Before booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll want to understand what is and is not included in your cruise fare. 

Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean cruises aren't all-inclusive. Before getting too excited about the cheap cruise deal that you found, you'll want to consider how much extra you will spend on cruise fees. 

While not all are required, there are some that you have to pay, such as port fees and gratuities. These two things alone can tack on an extra $400 per person depending on where you're cruising to and how long the sailing is. 

Read more: What's included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare

Here are 11 cruise fees you should know about before booking your Royal Caribbean cruise, so you can appropriately budget. 

Port fees

When Royal Caribbean sends out emails advertising cruise deals, the rate shown doesn't include port fees. These mandatory fees vary based on where you're sailing to, with port fees in Alaska costing more than those in Europe or the Caribbean. 

In July 2025, for instance, the port fees on a 7-night sailing to Alaska onboard Quantum of the Seas cost as much as $295 per person, while the fees for a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean onboard the brand-new Icon of the Seas cost around $185 per person.  

Port fees are charged by the ports of call to the cruise line, as ships do not get to dock for free, and are then passed on to passengers. They're usually a summation of a few different fees, including the docking fee, per-passenger fee (head tax), and pilot fee. 

Unlike gratuities that can be adjusted at Guest Services, port fees are paid in full by the time of final payment.

Wi-Fi

Hoping to stay connected while at sea? You will have to purchase a Wi-Fi package. Unlike other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean only offers a single package: Voom Surf + Stream.

With this package, you'll get 24-hour access to the internet. There aren't any restrictions on what you can access, either.

You can browse the web, send, and receive emails, and chat on messenger apps, as well as stream your favorite television shows, music, and movies. You're also able to video chat with those back home and post on social media.

Of course, there are ways for you to check in on everyone at home without paying $20 per day, such as only connecting while in port at local restaurants or coffee shops. For most, however, it's not feasible to be completely out of touch with the world. 

Related: How to get free wifi on Royal Caribbean

Gratuities 

As of November 2023, the automatic gratuity rate for Royal Caribbean cruises is $18.00 per person, per day for standard cabins (Junior Suites and below) and $20.50 per person, per day for suites.

This means that a family of four in a standard balcony stateroom on a 7-night cruise can expect to pay an extra $504 for the week. 

You can choose to pre-pay them before your sailing, either at the time of booking or by calling Royal Caribbean/your travel agent, or have them added to your onboard account to be settled at the end of your cruise. 

Each guest, regardless of age, will be assessed the daily gratuity, which is then split amongst hardworking crew members. 

Premium menu options

Included in your cruise fare is unlimited food from complimentary dining venues onboard. While the restaurants vary based on cruise ship, all Royal Caribbean vessels have a Main Dining Room and buffet. 

If you choose to eat in the ship's dining room, you'll notice a few premium options on the menu:

• Maine lobster tail: $16.99 (a single lobster tail is included on itineraries with "The Royal Night" menu)
• Chops Grille filet mignon: $19.99
• Surf & turf: $34.99

There will be plenty of things to choose from if you don't want to pay for these upgraded offerings. If, however, you want a more intimate dining experience, you will want to consider splurging on a specialty dining meal. 

These range in pricing; however, if you book ahead through the Cruise Planner, you can take advantage of pre-cruise sales. 

Related: First look at Royal Caribbean's new main dining room menus

Room service

Speaking of dining, every Royal Caribbean ship offers 24-hour room service, where you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks delivered right to your cabin. Whenever I cruise in a balcony, I make a point to enjoy breakfast on my private verandah at least once!

Aside from continental breakfast, all Royal Caribbean room service orders incur a $7.95 fee, as well as an 18% gratuity, bringing the total cost to around $9.40. 

The fee is a fixed-cost, meaning that you'll pay the same amount whether you order one dish or three. 

Royal Caribbean's continental breakfast includes items like toast (wheat, white, gluten-free), plain bagels, English muffins, assorted pastries, cereals, fruits, and yogurts. If you want any hot items, you'll have to order those and pay the service charge. 

Additionally, it’s customary to give a small cash tip to the crew member delivering the food to your stateroom. 

Corkage fees

Each guest is permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne with them when they board their ship. While this likely won't be enough to last you the entire cruise, bringing your own alcohol onboard, even in a limited quantity, is a great way to save a little bit of money and enjoy your favorite wine on the ship. 

You aren't charged to bring the bottle onboard; however, if you opt to consume it in a public area, such as the dining room, you'll be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. 

To avoid this pesky fee, simply consume the wine in your stateroom. Don't bring the bottle with you to dinner or a show. 

Thermal suites 

There's no denying that cruise ship spas are expensive, with a 50-minute Swedish Massage costing upwards of $150. 

Thermal suites are popular because you can either a pass that gives you access for the entire cruise. For instance, on my upcoming cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas, the Cruise Planner lists a 7-day pass at $125, which is cheaper than a 50-minute treatment!

Childcare 

Don't worry, Adventure Ocean programming is complimentary for kids between the ages of 3 and 12 during the day. An hourly rate applies after 10:00pm, though. There is a separate program for teens (12-14 and 15-17). 

Additionally, children under the age of 3 cannot partake in the complimentary programming. Instead, Royal Babies & Tots is a nursery drop-off for guests between the ages of 6 and 36 months. This costs $6 per hour between 9:00am and 6:00pm and $8 per hour from 6:00pm until midnight. 

Regardless of where your child has to go, there will be age-appropriate activities for them to enjoy while parents get some much-needed alone time. 

Select non-alcoholic beverages 

Your base fare includes select beverages, including water, milk, tea, coffee (regular and decaf), lemonade, iced tea, flavored waters, juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed), and hot chocolate (via instant packets). 

If you want anything else, such as specialty coffees, sodas, or mocktails, you'll have to either pay for each drink individually or splurge on a Royal Caribbean drink package. 

As of December 2023, most zero-proof cocktails are $7.00, with specialty coffees at Cafe Promenade and Cafe Latte-tude ranging from $4.00-$5.50. Soda onboard Royal Caribbean ships costs $3.50. 

Royal Caribbean offers two different non-alcoholic packages: the Classic Soda Package and the Royal Refreshment Package. 

The latter is the more expensive package, as it includes all non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails), Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages and soda refills at any venue, bottled still and sparkling water, specialty teas and coffees, Johnny Rockets shakes, and freshly squeezed juices.

The Classic Soda Package includes just soda, so you'll have to pay extra for any other non-alcoholic beverages. 

Related: What drinks are free on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

Alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic beverages cost extra on Royal Caribbean cruises, too. Whether you want a cocktail, glass of wine, or crisp beer, you'll have to be willing to spend some additional money. 

The Deluxe Beverage Package is their only alcoholic package. As such, it's also their most expensive. Typically, it can cost anywhere from $56 to $105 per person, per day.

Packages are priced dynamically, meaning that the ship, itinerary, and time of year all play a role in what the cost is for your specific sailing. 

If you opt to purchase each drink individually, you'll find most cocktails around $14.00, with beer ranging from $7.49-$7.99. Hard ciders, like Angry Orchard and Strongbow, are $7.99, and most glasses of wine fall within the window of $8.00-$14.00. 

Those sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Lababee, Haiti will be delighted to know that drink packages work ashore!

Certain onboard activities

Royal Caribbean is known for packing its ships full of onboard thrills. Depending on which class you sail on, you'll find anything from ice skating rinks to skydiving simulators, bumper cars, zip lines, water slides, and more. 

While the majority of activities are included in the cost of your cruise fare, there are some you'll have to pay extra for, such as the North Star observation capsule on sea days or fitness classes. 

Similarly, if you want a FlowRider lesson, whether it's private or a group, you'll have to pay extra, with the latter being the cheaper option. Usually, group lessons cost around $60 per person. 

Related: Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included

A cabin steward on a cruise is the individual responsible for ensuring that your stateroom is maintained throughout your sailing. 

Often referred to as cabin or stateroom attendants, they'll perform tasks such as making the bed, removing trash and used dishes, cleaning the bathroom and replenishing towels, and leaving cute towel animals. They are also the person responsible for leaving important disembarkation documents. 

You don't have to be present for them to service your stateroom, as they have their own key. In fact, cabin stewards on Royal Caribbean ships will ask if you have a preference between whether your room is cleaned in the morning or afternoon. 

If you're staying in a suite, however, they'll service your room two times per day, rather than just once. 

Compared to housekeepers at hotels, you can expect your experience with a cabin steward to be far more personalized. When you pass them in the hall, they'll often address you by your first name, and they'll take the time to introduce themselves on the first day of the cruise. 

On embarkation day, you can let them know of any preferences that you may have

Typically, you'll meet your cabin steward on embarkation day, and they will ask whether or not you have any special requests. This could be anything from separating beds to additional hangers, fresh ice, wine glasses, etc.

They'll also give you a business card with their name and extension, so you can call them throughout the cruise if any needs arise. 

When you meet them, they will also ask if you have a preference for when they freshen your stateroom. While they cannot guarantee a specific time (i.e., 10am if you select the morning), you'll be given a time frame.

It is best that you consider how you plan on vacationing. Do you expect to be up early each morning to make the most of your time onboard the ship, or will you be using your PTO to catch up on sleep? 

Related: Spotted: Royal Caribbean cuts cabin housekeeping from twice to once per day service

Cabin stewards are not responsible for anything except the cleanliness of your stateroom

Throughout the cruise, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to speak to someone about getting a new cruise card, or perhaps you have a question about your onboard account. Those issues can best be handled by Guest Services, rather than your cabin steward. 

Additionally, they cannot help you book shore excursions or dinner reservations. Thankfully, it's easy to do so through the Royal Caribbean app either before embarkation or once you get on the ship. 

If you get a craving for a late-night snack or want breakfast delivered, make sure that you contact room service, rather than your steward. 

For any child-related needs, you'll want to visit Adventure Ocean. Rather than waiting to register your children on the first sea day, you should take advantage of the open house on embarkation day. 

While children won't be able to stay and partake in any complimentary programming quite yet, you'll be able to tour the facilities and get acclimated to the program before sailing away. 

Finally, even though your cabin steward will deliver your luggage outside of your cabin, they won't help you unpack. Similarly, they won't be of any use when you are packing on the last night of the cruise, so you will want to ensure that you allot enough time to get this done. 

Leaving an extra tip isn't required; however, it is a nice gesture 

When you book your cruise, you'll notice that you have an option to pre-pay for your gratuities. If you choose not to, they will automatically be added to your onboard account to be settled at the end of your vacation. 

As of November 2023, the automatic gratuity rate is $18.00 per person, per day for standard cabins (Junior Suites and below) and $20.50 per person, per day for suites.

Gratuities are divided amongst the crew members who work to make your time onboard so memorable, including your cabin steward. However, it's not unusual to hear about passengers leaving an extra tip. 

The amount that guests leave varies. According to Ampurp85 on a Royal Caribbean Blog forum, "...I normally give my room attendant between $35-50 depending on length of cruise. I like to give them $10-15 halfway through and the rest at the end."

"For a typical 7-night, we did an additional $20/p for head waiter, $15/p for asst waiter, $20/p for stateroom attendant, $1/drink for bar staff," wrote KJones. 

What's the difference between a cabin steward and Royal Genie?

While there are technically three different tiers to Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class, only those who booked a Star Class suite will have access to a Royal Genie, who is pretty much like a private butler. 

Suites within the Star Class include the Royal Loft Suite, Owner’s Loft Royal Suite, Grand Loft Sky Loft Suite, 2-Bedroom Aqua Theater Suite, and 4-Bedroom Family Suite. 

Having a Royal Genie is all about making your life onboard easier, so you can expect them to assist you with making dining reservations, booking shore excursions, and more. 

Additionally, since their job is to provide next-level service, you can ask for just about anything, whether it's fresh coffee in the morning, arranging in-suite parties, or scoring reservations to a fully booked show. 

That being said, Royal Genies do not take the place of cabin stewards. As such, they aren't responsible for the cleanliness of your stateroom. Just like standard staterooms, you will have a dedicated cabin steward throughout your sailing.

Related: My advice for someone using a Royal Genie on a Royal Caribbean cruise

If you don't want your cabin serviced, utilize the "do not disturb" magnet

Stateroom doors are magnetic. In addition to fun decor, they can also serve a functional purpose. If, for instance, you wake up feeling unwell and want to remain in bed, you can place the "do not disturb" magnet outside, which will let your cabin steward know that you're inside. 

Perhaps you told them that you'd prefer your cabin to be cleaned during the afternoon, but you want a nap before dinner. 

Whatever the reason, the magnet will let your steward know that it's okay for them to skip your room. 

Having been a devout Royal Caribbean fan for the majority of my cruising career, I always steered clear of Carnival— until recently. 

Carnival has a reputation for being the party cruise line. From activity-seeking couples to families and even solo cruisers, they aim to offer something for everyone onboard their "Fun Ships." 

Despite being in my mid-20s, the vibrant atmosphere often found onboard Carnival ships never appealed to me. Additionally, I find Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor loyalty program to be more rewarding than Carnival's VIFP program. 

While I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed my cruises onboard Carnival Celebration and Carnival Vista, there are some aspects of the cruising experience that Royal Caribbean does better.

Royal Caribbean's embarkation process

Neither Royal Caribbean nor Carnival gives guests their cruise cards during the physical check-in process. To board the ship, both lines require that you have a boarding pass ready to be scanned.

Personalized cruise cards, called SeaPass cards on Royal Caribbean and Sail & Sign cards on Carnival, can be found outside of your stateroom.  

While Royal Caribbean allows you to save a copy of your boarding pass to your mobile device, Carnival requires you to print it ahead of time. During the embarkation process, the port agent who verifies all of your documentation stamps the pass. 

Even though this is minor, I prefer the convenience of not having to worry about keeping up with a physical pass. 

Overall, though, the boarding process was just as quick as Royal Caribbean's. I was through security and on the ship within twenty minutes of stepping foot in the terminal when boarding Carnival Celebration in Miami and Carnival Vista in Port Canaveral. 

This also included the time it took for the K9 narcotics dog to sniff everyone's carry-on bags. 

E-muster drill

When cruising with Royal Caribbean, I appreciate that I'm able to complete the majority of my muster drill prior to getting on the ship. Usually, I'll watch the required videos at breakfast or while en route to the terminal, so the only thing I have to do on the ship is visit my physical muster station. 

Carnival, however, doesn't let guests complete any of the safety drill ahead of time. In addition to visiting your muster station, you have to listen to a brief presentation about how to properly use life jackets. 

After the emergency signal is broadcasted prior to sail away, the rest of the safety information is broadcasted over the PA system. 

Again, while minor, there are opportunities for Carnival to simplify their muster drill by utilizing the HUB app. 

Speaking of the HUB app, Royal Caribbean's mobile app is more useful in the days and months leading up to the cruise

My next Royal Caribbean cruise isn't until May 2024 onboard Quantum of the Seas; however, despite the cruise being over five months away, the app is already a useful tool. 

Through Royal Caribbean's app, I'm able to browse all the dining options, get an idea of what onboard activities will be offered, and even check out the ship's deck plans all before stepping foot on the ship.

Carnival's HUB app is useless until connected to the ship's Wi-Fi. When you open the app on your phone, you'll see a countdown to your sailing, but if you try and click on one of the links to book a package, you are redirected to your web browser. 

Thoughtfully designed staterooms

My 158-square-foot interior room on Carnival Celebration was clean and modern. I loved the blue accents and light wood, as the brighter colors made the small cabin feel more spacious.

However, compared to my inside stateroom on Symphony of the Seas, I was disappointed with the layout.While my cabin on Carnival Celebration was larger than my room on Symphony of the Seas, I felt like the space in my room on Symphony was better utilized.

First, there was a nicely sized sofa. I appreciated having a separate sitting area in case I didn't want to sit on my bed or at the vanity after returning from an excursion. 

Additionally, I had two closets and a small dresser with drawers, which helped me keep all of my belongings more organized, and the placement of the closets on both sides of the sofa maximized the amount of available floor space.

When I sailed on Carnival Vista, I splurged on a Junior Suite. While I appreciated the large stateroom and ensuite bathroom, it was located next to a public observation deck on Deck 9. There was a window that overlooked the public deck, and my cousin and I were startled whenever we saw someone walk by!

Plus, since the stateroom was situated above the Bridge, the view from the balcony was slightly obstructed. 

For $1,800 per person, I disliked the lack of privacy and was disappointed by the few perks that accompanied booking a suite. These included complimentary bottled water, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and upgraded bathroom amenities.

While I haven't stayed in a Royal Caribbean suite, I know they have a much more expansive suite program. 

Related: Comparing the cheapest cabin on Carnival Celebration vs Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas

Windjammer Marketplace

When my cousin and I headed to the Lido Marketplace for what we assumed would be a quick breakfast before heading off for our excursion in Amber Cove, we were shocked by how long the lines were. 

While lines are to be expected on cruise ships, I've never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes at the Windjammer Marketplace on Royal Caribbean ships. 

The root of the issue is that there were only two grab-and-go stations open, and both had the same offerings.

The first morning I visited the Lido Marketplace, they had hashbrowns, pancakes, and eggs benedict with salmon, with the options being swapped for breakfast potatoes, French toast, and eggs benedict with ham the following day. The same standard offerings of yogurt, pastries, fruit, cereal, and eggs were always available. Plus, you were able to order an omelet. 

I found myself missing the Windjammer Marketplace, where I could get anything from avocado toast to freshly carved meats, grits, and more. 

Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room service is much quicker than Carnival's

Overall, I was impressed by the quality of the food served in the Main Dining Room on Carnival Celebration and Carnival Vista. While there were some dishes that did not quite hit the mark, this is to be expected on any cruise ship. 

After taking so many Royal Caribbean cruises, I actually appreciated having different dishes to choose from. There were some interesting options, too, such as frog legs, duck rolls, and Hawaiian shrimp poke. 

Royal Caribbean launched their new menus almost a year ago to increase the speed of their dinner service, and I've come to appreciate the quicker dinners. 

The longer meal times onboard Carnival Celebration and Carnival Vista were a bit of a drag. Even the wait times for sea day brunch were a little outrageous.

After placing our orders, my cousin and I waited about thirty minutes for our breakfast, and our wait staff didn't stop by to take our drink orders for the first fifteen minutes we were seated. While it was nice to have the opportunity to chat with other passengers around us, I would have rather had prompt service. 

Entertainment

As someone who grew up going to Broadway shows, I have always loved sailing on Royal Caribbean ships with Broadway-style musicals. While Carnival's entertainment wasn't bad, Royal Caribbean's theater productions are unmatched.

The entertainment onboard Carnival Celebration was much better than Carnival Vista, which is a theme that's common for Royal Caribbean, too. Cruise lines tend to reserve the best entertainment for their newer ships.

However, even the shows on ships like Navigator of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas were of higher quality than those produced in Carnival Vista's Limelight Lounge. 

While there's no denying that the Playlist Productions cast was talented, there was always something missing. "America Rocks!", for instance, could have used more choreographed dancing. 

I found myself missing the ice skating and AquaTheater shows found on Royal Caribbean's newest ships. Nothing compares to the entertainment offered on Oasis (and soon Icon) Class ships!

The one aspect of entertainment I think Carnival excels at is their comedy shows. I loved how there were multiple comedians on both my 5- and 7-night cruises who did 18+ shows. 

Royal Caribbean opened their brand-new water slide at Perfect Day at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark ahead of schedule. 

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley turned to Facebook to announce its opening: "We opened a new slide at Perfect Day Coco Cay today to enhance the Thrill and keep the kids busy and happy while the Moms and Dads Chill with a Pina Colada."

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips & tricks

In late October, Neva Heaston, Director of Private Destinations for Royal Caribbean International, said, "Look out for announcements from marketing, we are set to announce the name and open the ride in Q1 2024."

Located at the Splash Summit Tower, which is where you can also find the Sling Shot family raft slide, Splash Speedway mat slide, and Twister tube ride, the Tailspin is a family flume-style ride that uses the exact same rafts as the Sling Shot. 

Parties of 2-4 guests are sent into the bright green slide before shortly entering a dark tube that's illuminated with colorful lights. 

The entirety of the slide isn't enclosed, though. And as the name suggests, there are sharp turns that are sure to get everyone a little wet! 

Related: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

What is Thrill Waterpark?

Located on Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Thrill Waterpark opened in 2019 as part of the cruise line's $250 million renovation. 

Admission usually ranges from $89 to $169 per person, depending on what ship you're sailing on and when your cruise is set to take place. There are even cabanas located within the waterpark that include the cost of admission for up to six guests. 

You can also expect a cabana attendant, sectional sofa, two resort-style chairs, power outlets, towels, and complimentary water bottles.

Note that children under the age of 14 are required to be accompanied by a ticketed guest who is 14 years old or older. Otherwise, they will be denied admission. 

With the opening of Tailspin, there are now nine slides for guests to enjoy. Additionally, there's a wave pool and obstacle course named "Adventure Pool," where you'll find a rope swing, rock wall, lily pads, and more. 

Five slides are located within Daredevil's Tower, including the tallest waterslide in North America: Daredevil's Peak. The remaining four slides can be found at Splash Summit. 

15+ ways to slide

If you're cruising on Icon of the Seas, with the addition of the brand-new slide at Thrill Waterpark, you're able to try out over fifteen different water slides, both at sea and on land. 

Simiarily, Utopia of the Seas will have the longest dry slide at sea, so whether you're a fan of water slides or not, you have yet another way to get your adrenaline pumping. 

"We are very excited to add another amazing addition to Thrill Waterpark for families and friends to enjoy together," said Heaston. 

Are annual passes to Thrill Waterpark on the horizon?

While nothing's been confirmed, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley responded to a comment written by Christopher Birdsong on his Facebook account asking if they've ever thought about selling annual passes to Thrill Waterpark for those who frequently visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Bayley said, "Great idea. We will look into this." 

If annual passes were offered, how much would you be willing to pay? And, if offered, would they entice you to visit CocoCay even more, since you would be guaranteed to always have an extra-cost activity reserved? 

When Royal Caribbean took delivery of its then-brand new and largest cruise ship in the world, it's delivery was anything but easy.

After 900 days under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the ship was delivered on November 28, 2023. 

Shortly after, Icon of the Seas, which measures an astonishing 250,800 gross registered tons, departed Finland on her way to start offering cruises.

While on her way out of Europe, Icon of the Seas had to pass under Denmark's 11-mile Great Belt Bridge. 

According to a video posted on Royal Caribbean's YouTube page, "The entire crew contributed their expertise in innovation and engineering to ensure the ship cleared the bridge safely."

Those who work in anything from operators to meteorology were assisted in this endeavor. 

Related: Royal Caribbean takes delivery of the new world’s largest cruise ship

Thanks to Icon's retractable funnels, she was able to pass underneath the Great Belt Bridge with only feet to spare

To barely squeeze past the 11-mile Great Belt Bridge on December 1, the 20-deck high mega-ship had to have her funnels retracted. This feature isn't brand-new and is also found on Oasis and Quantum Class ships. 

After passing under the bridge, Icon made her way to Miami, Florida to begin cruises.  Her inaugural sailing was in January 2024.

Icon of the Seas offers 7-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, all of which include a scheduled stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. 

The last Oasis Class ship to pass underneath the Great Belt Bridge was Allure of the Seas in 2010

In October 2010, Allure of the Seas sailed underneath the Great Belt Bridge with less than 20 inches of clearance while en route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for her maiden season. 

According to Captain Hernan Zini in a video posted to Cruise Guy's YouTube channel, the normal height of a cruise ship is roughly 73 meters. In order to safely pass underneath the bridge, the entire height of the ship from the water level can be no more the 65 meters, or 213 feet. 

Like Icon of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, along with all other Oasis and Quantum Class ships, were all built with retractable funnels. 

The crew also had to ensure that Allure's draft was 9.14 meters by placing 4,000 tons of weight on the ship. 

While Odyssey of the Seas did not have to sail past the Great Belt Bridge, she did make her way down the Ems River backwards while sailing from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenberg, Germany to the North Sea

This 20-mile journey took Odyssey of the Seas over 10 hours to complete, as she could only sail 2-3 knots per hour. The faster Odyssey sailed, the deeper the hull pushed into the water. 

Not only did Odyssey have to clear the Weener Bridge, but further down the river, she also had to successfully clear the Leer Bridge. Neither bridge were of the same size as the Great Belt Bridge, though. 

For a ship of Odyssey's size, the Ems River can be considered both narrow and shallow. To help safely manuevur her to sea, Odyssey of the Seas was pulled backwards by two tugboats, each with 9,000 horsepower. 

The conveyance was precisely planned around weather and time, meaning that she could only be moved during a full or new moon with wind speeds at 20 knots or less without guests.

The Bahamas and Caribbean are two of the most popular year-round cruising destinations. 

It can be hard to decide between the two, as both promise pristine beaches with turquoise waters and white sand. 

Depending on the itinerary you choose, you might be able to visit both. Some 7-night Caribbean cruises also call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. 

Here's what you should know about Caribbean vs. Bahamas cruises to help you determine which you will like better. 

Caribbean cruises tend to visit more ports of call

Compared to The Bahamas, the Caribbean has more ports to visit and is divided into three different regions: Eastern, Western, and Southern. You can take three Caribbean cruises and visit new and exciting destinations each time! 

It's not uncommon for ships to sometimes include a stop in The Bahamas on these longer itineraries.

Icon of the Seas, for instance, is scheduled to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on every Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise between January 2024 and April 2026. 

Possible ports of call in the Eastern Caribbean include San Juan, Puerto Rico; La Romana, Dominican Republic; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis; and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Western Caribbean cruises sail to Mexico, Jamaica, Belize, Grand Cayman, and Honduras. 

Related: Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port

The Southern Caribbean is the furthest from the United States, so if you sail from Florida, you should expect the itinerary to be at least eight nights. San Juan is a popular embarkation port for more port-intensive Southern Caribbean cruises as well. 

Destinations here include the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), as well as St. John's, Antigua; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Castries, St. Lucia; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Bridgetown, Barbados.  

The majority of Caribbean cruises tend to be around a week since the islands are located further than The Bahamas. Did you know that Nassau is less than 190 miles away from Miami?

That being said, it's possible to find sailings that are longer and shorter! If you find one that's less than a week, it will usually only visit one or two ports of call, whereas those that are around a week visit anywhere from three to four. 

The Bahamas are great for a quick getaway

Since The Bahamas are located just off the coast of Florida, you will find numerous 3- and 4-night itineraries, making this region a great escape for a quick getaway.  

Historically, Royal Caribbean has deployed older ships for these short sailings. This is changing with Utopia of the Seas, as this brand-new ship is advertised as "The World's Biggest Weekend" and won't start her inaugural season with longer cruises to the Caribbean. 

Related: Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

While The Bahamas are an archipelago comprised of over 700 islands, most sailings visit the same few. Whether it is a 3- or 4-night cruise from Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami, your itinerary will likely visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Longer sailings to The Bahamas depart from more northern ports like Baltimore and Cape Bayonne in New Jersey. Even so, the only major difference is the addition of a stop in Port Canaveral, rather than another island in The Bahamas, as well as more sea days. 

Occasionally, you may find a cruise that stops in Bimini or Grand Bahama Island. These sailings, however, tend to be on older ships, such as those within Royal Caribbean's Vision Class. 

The overall cost of a cruise to The Bahamas is less

When comparing prices, the advertised rate for a shorter cruise to The Bahamas will be less than a 7-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. 

Additionally, you won't have to pay as much in add-ons, either. Typically, Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi packages are around $20 on the Cruise Planner. On a 4-night cruise, that would add up to be around $80, whereas you could spend as much as $140 on a 7-night sailing. 

When browsing available sailings in July 2024, a 4-night cruise to The Bahamas onboard Freedom of the Seas starts at $521 per person for an interior cabin.

Freedom is also scheduled to go on a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise the same month, but pricing starts at $858 per person. This is roughly a $340 difference for two extra nights onboard!

Related: Bahamas cruise guide

You'll also pay less in gratuities. As of November 11, 2023, the automatic service gratuity for those in standard staterooms (i.e., interior, ocean view, balcony, and Junior Suites) is $18.00 per person, per day. Guests in suites are subject to higher rates, or $20.50 per person, per day. 

For a 4-night cruise in a balcony, you'll pay $72 per person, whereas those on a 7-night cruise will pay $54 more per person, or $126 each. 

The Caribbean has a greater variety of shore excursions

The Bahamas is primarily known for its beautiful beaches, and while that doesn't mean you cannot find exciting excursions, the Caribbean has a greater variety of options that aren't beach-based. 

While visiting Jamaica, for instance, you can either go zip-lining or visit the famous Dunn's River Falls. On the same cruise, you can visit ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico or attend a salsa making class. If you want to relax, both ports have beaches nearby as well. 

Even ports in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean have some pretty unique options. While visiting Curaçao, for instance, I opted to take a tour of the island and got to visit the Hato Caves, The Curaçao Museum, and the liqueur distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo. 

In St. Maarten, you can visit Pelican Peak and ride a 1,500-foot zip line or take an ATV/jeep tour of the island. 

Since the Caribbean is made up of different countries, you will have the option to experience different local cultures, too. 

Related: I've been on 12 Caribbean cruises, and I see passengers making the same 14 mistakes. Here's how to avoid them

All cruises to The Bahamas depart from the East Coast, whereas some Western Caribbean sailings depart from Texas and Louisiana

There's no denying that airfare can be expensive. A family of four can easily spend over $1,000 in pre-cruise transportation when flying from their home state. 

When planning a Caribbean cruise, many people automatically think that they have to sail from Florida. Royal Caribbean, however, also offers voyages from Galveston, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana. 

If you live in Dallas, you're only 4.5 hours from the port in Galveston, meaning you won't have to worry about booking pre- or post-cruise flights. 

Those coming from the West Coast might find also more affordable flight options since Houston is not as far as Florida. Either way, a shorter flight is always a win! 

Your best bet for warm weather during the winter is the Caribbean

During the winter months, The Bahamas are subject to the occasional cold front. In January, the average high is around 79 degrees, while the average low drops to 64.

I visited Perfect Day at CocoCay twice in January 2023, and while the second visit was a tad warmer, I was rather chilly both times considering I was in The Bahamas! In fact, it was too cold to get into the ocean during the first visit. 

Some of the best months to visit The Bahamas are November, late April, or early May. Not only do all of these months fall outside of the Atlantic hurricane season, but they're also less likely to experience a cold front. 

Plus, since these months fall outside of the peak season, you will find lower cruise fares!

Since the Caribbean is further south, it stays warm all year. During the months of December, January, and February, they will be less hot and humid than during the summer, when islands can see daily highs exceeding 90 degrees!

Related: When is the best time to go on a cruise?

I recently stayed in windowless interior cabins onboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Celebration. 

While Carnival Celebration is the newer ship of the two, Symphony of the Seas is the larger one, measuring over 44,000 gross registered tons more. As of November 2023, she is the second-largest cruise ship at sea. 

I traveled alone on both cruises, meaning that I had to pay the dreaded single supplement fee. My cruise fare included gratuities on Symphony of the Seas in January totaled $1,400. I paid $500 more, or $1,900, for my 7-night sailing onboard Carnival Celebration in mid-October.

In terms of square footage, my cabin onboard Carnival Celebration was nine square feet larger than my room on Symphony of the Seas, with the latter measuring 149 square feet. However, despite the additional square footage, I felt like the space in my room on Symphony was better utilized. 

Not only did I have a small dresser with drawers to store my clothing in addition to two closets, but there also was a nicely sized sofa. There was no other seating option in my stateroom on Celebration other than a small stool that could be tucked underneath the vanity. 

Regardless, I was impressed by the amount of storage space in both staterooms. Due to the drawers, however, I felt I was able to keep my belongings more organized in my inside cabin on Symphony. 

Additionally, the placement of the closets maximized the amount of available floor space. Despite this cabin being smaller, it felt larger than my room on Carnival Celebration! 

The vanities were equipped with more than enough outlets and USB ports to charge my devices. Celebration's stateroom had three American outlets and four USB ports, while Symphony's vanity area had three American outlets, two USB ports, and a single European outlet. 

Since there was a small dresser, the vanity space in my stateroom on Carnival Celebration was larger. I also liked the wide shelves attached to the side of the closet, as the single shelf above the desk on Symphony of the Seas was rather narrow.

I was only able to store sunglasses and other small miscellaneous items there. 

The nightstands beside the bed on my Carnival cruise were small, metal tray-like pieces of furniture, each with a single USB port above them. My cabin on Symphony also had two nightstands; however, they were wooden, with only one of them having a USB port close by. 

One of the largest drawbacks was that the stateroom's telephone was placed on one nightstand, rendering it pretty useless. I appreciated how the telephone in my cabin on Celebration was attached to the wall. Of course, this meant that if someone wanted to call me, I would not be able to answer it from bed. 

This might be controversial, but I preferred the bathroom in my Carnival cabin. While there was less floor space than the ensuite onboard Symphony of the Seas, I found the shower to be larger and appreciated how it was not rounded. Plus, the counter was wider, albeit not as long. 

Both, however, were modern and updated. Neither had a curtain, which can be found on all classes of Carnival ships except the Excel Class, and there was enough space for all of my toiletries and cosmetics. 

Royal Caribbean's showers come equipped with a shampoo/body wash combo, while Carnival provides two different products.

Personally, I'm not a fan of any cruise line-provided products and would recommend bringing your own shampoo and body wash on any cruise that you go on. 

During my time on both ships, I found the water pressure and temperature in the shower to be more consistent onboard Carnival Celebration.

While on Symphony of the Seas, the water pressure was neither great nor awful, and I had issues with the temperature. In the mornings, I was unable to get hot water, sometimes having to wait twenty-five minutes for it to heat up. In the evenings, the water was always scalding hot. 

The television in my stateroom on Carnival Celebration was hung on a small wall directly opposite of my bed near the adjoining door, whereas the one in my cabin on Symphony of the Seas was hung on the wall above the dresser. I was also able to rotate it to see it from either the bed or sofa. 

The door connecting my stateroom to the one beside me was just one complaint I had with my room. Another large one was the exposed pullman bed that constantly jetted out from the wall, making the space feel more cramped. While there was enough space for myself in this interior stateroom, I cannot imagine trying to cram three people in it! 

As standard in the cruise industry, both rooms were outfitted with mini-fridges and safes. The mini-fridge in my cabin on Symphony of the Seas had three adjustable shelves and a single bin shelf on the mini-fridge's door. There was a single adjustable shelf in the mini-fridge on Carnival Celebration, as well as two bin shelves on the door.

They were both located near the vanity; however, it was hidden behind a door in the dresser on Symphony, whereas it was exposed on Carnival Celebration due to the lack of a dresser. I never had an issue with the functionality of either. 

Overall, I found both interior staterooms to be well-appointed and comfortable for a weeklong cruise. If, however, I was presented with a choice, I think I would choose Symphony of the Seas' cabin over Carnival's, simply because the smaller room felt larger due to the way the stateroom was designed. 

The AquaDome's completion was one of the biggest milestones of Icon of the Seas' construction. 

"I think it's been an amazing journey for so many of the engineers and architects and designers that we were able to produce this...I think it's testimony to the innovation and creativity of the teams," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO. 

Encompassing more than 33,000 square meters and extending from Deck 14 to 20, the AquaDome neighborhood is truly one-of-a-kind. 

It took the team eight months to assemble the dome. Rather than work on it at the Meyer Turku shipyard, the dome was built off-site, so the forward of the ship could be completed simultaneously. 

The 367-ton AquaDome is comprised of 12 different modules that are made of steel, glass, and aluminum panels and took eight months to finish. 

54 cables were required to lift and attach the AquaDome to the spreader and an additional 12 to attach the dome back up to the crane. It was imperative that the crane operator place the dome in the precise location. 

Part of the process was also assigning an entire team just to monitor the weather! 

"All that hard work just came together," said Ellinoora Leino-Richert, AquaDome Project Manager at Meyer Turku.

"That's why all the tears [are] in my eyes and the incredible feeling that, 'Wow, we did it together.'"

The AquaDome is not only the jewel of the front of the ship, it's also a dedicated neighborhood for guests onboard to explore

The AquaDome won't just be home to the largest AquaTheater and waterfall at sea. During the day, it will be a relaxed place where guests can grab a bite to eat at the AquaDome Market, Royal Caribbean's first-ever food hall, or take in the 220-degree, wraparound ocean views.

You can also splurge on a specialty dining experience at Hooked Seafood or sip on a hand-crafted cocktail from Rye & Bean. 

At night, it will transform into a vibrant entertainment hub. There will be two different shows offers at the AquaTheater: Aqua Action! and Pirates vs. Mermaids.

You can think of Aqua Action! like an extreme sports show that will be action-packed. According to Nick Weir, Senior Vice President of Royal Entertainment & Royal Caribbean Productions, it's as close as you can get to a multi-million dollar action movie done live. 

It will incorporate Olympic-level high divers, skateboarders, aerialists, slackliners and synchronized swimmers. Additionally, the AquaTheater will feature brand-new technology, such as a double 3D flying system and robots doubling as diving boards and set creators.

Pirates vs. Mermaids is exactly what it sounds like. This family-friendly show will feature fun costumes and jokes for the parents. 

Related: Royal Caribbean unveils blockbuster show and entertainment lineup for Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas just finished her second round of sea trials, meaning she is one step closer to being delivered to Royal Caribbean

Icon of the Seas departed from Meyer Turku on October 29 for an eight-day stint at sea where the ship's noise, vibration, speed, fin stabilizers, automation, and main engine adjustments were formally tested.

"Building this ship is a challenging project, but I am proud of the shipyard workers and the fact that it is possible to build such a ship here at the Turku shipyard," said Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku in an interview given to YLE, Finland's national public broadcasting company.  

Even though Icon of the Seas is over 90% complete, there are some fome final touches that need to be made before she can be officially handed over to Royal Caribbean. 

Celebrity Ascent has officially joined Celebrity Cruises' fleet. The cruise line took delivery of the brand-new Edge Class ship at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.

In addition to 1,400 Celebrity Ascent crew members, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty; Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge; Laurent Castaing, General Manager of Chantiers de l'Atlantique; and Captains Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis were all present for the celebration. 

“Celebrity Ascent is yet another example of innovation driving our mission to provide the best vacations responsibly. The ship continues Celebrity’s ambition to redefine premium travel and take it to new heights,” said Liberty.

“I want to thank and congratulate the Chantiers de l’Atlantique team, our Newbuild and Celebrity Cruises’ teams, and their partners for the vision, craftsmanship, and passion that went into bringing this spectacular ship to life.”

“Celebrity Ascent features all the innovative and award-winning Edge Series signature experiences that launched a new era in cruise ship design, plus a few new enhancements, and I can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard,” said Hodges-Bethge. 

This is the first ship to be delivered to Celebrity Cruises since Hodges-Bethge became the CEO.

“It is a true honor to welcome this ship to our fleet and I am so grateful to everyone involved with all that goes into launching a new ship.” 

“I am convinced that Celebrity Ascent will meet the same success as the other ships in the prestigious Edge Series. Its fine exterior and interior design and its exceptional seaworthiness make it an outstanding ship, said Chantiers de l’Atlantique General Director Laurent Castaing.

"Celebrity Ascent embodies the strong bond between the Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Royal Caribbean Group and Celebrity Cruises teams."

While a few preview sailings are scheduled for late November, Celebrity Ascent is slated to make her official debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on December 3 with a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise sailing to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic.

Distinctive ship features and new experiences onboard Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Ascent may be the fourth ship in the Edge Class, but she is not an exact copy of her sister ships. 

For the first time, Blu, the Aqua Class-exclusive restaurant, will have an outdoor dining terrace with the ability to seat 24 guests. Other dining venues, such as Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud and the complimentary Cosmopolitan dining room, have been newly redesigned. 

Related: What is the difference between The Retreat, AquaClass and Concierge Class on Celebrity Cruises?

Headed by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group, Daniel Boulud's second restaurant at sea will offer an intimate fine dining experience that is based upon the Chef's travels. 

Entertainment is another selling point of the cruise experience for many passengers, and there is no lack of things to do onboard Celebrity Ascent.

Onboard, guests will have six new live productions, interactive gaming experiences, a transformative nightlife experience on the Resort Deck, and more to enjoy. 

Additionally, the redesigned casino will feature brand-new games for those who wish to try their luck at sea.   

There's also an expanded Rooftop Garden; upgraded Resort Deck with cantilevered float pools; multi-level, multi-terraced Sunset Bar; and two-story sundeck for guests staying within The Retreat. 

It wouldn't be an Edge Class ship without the return of the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose cantilevered venue that serves as a gangway for tender boats during the day and an upscale dining venue and cocktail at night. 

Where will Celebrity Ascent be sailing to during her inaugural season?

From December through late April, she will sail to The Bahamas, Mexico, and Grand Cayman, as well as San Juan, Tortola, and St. Kitts on alternating 7-night voyages. 

During the summer, she'll be based in Europe with numerous different itineraries sailing from  Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy to choose from, such as a 9-night Italian Riviera and France cruise or 12-night Best of Greece and Italy voyage. 

She will return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in November 2024. 

Following the release of 2025 Alaska cruises, Royal Caribbean has now opened bookings for 2025 European cruises.

A variety of different itineraries will be offered throughout the region. You can cruise to Northern Europe, Norway, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and more!

Six cruise ships will sail around Europe between April and October 2025, including Allure of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.

Here's a breakdown of which ships will be deployed to Europe and where they will be sailing from:

Independence of the Seas will return to the UK and offer cruises from Southampton in 2025.  For the last six years, Anthem of the Seas has offered cruises there, but Royal Caribbean has made a change for the 2025 cruise season.

Independence of the Seas will offer cruises of varying lengths that visit Spain, Portugal, Northern Europe, Norway and more.

Allure of the Seas will return to Europe in 2025 and split her time between Barcelona, Spain and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

The schedule has Allure of the Seas conducting a transatlantic crossing in February 2025, and then there's a gap in her schedule until April 2025, fueling speculation of a long overdue refurbishment.

Allure of the Seas had her Royal Amplification ship upgrades cancelled in 2020 due to the cruise industry shutdown, and thus, hasn't received the same upgrades her other Oasis Class sister ships have.

Royal Caribbean has not made any official statements confirming Allure of the Seas will be amplified in 2025.

Allure will offer primarily Western Mediterranean cruises, along with a few shorter cruises at the beginning and end of the cruise season. 

Brilliance of the Seas will move from Miami to Barcelona in April 2025, and then reposition to Athens (Piraeus), Greece to offer Greek Isles cruises. In August 2025, Brilliance moves to Barcelona and then Southampton to presumably return to the United States for the winter.

Explorer of the Seas will call Ravenna, Italy its home and offer Greek Isles and Adriatic Sea cruises.

Odyssey of the Seas will move from New York to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy and visit destinations in Greece, Italy, and Turkey.

Read more: Why Odyssey of the Seas is worth your attention

Voyager of the Seas will also be based in Civitavecchia, and offer 7-night cruises to Greece, Turkey, and around the Adriatic.

The new sailings are available to book via Royal Caribbean's website.

What are the best months to take a European cruise?

In general, the best months to cruise the Mediterranean and Greek Isles are May, June, September, and October. While outside of the peak summer season, these months see more favorable weather. Plus, you'll find fewer land-based tourists at popular attractions. 

You are more likely to spend time visiting cities, rather than lounging on the beach like you would if you were taking a cruise to The Bahamas or Caribbean. Walking around ports Rome, Athens, and Barcelona can be uncomfortable in July and August. 

Because of the cooler climate, the summer months see lower temperatures in Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland. You'll also have the most daylight. 

Related: When is the best time to go on a cruise?

Booking your 2025 European cruise as early as possible is the best way to ensure that you get the lowest price

The lowest available rate for Royal Caribbean cruises tends to be when itineraries are first released. This, however, does not mean that you cannot find a good deal on a shoulder season voyage closer to the sail date. 

Those with their hearts set on cruising during the peak season should book as easy as possible, though. Over time, prices will go up as more and more cabins are reserved.

Additionally, some highly desirable cruise cabins (i.e., suites and staterooms with unique layouts) sell out quickly or jump in price after the sailings are released. 

Plus, you will be able to be on the hunt for the best airline tickets when they're released and start budgeting for cruise add-ons like shore excursions, as they can be more expensive in Europe than in places like The Bahamas and Caribbean. 

More 2025 deployments coming soon

There's plenty more deployments coming for the 2025-2026 cruise season.

The new deployments will take a small break for the Thanksgiving holiday, and then we can expect 7-night Caribbean cruises to kick things back up in early December.

• Week of November 13, 2023: 7-night Caribbean (Phase 1)
• Week of December 4, 2023: 7-night Caribbean (Phase 2)
• Week of February 12, 2024: Short Caribbean, Los Angeles & Northeast 
• Week of February 19, 2024: Long Caribbean

Keep in mind the sailings could be released at any point within that week, and not necessarily on the first day of the listed week.

More about European cruises:

• 7 tips for a great Royal Caribbean Baltic cruise
• 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise
• 7 mistakes & 3 things I did right on my Royal Caribbean Norwegian fjords cruise
• I’ve been on 3 European cruises, and I see people making the same 12 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them
• UK vs. US cruising: What are the main differences?