A cruise ship can take you to amazing places, and a few itineraries are truly remarkable.

Royal Caribbean has the most cruise ships of any single line, and they sail to multiple continents every year. Even the commonly visited ports of call are still noteworthy for being the sort of places people want to visit.

When I speak with frequent cruisers, inevitably one of the common discussion topics are what is your favorite cruise port you've visited?

Inevitably the answer tends to be fall into a few popular choices and I think these are the places you'll definitely want to consider visiting as well.

Royal Caribbean tends to offer the most sailings to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. These are popular places to visit, and each has crown jewels of vacation spots to see.

In addition, there are a handful of ships that visit Australia and the South Pacific, along with Asia.

With so many places to visit, how do you pick the best ones? What are the bucket list worthy places someone should absolutely get to at least once?

Here's my list of must-sees on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

I know this sounds almost cliched, but Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas is so darn good, it's what every other cruise line uses as the standard to measure itself against.

Located in the Berry Islands, CocoCay is available exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises passengers. No other lines can visit there.

It's the ultimate beach day without any hassle or thought. Royal Caribbean operates it all, and you simply walk off the ship and enjoy it.  An enclosed playground for passengers to do exactly what most people want out of a cruise vacation: a memorable day in a beautiful location.

Royal Caribbean designed CocoCay to deliver the perfect beach day experience.  "Perfect" is subjective, so they offer a lot of choices.  The perfect water park, the perfect beach for partying, the perfect beach for adults, the perfect upscale getaway, etc. 

There's no worrying about where and when to eat, or where to go because there are multiple choices. 

While you won't find any true authentic experiences that immerse you in a culture or history, but you will almost certainly have the Caribbean beach day you envisioned.

Inside passage cruise to Alaska

Everyone told me how amazing Alaska was, but until I experienced it, I could not properly appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean offers seasonal cruises in the summer to Alaska on four ships, operating from Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward, Alaska.

The reason why Alaska is one of the best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise is because of the amazing landscapes you can experience.

Glaciers, local culture, wildlife, and scenery will draw you in, and it seems like every day there's something else amazing to see.

The top two draws are probably the glaciers and animal viewing, and they do not disappoint in Alaska.

There are glaciers your ship will bring you close to, as well as glaciers you can get right up to with a shore excursion. It's magnificent to see these giant sheets of ice and rock.

Then there's the bears, whales, eagles, salmon, and many other animals you can see all around you.  The vast wilderness of Alaska is unparalleled. 

I know it seems almost counterintuitive to go somewhere "cold" for a cruise, but Alaska is worth visiting every single year.

Great Barrier Reef

Located on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a gateway to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Cruises tender near the town of Airlie Beach, with a walkable main street and several attractions in the town itself, such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon, white sand beaches, and cafes, shopping, and restaurants.

Most visitors to Airlie Beach will opt for an excursion to discover the area’s natural beauty. Catamaran tours to the Whitsunday Islands, for example, give the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider a flightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef, where you can spot the massive reef and nearby Whitsunday Islands from above.

Regardless of what you choose to do in port, Airlie Beach is sure to exceed your expectations for a gorgeous beach day.

Greek isles

When you combine natural beauty and a rich culture, you get the Greek Isles.

Cruise ships are well-suited for visiting the small Greek island that make up the southern part of the country, and it's where you'll find white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and iconic cliffside villages with whitewashed buildings.

The best part is not all the islands are the same. There's the volcanic islands like Santorini, and lush landscapes like Corfu. You can relax on Mykonos’ beaches, or go hiking in Crete.

Of course, Greece is synonymous with history, and there are so many ancient sites to explore Greek mythology. Ancient ruins dot the landscape, and it's going to draw you in just as much as the stunning landscapes.

If you're not sold yet on Greece, then you also get a chance to experience the amazing cruising. Fresh seafood, moussaka, baklava, and locally-produced olive oil are all must-eats. You'll be able to sample authentic Greek wines and enjoy traditional taverna dining.

A cruise makes seeing it all so much easier, because you can visit several islands without the hassle of ferries or constant packing/unpacking.

Norwegian fjords

If the dramatic landscapes are your thing, the fjords of Norway will not disappoint.

Cruises to Norway offer visits to its major cities and natural beauty of its fjords. You'll find towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery.

The iconic fjords like Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Hardangerfjord, are known for their breathtaking vistas. Cruise ships can provide the perfect vantage point because they will sail deep into fjords that are otherwise inaccessible by land.

Royal Caribbean's ships sail around Northern Europe during the summer, and it's the perfect way to see the region.

The history of the Viking people is also waiting for you here, and there's Viking museums, traditional Norwegian wooden churches, and picturesque fishing villages.

Bergen, Ålesund, and Flam, are all known for their colorful wooden houses, bustling harbors, and friendly locals.

Cruises around Asia

Royal Caribbean has a major presence in Asia, and you'll find cruises that can take you to China, Japan, and Thailand.

Their ships sail from China and Singapore, but the sailings from Singapore stand out as a fabulous choice for North American cruisers.

There's a mix of different cruises to offer something for everyone. Short 3- to 4-night shorts visits Malaysia and Thailand, whereas 10-night Southeast Asia cruises go to popular spots in Vietnam and Thailand.

When you think of Thailand, you’ll likely picture crystal clear beaches, green mountains, colorful temples, and spicy street food. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, offers all of those attractions and more.

In short, you'll be able to visit the most sought-after destinations across Southeast Asia.

Bermuda

There are around 34 beaches and coves to discover in Bermuda, although the most famous is Horseshoe Bay, known for its clear waters and pink sand. The island also boasts excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities including underwater visits to shipwrecks.

Bermuda has an efficient public transportation system that makes exploring the island a breeze. You’ll enjoy taking a stroll around the colorful, colonial buildings in Bermuda’s capital of Hamilton, visiting Bermuda’s crystal caves, or touring the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Simply put, there’s no shortage of ways to keep busy in Bermuda despite the island’s small size.

You’ll find most Bermuda itineraries departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise convenient for those living in the northeast.

If you're ready to take a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025, make sure you leave a few commonly packed items that aren't allowed onboard, at home!

Royal Caribbean has a lengthy list of prohibited items not allowed to be brought on a cruise ship, but in 2025, it's a good reminder that last has been recently updated.

Thanks to changing technology and different trends in travel, there's an occasional need not to bring certain things with you on your trip.

A few things were added to the banned item list last year, and others are still mistakenly brought onboard as a mistake.

Before you leave home, make sure you leave these 5 things at home before your cruise begins.

Outlet extender

Probably the most surprising thing you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise anymore are outlet extenders.

In September 2024, the cruise line banned the very popular travel accessory without warning.

There's never been an official explanation, but I think it has to do with a fire risk. Fire is the most dangerous concern for a cruise ship because of how quickly it can spread.

"Multi-plug outlets" are now no longer allowed onboard, in addition to power strips and surge protectors.

From what we can tell, it seems the key is to ensure any power outlet extender you bring only has one electric outlet.  It can have any number of USB outlets.

As an example, this Anker 6 Port USB Charging Station would be acceptable (contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link).

A single EU to American power adaptor could also be allowed, since it does not add any new outlets. 

Travel router

Another new addition to the banned list of items is a travel router or other networking device meant to circumvent Royal Caribbean's internet offerings.

Royal Caribbean added "satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment" under the "cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime" category of prohibited items.

Routers and other networking equipment can potentially interfere with the ship’s onboard systems, leading to security risks and connectivity problems for passengers and crew. 

Plus, these items can be used to extend a Voom internet package beyond the amount of devices it was intended to handle.

Clothing irons or steamers

Probably the most commonly packed thing you can't bring on a cruise ship has to be a clothing iron.

You're not allowed to pack, bring, or use an iron on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. And steamers are also not allowed to be brought onboard.

If you try to bring one, it will be confiscated and returned to you after the cruise is over.  The security team screens every piece of luggage coming onboard the ship and they look for irons (and other contraband items).

These are fire hazards and it will be confiscated quite quickly.

After a cruise is over, there's always a table full of confiscated irons, which means a lot of people aren't aware they aren't allowed on a ship.

Alcohol

Don't bother trying to bring beer or booze on your ship, because it will be confiscated.

Royal Caribbean bans these items and will hold it until the end of the cruise.  You can purchase these items in ports of call or on your ship, but they'll be held back until the end of the voyage.

You are allowed to bring one bottle of wine per adult on embarkation day, however. 

While we're on the topic, no, you should not try to sneak alcohol on your ship either. Not only is it against the rules, but it seems more trouble than it's worth.

You'd have to constantly shuttle back and forth to your room for refills, and the risks outweigh the convenience of simply buying a drink package.

Cooking appliances 

If irons and steamers are the top two most mistakenly packed things on a cruise, cooking appliances are probably second.

You'd be amazed how many rice cookers, instapots, and tea kettles are attempted to be brought on ships.

Regardless of why people want to bring them to use on the ship, they too are fire hazards and not allowed.

Want to know the best secret to going on a cruise ship with kids? Book a cabin for them and one for you.

I know it sounds like that would be expensive, but you'd be surprised how much better a deal it can be to get two connecting cabins instead of trying to book everyone into a single room.

This is one of my favorite family cruise hacks, and I've been using it for years.

We recently sailed on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas for 5-nights and booked two connecting balcony cabins, which cost about $3,000 each. It was a New Year's Eve sailing, so that's why the price is higher than you might expect.

Here's why you should think about booking two cabins instead of one, and one thing I'll do differently after my latest sailing.

Two connecting cabins instead of a suite is usually cheaper

Ever since my kids started getting to an age where a little bit of privacy and separation was nice to have, we've embraced the two cabin idea. It's turned out to be a great decision, especially once we get on the ship and my wife and I get our own space from the kids.

The natural temptation is to book everyone in the same cabin, but that tends to be more problematic on cruise ships than at a hotel.

Cruise ship cabins are generally smaller than hotel rooms, so even before you consider alternative booking strategies, families have less space to contend with.

While Royal Caribbean has developed bigger cabins and cabins that are more family focused over the years (especially on Icon of the Seas), putting everyone in the same cabin usually results in the same two issues: not enough living space to be comfortable and sharing one bathroom.

There are suites that solve this problem by offering a separate bedroom and two bathrooms, but the prices for suites are anything but cheap.

Most suites don't have a second bedroom and/or bathroom, so it's really just the massive suites that work. And that means suites that are among the most expensive.

It's easy to just go for everyone in a single room and hope for the best.  To be fair, I've done that with my family on occasion and while not ideal, it's not the worst experience either.

In my experience, booking two smaller connecting staterooms can be more affordable than a suite and offers exactly what families need: space for everyone.

Having a second bathroom is the best reason to book two staterooms

As my kids have gotten older, demand for the bathroom has gotten far more contentious.

Not only do teens compete for the shower, but when we get back from a shore excursion, there's more fighting over the shower than who gets to ride in the front seat of the car.

In standard cabins, the bathrooms are usually really small.  This is definitely true of older Royal Caribbean ships, such as Voyager of the Seas.  

Space on the counter is really limited, so booking my wife and I along with our four kids in the same room means the bathroom would be a giant mess of toiletries.

Every time I've booked us in a cabin where we share one bathroom, I have almost immediate regret once the fighting begins about who gets to use the bathroom first.

Next time, I'd change how I book my teenagers in the cabin

For a long time I've had my MEI Travel agent book me in one cabin with one kid, and my wife in the cabin with the other kid.

The reason we did this was to be able to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package without incurring the rule that requires all the adults to buy a drink package if one adult buys one.

This strategy was fine when my kids were younger and I bought a beverage package every sailing, but I've stopped buying them as much because of the higher prices.

But the real reason why this booking strategy is becoming an issue is because my kids are spending more time around the ship on their own.

Because my oldest daughter is booked with me in my room, her SeaPass card can only open my cabin.  That's the cabin my wife and I share.  So if she's in the teen club on the ship until midnight and we're in bed, she'll disturb us as she returns to the room before her curfew.

In the future, I'll book the kids in one cabin and my wife and I in the other cabin to avoid this issue.

While it's true minors cannot be booked in a cabin without an adult, Royal Caribbean allows only minors in the room if it's one cabin away from the adults.  It can be one cabin away by connecting or adjacent cabins, or even across the hall.

I usually hunker down at home for New Year's Eve, but this year I wanted to party it up.

Everyone thinks of the ultimate for New Year's Eve party as freezing in Times Square fighting a crowd and wearing an adult diaper, but that sounds like the worst idea to me.  Instead, I looked at how we could combine my favorite way to vacation with ringing in 2025.

Over a year earlier, I booked two cabins on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas so I could spend New Year's Eve somewhere other than home.

It seemed like a great way to avoid the overwhelming nature of going into a city, without compromising on the party atmosphere.

I booked two connecting ocean balcony cabins for my family on a 5-night sailing of Voyager of the Seas that departed Port Canaveral, Florida.  Not only would we be on the ship for New Year's Eve, but we'd get to visit Cozumel, Mexico and Royal Caribbean's private island too.  That gets me beautiful beach days in addition to the party I sought after.

The price for each cabin was $3,200, bringing the total for both rooms at $6408.36.

You have a choice of parties to attend

Royal Caribbean splits up its ship into different party zones, with the idea that you can get different vibes at each.

We had a list of the parties offered delivered to our stateroom, with times that each would occur.

All the parties have no cost to them, so it's just first-come, first-to-party.

By far the most popular party was the Times Square-esque party on the Royal Promenade, which has a giant balloon drop.

Being a family cruise line, there were other options to drop your kids off or party with your kids.  This is a major benefit of celebrating New Year's Eve on a cruise ship, because it's rare to find kid-friendly options at land parties.

There are optional tables you can rent, and it was more expensive than I expected

On the Royal Promenade, there's an option to rent tables for the duration of the party.

You get a reserved table with chairs, along with drink service and complimentary bottle of champagne.

The cost was $800 for the table. While I can appreciate the exclusivity factor and not having to be elbow-to-elbow with others, it seemed like a steep price.

Nonetheless, they sold all of their tables, so clearly there's a market for it.

I decided to forgo paying for a spot, and find our own luck.

We spent our night hopping between parties

My original plan was to check out all the parties, but I ended up closer to the Royal Promenade.

I started out with live music in the Pub, prior to the festivities officially kicking off.

The pub singer played a couple of sets, beginning at 6:30pm. Technically this wasn't one of the New Years Eve parties, but it set the tone.

After his set was done, we ventured out to to the Royal Promenade.

It wasn't busy at all, with just a small crowd around the band that was playing music at the center of it.

In fact, the Promenade never got truly busy until the 11pm hour.  I think most people were doing what I was doing up until then and roaming.

We found a spot in the Schooner Bar, which is one deck below the Royal Promenade.  There was no entertainment here, but there was full bar service and seats. Plus, I could run up to the Royal Promenade quite easily.

Once 11pm, things start to get serious with the party atmosphere.

On the Royal Promenade, the crowd really sets in and for those seeking a typical New Year's Eve celebration, this is what you'll get.

Lots of people together, ready to welcome in the new year.

The ship's entertainment staff is there to count it all down, and right at midnight the balloons are dropped and there's a massive eruption of cheers.

In all, I loved how easy it was to get in and out without any traffic, or real thought into what we needed to do. It was all there to enjoy.

If you want to celebrate New Year's Eve without fuss, I think this is the way to go

There's no doubt spending New Year's Eve on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was the right play for our family.

Partying on land is great, but it involves much more planning. Plus, I would never want to go to a city and do the ball drop experience. A cruise was the perfect approximation of what it's all about without the hassle.

The downside to booking a New Year's Eve cruise is you'll pay a higher price for a holiday sailing.

Bargain hunters will not find the price of a cruise over a major holiday palatable, but there's plenty of other people willing to pay it. Our ship was completely sold out, and clearly many opted to spend more on a reserved table for the party.

The simplicity of it all is what makes a cruise such an attractive vacation to begin with, and this holds true with a New Year's Eve cruise.

Ranking the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships often highlights the newest and biggest ships because of how many innovations and cool things there are to do onboard.

Voyager of the Seas is 25 years old, but remains a great family cruise experience and should not be overlooked.

I'm sailing with my family on Voyager of the Seas, and it's actually my very first time on this ship.  While I've sailed on plenty of Voyager Class ships over the years, this is the first time on one of Royal Caribbean's original game changers.

When Voyager of the Seas launched in 1999, it was the world's largest cruise ship.  It even had its own zip code because of how noteworthy it was at the time.

The 137,276-ton cruise ship ushered in the modern age of mega ships, and paved the way for significantly larger ships to follow.

Sailing from Florida after years being overseas

This is my first time ever sailing on Voyager of the Seas and the major reason I haven't been able to try this ship is because she was always based elsewhere.

For many years, Voyager was homeported in Australia and Asia. This meant it was just out of reach for me to sail on.

All cruise ships eventually get moved around, and Royal Caribbean shifted Voyager back to Florida for the 2024-2025 season.

Voyager arrived at her new homeport of Port Canaveral in December, and is offering 4- and 5-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

Unlike Utopia of the Seas, Voyager's itineraries have a bit more variety to them.  Voyager will not only visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, but also Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Bimini.

For those that want more exotic locales, you'll get short cruises with varied ports on Voyager.

Water slides, shows, pools, and more

Ready for family fun on your cruise? Voyager of the Seas delivers on it.

Royal Caribbean spent $97 million in 2019 to enhance Voyager, bringing a few upgrades to the ship.

The list of changes include renovated cabins, two waterslides, a new spa, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, redesigned kids and teens spaces, and a new nursery for babies and toddlers.

It's quite noticeable how good the changes have been to the kids club spaces on Voyager. 

There's a nursery now on the ship, and Adventure Ocean has the same updated programming that you'll find on Wonder of the Seas or Icon of the Seas.

The most noticeable upgrade are the addition of racer waterslides, and every ship Royal Caribbean has added slides to has been a major win for families.

Even if you don’t usually go on waterslides, these new additions are worth a try.

Of course, Voyager has a few staples that are still crowd pleasers and have been for years, such as the rock climbing wall, ice rink, mini-golf area, and FlowRider.

There's also a few shows onboard, including a Broadway revue show in the Royal Theater and an ice skating performance. 

The shows are the perfect "dinner and a show" evening offering.

Plus, you'll find the usual assortment of evening entertainment, such as game shows, singers, musicians, and movies.

Nearly all the entertainment on Voyager is included in your cruise fare, which means there's plenty of ways to have a great day and evening without paying more for it.

Upgraded spaces too

It's worth noting how much of an overhaul the Vitality Spa received, as it's not usually an area of a cruise ship that gets a ton of work.

Royal Caribbean offers a large, purpose built spa on Voyager that is brand new. There's a more contemporary design to the waiting room and treatment rooms. Plus, there are so many ways to look out to the ocean while getting a treatment (assuming you can keep your eyes open).

If you're lucky enough to be staying in a suite, the suite lounge has a new look to it that matches Royal Caribbean's newest ship lounges.

Located on Deck 14 next to the Viking Crown Lounge, the suite lounge has a good look and better views.

Voyager of the Seas is probably cheaper than any of the newest ships

Speaking of value, one of the top reasons I was drawn to Voyager of the Seas is the price.

Compared to other ships, you're going to save a lot of money sailing on Voyager. New cruise ships always have a premium price tag, but Voyager is the perfect middle ground to avoid the sticker shock you get with Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, or Icon of the Seas.

Plus, Voyager offers a good assortment of family fun onboard. While you won't confuse Voyager for Icon, you aren't compromising on the variety of activities like you would if you opted for an even older cruise ship, such as Grandeur of the Seas.

Plus, you're getting varied itineraries too. Anytime you can find a short Caribbean cruise that goes somewhere other than The Bahamas, I'd consider that a good choice.

Royal Caribbean's after-Christmas sale might be your best chance to get in on a holiday deal before they all run out.

While everyone focuses on Black Friday, there are ample deals to be had as the calendar winds down.

The good news is the New Years Sale has some discounts that are just as good as they were during Black Friday.  It's not quite as lucrative, but we're seeing lower prices again and it might be the time to jump on it.

Here's what to expect with Royal Caribbean's New Year's sale.

Cruise favorites on sale

Finding a good cruise deal is what some people relish, and I'm not one to mock that.  Finding a good deal is such a good feeling!

Here's a breakdown of what's being offered. Keep in mind there are terms and conditions that apply, and you should refer to them before booking.

Let's begin with the holiday sale happening right now on pre-cruise purchases.

The New Year's Sale runs runs on Cruise Planner and app purchases made through January 2, 2025.

You'll find discounts on cruises that depart between December 23, 2024 - December 31, 2025. 

• Beverage: Up to 40% off
  • Evian Water Package: 40% off onboard prices.
  • Classic Soda Package: 30% off onboard prices.
  • Refreshment Package: Discount varies by ship.
  • Deluxe Beverage Package: Discount varies by ship.

• Shore Excursions: Up to 50% off
  • Shorex: Discount varies by ship.
  • Select Tours on ports Phillipsburg, St. Maarten & Port Vila, Vanuatu: Up to 50% Off
  • Labadee Aquatics: 40% off onboard prices
  • Wynwood Walls and Art Walking Tour: 10% off onboard prices

• Internet: Up to 30% Off
  • VOOM Surf + Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship.

• Dining: Up to 40% Off
  • Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 14N sailings: Discount varies by ship.
• Spa: Up to 30% Off Select Times
• Photo Packages: Up to 65% Off
  • Photo Packages from 5 - 100 Photos: Discount varies by ship.
  • Private Photo Session: 60% off onboard prices
• Gifts & Gear: Up to 35% Off
  • All Gifts & Gear products (except Inky Beach Towel): 20% off onboard prices
  • Inky Beach Towel (TicTacToe): 35% off onboard prices

• Onboard Activities: Up to 30% off
  • All Access Ship tour: 20% off onboard prices
  • Observatorium: 20% off onboard prices
  • Mission Control Apollo 18: 20% off onboard prices
  • Escape the Rubicon: 20% off onboard prices
  • EscapeU: Freshman Year: 20% off onboard prices
  • RipCord by iFLY Two Minute Experience
  • North Star Extended Experience: Discount varies by ship.
  • FlowRider Private Lesson: Discount varies by ship.
  • FlowRider Group Lesson: Discount varies by ship.
  • EscapeU: Freshman Year: 20% off onboard prices

Even if you've already bought one of these items, you can take advantage of the lower prices.

If the price is lower, you can cancel and rebook the add-on with no penalty up to 48 hours before your cruise date.

To check if your sailing has this new offer available, log into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's web site look for any available offers. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

Up to $600 off a new cruise booking

If you're thinking about booking a new cruise, there's discounts on that too.

The Weekend Savings sale adds instant savings on cruises booked, up to $600.

Weekend Savings applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 27 – 30, 2024 on sailings departing on or after December 28, 2024, and provides an instant savings per stateroom, varying by stateroom category booked, sailing length as follows:  

• 5 nights or less
  • $75 USD for Inside and Ocean View
  • $150 USD for Balconies
  • $300 USD for Suites
• 6 nights or longer
  • $150 USD for Interior and Ocean View
  • $225 USD for Balconies
  • $600 USD for Suites

It's combinable with the BOGO60 deal too.

BOGO60 applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 10 – January 2, 2025, on sailings departing on or after December 11, 2024, and provides 60% off the cruise fare of the second guest booked in the same stateroom as the first, full fare paying guest, as well as 30% off any additional guests booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guest.

Kids Sail Free is also combinable, and it applies to new, individual, and named group bookings at prevailing rates made December 10 – January 2, 2025, on select sailings 3 nights and longer departing on or after December 11, 2024, and provides $0 cruise fare for additional guest 12 years old and younger as of the departure date booked in the same stateroom as the first full fare paying and second guests. 

Kids Sail Free excludes all sailings departing on or during any of the following dates November 22 - 29, 2024; December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025; March 7 - 28, 2025; April 12 - 24, 2025; May 22 – August 29, 2025; November 20 - 28, 2025; December 18, 2025 – January 5, 2026; March 6 – April 9, 2026; May 21 – September 4, 2026; November 19 – 27, 2026; December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027; March 5 – April 1, 2027 Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 16 – September 12, 2025; May 15 – September 11, 2026; Anthem of the Seas sailings departing November 21 – December 28, 2024 and Chinese New Year on Anthem of the Seas departing January 27, 2025.

Happy New Year! Before we pop champagne and toast to a better year next year, we have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share.

Royal Caribbean had an amazing 2024, and its CEO celebrated just how good a year it has been.

Michael Bayley is the President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and shared a holiday greeting summing up everything the cruise line did to make it an incredible year.

From launching two new ships, to announcing a new private beach day, to other firsts, Mr. Bayley is very proud of how good this year has been.

Royal Caribbean News

• These were the 5 cleanest Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year, according to the CDC
• More cruises to Puerto Rico cancelled, with no update yet on when it will get fixed
• The cruise ship safety drill could be even faster and better with important changes, inventor says
• Are last-minute cruises cheaper?
• 6 tips for the best time to buy Royal Caribbean 
• Caribbean island is hiking port fees for cruise ship passengers
• After 17 cruises in 2024, these are the best things I did on Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year

Video: How much I tip everyone on a cruise

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 — How much I tip everyone on a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean perfected the sports court, solving the top reason I always avoided them

There are sports courts on every cruise ship, but the SeaPlex is the only sports court Matt will visit.

Sports courts on cruise ships have been around for a while, but the Quantum Class ships have a different take on it, and the difference is significant.

Between climatizing the space, integrating a sports bar, and offering more activities than ever, the SeaPlex is so much more enjoyable.

Best first-time cruise destinations

Is there are a better cruise to take if it's your first cruise than another?

After cruising for decades, it seems clear certain sailings are a better choice than others for someone that has never been on a cruise ship.

Whether it's because of the destination, length, or ship choice, there are certain itineraries that are best for first-time cruisers.

What surprised me staying in Royal Caribbean's biggest suites

When you book one of the biggest suites on a cruise ship, you expect lots of space, but there are a few surprises too.

Matt sailed in some of the biggest suites you can book this year, and there were a few takeaways he wasn't expecting.

While these rooms are far from cheap, they include top tier service and you'll want to take full advantage of everything offered.

How a balcony cabin on 5 ships differs

Balcony cabins are the most popular cruise ship room category, but they can be different from each other.

Royal Caribbean offers sub-categories of balcony rooms that mix up the amenities, size, and location.

While the core experience is the same across them all, one stood out as being the best value.

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.