Royal Caribbean Blog

How can first-timers book a cruise without making a vital mistake?

The answer is to arm yourself with information.

Royal Caribbean offers fun, elegant family cruises. The line promises a great vacation for guests of all ages.

But before you book, you’ll want to prepare yourself with all the necessary knowledge on Royal Caribbean cruises.

There are endless things that can go wrong if you jump into cruising without the proper education, such as wasting money or picking a ship you don’t end up enjoying.

Booking your first cruise comes with a daunting amount of options: itineraries, cruise lines, destinations, ships, and cabins.

To help you face your first cruise with confidence, we’ve put together a guide with the most important things first-time cruisers should know before booking.

Read more: 7 surprising things I learned when booking a cruise for the first time

Use a travel agent

When it comes to gathering knowledge before booking, a good travel agent will be one of your best resources.

We always recommend using a good travel agent, whether this is your first cruise or you’ve already been on many.

Travel agents are paid by the cruise line to help you make your vacation planning easier. This means that their services don’t cost you anything.

They have a wealth of information on Royal Caribbean and can get to know you and answer all your personal questions. Travel agents can even use their own experience and network to get the answers you need.

They can also help you save money by finding all the discounts and offers available, and even snagging you onboard credit. 

Onboard credit (or OBC) is like a gift card for use onboard the ship. When you book through a travel agent, they can get anywhere from $50-100 in credit.

If you have pricing questions, changes to your reservation, or any further questions, your agent will be the one to call Royal Caribbean directly and sort out the details.

They become your advocate for everything surrounding your cruise, even when you’re onboard the ship.

Not only will they become your library of information, but their assistance will also free you up to focus on the more fun and interesting parts of preparation.

Read more: 12 things I'd tell anyone new to cruise ship travel

Book as early as possible

When to book your Royal Caribbean cruise? As early as possible.

You’ll find the best prices for your cruise when the cruise line first opens bookings.

Because of supply and demand, the closer you get to the sail date, the more prices will rise. As soon as people begin to book the cruise, the price will increase. 

Also, Royal Caribbean wants to fill up their ships, so they encourage guests to book early and even offer early bird incentives.

Read more: The best time to book cruises by day, month, and last-minute

Waiting to book can be a costly choice.

Don’t just wait for a deal or a sale to come along, because it may never show up.

Royal Caribbean cruises are top-rated, and ships frequently fill up. You’re better off booking as early as you can.

However, because bookings usually open 1-2 years before a sailing, this requires a lot of forethought.

If you can’t plan that far ahead because of work or school, you can book your sailing with just a deposit. This gives you the flexibility to grab that low price, but also change the booking later if you need to.

Those living in the US, Canada, or Australia can usually rebook without any penalty if the price drops after booking.

Know the lingo

Who gets a SeaPass card? What does ‘Alpha Alpha Alpha’ mean? What is the lido deck?

The cruising world has many specific terms and phrases that can be strange and confusing for newcomers.

It’s important to learn the meaning of each of these phrases so that you can understand what’s going on during your cruise.

We have a Royal Caribbean cruise ship glossary to help you understand these unfamiliar phrases.

This will help you have clarity during your planning process and onboard the ship.

Check airfare prices

Before booking your cruise, you’ll also want to check how you’ll travel to the cruise port. 

If you don’t live close enough to drive, make sure to consider the cost of a flight.

Airfare can be extremely unpredictable, with prices quickly climbing into the hundreds.

Before you book your cruise, check which airports you’d be flying into, and how much flights cost for the dates you’re considering. 

Read more: How to prepare for a cruise: Last minute things you should do

You’ll want to ensure you are not picking a sailing that requires expensive or impractical flights.

When you do book your flight, remember that, like cruise lines, airlines seem to reward earlier bookings rather than later.

Also, keep in mind that you should fly into the cruise port the day before your cruise leaves. If you experience any delays, the ship will not wait for you!

In short, you should be looking to book a flight as early as possible, to arrive the day before the cruise begins. 

Make sure you look at all nearby airports to find the cheapest option.

Compare classes and ships

Not all Royal Caribbean ships are made equal.

When booking your cruise, you’ll choose from a fleet of 28 ships. 

While there are similarities and a core experience across all of them, features vary between classes and ships.

Just like cars are separated into types like trucks, sedans, and minivans, Royal Caribbean has designed different types of ships. 

These groupings of ships are called classes, and each class shares a common structure, layout, and design. 

Royal Caribbean’s fleet is broken up into 8 classes: Icon, Quantum Ultra, Quantum, Oasis, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance, and Vision.

Each class has its own distinct size, entertainment, activities, and amenities. Individual ships also have their own distinctions.

To book the best cruise for you, you’ll want to consider what features are a priority for you, and then explore which Class might have your favorite features.

For example, if you want to cruise on a ship with water slides, then the Icon, Oasis or Freedom Class might be the best fit.

But if you value visiting more unique ports of call, you might want to look into a smaller ship, like the Radiance or Vision Class.

This is another area in which your travel agent can help you out. They can choose the best ship for you based on your desires and budget.

Just keep in mind that even within a certain class, ships can be different. 

Read more: First time cruise tips for Royal Caribbean

Consult a Cruise Compass

Once you decide what your vacation priorities are, how do you find what’s available on each ship?

Onboard activities can play a major role in which ship you end up booking

If you’re looking for specific activities before you book, or just wondering what there is to do onboard, we have a hack to help you find that information.

Royal Caribbean does not usually publicly share its activities or entertainment for specific cruises before the cruise.

Instead, you can consult previous Cruise Compasses to see what was available on similar sailings on the same ship.

A Cruise Compass is a daily planner or itinerary distributed for each day of the cruise. It lists exactly what activities are available, and when and where they’ll be happening. This can give you a strong idea of what will be offered on a particular sailing.

Understand cabin categories

Depending on which ship you’ve picked, there are many different cabin categories to choose from.

Especially on bigger ships, there’s a variety of options and prices for staterooms.

Make sure that you research before booking a cabin. The best fit for you depends on your goals for the cruise.

Looking for a place to crash at night? Try a cheap interior cabin.

Have a large family with kids who want privacy? You can look into the suite categories.

Read more: What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?

If you’re concerned about noise or seasickness, you’ll always want to look into the best cabin locations.

For the cheapest option, you can book a guarantee stateroom, in which you allow Royal Caribbean to assign you a less desirable cabin for a lower price.

Confirm what’s included in the fare

When I first started cruising, one of the most surprising things was how much ended up being included in the base fare.

As part of your cruise experience, you’ll receive free room cleanings, access to high-quality food venues, child care, pool and hot tub access, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and many exhilarating activities.

Before my cruise, I like to go online and read Royal Caribbean’s Fact Sheet for the ship. That usually lists which venues are complementary and which cost extra.

However, it’s also important that you’re aware of the extra fees that come with a cruise.

Items like WiFi, specialty drinks, room service, gratuities, and shore excursions all cost extra.

As a general rule, it feels like a lot is included in the cruise fare, but items that cost extra come at a high price.

You can expect specialty items (like alcoholic drinks or spa packages) to cost more than they might on land.

In a new heartwarming collaboration, Royal Caribbean has partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to support the nonprofit's mission of fulfilling life-changing wishes for children who are living with critical illnesses worldwide through their new Wishes at Sea program. 

All wishes granted by the cruise line will feature a Royal Caribbean cruise that's designed with wish kids and their families in mind. From complimentary Wi-Fi to private FlowRider sessions, exclusive experiences, VIP treatment, and unique adventures at Perfect Day at CocoCay, every trip will be dedicated to ensuring that the getaway is special. 

"The memories we make with our families and friends on vacation are among the moments that are the most special and impactful, and for wish kids and their families, that very impact can change the course of their lives,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. 

“We are thrilled and humbled to partner with Make-A-Wish for years to come. In this partnership, we are in a position to do what we love – delivering memorable vacations – while making a difference in the lives of those at the heart of Royal Caribbean, families, who need it most.”

What is Make-A-Wish?

Make-A-Wish is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates transformative wishes for children battling critical illnesses. They aim to bring hope, joy, and strength into the lives of the children and their families through the experiences. 

Today, it's the #1 trusted nonprofit operating locally through all 50 U.S. states, and since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 585,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide, more than 375,000 of which were in the United States and its territories. 

Donors, staff, and more than 20,000 volunteers help to deliver hope to both the children and their families. According to their website, 87% of alumni say that their wish was a turning point in their statement. Additionally, 99% of doctors say that the wishes help families alleviate traumatic stress. 

Children eligible must be diagnosed with a critical illness, which is defined as a progressive, degenerative, or malignant condition that places the child's life in jeopardy. Moreover, they must be older than 2.5 years and younger than 18 and have not received a wish from another wish-granting organization. 

What will the experience entail?

The experience begins with a free cruise for the wish kid and their immediate family. Plus, extended family members will receive a 20% discount, so the adventure can be shared with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents!

The wish kid and their immediate family won't have to worry about travel expenses, either, as free transportation is included. Upon arrival at the terminal, the entire group will receive priority boarding, so they can head straight to all of the fun onboard. 

With The Key, they'll receive other perks, too, such as a welcome lunch in the Main Dining Room, VOOM internet, and choice departure on disembarkation day. 

While at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas, the child will be given an All-Access Pass to experience the best attractions that the island has to offer, including a cabana, tickets to Thrill Waterpark, and even a flight on the Up, Up, and Away helium balloon! 

Back on the ship, the wish child will have fast-lane access to popular onboard activities and reserved seating at shows, as well as a private FlowRider session and even a behind-the-scenes tour that includes a meet and greet with the ship's Captain and take-home ship model. Finally, they will receive a celebratory dessert in the Main Dining Room. 

Royal Caribbean cruisers can contribute to the Wishes at Sea program by making donations online

Though online donations are crucial in helping wishes come true, those sailing aboard Royal Caribbean ships will be able to raise awareness and funds during their vacation. From Walk for Wishes 5Ks to walkathons, auctions, and more, there will be various events offered aimed at supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation's mission. You can even donate your casino winnings onboard if you'd like! 

"As we celebrate World Wish Month, we are grateful to partner with Royal Caribbean International and open a sea of new opportunities for us to fulfill our mission of granting life-changing wishes,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. 

“We know that a wish can chart a new course in these children's lives, and we look forward to having the opportunity to work together to deliver that life-changing impact.”

Those interested in donating can visit the Make a Wish website. All proceeds collected onboard Royal Caribbean ships go directly to Make-A-Wish. 

Royal Caribbean has hosted wish kids in the past, helping them create fun memories amidst battling their illness

In 2019, Hannah Updike, a then-rising high school Junior from South Dakota, received a trip to The Bahamas onboard a Royal Caribbean ship. Updike was diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) after her father passed away from the same disease when she was just 13. 

FAP is an inherited disorder that's caused by a defect in the adenomatous polyposis tract. "People with the classic type of familial adenomatous polyposis may begin to develop multiple noncancerous growths in the colon as early as their teenage years...basically, it causes all sorts of cancers and problems," Updike explained. 

To prevent a premature death, both Updike and her brother would need to undergo surgery. Five surgeries later, she was able to embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise with her mother, step-father, and brother. 

“I met lots of people on the cruise from all over the world [and] learned that even though I do have a disease,... I’m still a normal teen trying to live out my life the best way possible,” Updike said.  

Similarly, Lindsey from Chattanooga, Tennesse, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at just 9 years old, was granted a wish to go on an Alaskan cruise. 

A year after receiving her initial diagnosis, she and her family, including her mom, dad, two sisters, brother, and grandfather, flew out to Vancouver to board their cruise.

Their VIP treatment began before embarking on the ship, as they were transported to the terminal in a limo. During the sailing, they went on different excursions, including a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier. 

Royal Caribbean and Make-A-Wish's collaboration guarantees that more children in the future will have the opportunity to create memories akin to Hannah and Lindsey on one of Royal's many ships. 

Watching your favorite team play doesn't take a break when you're on a cruise ship, and for those that are passionate fans, this means catching the game and rooting for their team no matter what.

Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade is Royal Caribbean's sports bar venue, and it features lots of televisions that show a variety of sports programming. For casual game watching, it's a hot spot and can get very busy when there are major events happening.

On Wonder of the Seas, Playmakers has the Owner's Box, which is a private VIP alcove you can rent for a few hours and I wanted to see what it was like to get this during the onset of March Madness in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Playmakers is known for being a sports lovers paradise

The first Playmakers opened on Symphony of the Seas when that ship launched, and it's become a favorite of cruisers for its a la carte menu, viewing opportunities, and causal atmosphere.

Now it's found on several ships across Royal Caribbean's fleet, including the brand new Icon of the Seas.

Read more: Icon of the Seas information, tips & tricks

The Playmakers Owner Box VIP Section costs $350

The seating in Playmakers is on a first-come, first-reserved basis. There's no ability to make advanced reservations, which can be problematic if you really want to see a particular game and many other passengers do too.

The newer Playmakers have the Owners Box, which you can book during the cruise to assure you of space for your group.

It's really meant as a group activity, with enough space for a dozen or so people. 

On our spring break sailing, I wanted to catch the opening of the basketball tournament to see the University of Connecticut play (Go Huskies!).

It costs $350 for 2 and a half hours, although the staff were adamant we could stay for as long as our game was playing.

You get two pitchers of beer, 12 wings, and 2 appetizers from the regular menu. The beer is limited to what's on tap.

The Owner's Box is located near the Boardwalk

A velvet rope sections off the Owner's Box from the rest of Playmakers, and you'll find the most comfortable chairs  surrounded by televisions.

The staff welcomed us in and the restaurant's manager came by to ensure the games we wanted to see were on the screen. There are two large televisions, along with a few smaller sets that line the walls. You can easily watch 3-4 games at the same time, although Royal Caribbean's satellite feed is not quite the same as at home.

Luckily, they had most of the games available to watch, so it was just a matter of having the staff change the channel on each television to match what we wanted.

The box is open air, which means noise from the Boardwalk can easily bleed through.  Moreover, while the restaurant is air conditioned, the open air nature of the restaurant means the outside heat and humidity certain seeps in.

When we sat down, there was a large family activity going on that was quite loud. Plus, I'd be concerned in the warmer months of the year how hot it gets in the venue.

There are sound bubbles

Noise bleed from around the bar and in the Boardwalk is going to happen, so Royal Caribbean installed what I call "sound bubbles".

These speakers in the ceiling have a plastic dome around them to direct the sound directly downwards to whomever is sitting below it.

They do indeed work, and it allows you to easily hear the game you want to watch, even if it's noisy around you.

Playmaker's food is just what you want on game day

Burgers, wings, nachos, oh my! 

Whether you're in the Owner's Box or not, the comfort food at Playmakers is your typical sports bar selections that hits the spot for most people.

A lot of the menu is great for sharing, which is conducive to a group experience in the Owner's Box. It's easy to get nachos, and place it in the middle to share.

Besides the snacks and beer included with the rental, you can order anything else you'd like off of the regular menu. 

I think the onion ring tower, nachos, and buffalo crunch rolls are all worth trying there.  Those are great for sharing, but order your own Campfire Cookie because you won't want to give any of that up.

We had fun, but I wouldn't rent the Owner's Box again

UCONN won its game, and we enjoyed all the food and drinks provided, but I'm not sure I need to experience this again.

At $350, it's not outrageously expensive for a large group, but I'm not sure I need to spend the money for a dedicated area again. 

If you're a die-hard fan and you're on a cruise for a critical game, then you might consider renting the Owner's Box for your group. It certainly is nice having reserved seats and space to spread out.

The bar's service was impeccable, and they did just about anything to ensure we got what we wanted.

I glanced around a few times and even though it was the NCAA tournament, there were still stools and booths available that we could have sat at for free to watch the game. Perhaps if the price was closer to $100, it might have been worth it.

The decision to rent the Owner's Box truly comes down to your passion as a fan, and how important it is to you to have a reserved section.  

Many cruise tips and hacks cover what to pack on your cruise. 

You probably already know to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimsuits, formal clothing, and medication.

But an equally practical question also arises as you’re planning ahead: when should you pack for your cruise?

The answer depends on multiple factors, such as the weather and length of your cruise, and personal preferences.

It’s important to find a good middle ground when you’re deciding when to pack away clothing and other essentials.

Too early, and you might end up needing items you’ve already packed away. 

Too late, and you could forget something while rushing.

What’s the optimal time to pack before your cruise? 

This guide will explore the best length of time based on where you are and what you’ll be packing away.

Factors to consider before packing

The optimal time to pack depends on several factors. 

There’s no one answer for everything, but packing earlier has many benefits, such as reduced stress, more time to prepare, and limiting overpacking.

I recommend beginning to pack about 2 weeks before your cruise, but the best time for each person depends on personal preference and other factors.

The length of your cruise

The duration of the cruise plays a significant role. 

If your cruise is a shorter one, such as a weekend cruise or only 3-5 days, you can pack closer to the departure date.

However, if your cruise is longer than a week, you’ll want to give yourself more time in advance to pack. That way, you’ll make sure you have everything you need for the long voyage.

Any special activities or occasions

You should also consider any special activities you’ll be participating in. Packing items like scuba gear, surf equipment, or hiking supplies can take extra time to prepare.

If the cruise is to celebrate an important occasion, you should also pack earlier rather than later. 

A birthday or anniversary might require that you plan ahead to pack gifts or decorations. Especially if any items are a surprise, make sure to pack early and carefully!

The climate and season

When you’re packing for a cruise, the season and climate of your home and your destination all play an important role.

Generally, if it’s winter or fall at home, and you’re cruising to a warm destination, you can pack much earlier because you won’t need to wear any of the clothes you’re packing away.

The closer your home and your destination are in their current climate, the later you’ll want to pack so that you still have outfits to wear before you leave.

Either way, be sure that you research the weather at your destination and plan ahead accordingly.

How you’re traveling to your cruise

How you’re getting to your cruise can influence when you start packing.

If you’re driving, you have more leeway for how late you can pack. Not only do you choose when the car leaves, but you also have more time and space for bags.

If you’re flying, I recommend packing earlier and more stringently. You will have to make sure that your luggage fits both airline and cruise ship restrictions.

You’ll also need to arrive at your port ahead of time, so you may need to pack extra items.

Keeping in mind that all of these factors affect the right timing to pack, this is a general outline of how I recommend you begin.

Read more: 7 things to pack for a cruise (and 5 to leave behind), from someone who has cruised half a dozen times

Two weeks before: Make a packing list

Being organized and prepared helps you plan the best cruise experience possible.

First, start by making a packing list 1-2 weeks before your cruise.

Making a list early on will give you an idea of what items you need to obtain for the cruise.

You’ll be able to make sure you have everything you need while giving you plenty of time to purchase any items.

Especially if you need to purchase anything online, preparing at least a week before gives you plenty of time for those packages to arrive.

Consider the activities and attractions you plan to participate in. If you want to use the FlowRider surfing simulation, pack a tight, secure swimsuit. If your cruise has a “white night” theme, pack an all-white outfit.

And don’t forget about any activities you’ll be doing on port days. Make sure you bring a broad range of options.

Pack clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for each occasion.

Also, be sure that you look into the cruise line's regulations so that you don’t bring any prohibited items or go over a weight limit.

After considering everything you need, create a checklist. This will ensure that you don’t overlook anything important as you pack.

1 week before: Pack away clothes

Packing clothing for a cruise is one of the most challenging parts of packing.

It’s important to choose versatile, efficient outfits that can be mixed and matched.

You should also opt for lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics.

Personally, I like to take the weekend before my cruise to do laundry and pack away all the clean clothes I want to bring into packing cubes divided by type of clothing: tops go into one packing cube, bottoms into another, swimsuits in a third.

This way, I don’t dirty any of the outfits I want to wear on my cruise, and I know that everything is already prepared for the trip.

In case I feel worried about keeping track of the clothing I’ve packed away, I take a picture of the outfits so that I know what’s already in my bag.

This also helps you match your outfits to the shoes, jewelry, and makeup you’ll pack later on.

If completely packing away clothes more than a week before the cruise makes you nervous, you can also just create a pile of everything you’ll be bringing along. 

You can dig into this pile anytime, but it will stay there so that everything you’re packing is collected in one area.

Packing early also helps you check if everything you want to bring fits into your luggage. If something doesn’t fit, you’ll have time to adjust your list or obtain new luggage.

Some cruisers find that packing early also prevents them from overpacking because they’ll have more time to consider what they actually need and take out any unnecessary items.

5 days before: Collect travel documents and electronics

About five days before your cruise, collect all the essential travel documents and electronics you need.

Most of these items, especially laptops and phone chargers, can’t be packed away just yet, but try to collect them in one space so that you can confirm you have everything.

Forgetting essentials like your passport or headphones can ruin an entire trip. 

I like to gather these items into a basket that I keep on my desk. That way, everything is at hand if I need it, but also kept together so that I can confirm I have everything I need for my trip.

This is also a good time to collect the shoes you want to bring on your cruise. Depending on how many pairs you own, you might still need to wear them at home, but I still recommend collecting them in one place. 

Since the shoes you pack need to be versatile, it helps to have them planned out ahead of time.

The night before: Pack toiletries

The night before your trip, you can begin to pack toiletries, medicine, and jewelry.

While you might need items like deodorant or toothpaste for the next day, you can still pack them into a bag that you keep in your bathroom.

You must pack medicine the day before. You never want to forget your medication while rushing to leave!

Again, I recommend placing your important toiletries in a bag in your bathroom. Double-check with your packing list that you have everything you need.

The day of your trip: Pack makeup and last items

The day you leave for your cruise, pack away these important travel documents and essential items.

Reference your packing list so that nothing is forgotten!

This is when you can finally pack essential items that you use every day, like your phone or glasses.

Read more: 21 Cruise Cabin Essentials Everyone Should Pack

For those who wear makeup, I recommend packing it on the day of your trip. 

When I get ready before the trip, I do my makeup. As I finish each step, I’ll put the item I just used into my bag.

With this strategy, you can confirm that you’ve brought all the products and brushes that you really will use—and your makeup is done for the day!

On one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, you'll find a giant suite that has more space and amenities than you ever thought possible on a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas has an entire neighborhood dedicated to just suites, and it's where you'll find some of the largest cabins on any cruise ship.

The Royal Loft Suite is one of the biggest suites on the ship, and also one of the most expensive.  It comes with the ship's best perks, known as Star Class. It comes with complimentary drink package, specialty dining, gratuities, and the services of the Royal Genie.  

Read more: My advice for someone using a Royal Genie on a Royal Caribbean cruise

It's a big room with the best benefits Royal Caribbean offers, and we got a chance to tour the cabin. Let's take a look inside.

The Royal Loft Suite has its own entrance on deck 18

The Royal Loft Suite is located within the suite neighborhood, which is an area of the ship that only has suite cabins. There are suites on other decks too, but this area is reserved exclusively for suite guests.

Unlike other suites that share a common hallway, the Royal Loft Suite has its own glass door that stops anyone from even reaching the actual door to the cabin. It's like its own mini-hallway.

A chime outside the glass door rings inside the cabin to allow entry.

Guests are welcomed into the foyer

As you walk into the Royal Loft Suite, it becomes apparent quickly this is a very different cruise ship cabin.

There is a baby grand piano on your right, a wet bar on your left, and floor-to-ceiling windows leading to the balcony.

The look of the room is also quite opulent, with hardwood floors and marble furnishings.

This suite features a large living room and dining area

Sprawling is the best word to describe this cabin, as the main floor has a dining room table that can seat up to 8 people.

Room service is included with this suite, and that includes being able to order food from specialty restaurants or the Main Dining Room. Guests staying in this cabin are able to have their meal served in the dining room.

To the right is the living room, and it has lots of space to relax.

There is a large couch, chair, and even a pair of hanging rocking chairs. I especially liked the couch had a chaise to it, making it far more comfortable for lounging.

There are two floors, with the master bedroom exclusively on the upper level

As the name implies, there is an upper loft area that is just for the master bedroom and bath.

Stairs lead to the upper level, where you'll find a king size bed. The bed overlooks the rest of the suite and has views to the windows, providing ocean views.

If you need privacy, a curtain can be extended by the push of a button to completely envelop the bedroom.

Behind the bed are more closets than you could possibly need, with floor-to-ceiling doors that offer drawers and hanging space.

The master bathroom has an amazing shower

The amount of extra space continues into the master bath, with dual sinks and lots of counter space.

Within the shower is a rainforest shower with a pair of handheld shower heads, along with various nozzles.

There's also a soaking tub nearby.

The toilet is separated by a door, and has a remote controlled bidet.

The balcony is smaller than other Royal Loft Suites, but has a better location

I was surprised by how much smaller the balcony space was on this balcony compared to the Royal Loft Suite balcony on Allure of the Seas, but Royal Caribbean made up for it with an ocean view that doesn't have the privacy issues other ships have.

The balcony has its own hot tub to enjoy, along with a table and chairs nearby.

There's also two more hanging rocking chairs that face the ocean, along with a wet bar and television.

The second bedroom has space for additional guests

On the lower floor is the second bedroom, which can sleep an additional two guests. The bed does not separate.

This room has its own doorway, along with storage and even a chair.  Just like the master bedroom, the television retracts down from the ceiling.

While the bathroom is not nearly as large as the master bathroom, it's still quite nice and has multiple faucets inside the shower.

The Royal Loft Suite comes with a genie

Just as important as the room is the services of the Royal Genie, who isn't quite a butler, but is just as helpful.

The genie is responsible for three cabins on Wonder of the Seas, and assists with just about every need their guests might have. Dinner reservations, seats for a show, escorting on and off the ship, and even getting elevators for their guests are just some of the benefits they provide.

Think of a genie as an "easy button" for the cruise, where you don't need to pre-book things and simply inform the genie what you want to do, and they will make it happen.

The Royal Loft Suite is one of the biggest and over-the-top suites you can book on a cruise ship

Cruise ships have become well-known for offering incredible experiences that you can't believe are available at sea, and this suite certainly fits the bill.

Suite accommodations are not about providing a dollar-for-dollar value, but rather, an option for the well-to-do that can afford it. Walking through the cabin, you quickly get a sense this is unlike other cruise ship cabins (or even lesser suites).

The combination of sprawling space and services of the Royal Genie mean anyone willing to pay the price tag to enjoy a stay here.

It's not always easy to go on a cruise if you have more than four people in your cabin.

Royal Caribbean creates great cruise experiences for the whole family, and makes it easy to plan a cruise for four people or less.  But what if you have a bigger group? 

For groups of five or more, more challenges can arise. 

You often cannot book one on the website but will have to call Royal Caribbean or ask your travel agent to take care of it.

Whether you’re a family with many kids, a big friend group, or an extended relative family reunion, it’s natural to want to stay close to the group you’re traveling with.

Picking the right stateroom for your family involves choosing the right size, finding the best location, and ensuring that everyone is comfortable and has enough privacy. 

Your family’s cabin will become your home on the seas, so it’s important to find the best fit.

Not every cruise ship will have stateroom options available, but here are your best bets if you’re looking for a room that fits all of you.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will add new cruise ship cabin categories, including rear-facing and sunset balcony rooms

Family oceanview stateroom

For families who want to stay all together in one cabin, a family oceanview stateroom—also called the “ultra spacious ocean view” is a great, affordable option.

It has space for six people and requires a minimum of five people to book the room.

This stateroom ranges from 265 to 328 square feet of space. It features a king bed, with additional bunk beds in a separate area, and a living area with a sofa bed.

The cabin also features an ocean view, usually through a window or a set of portholes. This brings in natural light and provides a window into the outside world.

However, a major drawback to this cabin is its location on the deck, which is usually all the way forward. 

Staterooms in the very front or back of the cruise ship are more subject to feeling the motion of the ship, which can cause seasickness.

Because a larger group is required to book this room, it won’t sell out quickly. It’s also one of the cheapest options for a group of five or more.

Available on: Oasis Class, Freedom Class, Voyager Class, Radiance Class, Vision Class

Family interior stateroom

The cheapest single-cabin option for five to six guests is the family interior or “spacious interior” stateroom.

It is windowless, with no ocean view, but can accommodate larger families.

Two twin beds can stay separated or convert to a Royal King, providing different options for bed configurations. 

Two Pullman beds pull out from the ceiling or fold down from the wall, leaving plenty of space in the room until the beds are needed.

A family interior stateroom also has a private bathroom and a sitting area with a sofa that converts into a double bed.

This room is a great choice for families who don’t need an ocean view or a balcony, want to save money, or are looking for a variety of bed configurations.

Available on: Oasis Class, Freedom Class, Vision Class

Family promenade view stateroom

Similar to the family oceanview stateroom, the family promenade stateroom—or, “spacious promenade view” offers a spacious cabin with a special view.

This stateroom is an interior room that looks out onto the Royal Promenade. 

It is spacious, spanning 327 square feet, and can accommodate up to six guests.

The stateroom features a set of twin beds that can convert to a larger bed, a sofa in the sitting area, and either bunk beds or Pullman beds for extra sleeping space.

This stateroom has a better location, closer to the middle of the ship, and a unique view as it looks out onto the activity of the Royal Promenade.

However, one disadvantage is the large amount of noise that can come from the music, events, and crowds gathered below.

Available on: Freedom Class

Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony

New categories on Icon of the Seas promise extra options for families and big groups.

The Family Infinite Oceanview Balcony is a new cabin on Icon of the Seas that combines an infinite balcony with additional space for families.

The stateroom is 285 square feet and sleeps 6 people. The convertible balcony spans 50 square feet.

Two twin beds can convert into a Royal King, and a separate alcove holds bunk beds for kids.

With families in mind, there are games inside the room and two televisions—so everyone gets their own remote.

The bathroom is also split into two compartments, so multiple guests can use it at the same time.

Available on: Icon of the Seas

Royal Loft Suite

If your group is willing to splurge on a suite, the Royal Loft Suite is a high-end, luxurious choice.

This suite boasts Star tier suite benefits, 560-580 square feet of space, and a large private balcony. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

The “loft” configuration means that there are two floors, allowing guests to spread out over the stateroom and give each other privacy.

This family space can sleep up to six guests, with two sets of twin beds that convert to a Royal King and one double sofa bed.

For families who need a lot of space, this huge suite is an expensive but worthwhile treat. 

If you can afford it, a Royal Loft Suite is one of the best ways to stay with a lot of people without tripping over each other.

Available on: Oasis Class, Quantum Class, and Icon of the Seas

Ultimate Family Suite

Another splurge-worthy suite is the Ultimate Family Suite, only available on a select few ships. 

This is one of the few staterooms for huge groups and families, as it can sleep up to nine people.

This suite is part of the Star tier as well, boasting the highest level of Royal Caribbean suite benefits.

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

A king-sized bed, two twin beds that can convert to kings, four twin-sized bunk beds, and a double pull-out sofa bed ensure that everyone has ample choice at bedtime.

Video games, table tennis, Connect 4, and an in-room slide all provide entertainment right in the stateroom.

And the wide balcony features a private Jacuzzi! 

For large families who want to stay together and enjoy activities right in their own stateroom, the Ultimate Family Suite is an incredibly exciting option.

Available on: Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas

Two staterooms

If all else fails, you can always book two staterooms.

The cost of two separate staterooms can be cheaper than one large family stateroom. 

Not only that, but you also get the benefit of having two bathrooms.

This is also a bonus for groups of adults or families with older children because it provides separation and additional privacy.

Guests over 21 can have their own room, so just make sure that you’re booking at least one adult in each room.

Booking two rooms doesn’t mean you’ll be completely separated from your group, either. There are connecting staterooms, which have a door between them for easy flow. 

This is convenient to keep open during the day, essentially creating a multiple-room cabin with two adjoining rooms.

Available on: all Royal Caribbean ships

Ultimate Family Townhouse

Royal Caribbean has added multiple new categories on Icon of the Seas that particularly cater to families.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is the summation of suites onboard, feeling more like a townhouse than a cruise ship cabin.

With a view of the ocean and the Surfside neighborhood, this three-story suite can sleep 8 guests.

The room spans 1,772 square feet with two balconies. The balcony on level one is 410 square feet, while the balcony on level two is 90 square feet.

Two-bedroom spaces hold a king bed, two sets of bunk beds, and a double sofa bed.

The room features an impossible amount of games and activities for kids, including a slide that connects the second and main levels!

Available on: Icon of the Seas

There's a choice on any Royal Caribbean cruise to eat the restaurants that are included or the restaurants that cost extra.

From the Windjammer buffet to room service to Jamie’s Italian and Japanese cuisine at Izumi, there are flavors for every guest’s taste.

Complimentary restaurants are included in your cruise fare, but specialty venues come at an extra cost.

These alternative restaurants can come a la carte (meaning, charged per dish), or with a set entrance fee per person.

Specialty restaurants are often higher quality, and more elegant than the complimentary options. 

Royal Caribbean ships include popular choices such as Chops Grille, Jamie’s Italian, and Wonderland.

Whether you’re interested in an unlimited package or in trying a specific restaurant, our guide will provide everything you need to know about specialty dining on a Royal Caribbean ship.

What are specialty restaurants?

Guests tend to like specialty restaurants because there is different cuisines offered.

If you value one particular type of food or want a certain sort of atmosphere, a specialty restaurant gives you a way to choose and focus on that energy for the length of your meal.

They’re also a great option for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries.

Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants come in different shapes and sizes, with all sorts of cuisine.

The venues available vary by ship, but fleet-wide options include:

• 150 Central Park
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Table
• Giovanni’s Kitchen
• Hooked Seafood
• Izumi
• Izumi Hibachi
• Izumi in the Park
• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
• Johnny Rockets
• Johnny Rockets Express
• Mason Jar
• Chef’s Table
• Sabor
• Samba Grill
• Sichuan Red
• Fish and Ships
• Playmakers
• Wonderland
• Empire Supper Club

To double-check which venues are free and which come at an extra cost, you can always take a look at your Cruise Compass or refer to the Royal Caribbean app.

Which restaurants are a la carte?

Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants are either a la carte, meaning that each dish comes at an extra price, or they have a cover charge per person.

The a la carte restaurants on Royal Caribbean’s ships are Portside Barbeque, Izumi Sushi, Sichuan Red, Johnny Rockets, Fish and Ships, Basecamp, and Playmakers.

Other specialty restaurants charge each a fee to each person to enter, and once you do, all the dishes and desserts are included. 

The only items you may still have to pay extra for would be alcoholic or specialty drinks.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Drink Prices

Is specialty dining worth the extra cost?

If you consider every part of the dining experience—from dressing up to food to service—part of the cruise’s entertainment, specialty dining might be a good option for you.

If meals are a key part of enjoying your cruise, focusing on a few specialty restaurants is a great way to elevate your experience.

Buying a dining package makes for a smart method of saving money. 

Instead of dining at a certain number of specialty restaurants and paying the list price for each one, you save money by paying a set price for one package.

Because most specialty restaurants have a cover charge of about $35-60 per person, a dining package can save a lot of money!

A dining package is great for someone who wants to enjoy a lot of specialty dining restaurants during their cruise. On Royal Caribbean ships that have a lot of specialty restaurant choices (such as Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships), splurging on a dining package also opens up your options.

How do dining packages work?

If you’re interested in trying popular specialty restaurants, you can purchase meals individually or use a dining package to streamline your experience.

These packages provide flexibility for guests to pay once, and then choose which venues they’d like to try.

This way, guests can enjoy multiple specialty restaurant meals at a discounted rate.

Read more: Royal Caribbean specialty dining packages guide

You can even choose between multiple package configurations.

The options offered vary by ship, but usually these include:

• 3 Night Dining Package
• Chops Grille + 1 Package
• Unlimited Dining Package

3 Night Dining Package

The 3-night package gives you access to three dinners at unique specialty restaurants. 

For this set cost, you can dine at three different venues. Guests can even use this package to dine at the same venue multiple times.

Chops + 1 package

The Chops + 1 package includes one meal at Chops Grille and an additional free meal at any specialty venue of your choice. 

You cannot use your second meal at Chops Grille; you must select a different restaurant.

Unlimited Dining Package

For one price, the unlimited dining package gives you access to multiple specialty restaurants every night of your sailing.

It also includes lunches at specialty restaurants on sea days, 40% off bottles of wine under $100, and 20% off bottles of wine over $100.

You can use this package to dine at the same restaurant multiple times, but the Chef’s Table and other culinary activities are excluded from this package.

Subject to which ship they are sailing on, guests can use the unlimited dining package at the following restaurants:

• 150 Central Park
• Chops Grille
• Giovanni’s Table
• Hooked Seafood
• Izumi
• Izumi Hibachi
• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
• Johnny Rockets
• Sabor
• Samba Grill
• Sichuan Red
• Wonderland

While it is included in the package, there is an additional $10 charge per person for the Izumi Hibachi experience.

The price of each package varies depending on the sailing and ship.

Can I use my dining package at an a la carte restaurant?

A la carte restaurants that put a price on each menu item are still included in specialty dining packages.

Guests with a dining package usually get a $20 or $35 credit towards food at those restaurants per day.

This goes toward the cost of the food items and can be used once a day.

How do I make reservations?

For individual meals at a specialty restaurant, you can reserve a time in advance on the Royal Caribbean website or mobile app, through the Cruise Planner. 

Royal Caribbean does not yet allow guests with a dining package to make reservations before the cruise.  However, the cruise line plans to change this in 2024.

In the meantime, you can make reservations as soon as you get onboard by going to any specialty restaurant and speaking with the staff there.

They will do their best to get you a spot at the day and time you prefer.

Can I make changes to my reservations?

If you’d like to make any changes to reservations onboard, you can speak to the hospitality staff onboard.

Again, this can be done by going to any specialty restaurant and speaking to the staff at the counter. 

But you can even call them directly from your stateroom phone for assistance.

Is there a dress code for specialty restaurants?

Specialty restaurants have their own dress code, which is primarily "smart casual", although dress codes are loosely enforced.

However, the style of dress depends on which specialty restaurant you’re dining at.

At a more casual venue, such as Johnny Rockets or Playmakers, you could certainly wear simple clothing like jeans and a T-shirt.

But there are more formal, elegant venues, such as Izumi, Chops Grille, or the Empire Supper Club where it would be appropriate to dress more formally. In fact, Empire Supper Club requires men to wear a jacket.

Worst case scenario, if the staff turns you away, you only need to go back to your room and change before returning.

Looking for more information about Royal Caribbean dining?

• How does Royal Caribbean dining work?
• Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise 
• How Royal Caribbean's Main Dining Room works and what to expect
• Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered

Spring break is a popular time to take a cruise, so I decided to book a seven-night spring break cruise on Harmony of the Seas out of Galveston, Texas.

I invited my friend to join me on this Western Caribbean sailing, and we had an absolute blast on this fun-filled ship. While we were excited to visit Mexico and Honduras, Harmony of the Seas is a destination in and of itself that we were excited to explore.

This is what sailing on Harmony of the Seas is like in 2024.

Harmony of the Seas overview

Debuting in 2016, Harmony of the Seas is the third Oasis Class cruise ship. In fact, she is currently the fourth biggest cruise ship in the world behind Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas is so big that it’s split into seven neighborhoods, including:

• Central Park
• Boardwalk
• Royal Promenade
• Pool and Sports Zone
• Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center
• Entertainment Place
• Youth Zone

6,687 guests can sail on Harmony of the Seas, and for my particular sailing, there were 6,565 guests onboard - meaning the ship was practically fully occupied! Of the 6,565 guests on my sailing, there were 2,200 children (34%).

There were lots of new cruisers and multi-generational families on this spring break sailing. Also, the overwhelming majority of passengers on our cruise were from Texas. My friend and I were one of the very few people from the Midwest on this sailing. Our accent was a dead giveaway!

Embarking and disembarking from Galveston

This was my second time cruising out of Galveston, Texas, so I had an idea of what to expect this time around. 

Because I don't live near Texas, I had to fly in the day before the cruise. When cruising out of Galveston, many cruisers will fly into Houston since that is the closest major city. There are two airports you can fly into: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). I recommend flying into HOU because this airport is closer to Galveston, but IAH is also an option if you are set on flying on a certain airline or the airfare is a better price.

After flying into HOU, I decided to stay at a hotel in League City. Hotels in Galveston are quite expensive so I chose not to stay there, although it would’ve been convenient for embarkation day. 

I stayed in Houston near the airport for my last cruise out of Galveston. I think this is a good option for those who fly in late because it’s nice to have a short ride to your hotel after flying all day.

On embarkation day, my friend and I requested a Lyft to the Galveston port. The ride was 40 minutes and cost $36.19, including a tip.

The entire embarkation and disembarkation process was seamless. Embarking the ship took only 10-15 minutes and we were on the ship in no time! This was quite different from my last experience in Galveston, but that’s because there was a Coast Guard inspection.

On the last day of the cruise, I scheduled a Lyft ride for the next morning from the Galveston port to the HOU airport. My ride was right on time and picked me up at the front of the terminal building. This ride was an hour long and cost $88.74, including a tip. 

Read more: I cruised Royal Caribbean from Galveston for the first time. Here's what a cruise from Texas is like.

Interior guarantee cabin

Because sailing during spring break is more expensive than other sailings, my friend and I decided to stay in the cheapest cabin available: an interior guarantee.

Soon after booking the cruise, we were assigned cabin 10673 on deck 10. At first glance, this cabin appeared to be satisfactory, but I saw our cabin was located above the music venue Dazzles. I was initially worried because I imagined we would hear thumping music all night long.

Luckily, however, we never heard any music in our cabin! Cabin 10673 was located on the starboard and aft of the ship, meaning it was slightly towards the back of the ship. I hardly ever felt ship movement so I was happy about that.

The cabin was 172 square feet in size and included a large closet, a vanity with drawers, a chair, a king bed split into two beds, and a bathroom. 

We encountered a few things that could’ve been improved upon (like the slow shower drain and the inoperable USB ports on the vanity), but overall, the cabin was in great condition and it was a cozy place to call home for the week.

You can read more about my cabin on Harmony of the Seas here.

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for $463 a night. Take a look inside my 172-square-foot cabin

Dining on Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas offers 20 places to eat! I found that there were plenty of options to grab a snack or enjoy a three-course meal. I also thought the quality of the food was excellent, especially at the specialty dining venues.

On the first night of the cruise, I utilized my Diamond Plus BOGO offer which allowed me to purchase one specialty restaurant dinner and receive complimentary dining for a second guest. This offer can only be used on the first or second night of the cruise, so my friend and I decided to start the cruise off right with dinner at Jamie’s Italian. 

My favorite dishes were the truffle arancini, ultimate garlic buns, truffle tagliatelle, and the chocolate brownie with salted caramel gelato.

For the rest of our dinners, we ate in the Main Dining Room. The Main Dining Room on Harmony of the Seas is spread out between three decks with different names - we were on deck three in the American Icon Grill. 

Here are the themed menus we enjoyed for dinner each night:

• A Taste of France
• A Taste of Italy
• A Taste of the Caribbean
• A Taste of Asia
• Royal Night
• Bon Voyage

Because I have cruised with Royal Caribbean many times, I knew what menus to expect. However, there was a surprise menu that I had not seen before: The Asian menu! Our waiter told us that instead of the Taste of Mexico menu, Harmony of the Seas was testing the Taste of Asia menu. They’ve only been using this menu for about a month or so, but they are testing it because they received many comments from Texan passengers on previous sailings that they’d rather have different food than Mexican since that is what they normally have at home.

I was very happy and excited to try some new food in the Main Dining Room. I really enjoyed the appetizer and main dish I had (spring rolls and kung pao chicken) although the desserts weren’t my cup of tea. I hope to have this menu again soon!

Every night, dinner was incredibly fast - faster than other ships I have recently been on. For the two of us, dinner was normally only an hour long. And our food was always hot which I was pleased about. This hasn’t always been the case on other Royal Caribbean cruises.

On one of our sea days, we wanted to try Johnny Rockets for lunch. This is a specialty restaurant that costs $15 per person. We felt the cost was reasonable for what we got, which was an appetizer, entree, and dessert.

I haven’t had Johnny Rockets food in a very long time, so I loved coming here to see what they had to offer. I really liked my BBQ chicken bacon melt and the super sundae was super yummy!

Speaking of Johnny Rockets, my friend and I often indulged ourselves with a nightly milkshake from here. I was able to use my Diamond Plus drink vouchers for these milkshakes. This was a popular late-night dessert option among many cruisers because it was normally busy with people until it closed at 10 p.m. 

Read more: Top 10 Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas hidden secrets

Entertainment and activities

I don’t think anyone can be bored on an Oasis Class ship when there is so much to do every day of your cruise. During the day, you can participate in several activities and events, and then in the evening, you can watch top-notch entertainment. 

Almost every night of the cruise, there was a themed party of some sort in the Royal Promenade. Some of these I have seen on other Royal Caribbean cruises, but some were new to me, like the Totally Awesome 90’s Party, the Caribbean Dance Party, and the 50s and 60s Rock n Roll Dance Party. I attended all of these parties and I thought they were all extremely similar, just different styles of music. I liked people-watching and seeing everyone have a fun time dancing!

There was also a Royal Roundup Country Party in Studio B, which was essentially a line dance party, that I had never seen on a Royal Caribbean cruise. It makes sense they had this because so many people on this cruise were from Texas. Yeehaw!

On Harmony of the Seas, there are two shows in the Royal Theatre, two shows in the AquaTheatre, and two shows in Studio B. These include:

• Grease: The Hit Broadway Musical
• Columbus…The Musical! Return to the Caribbean
• The Fine Line
• Big Daddy’s Hideaway Heist
• 1887: A Journey in Time
• iSkate

Both shows in the Royal Theatre, Grease and Columbus, were fabulous! The last time I was on Harmony of the Seas back in 2022, I remember being wowed by Grease so I was eager to see it again. I admired the singers, dancers, costumes, and music the entire 90-minute show. 

I have never seen Columbus…The Musical! before, so I truly did not know what to expect. The musical is described as the following: “Royal Caribbean’s Original Production tells the tale of Christopher’s luckless distant cousin, Marvin. Banished from his father’s kingdom, Marvin sets sail on a madcap voyage of discovery in the hopes of claiming his own place in history. Unforeseen romance and a happily ever after story are on the map as Marvin Columbus crashes into his Caribbean destiny.”

Needless to say, I went to the show with an open mind. After watching the musical, my first thought was how cute the storyline was. I anticipated the songs in the musical were going to be originals based on the plot, but I liked that the music was a mix of old and new songs we hear on the radio. I also liked the plot twist at the end, but I won’t spoil it for those who are going to see it soon!

My favorite shows to see on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships are the ones in the AquaTheatre. The Fine Line was the first show we saw, and this was described as having “high-flying feats, mind-blowing stunts, and physically demanding acrobatics that are brought to life by the world’s best extreme sports athletes.” I didn’t follow a storyline for this show, but I was just amazed by the talented divers, synchronized swimmers, and dancers.

On the last day of our cruise around 1 p.m., my friend and I were hanging out when an unexpected announcement was made that a second aqua show was going to be offered at the AquaTheatre: Big Daddy’s Hideaway Heist. We were both pleasantly surprised that there was another show we got to see, so we planned on getting to the theatre extra early to secure a spot. 

This show wasn't advertised in the Cruise Compass or on the app, so I thought that was strange. Maybe this was because they didn't know if the weather would cooperate to put on the show? Either way, you would only know about the show happening if you were listening to the ship announcements.

We decided to go to the first show at 3:30 p.m., and it was super busy. We were thankful we got there early and got a good spot. The show was entertaining to watch and it was a plot that I could actually follow!

During this sailing, we were not able to see 1887: A Journey in Time due to a cast member injury. This was a bummer, as my friend and I were looking forward to seeing this show. 

We were able to see iSkate, which centers around the cast performing alongside their favorite tunes.

There was also a pair of comedians performing in The Attic Comedy Club. It was hard to get a reservation for these shows since it was such a small venue, but we were able to snag two seats on the second night of the cruise.

In addition to seeing the shows, we took advantage of the many fun activities offered on Harmony of the Seas. These include:

• The Ultimate Abyss
• Three waterslides
• FlowRider
• Zipline
• Carousel
• Rock climbing
• Ice skating

Another thing to note was that apparently there was an escape room onboard in The Puzzle Break near Adventure Ocean. However, I never saw it advertised, so I believe it is closed for the time being.

Read more: Trying out the free activities on Harmony of the Seas

Ports of call

Our seven-day cruise had planned stops in Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico. However, something completely unexpected happened during our cruise - our stop in Costa Maya was canceled last minute.

My friend had woken up early to get ready for her excursion in Costa Maya when she heard the ship announcement. The captain informed everyone that we were not able to dock in Costa Maya due to high swells. This was definitely a bummer because my friend was excited about her excursion to swim with the dolphins. We did not dock somewhere else and we had another sea day instead.

My friend was refunded for her excursion and everyone received a port and air tax credit of $17.12 on our onboard accounts.

Our first port stop was Roatan, Honduras. I noticed that there is now a new pool and bar area right as you get off the ship. 

There was a sign that read, “Free beach chair and pool with a purchase at the pool bar.” It didn't appear super busy, so this could be a new option for people who don't want to venture far from the ship but still say they did something in Roatan.

In Cozumel, my friend and I did an excursion together called, “Legacy of the Maya: Ruins and Chocolate Tasting.” I have not done an excursion in Cozumel in a long time so it was fun to explore new parts of the island I have never been to before. My favorite part of the excursion was the chocolate samples we got to try. It was also cool to learn more about the Mayan history of the area.

Overall thoughts

My friend and I had lots of fun together during our spring break cruise on Harmony of the Seas. 

While there were a few unexpected instances that occurred, like Costa Maya being canceled, our ship departing Galveston an hour and a half late, and the musical being stopped in the middle due to a technical issue, we still enjoyed our time onboard.

Harmony of the Seas is one of my favorite Royal Caribbean ships because of the many things you can do onboard. The staff onboard was excellent, the ship was in great condition, and the entertainment was superb.

Let's welcome spring with Royal Caribbean! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week to make certain you did not miss any of it.

Following the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, Royal Caribbean will shift cruise ship operations to Norfolk.

On Tuesday, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed after it was struck by a cargo ship.

Because the Baltimore port is no longer suitable to safely embark guests, Royal Caribbean sought several different options for Vision of the Sea's return.

Vision of the Seas is currently the only Royal Caribbean ship that sails out of Baltimore.

An April 12th sailing of Vision was supposed to begin and end in Baltimore, but has been moved to Norfolk, Virginia, and cut short a day.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is working on options for its cruise ships following Baltimore bridge collapse
• Photos show a tiny crew-only cabin on Icon of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean's Secret Weapon: Private islands & beach clubs aim to set a new standard in the industry
• I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for $463 a night. Take a look inside my 172-square-foot cabin
• Photos show Utopia of the Seas is nearing completion
• 6 mistakes I saw people make on my spring break cruise
• Can I share my Royal Caribbean beverage package with someone? What you need to know
• 5 reasons you'll regret downsizing to a smaller cruise cabin

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 528th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt reviews his recent Wonder of the Seas cruise.

Listen to the episode for more information on booking your next spring break cruise and spending $2,000 on a Hideaway Beach cabana.

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: 10 Things People Don’t Realize about Royal Caribbean’s alcohol package

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 — 10 Things People Don’t Realize about Royal Caribbean’s alcohol package — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

Comparing the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska in 2024

Is an Alaskan cruise on your bucket list for 2024?

We've developed a comparative guide for each vessel (and its itineraries) that is sailing to Alaska this year.

Whether you're hooked on a Quantum Class ship or are looking to explore unique ports on Radiance of the Seas, here's everything you need to know about your options.

11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise

The earlier you get onboard your cruise, the more quickly you can start the vacation you’ve been dreaming about for so long.

Beyond just starting your vacation earlier, though, are a range of other benefits you can experience by boarding earlier than most other passengers.

Here are the top 11 reasons to get as early a check-in time as possible for your cruise.

After five cruises with Norwegian, here's why I am coming back to Royal Caribbean

Allie discovered that the grass isn't always greener on the other side when it comes to changing cruise lines.

A loyal customer of Royal Caribbean, she decided to give Norwegian Cruise Line a try.

However, her experience turned into one of disappointing bait-and-switches, last-minute itinerary changes, and broken trust. 

Here's why she's returning to Royal Caribbean.

How does Royal Caribbean dining work?

Ready to dive into Royal Caribbean cruises, but still confused about the dining process?

Royal Caribbean dining is extensive, so it's easy for first-time cruises to get confused.

This article is your guide. In it, we share information about everything from what's free to what isn't, dress codes, and dining packages.

Cruise ships can accommodate a variety of different vacation preferences and travel budgets.

There’s no wrong choice of cruise cabin—it’s all about finding the one that best suits your needs.

Whether you end up staying in the most expensive suite or the cheapest interior cabin, you can still experience an amazing cruise vacation.

However, before you book, you’ll want to find out everything you can about which cabin suits you best.

Staying in a smaller cabin, such as an interior or oceanview stateroom, has the benefit of saving you money. 

You can tailor your cruise to fit your budget, spending those savings on add-ons like WiFi, shore excursions, or spa packages. 

Or you could save them to put towards your next cruise vacation!

But there are also disadvantages to booking the cheapest room.

If you’re still debating, here are some reasons you might regret opting to book a smaller, cheaper cabin.

Read more: Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered

What is the cheapest cabin? 

The cheapest option will usually be a guarantee stateroom.

This means that Royal Caribbean will give you a discount if you allow them to assign you an open room.

A few weeks before the cruise, you will be assigned a room that was unsold up until then. Discounts vary depending on the ship and sailing, but usually, this is the cheapest way to book a cabin.

As you can imagine, guarantee staterooms are usually the least desirable rooms. These tend to be windowless inside cabins.

However, there are several disadvantages to booking this cabin category.

Limited space for luggage

Especially on a longer cruise that runs 7 days or more, you’ll want to bring along lots of luggage. 

Royal Caribbean ships have a stunning variety of activities onboard and they also bring you to ports where you can experience all sorts of adventures.

There is a lot to prepare and pack for, so you can expect to bring some big bags!

But in a smaller cabin, you can find yourself running out of space to store all that luggage.

Other than the closet, older ships don’t have as many big storage spots. Often, you’ll find a spot to store one suitcase, but not much else.

Especially when it comes to big suitcases, it’s hard to fit them under the beds or in the closet.

You may even have to leave them out on the floor, causing you to trip over bags every time you move around the room.

If you tend to overpack, or are going on a longer cruise, you should consider booking a bigger room to have enough storage space.

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest, smallest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas for $210 per night. Look inside my 142-square-foot room.

You’ll have to leave the room for entertainment

Booking a small, inside cabin will leave you with little opportunity for in-room entertainment and relaxation.

There will be no window or balcony for natural light or a view of the ocean—you’ll have to go out to view the weather or scenery.

Besides a vanity with limited counter space, there’s no table for you to enjoy meals inside the room. You’ll have to dine elsewhere.

Even reading and watching movies can be dissatisfying in such a small space. 

If you’re traveling with another guest, you may find that there’s not enough room for the two of you to entertain yourselves separately. An inside cabin has no separate rooms or private spaces.

If one person wishes to nap, and one wants to watch a movie, you’ll have to compromise or leave the room.

Many cruisers who book an inside cabin find themselves leaving the room for the majority of the day, and only returning to sleep.

If having a cabin where you can relax is a priority for you, a bigger cabin would be a better fit.

No access to fresh air and sunlight

Inside cabins are typically on the interior walls of the ship, meaning they lack any balconies or windows.

Some inside cabins do have a virtual balcony—a LED screen that displays a live feed of the outside of the ship.

However, you won’t have any natural light or sea breeze from inside your stateroom.

Cut off from the sun and any view of the sea, you won’t be able to tell the weather, if it’s day or not, or whether the ship has arrived at port.

This can also lead to greater nausea and seasickness. Viewing the horizon and feeling a breeze are also great cures for seasickness, so if you stay in a small inside cabin you may have to end up leaving the room to get some relief.

If you love natural lighting, fresh air, and gazing at the sea on your cruise, staying in a small inside cabin can put you at a disadvantage.

You'll only get the basic amenities

Staying in the cheaper interior and oceanview cabins grants you a basic set of amenities, including:

• A bed for two
• Private bathroom and shower
• Vanity
• Safe
• Mini-fridge
• Closet
• Television
• A dedicated stateroom attendant
• Cleanings once a day
• Hair dryer
• Telephone

However, if you’re looking for any additional perks, you’ll want to upgrade.

Junior Suites and above provide an elevated experience and personalized service. Suites come with another level of luxury, with amenities such as:

• A private bathtub
• Balcony 
• Priority boarding
• Royal Caribbean bathrobe
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Espresso coffee machine
• Pillow top mattress
• Double Crown and Anchor Society points
• Two cleanings a day

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser wanting to experience the best Royal Caribbean has to offer, or an experienced veteran who wants to see the ship in a new way, upgrading to a bigger cabin is the best way to enjoy these benefits.

Book a suite for that feeling of being pampered in the comfort of your stateroom.

Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas for $463 a night. Take a look inside my 172-square-foot cabin

You could be assigned an undesirable location

Getting assigned a guaranteed cabin means that you will likely be given a less desirable location.

This could include a spot at the very front or back of the ship, which will experience more of the motion of the sea. This increased movement leaves you at a risk of further seasickness.

Those who are particularly sensitive to the movement of the sea might want to pay extra and choose a location close to the middle of the ship.

You could also end up in high-traffic areas—such as near elevators, on higher decks near the pool—that generate a lot of noise.

For families with young children, or people who are light sleepers, these locations can be a real disadvantage. 

Getting poor sleep could lead to a miserable cruise!