Royal Caribbean Blog

Just last week, I traveled on a 3-night cruise on Freedom of the Seas, sailing from Miami to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.

Originally launched in 2006, Freedom of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship and one of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships. She boasts 15 decks and a capacity for 4,635 guests. 

In 2020, Freedom did undergo a $116 million Royal Amplification, receiving upgrades to the pool deck, water slides, and new dining venues.

The ship itself holds 1,963 staterooms, and my home for the cruise was located on the 8th deck. 

My girlfriend and I stayed in a 214-square-foot deluxe balcony room for the length of the cruise.

We opted for a guarantee stateroom, selecting a lower price in exchange for an assigned room, rather than choosing one ourselves. 

The total price of the fare was $2,021.68, breaking down to $336.95 per night per person.

When the time came for our cabin to be assigned, we were lucky enough to get a deluxe balcony room with a gorgeous view.

Our stateroom was midship on deck 8, the perfect location to avoid seasickness. 

This location also gave us enough proximity to the Windjammer and pool on deck 11 and the Royal Promenade on deck 5 that we barely had to use the elevators. We only had to take a few flights of stairs to reach our destination. 

When we first opened the cabin door, we were greeted with a spacious room with a long gray couch and a queen-sized bed.

The room’s space is most visible in its length, stretching from the cabin’s front door to the back door leading to the balcony.

The floor between the couch and the deck/vanity was also wide enough that we could leave our luggage right there. 

We chose to leave the suitcases open on the floor instead of unpacking fully and still had enough space to walk about them.

From the cabin and its amenities, I could tell that Freedom of the Seas was an older ship. The features seemed run-down: lights flickered before fully turning on, and I found rips in the towels and stains on the sheets.

To the right of the stateroom door was the small bathroom. Where the stateroom had surprised me by its size, the bathroom felt pinched. 

The curved room was barely large enough for two people to use at the same time—we had to take turns brushing our teeth!

And the shower was even smaller, with only enough space for one person to stand in. However, I was satisfied with the water pressure and hot temperatures.

The sink and counter, although small, did have enough shelf space for our 3-night cruise. Two cups under the mirror served to hold our toothbrushes and toothpaste. 

The mirror was wide, and the counter was thin but long enough that we could spread our items out. However, I think we would have struggled to fit all our toiletries if we had been on a longer trip.

To the left of the stateroom door, we found a large closet with several shelves, a safe, and hangers for our larger clothes. The closet had enough floor space to store several pairs of shoes.

Directly behind that closet faced a floor-length mirror and the desk and vanity space opposite that.

The desk was long enough to hold makeup, jewelry, and multiple bags during our cruise. We also found shelves behind the vanity mirror.

Beside the mirror, we found a small TV. This TV wasn’t a smart TV, so we weren’t able to Chromecast or stream from our phones like I have on previous cruises. However, it had a few free channels available for viewing. 

The mini-fridge (or cooler, rather) was located underneath the TV. Although it was not a fridge cooling system, it kept food and drinks cold enough to store for a couple days.

Facing the desk was the long couch, large enough that I could have laid down to nap on it. However, the bed was so comfortable that we never felt the need to.

The highlight of this room was its large, comfortable bed. Although I found a few stains on the sheets, it was soft and restful for our stay.

Two large paintings above the bed brightened the room, adding to an already relaxing atmosphere with the cabin’s natural light.

On either side of the bed were two nightstands with lamps above them. 

They had helpful drawers and shelving but no charging ports other than one USB port on the phone. We had to plug in most of our devices by the desk. 

After unpacking, we met our stateroom attendant, Alex, who came and cleaned the room once a day. He usually left behind towels folded into cute animals, as well.

Lastly, at the very end of the room was our balcony door. Although heavy and hard to push open and close, the door led to a beautiful view.

The balcony held a small, round table and two deck chairs that could be adjusted to recline. 

The view itself was unbeatable: ocean water during the day and clear, starry skies at night. I also loved that we could wake up on port days and see the island right outside our window.

We also found that the cabin was peaceful and quiet: even when we sat on the balcony, we barely heard noises from other cabins. 

I’m someone who loves sunlight and natural views, so having the balcony attachment made the room so much more enjoyable. After experiencing my first balcony room, I don’t know if I could go back! 

The room felt large and luxurious. I loved this stateroom, from the size of the cabin, the beautiful balcony, and its convenient location in the middle of deck 8. 

I found that I didn’t experience any seasickness in the middle of the ship, and we enjoyed time spent relaxing in our room and on the balcony. 

Although we chose not to order room service, my girlfriend and I often brought back food from the Windjammer or leftovers from other restaurants and enjoyed our time eating in the stateroom.

After planning a cruise vacation for months or years, the last thing you want to do is come home wishing you had done something you could have done.

Cruise ships are packed with a great deal of things to do, and then there's the fun to be had on shore. It's easy to list it all now, but when you get on the ship time becomes fleeting and you could miss out on a few things on your personal "must-do" list.

Whether you ran out of time, neglected to walk over, or were too timid to give it a shot, there are plenty of things you might regret not doing on a cruise.

I asked our readers what is one thing they regret not trying on a cruise to get a sense of the top things they would love a chance to do over again.

1. Wonderland

Whimsical or weird?

Ben wrote, "I’ve been on Anthem a few times and haven’t tried Wonderland. I heard it’s not everyone’s favorite but I feel I need to try it at least once."

Wonderland is indeed a different kind of restaurant. It's loosely based on the "Alice in Wonderland" story and the food and service are anything but conventional.

Read more: 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.

2. Ice show

Royal Caribbean's ice skating shows are an impressive feat of skill and poise, but some may overlook it.

Judy Carson wrote, "Going to the ice show. We miss it time and time again."

Admittedly, ice skating may not sound like something you absolutely need to see, but I'm always impressed by these shows because of how well put together they are. The choreography, music, and of course abilities of the skaters really stand out.

3. Zip line

Having done the zip line on Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships, I can see why some might sidestep a visit.

Located on the back of the ship on the Sports Deck, they can develop long lines and it's directly in the sun. During the warmer months of the year, it can get very hot out there.

And then there's the chasm below you must traverse during the ride, which may give guests some trepidation about giving it a try.

"The zip line. Hours way too short," is what Jennifer Allred said.  

Steve Welker also lamented not going on it, "Zip line, maybe one day!"

And don't forget about the zip line in Labadee, which is significantly longer than the one on the ships.

Suzanne SG wrote, "I did over 30 cruises and finally did the zip line on Labadee! Why I waited till my 60s is a mystery, but happy I finally did it! Loved it!"

4. Love & Marriage game show

Royal Caribbean's version of the Newlywed Game, the Love & Marriage game show came up on our reader's list of regrets.

"IK missed the Love and Marriage show for the first time in my life," wrote Andrea Toth.

"I regret missing it. It was in the afternoon and I was busy but I did regret not going."

5. Helicopter tour

On his Alaska cruise, Rich Harrington listed not taking a helicopter tour.

Alaska's glaciers are an incredible sight, and the best way to see them is by helicopter or seaplane. They are, however, quite pricey. Usually, the price of a helicopter ride starts at $500 per person.

If you can get past the price, the access these rides give you is unparalleled. You'll fly up and land on a glacier and explore the ice caves or take a dog sled ride.

6. FlowRider

Is surfing your thing? You won't know until you try.

Andrew Maiewski shared, "While I know I would fail miserably at FlowRider surfing. I still have yet to try body boarding, which I kinda want to do."

With the FlowRider, you can try stand-up surfing or boogie boarding, and there's no cost. It's simply first come, first surf.

Read more: I learned how to surf on a weekend cruise. Here is my advice if you want to try it too

7. Booking a balcony cabin in Alaska

Is it worth spending extra for a balcony room on an Alaska cruise?

Connie Jackson seems to think so, "Balcony cabin on my Alaska cruise" is what she listed as a regret.

If you have a balcony cabin in Alaska, you can more easily pop out from your cabin to see the beautiful scenery passing by. It's certainly more convenient than going out to a public deck.

Read more: Best cabins to book for an Alaska cruise

8. Rock climbing

One of Royal Caribbean's signature onboard activities is the rock wall, and it's something I have yet to try either!

Chris Buchner wrote, "Rock climbing!! Did it on my last cruise, and I regret not trying it many cruises ago!"

Sandra Roof added, "My husband finally did the rock wall last week. He's 53 and in great shape. He flew up that wall on the hardest one. The attendant even said he made it look to easy. I was proud of him."

No matter how far up the wall you make it, going up the rock wall is a good test of your own personal endurance and a fun challenge too.

9. Taking it easy

Sometimes the best thing to do on a cruise is nothing at all.

Rebecca Jackson posted, "Slowing down a bit and relaxing."

Getting away from it all is a major draw of any cruise, and with all of the fun activities onboard, it's easy to lose sight of just enjoying time away from the daily routine.

Whether that comes in the form of sitting in a lounger by the pool, taking an afternoon nap, or reading a book, there are plenty of ways to not do much while on a cruise.

10. Diving

A few readers shared they regretted not giving scuba or snorkel dives a try on their cruise.

Both Justin White and Daniella Price wrote they wish they had a chance to try an underwater dive on their cruise.

Royal Caribbean sometimes offers scuba classes onboard so that guests can then work towards their certification, including a dive in one of their upcoming ports.

There's almost always snorkeling or other underwater excursions offered in Caribbean ports as well.

11. Sleeping in

I'm guilty of not getting enough sleep on a cruise, but that's because of how much fun there is to try!

Maxine Bucholtz wrote, "More sleep!!" and I agree it's difficult to find the motivation to sleep when there's so much happening around you.

The FOMO (fear of missing out) is real on a cruise. You'll see a daily list of activities jam packed with things to do, along with exciting ports, and opportunities to go out with friends and family.

However, taking the time to sleep in and relax is important too. It's a good idea to pick a day, set the alarm late, and embrace rolling out of your cabin well into the double-digit times.

12. Karaoke

Mustering the strength to stand in front of a room full of strangers and belt out a tune is not as simple as it sounds.

A few readers had karaoke on their list of regrets, saying they would have liked to give it a try.

You'll find karaoke on almost every night of the cruise, and it's really popular. In fact, even if you want to try it, you'll need to act quickly because so many people do karaoke that it often fills up quickly.

13. Ultimate Abyss

Royal Caribbean's signature dry slide may seem daunting, but a lot of readers regret not giving it a try.

The Ultimate Abyss is 10 stories long and puts you in the dark as you descend through the twists and turns while riding a mat.

On Utopia of the Seas, the Ultimate Abyss slide is even longer and adds a few tweaks.

In addition to it being longer, the slide on Utopia has rollers to bump up your speed as you go along and a section where you're going to be able to see the other rider. 

14. Water slides

Many readers also had the water slides on the ship they were on previously as something they wish they had done.

You'll find water slides on most Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and they are a fun (and free) activity you can try.

As you might imagine, the lines do get long, but they are as fun as they look.

My advice for being able to do the water slides without as long of a wait is to go on embarkation day. Pack your swimsuit in your carry-on bag and go right when you get on the ship. 

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

15. Watching the sunset

Collene Felts listed not watching the sunset from an upper deck as her regret, and I think sunsets at sea are so beautiful to see.

While photos usually come out nice, it just doesn't do it justice.

They're great for a selfie, or to just take in the moment. It's one of those surreal moments to just enjoy life on a cruise ship and take it all in.

16. Booking a suite

A few people regretted not spending more to book a Royal Caribbean suite.

Tim Lott wrote buying a suite as something he wanted to do, and Dayna Richards responded, "We had one of the rear facing suites on Harmony of the Sea. When it came time to disembark, we were escorted past the entire passport line. We were out of there in five minutes. My husband said we will ‘always book a suite from now on. "

Gwendolyn Salzman added, "A suite! But, I could do a couple cruises for the price of one suite. So, I chose the lower priced cabins so I can cruise more often."

Certainly, the perks of a suite are impressive, and it's a lovely way to spend your time while on a cruise. Between the larger living space in your cabin to the services provided by the concierge, the experience will spoil you.

Read more: I cruised in a suite for the first time. Here are 5 things I learned from the experience–and 3 I'd do differently next time

17. Skeet shooting

Whether he meant this in jest or not, R.D. Wheeldon had skeet shooting on his list and he missed out on this activity by about 30 years or so.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, you could shoot clay pigeons off the back of a cruise ship. That's right, you'd be given a shotgun to shoot targets off the back of a ship.

The practice came to an end at some point in the 80s or 90s, but it was something you could have done back in the day.

Read more: 9 cruise ship activities Royal Caribbean abandoned

18. Skypad

A few readers wish they had the opportunity to try the Skypad before Royal Caribbean closed it.

Greg Brockman wrote, "I wish I had tried SkyPad before it closed."

The Sky Pad was a trampoline where guests put on a virtual reality visor to engage in a game as they jump. 

Once inside, participants bounced up and down on the trampolines with the aid of the bungee cords. As you jumped on the trampoline, you jumped in the game. 

Similar to the FlowRider surf simulator and sky diving simulator, it was meant to offer guests a gravity-defying fun top deck experience.

19. Not buying the drink package

In retrospect, Jennifer Stoeckeler wishes she had bought Royal Caribbean's drink package to help curtail costs, "I regretted not buying the drinks package. So many pretty cocktails. If I went on another I would. Cruising is great!"

A few others had drink packages on their list because it ensures you have a fixed price for all the drinks you care to enjoy onboard.

Royal Caribbean has three primary drink packages to cater to various tastes, and while the cost is high up-front, it is truly unlimited once onboard the ship.

There are a few ways to get a discount on a Royal Caribbean drink package so you don't have to pay top dollar for it.

20. Different drinks

Speaking of drinks, Cheryl Watt wished she tried a wider variety of drinks.

It's easy to fall into the rut of ordering the same familiar drinks on any cruise. Sharon Birmingham combats this by actually having a list of drinks to try when she cruises.

Here's our list of 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package.

21. Back to back cruises

What's better than going on a cruise? Going on two cruises in a row!

Bev Taylor and Chris Gonterman listed a back-to-back cruise as their cruise regret.

When someone says they are doing a back-to-back cruise, it means they are doing multiple cruises in a row on the same ship.

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Even the most organized travelers should make a list of last minute things to do prior to their cruise vacation. You don't want to show up to the port and realize that you left an important document at home!

Plus, it is not as easy to run out and pick up something, like medication, if it were left behind. When you are on the ship, you are not a short drive away from a drug or megastore, such as Target or Walgreens. 

To save yourself the last minute panic, here are 12 last minute things that you should check off of your list before your next cruise vacation. 

1. Pack your passport or birth certificate and government-issued form of identification 

Being denied boarding would surely put a damper on your cruise vacation. Without a passport or birth certificate and government-issued form of identification, you will not be able to set sail. These documents are checked prior to embarkation, so it is crucial that you ensure that they're packed in your carry-on luggage. 

If you are going on a closed-loop cruise, or one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port, you are able to use a birth certificate. Sailings that are one-way or depart from outside of the United States, however, require that you have a valid passport. 

It is important to research what documents your specific cruise requires before you book. If, for instance, you book a last minute cruise from Anchorage to Vancouver thinking that you can sail without a passport, you are sure to be disappointed upon arriving at the cruise terminal. 

Read more: Guide to cruising with a birth certificate

2. Complete the online-check in process

If you have yet to do so, you will want to set aside a couple of minutes to complete Royal Caribbean's online check-in process, so you do not have to worry about it on embarkation day. 

The online check-in process opens 45 days prior to your cruise departure date, and it is recommended that you put a notification on your calendar of the exact date check-in opens, so you can complete it as soon as possible. This will ensure that you get your first pick of arrival times, too. 

To complete the online check-in process, you will need the following things on hand:

• Personal information (i.e., legal name, birthday, and address) for each passenger
• Identification document information for each passenger
• A picture of each passenger (note that there are requirements that the picture has to meet; any selfie won't suffice)
• Crown & Anchor Society membership number
• Credit/debit card to link to your onboard expense account

3. Get your favorite over-the-counter medications

If you are like me, then you probably have a preference when it comes to certain over-the-counter medications. I am a huge fan of Advil Liqui-Gels versus other types of pain relievers, so I always make sure that I have them packed for any vacation! Maybe you prefer Bonine over Dramamine to help cure symptoms of seasickness. 

Inventory is limited on a cruise ship. In other words, you won't find a fully stocked pharmacy onboard. Plus, the prices will be higher than what you would pay if you were to purchase everything beforehand at a store on land. 

The hope is that nobody in your travel party falls ill while on vacation. Life, however, does happen, and it is better to be prepared! This is why you should also make sure that you pack cold and flu medication, like DayQuil or Tylenol Cold + Flu, which will enable you to treat your symptoms at any hour of the day. 

Other first-aid-related items to pack are band-aids, including those intended to specifically treat blisters, cough drops, toothache gel, antacids for heartburn and indigestion relief, and eye drops. 

4. Print your cruise luggage tags 

Once you finish checking in for your Royal Caribbean cruise, you will be able to print your luggage tags. These help crew members know where to drop your suitcases off once they are loaded onto the ship. 

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will be greeted by porters, who will take your larger bags. While they have paper tags that are ready to be filled out, printing your own ahead of time will help streamline the embarkation process. The faster you get through the physical part of check-in, the sooner you will be onboard and officially starting your vacation!

Don't worry, though-- if you don't have plastic luggage tag holders, the porter will have a stapler on hand! They can, however, be purchased on Amazon for around $6 for a pack of four! If you plan on frequently cruising, they are a great investment, as luggage tag holders can be used time and time again on all your future Royal Caribbean sailings. 

Read more: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Please note that we have included a link to an Amazon item above, which contains 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 it. 

5. Download the Royal Caribbean app

The Royal Caribbean app will be a useful tool during your vacation, even before it begins! Through the application, you can access your SetSail Pass, which is what is scanned prior to you getting on the ship since you don't get your SeaPass until you are able to access your stateroom. 

Once onboard, the app is where you will find the daily schedule with activities, restaurant times, and more. You can also use it to keep track of your onboard spending, connect to the ship's wi-fi, and book shore excursions and specialty restaurant reservations. 

Downloading the app ahead of time will allow you to get your bearings with it before you get to the cruise terminal.

6. Make any last-minute pre-cruise bookings through Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner 

Passengers are able to access Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website up to 48 hours before their sail date, meaning that if it is the week before your cruise is scheduled to depart, you can still take advantage of booking cruise add-ons from the comfort of your own home! 

While options will be more limited (i.e., you probably won't be able to secure prime-time My Time Dining spots), you will not have to worry about spending time making reservations on embarkation day. 

While those who booked a dining package will have to wait in line, if you are just interested in one specialty restaurant, it would behoove you to book it ahead of time, as the lines can get relatively long on the first day with everyone scrambling to book the rest of their restaurants. 

Plus, onboard pricing will be more expensive! You can typically score a Royal Caribbean drink package for less by purchasing it in advance. Another benefit to doing so prior to your cruise is that you can begin taking advantage of it the second you step on the ship. 

Read more: Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port

7. If Royal Caribbean's shore excursions don't appeal to you, research options offered by third parties

Hopefully you have your shore excursions lined up in advance. If, however, time slipped away from you, take some time to research each of the ports that you are visiting. Maybe your ideal excursion through Royal Caribbean sold out in advance, and you need to find a backup option through an independent tour operator. 

It is best to have all of this lined up before you board, especially if you are planning on cruising without internet access.

That being said, if you have booked any third-party excursions, make sure that you print out any documents that are needed in advance. You may want to write down the meeting point or phone number of the tour operator, too. 

8. Get cash from your bank

Your SeaPass card will act as your credit card while onboard the ship, meaning that you won't have to worry about keeping your cards or cash on you when making purchases at a bar or merchandise shop. 

While in port, however, you will need to have local currency. Some vendors will not accept credit cards, and even if they do, you might be faced with hefty foreign transaction fees. For that reason, it is always best to have cash on hand to help pay for things like taxis, local restaurants and cafes, museum entrance fees, beach chair rentals, and souvenirs. 

Cruise ships have ATMs onboard; however, they have some fairly expensive fees. If you find yourself in a situation where you need more cash, you can theoretically take money out via the casino by loading money into a slot machine. The amount you select will be charged to your onboard account. Then, you can simply cash out before actually gambling and visit the cashier.

9. Prepare your embarkation carry-on bag

As mentioned earlier, when you arrive at the cruise terminal, your larger bags will be collected by a porter.

This is why it is essential that you have a carry-on bag with you where you can keep your boarding documents (i.e., passports, birth certificates, etc.), as well as any medication, electronics, jewelry, and anything else that you want on your person. You won't have access to your bags until they are delivered later in the afternoon. 

For those traveling with children, pack some toys, light snacks (i.e., crackers or goldfish), books, diapers, and a change of clothes. You will want them to be entertained while you're waiting to finish the physical check-in process, as well as throughout the day before you're able to enter your cabin for an afternoon nap. 

10. Check the weather forecast

One of the most important aspects of pre-cruise planning is making sure that you are packing efficiently! 

The weather is something that's subject to change at any moment. Even if you checked it when you packed a week ago, you will want to check it one more time before heading out the door. Maybe a random cold front will be blowing in during your cruise to The Bahamas or it will be unseasonably rainy in the middle of June on your Alaskan cruise. 

11. Watch a tour of your ship on YouTube

The best way to acquaint yourself with your specific ship ahead of time, especially if it's a new-to-you class of ship that you've never sailed on before, is by watching a tour online. Here at Royal Caribbean Blog, you can find a tour of almost every ship in the fleet on our YouTube channel.

Of course, it is recommended to get a feel for the ship you are booking ahead of time. What if, for instance, you are hoping that it has a certain dining venue or onboard activity? You may be disappointed upon boarding to find that the ship you are on lacks the amenities everyone in your travel party was looking forward to. 

Even if you have done your research, ship tours will often reveal hidden secrets about the ship. Maybe there's a quiet space for you to escape the crowds, such as the shuffleboard alcove off the running track onboard Symphony of the Seas.

12. If you're an e-book user, download books ahead of time

There's nothing quite like catching up on your reading list while sailing on the open ocean. Cruise ships have libraries onboard, but the selection can often be limited. If you are in the middle of a certain series, you are better off either bringing your own copies or downloading them on your e-reader ahead of time, especially if you are foregoing wi-fi. 

If you are traveling with children, you'll want to ensure that you have their toys packed, too. While Royal Caribbean's onboard shops do sell some, the selection is limited to mostly branded options. Plus, they are on the pricier side!

Some of the best benefits Royal Caribbean gives its most loyal customers begin at the Diamond tier.

Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program, the Crown and Anchor Society, has a few different tiers with great benefits. However, the Diamond tier is noticeably the most sought-after tier to reach, and for good reasons.

Once you reach 80 cruise points with Royal Caribbean you will be at the Diamond tier and this is when the well-worth loyalty benefits begin, and there are a variety of different ways to enhance your cruise once you hit Diamond status.

No need to worry about enrolling in the loyalty program since you are automatically enrolled when you start cruising with Royal Caribbean and will accrue cruise points.

Re-think buying the drink package 

While a Royal Caribbean drink package can be a good value and an amazing treat, sometimes as a Diamond member it may not make sense to purchase the drink package.

Royal Caribbean offers four complimentary drinks each day to each Diamond member up to $14 each. This is a big savings, especially if you are cruising with your partner then it can add up to $112 of free drinks each day of your cruise.

A pro tip is for each guest of drinking age to bring a bottle of wine or champagne from home onboard to have at dinner. On embarkation day, each guest is allowed to bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne.

Also, being Diamond status you get a complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee beverage (excludes Starbucks) when you buy a specialty restaurant dinner. This is a nice bonus since those delicious lattes can be pricy nowadays, at sea and on land! Another nice benefit is access to the Diamond Lounge's fresh brewed coffee and cappuccinos. I enjoy a nice cappuccino over the standard free coffee guests can get in other areas onboard. 

It is worth noting to make sure to ask your waiter to add your Diamond drink vouchers when ordering your free drinks. This also applies to any loyalty discount you use.

More savings on drinks as Diamond status are two 50% off vouchers for the purchase of any glass of wine, beer, or soda and the one time per sailing 20% percent voucher off any glass of wine, beer, or soda.

After all of these savings, I find myself buying the rest of my drinks with my SeaPass card and I actually save money skipping the drink package, that way I can spend the saved money on an excursion or a cooking class instead. But of course, if you are drinking enough each day, the deluxe drinking package can be a good value for you. 

Take advantage of balcony and suite discounts

Being Diamond tier you get a greater discount on balcony and suite cabins. This may sway your decision on booking an inside cabin vs a balcony cabin.

You can save up to $125 on 3-5 night sailings, $225 on 6-9 night sailings, and $325 on 10+ night sailings.

To get the best deal book your cruise more than 6 months in advance, the savings drop when you sail within 6 months of your booking date.

Attend exclusive events 

There are a couple of onboard events you can attend as a Diamond member. These include a top tier event on sailings 5 nights or more for Platinum loyalty tier (30 cruise points) and above and a nightly happy hour in the Diamond lounge exclusively for Diamond guests which has light appetizers and a social ambiance.

The Diamond Lounge is also open during the day so you can go in and enjoy a coffee or tea at any time. In the lounge, there is a Diamond Concierge to assist with any special needs or requests during your sailing, which can be helpful when lines are long at guest services.

At the top tier event, you will get a speech from the Captain, Hotel Director, and Cruise Director, while enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne. They recognize new Pinnacle members and top cruisers onboard.

Also on sailings 5 nights or more, there is an Up Close & Personal with Our Entertainment Family Event. These events are something new to try onboard and I recommend checking it out if you haven't yet. 

Read more: 11 of our favorite under-the-radar Crown & Anchor perks

Make sure to get a photo

I always make sure to stop at a photo opportunity onboard or at a port to let the talented photographers take a photo since Diamond members receive a complimentary photo from your existing printed photo selection.

This perk is another per person perk so if you are with your partner you will get two free photos. Prices can be $20 or more for certain photo sizes so this also can be great savings if you are looking for photos to take home.

Use the ship internet

Diamond guests get one free day of Voom internet or price equivalent discount on any onboard internet package for one device.

With this, you have a day to connect with family back home or check in. It is nice to have this on a sea day so you get one full day of access.

Use free casino credits

I am not a huge gambler, but I sure will take a free $6 in free play credits for the casino on the ship.

You can use this at the slot machines and it cannot be used towards table games. You never know - you could turn that $6 into $200!

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

Youth Benefits

If you have children with you, they share the same tier as you, as their parent until they turn 18. Most Diamond perks are aimed at adults but there are a few perks your kids can get that will save you money. These perks include:

• 50% off one scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream on ships that feature Ben & Jerry's onboard. Valid twice per sailing.
• 4 free daily non-alcoholic drinks up to $14 (excludes Starbucks)
• 1 free day of SURF+STREAM internet
• Buy one get one free movie rental in your stateroom

Bottom line

There are more Diamond benefits you can take advantage of but these are some great highlights that can enhance your Royal Caribbean cruise!

If you are someone who sticks with Royal Caribbean exclusively then it is achievable to reach Diamond status. You need to reach 80 cruise points to get to the Diamond tier, you get one point for every night you sail in a regular stateroom and two points for each night in a suite.  

If you do the quick math, if you take a seven-night cruise once a year in a cabin that isn't a suite, it will take you 12 years to reach Diamond. Of course, if you book a suite it will be half the time since you get double cruise points.

Being a Diamond member makes cruising on Royal Caribbean even more appealing with the great perks that come along with the status. Diamond Plus is the next loyalty tier to reach above Diamond needing 175 cruise points and the benefits become even greater.

Read more: The cost benefits of Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society onboard discounts

Happy weekend! We have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share with all of you.

Some cruisers prefer a cruise that visits a lot of ports, citing their ship as a mode of transportation rather than a destination itself.

However, other cruisers prefer itineraries with a multitude of sea days, enjoying the ship’s activities and amenities. 

Which option suits you? To help make a decision, here are 7 reasons to avoid a port-heavy itinerary. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean cancels cruise on Vision of the Seas due to tropical storm
• Royal Caribbean takes a significant step towards sustainability by testing a new biofuel alternative
• The best things to eat on Wonder of the Seas
• What do people Google about Royal Caribbean?
• New Royal Caribbean ship, Utopia of the Seas, touches water for the first time
• Photos show what it was like to cruise on Royal Caribbean in the 1980s
• How much does a cruise cost? (2024)

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 513th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available at all our links.

Matt shares his thoughts on the reveal of the adults-only Hideaway Beach announced at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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.

Video: The biggest misconceptions people have about a cruise before sailing

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Check out the link to view our latest video: 10 things Royal Caribbean Rookie Cruisers Should Do!

Which cruise line is best? Fans say why they prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival

Cruise enthusiasts have various preferences when it comes to choosing a cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two of the biggest and most popular in the world, each offering fantastic options in dining, entertainment, amenities, attractions and overall onboard experience. 

Cruise fans on Reddit responded to the question, Why do you prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival?

Reddit users responded, sharing their preferences when it comes to atmosphere, dining, ship design, entertainment, and itineraries. 

I packed for a 7-day cruise and bringing this electronic was a total waste of space

For her first cruise, Calista packed for a 7-day trip. 

Packing properly for a cruise is important, as you’ll want to avoid overpacking. 

But on the other hand, you’ll want to remember everything you need. Prices are a lot higher once you’re onboard.

To prevent any overpacking or overpaying, Calista planned carefully and made a packing list.

While she made some good packing decisions, there was one item she regretted bringing: a laptop.

I paid $130 extra to upgrade my interior cabin to a spacious ocean view on Voyager of the Seas. Here's a tour of my cabin.

Angie recently cruised onboard Voyager of the Seas. 

She and her dad initially booked the cruise with a cheaper, interior guarantee cabin. Since the guarantee process means that Royal Caribbean assigns a cabin to the passenger, Angie was not able to select its location. 

But four days before their cruise, Angie and her dad decided to pay $130 to bid through the RoyalUp program for an upgraded cabin.

They ended up receiving a spacious oceanview stateroom: here’s a tour! 

I tried some of the best strategies to beat the chair hogs on my cruise. Here's how it went

Spending time at the pool deck is a highlight of cruising, but how can you ensure you get a seat?

Many cruisers complain about the epidemic of chair hogs at pool decks.

Chair hogs are people who leave their items on a chair but disappear for hours without using it.

On her recent cruise, Calista tried several strategies to beat the chair hogs. 

From spending extra money to waking up early, Calista shares how those tips worked for her. 

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship and has well over 20 restaurants you can try, and that means a lot of options to consider.

While preparing for my first cruise on Wonder of the Seas, I looked forward to many things: enjoying hot tubs, visiting new ports, and enjoying the view of the ocean.

However, one aspect of the journey took me by surprise once I set foot onboard: I had no idea how much I would enjoy the food offerings.

While I had heard whispers of praise about the food on Royal Caribbean ships, I kept my expectations low. Eating can be such a subjective experience that I didn’t want to judge based on the opinions of others.

However, I am a food-lover and an adventurous eater, so I boarded the ship ready to try all the different dishes I could.

Ultimately, all the options on the cruise exceeded my expectations. Throughout my seven-day cruise, I was blown away by the variety and flavor of the meals I tried.

From complimentary food at the Windjammer buffet to completely unique dishes at the specialty Wonderland venue, here at the 11 best dishes I can’t stop reminiscing about.

Tofu and avocado salad

Served on Caribbean night at the main dining room, this appetizer was offered on night 5 of our seven-day sailing.

It featured chilled tofu marinated in a honey and soy sauce tossed with plump grape tomatoes, ripe avocados, and white sesame seeds.

I love avocados and a good soy sauce salad dressing, so this dish hit the spot. The tofu even won me over, as it wasn’t too mushy to be stabbed with a fork.

I enjoyed that the whole dish was marinated and tasted sweet but savory. 

I did notice that the appetizers in the main dining room were usually very small, including this dish. I would have liked just a little more of this salad.  

Oceanic citrus 

My experience at the Wonderland restaurant involved unique dishes I had never seen before.

Based on the magical world of Alice in Wonderland, this eccentric restaurant features deconstructed food and ingredients combined in unique ways. 

The menu is divided into five natural elements: sun, ice, fire, sea, and earth.

The ice section served up some of the meal’s appetizers, and one dish in particular blew me away: the oceanic citrus.

This dish consisted of a hollowed-out lime stuffed with spicy tuna, topped with a floral yuzu granité, and garnished with a sprinkle of small orange roe (fish eggs). 

It was served on a plate of ice, complete with two small fish crackers. 

For reference, yuzu is an East Asian citrus fruit with a sour, tangy flavor, similar to a lemon, orange, or grapefruit. 

Granité is the French name for granita, an icy Italian dessert made from sugar, water, and flavorings. It had the texture of a Slushy but with that zesty yuzu flavor.

This had to be my favorite dish I tried on the entire ship: I still think about it to this day.

I loved the way the icy temperature of the sweet granita cooled down the spicy tuna below, balanced with the tangy citrus flavors. I ate it all the way down to the lime’s center. 

I should note, however, that I love both sour food and fish—if you don’t, this dish may not be for you. 

Escargot

While cooked snails are not everyone’s favorite, I rarely get the opportunity to try them. 

My travel companion, my sister, ordered the escargot in the main dining room one night.

Although I chose not to order the full dish, I had to taste some of hers and was pleasantly surprised. I had to rate this dish as one of the best for its rarity and tasty flavor. 

The snails are soaked in garlic and butter, and when combined with a bread roll for dipping, they don’t taste terrible. 

Since escargot doesn’t have a distinct flavor, the dish mainly tasted like garlic and salty butter, making this a salty, savory dish.

The only warning I will give anyone ready to try escargot for the first time is that the texture is exactly what you might expect from a cooked snail: chewy and a little slimy. 

Chicken fried rice

Although a specialty dining location—meaning you’ll have to pay extra—Izumi Hibachi offers a full dining experience that enhances the meal.

Guests sit around a table and observe the chef cooking on a large, centered grill. 

Our experience was hilariously interactive: the chef cracked jokes, asked about our day, and sang a few songs. The interactive experience kept us laughing and enjoying the food. 

But even without such an engaging adventure, I thought the food at Izumi Hibachi was delicious. 

When it comes to Asian food, I can be picky. Especially for a bowl of good fried rice, I believe it requires the perfect mix of temperature, rice texture, and flavor. 

When vegetables and meat are added, every ingredient has to be cooked perfectly.

And I loved Izumi’s fried rice. 

I found it warm, savory, and just a little spicy and kept praising it as we ate. I even asked for second serving! 

Beef stew

Even the complimentary offerings on my cruise exceeded my expecations. I really enjoyed meals at the Windjammer buffet hall for their convenience, ease, and unlimited buffet options.

There were plenty of hearty, filling dishes to choose from, a favorite being a flavorful, meaty beef stew.

Not only was this one of my favorites, but my sister also loved it, and I’ve since heard praises from other cruisers. 

This beef stew makes for the perfect filling lunch or dinner: mix it with rice, carrots, or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a hearty meal in the Windjammer.

Lime and Coconut cocktail

Only served at the Lime and Coconut bar on Navigator of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Icon of the Seas, this drink tantalized me with its sweet, tangy coconut flavor.

The drink is made with Malibu coconut rum, coconut syrup, coconut milk, lime juice, and Monin guava syrup.

I don’t always enjoy coconut-flavored products, but I ordered it on a whim after seeing it listed on the pool-side Lime and Coconut bar menu.

After I tried it once, I was addicted. The cocktail combines a perfect mix of sour lime, tangy guava, sweet coconut flavors, and fruity Malibu rum. 

The flavors left my mouth feeling tangy yet creamy, with a light kick of rum to warm my belly. 

It also came in a cute Malibu mini bucket I could take home as a souvenir. 

The Lime and Coconut was the perfect cocktail to sip by the pool or in the hot tub, completing the feeling of a luxurious Caribbean vacation. 

Jalepeño cornbread

As a Southerner, I was excited to try the Mason Jar’s specialty Southern dining. 

While I didn’t find all the dishes authentic, the appetizers—buttermilk biscuits and jalepeño cornbread—were hard to get wrong.

I loved the soft texture and warm bread, and the spicy jalepeño wasn't so strong that it overpowered the other flavors. There were still notes of sweet corn and a touch of salt.

The biscuits and cornbread came with both whipped honey butter and spicy Cajun butter, meaning we could choose a sweet or spicy experience. 

I opted for both, alternating between the two for a perfectly balanced appetizer. 

Barbeque chicken

One of the highlights of the Windjammer’s extensive buffet menu is that you can create your own meal. There are enough options that you can keep it unique and switch it up every time you attend. 

Personally, I love a good barbeque and was pleasantly surprised at the authentically smoky, meaty flavors in the Windjammer’s barbeque chicken. 

Every time I saw it served, I gathered a few legs on my plate and added some watermelon and corn on the cob or cheese nachos and green beans, crafting my summer barbeque menu. 

When I finished with some sweet fruit juice, I felt like my little chef, curating the perfect meal to enjoy.

Vegan chocolate ice cream

As a reluctantly lactose-intolerant person, I forced myself to stick to some dairy-free dishes while on my cruise. 

In the main dining room, they made every effort to serve food that fit within my diet. Our waiter told me they served a vegan ice cream, and I agreed to try it.

Made from coconut milk and available in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, this dessert was a pleasant treat for those who cannot have regular ice cream.

Of course, it didn’t compare to regular dairy milk. I found that the coconut milk became a little icy when frozen. 

Nevertheless, I felt grateful for the chance to have an ice cream that wouldn’t make my stomach hurt.

My favorite flavor of this ice cream was the chocolate, which mixed nicely with the coconut flavors in the base, creating a nutty, almond-like taste. 

Figs

Another highlight of the Windjammer was how unique the food offerings really were.

I expected a simple, continental hotel breakfast or a basic buffet serving hamburgers and fries.

On the contrary, there were a variety of options, ranging from Indian food to creme brulee. 

I always love fruit and trying unique fruits, and I was surprised to see figs being served for breakfast.

Figs are unique to me: I rarely have them, so I had to give them a try.

The figs were so sweet and juicy that I suspected they were doused in honey. They were perfect for a light, fancy breakfast. 

Cajun catfish

One of the Mason Jar’s standout dishes included the blackened Cajun freshwater catfish. 

This delicious entree came served with a sweet corn, lima bean, and cherry tomato succotash. There was also a circular serving of sweet potato mash to complete the dish. 

The catfish was a tender, grilled serving of two fish fillets. The fish had a fresh, salty flavor and a slight hint of Cajun spice.

I loved the fish’s salty flavor and found myself wishing for a larger serving. 

Sometimes, Royal Caribbean has to make the tough decision to cancel a sailing because of weather. 

This happened recently for two cruises onboard Radiance of the Seas due to a problem with the ship's propulsion.

Unlike the mechanical issue that forced Royal Caribbean to cancel the sailings to Alaska, another cancellation has been made due to the weather. 

Those who were scheduled to depart on Vision of the Seas on September 23 were notified that their sailing has been canceled due to Tropical Storm Ophelia. 

Read more: All about Vision Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean made the decision around 7:30pm EST on September 21. The update reads, "Along with our Chief Meteorologist, we’ve been closely monitoring a developing tropical storm bringing forecasted high winds and inclement weather in and around Baltimore, Maryland."

"Unfortunately, the weather will prevent us from safely conducting our upcoming cruise on Vision of the Seas, and we’ll have to cancel our September 23rd, 2023 sailing."

Nobody wants to hear that their highly-anticipated cruise has been canceled, and while compensation is never enough to heal the disappointment, it is a nice gesture made by the cruise line. 

Those who were supposed to set sail on Vision of the Seas tomorrow will receive a 100% refund, including taxes and fees, pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, shore excursions and any flights purchased through Royal Caribbean, and pre-purchased Royal Caribbean Travel Protection.

It will be refunded to the payment on file within 14 business days; however, they do say that some banking institutions may take longer.

If a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) was used to pay for the cruise, they will refund any new funds paid above the certificate amount. Plus, they will reinstate the original FCC certificate.

Moreover, everyone will get a 50% FCC to be used towards a future Royal Caribbean sailing that should arrive by September 29, 2023. The new cruise must be booked by December 31, 2023.

The 5-night cruise onboard the 78,340 gross registered ton vessel was scheduled to depart from Baltimore, Maryland and sail to Bermuda for an overnight stay. 

Read more: See how Royal Caribbean ships stack up by size (2023)

Where is Tropical Storm Ophelia 16 headed?

The National Hurricane Center released the newest forces for Tropical Storm Ophelia at 11:00am EST on September 22. Throughout this evening, tropical storm conditions are expected to impact parts of the southeastern and mid-Atlantic coast of the United States.

Swells generated by this storm system will affect the east coast throughout the weekend. Moreover, Tropical Storm Warnings have been put into place for portions of eastern North Carolina, as well as southeastern Virginia.  

Other impacts to Vision of the Seas

The forecasted weather conditions resulted in a cancellation of an entire cruise, rather than an adjusted itinerary as was the case for many cruises during Hurricane Lee.

In fact, Vision of the Seas was one of the ships impacted. Rather than depart Baltimore on September 14th, guests boarded the ship and set sail the following afternoon on September 15th. 

The September 9th sailing was modified, too. The ship returned to Baltimore one day earlier than scheduled. Moreover, rather than sail to Bermuda, guests cruised to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. 

Royal Caribbean started as a company in 1968, and by the 1980s, had made a name for itself with a small fleet of impressive cruise ships and had become an increasingly popular cruise line.

Song of Norway, Nordic Prince, and Sun Viking had lead the way for the company, and Song of America & Viking Serenade joined the fleet in 1982. By the end of the 80s, the new Sovereign Class would redefine what a cruise ship consisted of as it ushered in the first megaships.

Though the 1970s had concluded optimistically, the 1980s were ushered in by a recession in the United States. The cruising public became more cautious about their disposable vacation income, and the cruise lines began advertising strenuously, anticipating and countering rival company offers. Discounting, free airfare and the necessity to increase onboard revenues emerged as urgent cruising realities of the harsher 1980s.

Despite these challenges, the cruise industry managed to grow in the 1980s and Royal Caribbean found itself right in the middle of a struggle with competitor lines for building ever-increasingly larger ships. Song of America had proven the economies of scale was the future of cruise ships, and it would send Royal Caribbean down the path of building a ship as massive as Sovereign of the Seas.

Read more: What happened to Royal Caribbean's first cruise ships?

As the decade came to a close, Royal Caribbean had positioned itself perfectly for the immense growth the 1990s would bring.

Here's what it was like to cruise on Royal Caribbean in the 1980s.

Before even looking at the onboard experience, cruise ships in the 1980s were smaller than today.

Nordic Prince was 18,346 GT and 552 feet long, whereas Wonder of the Seas is 236,857 GT and 1,188 feet long.

A lot of the marketing material for a cruise in the 1980s was centered around the good times you could have onboard a cruise ship. They were selling what we would call today "a vibe" of being away from it all and enjoying time on a floating oasis.

Similar to today, the pool deck was the epicenter of activity on a cruise ship. A holiday spent tanning and enjoying the warm Caribbean sun was a major selling point.

Of course, dining was an important aspect of a cruise in the 1980s as well. In the marketing material, Royal Caribbean said La Chaine de Rotisseurs (a French international gastronomic society), "thinks our food is consistently superb."

"Our cuisine, in fact, could be one good reason the readers of Travel/Holiday magazine voted our ships among the world's best."

Just like today, ships had their own bakeries onboard. And a cruise in the 1980s still had a midnight buffet in the dining room, which was slowly phased out by the 2000s.

The main dining room was a focal point of dining, as specialty restaurants wouldn't become an option for another decade.

Royal Caribbean wanted to offer the kind of vacation where everything was made available and not as much thinking as a land trip.

They also marketed a cruise as a great way to celebrate, "As tensions disappear at sea, relationships flourish. Which means those starry-eyed couples aren't all newlyweds. Some may be celebrating silver and golden wedding anniversaries. Or even second honeymoons. You'll also find that about a third of our passengers are single."

What was a cruise ship cabin like in the 1980s? Decor style aside, they had a lot in common with a cabin today.

Royal Caribbean staterooms vary in size, in price, and in location. Some are even available with connecting staterooms to accommodate four or five people. Others offer third and fourth Pullman beds.

All cabins had:

• Individual room temperature control
• Private shower and bathroom facilities
• 110-volt/60 cycle U.S. current for hair dryers and shavers
• Three-channel radio
• Reading lights
• A dressing table and full-length mirror
• Plenty of drawer space
• A full-length wardrobe closet
• Wall-to-wall carpeting

 An interesting selling point was the entertaining aspect of having your own room, "Since most accommodations have beds that convert to sofas, you can use your stateroom for more than sleeping. You can use it for entertaining. Passengers very often invite friends to their staterooms to enjoy champagne or drinks before dinner. Or for a bon voyage party before sailing."

In terms of service in a cabin, a lot has changed since the 1980s. Room stewards do the same basic services you can expect today, but the marketing material advertised  more offerings, "Every stateroom has a steward, who performs a little shipboard magic every evening. When you go out for dinner or dancing, you'll leave a pleasant sitting room."

"But when you come back, you'll find a cozy bedroom. With fluffed-up pillows. Turned-down covers. And fresh fruit in the basket on your dressing table. This is the kind of attentive service you'll get every single night.

"And every single day, we'll make your stateroom neater than you left it. We'll also leave clean towels and a bucket of ice. Pick up and return your laundry. Deliver a schedule of activities and coming events, along with ship news and weather forecasts. And provide beverage and snack service, 24 hours a day. "

While the Viking Crown concept is retained in many of Royal Caribbean's ships today, the feature was designed initially for Song of Norway. Royal Caribbean made a name for itself with its signature space, the Viking Crown Lounge.

Entertainment on a cruise in the 1980s included a variety show that had a ventriloquist, comedian, cabaret singer, or big-band era music.

There was also passenger talent night and masquerade night on cruises of this era. On passenger talent night, guests would sing, dance, make magic, or just about anything else they were brave enough to demonstrate for their fellow guests and crew.

Masquerade night is just what it sounds like: it is an old-fashioned costume gala.  Prizes are given for Most Humorous, Most Original and Most Artistic costume.  Guests were encouraged to bring a costume, but the staff could provide necessary materials to build their own onboard.

Once your ship made it to port, it was time for a shore excursion. There were 7-night cruises from Miami that went to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and Cozumel, Mexico.

An Eastern Caribbean itinerary sailed from Miami to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas.

Bermuda runs in 1985 included four days in Bermuda before returning to New York.

If you preferred a longer cruise, Nordic Prince and Sun Viking sailed 10-night cruises from Miami down to the Southern Caribbean, going as far as Barbados.

Longer cruises offered a more traditional cruise experience to get to more exotic ports, and they were still a staple of the industry. Today, 7-night cruises are the norm, and longer sailings tend to be outliers, especially in the Caribbean.

Being the 1980s, ships had certain features that no longer are a thing.  Royal Caribbean advertised access to cable, Telex, and regular news bulletins. There was also a "Chinese laundry".

Skeet shooting off the back of the ship was still offered, where guests were given shotguns to shoot clay pigeons into the ocean.

The core cruise experience is largely the same then as it is today. The primary difference is what's offered onboard ships now, as well as the immense size difference.

Cruising as evolved since its early days, and some fads come and go, while other aspects of cruising remain the same today.

Read more: 10 Ways Cruising Has Changed in the Last 30 Years

Curious just how much it will cost you to take a cruise? With the right information and some estimates, you can easily calculate the price to take a cruise.

Luckily, cruise vacations are quite affordable and cruise lines offer a variety of options at different prices that make a cruise economical for many families.

To help anyone budget for their cruise, let’s break down what to expect in terms of overall costs. Keep in mind that cruises are global, and we cannot possibly account for every scenario, budget, and cost.

To help give a ballpark idea of what to expect, we have an in-depth look at the cost of a cruise, from the base cruise fare to optional add-ons and typical costs you’ll encounter when planning a cruise vacation.

What your cruise fare will cost

A cruise can cost anywhere between $550 for 2 adults on a 3-night weekend sailing to upwards of $80,000 total for a family to sail in the most luxurious multi-story suites. The cost of a cruise changes based on itinerary, ship, cruise length, number of passengers, and time of year you sail.

Cruise prices are also dynamic, meaning you can find a fantastic deal one day only to have the price increase the next. Knowing this, let’s take a look at a few sample prices of various Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries.

What is the average cost of a cruise?

These cruises are pricing examples on the total (not per person) cruise fare of an interior cabin versus a balcony cabin for two adults:

• A 3-night Bahamas weekend cruise in April: $700 (interior), $1000 (balcony)
• A 7-night Caribbean cruise in September: $1500 (interior), $1900 (balcony)
• A 7-night Alaska cruise in June: $2400 (interior), $3200 (balcony)
• A 12-night Holy Land cruise in October: $3857 (interior), $4300 (balcony)
• A 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise in February: $1100 (interior), $1800 (balcony)

The prices above should be used as a guide, but actual cruise fares may be higher or lower depending on day to day pricing.

One trend we're seeing are the costs of a cruise going up each year.  In 2023, prices jumped considerably, and the industry as a whole is seeing some of the highest prices in recent memory.

The primary driver for higher cruise prices is demand.  Ever since the cruise industry restarted in 2022, demand has skyrocketed.  Lines are seeing unparalleled demand, and that kind of a hot market is a big reason why prices continue to climb.

Other factors, such as inflation, better marketing, and interest generated by new cruise ships drive up prices.

There are other costs to consider when calculating the overall price of a cruise.

Taxes and port fees

About $100-200 per person.

You have no choice but to pay port fees and taxes, which are lumped onto your cruise fare.

These are fees that the governments of various countries your ship sails to and from mandate, so it's a necessary evil.

Depending on which ports you visit, the costs can vary.  The more port stops, the higher this will cost.

Gratuities

Standard cabin: $16.00 per person, per day; Suite: $18.50 per person, per day

Gratuities are charged automatically and it covers the service you receive onboard the ship.

You can have gratuities pre-paid, where Royal Caribbean charges you the full amount up front with your cruise fare and then there's nothing more to pay once onboard. 

Alternatively, you can wait and get charged every night of the cruise to your onboard account.

Read more: Tipping on a cruise ship: what you should and shouldn't do

Transportation pre- and post-cruise

Less than $100 if you live nearby; Up to thousands of dollars if flying

You should also factor in the cost to get to the cruise port and then back home again.

This could result in needing to pay for flights, hotels, and/or parking. There's also going to be incidental costs associated with this as well, such as meals along the way.

If you live close enough to drive to the cruise port, these costs may be quite low.  But many people fly to their cruise, and that will add more to the price.

Before you try to save money by flying in the same day of your cruise, don't.  This is a major mistake and could put your entire vacation in jeopardy.

How much you pay for a hotel can vary just as much as cruise fares, depending on the date of your trip, hotel brand, and other factors.  Expect it to be around $200-$300 for a night.

If you are parking a car at the port, the price is probably going to be around $20-30 per day to park.

Cruise add-ons

$100-400 per day

There are a host of extras you can add onto the cost of your cruise, and they're all discretionary based on your needs and preferences.

Shore excursions, drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, and wifi are just a few optional add-ons you can choose to buy for your cruise.

Royal Caribbean purposefully leaves these extras out of the cruise fare for two reasons: it helps advertise a lower entry price for the cruise, and not everyone wants to buy these items.  Rather than include them in the fare, the line leaves it up to you to decide.

In 2022, Royal Caribbean Group reported the average guest spent $90-100 per person, per day on extras.

What determines the cost of a cruise?

Cruise pricing is influenced by a number of factors, and knowing the trends of what makes one cruise more expensive than another can help you in the booking process.

Ship size and age: a 20-year old cruise ship will usually be significantly cheaper than a brand new ship. You should never book a ship based solely on price, though, as you want to make sure the ship you book has the amenities, activities, and entertainment choices you’re looking for in a cruise vacation.

Related: 8 questions to ask yourself before picking a cruise ship

Length: You’ll pay far less for a 4-night cruise compared to a 10-night cruise. You’ll often find exceptions to this rule, however. 3-night cruises over the weekend tend to be more expensive than 4-night cruises during the week, and long transatlantic/transpacific cruises can have a much lower cost per day compared to other sailings.

Time of year: Cruising during peak season can see cruise fares up to double what the same ship and itinerary would cost in low season. For Caribbean cruises, you’ll find some of the lowest fares from late August to early November, the first two weeks of December, mid-January to mid-February, and in May.

Related: The best time to go on a Caribbean cruise

Supply and demand: While there are general trends when it comes to cruise pricing, there are no set price rules. Supply and demand will affect the price of any cruise, and you may find hidden deals based on low demand for a sailing you’re interested in, even on a newer ship.

Cost of a cruise by cabin type

The first decision you’ll make after selecting a cruise ship and itinerary is which cruise ship cabin to book. There is a cruise ship cabin for every type of traveler, from the most basic inside cabins to luxurious suites.

Here’s a general idea of what each type of cabin may cost you:

Interior cabins are the cheapest cruise cabin available. While they don’t feature a window and are usually smaller than other cabin categories, you’ll find some great deals on inside staterooms. You can expect to pay around $70-$160 per person, per night for an interior cabin.

Ocean view cabins are the next step up from an interior cabin and feature a porthole window. Prices for ocean view cabins are generally priced at around $110 to $197 per person, per night.

Balcony cabins are the most popular cruise ship cabin available, with each cabin having a private outdoor balcony space. You can expect to pay between $150 and $250 per person, per night for an ocean view balcony cabin.

Suites offer the most lavish accommodations available on a cruise ship. Prices can vary widely based on the type of suite you book, with prices ranging from $250 to $420 per person, per night for Junior Suites to between $650 and $1000 per person, per night for Owner’s Suites.

Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship suites can be priced in the tens of thousands for a weeklong sailing.

How much does a cruise cost for a solo traveler?

Cruising solo? You’re not alone. Solo cruising has become more and more popular in recent years, and cruise lines are following the trend by offering studio cabins on their cruise ships, built for just one passenger.

Not every Royal Caribbean cruise ship has studio cabins, and those that do only have a few studio cabins which tend to get booked quickly. Why? Studio cabins do not incur a single supplement fee, which is a means of recouping the cost of a second traveler that would otherwise be in the stateroom.

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Single and Studio staterooms

Having this fee waived in a studio room is a huge incentive for solo cruisers, and it’s common to find these cabins fully booked on most itineraries.

Studio cabins can be found on Anthem of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas.

What’s included in your base cruise fare?

It’s possible to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise and spend nothing extra onboard. While cruise fares are not entirely all-inclusive, as extras like internet and alcoholic beverages will cost extra–you’ll find more than enough included in your cruise fare to keep you satisfied throughout the sailing.

Your base cruise fare includes the following:

• Accommodations (your cruise ship cabin)
• Meals & snacks at complimentary venues
• Drinks (water, tea, coffee, lemonade, iced tea, milk, juice, and hot chocolate)
• Continental room service at breakfast
• Adventure Ocean child programming
• Activities and shows
• Fitness center
• Pool and sun decks

Related: What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

Taxes and fees will be automatically added to your cruise fare upon checkout, and the exact cost of taxes and fees will vary based on your cruise length and itinerary.

Gratuities are not included in your base cruise fare. You can choose to pre-pay gratuities when booking your cruise or incur a daily fee once onboard the ship. Royal Caribbean’s current gratuity costs are $16 per person, per day in standard cabins (Junior Suites and below) and $18.50 per person, per day in Grand Suites and above.

What costs extra on a cruise?

While there is no shortage of dining options, activities, entertainment, and amenities included in your base cruise fare, there are many add-ons you can purchase on a cruise vacation. While spending extra on a cruise is not required, it’s helpful to know what costs extra on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Drinks

Outside of the complimentary drinks included in your cruise fare, you’ll pay extra for the following drinks on a cruise:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Mocktails
• Specialty coffee and tea drinks
• Soda
• Fresh-squeezed juices

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

You can choose to buy drinks individually or purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package, which allows you to enjoy unlimited drinks during your cruise for one set cost. Drink package prices range from $62-78 per person, per day for the Deluxe Beverage Package, $30-38 per person, per day for the non-alcoholic Refreshment Package, and $13-15 per person, per day for the soda package.

Specialty dining

Outside of complimentary dining venues on any Royal Caribbean ship are specialty restaurants. Specialty restaurants provide cuisines and cooking styles not found elsewhere onboard, such as the cruise line’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille, or Japanese cuisine at Izumi.

Specialty restaurants come in two categories: à la carte or a cover charge restaurant. À la carte restaurants include Playmakers Sports Bar and Portside BBQ, where you can expect to spend around $20 per meal. Cover charge restaurants offer more formal sit-down dining at a set price, and you can expect to pay around $25 for lunch and $50 for dinner at a cover charge restaurant.

Related: Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Like drink packages, Royal Caribbean also offers dining packages for use at specialty restaurants. 2-night, 3-night, 5-night, and an Unlimited Dining Package are available to purchase before your cruise.

Dining package costs are typically around $84.99 for a 2-night (Chops + 1) package, $115 for a 3-night package, and $225 for an Unlimited Dining Package.

Room service is not included in your cruise fare aside from a complimentary continental breakfast option.

Related: Royal Caribbean room service guide & tips

Wifi

Wifi is not included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, and the cruise line charges a daily fee per device. If you plan on purchasing wifi for your cruise, expect to spend around $20 per device, per day for the service. Note that two devices can use the same wifi plan as long as they are not logged in to the wifi account at the same time.

Related: Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included

Shore excursions

Purchasing shore excursions on port days is not required, but if you elect to book an organized tour, this will come at an extra cost. Shore excursion prices can range drastically, from $25 walking tours to $400 helicopter rides. Most tours will cost between $50 and $150 per person

You can book tours directly through the cruise line or through outside providers, with the latter often offering a lower price. Before booking a shore excursion through an outside company, though, be sure to review the pros and cons of not booking through the cruise line.

Related: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

Booking a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean provides more security, as the ship will wait for you if the tour runs late. Booking through an independent company–while often cheaper–does not offer this sense of security.

Alternatively, you can choose to explore a port on your own without an organized excursion. This is almost always a more cost-effective way to explore a destination, as you’ll often find transportation and sightseeing costs are quite affordable in ports of call.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

Transportation

Getting to and from your cruise port is another added expense on your Royal Caribbean cruise. You’ll need to budget for flights, baggage fees, gas, parking, tolls, taxis, and any other transportation expenses needed to reach your embarkation port.

We always recommended that you arrive at your cruise embarkation port the day before your cruise departs. This allows for extra wiggle room in case of any unexpected travel delays. Arriving a day early will require booking a hotel room the night before your cruise, which could set you back between $150 and $400.

Miscellaneous expenses

Aside from the major add-ons you may purchase for a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll also need to consider budgeting for the following optional cruise costs:

• Spa treatments
• Fitness classes
• Extra-cost activities (arcade, escape room, etc.)
• Laundry service
• Wine and cocktail tastings
• Backstage ship tours
• Onboard childcare for guests 6-36 months (hourly charge)
• Costs at home (pet care, childcare, etc.)
• Photos
• Souvenirs
• Casino

How to save money on a cruise

Book early: More often than not, the earlier you book a cruise, the cheaper prices you’ll find. Plus, residents of most countries can reprice their cruise fare up until the final payment date, so if the price drops you can take advantage of a lower fare.

Use credit card points: If you have credit card points or frequent flyer miles, put the miles toward expenses like airfare and a pre-cruise hotel. Plus, you may be able to earn more points or cashback if you pay for the cruise fare with your credit card.

Use a travel agent: The best way to ensure you are getting the lowest price on a cruise is to use a travel agent. Travel agents cost nothing extra to use, but they can find the best promotions for a Royal Caribbean cruise. They are an extremely helpful resource during the entire cruise process, from the moment you book a cruise to when you return home.

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

Plan shore excursions on your own: Shore excursions can be expensive, so planning port days on your own is a sure-fire way to save money on a cruise.

Research the top attractions in your ports of call to determine if you can easily visit without an organized tour. This can save hundreds of dollars on any cruise and provide more flexibility in port.

Bring soda, water, juice, or wine: You can bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine per stateroom. In addition, you can bring small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz) cans, bottles, or cartons per stateroom.

Bottom line

If this article has taught you anything about the price of a cruise, it’s that a cruise fare can vary considerably. The good news? You’ll almost certainly be able to find a cruise to fit your vacation budget, whether you book a cheap interior room or lavish suite.

A rough estimate is to expect to spend around $2000 on cruise fare for a 7-night cruise for 2 adults. This can be more or less depending on cabin category, time of year you sail, etc., but it’s a great starting point for planning a cruise budget.

Of course, you’ll have to add on the cost of transportation, gratuities, and any discretional spending you do once onboard to the total cruise cost. However, a cruise vacation still offers a fantastic vacation value considering all that is included in your cruise fare.

More cruise budget tips:

• How to plan a Royal Caribbean cruise on any budget
• Tips for taking an Alaska cruise on a budget
• 45 ways to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two of the biggest and most popular cruise lines in the world. Each cruise line has a lot to offer when it comes to dining, entertainment, amenities, attractions and the overall onboard experience. 

Carnival is known for having the 'most fun ships at sea', while Royal Caribbean aims to provide unparalleled entertainment and onboard thrills for the whole family.

Comparatively, Royal Caribbean is also known for being more innovative with its ship design and infrastructure, with Carnival only now just building more advanced cruise ships with its Excel-class. 

Both cruise lines, however, aim to be an affordable vacation option for the whole family. Itineraries are offered around the world, although Royal Caribbean has a more international presence. On the other hand, Carnival focuses on attracting domestic cruisers within driving distance to its U.S. ports across the country.

But which cruise line is the best? 

Of course, this is a subjective question, as everyone has their own preferred cruise line that best fits their budget and travel style. And let’s be honest - there are things to love and hate about every cruise line. 

A recent post on Reddit asked users the following question: Why do you prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival? 

Many provided insight into why they prefer cruising with Royal Caribbean instead of Carnival Cruise Line - and the responses were quite interesting. As someone who has cruised with Carnival a few times in the last year, I found these responses to mostly align with my own perspective of comparing the two cruise lines. But, I continue to be loyal to Royal Caribbean, as I have been sailing with the cruise line since I was 10 years old.

Here’s why fans say they prefer Royal Caribbean over Carnival Cruise Line.

First, many seem to prefer the more relaxing environment on Royal Caribbean compared to Carnival’s non-stop party atmosphere. 

When Carnival says it has the most fun ships at sea, they are not joking; Carnival takes fun very seriously. The parties really do not stop from the minute you step onboard a Carnival ship! Until last year, I hadn’t sailed with Carnival since my college spring break days. After a few days onboard, we concluded that Carnival has crazier parties, louder music and more drinks flowing more than Royal Caribbean. 

When asked why cruisers prefer Royal Caribbean, one user responded, “We went on one Carnival cruise, and never again, it's the party boat."

“In my humble opinion, Carnival is the cruise line for people who like to party. And I don't like to party, at all," shared one cruiser.

“Carnival’s reputation is a 'party cruise' and tends to have rowdier crowds," another person agreed.

Many people echoed this sentiment, agreeing the party-like atmosphere onboard Carnival simply does not align with their cruising style. In fact, this was one of the biggest things that surprised me about my recent Carnival cruises - the parties are truly on another level.

Because Carnival’s branding centers heavily around fun, it’s also integrated into every aspect of the cruising experience. This was another difference that really stood out on my recent Carnival cruise. The word ‘fun’ is literally plastered everywhere: the entertainment team is called the ‘Fun Squad’, the shops are called the Fun Shops, and every announcement seemed to have the word 'fun' it as well.

One user responded, “Also the never ending announcements on Carnival that tries to send subliminal messages that you’re having fun are really annoying. ‘Don’t forget the sale in the fun shop’, ‘hope you have an amazing day on this fun ship’, ‘check out the fun times’, fun fun fun….”

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing - if you’re someone who loves to let loose for your vacation, Carnival is a great fit for having fun. Those who prefer a bit slower pace on vacation will probably enjoy Royal Caribbean’s experience more.

Another common response included Carnival’s ship design compared to Royal Caribbean’s innovative, well-designed cruise ships. 

As mentioned earlier, Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative, forward-thinking ship designs. Especially in the last two decades, Royal Caribbean has been building cruise ships that have revolutionized the cruise industry. The cruise line has held the title for biggest cruise ship in the world for nearly twenty years since the construction of Freedom of the Seas. 

Until recently, it was apparent that Carnival was not focused on advancing its ship design or innovation. Each ship class that Carnival debuted had very similar deck plans and infrastructure, rarely showcasing something new or revolutionary. The new Excel-class ship has upped Carnival’s game with new technology and ship design, which was long overdue for Carnival to stay competitive in an industry thriving on mega cruise ships. 

The top response on the Reddit forum came from one user sharing that they prefer Royal Caribbean’s ship design over Carnival. The user shared, “The ship layouts and finishes. Anywhere on Royal ships feel like you're on vacation. On Carnival ships, many public areas and hallways feel unfinished and very mechanical.”

One user responded and agreed with this take on Carnival’s ship design, writing, “Hard agree on #1. Went on a carnival cruise in June 2019 and it’s odd how they don’t really have a central promenade, and how most of the walkways are on the sides of the boat. Makes everything feel secluded."

“While I was on an older ship (the Carnival Sunshine) I feel that Royal's ship designers are just a step above. The layout of the Sunshine was not the most intuitive, and some areas turned into a serious traffic jam," shared another user. 

In the forum, one Reddit expanded on their preference of Royal Caribbean’s ship design, saying, “Royal's ship design, in my honest opinion, was a lot better for a long time (flow of people around the ship, etc.), although I think Carnival's newest ships have caught up a fair bit.”

Based on my own Carnival experiences, I agree strongly with this comparison. Royal Caribbean’s ships have always felt thoughtfully designed - and it’s only improved over time. When I sailed on Carnival Ecstasy last summer (the oldest ship in Carnival’s fleet at the time), my sister and I were shocked at how difficult it was to navigate.

This relatively small cruise ship seemed to have too many bottlenecks and dead-ends. We continually found ourselves lost in crowded spaces. But, Carnival’s newest ships in the Excel-class feature modern design with better passenger flow. 

The dining experience between Royal Caribbean and Carnival appeared to be more of a hot topic, with some preferring Carnival’s quick service options. 

When it comes to comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival, dining was a very common response. While many shared that they prefer Royal Caribbean’s food quality and service, quite a few shared they actually enjoy Carnival’s quick service venues more than Royal Caribbean’s options. 

One user responded, “Food was of lower quality on Carnival - and I’m not a picky foodie so if I noticed, then that doesn’t bode well” while another shared, “I prefer RC for a more relaxing atmosphere, and I honestly prefer their food as well”.

“Dining experience in MDR is worlds better on Royal. Customer service is also better on Royal," shared another person.

However, many of the responses heavily favored Carnival’s casual dining options onboard, such as Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and Shaq’s Big Chicken. “I do like the carnival food (guys burger joint is crazy good), but Carnival seems a lot cornier and appeals to quick laughs” said one respondent. This prompted multiple responses from others in agreement.

Another user agreed, saying, “True. Guy’s is great and I’ve heard good things about Shaq’s chicken place. So carnival has some bright spots casual food-wise that Royal doesn’t really match with the hotdog place and Johnny Rockets. I’m hopeful Royal will adopt some of that kind of feel with what they’re doing with the food court section on Icon.”

“I really enjoy the Carnival ships, shows, and food…the food is better in every category except the buffet. That being said, my whole family prefers RCL over Carnival (and even Disney) because of the better activities on the ship and entertainment" said another cruiser. 

On my Carnival cruises last year, this was the biggest takeaway from my experience as well. Even on Carnival’s oldest ship, we had multiple places to grab a quick bite, such as Guy’s Burger Joint. We appreciated having so many options for dining other than the traditional buffet. 

I do wish Royal Caribbean would incorporate more casual eatery options, especially during refurbishment of older ships, to expand complimentary dining options. I also agree that Royal Caribbean could improve the quality of their casual dining to compete with Carnival’s quick service options. 

Many cruisers found Royal Caribbean’s renowned entertainment to be better in comparison to Carnival. 

Entertainment is another crucial pillar to the overall cruising experience. Royal Caribbean has some of the most unique entertainment options in the industry, with ice skating performances, diving and swimming productions and even Broadway musicals.

In comparison, Carnival’s entertainment centers around nightly comedy shows, interactive game shows and easy-to-watch productions with singers and dancers. The cruise line’s newest ships do feature more advanced entertainment with impressive acrobatics and aerialists. 

“I definitely prefer the entertainment and common areas” while another agreed, “The shows are way better on Royal Caribbean," said one cruiser who responded on Reddit. 

One user expanded, “I was recently on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, and the refinement and amenities remain undefeated - the promenade, entertainment, and bars are so much more well done, even on the Voyager/Freedom class ships. Carnival’s ships (aside from Vista/Destiny/Excel class) don’t hold a candle to Royal.”

While sailing on Carnival Ecstasy, my sister and I attended the nightly production shows. While we enjoyed the Punchliner Comedy club, we were less than impressed with Carnival’s other shows in the theatre. It did feel almost like a high school production, which was likely due to the theatre's small size. 

“Royal Caribbean definitely has an advantage when it comes to onboard activities and entertainment. For one, Royal Caribbean has a real theater while Carnival’s felt like a glorified high school cafeteria, with the seats that you typically find at a banquet hall, like a step up from a folding chair," said one respondent. 

Finally, multiple fans mentioned preferring Royal Caribbean’s itineraries in comparison to Carnival’s destinations. 

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have a global presence, although both cruise lines have different approaches to their itineraries offered. When it comes to international itineraries, Royal Caribbean offers way more destinations in Europe, Asia and Australia compared to Carnival. 

Because Carnival is focused on offering the most affordable cruise fares, the cruise line aims to be within driving distance for most Americans. This helps keep vacation costs down without needing to fly to your cruise port. With this approach, Carnival does not have many international sailings; instead, you will find many Caribbean and Mexico sailings. Occasionally, you can find a European sailing if one of Carnival’s ships needs to dry dock across the pond, but not much else. 

“I’m very itinerary/departure port driven. I picked Royal for my first cruise because of the itinerary - I was looking for a Baltic cruise on specific dates and needed an accessible cabin for my mother. Royal met those criteria. I was happy with the product and took several more," said one Royal Caribbean fan. 

“When we were first researching cruises, we found that both RC and Carnival operated out of Baltimore, less than an hour from where we live. At the time Royal offered 4 different itineraries out of Baltimore and Carnival offered 2. And since then we’ve stuck with Royal even though we have cruising out of other ports (in Florida and Europe) due to the loyalty program," said another fan. 

This is one of the reasons that I’ve remained loyal to Royal Caribbean over many years as well. I started sailing with the cruise line at a young age, but continued to cruise with Royal Caribbean because I love their unique itineraries. I’m also a destination-focused cruiser and I’ve loved my sailing across Europe and Asia with Royal Caribbean. 

On the other hand, Carnival has limited itineraries outside of North America. Unless you sail on a limited series of exotic sailings called Carnival Journeys, you’ll mostly find Caribbean itineraries and plenty of weekend getaway itineraries. These are the exact sailings that are perfect for bachelorette parties and spring breakers, adding to the party atmosphere.

At the end of the day, everyone has a preference for the cruise line that best fits their budget, travel style and cruising vibe. Some might enjoy the upbeat, party-style of Carnival while others appreciate a more upscale vibe on Royal Caribbean.