Royal Caribbean Blog

Wondering what is the latest on where things stand with test cruises, June sailings, or Alaska cruises this year?

Many travel agents wanted to get the latest on these topics as well, and these questions were brought up during a webinar with Royal Caribbean on Wednesday.

Royal Caribbean's senior vice president of sales and trade support & service, Vicki Freed (and her team), provided the latest updates on where things stand.

Test cruises

First, the question was asked if the U.S. Center for Disease Control had provided technical guidance to the cruise lines for test cruises to start.

"Conversations are happening every week, multiple times during the week," Ms. Freed said in response to the question.

"We don't have the actual dates yet for the sample cruises... but we're getting closer."

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean test cruises

The question comes almost a month after Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley told investors that he was expecting to get technical instructions on what each ship needs to do in order to prepare itself for test cruises.

"We're literally expecting the technical specifications any day soon," Mr. Bayley told investors.

Will Royal Caribbean cancel June cruises?

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled its June 2021 cruises this week, and that has prompted many to speculate if Royal Caribbean will follow suit.

Royal Caribbean Director of Revenue Strategy, Brittany Briggs, indicated nothing has changed yet, "It's a question that we get often when other cruise lines do make announcements and the best we can say is that, trust us, that we're continually evaluating the current environment.

"We're trying to do all that we can as well from our side. But currently we're only canceled through May of this year, which we've gone out with an announcement on."

Any update on Alaska cruises?

Another hot topic surrounds the fate of Alaska cruises for this year, which Royal Caribbean has placed on hold until further notice.

The entire Alaska cruise season this year is in jeopardy due to Canada's one-year ban of ships (along with the CDC's general ban of ships around the United States).

Ms. Briggs also answered this question, and told travel agents there is no change in the Alaska cruises yet.

"Currently that environment hasn't changed, we're continuously having those conversations and we are hopeful."

Earlier this month, a new bill was introduced to to alleviate the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) restrictions for cruise ships transporting passengers between the State of Washington and the State of Alaska.

Royal Caribbean will base a cruise ship in California after a 10-year-long hiatus.

At a webinar on Wednesday, the line announced that recently refurbished Navigator of the Seas will homeport in Los Angeles, beginning next year, offering a series of Mexico sailings.

The voyages will vary in length, featuring three- and four-nighters with calls on Ensenada and Catalina Island; five-night cruises visiting Cabo San Lucas; and seven-night sailings with stops at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

"We are going back to the West Coast," said Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean's senior vice president of sales and trade support & service. "Los Angeles, here we come...."

This will be the first time the line has based a ship in the Golden State since Mariner of the Seas left Los Angeles back in 2011 due to violence in Mexico and dwindling profits.

Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean Blog speculated that the move was coming after spotting the ship listed on the Port of Los Angeles' website. Navigator of the Seas was also blatantly missing from Royal Caribbean's list of upcoming itinerary offerings.

Oddly, the port's website lists Navigator of the Seas' sailings beginning as early as September 2021, but Royal Caribbean has said they will run from summer 2022 through spring of 2023.

"California was calling us home once again, and what better way to reintroduce Royal Caribbean than to bring our next-level cruise vacations to the City of Angels and make it a year-round adventure starting just in time for summer," Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement.

Read more: Navigator of the Seas Tips & Best Things To Do

The ship, which received $115 million in enhancements in 2019 as part of the Royal Amplified program, boasts a refreshed pool deck, featuring a tropical theme with three pools and two new water slides: Blaster, the longest at sea, which offers one- and two-person rafts; and Riptide, the only headfirst mat racing slide at sea, which includes a see-through section for added thrills.

The vessel has also seen the addition of Playmakers sports bar, complete with drinks, pub grub and plenty of TVs; the Lime & Coconut bar, which serves up signature cocktails and rises three decks, comprising lounge seating and a rooftop sun deck; and Hooked, an intimate New England-style raw bar seafood restaurant.

Hooked first debuted on Symphony of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas is now the only other ship in the fleet on which it's located.

Bookings for Navigator of the Seas sailings, which will depart from Los Angeles' World Cruise Center in San Pedro, are scheduled to open at the end of March 2021.

Read more: Top 10 Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas hidden secrets

Returning after a decade

Royal Caribbean's announcement that it will cruise from Los Angeles regularly after more than a decade is significant, as industry insiders have speculated about its West Coast return for years.

While other cruise lines returned, Royal Caribbean stayed away, claiming it was able to make more money elsewhere.

In 2015, Freed pointed out the low rates competitor cruise lines were getting. "We always look at the West Coast. But we continue to look at the rates that the other cruise lines are getting, and we offer an experience that we can't afford to be selling at those low rates.

"If and when we see the rates start to bounce back, and we feel we can get paid for what we offer for our product, then we’ll be back there. But right now, unfortunately, it's a bath out there. They're selling four-day cruises at $199 per person, and we’re not just talking Carnival.

"We spend more on food, more on entertainment and more on our overall onboard experience [than other lines], and so we cannot be the low-price leader out in any market."

The line also cited the logistical challenges of returning its ships to the West Coast, much of which had to do with the rise of cruise popularity in other areas of the world, such as Europe and China. Sending ships to those locations meant fewer ships to go to other ports. (The West Coast has always been a seasonal market for ships repositioning from other regions.)

This was the big announcement?

The day before Royal Caribbean revealed its plans to return to Los Angeles, Freed told travel agents to expect a big announcement, referring to it as "the news we've all been waiting for."

While cruises from the West Coast are significant, many readers were disappointed the news was not worthy of the hype preceding it.

Because several travel agents reported being told by Royal Caribbean that the big announcement was being delayed or canceled, we suspect that larger news was originally on the docket.

During a question and answer session, listeners specifically asked about test cruises, Alaska sailings and whether the line's restart date will be pushed back further.

Freed and her team said that there is currently no date set for test voyages, but the line continues to work with the CDC. There has been no change to indicate that Alaska cruises from Seattle will happen, but officials remain hopeful. As for the resumption of sailings from the U.S., the line maintains that it has no plans to push cancellations into June at this time.

Choosing a cruise cabin isn't easy. In fact, with so many options, it can be downright confusing.

We've already broken down Royal Caribbean's cabin types for you, but below, we'll explore some of the most common questions we're asked about staterooms.

What do cruise ship cabins look like?

Cruise ship cabins look a lot like hotel rooms in many ways, albeit smaller in most cases. They're outfitted with carpeting, decorative lighting and wall art, along with plush duvets and throw pillows. Whether or not your stateroom has a view or a balcony with outdoor furniture will depend on the type you book.

Although layouts for special cabin types can vary by ship, rooms on all mainstream cruise lines' vessels include a bed that can be configured as a queen or two twins, at least one night stand, a vanity with a chair, and a coffee table.

Many also include a larger chair and/or a sofa, which may or may not convert into a bed. Some staterooms also provide bunks that pull down from the ceiling to sleep third and fourth passengers.

In each cabin is a bathroom with a shower (rarely a bathtub), sink, toilet, mirror and storage shelves, as well as towels and in-shower dispensers for basic toiletries that are likely to include body wash and a shampoo/conditioner combo.

Staterooms generally also come with interactive TVs that allow you to watch a limited number of channels, rent movies and check the ship's position and your onboard bill; a phone with the capability to call other cabins on the ship (shoreside calls cost a pretty penny); a hair dryer; reading lamps; and outlets for charging devices.

Each cabin will also have some sort of closet space with shelving, drawers and bars for hanging clothes. Additionally, the closet is where you'll find life jackets, robes and slippers (in higher-level staterooms), forms for requesting dry-cleaning and laundry services, and a safe for storing small valuables.

How big are cruise ship cabins?

The size of your room will depend on the cabin type you book. As a rule, the larger the cabin, the higher the cruise fare. In general, the larger your view, the more interior space you'll have, as well.

Although sizes vary by ship across the cruise industry, insides (no view) generally start around 150 square feet, with outsides (porthole or fixed window view) offering just slightly more space. Veranda accommodations (with balconies) usually start around 175 square feet, not including the balcony.

Suites, on the other hand, offer significantly more living area. One of the largest afloat includes the Regent Suite on luxury brand Regent Seven Seas' Seven Seas Splendor. The stateroom encompasses more than 4,400 square feet of space -- more than many large houses on land.

For questions about specific measurements for a cabin you're considering, check with your cruise line or travel agent.

What is the best deck to be on for a cruise?

The best place to book a cabin on your ship depends on several factors.

If you're someone who is prone to motion sickness, you'll want to reserve a room on a lower deck, as close to the middle of the ship as possible. Make sure it's at least an ocean view cabin, as gazing at the horizon -- where the waterline meets the skyline -- can help to alleviate symptoms.

Looking for peace and quiet on your sailing? Avoid staterooms that are above, below or next to crew areas such as the galley, and noisy public spaces like the theater, pool deck or kids club. Your travel agent or cruise line representative can help. If all else fails, Google deck plans for your ship.

However, if breathtaking vistas are what's most important to you, we highly recommend staying in one of your ship's coveted forward- or aft-facing cabins. These are often pricey suites that are positioned on higher decks, but the wake and captain's-eye views they afford are worth every cent.

Is it worth paying extra for a balcony on a cruise?

It all depends. If you're someone who plans to go ashore in every port and squeeze as many onboard activities as possible into each day, you probably don't need a balcony because you won't be in your room except to shower and sleep.

There are also plenty of outdoor public spaces with railings where you can enjoy sea views if you don't want to miss out while respecting your vacation budget.

However, if your goal is to have some alone time or romantic time with your significant other, if you plan to enjoy your morning coffee with a view in your bathrobe, or if you're someone who feels claustrophobic in small spaces, we highly recommend balcony accommodations.

What do cruises do with unsold cabins?

They sell them at a discount. Cruise lines strive to fill ships completely, so if any staterooms are left unbooked one to two months prior to the embarkation date, you could snag a sailing for a steal if you're flexible. (Generally, that means being able to pay in full at the last minute and not being too picky about cabin type.)

Because it's less of a kick in the teeth for lines to discount their lower-end cabins, they will often try to coax already-booked passengers into upgrades from lower- to higher-tiered staterooms for a small added cost. That ensures balconies and suites are filled, and the vacated insides and oceanviews can then be offered at discounted rates.

The discounted rates are usually offered through large travel agencies and marketed to people who live near the ship's embarkation port.

How do you choose a room on a cruise ship?

Picking a cabin can be difficult, particularly with the large number of types available on any given ship. Your best bet is to consider the following before making a decision:

• Preferences: Do you need a room with a view? If so, does your view need to come with outdoor space?
• Travel party: With whom are you traveling? Do you need space and beds for more than two people? Are you cruising alone? Do you need connecting rooms?
• Location: If you're prone to seasickness, book low and middle. If you're a light sleeper, book away from noisy public spaces.
• Price: Does the type of cabin you want fit into your budget? Sign up for price drops, and ask your travel agent about deals and discounts.
• Status: Are bragging rights or high-level loyalty status important to you? If so, you'll want to book swankier digs.

Royal Caribbean says something big could be announced on Wednesday.

Travel agents received an email about a new webinar scheduled for Wednesday with "some hot off the press updates."

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, told travel agents to attend a webinar that strongly hints at a big announcement.

"I guarantee this is a session you will not want to miss out on - I'd say this is the news we've all been waiting for!"

The invitation did not disclose what the topic or scope of the announcement could be, but the wording is very clear that it is significant.

There are plenty of possible topics this webinar could tackle, including an update on when test cruises might start, revenue sailing restart plans, new health protocols, ship deployments, and more.

UPDATE: A new email from Ms. Freed points to a new homeport for Royal Caribbean.

It is unknown if Royal Caribbean's decision to redeploy Mariner of the Seas beginning in October 2021 has anything to do with the announcement.

It has long been speculated that the first Royal Caribbean ships to restart sailings in North America are likely to be short sailings to the Bahamas, and Mariner of the Seas has offered those types of cruises.

Moreover, if there is any connection between the newly redeployed Mariner sailings and restarting cruises, Royal Caribbean can get around the problem of having to figure out a way around needing to maintain a reduced capacity without canceling certain reservations and not others. 

Stay tuned to RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com for details on anything Royal Caribbean announces.

If you have a cruise on Mariner of the Seas booked between October 2021 and April 2022, your sailing has been changed.

Royal Caribbean informed travel agents on Tuesday that it has made a change to all Mariner of the Seas sailings scheduled between October 2021 and April 2022.

Mariner of the Seas will still sail from Port Canaveral, but the departure dates and itineraries have been revised with new itineraries. Essentially, she will sail from the same port - just on different days.

As a result of the change, existing bookings have been canceled.

Guests who were booked on Mariner of the Seas have four options:

You have up to  March 29th, 2021 to decide which of these options suits you.

1. Stay onboard redployed sailing

Royal Caribbean will automatically move the guest to a similar stateroom beginning on April 1, 2021.

2. Rebook another Mariner of the Seas sailing

Guests can choose to rebook to a different sailing, based on their original booked sail date.

3. Move to any other Royal Caribbean sailing

If option 1 or 2 does not work, then they move their reservation to any other Royal Caribbean sailing without incurring a change fee.

You will still be subject to any difference in pricing for your cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items. If you were already paid in full and your cruise fare rate decreases, Royal Caribbean will provide you with a refund if there is any difference in pricing. Expect a  refund to your original form of payment 45 days after the move is complete.

Airfare changes will be reimbursed as well for non-refundable airline charges with receipts (up to $200 USD per guest for Domestic flights or up to $400 USD per guest for International flights). Please email airline receipts and booking information to [email protected] for review and reimbursement.

4. Refund

If none of these options work, Royal Caribbean will offer a full refund of any paid portion of your cruise fare to the original form(s) of payment, including any non-refundable deposit.

Expect a refund 45 days after you submit the refund request.

If you used a Future Cruise Credit on this sailing, and request a refund instead, Royal Caribbean will refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and reinstate the original certificate.

One of the big three cruise lines just announced it will not be restarting cruises until at least July.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced on Tuesday morning it has canceled its June 2021 cruises across its three brands: Norwegian, Regent and Oceania.

The cancellations extend through June 30. 

Prior to today's announcement, NCL had cruises canceled through May.

The pattern thus far during the cruise industry shutdown has been when one of the major three cruise lines, NCL, Carnival, or Royal Caribbean, cancels cruises, the other two follow eventually.

The company said it it continues to work through its return-to-service plan to meet the requirements of the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Guests who are currently booked on canceled voyages on Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises are asked to contact their travel advisor or the cruise line for more information.

NCL had pulled all of its June cruises from being bookable on its website earlier this week, which has been another tell-tale sign of impending cancellations.

Royal Caribbean had only just cancelled its May cruises one week ago, and there has been no announcement yet by Royal Caribbean if June will also go.

We know that Quantum of the Seas cruises from Singapore and Odyssey of the Seas sailings from Israel will be able to sail in June, with perhaps a chance of cruises from China being able to sail.

The big question is not if there will be any Royal Caribbean cancellations in June, rather, if there will be an opportunity for one or two other ships to move towards a restart.

There is a fine line between "so what? You're on vacation!" and "That's a lot of money" when it comes to buying things on a cruise vacation.

Part of going on vacation is splurging and treating yourself to something you might not otherwise buy back at home. Jewelry, a massage, cocktails are just a few examples of ways some people like to plus-up their trip.

Just because you are on vacation does not mean you have to waste your money either, and there a few situations where you should put your SeaPass card back in your pocket.

Here are the top things you can buy on a cruise, that I think you should hold off on buying at sea and buy them when you get home.

Art auction

I know there are some readers who really love the art auctions on a cruise ship, but art auctions are a prime example of "buyer beware".

Unfortunately, these art auctions have a really poor reputation for over the top evaluations, slow shipping times, and buyer regret.

Certainly some people buy art on a ship and love their piece.  I think the key is to be aware that valuations are opinions, not facts, and you should buy art because you think it will look good in your living room; not because you think it will be part of your retirement plan.

An alternative is to look at buying art in the ports your ship will visit. Many ports have art for sale in the stores near the ship, and you can find something that captures your vacation memories for likely less than the art onboard.

Read more: 5 Costly lessons learned on a cruise (and how to avoid them!)

Electronics

Royal Caribbean sells a decent selection of cameras, action cameras, memory cards, and other fun electronics that you can use on your vacation, but don't expect any kind of competitive price for them.

In general, you are going to pay full retail prices for cameras, camcorders, and various accessories on a ship.  If you buy them at home at a retail store or online, you will find more more competitive prices.

There is nothing wrong with picking up a spare memory card if you realize you forgot one (I have done that once), but deals for these items are not common at all.

If you realize you forgot your camera or something else important, consider buying it in your embarkation port.  Your taxi can easily bring you to WalMart or Best Buy before going to the port.  Or you could look at prices in a port you are visiting.

Baby supplies

If you are going on a cruise with a toddler or infant, Royal Caribbean does stock a limited supply of diapers and formula, but this should really be for an emergency only.

Not only is their stock low, they may not have the right size of something, or the brand your child prefers.  Never mind you are going to overpay for these items.

It is a good idea to pack many more supplies than you think you will ever need to ensure you have plenty of extra.

Another alternative is to buy baby supplies in a port you are visiting.  Look for a pharmacy or super market for reasonably priced options.

Read more: Introduction to bringing toddlers on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Personal hygiene & medicine

Got a sun burn? Need more shaving cream? Have a headache? Royal Caribbean stocks what you need, but it will not cheap.

Whether you need toothpaste, aloe, Tylenol, or any other personal care product, skip buying it on the ship.

Any port you visit likely stocks these items at better prices, so try to wait to pick it up there.

If you are flying to your cruise port and do not want to deal with the airline restrictions on liquids, consider buying them in your embarkation port before you go to the cruise terminal.

Read more: How To Avoid Getting Sick on a Cruise

Drink package

Don't worry, I think a drink package can be a great value.  However, if you are buying it onboard the ship, you are wasting money.

Royal Caribbean regularly discounts its drink packages when you purchase them online, so do yourself a favor and buy them online before your cruise.

You can buy a drink package at almost any time up until a few days before your cruise.  

No matter the price of the drink package online, it will absolutely be less online than if you buy it onboard.

Read more: How to get a get a discount on a Royal Caribbean drink package

Ship internet

Just like the drink package, your wifi package will absolutely be cheaper online if you buy it before the cruise.

There is one exception to waiting to buy the ship wifi, and that is if you are Diamond or higher in Crown and Anchor Society because you are entitled to a big discount on your wifi package. On short sailings (less than 5 nights), it actually can make sense to wait to buy it onboard.

But if you are new to Royal Caribbean, or have not cruised much, you will save money by booking a wifi package online before the cruise.

Read more: Royal Caribbean WiFi: Guide to Internet at sea

No matter how many cruises you have been on, there are still a few things you are calling the wrong name.

Like so many things in spoken language, people tend to gravitate towards easier to remember terms or phrases and getting your brain to remember the proper phrase is never simple.

The classic example is when a highway or bridge is renamed, many people tend to still call it by the old name.  In other cases, it can be a simple case of not realizing the thing you are talking about is actually referred to as something else.

No one is perfect (especially me), so I wanted to share a few common terms, things, and policies that you might have been calling the wrong thing.

1. Jones Act

Let's start off with a timely mistake, and that is calling the cabotage laws that cruise ships adhere to in the United States as the Jones Act.

The rules that require foreign-flagged cruise ships to sail from the United States and stop somewhere outside of the country before returning back has become a major sticking point for cruise lines following Canada's ban of cruise ships.

Lots of people call this the Jones Act, but the Jones Act refers to cargo and cruise ships actually fall under a different law.

It is not the Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act of 1920), it is the PVSA (Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886) that prohibits foreign flagged ships from doing closed-loop voyages that do not visit a foreign port.  

2. Boat

The cruising equivalent of nails on a chalkboard has to be when someone refers to a cruise ship as "a boat".

This has to do with the nautical terms that differentiate vessels between a boat and a ship.

Calling a cruise ship a boat is demeaning because there are major differences between a boat and a ship.

• A ship is much larger than a boat
• Ships are built to travel the open ocean, while boats are relegated to shore areas
• A ship can carry a boat, but a boat can’t carry a ship

3. RCCL

Another incredibly common mistake is to call Royal Caribbean International "RCCL" or "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line".

Yes, that used to be the name of the cruise line, but Royal Caribbean changed its name from "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line" after they purchased Celebrity Cruises.

The company decided to keep the two cruise line brands separate after the merger, so "Royal Caribbean Cruise Line" became "Royal Caribbean International" and a new parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., was created.

Since then, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. changed its name to Royal Caribbean Group in 2020.

The bottom line is, it has been over 20 years since the cruise line we know and love was called RCCL.

4. Mustard drill

My kids are as guilty as anyone for mispronouncing this as anyone, but one is the safety drill and the other is a condiment.

I am certain there is a technical phrase in speech about when you call something by a name you think you heard it as, but the safety drill on cruise ships is the muster drill, and has nothing to do with the stuff you put on burgers.

As a new cruiser, it is easy to mistake the name after hearing someone say "muster drill", but it is definitely not mustard.

5. Cay or Key?

The proper pronunciation of Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas has recently become a major source of debate among cruisers.

When Royal Caribbean transformed CocoCay into Perfect Day at CocoCay, there was a decision to call the island by the same pronunciation that the Bahamians prefer, which is "key".

Since many of us were so used to pronouncing it "cay", it drummed up a lot of discussion which is appropriate.  Many cruise fans pointed out "cay" rhymes with "Perfect Day", thus, it must be the case.  I have always seen that as a coincidence, since Perfect Day at Lelepa was announced and definitely does not rhyme.

The truth is both pronunciations are acceptable, but "key" is more proper.

6. Confusing sail away time with all aboard time

Of all the things on this list, I probably would not stop and correct someone on a cruise ship out of respect for them and not wanting to look like a know-it-all....except for this one.

When your cruise ship visits a port, you will see the times listed of when the ship is in port. However, these times are not what times you can actually get on or off the ship.

The ship has two times guest need to take heed of: what time the ship departs, and what time you need to be back onboard.

The all aboard time is the cut off for when you must be back onboard the ship.  This is to ensure there is enough time for everyone to get back on the ship, and prepare the ship to set sail.

So when you are planning your day in any port, you want to ensure you are back onboard well before the all aboard time.

7. Anytime Dining

Royal Caribbean's flexible main dining room dinner program is called My Time Dining, but there are a lot of other names people call it.

Lots of guests will call it "anytime dining" or even worse, "freestyle dining".  

Freestyle Dining is the trademarked name of Norwegian Cruise Line's bold initiative to shake up cruise ship dinner.

Picking a cruise ship isn't as simple as just booking the vessel with the cheapest price or pulling a destination out of a hat. If you take that approach, your at-sea vacation is likely to leave you feeling disappointed.

Here, we'll answer some common questions so you can choose a ship that caters to your definition of the ideal cruise.

How do you pick a cruise for the first time?

Are you asking yourself "How do I find the right cruise for me?" If you're a cruise newbie and you truly want to take the stress out of planning a sailing, the easiest and most foolproof way is to book through a travel agent.

Not only can he or she help to narrow down your search for the perfect voyage, but you might also snag some extras, such as free Champagne, complimentary dinner in one of the alternative restaurants or even onboard credit to spend however you want.

Plus, if something goes wrong during your trip, you'll have a point of contact to handle all of the details.

If you're determined to go it alone, however, there are 10 key things to evaluate before you make a final selection.

• Price: How much will the cruise cost, and is it in your budget? Don't forget to include expenses under Dining, Extras, Logistics and Packing below.
• Destination: Where do you want to go, and is it feasible?
• Length: How much time can you spend away from home? Do you have work or other commitments that might keep you from taking a longer sailing?
• Line and Ship: Which cruise line and specific ship best fit your travel style? Do you prefer adrenaline-pumping activities, or would you rather relax by the pool with a drink?
• Cabin: What type of room do you need? Are you traveling alone, with kids or with a group? Do you want a view? Which location on the ship is best for you?
• Dining and Drinks: Are there enough options to keep your inner foodie happy? How many of them are free? Do you prefer set seating or anytime dining?
• Activities: What is there to do onboard? Does it cost extra?
• Extras: Do you plan to gamble, buy a Wi-Fi package or book spa treatments or excursions? They come with a cost, and pre-booking is recommended for the latter.
• Logistics: Do you have to book a flight or pre- or post-cruise hotel? How will you get to port to embark?
• Packing: How much will you take with you; will you have to check bags? Will you need to purchase weather-appropriate clothing, gear or new luggage?

How do you pick a cruise line?

Since you've found your way here, we assume that you're leaning heavily toward Royal Caribbean, but regardless of the cruise line you choose, it's important to understand that experiences can vary widely from cruise line to cruise line (and even ship to ship).

Each line caters to its own niche, and the options can be head-spinning. For a rundown of which brands are best for which travel styles, read our guide to the best cruise lines.

How do you pick a cruise ship?

Most lines divide their vessels into classes, with ships in the same class featuring nearly identical offerings, from dining and amenities to cabins and public spaces. Doing a bit of homework to familiarize yourself with the fleet before booking can help you to learn more about each type of ship, where it sails and what you can expect onboard, particularly in the way of don't-miss activities.

For the mainstream lines, generally the smaller the ship, the older it is and the fewer amenities it offers. Older vessels often specialize in shorter sailings to tried-and-true locales, such as the Caribbean or Bahamas, and fares usually cost less per night than they do on newer ships.

For Royal Caribbean, this list of the line's ship classes is a good place to start your research.

Ships in the line's Voyager, Radiance and Vision Classes are the smallest and provide a more intimate experience with fewer passengers and fewer bells and whistles. Although they all offer free food, comfortable accommodations and extras like rock climbing walls, outdoor movies, mini-golf and ice skating, they're best for anyone who's content to simply relax in the sun with a drink.

If you're a go-go-go cruiser who prefers to pack the day with adrenaline-pumping pastimes, ships in the newer Freedom, Oasis and Quantum Classes are best. Passengers on many of those ships can enjoy ziplining, carousel rides, water slides, simulated surfing and skydiving, escape rooms, bumper cars and other diversions.

The newest ships also offer a staggering host of bars and restaurants from which to choose. If you're a foodie who likes a larger variety of cuisines and doesn't mind shelling out a little extra money for alternative dining, vessels in the Freedom, Oasis and Quantum Classes provide considerably more choice.

Similarly, the newer, larger ships house a larger number of cabin types, meaning that you won't have trouble finding exactly what you need -- inside, ocean view, balcony, mini-suite, suite, solo cabin, connecting cabin, accessible cabin or something that's family-friendly.

Happy weekend! We hope you remembered to Spring Forward! Here’s all the Royal Caribbean news this week!

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean canceled nearly all of its May 2021 cruises.

The new round of cancellations means cruises will not be able to restart until at least June.

This means its voluntary cruise shutdown extends through May 31, 2021.

Cruise operations had been suspended through the end of April 2021, but will now be extended an additional month.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean extends Cruise with Confidence program by one month
• Royal Caribbean releases new Odyssey of the Seas sailings from Israel
• Royal Caribbean now surveying guests about comfort level with booking a cruise
• Royal Caribbean produces video where masks are required on Quantum of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean is re-evaluating its cruise ship health protocols following stellar vaccine results
• Here are the questions about crew members a lot of people are searching the internet for
• Spotted: Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to sail from Los Angeles, California in 2021
• What is the earliest flight I should book after the cruise?
• Royal Caribbean is close to purchasing Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport
• 20 Radiance Class cruise ship tips and secrets
• England opens up option for cruises to restart on May 17
• Ovation of the Seas enters dry dock for routine five year maintenance

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 397th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, which has the top things I wish more cruisers knew about going on a cruise.

In this episode, I have seven suggestions for anyone going on a cruise that wants to enjoy their cruise to its fullest.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 5 Costly lessons learned on a cruise (and how to avoid them!)

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 — Where are Royal Caribbean's cruise ships right now?
 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean releases Long Caribbean cruise itineraries for Winter 2022-2023

Royal Caribbean has released a new round of 2022-2023 itineraries for sale.

This week, the "Other/Long Caribbean" for Winter 2022-2023 went on sale, encompassing five cruise ships. These new sailings are available to book immediately.