Royal Caribbean Blog

A new tropical disturbance is brewing, and Royal Caribbean is already moving some of its cruise ships away.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring an area of low pressure in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, but this system has a low chance of developing over the next week.

So far four different ships have had their itineraries changed as a result of the weather.

The November 2nd sailing of Radiance of the Seas was the first ship to have her scheduled itinerary changed.

The ship was scheduled to originally sail through The Bahamas and visit Bimini and Freeport, Bahamas, along with a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Passengers received an email notifying them of the change, "Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we've been monitoring inclement weather along our intended path due to a developing storm system forecasted to bring increasingly strong winds across the sea, impacting our planned ports and potentially making them unsafe to visit."

As a result, Radiance will head into the Western Caribbean to avoid the path of the storm.

"As a result, we'll be unable to visit the planned ports of call on our itinerary. To provide you with the most enjoyable sailing experience, we'll now visit some of our popular Western Caribbean destinations - Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize and Costa Maya Mexico!"

Radiance will arrive in Cozumel on Monday and sail her revised itinerary, ending the string of port calls on Thursday before heading back to Tampa for her scheduled return on Saturday.

A second ship will also bypass The Bahamas with Vision of the Seas.

Vision is sailing from Baltimore, Maryland and was scheduled to go to Nassau, Bahamas and CocoCay.

Instead, Vision will spend more time in Bermuda and include a visit to Port Canaveral, Florida.

Freedom of the Seas is also getting a change in her planned schedule.

The scheduled November 3rd sailing will have its itinerary flipped around to keep the ship away from the worst weather. The good news is they'll still be able to visit the same set of ports, just on different days.

Instead of visiting Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Labadee, the new itinerary will be Labadee; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman.

A fourth ship, Brilliance of the Seas is also changing ports of call due to the storm.

The November 2nd sailing from New Orleans originally was scheduled to visit Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Grand Cayman.

Instead, they will drop a visit to Grand Cayman and visit Belize City, Belize instead.

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather - your safety is our top priority," Royal Caribbean said in a letter to guests.

Royal Caribbean's forecast

Royal Caribbean employs its own meteorologist, Craig Setzer, and he posted his thoughts on the storm chances on his X/Twitter page on Saturday morning.

"While uncertainty about exact details remain (how strong, exactly where), combining weather systems over the next several days will impact Florida, The Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, & Caymans with exceptionally windy and stormy periods this week.

"The message from the Euro model is for near tropical storm winds (green area) & higher gusts with passing squalls likely." 

"Focus might be on hurricane development potential (which is low at this time), but longer duration tropical storm-like impacts are possible over South Florida/Keys & The Bahamas by early this week, even without a named storm."

Brewing storm

While November is the last month of Hurricane Season, it's not over yet.

While it may not become a tropical storm, there's enough rain and wind to make it undesirable for cruise ships. 

The National Hurricane Center is giving this system a slight chance of becoming a tropical depression over the next couple of days.

"Some heavy tropical downpours will affect the northeastern Caribbean islands for the next couple of days as the system tracks to the west," the NHC said. "Next week, it will likely be absorbed by the developing disturbance in the Caribbean."

Another disturbance in the Southwestern Caribbean Sea

A disturbance in the southwestern Caribbean Sea of concern is likely to develop into something.

The NHC expects it to become at least a tropical depression.

As of Saturday morning, the system remained a cluster of disorganized showers and thunderstorms in the southwestern Caribbean Sea. However, the National Hurricane Center expects gradual development over the weekend, with a tropical depression likely to form within the next few days as the system progresses across the central and western Caribbean.

Passengers onboard Odyssey of the Seas' transatlantic cruise from Italy to Cape Liberty were informed they'd no longer be visiting Valencia, Spain. 

Deadly flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain have resulted in at least 205 fatalities, according to the Associated Press. It's the country's deadliest storm in living memory and has been classified as a level two crisis on a scale of three. 

Spain's meteorological agency said a year's worth of rain fell on the region in less than 8 hours. The catastrophic flooding happened with little to no warning, trapping residents in their homes and vehicles. 

By the time an emergency alert was sent out around 8:00pm, many were already overwhelmed by the rising waters. As the water came rushing down the rivers and tributaries toward the Mediterranean Sea, bridges were destroyed, and cars were swept away. 

Valencia's president, Carlos Mazón, has deployed over 500 soldiers, joining the 1,200 from the Military Emergency Unit. An additional 500 soldiers will arrive on Saturday to help rescue victims, clear debris, and provide food and water. 

While the waters have receded, it will take Spain months to recover from the destruction. Many are still without power or running water. CNN reported that Valencia's highways are blocked or only partially useable. Additionally, the train tracks are so badly damaged that rail services will be unavailable for weeks. 

Royal Caribbean emailed booked passengers and travel agents on Friday, Nov. 1, saying flash flooding has made it difficult to navigate the area. 

"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change - the safety and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are always our top priority," the notice reads. 

Instead of calling at Valencia, Odyssey of the Seas will visit Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 before resuming its original itinerary, including stops in Cartagena and Malaga, Spain, and Madeira (Funchal), Portugal, followed by six days at sea en route to New Jersey. 

"The Spanish island of Mallorca is waiting for you, with its towering mountains and dramatic cliffs rising over clear, blue water. Its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, the island's capital, and largest city, where you'll find quaint historic streets, Gothic castles, and gastronomic delights," the email continues. 

"If you're feeling adventurous, journey through Palma de Mallorca's Drach Caves, home to the largest underground lake in the world. Or hike through the city's historic 15th century royal path to the town of Banyalbufar."

Guests with shore excursions booked in Valencia will receive a refund in the form of an onboard credit on their SeaPass accounts, and they can be used anywhere onboard—from the Bionic Bar to one of Odyssey's specialty restaurants or another tour in Palma de Mallorca.  

Any remaining credits not used during the sailing will be refunded to the card on file up to 14 business days after disembarkation. 

The next Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to call at Valencia is Voyager of the Seas on Nov. 12, followed by Adventure of the Seas on the 25th. After that, Valencia won't see another Royal Caribbean ship until next year, when Brilliance of the Seas visits in April, marking the beginning of the cruise line's European season. 

Read more: I stayed in a windowless cabin onboard Odyssey of the Seas that cost $2,300

Odyssey of the Seas is repositioning to New Jersey

After she arrives in mid-November, the 1,138-foot-long ship will make regular voyages to Florida and The Bahamas. She'll also embark on a few longer sailings to the Southern Caribbean in January. 

Odyssey will return to Europe in May 2025, following a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Italy. The vessel will remain homeported in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, through October 2025, offering sailings to the Greek Isles. 

As a Quantum Class ship, Odyssey features innovative design and advanced technology, ranging from the SeaPlex, a multi-purpose indoor venue that hosts activities such as bumper cars and roller skating, to the North Star, a glass observation capsule that takes passengers high above the ship for views of the surrounding ocean and ports of call. 

Growing up, I primarily cruised on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships. However, within the past year, I've started branching out to explore what makes their older vessels appealing. 

After spending 5 nights onboard Vision of the Seas, I discovered a level of intimacy that the larger ships lack. Still, not everything about this 20+ year-old ship was perfect. 

While I appreciated the overall atmosphere, some areas showed the ship's true age, such as the cabin's bathroom, which I found to be dated compared to the sleek, modern design of newer vessels. Plus, the entertainment options were more limited. I missed the Broadway-style shows and the AquaTheater's high-diving spectacles. 

That said, the charm of Vision of the Seas captivated me. It was reminiscent of a different era of cruising, where the focus was connecting with the sea and fellow passengers, rather than flashy attractions. Royal Caribbean ships didn't always have FlowRider surf simulators, water slides, and ice skating rinks onboard! 

Ease of embarking from Baltimore

Many cruisers—including myself—limit their searches to popular ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Seattle, and Cape Liberty. However, Royal Caribbean also deploys ships from smaller ports, such as Tampa and Baltimore. 

Though smaller, sailing from Baltimore is convenient for those who live in the DMV area, with the Maryland Cruise Terminal just 40 miles from the heart of Washington D.C. The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is also only 10 miles away, so it's easy to access if you're flying in. 

Earlier this year, I had a horrible experience embarking on Carnival Elation in Jacksonville, Florida. I was worried I'd have a similar experience in Maryland, with both ports being outdated compared to newer terminals in South Florida and even Galveston. 

Thankfully, the Maryland Cruise Terminal was efficient, clean, and well-organized. After clearing security, the port agents checked our travel documentation, and we were onboard Vision of the Seas in less than twenty minutes, akin to the time it has taken to board larger ships in modern facilities. 

We found disembarkation to be just as easy. Our assigned group was scheduled to be called off around 9:00am; however, the process went faster than expected, with all groups receiving clearance at 8:45am as we finished breakfast in the Main Dining Room.  

Once off, locating our suitcases was easy, and I was impressed with the terminal's rideshare pick-up area. Instead of pulling up to the sidewalk, all cars were instructed to pull into a parking spot, effectively reducing congestion and helping keep the area organized. 

Read more: 30 cruise ship embarkation do's and don'ts

Impressive main and specialty dining

Compared to recent sailings on Quantum and Freedom of the Seas, Vision's main and specialty dining experience didn't leave much to be desired. Izumi, in particular, was a standout. 

Everything was drool-worthy, from the edamame to the creamy firecracker shrimp rolls, savory miso ramen, and tender champagne lobster roll. In my opinion, it was worth the $40 per person upcharge (note the price includes the pre-cruise Cruise Planner sale and gratuity). 

Aside from one meal in Hamilton, Bermuda, the remaining nights were spent in the Main Dining Room. Prior to the cruise, I advised my friend not to expect anything mindblowing. While I've found included cruise food satisfactory, it's rarely exceptional. 

To my surprise, a few dishes in the MDR were that good, such as the French Onion Soup, Rustic Chicken Korma, Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp, and Tirasmu. 

Though Vision doesn't have as many venues as larger ships in the fleet, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality! 

Read more: I spent 5 days eating on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Here’s everything I ate, including some dishes I’d skip

Activities and amenities 

Vision of the Seas might not have some of the WOW factors that have come to define the Royal Caribbean brand (i.e., the Perfect Storm water slides, FlowRider surf simulator, AquaTheater, zip line, and more), but you won't be bored during your cruise. 

On embarkation day, we decided to attend the silent disco in the Centrum. It was a lively activity that was more popular than I thought! After dancing the night away, we worked up an appetite and headed to the Park Cafe in the Solarium for some pizza. 

While the next day was more relaxing, I loved the enclosed Solarium. It proved to be the perfect retreat, as most of our cruise was plagued with poor weather. 

Additionally, it was steps away from the complimentary sauna and steam room in the Vitality Spa. This made it easy to switch from lounging in the peaceful Solarium to relaxing in the sauna and letting the heat work its magic whenever we wanted. 

Whether we wanted to attend a trivia session, watch a production show, listen to live music at the Schooner Bar, try our luck at Bingo, climb the rock wall, or participate in The Crazy Quest, there was always something to keep us entertained.

Read more: All about Vision Class cruise ships

Basic cabin

My inside stateroom on Vision was like a time capsule. 

The soft lighting and furnishings were simple yet inviting, and I appreciated the functional layout with plenty of storage, a small seating area, and dual nightstands with extra drawers. 

That said, the most disappointing aspect of my cabin was the clingy shower curtain. No matter how hard I tried, it always seemed drawn to my skin, making showering a bit challenging. Because of this, more water would escape from the shower than I'd like. 

Read more: I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. I'd only book one again

I also wish Royal Caribbean would update its older cabins to feature more charging options. When I cruised on Carnival Elation, a ship roughly the same age as Vision, I was surprised to find multiple outlets, including USB ports beside the bed. 

Thankfully, I came prepared with European power adapters, so we could use all four outlets (two American and two European) at the vanity. I'd also recommend bringing a portable charger if you want to charge your phone in bed, as there aren't any outlets near the bedside. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean banned outlet extenders on its cruise ships. Its change started a debate about what's allowed

Inconsistent buffet

My least favorite thing about Vision of the Seas was the buffet, particularly during breakfast. I enjoy a simple breakfast, typically eggs for protein, fruit, and a hashbrown patty, and throughout my 5 days onboard, the quality of the Windjammer's breakfast varied greatly. 

On the first full morning, my eggs were cold—though I liked the small avocado toast. The eggs were again cold the following day, but the hash brown patty was perfectly crispy. Things went really downhill from there.

Deciding to mix it up, I grabbed a hardboiled egg instead of scrambled eggs, but the heat lamp made the shell too hot to touch. By the time I finally removed the shell, I found the hardboiled egg to be overcooked, rubbery, and dry. 

Additionally, the hash brown wasn't as crispy as the day before. Instead, it was on the soggy side. After a few disappointing breakfasts in the Windjammer, we decided to carve out extra time each morning to eat in the Main Dining Room, where the quality of the food was consistently better. 

Read more: 11 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet

When I cruise, I love taking advantage of every trick to save me time or money, but not all of them work as well as I hoped.

I find there are a lot of tried-and-true cruise tips and hacks that work quite well.  Some are so ingrained in my routine that I just consider them standard operating procedure, although they may not be so obvious to someone new to cruising.

Planning a cruise effectively means you side step common mistakes and set yourself up for a great time.  However, some strategies just aren't as useful as they may sound.

To be fair, I concede some tips work for others, but not for me. The first time I tried an over the door shoe organizer as a cruise hack to save on storage space, I thought it wasn't nearly as useful as I imagined.

Nonetheless, I love to try tips out all the time in order to make me a better cruiser.  Over my last few cruises, I found a few more duds that just didn't work for my family.  Some were tips that I think are overrated, while others may be ship or itinerary specific.

Here's why they generally weren't worth the effort (and what we found worked instead).

Wear a bathing suit to the ship on embarkation day

A really good cruise tip to know is you can use the pool and water slides on embarkation day, and it's one of the best times to do so without big lines or crowds.

With that tip in mind, you should bring a swimsuit with you so you can change into it in one of the public bathrooms after you board.  Personally, I hate changing clothes in a public bathroom because it's awkward and not comfortable at all. 

One tip was to simply wear your bathing suit when you board the ship under your clothes. 

It seemed like a good workaround, since by the time you're done swimming, your stateroom cabin should be ready to go and change back.

The issue I had was wearing a bathing suit for a few hours isn't that comfortable, especially men's bathing suits with a mesh lining. I'd put it on in the morning of the cruise, and then wear it through the cruise terminal until I got on the ship and into the pool.

After a few hours of wearing swim trunks, I felt as though the mesh lining becomes the single most uncomfortable item of clothing ever made. 

My preferred hack for enjoying a ship's pool or slides is to go on a port day instead.

Don't overpack

I'm an over packer and always have been, so I've tried to be better about it.  

If I'm cruising from a port in Florida where I can drive or take the train, overpacking really isn't an issue since I don't have to worry about luggage allowances. 

But when I fly to cruise, cutting down on overpacking seems like a good tip to follow.  Even if I'm cruising locally, having a smaller suitcase would be easier.

The problem I have when I under pack is it gives me anxiety about running out of clothes when I get on the ship. Plus, during summer months, I find I sweat through more clothes than I thought I would.

On a cruise to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles in June, I sweat so profusely in Mazatlan that I even surprised myself.

Of course, I can send clothes out for dry cleaning on a ship, but it's not cheap.

Having backup clothes just makes things easier, and I feel less anguish about if I should re-use clothing.

Skip the buffet on your first day

There are few venues on a Royal Caribbean cruise that get as busy as the Windjammer buffet on embarkation day.

It seems as though everyone that gets onboard wants to eat lunch, and they all head to the buffet.

I really like the buffet, and go there on nearly every cruise. But it's definitely frustrating trying to find a seat, especially on Royal Caribbean's older cruise ships.

There are two ideas for skipping the buffet with an alternative.

The first hack is to go to a different complimentary venue, but the value of this tip really depends on the ship.  If you're on an Oasis or Icon Class ship, it's a great idea because you can hit up Park Cafe or Aquadome Market.  

Each has a good selection of food, freshly prepared, and it feels like a meal.

On other ships, you're relegated to Cafe Promeande or Sorrento's Pizza. Maybe it's just a me thing, but I don't find either satisfying as a meal.

The other hack is to go to a specialty restaurant on embarkation day.  Sure it costs money, but you get to sit down and enjoy a full meal.  And you can find at least one specialty restaurant open on any Royal Caribbean ship on embarkation day.

The problem I have with this hack is I'm too excited for all the fun of the cruise to sit around for an hour or more to eat a meal.

While this option is indeed satisfying, when I board a ship, I want to explore and do things. I'm excited to cruise, and I'm not in the mood to sit around.

I doubt I'll adopt this hack, other than if I'm on a ship that has a really good alternative. Sign me up for Aquadome Market any day of the week, if I'm on a ship with that option!

Use the free showers in the fitness center

The last time I shared a cabin with my kids, my oldest daughter was hogging up the shower like all teenagers typically do.

I then remembered a commonly shared cruise tip to use the free showers in the fitness center.

On every Royal Caribbean ship, the gym has a changing room and shower that anyone can use.

I gathered my stuff and was about to go use this tip when I remembered an equally important tip from college: you need to wear shoes of some kind to avoid athlete's foot.

I didn't have the proper shoes for it, so I had to skip this tip. While I've sworn off sharing a cabin with my kids at this point, if I ever did again, I'd have to remember to bring the right kind of footwear with me.

Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is always fun but can be especially memorable over a holiday, such as Halloween. 

The largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is currently celebrating her first Halloween in service! Royal Caribbean Blog reader Kate Hebner was kind enough to share photos of the ship's spooky decorations. 

The Royal Promenade is decked out with inflatables, ranging from larger-than-life aliens to an octopus with a trick-or-treat bucket. 

There's also a jack-o-lantern waving "hello" to passengers and a haunted tree, which is a popular hang-out spot for ghosts.

If you try to ride the inflatable dragon, you won't get very far! It's tempting on a ship so large, though. 

The dog in the Royal Promenade has been dressed as a ghost. Thankfully, the white sheet was cut so it won't interfere with its "business." 

Speaking of dogs, Rover is dressed like a pirate. She’s probably the nicest (and softest) pirate at sea! 

Spiderwebs lines the banister of the staircase leading up to Deck 6, with balloons in black and orange affixed to the railings overlooking the Promenade below. 

Hebner shares that the decorations were placed overnight, meaning they weren't there when guests embarked on the current 7-night Western Caribbean cruise to Mexico, Honduras, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

In addition to decorations, Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to have Halloween-themed activities, such as costume contests, a parade, themed arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts. You may even meet passengers handing out candy to children to mimic trick-or-treating.

Today's Cruise Compass says Halloween events began as early as 9:00am with the Adult and Family Halloween Costume Contest Registrations. At 9:30am, there was a Halloween Wordsearch Puzzle in the Schooner Bar, followed by a Halloween Word Fill Challenge at 10:15am at Spotlight Karaoke. 

Other events on the schedule include Name that Tune: Halloween Hits, Adventure Ocean's Family Haunted House, Pumpkin Soccer Shootout, Family Trick or Treat at Splashaway Bay, Adult Haunted House: The Abandoned Manor of Dr. Gristle, Halloween Flash Mob "Thriller," Family Halloween Costume Contest Parade, Family Halloween Monster Bash Party, Adult Halloween Costume Parade and Bash Party, and Casino Royale's HalloWin Costume Contest. 

Crew members live and work onboard cruise ships, and while many of their cabins are quite small, there are a few bigger ones.

A video shared on TikTok shows what the largest crew cabins are like on Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas. 

Bryan James, an entertainer for Royal Caribbean, has worked on numerous ships in the fleet, including Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, and Quantum of the Seas. He also shares glimpses of his life as a crew member onboard Royal Caribbean vessels on various social media channels, from TikTok (819k followers) to Instagram (273k followers). 

Though he's currently on Utopia of the Seas, a video shared on his social media in May shows his cabin while working onboard Quantum during the ship's seasonal stint in Alaska. 

Unlike his living quarters while on Utopia, he shares five reasons he loves this massive cabin, from the private, full-sized bathroom to the porthole window. 

#5: Storage space

Cruise ship cabins aren't known for being the most spacious. Crew staterooms are even smaller than standard passenger cabins, meaning they have even less storage space despite living on the ship for months at a time. 

James has been working on Royal Caribbean ships for years and is used to small closets. While he admits it isn't an issue, he appreciated having more space on Quantum. 

"...[small closets are] fine because I don't have a lot of clothes, but just to know I've got the extra space...or [if] I have people come [to] visit me on the ship like my mom just did, it's great to have a place for them to put their clothes, too," he says. 

Read more: Ultimate Cruise Packing List

#4: Full-size bathroom

Sometimes, crew members have to share bathrooms during their contracts. While on Quantum, however, James had his own bathroom. Not only that but it was larger than others he's had in the past!

"You don't have to be in the shower and on the toilet at the same time," he remarks, "They are two separate entities." 

Above the sink, which is also in the bathroom unlike on Utopia of the Seas, there's a huge medicine cabinet with space for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other toiletries. 

Noticeably missing from the bathroom is the standard glass shower door in passenger staterooms. Instead, crew members are given a shower curtain.

#3: Full-size desk

James compares his desk onboard Quantum to one on a previous contract. "...clearly a massive upgrade," he says. 

In his cabin, the desk takes up nearly one wall, giving him plenty of space to edit videos for his social media channels and unwind by playing video games. 

The desk in his old cruise ship cabin pulled out from the closet, and there wasn't enough floor space to keep the stool out full-time. Instead, he stored it when it wasn't in use to free up floor space. 

#2: Full-size bed

Could you imagine sleeping on a twin-sized bed for months at a time? Typically, that's how cruise ship crew members experience life at sea. In this case, James was surprised that he had a full-sized bed. 

Even better, it wasn't two twin-sized beds pushed together, which is the case in passenger cabins. Guests can elect to have them separated or keep them pushed together, depending on their preferences. 

"Normally, they take two mattresses [and] they squish them together...this is an actual real mattress," he explains. 

His cabin also had a pullman bed, ideal when guests stayed with him while onboard. 

#1: Porthole

Some cruisers refuse to pay extra for balcony cabins, whereas others can't imagine stepping foot on a ship without having access to a private verandah. Crew members don't get to decide whether they have an inside or ocean-view room. Most, however, stay in tiny cabins without any natural light for the duration of their contact. 

On Quantum, James was most pleased with his porthole, allowing him to catch glimpses of Alaska's natural beauty inside his stateroom. 

"Not only do I get sunshine during the day," he says, "but I can stick my phone up to the window and get cell service so I don't have to use the internet....This is the dream, guys." 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship

Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in May 2025

Following her season in Australia and the South Pacific, Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in May, offering 7-night roundtrip cruises from Seattle, along with one 5-night sailing to Sitka and Victoria, British Columbia. 

The 168,666 gross registered ton vessel is the namesake ship of the Quantum Class, the first to feature innovations like a skydiving simulator, indoor SeaPlex used for roller skating and bumper cars, and the North Star Observation Capsule. 

During Quantum's Alaskan itineraries, guests can lounge on the top decks to take in the stunning views of glaciers and fjords and take advantage of numerous outdoor activities in port, including hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. 

Read more: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska

Thinking about booking a cruise, but aren't ready to commit yet? It's now easier to buy yourself more time to think it over.

Royal Caribbean has updated its policy regarding courtesy holds to give guests more time before it expires.

A courtesy hold allows a guest to hold a booking with no deposit.

This hold allows the guest to hold not only the cabin, but also the promotional pricing.

Travel agents were sent an update that indicates as of October 28, 2024, the maximum allowed courtesy hold period has been increased to 5 days. Any booking created before October 28th will be honored under the existing option date policy.

The exact length of time you have under a courtesy hold depends on how far in advance you are booking:

• 0 hold days for sailings departing within 0 to 30 days
• 1 hold day for sailings departing within 31 to 45 days
• 2 hold days for sailings departing within 46 to 90 days
• 5 hold days for sailings departing within 91 days or more

The new five day policy is available if you book on your own or with a travel agent. Here's an example of the five day hold available for a cruise in December 2025:

The cruise line says the change was made to make things simpler, "This change is designed to simplify the booking process across all channels, ensuring that both you, as the advisor, and your guests have access to the most accurate inventory across our fleet."

They also said they hope more time will provide, "a more streamlined booking experience, making your bookings easier to manage, and encouraging your clients to finalize their reservations earlier."

In order to avoid a cancellation, payments need to be made prior to 11:00 PM EDT. If no payment is made window expires, the reservation is automatically cancelled.

Why place a hold instead of making a deposit

There are a few good reasons to place a hold on a cabin before booking a cruise.

Placing a hold locks in the price, which means you have more time to decide to book the cruise.

You not only get to hold the price, but also any promotions that come with the price, such as kids sail free, onboard credit, et al.

All too often, cabins get booked up before someone can decide on if they want to cruise.  This ensures more time to get vacation time approved from work, pet setting, and other considerations you may need to secure before being ready to book.

Another advantage of a hold is you can investigate which add-ons are available to book, such as drink packages, shore excursions, and more.

Unlike a booking, there's no money at play. This means it's easy to lock in a price of a cabin for a short period of time to decide later.

Courtesy hold vs deposit

You might be wondering what the differences and advantages are to placing a hold or a deposit on a sailing.

A courtesy hold requires no money down, but only lasts up to 48 hours before it expires.  

A deposit requires at least a few hundred dollars down, but ensures that cabin is yours until you cancel or if you fail to make final payment date.

Both a courtesy hold and a deposit secure the price and promotions at the time of booking.

If you cancel a hold, there's no penalty or money to be refunded. A cancelled deposit means potentially money to be refunded and/or money lost due to a penalty from a non-refundable deposit type.

You should think of courtesy holds as a way to give yourself more time to think about booking without losing a specific cabin and/or price.  

Deposits ensure the room is yours until final payment date, albeit with certain rules depending on which deposit type you choose (refundable or non-refundable).

If your sailing is already past final payment date, then full payment will be required at the time of booking.  A courtesy hold would still allow you to reserve a room temporarily without money down.

How does Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis-Class ship compare to other iterations?

The Oasis Class continues to break records in the cruise industry, providing innovative, action-packed cruise vacations around the world.

Its two newest members, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, share more similarities than any other two ships in the fleet. 

However, Royal Caribbean is constantly seeking to improve, so each vessel has a few different innovations as well. Here's a look at what makes these two ships different.

Read more: Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas

Ship overview

When she first debuted in March of 2022, Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world. She weighs 235,600 gross tons and can carry 6,988 passengers at double occupancy. 

Utopia of the Seas, however, beat out Wonder when she launched in July of 2024, and she is now the second-largest cruise ship in the world (after Icon of the Seas).

Utopia measures 236,860 gross registered tons, with a capacity of 5,668 passengers at double occupancy.

Royal Caribbean's newest ship also broke records as the first Oasis-Class ship to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), making her more sustainable even at such a massive size.

Utopia's innovations don't stop there—she was also the first Royal Caribbean mega-ship to debut offering short cruises right out of the gate.

Utopia currently sails 3 and 4-night cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida, visiting the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Wonder of the Seas also homeports in Port Canaveral, Florida. 

She offers 7-night roundtrip sailings, visiting the Western or Eastern Caribbean. Port stops include St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In 2025, Wonder will shift to Miami, Florida, to also begin offering short weekend cruises to the Bahamas.

Here's a look at the two ship's statistics, compared:

*at double occupancy

Neighborhoods

The Royal Caribbean Oasis Class was one of the first types of mega cruise ships to introduce the idea of floating cities.

One innovative way the cruise line makes guests feel like the ship is an entire city to be explored is by dividing the vessel into neighborhoods.

This unique design provides guests with a variety of atmospheres and themes within specific spaces.

Both Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas feature eight distinct neighborhoods:

• The Boardwalk, a nostalgic, family-fun area featuring a carousel, Playmakers, and the AquaTheater.
• Pool & Sports Zone, which features a Caribbean-style pool deck and thrilling water slides.
• Central Park, a lush, open-air garden with thousands of live plants.
• The Royal Promenade, the main thoroughfare, complete with shops and entertainment venues.
• Entertainment Place, the center of entertainment, featuring the comedy club, casino, Royal Theatre, and Studio B.
• Youth Zone, home to Adventure Ocean programming, an arcade, and a teen club.
• Vitality Spa & Fitness, Royal Caribbean's spa and fitness center.
• Suite Neighborhood, which was introduced for the first time on Wonder of the Seas.

Read more: Boardwalk vs. Surfside: What to expect in Royal Caribbean's family neighborhood

Dining

Both vessels offer guests a wide array of dining options that cater to all tastes, from elegant steak dinners to sports bars to specialty sushi.

Both ships offer room service (free continental breakfast, with other menu items at an extra cost).

However, Wonder and Utopia do have a few notable differences in the restaurants offered.

Utopia of the Seas has some upgrades to venue locations, as well as venues not available anywhere else in the fleet.

While both ships have Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, the venue on Utopia of the Seas has a brand-new outdoor Gio terrace overlooking the Boardwalk.

Utopia also features Izumi in the Park, which first debuted on Icon of the Seas. 

Not only are Izumi Hibachi and Sushi and Izumi in the Park available inside Utopia's Central Park, but the venue also features an exclusive dining experience only offered on Utopia: Izumi omakase.

Read more: I tried Royal Caribbean's new chef-driven Japanese restaurant, and it was a food journey that surprised me

Utopia of the Seas also introduced the Spare Tire, a complimentary poolside food truck, and the Royal Railway: Utopia Station.

The Royal Railway is a dining experience only found on Utopia of the Seas, combining high-tech with an immersive setting for a dinner experience unlike any other.

Here's a look at what venues are on each ship: 

*suite guests only

Staterooms

Overall, Wonder and Utopia of the Seas have similar cabins, with a wide variety of upgraded, elegant staterooms.

Wonder of the Seas has 2,867 cabins, while Utopia offers just a little fewer, at 2,830 staterooms.

Both Wonder and Utopia feature neighborhood-view balcony cabins, which overlook either Central Park, the Royal Promenade, or the Boardwalk. 

Both ships also have virtual balcony cabins, which include a floor-to-ceiling screen that projects a live view from outside the ship.

Utopia of the Seas, however, introduced three new cabin categories.

The interior cabins onboard are square rather than rectangular, allowing for more unbroken floor space.

Utopia also debuted with new Sky Junior Suites, which are similar to standard Junior Suites but include upgraded Sky Tier benefits.

The Solarium Suites are exclusive to Utopia of the Seas: two staterooms located above the bridge wings, offering guests sweeping panoramic views next to the Solarium pool area.

Entertainment and activities

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class is great for guests who want more options than they can experience in one day. Both Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas feature marvelous, varied entertainment. 

Activities such as mini golf, water slides, dry slides, casino gambling, surfing, laser tag, and rock climbing abound on both vessels.

Both ships have Royal Caribbean comedians, live performances, ice skating shows, and AquaTheater shows. Neither ship, however, has a Broadway musical onboard.

Many bars and lounges feature live music each night. The two ships, however, do vary in entertainment venues. 

Read more: The best bar scene is only on two of Royal Caribbean's cruise ships

Utopia of the Seas, launching with weekend cruises, offers a more action-packed focus in fewer days. 

Marketed as "The World's Biggest Weekend," Utopia features nonstop parties with a unique twist, such as a frat party, a silent toga party, and the SENSES sunset party. 

Because of this, the ship might appeal more to adults and teens.

Read more: I Tried Doing Every Activity on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. It was busy, but I'd absolutely do it again.

The first half of Royal Caribbean's deployment plan for a summer European cruise in 2026 is now available to book.

A week after the cruise line revealed its Alaska 2026 cruises, a new batch of sailings for Europe are out as well.

Royal Caribbean is splitting its European deployment into two segments, so expect more ships to be posted in January 2025. 

UPDATE: The cruises are now available to book.

A variety of different itineraries will be offered throughout the region. You can cruise to Northern Europe, Norway, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and more!

So far five cruise ships will sail around Europe between April and October 2026, including Harmony of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.

Here's a breakdown of which ships will be deployed to Europe and where they will be sailing from:

Harmony of the Seas will arrive in Europe in May, offering cruises from Barcelona, Spain around the Western Mediterranean on 7-night voyages.

Harmony will visit destinations in France, Spain & Italy.

Liberty of the Seas will call Southampton, England home in 2026 and offer cruises of varying lengths that visit Spain, Portugal, Northern Europe, Norway and more.

There are even a couple of 2-night cruises for quick getaways. Most of Liberty's sailings will focus on Northern and Western Europe.

Of particular interest is a 9-Night Solar Eclipse sailing that will put visitors right in the path of a solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse will take place on August 12, 2026.

Odyssey of the Seas is back in Europe again for summer 2026, based out of Civitavecchia, Italy.

The ship will visit destinations in Greece, Italy, and Turkey.

Royal Caribbean will bounce Brilliance of the Seas around Europe, homeporting her in Civitavecchia, Italy, Ravenna, Italy, Barcelona, Spain, and Athens, Greece.

There are a wide variety of itineraries to consider on Brilliance, including visits to the Greek Isles, Adriatic, French Riviera, and more.

Explorer of the Seas will homeport in Ravenna, Italy and sail primarily 7-night Greece & Adriatic cruises.

When will the rest of Europe 2026 cruises be released?

Phase two of the deployment will be coming in a few weeks.

Expect the remaining ships sailing to Europe in 2026 to be revealed the week of January 27, 2025.

Cruise fans may want more exotic itineraries and/or newer ships in Europe, so it's possible Royal Caribbean will mix things up with its remaining deployment plans.

Next deployment delayed

There's been a change in Royal Caribbean's deployment schedule for its next release.

Instead of a release next week, they will combine Summer & Yearlong Caribbean and Northeast cruises and post all of them during the week of November 18, 2024.

Don't read too much into this change. The deployment schedule usually gets altered a couple of times each year.

• Week of November 18, 2024: Summer & Yearlong Caribbean; Northeast April 2026 – April 2027
• Week of January 27, 2025: Europe Cont.
• Week of February 17, 2025: Short Caribbean & West Coast
• Week of March 31, 2025: Australia
• TBD: China & Singapore

What are the best months to take a European cruise?

In general, the best months to cruise the Mediterranean and Greek Isles are May, June, September, and October. While outside of the peak summer season, these months see more favorable weather. Plus, you'll find fewer land-based tourists at popular attractions. 

You are more likely to spend time visiting cities, rather than lounging on the beach like you would if you were taking a cruise to The Bahamas or Caribbean. Walking around ports Rome, Athens, and Barcelona can be uncomfortable in July and August. 

Because of the cooler climate, the summer months see lower temperatures in Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland. You'll also have the most daylight. 

Related: When is the best time to go on a cruise?

More about European cruises:

• 7 tips for a great Royal Caribbean Baltic cruise
• 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise
• 7 mistakes & 3 things I did right on my Royal Caribbean Norwegian fjords cruise
• I’ve been on 3 European cruises, and I see people making the same 12 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them
• UK vs. US cruising: What are the main differences?

2025 is set to be an exciting year for Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises. Four ships will sail in the region from May to September, visiting historic ports and magnificent glaciers throughout the Last Frontier.

If you’re considering an Alaska cruise in 2025, it’s helpful to know the ins and outs of each ship sailing to the region. Not all Royal Caribbean cruise ships are created equal, after all. Understanding the key differences between the vessels will help you pick the best ship for your cruise vacation.

Let’s jump in and compare the four Royal Caribbean cruise ships sailing to Alaska in 2025.

Quantum of the Seas

Homeport: Seattle, Washington (Monday departures)
Ports: Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Victoria, Sitka, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Skagway

Quantum of the Seas will return to Alaska in 2025 for her fourth consecutive cruise season in the region, offering 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle. Each week, itineraries visit three Alaska cruise ports along with a stop in Victoria, British Columbia. One shorter, 5-night itinerary is offered in May.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Most itineraries include a scenic sailing to Dawes Glacier. To get there, passengers will transit through the stunning Endicott Arm fjord.

As a Quantum Class ship, Quantum of the Seas boasts Royal Caribbean’s most popular amenities and attractions, making the vessel an excellent choice for families.

Adults will love features like the thermal suite—perfect for staying warm in chilly Alaska—along with technology-focused production shows in the Two70 venue.

Kids, on the other hand, can enjoy thrilling attractions like the indoor skydiving simulator, rock climbing wall, and bumper cars.

Quantum of the Seas is well-appointed with pool options for a cold-weather cruise, too. Aside from an outdoor pool is an indoor pool for guests of all ages, as well as an indoor pool in the adults-only Solarium.

Anthem of the Seas

Homeport: Seattle, Washington (Friday departures)
Ports: Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Victoria, Sitka, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, Skagway

Anthem of the Seas will make her Alaska debut in 2025, marking the first Alaska cruise season for the vessel. Like Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas will also sail from Seattle on 7-night roundtrip itineraries.

Related: Anthem of the Seas Guide & Review

Itineraries are nearly identical to those offered on Quantum of the Seas. Guests hoping to visit Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier should double check their itinerary choice, however, as not all sailings include a glacier viewing day.

Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas are both Quantum Class vessels, and passengers will notice little variation between the two ships. It’s worth noting that Anthem of the Seas features a Broadway show—We Will Rock You—and offers Johnny Rockets on the pool deck instead of Quantum’s Asian-inspired Noodle Shop.

Serenade of the Seas

Homeport: Vancouver, British Columbia (Sunday departures)
Ports: Inside Passage (Canada), Sitka, Tracy Arm Fjord, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Skagway

The third ship sailing to Alaska in 2025 is Serenade of the Seas, departing every Sunday on roundtrip cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Embarking an Alaska cruise in Vancouver gives guests the opportunity to sail through Canada’s Inside Passage. As the ship departs the city, guests can enjoy mountain landscapes surrounding both sides of the ship. This provides a sneak peek into the remarkable scenery yet to come.

Related: All about Radiance Class cruise ships

7-night itineraries on Serenade of the Seas visit four ports along with a visit to Tracy Arm Fjord, home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Most port visits are to common destinations like Juneau and Ketchikan, but some itineraries include visits to less-frequented ports, such as Haines, Alaska and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance Class cruise ship, which makes her significantly smaller in size and capacity compared to Quantum and Anthem of the Seas.

The core Royal Caribbean features, including the Windjammer buffet, Schooner Bar, and Chops Grille, are still onboard, but there are fewer amenities compared to the fleet’s newer ships.

Related: I've been on every class of Royal Caribbean cruise ships: here's what I like about each

Because of this, families may not find as many options for kids onboard. That being said, there are still amenities like a rock climbing wall, mini golf court, and a kid-friendly splash area. The only indoor pool on Serenade of the Seas is found in the adults-only Solarium, but this area is open for family swimming during select hours.

Radiance of the Seas

Homeports: Vancouver, British Columbia and Seward, Alaska (Friday departures)
Ports: Inside Passage (Canada), Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka

Those hoping to visit Alaska’s interior before or after their cruise should choose a sailing on Radiance of the Seas. The ship will offer one-way itineraries in 2025, departing from Vancouver and ending in Seward, Alaska (and vice versa).

Of all Royal Caribbean’s Alaska itineraries, those on Radiance of the Seas are the most unique.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

Unlike itineraries from Seattle, Radiance of the Seas’ itineraries include four, not three, port stops in Alaska. It’s possible, for example, to visit Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Icy Strait Point or Ketchikan on a 7-night cruise. Plus, most itineraries include a scenic glacier viewing day of Hubbard Glacier, and visiting this spectacular destination is only possible on Radiance of the Seas.

Another benefit of one-way cruises is the chance to explore Alaska’s interior. Because cruises start or end in Seward, passengers are just a stone’s throw away from destinations like Denali National Park and Preserve and Talkeetna. Royal Caribbean offers Cruisetours to these destinations, which can be added to the start or end of most one-way itineraries.

Like Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas lacks Royal Caribbean’s newest amenities and onboard thrills. The layout and experience is similar to that of Serenade, but Radiance has an additional specialty dining venue, with Brazilian cuisine available at Samba Grill.

Deciding between a Quantum Class and Radiance Class ship for Alaska

One of the most important choices a prospective cruiser can make when planning an Alaska cruise is deciding between a Quantum Class and Radiance Class ship. Despite both classes being part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, they are quite different from one another.

If you value options and convenience, pick a Quantum Class ship

It’s hard to go wrong with a Quantum Class cruise ship. These mega-ships are filled to the brim with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, pools, and onboard thrills. Whether it’s a game of laser tag in the SeaPlex or a surfing lesson on the FlowRider, these ships provide endless ways to have fun for guests of all ages.

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

Beyond thrills, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas offer state-of-the-art amenities. The vessels are more modern than Radiance Class ships, having been launched over ten years after the latter.

Interior cabins, for instance, feature a virtual balcony, which displays a floor-to-ceiling live video feed of the view outside the ship. Passengers won’t want to miss the North Star, either, which is an observation pod that takes guests 300 feet above sea level. There’s no better way to witness Alaska’s beauty onboard!

Because Quantum Class ships depart from Seattle instead of Vancouver, travel times are typically more convenient for American travelers, as there are numerous direct flights to Seattle available from around the United States.

If you value in-depth itineraries and a low-key vibe, sail on a Radiance Class ship

Radiance Class ships may lack the bells and whistles of the Quantum Class ships sailing to Alaska, but that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked. Some passengers prefer the laid-back atmosphere found on these ships, along with the Alaska-intensive itineraries offered.

Calling Serenade and Radiance of the Seas small is relative—at maximum capacity, both ships can accommodate around 2,500 passengers. Unlike Quantum Class ships, you won’t find skydiving simulators and robotic bartenders onboard, but you can rest assured that there are more than enough activities, bars, and restaurants to stay satisfied.

Related: Does it matter how old your cruise ship is?

The main reason to book a Radiance Class ship to Alaska is for the itinerary. Departing from Vancouver on a Radiance Class ship means passengers can enjoy a more in-depth itinerary once in Alaska. For those interested in one-way cruises, a Radiance Class ship is the only option.

Outside of the itinerary, these ships are renowned for their abundance of windows. Over three acres of glass are found throughout both Serenade and Radiance of the Seas, meaning you’re never far from a panoramic view of Alaska’s beauty.

Any ship is sure to provide an excellent Alaska cruise experience

At the end of the day, any of the four ships sailing to Alaska in 2025 will make for a memorable vacation.

Most Alaska itineraries are relatively similar to one another regardless of the ship, so you can visit attractions like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau or the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway regardless of the ship you choose.

Nonetheless, it’s important to know the key differences between Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas before choosing one over another. Knowing what to expect helps ensure your vacation is off to a fantastic start once you board the ship on embarkation day and set sail to Alaska.