Instead of booking a tour on my Royal Caribbean ship visit to Hamburg, Germany, I let a stranger plan my day and it worked out really well.

Months ago I was just starting the planning process for my European cruise aboard the Independence of the Seas.

Hamburg is a port I've never been to before, and we only had a few hours of time to visit.  I wasn't sure how to best use the time, but I knew I wanted to visit a beer garden, because it seemed like a very German thing to do.

Unrelated to this, I went for a visit to a facsimile of what a beer garden is like at Walt Disney World, where they have the Biergarten restaurant in Epcot.

Our waitress started talking to us, and I noticed her nametag said she was not only from Germany, but near Hamburg.  I asked her for any recommendations for what to do in town.

Her name is Sariana, and she lives in Bremen. She worked at Walt Disney World for a few years as part of an international employee work program.

As it turned out, she was not only a cruiser, but also a viewer of Royal Caribbean Blog on YouTube and volunteered to show us around when we arrived.

I had my doubts how serious she was, or if she'd even show up.  Sure enough, the week our Independence of the Seas cruise departed, I got a message from her that she hadn't forgotten about us and wanted to help.

She suggested since we loved eating at the fake beer garden, why not try the real thing.

We picked out one place and Sariana made all the arrangements for my family and a few friends to meet up to eat there.

Unfortunately, that place was sold out, but she had a few other suggestions and we landed on Hofbräu Hamburg. It's located right in the city center, and is a traditional German beer garden.

The best way I can describe a beer garden is it's like a big party room, where you drink giant glasses of beer, eat traditional Bavarian/German food, and enjoy a ruckus good time.

You're seated at what is essentially picnic tables, and you very well could eat with or near other patrons.

The menu was giant, and I could have eaten a heck of a lot more.  I wanted to try so many things, but unlike the food on Royal Caribbean, each entree is quite large.

We ordered schnitzel, Bavarian potato soup, spätzle, and more.

And yes, I indulged in a liter of beer. Not only is it traditional, but we all were looking forward to sharing beers together.

The food was so good, and we had a great time sharing cruise stories, talking about how life is different in our countries, and just enjoying each other's company.

Sariana was sure to let the servers know we had to be finished by a certain time. Evidently if we hadn't, the two hours we had allocated for lunch wasn't long enough at a beer garden.

This reminded me the power of cruising

Going into Hamburg and eating with Sariana and her sister reminded me why I love to cruise.

We got to meet amazing people and try foods in a foreign city that we otherwise would not have done otherwise.

I doubt we'd have ever planned a land vacation to Hamburg, and even if we did, without the love of cruising, I never would have had the opportunity to spend time with Sariana and her family.

I think we all had a great time being in Germany and doing a very German thing. When you add friends to the equation, it becomes the perfect kind of day.

When artificial intelligence first became mainstream with ChatGPT, I would have warned you against using it for planning your cruise.

Since the early adopters embraced artificial intelligence in 2023, it's leaped a considerable amount in terms of capabilities, and I think it can play a helpful role in planning a vacation.

The problem with planning a cruise is it's very nuanced and cruise line (and even ship) specific. I've found AI tends to lump policies and lines together and jump to certain conclusions that aren't reflective of the reality.

However, it's much better at land travel because there's so much more information available.

For my Royal Caribbean cruise to Europe, I determined booking traditional shore excursions was going to be a mistake because it's so easy to get around the cities of Europe on foot and via public transportation.

Instead, I started coming up with a list of places I wanted to visit in each city.  That's easy, but how to manage it all so I can see everything in the best order?

I looked to artificial intelligence for the easy answer

I created a spreadsheet of the restaurants, historical sights, and interesting places I wanted to visit in each city.  I compiled this list by watching a lot of YouTube videos to get a sense of what there was to do.

My goal was to determine the best order to see everything, minimize backtracking, and incorporate lunch and snack breaks.  

I could have spent time popping each area into Google Maps, but I'd have to cross reference hours of operation and then figure out the transportation system in each city.

Almost immediately, I was ready to give ChatGPT a try.

Using ChatGPT is easy, but the secret is to be as descriptive and specific as you can in your prompts to get the answer you want.  What I'm effectively asking it to do is read my mind with what I want.  

I started out with Oslo, Norway, and wrote out exactly what I wanted. Here's the prompt I used:

I want to visit Oslo, Norway and visit these 4 places:

- Opera house
- Royal Palace 
- Vigeland Sculpture Garden 
- Karl Johans Gate

Create a walking tour that begins where Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock, and ensure the walking tour takes a logical path to minimize backtracking, while taking us through the most scenic and beautiful areas tourists might be interested to see.

Prioritize walking, but if utilizing public transportation (such as the metro system) makes sense, than include that.

Our hours in port are 10am to 6pm, but plan to have us back at the ship by 4pm at the latest.

We have teenagers and tweens with us, so keep the walking pace leisurely.

Suggest spots for lunch or a snack where appropriate, but the 4 places identified are the top priorities to see.

It generated a time based list of each place to visit, how to get there, and what to look for at each spot.

There's a certain amount of trust that its plan will work out, but I was willing to try.

I then asked it to export the tour to a custom Google Map, after reading an unrelated article about how easy it's become to create custom maps.

It initially gave me directions how to add each pinpoint on my own, but at the end it offered to provide a downloadable KML file that I could import into My Maps to save time.

"Heck yea I want to save time!"

It gave me the code to use, I saved it as a file, and then imported the data into Google Maps.  Instantly, I had a map planned out with all our stops and in which order to use it.

I repeated this process for each port.  After trying it once, it becomes very quick.

Embrace, but use with caution

I loved how easy it all was to create these custom tours, but I was sure to verify it wouldn't lead me astray.

In our first port of Oslo, ChatGPT guessed incorrectly which port we'd dock at.  It thought we would be at the Akershus Cruise Terminal, but Independence of the Seas docked near Akker Brygge. 

That meant our walking plan was off kilter because our starting point was at a different area of town.

That's not a big deal, because my custom Google Map allowed me to pick the closest spot, and get walking directions and go from there.

In fact, leveraging Google Maps was the best idea. ChatGPT had the plan, but Google Maps gave me real-time advice on if I should walk, taxi, or use public transportation.

I'd advise anyone to export the data into Google Maps to easily reference where you're going.

In Copenhagen, it was correct where we docked and just about everything. 

Sometimes the coordinates it used for the custom Map would be off by a block, but it got me so close that I could easily look around and figure it out.

The lesson is you still need to double check your plan as you go, and not simply blindly follow it.

It lacks the benefits of a good tour guide

I think I absolutely did the right thing by planning out my city tour in each port on my own with the assistance of AI, but it couldn't do everything.

I wish I had more information along the way, like I would with a tour. Or at least more information at the places I visited.

On the one hand, I don't love traditional tours where the host points out everything around you at all times and shares an endless stream of historical facts. But on the other hand, I wish there was a little more information about the things we saw.

An audio guide is what I probably want, but audio guides have a lot of extra fluff in them.  I'd love to be able to ask questions on the fly, like who is that statue and why are they important? Or what else is nearby that might be cool to see?

Or I could have ChatGPT provide more detail on each stop and I could somehow reference that information in Google Maps or bookmark it somehow.

AI can be a great tool, but it's not foolproof

Without a doubt, using AI to plan my city touring in Europe was a really smart decision that made it so much easier.

I loved how it organized and analyzed what I wanted to do. 

However, it was critical that I put in the effort to find interesting things to do rather than rely on it to provide them. 

Plus, you can't blindly let it lead you. Consider it your first suggestion, but always double check it as you progress.  

Lastly, I'd highly recommend having Google Maps and a cellular data connection so you can make the right transportation decision easily. My favorite eSim to use is Orange sim (this is an affiliate link, that costs you nothing extra but I make a small commission). 

The newest and biggest ships get the most attention, but there are lots of good reasons to sail the older ships too.

New cruisers might be tepid about going on an older ship because they're not sure if it's better to cruise on a small ship.  

When I started cruising, I thought small ships were going to disappointing and lack the aspects of a cruise that I thought I needed.  But the more I cruised, the more I discovered what smaller ships can offer.

Royal Caribbean's older ships might be the best choice for value and what they offer onboard.

What’s the difference between older and newer Royal Caribbean ships

The age of a cruise ship is a detail, but it doesn't tell the whole story of what a cruise ship is all about.

In general, an older ship usually correlates to being smaller too.  As ships have been built over the years, they've gotten bigger and added more activities, restaurants, and special areas.

The first thing you'll notice about an older Royal Caribbean ship is the size, and the second thing is what it may not have onboard.

If you've cruised on new ships, you may quickly notice if there's an area or feature not onboard.  But if you've never cruised before, the differences may not be as obvious.

Older ships may not have as many dining choices, or they may not have the updated menus with them. 

You may also find there's less of the top deck signature attractions that families clamor for. A ship built 10-15 years ago would have more than a ship built 20 years ago.  It's almost like a sliding scale in that regard.

Something else different about an older ship is the aesthetic of the vessel, such as the cabin decor and look of the halls and public venues.

It's not a problem, but going from a brand new ship to an older ship would have a different look and feel.

Pros and cons of older Royal Caribbean ships

There are many good reasons to try an older ship, so don't let it stop you.

I think the top reason I pick an older ship is the value.  Older ships don't command the higher prices that new ones do, and that opens up more possibilities.

Spending less on a cruise means money saved, or you could move up to a bigger stateroom.

The other best thing about an older ship is where it sails to, as you're more likely to find more exotic destinations on them compared to new ships.

While new ships are relegated primarily to the same traditional ports, older ships get to visit more far flung places.

Something else I like about older ships is they have received upgrades that keep the ship interesting.

Depending on the exact ship, there could be new restaurants, water slides, or even shows onboard. Many of these concepts come from new ships, so you can experience the better options without paying for a new ship.

However, there's no question a new ship has the latest and greatest Royal Caribbean has come up with.

New ships are fun because of how much there is to do, eat, and experience. It's overwhelming in a good way, and I love it.

Families especially love new ships because there's more specialized for them. You'll find many more areas dedicated for kids programming on new ships, especially younger cruisers.

New ships have an undeniable cool factor to them. There's a humble brag that comes with being able to say you tried a new ship.

Older ships I recommend trying

If you're sold on the idea of trying an older ship, here are the best small Royal Caribbean ships to consider.

Brilliance of the Seas: The Radiance Class is my favorite small ship in the fleet because they're beautiful ships with good variety of dining choices.

I'd pick Brilliance for where it sails to, as well as the fun onboard. I've sailed the most on Brilliance, and it's never disappointed.

Mariner of the Seas: One of early my favorite cruise ships, Mariner of the Seas has some of the best upgrades of any older ship.

Because it has a Royal Promenade, it has a big ship feel without the new ship price.  I consistently find great deals on Mariner, which also contributed to why I've sailed as often as I have on it.

Freedom of the Seas: Another ship that got fun upgrades as part of a refurbishment, Freedom of the Seas is even bigger than Mariner and it's probably the best "step down" from a new ship to try first.

Are older Royal Caribbean ships worth it?

I think there are really good reasons to cruise on a small and old ship, so don't limit yourself just to the new ones.

While I think a new ship is ideal for a new cruiser because they offer the greatest variety of how to cruise, older ships are a good idea to graduate to as you want to sail more often.

Families that want non-stop activities and the best options for kids of varying ages will still find new ships to be ideal.

If you're worried about being bored on a small ship, pick a port intensive itinerary so you're less dependent on the ship.

Writing off a ship based on age or size alone is a mistake because of how much more of the cruising experience you can take advantage of. From different places to visit, venues to try, and money to save, I think older ships are a great idea for just about anyone.

Cruise prices are dynamic, and they can sometimes drop if demand for a particular sailing.

Similar to hotel or airfare, prices fluctuate and we can see prices go down in some situations, even after you've booked a cruise.

Cruise fares going down aren't that common, but it sometimes happens.

When there is a price drop, there could be the opportunity to save money, but it depends on a few factors.

When do Royal Caribbean cruise prices drop

Because Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its fares, a specific fare could go down in price if the factors warrant it.

The cruise line doesn't inform guests that are booked there has been a change in price, so it's up to the consumer to track it.

There are all sorts of reasons for a price drop, but it's usually tied to unsold cabins.

If there are too many unsold cabins, cancelled reservations, or the pace of new bookings isn't where the cruise line wants them to be, a price drop could be employed to spur sales.

In fact, price drops can be hyper focused on a specific cruise room category for a given sailing.  It's rarely, if ever, across the board.  You should never expect a price drop in the same way retail products are discounted where prices are slashed for everything.

Some cruisers will point out there are price drops around the final payment date, which is 90 days before the scheduled departure. That's because of last minute cancellations made before the penalties kick in to cancel.

I find the most consistent types of cruises that get a price drop are long sailings, such as repositioning's or transatlantic crossings.

In short, there's no specific time a price drop will or won't occur, but it could happen at any point.

If you're past final payment date, there's nothing you can do to get that better price.

You might be able to re-price a cruise if there's a price drop

You might be able to take advantage of a price drop, but it depends when it occurs and your residency.

Residents of select countries can price match the lower price with no penalty at the lower rate if:

• The price drop is for the exact same stateroom category code on the same ship and sail date
• It's before final payment date
• You're a resident of certain countries, such as the United States or Canada (there are other countries too)

It's up to you to spot the price drop and then request it.

There's no means for consumers to reprice the cruise, it must be requested. If you booked with a travel agent, the agent can do it. Otherwise, you have to call in and request it with the cruise line.

A word of warning, I've heard from many readers who have called Royal Caribbean to ask for a reprice and told it's not possible.  Assuming you've adhered to all of the requirements mentioned earlier, it could be someone unfamiliar with the repricing option. Trust me, it's exists.

How to check if Royal Caribbean has a price drop

The way I look to see if there's been a price drop is to do a mock booking for the cruise I'm booked on.

Basically, going to the Royal Caribbean website and going through the steps for booking a cruise to verify the price.

It's important to be checking you've got the same exact cabin category down to the stateroom code.  That means not just looking up the price of a balcony, but the category code that's a number and letter combination (i.e. 4D).

Mock bookings are simple, but it's also manual. You have to take the initiative to check, and prices could change at any time.

Some travel agencies will check for you, but I've found it's rare.

As an example, MEI Travel has an automated tool that periodically checks for a lower price and then alerts the agent so they can make the change even without their client requesting it. (Disclosure: MEI Travel is a sponsor of this site)

It's important to also remember when repricing to consider any onboard credit or freebies you have, as those would potentially be lost.

Repricing is effectively booking a new reservation, and you cannot carry over any promotions Royal Caribbean may have offered from the initial booking to the updated one. NextCruise offers, however, would still apply.

Booking early is a good strategy

I always try to book my cruise early and then keep an eye out for price drops later.

Usually the lowest cruise prices are when new sailings go on sale many months or years before the cruise depart. It's not uncommon that I never see a price drop because I already booked the best price.

The strategy of booking early and then taking advantage of price drops ensures you always have the lowest price, as opposed to trying to time a price drop later (which may or may not happen).

I would never purposefully wait to book a cruise so that I could time a better price. Once I know I want to sail, I'll book immediately and then message my travel agent if there's been a price change.

Because cruise fares seem to only be going up due to ever increasing demand, I don't see that many price drops. More often, it feels like prices simply rise as the sail date approaches.

With tensions in the Middle East as high as ever over the last week due to escalating air strikes between the U.S., Israel and Iran, travelers are understandably worried.

The question on some people's mind has been how will all of this possibly alter cruise ship plans.

A user on Reddit posted, "I have a cruise coming up in a few weeks that goes through Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. This is my first cruise and I’m feeling uncertain about the current state of things given recent events. What are the odds that my trip gets canceled?"

Geopolitical turmoil is not new to the cruise industry, but this conflict has the world's attention. While this blog has no official standing with the cruise line and we do not speak for them, I wanted to share what to think about as your trip approaches.

Anything is possible, but no changes at this time

In the case of the person that asked the question, a Mediterranean cruise that visits Turkey and Greece is likely sufficiently far away from the conflict that a cruise cancellation shouldn't be a concern.

Short of the conflict expanding into a larger conflict that involves more of Europe, it's my opinion that cruise ships aren't near enough for there to be a change in itinerary.

Royal Caribbean operates no cruises that visit Israel, Iran, or destinations in the Persian Gulf.

It's far more likely that a ship would be re-routed rather than cancelled, and even that is a low chance.

The regions cruise ships visit in the Mediterranean have not been targets of military strikes, and as others have pointed out, it's not a worry at the moment.

"Odds are about zero. Don't sweat it."

"As others have said, odds are zero, unless war breaks out and it affects your cruise regions. If that does happens, they will just reroute to different ports to avoid the conflict."

"Highly unlikely. Relax and enjoy your trip!"

These are all the sort of comments that people had for the original question posed, and I agree with their assessments. 

If the nature of the conflict were to change, that would be a different story. But for now, a cruise being cancelled seems unlikely.

Important to remain vigilant

While your cruise may not be cancelled, that isn't to say travelers shouldn't let their guard down.

The State Department has issued new warnings for Americans traveling around the world as the result of the U.S. airstrikes on Iran.

American involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict compelled the U.S. State Department to advise all U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.

"The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East," the new alert posted on Sunday read. 

"There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad."

The State Department advised Americans to exercise increased caution globally and to check its specific country advisories, as well as "any recent security alerts when planning travel."

You can consult all of the travel advisories and security alerts on the State Department website.

What's happened with other conflicts

While not apples-to-apples, what we've consistently seen when conflicts erupt around the world is cruise ships simply sail elsewhere.

Last year, Voyager of the Seas was re-routed away from the Red Sea because of concerns there.

At the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Royal Caribbean shifted its ships away from planned visits to Russia.

Royal Caribbean took a two year break from visiting Turkey due to instability in the region, but it still offered cruises that visited nearby Greece.

Every situation is different, but perhaps these examples offer some context.

One cruise ship truly changed the industry when it debuted, and it remains one of Royal Caribbean's best ships.

When Royal Caribbean first launched Oasis of the Seas in 2009, every cruise ship that came before it suddenly felt obsolete. The Oasis Class did not merely enlarge the scale of cruising, it redefined what a cruise ship could be. 

More than a decade later, Royal Caribbean’s leadership remains confident that the Oasis Class wasn’t just a milestone in naval engineering, but a turning point in modern leisure.

According to Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the enduring success of the class stems from a culture of sustained reinvention. “Continuous improvement is really one of our key mantras in the company," Liberty stated. “How do we make it better tomorrow? How do we make it better ten years from now? And that’s where all the dreaming comes in."

This spirit of ambition was at the heart of the Oasis Class from the beginning. Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President of Maritime & Newbuilding, recalls the magnitude of the project with characteristic understatement. “When we started to dream of a ship of this size, that time was probably for us the largest leap in the design process, in the technical process, in managing something as complex as it is.”

From a technical and conceptual standpoint, Oasis was a radical departure. Rather than following the industry’s established formula, Royal Caribbean set out to design something that reoriented the very idea of vacation at sea. “When the Oasis class first debuted in the cruise industry,” said Darren Budden, Director of Product Development, “it for the first time truly made the ship the destination on a cruise vacation. The Oasis class has been copied but never replicated.”

The list of innovations introduced with Oasis is extensive: Central Park, an open-air green space inspired by Manhattan; the AquaTheater, a vast amphitheater built into the ship’s stern; the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest dry slide at sea. These were not gimmicks, but carefully calculated design choices meant to segment the ship into “neighborhoods,” each offering a distinct experience.

Kelly Gonzalez, Senior Vice President of Architectural Design, traced the origin of Central Park back to analytical design work. “We had realized that Central Park in Manhattan was proportionate to the atrium that we had on Oasis class to the size of the ship.” What could have remained a novelty was instead transformed into a peaceful, living environment in the middle of the ocean. “It’s a beautiful setting,” said Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Tens of thousands of plants and trees. It’s very special.”

Equally daring was the AquaTheater. “We said there needs to be an amphitheater which is looking into the ship,” Kulovaara noted. “It wasn’t easy to put 500 tons of water into that area.” But the ambition paid off. The AquaTheater became a defining feature of the class, enabling diving performances and acrobatics that were once unthinkable on a moving vessel.

This willingness to challenge conventions remained a hallmark of the class’s evolution. Jay Schneider, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, emphasized how *Oasis of the Seas* became its own benchmark. “In 2009, Oasis of the Seas was a game changer for the industry,” he said. “And the beauty of that class is it’s only continued to evolve and compete essentially with itself.”

Indeed, each new Oasis-class ship has become an exercise in refinement. “Every Oasis class is an evolution of the previous one,” Bayley explained. “Everything we learn from the first to the second to the third, to the fourth, to the fifth, to the sixth, Utopia is built in and refined.”

*Utopia of the Seas*, launching as the sixth ship in the class, represents the current apex of this approach. Schneider describes it as “tradition, evolution, revolution.” The ship not only carries forward signature features like the Ultimate Abyss and AquaTheater, but also rethinks elements such as the open deck and dining venues. “It’s a food and beverage revolution and evolution, all packaged in one,” he said.

Julie Ansorge, Senior Product Owner, highlighted the revitalized Ultimate Abyss slide. “We added another section to it with rollers so that you get a little boost… It also is going to have a false exit, which is a clear acrylic section. So when you come around that bend, it looks like you’re going to shoot out into the boardwalk.”

Other enhancements address more subtle aspects of guest behavior. “One of the main guest focuses that we wanted to address was the need for more nighttime activations,” Ansorge explained. “This is going to be the world’s biggest party.”

Royal Caribbean has also been deliberate in creating ships that can evolve in service. “We build the ships from the beginning in such a way that we have capability of adding weight,” said Kulovaara. “We always try to think that there’s always room for some revolutionary thoughts.”

This built-in flexibility supports the line’s “Royal Amplified” modernization program. Daniella Hoffmann, Associate Vice President of Product Development, described the effort as an ongoing response to guest expectations. “We start the process by asking questions and really honing in on what are the things that differentiate this experience from any other.”

For all its scale and complexity, the Oasis Class has never lost sight of its central purpose. As Bayley put it: “We’ve always been focused on making sure that we’re highly relevant with our guests. And as guests change and families evolve, so does Royal Caribbean.”

The enduring relevance of Oasis Class is perhaps best summarized by Kulovaara himself. “I think Oasis was enormously successful from day one and has fulfilled all the expectations,” he reflected. 

“It broke in many ways the paradigms which are in cruising. It has not only changed Royal Caribbean—I think it has changed the entire industry.”

In an era where many cruise lines follow trends, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class continues to chart its own course—anchored not in spectacle for its own sake, but in a disciplined, evolving vision of what the cruise experience can offer.

Happy Sunday! Hope you are having a relaxing weekend and enjoying summer! It is time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the recent Royal Caribbean news!

Royal Caribbean announced it will upgrade three cruise ships with new features and enhancements.

The upgrades are part of the fleet's Royal Amplified program.

Each ship will get specific additions, such as new restaurants, bars, and revamped pools.

Royal Caribbean News

• I flew to Europe for a cruise and was paranoid about jetlag. I did 3 things to beat it
• I paid $660 to eat just specialty dining on Icon of the Seas. It was better than advertised, but I missed free food
• I packed the wrong clothes for the last day of my cruise, and it's a reminder of the worst cruise ship packing mistakes
• Why I love my cruise lanyard — and why i’ll always keep it in my carry-on
• 10 Alaska cruise essentials to not forget
• I spent two days in Disneyland Paris and it reminded me how much better a value cruises are

New RCB Video: My cruise excursion plans backfired

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 — My cruise excursion plans backfired — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Carnival overhauls its loyalty program with major changes

Royal Caribbean's major competitor made significant changes to its customer loyalty program that has caught the attention of just about everyone.

Carnival is switching to a program that's more akin to airline frequent flyer programs, where how much you spend factors into your status.  Plus, you have to cruise to keep your status.

Because it's such a departure from how cruise lines have approached their programs, it's raised the question if other lines will make similar changes.

Photos show progress being made to Royal Caribbean's private beach club

Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island will open at the end of this year and work is progressing on its construction.

Photos taken this week show foundations for the major structures are already in place, with a buzz of activity.

Once opened, it will be a paid entry opportunity exclusive to Royal Caribbean passengers in Nassau, Bahamas.

Celebrity cruise ship drifts from pier after wind squall

The Celebrity Edge ship had an incident involving strong winds this week.

While in Alaska, the forward lines snapped when the ship was docked in Juneau.

Because of the strong winds, Celebrity Edge drifted into the harbor near other ships.

5 simple (and cheap) things to make your cruise excursion be more enjoyable

I've found it's easy to enhance your shore excursion without spending a lot.

I think bringing a few small things on almost any cruise tour will make it more enjoyable.

In fact, you might already own some of these items.

Royal Caribbean expands partnership with land-based casino

MGM Casino is making it easier to benefit from your cruising loyalty.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have strengthened their casino loyalty partnership with MGM and announced changes to its offerings.

Players who gamble in the onboard casinos can now earn MGM Rewards Points, tier credits, and slot dollars.

Convenience is king on any cruise, and bringing a lanyard is something I'll always bring on my cruise to make my life onboard easier.

There are plenty of things you could pack to bring on a cruise, but a vastly underrated one is a lanyard because I doubt I've ever considered having one on any land vacation I've taken.

I first noticed other cruisers wearing them when I started cruising, and I never thought I needed one until I gave it a try.  It was one of those "don't knock it 'till you try it" situations.

Here's why you might might want to try it too.

Easy to use and store

Your key, literally and figuratively, to everything onboard a Royal Caribbean ship is your SeaPass card.

Ships are cashless and you use your SeaPass card to get into your cabin and make purchases, so you need to keep it with you. Some folks use pockets, some have a stick-on wallet on their phone, some put them in a wallet or a purse and others opt for lanyards. 

One of the top reasons a lanyard is helpful is because it stores your SeaPass card in an easy to access spot.  This is especially true if you don't have pockets, such as women wearing a dress or anyone in a bathing suit.

They're also really good for anyone prone to losing cards, as I've found is a not-so-useful talent of mine.

Having a lanyard makes it easier than digging in your pocket or searching for the SeaPass card in a bag.

It's easy to put the SeaPass card down and walk away from it, but the lanyard is a good reminder since it's around your neck.

One advantage of lanyards over using your pockets in pants is how often you may change pants during the day.  

You start off with shorts, switch to a bathing suit, and then formal wear in the evening.  The amount of times I've had to go back and dig through the dirty laundry pile to find my cash or SeaPass card in a pocket seems to be my own personal unwanted cruise tradition.

Lanyards aren't necessary, but they are so darn convenient.

Lanyards are so helpful for kids

Stop me if you've heard this before: kids misplace everything.

To that point, a lanyard makes it more difficult for them to misplace their lanyard it if it's around their neck!

I also keep some cash in them

I'll sometimes keep cash in the lanyard too, because tipping a little bit extra at bars is common on sea days.

I usually tip a waiter or bartender $1-$2 per drink I order, so it's easy to store a few of those dollars in my lanyard.

I keep my casino gambling money in my pocket, but I prefer not to pull out a big wad of money if I don't have to.  I'm not so much worried someone is going to steal my money as I am concerned I'll fumble through it and drop some.

A waterproof lanyard is really helpful at the beach

I've also purchased a waterproof lanyard to have with me when I'm at the beach, and this is even more useful.

At Perfect Day at CocoCay, I'll want to maximize my time in the pool, but leaving valuables back at the chairs can be unnerving. 

Having a waterproof lanyard allows you to keep your identification with you, along with cash.

I'll leave the lanyard behind during one part of the cruise

I love my lanyard on the ship or at a private destination, but I'll leave it behind on a port day.

No one will really question or think twice about you wearing a lanyard on the ship, but if I'm on a shore excursion or exploring a city, I wont wear my lanyard because I think it makes me stick out too much as a tourist.

To be fair, I'm sure I'll stick out as a tourist anyway, but I think it's important to do what you can to not make yourself an easy mark. Meaning, don't be so blatantly obvious to become a target.

Instead, I'll keep my valuables in a cross body bag that is great for preventing pickpockets.

My favorite lanyards to buy

There are so many different lanyards you can buy, including ones Royal Caribbean sells in the cruise terminal and onboard its ship.

Here are a few options for men and women:

• Retractable, detachable lanyard
• Leather lanyard
• Cruise On Lanyard Essentials (2-Pack)
• Vera Bradley Women's Cotton Zip ID Case and Lanyard Combo

All of these links are affiliate links, which means I get a few bucks if you buy something, but it costs you nothing extra.

Few words conjure up as much trepidation among travelers as jet lag because it can ruin your trip.

I've flown to Europe twice, and just took another trip last week with my family. Since it was their first time visiting Europe, I didn't want jetlag to start us off on the wrong foot.

Jet lag can take a few days to overcome if you get it, and we had pre-cruise touring plans to see.

I was afraid my kids would succumb to it and end up wanting to sleep in the afternoon and wide away in the night. Not only would  that mess up my plans, it would put them in a bad mood.

I came up with a plan to beat jetlag that worked out well, despite a challenging first day.

Pick a flight that lands as late a possible

If you have a choice, always pick a flight that lands later in the day.

I always assume I won't sleep on an airplane because I never do. Even in lay flat seats, I can never get comfortable enough and my mind races too much.

Ideally, pick a flight that lands as late in the day as possible. If you could get one that lands in the evening, you could go right to sleep when you arrive at your hotel.

Initially I had a Virgin Atlantic flight booked that landed at 7am in the morning, but luckily found an Air France flight that landed at 1pm.

The key to beating jetlag is to acclimate immediately to local time, and that means not going to sleep after you land.

The less time you are awake the day you land, the better.  That way you're ready for sleep when it's the proper time.

Don't nap

I can't emphasize this enough, but napping is going to likely allow jetlag to settle in.

As I mentioned, you want to get on local time as fast as possible. Napping, especially when you're overtired from the flight, messes with your sleep cycle.

This is one of those "easier said than done" tips, but if you can manage to make it through the first day without napping and go to sleep at a reasonable hour in the evening, you'll thank yourself later when you're feeling back to normal faster.

Some travelers recommend the power nap, but I think it's too risky given how easy it is to stay asleep or sleep longer than intended.

Keep moving

If you shouldn't nap, I've found the best antidote to heavy eye lids is to keep yourself moving and doing things.

I dropped our bags off at the hotel and then immediately went out to tour and explore.

I find sitting or laying down, or even just being in your hotel room, seems to make it feel much more tired.

On the plus side, it's a good excuse to tour the city you're in pre-cruise.

One of the best tips for any cruise is to fly into your cruise port city at least a day ahead of time.  When flying across the Atlantic ocean, I'd recommend at least two days.  This prevents you from having a travel delay impact your ability to make your cruise ship.

I joked with a friend staying awake on the day you land is like the rules of fighting Freddy Kreuger. Don't let yourself fall asleep and keep moving!

My plan worked, it's still a difficult day

I don't want to make it seem this plan is a cake walk, because the first day is still going to feel rough.

At times I felt like a zombie, mindlessly walking to be doing something. By the late afternoon, it feels like keeping your eyes open is a struggle.

But it's all worth it on the second day. That night it's some of the best sleep of your life, and you wake up in the morning ready to go and see everything.

I felt so much better on the second day, with maybe some residual fatigue from the trip lingering. But by day three, I feel like myself again.

Not having jetlag is worth doing what's necessary, but it's not easy.

Having coffee or sodas early and often on the first day is a good idea too. 

Ultimately, we had a great time seeing Paris and London, and we were ready to get on our Royal Caribbean cruise as if we were locals in terms of feeling acclimated to the time.

No matter how many times you go on a cruise, it's not easy to pack for this kind of a vacation.

I think having been on as many cruises as I've taken contributed to making the mistake of assuming the weather and not checking the forecast.

I thought since I was taking a short Bahamas cruise on Royal Caribbean's weekend party ship, Utopia of the Seas, that I'd just need shorts, t-shirts, and a bathing suit as my core clothes to bring.

As it turned out, a winter cold front penetrated into The Bahamas and our day at Perfect Day at CocoCay was lovely, but on the chilly side.  One of those days where it's comfortable to be outside, but you'd want a hoodie or even a pair of jeans.

And then on disembarkation day back in Port Canaveral, I walked off the ship in shorts on a breezy and cold (well, cold for Florida) morning.

This experience served as a good reminder of the top cruise ship packing mistakes to avoid before your next sailing.

Forgetting to pack travel documents

You can make every other mistake on this list and be okay, but your cruise will end before it begins if you forget to pack the right travel documents.

You cannot board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship without the proper identification.  A passport works in every situation, but Americans sailing on a closed-loop sailing are able to alternatively sail with a birth certificate and state issued identification.  My advice is to bring a passport.

This packing mistake is as critical as it gets. You can buy clothes, throw away what you don't need, and show up in a bikini on formal night, but not having the right documentation will result in being denied boarding.

I'll quadruple check I have my passports with me when leaving the house, and probably double check again at the first red light I encounter.

Piggybacking on this mistake is be sure to keep your travel documents with you and do not put them in your checked luggage.

A very common mistake is people pack them in the suitcases they give to the cruise terminal porters, and that creates a real problem to track it all down later.

Bring your passport with you and keep it with you during the entire check-in process.

Not checking the weather forecast

As I mentioned earlier, not checking the weather in the days before your cruise begins is important so you're prepared.

In my situation on Utopia, I would have kept what I originally packed, but thrown a pair of jeans and my favorite zip up hooded sweatshirt so I was prepared if the forecast was indeed correct.

I wouldn't get too wrapped up in rain forecasts, especially in the Caribbean.  Rain is usually short lived in the tropics and it happens sporadically and it's very difficult to know if it will actually rain on you or somewhere else.

I'd check the weather 2-3 days before you're set to leave your home. You're primarily looking for a cold or warm front that might significantly impact what you can expect in port.

Don't waste your time with weather forecasts for the ocean.

Not packing critical things in your carry-on

In addition to keeping your passport in your carry-on bag, you should also make sure you have other really important things with you and not in your packed luggage.

Things like medication, valuable jewelry, electronics, and baby/kid supplies.

You may not see your packed bags delivered to your cabin for a few hours, so I would pack your carry-on bag with anything you'd need between getting to the cruise terminal and dinner that evening.

Some experts recommend packing a change of clothes for dinner, but I don't think that's totally necessary. There's an unsaid understanding dress codes on the first day are quit relaxed because of how luggage can be delayed in being delivered.

I'd focus on things you'd need during the day.

Not knowing you can bring certain food and drink on the ship

Some people are surprised they are allowed to bring some beverages and food onto the ship.

While you cannot bring beer or liquor, you are allowed to bring a bottle of wine per adult, as well as cans of soda or non-alcoholic beverage.

We always pack some pre-packaged snacks for the kids to have in the room, like chips or crackers. These are great for a quick bite to eat while getting ready in the room.  While the ship has plenty of snacks, parents understand kids prefer a certain brand or variety of snacks.

Bringing these items could save you some money, or it just might add a convenience factor.

Bringing a banned item

I'm amazed how many people pack things Royal Caribbean prohibits you from bringing.

The cruise line has a strict policy on not allowing certain appliances, accessories, weapons, sporting equipment and more. If you do pack it, they'll confiscated it and give it back to you at the end of the cruise.

But packing something you can't bring on the ship means space in your luggage taken up for no reason. Plus, I think it's a little embarrassing having your bags opened up for these things to be removed.

If you try packing them in your checked luggage, your bags will be held back from delivery and you'll have to go down to security to claim it.

Be sure to refer to Royal Caribbean's list of prohibited items before you start packing.

Not checking dress codes

While dress codes on Royal Caribbean really aren't enforced at all, I think a lot of cruisers want to know about themed nights so they can match.

While the amount of people dressing up for formal night seems to have gone down over the years, interest in themed nights has never been more popular.

Themed nights include 70s night, white night, or Caribbean night, and the idea is everyone dresses up to match the specific motif.

I see a lot of families getting into the fun so they can take fun photos together.

You can find out which theme nights and dress codes exist on your sailing with a little research pre-cruise.

Leaving nothing to wear on the final morning

You might scoff at this, but every so often there's a cruise passenger who forgets to leave out an outfit for the final morning.

A lot of people pack everything up the night before the cruise ends and then put their luggage out in the hallway so it can be delivered to the terminal the next day.

This is a great idea, but you need to leave clothes to wear on the next morning.

I've seen passengers in pajamas walking off the ship because they didn't do that.