to sail on my first Radiance Class cruise ship. I’ve been on every Royal Caribbean ship class so far except the Radiance Class, so I’m excited to check out the similarities and differences onboard.

Itinerary

Not only was the cruise fare cheap, but the itinerary is amazing! Over the course of the week, we’ll visit the following ports:

Vancouver, British Columbia (embarkation port)
Juneau, Alaska
Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Sitka, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska
Hubbard Glacier (cruising day)
Seward, Alaska (disembarkation port)

I love port-intensive cruise itineraries, and this itinerary is certainly port-intensive, with 4 Alaska cruise ports in one week as well as a scenic cruising day at Hubbard Glacier.

It also gives me the chance to visit a number of ports I did not see last year on my Alaska cruise. I’ve never been to Vancouver, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, or Seward.

I’m traveling to Alaska with my good friend Reeham, who I met in graduate school a few years ago. Reeham is from Egypt but lives in the U.S., and last year I had the opportunity to travel to Egypt and stay with Reeham and her family for ten days.

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Alexandria, the Red Sea, and hanging out with Reeham’s family in Cairo was unforgettable, so I’m excited to be the “tour guide” on this trip and show Reeham the beauty of Alaska!

My plans on shore

In the spirit of booking “the cheapest Alaska cruise,” I didn’t book any excursions in port. Instead, Reeham and I plan on exploring ports without spending too much money, whether hiking, walking around town, visiting museums, etc.

Last year I somehow neglected to taste local seafood, so we definitely plan to try local restaurants for lunch in each port. If anyone has any recommendations, let me know!

If the weather looks nice, I plan to purchase a ticket on the Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tram to Mount Roberts in Juneau, which costs $45 round trip. This is definitely TBD if the weather is terrible, but let’s hope for the best! Not only does the tram provide excellent views, but there are several hiking trails at the top which should be extremely scenic!

Last year I cruised to Alaska with my dad on Ovation of the Seas in October, and while the experience was certainly amazing, the weather was, frankly, terrible! While it did not ruin the cruise whatsoever, I am hoping I’ll finally see the sun this year in Alaska.

While the end of August may not be as warm or sunny as June or July, I’m remaining optimistic that we will have better weather than last fall!

My plans onboard

One of the things I’ve heard most about Radiance Class ships is how there are so many windows onboard. I’m excited to sit back and relax with amazing ocean views around every corner!

I consider my cruising travel style onboard to be… quite lazy. I don’t plan on attending tons of activities and will likely spend the majority of my time at sea viewing Alaska’s scenery from the pool deck or indoor spaces.

Dining-wise, I did not purchase a dining package for this cruise, so Reeham and I will be dining primarily in the Main Dining Room and Windjammer.

Radiance of the Seas also has complimentary options at Park Cafe, Cafe Latte-tudes, and the Dog House, so we’ll certainly find plenty to eat onboard without spending anything extra.

I also do not have a beverage package, but the 4 free drinks a day I receive by being a Diamond member in the Crown & Anchor Society are always enough for me.

What’s next

I’m based in the western U.S., so I absolutely love when cruising does not require an extremely long travel day! I’ll be flying to Vancouver early on Thursday morning and plan to spend the day sightseeing in the city.

Funny enough, while I’ve been to 25 countries on 5 different continents, I’ve only spent about 3 hours total in Canada! I’m excited to check out the sights, nature, and culture in Vancouver this week.

We will spend Thursday night in Vancouver before boarding the ship on Friday afternoon, and I’m sure Reeham and I will both be extremely eager for the cruise to begin!

I’ll be live blogging every day throughout the cruise, so be sure to check in on Royal Caribbean Blog or through our Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates. I'll also be filming a video for the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel on this cruise, so make sure to subscribe so you'll be notified when we post the video!

Thanks for following along and welcome aboard to another wonderful Alaska adventure!

More Alaska cruise information:

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Royal Caribbean outlines the 5 goals for its bold new cruise ship

In:

Icon of the Seas

18 Aug 2022

By:

Matt Hochberg

Royal Caribbean hasn't shared much about its next new cruise ship, but it has outlined clear goals for what it hopes will be a revolutionary new ship.

Icon of the Seas is scheduled to debut in fall 2023, and Royal Caribbean has released a new video that talks about how the company came up with ideas for what this ship should be.

When Royal Caribbean started designing the ship, they referred to it as a "white paper ship", which means they wanted to start with a blank slate.

"The reason why we call it that is we start with a blank piece of sketch paper, so it truly is starting fresh," said Anna Drescher, a manager of the ship's architectural design team.

The team posed all sorts of ideas, especially considering what its guests wanted.

Yael Steinhart, Director of Product Innovation, talked about how the team looked through the lens of what guests want and incorporate that into a new ship, "We really looked at how can we bring the best of all experiences and vacation types into one place."

"So think about city getaways, beach retreats, all inclusive resorts and amusement parks. You have to dream as big as you can."

The end result are five pillars of what Icon of the Seas will encapsulate.

1. Unrivalled water experiences

Jay Rosser, Senior Product Owner in Product Development, spoke about the need to incorporate unrivalled water experiences, "Icon really is about bringing our guests back to what surrounds them when they're on a cruise, which is the ocean."

"In every way that the guests interact with the ship, there's always a connectivity back to the water."

One of the slights that the Oasis Class ships have had since their inception has been it's difficult to see the ocean and outdoors while inside the ship. Compared to other Royal Caribbean ships that came before it, there has been less visibility to the outside world.

2. Adrenaline pumping thrills

If you've been on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the last 20 years, you know how many fun thrills there are onboard.

Surf simulators, bumper cars, zip lines, and sky diving simulators are just a few of these activities Royal Caribbean is known for, and the cruise line wants to continue that trend with Icon of the Seas.

Emily Rodriguez, Product Owner in Product Development, talked about the importance of thrills on Icon, "As we started seeing more and more excitement for a lot of our thrilling experiences, we said, How can we take that to the next level? How can we offer something that is really for the bold, for the brave, for the fearless and experience something that they've never been able to do anywhere else."

3. Ultimate family vacation

Simply put, Royal Caribbean wants families to look at Icon of the Seas as their primary choice for a family cruise, not just another option.

Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, Associate Vice President of Product Development, thinks putting the family vacation first is a major priority, "One of the things that stands out to me the most about the insights that we've received from our guests is that bonding with family, friends, or whoever you're traveling with always comes to the top."

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer Jay Schneider went one step further by saying, "This is a ship of unrivaled entertainment. It's adrenaline pumping thrill. It is amazing. Food and beverage. Simply put, Icon will be the best family vacation in the world."

4. Sensational entertainment

Live entertainment has always been a staple of any Royal Caribbean cruise, and Icon of the Seas will continue that with the kind of Las Vegas and Broadway glitz the cruise line has always delivered on.

Ms. Steinhart hinted that not only will Icon have the kind of shows we've known, but something extra, "Icon of this Seas will deliver some of the best shows in the world, but we've also really expanded with new, diverse additional variety of entertainment on board."

5. Celebration of food and beverage

Royal Caribbean has been steadily elevating its dining offerings for years, with new ships rolling out new concepts and enhancements to favorites.

Tim Klauda, Vice President of Product Development, "The food is diverse, so you can try things you never tried before or you can try things you love, maybe a little bit of a spin. You can get access to that food in ways we've never done before. So convenience is huge."

Perhaps that spin is an idea Royal Caribbean first played with in 2019: onboard food delivery.

Watch the full video

Royal Caribbean published Episode 1 of "Making an Icon" and you can watch it here.

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30 cruise ship embarkation day do’s and don’ts

In:

Embarkation day

17 Aug 2022

By:

Jenna DeLaurentis

The first day of a Royal Caribbean cruise is an exciting time. Your vacation has just begun and you have an entire cruise full of discovering new ports, eating delicious food, watching top-notch entertainment, and relaxing by the ocean ahead of you.

While it’s tempting to get onboard and immediately start partying and enjoying the day, there are a few things you can do to maximize your time, money, and vacation time later on.

From arriving at the cruise terminal to making dining reservations, exploring the ship, and finding the best spot for sailaway, here are some of the best do’s and don’ts for the first day of your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Do: Explore your embarkation port

If you arrived at your embarkation port the night before, take some time in the morning on embarkation day to explore the city. Walk around South Beach in Miami, visit the Opera House in Sydney, or shop at Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Treat the morning of embarkation day as an extra port stop as opposed to waiting around in your hotel.

Do: Have required documents easy to access at the terminal

Be sure to keep items like passports, birth certificates, vaccine cards, etc. easily accessible at the terminal on embarkation day.

You’ll likely be asked to show these items several times throughout the check-in process, so keeping them all in one place is helpful.

Do: Drop off luggage with the porters

When you arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day, leave your luggage with the porters. We recommend taking a small carry-on bag (backpack or purse) on the ship with you, but leaving bigger luggage with the porters.

Bags will be delivered to your stateroom later in the day, so you won’t have to worry about lugging your big suitcase or duffel bag around the ship. It's customary to give a small tip for each bag you leave with the porters.

Do: Pack important items in your carry-on

If you’re leaving your luggage with the porters at the cruise terminal, be sure to pack important items into your cruise carry-on. Passports, money, credit cards, medication, phone chargers, etc. should all be packed in a carry-on bag to ensure you have access to the items if your luggage encounters any delays getting to your stateroom.

Do: Bring wine, soda, or water bottles onboard

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

In addition, guests can bring up to 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages like soda or water per stateroom.

Keep these beverages with you in the cruise terminal instead of placing them in the luggage you give to the porters.

Do: Finish the eMuster drill early in the day

Royal Caribbean’s eMuster drill is easy and convenient, so be sure to complete all three steps early in the day once you get onboard. Don’t be the cause for constant announcements reminding guests to complete the drill!

Do: Reserve entertainment

As soon as you get onboard, open Royal Caribbean’s app and reserve entertainment shows for the week. Not all shows require a reservation, but the most popular productions (Two70 shows, AquaTheater shows, etc.) will require reservations.

Our recommendation is to make entertainment reservations for the first day of the show each week. Shows can be canceled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, so making reservations for early in the week will ensure you have plenty of time to see the show if it has to be rescheduled.

Do: Make dining reservations

If you have a dining package, be sure to make reservations as soon as you get onboard to ensure you can select the restaurants and dining times that work best for you. You don’t have to visit each individual specialty restaurant to make reservations, as the crew member at one restaurant can make reservations for other restaurants onboard.

The only exception to this is at Izumi Hibachi/Teppanyaki. Reservations for hibachi can only be made at Izumi, so it’s a good idea to head there first for dining reservations.

Do: Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on

Pools, whirlpools, and water slides are available to use on embarkation day, and you’ll often find that they are much less crowded than other days onboard. Make sure to pack a swimsuit in your carry-on bag so you can start your vacation right away with a sunny afternoon at the pool.

Do: Enjoy lunch onboard

One of the first things many passengers do once onboard is eat lunch. Many venues are open on embarkation day, including the Windjammer, Park Cafe, Cafe @ Two70, Cafe Promenade, Sorrento’s Pizza, some specialty restaurants, and more!

Do: Confirm Main Dining Room reservations

While exploring the ship on embarkation day, be sure to head to the Main Dining Room to confirm your dining reservation and table. If you would prefer your own table but are seated at a table with other passengers, see if the staff can accommodate your request.

If you have any dietary restrictions that you informed Royal Caribbean of in advance, be sure to confirm that the request has been received.

Do: Meet your stateroom attendant

Your stateroom attendant will visit your cabin once a day for housekeeping service. It’s recommended to meet your stateroom attendant on the first day of your cruise to introduce yourself.

Stateroom attendants will go door to door to try and meet everyone in the cabins they service on embarkation day, so take a minute to say hello!

Do: Check your cabin

Once cabins are ready on embarkation day, do a quick check to make sure everything is working properly. Test the lights, outlets, television, etc. If you need beds separated or have any additional preferences, make sure to let your stateroom attendant know.

Do: Walk around the ship

Taking some time to explore the ship on embarkation day can give you a better sense of what is available onboard and where everything is located.

Exploring the ship will probably come naturally throughout the day as you make your way to and from your cabin, the pool deck, lunch, entertainment shows, etc.

Do: Register kids at Adventure Ocean

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean programming for kids holds an “open house” on embarkation day where you can explore the facilities and sign your children up for Adventure Ocean.

It only takes a few minutes to register kids for Adventure Ocean, so it’s a good idea even if you aren’t sure that your kids will attend.

Plus, sending your kids to Adventure Ocean on the first day of the cruise can allow them to make friends right away, as the first day is a prime time for making new friends onboard.

Do: Unpack

Once your luggage is delivered to your stateroom, take some time to unpack your belongings. While it’s acceptable to live out of your suitcase all week, taking time to unpack clothes and other personal items into your stateroom’s closets and drawers can help you feel more “at home” in your cabin.

Do: Enjoy an embarkation day drink

Nothing screams “cruise vacation” quite like a tropical cocktail by the pool, and that’s exactly what you should enjoy on embarkation day!

After having lunch onboard, head to one of the many bars on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to order a cocktail (or mocktail!) and get your vacation off to a fantastic start.

Do: Find the best sailaway spot

Each class of Royal Caribbean cruise ships differ in layout and design, so be sure to scope out the best sailaway spot on embarkation day to ensure you have the best views of your ship leaving port.

Here are some of our favorite spots for sailaway:

Vision Class ships: deck 10 forward
Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships: helicopter pad
Quantum and Oasis Class ships: Solarium bridge wings
Icon Class ships: Chill Island

Do: Take time to relax

Embarkation day can be a bit hectic onboard, with thousands of passengers navigating their way around the ship. From getting through the cruise terminal to making reservations, completing the eMuster drill, and unpacking, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Remember to take some time to relax on embarkation day, whether lounging on a pool chair, enjoying the hot tubs in the Solarium, or simply sitting in a lounge with a drink.

Do: Order multiple items in the Main Dining Room

One of our top tips about the Main Dining Room on a Royal Caribbean cruise is that you can order as much as you’d like. If you’re having trouble deciding between appetizers, main courses, or desserts on embarkation day, order multiple items!

After all, why choose between the key lime pie and chocolate hazelnut cake when you can have them both!

Do: Sign up for onboard activities

While most onboard activities do not require making a reservation in advance, there are a few that do: RipCord by iFLY, North Star, Zone Zero, and the escape rooms.

Open the Royal Caribbean app on embarkation day and make reservations for these activities to ensure you can select the date and time that works best for your schedule.

RipCord by iFLY and North Star offer both complimentary and extra cost options, so if you don’t want to pay for these activities it’s recommended to reserve the activity ASAP once onboard.

Do: Take a spa tour

The Vitality Spa offers free tours of its facilities on embarkation day, which can be a nice way to see what the spa has to offer and learn more about which treatments are available.

This is also a good time to confirm your existing spa reservations or book an appointment.

Do: Download the Royal Caribbean app

The Royal Caribbean app is an extremely useful tool on your cruise, as it’s where you’ll find a list of daily activities, your billing information, deck maps, and more.

Having the Royal Caribbean app downloaded on your phone in preparation for the first day of your cruise is recommended so that you don’t waste any time once onboard.

Now that we’ve reviewed what you should do on the first day of your cruise, let's take a look at the don’ts.

Don’t: Fly to the port the same day as your cruise

One of the most critical things not to do is fly to the cruise port on the same day as your cruise. Unexpected delays, missed connections, and cancellations are extremely common in air travel, so be sure to arrive the day before your cruise to allow for some extra wiggle room.

Don’t: Arrive at the port before your check-in time

While it is hit or miss whether a departure port strictly adheres to the scheduled check-in time you picked when checking in online, it’s still best practice to show up to port at your scheduled check-in time.

If your check-in is at 12PM and you arrive at 11:15, you’ll probably be allowed to board. If your check-in time isn’t until 2PM, however, and you arrive at 10AM, you’ll most likely have to wait a while.

Don’t: Go to Guest Services on the first day

Guest Services is an extremely valuable service throughout the cruise, as crew members can answer any questions you may have, settle billing discrepancies, etc.

On the first day of the cruise, however, Guest Services can be prone to long lines. It’s best to save any questions for the second day of the cruise or go to Guest Services during less busy times of the day such as during dinner.

Don’t: Only consider the Windjammer for lunch

While the Windjammer buffet offers nearly endless choices, it can be extremely busy for embarkation day lunch. Consider skipping the crowds and eating at another venue instead, such as Park Cafe or Sorrento’s.

If you are hoping for a more relaxed feel to embarkation day lunch, make a reservation at a specialty restaurant for a much calmer atmosphere than what you’ll find at the buffet.

Don’t: Leave your phone service on

Remember to put your phone on airplane mode before sailaway! Even if you have international service, it most likely does not count cruises into the phone plan. Avoid extremely high phone bills by placing your phone on airplane mode.

Don’t: Try to do everything

It can be tempting to pack the first day of your cruise with activities. There are so many fun things to do on a cruise, from watching Broadway musicals to indoor skydiving, bumper cars, zip lining, surfing simulators, mini golf, and more.

Don’t try to do everything on the first day, though, and remember that you can spread out activities throughout the cruise. You are onboard to relax, after all, so don’t make yourself exhausted by trying to fit everything in one day!

Don’t: Wait to book excursions

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a Shore Excursions area onboard where you can learn more about which excursions are available, talk to crew members specializing in excursions, and book tours for your cruise itinerary.

It’s recommended that you book excursions in advance instead of waiting to do so on the ship so that the excursions you are interested in do not sell out. While it can be helpful to talk to crew members about the tours in more detail, you run the risk of far fewer tours being available compared to booking ahead of time.

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? Start here:

30 cruise ship embarkation day do's and don'ts

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What is Friends of Bill W. on a cruise?

In:

Cruise Ship Activities

17 Aug 2022

By:

Jenna DeLaurentis

Who is Bill W. and… why does he have so many friends?

When browsing the Cruise Compass onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll likely come across a daily-scheduled event called Friends of Bill W.

If you’ve never heard of Friends of Bill W. before, you’ll probably be confused. No, Bill W. is not a passenger on your cruise ship, but he has plenty of “friends” onboard.

What is Friends of Bill W.?

Friends of Bill W. is an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting found onboard a cruise that is named after William Wilson (Bill W.), one of the founders of the organization. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded to help members achieve and maintain sobriety throughout their lives.

Cruises can be a tough environment for those passengers in recovery, so cruise lines offer Friends of Bill W. onboard as a non-judgemental, helpful support group. At Friends of Bill W., passengers can meet fellow guests in recovery and form a support network once onboard.

The name “Friends of Bill W.” gives a subtle way for guests to know there is a support group onboard while maintaining privacy and anonymity.

When and where are Friends of Bill W. meetings located?

You will generally find Friends of Bill W. meetings every day on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The time may change based on ship and itinerary, with some meetings held in the morning and others around 4PM.

Friends of Bill W. meetings are held in quiet, less crowded areas of the ship, are complimentary, and are open to any passengers. The meetings are often located in places like the Library, offering a more secluded spot where guests can feel comfortable.

Passengers in recovery as well as family members may find the meetings helpful. You do not have to sign up for the meetings in advance. The meetings are self-led, so there are no Royal Caribbean staff members present.

Why is Friends of Bill W. on a cruise ship?

Friends of Bill W. is found not only on Royal Caribbean cruises but also on many other cruise lines. Cruise ships tend to have a significant drinking culture onboard, with many guests enjoying cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits throughout the day.

While relaxing with an alcoholic beverage in hand is common for many passengers, it can be a challenging environment for those recovery.

Friends of Bill W. meetings help passengers in recovery avoid the temptation of drinking by having regularly scheduled meetings. Having a support system on a cruise is huge, as many passengers will find themselves without the support network they have built at home, such as local AA meetings and online forums.

What is Friends of Dorothy on a cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean cruises also used to have a meetup called “Friends of Dorothy” onboard, which was for those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Similar to how Friends of Bill W. is used as a more abstract name for an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, Friends of Dorothy was used as a name for the LGBTQ+ meetups on a cruise ship.

In recent years, though, Royal Caribbean has stopped using the name Friends of Dorothy. There are still LGBTQ+ meetups on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships, but they are listed as "LGBTQ+ Meet (self led)" in the Cruise Planner. Like Friends of Bill W. meetings, these meetups also tend to occur nearly every day of the cruise.

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The cruise ship hot takes you should probably ignore

In:

Planning

16 Aug 2022

By:

Matt Hochberg

The internet is a great place to share experiences, but there are a few cruise ship critiques that you should probably not put much stock in when making a decision.

I enjoy reading other people's experiences on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including what they liked and didn't like about their cruise. But I will rarely, if ever, use it as a basis for my own plans.

The reason why you should not base your buying decisions on someone else's experience is that your cruise could be completely different. Moreover, your particular tastes may be different than theirs.

It's quite common for me to see a message on the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards from someone who got back from a cruise and rants about something they did, saw, or experienced onboard they did not like at all. In some cases these are a result of being unaware of what to expect, or perhaps they simply did not care for it.

An important mantra of reading others reviews is that we all have different tastes. Think about something you love but you know others cannot stand, such as a favorite sport, a hobby you enjoy, or a local restaurant. You love it, but know someone that has the complete opposite opinion you hold. That doesn't make you wrong, nor does it mean others might not enjoy it either.

Of all the commonly reviewed cruise experiences out there, here are the top hot takes to safely ignore and try it out yourself anyway.

Food and dining reviews

They say "everyone's a critic", and this definitely holds true of dining.

One of the most commonly shared reviews of a cruise ship is the food served onboard, both the food included and what costs extra.

With so many dining choices, lots of people love to share their dining reviews of a restaurant, including the individual dishes, the service, or the restaurant overall.

When it comes to food reviews, I always think about broccoli.

Broccoli is a particularly polarizing food because there are so many people that love broccoli and an equal amount of people who absolutely hate broccoli. What does that mean? We all have different tastes and just because someone loves or despises broccoli doesn't mean you will either.

So when you read about Meemaw’s Fried Chicken N’ Waffles at the Mason Jar, or Taste of Royal lunch, you shouldn't decide if you'll order something (or skip the restaurant all together) because of someone's review.

This also holds true of the service. Every restaurant has a bad day in terms of slow service. Think about dining at home and I'm sure you'll recall plenty of times your favorite restaurant was extra slow or your waiter was not great.

Slow service can happen anywhere, and it's something Royal Caribbean is constantly working to prevent.

My advice is to not limit yourself or skip a restaurant because of what someone else thought of the food or service. Give it a try at least once to see how you like it or not.

Mattress comfort

"I've hard the mattresses are uncomfortable" is another topic of discussion that is bound to be purely subjective.

There are plenty of theories about cruise ship mattresses and whether or not they are too firm.

Just like all the models at a mattress store, some people will prefer a firm or cushy mattress. Your cruise ship mattress is going to be no different.

If you do find the mattress firm, you could always ask your stateroom attendant for a mattress topper. Or ask for another comforter and place it under the sheet to provide more cushion.

Crowds

Is the pool deck, Adventure Ocean, Royal Promenade or the ship itself crowded? A lot of it will depend on your own personal definition of how crowded is too crowded.

A researcher at the University of Tokyo looked at how people perceive congestion, and it turns out the sheer volume of people around us is not the end-all, be-all of what makes it feel crowded.

"I was a little surprised to find that the density of people in a given space was not the best indicator of perceived congestion; in fact, it turned out to be the walking speed, or velocity, of the people around the perceiver," said Project Assistant Professor Jia Xiaolu.

If you hear that the pool was crowded on a sea day, was that person in the pool the whole day? Did they observe it from a higher deck? Did they spend all day or 10 minutes? And most importantly, how do they determine what is too crowded?

Let's face it, Royal Caribbean cruise ship are not private yachts and their ships sail at full capacity. This isn't a secret, so there will be other guests around you most of the time. But that doesn't mean it's a poor experience.

Rhapsody of the Seas Live Blog - Day 5 - Sea Day | Royal Caribbean Blog

Some people love being in the center of the fun, and that includes being in a bar or pool where lots of other people are hanging out. Meanwhile, there are folks that prefer to have a space all to themselves at all times.

If you read that a ship was crowded, that isn't a scientific analysis of the experience or that you shouldn't sail on it.

Entertainment

Grease Broadway musical on Royal Caribbean cruise ship

You'll find comedians, Broadway shows, singers, and plenty of other live entertainment on your cruise. With it, comes everyone's thoughts on if it's worth seeing.

Royal Caribbean invests heavily in live entertainment, so you'll find no shortage of bands, singers, actors and the like.

The shows onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships are always the source of endless reviews. Look no further than the ongoing discussions surrounding the Broadway show, "Cats" on Oasis of the Seas, for proof of this.

My advice is to see the show to determine for yourself what you like or don't like.

I've seen enough magicians onboard cruise ships to swear them off, but that's my opinion. I know others that love magic shows on cruises. It's proof that we all have different tastes and not to rely on someone else's review of a show to determine if you will see it.

Cruise ships

The all-time cruise hot take worth ignoring completely are cruise ship reviews.

Because cruise ships offer so many choices in what you can do, the experience will be vastly different for every person. You certainly cannot determine if you should cruise on one ship or not based on if someone else liked or hated the ship.

But what if there are a lot of negative reviews about a particular ship? I get this question all the time from readers.

My response is reviews of cruise ships are useless because of how much variation each person on that ship can have.

First and foremost, I believe the top reason for a negative experience on a cruise ship is being unaware of what the ship has and does not have onboard.

People often ask "What is the worst Royal Caribbean ship?" thinking that there's at least a few duds that everyone should avoid. It's not the case at all.

It has less to do with an inherit flaw or problem with the ship, and more to do with what you want in a cruise ship.

If you're still not convinced that all those negative reviews of one cruise ship are flawed, then consider the the nature of online reviews.

The people that write online reviews are far from objective, and anything but a professional reviewer. Often they will let minor issues overwhelm the bulk of their experience and give an undeserved 1 star review.

Want proof of that? Here's my favorite exercise.

Do a Google search for The Great Wall of China, which is one of mankind's greatest engineering achievements.

There are over 15,000 reviews and it has a 4.2 star rating with hundreds of 1 star reviews.

"It’s way too long. They should offer rides across."

"Very boring. It did not move and it was no fun."

"Too much walking."

You may be laughing at these ridiculous reviews of an incredible feat, but these are the same kind of slanted reviews you'll read about cruise ships.

Instead of relying on online cruise ship reviews, look at what each ship you are considering offers and doesn't offer. Consider your own personal preferences (do you like having lots of activities for kids? Want water slides? Need Broadway shows?) and then pick the right ship based on those thoughts.

If you want to learn about Royal Caribbean ships, here are some helpful resources:

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Beach Reads: Books from Royal Caribbean cruise ports

In:

General

16 Aug 2022

By:

Haley Harnish

There’s no better time to read than a cruise, when you can kick off your shoes, grab a drink of choice, and settle in with whatever book you’ve been saving for just this opportunity.

Does this sound like a good idea to you? We have some recommendations perfect for all you August cruisers (and everyone else, too)! Pack one or two of these books in your suitcase or on your tablet for your next vacation.

Much to our kids’ dismay, summer is over and it’s time to head back to school. This time of year sure gets a lot busier for almost everyone, so taking some time to read can seem like a bit of vacation when we cannot get away. To keep that feeling going, I’ve compiled a list of books from some popular cruise ports.

Alaska

Travels in Alaska by John Muir - Naturalist John Muir traveled to the pristine, mostly unexplored territory of Alaska. He recorded his experiences of glaciers and animals across what is now the largest state in the USA.

Cuba

Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia - A family saga and testament to a group of women that spans from 19th-century cigar factories to present-day detention centers, from Cuba to Mexico. This book tells about the legacy of the memories they carry, and the stories they tell, even when people try to silence them.

Dominican Republic

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez - The true stories of three sisters who were killed for their part in an underground plot to overthrow the Trujillo dictatorship in 1960.

Haiti

Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat - Sophie Caco returns to Haiti and discovers a legacy through the women who raised her, as well as the traditions, suffering, and wisdom of her people.
Anacaona: Golden Flower, Haiti, 1490 by Edwidge Danticat - A narrative of Queen Anacaona, and the story of the Spanish conquering of native Haiti.

Italy

Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman - Now a major motion picture, this book shows how sudden and powerful romance can be when a summer guest visits an Italian Riviera mansion.

Jamaica

Selected Writings and Speeches of Marcus Garvey - Marcus Garvey is a local hero in Jamaica; a philosopher and racial activist. He was a Jamaican political leader, publisher, journalist, entrepreneur, and orator.

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Mexico

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia - This dark fairy tale, inspired by Mexican folklore, tells the story of a young woman sent on a life-changing journey by the Mayan God of Death.

Spain

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - As Barcelona heals from WWII, a book dealer’s son becomes obsessed with an author. But while trying to find more of his work, he discovers he may have one of the few copies left.

This is just a sampling of the hundreds of ports that Royal Caribbean visits! Do you have a favorite author or book from a port you’ve visited? Post it in the comments so we can add it to our To Read lists.

What do you plan on reading in August? Do you have a Back-to-School list prepared?

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Top 10 Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas hidden secrets

In:

Mariner of the Seas

15 Aug 2022

By:

Matt Hochberg

Going on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas and want to know all the best kept secrets and tips for this cruise ship?

Mariner of the Seas has become a fan-favorite with all the fun things to do onboard, especially after her 2018 Royal Amplification where the cruise line added a variety of upgrades.

No matter your cruise style, there's sure to be at least a few less than well-known things you should know about Mariner of the Seas so that you can take advantage of these when you go on your cruise.

Here's my list of the top Mariner of the Seas hidden secrets that are often overlooked by other guests.

1. Peek-a-boo bridge

There's a place on Mariner of the Seas where you can "spy" into the bridge of the ship.

The bridge is where the ship's Captain and other officers work to navigate and control the cruise ship. Royal Caribbean has an observational window that allows passengers to see into the bridge.

Known as the Peek-a-boo bridge, it's located outside in front of the Vitality fitness area.

You can get to it by going up to deck 12 forward and walking outside towards the front.

2. There are two cabins for solo cruisers

If you are looking to go on Mariner of the Seas but are traveling by yourself, the ship has two cabins for solo cruisers.

Not that many Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer cabins for solo cruisers, but these smaller inside rooms are designed for someone on a cruise alone and the best part about these cabins is they do not have a single supplement fee. This means a solo cruiser isn't essentially paying double.

The two rooms are located behind the large round Loyalty Ambassador's desk on deck 2.

If you want to book a studio cabin, you'll need to act quickly as they sell out early.

3. Hidden little spot behind Starbucks

Whether you order a coffee from Starbucks onboard or not, there is an overlooked seating area to go to that is a great indoor spot to getaway from the crowds.

If you walk to the left of Starbucks, there is a seating area behind the kiosk that has chairs and tables, perfect for reading a book or talking with friends.

There are also large windows so you can see the ocean pass by from the chairs.

4. Visit the helipad

Perhaps my favorite spot on any Royal Caribbean ship is the helipad, and you can go there.

On Deck 4, the promenade deck has helipad access all the way forward. As you walk forward, you will see stairs going up a deck and that leads to the bow of the ship.

From here, you have one of the best views for sailaway.

5. Quiet deck place to relax

New aerial photos of Mariner and Freedom of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Blog

Looking for comfortable seating outdoors that is perfect to chill?

All the way forward on deck 13 has some great seating that is far enough from the pools that you won't have much competition for a seat, and quiet enough you could even sneak in a nap between chapters of your book.

There are even comfy day beds you can snag!

6. Find the Stowaway Piano Player

One of the best not-so-well-known entertainment options that Royal Caribbean has recently added is the "stowaway" piano player.

The idea is there is a piano player with a far-out piano that will move around the ship and perform for guests but encouraging guests to not report him.

The stowaway piano player will appear around the ship at different times during the cruise.

7. Balcony dividers can be removed

Balcony divider open on Mariner of the Seas

If you happen to have connecting balcony staterooms, most Voyager-class ships cannot have their balcony dividers removed. However, on Mariner of the Seas that is not the case.

If you're interested in opening up balcony dividers on Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, the balconies are attached to the ships' hull and cannot be removed. But on Mariner of the Seas, the balcony dividers aren't attached and can be removed.

8. Try a few of the best alcoholic drinks onboard

Need a recommendation for drinks that stand out on Mariner of the Seas?

At the Bamboo Room, there is the "On the run", which is served in a “capri-sun” style drink pouch. Perfect for enjoying in the bar, or anywhere else onboard you take it.

If you want the best mojito, head down to Boleros. They'll use real mint and it will be the highest quality mojito on Mariner.

If you're a beer drinker, head to Playmakers and ask for the beers from Funky Buddha brewery. Playmakers is the only location that serves Funky Buddha brews, which is beer from a small South Florida company that offers great craft beer.

9. Pack socks and pants for ice skating

Did you know you can go ice skating on Mariner of the Seas?

Throughout your cruise there will be ice skating sessions offered, where Royal Caribbean provides ice skates and a helmet for no extra charge and you can hit the ice and try it out.

The only catch is you need to have long pants and socks in order to skate. Since most people on a warm Caribbean cruise don't usually pack these items, it's worth reminding anyone interested in trying it out to pack these clothes so you can hit the ice.

10. Alternate walking path

If you like to walk a few laps, there is a jogging and walking path on deck 12, but on sea days it can get very busy up there with a lot of other guests sunbathing and otherwise enjoying the sea air.

An alternative for walking would be the promenade deck on deck 4.

The promenade deck goes all the way around the ship, and more than half of this loop is in the shade.

The promenade deck is accessible on deck 4 from either the forward or aft elevator banks via the large sliding doors.

Did we miss any Mariner of the Seas secrets? Share them in our comments!

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