Royal Caribbean Blog

A Long Island travel agent has been charged with multiple counts of grand larceny and schemes to defraud after stealing over $50,000 from clients, police confirm. 

Tavia Thomas, 47, of Hempstead, New York, was the CEO and Destination Travel Specialist of her company, Destiny Travel. 

Authorities allege that she defrauded families by taking payments for vacations and failing to actually book them, PIX 11 reported. 

Some of the victims were hoping to sail on Royal Caribbean cruises. In July 2024, for example, she supposedly received $35,753.98 from nine people to book a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Bayonne, New Jersey. 

(Credit: LongIsland.com)

Unfortunately, when the victims arrived at the terminal to board their cruise, they were informed that their booking confirmations were fake, officials said. As such, they were denied boarding. 

Just one week later, Thomas was hired to arrange a resort reservation for a destination wedding through ALG Vacations. However, the reservation was never made, and the clients did not receive a refund for the $5,000 they had paid. 

LongIsland.com shared that several members of the wedding party also made payments to Thomas, totaling over $2,600, which were never refunded. 

A reporter from The Shade Room spoke with Denise Perez-Horton to learn more about the impact of Thomas' alleged actions. 

"Final payment comes, and I’m like, 'Okay, where’s the reservation number?'" she told Justin Carter. "…She’s like, 'Well, the resort had a child that was electrocuted in the pool…and they have mold...' downplaying the resort, and I’m like, 'What? What is going on?'"

Perez-Horton was then informed that the reservation was moved to another resort, though they still did not receive flight or hotel confirmations. When she called the resort, she learned that the business "never" got the booking from Thomas. 

In another case, a family of 50 paid Thomas over $10,000 for a celebratory birthday trip to the Dominican Republic. According to Nassau County police, she never booked the accommodations and failed to return the family’s money.

Thomas faces three counts of third-degree grand larceny, three counts of first-degree scheme to defraud, and two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny.

Her arraignment was held on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at the First District Court in Hempstead. 

It's important to do your research before trusting a travel agent

A travel agent's job is to make your life easier by handling all the meticulous details of planning a trip, from confirming your stateroom to helping book specialty restaurants and arranging transportation. If they do it right, all you have to do is focus on enjoying your well-earned vacation.  

Unfortunately, as Thomas proved, not all travel agents operate with the same level of professionalism or client care as others.

That's why it is important to check reviews, verify credentials, and even ask for references before giving a stranger any payment information. 

If you aren't sure where to start, ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also look for agents affiliated with reputable organizations, like the American Society of Travel Advisors (the world's leading association of travel professionals). 

At Royal Caribbean Blog, we love working with MEI-Travel. Having now booked over one dozen cruises with MEI, I can attest that their employees are professional, timely, and dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience possible from start to finish. 

Read more: I always ask my travel agent for 4 things on every cruise I book to make my cruise easier

Crew members typically don't have large cruise ship cabins. Oftentimes, they have to share a tiny stateroom with another coworker, with the cabins barely large enough to fit bunk beds, a small desk, and a closet. Cruise ship captains, however, live very differently. 

Captains oversee all onboard operations to ensure that the ship is safely operating during each and every voyage. As such, their living quarters reflect the level of responsibility they carry. 

Their luxurious staterooms often feature a spacious bedroom and living area, easy access to the Bridge, panoramic views, and more. 

TikTok user Allie Rae shared a rare look at a captain’s cabin, posting a 30-second clip of her father's living quarters aboard the Independence of the Seas. 

The video, which was shared on Wednesday, January 5, has already received over 190,000 views and 18,400 likes. 

Thoughtfully designed to balance comfort with functionality

Rae opens up the door to reveal an expansive entryway before heading into the main living area. The elegant columns have been wrapped with tinsel for the holidays. 

The living room is anything but cramped, with a large entertainment center, flat-screen television, a couch, loveseat, recliner, and dining table. 

Tucked into the corner is a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, while the bar has been fully stocked with wine and glassware. 

Finally, the living room is bathed in natural light from three portholes. This differs from most crew staterooms, as the majority of the cabins are windowless. 

The stateroom also has a large office with two massive portholes. As such, the captain has a quiet, functional space to review CCTV footage, plan routes, and handle other important administrative duties. 

Rae pans over to her father, who is hard at work in his office. "My name is Tor, and I work here," he jokingly says. 

(Credit: Tor I. Olsen/LinkedIn)

According to his LinkedIn page, Tor I. Olsen has been in the maritime industry since 1978. 

He began his career with Royal Caribbean in January 1987 aboard the Song of America and has since worked on several of the line’s most notable ships, including Empress of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, and Serenade of the Seas.

Rae's TikTok account also features videos highlighting the behind-the-scenes life of cruise ship crew members

For example, Rae posted a day-in-the-life video, showing her enjoying lunch in the Main Dining Room with her family before accompanying her father to help judge the crew's various holiday competitions, including the Christmas door, tree-making, and office decorating contests.

"After lunch, I got to go with my dad and the Executive Team here on board to judge some of the Christmas trees that were put in for a Christmas decorating contest," she says. 

"On top of that, I also got to go around with them and see the different doors that had entered in the door decorating contest. There were so many cute ones, [and] it was very hard to choose a winner," she adds. 

I think finding the cheapest cruise is all about choosing the right time of year.

There are certainly many factors to how Royal Caribbean prices a cruise, including age of the ship and stateroom category, but the date your sailing take places often has the biggest impact.

Certain times of the year are going to always be cheaper and that's because of demand. Our own research shows higher demand greatly drives up the price, regardless of the ship or cabin type.

If you're chasing lower prices for a cruise, you really ought to focus on when the time of year and departure date as key factors in finding a lower price.

Here are my tips for booking a cruise at the lowest price possible.

When is the cheapest time to cruise?

Regardless of if you want to cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia, or Europe, the lowest prices are always during the shoulder season.

This industry term refers to the months of the year where there's far less demand, usually at the beginning or end of the cruising season in a region.  Hence the term "shoulder" because it augments the higher peak demand in the middle.

For example, you'll typically see lower prices for an Alaska cruise in May or September. Likewise, the Caribbean has lower prices the first two weeks of December.

Each region has its own cadence to when you'll find the shoulder season.  Europe has a longer cruising season than Alaska, and prices in the fall greatly differ from the summer.

The Caribbean is a year-round destination, so it doesn't have a shoulder seasons. Rather, Caribbean demand has peaks and valleys, and one week could be significantly cheaper than the next week.

If you're sold on a shoulder season cruise, there can be a few downsides.

The cheapest times to cruise are almost always when school is in session, which means families would have to pull their kids out of class to take advantage of a lower price.

Another issue can be the weather. Alaska tends to be rainy and colder at the beginning and end of the season. Plus, the lessened demand may see some stores, restaurants, or activities closed until the peak season begins.

What is the cheapest month to cruise?

Here's your shoulder season "cheat sheet" for which months will have the best prices because there's usually less demand.

When comparing the price in these months versus other months, you should see a dip in prices.

• Alaska: May, early June, or September
• Australia & New Zealand: April or November
• Bermuda: May, September, or October
• Canada & New England: May or October
• Caribbean: January, September, October or early December
• Mediterranean: March, April or November

You can include nearly all of hurricane season as a cheaper time of year to go on a cruise, especially mid-August through the end of October. The risk of a tropical storm, oppressive humidity, and school in session all contribute to lower demand.

When is the cheapest time to book a cruise?

One of the oldest pieces of cruise advice is to book early, and I think it's still the best time to book a cruise.

Because of how popular cruises are right now, the chances of a last-minute deal have lessened greatly. That's made booking early even more important.

I recommend booking a cruise at least one year early for three important reasons:

• Best chance at a lower price
• Highest availability of cabins, especially suites
• You can reprice the cruise if there's a price drop later

The closer you get to the sail date, the less cabins there are because other people book the cruise. That in turn drives up the price.

These days, Royal Caribbean prices each sailing individually with a pricing algorithm. In truth, conventional cruise sales are more marketing than actual widespread changes in price.

What this means is you shouldn't wait for a specific sale or time of year to book a cruise, because AI has become so sophisticated that cruise prices don't change based on any single promotion anymore.

It's also why last-minute deals are drying up compared to just a few years ago.

After a 12-night cruise to New Zealand with my husband, I flew directly to South Dakota to spend a week working in the office. While I normally work remotely from Florida, I always appreciate the opportunity to be in the office and connect with coworkers in person. 

In addition to freelance writing, I also work as a data analyst for my regular job. This meant I needed to plan for my New Zealand cruise and a week in the office while strategizing my packing plans. 

Of course, I absolutely love to shop for my outfits before vacation. Yes, I have a closet full of clothes, but it’s so fun to pick out new cruise outfits for any upcoming vacation. For me, it’s all part of the fun of planning and preparing for a vacation.

All of this meant that my back-to-back trips of cruising to New Zealand, and then visiting the office for work, created a unique packing challenge. As such, I needed to prioritize pieces that could transition easily from cruise wear to office attire. Every item had to earn its place in my suitcase, which meant focusing on versatility rather than packing separate outfits for each part of the trip.

It’s also important to note that my office environment is fairly casual. For example, jeans are definitely considered office appropriate. Needless to say, I wasn’t planning to pack my pencil skirt or blazer!

Moreover, New Zealand and South Dakota were both on the chilly side (although northern New Zealand was warmer). Because of the cooler weather, most of these recommendations would be for cold-weather cruising. This would include destinations like Alaska, Norway, Northern Europe, New England, New Zealand, Iceland, and more.

If you’re looking to invest in clothes that feel stylish and practical for both an upcoming cruise and time in the office, consider this your go-to shopping list. Below are my top outfit recommendations for women that transition seamlessly from cruise vacation to office attire.

Note: If you purchase from our Amazon links below, we receive a small commission. This is no extra cost to you, but it does help support our website. You can always check out our Amazon Storefront for all cruise essentials and must-haves.
 

1. Long Sleeve Swing Dress

Link: MOLERANI Women's Casual Simple Long Sleeve T-Shirt Loose Dress

Price: $19.99

One of my favorite outfits to bring on a cruise is a long sleeve swing dress. It’s comfortable, easy to wear, and works well for a variety of settings. Whether I’m walking around a port of call or getting dressed for a day in the office, this is one of my go-to outfits. 

I wore this style of dress multiple times during our cruise and packed it in a few different colors because it's so versatile. It was especially perfect for our sailaway from Sydney, Australia, which I wore later that evening as a cute, comfortable dinner outfit. Once I returned to South Dakota, I continued wearing the same dress to the office, but I styled it with leggings and boots for colder weather. It ended up being one of the most practical outfits that I packed.

2. Denim Jacket

Link: Amazon Essentials Women's Jean Jacket (Available in Plus Size)

Price: $23.90

Another classic piece in my cruise wardrobe is a denim jacket. I love how easy it is to throw on when exploring ports on cooler days or during breezy evenings onboard. It’s one of those layers that works with almost anything and can be dressed up or down while still providing just enough warmth.

A denim jacket like this is also a staple in my office wardrobe. In the summer, I often layer it over a lightweight dress for an easy, comfortable work outfit. In the winter, it works just as well paired with a casual top and darker trousers for a typical workday. It’s a versatile, reliable piece that every woman should have, in my opinion!

3. Romper with Pants

Link: PRETTYGARDEN Jumpsuits for Women 2026 Spring Summer Casual Dressy Short Sleeve Romper Airport Vacation Travel Outfits

Price: $29.99

Rompers are one of my go-to outfits for cruises because they’re effortless to wear and always look put-together, especially when paired with a simple set of heels. Whether I need an easy dinner outfit onboard or something comfortable for exploring a port, a romper works perfectly. I find it can be dressed up or down with just a few accessories.

I’m also a big fan of wearing rompers like this back at the office. I stick to styles with pants to keep things work-appropriate, and they’re easy to layer for a more professional look. I often pair my romper with a denim jacket or a light sweater. This outfit is easy for the office while still being comfortable enough for a full workday.

4. Lightweight, Button Down Cardigan

Link: Yincro Women's Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Long Sleeve Soft Knit Cardigans Sweater

Price: $14.99

My mom’s number one rule for cruise packing is always to bring a light sweater. It hardly takes up any space in your suitcase, but it’s one of those items you’ll end up using constantly. A nice cardigan or sweater is an easy layer to throw on in the evenings or inside the ship, and it can quickly pull an outfit together. If you tend to get cold easily, cruise ship air conditioning can feel especially brutal, so a light sweater is a must-have.

In addition, a lightweight cardigan is also something I wear all the time back in the office. It layers easily over just about anything while also adding warmth, without feeling too bulky. In the summer, I love tossing a light cardigan over a dress for an easy, comfortable work outfit that still feels appropriate for the office.

5. Sweatshirt Dress

Link: KISSMODA Womens Sweatshirt Dress Fall Long Sleeve Pullover Tops Patchwork Casual Mini Dresses

Price: $19.99

One of my favorite cruise outfits for New Zealand was this casual sweatshirt dress from Amazon. It was warm, cozy, and easy to wear with a pair of leggings and white sneakers for sea days and cooler port stops. It was one of those pieces I kept reaching for because it was comfortable, but still looked cute.

I’ve also worn this dress plenty since getting back home. In the office, I layer it with leggings and heeled boots to make it feel a bit more professional for the office. It’s been perfect for winter workdays in the cold Midwest, as it’s cozy all day, but still work-appropriate.

6. Dark Wash Jeans

Link: Sidefeel Women's Wide Leg Jeans High Waisted Stretchy Raw Hem Zimbaplatinum Denim Pants

Price: $39.99

Jeans are a great option to bring on a cruise, whether you decide to wear them for dinner or during your time ashore. Whether you pair the jeans with a dressier top or a casual t-shirt, jeans are versatile for your vacation. I prefer a looser pair of jeans when cruising, as there’s nothing worse than a tight pair of pants after a week of cruise food!

For my office, jeans are acceptable for work attire. I try to avoid jeans with lighter wash or holes to maintain professionalism. This style is a great option to wear to the office, especially in the cooler winter months to stay warm!

7. Casual Trousers

Link: IWOLLENCE Women's Wide Leg Pants with Pockets High Waist Adjustable Knot Loose Casual Trousers Business Work Casual Pants

Price: $19.99

If you’re not really a jeans person, casual trousers can be a great alternative for both a cruise and the office. A looser pair of trousers is comfortable but still looks classy. This makes it easy to wear for dinner onboard, or as a more put-together outfit while exploring a port, especially in cooler weather. They’re also easy to style up or down depending on your plans for the day.

Trousers are also a staple for my trips to the office. A pair of trousers is something I can wear to work year-round, whether I’m pairing them with a blouse for a more classic office look, or a simple top for an easier workday outfit. They’re comfortable and versatile!

8. Midi Dress

Link: BTFBM Womens Summer 2025 Casual Midi Maxi Dresses Lightweight Short Sleeve V Neck Elastic Waist Boho Beach Dress Pockets

Price: $49.99

Another cruise staple for me is a midi dress. This is one of those items that I’ll wear both ashore during the day and again for dinner onboard, just styled a little differently. A change of shoes can make all the difference from casual daytime outfit to a dressier look at night.

Like most of my cruise clothes, I usually go for a looser fit so it stays comfortable all day. Most importantly, it doesn’t feel restrictive after enjoying all that great cruise food!

For the office, midi dresses are especially nice in the spring and summer when the weather starts to warm up. While I didn’t really wear my midi dress during colder winter days at work, they’re absolutely something I pack and reach for once the weather starts to warm up. I find midi dresses are easy, comfortable, and work well for the office.

9. Flowy Skirt

Link: HUSKARY Women's Summer Casual Elegant Smock Layered Tiered Maxi Skirt High Waisted A Line Flowy Long Skirts with Pockets

Price: $18.99

While I’m not really a fan of pencil skirts for the office, I do love a flowy skirt! This style is lightweight and comfortable, which makes it especially easy to wear on a cruise, particularly in warmer destinations where staying cool is important. The relaxed fit makes it practical for walking around port or spending a full day exploring without feeling restricted.

Paired with a cute top, a flowy skirt creates an effortless outfit that works just as well for a casual day ashore as it does for dinner onboard. At the office, I like to wear a flowy skirt with a sweater in the fall or spring. It's cute and stylish pretty much all year! It’s a great addition to any cruise or office wardrobe. 

10. Oversized Turtleneck Sweater

Link: LILLUSORY Women's Oversized Batwing Sweaters 2025 Fall Outfits Trendy Crewneck Knit Side Slit Fashion Pullover Tops

Price: $32.99

You might not immediately think to pack a turtleneck sweater for a cruise, but if you’re sailing to cooler destinations like Alaska, Norway, or Iceland, warmer layers are a must. A turtleneck is great for chilly days exploring ports of call and also works well paired with jeans for dinner onboard.

During the winter, I basically live in oversized sweaters when I go to the office. I usually wear my sweaters with a pair of leggings and heeled boots for a comfortable, but still office-appropriate look. You could just as easily pair this type of sweater with jeans or dress pants for a more traditional work outfit, which makes it a really versatile piece to have in your closet.

Passengers embarking on Quantum of the Seas' January 5, 2026, cruise out of Los Angeles were told to arrive later than planned. 

The Quantum Class cruise ship won't return to its homeport in California as originally scheduled due to a medical emergency on the previous voyage. 

"Due to a delay in our previous sailing, Quantum of the Seas will be arriving [at] the pier later than planned, and the terminal will be closed until 3:30 PM," read an email sent to impacted guests. 

The earliest arrival time was pushed from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the latest arrivals must check in at 6:30 p.m. All guests are required to be on the ship by 7:00 p.m.

(Credit: Andrew Schile/Facebook)

"If you have not completed check-in, please arrive at 6:30 PM. Arriving [at] the terminal earlier than your adjusted time will result in you being turned away until your new time," the email continued. 

In addition to later arrival times, passengers can't access the parking lot until 3:00 p.m, as they must wait until the current guests have left. 

Although the letter didn't explain why the ship was delayed, one guest shared that they were in Cabo San Lucas when one passenger "got critically ill." They had already departed but needed to return, so the guest could receive proper medical attention ashore. Consequently, they did not depart Mexico until around 9:45 p.m.

"Captain is really trying hard to make up time. There just isn’t enough time to do it. Captain told us today that we should expect to [dock] at noon to 12:30. 1st luggage will not be off [the] ship until 1:30 at the earliest," they added. 

(Screenshot showing Quantum of the Seas' location at 10:55 a.m. EST. Credit: Cruise Mapper)

According to Cruise Mapper, Quantum of the Seas was sailing off the coast of Encinitas, California, around 10:55 a.m. EST on Jan. 5. The vessel has yet to pass Catalina Island. 

Passengers will have more time to enjoy Ensenada, Mexico

Royal Caribbean doesn't offer many 2-night cruises. Although incoming guests will have less time to enjoy the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship, Royal Caribbean is adjusting the itinerary's schedule to give passengers more time in port. 

"Additionally, while we'll be departing from Los Angeles later than originally planned, this will not affect our arrival time in Ensenada," the cruise line said. 

"As a bonus, our departure from Ensenada will now be at 6:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM, giving you even more time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer."

About Quantum of the Seas

Quantum of the Seas is the namesake Quantum Class ship that debuted in 2014. The ship has 14 guest decks, over 2,900 cabins, and measures 168,666 gross tons. 

Known for its technological innovations, Quantum of the Seas is known for amenities like the Bionic Bar, Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule, and virtual balcony inside staterooms. 

Quantum of the Seas will offer cruises from Los Angeles, California, to Ensenada, Mexico, and the Mexican Riviera through Sept. 2026. Then, she'll reposition to Australia for a seasonal stint exploring the South Pacific. 

In April 2027, Quantum of the Seas will move to Seattle, where she will offer a series of Alaskan cruises, giving guests the chance to witness glaciers firsthand, try delicious seafood, and marvel at rugged landscapes. 

Read more: Quantum of the Seas Food Review

A Royal Caribbean cruise in 2026 is exactly the kind of vacation millions will enjoy, and there are important things to do and avoid on any sailing.

Royal Caribbean is planning a big year with the launch of a new ship, opening of two beach clubs, and likely many more announcements to come in the new year.

I think it's of paramount importance to be prepared with the right tips and advice before you board so you can maximize your cruise vacation.

Here is my list of 26 simple do’s and don’ts to fully enjoy a Royal Caribbean cruise this year.

Don't wait to book a cruise

Prices are only headed up for a 2026 cruise, so you'll want to book sooner than later.

Royal Caribbean Group executives have already told Wall Street analysts they expect to continue a steady climb in prices to match demand.

What this means for consumers is your best bet is to book a cruise now and not wait for a price drop that may never happen.

Book early and lock in the price, along with the cabin category you prefer.

Do take advantage of the Royal Caribbean app before and during your cruise

The key to getting onboard your Royal Caribbean ship faster and then knowing everything that's going on is to use the cruise line's app.

Download it a few months before the cruise so that you can use it to do the online check-in.  This will not only get you an early check-in time, but probably get you access to a faster line too.

I'd go as far to say the Royal Caribbean app is critical to have so you can get things done faster. 

Do book with a travel agent

Travel agents provide a wealth of knowledge and will save you time too.

Because of how personalized a cruise is compared to other vacations, new cruisers will greatly benefit from working with a good travel agent.

They can take advantage of group rates, offer advice on the best ship or accommodations for your family, and be your advocate if there's a billing problem later with Royal Caribbean.

A good travel agent should cost you nothing extra to use, so I'd recommend using one when booking any cruise.

Don't try to save money and fly in the same day your cruise begins

It's tempting to book a flight the same day as your cruise departs, but you're playing with fire if you do that.

A cruise ship will not wait if your flight is delayed or cancelled, and there are no refunds either. While travel insurance would reimburse you, it still doesn't make up for the lost vacation. 

Instead, you want to book a flight at least one day before your cruise begins.  At least two days earlier if it's an overseas flight.

This strategy ensures a travel delay doesn't impact your ability to go on the cruise.

Do purchase travel insurance

The more I cruise, the more value I see in buying a travel insurance policy.

Travel insurance covers so many unforeseen circumstances and is fairly inexpensive (cheaper than many shore excursions), so I think it's a must-buy for all cruisers.

Travel interruptions, lost baggage, weather-related port changes, and injuries are all covered by travel insurance.  But you'd be out of luck getting any compensation without it.

Don't wait to book add-ons once on the ship

There's simply no excuse for waiting to buy a drink package, Wi-Fi package, or any other extra until you get on the ship.

Royal Caribbean discounts those same items if you buy it before the cruise begins, and the savings can be substantial.

Drink packages are especially discounted before the sailing, as are passes to the Royal Beach Club, Hideaway Beach, or other exclusive areas.

Not only will the price be higher onboard, but there's also a much higher chance it will sell out. Because Royal Caribbean has gotten so good at getting the word out there about its app, more people than ever are using it and it's quite common for excursions and dining to get fully booked up.

I recommend logging into the Royal Caribbean site or the app at least a few times before the cruise begins to check prices and see what's available. The sweet spot is around 2-3 months before your cruise is set to begin.

Do online check-in as soon as possible

Royal Caribbean allows you to check-in up to 45 days before your cruise begins, and I'd recommend getting it done ASAP.

Most people prefer an early check-in time at the terminal, and those early time slots go quickly.

Use the Royal Caribbean app to quickly log in and get a check-in time. You can come back later and fill out the rest of the information needed to check-in later.

Definitely do not show up to the cruise terminal without your online check-in complete, because you'll waste time in the terminal doing it there instead.

Don't let the cruise line pick your room unless you're very flexible

You could save a lot of money by letting Royal Caribbean pick your stateroom location, but you need to be clear on what that really means.

That option will get you a guarantee cabin, meaning later you'll be assigned a room based on what's left unsold. That isn't inherently a bad thing, but usually there's a reason those cabins are unsold.

You could end up with a room at the very front or back of the ship that is more susceptible to getting seasick. Or you could get a connecting room with a not-so-noise proof door between you and a strangers cabin.

I don't want to scare anyone, because guarantee cabins aren't necessarily a bad choice. But you give up control of the exact location and some cruisers might not want that.

If you sleep like a rock, don't get seasick, and barely spend any time in your stateroom, then a GTY room could be the right choice for you.

Do expect your cruise to be sold out

I'll see comments from cruisers surprised that the sailing is sold out, but that's pretty much the norm these days.

Cruising has never been so popular and demand for a cruise vacation is at an all-time high. It's not a question of "if" your cruise will sell out, but when.

That might give you pause about the ship feeling crowded. Keep in mind cruise ships are designed with a full capacity in mind, and they do a pretty good job at distributing everyone.

The typical times you'll find crowding is:

• Around the pool deck on a sea day
• Dance parties
• When a show lets out
• The first few hours of embarkation on the first day

You should expect crowds occasionally, but that doesn't mean a bad time either. You can usually find uncrowded areas quickly.

Do the safety drill as soon as you board

You have a few hours to complete the muster process, but I think it's best to knock it out as soon as you're onboard.

The morning of the cruise before you even get to the cruise terminal, watch the safety video and listen to the emergency alarm in the Safety section of the Royal Caribbean app.

One person can do it per cabin and check it off for everyone else in the cabin.

Then when you step aboard, head to your muster station and check-in there.  

Completing the muster drill first means you don't have to worry about it later and there's nothing else to do and you can start enjoying your vacation.

Don't forget to check what the theme nights are

Each evening has an optional theme for dinner, and a lot of families enjoy dressing up and being a part of the fun.

It's totally fine if you don't want to participate, but many like the idea of themed outfits.

You can look up the theme nights before your cruise begins and buy what you need before you board.

Don't choose a dinner time that you'll regret later

When you book a cruise, there are two choices for dinner in the Main Dining Room: traditional and My Time Dining. Each has its pros and cons, but I'd recommend understanding them all fully before making a choice.

The issue with choosing poorly is you risk frustration and disappointment later.

In a nutshell, traditional dinner is always at the same time, but has no waiting or check-in.  However, it may curb your port or ship plans because there's no way to alter the time.

My Time Dining offers the choice of anytime to dine in the evening, but you need to make reservations and pre-plan or risk waiting in a standby line for a table.

Yes, you could change your mind later on the ship if it doesn't work out as you expected, but there will be limited options.

Don't wait to verify your travel documents

Don't wait until the last minute to see if your passport is expired or if your daughter's boyfriend actually has a passport.

Depending on where you're sailing and which country you live in, there are different requirements for proper documentation. In short, if you have valid passports that won't expire within six months, you should be safe to cruise anywhere Royal Caribbean sails.

It's a good idea to pull out everyone's passports now and double check everything and renew them before it's too late.

Do book shore excursions and tours before they sell out

The days of walking off your cruise ship in a port and finding a great tour are less likely because of how easy it is to pre-plan.

Excursions are popular because of how easy they are to do. Book it, show up, and then they take care of the rest.

I'd recommend booking a shore excursion at least 4-6 months before your sailing to ensure you're ahead of the curve when it comes to tours selling out.

I cannot imagine walking off the ship and haggling with tour operators blindly without reviews, photos, and comparisons.

Don't wait to sign kids for Adventure Ocean

The kids club will open for registrations at 1pm on the first day of the cruise and this is the best time to get them set for the fun later.

While you can register kids for Adventure Ocean or teen club at any time, you'll find lines and a slower process if you don't do it during the open house period on embarkation day.

Plus, it's easiest for kids and teens to make friends on the first day because everyone is new and looking to meet others.  After the first day, groups are made and it's a little more socially difficult.

Don't wait until you're home to fix billing problems

Was your stateroom shower busted most of the cruise? Did that charge for a towel you returned not get taken off? Get those issues taken care of while you're still on the ship!

In my experience, it's far easier to get those things sorted out quickly onboard because they have all the information and people necessary to reach in one space. One you're home, the shoreside team will have to coordinate with the ship and that adds delays until they can sort it all out.

I recommend not walking off that ship on the final morning until you're confident your final bill and any issues you wanted addressed are complete.

Welcome to the first week of 2026, and here is your look at all of the Royal Caribbean news you might have missed in the past week.

At just 5 years old, Aydin is the youngest person ever to reach Royal Caribbean's highest loyalty program tier.

While sailing on Star of the Seas, he was recognized by the ship's crew for making it to Pinnacle Club status at a special ceremony.

He's been on enough cruises in his short life to earn 700 points in Crown and Anchor Society.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean passengers impacted by airspace closures after U.S. strike on Venezuela
• New way to buy cruise line merchandise without being on a ship
• You might be able to save up to $400 on a Royal Caribbean cruise with new discount codes
• Our readers say these are their favorite Royal Caribbean cruise ship snacks
• Non-refundable deposits: What are the restrictions and is it worth it?
• 10 New Year's cruise resolutions to make in 2026
• After 14 cruises in 2025, these are the best things I did on Royal Caribbean cruise ships this year
• Inside vs balcony cabin on Wonder of the Seas
• Can you bring alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Video: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide for 2026 cruises

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: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide for 2026 cruises.

Royal Caribbean made a change to the menu at its most popular specialty restaurant

Cruisers have noticed Royal Caribbean recently dropped what's included at Izumi hibachi.

Vegetables are seemingly now not included anymore with the meal, and it's just the proteins and fried rice.

Grilled vegetables are offered either as one of the proteins or for a $5 surcharge.

3 Royal Caribbean rumors that might be confirmed in 2026

With a new year, maybe this is when we'll get confirmation details about three major rumors.

The cruise line always has a number of projects and initiatives in development, but there can be information leaks occasionally.

I hope this is the year we'll get further details on a few key rumors that have been swirling for a long time.

What this strange looking thing on a cruise ship is really for

No, it's not a harpoon. But a lot of cruisers think this is something much more nefarious than it really is.

On Oasis Class ships, the pool deck has a retracted piece of equipment that is often the source of intrigue.

While there are plenty of funny ideas, it's a pretty mundane piece of equipment.

Why are cruises so popular right now?

Cruises have never been more popular, and it's largely because of how attractive they are for a vacation.

By 2028, 42 million people worldwide will go on a cruise and that's up from 34.6 million in 2024.

This rapid growth is fueled by a growing segment of the population that is intrigued to try it out.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 590th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, with Matt reminiscing about things he wishes Royal Caribbean would bring back.

Some concepts and features were so good, and yet, they were removed.  He'd love for a few of them to be brought back because they were so darn good.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Cruise ship passengers set to depart on Royal Caribbean cruises this weekend are dealing with flight cancellations and delays as a result of a temporary airspace closure.

The U.S. military strike against Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday have left the airspace over Puerto Rico closed to commercial flights.

Two Royal Caribbean ships have scheduled departures this weekend, and it's left some passengers scrambling to try to get to the ship on time.

UPDATE: Both Jewel of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas have cruises departing on Saturday and Sunday. Jewel of the Seas will remain in San Juan for a few extra hours.

While the cruises are sailing as scheduled, it's created a logistical problem for many trying to get San Juan for the start of the cruise.

Jewel of the Seas delayed

Passengers booked on the January 3rd sailing of Jewel of the Seas received an email from Royal Caribbean to inform them of a slight delay.

"We’re closely monitoring the evolving situation in Venezuela and the impact it has made on travel plans."

As a result, we will be departing later than originally planned today to ensure everyone possible can sail with us."

While we don’t have an exact timeframe to provide, we anticipate we will be departing from San Juan around 10:30 PM local time. This situation remains fluid, and we're committed to keeping you informed if anything changes."

The email also contained a link to a survey for passengers who have not arrived yet. Presumably, the survey is to get a better sense of how likely delayed passengers are to actually arrive for the sailing.

Airlines cancelling Caribbean flights

Royal Caribbean has not announced any changes to its cruise departures from San Juan, Puerto Rico, but airlines have made changes.

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered commercial aircraft to avoid airspace in parts of the region following U.S. strikes on Venezuela.

Over 350 flights have been cancelled to and from Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

Posts on social media indicate many people that had cruises booked are unable to get to San Juan on time.

"My flight got canceled due to air space being shutdown," wrote Ryan H. on Facebook group for the Brilliance of the Seas sailing departing on Sunday.

Mark D. added, "Our flight from Newark to San Juan was cancelled, and United told us we couldn’t get there till Monday. We won’t make the cruise."

Dawn H. wrote, "We were cancelled when we arrived to [Dallas] with no flights until the 1/6. [Royal Caribbean] told us to sit and wait for an email to confirm if they will delay, cancel, or go ahead with the sailing."

As of the posting of this article, Royal Caribbean has not announced any delays or cancellations to its cruise ships.

Jewel of the Seas is scheduled to depart on Saturday and luckily for those passengers, most took the sage travel advice of flying in at least a day early and likely arrived before the airspace closure.

"That's why you take the age old advice to ALWAYS fly in the day before the cruise," posted one person in the Jewel of the Seas Facebook group for the January 3rd sailing.

Virgin Voyages warns its passengers of delays

While there's been no official announcements from Royal Caribbean pertaining to the airspace closure, another cruise line sent an email to booked passengers.

"We understand that flight disruptions may prevent some Sailors from joining us for our next departure from San Juan. Any Sailor unable to embark due to this situation will receive a full voyage credit to use on a future Virgin Voyages sailing."

This means Virgin is offering its passengers no penalty for cancelling at the very last minute for this weekend's sailing.

"Virgin Voyages is actively assessing all options and working through every possible scenario to support our Sailors during this unprecedented disruption. We understand the frustration this situation causes, particularly following what we hope was an exceptional voyage."

"We will provide updates as soon as confirmed information becomes available. Sailors should continue to monitor their email for the latest details."

What happened in Venezuela

The closure of the commercial airspace is fallout from the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by the United States. Strikes were also conducted against military and strategic infrastructure near the Venezuelan capital of Caracas.

It all took place in the early morning hours  of Saturday with attacks on La Carlota air base, Port La Guaira, and Higuerote Airport.

The latest incident follows months of a tense military and diplomatic standoff between the two nations. According to the BBC, the U.S. took the action to arrest Maduro because of U.S. indictments against the President and his wife. The two are charged in New York with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons-related offenses.

Because of the military activity and associated safety concerns, airlines have had to temporarily avoid flying in or out of the region. 

Back in 2017, Royal Caribbean introduced non-refundable deposits as a way to offer lower prices to consumers, but it comes with certain restrictions and important rules to know.

I was hesitant to book non-refundable fares for a long time, but I now strategically use them to lock in a lower cruise price. 

You could save hundreds of dollars, but you have limited options in changing your mind later.

With the fees that may come with this deposit, I wanted to share the restrictions that exist when booking non-refundable deposit and if these deposits are worth it.

What is non-refundable deposit, and why does it exist?

Similar to airlines or rental cars, Royal Caribbean offers a lower priced deposit option that has penalties for changing it later.

The cruise line will take hundreds of dollars off your cruise fare compared to a refundable deposit if you're willing to agree to the non-refundable terms.

Royal Caribbean added non-refundable fares as a way to incentivize guests to book cruises at a lower price and keep their reservation.

The goal is to prevent last minute changes or cancellations (especially at the final payment date) that would disrupt the ship's inventory for that sailing.

Plus, it acts as a marketing tool to offer lower priced cruises to the public. Those looking for the cheapest fares will see more attractive prices.

Restrictions with a non-refundable deposit

If you're shopping for Royal Caribbean cruise and have the choice of a non-refundable deposit, should you consider booking it? Here are the major restrictions of these kinds of deposits.

Non-refundable deposits won't allow for a cash refund

As the name implies, your deposit is not refundable if you were to cancel.

Cancelling would incur a change fee, with the remaining value after the change fee will exist as a Future Cruise Credit.

Non-refundable deposits have limited flexibility

If you want to cancel or change the ship and/or sail date, you will incur a $100 per guest change fee. 

Multiple adjustments to the ship and/or sail date of a booking will result in the assessment of a $100 per guest change fee for each qualifying change made to the reservation. There is no limit on the number of change fees that can be incurred.

All suites are non-refundable deposit

Most staterooms have the option to book non-refundable deposit, except for suites.

All suites are non-refundable deposits and that's because there are so few of them compared to other cabin categories. Royal Caribbean made them non-refundable to ensure guests were not cancelling them at the last minute.

No change fee if you change rooms on the same sailing

You can still upgrade or downgrade your cruise cabin on the same sailing.

No change fee will be assessed upon swapping between category types on the same ship and sail date.

You can switch to non-refundable later

The choice of booking a non-refundable deposit is offered when you book the cruise, but you could change to it later.

Up until the final payment date, guests can contact Royal Caribbean to change from refundable deposit to non-refundable deposit and take advantage of a potential lower fare.

In some cases, a price drop could make it advantageous to switch to non-refundable deposit. And yes, you can do it right up until the final payment date (usually 90 days before the sailing begins).

This strategy works well when booking a cruise a year or more in advance, and then repricing the same sailing right before the final payment date.  Once you get just a few months from the start of the cruise, there's a good chance you would know if you're actually going to go on that sailing.

And no, you cannot move from non-refundable to refundable deposit later without essentially cancelling your initial reservation and incurring the change fee.

Are Royal Caribbean's non-refundable deposits worth it?

The answer depends on your comfort level with your travel plans.

How much you value flexibility, how certain you are of the cruise booking to proceed, and if saving money is important to you are all important factors to consider.

The ideal non-refundable deposit is for someone who is completely certain they will go on the ship and sail date they have selected and does not anticipate ever needing to cancel.

Examples could be a vacation during a built-in time off from school or work, honeymoon, or larger family trip.

I've found it's best to book non-refundable fares when your travel plans feel like they're "written in stone".

I think there's more ambiguity when you try to book a cruise over a year in advance, because your wants and needs could change before then.

Of course, how much cheaper a non-refundable deposit is plays a role. Not only is it more attractive to book the cheapest cruise price, but even with a change fee, it may simply be less expensive overall to opt for it.

It's critical to understand when booking non-refundable fares of the penalties that you'd face for changing your mind later.

I almost always book non-refundable cruise fare now because of the cost savings, as well as the fact I rarely cancel my cruise plans.

Royal Caribbean passengers should look at their Crown & Anchor loyalty tab for a possible cruise discount code. 

Just like Charlie in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," who discovered a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, loyal cruisers might find their own "golden ticket" in the form of a discount code.

Don't expect to receive an email about the special deal. Rather, the possible promotions are hidden in plain sight. However, not every cruiser is eligible.

For example, I'm a Diamond cruiser with 112 Crown & Anchor points. At the time of writing, I had three separate offers available to me. My father, who is an Emerald Crown & Anchor Society member with 52 cruise points, also had one offer worth up to $350 off. 

However, Pinnacle Club cruiser Matt Hochberg did not have any special promotions. Similarly, my partner, who shares my Diamond status but has only been on three Royal Caribbean cruises, had none. 

Promotions range from discounts of up to $200 on select cruises of 5 nights or less to savings of up to $400 on longer voyages. 

How to see if you have a Royal Caribbean discount code

When you log into your account, pay careful attention to the pop-ups. You might be alerted that you have a special offer waiting for you. If not, finding out if you're a chosen one is easy. 

After logging in, navigate to your profile by clicking "Hi, [insert name here]" in the top right corner. 

This is where you will see your upcoming cruises and can access the Cruise Planner. However, ignore your cruise countdowns and click on the "loyalty" tab. 

If you have any promotions, they will be available directly under the "Crown & Anchor Society" information that lists your total cruise points and recent cruises. 

What are the "secret" loyalty offers?

Offers vary, but these are the promotions that we're aware of. Again, not every cruiser is eligible for every deal (or any!). Moreover, if you see any deals in your loyalty account, take note of the expiration date. For example, my promotions expire on Feb. 2, 2026. 

2 - 5 Night Early Bird Savings Up to $300 off on select cruises of 5 nights or less

December Cruise Cash promo codes [are] applicable to new individual bookings made between December 9, 2025 and February 1, 2026  (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after January 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: $150 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $250 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $350 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $125 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $200 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $300 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period.

6+ Night Early Bird Savings Up to $350 off on select cruises of 6 nights or more

December Cruise Cash promo codes [are] applicable to new individual bookings made between December 9, 2025 and February 1, 2026  (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after January 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: $150 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $250 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $350 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $125 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $200 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $300 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period.

Save & Sail Before August 2026 Up to $200 off on select cruises of 5 nights or less

December Explore More promo codes [are] applicable to new individual bookings made between December 1, 2025 and February 1, 2026  (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after January 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: for sailings departing January 2026 thru August 2026: $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $125 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $275 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $50 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $100 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $200 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less and select Australia sailings; for sailings departing on or after September 2026: $125 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $200 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $400 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $150 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $300 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period.

Save & Sail After September 2026 Up to $400 off on select cruises of 6 nights or more

December Explore More promo codes [are] applicable to new individual bookings made between December 1, 2025 and February 1, 2026 (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after January 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: for sailings departing January 2026 thru August 2026: $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $125 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $275 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $50 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $100 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $200 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less and select Australia sailings; for sailings departing on or after September 2026: $125 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $200 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $400 USD on Suite for sailings 6 nights or more OR $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $150 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $300 USD on Suite for sailings 5 nights or less. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period. 

Back Aboard Bonus - Up to $350 off

December Cruise-iversary promo codes [are] is applicable to new individual bookings made between December 9, 2025 and February 1, 2026  (“Offer Period”) on all sailings for the ship(s) or itinerary included in the offer, departing on or after December 1, 2026 (“Offer Cruise”). Promo Code provides instant savings varying by cruise stateroom category as follows: $75 USD on Inside & Oceanview and $150 USD on Neighborhood, Balcony, and $350 USD on Suite. (“Savings”) shown in USD and will be converted to currency used for cruise purchase and applied as dollars off at checkout during the Offer Period.