Icon of the Seas won't begin sailing until January 2024, but she's already a home run for the cruise line.

Icon of the Seas is better booked than any other ship launch, and Royal Caribbean is "getting exceptional demand with bookings well surpassing previous records," is what Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said during the company's earnings call with Wall Street analysts earlier today.

"Despite being on sale for only five months, Icon is significantly more booked for her inaugural season at materially higher rates than any other Royal Caribbean ship launch."

The new cruise ship is still almost 8 months away from its first sailing (the first cruise is in January 2024), but it's booking up at a pace never before seen and at even higher prices.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley talked about this fact, "Icon is literally the best performing new product launch we've ever had in the history of our business, and we're delighted with volume and rate and that really is a full 24 product."

"I know it's a brand new product and it's stunning, but it's really driving a huge amount of demand and great rate."

Royal Caribbean's first quarter results were so good, that the company had to re-adjust its full year expectations because business is booming right now.  

Truist analysts Patrick Scholes and Gregory Miller said, "This was the best quarterly cruise result vs. expectations we have seen in many years."

New class of ship leading big demand

The results are clear: a lot of people are excited to sail on Icon of the Seas.

At 250,600 tons, she will take the title of the biggest cruise ship ever built and that size is good news for Royal Caribbean's bottom line.

Once finished, she will have two more passenger decks than the current biggest ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas.

Icon will also be about 10 feet longer than Wonder, coming in at 1,198 feet long.

"Our normalized load factor will we will begin to rise," Mr. Liberty explained. "And that's really leading with with icon coming on, which will have a higher load factor profile."

What Mr. Liberty means is Icon can handle more passengers too. 

The maximum capacity for Icon will be 7,600, about 7% higher than Wonder of the Seas' maximum capacity of 7,084 passengers.

Icon of the Seas was announced as a new kind of cruise ship back in 2016. She is under construction in Finland, and will be the first new class of Royal Caribbean cruise ship in almost a decade.

Not only is she big, but Royal Caribbean is loading her up with all sorts of new offerings that has clearly resonated with consumers.

The ship will have new types of cabins, a water park, new neighborhoods, and plenty of activities inbetween.  

One big focus of the ship is the family cruise market, which the cruise line is actively targeting.

Icon of the Seas will have a dedicated neighborhood for families, known as Surfside.  Surfside is aimed at competing with the Orlando family vacation market.

In 2022, Mr. Bayley talked about how Icon will offer something more intriguing to families that might otherwise consider a Florida land vacation, "The Icon product, along with Perfect Day, with the kind of experiences that we're offering, with the kind of new accommodations that we have on Icon and the experiences that we have for young families, older families and of course couples and singles and what have you, is really squarely standing shoulder to shoulder with Orlando and those kind of destinations."

"We're really focusing on this target market, which is family and of course has many new neighborhoods, including a neighborhood called Surfside, which is absolutely focused on young families and those young families with children six and under travel all year round, because obviously parents can pull their kids out of pre-K."

Mr. Liberty echoed that goal in his comments today, "With Icon, we set out to create the ultimate vacation for thrill seekers, the chill enthusiasts, and everyone in between without compromise."

The first sailing of Icon of the Seas, a seven-night voyage out of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean, is scheduled for January 27, 2024.

The ship will sail year-round out of Miami in 2024, alternating between Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, with four different routings available for departures between January 2024 and April 2025.

Last-minute cruise bookings help swing Royal Caribbean Group's financial fortunes towards a better place in the first quarter.

Royal Caribbean Group released its first quarter 2023 results on Thursday, which included better results than the company forecasted despite a net loss for the quarter.

The company had a first quarter loss of $47.9 million.

These results were significantly better than the company's guidance primarily due to strong close-in bookings at higher prices, continued strength of onboard spend, and favorable timing of operating costs.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said he was pleasantly surprised with the numbers, "We knew that demand for our business was strong and strengthening, but we have been pleasantly surprised with how swiftly demand further accelerated well above historical trends and at higher rates."

"Leisure travel continues to strengthen as consumer spend further shifts towards experiences. Demand for our brands is outpacing broader travel due to a strong rebound and an attractive value proposition," added Liberty. "We are increasing full year guidance, given the significant momentum in our business, and we are well on our way to achieve our Trifecta goals."

First quarter by the numbers

Total revenue for the first quarter was $2.9 billion, with a net loss of $47.9 million.

Overall capacity was at 102% for the quarter.  Capacity (load factors) can be over 100% when more than two people stay in a cabin (i.e. children).

Gross Cruise Costs per Available Passenger Cruise Days ("APCD") increased 8.2% as-reported and 8.8% in Constant-Currency, compared to the first quarter of 2019. 

Royal Caribbean Group had a better first quarter because of three reasons:

• Strong close-in demand for cruises (people booking more cruises close to sail date)
• Ships sailing with more people and at higher prices
• Lots of people booking things for their cruise onboard or online

Royal Caribbean Group reports it is generating significantly more bookings at meaningfully higher prices than in prior years, particularly from the North American consumer. 

In the first quarter, the company continued to benefit from multiple actions taken over the past several years to reshape its cost structure which is helping to offset persistent inflation.

"First quarter results reflect continued strong demand for cruising and our teams' focus on delivering the best vacation experiences that exceed guest expectations," said Naftali Holtz, chief financial officer, Royal Caribbean Group. "We also benefited from favorable timing of operating expenses, as well as our continued focus on improving margins consistent with our Trifecta goals."

As of March 31, 2023, the Group's customer deposit balance was at a record $5.3 billion.  

Big demand for cruises

The key detail in the first quarter results seems to be stronger than expected demand for cruises.

There was particularly strong close-in demand for Caribbean itineraries, which accounted for close to 80% of first quarter capacity of available cabins to book.

To put this in perspective, booking volumes in the first quarter were significantly higher than the corresponding period in 2019. 

Because of this demand, Royal Caribbean Group saw a record-breaking WAVE season, which drove up prices as well added more people onto cruise ships.

As a result, the company has adjusted its  full-year expectations for ticket and onboard revenue, as well as earnings. They're calling it a "significant increase" in the forecast.

In a statement filed today, the company expects to significantly exceed prior record Adjusted EBITDA, achieved in 2019. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial metric that includes the removal of various one-time, irregular, and non-recurring items from EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization)

Paying back loans

Between 2020 and 2022, Royal Caribbean Group took out a number of loans to keep the company going during the cruise industry shutdown.  Here's an update on paying them back.

During the first quarter, the company repaid $0.3 billion of debt maturities and generated $1.3 billion in operating cash flow. In the first quarter, the company issued $0.7 billion of 7.25% senior guaranteed notes due 2030 to refinance 2023 and 2024 debt maturities and extended $2.3 billion of its existing revolving credit facility commitment to April 2025. 

As of March 31, 2023, the scheduled debt maturities for the remainder of 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 were $1.8 billion, $2.3 billion, $3.7 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively.

New cruise ships

In 2023, Royal Caribbean Group will take delivery of three new cruise ships:

• Icon of the Seas
• Celebrity Ascent
• Silver Nova

All of these ships were ordered and financed pre-2020.

Royal Caribbean Group expects to spend about a half billion dollars on capital expenditures on non-new cruise ships.

Would they order more new ships? They only said that half a billion dollar figure does not "include potential ship sales or additions that the company may elect in the future."

If your Royal Caribbean cruise had a scheduled stop in Skagway, Alaska, it looks less likely you'll be able to go.

Guests booked on Quantum of the Seas for this year's Alaska cruise season received updates via email from the cruise line that stops there have been replaced with visits to other ports.

So far, there's been no change to Ovation of the Seas' scheduled visits to Skagway. This post will be updated if that changes.

Skagway is one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports, but an issue with the pier is preventing as many ships as usual from calling on it.

Last cruise season, landslides in Skagway, Alaska impacted the pier where Royal Caribbean ships dock. The resulting damage to the pier has necessitated the change, according to the cruise line.

The issue comes from large rocks above the railroad dock in Skagway. Rock slides are not uncommon, but falling rocks last year damaged the pier. Moreover, a rather large rock, known locally as "ship rock", is at risk of falling.

Ship rock poses a danger over one area of the pier, but the remainder of the dock is long enough to accommodate two cruise ships, provided one of them is relatively small.

"While repairs have been ongoing, they won't be ready for two large ships visiting simultaneously," the email to passengers said.

Instead, Quantum of the Seas will visit other ports.  Depending on the sailing, the replacement ports vary. Some itineraries are having the Skagway stop replaced with Icy Strait Point, Alaska, with others are going to Ketchikan, Alaska instead.

In addition, more time is being given in other ports to make up for the issue.

Any pre-paid Royal Caribbean International shore excursions booked for Skagway will automatically be refunded to the original form of payment. 

What to do in Icy Strait Point

If your new itinerary is taking you to Icy Strait Point, you can expect to find quite a few fun activities for your time there.

Icy Strait Point, located in Hoonah, Alaska, offers visitors a unique cultural experience, as it is owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, a native Alaskan corporation. 

Related: How I spent the day at Icy Strait Point on my Royal Caribbean cruise

One of the top attractions in Icy Strait Point is the ZipRider, which is the world's largest zip line. This exhilarating ride offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The zip line stretches for 5,330 feet and descends 1,330 feet, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. 

For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the Icy Strait Point nature trail is a great option. This trail is a two-mile loop through the forest, offering visitors the chance to see wildlife and learn about the local flora and fauna. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.

Visitors to Icy Strait Point can also take a whale watching tour, where they can spot humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life. The tours are led by experienced guides who offer interesting insights into the whales' behavior and habitat. The tour boats are specially designed for wildlife viewing, offering a comfortable and safe experience for visitors.

Icy Strait Point is also home to the Huna Totem Heritage Center, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the culture and history of the Tlingit people. Visitors can learn about the Tlingit's rich history and traditions, view traditional art and artifacts, and watch cultural performances. The center also offers workshops where visitors can learn traditional crafts such as basket weaving and carving.

For those interested in fishing, Icy Strait Point offers excellent opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including salmon and halibut. 

Finally, Icy Strait Point is a great place to sample local Alaskan cuisine. The port has several restaurants and cafes that offer fresh seafood and other local dishes. Visitors can try fresh Alaskan salmon, crab, and other seafood specialties, as well as traditional Tlingit dishes such as fried bread and smoked salmon.

What to do in Ketchikan

Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," this city offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historical sites. 

One of the most popular activities in Ketchikan is salmon fishing. Visitors can book a fishing charter and try their hand at catching a variety of salmon, including king, coho, and pink salmon. 

Related: Local guide of places to visit in Ketchikan, Alaska

Another popular activity in Ketchikan is visiting the Totem Bight State Historical Park. This park is home to a collection of totem poles, some of which date back to the 1800s.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the park and learn about the history and culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who created these beautiful works of art. The park also has a replica of a traditional Native Alaskan longhouse.

Visitors to Ketchikan can also take a scenic flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords National Monument. This vast wilderness area is known for its dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. 

Ketchikan is also home to the Tongass Historical Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the region. Visitors can learn about the early settlers, the fishing industry, and the Native Alaskan cultures that have shaped the area. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents, as well as interactive exhibits that offer a hands-on learning experience.

Finally, Ketchikan is home to many shops and galleries that offer local art and crafts. Visitors can browse through the shops and pick up a unique souvenir or gift, such as a hand-carved totem pole or a piece of traditional Native Alaskan art. The city also has several restaurants that offer fresh seafood and other local dishes, as well as craft breweries and distilleries that offer tastings and tours.

Read more about Ketchikan:

• Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan
• Visiting Saxman Native Village in Ketchikan
• Spending a day in Ketchikan, Alaska on a cruise

What to do in Sitka

Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty, Sitka is a popular destination for visitors on an Alaska cruise. 

One of the most popular attractions in Sitka is the Sitka National Historical Park. This park is home to a collection of totem poles, some of which date back to the 1800s.

Read more: Local’s guide of what to do in Sitka, Alaska

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the park and learn about the history and culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who created these beautiful works of art. The park also has a visitor center that offers educational exhibits and programs on the area's history and culture.

Another must-visit attraction in Sitka is the Russian Bishop's House. This historic building was built in 1843 and served as the residence for the Russian Orthodox bishop in Alaska.

Today, the building is a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the Russian colonial period in Alaska. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and learn about the daily life of the Russian bishop and his staff.

Sitka is also home to many outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can take a guided hike through the nearby Tongass National Forest, which is home to towering trees, rushing streams, and a diverse array of wildlife.

For those interested in the natural history of the area, Sitka offers several options. The Sitka Sound Science Center is a research and education center that offers exhibits and programs on the marine ecology of the area.

The Alaska Raptor Center is another great option for nature lovers, with a focus on the rehabilitation and release of injured birds of prey, such as bald eagles and owls.

Read more about Sitka:

• Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska
• Spending a day in Sitka, Alaska while on a cruise
• Exploring downtown Sitka on your own

After years of cruising exclusively in North America, I'm ready to try my first Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe.

A cruise to Europe had been on my radar for a long time, but timing and a cruise industry shutdown prevented me from getting there until now. Thanks to a semi-last-minute opportunity, I'm taking my first European cruise and it'll be a Norwegian Fjords cruise later this month.

I'm booked on a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, England that will visit Haugesund, Geiranger, Olden, and Bergen, Norway.

Not only have I always wanted to try a cruise from Europe, the idea of a colder weather cruise held much more appeal to me as I enjoy a break from the endless summer that I "enjoy" living in Florida.

While the Royal Caribbean cruise ship experience is fairly consistent across the fleet and around the world, cruising to Europe is bound to bring its own differences and nuances that will be a challenge compared to what I'm used to.

Besides the obvious travel requirements to get from the United States to England, I realized there's going to be a number of changes on how I cruise and logistics I have to plan for prior to my arrival.

I've done about as much research as I can leading up to my cruise in just two weeks, and here are the things I'm planning to do before I take my first European cruise.

Convert some cash into Pounds and Euros

While I don't think anyone would not take US Dollars, I believe it's a good idea to get at least some cash in both Great British Pounds and Euros for when I'm off the ship.

Royal Caribbean certainly takes dollars (like in the casino), but I'll be spending a few days before and after the cruise in London (more on that later in this post), along with time on shore in Norway.

At first I thought I would just rely on a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, especially since credit cards are so widely used in Europe. But I think having at least some spending cash in local currency will greatly benefit me, especially if there's street foods or other quick transactions necessary.

My plan is to get cash for my cruise before the cruise from my bank, and then do a currency exchange once I get into London. Airport currency exchange kiosks are convenient, but one benefit of having a few days in London before my cruise is I can take the time to get a better rate at spot in the city.

I'm not entirely sure how much local currency I'll actually need and/or want to change, but I figure there will be additional opportunities to do so again later.  Plus, I could always change back to Dollars prior to my flight home.

Buy a travel adaptor

Between the Airbnb I booked, trains I'll take, and places I'll visit, I'm going to need to keep my phone and laptop charged and my US plugs won't work.

I didn't own any travel adaptors, so I set out to find one that will work in both England and Norway. 

In my research, I found a ton of similar devices that would do the trick. I settled on the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (this is an affiliate link, which means I get a small commission but there's no extra cost to you) primarily because it was the Amazon recommended option and seemed to be priced well among its peers.

It's an all-in-one adapter that has 4 USB-A ports (2.4A), 1 USB-C port (3A), and 1 AC socket.

Spend a few days pre-cruise in London

No matter where you cruise, it's a good idea to always fly in at least one day before your cruise begins.

I'll be spending two nights before my cruise in London, which will provide plenty of time to adjust to local time and more importantly, see the city.

I've never been to London, so I booked an Airbnb in the Mayfair district so that I could be centrally located.  My plan is to explore on my own and start my trip off with sightseeing and plenty of local food.

London seems like a very easy city to navigate via the London Underground (tube), so I'm optimistic about my chances of working a lot in.

Take the train from London to Southampton

Anthem of the Seas sails from Southampton, which is about an hour and a half away via a train ride.

It takes about an hour and there's lots of trains that go there and it seems like the most cost-effective way to get there. I could also take a taxi or bus, but traffic concerns are pushing me towards the train.

Once I get to Southampton Central Station, I'll take a taxi.  I believe it will cost around £10/$13 and takes 10 minutes by taxi.

My only concern with this plan is there could be a rail strike planned for that weekend. The idea of strikes impacting travel like this is quite foreign in the United States.

I can always fall back on an Uber ride if all else fails, so I'll leave that as my contingency plan.

Skip excursions in some ports

If I've learned one thing from my friend Emma Cruises, it's the importance of doing things on your own in port in Europe.

There are lots of shore excursions you can book, but most of the towns in Norway are small towns you can easily walk and do things on your own.

Certainly in Bergen, my plan is to forgo any tour and explore on my own. The funicular railway seems quite easy to do on your own, plus the city has lots to see.

In other ports, I do have Royal Caribbean tours booked simply to get easily to the fjords.  My overarching goal is to see the fjords and natural wonders of Norway, so I want to ensure I see them.  To that point, I have booked a few tours through the cruise line.

I don't think booking a tour through Royal Caribbean is a mistake by any means, but I'm sure I could book similar tours on my own for cheaper. The only risk with going through Royal Caribbean is if the weather is worse when your tour is slated, you may not get a great view compared to someone who was able to go later because they went on their own schedule.

No matter where you book your tours, it's very important to book them as early as you can because of how quickly shore excursions are selling out.

In the case of Haugesund, we leave early (7am to 3pm), so I decided it was more important to stick with the cruise line.

Given it's my first time in Norway, I'm a bit apprehensive about getting around, so I'm probably being more cautious than necessary.

Pack for Norway like an Alaska cruise

In doing research for a Norwegian Fjords cruise, it became quickly apparent how similar the weather is to an Alaska cruise.

Just like Alaska, the weather can change rapidly, so you'll need proper clothing to adjust to rain, sun, cold, and warm conditions.

In short, the weather in Norway can be highly variable, and can also change dramatically from morning to afternoon.

The best strategy is to pack in layers. This means going with the three layers to pack:

• Base layer: t-shirt and jeans
• Warm layer: Fleece or down jacket/sweater
• Waterproof layer: Thin waterproof jacket suitable for when it rains

At the very least, I'll pack my waterproof shoes, a waterproof jacket, jeans, and a couple of hoodies.

Since I have proper clothing from my Alaska cruise last summer, there isn't much I have to buy specifically for this cruise.

Read more: The worst cruise packing mistakes to avoid

Lots of sun (even at night)

Another similarity to Alaska cruises is how late the sun sets in Norway.

Summer in Northern Europe means the sun sets much later than what we're used to at home.

The average sunset time in May in Norway is 09:49 pm.

It's an adjustment, but after a day or two you'll get used to it.  In my Alaska cruises, I don't recall ever struggling to go to sleep, although it is odd to see sunlight outside your cabin.

I don't think I'll need to go to the lengths of packing an eye mask, as the cabin curtains usually does the trick for me. Even when I take an afternoon nap, the room can get quite dark.  I will need to remember to pack a hair clip to ensure the curtains stay together.

Book a balcony cabin

If there aren't enough Alaska cruise comparisons yet, one more is the importance of booking a balcony cabin.

Even though I'm going solo on this cruise, I decided to book a balcony for the casual scenery viewing opportunities.

As the ship sails up and down the coast of Norway, there will be lots to see around us and my plan is to either be in the cabin or my balcony so I can quickly see things going by.

When I was in Alaska last year, we didn't have a balcony and I regretted not being able to quickly pop outside to see what was happening and then back inside. 

Happy weekend! In case you missed any Royal Caribbean news, here is a look at everything that happened this week!

Are you ready to board Royal Caribbean's new specialty restaurant concept?

While it's very early in the design phase, Royal Caribbean is working on a immersive dining experience for Utopia of the Seas that will take diners on virtual train rides.

We have a first look at the new restaurant and what one possibility of what the experience could be like.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean's next-gen cruise ship will advance goal of creating sustainable cruising
• Royal Caribbean will introduce new family fun ambassador on Icon of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean Junior Suite Perks
• What’s a good amount of days for a first cruise?
• 6 things I never buy for my kids on a cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 497th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing important tips for solo cruisers.

This week's episode shares the things anyone going on a cruise by themselves should know before they sail.

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

New RCB Video: 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

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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 — 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Inside look at Icon of the Seas Thrill Island development

Royal Caribbean is actually testing out one of its newest neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas in its Miami headquarters.

Thrill Island will be home to six new water slides, along with a host of other fun activities. At Royal Caribbean's Innovation Lab in Miami, Florida, the cruise line life-size mock-ups to give its executives and team members a real-world look at what their plans on paper will actually look like once built.

We toured the testing facility to show the lengths the cruise line is going to ensure it's perfect when the new ship launches.

Cruise advice that makes sense until you get on your ship

You'll hear lots of cruise tips before you sail, but a few of them seem to make sense until you get onboard.

There's merit in these cruise tips, but in practical terms, they just don't work well. Whether because they're too limiting or impractical, these are the cruise tips you might want to think twice about embracing.

Here's my list of cruise tips that aren't as good as they sound.

12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room

Whether you're a picky eater or not, the cruise ship buffet is an underrated option for dinner.

There are advantages to eating at the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, including convenience, variety, and service.

To help make this decision easier, here are 12 reasons to eat at the buffet instead of the dining room on your cruise.

I'm about to turn Pinnacle!

After 68 cruises, Matt is on the precipice of reaching Royal Caribbean's highest tier in the Crown and Anchor Society: Pinnacle.

To get to Pinnacle, you need 700 points and hitting that level means not only a lot of cruising, but dedication to one line.

Matt shares what special benefits you can expect if you make it to Pinnacle, and what stands out about this elite club.

I love reading and sharing Royal Caribbean tips that help to have a better cruise experience, but some of them sound better than they perform when you try them out.

I've learned a lot of tricks for improving how I cruise, and there's no doubt many have saved me time, money, and sanity along the way.

However, some tricks sound great when I'm sitting at home on the couch and dreaming of my cruise, but when I apply them onboard, I instantly regret the decision.

The reality is no matter how sensible or logical a cruise tip might be, if it doesn't jive with your personality or travel style, it may end up being a hindrance rather than beneficial.

In thinking of my own experience, I wanted to share 8 cruise tips I've heard over the years that seemed like a great idea until I actually tried them.

Skipping buying WiFi on the ship

I'll often see skipping out on an internet package as a way to save money on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Cruise ship internet access isn't cheap, plus some people like to disconnect from the world while on a cruise vacation.  So this leads to the advice to avoid purchasing an internet package completely.

While there's no doubt not buying an internet package will save money, I just don't find it practical at all.

Admittedly, I'm a geek and being on the internet is more important to me than perhaps other people.

I think it's only when you don't have internet access at all that you realize how many little things you rely on the internet for, besides email and web browsing.

Texting with family, checking weather forecasts before you leave the ship, and paying bills on time are all little things that are great to have the internet for on a cruise.

Plus, I don't equate internet access with being any more or less relaxed. There are plenty of distractions on a cruise ship beyond the internet, so besides not checking your work email, I think having WiFi provides another form of entertainment in addition to books, magazines, or movies.

I'm all for saving money, but I can't skimp on WiFi.

Staying on the ship instead of doing a shore excursion

Whether you've been to a port of call many times or haven't found any interesting shore excursions, I've often considered staying on the ship during a port visit.

There's a few different compelling reasons to stay on your ship during a port day: save money on shore excursions, have more time to enjoy onboard amenities, or avoid disappointment when excursions aren't interesting.

All of those rationales are perfectly good reasons to stay onboard, but I find after an hour or two I start getting "FOMO" (fear of missing out).

Maybe it's the sun shining, clear blue waters, or a bit of cabin fever, but I really enjoy walking off the ship and doing something in port. Even if I just walk around the port area for a little bit, I find enjoying what the port has to offer as a nice change of pace.

Read more: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

Hot shore excursions in the summer

So many ideas seem great when you're resting comfortably in your climate controlled home, especially certain outdoor shore excursions.

I'm far from the most active person in the world, but I'll occasionally see an interesting tour that involves walking, hiking, kayaking, or just an active outdoor experience and think this might be perfect.

These tours are indeed great, but I really detest physically active excursions in uncomfortably hot and humid conditions, which primarily subsist in the Caribbean.

In short, getting really hot and sweaty isn't my thing and I end up being more uncomfortable from how hot it is rather than the tour itself.

Instead, I'll save those tours for taking a winter Caribbean cruise and double down on beach or pool-based excursions.

"I don't need a drink package because I won't drink that much"

File this under the "realities of cruising", but it's common to think you won't drink a lot on a cruise because of how much you drink at home.

A Royal Caribbean drink package has a big up front cost, but it provides unlimited beverages during your cruise. It's difficult to justify spending hundreds of dollars up front to buy a drink package.

I think there's a few reasons why I end up regretting not buying a drink package during the cruise.

First, you're on vacation and you drink differently on vacation compared to at home. Not only is going on a cruise more care-free, but there's far more opportunity to indulge.

In addition, Royal Caribbean drink prices aren't cheap, and after a three or so drinks each day, your bar bill is going to add up quickly.

Between the drink costs and enjoyment of being able to have a drink on the pool deck, dinner, and at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a drink package investment pays off in the long run more often than it may seem like initially.

Waiting to book your next cruise until you get onboard

Royal Caribbean rewards anyone that books a new cruise while still onboard their ship with extra benefits, but it's actually a mistake to wait to book your cruise until you get onboard.

The NextCruise office is where you can go to book a new Royal Caribbean cruise while onboard, and it offers extra onboard credit and reduced deposit as incentives to do so.

The problem with booking a cruise at NextCruise is if you know in the weeks or months leading up to your cruise which cruise to book.  By waiting until you get onboard the ship to book it, the price may increase to the point it offsets the benefit of getting extra onboard credit.

Royal Caribbean cruise prices are fluid and can change at anytime.  Over the course of days, weeks, or months, the price could definitely go up.

My advice is if you know there's a cruise you want to book now, go ahead and contact your travel agent to book it now. 

Read more: Should you book your next cruise while onboard?

NextCruise is great for when you're on the ship and are struck with the motivation to suddenly book another cruise. In that case, you should definitely go and book the cruise at NextCruise.

Packing and wearing a poofy dress

This next tip comes from RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Evie, who shared a humorous story of why packing an over-the-top outfit may seem like a better idea until you actually do it.

Evie wanted to get some photos of herself dressed up in a dress that she picked out at home to bring on her cruise. Not only did she like the dress, but she thought it would look great to wear on the ship because she could take advantage of the backdrops and photo opportunities onboard.

When it came time to cruise, she then realized her large, poofy dress was more trouble than she thought.

Packing a dress that large in conventional luggage is no easy task, and then when she got it onboard, she had to contend with the strong breezes that can flare up onboard form doors opening around the ship.

She eventually got the photos she wanted, but it was a lesson for Evie in what not to pack for a cruise in the future.

"I'm going to the gym every day"

Royal Caribbean's fitness centers have lots of great equipment for a workout on your cruise, and so many cruisers plan on taking advantage of the gym during their cruise.

While many plan on hitting the gym every day, in reality, those plans fall to the wayside pretty quickly.

The second day of the cruise is usually busy in the fitness center, but as the cruise fun goes on, the motivation (and energy) to wake up early to hit the gym seems to falter quite quickly.

While there are some truly dedicated cruisers that make it to the gym again and again, a lot of others seem to give up and plan to resume their fitness routine after they get home.

Booking the cheapest cabin

Cutting corners and saving money where you can is definitely a sound financial strategy, but you also have to weigh the pros and cons of going cheap versus enjoying your well-deserved vacation.

It can be difficult to know if you should book the cheapest room on a cruise or spend extra for a nicer cabin.

Read more: Why you shouldn't book the cheapest cruise you can find

If you shop by price alone, you may end up with a cruise cabin that you're stuck with for the duration of the cruise. There's nothing inherently wrong with an small inside cruise ship cabin, but it may clash with what you're used to on land.

Cruise ship cabins are typically much smaller than hotel rooms on land, and the smallest rooms on a ship are really small, coming in at less than 300 square feet.  If you're sharing this space with someone else, then the lack of space can really become problematic.

Read more: I tried the cheapest Royal Caribbean cabin I could find and here's how it went

Everyone has a vacation budget, but be realistic about your cabin choice so you don't end up walking into your room and then realize you've made a mistake.

Read more: We tried different cruise ship cabins to see how they compared

June is the official start of the summer cruise season, which means warm temperatures on pretty much every Royal Caribbean ship you can sail on (outside of Alaska).

Have a cruise planned in June? This should provide you the important information for navigating a cruise this month.

June is when summer cruises get into full swing in Europe and Alaska. This means all the ships are in position to offer a full assortment of cruises this month.

Depending on where you live, school begins to let out for summer break during the month of June. This means as the month progresses, so do the crowds and demand for sailings.

If you're looking to get a deal on a cruise, your best is to look for a last-minute cruise deal for early June. Of course, that may be easier said than done, as available cabins may be limited.

Ships sailing in June 2023

Royal Caribbean's ships will be operating out of three primary markets: Alaska, Europe, and Caribbean.

Read more: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2023

Summer is actually a off-peak time for cruises to the Caribbean. You will find far less ships sailing to the Caribbean because many vessels have been redeployed to Europe and Alaska. It's also as hot as it gets in the Caribbean during the summer.

The advantage of a summer cruise to the Caribbean is there are less ships overall to contend with, making for favorable conditions in the ports you will visit since there will be less passengers in port.

June weather on a cruise

June temperatures in the Caribbean typically range from about 78 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and 70 to 80 at night. 

Expect water temperatures around 81 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

This means hot and humid conditions for a Caribbean cruise with very warm ocean temperatures as well.

Officially, the hurricane season begins on June first, but tropical storms don't usually get going until later in the season.

Read more: What to know about cruising during hurricane season in the Caribbean

Let's move over to Europe, where you will find the sunniest month of the cruise season. June is a fabulous time to take a Mediterranean cruise because of the warm, but not yet hot, temperatures that come later in the summer. On top of that, there are less crowds in June compared to next month.

June is also the time of year when the Mediterranean Sea is finally warm enough to swim, with an average water temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

If your European cruise goes to Northern Europe, expect high temperatures in the low 60s, and night time temperatures in the low 50s.

In Alaska, expect the least rain of the year. This is the perfect month for outdoor shore excursions, such as hiking.

Read more: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

The average temperature for an Alaska cruise are lows in the upper 40s and highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. Towards the end of June, you benefit from additional daylight, with up to 18 hours of sunlight.

You're going to need layers for this sort of weather, so it's important to pack for your Alaska cruise effectively.

Is June a good month to cruise?

June is a great month to take a cruise if you're sailing to either Alaska or Europe because of the fact it's not as busy as the rest of the summer.

You'll encounter warmer temperatures in June in Alaska without the higher rainfall chances that come in July. This is important to help reduce the risk of your Alaska shore excursions getting rained out.

Expect high temperatures around 60 degrees in Alaska in June. Plus, June is when the flowers start blooming again.

Equally beneficial to a June Alaska cruise are prices.  While the price for an Alaska cruise in June will cost more than May, it's still going to be cheaper than a July Alaska cruise.

In fact, if you can cruise during the first two weeks of June, you'll find much better prices than the second half of the month.

Similarly, Europe in June is a time of year where you can enjoy a warm Mediterranean cruise without the big crowds that come by in July and August.

That being said, the price of a June cruise won't be cheap in Europe. Typically, the highest prices of the year for a Mediterranean cruise will peak in June through August.

More information

• 25 things you need to know for your first day on a cruise ship
• 2023 Royal Caribbean Cruise Planning Guide
• Things I've done that I'll never do again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 7 things worth checking again on a Royal Caribbean cruise
• 6 things you may not have tried on a Royal Caribbean cruise

I love going on Royal Caribbean cruises with my kids, but there are at least a few things I don't think are worth buying for them.

Family vacations are perfect on a cruise ship because of how we get to spend a lot of time together, but there are also opportunities for the kids and parents to have fun on their own as well.

Part of the fun of a cruise is indulging in certain add-ons, such as fun shore excursions, family photos, or a cabana rental. However, there are a few extras I personally don't think are worthwhile for my kids and I generally steer clear of them.

In most cases, these are things that I don't think are worth it for them, or it's simply excessive.  As a parent, you want your kids to have a good time, but spoiling them isn't in the cards (that's what grandparents are for).

While my kids might think I'm being "the worst" dad ever, these are cruise extras I won't bother buying for them on any cruise.

Drink package

Royal Caribbean's drink packages are a great value, but I don't think it's necessary for kids, especially kids that aren't teenagers yet.

I look at any drink package purchase as a question of "breaking even" on the investment, meaning can I consume enough drinks every day of the cruise to get value from the package in lieu of paying for drinks individually.

My kids are still young enough that they'd only ever have one sugary drink at home, and on vacation, more than 2 or 3 feels excessive for them from a health perspective. Plus, they have enough energy without a sugar kick to keep going most days.

For anyone new to cruising with Royal Caribbean, it's also important to know which drinks are included with your cruise fare.  It's not like the kids are relegated to water for the duration of the sailing.

It also greatly helps that they are Diamond Plus members in Crown and Anchor Society, so they get a few free drinks per day from their perks.

Ultimately, I'm all for them splurging on a cruise, but a drink package seems excessive for them.

Jewelry

I have two girls, and as of yet, I don't think jewelry makes a lot of sense to buy for them.

My kids have some jewelry, but the sort of jewelry you can buy on the ship's shops are over the top for their personal attention to detail.  

Essentially, the risk of them misplacing or damaging jewelry is quite high, so investing in something nice would be more of an exercise in futility than anything else. 

When they get more responsible, I think there's a good rationale to reward them with something nice from a shop onboard or on shore, but for now, the cheap stuff from our mall is what they need.

Prepaid arcade credits

We usually make a pilgrimage to the ship's arcade at least once per cruise, but I never buy the prepaid arcade credits.

There's two reasons why I don't purchase the arcade credit package pre-cruise on Royal Caribbean's website.

First, it seems there's always left over credits that you're trying to figure out the right combination of arcade credits and extra credits to finally get rid of your balance. It's just easier to pay for credits as you go, rather than rely on a balance ahead of time.

Second, it's not uncommon for certain arcade machines to be out of order, which means there are less games appealing to them and that leaves us with arcade credits we end up spending for the sake of spending them.

Candy from the duty free shop

My kids eat plenty of junk on a cruise, so we don't need to spend extra money on the duty free candy.

Besides the bottles of liquor you can purchase onboard, there's also large quantities of candy you can buy in the duty free store.

I find there's many treats to enjoy around the ship for no additional cost. Plus, we'll bring a few extra snacks onboard the ship from home to have so they can nosh in the cabin from time to time.

I have no idea if the candy sold in the duty free shop is any kind of deal, but I think it's unnecessary for us to buy for our kids.

Dining package

I don't buy my kids a dining package on a cruise, but not because I'm being cheap or think it's excessive.

My oldest daughter really loves specialty dining, so we visit our fair share of specialty restaurants during a cruise.  I'll buy a dining package for my wife and I, but I'll skip the kids.

At any specialty restaurant, kids ages 6-12 can dine there for a flat $12.99 cover charge. Kids 5 years old and under eat free. Just show up and I pay for the kids on the SeaPass account.

Another reason I don't buy them a dining package is sometimes they eat elsewhere. My youngest daughter is super picky, and we often get her a couple of slices of pizza from Sorrento's. The staff doesn't mind that we bring the food with us while the rest of us enjoy the meal at the restaurant.

Kids get charged less and it provides more flexibility in case they prefer to eat from another venue.

Historically or culturally significant shore excursions

I admit I struggle with taking my kids on certain shore excursions that have a great deal of significance, but I know they wont appreciate.

On the one hand, I want to expose my kids to the world and have them learn about the things, places, and times that shaped our world. It's important for everyone to know these things, including kids.

But, no matter how many times you tell your kids something they are seeing or doing is important, you can't force them to actually appreciate it.  Or at least have them stop complaining they're bored.

As an example, when we took a cruise to Cuba, we left the kids onboard because we knew they were too young to care about Cuba's political history. 

I know that if I ask them if they'd be interested in certain tours, I'm sure they'd say no to just about anything not involving ice cream or the beach. There's a certain level of filtering you have to do as a parent to know what's best for them.  In other cases, there are certain excursions that are definitely better for a more mature audience.

More information

• 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets
• Best Royal Caribbean ships for kids
• Eight lessons I learned by going on a cruise with kids
• The ultimate kids cruise packing list
• From a former cruise kid: Why you should go on a cruise ship with your kids

Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise in May opens the beginning of the summer cruise season.

If you have a cruise planned in May, this article is aimed at giving you a preview of what to expect for sailing this month, as well as helpful tips.

With spring break over, May is generally a slower month in terms of demand (with the exception of Memorial Day Weekend) because school is in session, and most families either just took vacation over spring break, or are about to take vacation next month when school is out.

It's also the month when Royal Caribbean's European cruise season begins in earnest with all the ship that will sail from the region in place to start service.

The Memorial Day holiday in the United States can see a bit more demand for cruises, although primarily for weekend cruises.

Certainly there is less demand for cruises in the first three weeks of May.

The Alaska cruise season will also fully start up in the month of May. Royal Caribbean will have four cruise ships sailing to Alaska in 2023.

Read more: Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing in Alaska 2023

May weather on a cruise

It's going to get warmer in May in the Caribbean, so expect high temperatures to reach the high 80s and low temperatures not getting below the 70s.

In terms of rainfall, the wet season will resume in some areas. You will see lots of passing showers in places like San Juan, Puerto Rico or Antigua.

Over in Europe, the sun will be shining in the Mediterranean without the larger crowds that will come later this summer. May is the best time for a Greek Isles cruise because there is very little rain combined with temperatures in the high 60s and 70s.

The one downside of May in the Mediterranean is sea temperatures tend to be still chilly. If you want warm ocean temperatures in May, the Caribbean is the place for you.

Read more: What is the best time to cruise the Mediterranean?

If you're cruising to Alaska in May, expect less rain than normal. May is one of the driest months of the season, with just a 25% chance of rain. 

The average high in southeast Alaska is 54 degrees and the average low is 39 degrees.

Read more: When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

Sailings to the Mexican Riviera, expect more rain in the forecast. The months of May to October are the wettest months of the year (same for Eastern Mexico).

The eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30. 

Is May a good month to cruise the Caribbean?

May is a great month to sail as it offers warm weather without the crowds that you'll find later in the summer.

Because May is a month where most kids are still in school, demand for cruises is less than April or June.  After all, families either just took a spring break cruise last month or are about to take their summer vacations next month.  So why take the kids out of school for a vacation in May?

The result is demand is generally lower, and prices tend to be lower for May cruises compared to other months of the spring and summer.

Read more: The best time to go on a Caribbean cruise

May is also the last month before hurricane season begins, so tropical disturbances are not a factor for cruises in May.  Between the lower prices and comfortable weather, May is one of the best months of the year to take a Caribbean cruise.

May is referred to as the shoulder season for both Alaska and European cruise season. This means it's a time just before the peak of the cruise season commences, and it's an ideal time to get a good price for a cruise to either destination.

Moreover, May is a month where the weather is warm without being sweltering hot.

In Alaska, May can still be on the chilly side, but when the sun shines, you should feel the warmth.  Likewise in Europe, May is a month where it's quite comfortable to be outside.  

Are cruises crowded in May?

In general, Royal Caribbean cruises are almost always sailing full, but demand for cruises in May is usually less than other months of the year.

Your ship may or may not be completely full, but one of the best chances for a few leftover cabins to be available would be in May.

The lessened family travel demand means potentially less cabins with third and fourth passengers, and that could make the ship feel a bit less crowded than if you sailed next month.