Royal Caribbean Blog

After eight cruises with Royal Caribbean (six of which being on Oasis Class ships), I recently decided to give MSC Cruises a try while in Europe. 

MSC is an Italian based cruise line that is quite controversial in the cruise industry. While it is pretty established in Europe, it has begun to gain popularity in North America, where you can oftentimes find a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean for less than $400 per person onboard one of their newest ships. 

The cruise line, however, has been subject to negativity, with the most common complaints being about the quality of the food, service, and onboard programming. 

Despite all the things I had heard, I decided to take a 7-night cruise to Italy, Spain, and France onboard MSC Seashore, and I had a great experience! I would easily consider another cruise with MSC in the future. 

At 169,400 gross registered tons, MSC Seashore is considerably smaller than Oasis Class ships, which all come in over 225,000 gross registered tons. That being said, she can still accommodate over 5,800 passengers at maximum capacity. 

Before boarding this cruise, I knew this cruise would be unlike any that I had previously been on. Of course, "different" does not equate to bad. In the end, there were things that I enjoyed more about my cruise with MSC than Royal Caribbean!

Lower priced cruise add-ons

Normally, I do not splurge too much on cruise add-ons, such as specialty dining experiences, due to the cost on Royal Caribbean ships. 

While onboard MSC Seashore, however, I was surprised to discover that the extras were far less. I was able to dine at Kaito Teppanyaki and HOLA! Tacos & Cantina for around €50. In comparison, teppanyaki at Izumi can cost upwards of $50 per person alone for dinner. Plus, the prix fixe menu at Kaito included sushi and sashimi! 

Likewise, I found the alcoholic beverages to be cheaper, too. They had an extensive list of cocktails for only €9 each, meaning that I felt like I could splurge a little bit more than normal. 

I will admit that if I do end up cruising with MSC again in the future, I would consider a drink package. One thing I disliked about the cruise line was the lack of complimentary water. The Easy Package, which included beverages up to €9, was only €47 per day! 

With Royal Caribbean, I always find myself debating if the Deluxe Beverage Package is worth the cost. While it does include more than MSC's Easy Package, it is also much more expensive. Even when it on sale, I find that it is normally around $75 per day, before the additional gratuities. 

The elevator system

On Royal Caribbean ships, the elevators are a free-for-all, meaning that as many people as often pack into available cars. For that reason, I find myself taking the stairs quite a bit, as it is usually a faster and more comfortable option than waiting for a full elevator. 

I loved MSC's elevator system. Rather than just selecting if you want to travel up or down, you have to select the specific deck. Afterwards, you are assigned an elevator car to board. The screen would even tell you how long of a wait you were going to have before the elevator arrived. Most of the time, it was under two minutes!

There were a few days that we were told the ship was sailing close to maximum capacity, which meant that nearly 5,880 people were onboard. At double occupancy, MSC Seashore has a capacity of 4,540 passengers.  

Despite the large number of passengers, there were only a few times during the entire cruise that the elevators were crowded. During the majority of my sailing, there were no more than five or six people on the same car as me. 

Related: How to beat the crowds on your cruise ship

MSC's embarkation and disembarkation

Since my cruise was an interport sailing, guests were embarking and disembarking in each port. This meant that instead of 4,000 some passengers all trying to get on the ship in a single day, it was spread out throughout the cruise. 

I knew when I was embarking, there would be a mix of people disembarking and getting off to explore Genoa as a scheduled port of call. When I arrived at the terminal in Genoa, I found it to be less crowded than when I have boarded Royal Caribbean ships. 

Related: 30 Do's and Don'ts for the first day of your cruise

Due to my hotel's check out time, I got the the terminal an hour before my scheduled embarkation time. This was not an issue, though. I was checked in, through security, and onboard in about thirty minutes! I appreciated that they had refreshments available, too, including sparkling water, still water, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

And since thousands of guests were not boarding at the same time, I found the buffet to be relatively pleasant during lunch. On Royal Caribbean ships, I will do whatever I can to avoid the Windjammer on embarkation day! 

When it came to disembarkation, my group was called at 9:15am. In less than thirty minutes, I was at the Genoa train station. The only line I had to wait in was the one to scan my cruise card a final time. 

Diversity of passengers

I was expecting a more international crowd of passengers, and I was right! 

When I was waiting in line to check in at the terminal, I heard tons of different languages being spoken. In fact, other than the port employees, I did not hear anyone else speaking English.

Moreover, all onboard announcements were made in multiple different languages to accommodate the diverse crowd. This did, however, mean that the announcements took longer. The only time it was a bit of an annoyance was prior to the theatre shows, when I felt like the cruise director was speaking for fifteen minutes!

Overall, though, I loved being surrounded by so many people from different backgrounds. It made the trip feel more special and immersive, especially since it was a European itinerary! 

Status match

I am currently an Emerald Crown & Anchor member, which means that I was able to roll my status over to MSC Cruises' Voyagers Club and enjoy some neat perks on my very first cruise with the line. 

While not the highest tier, I achieved Gold status, and I was able to start utilizing the benefits during the booking process with a 5% discount off of my cruise fare.

My three favorite perks, however, were all onboard: the free one hour in the thermal spa, welcome back cocktail reception, and complimentary MSC Voyagers Club drawstring bag. 

The only status matching that Royal Caribbean will honor is through Celebrity Cruises and vice versa, meaning that you cannot try and get them to honor your status on any other cruise line, such as Carnival or Norwegian. 

If you have yet to step foot on any cruise ship at all, MSC will even match your hotel status with well-known brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt. 

Overall thoughts

Though I did not board MSC Seashore anticipating all of the negative complaints to be true, I was surprised at how much I genuinely loved my cruise on this beautiful ship!

I found the quality of the food, both complimentary and specialty, and service to be quite high. Food, however, is subjective; my favorite dish might be someone else's least favorite. 

When it came to the entertainment offerings, I was disappointed with the productions in the theatre. Entertainment is something that Royal Caribbean is known for, and I do not believe that MSC lives up to them in this way! 

Overall, I would consider another MSC cruise in the future, as the value for what I got was exceptional! 

There’s nothing I hate more than checking a bag when I travel. From paying baggage fees to risking lost luggage, I find checking a bag to be more stress than it’s worth.

On my recent Alaska cruise, I packed everything I needed in a small carry-on suitcase and backpack, and I have no regrets about packing lightly for my vacation.

When I cruised to Alaska for the first time two years ago, I was overwhelmed with what to pack and ended up (gasp) checking a bag. Inside the bag I placed nearly every cold-weather outfit I could find in my closet and, unfortunately, I way overpacked.

After the hassle of lugging my suitcase around the airport, throughout Seattle, and to the cruise port, I swore I’d never check a bag for a cruise again. So when I cruised to Alaska just last week, I was determined to fit everything into a carry-on, and I’m so glad I did.

Here’s why you should use a carry-on bag to travel to Alaska, including a step-by-step method of what I packed in my bag for the cruise.

My carry-on suitcase and backpack provided more than enough space

Most airlines allow guests to bring both a carry-on suitcase and personal item on a flight. The combination of space in a suitcase and personal item-sized backpack allows me to fit everything I need for a weeklong cruise.

For my Alaska cruise, I used a standard-sized carry-on suitcase with four wheels. I always use hard-shelled suitcases as I find them sturdier and less prone to unexpected water damage while traveling. In addition, having four wheels as opposed to just two allows for easier handling while wheeling the suitcase around the airport.

For my personal item, I used this anti-theft backpack from Amazon. The backpack is made from water-resistant material and opens from a pocket against my back, lessening the risk of pickpockets while traveling through busy areas.

Not only does this backpack work perfectly as a personal item while flying, but it is the optimal bag for port days during a cruise. Its relatively small size and anti-theft features make it comfortable to wear in any cruise port.

Using packing cubes is the trick to packing for an Alaska cruise in a carry-on

Packing cubes are, by far, the best investment I’ve made for travel. My handy packing cubes have traveled the world with me throughout the past six years (as shown by their wear and tear) and I never travel without them.

Using packing cubes allows you to pack more into a small suitcase, as they condense the space your clothes take up in the bag. Saving space is critical when traveling with a carry-on, and I can easily stuff two times as many clothes in my bag while using packing cubes.

I packed three packing cubes in my carry-on suitcase—one for pants and dresses, one for shirts, and the other for undergarments and socks.

Here’s what I placed into each packing cube.

Packing Cube #1

In my first packing cube, I packed my formal outfits and pants. In total, I put nine items into the packing cube:

• 1 pair of blue jeans
• 1 pair of black jeans
• 2 pairs of yoga pants
• 1 pair of flowy patterned pants
• 2 dresses
• 1 jumpsuit
• 1 pajama shirt

I found the amount of pants and formal outfits I packed to be totally adequate for my weeklong cruise. In fact, I regretted bringing three formal outfits because I ended up dining at the buffet more than I thought I would—I only wore one of the outfits!

During port days, I mostly stuck to jeans as I didn’t have many active excursions planned, and I wore each pair two or three days during the cruise. While visiting Juneau, however, I wore yoga pants as I rented a bicycle.

Related: Alaska cruise outfits: ideas of what to wear

On sea days I stuck to my flowy patterned pants or yoga pants as they were much comfier to wear when lounging in the Solarium and attending activities.

Although it rains frequently in Alaska, I think packing waterproof pants is overkill. Jeans and athletic pants should work perfectly fine in most circumstances. If you’re traveling in the middle of summer, it may even be warm enough to pack a pair of shorts!

Packing Cube #2

My second packing cube is where I placed shirts and warm layers. In total, 11 items were packed into this packing cube:

• 2 workout shirts
• 3 pullovers
• 1 sweater
• 1 black t-shirt
• 3 miscellaneous shirts
• 1 pair of pajama shorts

Packing layers is essential on an Alaska cruise, and many first-time visitors to Alaska are concerned with which types of shirts to pack. After three Alaska cruises, I find I have a pretty good idea of what you should pack to be comfortable in all weather conditions.

The two workout shirts, my base layers, were useful to wear around the ship and when it was sunny outside in port. In the morning, I could put one of these shirts under a pullover, and when it got too hot, I was comfortable wearing just my short sleeve shirt and rain jacket.

Related: What should you bring on an Alaska cruise?

I brought three pullovers to act as my warm layer. Most days I skipped the base layer and just wore a pullover with my rain jacket.

Aside from the workout shirts and pullovers, the more fashionable shirts I packed were useful to wear around the ship and to dinner. With four of these shirts and a sweater, I had just enough to wear every day around the ship.

Packing Cube #3

My third packing cube is where I placed undergarments, socks, and my bathing suit. This packing cube is smaller than the other two, so it’s the perfect size for packing these smaller items.

Whereas on a Caribbean cruise I would pack at least two bathing suits, I only packed one on my Alaska cruise. Alaska is not, after all, a tropical beach destination, so I assumed I would spend far less time in a bathing suit compared to on a cruise to the Bahamas.

For any cruise, I recommend packing more underwear and socks than you think you’ll need. These items do not take up much space and it’s always better to have more than you need instead of not enough!

If you’re walking around a port and suddenly step in a large puddle, you’ll want to have an extra pair of socks handy to help keep your feet warm.

Water-resistant jacket

One of the most important items to pack for an Alaska cruise is a water-resistant jacket. Alaska’s weather is unpredictable, and it might rain every day of your cruise. Some days have just a light sprinkle whereas other days encounter heavy rainfall.

Wearing a rain jacket helps keep you dry while walking around the outer decks of your cruise ship and exploring port.

I usually travel to rainy destinations with my trusty REI rain jacket, so I panicked when I could not find the jacket while packing for my cruise. Fortunately, I had another water-resistant jacket to bring which, albeit useful, still did not hold up to the quality of my REI jacket. Nonetheless, any rain jacket is better than none!

To save on space, I did not pack my jacket in my carry-on. Instead, I wore it while traveling to Seattle and to the cruise port. Luckily, it was able to fit inside my backpack if I got too warm.

I ended up wearing this jacket every day during the cruise. Having a water-resistant jacket is essential and is much more comfortable than wearing plastic ponchos or holding umbrellas while walking around ports of call.

Pro tip: If your cruise stops in Ketchikan, take a look around the town’s souvenir shops for affordable rain jackets. You’ll find a huge variety of both lightweight and thermal rain jackets that will be perfect for the rest of your time in Alaska.

Toiletries

Inside my personal item backpack, I packed my toiletries—hair products, makeup, and other essentials. I put my liquid products into a plastic bag to avoid spillage and for easy handling at airport security.

In total, I packed:

• 1 shampoo bottle
• 2 conditioner bottles
• 1 toothpaste
• 1 antibacterial cream
• 1 sunscreen
• Razors
• Makeup
• Travel-size contact solution
• Contacts case and extra contacts
• Toothbrush
• Hairbrush

Because I was traveling with just a carry-on, I brought travel-size containers of liquid products like shampoo and contact solution. I find the amount of travel-size product to be perfect for a weeklong cruise, although I packed two conditioner bottles because I often run out when traveling with just one.

Related: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Additionally, packing sunscreen is recommended in Alaska even if the forecast shows clouds and rain every day. Bringing a small tube of antibacterial cream is helpful as well, as you never know when you might accidentally cut or injure yourself—avoiding infections is crucial!

I’ll admit I pack relatively light when it comes to makeup and other toiletries. Some cruisers may require far more hair products, bath products, and other items.

Electronics

Because I travel for work, I end up traveling with more electronics than most other passengers. Inside my backpack, I packed:

• 1 mirrorless camera and charger
• 1 DJI Pocket 2 video camera
• AirPods
• Laptop and charger
• 2 hard drives
• 1 European outlet adapter
• 1 USB hub with 4 slots
• 1 MicroSD card reader
• 1 camera lens cleaning cloth

If you’re not traveling with a camera, you probably only need to pack a few chargers for items like a phone or Kindle.

That being said, I recommend packing a USB hub as well. My USB hub has four USB cord spots, meaning I can charge four devices at once while using only one plug socket in the cabin. Some cruise cabins may have few outlets in the room, especially on older ships, so being able to charge more than one device at a time is helpful.

Passport and credit cards

Perhaps the most important thing to pack on any cruise is the necessary documentation to board the ship.

In my personal item backpack, I packed my passport and several credit cards into a protective case. I then put the passport into a sealed Ziploc bag and placed it into the front pocket of my backpack.

I’m always nervous about my passport accidentally getting wet, whether from the rain or something spilling on my bag. To avoid any mishaps, I always place it into a plastic bag so there is less chance of water damage.

Shoes

I brought five pairs of shoes on my Alaska cruise:

• 1 pair of black flip flops
• 1 pair of black flats
• 1 pair of white flats
• 1 pair of black Nike shoes
• 1 pair of white Puma shoes

As the photo implies, I stick to neutral shoe colors as they are much more versatile than colorful statement shoes. White or black shoes go with virtually any outfit, and part of packing with only a carry-on is knowing how to best mix and match pieces together. Neutral shoe colors make this a whole lot easier!

I wore my white tennis shoes on the plane, which meant I only had to fit four pairs of shoes in my suitcase. The other shoes were relatively small—bringing ballet flats saved space compared to other types of dress shoes—I was able to fit them in the suitcase without any issues.

Related: 15 things you don’t need to bring on a cruise

While I didn’t wear the flip flops in port in Alaska, I was glad to have them for use onboard. Sometimes it’s just easier to quickly put on flip flops before heading to the buffet or the pool instead of tennis shoes. Having them handy is convenient, even when cruising to a cold-weather destination.

As far as tennis shoes, I recommend bringing water-resistant shoes. My mom, who traveled with me on this cruise, packed a mesh/cloth-style shoe and regretted it almost immediately. These types of tennis shoes get wet very easily in the rain or when walking on a wet surface. Bringing water-resistant shoes—those with a harder shell—will be more comfortable on rainy days.

Why you should cruise to Alaska with just a carry-on bag

Packing for a cruise with a small carry-on suitcase might seem ridiculous, but it’s a better idea than you think.

If you’re flying to a cruise port, checking a bag is a huge hassle. Even if you get a free checked bag with a particular airline, it still adds unnecessary stress to the mix. If your bag does not make it on your plane, which may happen with short layovers, you might have to board the ship without your luggage.

Plus, traveling with a large suitcase makes it more difficult to transit from the airport to the cruise port. You may have to call an Uber XL instead of a normal car, and it makes navigating transit like buses and trains much more difficult.

Truthfully, you don’t need as many clothes as you think on an Alaska cruise. Unlike in the Caribbean, you won’t (hopefully) be sweating nearly as much, which means your clothes will stay cleaner longer.

Because of this, you can easily wear the same outfit twice during the week, although I find I always have enough space in a carry-on to pack a new outfit for every day.

Plus, if worse comes to worst, you can always pay for laundry services on the cruise ship, and a bag of laundry will still be cheaper than roundtrip baggage fees.

The bottom line

Overall, I have no regrets about packing for my Alaska cruise using only a carry-on suitcase. Doing so gave me more flexibility at the airport and when traveling to port, as I could easily fit on public transport and did not have to wait at baggage claim.

I never felt like I was running out of clothes, as I had more than enough shirts and pants to wear both in port and onboard. There were a few items I did not end up wearing during the cruise even with such light packing!

I’m not sure I’ll ever check a bag when I cruise, as I can’t imagine needing more than what I can fit in my carry-on and backpack. Whether in Alaska, the Caribbean, or Europe, I’ll always prefer the convenience of a carry-on.

Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship is now available for booking. 

The 3- and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral onboard Utopia of the Seas can be booked through Royal Caribbean's website, with the first sailing in July 2024. The current bookings are open through April 2025. 

Utopia of the Seas will sail year-round from Port Canaveral, with every sailing visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's private island destination in The Bahamas. 

The inaugural sailing is listed as July 22, 2024 and is a 4-night cruise that sails to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Pricing starts at $1,112 per person for an interior stateroom, $1,152 for an ocean view stateroom, $1,217 for a balcony stateroom, and $2,686 for a suite. 

The next sailing is July 26, 2024 and is a 3-night cruise to The Bahamas, with an interior cabin starting at $802 per person. 

The ship, which is larger than older Oasis Class vessels, will measure 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 ft. in length. This means that she will be slightly larger than the current largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas. 

Additionally, Utopia of the Seas will have a capacity of 5,668 passengers at double occupancy. 

Here's what to look forward to on Utopia of the Seas

Brand-new dining venues and bars

There are some Royal Caribbean staples found onboard every ship in the fleet, such as Chops Grille and Schooner Bar. At the same time, Royal Caribbean strives to provide passengers with new experiences to keep them wanting to come back time and time again.

Utopia of the Seas is no exception.

Onboard, you will find some bars and restaurants that, when launched, will not be available on any other Royal Caribbean ship, including the brand-new Pesky Parrot bar in the Royal Promenade.  

This venue is a new-to-brand Caribbean tiki bar that will serve tropical beverages, both frozen and on the rocks, and take the place of the Bionic Bar. 

Likewise, Utopia of the Seas will be the first ship to have the immersive train car dining experience. While little is known about this specialty dining venue, it further the brand's goal to move towards new food and beverage concepts to differentiate restaurants from being just another place for dinner.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas will also be the only Oasis Class ship to have Izumi located in Central Park, meaning that you will be able to indulge in fresh sushi al fresco while listening to live music under the stars.

Plus, for those in a hurry, you can take advantage of Izumi in the Park, which is a grab-and-go window that will also serve fun sweet treats. Note that Icon of the Seas will also have the same concept when she launches in January 2024. 

Up on the pool deck, guests will find three complimentary dining options, including the brand-new poolside food truck, to grab a bite to eat at after enjoying one of the five pools, eight hot tubs, or three water slides. Plus, there will be a three-story Lime and Coconut bar. 

New staterooms

There will be 2,834 staterooms onboard Utopia of the Seas to choose from, including the standard interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins. Some interior cabins, however, will be designed a little bit differently. In addition to the traditional rectangular shape, select inside staterooms on Utopia of the Seas will be in a square layout, meaning that they will have more floor space. 

There will also be new suites. The Solarium Suites will be located on Deck 14 above each bridge wing, and according to Royal Caribbean, they will be similar to the Ultimate Panoramic Suites that are found on Oasis of the Seas and offer guests 280 degree views of the ocean from the large living space. While they will not include a private balcony, they will incorporate the infinite balcony concept that will be new to the brand on Icon of the Seas. 

Moreover, the cruise line is introducing the Sky Junior Suite. Unlike traditional Junior Suites, these staterooms will be located within the suite neighborhood and receive Sky Class benefits. On other Oasis Class ships, standard Junior Suites are in the Sea Class.

This means that you will receive an even more enhanced cruising experience, with perks such as complimentary wi-fi, all-day dining in Coastal Kitchen, and access to the exclusive suites-only deck. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

And while not new, you will be able to book the impressive Ultimate Family Suite, which will have three bedrooms, expansive corner balcony, an in-suite cinema, table tennis, and two-story slide. The Royal Loft Suite will be receiving some upgrades, too, such as the brand-new outdoor shower and spa tub in the primary bathroom. 

Return of the neighborhood concept

Fans of Oasis Class ships know that Royal Caribbean invented the neighborhood concept when Oasis of the Seas launched in 2009. Essentially, they divided the ship into distinct areas that offer guests different atmospheres. What you will find, for instance, in the Royal Promenade will differ from the Boardwalk, Central Park, and Pool and Sports Zone. 

The same neighborhoods will be found onboard Utopia of the Seas, including the Suite neighborhood that debuted on Wonder of the Seas:

• The Royal Promenade 
• Pool and Sports Zone
• The Boardwalk, which will be the ending point of the longest dry slide at sea
• Central Park

• Vitality Spa & Fitness
• Youth Zone
• Suite Neighborhood 
• Entertainment Place

Utopia of the Seas construction 

Utopia of the Seas is currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. It has been a little over a year since construction began in April 2022. 

Unless Royal Caribbean decides to order another Oasis Class ship, this will be the last ship constructed for this class. It appears as though the cruise line is pivoting towards focusing on the upcoming Icon Class, which is their first new class of ship since Quantum of the Seas launched in 2014. 

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Royal Caribbean ships are known for having some of the most thrilling activities at sea, including zip lines, surfing and skydiving simulators, ice skating rinks, bumper cars, and more. 

However, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line, is more upscale and offers guests a more refined cruising experience than you would find onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

Plus, they now offer the ability to bundle your initial cruise fare to make it more inclusive, meaning that you will not have to worry about adding each cruise-add on after booking. Currently, the All Included rate only includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, and Classic Drinks Package. They advertise that this saves you anywhere from $200 to $800. 

Celebrity Cruises was originally founded by the Chandris Group in Greece in 1988 and was acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 1997, meaning that the two brands have shared the same holding company for over twenty years!

And while the two brands may have the same parent company, there are some things that you will not find onboard any Celebrity cruise ship in the fleet. 

Smoking in the casino

Regardless of which ship you sail on, smoking is not permitted in the casino onboard any Celebrity ship. 

As a reminder, smoking is not allowed in the cabins either, even if you have a balcony. If you are caught violating their smoking policy, a $250 cleaning fee will be charged to your onboard account. 

It is, of course, permitted in designated outdoor areas. There are identifiable by signage. Plus, ashtrays will be available for smoking use. 

A teppanyaki restaurant

Izumi Hibachi is available onboard select Royal Caribbean ships. Here, passengers may elect to pay extra for this teppanyaki specialty dining experience. The price is usually somewhere around $50 if purchased in advance via the Cruise Planner for dinner. 

There is not a teppanyaki restaurant onboard Celebrity ships. They do, however, have sushi restaurants. Like Izumi, dining here is not included in the cost of your cruise fare. The a la carte pricing ranges anywhere from $4 for edamame to around $10 per roll. 

Plus, they have other specialty restaurants to choose from, so you will not go hungry or be without options!

Onboard thrills

One of the biggest differences between and Celebrity cruise and a Royal Caribbean cruise is that you will not find any WOW factor thrills onboard Celebrity ships. They lack water slides, rock walls, any kind of ice or roller skating rink, etc. This contributes to the more upscale environment. 

If you have children who like staying active and bouncing from activity to activity, this is something you should consider. They may not enjoy spending a week onboard a ship without those kinds of things to keep them occupied. 

They do have youth programming called Camp at Sea, though! They offer complimentary activities for children  ranging from three-years-old to seventeen -- think of things like games, arts and crafts, video game and sports tournaments, and even slumber parties!

If you drop your children off outside of the complimentary hours (i.e.,  9:00am to 12:00pm, 2:00 to 5:00pm, and 7:00 to 10:00pm), you will be subject to paying an additional $6 per hour per child. 

Private islands

Visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay is a must for many cruisers sailing to the Caribbean or Bahamas. It certainly lives up to the WOW factors that their ships deliver, as you will find a water park, zip line, exclusive beach club, and even hot air balloon on the island. 

In other words, you can make your day whatever you want it to be. Of course, not all activities are included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, which is something to be mindful of when planning your cruise budget. The water park, for instance, usually costs over $100 per person, as does the Coco Beach Club.

It is important to note that Celebrity ships do not visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. In fact, they do not have a private island of their own! 

While Labadee, Haiti is also a private destination owned by Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity ships are going to stop sailing here in 2024. Per their website, "Please Note: While we don't currently sail to Labadee Haiti you can still discover the beauty of the Caribbean on a Southern Caribbean Cruise."

Utopia of the Seas will be the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class when she launches in 2024, making her one of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

As an Oasis Class ship, she will be smaller than Icon of the Seas; however, that does not mean that the ship will not be packed to the brim with ways for passengers to relax, dine, and more.

Reservations are now open for booking for Utopia of the Seas.

Here is a look at everything we know about the sixth Oasis Class vessel. 

How big is Utopia of the Seas?

Once completed, Utopia of the Seas will measure 236,860 gross registered tons and 1,188 ft. in length, meaning that she will be of a similar size to Wonder of the Seas versus older Oasis Class vessels. 

Moreover, she will have a capacity of 5,668 passengers at double occupancy split between 2,834 staterooms. 

Where will Utopia of the Seas sail from?

Being that Utopia will be the first Oasis Class cruise ship to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas, or LNG, it makes sense that her homeport will be Port Canaveral, Florida.

LNG is the cleanest fossil fuel that can power ships today. It has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by around 30%, sulfur emissions by nearly 100%, and nitrogen oxide emissions by around 85%.

Related: Which Royal Caribbean ships are powered by LNG?

Where will Utopia of the Seas sail to?

In a first for Royal Caribbean, Utopia will enter service offering just short cruises. Typically, new cruise ships start off with 7-night sailings, but Royal Caribbean wants to market Utopia to attract the new-to-cruises passengers.

Utopia of the Seas will make 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau and their private island: Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

The strategy is to attract people who have never taken a cruise before, and are tepid to try a week-long sailing. By offering short cruises on a brand new ship, Royal Caribbean is better these folks will see Utopia as a heads-and-shoulders superior choice to try a cruise.

The inaugural voyage is slated for July 19, 2024, and will be a 3-night cruise to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing will depart on July 22, 2024, and will be a 4-night cruise to The Bahamas. 

Utopia of the Seas neighborhoods & layout

Utopia of the Seas isn't the last ship in the record-breaking Oasis Class, as Royal Caribbean ordered a seventh ship that's scheduled to be delivered in 2028. The order is contingent upon financing, but it's expected to be completed later in 2024. 

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said, "While we eagerly anticipate the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas this summer, we’re already dreaming up her sister ship and the next installation in the brand’s extremely popular Oasis Class."

Of course, Royal Caribbean would not debut the biggest and boldest Oasis Class ship without making some modifications, meaning that there will be some venues, staterooms, and other features not found on any other Oasis vessel in the fleet. 

Related: Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships

Like other Oasis Class ships, Utopia of the Seas will have the following neighborhoods:

1. The Boardwalk, where guests will find the fan-favorite Playmakers, carousel, and, of course, AquaTheater. 
2. Pool & Sports Zone, which will feature a Caribbean-style pool deck and a three-story Lime and Coconut Bar. 
3. Central Park, where guests will find the only Izumi in the Park on any Oasis Class ship. This is a concept taken from Icon of the Seas. 
4. The Royal Promenade, the main thoroughfare on Utopia of the Seas.
5. Entertainment Place, the entertainment hub of all Oasis Class vessels. Here, you can find the comedy club, casino, theatre, etc. 
6. Youth Zone, which is home to Adventure Ocean programming, an arcade ($), and teen club.
7. Vitality Spa & Fitness, Royal Caribbean's signature spa that offers treatments and services ranging from pedicures to bamboo massages. The fitness center is available at no extra cost. 
8. Suite Neighborhood, which is a carry-over from Wonder of the Seas. This is an exclusive enclave for suite guests who are hoping to enhance their cruising experience. 

Utopia of the Seas dining

In total, there will be over 40 ways to drink and dine when onboard the ship, ranging from the complimentary Windjammer to brand-new concepts, such as Royal Railway - Utopia Station and Pesky Parrot bar. Plus, you will be able to enjoy 16 cuisines from around the world. 

With 10 complimentary dining options, it is possible to not spend a penny extra on dining outside of what is included in your base fare. Start your mornings at the Windjammer and grab a snack at the full-size food truck before indulging in a three-course meal at the Main Dining Room. 

With 11 specialty venues, however, you may want to splurge on sushi in Central Park (a first on any Oasis Class ship), bar food at Playmakers, southern comfort dishes at The Mason Jar, and more. 

Utopia of the Seas complimentary dining options:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• The Spare Tire, a poolside food truck that will increase the total number of dining options on the pool deck to three
• Park Café
• Cafe Promenadé
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Sprinkles for ice cream
• Coastal Kitchen (suites only)
• Room service (continental breakfast only)
• Johnny Rockets (breakfast only)

Utopia of the Seas specialty dining options:

• Chops Grille, which will now be connected to the Trellis Bar 
• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar with outdoor Gio’s Terrazza overlooking the Boardwalk
• Royal Railway - Utopia Station, an immersive train car experience
• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi / Izumi in the Park
• Hooked Seafood
• 150 Central Park
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• Starbucks
• Johnny Rockets (lunch and dinner)
• The Mason Jar
• Chef’s Table

Utopia of the Seas bars & lounges

Utopia of the Seas has no shortage of bars and lounges for guests to explore. Some fan favorites are returning, like Playmakers, Boleros, and the Schooner Bar. 

Replacing the Bionic Bar, however, will be the Pesky Parrot, a new-to-brand Caribbean tiki bar that will serve tropical beverages, both frozen and on the rocks. 

Bars and lounges on Wonder of the Seas include:

• Schooner Bar
• Trellis Bar
• Boleros
• Rising Tide Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Bell and Barely Pub
• Wipe Out Bar
• The Attic
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
• The Lime and Coconut
• Pesky Parrot
• Music Hall
• Spotlight Karaoke 
• Cantina Fresca
• The Vue

Activities onboard Utopia of the Seas

Like Wonder of the Seas, there will only be one Flowrider on Utopia. In place of the other one will be a redesigned playscape. This themed playground will feature climbing walls, nets, games, puzzles, and slides for younger guests. 

Likewise, there will be mini-golf, two rock walls, a zip line, and the longest Ultimate Abyss yet, which will be 43 feet longer than previous incarnations. This will make it the longest dry slide at sea. Plus, it has been reworked to be even faster than previous ones! 

The Ultimate Abyss will have 300 LED lights, transparent windows, and zoom booster rollers, which will give riders a thrilling exit onto the Boardwalk.

Related: 7 new things coming to Utopia of the Seas, including a giant slide and train restaurant

In terms of the casino, Utopia will have two that will have a combined 371 slot machines! The standard casino, which will permit smoking, will have roughly 539 seats, while the non-smoking casino will have about 64. 

Other activities onboard Utopia of the Seas:

• Adults-only Solarium 
  • Utopia of the Seas will feature two new Solarium Suites. These suites, measuring 839 square feet and accommodating up to four guests, will feature an infinite verandah design with 280-degree ocean views. 
• Adventure Ocean programming
• Suites-only sun deck with a private pool that overlooks the ocean
• Music Hall 
• Adults-only comedy venue, The Attic 
• Perfect Storm water slides 
• Three pools on the top deck, two of which are resort-style, while the third will have a sloping entry 
• Studio B ice skating rink
• Royal Theater for unique and Broadway-style productions 
• Splashaway Bay

Entertainment on Utopia of the Seas

The entertainment options for Utopia of the Seas were announced on June 18, 2024.

New shows that guests can expect to see include:

• Aqua80Too: "AquaTheater show with 80s hits." This is a sequel to Oasis of the Seas' Aqua80 show.
• Youtopia: "Fantastical ice skating show"
• All In!: "High-tech Royal Theater original production"

There will not be a Broadway musical on Utopia of the Seas.

Utopia of the Seas will also offer new themed parties, like:

• Rezolution: "Dance party with epic light projections"
• Royal Kappa Chi: "Throwback collegiate party"
• Silent Toga!: "Toga party with a silent twist"
• Hey Utopia!: "Poolside party to kick off the weekend"
• Senses Sunset Pool Party: "Chill vibes, epic music, and magnificent sunsets"
• Plunge Day Pool Party: "Vegas-inspired daytime party"

Royal Caribbean's newest ship will feature well-loved game shows and parties from other Royal Caribbean ships, such as:

• Crazy Quest
• Majority Rules
• Battle of the Sexes
• Friendly Feud
• 18+ late-night club, Red
• Shush! Silent Party
• Spotlight Karaoke

Utopia of the Seas construction

Utopia of the Seas was under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship began construction in April 2022.

When will Utopia of the Seas be delivered?

Utopia of the Seas was delivered to Royal Caribbean on June 13, 2024.

Cruise ship delivery is the transfer of ownership of the ship from the shipyard to the buyer, in this case, Royal Caribbean. This marks an important milestone in the construction process.

Delivery, however, does not mean the ship begins sailing with passengers in spring 2024. Wonder of the Seas, for example, was delivered to Royal Caribbean in January 2022, but her inaugural sailing was not until March 4, 2022.

Are you a fan of short cruises? You're about to get that option on a new Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean announced that its newest Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, will sail short cruises year-round from Port Canaveral in summer 2024.

This is a significant change in Royal Caribbean's launch of a new ship. Typically, new Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer 7-night cruises, with older ships offering short weekend cruises.

Utopia will break away from that model and begin sailing with short cruises, which could be a pivot aimed at attracting new cruisers who want a shorter first sailing.

This means every sailing will visit Royal Caribbean's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay, which the cruise line thinks will add a great deal of value for guests by including one of the most popular Caribbean ports of call that Royal Caribbean has at the moment.

The trips will also bring stops in Nassau in the Bahamas. 

Allure of the Seas will begin the trend of offering short cruises on on Oasis Class ship when she starts up those offerings in November 2023.

Utopia opens for bookings on Royal Caribbean’s website as soon as Friday, June 23. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members can book on Thursday, June 22. In practice, it has been our experience there is no difference between these dates as to when you can book if you use a travel agent.

What's different about Utopia of the Seas

Being the sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas will have a few notable differences from her sister Oasis Class ships.

Utopia will have 5 pools, 3 water slides, 21 dining venues, 23 bars, 2 casinos, and 8 hot tubs.

Utopia of the Seas will be different from any other Oasis Class ship, including Wonder of the Seas, in that she will feature the brand-new Pesky Parrot bar. This will be located in the Royal Promenade on Deck 5, effectively replacing Bionic Bar. 

The Pesky Parrot is a new bar with a Caribbean flair. You'll find fruit-based beverages made with rum, tequila and gin.

The Mason Jar will return on Utopia of the Seas.  Mason Jar was a new Southern American restaurant concept that first debuted on Wonder of the Seas.

In fact, Utopia has much more in common with Wonder than other Oasis Class ships.

Utopia will have the Vue Bar, Playscape for kids, one FlowRider, El Loco Fresh, and an expansive suite deck.

Likewise, guests will not find Izumi on Deck 4. Rather, this is where the Immersive Train Dining Experience will be located. 

Drawing inspiration from the allure of classic trains and their iconic dining cars, this new specialty restaurant will allow guests to dine in a restaurant that looks like a classic train car, complete with sights and sounds that are meant to immerse you in this fantasy.

Royal Caribbean is calling it an "immersive experience" because it combines visuals and food together.

Related: Royal Caribbean will add new immersive dining experience to Utopia of the Seas

Do not worry, sushi lovers! Fan-favorite Izumi will still be available on Utopia of the Seas.

The dining venue will be located on Deck 8 and will replace where Wonder of the Seas has Giovanni's Wine Bar and Kitchen. Moreover, the brand-new Izumi in the Park concept will be here, too. 

Izumi will have double the teppanyaki tables and new al fresco seating.

Izumi in the Park is a new option that Royal Caribbean initially developed for Icon of the Seas, and it will continue with Utopia.

Wonderland, however, is being removed from the ship. Royal Caribbean is moving Giovanni's Wine Bar and Kitchen to Deck 11 and 12, replacing the imaginative restaurant. 

Now spanning two stories, this restaurant has been reworked and has a new outside terrace – Gio’s Terrazza – that overlooks the signature Boardwalk.

Related: I spent $60 to eat at Royal Caribbean’s most bizarre restaurant. I thought I would hate it, but it was one of the best meals of my cruise

Other dining favorites will return on Utopia, such as Chops Grille, Hooked Seafood and 150 Central Park.

Utopia of the Seas will also be the only Oasis Class ship to feature two Solarium Suites, which will be found on Deck 14 above each bridge wing (i.e., one suite on the port side of the ship and one on the starboard side).

According to Royal Caribbean, these staterooms will be similar to the Ultimate Panoramic Suites that are found on Oasis of the Seas.

The Royal Loft Suite has a master loft and a downstairs bedroom that can accommodate up to 6 guests.

And Utopia will also have its own Ultimate Family Suite, which has three bedrooms, an in-suite cinema, corner balcony, table tennis, and two-story slide.

Deck 15 will feature a Poolside Food Truck, giving guests lounging by the pool another quick-service dining option.  

Finally, Sprinkles ice cream station will be bigger than ever, with three flavors to choose from and a new sprinkles bar.

Coming in 2024

Utopia of the Seas is finalizing the construction process before she can begin sailing in 2024.

The new ship is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. 

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth Oasis Class cruise ship, and will be the second new cruise ship Royal Caribbean launches in 2024.  Icon of the Seas will debut in January 2024.

Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship has made it out to sea.

Icon of the Seas left her pier at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland to commence her sea trials.

Icon of the Seas will be conducting week-long series of sea trials where the ship's maneuvering and onboard technology are tested in real-life conditions.

There are over 450 specialists on the ship to carry out crucial, preliminary tests with Icon’s main engines, hull, lifeboats, thrusters and more.

This is the first sea trial for Icon, and this round will prepare the vessel for the second round of sea trials later this year. That is when Royal Caribbean says the ship will be, "pushed to its limits".

Before you pack your bags, there's still quite a bit of time left before she is ready to take on passengers.

Icon still needs plenty of work and fine tuning, and she's not slated to have her first cruise with paying passengers until January 2024.

On a webinar last week, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about the excitement building now for Icon, "I think for all of the teams who've been involved in Icon for the past five years, the excitement level is beginning to really increase. You can feel it."

The shipyard is equally excited for the sea trials beginning, "We are once again very happy that we get to celebrate yet another significant achievement, as Icon leaves the outfitting pier for the first time, and continues her journey through the Turku archipelago towards the sea."

Not only is Icon of the Seas a new ship, but it it's a new direction for what a cruise ship can offer families on a vacation.

The ship is packed with just about everything Royal Caribbean thinks families will want on their trip.

There's a water park, more pools than ever, lots of new dining choices, adult-only spaces, an entire neighborhood for kids and more superlatives than you can associate with a cruise ship.

What are sea trials?

Sea trials are tests of a cruise ship's navigational and technical systems, which are the final part of cruise ship construction prior to delivery.

Everything from the ship's propulsion, to navigation, to engines are tested before it can be ready to join the fleet.

Sea trials range in duration, sometimes one or two sessions is common.

The sea trials are conducted with a combination of Royal Caribbean crew members, as well as shipyard workers. 

Happy Sunday! I would like to wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day! Hope you get to have a relaxing and fun-filled day with your family!

Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the latest Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean is poised to release more information on Utopia of the Seas.

The cruise line has not yet announced where Utopia will sail from, her itineraries, or any other details. But that will change next week.

Royal Caribbean posted a countdown teasing a release of information to be posted on June 20.

Royal Caribbean News

• Celebrity Cruises released details about its biggest ship yet: Celebrity Ascent
• World's biggest YouTuber takes over Royal Caribbean cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean hires Bahamian business leader for head of new Bahamas beach club
• The Ultimate Family Townhouse is sold out for 2024 and costs $80,000 per week
• How can you win that Royal Up stateroom upgrade bid? It's pure luck
• 10 Reasons people leave their cruise ship vacation disappointed
• How to beat the crowds on your cruise ship

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 502nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available with small tweaks to how you cruise.

By doing things slightly differently, you can get a better overall cruise experience. Try these tips on your next sailing.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

New RCB Video: 15 ways board your cruise ship faster!

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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 — 15 ways board your cruise ship faster! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Icon of the Seas will begin her sea trials this weekend

Icon of the Seas is approaching the next step on her journey towards completion.

Icon will depart from the Turku shipyard for the first time ever during the weekend.

Sea trials are when the ship's engines and systems are powered on to evaluate its performance.

Things you'll notice when cruising on the newest cruise ship

Sailing on a new cruise ship vs an old ship there are certain nuances you can expect.

New cruise ships have much more modern aesthetics, along with other advantages.  But they also come with a higher price tag.

If you've only sailed on older ships, or are simply curious what makes a new ship different from an older ship, here's a rundown of what to expect.

10 ways I saved money on my Alaska cruise

Given how expensive excursions are in Alaska, it’s easy to break the budget on an Alaska cruise.

From exploring ports without shore excursions to taking advantage of onboard discounts, it's easy to save money on my Alaska cruise without feeling like you're missing out.

Check out our list of 10 easy ways to save money on an Alaska cruise.

Pros and Cons of booking a cruise early vs last-minute

What are the best reasons to book a cruise super early or at the very last minute?

Both options offer have their benefits, whether saving money by booking far in advance or coming across a last-minute cruise deal.

We've got a look at the pros and cons of booking your cruise late and early to help determine which option works best for you.

When you begin planning your cruise, thoughts of what could go wrong are probably nowhere to be found-- nobody wants to go on a disappointing vacation!

While cruises are a popular vacation choice, if you do not manage your expectations and plan accordingly, you might find yourself wishing that chose something else.

Here are 10 reasons why people leave their cruise ship vacation disappointed and how you can ensure that you have a positive cruise experience! 

They chose the wrong cruise ship 

As of May 2023, Royal Caribbean has 26 ships in their fleet. When the highly-anticipated Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024, this will increase their fleet size to 27. That means that are over two dozen ships for you to choose for your vacation. 

Picking the right ship matters. Do you want a more intimate cruising experience? If so, you will like the environment of smaller ships. They also tend to visit more unique ports of call. 

Note, though, that these ships tend to be older. If having newer amenities is important to you, you should spend some time researching whether Royal Caribbean has revitalized the ship or not. 

Perhaps you want your schedule to be jam-packed with activities. In that case, select one of today's mega ships that feature activities such as surfing and skydiving simulators, ice skating rinks, water slides, and more. 

Related: I sailed on Royal Caribbean’s newest and oldest cruise ships: here's what it's like to cruise on each

They did not utilize a travel agent 

Whether you have a lot of questions about the cruising industry or are a cruise veteran, booking with a travel agent is the best way to go. 

They are a great resource for any question that you may have, such as ship amenities, cabin select, specialty dining and shore excursion recommendations, and more. 

Outside of the cruise, they can handle other logistical arrangements, too, such as pre-cruise flights and hotels. 

In short, booking with a travel agent will save you time, as you will not have to worry about doing all of the research yourself. 

Related: Top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation

They did not understand what was included in Royal Caribbean's base fare

Your Royal Caribbean cruise fare, unfortunately, is not all-inclusive. It includes unlimited food at certain venues, select beverages, entertainment, accommodations, and transportation between ports. Anything out of that will cost you extra. It is important to keep that in mind when setting your cruise budget. 

These option add-ons include alcoholic and select non-alcoholic beverages, specialty dining experiences, shore excursions, spa treatments, and some onboard activities. 

Royal Caribbean charges for their escape rooms, lessons on the FlowRider surf simulator, Royal Babies & Tots Nursery services, as well as riding the North Star on a sea day. 

Related: Is Royal Caribbean all inclusive? 

They forgot to book cruise add-ons in advance 

Speaking of add-ons, you will want to make sure that you book them in advance! If you wait until you board the ship, not only will you find higher prices, but some experiences (i.e., specialty restaurants) will have limited availability. 

As soon as you place the deposit for your Royal Caribbean cruise, you will gain access to the Cruise Planner, which is where you will book all extras, including internet and drink packages, shore excursions, spa treatments, arcade credits, classes, and more. 

The prices on the Cruise Planner are less than they will be on the ship, as Royal Caribbean often has sales and promotions that make it worthwhile to check the Cruise Planner every so often. You never know when you will find an incredible deal on a drink package or specialty restaurant-- sometimes as much as 40% off onboard pricing. 

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site

They selected the wrong dining time 

When you book your cruise, you will be prompted to select one of three dining options: early, late, or My Time. The first two are part of the traditional cruise experience, while the latter is the more flexible option. 

If you select the early or late seating, you will be seated at the same time each night of the cruise with the same table mates and wait staff, meaning that they will be able to learn your preferences throughout the trip! 

On the other hand, those that may not want to stick to a set schedule will prefer My Time Dining, which allows passengers to make reservations ahead of time for the Main Dining Room that work well with their onboard and onshore plans.

If you would like, you can also just head to the Main Dining Room once onboard when hunger strikes. Note, though, that you may face a wait if you do this!

With My Time Dining, you will not be seated at the same table each evening, as you are placed wherever there is an opening when you arrive. 

Dining times only apply to the Main Dining Room's dinner service, so you can go to the buffet for dinner at anytime during their dinner hours. Similarly, you will not have to select a time for breakfast because it is first-come, first-served!

Related: Royal Caribbean My Time Dining versus Traditional Dining

They selected the wrong cabin and/or cabin location

Royal Caribbean has a variety of cabin categories, ranging from interior rooms with no natural sunlight to multi-story suites. 

For some, an interior cabin may be the obvious option because they can allocate funds to other vacation expenses. On the other hand, the budget of someone else may mean that they are able to splurge on a suite. 

If you are traveling with a family, consider the benefits of booking two cabins for the extra space, even if this means two inside cabins instead of one balcony. Do you think the extra space and two bathrooms will make your cruise better? Would you be okay stepping over everyone's stuff for a week in a single cabin? 

In addition to the stateroom category, you will need to determine where you want it to be located. If you have a preference, stray from selecting a guarantee cabin, as your room will be automatically assigned by Royal Caribbean closer to sailing based on what is available. 

Are you someone sailing with young children or who likes to return to your cabin earlier in the evening? If so, staterooms that are near popular late-night venues might keep you awake longer than you would like. 

Likewise, cabins near elevator banks are subject to more noise, as they have more people passing by. 

Related: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

They did not expect for there to be large crowds

Cruise ships can hold thousands of passengers at once. In fact, when Icon of the Seas launches, she will have a maximum passenger capacity of 7,600 guests! That being said, there are moments where your cruise will feel crowded, beginning on embarkation day when you arrive at the terminal. 

Once onboard, you may encounter a long line at the buffet, packed elevators, or even a lack of pool chairs on a sea day. 

There are some things that you can do to mitigate how often you will interact with large crowds. You can, for instance, dine outside of peak hours, take the stairs, visit the pool deck in the morning or late afternoon, and venture outside of the area adjacent to the cruise terminal in ports of call. 

They did not familiarize themselves with ship lingo

You will hear the words "aft," "forward," "stern," "bow," "starboard," and "port" while on your cruise vacation. Taking the time to learn what these terms mean prior to embarkation will prevent you from getting lost and frustrated. 

If you hear port port and starboard, know that these are are directional terms used to indicate the left and right side of the ship relative to the bow. This means that, regardless of which way you are physically facing, they never change.

The bow is the ship's forward most part, and the stern is the rear of the ship opposite from the bow. Forward and aft refer to location; forward is the front of the ship and the aft is the rear. 

If you decide not to worry about any of the above terms, at least understand what "ship time" is!

When a cruise itinerary crosses through timezones, the ship keeps the same time of the departure port; it does not matter if the local time is an hour ahead or behind!

Failing to learn and adhere to ship time could result in your missing your ship, even if you thought you had time to get back. 

They did not purchase cruise travel insurance 

When you book your cruise, you will be asked if you want to purchase travel insurance. This provides coverage for things such as travel delays, medical emergencies, and luggage mishaps.

Travel insurance is meant to provide peace of mind in the event that something unfortunate occurs while on your cruise vacation. Pricing is dependent on the total trip cost and ranges from $39 to $1,799! 

If your trip, for instance, costs $2,400, purchasing insurance through Royal Caribbean will cost you $199. 

Royal Caribbean offers one tier of travel insurance that is underwritten by Arch Insurance Company. Note that if you are a resident of New York State, this policy is not available to you. 

Below is what is covered by the policy:

• Trip Interruption: Up to 150% of total trip cost if you can't start or finish your cruise vacation because you're sick or hurt, there's a death in the family or another covered reason.
• Trip Delay: Up to $2,000 ($250 per day) for catch-up expenses
• Missed Connection: Up to $300 if you miss your trip departure for covered reasons by three hours or more. 
• Accident and Sickness Medical: up to $25,000 if you get hurt and $25,000 if you get sick on your cruise vacation.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to $50,000 if you need emergency medical transportation during your vacation. 
• Baggage Protection and Delay: Up to $1,500 if your bags are lost, stolen, or damaged and up to $500 to buy necessary personal items if your bags are delayed.

You never know when (or if) anything will happen, but if you find yourself in an unlucky situation, you will certainly be disappointed that you opted to save the few hundred dollars and pass on the insurance. 

Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?

They did not research the ports of call in advance 

To make the most out of your time in each port, you should spend time researching what shore excursions are available. You do not want to miss out on any once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. 

If you are sailing to the Caribbean, you might be surprised at what adventurous tours are offered, such as zip lining through jungles, taking an ATV tour of the coast, and more. You do not have to spend each day on the beach (although, there is nothing wrong with that!). 

When you begin searching, You do not have to book anything immediately. If, however, you see a tour that you want to do, it is best to go ahead and make your reservation, as you never know how popular the tour will be with other cruisers; it may sell out closer to the sail date!

You do not want to be scrambling to figure out what you are doing the night before you dock! You may find that certain experiences are sold out, leaving you with whatever is still available. 

Related: Your really dumb cruise ship shore excursion questions answered

Royal Caribbean's stateroom bidding upgrade program is quite popular because it offers the opportunity to get a bigger (and arguably better) cabin for less than if you booked it outright.  But how can you increase your chances to actually win the upgrade?

Among the frequently asked Royal Caribbean cruise questions we get on this site, how to win a Royal Up bid is among the top queries.

At some point before your cruise, you should get an email from Royal Caribbean alerting you to the option to bid for a room upgrade. Depending on which category of room you have booked, there is usually a variety of bigger and more opulent cabin choices to consider.

The allure of getting a nicer stateroom for a fraction of the normal cost tantalizes many guests, and the obvious next question is how to increase the chances of actually winning a Royal Up bid.

How RoyalUp works

When you get the email, you have the option of entering a Royal Up bid yourself or through your travel agent.

This program is similar to a silent auction, where the cruise line sets a minimum bid, and you can go up in price from there.

Any submitted offer is for the entire stay and applies to the first two people on the reservation. If your reservation includes multiple guests (between 2 and 5 passengers), the offer amount submitted will be per guest but only for the first and second guest on the reservation.

As an example, a $500 stateroom upgrade bid (if accepted) would result in a $1,000 charge.

When considering a bid amount, the website rates your bid, although it seems to universally increase your chance tied to the dollar amount. As you might imagine, it will make you think a higher bid is a better bid.

In reality, you have no idea what anyone else bid.  So there is absolutely no way to know how competitive your bid truly is, and whom you are competing against.

Unlike an auction on eBay where you can see the top bid so far, there's no such way with Royal Up.

It's important to remember that Royal Up is a mechanism for the cruise line to sell unsold cruise ship cabins, especially if there's a last minute cancellation.

The most important fact to realize about Royal Up is just because you get a bidding opportunity does not mean there is a cabin available to upgrade to.

While upgrading to unsold cabins is one part of the process, it seems more common for Royal Caribbean to leverage bids when someone cancels a reservation close to the sail date.

In short, RoyalUp is kind of a "black box" where guests don't have any insight into the logic of how winning bids are selected.  In addition, there's no indication when a bid will be selected. It's possible your bid could be active all the way until your ship departs.

It's all luck

In trying to answer the question of how to increase your chances of winning a Royal Up bid, the answer is simply luck.

In my experience trying out RoyalUp myself and talking with many other cruise fans, it's quite clear that there is no consistent strategy to actually winning a bid.

If you're in an inside room and trying to bid to a cabin category that has a lot of availability and less demand, such as an oceanview or balcony, your chances are probably a bit higher at winning a bid since there's more inventory of those types of cabins.

Suites, on the other hand, are tough to win because everyone on the ship dreams of moving up to a suite.  Combine that with the limited suite inventory, and you have a rather low chance at winning.

In comparing winning bids shared by past cruisers, there's even less consistency as to which strategy works best. There are winning bids for a minimum bid amount, as well as winning bids for a maximum amount.

To further validate these observations, I reached out to a few travel agents and asked them what their experience has been with their clients winning a stateroom upgrade bid.

Jenn Greene, a Travel Planner with MEI Travel, called the bidding program "random" when describing it to her clients, "Royal Up is completely random. I let clients know that it’s more like a lottery than a guarantee. And that if you really want it bid high. With ships sailing full, I am seeing less opportunities for clients to bid."

Mindy Breitman, a Travel Advisor for Cruise Planners, also couldn't find any patterns for her clients to benefit from, " I consider it a silent auction - totally random. I had two people on the same exact sailing bid for the same exact category and the same bid amount. One got the Royal up the other didn’t."

Sharla Manglass, a Travel Planner with MEI Travel, looks at a few variables that could swing your chances one way or another, "First- availability of staterooms that will fit your party size on the ship. Not all staterooms will sleep 3 or 4, and there are sometimes even capacity restrictions due to regulations."

"Royal Up success also depends on overall ship capacity. On a recent cruise for myself, the entire ship was sold out, so obviously no bids were accepted, even though we were offered them."

The experiences from these travel agents backs up what many cruise fans have shared over the years as well.

In short, treat Royal Up like a scratch off lotto game: it's fun to give it a try, but you should expect to lose and certainly don't make plans based on you winning.