Royal Caribbean Blog

As my kids get older and we start to cruise more with grandparents, friends, and my kids' friends, it's become abundantly clear I can't cruise the same way I did when we first started.

One thing I love about going on a cruise versus a land vacation is we can be together, without spending every minute together.

When I've rented an Airbnb or toured a city with family, it feels like if we don't do everything together, then something is missing.  But it's different on a cruise.

I find that's the beauty of a cruise, however, I've had to adjust my cruising style lately. And with that, I've found dinner time is the anchor for what makes the vacation work so well.

Evolving wants and ways to relax

When my kids were little, we did everything together with them.  It was as much necessary for them, as it was for us.

But with the kids getting older, hanging out with mom and dad isn't as high on their priority list. Putting my ego aside, the truth is they deserve to have time to do the things they want as much as I do.

They've gone from hanging out in Adventure Ocean to hanging out with the friends, enjoying time by the pool, and even talking with friends at home.  Ultimately, I want them to enjoy cruising, and there are things I want to do without them as well.

Plus, we've started to cruise more with family and friends.  When you add more people and personalities to the mix, we don't all want to do the same thing at the same time.  

With that reality in mind, I made a change to how I plan my day onboard.

Planning around dinner

I found the best idea for fostering a sense of togetherness on a cruise is to plan to have dinner together each night.

In general, the schedule on a Royal Caribbean cruise seems to have a focal point each evening. Whether your ship is in port or on a sea day, I find the culmination of the schedule tends to coincide with the evening activities.

To that point, I would ensure that while everyone is free to pursue various activities during the day, meeting up for dinner is the most important strategy.

Ideally, you can have dinner together in the Main Dining Room. 

There's a few reasons why I think dinner works best.

First, everyone is on the ship for dinner in most cases.  If you have shore excursions, there's a good chance they are complete by dinner time. 

If you're at sea, then the draw of going to the pool and laying out or enjoying activities on the top decks is complete by evening.

Second, meeting for dinner works better than breakfast or lunch.  With breakfast, some people may not be awake and breakfast service is only available in the Main Dining Room for a couple of hours.  Lunch is only served on sea days.

Third, coming together in the evening allows everyone to talk about what they did that day already, and make plans for the evening.

Each evening there are shows, bars to hit, or parties to plan around. There are also themed nights, in which you may want to have everyone dress up to match and take family photos together.

Dinner just seems to me to be the natural fit for synching up with everyone in your group and talking about what happened that day, and what's to come the next day.

One other recommendation is don't always sit in the same seats each night.

Mix up who you are sitting next to and on which side of the table you're on so you can vary the conversations.

I recommend traditional dinner for large groups

I'd pick the traditional dinner option and try to have either one large table for everyone, or a few tables near each other. 

While the flexibility of having different times with My Time Dining is nice, I think it makes coordinating times and getting a large table too troublesome.

Before your cruise, have your travel agent coordinate this by linking reservations together.

Then when you get on the ship, I'd recommend heading down to the Main Dining Room on embarkation day to verify your table assignment is correct.

If it's not, ask to speak to the Head Waiter to help get everyone together.

Keep in mind there's a limit of how large a table you can have. Depending on the ship, tables in the Main Dining Room may max out at 10 or so.

More tips for cruising with large groups

There are a few more tips and pieces of advice I have for anyone going on a cruise with a large group, or multiple parties.

To begin with, I'd recommend booking everyone with the same travel agent.  

You love your family and enjoy the company of your friends, but the last thing you want to do is be hounding them for money to make final payment or being their liaison sitting on hold with Royal Caribbean to fix a clerical issue.

A good travel agent will take care of the mundane tasks related to all of that. Plus, if you have enough cabins, they could create a group and get you better prices or freebies onboard.

If you have at least 8 cabins, you could create a group and then take advantage of certain benefits.  Royal Caribbean provides discounts and amenities to the group and the "group leader", so speak to your travel agent about this for further information.

Speaking of cabins, I would not place that much emphasis on getting staterooms near each other.

Sure, it's nice to have, but I don't think it should be a major priority. While I'm sure your kids would enjoy being down the hall from grandma or their cousins, it may be troublesome to find rooms that work.

Be sure to also come up with a way to communicate pre-cruise and onboard the ship.

Some families or groups will create a Facebook group, or you could use an app such as GroupMe to do this. The key is good communication before the sailing begins so everyone feels welcome and part of the excitement.

Then once onboard the ship, pick an app or way to easily communicate. 

Royal Caribbean's app has a group chat feature and it's free.  But if everyone is buying an internet package, then using a group chat in your iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger might be simplest. Pick one and ensure everyone knows it before the sailing commences.

In celebration of environmental advocacy and sea turtle conservation, Royal Caribbean Group and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have partnered to launch a new awareness campaign. 

Shell Week will run from June 8 (World Oceans Day) through June 16 (World Sea Turtle Day) and is meant to bring ocean lovers of all ages together through interactive digital rewards available in the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises mobile apps. 

One of the highlights of the campaign is a bracket-style Turtle Tournament, where turtles will go head-to-head in daily videos. Participants can view the videos to learn new facts and vote for their favorites. The winning turtle will be crowned on June 16 — World Sea Turtle Day — via social media. 

There's also the Ocean Explorers Club in both the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises apps. Cruisers can find interactive educational content and conservation activities. Plus, there's a chance to earn the special Ocean Explorers virtual badge. 

The best part about this badge? You don't have to sail on a new cruise ship or visit a different region of the world! 

ShellWeek.com is set to go live later this week. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean rolls out badges for every ship you've sailed on

One of the best parts of the new campaign is the chance to win a trip to Florida

Shell Week also features a sweepstakes where one lucky winner will receive a 2-day trip to Florida for two. 

That's not all — at the heart of the experience is a special opportunity to spend a day in the field with a WWF scientist studying sea turtles in their natural habitat.

The heart of the campaign lies in connecting cruisers with Royal Caribbean Group's SEA the Future initiative

The initiative, which launched in 2023, focuses on sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation.

Through the initiative, Royal Caribbean Group helps sustain the planet by improving the company's energy efficiency, treating the water it uses, and keeping waste from reaching landfills. 

Additionally, they hope to inspire future generations, connect with local cultures, and support economic vibrancy. 

The last pillar — accelerating innovation — reflects Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to creating sustainable ship designs and exploring cutting-edge technologies that create best-in-class experiences. 

Everything from the reduction of food waste to water conservation helps the company work toward their goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals behind-the-scenes secret to how cruise ships make their own water

Sailing alone on a mega cruise ship doesn't have to feel like you're alone the entire time.

I've taken many cruises by myself, including one on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas as part of her first sailing in the west coast.

Royal Caribbean invited me to sail on the ship as their guest during a preview event.  It was a complimentary cruise, but I knew I'd be traveling alone since my wife and kids would not be able to make it.

The 4,905-passenger ship is the biggest cruise ship to ever sail from Los Angeles, and it feels like a floating city at sea. There's lots of areas to relax and enjoy, and I think many areas work just as well for someone cruising alone as they would for a family.

After exploring the ship over three nights, I found a number of good options for a solo cruiser on Ovation of the Seas.

It has the best cruise buffet

All Royal Caribbean ships have a buffet, but I think the Windjammer on the Quantum Class ships are the best ones.

I think most people that cruise solo prefer to eat at the casual venues, rather than go to a sit down restaurant. While I've grown accustomed to both, I admit the buffet is the easiest.

What I like about the Windjammer on Ovation of the Seas is how expansive it is, both in terms of seating as well as buffet stations.

I didn't measure it, but the Windjammer on Ovation feels larger than the ones on larger ships.

I especially love the fact it has outdoor seating at the rear, which was perfect for enjoying the comfortable weather that Southern California has to offer.

I also appreciate there are large communal tables in the middle of the seating area, close to the buffet stations. The advantage of these is you can slip in and take a seat.

I loved bar hopping each night

Regardless of if I'm alone or with friends, I like going around the ship each night to check out the bar entertainment.

One of the best things about a Royal Caribbean cruise is the live entertainers at different bars. It was actually the one thing I really missed when I tried a Celebrity cruise.

I think the two best bars with live music on Ovation were the Schooner Bar and Pub.

Once again, the seating arrangement makes these venues work well. In both cases, they're significantly larger spaces than the venues found on Voyager or Freedom Class ships, and there are lots of bar stools that are quite inviting for a solo cruiser.

One reason I gravitate towards a bar that has a performer instead of one that does not is because the focus is on the performance, and everyone in the bar seems to be a part of the show. It takes away a lot of the feeling of being alone.

By far my favorite was Darla Fox in the Pub.  She is easily the top one or two pub singers in the fleet right now, and it made planning my evenings quite easy with her on the schedule.

I didn't stay in them, but there are single-person cabins

Royal Caribbean provided me with a complimentary balcony cabin for this sailing, but it's worth noting Ovation of the Seas has the most solo cabins you'll find on any ship in the fleet.

Studio cabins are designed for someone cruising alone, as most cabins are designed for double occupancy.

Ordinarily, solo cruisers staying in a regular cabin have to pay a hefty single supplement fee to make up for the missing second passenger.

However, you'll find 16 windowless inside rooms, along with 12 balcony rooms meant for those cruising by themselves.

To illustrate the potential savings, these relatively small and affordable cabins start at $1,189.05 for a 6-night cruise from this fall, compared to $1,312.05 for a standard inside cabin with the supplementary fee.

The shows draw you in, so you don't feel socially isolated

Another benefit of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is there's going to be a lot of shows throughout your sailing.

Each evening there's going to be at least one production show, along with various live entertainment.

There are three must-see shows on Ovation, and each is the perfect escape.

I think The Beautiful Dream is the best show of the bunch, as it's a journey through one man's unrealized yearnings as seen through his dreams.

It's a beautiful show, and perfectly takes advantage of Royal Caribbean's terrific production values.

In Two70, you'll find Spectra's Cabaret.  I had seen this show first on Anthem of the Seas, but there's a reason there's a copy of it on Ovation: it's that good.

I think this show works so well because it's held in Two70, so you get to combine the performances, and technology in the venue.

Lastly, Live. Love. Legs is where the cast gets to show off their vocal talents.

Just like the bars, I love going to shows solo because you don't feel like you're by yourself in a theater full of people.

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.