Royal Caribbean Blog

Demand for booking a cruise vacation is so red hot for Royal Caribbean right now that it's likely we'll continue to see an upward trend in cruise prices.

While there is variability in how cruises are priced, Royal Caribbean sees a willingness on behalf of the consumer to not only book more cruises, but pay more for it. The company had to adjust its earnings forecasts because they're getting more bookings than they expected at higher prices.

During Royal Caribbean Group's second quarter earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Naftali Holtz cited an example of bookings for Caribbean cruises for the coming few months.

Caribbean cruises in the third quarter will make up 42% of all Royal Caribbean Group sailings, and a lot of people are willing to pay more to go on them, "this product is booked ahead in both rate and volume and the strong yield growth is driven by new hardware and higher pricing on existing ships supported by our private destinations."

Translated from financial jargon, that means Caribbean cruises in the next 3 months have more cabins booked than normal, and the company is making more money already because people are willing to pay higher prices due to an investment in newer cruise ships and itineraries that visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Willingness to pay more

The top reason why you should expect Royal Caribbean cruise prices to continue to rise is because customers are demonstrating they will pay higher prices.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty spoke about this trend during the earnings call, "all the yield improvement that you're seeing in Q3 and Q4 is really being driven by price."

"I think it's a really strong indication that not only the willingness to pay more, but these prices continue to increase as we build and manage demand."

To put it in perspective, Mr. Liberty indicated Royal Caribbean Group's revenue for the second half of 2024 is 25% higher than it was in 2019, which was the previous high water mark for the cruise industry. 

If 2024 looks positive, 2025 looks even better for the company. They're taking more bookings for 2025 than for 2024, and that means the higher pricing trend will continue into 2025 and beyond.

"The strength in the commentary that we talk about on pricing and pricing increasing, it very much applies to 2025 and beyond," Mr. Liberty explained during the earnings call.

"So we feel very good. We're in a very strong book position for 2025, pricing is up and increasing are the trends that we continue to see."

"I think we feel really good about 2025. The pattern show pricing continues to accelerate."

When you combine sky-high onboard spending, prices, and demand, it's a formula for higher prices on average. That probably means less cheap cruise deals on the horizon.

If you're reading all of this and think surely consumers will buck against the higher prices, it's not something Royal Caribbean sees on the horizon.

One Wall Street analyst asked about "pricing sensitivity" from customers because of comments made by land-based hotel operators.  Royal Caribbean rebuffed that notion based on what they're seeing on their end.

Mr. Liberty explained, "the booking window continues to extend, so they're planning further out, their willingness to pay more for these incredible vacation experiences continues to increase."

Part of the reason why he believes cruise bookings are stronger than land vacations is because of the value gap between the two types of vacations, which Mr. Liberty estimates is around 20%.

For consumers, it's a sobering prediction for what the future holds in terms of prices, "the trends that we see is just continued acceleration on the pricing side."

Bargain hunters will need to be agile

While the trend is moving cruise prices higher on average, it's still possible to find an ultra-cheap cruise. 

Royal Caribbean prices its cruises largely based on supply and demand, and there are going to be deals out there, especially on sailings that have less demand.

First and foremost, Royal Caribbean will see the highest prices on its newer ships, such as Utopia of the Seas or Icon of the Seas. That's because new ships always command a higher price because they have the latest and greatest features on them.

Generally speaking, you'll find lower prices on older, smaller ships.  

As an example, try Adventure of the Seas out of Port Canaveral instead of Utopia of the Seas.  Or Freedom of the Seas out of Fort Lauderdale instead of Icon of the Seas.

Some of the best cruise deals are on longer sailings that take place while school is in session. Transatlantic crossings remain some of the best deals from a per-night cost basis.  

Transatlantic cruises take place in the spring and fall when cruise ships migrate from North America to Europe and then back again.

Read more: What it's really like to take a transatlantic cruise

The reason they're cheaper is they are longer, usually 10-14 nights, and a lot of families cannot go on vacation for that long a period.  Plus, families can't book them because their kids are in school.

The other strategy for a good cruise deal is a bit of luck.  Sometimes there's a last-minute cruise deal that pops up, and other times there are specific sailings in the coming months or years that are priced lower.  

Spotting these cruise deals can be just plain luck, or you could also rely on a good travel agent that monitors prices during the course of their daily work and can alert you when they spot something good.

Read more: 10 Secrets Royal Caribbean travel agents wish you knew

While I would not expect cruise prices to drop across the board, savvy consumers should be able to find some deals.  

But for the newest ships, don't expect a lot of wiggle room.  It's why booking early is still the best strategy to get the best price possible on these vessels.

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas promises epic parties, thrilling activities, and dreamy beach days, but the ship also packs a punch when it comes to dining.

It’s no secret that food is an integral part of a cruise vacation. When I booked a 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas—the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet—I was excited to try the vessel’s extensive selection of restaurants.

As one of the world’s biggest cruise ships, Utopia of the Seas offers dining choices for any type of traveler. Budget cruisers can choose from over ten complimentary venues, but the ship also features more than ten specialty restaurants that come with an extra charge.

Everything from Japanese hibachi to a Mexican buffet and Italian trattoria are available onboard, and I couldn’t wait to try as many dishes as possible on my short weekend getaway. I splurged on the Unlimited Dining Package for $164, which allowed me to try not only the ship’s free restaurants, but the specialty options, too.

After three days onboard (and a few pounds gained) here are the 6 best and 5 worst things I ate on Utopia of the Seas.

BEST: Lobster Thermidor at 150 Central Park

I never knew I liked lobster until I tried the delectable, tender Lobster Thermidor at Utopia’s 150 Central Park. In short, I was blown away by the flavor and presentation of the dish, and I regret not trying it sooner.

150 Central Park is an elegant specialty dining option on Utopia of the Seas. Each dish at the restaurant is prepared with locally sourced ingredients, all of which are harvested during the peak of their season. I booked the restaurant with my Unlimited Dining Package, but the meal costs around $59 per person without it.

Related: Utopia of the Seas restaurant and dining guide

I usually don't care for shellfish, but I decided to step outside my comfort zone and try the menu's renowned Lobster Thermidor. I knew if I didn't like the dish I could order something else instead, so I decided it was worth a shot.

It wasn't my first time at 150 Central Park—the restaurant is available on all of Royal Caribbean's other Oasis Class ships. Yet after tasting my first bite of Lobster Thermidor, I couldn't believe I waited so long to try the dish.

The lobster was tender, seasoned with tarragon and parmesan cheese, and coated with a cognac cream sauce. It was easily the best dish I had on the entire cruise, and I’ll certainly be reserving 150 Central Park on my next sailing.

WORST: Spaghetti Pomodoro at Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen

Royal Caribbean offers three Italian specialty restaurants across the fleet, with Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen—the newest Italian restaurant—offered on Utopia of the Seas.

Like the fleet’s other Italian restaurants, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen offers a variety of pastas along with meat and seafood entrees. The restaurant differs from the others, however, in that it also offers a pizza menu.

Being Italian-American myself, I’ll admit I have high standards when it comes to Italian food. No restaurant’s red sauce could ever compare to my mom's or grandma's recipe! Even still, I can usually find something to like at any Italian restaurant.

Unfortunately, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen fell flat for me. I prefer pastas without meat, but I found options limited, with only a spaghetti pomodoro dish offered on the menu. I wish the menu had more vegetarian options outside of pizza, whether a pesto ravioli or eggplant parmesan. As is, the menu options felt rather limited.

The spaghetti pomodoro wasn’t bad, but it didn’t taste significantly better than the free pasta at the Windjammer or Main Dining Room. In hindsight, I wish I had used the last night of my dining package at Izumi sushi or hibachi, which offer food options I cannot find elsewhere onboard.

BEST: Pizza at Sorrento’s

Utopia of the Seas is called "The World’s Biggest Weekend” for a reason. The ship aims to provide the ultimate party experience for her short 3 and 4-night itineraries, and this will surely lead to a few late nights onboard.

As an early riser, I was surprised to find myself out well into the night on Utopia of the Seas. Whether dancing at the toga party or cheering on my team at The Quest game show, I partied harder than ever before on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Related: 5 things Utopia of the Seas does better than other Oasis Class ships

Frequent cruisers know that nothing tastes quite as good as Sorrento's pizza after a few drinks, and the free, unlimited pizza hit the spot every evening of my cruise.

WORST: Raspberry Cheesecake at The Spare Tire

When Royal Caribbean first introduced The Spare Tire—the ship’s new food truck concept—I was intrigued. The fast, casual, and complimentary option seemed like it would be a convenient place to grab a snack while lounging on the pool deck.

Unfortunately, while I still find the concept great, the implementation felt slightly lackluster. I appreciated being able to walk up to the “food truck” and grab an item myself, but the food choices weren’t the most appealing.

It appeared many of the snacks were pre-made and reheated. The Tornados, for instance, were from the same brand of taquitos you could find at a gas station. Likewise, the raspberry cheesecake I tried was from the brand Mini Chimis.

While the cheesecake bite was palatable, the snack paled in comparison to the freshly-made desserts I could enjoy elsewhere on the ship.

That being said, The Spare Tire’s veggie wrap and chicken sandwich appeared to be made fresh onboard; I found these much more enticing than the pre-made alternatives.

BEST: Southern Breakfast at The Mason Jar

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and no restaurant on Utopia of the Seas does breakfast quite as well as The Mason Jar.

As Royal Caribbean’s only Southern-inspired restaurant, The Mason Jar offers both a brunch and dinner menu. While dinner sees favorites like crawfish gumbo and beef brisket, brunch offers a variety of sweet and savory items.

The brunch menu’s diverse options—cinnamon rolls, stuffed French toast, buttery breakfast biscuits, and pimento cheese omelets—were too tempting to pass up. As soon as I boarded Utopia of the Seas, I headed to The Mason Jar for a much-needed brunch after my busy travel day.

Related: The Mason Jar Southern food restaurant review

Feeling something savory, I ordered the Southern Breakfast (sans bacon). My breakfast skillet came with two eggs atop a bed of sweet potato hash. You can’t go wrong with fried eggs, but I loved the stir-fried onions, peppers, and crispy sweet potatoes.

The Southern Breakfast served with sides of Meemaw’s biscuits and jalapeño cornbread easily made this dish one of my favorites on the weekend getaway.

WORST: Red Velvet Pancakes at The Mason Jar

Following the scrumptious breakfast skillet, I couldn’t pass up a sweet treat to end my brunch.

I loved The Mason Jar’s fluffy red velvet pancakes during my first visit to the restaurant two years ago on Wonder of the Seas. This time, however, the pancakes were not as delicious as I remembered.

Despite their pretty appearance, I found the pancakes quite dry. I didn’t mind the thick, cakey texture, but the ratio of cream cheese icing to pancakes felt off. Even though I could have asked for more icing, I was already full from my previous course, so I left most of the pancakes on the plate.

I wouldn’t be opposed to ordering the red velvet pancakes again, but I would definitely ask for an extra cup of icing next time!

BEST: Shaved Ice at Wipeout Bar

A brand new concept to Royal Caribbean is the shaved ice available at Wipeout Bar, Utopia of the Seas’ bustling bar on the ship’s sports deck.

Starting at $6 for a small and $9 for a large, guests can choose up to three syrup flavors from a selection of seventeen. Toppings, including fruit and condensed milk, are priced at $0.50 each, and there are also boozy options sold for $14.

Unfortunately, the shaved ice is not included in the drink package or dining package, and Diamond drink vouchers cannot be applied to the dessert, either.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package

Regardless, I was tempted to try a shaved ice on embarkation day to cool down in Florida’s oppressive July humidity. It worked, because my watermelon ice was not only tasty, but tremendously refreshing.

I thought the price was somewhat steep given the product (ice and syrup), but it was so revitalizing in the moment that I didn’t even care. Nevertheless, I hope the shaved ice will be included in packages and Diamond vouchers in the future.

WORST: Bubble Cone at Izumi in the Park

Although Instagram-worthy, I didn’t love the bubble cone I ordered at Izumi in the Park, Royal Caribbean’s walkup Japanese cuisine window.

Izumi in the Park focuses primarily on grab-and-go sushi and gyoza, but the casual venue also offers waffle bubble cones. There are five flavors available, including the Strawberry Bliss and Rainbow Mochi, and each flavor promises a warm waffle filled with ice cream and toppings.

Currently, the bubble cone costs $8, but one cone is permitted every 24 hours for passengers with the Unlimited Dining Package.

Even though I found the concept great, I thought the price was rather steep for what was offered. The ice cream used was the same soft-serve I could enjoy on the pool deck for free.

Nonetheless, the waffle and toppings were a nice addition to a standard ice cream cone. I would probably pay $5 for the cone, but $8 was a little high. I was glad it was included in my dining package, though, so the price didn’t really matter in the end.

BEST: Jalapeño Poppers at Playmakers

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is one of my favorite casual restaurants on Royal Caribbean ships. Although the venue comes with an extra charge, I find the prices reasonable. The bar’s nachos, wings, sandwiches, and appetizers are priced à la carte, with most between $7 and $12.

The Unlimited Dining Package includes a daily $20 credit at Playmakers, so I ordered both nachos and jalapeño poppers. It’s hard to go wrong with nachos, but the jalapeño poppers were the star of the show.

Crispy and with the perfect blend of spicy and sweet, the fried jalapeños were filled with cream cheese and served with ranch and sweet chili dipping sauces. I don’t eat red meat, so I was happy the poppers were not wrapped with bacon.

I never thought to dip jalapeño poppers in sweet chili sauce, but the combination was delightful! This cheesy appetizer will undoubtedly become a go-to whenever I sail on a Royal Caribbean ship with Playmakers.

BEST: Breakfast at the Windjammer

Weekend cruises on Utopia of the Seas are busy—there’s no doubt about that. The last best thing I ate on Utopia of the Seas was also the most simple: breakfast at the Windjammer buffet.

In between port days in The Bahamas, stunning entertainment shows, and all of the ship’s wild parties, there’s little time for a sit-down breakfast. Instead of starting my day with a leisurely meal in the Main Dining Room, I preferred a quick meal in the Windjammer.

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

Utopia of the Seas’ main buffet is anything but limited. The complimentary venue offers unlimited food, whether made-to-order omelets, bagels and lox, or a waffle station complete with a wide variety of toppings.

I enjoyed a toasted bagel and eggs at the Windjammer most mornings. I never struggled to find a seat in the extra-spacious venue, and the convenience of the buffet was hard to beat.

As someone that cruises about once per month, I get to eat on Royal Caribbean cruise ships a lot, and dinner is usually a big deal on any sailing.

Some restaurants are included with your cruise fare while others cost extra. I like to go back and forth between what's included and not to not only get a wider variety of food, but also evaluate how each restaurant is. Menus change, and as I try new restaurants, it's good to go back and see how other venues compare.

The cost of a Royal Caribbean restaurants vary from included to hundreds of dollars per person. Luckily, I've had the chance to dine at nearly every restaurant on Royal Caribbean's ships.

I'm not a food critic or trained in evaluating restaurants. I just know what I like, and I go often enough to get a good sense of what seems to stand out, so here are my humble opinions on the top Royal Caribbean restaurants I'd recommend to anyone going on a cruise.

Coco Beach Club restaurant

In terms of food, I have never left the Coco Beach Club restaurant disappointed because the food quality is so good.

Located within the Coco Beach Club section of Perfect Day at CocoCay, the restaurant is included as part of your admission cost to enter the club. Club admission prices vary depending on the sailing, but it can be less than $100 per person or as high as $200 per person.

I think the filet mignon served at the Coco Beach Club restaurant is just as good, if not better, than the steaks you find on Royal Caribbean's ships. 

Friends who eat seafood rave about the grilled Bahamian lobster served, as well as the Coco lobster sandwich.

Usually private island food is nothing exciting, but Royal Caribbean broke the mold with the Coco Beach Club restaurant, and it's just as good as the food I've found on the ships.

150 Central Park

If there's a top quality specialty restaurant that flies under the radar, it's 150 Central Park.

Available on the Oasis Class ships, 150 Central Park is a modern American restaurant that might appear overly fancy, but the cuisine is not only approachable, but fantastic.

I could rave about the entire menu, but there's three items I order every single time I go because they are just so good.

The garlic bread served when you sit is simply amazing, especially if you can manage to snag the middle piece before someone else at your table does. It's not drowning in oil, but has more than enough to make every bite satisfying.

The beef tenderloin for two is large enough you can actually share it with a tablemate, or keep it all to yourself. No judgements.

I think this is the best cut of steak on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (although the new Iconic cuts at Chops Grille on Icon and Utopia of the Seas might change my opinion on that).

To finish out the meal, the fried cheesecake balls are just about the best comfort food I've found on a cruise ship.

While it doesn't have the widest menu out there, I think 150 Central Park has enough going for it that it warrants not only trying, but eating at every single time you're on an Oasis Class ship.

Aquadome Market

Royal Caribbean's first foray into a food hall concept quickly became one of my favorite restaurants to visit, day or night.

Aquadome Market is a series of stalls that serve a specific cuisine.  Each is freshly prepared, and it's perfect for a quick bite or a full meal.

• Crèpes
• Asian
• Mac and Cheese
• Greek pitas and bowls
• Sandwiches and salads

First and foremost, all the food in Aquadome Market is included in your cruise fare. Plus, it's all really good.  Best yet, it's open late, so you can get something other than a sandwich or pizza past 9pm!

I think the crèpes, pitas, and Asian bowls are the best choices available, and every time I happen to be anywhere near deck 15, I'll think twice if I want to stop by for something from the market.

Izumi Hibachi

If there's an award for restaurant I always leave full, satisfied, and entertained, it's Izumi hibachi.

Teppanyaki dining is as popular on Royal Caribbean's cruise ships as it is on land because it combines freshly grilled meats, rice, and vegetables with a show.  

When we eat at hibachi, I know we aren't leaving hungry. There's a lot of food served, and usually by the end the chef is asking if anyone wants third or fourth servings.

There's the choice of many different proteins with your meal: chicken, beef, lobster, shrimp, or scallops.  If that isn't enough food, you can actually order sushi too.

Whenever I'm asked for one specialty restaurant to recommend to try for families, couples, friends, or random people from the internet, my first choice is hibachi because of how well-received it is.

Main Dining Room

In coming up with this list, I wrote down my list on a piece of paper and really struggled with which I would pick for my fifth choice, but it was too difficult to overlook the Main Dining Room. 

The Main Dining Room is an institution on any cruise ship, and while it may not be the flashiest restaurant (and definitely not the newest), there's a reason it remains the top spot for dinner on every single Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

While not every single dish is necessarily my favorite, I can always find a few things each night that I really like. The sheer variety of food served in this restaurant across your cruise is impressive.

Not to mention the service gets just as much praise as the food. There are some seriously talented waiters that truly make an effort to get to know you and want to ensure you have a fabulous meal.

Whenever I go too heavy into specialty restaurants on a cruise, I get a hankering to return to the Main Dining Room because I really enjoy the tradition and ambiance you can only find there.

One of the lesser known activities on Royal Caribbean are the cruise line’s escape rooms, and I tried the newest puzzle room to see if it was worth it.

On several of Royal Caribbean’s ships, guests can reserve a time slot at an escape room, a room in which guests must figure out a series of puzzles in order to “break free” and win the challenge. The activity comes with an extra cost, and the escape room’s theme varies depending on the ship.

Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, debuted a brand-new escape room onboard, and the experience costs $30 for a half hour in the room.

Some passengers may question whether or not it’s worth it to pay extra for an activity on a ship with nearly endless complimentary activities—myself included. I’m always looking to try new activities on Royal Caribbean, though, so I decided to book a time slot on my weekend cruise on Utopia of the Seas.

I wanted to see what the escape room was like and whether or not it’s worth paying extra for the short experience.

As an escape room novice, I was skeptical about whether I would enjoy the activity

Two years prior to my Utopia of the Seas cruise, I booked an escape room on Oasis of the Seas. It was my first time trying an escape room, and I remember feeling slightly intimidated around the other guests who appeared to be escape room experts.

I didn’t know where or how to look for clues, and even though my group solved the puzzle before time ran out, I’m not sure I helped in any way whatsoever.

Nevertheless, I wanted to give Royal Caribbean’s escape rooms another try. I thought I would have a better idea of what to do this time around, so I tried to maintain an open mind about the experience.

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to have an escape room, and there are currently seven escape rooms across the fleet

Royal Caribbean is always trying to add new activities and thrills for guests, and escape rooms have been a huge success for the cruise line.

The rooms are designed and implemented by Puzzle Break, the first escape room company founded in the United States. I actually had the chance to speak to Lindsay Morse, the Game Designer for Puzzle Break, while onboard Utopia of the Seas, and her insights gave me a newfound appreciation for these addicting puzzle experiences.

She explained how escape rooms were viewed with curiosity when the company first launched in 2013.

“Back then it was a weird thing. We’d be like, we’re going to lock someone in a room and they’re gonna pay us money, and it’s like…what?!”

Clearly, however, Royal Caribbean saw an opportunity with escape rooms, and the cruise line launched a partnership with Puzzle Break prior to Harmony of the Seas’ launch in 2015. The ship was the first in the fleet to feature an escape room, Escape the Rubicon, and since then, escape rooms have been added to six more ships in the fleet.

Related: 50 things everyone should do on a Royal Caribbean cruise at least once

Currently, you can find an escape room on Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas. An eighth escape room is slotted and ready to install on Icon of the Seas, too.

All escape rooms are unique. Even those that have a similar look to the room, such as the escape room on Mariner and Navigator of the Seas, offer completely different puzzles to solve.

Escape U: Freshman Year is the escape room on Utopia of the Seas

With the launch of Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, came another escape room: Escape U: Freshman Year.

Although solving puzzles is fun enough, every escape room on Royal Caribbean follows a storyline. These storylines allow guests to better immerse themselves in the puzzle experience.

Oasis of the Seas, for instance, features an escape room titled Mission Control: Apollo 18. The escape room transports participants back to 1973, as they work together to launch a spacecraft to the moon before time runs out.

“[The escape room] on Oasis was hard to design,” Morse explained. “A lot of research went into it about the Apollo program. All things in that game were related to real life.”

On Utopia of the Seas, however, Escape U tells the story of a group of elite freshman students who, upon entering their classroom, discover that their professor has gone missing. A maximum of twelve participants (the “students”) must then work together as quickly as possible in order to find their professor.

Most of Royal Caribbean’s escape rooms are 60 minutes, but Utopia’s is only 30 minutes

Something you’ll notice when booking the escape room on Utopia of the Seas is that the experience is only 30 minutes long. All of Royal Caribbean’s other escape rooms offer a 60-minute experience.

When I asked about the time difference, Morse explained how Utopia of the Seas’ short, 3 and 4-night cruise itineraries led to the change.

“Often the escape room sells out before people even get onboard,” she said, “so this gets more people to play.”

In addition to the increase in time slots for Escape U, the 30-minute length could be more appealing to passengers on a short itinerary. Every minute of a cruise vacation counts, and with only a few days onboard, committing to a 30-minute experience might be more appealing than spending a whole hour at the escape room.

The time change seems to have worked, because the escape room sold out on the inaugural sailing of Utopia of the Seas.

While I was skeptical, I had nothing to worry about—the escape room was a ton of fun

As a beginner at escape rooms, my hesitations about the activity were unnecessary. The room ended up being a lot more enjoyable than I could have imagined.

Upon arrival at the escape room, myself and eleven other participants received a brief introduction about the room, letting us know that we were students who needed to save our missing professor.

During this time, we all introduced ourselves to the group as well, which helped to break the ice with other passengers.

After the introduction, we entered the room, which was designed like a typical classroom. The timer started, and everyone immediately began to look for clues.

Just like on Oasis of the Seas, several participants took charge over others, and I felt a little lost on what to do. There are no instructions to an escape room; instead, participants must look for clues themselves.

I, of course, do not want to spoil the escape room for those who plan to participate on their Utopia of the Seas cruise. What I will say, though, is that I ended up finding a key clue that allowed us to progress further with the game. I felt quite successful given my subpar performance at my first escape room.

With just 23 seconds left, we completed the puzzle, and managed to “find” our professor. What a relief!

I thought the escape room had an ideal level of difficulty

I'm no professional escape room participant, and I was initially concerned the puzzles would be too complicated to figure out. Yet I found the difficulty level adequate—it was neither too easy nor too difficult.

It’s essential for an escape room to be just complicated enough. If a room is too simple, participants will solve the puzzles in only a few minutes. Yet if the room is made too challenging, it’s likely to lead to frustration.

Speaking with Lindsay Morse after the experience, the game designer explained how tweaks are frequently made to the game prior to launch. Before a room launches on a Royal Caribbean ship, an identical game is set up on land, where test groups first play through the room.

By observing the test groups, game designers can tweak certain elements of the room to increase or decrease the difficulty.

“Most of what we’re looking for is that people have fun, that they’re not frustrated or bored, and that everyone stays engaged the whole time,” she explained.

For $30, I would try other escape rooms on Royal Caribbean

Even though I entered Utopia of the Seas’ escape room feeling skeptical, I left feeling happy I booked the add-on experience. Now that I have done two escape rooms, I have a better idea of how they work, and I’d say $30 was a fair price for the activity.

I actually preferred that it was just a half hour, especially because the cruise was so short. The shorter time allowed me to better fit the activity into my day without feeling like I was missing out on other programming happening onboard.

And even though the ship offers a plethora of complimentary onboard activities—waterslides, rock climbing, and a zip line, to name a few—the escape room offered a unique experience I could not find on other ships.

I love how Puzzle Break designs the rooms to be different on each ship, and now I’m itching to solve the five other escape rooms I have yet to try.

Serenade of the Seas will sail from Cartagena, Colombia and Colón, Panama in 2025 and 2026. 

The Radiance Class vessel is set to conclude Royal Caribbean's first-ever world cruise on September 10, 2024. Afterward, the 90,090 gross registered ton ship will remain in Tampa through March 2025, offering 5- to 9-night cruises to the Caribbean, before relocating to the West Coast for a summer season in Alaska. 

Then, Serenade of the Seas will embark on a 13-night Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Miami on September 19, marking the last time the ship will visit Florida through at least April 2026. 

Effective October 5, Serenade will offer cruises to the Southern Caribbean from Cartagena, Colombia and Colón, Panama.

Sailings departing from Cartagena, Colombia will spend a day in Colon, Panama, and vice versa

Similar to many European cruises, all voyages on Serenade of the Seas from Colombia and Panama are "interport" sailings, meaning that guests may choose their embarkation city. 

Unlike Caribbean sailings that depart solely from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral, interport cruises offer flexibility and a broader choice for travelers, allowing guests to determine which city is most convenient or appealing for their departure. 

Currently, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is sailing interport cruises, where passengers may embark in Barcelona, Spain or Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. 

Read more: I sailed on a Radiance Class ship

Most itineraries are 7 nights

On October 5, 2025, Serenade will depart from Cartagena, Colombia on a 7-night cruise to Willemstad, Curaçao; Oranjestad, Aruba; and Colón, Panama before returning to Colombia on October 12. 

Though all itineraries visit at least two of the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) islands, each voyage offers a blend of destinations and experiences. Some, for example, may only visit Bonaire and Curaçao, while others call at Curaçao and Aruba or Aruba and Bonaire. 

Select sailings visit all three: 

• December 12, 2025 from Colón, Panama
• December 14, 2025 from Cartagena, Colombia

On sailings with three ports of call, including Panama or Colombia, the ship will spend three days at sea. 

If you want to sail through the Panama Canal, you will have to book a dedicated Panama Canal cruise

Colón, Panama sits at the entrance to the Panama Canal and is a significant port city for maritime trade. However, it's not located inside the canal. Instead, it serves as a gateway to the canal's operations. 

Sailing through the Panama Canal is a bucket list cruise for many, as it offers a unique opportunity to traverse one of the world's most famous engineering marvels. 

Do not book a sailing to the Southern Caribbean on Serenade of the Seas in hopes of seeing the canal in person—you'll end up disappointed. 

Royal Caribbean offers repositioning cruises through the canal throughout the year, typically in the fall and spring. In 2025, guests may choose from four sailings on two Radiance Class ships: Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. 

• 16-night Panama Canal cruise on Serenade of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Los Angeles, California on April 13
• 15-night Panama Canal cruise on Radiance of the Seas from Tampa, Florida to Los Angeles, California on April 19
• 13-night Panama Canal cruise on Serenade of the Seas from San Diego, California to Miami, Florida on September 19
• 16-night Panama Canal cruise on Radiance of the Seas from San Diego, California to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 4 

Updates to Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor single supplement benefit

WAAAYTOOO took to Royal Caribbean Blog's discussion forum to share an update they received in their recent Crown & Anchor newsletter. 

"Starting August 1, Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus members with more than 340 points will enjoy a reduced single supplement cruise fare of 125% on all Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Panama Canal sailings," the post reads. 

"We want to make booking these popular voyages even easier. For all other sailings, you will continue to enjoy a reduced single supplement fare of 150%."

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

This means, for example, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus cruisers would only pay $1,250. Before this update, the fare would have cost $1,500. 

The change only applies to Pinnacle Club and Diamond Plus sailors with 340+ cruise points. There's no single supplement benefit for Gold, Platinum, Emerald, or Diamond Crown & Anchor members. 

If you're booked in a suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you'll get access to the cruise line's suite lounge. 

Suite guests and Pinnacle Club members are able to access the lounge, which includes complimentary beverages in the evening, snacks throughout the day, a self-service coffee machine, and plush seating.

I'm able to access the lounge either because I'm booked in a suite or because I've attained Pinnacle Club status in Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program.

I like how quiet the suite lounge can be in the daytime, and how much fun it can be meeting other passengers during the happy hour each evening. I also like having access to the food and drink, along with the services of the Suite Concierge.

Here are five things I never do in Royal Caribbean's suite lounge.

Stuff yourself on food

There's snacks to enjoy in the suite lounge three times per day, and the exact variety will vary. By far, the evening hors d'oeuvres are the best choice with skewered meats, charcuterie boards, eggrolls, and more.

They can be tempting, especially because it's "included" and costs nothing to enjoy, but I won't load up my plate unless I'm starving or know I won't be eating for a while. I've made that mistake before and it resulted in ruining my appetite for dinner.

I think dinner on a Royal Caribbean cruise is the most celebrated meal of the day, and there's also the best choices around. 

I enjoy going to the suite lounge for a few pre-dinner drinks, especially on ships that have a bar in the suite lounge (such as the Radiance Class ships). It's a great way to meet people and enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages without a drink package.

Read more: Royal Caribbean drink package information and tips

After a drink or two, having a snack can be mighty tempting, but I try to limit my consumption and snacking so that I can enjoy the great dinner service offered on the ship.

Have a phone call

The suite lounge isn't a library, but I do think it's important to be respectful of others in the lounge.

Just like on an airplane, train, or cafe, no one wants to hear someone else's phone conversation. 

If I get a phone call, I'll answer and quickly ask them to hang on or I'll call them back so I can step out of the lounge and take the call.  This is easy on the Voyager Class ships that have an outdoor deck to the suite lounge, but sometimes I'll actually walk back to my stateroom or another public area.

Part of the fun of the suite lounge is to have a conversation with someone there, but I do think phone calls tend to be louder.  And if someone has their speakerphone on, then it's just annoying to others to have to hear.

While it hasn't been an issue I've seen, I would always use headphones for any kind of audio while in the lounge. 

Stiff the concierge or bar staff

Tipping on a cruise is a bit of a gray area because it's not that well defined, but you should expect to tip while in the suite lounge.

How much and who you tip really depends on how much interaction you have with the staff.  

If I spend some time in the lounge and get to know the suite concierge, I usually tip that person at the end of the sailing.  The amount depends on how much I ask of them, how long the sailing is, and how well I get to know them.  There isn't a right or wrong amount, they're appreciative of what you can give them.

The sort of things the suite concierge can do for you is escort you off the ship to bypass the line of guests disembarking, fix billing issues, book specialty restaurants, or basically do anything Guest Services can do. On some cruises, I ask a lot of them, and others not so much.  Even if all I do is stop in to get an escort off the ship on disembarkation day, I'll tip them for the help.

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

The other time to tip while in the suite is when you order a drink from the wait staff.

You can get complimentary alcoholic beverages every day in the suite lounge (refer to your welcome letter in your suite for exact hours) and there are waiters to take your drink order.

A dollar or two per drink is the customary tip, although some guests will tip a specific waiter at the end of the sailing.  

Sneak non-suite guests in

It can be tempting to want to bring friends and family into the suite lounge so you can all hang out, but it's against the rules if they aren't also in a suite.

This isn't so much about protecting Royal Caribbean (although it is strictly against the rules), but rather, being considerate of your fellow passengers.

Suite lounges are not big. In fact, many are quite tiny. It's why Royal Caribbean will sometimes restrict the amount of Pinnacle Club members that can access the lounge.

Leave my kids unattended

Don't confuse the suite lounge with the adults-only Solarium, but I still wouldn't let my kids just hang out alone in there either.

I like to take my kids into the suite lounge so we can enjoy time together, plus allow them to enjoy the suite benefits they're entitled to.  It's a good way to introduce them to what to expect, so when they're older, they know how to act.

I love my kids, but I know when left unsupervised, they can sometimes be loud or simply annoy each other and that can get loud.  This goes back to some of the other faux pas' I listed in this post about being respectful of other guests.

I have no problem sending my kids up to the lounge by themselves on a mission to grab a drink or snack, but never to hang out.

What was it like to cruise in the 1980s?

A series of vintage ads and photos show what Royal Caribbean cruises were like before the turn of the century.

Royal Caribbean was founded in 1968 by Norwegian shipping companies.

Song of Norway was the cruise line's first ship, a 550-foot vessel that's tiny in comparison to modern mega-ships.

Royal Caribbean used to have a much stronger focus on its Norwegian background.

In a brochure from July 1986, the cruise line gives cruisers tips on what to expect and how to pack for their vacation.

"Velkommen ombord!" The brochure begins.

Let's take a blast to the past as we outline what a Royal Caribbean cruiser could expect in 1986.

Cruisers dressed casually for the times, wearing breezy tropical outfits. Shorts and dresses were the norm.

However, the evenings were much more formal than modern day.

Read more: Photos show what it was like to cruise on Royal Caribbean in the 1980s

"Ladies will wear dresses, and the gentlemen, coats and ties half the time, casual wear the rest of the time," reads the Velkommen brochure.

You could expect to see a lot more formal wear onboard.

Instead of using a SeaPass card, staterooms were unlocked with a physical key.

A paper Cruise Compass was available for guests to discover information about the schedule and ports of call.

News about the outside world was also delivered to staterooms daily, featuring world weather, news flashes, and stock quotations.

Cruisers could use their stateroom telephone to call other guests and ship services.

Tipping was recommended but not required.

The rates in USD were as follows: 

• For your dining room waiter: $2.50 a day, per person
• For your cabin steward: $2.50 a day, per person
• For your busboy: $1.25 a day, per person

The brochure recommends handing bar waiters, bellboys, and bartenders their tips as you are served.

The Casino Royale was available on three Royal Caribbean ships: Song of Norway, Song of America, and the Nordic Prince.

The casino had American roulette, blackjack, and electronic slot machines. Guests could bring their own group to play with or ask a hostess to arrange a game.

The Sun Viking did not have a casino, just slot machines and a card room for games.

As for dining, Royal Caribbean cruises in the 80s focused on the Main Dining Room, the outdoor cafe, and room service.

Dinner time had two seatings: 6:30 P.M. and 8:30 P.M.

Similar to now, each night had a different theme for dinner: Italian, French, Caribbean, or American.

In contrast to today, however, the ship's galleys were not able to prepare meals for special diets, such as kosher or salt-free. 

Early birds who woke up early could go up to the outdoor cafe on the lido and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Continental breakfast could also be delivered to guests' staterooms.

For breakfast in the Main Dining Room, cruisers could eat at 7:30 A.M. or 8:45 A.M.

Those who woke up later could enjoy a breakfast buffet at the outdoor cafe, similar to today's Windjammer buffet.

On sea days, a sit-down lunch was served in the Main Dining Room.

A typical lunch in the Main Dining Room included everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to a fisherman's platter to beef Stroganoff.

On port days, lunch became a light buffet with open seating.

The outdoor cafe would serve open-air meals throughout the day: hamburgers, hot dogs, afternoon tea, sandwiches, cookies, and pastries.

At midnight, the dining room would serve a "Midnight Buffet," a gorgeous feast for the eyes and an opportunity for nighttime snacks.

The Captain of the ship would hold a Welcome Aboard Cocktail party on the second night of the sailing.

Each seating in the Main Dining Room was greeted by a speech from the Captain, hor d'oeuvres, and cocktails.

Passengers were encouraged to get really dressed up and socialize!

Entertainment was smaller than it is today, but far from non-existent.

Read more: 11 Old-School photos of Royal Caribbean

On the Song of Norway, the Song of America, and the Nordic Prince, guests could enjoy The RCCL Revue, a Vegas-style, glitter-filled performance with singers and dancers.

On the Sun Viking, professional entertainers and glamorous acts amused that changed from show to show.

On modern-day Royal Caribbean cruises, sailings host a 70 or 80's night onboard.

But back in the 80's, past decades were the theme!

The brochure recommends that guests bring blue jeans for 50's and 60's nights, as well as Country and Western nights.

On one night of each sailing, the nightclub transformed into the Rock 'n' Roll era, complete with bobby socks, poodle skirts, and Angora sweaters.

The Country and Western night was for passengers to wear cowboy boots, suspenders, blue jeans, and bandannas.

Dances included the Cotton Eyed Joe, the Texas Two Step, and the country waltz.

Plus, there was a night to relive the 90s—the 1890s, that is.

"Pack your garters, suspenders, bustles, and spats," the brochure says. 

The evening was called the "gay nineties night," and featured ragtime piano, straw hats, striped blazers, and vaudeville. 

Plus, guests could dress up in masks for a masquerade night, or pirate costumes for pirate's night.

According to the 1986 brochure: "Ladies win their prizes simply by being fetching. Gentlemen win by being fierce."

"Be with us when we hoist the Jolly Roger, and take over the ship."

Passengers could also show off their skills during a passenger talent show!

A ladies' night reversed the genders: women asked men to dance, bought the drinks, and lit the cigarettes.

At specific times, guests were invited to visit the Bridge for free and witness the captain and crew navigate the ship.

Other events included wine and cheese tasting, a white elephant auction, poolside bingo, feature films, and live music.

The ShipShape exercise program encouraged guests to get active onboard.

Every time they joined a ShipShape event, they'd earn "dollars" which could then be spent on merchandise like T-shirts and visors.

Activities included walking the sports deck, dance classes, exercise classes, skeet shooting, and deck games like shuffleboard, ping pong, basketball, and golf.

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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