Jenna DeLaurentis

50 Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tips

In:

10 Jan 2023

A Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is a highly sought after bucket list trip for so many people.

From the majestic glaciers, to the incredible history of the native people, to the animal viewing opportunities, America's last frontier has a lot to offer travelers, including those on a cruise.

Planning an Alaska cruise is sometimes frustrating. Alaska requires its own strategy for planning, given the variety of tours and things you can do while on an Alaska cruise.

We wanted to the share absolute best Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise tips to help you kickstart your planning and ensure a great trip to the last—and vast—great frontier.

Booking tips

Figure out the best time to visit Alaska for your preferences

The Alaska cruise season generally runs from May to September. While many offerings and experiences on an Alaska cruise will be similar no matter the month you sail, there are a few differences to consider.

May and September are shoulder seasons for Alaska cruises. During these months, you may find fewer families and passengers onboard and lower prices. In addition, you may have a greater chance of seeing the northern lights as fall begins in September.

The most popular months to cruise to Alaska are in June, July, and August. These months are when daylight hours are longest, wildlife viewing opportunities are greatest, and weather is warmest.

Research the best ship for you

Royal Caribbean deploys both large and small cruise ships to Alaska, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Larger ships will offer more onboard activities and venues, whereas smaller ships are able to fit into more destinations along Alaska’s inside passage. Taking a look at what you hope to see and experience while on an Alaska cruise is an important first step before booking a particular ship.

Are you traveling with kids and looking for the most onboard activities? If so, selecting a larger ship like Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas may be the best option. These Quantum Class ships feature the Seaplex, an indoor sports court that offers activities like bumper cars, soccer, pickleball, and more. They also have an indoor pool as well as more bars, dining options, and entertainment venues onboard.

Ships like Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas may be smaller, but don’t let that deter you from choosing one of these ships. Many passengers find that cruising to Alaska on a smaller ship comes with its own set of benefits. Smaller ships are able to fit into more ports, meaning that they can visit destinations like Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. And like Royal Caribbean’s larger ships, these smaller ships also offer fantastic viewing opportunities with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of outdoor deck space.

Consider a balcony cabin

If a balcony stateroom is in your budget, then definitely book one and enjoy the opportunity to have a private area to enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska anytime you see fit. There is no denying that having easy access and private space, especially when near a glacier, is a lovely perk.

Balcony staterooms may come at a higher cost than interior or ocean view cabins, but for many cruisers it is well worth the cost.

Or… consider an interior or ocean view cabin

One of the lessons we learned from our first Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska was that while a balcony cabin is nice to have, it is not nearly as essential as others led us to believe.

You can still have an amazing Alaska cruise by depending on public areas to enjoy the view. Royal Caribbean's ships feature ample deck space to enjoy the view any time of the day. Even when near a glacier, you ought to find great viewing opportunities. Moreover, the price of a balcony room may be much more expensive than an interior room. You may decide that it is a better investment to book the cheaper room and use the money saved to invest in an amazing shore excursion.

The bottom line is consider all room categories, but do not assume you have to get a balcony room.

Book with a travel agent

One of the top tips we share at Royal Caribbean Blog is to book your cruise with a travel agent. A travel agent will cost you nothing extra, but they can provide extremely valuable help and support during the booking process.

Being able to ask your travel agent questions–and get them resolved–without having to take time out of your day to contact Royal Caribbean yourself will save you valuable time. Additionally, good travel agents have an abundance of knowledge about Royal Caribbean and the cruise industry, so they are available to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming cruise.

Book dining and drink packages in advance

Just like any Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to pre-book any dining or drink packages for your cruise via Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website. Booking early allows you to lock in the price. If the drink package you purchased for $63/day raises to $75/day, for example, you will have paid a much lower price than some passengers onboard.

Likewise, you’re also able to cancel and rebook if the price drops. If you initially paid $220 for an Unlimited Dining Package and it lowers to $179, you can cancel and rebook the package to obtain the lower price.

You can also cancel any packages booked up to two days before your cruise, so there is no harm in booking addons early to lock in the best price.

Book excursions in advance

The same rules that apply to dining and beverage packages also apply to shore excursions; it’s important to book shore excursions in advance. In fact, because popular shore excursions often risk selling out, it’s even more important to book shore excursions ahead of time compared to dining and beverage packages.

Whether you are booking through Royal Caribbean directly or through an outside provider, be sure to research what activities and excursions are recommended in each cruise port. While some ports may be best for whale watching, others may offer the best historic or cultural opportunities.

For more information on what to do in the most common cruise ports in Alaska, check out our guides:

Find the best itinerary for you

While there is no “best itinerary” for an Alaska cruise, it’s important to have an understanding of what options are available. Some cruise ships leave from Seattle whereas others leave from Vancouver, some are one-way sailings to Alaska while others are roundtrip, and some itineraries visit more cruise ports than others.

Browsing through all of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise offerings on the website is a good starting point for researching the different options available. Alternatively, you can talk to your travel agent to discuss which option will work best for you.

Fly into your departure port a day early

No matter where in the world your cruise departs from, it is important to arrive to your departure city at least one day prior to the cruise. Flight delays and cancellations, missed connections, traffic, unexpected car issues, and weather can negatively affect your chance of getting to the cruise port on time. Arriving one day ahead of time and staying in a hotel the night before your cruise will give you buffer time in the chance you encounter unexpected delays.

Luckily, Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver, Seattle, or Seward, each of which offers plenty to do, eat, and experience before your cruise begins.

Know the difference between Alaska and Caribbean cruises

If you are used to cruising in the Caribbean, going to Alaska is going to surprise you in some ways with the different approach and experience it offers.

Cruising to Alaska is a port-intensive itinerary with shore excursions that cost significantly more money and far fewer party events. Unlike the Caribbean where the places you visit can sometimes be secondary, an Alaska cruise is all about where you visit and the onboard experience can almost become an afterthought.

Extend your Alaska cruise with a Cruise Tour

In addition to the cruises, Royal Caribbean offers expanded journeys into Alaska with its Cruise Tour program.

A Royal Caribbean Cruise Tour will take you to incredible destinations that no cruise ship can visit. From the coastline to the heart of the frontier, a Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tour land and sea package delivers all the must-see sights on land.

Either before or after your Royal Caribbean cruise, you can book a Cruise Tour that combines a cruise and a land tour, which usually runs three to seven nights. Popular destinations include Denali National Park (for wildlife viewing), Talkeetna (best place for Denali views) and Fairbanks (Alaska pipeline).

Every Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruise Tour includes knowledgeable Adventure Specialists who act as guides, historians and concierges. They are by your side for the entirety of the land tour, providing insider tips and local perspective.

Expect abnormal hours in port

Most cruises tend to have port stops sometime between 7AM and 8PM at the latest. Alaska cruises, however, often have more abnormal hours. Some port stops, for example, may be between 4PM and midnight, or you might have two stops in one day!

Most ports will stick to more “normal” hours, but if you’re looking at your itinerary and are shocked to see such bizarre hours for port stops, don’t be too alarmed. Cruises to Alaska run primarily during the summer months when daylight hours are much longer, so it’s possible to be walking around the port at 9 or 10PM in the peak of summer while still enjoying the daylight.

Purchase travel insurance

Travel insurance is always a good idea whether you are cruising to international ports or within the United States. Even though the insurance plans of most US citizens should work while in Alaska, it’s still a good idea to purchase travel insurance prior to your cruise.

Travel insurance can cover travel delays and cancellations, lost luggage or valuables, medical coverage, emergency transportation, and more. It’s always better to purchase travel insurance and not need it than to not have travel insurance when an unfortunate situation arises.

Tips for onboard the ship

Be flexible on ports

Your cruise will stop at a variety of ports in Alaska (with some stopping in Canada as well). Common ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Haines, and Hubbard Glacier, among others.

Where you visit depends on your ship’s size, itinerary, and embarkation port. However, it is important to remain flexible and understand that your itinerary can change.

Alaska’s weather conditions may lead to high seas, storms, and heavy winds, especially if you are traveling during the shoulder season in early May or late September. The day you planned in Sitka, as an example, could be replaced by a stop in Ketchikan. Or perhaps the ship is unable to sail further into a passage for a glacier sighting.

The majority of sailings do go as planned, but staying flexible is important. Plus, you may end up having a fantastic day in a port you did not plan to go to in the first place!

Find a great spot to watch glaciers and scenery

A unique aspect to an Alaska cruise is that you can see land for the majority of the sailing. They mainly sail through Alaska’s inside passage, where fjords, waterfalls, and mountains dot the landscape on both sides of the ship.

On the first day or two of your cruise, we recommend exploring the ship to make note of areas from which you can view the scenery once you get to Alaska. The pool deck is a popular option, but you may find some hidden gems throughout the ship.

If you’re sailing on a Quantum Class ship to Alaska, head to the back of the Windjammer or the Solarium bridge wings for some fantastic views of the scenery with fewer crowds. On Radiance Class ships, check out the helicopter pad, the front of deck 12 above the bridge, or the Viking Crown Lounge.

Wake up early and stay up late

Traveling to Alaska will have different daylight hours than what you are used to on a Caribbean cruise, especially if you’re traveling in the middle of summer. With as many as 19 hours of daylight in the summer months, don’t forget to wake up early and stay up late to be amazed by the scenery around you on an Alaska cruise.

Try not to worry about the weather

News flash: it will rain while you are in Alaska, but it is also not the end of the world.

Weather forecasts do not always match what you will experience. Be prepared for changing weather daily. Be prepared with varying clothing options (i.e. wear layers). And when it does rain, just give it a few minutes, as it generally does not last long. Take it all in. And remember, many excursions go rain or shine!

No matter what time of the year you pick for your cruise, the weather can be iffy, so plan for it all.

Bring motion sickness remedies

Depending on the weather conditions outside and time of year you sail to Alaska, you may encounter some choppy seas. While most days should be smooth sailing, it’s always good to plan in advance if you are prone to motion sickness. This is especially true if you plan to book a whale watching tour while in port, as most guests will feel more movement on a smaller vessel.

There are many remedies available for motion sickness, from dramamine to sea-bands or even natural remedies like green apples and ginger.

Take advantage of port lectures

Royal Caribbean offers complimentary lectures presented by higher education staff on the history and culture of the ports your cruise will visit.

It is easy to overlook these types of offerings with so many other activities and things to do onboard your Royal Caribbean cruise, but do yourself a favor and check these out. The lectures provided onboard offer important context for the adventures you will take on shore later in your visit.

These lectures may not offer money saving tips or pitfalls to avoid, but they do offer an insider look at these ports that I think helps improve your appreciation of each city when you go to visit them later.

Relax and enjoy the scenery

Even with all the fun activities you’ll find onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, it’s always a great idea to spend time sitting back and relaxing on an Alaska cruise. Sailing through the Alaska Inside Passage comes with stunning views in every direction, whether you spot whales, eagles, glaciers, or waterfalls.

While it can be tempting to book a full day of fun activities onboard, don’t forget to spend some time relaxing in a comfy chair or on the pool deck to watch the scenery pass by.

Book shows and dining on the first day

Just like any Royal Caribbean cruise, be sure to book any specialty dining and entertainment reservations on the first day of your cruise to ensure you can reserve the days and times that work best for you.

As soon as you get onboard, connect to the ship’s wifi and open the Royal Caribbean app (you do not need to purchase a wifi package to access the Royal Caribbean app). Then scroll through the calendar to reserve any entertainment you are interested in.

If you have a dining package, head to any of the restaurants onboard to reserve all specialty dining days and times for the week.

Bring cards or board games

You may encounter more downtime on an Alaska cruise compared to what you would experience on a bigger cruise ship in warmer weather. While there are certainly enough activities and entertainment options to keep you occupied, some passengers like to spend time playing cards or games with fellow passengers.

While you may be able to find cards onboard, either in the library or Royal Caribbean gift shop, packing a deck of cards in your luggage isn’t a bad idea either.

Confirm Main Dining Room dining times and options

Another thing you should do on the first day of your Alaska cruise is double check your Main Dining Room preferences. When you booked your cruise, you should have selected a dining time and either Traditional or My Time Dining. Additionally, if you would prefer a private table as opposed to dining with others, it’s a good idea to speak with the staff in the Main Dining Room on embarkation day to ensure this is the case.

Shore excursion tips

Book a whale watching tour

Whale watching tours are arguably the most popular shore excursion to book on an Alaska cruise. The chance to view the largest mammals on earth in their natural habitat is simply a remarkable experience, and Alaska has some of the best whale watching in the world.

Whale watching tours are not cheap, but they won’t necessarily break the bank either. Some ports are better than others for whale watching, and some months bring a higher chance to spot whales than others. While you may be able to spot whales from your cruise ship at some point on an Alaska cruise, if you really want to see whales up close, be sure to book a whale watching excursion.

View other wildlife

While whale watching may be popular, don’t miss the opportunity to spot more of Alaska’s amazing wildlife while in port. Bears, eagles, salmon, sea lions, sea otters, and other wildlife are often able to be spotted on an Alaska cruise.

In Sitka, consider visiting the Fortress of the Bear, a bear rescue center located near the city center. In Ketchikan, walk around Creek Street for the chance to spot sea otters playing in the creek. When you’re on a bus tour or walking through town, be sure to look up in the trees to see if you can spot any eagles.

Learn about Alaska’s Native history

While Alaska cruises are famous for providing stunning views, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about Alaska’s history and culture while visiting the state.

Royal Caribbean offers shore excursions with a focus on history and culture in its Alaskan ports. As an example, one of these tours is the Native Cultural and Historical Tour in Sitka, where guests will experience first-hand the melting pot of native Tlingit culture as well as Russian and American influences.

If you’re hoping to explore Native history and culture on your own, research museums and walking paths in your port of call.

Visit glaciers

While most cruises to Alaska will include a scenic cruising day to destinations like Hubbard Glacier and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, you may also wish to explore glaciers up close while in port.

Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is one of the most visited glaciers on an Alaska cruise, as it is easily accessible via bus or taxi from the cruise port. While at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy walking trails, the spectacular Nugget Waterfall, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

If you’re looking for a truly once in a lifetime experience, you can even book a helicopter tour that lands on top of a glacier in Alaska!

Go on a day hike

Alaska is a dream for active cruisers, offering some of the country’s most magnificent nature and mountains to explore. All Alaska cruise ports offer fantastic day hike opportunities, from the easiest of trails to the most challenging.

Whether hiking to the pointy peak of Deer Mountain in Ketchikan, riding the Goldbelt tram to mellow trails in Juneau, or opting for a low-impact nature walk in Sitka, hiking through Alaska’s forests is a nice way to connect with nature and explore the port.

Kayak near glaciers

Kayaking is another popular active shore excursion in Alaska, bringing visitors to picturesque destinations along the coastline. Some kayaking excursions allow guests to get close to glaciers and you may even spot wildlife while on the tour.

Kayaking is a relatively low-impact activity, making it a great choice for those looking for an active excursion that also allows them to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Go biking or rent a scooter

If you’re looking to explore Alaska in a unique way, consider traveling on two wheels. Bicycle tours or rentals are available in most Alaska cruise ports, allowing guests to see much more of a port than they would on foot. The “Bike and Brew Glacier View” tour in Juneau combines a bike ride with a beer tasting!

If riding a bike sounds too active for your liking, consider renting an electric scooter in Skagway through Skagway Scooters to explore all of Skagway and the surrounding area.

Try local food

One big mistake we made on our Alaska cruise was not taking the time to research where to eat in the various ports we visited. Alaska has some amazing local cuisine, but there are a lot of pretenders alongside the great stuff.

Each port you visit will take you to some terrific spots to eat, so don't rely purely on your Yelp app once in town. Figure out the restaurants and bars you want to go to before you leave home, especially if you are interested in enjoying the best crab, salmon and beers of Alaska.

Here are a few food and drink recommendations for your Alaska cruise:

Ketchikan: The Alaska Fish House is a popular seafood spot located just a few blocks from the port. In our experience, a long line formed around lunchtime, but the extremely fresh fish is said to be worth the wait.
Skagway: On a chilly Alaskan day, not much fills the spot more than a doughy, sugary, and warm piece of Alaskan fry bread. Similar to an elephant ear, Alaskan fry bread is a popular snack in the state, and the place to try it in Skagway is at Klondike Doughboy. Each piece of fry bread is fried to order, and it is guaranteed to warm you up no matter what the weather is like outside. If you’re looking for something more savory, check out the Skagway Fish Company.
Juneau and Sitka: Due to Alaska’s historical and geographical connection to Russia, you can find Russian influences in Alaskan cuisine. A restaurant to taste Russian flavors is Pel’Meni, which is located in both Juneau and Sitka. Pel’Meni offers steamed Russian dumplings in two flavors: beef or potato. The dumplings are then topped with butter, curry, hot sauce, and cilantro, creating an explosion of flavor with each bite.

Visit a saloon

Just like eating, drinking can be a way to learn more about the culture of Alaska. Our recommendation is to plan shore excursions for the morning and spend the afternoon walking around the port to try local food and drinks.

Dotted along most Alaska cruise ports are small, historic saloons filled with local history, and drinking at a saloon is a quintessential part of visiting any small town in Alaska.

One of the most famous places to grab a drink when cruising to Alaska is The Red Dog Saloon in Juneau. With western-themed architecture and eclectic decor, The Red Dog Saloon is certainly unique. It’s not uncommon for the saloon to be filled with cruisers enjoying live music, drinks, and food before getting back onboard the ship.

Three of the most popular drinks at the saloon are the Duck Fart shot, Glacier Margarita, and Miners Scratch Hard Lemonade.

Taste local beer

If you’re a beer lover, you’re in luck while on an Alaska cruise. A variety of local craft breweries are located in most Alaska cruise ports, offering the perfect place to wind down after a busy day exploring the state.

Here are a few of our recommended breweries to check out while in Alaska:

Ketchikan: Bawden Street Brewing Company
Juneau: Barnaby Brewing Company
Skagway: Skagway Brewing Company or Klondike Brewing Company

Visit the Yukon Territory

If your cruise visits Skagway, you may want to take the chance to visit Canada’s Yukon Territory, located just 15 miles from the center of town. The Yukon Territory, like much of Alaska, offers rugged terrain, fascinating culture, and breathtaking scenery.

You can opt to visit the Yukon Territory by renting a car or motorcycle, booking an excursion, or traveling on the White Pass & Yukon Railway.

Get a taste of Alaska’s Russian history

In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for a price of $7.2 million. Before this purchase, though, Russia had significant influence on the state, bringing architecture, food, and religion to the region. Visiting Alaska today offers visitors the chance to learn more about Russia’s impact on the state.

The best port to experience Alaska’s Russian history is in Sitka, the former capital of Russian Alaska. From visiting Orthodox cathedrals to Baranof Castle State Historic Site, where the formal transfer of Russia to the United States occurred, you’re sure to get a glimpse of the state’s dynamic history while in Sitka.

Pack snacks for shore excursions

It’s a good idea to pack a snack with you while on a shore excursion in Alaska, which may be further out into nature and more active than what you normally book on a Caribbean cruise. Packing granola bars, trail mix, or even the small boxes of cereal you can get with room service is recommended to ensure you don’t get too hungry while on tour.

Always get off the ship

Regardless of how bad the weather outside may be or if you have already visited a port before, always get off the ship when you can. Even if you don’t have anything planned, just walking around the historic port towns can be a nice way to spend a few hours.

If it’s cold and rainy, take shelter in a local seafood restaurant, saloon, coffee shop, or brewery and immerse yourself in the town’s culture while tasting delicious food and drinks.

Packing tips

Bring an all-weather jacket

Even though your Royal Caribbean cruise will take you to Alaska during the warmer months of the year, it can get downright cold (and wet) during your Alaska cruise.

Given its northerly position and varied geography—from mountains and oceans to glaciers and tundra—you can experience several microclimates in a short amount of time, which can mean extreme temperatures in one place, and mild conditions in the next.

There are plenty of great packing choices to consider, but an all-weather jacket is essential to ensure you remain warm and dry in the coldest of temperatures. Here are our top recommendations for the best jacket for an Alaska cruise:

Wear the right shoes

While you may walk around in flip flops in the Caribbean, you probably will not want to do this on an Alaska cruise! Packing the right shoes to fit Alaska’s terrain and shore excursion opportunities is essential to ensure you remain comfortable during your vacation.

The proper footwear to bring ultimately depends on what you plan to do while in port. Sneakers or other closed toed shoes are the most recommended footwear, especially those that are water-resistant. Rain is extremely common in Alaska, so having footwear that will not make your feet cold and wet is important.

Rugged hiking boots are not totally necessary unless you plan to do a lot of hiking while in Alaska. For walking around Alaska’s towns and visiting popular spots like Mendenhall Glacier, sneakers should suffice

Bring binoculars

Alaska is all about what you see around you, and often the very best of Alaska's natural beauty and wildlife is best seen through a pair of binoculars.

You do not need to go crazy with the fanciest binoculars on the market, but being able to zoom in on a bald eagle resting, or sea lions swimming is worth every penny you spend on binoculars.

On our recent Alaska cruise onboard Ovation of the Seas, we purchased these binoculars and found them to be a great budget option.

Wear layers

Layers are key when it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise. Weather can change rapidly and several times throughout the day, so it’s important to be prepared with layers of clothing you can take on and off while in port or onboard.

In general, there are three layers to pack:

Base layer: t-shirt and jeans
Warm layer: Fleece or down jacket/sweater
Waterproof layer: Thin waterproof jacket suitable for when it rains

It can actually get fairly warm in Alaska during the day in the summer, so having a few t-shirts and even a pair of shorts can be a good idea.

Pack accessories

Outside of layers, remember to pack accessories for your Alaska cruise. Hats, gloves, and sunglasses are all important items to bring with you to ensure you stay warm in the chilliest temperatures you may encounter.

While you may picture rainy, cloudy days in Alaska, you’ll be surprised at how helpful sunglasses can be on sunny days. Not only is the sun shining down on you, but light will be reflected from glaciers and snow, making sunglasses really nice to have access to.

Buy lightly used clothing

If buying an all-new wardrobe sounds expensive, consider buying clothes on a website like eBay. A quality jacket is an especially costly item, but buying a gently used one from eBay can save lots, especially for kids.

Additionally, check if there are any used outdoor gear stores in your area. These consignment stores can be an excellent place to find quality outdoor clothing at a lower price.

Don’t pack too many clothes

Packing for an Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming. From puffy jackets to rain gear, boots, dress clothes, and swimsuits, it can be easy to fill up a large suitcase with apparel fit for Alaska’s unpredictable weather.

A big lesson we learned from cruising to Alaska is to pack much less than you think (while still packing the essentials, of course). As the weather in Alaska is colder than on a Caribbean cruise, for example, you may find that your clothes stay cleaner much longer. You may also find yourself wearing nearly the same exact outfit each day in port, as well.

Remember that you can do laundry

If you’re concerned over not packing enough or what you’ll do if clothes get dirty on a shore excursion, remember that all Royal Caribbean ships offer laundry service onboard. While self-service laundry is not available, you can choose to have a full bag of laundry washed and folded for $35.99 per bag.

While it isn’t the cheapest laundry service in the world, the convenience of washing clothes midway through the cruise and packing lighter can be worth the cost.

Bring a waterproof or water-resistant daypack

While it’s always a good idea to take a daypack ashore, it is especially important to do so when visiting Alaska. You’re going to need somewhere to put your sweatshirt when it gets too warm or your phone when it starts to rain.

Bringing a waterproof or water-resistant daypack with you to Alaska will ensure that your belongings are protected while exploring, rain or shine.

Don’t pack an umbrella

Despite the rain, do not pack an umbrella. Instead, make sure there’s a hood on your all-weather jacket. A hood takes up far less space than an umbrella, leaving more room for your gear and adventure essentials.

Don’t forget a swimsuit

Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit in your suitcase. Even though you’ll encounter colder weather than you are used to on a tropical cruise, the ships Royal Caribbean sends to Alaska tend to have an indoor pool or adults-only Solarium along with jacuzzis.

While you might not spend as much time in the pool as you would in the Caribbean, relaxing in the hot tub on a chilly morning or evening in Alaska can be extremely relaxing.

Quantum Class ships cruising to Alaska offer an indoor pool for all ages in addition to an indoor adults-only Solarium. Radiance Class ships have an indoor pool, but it’s only for ages 16+ as it is located in the Solarium. Jacuzzis are available on both ships.

Remember to pack clothes for onboard the ship

In between packing your down jacket, sweaters, raincoats, and gloves, remember to pack clothes to wear onboard the cruise ship as well. Dinner outfits, formal wear, loungewear, and pajamas are all important to pack for an Alaska cruise.

An expensive camera is not necessary

While some travel guides recommend bringing a fancy camera on an Alaska cruise to capture the state’s scenery, this is not totally necessary. If you have a phone with a great camera, don’t worry about purchasing an expensive camera to use on the cruise. A relatively new iPhone or Android will have fantastic picture quality that you can use to capture your cruise memories.

If you enjoy taking photos and are planning to invest in a new camera, though, Alaska is certainly a great spot to bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Remember to pack wide angle and telephoto lenses!

Bonus tips!

Book the North Star and RipCord by iFLY

If you’re sailing on a Quantum Class ship to Alaska, such as Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas, you’ll likely want to experience two of the ships’ most exciting onboard activities: the North Star (observation pod) and RipCord by iFLY (indoor skydiving).

It’s important to reserve these activities in advance to not only ensure you can try the activity onboard, but to reserve the best time, day, and price that works for you.

Both the North Star and RipCord by iFLY have complimentary and extra-cost options. Complimentary spots for the North Star are available when the ship is in port, but cost extra on sea days ($29.99) or when the ship is visiting a glacier ($49.99). RipCord by iFLY has a 1-minute complimentary flight option or a longer, 2-minute flight available for $49.99.

Just like entertainment, open the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you get onboard to reserve a time slot for these two activities.

Buy forgotten items in port

If you forget a piece of clothing like a waterproof coat or sweatshirt, don’t fret! There are plenty of souvenir shops available at each Alaskan port which offer a variety of clothing to fit any weather condition you encounter.

Plus, most of the clothing you will find in souvenir shops will be branded with “Alaska” or the port’s name, making it a great souvenir to take home with you.

I visited 13 countries by cruise ship in 2022: 8 things I learned will change how I cruise in 2023

In:

Planning

06 Jan 2023

I was constantly on the move in 2022, with 10 cruises, 44 flight segments, and 13 countries under my belt. While I certainly made memories this year, I also learned a few lessons that will change how I cruise with Royal Caribbean in 2023.

I started 2022 with two back-to-back solo cruises to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean.

In March, I boarded Wonder of the Seas—the largest cruise ship in the world—for a 7-night sailing to Labadee, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.

Just a month later, I headed back to the Caribbean with a cruise to Mexico and another to the Bahamas.

In June, I cruised from England to Spain and France and later from Greece to Montenegro, Croatia, and Italy.

As summer came to an end in August, I boarded the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find.

Just three weeks later, I cruised to Mexico before ending my 2022 travels with a 4-night cruise to the Dominican Republic in November.

I became a seasoned cruiser in 2022, but the year came with a lot of trial and error, from regretting booking shore excursions to realizing solo cruising isn’t my cup of tea. Here are 8 things I learned in 2022 that will change how I cruise in 2023.

I cruised solo for the first time in 2022. While I enjoyed it, I think I’ll stick to cruising with friends and family.

In 2022, I spent most cruises sailing with friends or family, but I also tried solo cruising for the first time on two ships. Cruising solo seemed daunting at first, but it wasn’t as nerve-wracking as I initially thought it would be.

On my solo cruises, I found that I struck up conversations with fellow passengers more often than usual, leading to new friendships and connections onboard. I also loved the freedom I had to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.

However, I found myself wishing I could have shared the experience with a friend or family member. Some of my best cruise memories have been those I’ve experienced with loved ones, whether island hopping with my parents in the Bahamas or sipping rosé in France with one of my best friends.

In 2023, I plan to bring a friend or family member on most of my cruises. I don’t mind spending some time alone in port or on shore, but as a whole, I think I prefer to share the cruise experience with someone else.

I found a $240 cruise deal to Alaska in 2022. In 2023, I plan to look for more cheap last-minute cruise deals

I booked the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find in 2022 and set sail on a 7-night one-way sailing from Vancouver to Seward. While the price ended up being more than the $240 cruise fare after taxes, fees, and gratuities, it still offered a fantastic value for such a phenomenal vacation.

Video: I tried the cheapest cruise cabin to Alaska

Finding cheap cruise deals is always a nice surprise, and I plan to keep my schedule open to last-minute cruises in 2023. Even though we typically advise booking cruises far in advance, my experience with the cheap Alaska deal made me eager to see which last-minute cruise deals pop up this year.

I felt seasick on a cruise ship for the first time in 2022. In 2023, I’ll make sure I always pack motion-sickness medication.

After cruising once a month in 2022, I felt invincible when it came to seasickness. Even in what I thought were “choppy” waters, I felt completely fine!

On my Alaska cruise in August, however, I felt seasick for the first time ever. As we began crossing the Gulf of Alaska, I started to feel ill. Luckily I never got physically ill, but the same cannot be said about my travel companion!

I was relieved I remembered to pack motion sickness medication in my toiletry bag to Alaska, as I hadn’t always done this on previous cruises. While you can obtain motion sickness medication onboard, it’s much more convenient to have seasickness remedies in your cabin already.

I’ll be sure to pack Dramamine or other motion-sickness remedies for all my cruises in 2023.

I found myself lacking freedom on organized tours in 2022. This year, I won’t book cruise line excursions.

Almost every time I book an organized shore excursion I find myself regretting the decision. I’m not a fan of structured sightseeing to check items off a list; I prefer to explore places on my own schedule.

I find that most shore excursions tend to involve a lot of waiting around for other members in the group. When I explore on my own, the pace of the day is up to me. Plus, organized tours are almost always more expensive than exploring on your own.

Because of my past experiences with organized shore excursions, I won’t be booking any cruise line excursions in 2023. I will, however, make an exception for tours that offer experiences I cannot do on my own, such as the Discover Scuba lesson I took in St. Thomas last year.

While I can see some benefit of booking through the cruise line for shore excursions that require long travel times from port to the destination (i.e. excursions to Rome or Paris), I’ll be sticking to exploring on my own in port this year.

I hired a private guide in port for the first time in 2022, and the experience was so great that I plan to do this several times in 2023.

I encountered an unexpected itinerary change on a cruise in November, with our itinerary changing from the Bahamas to the Dominican Republic. Having never been to the Puerto Plata cruise port before, I had no idea what to expect.

While the port itself offers more than enough to keep visitors busy for the day, I wanted to experience the city highlights outside the gated port area. The city’s main attractions didn’t seem walkable from the cruise port, so I hired a taxi driver for $100 for the full port day.

I had full control over where I wanted to go and how long I wanted to spend in each place, which was a fantastic way to see the port compared to a crowded tour bus. I also had a personalized, friendly local guide with me along the way to point out interesting places to visit in Puerto Plata.

I’ve already booked a private tour guide for a port stop in Roatan this February and am looking forward to exploring other ports this way in 2023.

In 2022, I flew on 44 separate flight segments. Luckily, I never missed a connection, but I’ll be sure to book longer layovers in 2023.

Unfortunately, despite being a cruise blogger, I do not live within reasonable driving distance to a cruise port.

Because of this, I find myself spending a lot of time in airports. My home airport is quite small, so I often have 1-2 layovers to reach most cruise ports. Traveling to port—along with personal travel—led to 44 flight segments in 2022, the most I’ve ever flown in one year.

I am always paranoid about missing my cruise due to airline delays and cancellations, so I usually schedule layovers that are around 2 to 3 hours long instead of an hour or less. This ensures I have wiggle room in case my first flight is delayed.

A few times in 2022, however, I had layovers that were under an hour in length. Whenever this was the case, I was a nervous wreck. If my first flight was delayed even a half hour, I could miss my connecting flight to the cruise port.

Luckily this never occurred, but I’ll be more cognizant of layover times when booking flights in 2023. I’d much rather wait in an airport lounge for a few hours than frantically run to my gate!

After 10 cruises in 2022, I found myself getting bored on sea days. I plan to book more port-intensive itineraries in 2023.

While there are countless activities to keep passengers busy on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I spend more time than most on cruise ships due to my work with Royal Caribbean Blog. After 10 cruises in 2022, I found myself feeling restless on sea days.

One way I’ll counteract this in 2023 is to sail on more port-intensive itineraries. Cruises with only one or two sea days in a week as opposed to three or four work much better for my travel style. I love being able to explore a new port nearly every day on a cruise while still having a sea day or two to relax.

As an example, I almost always pick a Western Caribbean cruise over an Eastern Caribbean cruise. 7-night Western Caribbean sailings typically include four port stops whereas 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises (from Florida) only include three port stops.

Having an extra port stop in the Caribbean means I can enjoy additional time at the beach, try more delicious Mexican food, and have extra time to practice my Spanish skills.

In 2022, I sailed from 6 embarkation ports. In 2023, I’ll plan to spend more time in my embarkation ports before my cruise.

From Vancouver to Athens, I sailed from a variety of cruise ports in 2022. For most sailings, I arrived in the port only one day before my cruise began. And although this provided ample time to arrive before my ship set sail, it didn’t leave much time for exploring these world-class destinations.

In 2023, I plan to spend more time in my embarkation ports before and after my cruise. I’m already looking forward to exploring Sydney before my South Pacific cruise this fall and eating my way through Vancouver before my Alaska cruise this spring.

What lessons did you learn from cruising in 2022? Will anything you experienced change how you’ll cruise this year? Let us know in the comments below!

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

In:

Secrets, Tips and Tricks

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:

10 cruise ship tips that worked for our Royal Caribbean Blog staffers in 2022

In:

Secrets, Tips and Tricks

02 Jan 2023

The Royal Caribbean Blog staff collectively spent over 270 nights on Royal Caribbean ships in 2022. From sunny Aruba to chilly Alaska, we’ve traveled around the world this year to share our best tips and tricks with you.

While the cruising experience is mostly back to normal for 2023, 2022 brought trial, error, and lessons learned to the cruising experience. Shifting from nearly empty ships in 2021 to busy cruises in 2022 was an adjustment for our staff, and it was more important than ever to research and plan our cruises well before boarding.

I was curious to hear which cruising advice was most helpful to our staff members in 2022, so I asked them about which tips they used (and lessons they learned) while cruising this year. Here’s what they said.

Be prepared for full capacity

A year ago, not all Royal Caribbean ships had returned to service yet, and the ones that had returned to service were operating at limited capacity. It wasn’t uncommon to see capacity as low as 25% in the early part of 2022.

Today most sailings are operating at 100% capacity, and writer Haley Mills mentioned how it’s important to prepare yourself for busy ships.

“I think just overall be prepared for full capacity,” Haley mentioned. “The Windjammer is going to have lines at peak times. Pools are going to be crowded on sea days.”

Busy ships can be fun, though, and you’ll find a much more exciting atmosphere onboard than when ships were sailing at low capacities. Everything from game shows to lounges and pool deck parties are, arguably, much more fun with high capacity compared to low capacity.

Book the stateroom you want instead of using RoyalUp

Junior Suite balcony on Anthem of the Seas

Another tip from writer Marcy Miyar is to book the stateroom you originally wanted instead of hoping to win a RoyalUp bid.

Many cruisers took advantage of RoyalUp when capacities were still low. Because there were fewer guests onboard, there was a higher chance of winning a RoyalUp bid for an upgraded stateroom category.

Nowadays, however, this is not the case. Marcy explained how, due to higher capacity onboard, it’s more difficult to win a RoyalUp bid than it was when ships were operating at lower capacity.

“Don’t rely on RoyalUp to get a better cabin category at a discounted price. Just book the room you want.”

Always research ships and ports

One of our major tips at Royal Caribbean Blog is to research your ship and itinerary before booking (or setting sail) on your cruise. Not all Royal Caribbean ships and ports are equal, so it’s important to know the ins and outs of your particular cruise.

Staff member Haley likes to do this by watching YouTube videos about her ship.

“I like to watch YouTube walkthroughs of the ships I’m going on so that I have a pretty good map in my head of where everything is,” she explained. “It keeps me from feeling overwhelmed once I’m onboard.”

Haley also mentioned how doing research on ports can be helpful during your cruise planning process.

“When it comes to ports, especially somewhere I’ve never been, I read reviews of excursions and weigh my options to determine if it’s better to book something through Royal Caribbean or if the port is better explored on foot. Researching the port ahead of time gives me an idea not only on what to do or where to go, but on safety and how to save money.”

Planning a port day? Here are our best tips and tricks:

Join the Facebook group for your sailing

Prior to your cruise, check Facebook (or the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards) to see if there’s a group for your upcoming sailing. Facebook groups allow you to connect with others on your same cruise, opening up the opportunity for new friendships and connections.

Haley recommends joining a Facebook group before your cruise, especially if you’re cruising solo.

“By the time you get to embarkation day, you’ve already got some people to talk to onboard, and maybe a couple events planned. We planned a pub crawl for the first sea day on Symphony and ended up making several lifetime travel friends!”

Plan for flight delays

Before you book a flight for your cruise, make sure the flight itinerary allocates plenty of wiggle room for potential delays, missed connections, or cancellations.

“I had too many instances of flight issues last year and I am grateful I never missed a cruise because of it,” Allie Hubers said. “I would allocate even more travel time than you think.”

One of Allie’s main travel tips is to consider booking the earliest flight of the day before your cruise instead of the last flight. This can lessen the chance of a delay, as delays commonly occur as the day goes on and early flights are delayed, causing a ripple effect for those later in the day.

Writer Chantal McPhee also pointed out the importance of arriving in your cruise embarkation port early.

“Fly in at least a day early, but give yourself even more time for places like Europe. Between jet lag and long flights, an extra day to catch up is nice.”

Use a good travel agent

Another of our top suggestions at Royal Caribbean Blog is to utilize a travel agent when booking your Royal Caribbean cruise, and Chantal mentioned how her travel agent was invaluable while planning a European cruise.

“Ours suggested the most idyllic hotel in Barcelona and gave me some great advice on excursions. At first I did not consider going to Pompeii when visiting Naples, and it ended up being my favorite thing we did all cruise. I made memories I will never forget!”

Travel agents can help not only with booking your cruise, but by providing valuable information throughout the entire process. For more information on choosing a travel agent, check out the top 5 things to look for in a good travel agent for your cruise vacation.

Bring a Covid test just in case you start feeling sick

Even though pre-cruise testing is no longer required for most sailings, packing an at-home Covid test can still be a good idea.

“Bring a Covid test just in case you start feeling sick,” mentioned Angie Vognild. Having an at-home Covid test on hand can be helpful on the chance you feel ill onboard without requiring the hassle of contacting the onboard medical team.

If you’re set on a specialty restaurant reservation, book it ahead of time in the Cruise Planner

Marcy and her husband typically book the 3-night dining package when they cruise. As with any dining package, you’re unable to reserve restaurants and dining times until after you board the cruise.

“The number one ‘issue’ for me this year has been securing dining reservation times,” Marcy explained. “We have to wait until we’re onboard to book our restaurants and have found the times we want already taken.”

Not being able to reserve specialty restaurants until embarkation day is one of the biggest disadvantages of booking a dining package versus reserving restaurants individually ahead of your cruise.

While you can save money with a dining package compared to booking each meal individually, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to book your preferred restaurants and times if many other passengers have reserved a particular restaurant.

“I would suggest if someone has their heart set on a particular restaurant and time,” Marcy said, “they should secure it in the Cruise Planner ahead of time or be prepared to be flexible with the dining times.”

Wait out for an Alaska cruise deal

Matt Hochberg always advocates booking a cruise far in advance, but he mentioned how “there were a lot of intriguing last-minute Alaska cruise deals last year beginning with August sailings.”

Royal Caribbean Blog video editor Jenna took advantage of one of these deals by booking the cheapest Alaska cruise she could find, and it paid off with a budget-friendly, bucket-list trip.

“If you’re very flexible on when you can sail and can find cheap flights to Seattle (maybe credit card points to burn),” Matt said, “waiting out an Alaska deal for the latter half of the season could net you a really great deal."

Book excursions ahead of time

Allie explained the importance of booking excursions ahead of time, which came in handy on her recent Holy Land cruise on Odyssey of the Seas.

“For our Israel cruise, anyone on a Royal Caribbean excursion had priority for immigration, so they booked up quickly before we even boarded.”

Having a Royal Caribbean excursion booked in Israel ended up being a great decision, as Allie and her family were able to get through immigration much quicker than those who had booked independent tours.

She explained how certain ports are more popular for Royal Caribbean excursions than others.

“The added convenience, safety, and guarantee to return to the ship drove up demand for RCL sponsored tours for Israel. This was also the case for Santorini; RCL excursions had priority tendering so they were popular. Booking early ensures you can get your first choice.”

If you’re considering booking Royal Caribbean excursions–especially in a port where excursions tend to sell out–we recommend booking as early as possible.

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

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