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Cruises to Alaska on Royal Caribbean include dining, entertainment, activities, and transportation to some of the world’s most stunning ports, but are they all-inclusive?
The idea of an all-inclusive Alaska cruise is enticing, but Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive. There are extra costs you may incur which are not included in your base cruise fare.
Royal Caribbean’s approach is to offer a lower entry price to a cruise, allowing guests to pay for add-ons as they wish.
Because of this, it’s possible to cruise to Alaska with Royal Caribbean and spend nothing extra once onboard. There’s more than enough complimentary food options, beverages, activities, and entertainment to keep passengers busy throughout the entire sailing.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive Alaska cruise experience, though, there are a few purchases you can make before your sailing to have almost everything included once onboard your Royal Caribbean ship.
Let’s dive in to look at all-inclusive Alaska cruise options and how you can create an all-inclusive experience on Royal Caribbean.
None of the mass-market cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, etc.) offer an all-inclusive Alaska cruise experience in their base fare. Some, however, allow you to purchase extra packages that aim to provide a more all-inclusive experience.
Holland America, for example, offers the “Have It All” package, which includes a $100 shore excursion credit, signature beverage package, one night specialty dining, and a wifi package for $50 per person, per day.
However, this is still not entirely all-inclusive, as it only includes one night at a specialty restaurant and a limited dollar amount for shore excursions.
Truly all-inclusive Alaska cruises are hard to come by, only to be found on luxury or expedition cruise lines like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas. And even then, you’ll still have to pay extra for things like spa services and shore excursions.
The good news is that, while a Royal Caribbean cruise is not entirely all-inclusive, you can turn a standard cruise experience into a more all-inclusive sailing by purchasing only a few add-ons.
Like any Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to realize what’s included in your cruise fare when planning an Alaska vacation.
The following is included in your base cruise fare with Royal Caribbean:
Related: What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare?
Although there's a lot included, there are several add-ons not included in the cruise fare. Specialty restaurants, internet, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and shore excursions are just some of the extra costs you may incur on an Alaska cruise.
Related: Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included
There are a few key add-ons to purchase before your Alaska cruise that can provide an all-inclusive experience once onboard.
By purchasing these ahead of time on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website, you will encounter minimal (if any) additional costs onboard your ship.
To keep cruise fares lower for all guests, Royal Caribbean does not include alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, soda, and mocktails in its base cruise fare. Therefore, in order to create your all-inclusive Alaska cruise, you’ll want to purchase a drink package.
There are three main drink packages available on Royal Caribbean:
Drink package prices can change from day to day. As with any pre-cruise purchase on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner, you can cancel and rebook any add-on if you see a price drop.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site
Therefore, we recommend booking drink packages as soon as possible. If the price goes down, you can cancel and rebook the package with no penalty. If you wait to book, on the other hand, and the price increases, you’ll be stuck paying the higher price.
Although there’s more than enough complimentary food included on an Alaska cruise, if you truly want an all-inclusive experience with Royal Caribbean, you’ll want to book a dining package.
The Unlimited Dining Package is the best choice for those planning an all-inclusive Alaska cruise. This package allows guests to dine at specialty restaurants an unlimited number of times throughout the sailing at one set price.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Unlimited Dining Package
Specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean offer cooking styles and cuisines not found elsewhere onboard, and they provide a more intimate atmosphere than the Main Dining Room or Windjammer buffet.
You can expect to pay around $225 per guest (plus 18% gratuity) for an Unlimited Dining Package on a 7-night Alaska cruise.
Internet is not included on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and if you’re looking to create an all-inclusive vacation while staying connected to friends and family back home, you’ll want to purchase an internet package.
The best option for a Royal Caribbean internet package is the VOOM Surf & Stream package. This package covers both web browsing and streaming, allowing you to surf the web, watch YouTube videos, and Facetime loved ones back home.
For a 7-night Alaska cruise, a VOOM Surf & Stream internet package will cost around $17 per device, per day.
If you purchase a Deluxe Beverage Package, Unlimited Dining Package, and internet package before your Alaska cruise, you can expect to spend around $920 per person on a 7-night sailing.
Shore excursions are not included in the price of a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, but they are highly sought-after. From whale watching tours to kayaking, you’ll certainly want to consider booking an excursion for your Alaska cruise.
Related: Alaska cruise excursions
Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise excursions must be booked individually; there is no “Unlimited Shore Excursion” package available. Alaska shore excursion prices range from $30 for basic walking tours to $500 for helicopter landings on glaciers.
There’s no requirement to book shore excursions on an Alaska cruise. In fact, many of Alaska’s cruise ports offer plenty to do without spending extra. However, shore excursions are an important additional cost to budget for on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska.
Star Class is the top-tier of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class. It’s the closest you’ll get to an all-inclusive Alaska cruise with the cruise line, and it’s only available on Quantum Class ships sailing to Alaska.
Star Class on Royal Caribbean includes priority boarding, Coastal Kitchen restaurant access, luxury stateroom amenities, complimentary VOOM wifi for each guest, concierge service, access to the Suite Sun Deck, laundry, a Royal Genie, gratuities, specialty dining, and a Deluxe Beverage Package.
Related: A beginner’s guide to sailing in Star Class
Essentially, Star Class provides the most all-inclusive experience you can find on a Royal Caribbean cruise. A few of the only add-ons not included with Star Class are retail and spa services.
The caveat? Star Class isn’t cheap, and the price of these cabins on an Alaska cruise is usually in the five figures. If you’re looking to splurge, though–and have the budget to do so–by all means, book a Star Class room for an all-inclusive Alaska cruise.
If you can’t shell out $15,000 for one vacation, you’re better off booking the Deluxe Beverage Package, Unlimited Dining Package, and internet package on top of your cruise fare in a regular cabin. This provides an “all-inclusive” experience at a more reasonable price for any cruise to Alaska.
Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, is the biggest cruise ship in the world. She features the most modern activities, cabins, entertainment, and dining choices found in the fleet, and there’s no wonder why she is a favorite among many Royal Caribbean cruisers.
While the entire ship is remarkable, there are a few key areas where Wonder of the Seas really stands out. From a reimagined pool deck to a suites-only oasis, here are the 10 things Royal Caribbean got right with Wonder of the Seas.
The Mason Jar is Royal Caribbean’s newest specialty restaurant concept, with a menu inspired by dishes from various regions of the American South. From chicken pot pie to blackened catfish and St. Louis-style ribs, the restaurant features dishes you may not eat regularly at home.
Related: The Mason Jar Southern food restaurant review on Wonder of the Seas
In addition to dinner, The Mason Jar is also open for brunch on sea days. Both sweet and savory brunch is available, with items including chicken and waffles, salmon-avocado toast, stuffed french toast, and a crispy chicken sandwich.
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, so when I heard that Royal Caribbean’s newest restaurant would feature a brunch menu, I couldn't wait to try it.
I ordered the red velvet pancakes–akin to dessert for breakfast–and tried the restaurant’s gargantuan cinnamon roll. As someone with a sweet tooth, I was in heaven, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book brunch again on my next Wonder of the Seas cruise.
While Vintages Wine Bar is found on many Royal Caribbean ships, the cruise line took its wine bar concept up a notch with Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the newest Italian restaurant concept on Royal Caribbean. Giovanni’s Wine Bar is an extension of the restaurant, which offers wine and à la carte appetizers, pizzas, and desserts from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.
Related: How Royal Caribbean reimagined its signature Italian restaurant
At Vintages, only a small tapas menu is available, so I loved having an extensive menu of à la carte dishes to choose from at Giovanni’s Wine Bar. Items were priced quite reasonably (around $3-9 for appetizers and $9-12 for pizzas).
I felt the wine bar made an excellent dinner (or snack) choice for those who wanted to try Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen without forking over $50 for dinner per person. Plus, I loved the modern, bright design of the wine bar–a stark contrast to the darker and moodier vibe of Vintages.
Shows in Royal Caribbean’s AquaTheaters are always spectacular, but the AquaTheater show on Wonder of the Seas is one of the best I’ve seen yet.
inTENse, the ship’s AquaTheater show, is the first to feature an all-female cast. Not only did I love the female empowerment of the show, but the slacklining, high-diving, aerial performances, and synchronized swimming were beyond incredible. The show lives up to its name; it is intense!
If you’re sailing on Wonder of the Seas, don’t miss this performance.
Wonder of the Seas is the first Oasis Class ship to feature a designated Suite Neighborhood, accessible only to suite guests. This neighborhood includes a Suite Lounge, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and private sundeck with its own bar and pool.
Related: Wonder of the Seas neighborhoods tour
The Suite Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas is an enhanced version of the suites-only areas on other Royal Caribbean ships. Even though other ships may have a private sun deck, lounge, and restaurant for suite guests, they are rarely located in the same place. The Suite Neighborhood combines these features into one convenient area for suite guests, creating a "ship within a ship concept" that is not found on other ships.
Guests in Grand Suites and above can access the Suite Neighborhood, and those in Sea Class (Junior Suites) can dine at Coastal Kitchen for dinner only.
Although I’m not sure I’ll ever sail in a $20,000 suite, the Suite Neighborhood certainly has me dreaming about cruising in luxury!
On other Oasis Class ships, the Windjammer is quite small in relation to how many guests are onboard. With so many other dining choices available, Royal Caribbean wanted to make the Windjammer less prominent on the Oasis Class.
They later realized, though, that passengers prefer having a large buffet with plenty of seating and endless food choices. Because of this, the Windjammer was reimagined on Wonder of the Seas and is the largest buffet in the fleet.
Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet
As someone who enjoys dining at the Windjammer for breakfast and lunch more than other venues, I appreciated the larger buffet size on Wonder of the Seas. I find that I rarely eat at the Windjammer on other Oasis Class ships; the area always feels too cramped for my liking.
On Wonder of the Seas, though, I dined at the Windjammer nearly every day of my cruise and was impressed by the size and variety of offerings.
El Loco Fresh is one of my favorite complimentary dining options on any Royal Caribbean ship, and I’ll never pass up a quick lunch of burritos, nachos, and tacos.
Wonder of the Seas took El Loco Fresh to the next level by placing it adjacent to a brand-new bar, Cantina Fresca. Cantina Fresca is a Mexican-inspired bar featuring margaritas and aguas frescas, which offer the perfect accompaniment to chips, salsa, and unlimited guacamole.
Additionally, the bar’s location near the Sports Court is perfect for those who want to grab a quick bite to eat in between time at the pool and signature activities like zip lining and the FlowRider.
The adults-only Solarium on Wonder of the Seas may just be the best in the fleet. Unlike other Oasis Class ships, it’s fully enclosed and climate-controlled. In my opinion, this makes it a far more comfortable spot to relax compared to the open-air Solariums on other Royal Caribbean ships.
Related: Wonder of the Seas vs other Oasis Class ships
Outside of being climate-controlled, the Solarium is beautiful. With a domed ceiling, comfy lounge chairs, art pieces, a pool, and a plethora of jacuzzis, it’s one of the best hangout spaces on Wonder of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas features Royal Caribbean’s new rendition of Adventure Ocean kids programming, which focuses on giving kids more flexibility in what they’d like to do compared to the old Adventure Ocean.
Related: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets
Part of the new Adventure Ocean includes updated teen spaces, and Wonder of the Seas features both an indoor teen lounge and private outdoor deck known as Social 100: The Patio.
The Patio features its own bar, hot tub, comfy seating areas, large chess board, and selfie backdrops. It’s somewhere passengers aged 13-17 can meet and mingle with kids their own age, and I can imagine it’s a popular spot for teenagers onboard.
I would have loved this hangout space as a teen, and I’ll admit I’m a little jealous there’s not an adults-only equivalent of this space!
Every Royal Promenade on an Oasis Class ship features a large piece of artwork. While the five-ton, 3D metallic head on Harmony of the Seas impressed me, I was especially impressed by the use of artwork on Wonder of the Seas.
The Wonder of the Seas Royal Promenade features a silver-plated, giant cowboy hat. Upon first glance, I didn’t pay much attention to it.
Later on in my cruise, however, I discovered that the art piece also functions as a stage for The Mason Jar band. I thought this concept was unique and enjoyed listening to the musicians while strolling around the Promenade.
The Wonder of the Seas pool deck immediately transports passengers to a Caribbean paradise, with colorful decor and tropical-themed bars dotted along the ample deck space. I’d argue that the pool deck on Wonder of the Seas is the best in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
One of my favorite aspects of the pool deck is The Lime & Coconut, Royal Caribbean’s signature Caribbean-themed bar. This bar features the best of the fleet’s tropical cocktails, including the creamy, tangy Lime & Coconut cocktail, Mai Tai, and Goombay Smash.
Related: Wonder of the Seas Guide, itineraries, features, and more
I appreciated the variety of seating available on the pool deck. Comfy loungers can be found throughout the deck along with private casitas (available by reservation only), in-pool loungers, and even “theater” seating in front of the pool deck’s TV screen.
The pool deck is guaranteed to be busy on any Wonder of the Seas cruise, and it’s the perfect place to catch some sun as you sail through the Caribbean.
The anticipation of a cruise vacation is almost as fun as the trip itself. With endless food, diverse destinations, impeccable service, and impressive entertainment options, boarding a Royal Caribbean cruise is nothing short of exciting.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your very first cruise, you’ll find certain aspects of the vacation stand out more than the rest. Some cruisers can’t wait to watch shows each evening whereas others look forward to elegant dinners and tranquil evenings on their balcony more than anything else.
Regardless of your cruising style and preferences, there’s plenty to be excited for on any Royal Caribbean cruise. These are the top 15 things I look forward to every time I go on a cruise ship.
Boarding a Royal Caribbean cruise transports you far away from day to day life back at home. There’s no need to worry about sitting in traffic, going grocery shopping, or answering work emails. Instead, your biggest worries of the day will be whether to order spaghetti bolognese or steak for dinner (why not both?).
Escaping the normalcy of life at home is always one of the things I look forward to every time I go on a cruise ship. I love waking up in a new place each day, meeting new people, and enjoying three-course meals every evening.
The post-cruise depression really sets in when I settle back into the routine of cooking, cleaning, and working upon returning home, but it’s always worth it.
As a kid, I loved attending summer camp, where I could participate in a schedule of fun activities like arts and crafts, dodgeball, and rock climbing. A Royal Caribbean cruise, with its daily schedule of activities in the Cruise Planner, often feels like a summer camp for adults, and I absolutely love it.
Related: 15 free things to try on your next cruise
While no one is obliged to participate in any activities on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I find that having a schedule of things to do at nearly every hour of the day is amazing. From trivia to scrapbooking classes, pickleball tournaments, and cocktail seminars, I’m always impressed by the variety of programming available onboard.
I’m usually more of a go-with-the-flow type of traveler, but whenever I’m on a Royal Caribbean ship I religiously check the Cruise Planner to see which fun activities are coming up next.
One of the best aspects of cruising for me is the opportunity to explore new destinations. I always prefer booking an itinerary that visits places I’ve never been to before, allowing me to experience the childlike sense of discovery that comes with exploring somewhere new.
Cruising is unique compared to land-based vacations in that you can experience vastly different destinations each day. Exploring the Basque country of Spain on Monday and quaint French towns on Tuesday is something you can’t experience as easily on a land-based trip, and that's something I love most about cruising.
Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines; the spicy, aromatic, unique blend of flavors paired with rice and naan perfectly aligns with my palette. One thing I always look forward to when I board a Royal Caribbean cruise is the variety of Indian food I can enjoy during my sailing.
Related: Top 10 insider tips for Royal Caribbean’s Main Dining Room
You can find Indian food on Royal Caribbean ships in both the Windjammer buffet and Main Dining Room. The Windjammer always has several options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including chana masala (my personal favorite), butter chicken, and egg bhurji.
Indian dishes are offered in the Main Dining Room, too, but are not always on the menu, so ask your server which Indian dishes are available for your meal.
Unlimited food is synonymous with cruising, and I’ll put Royal Caribbean’s desserts near the top of my list on what I look forward to every time I go on a cruise ship.
As someone with a huge sweet tooth, I feel like a kid in a candy store anytime I’m onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. Molten chocolate cake? Tiramisu? Unlimited soft serve ice cream? I’ll skip dinner and head straight to dessert!
Related: Top desserts to try on Wonder of the Seas
Don’t even get me started on the fried cheesecake from 150 Central Park, one of the most beautiful dishes I’ve ever had the pleasure to try. Royal Caribbean simply kills the dessert game, and I’m all here for it.
The convenience of finding live music onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship cannot be understated, and this is one of the things I look forward to most every time I sail. It’s extremely easy to find impressive musicians around the ship, whether acoustic guitar in the pub or piano tunes at Schooner Bar.
On any given day on a cruise ship–even on Royal Caribbean’s smallest ships–you’ll find live music. While most performances are during the evening, it’s common to find music throughout the day as well, such as a reggae band on the pool deck or classical guitar player at Vintages wine bar.
I’ve never experienced the level of service you receive on a Royal Caribbean cruise anywhere on land.
Whether it’s the incredible service from my stateroom attendant, attentive waiters in the main dining room, or just conversing with bartenders, the incredible service from Royal Caribbean’s crew members is something I look forward to every time I board a ship.
Adjusting back to "normal" customer service is one of the hardest parts about returning home!
The ice skating shows on Royal Caribbean ships are vastly underrated. I always hear passengers discussing their favorite Broadway musicals or AquaTheater performances onboard, but rarely the ice skating shows.
Maybe it’s the former gymnast in me, but I love watching the twists, tricks, and flips put on by the talented ice cast. I’ll never get tired of watching back flips on ice, triple axels, and the nerve-wracking headbanger skill–during which a skater’s head comes dangerously close to the ice.
I’ll admit I don’t always understand the storyline of the ice skating shows, but you’ll still always catch me reserving the first show of the cruise on any Royal Caribbean ship.
Royal Caribbean crew members are from all over the world, and one thing I always look forward to when boarding a cruise is conversing with the crew onboard.
I’ve gotten to know several crew members during my time onboard, from bartenders to my stateroom attendant and waiters. I always love hearing about their lives back home, how they ended up working on cruise ships, and what their favorite destinations have been.
Chatting with crew members is one of the most interesting aspects of cruising for me. After all, where else can you have a conversation with people from the United States, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Ukraine, Turkey, India, the Philippines, China, and Indonesia in one place?
Coming back to your cabin after a long day exploring port is a wonderful feeling, and my cruise cabin always feels like my home away from home by the end of the sailing.
Even in the smallest of interior cabins, I feel much more “at home” in a cruise cabin compared to a standard hotel room. Maybe it’s the cozy size (or perhaps the escape from the busy atmosphere found elsewhere onboard), but I always look forward to spending time in my cabin on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
One place you’ll always find me during sunset on a cruise ship is lounging in a pool chair near the jogging track. I love the quiet, peaceful environment of the pool deck once most passengers have gone to dinner, and the upper pool deck is arguably the best spot to catch views of the sunset.
Related: The best spot for sailaway on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship
I make it a point to watch the sunset nearly every evening onboard, whether from the pool deck, the helicopter pad, or the dining room. And with a cocktail in hand? Even better.
I find cruises to be the perfect vacation to enjoy with friends and family. They offer the ideal mix of structure and freedom, allowing each member of the family to choose how they would like to spend their day.
I live across the country from most of my family, so I always cherish the time we can spend together when cruising, whether in the Caribbean, Europe, or Alaska. I’ve also had the chance to cruise with some of my best friends who live across the country (or across the ocean) from me.
There's something extra special about making memories with your loved ones on a cruise, and I can't wait to explore more of the world with my friends and family in the future.
Before I started cruising, my repertoire of cocktails was minimal at best. I found myself ordering the same basic cocktails anywhere I went without knowing better. While gin and tonics are great, they’re a bit boring compared to the signature drinks you’ll find on a Royal Caribbean ship.
One thing I look forward to on every cruise is trying new cocktails, whether a standard piña colada or something more unique, such as a PB&J old fashioned or cucumber martini.
Related: Top 10 cocktails to try on your next Royal Caribbean cruise
Plus, if you have a Deluxe Beverage Package or Crown & Anchor Society drink vouchers, you can try a variety of cocktails without worrying about whether or not you’ll like the drink.
I’ve “wasted” several drink vouchers on cocktails I haven’t enjoyed, but on the flip side I’ve ordered cocktails I was skeptical about which have since become my favorite drinks!
Funny enough, one of my favorite activities to attend on a cruise ship is karaoke. While I’m too shy to get on the stage myself, the energy and performances at karaoke on a cruise ship are unmatched.
In fact, I find myself spending nearly every evening at karaoke on some sailings. Some of the best cruises for this are short 3 and 4-night itineraries from South Florida. These sailings tend to have a higher party atmosphere than other cruises, leading to some seriously fun performances at karaoke.
While I don’t visit Perfect Day at CocoCay every time I cruise, it’s something I always look forward to whenever the port is on my itinerary.
Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas lives up to its name: it’s absolutely perfect. White sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and the stunning Oasis Lagoon pool make the island a fantastic place to spend the day.
What I appreciate about Perfect Day at CocoCay is that you don’t need to spend anything extra once on the island. Beach chairs, umbrellas, food, and several non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary. In addition, there are plenty of activities for guests of all ages, including Splashaway Bay for kids and a sports area with basketball, volleyball, and other beach games.
And if you do want to spend extra while on the island? There’s a wide selection of add-ons to book, from private cabana rentals to an adrenaline-packed day at Thrill Waterpark.
Read more about Perfect Day at CocoCay:
When is the best time to cruise? It is one of the first questions you will ask yourself when planning a cruise vacation, and truthfully, there is no right answer. The “best” time to cruise depends on your destination, budget, and travel style, and it can vary widely from person to person.
Every destination has a peak season, low season, and shoulder season. Peak season is where you will encounter the best temperatures, but these sailings come with higher cruise fares and more crowded ships since they often correspond with the American school calendar.
Low season, on the other hand, can lead to the best savings, but you may come across poor weather and itinerary changes (i.e. hurricane season). In some destinations, such as Australia, cruises are simply not offered by Royal Caribbean during the low season due to lack of demand.
Finally, there is shoulder season, where you will find lower cruise fares and fewer crowds along with relatively comfortable temperatures.
Knowing the best time to cruise in each region can be confusing, so we have put together a destination by destination guide to better help you plan your next cruise. Let’s jump in!
Cruises to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean are offered year-round, and each season comes with pros and cons. Therefore, you should weigh which factors are important to you in each season before booking a cruise.
Winter is one of the best times to cruise the Caribbean, especially if you are looking to trade out blizzards for beaches. You will find temperatures in the 70s and 80s throughout the winter months, although ports located further north (such as Nassau or Perfect Day at CocoCay) might be chilly, as they are subject to the occasional cold front.
Related: The best time to go on a Caribbean cruise
Summer is also a popular time to cruise the Caribbean, and many guests appreciate more hours of daylight during this time of year. However, summer brings some of the highest crowds and temperatures, so it is not necessarily the best time to sail for all guests.
Surprisingly, hurricane season can be a great time to cruise the Caribbean, but only if you remain flexible. Weather during the later part of hurricane season (August through October) is hot and humid, but you can often find fantastic cruise deals during this time of year.
In July 2024, for instance, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Harmony of the Seas starts around $980 per person for an inside cabin. The same cruise is offered for $440 less, or $540 per person, in September 2024.
Related: What it's like on a cruise ship when there's a hurricane
However, you will have to be prepared for last-minute itinerary changes. Royal Caribbean will not sail into a hurricane, of course, so they might switch from a Western Caribbean to Eastern Caribbean itinerary (or vice versa) to avoid the storm.
Bahamas cruises are popular year-round, but what many passengers do not realize is that The Bahamas are located further north than other Caribbean cruise ports. The location of the islands can impact their weather patterns more than ports located further south.
Throughout most of the year, cruising to The Bahamas results in warm, sunny weather, but there is always the possibility of unfavorable forecasts in the winter months.
Related: Bahamas cruise guide
January is the coldest month for Bahamas cruises, although temperatures can be unpredictable. One week may have lows in the mid-50s with high winds and rain, whereas the following week can be 75 degrees with sunny skies.
Expect more precipitation from June to September and drier conditions between November and April. The months of March, April, May, and November often see the most comfortable temperatures with little precipitation.
Pricing is similar to that of Caribbean cruises. Summer months tend to be more expensive than cruises in the shoulder season. Likewise, since many cruises to the Bahamas are only 3- and 4-nights, any 3-day weekend will see an increase in pricing, too.
As an example, a 3-night cruise on Allure of the Seas departing on February 23, 2024 starts at $392 per person, while a cruise the weekend prior over President's Day costs $522 each!
Contrary to what some may believe, Bermuda is not located in the Caribbean! It is actually about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Bermuda cruises are offered between April and October, and the island makes a popular port stop for those cruising from the northeast.
The early season in Bermuda (April and May) sees some of the lowest prices and has comfortable temperatures in the 70s. The water temperature, however, can be cold at this time of year, so it is not the best time to visit for those hoping to enjoy beach activities.
Nonetheless, April and May are excellent times to enjoy Bermuda outside of just beaches, from cycling the historic Railway Trail to horseback riding and celebrating local holidays.
A 5-night cruise on Liberty of the Seas departing from Cape Liberty (New York) can cost as little as $460 per person during this time of the year. Expect them to increase at least $200 during the summer months, sometimes more!
Related: What to do in Bermuda on a cruise
June, July, and August bring more crowds and higher cruise fares, but offer the best temperatures for water and beach activities. You can enjoy snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach during these months.
The late season (September and October) is also a nice time to visit the island. Temperatures are still warm during these months, but there are far fewer tourists. This makes the island’s pace much more relaxed than the peak summer season, although you do have to remain flexible with your itinerary since September and October fall in hurricane season.
Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season runs between May and September, with peak season starting in mid-June and continuing until late August. During the five month season, the weather can vary considerably, so it is important to know which type of weather should be expected before you book your cruise.
The best months for an Alaska cruise are in June, July, and August. The summer months bring the warmest temperatures, most wildlife viewing opportunities, and longest daylight hours. If you are hoping to participate in outdoor activities while in Alaska such as hiking or whale watching, the summer months are your best bet.
This time of year is extremely popular, so many itineraries can book up quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to book an Alaska cruise during the peak season as early as possible.
Related: Alaska cruise guide
The cheapest cruise fares to Alaska are found during the shoulder season months of May and September. In September 2024, for instance, you can book a 7-night one-way cruise on Radiance of the Seas for less than $450 per person for an inside cabin. Balcony cabins are always more expensive; however, they are often still less than $1,000 per person during the shoulder season.
Although these months may not bring the best weather (frequent rainfall and cold temperatures are to be expected), they are undoubtedly the cheapest months to cruise Alaska. As a plus, you will find far fewer crowds during the shoulder season as well.
Royal Caribbean’s European cruise season runs from late April to late October, and itineraries are offered in a range of destinations, from the snowy fjords of Norway to the dramatic coastlines of the Greek Isles.
Due to the variety of destinations offered, the best time to cruise can vary from place to place.
Northern Europe itineraries are most popular during the peak of summer in June, July, and August. This is when you will find the best weather and most daylight in Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland, although higher cruise fares should be expected.
A 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton begins at $1,270 for sailings that depart in July 2024.
The Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Greek Isles are popular throughout the entire cruise season, but summer can bring very warm temperatures. Unlike on a Caribbean cruise, you will likely spend less time at the beach and more time sightseeing in busy cities while cruising Europe. Walking around ports like Florence, Athens, and Barcelona in the summer can be uncomfortably hot.
Moreover, summer is busy in general with many land-based tourists and Europeans taking summer holidays, meaning that you will encounter more people while exploring each port of call.
Related: Western Mediterranean cruise guide
Because of this, the spring or fall can be a wonderful time to cruise these regions of Europe. Temperatures are not nearly as warm as in the summer, making it a perfect time to sightsee in cities like Rome and Paris. In addition, crowds will be far fewer as many families are at work and school.
As another benefit, airfare tends to be much cheaper in the spring and fall compared to the summer months.
Cruises to Mexico from Los Angeles sail to the Mexican Riviera, a name coined for the country’s picturesque towns along the Pacific Coast and Baja California. Ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Catalina Island are found on Mexican Riviera itineraries.
While the Mexican Riviera is a year-round cruising destination, the region sees more diverse weather patterns compared to the Caribbean side of Mexico. Ports on Mexican Riviera itineraries are located in different climates and latitudes, so the best time to cruise to one port may not be the best time for another.
Related: Mexican Riviera cruise guide
There are two main Mexican Riviera itineraries found on Royal Caribbean cruises:
Short cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island are best during the summer months, when temperatures are in the mid-80s with sunny skies. During the winter, these more northerly ports can see temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
For itineraries visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, the peak season to sail is between December and April. Escaping the winter for a sunny holiday is popular during these months, and you’ll find comfortable temperatures in the region, with highs around 75 to 80 degrees.
Related: When is the best time to cruise the Mexican Riviera?
The Mexican Riviera also has a dry and rainy season, with the dry season from November to June and the most precipitation expected in August and September. More arid ports, such as Cabo San Lucas, will receive little rainfall year-round.
No matter the month you sail, it is recommended to bring a jacket, sweater, or other warm layers. It can be chilly as your ship sails down the coast of Baja California, so it’s common to need a light jacket during the mornings and evenings while onboard.
In terms of pricing, you will encounter the best pricing during the months of January and February, the last week of April after spring break, the end of August through mid-November, and the first two weeks of December for the winter holiday season begins.
A 7-night cruise onboard Navigator of the Seas that departs on January 8, 2024, for instance, is currently priced at $486 per person. The same cruise increases to about $900 per person in June 2024!
The cruise season in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific runs from late October to April each year, coinciding with summer in the southern hemisphere. The most popular time of year for these cruises is in December and January, as these months coincide with school holidays.
Not only are holiday cruises more crowded, they see an increase in pricing, too. If you are cruising from Sydney, you may also want to be prepared for Australia Day, which occurs at the end of January, as this holiday draws large crowds to the city.
The peak summer season in Australia offers the perfect temperatures for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the region’s breathtaking beaches and world-renowned cities. Like Australia, New Zealand is also best visited during the summer months.
South Pacific cruises to Vanuatu, Fiji, and New Caledonia are vastly popular, although most sailings are offering during the region’s rainy season from November to March. Just like the Caribbean, though, rain showers do not last all day and should not negatively impact shore excursions and activities.
Related: 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean
Like all cruise destinations, shoulder season is the best time to sail for those looking to save money. Some of the cheapest fares are found in October and April when school is in session.
Royal Caribbean offers cruises from Singapore year-round. The majority of these sailings visit Southeast Asian ports like Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. However, there are occasionally longer itineraries offered visiting ports in Japan, China, and the Philippines.
If you are planning a cruise to Southeast Asia, the most important distinction to make between seasons is the rainy season versus the dry season. Humidity and temperatures are high year-round, but the coolest and driest weather is typically found between November and February.
The warmest time of the year is between March and May, and the region’s monsoon season falls between June and October. Rainfall does not typically last all day, however; instead, it appears in short, strong bursts.
All things considered, the best months for a Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore are November, December, January, and February. Pricing will vary, but you can expect 5-night cruises to cost as little as $650 per person or upwards of $1,050 if you cruise over a holiday, such as Christmas or New Year's.
For cruises visiting ports further north, such as in Japan and China, you will want to sail during spring, summer, and early fall. Royal Caribbean’s itineraries to these destinations are currently being offered only during the peak summer months.
New England and coastal Canada are known for their nature, views of the Atlantic Ocean, and fresh seafood.
Cruises to Canada and New England typically operate between the months of May and October. Sailings in the latter half of the season are popular because of the fall foliage.
Voyages in the beginning of the season are subject to pleasant temperatures in the 60s and low 70s, and since it is not yet peak season, you can often find a great rate. Once June rolls around, summer festivals begin to occur, such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Canada Grand Prix, and more.
The summer months are also a great time to try some fresh seafood. Plus, you are more likely to see wildlife during this time. If you are sailing off the coast of Prince Edward Island, be sure to keep an eye out for seals!
If, however, temperature is a concern, you should know that summer in New England brings temperatures in the 80s, but you should not be surprised if they extend into the high 90s.
As fall rolls around, prices will begin to increase due to the peak foliage opportunities, and while many families may not be onboard, you can expect crowds in port.
Hawaii cruises are great because they allow you to travel from island to island without having to worry about going through airport security and other travel logistics--you can visit multiple islands and only have to unpack your suitcase once!
Royal Caribbean does not offer year-round sailings to Hawaii. In 2024, they are only offering Hawaii cruises in April, September, and October. Moreover, none of them are round-trip sailings; they are repositioning cruises.
April is part of the islands' dry season, meaning that you will encounter the lowest amount of rain, and the daytime average temperature is often somewhere between the high 70s and low 80s. Moreover, the spring months are the end of the humpback whale season, so you may be able to spot some migrating up to Alaska!
In the fall, October tends to be wetter than September. Regardless of which month you cruise, the temperature will average somewhere in 80s.
Pricing varies based on length of itinerary and ship age. You can find 9-night cruises priced around $750 per person or 13-night cruises that begin at $1,165 each.
Related: Ultimate Hawaii cruise guide
Cruising through the 51-mile Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many cruisers.
The typical cruise season lasts from September to April, with a break in the summer due to the region's rainy season. Deployment schedules can vary, though.
Between the months of December and mid-April, the weather is usually sunny and dry, with the average temperature avenging around the mid- to upper-80s. The region's rainy season begins in mid-April and extends through December. Usually, however, the rainfall does not begin to significantly increase until May.
January through March is often the region's busiest season, as the weather is most ideal and offers passengers an escape from colder temperatures throughout the United States.
The cheapest cruises are most likely going to be during the rainy season. A 14-night cruise onboard Brilliance of the Seas that departs on November 7, 2023, for instance, starts at $1,076 per person. In comparison, a 14-night cruise in April 2024 is currently priced at $1,481 per person.
Thankfully, the rain showers are short-lived and most common in the afternoons and early evenings.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships are extremely popular, and many people only book cruises on the Oasis Class. With an open-air park, kid-friendly Boardwalk, thrilling activities, and world-class entertainment, it’s no secret that Oasis Class ships are something special, but what about Royal Caribbean’s other cruise ships?
If you’ve only cruised on Oasis Class cruise ships before, it’s understandable that you’d choose to book only Oasis Class ships for future cruises. Many people are worried that, after they’ve experienced the “best of the best” by Royal Caribbean, a cruise on a different type of ship would not feel as special.
Yet with six (soon to be seven) classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, there is a whole world of cruising to discover outside of the Oasis Class. From the technology-focused, modern Quantum Class ships to the recently refurbished Freedom Class ships, it’s worth giving other Royal Caribbean ships a try.
Here are a few things you should know if you’ve only sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships and want to try something new.
Probably the most common question we get from new cruisers that have only sailed on Oasis Class ships is will trying a different kind of Royal Caribbean ship be disappointing.
The short answer is, no, but it will be different.
Oasis Class ships offer so much to see and do, and while other ships may not have the sheer variety of things to do, they still offer a great cruise experience.
The Freedom and Voyager Class ships share a lineage with the Oasis Class, meaning there's a lot of similarities among them that will make you "feel at home" on them too. This includes a Royal Promenade, pool deck activities, theater, and dining room.
Going back to the question of being disappointed, the issue is understanding what the other Royal Caribbean ships have and don't have to ensure it matches up to what you want on a ship.
Someone going from an Oasis Class ship to a Radiance Class, but wanting a cruise ship that has water slides or a full Broadway show would indeed be disappointed. But if those features don't matter as much as the core Royal Caribbean experience, coupled with a different itinerary, may find the sailing fantastic.
As you'll see in this article, there are differences, but as long as you understand what's different and are okay with them, you can have a really great cruise experience on other ships too.
Central Park is a highlight of any cruise on an Oasis Class ship. The open-air neighborhood filled with trees, bushes, and flowers is unlike anything you’ll find on another cruise ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Related: Why Central Park is my favorite spot onboard
If you enjoyed spending time in the park–whether dining outdoors or listening to live music–it’s important to realize there’s nothing quite like Central Park on other ships.
Nonetheless, you’ll still find nice places to hang out on other Royal Caribbean ships. Most passengers on Quantum Class ships rave about Two70, a large indoor entertainment space featuring 270 degree views of the ocean from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Those on Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships, on the other hand, love the panoramic views from the Viking Crown Lounge.
If you were initially attracted to Oasis Class cruise ships due to their size, you’ll be happy to hear that Royal Caribbean has many other large ships in the fleet.
Quantum Class cruise ships are the second biggest type of Royal Caribbean ship. They have a capacity of nearly 5,000 passengers and weigh 168,000 tons! Onboard these ships you’ll find activities not available on Oasis Class ships, such as bumper cars and indoor skydiving.
Related: I’ve been on every class of Royal Caribbean cruise ships: here’s what I like about each
Freedom Class vessels are also quite large, with a capacity of around 4,500 passengers.
Even Voyager Class ships, while smaller for Royal Caribbean, are still large cruise ships with a capacity of 4,000 passengers. Radiance and Vision Class ships, the smallest ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, can still hold around 2,500 passengers.
Just because you sail on a non-Oasis Class ship doesn’t mean you’ll be sailing on a tiny, 200-person vessel.
Read more about Royal Caribbean’s ship classes:
It’s understandable that Oasis Class cruise ships are featured in most Royal Caribbean online advertisements and television commercials; they offer the most “I can’t believe they put that on a cruise ship” activities like zip lining, a carousel, and AquaTheater shows.
However, all Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer countless ways to have fun. You’ll find virtual reality zones, waterslides, escape rooms, sports courts, bungee trampolines, indoor skydiving, mini golf, and rock climbing on other ships in the fleet, and the majority of activities are included in your cruise fare.
Related: 15 free things to try on your next cruise
Outside of these activities are game shows, trivia, karaoke, production shows, nightclubs, live musicians, and more, so there’s no need to worry about being bored on any Royal Caribbean ship.
If you enjoyed watching a full-length Broadway show on an Oasis Class ship, you should know that Broadway shows aren’t as common on other Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
In fact, you’ll only find Broadway shows on 3 non-Oasis Class ships:
An absence of Broadway shows doesn’t mean there isn’t still high-quality entertainment on Royal Caribbean’s other ships, though, and you’ll still find signature production shows across the fleet.
Voyager and Freedom Class ships, like Oasis Class ships, have an ice-skating rink with performances throughout the cruise, and all Royal Caribbean ships have a theater. If you’re sailing on a Quantum Class ship, be sure to check out shows at Two70, a modern venue blending live performances with technology.
Related: Royal Caribbean's 7 ship classes ultimate guide
If you’ve only cruised on Oasis Class ships before, you’ve become accustomed to Royal Caribbean’s latest entertainment, dining venues, activities, and amenities.
Although all Royal Caribbean ships provide an excellent cruise experience, sailing on the fleet’s oldest and smallest ships after an Oasis Class cruise ship can be an adjustment. You may find that some aspects of the ship feel outdated, there are fewer activities available, and dining choices are not nearly as wide as on a new ship.
Therefore, you may want to consider sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships or an amplified Voyager or Freedom Class ship. Amplified ships are older cruise ships that have undergone a significant refurbishment to modernize the ship with new venues, amenities, and activities.
Here’s a list of ships to consider when you want to branch out from only sailing on the Oasis Class:
Oasis Class ships have a wide selection of complimentary and specialty dining options. You can find food almost everywhere on the ship, and it’s diverse. From sandwiches at Park Cafe to burritos at El Loco Fresh, you’ll never go hungry on an Oasis Class ship.
And while you’ll never go hungry on any Royal Caribbean ship, you may find fewer dining choices on older ships. This is highly dependent on the ship, as amplified Voyager Class and Freedom Class ships as well as all Quantum Class ships have plenty of dining choices to choose from.
One plus of cruising on a non-Oasis Class ship after only having cruised on the Oasis Class is having a wider range of itinerary options.
Due to their size, Oasis Class ships are limited to a smaller selection of ports compared to other Royal Caribbean vessels. Only cruising on Oasis Class ships means visiting ports like Cozumel, Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, St. Maarten, and Labadee over and over again.
Related: Ultimate Mexico Cruise Guide
And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with these cruise ports, it can get repetitive cruising to the same locations several times.
Other Royal Caribbean ships visit ports around the world, from Australia to Alaska, northern Europe, the Mexican Riviera, Southeast Asia, and more. You might be surprised to find cruises to countries and cities that you’ve always wanted to visit for a reasonable price on non-Oasis Class ships.
Related: 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean
Many cruisers regard Oasis Class cruise ships as the best Royal Caribbean has to offer. In reality, however, the “best” cruise ship for one person is not best for another.
Some cruisers love the size and amenities of an Oasis Class ship, whereas others find themselves preferring smaller, more relaxed Royal Caribbean ships.
You never know what you’ll like until you try it, and even if you loved cruising on the Oasis Class, you might be surprised how much you enjoy sailing on other ships.
Oasis Class ships feature the Royal Suite Class, a tiered program of suite experiences for passengers in Junior Suites and above.
The Royal Suite Class enhances the traditional suite experience on Royal Caribbean, with the top tier (Star Class) providing unparalleled benefits including a personalized Royal Genie (magic maker) to curate the perfect cruise for you once onboard.
Related: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review
The Royal Suite Class is also available on Quantum Class cruise ships, but if you’re staying in a suite on other Royal Caribbean ships, you’ll experience a more traditional suite experience.
The suite experience on older ships is still fantastic, and it has many of the same benefits of suites on Oasis Class ships such as concierge service, Suite Lounge access, in-suite dining, etc. However, if you want the ultimate luxury experience on Royal Caribbean, you’ll find it in a Star Class suite on Oasis and Quantum Class ships only.
Oasis Class ships are high in demand. Unsurprisingly, they come with a higher price tag than most other Royal Caribbean ships.
Sailing on a ship outside of the Oasis Class can offer a fantastic value in a cruise vacation, especially if you book a cruise ship over five years old. It’s not uncommon to find cruises on a Vision, Radiance, or Voyager Class ship for half the price of an Oasis Class ship, even if they’re sailing the same itinerary.
The caveat? Vision and Radiance Class ships have far fewer balconies available compared to the Oasis Class, meaning balcony prices on these ships can be priced similarly to an Oasis Class ship. Be sure to compare prices between cabin categories thoroughly before booking to ensure you’re getting a great deal.
For many, a cruise vacation is perhaps a once a year kind of vacation, but there are folks that cruise much more often than that, including myself.
We’d all love to cruise frequently with Royal Caribbean—or perhaps even live on a cruise ship—but what are the downsides to cruising a lot?
Millions of passengers sail on cruise ships each year, many of whom find themselves cruising several times per year. It’s not uncommon for those living near a cruise port to sail once a month (or even more!).
Like anything in life, though, doing something too frequently has its downsides. This isn't meant to be any kind of pity party for those of us that cruise often. Rather, I wanted to share with you an inside look at the realities of going on cruise ships often.
Suffice to say, I'm very lucky to have a job that allows me to cruise many times in a year and I love going on ships as a means of not only work, but a way to see the world.
From spending less time at home to gaining a few inches on the waistline, here are the top downsides to cruising a lot.
If you do anything too frequently, it loses its charm. The same can be said about cruising, and the more you cruise, the less likely you are to experience that “WOW” feeling you had when you boarded a Royal Caribbean cruise for the first time.
Cruising frequently—whether once a month or once a week—turns what would be a special experience into a routine. Elegant three course meals, complimentary entertainment, and a daily schedule of activities become your average day-to-day life instead of something unique.
If you start to feel dulled by the cruise experience, it might be best to take a short break from cruising so you can appreciate it more next time you get onboard.
The more you cruise, the less time you’ll spend at home. And while this may be a trade-off many frequent cruisers are happy to make, it’s important to realize the downsides of spending less time at home.
Cruising frequently means spending less time with your pets, friends, and family members. Not much makes me feel worse than when I'm cruising and picture my dog anxiously waiting for my return home!
Taking cruises a lot can be challenging if you have kids in school, too, and there’s a possibility they’ll fall behind on schoolwork if you take them out of class to cruise.
Before planning frequent cruises, account for how much time you’ll be away and whether commitments at home will allow you to do so.
One downside to cruising a lot is that, unfortunately, your waistline might increase by a few sizes. Whether a second dessert at dinner or unlimited cocktails on the pool deck, most cruisers find themselves overindulging onboard.
If you cruise a lot, it’s possible you’ll find yourself eating and drinking much more than you otherwise would at home. This can wreak havoc on any healthy eating goals, although there are a few ways to combat cruise ship weight gain.
Related: How I kept from gaining weight on my cruise
Consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator, opting not to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package, and going on daily walks on the jogging track.
Because Royal Caribbean ships often stick to the same homeport for several years, many frequent cruisers who live by a cruise port find themselves sailing on the same few ships over and over.
While there’s nothing wrong with this, one downside to sailing multiple times on the same ship is that the entertainment doesn’t regularly change.
Luckily, Royal Caribbean offers stellar entertainment options, from full-length Broadway musicals to brilliant AquaTheater performances. Therefore, even if you do end up sailing on the same ship several times, you’re still guaranteed to be wowed each time you see a show.
Although Royal Caribbean offers cruises to a diverse array of destinations around the world, many frequent cruisers find themselves sailing to the same few ports.
Texans who only cruise out of Galveston, for example, will usually only sail to ports in the Western Caribbean such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Belize City. Additionally, those in the northeast will have few choices, with the Bahamas or Canada being the most common options.
Related: 15 countries you didn’t know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean
If you’re open to flying frequently, you can cruise to a wide range of destinations. For those who live near a cruise port, though, it’s often more tempting to pick the most convenient cruise possible, even if it visits a port you’ve been to twenty times before.
While the idea of cruising a lot seems nice, the reality is that planning a cruise vacation frequently gets expensive.
It’s not uncommon to find cheap cruise deals for $50 a night per person, but if you cruise once a month (or even more frequently), you’ll be shelling away thousands of dollars throughout the year.
Related: How much does a cruise cost?
Add in the cost of internet, shore excursions, drinks, and specialty dining, and cruising several times a year can become cost-prohibitive for many cruisers.
Even though there are downsides to cruising a lot, the advantages still outweigh the drawbacks. There’s something to be said about island hopping to gorgeous destinations on the regular, and I’ll always choose to cruise whenever I have the opportunity.
That being said, it’s important to realize that there are certain downsides to cruising often. Less time at home, spending too much money on vacations, and even becoming jaded with the cruising experience are all valid concerns with planning a cruise too often.
If you cruise frequently, have you experienced any of these downsides to cruising a lot? Let us know in the comments below!
Royal Caribbean cruises can cost as little as $50 per person, per night, but what’s the catch? Although it’s possible to find cheap cruise deals on Royal Caribbean, you should expect to pay more than what is advertised on the sticker price.
Budgeting for extras like gratuities, taxes and fees, shore excursions, and drinks are just some of the added expenses that come with any cruise. Plus, if you book the cheapest cruise deal you find, you'll have little choice over the ship, itinerary, and cabin category.
If you remain flexible, though, and understand what to expect when booking a cheap cruise, you can have a spectacular vacation for as little as $50 a day.
Here’s everything you need to know before you book a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise.
If you book the cheapest cruise deal you can find, odds are that you’ll be sailing in an inside cabin. These windowless cabins are the smallest and lowest stateroom category found on a cruise ship, but that doesn’t mean they should be avoided.
Related: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked
Inside cabins provide the same cozy amenities found in other staterooms, including a king bed, couch or chair, television, closets, vanity area, and private bathroom. Plus, because you’ll save money on cruise fare by staying in an inside cabin, you can stretch your vacation budget much further than if you were to book a balcony or suite stateroom.
Before booking a cheap cruise, check to see whether the cruise fare you’re booking is for a guarantee cabin or if you can pick your own cabin location.
A guarantee cabin is when Royal Caribbean assigns your stateroom location, meaning you are unable to select exactly where on the ship your cabin will be. If you aren’t picky about your cabin location, booking a guarantee rate can be a nice way to save money.
If you’d prefer picking your own cabin location, though, expect to pay slightly more per person on the cruise fare.
There’s a good chance you’ll find the cheapest cruise fares on Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ships. Vision and Radiance Class cruise ships often have the best deals available; these ships are in far less demand than brand new cruise ships like Odyssey of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.
Related: Pros and Cons of sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship
While there’s nothing wrong with sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship, it’s important to manage your expectations about the ship before boarding. If you book a $50 per night cruise expecting the most updated amenities, activities, and dining venues, you’ll end up disappointed.
Royal Caribbean’s pricing varies drastically depending on the month you sail. Alaska cruises, for example, are priced highest in June, July, and August, but you can usually find fantastic cruise deals to Alaska in May and September.
Likewise, cruises during the holidays are always in high demand, leading to some of the highest prices found all year. As a general rule of thumb, the best Royal Caribbean cruise prices are found during the school year, and more expensive prices are typical during school breaks.
Related: What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?
While it’s possible to find a $50 per person, per night cruise fare on short sailings, you’ll have the most luck finding cheap deals on longer cruises. Longer cruises, especially those over 7 nights, offer a lower cost per day than shorter sailings.
Some of the absolute cheapest prices per day are found on repositioning cruises on older ships. As ships move from one homeport to another, they often need to cross an ocean, leading to a sailing 10-18 days in length.
It’s common to find prices as low as $50 per person, per day on these sailings, and they visit some of Royal Caribbean’s most unique destinations, from Madeira to the Azores.
Before booking a cheap Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to understand the extra costs associated with a cruise vacation. Airfare, gratuities, and onboard add-ons can significantly increase the price of your cruise. Because of this, you should never view the baseline cruise fare as the entire vacation cost.
Here are some extra costs you may incur when booking a cheap cruise:
If you browse Royal Caribbean’s website and are stunned to see a $100 cruise fare on a 3-night sailing, check the fine print below the cruise fare. The price listed in big, bold numbers does not include taxes, fees, and port expenses.
You can expect to pay between $50 and $250 per person for these additional expenses on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The exact taxes, fees, and port expenses vary depending on the destinations your ship will visit.
Unless you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance to a cruise port, you’ll have to purchase airfare to your cruise.
Airfare prices can range from cheap $50 fares on budget airlines to $1000 transatlantic flights. Before booking a cruise, consider the travel cost to the embarkation port. If flying to Barcelona negates the savings of a cheap cruise fare, you might want to consider booking a cruise closer to home.
Likewise, even though one-way Alaska cruise deals are usually cheaper than roundtrip sailings, you’ll have to account for booking two one-way flights, which can often be significantly more expensive than a roundtrip flight itinerary.
If you’re driving to port instead of flying, budget for parking at the cruise terminal. Parking at or near a cruise terminal generally costs between $15 to $25 per day.
All passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise must pay gratuities, which can be prepaid before your sailing or charged on a daily basis once onboard. Gratuities are a way to reward crew members–including dining and bar staff, stateroom attendants, and hotel service teams–for excellent service.
Gratuities on a Royal Caribbean cruise are $16 per person, per night in Junior Suites and below and $18.50 per person, per night for passengers in Grand Suites and above. In addition, an 18% gratuity will be added to any beverages, specialty dining, mini bar purchases, and spa & salon services.
Another pre-cruise purchase to account for–particularly if you’re flying to your cruise port–is a hotel stay the night before you embark the ship.
We always recommend arriving in your embarkation city the day before your cruise, as it gives extra wiggle room and flexibility in case of any travel delays. However, one additional cost required by arriving the day before is a hotel stay.
Related: Best Miami hotels near the cruise port
Hotels in cruise ports can range from $100 per night to over $500, depending on your budget and preferences. A rule of thumb is to budget around ~$200-250 for a pre-cruise hotel stay per night.
While not a mandatory purchase, many passengers choose to spend extra on drinks and specialty dining on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
While it’s possible to spend an entire cruise without spending extra on food and drinks, purchasing cocktails, mocktails, soda, and specialty restaurant meals is a way many cruisers like to enjoy their cruise vacation.
Related: What’s included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare
Expect to pay between $10-14 for alcoholic beverages, $3 for a can of soda, and $8-9 for mocktails. Specialty dining costs around $25 per person for lunch and $50-60 per person for dinner.
Shore excursions are another optional add-on for any cruise vacation, and organized tours can cost as little as $25 per person up to $500+ per person. Most excursions will cost between $50-100.
Excursions aren’t necessary, however, and you can almost always save money by planning a day in port on your own. Nonetheless, excursions still come with benefits, from offering a convenient way to see a destination’s top attractions to having added protections when booking through Royal Caribbean.
Related: Is it better to book excursions through the cruise ship?
If you plan to purchase internet on a Royal Caribbean cruise, budget around $18-20 per device, per day. Note that multiple people can share a 1-device internet package (the cheapest option), but both cannot use the internet on their devices at the same time.
If you don’t want to spend money on an internet package, you can always find internet in port at cafes and restaurants.
Cruises offer one of the best values in a vacation; food, entertainment, activities, and accommodations are included in one set price. A $50 per night cruise will almost certainly bring more value to your vacation compared to booking a hotel or resort on land.
Nonetheless, it’s important to understand what extra costs you may incur on a cheap cruise and what to expect once onboard. Although you may not sail on the newest ship or in the most luxurious cabin, there’s nothing wrong with booking a cheap cruise with the right expectations.
If you're flying to your cruise, take heed of what happened today as an important reminder of what not to do.
Today’s air travel fiasco following a Federal Aviation Administration computer outage affected over 8,000 flights today (and counting), and it reminded us why it’s important to fly to your cruise port the day before your cruise begins.
One of the absolute worst mistakes you can make when planning a cruise vacation is to fly to your embarkation port the same day your cruise begins.
Airline delays, cancellations, and other unexpected problems are common, so it’s crucial to plan enough buffer time with your flights to ensure you can make it to the ship on time.
Flights in the United States were grounded Wednesday morning following an overnight computer outage at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA’s pilot alerting system crashed, leading the agency to perform a hard reset of their system around 2 a.m.
The cause of the problem is still unknown, but there has not been any evidence of a cyber attack.
Around 7,100 flights in the United States were delayed Wednesday and over 1,100 canceled due to the outage, according to Flight Aware.
According to the FAA’s 7:15 a.m. EST statement, the agency “ordered airlines to pause all domestic departures until 9 a.m. Eastern Time to allow the agency to validate the integrity of flight and safety information.”
Just an hour later, at 8:15 a.m. EST, departures were already resuming at Newark Liberty (EWR) and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) airports. By 8:50 a.m. EST, normal air traffic operations were resuming across the country.
Despite departures resuming, it’s possible the outage will affect flights through Friday. The ripple effect caused by today’s grounding of flights may affect millions of passengers this week, many of whom will be forced to cancel or rebook trips.
After so many flight delays today, this is a great opportunity to remind those planning a cruise that booking air travel correctly can make the difference between making and missing your cruise vacation.
There are too many unpredictable scenarios with air travel. Weather delays, missed connections, and yes, even a computer outage by the FAA, can potentially occur on any travel day.
Flying to your cruise port on embarkation day is risky, and you’re risking missing your cruise by doing so. A cruise ship will not wait for one passenger with a delayed flight when 5,000 other passengers are onboard and ready to set sail.
Related: The 20 worst cruise mistakes that will ruin your cruise vacation
Because of this, we always urge passengers to fly in at least one day before the cruise begins. By flying to your embarkation port the day or evening before, you have much more wiggle room in your flight schedule. If your first flight is delayed and you miss a connecting flight, you can always be placed on a flight later in the day.
Likewise, if your flight is unexpectedly canceled, having 24 hours before your cruise departs gives you time to figure out an alternative way to the cruise terminal.
Here are a few additional ways to minimize the chance of travel delays when booking airfare before your cruise:
Although you’ll have to pay for a hotel by arriving ahead of time, spending $200 on a place to stay for the night is much preferred to spending $2000 on a cruise only to miss the ship because of a travel delay.
As a plus, flying in early means you have extra time to explore your embarkation ports. Many of Royal Caribbean’s embarkation ports are located in the country’s most intriguing cities, from Miami to Los Angeles and New York. These cities make the perfect place to kick off your vacation one day early.
Outside of booking a flight the day before your cruise departs, there are a few other ways you can make your cruise vacation go much more smoothly.
First is to book your cruise with a travel agent. Following a major delay like the FAA encountered today, chaos can ensue with thousands of people calling airlines and cruise lines.
If you book your cruise with a travel agent, they can be the ones calling Royal Caribbean and figuring out an alternative scenario for your vacation plans. A travel agent should not cost you anything extra, meaning you have access to their helpful resources at no additional cost.
Related: Top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation
Travel agents can be a lifesaver in stressful situations such as what happened today at airports across the country.
Another thing to consider is purchasing travel insurance before your cruise. While you may not end up using the insurance on your vacation, it’s always better to be prepared rather than need travel insurance when you don’t have it.
Travel insurance covers you from the moment you leave for your cruise vacation until when you return home. Depending on the plan, you should expect travel insurance to cover airline delays, cancellations, lost luggage, injury or sickness, and medical treatment onboard your cruise ship.
If you cruise frequently, you may even want to consider an annual travel insurance plan, which can cost as little as $125-300 per person.
Related: Should you buy annual travel insurance plans?
We recommend the following travel insurance companies for your cruise:
With so many flight delays and cancellations today, the Federal Aviation Administration outage served as a reminder to never book flights the same day your cruise begins. Far too many people risk their entire cruise vacation by booking a same-day flight, and in our opinion, it's never worth it.
As you plan your next cruise vacation, be sure to book flights that leave plenty of time for you to make it to your ship in time. After all, it's much better to spend an extra night by the beach in Miami than to start your vacation stressed about missing the ship!
Cruising to Alaska is a bucket-list worthy vacation, but it’s important to consider your travel style before booking a cruise. Are you a budget-traveler or do you prefer to travel in luxury? Are you traveling with kids? Do you have any itinerary preferences?
These are all important questions to consider before booking an Alaska cruise. Although you’ll experience Alaska’s scenic landscapes, world-class cuisine, and historic towns on any cruise itinerary, certain cruises may work better for one traveler over another.
Here are the best Alaska cruises for every travel style to ensure you book the best cruise for your vacation.
Best Alaska cruise: Multi Glacier Experience
Most Alaska cruise itineraries include a scenic viewing day at one of the state’s impressive glaciers. This is a major highlight for most passengers on an Alaska cruise; seeing these massive ice fields up close is a spectacular experience.
Related: 50 Alaska cruise tips you should use
Some itineraries, however, include multiple glaciers in one cruise. To find these itineraries, look for cruises titled “Multi Glacier Experience”.
A 7-night Multi Glacier Experience cruise on Brilliance of the Seas, for example, includes visits to both Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier.
Best Alaska cruise: Anything in the shoulder season
Royal Caribbean sails to Alaska from late April to late September each year, with the peak season in June, July, and August.
Sailing in the shoulder seasons (April, May, and September) can lead to lower cruise fares, so booking a cruise in these months is perfect for those on a budget.
Related: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise in the early season
Cruising during shoulder season comes with its own set of pros and cons, though. You may encounter more unpredictable weather in the spring and fall, with chilly temperatures much more likely.
Wildlife viewing opportunities, on the other hand, can be a plus of sailing in shoulder season. Orcas, for example, are most likely to be spotted from early May to early June in southeast Alaska.
For more information on the best time to cruise to Alaska, check out these helpful tips:
Best Alaska cruise: Royal Suite Class on a Quantum Class ship
If budget is no question and you’re looking for the most luxurious cruise experience possible, consider booking a suite on Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas.
All Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska have suites, but these two ships offer the Royal Suite Class, available only on Quantum and Oasis Class ships.
Depending on the suite you book, Royal Suite Class benefits include private dining at a suites-only restaurant, complimentary internet, personalized Royal Genie service, complimentary dining and drink packages, and much more.
Related: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review
Of course, one of the major benefits of staying in a suite is enjoying more space in your cabin. Because Alaska cruises usually encounter chilly weather, you might find yourself spending more time in your cozy cruise ship cabin than normal, making the value of a suite go even further.
Best Alaska cruise: Itineraries with longer times in port
Most 7-night Alaska cruises will visit three or four different ports, but the time spent in each port can differ. Some itineraries may include a short, 5 hour stop in one port whereas others may stay docked for 8-10 hours.
If your idea of a fun port day involves hiking or kayaking through Alaska’s stunning scenery, you’ll want to look for itineraries that maximize time in port. This will maximize the time you have to explore the outdoors, whether you’re planning to reach the summit of Deer Mountain in Ketchikan or mountain bike in Skagway.
Related: Local guide of places to visit in Ketchikan, Alaska
Best Alaska cruise: One-way Alaska cruise with a Cruise Tour
Trying to decide between an Alaska cruise and a land-based vacation? Why not both?
Royal Caribbean offers one-way sailings to and from Alaska, allowing passengers to combine a 7-night cruise with a land-based vacation. These sailings travel between Vancouver and Seward (and vice versa).
Many passengers start or end a one-way cruise with a Cruise Tour booked through Royal Caribbean. These 2-5 night trips visit Denali, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Talkeetna.
Related: Ultimate Alaska cruise guide
Alternatively, you can choose to travel without an organized tour. Some passengers opt for a self-guided road trip or stay in a remote mountain lodge.
Regardless of how you travel once in Alaska's interior, a one-way cruise itinerary means you can experience Alaska’s wilderness and beauty more in-depth than on a roundtrip sailing.
Best Alaska cruise: Any Quantum Class ship
Traveling with kids? Look no further than Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships, which sail roundtrip from Seattle to offer 7-night Alaska cruises each summer.
Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas are both in the Quantum Class, which is known for its abundance of thrill-seeking activities like indoor skydiving, bumper cars, and a surfing simulator.
Related: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2023
Adults will find plenty of ways to keep busy, too, whether enjoying a date night at Jamie’s Italian or dancing to a live rock band at Music Hall.
These ships have it all while still visiting Alaska’s top destinations.