The summer cruise season is about to begin, and it brings a series of changes cruisers should be aware of before they travel.
I have five cruises planned for this summer (and maybe more to come), and as I started planning things out, it became clear there are some new things to take into account.
I'm an over planner and I like to prep as much as I can in the months leading up to my cruise. I actually think it's fun to plan a cruise out, as it gives me an outlet for my pent up excitement about the vacation.
Here are 4 changes coming to cruises this summer anyone with a sailing should think about before the trip starts.
Real ID matters, but not for a cruise
The hot button change coming to all of travel in the United States this summer is the Real ID rule mandate.
Beginning May 7, there will be new security standards for driver's licenses and state identification cards. The change applies to enhancing federal standards, including passing through airport security checkpoints.
This means if you're flying within the United States for your cruise vacation, you need to double check your driver's license meets this standard or you'll be denied entry at the airport.
If you have a passport, you can use that instead.
While these rules apply to air travel, you don't need a Real ID for a cruise vacation specifically.
Cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, allow U.S. citizens sailing round trip from the same U.S. homeport (that doesn't include a visit to Panama, Colombia, or Martinique) can sail with government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate.
I strongly recommend everyone cruise with a passport, but technically there's an alternative for Americans on select itineraries.
Don't wait to book a last-minute cruise
If a summer cruise sounds like a great vacation, don't wait another minute to book it.
Royal Caribbean executives said prices go up for last-minute cruise bookings, and it's a good enough reason to book your cruise as early as possible.
The cruise line doesn't slash prices of unsold cabins at the last minute. Rather, they're hiking prices to take advantage of anyone trying to squeeze a cruise in right before it starts.
Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty explained this tactic during his company's first quarter earnings call last week, "We see...an uplift in demand as we get very close in. Not only do we see an uplift in demand, we're also about to raise our pricing during that period of time."
This means you're going to want to book that summer cruise now, and now try to wait it out any longer.
Even if you don't care about higher prices, the reality is cabins left for a summer cruise are dwindling.
The company said about 86% of the 2025 cruise inventory is booked already.
You're going to want to act quickly and book a vacation now before prices go up again.
US citizens now need to pay to enter the UK
If you are cruising the United Kingdom or your ship visits a UK port, there's a new fee and step to take.
As of January 2025, travelers coming into the UK need to obtain a new electronic travel authorization to enter the country. This applies to all visitors (regardless of age) who can travel there visa-free, including Americans.
The ETA application cost is 10 pounds ($13) and will be valid for multiple visits up to a maximum duration of six months over two years.
You need to apply before your start travel and there's a requirement to upload a photo.
Officials claim it will take up to 3 business days to obtain clearance, but in our experience, it's complete in a matter of minutes. Regardless, don't wait until the day before your trip to do it.
It's easy to apply using the ETA app, available on iOS and Android.
Don't bring your speaker to CocoCay
A new rule change that was first spotted during Spring Break is Royal Caribbean doesn't want you bringing your speakers to its private island.
There are four rules the cruise line posted in its digital Cruise Compass on the day your ship visits Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- Swim diapers are required for pools and Splashaway Bay for toddlers and infants
- Don't feed the seagulls
- No fishing
- No glass bottles or personal speakers
While the other rules aren't that new, the prohibition on personal speakers is a change to be aware of for your visit this summer.
I can assume this rule is in place to prevent someone's music impacting someone else's ability to enjoy their day.
