Every cruise line has an app, but Royal Caribbean's is by far the best one in the industry right now.

Whenever you're comparing apps, it's a subjective exercise. But I think Royal Caribbean's is so much better because of how many features they've rolled into it.

While the app has existed in various forms since 2017, a renewed focus and push to make the app really useful began in 2020 and has continued to today.

It's not a perfect app, but I think some of the features added over the last two years have really stood out from other lines.  And that's given the app separation from the pack, given how other cruise line apps lack so many of this functionality.

Royal Caribbean’s app is free to download for Apple and Android users - and it’s quickly become a must-have for cruising. 

From a streamlined onboarding process to improving the onboard cruise experience, here’s why Royal Caribbean’s app has become the gold standard of cruise technology.

1. So easy to plan everything before the cruise begins

One of the key features that sets Royal Caribbean’s app apart is its functionality prior to even stepping onboard your cruise ship. 

Before your vacation begins, you can use the Royal Caribbean app to plan excursions, purchase internet, reserve specialty dining and buy drink packages. This means you don't need to go online to the cruise planner, instead utilizing the app for quick purchases. This allows you to plan more conveniently from your phone, such as when you’re on the go and away from your computer.

In comparison, I find Norwegian Cruise Line’s app worthless before you sail onboard. Even with a recent refresh, many report constant glitches and freezing with attempting to pre-cruise plan. 

Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line’s app only redirects you from the app to the browser online for pre-boarding planning, making the app feel less functional.

2. A digital safety drill is inside the app

Embarkation day has greatly improved because of the eMuster with Royal Caribbean's app. 

Perhaps one of the least parts of cruising, all cruise passengers are required to complete a safety briefing under law before the ship can set sail. Gone are the days of crowding onto the promenade deck in the scorching heat for the mandatory muster drill. This painful safety drill never felt like the best way to start your vacation. 

Royal Caribbean revolutionized the way muster drills are conducted by incorporating the drill into its app. to Now, guests watch the pre-cruise safety video, hear the emergency horn sound and accept safety guidelines on Royal Caribbean’s app. 

Guests can complete the safety briefing at their convenience now, as long as all requirements are completed by a certain time on embarkation day (usually in the late afternoon). You have to visit your muster station in person once onboard, but you have a timeframe to complete this step.

3. It can get you into your cabin

Some of Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ships allow guests to unlock their staterooms with a digital key through the app. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, allow guests to use the app to unlock their stateroom. Although this functionality has been available in the hotel industry for a while, Royal Caribbean is one of the first cruise lines to integrate this technology. 

The digital key setup is straightforward and only requires three steps before you can start using the app for your stateroom key. This means you don’t need to fumble around a beach bag looking for your SeaPass card.

Also, some new ships allow guests to use the Royal Caribbean app in their stateroom. You can also use the Royal Caribbean app to control the stateroom TV, including streaming content from your phone directly to the TV. In addition, you can control the room temperature, lights and curtains in some staterooms.

4. Going "curb to bar" quickly

Boarding day can be hectic regardless of which cruise line you’re sailing with. Luckily, Royal Caribbean’s app provides easy access to check-in, upload security photos, complete the health questionnaire, scan your passport photo and generate a mobile boarding pass. You can also select your arrival times for embarkation.

Once you’re at the terminal for cruising, you can continue accessing your boarding pass within the app or download the pass to your phone’s wallet. 

Unlike Carnival Cruise Line, which still requires guests to print their boarding passes for embarkation day, Royal Caribbean’s app is much more convenient in this way.

5. Free chatting onboard

Another major perk of Royal Caribbean’s app is being able to chat with other guests during your cruise - for free! Starting in January 2023, Royal Caribbean announced that all guests could use the chat feature on its app as a complimentary perk moving forward. 

This allows for easy communication onboard the ship, especially when you're at sea and away from cell service. After all, internet on a cruise ship is still very expensive. Guests can chat with their travel group without needing to purchase internet access. On select ships, guests can also chat with Guest Services through the app, avoiding long lines at the desk

Other cruise lines, including both Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, charge each guest to access onboard chat while cruising. Carnival Cruise Line charges $5 per person to use their HUB app's chat feature. 

6. Future cruise planning

Not only does Royal Caribbean’s app provide an enhanced onboard experience, but you can also book future vacations! One of the newer features of Royal Caribbean’s app is the ability to plan a future cruise directly on your phone. With a new search functionality, prospective cruisers can easily look for their next cruise vacation. 

This feature makes it easy to plan your next cruise directly from your phone, avoiding the need to navigate a browser. You can even purchase gift cards in the app for your future cruise and have your new reservation booked with just a few clicks.

If you're sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can also take advantage of NextCruise deals without needing to visit the office on the ship. There's no better way to get over the post-cruise blues than booking your next sailing before disembarking!

7. See your photos without the crowd

Remember when cruise lines would print out every photo taken and display them in a gallery each evening? While some older vessels still use traditional photo galleries, Royal Caribbean’s app integrates digital photo capabilities for your sailing. The app provides extremely easy access to your professional photos taken during your cruise. 

While onboard, you will provide the photographer with your stateroom number after photos are taken. This will link the digital photos directly to your profile, which is accessible in your Royal Caribbean app. You can view all of the photos you’ve taken, along with downloading and purchasing photos on the app. Now, you don’t need to waste time combing through hundreds of photos of strangers to find your pictures!

8. Manage your loyalty status

Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program - the Crown and Anchor Society - is also accessible in the cruise line’s app for all loyalty members. Considering Royal Caribbean has one of the best rewards program for loyal cruisers, it's important to keep track of how many points you have and the benefits you're entitled to. 

First, cruisers can now enroll in the Crown and Anchor Society though Royal Caribbean’s app. This feature makes enrollment quick and convenient for newer cruisers. Directly on your phone, you can also view your current loyalty tier and associated benefits for the Crown and Anchor Society. The app also displays your total cruise points and number of cruise nights for quick access, so you can stay up-to-date on your status.

9. Book restaurants with a few clicks

One of the biggest highlights of cruising with Royal Caribbean is having so many dining options to choose from, including both complimentary and specialty restaurants. However, the larger the cruise ship, the more important it is to plan your dining reservations in advance. With more guests vying for reservations at the restaurants onboard, waiting until the last minute for making specialty dining reservations isn’t a good strategy.

The Royal Caribbean app allows you to browse onboard restaurants, reserve specialty dining, and schedule My Time Dining reservations. This can be especially helpful for those wanting to avoid a long line for My Time Dining in the main dining room each night.

Those who purchase a dining package, such as the Ultimate Dining Package, can also reserve all restaurants in Royal Caribbean's app as well. This latest update has been a highly-anticipated change, as many cruisers scrambled to make reservations on embarkation day.

10. Check out everything happening onboard

Before Royal Caribbean launched its app, the cruise line handed out daily schedules, known as the Cruise Compass. With the inception of the app, Royal Caribbean has essentially ditched the physical Cruise Compass (unless guests request one specifically) for its digital platform. The app allows you to browse daily activities, headliner showtimes, themed parties and more.

With Royal Caribbean’s app, guests are empowered to manage their cruise experiences and daily onboard activities. Cruisers can bookmark certain activities to create a custom, personalized schedule for each day. The app also sends 15-minute reminders for your bookmarked events, ensuring you won’t miss a thing.

11. See the menus to decide where you want to eat

While it may seem like a small detail, I love that I can see the menu in the Main Dining Room for every day of the cruise in advance.

Instead of having to wait to see the menu until you show up, you can access each menu for the duration of your sailing. 

The advantage here is being able to plan out when you want to skip the main dining room and book specialty restaurants instead. For instance, I plan to book our specialty dining on the evenings when the main dining room menus are less appealing. But, no one wants to miss lobster night in the dining room!

Although Carnival Cruise Line has the same feature for their app, Norwegian Cruise Line does does not provide nightly menus for their main dining room in their app. Instead, the evening menu is only available for viewing outside the restaurant, posted in the afternoon on the same day. This isn’t a huge issue, but it is a nuisance!

12. Book flights

Another feature that differentiates Royal Caribbean’s app from competitors is the ability to book flights for your upcoming sailings. Royal Caribbean’s app has a new feature to book flights directly in their app. The app also includes options for exploring transportation and lodging, though these redirect users to an online browser.

Air2Sea allows you to book flights for your cruise through Royal Caribbean. This provides additional assistance if issues arise with your travel, which can be helpful if you encounter unexpected travel challenges tying to get to and from the cruise port. 

Booking a cruise is undoubtedly exciting, but the thrill can quickly fade when you start thinking about all the planning involved. Before your vacation can begin, there are some important steps that all cruisers should take.

Although one of the perks of booking a cruise is having minimal logistics, some preparation is usually necessary. Theoretically, you could show up on embarkation day without any prior planning and still have a great time. However, this doesn’t mean you should plan to show up to the cruise terminal without doing some basic planning.

After booking your cruise, you may find the planning process a bit overwhelming. Modern cruise ships rival floating cities, bustling with thousands of other guests and offering endless options for things to do. Between excursion planning, airfare, dining reservations and more, there are many details to iron before setting sail.

After sailing on 50 cruises, I’ve learned that a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are 20 tried-and-true steps I always take before cruising to ensure my vacation is seamless and stress-free.

1. Verify travel documents

If you are planning a cruise, you should absolutely make sure you have the appropriate travel documents. Whether you are planning to cruise using your passport or your birth certificate (which is only allowed for certain sailings departing from the United States), confirming travel documentation is my top priority.

Double-check that your passport is not expiring within the next six months, which is often a requirement to visit other countries. If your passport is expired or expiring soon, you should start the process of applying for a new passport. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple months depending on the current backlog. 

Finally, confirm whether any visas are needed for your itinerary. For instance, my recent cruise from Sydney to Bali and Singapore required a tourist visa to visit Indonesia. If you’re sailing on a more exotic itinerary, this is especially important.

2. Book airfare, if needed

Some cruisers are lucky enough to live within driving distance of a cruise port; however, it’s not uncommon for vacationers to fly to their cruise embarkation port. However, you should always fly into your cruise port at least one day before departure to ensure you don’t encounter any delays or cancellations.

Most of my itineraries require airfare, so I usually look my flights shortly after reserving my cruise. I prefer to book further in advance to have the most options that align with my travel needs and the cruise schedule. 

3. Research itinerary and ports of call

As a destination-focused traveler, I extensively research every port of call on a cruise itinerary. I want to ensure my time in each port is maximized to the fullest, especially when I am on a tight schedule. For each port of call, I always spend time researching the top things to do in each destination to make sure I can see and do everything I want. 

For instance, some cruise ships will dock far from a city center, such as Le Havre, France or Civitavecchia, Italy. Le Havre is a port city that is advertised as the gateway to Paris while Civitavecchia is the closest port city to Rome, Italy. 

Without researching these ports of call, you might assume touring the famous cities of Rome and Paris are convenient and easy. However, Paris is more than two hours from Le Havre and Civitavecchia is one hour from the city of Rome.

4. Book cruise-line excursions

For any cruise, it’s important to look at the excursions offered by the cruise line. First, this can give you a good gauge on the top things to do in each port of call. Personally, I like to read the tour descriptions to see what each port has to offer, including which activities or attractions are feasible to visit from the port.

Second, I prefer to book excursions through the cruise line for certain destinations or itineraries. Cruise-sponsored excursions are convenient and provide a guaranteed return to the ship. Because of this, shore excursions through the cruise line can be very popular and sell out quickly.

It’s best to book your excursions as soon as possible, especially considering you can cancel your tour if you change your mind. The added flexibility and convenience of cruise line excursions is often worthwhile, in my opinion.

5. Prebook add-ons

In addition to excursions, it’s important to budget for other add-ons needed for your cruise. This could include drink packages, internet access, specialty dining reservations, spa treatments and other onboard experiences.

It’s usually best to prebook your add-ons before setting sail, as cruise lines offer pre-sailing discounts. Once onboard, you will often find higher prices for these add-ons (especially drink packages!).

6. Find a hotel for the night before

Because I usually need to fly to my embarkation port, I also need to book a hotel for the night before. Following the golden-rule of cruise travel, I always book a flight that arrives at least one night before my cruise embarks. If I am wanting to explore the embarkation port for longer, I will fly to the city a couple days in advance.

In this way, booking a pre-cruise hotel is one of my must-do items. You can book a hotel months in advance, and I prefer to secure my reservation using credit card points. The further in advance you can book a hotel, the more options you have for utilizing these redemptions.

7. Plan transportation to the port

After arriving to the embarkation city, you will also need to consider transportation to the cruise terminal. Sometimes this is easy and convenient, while other times require planning and research. If you are driving yourself to the cruise terminal, make sure you know where to park and how much you can expect to spend.

If you need to travel further, consider prearranging your transportation. This has proven useful in many occasions, especially for terminals located far from the city. Take into account how much luggage you’ll be traveling with as well.

For example, I’ve cruised from Southampton, England many different times for cruises. I always spend time in London before embarkation, which is about 80 miles from the Southampton cruise terminal. There are a few options for transportation, but I always book the direct train from London to Southampton beforehand.

8. Monitor pricing for a better deal or upgrade

Although this has become less common with increased prices and demand for cruising, I continue to monitor my booked cruises for better deals. If I find a cheaper cruise fare for my itinerary before final payment, I simply contact my travel agent and ask for a reprice. This has saved me thousands of dollars over the years!

If the final payment deadline has passed, you might be able to upgrade your cabin to a higher category. Even if I am unable to reprice my reservation, I’ve been able to upgrade my interior cabin to a balcony or suite when prices decreased closer to the sail date.

9. Check-in for cruise

It might seem obvious, but make sure you check-in for your cruise before heading to the terminal! Last year, I forgot to check-in for my cruise onboard Grandeur of the Seas before embarkation day. Although I was able to complete my check-in at the cruise terminal, this was a huge headache. 

I had to spend extra time confirming my documentation at the terminal, which delayed the start to my vacation! In addition, I had to confirm with guest services that my payment account was up-to-date onboard. Now, I always check-in for my cruise after receiving the reminder email from Royal Caribbean. This ensures I can choose the best arrival time for my schedule. I also find I am less likely to forget checking in for my cruise if I do this right after being reminded.

10. Confirm health requirements

Depending on your cruise itinerary, you might have health requirements that need to be met before embarkation. While most cruises in Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska do not typically have health requirements to consider, other destinations around the world do.

For example, you might need a Yellow Fever vaccine to visit certain countries around Africa or South America. Malaria medication might be recommended for cruises around Asia as well. Confirm you have proper documentation for any medication based on entry requirements for your itinerary as well. It’s best to check with your doctor about health requirements before your cruise begins, even if this simply entails routine vaccination.

11. Replenish my travel pharmacy

Speaking of health requirements, another thing I religiously do before cruising is replenish my travel pharmacy. Because onboard medication is expensive while cruising, it’s best to bring some over-the-counter medication onboard with you in case you need it. No one wants to think about getting sick on vacation, but even minor ailments can be a nuisance while cruising. 

For my travel pharmacy, I ensure I have everything from pain relief, antihistamines, seasickness medication and basic first aid necessities. I will pack a few extra doses for longer itineraries to make sure I don’t run low on any medication. It’s always best to be prepared for the worst case scenario, even if you don’t thing you will need it.

12. Print baggage tags

One must-do item that I tend to forget is printing baggage tags. Cruise lines will provide downloadable tags for you to print before arriving at the embarkation port. These are attached to your suitcases before handing your luggage to the cruise ship porters at the terminal.

The baggage tags are available either through the cruise planner or app. You print the tags and attach them to your suitcase using either tape, staples or a luggage tag holder. I prefer to use a luggage tag holder to keep my printed tags secure, minimizing the chance of the tag falling off.

13. Bring cash and small bills

Cruise ships are essentially cashless for purchases, but I always make sure I pack some cash before setting sail. This also includes smaller $1 bills for tips, which I often provide to the bar tenders throughout the cruise. In addition, I prefer giving cash tips to my cabin stewards and dining room waiters on the final day of the cruise.

Moreover, cash is sometimes needed throughout your sailing in different ports of call. Although credit cards are widely accepted, you shouldn’t be cashless while traveling. Having some cash on hand can be necessary for transportation or souvenir purchases.

14. Download Royal Caribbean app

The cruising experience on Royal Caribbean is almost entirely digitalized now in the post-pandemic era. Everything from the muster drill to daily schedules can be found on the app while cruising. Royal Caribbean’s app is very handy for not only the onboard experience, but also before you set sail. While some cruise lines only have apps that are usable onboard, Royal Caribbean’s app is a good resource for your cruise planning as well. 

You can see the deck plans, dining reservations, excursions and more when using Royal Caribbean's app. Therefore, I highly recommend adding the app to your phone before cruising. Royal Caribbean’s app is available to download in the iTunes Store for Apple products or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

15. Make dining reservations

When sailing on larger cruise vessels, such as Oasis or Quantum class ships, I always make sure I reserve specialty dining before embarkation. With so many people sailing onboard these bigger ships, specialty dining reservations can be hard to come by after boarding. These restaurants fill up quickly, so I want to make sure I can secure a booking that works for my schedule.

Also, it’s easy to change reservations once you’re onboard your cruise if you need to. I’ve had to adjust specialty dining bookings after embarkation, and it’s never been an issue. Although you might not have many options for time slots, you do have flexibility onboard.

16. Start packing list

After taking 50 cruises, I consider myself an expert cruise packer. I have my go-to cruise outfits and essentials, including cabin must-haves. Even still, I prefer to make a list of everything that I want to remember to pack for my cruise. This is especially important if I am sailing on a port-intensive itinerary or a longer cruise to a new destination.

In the notes app on my phone, I create a simple packing list of the essentials that I cannot forget to pack for my cruise. Everything from electronics to chargers and passports are typically on my packing list. 

17. Check the weather

In the same manner, I also religiously check the weather before packing anything for my cruise. Although the Caribbean and Mediterranean are typically sunny and warm, other destinations around the world are less predictable.

For example, Alaska cruising can bring blistering cold weather or clear sunshine on a beautiful day. I don’t want to pack the wrong attire for the climate, so monitoring the weather gives me a good idea of what to pack. Packing appropriately is essential for a smooth cruising experience - and preparing for a variety of weather changes can ensure you are prepared for anything.

18. Watch itinerary-specific YouTube videos

I’ve visited many popular cruising destinations over the years, including Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska and Canada. However, if I am sailing to a new destination, I find YouTube to be an excellent resource for planning.

YouTube is full of useful, first-hand experiences for cruisers. This is especially true for more unique destinations, such as my upcoming cruise to India and Sri Lanka next year. Many different creators and local experts share practical tips for travelers and cruisers on YouTube. I find these videos help me set my expectations appropriate for my upcoming cruise, allowing me to plan more efficiently.

19. Join the Facebook group

Most itineraries have a dedicated group on Facebook to join. By searching your cruise ship and specific sail date, you can request to join these groups before cruising. These groups are very resourceful and allow cruisers to connect before setting sail.

The Facebook groups provides a place for cruisers to share tips and updates, along with asking questions about your specific sailing. Some cruisers will even plan meetups for their upcoming cruise!

20. Allocate enough time to pack

Last-minute packing can be very overwhelming for some people. I prefer to pack the weekend before my cruise to be certain that I have enough time to pack everything I need. I do not want to be rushed while packing, as this often leads to forgotten items and unnecessary stress.

Generally speaking, packing usually takes me longer than I anticipate. For longer itineraries with varying climate, such as my 12-night cruise to Iceland last summer, I easily spend four to five hours packing. Waiting until the last minute or running out of time only leads to more stress right before your vacation.

Is booking a cruise late still a good idea to get a deal?

Booking a cruise at the last minute used to be one of the easiest ways to save money. However, with record-high cruising demand, booking a last-minute sailing might not be the best strategy for everyone.

Last-minute cruising refers to bookings made after the final payment deadline has passed. For most Royal Caribbean cruises, final payment date is 90 days before the sailing is scheduled to depart. When you book a cruise within this timeframe, you’ll usually need to pay for your cruise in its entirety at the time of booking.

You might think you are likely to snag a sweet deal with this strategy, but that’s not always the case anymore. Here’s why you might want to rethink booking last-minute cruises and whether these sailings are actually cheaper. 

Are last-minute cruises in high demand?

You might have noticed that cruise prices have continued to rise in the last few years -  and don’t expect the fares to lower in the near future. With cruising demand at record-high levels, it’s becoming harder to find last-minute cruises in general.

Earlier this year during the cruise line’s second-quarter earnings call, Royal Caribbean President and Chief Executive Officer, Jason Liberty, discussed the sky-high demand for cruising throughout 2024. He said, ”2024 bookings have consistently outpaced last year throughout the entire second quarter and into July, despite the fact that we have significantly fewer staterooms left to sell.”

With fewer staterooms to sell, Royal Caribbean is able to continuously sell cruises at higher prices. Liberty also hinted during the call that Royal Caribbean will continue to raise prices in 2025 with such high demand for cruising.

Royal Caribbean’s third-quarter 2024 earnings call specifically highlighted the rising prices of last-minute cruises. Reporting better-than-expected earnings in October 2024, Royal Caribbean attributed the strong quarter to vacationers booking last-minute cruises for a higher price.

Do cruise prices drop as the departure date approaches?

Last-minute cruising deals occur when cruise lines struggle to sell cabins for a particular sailing. If demand is low, cruise lines will drop prices to sell excess staterooms. To reduce unsold inventory, cruise lines might run flash sales and offer reduced pricing as the sail date approaches.

However, people are more interested than ever before to book cruises for their vacation. In the post-pandemic era of heightened travel spending, Royal Caribbean is selling more cabins over the years, often at higher prices. Basic economic principles show that prices rise as supply decreases and demand increases.  Because of this, you’re less likely to find a good deal on a last-minute cruise. 

In particular, Royal Caribbean's growing popularity has been propelled by the recent launch of Icon of the Seas. The revolutionary cruise ship is unlike anything Royal Caribbean has built before, leading to sold-out bookings and surging prices. We are seeing many itineraries for the brand-new Icon class ship being completely sold out for months in advance. 

People are demonstrating how they are willing to pay higher prices for Royal Caribbean cruises. As a result, last-minute cruise deals have become much less common due to the surge in booking demand. With popular itineraries, you might not even have the option to book a particular sailing because cabins are filling up faster. 

For example, I am booked on a cruise for April 2025 sailing on Anthem of the Seas from Singapore to Tokyo. Although this sailing is more than four months away, the remaining cabins were high-end suites that are selling for upwards of $10,000 per person!

How can I find last-minute cruise deals?

Although last-minute deals are far and few between, you can still find some reduced prices occasionally. But, you should expect to dig around for these last-minute deals, along with being extremely flexible with your plans.

First, look for last-minute deals right after final payment is due for a particular sailing. This is when already-booked cruisers will need to pay the entire balance of their reservation. If plans change, cruisers cancel their booking or might move to a different sailing.

Within about 30 days of final payment date, cruise lines have a better idea of passenger load to determine occupancy levels for a particular sailing. This is when last-minute deals begin to emerge. Cruise lines could continue to drop prices until the sail date approaches if cabins do not sell.

You’re more likely to find a last-minute deal during the offseason or shoulder season. Generally speaking, shoulder season includes sailing in off-peak months like September through November. This is when demand is lower and prices tend to drop as a result.

Depending on the destination, you might be able to find cheaper deals for the first and last sailings of a certain season, such as cruising to Alaska in late April and early October. For the Caribbean, check out peak hurricane season for last-minute deals after kids are back in school.

Less popular itineraries might be another good option to snag last-minute deals. For instance, repositioning cruises, along with transatlantic or transpacific crossings, could have more cabins to book at the last minute. These longer sailings with additional sea days typically see lower demand, making them ideal for last-minute bookings.

Also, Royal Caribbean’s website has a Last Minute Cruises page where you can look at sailings departing within the next few months. When clicking the “Book now” button, you can see a promotional offer applied to the search function with a “Promo Last Minute Deals” code applied. 

In addition, Royal Caribbean also offers Going, Going, Gone deals on its website. These promotional offers are often last-minute sailings departing within the next few weeks or months. Either way, you’ll need to have major flexibility for the best outcome.

What else should I consider when booking a cruise last minute?

Last-minute cruising can be quite lucrative if your schedule allows for flexibility. If all the stars align and the right opportunity presents itself, you can save hundreds to thousands of dollars on a short notice cruise. However, you should consider a few things before booking a last-minute cruise.

One of the biggest perks of booking a last-minute cruise is knowing the certainty of your schedule, minimizing the risk of needing to change or cancel your reservation. When booking years in advance, it’s hard to know what unexpected circumstances could occur. Changing or cancelling your nonrefundable reservation could be expensive.

Speaking of expenses, you’ll want to consider how last-minute cruising limits the amount of financial planning you can do ahead of your vacation. Your budget should allow for spending hundreds to thousands of dollars to book the cruise within a short timeframe. If you want to book any add-ons, including onboard internet access, drink packages or specialty dining, you will want to account for these expenses as well.

Airfare is another consideration. Those who live within driving distance of cruise ports are in a better position to snag last-minute deals than those who need to book airfare. If you need to fly to a cruise port for a particular sailing, you’ll want to consider the cost of airfare as well.

Because last-minute airfare can be astronomical these days due to increased travel demand, your cheap cruise might be offset by expensive airfare. But, similar to last-minute cruising, lower demand routes could have reduced pricing. 

Also, you should expect to have limited options for staterooms on a last-minute cruise. Leftover cabins can often be located in less desirable locations onboard, so you will need to anticipate having minimal stateroom choices. You might need to be fine with any stateroom, such as the very front of the ship with excessive motion or directly below the pool deck with screeching chairs early in the morning.

Additionally, keep in mind that your options for shore excursions may be limited. If you book a last-minute cruising, many travelers have likely already booked their excursions for the entire itinerary. This could leave you with very few options for tours within each port. However, if you are comfortable booking independent excursions, this factor might not be an issue for you. 

Last-minute cruising can present logistical challenges too, such as needing to arrange pet care or securing time off work. Make sure you’ve confirmed your schedule allows for the last-minute itinerary before booking a non-refundable sailing.

Finally, ensure your travel documents are up-to-date and all necessary travel requirements can be met. Most countries require at least six months of passport validity while others might require a visa to visit. Vaccines could also be a consideration for more exotic itineraries in Africa, South America and Asia. 

When should I avoid trying to book a last-minute cruise?

Booking a last-minute cruise is not for everyone. First, those on a tight budget should especially avoid last-minute cruising. Sailings are released years in advance, so this provides plenty of time to plan and budget appropriately for your vacation needs.

Also, you’ll want to avoid peak travel periods if you hope to find a last-minute cruise deal. This includes avoiding holidays, spring break and summer vacation. During these times, families tend to book early to align their vacations with school breaks, leaving fewer opportunities for last-minute availability.

Typically, there is higher demand for holiday sailings at Christmas, New Years, Easter and Thanksgiving. Summer months from June to August are usually considered peak vacation time for families when kids are not in school. Finally, spring break is usually in March for many, including college students. This is a popular time to go cruising, meaning you are less likely to find a last-minute deal. 

Further, those looking to visit a specific destination or sail on a particular itinerary should not wait for a last-minute deal to book. Some unique itineraries are extremely popular and sell out months in advance. For this reason, destination-focused vacationers are not the best candidates for last-minute cruising.

Other reasons to avoid last-minute cruising would include group travel and accessibility needs. If a sailing has limited cabin options, it could be difficult for group travel to be successfully booked. Also, those needing accessibility accommodations might find limited stateroom options for accessible cabins. 

Moreover, brand-new cruise ships will be especially difficult to find last-minute deals because of higher demand. For instance, the soon-to-debut Star of the Seas is seeing strong demand for bookings. This means you might not be able to find a last-minute deal on the latest Icon class ship for a while.

Special occasions or events should also be considered, such as anniversary trips or themed itineraries. You wouldn’t want to risk having a special occasion ruined because you are unable to find a last-minute itinerary. Similarly, themed sailings, such as Royal Caribbean's upcoming Solar Eclipse cruise in August 2026, often sell out far in advance.

Bottom Line: Is booking a last-minute cruise cheaper?

Although booking a last-minute cruise used to be quite lucrative, those days are long gone. With more people eager to cruise and fewer cabins to book, finding a last-minute cruise for a great price is becoming more difficult. In particular, Royal Caribbean’s skyrocketing demand continues to drive up prices, even for last-minute sailings.

Of course, this isn’t to say you can’t find a last-minute deal. Those with flexible schedules who can sail during off-peak times could save hundreds of dollars by booking last-minute. Less popular itineraries with low demand are the best option for last-minute savings.

However, last-minute booking isn’t the best option for everyone. There are many factors to consider when booking a last-minute cruise, such as airfare costs, limited excursion availability and fewer stateroom options. Those who are on a tight budget will likely benefit from booking their cruise far in advance, allowing time to pay off their sailing and even reprice if the cost goes down.

At the end of the day, if you are very flexible and simply want to get on a cruise ship, you could benefit from last-minute cruising.

Royal Caribbean has cancelled more scheduled visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico on one of its largest cruise ships, and cruisers are not happy.

Symphony of the Seas - measuring at 228,081 gross registered tons - was scheduled to visit San Juan on the two upcoming voyages, including the December 28, 2024 and January 12, 2025 sailings. However, due to ongoing construction at the pier, large cruise ships have been unable to dock for months in the capital city.

Cruisers sailing on both itineraries were alerted recently about itinerary changes because the Oasis class ship is still unable to dock in San Juan. However, both itineraries have been significantly altered due to the port change.

For the December 28 sailing, guests received the following email from Royal Caribbean:

“We wanted to inform you about some changes to your upcoming cruise. Due to ongoing construction at the pier in San Juan, the port authority has advised us that the port will not be ready in time for our visit. We understand how important each destination is to your vacation, so we have worked diligently to find the best alternatives for you.”

The 7-night itinerary will visit Perfect Day at Coco Cay as planned, but visits to St. Maarten and San Juan are cancelled. Instead of visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, the revised itinerary has Symphony of the Seas will now be visiting Labadee, Haiti.

As one of Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, Labadee was recently reopened following violence in the country this year. The cruise line suspending visits to Labadee when tension began to rise in the spring; however, the private destination’s location is completely operated by the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean also added a new port stop in Nassau, Bahamas on the December 28, 2024 sailing, which will replace one of the sea days.

In addition, vacationers on the January 12, 2025 sailing onboard Symphony of the Seas received a similar email from Royal Caribbean about itinerary changes. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing was meant to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico on January 15, 2025.

The Oasis class vessel was scheduled to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten on a roundtrip itinerary from Miami, Florida. However, the continuous issues with San Juan have caused the cruise line to revise this itinerary too.

Guests booked on the impacted itinerary were told the cruise would no longer sail an Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Although Symphony of the Seas will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay as planned on January 13, 2024, the rest of the port visits are altered.

Instead of visiting Puerto Rico, the ship will now dock in Labadee, Haiti. Additionally, the new itinerary features a port visit to Falmouth, Jamaica instead of St. Maarten. The remaining two sea days on the itinerary remain unchanged. Symphony of the Seas will return to Miami, Florida as scheduled.

Ongoing issues docking in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Prior to these recent changes, Royal Caribbean also adjusted Symphony of the Seas’ itineraries in December that were meant to dock in San Juan. Sailings throughout November and December were also altered significantly to replace San Juan, Puerto Rico because of the pier issues that persist.

Unfortunately, there is no end in sight for the port cancellations in Puerto Rico due to “technical issues” with San Juan’s pier.

Royal Caribbean explained in communication earlier this month, “We’ve recently been advised by the port authority in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that due to technical issues with the pier and the work that must be done and cleared by the United States Coast Guard for accepting a ship our size, we’ll have to adjust our itinerary for our sailing.”

Currently, there is no timeline for when the pier will be completed. The dock is located in San Juan’s old town, making it one of the more popular destinations for cruisers in the Caribbean. Neither the Port Authority in San Juan nor Royal Caribbean have stated when the pier will be cleared for larger vessels, indicating the pier might not be fixed for some time.

According to local reports from elnuevodia, San Juan’s Pier 3 was damaged by MSC Meraviglia in April 2024. This forced the port to close down the west side of the facility until further notice because of the extensive damage to the pier. Neither Royal Caribbean nor the Port of San Juan have confirmed the pier damage by MSC Meraviglia.

Luckily, San Juan has two docks for cruise ships to use. Smaller ships are able to use the Pan America pier; however, Oasis class ships are only able to use the damaged pier due to the large size. As such, Royal Caribbean is technically at the mercy of San Juan to repair the damaged pier before they can resume normal operations.

Disappointment and frustration from many impacted cruisers

Although Royal Caribbean is technically not responsible for the damaged pier repairs, many cruisers are frustrated by the continued last-minute changes. The repeated itinerary adjustments are disappointing for most cruisers scheduled to vacation on Symphony of the Seas.

Cruisers impacted by the sailing have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, including a thread on Reddit and forum post on Royal Caribbean Blog.

In particular, some have expressed their dismay with Royal Caribbean choosing to replace San Juan, Puerto Rico with less-desired ports. For example, the U.S. State Department has Haiti as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for the region. Others are not pleased with the elimination of St. Maarten for Falmouth, Jamaica.

“Skipping St. Maarten for Jamaica, Haiti and Nassau would make me cranky,” commented one user on Reddit.

Others found the wording of the communication comical considering the political unrest in Haiti. “[Haiti is] so stunning that there are armed guards who stop you from leaving the private port,” responded one commenter.

“Telling us that being diverted to Haiti (during a level 4 do not travel advisory) is suddenly safe is an insult. RC stopped visiting Labadee in March, 2024… but now 'the safety and security of our guest remains our main priority' — and just like that it’s safe again?” commented one frustrated cruiser.

“Ugh. Nassau and Falmouth in exchange for San Juan and St. Martin? That’s the downgrade of downgrades,” responded another user.

“Love how they try to make roses out of turds,” exclaimed one responder.

Others are frustrated by Royal Caribbean’s lack of planning considering the ongoing issue, especially considering the cruise line continues to advertise Oasis class cruises visiting San Juan in early 2025:

“RCCL continues to look bad on this issue. They have to know the pier issue is going to take time to get back to operations that support Oasis class ships. Rhapsody docked just fine this morning. Highly recommend the itinerary she is running right now.”

The poster replied, “Definitely knew, feels like a bait and switch to private islands. The money grab from Covid downtime is so very apparent. At least try to substitute with another eastern island.”

Which Royal Caribbean ships are impacted?

Reports of issues with docking in San Juan, Puerto Rico were reported by Royal Caribbean cruisers as early as April 2024. Guests sailing on Wonder of the Seas reported the captain chose to divert the ship from San Juan and Dominican Republic to visit St. Thomas and St. Maarten instead. At the time, guests were told the pier was damaged by an MSC ship and Oasis class ships could not dock.

After the diversion of Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has faced the greatest impact. Since the spring, every itinerary that included a stop in San Juan has been modified.

Looking ahead to next year, Symphony of the Seas has planned visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico, throughout early 2025. While January itineraries have already been modified, no updates have been shared regarding changes to additional sailings. If the pier’s repair timeline remains unclear and adjustments continue, more itineraries could be affected.

For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, a Quantum class ship measuring 167,000 gross registered tons, is also scheduled to visit San Juan on January 30, 2025. Currently, this sailing has not been impacted.

Finally, Rhapsody of the Seas is home-ported in San Juan and sails roundtrip itineraries from the capital city to the Southern Caribbean. Because Rhapsody of the Seas is one of the cruise line’s smallest ship, the vessel operates at the alternative San Juan dock. Therefore, the Vision class ship has not been impacted and continues to operate as scheduled. 

Are impacted cruisers receiving compensation?

Even with the adjusted sailings, cruisers on impacted itineraries are not being offered the opportunity to cancel for a refund. This has created additional frustration for vacationers who are visiting ports of call they did not originally plan to visit. 

"They sold and marketed this New Years Holiday Cruise as an Eastern Caribbean itinerary knowing that it was unlikely that the San Juan port would be fixed,” argued another cruiser online.

Itinerary changes are not uncommon in the cruise industry, especially for weather-related changes. However, because cruise lines have the power to make itinerary changes as needed for any reason, guests are not currently being offered any sort of refund or compensation for the change.

For previous itinerary changes caused by the pier issues in San Juan, Royal Caribbean announced that guests would automatically be refunded to their original form of payment for any prepaid excursions at the canceled ports. Additionally, new excursions will likely be offered through Royal Caribbean for ports of call in Falmouth (Jamaica), Nassau (Bahamas) and Labadee (Haiti). 

One of the most popular Caribbean destinations will be increasing port fees for cruise passengers in 2025.

During a public hearing on December 17, 2024, the Virgin Islands Port Authority announced that cruise ship fees in the St. Thomas–St. John district will increase across three separate categories. Along with higher port dues, guests will also face increased wharfage fees in 2025. 

According to the Virgin Islands Port Authority, generated revenue from the higher cruise fees will support necessary dredging and marine operations next year. Technically, the Virgin Island Port Authority is responsible for harbor dredging in St. Thomas, but currently lacks the financial resources to complete the project. Therefore, the increased port fees for cruise ship passengers are necessary to ensure vessels can safely dock and navigate the harbor. 

To raise funds, port dues for the St. Thomas - St. John district in U.S. Virgin Islands will be increasing by $3 for each cruise passenger. This means port fees will increase from $6.84 to $9.84 per person, which will be used to directly fund the Charlotte Amalie Harbor Dredging Project. The higher port fee will go into effect by April 1, 2025 for cruise ship guests.

The dredging project will help support larger vessels at the St. Thomas cruise port and allow for improved navigation for vessels. The Charolette Amalie Dredging Project will take approximately two years and is expected to be completed sometime in 2026.

According to NOAA’s National Ocean Service, dredging involves the removal of silt and debris from the bottom of harbors to increase the water depth. “It is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation—the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream—gradually fills channels and harbors,” explains NOAA.

Wharfage fee increases begin in January 2025

In addition to hiked port dues, the island is planning to increase wharfage fees for cruise ship passengers starting as early as January 1, 2025. 

According to the Virgin Islands Port Authority, the increased wharfage fees will be used to support marine operations and maintain docking facilities. All cruise ships docking in the district will be subject to the increased wharfage fees.

Cruise ships visiting the West Indian Company Dock (WICO) will increase port fees by $0.44 on January 1, 2025. The new fees will increase from $7.80 per person to $8.24 for the WICO dock. Ships that dock at Crown Bay in St. John will pay the same higher fee in 2025, but this change will not go into effect until April 1, 2025.

The wharfage fees will be collected by the West Indian Company (WICO) or the Virgin Islands Port Authority depending on the ship’s docking location. For ships docking at the West Indian Company Dock in Havensight, WICO will collect the fee. On the other hand, the Port Authority plans to collect the fees for ships docking at the Austin ‘Babe’ Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay and on St. John.

Cruise ship passengers already pay a $1 marine tax for visiting St. Thomas, which remains unchanged in 2025. It’s also important to note that St. Croix will not impose tariffs to cruise ships entering the district. Currently, St. Croix charges a port fee of $3.45 and $3.55 wharfage fee per person.

Why the Virgin Islands Port Authority is increasing fees

St. Thomas is one of the most popular cruise destinations for Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Most of the major cruise lines visit the island year round, including some of the industry’s newest and biggest cruise ships. For example, Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Icon of the Seas regularly visits St. Thomas on its Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary.

According to a local report from St. Thomas, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line requested the harbor to be dredged to 40 feet deep in the port’s main channel. This will allow the port to accommodate larger vessels and maintain St. Thomas’ competitiveness for cruise lines as one of the top destinations.

However, no dedicated funding was initially allocated to complete the dredging project. While the U.S. Virgin Islands government has provided approximately $17 million for the effort, this amount falls short of the total required funding. As a result, the increased cruise ship fees will only partially cover the project’s costs.

Local reports indicate that some stakeholders and businesses have voiced concerns about raising port dues for the project, fearing that the higher fees might discourage ships from docking in the district altogether. However, the Virgin Islands Port Authority emphasized that the dredging project is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of port operations and accommodating larger cruise ships in the future.

The public information officer for the port authority stated in a released statement, “This significant development will ensure improved access and navigability for cruise traffic, benefiting the local economy and supporting continued growth and development in the region.”

The Virgin Islands Port Authority has also emphasized that cruise ship operations should not be impacted by the dredging projects. With careful coordination, the project should be complete while cruise ship operations continue as scheduled. The port authority is also addressing environmental considerations with the project, such as relocating coral and a historic shipwreck.

Additionally, cruise ships visits are expected to increase by nearly 20% in 2025. With more passengers visiting the Virgin Islands than ever, improved infrastructure and routine maintenance are necessary to ensure smooth operations. 

Theoretically, guests could be subject to multiple fee increases if their itinerary docks at both St. Thomas and St. John. This would include the increased port dues, along with higher wharfage fees for visiting both docks.

Other Caribbean destinations raising fees

Rising port taxes have been a hot topic recently for destinations throughout the Caribbean. Just recently, Mexico announced a new tax that was scheduled to begin in early 2025. The immigration tax would be known as the “Non-Resident Fee."

At $42 per person, the significant fee increase for visiting Mexican ports was highly criticized by the cruise lines. In addition, critics questioned why more than two-thirds of the expected revenue from the tax would be allocated to the Mexican Army. Instead, many argued the revenue should be used to maintain port facilities, harbor infrastructure and general port operations.

“If this measure is implemented, it would make Mexican ports of call among the most expensive in the world, severely affecting their competitiveness with other Caribbean destinations,” the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents said in response to the tax.

Other critics included the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), a not-for-profit trade organization that currently represents 23 different cruise lines. The association expressed concerns on behalf of the cruise lines to the Mexican president in a letter, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises.

According to a local news source, the FCCA stated that cruise lines were already considering itinerary adjustments to avoid Mexican ports because of anticipated costs increasing. Nearly 10 million passengers could be deterred from visiting the Caribbean destination over the increased cost, explained the association.

Mexico relies heavily on tourism for its economy, including multiple cruise ports across the region. With the new tax implications, the FCCA warned that massive investments from the cruise lines could be at risk. Notably, Royal Caribbean is planning to build Perfect Day Mexico at the Costa Maya port as its next private destination in the Caribbean. The massive investment is scheduled to be complete in 2027.

The significant pushback from the cruise industry caused the Mexican government to defer the new tax by six months. Now, the Non-Resident Fee is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2025.

If you’re on the hunt for the best cruise products this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. I consider myself an expert cruiser after taking more than 50 cruises before the age of 30. With the holiday season upon us, now is the perfect time to find great deals on cruising essentials for your upcoming travels.

This year alone, I embarked on eight cruises across the world on four different cruise lines. These bucket-list itineraries whisked me away to five different continents: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. It was a busy travel year for me, to say the least!.

Whether I was transiting through the airport, boarding trains, or sailing on the open sea, I spent much of my last year traveling. While unconventional for the average 29-year-old, my flexible remote work and role as a cruise writer allow me to travel often

Because of this, my suitcase is never stored away. My cruise cosmetic bag is always packed with travel-sized products, always ready for the next adventure. With my on-the-go lifestyle, I tend to pack the same travel essentials for all of my travels. This is especially true when I pack with just a carry-on, as suitcase space is limited.

In my opinion, not all cruise products are worth the hype. I’ve had a few products that fell short of expectations, which is always disappointing. However, some cruise essentials have changed the game for me and, therefore, I never leave home without them.

After trying dozens of cruise products this year, here are the top cruise products I would recommend purchasing this holiday season. If you choose to purchase from the affiliate links below, we will receive a small commission from your purchase - at no extra expense to you!

1. Magnetic Hooks

One of the most hyped cruise products has to be a set of magnetic hooks. Cruise cabins are often small and lack adequate storage, but magnetic hooks can provide additional space. I wasn’t sure if magnetic hooks would be worthwhile, considering this would be another item to pack away when cruising.

However, I finally ordered a set of magnetic hooks before sailing to Africa last January. If you’ve ever traveled to Africa, you’ll know that packing is difficult. You need to bring many non-standard items on your cruise, such as safari hats, DEET bug spray and scarves for protection.

In preparation for traveling two weeks in Africa, our cabin was quickly stuffed with our belongings. Having these magnetic hooks provided so much more space for us to hang items around the cabin without cluttering the small space.

If you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, or you want to purchase your own set of magnetic hooks, now is the best time! This set of 10 hooks is only $5.85 right now

Link: Neosmuk Magnetic Hooks,30lb+ Heavy Duty Earth Magnets with Hook for Refrigerator, Extra Strong Cruise Hook for Hanging, Magnetic Hanger for Cabins, Grill (Silver White, Pack of 10). 

Price: $5.85 (51% off)

2. Portable White Noise Machine

Cruise ships are inherently noisy. Whether you have a rowdy neighbor or you’re listening to the clunking of a lifeboat, it can be difficult to sleep. As someone who sleeps with white noise every night, I decided to splurge on a potable white noise machine for my cruises.

Before, I was relying on my phone to play white noise through an app, which was draining my battery. Even still, I wasn’t sure if this product would be worthwhile before packing it on my first cruise. Although minimal space was used to pack, the small size didn’t seem like it would have much horsepower to drown out the ship’s noise.

I was pleasantly surprised by how powerful this small machine was. With a variety of 15 looping sounds that can be played, I slept so much better during my cruises. Even on the noisiest of cruises, the white noise machine created a more peaceful environment for restful sleep. Now, I don’t cruise without it!

Link: White Noise Machine Babelio Mini Sound Machine for Adults Kids Baby | 15 Non-looping Sounds | Timer | Easy to Pocket and Travel - White. 

Price: $15.98 (20% off)

3. Foldable, Compact Charging Station

A recent purchase I loved is this compact, magnetized charging station. With Royal Caribbean’s newest restrictions on outlet extenders, I was exploring different ways to charge my devices without breaking the rules. Also, many older cruise ships only have one or two useable outlets, which can be frustrating when trying to charge multiple devices between everyone in the stateroom.

I’ve seen many travelers rave about these charging strands to simplify packing and save space. But, the price had always deterred me from pulling the plug. With a recent Prime Day deal, I decided to splurge on the purchase - now, it’s an essential item for my travels!

The charging stand is designed to charge Apple products, including your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. I’m not one to wirelessly charge my products, but this handy station charges devices quicker than any of my other cords from Amazon.

Additionally, the charging station allows your phone to be propped upwards to display the time like a clock. This is especially helpful for cruisers who want to be able to see the time in their stateroom.

Finally, the charging station is extremely compact and folds easily. Instead of needing to pack multiple chargers and cords, the magnetized charging station is all you should need. Being able to charge multiple devices quickly will be a game changer for your stateroom!

Link: Anker MagGo 3-in-1 iPhone 16 Charging Station, MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Charger Stand, Qi2 Certified 15W Foldable Charger for iPhone 15/14, AirPods, Apple Watch 9 (40W USB-C Charger Included). 

Price: $82.49 (25% off)

4. Compression Packing Cubes

Cruisers have been raving about packing cubes for quite some time now. Although I hopped on the bandwagon for packing cubes, I just ordered my first set of compression packing cubes this year. If you love packing cubes, then you need to purchase a set of compression packing cubes for your upcoming cruises!

Compression packing cubes squish down your clothes to save space in your luggage. With an extra zipper to compress the cube tightly, you can save so much space when traveling. If you prefer traveling with a carry-on, consider opting for compression packing cubes over standard ones.

For instance, I packed my large puffer jacket for a recent cruise to Norway. I was shocked at how much I could compress the coat with my compression packing cube. The cube allowed me to squeeze the coat into my carry-on bag, which I thought would be impossible.

In addition, you can stay organized in your luggage with separate packing cubes for your belongings. As someone who struggles to stay organized, I find that packing cubes allow me to fit everything in my luggage easily and neatly.

Getting settled in your cruise cabin is a breeze with packing cubes, too. You can simply remove the packing cubes from your suitcase and place them in your cabin’s closet, drawers or shelves. At the end of the sailing, you can place the cubes back in your suitcase (with one designated for dirty clothes, of course).

If you like to shop for souvenirs during your cruises, compression packing cubes will allow you to fit more in your suitcase as well. I’m always thankful that I can compress my belongings to make space for new treasures!

Link: BAGSMART 6 Set/4 Set/2 Set Compression Packing Cubes for Travel, Lightweight Vacation Travel Essentials, Travel Accessories for Suitcase Organizer Bags Set, Durable Luggage Organizer Travel Bags

Price: $31.99 (26% off)

5. Luggage Tag Holders

Another very popular item among cruisers is a set of luggage tag holders to attach on your suitcase. Most cruise lines require you to print out baggage tags so the crew members can easily locate your stateroom when delivering luggage.

These holders ensure your luggage tags remain secure and protected during embarkation. To be honest, I never understood the hype around these luggage tag holders and didn’t see the need for many years. I’ve never had issues with my tags falling off or getting damaged.

However, my parents decided to purchase these tags before our recent cruise in Australia - and now I won’t cruise without them! My dad let me borrow one of his tags to place on my suitcase before heading to the cruise terminal. It was pouring rain during embarkation in Sydney, but my luggage tag stayed intact thanks to the holder!

I was so thankful to have a protective covering on my luggage tag, as I saw many others get destroyed during the downpour. My tag was in perfect condition even during the rain and my bag arrived on time to my stateroom. I decided to purchase my own set of cruise luggage tags to use going forward!

Link: Royal Caribbean Cruise Luggage Tag Holder by Cruise On [4 Pack] Fits All Carnival & Royal Caribbean Ships & Tags, Cruise Ship Essentials 2024 & 2025 - Clear Luggage Tags for Cruise Ships. 

Price: $12.99

6. Hanging Cosmetic Bag

One of my all-time favorite travel products is a hanging cosmetic bag to stay organized. Not only do I bring my hanging cosmetic bag on every cruise, I also never travel without it. These hanging cosmetic bags are especially helpful for cruising, though.

Cruise cabins often have tiny bathrooms and limited counter space, making these bags with built-in hooks ideal for hanging on bathroom doors. This keeps your counter and vanity space less cluttered with all of your cosmetics in a convenient location.

There are multiple pockets to store your toiletries in clear pockets, including full-size products if you want. This makes organization a breeze while cruising. Also, if one of your bottles of shampoo decides to leak while in-transit, you won’t have damaged or wet clothes in your suitcase.

I’ve had my hanging cosmetic bag for years now, making it one of the best investments I’ve made for my cruising gear. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for the frequent cruiser or traveler in your life, then consider purchasing a hanging cosmetic organizer to simplify their travels.

Link: NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for women, Portable Hanging Organizer for Full-Sized Shampoo, Conditioner, Brushes Set, Makeup Accessories, Large Size, Pink. 

Price: $16.99 (39% off)

7. Travel Medicine Kit

Something I never cruise without is my travel pharmacy with a variety of over-the-counter medication. Purchasing medication onboard can be prohibitively expensive due to inflated prices. The medical center is also expensive to visit, so I try to prepare for the worst when cruising with a variety of medication.

Because of this, my small “pharmacy” is always fully stocked for my cruises. Without fail, I use something in my medication kit while cruising. My pharmacy includes Tylenol, Pepto or Tums, NyQuil, DayQuil, Imodium and Afrin. I also pack seasickness medication, antihistimems and sleep aids, along with bandaids and electrolyte packets. It may seem excessive, but I’ve never regretted being prepared.

One practical purchase to make for your upcoming cruise is a variety of OTC medication to pack for your travels. Of course, you could pack your own medication from home or purchase each medication. But, if you’re looking for a variety of medication to bring on your cruise, this kit should have you covered.

Even better, each medication comes individually wrapped, which is perfect to place in your suitcase or purse while cruising. You can’t beat the compactness and convenience for traveling.

Link: Travel Essentials Medicine Variety Pack with Travel RX Kit & Travel Medicine Kit for Travel, Camping, Cruises, 37 Individually Wrapped OTC Medications (2 Pack)

Price: $29.99 (9% off)

One Royal Caribbean cruiser shared her cautionary tale about nearly losing hundreds of dollars to a phone scammer when attempting to book a drink package.

Unfortunately, scammers seem to be everywhere these days. From spam phone calls to unwanted emails, it’s hard to know when you might fall victim to the latest scam. As such, remaining diligent about potential scams when providing personal information or payment details surrounding your vacation is extremely important.

In fact, vacation scams are sadly on the rise, mainly driven by the rise of artificial intelligence. For instance, Booking.com reported earlier this year that travel scams have increased “anywhere from 500 to 900% in the last 18 months”.

When planning for your cruise vacation, it’s important to have the correct contact information and booking details. If you’re not careful, you can easily be scammed by many sophisticated criminals looking to steal your money. Here’s what happened to one cruiser and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to the same scam or similar tactics.

Royal Caribbean Phone Number Scam

One cruiser in the Royal Caribbean Information page on Facebook recently shared their near-miss experience with a scammer pretending to be the cruise line on the phone. In the post, the cruiser details the experience and warns others to be careful when calling the cruise line and providing payment information.

In the post, she shared, “I was almost scammed by a number I thought was Royal Caribbean customer service.  I was trying to buy beverage package.”

Because she was attempting to purchase the deluxe drink package for one guest and the refreshment package for the second, she was required to call the cruise line. This specific drink package arrangement cannot be made online. The number she called was found on Google.

Continuing, the Royal Caribbean cruiser explained how the person on the phone quickly became agitated when she started to ask about the high price. This was a red flag - and she began to question if she was being scammed.

“The thing that triggered it first was the price, as I was trying to buy one deluxe and one refreshment package.  For a 3-day cruise, the price was $681! So I questioned the price and the person got irritated with me,” she wrote.

The cruiser explained further, “I had my doubts because I did the math in my head and it was not [adding up].  So I hung up. Then searched the number again and it was a totally different number and different experience.  Be careful!”

Similar Stories and Other Victims

Many fellow cruisers commented on the post, including some who unfortunately had fallen for the same scam. “Same exact thing happened to me, but unfortunately I bought the scam,” replied one woman. Another commenter agreed, stating he also fell victim to the same phone scam when attempting to call Royal Caribbean.

Another person who nearly fell victim to the same scam detailed a similar experience. “This happened to us! We wanted to cancel [and] rebook an excursion for a cheaper price. We Googled Royal Caribbean [and] called the number we found.”

However, this woman explained one scammer attempted to threaten “cancelling” her cruise because a “final payment” was due on her reservation; however, she knew the payment was not due yet. When questioning the final payment date of her cruise, the scammer became irritated and “nasty” with the woman. Even after stating she had the cruise documents in front of her, the scammer insisted the payment was due or the cruise would be cancelled.

She warned, “I knew I was being scammed and started screaming at him, ‘You are trying to scam me’ [and] I hung up. I called the correct Royal Caribbean [telephone number] and they said it was not them, no payment was due. Be very careful what [telephone number] you call!”

In addition, another commenter shared a similar scam regarding their cruise reservation. “They tried to tell us that we had not paid "dock" fees. I am telling everyone I know, that's about all we can do - they asked us for a little over $400,” replied one cruiser.

Sadly, one first-time cruiser responded that she fell for this scam because she had never cruised before. “Same with me and I [fell] for it not knowing any better since it’s my first cruise,” she commented in response.

Lessons Learned

Although some of these cruisers identified the red flags before providing payment, others are unfortunately victims to scamming. With this in mind, it’s crucial to be diligent when making payments or providing personal information either online or over the phone.

First, always call the phone number provided on Royal Caribbean’s official website. Scammers pay big bucks to have their fake phone number appear on Google searches. You can also find the official phone number in your booking documents.

Typically, if you call one of these fake numbers, the “agent” will ask for some sort of payment before they can help you. This could be an embarkation fee, docking fee, or final payment. When you provide payment information, they will then appear to “help” you with whatever request you had. But, in the end, you’ll lose your money and end up with nothing booked.

Second, consider working with a travel agent who can handle your questions, concerns and requests. Travel agents will ensure you aren’t scammed and can handle all of your cruise requests. If something feels off, always double-check with the cruise line’s official channels before proceeding with payments.

Finally, look out for red flags and trust your gut. If you receive a call from "Royal Caribbean” requesting money, it’s probably a scam - especially if the person becomes agitated or angry. You should call the official phone number from the cruise line’s website to confirm any payments that need to be made.

Before setting sail on your cruise, you’ll first need to pack your suitcases with everything you need for the voyage. Some people get excited about packing for vacation, while others (such as my own mother) get extremely stressed about packing perfectly for their cruise.

Of course, even the most seasoned cruisers forget cruise essentials. Even after I’ve taken 50 cruises in my life, I still find myself occasionally forgetting items in my suitcase! I find that longer itineraries with varied weather are often the most difficult to pack for.

In the end, it’s impossible to pack perfectly, but it’s also important to have everything you might need onboard for a smooth cruise. Forgetting critical items can lead to unexpected costs and inconvenience during your vacation.

Additionally, cruises could be considered more complex to pack for compared to other vacations. For instance, guests need to consider themed parties, evening dress codes, daily attire, adventurous excursion requirements, travel attire, weather predictions, and onboard activities when packing for their cruise.

With the holidays approaching, it’s a great time to start planning for your upcoming travels with many cruise essential items on sale. Whether you’re embarking on your first cruise or you consider yourself a cruise veteran, there might be a few items you didn’t think about packing.

Recently, one cruiser asked followers on Reddit to share their packing regrets as they prepare for an upcoming cruise. The thread was titled, “What is an item you wished you had brought with you on your last cruise?”

The thread was posted by user @djwilliams100, who shared they were embarking on a 16-night cruise this week and wanted to see if they missed something useful to pack. The inquiry prompted hundreds of responses from fellow cruisers.

Many of these easy-to-pack essentials can mean the difference between a smooth vacation and scrambling to the overpriced onboard shops. Even better, many of these items are majorly discounted with Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up. As such, it’s the perfect time to stock up before you embark on your next adventure.

Here are the top items that cruisers regretted not packing on their last trip, including why these often-forgotten essentials should be on your packing (and holiday shopping) list.

Please note: We receive a small commission when you purchase from our Amazon links below, at no extra cost to you. You can also check out our Amazon Storefront for other favorite cruise items.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Perhaps one of the most common responses from cruisers, many suggested packing a variety of over-the-counter medication. Getting sick on vacation is a huge bummer, but spending an absurd amount of money to get overpriced medication onboard or visiting the medical clinic for a hefty fee worsens the situation.

Whether you simply catch a head cold or you have a mild allergic reaction to a bug bite, having a variety of over-the-counter medication can make all the difference. Personally, I always pack my always-prepared “traveling pharmacy” with an assortment of medication. On every cruise, I’ve needed to use something in this pharmacy, from Immodium to Benadryl, sleep aids, NyQuil, and more.

“I bring a small OTC pharmacy for every ailment and a first aid kit. No way am I paying hundreds or thousands to visit the ship’s doctor,” proclaimed one cruiser.

Cold and Flu Medication

• Cherry Cough Drops, 160 count for $4.76 (20% off)
• Daytime and Nighttime Combo Pack: Cold & Flu Medication, 48 count for $12.50  
• Max Strength Mucus DM, Expectorant and Cough Suppressant Extended-Release Tablets, 42 Count for $13.47 

One of the top responses reads, “I think I overpacked, but 100% bring medicine cabinet type stuff! We both got cough/cold second to the last day and it came on hard - and we went through all of the medicine and then had to pay 6 dollars for 2 doses at the airport on the way home.”

“I ALWAYS pack Tylenol Cold and Flu. And if we don’t use it, new friends in the cruise having symptoms can use it (I’ve had this happen and people are SUPER grateful),” responded another cruiser.

Similarly, one cruiser agreed, “Definitely take cold meds! My son caught a bug the 2nd day of our cruise and I am thankful that I had the liquid-gels with me.”

“Cough drops and cough syrup. I felt fine except for the nasty cough (COVID test was negative) but everyone looked at me as if I was spreading the plague,” commented another cruiser.

Stomach Relief and Digestive Aid

• Loperamide Hydrochloride Tablets, 2 mg, Anti-Diarrheal, 24 Count for $3.19 (20% off)
• Pepto Bismol Chewable Tablets, 48 count for $8.45
• Stool Softener Laxative, Docusate Sodium 100 mg, Softgels, For Constipation Relief, 100 Count for $3.41 (5% off)

All of the delicious cruise food is a highlight for many, but sometimes your stomach doesn’t agree. Combine this with drinking alcohol and dehydration - and your stomach might not be feeling the best. Many cruisers regretted not bringing enough medication for these symptoms.

“Don't forget Imodium and Pepto because while you can get it onboard the markup is astronomical. And last time I got the runs and was glad I insisted on bringing Imodium,” wrote one responder.

Another replied, “TUMS really came in handy, I was giving out my supply like candy to my food-loving family group.”

“Pepto. It is very effective in helping prevent Montezuma’s Revenge (travelers diarrhea). Always travel with chewable Pepto tablets,” explained one cruiser.

Seasickness Medication

• Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief Less Drowsey Formula, 8 Count. $3.90 (35% off) 
• Non-Drowsy Bonine for Motion Sickness Relief, Travel-Sized - 16ct Raspberry Chewable Tablets. $5.94 (26% off) 

We always recommend cruise passengers consider packing seasickness medication. Rocky seas and rough weather can strike at any time, so it’s best to be prepared.

One commenter stated, “A better selection of seasickness treatments. I've now got ginger candy, sea bands, anti-sickness glasses and some Bonine for my next cruise. Don't want anything to ruin it.”

“Bring some seasick remedies like bonine pills, patches and ginger chews. We don’t get seasick but on high seas day after day it could get nauseous,” agreed one cruiser.

One cruiser even stated, “Motion sickness meds! I’ve been motion sick on one cruise ever and it happened to be the most recent one I went on. I’ve sailed in a hurricane and been fine but this last cruise was horrible…. Sometimes it just hits hard when you’ve never really had it be an issue.”

Insulated Tumbler or Coffee Mug

• 12oz Stainless Steel Insulated Coffee Mug with Handle with Lid, $9.99 (23% off)
• 20oz Tumbler, Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated, $9.99 (23% off)
• Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug, $18.99 (17% off) 

Another popular response from cruisers involved forgetting their insulated water bottle, thermos, or coffee mug. Cruise ships provide complimentary drip coffee, but the cups are extremely small and easy to spill. Moreover, insulated cups keep your drinks either hot or cold for extended periods.

In the replies, one of the top responses reads, “Travel coffee cup/water bottle. The coffee cups near the buffet are small and I like a cover on my cup so I can walk around and not spill.”

In response, another cruiser agreed, “Great for coffee, tea and frozen drinks! There's nothing worse than your margarita blowing over on the sundeck because it's in a cheap plastic glass that weighs nothing.”

“Many of my must haves are already mentioned but in addition, my Yeti so I can take my ice and soda everywhere with me all day and evening and it stays fresh,” replied one cruiser.

Binoculars

• Compact HD Binoculars for Adults and Kids High Powered, $29.99 (59% off)

One item you might not think to pack is a set of binoculars. But, many cruisers regretted that they did not pack a set of binoculars during their last cruise. You might spot wildlife from your cruise ship balcony or simply want to get a better look at the scenery during your cruise.

“Binoculars. I usually bring a pair, but I forgot once. If you have a balcony room, it’s nice to sit and stare at the ocean, but occasionally something catches your eye and you want to investigate.”

“We brought some cheap ones on the last cruise on a whim and it was excellent! Even out on the excursions it really added to the experience.”

“Seconding binoculars. We went on an Alaska cruise and didn't have any and feel like we missed out on seeing a lot of wildlife.”

Magnetic Hooks

• Neosmuk Black Magnetic Hooks,30lb+ Heavy Duty Earth Magnets with Hook for Refrigerator, Extra Strong Cruise Hook for Hanging, Magnetic Hanger for Curtain, Grill Black, 10 Pack for $5.93 (24% off)

Cruisers love magnetic hooks, but do you really need them? Many Redditors argued that you should never forget to pack magnetic hooks for your cruise. These would make a great stocking stuffer because of their small size, affordable price, and overall practicality for travel!

“Having magnetic hooks are great as the walls in your room are metal,” commented one person.

Another replied, “Magnet hooks. I hung them outside on the balcony and in the cabin. Excellent for swim suits, lanyards, and other small items.”

“Magnet hooks, especially for longer cruises. Helps organize the room better and perfect for dry stuff,” explained another cruiser.

Dish Soap

• Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap, 7.5 fluid ounce. $1.24 (38% off)

Another cruise essential that many consider a must-pack item is liquid hand soap or dish soap. Don’t feel like you need to do dishes on vacation, as we aren’t suggesting that! Instead, you can have some liquid soap to wash your hands in your stateroom if you prefer liquid soap over the typical bar soap. The soap is versatile for washing other items as well.

“Dish soap. I use it for so many things, washing my jewelry, cleaning my coffee mug, getting out stains. I forgot it on my last cruise,” said one responder. In agreement, another person stated, “Liquid hand soap - most ships have bar soap in the bathroom”

Entertainment and Reading Material

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet, 8” HD Display, 32 GB, 30% faster processor, 3GB RAM, wireless charging, (2022 release), Gray. $59.99 (50% off)
• Apple iPad (10th Generation), 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 64GB. $259. (26% off)

Although cruise ships have plenty to do, there are still many opportunities for downtime. Many responders regretted not bringing enough personal entertainment for their cruise. Some cruisers might not consider gameshows, bingo, and trivia to be their idea of relaxation. If you’re like me, you might prefer catching up on your favorite show or reading a book you’ve put off for a while.

“I downloaded movies from Netflix so I could unwind at night. It just brought some normalcy to the day. It's nice to be able to download as many as I want,” commented one cruiser.

One responder shared, “I wish I had downloaded more audiobooks and podcasts because the wifi I had did not let me use those apps last I sailed.”

“My tablet! I could have downloaded some movies, books and games,” stated one cruiser.

It’s about to become more expensive to cruise to Mexico thanks to a newly approved tax that will target cruise ship passengers visiting the country. 

Mexico continues to be one of the most commonly visited cruise ports not only in the Caribbean, but also in the world. In fact, the Port of Cozumel, Mexico is the third busiest cruise port by passenger volume with over four million cruisers visiting each year. 

However, the country might also become one of the most expensive cruise destinations to visit with a newly approved immigration fee. Under the new policy, all cruise ship passengers would be charged a hefty $42 per person to enter the country and would take effect in 2025.

The new tax would be considered a “Non-Resident Fee”, which would go into effect for cruises starting in 2025. Moreover, the funds from the immigration tax would mainly support the country’s military rather than improving port facilities and tourism infrastructure. Critics state this undermines the intent of the tax, which is meant to support tourism development in the country.

Historically, cruise ship passengers were exempt from tourism taxes, as guests sleep onboard the ship and some choose not to disembark in the ports of call. Under the new policy, all cruise guests would be charged the $42 fee regardless of whether they go ashore or not.

This $42 tourist fee will be added on top of existing taxes and docking fees. For example, the country already approved a new $5 tax for the National Disaster Prevention Fund, which will apply to cruise passengers visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. The new fee could go into effect in 2025. However, the funds raised by this tax will mostly support tourism infrastructure, along recovery needed from potential hurricanes and other damaging storms.

Cruise Industry’s Response

As anticipated, the new tourist tax is causing uproar in the maritime community with many industry leaders fearing tourism revenue will plummet. For instance, the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents strongly opposes the new tax, stating the new fee could make Mexico uncompetitive for cruise ship tourism in the future.

“If this measure is implemented, it would make Mexican ports of call among the most expensive in the world, severely affecting their competitiveness with other Caribbean destinations,” the association said in a statement.

In addition, the not-for-profit trade organization known as Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which represents 23 different cruise lines, has requested Mexico’s government reconsider the proposed tax. The association wrote a letter to Mexico's president expressing concerns with the new tourism tax. 

In the letter, the organization states it represents North America’s major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Each cruise line offers a multitude of itineraries to Mexico year round.

Based on a report by the Reportur, the association stated that cruise lines are already considering revising planned itineraries because of anticipated cost increase due to the tourism tax. The FCCA states that the immigration law could deter more 10 million passengers scheduled to visit the country should the change go into effect as planned. 

Future Developments at Risk

Given Mexico’s reliance on tourism, opponents of the tax also warn it could have far-reaching implications, jeopardizing one of the nation’s most critical revenue sources. Along with impacting scheduled cruise itineraries in the future, the association warns that scheduled development investments could be impacted by the decision.

The association advised in the letter (translated from English to Spanish via Google Translate): “This proposed tax could also jeopardize the cruise industry's investments in the country, including billions in planned developments and other projects, intended to help rebuild Acapulco and cultivate new Mexican tourist destinations.”

One notable project is Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Perfect Day Mexico, which is set to be developed in Costa Maya, Mexico. Announced last month, the project is expected to be completed by 2027 and offer an unparalleled experience for cruisers. As such, this new private destination will build on the cruise line’s success with its other “Perfect Day” locations.

Royal Caribbean announced, “Along with Royal Beach Club Cozumel, the recently announced beach experience in Cozumel, Mexico, that opens in 2026, Perfect Day Mexico will be a hallmark of Royal Caribbean vacations that introduces new adventures in the western Caribbean.”

"In 2027, vacationers can set their sights on Mexico’s popular Caribbean coast in Mahahual for what will be a slice of paradise that combines Royal Caribbean’s adrenaline-pumping thrills and ways to chill with the vibrancy and beauty of Mexico,” continued the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean is facing challenges with the cruise pier in San Juan, Puerto Rico, resulting in unexpected itinerary changes for one of its largest ships.

San Juan is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean with its rich history and vibrant culture; in addition, the capital of Puerto Rico is also used as a homeport for Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean offers many sailings that visit San Juan as a port of call. However, itineraries onboard Symphony of the Seas have been particularly affected by this port issue because of the ship's massive size.

In an email sent to guests booked on the December 1, 2024 sailing onboard Symphony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean explained the situation regarding "technical issues" with San Juan’s cruise pier.  Royal Caribbean made it clear the issue is out of their control. Until the damaged pier is repaired and subsequently cleared by the United States Coast Guard, Oasis class ships will be unable to dock. 

The cruise line said, “We’ve recently been advised by the port authority in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that due to technical issues with the pier and the work that must be done and cleared by the USCG for accepting a ship our size, we’ll have to adjust our itinerary for our sailing.”

At this time, it’s unclear when the pier - which is located in the heart of San Juan’s old town - will be cleared by authorities to accept larger vessels. Neither Royal Caribbean nor the Port of San Juan have stated when the issue is expected to be fixed. 

Symphony of the Seas is one of the largest ships in the world, measuring 228,081 gross registered tons. Originally, the ship was scheduled to sail on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Miami on December 1, 2024. Because of the unforeseen port issues in San Juan, the itinerary was adjusted at the last minute. 

Symphony of the Seas was scheduled to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, along one day at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. Guests were notified that Symphony of the Seas will instead visit Falmouth, Jamaica and Labadee, Haiti with an adjusted itinerary. However, the ship will also keep its scheduled visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay as planned.

Royal Caribbean stated that guests will receive an automatic refund to their original form of payment for any prepaid excursions booked for San Juan and Philipsburg. Additionally, excursions will also be available to book for the new ports of call in Jamaica and Haiti.

Only Symphony of the Seas has been impacted.

This isn’t the first Royal Caribbean itinerary to be impacted by San Juan’s pier issues. The cruise line was forced to drop San Juan from Symphony of the Seas’ itinerary earlier this month as well. The ship's November 17, 2024 itinerary was originally scheduled to dock in San Juan, St. Maarten and Perfect Day at CocoCay before the adjustment was made. 

In communication sent to passengers, Royal Caribbean stated, “After exploring all options, and to provide you with the best experience, we'll now enjoy visits to our private destination, Labadee, Haiti, and to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, instead. To help make up for these changes, we've added a visit to Nassau, Bahamas!”

It’s also important to note that San Juan, Puerto Rico has two different ports utilized by cruise ships. The current issue is only impacting Royal Caribbean’s largest ships when docking for the day at the Port of San Juan near the old town. The second port in San Juan is found across the harbor, known as Pan American Pier, and is unaffected. This terminal is used as a homeport for ships that are departing from San Juan.

Currently, Rhapsody of the Seas is sailing round-trip itineraries from San Juan and has not experienced any itinerary adjustments. No other Royal Caribbean ships are departing from San Juan in the coming months, although multiple ships are scheduled to visit the city as a port of call. 

Looking forward, Symphony of the Seas is scheduled to visit San Juan again on December 22, 2024. The ship also has more sailings featuring the port into January 2025. The cruise line has not announced any further changes at this time for future itineraries. If the pier remains damaged, Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships could continue to be impacted for months to come. 

How was the pier in San Juan damaged?

Guests on Royal Caribbean sailings from earlier this year started to report issues with San Juan’s pier in the spring. In April 2024, people started posting online about docking issues in Puerto Rico, supposedly due to damage caused by an MSC cruise ship.

According to guests onboard at the time, Wonder of the Seas was forced to change course due to the damage caused in San Juan in April 2024. Oasis class ships can only dock at the damaged pier due to their size. Therefore, Royal Caribbean is at the mercy of the port to repair the damaged pier in order to resume normal operations.

In April 2024, user @Brooke posted on our site’s forum, “On the Wonder of the Seas and just got diverted from going to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. [Now we are] going to St. Maarten and St. Thomas. They said a ship crashed into the port in San Juan. Does anyone have information on that?”

User @Austin commented, “Just to clarify for anyone on a Puerto Rico itinerary on an Oasis class ship, Captain said the [pier] that Oasis ships use is unstable from the MSC ship striking it in Puerto Rico.”

Continuing, the cruiser shared, “They tried to work with the port authority to dock on the east side of the pier instead of the usual west side, but the port authority rejected this option and told them that we cannot dock until the dolphin is repaired (unknown downtime)."

In addition, a headline from elnuevodia, a local news source, confirmed the incident back in April. The headline reads, “MSC Meraviglia cruise ship hits Pier 3 in San Juan”. The article continued to explain how the San Juan Cruise Port was forced to close the west side of the facility until further notice, due to the damage caused by the accident. Neither Royal Caribbean nor the Port of San Juan have confirmed the pier damage by MSC Meraviglia.

Most guests are unhappy with the last-minute itinerary changes.

Impacted guests are understandably upset by the itinerary changes. Last-minute changes to an itinerary are always disappointing, especially when guests book sailings to visit specific destinations. While cruise lines attempt to replace cancelled ports of call, the itinerary updates are not always considered sufficient.

Royal Caribbean expressed to its guests, “We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by these changes. Nevertheless, we’re excited to visit our private destination and a new port with you!” Even still, impacted passengers are frustrated by the changes.

“I’m pretty upset about it. I was really excited to take my kids to San Juan as they’ve never been and St. Martin looked nice as well. I feel like the ports they switched us too are not on the same level as the ones we had before. Both cruise pricing wise and activity wise,” commented one impacted guest on a Reddit thread.

Royal Caribbean only recently started sailing again to its private island in Haiti, which is being used as a substitute port for San Juan. Although Labadee is a secure, remote and private area operated entirely by Royal Caribbean, the country of Haiti has been in turmoil recently.

Due to civil unrest in the spring and over the summer, Royal Caribbean suspended operations for months "out of an abundance of caution". Citing safety concerns, the cruise line removed Labadee from Caribbean itineraries throughout the spring and summer. Royal Caribbean only returned to Labadee in October 2024, although unrest continues in the country.  

Even after three commercial planes were struck by gunfire in the country’s capital this month, Royal Caribbean confirmed there were no planned changes for itineraries visiting the private destination. Therefore, it's not surprising to see Labadee being used as a replacement port for altered itineraries. 

One guest stated online how they would not be comfortable with Symphony's itinerary changes considering the violent situation in Haiti. The commenter stated, “Man, I’d personally be so upset at the changes; Skip San Juan but keep St. Maarten. I personally wouldn’t feel safe in Haiti right now."

“I'm on this cruise right now. It was a major bummer, but we adapted. We booked our St. Martin excursion through a 3rd party, and they refunded us after notifying them of the last-minute itinerary change,” stated one cruiser that was onboard the impacted November 17 sailing.

Continuing, the poster stated, “As far as the change goes, a lot of people were very upset about the change, but the terms and conditions you agree to when booking a cruise with Royal state that they can change the itinerary for any reason at any time, and without prior warning. Of course they will let you know as soon as possible, as a matter of good business practice.”

“So based on the other comments in this thread, it sounds like this has been a known issue since April, and basically there’s no hope in sight of getting it repaired? We picked this specific itinerary for Puerto Rico and St. Maarten,” exclaimed another cruiser online.