Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean's homebase is always going to be Florida, but it's ready to bet big with adding more ships in California.

While west coast cruises may never become as popular as their east coast compliment, we're about to see a shift in adding more ships than it's ever had there.

The Australia cruise season is coming to an end, and that signals the migration of cruise ships across the Pacific Ocean.

While many will head to Seattle and Vancouver to begin Alaska cruises, Royal Caribbean is ready to invest more further south.

Welcome to LA, Ovation

Ovation of the Seas will head to Los Angeles soon to start her summer season. 

Up until now, Royal Caribbean has only had one ship in the LA cruise market, and that came after a decade of completely omitting sailings from there.

Navigator of the Seas had been the only ship operating from Los Angeles ever since the cruise industry restarted operations in 2021.  

Ovation will not only add another ship to the California cruise roster, but it's no slouch of a ship either.

This is one of Royal Caribbean's newer and bigger ships. Ovation of the Seas is less than a decade old and is over 30,000 gross larger than Navigator.

The Quantum Class ships first entered service in 2014, and are known for being big ships with innovative features. They have an observation pod, sky diving simulator, robots that are part of a show, and more climate controlled pool space. 

There are even bumper cars on this ship, which are included in the cruise fare and it's a fantastic family activity.

My favorite spot on these ships is the theater at the back, with sweeping views of the ocean called Two70. It's anything but a conventional theater, as there are robot arms and moving platforms that can transform the show immediately. There are some shows that use the roboscreens to project fun and imaginative scenes that are captivating to watch.

When there isn't a show, it's a beautiful lounge for enjoying coffee, reading a book, or talking with friends.

Her arrival for summer 2025 will offer sailings down Baja California, including destinations like Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. 

Fares for these new LA cruises on Ovation of the Seas for her 2025 season start at $309 per person based on double occupancy, for a quick 3-night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. Five or six night sailings begin at around $600 per person.

More ships are coming soon

Ovation's arrival marks a turning point in Royal Caribbean's attitude towards west coast cruises.

The cruise will bring two more ships to California soon.

Quantum of the Seas will also sail from Los Angeles, and for a short period, become the third ship to operate there at the same time.

Navigator paved the way for Royal Caribbean's return, and business has been so good that they wanted to add more ships.

Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service for Royal Caribbean International, is just as excited as future passengers to have so many ships sailing from the west coast, "As a Los Angeles native, I'm thrilled about this, but what excites me the most is the announcement that Royal Caribbean will have a brand new home port in San Diego starting Fall 2026. San Diego holds a special place in my heart since I went to college there, so I can't wait to go back soon to experience the new adventure for myself."

Beginning in October 2026, Royal Caribbean will homeport a ship in San Diego.

One advantage a cruise from San Diego has over LA is the convenience factor, as the cruise terminal is just 3 miles from the airport. Plus, it's convenient for many residents of Southern California to easily drive to without dealing with notoriously bad LA traffic.

Serenade of the Seas will offer a variety of sailings from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.

This many ships operating out of California means more choices in itineraries and ships for consumers.  And it offers those on the west coast far more convenient options.

Getting to Port Canaveral from the nearest major airport isn't as convenient as Miami or Fort Lauderdale. 

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is roughly 45 miles from Port Canaveral, whereas Port Everglades is less than 5 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). 

While you can hire an Uber or Lyft to Port Canaveral, the price varies depending on traffic and demand. It's not uncommon to see fares as expensive as $70 to $100 for a one-way ride. 

Recently, my partner and I decided to try out Go Port's shuttle service from MCO to Port Canaveral. Since it was only the two of us, we didn’t want to risk spending $200 or more on transportation to and from the cruise ship. 

Plus, having pre-arranged transportation meant we wouldn't have any long wait times while the app searched for an available driver. 

We booked our round-trip transportation on the website for $59.98 per person, which worked out to about $30 per person each way. This meant we wouldn’t be stuck paying $100 for a one-way ride on embarkation or disembarkation day. Instead, the total cost for transfers to and from Orlando came out to just under $120 for both of us.

Overall, I was pleased with Go Port and would consider using their shuttle service to Port Canaveral in the future, especially if I'm traveling alone or with one other person. 

Easy-to-locate check-in deck

My partner and I stayed in Orlando for two nights before our cruise aboard Wonder of the Seas. As such, we took a short Lyft from our hotel across from Universal Studios to MCO on embarkation morning. 

After being dropped off at Terminal A, we took the elevator down to the ground transportation area, which is where you'll also find the car rental counters. 

It felt strange skipping the usual airport baggage drop-off and security process. However, we walked to the end of the far right hallway near Door A105 and quickly checked in for our shuttle to Port Canaveral. 

Instead of choosing a specific shuttle time, passengers are assigned a specific boarding number on a first-come, first-served basis. This system made the process smooth and flexible, as we didn’t have to rush to catch the first bus or feel stuck with a later departure. 

Still, we wanted to be at Port Canaveral as soon as possible. While we enjoyed our day at Universal Studios, we we eager to kickstart our week aboard Wonder of the Seas! 

We arrived at MCO at 9:45am, with the first shuttle scheduled for 10:00am. As such, we were given boarding number 82. We were also given luggage tags, which helped the driver know the ship the bags were headed to. 

Go Port caters to multiple cruise lines, meaning passengers onboard their shuttles could be cruising with Royal Caribbean, Princess, MSC, Carnival, Disney, or Celebrity. Ensuring that luggage tags are secured on all bags placed underneath the bus helps luggage handlers easily sort and deliver the bags to the correct ships. 

It was obvious other cruisers also wanted to make their way to Port Canaveral early. While the seating area near the check-in desk was expansive, it was pretty full by 10:00am, though there were a few remaining seats. 

I waited for our group to be called while my partner ran to the conveniently located restrooms. Note that while the buses do have restrooms onboard, they are locked during the ride from MCO to Port Canaveral and vice versa. 

I didn't get comfortable for long, as boarding for groups 71 through 98 started shortly after 10:00am, less than twenty minutes after checking in and receiving our group number. 

I’d recommend staying close to the check-in area, as it might be difficult to hear the Go Port representatives calling boarding numbers if you wander too far. For instance, my partner wouldn't have been able to hear them from the restroom, which is why I stayed in the waiting area. 

Efficient boarding process and smooth ride

I was amazed at how fast the boarding process was. Within minutes of being instructed to line up, we were heading out the doors and onto the buses. Luggage handlers quickly loaded everyone's bags onto the shuttles while passengers took their seats and situated their carry-on bags. 

By 10:15am, we were pulling out of the airport and en route to Port Canaveral! The buses weren't anything super luxurious, but they were a step-up from public transportation. Instead of hard plastic seats, the coach buses had fabric-cushioned seats. 

Additionally, the buses had a two-by-two seating arrangement, and by the time my partner and I were boarding, it was pretty full. We made our way to the back of the bus with our bags and found two seats together. 

The ride itself was smooth and shorter than I thought. Since we were sailing aboard Wonder of the Seas, we were dropped off first and bypassed a line of cars. However, your ride time may be slightly longer if sailing on a different cruise line. 

Porters were available as soon as we got off the bus, so we didn't have to lug our bags closer to the terminal. This was convenient and saved time, allowing us to head inside and start our cruise check-in process without any hassle.

Disembarkation was just as easy

After an amazing seven days on Wonder, we were faced with the reality that our cruise had come and gone. 

Go Port's shuttles to MCO begin at around 7:00am and continue until disembarkation is complete. However, rather than wasting time onboard, we decided to disembark in case there were any long lines for bag drop or security. 

The check-in kiosk was right where the bus had dropped us off one week earlier, and though the line was a little longer than when we checked in at MCO, it wasn't unbearable or annoying. I'd assume guests disembarking later might have a longer wait. 

Unlike when we were heading to Port Canaveral, we weren't given a boarding number or luggage tags. Instead, everyone funneled onto the shuttles after giving the agents their name. Additionally, MCO is the only stop the bus makes, so all bags are unloaded at the airport upon arrival. 

Since the bus was nearly full, we were off minutes after boarding. We arrived at MCO by 8:30am and were through security and in The Club by 9:10am, hours ahead of our 1:00pm flight to Charlotte. 

I was happy with Go Port and would use their services again

When we arrived at MCO, my partner checked Uber to see how much a one-way ride would have cost. At $90 before tip, taking an Uber from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral would have been more expensive than booking with Go Port.

I knew we made the right decision since we would've had to pay for a return ride from Port Canaveral to the airport one week later. Though this wasn't necessarily a budget cruise for us, saving on transportation costs was a nice bonus. 

That said, I understand why families of four might be hesitant to pay for Go Port since it would cost around $240; however, I'd argue that the convenience is worth the cost, especially since you won't have to worry about hiring a larger rideshare, and subsequently paying more, for everyone's suitcases. 

The check-in process during embarkation and disembarkation was straightforward; the shuttle buses were comfortable; and the overall experience was hassle-free. Everything went as planned with Go Port, making the start and end of our cruise on Wonder of the Seas more enjoyable and less stressful.

With the announcement of new tariffs from the United States, the cruise industry is starting to weigh what it means to them.

Speaking at Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami, Florida, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty joined a panel of other CEOs during the keynote "State of the Global Cruise Industry" session to address the geopolitical issues facing cruising.

It's quite early since the policy change was announced, but the question of what new tariffs and visa requirements will have on cruising.

Overall, none of the cruise line CEOs thought the tariffs would have an immediate impact.

Tariff question

One of the first questions addressed was the nature of new tariffs, but all of the cruise line CEOs said there was no direct impact from tariffs at this point.

They collectively shook their head, "no" and then talked about that tariffs will impact consumers.

Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein spoke more candidly about them, "The short answer is no, for various reasons."

"Because of how we could resource a lot locally," Mr. Weinstein said. "And we also go to different places, we're not we're not landlocked, so to speak."

But he did caution that a greater economic impact to cruises is not out of the question, "The uncertainty and the ripple effects absolutely has an impact on the industry.

"The hard part about that is that as of now, the answer is we don't know. And so anytime there's an answer, we don't know, it just takes some time for people to get comfortable with the uncertainty."

He went on to say that part of working with any government is to engage with them, "we listen well, we educate, and it's also one of the powers of our platform is it's flexible."

Ambitions to continue to grow

Mr. Liberty talked about his outlook given the recent economic woes by simply saying, "Current economic noise will not prevent our collective ambitions to grow this industry."

He pointed to the fact that all cruise lines are ordering ships further and further out, demonstrating the strong demand to build new ships.

He also pointed out that new ship growth isn't necessarily for the sake of adding new vessels.

"Because we are also looking further out, some of these ships are getting to 35 to 40 years in age, some of these (new ships) will be net replacement,” Liberty said.

That reality is paramount for Royal Caribbean as the Vision Class ships are approaching that milestone in age.

The cruise line has danced around the topic of replacing them with a new class of cruise ships, but so far there has been no official confirmation.

Destination is an important factor

One of the major topics discussed was the role of destinations, both private and traditional ports.

The moderator of the discussion alluded to recent mainstream media coverage of cruise line private destinations as, "building these to keep the money all to themselves," such as coverage by the Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Liberty dismissed this sort of coverage as missing the broader picture, "They focus on well, you must have a completely captured audience in doing that, they don't get into the experience we're trying to solve for."

What he means is new projects like Perfect Day Mexico and an array of private beach clubs are about making the guest experience better and partnering with local communities to create new jobs for them, and expose the cruise ship passenger to new opportunities.

"We're trying to elevate the experience and making sure that the end to end experience lives up to what our guests are expecting it to be," Mr. Liberty explained.

"The economic element of this is not concentrated per se in just the company. It's the broader economic activity that's happening within the area."

As an example, Royal Caribbean created an equity fund to provide fair market value of the four acres of crown land that the government contributed to the project.

There's also an investment fund to essentially buy shares in the investment fund to buy equity into the fund.

On top of all of that, a new tourism tax that will be part of this project that benefits local Bahamians, where 1% of gross profits are moved into a new tourism levy in perpetuity.

River cruises are about expanding choices for their customers

Mr. Liberty also talked briefly about the news that Celebrity Cruises will launch a river cruise division in 2027.

"We're trying to meet all of our customers, where they are, and the vacation experiences that they're seeking," he said after being asked about plans for this new venture.

Their research indicated customers wanted to try a river cruise to augment their cruise vacations.

"We look at what our guests are doing when they're not with us. One of the things that they tell us that they're looking to do, not as as a substitute for a cruise, but as an additional vacation experience is, is to go on river."

It's an opportunity to serve a need Royal Caribbean Group customers have while retaining business within their own ecosystem.

Royal Caribbean is adding another casino on its newest ship in an unusual place, while also getting rid of its comedy club.

Utopia of the Seas is the newest ship in the fleet, having just launched in summer 2024, but a few venues are being swapped around in the name of getting more gambling room for non-smoking cruise passengers.

The ship is conducting in-service work, which means the ship is still sailing, but there will be a few weeks of construction while the work is completed.

When the work is done, the non-smoking casino will be getting bigger on Utopia as The Attic will become a non-smoking casino.

Currently, The Attic is the combination comedy club and nightclub onboard.

Comedy Shows will be moved permanently to the Royal Theater instead of having a more intimate club feel.

Also being impacted is the Crown Lounge, which is the dedicated area for Crown and Anchor Society members that are at least Diamond level or above.

The Crown Lounge will move to Deck 16 to replace the Teen Club.  The Teen Club will be renovated and become smaller.

The Crown Lounge will not close during renovation

Construction begins this week, and the expected schedule of work should result in:

• The Attic Casino will open by May 9th
• Crown Lounge & existing casino to open May 30-June 2

Same changes coming to Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is going to make the same changes to sister ship Wonder of the Seas.

Utopia's work will begin immediately, but Royal Caribbean will wait for Wonder of the Seas to covert over the Crown Lounge and The Attic until the ship starts offering short weekend cruises later this year.

Wonder of the Seas will begin offering short cruises on September 1, 2025.

The ship will move to Miami and offer the short 3- and 4-night cruises, just like Utopia.

The shift in itineraries is a move to dominate the short cruise market and attract new cruisers with the very best entry level ships.

No other ships have been announced for getting this change yet.

Adding more casino space for non-smokers

Adding more non-smoking casino space has become a recent trend for Royal Caribbean.

It all started with Wonder of the Seas when she first debuted.

The ship had been originally scheduled to begin offering cruises in China, but the cruise industry shutdown of 2020 halted those plans.

Because the ship was designed with an Asian audience in mind, it had a casino instead of the traditional Jazz on 4 club.  But Royal Caribbean decided to keep it as a non-smoking casino as a kind of experiment.

Shortly thereafter, all the Jazz on 4 clubs were converted to non-smoking casinos and the jazz entertainment was relocated to Central Park.

Most recently, the Vintages bar on Freedom of the Seas was converted over to a non-smoking casino.

No more comedy club

While non-smokers will revel in additional space to gamble, it comes at the expense of a comedy venue.

Comedy shows will continue on the ship, but in a significantly larger venue where it can be argued the connection to the audience is lessened given how much bigger the theater is.

Many comics rely on "crowd work", which is where they interact with audience members and play off their responses. In a larger theater, that would have an impact.

Of course, there are comedy shows held in the Royal Theater on select nights of a cruise, so it's not as if it's never been done.

Addressing a need in the casino

Adding more non-smoking gambling space is a need Royal Caribbean has heard from its members for many years.

Smoking is allowed in the main casino, with the caveat that smokers must actively be playing.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley spoke on the subject at an event in 2022, admitting, "smoking in the casinos is a bit of a conundrum."

"The dilemma is that there are many people who do want to smoke in the casino. I know that's not a popular response, but it's it's the truth."

"I'm not judging anyone or anything, but there's a large group of people who do want to smoke in the casino."

While there's a non-smoking side to the casino, the odor of the smoke still travels.

By adding more non-smoking casino space, it's a demonstration to its passengers that they want to cater to the needs of gamblers who don't want to be around smoking.

I'm planning my first family cruise to Europe, but I almost made a mistake that happens there a lot.

Royal Caribbean sails to destinations around the world, and summer cruises in Europe are one of the highlights of the year.  Ships visit cities rich in tradition, history, and culture.

While I've been taken two European cruises so far, this year will be the first with my family. As I started to research my trip, I fell into a trap of doing things exactly like I would in the Caribbean.

The more I researched, the more I realized I had to make a change.

Cruise line excursions are convenient

I'm booked on two different European cruises, each sailing from Southampton, UK.

The first is a 8-night Northern European cruise visiting The Netherlands, Germany, and Norway.  The other sailing heads to Norway to explore the fjords.

As we got closer to our sailing, Royal Caribbean begin offering shore excursions to book.

I started looking through the options and quite quickly there was a frenzy of bookings.  Royal Caribbean has become quite adept at marketing its excursions to customers through its app and website.

It's so easy to book a tour through the cruise line, and I booked a few tours.  I booked them because they looked interesting, but also because I was worried it would sell out.

But as I started doing more research, it became clear this wasn't necessary.

It's easier to explore Europe on foot

One major difference between a European cruise compared to a Caribbean one is that your ship brings you to cities.

Across both of my cruises, our ship would be docked either in the city or nearby the city (with a shuttle service available). This makes getting into the city simple.

Another big difference is that mass transportation is far more prevalent in European cities.

Thanks to metro subway systems, trains, and buses, it's super easy to get around. Their modern infrastructure supports moving quickly and cheaply.

In the Caribbean, points of interest and activities require buses or taxis to reach them and often over rural roads.

In each city, my research pointed out lots to see and explore within the city.

Cruise line excursions in Europe bring you to the same places

When you read through the tours offered by Royal Caribbean in Europe, many are simply bus rides to get you around.

I found many "panoramic" tours offered, which is code for riding in a bus. 

And there are a lot of walking tours of cities too.

My issue with cruise line excursions is they tend to involve big groups, moving at a slow place, and spending too much time at places I don't care about and not enough at ones I do.

In an extreme example, my travel agent requested a quote to take a large group of us on a bar crawl in Hamburg, Germany.

The tour included 3 stops with a beer and snacks included at each stop, with an escort to provide general local information but is not an official guide.  The minimum requirement is 75 guests and the rate is $190 per person. 

While these include a guide and offer a narrated option, I think I can do the same thing on my own for far less money.

How I'm planning my time in each city

I realized I didn't need to book a Royal Caribbean excursion taking me to places I could probably explore on my own.

Like a lot of people, I didn't know what to do in any of these ports.  

I started off with a simple Google search of, "best things to do in ____" to figure out the top highlights.

I augmented that with YouTube searches with similar search phrases to get a better idea of what looks fun and interesting.

I jotted down the names of places, restaurants, neighborhoods, and historical sites that stood out.

I then made a spreadsheet and added the list to each day.  

My plan is to use Google Maps on my phone to guide me how to get to each one.  As we get closer to the cruise, I'll determine the best order to see each one.

Because I'm buying an eSim for my trip, it will be easy to get around with my phone in the same way I get directions when I'm within the United States.

Not only will this plan save me money, it allows us to spend more time in places we want and also deviate should we run across something fun.

My methodology is to have 3-4 spots picked out so we have a framework.  But we can easily adjust plans if something jumps out as intriguing.

I'm not totally against group tours, as some of the ports in Norway have more to do outside the city area and require longer transportation time back and forth.

Emma Le Teace is a cruise expert who frequently cruises in Europe and shared her strategy for spending less on these types of activities, "I am a big fan of just getting off and doing my own thing in cruise port."

"You really don’t need to pay for an excursion to see the main sites, a little bit of research can go a long way. Wandering on your own is, in my opinion, often much more fun and if you do dock further away from the sites you’d like to visit public transport is generally easy to use and fast. "

Most European cruise ports are right in the middle of cities or towns. You can usually walk off the ship to find things like history, food and local attractions within walking distance. 

Read more: 30 Best European Cruise Tips

Two cruise excursion websites worth checking out are Shore Excursions Group and Viator. Both of these are affiliate links, which costs you nothing extra but I make a small commission if you book something.

Because these companies sell to cruise ship passengers, they're well versed in the need to get people back in time for their cruise.

Time management is very important

An undeniable benefit of booking a tour with Royal Caribbean is the promise you'll get back to the ship and not be left behind.

Having taken a couple of cruises to Europe already, I believe the key to ensuring you get back to the ship on time is managing your time properly.

I always build in much more time than I need to get back to the ship. I do this by using Google Maps to figure out the time I need to get back, and then doubling it.

That protects me against an unforeseen delay in returning.  Plus, I always try to wrap up my day as close to the ship as I can get.

For example, if I'm going to have dinner in port before returning to the ship, I might pick a restaurant within walking distance of the ship.

I'd also never go on my own if the travel time back to the ship was more than 30-45 minutes. 

When I visited Paris and Bordeaux last summer, I booked through Royal Caribbean because of the long commute times required. It seemed too risky to me to go on my own for such a long distance.

Group excursions are a good idea for some people

There are still good reasons to book a Royal Caribbean shore excursion in Europe, depending on your needs.

Those with mobility issues will want a group that that includes transportation, especially in old cities where accessibility is limited or non-existent.

I admit on my first European cruise there was a certain level of trepidation about going on your own in a country where they speak a different language and have different customs.

Plus, there are some cruise line excursions that take you to special places, include meals, and provide peace of mind.

Ultimately, you have to make choices that you're comfortable with, and group tours might be the right choice for you.

I'd recommend considering all options before choosing any tour.

Hurricane season will begin soon, and experts expect there to be a lot of storms.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, and researches from Colorado State University (CSU) are calling for an "above normal" season.

Tropical storms have the potential to disrupt cruise travel plans, as every year a number of ships get re-routed because of them.

You shouldn't change any of your plans or cancel a cruise.  Rather, it's a good idea to monitor the weather leading up to your vacation and prepare for possible disruptions.

"Above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall"

CSU is forecasting 17 named storms in 2025, with 9 becoming hurricanes. Four of them will be a major hurricane.

The forecast is based on the fact the La Niña conditions that are present now to transition to ENSO neutral conditions in
the next couple of months.

The question is when that will occur, because an earlier transition means more storms.

Another factor are ocean temperatures. While sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic are warmer than normal, they aren't nearly as warm as they were at this time last year.

When you combine warm Atlantic waters and ENSO neutral conditions, it's a combination poised for a "dynamic and thermodynamic environment for hurricane formation and intensification."

"We anticipate an above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean."

There's a 26% chance of at least one major hurricane making landfall along the U.S. East Coast (including Florida, but excluding the panhandle).

You can read the full forecast is available on Colorado State University's website. 

What to know about going on a cruise in hurricane season in 2025

Cruising during hurricane season is about having the right expectations, and a plan in place.

Your cruise ship won't sail through a storm, but it might change itineraries.

It's a smart idea to invest in a robust travel insurance plan that covers incidentals in case a named storm impacts your vacation.

Remember, hurricanes disrupt air travel just as much as cruise ship plans.

Purchasing an insurance policy will provide protections and peace of mind should your plans be disrupted because of a tropical disturbance.

An important thing to know about travel insurance is when the policy kicks in.  Most policies do not cover cancelling your cruise because you no longer want to travel because of a hurricane. Travel insurance requires you to physically be unable to travel for it to work.

If you want to be able to change your mind in the days leading up to a cruise, you need a "Cancel for any reason" clause. Otherwise, you'll forfeit the entire cost of the vacation for cancelling if the cruise is still scheduled to sail.

Royal Caribbean very rarely cancels an entire cruise because of a hurricane.

What's more likely is the sailing could be lengthened, shortened, delayed, or re-routed.  But the cruise is very likely to still happen, which means travel insurance won't cover you cancelling because you no longer want to go.

You should also know that cruise ships are able to "outrun" a storm.  The average speed of a hurricane is around 10 knots, but Royal Caribbean ships can reach speeds of 22 knots or higher.  

Plus, storms are forecasted and tracked for many days before they reach the areas ships typically visit.  So there's a lot of advanced warning to prevent a ship from being anywhere near a storm.

Port plans could change, so be flexible

When a tropical storm forms, cruise ship itineraries get moved around.

Royal Caribbean's top priority is the safety of guests, crew, and the ship. So they'll change plans to avoid a hurricane.

As an example, if you're booked on a 7-night eastern Caribbean cruise that visits St. Thomas, St. Kitts, and Puerto Rico, it could be moved to a western Caribbean cruise that visits Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan.

It's important to book shore excursions that are refundable.

The good news is all Royal Caribbean shore excursions would automatically be refunded if the itinerary changed.  So double check any plans you make with third parties has a clause to allow last-minute cancellations.

In my experience, most tour operators in the Caribbean understand if your ship cancels a visit to the island that you're entitled to a refund. But you'll want to verify the policy.

Cruising in hurricane season could save you a lot of money

The upside to picking a cruise in late summer and early fall in the Caribbean is there are usually low rates and good deals.

For example, a 7-night cruise on Harmony of the Seas in early July is $1,578.96 per person for an inside room.  But the same cruise in early September is just $837.71 for an inside room.

By booking a cruise later in the season, you could save over $700 per person! 

These low cruise fares are a result of the summer vacation season coming to a close, and the higher risk of hurricanes.

Travel plans can change, but it's a great time to sail

Travelers should always be flexible, but this is especially true with hurricane season.

Before you jump on those rates for a September or October cruise, be prepared for changes.

Veteran cruisers that pick to vacation in the summer and autumn understand the risks, but also recognize how safe it is to cruise.

A storm barreling towards Florida means an impact to a land resort.  But a cruise ship can zig zag away from the storm, enjoying much more favorable weather.

Happy April! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week so that you don't miss any details.

A new travel warning has been issued for The Bahamas by U.S. officials.

A Level 2 travel advisory was issued for the popular cruise destination by the U.S. State Department, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to crime and possibly shark attacks in The Bahamas.

Many Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit The Bahamas, and it's a reminder for tourists to use caution and be vigilant about their safety when going ashore.

Royal Caribbean News

• Mass layoffs at HHS include CDC's cruise ship inspection program, report says
• What is Perfect Day at CocoCay and what you should expect
• Alaska shore excursions you can book for cheap or free
• Hideaway Beach vs Coco Beach Club
• 9 things to do differently on your Royal Caribbean cruise for a smoother vacation
• Royal Caribbean offers up to 40% drink package prices if you buy at the right time
• 8 Things I wish I knew about taking a baby on a cruise ship

New RCB Video: Foods to NEVER eat on a cruise!

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 — Foods to NEVER eat on a cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

What every aspect of a cruise on Utopia of the Seas costs

Allie detailed every single cost for her recent Utopia of the Seas.

Ever wonder what the total cost is of a vacation, from start to finish?

Cruise fare is just the beginning, as there's add-on costs including flights, hotels, taxis, souvenirs, and more.

Royal Caribbean now enforcing a rarely charged fee

Bringing your own wine on a cruise is a great money saving tip, but expect to pay for it.

Based on several reports from guests on ships this week, Royal Caribbean is now enforcing the corkage fee on bottles of wine opened in restaurants or bars.

There's been no policy change. Rather, the policy is actually being enforced now.

Royal Caribbean passenger shares vital warning for all cruisers

Consider yourself warned: flying the day of your cruise is a mistake.

A reddit user shared how five flight delays and two cancellations caused them to miss their cruise.

"This is why you fly in the day before," the person wrote and it's a good reminder for all of us when planning a cruise vacation.

I planned too many beach days and it was a mistake

Matt thought spending four days at the beach would be the perfect spring break vacation, but it turned out to be too much.

While sailing on Icon of the Seas, three port days in a row doing the same kind of activity felt repetitive.

While the beach facilities did not disappoint, having multiple port days in a row should have included different plans to break it up.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 559th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! In it, Matt lists the must-do 5 Royal Caribbean cruises everyone should try at least once.

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.

This weekend is the perfect time to re-price that cabana, day pass, or jet ski tour at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean is advertising a "24 Hour Flash Sale", with up to 30% off cruise favorites and it applies to new purchases made April 5, 2025 and applies to select sailings departing April 8, 2025 - December 31, 2026. 

There are a lot of pop up sales like this, but the difference is this one seems to be targeting add-ons at the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas.

In comparing prices that different cruisers have spotted, there are some seriously good deals out there for your visit to Perfect Day, even if you're on the brand new Star of the Seas.

Here's what we found and why you want to run and book something while you can.

Deals on CocoCay faves

It seems a lot of people are finding really good prices on extras you can reserve at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Prices there have notoriously gone up, where some cabanas can run as much as $4,000 or $5,000 each. But this weekend, it's a heck of a lot cheaper.

Here are some example prices for the pre-inaugural showcase sailings on Star of the Seas.

• Hideaway Day pass: $37.38
• Coco Beach Club pass: $98.98
• Coco Beach Club Overwater Cabana: $1,758.90
• Thrill Waterpark pass: $53.88
• Zip line: $37.38
• Chill Island Cabanas: $658.90

These prices are significant not only because they're cheap, but because they're cheap on a brand new ship.

Usually Royal Caribbean charges a premium for new ships, where CocoCay add-ons get marked up quite often.

"I just saved $200"

Booking fever has taken over on the Royal Caribbean reddit subforum, with many netting great deals.

"$53 for the waterpark is an amazing price. I've seen that as high as $200. For $53, I'm grabbing that," wrote gerrygebhart.

"I checked our Icon trip for next year and same thing. Grabbed an overwater cabana. Thank you," posted Sea_Voice_404.

Humble_Fishing_5328 added, "I got hideaway beach reserved for cheaper than last time! Great deal."

Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

What's a good price for CocoCay extra costs?

Before you hit the buy button, you might wonder what exactly is a good price for these add-ons.

Prices vary from sailing to sailing, so there's no guarantee you'll see a super good rate for your sailing. Nonetheless, it's helpful to know what to look for.

In my experience, here's what I'd consider a "good price" for the fun extras around Royal Caribbean's private island:

• Hideaway Day pass: Under $50 per person
• Coco Beach Club pass: Under $100 per person
• Coco Beach Club Overwater Cabana: Under $2,000
• Hideaway Beach Hideout Cabana: Under $1,500
• Chill Island, South Beach, or Oasis Lagoon Cabanas: Under $900
• Thrill Waterpark pass: Under $75 per person

I'm sure some readers may disagree with me on this, but I base these estimates on what we typically see advertised.

I'd also add a caveat that it's irrelevant what someone else thinks is a "good price" because it's your vacation and if it's your first (and maybe only) opportunity to visit CocoCay, why not indulge and enjoy the experience you really want?

How to check if there's a lower price for your cruise

Eligibility does varies depending on the sailing, so check on your particular cruise by logging into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's website and looking for available offers. 

Not all sailings may have an applicable sale, and not all offers will be significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you already purchased an item but see a better discount during this sale, you are able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion. 

In almost all cases, buying an add-on before the cruise will save you money compared to waiting to book it onboard. It's quite rare for the price onboard to be cheaper than if you had pre-purchased.

Royal Caribbean built arguably the best private island experience with Perfect Day at CocoCay, but what should you know before you arrive?

This private island is exclusive for Royal Caribbean passengers, and there's so much to do, ways to relax, and exciting add-ons.

I've been here over 50 times so far, and explored just about every corner of it to determine the best things to do and how to maximize your visit. Get ready to fall in love with Perfect Day at CocoCay!

A day spent here is about having fun within a tropical playground. There are beaches to visit, water park to conquer, cabanas to rent, and lots of food to try.

Your cruise fare includes admission to the island, with some areas included at no additional cost, and some aspects having an extra cost.

If you're ready to learn everything you can do, how to make the most of your time, and whether it's something you should be excited about, here’s everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

What Is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Many Caribbean cruises include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is an island in The Bahamas owned and operated by Royal Caribbean.

Unlike other ports your cruise may visit, this one is just for Royal Caribbean passengers. Your ship pulls up to the pier and docks with up to one other ship.

Expect to be docked at the island for about 8 to 10 hours. You'll get a schedule of times you can disembark and the time to be back onboard by.

You can then walk off the ship and explore at your leisure.

The island is divided up into different zones, with each trying to provide a different vibe or experience. 

It's easy enough to walk around the island, but there is free tram service to take you around if you prefer. I'd estimate you could walk off your ship and to the furthest point in about 15 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Top things to do at CocoCay

It's up to you which area of Perfect Day at CocoCay you want to visit. Aside from an excursion or specific activity you book, you can roam the island as you see fit.

Nearly all the activities involve being in, around, or near the water.  The beach is number one activity, and you'll find a few different beaches to choose from:

• Chill Island: The traditional beach day experience
• South Beach: Beach day meets music, activities nearby, and even a floating bar
• Harbor Beach: An inlet that has little to no waves, great for young swimmers
• Breezy Bay: Another beach option that's convenient to other areas of the island
• Cove Beach: The place to go if you want to get away from everyone else because of it's remote location

There's also a giant freshwater pool at Oasis Lagoon which has a really fun swim-up bar. There's music playing here, and it has more of a pool party vibe to it.  

There are two aquatic play areas for young kids that you won't want to miss if you have children under the age of 8.

Captain Jill's Galleon is a pirate ship themed playground. There are slides, geysers, fountains and plenty of excuses to climb, descend, and get wet.

Right behind that is Splashaway Bay, which is an extra large version of the kids water play area found on many ships. There are even a few kiddie water slides here.

There are so many ways to get absolutely soaked, but luckily there are comfortable Adirondack chairs around it for parents to sit and watch while staying dry.

Thrill Waterpark is home to the giant water slides and wave pool. There's an admission cost, but you'll find all sorts of slides to challenge your sense of excitement.

The waterpark is quite popular with teens, but there's enough here for all members of the family.

If you prefer an upscale beach day, check out the Coco Beach Club.  

The beach club has a limited capacity and elevated features. The chairs are nicer, there's a wonderful sit down lunch offered in its own restaurant.

Another popular option is the adults-only area of Hideaway Beach.  Admission requires you to be at least 18 years old, and there's an enormous temperature-controlled pool, DJ playing music, and a few casual restaurants.

What’s included (and what costs extra)?

It's your choice if you want to spend extra on the optional add-ons for your day at CocoCay.

There's enough included for free by Royal Caribbean that you don't need to pay for other things.

Included with your cruise fare:

• Oasis Lagoon pool access
• Chill Island beach access
• Breezy Bay beach access (including sports courts & games)
• South Beach beach access (including sports courts & games)
• Harbor Beach beach access
• Cove Beach beach access
• Captain Jack’s (for seating, not food)
• Splashaway Bay
• Captain Jill's Galleon
• Towels (from ship), beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks
• Buffet-style lunch at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill
• Food from Snack Shack
• Tram service
• Lockers
• Beach access wheelchairs

Optional Add-Ons:

• Thrill Waterpark
• Zipline
• Up Up & Away helium balloon
• Cabanas
• Day Beds
• Snorkel gear
• Jet skis
• Coco Beach Club
• Hideaway Beach
• All bars and self-serve beer stations (Your drink package still works on the island)

Prices for these add-ons vary depending on your sailing. There isn't a standard cost, because Royal Caribbean uses variable pricing based on demand.

Here are some example prices for the new Star of the Seas, which debuts this summer:

• Hideaway Beach pass: $37.38 per person
• Coco Beach Club pass: $98.98 per person
• Thrill Waterpark day pass: $53.88 per person
• Zipline: $37.37 per person
• Up Up & Away helium balloon: $42.88 per person
• Breezy Bay Full-Day Beach Bed Rental: $218.88 each
• Floating Beach Mat: $9.88 each
• Chill Island Cabanas: $658.90 each

These prices are on the lower end of the spectrum, and priced well because of a pre-cruise sale.

Dining choices around Perfect Day at CocoCay

After all the fun you'll have around the island, you're going to want lunch (and a few snacks).

There are four Snack Shack locations you can visit, and it's a great grab-and-go option. Be sure to try the best mozzarella sticks ever. 

Alternatively Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill have a buffet, including a taco bar. There's also more typical island fare, like burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

If you go to the paid areas (Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club, or Thrill Waterpark), there are restaurants in each of those areas too.

In terms of food quality, my favorite is the Coco Beach Club restaurant.  Filet mignon, lobster, fried shrimp, and it's specialty restaurant level good stuff. 

In terms of free food, I really like the taco bar because I can make a taco bowl and load it up with so many toppings. It's the perfect beach day refresh.

There are no shortage of bars, and some are really fun. 

The floating bar in South Beach requires a short swim to reach, but it's worth the effort. Far easier to get to, the swim-up bar in Oasis Lagoon is a party and has lots of shade. If you're more of a beach bar person, try the Wacky Seagull (Chill Island) or Coconut Willie’s Bar (South Beach).

Do you need to book in advance?

The free areas require no advanced reservations or bookings. It's all first-come, first-reserved.

But if you want to purchase any of the optional add-ons, I would recommend booking it in advance because they sell out often.

Demand for these activities has been higher because Royal Caribbean has done a better job at marketing them.

Plus, the cost is always cheaper if you pre-book, rather than waiting to book it onboard the ship or even on the island. In fact, I think it's a mistake to wait to book these items because of the elevated risk of it selling out.

You can book anything at Perfect Day at CocoCay before the cruise begins on the Cruise Planner site or in the Royal Caribbean app.

I prefer to use the Cruise Planner site because it's easier to quickly navigate. Log into your Royal Caribbean account and then find your upcoming sailing.

There is a Perfect Day at CocoCay section, and from here you can find every single add-on to purchase.

What to bring with you

Visiting CocoCay is a lot like any cruise port in that you should bring certain items with you.  

You absolutely need to bring your SeaPass card with you to get on and off the ship. Plus, it's the only way to pay for drinks or add-ons around the island.

Before you head ashore, here's what you should have with you.

• Swimsuit & cover-up
• Shoes (flip flops or water shoes)
  • Closed-toe shoes if you're doing the zip line
• Sunscreen
• Seapass card
• Towels (provided on ship)
  • If you are in a cabana or Coco Beach Club, towels are provided for you.

Of course, I'd recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, rash guard, and a beach bag to help make your day more enjoyable.

One thing you definitely don't need to bring is your passport. Leave it on the ship.

Is CocoCay kid-friendly?

Without a doubt, you'll find lots for kids to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Thrill Waterpark is an obvious choice for families, given the water slides are such an inviting option.  You can buy day passes for everyone, or opt for a Thrill Waterpark cabana because it includes admission for up to six people.

Keep in mind there are height requirements for the water slides, ranging between 42 inches and 48 inches.

Families with young children will love the two splash areas that are near the entrance to the island. 

Not only are both free, but it's perfect for kids to run around and get drenched. There are life guards here (and at every pool and beach), so it's a safe environment for them to play and splash.

If you want a family beach day, Harbor Beach is a great choice if you have swimmers that aren't very strong. There aren't big waves at CocoCay top begin with, but the cove here is almost like a pool because of how calm the water is.  

Plus, it's the least crowded beach you're likely to find.

In terms of food, there's no shortage of the usual foods picky eaters love. There's no excuse for your kids being hangry given how much food is offered, and that it's all included.

Hot dogs, burgers, tacos, and more are available at both Skipper's Grill and Chill Grill. 

Tips for your first visit

Before you head off the ship and start your day, here's my top recommendations for Perfect Day at CocoCay do's and don'ts.

Get off the ship as early as you can: You really should arrive early to claim a spot for your family.

There are lots of chairs and umbrellas, but they do go quickly. The first area to run out of chairs is Oasis Lagoon, followed by Chill Island.

I'd recommend disembarking the ship before 10am to get a shady spot in the area you want.

Bring a waterproof phone case for pool/beach pics: You're going to want to take photos, so I'd recommend a good waterproof case. (This link contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra)

Buy cabanas or passes early: No matter the price, most of the extra cost options around CocoCay will sell out before your cruise begins.

Plan ahead and book your shore excursions beforehand! 

You can always cancel and rebook later if there's a price drop, but waiting to book it is usually a mistake.

Your beverage and WiFi package work on the island: If you bought a Voom internet package or drink package, those benefits work also on CocoCay. It's a huge amunt of added value.

Best times for the water park slides: Lines are worst from mid-morning to about lunch time.  

Try to hit the slides before 10:30am or after 2pm.

Swimming with the pigs is overrated: Trust us, as cute as it sounds, it's a waste of money and you're going to end up surrounded by pig poop.

Swap your wet towels out: There are towel stations around the island, so there's no reason to bring back wet towels.

One of the most frequently visited ports by Royal Caribbean cruise ships has a new travel warning.

The U.S. State Department issued an updated travel advisory "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" for to the Bahamas.

This country was already at a level 2 prior to the update.

With any travel warning, it comes with a list of concerns that tourists should take into consideration. In the case of The Bahamas, the warming cites violent crime, swimming risks and firearm warnings.

Considering Royal Caribbean ships visit ports around The Bahamas a lot, here's what you should know.

What the new warning says

In reading through the State Department guidance, there's an outline of gang violence that travelers should be aware of.

To be clear, the warning is not telling Americans to avoid going to The Bahamas. Rather, it's urging caution. 

“Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands."

Specifically, it warns of issues in the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, where gangs have killed residents.

The warning also has other areas of concern that could be useful for cruise ship visitors.

New swimming-related risks were split into two categories: jet skis and boating, and beach safety.

"Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms."

This warning is a result of reports of sexual assault by some jet ski operators , along with sexual assault reports on or near downtown Nassau beaches. 

There are also concerns over watercraft operators who may be unlicensed or uninsured or who may ignore weather warnings.

In addition, the warning contains things you should be aware of at any beach: never swim alone, watch out for watercraft, beware of sharks.  

More ships than ever are visiting The Bahamas

This travel warning is particularly interesting for cruisers because of how frequently Royal Caribbean ships go to the island nation.

Nassau, Bahamas is among the most common cruise ports you'll find, especially on Royal Caribbean.

Short 3- and 4-night cruises only visit The Bahamas, with stops in both Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In fact, the line is doubling down on visits to Nassau, as more big ships will soon switch to short cruises.

Limited sailings will visit Bimini or Freeport, but they're not that common.

Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas, and it's also where Royal Caribbean is working to open a new beach club.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in December 2025 on a 17-acre piece of land on the western end of Paradise Island near Nassau.

The beach club has beaches and pools, three swim-up bars, seven beach bars, and more than 40 cabanas.

It will have a separate admission cost to enter, but will only be sold to Royal Caribbean passengers exclusively.

Is it safe to cruise to The Bahamas?

There's risk with anywhere you visit, including your own hometown. The key is being prepared and vigilant about your safety.

The purpose of the warning is to remind tourists to use caution, and to not arbitrarily go on tours without vetting them.

The warnings about jet ski operators, boating, beaches are the sort of things everyone should have been thinking about and apply to any beach in the world.

Part of planning a cruise vacation is researching your shore excursions, and working with vetted tour operators.

Excursions sold through the cruise line are advertised as third-party operators who are licensed and reputable, "ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience."

No matter who you work with, you'll always want to be mindful of your surroundings and not take unnecessary risks.

While the warning applies to the entirety of The Bahamas, the reality is visits to the cruise line's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay are not as applicable given the reality of the experience there.

Only Royal Caribbean passengers are allowed onto CocoCay, and the staff working there are a mix of Royal Caribbean crew members from the ship, as well as locals hired by the cruise line.

Since random people cannot access CocoCay, it's likely the risk factor is mitigated with visits there.