Royal Caribbean Blog

Spring break is one of the most in-demand cruise periods of the year. After a winter full of cold, wind, and snow, a lot of families want to escape to a warm tropical vacation.

Royal Caribbean cruises are in high demand in March and April because schools have built-in time off, and that leads to more families cruising.  Suffice to say, there's a lot of other people looking to book a spring break cruise.

The good news is you can still book a spring break cruise, but you're going to need to be strategic about it and act quickly.

However, you'll need to have a degree of flexibility because with just a few weeks to go, there are fewer choices, and higher fares than if you booked last year. Nonetheless, it's still doable!

I'm here to help you work in a spring break cruise, provided you can take advantage of these five steps.

Last minute spring break 2026 cheat sheet

Before you read all of the best tips for finding a last-minute spring break cruise, here are the best options that most people overlook and are still available to book:

• Serenade of the Seas 7-night Southern Caribbean March 15, 2026 from Cartagena, Columbia: Prices for a balcony $1,030 per person
• Enchantment of the Seas 5-night Western Caribbean March 14: Prices for an inside $900 per person
• Navigator of the Seas 3-night Ensenada April 3: Prices for an inside cabin $491 per person
• Quantum of the Seas 6-night Mexican Riviera April 1: Prices for a balcony $849 per person

Prices were accurate as of the publishing of this article, but they could change quickly.

Be flexible with dates

The first problem you may run into is trying to shoehorn in a cruise that fits exactly with the week you have in mind.

A lot of schools have the same time off, so if you have the ability to travel another time, that might work out better.

The most popular spring break weeks this year are:

• Middle weeks of March
• The weeks surrounding Easter (April 5, 2026)

Here are a few tips for finding a cruise that skirts around these in-demand times:

• Find a a sailing a few days before or after local school breaks
• Look for a shorter 3–4 night cruise instead of 7-nighter
• Take your kids out of school and bypass your scheduled week off

Not everyone can take advantage of these tips, but if there's any wiggle room, you may find better options.

Expand your port options

If your first instinct is to find a cruise sailing from Florida, you should widen your search to find even better options.

I find most people only check one homeport because that's what they're used to, and that kind of tunnel vision can lead to limited choices.

Instead, this might be the year to try a spring break cruise from one of these alternative ports:

• Galveston, Texas
• Los Angeles, California
• Tampa, Florida
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Cartagena, Colombia

In my experience, drive-to ports still sell out fastest and most of those are in Florida.

If you want the "cheat code" to finding a good last-minute spring break cruise, I'd start with a west coast cruise from LA. These always seem to be the cheapest sailings and have the most inventory.

Cruises from Galveston tend to be another good choice because Texas isn't quite as drive-to as Florida.

If Florida is your best option, then I'd look for a cruise to Tampa.  Ships based here tend to be smaller and older because bigger ships cannot access the port.

Here are the ships you should be targeting because they're likely going to still be available and priced reasonably:

• Grandeur of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas

Don't shop by price alone

It's tempting to sort cruises by lowest price first, but the cheapest sailings will sell out first.

When you're in the market for a last-minute cruise, I find mid-range itineraries sometimes have more availability. Cruises that are 4- and 5-nights in length tend to evade top searches because weekend and 7-night cruises are the most popular spring break cruises.

Another mistake with shopping by price is waiting for a "deal" rarely works in spring break. It's just too in demand.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its cruises, which means the more the demand, the higher the prices go up.

If you spot a cruise that within your budget, I'd jump at the chance before the price goes up or the cabin sells out.  Or both.

Consider rooms you normally wouldn't

Starting your cruise search off with a balcony cabin might limit your choices, so instead try another category that could yield more options.

Oceanview rooms are a great alternative because you still get outside light and a view, but it lacks the access to the outdoors. 

If that seems like a compromise, remember that you'll be out and about enjoying everything your ship has to offer. So having a balcony is nice, but not critical.  

Another idea is to roll the dice with a guarantee cabin, where Royal Caribbean picks your cabin. 

Guarantee cabins usually result in being assigned either an unsold cabin or a room that gets cancelled at the last-minute. That doesn't mean it will be necessarily the worst room on the ship, but it's a great choice for saving money.  However, it definitely favors someone that doesn't get easily seasick and has a sense of adventure with their room choice.

The room category you can pretty much give up on finding are suites. 

There are so few of them to begin with, and demand is usually quite high.  The only chance might be an unsold Junior Suite or one of the very expensive suites that has such a high price tag it's given others pause before booking it.

Move fast on flights and hotels

Once you find a spring break cruise, be sure to quickly book a flight and a pre-cruise hotel stay, because those aren't getting any cheaper either.

Just like cruises, airfare spikes quickly during spring break.  In fact, this might be the time to cash in those credit card points to redeem a flight.

Speaking of flights, be sure to book your flight to fly in at least one day before your sailing begins. Never risk traveling the same day your cruise sails, because it's a mistake waiting to happen.

Hotels are also difficult because you're competing with everyone that wants a hotel for a land-based spring break vacation.

My advice is to look for hotels near the airport and well-away from the beach.  It might mean a longer Uber ride to the port, but you'll probably pay a lot less for the hotel.

Quick booking checklist

If you want a cruise this spring break, do this today:

✅ Search flexible dates

✅ Check multiple departure ports

✅ Be open to interior or guarantee cabins

✅ Book flights immediately after

Spring break cruises are possible, but don't wait

It's not too late to book a spring break cruise, but you'll want to act quickly.  Prices are only going up and more cabins will be sold out.

Real talk: every spring break cruise will sell out and the ships will sail full. Royal Caribbean won't have any problem selling them, given how they've explained recently close-in demand has been really strong for them.

I'd focus less on it being the absolute perfect ship and itinerary, and instead look for an opportunity to enjoy a warm, well-deserved break from your daily life.

Recently, I took a weekend cruise on one of Royal Caribbean's newest and biggest ships, and I tried to keep my costs down since it was I was going solo.

I think it's possible to cruise on a budget, or at least a loose one.

I was invited to go on a "guys cruise" with some friends for a weekend in January. I took it as a challenge to try to make the trip happen without spending as much I would if this were a family vacation.

Between the cruise fare, excursions, dining, and Wi-Fi, I spent about

I booked the cruise with a casino offer, but regretted the room choice

I think Royal Caribbean's casino offers are the best value in cruising right now, but getting an offer can be tricky.

A couple of months before the sail date, I got an offer in the mail for this three-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas.

Since Utopia is based from Port Canaveral, this meant I could drive to the cruise port and not have to fly.

The offer was for a "free" oceanview cabin, but it wasn't free overall.  I still had to pay port fees, taxes, and gratuities for the room. The total cost was $685.13.

And yes, nothing is truly free from the casino.  I paid money on other cruises to qualify for a complimentary cruise offer. I think it would be disingenuous of me to pretend otherwise. 

I was assigned an forward-facing oceanview cabin that had a very interesting layout. It was located at the very front of the ship, which I later discovered wasn't ideal.

Not only was it a long distance to walk to and from, but the amount of vibrations from the ship docking every morning would jolt me awake every time.

I napped to make up for the lost sleep, but I'd pick a cabin in another location next time. Ideally, much closer to midship.

Wi-Fi was included because of my loyalty status, but I forgot to buy a second package

One of the best perks of having made it to Pinnacle Club status is I get a complimentary one device internet package every sailing.

For most people, this is all they would need. But because I'm working from the ship, I need to use internet on my phone and laptop.  When I swap from my phone to my laptop, I don't get phone calls or text messages until I swap back.  That's been a source of frustration.

Usually I pre-purchase a second internet package to take advantage of the pre-cruise savings. For some reason, I completely forgot to do that this time.

I could have paid for a package on the ship, but the onboard prices are quite high when compared to the pre-cruise discount.

I was annoyed at myself for not buying it, and ultimately relied on just one package. Since it was just 3 nights and over a weekend, I figured my work needs would be limited.

Next time I will double check my pre-cruise purchases the week before my sailing begins so I don't overlook something I assumed I had bought.

I visited the new Royal Beach Club on our second day to see what it's like

I may have booked this cruise with the notion it would be a "guys cruise", but it doubled as a research opportunity to visit the new Royal Beach Club.

Thanks to a Black Friday sale discount, I was able to get the unlimited alcohol day pass for $136.99 when I pre-purchased the pass.  This saved me paying the listed onboard price of $250.00.

For the price I paid, I thought it was well worth the admission cost.  Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, the beach club felt more like a shore excursion and I loved how good the service was throughout the day.

I can't wait to bring my family here in April when we return, and thanks to my pre-cruise purchasing strategy, I've found a much better price at just $89.99 per person!

I parked at the cruise terminal for the convenience

I could have saved money if I paid to park off site, but I'll always pay to park at the cruise terminal.

Being able to go right into the terminal and then back to my car when the cruise is over without dealing with a shuttle is worth every dollar.

I paid $85.60 for the ability to park at Port Canaveral. 

As advertised, it was easy to get in and out, and I was grateful to not add any fuss to my pre- or post-cruise logistics.

I tried Hooked Seafood again, but it could have been cheaper

On a whim, I went back to Hooked Seafood to give it another try because I had skipped this specialty restaurant for many years.

As it turned out, Hooked was much better than I expected and I regretted not re-trying Hooked again sooner.

The onboard price of dinner at Hooked is $65, which is a good reminder to either pre-purchase a meal before the sailing or buy a dining package.

Either of those strategies should cut the price significantly. As an example, dinner at Hooked for Utopia of the Seas in April costs $41.99 with the current sale that's offered.

I ended my cruise with free activities at the cruise line's private island

Our last day was spent at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is a private island exclusive for Royal Caribbean guests.

I love how much of the island's experience is included in your fare, so I didn't feel any pressure to spend more on the extra-cost areas.

Before disembarking the ship, I went to the fitness center and enjoyed the gym.  There's no cost to use the fitness center, and it's so much better than my gym at home.

There's no cost to access CocoCay, and there are a number of included beaches and restaurants.

Read more: The cheapest way to do Perfect Day at CocoCay without missing out

My loyalty perks saved me even more money

Part of the secret to spending less on a cruise is taking advantage of the perks Royal Caribbean offers its loyal guests.

I had 6 drink vouchers to use every day because I'm a Pinnacle Club member. It was an easy decision to forgo buying a beverage package and rely just on those drinks.

As a Prime level member in Casino Royale, I also had unlimited free drinks while at the casino bar. Combined with the drink vouchers, this is an incredible savings.

In my cabin, I found a few cans of soda and bottled water because it's one of the Diamond Plus amenities you can choose to have.

There's no question being loyal to Royal Caribbean gets me a lot of extras that I would have otherwise to pay for. Plus, it's an added incentive to cruise more.

I made the most of my weekend cruise without spending a lot

I had a great time going to The Bahamas for the weekend, and I think I managed to do it all without spending a lot.

The total cost was just $972.72, which was greatly the result of a casino rate and a lot of loyalty perks.

Not everyone can take advantage of either of these options, but I think it illustrates the potential for cheap cruising with the right strategy.  I would never advocate gambling to earn status or cruising to move up the Crown and Anchor ladder faster because overall, it would probably cost you more in the long run.

However, when the situation aligns better to allow you to take advantage of a situation like I had, then I think there's a good potential for a cheap weekend cruise.

I could have spent more and gotten a better cabin location. In fact, I would do just that next time.  I doubt I would take a room at the very front of the ship again because of the noise and movement issues there.

I also should have remembered to double check my pre-cruise bookings to ensure I have everything I expect booked before the cruise begins.

Because a Royal Caribbean cruise is so personalized, there are important things to always ask when you sail.

Royal Caribbean places such a high importance on guest satisfaction, and often you'll hear crew members asking if everything is as you expected it. This is why I think it's in your best interest as a vacationer to speak up and ask.

I understand no one wants to be a burden or be a problem for the crew. But the questions I think every passenger should ask aren't out of the realms of reasonable. It's about ensuring you're getting what you want, the way you want it.

On a recent cruise, my wife remarked to me there was an item on the Main Dining Room menu she wanted, but she didn't want anything else that came with it. I told her just ask for that one item, and sure enough, they were happy to serve it.

Here is my list of the nine questions you should always ask during your cruise to make your vacation better.

Can you help me with a problem?

Occasionally, something doesn't work the way you expect. Or there's a problem with someone or something on the ship. If that's the case, you should speak up and ask for help.

If you're disappointed with something, I'd reach out to a crew member and ask for help in remedying.

More often than not, I see people just accepting the issue as something they have to live with. A warmer-than-expected cabin, rude guest, missing amenities, or another unwanted situation is worth talking to a crew member about.

I think it's a mistake to "suck it up" and let it potentially ruin your cruise.

What you should do is try to find the crew member who can help directly with the situation. Guest Services is always a solid back-up option if you're unsure who would be best to contact.

When something breaks or you have a problem with something that's happening, this is when it's important to ask for assistance.

Can I have my food with (or without) that?

Within reason, you can have the food you order served the way you prefer it.

Food allergies and dietary needs are always a top priority for Royal Caribbean. It's why you'll be asked when you sit down at any restaurant if you have any of those requests to ensure it's taken care of immediately.

But what about if you prefer not to have gravy served on your potatoes? Or you want extra cheese spread all over your pasta? Yes, you can get those requests too.

Since many dishes in restaurants are prepared freshly, you have the opportunity to get it customized. 

There is a limit, so don't expect a completely new dish option. But the crew will work very hard to ensure they can accommodate you in any way they can.

Can I reprice that because it's cheaper now?

Saving money on your cruise feels almost as good as actually going on the cruise. It's why I'll watch the price of my cruise and add-ons like a hawk.

In this age of AI pricing algorithms, Royal Caribbean's pricing can change daily. This is especially true of pre-cruise add-ons.

Luckily, you can re-price a lot of things if you're vigilant about checking for price drops.

The easiest are the pre-cruise add-ons in the app or Cruise Planner site. Drink packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and more can all be cancelled and rebooked up until a few days before your cruise begins.

For my upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas, I've saved hundreds of dollars on repricing the Royal Beach Club in Nassau with this strategy.

You should also be asking your travel agent if you can reprice your cruise fare. Depending on which country you live in, you could take advantage of a price drop before the final payment date.

Repricing is easily the top way to save money on any Royal Caribbean cruise, and it's a question I'd ask myself or my travel agent often.

What other dining choices do I have right now?

Instead of defaulting to eating in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, always ask what else is open that you could eat at too.

On any ship, there are alternative restaurants open that could be less crowded or offer different cuisines.

An easy example is on embarkation day, when the Windjammer gets busy with everyone headed there. Instead, you could go to a specialty restaurant and have lunch there. Or grab a slice of pizza at Sorrento's, or a crepe at Aquadome Market.

You can ask a crew member for what options are available, or consult the Royal Caribbean app for a list of dining choices.

My three favorite alternative places to eat are Aquadome Market, El Loco Fresh, or Park Cafe. 

All three are complimentary, rarely have lines, and offer good food without much of a wait.

Read more: 7 Royal Caribbean foods that cruisers call the line's best-kept secrets

Should I come back another time?

I freely admit patience isn't a virtue I have a lot of, so waiting in line isn't something I like to do on a cruise.  To that point, I'll question if I'm better off returning later to avoid a wait.

In some cases, waiting in a line is unavoidable.  If I need to be somewhere, like a shore excursion, then I'll wait my turn.

But if my plans are more flexible, I'd recommend thinking twice about leaving to return a different time.

A great example are the water slides. If the line is quite long, consider coming back in the late afternoon or evening.  Or better yet, come back to the ship early from a shore excursion and take advantage of a likely less crowded ship.

Another situation that I'll spin around and try again later is if there's a line at Guest Services.  You can bet any line there will eventually subside, especially during dinner or in the evening.  

In some cases I'll go to a nearby bar and grab a drink and wait out the line so I can enjoy a cocktail while keeping an eye on how long the wait is.

You cannot avoid every wait on a cruise, but you might be able to have less of a wait if you're willing to reconsider when you get in line.

How are you?

Equally important to asking for help is also connecting with crew members and guests alike.

When I'm on a cruise, I'll run into my stateroom attendant, bartender, and activity host almost every day.  When I do, I like to ask them how they're doing because striking up a conversation with crew members can be quite interesting.

There are a number of rockstar crew members out there, but you won't discover them without chatting with them. Not only that, I find it really interesting to hear their experiences and share in an anecdote from their day.

Crew members work hard every day, but they're not robots. They're there to greet you and provided they aren't too busy, getting to know them could be a great opportunity.

You should also feel open to asking your fellow passengers how they're doing, because making friends on a cruise ship has been quite rewarding for me over the years.

There's something communal about a cruise that lends itself to being social, and I've found a friendly question or two to spark a conversation sometimes leads to a new friend onboard.

Are my travel documents up to date?

Even before you book a cruise, you should ask yourself if you have all the proper documentation.

The first thing I check is if my passport is not only valid today, but will it expire before this cruise I'm about to book.  Double check the expiration date that it will not expire before your cruise ends.

If you don't have a passport, I'd go and get one immediately.

The reason this question is important to ask is because not asking it could result in discovering all too late that your passport is expired or you don't have the right paperwork to board.

The first time I went to Alaska, I felt overwhelmed with what I should bring. After returning a few times, our team has come up with the best Alaskan cruise packing list anyone can use.

Royal Caribbean offers Alaska cruises each summer, and they've had four ships in the region each year. No matter which one you pick, you'll need to be prepared for an assortment of ever changing conditions.

The challenge with planning on what to pack is being prepared for rain, cold, warmth, and a changes between all of those throughout the day. Unlike the Caribbean, conditions can change hourly.  While you probably expect it to be cold, Alaska can be surprisingly warm too.

While packing for an Alaska cruise may require a bit more thought than packing for a trip to a warmer destination, with some careful planning and consideration, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

Packing Checklist

Before we dive into explaining all the situations and what to expect, let's start with the an easy list.

We prescribe to the "layers, layers, layers" approach so that you can be flexible with any changes in the weather. The morning could start off cold and rainy, but it might be sunny and warm by lunch time.

Keep in mind this list is specific for an Alaska cruise, and the goal is to give you the most important things so you'll be prepared and be able to enjoy the trip fully.  The last thing you want to do is realize you're missing something critical and it diminish your enjoyment of this kind of a vacation.

Clothing

• Best base layer: Natural Uniforms Under Scrub Tee Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt
• Best warm layer: Columbia Benton Springs Full Zip
• Best waterproof jacket: 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket
• Best beanie: SmartWool Unisex-Adult Rib Hat
• Best gloves: Tomily Touch Screen Phone Fleece Gloves

Shoes

• Best women's hiking shoes: Columbia Trailstorm Waterproof Hiking Boot
• Best men's hiking shoes: Timberland White Ledge Waterproof Hiking Boots
• Best women's walking shoes: Skechers Glide-Step Rainy Day Waterproof Sneakers
• Best men's walking shoes: Skechers Performance Men's Go Walk Max

Gear

• Best binoculars: Bushnell 12x42 HD Binoculars
• Best reusable water bottle: Hydro Flask 32 Oz
• Best motion sickness medicine: Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

My experience is you want to bring a mix of clothes that you can interchange easily.  Rest assured, you don't need a completely new outfit for every day of your cruise. Instead, plan on bringing 2 or 3 layers you can swap in and out.

The reason we picked out certain items is for the quality each provides. There are usually plenty of cheaper knockoffs, but I've found certain brands work best, not just for this one trip but it'll be useful for your follow-up trips as well.

Layers

The most important packing mantra is to plan on wearing layers that you can take on or off depending on the conditions. The morning and evenings can be quite chilly, so you'll want flexibility to keep warm but also shed layers when the sun comes up fully.

Your base layer will be a short or long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, leggings, or other lightweight pants. On the warmest of days, shorts may be preferred whereas the coldest days may have you layering both leggings and jeans.

Your base layer could be a t-shirt, but I prefer a long sleeve crew neck shirt. Ideally, something that wicks moisture so you don't end up sweaty. That means it also won't get smelly and you can easily re-use it over multiple days.

The Women's Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt is a great example.

Over your base layer you’ll want to pack a warm layer. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece or down jackets will help keep you warm no matter the weather, and they’re easy to take off if it gets too hot.

In addition, don’t forget to pack a waterproof layer. Due to strong winds and ease of use in crowded areas, we don’t recommend packing an umbrella. Therefore, it’s important to pack a waterproof jacket with a hood. This should keep you dry in the wettest of conditions.

Footwear

You will need a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities. Active sandals, such as Chacos, can be nice in the summer months as well.

Packing a pair of comfortable lounge shoes for the ship is a good idea, too. Slippers, flip flops, or comfy sneakers can be nice to have when walking around the ship and your stateroom.

Whichever type of shoes you decide to bring, make sure the soles of your shoes have plenty of grip. You may encounter slippery or rocky surfaces on shore excursions or while exploring on your own, so you want to make sure your shoes have enough friction.

Accessories

Outside of your main clothes and footwear, don’t forget to pack accessories for an Alaska cruise. From hats to wool socks, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses, there are many accessories that you’ll want to bring with you to Alaska.

Related: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska?

A water-resistant daypack is one of our top Alaska cruise packing tips. You’ll need somewhere to put your valuables during the day, so making sure the pack is water-resistant or waterproof is crucial. A backpack will be the most comfortable option and can fit everything you’ll need for a busy day in port.

Binoculars may be of interest to you as well, especially if you plan to do any wildlife viewing excursions. Being able to see the state’s wildlife and nature up close is well worth the cost of an entry-level pair of binoculars.

I'd also recommend bringing a camera with a zoom lens or a cellphone that takes high quality photos. You should also bring enough chargers and enough memory cards for the hundreds of photos that you will likely take.

A portable charger is useful for full-day trips where you might burn through your cellphone battery. This portable charger is the one I recommend.

Alaska cruise packing list

Clothes

• Waterproof jacket with a hood
• Fleece or down jacket
• Sweaters and sweatshirts (to wear onboard and in port)
• T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
• 2-3 pairs long pants (jeans and slacks for dinner)
• 1-2 pairs leggings
• 1-2 pairs shorts
• Formal wear for dinner (2-4 dresses, collared shirts, etc.)
• Swimsuit
• Pajamas
• Casual loungewear for onboard
• Underwear and socks
• Clothes for the onboard fitness center

Footwear and accessories

• Water-resistant shoes with a sturdy, non-slippery sole (hiking boots, sneakers)
• Dress shoes for dinner
• Comfy shoes for walking around your stateroom/ship (sandals or sneakers)
• Water-resistant daypack
• Hat (baseball cap, beanie, etc.)
• Gloves
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Scarf
• Camera
• Waterproof case for cellphone
• Portable cellphone charger
• Things to do onboard (books, card games, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

How to avoid overpacking on an Alaskan cruise?

It's really easy to find yourself overpacking for an Alaska cruise because of the wide temperature swings involved in a typical sailing.

One area of the cruise you can probably ease up on in terms of packing is what to wear for dinner.

In general, the dress code tends to be more casual at dinner.  While there are still formal nights on Alaska cruises, you'll see far more guests opting for just jeans and a collared shirt rather than a suit or tuxedo.

I've also noticed most women not wearing dresses to dinner on an Alaska cruise and instead nice jeans, pants, and sweaters.

You can also reduce the amount of clothes you bring to Alaska by relying on laundry services.

Royal Caribbean offers laundry on its ships that you pay for, but if that means packing half the clothes you might otherwise pack, that could save a lot of space (and perhaps baggage fees from the airlines).

More Alaska cruise tips:

• 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Best time to cruise to Alaska
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

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Although cruising has gotten more expensive, it's still possible to find a good deal on a Royal Caribbean cruise — but if you're only looking for the cheapest option, you may end up disappointed.

While establishing a budget and sticking to it is an important planning step, it shouldn't be the only factor guiding your decision-making. 

Oftentimes, the cheapest sailings are on older ships in windowless inside cabins. Not only that, but the dates may be during the shoulder season, which might limit your flexibility when it comes to choosing itineraries or taking time off work. 

Balancing cost with your priorities and expectations is the best way to ensure that you have an unforgettable vacation at sea. In this article, we'll break down five reasons you should never choose a cruise solely based on the cost. 

Cheap cruises tend to be on older ships with fewer amenities 

New cruise ships are packed from bow to stern with activities, restaurants, and entertainment options. However, while ships like Icon and Star of the Seas might be the focus of the cruise line's advertising, the fleet encompasses far more than mega-ships, and the older vessels are still popular among loyal fans — though some are nearing 30 years old. 

Still, if you're someone who was captivated by a commercial with water slides, surfing simulators, zip lines, and ice skating rinks, you may find that Royal Caribbean's oldest ships don't have the same WOW factor. 

Older vessels, like the Vision and Radiance Class ships, are still a solid choice for travelers who prioritize value over the latest amenities. However, if you're traveling with kids who need constant stimulation or consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, a newer ship, even if it's a Voyager or Freedom Class vessel, may better meet your needs and expectations. 

Read more: What you gain (and lose) by choosing an older cruise ship

The cost per day on shorter cruises is higher, even if the overall price is lower than a weeklong sailing

"Cheap" isn't synonymous with "value." As such, it’s important to look beyond the total price and consider the cost per day to ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. 

To give you an example, we'll compare the cost of short and long Royal Caribbean cruise sailings on similar ships and itineraries. Note that these prices were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change based on demand and availability.

Utopia of the Seas, June 4-7, 2027

• Interior: $1,010/person (~$337 per night)
• Outside View: $1,080/person (~$360 per night)
• Balcony: $1,150/person (~$383 per night)
• Suite: $1,878/person (~$626 per night)

Allure of the Seas, June 6-12, 2027 

• Interior: $1,258/person (~$210 per night)
• Outside View: $1,408/person (~$235 per night)
• Balcony: $1,485/person (~$248 per night)
• Suite: $3,346/person (~$558 per night)

At first glance, the 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas appears to be the better deal due to its lower total price, starting at just around $1,000 per person for an interior cabin. However, when broken down by night, the 6-night Allure of the Seas sailing offers double the time on board for only a modest increase in overall cost. This results in a lower per-day price and a greater overall value. 

In fact, you could book a balcony cabin on Allure of the Seas for a lower per-night cost compared to a windowless interior stateroom on Utopia of the Seas. 

Read more: Should you take a short cruise from Florida? Pros and cons of cheap weekend getaways

You could travel during a region's shoulder season and experience unfavorable weather

Sailing to The Bahamas in January, for example, is much cheaper than in June, July, or August. That's because winter weather in The Bahamas is cooler and less predictable. 

In January and early February of 2026, multiple ships had their scheduled visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay canceled due to high winds and rogue waves. Some guests ended up with an extra sea day, while some missed out on all scheduled ports, resulting in "cruises to nowhere." 

While taking a cruise during hurricane season is risky, inclement weather isn’t limited to just one time of year, and sailing during shoulder season can still lead to itinerary changes, missed ports, or cooler-than-expected temperatures that put a damper on your Bahamian beach day. 

The lowest rate on any sailing is often for tiny interior staterooms

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cruise room, and price is only one of them. Generally speaking, windowless inside cabins are the most affordable, and while they may be perfect for some travelers, others avoid them at all costs. 

Do you want to wake up and admire the passing scenery or have the morning sunlight illuminate your cabin? If so, an outside view stateroom or balcony will be a better fit, even if they cost a bit more.

Other considerations include cabin size, location, and proximity to public venues. For instance, you may not want to be located near the casino or nightclub. As such, it might be in your best interest to pay to select your specific stateroom, rather than rely on luck with a cheaper guaranteed room rate. 

Read more: Cruise ship rooms on Royal Caribbean: How to choose the best cabin

Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive, so you'll need to budget for other add-ons

Finally, Royal Caribbean's base fare only covers your accommodation, complimentary meals, select beverages, transportation, entertainment, and most onboard activities. However, it does not include add-ons like drink packages, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. 

These extras can significantly increase the total cost of your vacation, regardless of whether you're eyeing a 3-night getaway or a weeklong adventure. For example, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package costs anywhere from $56 to $115 per person, per night. 

As such, booking the cheapest cruise does not necessarily mean that your entire vacation will be inexpensive, so planning ahead for the additional expenses is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises. 

Read more: When should you buy Royal Caribbean drink package, wifi, tours & other add-ons

Cruise loyalty is changing thanks to Royal Caribbean Group's disruption of the traditional loyalty programs.

The Points Choice program was announced last month and it's now operational, meaning you can earn cruise points across different lines within the RCG family of brands.

While it's early in the Points Choice offering, already many cruisers are rethinking which cruises they'll book because suddenly they have more options available to them without compromising their climb to the next loyalty tier.

There's suddenly so many more choices of where and when you can sail because of the Silversea and Celebrity Cruise options. This is especially important to Royal Caribbean fans that have lamented the lack of new itineraries or exotic destinations.

Consumers are pondering which destinations to visit, and it seems like there's already a shift in being more agnostic to the line than ever before.

Deeping guest loyalty

It's not often you see a corporate initiative that benefits both consumer and company equally, but Points Choice seems to have that quality.

The idea is for points that can be strategically used across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, which incentives cross-brand travel and greater engagement.

During Royal Caribbean Group's fourth quarter earnings call, executives were adamant about how beneficial Points Choice will be and how they expect it to work well.

"We recently shared the next evolution of our loyalty program with Points Choice, which gives consumers the freedom to earn points on any of our three vacation brands and apply them where they matter most, regardless of the ship they’re sailing.," said Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty.

"Our loyalty programs are now with that coming with Points Choice, we’re seeing more and more high quality demand from our guests." 

Royal Caribbean Group believe Points Choice improves demand quality, not just participation.

Mr. Liberty is fond of one of the catchphrase they are building a "lifetime of vacations" ecosystem, and Points Choice is integral to this.

"Together, these elements reinforce our lifetime of vacation ecosystem, attracting new guests, driving more frequency and long-term loyalty that translates into sustainable growth."

Booming business of loyalty

Cruise line loyalty has changed a lot over the years, but it's clear RCG sees its repeat cruisers as a core part of their business strategy.

During the earnings call, Mr. Liberty acknowledged that the amount of repeat business is rising, "We're seeing an increase in the percentage of our guests that are loyalists."

Points Choice is about giving those repeat customers more options and ways to come back.

By attracting repeat cruisers, the hope is they'll cruise more and spend more. On the earnings call, executives linked the rise in loyalists and the launch of Points Choice to "higher quality demand," suggesting they see loyalty as a driver of stronger, more durable bookings.

"This will definitely make me more likely to try Celebrity"

For anyone that is trying to get to a higher loyalty tier, Points Choice is making that easier.

Royal Caribbean message board user VC22 posted, "This will definitely make me more likely to try Celebrity.  I was going to hold back on Celebrity until I hit Diamond Plus (likely in a few years time)."

"I may now consider Celebrity for 2027, especially since they seem to offer more varied itineraries."

This post exemplifies many others sentiments that now they can try a new line, but still get their Crown and Anchor Society points.

• RCIFan1912: "I want to sail Celebrity but wasn't going to till we for to Diamond plus but now the points can just be directed to C&A. That is just awesome!
• JimnKathy: "This will allow Kathy and I to test out Celebrity (and perhaps SilverSea?) and keep adding points while we chase down Diamond Plus status over the next several years or so."
• whitsmom: "This is Good News for me!!  We are on a B2B with Celebrity in August 2027."

Prior to Points Choice, a cruiser might think twice about trying another line because they wanted to reach a certain level with Royal Caribbean first, such as Diamond status.

Now, they can have their cake (from the Crown Lounge) and eat it too.

Royal Caribbean's third Icon Class ship will have its very own Chief Dog Officer: Skipper. 

Earlier this month, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean's President and CEO, announced that the then-unnamed puppy had been born. 

Within hours, Bayley's Facebook post had over 400 comments with cruise fans weighing in on what the cruise line should name the soon-to-be Chief Dog Officer of Legend of the Seas. 

Some of the ideas include nautical-inspired names like Anchor and Schooner. Others, such as Norway, paid tribute to Royal Caribbean's history and private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

(Credit: Michael Bayley/Facebook)

In the end, Bayley revealed the winning name in a playful post alongside an AI image of himself, the recently born puppy, and Rover and Sailor, the respective Chief Dog Officers of Icon and Star of the Seas. 

"ChatGPT A.I. with my true loves!  Rover, Sailor, and baby Skipper! Thank you to all who suggested some wonderful names for our growing group of Chief Dog Officers. After an exhaustive process, our distinguished panel (🤪me) chose Skipper," Bayley shared on Facebook. 

Skipper was mentioned a few times in the previous comment section by fans, including Amy Sue, Diane Cushman, Maria Jodoin, Bridgette Hope Spence, Amanda Davis, and Christy Collins. 

Read more: New puppy born that will live on Royal Caribbean's next new cruise ship

With the name now official, cruisers can look forward to Skipper following in the previous "paw" prints of the other Chief Dog Officers. 

Icon of the Seas was the first ship to feature a full-time Chief Dog Officer

Icon of the Seas is record-breaking in more ways than one. While the massive mega-ship broke records as the world’s largest cruise ship and for having the largest waterpark at sea, the vessel was also the first in the fleet to introduce a Chief Dog Officer.

Rover, an adorable Golden Retriever, made history as Royal Caribbean’s first-ever Chief Dog Officer when Icon debuted in January 2024. She lives on the ship full-time with her handler (talk about a dream job!) and became a celebrity before the ship even set sail. 

The following year, Royal Caribbean welcomed Sailor aboard Star of the Seas, continuing the trend of having a "family dog" on its family-focused cruise ships. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean will have a dog that lives on Star of the Seas

With Rover joining the Icon of the Seas' crew around six months old, Skipper will likely follow a similar time frame. This will give Royal Caribbean ample time to properly train her and help her develop her much-needed sea legs. 

If this is true, based on Sailor's birthday, she won't embark on Legend of the Seas until around August 2026, after the ship's maiden voyages in July. This, however, is just speculation; Royal Caribbean has not confirmed anything about when Skipper may make Legend her full-time home — other than that she will definitely be on board while the Icon Class ship is in Europe. 

Legend of the Seas' maiden voyage is scheduled for July 2026

Legend of the Seas is the next highly-anticipated Icon Class ship. While the bones are nearly identical to the other two vessels, what makes Legend so special is that she's the first Icon Class ship to offer European cruises. 

When Legend debuts in July 2026, she'll sail on a series of round-trip voyages from Barcelona, Spain, and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Then, she'll move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the winter season before returning to Europe in May 2027. 

Combining a sailing on an Icon Class ship with bucket-list destinations like Marseille, France; Naples, Italy; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, gives travelers the chance to pair Royal Caribbean’s newest, most groundbreaking hardware with some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds an even earlier first sailing on Legend of the Seas

While I go on lots of Royal Caribbean ships often, I find I tend to skip some parts of the ship almost every time.

Everyone has a style they cruise to, even if they've only taken a couple of cruises. What I mean is people gravitate towards certain areas, but not others.

As an example, someone on a budget or with young kids might not spend much time at all in the casino. Or someone that looks for a party on a cruise will spend more time at the pool deck.

In thinking about how I like to cruise, I came up with a list of areas on Royal Caribbean ships that I tend to avoid for one reason or another.

Surf simulator

Other than occasionally going to watch people wipe out, you'll never find me at the Flowrider surf simulator.

I have a lot of respect for those that have the balance, grace, and tightly bound bathing suits to enjoy and do well with the Flowrider, but I am not one of them.

I not only lack the right balance to attempt to stand-up surf, but I also am too concerned with the impact my body would have when it inevitably hits the (padded) floor after wiping out.

There's no doubt you can learn to surf on a cruise ship, but it's just not my thing.

If you're like me, there are seats to watch others give it a try. It's about as close I get when I venture in that area.

Card room

While I have set foot in card rooms, I don't think I've ever sat down and spent any time in one.

The card room is essentially a multi-purpose room for playing board games, card games, or quietly socializing. It certainly serves this purpose, but it's never something I've ever thought to go do.

On the rare occasions that I play a game of Exploding Kittens on a cruise ship, I've always ended up in the Crown Lounge or a bar that doesn't have any entertainment at the time.

Some people have very intricate board games they bring that look like Risk-level complexity. I wish I had the dedication for such games.

If I was ever going to play a board game on a cruise ship, I'd love to try Axis and Allies, but I cannot fathom bringing the giant box and then taking the time to set it all up.

Maybe someday I'll bring my Royal Caribbean Monopoly edition with me on a ship.

DJ parties

Even in the prime of my college days, I was never really that into a DJ party. Sure, I hung out at Webster Hall in New York City around 2002-2003, but I can't say that was my preferred party spot.

Royal Caribbean has some high energy DJ events now, especially on new ships, like Utopia of the Seas.

I can appreciate these are the sort of events anyone that wants a DJ party will enjoy, but it's not my jam.

Royal Promenade dance parties

Just to prove I'm not just against dance parties involving DJs, I avoid the Royal Promenade events too.

They're loud, and I am not the type of person to ever want to join in for a group rendition of YMCA.

I also think Promenade parties are passé at this point, because they've been doing them for as long as I've been cruising.

Because the Royal Promenade parties shut everything down on the Promenade, it almost feels like the muster drill of entertainment.

Art auctions

I've changed my tune about a few things on Royal Caribbean cruises over the years, but not art auctions.

First and foremost, I'm not an art collector and I don't see value in owning prints of art. On the rare occasions we've ever bought art, it's usually the mass produced stuff in a store.

The other issue is art auctions have a reputation for being a bit "creative" with how they present the valuations and how long it takes to actually get the pieces (no, you don't take home the art you see in the auction).

I've spoken with some folks that enjoy it for what it is, especially the free champagne. It's definitely an event to go in with both eyes wide open and not with the idea the art you'll buy is going to make you rich some day.

Sports court

Royal Caribbean holds all sorts of activities on its sports court, but you won't find me there.

Basketball, pickleball, soccer, or volleyball are all played there, but I get sweaty just thinking about going out there. There's no shade and it seems like it's easily the hottest spot on the ship at any given time.

Before you assume I'm an out of shape coach potato, I do enjoy the fitness center and have been going to the gym for over a year. But that kind of exercise is sweaty, but far more manageable.

Jugglers or magician shows

In the previous six areas of a cruise ship I avoid, I pointed out why I understand why others might enjoy them.  However, I fail to see the appeal at all of jugglers, ventriloquists, or magic shows on cruise ships.

I feel it's one of those, "if you've seen it once, you've seen them all" experiences. And even if you've never seen them, the jokes are corny and get old quickly.

I love comedy shows on Royal Caribbean ships, but I'd rather go to a DJ dance party than sit through a juggling act.

One cruise ship just made history after earning the first-ever Five-Star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide for one of its fine dining restaurants at sea.  

Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud aboard Celebrity Xcel, the cruise line's newest Edge Series ship, earned the prestigious honor and joined an elite group of restaurants that hold Five-Star accolades across the globe. 

The upscale restaurant, which was created in partnership with Celebrity Cruises’ global culinary ambassador and Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud, first debuted in Celebrity Beyond. It's more than just a fine dining experience, too. Each meal is a cultural journey that invites guests to experience flavors from around the world, all inspired by Chef Daniel Boulud's travels. 

Le Voyage offers diners a choice between expertly prepared à la carte dishes and a carefully crafted five-course tasting menu. The meal isn't cheap, costing over $100 per person. However, the recently-awarded Forbes Five-Star distinction reinforces that this isn't just another specialty steakhouse on a cruise ship. It's one of the best culinary experiences in the world — that just so happens to be at sea. 

"We are extremely proud and honored to earn Forbes Travel Guide's first Five-Star rating for a restaurant at sea. This industry-leading recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. 

Chef Daniel Boulud added, "I have the honor of being Celebrity Cruises’ global culinary ambassador, supporting their delivery of elevated culinary experiences. Throughout the years of partnership, I recognized Celebrity’s drive for culinary innovation and dedication to quality service. We began expanding our collaboration, first featuring my menus for their Suite guests, then trusting Celebrity to launch my first-ever restaurant at sea.

"Le Voyage is the culmination of our years-long partnership, and we are thrilled to be recognized with Forbes Travel Guide's Five Stars. Together, we look forward to continuing to redefine the possibilities of dining at sea."

Forbes Travel Guide is widely regarded as the gold standard for excellence in hospitality. It remains the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, spas, restaurants, and ocean cruises. In fact, every Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating comes from anonymous evaluations that are measured against hundreds of objective standards that prioritize exceptional service. 

Le Voyage's award isn't the first time that Celebrity Cruises has made history with the travel guide, either. In 2023, the premium cruise line was the first to earn a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Star Award. 

Read more: 9 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship

Three other restaurants earned Four-Star ratings

"At Celebrity Cruises, elevated hospitality is in our DNA. Guided by our guests, we dream up and deliver experiences that create memories and stories they cannot experience anywhere else," explained Hodges Bethge. 

As such, it should not come as a surprise to learn that not one, not two, but three other Celebrity restaurants walked away with Four-Star ratings from Forbes Travel Guide: Le Voyage on Celebrity Ascent, Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Ascent, and Fine Cut Steakhouse on Celebrity Apex. 

Additionally, four Celebrity Cruises ships earned an overall rating in 2026, including Celebrity Xcel (recommended), Celebrity Ascent (Four-Stars), Celebrity Apex (recommended), and Celebrity Flora (recommended). 

These eight awards are a testament to Celebrity's promise that "Nothing Else Comes Close." From world-class dining to elevated service and transformational accommodations, the cruise line continues to set new standards for what travelers can expect at sea. 

The outlook for the line remains strong, with the first river ships expected to debut in 2027. These first-of-its-kind vessels are taking a lot of inspiration from the Edge Series — three of which walked away with Forbes overall ratings in 2026. 

Read more: I ate my way through a luxury cruise ship. These are the 6 dishes I'm still thinking about

Weeks after Royal Caribbean quietly updated its prohibited items list to tighten onboard safety and cybersecurity, the cruise line clarified that certain smart glasses are now restricted in specific areas of its ships.

Like other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has a long list of prohibited items that aren't allowed aboard its fleet of ships. Many of the items, including illegal drugs and explosives, are common sense. 

Sometimes, however, the line between what's banned and what guests consider harmless isn't very clear. For instance, many passengers assume they can bring extension cords and steamers, but they are actually banned on Royal Caribbean ships. 

Recently, Royal Caribbean updated the verbiage on its prohibited items list to read: "'Smart' glasses from any of several manufacturers that can record video and audio are not allowed to be used in certain areas onboard the ship, including, but not limited to, public restrooms, Youth Program areas, medical areas, as well as the casino."

While the change was only recently made official on Royal Caribbean's website, passengers began noticing the updated policy online in late January. 

"Now RCL is apparently not allowing smart glasses even if just used as prescription glasses or sunglasses," catlovingcryptofella posted on the r/royalcaribbean Reddit thread, along with a screenshot from the Cruise Compass on Royal Caribbean's mobile app. 

"Smart glasses with video and audio recording capabilities are not permitted onboard. If a guest fails to abide by this policy, the chief security officer and captain are authorized to confiscate the smart glasses," the discreet notice reads. 

(Credit: @catlovingcryptofella/Reddit)

Since smart glasses can discreetly record video and audio, the devices invade the privacy of passengers and crew in public areas on its ships, particularly in spaces where individuals may not realize they are being filmed.

The prohibited items list continues to specify that guests who have prescription smart glasses should bring a backup pair that isn't smart-enabled. 

Royal Caribbean tightened the rules on cybersecurity and electronic interference equipment

Sometime after December 10, 2025, Royal Caribbean updated its previously vague "cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment" clause to include "satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, any other deliberate electronic interference which would constitute criminal activity."

Because cruise ships rely on high-tech digital systems for navigation, communication, and entertainment, the clarification ensures that the critical systems are protected from unintended (or intended) interference. 

For example, the precise wording explicitly targets devices intended to hack, disrupt, or manipulate the onboard systems. These include signal jammers, hacking toolkits, and unauthorized travel Wi-Fi routers.

While some devices, such as satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment, were previously listed on the banned items list, the recent addition zeros in on the purpose of the item. 

Travel routers, for instance, were once used to save money by extending the connectivity of one internet package to multiple devices. Though seemingly harmless, they can also be used to create rogue networks that interfere with the ship’s Wi‑Fi system or even bypass security controls.

According to a survey released by the consulting firm Protiviti, cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses. 

Cybersecurity Drive reported that corporate leaders, including board members, chief financial officers, and chief operating officers, are "increasingly aware that cyber resilience must be embedded into enterprise strategy."

"This widespread prioritization underscores the almost universal recognition that cybersecurity is no longer a siloed IT issue but rather a strategic enterprise risk with implications for brand reputation, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance," Protiviti said.

As such, Royal Caribbean’s updated policy highlights the company's recognition that cybersecurity at sea is equally important as on land.

Read more: Royal Caribbean adds cyber threat equipment to its list of banned items on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean isn't the first cruise line to ban smart glasses

In December, MSC Cruises confirmed that smart glasses were banned from its ships, with its website saying, "devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data (e.g. smart glasses) are not allowed in [the ship's] public areas."

The news did not exactly come as a surprise, given MSC's reputation for being strict about filming on board its ships. In 2024, popular YouTubers Ben & David were banned from filming during a cruise on the MSC World Europa. The trip wasn't sponsored by the cruise line, as the couple had paid for the sailing themselves. 

While MSC eventually apologized to Ben & David, the incident highlighted just how seriously the cruise line takes privacy and why smart glasses, including Meta Ray-Bans or Google Glasses, suddenly appeared on the prohibited list.

Read more: MSC Cruises' unexpected ban angers passengers