Jenna DeLaurentis

23 Do's and Don'ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023

In:

04 Jan 2023

Cruising in 2023 is mostly back to normal following the pandemic-induced changes implemented across the industry in 2021 and 2022. Pre-cruise testing has been almost entirely abolished, ships are sailing at full capacity, and new ships are being constructed.

Nonetheless, there are still a few new changes–as well as evergreen advice–to be aware of before you cruise in 2023. Remaining flexible with policy changes, purchasing travel insurance, and arriving at your embarkation port the day before your cruise begins are all just as important in 2023 as they were in previous years.

Here’s our list of the top 23 Do’s and Don’ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023.

1. DO remain flexible

Flexibility is key when it comes to planning a Royal Caribbean cruise. Itinerary changes, ship changes, and unexpected weather conditions can alter your vacation plans.

Whether you miss a port due to a storm, a show gets canceled, or your favorite specialty restaurant is fully booked, it’s important to remain flexible.

Keeping an open mind when changes occur is essential to avoid a small change ruining your vacation. If your port stop in Mexico gets canceled, for example, consider splurging on something onboard (a spa treatment, perhaps?) instead of sulking in a pool chair.

Staying flexible ensures you can still have an enjoyable vacation even if unexpected changes occur.

2. DO book refundable cruise fare

If you’re planning a cruise in 2023, be sure to book a refundable cruise fare, especially if the sailing is far in advance.

Refundable cruise fares allow you to receive a full refund of any deposit/money paid towards your vacation prior to final payment date. If you put down a $500 deposit on a cruise, for example, but later have to cancel the reservation, you’ll receive the deposit back with no penalty.

Non-refundable fares, on the contrary, do not provide a full refund of your deposit. Instead, you’ll receive a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit paid minus a $100 per person service fee on the canceled cruise.

3. DO purchase travel insurance

If you have a cruise booked in 2023, make sure to purchase travel insurance beforehand. Good travel insurance plans will cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay coverage, baggage delays, emergency medical coverage, onboard medical expenses, and other unexpected scenarios.

While it’s always recommended to purchase travel insurance before a vacation, it’s especially helpful on a cruise, as the onboard medical center is not covered under most insurance plans that work at home.

4. DO the online check-in as soon as it’s available

Royal Caribbean’s online check-in opens 45 days before your departure date, and we recommend completing the process as soon as possible.

Checking in on the Royal Caribbean app or website allows you to get ahead of the game in preparation for embarkation day. You’ll provide your documentation information, photo, emergency contact information, etc.

Most importantly, you’ll select a check-in time which indicates when you can arrive at the cruise terminal on embarkation day. The earlier you check-in, the higher chance you’ll have at scoring an early check-in time.

5. DO book with a travel agent

If you’re booking a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023, be sure to book with a travel agent. Travel agents act as your own personal expert on Royal Caribbean cruises.

Not only can they provide helpful information and resources throughout the booking process, but they have access to Royal Caribbean’s best deals and offers. Plus, a good travel agent will not charge any fees for their services as they get paid a commission through Royal Caribbean.

6. DO know what’s new for Royal Caribbean in 2023

Royal Caribbean is constantly innovating and building new projects, and there are several new offerings coming to the cruise line in 2023.

First is Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area of Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is set to open in late 2023. We’ll also see the launch of a new Main Dining Room menu, construction finished on Icon of the Seas, and the launch of Royal Caribbean’s first world cruise in December 2023.

7. DO remember to do the muster drill

Royal Caribbean introduced their new eMuster safety drill in 2021, which allows guests to review safety information at their own time on the Royal Caribbean app prior to setting sail.

After completing the first two steps on the app, guests must visit their assembly station once onboard, where a crew member will verify you completed the briefing.

Everyone onboard must complete the muster drill before the ship can leave. Therefore, be sure to do this as soon as possible once onboard to avoid being the passenger preventing the ship from leaving!

8. DO confirm necessary documentation

One common mistake far too many first time cruisers make is not understanding which documentation is required to board a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We recommend having a passport for every member of your travel party. If you do not have a passport but are sailing on a closed-loop cruise from the United States, you’ll need the following documents:

State-issued ID
Official birth certificate

All required documentation can be found on Royal Caribbean’s website here.

9. DO double check for any remaining Covid protocols and requirements

Compared to a year ago, Royal Caribbean’s Covid protocols and requirements are extremely relaxed. In fact, only a few sailings still require a pre-cruise Covid test:

Cruises from the US and Caribbean that visit Colombia
Transatlantic cruises
Cruises from Australia

Protocols are always subject to change, though, so it’s a good idea to keep up to date on any potential pre-cruise testing requirements for your sailing.

10. DO apply or renew your passport ASAP

While passport processing times are not as long as in 2021 or 2022, it can still take several weeks to receive a new or renewed passport.

We recommend that you apply for a passport/renew your passport with plenty of time to spare. Current processing times are 6 to 9 weeks for new passports (3 to 5 weeks expedited) and 4-5 weeks for passport renewals. These estimates do not include mailing times.

11. DON’T be surprised by last-minute policy changes

While it’s unlikely that Royal Caribbean will reimplement Covid-specific policies like social distancing and mask requirements, it’s always a possibility.

If a new variant or Covid numbers raise alarm, there’s potential for the Covid protocols used in 2021 and 2022 to return on cruises in 2023. This is unlikely to occur, but remaining flexible in case of any changes is recommended.

12. DO book refundable hotels and airfare

Just like cruise fare, we always recommend booking refundable rates on pre-cruise purchases like airfare and hotel stays.

Refundable rates only cost slightly more than the non-refundable options, but provide flexibility in case of any expected situations like canceling your cruise or changing the day and time of your flight.

13. DON’T fly to your cruise port the same day it begins

One of the most rookie mistakes you can make while planning a Royal Caribbean cruise is to fly to your embarkation port the same day your cruise begins.

Weather and air travel is extremely unpredictable. Thunderstorms, staffing problems, tight connections, and hazardous winter conditions can easily cause you to miss a flight. Booking your flight the day before your cruise begins provides a little extra wiggle room in case of any travel mishaps.

14. DON’T wait to book pre-cruise purchases on the Cruise Planner

In the past year, Royal Caribbean has raised prices on many of the cruise line’s most popular pre-cruise purchases. From drink packages to specialty restaurants and shore excursions, expect higher prices in 2023.

The Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay, for example, sold day passes for as little as $88 in early 2022. Today, on the other hand, you’ll likely see prices closer to $200!

Because of these price increases, we recommend booking pre-cruise add-ons as soon as possible. This ensures you can lock in the lowest price possible. Plus, if you see that the price of a pre-cruise add-on decreased, you can easily cancel and rebook the purchase with no penalty.

15. DON’T overlook the new Main Dining Room menu

One of the most controversial changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023 is the cruise line’s new Main Dining Room menu. This new menu will feature a themed cuisine each night and will stop offering the same classic dishes previously offered each evening.

Naturally, any change Royal Caribbean announces is met with criticism, and there seems to be a divide between cruisers excited about the new menu versus those against the change.

Before criticizing the new menu, make sure to give it a try on your 2023 Royal Caribbean cruise. Several new dishes–such as the spaghetti all’arrabbiata or the chipotle-lime-crusted salmon–may end up being your new go-to items.

16. DON’T be surprised by Royal Caribbean policy changes

Speaking of the new Main Dining Room menu, don’t be surprised if Royal Caribbean announces more changes in 2023.

Any current offerings and policies are always subject to change. 2022, for example, saw many policy changes, including:

Diamond Plus no longer allowed in Concierge Club
Daily drink vouchers changed from resetting at midnight to resetting at 5AM
À la carte restaurants can only be visited once per day with Unlimited Dining Package

Looking back at these changes in 2022, it’s possible that additional policies may change, be added, or be removed in 2023.

17. DO consider packing for a cruise in a carry-on

Lost luggage is one of the worst mishaps that can happen en route to a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you’re sailing on a short cruise–or are a light packer–consider bringing a carry-on bag to your cruise instead of checking in large suitcases at the airport.

You can fit a surprising number of clothes in a carry-on suitcase, and you can always do laundry halfway through your cruise if you run out of clean clothes. Plus–best of all–you won’t have to worry about your luggage going missing while traveling to the cruise port.

18. DO expect higher prices than last year

Independence of the Seas docked in Nassau

Following the restart of the cruise industry in 2021, cruise fares were lower due to less demand, which continued into 2022. In 2023, though, don’t expect to find cruise fare prices as low as the previous two years.

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

Luckily, there are still many ways to cruise on a budget, including staying in a lower category cabin, sticking to complimentary dining options, and exploring on your own in port versus booking an excursion.

19. DO look for last-minute cruise deals

While cruise fares are higher than last year, you’ll still have the chance to find fantastic last-minute cruise deals. Last-minute deals can be found year round, but are most commonly found during non-peak times of the year.

Less busy months for cruises, such as January, September, and October, see less demand, thus opening up the possibility for last-minute deals.

If you’re looking to cruise on the cheap in 2023, make sure you know the ins and outs of finding last-minute deals:

20. DON'T expect less crowded ships

A year ago cruises were still operating at limited capacity, and it wasn’t uncommon to feel as if you had the entire ship to yourself. Nowadays, however, this is not the case, and you can expect Royal Caribbean ships to operate near 100% capacity throughout 2023.

21. DON’T overlook Royal Caribbean’s older ships

If you’re planning a cruise in 2023 but aren’t sure which ship to pick, don’t overlook the older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Older ships, while not as big and modern as the newest ships, offer their own set of benefits.

Whether cheaper cruise fares, more unique itineraries, or a relaxed atmosphere onboard, there are many reasons to book a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s older ships.

For more tips and information about sailing on older Royal Caribbean cruise ships, start here:

22. DO expect ships in new ports

Symphony of the Seas in PortMiami aerial

Several Royal Caribbean ships have been deployed to new homeports in 2023 whereas others will be cruising to new destinations for the very first time.

Harmony of the Seas, for example, will be homeported in Miami for the first time, whereas Brilliance of the Seas will offer cruises to Alaska.

Likewise, Wonder of the Seas will offer Caribbean cruises throughout the summer, a first for the ship as she spent her inaugural summer season in Europe in 2022.

23. DO understand the new à la carte dining change

Royal Caribbean added a daily limit to the Unlimited Dining Package at à la carte restaurants, and this is something to be aware of as you cruise in 2023.

For restaurants with à la carte pricing, each guest with an Unlimited Dining Package will receive a $20 food credit which can only be used once per day.

This means you cannot dine at Playmakers for lunch and dinner on the same day and have both meals be covered with your dining package. You can, however, dine at two separate à la carte restaurants on the same day (Playmakers for lunch and Portside BBQ for dinner), and have both of these included in your dining package.

Alaska cruises from Seattle Guide & Review

In:

Alaska

04 Jan 2023

Alaska cruises from Seattle visit many of the 49th state’s most beautiful destinations while offering all the comforts found in a cruise vacation. The city makes a convenient start point for embarking on a much-anticipated adventure.

From spending the day exploring historic ports to enjoying wonderful dining and entertainment each evening onboard, it’s easy to see why Alaska cruises are so popular.

If you’re considering booking an Alaska cruise from Seattle, here’s everything you need to know.

Where do Alaska cruises go from Seattle?

Seattle is a gateway to Alaska cruises, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit remarkable, stunning ports on a weeklong cruise. You’ll typically find between 3-4 ports and a scenic glacier viewing day on a 7-night Alaska cruise from Seattle.

Ports may include Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, and Tracy Arm Fjord. Most port stops are between 7-10 hours.

All Alaska cruises from Seattle must also include a port stop in a country outside of the United States. Because of this, you’ll find a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia on each Alaska cruise itinerary from Seattle.

How long are Alaska cruises from Seattle?

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises from Seattle are 7-night roundtrip sailings. This provides enough time to travel to the Inside Passage, visit 3-4 ports in Alaska, and travel back to Seattle.

Some cruise lines may offer longer sailings from Seattle, such as 10-14 day cruises visiting more ports and glaciers, but this is not offered on Royal Caribbean.

Where is the Seattle cruise port located?

Royal Caribbean ships depart from Pier 91 in Seattle, which is located three miles from downtown and sixteen miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

The address of Pier 91 is Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91, 2001 West Garfield St, Seattle, WA 98199.

Alaska cruises on other cruise lines may leave from other ports in the Seattle area. Therefore, it’s important to check which Seattle cruise port your ship departs from if you’re sailing on a line other than Royal Caribbean.

Which cruise ships sail from Seattle to Alaska?

Two Royal Caribbean ships sail from Seattle to Alaska each summer, with Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas offering Alaska cruises each season. These large, modern Quantum Class cruise ships are perfect for any passenger due to the variety of dining options, activities, and cabin categories you’ll find onboard.

Related: All about Quantum Class ships

Outside of Royal Caribbean, you’ll find Alaska cruises from Seattle on many popular cruise lines including Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian.

Is it better to book an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver?

Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia. Deciding which port to leave from is one of the first decisions you’ll make when planning an Alaska cruise.

Seattle is convenient for most passengers from the United States, with direct flights offered to Seattle from around the country. While Vancouver still offers many direct flights to and from the United States, most cruisers find it easier to travel to Seattle.

Radiance of the Seas docked in Vancouver

Cruising from Vancouver, though, allows for more port stops in Alaska. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), roundtrip cruises from Seattle to Alaska must include a foreign port stop, so visiting Canada is required on these sailings.

If you’re cruising from Vancouver, you won’t need to stop in Victoria, British Columbia, and this allows for another port day in Alaska instead.

One benefit of cruising to Alaska from Seattle is that Royal Caribbean sends its newer, bigger cruise ships to the city each summer season. Activities like bumper cars, indoor skydiving, surfing simulators, and the latest and greatest of entertainment, bars, and dining are available on these newer ships.

How to prepare for an Alaska cruise from Seattle

Arrive in Seattle the day before your cruise begins

If you’re flying to Seattle before your cruise, be sure to arrive the day before embarkation day. Flying can be unpredictable, and allotting wiggle room in the case of any airline delays or cancellations is recommended.

Plus, by arriving in Seattle a day early, you’ll have more time to enjoy the city’s attractions. Whether admiring skyline views from the Space Needle or eating your way through Pike Place Market, there are plenty of ways to keep busy in Seattle before your cruise begins.

Know what to pack for an Alaska cruise

Packing for an Alaska cruise is totally different than packing for a tropical vacation in the Bahamas. Knowing what to pack can keep you from freezing in port, getting soaked in the rain, or even feeling too warm in the peak of Alaska’s summer.

Our best advice is to pack layers for an Alaska cruise. Having a base layer, warm layer, and waterproof layer ensures you are covered for a wide range of weather conditions.

In addition to clothing, you’ll also want to pack accessories such as a waterproof daypack, binoculars, sunglasses, and bug spray.

Book shore excursions far in advance

It’s common to book shore excursions on an Alaska cruise, and with high demand there’s always a chance that an excursion will sell out. Therefore, if there’s an excursion you really want to experience on a cruise to Alaska, be sure to book the tour far in advance.

You can choose to book an Alaska shore excursion directly through the cruise line or through an independent tour company. Both come with their own pros and cons; a tour booked through Royal Caribbean may offer added protection, although it usually comes at a higher price.

It’s also important to note that booking an excursion on an Alaska cruise is not a requirement. Alaska cruise ports offer many options for free and low-cost sightseeing, from walking around historic towns to tasting local cuisine and hiking in the mountains.

Research the best time of year to visit Alaska before booking your cruise

If you cruise to Alaska in late September and expect sunny skies, warm temperatures, and 18 hours of daylight, you’re going to end up disappointed. Likewise, if you’re hoping to find a cheap cruise deal to Alaska in the peak of summer, your chances are slim.

Depending on the month you sail, Alaska cruises can vary greatly in terms of weather, crowds, wildlife viewing opportunities, daylight hours, and cost.

The cheapest months to cruise Alaska are in the shoulder season of April, May, and September, although these months don’t always bring the best weather. The busiest times to cruise Alaska are in June, July, and August, so you should expect more crowds during this time of year.

Planning an Alaska cruise from Seattle? Check out more of our top tips & tricks:

5 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023

In:

Planning

28 Dec 2022

Several changes are coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023, from a new Main Dining Room menu to a Perfect Day at CocoCay expansion. Knowing what’s new with Royal Caribbean can help you book, plan, and enjoy your cruise vacation.

2022 saw several major changes for Royal Caribbean, including the return to service of the entire fleet and launch of Wonder of the Seas.

Every year brings the opportunity for more innovation and new projects, however, and here are 5 changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023.

New Main Dining Room menu

One of the biggest changes announced for 2023 is Royal Caribbean’s new Main Dining Room menu, which will be rolled out in January 2023 across the fleet. The menu features dishes from a new cuisine each night while still offering several of the old menu’s most popular dishes.

Royal Caribbean tested a new Main Dining Room menu on Symphony of the Seas in fall 2022, marking the first new dining room menu in over five years for the cruise line. A main reason for the change was the goal of quicker service in the dining room.

Royal Caribbean is hoping to change the average dinner time in the Main Dining Room from 90-120 minutes down to 75 minutes.

The cruise line also feels the new menu will increase quality and consistency of the dishes offered with hotter, fresher, and more consistently plated food.

Adults-only beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area of Perfect Day at CocoCay, is expected to open in late 2023. The project was originally announced in September 2021.

This complimentary area of Royal Caribbean’s private island is located adjacent to Thrill Waterpark, although not much is known about what the area will entail.

What we do know is that Hideaway Beach will increase the island’s capacity by 3,000 guests and it will be the only adults-only area at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Icon of the Seas to finish construction

While the first revenue sailing of Icon of the Seas is not until January 2024, the ship will finish construction in 2023.

In early December 2022, Icon of the Seas was floated out of Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, marking a new construction phase for the vessel. Construction will continue over the next several months and the ship is expected to have sea trials in May or June of 2023.

Following sea trials, Icon of the Seas will be delivered to Royal Caribbean in the second half of 2023. Delivery marks the shift in ownership from the shipyard to Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean’s first world cruise sets sail

In October 2021, Royal Caribbean announced its first-ever world cruise, a 274-night journey visiting over 150 destinations in 60 countries. The world cruise on Serenade of the Seas sets sail from Miami on December 10, 2023.

From December 10, 2023 to September 10, 2024, Serenade of the Seas will sail around the world in four segments:

Round the Horn, visiting the Americas and Antarctica
Wonders of Asia and the Pacific, which includes a transpacific crossing before visiting Oceania and Asia
Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med, visiting the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Adriatic
Capitals of Culture, traveling to Morocco, northern Europe, and the Arctic before a transatlantic crossing

The world cruise will mark an important milestone for Royal Caribbean and its success could lead the way to more world cruises being offered in the future.

New homeports and destinations for select ships

Harmony of the Seas will sail from Miami in 2023 for the first time since the ship launched in 2017. Taking the space of Symphony of the Seas (who will spend summer 2023 in Europe), Harmony of the Seas will offer 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Western Caribbean cruises will visit Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Eastern Caribbean itineraries differ, but may visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Brilliance of the Seas will sail to Alaska during the summer 2023 season, a first for the ship. She will offer 7-night cruises from Vancouver with ports including Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Icy Strait Point.

What else can we expect from Royal Caribbean in 2023?

It’s likely that we’ll learn more about Utopia of the Seas, the newest Oasis Class ship, at some point in 2023. Utopia of the Seas is currently under construction and set to enter service in spring 2024.

In addition, Royal Caribbean may also announce more information about their port projects in 2023, from Perfect Day at Lelepa in Vanuatu to the Royal Beach Club in Nassau. These projects have been delayed due to the global health crisis but are still being planned.

Which Royal Caribbean change are you most excited about for 2023? Tell us in the comments!

What does tender mean on a cruise ship?

In:

Planning

28 Dec 2022

Certain cruise ports require tendering from ship to shore, but what does this mean and how does the cruise ship tender process work?

Tendering is the process in which a cruise ship anchors offshore and smaller boats are used to transport passengers from the ship to shore. If there is no pier that can accommodate a cruise ship’s size in a particular port, tendering is required.

The boats used for tendering are typically the ship’s lifeboats. Because these boats are much smaller than the cruise ship, many trips are required to transport all passengers from ship to shore.

Let’s take an in-depth look at what it means to tender on a cruise ship, which ports require tendering, and if you should avoid tender ports on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Which Royal Caribbean ports are tender ports?

Most of Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise ports are not tender ports, meaning you can walk right onto the pier from the ship. These ports include Perfect Day at CocoCay, Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Juneau, Rome, and Barcelona, among others.

The majority of Caribbean and Alaska cruises do not require tendering. You’ll find tender ports more common in Europe, Oceania, and smaller northeast and west coast ports.

Some of the most popular tender ports visited frequently on Royal Caribbean cruises include:

Belize City, Belize
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Catalina Island, California
Grand Cayman
Santorini, Greece
Mykonos, Greece
Kotor, Montenegro
South Pacific islands
Bar Harbor, Maine

How do I know if my itinerary includes a tender port?

There are two main ways to check if your itinerary includes a tender port.

The first way is on Royal Caribbean’s website before you book your cruise. When browsing cruise itineraries, click on the itinerary and select “Explore this itinerary”. This will bring you to a page where you can view a day-by-day schedule of the sailing.

When a ship has a dock, for example, the port will say “From 8 AM - 5 PM” whereas a tender port would note “Tendered from 8 AM - 5 PM”.

The second way is through your Royal Caribbean e-docs. A few weeks before your cruise, you’ll receive an email from Royal Caribbean stating that your sailing’s electronic cruise documents are ready. This document provides information on necessary identification, health and safety, directions to the port, general cruise information, and your ticket contract.

The e-docs also include a Travel Summary page which lists your sailing’s itinerary. On this page is where you’ll find the date and time of each port stop. You’ll also see a column for Dock or Tender, where D stands for a port with a dock, T for a tender port, and a C for a day at sea.

How does the tender process work?

Boarding a tender boat from ship to shore is free, but it isn’t always as quick a process as many would prefer. If you wish to travel to shore soon after your ship anchors, you’ll need a tender ticket.

Tender tickets are available for pickup on the morning of your port day. The tickets have numbers, and when your number is called over the ship’s loudspeaker, you can head to the tender embarkation area and board a tender boat.

The tender ticket pickup location will be posted in the Cruise Compass and/or the Royal Caribbean app. We recommend lining up for tender tickets 15-20 minutes before the tickets are distributed to ensure you receive an early tender time.

Passengers with shore excursions are given priority tendering, so booking an excursion for the morning is something to consider if you hope to disembark as soon as possible.

Once on the boat, tendering is usually quick. However, waiting for your group to be called is what can often take more time than you’d prefer, so make sure to grab tender tickets early.

Should you avoid tender ports?

Tender ports may not be as convenient as docking at a pier, but some of the world’s most unique destinations require tendering. Destinations such as Mystery Island, Vanuatu and Santorini, Greece require tendering, and these ports offer wonderful scenery, culture, and history to discover.

That’s not even mentioning other beautiful destinations like Mykonos, Kotor, Grand Cayman, and Cabo San Lucas, all of which require tendering from ship to shore.

Therefore, we don’t recommend avoiding tender ports when selecting a cruise itinerary. There are certainly pros and cons to tender ports, but there’s no doubt that you can visit some of the world’s most interesting, unique destinations via tender boat.

Ultimate Guide to Puerto Plata cruise port

In:

Dominican Republic

27 Dec 2022

One of the newest cruise ports in the Caribbean is the Taíno Bay port located in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This new, tropical port offers visitors access to stunning natural wonders, historic streets, fresh cuisine, and a picture-perfect coastline.

Many cruisers arriving in Puerto Plata are visiting for the very first time, and like any cruise port, it’s helpful to have a general idea of what to expect. Whether you’re interested in laying on the beach all day or hanging out at the port’s complimentary pool, here’s everything you should know about the Puerto Plata cruise port.

Where is Puerto Plata?

Puerto Plata is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Known as the Amber Coast due to the area’s large deposits of amber, this region is famous for its white sand beaches, abundance of waterfalls, and colonial architecture.

The city’s Amber Cove cruise port opened in 2015, which serves primarily Carnival Corporation cruise ships. Due to the success of this port, Puerto Plata constructed a second cruise port, Taíno Bay, which opened in December 2021.

This brand new cruise port is located adjacent to Puerto Plata’s historical city center and provides easy access to beaches and downtown. The port is a destination within itself, as it offers new amenities including restaurants, bars, a pool, and shopping.

Taíno Bay cruise port amenities

While in Puerto Plata, you can choose to leave the immediate port area or spend your entire day inside the Taíno Bay cruise port. Most guests explore both options, spending some time outside the port soaking in local culture and the rest of the day discovering Taino Bay’s amenities.

Here are the highlights at the Taíno Bay cruise port:

Tuk tuks

Taíno Bay cruise port offers complimentary tuk tuk (rickshaw) rides from the pier to the port’s entrance. Tipping the driver is recommended.

Pool

One of the best features at the Taíno Bay cruise port is a large pool with in-pool loungers and a swim up bar. This pool is complimentary to guests, although beverages come at an extra cost.

Complimentary beach beds and chairs are also available at the pool on a first come, first serve basis. With DJ music, tropical drinks, and a way to cool off in the strong Dominican sun, it’s easy to spend a whole port day at the pool.

Food & drinks

Photo credit: Taino Bay Puerto Plata

There are two restaurants located in the Taíno Bay cruise port: Sanmangú and Casa Palapa. Both restaurants come at an extra cost, with most dishes priced between $15 and $20.

Sanmangú is the port’s Dominican cuisine restaurant, serving classic Caribbean fare including mofongo, fried fish, grilled chicken, and Dominican sancocho, a meat and vegetable stew.

The restaurant is named after mangu, a Dominican dish of mashed plantains typically served with fried white cheese and salami. Banana sanmangú is available on the restaurant’s menu.

Photo credit: Taino Bay Puerto Plata

The port’s other restaurant, Casa Palapa, focuses on Mexican cuisine. In addition to these sit-down restaurants, visitors can enjoy coffee and desserts from the Cortaito coffee shop.

If you’d prefer to spend the day sipping mojitos, you’ll have 7 bars to choose from in Taíno Bay. Alternatively, stay hydrated at the coconut stand with fresh coconut water.

Shopping

Like any cruise port, there are plenty of shopping opportunities in Puerto Plata. From budget souvenirs to diamond rings, you can shop the day away in Taíno Bay.

Shopping is located in Taíno Village, the port’s shopping district.

Monkey Island

Located within the Taíno Bay cruise port is Monkey Island. While not technically an island, Monkey Island is an enclosure where visitors can interact with squirrel monkeys.

For $25, you can spend 30 minutes with the monkeys. They will climb, jump, and walk all over your body (and head!), so be prepared to get up close and personal to these adorable animals.

Aviaries

If the idea of monkeys crawling on your head doesn’t seem appealing, you can enjoy several small, complimentary aviaries located throughout the port where parrots and other birds can be seen throughout the day.

Beach lounge chairs

While there is no beach swimming access at Taíno Bay, there are lounge chairs set up on the sand directly across from the cruise ships. Beach chairs are complimentary, but swimming is not permitted.

What to do in Puerto Plata cruise port

While the Taíno Bay cruise port offers more than enough to keep visitors busy, many prefer to explore Puerto Plata’s attractions outside the port area.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Puerto Plata.

Isabel de Torres mountain

As your cruise ship pulls into Puerto Plata, you’ll immediately notice the region’s lush, mountainous landscape, with one mountain dominating the rest.

Towering 2,600ft above Puerto Plata is Mount Isabel de Torres, the tallest peak in the city. Visiting this mountain is one of the most popular activities in Puerto Plata, and for good reason: the views from the top are simply outstanding.

There are three ways to reach the peak: cable car, a windy car road, or a strenuous hike. The cable car is the most popular–and recommended–option. For $10 a person, you can purchase a roundtrip ride on the cable car to the mountaintop.

Once at the top, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails, gorgeous viewing areas, and a Christ the Redeemer statue. One thing to note is that there are only two cable cars running at once, so wait times may be 30 minutes or even one hour to board a cable car on the way up.

The cable car entrance is located 1.3 miles from the cruise port, so taking a taxi is encouraged.

Damajagua waterfalls

Photo credit: Taino Bay Puerto Plata

Why visit one waterfall when you can visit twenty seven? Discovered by tourists in the 1990s, the Damajagua waterfalls are a collection of cascading falls located a half hour from Puerto Plata.

These waterfalls make a perfect excursion opportunity for adrenaline-seekers, and tours can be purchased through your cruise line or from outsider providers.

Tours to the waterfalls include jungle hikes, sliding down waterfalls, swimming through caverns, and jumping into natural pools. Most tours will not visit all twenty seven waterfalls, but you can expect to visit seven waterfalls during your excursion.

Fortaleza San Felipe

History buffs–or those looking for some of the city’s best views–will want to visit Fortaleza San Felipe in Puerto Plata.

This historic Spanish fortress was built in 1577 to protect the city from pirates and other intruders. In fact, it served as a location of one of the few land battles between the United States and France in the Quasi-War in 1800.

It remained in operation for several centuries before being converted into a jail in the 19th century and a museum in 1965.

Today the fort is open to the public for only a few dollars per person. The outside grounds of the fort are complimentary and offer walking paths and wonderful views of the nearby scenery.

Centro Histórico

The historical city center in Puerto Plata may be small, but it’s a charming place to explore for a few hours while in port.

The main attraction in the Centro Histórico is Independence Square, a public plaza surrounded by colonial architecture, including the city’s famous St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral.

The historic center’s narrow streets are lined with museums, shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss a photo opportunity at Umbrella Street–a narrow alley shaded by colorful umbrellas–or the hot pink alley at the Paseo de Doña Blanca.

Have a beach day

If laying on a Caribbean beach (with a cocktail in hand, of course) sounds like the best way to spend your day in Puerto Plata, you’ll find plenty of options.

Some of the best beaches near the Puerto Plata cruise port include Sosua Beach, Playa Grande, and Playa Dorada.

ResortForADay.com has one all-inclusive day pass available at Sunscape Puerto Plata, located 15 minutes away from the cruise port. Amenities include unlimited food and drinks, beach and pool access, and lounge chairs.

You can also purchase an all-inclusive resort package as a cruise line shore excursion, but these do not usually offer as much flexibility or time spent at the resort compared to booking a day pass on your own.

How to get around Puerto Plata cruise port

Taxis

Most cruise tourists visiting Puerto Plata without a shore excursion booked hire a taxi driver for the day. Taíno Bay cruise port has official taxi drivers available who charge between $80-100 total for full day service.

Having a private taxi driver for the day is a convenient way to see Puerto Plata’s most popular sights without hassle. Whether you want to visit the beach, eat at a local restaurant, or tour Puerto Plata’s city center, you can do so with a private taxi guide.

Taxi drivers wait for you at whichever activities you do in Puerto Plata. If you visit Mount Isabel de Torres, for example, your taxi driver will either wait for you at the bottom of the cable car or accompany you up the mountain.

It’s also possible to find taxis for individual rides around the city, but this appeared to be difficult on a recent visit to the port. As taxi drivers wait for tourists to leave Taíno Bay cruise port, most expect a full day’s worth of taxi service instead of a short ride.

Uber

Uber is also available in Puerto Plata, although you will need international phone service to access the Uber app when in the Dominican Republic. Uber is a much more economical option than a taxi, with most one-way rides from the cruise port to city highlights priced between $2-5 each way.

Organized tours

If you’d prefer to travel around Puerto Plata without worrying about transportation logistics yourself, your best bet is to book an organized shore excursion.

For tips & tricks on booking the best shore excursion for you, check out our guides:

Puerto Plata cruise port FAQs

What language do they speak in Puerto Plata?

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. Knowing Spanish is helpful, especially if you plan to leave the cruise port area, but most locals working in the tourism industry can communicate in English.

Is there a free beach at the Puerto Plata cruise port?

The Taíno Bay cruise port does not have beach access for swimming. Those wishing to swim in the ocean must leave the port area and take a taxi or Uber to a nearby beach.

What currency should I use in Puerto Plata?

Because Puerto Plata is accustomed to tourists, paying in USD is widely accepted. Expect change to be given in Dominican pesos.

Which cruise itineraries visit Puerto Plata?

Cruises to Puerto Plata can be found on eastern Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida. The shortest itineraries visiting Puerto Plata are 4-night cruises, but most are 6+ nights.

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? Start here:

Best Miami hotels near the cruise port

In:

Miami

26 Dec 2022

The Port of Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, with around 5 million passengers setting sail from the city each year. If you’re cruising from Miami, you’ll want to arrive in the city the night before your cruise begins and book a pre-cruise hotel stay.

Booking a hotel can be daunting, as it’s easy to be overwhelmed by hundreds of options. Plus, if you’re unfamiliar with Miami, you’ll want to make sure you pick a hotel in a nice location.

To make your hotel planning process easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best hotels in Miami. These hotels were recommended to us by Royal Caribbean Blog fans on our message boards or by personal experience our own cruises.

Here’s our list of the best Miami hotels near the cruise port.

Where to stay near the Port of Miami

We don’t recommend picking a hotel based solely on how close it is to the cruise port. You will take a taxi, Uber, or shuttle to the cruise port anyway, so whether the hotel is 2 miles or 5 miles away from the port is irrelevant.

Instead, pick a hotel based on what you’re interested in doing while in Miami. If you are looking forward to exploring South Beach, consider staying at a boutique hotel near the oceanfront. If your flight doesn’t land in Miami until 11PM, on the other hand, staying at a hotel near the airport is a better choice.

In addition, don’t select a hotel based on whether or not it offers shuttles from the hotel to the cruise port. Here’s why:

Let's say you’re traveling with a group of four people and a shuttle from your hotel to the cruise port is $10 per person. You will spend $40 total to reach the cruise terminal. A Lyft or Uber, on the other hand, may only cost around $10-15 dollars total from downtown Miami to the cruise terminal, as it is priced per ride instead of per person.

Keeping this in mind, our hotel recommendations are based in three areas of Miami: downtown, South Beach, and near the airport.

Best hotels in Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami is close to the cruise terminal yet still offers plenty of ways to kick off your cruise vacation. From walking the waterfront marinas to visiting museums, bars, and restaurants, it’s an exciting place to spend the night before your cruise.

Here are some of our top hotel recommendations in downtown Miami:

Intercontinental Miami

Average nightly price: $450

Address: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131

The Intercontinental Miami is a 4-star waterfront hotel in downtown Miami, and is one of the most raved-about hotels by many cruisers. It is located just steps away from waterfront parks, bars, and restaurants in downtown Miami.

There are 653 guest rooms available, which include 22 suites, and you can expect to pay around $450 plus tax for a standard hotel room at the Intercontinental Miami.

Hotel amenities include high-speed wifi, a rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary sauna, steam, drench shower, and relaxation room use, and a tech lounge. Breakfast is not included in the standard hotel fare.

Marriott Biscayne Bay

Average nightly price: $280-375

Address: 1633 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132

Also located in downtown Miami is the Marriott Biscayne Bay, a 4-star waterfront hotel attached to a mall. The Marriott Biscayne Bay has both standard rooms and suites.

Amenities at the Marriott Biscayne Bay include free wifi, a fitness center, on-site restaurant, convenience store, gift shop, and room service. The hotel’s pool is currently closed for renovations as of December 2022.

DoubleTree Biscayne Bay

Average nightly price: $250-350

Address: 1717 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132

Located adjacent to the Marriott Biscayne Bay and also attached to The Grand Retail Plaza Mall is the DoubleTree Biscayne Bay. The hotel has both standard guest rooms and suites.

The DoubleTree’s amenities include connecting rooms, an outdoor pool, spa, on-site restaurant, concierge service, and fitness center.

Kimpton Epic

Average nightly price: $400-600

Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131

The Kimpton Epic is a luxury boutique hotel in downtown Miami, and it’s a nice way to treat yourself before a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Amenities at the Kimpton Epic include a rare spirits bar, cigar lounge, Japanese restaurant, two pools, a spa, and a rooftop dining venue. Every room and suite has a private balcony providing views of Miami and/or the waterfront.

JW Marriott Miami

Average nightly price: $200-400

Address: 1109 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

Not to be confused with the nearby JW Marriott Marquis, the JW Marriott Miami is a great high-end hotel our team has stayed at a few times.

Located in the trendy Brickell neighborhood, it's close to the cruise port and has walkable restaurants and bars nearby. It's in a great location, close enough to the port, and I find the prices to usually be competitive with other downtown hotels.

The plush accommodations are perfect for anyone with discerning tastes, and it's about a 10 minute taxi ride to the port. Amenities include a pub-style bar and 2 restaurants, plus a heated outdoor pool, a spa and a fitness room. There’s also a business center and 18 meeting rooms.

Hampton Inn Brickell

Average nightly price: $250-450

Address: 50 SW 12th St, Miami, FL 33130

The Hampton Inn Brickell has standard rooms with either one king bed or two queen beds. The hotel also has King or Queen Studio Suites, and connecting rooms are also available.

A hot breakfast is included in the hotel’s amenities, which is always a nice benefit on the morning of embarkation day! Other amenities include an on-site restaurant, fitness center, business center, free wifi, and an outdoor pool.

Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell

Average nightly price: $170-225

Address: 100 SE 4th St, Miami, FL 33131

With prices between $170 to $225 per night, the Comfort Inn & Suites in downtown Miami offers a nice value for an overnight stay before your cruise. Standard rooms and suites are available.

While not as luxurious as some of the other hotels on this list, the Comfort Inn & Suites provides a nice place to rest your head before boarding your cruise. Free breakfast is also offered at the Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell.

Best hotels in South Beach Miami

If you’re looking to experience the best of Miami’s party atmosphere, you’ll want to consider spending the night in South Beach. Famous for its beaches and nightlife, South Beach is certainly a fun place to spend time before your cruise begins.

Here are our top hotel recommendations in South Beach:

Gale South Beach

Average nightly price: $300-370

Address: 1690 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Located in the heart of South Beach, the Gale South Beach is an excellent place to spend the night in Miami. With a rooftop pool, on-site Italian restaurant, and stylish rooms, it makes for a relaxing place to escape the hustle and bustle of South Beach.

Reaching the cruise terminal from South Beach typically takes around 20 minutes.

Kasa El Paseo South Beach

Average nightly price: $200

Address: 405 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Kasa El Paseo South Beach is a boutique hotel with influence from Spanish and Mediterranean design. It’s located in the historic district of Española Way and walking distance to shops, restaurants, and bars.

There’s no pool at the hotel, but the beach is a five minute walk away.

Kimpton Surfcomber

Average nightly price: $420 to $520

Address: 1717 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Recently renovated, the Kimpton Surfcomber is a boutique hotel with Miami’s classic Art Deco design influence. This boutique hotel offers both standard guest rooms and suites, many of which come with views of South Beach’s waterfront.

Amenities include a pool with private cabanas, spa services, a fitness center, weekend yoga classes, backyard games, and a kids beach area with toys.

The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club

Average nightly price: $280 to $430

Address: 425 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

South Beach has no shortage of boutique hotels, and The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club is another fantastic place to spend a night in Miami. The Savoy is an oceanfront hotel with a large, sprawling pool space in the Art Deco strip of South Beach.

The hotel has two acres of private grounds with unobstructed views of the ocean. All rooms at The Savoy are suites, of which the hotel has 31.

Best hotels near the Miami Airport

If you’re flying to Miami and arriving late the night before your cruise departs, we recommend staying near the airport. You’ll likely be tired after a long flight and hotels near the airport tend to be more affordable than those downtown or in South Beach.

Luckily there are many hotel options near the airport. Here are our top recommendations:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Airport East

Average nightly price: $165 to $280

Address: 2601 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Airport East offers a comfortable place to stay before your cruise begins. With modern decor and both standard rooms and suites, it’s hard to go wrong with the Holiday Inn.

Breakfast is included in the nightly price. Additional amenities include a pool and fitness center.

Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Airport

Average nightly price: $300 to $430

Address: 1201 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126

The Residence Inn Miami Airport is an all-suite hotel located just a seven minute drive from the airport. Studio, 1 Bedroom, and 2 Bedroom suites are available, so this hotel is a nice option for families.

Amenities at the Residence Inn include complimentary breakfast, airport shuttle service, pools, and a fitness center.

Aloft Miami Airport

Average nightly price: $230 to $350

Address: 7220 NW 36th St, Miami, FL 33166

Aloft hotels are known for their modern design and social atmosphere, and the Aloft Miami Airport hotel is a great choice for spending the night near the airport before your cruise.

The Aloft Miami Airport does not have suites, but has guest rooms with either two queen beds or one king bed. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, outdoor pool, convenience store, meeting space, and other amenities.

More cruise planning tips & tricks:

Pros and cons of sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship

In:

Ships

22 Dec 2022

While Royal Caribbean has over 20 cruise ships, they vary greatly in size, amenities, and activities. Everything from ice skating to waterslides can be found on the newest ships in the fleet, but older ships offer a much more traditional cruise experience.

If you’re interested in cruising on an older (~20+ year old) Royal Caribbean ship, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of sailing on smaller, older ships before booking. If you cruise on a Vision Class ship expecting the latest and greatest features, dining choices, and decor, you’ll likely end up disappointed.

Older ships don’t offer nearly as much to do as ships like Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid old cruise ships.

In fact, many cruisers find that older ships offer a more relaxed cruise experience at a lower cost than new ships. Plus, older ships visit some of the most unique destinations offered by Royal Caribbean.

Let’s weigh the pros and cons of cruising on an older ship to help you decide which ship to book for your next cruise.

Pros of cruising on older ships

Lower cost

One of the biggest perks of sailing on an older ship are the lower cruise fares available. You can find fantastic cruise deals on older ships, especially if you’re flexible with what time of the year you sail.

It’s not uncommon to see prices of smaller ships for half the price of a new ship on the same itinerary. When saving money on cruise fare, you can more easily budget extra for add-ons like drink packages, shore excursions, dining packages, spa treatments, etc.

Suites are cheaper

One further benefit of cheaper cruise fares on older ships is that suites also tend to be priced lower.

You can often find deals on higher-category suites on smaller ships for the same price as a balcony or Junior Suite on the newest cruise ships.

While suites don’t come with as many upgraded perks, such as the Royal Suite Class, on older ships, they can still offer a luxury cruising experience.

Intimate atmosphere

Smaller Royal Caribbean ships offer a more intimate atmosphere than the fleet’s largest vessels. Having only 2-3,000 passengers onboard creates a more familiar experience throughout the ship. You’ll often find that crew members and passengers connect more with each other on older ships.

With fewer passengers, you’re more likely to run into your favorite crew members and passengers several times throughout the sailing. This often leads to new conversations and friendships by the end of the sailing.

While you can certainly meet new people and connect with crew members on larger ships, it tends to be easier on the smaller Royal Caribbean ships.

Exotic itineraries

Royal Caribbean deploys its older, smaller ships to some of the most unique destinations visited by the cruise line. You’ll find itineraries on older ships visiting destinations such as Iceland, the Panama Canal, Croatia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Costa Rica.

Newer cruise ships tend to offer itineraries to the same destinations. If you only cruise on Oasis Class ships from Florida, for example, you’ll visit ports like Cozumel, St. Maarten, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Labadee, and Roatan over and over again.

More relaxed feel

While all Royal Caribbean ships can offer a relaxing vacation experience, you’ll often find the atmosphere on an older ship to be much more tranquil.

On the newest and biggest cruise ships, there’s often pressure to try everything you can on the ship. Whether waterslides, surfing simulators, ice-skating, escape rooms, or bumper cars, it’s easy to spend a cruise rushing from activity to activity.

That’s not to say older ships don’t offer activities onboard, however. You’ll find rock climbing walls on even the smallest Royal Caribbean ships and on Radiance Class ships you’ll even find an indoor movie theater!

Activities like trivia, live music, game shows, pool competitions, mini golf, and other onboard programming are also available on older ships.

Ocean views

Royal Caribbean’s older ships were built with many venues facing outward instead of inward, meaning you’ll find sprawling ocean views from almost everywhere onboard.

From floor-to-ceiling windows in specialty restaurants to the publicly-accessible helicopter pad on Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy an ocean view on older ships.

Cons of cruising on older ships

Fewer balconies

While cruise ships today are built with several decks of balcony cabins, this was not the case in the past. Older cruise ships, such as Vision and Radiance Class ships, have far fewer balconies available than newer ships.

Having fewer balconies means these cabins can fill up quickly and you might pay a premium for a balcony room. While balcony rooms might be priced only slightly higher than interior and ocean view rooms on new ships, there’s often a bigger gap between the price of these categories on older ships.

Fewer dining choices

All Royal Caribbean cruise ships provide several dining options, but you’ll find far fewer dining choices on older and smaller cruise ships.

You’ll find the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, and a few grab and go food options on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Additional dining venues can vary greatly, though, and you won't find the cruise line's newest dining venues on older ships. If you're looking to try venues like Playmakers Sports Bar or The Mason Jar, for example, you'll have to cruise on a newer ship.

Because there are fewer dining options on older ships, you’ll find yourself dining in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer more often than you might on a newer ship.

Might be more movement

It’s possible you’ll feel more movement on an older ship compared to a newer, larger cruise ship. While it won’t feel like you’re on a small sailboat, feeling motion is not unheard of when cruising on small ships.

That being said, it’s possible to feel seasick on even the largest cruise ships in the world. Therefore, it’s not entirely possible to plan whether or not you’ll feel movement on one ship over another.

Outdated cabins

You’ll find the cabins on older ships much more outdated compared to new ships. One of the major differences is stateroom technology. Older cabins were built before the age of cell phones, so you’ll find very few outlets in your cabin.

Likewise, decor and furnishings will be outdated on older ships. While the wall art of your stateroom shouldn’t necessarily affect choosing one cruise ship over another, you shouldn’t expect the most modern amenities in a 20+ year-old cruise cabin.

Fewer activities for kids

Every Royal Caribbean cruise can offer a wonderful vacation for families, but it’s crucial to realize that older ships won’t have as many family activities as newer ships.

Royal Caribbean’s TV commercials may feature activities like zip lining, virtual reality simulations, and waterslides, but it’s important to realize that not all ships offer these activities. Before wowing your kids with videos of the FlowRider and bumper cars, double-check to see which activities are offered on the cruise ship you’ve booked.

Royal Caribbean’s smallest ships will still offer Adventure Ocean, a rock climbing wall, and family-friendly programming, but other signature activities can vary greatly by ship.

Limited entertainment

If attending record-breaking, unique entertainment productions is important to you on a cruise, you might want to reconsider cruising on an older ship.

Older ships typically only have shows in the theater whereas newer ships have far more venues, from an ice skating rink to the AquaTheater.

Most of the shows on older ships feature singing and dancing without much of a storyline, and the shows have likely not been updated for a long time. Because of this, some of the entertainment may be considered outdated.

While the performers are still talented no matter which Royal Caribbean ship they perform on, there’s no doubt that newer ships offer more updated, diverse entertainment than smaller ships.

Considering a cruise on an older ship? Check out more of our tips & tricks:

Pros and cons of sailing on an older Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Best way to see Alaska: Land or cruise?

In:

Alaska

21 Dec 2022

Visiting Alaska is an aspiration for many travelers, and you’ll want to plan the Alaska vacation that suits your travel style best. Most visitors to Alaska travel via cruise ship or through a land-based vacation, but what is the best way to see the state?

Regardless of how you travel Alaska, you’re sure to be impressed by the state’s wildlife, history, food, and terrain. However, each travel style comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Although you can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation on a cruise to Alaska, you’ll miss out on some of the state’s most popular attractions. And while you can visit Alaska without a cruise on a land tour, you may find the logistics of navigating on your own too complicated.

Let’s dive in and discover why you should cruise to Alaska and why you might want to consider a land-based trip to the Last Frontier.

Why cruise to Alaska

Alaska cruises are popular for a reason: they travel through some of the most gorgeous landscapes in North America and allow passengers to experience several diverse areas of the state in one week.

Whether discovering Gold Rush history in Skagway, whale watching in Icy Strait Point, or glacier-hopping near Juneau, an Alaska cruise is certainly an experience you’ll never forget.

Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska visit the Inside Passage, a 500 mile stretch of fjords, islands, and small towns in the southeast region of the state. Many towns along the Inside Passage are only accessible by sea or plane, making a cruise the perfect way to travel from place to place.

An Alaska cruise is a fantastic way for families to travel around the state. Cruises are designed to cater to a wide range of age demographics and interests. You’ll find both kid-friendly activities like surfing simulators and kids clubs and adult-focused programming like theater shows and live music on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska.

Plus, a cruise offers a more all-inclusive experience compared to traveling independently to Alaska. While onboard, you won’t have to worry about the cost of food, entertainment, transportation, or hotels. Everything you need is included in your cruise fare, so you won’t be surprised with unexpected costs along the way.

One con of traveling to Alaska on a cruise is the limited time you’ll have in each cruise port. However, since many ports are quite small, you may find that you have more than enough time to explore the destination’s main attractions. If you’re looking for the most in-depth way to explore Alaska, though, you may want to consider a land tour.

Why book a land tour to Alaska

If you look at a map of Alaska and find the Inside Passage, you’ll realize that you’ve barely scratched the surface of the state on a cruise itinerary. Alaska is a whopping 665,400 square miles, and the Inside Passage is only a tiny portion of the state.

Therefore, it’s understandable that many people are torn between cruising to Alaska versus visiting the state on a land-based vacation. And while we love cruising here at Royal Caribbean Blog, there’s no doubt that a land tour to Alaska comes with its own set of benefits.

Visiting Alaska on a land tour brings you closer to the state’s nature, as you can travel further into Alaska’s interior. Denali National Park and Preserve, for example, is one of the most popular places to visit in the state.

The national park is the second largest in the United States and is one of the best places to see Alaska’s Big Five: bears, wolves, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. You’ll also have the opportunity to spot the peak of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.

Traveling Alaska on a land-based vacation means you can travel at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about limited time in port or sticking to a rigid schedule. It also gives you more flexibility with how you’d like to travel, whether you prefer touring with an organized group or renting an RV to drive around the state yourself.

One con of traveling to Alaska on a land-based trip are the logistics required to travel through the Inside Passage. For those with limited time, being constrained to the Alaska Marine Highway's ferry schedules can be frustrating, and the onboard accommodations won’t be as comfortable as on a cruise ship.

The solution: do both!

Truthfully, there’s no “better” way to see Alaska. Both cruises and land-based vacations each come with their own pros and cons, and it can be difficult to choose the best option for your Alaska trip.

Luckily, you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. Why not do both?

You can combine a cruise with a land trip to Alaska by booking one of Royal Caribbean’s one-way cruise itineraries. A Royal Caribbean ship sails one-way Alaska cruise itineraries each summer season. These cruises begin in Vancouver, British Columbia and end in Seward, Alaska and vice versa.

One-way Alaska cruises are 7-nights and visit 4-5 destinations in Alaska’s Inside Passage before (or following) a crossing through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward. A one-way cruise means you can visit Alaska’s top inland destinations and Inside Passage cruise ports.

There are a few ways to combine a cruise with a land tour of Alaska. Many passengers opt to book the land portion of their Alaska trip through Royal Caribbean as part of their overall cruise fare. 2-6 night tours are offered through Alaska’s interior, visiting destinations such as Talkeetna, Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, and Seward.

Alternatively, you can choose to sightsee on your own in Alaska before or after your cruise. Renting a car, campervan, or RV is common for many travelers, or you can travel via the Alaska Railroad. Several tours are offered to Denali National Park and Preserve from Anchorage as well if you’d prefer an organized option without booking through Royal Caribbean.

More Alaska tips & tricks:

Where do cruises go from New York?

In:

New York

20 Dec 2022

Royal Caribbean cruises from New York sail to a diverse array of destinations, from picturesque towns in Quebec to the lush, tropical landscapes of the Southern Caribbean.

Cruises from New York sail year round and are a convenient option for those living in the northeast. A variety of Royal Caribbean’s ships sail from the port each year, from smaller Vision and Radiance Class ships to modern Quantum and Oasis Class ships.

One important note is that Royal Caribbean’s “New York City” cruise port is not actually in New York. The Cape Liberty Cruise Port is located in Bayonne, New Jersey just minutes from Newark International Airport.

Related: Guide to cruises from New York

Let’s dive in to uncover where cruises go from New York to help you plan your next cruise from Cape Liberty.

Canada & New England

During the summer and fall, you’ll find cruises to Canada and New England departing from Cape Liberty. While not the tropical paradise you’ll find further south, cruising to Canada and New England brings charming towns, intriguing history, and mouthwatering cuisine to discover.

The shortest cruises you’ll find to Canada and New England from Cape Liberty are 4 and 5-night itineraries. 4-night cruises visit Halifax, Nova Scotia whereas the 5-night itineraries visit both Halifax and Saint John, New Brunswick.

Booking a 9-night itinerary to Canada and New England gives you the chance to visit additional ports in the northeast, including Boston, Portland (Maine), Bar Harbor, Halifax, and Saint John.

The northeast of the United States and Canada is famous for its fall foliage, and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to sail on a fall foliage cruise departing from Cape Liberty.

These 10 and 11-night sailings visit a variety of ports in the US and Canada, which vary based on itinerary:

Bar Harbor, Maine
Portland, Maine
Saint John, New Brunswick
Sydney, Nova Scotia,
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Saguenay, Quebec
Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Fall foliage cruises are one-way itineraries and sail from Cape Liberty to Quebec City (and vice versa).

Bermuda

Many people are surprised to find out that Bermuda is located over 900 miles north of the Caribbean. Despite the island’s abundance of white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, Bermuda is located closer to North Carolina than it is to the Bahamas.

Because of this, Bermuda is a common stop on cruise itineraries from the northeast in the summer months. You’ll find 4 and 5-night cruises from Cape Liberty to Bermuda. 4-night cruises visit the island for just one day whereas the 5-night itineraries include an overnight stay in Bermuda.

Caribbean

Traveling to the Caribbean from New York isn’t as convenient as from Florida, but you’ll still find regularly scheduled Caribbean cruises departing from Cape Liberty.

Due to the distance between the northeast and Caribbean, you won’t find Caribbean cruises from Cape Liberty shorter than 6 nights, with most between 7 and 9 nights.

Bahamas

Bahamas cruises from Cape Liberty are typically 7-night itineraries and visit Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau. Occasionally you will also find 8-night itineraries with either an extra sea day or a port day in Miami.

Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda

Although the Bahamas offers a relaxing tropical getaway, traveling further into the Caribbean can bring more exotic ports and even warmer temperatures.

9-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries are offered from Cape Liberty which have four ports and four sea days. Ports may include Bermuda, Labadee, La Romana, Puerto Plata, Nassau, Port Canaveral, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Southern Caribbean

While not offered as frequently as Bahamas cruises, you’ll occasionally find Southern Caribbean cruises from Cape Liberty. Travel time to the Southern Caribbean from the northeast can take some time, and you’ll find five sea days and five port days on these itineraries.

Depending on the itinerary, ports may include Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, San Juan, and Antigua.

Repositioning cruises

If you’re looking for a longer cruise itinerary from New York, consider a repositioning cruise. Repositioning cruises occur when a cruise ship is moved from one port to another, such as when ships move to Europe for the summer season.

In late spring each year, you’ll find transatlantic cruises from New York. These cruises embark in Cape Liberty and stop in the Azores, Madeira, France, Spain, and/or Italy before reaching their new homeport in Europe.

Transatlantic cruises from Cape Liberty are between 11 and 15 nights and you should expect many sea days en route to Europe.

In addition to transatlantic itineraries, you can occasionally find repositioning cruises to other North American ports from New York as ships move their homeport from Cape Liberty to ports in Florida or San Juan.

Looking for more information on Royal Caribbean’s destinations? Start here:

I sailed with a first-time cruiser to see what she thought about a Royal Caribbean cruise

In:

First Time Cruisers

19 Dec 2022

Once you start cruising frequently, it’s easy to forget how it feels to go on a cruise for the very first time. From formal dinners in the Main Dining Room to the spectacular shows you see onboard, your first-ever Royal Caribbean cruise brings memories you’ll cherish for a long time.

One of my favorite parts of working for Royal Caribbean Blog is cruising with friends and family, most of whom are first-time cruisers. Hearing their thoughts about the cruise experience is always interesting, whether it’s the surprise at realizing they can order unlimited items off the menu or their reaction to the World’s Sexiest Man Competition on the pool deck.

I recently took my cousin Keli on a cruise on Liberty of the Seas, and I sat down with her to see what she thought—the good and the bad—about her first Royal Caribbean cruise.

Staff

First-time cruisers are often impressed with the level of service on a Royal Caribbean cruise, especially if they’ve never experienced an all-inclusive style of vacation before.

“As far as customer service goes," Keli mentioned, "it was far better than anything you get on land. Everyone was so happy. After learning they live on a ship for a long time, to keep up that energy and cheerfulness is amazing!”

Her favorite staff members, though, were the “Washy Washy” workers in the Windjammer Cafe. As you enter the buffet, these crew members encourage all guests to wash their hands through song, dance, and cheers.

“God, those ladies! They’re the best thing ever. Far better than any experience on land.”

Food

Food is synonymous with a Royal Caribbean cruise, and I was interested to see how Keli felt about the variety of food available onboard.

Right off the bat, she exclaimed that “I was literally never hungry.” This could not be more true, as we indulged in a variety of cuisines in the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, and Chops Grille during our sailing.

Breakfast was Keli’s favorite, and when asked about her favorite dish onboard, she immediately answered with “French toast, for sure!” I certainly agree with Keli, and you’ll never find me skipping breakfast on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

As far as options, Keli appreciated how a buffet provides a way to try foods you wouldn’t normally try, and that there were a lot more dinner options than she initially thought.

I think this is a huge benefit of the cruise experience, and I’ve definitely expanded my palette on a cruise far more than I ever would on land. Being able to try new dishes without worrying that I'll have to pay for something I don't like enhances the dining experience on any cruise.

Time in port

Our first surprise on our cruise was a last-minute itinerary change. As we entered the cruise terminal, we received a paper detailing a schedule change due to a storm. Instead of the Bahamas itinerary we originally planned for, we would be setting course to the Dominican Republic.

As a first-time cruiser, Keli had no idea an itinerary could change. “That was super surprising,” she mentioned. “I didn’t know that they could just send you somewhere different.”

Luckily we took our itinerary change in stride and we were beyond excited for our day in the Dominican Republic.

Puerto Plata’s cruise port is brand new, and the facilities within the port itself can keep visitors occupied for a full day. From a large pool to several bars and restaurants, I was impressed with the space, but was interested to hear what Keli had to say about this port.

“The port itself was gorgeous. If I couldn’t speak Spanish (which I can’t), leaving the port by myself would have been a little intimidating. Even if I didn’t feel comfortable doing that, staying at the port would have been gorgeous. The free pool was amazing and they had all those really cool bars. I would have been satisfied just staying at the port all day.”

This was Keli’s first time out of the United States. I’ve always thought cruises are a nice, stress-free vacation for those new to international travel, and Keli’s comments reinforced this opinion.

She mentioned how choosing a cruise for her first international trip was great due to the structure of the vacation.

“It’s a little less intimidating than going off by yourself. When you go to the port, you can be as involved or uninvolved as you want in the country. It’s not like they drop you off at the curb and say ‘See ya!’. You can go galavant by yourself or stay in the port.”

Do cruises spend enough time at each port?

A common concern of new cruisers is that they won’t have a lot of time to spend in port. To make the most of our few hours in the Dominican Republic, we hired a private taxi driver for the day. I asked Keli her thoughts on the time we had in Puerto Plata.

“I felt like we had a good amount of time. We went and saw a lot of the local stuff but then were still able to spend time at the port. Without the guide, I think we would have spent a lot more time finding our way around, so I think that was really helpful. Since we were able to get a local guide, we were able to come back and relax before we got back on the ship.”

Cabin

I decided to upgrade our cabin at the last minute from an interior to a spacious ocean view balcony room. Not only would this provide more room in our cabin, but it would be a nice way to kick off Keli’s first cruise.

“The cabin was bigger than I expected because we upgraded our stateroom. I was a little concerned about being in an interior room, so I’m glad we had the window. I think the window was really beneficial. In the future, I would definitely book one with a window or I would love to have one with a balcony. A balcony would be amazing!”

If there’s anything I’ve learned about cruising with first-timers, it’s that they’re often worried about feeling seasick. When I initially upgraded our stateroom, I realized our cabin was far aft and was nervous we would feel too much movement in the room.

Keli, too, was nervous, but she mentioned how “The dramamine worked well. I was surprised I enjoyed the ship rocking at night when I was going to sleep!”.

If you’re traveling with first-time cruisers, be sure to pack motion-sickness remedies in case anyone in your travel party is nervous about feeling too much movement.

Overall experience

I asked Keli if there’s anything she would change about her first cruise. Other than wishing she knew Spanish for our time in the Dominican Republic, she mentioned how she would have researched more had she not been cruising with me.

“Because I was going with you, I didn’t research anything! However if I was going to go by myself I would research the itinerary better.”

Researching your cruise ship, itinerary, and what’s offered onboard is definitely a helpful tip for any first-time cruisers. Knowing the ins and outs of what to expect both onboard and in port can ensure you don’t run into any surprises along the way.

Finally, I was curious about Keli’s favorite aspects of her cruise on Royal Caribbean.

“My favorite thing was being on the tour with Ramon (our private taxi driver) in Puerto Plata. That was the best! My favorite thing on the ship was karaoke 100%. It was one big party. You had kids and elderly people and everyone in between having a good time. That I loved."

Cruising solo can be fun, but I always enjoy my cruise experience more when sailing with friends and family. Taking first-time cruisers onboard helps me to relive the “WOW” feeling I had when stepping onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise for the first time, and that was the case during my four nights onboard with Keli.

If you’re traveling with first-time cruisers (or are planning your first-ever cruise!) check our our helpful tips and tricks:

Subscribe to Jenna DeLaurentis