Royal Caribbean Blog

I tried Royal Caribbean’s drink package for the first time, but I didn’t get my money’s worth. That being said, I loved the convenience of the package, so it might be worth a try on your next cruise.

Drink packages are one of the most popular add-ons to purchase before a Royal Caribbean cruise. The Deluxe Beverage Package offers unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and it is a must-have for many cruisers.

Having access to unlimited drinks allows passengers to relax and unwind during their vacation, whether onboard the ship or at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

Despite cruising with Royal Caribbean over 20 times, I never purchased a drink package. While I enjoy a cocktail here and there, I never thought I could drink enough to make the cost of a drink package worth it.

On my most recent sailing on Utopia of the Seas, though, I tried a Deluxe Beverage Package for the first time. I booked a Star Class suite, which included a drink package in the cruise fare. During my short, 3-night cruise, I tried to make the most of the drink package to get my money’s worth.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a waste of money for me, and I probably wouldn’t try it again.

Most drink packages cost between $80 and $90 per day

Royal Caribbean’s drink package price varies from sailing to sailing, but you can typically expect to pay around $80 to $90 per day with gratuities.

Drink prices onboard vary, too, but cocktails are usually around $14, with beers and seltzers priced around $8.

Related: How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Therefore, to “break even” on the drink package, passengers need to drink at least 6-7 drinks per day. This is an easy number to reach for some cruisers, especially those celebrating a special event, like a bachelorette, onboard.

For others—myself included—it can be a challenge to drink enough to find value in the package.

I didn’t think I could drink enough to break even on the daily cost

Even though my drink package was included in the cost of my luxury Star Class suite, I still technically paid for the package in my base cruise fare. Knowing that the package would cost around $270 for my 3-night cruise, I doubted I could drink enough during the weekend to break even.

Plus, as a Diamond Plus member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, I already receive 5 free drinks per day. This would effectively bring my “break-even” number to over 11 drinks per day.

For the purposes of this review, I’ll keep my break-even number to around 6-7 drinks per day, as most Royal Caribbean passengers do not receive free Diamond drinks.

Immediately, I felt a sense of pressure to order drinks

As soon as I boarded the ship, I felt as if a clock were ticking. If I wanted to make the drink package worth it, I needed to start ordering drinks soon.

I grabbed a latte after boarding, as specialty coffees are included in the drink package. At only $5, though, I still had a ways to go.

Embarkation day can be hectic. In between completing my muster drill, unpacking my suitcase, and exploring the ship, I realized I hadn’t ordered a drink in several hours. Hoping to “make up” for this lost time, I grabbed a glass of white wine to enjoy while getting ready.

Later that evening, I ordered a cucumber martini at dinner, followed by a bourbon mule at The Mason Jar, Royal Caribbean’s southern-inspired restaurant and bar.

In total, the four drinks I ordered on embarkation day hardly made a dent in the daily cost of a drink package.

As the weekend continued, I shifted my mindset on the drink package

One of the biggest advantages of having a drink package is ordering drinks without receiving a large bill at the end of the cruise. For some cruisers, a prepaid drink package provides peace of mind. It allows them to relax without worrying about the price of each individual drink, whether they order 5 per day or 15.

On the second day of my cruise, I realized the drink package wasn’t only about breaking even, but also about enjoying drinks without stress.

Related: 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package

I began to order drinks more frequently throughout the day, whether two glasses of wine with lunch or an Aperol spritz by the pool.

I also started carrying my included Coca-Cola souvenir cup around the ship, which provided unlimited soft drinks from the Coca-Cola freestyle machines.

In short, I stopped worrying about counting each individual drink—the stress of doing so kept me from enjoying my cruise to the fullest. I realized one of the best benefits of the package is the convenience factor; it provides a more all-inclusive experience to a Royal Caribbean cruise.

I tried nearly a dozen new drinks while onboard

One of the biggest benefits of Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is the ability to try new drinks. There are dozens of cocktails available on Royal Caribbean’s ships, and many bars offer totally unique drink menus.

When paying for drinks individually, it’s easy to stick to the status quo. Most cruisers, after all, do not want to waste $15 on a drink they may not enjoy. Because of this, it’s common to stick to tried-and-true favorites, like a classic piña colada or familiar brand of beer.

Yet with a drink package, there’s no pressure to actually finish each drink. If you order a beverage and don’t like it, you can order another for no additional cost.

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

During my 3 nights onboard, I loved trying new-to-me cocktails. I sipped on a boozy banana float while listening to live country music at The Mason Jar and grabbed fruity coladas at the tropical-themed Pesky Parrot bar.

The drink package gave me the freedom to try new drinks without worrying about whether or not I would like them.

After a while, however, drinking and eating too much made me feel lethargic

One of my favorite aspects of sailing on a new Royal Caribbean ship like Utopia of the Seas is trying the diverse dining options.

In addition to a Deluxe Beverage Package, I also had an Unlimited Dining Package for the sailing. This package included meals at Utopia of the Seas’ specialty restaurants, including Izumi Sushi, Hooked Seafood, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package

Like most cruise dining experiences, specialty restaurants offer multi-course meals. From creamy pumpkin bisque to tender lobster and fried cheesecake, each meal was unquestionably delicious, but also extremely rich.

I planned to order drinks with each meal, but it often felt too overwhelming. As much as I love an espresso martini, for example, it felt too heavy to pair with an already indulgent meal.

A glass of water or a diet soda provided a lighter option so I didn’t feel overly full.

The drink package wasn’t right for me, and I’ll stick to included beverages on my next cruise

Despite trying new drinks during my cruise, I almost certainly did not break even on the drink package. Even though I stopped counting each drink individually, I’d guess I only drank around half of my break-even number.

Despite the convenience factor of the drink package, I found that I was not always in the mood to drink. Even though I could enjoy nonalcoholic beverages like specialty coffees and mocktails, I was just as happy to grab a complimentary glass of iced tea or lemonade instead.

Related: What drinks are free on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

I’m more of a social drinker than anything else, so perhaps my experience would have been different if I were sailing with a large group or celebrating a special event.

Ultimately, I am perfectly comfortable with sticking to the included beverages in Royal Caribbean’s cruise fare. If I want a cocktail while onboard, I’ll just purchase one individually. Daily drink specials and Crown & Anchor Society beverage coupons can help save money on drinks, too.

Nonetheless, you might still want to consider a drink package for your Royal Caribbean cruise

I won’t be purchasing another Deluxe Beverage Package, but it might be the right choice for your cruise vacation.

If you’re only cruising once a year, for instance, it could be worth the splurge to book a drink package. There’s no sense worrying about drink prices on your well-deserved vacation, and a drink package could definitely enhance your experience.

Likewise, those cruising with a group of friends or large family may find value in a drink package. These situations may foster a more celebratory atmosphere compared to cruising with a smaller group.

Finally, if your cruise visits one (or both) of Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, a drink package can offer an even better value. Your packages work at these ports, so you can make use of the benefits while ashore.

There’s no set answer as to whether or not a Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it on a Royal Caribbean cruise. For some passengers, it’s a no-brainer. For others, such as myself, it might not offer the best value.

Royal Caribbean is adding the biggest cruise ship ever to sail from Los Angeles, and it's the perfect reason to think about cruising the Mexican Riviera.

Ovation of the Seas is now offering cruises from LA, beginning with its first sailing with paying guests on Tuesday.

Adding a second ship to the market is a big deal, because it's not just a commitment to the west coast cruising market, but new hardware that offers more for cruise ship passengers to enjoy.

When any cruise line enters a market, it usually dips its toe with one ship, but when a big ship gets added, it's a power move.

Royal Caribbean invited me to be their guest on a preview sailing aboard Ovation of the Seas to experience the difference this ship will make.

A new way to go on a Mexico cruise

Starting this week, Ovation of the Seas will begin sailing 3-6-night cruises from the cruise terminal in San Pedro.

Royal Caribbean has been offering cruises on just one ship up until now on Navigator of the Seas. But the script is being updated with a big new ship.

I had an exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean International Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service, Vicki Freed, where she talked about how big her cruise line's plans are for the LA cruise market.

"When we come back, we come back in a big way," she proudly said.

"We are going to be introducing five different ships out of the West Coast."

"Our intent was to always come back to the Los Angeles area and soon to be the San Diego area."

California is is one of the top cruising markets, and bookings for the ship did quite well as soon as they went on sale.

I've taken a few cruises from Los Angeles, but a new ship with more to offer is a difference maker.  

The 4,905-passenger cruise ship is one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, and that means pools, restaurants, signature shows, and plenty of different staterooms to choose from.

By adding another ship, this adds more itinerary variation and prices to consider. Having two ships means you have the choice of short getaways or longer weeklong voyages.

Jennifer Keln is a travel advisor with MEI Travel, and she grew up in California.  She said Royal Caribbean's commitment has been a long, but welcome journey back, "Having lived on the West Coast most of my adult life, I’m so excited that we are finally getting newer, fun packed options out of LA!"

"The Quantum class ships will be my go to recommendation for families as they offer everything from bumper cars to the iFly skydiving simulator they are sure to keep the entire family busy and happy!"

Big ship with big features

One thing you'll notice when going on a big ship is how much there is to do onboard. It's what has made Royal Caribbean a market leader and recognizable brand.

Their big ships are the ones that have the greatest "wow" factor, and while the places you go on a cruise are important, the ship is equally important.

Ovation of the Seas has features such as bumper cars, North Star observation pod, Ripcord by iFly sky diving, and an immense theater on the back of the ship that is integrates technology and show.

If you're someone who likes suites, Ovation has a major advantage over Navigator because there are the Royal Suite Class options.

Royal Suite Class has Coastal Kitchen restaurant, Royal Genie services, and a dedicated sun deck. In terms of value for the price of a suite, there's more included with a suite on Ovation.

Plus, Ovation of the Seas has great dining onboard too.

You'll find a number of specialty and included restaurants to choose from, including Jamie's Italian, Izumi sushi, and Wonderland.

I think the difference with moving up to Ovation is you get more space for all of the fun ideas Royal Caribbean has.  Newer ships lean into the best offerings, along with more updated amenities. 

The aesthetics of the cabin are more modern on Ovation, as well as the amount of storage space and number of outlets you'll find.

More ships coming to the west coast

Ovation of the Seas is just the first foray, as Royal Caribbean has even bigger plans for Southern California.

Quantum of the Seas will also sail from Los Angeles later this year. In fact, for a short period, there will be three ships sailing from LA before Ovation shifts out.

And then in 2026, Royal Caribbean will expand operations to San Diego.

Serenade of the Seas will homeport from San Diego to offer a convenient new place to visit ports along the Baja peninsula.

Perhaps there are even more grandiose plans on the horizon.

During a question and answer event held aboard Ovation of the Seas, a travel advisor asked if Royal Caribbean had any plans to bring an Oasis Class ship to the Los Angeles market or have plans for building a new homeport in the Southern California market.

Immediately, Ms. Freed shot back, "I cannot answer that question," and then later joked she would get in trouble with the the cruise line's public relations department if she talked about that subject.  

I later asked her how she foresees the future of cruises from the west coast, and she can imagine quite a lot, "We have big ships and we have bigger ships coming."

"We would love to see a bigger ship out of the West coast. And we see it in our future."

I cruise to Europe every summer, and there are a few mistakes I never make to ensure my trip goes off without a hitch.

Europe is full of exciting cruise destinations, and I’ve been fortunate enough to sail all around the continent, visiting everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle.

Throughout my seven cruises in Europe, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. In between packing the wrong footwear, neglecting to research ports, and spending too much on shore excursions, I’ve certainly learned a few valuable lessons along the way.

These are the seven mistakes I always avoid on a European cruise so that I have the best trip possible.

I avoid picking the first itinerary I see — there are more options than you’d think

Dreaming of a European cruise? You’ll want to make sure you pick the best itinerary for your travel style.

A common mishap when planning any cruise is selecting the wrong itinerary. Every port offers something unique. History-lovers will gravitate toward the ancient ruins of Pompeii, whereas nature-focused cruisers might enjoy destinations like Norway and Iceland.

Instead of booking a European cruise based solely on price, look carefully at all the options. You might be surprised to find itineraries to the Canary Islands, northern Spain and France, and even as far east as Istanbul.

Related: What I wish I knew before taking a Mediterranean cruise

I always research itineraries thoroughly before booking. By doing so, I’ve been able to discover hidden gems around the continent.

My first European cruise, for instance, took me to the small city of La Rochelle, France. This city was nowhere on my radar to visit before coming across the cruise itinerary online, but I was blown away by the city’s quaint harbor and traditional crêperies.

Don’t limit yourself to only the most popular ports. Take a look at every itinerary the cruise line offers to find which one works best for you.

I avoid confusion in port by paying attention to logistics

Most European cruise itineraries include anywhere from three to five ports of call, but they’re not made equally. Some ships dock in the center of town, such as in Split, whereas others require a boat, bus, or train to reach the city center.

On my recent Greek Isles cruise, I paid careful attention to the logistics of each port before disembarking. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean’s app provides detailed information on any necessary tender boats, water taxis, and other local transportation.

Related: What does tender mean on a cruise ship?

By doing so, I was prepared for each port day. I lined up early for a tender ticket in Santorini, had cash ready for a water taxi in Mykonos, and reserved a disembarkation day shuttle bus to our next destination.

Doing just a few minutes of research beforehand helped me avoid unnecessary confusion in each port of call.

I avoid packing a huge suitcase — my carry-ons fit everything I need

A common mistake many travelers make when visiting Europe is overpacking.

If you plan to take any form of public transportation in Europe—whether trains, buses, or subways—you’ll quickly regret packing a large-sized suitcase.

I’ve utilized public transportation all over the continent, and I’d never bring anything larger than a carry-on suitcase. Although it’s possible to navigate transit systems with large luggage, I don’t find it worth the headache.

Related: European cruise outfits and packing guide for women

Many trains have limited luggage storage space, and subway systems can be crowded enough without a giant suitcase.

Instead, I always travel to Europe with my Away carry-on suitcase and spacious personal item-sized backpack from Amazon. The two items provide adequate space for a week’s worth of clothes and are easy enough to navigate through local transport.

I don’t limit myself to cruise line excursions

When planning port days, it’s convenient to stick with tours offered by Royal Caribbean. The tours leave directly from the ship, work with a vetted tour provider, and guarantee your arrival back to port if the tour encounters a delay.

That being said, shore excursions booked directly through the cruise line can be expensive. Royal Caribbean acts as the “middleman” between you and the tour provider, thus raising prices.

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

I rarely book shore excursions through Royal Caribbean. Instead, I look at independent tour operators, which may offer more variety and lower prices.

On my most recent cruise to Athens, I booked a guided tour of the Acropolis through GetYourGuide.com. The tour, which included my entrance fee, was $70 per person—less than half the price of tours offered through the cruise line.

When booking on your own, though, you’ll want to account for ground transport. In Athens, I took a local bus and subway to reach the Acropolis.

Some travelers may prefer the convenience of private transport through cruise line excursions instead.

I avoid wearing new shoes, and always ensure my footwear is comfortable

If there’s only one tip you follow from this list, it should be to pack proper footwear for your European cruise.

I frequently log 20,000 steps while exploring ports of call in Europe. Most destinations are best explored on foot, and there’s a lot of ground to cover each day.

On a prior cruise to the Mediterranean, I made the mistake of wearing a brand-new pair of sneakers in port. Soon enough, my ankles were covered in blisters, and I had to live with my mistake for the rest of the trip.

Nowadays, I never pack new shoes when cruising to Europe. I’ll pack a trusty pair of worn-in sneakers instead. I usually pack a pair of sandals with an ankle strap, too, which are nice to wear on warmer port days.

Related: What to wear on a Mediterranean cruise

If your itinerary visits a notoriously wet destination, such as Iceland or Ireland, you’ll want to avoid sneakers with a mesh exterior. A rainy day or accidental step into a puddle will quickly leave your shoes (and socks) soaking wet, which is far from ideal when exploring port.

I love cruising with a pair of white, water-resistant sneakers like these from Adidas. Not only do they match nearly every outfit, but they also keep my feet dry on rainy days.

I avoid cruising to Southern Europe in July and August. Venture north instead!

If you’re set on cruising to Europe in the peak summer months, consider heading north instead.

Destinations like Rome, Santorini, and Lisbon frequently see extreme temperatures during the months of July and August. Sightseeing in 90-degree temperatures can be downright miserable!

Visiting the Norwegian fjords, as an alternative, can be an excellent choice for a summer cruise. Temperatures in the low 70s are perfect for exploring the region. Whether hiking to the spectacular Pulpit Rock or strolling along the charming streets of Stavanger, you’re unlikely to be overwhelmed with the heat.

Related: What I did right and wrong on my Royal Caribbean cruise to Norway

Outside of Norway, you can also find cruises to destinations like Iceland, the British Isles, and Denmark, all of which should offer more pleasant summer temperatures compared to countries like Italy and Spain.

Lastly, I avoid booking my European cruises too late. Itineraries can (and often do) sell out

Despite taking so many cruises to Europe, I’m still learning the ins and outs of cruising around the continent.

One mistake I’ll never make again is waiting too long to book my cruise.

Last fall, I had been eyeing Royal Caribbean’s Greek Isles itineraries, but I was in no real rush to book one. Even though I was hoping to cruise sometime in May, I figured I could bite the bullet on a booking at a later date.

So, when I finally decided to sit down and book the cruise in December, I could no longer find the itinerary on Royal Caribbean’s website. As it turned out, the cruise was fully booked.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

My procrastination had cost me my dream cruise—or so I thought.

Fortunately, a few cabins opened up the next day, perhaps due to a cancellation or expired hold. I immediately emailed my travel agent to book the cruise, and I snagged one of the last staterooms on the ship.

Needless to say, I learned my lesson about booking cruises too late. Royal Caribbean’s European itineraries are in high demand, so if you want to book your dream cruise, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later.

Plans for Royal Caribbean building a new, smaller ship design are still very active and in the design phase.

Breadcrumbs of information have leaked out from the cruise line for more than a year of a project to design the next ship class.

Referred to as Project Discovery, there isn't a whole lot available on what it entails because technically Royal Caribbean hasn't officially announced it.

Instead, we've gotten tidbits mentioned by executives.

While sailing on Ovation of the Seas during a preview event for Royal Caribbean's new west coast deployment, we got confirmation that the project is indeed still in the works.

Vicki Freed is Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service, and she hosted a question and answer session with travel advisors onboard.

The first question asked was about what the status of the Discover Class ships is, and Ms. Freed did not hesitate to confirm the project is still happening.

"The Discovery Project is our next new class of ships, following the Icon of the Seas, and the Star of the Seas, and the Legend the Seas. And we're in the design process now," she said in response to the question.

"We meet on a regular basis with the architects, with the designers...the ops team and the hotel operations, food and beverage. And so it is a top secret design at this point."

While nothing about that is news, it simply confirms the project is still moving forward.

She then went on to say, "It's an exciting project. It'll be a new class of ship. 

"In true Royal Caribbean style, it will be special, it will be innovative. And I think it'll be something that'll be a home run from the beginning."

It's the first mention by an executive in a number of months on the subject of the project, and it's clear work continues on it.

In the meantime, there's been no order placed for a Discovery Class ship, and if it's still in the design phase, approval by the Royal Caribbean Group Board of Directors would still need to happen first.

How small is small

The key word with the Discovery Class ships is "smaller".

Later in the session, Ms. Freed would not give any hints on the ship size.

"The Discovery Class will be a smaller ship than Icon. That much we can tell you," she said when another question came up about the future of cruise ship size came up.

Because the entire project has been mired in rumors, details are subject to interpretation.

During Royal Caribbean Group's second quarter 2024 earnings call, Royal Caribbean Group President and Chief Executive Officer said Royal Caribbean is mindful that its smaller vessels are becoming outdated.

"We're looking potentially at smaller ships will probably replace some of those older ships," Liberty said, touching on the cruise line's next project."

"It's a little bit less about the sourcing market. It's more about where those ships can go. It's getting them into maybe some of the more unique and bespoke destinations and further diversify our footprint around the world."

That statement is saying the priority is being able to offer cruises to certain ports of call that perhaps larger ships cannot access. Today, the Royal Caribbean ships that can reach those kinds of ports are the smaller ones that are aging.

The remaining Vision Class ships were built in the 1990s. Grandeur of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's oldest vessel, entered service in 1996.

But there's confirmation or indication a new class would be the same or similar size to the Vision Class.  In fact, they could be significantly larger than the Vision Class.

Bigger ships in LA?

While we're in the depths of the rumor mill, another interesting response caught my attention.

A travel advisor asked if Royal Caribbean had any plans to bring an Oasis Class ship to the Los Angeles market or have plans for building a new homeport in the Southern California market.

It's common to get questions from travel advisors about their home markets, and this one came from an agent in Visalia, California.

Immediately, Ms. Freed shot back, "I cannot answer that question. But thank you, Susie from Visalia."

Occasionally there can be oversold cruises, which leads to the question of why it can happen in the first place.

From a business perspective, the goal of every Royal Caribbean ship is to sail completely full, similar to how a restaurant wants to fill every table.

However, sometimes a few weeks before a cruise is scheduled to sail, it becomes clear the ship is oversold.

It's not that common, but there have been a few instances so far this summer that have garnered attention.

Incentive to change plans

Select guests booked on the Adventure of the Seas June 7 sailing received an email last week asking if they'd consider changing plans.

The email does not specifically say the ship is oversold, but similar emails to this have been sent in the past that we know allude to the fact the sailing is oversold and volunteers are needed.

"Ahead of our Adventure of the Seas, June 7, 2025, sailing, we are looking to see if you and your travel party have flexible travel arrangements," the email reads.

There are two options, if a passenger is interested in changing their plans, and both are quite lucrative.

The first is to change to a different 2025 sailing, and get a 50% refund of the cruise fare, plus $300 in onboard credit.

The other option is to cancel and get a 100% refund, plus a 100% future cruise credit to book an alternative sailing.

With each oversold ship, the offer from the cruise line differs, but essentially the proposition is the same: a full or partial refund, plus free money to spend on another cruise.

The emails go out and to date, have been effective in garnering volunteers as there have been no reports of guests showing up to the cruise terminal and denied boarding because there isn't a cabin for them.

Why Royal Caribbean oversells its ships

Some cruise fans want to know why cruise ships are oversold to begin with, and the answer lies with revenue management.

Royal Caribbean sails its ships every week, and they have a good handle on the rate of cancellations that regularly occur.  It's a kind of prediction, where the line sells guaranteed cabins as a method to fill in cancelled rooms.

Guaranteed rooms don't have a cabin assigned at the time of booking. Instead, they get a room assignment at some point up until the sail date when an unsold cabin becomes available.

In some cases, the predictions don't work out and the ship is oversold.  That's when emails similar to the one shown earlier in this article are sent out.

Royal Caribbean International Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service, Vicki Freed, talked about why it happens during a question and answer session aboard Ovation of the Seas this past weekend.

A travel advisor asked her, "I've seen recently ships being oversold and clients being asked to change their sailing a week or two before departure. Seems like you've sold more guarantees than you have cabins.  Can you explain how common that is and what the philosophy with that practice?"

The answer is selling guarantee cabins is something customers ask for, because it gets them a discounted rate.  It's popular to begin with, and it serves a business need Royal Caribbean has to cover cancellations.

"Because of such high demand, we have been selling a lot more guarantees because travel partners said please have a lower price point," Ms. Freed explained.

She went on to say, "Occasionally we don't get the wash or the cancellations on the guarantees. And we are in an oversold situation."

To be clear, the cruise line prefers to avoid this situation from ever happening whenver possible, "we're not trying to do an oversold situation. That's not our goal. But we have to make sure that our ships are sailing at full capacity."

In that case, Royal Caribbean acts to fix it and emails like this are sent out.

"We never want to have people show up at the pier and saying, you are not going on the ship. It's not like an airline. We don't want to do that," she said.

And she's right.  There have been no reports of anyone being turned away at the cruise terminal this year or last year because there aren't cabins available.

According to Ms. Freed, the cruise line reaches out to certain passengers who are more likely to want to cancel:

• People that live near the cruise port
• People that didn't buy airfare to get to the ship
• Passenger ages

"We'll just kind of say, do you think these people are flexible? And then we do offer them quite beautiful compensation  to kind of go on to a different sailing with a nice upgrade."

Not only is there not a problem with someone getting denied boarding because there volunteers, but Royal Caribbean actually gets too much interest.

"Actually, many guests would love to be asked if they could have a refund on their cruise and a complimentary cruise," she quipped.

Happy Sunday! It is getting hot outside, and the Royal Caribbean news this week is equally heated.

Royal Caribbean is going to bring its new cruise ship into service earlier than expected.

There's a new showcase sailing added for Star of the Seas, which means the ship will begin sailing even sooner.

The second Icon Class ship will have a fourth showcase sailing leading up to her official inaugural.

Royal Caribbean News

• Popular Alaska port hikes port fees on cruise passengers
• Royal Caribbean app sends out erroneous pop-up messages
• Beyond CocoCay: How Royal Caribbean’s next private beaches build on its greatest hits
• 6 cruise ship cabin etiquette rules to follow
• My 64-year-old parents love to cruise. Here are 10 essentials they always pack
• 4 popular Royal Caribbean snacks that I think are worth paying extra for
• I'm a London travel expert. Here are the 8 things I wish tourists knew before visiting
• How to change from Traditional Dining to My Time Dining?
• Want the quietest room on a cruise ship? I'm convinced it's suites on new ships

I always do 4 things at the buffet on every cruise I go to because it improves my meal every time

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 — I always do 4 things at the buffet on every cruise I go to because it improves my meal every time — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

I always pack two things for my cruise bathroom that you need too

There are two easy ways to make your cabin bathroom better, and it's simple.

I bring two things on every cruise and it makes a difference.

Covering both comfort and hygiene, I'd recommend them to anyone cruising.

6 things to know about Royal Caribbean's immersive train restaurant before you go

Royal Caribbean's most popular restaurant has to be Royal Railway, and you need to be prepared for it.

It's a full experience, and has quickly become the hottest ticket right now.

I have a list of things you should know before you even try to book it so you don't miss out.

3 times you shouldn't book a shore excursion during your cruise vacation

The places your cruise ship visits is likely a highlight of any trip, but you don't always need a tour.

While you could certainly explore any port on your own, I think there are a handful that truly are best for walking around and exploring on foot.

In certain ports of call, I think you can easily skip booking a tour and be making a smart decision.

13 Royal Caribbean dining mistakes you should avoid on any cruise

Eating on a cruise seems pretty simple, but there are a few mistakes to avoid or ways to make it better.

Maximizing your cruise dining is all about what, where, and when you eat.

I came up with these 13 Royal Caribbean cruise dining mistakes and how to avoid each of them.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 566th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, sharing what to do in London before or after a cruise.

Jessica Dante joins Matt this week to share her tips for how to have a great visit in London and avoid common mistakes.

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.

There are several unwritten rules about how you should act during your cruise, including while in your stateroom.

When I travel I never want to be "that guy" that irritates someone else. We're all on vacation and everyone should be able to enjoy it without someone else causing issues.

Anyone new to a Royal Caribbean cruise might be curious what they should or shouldn't do to avoid any mix-ups later. Similar to how in New York you should walk on the right side of the sidewalk to allow someone in a hurry to pass you, cruise ships have their own set of things you should follow.

Here's my list of six things I try not to do on any cruise while I'm in my cabin, and I hope my neighbors would do the same.

Don't let your door slam shut

One common theme you'll find in this article is noise abatement, and it's easy to overlook your cabin door as a potential issue.

Cabin doors are heavy and they slam shut if you just let them go, creating a loud thud sound.

It's less an issue in the middle of the day, but if people nearby are trying to sleep it's the kind of sound that could startle someone awake.

Instead, slowly let the door close by holding onto it so it's not moving on its own.

This is really important to remember if your balcony door is also open.  

The the balcony door and hallway door are both open at the same time, it creates a wind tunnel and if you let the hallway door slam shut, it's extra loud!

I admit that I don't always remember this one, but I really try to follow this form of consideration because I know it wakes me up when someone nearby does it.

Don’t scream to someone else on another balcony

If you're standing on your balcony and see a friend or someone you know nearby on another balcony, below you, or somewhere on the ship, do not yell to them.

Firstly, your voice won't carry as far as you think from your balcony. There's a lot of competing noise and I've found it's difficult to hear someone more than a few feet away because of how your voice carries away.

Secondly, regardless of if they hear you or not, your neighbors will definitely hear you. I'm always amazed how clearly what I say in a normal tone of voice can be heard in neighboring balconies.  When you yell, it's certainly amplified as well.

Rely on a text message or phone call to get their attention instead.  It'll work better and you won't be playing that game of yelling "What?" back and forth.

Don't be loud on your balcony

Speaking of yelling, just don't be loud on your balcony.

Most people do a good job with this, but one area that has been a pain point lately has been music on the balcony.

Bluetooth speakers aren't prohibited on Royal Caribbean ships, but that's not an excuse to blast your music either.

Everything you say carries to balconies near you, and if you were on your balcony enjoying the view, reading a book, or sharing in the experience with family, I doubt you'd want to hear someone else's music too.

Don’t leave a mess

Being considerate goes beyond your fellow passengers.

Your stateroom attendant comes into your room once a day to clean it (twice a day in a suite), but they aren't your maid.

To that point, keep your room as tidy as you can at it relates to your clothes and personal items.

Pick things up off the floor, throw trash away, and try to make it easy enough for them to get in and service your room.

Not only does this benefit your stateroom attendant, but it also ensures you can full utilize your room as there will be less stuff in the way.

Don’t flush things down the toilet

The only thing going down your cruise bathroom toilet should be toilet paper and anything that comes out of you. 

Marine plumbing is quite fickle, and it won't take diapers, sanitary napkins, so-called flushable wipes, or food. If you do, there's a good chance you'll clog up and break the plumbing.

That's not just an issue for you, but for everyone around you.

Cabins in an area share a common plumbing section, and if one of you backs it up, it does so for other cabins too.

Don't be loud in the hall

Being noisy in the hallway is something to think about too.

Conversations can easily be heard in staterooms from the hall, even at a normal conversation volume.  Certainly being loud, obnoxious, or boisterous won't help.

We’re all on vacation and understand that it can be fun and exciting. But you should still remember that there are others around, and they may be resting, sleeping, or just not wanting to hear your noise.

My parents are 64 years old, and they’ve been cruising together for over 30 years. One of their first cruises was aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas — they’ve been hooked ever since!

Furthermore, my parents didn’t slow down their cruising after having kids. My sister and I were just toddlers on our first family cruise. I was three years old, and she was only 18 months old when we sailed on the now-retired Big Red Boat.

As a family, we’ve cruised together around the world over the last three decades. Even as adults, my sister and I still prioritize cruising with our parents. Their love of cruising has transcended generations, as I love to cruise with my husband and friends!

Now in their retired years, my parents are cruising more than ever. In fact, I’ve been encouraging them to cruise even more while they’re young and able! Their most recent sailing was a culturally immersive, repositioning itinerary from Singapore to Tokyo on Anthem of the Seas. In the last few years, they have cruised to Australia, Indonesia, the Panama Canal, Colombia, Greece, Italy, and across the Caribbean.

Although my parents would hesitate to call themselves expert packers, they do have a list of must-pack items for every cruise. If anything, my mom is an over-packer who stresses about strategically packing to make sure she doesn’t forget anything.

I asked both of my parents to provide a list of essential cruise items, and some of their top picks were surprising. Here’s their tried-and-true packing list of 10 things they bring on every cruise.

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1. Games: Cribbage Board, Five Crowns, and Deck of Cards

Cruises have plenty to do for activities, but sometimes you just want to play your go-to card games. For this reason, my parents never cruise without their favorite games to play together. 

Their classic sea day activity is a competitive game of cribbage in the Solarium. They used to bring their full-size cribbage board, but my sister recently gifted them this travel-sized cribbage board for Christmas. They love how small and compact it is when they’re tight on luggage space.

My parents also make sure to pack a regular deck of cards and our favorite family game, Five Crowns. Although you might find a standard deck of cards on the ship, it’s a good idea to bring any games that require a special deck, like Five Crowns. Thankfully, card games take up very little space in your luggage or cabin.

2. Over-the-Counter Medication

Most cruisers will tell you to pack an assortment of over-the-counter medications, and my parents definitely agree. One of their top cruise essentials is a small pharmacy kit with a variety of medications and first-aid items. You never know when you’re going to get sick, and you don’t want to be stuck paying outrageously high costs on the ship.

My parents pack cold and flu medicine in their pharmacy, along with cough drops, zinc supplements, sleep aid, pain relief, and allergy relief. 

This was particularly handy during our last cruise when my dad had a long-lasting cough that turned into an infection. He was thankful for all the medication we had on hand, as he didn’t need to visit the local pharmacies in places like Vietnam or Taiwan. In addition, my mom randomly packed a small, reusable ice pack for this cruise, but it ended up being a lifesaver for my dad's bruised rib muscles. 

Like my parents, I have a designated pouch for my small travel pharmacy where I keep all of my must-bring medication. In the same way, make sure you bring extra prescription medication in case of flight delays or unforeseen circumstances.

3. Soap and Sanitizer

Staying healthy is a top priority for my parents when they travel. Nothing dampens a vacation like a nasty cold or stomach bug!

It might seem like a niche item, but my parents pack a small bottle of liquid hand soap to keep in their cabin. My mom usually grabs a bottle from the dollar store before each cruise and either leaves it behind for the cabin steward or throws it away at the end of the trip.

While some cruise ships provide liquid hand soap in the cabin bathroom, Royal Caribbean only provides a measly bar of soap for cabins. Obviously, this will get the job done. However, my parents prefer having a liquid hand soap for cleaning their hands, as it’s vitally important on a cruise to keep your hands clean!

In addition, my parents bring plenty of hand sanitizer and sanitation wipes to use during their vacation. Hand sanitizer is in my mom’s purse at all times, and she’s constantly using this to keep her hands clean.

However, my mom never leaves her cabin without her travel-sized pack of sanitizing wipes. Whether she’s on an excursion or heading to the pool deck, she prefers to use her disinfectant wipes when hand washing isn’t available.

4. Variety of bags

My mom considers herself the “bag lady” — and she’s become infamous for her wide selection of bags she brings on a vacation. For every cruise, my mom makes sure to have a variety of bags to use throughout her trip.

One of her must-have bags is either a fanny pack or crossbody to hold her belongings during days ashore. Depending on the excursion and destination, she prefers to use her crossbody because it can hold more of her daily necessities. However, having a fanny pack is more convenient and comfortable.

My mom also packs a cute handbag to use on the ship in the evenings. Sometimes, she doesn’t want to haul around her crossbody on the ship, especially when she only needs a few essentials. Her SeaPass card, phone, and disinfectant wipes fit perfectly in her evening purse.

If she’s planning to spend busy days ashore, my mom also likes to pack foldable drawstring bags. While not super comfortable, drawstring bags take up minimal space in her luggage. They’re also very versatile to use, either during her time exploring ports of call or around the ship.

For longer trips, my parents will even pack an empty bag that they can use as checked luggage. My mom loves to shop during her cruises, often coming home with much more than she left with. Having a small bag that can hold a little extra weight can help mitigate overweight bag costs or the need to purchase an additional suitcase.

Finally, my mom always brings a small stash of sandwich baggies, which she considers a cruise essential. She uses them for all sorts of things, like packing a snack for an excursion or keeping cash dry by the pool.

5. Cash and Small Bills

The need for cash while traveling is becoming less important these days, with most destinations accepting credit cards or Apple Pay. Of course, while you’re onboard during your cruise, your SeaPass card will act as your credit card. Even so, my parents always make sure to have cash with them when they cruise.

First, they’ll provide cash tips to the cruise porters after arriving at the terminal on embarkation day. In addition, my parents always have cash on hand while exploring ports of call. This is good practice, as you never know when you might need cash. My parents rarely exchange for local currency, as US dollars are widely accepted in many ports. In this way, small bills are especially useful for quick purchases at shops that don’t take cards or for tipping tour guides who go above and beyond.

More importantly, my parents use cash for onboard tips. Throughout the cruise, they’ll use cash tips for bartenders who provide excellent service. While my parents pay their automatic gratuities too, they also prefer to provide cash tips at the end of the cruise. Normally, they provide cash tips to their waiters in the dining room and stateroom attendant.

6. Magnetic Hooks

Many cruisers swear by magnetic hooks, but my parents didn’t hop on this bandwagon until recently. Now, they never cruise without their magnetic hooks!

Because cabin walls are typically magnetic, these hooks can be used around the stateroom for a variety of purposes. Cruise cabins are notoriously small, and hooks can help keep the cabin organized and reduce clutter.

My parents mainly use their hooks to hang hats, bags, and light jackets around the cabin. On longer cruises when they’ve packed more, the extra storage becomes even more useful. Plus, the hooks are compact and easy to travel with.

7. Duct Tape

While slightly unconventional as a must-have, my parents both agree that packing duct tape is an essential for cruising. This can be a lifesaver in many different scenarios, and it’s proven useful multiple times during their travels.

On our last cruise, for example, my mom’s suitcase had a ripped front pouch. My dad used duct tape to patch it up for the flight home, preventing it from getting worse in transit.

According to my parents, duct tape is great for fixing loose straps, broken zippers, or even securing last-minute baggage tags before heading to the port. You never know when you might need some sturdy tape! You can even bring one of these travel-sized packs of duct tape to save on space. 

8. Chip Clips

Another must-have item for my dad is a small assortment of chip clips. Sometimes he brings a few clothespins or refrigerator clips from home, but he especially likes magnetic clips that stick to the cabin walls. He uses magnetic clips to keep excursion tickets, cruise planners, and immigration forms organized and easy to find.

These clips also come in handy for doing laundry in the cabin, as you can use the bathroom clothesline to hang up wet items. Of course, clips are great for resealing open snacks or bags of cough drops, too. During our most recent cruise, my parents actually used their chip clips to secure the blinds shut at night. If the ship was rocking slightly, this ensured their curtains kept any light from entering the room.

Some might prefer to bring bigger towel clips, which can be used on the pool deck or beach to prevent your towel from blowing in the wind. These are versatile to bring on a cruise too. For instance, my sister and I used her large towel clips to keep our blinds closed while sleeping on our recent cruise. It worked perfectly!

9. Pillow

While certainly not necessary for everyone, my dad never cruises without his own pillow from home. Instead of relying on the pillows provided by the cruise line in his cabin, my dad packs his favorite pillow in his checked luggage.

Of course, bringing a pillow from home takes up a bit of extra space in his suitcase. But, since his packing style is pretty minimalist (especially compared to my mom’s overflowing suitcase), he has the room to spare in his luggage.

My dad says nothing compares to your own pillow, and he sleeps much better with this comfort from home. To ensure his pillow doesn’t get mixed up with the cruise line’s selection, he makes sure to use a differently-colored pillowcase to help the cabin steward differentiate.

10. Layers

Even when sailing through the warm, sunny Caribbean, my mom always packs a few extra layers. She never boards a cruise without at least one or two lightweight sweaters to wear around the ship.

She says the air conditioning can feel especially cold in places like the main dining room and the theater. Since she hates feeling chilly, she always brings a sweater with her in the evenings, just in case.

Packing layers is important for most cruises, as the weather can be unpredictable and change frequently. This is especially important if you’re cruising to destinations like Alaska, Norway, Iceland, or even Northern Europe. Weather in these regions can shift quickly, and you don’t want to be without a rain jacket or pair of pants when temperatures drop.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises each summer from Southampton, England, which is a short distance away from London. If you're like me, you'll want to spend a few days there to explore the city.

Before I ever visited London, I started doing research to find out what I should and shouldn't do to maximize my trip.

Jessica Dante is a travel expert specializing in visiting London, and her videos and blogs have the best advice I could find.

She lives in London and regularly shares the sort of information anyone looking to spend a few days in England's capital would want to know as part of a broader European vacation.

She recently shared her for recommendations on how to have the best trip possible and avoid common mistakes while in London.

Stay in Central London

If you're staying less than a week in London, Jessica recommends staying close to the area you're going to be spending the most time in.

She recommends Central London because of how centralized all the major tourist attractions are, "most people who are somewhat familiar with London would be familiar with areas like Covent Garden, Soho; Those are all super central."

Plus, staying in Central London makes it convenient to get to Waterloo Station, which is the train station that gets you to Southampton.

I then asked if there's a place to avoid staying, and she cautioned before booking a hotel on the outskirts of London to save money, to read reviews.

"I would just then look at reviews of a hotel that you're looking at, because reviews will always tell you if people thought the area, if there wasn't much going on, if there wasn't breakfast spots nearby, or if they just found it to be a bit dodgy."

London is bigger than you think

I asked Jessica what's the most common mistake tourists make when visiting, and she said it's underestimating the city's size.

"People really don't they don't understand until they get to London how expansive and wide the city is," she explained. "It is really a city that you do have to do a lot of planning for your days if you're planning to squeeze in a lot of stuff."

The issue is you might start listing places you want to visit without realizing the distances between areas.

For example, Tower of London and Notting Hill are 40 minutes away, and if you start doing more hopping around the city like that, you're going to spend half your day commuting.

"You could end up spending hours on the tube. And the tube is not always comfortable. It's not always running," Jessica said.

Her advice is plan out your day so that you don't have to rely on transport to get from each place. 

Don't buy the Oyster card

A lot of tourists think they need to buy an Oyster card to use the London Underground, but it's not only unnecessary, it's expensive.

The Oyster card is something you can buy to load credits to use the city's mass transportation. It costs around £10, but it takes time to ship and be delivered.

"They're really pointless, to be honest. There's there's just really no need for it," she explained.

Instead, all you need is probably something you already have: tap to pay on your phone or a chip-enabled credit card.

"It is really simple to just use that to pay for the tube and for the bus and whatever else transport you're going to use in London. You can even use it for things like the Uber boat, if that's something that you want to hop on."

She admitted some tourists like to buy the Oyster card as a kind of souvenir, but for visiting London for just a few days it's simply not worth it.

Skip the hop-on hop-off bus

Perhaps Jessica's most controversial recommendation was to skip paying for the hop-on hop-off bus tour.

While she says it's perfectly fine someone with mobility issues, or someone who cannot walk long distances, it's ultimately unnecessary for most people.

Her recommendation is to instead rely on the Tube or the city's double decker buses.

"We do use the double decker buses. I use them almost every day to get around the city. And you can go to the top and sit at the front, and that's a really nice view."

In terms of walking, Central London is very flat, so you won't have any hills to contend with as you get around on foot.

She added there are a lot of great parks in London, so you could take a rest and enjoy them too.

How to get from the airport into London

After flying into Heathrow Airport, how do you get your family and bags to your hotel in London?

Her top recommendation is the Heathrow Express, which is a high speed train that takes 15 minutes to get from Heathrow to Paddington Station.

But if you aren't staying near Paddington, then that might not be the most convenient option.

Another idea is to take the Elizabeth Line train because it goes to Central London stations like Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street. 

It does take longer (about 40 minutes), but is cheaper than the Heathrow Express.

If you have a lot of luggage, Jessica recommends a car service called Welcome Pickups, "they will actually track your flight and they will walk into the terminal and they will find you and then take you to the car."

If you are flying into Gatwick, do not take the Gatwick Express, "I actually think the trains work better for Gatwick. You kind of only have like a couple of options there, but they the trains go into a few different stations and avoid the Gatwick Express because it's a rip off."

Don't count on your hotel offering breakfast

One difference Americans might pick up on quickly is your hotel probably doesn't offer breakfast included in your room rate.

"I think as Americans we're quite used to hotels that have breakfast included in the room rate, and that is almost non-existent here in London," Jessica explained.

As a result, you should plan in your budget to eat breakfast out.

She said a lot of hotels offer breakfast for an additional cost, but it can be pricey.

Her recommendation is to skip the hotel breakfast and take advantage of cafes and places to eat nearby, "The great thing about staying in Central London is that you will have loads of inexpensive breakfast options and cafes."

There's quick options as well as sit down restaurants.

Two local chains she recommends are Grind (coffee shop cafe) and Dishoom (Indian and British breakfast).

You don't need to exchange money

One thing you don't need to bother with is getting cash for your time in London.

"London is mostly a cash free city at this point," Jessica said.

Instead, you can pay for everything with a credit card.  I recommend getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and ensure it's either a Visa or Mastercard.  Discover and American Express are rarely accepted outside the United States.

Cash could be useful in two situations, " The only reason I would say that you would need cash is if people want to tip anybody at their hotel when they first arrive, if they want to tip their taxi driver, or if you want to tip your tour guides. All of which is not fully expected, but always welcome, of course."

Picky eaters can still find food to enjoy

London is known for its variety of international cuisines, but if you have picky eaters in your group, there's always something for them too.

My kids are not very adventurous eaters, so I asked for recommendations on what to eat with them.

Jessica said pizza is never far away, as there are a lot of Italian restaurants in the city.

He recommended Pizza Pilgrims, which started out as a street food van and has since grown into a pizzeria chain. The chain has received recognition, including being named one of the world's best pizzerias by 50 Top Pizza.

If you're looking for a quick bite, she recommended Pret A Manger or Leon, "In central London, you're never very far from one of these places."

Everyone's first instinct after booking a cruise is to look at shore excursions, but I think you don't really need a tour in certain ports of call.

The places cruises go is top reason people book a Royal Caribbean cruise, so it seems natural to want to find a great excursion.

However, some islands or cities really don't need an organized tour to be properly enjoyed. While you could certainly explore any port on your own, I think there are a handful that truly are best for walking around and exploring on foot.

While it may not be a mistake to book a shore excursion in these ports, I think you could easily skip them and still have a great time

Perfect Day at CocoCay

While Royal Caribbean's marketing team loves to emphasize the "Perfect Day" element of the name of its private island in The Bahamas, but there is truth in that it's designed to offer what you need.

Royal Caribbean sells a number of shore excursions you can take that are off the island, such as kayaking, swimming with pigs, glass bottom boat ride, and more.

There's nothing wrong with these tours, but there's so much to see and do around CocoCay that is included with your cruise fare that I really don't think you need to book an excursion.

There are different beaches and pools you can go to around the island, plus activities too. I'd save your excursion money for another port of call, such as Nassau, where it really benefits you to have an organized tour booked.

What I'd recommend doing is disembarking your ship early to get the best spots at the beach or pool.

Head to either South Beach or Chill Beach, and get the perfect lounger.

Your plan should be beach in the morning, lunch mid-day, pool in the afternoon.

There is complimentary tram service around CocoCay, so just hop on at your leisure.  Or, you can walk it too. One advantage of the tram is you can use it as a way to scout out the areas and find the perfect vibe for your family.

You should treat CocoCay like an all-inclusive resort day. Unless you have your heart set on an excursion that you cannot do anywhere else, I'd stick to what is available around the island.

Rest assured that you can have a full, relaxing, and exciting day without spending a dime on excursions.

San Juan

One of my favorite places to visit in the Caribbean is San Juan, Puerto Rico, and it's also one of the most accessible too.

Your ship will dock in the old city, and you can literally walk off the ship and be there.  There's no bus or shuttle service needed.

Old San Juan is built on a hill, so you can walk around at your leisure and see pretty much everything.  

"What if I get lost?" Well, you really can't, because if you walk downhill, you'll run back into your cruise ship.  

If you're an American, your cell phone will work here too, and that makes it easy to Google Map everything.

Moreover, the sights and historical places are all easily reachable on foot. 

Many European cities

I'm headed to Europe for a couple of cruises this summer, and it's become apparent organized tours can be skipped in many of these ports too.

Cruise ships tend to dock in major cities, and from there you can easily get around on foot and/or public transportation.

Most of the excursions offered by Royal Caribbean are essentially glorified bus tours that show these places, but you can easily come up with a walking tour on your own with a little bit of research and jotting down interesting spots.

In each of the cities my ship is headed to, I started a spreadsheet and wrote which places I want to see.  Later, I assembled them in order so I can hit each easily.

To be clear, not all European cities are good to skip a tour.  

A port that has long transport time between the ship and city (i.e. Rome or Paris) would be one I'd still book a shore excursion for.

Likewise, Norwegian fjords can sometimes be more than a walk away, and an excursion makes sense there.

The important takeaway is to not assume that you need to book an excursion.  You may find more choices and flexibility going on your own.