A recent cruise on Liberty of the Seas turned into a tragedy this Thursday after a man reportedly jumped overboard.

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-Class ship was sailing on a 4-night Eastern Caribbean cruise and returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida when the incident occurred.

The 1,111-foot-long vessel was approximately 57 miles from the Great Inagua Island, Bahamas at the time.

The passenger, a 20-year-old man traveling with his family, allegedly jumped overboard while drunk, and has not been recovered.

The New York Post reported that around 4:30 A.M. on Thursday, April 4th, the unnamed passenger was returning to his stateroom after relaxing in a crowded hot tub.

As his dad and brother began walking toward him, he suddenly jumped out of the window and overboard the side of the ship.

The decision appeared to be impulsive, although some have begun calling it a suicide attempt.

Crew was alerted immediately, and the ship stopped to begin conducting a search.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson made a statement.

"The ship's crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, who has taken over the search.”

“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share."

No information has been released about the identity of the passenger or his family.

Reddit user Thick_Horse_2405, who was apparently onboard as a passenger on Liberty of the Seas, posted that the ship stopped until around 9:00 or 9:30 A.M. when the Coast Guard arrived.

“So sad!”

At 1:11 P.M. on Thursday, the United States Coast Guard announced on X that the USCG Cutter Seneca and Air Station Miami HC-144 crews were conducting the search.

As of the writing of this article, the Coast Guard is still conducting a search, and the man has not yet been found.

After the Coast Guard arrived to take over the search, Liberty of the Seas continued sailing.

Cruise Mapper tracking shows that the ship is currently returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Liberty of the Seas Itinerary

At the time of the incident, Liberty of the Seas was on a sailing that embarked on Monday, April 1st, 2024. 

The ship left Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and called on Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. 

The 3,634-passenger vessel is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale and continue 3 and 4-night cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas.

On May 4th, 2024, Liberty of the Seas will make New York City her new homeport and offer longer Bermuda and Eastern Caribbean cruises.

No further delays to her itinerary have been announced or noted.

What happens when someone goes overboard?

Cruise ships make efforts to ensure no one ever falls overboard with measures like high railings on decks and balconies. 

Dr. Ross A. Klein, a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, estimates that only 314 overboard incidents have happened since 2000, out of the millions of people that cruise every year.

However, tragic incidents still occur. 

In July 2023, a passenger on Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas fell overboard after allegedly sitting on a railing.

The 64-year-old woman unfortunately was not recovered and passed away.

The response is immediate when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean ships have safety measures such as surveillance cameras and trained crew members ensuring that they can respond as swiftly as possible.

Once the ship receives a notification that someone has gone overboard, emergency protocols are initiated.

Usually, they will sound alarms and notify the bridge and relevant local authorities.

Once alerted, the crew on the bridge will stop the ship to begin search and rescue operations.

At the same time, trained crew members and security staff will attempt to visually locate the person in the water.

Maritime authorities, such as the Coast Guard in the United States, will also join the ship and work to find the individual.

They may use search and rescue techniques such as aircraft, cameras, and radar systems.

Meanwhile onboard the ship, the cruise line is also responsible for investigating how the incident could have occurred.

They review surveillance footage, speak to relevant witnesses, and study onboard accounts.

In the case of Thursday’s incident, witnesses reported that the passenger was very drunk.

Royal Caribbean has delayed another Brilliance of the Seas cruise in Sydney, Australia.

Passengers booked on an April 4th sailing of the cruise ship received an email that the sail date has been pushed back to Sunday, April 7th, 2024.

The ship reportedly started experiencing issues on March 22nd, 2024. 

Passengers shared online that Brilliance of the Seas arrived 90 minutes late to Lifou Isle, New Caledonia.

While the ship was docked at Lifou Isle, crew members allegedly attempted to fix the issue but were unsuccessful.

The sailing was cut short from 11 nights to only 7 nights.

Afterward, Royal Caribbean also cancelled the sailing scheduled for March 30th, 2024, a 5-night itinerary to Tasmania.

Now, Royal Caribbean has sent another email to guests that the April 4th sailing will be rescheduled.

“While repairs for the technical issue that we encountered on one of our previous sailings were completed, during routine testing, we discovered that we’re going to need some extra time to get the ship ready for you,” the email reads.

The cruise line stated that Sunday, April 7th is the earliest date Brilliance of the Seas was able to obtain a terminal in the Port of Sydney.

Because of this delay, the cruise’s embarkation date will have to be pushed back, and the itinerary changed.

The email went on to extend apologies to guests who may be disappointed: “We are terribly sorry for this last-minute change."

“We understand this news is disappointing, but we hope you’ll join us on the alternate itinerary planned below.”

At the time of the publishing of this article, CruiseMapper showed Brilliance of the Seas was sailing on its way to Sydney, Australia.

The cruise ship’s original planned itinerary was to leave Sydney on April 4th and spend two days at sea, followed by stops at Noumea, New Caledonia, Lifou Isle, New Caledonia, and Mystery Island, Vanuatu.

After two more sea days, the 8-night cruise was then intended to return to Sydney, Australia on April 12, 2024.

The new itinerary will now only last 5 nights, and visit Hobart, Tasmania for two consecutive days.

“Prepare for your time in Hobart,” Royal Caribbean’s email said, advising guests that the temperatures would run in between 16°-19°C (61°-66°F) and that passengers should pack warm clothing.

If guests do not make a response, they will automatically remain booked on the now-April 7th sailing of Brilliance of the Seas.

Compensation

Similar to the previous cancellation of a Brilliance of the Seas cruise, guests will receive the following compensation for the inconvenience and shortening of their cruise:

• A 50% refund of the cruise fare paid as Onboard Credit.
• A Future Cruise Credit (FCC) in the value of 50% of your cruise fare paid and sent to the guest’s email
• A refund for any pre-paid shore excursions impacted for Noumea, Lifou, and Mystery Island in the form of Onboard Credit
• A pro-rated refund for days missed on any packages that are charged daily (such as Beverage, VOOM, and Dining Packages)
• All bars opened, with drinks at a 50% discounted price
• Guests who purchased beverage packages will have 50% of the package cost refunded as Onboard Credit
• Guests who pre-paid their gratuities will receive a prorated refund for the days shortened on the sailing
• Guests who booked Royal Caribbean flights or transfers will have arrangements rescheduled automatically
• Any travel change fees reimbursed up to $250 USD for domestic travel and $400 USD for international travel
• Hotel costs reimbursed up to $250 USD per stateroom, up to three nights before embarkation

Guest Onboard Credits will be available for use anywhere onboard, and any remaining refunds at the end of the sailing will be sent back.

Additionally, passengers will receive Crown and Anchor loyalty points for each night of the original sailing, instead of nights actually sailed.

Essentially, they will still receive 8 nights of loyalty points, even though the actual sailing will be 5 nights.

What is the technical issue?

Royal Caribbean did not give many details as to what the technical issue is.

In the email sent to guests on Thursday, April 4th, the cruise line referred to it as, “The technical issue that we encountered on one of our previous sailings was completed, during routine testing.”

Passengers who were on the previously cancelled sailing, however, began to speculate.

Guests shared that the ship supposedly had an engine problem within the propulsion system.

Brilliance of the Seas would not be the first Radiance-Class ship to have a propulsion issue cancel or delay a sailing.

In September of 2023, Radiance of the Seas had two Alaskan sailings that were cancelled due to unplanned technical problems with the ship’s propulsion system.

However, other guests on Brilliance of the Seas claimed that the ship’s azipods were damaged.

Royal Caribbean uses azipods on their ships to help them rotate 360 degrees while safely maneuvering. 

One Reddit user claimed to be onboard Brilliance of the Seas while sharing, “If you look out the back, we are definitely running on one propeller.”

However, no specific details have been officially announced about what propulsion issues the ship could be experiencing.

How can first-timers book a cruise without making a vital mistake?

The answer is to arm yourself with information.

Royal Caribbean offers fun, elegant family cruises. The cruise line promises a great vacation for guests of all ages.

But before you book, you’ll want to prepare yourself with all the necessary knowledge on Royal Caribbean cruises.

There are endless things that can go wrong if you jump into cruising without the proper education, such as wasting money or picking a ship you don’t end up enjoying.

Booking your first cruise comes with a daunting amount of options: itineraries, cruise lines, destinations, ships, and cabins.

To help you face your first cruise with confidence, we’ve put together a guide with the most important things first-time cruisers should know before booking.

Read more: 7 surprising things I learned when booking a cruise for the first time

Use a travel agent

When it comes to gathering knowledge before booking, a good travel agent will be one of your best resources.

We always recommend using a good travel agent, whether this is your first cruise or you’ve already been on many.

Travel agents are paid by the cruise line to help you make your vacation planning easier. This means that their services don’t cost you anything.

They have a wealth of information on Royal Caribbean and can get to know you and answer all your personal questions. Travel agents can even use their own experience and network to get the answers you need.

They can also help you save money by finding all the discounts and offers available, and even snagging you onboard credit. 

Onboard credit (or OBC) is like a gift card for use onboard the ship. When you book through a travel agent, they can get anywhere from $50-100 in credit.

If you have pricing questions, changes to your reservation, or any further questions, your agent will be the one to call Royal Caribbean directly and sort out the details.

They become your advocate for everything surrounding your cruise, even when you’re onboard the ship.

Not only will they become your library of information, but their assistance will also free you up to focus on the more fun and interesting parts of preparation.

Read more: 12 things I'd tell anyone new to cruise ship travel

Book as early as possible

When to book your Royal Caribbean cruise? As early as possible.

You’ll find the best prices for your cruise when the cruise line first opens bookings.

Because of supply and demand, the closer you get to the sail date, the more prices will rise. As soon as people begin to book the cruise, the price will increase. 

Also, Royal Caribbean wants to fill up their ships, so they encourage guests to book early and even offer early bird incentives.

Read more: The best time to book cruises by day, month, and last-minute

Waiting to book can be a costly choice.

Don’t just wait for a deal or a sale to come along, because it may never show up.

Royal Caribbean cruises are top-rated, and ships frequently fill up. You’re better off booking as early as you can.

However, because bookings usually open 1-2 years before a sailing, this requires a lot of forethought.

If you can’t plan that far ahead because of work or school, you can book your sailing with just a deposit. This gives you the flexibility to grab that low price, but also change the booking later if you need to.

Those living in the US, Canada, or Australia can usually rebook without any penalty if the price drops after booking.

Know the lingo

Who gets a SeaPass card? What does ‘Alpha Alpha Alpha’ mean? What is the lido deck?

The cruising world has many specific terms and phrases that can be strange and confusing for newcomers.

It’s important to learn the meaning of each of these phrases so that you can understand what’s going on during your cruise.

We have a Royal Caribbean cruise ship glossary to help you understand these unfamiliar phrases.

This will help you have clarity during your planning process and onboard the ship.

Check airfare prices

Before booking your cruise, you’ll also want to check how you’ll travel to the cruise port. 

If you don’t live close enough to drive, make sure to consider the cost of a flight.

Airfare can be extremely unpredictable, with prices quickly climbing into the hundreds.

Before you book your cruise, check which airports you’d be flying into, and how much flights cost for the dates you’re considering. 

Read more: How to prepare for a cruise: Last minute things you should do

You’ll want to ensure you are not picking a sailing that requires expensive or impractical flights.

When you do book your flight, remember that, like cruise lines, airlines seem to reward earlier bookings rather than later.

Also, keep in mind that you should fly into the cruise port the day before your cruise leaves. If you experience any delays, the ship will not wait for you!

In short, you should be looking to book a flight as early as possible, to arrive the day before the cruise begins. 

Make sure you look at all nearby airports to find the cheapest option.

Compare classes and ships

Not all Royal Caribbean ships are made equal.

When booking your cruise, you’ll choose from a fleet of 28 ships. 

While there are similarities and a core experience across all of them, features vary between classes and ships.

Just like cars are separated into types like trucks, sedans, and minivans, Royal Caribbean has designed different types of ships. 

These groupings of ships are called classes, and each class shares a common structure, layout, and design. 

Royal Caribbean’s fleet is broken up into 8 classes: Icon, Quantum Ultra, Quantum, Oasis, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, and Vision.

Each class has its own distinct size, entertainment, activities, and amenities. Individual ships also have their own distinctions.

To book the best cruise for you, you’ll want to consider what features are a priority for you, and then explore which Class might have your favorite features.

For example, if you want to cruise on a ship with water slides, then the Icon, Oasis or Freedom Class might be the best fit.

But if you value visiting more unique ports of call, you might want to look into a smaller ship, like the Radiance or Vision Class.

This is another area in which your travel agent can help you out. They can choose the best ship for you based on your desires and budget.

Just keep in mind that even within a certain class, ships can be different. 

Read more: First time cruise tips for Royal Caribbean

Consult a Cruise Compass

Once you decide what your vacation priorities are, how do you find what’s available on each ship?

Onboard activities can play a major role in which ship you end up booking

If you’re looking for specific activities before you book, or just wondering what there is to do onboard, we have a hack to help you find that information.

Royal Caribbean does not usually publicly share its activities or entertainment for specific cruises before the cruise.

Instead, you can consult previous Cruise Compasses to see what was available on similar sailings on the same ship.

A Cruise Compass is a daily planner or itinerary distributed for each day of the cruise. It lists exactly what activities are available, and when and where they’ll be happening. This can give you a strong idea of what will be offered on a particular sailing.

Understand cabin categories

Depending on which ship you’ve picked, there are many different cabin categories to choose from.

Especially on bigger ships, there’s a variety of options and prices for staterooms.

Make sure that you research before booking a cabin. The best fit for you depends on your goals for the cruise.

Looking for a place to crash at night? Try a cheap interior cabin.

Have a large family with kids who want privacy? You can look into the suite categories.

Read more: What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?

If you’re concerned about noise or seasickness, you’ll always want to look into the best cabin locations.

For the cheapest option, you can book a guarantee stateroom, in which you allow Royal Caribbean to assign you a less desirable cabin for a lower price.

Confirm what’s included in the fare

When I first started cruising, one of the most surprising things was how much ended up being included in the base fare.

As part of your cruise experience, you’ll receive free room cleanings, access to high-quality food venues, child care, pool and hot tub access, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and many exhilarating activities.

Before my cruise, I like to go online and read Royal Caribbean’s Fact Sheet for the ship. That usually lists which venues are complementary and which cost extra.

However, it’s also important that you’re aware of the extra fees that come with a cruise.

Items like WiFi, specialty drinks, room service, gratuities, and shore excursions all cost extra.

As a general rule, it feels like a lot is included in the cruise fare, but items that cost extra come at a high price.

You can expect specialty items (like alcoholic drinks or spa packages) to cost more than they might on land.

Many cruise tips and hacks cover what to pack on your cruise. 

You probably already know to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimsuits, formal clothing, and medication.

But an equally practical question also arises as you’re planning ahead: when should you pack for your cruise?

The answer depends on multiple factors, such as the weather and length of your cruise, and personal preferences.

It’s important to find a good middle ground when you’re deciding when to pack away clothing and other essentials.

Too early, and you might end up needing items you’ve already packed away. 

Too late, and you could forget something while rushing.

What’s the optimal time to pack before your cruise? 

This guide will explore the best length of time based on where you are and what you’ll be packing away.

Factors to consider before packing

The optimal time to pack depends on several factors. 

There’s no one answer for everything, but packing earlier has many benefits, such as reduced stress, more time to prepare, and limiting overpacking.

I recommend beginning to pack about 2 weeks before your cruise, but the best time for each person depends on personal preference and other factors.

The length of your cruise

The duration of the cruise plays a significant role. 

If your cruise is a shorter one, such as a weekend cruise or only 3-5 days, you can pack closer to the departure date.

However, if your cruise is longer than a week, you’ll want to give yourself more time in advance to pack. That way, you’ll make sure you have everything you need for the long voyage.

Any special activities or occasions

You should also consider any special activities you’ll be participating in. Packing items like scuba gear, surf equipment, or hiking supplies can take extra time to prepare.

If the cruise is to celebrate an important occasion, you should also pack earlier rather than later. 

A birthday or anniversary might require that you plan ahead to pack gifts or decorations. Especially if any items are a surprise, make sure to pack early and carefully!

The climate and season

When you’re packing for a cruise, the season and climate of your home and your destination all play an important role.

Generally, if it’s winter or fall at home, and you’re cruising to a warm destination, you can pack much earlier because you won’t need to wear any of the clothes you’re packing away.

The closer your home and your destination are in their current climate, the later you’ll want to pack so that you still have outfits to wear before you leave.

Either way, be sure that you research the weather at your destination and plan ahead accordingly.

How you’re traveling to your cruise

How you’re getting to your cruise can influence when you start packing.

If you’re driving, you have more leeway for how late you can pack. Not only do you choose when the car leaves, but you also have more time and space for bags.

If you’re flying, I recommend packing earlier and more stringently. You will have to make sure that your luggage fits both airline and cruise ship restrictions.

You’ll also need to arrive at your port ahead of time, so you may need to pack extra items.

Keeping in mind that all of these factors affect the right timing to pack, this is a general outline of how I recommend you begin.

Read more: 7 things to pack for a cruise (and 5 to leave behind), from someone who has cruised half a dozen times

Two weeks before: Make a packing list

Being organized and prepared helps you plan the best cruise experience possible.

First, start by making a packing list 1-2 weeks before your cruise.

Making a list early on will give you an idea of what items you need to obtain for the cruise.

You’ll be able to make sure you have everything you need while giving you plenty of time to purchase any items.

Especially if you need to purchase anything online, preparing at least a week before gives you plenty of time for those packages to arrive.

Consider the activities and attractions you plan to participate in. If you want to use the FlowRider surfing simulation, pack a tight, secure swimsuit. If your cruise has a “white night” theme, pack an all-white outfit.

And don’t forget about any activities you’ll be doing on port days. Make sure you bring a broad range of options.

Pack clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for each occasion.

Also, be sure that you look into the cruise line's regulations so that you don’t bring any prohibited items or go over a weight limit.

After considering everything you need, create a checklist. This will ensure that you don’t overlook anything important as you pack.

1 week before: Pack away clothes

Packing clothing for a cruise is one of the most challenging parts of packing.

It’s important to choose versatile, efficient outfits that can be mixed and matched.

You should also opt for lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics.

Personally, I like to take the weekend before my cruise to do laundry and pack away all the clean clothes I want to bring into packing cubes divided by type of clothing: tops go into one packing cube, bottoms into another, swimsuits in a third.

This way, I don’t dirty any of the outfits I want to wear on my cruise, and I know that everything is already prepared for the trip.

In case I feel worried about keeping track of the clothing I’ve packed away, I take a picture of the outfits so that I know what’s already in my bag.

This also helps you match your outfits to the shoes, jewelry, and makeup you’ll pack later on.

If completely packing away clothes more than a week before the cruise makes you nervous, you can also just create a pile of everything you’ll be bringing along. 

You can dig into this pile anytime, but it will stay there so that everything you’re packing is collected in one area.

Packing early also helps you check if everything you want to bring fits into your luggage. If something doesn’t fit, you’ll have time to adjust your list or obtain new luggage.

Some cruisers find that packing early also prevents them from overpacking because they’ll have more time to consider what they actually need and take out any unnecessary items.

5 days before: Collect travel documents and electronics

About five days before your cruise, collect all the essential travel documents and electronics you need.

Most of these items, especially laptops and phone chargers, can’t be packed away just yet, but try to collect them in one space so that you can confirm you have everything.

Forgetting essentials like your passport or headphones can ruin an entire trip. 

I like to gather these items into a basket that I keep on my desk. That way, everything is at hand if I need it, but also kept together so that I can confirm I have everything I need for my trip.

This is also a good time to collect the shoes you want to bring on your cruise. Depending on how many pairs you own, you might still need to wear them at home, but I still recommend collecting them in one place. 

Since the shoes you pack need to be versatile, it helps to have them planned out ahead of time.

The night before: Pack toiletries

The night before your trip, you can begin to pack toiletries, medicine, and jewelry.

While you might need items like deodorant or toothpaste for the next day, you can still pack them into a bag that you keep in your bathroom.

You must pack medicine the day before. You never want to forget your medication while rushing to leave!

Again, I recommend placing your important toiletries in a bag in your bathroom. Double-check with your packing list that you have everything you need.

The day of your trip: Pack makeup and last items

The day you leave for your cruise, pack away these important travel documents and essential items.

Reference your packing list so that nothing is forgotten!

This is when you can finally pack essential items that you use every day, like your phone or glasses.

Read more: 21 Cruise Cabin Essentials Everyone Should Pack

For those who wear makeup, I recommend packing it on the day of your trip. 

When I get ready before the trip, I do my makeup. As I finish each step, I’ll put the item I just used into my bag.

With this strategy, you can confirm that you’ve brought all the products and brushes that you really will use—and your makeup is done for the day!

It's not always easy to go on a cruise if you have more than four people in your cabin.

Royal Caribbean creates great cruise experiences for the whole family, and makes it easy to plan a cruise for four people or less. But what if you have a bigger group? 

For groups of five or more, more challenges can arise. 

You often cannot book one on the website but will have to call Royal Caribbean or ask your travel agent to take care of it.

Whether you’re a family with many kids, a big friend group, or an extended relative family reunion, it’s natural to want to stay close to the group you’re traveling with.

Picking the right stateroom for your family involves choosing the right size, finding the best location, and ensuring that everyone is comfortable and has enough privacy. 

Your family’s cabin will become your home on the seas, so it’s important to find the best fit.

Not every cruise ship will have stateroom options available, but here are your best bets if you’re looking for a room that fits all of you.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add new cruise ship cabin categories, including rear-facing and sunset balcony rooms

Family oceanview stateroom

For families who want to stay all together in one cabin, a family oceanview stateroom—also called the “ultra spacious ocean view” is a great, affordable option.

It has space for six people and requires a minimum of five people to book the room.

This stateroom ranges from 265 to 328 square feet of space. It features a king bed, with additional bunk beds in a separate area, and a living area with a sofa bed.

The cabin also features an ocean view, usually through a window or a set of portholes. This brings in natural light and provides a window into the outside world.

However, a major drawback to this cabin is its location on the deck, which is usually all the way forward. 

Staterooms in the very front or back of the cruise ship are more subject to feeling the motion of the ship, which can cause seasickness.

Because a larger group is required to book this room, it won’t sell out quickly. It’s also one of the cheapest options for a group of five or more.

Available on: Oasis Class, Freedom Class, Voyager Class, Radiance Class, Vision Class

Family interior stateroom

The cheapest single-cabin option for five to six guests is the family interior or “spacious interior” stateroom.

It is windowless, with no ocean view, but can accommodate larger families.

Two twin beds can stay separated or convert to a Royal King, providing different options for bed configurations. 

Two Pullman beds pull out from the ceiling or fold down from the wall, leaving plenty of space in the room until the beds are needed.

A family interior stateroom also has a private bathroom and a sitting area with a sofa that converts into a double bed.

This room is a great choice for families who don’t need an ocean view or a balcony, want to save money, or are looking for a variety of bed configurations.

Available on: Oasis Class, Freedom Class, Vision Class

Family promenade view stateroom

Similar to the family oceanview stateroom, the family promenade stateroom—or, “spacious promenade view” offers a spacious cabin with a special view.

This stateroom is an interior room that looks out onto the Royal Promenade. 

It is spacious, spanning 327 square feet, and can accommodate up to six guests.

The stateroom features a set of twin beds that can convert to a larger bed, a sofa in the sitting area, and either bunk beds or Pullman beds for extra sleeping space.

This stateroom has a better location, closer to the middle of the ship, and a unique view as it looks out onto the activity of the Royal Promenade.

However, one disadvantage is the large amount of noise that can come from the music, events, and crowds gathered below.

Available on: Freedom Class

Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony

New categories on Icon of the Seas promise extra options for families and big groups.

The Family Infinite Oceanview Balcony is a new cabin on Icon of the Seas that combines an infinite balcony with additional space for families.

The stateroom is 285 square feet and sleeps 6 people. The convertible balcony spans 50 square feet.

Two twin beds can convert into a Royal King, and a separate alcove holds bunk beds for kids.

With families in mind, there are games inside the room and two televisions—so everyone gets their own remote.

The bathroom is also split into two compartments, so multiple guests can use it at the same time.

Available on: Icon of the Seas

Royal Loft Suite

If your group is willing to splurge on a suite, the Royal Loft Suite is a high-end, luxurious choice.

This suite boasts Star tier suite benefits, 560-580 square feet of space, and a large private balcony. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

The “loft” configuration means that there are two floors, allowing guests to spread out over the stateroom and give each other privacy.

This family space can sleep up to six guests, with two sets of twin beds that convert to a Royal King and one double sofa bed.

For families who need a lot of space, this huge suite is an expensive but worthwhile treat. 

If you can afford it, a Royal Loft Suite is one of the best ways to stay with a lot of people without tripping over each other.

Available on: Oasis Class, Quantum Class, and Icon of the Seas

Ultimate Family Suite

Another splurge-worthy suite is the Ultimate Family Suite, only available on a select few ships. 

This is one of the few staterooms for huge groups and families, as it can sleep up to nine people.

This suite is part of the Star tier as well, boasting the highest level of Royal Caribbean suite benefits.

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

A king-sized bed, two twin beds that can convert to kings, four twin-sized bunk beds, and a double pull-out sofa bed ensure that everyone has ample choice at bedtime.

Video games, table tennis, Connect 4, and an in-room slide all provide entertainment right in the stateroom.

And the wide balcony features a private Jacuzzi! 

For large families who want to stay together and enjoy activities right in their own stateroom, the Ultimate Family Suite is an incredibly exciting option.

Available on: Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas

Two staterooms

If all else fails, you can always book two staterooms.

The cost of two separate staterooms can be cheaper than one large family stateroom. 

Not only that, but you also get the benefit of having two bathrooms.

This is also a bonus for groups of adults or families with older children because it provides separation and additional privacy.

Guests over 21 can have their own room, so just make sure that you’re booking at least one adult in each room.

Booking two rooms doesn’t mean you’ll be completely separated from your group, either. There are connecting staterooms, which have a door between them for easy flow. 

This is convenient to keep open during the day, essentially creating a multiple-room cabin with two adjoining rooms.

Available on: all Royal Caribbean ships

Ultimate Family Townhouse

Royal Caribbean has added multiple new categories on Icon of the Seas that particularly cater to families.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is the summation of suites onboard, feeling more like a townhouse than a cruise ship cabin.

With a view of the ocean and the Surfside neighborhood, this three-story suite can sleep 8 guests.

The room spans 1,772 square feet with two balconies. The balcony on level one is 410 square feet, while the balcony on level two is 90 square feet.

Two-bedroom spaces hold a king bed, two sets of bunk beds, and a double sofa bed.

The room features an impossible amount of games and activities for kids, including a slide that connects the second and main levels!

Available on: Icon of the Seas

There's a choice on any Royal Caribbean cruise to eat at the restaurants that are included or the restaurants that cost extra.

From the Windjammer buffet to room service to Jamie’s Italian and Japanese cuisine at Izumi, there are flavors for every guest’s taste.

Complimentary restaurants are included in your cruise fare, but specialty venues come at an extra cost.

These alternative restaurants can come a la carte (meaning, charged per dish), or with a set entrance fee per person.

Specialty restaurants are often higher quality, and more elegant than the complimentary options. 

Royal Caribbean ships include popular choices such as Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian, and Wonderland.

Whether you’re interested in an unlimited package or in trying a specific restaurant, our guide will provide everything you need to know about specialty dining on a Royal Caribbean ship.

What are specialty restaurants?

Guests tend to like specialty restaurants because there is different cuisines offered.

If you value one particular type of food or want a certain sort of atmosphere, a specialty restaurant gives you a way to choose and focus on that energy for the length of your meal.

They’re also a great option for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries.

Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants come in different shapes and sizes, with all sorts of cuisine.

The venues available vary by ship, but fleet-wide options include:

• 150 Central Park
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Table
• Giovanni’s Kitchen
• Hooked Seafood
• Izumi
• Izumi Hibachi
• Izumi in the Park
• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
• Johnny Rockets
• Johnny Rockets Express
• Mason Jar
• Chef’s Table
• Sabor
• Samba Grill
• Sichuan Red
• Fish and Ships
• Playmakers
• Wonderland
• Empire Supper Club

To double-check which venues are free and which come at an extra cost, you can always take a look at your Cruise Compass or refer to the Royal Caribbean app.

Which restaurants are a la carte?

Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants are either a la carte, meaning that each dish comes at an extra price, or they have a cover charge per person.

The a la carte restaurants on Royal Caribbean’s ships are Portside Barbeque, Izumi Sushi, Sichuan Red, Johnny Rockets, Fish and Ships, Basecamp, and Playmakers.

Other specialty restaurants charge a fee to each person to enter, and once you do, all the dishes and desserts are included. 

The only items you may still have to pay extra for would be alcoholic or specialty drinks.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Drink Prices

Is specialty dining worth the extra cost?

If you consider every part of the dining experience—from dressing up to food to service—part of the cruise’s entertainment, specialty dining might be a good option for you.

If meals are a key part of enjoying your cruise, focusing on a few specialty restaurants is a great way to elevate your experience.

Buying a dining package makes for a smart method of saving money. 

Instead of dining at a certain number of specialty restaurants and paying the list price for each one, you save money by paying a set price for one package.

Because most specialty restaurants have a cover charge of about $35-60 per person, a dining package can save a lot of money!

A dining package is great for someone who wants to enjoy a lot of specialty dining restaurants during their cruise. On Royal Caribbean ships that have a lot of specialty restaurant choices (such as Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships), splurging on a dining package also opens up your options.

How do dining packages work?

If you’re interested in trying popular specialty restaurants, you can purchase meals individually or use a dining package to streamline your experience.

These packages provide flexibility for guests to pay once, and then choose which venues they’d like to try.

This way, guests can enjoy multiple specialty restaurant meals at a discounted rate.

Read more: Royal Caribbean specialty dining packages guide

You can even choose between multiple package configurations.

The options offered vary by ship, but usually these include:

• 3 Night Dining Package
• Chops Grille + 1 Package
• Unlimited Dining Package

3 Night Dining Package

The 3-night package gives you access to three dinners at unique specialty restaurants. 

For this set cost, you can dine at three different venues. Guests can even use this package to dine at the same venue multiple times.

Chops + 1 package

The Chops + 1 package includes one meal at Chops Grille and an additional free meal at any specialty venue of your choice. 

You cannot use your second meal at Chops Grille; you must select a different restaurant.

Unlimited Dining Package

For one price, the unlimited dining package gives you access to multiple specialty restaurants every night of your sailing.

It also includes lunches at specialty restaurants on sea days, 40% off bottles of wine under $100, and 20% off bottles of wine over $100.

You can use this package to dine at the same restaurant multiple times, but the Chef’s Table and other culinary activities are excluded from this package.

Subject to which ship they are sailing on, guests can use the unlimited dining package at the following restaurants:

• 150 Central Park
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Table
• Hooked Seafood
• Izumi
• Izumi Hibachi
• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
• Johnny Rockets
• Sabor
• Samba Grill
• Sichuan Red
• Wonderland

While it is included in the package, there is an additional $10 charge per person for the Izumi Hibachi experience.

The price of each package varies depending on the sailing and ship.

Can I use my dining package at an a la carte restaurant?

A la carte restaurants that put a price on each menu item are still included in specialty dining packages.

Guests with a dining package usually get a $20 or $35 credit towards food at those restaurants per day.

This goes toward the cost of the food items and can be used once a day.

How do I make reservations?

For individual meals at a specialty restaurant, you can reserve a time in advance on the Royal Caribbean website or mobile app, through the Cruise Planner. 

Royal Caribbean does not yet allow guests with a dining package to make reservations before the cruise. However, the cruise line plans to change this in 2024.

In the meantime, you can make reservations as soon as you get onboard by going to any specialty restaurant and speaking with the staff there.

They will do their best to get you a spot at the day and time you prefer.

Can I make changes to my reservations?

If you’d like to make any changes to reservations onboard, you can speak to the hospitality staff onboard.

Again, this can be done by going to any specialty restaurant and speaking to the staff at the counter. 

But you can even call them directly from your stateroom phone for assistance.

Is there a dress code for specialty restaurants?

Specialty restaurants have their own dress code, which is primarily "smart casual", although dress codes are loosely enforced.

However, the style of dress depends on which specialty restaurant you’re dining at.

At a more casual venue, such as Johnny Rockets or Playmakers, you could certainly wear simple clothing like jeans and a T-shirt.

But there are more formal, elegant venues, such as Izumi, Chops Grille, or the Empire Supper Club where it would be appropriate to dress more formally. In fact, the Empire Supper Club requires men to wear a jacket.

Worst case scenario, if the staff turns you away, you only need to go back to your room and change before returning.

Looking for more information about Royal Caribbean dining?

• How does Royal Caribbean dining work?
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise 
• How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works and what to expect
• Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered

Let's welcome spring with Royal Caribbean! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

Following the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, Royal Caribbean will shift cruise ship operations to Norfolk.

On Tuesday, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed after it was struck by a cargo ship.

Because the Baltimore port is no longer suitable to safely embark guests, Royal Caribbean sought several different options for Vision of the Sea's return.

Vision of the Seas is currently the only Royal Caribbean ship that sails out of Baltimore.

An April 12th sailing of Vision was supposed to begin and end in Baltimore, but has been moved to Norfolk, Virginia, and cut short a day.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is working on options for its cruise ships following Baltimore bridge collapse
• Photos show a tiny crew-only cabin on Icon of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean's Secret Weapon: Private islands & beach clubs aim to set a new standard in the industry
• I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for $463 a night. Take a look inside my 172-square-foot cabin
• Photos show Utopia of the Seas is nearing completion
• 6 mistakes I saw people make on my spring break cruise
• Can I share my Royal Caribbean beverage package with someone? What you need to know
• 5 reasons you'll regret downsizing to a smaller cruise cabin

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 528th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviews his recent Wonder of the Seas cruise.

Listen to the episode for more information on booking your next spring break cruise and spending $2,000 on a Hideaway Beach cabana.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 10 Things People Don’t Realize about Royal Caribbean’s alcohol package

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 10 Things People Don’t Realize about Royal Caribbean’s alcohol package — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2024

Is an Alaskan cruise on your bucket list for 2024?

We've developed a comparative guide for each vessel (and its itineraries) that is sailing to Alaska this year.

Whether you're hooked on a Quantum Class ship or are looking to explore unique ports on Radiance of the Seas, here's everything you need to know about your options.

11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

The earlier you get onboard your cruise, the more quickly you can start the vacation you’ve been dreaming about for so long.

Beyond just starting your vacation earlier, though, are a range of other benefits you can experience by boarding earlier than most other passengers.

Here are the top 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise.

After five cruises with Norwegian, here's why I am coming back to Royal Caribbean

Allie discovered that the grass isn't always greener on the other side when it comes to changing cruise lines.

A loyal customer of Royal Caribbean, she decided to give Norwegian Cruise Line a try.

However, her experience turned into one of disappointing bait-and-switches, last-minute itinerary changes, and broken trust. 

Here's why she's returning to Royal Caribbean.

How does Royal Caribbean dining work?

Ready to dive into Royal Caribbean cruises, but still confused about the dining process?

Royal Caribbean dining is extensive, so it's easy for first-time cruises to get confused.

This article is your guide. In it, we share information about everything from what's free to what isn't, dress codes, and dining packages.

Cruise ships can accommodate a variety of different vacation preferences and travel budgets.

There’s no wrong choice of cruise cabin—it’s all about finding the one that best suits your needs.

Whether you end up staying in the most expensive suite or the cheapest interior cabin, you can still experience an amazing cruise vacation.

However, before you book, you’ll want to find out everything you can about which cabin suits you best.

Staying in a smaller cabin, such as an interior or oceanview stateroom, has the benefit of saving you money. 

You can tailor your cruise to fit your budget, spending those savings on add-ons like WiFi, shore excursions, or spa packages. 

Or you could save them to put towards your next cruise vacation!

But there are also disadvantages to booking the cheapest room.

If you’re still debating, here are some reasons you might regret opting to book a smaller, cheaper cabin.

Read more: Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered

What is the cheapest cabin? 

The cheapest option will usually be a guarantee stateroom.

This means that Royal Caribbean will give you a discount if you allow them to assign you an open room.

A few weeks before the cruise, you will be assigned a room that was unsold up until then. Discounts vary depending on the ship and sailing, but usually, this is the cheapest way to book a cabin.

As you can imagine, guarantee staterooms are usually the least desirable rooms. These tend to be windowless inside cabins.

However, there are several disadvantages to booking this cabin category.

Limited space for luggage

Especially on a longer cruise that runs 7 days or more, you’ll want to bring along lots of luggage. 

Royal Caribbean ships have a stunning variety of activities onboard and they also bring you to ports where you can experience all sorts of adventures.

There is a lot to prepare and pack for, so you can expect to bring some big bags!

But in a smaller cabin, you can find yourself running out of space to store all that luggage.

Other than the closet, older ships don’t have as many big storage spots. Often, you’ll find a spot to store one suitcase, but not much else.

Especially when it comes to big suitcases, it’s hard to fit them under the beds or in the closet.

You may even have to leave them out on the floor, causing you to trip over bags every time you move around the room.

If you tend to overpack, or are going on a longer cruise, you should consider booking a bigger room to have enough storage space.

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest, smallest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas for $210 per night. Look inside my 142-square-foot room.

You’ll have to leave the room for entertainment

Booking a small, inside cabin will leave you with little opportunity for in-room entertainment and relaxation.

There will be no window or balcony for natural light or a view of the ocean—you’ll have to go out to view the weather or scenery.

Besides a vanity with limited counter space, there’s no table for you to enjoy meals inside the room. You’ll have to dine elsewhere.

Even reading and watching movies can be dissatisfying in such a small space. 

If you’re traveling with another guest, you may find that there’s not enough room for the two of you to entertain yourselves separately. An inside cabin has no separate rooms or private spaces.

If one person wishes to nap, and one wants to watch a movie, you’ll have to compromise or leave the room.

Many cruisers who book an inside cabin find themselves leaving the room for the majority of the day, and only returning to sleep.

If having a cabin where you can relax is a priority for you, a bigger cabin would be a better fit.

No access to fresh air and sunlight

Inside cabins are typically on the interior walls of the ship, meaning they lack any balconies or windows.

Some inside cabins do have a virtual balcony—a LED screen that displays a live feed of the outside of the ship.

However, you won’t have any natural light or sea breeze from inside your stateroom.

Cut off from the sun and any view of the sea, you won’t be able to tell the weather, if it’s day or not, or whether the ship has arrived at port.

This can also lead to greater nausea and seasickness. Viewing the horizon and feeling a breeze are also great cures for seasickness, so if you stay in a small inside cabin you may have to end up leaving the room to get some relief.

If you love natural lighting, fresh air, and gazing at the sea on your cruise, staying in a small inside cabin can put you at a disadvantage.

You'll only get the basic amenities

Staying in the cheaper interior and oceanview cabins grants you a basic set of amenities, including:

• A bed for two
• Private bathroom and shower
• Vanity
• Safe
• Mini-fridge
• Closet
• Television
• A dedicated stateroom attendant
• Cleanings once a day
• Hair dryer
• Telephone

However, if you’re looking for any additional perks, you’ll want to upgrade.

Junior Suites and above provide an elevated experience and personalized service. Suites come with another level of luxury, with amenities such as:

• A private bathtub
• Balcony 
• Priority boarding
• Royal Caribbean bathrobe
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Espresso coffee machine
• Pillow top mattress
• Double Crown and Anchor Society points
• Two cleanings a day

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser wanting to experience the best Royal Caribbean has to offer, or an experienced veteran who wants to see the ship in a new way, upgrading to a bigger cabin is the best way to enjoy these benefits.

Book a suite for that feeling of being pampered in the comfort of your stateroom.

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for $463 a night. Take a look inside my 172-square-foot cabin

You could be assigned an undesirable location

Getting assigned a guaranteed cabin means that you will likely be given a less desirable location.

This could include a spot at the very front or back of the ship, which will experience more of the motion of the sea. This increased movement leaves you at a risk of further seasickness.

Those who are particularly sensitive to the movement of the sea might want to pay extra and choose a location close to the middle of the ship.

You could also end up in high-traffic areas—such as near elevators, on higher decks near the pool—that generate a lot of noise.

For families with young children, or people who are light sleepers, these locations can be a real disadvantage. 

Getting poor sleep could lead to a miserable cruise!

Royal Caribbean is famous for its luxurious family cruises, which come along with some pricey packages.

The unlimited beverage package is one of the most popular add-ons to a Royal Caribbean cruise.

The idea of unlimited drinks on your cruise is an attractive one. Getting a beverage package promises endless drinks without you ever needing to look at a bill or receipt.

Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are popular because they allow guests to enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, specialty coffee, and soft drinks for one fixed price.

However, these packages come at a high price.

The increased demand for drink packages has set prices even higher, leading many cruisers to look for ways to hack the system.

Is there a way to only pay for one package? 

Can you share your drink package with someone else?

Before you try to skip the high prices and share a beverage package with another guest, here’s everything you need to know.

Read more: 9 Ways That People Cheat The Royal Caribbean Drink Package

Understanding the drink package

Royal Caribbean offers three drink packages: the soda package, the Royal Refreshment package, and the deluxe beverage package.

Because the deluxe package includes drinks with alcohol, it is one of the most popular options for a cruise.

The deluxe package offers:

• Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
• Beer
• Wine (by the glass)
• Mocktails
• Premium coffees & teas
• Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
• Coca-Cola souvenir cup included
• Bottled still and sparkling water
• Fresh squeezed juices
• 40% discount on bottles of wines under $100. Bottles of wine above $100 will receive a 20% discount.
• Discounts on drinks served in a souvenir container or inside fruit

The deluxe drink package ranges from $55 to $105 per person, per day.

Only adults 21 years of age and older (or 18 years of age in Australia and the U.K.) may purchase this package, ensuring that they are of the legal drinking age.

Every adult must buy a drink package

Per Royal Caribbean’s policy, each package is a personal package for one guest.

If one adult purchases a drink package, Royal Caribbean requires all adults staying in the same stateroom to buy one.

“All packages are for single guest use and cannot be shared by multiple people,” their website states.

“Any guest wishing to purchase an alcoholic beverage package must do so for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom.”

This means that each adult must purchase a drink package, not allowing you to share one package among multiple people.

If some adults in your group do not wish to purchase a drink package, there are a couple ways to avoid this.

First, you can call Royal Caribbean and ask for an exemption. Usually, the line will permit the guest to purchase a less-expensive drink package, like the Royal Refreshment package.

If they have a health condition that prevents them from drinking or are pregnant, customer service representatives will work to make sure they are given an exemption.

Another way to avoid buying multiple packages is to book each adult in separate rooms.

If you are traveling with children and staying in multiple staterooms, you can book each adult separately.

You don’t necessarily have to sleep in those separate rooms, but if you are booked in different cabins one guest won’t be required to buy a package.

Read more: Avoid these Royal Caribbean drink package mistakes

You are not allowed to share with someone

Royal Caribbean does not permit guests to share alcohol with someone else.

The cruise line is looking to make money on each drink sold individually.

They also have no way of confirming if the person you’re sharing a drink with is legally allowed to drink.

To prevent any sharing, bartenders only serve drinks to guests who present their own SeaPass cards. This verification is required so that no one tries to buy a drink using someone else’s card or package.

Drink package benefits are reserved only for the person who purchased them, but some people still try to cheat the system by sharing with someone else.

However, the risk far outweighs the reward.

If you get caught sharing drinks with someone who doesn’t have the same drink package, the cruise line can cancel the drink package without a refund, and even charge you the price of all the drinks you previously ordered.

A former bartender shared on Reddit the story of one man who thought he could outsmart the crew members.

But he didn’t get away with it. At the end of the cruise, Royal Caribbean revoked the guest’s drink package and charged him for every single drink consumed during the cruise.

With the normal, full-price charge, he ended up paying $3,000 just for those drinks.

Bartenders are pros at spotting people trying to share their package.

They will usually limit you to one drink every 5-15 minutes. Staff watch for this behavior, and if they see you walking away and handing off a drink to someone else, you will certainly get in trouble.

Additionally, don’t forget that there are cameras in nearly every corner of the ship!

The likelihood that you would get caught is very high.

If you are found sharing your drink package, the cruise line reserves the right to cancel your drink package and charge you for all drinks purchased.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package Tips

To help you maximize your beverage package and have the best experience possible, we have some extra tips for you.

Know the rules: Make sure that you familiarize yourself with all the terms and conditions governing your package.

This way, you will know how to maximize its benefits and also prevent yourself from inadvertently breaking any rules.

Take advantage of all the beverages onboard: enjoy the wide selection of unlimited drinks you can enjoy, from specialty cocktails to wine to soda.

Pace yourself: Don’t forget to drink responsibly! Avoid overindulging, and ensure that you have a safe and healthy experience. 

Guests who are found to be out of control in their drinking can also have their drink package revoked, or at least be refused service until sobriety returns.

Ready to go to Alaska on a cruise ship in 2024?

For adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts, an Alaskan cruise is a captivating experience on their bucket list.

Royal Caribbean offers a collection of ships specifically designed to give you an unforgettable experience in Alaska.

This year’s fleet of vessels and their itineraries have been released, and we’ve developed a comparative guide to each one.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Alaskan cruise guide

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through September 2024, catching the warm weather of the summer months.

The sailings offered range from 6 all the way to 12 nights, with both round-trip and one-way itineraries.

This 2024 season, Royal Caribbean will be sending Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas to Alaska. 

Quantum of the Seas

Homeport: Seattle, Washington

Ports: Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Sitka, Victoria 

This summer, Quantum of the Seas will sail to Alaska as the biggest ship in the region. 

She will begin with a 7-night Alaska Adventure on April 29th, 2024, sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia to Ketchikan, Sitka, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Juneau, Victoria, to Seattle, Washington.

After that, Quantum will make Seattle, Washington her home, continuing 7-night roundtrip Alaska adventures that leave and return on Mondays.

Exact itineraries vary by sailing, but each roundtrip sailing includes a stop at Juneau, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Quantum’s last Alaska sailing for the 2024 season is scheduled for September 23rd, 2024.

Standout features:

• North Star observation capsule
• FlowRider surf simulator 
• RipCord iFly skydiving simulator
• Broadway-caliber performances
• Bionic bar
• Two70 theater
• SeaPlex indoor sports center
• Indoor pool for all ages
• Adults-only indoor Solarium
• Aventure Ocean children’s area
• Rock-climbing wall 
• Laser tag
• Royal escape room

Why choose Quantum of the Seas?

Quantum of the Seas debuted Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class in 2014.

This ship pushes the boundaries of cruise innovations and adventures.

With a capacity of 4,095 guests and 1,500 crew members, she is a large ship with plenty of room for an immersive Alaska experience.

One major highlight of Quantum of the Seas is the North Star observation capsule, which offers stunning views from 300 feet above sea level. In addition to the potential for stargazing, this is a marvelous opportunity to witness Alaska’s landscapes.

When it comes to onboard activities, Quantum offers something for all ages, from simulated skydiving to bumper cars. 

She also includes two outdoor pools, two indoor pools, and four hot tubs, ensuring that everyone has somewhere to swim, even during inclement weather.

Seattle is also a convenient homeport for Americans (particularly those living on the West Coast) who prefer not to travel to Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas

Homeport: Seattle, Washington

Ports: Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Ketchikan, Sitka, Victoria, and select stops in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

The exact ports vary by sailing, but every Ovation cruise includes stops at Juneau and Skagway, Alaska. 

Ovation’s first cruise on May 8th, 2024, will be an 8-night trip starting in Vancouver, British Columbia, and disembarking in Seattle, Washington.

In 2024, she will be returning to Alaska with round-trip 7-night Alaska glacier cruises based out of Seattle.

These Alaska glacier cruises depart and return on Fridays, with two Alaska cruise ports, one scenic and sightseeing day at Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and one port day at Victoria, British Columbia.

Some itineraries visit a third port in Alaska (like Sitka or Skagway) instead of Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. 

Ovation’s last Alaska cruise for the 2024 season will be on September 6th.

Standout features:

• North Star observation capsule
• FlowRider surf simulator 
• RipCord iFly skydiving simulator
• Broadway-caliber performances
• Bionic bar
• Two70 theater
• SeaPlex indoor sports center
• Indoor pool for all ages
• Adults-only indoor Solarium
• Aventure Ocean children’s area
• Rock-climbing wall 

Why choose Ovation of the Seas?

Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum-Class ship launched in 2016. 

With a capacity for 4,095 guests over 2,091 staterooms, she promises a dynamic cruise experience.

You can expect standout activities and innovative features from Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships.

Royal Caribbean designed their Quantum Class ships with cutting-edge innovations prepared to sail in both warm and cold weather.

With two indoor pools, an indoor sports center, and a variety of hot tubs onboard, Ovation is the perfect ship for a luxurious Alaska vacation.

For the foodies, Ovation of the Seas boasts access to six specialty restaurants: Chef’s Table, Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Sushi, Chops Grille, and Wonderland.

Adrenaline-pumping activities and live, Broadway-caliber performances ensure that you’ll never have a dull moment onboard.

Brilliance of the Seas

Homeport: Vancouver, British Columbia 

Ports: Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Tracy Arm Fjord (Sawyer Glacier), Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier 

Brilliance of the Seas will offer 7-night round-trip Alaska Inside Passage sailings in 2024.

The Alaska Inside Passage is a series of coastal waterways that weave through the Southeastern panhandle of Alaska.

The exact ports vary by sailing, but this inside passage cruise promises an up-close look at the glacial giants of Alaska, from the large Hubbard Glacier to the calving Dawes.

The Hubbard Glacier is an impressive 400 feet tall. Because of its remote location, being able to see it on a roundtrip cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Standout features:

• Three acres of windows and glass elevators for outside views 
• Solarium indoor pools for adults
• Indoor movie theater and outdoor movie screen
• Rock climbing wall
• Mini golf
• Children’s pool area and waterslide
• Sports court and jogging track
• Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Sushi, Samba Grill, Rita’s Cantina 
• Video arcade 
• Adventure Ocean children’s area 

Why choose Brilliance of the Seas?

Brilliance of the Seas provides an intimate, port-focused cruising experience.

On an Alaskan cruise, Brilliance of the Seas has the benefit of many indoor amenities and large windows and glass elevators for viewing.

You can see the wonders of the landscape around you without ever going out onto a cold, windy deck.

Alaska’s breathtaking scenery is best explored from the comfort of your cruise ship.

Sailing on Brilliance of the Seas also provides you the opportunity to see Hubbard Glacier, one of the most famous glaciers in Alaska. 

Overall, Brilliance of the Seas offers a combination of comfort, convenience, and adventure, making it an excellent choice for experiencing the beauty and wonders of Alaska via cruise ship.

Read more: I spent 10 days in a 170 square foot windowless cabin for $202 per night: take a look inside my Brilliance of the Seas stateroom

Radiance of the Seas

Homeports: Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska

Ports: Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Haines

Since her launch in 2001, Radiance of the Seas has sailed to Alaska nearly every summer.

Radiance’s smaller size allows her to fit into more ports than other cruise ships are able to. Her Alaska cruises are the most port-intensive itineraries Royal Caribbean has to offer.

Not only that, but Radiance’s cruises are one-way, not roundtrip.

Some of her itineraries start in Vancouver and disembark in Seward (or vice versa).

These one-way sailings allow the ship to visit even more ports.

Also, guests who sail on one-way cruises can spend more time on land, exploring that location before or after the cruise.

Radiance of the Seas will offer one-way Alaska sailings this summer, with 7-night Northbound and Southbound cruises. Usually, these cruises will depart on Fridays, visiting four Alaska ports with a scenic viewing day at Hubbard Glacier.

Standout features:

• Three acres of windows and glass elevators for outside views 
• Solarium indoor pools for adults
• Indoor movie theater and outdoor movie screen
• Rock climbing wall
• Mini golf
• Children’s pool area and waterslide
• Sports court and jogging track
• Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Sushi, Samba Grill, Rita’s Cantina 
• Video arcade 
• Adventure Ocean children’s area 

Why choose Radiance of the Seas?

Radiance’s charm lies in her smaller size.

An intimate Radiance-Class ship, she offers capacity for 2,500 passengers and just 894 crew members.

This smaller setting offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, with the potential to develop a close-knit ship culture between guests and crew members.

Despite her smaller size, Radiance still packs plenty of activities and amenities. Guests can enjoy soaring glass elevators, the adults-only indoor Solarium pool, and movies at the indoor cinema.

With these indoor shelters and the possibility of visiting diverse, beautiful ports, Radiance makes for the perfect timeless ship to visit Alaska on.

One-way cruises also ensure that you have plenty of time to explore the wonders of Canada and Alaska before or after your cruise.