Royal Caribbean Blog

As a first-time cruiser, you never want to become a public nuisance.

After spending lots of time and money to book a relaxing and fun vacation, you’d hate to turn into someone inconsiderate onboard.

Being polite and following cruise ship etiquette will ensure that crew members and other guests won’t dread running into you. 

So, what details should you know, and what rules are important to follow?

New cruisers have some common, but specific questions that we’ve seen pop up over the years.

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to getting on a cruise ship for the first time.

Some common courtesies may not come automatically or seem obvious to you, so we’ve answered all your questions right here. 

From main dining room etiquette to who is allowed into the Crown Lounge, this is your guide to five common cruise ship etiquette questions.

Read more: 20 rules of cruise ship etiquette no one ever tells you (but should)

​​Should I tell the waitstaff if I won't be in the Main Dining Room ahead of time?

Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room is the spot for complimentary gourmet meals served in elegant dining rooms on several decks.

Because the venue is especially popular for its multiple-course dinners, many cruisers eat there every night.

However, itineraries can get busy on a cruise, and with all the onboard activities and onshore excursions available, it’s possible that you won’t be able to attend your traditional dinner time.

There are also plenty of other restaurants to try—such as the Windjammer buffet and specialty dining.

So, if you know ahead of time that you won’t make it to the Main Dining Room for dinner, should you let your waitstaff know?

I’ve been told by culinary staff that if you have a reservation at a specialty restaurant, the Main Dining Room waiters will see it in their system and already know that you won’t make it to dinner.

The same would apply if you’ve ordered room service instead.

But what if you’re going to the Windjammer, or eating onshore at a port restaurant?

If you know ahead of time, it is considered polite and customary to let your servers know. Also, if you are seated with other guests who are not part of your group, it is polite to let them know so they don’t hold off ordering their meal waiting for you to show up.

This ensures that they can adjust their plans for the following night and avoid any food waste.

Royal Caribbean tries to stay flexible with dining options of all varieties, so it’s polite to inform them of your plans as much as you can.

Do I need to pay gratuities for my infant?

Royal Caribbean adds gratuities to the final cost of the fare as a way to ensure crew members such as bartenders, waiters, cooks, and stateroom attendants are rewarded for their service.

Usually, gratuities are charged per person, for each guest onboard.

This includes children and even infants.

The cost of gratuity is applied to each individual guest, regardless of age or stateroom category.

Your child, no matter how young, is counted toward the number of people that the crew members are taking care of.

Read more: Mailbag: Why do I have to pay gratuities for my toddler?

While it makes sense that you don’t expect to pay the full price for smaller children, think about everything that crew members can do for your family.

Culinary service teams work to provide healthy food and high chairs and clean up any messes.

Your stateroom attendant will empty the trash with dirty diapers, and provide extra towels and sheets as needed.

And in the case of an emergency, crew members will also protect your children.

Even if you have a smaller human onboard, they still count as someone that the crew will be taking care of.

Read more: Should you prepay gratuities for a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Should I bring a Bluetooth speaker?

A waterfront vacation can be made even sweeter by the presence of your favorite songs, audiobooks, or even a loved one on a video call.

To hear these things better, should you bring a speaker onboard?

We don’t recommend it.

Most cruise lines ask that you keep Bluetooth speakers for use only in your personal stateroom.

By looking at any online forum, you’ll be able to tell that most cruisers do not appreciate the guests who bring their speakers and start blasting music for everyone else to hear.

Some guests may prefer silence at the beach. 

Other areas, like the pool deck on Royal Caribbean ships, could already have talented performers playing live music live.

The cruise line could even confiscate your speaker if you’re found to be disturbing the other cruisers.

Remember that, while a cruise ship has space for plenty of fun and excitement, you’re still sharing it with other guests and should be considerate of their needs.

Instead, pack along a quality pair of headphones that allow you some privacy while still listening to your favorite noises.

Is it okay to bring my friends who aren't Diamond-tier into the Crown Lounge?

The Crown Lounge is a special, elegantly decorated lounge reserved for guests who are members of the Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club tiers of the Crown and Anchor Society.

The lounge access comes with snacks, nightly happy hour, and a Concierge to assist with any special needs or requests during the sailing.

It’s an exciting and luxurious benefit, so can you bring along friends and family?

The answer is no, not unless they are also a Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle level member.

Royal Caribbean’s website reads that this benefit is “exclusive” and “cannot be extended to include friends and family.”

Now, if you have a spouse or partner who is a member of your household and lives with you, you can request for them to be added to your Crown and Anchor account so they can receive the same status.

Royal Caribbean’s website says: “A Crown & Anchor Society member can be added into a relationship with other family members in the same household and receive equivalent tier status; however Cruise Points will remain according to actual cruises taken and calculated according to the number of nights sailed.”

Otherwise, they will not be able to enter the Crown Lounge.

We missed our traditional dining time, can I still go to the Main Dining Room that night?

The Main Dining Room offers two different dinner-time options.

You can either choose “My Time” Dining or traditional dining. My Time Dining will allow you to eat dinner whenever you choose. 

But with traditional dining, you’ll receive a particular assigned time and table. Guests who select traditional dining are expected to show up at their assigned time.

Can you still show up late?

If you are more than 15 minutes late (and especially if you haven’t warned your waitstaff ahead of time), they may close the doors or they may have reassigned your table.

Especially if you’re traveling with a larger group, they may no longer have the table space reserved for you.

From this point, you still have the option to switch to My Time Dining. If you get into that line, they will attempt to seat you when a table is available, although there may be a wait.

You can always try, as many guests find that Royal Caribbean waitstaff are as flexible as possible, and will attempt to seat you.

However, if you’d like to give up and try something else after showing up late, there are always other venues such as the Windjammer.

No matter which Royal Caribbean ship you cruise on, you will have many cabin categories to choose from.

From sprawling, multi-level suites to small, windowless inside cabins, Royal Caribbean provides options for every passenger.

Guests can choose their cabin category based on their budget, preferred location, amenities, views, or size.

When you book your cruise, you will choose which type of stateroom you prefer.

There are four main categories to choose from: inside cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins, and suites.

Among these options, Royal Caribbean’s oceanview staterooms provide stunning views at an affordable price.

How do you know if an oceanview cabin is the right fit for you?

This guide will help you understand the different types of oceanview cabins, and their perks and amenities.

What is an oceanview stateroom?

Every Royal Caribbean stateroom comes with a basic set of amenities that are included in your cruise fare.

This includes:

• A bed that sleeps at least 2 people
• Private bathroom and shower
• Vanity desk and chair
• Safe
• Mini-fridge
• Closet
• Television
• A dedicated stateroom attendant
• Free cleanings once a day
• Climate control
• Hair dryer
• Telephone

As the name suggests, an oceanview cabin adds the benefit of an outside view.

These types of cabins have a wide window or a porthole through which you get a panoramic view of the ship’s surroundings.

This allows guests to gaze out onto the ocean, shore, or landscapes the ship sails through, all from the comfort of their own room.

Not only does this window offer a clear view of the seaside, but it also provides natural lighting to the whole stateroom.

Like interior cabins, regular oceanview cabins can accommodate 2-4 guests per room.

If an interior cabin is the smallest, cheapest cabin category, an oceanview cabin is essentially the next step up.

It is an upgrade from the dark, windowless inside cabins, and a slight increase in cost.

Usually, they are slightly larger than interior cabins and about the same size as balcony cabins (without the extra area of a balcony).

Read more: Oceanview vs Balcony staterooms on a Royal Caribbean cruise

They span up to 354 square feet.

Before you book an oceanview cabin based on that difference in size, remember that it depends on the cruise ship.

You should look at the area of each cabin category on your ship before choosing.

There are also several sub-categories of oceanview staterooms that you should consider before booking one.

What are the types of oceanview staterooms?

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of oceanview cabins, allowing guests to choose based on their preferences and budget. 

When choosing the right type for you, keep in mind where you want the stateroom to be located.

Cabins on higher decks will have a better view, while ones near the front or back of the ship may make you seasick. Also, locations near high-traffic areas will experience more noise.

You will also want to take into account the dimensions of the cabin and compare it to the size of your party. Some oceanview staterooms have extra space and sofa beds for additional guests.

And, of course, take a look at your budget for the cruise. 

The different categories of oceanview staterooms mean that you have several price points you can choose from.

Interior Oceanview

Virtual balcony staterooms have a clever technological hack that gives guests a view of the ocean.

These cabins are located on the inside of the ship, without any real windows. Instead, they feature a virtual balcony: a floor-to-ceiling HD screen that displays a real-time video feed.

While there are no actual windows in this cabin, the virtual balcony provides guests with a more budget-friendly way of viewing the sea.

Outside Oceanview Stateroom

Oceanview staterooms on the outside walls of the ship feature real windows or portholes.

These provide unobstructed views of the ocean. 

These cabins vary in size and amenities, but all consistently offer that view of the sea.

Spacious Oceanview Stateroom

Spacious oceanview cabins are similar to outside oceanview cabins, just with some extra space.

They make for a wider stateroom and may include an added living area with a sofa.

These spacious cabins still have the porthole or window that provides an ocean view.

Panoramic Oceanview Stateroom

A Panoramic oceanview stateroom offers an even wider ocean view, without the prices of a balcony cabin.

A panoramic, wraparound window in the cabin stretches 76 inches high and 103-321 inches wide for a large window view.

This expansive window provides incredible views.

Family Oceanview Stateroom (Ultra Spacious)

The family oceanview stateroom has an even larger living space, sleeping up to six people.

It spans from 265 to 328 square feet and includes a king-size bed with bunk beds in a separate area.

There is also a living area with a sofa bed, also separated for tons of privacy. They usually have portholes for that ocean view, and some also include an extra bathroom.

To book this room, you usually need a minimum of five people in your party.

You should expect them to cost more than a standard oceanview cabin, but they generally sell out slower due to the size of the groups required.

However, these staterooms are usually located at the very front or the very back of the ship. This may be a major drawback because it can leave guests inside more susceptible to feeling the ship’s motion and getting seasick.

Read more: Royal Caribbean stateroom options for larger families

Why choose an oceanview stateroom?

So what are the benefits of booking an oceanview cabin? 

This category is popular for many reasons, especially for guests who want an exterior view but don’t have the budget for a balcony cabin.

Often, there is little price difference between an interior and an oceanview stateroom, making the upgrade worth it.

Read more: Inside cabin vs. oceanview cabin: Are the differences worth an upgrade?

The spectacular views are the most obvious benefit of an oceanview stateroom. Guests can wake up to the sunny sight of wide blue water or rest while witnessing a gorgeous golden sunset.

An ocean view also allows you to watch the ship sail live into a port—an exciting experience!

There’s something naturally relaxing about being near the ocean and seeing the sun, and having a window in your stateroom can enhance your cruise vacation.

Natural lighting is another major advantage. The human body responds to sunlight, and having access to natural light can help you retain your natural body clock, waking up when the sun rises and sleeping when the sun sets.

Seeing sunlight can also calm your nerves, and the ocean view helps ease motion sickness.

In an oceanview cabin, you get views that you would otherwise have to go out into public areas to see. Your oceanview stateroom will provide a private sanctuary where you can retreat and witness nature without being bothered by crowds of other passengers.

However, if your stateroom’s location on board is important to you, an oceanview cabin provides fewer options to choose from. 

Most outside cabins are balconies, so oceanview staterooms are usually found in less desirable locations, like lower desks, or the front and back of higher decks.

It's been an eventful 2025-2026 deployment season with many ships changing places and regions, and that trend continues with the new Australia plans.

Royal Caribbean released its latest deployment with 45 long and short cruises during the 2025-2026 season from Australia.

There will be two ships down under, with Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

New arrival

Anthem of the Seas will sail from Australia for the first time when she calls Sydney her homeport.

The ship will offer a range of 3- to 18-night cruises to New Zealand, around Australia, and to the islands of the South Pacific.

Royal Caribbean is also going to offer more short cruises on Anthem when she arrives in Australia. There are five 2- to 4-night coastal cruises meant to be easy getaways.

There is also a 5-night getaway that visits Hobart, Australia.

The longer cruises will satisfy the needs of anyone that wants to explore more. There are 9- to 12-night cruises to New Zealand, including a pair of festive 9- and 11-night sailings for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

A returning favorite

Voyager of the Seas will come back to Australia in December 2025 and feature a stop in a new port of call, Luganville, Vanuatu.

Voyager's itineraries include 7- to 9-night cruises to Noumea, New Caledonia, and Port Vila, Luganville and Mystery Island, Vanuatu, which includes two 8- and 9-night cruises over Christmas and the New Year.

There are also longer 12-night sailings from Singapore to Australia in December. These sailings will visit places such as Benoa, Bali, and Darwin and Airlie Beach, Australia. Plus, there are as many as 10 shorter 4-, 6- and 7-night trips that visit Airlie Beach and Cairns, Australia.

Wiggly sailings

For the families out there, look for a series of Wiggly Cruises.

There will be six new Wiggly Cruises that are part of a new partnership between Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles.

The sailings are between November 2025 and April 2026 and feature the Wiggly Friends, which are a group of secondary characters in The Wiggles. 

Young kids and their loved ones can look forward to character events, live concerts, exclusive Royal Caribbean x The Wiggles merchandise and more.   

Open for booking now

The new 2025-2026 cruises are available to book immediately on Royal Caribbean's website or through your travel agent. 

One more deployment left

The 2025-2026 deployment season is coming to a close, with just one more deployment left to announce.

During the week of May 13, 2024, Royal Caribbean will reveal its Singapore sailings between October 2025 - April 2026.

According to a spokesperson for the US Coast Guard 7th District Public Affairs Team, the search for the passenger who went overboard while sailing on Liberty of the Seas has been suspended. 

Last Thursday, a 20-year-old guest jumped off the ship around 4:00am after an alleged argument with his father. Liberty of the Seas, a Freedom Class ship that launched in 2007, was roughly 57 miles from Great Inagua Island in The Bahamas and just hours from returning to Fort Lauderdale after a 4-night cruise. 

Before jumping, he supposedly said to his dad, "I'll fix this right now," according to The New York Post. 

Fellow passenger Bryan Sims, who was in the hot tub with the unidentified guest leading up to the incident, said, "As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess."

Though the vessel came to an immediate halt and crew members began searching for the missing man, the majority of the passengers onboard weren't aware of the situation until the Captain made an announcement later in the morning. Liberty of the Seas resumed sailing around 9:00am. 

About four hours later, the United States Coast Guard announced on X that USCG crews began searching for the overboard passenger. 

The statement read, "#Breaking @USCG crews are searching for a 20-year-old man who went overboard from the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship 57 miles from Great Inagua this morning. USCG Cutter Seneca and Air Station Miami HC-144 crews are conducting the search."

Recently, he was identified as Levion Parker of North Port, Florida. After being unable to locate Parker, the search, as confirmed by UNILAD, has been called off. 

Whenever a passenger does go overboard, Royal Caribbean opens up an investigation to determine how it occurred, as well as if there were any safety violations. 

Though cruise lines implement measures to help prevent guests from falling overboard, it's not rare to hear of such instances occurring. Thankfully, not all stories have an unhappy ending 

In October 2023, a guest sailing onboard Symphony of the Seas was reported going overboard shortly after departing from Barcelona, Spain on a 14-night transatlantic cruise. 

Passengers reported hearing, "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar," which is the crew's code for man overboard, over the PA system. X user @landonb94 even took to social media to post that he was able to see spotlights and rescue boats from his cabin's balcony. 

The ship turned around and successfully rescued the guest after about an hour of searching. They were then taken to the ship's medical facility. 

Additionally, a 42-year-old passenger sailing onboard Mariner of the Seas in June 2023 was rescued after going overboard while sailing south of Punta Cana en route to Willemstad, Curaçao. 

As reported by FOX 35 Orlando, the passenger was recovered alive and in good health after falling from Deck 10. According to a statement released by a Royal Caribbean spokesperson, “The ship and crew immediately reported the incident to local authorities and began searching for the guest."

"Thankfully, the guest was successfully recovered and was brought on board. Our Care team is now offering assistance and support to them and their traveling party.”

The Royal Caribbean rumor mill has churned out a few intriguing possibilities this week.

In reviewing new trademark applications that Royal Caribbean has made with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, there's a few related the line's customer loyalty program that might indicate new options coming soon.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean filed a series of trademark applications for words and phrases that reference it's intended for the customer loyalty program.

Trademark applications are notoriously vague, but they give a general indication of which aspect of the business the word or phrase is intended for.

To be clear, Royal Caribbean hasn't announced anything related to this, and this post is merely speculating at a possible offering coming in the near future.

Trademarks for customer loyalty

A few of the trademarks are centered around being intended for customer loyalty program.

"Royal Rewards" and "Royal One" were registered on April 8, and they are described as, "trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of customer loyalty services and customer club services, for commercial, promotional and/or advertising purposes."

Another two terms were trademarked related to customer loyalty.

"Anchored", "Aspire" and "Boundless" were also registered on April 8, and, "intended to cover the categories of customer loyalty services and customer club services, for commercial, promotional and/or advertising purposes."

The last two terms are "Flagship Rewards" and "Flagship" and are described as, "intended to cover the categories of customer loyalty services and customer club services, for commercial, promotional and/or advertising purposes."

Royal Caribbean already has a customer loyalty program with its Crown & Anchor Society, which offers benefits for repeat cruisers.

There are six tiers to the program, with some of the best benefits coming at the upper echelon of the program, with complimentary drinks, free WiFi access, and even a free cruise.

There is also a casino rewards program for passengers who gamble in the ship's casino. The Casino Royale program also has multiple tiers that offer complimentary drinks in the casino, discounted and complimentary cruises, and other additional benefits.

Read more: I gambled enough in Royal Caribbean's casino to get free drinks and a cruise

These new terms may or may not have any relationship to the existing Crown and Anchor society or Casino Royale programs. 

Moreover, it could refer to a brand new program for something else completely.

Royal Caribbean has openly talked about the idea of merging its loyalty program with sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises.

Nothing has been announced, but Celebrity Cruises indicated there's an opportunity for combining the program.

Andrea Shay, AVP of Loyalty for Celebrity Cruises, took the reign on this question, responding by saying, "I'm so glad that this question came up, and it's something that members are asking for."

"We have some status match between the brands today, but there's such a huge opportunity for us to do more and really take advantage of the connection and us being part of the same family."

According to Shay, the status match doesn't thread the three Royal Caribbean Group brands together, so they're working with their sister brands. Hopefully, more will be revealed in the coming months. 

Online marketplace

There was one other trademark filed on April 8 that doesn't appear to be related to customer loyalty, but is equally intriguing.

"Royal Xclusive" has the following description:

"Trademark is intended to cover the categories of provision of an online marketplace for buyers and sellers of goods and services; retail store services; online retail store services; retail and online retail store services featuring a wide variety of consumer and commercial goods; Advertising; Advertising services; Online advertising services; providing product sales information; providing product sales rankings information; providing consumer product information; providing a website featuring ratings, reviews, and recommendations on products and services for commercial purposes posted by users."

Too early to know what it all means

These new trademarks are something to keep in mind, but far from any kind of announcement or confirmation of a change.

Royal Caribbean often files trademarks in batches, just in case they want to use the names later.  In many cases, they register a few trademarks with the idea they will end up using just one of them. Cruise ship names are often trademarked in this fashion as well.

As the cruise industry stands on the merits of multiple quarters of financial success, cruise line executives see a lot of reason for even better days ahead.

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 share insight into where cruising is going next.

The overarching theme for the keynote is cruise lines see many opportunities ahead.

Trends favoring taking a cruise

Mr. Liberty sees good times ahead for the cruise industry, thanks to secular and demographic trends that are favoring going on a cruise.

Thanks to a very healthy U.S. consumer, Mr. Liberty thinks so many data points are leaning in the direction of cruises.

"The appreciation for building memories with your friends and family coming out of Covid is at extraordinarily high levels of cruise."

In addition, he talked about the wealth transfer going on between generations, "Grandparents wanting to see that wealth transfer live, watching their kids and their grandkids experience that is also at all time highs."

He seemed to agree a lot with Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein's outlook on state of the cruise product, "we have evolved our product and our experiences to be at the very forefront of what our different customers and their different segments are looking to achieve."

One interesting statistic mentioned was there was 30.7 million people cruise passengers last year, and Mr. Liberty said about a third of them were brand new to a cruise ship.

"And you think about 10 million new people, coming in and will that number will grow each and every year. They are 4 or 5 times more likely to cruise again once they've had the experience."

Ambitions to do more private destinations

One question asked of Mr. Liberty was for an update on destination developments.

While he did not announce anything, he did allude to the idea that Royal Caribbean wants to offer more of those experiences, "I think for us, between the Royal Beach Club and Perfect Days, we have ambitions to do more of that."

"It's by far our highest rated experience that happens on land and that connected to other destination visits to other places is what's winning for us."

People that go on a cruise want a story

Mr. Liberty thinks people are going on a cruise not just for the typical vacation reasons, but to be able to share a humble brag when they get home.

"Our guests want to walk away with a story and they want to build a story," Mr. Liberty explained during the keynote.

"They're less focused on city tours. They're more focused on those kind of immersive culinary experiences that might happen on land, and then they want to build memories on the ships."

Pushing the experience with innovation

When the topic of innovation within the cruise industry came up, all eyes turned to Mr. Liberty because of the early wins on Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean's first Icon Class ship has been a major innovation, setting a new standard for a family vacation and it was clear all the executives knew it too.

First and foremost, Royal Caribbean wants to ensure they are matching their customers' needs, "we all, I think, do is meeting our guests on the experiences that they're looking to deliver. Also meeting our guests when we think about in the dreaming and booking process, how do we take friction out of that customer experience, which I think is very important."

He also says while not necessarily super innovative, the progress with their land projects stands out, "you're seeing more immersiveness because the guests expectations of what their vacation experience should be like has broadened."

"If you want to compete with land, you want to take that share, and you need to have a product from end to end. You need to have an experience from dreaming to delivering that matches those expectations."

Nuclear power and the future of cruise ship fuels

How to make cruise ships more sustainable was a big topic of the keynote, with each executive talking about the challenges facing them. Supply of a next-gen fuel source seemed to be the overarching issue.

There are a number of options to help their cause, but cruise ships needs more options from suppliers. Shore power, marine bio fuels, and hydrogen are all options but severely lacking in availability.

Mr. Liberty pointed to the U.S. power grid as improving, but he wants more from it, "getting access to green sourcing, like nuclear as an example for shore power, we think is an important thing."

More importantly, he wants better access to cleaner fuel sources, "I think the key thing is bringing forward in the US to have those fuel sources, whether it's a green methanol or LNG, etc., available to us at the ports of call that we that we access and most of our bunkering takes place."

With reliable supply, then cruise ships can truly prepare for the future, "how do we make sure that when we come in and we fuel, we bunker our fuels, that those fuels are going to be available to us? And once we know that, then we can think about how do we retrofit our ships or what other actions can we be taking on the newer ships to get them ready to take on those alternative fuels into the future?"

Demand for China

When asked about future plans for China, Royal Caribbean Group has Spectrum of the Seas ready to go there now, with Anthem of the Seas going there in 2025.

Mr. Liberty said his company is "thoughtfully growing" in the Chinese market in order to return to their position there pre-2020.

"They are continuing to look for a Western experience that has the fine details of their Chinese culture and culinary etc. and we're all collectively very good at putting that together."

"We see very kind of prosperous future there, but we're going into it with a measured approach."

Planning a European cruise? There are a few months you might want to avoid booking your dream vacation.

Cruises within Europe offer a contrasting experience compared to those in the Caribbean. Whereas cruising to The Bahamas might involve spending your days lounging in a pool chair, European cruises are all about sightseeing.

From exploring ancient castles in Portugal to touring Viking museums in Norway, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in Europe’s history and nature on a cruise. Not only that, but European cruise itineraries are diverse, too. You can travel anywhere from the British Isles to Canary Islands, and even venture to the crossroads of Europe and Asia in Istanbul.

When planning such a monumental vacation, it’s important to know what to expect, and to plan your trip during the most ideal time to visit. Royal Caribbean’s European cruise season runs from April to October, and each month brings pros and cons.

While there’s not necessarily a “right” or “wrong” time to cruise to Europe, there are a few factors to consider when picking the best time to cruise.

Here are the worst months to cruise to Europe, based on the weather, crowding, and cruise destination.

If you’re cruising to southern Europe, the worst months to visit are July and August

During the initial planning stages of a European cruise, you might assume the peak of summer is the best time to book a sailing. After all, you’re dreaming of sipping wine in a sunny Italian piazza, not bundling up in a parka in Greenland.

And while summer can be a great time to visit Europe, it can also be extremely hot and crowded. For those booking cruises in southern Europe—Mediterranean and Adriatic itineraries—summer heat waves are a major concern.

It’s not uncommon to see temperatures in the high 80s and even low 90s in cities like Palermo and Valencia during the months of July and August. Although these temperatures may be tolerable on a beach vacation, they are anything but ideal when sightseeing in European cities.

Roaming the ancient streets of Pompeii or touring the Acropolis in August’s blazing heat is enough to exhaust any cruiser. If you must cruise to Europe in the peak of summer, take caution when booking shore excursions.

If drastic temperatures are forecasted, consider booking excursions on the water rather than in the city, such as a catamaran tour around Santorini or beach day in Positano.

Related: 30 Best European cruise tips

Additionally, consider bringing extra clothes to change into when visiting cathedrals. Although it’s required to cover your shoulders and knees in the Sistine Chapel, you don’t need to cover up all day—if you do, you could potentially overheat.

Instead, pack a scarf and a lightweight skirt or pair of pants in your day bag that you can quickly put over your clothes before entering religious sites.

Not only are temperatures high in the summer, but crowds are at their peak, too

A European summer is a dream for many cruisers. After all, nothing screams relaxation quite like sipping a rosé along the French Riviera. And while summertime in Europe is undoubtedly dreamy, it comes with one major downside: massive crowds.

Whether in Santorini or Tenerife, you’re almost guaranteed to face large crowds in the summer. Not only will your cruise likely be fully booked, but shore excursions will book up quickly and you’ll be navigating your way around thousands of other visitors in each port of call.

August in particular can be an exceptionally busy time in Europe, as Europeans traditionally plan several weeks of vacation during the month. In August, you should plan to encounter even higher crowds than earlier in the summer, particularly in southern Europe.

Related: How to beat the crowds on your cruise ship

Truthfully, though, there’s a good chance you will not notice a difference between July and August crowds. Crowds are high in Europe throughout the peak season, and while there may be more crowds in August, it’s going to feel crowded during any summer month.

No one likes dealing with crowds, but they are inevitable when cruising to Europe in the summer. While they certainly aren’t bad enough to cancel your plans, you shouldn’t expect quiet, calm sightseeing days in port either.

Another con of cruising in July and August are the higher costs

The last major downside of cruising to Europe in July and August are the higher costs. Due to the school calendar, most families plan European cruises in late June, July, and early August. Therefore, it’s no surprise that these months see the most demand, which results in higher prices.

Let’s look at a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on Allure of the Seas. You can expect to pay $400-500 more for a balcony cabin when cruising in July versus September. If your schedule is flexible, why not wait until September to cruise?

Related: How much does a European cruise cost?

Not only will there be fewer crowds, but you can put those savings toward a shore excursion or cruise add-ons like drink and dining packages.

Aside from the cost of your cruise fare, airfare prices peak in the summer. A roundtrip flight to Rome, for instance, might cost $900 in May, but could skyrocket to $1,500 in July. When traveling with a large group, these extra costs will easily add up.

The best months to cruise the Mediterranean and Adriatic are May, early June, and September

Knowing the drawbacks of cruising southern Europe in the peak summer season, what are the best months to cruise?

Generally speaking, the most favorable months for a cruise to the Mediterranean and Adriatic are May, early June, and September. During these months, you will find lower prices, more comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds.

Related: Ultimate Greek Isles cruise guide

Because the school year is still in session in most of Europe and North America, you will see fewer families onboard, and the lack of demand leads to lower cruise fares. Plus, you’re less likely to spend your port days sweaty and miserable, as temperatures will generally be more mild (although that’s never guaranteed!).

While crowds will start to increase in June, sticking to the first half of the month is recommended, as crowds will not yet have hit their peak.

If you’re cruising in northern Europe, however, avoid sailings in early spring and late fall

Europe is a diverse continent, and the best time to cruise one region may be the worst for another. While some cruisers may book a sunny getaway to the Greek Isles, others are more interested in visiting ports like Amsterdam and Dublin.

Although sticking to the spring and fall is preferable for cruises to southern Europe, it should be avoided when visiting northern European countries. Simply put, the weather in these regions is more unpredictable, and the shoulder season can come with less-than-ideal conditions.

While that Norway itinerary in May might be the cheapest option, waiting until June, July, or August might bring sunnier skies and warmer temperatures. Unfortunately, this means spending more on your cruise fare and airfare, but it’s almost always worth the trade-off.

Should you cruise to Europe in October?

Royal Caribbean’s European cruise season usually ends in October, and like any month, October comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

One plus of sailing in October is the weather. Unlike the scorching 90 degree days of August, you’ll find the weather more pleasant in the fall. Temperatures in Mykonos, as an example, are around 70 degrees in October compared to the mid-80s in August.

In addition, there will be fewer crowds in October compared to during the summer. Once the school year is back in session, European tourist attractions become quieter, making sightseeing days a little bit less hectic for visitors.

Related: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

As far as drawbacks, though, you will find fewer itineraries offered in October. During this month, Royal Caribbean begins to send its ships back to North America for the winter Caribbean season. By the end of the month, only a few ships remain in Europe, and almost all itineraries visit southern European destinations, where the weather is still comfortable in October.

Even with these drawbacks, October can be a fantastic time to cruise to southern Europe for those who want lower fares and fewer crowds.

Cruising is all about having the right mindset. With the right expectations, there’s no “best” or “worst” month to cruise to Europe

While there’s no denying that some months offer nicer weather conditions and crowd control than others, no time of year is completely perfect. Sure, May might offer excellent conditions for traveling to Sicily, but the same cannot be said about cruising to Iceland.

Even if you sail during the “worst” month to cruise to Europe, you will still, more than likely, have a wonderful cruise experience. For most cruisers, the highs of cruising to Europe far outweigh the lows.

Visiting 2000-year old archeological sites, tasting local delicacies, and being awestruck by breathtaking fjords can be worth the high temperatures and crowds.

If you board a European cruise expecting tranquil days in port and no lines at tourist sites, you’re going to be disappointed.

If you go in with an optimistic mindset, on the other hand, any month will provide a remarkable cruise vacation.

In recent years, a particular trend has emerged within the cruising community: the practice of hiding ducks. Though a seemingly harmless game of hide-and-seek sea, the phenomenon has received its fair share of hate. 

According to Cruising Ducks, the tradition was supposedly started by an 11-year-old on a cruise sailing out of Galveston. Abby Davis asked her mother if they could purchase rubber ducks for their sailing. 

Throughout their 7-night cruise, they hid seven ducks per day for other passengers to find. Supposedly, they hid a duck on the BlueIguana sign onboard their Carnival ship, and it wasn't found for three days! 

Critics of the activity argue that they contribute to the spreading of germs, as well as detract from the refined experience many passengers expect onboard a cruise ship. Nobody wants to see a duck that was accidentally knocked over into food in the buffet. 

One comment on a Cruise Radio Facebook post went as far as stating that hiding ducks contributes to the "dumbing down of America," with others advocating for a "cruise duck assassin club." There's even a Facebook group dedicated to the ducks' demise, "Cruising Ducks-Death Squad," though it's not as popular as those in favor of hiding ducks. 

A separate post in a Virgin Voyages group asks for those sailing on the adult-only line to leave the ducks at home, as it's a "childish hobby." 

There are plenty of environmental concerns, too. Those against the hiding of ducks have circulated rumors that any found by crew members and guests are often thrown overboard into the sea. John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador, took to Facebook to clear up the issue.

"This is completely untrue," he wrote, "Let me say this, if any crew member throws anything overboard, they would be in serious trouble and would for sure face disciplinary action....many of the crew love finding the ducks and have them in their cabins, as they bring them cheer." 

Other cruisers have reported seeing ducks in the trash, citing that participating is wasteful. 

Despite the controversy, duck-hiding lovers claim that it adds an element of fun and fosters a sense of community by connecting passengers from around the world

Even with all of the negativity surrounding hiding ducks on cruise ships, it remains a popular tradition. Today, the original Facebook group has over 258,000 members, and you'll find countless Reddit forums dedicated to discussing and sharing duck-related experiences. 

Guests can search for line-specific groups as well. "Carnival Cruising Ducks" has over 66,000 members, whereas "Royal Caribbean Cruising Ducks," has around 51,000. 

Oftentimes, those who want to participate will customize the ducks in some way. You may, for instance, find a duck with an informational sheet indicating the duck's origin, like New York City or Orlando. 

Imagine discovering a duck from England when you live in the United States! You can choose to re-hide it or keep it as a souvenir; however, make sure that you don't throw it in the trash. If you don't want it, leave it for someone else to find!

Should you decide to keep the duck, look to see if there are any instructions on the tag, if applicable, as to where the hider wants it to be shared. Guests often like to figure out where their duck is traveling to! It makes the experience more memorable for everyone. 

Those cruising around a holiday, such as Valentine's Day, Halloween, or Christmas, may find themed ducks during their voyage, too. 

If you plan on hiding decks on your next cruise, make sure that you're respectful of the ship's rules and regulations

Though you want to hide ducks in public areas, as nobody will find a duck stashed away in your stateroom, there are some guidelines to be mindful of. 

A general consensus amongst duck hiders is that the ducks shouldn't be hidden near food. Rather than leave one near food in the Windjammer, consider placing it in a commonplace location, such as a stairwell, where it won't be seen as an inconvenience to other passengers.

You'll also want to avoid placing ducks in the pools and hot tubs, as young children may endanger themselves by reaching for them and falling in. Shops with merchandise available for purchase are off-limits, too. You don't want anyone to get in trouble because it looked like they were shoplifting!

While indoor railings, such as those in the stairwell, are okay, don't place ducks somewhere they could fall overboard. Royal Caribbean forbids guests from throwing things over the side of the ship; you don't want to get caught breaking this rule. 

When hunting, you'll want to ensure you're acting respectfully, too. Avoid running and destroying cruise ship property. Those who are too rowdy may accidentally injure themselves or another passenger. 

If you're sailing on an Oasis or Icon Class ship, be cautious of placing ducks in Central Park, as children may see it as an opportunity to crawl through the greenery. The horticulturists work hard to maintain all the plants onboard, and hiding ducks in them can inadvertently damage them. 

Ducks can be purchased on Amazon for less than $15

Looking forward to your summer cruise? Instead of bringing standard yellow ducks, spice up your experience by purchasing pirate-themed ducks. You can even find some that are patriotic if you happen to be sailing over the Fourth of July. 

Families sailing together over the holidays can get Christmas or Hanukkah ducks to spread festive cheer, while those cruising in October can embrace the spirit of Halloween with some spooky-themed ducks. 

Please note that we have linked Amazon items above, which contain affiliate links. The affiliate link costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link.

Ever since Brightline started offering train service between Orlando and South Florida, I've been hooked.

Not having to take the mind-numbing boring drive rife with traffic and slow downs is worth it every time, and I've become a convert to the train. I've taken at least a half dozen roundtrip rides, and it's an incredible innovation for anyone looking to get between the two areas.

Read more: I Rode on Brightline, Florida's New High-Speed Train

While I won't ever go back to driving myself, I did make one big change in how I approach my plans.

I started off always booking the Premium seats, but tried the economy Smart seats and don't see a good reason to go back.

Premium vs Smart tickets

Brightline has two classes of seats: Premium and Smart.  Think of them as business class and economy.

A Smart ticket gets you leather seats, complimentary WiFi and multiple power and USB connections at each seat.

Premium service adds complimentary snacks and beverages (including alcoholic beverages) and access to a Premium Lounge. Snacks and drinks are included both on the train and in the Premium Lounge.

In addition, the Premium car has a row of single seats, whereas the Smart cars are all double seating on each side of the aisle.

One other important difference is checked bags cost extra for Smart fares, but one bag is free per passenger with premium.

Depending on how far in advance you book your tickets and how much demand there is for that time, the prices can vary.

For a ride between Orlando and Miami, a one-way Smart ticket starts at $54 per person, while a one-way Premium ticket starts at $144 per person. I did find a 4:50am ticket going for $49 per person for a Smart fare, but the Premium was still $144.

If you book your ticket closer to the day of travel, or if there is high demand for a seat and tickets are selling quick, prices can go up quickly. I found peak pricing for a Smart fare to be $154 per person and $224 per person fo Premium.

Why Premium isn't worth it for me

My first few rides were all in Premium because I thought the added benefits were important to me.

Specifically, I booked it to get access to a single seat so I didn't have to sit next to anyone, along with the free food and drink that came with it.

I always enjoyed my rides in Premium, and the Premium Lounge was a nice touch when I got to the station early and had a lot of time to waste until the train left. 

After a few rides on Brightline, I started to consider if the benefits were really worth the extra cost.

I booked Smart fares for the last few rides on Brightline and I really don't see a good reason for me to go back.

While I have had to sit next to a stranger more often than not on my train rides while in Smart class, the reality is the person sitting next to me was only a necessity for the South Florida leg.  The vast majority of the ride (Orlando to West Palm or even Boca Raton) is quite empty.  Brightline hasn't made headways into the commuter market in Central Florida as it has in South Florida.  So at worst, I'm sitting next to a stranger for an hour of my 3 and a half hour ride.

The complimentary food and drink are nice, but I found the food choices to be nothing special. It's better than nothing, but it's just snacks and sandwiches I never thought much of.  

The included beers and cocktails are fun, but I'm certainly not drinking enough to "get my money's worth" out of it. Maybe one or two drinks, but I don't indulge on the train because I'm either driving when I get off the train, or I'm trying to do work.

One of the major reasons I love taking Brightline instead of driving is I get the commute time back to work on Royal Caribbean Blog and Cruise Blog. With the high-speed internet, it's like being in the office in terms of productivity. 

As for the luggage, the truth is I bring my luggage onboard with me to the train and there's no cost. I roll my full-size suitcase onboard, stick it in the luggage rack, and then take it off the train. Quite easy, and no need to check bags.

I quickly came to the conclusion that the Premium fare benefits are nice to have, but considering the cost difference you can expect, I don't see a need to book it.

The exception might be later this summer when I take my family on Brightline to go to Miami for our Icon of the Seas cruise. All those snacks and drinks make the ride more fun for the kids, and my wife prefers to check luggage when possible.

You shouldn't look at the Premium and Smart fares as being as different as coach and first class airfare. While the Premium benefits are nice, I find the Smart fares to be "good enough" and the added benefits not worth the price difference.

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.

The big news story this week was a sad report of a man who jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

According to reports, an allegedly drunk passenger got in a verbal fight with his family, and then proceeded to jump off the side of the ship. The ship was located near The Bahamas.

Rescue efforts by the ship and the U.S. Coast Guard were unsuccessful.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean delays restart of troubled cruise ship in Australia
• I paid $350 for 3 hours in a private room at Royal Caribbean's sports bar. It made it easy to watch March Madness games, but I wouldn't do it again
• Harmony of the Seas review: What this cruise ship is like in 2024
• How early should I pack for my cruise?
• Royal Caribbean cabins for 5 or more people
• Inside Royal Caribbean's luxury Royal Loft Suite, which start at almost $5k a night
• Cruise hack lets you preview Royal Caribbean add-on costs before you book a cruise
• Royal Caribbean partners with Make-A-Wish

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 529th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! In it, Matt discusses the top six mistakes he saw other cruisers make on his spring break cruise.

Worried about being that person messing up? Give the podcast a listen to learn from their mistakes.

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

New RCB Video: Ranking EVERY SINGLE Free Restaurant on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (2024)

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 — Ranking EVERY SINGLE Free Restaurant on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship (2024) — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

"Very active" Hurricane season predicted for 2024: What that means for cruise ships

June 1st will mark the start of the 2024 hurricane season.

Experts at Colorado State University (CSU) have predicted a very active hurricane season this year, with a total of 23 named storms.

CSU estimates that the probability of a major hurricane making landfall across the entire U.S. coastline is 62%.

This means that cruisers looking forward to this summer and fall should start taking a few precautions.

How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

On your Royal Caribbean cruise, you can either dine for free or choose to try an extra-cost restaurant.

Extra-cost venues are called specialty restaurants, popular for their specific themes and quality cuisine.

But how do you reserve a spot at one? And how much will it cost?

This is your guide to all the specialty dining on Royal Caribbean. 

Cruising with teenagers: Will they have fun on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Alexa H. Bluth shares a guest post about cruising with teenagers.

You never want to hear "I'm bored" on your vacation, so can you be sure that teens will have fun on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

There are lots of activities a teenager can enjoy, from teen lounges to time with family.

You can feel confident that your teen won't get bored on a Royal Caribbean cruise.