As the start of your cruise gets closer, you're probably looking at shore excursions, but is there a best time frame to book?

The ports of call your ship visits will offer a variety of tours that can be booked through the cruise line or with an independent party. There are limited spots in each of these tours, and prices can vary considerably.

Just like a retail purchase, you might be concerned booking too early and not getting the lowest price.  Or wait too long, and it will be sold out.

Having taken dozens of cruises, I've seen the dynamic shift with when to book a tour.  In fact, the region you cruise to can often dictate how early you need to book an excursion.

When it comes to booking a Royal Caribbean shore excursion, you'll want to be opportunistic about when you book it.

The best time to book an excursion is as early as you can

If there's one mantra to remember about when to book a shore excursion, it's the earlier you can book, the better.

Shore excursions sell out quite commonly, so the earlier you book, the less the chance the tour you want to do will not be available.

Royal Caribbean's tours are all fully refundable, so that means you can book a tour six months before your cruise and then change your mind up until the sailing to get a refund.

Moreover, you can take advantage of a price drop later by cancelling and rebooking.  In short, there's little risk with booking a shore excursion very early because you can change your mind later.

You should book a shore excursion in the Caribbean about 3-5 months before your cruise begins, but there's no risk with booking even earlier.

If you're booking an independent excursion not sold through the cruise line, review their cancellation terms. Most will allow a refund as long as you don't try to cancel at the last minute.

It's even more important to book early in Europe or Alaska

If you're taking a bucket list cruise to Europe or Alaska, I cannot stress enough the importance of booking a tour early.

It's been my experience cruisers headed to far flung destinations are more eager to book tours than in the Caribbean.

It could be because of the unfamiliarity with the region, or plain excitement for something different, but I've observed Royal Caribbean shore excursions sell out quicker in these regions.

It's equally important to note not to overlook third party tours in Alaska or Europe.  Many times the exact same tour seen on Royal Caribbean's website is sold through various companies.

Regardless of where you book, I'd advocate getting a head start and booking your excursions for Alaska or Europe at least 4-6 months early.  In fact, booking a Royal Caribbean excursion 6-9 months in advance is probably a safer bet to avoid disappointment if it were to sell out.

Be sure to check out our list of recommended tours for each port in Alaska.

Waiting to book on the ship is probably a mistake

Thanks to the proliferation of the Royal Caribbean app and improvements made to its website, more cruisers are booking excursions earlier and in greater numbers.

If you wait to book an excursion on your ship, you're probably making a mistake because of how much will be sold out.

Cabanas at Royal Caribbean's private island will be almost certainly sold out, as will day passes to the waterpark and elevated beach club.

Even if it's not sold out, you will pay more on the ship because the cruise line offers pre-cruise discounts. Once you're onboard, it's too late to take advantage of those sales and you'll pay full price.

Royal Caribbean has a lot of sales

Booking a shore excursion early will not only lock in a spot, but probably save you money too.

There are sales almost every week, and deeper discounts offered on some holidays too.  While it's arguable how lucrative any one sale is, you will save money booking a shore excursion on the Royal Caribbean website instead of waiting to book it onboard.

The best Royal Caribbean sale of the year is likely Black Friday, because it's when the biggest discounts are typically offered.  

While I don't deny there are good deals on Black Friday, I wouldn't wait for November to book a shore excursion.  

Instead, book your tour as early as you can and then check again if the price has gone down during any one sale, including Black Friday.

Third-party tours tend to sell out later

If you miss the boat on that perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion, you might find the same one or better through a third party.

Independent shore excursions are a great alternative to going through the cruise line, but you'll need to do your own vetting process.

In my experience, the tours sold through independent agents or the tour operator itself take longer to sell out.  That's because it's not as easy or simple to track down by cruisers.

Moreover, there are many more third party excursion options out there. 

That isn't to say you can wait until a few weeks before your cruise to book a shore excursion. I would recommend booking your tours early.  In fact, if you're going to Alaska or Europe, I would still stick to booking at least 4-6 months early as a rule of thumb.

If you're totally late on booking a shore excursion, booking an independent tour might be your best option.

One other option is a free shore excursion, which have no cost but a tip for the guide is expected.

I tried one of these in Spain and it was far better than I ever expected.

Don't overlook a DIY excursion

It's easy to assume you should book an organized tour as your de facto option, but in many ports you might be better off without an organized tour.

If your ship is docked in a city, you can easily explore without a guide.  There are so many guide books, Google Maps, and YouTube videos explaining the best spots to see, that you can easily do something on your own.

Before you book a tour, you might consider going on your own as an alternative.

In addition, if you're late booking tours and not finding many options, going it alone might be your last option.  With a little research, you can easily find something to do.

Cruise ships are regularly inspected to ensure they are maintaining a healthy and safe environment, with five Royal Caribbean ships getting a perfect score.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts random inspections of cruise ships and shares their findings with the public. 

The purpose is to ensure cruise lines meet the standards expected of them and to mitigate the chances someone would get sick on a ship, somewhat similar to how restaurants and supermarkets are inspected.

Traveling on cruise ships exposes guests to new environments, communal spaces, and high volumes of other people, all of which can exacerbate the risk of illness.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) gives each cruise ship a rating on a scale of 0-100 once the inspection is complete.

As 2024 comes to a close, the CDC revealed 27 cruise ships got a perfect sanitation score.

In 2024, the CDC conducted a total of 151 inspections and most scored a 95 or better. Of those, 29 were Royal Caribbean ships.

Five Royal Caribbean ships earned a perfect score this year:

• Mariner of the Seas: Inspected 10/28/2024
• Jewel of the Seas: Inspected 9/28/2024
• Serenade of the Seas: Inspected 9/10/2024
• Radiance of the Seas: Inspected 7/21/2024
• Brilliance of the Seas: Inspected 5/16/2024

Interestingly enough, this list is comprised of the entire Radiance Class of ships, with just Mariner of the Seas being a Voyager Class ship.

What were the scores for the other Royal Caribbean ships?

There's a good chance you're wondering how the rest of the fleet did, besides these five perfect scores.

The good news is every Royal Caribbean ship passed (a score of 85 or lower is unsatisfactory), with Adventure of the Seas coming in with the lowest score of 89.

You should also be aware that after each inspection, crew members respond to the results and offer corrective actions to remedy the issues inspectors found.

The end result is a cleaner cruise ship.

Inspection scores don't tell the whole story

Remember, non-perfect scores don't mean an unhealthy or unsafe ship.

The CDC's inspections and VSP scores are important, but not the only factor in ensuring a cruise ship is clean.

Cruise ships are also mindful of the impact that bad news and excessive press about sickness can have. Royal Caribbean wants its guests to be healthy and enjoy their cruise enough to sail again.

Every vessel, no matter its VSP score, features several health awareness tactics and oversight of outbreak prevention.

Guests on Royal Caribbean ships will spot hand-washing stations, free hand sanitizer, health awareness signs, and even crew members reminding guests to clean their hands.

If guests do fall sick, Royal Caribbean has a series of health protocols to prevent further infection, no matter the source.

This program, implemented in 2023, includes six tenants:

1. Stop buffet self-service if the onboard norovirus rate exceeds 1.5%
2. More crew training on acute GI symptoms and avoiding cross-contamination
3. More GI training for onboard medical teams
4. Increased oversight of the Outbreak Prevention Plan
5. Switching to PDI SaniCloth Prime hospital-grade disinfectant wipes, which carry a claim against norovirus (Contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use)
6. Contactless tap technology, so crew members don't have to handle SeaPass cards

You'll find a basketball court on most cruise ships, but Royal Caribbean reinvented the concept on one type of ship that truly stands out.

Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for offering just about as many activities as you can imagine onto its ships. The idea is to offer more to do so passengers have a choice in how they have fun.

Sports courts on cruise ships have been around for a while, but the Quantum Class ships have a different take on it, and it's the only ships where I'll step foot on the sports court.

The SeaPlex is what Royal Caribbean called its indoor basketball court because it's so much more than a sports court.

While all the Quantum Class ships have a SeaPlex, the final version on Odyssey of the Seas is by far my favorite.

Climate controlled with lots to do

The reason why I think the SeaPlex is such a smart upgrade from a traditional outdoor sports court is the fact it's climate controlled.

On every other cruise ship, the sports court is not only outdoors, but offers zero shade.  

Basking in the sun as you shoot hoops or kick the soccer ball around may sound like a nice idea when you're at home, but most months of the year in the Caribbean, it feels like the surface of the sun on that asphalt.

I admit that you'll still find plenty of people out there to play, but the SeaPlex solves a few issues.

Being a two-deck indoor venue, you don't have to worry about getting sunburned. And there's air conditioning to keep it at the perfect temperature.

Royal Caribbean went above just climatizing the venue, as there are lots of activities too.

It's most celebrated activity are bumper cars, where the sports court transforms into a bumper car arena.

Hop in a car and slam into other cars as fast as you can, or try to evade them all.

Bumper cars got a lot of recognition as a signature activity to try, and one of those "I can't believe they have this on a cruise ship" experiences.

Of course, there's also more traditional activities in the SeaPlex. Basketball, volleyball, soccer, dodgeball, archery, and badminton are just a few.

There's also the wildly popular pickleball, along with laser tag too. And all of it is included in your cruise fare.

The sports team crew members will swap out activities throughout the day.  Within the Royal Caribbean app are listings for times of each activity, so you'll need to plan accordingly to get in on the one you want.

Perfecting with Playmakers

The SeaPlex is two levels on all Quantum Class ships, but Royal Caribbean's Product Development team re-imagined the space when they designed Odyssey of the Seas.

It seems they thought about how to combine sports with the sports bar and they came up with the idea of adding the first Playmakers into the SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas.

Located on the second level of the SeaPlex, Playmakers has the opportunity to view the big game or the game happening below.

There are over 50 TV's throughout Playmakers, and that means you can catch the game from any corner.

Playmakers also has a giant TV screen that hangs over the SeaPlex sports court. I've often found myself watching the televised game on the large screen, while also glancing down to see the fun happening below on the court.

If catching a sporting event isn't your thing, there are large windows looking out to the ocean too. The main bar area has lots of seating that allow to look out on the ocean in addition to a TV.

This setup makes it perfect for families, where kids can be on the court or playing one of the games around the SeaPlex while their parents watch the game at the same time they're supervising the kids.

And then there's the Playmakers food, which always hits the spot for me on any ship they serve it.

Nachos, burgers, onion rings, and the delightful buffalo chicken wraps are just some of the notable menu offerings.

Everything in Playmakers is priced a la carte, so you can enjoy a snack without a full restaurant cost. 

Odyssey isn't the first ship to offer Playmakers, but unlike the Oasis Class ships, this version is air conditioned and makes it far more enjoyable during the summer months.

The idyllic spot for older kids

If you want to epitomize how Royal Caribbean appeals to families with older kids, the SeaPlex is a good example.

The second level of the SeaPlex has lots of areas for all guests to enjoy, but in practice, it's the teenagers that tend to congregate here.

You'll find video arcades, comfortable seating, and communal gaming opportunities.

The space is designed to be cozy and inviting so guests will want to spend time there.

The sports court you'll want to go with your kids to

Ultimately, I think the beauty of the SeaPlex over a sports court is how much it offers for everyone.

Besides being climate controlled, there's a lot more to see and do for guests of all ages. If all you want to do is watch your kids play, there's seating all around the edge of the court.

I think certain activities really lend themselves to being inviting to everyone. Bumper cars can be enjoyed by nearly everyone, and pickle ball has become one of the top activities for adults of all ages.

And if you happen to be on Odyssey of the Seas, then the addition of Playmakers really offers more for parents and guests without kids reason to visit.

The bottom line is on all other Royal Caribbean ships, you will never find me on the sports court. But on a Quantum Class ship, there's a good chance I'll head up there a few times every cruise because it's the only version I truly enjoy.

There are so many choices when picking a first cruise that the decision can feel overwhelming.  From the Caribbean to Europe to Alaska, is there one destination that would be better for a first-timer?

Cruises are designed to be as inviting to anyone, regardless of their experience.  Nonetheless, certain regions might be a better idea for your first sailing than another simply because there's an aspect of it that is a good fit for a newbie.

Our team has been cruising for decades, and we've been on lots of cruises with new cruisers. In our experience in speaking with hundreds of cruisers, it's clear there are better choices for a first Royal Caribbean cruise.

Here are the top choices for best cruise itineraries for first-time cruisers.

A 7-night Caribbean cruise on a new ship

White sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and hot temperatures are why so many people that have never cruised before want to try a Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean dominates the Caribbean cruise market with a wide selection of ships and itineraries, but I think someone that has never cruised before should try a weeklong sailing on a cruise ship that was launched in the last 10 years.

Resist the temptation to book a weekend cruise because the experience goes by too quickly to really get a grasp of what cruising is all about.  Likewise, don't chase a low price on an old small ship because those ships lack the variety of activities and features a new cruiser expects to find on a ship.

My advice is to pick a cruise that goes to the Western Caribbean or Eastern Caribbean for 7-nights.  You'll be able to visit 3 or 4 ports, each with beautiful beaches and idyllic waters.

If you're feeling bold, try to find one that visits the Southern Caribbean ports of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.  

The Southern Caribbean has arguably the best beaches in all of the Caribbean, but you'll need to either go on a longer sailing or depart from a port outside of Florida (like San Juan, Puerto Rico).

Avoid this cruise: While Royal Caribbean advertises weekend cruises on the brand new Utopia of the Seas heavily towards people that have never cruised, trust me a weekend cruise is too short.

You might think about a short cruise out of trepidation of not liking what a cruise is all about, but think of a cruise as a floating resort rather than a boat. 

Plus, you'll go to more interesting places than The Bahamas on a longer cruise.

An Alaska glacier cruise from Seattle

There is no better way to see Alaska than on a cruise ship, so try a cruise as a way to get your feet wet.

The great thing about an Alaska cruise is it tends to be a port intensive itinerary, which means you're docked and on land most days of the cruise.  This is a crutch for new cruisers who might be worried about being bored on sea days.

Alaska is majestic, and the natural beauty will likely capture your imagination quickly. Because of how land-focused an Alaska cruise is, the cruise experience becomes almost secondary due to the landscape around you.

Royal Caribbean's ships sailing from Seattle offer a convenient option with plenty of flight options and they sail on Royal Caribbean's bigger and newer ships.

Bigger ships matter because there's better entertainment onboard, as well as a wider variety of restaurants. More to do onboard is really important for families with kids.

Avoid this cruise: The open-jaw sailings that offer one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.

These cruises can be tempting, but the logistics involved with flying one-way is a challenge. Moreover, Royal Caribbean's smaller ships sail these routes, which offer less to do onboard. For someone that has never cruised, I'd save the smaller ships for a follow-up trip.

Ciao Italy! Cruise the Mediterranean

Similar to Alaska, a cruise along the Mediterranean is a great first-time cruise choice.

While you'll have limited time in ports, a European cruise is a great way to get a taste of the Old World without having to deal with transportation logistics, making your time in Europe that much more enjoyable.

One way to augment your first cruise in Europe is to combine it with a land trip.  Since you'll need to fly in early to acclimate to the new time zone as well as ensure travel delays don't cause you to miss the cruise, many people prefer combining a European cruise with a land-based vacation.

As an example, you could fly to London a week before a cruise from Southampton, giving you plenty of time to visit sites like Stonehenge, Windsor, and the Roman Baths.

Avoid this cruise: In considering the "worst" choice for a European cruise as a first-timer, skip a sailing that visits Northern France and Spain only.

In the grand scheme of European cruises, I think a cruise that only visits the coast of Normandy, Galicia and Basque Country is underwhelming compared to almost anywhere else on the continent.

In addition, the Bay of Biscay is notorious for rough seas.

So you still want a 3-night cruise? Fine, go to Royal Caribbean's private island

Earlier I recommended going on a 7-night cruise as your first cruise, but I know lots of first-time cruisers still prefer to dip their toe with a short sailing.

In that case, your best bet is a cruise on a big new ship that visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean is well-known for offering the best options for families, kids, and adults because of how much they include on their ships. Plus, there are ways to splurge with a suite or keep it cheap with an inside cabin.

The advantage of picking a weekend cruise on Utopia of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas that include stops in The Bahamas are the lineup of what you can do on land.

CocoCay is open exclusively to Royal Caribbean passengers, and so much of it is included in your cruise fare. This island is designed to be easy to navigate and a "no thinking required" kind of beach day.

Opening in December 2025 is a new beach club for Royal Caribbean passengers in Nassau, Bahamas. 

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will have an admission cost, but it will be all-inclusive and another easy button to press for a great first cruise.

The cruise industry as a whole had a great 2024, but Royal Caribbean clearly stood out as having one of its best years ever.

It wasn't too long ago that all the cruise lines were mired in crushing debt, negative profits, and a public perception problem all tied to the events of 2020.

Royal Caribbean's recovery has taken a meteoric path, seeing profits significantly higher than its peers along the way. 

In 2024, the cruise line truly flexed its muscles with a series of new ships, bold strategic moves, and it's counting its winnings all the way to the bank.

CEO reflects on the year

With Christmas approaching, Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley posted on LinkedIn his reflections on Royal Caribbean's meteoric year.

Milestone after milestone, accolade after accolade, Mr. Bayley celebrated a big year for the cruise line and is already looking forward to an even bigger year in 2025.

Talk about an iconic year! Or, was it the utopia of all years? However you look at it, 2024 was an extraordinary year for Royal Caribbean, filled with milestones that underscore our commitment to delivering the absolute ultimate vacations. We kicked the year off with the debut of Icon of the Seas, a first-of-its-kind ship combining record-breaking features for every kind of family and vacationer, with Lionel Messi, the Icon of Icon, headlining its naming celebration. We caught our breath and then debuted, Utopia of the Seas, dubbed The World’s Biggest Weekend℠, offering the ultimate short getaway.

We announced exciting new destinations, including Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, offering the ultimate beach day experience with stunning beaches, pools, swim-up bars, and local cultural touches. Plus, we celebrated the opening of Hideaway Beach, the first adults-only hideaway escape on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

We also announced the upcoming glow-up of Allure of the Seas, set to redefine European adventures in 2025, and revealed our plans for Star of the Seas, which will soon join our fleet, doubling the world’s best vacation options from Port Canaveral. AND, we signed an agreement for the fourth Icon Class ship, continuing our legacy of revolutionary experiences.

This year, we also continued our strong partnership with Inter Miami CF, creating memorable experiences for families and fans. Together with Make-A-Wish, we had the privilege of granting the wishes of 23 children, offering them unforgettable adventures on Icon of the Seas and the chance to meet the Inter Miami squad and Lionel Messi.

Our Royal Caribbean team, shoreside and shipboard, has achieved so much this year that I can’t even begin to cover it all. Your dedication and hard work have been the driving force behind our success. To our trusted partners, your collaboration has been invaluable. And to our guests, thank you for letting Royal Caribbean be part of your most cherished memories and adventures. Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and a spectacular new year!

An Iconic start to the year

The new year had barely begun when Royal Caribbean introduced its game-changing cruise ship to the world.

Icon of the Seas was launched in January 2024 and captured the attention of the world.  

New cruise ships happen frequently, but the amount of hype, interest, and attention that Icon received was unparalleled. The ship generated so much buzz from all corners of the market, that it dwarfed pretty much every other ship launch since.

In April, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said the launch of Icon of the Seas was a difference maker, "Our existing fleet along with our new ships continue to perform exceptionally well, highlighted by the market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas, which has exceeded all expectations."

At 250,800 gross registered tons, Icon of the Seas carries 5,610 people on a double-occupancy basis and about 7,600 passengers when every berth is filled. That's in addition to 2,350 crew members. It spans 20 decks and has its own water park onboard.

Icon has gone on to claim all sorts of accolades, along with being a popular choice among cruisers.

The introduction of a second ship

Two new Royal Caribbean ships entered service in 2024, which is out of the ordinary for any cruise line.

Utopia of the Seas began offering cruises in July 2024, and it had a different goal in mind compared to Icon.

Whereas Icon of the Seas redefined what a megaship could be, Royal Caribbean wanted to set a new standard for weekend cruises with Utopia.

Unlike every other new ship, Utopia began with just short weekend cruises. Utopia is meant to be the ultimate short getaway. In addition to all the activities onboard, there are shows, parties, and dance events meant to keep passengers in the right vibe every day of the sailing.

The aim is to deliver to customers what they've been telling the cruise line for years: they want first experiences that create family bonding moments with memories they'll take home and cherish.

Utopia of the Seas measures 236,473 gross tons, making her slightly larger than Wonder of the Seas but not quite as big as Icon of the Seas.

Opening of Hideaway Beach

Tied to the launch of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean also opened its first adults-only expansion on its private island.

Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay opened this year, giving cruise ship passengers that wanted a break from the family experience.

Available only to guests at least 18 years old, Hideaway Beach has a giant swim-up bar with DJ, sports bar, crescent-shaped beach, new food options, and more.

It addressed a need to have an adult only space, which was one of the most requested attractions.

Revealed a new private beach in Mexico

Royal Caribbean turned a lot of heads when they announced plans to build its biggest private beach experience ever in Mexico.

Perfect Day Mexico will open in 2027 and will completely overhaul the port of Costa Maya.

Similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay, this will be an all-encompassing offering exclusive to Royal Caribbean ship passengers that will include beaches, pools, a waterpark, helium balloon ride, and many more details that have yet to be revealed.

The total project will encompass 90 hectares, with is about 220 acres. That's roughly double the size of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Expect more details in Spring 2025.

An incredible year for its stock

The proof of how good Royal Caribbean did as a cruise line came in the financial results for the company.

Royal Caribbean Group had just about the best year you could hope for, with double-digit growth and monster revenue numbers.

Each quarter saw the company bringing in billions in revenue:

• First Quarter: $3.7 billion revenue
• Second quarter: $4.1 billion revenue
• Third quarter: $4.9 billion revenue

The company's financial success was driven by strong demand for cruising, supported by both loyal repeat customers and an increasing number of first-time travelers. Consumer spending onboard, was also a major factor, driving their numbers even higher.

Royal Caribbean (RCL) shares have soared all year long, closing at $240.30 per share before the holiday break.

I love a good cruise deal, but sometimes splurging and staying in a suite is the way to go while on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean has many kinds of suites, but the ones that always capture people's attention are their signature Star Class suites on its biggest ships.

In 2024, I had the chance to review three giant cruise ship suites: Royal Loft Suite, Aquatheater Suite, and the Ultimate Family Suite.

I paid an average of around $4,000 - $5,000 per night for these suites, making them far from a cheap deal.

Each suite was indeed massive, but I think everyone expects that.  What truly stood out about these rooms were some of the surprises I didn't expect with these sort of suites. They may not be the top reasons to book them, but I think they make a difference.

Being escorted through check-in made me feel like a VIP

All suite guests have their own line for check-in at a cruise terminal, but when you book a Star Class room, you get escorted inside.

There's a special meet area for Star Class guests, where you drop off your luggage. You don't need to print out the regular luggage tags, because Star Class guests get their own luggage tags added on the spot.  In fact, your luggage is taken onboard the ship by a specific porter just for Star Class guests, so that means no waiting around for your bags to arrive.

The agent then escorts your group into the cruise terminal and through security and check-in.  They find the shortest lines and get you moving as quickly as possible.

Royal Caribbean's check-in process is already very fast, but as you whizz past everyone, it's a surreal feeling getting the most exclusive service even before the cruise begins

I loved being able to my suite as soon as I boarded the ship

No matter which cruise I go on, I always want to board the ship as quickly as possible.

A loyal Royal Caribbean Blog reader, (and long-time suffering Vols fan) Michael Poole, once reminded me you can either wait at the hotel room or the cruise terminal, so may as well get there early.  With Star Class, this even more important.

Your Royal Genie will take you right to your suite as soon as you board the ship.

This means you can not only drop off your things in the room, but get to start enjoying the suite you paid a lot of money for in the first place.

Having early access to your suite before other cabins are ready is a treat, and it's great for entertaining friends.  I invited friends up to the suite immediately to hang out and get the cruise fun started.

Even if you're not looking to invite anyone, being in the room early means you could nap, enjoy the amenities within the cabin, or just have a quieter start to your cruise.

The special SeaPass card got attention of crew members

When you go around the ship and flash your Star Class card, crew members take notice.

Like all things with being in Star Class, it's easier, and when you show your SeaPass card at the theater, order a drink at a bar, or borrow towels at the pool deck, you're almost always just waived through.

It's not only easier, but it speeds things up.

I didn't expect the exclusive suite entrance to be quieter

In the case of the Royal Loft Suite on Wonder of the Seas and Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas, there is a dedicated entrance.

At first, I thought having these special glass doors to get to my suite was more of a vanity thing.  I joked it was a way to keep my friends' kids out.

As it turned out, the real benefit of not having a suite on a shared hallway is you hear no noise at all from outside your suite.

I don't think hallway noise is a big deal to begin with (especially on the suite deck), but after a day or so I really started to notice I heard nothing from outside our room.  In other cabins, you'll occasionally hear someone talking loudly, running, or some sort of commotion.  

The exclusivity of being in one of these giant suites really stands out.

I didn't think I'd use the hot tub more than the kids did

Two of the suites I stayed in had their own hot tub, but I probably spent more time in there than my kids.

Like many children, my kids like to do something to say they've done and then move onto the next thing.  This was the case with the hot tub too.

The best times to enjoy the hot tub are when the ship is sailing in or out of a port, at night, or if there's a sunset in view.

I don't usually hit the pools and hot tubs on the cruise ship's main deck because of how crowded they can be, so it was nice having my own and it's definitely an added bonus.

One of the biggest surprises was how much time the kids preferred to be in the suite

Royal Caribbean is known for offering so much to do on its ships, but my kids tended to hang out in the suite more than when we are in other kinds of cabins.

I certainly don't blame them for wanting to enjoy what the suite offered, but many times they just wanted to have dinner delivered to the suite and watch TV, call their friends, or enjoy the entertainment in the suite.

The kids were glued to the game table in the Ultimate Family Suite, which has all sorts of multi-player games to try.

Plus, they liked being able to stay in the PJs and not bother getting dressed up for dinner and have their meal brought to the suite.  One of the best benefits of being in Star Class is you can have room service deliver food from the Main Dining Room or Specialty Restaurants to your suite.

As a parent, I liked knowing they weren't roaming the ship, and I didn't mind being able to go to dinner with just my wife.  Date nights are a rare commodity when you have kids, so it was a nice benefit I didn't count on.

As a frequent cruiser, I stay in many types of cabins, but balcony rooms tend to be the most common choice I make.

I tend to book balcony rooms the most because they offer a great balance of space, amenities, and price. They aren't the cheapest option, but usually a balcony is a reasonably higher cost compared to interior cabins.

This year, I stayed in a balcony cabin on five different Royal Caribbean ships: Liberty of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas.  

In the case of Utopia of the Seas, I actually stayed in two different balcony rooms on separate sailings.

Here's how the spaces stacked up — and which cruise room I liked best for its excellent value.

My balcony room on Liberty of the Seas was all the way forward

In June, I booked connecting balcony cabins at the very front of Liberty of the Seas.

This was a 5-night cruise to Bermuda that I took my family on after my kids finished their school year. Because our schools finish up before Memorial Day weekend, we're able to hop on a summer cruise before the summer season rush starts.

Each cabin was a category 3B Spacious Ocean View Balcony room, with a cost of $4,296.98 per cabin.  

I was able to get one room for free because it was offered to me by Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society as a reward for reaching Pinnacle Club status.

I liked the fact these rooms were spacious balcony rooms, which meant they had more living space so there was less shuffling.  

Plus, booking two connecting cabins is still one of my favorite family cruise hacks for saving money (and sanity).

Liberty of the Seas is a middle-aged cruise ship, so the aesthetics of the cabin are not going to wow anyone, but it's certainly quite functional.

The downside to this cabin was it was all the way forward.  It gave us great views from our balcony, but it meant a longer walk back and forth between the room and other places on the ship. Plus, cabins all the way forward can be more susceptible to motion.

I stayed in two balcony rooms on Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean launched two new cruise ships in 2024, Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

I ended up sailing on Utopia six times in 2024, with two of those sailings in an oceanview balcony.

The first time was a media preview sailing, in which Royal Caribbean invited me to sail as their guest prior to the ship's launch.

For this short 3-night weekend cruise, I had a category 1C cabin that was midship.

One thing you'll notice on a brand new ship is how modern everything looks.

Storage space on Royal Caribbean's newer Oasis Class ships always stands out to me, because there is so much of it. 

Compared to older Oasis Class ships, the cruise line figured out how to add so much more storage options inside it. On both sides of the couch is a closet. One closet was wide open and contained 20 hangers to hang up dresses or suits. It's even big enough to store your suitcase, backpack, and other luggage.

The second closet had five shelves along with a safe to store valuables.

Another tremendous upgrade within cabins on a new ship are how many USB outlets there are.

There's USB outlets on both sides of the bed, along with USB and power outlets elsewhere in the cabin.  This is so helpful for families and it means less reliance on having to remember to pack an outlet extender.

In October, I went back on Utopia again in a category 4D Ocean View Balcony cabin.

This cabin was "free" in the sense I got it through Royal Caribbean's casino program.  Essentially, I gambled enough money on a previous sailing to qualify for a free balcony offer.

All I had to pay were the taxes and fees, which came out to 312.94 per room.

Just like on Liberty of the Seas, I booked two connecting balcony rooms (my wife and I both qualified for a casino offer on this sailing).

I'm not sure you can really tell a difference between the ocean view balcony cabins between my two sailings other than location. 

My next cabin was on Anthem of the Seas in Europe

In August 2024, I sailed alone in a balcony cabin on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, UK on a 7-night cruise to France and Spain.

I stayed in a category 4D ocean view balcony that cost me $2,822.55. 

You might be wondering why I went for a balcony if it was just me in the room, and there are two reasons why I went with a balcony.

First, the price was good. This balcony cost me almost half as much as the balcony on Liberty of the Seas, and this sailing had two more nights.

Second, because the scenery in Europe is so different to me, I valued being able to easily see my surroundings.  This was especially true for sailing in and sail away, when there was a lot to enjoy.

Also, the weather in Europe was quite mild, so I really enjoyed being able to use my laptop from the balcony and do some work while enjoying temperate weather.

Even though Anthem is about 10 years old, I think the room looks quite up to date with its modern touches.

There are USB outlets around the cabin, and lots of storage too.  While Royal Caribbean may have tweaked options more with its newer ships, I don't think you'll be at a disadvantage with the amenities of a Quantum Class ship.

At 55 square feet, the balcony is average for a Quantum class ship and it has enough room for two chairs and a table.  It's enough space for two people to comfortably enjoy the view and ocean air.

I spent 3 nights in a balcony on the brand new Icon of the Seas

Just like Utopia, Royal Caribbean invited me to stay in a balcony room on Icon of the Seas when she debuted.

Being a brand new ship, you come to expect a beautiful cabin with modern touches. There were the most USB outlets I've seen on any Royal Caribbean ship, but there were two changes that stood out about a balcony room on Icon.

The first change was adding a seat in the shower.

I have never seen a cruise ship shower with a seat before, so this is very unique to Icon of the Seas. 

I also appreciated the size of the shower, as cruise cabin showers have been notoriously small in older ship designs.

The other change that I didn't love as much was the shift from drawers to baskets in some areas.

There are baskets in one of the storage areas, and I can't say I thought it was a good idea.

They didn’t seem to fit well in the shelves: they were heavy and slid harshly over the wood below. They didn’t slide as easily as a drawer, and I had to pull them all the way out if I wanted to get an item out of the basket.

Of course, baskets are not a deal breaker when it comes to a balcony room.  

If I had to pick a winner, I'd say my balcony on Mariner of the Seas felt like the best bang for my buck

The first cruise I took in 2024 I think ended up being the best dollar-for-dollar value.

While still on winter break, I took the family on a 5 night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day on Mariner of the Seas.

Once again, I booked two connecting balcony cabins. The total for two balcony cabins was $3,864.28, making each cabin less than $2,000 each.

Mariner is similar to Liberty of the Seas in age, but unlike Liberty, Royal Caribbean added significant updates to the ship more recently.

Unfortunately, the cabins weren't updated. Royal Caribbean rarely, if ever, updates cabins as part of its ship refurbishments.

Nonetheless, I think the price is perfect for a ship like this.  

I think most cruisers are willing to overlook the curtain color, bathroom motif, and lack of USB plugs if the price is right.

I strongly considered Anthem of the Seas for the best value, but because I had to also think about airfare and other costs of a European cruise, I had to give the edge to Mariner.

With 2024 coming to a close, I can't help but look back on a great year of cruises.

In 2024, I took 16 Royal Caribbean cruises and 1 Celebrity Cruise. It was a busy year, and I'm incredibly lucky to be able to have taken the most cruises I've ever had in a single calendar year.

In reflecting back on these sailings, I wanted to handpick the five best moments of the year for me, and why these sailings stood out.

Here are my favorite travel experiences of the year.

Visiting Spain & France for the first time

I was able to go back to Europe after taking my first European cruise in 2023, and this time it was to ports in Northern France and Spain.

While this might not have been the most exotic European itinerary, I relished it because I always wanted to visit France. I studied French for many years in school, and I was fascinated by the opportunity to try out my skills.

My cruise visited Bordeaux and Paris, although both cities required a multi-hour bus ride to get there. While the bus rides were as dull as you probably expected, the opportunity was worth it.  

I might not sit on a bus for as long as I did again to visit these places, but to be able to say I've been to both was totally worth it.

The surprise for me was how much I enjoyed Spain.  I visited La Coruna and Bilbao, and each had its own charm, history, and appeal. 

I think I preferred Bilbao a little bit more because of its natural beauty, history, and terrific food. Nonetheless, it was a great experience to explore each city, and I didn't have to sit on a bus for either one!

My eyes were opened to the possibilities of a European cruise last year when I went to Norway, but now I really see just how incredible it can be to mix things up and get out there.

I loved going to Europe so much that I'm already planning to return in 2025 (and I'm inviting you to join me for it!).

Getting to see Icon of the Seas

There's no question Icon of the Seas the ship of the year, and when Icon launched in January, it was an amazing moment.

The lead up to Icon last year brought a great deal of attention and intrigue. Royal Caribbean had put so much work into this brand new ship that they generated a lot of hype to go with it.

I think, the ship lived up to the hype and when I stepped onboard in January 2024, I was so impressed by this next evolution in ship design.

A new ship is exciting for just about anyone, but it's rare to get a brand new cruise ship class that attempts to set a new standard. Certainly, Royal Caribbean had high ambitions with Icon, and I couldn't get enough of the ship. I went on a couple of the preview sailings, and then the inaugural cruise, followed by a group cruise with friends and family.

What I especially like about Icon is the flow of passengers that really addresses minimizing crowds. I'm not saying there aren't lines or crowds, but their impact on your vacation seems to be the least of any cruise ship I've been on.

Plus, you can see where Royal Caribbean put a lot of energy into new offerings. An incredible culinary experience, new entertainment options, and arguably the best laid out pool deck in the fleet.

The proof for me is that while I got to sail on many more ships in the months since I went on Icon, I always judged each of those against Icon.

Staying in the Ultimate Family Suite

I couldn't believe I was actually staying in a suite I thought I'd have the opportunity to be in, but I took my family for a weekend cruise in the Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas.

I had toured this sort of suite on other ships, but the price is as crazy high as you probably can imagine. So I didn't think it was possible until my wife and I got creative with the cruise dates.

Sometimes if you book early and look around a lot, you can find better prices on a particular cruise. I hesitate to call it a deal considering the room cost $12,000, but it was a better price than average for this kind of a room.

Besides the price, I was concerned the suite would have a novelty factor that ran out quickly.  I thought after a couple of hours, the suite would be underwhelming when you look past all the glitzy elements.

The truth is it's a giant suite with just about the best comfort qualities you can find in a room. You can entertain really well in it, and as the name implies, my kids absolutely loved hanging out in the cabin.

Add onto it the VIP privileges with the Royal Genie and access to Thrill Waterpark, and it's a heck of an experience.

I don't have any cruises booked in any of the Ultimate Family Suites or Townhouses that Royal Caribbean has, so whether or not I ever stay in another kind of these rooms, I can safely say this first time was an incredible experience.

Chartering a catamaran in Bermuda

I took my family on a quick 5-night cruise to Bermuda in the summer, and the highlight was what we did on the first night in Bermuda.

Leading up to the cruise, we didn't book any tours.  We assumed we'd just take the ferry to Hamilton and the bus to the beach.  

While we did explore Hamilton as planned, I found a last-minute catamaran rental opportunity for a sunset ride and swim.

The 3-hour catamaran charter was just for my family, and it was the perfect way to see Bermuda's beauty.

We started out going around the island and sailing past the coastline. There were bean bags at the front where we could sit and enjoy the view as the sun started to set.

We then got to feed a school of fish that lived near a ship wreck, and then it was off to a pristine cove for swimming.

Our captain then took us to the perfect spot for a beautiful unobstructed sunset that will probably be the source of family photos we will look back on fondly for decades.

It may not have been the cheapest excursion option, but darn if it didn't create amazing memories for my family.

Three new dining experiences

In addition to launching two new cruise ships in 2024, Royal Caribbean also introduced three new dining experiences.

According to Royal Caribbean's internal research, food is one of the top two reasons anyone books a cruise. So upping their restaurant choices is a major priority for the cruise line.

Three restaurants were added in 2024: Izumi Omakase, Empire Supper Club, and Royal Railway Utopia Station.

Each of was incredibly different from the other.

Empire Supper Club is a glitzy themed meal that incorporates high quality food, live entertainment, and cocktail pairings.

It's the best date night offering I've ever found on a cruise ship, and I think the level of thought that went into typing the music, food, and beverages together is why I love cruises so much.

Royal Railway was perhaps the most hotly anticipated new restaurant I can recall on a cruise ship, and it's because of how innovative this idea is.

Royal Railway Utopia Station makes you feel like you're on a classic train having dinner. There's a story element that appeals to parents and kids alike, and an all-new menu.

In total, I tried it three times this year and I think it's a fantastic memory maker for families. The sort of activity that you'll be talking about when you get home after the cruise.

I really don't think it's "just another specialty restaurant" because it has much higher ambitions. Once Royal Caribbean rolls out subsequent themes to it, then the true power of what it can do will be apparent, and I think that's when Royal Railway will be more than just "the train restaurant".

Finally, we have Izumi Omakase on Utopia of the Seas. I had never tried a chef-driven meal like this, but I think it's the perfect option for Japanese fans.

First and foremost, it's not just more sushi. The biggest surprise for me was how little sushi there was in this meal.

There are eight courses with impeccable service to go along with it. There was was nothing on the menu I didn't like, and I discovered a couple of new favorites, such as the miso broiled cod.

These new restaurants prove the appeal of a cruise vacation in that it makes things approachable, convenient, and most importantly, fun.

Merry Christmas! The holidays are here, and so is our weekly round up of this week's Royal Caribbean news.

The big Royal Caribbean news this week centered around a passenger that died soon after being detained for chaotic incident caught on video.

The man allegedly attacked two crew members aboard the Navigator of the Seas and was attempting to kick down a door to a towel room.

According to the man's family, he died shortly after being detained by ship security.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean quietly adds new surcharges to its most expensive suite program
• Royal Caribbean cruisers are getting accidentally hit with a fee. What I do every cruise to avoid it
• Video: Cruise Ship Medical Evacuation 40 Miles From Shore
• I went on a Royal Caribbean ship that is a cult favorite among cruisers to see why they liked it so much
• I spent 70 days on Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year. Here are 6 things I always do onboard
• Why every hardcore Royal Caribbean fan will be on Utopia of the Seas on September 22
• Dancer reveals her tiny crew-only cabin she lives in on a cruise ship
• Royal Caribbean updates: How to ban yourself from the casino, Beach club construction photos and more
• I paid $100 for a specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean. It was pricey, but I loved the food

Video: 5 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2025

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 5 big changes coming to Royal Caribbean in 2025 — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 552nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with a first-timer's guide to Star Class.

Royal Caribbean's top tier suite program offers a tantalizing amount of service and choices well above anything else you can find on its ships.  So how can you properly take advantage of it all?

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

A $11,000 suite on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

Want to experience a mega suite with equally impressive amenities?

The two bedroom AquaTheater Suite on Utopia of the Seas is the least expensive Star Class cabin you'll find, and Jenna got to try it out for the first time.

It has two full bedrooms and bathrooms, along with the biggest cruise ship balcony you've probably ever seen.

Crew member reported overboard from Royal Caribbean ship

Passengers on Vision of the Seas reported a rescue effort to locate a crew member that went overboard.

Reports from the ship indicate the crew attempted to locate the person in the ocean, but search efforts were unsuccessful.

A ship-wide announcement was made to alert crew that someone had gone overboard.  Later, the Captain informed guests it had been a crew member.

Royal Caribbean passenger refused to pay for expensive medication after a severe allergic reaction

A woman complained on TikTok about how much she was charged for medicine on a ship after suffering an allergic reaction.

The woman went to her ship's medical center to get treatment, but balked at a cost of $390 for Benadryl.

She refused to pay it, and her story triggered hundreds of comments from cruisers who reacted to her experience.

6 places I avoid on a cruise ship

Matt goes on lots of cruises, but realized he tends to skip a few venues all the time.

Sometimes these areas he doesn't go to are a matter of personal preference, while other times he thinks it's a mistake to go there.

Everyone has their own cruising style, and it's easy to overlook an area or simply run out of time to get there too.

A cruise ship is my favorite place to vacation, but there are a few areas of the ship I rarely, if ever, visit.

Cruising is a matter of style, and I've learned everyone cruises different. That's part of this vacation's charm: it's not the same experience for everyone. You could get on the ship and spend it all in your cabin, or go and be the life of the party at the different events onboard.

I hate to make generalizations because I try to experience as much of a cruise as I can, but I've found there are a few spots I just don't go to anymore.

It could be because my personal cruising style has changed, or I simply have no interest in it.  Keeping in mind that this isn't meant to be a list of places you shouldn't go. Rather, I'm sharing my own experience.

Call me crazy, but these are the six places I really never go to on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Sports court

Insert your own comment here about a blogger that doesn't spend much time at the sports court, but I'll own it.

Any time of day, I'll see plenty of people playing basketball, pickleball, soccer, or volleyball on the sports court of a ship. I just never had the urge to go.

Royal Caribbean offers organized games as well as "free play", and it's an opportunity to get out and play a favorite game.

I think my disdain for the sports court has less to do with the activities offered, but rather it's usually exceptionally hot on the sports court.  There's no shade and most months of the year, I'd start sweating before my first volley or basket.

I think I've been on the sports court engaged in a game twice that I can recall: when pickleball first got added to ships, I remember playing a game once on Mariner of the Seas.  And the other time was badminton in the SeaPlex on Odyssey of the Seas.

DJ dance parties

Even in my college days, I never loved a really loud dance party.  So it's no surprise I don't get into the offerings on a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean's dance parties have become quite popular, from the fleetwide Red party to the new offerings on Utopia of the Seas.

One of the sure fire signs you're getting old is when the music at a party always seems too loud, so I guess that's me.

Just like the sports court, there's plenty of other cruisers to take my place at the dance parties onboard.

Royal Promenade dancing

If your Royal Caribbean ship has a Royal Promenade, then there will be a few evenings where there's a dance party held here.

This is more of a "street party" vibe than the DJ music I touched up on earlier.  

My issue with these dance parties is they seem passé and clichéd in the sense Royal Caribbean has been doing them forever it seems, and many are rooted in an aging demographic.

Besides the theme or music preferences, my bigger issue with the Royal Promenade parties is it shuts down everything else on the promenade. It's like the muster drill of entertainment.

Cruising has many traditions, and the street party is one of them that I wouldn't mind see retired. 

Read more: What it was like to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the 1970s

Art auctions

Another activity that's seemingly been on cruise ships forever are the art auctions, and this was a "one and done" for me.

To be fair, I'm not a connoisseur of fine art by any means. If you're into all of this stuff, that is wonderful. Just know that it isn't necessarily a bargain — no matter what the salespeople try to tell you.

Read more: I went to the controversial cruise ship activity to see if its reputation is as bad as I've read

Card room/Library

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a few public spaces for gatherings, such as a card room or library.

I understand why these spaces exist, but I'd rather go to the art auction because at least something would be happening there.  I'm not against quiet spaces, but I have no desire to go hang out in one of these places.

If I was going to read, I'd rather go to the pool deck, balcony, or promenade deck seating areas. 

For what it's worth, I think Royal Caribbean also punted on the idea too. Icon of the Seas, their newest ship design, has no library intentionally.

FlowRider

Proving I have no athletic ability, I'll add one more physical activity on a cruise ship you will never, ever find me on.

Royal Caribbean made a name for itself when it added its first FlowRider surf simulator to one of its ships. 

As advertised, you can actually learn to surf on a cruise ship and I've seen plenty of people love it.

It's free to try, and a really neat activity.

I not only have no good sense of balance, but can also foresee my own demise on this thing trying to stand up and then subsequently faceplanting. Bathing suit flying off at the same time, optional.

Most people seem to love trying it out, and I'll gladly watch from the nearby seats.