Royal Caribbean Blog

If you’re planning to sail on Icon of the Seas, you might be wondering if there are certain cabins to avoid booking. After all, you’re spending hard-earned time and money to take a cruise vacation!

Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s biggest ship, and the biggest in the world. Measuring 250,800 gross tons, Icon of the Seas can hold up to 7,600 guests at maximum capacity. The ship is nearly 1,200 feet long and towers 20 decks above the sea. This massive cruise ship is so big that Royal Caribbean split it into eight distinct neighborhoods for guests to explore, relax, dine, and more.

There are 2,805 staterooms onboard Icon of the Seas for guests to book, meaning you have many options for securing your cabin. This ship has 28 different types of cabins, including infinite balconies, which are new to Royal Caribbean International. 

Icon of the Seas has:

• 179 suites divided among 13 suite categories (eight are new to the cruise line)
• 1,815 balcony cabins divided among eight categories (four are new to the cruise line)
• 276 oceanview cabins divided into two categories
• 535 interior cabins divided among five categories (two are new to the cruise line)

While Icon of the Seas has the most modern cabins in all of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, there are definitely cabins onboard you’ll want to avoid booking. Not every cabin is the same, even within the same category!

Some of these cabins are in poor locations on the ship, making them prone to noise, while others are simply not worth your money. A little research can go a long way when it comes to booking your cabin on this new ship.

Here are the cabins we recommend you avoid booking on Icon of the Seas. 

1. Below Chill Island

Icon of the Seas has seven pools, nine whirlpools, and six waterslides spread out between multiple decks. Many of these pools, as well as tons of lounge chairs, are found on decks 15-17 in a neighborhood called Chill Island. 

Although having a cabin close to Chill Island might seem like a good idea, being directly below the pool deck can be noisy.

You will hear the crew members shuffling chairs around the pool deck very early in the morning. In addition, the crew stack the pool deck chairs at the end of each day. Therefore, this area can be very noisy in the early morning and late at night. The cabins directly under the pool deck can be found on deck 14.

Cabins to avoid:

• 14164 - 14286
• 14564 - 14686

2. Below The Hideaway and Windjammer

Since there is no adults-only Solarium onboard Icon of the Seas, The Hideaway has been designated as the new adult hangout spot. This neighborhood features plush daybeds, its own aft-facing bar, and an infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake.

The location of The Hideaway is perfect for adults looking to enjoy their sea day. However, the adults-only pool is quite noisy. In my experience, I found that during sea days, a DJ would play upbeat music throughout most of the day. The Hideaway turned into a big party when the music was blasting!

I would avoid booking any cabins at the aft of the ship on deck 14 since these are located below The Hideaway. Additionally, these aft cabins are directly under the Windjammer. While this won’t keep you up late into the evening, you can expect heavy foot traffic and noise coming from the buffet in the early morning.

Cabins to avoid: 

• 14288 - 14350
• 14352 - 14362
• 14688 - 14750
• 14752 - 14762

Read more: I tried the $350 in-pool daybed rental on Icon of the Seas. It was pricey, but you get a prime spot

3. Near the AquaDome

One of the most exciting additions to Icon of the Seas is a new neighborhood called the AquaDome. This versatile space is home to dazzling entertainment and high-diving aqua shows. While the entertainment is fantastic, you will likely find noise from the productions that carry from the venue.

There are forward cabins on decks 12 and 14 that you might want to avoid if you don’t want to hear the thumping bass from the music playing in the AquaDome. Luckily, the shows are only performed a handful of times so you wouldn’t have noise for the entire duration of your cruise. But, you might find music playing here during rehearsals too.

Cabins to avoid: 

• Deck 12: 12134 - 12162 and 12530 - 12562
• Deck 14: 14538 - 14562 and 14138 - 14162

4. Surfside balconies

One of Royal Caribbean’s newest neighborhoods is Surfside, located on deck seven. This is designed to be the go-to spot for families with small children where kids can play all day and adults can relax with a drink in hand.

Surfside has Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, which is essentially a small waterpark for children, and adults can swim in the nearby Water’s Edge Pool. This area is undoubtedly noisy during the day while families are having fun (aka squeals and laughter).

There are oceanview balconies on deck seven that face the ocean, although their proximity to Surfside is sure to be noisier than the sound of the sea. These cabins are also above Adventure Ocean and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade - two noisy venues.

Surfside features inward-facing balconies that overlook the neighborhood. Unless you have kids, you might want to avoid booking a balcony in Surfside, especially on the lower decks between decks nine, ten, and eleven. You will likely hear noise from the pool area, even if you have an oceanview balcony facing the sea.

Cabins to avoid:

• Deck 7: 7280 - 7346 and 7680 - 7746
• Deck 9: 9293 - 9347 and 9693 - 9747 
• Deck 10: 10293 - 10347 and 10693 - 10747 
• Deck 11: 11293 - 11347 and 11693 - 11747

5. Obstructed Central Park balconies

Located on deck eight is Central Park on Icon of the Seas. This neighborhood is filled with real greenery with an open-air concept. There are bars and restaurants that line Central Park, including Park Café, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Lou’s Jazz N’ Blues, Chops Grille, retail stores, and more.

Balconies in Central Park are generally good choices for balconies because this area is busy without being too noisy. However, if there is a parade in the Royal Promenade or a pool party on the top deck, this area can get noisy.

During the inaugural sailing on Icon of the Seas, I actually stayed in cabin 10225 on deck 10. This stateroom was classified as a Spacious Infinite Central Park View Balcony. While I appreciated trying out an infinite balcony, I was disappointed to see how obstructed my cabin was.

Because my cabin was located right above The Pearl, my view was partially obstructed. My cabin was not labeled as obstructed online. I would argue that this should be considered an obstructed cabin, so I would encourage potential cruisers to avoid booking these cabins on deck 10.

Cabins to avoid:

• 10219 - 10235

Read more: I stayed in a 200-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship, where there's a new kind of balcony. Here's what it's like inside.

6. Surfside and Central Park interiors

Although Surfside and Central Park are lined with balconies facing inward, you can also book interior cabins that provide a view of the neighborhoods. These cabins are classified as Surfside Family Interiors on deck eight and Central Park Interiors on deck nine.

If you’re going to book an interior cabin, there are probably better locations onboard to consider. These interior view cabins are located in two busy areas onboard Icon of the Seas. While the natural light might be a positive, these cabins will likely be noisy. In addition, most of the cabins have blocked views, such as the ones located directly above Park Café in Central Park and the ones above Surfside Bites in Surfside.

Cabins to avoid:

• Deck 8: 8321 - 8347 and 8721 - 8747
• Deck 9: 9181 - 9201, 9241 - 9257, 9287 - 9599, and 9623 - 9657

7. Outside of Music Hall

Most guests prefer to avoid cabins on the lowest decks of a cruise ship because many activities and venues are located on the higher decks. Oftentimes, however, cabins on lower decks can be cheaper than ones on higher decks.

Icon of the Seas has some lower-deck areas you’ll definitely want to avoid if you’re a light sleeper. One of these venues is the Music Hall, which spans across decks three and four.

Music Hall is home to various late-night parties with live music playing throughout the evening. There are cabins located directly outside of Music Hall, which is sure to be noisy. If you plan to stay up late, this might not be an issue. However, light sleepers or those who want to head to bed early won’t appreciate the music blasting from here.

Cabins to avoid: 

• Deck 3: 3180 - 3200
• Deck 4: 4180 - 4200 and 4577 - 4591

8. Too far forward

If you’re someone who is prone to motion sickness, it’s important to choose a cabin centrally located where you won’t feel the ship moving too much. Although Icon of the Seas has the latest and greatest technology for stabilization, you can still encounter rough waves.

As a rule of thumb, the cabins located at the front of a cruise ship will have the most motion. You’ll be able to feel the ship sway up and down during rough weather if you’re at the front of the ship.

Because of this, it’s best to avoid cabins at the very front of the ship. This is not to say that everyone will feel sick in these forward cabins. However, those who are prone to seasickness should prioritize cabins located midship.

Many of the new infinite cabins onboard Icon of the Seas are located midship, so you could consider this type of cabin if you want to feel less motion. And a bonus: these cabins are 25% bigger than regular cabins!

Read more: Photo tour of a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. It has more power outlets than I've seen on any ship

9. Near the elevators

The elevators can often be a source of noise on a cruise ship, especially as people come and go. Cabins that are located near the elevator are generally busy spots with heavy foot traffic as well. Some cruisers have found that booking a cabin too close to the elevators cultivates a noisy environment.

One thing to note is that Icon of the Seas has destination elevators located in a rotunda-style design.

Those who are light sleepers will want to reconsider booking a cabin too close to the elevators on Icon of the Seas. Even if you can book a cabin that is located just a few doors down from the elevators will cut down on the noise you hear while cruising!

Brunch isn't something Royal Caribbean has offered a lot, but it's great you can find brunch more often now.

On Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, there are three restaurants that serve brunch throughout the cruise: the Main Dining Room, Solarium Bistro, and Mason Jar.

Brunch isn't offered every day, but it's available on select mornings of the cruise.

During my recent cruise on Wonder of the Seas, I stopped by all three to sample them all.

Only reservation you need is at Mason Jar

Both Solarium Bistro and Main Dining Room require no reservations for brunch, but you will need one at the Mason Jar.

Brunch is offered at Solarium Bistro on sea days (and on the day we docked in St. Thomas at 1pm). Brunch was only offered in the Main Dining Room on our late arrival day into St. Thomas, and the Mason Jar offers brunch on embarkation day and sea days (and St. Thomas day).

You can make a pre-cruise reservation for Mason Jar on the Royal Caribbean website. For the other two restaurants, simply walk up and ask for a table.

I was surprised by the menu choices

When I hear the word "brunch", I think of scrambled eggs and bacon served alongside spaghetti and a burger. In short, it's about a lot of choices you can intermix between the two meals.

The Mason Jar's brunch menu has items from both meals, including fried chicken sandwiches, avocado toast, biscuits, and more.

Being a Southern American styled restaurant, there are a lot of regional favorites here: blueberry johnnycakes, spinach 'n pimento cheese omelet, and fried chicken 'n waffles. There's also scrambled eggs, burger, and a chicken sandwich if you want something a bit more familiar.

At the Main Dining Room, their brunch menu leaned more heavily into the breakfast choices. It felt like their brunch menu was the standard breakfast menu, with a few of their lunch menu items added in.

The Solarium Bistro's menu was the largest of the menus, with multiple stations to choose from.  Served buffet style, there is no printed menu, but I found much more choices than I expected.

Solarium Bistro's brunch buffet bonanza

The Solarium Bistro is a complimentary restaurant at the front of the ship that I think many passengers overlook. However, on the day I ate there, it was definitely not uncrowded.

You will find lots of choices spread across multiple buffet stations. There are waffles, burgers, omelets, spaghetti, bacon, and more.

I was impressed by how much choice there was, which is why it felt the most crowded of the buffet spots I visited on Wonder.

The food quality was that of the Windjammer buffet, so it wouldn't be anything significantly different. But I think the sheer variety and the fact it's included in your cruise fare stood out a lot.

Southern comfort food at Mason Jar

The Mason Jar is Royal Caribbean's first specialty restaurant to lean into the brunch trend, and it wont leave you disappointed either.

You'll find a mix of familiar and maybe not-so-familiar choices (if you don't live near an SEC college). I'm all for new choices, and I appreciate it's not just more of the same.

The Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll and the red velvet pancakes caught our eye almost immediately. The cinnamon roll was massive, and probably best suited as something to share with everyone at your table.

In fact, all the dishes were quite large and this is a good restaurant to order one more entree than people in your party and just share everything. 

A basic brunch in the Main Dining Room

The brunch menu in the Main Dining Room is perhaps the least inspired of the three, in the sense it's the standard breakfast menu they have every day, with a few staples of the lunch menu.

There's nothing wrong with any of the choices here, but don't expect to be wowed by anything new or different.

What I love about eating in the Main Dining Room for breakfast or brunch is the relaxed pace, dignified atmosphere, and ocean views (if you're near a window).

Whereas Solarium Bistro is busy with people, the Main Dining Room is more spread out and has you seated with waiter service.

The French toast and omelet your way are probably the top choices, but you could get a steak or burger here too.

Solarium Bistro is worth a try on your next cruise

Among the three restaurants, I enjoyed Solarium Bistro the most.

Not only is it complimentary, but I thought its variety of menu choices really stood out. It felt like I could mix and match the most of the three, and I thought there were some interesting choices too.

The Mason Jar is a strong contender too, as you'll find classic and reimaged southern-inspired breakfast dishes. I think being able to go to any specialty restaurant and get something you can't find elsewhere on the ship is a big selling point of spending extra.

However, there is a lot of bleed over between the Mason Jar's brunch and dinner menus. Plus, I think the bar scene is better than the restaurant experience, but that's a different debate.

Compared to Solarium Bistro and Mason Jar, the Main Dining Room's brunch offering was uninspiring. It wasn't bad food by any means, just nothing you're going to walk away from and think that meal really stood out.

Overall, I would recommend the Solarium Bistro for brunch as an easy choice that the entire family will find something they can enjoy. If you have a dining package, make a point to try Mason Jar on another morning.

Are you stuck planning your visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Or are you wondering if a stop to Royal Caribbean’s private island is even worth it?

Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island located in the Bahamas, spans 120 acres, the length of 158 football fields. 

From bars to pools to beaches to waterparks, there are adventures you don’t want to miss out on.

The island is sprawling with activities if you know how and where to find them!

Not only that, but the majority of Cococay’s amenities also come free of charge, included in your cruise fare. 

Whether you’re planning your first visit or needing a refreshing visit to a familiar place, here are 18 things you can try next time your cruise ship stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Read more: What is free on Perfect Day at CocoCay?

1. ​​Play beach volleyball 

For the active and athletic types, Perfect Day At CocoCay has a lot to offer.

Head down to South Beach, a broad area with active, family-friendly games. 

From volleyball to basketball to ping-pong, there are a variety of free, fun experiences to be found here. 

You can find specific games scheduled on your Cruise Compass, or simply create a team and start playing!

2. Shop for Bahamian souvenirs

Missed a day at Nassau’s famous Straw Market?

Don’t worry—CocoCay has its own Straw Market. You’ll find several shops near Chill Island and Chill Grill, complete with Bahamian clothing, decorations, and all sorts of souvenirs.

You can even get your hair braided here, with a selection of different styles and beads available.

If you’d like to do some shopping at this location, just don’t forget to bring cash or a credit card. Your SeaPass may not be accepted.

3. Experience Thrill Waterpark ($)

You can pre-book admission to Thrill Waterpark, home to 14 slides across 2 towers. Thrill Waterpark also has the tallest waterslide in North America—Daredevil’s Peak.

When you arrive, you can swipe your SeaPass card to enter the park. You will receive a wristband that allows you to come and go into the park as you please.

A day pass includes beach chairs and unlimited use of all the exciting experiences: fourteen slides, an obstacle course, and a wave pool.

Depending on the cruise and the season, prices range from $50-$120 per person.

All guests under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a guest over the age of 14.

4. Go snorkeling 

Chill Island is located on the left side of CocoCay, near where the ships dock. These quiet, white-sand beaches are the perfect place to start snorkeling.

If you bring your own gear, you can explore for free.

If not, you can also rent snorkeling equipment when you arrive. 

All-day equipment rental ranges from $30-40 per adult, or $20-30 per child.

Keep an eye out for the tropical fish, jellyfish, and stingrays, as well as the sunken plane wreck off the shore.

5. Take a tram ride 

If your legs get tired, or you’d simply like a view of the entire island, Royal Caribbean has a free, open-air tram.

Traveling to each stop every 15 minutes, the tram stops at 6 locations: the Arrivals Plaza, Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, South Beach, Coco Beach Club, and directly up to the ship.

Use the tram to get to your next destination, or just hop on for fun! Either way, it’s completely free.

6. Play at Splashaway Bay

With two drenching buckets, spraying fountains, and five free waterslides, Splashaway Bay has fun for all ages.

This complimentary water park can be found on Perfect Day at CocoCay as soon as you enter the island, on the Arrivals Plaza, and across from Skipper’s Grill.

Anyone from small kids to their parents can run around this splashing play zone.

7. Scramble onto Captain Jill’s Galleon

Captain Jill’s Galleon is a shipwrecked pirate ship that kids of all ages can play on for free. This life-size galleon has a tunnel slide, a scramble net, and water cannons. 

While anyone is welcome to play, this location is best for smaller children.

8. Upgrade at Coco Beach Club ($)

For a more exclusive experience, you can enjoy a sandy beach, Clubhouse, freshwater infinity pool, and upscale restaurant at the private Coco Beach Club.

The included restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine and favorites such as filet mignon, fresh grouper, and lobster.

Beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas are also included in the day pass, which ranges from $150-250 per adult.

9. Rent a floating cabana ($)

Coco Beach Club’s floating cabanas come with room for 8 guests. 

Amenities include a hammock over the water, a small slide into the ocean, a sofa for anyone wanting to nap, a minibar, towels, power outlets, a ceiling fan, a dining area, and a dedicated Cabana Butler to attend to your every need.

You can even have food from the upgraded restaurant, or drinks (at an extra cost) delivered from the bar. 

This package includes access to the Coco Beach Club and the use of the cabana, starting at $2,500. 

10. Float in the Oasis Lagoon

Located in the middle of the island, Oasis Lagoon set the record as the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. 

This pool is 33,175 square feet, with room for everyone, and it is free to access. 

Many beach chairs are scattered around the area, making this a great spot to leave your stuff for free.

You can float in the cool pool without a care, or even swim around the area.

11. Exercise at a fitness class

Do you want to have a more active day? There are free fitness classes available at CocoCay, such as Zumba and yoga.

For the exact times and locations, check your cruise compass or the mobile app.

12. Enjoy a free lunch 

Head to Chill Grill or Skipper’s Grill for a filling, complimentary lunch. 

These locations have salads, sandwiches, tacos, and burgers, for free!

When you’re ready for dessert, try their funnel cake, chocolate chip cookies, or fruit for a healthier option.

13. Float on a beach mat ($)

While you’re enjoying the many gorgeous beaches available, you can also try a floating beach mat.

Adults can use it to unwind, relax, and float along ocean water. 

Or, balance your kids on the plush foam material for some added safety and peace of mind.

All-day access is $15-20 per beach mat.

14. Rise in a hot air balloon ($)

If the weather and wind permit, you can ride a hot air balloon to get a bird’s eye view of the island and surrounding beaches.

When you arrive on the island, you can buy your ticket for this 10-minute ride. 

The "Up, Up, and Away" hot air balloon carries up to 30 passengers at a time, slowly rising 450 feet to give you the highest vantage point in the Bahamas.

A spacious platform gives you 360-degree views in the breezy air.

Adults can expect to pay $60-90, while children under age 13 will pay $30-60 for their ticket.

15. Dance at the swim-up bar

Oasis Lagoon holds one of the best party locations on Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

In the middle of the pool is a popular swim-up bar. A live DJ plays pop and afrobeat mixes, encouraging the crowd to dance and have fun.

Just make sure to arrive early, because the bar gets full fast!

16. Go ziplining ($)

You can soar high above the harbor on Perfect Day at CocoCay’s 1600-foot-long zipline.

Three segments take you across the island, past Thrill Waterpark and the beaches, and land at the harbor. The entire experience lasts around 45 minutes.

Guests must wear closed-toe shoes and weigh between 75 and 275 pounds to participate.

The cost ranges from $80-130 per person.

17. Escape the kids at Hideaway Beach ($)

Cococay’s adults-only private area launched this year, and you can book your day pass now.

Featuring a swim-up bar, tasty food, complimentary hammocks, and live music, Hideaway Beach is a paradise escape.

Tickets sell out fast! Prices are currently listed at $20-85 per person.

18. Nap or read on the beach

Regular beach access is still completely free on Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

At Chill Island, Harbor Beach, and South Beach, you can lounge on the beach chairs, many with umbrellas, free of charge.

I personally love to read a good book, or you can take a nap in the sun. 

If you’ve purchased Royal Caribbean’s WiFi package, you’ll also have access to it here, if you feel like surfing the Internet, reading the news, or even watching a TV show. Also, if you have the Deluxe Drink Package, it works on Perfect Day at CocoCay just like on the ship.

Royal Caribbean announced further cancelations for cruises sailing to Labadee, Haiti due to unrest in the country, citing safety concerns.

The cruise line announced today, March 19, that guests sailing to Labadee, Haiti within the next few weeks will have itinerary changes. Guests and travel partners of the cruise line received major updates regarding Caribbean itineraries that were planning visits to Royal Caribbean’s private destination, Labadee.

It appears that cruises through at least mid-April are impacted, although the situation continues to evolve. While Haiti has been under travel advisory warnings for years, Royal Caribbean’s private destination has always been secured given its distance from the country’s troubled capital of Port-au-Prince.

Royal Caribbean International’s Assistant Vice President of Guest Experiences wrote in the communication to guests sailing on the April 14 sailing of Explorer of the Seas, “Due to the evolving situation in Haiti, we’ll now visit Perfect Day at CocoCay instead of Labadee, Haiti. We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change – your safety is our top priority.”

In addition, guests on this impacted itinerary for Explorer of the Seas will enjoy more time in Falmouth, Jamaica. Although changing a cruise ship’s itinerary can be disappointing, it appears that Royal Caribbean is doing its best to replace Labadee with an alternative port of call.

Based on circulating communication shared online, Royal Caribbean has been replacing Labadee, Haiti with various Caribbean ports, including its alternative private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Other itineraries impacted have rerouted plans to visit Grand Cayman, Bimini, Grand Turk, and St. Maarten.

Many of Royal Caribbean’s ships have Labadee, Haiti as a scheduled port of call in the coming weeks and months. For example, Adventure of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas are all scheduled to visit Labadee in April 2024 and May 2024.

Temporary suspension

While the news is disappointing for itinerary changes, the cancelation of Labadee is not unsurprising.

In an announcement last week, Royal Caribbean temporarily suspended visits to Labadee, Haiti for its entire fleet. The decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” due to the evolving situation in Haiti.

At the time, guests onboard Adventure of of the Seas’ March 14 sailing were re-routed from Labadee to Grand Turk, which is located in Turks and Caicos. The port island is used mostly by Carnival Cruise Line, meaning Royal Caribbean ships do not often stop here.

Additionally, guests sailing on Symphony of the Seas’ March 14 sailing were notified that their itinerary would have an additional sea day with extended time in Falmouth, Jamaica. The cruise line announced, “We’ve also added extra time to our visit to Falmouth, Jamaica, so you'll have more time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer.” 

At the time of Royal Caribbean’s original announcement, the cruise line said it would reevaluate the situation every three days.

Excursion refunds

Similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of excursions for guests to book in Labadee. All excursions in Labadee must be booked directly with Royal Caribbean since the port of call is a private destination.

Some of these excursions include beach scapes, visits to nearby Haitian villages, zip-lining, snorkeling cruises, sport fishing, yacht sailing, aqua waterpark, kayaking, jet skiing, and more. Royal Caribbean has daybeds available for renting, along with a number of amenities for guests to utilize during their visit.

Guests with impacted itineraries will receive an automatic refund for any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore excursion booked for Labadee in the form of an onboard credit to SeaPass cards. These credits can be used anywhere onboard the ship during the cruise.

Any remaining amount at the end of the sailing will be reimbursed to credit cards on file upon disembarkation, according to the announcement provided to guests with impacted itineraries.

Trouble in Haiti

Royal Caribbean’s private destination is located 130 miles from the capital Port-au-Prince, which has been overtaken by gang violence in recent weeks.

Major violence in Haiti erupted on February 29 when the nation’s prime minister flew to Kenya to push for a deployment of police force to help fight the country’s gangs. In an act of protest, the gangs of Haiti have joined forces to fight against the government. Haiti made global headlines when a mass prison break escalated the already-elevating violence in its capital city.

A state of emergency was declared on March 3, followed by the prime minister’s resignation on March 12. The US Embassy has advices that all US citizens evacuate the country as soon as possible due to the deteriorating state of the small Caribbean nation.

However, the safety of travel within Haiti has been discouraged for a while. In July 2023, the US State Department raised the security threat to a Level 4 due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.

Thousands of citizens have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence of the armed gangs.

Royal Caribbean Haiti history

While the cruise line’s operations have historically not been impacted by the trouble, the escalation of gang violence has caused Royal Caribbean to pull the plug. In fact, Royal Caribbean has been operating in Labadee since 1986.

The private destination is a 260-acre resort located on Haiti’s northern peninsula. The area is only accessible by Royal Caribbean Group’s employees and guests of the cruise line’s ships. Labadee is heavily guarded and located in a remote area, essentially isolating the destination from the rest of the country.

Royal Caribbean has a huge fence that protects Labadee from the rest of the country. However, many of the employees that work in Labadee are local citizens that live in remote villages near the port area.

Since Royal Caribbean first began operations in Haiti, there have been a few safety instances. In November 2001, a crew member from Royal Caribbean was attacked on Labadee in an apparent robbery. In February 2004, Royal Caribbean temporarily suspended its visits to Haiti due to the political unrest in the country caused by a coup.

When Haiti was struck by an earthquake in 2010, Royal Caribbean announced at the time that it would continue operations in the port. In addition, the cruise line would provide relief supplies and personnel. Royal Caribbean also planned to help fund relief efforts in the country from the earthquake damage.

Would you ever consider pulling your cruise ship cabin's mattress out to the balcony for some elevated relaxation?

A recent post on social media shows two Royal Caribbean guests lying on a mattress while enjoying their balcony. Supposedly, the guests were onboard Allure of the Seas while docked in Perfect Day at CocoCay when they decided to move their cabin’s mattresses out to their balcony for some light reading.

In the photo, two guests can be seen on their mattresses reading books with their balcony door open. The photo was apparently taken while Allure of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas were both docked at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, on March 13.

The original photo was shared by one cruiser to the Facebook group called Royal Caribbean Cruises. She captioned the post, “Omg really? Wondering if this guy got in trouble? Allure of the Seas looking from Anthem on 3/13 docked @ Coco Cay.”

As expected, the post garnered a massive response from Royal Caribbean fans and cruisers alike. However, many were torn about the concept of moving cabin furniture out to their balcony. While some considered this a genius idea, others were totally against the concept and found it dumb. 

Some users responded that they have also moved cabin furniture out to their balcony

Apparently, moving cruise cabin furniture out to your balcony is becoming more popular among cruisers. Multiple commenters responded to the controversial post by sharing experiences of doing this exact scenario. 

“I pulled the couch cushions out onto the balcony on Harmony of the Seas. It was great,” commented the cruiser. In the photo below, this Royal Caribbean guest can be seen lying on the couch cushions from their cabin with the ocean in the background. 

Along with this guest, another cruiser commented on their own personal experience of actually sleeping on their balcony by moving cabin furniture. “I did this on Symphony of the Seas. Best sleep I ever had. Fell asleep looking at the stars listening to the waves, woke up to the sun rising over CocoCay,” said the commenter.

It should be noted that Royal Caribbean does not have any implicit rules listed regarding this type of behavior. The cruise line does not provide rules regarding how to use cabin furniture, although this latest trend could possibly prompt Royal Caribbean to implement new rules.

"Pretty crappy thing to do, in my opinion"

Of course, the post was not well received by everyone and many were totally against the idea for a multitude of reasons. Most opponents felt as though moving the mattress out to the balcony was a hazard to cleanliness.

“Nah, this is weird. Other people now have to sleep on that mattress that was sitting on an exterior floor. I get those mattresses aren’t the cleanest to begin with, but this is unnecessary. So many people lack self awareness, it’s crazy. There are chairs out there for a reason,” stated one of the top comments.

One follower agreed by commenting, “This is why we can’t have nice things. Like comfortable mattresses.”

In agreement, one cruiser said, “Yeah, I don’t think I want to sleep on a mattress that was sitting on an exterior floor. No harm? To each their own, I guess.”

Along with cleanliness, others commented about the potential long-term impacts of having cabin furniture exposed to the elements by being placed on balconies. For example, some commenters fear that mattresses on balconies could grow black mold from being exposed to moisture.

In addition, others pointed out that balconies are often misty with moisture in the evenings from the sea, even when it doesn’t rain. “The next guests are going to love the humidity and sea air in their mattress," said one responder. 

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

However, many social media users found this to be a genius idea

While the idea did not resonate with everyone, others were inspired by the concept of bringing their mattresses to their balconies, stating how comfortable and cozy it looked. Some responders even shared how they were inspired by the idea of moving cabin furniture to their balcony and will be considering the same idea during their next cruise.

“Nothing wrong with that, good idea if you ask me,” responded another user. Another social media user shared, "What a great idea! I will be doing this on my next cruise.”

One person in the comments said how the guests looked to just be relaxing and enjoying the beautiful day reading their books. Another commenter said in agreement, “Looks comfy cozy to me." 

Finally, one cruiser expanded, “Great idea! Maybe plan for a makeshift curtain or something if you have a balcony just in case.” There was also one comment that suggested bringing your own air mattress if you want to sleep on your balcony, so as to not use cabin furniture.

Read more: 9 ways to sleep better on a cruise ship

This isn’t the first time the idea has been shared on social media

(Photo of a guest sleeping on a twin bed, placed on a balcony. Shared from a Reddit under the r/Cruise thread.)

The idea of moving your cruise cabin mattress to your balcony is not a new concept, as TikTok users have been sharing their experiences on social media for a while now.

One user, Sarah Goodwin, shared footage of her moving her cruise cabin mattress to her balcony on TikTok for her followers. She captioned the TikTok, “Next time you go on a cruise, put your bed on the balcony, you won’t regret it. Trust me.”

In the TikTok, you can see her dragging her mattress from the cabin out to the balcony. The viral TikTok, which was posted last year, has nearly 2 million views with 600 comments.

In the video, she lays down the mattress and begins to read her book with the ocean in the background. For clarification, the user commented that she did not do this for sleeping in the evening and she only moved the bed to the balcony for an afternoon. 

One commenter asked, “How did you get it out the door? I struggle to keep it open long enough to avoid getting smacked in the face.” The original creator responded, “With great difficulties!”

Many of the commenters were actually in agreement with the concept, noting how utterly relaxing this could be for people on vacation. However, most agreed that this could only be done for an afternoon and guests shouldn’t be sleeping on their mattresses while out on the balcony.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer everything, from formal dining to ziplining to spa services.

Vitality Spa and Salon is the area on all Royal Caribbean ships dedicated to a variety of health and beauty treatments.

Whether you can't wait to book a spa service or you're just looking, we've compiled all the Vitality Spa package prices based on the onboard prices.

This list is updated regularly to give you the best idea of how much a treatment costs.

All couple's products are priced per couple, with only one reservation required, and the Vitality Spa accepts onboard credit.

Face

ELEMIS Anti-Aging Facials (50 min): uses pulses of microcurrent technology to smooth out wrinkles and lines.

• BIOTEC Line Eraser: $229 
• BIOTEC Firm-a-Lift: $229 
• BIOTEC Skin Resurfacer: $229 
• BIOTEC Super Charger for Men: $229

ELEMIS Touch Facials (50 min): combines ancient and modern massage techniques to relax the face.

• Pro-Collagen Age Defy: $199 
• Dynamic Resurfacing Precision Peel: $199 
• Superfood Pro-Radiance: $179 
• High Performance Skin Energizer for Men: $179

Grown Alchemist Facial (25 min): deeply cleanses the skin to restore and refine its texture.

• Grown Alchemist Mini Lab: $149

Medi-Spa 

• CoolSculpting® Non-Surgical Fat Reduction
• Thermage® Skin Tightening Treatments
• Restylane® Dermal Filler Treatments
• DYSPORT® Cosmetic Wrinkle Treatments

Priced by consultation 

Couples

Body

Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage: cocoons your body in a heated seaweed mask with essential oils.

• 100 min: $599 
• 75 min: $499

Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub: sloughs away dead skin cells through a powerful scented salt treatment.

• 75 min: $499
• 50 min: $399

Massage

Each guest can select between Aroma Stone Therapy, Bamboo, or Deep Tissue.

• 100 min: $599 
• 75 min: $499 
• 50 min: $399

Swedish Massage: a classic European method that massages muscles with aromatic oils, improving circulation.

• 100 min: $599
• 75 min: $449 
• 50 min: $349

Body

Thousand Flower Detox Wrap*: Green Tea Balm nourishes the skin for detoxification. 

*Only available on select vessels.

• 100 min: $299
• 75 min: $249

Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage: cocoons your body in a heated seaweed mask with essential oils.

• 100 min: $299 
• 75 min: $249

Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub: sloughs away dead skin cells through a powerful scented salt treatment.

• 75 min: $249 
• 50 min: $199

Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction Treatment: propels rich marine elements into areas of cellulite to smooth and define the skin.

• 3 sessions: $399 
• 50 min: $199

Massage

BIOTEC Face Treatment and Body Ritual: combines the BIOTEC facial with a Swedish massage.

• 100 min: $299

Couture Touch Face and Body Treatment: combines a skin-energizing facial with a deep tissue massage.

• 100 min: $299 
• 50 min: $199

Thai Herbal Poultice Massage: heated, scented herbal poultices release tension at the body’s pressure points.

• 100 min: $299
• 75 min: $249 

Aroma Stone Therapy: heated, scened Basalt stones massage key energy points of the body.

• 100 min: $299
• 75 min: $229 
• 50 min: $199

Bamboo Massage: warm bamboo shoots slide across and massage the muscles.

• 100 min: $299
• 75 min: $229
• 50 min: $199 

Deep Tissue Muscle Massage: deep pressure movements relax the full body.

• 100 min: $299 
• 75 min: $229 
• 50 min: $199

Swedish Massage: a classic European method that massages muscles with aromatic oils, improving circulation.

• 100 min: $299
• 75 min: $219 
• 50 min: $179

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture Session (50 min): $199 
• Neck and Shoulder Cupping add-on: $39 
• Cellulite Cupping add-on: $39 
• Eastern Nutritional Consultation add-on: $39 
• Anti-Aging Acupuncture Facial add-on: $39 
• Herbal Consultation: $20

IV Therapy Lounge

IV Therapies

• bSkinny: $299 
• bRevived: $199
• bRepaired: $159

Nutrient IV

• bCharged add-on: $99 
• bFortified add-on: $99

Nutrient Injectables

• bEnegized: $39 
• bOptimal: $39
• bLean: $39

Fitness

Personal Training

• 3 sessions: $249
• 60 min session: $99 
• InBody570® Composition Analysis* (60min): $99
• Body Composition Analysis* (30 min): $39 

*Only available on select vessels.

Group Fitness Classes (45 min)

• Select Class Pass 5-7 days: $69 
• Select Class Pass 3 classes: $39 
• Single Group Fitness Class: $20

Salon

Hair

• Color and Style Consultation: Complimentary 
• Keratin Complex® Express Blowout: from $169 
• Shampoo and Blowout Bundle of 3: $149 
• Red Carpet Blowout: from $89 
• Up Do: from $69 
• Shampoo and Blowout: from $59 
• Keratin Complex® Express Blowout with Cut: from $199 
• Cut and Style with Blowout: from $89 
• Kérastase® Elixir Ultime 24-Carat Indulgent Ritual: $59 
• Kèrastase® Fusio-Dose™ InstantTreatment: $29 
• Kèrastase® 123 Hair Ritual: $19 
• Highlight or Lowlights: from $149 
• Permanent Color: from $99 
• Semi-Permanent: from $79 
• Colorful Hair: from $49

Nails

• Fire & Ice Manicure (45 min): $79 
• Exotic Hand Ritual Manicure (45 min): $69 
• Traditional Manicure (30 min): $59
• Fire & Ice Pedicure (60 min: $89 
• Sole Delight Pedicure (60 min): $79 
• Traditional Pedicure (45 min): $69
• Repolish: $29 
• Nail Fix (per nail): $15 
• Shellac® add-on: $20
• Paraffin Wax add-on: $19

Nail Pairings

• Fire & Ice Manicure and Pedicure (105 min): $159 
• Exotic Hand Ritual Manicure and Sole Delight Pedicure (105 min): $139 
• Traditional Manicure and Pedicure (75 min): $119 
• Shellac® add-on for hands and feet: $40

Smile

GO SMILE™ BLU™ PRO Teeth Whitening Treatment 

• Couples: $358 
• Single: $199

Beauty Bar

Nouveau® Brows and Lashes*

*Only available on select vessels.

• Deluxe Brow (45 min): $69 
• Express Brow (30 min): $29 
• LVL Enhance (60 min): $99 
• Express (45 min): $59 
• Strip (5 min): $29

Waxing

• Full Leg: $85 
• Brazilian Bikini or Back: $75
• Full Arm or Lower Leg: $55 
• Basic Bikini, Half Back, Chest, or Half Arm: $45 
• Underarms or Stomach: $35 
• Ear, Lip, Chin, or Cheeks: $25

Barber Shop

• Grown Alchemist Hydra Restore Grooming Facial with Shave and Men’s Cut: $149 
• Grown Alchemist Hydra Restore Grooming Facial with Shave (55 min): $129 
• Grown Alchemist Express Shave (30 min): $79 
• Men’s Cut and Style Dry: $59 
• Beard and Neck Trim: $25

Signature Vitality Treatments

Among all of these treatment options, the following are considered signature Vitality Spa treatments:

• BIOTEC Line Eraser: $229 
• BIOTEC Firm-a-Lift: $229 
• BIOTEC Skin Resurfacer: $229 
• BIOTEC Super Charger for Men: $229
• Pro-Collagen Age Defy: $199 
• Dynamic Resurfacing Precision Peel: $199 
• Thousand Flower Detox Wrap*
• Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage
• Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub
• Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction Treatment
• BIOTEC Face Treatment and Body Ritual
• Couture Touch Face and Body Treatment
• Thai Herbal Poultice Massage
• Aroma Stone Therapy
• Bamboo Massage
• Acupuncture Session
• IV Therapies
• Keratin Complex® Express Blowout with Cut
• Fire & Ice Manicure and Pedicure
• Grown Alchemist Hydra Restore Grooming Facial with Shave and Men’s Cut
• Grown Alchemist Hydra Restore Grooming Facial with Shave

*Only available on select vessels.

Spa Package Discounts

Guests who are members of the Crown and Anchor Society also receive a discount on spa prices.

These offers are subject to available appointment times, and not applicable for Medi-spa or other discounted services.

• Gold: 10% off any spa service
• Platinum: 15% off any spa service
• Emerald: 15% off any spa service
• Diamond: 20% off any spa service
• Diamond Plus: 20% off any spa service and complimentary add-on spa treatment
• Pinnacle: 20% off any spa service and complimentary add-on spa treatment

Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members receive a complimentary add-on spa treatment. 

If they book a signature spa service while the ship is in port, they receive a complimentary add-on from the following list of options: Frangipani Scalp Massage, Relaxing Hand Massage, or Sole Delight Foot Massage.

This offer only applies to one spa or salon service. 

Another way to get discounts is by waiting until you begin your cruise.

While you can always book a spa or salon service before your cruise, you can also wait to see the prices onboard.

The spa often offers sales on the first or last day of the cruise, and discounts on port days.

If spa staff see that the ship is not booking enough spa appointments, they may offer more discounts onboard.

I've rented plenty of cabanas at Royal Caribbean's private destinations in the Caribbean, but its latest creation is my favorite yet.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island in The Bahamas for its passengers to enjoy, and there's plenty to see and do without spending extra.

Around Perfect Day at CocoCay are cabana rentals you can choose to reserve for an extra cost to provide privacy, extra service, shade, and amenities.

I recently spent the day at CocoCay with some friends and splurged to book a Hideout Cabana in the adults-only area.

Booking the cabana

I booked my cabana online from Royal Caribbean's website a few months before the cruise. The pre-cruise booking experience is quite easy, as there have been a number of improvements to expedite the process.

Not only is booking a cabana online easy and fast, it's likely cheaper than waiting to book it onboard the ship. Royal Caribbean usually discounts its add-ons to entice customers to spend more overall. In fact, about 70% of passengers are pre-booking something.

There are two sets of cabanas at Hideaway Beach, which is the adults-only area that opened in 2024. The Hideaway Cabanas near the beach (between $899 - $1,699), and the Hideout Cabanas with a private pool (between $1,899 - $2,699).

Because I prefer the pool over the beach, I went with the Hideout Cabanas. For $2,000, we had the cabana for the entire duration of our stay at CocoCay for up to 8 people.

We checked in as early as possible the day we arrived

Cabanas open as soon as the gangway is open for passengers to disembark the cruise ship. Our ship, Wonder of the Seas, docked at 7am, and we walked off the ship at 8am to maximize our time.

It took us just a few minutes to walk down the pier and hop on a complimentary tram to take us to Hideaway Beach.

At the entrance to Hideaway Beach, we informed them we had a cabana and we then went to the cabana check-in desk.

The staff welcomed us and escorted us to the cabana.

Our cabana had plenty of shade, private pool access, drink and food service

The Hideout Cabanas offer in-pool loungers, a couch, and chairs in the cabana. In fact, two of the chairs can be converted to floats that can be used in the pool.

The pool itself is heated too.

The cabana provides privacy with three walls, along with a ceiling fan, Bluetooth sound system, shower, mini-fridge, and sink.

Our mini-fridge was stocked with beers, wine, sodas, and water. The bottled Evian water is complimentary, but the other beverages cost extra.  If you have a Royal Caribbean drink package, then that will cover the beverages consumed in the cabana (and elsewhere on the island).

We had everything we needed for the day

Part of the appeal of renting any cabana on CocoCay is it's your own little spot to enjoy without much care.

Your cabana attendant already has towels for you, so there's no reason to bring any on or off the ship. And they also bring you food and drink.

You can order food from Slice of Paradise or Hideaway Hut, which includes pizza, sandwiches, salads, burgers and more.

The only reason to leave the cabana is to go to the beach or the restroom.

We really enjoyed our poolside lunch

Lunch service begins at 10:30am and is available the whole day. There's no limit, so just keep ordering as much as you'd like.

The menu had something for everyone and the kind of food you'd like to have on a pool/beach day. While the food is not as high quality as the Coco Beach Club restaurant, there are additional items not available elsewhere on CocoCay, such as coconut shrimp basket or pizza.

I spent time before lunch going between dips in the pool and working from the table in our cabana. Blogging requires work, but I was sure to get as much done early so I could enjoy the rest of the day.

Our cabana attendant would come by every 20 minutes, but there was a button we could use to page him if we needed something.

The food was brought reasonably quickly, and we were not hungry for long.

There were lots of fun drinks to pick from

In addition to the typical beers and cocktails most people order, there are a half dozen featured cocktails you can order.

Having extra choices to consider is always nice, especially on a cruise where it seems like you gravitate towards the same choices.

Since we had a drink package on this cruise, we could try different cocktails without risk of being "stuck" with a poor choice.

Something else special about the Hideout Cabanas is there is bottle service, where you can order bottles of wine or champagne.

We spent most of the day in the pool

The Hideout cabanas have access to their own infinity pool, and I think this is the top reason to book one of these cabanas.

Only Hideout cabana guests can access this pool, so it has a sense of exclusivity as well as being very convenient as it's at the entrance to the cabana.

You could sit in one of the loungers, take a dip in the pool, stroll, or sun yourself. There's enough space for 8 people to enjoy and not feel cramped at all.

We loved having the ability to go out into the pool for a bit to get some sun, and then retreat into the cool shade when we'd had enough.

There's more to do, if you care to leave the cabana

The cabana is a blessing and a curse in the sense you have everything you need in one place, but leaving it to explore the rest of Hideaway Beach seems like you're wasting your investment.

Elsewhere in Hideaway Beach is a giant pool with DJ party, sports bar, and beach. In my opinion, these areas are great if you don't rent a cabana.  But there's nothing wrong with taking a walk to see them either.

The pool is definitely the party spot, with a giant swim-up bar and DJ nearby. It's big on energy.

The cost of the cabana seemed well worth it to me, and I'd rent one again

Although we only had the cabana for about 8 hours, it seemed worthwhile for our large group.

The cabanas are a great choice for family and friends looking to get the most out of their day at CocoCay. Since it's adults-only, no kids are allowed.  For cruises where we sail with our adult friends, it's the perfect add-on.

The cost is not insignificant, but when you split the cost across a group of people and then figure out the hourly cost, it's not a bad price at all. Especially compared to the price for Coco Beach Club cabanas.

Read more: Guide to CocoCay cabanas

I'd absolutely rent a Hideout Cabana again. The pool is such a nice idea, and I think it's better than the pricier over the water cabanas at the Coco Beach Club.

Among the many choices where to spend your day at CocoCay, having your own dedicated place to chill is key. Combined with a friendly host, lots of drink choices, and a delicious poolside lunch, a cabana rental feels like a no-brainer.

Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations, but what are the worst months to book a cruise to the state?

From picturesque glaciers to charming small towns, cruising to Alaska is a dream for many. Over 1.5 million tourists visit the state by cruise ship each year, so each month of the short cruise season sees an impressive amount of visitors.

Even so, not every month will offer the same Alaska cruise experience. Some months, such as June, offer the most daylight hours and increased crowds, whereas September brings more days of rain but fewer passengers in each port.

If you’re planning a cruise to Alaska, it’s important to know the worst months to visit the state so you can plan the right itinerary for your travel needs. Keep in mind, though, that the “worst” month to visit Alaska can differ from person to person.

Some cruisers may love the lower prices during months with the worst weather whereas others will be happy to pay a premium for a higher chance of sunshine.

The worst months to cruise to Alaska for weather are April, early May, September, and October

Theoretically, the worst months to cruise to Alaska would be during the state’s long, cold, and dark winter. Cruises, however, are not offered during this time. Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season runs roughly from early May to late September each year—some cruise lines may offer itineraries in April and October.

April marks the start of the Alaska cruise season for select cruise lines, and it’s among the driest months in southeast Alaska. Temperatures, however, are quite chilly, with highs around 48 degrees.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

As spring continues, you’ll find warmer temperatures in May, but the weather can still be unpredictable. Whereas you may encounter sunny skies and comfortable temperatures one week, the following week could be full of rainy days. Nonetheless, late May can be a great month to cruise the state, as there are not as many crowds since the school year is still in session. Additionally, daylight hours are among the season’s longest.

Like May, cruising to Alaska in September is great for avoiding crowds, but the weather may not be in your favor. The month sees some of the highest precipitation all year, although there’s a higher chance of nicer weather during the first half of the month.

October is perhaps the worst month to cruise to Alaska. Not only is October the rainiest month, but days are far shorter than during the summer, and the average high is under 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, this makes cruising to Alaska during October unpredictable, leading to an increased chance of itinerary changes and excursion cancellations.

The cheapest months to cruise to Alaska are the months with the worst weather

It’s no surprise that the worst months to cruise to Alaska are also the cheapest. Depending on the ship and itinerary, it’s possible to save thousands of dollars on an Alaska cruise by sailing in the shoulder season.

Let’s compare the price of a 7-night Alaska cruise on Quantum of the Seas, for instance. After price checking on Royal Caribbean’s website, we found the following prices for the total cruise fare for two adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees:

• July 22 sailing: $3,098
• September 9 sailing: $1,600

Related: How much does an Alaska cruise cost?

While you won’t always see such a drastic price difference between the peak season and shoulder season, prices are almost always cheaper during the “worst” months to cruise to Alaska. For those traveling on a budget, it may be worth it to cruise to Alaska during April, May, September, or October.

The best months to cruise to Alaska are June, July, and August

The peak summer season offers ideal conditions for visiting Alaska—June, July, and August are the best months to take an Alaska cruise. During the summer you can enjoy long daylight hours, ample wildlife viewing opportunities, and a higher chance of sunny weather.

June sees little precipitation compared to later in the season, offering ideal conditions for exploring the state’s natural wonders, whether hiking on a glacier, whale watching, or kayaking through pristine mountain lakes. Additionally, summer solstice means the sun may not set until as late as 10 PM, providing more time to watch Alaska’s scenery from the ship.

Related: 50 best first time Alaska cruise tips for a perfect vacation

Weather remains pleasant in July and August, with highs in the low to mid 60s. Wildlife viewing opportunities are in abundance during this time of year as well. Passengers will have a greater chance to spot whales and bears in the summer than the shoulder season, which is a highlight for many cruising to Alaska.

One downside of booking a cruise during the “best” months to visit Alaska, though, are the increased crowds. Not only are ships likely to be fully booked during the summer, but there will be more ships in port, too.

The busiest Alaska cruise ports, such as Juneau, may see up to seven cruise ships in a single day! This makes the most popular attractions significantly more crowded than during the shoulder season.

Even so, most passengers find the increased crowds to be an easy trade off for the long hours of sunshine and more predictable weather during Alaska’s summer.

Even if you pick a “bad month” to cruise to Alaska, you can still have an unforgettable cruise experience

Alaska is one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, and you’re guaranteed to be awestruck by the state whether cruising in chilly April or sunny July. Even if you sail to Alaska during one of the “worst” months to visit the state, you can still have a remarkable cruise experience with the right mindset.

Expecting sunny skies and long hours of daylight on a cruise in late September is not realistic. Likewise, hoping for perfect weather in Alaska’s early season may leave you disappointed. Having the right mindset is crucial when visiting Alaska during these months.

It’s raining on the day of your much-anticipated excursion in Skagway? Just go with the flow. The winds are too strong to ride a helicopter to Mendenhall Glacier? Don’t let it ruin your day—find something else fun to do instead.

Having a back-up plan (and wearing the right outdoor gear) can help you navigate any unexpected scenarios that may occur.

Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter bad weather on an Alaska cruise, regardless of the month. It’s possible to enjoy a week of sunny skies on a cheap cruise in September and cold, rainy weather during the middle of summer!

Related: Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

Lastly, there are a few benefits to cruising to Alaska during the shoulder season. Fewer ships sail to Alaska in April, May, September, and October, resulting in fewer passengers in port. In addition, spring offers the chance to spot wildlife like grey whales and orcas, while fall brings an increased chance of seeing the northern lights.

Like any cruise, an Alaska cruise is all about what you make of it. Maintaining a positive attitude while exploring the Last Frontier will help you make the most of your experience.

Regardless of when you book an Alaska cruise, you should book travel insurance

Travel insurance is an important purchase on any cruise vacation. All passengers cruising to Alaska, no matter the month, should purchase a travel insurance policy before sailing.

No one wants to encounter a medical emergency or travel mishap on a cruise vacation, but it’s always a possibility. Not only does travel insurance cover scenarios like lost baggage and canceled flights, but it also covers things like medical care onboard and emergency evacuation.

You could miss your connecting flight to Seattle, sprain your ankle while walking in Ketchikan, or lose your baggage on your return trip home. While everyone wants their vacation to go smoothly, it’s always better to be prepared with travel insurance.

For more information on purchasing travel insurance for your Alaska cruise, regardless of the month you’re visiting, check out the following guides:

• Travel insurance for a cruise: Why you need it for a Royal Caribbean cruise
• Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

This was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

Royal Caribbean has canceled all visits to Labadee, its private peninsula in Haiti.

In recent weeks, Haiti has made global news for gang violence and a mass prison break. The US Embassy has advised American citizens to leave Haiti. 

For guest safety, Royal Caribbean has canceled all visits to Labadee. 

Ships on their way to Labadee have changed their itineraries to add an extra sea day, re-routed to Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos, or stopped at Nassau, Bahamas instead.

Royal Caribbean News

• What is free on Perfect Day At CocoCay?
• 21 Cruise Cabin Essentials Everyone Should Pack
• New Brightline station will be added near Port Canaveral
• How do I get a table for two in the Main Dining Room?
• Royal Caribbean adds new benefit for Pinnacle Club members
• Royal Caribbean will evaluate canceling more visits to Labadee, Haiti every 3 days
• 7 things to pack for a cruise (and 5 to leave behind), from someone who has cruised half a dozen times
• What to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise

New RCB Video: What I wish I’d known before I went on a Royal Caribbean 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 — What I wish I’d known before I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

What is it like onboard Anthem of the Seas in 2024?

Sailing on Anthem of the Seas convinced Calista that cruising Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class is a top-tier experience. 

She sailed on on Anthem this past month, choosing a 7-night sailing out of Cape Liberty and stopping at Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau.

This is what Anthem of the Seas is like this year, from entertainment onboard to the stateroom.

Royal Caribbean has a ten year plan to use robots on its cruise ships

Royal Caribbean sees robotics as the future for its cruise ships. 

Nick Weir, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Entertainment, shared that the cruise line has a ten-year plan for using robots as part of shows onboard.

He announced on Twitter that they are ahead of schedule when it comes to incorporating robots onboard, with plans like "Robolights" and "robotic fountains streams" already taking center stage.

9 things Royal Caribbean veterans always do (and you should too)

 Are you new to cruising Royal Caribbean? It's natural to feel intimidated by everything you need to prepare.

Thankfully, cruise fans love sharing tips—like on this blog! We've compiled some insider hacks that Royal Caribbean veterans always use.

By putting these tried and true strategies into practice, you can make sure you have the best cruise possible.

If you’re new to Royal Caribbean, it’s natural to feel intimidated by the things you need to learn and prepare for.

5 busted Icon of the Seas myths

You've probably heard a lot about Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ship.

But not all the news about Icon of the Seas is entirely true. 

Whether you believe that you'll get to pet the family dog, or that Icon is just too expensive, there are some pervasive myths about the ship.

To make sure you have the most accurate information, Matt is debunking five myths you've heard about Icon of the Seas.

What cruisers wish they knew before going on their first cruise

Hindsight is always 20/20, including going on a cruise ship.

We asked people on the internet for what they know now that they wish they knew before trying their first cruise.

From beating the chair hogs to asserting dominance in the elevator, here are our favorite answers.

On a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll visit breathtaking landscapes, ancient monuments, and diverse cities.

Taking a cruise around the Mediterranean allows you to experience multiple destinations and cultures, all in one trip!

But with this variety of access to beaches, landmarks, and museums, what should you pack?

When you’re visiting multiple different countries and types of destinations, it will be important to pack wisely.

Not only that, but a Mediterranean cruise involves international travel and will take a longer trip than other itineraries.

To conserve space and have the best vacation possible, you’ll have to pack carefully!

What should you bring to those popular ports like Mykonos, Barcelona, Athens, and Malta?

We’ve created a guide for all the essentials you’ll need to pack on your Mediterranean cruise.

Read more: 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise

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Passport

Unlike closed-loop cruises, where you can get along with just a birth certificate and ID, you will need a passport for your Mediterranean cruise.

Since this is international travel that requires you to cross multiple borders, you’ll be dealing with immigration.

Make sure you have a passport valid for at least 6 months to be permitted on the cruise.

And if you don’t currently have one, start applying now! The current processing time for a new U.S. passport is 6-8 weeks. 

Apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

Walking shoes

More than at any other destination, you can expect to walk when you visit the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re exploring a city, wandering a museum, or simply traveling from port to city, a lot of walking will be involved. 

Not only that, but the streets can be old and have uneven cobblestones, requiring you to have a steady foot!

Pack a couple pairs of good quality walking shoes that you can wear out over your cruise.

Good shoes are essential for pacing yourself over a Mediterranean itinerary.

If you’re not careful, you’ll end up exhausted and burned-out, with sore feet.

Read more: 115 Item Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Printable PDF)

Reusable water bottle

We usually recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle to save purified water onboard.

But, on a Mediterranean cruise, you’ll also want a water bottle to bring off the ship.

As mentioned earlier, you’ll be doing a lot of walking! 

And instead of stopping at restaurants or shops every time you need a drink, you should pack your own water along with you. Stay hydrated on those long treks to keep up your strength.

Scarf

You’ll want to pack several pieces of multipurpose clothing for your Mediterranean cruise.

The weather can be scorching hot during the day, but chilly and dark at night, or in the ship’s A.C. 

Packing layers is key.

To give yourself options while conserving luggage space, bring pieces like scarves. A scarf has multiple uses: covering your head in the sun, warming your neck in the cold, or covering up your body when necessary.

In countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, women are required to cover their legs, shoulders, and cleavage when visiting sacred spaces like churches.  In many locations, men are also asked to cover their shoulders and legs.

Bringing along a scarf ensures that you can throw on a cover-up whenever necessary. 

Stay prepared so that you can visit all the sites that you find!

Bag with a zipper

European countries are infamous for pickpockets and thieves. 

You certainly don’t want to have your essentials stolen while on a trip. Nothing sounds worse than losing your phone, wallet, or ID in a foreign country.

But as long as you stay alert and avoid making yourself an easy target, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Bring along a sturdy bag that closes security (like with a zipper) and make sure that you keep it on your person at all times.

Also consider packing your most valuable items close to your body, like in a fanny pack that goes under your shirt.

Portable charger

Having your phone available and fully charged is always key on any trip.

And when you’re traveling to the Mediterranean and going out on long shore excursions, the need for a powered phone becomes even more important.

You’ll need your phone for local information, directions, and sharing all those beautiful pictures.

Especially when cruise ships have limited charging ports onboard, I like to bring along a portable charger or power bank.

That way, you can bring it along in a bag and keep your phone fully charged at all times.

We recommend Anker’s portable charger for its durability and ability to charge an iPhone multiple times.

Read more: The best travel tech gadgets for a cruise ship vacation

Credit card

Whether you’re buying souvenirs, paying for a tour, or just trying to get something to eat, you’ll need to have the right type of payment on hand.

European transactions can be different from American, so do your research ahead of time to make sure you’re bringing the right payment!

For starters, most European countries no longer rely on cash. Using a credit or debit card is quicker and preferred at most locations.

When you pack your credit card, also be sure that it is the right kind.

I was surprised to find that my American Express credit card was not accepted on my Mediterranean trip. Thankfully, I brought along a few other types just in case.

Visa or Mastercard is almost always accepted. 

To save money, I also recommend checking if you have a card without any foreign transaction fees.

Linen clothing

If you’re traveling to the Mediterranean in the summer, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing.

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

Anything made from materials like polyester or satin will feel heavy, sticky, and sweaty in the heat. Remember that you'll be walking a lot, and spending lots of time outdoors!

Pack high-quality cotton and linen clothes. These will feel light and breezy on your skin, and they can also roll up tightly to fit into your luggage.

Jackets and sweaters

Planning on visiting the Mediterranean during the fall or winter?

The region can get more chilly than you’d expect!

Temperatures can fall into the 40s and 30s, with cloudy, rainy weather.

Bring along sweaters, cardigans, and rain jackets if you’re traveling during these months.

Since daytime temperatures can still rise to the 70s, having layers to wear on top of T-shirts and blouses is your best bet.

Medication

For your long Mediterranean trip, make sure you bring along all of your essential medication.

There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to find your favorite on the cruise ship, or even on land.

For example, medication we might commonly find over-the-counter in the U.S., like cold, flu, and pain remedies, often requires a prescription in Europe.

And your name-brand favorites most likely come under a different name and strength than you’re used to.

Changing your prescriptions in the middle of a trip can lead to bad side effects.

To prevent any issues in the filling of your medication, bring along extra for your journey.

I usually bring allergy medicine, pain relief, motion sickness medicine, antacids, and Bandaids.