Royal Caribbean Blog

Can you change or upgrade a stateroom after booking your cruise?

It might feel like your stateroom choice is a significant decision, one that will set your cruise experience in stone.

Whether you want to save money with an interior cabin, feel the ocean breeze in a balcony stateroom, or enjoy luxury in an elegant suite, choosing a stateroom is a big deal.

A cruise cabin becomes your home for the length of the sailing, so picking one that fits your travel needs is essential.

Desires can also change throughout the process of preparing for a cruise.

Maybe you want to splurge on a bigger room, change the location, or try a different stateroom category.

Whatever the reason, it is possible to change your stateroom, even if you've already made your final payment.

Here's how you can do so.

Read more: How to upgrade your cabin on Royal Caribbean

Changing your cruise cabin

Assuming there's unbooked cabins for your sailing, if you wish to change your cruise cabin, you can do so anytime before the sail date by contacting your travel agent.

If you do not have a travel agent, call Royal Caribbean customer service at 866-562-7625. They will assist you as best they can with finding and booking a new stateroom.

If your desired stateroom is an upgrade from the previous category, you can expect it to be repriced and any promotions from the original booking would be lost to the current promotions. 

Any previous payments or deposits you've made will apply to the new prices, but you'll have to pay the difference.

When your new stateroom costs more than the previous one for any reason, you'll have to pay the difference.

If you're choosing the same room category, you'll switch at no extra charge.

The cost of changing your room will be the difference between your current booking and the cost of the prevailing rate for the new stateroom.

It's important to remember that you will not receive any refunds if you're changing staterooms after the final payment has been made. Even if your new stateroom costs less than the previous one, you won't receive any of your money back.

Additionally, Royal Caribbean has many offers that change frequently. 

If you booked your cabin with a particular sale or offer, you may lose the booking incentives of that offer.

Prices fluctuate constantly, so when changing rooms, Royal Caribbean will use the current rate of the new cabin on the day that you change it.

This new stateroom price will determine the fare difference.

Last-minute rates can also be quite high, so you should be prepared to pay an extra cost for changing your room, even if you're staying within the same stateroom category.

Finding a stateroom

Of course, changing your stateroom also depends on there being unsold cabins left to switch to.

Most cruise ships sail completely full, so you can expect staterooms to sell out in the weeks before the cruise.

Read more: How full is my cruise ship: How to tell if your cruise is fully booked

The closer to the cruise you attempt to change your room, the fewer options you'll have available.

If you're wondering which cabins are available to switch to, you can go to the Royal Caribbean website and begin a mock booking.

In the booking process, select your desired stateroom category, and the screen will show you exactly what cabins are still available.

If you see any that suit your preferences, you can close the fake booking and proceed to call Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to begin the process of switching to that cabin.

Bid for a RoyalUp upgrade

If you specifically want to upgrade your cruise cabin, another option is to make a bid for it.

Royal Caribbean has a bidding program that allows you to bid for a higher cabin category, called the RoyalUp program.

With this blind bidding program, you can place a bid for cabins that cost more than the one you previously booked.

Essentially, cruisers can bid on a possible range of prices you'd be willing to pay.

Using the Royal Caribbean website, you'll browse through the available stateroom categories and select the amount you'd be willing to pay for each upgrade.

Read more: RoyalUp tips & tricks

When you make your bid, you'll enter your payment information. If you win the bid, your card will be automatically charged and you will be switched to the new stateroom.

It's important to note that this final charge is not refundable. If you win the bid, it becomes binding.

However, you can withdraw or cancel the bid before any decisions are approved.

Bids are accepted up to 2 days before embarkation day.

The benefit of using the RoyalUp program is that you can make a bid that is cheaper than the cost of simply upgrading to the cabin.

It's also easy to do; you merely select your bid from the Royal Caribbean website.

However, one downside is that it's a guessing game without any guarantee. You won't know if there are any cabins available to upgrade to, or what other cruisers are bidding for them.

It's purely based on luck.

You also won't be able to choose the cabin's location, if you are granted an upgrade.

Additionally, you cannot use the RoyalUp program to gain extra Crown and Anchor Society points. If you book a standard cabin originally, but make a bid and successfully move up to a suite, you'll still only receive one point per night of the cruise.

Can I change my room after I get on board?

We recommend that you book the category of room you desire, or try to change the cabin before your sail date.

It is possible but very unlikely that you'll be able to change your stateroom after you get onboard.

Royal Caribbean's website reads: "Because of the popularity of cruising almost all our rooms are occupied. It is very unlikely to be able to change or upgrade your room onboard."

Since the cruise line makes an effort to fill its ships each sailing, empty staterooms are rarely available.

However, if you still want to switch cabins when you get onboard, you can go to Guest Services to request this.

For the best chance, try to speak with them as soon as you get on board.

How can you make your cruise just a little bit better without much fuss?

We wanted to find some more simple, low-effort ways to make your cruise a more enjoyable vacation, so we took to the Royal Caribbean Blog Facebook group to ask our readers what they do.

Hundreds of comments later, here are 12 easy things our readers do to make their cruise better.

1. Go with the flow

Karen Taylow Henelde commented: "Go with the flow and participate!"

One easy way to improve your cruise is by deciding to go with the flow of activities during your cruise.

Plans can change, and delays happen, so it's best to forgo any attachment to a specific outcome.

Leslie Lasage Babineaux expanded on this advice, saying to "take every moment as it comes, especially during embarkation and debarkation."

"I go with the same attitude with every day on the ship. Wake up and just go with the flow of the day. You never know what activities will be on the schedule that you will love. If not, grab a cocktail and sit by the pool or walk around the ship."

It's hard to predict what will be the most enjoyable activity until you get onboard, so going with the flow ensures you'll have a fun cruise!

Read more: 13 things I wish I'd done differently on my first cruise, from avoiding seasickness to eating at different venues

2. Get to know the crew members

Making connections with crew members onboard just takes some kindness and conversation, and it can make your cruise so much better.

"Get to know some of the staff," Patty Vognild commented.

"Once you ask them some questions about their home/country and family they usually light up."

Asking others about themselves is an easy way to show care, and humanize crew members instead of ignoring them.

Royal Caribbean crew members work hard on all aspects of the cruise, from covering entertainment to serving guests in the Main Dining Room, to the stateroom attendants cleaning your cabin every day.

"Making some of those connections makes the cruise more enjoyable!" Vognild added.

On cruises where I've befriended crew members (whether a bartender or a waiter), I've always learned more about the ship and felt like I had a friend to come back and see.

3. Order room service breakfast

Many readers commented that ordering room service breakfast is an easy thing that improves their cruise.

"[We] order room service for breakfast so we don't have to worry about crowds, clothes, or showers first thing in the morning," Melissa Renee said.

Continental room service breakfast is free and can be ordered as late as the night before.

Your food will be delivered right to your door at the time you select, and you can enjoy it from the comfort of your cabin.

Ordering room service breakfast, especially on excursion days, gives you extra time to get ready and help circumvent crowds at other complimentary venues.

4. Pre-pay gratuities

Pamela Martin commented: "Pay anything at all before I set foot on the ship. No bills leaving."

Royal Caribbean allows you to pre-pay the obligatory gratuities before your cruise.

You can easily do this by contacting your travel agent, or logging onto the website and paying online.

Experienced cruisers like to pre-pay their gratuities because it allows them to pay off the balance early and lock in the current gratuity rate.

If you prefer to budget and spread out your expenses, pre-paying is a smart idea.

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they regretted packing for their cruise

5. Bring more money and fewer clothes

Mark Olwick gave some sound advice in his comment: "Take twice as much money and half as many clothes as you think you’ll need."

Bringing plenty of money, especially cash, ensures that you have enough to spend on souvenirs, food, and tips. 

While there is an ATM machine on your ship, it will come with a lot of fees, so grab your cash ahead of time.

And when it comes to packing, you won't need as many clothes as you expect.

If you know how to pack efficiently and bring adaptable clothing, you'll save yourself space in your luggage.

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

6. Go to the Main Dining Room

Dining at the Main Dining Room is free and easy to manage on board a cruise ship.

Tammy Baumann said she "very much [enjoys] the Main Dining Room."

Baumann recommends cruisers go "so [the staff] can spoil you, bring you your favorite beverage without you even asking, scrape away your crumbs, and honor you."

The Main Dining Room is a cruise institution, an elegant, complimentary venue where cruisers are served multiple-course meals.

Given its formality, the venue is a great place to relax and enjoy trying new dishes.

If you dine there every night, the waitstaff will get to know you and your preferences.

7. Unpack and organize your clothing

One of the first things I do when I get onboard and inside my cruise cabin is unpack all my clothing and the majority of my items.

Tammy Albert does the same. "It's very hard living out of luggage!" She commented.

Unpacking completely allows you to make the cruise cabin your home, take stock of the things you packed, and organize the stateroom.

Your clothes and items will be within reach, making it easier to get ready during the day.

Unpacking ultimately saves you time and space.

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they wish they packed for their cruise

8. Enjoy the moment

"Take a moment to just enjoy the view with your own eyes," Tom Johnson advised.

"Yes, it is great to get a photo of something, but give yourself a chance to look at what you are seeing."

This is a great tip, not just for cruises, but for all types of travel.

Taking time to soak in the scenery and reflect on the wonder of your experience reminds you why you've traveled all this way.

Pause on the photos and entertainment, and just appreciate everything around you.

Read more: Best things to bring on a cruise under $10 I always regret forgetting to bring

9. Use a travel agent

Booking with a travel agent was Jan Lefave's top tip.

Most agents charge no fees for their services, and it can save you a lot of time.

Since travel agents have access to better rates and often offer onboard credit, they'll also save you money on the cruise.

Travel agents can help with any of your booking and question questions, even when you're onboard the ship.

They'll offer peace of mind in emergencies, and allow you to use headspace for the more fun parts of planning.

"Life is too short to get hung up on silly things," Lefave commented.

10. Allow yourself to spend time indoors

"It’s ok to just chill in your room," Ian Hunter said.

"Sometimes I feel like I’m 'missing out' but if you just want to sit in your room or balcony and relax then that’s just fine!"

Cruise ships have endless activities available on board, not to mention the exciting ports of all that many cruises will stop at.

Staying inside your cruise cabin can feel like a waste of time when there are so many things to do. But it's your vacation and you're allowed to relax inside the cabin, or even take a nap.

"It’s your vacation and if you want some alone time to just relax and recoup then do it," Hunter added.

11. Arrive early for embarkation day

We always recommend arriving at the cruise port at least a day before embarkation day.

Ted Reighard mentioned this tip on the Facebook post, advising other cruisers to arrive ahead of time for embarkation day. 

If you're flying in, this might mean staying near the port the night before.

This just means moving up your travel plans by one day and is definitely worth it.

You'd never want to lose a cruise that cost thousands of dollars just because your flight got delayed!

The cruise ship won't wait for you, so plan to make sure you get on board.

12. Try new things

Part of the beauty of cruising is getting the opportunity to try so many new things, from visiting new parts of the world to activities like surfing to tasting new cuisine.

Rowan Humphries's advice was: "Don’t be afraid to try new things."

"In the Main Dining Room, my aim was to try food that I wouldn’t normally eat at home."

Challenge yourself to try new things, and enjoy aspects that you won't get to try at home.

For Humphries, this meant eating things like steak and seafood, but it can look different for everyone.

Just encouraging yourself to step out of your comfort zone is one easy way to make your cruise exciting and enjoyable.

Read more: I went on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. Here are the 7 best things I ate on the ship.

How do you get to the biggest cruising port in the world?

Are there any efficient ways to travel from Fort Lauderdale to a cruise in Miami?

The port of Miami is one of the most well-known cruise ports used by Royal Caribbean.

Not just popular with Royal Caribbean, PortMiami is actually one of the most active cruise ports in the world and one of the busiest ports in the United States.

If you cruise frequently in the U.S., chances are you will have a cruise out of this busy city.

Royal Caribbean currently has four ships that homeport in Miami, Florida: Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas.

Cruisers trying to reach these ships by plane have two airport options.

The closest airport is the Miami International Airport (MIA), located just 8 miles (a 15-minute drive) away from the cruise port.

However, travelers can also fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

If you choose this second option, how can you easily reach the Miami cruise port? 

This post is your comprehensive guide on how to travel from FLL to Port Miami.

Read more: Guide to cruises from Miami

Why fly to Fort Lauderdale Airport?

While the Miami airport is the closest to Miami’s cruise port, there are several reasons to fly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) instead.

It is a less-crowded airport, with shorter lines and wait times.

If large crowds stress you out, or you might be short on time flying to or from your cruise, FLL could be a good choice for you.

Additionally, there are some fun attractions located near Fort Lauderdale that you could enjoy before or after your cruise.

From quiet beaches to the famous Florida Everglades to miles of waterways, there is a lot to experience away from the bustle of Miami.

Read more: Guide to cruises from Fort Lauderdale

The following airlines service FLL:

• Air Canada
• Air Transat
• Alaska
• Allegiant
• American
• Avianca 
• Azul
• Bahamasair
• British Airways
• Caribbean
• Copa
• Delta
• Emirates
• IBC
• JetBlue
• Norwegian
• Silver
• SkyBahamas
• Southwest
• Spirit 
• Sunwing
• TAME
• United
• Westjet

Where is the Royal Caribbean cruise terminal in Miami?

The Port of Miami, also called PortMiami, is located on Biscayne Boulevard, about 3 miles east of downtown Miami.

PortMiami is one cruise port that is located right next to the big city, with easy access to hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers near the cruise terminals.

It is made up of several connecting islands, with the main cruise terminals located on Dodge Island.

Royal Caribbean mainly uses Terminal A at Port Miami, although any remaining ships will also port at Terminal G.

Read more: Best Miami hotels near the cruise port

How do I get to the Port of Miami from Fort Lauderdale?

The Fort Lauderdale International Airport is located 26 miles away from the Port of Miami. 

To travel between the two, you could use a shuttle, a rideshare app, a taxi, public transportation, or a rental car.

Depending on the time of day, it takes about 30 minutes to travel between the airport and the cruise port. However, if traffic is busy, the journey could take more than 60 minutes.

Shuttle service

A shared shuttle van service usually has the cheapest price of your transportation options.

You can either book a shuttle with Royal Caribbean or look for private shuttles offered from the airport to the cruise port.

There is a Fort Lauderdale Airport shuttle that runs every 5-20 minutes. However, you will have to reserve this shuttle at least 24 hours in advance.

Prices vary depending on the distance and number of people traveling. 

For example, a private van that seats 6 people costs $196 for a trip between FLL and PortMiami.

Price: $20-40 per person

Time: 30-40 minutes 

Rideshare

Rideshare apps are one of the quickest and easiest ways to order transportation by car.

Prices do vary, and can increase quickly during busy times.

Uber’s website currently lists the price of an UberX from FLL to PortMiami as $52.

Lyft quotes about $60 for the same ride.

The drive between PortMiami and FLL takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Price: $55-60

Time: 30-40 minutes 

Taxi

Taxis will also be swiftly available once you disembark the plane and exit the airport.

However, they are usually more expensive than rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.

Taxi Calculator currently lists the price of a taxi from PortMiami to FLL as $86. These prices can increase up to $100 if the driver has to wait for you, or if traffic is busy.

Price: $85-100

Time: 30-40 minutes 

Public transportation

If you’re looking for the cheapest option to travel between the cruise port and an airport, you might consider public transportation.

The transit system isn’t straightforward, and it will require you to take a couple transfers between trains and buses before you reach your destination.

Taking public transit will increase your travel time to over 2 hours, especially if you have to wait between transfers.

However, the price is cheap; only $2.25 per ride, per person. 

Price: $2.25 per ride

Time: 2 hours

Car rental

Driving yourself always lends an air of ease, privacy, and comfort to your trip. You can make as many stops as you’d like with your own rented car.

Renting a car is a great option if you’re planning to spend a few days in Florida before your cruise. 

You can rent the car directly at the FLL airport, then take your time driving down to Miami.

Prices will vary depending on what company you book with, how long you rent the car, and what kind of car you prefer.

As an example, Enterprise’s website prices a midsize vehicle, like a Toyota Corolla, at $56 per day.

Price: $55-70 per day

Time: 30-40 minutes 

How do I drive to the cruise port?

For directions to the Miami cruise port, use the address 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL, 33132. 

Remember to double-check which terminal your ship will be sailing out of.

From Fort Lauderdale International Airport, follow these instructions:

• Via Port Tunnel: Take I-95 South to Exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach. 
• Merge onto MacArthur Causeway. 
• Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards the Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.
• Via Port Bridge: Take I-95 South to Exit 3B, N.W. 8th Street. 
• Turn left onto 5th Street and continue straight until you reach the Port of Miami entrance. 
• Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal. 
• Get on FL-836 E in Miami from Departures, NW 21st St and Exists 2-3-4

Want to park once you get there? Port Miami does have parking available at all terminals. 

Parking at Terminal A is currently listed at $35 a night, which adds up to a whopping $245 for a 7-night cruise. 

The port accepts cash, and MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit cards. You will not be able to use a debit card to pay.

Having a cocktail on a cruise ship is one of the most stereotypical cruise activities, but the cocktail choices are evolving.

Royal Caribbean is always looking for opportunities to improve its offerings, and with a shifting demographic of younger cruisers going on ships, the menu choices are being altered too.

A 2023 survey by Drizly of consumer drinking trends found that Americans are opting more and more for non-alcoholic beverages, especially among Gen Z cruisers.

"The desire to try non-alcoholic (NA) beverages continues to climb with half of respondents having tried NA beer, wine or spirits. The NA category is sparking the most interest amongst Gen Z (23%) and millennials (24%) who have tried these drinks more frequently than other generations," the survey said in its findings.

The 2023 State of the Cruise Industry Report released by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed that passengers between the ages of 20 and 59 are now making up over 50% of passengers onboard cruise ships. 

This change in consumer preferences is something Royal Caribbean has already jumped on with its latest drink menu updates.

Jumping on the trend

Royal Caribbean Director of Beverage Operations, Ed Eiswirth, saw this trend emerging as early as 2020.

When cruises restarted in 2021, Royal Caribbean overhauled its fleetwide drink menu and introduced its first zero-proof drink menu.

His team found was Gen Z and Gen X are more interested in lower-ABV beverages than previous generations.

"I stumbled on a lot of research around sober-curious guests and especially around Gen Z being super curious. These are young people who still drink alcohol, but they consume a lot less. They’ll go out at night and buy one really nice, handcrafted cocktail and then switch to something that’s no-alcohol but that has just as much care taken and is really curated as well as a cocktail."

In addition, zero proof cocktails work for teens and tweens who want something beyond the usual assortment of beverages. As an example, you will see a Shirley Ginger on the menu, which is similar to a Shirley Temple, but made with ginger to give it more sophistication. 

Royal Caribbean event went as far as to add Gen Z programming on its cruise ships.  The "Hyperlink" events are daily events specifically for guests between the age of 18-25 years old.

Zero proof cocktails

With the launch of Icon of the Seas in 2024, Royal Caribbean went beyond the standard menu to craft a drink menu exclusively for drinks that had no alcohol in them.

Royal Caribbean actually built this menu to be more family friendly in its Surfside Neighborhood than for Gen Z, but it doubles for both purposes.

To be clear, these aren't virgin mocktails.  Royal Caribbean wanted its zero proof cocktails that work as standalone drinks.

"We really took the time to curate them as standalone drinks without alcohol and really look at blending flavors that work together versus a stock virgin daiquiri that is just an alcoholic drink we’ve taken the alcohol out of. We didn’t even consider putting alcohol in these as we put them together," Mr. Eisiwrth said.

The Lemon Post is a "family centric bar", where parents and their kids can enjoy a drink together.  

Alexandra Palmeri is Royal Caribbean's Corporate Manager of Beverage Operations, and she helped design 13 new bar menus just for Icon.

"When you start with alcohol and you start to deconstruct it, it becomes a lot more challenging to create a non-alcoholic mocktail. So we started from the mocktail perspective and then built it built it up that way," Alex explained.

Another bar on Icon, Rye & Bean, also has two mixologist-created zero-proof drinks that are unique to the venue.

Read more: 8 mocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise

Drink sales are big business

Offering passengers more drink choices is more than just keeping guests happy. It also pads the cruise line's bottom line.

Onboard spending is the category of revenue Royal Caribbean makes when people buy individual drinks or the even more lucrative drink packages.

Mr. Eiswirth said over the course of a year 44 million alcoholic beverage transactions are conducted across the 26 ships in the fleet.

The Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks, ranges between $60 and $110 per person, per day.  The Royal Refreshment Package only includes non-alcoholic drinks, and costs $38 per person, per day. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean drink packages prices and guide

When Royal Caribbean Group reports its quarterly earnings to Wall Street, they often tout onboard spending by guests as one of the top reasons why profits are higher.

A Bermuda cruise is one of the few Royal Caribbean cruises that offers an immersive multi-day visit, and it's a different kind of experience.

Nealy all Royal Caribbean cruises offer port visits where you are docked for just a few hours.  It's enough time to take a tour and get a glimpse of what the area has to offer before your ship departs for the next destination.

Bermuda is different, because of how far away it is from almost every other cruise port.  Since North Americans prefer to take just a week of vacation at a time, most sailings to Bermuda are 7 nights or less, and that could mean a sailing that only visits Bermuda.

In my case, I booked a 5-night cruise on Liberty of the Seas with an overnight stay in Bermuda.

Our visit would include about 30 hours of time to explore Bermuda, and I was excited to take advantage of all that extra time.

A visit to Hamilton

Liberty of the Seas docked in Bermuda at the Royal Naval Dockyard just before 10am, and we would have until 4pm the next day to see as much of Bermuda as possible.

We started off with a visit to the capital of Bermuda, Hamilton. Unlike many Caribbean ports, taxis are quite expensive in Bermuda, but water ferries are very economical.

We hopped on the ferry that goes between the Royal Navy Dockyard and Hamilton for just $5 per person.  We didn't book it through the cruise line, as it's a short five minute walk down the pier to where the ferry picks you up. 

The ferry ride is 30 minutes from start to finish, but it felt faster than that. 

Once in Hamilton, we opted to explore the city on our own.  One major advantage to overnighting in a port is you don't have the fear of not making it back to the ship in time on that first day.

We grabbed lunch at The Hog Penny, which is an English pub. 

After we, window shopped around the waterfront.  While I can't say my kids enjoy leisurely exploring a port, my wife and I enjoyed the European feel Hamilton has along with the great sea breeze.

Exploring a port on foot means an open-ended adventure, but it usually results in a lot of walking.  In felt like the amount of walking was substantially more than I thought we would do, but it's a great way to see any city.

In the afternoon we took the ferry back to the Royal Naval Dockyard to relax and recharge on the ship.

Sunset sailing

Later that evening, we headed out for our next adventure. When Royal Caribbean docks overnight, the gangway is always open and it's effectively a floating hotel.

I had booked a 3-hour catamaran charter for just my family to enjoy an evening swim and take in the sunset.  I stumbled across Bermuda Yachts, and they offer private catamaran charters.

The cost was just $1,000 for 3 hours and included the boat, captain, and all fees.  Perhaps a bit much for just the four of us, but if you have a larger group, it might make more sense.  Plus, I love to find ways to foster family bonding, and we are definitely more at ease when it's just us.

Our catamaran picked us up at the pier near where the cruise ships dock. Justin was our captain, and he offered up a plan to take us around for a leisurely view of Bermuda by boat, followed by a spot to feed fish, swim, and then enjoy the sunset.

We started out going around the island and sailing past the coastline.  In early June, the high temperatures in Bermuda are in the mid-70s and by evening, it becomes cooler out.  Sunset isn't until 8:30, so there's still plenty of light.

It was great sitting on the bean bags they had at the front of the catamaran to see it all.

Our first stop was near a ship wreck, where Justin tossed bread into the water and suddenly a giant school of fish appeared.  Evidently this is a well-known spot among boats to feed fish, and the fish are always there to wait for it.

The kids loved seeing all the different fish come up and how they just waited near the surface for another bite.

The next step was an inlet with an empty beach.  Our catamaran went to just a few dozen feet off shore to let us swim and paddleboard.

The ocean temperature was still warm, so it was nice to get out and enjoy a swim without any crowds or anyone else around.

But the real coup de grace was the sunset.  Justin brought the catamaran off the shore of Bermuda, giving us an unobstructed view of the horizon to enjoy the sunset.

At first, I thought the sunset was going to be a busy because of cloud cover.  But as the sun came close to the horizon, the sky came alive with color.

It was a brilliant display of colors, and easily one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. 

In all, the catamaran ride was exactly what our family wanted out of a fun day on the water. It wasn't cheap, but I think splurging is part of what makes vacation worth it.  After all, it has to be special to make vacation feel different from a day at home.

Beach day

After a full day of exploring Bermuda on the first day, the second day in Bermuda started off feeling rough.  The kids would have preferred we sleep in, but that wasn't an option.

Bermuda is well-known for its pink sand beaches, but we didn't go to one of them this time.  Admittedly, we wanted to hit the "easy button" for today and decided to check out a nearby beach we could walk to.

Snorkel Park is located within the Royal Naval Dockyard area, and it's your typical beach that you'll find near any cruise port. Unremarkable, but convenient.

If it were my only day in Bermuda, I would have never gone here, but this was just an excuse to be in the water and enjoy the beach.

It's about a 10 minute walk from the ship, and then there's an admission fee to get in.  Two chairs and umbrella are $75. Food and drink are extra, although they have an all-inclusive option if you prefer.

We found chairs and umbrellas, and then got into the ocean for a brisk swim. It felt good to cool off, but the sand here was not nearly as soft or impressive as Horseshoe Bay would have been.

Nonetheless, we enjoyed some time taking it easy at the beach. 

After the beach, we stopped at the Frog and Onion Pub.  It's inside the Royal Naval Dockyard too, and also has a British pub vibe to it.

When you're in the same port two days in a row, I think it makes sense to take things easy rather than push yourself to see every little thing.  We certainly didn't see all Bermuda has to offer, but we had a great time nonetheless.

Bermuda wowed us

I enjoyed our visit to Bermuda much more than I expected, and I would love to come back again soon.

While Mexico is less expensive, and The Bahamas are a lot more convenient, I think Bermuda has great natural beauty to it and a populace that felt very welcoming.

Being on the water made a difference, and I liked the combination of comfortable temperatures along with beautiful sights.

On my next trip to Bermuda, I'd love to look at a longer catamaran ride.  And I might leave the kids on the ship if my wife and I wanted to explore Hamilton or St. George's. I doubt they'd mind sleeping in.

Like any port of call, it behooves you to plan ahead.  Researching the various things you can do makes taking advantage of an overnight cruise stop so much better. With so much time in port, you'll want to get more out of it all.

How can you cancel a cruise if a problem surfaces or you change your mind?

It's never ideal to cancel a vacation you were looking forward to, but there are all sorts of reasons to want to cancel.

Whether a family emergency comes up, you need to spend money elsewhere, or traveling isn't feasible anymore, life can unfortunately get in the way.

In case you need to cancel or modify a cruise booking, you should know the options Royal Caribbean offers.

Every cruise line has important policies when it comes to modifying a cruise booking and not all bookings are equal in terms of refunds.

No matter how excited you are for an upcoming cruise, it's crucial that you know the terms of the booking and cancellation policies.

Preparing yourself with this knowledge will prevent any expensive surprises later on.

This informational guide will provide an overview of Royal Caribbean's cancellation policy, ensuring that you know exactly what you're agreeing to when you book.

What if I have a nonrefundable deposit?

Refunds and penalties for cancellation depend on the type of fare purchased, the length of the cruise, and how long before the cruise you attempt to cancel.

Two different deposit types can affect your cancellation fee, and you agree to the terms of cancellation when you choose a particular deposit type.

When you book a cruise, you first make a deposit, without being required to pay the full amount right away. 

Royal Caribbean has both refundable and nonrefundable cruise fare deposits.

Some promotional and exclusive fares require a nonrefundable deposit.

This means that a booking made under this fare requires guests' full names and a paid deposit at the time of booking. 

This deposit cannot be refunded at any time but often comes at a lower price overall.

If you cancel a cruise booked with a non-refundable deposit, you'll lose the deposit amount.

Moreover, to change the sail date and/or ship, you'll incur a $100 per person fee for any change in the that aspect of the reservation.

What if I have a refundable deposit?

Refundable cruise fares are more flexible, promising almost a full refund when you cancel.

if you book your cruise under a refundable cruise fare, you can still receive a full refund of your deposit and any other payments made, as long as you haven't yet made the final payment.

Guests currently have up to 90 days before the sailing to make their final payment.

Once the final payment is made for a cruise, guests can be subject to cancellation fees that vary depending on how close it is to the sail date.

Typically, you will still receive a refund but with a penalty fee.

What is Royal Caribbean's cancellation fee?

You will get a full refund if you notify Royal Caribbean at least 75 days before the first day of the cruise (60 days for 3 and 4-night cruises or 90 days for holiday sailings). 

For cruises lasting 1 to 4 nights (including holiday sailings), the cancellation fee is as follows:

• 75 days or more before the first day of the cruise: No charge (except for Nonrefundable Deposit amounts)
• 74 to 61 days: 50% of the total price
• 60 to 31 days: 75% of the total price
• 30 days or less: 100% of the total price (No refund)

For cruises 5 nights or over (including holiday sailings and CruiseTours), the cancellation fee by days prior is:

• 90 days or more before the first day of the cruise: No charge (except for Nonrefundable Deposit amounts)
• 89 to 75 days: 25% of the total price
• 74 to 61 days: 50% of the total price
• 60 to 31 days: 75% of the total price
• 30 days or less: 100% of the total price (No refund)

For cruises and CruiseTours, the taxes and fees will be completely refunded.

Essentially, if a guest cancels their cruise 90 or more days before the first day of the sailing, they'll receive a complete refund (excluding any nonrefundable deposits).

But if a guest cancels 30 days or less before the cruise, there is no refund.

How can I cancel a cruise?

If you've decided you need to cancel your cruise, that can be accomplished using the same method that you booked the cruise.

If you booked the cruise directly with Royal Caribbean or on the website, you can call the cruise line to cancel your reservation.

If you used a travel agent or another type of website, you should inform and consult with your travel provider to cancel the booking. Travel agents can handle any changes, delays, or cancellations for you.

Read more: How to cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise

Does my travel insurance cover a cancellation?

In general, travel insurance does not usually cover a canceled cruise.

Unless it is because of an illness or another covered scenario, most travel insurance will not kick in.

However, Royal Caribbean offers a Travel Protection Program for its cruisers.

If plans change and you need to cancel your cruise vacation, this cancellation penalty waiver will allow you to waive the non-refundable cancellation portion and receive the unused value of your cruise vacation.

You also can be eligible for credit toward a future cruise, ranging up to 90% of the non-refundable, prepaid cruise fare.

A "cancel for any reason" credit can be added at an extra cost.

To be eligible for this credit, you must purchase the travel protection plan prior to making your final payment for the cruise. Also, you must notify Royal Caribbean of this cancellation before the ship departs for the cruise.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will increase price of travel insurance policy

I love to take my family on cruises, and have been doing so ever since my first child was six months old.

After more than 44 cruises as a family, I've quickly learned a few tricks to saving money along the way.  Family vacations don't have to be expensive, especially if you know where to cut corners.

With Royal Caribbean leaning more into the family vacation market (especially with the launch of Icon of the Seas), taking your kids on a cruise is becoming even more popular.

If you're like me, you'll want to save every dollar you can so that you can pay for another cruise in the future (or splurge on a fun upgrade).

Read more: What is the best way to spend an extra $1,000 on a cruise?

Here are my list of easy ways I save money and expand our family vacation budget.

Skip the dining package for my kids

While my wife and I love to indulge in specialty dining on a cruise, my kids are fine with the included food and that's a big saving.

Not spending extra on specialty dining for the kids is as much about being frugal as it is being practical.  My youngest daughter only really wants to eat quesadillas, pasta with butter, and cheese pizza.  All of that she can get for no extra cost.

Depending on the restaurant, we will either feed her before or after the meal so she can sit with us during the meal.  Packing a drawing pad and colored pencils is a great way for them to pass the time.  It's also perfectly acceptable for the kids to run down to Sorrento's and bring back a pizza. 

There are exceptions to this rule, such as Izumi Hibachi, but if your kids are as picky as mine, don't overlook the complimentary dining choices.

Turn off the kids charging privileges

I trust my kids not to go on a spending spree onboard, but mistakes happen.  To simplify things, I'll go to Guest Services and turn off their charging privileges to avoid a future problem.

There are lots of extra costs on a cruise, from the arcade, to sodas, to souvenirs and they can all add up.

I always periodically check my onboard accounts to make sure there are no erroneous charges, and removing the kids' ability to charge is a good fail safe.

Take advantage of the included activities

Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship has a lot of fun activities included in the cruise fare, and it's a great idea to point my kids in that direction first.

There are pools, hot tubs, rock climbing walls, trivia contests, and live shows on every ship.  Plus, the newer ships have water slides, kids aqua park, bumper cars and more.

My kids really love laser tag, bumper cars, water slides, and miniature golf.

I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the value Adventure Ocean presents.  It's included in your cruise fare, and you get the peace of mind as a parent of enjoying supervised programming that appeals to the kids.

Two cabins instead of a suite

My favorite cruise hack for families is to book two connecting rooms instead of one larger cabin.

Read more: 45 easy ways how to save money on a cruise

I think most families that look to book a cruise default to looking for one cabin that fits everyone.  This often leads to booking a suite, especially if you have more than 4 people in your cabin.

Instead, we book two smaller connecting rooms many times. It provides a cheaper price than a suite, and it gives us separation from the kids.  Plus, we get a second bathroom!

Of course, I do book suites with my family, but if I want to save money, I'll go for two cabins.

Using the free chat instead of buying an internet package

A very common concern if you have older kids is how to be able to message them onboard without paying for an internet package.

While buying everyone a WiFi package is an easy choice, it can be very expensive.

Instead, we'll leverage the Royal Caribbean app because it has a free chat feature.

If your kids are under 13 years old, they're not allowed to have a Royal Caribbean account.  In that situation, we'll log them into one of our accounts and we can still message them even if we are effectively messaging ourself.

A cruiser that complained on TikTok that her balcony railing "obstructs" her view received a lot of backlash for her hot take.

Abbie, who goes by the username @abbiesnormal, first posted a video in February about her cruise on Icon of the Seas.

The viral video, taken at night, shows the balcony view of a dark ocean from the world's largest cruise ship.

"Should this rail be considered an obstruction on my balcony?" The caption questions.

Users commented that it wasn't, disagreeing strongly.

"Have you lost your mind?" one TikToker asked.

Read more: I spent $2800 for 7 nights in a 157-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my tiny cabin

According to Abbie, a railing beneath the balcony blocks the ocean view

To better show the view, Abbie posted another video, filmed during the day. 

This TikTok has gone viral, with over 1.5 million views, and is captioned with a similar question: "Should this be considered an obstructed view balcony?

In her viral TikTok, Abbie explains that there is a rail beneath the balcony.

"You should be able to see all the way down to the ocean, but you can't [because] it's obstructed about a foot or so."

She pans down below the balcony view to reveal a railing that runs along the bottom of the deck.

"[The] 12th floor has this [rail] all the way around," she wrote in another TikTok.

Since Icon of the Seas is such a new ship, the TikToker explained that she didn't know what to expect from the cabin's balcony view.

Read more: Icon of the Seas cabins to avoid

According to a later video Abbie posted, she was booked in cabin 12608, on deck 12, which is classified as an Ocean View Balcony Stateroom.

Abbie disagrees with this classification, wondering if the cabin should be categorized as an obstructed balcony view instead. 

The railing appears to be support for the machine that cleans the balconies.

Although the ocean can still be seen clearly, Abbie explained that the railing at the bottom "messes up the way the ocean looks at night."

Since she had to stand up to get a 100% clear view of the ocean, she took to the Internet to ask if this would be considered an obstructed balcony view.

Over 7,000 comments later, the Internet seemed to come to a consensus.

Commenters opposed Abbie's opinion, attempting to convince her that the view was unobstructed

Most TikTokers disagreed with Abbie, using the comment section to tell her it was not an obstructed balcony view.

"No, it's unobstructed looking out, not down," commented user eileen000009.

"The expectation is that you're enjoying the view and the water in front of you but not below you."

Because the railing is below the balcony view, not directly in front of it, many commenters felt that the view was not obstructed.

"This is like asking if a flower box is obstructing the view of a window," The_J3NN wrote.

"No," Ash said, "You can still see the entire ocean. You're acceptable."

Other comments criticized Abbie for complaining about the balcony view at all.

"[You're] lucky enough to be on a cruise and still complain about a 3-inch wide rail," 1999_Ford_Ranger commented.

Another user remarked that they couldn't believe anyone could complain about the view, calling Abbie a "Karen."

Other comments asked if the viral video was a joke or satire.

Abbie responded to many of the comments, defending herself and explaining that the rail blocked her view of the ocean at night.

Abbie posted multiple TikToks displaying the view of the stateroom, even comparing it to a different balcony cabin

She also followed up with a third TikTok about the stateroom, comparing it to a previous balcony cabin she stayed in on Ovation of the Seas.

This last TikTok was a response to a comment disagreeing with her assessment of the Icon of the Seas balcony view.

"You are high," the commenter criticized.

In response, Abbie posted a still photo from inside her Ovation of the Seas stateroom, taken on an Alaska sailing.

The video shows a balcony view with no white rail at the bottom.

"Notice how there's no foot wide white block holding a rail outside the bottom of my balcony," her caption reads.

The proof didn't seem to help her case, as many of the comments still disagreed with her.

"I see what you're talking about but it's really not that serious..." xklaudx said.

Others even joked that other small objects were blocking her view on the Ovation balcony.

"Those chairs are obstructing the view... you should toss [them] overboard," one commenter wrote.

Per Royal Caribbean's standards, the cabin has an unobstructed view

So, is the cabin considered to have an obstructed ocean view?

On cruise ships, certain cabins are categorized as obstructed due to the location of the stateroom on the ship.

Usually, the obstruction is a lifeboat or part of the ship's structure, i.e., an object that blocks the cabin's view but cannot be moved.

Obstructed cabins are considered a separate cabin category, listed at a slightly lower cruise fare.

Passengers who stay in them still receive a similar oceanview, and the same amenities as in standard staterooms.

Royal Caribbean's website states that an obstruction is "something that blocks a proportion of the direct outward view from a stateroom."

"This is typically due to the position of lifeboats or the outer structure of the ship."

You can view the deck plans on the Royal Caribbean website to determine if a stateroom has an obstructed view.

Based on this definition, and the Royal Caribbean deck plans, Abbie's ocean view balcony is not considered obstructed.

Because the outward view of the ship is not blocked, and the rail is only visible when looking downward, she has an unobstructed view.

What are the things people who went to Alaska on a cruise wish they brought with them?

With the Alaska cruise season in full swing, many people are excited to have a great cruise, but worry about what they need. If you're unfamiliar with the beautiful region, packing can still pose a challenge.

To pack the right items and clothing for a cruise, you have to understand the climate and the time frame in which you are cruising.

Read more: Alaska cruise packing list

In the Alaska Royal Caribbean Cruises Facebook group, user Lindsey Parks asks for advice from other cruisers who've recently sailed to Alaska. "For anyone who has gone [on an Alaskan cruise] recently (like within the last week), what's something you learned you should have packed?" she wrote.

Other Facebook users jumped to her assistance, sharing items they wish they'd packed, or items they were grateful they brought.

To help fellow cruisers prepare for their upcoming Alaskan voyage, we've compiled a list of the 7 top items people wish they'd packed. 

Please note that we’ve linked items on Amazon in this article, which contain an affiliate link. This affiliate link costs you absolutely nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog makes a small commission if you purchase the item through the link. Shop more on our Amazon Storefront.

1. A rain jacket

Although Alaska's weather improves in the spring and summer months, rain is always a possibility.

July and August are usually the wettest months, but it could rain at any time during a summer cruise.

Cruisers commented that they wished they had a rain jacket or poncho to protect them from the downpour.

The big attraction of an Alaska cruise lies in the access to beautiful natural wonders, unique wildlife, and real-life glaciers.

All of these attractions require you to be outside to see them, and on a cruise, you're limited to a few hours to explore.

If you're looking forward to certain natural attractions, packing a rain jacket or umbrella will ensure that you will see them, rain or shine.

Read more: I went on a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Here are 16 things that surprised me the most.

Our pick

Our recommendation is to pack a waterproof rain jacket. For women, they could pick up the Columbia Arcadia Ii Jacket. For men, try the Glennaker Rain Jacket by Columbia.

If you have kids, try the Columbia Boys' Rain Jacket or the Girls' Switchback li Jacket.

2. Waterproof shoes

Along those same lines, many Facebook users commented that they should have packed waterproof sneakers or hiking shoes.

They would be helpful for "even just going through the town," Kimberly Helfant wrote.  "Icy Strait Point was rainy and muddy."

Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned private cruise port, with popular shore excursions.

From whale-watching tours to gondola rides, there are many popular shore excursions to experience there.

Cruisers will find themselves walking a lot while at this port, starting with disembarking off the ship and continuing into museums or following their shore excursion groups.

Having the right footwear will enhance your stamina for the entirety of the port day and save you from getting wet socks! 

Our pick

Sperry makes really good boots you can wear anywhere in Alaska, such as the Women's Saltwater Lux Boot and Men's Cold Bay Chukka Boot.

3. Moisture-wicking socks

Multiple commenters said they wished they'd packed moisture-wicking socks, winter socks, or more pairs of warm socks.

On an Alaskan cruise, where hikes and walks are popular methods of viewing the scenery, lots of quality pairs of socks will be essential.

Read more: I packed for my Alaska cruise in a carry-on suitcase. Here's what I packed and how you can do it too.

Good-quality, warm socks work together with your sneakers or hiking shoes to control odors and reduce the risk of blisters.

Moisture-wicking socks also help your feet stay warm because they won't get cold and damp. 

This keeps away infection and ensures that you won't get sick on a cold hike.

Our pick

The Fox River Wick Dry Explorer Socks came highly recommended by other cruisers because they wick moisture away from your skin so you're able to stay warmer longer.

4. Warm leggings

BJ Cannon wished she packed "warmer leggings, not the thin ones."

For those used to living in warmer weather, packing for a colder destination can be a challenge.

You might assume "leggings" just means thin, workout clothing.

Read more: We asked our readers what one thing they wish they packed for their cruise

In reality, you should look for warm, thick fleece or wool leggings. These will properly trap the heat, and work as great layering pieces.

For especially cold days, wear warm leggings under a pair of jeans or snow pants, and you'll feel nice and toasty.

Our pick

Try the Hixiaohe Women's Casual Sherpa Fleece Lined Warm Leggings for something to pack on your Alaska cruise.

5. Binoculars

Amy Ehrhardt commented that she should have packed binoculars, "especially for whale-watching excursions."

A pair of good binoculars can ensure that you don't miss any of the beautiful sights of nature throughout the cruise.

Read more: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska? 8 things you'll want to take with you

They also allow you to sightsee even from the deck of a cruise ship.

You might not be able to see bald eagles, bears, whales, or the details of an icy glacier with the naked eye, but a pair of binoculars will bring them all into sharp focus.

There are so many exotic attractions to spot, so pack binoculars to ensure that you can see them clearly, even from the deck of the cruise ship. 

Our pick

For most people, an inexpensive but good quality pair of binoculars makes sense, such as the Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars.

6. A sweater

"I found the ship to be colder than I expected," Christine Stalker said.

"The main dining room was particularly cold—I needed a sweater over my sleeveless dress on formal nights."

While you might not expect a summer cruise to Alaska to be cold enough for hoodies or sweaters, don't forget about the climate of the cruise ship.

Cruise ships are unique in that you'll spend plenty of time indoors on your vacation—in a cabin, at dining venues, and watching shows in theaters—but won't be able to control the temperature.

The air conditioning on cruise ships can run colder than some passengers would prefer, so it's important to stay prepared.

Especially if you're planning on bringing lighter clothes, such as tank tops or sleeveless dresses, pack a light jacket or sweater, just in case you start feeling chilly.

Our pick

Try bringing a light fleece jacket that you could easily wear around your Alaska ports, or on the ship.

7. Magnetic hooks

An Alaskan voyage calls for lots of big items, like coats, hats, and gloves.

Hanging these items up on the steel walls of your cabin can save a considerable amount of space.

Kanetha Hysinger Foster commented that she used magnetic hooks "to hang coats, lanyards, binoculars, etc."

Read more: 24 Alaska cruise tips to follow in 2024

When you might be low in space in a small cruise cabin, using hooks to hang your things is a great way to store them in easy reach. 

Our pick

Make sure you pick magnetic hooks that can hold a little bit of weight, such as magnetic hooks with swivel carabiners.

Happy Sunday! It is getting hot outside, and the Royal Caribbean news this week is equally heated.

Royal Caribbean launched an industry-first loyalty status match program for cruises.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club and Silversea’s Venetian Society will attain equivalent tier status on any one of its brands to enjoy reciprocal benefits no matter which brand they sail with.

For example, a Diamond member of the Crown and Anchor Society will become an Elite Captain's Club member, and a Venetian Society with 250 VS days.

Royal Caribbean News

• Woman loses $15,000 cruise after posting reservation number on social media
• Can I cruise without a passport? I would think twice before trying
• Does check-in open at midnight? And 5 other Royal Caribbean check-in questions
• Passenger goes overboard on Icon of the Seas, world’s largest cruise ship

Things You Should NEVER TRUST on Your 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 — Things You Should NEVER TRUST on Your Cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

9 Things To Do As Soon As You Board A Cruise Ship

Your first hours onboard are some of the most important of your cruise vacation. They set the tone for the remainder of your sailing.

To ensure a smooth cruise, you'll want to start with a few important tasks.

Missing an item on this to-do list could ruin an ideal cruise, or even prevent the ship from embarking.

A performer on a mega cruise ship reveals what working at sea is really like

What is it like to work, live, and perform on one of the largest cruise ships at sea?

We interviewed Kristine Kugler, an Elite Dancer in the Theater Cast onboard Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.

She shared what it's like to be a crew member onboard a cruise ship with Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 536th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, reviewing a cruise on Freedom of the Seas in 2024.

Matt took his first cruise redeeming a casino credit, sailing for 4 nights on Freedom of the Seas. 

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.

Why savvy travelers prefer staying on the cruise ship during port days

Experienced cruisers know the benefit of staying onboard the cruise ship and skipping a port day.

Many cruisers book a sailing for the destinations (and the food), but cruise ships also have a massive amount of attractions onboard.

Here are 7 reasons savvy travelers stay onboard the cruise ship.