After going on almost a dozen Royal Caribbean cruises alone, I've learned a thing or two about solo travel.

It can feel daunting to go on a cruise without friends or family because you're worried you'll feel lonely, bored, or simply regret the trip.

By preparing for the trip ahead of time and coming in with the right mindset, I think my trips have been successful and allowed me to fully enjoy them.

Here's what I wish I knew about traveling alone before my first solo cruise.

Cruising alone for the first time can feel intimidating, but that shouldn't stop you.

I took my first cruise alone after many sailings with family, and the truth is it's more liberating than scary.

I think it makes it worse when you tell friends that you're going alone, and they fuel any doubts you may have because it's definitely not the usual approach to a cruise.

Ultimately, I thought to myself how bad could it be going on a cruise ship for a few days? If all I did was eat, sleep, and watch a few shows, that still sounds better than being at home.

Of course there's the potential for an awkward moment or strange feeling when you miss having someone to chat with, but I think part of enjoying life is pushing boundaries a bit.

I chatted with crew members, met people around the ship, and got to see bucket-list destinations.

Plan out more of your days to ensure smooth logistics

I always advocate planning your cruise out, but it's even more important when cruising solo.

One of the methods I found for combatting the sense of loneliness is keeping yourself busy. Cruise ships are great for this, because there are activities and things to do pretty much all day long.

I start out with picking shore excursions, because these tours take up a majority of your day. Plus, you're surrounded by others in your group and that contributes to making you feel more connected, rather than alone.

Not only do I pick out ship tours to try, but I will lean towards activities that my kids likely wouldn't be interested in. It's all part of the solo travel mantra of embracing what you want.

I'll also look at what the ship offers and pick out things to try onboard. 

You probably won't feel alone as you think

There's something about a cruise that feels more communal than other travel.

When I'm on an airplane or staying in a hotel, I never want to talk to other travelers. Not only does it never occur to me to strike up a conversation, but it's practically an annoyance when it occurs.

On a cruise, it's a totally different situation.

Many cruisers are happy to start chatting, and the crew members will chat you up too. I think it's a combination of the fact everyone is "living" there for a few days that contributes to making it feel more open for it, plus the cocktails and beer too.

If you sit down at a bar, attend trivia, or go on a shore excursion, I think it's really easy to meet other cruisers. Not everyone is going to be the life of the party, but I've found most people openly engage in talk while onboard.

Dining is the most daunting part, but embrace it

I bet if you're going alone on a cruise ship, eating by yourself seems like the worst part.

Dining solo conjures up fears of feeling ostracized. You imagine being at a table by yourself and others gawking at you.  Or potentially worse, being seated with strangers.

The truth is I've eaten alone at every single restaurant, from the Main Dining Room to the buffet. It's not nearly as bad you might think, and I actually enjoy it.

When I tried the Main Dining Room alone, I quickly realized a truth: no one cares what you do. 

After sitting down to a table alone, it became clear others around me were oblivious to it.  Or at the very least, no one asked or bothered me.

Plus, eating alone means you get in and out quicker. In seated restaurants, it feels like I get faster service. I think that may be because they sense I am ready sooner.

In casual restaurants, I can get in and out of the buffet as fast as I can chew. 

I avoided specialty restaurants for a while, until I just decided to go with it. Table for one meant I could get almost any reservation I wanted. Plus, Izumi is fantastic for solo cruisers because I'm either sitting at the sushi bar or hibachi table in a communal setting. 

Just like jumping into a cold pool, getting it over is the way to go, as you'll realize it's not so bad.

The freedom to do whatever you want whenever you want is a luxury

Want to know why I love traveling on a cruise ship solo? The liberating feeling it provides.

When I cruise solo, I get to do what I want, when I want. That's an incredible feeling and it changes the dynamic of how I cruise.

While I'll always prefer to cruise with my family, a part of me also really likes to embrace the selfish side of travel.  I go to the activities I want, book the tours I like, and eat when I want.  

This might sound very self-centered, but if you're going to go on a ship alone, I think you really ought to double down on it. 

While I love to cruise with my family, if I'm solo, I'll take full advantage of doing what I want, when I want to do it.

Book more group shore excursions instead of on your own touring

My wife knows that I dislike group excursions because of their slow pace, but if I'm solo, I've started to embrace them.

One trick for not feeling as alone is to go on tours while in port.  Because you're with a large group, conversations inevitably occur and it's nice to meet people and converse.

When I sailed in Europe alone, I booked group excursions in each port.  I even tried a "free" shore excursion, where it was a small group.  In both cases, I got an opportunity to be more social.

Just like going to events around the ship, going on group tours opens up the opportunity to talk with others. 

You need to learn to adapt to moments of discomfort on solo trips

You need to be flexible while traveling, regardless of how many people you're with.

It may seem like solo cruising is fantastic, but there are times when it's not so great too. You may find the plans you laid out didn't work out as well as you liked, and it can feel more problematic without someone with you to confide in.

I think there needs to be a certain level of self-reliance to bounce back from these moments. I've learned to let more of what happens slide off your back and move onto the next (and probably better) thing.

Buying an internet package is must

If there's one thing you pay extra for on a solo cruise, it should be a Royal Caribbean internet package.

Having access to the internet is a godsend when I cruise by myself because it's a portal for communication.

I can call, text, and video chat with friends and family when I have the internet, and I truly cannot imagine not having that option when I'm cruising alone.

Plus, an internet package allows me to pass the time more easily when I'm at a restaurant, bar, or relaxing somewhere on the ship. I could watch a movie, check social media, or do some work.

I'm all for immersing yourself in the places you visit, but a solo cruise needs internet access far more than group travel.

Traveling solo can be addicting, and you may even prefer it in certain situations

I never thought I'd cruise solo as much as I do now.

In fact, there are certain cruises where I tell my wife it would probably be better if I went alone, because of the nature of the trip.  Specifically, when a new ship comes out and I'm running around trying to capture everything.

I would welcome my family to sail with me, but the truth is on a cruise where I need to do more work for this blog than usual, it's an advantage to be able to quickly dip in and out of places so I can get more done.

Assuming you don't run a blog, cruising solo can be addicting as a methodology to get what your family wants out of cruising. 

For example, you could go alone in order to earn more Crown and Anchor points so that your entire family gets to benefit from a higher tier status. Not exactly "falling on your sword" in terms of great sacrifices, but it's definitely a good strategy when other family obligations prevent your spouse or kids from traveling with you.

The number one reason people book a cruise is for the destinations Royal Caribbean ships visit, but you may want to know if you have to book an excursion on a cruise.

I love to explore the ports of call my ship visits because of how much there is to see and do.  Experiencing new cultures, visiting historical sites, and forgetting all my cares at the beach are things I look forward to on every sailing.

The conundrum is often not what to do, but how to book it.  Is it better to book shore excursions with the cruise line? Or can you do your own excursions on a cruise?

Here are the basic things to consider before you book cruise shore excursions so that you can make the right decision.

What are the pros and cons of booking excursions through the cruise line?

You can book shore excursions through Royal Caribbean, and it's clearly the easiest option.

As soon as you book a cruise, you're able to access the Cruise Planner and see the variety of tours sold. The cruise line has gone through and vetted tours and present ones that you can book quickly.

That's the best thing about cruise line excursions: they're simple, easy to book, and come with a few guarantees.

First, it's a tour operator that is reputable.  That means each excursion has to pass an inspection by the cruise line and it's a company that knows what it's doing.

An equally important promise is that you won't miss the cruise ship.

One of the most important rules on any cruise is to be back onboard before all-aboard time, or you'll be left behind.

Royal Caribbean says if you book a tour with them, they'll get you back on the ship. In most cases, this means if the tour is running behind schedule, the tour operator will contact the ship and inform them so the ship can wait.

This is especially important when taking a tour that requires long transportation time back to the ship, such as a nearly 3 hour bus ride to Paris from Le Havre, France.

The disadvantages of booking a cruise line excursion is it's not going to be the cheapest option.

Many veteran cruisers lament the generally higher prices for cruise line excursions. 

Royal Caribbean works with high quality tour operators, and of course they make a commission on the sales too. Objectively, a cruise line excursion will usually cost more.

Another issue is that cruise excursions tend to sell out quickly.

Royal Caribbean has been particularly successful in marketing its app to cruisers, and the result is a higher visibility to book tours.

Decades ago, you could wait until you got on your ship to book tours.  Now, that's practically a mistake because there will be so few options left.

Another problem I have with cruise tours are they tend to include large groups.

Large groups move slowly, require more stops, and it seems to me to have a lot of wasted time.

Royal Caribbean recently introduced Royal Signature Excursions, that feature smaller groups and even skip-the-line options.  Of course, don't expect these to be inexpensive.

Shore excursions are not cheaper on ship

Don't purposefully wait to book a shore excursion until you're on the ship because you're expecting a last-minute deal.

Royal Caribbean actually charges the most onboard.  Think of it like paying the rack rate at a hotel when you walk up, instead of pre-booking online.

There are sales every few weeks on excursions, and the pre-cruise price is almost always cheapest.

For example, I've seen Royal Caribbean advertise up to 30% off excursions booked before the sailing.

Is it safe to book independent cruise excursions?

The short answer is yes, but you need to do your research.

Independent shore excursions offer a much greater variety of tours and at different price points. You can find budget friendly ones, or a lavish all inclusive option.

The important thing is to look up reviews of the tour operator and the specific tour you're considering before booking.

The onus falls on you to vet the tour, rather than the cruise line.

New cruisers may find this to be a daunting task, filled with hesitation regarding making a mistake. In that case, there's nothing wrong with sticking to ship tours.

The primary risks are time and the tour delivering on what you expect.

Certainly, you'll want to get back to the ship on time.  No tour operator wants you to miss the ship, because that kind of bad review is bad for business.

I recommend planning to get back at least 2 hours prior to the all aboard time, so that an unexpected problem (i.e traffic, a medical emergency) doesn't hinder your ability to get back.

Most cruise experts point out that independent tours can save you a lot of money. Plus, if the cruise line doesn't offer the activity you like, you can find one that does with your own company.

Before you book , be sure to also look at the cancellation policy.

Royal Caribbean will refund your money if the ship is unable to dock at a port because of weather or an itinerary change.  Some independent tours may keep your deposit or not offer refunds if you can't make it.

Independent tours don't always offer full refunds if there's an itinerary change, but ship tours always do.

I recently sailed on the biggest cruise ship to ever sail from Los Angeles, Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.

If you think all balcony cabins are the same, you might be surprised to know some key differences.

Royal Caribbean invited me to be their guest on a 3-night preview sailing, and I was thrilled when I saw I'd have a balcony room all to myself.

If you're like me, then you find a balcony room is in that sweet spot of value and living space. I don't mind an inside room, but it's usually worth it to me to move up to a balcony for the outdoor verandah and natural light.

While I'm no stranger to a balcony stateroom, I quickly discovered I preferred this style of balcony room over the ones on the world's largest cruise ship because of a few important design choices.

Royal Caribbean invited me on the Ovation of the Seas' complimentary three-night preview sailing

I was assigned one of the ocean-view balcony cabins on deck 11, a few decks away from the buffet.

Balcony rooms are the most common type of stateroom on cruise ships today because of how popular they are with cruisers.  They can accommodate up to 4 people, depending on the configuration.

I was assigned cabin 11616, which is a category 2D ocean view balcony room. Royal Caribbean allows to 2 guests in this particular cabin.

There's 198 sq ft of living space, along with 55 sq ft of space on the balcony.

There's more storage than you can use

The sheer amount of storage space in this balcony cabin is impressive, and it's what immediately stood out to me as I walked in.

Quantum Class ships were the first to introduce this look to cabins that continued with newer Oasis Class ships too.

You'll walk past the full length mirror and air conditioning controls as you enter, opening up to the cabin itself.

In this particular cabin, the sofa and vanity are closest to the door, but it alternates with the bed depending on the exact cabin.

The vanity has a desk and chair to sit at, with a mirror and electrical outlets.  There are even two hidden USB-A outlets available (you need to lift the guard up to plug in your device).

There was an electric kettle with tea in my cabin, but that might have been the result of the fact the ship had just completed a series of cruises in Asia.

Next to the vanity are drawers, along with a cooler to use to keep drinks or small plates of food.

Across is a sofa.  This one does not open up to become a bed, but it was nice to have somewhere to sit.

On either side of the sofa are two giant closets.

One closet is meant to hang garments, while the other has shelves.  It also has the safe you can use during your stay.

Even the bed has storage options

Like nearly all cabins, there's a king bed that can be separated into two separate twin beds.

On both sides of the bed are a nightstand, with the nightstand near the balcony having a power outlet.

This ship entered service in 2016 and you can tell fact it has extra power outlets and a few USB outlets represented a shift in stateroom design to begin adding more power options.  Cruise ships that debuted just a few years earlier lacked these luxuries.

Each nightstand has a shelf to it, and there are two overhead storage bins above the bed as well.

Even if I was sailing for two weeks on Ovation of the Seas, I seriously doubt I could use all of this space.

The balcony is an oasis to enjoy great views of the ocean

If it's not too hot outside, I love sitting on the balcony to enjoy the views and fresh air.

There's a door to access the balcony, where there are two chairs and a table.

I appreciate there are foot stools provided for each chair, because almost instantly you'll want to put your feet up.

At 55 square feet, there's just enough room for two adults to both enjoy being outside.

The shower is better on Icon, but this is a very close second

Each cabin has its own private bathroom, and it's quite functional.

Bathrooms on cruise ships have evolved a lot over the years, and they've gotten bigger and updated.

The shower is made of glass and it's curved, providing more space for the shower occupant.

I prefer the shower design on Icon of the Seas, but this isn't bad at all.

Once again, there's plenty of storage space along the walls and below the sink for your toiletries.

Final thoughts

After spending a few nights in this room, I think I prefer it over the Icon of the Seas balcony.

Royal Caribbean sought to develop the look of its staterooms on Icon, but I think Ovation's is better.

First, there's significantly more storage space around the room.

It's my opinion that the balcony room on Icon seeks to rely too much on design and gave up some practicalities.

As an example, there are metal bins in the wardrobe that are cumbersome (they make noise as they move in and out), and I don't want my clothes on display.

Plus, there's no over bed storage, and it lacks the amount of closets Ovation has.

Icon of the Seas is still my favorite cruise ship in the fleet, but I'll at least take solace in my cabin with its look and feel.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean's plans for a new "smaller" cruise ship are being described as "a top secret design".

While speaking to a group of travel advisors, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support Vicki Freed, confirmed the new class of ships. 

Her public statement confirms the project is moving forward, although details are still scarce.

Royal Caribbean News

• Richard Fain exit as chair from Royal Caribbean shakes up Board of Directors
• Royal Caribbean is skipping the Inside Passage on some Alaska cruises
• This ultra spacious cruise ship cabin has bunk beds, two windows, is enormous, but costs much less than a suite
• Cruise Fans Weigh in on Utopia of the Seas
• I cruise to Europe every year. I always avoid these 7 mistakes for a better trip
• I'm my family's 'chief vacation officer' for all my cruises. Here are 10 things I always do to make cruising better
• I flew across the country for a 3 day cruise. I maximized the trip by making a few smart decisions
• Royal Caribbean launches “Shell Week” with WWF
• The secret to a friends and family cruise with different ages is planning to always do one thing together
• I sailed alone on one of Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ships and was surprised how easy it was as a solo traveler

New RCB Video: What I wish someone told me about Royal Caribbean private island

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 — What I wish someone told me about Royal Caribbean private island — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Diana Ross honored with Godmother role for new cruise ship

Royal Caribbean announced music superstar Diana Ross will be the Godmother to Star of the Seas.

The longstanding maritime tradition bestows safekeeping onto the ship, its crew, and all who sail on the ship. Plus, it's a fun way to celebrate the launch of a new cruise ship!

She will preside over the festivities surrounding the ship's launch in August 2025.

Why are there oversold cruises?

It's a rare occurrence for there to be oversold cruises, but don't worry about being denied entry onboard.

Royal Caribbean assumes a certain amount of last-minute cancelations, but sometimes that doesn't happen.

The good news is the cruise line has no problem finding volunteers to change plans and open up rooms in a situation like this.

New homeport just made an overlooked cruise itinerary more desirable

Ovation of the Seas is now based in Los Angeles, and suddenly there's a big ship option in SoCal.

She joins Navigator of the Seas, and that adds a heck of a one-two punch to the market.

Like any big ship, offering cruises on Ovation means there's so much more to do onboard and a good reason to try a Mexican Riviera cruise.

I tried Royal Caribbean's drink package for the first time

A Royal Caribbean drink package offers a convenient option, and Jenna finally gave it a try.

She admits she didn't drink enough every day to actually save her money, but the convenience it provides is undeniable.

Having access to unlimited drinks allows passengers to relax and unwind.

Royal Caribbean is making a splash this summer with bold new changes

While Star of the Seas is the biggest news in 2025 for Royal Caribbean, don't overlook other changes this summer.

You can expect ships in new places, upgrades to existing ones, and redeployments.

This summer has some interesting options for a cruise vacation beyond the usual.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 567th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring an exclusive interview with Vicki Freed.

Ms. Freed talks with Matt about Royal Caribbean's plans for the Southern California cruise market.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

If you're thinking about taking a cruise to Alaska, the month you choose to sail could have vastly different weather from another month.

Royal Caribbean sails its ships to Alaska between May and September, with the warmest months usually June, July, and August.

You might imagine it being cold on an Alaska cruise, but the reality is the weather can vary greatly, especially the further north or south you go.

Here's a look at the typical weather each month of the Alaska cruise season, and what temperatures to expect.

Alaska Cruise Weather in May

The opening of the Alaska cruise season is referred to as the "shoulder season", because it's at the beginning and tends to be less in demand than other months.

May weather tends toward cold and rainy, with high temperatures in the upper 50s, low 60s.

Rain is the top weather concern for a cruise in May because it's wetter than the summer months that follow.

It will be chilly and misty, but you'll likely find much lower prices for an Alaska cruise in May compared to any other month.

Alaska Cruise Weather in June

June weather in Alaska brings the the first batch of reliably mild temperatures to the region. Expect temperatures to range between mid-50s to mid-60s, but it will be cooler in the morning or evening.

When it's raining, expect it to be chilly as well, as being wet always makes it feel chillier. June is dry, but it can still rain a bit.

Likewise, the breeze while you're outside on your ship will feel cooler too. This is why dressing in layers is so important to be prepared for rain.

If you're headed to a glacier, then expect even colder temperatures. It could be as cold as the 30s or 40s, depending on wind and sun exposure. 

I'd recommend packing a warm jacket

Alaska Cruise Weather in July

The peak of summer brings the warmest temperatures, and July weather is about as good as it gets for being outdoors.

Expect temperatures around Southeast Alaska to reach the low to mid-70s, especially on sunny days. You might even need shorts on a cruise this month!

While it's likely going to be warmest on a July cruise, that doesn't mean it won't be cooler in the mornings or evenings.

It's still a good idea to pack a light jacket to start out your day, as well as to wear around the ship's decks when sailing.

Alaska Cruise Weather in August

In August, the weather in Alaska is generally mild and pleasant, but expect a mix of cool, wet, and occasionally sunny weather.

The first week of August in Southeast Alaska usually brings highs in the 60s and sometimes even into the high 70s if you get lucky with sun. Mornings and evenings can dip into the 50s.

August is part of the rainy season in Southeast Alaska, so expect frequent rain showers. Humidity levels are generally high, and mornings can be foggy, especially near the coast.

You'll also have plenty of sunlight, as towns like Sitka or Juneau experience 15-16 hours of daylight per day. That's good for having time to see and do it all each day.

Alaska Cruise Weather in September

September is one of the colder months to sail to Alaska, similar to May.

September weather in Southeast Alaska can be unpredictable. You’ll likely see cooler temperatures, rain, and possibly some sunshine. During this time, temperatures can range from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and the chances of rain are very high.

While it's likely going to be rainier and colder than other summer months, the sun will still shine.  Plus, September is one of the best months to see bears and whales.

Don't let the colder weather stop you.  Be prepared with the right clothes, a positive attitude, and remember how much money you're saving going in September compared to earlier.

Royal Caribbean invited to come see the biggest cruise ship ever sail from Los Angeles, and I couldn't have been more excited to go, except maybe for the travel required.

I live in Florida, and this trip meant I'd have to fly cross country for just a 3-night cruise to Mexico aboard Ovation of the Seas. As someone that cruises over 10 times per year, I clearly love any excuse to go on a cruise.  But flying 5 hours each way isn't what most people would necessarily consider ideal.

Short cruises less than 5 nights are typically "getaway cruises", where most people are within a short distance of the embarkation port and use it as a way to escape work or school and enjoy a quick holiday.

I often recommend to our readers three and four night cruises should be used to augment your cruise schedule, not be the focal point. 

Nonetheless, I accepted the invitation to attend, excited to try something new.  I'd never sailed on Ovation of the Seas or visited Ensenada, Mexico.

I think I made the most of this trip by doing a few things smartly.

I picked the right flights

In planning this trip, I wanted to ensure things went as smoothly as possible.

Air travel is wonderful when everything goes the way it's supposed to, and to that point, I made sure to book flights that would have the best chances of doing just that.

For my flight from Orlando to Los Angeles, I booked the first flight of the day, which departed at 7am.  There was a 10am flight too, but I picked the 7am flight for one important reason.

Being that it's summer in Florida, thunderstorms, lightning, and other severe weather typically starts up every day here, but later in the day.

Travel experts recommend taking the first flight of the day to lessen the chance of a weather related delay.  My plane was already in Orlando, having arrived the night before, so it was ready and waiting.

I also opted for non-stop flights so that I wouldn't have to worry about connections and delays there.

For my return flight, I picked the 11am flight home because it was the only non-stop flight that wasn't too early to make, or would require me to spend all day in the airport.

My flight home was delayed by 2 hours because of a staffing issue on the airline's side, but in the grand scheme of air travel, I think I did pretty well.

The other smart decision I made was I flew in a day early for my cruise.

Not only is flying in one day early critical to ensure air travel delays don't cause you to miss the flight, but it made my trip four days instead of three.

Having an extra day meant I got to visit family, explore more of Southern California, and acclimate to the time zone change.

Flying for a short cruise is worthwhile for a new itinerary

I believe there's an x-factor with choosing to go on a short cruise, and that's where your cruise is going.

I'd never been to Ensenada before, nor had I sailed on Ovation of the Seas.  The opportunity to try something new I think makes the appeal greater.

When I took my first European cruise, I was hesitant to fly that long of a distance.  But the allure of visiting new places intrigued me, and that made the decision easier.

Likewise, I wanted to experience Ensenada, even though I know it's not well-liked by cruisers.

My plan was to simply get tacos and beer in town, and enjoy authentic food that I can't get at home.

I succeeded in this plan, thanks in part to my YouTube viewers that recommended a few places.  Plus, I thought Ensenada was perfectly fine in the same way walking around downtown Cozumel is. I wouldn't mind coming back to try something else outside of the city, but realize I'll need a plan.

I'm not saying Ensenada is a reason to book a trip like this. Rather, it helps when you're going somewhere "new to you" and that incentivizes the rationale for going.

I'm glad I went, but it helped things went well

Having been back at home for a few days, I'm happy I flew across the country for a short weekend cruise.  In retrospect, it greatly helped things worked out just as I had hoped.

First and foremost, I had good weather the entire trip.  

Even in Los Angeles, the weather was lovely and quite hot.  I was surprised by this, because this time of year is notorious for "June Gloom" that usually brings clouds, fog, and chilly weather.

On each day I was in town, it was hot, and any clouds in the morning gave way to sun by lunch.

Likewise, the weather in Mexico was sunny too.

We had more clouds than sun on our sea day, but truthfully I've had much worse weather (i.e. rain) on Bahamas cruises.

I think the thing that made this trip tolerable more than anything was the fact my flights were mostly on time.

We left right on time flying to the west coast, and my return flight was only delayed by two hours coming home. 

A delayed flight home might seem like a problem, but I was able to land a bit later and go right to sleep.  The time zone change back to east coast time combined with an early wake up to leave the ship meant I was pretty tired.  So the delay set me up for bed time.

Of course, I would have preferred an on-time departure to go home, but I like to find the positive whenever possible.

I'm glad I flew cross-country for my first time on Ovation of the Seas, even if it was just for 3 nights. But it greatly helps if you can maximize your trip with smart decisions (and a little luck) along the way.

Guests booked on select upcoming Alaska cruises received emails today informing them of a modification to their itinerary that will expedite their return.

The change was emailed to guests booked on select sailings.  One such one is the June 22 sailing of Serenade of the Seas that sails roundtrip from Vancouver.

"To prevent any potential delays and ensure a timely arrival to Vancouver, British Columbia, we'll sail directly to Vancouver instead of having a second scenic cruising day," the email reads.

The phrase "scenic cruising day" refers to the Inside Passage, which is a stretch of land that offers guests the opportunity to sail within view of land.  That potentially provides more sightings of animals, mountains, and flora.

Essentially, the ship will now sail directly to Vancouver, British Columbia, rather than spend a second day through the famed Inside Passage. 

Read more: Alaska cruise guide

In addition to skipping the Inside Passage, the schedule has been modified in Ketchikan. The new arrival time is 11:30 a.m. with departure at 6:00 p.m., giving passengers a slightly shorter window to explore the port.

The letter to guests apologizes for the last-minute change but assures them that there's still ample time to enjoy the destination.

On Facebook, other cruisers shared they received similar emails.

"I just got a message about our cruise the week after - they are changing the arrival time to 9am and departure time to 5pm (also Ketchikan)," wrote one person.

Another added, "this was the update we got for June 8's sailing too."

In fact, here's a copy of the same email for the June 8th sailing and it will also do the same change.

Another person commented they got an email like this, but for a sailing in August, "I just got the same letter sent to me and we’re not going until August."

Why is the change happening

Royal Caribbean did not specify in any of the letters sent to guests why they are making the change specifically.

The email says it's about ensuring an on time arrival back in Vancouver.  

There's no mention of a problem with the ship's propulsion, congestion in ports, or tight turnaround times back in Vancouver.

Skipping the Inside Passage means the ship can traverse less distance than going along the Inside Passage. 

However, one advantage of the Inside Advantage over open ocean is sea conditions tend to be calmer near the coast.

The Inside Passage tends to be extremely calm, as these waters are protected and sheltered from the higher waves in the open Pacific waters.

Sailing the Inside Passage

The Alaska Inside Passage is a series of coastal waterways that weave through the Southeastern panhandle of Alaska.

It's one of the most common routes cruise ships take when they depart from Seattle or Vancouver, as it provides stops along Alaska's panhandle.

It spans 500 miles, and includes all of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia. 

It's a lovely way to take in the views directly from the ship, including wildlife and landscape.

Royal Caribbean legend, Richard Fain, is taking another step back from the cruise giant.

The company announced on Friday Mr. Fain is stepping down as Royal Caribbean Board Chairman in the fourth quarter of 2025. He will remain on the Board of Directors.

Replacing him will be Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO. He'll take over the role in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Additionally, John Brock, a member of the Board of Directors since 2014 and current Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has assumed the role of Independent Lead Director.

The change in board leadership signifies the transition Royal Caribbean Group is making to the next generation. In the years since Mr. Fain stepped down as CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the Icon Class was introduced along with plans for river cruises and an expansion of private destinations.

"Time to hand the wheel to the next generation"

In a statement, Mr. Fain expressed his gratitude for time spent, and thinks the company is moving in the right direction.

"It is time to hand the wheel to the next generation of exceptional talent at Royal Caribbean Group, and I am very confident that under Jason's strong leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group will accelerate to even greater heights in the years ahead," noted Richard Fain.

Mr. Liberty also shared his thoughts on the change.

"Richard's leadership has been nothing short of transformative. Under his leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group has become the leading vacation company - with industry leading brands, ships, destinations and people," said Liberty. 

"I am honored and humbled to have been elected as Chairman and CEO and I look forward to continuing to create and deliver the ultimate vacation experience for our guests and delivering elevated long-term value for our shareholders. Fortunately, the company and I will continue to benefit from Richard's experience and mentorship in his continued role as a Director on our Board."

Richard Fain's legacy

Richard Fain worked at Royal Caribbean since 1988, and he leaves behind a tradition of leadership and vision for the future.

Under Mr. Fain's tenure, Royal Caribbean went from a cruise line with a handful of ships to a market leader with dozens of ships all over the world.

The company expanded to include Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, growing the offerings and experiences available.

Notably, he ushered in the mega ship era.  The arrival of the Oasis Class ships instantly raised the bar for what the public expected from a mainstream cruise line.

On top of that, he oversaw the Perfect Day at CocoCay transformation.  This has fundamentally changed the entire cruise industry's approach to a private island.  Beach, chairs, and umbrellas aren't enough anymore, and we're seeing other cruise lines rush to upgrade their private destinations to match.

All the while, Mr. Fain ensured steady growth, even while facing a cruise industry shutdown in 2020 that crippled the industry.

Many credit Mr. Fain's leadership in 2020-2021 for providing a beacon of hope that cruises would return, and since then, Royal Caribbean has emerged financially and strategically stronger for it.

Who is Jason Liberty?

Taking over as Board Chairman is the current Royal Caribbean Group CEO, Jason Liberty.

Mr. Liberty served in several financial, strategic and operational roles before becoming CFO in 2013. He was then promoted to CEO in 2022.

Since taking over as CEO, he's been the face of the giant cruise company and an advocate for pushing the company forward while managing its post-shutdown financial future.

In the company's most recent earnings call, he echoed a phrase he's used many times, "Our plan.. continues to be grounded in our proven formula for success, moderate capacity growth, moderate yield growth, and strong cost control."

In his three years at the helm, he's signed off on plans to expand into river cruising, as well as expanding to more private destinations.

"We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what a modern-day vacation can be – delivering innovative experiences that create unforgettable memories for our guests and value for the communities we visit," he said last month in a prepared statement.

Royal Caribbean has many different kinds of staterooms you can choose from, and I think families would love one kind of cabin designed for space but doesn't cost a lot either.

Freedom of the Seas is one ship that has ultra spacious ocean view cabins.  They're enormous, and I love how well they work for families with young children.

Cruise ship cabins are notorious for how small they can be, especially compared to land hotels. Many new cruisers are surprised to see how tight a fit they are for most standard cabins.

Before you spend extra for a suite in order to get more room, perhaps an ultra spacious ocean cabin would be a better idea.

Lots of space for up to 6 people

Before you even see one photo of this room, the fact it can sleep up to 6 passengers is quite notable.

Most Royal Caribbean ship cabins max out at 4, and to get past that, you're primarily going to have to book a suite.

Ultra spacious ocean view staterooms (category 1K) have 293 square feet of space.  While they do not have a balcony, they do make up for it with significantly more space. As an example, an oceanview cabin has just 159 square feet of space of living room.

You'll find ultra spacious ocean view rooms on Freedom Class ships.

Another key difference with this type of room is they have bunk beds.

There's an alcove close to the door with a set of bunk beds, perfect for kids. Not only is it a good use of the area, but kids love the idea of having bunk beds.

I love that there's a curtain and wall to truly provide privacy for the kids (and everyone else outside of it). When my kids were young, they had trouble falling/staying asleep when there was light in the room, so this ensures optimal sleeping conditions.

Speaking of things kids love, there are two porthole windows that provide views, natural light, and somewhere to sit.

Kids often curl up in the porthole to enjoy the view.

The rooms at the front are even better

There are a pair of ultra spacious rooms at the front of the ship (they end in -200 and -500) that are even more intriguing.

Instead of a curtain separating the bunk beds, there's an actual door.  Plus, the king size bed is in its own room with a curtain. 

This greatly changes the feel of the room to be more like a suite than an oceanview cabin.

In addition, cabin -500 has more windows, while -200 has more living room space.

Affordable price for a big cabin

The best thing about this type of room is the value it has.

You'll pay a lot less for this room than an equally large suite, and that's a tremendous savings.

As an example, I found a sailing on October 3, 2026 to illustrate the pricing. This example qualifies for Kids Sail Free deal at the time this article was written.

Sailing on a 5-night Freedom of the Seas cruise with 2 adults and 2 children, the price of cabin 9500 is $2,551.88 including taxes and fees. 

To get a suite that has as much space as the ultra spacious cabins, we could book a Junior Suite. The cost is $3,698.88 for all four people.

That has 299 square feet, but has no bunk beds or separation from the kids in an alcove or bedroom.

In order to get a cabin with separation, you'd have to move up to a 2 Bedroom Grand Suite, which is priced at $5,770.88.

In both examples, it's over $1,000 cheaper to go with the ultra spacious room instead.

Finding hidden cabins like this can be a game changer

I love finding secret cabins like this because it offers a blend of value and amenities.

The vast majority of staterooms have pretty much the same layout and look to them, so if you can find ones that are unique and offer a better fit for your group, that's a win.

Regardless of the type of cabin, when you get to stay in a larger room that has much more living space, it feels glorious. I change up the type of room I'm in depending on my needs and budgets, but I always feel more at ease in a spacious room.

With a bunk bed and different living spaces, I think the ultra spacious cabin is the perfect cruise ship room for families with kids.

We all love our kids, but sharing the same space as them (especially during the night) is not exactly ideal.

I like there's a real bed for the kids (instead of a sofa bed), and the kids like the bunk bed element that gives a "sleepaway camp" experience for them.

Diana Ross has accumulated a number of accolades over her career, but she can add Godmother to the list.

The music icon, 81, is proving age is nothing but a number because she's still racking up achievements.  She has been named Godmother of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship.

The "I'm Coming Out" singer will serve in the ceremonial role for Star of the Seas.

“I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family,” said Diana Ross. “Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”

Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class cruise ship, and will launch from Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025.

Royal Caribbean announced the news on Thursday, revealing one of the final pieces of news surrounding Star.

“We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. 

“We couldn’t imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can’t wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August.”

It's an appropriate ship name considering the legendary singer has been a star in her own right for decades. While playing two sold out shows in New York in March 2025, she told the crowd she’s “never going to retire.”

As part of a longstanding maritime tradition, Ross will take part in the naming celebration for Star in August 2025 in Port Canaveral.  There's no official date announced yet, but it's likely to take place a few days before the first revenue sailing that is to take place on August 16.

Ross joins a l;ong line of celebrities who have been chosen to be named godmother.

What does a godmother to a cruise ship do?

It's tradition for every cruise ship to have a godmother, and it's something that goes back decades.

Traditionally, the role is held by women, although some men have started to be put in the role as well.

Truthfully, it's as much a marketing move as it is part of the maritime industry. Celebrities are often tapped to be the godmother in order to garner additional attention to the ship.

Once on the ship, the godmother gives a blessing for the safety of the crew members and passengers who will sail onboard it. 

The last godmother to be named by Royal Caribbean was Meghan Trainor for Utopia of the Seas.  She performed a concert onboard as part of her duties.

Who is Diana Ross?

Diana Ross is one of the most well-known American singers of all time.

She started out her career as a member of The Supremes in the 1960s.  The Supremes were so popular, that they rivaled The Beatles.

Ross eventually left the group to start her solo singing career. Her first big solo hit was "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," and followed that up with more chart topping hits in the 1970s and 1980s.

She expanded her career with a movie career, even earning an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues. She also starred in Mahogany and The Wiz.

Many people remember Diana Ross for her fashion, which was anything but traditional. She became a fashion icon for her bold choices.

She has since been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.