Jenna DeLaurentis

After 17 Royal Caribbean cruises, my family and I tried MSC Cruises for the first time and here’s what we liked and didn’t like

In:

03 Oct 2023

It’s no secret that Royal Caribbean is at the forefront of the family cruise experience, but how does MSC Cruises compare?

Twelve members of my family and I planned a vacation together this summer. We were disappointed in Royal Caribbean’s prices. Instead, we bit the bullet and booked a cheap sailing on MSC Cruises.

Despite the fact that my family usually cruises with Royal Caribbean, we couldn’t fathom spending double the price for what would likely be a similar experience.

MSC Cruises, a European cruise line based in Switzerland, has recently begun gaining traction in North America, yet reviews remain questionable at best. Some cruisers rave about the elegant ships and low prices, but others complain incessantly about the dining options and service.

My family and I remained cautiously optimistic, however, and I felt better having already had a positive experience on another MSC cruise a few months earlier.

After spending a week onboard an MSC cruise, here’s how we would compare the experience to Royal Caribbean.

My family’s initial vacation planning involved comparing prices between cruise lines, and we were surprised by high prices

When planning a vacation with a large group, it’s important to be cognizant of each person’s individual budget. While one member of the family might prefer a luxury vacation on Silversea, another is looking to get the best bang for their buck.

When planning our family vacation, naturally, we started by browsing Royal Caribbean’s website for July cruises. Seeing as though many members of my family had already sailed with Royal Caribbean, it made sense to book with the cruise line we were most accustomed to.

Yet when we started browsing cruises, we were disappointed with the high prices we found. Most 7-night cruises were around $1200 per person for interior cabins on older, smaller ships. If we wanted to book a newer ship in an ocean view or a balcony cabin, we would almost certainly be shelling out around $3000 per cabin.

Related: How much does a cruise cost?

Keeping our options open, we decided to check other cruise lines' websites and compare prices, but we were equally surprised by high prices on Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.

While we certainly could have booked a $1500 per person cruise, my family was hoping to keep the base cruise fare low in order to allocate our budget toward add-ons like specialty dining and shore excursions.

Browsing MSC’s website, I found deals too good to pass up

After striking out with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival, I decided to check MSC Cruises’ website to compare the fares.

As MSC grows within the North American market, the cruise line hopes to reel in new passengers with unbeatable prices, and that was exactly what they did for my family.

I found a cruise on MSC Seaside for just $593 per person for the week in an interior cabin. The cost of the cruise was half of what I found on Royal Caribbean and other mass market cruise lines—it seemed too good to be true, but it wasn’t!

Plus, for just $130 per person we could add an alcoholic drink package and a two-device wifi package for each guest. That is completely unheard of on Royal Caribbean, as the equivalent drink package can be priced at over $70 per day.

Although I felt like I was “ditching” my beloved Royal Caribbean behind for something new, I couldn’t fathom spending double on the Royal Caribbean cruise. Excited to expand our cruising horizons, my family and I booked our cruise on MSC Seaside.

Almost immediately, we missed certain aspects of Royal Caribbean’s cruise planning process

“Jenna, this app is terrible,” my brother texted me shortly after we booked our MSC cruise. “I can’t research anything!”

Something I love about cruising with Royal Caribbean is the stellar quality of the cruise line’s cruise planning process. In the days and months leading up to a Royal Caribbean cruise, I enjoy browsing the app and the Cruise Planner website to plan my cruise as much as possible.

From a seamless online check-in process to browsing restaurant menus months in advance, I find Royal Caribbean’s app to be of tremendous help when preparing for my cruises.

MSC’s app, on the other hand, is disappointing during the cruise planning process, although it gets better once you board the ship. When planning my MSC cruise, I encountered technical problems on the app and was limited in the amount of information I could research prior to the cruise.

Even once onboard, I was not overly impressed by the app. My family and I wanted to make a specialty dining reservation one evening, for example, and usually we like to browse the main dining room menus in advance. If a menu does not look appealing one evening, we will book a specialty restaurant that evening instead.

On MSC, however, you cannot browse menus in advance—they appear on the app just a few hours before dinner. While a small inconvenience in the long run, it was certain details like these where we found Royal Caribbean shined over MSC.

On embarkation day I entered my MSC cabin for the first time, and it was basic yet comfortable

Like most cruises I take, I booked the cheapest interior cabin for my MSC Seaside cruise. Upon entering my cabin for the first time, I found it to be adequate and, when overlooking the bright pink color scheme, modern.

My cabin was a comfortable place to call home during my week onboard, and it had everything you needed in a stateroom: a king bed, closet, desk, vanity, and private bathroom. I could see where MSC cut costs in cabin design, such as placing a simple chair into the room instead of a plush couch, but it was not bothersome to me.

The cabin did not have as much storage space as you would find on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, but I still found the amount sufficient. I was cruising solo in my cabin, but even if there had been another guest with me, there would have been ample space left.

Something I appreciated in the cabin were the light switches to signal whether or not you wanted your cabin serviced. If I was leaving my cabin, I would press a button to let my stateroom attendant know they could enter my room, and vice versa when I wanted some privacy. This felt much more modern than Royal Caribbean’s double-sided magnets.

Overall, I found my MSC Seaside cabin just as nice as Royal Caribbean’s small inside cabins.

My family and I found the food on MSC to be relatively comparable to Royal Caribbean

Every cruise line has stereotypes, from the party atmosphere of Carnival to the sophistication of Celebrity. MSC Cruises has several stereotypes, the most common of which is definitely the “bad” food.

Chances are, if you search for MSC reviews online, you’ll read many complaints about the cruise line’s food. However, in my experience on the two MSC cruises I’ve sailed on thus far, these negative reviews couldn’t be further from the truth.

My family and I were satisfied with the quality and selection of food on MSC Seaside. We found the Italian dishes—MSC’s specialty—spectacular, and enjoyed excellent meals in both the buffet, main dining room, and Kaito Teppanyaki specialty restaurant during the sailing.

Members of my family were split on whether they liked the food better on MSC or Royal Caribbean. While most thought they were comparable, some, like my brother, preferred dishes on MSC whereas others, such as my dad, thought Royal Caribbean’s food selections were better, especially those in the buffet.

I find myself somewhere in the middle. Whereas I love the Italian pastas, breads, and pizza on MSC, I prefer Royal Caribbean when it comes to other international flavors, such as Indian and Mexican cuisine.

Comparing Royal Caribbean’s cardboard-tasting Sorrento’s pizza to MSC’s delectable Naples-style pies, it's no brainer which cruise line’s slice is better. Yet while comparing the amount of choice in food options and dining venues on Royal Caribbean to MSC, Royal Caribbean takes the cake.

While MSC’s service wasn’t bad, it wasn’t as spectacular as Royal Caribbean’s

Perhaps my favorite aspect of cruising on Royal Caribbean is the outstanding customer service.

I have never encountered service as helpful and friendly as on Royal Caribbean. While onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, I quickly lose count of the amount of warm greetings I receive from crew members. From a quick hello in the hallway to long conversations with bartenders, Royal Caribbean’s service makes every passenger feel welcomed and special.

On MSC Seaside, my family and I were not disappointed in the customer service onboard, but we weren’t blown away, either. Whereas on Royal Caribbean a table will be cleared in record speed at the buffet, this process seemed to take much longer on MSC Seaside. Ordering a drink took much longer than expected as well—the bars seemed to be understaffed.

Not everything was slow, though. When eating breakfast in the main dining room, for example, I was pleased with some of the quickest, most attentive service I’ve experienced at sea yet.

Outside of food and beverage service, my family ran into several issues with their onboard credit during our MSC cruise. The onboard credit they received when booking did not appear in their accounts, and, for some of my relatives, it took three trips to Guest Services before the issue was resolved. Later, we found out we had been charged for gratuities twice, necessitating another trip to Guest Services.

Although my family is not picky, and we recognize how diligently cruise ship crew members work, we couldn’t help but notice these slight differences in service.

I enjoyed the ocean-facing views on MSC Seaside, something I find lacking on Royal Caribbean’s ships

I love the activity-filled, innovative designs of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, but one thing I don’t like about the fleet’s biggest vessels is the lack of ocean views. Most venues onboard ships like Wonder of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas face inward; on these cruise ships, it’s easy to forget you’re on a ship altogether.

And while I didn’t love everything about the design of MSC Seaside—namely, the atrium-design over a thoroughfare like a promenade—I did love the amount of ocean views.

Most bars onboard had floor-to-ceiling windows of the ocean, and restaurants such as Kaito Teppanyaki had a gorgeous layout with a full view of the ocean. I found myself spending most of my time onboard sitting by a window with a view, and these bars quickly became my family’s meeting point for a pre-dinner drink and get together.

Only adults joined my family cruise, but MSC offers kid-friendly activities like Royal Caribbean

My family’s vacation on MSC Seaside was free of screaming children… from our family, at least.

Like Royal Caribbean, MSC is a family-friendly cruise line that caters to passengers of all ages. You’ll find kid-focused programming onboard both MSC and Royal Caribbean, including complimentary kids clubs, zip lines, aqua parks, and waterslides.

The buffet even has a kids zone, which is a shorter buffet stand that allows kids to serve themselves. Unsurprisingly, this is where you’ll find the ship’s soft serve ice cream machine, hot dogs, and chicken fingers.

When comparing Royal Caribbean's new ships with MSC Seaside, I would say they seemed similar for kid-friendly fun. The only downside with MSC Seaside was that some activities, such as the zip line and bowling, come with an extra cost. Most activities, however, such as the waterslides, ropes course, and LEGO club, are included in the cruise fare.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay offers a far greater variety of activities compared to MSC’s Ocean Cay

One of the ports on my family’s Western Caribbean cruise itinerary was Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s private island in The Bahamas.

Like Royal Caribbean, MSC operates a private destination in The Bahamas, providing a picture-perfect beach day to guests. And, as is with Perfect Day at CocoCay, the island provides complimentary food and beach access, and drink packages work on the island.

When comparing Ocean Cay to Perfect Day at CocoCay, it was clear Royal Caribbean’s private island offered a wider range of activities. From Thrill Waterpark to the Coco Beach Club and Oasis Lagoon pool, there is more to choose from at CocoCay.

Ocean Cay, on the other hand, focuses almost exclusively on beaches. You won’t find a pool, waterpark, or adults-only retreat on the island. While there are a few shops and a suites-only area, the overall atmosphere is far more chill than that of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Nonetheless, having fewer choices isn’t necessarily a bad thing. My family and I appreciated the low-key vibe of the island, and it was much quieter than the party atmosphere we’ve encountered at CocoCay.

As a plus, our stay at Ocean Cay included a sunset DJ party on the island, and staying on the island into the night was a unique experience you cannot have at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

I wouldn’t say one island is better than the other, but Royal Caribbean’s private destination offers much more than just the beach.

My family and I aren’t opposed to cruising with MSC again, but we’ll still check Royal Caribbean’s options first

“If the prices are the same,” my dad explained on the last evening of our cruise, “I would book a Royal Caribbean cruise, but I wouldn’t pay double for Royal Caribbean.”

My dad’s quote just about sums up my family’s overall consensus about our cheap MSC cruise. For the price we paid, the value we got from our vacation was outstanding, especially considering we also had a drink package and wifi package.

Despite the fact that we preferred certain aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience, I don’t think it justified paying double for, all things considered, a similar experience.

If the price of a Royal Caribbean and MSC cruise were roughly the same, I would probably book with Royal Caribbean.

Even though MSC does status matching with Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, it still doesn’t beat the Diamond Plus benefits I receive through the Crown & Anchor Society, like free drinks and access to a private lounge.

The elevated entertainment, service, and greater variety of dining venues also gives a slight edge to Royal Caribbean. That being said, MSC offers more varied and intriguing itineraries than the latter, as they sail to destinations like Brazil, Dubai, and Namibia.

Whether sailing on Royal Caribbean or MSC, there’s no doubt a cruise vacation makes for an excellent family trip, and I’m grateful for the memories I made with my siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on MSC Seaside. Personally, I feel MSC’s negative stereotype is unwarranted.

When we plan our next family cruise, we’ll likely check cruise prices on Royal Caribbean’s website first, but we will remain open to trying new cruise lines as well.

How much is a Royal Caribbean cruise? (2025)

In:

Planning

21 Sep 2023

Curious just how much it will cost you to take a cruise? With the right information and some estimates, you can easily calculate the price to take a cruise.

Luckily, cruise vacations are quite affordable and cruise lines offer a variety of options at different prices that make a cruise economical for many families.

To help anyone budget for their cruise, let’s break down what to expect in terms of overall costs. Keep in mind that cruises are global, and we cannot possibly account for every scenario, budget, and cost.

To help give a ballpark idea of what to expect, we have an in-depth look at the cost of a cruise, from the base cruise fare to optional add-ons and typical costs you’ll encounter when planning a cruise vacation.

What your cruise fare will cost

A cruise can cost anywhere between $550 for 2 adults on a 3-night weekend sailing to upwards of $80,000 total for a family to sail in the most luxurious multi-story suites. The cost of a cruise changes based on itinerary, ship, cruise length, number of passengers, and time of year you sail.

Cruise prices are also dynamic, meaning you can find a fantastic deal one day only to have the price increase the next. Knowing this, let’s take a look at a few sample prices of various Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries.

What is the average cost of a cruise?

These cruises are pricing examples on the total (not per person) cruise fare of an interior cabin versus a balcony cabin for two adults:

A 3-night Bahamas weekend cruise in April: $700 (interior), $1000 (balcony)
A 7-night Caribbean cruise in September: $1500 (interior), $1900 (balcony)
A 7-night Alaska cruise in June: $2400 (interior), $3200 (balcony)
A 12-night Holy Land cruise in October: $3857 (interior), $4300 (balcony)
A 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise in February: $1100 (interior), $1800 (balcony)

The prices above should be used as a guide, but actual cruise fares may be higher or lower depending on day to day pricing.

One trend we're seeing are the costs of a cruise going up each year. The primary driver for higher cruise prices is demand. Demand has skyrocketed in the past few years, as we've seen reported in the cruise line's quarterly reports with Wall Street.

Other factors, such as inflation, better marketing, and interest generated by new cruise ships drive up prices.

There are other costs to consider when calculating the overall price of a cruise.

Taxes and port fees

About $100-200 per person.

You have no choice but to pay port fees and taxes, which are lumped onto your cruise fare.

These are fees that the governments of various countries your ship sails to and from mandate, so it's a necessary evil.

Depending on which ports you visit, the costs can vary. The more port stops, the higher this will cost.

Gratuities

Standard cabin: $18.50 per person, per day; Suite: $21.00 per person, per day

Gratuities are charged automatically and it covers the service you receive onboard the ship.

You can have gratuities pre-paid, where Royal Caribbean charges you the full amount up front with your cruise fare and then there's nothing more to pay once onboard.

Alternatively, you can wait and get charged every night of the cruise to your onboard account.

Transportation pre- and post-cruise

Less than $100 if you live nearby; Up to thousands of dollars if flying

You should also factor in the cost to get to the cruise port and then back home again.

This could result in needing to pay for flights, hotels, and/or parking. There's also going to be incidental costs associated with this as well, such as meals along the way.

If you live close enough to drive to the cruise port, these costs may be quite low. But many people fly to their cruise, and that will add more to the price.

Before you try to save money by flying in the same day of your cruise, don't. This is a major mistake and could put your entire vacation in jeopardy.

How much you pay for a hotel can vary just as much as cruise fares, depending on the date of your trip, hotel brand, and other factors. Expect it to be around $200-$300 for a night.

If you are parking a car at the port, the price is probably going to be around $20-30 per day to park.

Cruise add-ons

$100-400 per day

There are a host of extras you can add onto the cost of your cruise, and they're all discretionary based on your needs and preferences.

Shore excursions, drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, and wifi are just a few optional add-ons you can choose to buy for your cruise.

Royal Caribbean purposefully leaves these extras out of the cruise fare for two reasons: it helps advertise a lower entry price for the cruise, and not everyone wants to buy these items. Rather than include them in the fare, the line leaves it up to you to decide.

Royal Caribbean Group shared in a financial statement that the average guest spent $90-100 per person, per day on extras.

What determines the cost of a cruise?

Cruise pricing is influenced by a number of factors, and knowing the trends of what makes one cruise more expensive than another can help you in the booking process.

Ship size and age: a 20-year old cruise ship will usually be significantly cheaper than a brand new ship. You should never book a ship based solely on price, though, as you want to make sure the ship you book has the amenities, activities, and entertainment choices you’re looking for in a cruise vacation.

Length: You’ll pay far less for a 4-night cruise compared to a 10-night cruise. You’ll often find exceptions to this rule, however. 3-night cruises over the weekend tend to be more expensive than 4-night cruises during the week, and long transatlantic/transpacific cruises can have a much lower cost per day compared to other sailings.

Time of year: Cruising during peak season can see cruise fares up to double what the same ship and itinerary would cost in low season. For Caribbean cruises, you’ll find some of the lowest fares from late August to early November, the first two weeks of December, mid-January to mid-February, and in May.

Supply and demand: While there are general trends when it comes to cruise pricing, there are no set price rules. Supply and demand will affect the price of any cruise, and you may find hidden deals based on low demand for a sailing you’re interested in, even on a newer ship.

Cost of a cruise by cabin type

The first decision you’ll make after selecting a cruise ship and itinerary is which cruise ship cabin to book. There is a cruise ship cabin for every type of traveler, from the most basic inside cabins to luxurious suites.

Here’s a general idea of what each type of cabin may cost you:

Interior cabins are the cheapest cruise cabin available. While they don’t feature a window and are usually smaller than other cabin categories, you’ll find some great deals on inside staterooms. You can expect to pay around $70-$160 per person, per night for an interior cabin.

Ocean view cabins are the next step up from an interior cabin and feature a porthole window. Prices for ocean view cabins are generally priced at around $110 to $197 per person, per night.

Balcony cabins are the most popular cruise ship cabin available, with each cabin having a private outdoor balcony space. You can expect to pay between $150 and $250 per person, per night for an ocean view balcony cabin.

Suites offer the most lavish accommodations available on a cruise ship. Prices can vary widely based on the type of suite you book, with prices ranging from $250 to $420 per person, per night for Junior Suites to between $650 and $1000 per person, per night for Owner’s Suites.

Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship suites can be priced in the tens of thousands for a weeklong sailing.

How much does a cruise cost for a solo traveler?

Cruising solo? You’re not alone. Solo cruising has become more and more popular in recent years, and cruise lines are following the trend by offering studio cabins on their cruise ships, built for just one passenger.

Not every Royal Caribbean cruise ship has studio cabins, and those that do only have a few studio cabins which tend to get booked quickly. Why? Studio cabins do not incur a single supplement fee, which is a means of recouping the cost of a second traveler that would otherwise be in the stateroom.

Having this fee waived in a studio room is a huge incentive for solo cruisers, and it’s common to find these cabins fully booked on most itineraries.

Studio cabins can be found on Anthem of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas.

What’s included in your base cruise fare?

It’s possible to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise and spend nothing extra onboard. While cruise fares are not entirely all-inclusive, as extras like internet and alcoholic beverages will cost extra–you’ll find more than enough included in your cruise fare to keep you satisfied throughout the sailing.

Your base cruise fare includes the following:

Accommodations (your cruise ship cabin)
Meals & snacks at complimentary venues
Drinks (water, tea, coffee, lemonade, iced tea, milk, juice, and hot chocolate)
Continental room service at breakfast
Adventure Ocean child programming
Activities and shows
Fitness center
Pool and sun decks

Taxes and fees will be automatically added to your cruise fare upon checkout, and the exact cost of taxes and fees will vary based on your cruise length and itinerary.

Gratuities are not included in your base cruise fare. You can choose to pre-pay gratuities when booking your cruise or incur a daily fee once onboard the ship. Royal Caribbean’s current gratuity costs are $16 per person, per day in standard cabins (Junior Suites and below) and $18.50 per person, per day in Grand Suites and above.

What costs extra on a cruise?

While there is no shortage of dining options, activities, entertainment, and amenities included in your base cruise fare, there are many add-ons you can purchase on a cruise vacation. While spending extra on a cruise is not required, it’s helpful to know what costs extra on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Drinks

Outside of the complimentary drinks included in your cruise fare, you’ll pay extra for the following drinks on a cruise:

Alcoholic beverages
Mocktails
Specialty coffee and tea drinks
Soda
Fresh-squeezed juices

You can choose to buy drinks individually or purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package, which allows you to enjoy unlimited drinks during your cruise for one set cost. Drink package prices range from $62-78 per person, per day for the Deluxe Beverage Package, $30-38 per person, per day for the non-alcoholic Refreshment Package, and $13-15 per person, per day for the soda package.

Specialty dining

Outside of complimentary dining venues on any Royal Caribbean ship are specialty restaurants. Specialty restaurants provide cuisines and cooking styles not found elsewhere onboard, such as the cruise line’s signature steakhouse, Chops Grille, or Japanese cuisine at Izumi.

Specialty restaurants come in two categories: à la carte or a cover charge restaurant. À la carte restaurants include Playmakers Sports Bar and Portside BBQ, where you can expect to spend around $20 per meal. Cover charge restaurants offer more formal sit-down dining at a set price, and you can expect to pay around $25 for lunch and $50 for dinner at a cover charge restaurant.

Like drink packages, Royal Caribbean also offers dining packages for use at specialty restaurants. 2-night, 3-night, 5-night, and an Unlimited Dining Package are available to purchase before your cruise.

Dining package costs are typically around $84.99 for a 2-night (Chops + 1) package, $115 for a 3-night package, and $225 for an Unlimited Dining Package.

Room service is not included in your cruise fare aside from a complimentary continental breakfast option.

Wifi

Wifi is not included in the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, and the cruise line charges a daily fee per device. If you plan on purchasing wifi for your cruise, expect to spend around $20 per device, per day for the service. Note that two devices can use the same wifi plan as long as they are not logged in to the wifi account at the same time.

Shore excursions

Purchasing shore excursions on port days is not required, but if you elect to book an organized tour, this will come at an extra cost. Shore excursion prices can range drastically, from $25 walking tours to $400 helicopter rides. Most tours will cost between $50 and $150 per person

You can book tours directly through the cruise line or through outside providers, with the latter often offering a lower price. Before booking a shore excursion through an outside company, though, be sure to review the pros and cons of not booking through the cruise line.

Booking a shore excursion through Royal Caribbean provides more security, as the ship will wait for you if the tour runs late. Booking through an independent company–while often cheaper–does not offer this sense of security.

Alternatively, you can choose to explore a port on your own without an organized excursion. This is almost always a more cost-effective way to explore a destination, as you’ll often find transportation and sightseeing costs are quite affordable in ports of call.

Transportation

Getting to and from your cruise port is another added expense on your Royal Caribbean cruise. You’ll need to budget for flights, baggage fees, gas, parking, tolls, taxis, and any other transportation expenses needed to reach your embarkation port.

We always recommended that you arrive at your cruise embarkation port the day before your cruise departs. This allows for extra wiggle room in case of any unexpected travel delays. Arriving a day early will require booking a hotel room the night before your cruise, which could set you back between $150 and $400.

Miscellaneous expenses

Aside from the major add-ons you may purchase for a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll also need to consider budgeting for the following optional cruise costs:

Spa treatments
Fitness classes
Extra-cost activities (arcade, escape room, etc.)
Laundry service
Wine and cocktail tastings
Backstage ship tours
Onboard childcare for guests 6-36 months (hourly charge)
Costs at home (pet care, childcare, etc.)
Photos
Souvenirs
Casino

Bottom line

If this article has taught you anything about the price of a cruise, it’s that a cruise fare can vary considerably. The good news? You’ll almost certainly be able to find a cruise to fit your vacation budget, whether you book a cheap interior room or lavish suite.

A rough estimate is to expect to spend around $2000 on cruise fare for a 7-night cruise for 2 adults. This can be more or less depending on cabin category, time of year you sail, etc., but it’s a great starting point for planning a cruise budget.

Of course, you’ll have to add on the cost of transportation, gratuities, and any discretional spending you do once onboard to the total cruise cost. However, a cruise vacation still offers a fantastic vacation value considering all that is included in your cruise fare.

I've spent over 100 nights on cruise ships, and these are my biggest cruising regrets to avoid making

In:

Planning

25 Aug 2023

No one likes making mistakes, but it’s bound to happen while traveling, especially over the course of twenty cruises.

In the past two years, I’ve spent 106 nights on cruise ships, sailing everywhere from the sunny Mediterranean to the tropical Caribbean and chilly Alaska. Even though cruising so often has taught me to avoid plenty of rookie cruising mistakes, I still have a few regrets from my time onboard.

Whether booking one itinerary over another, wishing I packed more efficiently, or booking a risky flight schedule, there are a few things I wish I did differently.

If you have an upcoming cruise, it’s helpful to know what to avoid during the entire process so that you can avoid stress and hassle later on.

After spending over 100 nights on cruise ships, these are my 8 biggest cruising regrets you should avoid making.

Booking too many Western Caribbean itineraries

Latin America is my favorite region of the world, and I make it a point to visit the region as often as I can. Not only do I love practicing my Spanish skills, but the friendliness, diverse landscapes, and relatively low costs of the region keep me coming back time and time again.

Because of this, I tend to book Western Caribbean cruises far more often than cruises to other regions in the Caribbean. Not only do I get to visit some of my favorite ports on a Western Caribbean cruise, but these itineraries have fewer sea days than Eastern Caribbean sailings, and I’ll always take an additional port day over another day on the ship.

Yet on my most recent Western Caribbean cruise, I found myself getting bored with visiting the same ports over and over. While I enjoy visiting destinations like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan, I’ve already been to the ports several times.

I knew exactly what to expect in each of these ports, and I didn’t feel I was growing from the travel experience anymore like I would have if I were visiting new destinations.

I regret not booking more diverse itineraries in the Caribbean throughout the past few years. While I have been to Cozumel four times, for example, I’ve never seen the white sand beaches of Aruba, ridden the scenic train in St. Kitts, or hiked to a waterfall in Dominica.

I wish I chose my itineraries more wisely so I had the chance to visit a greater number of destinations.

Not making My Time Dining reservations

On a recent Quantum of the Seas cruise, I decided to try My Time Dining for the first time. Unlike Traditional Dining, in which guests dine at the same time each day, My Time Dining allows guests to dine at a different time each evening, and I was curious to see how the two compared.

Yet as my cruise approached, I completely forgot to make My Time Dining reservations on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website. As soon as I boarded the ship on embarkation day, I headed to the Main Dining Room to figure out how to make reservations, but I found that availability was more limited than I expected.

Ultimately we were able to get a time sorted, but it caused unnecessary stress, and I certainly did not want to wait in the long “No Reservations” line each evening.

If I ever do My Time Dining again on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I’ll make sure I make reservations in advance.

Waiting too long to purchase compression packing cubes

I am a big advocate of using packing cubes when traveling. Packing my clothes into packing cubes allows me to fit far more clothing items in a small suitcase. As another plus, it also keeps my belongings organized while traveling.

For years I had been using a random pair of packing cubes I purchased on Amazon. There was nothing special or fancy about the cubes; they condensed my clothes slightly, allowing me to pack more easily.

A few months ago, however, my packing cubes needed to be replaced. I ordered a pair of “compression” packing cubes. To be honest, I didn’t really understand what these were, and I just purchased the first cubes I saw online from the reputable company Thule.

When I received them in the mail and tested them out, I was in shock with how many clothes I could fit into a single cube. There are two zippers on each cube, one for closing the pack initially and the other for compressing the items in the cube even further.

With compression packing cubes, I can easily fit around double the amount of clothes in my carry-on suitcase. I can’t believe I waited so long to try compression packing cubes! Now, I will never travel without them.

You can purchase the packing cubes here.

Not taking a scuba diving course on a cruise ship

Select Royal Caribbean ships offer the chance to become PADI Open Water scuba certified onboard, which is an internationally accepted scuba diving certification. For those interested in scuba diving, doing the course onboard is a convenient way to become certified.

In the course, you first do a few training sessions in your cruise ship’s pools. Once in port, you complete your open water dives in the ocean to become certified.

Ever since my first cruise, I had been meaning to book the course and become a certified scuba diver, but I kept putting it off for one reason or another. Even after booking a “Discover Scuba” shore excursion in St. Thomas—one of my favorite shore excursions to date—I still kept putting off taking the course.

An upcoming trip, however, has me regretting not becoming certified on a Royal Caribbean cruise. I’m headed to Australia this fall and didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef.

Because I’m not scuba certified, I had to book a course in my city in order to be ready to dive once I get to Australia. Now, instead of learning to dive in warm, coral-filled waters, I’ll be taking the course in the frigid waters of a high alpine lake.

If I could go back in time, I would have completed my scuba diving certification on one of my cruises. Not only would I have been able to dive in some spectacular locations in the Caribbean, but I wouldn’t have had to book a last-minute course at home.

Not booking a land-based cruise tour after my one-way Alaska itinerary

Last summer I booked the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find, a one-way itinerary departing from Vancouver, British Columbia and ending in Seward, Alaska.

Unlike other ports on an Alaska cruise, Seward is not located in the state’s famous Inside Passage. Instead, the port is in Southcentral Alaska, just two and a half hours from Anchorage.

Visiting the port is only available on one-way Alaska itineraries, and many passengers take advantage of the itinerary by planning extra days in Alaska before or after the sailing. Most of these visitors plan a trip to Denali National Park & Preserve, home to the highest peak in North America.

Some passengers plan this extra time on their own, renting a car and sightseeing without a guided tour. Others, though, opt to reserve one of Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Tours, which are multi-day sightseeing tours on land.

After an eight day trip I thought I would be ready to go home, so I didn’t bother planning extra days in Alaska’s interior. Although visiting Denali has always been on my travel bucket list, I figured I could come back another day.

Upon arriving in Anchorage, though, I immediately regretted not planning extra time in Alaska’s interior. On the day of my visit to Anchorage, there was a clear view of Denali’s peak, and I was awestruck by the mountain’s beauty even from so far away.

At this point I realized it was silly to try and rush home. I should have taken the opportunity to visit more of Alaska instead of waiting for a future trip that may or may not happen.

While I can’t go back in time, I wish I had planned extra time in Alaska after my one-way cruise.

Booking a flight with a short layover

When booking flights for my Symphony of the Seas cruise earlier this year, I made a decision I swear I’ll never do again—I booked a layover of just one hour.

If there’s anything that traveling across the country several times per year has taught me, it’s to always schedule more time than you think you need for a layover. As a general rule of thumb, I prefer booking layovers that are around two or three hours.

Even though a longer layover means more time waiting around in the airport, it’s worth it for the peace of mind. Layovers under an hour can be extremely tight, especially if you’re traveling through a busy airport or if your first flight is delayed! I would much rather hang out in an airport lounge for an extra hour than risk missing my flight.

Yet when I booked my flight to Miami earlier this year, I neglected to follow my own advice. I booked a flight with just a one hour layover in Salt Lake City—the itinerary would save me five hours of travel time, so I figured it was worth the risk.

When it came time to fly, my first flight was over thirty minutes delayed. Panicking, I soon realized I would only have around five minutes to catch my next flight before the doors closed.

Once in Salt Lake City, I sprinted faster than I ever have before to make my connection. Luckily I made the flight with about a minute to spare, but the shorter travel time was absolutely not worth the stress.

Since then, I will never book a layover under an hour in any circumstance, but especially when heading to a cruise port.

Packing too many clothes for an Alaska cruise

Speaking of packing lightly, one of my biggest cruising regrets was packing way too many clothes for my first Alaska cruise.

Although I have now been on five Alaska cruises, I was totally overwhelmed with what to pack for my first sailing to the Last Frontier. I ended up doing something I never do while flying—check a bag—and I basically put my entire wardrobe into the suitcase.

Once in Alaska, I realized just how big of a mistake it was to overpack. Unlike the hot, humid Caribbean, I found that being in Alaska meant my clothes stayed cleaner longer. I spent most port days in the same outfit: a pair of leggings, a sweater, and my rain jacket.

There was no need to pack six sweaters, two sweatshirts, five long-sleeve shirts, a down jacket, a rain jacket, three pairs of jeans, and five pairs of leggings. In fact, I probably only wore about half of what I packed.

While overpacking meant I could have a wide selection of outfits to choose from each day, it ultimately created more hassle than it was worth. From paying for a bag fee to navigating Seattle’s public transit and walking around the city with a huge suitcase, I swore I would never pack so much for a cruise again.

Since my first Alaska cruise, I’ve only ever packed for cruises with a carry-on suitcase and a personal item. For more information on how I pack so lightly for these cruises, check out this article on everything I packed for my most recent Alaska cruise.

Sailing from the same embarkation ports

My last major cruising regret is sailing from the same embarkation ports all the time.

I do not live within driving distance of a cruise port, so that means I frequently fly to ports around the world. Although I could have used this opportunity to visit cities I had never been to before, such as Houston, Amsterdam, and Quebec City, I found myself booking cruises from the same ports over and over.

I’ve sailed from Fort Lauderdale and Miami more times than I can count, but I’ve never booked a cruise from New York, Baltimore, or Rome.

Because I always arrive a day before my cruise begins, I spend the first day of my trip sightseeing in the embarkation port. I wish I would have been more adventurous with my embarkation ports so I could have spent time sightseeing in a wider variety of destinations.

Do you have any cruising regrets? Let us know your biggest mishaps in the comments below!

16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions

In:

Alaska

14 Aug 2023

If you’re cruising to Alaska on a budget, there are numerous ways to spend a day in port without breaking the bank.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships docked in Alaska

Alaska cruises are known for offering dozens of thrilling shore excursions, from whale watching tours to scenic helicopter rides. Unfortunately, these shore excursions often come with hefty fees in the hundreds of dollars.

Like any cruise destination, shore excursions in Alaska are completely optional. Passengers are free to disembark the ship in port and explore on their own, which is a popular choice for cruisers hoping to save money.

Because Alaska is such a bucket-list cruise itinerary, though, you don’t want to miss out on the highlights of each cruise port. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to plan a memorable port day without spending a fortune.

The 4 most popular cruise ports in Alaska are Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Ketchikan, all of which offer a variety of low-cost activities, whether museums, day hikes, or glacier visits.

These are the 16 best cheap and free things to do in Alaska’s most popular ports.

Cheap and free things to do in Skagway

Skagway is a small town located at the northernmost part of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Situated on mainland North America just 14 miles from Canada, Skagway is stunning, with tall, snow-capped peaks dominating the landscape.

The town is most known for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush, and many attractions in Skagway showcase its gold rush history, including the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway and the Gold Rush Cemetery.

Plenty of activities in Skagway are free, and here are some of our favorite things to do in this charming small town.

Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls

Skagway is known for its Gold Rush history, and many passengers enjoy walking to the Gold Rush Cemetery. The walk takes about 30 minutes when starting downtown. Alternatively, you can take the Skagway SMART bus, which is $5 for an all-day pass. Information on the bus (and a map of bus stops) can be found here.

The Gold Rush Cemetery has no entrance fee. While at the cemetery, you can read stories about those buried there, which leads to some fascinating discoveries. As Skagway has such a unique, “wild west” history, many of the stories are quite surprising, and they allow you to get a glimpse into what Skagway was like in the town’s early days.

Another free activity is the 5-minute walk to Lower Reid Falls—the trailhead begins at the Gold Rush cemetery. There is no cost to visit the waterfalls, and the walk is well-suited for both novice and experienced hikers. Once there, you can marvel at the 40-foot-high waterfall.

Browse exhibits at the Skagway Museum

Another free activity in Skagway is a visit to the Skagway Museum, which aims to preserve the history of the Skagway and Taiya Valleys.

At the museum, visitors can enjoy exhibits on the region’s history, including information and artifacts from the Gold Rush era. Located just a block off of Broadway, the main tourist street in Skagway, getting to the museum is convenient for all cruise passengers.

Although entrance to the museum is free, a small donation is recommended (a few dollars will do).

Lower and Upper Dewey Lake

More experienced hikers may want to consider hiking to Lower and/or Upper Dewey Lake.

Lower Dewey Lake is the easier hike, and the trailhead to both starts just a 5-minute walk from downtown. The hike to Lower Dewey Lake is 3 miles with 793 feet of elevation gain, and hikers are rewarded with serene, untouched nature in all directions.

Upper Dewey Lake continues onward from Lower Dewey Lake, and it's the most challenging day hike on this list. The hike is only recommended for experienced hikers. Although not overly technical, it features over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Passengers should ensure they have enough time to complete the hike before their cruise ship departs, as it usually takes around 5-8 hours depending on your fitness level.

Walk to Yakutania Point

Another of my favorite free things to do in Skagway is the walk to Yakutania Point. If you’re not up for an intense day of hiking, the brief, relatively flat walk to Yakutania Point makes a nice option.

Yakutania Point sits on the tip of a peninsula at the end of the Lynn Canal, and it offers wonderful views of the cruise port, town, and nearby mountains. It’s arguably the best selfie spot in all of Skagway.

To access Yakutania Point, simply walk over the pedestrian bridge west of downtown (near the Skagway airport). From there, you can walk roughly 10 minutes to reach the point. If you’d like to continue further along the trail, consider walking to Smuggler’s Cove for even more pristine views.

Cheap and free things to do in Juneau

The capital of Alaska may only have a population of 32,000, but that doesn’t mean it's lacking in things to do.

Juneau is a popular port for expensive excursions like whale watching tours and helicopter rides to glaciers. However, there are still more than enough cheap or free ways to spend a day in the city, and here are 5 of our favorites.

Visiting Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular place to visit on any cruise to Juneau—I'd argue it can't be missed. Just 13 miles from downtown, the glacier is easily accessible to cruise ship visitors without the need to rent a car or take an expensive helicopter ride.

The cost to visit Mendenhall Glacier is just $5, which includes access to the trails and visitor center. That being said, I have never encountered a place to pay the fee on my 4 previous visits to the glacier, although I never visited with a guided tour.

Unfortunately, while accessing the glacier area comes at a low cost, getting to the glacier is another story. Most passengers who are not on an organized shore excursion opt for the glacier express bus, which offers regularly scheduled shuttles between downtown Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier. The ride costs $45 round trip.

Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle from Cycle Alaska (e-bikes are available) and ride the 13 miles to the glacier yourself, which is primarily on bike paths.

There is the option to take a public city bus to the glacier, but the ride takes around an hour as opposed to the usual thirty minutes. Additionally, the bus stop closest to the glacier, on Dredge Lake Road, is still a 30-minute walk away from the visitor's center. At only $2 per adult, however, it’s an option for those on an extremely tight budget.

Stroll the Boardwalk and South Franklin Street

Downtown Juneau is scenic, with a picturesque waterfront and magnificent peaks surrounding the city. Right in front of where cruise ships dock downtown is a boardwalk perfect for taking a stroll and admiring the views.

If you don’t have anything planned for your day in Juneau, consider walking around downtown and relaxing on a bench or table on the boardwalk. One of my favorite things to do is grab a tasty treat—such as a block of fudge from the nearby Alaska Fudge Company—and enjoy dessert at one of the boardwalk's waterfront tables.

Grab a drink at the Red Dog Saloon

While not entirely free, consider grabbing a drink from the Red Dog Saloon, a wild west-style saloon just a few minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal.

The Red Dog Saloon will immediately transport you to Juneau’s mining era, with western-style architecture, live entertainment, and eclectic decor, such as the framed gun from Wyatt Earp, known for his 1881 gunfight in the wild west of Arizona.

The saloon's signature drink is the Duck Fart, a shot made with Kahlúa, Irish cream, and Crown Royal. At around $7.50 per shot, it’s well worth the cost to enjoy the ambiance and music at the Red Dog Saloon.

Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Visiting a museum is the perfect way to stay warm on a chilly, rainy day in Alaska. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum, located next to the Alaska State Capitol building, costs just $6 for adults and is free for kids 12 and younger.

At the museum, guests can browse exhibits on Juneau’s history, Native Tlingit culture, Juneau’s geography, the state’s mining history, and more. Walking tours are also offered, although with the exception of the state capitol tour, they cost $31.50 per person.

Hike to Mount Roberts (or to the tramway station)

Outdoorsmen and women looking for a challenge should consider hiking to Mount Roberts, a 3,819 foot mountain towering over downtown Juneau. Not for the beginner hiker, the Mount Roberts trail has over 3,700 feet of elevation gain, but the views are definitely worth the climb.

The trailhead begins on the outskirts of downtown Juneau, a 25-minute walk from the cruise port area.

If you don’t want to climb all the way to the top of the mountain, you can instead climb to Gastineau Peak, where you’ll find activities and amenities like a Nature Center, restaurant, cultural theater, and additional hiking trails. This area is the top of the Mount Roberts tramway, which takes guests from downtown Juneau up the mountainside on a cable car.

If you’d like, you can choose to ride the tram back to downtown Juneau instead of hiking down the mountain.

Cheap and free things to do in Ketchikan

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “First City” as it is the first Alaskan city you’ll encounter while traveling north. Due to its southerly location, Ketchikan is usually the first or last port of call in Alaska on a cruise.

Although there are several excursions you could book in Ketchikan, such as a visit to the Misty Fjords National Monument, many of the town’s most popular activities are free of charge.

This makes Ketchikan an easy port to visit without spending much (if anything) extra on activities.

Creek Street and Married Man’s Trail

Almost every visitor to Ketchikan takes a walk along Creek Street, the town's former red-light district. Buildings on the street were constructed over the water along a wooden boardwalk, and signs next to the buildings provide insights into Ketchikan’s history.

Strolling Creek Street is completely free, although certain attractions along the street may charge an entrance fee. You might even spot wildlife in the creek as well, including salmon and sea otters.

As you near the end of Creek Street, the boardwalk continues upwards into the rainforest, which is known as the Married Man’s Trail. Once used by married men to conspicuously reach the red-light district, the path is now a free way to explore Ketchikan’s nature.

Whereas most of the views on the path are blocked by trees, it’s still a fun and quick activity to do on any visit to Ketchikan.

Tour Dolly’s House Museum

Another low-cost activity is found on Creek Street, and that is a tour of Dolly’s House Museum.

Dolly was one of the most famous madams working on Creek Street between 1919 and 1954. After prostitution was deemed illegal, she continued living in the house until moving to a nursing home. Her colorful, historic house has been maintained throughout the past few decades, transporting visitors to another era altogether.

Admission to tour Dolly’s House is just $10, making it an affordable way to spend an hour or so during your port day.

Tongass Historical Museum & Totem Heritage Center

2 museums in Ketchikan, the Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center, should definitely be on your to-do list. For only $9 per person, you can purchase a pass to visit both museums.

The Tongass Historical Museum, located in the center of downtown, tells the story of Ketchikan’s history and culture and includes a collection of old photographs and artifacts.

The Totem Heritage Center focuses on the history and artistic traditions of the native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. The museum showcases a collection of totem poles, art pieces, and photography collections.

A free shuttle bus is operated between the two museums (along with other attractions). To find the bus, look for a bus that says "Downtown Shuttle" or ask a staff member at the museum.

Cheap and free things to do in Sitka

Sitka is the only Alaska cruise port facing the open ocean instead of the Inside Passage, and its location on the remote Baranof Island has influenced its history for over 10,000 years.

Sitka offers a quintessential Alaska experience, as the town allows visitors to easily explore nature, spot wildlife, and stroll through the charming downtown area.

Because most tourist attractions are located within close proximity to each other, it’s easy to explore Sitka without an organized tour. Not only that, but many of these attractions have a low cost, making it easy to enjoy your day without ruining your budget.

Sitka National Historic Park

Starting downtown, you can walk to the entrance of the Sitka National Historic Park in just 15 minutes. This 113-acre park preserves the site of a battle between the Native Tlingit people and Russian traders, and includes several miles of easy, flat walking trails in the lush green rainforest.

A must-visit trail is the Totem Trail, a mile-long path with 18 Tlingit and Haida totem poles.

Of course, like any hiking trail in Alaska, visitors should be cognizant of wildlife in the area and take precautions when walking through the forest.

Sitka Sound Science Center

A great activity for a chilly weather day in Sitka is to visit the Sitka Sound Science Center. The science center is just ten minutes from downtown by foot and has an admission cost of $7 for adults and $5 per child.

At the science center you can get up close to aquatic creatures in the center’s aquarium—which include touch tanks—and take a tour of the facility, which teaches visitors the role of salmon and aquaculture in Southeast Alaska.

The Sitka Sound Science Center is one of the best kid-friendly activities in Sitka, and you can purchase admission online ahead of time or once you arrive.

Visit Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center on your own

2 wildlife attractions are extremely popular in Sitka: Fortress of the Bear and the Alaska Raptor Center.

Fortress of the Bear is a bear sanctuary that rescues and cares for orphaned bears. While there, visitors can observe the bears’ behavior and view them in a safe environment, unlike in the wild!

The Alaska Raptor Center, on the other hand, is a bird rehabilitation facility that rescues and rehabilitates injured birds of prey, including bald eagles, snowy owls, and red-tailed hawks.

Visiting both sites is common on many shore excursions in Sitka, but these often come with a steep price tag of $70-100. Instead, opt for a ticket on a shuttle bus, which leave regularly from the Sitka Visitor Center, conveniently located right where shuttles from the cruise port drop passengers off downtown.

For $20, you can ride to both sites on the shuttle bus, although the admission fee of each center is not included. Fortress of the Bear charges $15 per adult, $5 for youth aged 8-15, and children 7 and under are free. The Alaska Raptor Center charges $16 per adult, $8 for youth aged 6-12, and children 5 and under are free.

If you visit both sites with the shuttle bus, the cost is $50 per adult, which is cheaper than any shore excursion offered.

Explore Russian influence in downtown Sitka

There are 3 free attractions in downtown Sitka that provide insights into the city’s Russian influence. As the former capital of Russian Alaska, Sitka once had around 700 Russians living in the town before Alaska was sold to the United States in 1867.

The first free attraction to visit is the Russian Bishop’s House, a National Park Service building that was once the center of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. The Russian Bishop’s House is one of the last surviving buildings with Russian colonial architecture in the United States.

You should allocate around an hour to visit the building, as it features museum exhibits and offers a guided tour. We recommend visiting early in the morning to sign up for a time slot, as there’s no guarantee that a walk-in will be accepted.

Another free attraction downtown is the Baranof Castle State Historic Site, located atop the hill where Alaska was formally handed off to the United States. At the site are informational boards on Sitka’s history along with some of the best views you’ll see in all of the region.

Lastly, visiting St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral is another way to learn more about Sitka’s history, as visitors can browse the cathedral’s unique architecture and artwork. The church was originally built in the 1840s, but it was rebuilt in 1976 following a fire. It’s one of the best representations of Russia’s cultural influence in Alaska in the 19th century.

Note: St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral requests a $5 donation per visitor.

Looking for more inspiration on what to do in Alaska's cruise ports? Check out these articles:

16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise

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

In:

Secrets, Tips and Tricks

07 Aug 2023

I’ve been on 12 cruises to the Caribbean, and I constantly see passengers making the same rookie mistakes over and over again. Whether forgetting to apply sunscreen or exploring ports without a plan, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your cruise goes as smoothly as possible.

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise region in the world. With dozens of diverse ports, sunny weather, and picture-perfect beaches, a Caribbean cruise offers everything you could ever need in a tropical getaway.

Yet even though passengers hope for the perfect vacation, there are a few mistakes that can easily have a negative impact on your Caribbean cruise. Knowing what to expect before your cruise begins is helpful to avoid any surprises (and disappointments) during your vacation.

Here are the 14 mistakes I see passengers making all the time while cruising the Caribbean.

Neglecting to bring small bills into port

On my most recent Caribbean cruise, I found myself in need of small bills on every port day. Whether to tip a taxi driver, purchase a cheap souvenir, or order food from a street food stall, I was happy I packed enough small bills in my daypack.

Unlike in the United States, you may frequently encounter cash-only businesses in the Caribbean. While most restaurants and tour operators will accept card payments, smaller businesses—souvenir stalls, food trucks, and taxis—may only take cash.

I always recommend taking around $50-100 worth of small bills ($1s, $5s, and $10s) with you in Caribbean cruise ports. You might have difficulty breaking a $50 bill for a $3 souvenir or $2 bag of churros, so being prepared with small bills is recommended.

Forgetting to apply sunscreen

Without fail, you’re bound to see at least a few bright red, sunburned passengers on your Caribbean cruise. Not applying sunscreen often is one of the most rookie mistakes you can make, and it can severely lessen the enjoyment of your vacation.

I always recommend applying sunscreen before you disembark the ship, as there may be a relatively long walk on the pier to reach the port. By the time you get to the beach, you may have already been in the sun for a half hour, and this can lead to unwanted sunburns.

Once you’re in port, whether at the beach or walking around town, remember to regularly apply and reapply sunscreen. The sun in the Caribbean can be much stronger than what you’re used to back home even if it’s cloudy outside.

Planning a beach day in every port

When most passengers picture a Caribbean cruise, they imagine white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and coconut trees swaying in the breeze. With some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, it’s no secret that a beach day in the Caribbean is a must.

That being said, one common mistake I see cruisers making while planning a Caribbean cruise is planning a beach day in every port.

While there’s nothing wrong with spending every day at the beach, it can be challenging to spend all day in the sun, especially on port-intensive itineraries. By the third or fourth beach day in a row, you might be exhausted, sunburnt, and ready to do something different.

Instead of sitting on the beach every day, why not switch it up? Other than beach days, the Caribbean offers excursions to Mayan ruins, introductory scuba diving courses, cooking classes, historical walking tours, and more.

Skipping a beach day in favor of a more unique activity in port can be a nice break from doing the same thing every day.

Picking the wrong ship

Another common mistake cruisers make when booking a Caribbean cruise vacation is picking the wrong ship.

Not all cruise ships are created equal, even if they belong to the same cruise line. Royal Caribbean’s small Vision Class ships, for example, are vastly different from the cruise line’s newest, biggest ships like Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.

Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, and with that they offer varied activities, amenities, and atmospheres. If you’re hoping for the latest and greatest, look for a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Quantum Class ships, or on a vessel that has been recently amplified to add new activities and venues.

There is a lot that goes in to picking the best cruise ship for your vacation, so we recommend reading these helpful tips:

Winging it in port

I never have much difficulty “winging it” in European or Alaskan cruise ports—I almost always show up to ports in these destinations without a plan and have a great day. Many ports in these regions are small and walkable, allowing passengers to simply walk off the ship and into town.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about the Caribbean, and whenever I "wing it" in a Caribbean cruise port, I almost always end up disappointed.

In the Caribbean, it’s best to plan your port days in advance to ensure you know everything that’s available in port, allowing you to pick the most interesting activity for your travel style. Many ports in the Caribbean are not located near the destination’s most beautiful beaches or attractions, so booking a tour or taxi might be necessary.

If you wing it, you might miss out on popular excursions, have difficulty arranging last-minute transport, or wind up trapped in a tourist area with thousands of other passengers.

Even some of the busiest cruise ports can be difficult to navigate without a pre-arranged tour or plan. Nassau, for example, has just a few attractions walkable from the cruise port, and most of the best beaches require a taxi ride and/or a day pass at a resort. It’s no surprise most cruisers wind up disappointed when they arrive without a plan.

While you don’t necessarily have to book an organized tour in every Caribbean cruise port, doing research ahead of time is recommended so you can properly plan your day.

Visiting the same ports over and over

It’s easy to get into the habit of booking Caribbean cruises to the same ports over and over, but if you cruise the Caribbean often, you should try something new.

There are three main itineraries for Caribbean cruises: western, eastern, and southern, and each has different highlights, from the tasty cuisine in Mexico to mountainous landscapes of St. Lucia.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, many cruisers find themselves booking the same region many times in a row, which means they are visiting the same few cruise ports several times.

Instead of booking three eastern Caribbean itineraries, why not switch it up with a southern Caribbean itinerary that visits Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire? Or, if you always visit Mexico, consider a visit to ports like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Antigua instead.

Exploring new destinations is a highlight of a cruise vacation, so make sure you don’t get stuck in the trap of visiting the same 3-4 ports time and time again.

Staying on the ship

Another Caribbean cruise mistake I see all the time is staying on the ship in port.

If you’ve never been to a port before, it would be a huge mistake to stay onboard instead of disembarking in port and exploring a new destination. Every port in the Caribbean is unique, and each island brings its own culture, history, and landscapes.

Whether visiting a volcano in St. Kitts, snorkeling in Roatan, or walking around Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, there are a wide variety of ways you can spend your time in port.

Even if you don’t have any plans for a port day, why not get off the ship for an hour or two to walk around? Most ports have at least a few things to do in the immediate port area, such as a pool, beach, or shopping district.

Disembarking in port will help lessen the chance of feeling stir crazy on the ship, and you can still return to the ship early in the day to enjoy the ship’s amenities with far fewer crowds.

Saving all activities for sea days

Hoping to try the FlowRider surf simulator, ride your ship’s thrilling waterslides, or test your strength on the rock climbing wall? If so, you don’t want to save everything for a sea day.

Sea days on a cruise are an excellent time to take advantage of all the fun things to do on your Royal Caribbean ship, from rollerskating to indoor skydiving and bumper cars. With nowhere else to be, many passengers use a sea day in order to try these exciting activities.

As a result, these activities can be very busy on sea days. It’s not uncommon to see long lines around the ship as thousands of passengers hope to try something new.

Instead of saving all activities for a sea day, knock some of them off your list on a port day instead. When most passengers go ashore, there’s far less demand for onboard activities, leading to fewer lines (or no lines at all).

Even if you have plans to go ashore, you can still try these activities before or after exploring port. In fact, one of my favorite tips is to ride your ship’s waterslides after a beach day in port. You’re already in your swimsuit, and it’s possible to ride the slides several times in a row with little to no wait time.

Not purchasing travel insurance

I’m always shocked to see people cruise without travel insurance, and this is one of the most common mistakes I see people making while planning their vacation.

Travel insurance covers a wide range of scenarios, from trip cancellation to medical coverage and travel delay reimbursement. Most plans will also include medical coverage in your cruise ship’s onboard medical center, and this is not typically covered under your regular health insurance plan.

On one of my recent cruises, a passenger had to be airlifted in a helicopter to a hospital on land, and such an emergency situation can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you do not have travel insurance, you absolutely do not want to find yourself in this type of situation, but it might be out of your control in an emergency.

Additionally, while on a cruise, you may be participating in a wider range of activities compared to what you do at home. You might book activities like a hiking excursion in the jungle or a horseback riding tour on the beach.

Although these activities are safe, there’s always a chance of an injury when doing something out of the ordinary, and you’ll want to have travel insurance should you need to visit a doctor’s office or hospital while in port or onboard.

Not haggling when purchasing souvenirs

Caribbean cruise ports have no shortage of souvenirs for sale, and many cruisers enjoy shopping while in port. From magnets to t-shirts, handicrafts, and local liquors, there are endless amounts of souvenirs you can buy in the Caribbean.

Some souvenir shops have set prices on each item, especially those in the immediate port area, but the vast majority allow you to haggle to get the best cost.

A mistake I see many passengers making is accepting the first price they are told when purchasing souvenirs. If you’re shopping for a bracelet and are told it costs $30, always ask if you can buy it for less.

Not all souvenir sellers are flexible, but more often than not you can save up to 50% on the original price they offered. Neglecting to haggle in price could cost you hundreds of dollars in the long run!

Not checking the price of a private tour

On a recent cruise with my family, we were searching for a tour in Roatan that would visit the port’s most popular attractions, including West Bay Beach and the monkey and sloth center.

I had previously booked a tour with Bodden Tours, a locally owned tour company in Roatan, and so I browsed the company’s website again for my recent cruise. The tour that stood out to me was only $30 per person, a total steal when compared to many of Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions.

Upon further research, however, I realized I could book a private tour for $35 per person, just $5 more than the group tour.

We were thankful to have booked a private tour during our day in Roatan, as it gave us complete flexibility over where we would go and how long we would stay in each place. Having a private guide is one of my favorite ways to spend a port day, and we found the tour provided an excellent value.

If you're cruising with a group, always check the price of a private tour versus a group tour, as the price difference may be negligible.

Doing little research before booking a shore excursion

Before booking the first shore excursion that interests you, be sure to read the fine print. Not all shore excursions are made equally, and it’s always better to know what to expect rather than return to your ship disappointed.

Some excursions may offer a beach day, as one example, but the fine print may state that you only have two or three hours at the beach. If you’re looking to spend the whole day in the sun, it’s better to book a day pass to a beach club on your own instead.

Or, if a tour includes a “visit to local artisan shops,” it might actually mean the tour spends far too much time at souvenir shops and not enough time at more interesting attractions.

My favorite example of not reading the fine print on a shore excursion happened to me during a recent visit to Cozumel. I love visiting archaeological sites, so I jumped on the opportunity to visit Mayan ruins in Tulum during my port day.

I had read that the tour required a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, but I did not research more about the details before the tour began. If I would have researched more, I would have read that many passengers get seasick on the 30-minute ferry, and it’s not uncommon for people to vomit during the crossing.

As it turns out, we encountered extremely choppy waters on route to (and from) Playa del Carmen, and feeling seasick nearly ruined my entire experience. If I would have read more about the excursion ahead of time, there’s little chance I would have gone through with booking the tour.

Not being aware of their surroundings

There’s a lot going on while walking around a cruise port. As thousands of passengers disembark a cruise ship, it’s easy to become distracted by the various shops, restaurants, and crowded walkways near the port.

Due to this, one of the most common mistakes I see cruisers make is forgetting to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Regardless of where you are in the world, you should never lose awareness of your surroundings while traveling. Careless mistakes like leaving a purse hanging on the back of your chair at a restaurant or leaving a cellphone in a taxi can easily lead to these items being lost.

It’s also a good idea to be responsible with making sure you don’t travel too far away from port. If you are only docked for a few more hours, avoid taking taxis to faraway destinations or walking too far from the port area. You might find yourself unaware at how long it will take you to get back to the ship, which could lead to you missing the ship’s departure altogether.

Remember to be cognizant of your belongings and schedule at all times while cruising in the Caribbean to avoid any mishaps.

Forgetting to stay hydrated

A mistake I make far too frequently when cruising the Caribbean is neglecting to drink enough water. Between the excitement of exploring a new destination, the hot temperatures, and a few too many cocktails, I find myself dehydrated way more often than I should.

When cruising the Caribbean, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. You’ll likely be sweating far more than you’re used to, whether suntanning at the beach or walking around port in 90% humidity.

Make sure to drink enough water every day of your cruise to ensure your body stays hydrated. Drink a few glasses of water with each meal, bring a water bottle into port, and balance the amount of alcohol you drink with water to avoid feeling dehydrated during your cruise vacation.

I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here’s how they compare

In:

Alaska

24 Jul 2023

I cruised to Alaska on Royal Caribbean’s old and new cruise ships, and the two experiences were drastically different. I visited more unique ports of call on the old ship, but the new ship offered more amenities. Although I wouldn’t say one cruise was better than the other, it’s important to know what to expect when cruising to Alaska on an old versus new ship.

side by side image of Quantum of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas in Alaska

Here’s how these two cruises compared.

Royal Caribbean sends four cruise ships to Alaska each summer

One of the first decisions to make when planning an Alaska cruise is selecting a ship. Royal Caribbean sends four cruise ships to Alaska each summer—two Radiance Class ships and two Quantum Class ships.

Radiance Class vessels are the older of the two ship classes, having launched in the early 2000s. Quantum Class ships, on the other hand, were launched between 2014 and 2021.

I cruise to Alaska nearly every summer, and I’ve cruised to the state on both classes of ships. Despite the fact that Radiance and Quantum Class vessels belong to the same cruise line, the overall experience can vary greatly.

Onboard amenities—like restaurants, thrills, and entertainment options—vary between the two classes. Likewise, you may find more port-intensive itineraries on older and smaller ships.

If you’re torn between booking an older or newer ship to Alaska, it’s helpful to know what to expect with each.

First, I cruised to Alaska on Radiance of the Seas. I paid $1,146 for a 7-night cruise.

A few summers ago, I was itching to cruise to Alaska, and I found an insanely cheap deal at the last minute. The cruise was on Radiance of the Seas, a Radiance Class ship that launched in 2001. I paid only $1,146 for two adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees.

This brought the daily cost to just $81 per person, a steal considering what is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare.

The next summer, I cruised to Alaska on Quantum of the Seas. I paid $1,856 for a 7-night cruise.

After my cruise on Radiance of the Seas, I decided to book another Alaska cruise for the following summer. This time, I chose a newer ship, Quantum of the Seas, which launched in 2014.

Quantum of the Seas is not the newest Royal Caribbean ship sailing to Alaska—that title is earned by Anthem of the Seas, built in 2015. Regardless, the two ships are nearly identical, from their ship design to cabins and dining venues.

In total, I paid $1,856 for two adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees. This brought the daily cost per person to $132.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise left from Vancouver, whereas Quantum of the Seas set sail from Seattle.

There are two main embarkation ports for Alaska cruises: Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington.

Royal Caribbean homeports Radiance Class ships in Vancouver each summer due to their smaller size, which enables them to fit under Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge. Quantum Class ships can technically fit under the bridge, too, but they have to wait until low tide to pass safely. This is not conducive to cruise itineraries, as they must wait until the middle of the night to pass.

Most Americans will find sailing from Seattle more convenient than Vancouver. There are more direct flights to Seattle from US airports compared to the latter. Not only that, but flights to Seattle may be cheaper, and those driving to the cruise port will not have to cross the border.

Radiance of the Seas docked in Vancouver

Nonetheless, sailing from Vancouver offers other benefits. Because the cruise starts in Canada, Alaska cruises from Vancouver are not required to make a port stop elsewhere in Canada on the itinerary. This means guests can visit more ports in Alaska on a 7-night cruise compared to those departing Seattle.

Plus, some cruises from Vancouver are one-way itineraries, allowing passengers to end their cruise in Seward, Alaska instead of returning to Vancouver. Many passengers choose these itineraries so that they can spend extra time in Alaska’s interior before flying home.

Personally, I found sailing from Seattle more convenient during my Quantum of the Seas cruise because I could book a direct flight. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Vancouver before Radiance of the Seas and preferred the one-way, port-intensive itinerary of the sailing.

Quantum of the Seas has a more innovative design compared to the traditional design of Radiance of the Seas.

Of all Royal Caribbean ships, I find Quantum Class ships to be the most beautiful. Royal Caribbean incorporated a modern, sleek design with these vessels, putting a focus on elegant, open spaces both indoors and outdoors.

I loved the tall ceilings and wide open spaces on Quantum of the Seas, from the multi-story Two70 entertainment venue to the two-deck Royal Esplanade. The passenger flow on a new, modern cruise ship is much more efficient compared to that on older ships.

Radiance of the Seas has a traditional ship design. The hub of the ship is an indoor, multi-story atrium, which is essentially a large elevator lobby with bars, retail stores, and desks like Guest Services spread throughout the decks.

I am not a huge fan of the ship’s atrium design. Not only did it feel cramped, but sound traveled easier in the small area, leading to a lack of quiet spaces on the ship.

My cabin on Quantum of the Seas was far more modern and spacious than that on Radiance of the Seas.

Your cabin becomes your home away from home on a cruise, and I loved my cozy interior room on Quantum of the Seas.

When I opened the door to my stateroom for the first time, I was pleased to see my interior cabin had a full-sized couch in the back of the cabin, which gave the room two distinct (albeit small) areas: a living room and bedroom.

In addition, my cabin boasted modern decor and color schemes. Despite the ship being a decade old, the cabin still fit today’s trends. Plus, having a virtual balcony in the room was an added benefit, as I could watch a live camera feed from outside the ship during the sailing.

My Radiance of the Seas cabin left something to be desired. There was far less storage in the room compared to my cabin on Quantum of the Seas, and the room’s layout felt more cramped.

The cabin’s decor and upholstery was not necessarily outdated, but it wasn’t the most contemporary, either. Given the ship’s age, there were far fewer outlets in the cabin, which made charging electronics more difficult.

Quantum of the Seas had more complimentary restaurant options than Radiance of the Seas, which made dining more convenient.

During my Radiance of the Seas cruise, I mainly ate in either the Main Dining Room or Windjammer buffet. There were just two other complimentary dining options: Park Cafe and the Dog House, both of which had limited offerings.

Quantum of the Seas had a far greater variety of complimentary dining options. Although I still ate the majority of my meals in the Main Dining Room and Windjammer, I enjoyed having extra options.

The Solarium Bistro on Quantum of the Seas was one of my favorite dining venues onboard. For breakfast and lunch, this venue offered buffet-style dining, and even though there were fewer choices than the Windjammer, the venue was less crowded.

I also enjoyed dining at Cafe @ Two70 on Quantum of the Seas. This grab-and-go spot served breakfast and lunch and had some of the best soups, salads, and sandwiches you could find on the ship.

There is also a standalone Sorrento’s Pizza restaurant on Quantum of the Seas in addition to grab-and-go snacks at Cafe Promenade, hot dogs at SeaPlex Dog House, and quick-service lunch at Noodle Bar on the pool deck.

I wouldn’t necessarily pick one ship over the other just for the dining options, but expect to eat at the Main Dining Room and Windjammer more on an older ship if you don’t want to pay extra for specialty restaurants.

Both ships had excellent indoor spaces for watching Alaska’s scenery.

One of the things I look for most when picking a ship for an Alaska cruise is the amount of indoor spaces from where I can watch Alaska’s scenery.

I was recently left disappointed after a 7-night Princess cruise to Alaska when I realized the ship was ill-designed for cold weather. There was no indoor pool and hardly any indoor lounges to watch the scenery, meaning I had to stand outside in the cold whenever I wanted to enjoy the views.

Fortunately, I find that Royal Caribbean designs their ships adequately for cold weather. You will find an abundance of indoor spaces on both old and new ships cruising to the Last Frontier.

On Radiance of the Seas I loved watching scenery from the Viking Crown Lounge, a venue with panoramic views at the top of the ship. Views were unparalleled from the lounge, and it offered the perfect, heated space to relax while watching glaciers, mountains, and wildlife pass by.

Radiance Class ships are built with over three acres of glass, so there were plenty of other indoor areas to enjoy as well. The Champagne Bar offered floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the ship’s starboard side, and venues like the Schooner Bar and Singapore Sling’s were also designed with ocean views in mind.

On Quantum of the Seas, my favorite place to watch the scenery was from the Solarium. While all Royal Caribbean ships have an adults-only Solarium, I find the Solarium on Quantum Class ships to be better than the rest.

This large pool space has windows in nearly every direction, and there’s arguably no better place to sip a cocktail with a view onboard.

Families with kids may prefer the activities on Quantum of the Seas, including a surfing simulator and indoor sports court.

If you’re cruising with kids to Alaska, I’d recommend sailing on Quantum of the Seas over Radiance of the Seas. Quantum of the Seas is packed with kid-friendly activities.

Onboard, you’ll find an indoor Sports Court called the SeaPlex. Here, you’ll find both free play and organized sports activities such as basketball, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as bumper cars and rollerskating.

The SeaPlex also has video games, ping pong tables, and arcade games for guests of all ages.

Outside the SeaPlex are more kid-friendly activities, including a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and RipCord by iFLY indoor skydiving simulator.

Radiance of the Seas has a few kid-friendly activities—a rock climbing wall, mini golf course, and small aqua park—but far less than what you’ll find on a Quantum Class ship.

Another benefit of Quantum of the Seas over Radiance of the Seas is that the ship has an indoor pool for all ages, not just for adults. In addition to the adults-only Solarium is a separate indoor pool that both kids and adults can access.

The only indoor pool on Radiance of the Seas is in the adults-only Solarium. The ship does have select hours where kids can access the pool, but they are relatively limited.

There’s no harm in picking a Radiance Class ship for an Alaska cruise, and your kids will still, more than likely, have a whole lot of fun onboard. Nonetheless, it’s hard to deny that Quantum of the Seas offers a more family-friendly experience overall than Radiance of the Seas.

I preferred the entertainment on Quantum of the Seas, but Radiance of the Seas still offered varied entertainment options.

As far as entertainment, I think Quantum of the Seas has a slight edge over Radiance of the Seas. Shows on the vessel were more modern than those on Radiance of the Seas, both in story concept and technology integration.

I attended just one production show on Radiance of the Seas, Piano Man, and while the cast were talented, nothing wowed me about the show’s storyline. If anything, I thought it seemed geared toward passengers of an older age demographic.

In comparison, the production of Starwater on Quantum of the Seas blew me away. Located in the ship’s technology-focused Two70 venue, this performance featured innovative stages, animated projections on the venue’s walls, and moving television screens to enhance the performance by the singers and dancers.

It was a modern, top-notch performance with a production quality that simply cannot be matched on an older ship.

Outside of production shows, both ships have live music at the pub and Schooner Bar along with other bands and performers, whether a comedian or jazz band.

While not traditional entertainment, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the indoor movie theater on Radiance of the Seas. If you’re in the mood for a chill evening, there’s no better place to spend it than in the cinema, where you can watch movies free of charge.

Movies are also shown on Quantum of the Seas, but they are shown on the pool deck, which isn’t conducive to the cold weather on an Alaska cruise.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise had a more in-depth Alaska itinerary compared to Quantum of the Seas.

As far as itineraries go, Royal Caribbean’s older ships almost always have more in-depth itineraries compared to newer ships, and this holds true in Alaska as well.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise was a one-way itinerary. I departed from Vancouver, British Columbia and ended the cruise in Seward, Alaska. Traveling in one direction allowed the ship to stop at more ports in Alaska along the way, as well as include a scenic cruise around Hubbard Glacier.

And, by ending the cruise in Seward, passengers could choose to extend their vacation by visiting destinations in the state’s interior, such as Denali National Park & Preserve.

Quantum of the Seas still offers a nice itinerary, but when Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, they must include a stop in Canada before returning back to the United States. Therefore, my itinerary had to stop in Victoria, British Columbia.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day in Victoria, but I would have preferred visiting another port in Alaska. The itinerary only visited three Alaska ports as opposed to the four I visited on Radiance of the Seas.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with either ship for an Alaska cruise, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing one over the other.

There’s no right or wrong ship choice for an Alaska cruise, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each before booking your vacation.

For most people, visiting Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it makes sense to get the most out of your weeklong cruise. Booking a ship from Vancouver means you will not have to stop in Canada during the itinerary, allowing you to see even more of Alaska’s beauty throughout the week.

Plus, a ship like Radiance of the Seas offers one-way cruises, something you won’t find on newer vessels sailing to Alaska.

Nevertheless, it’s tough to beat the modernity and variety of activities offered on Quantum of the Seas. Whether you’re cruising with a 5-year old or 80-year old, there’s truly something for everyone on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships.

While I would say I prefer the overall experience on Quantum of the Seas more than that on Radiance of the Seas, I wouldn’t hesitate to book an older ship to Alaska again.

Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest

In:

Celebrity Cruises

21 Jul 2023

There are 16 ships in Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, with the oldest over 20 years old and the newest launching in 2023.

Despite all 16 ships belonging to the same cruise line, they vary greatly in size, amenities, and itineraries. The fleet’s oldest vessels offer a traditional cruising experience, whereas the newest ships feature record-breaking design and innovative features.

If you’re planning a Celebrity cruise, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the ships in Celebrity’s fleet to help pick the best choice for your vacation. Whether you’re looking for a small or big ship experience, you’re sure to find a ship to fit your travel style best.

Here’s our list of Celebrity ships by age from newest to oldest.

Celebrity Ascent

Inaugural sailing: November 2023
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,260
Gross tonnage: 141,420

Celebrity Ascent is the newest ship in operation by Celebrity Cruises and is the fourth ship in the cruise line’s revolutionary Edge Class.

For those cruisers who enjoy sailing on new ships, it will be hard to beat sailing on Celebrity Ascent. As a brand new vessel, guests can enjoy Celebrity’s newest dining venues, entertainment concepts, and modern cabin amenities.

Celebrity Ascent will spend winters in the Caribbean and summers sailing the Mediterranean.

Celebrity Beyond

Inaugural sailing: April 2022
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,260
Gross tonnage: 141,420

Like her sister ships in the Edge Class, Celebrity Beyond is one of the cruise line’s most popular vessels.

One of the goals of the Edge Class was to connect passengers more closely with the sea, and Celebrity achieved this through Celebrity Beyond’s outward-facing design. One of the ways passengers can experience this design is in Eden, an entertainment venue with three stories of ocean views.

Outside of ocean views, Celebrity Beyond features 32 restaurants, bars, and lounges, which include favorites such as the Sunset Bar and Eden Café.

Celebrity Beyond will offer select itineraries to Perfect Day at CocoCay along with visits to the Southern, Eastern, and Western Caribbean.

Celebrity Apex

Inaugural sailing: June 2021
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,910
Gross tonnage: 130,818

The second ship in Celebrity’s Edge Class, Celebrity Apex is another modern, elegantly-designed vessel in the fleet.

If you’re looking for a modern cabin concept on Edge Class ships, consider booking an infinite veranda cabin. These cabins feature a balcony that is inside your living space rather than through a separate door, which increases living space in the room.

Celebrity Apex splits her time between Europe and the Caribbean, offering cruises to destinations such as the United Kingdom, Egypt, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, and Cozumel.

Celebrity Flora

Inaugural sailing: June 2019
Passenger capacity: 100
Gross tonnage: 5,922

Celebrity Flora is the newest of Celebrity’s expedition ships, and she offers year round cruises in the Galapagos.

Celebrity Flora is an all-suite vessel, meaning all accommodations are spacious suites, and the rooms are fully automotive, allowing you to control the room’s features with the touch of a button.

Booking a cruise on Celebrity Flora is all-inclusive and includes airport transfers, luxury accommodation, fully-escorted tours, all meals and beverages, luggage service, Galapagos National Park entrance fee, and more.

Visiting the Galapagos with Celebrity is an immersive experience different from a traditional cruise vacation. Throughout the cruise, you will visit new islands nearly every day, allowing you to learn more about the region’s fascinating flora and fauna.

Celebrity Edge

Inaugural sailing: December 2018
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,918
Gross tonnage: 130,818

Perhaps the most monumental moment in the history of Celebrity Cruises was the launch of Celebrity Edge.

Up until 2018, Celebrity built traditional-style cruise ships, and while they had several inventive features like The Lawn Club and a glassblowing workshop, the design of the ships was lacking in innovation compared to new ships by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.

Celebrity Edge changed that with the addition of several impressive new features, the most notable being the Magic Carpet. The Magic Carpet is a cantilevered bar that “floats” up and down the edge of the ship, and it’s a must-do experience on Celebrity Edge.

Celebrity Edge sails around the world. She is currently in Europe, but will sail from Australia for several months before offering Alaska cruises in the summer of 2024. Following her season in Alaska, she will return to Australia to offer cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Celebrity Xploration

Inaugural sailing: March 2017
Passenger capacity: 16
Gross tonnage: 320

Celebrity Xploration has a capacity of only 16 guests, over three thousand fewer than ships like Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond.

Built for the Galapagos, Celebrity Xploration is more like a yacht than a cruise ship. As the ship sails from island to island in the Galapagos, passengers can get to know fellow passengers and crew much more intimately than on a large vessel.

In addition, the ship’s extremely small capacity means there is little wait for any part of the experience, from embarkation in the Galapagos to getting on and off the ship in port.

Cruising on Celebrity Xploration includes your own stateroom with a window or balcony, room service, complimentary snorkeling equipment, and lectures from Galapagos experts.

Celebrity Reflection

Inaugural sailing: October 2012
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,046
Gross tonnage: 125,366

Celebrity Silhouette is the last ship in Celebrity’s Solstice Class. In comparison to Celebrity’s oldest class of ships, the Millennium Class, Solstice Class ships are 30% larger.

Due to the larger size, Solstice Class cruise ships offer a wider range of restaurants, lounges, and amenities.

One of the most popular areas on Solstice Class ships is The Lawn Club, a hangout space on a ½ acre lawn of real grass. At The Lawn Club passengers can enjoy live music, play games like bocce and croquet, and dine at The Lawn Club Grill.

Celebrity Reflection is currently in Europe, but after returning to North America she will offer Caribbean cruises year round. Starting in 2024, she will begin offering cruises to Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Celebrity Silhouette

Inaugural sailing: June 2011
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,902
Gross tonnage: 122,210

Celebrity Silhouette offers both short and long itineraries from Florida, allowing passengers to enjoy her amenities whether on a quick 4-night cruise to Mexico or 10-night trip to the Southern Caribbean.

Like her sister ships, Celebrity Silhouette offers a mix between small and large ship cruising, offering a middle ground between a traditional and modern cruise experience.

Celebrity Silhouette spends the summer season in Europe before returning to North America to offer Caribbean cruises throughout the winter.

Celebrity Eclipse

Inaugural sailing: April 2010
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,852
Gross tonnage: 121,878

Celebrity Eclipse is the third Solstice Class ship. Like other Solstice Class ships, Celebrity Eclipse offers a wide variety of sailings around the world.

She currently sails to Alaska, but will reposition to South America in fall 2023 to offer cruises in the region, visiting destinations such as Chile, Antarctica, and Argentina.

Celebrity Equinox

Inaugural sailing: August 2009
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,852
Gross tonnage: 121,878

Celebrity Equinox is the second Solstice Class cruise ship, and she sails around the world, offering some of Celebrity’s most unique itineraries.

The size of Solstice Class ships enables them to fit into many interesting ports around the world. Indoor spaces, such as the Persian Garden thermal suite and European-style Café al Bacio, mean you can enjoy the ship’s amenities rain or shine.

Celebrity Equinox currently sails to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. She will reposition to Europe for the 2024 summer season before heading to South America in December 2024 to offer Patagonia and Antarctica itineraries.

Celebrity Solstice

Inaugural sailing: November 2008
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,852
Gross tonnage: 121,878

Celebrity Solstice is the first of Celebrity’s Solstice class. Like other Solstice Class ships, guests will enjoy features like The Lawn Club, glassblowing workshop, indoor pool, and the Craft Social Bar.

Celebrity Solstice spends her time in the Pacific, offering cruises to Alaska, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

Celebrity Constellation

Inaugural sailing: May 2002
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,184
Gross tonnage: 90,940

Celebrity Constellation is the last of the Millennium Class cruise ships, the first class of Celebrity ships. With only a little over 2,000 passengers onboard, the ships offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than those in the Edge or even the Solstice Class.

Classic features of Millennium Class ships include an outdoor rooftop terrace, the Cellar Masters wine bar, and indoor adults-only Solarium.

Celebrity Constellation spends the summer season in Europe and winter season in the Caribbean.

Celebrity Summit

Inaugural sailing: October 2001
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,218
Gross tonnage: 91,003

Celebrity Summit is the third Millennium Class ship, and she was revolutionized in 2019 to add upgraded features and amenities to the 20+ year old vessel.

Although Millennium Class ships do not offer the latest and greatest of Celebrity’s activities—you won’t find venues like Eden or the Magic Carpet bar onboard—there are still plenty of ways to keep busy on the ship.

Guests will love watching outdoor movies on the ship’s rooftop terrace, sipping cocktails at the Martini Bar, and watching the stars from the indoor Sky Observation Lounge.

Celebrity Summit currently sails from the northeast US, offering cruises to Bermuda and Canada. She will sail to the Caribbean in the winter season before repositioning to offer Alaska cruises in summer 2024.

Celebrity Infinity

Inaugural sailing: March 2001
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,170
Gross tonnage: 90,940

Celebrity Infinity is one of the smallest cruise ships in Celebrity’s fleet, but her small size means that she offers a more intimate and traditional cruising experience.

Onboard you’ll find immersive dining concepts like Le Petit Chef, in which a tiny, animated chef is projected onto your table. During the meal the chef “cooks” each course of your meal before the animated meal is replaced with the real life dish.

The ship has three pools: two outdoor pools and one in the indoor Solarium. Additionally, suite guests can enjoy an outdoor sundeck at The Retreat.

Celebrity Infinity stays in Europe year round, offering cruises to the Greek Isles, Turkey, Egypt, the Adriatic, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands.

Celebrity Xpedition

Inaugural sailing: February 2001
Passenger capacity: 48
Gross tonnage: 2,842

Celebrity Xpedition is the oldest ship of Celebrity’s expedition vessels, and she offers year round sailings to the Galapagos.

With only 48 passengers at maximum capacity, the Xpedition offers personalized luxury service. While onboard you can enjoy in-suite dining, nightly lectures by certified naturalists, and live music.

Like all cruises to the Galapagos, the focus of the experience is more on the destination rather than the ship. You won’t find Broadway-style production shows or an abundance of programming offered onboard, but it will get you up close and personal with the nature and scenery of the Galapagos.

Celebrity Millennium

Inaugural sailing: June 2000
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,218
Gross tonnage: 91,011

Celebrity Millennium is the oldest ship in Celebrity’s fleet, but that doesn’t mean she is outdated.

Celebrity Millennium was revolutionized in 2019, during which new amenities and staterooms were added to the ship. The Retreat, an all new suites-only area, was added, which includes The Retreat Sundeck and The Retreat Lounge.

In addition, restaurants, the spa, and cabins were reimagined, adding upgraded technology and design concepts to these spaces.

Celebrity Millennium currently offers cruises to Alaska. In fall 2023 she will reposition to Asia, where she will begin offering cruises to Japan, Southeast Asia, and India.

Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest

Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions answered

In:

Perfect Day at CocoCay

21 Jul 2023

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, and it’s a favorite port among cruisers. With white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and thrilling activities like a waterpark and zip line, visiting the island is truly a perfect way to spend the day.

Around two million passengers visit CocoCay each year, many of whom are visiting for the first time. Unsurprisingly, these first-timers have plenty of questions about the island, from questions about what’s included to how they should spend their day.

We hear many of the same questions over and over again here at Royal Caribbean Blog—we wanted to answer them in one place. While not "dumb" questions, knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions should better help you plan your day on the island.

Let's jump in to answer your really "dumb" Perfect Day at CocoCay questions.

Where is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island located in the Berry Islands chain of the Bahamas. The island is 140 miles east of Miami and 64 miles north of Nassau.

CocoCay’s location makes it a quick hop away from Florida, which is why it’s such a popular port visit on 3 and 4-night cruise itineraries.

Because CocoCay is located further north than most other cruise ports in the Caribbean, the weather can be chillier than some cruisers expect in the winter months. Water temperatures in the ocean and pools may be cold from November to February, although weather conditions can change from day to day, with some days sunny and warm and others windy and cold.

For the majority of the year, however, weather at Perfect Day at CocoCay is pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.

How do you pronounce CocoCay?

If there’s one topic that’s controversial among Royal Caribbean cruisers, it’s how to pronounce Perfect Day at CocoCay.

With Bahamian pronunciation, CocoCay is pronounced Coco-KEY. A cay is a low elevation landmass formed on top of a coral reef, and CocoCay is a cay.

Nonetheless, many cruisers refer to the island as Coco-CAY, as it rhymes with Perfect Day. Making matters more confusing is that Royal Caribbean’s signature CocoCay song, which plays as guests arrive at the island, pronounces the island Coco-CAY as well.

Technically, there’s no wrong way to pronounce the island, but the correct Bahamian pronunciation is Coco-KEY.

Do you have to pay to go to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Admission to Perfect Day at CocoCay is included in your cruise fare. While some activities cost extra on the island, such as the waterpark and Coco Beach Club, the majority of the island is accessible to all guests at no extra cost.

You can easily spend a whole day on the island without spending anything extra. Most visitors spend their day at one of the island’s white sand beaches or at the spacious Oasis Lagoon pool. Families with kids may enjoy spending time at Splashaway Bay, an aqua park with slides, water sprayers, and splash pads.

Participating in extra-cost activities can be fun, but it's not necessary in order to have an enjoyable day.

Is there food at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

There are several food venues at Perfect Day at CocoCay, most of which are included in your cruise fare.

Snack Shack is a popular grab and go spot on the island, and there are three locations. Snack Shack is best known for their crispy chicken sandwich, and other items include mozzarella sticks, burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

In addition to Snack Shack are two large buffets: Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill. Both buffets serve the same food, which includes tacos, sandwiches, salads, french fries, and dessert.

Guests who purchased a day pass to the Coco Beach Club have access to the Coco Beach Club Restaurant. More refined than the island’s grab and go venues, this sit-down restaurant has a Mediterranean flare, serving items like lobster, grouper, filet mignon, and ceviche.

An additional dining venue, Captain Jack’s, serves steak fries and chicken wings, but these come at an extra cost and are priced à la carte.

How much does Thrill Waterpark cost at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Of all the excursions you can purchase at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Thrill Waterpark is among the most popular. This large waterpark has over a dozen waterslides, including the tallest slide in North America at 135 feet.

In addition to slides is a wave pool and an adventure pool with floating obstacles and a rock climbing wall.

There is no set price of admission to Thrill Waterpark, and the price changes from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. The price can also change from day to day, so it’s challenging to predict the cost of Thrill Waterpark.

A good estimate for admission to Thrill Waterpark is around $100 to $150 per person. If you’re interested in visiting the waterpark, we recommend making a reservation as soon as possible. If the price lowers, you can always cancel and rebook the excursion with no penalty, thus taking advantage of the lower price.

The same repricing strategy works for any add-on or excursion you purchase at Perfect Day at CocoCay. If you book the Coco Beach Club for $199 per person and later see the price drop to $150, cancel and rebook the reservation for the lower price on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website.

Does my drink package work at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

If you purchased a drink package for your Royal Caribbean cruise, it will work at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

One major advantage of purchasing a drink package for an itinerary that visits CocoCay is that your drink package works on the island in the same way it works onboard. Regardless of whether you purchased the alcoholic, nonalcoholic, or soda package, you can enjoy unlimited drinks while on the island.

Nothing screams vacation quite like a frozen fruity cocktail on the beach, so be sure to take advantage of your drink package perks while ashore.

Do you need cash at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

You do not need to bring cash to Perfect Day at CocoCay. All purchases including drinks, souvenirs, and extra-cost food items can be purchased using your cruise ship SeaPass card. Purchases will then be charged to your onboard account, which will charge to your credit card at the end of the cruise.

Even the artisan market, where you can purchase souvenirs from Bahamian vendors, accepts payments via your SeaPass card until 2:30PM. If shopping after 2:30PM, you can make payment in cash.

Is there an adults-only beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Yes, Hideaway Beach is an adults-only enclave on the north side of the island, located near Thrill Waterpark.

You'll need to be at least 18 years old to go into Hideaway Beach, and there is an admission cost to go there. The cost ranges between $20 - $75 per person, depending on the sailing.

Admission gets you access to a beach, heated pool with swim-up bar, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food for lunch and snacks.

How do you get around the island?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a small island, and only one side of the island is developed for guests. Because of this, it’s easy to walk around the entire destination in one day on foot.

If you want quick access from one area to another, however, you can utilize the island’s free tram system. CocoCay has trams available that run in loops around the island, taking guests from beach to beach and back and forth from the ship.

You will find tram stations around the island, which are marked with signage and benches. Trams come frequently throughout the day, so it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait more than a few minutes for a tram.

Do chairs and umbrellas cost extra at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

There are thousands of beach chairs and umbrellas at Perfect Day at CocoCay and they are completely free to use. Chairs are on a first come, first serve basis. There are more than enough chairs for all guests, but the chairs closest to the water are snagged up quickly.

Most chairs also have a beach umbrella to provide shade, although some chairs do not. We recommend getting to the beach early in the day to find the best-located chairs.

In addition to beach chairs and umbrellas, there are hammocks, bean bags chairs, and other seating available on the island that is free to use.

If you want to rent a daybed or cabana, you will have to reserve a spot in advance. Prices can vary greatly depending on the type of cabana you book, so check the Cruise Planner for your particular sailing to see current pricing.

Related: Guide to CocoCay Cabanas

Does Royal Caribbean offer overnight visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

While some cruise lines may offer late night or overnight stays at their private destinations, Royal Caribbean does not.

The cruise line initially planned to offer overnight stays at Perfect Day at CocoCay but later decided against it. In fact, Royal Caribbean heard from guests that they preferred spending their evenings onboard after spending all day on the island.

In addition, Royal Caribbean makes more money when the ship is not docked overnight. The casino and retail stores cannot be open while a ship is docked, so those venues only make money while the ship sails.

Although the ship could theoretically sail away from the island and return the following morning, this isn’t something being offered at this time.

Where can I put my belongings while on the island?

If you’re worried about keeping your belongings and valuables safe while on the island, you can place them in a locker.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has lockers scattered around the island that are free to use. To use a locker, you’ll set a pin that will allow you to open and close the locker as you wish.

Inside the locker you can place items like your phone, wallet, camera, and other valuables. This comes in handy when you’re at the waterpark or going swimming as you won’t have to worry about whether or not your personal belongings are safe.

Check out more of your dumb cruise questions answered:

Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions answered

Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for your sailing

In:

Alaska

20 Jul 2023

What to pack for an Alaska cruise is not as difficult as it may seem. While packing for a cold-weather cruise may require more preparation than a cruise to the Caribbean, a few key layers should suffice in nearly all weather conditions.

Packing for an Alaska cruise is not necessarily problematic, but it does require some careful planning and consideration. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable given the range of temperatures.

When looking at a map, you may be surprised to see just how far south Alaska cruise ports are located. While Alaska cruise marketing tends to show images of snow and glaciers, it’s not necessary to pack for Arctic-level temperatures. In fact, you probably already have most clothing items you’ll need for an Alaska cruise at home!

While packing for an Alaska cruise may require a bit more thought than packing for a trip to a warmer destination, with some careful planning and consideration, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

Alaska cruise: The basics

Before starting to pack, it’s important to understand the basics of an Alaska cruise so you know what to expect both onboard and in port.

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises are generally 7-night sailings, offering 3 or 4 days in port with 2 or 3 days at sea. Cruises visit towns along Southeast Alaska, the panhandle of the state, which borders British Columbia, Canada.

Southeast Alaska is quite a ways away from the Arctic Circle and polar bears, so you may be surprised to encounter nice weather while visiting the state. Alaska cruises are offered during the warmest months of the year, from April to September, so it’s not uncommon to experience warm, sunny days.

The month you sail can have a huge impact on what you need to pack as well. For cruises in June, July, and August, you may want to pack more short sleeve shirts than in May or September. And while wool socks and warm hats are recommended at any time of the year, it’s especially important to pack warm layers in the very beginning or end of the Alaska cruise season.

The main thing to remember when packing for an Alaska cruise is to plan for any and all types of weather conditions.

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

Layers

Packing layers is necessary on an Alaska cruise. Morning and evening can be much colder than what you may experience in mid-afternoon, so having the flexibility to put on or take off clothing will be well appreciated.

Your base layer will be a short or long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, leggings, or other lightweight pants. On the warmest of days, shorts may be preferred whereas the coldest days may have you layering both leggings and jeans.

Over your base layer you’ll want to pack a warm layer. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece or down jackets will help keep you warm no matter the weather, and they’re easy to take off if it gets too hot.

In addition, don’t forget to pack a waterproof layer. Due to strong winds and ease of use in crowded areas, we don’t recommend packing an umbrella. Therefore, it’s important to pack a waterproof jacket with a hood. This should keep you dry in the wettest of conditions.

Footwear

An Alaska cruise calls for a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities. Active sandals, such as Chacos, can be nice in the summer months as well.

Packing a pair of comfortable lounge shoes for the ship is a good idea, too. Slippers, flip flops, or comfy sneakers can be nice to have when walking around the ship and your stateroom.

Whichever type of shoes you decide to bring, make sure the soles of your shoes have plenty of grip. You may encounter slippery or rocky surfaces on shore excursions or while exploring on your own, so you want to make sure your shoes have enough friction.

Accessories

Outside of your main clothes and footwear, don’t forget to pack accessories for an Alaska cruise. From hats to wool socks, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses, there are many accessories that you’ll want to bring with you to Alaska.

A water-resistant daypack is one of our top Alaska cruise packing tips. You’ll need somewhere to put your valuables during the day, so making sure the pack is water-resistant or waterproof is crucial. A backpack will be the most comfortable option and can fit everything you’ll need for a busy day in port.

Binoculars may be of interest to you as well, especially if you plan to do any wildlife viewing excursions. Being able to see the state’s wildlife and nature up close is well worth the cost of an entry-level pair of binoculars.

I'd also recommend bringing a camera with a zoom lens or a cellphone that takes high quality photos. You should also bring enough chargers and enough memory cards for the hundreds of photos that you will likely take.

A portable charger is useful for full-day trips where you might burn through your cellphone battery. This portable charger is the one I recommend using (link contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra).

Cruise clothes

Outside of what you’ll wear in port, remember to pack for your time onboard the ship! Don’t forget to pack clothes for formal night, your swimsuit to wear in the pool, and comfy clothes for lounging in your stateroom.

While it’s not necessary to pack an entirely new outfit for dinner each night, rotating 2-4 outfits can be a nice way to ensure you have dressier clothes to wear while still keeping your packing relatively light.

Alaska cruise packing list

Clothes

Waterproof jacket with a hood
Fleece or down jacket
Sweaters and sweatshirts (to wear onboard and in port)
T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
2-3 pairs long pants (jeans and slacks for dinner)
1-2 pairs leggings
1-2 pairs shorts
Formal wear for dinner (2-4 dresses, collared shirts, etc.)
Swimsuit
Pajamas
Casual loungewear for onboard
Underwear and socks
Clothes for the onboard fitness center

Footwear and accessories

Water-resistant shoes with a sturdy, non-slippery sole (hiking boots, sneakers)
Dress shoes for dinner
Comfy shoes for walking around your stateroom/ship (sandals or sneakers)
Water-resistant daypack
Hat (baseball cap, beanie, etc.)
Gloves
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Scarf
Camera
Waterproof case for cellphone
Portable cellphone charger
Things to do onboard (books, card games, etc.)
Sunscreen
Bug spray

How to avoid overpacking on an Alaskan cruise?

It's really easy to find yourself overpacking for an Alaska cruise because of the wide temperature swings involved in a typical sailing.

One area of the cruise you can probably ease up on in terms of packing is what to wear for dinner.

In general, the dress code tends to be more casual at dinner. While there are still formal nights on Alaska cruises, you'll see far more guests opting for just jeans and a collared shirt rather than a suit or tuxedo.

I've also noticed most women not wearing dresses to dinner on an Alaska cruise and instead nice jeans, pants, and sweaters.

You can also reduce the amount of clothes you bring to Alaska by relying on laundry services.

Royal Caribbean offers laundry on its ships that you pay for, but if that means packing half the clothes you might otherwise pack, that could save a lot of space (and perhaps baggage fees from the airlines).

More Alaska cruise tips:

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Alaska cruise packing list what to pack for your sailing

What a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is like in 2023

In:

Alaska

14 Jul 2023

What's it like to take a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise in 2023?

Whether you’re planning an Alaska cruise this season or are hoping to visit Alaska in the coming years, it’s helpful to know what to expect.

After my recent Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska on Quantum of the Seas, I gained a few important insights that I wanted to share with those visiting Alaska this summer.

Knowing what to expect when it comes to the check-in process, dining, ports, cabins, and activities will prepare you for everything you may encounter on your vacation.

Alaska cruises are becoming increasingly popular—it’s estimated nearly 1.6 million cruise passengers will visit the state in 2023.

Indeed, the 49th state is one of the most picturesque destinations in the world. From its towering mountains to magnificent glaciers and historic towns, it’s hard not to be in awe of the sights around you as your ship sails through the state’s chilly waters.

Here’s what a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is like in 2023.

Before your Alaska cruise, you will need to spend a night in Seattle or Vancouver.

One of the most important pieces of cruise advice we share is to arrive in your embarkation city, whether it’s Seattle or Vancouver, the day before your cruise begins. For my Alaska cruise, I flew to Seattle the day before my cruise, arriving in the city around 2PM.

While arriving a day early means you have to pay for a hotel and request an extra day off work, it’s well worth the peace of mind knowing you have enough time to make it to the cruise terminal. Flying to Seattle or Vancouver the same day as your Alaska cruise is risky, as any delays or cancellations could cause you to miss your flight altogether.

After taking the light rail from the airport to downtown, I checked into my hotel, and I had the rest of the evening to sightsee around the city.

I booked a stay at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, which was conveniently located in the heart of downtown. I paid only $220 for the 4-star hotel via Priceline’s Express Deals, a blind booking feature offering discount fares on hotel rooms.

During the evening and the following morning, I explored downtown Seattle, visiting popular attractions like Pike Place Market and the Olympic Sculpture Park. I also ate dinner and breakfast in the city; my favorite restaurant in Seattle is Din Tai Fung, a Chinese dim sum restaurant serving freshly made dumplings and noodles.

If you’re cruising to Alaska this year, I recommend turning your pre-cruise stay in Seattle (or Vancouver) into a mini vacation, as it’s a nice way to kick off your cruise vacation a little earlier.

Embarkation day for my Alaska cruise was straightforward, and I was on the ship within 20 minutes of arrival at the cruise terminal.

I had a check-in time of 12PM for my Quantum of the Seas cruise, which timed out perfectly with check-out of my hotel in downtown Seattle.

Royal Caribbean ships depart from Pier 91, which is located around three miles from downtown Seattle. I recommend taking a Lyft or Uber to the cruise port as opposed to a hotel shuttle service, as it’s easier to leave on your schedule rather than wait for a shuttle to arrive.

If you’re cruising from Vancouver, however, it’s possible to walk to the cruise terminal from downtown hotels. If you have a lot of luggage, though, you can always take a Lyft or Uber there as well.

Upon reaching Pier 91 in Seattle, I quickly dropped off my luggage with the porters and entered the cruise terminal. I was pleased to see minimal lines at the terminal’s entrance, although I noticed check-in times were not being enforced, so we probably could have arrived earlier than our scheduled check-in time.

We breezed past check-in and security and were able to immediately board the ship.

Once onboard, most guests immediately headed to the Windjammer buffet for embarkation day lunch. We also decided to eat lunch at the Windjammer, but upon arriving we had to wait in a line for tables to open.

I had never experienced a line to enter the Windjammer before, but we were told the space was at capacity. Luckily the line only took a few minutes, but if you’re looking to avoid crowds, I’d recommend eating lunch at a quieter venue like Cafe @ Two 70 or a specialty restaurant instead.

Cruise cabins to Alaska offer everything you need for a comfortable stay during your week onboard.

Whether you book a small inside room or spacious suite for an Alaska cruise, it will quickly become your home away from home.

I booked an interior cabin for my Quantum of the Seas cruise, and I found the room to have much more walking and storage space than I thought it would.

If you’re cruising on Ovation of the Seas or Quantum of the Seas to Alaska, you will find modern cabins with ample storage space and plenty of outlets to charge electronics. In addition, all interior cabins on these ships have a virtual balcony, a floor-to-ceiling television screen depicting a live feed from a camera outside the ship.

If you’re cruising from Vancouver on Radiance of the Seas or Brilliance of the Seas, expect more outdated cabins. You may notice more wear and tear in your cabin on an older ship and there won’t be as much storage space or outlets available.

Nonetheless, cabins on older ships will still offer everything you need during your stay, including a king-sized bed, private bathroom, desk, television, and closet.

Cruise ports are busy, so you should disembark the ship early.

My Quantum of the Seas cruise called upon Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, and Victoria, and we also enjoyed a glacier viewing day at Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. If there’s one thing I learned during my time in port, it was to disembark the ship early to avoid crowds.

If your cruise visits Alaska in the peak season, there could be four or more ships in port at the same time. This means over 15,000 passengers could visit the port on the same day, leading to intense crowding in busy areas.

I noticed places like Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau were extra busy this year—at times it was too busy to be enjoyable. Mentally preparing for crowds at popular spots is important to ensure you are not too overwhelmed with the amount of people present.

In most scenarios, however, the earlier you disembark the ship, the more empty a cruise port will be. When our ship docked in Ketchikan, for example, we disembarked immediately and enjoyed pleasant, crowd-free walking around the quaint town.

As we were heading back to the ship a few hours later, more cruise ships had since docked, and the crowds increased exponentially. At that moment, I was grateful to have done the majority of my exploring before the crowds arrived.

Shore excursions are expensive in 2023, but there are more than enough low cost activities to enjoy.

If you were shocked upon seeing the prices for Alaska shore excursions, you’re not alone.

Shore excursions in Alaska are notoriously expensive. Expect to pay at least $150 for a whale watching tour, $500-700 for a glacier helicopter ride, and over $100 for a cycling tour to Mendenhall Glacier.

Alaska excursions can quickly break your budget, but the good news is that there is a plethora of free or low cost activities to do in port instead.

During my Quantum of the Seas cruise, I chose to explore ports on my own instead of booking shore excursions. Doing so allowed me to not only have more freedom in what I wanted to do, but save money, too.

In Ketchikan, I walked to the historic red-light district, Creek Street, hiked up the Married Man’s Trail, and visited two museums on Alaska’s history and Native culture.

In my second port of call, Sitka, I booked a shuttle bus for $20 that took me to Fortress of the Bear, a bear rehabilitation center outside of downtown. With a $15 entrance fee, I was able to watch brown and black bears up close, a fascinating experience with a relatively low cost.

While in Juneau, I spent $50 to rent a bicycle for the day, which enabled me to visit Mendenhall Glacier at a lower cost than cruise ship excursions.

Finally, my last port of call took me to Victoria, British Columbia. With only five hours in port, I decided against an excursion in favor of walking around the city, which proved to be a lovely experience. Victoria’s downtown is the most charming of any cruise ports I visited on the sailing, and admiring the views costs nothing extra.

If you have an Alaska cruise planned for 2023, I recommend reading the following guides to get an idea of what free or low cost activities are available in each port:

If your ship visits Skagway, be prepared for extra lines.

Landslides recently occurred right next to one of Skagway’s cruise docks, and it has disrupted scheduled visits to Skagway this summer. In fact, Royal Caribbean canceled Quantum of the Seas visits to Skagway in 2023, but Ovation of the Seas is still making her scheduled visits.

Due to the risk of additional landslides, passengers are not permitted to walk the length of the pier. Therefore, passengers must board shuttle buses outside the ship that will drive down the pier.

The ride only lasts a minute, but you might encounter long lines waiting to board a shuttle bus. Some cruise lines have been using tender boats instead of shuttle buses, but neither method is convenient.

To avoid waiting in line, I recommend disembarking the ship as early as possible. As soon as you hear an announcement that the gangway has opened, leave the ship immediately to be one of the first in line.

Radiance Class ships usually dock at a separate pier in Skagway, so you may not be affected by the landslide if sailing on one of these vessels.

Alaska cruises in 2023 feature Royal Caribbean’s new Main Dining Room menu and a range of other eateries.

One difference with Alaska cruises this year is that they feature Royal Caribbean’s new Main Dining Room menu, which was launched fleetwide in early 2023.

The dinner menu has a different theme each evening, such as Italian night and French night. I noticed a few theme differences compared to what I’ve seen on Caribbean cruises, as an Asian theme night was offered in lieu of Mexican night.

There are three options for dinner in the Main Dining Room: early, late, and My Time Dining. On my cruise, early dinner was at 5PM with late seating at 8PM. With My Time Dining, you can reserve a different dining time for each evening, but if you forget to make a reservation, you’ll have to wait in a line for an available table.

On my Alaska cruise, I ate in the Main Dining Room just two out of seven nights. Unfortunately, our early dining time coincided with the sailaway time from most Alaska cruise ports. If I wanted to watch the breathtaking scenery outside, I had to forgo dinner in the dining room, as most tables were not by a window.

Instead, I dined most evenings in the Windjammer. The buffet’s large windows offered the perfect spot to watch Alaska’s scenery, and I preferred the quick service and wider range of cuisines at the restaurant.

Depending on which ship you book for an Alaska cruise, dining options can vary. All ships will feature the Main Dining Room along with the Windjammer buffet, Chops Grill steakhouse, and an Italian specialty restaurant.

Other venues vary from ship to ship, but you’ll find a mix of included and extra cost food on any cruise ship visiting Alaska.

Booking popular activities like RipCord by iFLY and The North Star can be confusing—here’s how to book a complimentary slot.

If you’re cruising to Alaska on a Quantum Class ship, then you’ll surely want to try the ships’ signature activities.

One of the most popular things to do on both Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas is RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator. For this activity, passengers enter a skydiving chamber that blows strong wind upwards, allowing them to “skydive” in the chamber.

Another sought-after activity is the North Star, an observational pod that rises from the ship’s pool deck to 300 feet above sea level. Views from the North Star are unparalleled—they offer a 360 degree view of Alaska’s scenery from a high vantage point.

The catch with these two activities is that there are both free and paid options. For RipCord by iFLY, 1-minute flights are complimentary, but 2-minute flights cost around $50. As for the North Star, you’ll find complimentary rides when your ship is in port, but the activity costs extra while your ship is at sea.

As you might expect, most passengers hope to book a coveted complimentary spot for these activities. In the past, Royal Caribbean opened the full week’s worth of reservations on embarkation day, meaning the slots filled up quickly. Once they were gone, you were out of luck.

In 2023, I noticed a more staggered approach. Instead of opening all slots for the week on embarkation day, the app would open a few slots each day instead. By checking the daily list of activities regularly on the app, you could often find an open slot for the North Star or RipCord by iFLY.

Slots usually opened up the day before the activity, so a 5PM ride on the North Star on Thursday could be booked starting on Wednesday.

Some shows require reservations, so be sure to reserve these productions early.

In addition to reserving select onboard activities, you might also need to reserve entertainment on an Alaska cruise.

Luckily, most entertainment on Royal Caribbean ships does not require reserving a seat in advance. You can enjoy live music at lounges, participate in game shows, and attend the majority of production shows with no prior reservation.

Reservations are only required for the signature shows in Two70, one of the main entertainment spaces on Quantum Class ships. On Quantum of the Seas this show is titled Starwater, whereas the Two70 production on Ovation of the Seas is Pixel’s Cabaret.

In Two70 you will catch productions augmented with technology. The venue was designed to wow guests through its massive screen projections and moving television screens, and it's certainly an impressive entertainment space.

You can make reservations for shows on the Royal Caribbean app once you get onboard, or you can reserve a seat prior to your cruise on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website. If there are no seats available, I still advise showing up to the entertainment venue. If there are empty seats in the theater ~10 minutes prior to the show, they will open the theater to those without a reservation.

When it came time to disembark the ship, I was glad I booked a flight after 12PM

No one likes the end of a cruise, but unfortunately all Alaska cruises must come to an end.

I booked my flight home from Seattle’s airport at 12:30PM, and I’m glad I booked a flight after noon. Seattle’s airport is around a half hour drive from the cruise terminal, but during morning rush hour the drive can take even longer.

On the last day of the cruise, I disembarked the ship around 8:30AM. By the time I got through the cruise terminal, walked to the rideshare pickup area, and got inside a Lyft, it was nearing 9 o’clock.

After driving to the airport and going through security, another hour had passed. I was happy I booked a flight a little later so I didn’t have to worry about making my flight on time. Flights before 11AM would be risky, as you never know what kind of delays (both in the cruise terminal and in traffic) you might encounter on the way.

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, I always recommend booking a flight no earlier than ~11:30AM to ensure you have enough time to make your flight.

Planning an Alaska cruise? Check out more of our tips and tricks:

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