An Alaska cruise provides the opportunity to spot some of the state’s remarkable wildlife. Luckily, the peak time to view Alaska’s wildlife coincides with the cruise season.

From April to September, wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful throughout the state. Whales, bears, otters, sea lions, eagles, and other marine and land animals can be spotted during your Alaska cruise.

The best time and place to view each animal depends on many factors including migration patterns, hibernation, and food sources. If viewing wildlife is important to you on an Alaska cruise, it’s a good idea to know when and where you can view Alaska’s wildlife best.

Bears

Alaska is home to more bears than any other state. Black bears, brown bears, and polar bears call Alaska home. While polar bears do not migrate far enough south to see while on a cruise, passengers may have the opportunity to spot black or brown bears.

The best time to see bears in Southeast Alaska is from July through early September. 

Each summer season, Alaska sees an influx of salmon swimming upstream to spawn. And where there are salmon, other types of wildlife are often present. Bears can most easily be spotted feeding on salmon nearby creeks and streams. 

One of the best ways to see bears in Alaska is through one of Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Tours. By going inland and touring destinations such as Denali National Park and Preserve, your chances of spotting grizzly bears and black bears are higher. Plus, you will have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as caribou, moose, and wolves as well.

On an Alaska cruise to Sitka, guests can book the “Best of Sitka” tour which goes to the Fortress of the Bear for wildlife viewing. This is a bear rescue center whose mission is to rescue bear cubs that are orphaned or sick and bring them back to health.

Visitors at Fortress of the Bear can get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown bears to observe the animals’ behaviors and personalities.

There are more exclusive bear watching excursions available as well. Those with a high interest in seeing bears in their natural habitat can choose to visit Admiralty Island near Juneau.

Passengers will be taken to the island’s wilderness via a float plane. Since the island is home to one of the highest density populations of brown bears and eagles in the world, wildlife is likely to be spotted.

Of course, those hiking in Alaska or exploring the outdoors without a guide should be extra vigilant and knowledgeable on bear safety.

Whales

The types of whales you are likely to spot on an Alaska cruise depends on the month of your sailing.

If you’re sailing to Alaska in the peak summer months of June and July, you are more likely to spot humpback whales. An estimated 500 humpback whales call the Alaska Inside Passage home during the summer. 

While technically part of the dolphin family, many cruise passengers are eager to spot a killer whale in Alaska. The best time to see Killer whales on an Alaska cruise is in May and June. They are commonly found near Ketchikan, Juneau, and Seward. 

Grey whales are prevalent in southeast and southern Alaska in the late spring. Those with an Alaska cruise booked in April or early May are more likely to see these whales, as they begin migrating to the colder northern Alaska waters in late April.

Spotting a blue whale while on a cruise to Alaska is quite rare, but those lucky enough to see them will most likely be cruising during the late summer months of July and August. Blue whales tend to hang out in the open water as opposed to near the shoreline.

Sea Lions and Otters

Steller sea lions do not migrate when the weather is frigid, so they can be spotted year-round in Alaska. The best time to see sea lions, though, is early in the spring until the end of July.

You can spot Steller sea lions throughout southeast Alaska, but it is recommended to take a wildlife tour excursion for the best chance of seeing these animals up close.

Both playful and adorable, sea otters can also be spotted on an Alaska cruise. Sea otters do not migrate long distances, so they can be spotted year-round in Alaska. The best place to find sea otters while on a cruise is in streams and creeks near the ocean. 

Eagles

There are an estimated 100,000 bald eagles in the world, with around 30,000 calling Alaska home. A bald eagle is one of the most recognizable birds in the world, and many people are eager to spot an eagle during their Alaska cruise.

An eagle’s diet consists mainly of fish, so the best place to spot an eagle is in the trees near a body of water. Luckily, an Alaska cruise means that you are nearly always surrounded by tall trees and water, so be sure to get out your binoculars.

You can spot eagles year-round in southeast Alaska, as the temperate rainforest provides an ideal habitat for the bird. They are most commonly seen during the salmon run in mid-summer, when they feed off the scraps of fish left by bears.

You may also wish to take an excursion to view eagles. The “Sitka Cultural Discovery and Alaska Raptor Center” brings guests to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, where injured eagles and other birds are rescued and rehabilitated.

Outside of eagles, there is no shortage of bird watching opportunities on an Alaska cruise. Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest, and with that comes hundreds of species of birds that migrate to and from the state each year. There are an estimated 470 species of birds in the state.

Tips for spotting wildlife in Alaska

Wildlife can be found not only while exploring a port, but also at sea. Oftentimes, the captain will announce on the livespeaker when whales or other wildlife can be spotted from the ship. When this happens, expect a crowd of excited passengers to form on the outside decks hoping to catch a glimpse of the animals.

An important tip when hoping to view wildlife in Alaska is to remain flexible. Tour operators can never guarantee you will see a pod of orcas, humpback whales breaching, a grizzly bear eating salmon in the stream, or an eagle soaring through the trees.

Wildlife can be unpredictable, especially if you are cruising to Alaska in the shoulder season. However, you may also be surprised by how easy it can be to find wildlife, too.

Whether you’re eating lunch on a sea day and the captain announces there are whales swimming alongside the ship, walking in Ketchikan and suddenly seeing otters playing in the stream, or traveling in a bus and passing an eagle in its nest, you never know when and where you will spot wildlife on an Alaska cruise.

The best tip we can give, though, is to pack binoculars with you on your Alaska cruise. Having the ability to view the animals “close-up” when you are technically far away will make your wildlife viewing experiences much more personal and exciting. 

Read more tips and information about cruises to Alaska:

• How much does an Alaska cruise cost?
• The weirdest Alaska cruise questions
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2022
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• What it's like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season
• Cruising to Alaska: What I Did Right and Wrong

Deciding between Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas means choosing between two cruise ships with lots of of fun things to do.

Whether you’re planning your first cruise or fiftieth, Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest ships are likely to be of interest to you. The Quantum and Oasis Class ships are among the biggest in the world and come with seemingly endless dining venues, entertainment choices, and activities.

How do the two classes of ships compare, though? Let’s take a look at Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas to see how the ships compare and contrast in layout, itineraries, and offerings for guests.

Overview

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Harmony of the Seas is the 3rd ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, the largest class of cruise ships. She has a capacity of 6,687 guests, length of 1,188 feet, and measures 226,963 in gross tonnage. Her maiden voyage was in May of 2016.

Anthem of the Seas is the 2nd ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class. She has a capacity of 4,905 guests, length of 1,141 feet, and measures 168,666 in gross tonnage. Her maiden voyage was in November of 2014.

Ship Layouts

As an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas is split into seven main neighborhoods. These are designed to help break up crowds by spreading guests around the ship, and all are quite distinct from each other:

• The Boardwalk neighborhood is located on Deck 6 in the aft of the ship. This neighborhood is designed like a nostalgic boardwalk near the sea, with an arcade, carousel, souvenir shops, and dining options. The Aquatheater entertainment venue is also located here, where guests can enjoy aqua shows involving diving, synchronized swimming, and slack lining.
• Central Park is a neighborhood unlike any other on a Royal Caribbean ship. With over 10,000 plants and flowers, guests might feel as if they are walking through a park on land as opposed to being onboard a cruise ship. Dining and shopping venues are in Central Park as well.
• The Pool and Sports Zone is where guests will find pools, jacuzzis, water slides, and several signature activities.
• The Royal Esplanade is the main thoroughfare on Oasis Class ships, with dining, shopping, bars, guest service areas, and more.
• Entertainment Place is where guests go to watch signature entertainment and live music onboard.
• The Vitality Spa and Fitness neighborhood is where guests can work on wellness, whether at a massage, hair appointment, or fitness class.
• The Youth Zone is the hub of Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean programming, offering activities for guests aged 6 months to 17 years.

Anthem of the Seas does not have the same neighborhood concept as an Oasis Class ship. However, the ship can still be broken into a few distinct areas:

• The Via is on Deck 5 as you walk toward the aft of the ship. Here guests will find artwork, dining, shopping, Next Cruise, and the Two70 entertainment venue.
• The Royal Esplanade is similar to the Royal Promenade on Harmony of the Seas. This is a two-story hub of dining venues, bars and lounges, shopping, and guest services areas.
• The Pool Deck area is where you will find all of the pools on Anthem of the Seas as well as the Solarium
• The Sports/Seaplex area is where many of the main signature activities are offered on Anthem of the Seas

Food & Dining

Both Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas share many of the same dining venues:

• Main Dining Room
• Windjammer Cafe
• Solarium Bistro
• Coastal Kitchen
• Cafe Promenade
• Sorrento’s
• Chef’s Table
• Wonderland
• Jamie’s Italian
• Chops Grille
• Izumi (sushi)
• Johnny Rockets
• Dog House

As an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas has several more dining options than Anthem of the Seas.

• Park Cafe is a complimentary dining option in the Central Park neighborhood on Harmony of the Seas. Open for breakfast and lunch, Park Cafe offers an assortment of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, a bagel station, sandwiches, a salad bar, soups, and more.
• 150 Central Park is a specialty venue located in the Central Park neighborhood focused on sourcing local ingredients. Menu highlights include lamb wellington, roasted tenderloin, and fried cheesecake.
• Mini Bites is located near the Sports area onboard and offers quick, complimentary grab-and-go options such as quesadillas and hamburgers. Breakfast is also available with made-to-order omelets, bacon, and more.
• Sabor is a Mexican specialty restaurant offering small plates, build-your-own tacos, quesadillas, and more. Menu highlights include spicy beef empanadas, red snapper ceviche, grilled cobia tacos, steak quesadillas, and cinnamon churros. Sabor also features a tequila bar and margarita menu.
• Izumi on Harmony of the Seas also has a hibachi option, whereas the venue is only for sushi on Anthem of the Seas.
• Vitality Cafe is a casual venue featuring grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries. Freshly made smoothies are also available here as well as protein shakes. The food options are complimentary at Vitality Cafe while drinks come at an extra cost.
• Harmony of the Seas also has a Starbucks location on the Boardwalk.

One venue that is offered on Anthem of the Seas but not on Harmony is Cafe @ Two70. Located inside the Two70 entertainment venue found only on Quantum Class ships, Cafe @ Two70 has a similar selection of food to Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships.

There is also a coffee bar located in Cafe @ Two70 where guests can order specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic coffee drinks. Cafe @ Two70 is a complimentary venue aside from specialty beverages.

The second venue found on Anthem of the Seas but not Harmony is La Patisserie. Guests can order specialty coffee and tea beverages here as well as French delicacies including macarons, cheesecake, and eclairs. La Patisserie is an extra-cost venue.

Outdoor dining on Anthem of the Seas includes a section of the Windjammer which offers views of the aft and an outdoor area of Jamie’s Italian on the Promenade Deck.

Outdoor dining on Harmony of the Seas can be found at dining venues located at the Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods, including Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Park Cafe, Sabor, and Johnny Rockets.

Bars & Lounges

Both Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas share many of the same bars and lounges:

• Vintages 
• Pool Bars
• English-style pub
• Schooner Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Boleros
• Solarium Bar

Several bars and lounges feature excellent views of the pool deck and ocean, such as the North Star Bar on Anthem of the Seas and Mast Bar on Harmony of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas has several smaller bar areas located throughout the ship as well, including Wipe Out Bar on the Sports Deck and Trellis Bar in the heart of Central Park.

Perhaps the most unique bar on Harmony of the Seas is the Rising Tide Bar. This is a bar that moves up and down three stories between the Royal Promenade and Central Park neighborhoods. The bar is adults-only and free to ride.

There are a few more lounges to note on Harmony of the Seas:

• On Air, a karaoke bar where guests can put their vocal skills to the test as they sing their favorite songs.
• Jazz on 4, an intimate jazz club which offers live music each evening
• The Attic, a comedy club where guests can listen to a selection of comedians each cruise

Guests looking for a nightclub lounge experience onboard have options on both Anthem and Harmony of the Seas. On Anthem of the Seas guests can go to the Music Hall, a two-story venue with a stage, dance floor, two bars, comfy seating, and pool tables.

On Harmony of the Seas, guests will enjoy Dazzles. This is another two-story music and dance venue which overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Entertainment

Both Anthem and Harmony of the Seas offer top-notch entertainment options. Both ships have a Royal Theater with a full-length Broadway musical performance, but each ship has a selection of other shows in the diverse entertainment venues found onboard.

Anthem of the Seas is home to Two70, a signature venue found only on Quantum Class ships. This is a venue in the very aft of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows offering 270 degree views of the ship’s aft. The venue incorporates technology through moveable television screens and light effects into its performances. Both live and “virtual” concerts are available here.

Anthem of the Seas offers the following signature shows:

• Broadway musical: We Will Rock You
• Two70 show: Spectra’s Cabaret
• Other: The Gift (Royal Theater)

In addition to the Royal Theater, Harmony of the Seas has an Aquatheater and Studio B ice skating rink. The Aquatheater is unique to Oasis Class ships and is where Royal Caribbean’s signature aquatic shows are performed.

Harmony of the Seas offers the following signature shows:

• Broadway musical: Grease: The Musical
• Studio B: iSkate and 1887: A Journey in Time
• Aquatheater: The Fine Line and Hideaway Heist
• Other: Columbus: The Musical (Royal Theater)

Pool Deck

Harmony of the Seas features three main pools: the Main Pool, the Beach Pool, and the Sports Pool. The pools are all very similar to each other, with pool games being offered in the Sports Pool and a beach-style design at the Beach Pool.

Anthem of the Seas has two main pools: one indoor pool and one outdoor pool. As Quantum Class ships were designed to function in both cold and warm weather, Anthem of the Seas has plenty of indoor pool deck space, with indoor jacuzzis and an indoor pool bar as well.

The Solarium on Harmony of the Seas does not have a pool, but instead has four jacuzzis throughout the space. The Solarium is not an enclosed space, but offers plenty of shade. The Solarium on Anthem of the Seas is fully enclosed, and features a series of cascading pools as well as jacuzzis.

Both ships offer plenty of activities for kids on the pool deck, too. Harmony of the Seas has a large Splashaway Bay area with kid-sized water slides, splash pad areas, water dump buckets, and water sprayers.

Anthem of the Seas has the H20 Zone, which features shallow pool areas for young children. There is also a small kids pool here as well that is not as shallow as the splash pad areas.

Harmony of the Seas has three water slides: the Cyclone and Typhoon slides, where guests can race each other, and the Supercell slide, where guests spin around a “champagne bowl” to make their way to the bottom.

Being a Quantum Class ship, Anthem of the Seas does not have water slides.

Onboard Activities

With Anthem of the Seas being a Quantum Class ship and Harmony of the Seas being an Oasis Class ship, many of their signature activities onboard differ from each other.

Harmony of the Seas offers several signature activities that are included in your cruise fare. The majority of these activities take place on the sports deck or Boardwalk:

• The zipline, where guests can fly nine decks over the Boardwalk neighborhood
• A carousel
• The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide where guests slide 9 stories down from the Sports Deck to the Boardwalk neighborhood
• Ice skating in Studio B
• Mini golf
• Sports court (outdoors)
• Water slides
• Escape room

Likewise, Anthem of the Seas offers several activities only found on Quantum Class ships:

• The North Star, an observation pod that rises from the pool deck to offer 360 degree views from 300 feet above sea level
• RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator
• Bumper Cars
• Roller skating
• Circus school
• Xbox gaming area

The hub of activity on Anthem of the Seas is in the SeaPlex. The SeaPlex is the only indoor sports center in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, where guests can enjoy indoor soccer, volleyball, pickleball, dance classes, and more. This is where signature activities such as bumper cars, roller skating, and circus school are located.

Most signature activities on both ships are complementary. On Anthem of the Seas, though, there may be both a complementary and extra fee option for the North Star and RipCord by iFLY. Guests should make reservations for these activities via the Royal Caribbean app as soon as they get onboard, as complementary reservations can fill up quickly.

Both ships offer the Flowrider and rock climbing wall. Because Harmony of the Seas has a higher capacity, there are two Floriders and two rock climbing walls available. There are also two arcades on Harmony, whereas Anthem of the Seas has one arcade.

Itineraries

Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas offer itineraries that differ from each other in length, departure port, and region of the world.

Anthem of the Seas itineraries

Anthem of the Seas splits her time sailing from Southampton, England, and Cape Liberty, New Jersey. She sails from Southampton from May to October, offering a variety of European cruises. Highlights include:

• 7-night Norwegian Fjords Cruises visiting destinations such as Bergen, Alesund Olden, Haugesund, Kristiansand, and Geiranger
• 7-night Spain & France cruise visiting La Rochelle, La Coruna, Bilbao, and Paris (Le Havre)
• 12-night Discovery The Canaries Cruise visiting ports including Madeira, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Lisbon, La Coruna, and Vigo
• 9-night Spain & Portugal Cruise visiting Bilbao, La Coruna, Vigo, Lisbon, and Seville
• 14-night Mediterranean Cruises with cruise options including destinations such as Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice, Rome, Naples, Gibraltar, Malaga, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Ibiza

For the rest of the year, Anthem of the Seas sails from Cape Liberty, New Jersey offering cruises to the Caribbean. Cruise selections include:

• 7-night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise visiting Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 8-night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise visiting Port Canaveral, Miami, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 11-night Southern Caribbean Cruise visiting San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts

Transatlantic cruises are also offered on Anthem of the Seas when she sails to and from Europe.

Harmony of the Seas itineraries

Harmony of the Seas sails from Cape Canaveral until October 2022, when she will begin offering cruises from both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. Regardless of the embarkation port, Harmony of the Seas offers Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises. Highlights include:

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises visiting destinations such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau, St. Kitts, Labadee, Puerto Plata, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises visiting destinations including Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 8-night Southern Caribbean cruises visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Aruba, and Curacao

Staterooms

As Quantum and Oasis Class ships, both Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas offer everything from the most basic interior rooms to exquisite loft suites. Both ships offer the Virtual Balcony for interior rooms as well.

In addition, Anthem and Harmony of the Seas offer the Royal Suite Class. Depending on the suite, guests will be in either Sea Class, Sky Class, or Star Class, all of which bring exclusive benefits, including access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

Star Class is the most exclusive suite class and includes a Royal Genie, who is a personalized concierge during your time onboard.

A difference between the two ships are the neighborhood rooms available on Harmony of the Seas. Oasis Class ships offer both Central Park and Boardwalk balcony rooms, which look down into their respective neighborhoods.

Central Park rooms do not have an ocean view, but Boardwalk balcony rooms will have a partial ocean view to the side. There are a few interior “Central Park view” staterooms available as well, which have a porthole looking into Central Park.

Harmony of the Seas also has Aquatheater suites which overlook the ship’s aft and Aquatheater area. 

Which ship should I choose?

Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will both provide an excellent, modern cruising experience. There is no shortage of things to do and places to eat on either ship, but there are a few key things to consider before choosing one over the other.

First, the itineraries on the ships are totally different. For those living in the northeast, Anthem of the Seas can be a nice option for a Caribbean cruise that does not require flying to Florida. Anthem of the Seas is also a good option for those based in Europe, due to her wide range of European itineraries.

Harmony of the Seas offers more traditional Caribbean cruises. Because she departs from Florida, there are fewer sea days required to reach Caribbean destinations. Therefore, guests can see a wider range of Caribbean islands on Harmony of the Seas than they can on Anthem of the Seas.

Second, Anthem of the Seas has more of a traditionally-built cruise ship layout whereas Harmony of the Seas, being an Oasis Class ship, has a completely different layout to other Royal Caribbean ships.

Both ships offer plenty to do for families. Harmony of the Seas may have a slight edge toward toddlers and young children with a full sized Splashaway Bay on the pool deck, whereas Anthem of the Seas has many activities for older children like bumper cars and RipCord by iFLY.

Ultimately, whichever ship you choose will lead to a fantastic Royal Caribbean cruise, and you will definitely not run out of things to do and see on either ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships are some of the newest and most modern ships in the fleet. They are packed with signature activities, diverse dining options, and technology integrated throughout the ships.

Of all the Royal Caribbean ship classes of cruise ship, the Quantum Class was designed to take a step forward with its modern design and onboard activities.

Let’s take a look at everything the Quantum Class has to offer, and how the ships within the class differ from each other.

Quantum Class cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has five Quantum Class cruise ships.

• Quantum of the Seas is the first ship of the class, and she sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Brisbane, offering Alaska, South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, and transpacific cruises.
• Anthem of the Seas is the second ship of the class, and she sails from Cape Liberty and Southampton, offering both Caribbean and European cruises.
• Ovation of the Seas is the third ship of the class, and she sails from Seattle, Vancouver, and Sydney, offering Alaska, Australia, South Pacific, New Zealand, Hawaii, and transpacific cruises.
• Spectrum of the Seas is the fourth ship of the class, and she sails from Shanghai and Singapore, offering cruises throughout both Southeast Asia and Japan.
• Odyssey of the Seas is the fifth and last ship of the class, and she sails from Fort Lauderdale and Rome, offering Caribbean, European, and transatlantic cruises.

Quantum Class ships were designed to function in both warm and cold weather conditions, and the ships feature more indoor areas than other Royal Caribbean ships. Because of this, you can find Quantum Class ships doing a range of itineraries around the world, from Norway to England, Alaska, Thailand, China, Japan, and the Caribbean.

The ships are all of a similar length, gross tonnage (GT), and capacity (at double capacity):

• Quantum of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,141’ long, 168,666 GT
• Anthem of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,141’ long, 168,666 GT
• Ovation of the Seas: capacity of 4,905 guests, 1,138’ long, 168,666 GT
• Spectrum of the Seas: capacity of 5,622 guests, 1,139’ long, 169,379 GT
• Odyssey of the Seas: capacity of 5,498 guests, 1,138’ long, 169,300 GT

Quantum Ultra Class

Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas are technically in the Quantum Ultra Class. Quantum Ultra Class ships are very similar to the regular Quantum Class, and should be looked at more as a subset of the Quantum Class as opposed to an entirely different class of ship.

There are a few differences to note between Quantum and Quantum Ultra Class ships:

• The Sports Deck in the aft of a Quantum Ultra Class ship also has a SkyPad. The Skypad jets out over the side of the ship with a glass floor walkway of the ocean below.
• Quantum Ultra Class ships have a unified Main Dining Room as opposed to the separate dining rooms on the Quantum Class ships.
• They are slightly larger than the original Quantum Class ships.
• Quantum Ultra Class ships feature a Teppanyaki restaurant in addition to Izumi Sushi.

Activities and Things to Do

SeaPlex

A unique feature of the Quantum Class ships is the SeaPlex. Unlike on other Royal Caribbean ships where the sports court area is outdoors, Quantum Class ships have an indoor sports arena called the SeaPlex.

The SeaPlex is a hub of activity throughout the cruise. During the day it’s common to see complimentary dance and exercise classes available as well as pickleball, soccer, roller skating, and volleyball.

One of the most popular activities at the SeaPlex are bumper cars. Each Quantum Class ship has select times available throughout the cruise for bumper cars. As this is a highly anticipated activity a line usually forms, so be sure to go to the SeaPlex early.

Another unique activity in the SeaPlex is Circus School, where guests can try their best acrobatic skills on a flying trapeze.

On the upper level of the SeaPlex is an arcade as well as areas for activities like video games and table tennis.

RipCord by iFLY

Quantum Class ships are the only ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet to offer RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator. To participate in RipCord by iFLY, guests must first watch an introductory safety video to learn proper body positioning and hand signals.

Following the video, guests dress in proper attire and try to fly in the skydiving chamber.

On most sailings, there is both a complementary and extra cost option for RipCord by iFLY. The complementary option includes a one minute flight time whereas the fee for a longer flight of two minutes is usually around $49.99.

Advanced flying lessons may be available as well for an extra charge.

North Star

The North Star is one of the most popular activities on Quantum Class ships. It is an observation capsule that rises from the pool deck to 300 feet above sea level to provide 360-degree views of the ship at sea or in port.

On most sailings the North Star is complementary when the ship is in port and comes with a fee of around $29.99 when the ship is at sea. The North Star is weather-dependent and if it is too windy or rainy, it will likely not be operating.

Skypad

The Skypad is available on Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas. This is a bungee trampoline where guests can jump on trampolines while attached to a harness. There is also a virtual reality experience available with the Skypad, where guests put on a virtual reality headset to play games while jumping.

Other activities

Quantum Class ships also have a rock climbing wall and FlowRider. There is no mini golf available. The only water slides on Quantum Class ships are the kids-only slides at Splashaway Bay on select ships.

Pool Deck

The pool deck on a Quantum Class cruise ship has both an outdoor pool, indoor pool, kids splash area, and an adults-only Solarium.

Because Quantum Class ships were designed to function in all types of weather conditions, they have an indoor pool with a retractable roof. This area is climate controlled to allow for swimming even on the most chilly mornings when cruising to places like Alaska.

In addition to the indoor pool is the adults-only Solarium. This is a space for guests 16 and older. The Solarium on Quantum Class ships is totally enclosed with a see-through sunroof. It features hot tubs, a multi-level pool, and plenty of seating opportunities. The Solarium Bistro is also found here.

The Solarium is a complementary venue with the exception of China sailings, where it is reserved for Gold and Silver suite guests.

The kids area at the pool is the older H20 Zone on Quantum and Anthem of the Seas, whereas Ovation, Spectrum, and Odyssey of the Seas have the upgraded Splashaway Bay. The H20 zone is more of a splash pad area with water sprayers.

Splashaway Bay, one the other hand, has several small water slides and play areas, including a large bucket that dumps water over the area every few minutes.

The pool deck on each Quantum Class features a casual dining venue, plenty of seating, and several bars.

Entertainment and Venues on Quantum Class ships

There is no shortage of entertainment options on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class cruise ships. Whether live latin music at Boleros, acoustic guitar at the English style pub, or comedians in the theater, guests will always find something to enjoy.

The primary entertainment venues on Quantum Class ships are the Royal Theater and Two70.

Two70 is an entertainment venue unique to Quantum Class ships. With floor-to-ceiling windows spanning 270 degrees, Two70 offers dramatic views of the ship’s aft. The venue is open to guests throughout the day and can be a great place onboard to relax and watch the world go by.

Two70 features technology in all of its performances. With six television screens that can be programmed to move in many directions, Two70 even hosts some virtual concerts with performers on the screen instead of in person.

Right near Two70 is Cafe @ Two70. This is a complementary, casual grab-and-go restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, usually closing around 5PM. Cafe @ Two70 offers breakfast pastries, bagels, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more.

The main entertainment lineup on Quantum Class ships is as follows:

• Quantum of the Seas: Starwater Show in Two70; Sequins & Feathers and Sonic Odyssey in the Royal Theater
• Anthem of the Seas: Spectra’s Cabaret in Two70; We Will Rock You and The Gift in the Royal Theater
• Ovation of the Seas: Pixel’s Cabaret in Two70; The Beautiful Dream and Live. Love. Legs in the Royal Theater.
• Spectrum of the Seas: The Silk Road in Two70; The Effectors and Showgirl in the Royal Theater
• Odyssey of the Seas: The Book in Two70; The Effectors and Showgirl in the Royal Theater

Technological Features

Technology is at the forefront of the Quantum Class ships and is evident in the ships’ designs, activities, and guest experience.

The art on Quantum Class ships features technology, with some art pieces consisting of screens which can change color through touch. On Ovation of the Seas, for example, is a butterfly art piece. As guests walk by, butterflies “fly” away on screen.

A fun activity to try on Quantum Class ships is Expedition Two70. By using the Royal Caribbean app, guests can participate in a “scavenger hunt” in Two70. As you walk through the venue, virtual obstacles appear.

You must point your phone at the object and destroy it before moving to the next level. By completing each level, guests receive a virtual mask, and once all masks have been found, the game is complete. This can be a fun activity for kids or adults while onboard.

Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas have a digital key option, where guests can open their stateroom door by using the Royal Caribbean app. Instead of fumbling around pockets and purses to find your SeaPass card, guests can simply open the Royal Caribbean app on their phone and hold it to the key on the door.

Quantum Class ships were also the first class of ships to offer a Virtual Balcony. Passengers staying in an interior cabin can book a room with a virtual balcony, which is a floor-to-ceiling television screen offering real time views from the outside.

All Quantum Class ships have the Bionic Bar, a venue where robot bartenders mix your favorite drinks. Guests can create a custom drink using an iPad ordering system or choose from a menu of featured drinks.

Differences between the Quantum Class cruise ships

Quantum Class ships share the following dining and bar venues:

• Chef’s Table
• Solarium Bistro (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• Windjammer Marketplace
• Izumi Sushi
• Wonderland
• Chops Grille
• Sorrento’s Pizza
• Cafe @ Two70
• Main Dining Room
• Schooner Bar
• Sunshine Bar
• Bionic Bar
• Two70 Bar
• Vintages (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• Coastal Kitchen (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• Jamie’s Italian (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• English-style pub (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)
• North Star Bar (excluding Odyssey of the Seas)
• Boleros (excluding Spectrum of the Seas)

One benefit of sailing on a Quantum class ship is the amount of outdoor dining space available. On Quantum, Anthem, and Ovation of the Seas, there are a couple outdoor dining options.

First is at the WIndjammer, with a patio at the very back offering views of the ship’s aft. This is especially a nice area on sailings through scenic areas such as the Alaska Inside Passage.

Second is the outdoor patio available at Jamie’s Italian. Guests can choose to eat indoors or at the covered patio outdoors. As the restaurant is on Deck 4, guests can enjoy close-up views of the ocean as they sail.

Quantum of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Quantum of the Seas has Noodle Bar, La Patisserie, and the SeaPlex Dog House.

Noodle Bar is the pool deck dining venue on Quantum of the Seas, and has both complementary and extra cost options. Complementary options include chicken tenders and mini-hot dogs, and specialty items include chicken satay, Taiwanese spicy beef, and noodle soup.

As Quantum of the Seas will transition to a North American and Australian market following the conclusion of its Singapore sailings, some onboard dining and venues may change. However, due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, this may not be happening in the near future.

For example, currently located on the Royal Esplanade is a Japanese pharmacy. Here, guests can shop for Japanese beauty and wellness products. This is something that could change when the ship moves to the American and Australian market.

Likewise, the extra casino space on Quantum of the Seas may be turned into different venues. There is also no Diamond Club currently, and in its place is the Golden Room reserved for VIP Casino Royale guests.

Quantum of the Seas has has a total of 2,094 staterooms:

• 375 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1446 balcony
• 125 suites

Anthem of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Anthem of the Seas has La Patisserie, Johnny Rockets Express, and the SeaPlex Dog House.

Anthem of the Seas is the only Quantum Class ship to have Johnny Rockets Express. Located on the pool deck, guests can order classic American cuisine including milkshakes, hamburgers, french fries, and chicken tenders. Johnny Rockets Express is priced a la carte on Anthem of the Seas, with prices around $8 for a hamburger and $5.50 for a milkshake.

Anthem of the Seas is also the only Quantum Class ship with a full length Broadway musical. We Will Rock You is performed on Anthem of the Seas, which features some of Queen’s best hits including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Killer Queen. The Broadway show is complimentary for guests.

Anthem of the Seas has has a total of 2,091 staterooms:

• 378 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1436 balcony
• 129 suites

Ovation of the Seas

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Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Ovation of the Seas has La Patisserie, Fish & Ships, and SeaPlex Dog House.

Ovation of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to have Fish & Ships. This is a casual venue located on the pool deck. Recently on Ovation of the Seas, Fish & Ships has offered both complementary and extra cost items, although the complimentary options are subject to change. Menu highlights included fish and chips, lobster roll, fried calamari, and a deep-fried candy bar.

Ovation of the Seas has a total of 2,091 staterooms:

• 378 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 148 oceanview
• 1436 balcony
• 129 suites

Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas is based out of Asia, so the onboard restaurants and venues are geared toward the Chinese market. Because of this, there are more differences to note on Spectrum of the Seas compared to other Quantum Class ships.

You will find more casino space on Spectrum of the Seas, including the Golden Room and VIP Casino located in the Royal Esplanade. These rooms are in addition to the Casino Royale on Deck 3.

As opposed to Boleros, as you will find on other Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas has Star Moment. Star Moment is a karaoke venue where guests can sing karaoke in front of other guests or rent out a private karaoke room with up to ten other passengers.

Dining & Beverage on Spectrum of the Seas

Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Spectrum of the Seas has Teppanyaki, SeaPlex Dog House, Splashaway Cafe, La Patisserie, Noodle Bar, Sichuan Red, Leaf & Bean, The Hot Pot, and the North Star Bar.

Many of these dining venues are found on other Royal Caribbean ships, whereas a few are unique to Spectrum of the Seas.

Leaf and Bean is a tea and coffee shop specializing in both Chinese and western beverages and pastries. Menu selections include a Hong Kong Milk Tea, Thai Tea, Dragonfruit Cheese Tea, and a Blue Mojito.

Splashaway Cafe is located right next to Splashaway Bay on the pool deck and offers kid-friendly cuisine including mini-hot dogs, chicken tenders, and sesame fried chicken. Asian-inspired cuisine is also available, such as spicy Kung Pao chicken over rice and hot soup.

Another restaurant unique to Spectrum of the Seas is Sichuan Red. Inspired by the diverse and spicy cuisine from the Sichuan region in central China, Sichuan Red is a specialty restaurant found only on Spectrum of the Seas.

Menu highlights include Hoisin duck salad, tender beef with tofu, Kao Yu simmer pot, steamed Maine lobster tail, and Royal sea cucumber. Sides include spicy Sichuan noodles, wontons with spicy sauce, and fried rice. For dessert be sure to try the crispy black sesame balls.

Noodle Bar is a complimentary venue located within the Windjammer Marketplace. Here guests can enjoy a buffet selection of fresh noodle soup. Also located near the Windjammer is The Hot Pot. This is a specialty dining venue where guests can cook their meals right at their table inside a steaming pot of stock.

Unlike on other Quantum Class ships, Sorrento’s is located next to the Windjammer Cafe.

Spectrum of the Seas has a total of 2,137 staterooms:

• 366 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 142 oceanview
• 1487 balcony
• 142 suites

Spectrum of the Seas is the only Quantum Class ship to have the Ultimate Family Suite. This is a massive, 2809 square foot suite that can accommodate up to eleven guests. Inside the suite are three master bedrooms, one kids room, an in-suite slide, recreation room, balcony with a jacuzzi, and a master bathroom that extends over the side of the ship.

The Suite Club is another unique feature found only on Spectrum of the Seas. Located on the upper decks of 13 through 16, this was the first suites-only area in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Spectrum has two suite tiers: Gold, with 36 suites available, and Silver, with 106 suites available.

Gold is the most exclusive suite tier on Spectrum of the Seas. Gold guests can choose to dine in the Gold Dining and Lounge restaurant on the ship’s top deck. They can also access The Balcony, which is an exclusive outdoor area also located on the top deck of Spectrum of the Seas.

Silver guests also have their own private restaurant and lounge as well on Deck 13. There is also The Boutique, a room that can be used for Gold and Silver guests for private shopping, wine tastings, and small parties.

Odyssey of the Seas

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Other than the dining and beverage venues shared on all Quantum Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Teppanyaki, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Starbucks, El Loco Fresh, and The Lime & Coconut.

El Loco Fresh is a casual pool deck lunch option that serves grab and go burritos and quesadillas as well as a taco and nacho bar. A topping station is available with a selection of salsas, guacamole, and hot sauce.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the newest Italian restaurant in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. Menu highlights include a meat and cheese platter, selection of traditional pizzas, spaghetti carbonara, and steak muffuletta. Located next to Giovanni’s is Giovanni’s Wine Bar, where guests can enjoy a variety of Italian wines and small bites.

The SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas differs from other Quantum Class ships. Located within the SeaPlex is Playmakers, a sports bar complete with televisions, table games, and even a private room that can be reserved to watch sporting events.

Playmakers serves sports bar food such as hamburgers, chicken fingers, onion rings, nachos, and fries.

The SeaPlex is also home to Zone Zero. This is a 4D virtual-reality experience where guests physically roam and interact with the world around them while wearing a full virtual reality suit. This activity comes at an extra cost and is accessible by reservation only.

Odyssey of the Seas Pool Deck

The Pool Deck on Odyssey of the Seas has a totally different design than the other Quantum Class ships. While it follows the same layout, Odyssey of the Seas has the new Caribbean style pool deck also found on ships like Freedom and Navigator of the Seas.

The Caribbean style pool deck features tropical decor and colors. It has several casitas, which are covered, padded day beds available to reserve at an extra cost. Outside of the casitas are standard pool chairs as well as comfy loungers throughout the pool deck.

As opposed to the Pool Bar and North Star Bar on other Quantum Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has The Lime & Coconut. Following the pool deck’s tropical color pattern and vibe, The Lime & Coconut features island-inspired drinks such as the Rum Runner and Goombay Smash.

One important difference is that Odyssey of the Seas has no indoor pool like the other Quantum Class ships. Instead, there are two outdoor pools.

There are also several hot tubs on the running track deck overlooking the pool deck.

Odyssey of the Seas has 2,105 staterooms:

• 366 interior (including those with a virtual balcony)
• 132 oceanview
• 1482 balcony
• 125 suites

Who is the Quantum Class best for?

The Quantum Class offers activities and amenities for every type of cruiser. As the second biggest class of ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Quantum Class ships are definitely not small, but they are not as large as the Oasis Class ships, either.

Families will especially enjoy the Quantum Class. With activities like RipCord by iFLY, bumper cars, rock climbing, trapeze, roller skating, the North Star, and the FlowRider, it will be difficult for kids to be bored while on a Quantum Class ship.

Those who enjoy unique entertainment options will especially like watching original productions in Two70. Two70 is a venue unlike any other in Royal Caribbean’s fleet and the use of technology, music, dancing, and acrobatics is especially impressive.

Lastly, because Quantum Class ships were built for many types of weather, they can be a great option for sailings that may encounter bad weather. If it is raining while onboard a Quantum Class ship, there are still a plethora of activities to enjoy, whether in the SeaPlex, indoor pools, or Royal Esplanade.

Quantum Class Tips & Secrets

Making reservations on the Cruise Planner is important for any Royal Caribbean cruise, but is especially important when sailing on a Quantum Class ship. Activities like the North Star and RipCord by iFLY often have select complementary reservations available. Once those are fully booked, the only options left usually have a fee.

A “secret” about Quantum Class ships is the animal statue located near the rock climbing wall on the Sports Deck. These are also known as the ships’ mascots, and each ship has a different massive animal statue.

• Quantum of the Seas: Felicia the Bear, a 30-foot, eight-ton pink bear
• Anthem of the Seas: Gigi the Giraffe, a 32-foot, four-ton colorful giraffe wearing a bright pink inner tube
• Ovation of the Seas: Panda Family, a 6.5-ton mama panda helping her baby panda climb the side of the ship
• Spectrum of the Seas: A pile of five small pandas handing balloons to a small panda on the top of the ship
• Odyssey of the Seas: A pink cat playing with a ball of yarn

Some hidden secrets of Quantum Class ships include the following:

• Solarium bridge wings that hang over the side of the ship, which are fantastic viewing areas for sailaway
• Glass floor between decks 13 and 14 looking 9 decks down to the Royal Esplanade
• Solarium Bistro, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant within the Solarium that is usually less crowded than other dining venues

Love is in the air… and at sea!

Have you ever thought about the possibility of meeting the love of your life on a cruise ship? Laura and Jarrod West of New Braunfels, Texas did just that while on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2004.

However, the two lost touch after the cruise. It wasn’t until several years later that they reconnected, started dating, and decided to tie the knot.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we talked with Laura and Jarrod West to learn more about their Royal Caribbean Love Story.

How did you two meet?

Laura and Jarrod: On Explorer of the Seas in March 2004, I (Laura) was traveling with my family and some friends and Jarrod was traveling with his family. Jarrod approached me and my friends on the pool deck.

What was the rest of the cruise like after you met each other?

Laura and Jarrod: During the first cruise we met on, we hung out and got to know each other, along with other spring breakers on the boat.

At that time, guests 18 and up could drink beer and wine and access all the clubs and bars that guests 21 and up could. My group of friends and I told everyone we were 21 at the time instead of 18. Jarrod was 22 at the time.

I had lost my ship card on one of the last days of the cruise and Jarrod walked down with me to get a new one. After they printed my new SeaPass card, Jarrod noticed that customer service punched a hole in my card. He asked why and that’s when Jarrod first learned that I was only 18!

As a result, Jarrod (22) realized that he had been lied to about our ages, but we exchanged numbers anyway.

Did you stay in touch after the cruise?

Laura and Jarrod: Jarrod was living in Illinois and I was living in Texas, and we talked a lot on the phone through August of that year, but it became every once and a while after that (Jarrod was bad about losing his phone).

We never committed to dating or anything because of the long distance and I think Jarrod thought I was too young. So we would randomly talk on the phone every once in a while for 7 years without ever seeing each other.

We both were casually dating other people during that time, but I would always answer his calls. My friends would ask who I was talking to and I would casually respond with “the man I’m going to marry.” Of course my friends and family thought it was a pipe dream!

I even invited Jarrod to come to sorority formal but his work got in the way and he didn’t come. My mom told me to forget about him and that it was never going to happen. 

Meanwhile Jarrod began his successful career being the manager of Walmart.

How did you two end up reconnecting after such a long time apart?

Laura and Jarrod: Seven spring breaks later from when we first met, in 2011, Jarrod and I realized through social media that we were going to be on a cruise the same week and same itinerary but on different ships. I was on Allure with my family and Jarrod was on Freedom with his family. 

After our cruises were over, Jarrod had a 4 hour layover in Dallas and that is where we first saw each other again and reconnected (Jarrod gave me a kiss as soon as he got into the car).

We both agreed it was really special that we both reconnected and before he got on his flight back to Illinois, he asked if he could come back to Dallas and take me on our first official date.

A few weeks later, April fools weekend 2011, Jarrod flew in not knowing anything about Dallas. I made him take me to a nice/expensive surf and turf dinner, the Dallas Aquarium, and we went to a Texas pool party with friends. I mean… I had to wait for 7 years for this guy; the least he can do is take me somewhere nice!

Before flying home, Jarrod asked me to be his girlfriend, told me he loved me the same day, and we agreed to give the long distance relationship a try and did so for about a year.

I heard Jarrod proposed onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. Can you tell me more about that?

Laura and Jarrod: In March of 2012, Jarrod scheduled a cruise and invited me to come along with his family on Freedom of the Seas. The cruise was going to the Virgin Islands and stopped in St. Thomas.

While in St. Thomas, Jarrod and I booked a midday catamaran excursion. That morning, we got off the ship early and did one of Jarrod’s parents' favorite things to do: shop for diamonds at Diamonds International.

While there, I pointed out a few designs that I really liked and settings… and little did I know that Jarrod had taken my feedback and pointed out what ring and setting he wanted for an engagement ring.

Jarrod and I rushed to our excursion and his parents stayed behind to ensure the ring was put together just right. After a great day on the catamaran and a few *cough cough* drinks to boot, we got back on the ship to get ready for dinner.

While I was in the shower, Jarrod’s parents came to the room and gave Jarrod the ring he had purchased. They were excited and wanted him to propose that night at dinner.

Jarrod took me to Chops Grille and wined and dined me, but thought he needed more time to relax and let our food settle after a big day out on the island.

That night, one of the activities on ship was the Dancing Under The Stars party on the pool deck where a band was playing. During that dance party I stepped away to the restroom, and Jarrod asked the band if he could propose while using the stage.

The lead of the band told Jarrod to dance our way to the front and come on stage so he could propose. So we did just that, and at the end of the song, the band handed Jarrod the mic. He pulled me up on stage to which I replied “What are you doing?”

Jarrod was nervously going to his pocket to locate the ring. He told me to hang on a minute, and he found the ring and pulled it out of his pocket. Then he said into the microphone on one knee that he loved me and met the girl of his dreams on a cruise ship and couldn’t think of a better place to propose. And he proposed.

Jarrod moved to El Paso, Texas that next week, then I moved down there in May. We got married that next August in San Antonio, Texas. 

Are the two of you still cruising?

Laura and Jarrod: Cruising remains a big part of our life and something that we enjoy. Prior to covid we were cruising 5-6 times per year and we recently went on our first cruise since Covid. We are planning our 10 year anniversary cruise out of Italy to the Greek isles on the Odyssey of the seas and looking forward to that.

We have 2 kids, Autumn (8) and Carter (6), and they love to cruise too! We currently live in New Braunfels, Texas, where I am a teacher and Jarrod is still a store manager for Walmart. 

When we are not cruising we are busy with sports and extracurricular activities, but cruising remains our favorite getaway.

Both Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas sail out of Port Canaveral, so choosing which ship to sail is a decision many cruisers face.

Both ships have been recently amplified through Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program. Because of this, both Mariner and Independence of the Seas feature many of Royal Caribbean’s newest and most popular activities, restaurants, and entertainment.

The two ships have more similarities than differences, although there are a few key things to make note of before you decide which ship works best for you.

Overview

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Mariner of the Seas is a Voyager Class ship and, with her maiden voyage in November of 2003, is the older of the two ships. She has a length of 1,020 feet and measures 139,863 tons. The capacity of Mariner of the Seas is 4,000 passengers at double capacity.

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Independence of the Seas is a Freedom Class ship whose inaugural sailing was in May of 2008. She is larger than Mariner of the Seas, with a length of 1,112 feet and measures 154,407 tons. The capacity of Independence of the Seas is 4,515 at double capacity.

Voyager and Freedom Class cruise ships have a nearly identical layout. Many of the venues are in the exact same place on Mariner of the Seas as they are on Independence of the Seas. Since Independence of the Seas is longer, though, there is more room for additional venues, pool space, and retail. 

Food & Dining

Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas share many of the same dining venues, with a few key differences. Of course, both ships offer complimentary venues including the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Marketplace.

As far as specialty dining, both ships have Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, Chops Grille, and Johnny Rockets.

Mariner and Independence both have Playmakers, Sorrento’s, and Ben & Jerry’s as well, but the layouts of the venues are different on each ship.

The Playmakers on Independence of the Seas is on Deck 4 and is a significantly larger space compared to the Royal Promenade location on Mariner of the Seas.

Likewise, Sorrento’s and Ben & Jerry’s have their own standalone shops on Independence, whereas they are part of Cafe Promenade on Mariner of the Seas.

The Italian specialty restaurant onboard is different on each ship. On Mariner of the Seas you will find Jamie’s Italian whereas Independence of the Seas has Giovanni’s Table. While the restaurants each serve popular Italian dishes, Giovanni’s Table tends to have more traditional Italian dishes while Jamie’s provides a modern take at Italian cuisine.

Mariner of the Seas has a Starbucks while Independence of the Seas does not. On the other hand, Independence of the Seas has a Sugar Beach, where kids and adults of all ages can stock up on their favorite candy and sweets.

Bars & Lounges

Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas share many of the same bars and lounges, including the Pool Bar, Solarium Bar, Star Lounge, and English-style pub. 

Mariner of the Seas is one of two Royal Caribbean ships to offer The Bamboo Room, a Polynesian-themed bar in the Royal Promenade serving tropical-themed drinks including the Banana Colada and the Island Old Fashioned.

The venue transports guests to an island-setting with its tiki decor, bossa nova music, and colorful uniforms worn by the crew members.

Independence of the Seas does not have The Bamboo Room in the Royal Promenade. Instead the ship has Vintages. Vintages is Royal Caribbean’s specialty wine bar which offers an elaborate selection of wine from around the world.

This venue has a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the party-themed atmosphere found at The Bamboo Room. Wine tastings and other events are common throughout the day, although they come at an extra cost.

Independence of the Seas also has a Champagne Bar on the Royal Promenade. This is a relaxed, no-frills bar with comfy seating. While called a champagne bar, other drinks are available here.

Both ships have Boleros, the Latin-themed bar on Deck 4, although the Boleros on Independence of the Seas has more seating space than the venue on Mariner of the Seas.

In addition, both ships have a Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 14, which offers stellar views of the pool deck and ocean. While they are named differently (Olive or Twist on Independence and Ellington’s on Mariner), the venue is the same.

Entertainment

Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas have the same selection of entertainment venues: the Royal Theater and Studio B. The shows performed on each ship are different, though.

The ice show in Studio B on Mariner of the Seas is the circus-themed Ice Under the Big Top. While not the best show for those afraid of clowns, Ice Under the Big Top transforms the ice skating rink into a colorful, dynamic carnival.

In the Royal Theater guests can enjoy the original production of Gallery of Dreams, which tells a story of a young artist whose sketches become reality. Gallery of Dreams takes guests on an adventure in both time and space to bring history to life.

Unlike Mariner of the Seas, Independence of the Seas has a Broadway show onboard. Guests can enjoy the full-length Broadway production of Grease: The Musical in the Royal Theater.

The ice show on Independence of the Seas is Freeze Frame. In this show, figure skaters take guests on a journey through memorable world events. Through set design with historic newspaper clippings, art, cars, fashion, and music, guests will feel as if they are time traveling while in Studio B.

Both ships have alternative entertainment as well, including comedians, vocalists, and live bands.

Pool Deck & Sports Area

As a Freedom Class ship, the pool deck on Independence of the Seas is longer than that on Mariner of the Seas. The main pool area is similar on both ships, with two main pools and several jacuzzis.

Of the two ships, Independence of the Seas features more pool deck activities for children. Independence’s pool deck has Splashaway Bay, an aqua park with waterslides, water sprayers, and water dump buckets. In addition, there is a baby splash zone as well as a full-sized pool connected to Splashaway Bay.

Mariner of the Seas does not have a baby splash zone or Splashaway Bay, but still has a variety of kid-friendly activities around the ship.

Lunch options on the pool deck vary by ship, too. On Independence of the Seas you will find Fish & Ships, which serves fish and chips, fried shrimp, fried calamari, lobster rolls, battered sausage, and more. Fish & Ships has an upcharge, with items costing between $3 and $10.  

On Mariner of the Seas is the Boardwalk Doghouse. This is a complimentary venue where you can choose from a selection of hot dogs and sausages with toppings including sautéed mixed peppers, onions, and sauerkraut. 

The adults-only Solarium on both ships are similar to each other. However, the hot tubs within the Solarium on Independence of the Seas are cantilevered, so they stick out 12 feet over the ship’s side with nothing but the ocean below!

The Sports Court on the two ships are nearly identical as well. Both feature The Perfect Storm Waterslides, a Skypad, colorful step climbers, a Flowrider, basketball court, and rock climbing wall.

Onboard Activities

Onboard activities are similar on Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Both ships feature the following:

• Escape Room
• Perfect Storm Waterslides
• Skypad
• Colorful step climbers
• Flowrider
• Basketball court
• Rock climbing wall
• Ice skating
• Laser Tag

Itineraries

Independence of the Seas offers 3 and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral. The cruises visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and the 4-night cruise will have a sea day.

Mariner of the Seas has a wider range of itineraries. Here are a few itineraries you may see on the ship leaving from Port Canaveral:

• 5-night Eastern Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise visiting Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 4-night Bahamas Getaway cruise visiting Grand Bahama Island and Nassau
• 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day cruise visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay
• 5-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya
• 5-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruise visiting Nassau and Labadee
• 4-night Western Caribbean cruise visiting Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, and Perfect Day at CocoCay

Mariner of the Seas also offers longer, 8-night sailings with itineraries visiting destinations including Bermuda, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Kitts, and La Romana.

Which ship should I choose?

Deciding whether to pick Independence of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas comes down to a few considerations.

If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway, Independence of the Seas has more options. With 3 and 4-night cruises on a consistent weekly schedule, there is more flexibility in when you can cruise. In addition, every cruise on Independence of the Seas visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you are hoping to visit destinations other than just Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, booking a cruise on Mariner of the Seas will be the better option. With a wider range of itinerary lengths and destinations, you won’t be constrained to just the same ports.

As far as the ships’ layouts are concerned, the two ships are extremely similar to each other. Many guests may not even notice that Independence is in a different class of ship compared to Mariner! The places where you may notice this, though, are at the pool with the large Splashaway Bay area or on the Royal Promenade which features a few more retail stores and venues.

Guests who love watching sports may enjoy the extra-large Playmakers venue on Independence, whereas guests who plan to sip tropical drinks all day will love The Bamboo Room on Mariner of the Seas.

Ultimately, since both Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas were recently amplified, they will offer the chance to try out Royal Caribbean’s newest features and amenities. And again, the ships are more similar than different, so whichever you choose will lead to a fantastic cruise experience.

The 2022 Alaska cruise season is quickly approaching, but will Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska sail this year?

Four Royal Caribbean ships are sailing to Alaska in 2022: Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas. Both Quantum and Ovation will sail from Seattle, whereas Radiance and Serenade will sail from Vancouver.

As of right now, there is no reason to believe cruises to Alaska will not happen in 2022. Both Serenade of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas made successful cruises to Alaska from July to October of 2021.

Since then, several government restrictions have been dropped and the cruise industry has had more time to prove its protocols and safety restrictions work. Therefore, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season is set to begin when Radiance of the Seas sets sail on April 29, 2022.

Canada’s current stance on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships are foreign-flagged. Under the Passenger Vessel Services Act, foreign-flagged ships departing from the United States must stop in a foreign port at some point during the cruise. Because of this, Canada’s acceptance of cruise ships is a vital piece of whether or not Alaska cruises can happen.

Canada banned cruise ships with more than 100 passengers at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020. This ban was extended several times, leading many to believe the 2021 Alaska cruise season would be canceled.

The state of Alaska was eager to get tourism back in 2021, though, and passed The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act. This was a temporary waiver that would allow foreign-flagged cruise ships to sail to Alaska without having to stop in a foreign port. Therefore, Royal Caribbean was able to cruise to Alaska during the 2021 season.

The Alaska Tourism Restoration Act states the following:

Authority to conduct these voyages shall terminate on March 31, 2022, or when Canada lifts its Covid-related restrictions, whichever occurs first. Voyages may not occur during any period for which the CDC has issued an order to suspend cruise ship operations.

In July 2021, the Canadian government announced that the ban on cruise ships would be coming to an end on November 1, 2021.

Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra stated that “As the outlook of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to improve, Canada looks forward to having a cruising season in 2022. The cruise ship industry, which represents more than $4 billion annual input into the Canadian economy and directly and indirectly generates approximately 30,000 jobs, is an important part of Canada’s domestic tourism sector.”

And while the Canadian government still advises Canadians to avoid cruise ship travel, their website also states the following:

Effective November 1, 2021, cruise ships are permitted in Canadian waters. Canada is working with the cruise ship industry, and other domestic and international partners, to support safe cruise ship travel in spring 2022.

Will new Covid variants affect the Alaska cruise season?

While everything is relatively uncertain when speaking about the Covid-19 pandemic, there is no strong reason to believe that a new variant, such as omicron, will affect the 2022 Alaska cruise season.

Omicron cases seem to be subsiding since their peak in mid-January. By May, when most Royal Caribbean ships will begin sailing to Alaska, omicron may not be as big of an issue as it was for cruise ships in January of 2022.

In addition, cruise ships have been successfully sailing throughout the world even during the peak of the omicron and delta variants. While new restrictions and protocols were put in place by Royal Caribbean, very few sailings were canceled.

Lastly, the Canadian government has not introduced any new restrictions for cruise ships since lifting the ban in November of 2021, even with the influx of Covid cases that appeared this winter.

Read more tips and information about cruises to Alaska:

• The weirdest Alaska cruise questions
• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2022
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
• What it's like to go on an Alaskan cruise at the end of the season
• Cruising to Alaska: What I Did Right and Wrong

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship is home to many impressive suites, but which one is the most expensive?

While there are spacious multi-room suites and even Aquatheater suites offering stellar views of the ship’s aft, the most expensive suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship is the Ultimate Family Suite.

Designed to be a hub of activity and fun for families, the Ultimate Family Suite first premiered on Symphony of the Seas in 2018. As of 2022, the suite is currently on three Royal Caribbean ships: Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas.

Each Ultimate Family Suite offers a kid-centric design, colorful decor, and unique features not found on any other stateroom or suite onboard. While each suite has a similar concept, though, they differ in layout and offerings.

To see what makes the Ultimate Family Suite the most expensive in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, let’s take a closer look at these one-of-a-kind cabins.

Symphony of the Seas Ultimate Family Suite

The Symphony of the Seas Ultimate Family Suite is the one most known to cruise fans in North America and Europe. This suite can accommodate up to eight guests and is 1,134 square feet with a 212 square foot balcony.

The first thing you notice when you walk into the Ultimate Family Suite is color. Neon orange, red, blue, and yellow cover the walls, furniture, and decor.

The Ultimate Family Suite is two stories. The downstairs area features a dining room area fitted with an air-hockey table, a living room with a couch, chairs, and large television, and a bathroom.

Kids will not be bored hanging out downstairs, either, as the suite features a game room corner with a TV, video game consoles, and lounge chairs. There is also a mini bar in the game room so your favorite beverages and snacks are never too far away.

Extra kid-friendly features are incorporated throughout the downstairs, too. Underneath the stairs are small nooks where kids can relax, read a book, or play with electronics. The dining room wall is also a chalkboard and the game room features a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall.

There are comfy seating areas throughout the suite as well, with plenty of bean bags and a multicolor hanging chair.

In the upstairs area of the Ultimate Family Suite are two bedrooms, each with their own onsite bathroom. The master bedroom features a king-sized bed, television that drops down from the ceiling, a desk and vanity area, and full-sized closet. The master bathroom features an extra-large rainforest shower with two shower heads.

Since this is a suite, there are upgraded amenities available throughout the bedrooms and bathrooms including bedding and toiletry products.

Next door to the master bedroom is the kids bedroom, which can be accessed via a regular door or through a small porthole designed for kids to crawl through.

The kids bedroom can sleep four and has three murphy beds and a pull-out sofa bed. Like the rest of the suite, colorful decor dots the bedroom and bathroom.

One of the premiere features of the Ultimate Family Suite is the slide. Starting from the kids bedroom and ending in the living room downstairs, it’s sure to be popular with kids staying in the suite.

Complete with a hot tub, outdoor table that doubles as a ping pong table, and colorful step climbers, the balcony is another spacious area of the Ultimate Family Suite. The suite does not have a full ocean view, but instead overlooks the sports area and boardwalk neighborhood on Symphony of the Seas.

Spectrum of the Seas Ultimate Family Suite

There’s no doubt that the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas is impressive, but the suite on Spectrum of the Seas goes a step further.

At over double the size, the Ultimate Family Suite on Spectrum of the Seas is 2,766 square feet with a 212 square foot balcony. And while the suite on Spectrum has a similar concept to the suite on Symphony, there are quite a few differences.

The suite is still geared towards families, but there is noticeably less neon color throughout the suite. Instead, it has a more muted color palette.

There is also much more downstairs space on Spectrum’s Ultimate Family Suite. As the suite can accommodate up to eleven guests, there are two master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms downstairs. The master bedrooms are more spacious than those on Symphony of the Seas and come with balcony access.

The balcony on Spectrum of the Seas does not feature the step climbers found on Symphony, but has a large jacuzzi and comfortable seating.

Just like on Symphony of the Seas, The Ultimate Family Suite features a kid-friendly living room with an air hockey table, couch and television area, dining room, and separated game room.

A unique aspect of the Ultimate Family Suite on Spectrum of the Seas are the steps leading upstairs. Designed like a piano, each step is a “key” that plays a note as you go up or down.

Upstairs you will find two bunk beds, a crib area for babies, and a third master bedroom.

The bathroom attached to the upstairs master bedroom is perhaps the most impressive in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. More like a spa than a bathroom, it features a standalone tub, spacious vanity, and a rainforest shower room.

The windows are made from a switchable glass to allow for privacy when in port or views of the ocean when sailing. To top it off, the bathroom jets off the side of the ship.

Just like on Symphony of the Seas, there is a porthole connecting the kids room to the master bedroom and a colorful slide heading back downstairs.

The Ultimate Family Suite on Spectrum of the Seas is on the side of the ship and features ocean views.

Wonder of the Seas Ultimate Family Suite

Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship also has an Ultimate Family Suite. As of February 2022, though, little is known about the suite on Wonder of the Seas.

Captain Kate of Celebrity Cruises posted a Tik Tok compilation from the construction of Wonder of the Seas. Near the end of the video there are two short clips of the Ultimate Family Suite. From first glance, it appears to have a similar design to the suite on Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean’s website states that the Ultimate Family Suite on Wonder of the Seas has two king beds, four twin sized bunk beds, and a double pull out sofa bed. The suite can accommodate up to nine guests.

The deck plan for the Ultimate Family Suite shows it to be on Deck 18. It lists the square footage at 1,134 for the room and 212 for the balcony. 

The location of the suite is different on Wonder of the Seas compared to Symphony of the Seas, too. Whereas on Symphony the suite overlooks the sport area, the Ultimate Family Suite on Wonder faces the forward and starboard sides of the ship.

Therefore, the view from the Ultimate Family Suite on Wonder of the Seas should be that of the ocean, pool deck, and the Central Park neighborhood below.

What does the Ultimate Family Suite cost?

While the price of the Ultimate Family Suite can vary significantly based on the time of year and ship you choose, it will always come with a hefty price tag.

As an example, I priced out a few separate sailings to see just how much the Ultimate Family Suite can cost:

• 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise on Symphony of the Seas: $33,366
• 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise on Symphony of the Seas: $25,492
• 5-night Nagasaki and Fukuoka cruise on Spectrum of the Seas: $38,681
• 9-night Thailand & Vietnam cruise on Spectrum of the Seas: $82,949

The cost of the Ultimate Family Suite does not appear to increase significantly with the number of guests. The 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise is listed as $25,492 for two guests and $28,570 for four guests.

Is the Ultimate Family Suite worth it?

Ultimately, deciding whether a suite is worth it or not depends on what you value in a vacation, your families’ specific needs, and, of course, your budget.

Some guests may opt to book a smaller suite or a balcony room and instead use the money they saved to book beverage and dining packages, spa treatments, and shore excursions.

Others may value the exclusivity of a suite and decide that the extra comfort, space, and amenities are worth the extra cost.

It’s important to note that the benefits of staying in the Ultimate Family Suite suite don’t just stop at the suite’s features and amenities, though.

Guests staying in the Ultimate Family Suite are part of Star Class, the highest tier of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite class, which comes with exclusive benefits.

Star Class guests will receive full access to Coastal Kitchen, complimentary specialty restaurants, complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package, complimentary gratuities, complimentary VOOM internet, expedited boarding and departure, reserved seating at entertainment venues, and Suite Lounge and Suite Sun Deck access, among others.

Perhaps the best benefit of staying in Star Class, though, is the Royal Genie. Each Star Class Suite has its own Royal Genie. A Royal Genie acts as a personalized concierge onboard who can take care of special requests, arrange and manage reservations, and plan special events and celebrations.

The exact list of services a Royal Genie can provide vary based on your specific needs. For example, the genie may bring an ice cream bar to your suite for kids, deliver Starbucks to your room at the same time each morning, bring specialty dining to your suite, etc.

Prior to your cruise, you will receive a questionnaire so your Royal Genie can get to know you and your party better before you board the ship.

Is the Ultimate Family Suite more expensive than other staterooms and suites onboard? Yes, but the features, design, and concept of the Ultimate Family Suite is unlike any other cabin offered on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Staying in the Ultimate Family Suite is sure to be an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults alike.

Going on an Alaska cruise is a bucket-list worthy vacation, but how much does it cost?

The price of an Alaska cruise can vary widely depending on the month you sail, stateroom you choose, and excursions you book.

Cruise fare prices

Cruise fares are dynamic, so that means how much a cruise costs could be slightly or significantly different from the price of a cruise to Alaska tomorrow. There are two main considerations when determining the price of a cruise: the month you sail and the type of stateroom you book.

The price of an Alaska cruise can vary greatly based on which month you sail.

The Alaska cruise season usually runs from May - September. The most popular times to cruise to Alaska are during the summer months of June, July, and August. Because of the higher demand at this time of year, cruise fares can be more expensive.

The shoulder seasons of May and September, on the other hand, can see less demand and therefore lower prices.

Stateroom selection can also have a huge impact on the price of an Alaska cruise. Interior, ocean view, balcony cabins, and suites all come with varying price points.

Different ships offer different stateroom availability as well. Some ships, like Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, have more balcony staterooms available than smaller ships like Enchantment or Radiance of the Seas. Therefore you may find balcony staterooms more affordable on a Quantum-class ship than on smaller ships.

As an example, I priced out the different cruise fares available for two sailings: a 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier cruise on Radiance of the Seas and a 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier cruise on Ovation of the Seas.

The cruises I priced out were for 5 and 7 months in advance from the time of writing this article. The price reflects the total cruise fare for two guests as well as taxes and fees:

Radiance of the Seas: 7-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier Cruise

July:

Interior: $1774.52

Ocean view: $2216.52

Balcony: $5779.52

September:

Interior: $1426.70

Ocean view: $1626.70

Balcony: $2910.70

Ovation of the Seas: 7-night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise

July:

Interior: $2185.14

Ocean view: $2445.14

Balcony: $3488.14

September:

Interior: $1775.50

Ocean view: $1935.50

Balcony: $2538.50

Unlike in destinations like the Caribbean and Europe, sailing on an older and smaller ship does not necessarily mean the cruise fare will be cheaper than a new ship. Because smaller ships can fit into more Alaska ports, demand for those ships are often higher than the larger ships.

We recommend booking a cruise as soon as you decide you would like to sail to Alaska. Waiting for a lower price usually does not pay off, as cruise fares tend to get higher closer to the sale date.

Plus, with Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence policy, you are able to reprice your cruise as many times as you want up to 48 hours before your sail date. If you notice the price is lower, you will receive the fare difference in onboard credit.

Excursions

An Alaska cruise is itinerary-focused, meaning that you will want to plan your days in port to get the most out of your visit. Budgeting for excursions is important to ensure you will be able to do what interests you most.

Royal Caribbean offers both budget-friendly and more exclusive shore excursions. Here are a few examples of excursions and their prices on the day of writing this article:

• Exclusive Alaskan Whale Discovery in Juneau: $169/adult, $99.75/child
• White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway: $95.99/person
• Ketchikan Pub Crawl: $93.99/person
• Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing in Haines: $89/adult, $69/child
• Haines Scenic Byway & Summit: $69/adult, $49/child
• Chilkoot Trail Hiking and Rafting in Skagway: $129/adult, $79/child
• Bike and Brew Glacier View in Juneau: $109/adult, $79.75/child
• Exclusive Coastal Drive, Wildlife Cruise & Oyster Farm in Ketchikan: $188.99/person
• Last Frontier Food Tour in Tracy Arm Fjord: $121.99/person
• Wildlife Quest Cruise & Fin Island Lodge in Sitka: $214.99/adult, $158.99/child
• Best of Sitka: $99/adult, $79/child

There are also some higher-end excursions which can offer a truly unique opportunity to view Alaska’s scenery from a different perspective.

The “Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter and Guided Walk” excursion brings guests on a helicopter ride above the Tongass National Forest before landing on Mendenhall Glacier. Following the landing, guests will put on glacier boots for a guided walk around the ice. The cost for this excursion is $339/person.

Those looking for a more comfortable whale watching experience may be interested in the “Luxury Whale Watching” excursion in Icy Point Straight. In this excursion, guests will set sail on a yacht while enjoying sparkling wine and looking for humpback whales and orcas. The cost for this excursion is $399/person.

Whatever your budget, you will likely be able to find a shore excursion that works well for you. You may also wish to search for excursions through outside providers or explore on your own.

Exploring on your own

If you don’t plan on booking excursions, you may choose to explore Alaska’s ports on your own. Most Alaska cruise ports are just a short walk from the main area of town, where you will find restaurants, saloons, historical districts, museums, and nature to enjoy.

You can also visit popular destinations within the ports on your own as opposed to booking an excursion. As an example, instead of purchasing an $80 excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, opt to take the express bus. Located just outside the pier in Juneau is a stand that sells roundtrip tickets to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation area. The total cost for the roundtrip bus ticket was $45 as of 2021 and included the entrance fee into the park.

Cruise Tour

Royal Caribbean also offers land-based Cruise Tours before or after an Alaska cruise. These are 3-6 day land tours in either Alaska or Canada that bring guests to destinations inaccessible by cruise ship.

Prices for a Cruise Tour vary depending on how many days the tour runs and the tour’s location.

Those looking to visit Denali can book the “Destination Denali” Cruise Tour which includes a 7-night sailing on Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night land tour exploring Seward, Anchorage, and Denali National Park and Preserve. The total cost of the cruise and land tour begins at $1410 per person for an interior cabin.

A more in-depth Cruise Tour is the “Fjords and Tundra National Parks Explorer”. This tour combines a 7-night sailing on Radiance of the Seas followed by a 4-night land-tour that visits Seward, Anchorage, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Fairbanks. The price for this Cruise Tour begins at $2300 per person for an interior cabin.

The Mountain Resort Experience Cruisetour is the most expensive option available, with prices for a 7-night cruise and 6-night land tour beginning at $4,200 per person for an interior cabin. This tour begins with a visit to popular Alaska destinations such as Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, and Tracy Arm Fjord before beginning the Cruise Tour, which visits Jasper, Banff, and Calgary, Canada.

The total cost of my Alaska cruise

How do all of these pricing options play out when pricing out your Alaska cruise? To put these samples into perspective, I broke down the expenses I encountered on my recent 7-night Alaska cruise on Ovation of the Seas.

Cruise fare & Gratuities: $727.88

To make up for lost revenue from the Covid pandemic, Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruise season ran into October in 2021. When I sailed to Alaska on the last cruise of the season, I was able to find a fantastic deal. My 7-night cruise fare with gratuites added on Ovation of the Seas was only $727.88 total for 1 person in an interior virtual balcony room.

While this price could be seen on another sailing, the extremely low cruise fare combined with the fact that there was no single-supplement fee made it a deal you don’t come across very often.

Excursions: $200.98

On my Alaska cruise I was able to find shore excursion opportunities that fit my budget while still providing wonderful insights into Alaska’s culture, history, and nature.

In Ketchikan I split my time between a Royal Caribbean excursion and exploring the town on my own. I booked the Saxman Native Totem Village excursion for $59.99, which took me on a bus ride to the village of Saxman for a few hours of cultural insight into the native Tlingit people. The rest of the day was spent walking around Ketchikan with no expense other than lunch and souvenirs.

In Juneau we opted to take the $45 Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle Bus that leaves from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier and back throughout the day.

Skagway was the most expensive excursion of the three ports with a ticket on the White Pass & Yukon Railway for $95.99. The ride was definitely worth the cost in my opinion, as it brings passengers on a ride through Skagway’s majestic mountain scenery.

Additional onboard and in-port expenses: around $200

As with any cruise vacation, I incurred extra expenses onboard Ovation of the Seas and when walking around ports. I estimate that I spent around $200 extra on drinks, food, and souvenirs.

Approximate total cost of my Alaska cruise: $1128.86

My Alaska cruise was significantly cheaper than most passengers will encounter due to the fact that it was at the very end of the season and that I was traveling solo. However, even if my cruise fare had been a more “normal” price, such as around $1500, my cruise still would have been relatively budget friendly.

I found it easy to pick excursions for my budget, and since most food and expenses are complementary while onboard, a cruise can be a nice way to visit Alaska without incurring as many expenses as you might on a land-based vacation.

The total cost of an Alaska cruise will vary widely based on the month you sail, stateroom you book, and excursions you reserve while in port, but there are options to fit any vacation budget.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Check out these articles:

• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2022
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
• Top 10 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• Cruising to Alaska: What I Did Right and Wrong
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

How does dining on a cruise ship work if you are vegetarian or vegan?

If you take a look at cruise ship marketing, odds are you will see an abundance of food. Cruise ships are known for their dining options, and for good measure. The cuisine on cruise ships is diverse and extra tasty. Whether you choose to eat at complimentary venues like the Main Dining Room or at specialty dining like Chops Grille, you will never run out of things to eat.

Those with dietary restrictions may be nervous about finding food they can eat on the ship. Will there be any vegan and vegetarian options? Will they have to survive on protein bars brought from home?

There’s no need to worry, as Royal Caribbean aims to provide plenty of dining options for vegetarian and vegan guests. With so many restaurants and dining options, though, it can be a bit confusing to keep them all straight. This list will help you pick the dining venues that are the most vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Vegetarian and vegan options at complimentary dining

The Buffet

The Windjammer Marketplace is Royal Caribbean’s signature buffet onboard. The buffet has an abundance of cuisines available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options at the Windjammer for every meal. Whether pasta with marinara, a salad, fresh fruit, oatmeal, soup, or avocado toast, you’ll certainly be able to find something to eat. Plant-based milks are also available on request for cereal and coffee.

One of the best options at the Windjammer are the live cooking stations, where you choose what you would like and a crew member will cook right in front of you. My favorite has been the stir fry station, where you can choose a variety of vegetables and a spice level to be cooked with either rice or noodles.

Another popular vegetarian option at the Windjammer is the Indian food. More often than not there is a vegetarian curry option available at every meal, such as chana masala, paneer masala, or dal. Served with rice and pita, this is a go-to protein-rich option for vegetarians.

The only problem with the Windjammer is that vegan and vegetarian options are rarely labeled. In my experience, I end up asking the crew member if something has meat or not. As a flexible pescatarian this works fine for me, but for stricter vegetarians or vegans this is not totally ideal, as the crew member may not be aware of every ingredient in the dish.

On my most recent sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, though, there was an entire vegetarian and vegan section, which included Thai curries, quinoa salads, sautéed vegetables, and even vegan desserts. However, I have not seen this on other ships.

Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room is one of the best places onboard for vegetarians and vegans to dine with ease. Royal Caribbean has implemented a special vegan menu each night in the Main Dining Room. This makes it extremely easy for vegans to find a dish that works for them. There are usually two appetizers, one soup, two entrees, and one dessert to choose from on the vegan menu.

The best place to see the day’s vegan menu offerings is on the Royal Caribbean app, as they usually will not be listed on the paper menu. Here were the vegan menu options during a recent 7-night cruise on Harmony of the Seas:

Day 1:

Appetizer: Spring Onion “Falafel”

Soup: Butternut Squash

Entrees: Edamame-stuffed Portobello Eggplant & Pan-roasted Green Asparagus 

Dessert: Tahini Banana Soft Serve

Day 2:

Appetizers: Corn Fritters & Romesco Oat Spread

Soup: Caramelized Parsnip & Coconut Soup

Entrees: Penne Pasta & Grilled Eggplant

Dessert: No-bake Lemon Tart

Day 3:

Appetizers: Zucchini Fritters & Avocado and Melon Salad

Soup: Cherry Tomato Gazpacho

Entrees: Vegan Risotto & Crunchy Tofu Tacos

Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookie

Day 4:

Appetizers: Raw Vegetable Salad & Rice Paper Rolls

Soup: Tomato Soup

Entrees: Vegetable Pakoras & Orzo Pasta Stew

Dessert: Wild Berry Bar

Day 5:

Appetizers: Green Bean Croquette & Vegetable Tempura

Soup: Creamed Broccoli Soup

Entrees: Butternut Squash Curry & Vegan Eggplant Burger

Dessert: Vegan Crème Brulée

Day 6:

Appetizers: Grilled Avocado & Polenta Fries

Soup: Potato Soup

Entrees: Vegan Carbonara & Fried Rice

Dessert: Peanut Butter Caramel Rice Crisps

Day 7:

Appetizers: Ciabatta Salad & Grilled Peach and Panzanella Salad

Soup: Tortilla Soup

Entrees: No-egg Omelet & Vegan Spaghetti “Bolognese”

Dessert: Toffee “Cheesecake”

While there is no separate vegan menu available for breakfast and lunch in the Main Dining Room, requests can be made to cater to your dietary needs. Vegetarian options are available on the menu for both breakfast and lunch. Vegetarian Indian food is also often available on request.

Park Cafe & Cafe at Two70

Park Cafe (Oasis-class ships) and Cafe at Two70 (Quantum-class ships) are two complimentary dining locations open for breakfast and lunch. They have similar food options and concepts.

One of the tastiest options available at these two venues is the Create Your Own Salad station. With several options of lettuce, vegetables, legumes, starches, and dressings, you can create a salad any way you like.

My go-to salad at Park Cafe is a bed of romaine and spring mix topped with bell peppers, kidney beans, Israeli couscous, corn, carrots, croutons, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Soups and sandwiches are also available and, in my experience, there has usually been a vegetarian soup and sandwich option each day for lunch. The soup is not labeled vegan, so you would have to ask a crew member whether it is vegan or not.

For breakfast at these two venues you can choose from oatmeal, a bagel station, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and pastries.

Solarium Bistro

Photo by an average Vegetarian, Billy of CruiseHabit.com

Available on Quantum and Oasis-class ships, Solarium Bistro is a complimentary venue offering dishes with a Mediterranean flare. Solarium Bistro is open for breakfast with a similar selection of food you can find elsewhere on the ship, but the main meal is at dinnertime.

Vegetarians and vegans will enjoy the wide array of appetizers available at Solarium Bistro for dinner. From greek salad to hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, pita, moussaka, grilled vegetables, arugula salad, and barley salad, there is no shortage of flavorful Mediterranean cuisine at Solarium Bistro.

Appetizers are served buffet-style, so guests are able to try as much as they desire. Desserts are also available and include baklava, torta de mele, and chocolate nocciola.

Sorrento’s

Sorrento’s Pizza is a surprisingly easy place to eat vegetarian or vegan. Not only does Sorrento’s offer a variety of cold plates, such as grilled vegetables and olives, but you can actually order a custom pizza all for yourself with or without cheese and topped with vegetables. To order a custom pizza, simply talk to a crew member at Sorrento’s and they will begin making the pizza for you.

El Loco Fresh

El Loco Fresh is a complimentary and casual Mexican venue located on the pool deck of select Royal Caribbean ships. At El Loco Fresh you can build your own tacos with rice, beans, and a salsa/topping station. There are also cheese quesadillas and a nacho station available.

Other complimentary venues

Outside of the venues mentioned above, you can find more places to dine as a vegetarian or vegan on a Royal Caribbean ship. Venues like Cafe Promenade, Vitality Cafe, and Mini Bites offer small sandwiches, fruit and vegetable cups, and other snacks throughout the day. 

Best specialty dining for vegetarians and vegans

While the complimentary dining options available on Royal Caribbean are plentiful, specialty dining can be a nice way to enhance your cruise experience. Not all specialty dining restaurants offer the same amount of vegetarian/vegan options, though, but there are a few I feel are the best for those with dietary restrictions.

Izumi

Izumi Sushi & Hibachi is a nice option for vegetarians and vegans due to how customizable the menu is. A vegetable roll is offered on the sushi menu, and if you talk to the sushi chef they will likely be able to customize another vegan or vegetarian roll for you.

Traditionally, the hibachi option includes egg and butter in the fried rice. The hibachi chef will ask guests if they have any dietary restrictions prior to cooking, so be sure to let the chef know what you can and cannot eat.

I’ve found that the vegetarian hibachi option has varied greatly by ship. On some ships, I was given just the fried rice and sauteed vegetables. On other ships, the chef cooked a tofu udon noodle dish in addition to the fried rice and vegetables.

Vegetarian appetizers include edamame beans and a ginger salad, and for dessert you can choose between mochi ice cream and crispy red bean sesame balls. The options are not labeled for dietary restrictions, so be sure to check whether the ginger salad dressing and sesame balls are vegan. The mochi ice cream contains dairy.

Jamie’s Italian and Giovanni’s Table/Kitchen

Royal Caribbean’s Italian specialty restaurants are one of the best specialty dining choices for vegetarians. Pasta and pizza are easy dishes to make vegetarian or vegan and Royal Caribbean’s Italian restaurants offer several options for those with dietary restrictions.

My favorite vegetarian Italian meal is the eggplant parmesan with penne pomodoro at Jamie’s Italian. The eggplant is not breaded, so there is no need for vegans to worry about the eggplant including eggs. The dish comes topped with cheese, but this could be removed for vegans.

In addition to pasta with marinara sauce, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen has an elaborate pizza menu which can be customized to fit dietary needs for both vegetarians and vegans.

Some pasta may be made with egg and sauce with cheese, so it’s a good idea to inquire about whether or not the pasta and marinara sauce at the Italian specialty restaurants are vegan. 

Playmakers

Royal Caribbean’s premiere sports bar is another great venue for vegetarians, and it has several dishes that can be customized for vegans as well.

Vegetarians can start their meal by snacking on Pile On Nachos, Playmakers Fries, Jalapeño Poppers, and the extra tall Crispy Onion Ring Tower. Vegans can request the fries without cheese and garlic sauce.

Both vegans and vegetarians can enjoy the Playmakers Impossible Burger. The plant-based burger is topped with lettuce, tomato, onion rings, and cajun mayonnaise on a brioche bun. While the burger patty is plant-based, vegans should order the burger without mayonnaise and check with the staff whether the bun and onion rings are vegan.

Johnny Rockets

Vegetarians and vegans will have no trouble dining at Johnny Rockets onboard as the menu features a vegan burger. The Streamliner burger is topped with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mustard on a wheat bun.

Apparently the buns at Johnny Rockets are not vegan, so either double check with the waiter or order the burger without the bun if you are concerned.

The menu also features grilled cheese as well as fries and onion rings.

150 Central Park

Located within Central Park on Oasis-class ships, 150 Central Park is an elegant dining venue that sources local ingredients for its dishes. The venue features several vegetarian appetizers, such as Caesar salad and roasted organic beet salad. It also has a vegetarian entree of cauliflower “steak”.

Vegans can eat at 150 Central Park by making substitutions to the selections, such as asking for no cheese and no yogurt.

Specialty dining with less options for vegetarians and vegans

Some specialty restaurants onboard do not offer as many options for vegetarians and vegans on their menus, although dietary accommodations can likely be made upon request.

Restaurants such as Portside BBQ, Chops Grille, Sabor, Samba Grill, and Wonderland do not have any entrees that are vegetarian or vegan, although there are vegetarian/vegan side dishes available.

The best bet for dining at a specialty restaurant without any specific vegan/vegetarian main courses is to call or walk into the restaurant and ask if they are able to accommodate your dietary needs. The chef may be able to make something vegetarian or vegan for you to enjoy.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of the most frequented cruise ship ports in the Caribbean, and as it is a private destination, food and drinks are complimentary on the island (with the exception of the Coco Beach Club).

Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill are the two best dining options for vegetarians and vegans at CocoCay. Both venues serve the same food in a buffet-style, and include a taco bar with rice, beans, and a salsa station, salads, a portobello and mozzarella sandwich, fresh fruit, dessert, and smaller side dishes like corn on the cob and french fries.

Snack Shack is another popular dining spot at CocoCay, but its menu is more limited for vegetarians and vegans, with salads, mozzarella sticks, and french fries available.

If you’re spending the day in the Coco Beach Club, you’ll have the opportunity to dine at the Coco Beach Club restaurant. This venue has more upscale offerings compared to the complimentary venues on the island.

The only entree available for vegetarians at the Coco Beach Club is a caesar salad, but Royal Caribbean states that “You’ll find gluten free and vegetarian options available at the Coco Beach Club as well as options to suit most dietary needs,” so it’s possible you are able to request a separate dish.

The appetizer spread will definitely be a favorite for vegetarians and vegans, though, as it features freshly made hummus, baba ganoush, vegetables, and pita. Desserts include exotic fruit salad, tropical fruit sorbet, and Bahamian rum soaked cake.

An Alaska cruise sounds like an amazing adventure, but how different is it from a Caribbean cruise?

Two of Royal Caribbean’s most popular cruise destinations are the Caribbean and Alaska. Both offer the chance to set sail on an impressive ship, enjoy onboard entertainment and dining, and create memories with your fellow passengers.

Aside from those similarities, though, there are a vast array of differences between a Caribbean and Alaska cruise. From swinging on a hammock in Mexico to walking on a glacier in Juneau, here are the top differences between these two cruise regions.

The scenery

In the Caribbean, sea days usually mean a day at sea with no views around you except the open ocean. And while this is a wonderful view, time spent at sea in Alaska could not look more different.

Most of the time spent on an Alaska cruise will be within the Alaskan or Canadian Inside Passage. The Inside Passage is a stretch of ocean that runs from Puget Sound in Washington and along the British Columbia and Alaska shoreline up to Skagway.

The Inside Passage offers unbeatable views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife as you sail through awe-inspiring fjords. If you’re lucky, you may even spot whales swimming near the ship and, as fall approaches, the northern lights peeking out from the sky.

Cruise Tours

A unique aspect of Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises is the possibility to book an Alaska Cruise Tour. These are 3-6 night land-based tours that you can book before or after your Alaska cruise.

For example, you can book a 7-night cruise leaving Vancouver on Radiance of the Seas, visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Hubbard Glacier. The cruise will end in Seward, Alaska, where you will begin a 3-night tour on land visiting Seward, Talkeetna, and Denali, Alaska.

You can also do a land tour after a round-trip Alaska cruise. As an example, you can book a 7-night roundtrip cruise from Vancouver on Serenade of the Seas. The cruise will visit Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, and Tracy Arm Fjord. After the cruise, you will begin the “Mountain Resort Experience Cruisetour” which visits destinations in Canada including Calgary, Jasper, and Banff.

Booking an Alaska Cruise Tour gives you the opportunity to explore Alaska or Canada beyond the Inside Passage and see some of the region’s most magnificent and famous sites. Just like a cruise, the price includes lodging, transportation, and sightseeing. Air transportation, shore excursions, and meals ashore are not included unless otherwise noted.

Planning a port day is more important in Alaska

On a Caribbean cruise, the ports you visit are often a second thought compared to the ship you choose. Planning your time in port may simply mean choosing from a list of beaches where you can spend the day or strolling around the cobblestone streets of Puerto Rico.

You aren’t visiting Alaska just to spend the day sitting in a pool chair, though. Ports in Alaska require more planning. It’s important to research shore excursions and things to do in your port of call to ensure you don’t miss out on anything you are interested in.

Whale watching excursions, glacier visits, and historical train rides are just some of the unique shore excursion opportunities waiting for you in Alaska.

Shore excursions may be slightly more expensive in Alaska than what you are used to in the Caribbean. And while there are more expensive excursions, such as helicopter tours over Mendenhall Glacier, you will be able to find more budget friendly options too.

The food

Discovering new cuisines is an integral part of exploring a new place. Whether cruising to the Caribbean or Alaska, you will have the chance to taste new foods and drinks local to the area.

Caribbean food means fresh, tropical flavors. Spending the day in Puerto Rico? Order the original piña colada in old San Juan. Going to the Bahamas? Be sure to taste authentic conch fritters from a fish fry. Hoping for something healthy? Enjoy a fresh mango pineapple smoothie in St. Maarten.

Just like in the Caribbean, the food on an Alaska cruise will give you a look into the region’s history and cultural influences. One of the most popular foods to try in Alaska is freshly caught seafood. There are seafood restaurants available in every Alaska port, and Royal Caribbean even offers excursions that visit an outdoor salmon bake!

Other than seafood, you may want to taste Russian-influenced cuisine throughout Alaska or warm up with traditional Alaska fry bread and a hot chocolate.

Regardless of whether you are cruising to the Caribbean or Alaska, you are definitely going to enjoy some delightful meals.

The weather

Taking weather into consideration is much more important on an Alaska cruise compared to in the Caribbean. 

You will almost always encounter warm weather in the Caribbean. While the winter months may be a bit cooler and the summer months warmer, the weather mostly remains comfortable. Weather forecasts may show rain, but this usually means brief afternoon showers. And while the fall may be peak hurricane season, Royal Caribbean will change itineraries to avoid getting in the path of a potential storm.

Whereas weather in the Caribbean can be more predictable and comfortable year-round, weather on an Alaska cruise is always changing. The Alaska cruise season runs from May - September, and each month brings different weather conditions.

Early May and September, being the shoulder seasons, can see more unpredictable weather. June, July, and August are the busiest months to cruise to Alaska and will see the warmest temperatures. Late May and the beginning of June tend to have some of the best weather in the region during the year.

Regardless of the month you sail to Alaska, be prepared for the weather to change several times throughout the day. You may find yourself shivering in the morning and exploring a port with a t-shirt on in the afternoon!

Packing

Packing for a Caribbean cruise is relatively easy and means shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, and a sweater or jacket if it gets chilly at night. Packing for an Alaska cruise could not be more different!

Choosing what to pack on an Alaska cruise can seem daunting. Whichever month you sail, though, layers are key to staying comfortable.

Our top recommendation for what to wear on an Alaska cruise is to pack the following:

• Base layer (lightweight t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, leggings)
• Warm layer (sweatshirt, hoodie, sweater, cardigan, jeans, etc.)
• Waterproof layer (rain jacket, rain pants)
• Beanie or other warm hat
• Water-resistant shoes or boots

Don’t make the mistake of only packing cold-weather clothes, though. You may find that a t-shirt is all you need during the day in the peak of summer or that it is warm enough to swim in the outdoor pools once you get closer to Seattle or Vancouver.

In addition, don’t make the mistake of packing way too many clothes for Alaska. Because it isn’t as hot and humid in Alaska compared to the Caribbean, your clothes may stay cleaner longer and you will be able to wear nearly the same outfit each day in port.

Another important packing tip is to bring a waterproof or water-resistant daypack with you in port. Whether you are walking around town or on a whale watching tour, it’s important to be able to keep your valuables dry in case of sudden rain.

Relaxation onboard

A Caribbean cruise is often a big party. Live reggae is played by the pool band as guests go down the waterslides, order a drink at The Lime & Coconut, and participate in pool activities such as the belly flopping contest.

And while a cruise to Alaska has its fair share of partying, the atmosphere of an Alaska cruise is a little more relaxed. You will often find passengers sitting quietly near windows or on the upper decks looking out at Alaska’s astonishing scenery. Instead of a morning at the pool, you may wish to attend trivia at Schooner Bar, listen to jazz at Two70, or just read a book on your balcony.

It can be hard to not want to spend the day doing nothing but relaxing and enjoying the views around you on an Alaska cruise.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Check out these articles:

• Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2022
• What to pack for a cruise to Alaska?
• Top 10 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• Cruising to Alaska: What I Did Right and Wrong
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise