Royal Caribbean Blog

In the past three years, I’ve cruised on all six of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class cruise ships, and I’m ranking them from best to worst.

Oasis Class ships have turned heads ever since the first ship, Oasis of the Seas, launched in 2008. She was anything but a traditional cruise ship; for the first time ever, a Royal Caribbean ship was split into distinct neighborhoods.

Whether the family-friendly, open-air Boardwalk at the ship’s aft or two-story Royal Promenade, the Oasis Class truly redefined what a cruise ship could be.

Throughout the past sixteen years, five more Oasis Class ships have launched: Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas. After cruising on every Oasis Class ship, I’ve come to favor some more than others. 

All six Oasis Class vessels are more alike than different, but each ship offers varied entertainment, restaurants, and onboard activities. Other touches, such as decor or differences in layout, change from ship to ship, too. Don’t get me wrong—all of my cruise experiences were excellent—but in the end, it was the subtle differences that made me favor one over the other.

Here’s my ranking of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships from best to worst.

Wonder of the Seas

At the top of my list of Oasis Class ships is Wonder of the Seas, which launched in early 2022. The ship’s layout, design features, and restaurants make Wonder my favorite in her class.

Wonder of the Seas was the first Oasis Class ship to have a slightly different layout from her sister ships. A Suite Neighborhood was added to the upper decks, the Windjammer buffet was expanded to decrease crowding, and the adults-only Solarium was fully enclosed so it could be climate-controlled.

Related: Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships

Everything on Wonder of the Seas felt exceptionally modern and well-designed during my week onboard. I loved listening to live country music at The Mason Jar, grabbing a drink from the tropical Lime and Coconut bar on the pool deck, and relaxing in the Solarium without breaking a sweat.

Honestly, the ship is nearly identical to Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Utopia of the Seas, but what makes Wonder of the Seas higher on my list are her itineraries.

Currently, Wonder of the Seas sails 7-night itineraries compared to Utopia’s 3 and 4-night sailings. As someone who does not live within driving distance to a cruise port, I’m more drawn to a longer cruise in order to make the travel time worthwhile.

Of course, not everything on the ship is perfect. I wish Wonder of the Seas featured a Broadway musical, for instance, but in general, I found the cons minimal. If I were given the chance to sail on an Oasis Class ship today, a 7-night itinerary on Wonder of the Seas would be my first choice.

It's worth mentioning that the ship will offer only short cruises starting in August of 2025, but as she stands currently, Wonder of the Seas is my favorite Oasis Class ship.

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, aims to provide the “Biggest Weekend” at sea. The ship, which only sails 3 and 4-night itineraries, markets toward cruisers in search of a quick getaway filled with themed parties and nonstop entertainment.

Related: Utopia of the Seas: Itinerary, features, and more

From the all-new Royal Kappa Chi college-themed party to the Toga Silent Disco, the three days I spent on Utopia of the Seas were anything but boring. And even though I wouldn’t say the party vibe was entirely my vibe, participating in the activities was not a requirement.

On the whole, the ship’s atmosphere did not feel drastically different to that of other Oasis Class ships. If you didn’t attend the evening parties, sailing on the ship mostly felt like cruising on any other ship in the class.

The layout and amenities were nearly identical to Wonder of the Seas, with a Suite Neighborhood and colorful pool deck. I appreciated the addition of a few venues not found on any other Oasis Class ship, including the Pesky Parrot tiki bar and the Royal Railway immersive dining experience.

Newer is usually better when it comes to cruise ships, but in this case, I still prefer the older Wonder of the Seas over Utopia of the Seas. The sticker price of the shiny new vessel is steep, and I can’t justify paying the same price for a 3-night cruise that I could pay for a 7-night cruise on a slightly older Oasis Class ship.

There’s no question that sailing on Utopia of the Seas is fun and that she provides the best-of-the-best Oasis Class features, but I’d still rather book a longer cruise itinerary.

Oasis of the Seas

Among my favorite Oasis Class ships is Oasis of the Seas. Of all of Royal Caribbean's ships, the first Oasis Class ship was perhaps the most influential. While we might now view a park on a cruise ship with normalcy, this certainly wasn’t the case in 2008!

Over the years, as expected, Oasis of the Seas began to show her age. In 2019, she underwent a $165 million amplification, which added waterslides, new restaurants, and a reimagined pool deck.

Related: Oasis of the Seas ship guide: Cabins, itineraries, what to expect

I sailed on Oasis of the Seas after her amplification, and I loved every minute of my experience onboard. I tried out the escape room, rode the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, and sipped on fruity cocktails on the Caribbean-inspired pool deck.

During my cruise, I particularly enjoyed the spacious outdoor sun deck in the Solarium along with Aqua80, the ship’s high-energy AquaTheater show. I also splurged on a pass to the spa’s thermal suite, which surely helped me enjoy my cruise even more.

In short, I didn’t find much at all to complain about on Oasis of the Seas. I prefer the more updated layout of Wonder and Utopia of the Seas, but the amplification of Oasis of the Seas helped the ship feel just as contemporary as the newer ships in the class.

Symphony of the Seas

Near the middle of my ranking is Symphony of the Seas, the fourth Oasis Class ship that launched in 2018. After spending a week onboard the ship last year, I found no major issues with the vessel, and my Western Caribbean vacation was just about perfect.

Related: Top 10 Symphony of the Seas hidden secrets

All things considered, Symphony of the Seas could easily be in my top three favorite Oasis Class ships. I found the ship impeccably clean, and I appreciated the design features throughout, especially the Solarium's Big Wonder art installation that lights up at night.

Additionally, my favorite Italian restaurant on Royal Caribbean—Jamie’s Italian—is found onboard, and I loved watching the ship’s Broadway production of Hairspray.

So why the lower ranking? Ultimately, I prefer the enhanced layout and offerings of Wonder and Utopia, along with the Caribbean pool vibe you can also find on Oasis of the Seas.

I wouldn’t purposely avoid Symphony of the Seas over the three aforementioned ships, but given the chance, it would probably be my fourth choice for an Oasis Class cruise vacation.

Harmony of the Seas

As if the Oasis Class ships couldn’t be game-changing enough, the launch of Harmony of the Seas in 2015 brought an even bigger wow factor to the Oasis Class.

Compared to the two Oasis Class ships built before her—Oasis and Allure—Harmony of the Seas debuted with upgraded activities. She had the first-ever waterslides on an Oasis Class ship along with the Ultimate Abyss dry slide and an escape room.

Related: Harmony of the Seas cruise ship review

In a way, Harmony paved the way for the next three Oasis Class ships, which all share these features, and also inspired the amenities added during Oasis of the Seas’ amplification.

Despite being a cutting-edge ship at the time, Harmony of the Seas ranks fifth on my list. Truthfully, though, she is so similar to Symphony of the Seas that I had to nitpick in order to rank her lower on the list.

Simply put, I prefer Hairspray over Harmony’s Broadway production of Grease, and I would prefer if the ship had a pool in the Solarium as opposed to just jacuzzis.

Obviously, none of these differences are deal breakers. I would never hesitate to sail on the ship again, but I would probably pick the other ships first.

Allure of the Seas

Somewhat unsurprisingly, Allure of the Seas is at the bottom of my list. After trying all six Oasis Class vessels, there’s no doubt that Allure of the Seas is the most in need of a refresh.

Launched in 2009, Allure has yet to receive her Royal Amplification, which will add new activities, dining venues, and bars onboard, as well as renovate existing cabins and public spaces. Due to this, the ship feels somewhat outdated within the fleet, especially when comparing her to her sister ships.

Related: Allure of the Seas cruise ship review

She lacks waterslides, a Splashaway Bay aqua park for kids, and updated Adventure Ocean kids programming. Notably, Allure of the Seas is missing the Ultimate Abyss slide, which travels from the Sports Deck to the Boardwalk neighborhood. Although this means that guests staying in Boardwalk balcony cabins can enjoy a less-obstructed view, it also means there is one less activity to try onboard.

As far as restaurants, Allure of the Seas lacks the cruise line’s newest concepts, including Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. Instead, you’ll find venues you won’t find on most other Royal Caribbean ships, such as Sabor Mexican restaurant and Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse.

In addition, the cabins on Allure of the Seas feel more dated than cabins on other Oasis Class ships. There are not as many outlets available throughout the room, and the cabin’s decor and furnishings could use a refurbishment.

Related: 30 cruise cabin hacks that cruisers love

Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean’s classic Oasis Class features are still there, including a tranquil Central Park, dynamic Boardwalk, and bustling Royal Promenade. In addition, I had no complaints about the ship’s entertainment, which features a Broadway production of Mamma Mia along with ice-skating and AquaTheater shows.

Fortunately, Allure of the Seas is set to receive an amplification in the spring of 2025. Official changes and new venues are yet to be announced, but it can be assumed that she will receive the line’s newest renditions of restaurants and onboard activities. Following her amplification, she will likely be on an even playing field with her sister ships.

Ancient Mayan ruins have been something that has always fascinated me, and I finally had the opportunity to see them myself.

While preparing for a cruise on Radiance of the Seas, I knew that I wanted to see Mayan ruins during the ship’s stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. 

Kohunlich is one of many ancient Mayan ruins near Costa Maya, in the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico. 

These ruins, in particular, date back to the late classic period of Mayan civilization, roughly between the 7th and 10 centuries CE. 

Seeing them while traveling on a cruise ship seemed so much easier than a land trip, because a land trip would have required much more extensive planning, from purchasing international flights to finding quality lodging to renting transportation to the Mayan ruin sites.

However, on my cruise, it was an easy one-day stop at Costa Maya that took me straight to see these once-in-a-lifetime ancient ruins.

Kohunlich is known for its impressive architecture, including pyramids, temples, plazas, and many well-preserved buildings. 

In particular, the most famous building is the Temple of Masks, which features a row of large masks on the front face of the temple.

Today, Kohunlich is a popular tourist attraction, and it was one of the cheapest Mayan ruin shore excursions that was offered on this cruise. It was $101.99, including transportation, snacks, water, and lunch.

Read more: 8 cruise ship shore excursions our readers tried and instantly regretted

My friend, who joined me on the cruise, purchased the excursion with me, and we both beamed with excitement to see these ancient structures.

When our ship arrived in Costa Maya, the excursion started bright and early in the morning. Although the shore excursion was listed as beginning at 8:30 A.M., we had to meet our group at 8:00 A.M.

After showing our tickets, we received stickers with specific numbers so that we could all gather together as a group.  They called our numbers one by one when they were ready for us to disembark. 

The crew members guided us to the gangway on deck 2, and we could disembark the ship.

After we exited the cruise port, we walked down the pier and were immediately guided into lines for our particular tour.

In front of these lines, three men danced and played drums in traditional Mayan costumes. Cruisers could also go up and take pictures with them!

This was a different shore excursion experience for me, as there were many people all lined up in sections. Although Radiance of the Seas was the only ship in the port, there seemed to be a large crowd of people around us.

However, the port was well-organized, and our tour guide found us by the sticker numbers we placed on our shirts. She called us forward when it was time to enter the bus.

There, we met our guides and bus driver, and they gave us some snacks and water. 

Then we hopped onto the bus and settled in for the 2-hour drive.

While we drove, our tour guide, Kitzia, got on the microphone, introduced herself, and told us stories about the area. 

Kitzia herself was half Mayan and even taught us some words in Maya, a dead language, but still learned conversationally. 

The drive was about two and a half hours with traffic, but the scenery was fascinating as we passed a few towns. 

The main town near the port of Costa Maya is Mahahual, which is right next door, but a striking contrast from the touristy port town we initially saw.

After passing through the town of Mahahual, it was evident that the Port of Costa Maya is a tourist attraction rather than an authentic Mexican town.

As the bus ride progressed, we drove further into the jungle and even passed a nature-preserved swamp, much like Florida’s Everglades. 

There was a bathroom located on the bus, but it did not have any running water, so I found myself wishing I had remembered to bring hand sanitizer.

When we finally arrived at the archaeological site, the bus went down a small, one-lane road to get into the area. 

When we arrived, our tour guide let us know that the area was being remodeled and the entrance to the site was filled with construction equipment. 

They were clearing out more of the jungle to make way for a bigger site, part of a large government project where they are adding a train to visit many Mayan ruins. 

This development will do a lot for Mexico‘s tourism and make it easier to get between Mayan archaeological sites. 

However, when we were visiting, it meant that there were only portapotties and mostly mud at the entrance to the rooms. 

Read more: Ultimate Mexico Cruise Guide

We walked in and started taking pictures. We had to be sure to not take any videos because the park charges an extra fee for any videos or “professional filming”. Our tour guide simply said that video would be prohibited and the group could be kicked out if caught filming. 

As we stood in the middle of the pastures, our guide stopped and told us a little more about the buildings that we were seeing: dormitories, a palace, and later on, we approached the temple and ballgame court. 

We were able to walk right up onto the buildings and explore the ruins ourselves. 

I was amazed knowing that we were walking on thousand-year-old structures that had been built by people in this very location. 

One of the larger structures was a former palace, where we could walk up the stairs and stand on the second level. Of course, we had to be careful as the edges were crumbling, but it was still very solid. Most of the buildings were made of limestone and had large wide steps.

Kitzia let us know that the steps were larger because you have to keep looking down when you’re walking on them, making the people bow down to the gods as they entered. 

After exploring those buildings, we walked a little further up the pasture and into the jungle. There we saw the main building and attraction of Kohunlich: the Temple of Masks.

Although there are multiple theories about what this building was for, most resources state that this is a temple to the sun God.

Since the Mayans had a very accurate astrological calendar, this temple helped to mark the seasons with the movement of the sun at its corners.

It also features several masks on the side of the building, faces carved into the structure. These masks are huge and remarkably well preserved, and we could see them clearly even from the first level.  

Beyond the archeological wonders, I always saw many natural wonders at this ruins site, such succulent vines. 

And, although I didn't see them, I heard howler monkeys shrieking!

I appreciated that the hike around the site wasn't too strenuous: people of all ages could join.

I overheard an elderly couple saying that they were grateful they were able to join in on this incredible experience. Although we could walk up onto the buildings, there was no requirement to, and we could also stay on the flat pasture to simply look up at the structures.

It did get hot, especially in the middle of the day, but our guides were consistent in passing out water and finding places to stand in the shade. People could also walk right back to the bus at any time if they needed to. 

After our hike around the site, everyone piled back into the bus, and we rode back to the cruise port. 

We got back around 3:30 P.M., making the entire trip about 7 hours in total. While it was a long day, I think it required less extensive travel planning than if I had planned to do this on my own as part of a land trip.

Overall, it was a remarkable experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see thousand-year-old structures. 

And, best of all, we could walk right back onto the cruise ship when it was over, ready to experience adventure at our next destination.

Ready for a cruise to Europe but not sure what to pack? If you’re like me, you might be most worried about what you’ll be wearing. 

Bringing the right wardrobe for a cruise - or any trip for that matter - is crucial. You’ll need to do a little research before setting sail in Europe to pack appropriately. If you embark on a cruise without the proper wardrobe or necessities, you’ll be spending some money in port to purchase whatever you might have left behind!

If you’re overwhelmed with packing for your upcoming trip to Europe, I’m here to help! I just returned from a fabulous 7-night European cruise from Southampton, England. My itinerary had stops in Norway and Belgium with weather that spanned from sunny and warm to cool and rainy.

In addition, my husband and I spent three nights in London before our cruise to explore the city - it’s one of our favorites! Most travelers will spend a few days exploring the embarkation port, or a nearby destination, before sailing on a European itinerary.

If you’re spending the time and money to travel to Europe from North America, I highly recommend adding a few days before or after your cruise to explore. This means you’ll need to pack a little more than you might typically for a 7-night cruise, especially those who are used to Caribbean itineraries.

Keep practicality at the forefront of your packing strategy for Europe. Pack clothes that are both cute and comfortable for long days ashore.

For instance, I can almost guarantee on any European cruise that you will be doing plenty of walking. You can easily hit 15,000 steps each day while cruising in Europe. With so much walking, be sure to pack comfortable shoes that are broken in. You don’t want to deal with painful blisters during your vacation.

In addition, you’ll need to pack outfits and necessities for your time onboard your cruise ship. I typically plan for one outfit each day followed by one evening outfit for the ship. This also includes one or two lounge outfits for sea days.

Please note, if you’re sailing to or around the Mediterranean, you will need a completely different wardrobe than the one I’m about to provide. Mediterranean cruises are much warmer compared to cruises farther north.

Read more: What to wear on a Mediterranean cruise

My outfit and packing guide will focus on necessities and inspiration for Northern Europe. This could include cruises across Northern Europe and the Baltics, such as itineraries from popular embarkation ports like Southampton (England), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Reykjavik (Iceland), Oslo (Norway), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Stockholm (Sweden).

Weather Expectations

The cruise season for Europe starts in April and ends in October. However, cruises around Northern Europe are typically from May to September due to cooler temperatures in the spring and fall. 

As you might guess, sailing around Northern Europe will be inherently cooler than the Mediterranean. Cruising on the North or Baltic Sea means you’ll be experiencing a cooler climate, even in the summer.

Temperatures will be anywhere from 40 degrees F to 70 degrees F on a European sailing. However, cruises in the shoulder season (April/May or September/October) mean you’ll veer towards the cooler temperatures.

Weather in Europe can often be unpredictable. For instance, during our cruise to Norway, it would be cold in the mornings at 40 degrees and warm up to 70 degrees later in the day. The following day could bring cold, rainy weather all day in the 50s.

However, this region of Europe can still experience heat waves, so packing layers is the key. We didn’t necessarily have a heat wave during our cruise, which was in early June. But, we still had a few warm and sunny days.

Moreover, if you’re sailing towards the Arctic Circle on itineraries to Iceland or Norway, you’ll need to prepare for mostly cold and rainy weather. The further north you’re sailing, the cooler you can expect the temperatures.

Finally, European cruises are notoriously rainy. Every cruise I’ve sailed around this region has experienced multiple days of cold weather and rain. The weather can change quickly with spurts of rain throughout the day.

General Cruise Packing Tips

While packing for your European cruise, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. First, focus on packing layers. This will allow you to bundle up when the weather is cool while also being able to shed layers if it warms up.

For instance, choose neutral-colored jackets that you can wear with the majority of what you’re packing. For me, this includes a long black raincoat to wear over a sweater or a denim jacket to pair with a short-sleeved dress or top.

In terms of layered clothes, you should also prioritize packing items that you can mix and match. Again, neutral-colored clothes or capsule items are usually good for this, as you can wear multiple pieces together over the course of your cruise.

The mix-and-match strategy also allows you to pack less overall. If an outfit is a one-and-done, it probably could stay home. The same principle applies to shoes and outerwear to ensure you aren’t wasting precious space in your luggage.

Moreover, make sure you consider your daily activities while in Europe. If you’re visiting churches or holy sites, make sure you pack appropriate clothes that cover your knees or shoulders (if needed). Those doing adrenaline-pumping or active excursions should look for outfit guidelines on tour descriptions. For example, hiking excursions often suggest wearing hiking shoes.

Read more: I’ve been on 3 European cruises, and I see people making the same 12 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them

Finally, aim to pack clothes that are always comfortable. It’s not uncommon to feel bloated by the end of your cruise, and this isn’t the time to try squeezing into your fitted jeans, at least for me! Versatility, comfort, and practicality are all key when choosing the outfits for your European cruise.

Try not to overpack if you can. I struggle with this, especially for colder climate cruises. Remember, you will need to lug your suitcases around from the airport to the cruise terminal. This could also include train stations, taxis, hotels, and more depending on your plans before and after cruising.

Clothing Essentials Overview

For this cruise, I packed one outfit for each day of our cruise - so 7 different daily outfits. Our itinerary included three days in Norway and one day in Belgium. As we cruised further north in Norway, the temperatures dropped.

Our activity schedule included a train ride in Flåm, Norway and a glacier hike in Olden, Norway. As such, one of my outfits was an athletic fit for the hike, including workout leggings, a long-sleeved workout shirt, and appropriate undergarments.

I also packed a dress to wear each evening onboard our cruise, meaning I also packed 7 dresses. Most of these dresses were versatile and comfortable pieces that I could layer with a coat if needed. I also packed practical dresses that I could wear during the day, if needed.

How you choose to dress on your cruise is up to you. Most cruise lines have dress code guidelines that forbid shorts, flip-flops, and swimsuits for restaurants. You should also consider if your cruise has any formal or elegant nights. 

This could include a cocktail dress or even a formal gown if you feel like dressing up. For me, I tend to wear casual and comfortable dresses during my cruises in the evenings. I also try to pack dresses that I can wear during the day, meaning only a few dresses are strictly for evening wear. 

I kept lounge wear minimal for this cruise, as we only had two sea days. I packed a crewneck and short matching set to wear onboard. I typically wore this to breakfast each day before changing for the daily activities. I also packed sweatpants that I wore in our cabin while enjoying the balcony. If you have more sea days, you will need to pack more casual clothes to wear onboard. 

Finally, don't forget a swimsuit! I love this long-sleeve swimsuit from Amazon (this contains an affiliate link) because it's warmer and I don't have to worry about getting sunburnt. 

Without further ado, here’s everything I wore and packed for my 7-night European cruise to Norway and Belgium. This is a breakdown of exactly what I wore during my cruise.

European Cruise Packing List

Outfits:

• 2 pairs of pants (cargo pants and jeans)
• 3 pairs of leggings (casual and workout)
• 3 workout skorts (to wear under dresses or alone)
• 4 long sleeve dresses
• 3 short sleeve dresses
• 2 elegant night dresses
• 2 sweaters
• 2 casual tops
• 1 long sleeve workout top
• 1 black denim jacket
• 1 lounge outfit (matching shorts and crewneck)
• 2 pairs of pajamas
• 1 swimsuit (pack extra if you plan to hot tub more than once or twice)
• 14 days worth of undergarments (I packed extra in case of travel delays)
• Optional: Workout clothes (if you plan to exercise on your cruise, pack accordingly)

Outerwear:

• 3 coats (raincoat, fashion coat, puffer coat - I could have left behind the puffer coat, but it packed easily in a compression packing cube and I wore it onboard. Having a waterproof coat is key)
• 2 hats or warm headbands (in case one gets wet)
• Gloves
• Optional: Scarf (I didn’t wear one this summer, but I did last year when cruising to Iceland and it was colder!)

Shoes:

• Comfortable walking shoes (I packed white tennis shoes and wore them almost every day)
• Waterproof boots
• Dinner shoes (I brought casual platform sandals that could be dressed up or down. I wore these every night)
• Sandals (I packed casual slides to wear around the ship - I wore them with socks)

Accessories:

• Crossbody purse (Mine was used daily for ashore exploration and dinners onboard)
• Daily jewelry (I keep this simple and wore my wedding rings with gold hoops each day)
• Sunglasses
• Umbrella
• Small travel wallet
• Larger purse (I use a small backpack-style purse to hold more for longer travel days)
• Packing cubes
• Jewelry travel case
• Electronics organizer
• Tote or bag to use around the ship
• Hair clips or ties (I use claw clips and scrunchies mostly)

Daily Necessities:

• Sunscreen (I prefer a tinted moisturizer with SPF when cruising, but sunscreen is still important)
• Skincare (I bring travel-size products, including face wash, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and eye cream)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Body spray or perfume
• Makeup and makeup remover
• Prescription medication (I pack extra medication in case of emergency or travel delays)
• Over-the-counter medication (My travel pharmacy contains a variety of OTC medication that might be needed, including pain relief, seasickness, cold/flu medication, sleep aid, and allergies)
• Contacts/glasses and solution

Technology:

• Phone
• iPad or tablet with downloaded shows
• Wireless headphones
• Wired headphones (for the plane)
• Smartwatch
• Charging cords
• Portable charger
• Camera (I have a nicer digital camera I bring while traveling)
• Optional: Laptop (I always travel with mine) and e-reader/book

Travel Needs:

• Valid passport (and any necessary visas)
• Travel insurance
• 2 credit cards, including Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees
• ATM card (in case of an emergency where you need cash)
• Cash or local currency (I don’t deem cash necessary anymore for European travel. Everywhere we went accepted credit cards. But if you like to have cash or want to tip onboard, bring some local currency)

Cruise Items:

• European converter
• Outlet expander
• Magnetic hooks
• Travel-size sound machine
• Hanging cosmetic organizer

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Short cruises or not, Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas offers some of the line's best in class features on a brand new ship.

Utopia has made headlines for being Royal Caribbean's new party ship and for just offering 3- and 4-night cruises, but those tag lines overlook the things that make the ship stand out.

I sailed on a 3-night media preview sailing (full disclosure: Royal Caribbean invited me to sail. I paid for the revenue sailings), followed by Utopia's first two revenue sailings in order to get a full sense of what the ship is all about. After all, there are so many activities, parties, and events happening around the ship, and I wanted to try as many as possible.

The choice to offer just short cruises to start was met with raised eyebrows by some cruise fans, but Royal Caribbean is adamant this is part of a larger strategy to appeal to first time cruisers.  They want someone who has never cruised before to reconsider their land vacation and go for a cruise instead because of the fact Utopia is brand new and offers a lot.

It's hard not to be intrigued by a ship you can sail on for just the weekend and enjoy waterslides, a train simulator restaurant, late-night parties, and visits to a private island in The Bahamas.

Short cruises with lots to do

Don't expect a weekend cruise on Utopia of the Seas to be just lounging around the pool and sipping pina coladas. 

While you certainly could do just that, it's clear Royal Caribbean wanted Utopia to be more than a traditional cruise ship because they want to attract untraditional cruisers to give it a try.

The ship is marketed with lots of hype about it being "the world's biggest weekend", and to that effect, there's more ways to splash, party, and eat onboard.

What this translates to is Royal Caribbean has more of each of those things to do onboard, and it's the best versions of each yet. 

The pool deck has been updated with a better Lime and Coconut bar that fits the look of the ship better, along with a giant aquapark, wide-open pools, and an enclosed adults-only Solarium.

The entertainment team worked overtime to come up with all sorts of new parties and events on Utopia, with a clear direction to try to bring more energy to the experience.

You'll find a silent DJ party with togas, an opportunity to play beer pong, Vegas-style pool parties, and late-night DJ experiences. 

Don't worry, there's still plenty of traditional cruise activities, including karaoke, trivia, bingo, and game shows.

And then there's all the dining choices onboard. There's a new pool deck snack location to keep you going without having to go very far with the Spare Tire.

A new chef-driven Japanese restaurant has been added, while the line's Italian specialty restaurant was moved to a stunning location. And then there's the innovative immersive dining experience that makes you feel like you're on a classic train traveling through the Old West.

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's immersive train experience

Big and small changes, they all combine to make Utopia stand out from not only other Royal Caribbean ships, but any ship you could go on for just a few days.

My favorite changes

As someone that cruises a lot, I'm always drawn to what's new and different on a cruise ship.  Partly for novelty, and partly because who doesn't enjoy a new shiny thing?

It's clear Royal Caribbean spent a lot of time not only coming up with brand new things to add to Utopia of the Seas, but also re-visiting established features.  While Utopia may be the sixth Oasis Class ship in the fleet, she is anything but a copy-and-paste cruise ship.

Read more: Everything new and different coming to Utopia of the Seas

When you walk onto Utopia of the Seas for the first time, there's a good chance you'll see the first clear winner for favorite change, and that's the Pesky Parrot.

Not only does Pesky Parrot replace an aging Bionic Bar idea, but it brings a new bar that you'll actually want to hang out in to the ship. Cruise ship bars are a lot like being a kid in high school: it's hard for the new ones to compete with the popular ones that everyone already knows.

Before you even try a drink, you'll pick up on it's a fun place to hang out. It's bright, wide open, and so much seating that you can't help but plop down.

There's a variety of specialized pina coladas offered (try the peanut butter one), fun mugs, and the bar was busy every single day I was onboard. 

The hot ticket on Utopia is the Royal Railway, which is a brand new kind of experience that is meant to wow you with how immersive it is.

In short, Royal Caribbean has designed a restaurant that looks and feels like you're on a classic train. It's much more than curtains and paint, there are digital screens, sound effects, vibrating seats, and more that all contribute to make it really feel like you're on a train.

The first show offered on Royal Railway is an Old West journey, but new shows and tastings are promised for the near-future, including a more adult-focused dinner, brunch, and wine tastings.

Speaking of dining experiences I really liked, the omakase dinner was a welcome treat.

Royal Caribbean has done sushi and hibachi for years, but they've expanded to now have a chef-driven Japanese meal.  Seating just six people, it's the kind of meal anyone that loves sushi will relish.

While sushi is the focus, I enjoyed the other courses that went beyond nigiri or sashimi.  It was a culinary experience I liked even more than I expected.

While the high energy pool parties are what you'll see advertised a lot, I thought the decision to have an enclosed Solarium was a great counterweight to the party pool scene.

Utopia is not the first Oasis Class ship to get an enclosed Solarium, but I'm glad they kept it.  Not only does it keep it from getting too hot in the summer (or chilly in the winter), but it means you can be very comfortable and enjoy the best pool views you'll find on the ship.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention I also enjoyed tried and true favorites on Utopia.  While the new things may get a lot of the attention, there are lots of well-established Royal Caribbean staples on Utopia.

The Country Trio band at the Mason Jar Bar were a must watch for me every night they performed. Bryan, Jeff, and Josh are truly talented musicians, and a shining example of Royal Caribbean's dedication to live music.

Dinners at 150 Central Park, Playmakers, and Coastal Kitchen did not disappoint in the slightest, and it's why I go there to dine on most cruises.

Of course, the visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay was one in a long string of great days at Royal Caribbean's private island.  It's the reason why the rest of the cruise industry has taken notice of Royal Caribbean's success there.

I stayed in two different, yet purpose built cabins

Across my collective 13 nights on Utopia, I tried two different cabins.

On the first sailing that Royal Caribbean invited me to, I was in an oceanview balcony cabin on deck 10.

While I think the shower in a standard cabin are superior on Icon of the Seas, I love how much storage space there is on Utopia.

There's a ton of storage space in the stateroom, and for a room meant for two people, I think it's a great choice for a room.  It's probably why balcony cabins are so popular due to the fact they have just enough space, a private view, and natural light.

Once my back to back cruise on the first two revenue sailings began, I moved up to a Crown Loft Suite within the Suite Neighborhood area of the ship.

This two story giant suite has two bathrooms and comes with fabulous perks, such as complimentary drinks in the suite lounge, reserved seating at shows, and access to a restaurant just for suite guests.

While a balcony cabin is practical, a suite is simply a splurge. Having all the amenities included, along with significantly more living space is a welcome treat. It's hardly a bargain in terms of price, but I was able to see how the suite experience compared on Utopia.

Read more: Guide to Utopia of the Seas cabins and suites

Two things I didn't like about Utopia of the Seas

In looking back, there are probably two aspects of the new ship I think can be improved.

The production shows in the Royal Theater and Studio B theater I thought didn't continue the trend of upping the ante in Royal Caribbean's ever impressive shows.

The performers were extremely talented, but it seemed like neither moved the needle as other productions show have on Royal Caribbean's recent shows, such as The Effectors on Wonder of the Seas or Wizard of Oz on Icon of the Seas.

Both utilized technology in impressive ways, and I loved a few of the song selections in both shows.

The other qualm I had was at Playmakers, which is an open air sports bar within the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Playmakers is great, but the lack of air conditioning made it less enjoyable than other Playmakers locations.  Considering a majority of the year Florida and The Bahamas deal with stifling humidity, I thought it would have been better indoors.  Or perhaps with walls/windows that can be easily opened if it's comfortable weather outside.

In the case of both these issues I found, there were plenty of passengers who were having a great time.

Utopia of the Seas is the multigenerational escape vacation

The weekend party is what you'll see advertised, but the truth is Utopia of the Seas has parties, just like it has things for kids, their parents, and grandparents.

I was impressed how much there is to do on this ship.  For just a 3-night sailing, I think you're going to have to prioritize activities very quickly because time goes quickly and you simply cannot do it all.  It's why I was happy I opted for going back again on a second sailing.

Royal Caribbean has always been a multigenerational family brand, and that doesn't change with Utopia.  What has changed is how much more they're offering for those that want a party.

Royal Caribbean divulged last week one out of every two customers is a millennial or younger, and there's a clear push to offer these customers more.

But there's also lots for anyone that doesn't want a DJ, champagne gun, or toga in their future. Like a new car, I can appreciate the latest and greatest finishes even if it has features I'll never use.

My top takeaway after over a week onboard is Utopia of the Seas is just like Icon of the Seas in that it offers the very best cruise experience right now. If a weeklong cruise doesn't seem right, then Utopia is your choice.  Otherwise, Icon is waiting with even more exciting things to do.

Karaoke is one of the most popular activities on a cruise ship, and there's a way you can enjoy it without having to wait for a turn.

On Royal Caribbean's newer cruise ships that have a Spotlight Karaoke venue, you'll find karaoke sessions throughout the day to attend where you can try singing along to musical hits.

On Icon of the Seas, Spotlight Karaoke has a private karaoke room you can rent, which is great for a small group to enjoy without a big crowd. I wanted to see if this was a great alternative to the typically crowded karaoke sessions.

Spotlight Karaoke is Royal Caribbean's best karaoke venue yet

Karaoke isn't new to Royal Caribbean, but it's traditionally been an event held in a multipurpose venue, which meant there were limited times to do it.

Royal Caribbean has started adding Spotlight Karaoke to its newer ships, including the brand new Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

The private karaoke room costs $70

There are private karaoke rooms within Spotlight Karaoke you can rent on a first come, first rented basis.

I did not see an option to pre-book it on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site, so we had to wait to get onboard the ship to book it.  Guest Services can book it for you, as can a Royal Genie if you're in Star Class.

This is meant to be a family or group activity, where you rent the space for one hour and have access to the full library of karaoke tunes to sing along to within a private setting.

On a recent Icon of the Seas sailing, my daughter and her friends loved going to karaoke sessions but always got frustrated when the line was long, or if there was adults-only karaoke sessions happening.  

I knew about the private rooms from when they first debuted on Oasis of the Seas in 2019, and asked about renting a spot.  It cost $70 and was for one hour.

You get the private room and then it's DIY in terms of hosting the karaoke session.

The karaoke rooms are located to the side of Spotlight Karaoke

The private karaoke rooms are easily overlooked if you don't know they exist.

On Icon of the Seas, the rooms are behind a door to the left of the venue.  It looks like a door to a crew member area, rather than where you'd find the rooms.

When we arrived for our karaoke session, the karaoke manager met us near the door and we were escorted into the room.

There's a large couch that extends across the back of the room, with the large karaoke screen the focus.  The idea is that everyone in the room can see the lyrics, just like if you were in the main venue.

The manager gave us a tablet, where we could search for songs by artist or title. It was not the most intuitive software I've ever seen, but once she went through the process one time, it was clear how to use it.

The library of songs is vast enough to probably find the songs you're looking for, especially if they're hit songs.  Deep cuts may be an issue, but I assume that would be the case in the main room too.

The room is private, but not soundproof

Besides not having to wait for a turn in karaoke, the other appeal of a private room is you could sing in privacy.  

While being in the room does potentially shield you from others on the ship hearing your attempt to sing, the room is not quite totally soundproof.

The kids went out of the room to test if they could hear the person singing in the private room, and it was definitely audible.  

The good news is if there's karaoke happening in the main room of Spotlight Karaoke, it's unlikely many people would be able to hear what's happening in the private rooms.

We had fun and the kids wanted to do it again

The private karaoke room rental delivered exactly what we wanted: a way to enjoy karaoke with my kid's friends without waiting for a turn in the main room.

The one hour rental is just long enough for everyone to have a turn and get the "karaoke bug" out of their system.  Moreover, as someone who would never get up on the karaoke stage, being able to sing in private was a welcome option.

At $70 for the hour, it's a quite reasonable cost considering you can easily get about 6-8 people in the room (especially if they're kids).  Plus, it was a reasonably priced splurge for the kids to do something fun.

Obviously you don't need to pay money to enjoy karaoke and there are many open sessions that cost nothing extra.  The reason to go with the private room is for those that want a "fastpass" to be able to sing what they want, when they want.  

Our family and friends had a great time trying it, and we rented it again while on Utopia of the Seas a few weeks later.

Can you believe it's the last days of July already? It is the middle of Summer and there is a lot of Royal Caribbean news to catch up from during this week.

Royal Caribbean's sailings are selling faster than ever.

Jason Liberty, President and Chief Executive Officer for Royal Caribbean Group, said that the cruise line's "2024 bookings have consistently outpaced last year throughout the entire second quarter and into July, despite the fact that we have significantly fewer staterooms left to sell," he said.

As inventory decreases, staterooms are continuing to sell at increasing prices.

Royal Caribbean faces more cruising demand than ever, as well as an uptick in pre-cruise purchases like WiFi, drink packages, and shore excursions.  

Royal Caribbean News

• Flying to your cruise? 6 things to consider before booking
• Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship class will probably replace older, smaller ships
• "We are just getting started" Royal Caribbean reports $4.1 billion in revenue in second quarter
• Hilarious TikTok shows how much teenage boy can eat on his cruise ship
• Photos show the latest progress on Royal Beach Club in Nassau
• Royal Caribbean surveys customers for a new restaurant idea on its Icon class ships
• Meet Royal Caribbean's new head of entertainment

New RCB video: Everything I ate on the world’s newest cruise ship

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 — Everything I ate on the world’s newest cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

$10,000 Luxury Suite on Utopia of the Seas

One of the top suites you can book on Royal Caribbean's newest ship comes with a big price tag and lots of space.

Matt stayed in the Crown Loft Suite with his family on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship.

It has two levels and two full bathrooms, but it also cost significantly more than a balcony cabin.

Utopia of the Seas sets sail and it's worth trying twice

Guests will have a multitude of activities, shows, and dining choices to choose from on Utopia of the Seas.

There simply won't be enough time to experience everything within the 3- and 4-night sailings the ship currently offers.

Matt booked a "back-to-back" sailing on Utopia, getting more value for his travel and turning a weekend cruise into a full week vacation.

Royal Caribbean will add another cruise ship to Los Angeles

Royal Caribbean just announced that it will deploy another ship to the port of Los Angeles.

Beginning in May 2025, the Quantum-Class will sail 3, 4, and 5-night cruises out of California.

Instead of sending Ovation of the Seas to Tianjin, China, as previously announced, the vessel will serve to meet high demand for Royal Caribbean cruises on the West Coast.

I tried the new chef-driven Japanese restaurant and it surprised me

What can you expect from the new Japanese dining experience on Utopia of the Seas?

Matt recently tried Izumi Omakase, high-quality Omakase dining experience created by Master Chef Travis Kamiyama.

The host-guided and chef-driven meal was the perfect high-quality meal for a lover of Japanese food.

Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for offering the best entertainment that rivals New York or Las Vegas, and there's someone new in charge of it all.

Christine Coachman is the Vice President of Entertainment for Royal Caribbean International, and she was promoted to oversee all of the line's entertainment in May.

Taking the reigns of a company that has almost 30 cruise ships with thousands of performers, singers, dancers, and musicians is not a simple task, but Ms. Coachman has been with the company for a long time. She's been at the forefront of Royal Caribbean's entertainment since the '90s.

At a sit down panel interview on Utopia of the Seas last week, Ms. Coachman spoke to Royal Caribbean Blog and other media outlets about her experience, plans for the future, and what Royal Caribbean has up its sleeve.

Coachman is no stranger to Royal Caribbean. "I've been around for quite a while," she said. 

She started in 1990 as a performer on Sovereign of the Seas and has familiarized herself with entertainment on Royal Caribbean ships for the past 34 years.

She explained how a brand-new ship like Utopia of the Seas needed a new approach to entertainment, especially since the vessel is starting by offering 3 and 4-night cruises.

Coachman's vision for future entertainment combines technology with human talent

When asked what she sees for the future of Royal Caribbean's entertainment, Coachman spoke about how much the cruise line has grown over the years.

When she first started on Sovereign of the Seas, she performed in one venue with a cast of 12 performers.

Decades later, on Utopia of the Seas, she now heads up a team of over 200 entertainment staff in 23 venues.

Coachman herself had a hand with Royal Caribbean's record-breaking Broadway shows: "I negotiated every single Broadway contract. So it's very important to me and the brand."

Although Utopia of the Seas is one of the only Oasis Class ships without a Broadway show (besides Wonder of the Seas, which boasts the in-house Effectors 2), Royal Caribbean isn't done producing them.

It will all depend on the demographic and ship's itinerary.

Original shows, like The Effectors, aren't going out of style, either. Coachman called brainstorming and creating these shows "the fun part of the job."

Her team has no lack of creativity, she said.

Moving forward, the cruise line looks toward incorporating modern technology with human talent.

"As an innovative corporation, technology is important in many aspects of what we do."

"But also it's really important to remember the human artistry. Without humans bringing that entertainment to life, what's the point?"

Comedians, for example, continue to be the cruise line's favorite headliners.

Out of 5,400 headliner bookings across the fleet this year, nearly 1,300 are comedians. That's nearly a quarter of all bookings.

Royal Caribbean—and Coachman herself—loves comedy. 

"I always need to find at least one time [to] sneak in the back [of a comedy show] and just laugh and forget about everything for a second," she said.

Utopia offers a taste of Royal Caribbean entertainment

Because Utopia of the Seas is an Oasis Class ship offering shorter itineraries, passengers have a lot of entertainment to cram into a few days.

"If you look at the big picture, Utopia is a taste," Christine Coachman said.

Entertainment on the vessel is intended to be "a taste of what you could experience on a longer itinerary."

To offer guests a preview of what longer sailings on Royal Caribbean could look like, the entertainment team worked to create several new parties.

To help prepare for the experience, they even created a new position called "Director of Parties and Nightlife." Ken Rush, former Cruise Director, serves in this position for Utopia.

Coachman called the ship a family experience that is also "one party after another."

First, guests will be immediately greeted by "Hey Utopia, Let's Get This Party Started," on the pool deck, which immediately transitions into the high-energy Sailaway party.

Royal Caribbean has designated crew members to become the Party Squad, a group intended to hype up the crowd and invite participation.

"You can participate or you can watch," Coachman said. She personally enjoys people-watching.

Read more: Utopia of the Seas preview: Sneak peek photos of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship

Utopia of the Seas introduces several new parties to guests as a party of the fast-paced experience.

The Silent Toga party is similar to the SHUSH! Silent party, but with ancient Roman togas for guests to style.

Senses will feature chill house music with projections of sunsets visible from the Royal Caribbean fleet worldwide.

At the Plunge pool party, the Party Squad will bring the hype with water guns that blast champagne into guests' mouths—a fan favorite.

Royal Kappa Chi is the cruise line's first after-party, a frat-themed throwback to college days of beer pong and flip cup.

High-energy, live musicians set the mood 

To help set the fast-paced mood onboard Utopia, Royal Caribbean has hired 29 resident musicians—more than on any other Oasis Class ship.

Cruisers love live music, and high-energy musicians bring the fun.

Coachman had a personal anecdote of experiencing the loud, high-energy fun at the outside Plunge pool party.

"Then I went inside the Royal Promenade and I was listening to the most elegant music from Enchanté, the duo onstage, and it was a complete switch within a matter of 15 minutes."

She remarked that music serves as a great method for setting the mood and appealing to multiple generations at once.

Utopia of the Seas features an eclectic variety of music, with high-class entertainers.

From the live music inside Bolero's to the soundtrack for shows like Aqua 82, the entertainment team works to mix up multiple genres and eras of music.

"The combination helps keep it fresh," Coachman said. 

Read more: New Royal Caribbean cruise ship sets sail. It's a cruise so nice you'll want to sail it twice

Family still has a place in Utopia's perfect weekend party

Royal Caribbean has always been a distinctly family brand, so how will families and kids fit into the new party-heavy Utopia of the Seas?

"There are a lot of parties and entertainment," Coachman explained, "There's a lot that families will want to do together."

However, the entertainment team is also planning for moments when parents want to go have a date night or hit a late-night party.

The Adventure Ocean children's program is ready to accommodate kids for even longer.

Utopia of the Seas introduces several changes to the program, which Royal Caribbean is hoping to extend out to other ships.

Starting on Day One, parents can drop off their kids "all the way up to the moment you drop off your luggage in your room."

Instead of having a longer orientation period, parents can take their children to Adventure Ocean as soon as they step onboard.

Utopia of the Seas has plenty of family moments, but also more opportunities for parents to get away.

Adventure Ocean will stay open until 1:00 A.M., and the team is considering extending that until 2:00 A.M.

For parents with younger kids or those who simply don't want to leave family for more than a few days, a weekend cruise is the perfect chance to get away.

Utopia will provide opportunities for family time, as well as adult get-aways and parties.

Another Royal Caribbean cruise ship is being deployed to the port of Los Angeles.

Starting on May 28th, 2025, Ovation of the Seas will begin sailing 3, 4, and 5-night cruises out of the San Pedro World Cruise Terminal.

Instead of being deployed to Tianjin, China, as previously announced, Royal Caribbean is moving the 4,905-passenger vessel to the West Coast.

Ovation of the Seas will join Navigator in the California area for the summer of 2025.

Around October 2025, Quantum of the Seas will replace her sister ship in the Los Angeles market.

Based on the port's schedule, Quantum will take her first cruise out of Los Angeles on October 2nd, 2025. 

During a call with investors on Thursday, Royal Caribbean cited high demand in California (rather than low profit in China) as the reason for the move.

The cruise line was previously absent from the Los Angeles cruise market for a decade, not entering the area due to declining profits and partially filled ships.

In 2022, Royal Caribbean finally sent Navigator of the Seas, a Voyager-Class ship, to homeport in Los Angeles.

Sending a larger vessel signifies Royal Caribbean's commitment to the LA market

Although Royal Caribbean previously cited low bookings and profits as the reason for pulling out of Los Angeles, it seems the tides have changed.

Navigator of the Seas, built in 2002, has a capacity for 4,000 passengers, and she isn't large enough to carry all the demand in the area.

Ovation of the Seas carries nearly 1,000 more passengers and signifies that the cruise line is renewing a commitment to the LA market.

"We have strong ambitions to grow the West Coast in the US," Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean President and CEO, announced.

During the 2024 second-quarter earnings call, he informed investors that the cruise line wants to infuse more energy into California.

"It's the sixth largest economy in the world," he said.

In 2022, California reached a population of 39 million, expanding a huge market for the cruise line.

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

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

Michael Bayley announced the move during a meeting for travel partners on Utopia of the Seas. The room erupted into applause. 

Adding another ship to the West Coast alongside Navigator and Quantum of the Seas is a strong indication of the cruise line's investment in the area.

Does this mean Royal Caribbean is moving away from China?

During the second quarter earnings call, an investor asked if moving Ovation away from China is a sign that China hasn't been a strong market for the cruise line.

Michael Bayley responded that, on the contrary, the cruise line has "very good market choices to make."

"Our belief in the long-term potential for China has not changed at all," he said.

Spectrum of the Seas, another Quantum-Class ship that started sailing out of Shanghai a few months ago, hasn't disappointed the cruise line.

Read more: All about Quantum Class ships

"It's performing very well and we feel good about the China market."

The 5,622-passenger vessel has been consistently filling sailings since it began sailing out of Shanghai in April of 2024.

Royal Caribbean was the first major cruise line to return to the China cruise market after industry shutdown in 2020.

Spectrum of the Seas was designed for the Asian market, and  Royal Caribbean is quite pleased with her performance in Shanghai.

However, Bayley did inform investors that "it hasn't reached the levels we're seeing in the American market."

Royal Caribbean was faced with a choice: continue investing long-term into China with Ovation of the Seas, or deploy to California and meet high demand there?

Ultimately, the cruise line "made the decision based upon maximizing performance."

However, this doesn't at all indicate a move away from the Chinese market.

In fact, Royal Caribbean is still committed to filling sailing there long-term.

Bayley hinted that guests will see more ships in China very soon. "We're quite committed to the opportunity there," he said. 

"And we'll be announcing in the future more deployments into China."

The demand for Royal Caribbean cruises is higher than ever

Royal Caribbean's bookings and profit in 2024 have been on fire.

Jason Liberty, President and Chief Executive Officer for Royal Caribbean Group, said during the second quarter earnings call that bookings are significantly higher than in the second quarter of last year.

Inventory is flying off the shelves, "despite the fact that we have significantly fewer staterooms left to sell."

Read more: "We are just getting started" Royal Caribbean reports $4.1 billion in revenue in second quarter

In the second quarter of 2023, Royal Caribbean carried 1,900,810 guests at 105% occupancy.

In contrast, the second quarter of 2024 saw 2,040,242 guests at over 108% occupancy.

The cruise line hit its profit goals 18 months ahead of time, exemplifying how Royal Caribbean is in high demand this year. 

Sailing and stateroom options are becoming more and more limited, due to the popularity of Royal Caribbean cruises.

For those looking to book a cruise in the upcoming months, booking as early as possible is your best bet.

Booking early is the smartest way to secure lower prices and a specific cabin category.

Prices for 2025 and 2026 will also continue to increase as inventory is selling out further in advance.

Go ahead and place the deposit on your 2025 cruise as soon as possible.

Read more: Royal Caribbean launches a half dozen new 2025 and 2026 itineraries in latest deployment

Air travel is different than cruising, and demands an entirely different set of decisions. 

Flying to your cruise adds another factor to your plans, requiring careful consideration. What airport will you fly into? Should you get a nonrefundable ticket?

Adding a second mode of transportation complicates your travel details, and opens up the possibility for even more to go wrong.

A delayed flight could delay your arrival at the cruise port, or a more expensive ticket could cut into your budget for the vacation.

Before you book your flight, there are a few important aspects to consider—and they're not just doubling-checking the booking dates.

If you're thinking about booking a flight to your cruise port, here are some details you should consider first.

Read more: Flight attendant shares 20 tips to minimize air travel fiascos

1. Refundable airfare if your plans aren't certain

A variety of factors could disrupt your travel plans—influencing anything from your cruise date to the passengers flying with you.

Your cruise fare may not be refundable, but you can purchase refundable airfare if your plans are uncertain.

If you're unsure where you're flying, if you'll be able to sail on the cruise, or who's coming with you, refundable airfare is the way to go.

Not all plane tickets are refundable, so you'll have to intentionally plan to make sure you get one.

Tickets that are refundable directly (not in flight credit) often cost more. You'll want to weigh your priorities and your level of certainty about travel plans to decide if this is the best option for you.

Not every airline has refundable fares. 

Southwest, Jetblue, Delta, United, and American Airlines offer refundable tickets for most of their flights.

If you don't want to pay the full price of a refundable plane ticket, some airlines also offer flight credit or points in exchange for a refund.

2. Never book a flight on the same day as the cruise

The most expensive cruise mistake you can make is to book a plane flight on the same day your sailing begins.

The air travel industry experiences frequent delays, and an on-time flight is never promised.

Should your flight arrive late, the cruise ship isn't obligated to wait for you.

If you miss your cruise, that's considered a no-show and the cruise fare won't be refunded, leaving you with an expensive loss and no cruise vacation to enjoy.

Instead, book your flight at least one day before the cruise departs, and plan to stay near the cruise port.

Booking the first flight in the morning also makes it unlikely for you to be delayed, and gives the airline lots of time to re-book you should anything happen.

3. Consider booking international flights through Royal Caribbean

Booking international flights can be a complex, expensive process. 

For an international cruise, you might find yourself needing 2-3 distinct flights to take you to your destination.

Royal Caribbean's flight booking system, Air2Sea, can help with that.

Through Air2Sea, cruisers can purchase air travel that links directly with the cruise booking.

Using Air2Sea is a convenient way to put all your travel information in one place. Additionally, it comes with extra perks like special deals and promotions, as well as 24/7 customer support.

If any unexpected delays or emergencies arise, Royal Caribbean will work to help you. 

Air2Sea offers "assured arrival," meaning that the cruise line will ensure you get on the ship at the next legal port of call should you miss the departure day.

4. Try a better seat for longer flights

As someone who's been on too many international flights to count, they are not easy.

Sitting inside a plane for over 8 hours is a marathon of patience and a test of your ability to plan ahead.

The most memorable flights are the disagreeable ones—where you've been squished between two passengers or seated in the same row as a screaming baby.

A good seat could mean the difference between hours of torture versus hours of relaxation and entertainment.

For longer flights, especially international ones, consider booking a better seat, whether that’s a window seat, or upgrading to business or first class.

If you choose a comfortable seat and more legroom, your body will thank you. 

Instead of arriving at your destination sore, cranky, and tired, you'll land feeling refreshed and ready for your cruise.

For those long flights, prioritizing your comfort is key. 

5. Fly to an alternate airport to save money 

Certain cities are cheaper to fly to than others.

For cruises out of major cities, consider looking for a smaller, nearby city to fly into instead.

Read more: Cheap places in the US to fly to for a cruise

Because smaller airports come with lower fees, airlines price those plane tickets at a lower cost as well.

To save money, consider flying into smaller airports, and then getting transportation to your cruise port. 

For example, if your cruise leaves from Miami, a flight to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is cheaper than one to Miami (MIA).

If the cruise begins in Vancouver, Canada, a domestic flight into Seattle may cost less.

Additionally, if your flight requires a long layover, choose your layover airport carefully. Ensure that it won't be overcrowded and that there is easy access between gates.

6. Get travel insurance

Flying to your cruise means you're adding even more money, time, and effort into your travel plans.

This huge investment—with the potential for more complications—is the perfect opportunity to purchase travel insurance.

Smart cruisers know that travel insurance covers many scenarios beyond your control, and allow you to get compensated should anything go wrong.

When it comes to flights, travel insurance can cover airline cancellations, lost baggage, and more.

Additionally, your health insurance can be out-of-network when you leave the country, so travel insurance can cover any mishaps like accidents, health problems, or even flight incidents.

Travel insurance gives you that extra peace of mind that you'll need when taking multiple modes of transportation on your cruise.

Royal Caribbean is known for launching mega cruise ships, but it wants to expand new classes into a different market.

While record-breaking mega ships are becoming the norm for the cruise line, larger ships are limited to certain ports. Some ports can't accommodate larger ships due to size restrictions.

Vessels in the Icon, Oasis, and Quantum Class are often prevented from visiting certain ports and must send tender boats out to dock.

Given these limitations, Royal Caribbean wants to expand into the smaller ship market.

On the second quarter earnings call this week, Jason Liberty, President and Chief Executive Officer for Royal Caribbean Group, talked about plans for new ships, specifically saying they have to replace their aging fleet.

The next class of smaller cruise ships will replace previous classes, reaching new ports and upgrading the small ship experience.

The next class of small ships will replace aging vessels

Even as it builds astounding, entertainment-packed mega ships, Royal Caribbean is mindful that its smaller vessels are becoming outdated.

"We have ships that are reaching 30-35 years [old]," Jason Liberty said.

"This is not just about what we want to build, it's also [about] replacing ships that will eventually reach their end of life."

Royal Caribbean hasn't launched a smaller ship since 2004, when Jewel of the Seas (a Radiance Class vessel) took her maiden voyage.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Captain talks about new smaller cruise ship plans

Grandeur of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's oldest vessel, was launched back in 1996. 

Since the early 2000s, Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself with record-breaking ships like the Oasis and Freedom Class. 

Although many of its smaller vessels have been revitalized in the last few years, they still lack the overall technology and stateroom categories the cruise line has developed more recently.

Cruisers have criticized ships like Grandeur of the Seas for their aged, broken-down quality. 

Some complain that the cabins feel dated, with more adventurous cruisers missing exciting amenities like waterslides or surf simulators.

In general, cruise ships begin to age out after 30 years in service, so many of the ships launched before 2000 are reaching the end of their life.

Read more: Royal Caribbean ships by age — Newest to Oldest

"We're looking at smaller ships that will replace some of those older ships," Liberty said, touching on the cruise line's next project.

He called the business of designing new ships a long-term business.

"In the cruise ship business, you're always thinking longer term, in growth and [new ship] orders, but also your environmental footprint."

Creating new classes takes more than a few years. The Icon Class, for example, was seven years in the making. 

Read more: How long does it take to build a cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean's goal is to be disciplined with its path of growth, thinking long-term, and taking on new ship orders with care.

Small vessels can visit more ports, expanding Royal Caribbean's global reach 

During the earnings call, an investor asked if building smaller vessels would allow Royal Caribbean to reach new markets.

Since smaller ships can enter more ports, this is the case.

However, Jason Liberty explained that it's "less about the sourcing market, it's more about where the ships can go."

In other words, smaller ships at new ports don't necessarily attract cruisers who live near those ports but rather appeal to cruisers who want to go to new destinations.

It's less about where the cruisers come from, and more about where they want to go: "It's about getting them into some of the more unique destinations."

Research has shown that cruisers want to stay with the Royal Caribbean brand while traveling to new destinations. 

The cruise line wants to further diversify its footprint around the world.

Read more: Does it matter how old your cruise ship is?

Royal Caribbean currently sails itineraries to over 270 destinations in 60+ countries, across six continents.

The goal with smaller vessels is to continue to spread out where guests can travel.

According to Liberty, Royal Caribbean wants to stay flexible in delivering the itineraries guests are looking to sail, as well as generating global demand for cruises. 

What we know about Project Discovery

Little has been revealed about "Project Discovery."

Royal Caribbean's next class of smaller vessels could be called the Discovery Class, similar to Project Icon, which named its class and first name directly.

The first ship in the class could be named Discovery of the Seas.

Read more: Royal Caribbean CEO: New smaller cruise ship could be announced in 2024

The public is still waiting for details to be finalized for the cruise line to formally announce its plans. 

However, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean President and CEO, has hinted that more information could be released sometime in 2024.

He also implied that the next iteration of the Ultimate World Cruise could be held on these new vessels.

While on the 2024 President's Cruise, Bayley remarked that the line wants to offer more outside cabin categories on its next World Cruise, while also keeping the capability to travel to unique ports.

The Discovery Class could satisfy this need, featuring upgraded oceanview and balcony cabins in a smaller frame.

The Captain of Radiance of the Seas commented that the new class of ship would be around the size of the Radiance Class, which has the capacity for around 2,500-2,700 passengers.

Read more: Royal Caribbean: Building a new smaller cruise ship is "deeply in our consideration"

The Radiance Class is the line's next-to-smallest class, averaging 962 feet long and 90,090 gross tons.

Jewel of the Seas was the last Radiance Class ship to be released, launched in May of 2004.

Over 20 years later, we could have a new ship to replace her.