Royal Caribbean Blog

Binoculars may not be an item you use often at home, but they definitely come in handy on an Alaska cruise. Being able to view Alaska’s scenery “up close” from hundreds of feet away brings you closer to nature, whether spotting whales, bears, eagles, or glaciers from the binocular’s lens.

Binoculars come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets. There’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of binoculars for your Alaska cruise, but you don’t want to buy a pair at the dollar store, either.

Here’s our list of the top 5 binoculars to buy for an Alaska cruise that are sure to enhance your experience in the Last Frontier.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means Royal Caribbean Blog gets a commission for purchases made. There is no additional cost to you.

Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars

Purchase the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars on Amazon here.

These are the binoculars I purchased for my Alaska cruise last year. While I admit I knew nothing about binoculars and what was considered “good” in terms of quality, I was extremely pleased with these Occer binoculars. For only $35.99, they make a solid pair of binoculars for a first-time user.

One problem with cheaper binoculars is that they can lack stability, making it frustrating to keep your focus on an object through the lenses. While these Occer binoculars aren’t the most fancy pair out there, I was pleased with the lens quality, clarity, and stability.

Related: What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?

SkyGenius 8x21 Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars

Purchase the SkyGenius 8x21 Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars on Amazon here.

If you’re looking for another budget-friendly binocular option, this pair of SkyGenius binoculars is not only lightweight, but compact, meaning it will fit into the smallest of daypacks on your Alaska cruise!

At only $20, these binoculars can have a huge impact on your Alaska cruise experience. There’s no need to lug heavy binoculars around port, and these binoculars may even fit in your pocket!

These can also make a great pair of binoculars for kids due to the low cost and small size.

Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x42mm Binocular

Purchase the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x42mm Binocular on Amazon here.

The highest quality binoculars on our list are the Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10x42 binoculars, which are priced at a staggering $599. Shockproof, waterproof, fog proof, lightweight, and ergonomic, these binoculars are a nice option for avid outdoor enthusiasts.

The binoculars provide an extremely crisp and clear image with no edge distortion, and they even have a Twilight Max HD Light Management System to provide extra viewing light at dawn or dusk.

I wouldn’t recommend spending so much if you only plan to use the binoculars on your cruise and later store them in a closet. However, if you have an interest in using binoculars in your day-to-day life, such as bird watching or hiking, they can make a nice investment.

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

Roxant Monocular Telescope

Purchase the Roxant Monocular Telescope on Amazon here.

The Roxant Monocular Telescope is not a pair of binoculars. Instead, it’s a monocular, which has just one viewing tube instead of two.

There are several benefits to using monoculars instead of binoculars. Monoculars are smaller, making for easier transportation while exploring Alaska. At half the size of most binoculars, they’re also more lightweight. It’s easy to fit a monocular in your pocket, making for easy access when you want to catch a fleeting glimpse of a bear, eagle, or whale on your Alaska cruise.

Monoculars aren’t without drawbacks, however, including increased strain on your eyes from viewing the magnified world through just one eye. Therefore, monoculars are best for a short glimpse instead of looking through it for an extended period of time.

Vanstarry Compact Binoculars for Kids

Purchase the Vanstarry Compact Binoculars for Kids on Amazon here.

If you’re traveling to Alaska with young children, consider purchasing a pair of binoculars made just for kids. These binoculars will be small in size with kid-friendly colors, and while they are more like a toy compared to higher-end binoculars, they still allow kids to see Alaska’s scenery and wildlife up close.

The Vanstarry Compact Binoculars for Kids have a 5x30 optical lens, and the binoculars have soft rubber surrounding the eyepieces to protect the eyes and face. They’re made of rubber, too, allowing for easy grip, and come with a neck strap to prevent the binoculars from falling.

Not only that, but the binoculars come with a Compass, which can add to the fun for kids as they set off to discover the outdoors.

Related: 12 must have Royal Caribbean tips & tricks for families

Planning an Alaska cruise? Start here:

• Ultimate Alaska cruise guide
• 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise
• What is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise?
• Top ways to avoid crowds on an Alaska cruise

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean announced this week it will begin dropping Covid vaccine requirements for select sailings.

Unvaccinated passengers will be allowed onboard Royal Caribbean ships beginning September 5 on sailings from Los Angeles, New Orleans, Galveston, Texas, and Europe as long as testing requirements are met.

A vaccine is still required for other sailings, such as cruises from Florida, until further notice.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean launches new video series about Icon of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean announces Covid-19 protocols for Australia cruises
• What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?
• 10 tips to help you improve your cruise vacation
• Ask a Captain: How fast can a cruise ship go to outrun a storm?
• Top 10 things to do in Ensenada, Mexico on a cruise
• Top 10 things to do in Mazatlán, Mexico on a cruise
• Top 10 things to do in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on a cruise
• I took a beer cruise tour of Canada and New England
• Is there a best day to book a cruise for a cheap deal?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 464th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt talks with a Royal Caribbean cruiser who is blind about what the experience is like for him.

AJ and his wife love to cruise and shares the challenges of going on a cruise and being blind, as well as what the cruise line offers to assist.

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

Video: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

{"preview_thumbnail":"/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/bsPJOgaweIQ.jpg?itok=WmlQlQmd","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsPJOgaweIQ","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

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: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

Man who has cruised the most with Royal Caribbean reaches 10,000 points

Royal Caribbean's top cruiser has reached a new all-time high for loyalty points.

Mario ‘Super Mario’ Salcedo crossed 10,000 points while on Explorer of the Seas and celebrated his milestone with friends.

Super Mario cruises about 50 weeks a year and has been doing so for decades now.

When is the best time to book a cruise?

Are you wondering when is the best time to book a cruise?

There's many considerations, such as time of year, sailing length, itinerary and much more that factor into how early you should book a cruise.

Guide to a Bahamas cruise

Are you ready to escape to the warm blue waters of The Bahamas?

Quite a lot of Royal Caribbean cruises will make a stop in The Bahamas due to its convenient location and natural beauty.

Whether you make one stop or spend the entire cruise in their waters, here's your guide to a Bahamas cruise so you know what to expect.

While I can't come up with a formula for the perfect cruise for every single person, I can suggest some easy ways to boost anyone's cruise experience.

In my experience, everyone has their own style of cruising. Some try to do every single activity before lunch, and others don't wake up until lunch. That's the beauty of a cruise: you get to do what you want, when you want.

No matter how you prefer to chill, there are some easy ways to build on your cruise plans to make it an even better experience.

Think of these strategies like spices in a food recipe: you don't need to add them, but the extra flavor might be a nice touch.

1. Add days before or after your cruise

I think everyone should fly to their cruise at least a day ahead of time simply because of how flaky the airlines are with cancellations and delays, but there's an added benefit to flying in early.

Flying to your cruise the same day it begins is playing with fire, but coming in early (or staying after your cruise) allows you to pad your vacation time.

If you arrive a day or two early for your cruise, you get to have a more relaxed ramp-up to getting onboard. You'll be able to explore the city your ship departs from, as well as adjust to a time zone change.

Staying a few days after your cruise helps soften the blow of the "post-cruise blues" and feel like your vacation isn't coming to a screeching halt.

If you can work remotely, spending a couple extra days working from the beach in Florida is a good compromise where you get a change of scenery without having to spend extra vacation days.

This strategy is especially helpful if you're on a short cruise, such as a weekend cruise, where you can take a quick cruise and expand that overall vacation feel.

2. Buy The Key

While I'm not a huge fan of the value proposition The Key offers, I do admit buying it is a simple means of hitting the "easy button" to cruising.

The premise of The Key is to offer anyone a way to buy into VIP treatments, such as an early check-in time at the terminal, reserved time at signature activities, and a welcome aboard lunch.

This article isn't about how to maximize value, so if you're looking for a means to splurge without breaking the bank, perhaps The Key has that benefit.

Read more: Counterpoint: Why we love The Key

3. Get a sailaway massage

It's no secret that a massage at the Vitality Spa is a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but I think it's a great idea to get a massage on the first day right as the ship is departing.

Embarkation day is a busy day, and I've always found the first day to have that feeling of running errands, rather than relaxing. You want to get dining reservations, unpack all your clothes, book shows, and a host of other important first-day activities.

Read more: 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship

By the time late afternoon rolls around, it's not unusual to start feeling like you're running out of energy a bit. This is the perfect time to schedule a spa appointment.

Usually, the price for a spa treatment on embarkation day is cheaper because everyone is busy doing other things.

Getting a massage right as your ship is departing could be the perfect way to bring things down a notch and get that "I'm on vacation" feeling back in gear.

4. Ask your waiter for alternative menu options

Whether you have a food allergy or are just a picky eater, there are other options not necessarily on the menu in the dining room.

Ask to speak to the head waiter and explain what you would like, even if it is not on the menu.

Politely talk to your wait staff about what options you have. In general, as long as they have the ingredients and you make the request in advance, they can absolutely accommodate a great variety of requests.

Be aware that some changes take extra time, so give the staff advanced notice. Usually, 24 hours will suffice for special meals or foods. 

Read more: How to request your favorite foods be prepared in the main dining room

5. Skip a shore excursion and stay onboard

While you likely booked a cruise because of the fun ports the ship is scheduled to visit, you might consider staying onboard the ship for one of the stops.

That isn't to say the ports of call your ship visits don't offer some really fun things to do. Rather, this is about a way to take advantage of a less busy ship.

If there's a port you have been to before, or you can't find a shore excursion that jumps out as a great choice, then you might be better off staying on the ship and enjoying the far less busy pool deck.

Read more: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

In the morning and afternoon while a cruise ship is docked in port, the pool deck is far less busy than almost any other time of the cruise. This means it's easy to get a seat by the pool, a seat in the hot tub, or your own personal space in the pool.

Being onboard when most others are off the ship is the closest feeling you'll get to having the cruise ship to yourself.

If you have kids, staying onboard not only allows them to enjoy the pool deck, but also get extra rides in on the ship's waterslides without a massive wait.

6. Learn about what your ship has to offer before you board

Regret is one of the most common pitfalls of a cruise, as people realize too late that they missed out on an activity, tour, or cool thing they wanted to check out.

If you want to ensure you get to experience everything on your ship that appeals to you, then you're going to want to learn about your ship before you sail.

Read more: What I wish I'd known before I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean certainly advertises the signature activities on its ships, but there's far more to do than just a FlowRider or water slide. There are shows, trivia, lectures, entertainers, and lots of really fun things you can do onboard and onshore.

It's to your advantage to learn about everything you can do to ensure you don't miss any of it.

An easy way to learn about things to do on your ship is to read a past Cruise Compass.

The Cruise Compass is a daily newspaper of activities, and Royal Caribbean doesn't change these plans much from sailing to sailing. So while a past Compass might not be a 100% representation of what you can expect, it's going to be close enough.

Read more: First time cruiser's guide to Royal Caribbean's Cruise Compass

Likewise, there might be a fun shore excursion you'd like to do and it might not be bookable through Royal Caribbean.

The more you are aware of your options, the less likely you'll be disappointed later after learning you could have done something else.

7. Plan to hit the pool on embarkation day

Did you know the pool and water slides are open on the first day of your cruise?

Most people don't, or more to the point, most people don't have their bathing suits with them to enjoy the pool on the first day.

Pack your bathing suits in your carry-on bag and then change once you get on the ship to start off with a far less crowded pool deck day.

You'll find practically empty pools and water slides without much of a wait well into the afternoon.

Even when people get their luggage delivered to their room, by that point, it's time to get ready for dinner and that keeps the pools from being full.

Besides fewer people to contend with, hopping in the pool or jacuzzi is a great way to start your vacation with a more relaxed pace. Save the ship exploration for after dinner.

8. Bid for a cruise cabin upgrade

You don't need to spend more money to have a good time on a cruise, however, it certainly doesn't hurt either.

RoyalUp is Royal Caribbean's stateroom upgrade bidding program, where you can attempt to make an offer for a bigger cabin.

It's a blind bidding program, and that means you won't know what others bid, nor if there actually are any cabins available to upgrade to. But if you're lucky, you might be able to move up to a nicer cabin for less money than if you had booked it outright.

People cancel cruises all the time, even with just days to go before sailing. RoyalUp is a tool the cruise line uses to fill in those cabins.

There's nothing wrong with dreaming big, so if you don't mind rolling the proverbial dice on a cabin upgrade, give RoyalUp a shot.

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

9. Get two cabins instead of one for your family

Want to know my best cruise tip for a family? Get two cabins.

If you're cruising with kids, it can be advantageous to book two connecting (or adjacent) cabins instead of one large cabin for everyone to stay in.

Connecting rooms provide separation, so the kids can go to bed at a different time from you. During the day, they have their own space (and own television) to watch.

Most importantly, getting two rooms means you'll get two full bathrooms. Families with teenagers will find this an amazing benefit.

It's also worth mentioning that two cabins doesn't mean expensive. Quite often, two smaller cabins can be the same price or cheaper than one large room or suite.

Read more: What's the best cruise ship cabin for my family?

10. Use porters at the end of the cruise

When it's time to get off the ship, do yourself (and your back) a favor and use the porters to get your luggage to your car.

I see too many people lugging their bags out of the cruise terminal (or even off the ship) as a way to save a couple of dollars.

Porters have no cost to use, but you're expected to tip them a dollar or two per bag for their services. 

In my opinion, it's well worth it to have a porter take your bags and lessen the load.

In some ports, porters have their own line for getting through customs and that can save you time as well.

Save this blog on Pinterest

Royal Caribbean suites provide a range of benefits that can greatly enhance your cruise experience, from an exclusive suites-only lounge to private dining experiences and priority embarkation.

Royal Caribbean suites are impressive, with some even spanning two levels with a private jacuzzi, multiple bedrooms, and a personalized Royal Genie service.

Many guests opt to book a suite for a more comfortable living space, but they might not be aware of all the perks suite guests receive onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. Knowing which benefits come with a suite can help you maximize the value of your vacation and get the most out of your time onboard.

Here’s everything you need to know about the perks you can receive with a Royal Caribbean suite.

Junior Suite Perks on Royal Caribbean

The “stepping stone” into the world of Royal Caribbean suites is with a Junior Suite.

Despite the name, however, Junior Suites are more similar to a balcony stateroom than a suite. They don’t come with many of the benefits you’ll find in Grand Suites and above. Nonetheless, there are a few perks of staying in a Junior Suite.

First and foremost, a Junior Suite will provide more room in both the cabin and balcony, leading to more comfort for guests. You’ll also have a full sized bathtub and walk-in closet in a Junior Suite.

In addition to extra square footage, Junior Suite guests receive the following benefits:

• Priority boarding
• Royal Caribbean bathrobe
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine
• Pillow Top Mattress
• Dinner at Coastal Kitchen on select ships
• Double Crown & Anchor Society points

Related: Royal Caribbean’s Junior Suites: What you need to know

Note: The benefits listed below are for guests staying in Grand Suites and above. Junior Suite guests do not have access to most suite benefits on Royal Caribbean such as the Suite Lounge, Concierge Service, etc.

Onboard experience benefits for suite guests

Suite Lounge/Concierge Club

A major perk of staying in a suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise is having access to the Suite Lounge (also known as the Concierge Club on select ships). Suite Lounge access is available to guests staying in a Grand Suite and above.

The Suite Lounge is a relaxing, exclusive getaway on an otherwise busy cruise ship. At the Suite Lounge, guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and hors d’oeuvres throughout the day and complimentary alcoholic beverages in the evening.

The Suite Lounge is open 24/7 and can offer a nice way to mingle with other suite guests onboard or simply enjoy the peace and quiet with a beautiful ocean view.

Related: Is a suite on Royal Caribbean worth it?

Concierge Service

A convenient service available for suite guests on Royal Caribbean is the Suite Concierge, a crew member who acts as a suite guest's own (enhanced) Guest Services during the cruise.

The Suite Concierge can help with booking shore excursions, dining reservations, show reservations, answering any questions, and settling billing discrepancies.

The Suite Concierge can help you check-in to your flight and print documents if you do not have an internet package. They are also available to escort you off the ship on disembarkation day.

Related: 10 Surprising things you didn’t know the Royal Caribbean concierge can do for you

Suite Sun Deck

Voyager, Freedom, Quantum, and Oasis Class ships have a designated area of the pool deck reserved just for suite guests. Usually the Suite Sun Deck is located on the deck above the main pool area. Suite Sun Decks can be a really nice benefit for suite guests, as they have comfortable, reserved seating away from the crowds on the pool deck below.

Wonder of the Seas even has its own Suite Neighborhood with a large private Sun Deck with a plunge pool, private bar, and comfy loungers.

Reserved entertainment seating

Suite Guests won’t have to worry about finding a seat for shows onboard, as they will find a reserved seating area in the main theater, Studio B, AquaTheater, and Two70 for main entertainment lineups.

Complimentary pressing on First Formal Night

If you’re splurging on a suite, you’ll want to take advantage of as many benefits as you can to maximize your value. A relatively small benefit that can be a nice extra perk is complimentary pressing on your itinerary’s first formal night.

Sending evening gowns or a suit to be pressed can run between $7.50-$15 per item, so this is a nice extra perk for suite guests.

Tours and Suite Parties

Another perk of staying in a suite are the complimentary backstage tours and events offered to suite guests. Backstage tours can vary by ship and sailing, but you can expect to see tours of the ship’s bridge, galley, or theater.

You’ll receive an invitation to a tour in your suite. If you do not see one, ask the concierge if any tours will be available on your sailing.

Priority bookings

Another nice benefit for suite guests is that they can have priority bookings on spa appointments and specialty dining reservations. If you did not book dining reservations or a spa treatment ahead of time, speak to the Suite Concierge before your cruise (they will send you an email a few days before the sail date) about making reservations.

2 Crown & Anchor Society points per night

One of the best suite perks on Royal Caribbean is that you will receive double Crown & Anchor Society points on your cruise. The Crown & Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty Program which can lead to fantastic benefits once you accrue enough points.

When you stay in a normal category room (interior, ocean view, balcony), you’ll receive 1 point per night of your cruise. In a suite, however, you receive 2 points per night.

Related: Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Embarkation & Disembarkation benefits for suite guests

Priority boarding & departure

Suite guests have priority boarding on embarkation day, meaning they will be the first guests able to board the ship. They also have a dedicated check-in line at the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

On disembarkation day, suite guests have priority departure, so they won’t have to wait for their luggage tag number to be called and can disembark whenever they choose.

Guests in Royal Suites and Villa Suites will not only receive priority embarkation, but an officer will meet them at the terminal to escort them on the ship.

Welcome gift

Once you enter your suite, you’ll find a welcome gift, which can change depending on suite tier. Guests in Grand Suites, Panoramic Suites, and Owner’s Suites will receive complimentary Evian water and a fruit amenity whereas those in Royal Suites and Villa Suites receive Moët & Chandon champagne.

Sign-up fee waived for luggage valet service

On select itineraries, Royal Caribbean offers a luggage valet service. This service enables guests to bypass the airport check-in process, as guests will receive boarding passes, luggage tags, and baggage claim checks while onboard the ship. Luggage will be delivered directly from your suite to the airport and onto your flight.

This service is currently only available in Seattle, Washington.

Benefits while in port for suite guests

Priority tendering

While most common cruise ports have a dock, there are some ports which require tendering on a smaller boat to get to and from port from the ship.

For non-suite guests, it’s necessary to get up early and grab a tender ticket as soon as possible in order to maximize your time in port. Suite guests, however, have priority tendering access, so you can bypass the line and get to port without a wait.

Barefoot Beach at Labadee

If you’re staying in a suite on a cruise itinerary visiting Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Labadee, you’ll have access to Barefoot Beach, the port’s suites-only beach.

Barefoot Beach offers a relaxing getaway with calm, clear waters and plenty of lounge chairs perfect for sunbathing. The beach also has cabanas available to rent at an extra cost as well as a complimentary lunch which offers more upgraded options than buffets elsewhere on Labadee.

In-suite benefits

More space

One of the primary reasons many guests book a suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise is for the extra space. Cruise ship cabins are known for being small, and suites can offer a more comfortable living space with extra perks.

Depending on the suite, you can find an extra large couch, dining table, walk-in closet, larger balcony, etc. Some suites may even have 2 or 3 bedrooms, allowing for more privacy for guests.

Nicer bathroom

Another in-suite perk is a larger bathroom. Suite bathrooms all have a bathtub and upgraded toiletries. Some suites even have a separate shower, double sinks, and bidet!

Additionally, certain suite categories may have two bathrooms in the suite which can be nice for larger families.

Pillow Top mattress

In addition to more living space and an upgraded bathroom, suite guests will also enjoy an upgraded mattress. Beds in Grand Suites and above have a Luxury Pillow Top Mattress instead of the normal mattress you’ll find in interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins.

Dining benefits for suite guests

In-suite dining

Suite guests on Royal Caribbean receive complimentary room service and the ability to enjoy in-suite dining from the Main Dining Room menu. This offers a nice way for suite guests to have a private meal in their suite at any time the Main Dining Room is open (or 24/7 for room service).

Coastal Kitchen

Suite guests on Quantum and Oasis Class cruise ships have access to Coastal Kitchen, Royal Caribbean’s suites-only restaurant. Coastal Kitchen is complimentary for suite guests and offers a more intimate dining experience than venues like the Main Dining Room or Windjammer.

Coastal Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a rotating menu with a focus on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Guests in Grand Suites and above can eat at Coastal Kitchen at any time during the week, but the restaurant is only available for dinner for Junior Suite guests.

Private dining & disembarkation breakfast

Select ships without Coastal Kitchen offer private breakfast and lunch seating for suite guests. These meals take place in a specialty restaurant onboard, although the menus are more similar to the MDR or Coastal Kitchen than the specialty restaurant menu offerings.

Royal Suite Class Benefits

If you thought Royal Caribbean’s suite benefits couldn’t get any better, there’s more: the Royal Suite Class, available only on Quantum and Oasis Class ships.

The Royal Suite Class has three tiers: Sea Class, Sky Class, and Star Class.

Sea Class

Sea Class is the Junior Suite Class in the Royal Suite Class and comes with the same benefits as staying in a Junior Suite on other Royal Caribbean ships, with the addition of dinner at Coastal Kitchen.

Sea Class benefits:

• Dedicated Check In Line
• Priority Boarding
• Coastal Kitchen Dinner
• Royal Caribbean bathrobes
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• In-room Lavazza Espresso Coffee Maker/Tea Service

Sky Class

Sky Class benefits are for guests staying in a One Bedroom AquaTheater suite, Crown Loft Suite, Owner’s Suite, Royal Family Suite, Superior Grand Suite, and Grand Suite.

In addition to the Sea Class benefits, Sky Class guests receive:

• Complimentary VOOM internet: 1 device per guest
• Concierge Serve
• Exclusive Signature Activities
• Suite Lounge Access
• Priority Departure
• Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

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

Star Class

Star Class is the most luxurious experience you can have on Royal Caribbean and is available to passengers staying in Royal Caribbean’s biggest suites: the Royal Loft Suite, Owner’s Loft Suite, Four Bedroom Family Suite, Grand Loft Suite, Sky Loft Suite, Ultimate Family Suite, and Two Bedroom AquaTheater Suite.

The biggest benefit of staying in a Star Class suite is having a Royal Genie, a crew member who is your own personalized concierge and “magic maker” throughout the week. Royal Genies can cater their services to your cruise preferences, whether that means delivering Starbucks to your room every morning, reserving you seats at a specialty restaurant, hosting an in-suite dinner in your room, etc.

Related: My advice for someone using a Royal Genie on a Royal Caribbean cruise

In addition to the Royal Genie as well as the Sea Class and Sky Class benefits above, Star Class guests receive:

• Complimentary gratuities
• Complimentary specialty dining (including in-suite specialty dining)
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package
• Complimentary mini bar
• Complimentary pressing and laundry services
• Still and sparkling water replenished daily
• Luxury pillows
• Priority entrance to onboard activities

More Star Class tips & tricks:

• A beginner’s guide to sailing in Star Class
• What is Star Class?

More cruise advice

• What is the best room on a cruise ship?
• Picking a Cruise Line and Ship
• The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites
• 25 best Royal Caribbean tips, tricks & hidden secrets
• 5 Costly lessons learned on a cruise (and how to avoid them!)
• 15 really cool things to do that you can only find on Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• Ultimate Cruise Packing List

Most of us are stuck in a heatwave that seems never ending, so it seems like a good time to remind everyone that fall is on its way! We talk a lot about beachy cruises (Caribbean, Mexico, Mediterranean). But autumn is fall foliage season in northeast America, and it makes for a beautiful trip.

Mr. Mills and I took a 9 night cruise to New England and Canada in 2018 for our 5-year anniversary, and it still remains one of our favorites as far as ports go. We have otherwise mostly sailed to the Caribbean, and this cruise was just so unique. In our land-lubber life, we are foodies and beer connoisseurs, so we really took that to heart when planning this one, and I even took to calling it “The Beer Cruise.”

Keep in mind this was in 2018, so pre-Covid. Some businesses and/or itineraries may have changed since then. I thought it would be fun to reminisce about a fun sailing.

If you are looking for something different, or just want to get away from all this heat, check out our “Beer Cruise” itinerary*.

Cape Liberty

Because we booked the 9 night cruise, we departed from Cape Liberty. Some New England & Canada cruises skip this port and depart directly from Boston, and are 7 nights.

Read more: Guide to cruises from New York

We flew into Newark Airport, and stayed at a hotel nearby. We took an Uber to the cruise port in the morning. I think the drive took maybe 10-15 minutes at most. Fairly unexciting boarding process.

We picked up our WOW bands at Boleros and then went about exploring the ship. I almost missed sailaway, because I had gone down to the room for something, and then realized the ship was moving. I have never sprinted up so many flights of stairs so fast! I’ll never do that again!

Boston

Boston was the port we were most excited for prior to sailing, but also one that was the first time we’ve ever worried about making sailaway.

We started with a tour of Boston Beer Company–the folks that make Sam Adams. If you’re in Boston, and are a beer nerd, this is one that is a must.

The tour is $10, and includes a guided tour of the Brewhouse, tasting of the flagship Boston Lager, current seasonal, and an exclusive R&D style. I’m not sure if they still do it, but we got to keep our tasting glasses as well. There’s also a taproom at the end where you can hang out and drink more great Sam Adams beer.

We stuck around for a drink, and met another couple decked out in Houston Astros gear. We chatted with them, and ended up sharing a cab over to Fenway, our next stop.

The other must do, when in Boston, is of course Fenway Park. We are massive baseball fans, and are on a mission to visit all the Major League Baseball parks in the US. So could we even consider missing a home game while in Boston’s port? Absolutely not. It was going to be a close call though, and we were only able to catch 4-5 innings before racing back to the ship.

Still, sitting in those iconic lacquered bleachers and listening to the crack of the bat as the ball raced towards the Green Monster…we wouldn’t have given that up. Just keep an eye on your watch!

Portland

Next up was Portland, Maine–this is really where the beer in The Beer Cruise came into play.

I had booked us on the Maine Brew Bus, knowing that in such a brewery-heavy town, we’d never make it to all of them on our own. This ended up being a great decision, and we had a fantastic day.

Not only did we not have to worry about transportation around town, but the Brew Bus works with the breweries to make sure they are getting in at the best times, and are providing a good experience for their customers.

For example, at Bissell Bros, which is a major hot spot and can have a massive line around the building, we were there before open, to ensure we got full attention from the staff.

The breweries we visited:

• Bissell Bros
• Fore River Brewing
• Rising Tide Brewery
• Shipyard Brewing

Also had my first Lobster Roll (I’m from Indiana, ok? Don’t judge me!) while in Portland, and oh was it everything I’d ever hoped for. Butter and carbs and tender lobster. I probably could have had 6 and been totally happy.

I highly recommend Portland Lobster Company if you’re in the area. 

Bar Harbor

I’ll admit, Bar Harbor was probably our least favorite stop on the cruise–but we did have some fun. It’s just a more touristy spot, and since it’s an island, you’re a little more limited on what you can do.

The most popular excursions take you to the top of Cadillac mountain, and we had booked a bus tour that wound its way up for a vista view.

This took a couple of hours of our morning, and while looking out over the bay was beautiful–if you get motion sick at all, I can’t recommend this one. Maybe it was due to the beer tour the day before, but we were definitely more nauseous on this bus ride than usual.

Once we finished the tour, we walked around the town a bit, and got something to eat. I couldn’t visit Maine without getting at least one whole lobster, since I’d never had one (again…we come from a landlocked state), so we stopped at Stewman’s Lobster Pound for lunch.

It was fun to break apart the crustacean–definitely a bit messy, though, and I think I prefer to have it done for me! We popped into Atlantic Brewing for a quick flight, before it was back to the ship.

Halifax

After several ports in New England, we crossed the border into Canada. Halifax is such a historical city, and while we were doing a pub crawl, there’s certainly no shortage of things to see.

Our crawl was on a tour by Royal Caribbean, and we were given tickets for different bars and restaurants around town. We had the option to hop on a trolley bus, but Halifax is pretty walkable, albeit hilly!

If you are able-bodied, I’d walk it, and enjoy the sights along the way, although I will admit to taking the bus back to give my tired legs a break.

Before we kicked off our crawl, we started at Garrison Brewery, right off the port. This ended up being our most memorable beer joint from the trip, and we are still talking about going back 5 years later. They serve their flights on beer barrel staves, and they aren’t short pours either.

The beers were super varied, from IPAs and stouts, to a margarita sour that was way before its time. There was a spruce beer that we had to bring home. Just excellent, well done brew that is a must for any fermented fanatics.

The crawl included a couple of historic bars in Halifax, as well as a few newer options. We even visited Alexander Keith’s, which is one of the oldest working breweries in North America.

Saint John

Our last port stop of The Beer Cruise was Saint John’s in New Brunswick.

This was the only port where we didn't go to a brewery, but we had an excursion that took all day. On your first visit to Saint John’s, there’s really only one thing you should be doing, and that is to go to the Reversing Rapids.

This is a natural phenomenon caused by the extreme tidal flow in the area. Because it’s such a drastic tide, it causes the Saint John river to flow in two opposite directions, depending on the time of day! We got to see it at both times, and it really demonstrated how powerful nature can be.

We also got to see the tide come in quickly at the Bay of Fundy, which is where we ate lunch before heading back to see the rapids a second time. Along the way, you’ll see the river at both low and high tide, and it’s really cool to see such drastic changes. 

Last thoughts about this itinerary:  Because we took our New England/Canada cruise in September, there were very few kids on board. The crowd was less families and more 50+.

Because this was the dynamic, the activities didn’t feel like the typical Royal Caribbean programming we were used to. It was definitely geared more towards a more upscale, older audience.

Less poppy, kid-friendly, and more art & culture. I’d imagine that varies if you take this cruise during busy holiday weeks, but just something to keep in mind. Otherwise, we loved the port stops, and would absolutely do this cruise again.

When you're on a cruise ship, you might be curious about a ship's top speed so that it could avoid something like a storm.

Severe weather is enough to give almost anyone a bit of anxiety, and riding out a storm at sea isn't usually at the top of anyone's wish list when it comes to things to do on a cruise.

On every Royal Caribbean cruise, there is an event held for guests to ask the ship's Captain questions.

On a recent Odyssey of the Seas cruise, a passenger wanted to know in case of a storm, how fast can the ship sail away from a storm?

How fast can a cruise ship go?

Before we talk about the chances of running into a storm, let's look at a cruise ship's top speed.

Captain Sindre Borsheim answered how fast do cruise ships go when he was captain of the ship earlier this year. Captain Sindre has more than 20 years of experience with Royal Caribbean, so he's no stranger to ships and conditions at sea.

According to Captain Sindre, the top speed of Odyssey of the Seas is around 23.7 knots.

"That is full speed," he said and then joked maybe the ship could go a bit faster if they went downhill at the time.

The top speed of any cruise ship varies greatly depending on the ship’s size and engine power. 

Most of the time, a cruise ship doesn't get near that top speed. Instead, they remain at a more comfortable cruising speed. Going at a slower speed also reduces the ship's fuel consumption.

But if necessary, the ship can accelerate to that 23.7 knots figure, which is about 27 miles per hour.

Outrunning a storm is unlikely

The question about needing to outrun a storm is very unlikely to be a scenario your cruise ship will encounter.

"With today's technology, you see where the storms are coming," Captain Sindre explained.

"You can predict days in advance. So it's very rare that nowadays we get caught by surprise storms."

He did recall one time a few years ago when bad weather developed quickly, "I was on a ship over in Southeast Asia sailing out of Hong Kong. And we just happened to be exactly where the typhoon was born."

"We managed to get away before it was building up."

"Normally we see that they are born and then you predict the path. But if you happen to be exactly right there during birth, then then you may be caught by surprise."

It's important to also note that Royal Caribbean employs its own meteorologist to keep track of severe weather, anywhere around the world.

Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet gives the captain of each ship the best outlook on what the weather is doing now and what it is likely to do in the near future.

Read more: How Royal Caribbean navigates bad weather with its own meteorologist

More efficient engines than ever before

On a cruise ship like Odyssey of the Seas, it has the best engines in the fleet given how new it is.

Another guest asked if Odyssey's engines are quieter or eco-friendly than before.

"Yes, they are," Captain Sindre answered. "we have four diesel engines, our azipods are electric motors. The electric motors are propulsion motors. And then you have the diesel engines driving the generators, creating the electricity for the ships."

"If you combine the performance of an old diesel engine and the new ones that we have on board, it is a remarkable difference."

The use of azipods, which are omnidirectional form of propulsion for cruise ships, are great for many reasons.

"The azipods are placed there for fuel efficiency, which is of course serving two purposes. One is to reduce the fuel for environment. And that is also more cost beneficial for the company. So those two things go hand in hand."

"We have state of the art engines, which means that they are far more efficient. They're far more environmentally friendly than older engines."

Captain Sindre pointed out the shift in the cruise industry to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of diesel, "Most cruise lines are already starting heading in the direction of LNG instead of diesel engines. So LNG powered ships, which is again very more environmentally friendly."

Read more: Which Royal Caribbean ships are powered by LNG?

Understanding Covid test requirements needed for a Royal Caribbean cruise can be a bit confusing. In reality, though, taking a Covid test before your cruise just requires a little planning upfront.

Certain countries and regions have relaxed Covid-19 requirements whereas others maintain more strict requirements. Because of this, each port may have its own testing requirements, so it's important to ensure you're following the requirements of your cruise departure port.

In this guide:

• Testing requirements by departure port
• What does X days before sail date mean?
• Where can I get my Covid test?

Cruises departing from United States homeports with no port stops in Bermuda or Canada:

Guests sailing from the United States homeports (excluding itineraries visiting Canada or Bermuda) should adhere to the following guidelines:

Cruises 5 nights or less:

• Unvaccinated guests aged 2-11 must present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 3 days of the sail date. A second test is no longer required at the terminal.
• Fully vaccinated guests, regardless of age, no longer need to test for sailing lengths of 5 nights or less. 

Cruises 6 nights or more:

• All guests must present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 3 days of the sail date. A second test is no longer required for any guests at the terminal.

Cruises departing from United States homeports with port stops in Bermuda or Canada:

Testing requirement on all cruises regardless of length:

• Vaccinated guests must present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 2 days of the sail date.
• Unvaccinated guests aged 2-11 must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days before boarding day. Only PCR tests will be accepted for unvaccinated kids, and the test cannot be taken on boarding day.
• Unvaccinated guests aged 2-11 will have another COVID-19 test taken at the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

Cruises departing from Vancouver, Canada

• Vaccinated guests must present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 2 days of the sail date.
• Unvaccinated guests aged 2-11 must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. Only PCR tests will be accepted for unvaccinated kids, and the test cannot be taken on boarding day.
• Unvaccinated guests aged 2-11 will have another COVID-19 test taken at the cruise terminal on embarkation day.

Note: PCR tests for unvaccinated children are the only test to adhere to an hour requirement as opposed to days. Tests must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to scheduled boarding time on embarkation day. For example, if you are scheduled to board at 12PM on Friday, your test must be taken after 11:59AM on Tuesday.

All travelers arriving in Canada by air or sea will also have to fill out a form on the ArriveCAN app.

Related: How to use the ArriveCAN app for your Alaska cruise

Cruises departing from European homeports (Excluding Greece and Spain)

• All vaccinated guests must present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 2 days of the sail date.
• Unvaccinated kids aged 2-17 must present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 1 day of the sail date.

Cruises departing from Athens, Greece

• All guests aged 2 and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 2 days of the sail date.
• Telehealth tests are not accepted on cruises departing from Athens.

In addition to the pre-cruise test, guests age 12 and up who are considered not up to date with their vaccination, or are not vaccinated with an EMA-authorized vaccine, will require additional testing to be completed onboard at their own expense, in order to go ashore in select countries.

Guests 12 and up that are not up to date with their vaccinations will take an antigen test within one day before disembarkation day. Guests will be notified onboard about how to register for this test. The cost of the test is at their own expense, conducted onboard by a licensed third-party testing provider at a cost of $55 USD per test. Royal Caribbean does not retain any part of the testing costs.

Cruises departing from Spain

• Vaccinated guests who are up to date must show a negative result for a PCR or an antigen test taken no more than 2 days before boarding day.
• Vaccinated guests who are not up to date will have a 1 day window to take this test. Kids age 5 to 11 who have been vaccinated may follow the testing protocols for vaccinated guests.
• Unvaccinated kids aged 2-11 must present a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within 1 day of the sail date.

Note: To see if you are up to date on vaccinations, check here.

Cruises departing from Australia

Testing protocols have not yet been released for Australia cruises. However, Royal Caribbean has stated that it is likely that all guests will need to present a negative Covid-19 test.

Cruises departing from Singapore

• All guests must present a negative COVID-19 test result (nasal swab or saliva test) taken within 1 day of the sail date. Test results must be in English.

What does "within X days of the sail date" mean?

Depending on your departure port and vaccination status, you will have to take a Covid test 1, 2, or 3 days prior to your sail date.

Test required within 3 days of sail date:

• If your cruise leaves on Sunday, you can take your Covid test Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
• If your cruise leaves on Monday, you can take your Covid test Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday
• If your cruise leaves on Tuesday, you can take your Covid test Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday
• If your cruise leaves on Wednesday, you can take your Covid test Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
• If your cruise leaves on Thursday, you can take your Covid test Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
• If your cruise leaves on Friday, you can take your Covid test Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
• If your cruise leaves on Saturday, you can take your Covid test Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday

Test required within 2 days of sail date:

• If your cruise leaves on Sunday, you can take your Covid test Friday, Saturday, or Sunday
• If your cruise leaves on Monday, you can take your Covid test Saturday, Sunday, or Monday
• If your cruise leaves on Tuesday, you can take your Covid test Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday
• If your cruise leaves on Wednesday, you can take your Covid test Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
• If your cruise leaves on Thursday, you can take your Covid test Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
• If your cruise leaves on Friday, you can take your Covid test Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday
• If your cruise leaves on Saturday, you can take your Covid test Thursday, Friday, or Saturday

Test required within 1 day of sail date:

• If your cruise leaves on Sunday, you can take your Covid test Saturday or Sunday
• If your cruise leaves on Monday, you can take your Covid test Sunday or Monday
• If your cruise leaves on Tuesday, you can take your Covid test Monday or Tuesday
• If your cruise leaves on Wednesday, you can take your Covid test Tuesday or Wednesday
• If your cruise leaves on Thursday, you can take your Covid test Wednesday or Thursday
• If your cruise leaves on Friday, you can take your Covid test Thursday or Friday
• If your cruise leaves on Saturday, you can take your Covid test Friday or Saturday

The amount of hours that have passed since your test do not matter. Royal Caribbean counts tests by days, not hours, so there is no need to worry if it has been ~50 hours instead of 48 hours since your test by the time you board the ship.

Where can I get my Covid test?

The easiest and most convenient option for travelers who are eligible to take an antigen test is to order the Abbott BinaxNow Ag Card Home Test. This is a telehealth option in which a proctor watches and guides you through the Covid test. Tests come in packs of 2-6, and it is recommended to order more than you need in case of any discrepancies within the tests (missing items, invalid result, etc.).

Note: Do not use the regular Abbot BinaxNow test sold over the counter, as it does not have a proctor watching you take the test.

Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens also offer rapid and PCR Covid tests. Search for appointments near you prior to the cruise to ensure you can get one booked. These tests are free. The ease of finding a Covid appointment at a pharmacy can change with demand and your location, so check early to see if this option will work for you.

In addition to the at-home test and pharmacies, Covid tests can be found at urgent care locations, pop-up testing sites, health clinics, and more. Research what is offered in your local area far in advance to ensure you do not run into any surprises when trying to schedule a Covid test.

Our recommendation, when possible, is to take a rapid antigen test as opposed to a PCR test. Results come back much quicker, so there is no need to worry about not receiving the results in time.

Covid test results should include the following:

• Your name
• Date the test was taken
• Type of Covid test
• Negative result
• Lab’s CLIA or Certification number
• Address of the lab

How do I present my test results?

Test results can be shown either on a phone or printed paper at the cruise terminal.

Additional testing requirements by port

Most countries have gotten rid of inbound testing requirements when arriving by land, air, or sea. Before your cruise, however, double check to ensure no negative COVID-19 test results are needed upon arrival to your destination.

Here are the websites of the current protocols by country:

• United States
• Canada
• England
• Greece
• Spain
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Denmark
• Israel
• Cyprus
• Barbados
• Australia
• Singapore

Mazatlán is the most populous cruise port visited in the Mexican Riviera. Known for its historic city center, beachfront boardwalk, and seascapes, this coastal city offers plenty of activities for any budget and interest.

Unlike other Mexican Riviera cruise ports like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, you may not have even heard of Mazatlán before booking a cruise. Located directly across from the Sea of Cortez in the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlán can offer a more authentic experience than some of Mexico’s busiest resort towns.

Offering a mix of nature, city, history, and culture, here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Mazatlán, Mexico on a cruise.

Visit Old Mazatlán

Mazatlán’s most historic district, Centro Histórico, is a walkable district with public squares, monuments, and colorful streets.

The architecture of Mazatlán’s historic district is diverse with Spanish, French, British, and German influences. Colorful buildings line the streets with an abundance of cafes, bakeries, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and museums.

One of the main squares in the Centro Histórico of Mazatlán is Plaza Machado, which is a hub of activity during any day in Mazatlán as both tourists and locals alike spend time relaxing and taking in the culture around them.

Related: Mexican Riviera cruise guide

Hike El Faro

Some of the best views of Mazatlán can be found from El Faro, a lighthouse on the peak of Cerro del Crestón, located over 500 feet above sea level near downtown Mazatlán.

Hiking El Faro is doable for all fitness levels, as you’re able to hike at any pace, although it can be a bit steep. The hike is free, takes around 15-30 minutes to reach the top, and includes about 350 steps! 

It’s recommended to begin the hike in the morning to avoid strong heat. Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mazatlán and the Pacific ocean.

Walk the Malecón

Mazatlán’s malecón (boardwalk) is massive, spanning several miles along the waterfront. The boardwalk makes an excellent place to enjoy a peaceful stroll while taking in local culture and scenery.

Along the malecón are restaurants, bars, monuments, shops, and beaches. Visitors can easily spend an entire day strolling along the boardwalk and stopping to taste local cuisine, grabbing drinks, or relaxing on the beach.

Visit Angela Peralta Theater

Visiting a theater may not be the first activity that comes to mind when planning a port day in Mexico, but for culture aficionados, the neo-classical Angela Peralta Theater is not to be missed.

The theater originally opened in 1874 and has been home to a variety of performances since, from operas to burlesque shows, Carnival events, comedy shows, movies, and more.

While it’s not guaranteed that there will be a performance available at the theater while your ship is in port, the theater is open to the public during the day for around $1 per person. While visiting, you’ll be able to explore the intricate design of the opera house while learning more about Mazatlán’s artistic history (and you’ll get a break from the sun!).

Visit Mazatlán’s cathedral

Located in Centro Histórico’s Plaza de la República is La Cathedral Basílica de la Inmaculada, the main religious building in Mazatlán.

This baroque style cathedral is worth a visit when walking through Mazatlán’s historic neighborhood, as visitors can admire the ornate, beautiful architecture both inside and outside the cathedral.

Watch the cliff divers of Mazatlán

Something unique to check out in Mazatlán are the local clavadistas (cliff divers) jumping off a 45 ft. platform into a small, shallow area of water.

Located in downtown Mazatlán, these impressive divers put on a show for visitors as they skillfully leap from the cliffs into the ocean below. It is customary to tip the divers when watching their spectacular skills.

Take a boat tour of the coast

While it might seem silly to disembark a cruise ship and immediately get on another boat for a shore excursion, exploring Mazatlán on the water can actually be an amazing way to spend your day.

Boat tours offer a stress-free, no-planning-needed way to experience Mazatlán with the added bonus of being able to swim, kayak, snorkel, and relax at the beach.

Related: When is the best time to cruise the Mexican Riviera?

Relax at Stone Island

Stone Island is a peninsula located off the south coast of Old Mazatlán and is a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Mazatlán’s city center.

Stone Island has long stretches of sandy beaches that are much quieter than the city beaches just a short distance away. A few hotels and restaurants are found on the island, but with far fewer people and amenities, expect a more rustic, relaxed feel than a busy resort town.

The beach at Stone Island is relatively calm, making for a nice place to swim, rent water sport equipment, or just relax under a beach umbrella. Be sure to enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants located on the beach, too, where you can taste fresh seafood and other Mexican specialties.

Swim in the natural pool

Another unique activity to enjoy in Mazatlán is La Carpa Olivera, a saltwater swimming pool built into Mazatlán’s coastline. Surrounded by rocks and choppy waters, the swimming pool provides a safe swimming environment while maintaining a feeling of swimming in the surrounding ocean.

The pool originally opened in 1915, although it was damaged by a hurricane in the mid 20th century prior to being reconstructed in the 21th century. Today, just like in the early 1900s, the pool is a popular attraction on the malecón in Mazatlán for both locals and visitors.

Eat your way through Mazatlán

While “tasting local cuisine” is included on most of our Top 10 lists, it is always one of the best activities you can do while visiting a new country or port on a cruise.

Mazatlán has no shortage of restaurants, street food, and cafes to choose from during your day in the city. Be sure to try aguachiles, a shrimp cocktail similar to ceviche, and chorreadas, which are thick, fried tortillas with meat, onions, and cheese.

Signing up for a food tour can be another great way to experience Mazatlán’s culinary scene. Both Royal Caribbean and independent tour operators offer food and walking tours where you’ll be able to learn more about Mazatlán while tasting food from a variety of local restaurants and vendors.

Royal Caribbean wont require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on select sailings beginning in September.

Up until now, only unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 have been allowed on Royal Caribbean ships.

Starting with September 5th departures guests regardless of their vaccination status, can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as they meet any testing requirements to board: 

• Cruises from Los Angeles, California 
• Cruises from Galveston, Texas 
  • Please note, currently, only guests that show a valid vaccination record can get off the ship in Grand Cayman.
• Cruises from New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Please note, currently, only guests that show a valid vaccination record can get off the ship in Grand Cayman.
• Cruises from a European homeport 
  • Please note, guests who are not “up to date” on their vaccination per EMA standards will need to take a test onboard in order to get off the ship in Greece and Spain. 

Vaccination requirements remain in place until further notice for any homeport that is not mentioned above. 

Royal Caribbean says it is working to allow unvaccinated on other sailings, but they need to coordinate with other countries first.

"We are working with local governments in the Eastern Caribbean to align on vaccination requirements for more itineraries. We want to ensure a great experience going ashore at these ports, for guests of any vaccination status, while meeting local health regulations."

Missing from this list are cruises that visit destinations in The Bahamas or Eastern Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean believes that even by allowing unvaccinated passengers onboard, their health protocols far exceed that of other forms of leisure travel, "We continue to maintain additional layers of protection that far exceed any other vacation experience. This includes vaccination of all crew and keeping them up to date with boosters when eligible, routine surveillance of all crew, enhanced testing and treatment capabilities in our onboard medical centers, and much more."

Testing requirements

Here are the pre-arrival testing requirements for the sailings that allow unvaccinated passengers onboard.

Los Angeles & Galveston departures:

• Cruises 5 nights or less: 
  • Unvaccinated guests aged 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date. 
  • Vaccinated guests, regardless of age, no longer need to test for sailing lengths of 5 nights or less. 
• Cruises 6 nights or more: All guests aged 2 years and older, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of the sail date.
• Accepted Tests: Any FDA‐approved PCR or antigen test supervised in person or by a telehealth professional meet this requirement.

Europe departures:

• Testing requirements remain unchanged

New Orleans departures:

• Testing requirements have not been finalized

Why can cruise lines now allow unvaccinated passengers onboard?

The change in policy is rooted primarily in a change in policy by the U.S. government.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships July 18, 2022. This allowed the cruise lines to develop their own protocols, instead of it being mandated.

The CDC still makes recommendations to the lines, but ultimately, cruise lines craft protocols as they see fit, similar to other forms of leisure travel.

Celebrity Cruises will allow unvaccinated too

Celebrity Cruises will also allow unvaccinated cruisers onboard.

Beginning September 5th, 2022, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can now cruise on the following Celebrity Cruises sailings as long as they meet any testing requirements to board:

• All sailings departing from the UK and Europe (with the exception of Iceland)
• All sailings departing from Los Angeles to Mexican Riviera 

All other sailings (and sailings departing before September 5, 2022), the old restrictions still apply.

Other cruise lines also allowing unvaccinated onboard.

Royal Caribbean's announcement follows other cruise lines that have already relaxed their vaccine restrictions recently.

Norwegian Cruise Line made headlines when it announced it would end its vaccine requirement.

Beginning September 3, cruisers that are 12 or older who are unvaccinated or don't show proof of vaccination will be allowed onboard as long as they can show the results of a negative antigen or PCR test taken in the 72 hours before boarding. 

Children under 12 will have no testing or vaccination requirements.

NCL's policy also applies to sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.

NCL's rule change is subject to certain local guidelines, so cruises visiting Canada, Bermuda, or Greece will still require adults to be vaccinated.

Princess Cruises will also begin welcoming a small amount of unvaccinated adults onboard.

Princess said it will allow up to 10% of unvaccinated guests on most sailings without exemptions or vaccine status justification. Unvaccinated cruisers must apply on a first-come, first-served basis.  Guests will need to notify the reservations team at time of booking to ensure that they are counted as part of the 10% threshold.  

Paradigm shift in policy

Allowing unvaccinated guests back on at least some ships is a major shift in policy from the last two years.

Cruise lines have restricted their ships to only allow adults that are fully vaccinated onboard since sailings restarted in late 2020.

When Royal Caribbean resumed cruises in summer 2021, vaccine requirements were in place and remained so until now.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty spoke about the change during an earnings call with investors a few weeks ago and said the change is a move to be more like other forms of leisure travel, such as theme parks, casinos, or air travel. 

"We are continuing to adapt our protocols to align more closely with how the rest of society and other travel and leisure businesses are operating."

"This means that we're transitioning to the point where everyone will be able to vacation with us while always working with our destination partners to meet their regulations."

The picturesque islands of The Bahamas are among the world’s most commonly visited cruise ports. A neighbor to the United States, the proximity and beauty of The Bahamas makes the country an attractive destination for cruise ships, and you’ll find nearly every Royal Caribbean ship offering cruises to this island nation.

Whether you’re planning your first cruise or are a seasoned cruiser, there’s a pretty big chance you’ll be sailing to The Bahamas at one point or another. Knowing the ins and outs of what it’s like to cruise in The Bahamas, from understanding where you’ll visit to knowing what to pack, can help make your cruise experience the best it can be.

Let’s take an in-depth look at everything you need to know before booking a cruise to The Bahamas.

In this guide:

• Why go on a Bahamas cruise
• Bahamas cruise ports
• Bahamas cruise itineraries
• Best time of year for a Bahamas cruise
• Which Royal Caribbean ships sail to The Bahamas?
• Cost of a Bahamas cruise
• What to pack for a Bahamas cruise
• Bahamas cruise FAQ

Why go on a Bahamas cruise

A major reason to go on a Bahamas cruise is to enjoy the country’s world-class beaches. Turquoise waters, soft sand, and amazing snorkeling are available at any cruise port in The Bahamas. Whether you choose to lounge on a beach chair, enjoy a day pass at a resort, book a catamaran tour, or snorkel at a shipwreck, you’ll find plenty of crystal-clear beaches to discover.

The proximity of The Bahamas to Florida means you can reach the islands on even the shortest of itineraries. Weekend cruises to The Bahamas are extremely popular for this reason, allowing for a quick getaway to relax and unwind.

In addition, visiting the Bahamas means tasting delicious local cuisine, such as conch fritters and rum cake, and observing local culture.

Plus, cruises to The Bahamas are offered on nearly all Royal Caribbean cruise ships and on itineraries as short as two nights to nine nights or longer! Because of this, you’ll see a huge range in cruise fares, so you’ll be able to find the perfect cruise for any budget.

Bahamas cruise ports

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas, and it’s a favorite port for many cruisers. The island is packed with activities for all interests, from the tallest waterslide in North America to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has three main beaches: Chill Island, Harbor Beach, and South Beach. These beaches are free for all guests to enjoy and are lined with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. 

Guests looking to splurge can purchase a day pass to Hideaway Beach, an adults-only beach paradise, or Coco Beach Club, an exclusive, private beach club with an infinity pool, overwater cabanas, and an upscale Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.

A major perk of cruising to Perfect Day at CocoCay is that the island offers more than enough to do (and eat!) without spending anything extra. If you’re on a budget, Perfect Day at CocoCay makes for a cheap yet incredibly fun day in port.

Our Perfect Day at CocoCay tips:

• 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets
• Coco Beach Club: Cost, tips & review
• Do’s & Don’ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay

Nassau

Nassau is one of the world’s busiest cruise ship ports. Located on New Providence Island, Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas and is known for its upscale resorts and plethora of beaches.

Most passengers visiting Nassau will opt for a beach day. There are a few beaches located within walking distance from port, the most easily accessible being Junkanoo Beach.

Many visitors to Nassau take a taxi to Paradise Island, where they’ll find the famous Atlantis Resort and pristine Cabbage Beach. Day trips to nearby islands, such as Blue Lagoon and Pearl Island, can also be great options when spending the day in Nassau.

Nassau also offers plenty of history to discover, too, with historic forts, monuments, and museums showcasing the island’s history.

Related: Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

Grand Bahama Island (Freeport)

Grand Bahama is the most northwestern island in The Bahamas, located only 64 miles from Palm Beach, Florida. Cruises on Grand Bahama dock in the city of Freeport, the second largest city in The Bahamas with a population of around 24,000 people.

Like other Bahamas cruise ports, most passengers will spend the day on Grand Bahama Island at the beach. Beaches are located outside the port area, so an excursion or taxi ride is necessary to reach the island’s best beaches. 

Nature lovers can enjoy a tour of Lucayan National Park, where they’ll kayak through mangroves and learn about the park’s diverse ecosystem and geology. Tours of downtown Freeport are also available, which bring passengers to local markets and nearby beaches.

Other passengers may prefer to simply explore the port area, where there are plenty of food, drink, and shopping opportunities.

Bimini

Bimini is the closest island in The Bahamas to the United States, located around 50 miles from Miami, and comprises two main islands: North Bimini and South Bimini. The cruise port is on North Bimini, which is home to beaches, resorts, restaurants, and local shops in the island’s main town of Alice Town.

While Bimini is not the most common port stop on Royal Caribbean Bahamas itineraries, it offers a low-key, relaxing getaway for visitors looking to sunbathe, snorkel, or ride a golf cart around the island.

Popular shore excursions in Bimini include snorkeling at the SS. Sapona, one of the Caribbean’s most famous shipwrecks, spending the day at a beach resort, and tasting local cuisine.

Related: 21 best things to do in Bimini, Bahamas

Bahamas cruise itineraries

Shorter cruises

If you’re searching for a short getaway, you’ll find several Royal Caribbean ships offering 3 and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas. These itineraries visit both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas, and are offered on Voyager or Freedom Class cruise ships.

These itineraries happen weekly (Monday-Friday for 4-night cruises and Friday-Monday for 3-night cruises) and are offered most commonly on Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Liberty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, only offers 3 and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas. Every cruise on Utopia of the Seas visits Perfect Day at CocoCay and most sailings visit Nassau, Bahamas. 

Southeast coast cruises

You don’t have to fly to Florida in order to cruise to The Bahamas. Several Royal Caribbean ships sail from the ports of Cape Liberty and Baltimore to The Bahamas.

Most cruises departing from the northeast will stop at a few ports along the southeast coast of the United States before visiting The Bahamas, such as Charleston, South Carolina and Orlando, Florida. These itineraries tend to be 7 or 8 nights.

Related: Guide to cruises from New York

Miscellaneous itineraries

Outside of short getaways and cruises from the northeast, you’ll find a variety of other itineraries visiting The Bahamas, most commonly with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Both Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises often include a visit to The Bahamas in combination with stops in ports like Cozumel, Roatan, San Juan, St. Maarten, and Labadee. 

Best time of year for a Bahamas cruise

Weather

While The Bahamas is a year-round cruising destination, it’s important to remember that The Bahamas is located much further north than Caribbean cruise ports like Labadee and St. Thomas. In fact, The Bahamas is not technically even located within the Caribbean! Because of this, the islands can be prone to more temperature fluctuation than more southerly islands.

That being said, you’ll more than likely encounter comfortable temperatures at any time of year on a Bahamas cruise. Drier weather can be expected between November and April, with the rainiest months between June and September.

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, with the highest chance of storms between August and September. However, you shouldn’t necessarily avoid booking a cruise during hurricane season. Cruise ships will not sail through a hurricane. Instead, itineraries will be adjusted to avoid the storm.

Related: Cruising during hurricane season: Should you do it?

December and January can occasionally encounter colder temperatures due to the possibility of a cold front bringing choppy seas, strong winds, and temperatures in the 60s or low 70s.

While there’s no perfect time to cruise The Bahamas in terms of weather, the months of March, April, May, and November can see comfortable temperatures with less chance of rain.

Crowds

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination at any time of the year, and you can usually expect multiple ships in port on any given day. Nassau alone can accommodate up to 7 cruise ships at one time!

The busiest times to cruise The Bahamas coincide with the school holiday calendar, so expect more crowds onboard and in port during spring break, summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, as well as during 3-day weekends throughout the year.

Additionally, if you’re choosing between a 3-night weekend cruise to The Bahamas and a 4-night cruise during the week, you’ll often find that the weekend cruises are much busier. Not only can there be a higher capacity onboard, but weekend cruises often have more of a party atmosphere compared to a relaxed vibe during the week.

Related: I tried my first 3-night weekend cruise, here’s how it went

Which Royal Caribbean ships sail to The Bahamas?

Due to the proximity of The Bahamas to Florida, you’ll see a large number of Royal Caribbean ships sailing to the islands year-round. In fact, you can currently book itineraries to The Bahamas on 23 Royal Caribbean ships (out of the fleet’s 28 ships!)

Therefore, when planning a Bahamas cruise, you have nearly endless possibilities when picking a cruise ship. If you are looking for the latest and greatest ship Royal Caribbean offers, you can visit The Bahamas on an Icon, Oasis, or Quantum Class cruise ship. If you’d prefer a more laid-back holiday, you’ll find even the smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships visiting The Bahamas.

Related: 8 questions to ask yourself before picking a cruise ship

Cost of a Bahamas cruise

One of the best parts of cruising to The Bahamas is that you can often find fantastic deals, especially on shorter cruises. It’s not uncommon to find 3 or 4-night Bahamas cruises for as little as $575 for 2 adults in an interior room, including all taxes and fees.

Weeklong cruises often run around $1500-1700 total for 2 adults in an interior cabin on newer Royal Caribbean ships, whereas you can sometimes find prices as low as $1000-1200 for 7-night Bahamas cruises on older ships.

Because there are so many ships sailing to The Bahamas at any given time, you might even find cheap last-minute discounts available on sailings departing in the next few days or weeks.

Outside of cruise fare, you’ll also want to budget for gratuities as well as any cruise add-ons you plan to purchase, such as shore excursions, beverage packages, and dining packages.

Cruise add-on advice:

• Guide to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion
• Is a cruise drink package worth it?
• How to know if you should buy a Royal Caribbean dining package

What to pack for a Bahamas cruise

Packing for The Bahamas usually means packing lightweight, breathable clothing perfect for a warm day at the beach or sunny day onboard. A swimsuit is a must as well as sundresses, shorts, and t-shirts. It can get extremely warm in the summer months, so packing breathable, more loosely-fitting clothing is recommended.

If you’re visiting The Bahamas in the winter, it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket and a pair of jeans. While you’ll most likely encounter favorable temperatures, there can be occasional cold fronts leading to temperatures around 70°F. This can feel chilly when at sea or near the beach, so packing layers can be helpful.

For a more in-depth look at what to pack (including a packing list!) read our guide on what to pack for a Bahamas cruise.

Bahamas cruise FAQ

What currency should I use in The Bahamas?

The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar, and the exchange rate between USD and Bahamian Dollar is 1:1. There’s no need to take out Bahamian Dollars ahead of time, as you can make purchases in USD (although you might receive change back in Bahamian Dollars).

Do I need to purchase shore excursions on a Bahamas cruise?

Like in all other cruise ports, it’s not necessary to book a shore excursion. However, we recommend having a general plan for your day in port before getting off the ship.

Ports like Nassau and Freeport aren’t the best ports for simply walking off the ship with no plan, as it can be confusing to figure out where to go and what to do. Doing research beforehand on what activities are available in port can help you better plan your day.

There are, however, many shore excursions available in Bahamas cruise ports. These usually involve visiting a beach, resort, snorkeling, island hopping, etc. You can book shore excursions through Royal Caribbean, which tend to be more expensive yet offer more security, or through an independent provider.

Planning a cruise? Check out our best tips & tricks:

• 8 cruise tips for first-time Royal Caribbean cruisers
• What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
• 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• What is the best time to go on a Caribbean cruise?

Save this blog on Pinterest