Royal Caribbean Blog

Planning a great Royal Caribbean cruise is all about being prepared to do, and knowing when to do it.

You might be overwhelmed about where to start or wondering what exactly needs to get done before you set sail. A little research and preparation can go a long way when planning a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Lucky for you, we’ve created the optimal timeline for planning your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. This article was inspired by an extensive checklist that was shared on the Royal Caribbean First Time Cruisers Facebook page by Perlyshell RN. 

Please note, this timeline is simply a suggestion for steps to take during your planning process. We recommend working with a travel agent who specializes in cruising to assist with your cruise planning and preparation. 

Personally, we work with MEI Travel for all of our cruise planning needs at Royal Caribbean Blog and highly recommend their knowledgeable and helpful agents.

24 months to 12 months before vacation

Cruise itineraries are released years in advance, so you can start planning your vacation anywhere from 12 months to 24 months in advance. However, some destinations are available for booking earlier than others, it just depends.

During this time, you should also be researching the destination and itineraries that interest you. Start taking notes, reading reviews, watching YouTube videos, and choosing an appropriate budget for your vacation. When choosing your cruise, it's important to select the right itinerary, cruise ship, and cabin for your travel style and budget. Our site offers plenty of helpful guides to choosing the right cruise, especially for first-time cruisers.

Checklist ( > 1 year before vacation):

• Choose your preferred cruise itinerary and book with a travel agent. Ask about group rates and refundable deposits if your cruise is far in advance.
  • You'll need to place a deposit to secure your cabin.
  • Decide if you want early, late or My Time Dining.
  • Pick your cabin category and a specific location.
  • Try for a midship cabin that is away from public areas and surrounded by cabins above and below. Use deck plans to find the perfect location.
• Link reservations with others traveling in your party if you book more than one cabin.
• Monitor pricing and check for repricing opportunities.
  • If the price decreases, you can ask your travel agent to reprice your reservation at the lower rate.
• Research travel insurance options. This is always a smart move, especially if you’re cruising during hurricane season or have potential health concerns.
• Confirm you have the correct travel documents and verify expiration dates, including passport and driver's license. Renew if needed!

6 months to 12 months before vacation

Once you’re within 6 to 12 months of your cruise vacation, you can start making more reservations. This includes airline tickets and hotel reservations, which are usually only available to book about one year before your actual travel dates.

You’ll also want to start solidifying your plans for each port of call during this timeframe, including shore excursions or independent tours. Reach out to any local tour companies to inquire about tours offered if you want to book through a third-party company (which is often cheaper).

Depending on the itinerary, you might be able to book excursions further in advance through Royal Caribbean. It’s best to lock these in as soon as they become available, as you can always cancel for a full refund or reprice for a lower fare if the price decreases.

Checklist (6 months - 12 months before vacation):

• Book airline tickets for pre-cruise arrival.
  • Arrive at least one day before embarkation for domestic flights and two to three days for international flights.
  • Set price tracker on Google Flights to monitor if price decreases.
• Start planning your port visits.
• Book excursions if they are available through Royal Caribbean.
• Reserve hotel rooms if you are arriving before embarkation day.
• Book rental car or local transportation, if needed.
  • Uber and Lyft are typically available in most port cities.
• Check and purchase any pre-cruise add-ons within the Royal Caribbean cruise planner.
  • This includes drink packages, internet packages, spa treatments, specialty dining packages and onboard experiences.
• Make sure your travel documents are in order and passport has at least 6 months of validity.
• Research if you need any visas or e-arrival forms for completion (especially for Asia itineraries)
• Set reminder or mark your calendar for final payment date.
• Find pet sitter or make boarding reservation for pets.
• Confirm if you need any vaccinations or medications for your cruise, meet or schedule doctor’s appointment if necessary.
• Join a Facebook group for your specific sailing.

75 days to 120 days before vacation

Royal Caribbean’s final payment date varies based on the duration of your cruise. We recommend making the final payment before the deadline, especially if you are trying to make any sort of payment around a banking holiday. 

You can also choose to make incremental payments toward your reservation rather than paying the full balance all at once. This is a helpful budgeting strategy that allows you to spread out the cost and pay off your vacation before the final payment is due.

Final payment of the balance must be received at the Royal Caribbean office before these deadlines:

75 Days: 1 night to 4 night cruises

90 Days: 5 night to 14 night cruises

120 Days: 15 nights or longer

Checklist (75 days to 120 days before vacation):

• Make final payment for cruise reservation
  • If you booked with a travel agent, you’ll make your final payment through your agent. Direct bookings can pay on Royal Caribbean’s website.

45 days to 60 days before vacation

Your cruise vacation is getting closer! During these final months after you’ve made the final payment for your reservation, you’ll want to start making final arrangements for your cruise. This includes finalizing reservations, excursions, dining reservations and more.

If you’re cruising aboard one of Royal Caribbean’s bigger vessels, such as Icon Class, Oasis Class, or Quantum Class, you should start making reservations for specific shows online or using the app. These are popular, and you are required to have a free reservation to attend.

You’ll also check-in for your cruise during this timeframe. This requires you to provide proof of citizenship, emergency contact information, flight details (if applicable), and a credit card for your onboard expense account.

Checklist (45 days to 60 days before vacation):

• Download the Royal Caribbean app and make sure your login works.
• Reserve onboard shows (for free) when they become available in the cruise planner or app.
  • Expect to see reservation openings between 45 days - 60 days before sail date.
  • This is only for Oasis Class, Icon Class, and Quantum Class. Other ship classes do not require reservations.
• Check-in for your cruise opens 45 days before sail date at 12pm local time. You can do this online or in the app.
• Choose the earliest arrival time if you want to be onboard as soon as possible.
  • You can select this without entering travel document information by proceeding to the “Arrival” Section
• Solidify your dining reservations, such as Solarium Bistro.
• Arrange and confirm any Main Dining Room requests
  • Email [email protected] to arrange seating for multiple reservations with booking number and names.

1 month before vacation

The month before your cruise vacation is exciting, as embarkation day is right around the corner! Most of the planning for your trip should be done at this point, unless you need to tie up any loose strings or finalize last-minute preparations.

Checklist (1 month before vacation):

• Purchase any cruise necessities or must-have items online
• Shop for any new clothes or toiletries for your vacation
• Buy new suitcases or travel bags, if needed.
• Ensure you have enough prescription medication
• Confirm pet sitter or house sitter arrangements
• Finalize check-in with Royal Caribbean online or in the app
• Make sure your PTO is approved at work

2 weeks to 3 weeks before vacation

Within the final weeks before your cruise, you’ll have a few important items to check off your list. You’ll be continuing to make final preparations and probably starting to pack your bags (or think about packing). This is usually when I do any last-minute errands or shopping before my vacation, as I don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.

Checklist (2 weeks to 3 weeks before vacation):

• If you prefer, print your reservations and confirmation for airline, hotel and rental car.
• Download Set Sail pass to your phone for embarkation day.
• Print luggage tags for suitcases.
• Download e-documents for reservation. This is available 30 days before sail date.
• Make copies of passports and travel documents, or take a picture on your phone.
• Create packing list with everything you plan to bring

1 week before vacation

It’s the final countdown before your long awaited cruise vacation! After months and years of planning, it can be hard to believe that your cruise is already happening so soon. Enjoy the excitement leading up to your embarkation and get ready for an amazing cruise vacation - all of your planning will pay off!

Checklist (1 week before vacation):

• Start packing your suitcase. Lay out clothes you want to pack and try on outfits.
  • Check themed nights in the Royal Caribbean app, such as white night or 80s night.
• Confirm check-in was complete for cruise and download Set Sail pass to your phone (if haven’t already)
• If needed, call your bank and credit card company for travel alerts
• Get cash from the bank (small bills for cash tips onboard)
• Arrange for someone to pick up your mail or stop mail during your vacation
• Watch a ship tour video on Royal Caribbean Blog’s YouTube channel

1 day to 2 days before flight

Within a few days of your flight, your bags should be packed and nearly ready for vacation! Don’t wait until the last minute to pack or prepare for your travel day, as this will only lead to last-minute stress. I prefer packing the weekend before my travel plans to minimize stress the night or day before my vacation begins.

Checklist (1 day to 2 days before vacation):

• Check-in for your flight within 24 hours. Download boarding pass to your phone.
• Remind everyone to have their documents, IDs, money, and credit cards ready for the vacation
• Confirm you’ve packed everything on your packing list.
• Make sure luggage is ready to go and compliant with airline regulation.
• Check the weather for your itinerary and pack anything deemed necessary (ponchos, umbrellas, rain coats).
• Download entertainment for offline use (Netflix downloads, podcasts, books).
• Set an out-of-office reply at work and personal email.
• Download port maps or guides to use offline.
• Print travel insurance card and know your policy number.

< 24 hours before cruise or cruise day

The day has arrived, finally! All of your planning and preparation will come to fruition, and hopefully your vacation goes off without a hitch. Remember, sometimes things don't go the way we meticulously planned, and that’s okay. Control what you can, and go with the flow if something unexpected happens. Traveling is a great time to practice adaptability.

Most of all, enjoy your hard-earned cruise vacation! You’ve earned it.

Checklist (< 24 hours before cruise and cruise day):

• Charge all electronics, including phone, watch, tablet, headphones, portable charger, and camera.
• Complete health questionnaire on Royal Caribbean app.
• Watch the muster drill video and listen to the emergency horn on the app
  • You’ll need to physically check into your muster station onboard.
• Make sure all luggage and bags are accounted for.
• Secure bag tags before heading to the port.
• Keep all travel documents and IDs with you during embarkation.

I just got back from a trip to Europe, and I packed a few essentials that made a big difference during my flight.

Despite flying dozens of times each year, I absolutely hate being on a plane. The tiny, uncomfortable seats, inedible economy meals, and long layovers make the experience far from relaxing.

So when I flew to Barcelona last month to board a cruise on Allure of the Seas, I knew I wanted to make my flight more enjoyable. I browsed Amazon for useful items that could enhance my flight while still taking up minimal space in my carry-on and personal item.

Although there’s a limit on how enjoyable an economy flight can really be, these 13 travel essentials were a lifesaver on the long-haul journey.

Passport Organizer Case

It’s easy to lose track of your belongings on chaotic travel days, but my passport organizer keeps everything in one place.

While traveling, it’s important to keep your passport protected. Water damage and ripped pages can deem your passport invalid, and you don’t want to risk being denied entry on a flight or cruise.

I love my passport organizer case from Amazon. Aside from fitting up to four passports, it features slots for credit cards, three zipped pockets, a pen holder, detachable keychain, wrist strap, and RFID protection.

The case makes it easy to stay organized on even the longest of travel days, and I never go on a trip without it.

LINK: RFID Family Passport Wallet Holder Waterproof, Travel Document Organizer Credit Card Clutch Bag for Men Women

PRICE: $9.99

Kindle Paperwhite

A good book is one of the easiest ways to stay entertained on a long-haul flight, so I made sure to pack my Kindle Paperwhite on my flight to Barcelona.

The Kindle takes up far less room in my bag compared to a regular book, and it can also hold thousands of books at one time.

Just remember to download books before your flight takes off, as you’ll need a wifi connection to do so.

LINK: All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) – Our fastest Kindle ever, with new 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black

PRICE: $159.99

Travel Dental Kit

The day before my flight to Europe was hectic, to say the least. In between working, packing, and getting my dog’s belongings ready for his sitter, I had little time to prepare.

Therefore, I was happy I purchased this travel-sized dental kit before my trip. Inside the kit was everything I needed for my 1-week trip, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash.

I always brush my teeth before and after long-haul flights, so I loved having this kit handy. I didn’t need to remember to pack each item individually, either, which was a major plus.

LINK: Practicon Adult Dental Care Kit, Travel Size Bundle w/Toothbrush with Cover, Crest Toothpaste, Floss, Tongue Cleaner and Scope Mouthwash, TSA Compliant Oral Care Kit

PRICE: $8.99

Sleep Aid

I always pack a small bottle of sleep aid for long flights, especially when flying to Europe.

Most flights from North America to Europe depart in the evening and arrive the following morning. My flight to Barcelona, for instance, left Dallas at 6PM and arrived the following day at 10AM.

To avoid feeling miserable on my first day, I took a sleep aid pill shortly after boarding the plane. The softgel pills contain diphenhydramine, which helped me get some rest before landing.

As someone who struggles to sleep on planes, I find sleep aid to be the best solution. They're also helpful when trying to adjust to the local time zone.

LINK: HealthA2Z Sleep Aid, Diphenhydramine Softgels, 50mg, Supports Deeper, Restful Sleeping, Non Habit-Forming (100 Counts)

PRICE: $5.95

Travel Neck Pillow

I’ve always avoided travel neck pillows when flying. Despite their promise of comfort, lugging around a bulky pillow for an entire trip seemed cumbersome.

Yet once I found a compact neck pillow on Amazon, I decided to give it a try. The memory foam pillow packs into a portable travel bag, shrinking the size in half for easy storage.

I was impressed with the pillow’s comfort, and the neck support proved useful when trying to sleep. However, the item still took up considerable space in my luggage. I would love to bring it with me on future trips, but only if I had room to spare.

LINK: napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling, Upgraded Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane 100% Pure Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Flight Headrest Sleep, Portable Plane Accessories, Light Grey

PRICE: $13.86

Portable Charger

Packing a portable charger for long flights is a no-brainer.

Even though most long-haul planes offer charging ports at each seat, there’s no guarantee they’ll work. On more than one occasion I’ve had a defunct USB port at my seat. Without a portable charger, I would have been out of luck.

It’s extremely important to keep your phone charged on long travel days. You’ll use it for nearly everything upon landing, whether ordering an Uber or navigating public transportation.

LINK: INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc

PRICE: $15.99

Kleenex On-The-Go

When flying to Japan last year, I suddenly got a bloody noise mid-flight. I was stuck in the window seat with no tissues within reach. Needless to say, it was a disaster!

After that experience, I’ll never fly without Kleenex again.

I love these travel-sized packs of Kleenex. Each pack comes with ten tissues, and they fit perfectly into the side pockets of my backpack. You never know when you’ll need an emergency tissue, so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

LINK: Kleenex On-The-Go Facial Tissues, 8 On-The-Go Packs, 10 Tissues per Box, 3-Ply (80 Total Tissues)

PRICE: $2.48

Noise Cancelling Headphones

If there’s just one item you pack for a long-haul flight, it should be a pair of noise cancelling headphones.

Noise levels on airplanes can range from 85 to 105 decibels, which is far from comfortable for most passengers. It’s hard to relax with the constant background noise, but my noise cancelling headphones make it easier.

I wore my headphones for the entire duration of my flight to Barcelona. My $60 pair is an economical option, but I might invest in a higher-end option for my next flight for even better noise-blocking power.

If you’re planning to watch in-flight movies, don’t forget to pack an Aux cable or bluetooth connector, too.

LINK: ZIHNIC Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 40H Playtime Wireless Bluetooth Headset with Deep Bass Hi-Fi Stereo Sound,Comfortable Earpads for Travel/Home/Office

PRICE: $56.99

Packing Cube With A Change Of Clothes

I always pack an extra pair of clothes for long flights. For my flight to Europe, I kept a spare outfit organized in my Thule packing cube, which I then placed in my personal item.

Having a change of clothes is essential on long-haul journeys; I like the security of an extra outfit. Whether I accidentally spill red wine on my shirt or the plane is warmer than expected, it’s nice having a change of clothes in case I need it.

If you’re traveling with checked luggage, this is even more important. Should your luggage get unexpectedly lost or delayed, it’s crucial to have an extra pair of clothes available in the meantime.

LINK: Thule Compression Packing Cubes

PRICE: $48.49

Collapsible Water Bottle

Reusable water bottles are an eco-friendly item to pack for any vacation, but they take up valuable luggage space.

As an alternative, I tried out this collapsible bottle to save space in my personal item.

I was initially hesitant the bottle would spill, but the leak-proof locking cap worked flawlessly. Once emptied, the bottle rolled up nicely to fit in my backpack.

Sometimes I forgo packing my larger reusable water bottle when luggage space is tight, so this collapsible option is a great alternative.

LINK: Collapsible Water Bottles with Straw 20oz, Leak Proof, BPA-Free, Foldable Silicone Travel Sports Water Bottle for Traveling, Hiking, Outdoors

PRICE: $17.99

Liquid IV

Speaking of my reusable water bottle, I was glad I packed Liquid IV for my flight.

Liquid IV is an electrolyte drink mix that promises enhanced hydration. With electrolytes, vitamins, and nutrients, the drink mix claims to hydrate more efficiently than regular water.

Regardless of the validity of such claims, I found the citrus flavor of Liquid IV refreshing. If anything, I was more likely to drink the flavored beverage as opposed to plain water.

The drink mix kept me hydrated, leaving me more alert and refreshed once I stepped off the plane.

LINK: Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier - Lemon Lime | Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix | 1 Pack (16 Servings)

PRICE: $21.11

Chapstick

One tiny item that makes a huge difference on long-haul flights is a tube of chapstick. The air on a plane can be extremely dry, so it’s important to keep your lips moisturized.

Chapstick not only takes up negligible space in your bag, but most brands are affordable on any budget. I always purchase a pack of three for just $4, which come in fun flavors like cherry, s’mores, and strawberry.

LINK: ChapStick Moisturizer Original Lip Balm Tubes, SPF 15 and Skin Protectant - 0.15 Oz, 3 Count (Pack of 1)

PRICE: $3.88

Compression Socks

The last item I packed for my long-haul flight to Europe was a pair of compression socks.

Compression socks improve circulation when flying, as they keep blood from pooling in your legs, ankles, and feet. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort.

The socks were absolutely hideous—they traveled all the way to my knee. Luckily, they were concealed under my leggings for the flight.

Wearing compression socks was an easy switch from my typical ankle socks, and they didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

Given the health benefits, I’ll probably wear compression socks on my next long-haul flight, too.

LINK: CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men Circulation (3 Pairs) 15-20 mmHg is Best Support for Athletic Running Cycling

PRICE: $13.99

Florida is established as the cruise capital of the world, but one of it's smaller principalities offers some of the best value cruises available.

Nearly all of the cruises from Florida sail from the east coast of the state, with one exception: Tampa.

What I love about Tampa is it's a small, but easy to access cruise port that also offers the best pricing right now across Royal Caribbean ships.

The reason why you'll find lower cost cruises from Tampa is the same reason that hampers the port from ever expanding to bring in those pricier ships.  

Simply, the port is blocked by a bridge that is too low to accommodate big ships. As a result, only Royal Caribbean's older and smaller ships can visit, and those ships are terrific values.

Small, but fun ships that won't break your budget

You won't find Icon, Wonder, or Voyager in Tampa. But ship size isn't the only reason to pick a ship.

Royal Caribbean has anywhere from one to three ships sailing from Tampa during the year, and lately it's been shifting towards the Vision Class.

Enchantment of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas are there currently, and you'll see others come and go with the various seasons.

Vision Class ships are indeed the oldest in the fleet, but they're also priced quite nicely.

You'll find weekend cruises as well as longer voyages, and the price tends to be quite attractive.

Royal Caribbean advertises a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise on Enchantment of the Seas beginning at just $358 per person.

Moving up to a 7-night cruise, you can sail on Rhapsody of the Seas for $484 per person for a January 2026 sailing.

Many fares begin in the $400-$700 per person range, which is quite a difference from Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas that command prices beginning over $1,000 per person.  

Of course, there's a major difference between a Vision Class ship and an Icon Class ship in terms of what's offered onboard.  You pay less, but there's a lot less to see, eat, and do.

For a lot of people that choose to cruise from Tampa, that's an intentional decision.

The combination of value and a relaxing experience is what draws them to these sorts of cruises.

In January, I took a long weekend cruise on Enchantment of the Seas as a getaway trip. While I missed all the fun things on Icon, I still found things to keep me busy and occupied.

People that cruise a lot will tell you it's a "classic cruise experience", meaning low on thrills, big on enjoying time in a deck chair, in a lounge, or watching the world pass by.

If you're okay with forgoing water slides, big production shows, and a cavalcade of top deck activities, these ships will still deliver an enjoyable tropical sailing.

Easy in, easy out

Something else I like about cruising from Tampa is how convenient it is.

To be fair, Royal Caribbean has nailed the whole embarkation process.  Thanks to advances in its app and a fine-tuned terminal approach, you'll get on your ship fast.

One difference in Tampa is the parking garage is conveniently located across the street from the terminals, making it a short walk.  Tampa even advertises its parking as affordable, clearly comparing itself to how much on site parking costs at other Florida terminals.

For example, pre-paying at the Port of Tampa's website, it's $90 total to park your car for a 5 night cruise.

I especially love the valet parking option.

Drive up, hand them your keys, and walk into the terminal.  Then at the end of the cruise, they bring your car right to you.

It's only $15 more (total) on top of the standard parking rate, and worth it every time to me.

Inside the cruise terminals, it's quick and easy.  They aren't as ornate as the new ones in Miami or Port Canaveral, but they're functional.

Overall, it's an easy process and makes it more attractive to sail from knowing there aren't any hassles waiting.

It's easy to overlook a Tampa cruise, but it's the best value right now

If you're on a budget, a cruise from Tampa is usually going to be the cheapest Florida cruise out there.

With cruise prices on the rise, I'd recommend looking for cruises here to save a lot of money.  You might be able to move up to a balcony or suite for the same cost of a lower category stateroom on a bigger ship.

The key in choosing any ship is understanding what it offers and doesn't offer, but our readers consistently ask for tips on how to save money on their cruise vacation.

Tampa recommendations

Readers often ask for recommendations for where to stay, eat, and explore while in Tampa, so here are some easy favorites:

Hotels offering free shuttles

• Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown (free shuttle to downtown and cruise port)
• Tampa Marriott Water Street: TECO trolley (city run) stop is next to hotel. Free to use to get to terminal
• Quality Inn at Airport/Cruise Port: Free airport shuttle, extra cost shuttle to terminal
• Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown: TECO trolley (city run) stop is next to hotel. Free to use three stops away from terminal

Restaurants to try

• Columbia Restaurant: Cuban cuisine
• Toojay's: New York style diner
• American Social: Sports Bar
• Rick's on the River: riverside pub
• Harpoon Harry's: surf n turf

There's a new casino to enjoy on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas without any smoking concerns.

The construction walls are down and a new casino space is open for guests, expanding the gambling space available.

Last month plans were revealed that it would replace two venues with non-smoking casino space: The Attic and The Crown Lounge.

The Attic was the first to be replaced, and it opened to guests today.

Photos have begin to emerge taken by guests of the space, which features slot machines and table games in an open and inviting space. Thanks to Steve Notarnicola and Ron Bacon for sharing photos.

The biggest difference is there's no smoking allowed here.  

It's located opposite the original non-smoking casino space across the hall.

The Attic used to be the ship's combination comedy club and late night dance party.  Comedy shows have been moved to the Royal Theater and presumably the club scene is elsewhere as well.

There's still a bar in this new gambling area, carrying over from The Attic.

Next up, Royal Caribbean will do similar work and change out the Crown Lounge for a casino space.

The Crown Lounge is a dedicated area for Crown and Anchor Society members that are at least Diamond level or above.

The Crown lounge will be relocated on May 16, so that a third non-smoking casino space can start construction.  No word on exactly how long that will take, but it will be in-service work, which means the ship is still sailing. The expectation is the Crown Lounge & existing casino to open May 30-June 2.

The Crown Lounge will move to Deck 16 to replace the Teen Club.  The Teen Club will be renovated and become smaller.

The goal is to attract more gamblers who don't want to deal with smoke

The change in venues is about generating more revenue while addressing a need among non-smokers.

Royal Caribbean has shifted its views on smoking in the casino, seeing there's a desire among those to gamble without the smoking odor wafting around them.

Traditionally, cruise casinos have a smoking and non-smoking side, but the smoke odor doesn't respect boundaries.  In reality, there's a smell and it's been a turn off for non-smokers.

"So glad there is a non smoking casino I don’t care if I’m the only one there," wrote one person on Facebook after seeing the photos.

Christina Anderson added, "Oh I love this! Looks so nice. Glad they expanded it. They needed more slots there."

Royal Caribbean experimented with a non-smoking casino with the debut of Wonder of the Seas and since then it's been a hot trend for them.

Shortly thereafter, all the Jazz on 4 clubs were converted to non-smoking casinos and the jazz entertainment was relocated to Central Park.

Most recently, the Vintages bar on Freedom of the Seas was converted over to a non-smoking casino.

Now, more space is on the Oasis ships are shifting to non-smoking.

Wonder of the Seas will get these changes too

Expect these same changes on Wonder of the Seas soon.

Royal Caribbean will hold off on these changes on Wonder until the ship begins offering short weekend cruises later this year. Then, they'll make the same changes to the Crown Lounge and Attic.

Wonder of the Seas will move to Miami and begin offering short cruises on September 1, 2025.

We're not aware yet of plans for other ships to get this change, but it's likely other Oasis Class ships may get it too in time.

I purposefully didn't take my first Alaska cruise for a few years and friends that cruised more than me always found that strange.

They told me that I had to go see it, and after enough people kept saying the same thing, I thought I'd give in an try it. 

Not only were they right, but I loved Alaska, and we've been back again with more trips planned for the future.

Our first Alaska cruise was on Explorer of the Seas in 2018 and we had a good time. However, looking back, I made a few mistakes that could've been easily avoided.

Here are three missteps from my trip that could happen to anyone — and what I'd do differently next time.

Feeling I'd regret not having a balcony

If you do five minutes of research into an Alaska cruise, you're going to see at least five recommendations to book a balcony cabin.

To be clear, this is really good advice. There's so much to see around you as your ship sails, and having a balcony is very convenient to be able to hop out and check things out.

But I really don't think you need a balcony as much as it may seem because ship designs have changed a lot.

Royal Caribbean does such a good job designing its ships with public space on open decks that you can easily get outside and see what's happening.  Plus, since you're on a Royal Caribbean ship and not a cruise line with ho-hum things to do, there's far more impetus to be out and about and away from your room to begin with.

I found that the balcony in my Junior Suite was indeed convenient, but it wasn't as critical as I was lead to believe.

I think this recommendation is rooted in older and smaller ships that lacked as much public space as Royal Caribbean's bigger ships, and those decks got crowded.

Not to mention your balcony only faces one direction. There are usually things to see all around you, and the pool decks or helipad are far better suited to taking it all in.

On the day we visited Dawes Glacier, there was a person answering questions and talking about what we were seeing on the helipad.  You don't get that insight on your balcony.

To be clear, booking a balcony cabin isn't a mistake. I think it's a great idea, if you can afford it.

Rather, the mistake is assuming you're making a mistake by not booking a balcony cabin.  Saving money and taking an inside room is arguably a better spend if you can re-invest those savings on an amazing Alaska shore excursion.

Not trying the White Pass Railway

I have an aversion to any super popular shore excursion because I feel they sometimes are overrated and a tourist trap, but the White Pass Railway isn't one of them.

Arguably the top thing to do in Skagway is take a ride on the White Pass Railway.  I saw it, looked at it, and didn't book it.  I then regretted it, even though my Hummer tour was incredible.

It’s a beautiful, relaxed way to take in the dramatic scenery of the historic Klondike Highway and White Pass. You’ll ride the famous train one way and enjoy a scenic coach tour the other, with several stops for photos along the way. It’s a wonderful mix of history, views, and comfort.

It picks up from near the cruise ships, and the windows offer a tremendous view every mile of the trip into the Yukon.

There are a lot of combinations you can book, but I've heard from a few readers this tour because they all said it was a highlight of their trip. (Contains an affiliate link that costs you nothing extra to buy)

I still haven't tried it yet, but when I go in 2026, I'll book that tour I linked to above immediately.

Not researching where to eat lunch

I knew enough before my cruise to plan out my tours and excursions, but one thing I neglected to do was pick out where to eat.

Many tours or activities in Alaska aren't all day affairs, so you'll have time for meal before or after.  

The food in Alaska is incredible, but some spots are definite tourist traps. Plus, some restaurants get really busy, really quickly.

As you might imagine, seafood is the food Alaska is best known for and it's part of the appeal of visiting. You'll rarely get food so fresh and bountiful.

The key is to seek out the recommended local spots and have a few options in mind so depending on where you end up, you can head over.  Or if one is too busy, skip to the next.

More realizations about taking an Alaska cruise

Since trying Alaska, I've come to learn a few important lessons that have greatly improved my cruise experience.

These aren't mistakes I made, but better approaches to my Alaska planning process.

Don't worry about the weather: I used to get so wound up about if it will be cold, rain, cloudy, or hot and the reality is I have no control over it.

Instead, you just have to be prepared for all of it, because Alaska weather changes throughout the day.

Yes, it will rain. But probably not all day. And you'll be cold at some point, then want a t-shirt.

Packing layers is the key, and it's a great tip for avoiding disappointment and remaining comfortable.  That way, you can still enjoy the best Alaska has to offer.

Booking excursions early is more important than ever: Cruisers are much better informed today than in the past, and it's clear the recommendation to book tours has gotten out there.

I've noticed shore excursions selling out much faster in Alaska than in the Caribbean, and it's a good reminder to book your tours as early as you can to avoid the frustration of it selling out.

If you see a cruise line excursion that sounds amazing but it's sold out, odds are there's a very similar tour offered by a third party you can book.

I have a running list of great tours you can book on your own in Alaska that have been suggested by our community, so give them a try!

Leave time in your day to explore: It's so easy to want to book every tour, but also leave time do explore on your own.

Sitka, Haines, Juneau and more offer great opportunities to meander and see what's around the next corner. 

I love stumbling across a coffee shop, finding a historical monument, or sitting down on a bench and taking in the view.

Cruising in a balcony stateroom is a luxury that I don't always want to pay for. However, I splurged for an upgraded room on my 12-night cruise instead of settling for a tiny, windowless cabin - and it made all the difference!

I just returned from a culturally-immersive, whirlwind cruise in Asia aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. This 12-night repositioning cruise departed from Singapore to far-flung destinations in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. 

This wasn’t my first time sailing on Anthem of the Seas. My husband and I cruised on the same ship back in June 2022 when we visited the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal. 

I was thrilled to be back on Anthem of the Seas, one of my favorite ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. I’ve always been a fan of the Quantum Class overall - it offers unique itineraries and contemporary features while maintaining a manageable, not-too-overwhelming size.

For this bucket-list itinerary, I traveled with my sister, Angie, and our parents. We had rolled-over cruise credit from multiple cancelled and rescheduled sailings, dating all the way back to 2020. The four of us have been wanting to visit these ports of call, and this cruise on Anthem of the Seas fit our schedules perfectly.

Because of the longer itinerary, my sister and I decided to splurge on a balcony cabin. Having a bit of extra space, both inside the stateroom and on a private veranda, seemed worth the upgrade. 

Typically, my sister and I prefer to save money by booking interior cabins. However, I’ve found that newer ships often have more affordable balconies because there are simply more cabins available to book. Fortunately, when we booked the cruise about 18 months ago, the price for a balcony was surprisingly reasonable.

We ended up in cabin 11268 on Deck 11, while our parents booked the adjoining stateroom next door in 11266. It was our first time trying connecting cabins, and we were curious to see how that setup might enhance the experience.

We paid a nightly rate of $240 per person for the 12-night cruise, which is a little pricey.

Roayl Caribbean only offers this unique itinerary in the fall and spring when the cruise line repositions ships between Asia and Alaska. For this reason, the demand seems to be higher due to the limited number of sailings offered.

For the two of us, we paid $5,776.16 for our balcony cabin, or $2,888 each. This includes port fees and taxes, but we forgot to prepay gratuities. This resulted in an unfortunately unexpected cost of $222 by the end of our cruise! I won’t forget again about prepaying gratuities.

We paid around $240 per person, per night for this sailing, which is definitely higher than what we typically spend on a cruise. In fact, it was nearly double the daily rate we paid for a repositioning cruise just last fall with Celebrity Cruises!

Even so, this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and we decided the splurge was worth it. This proved to be a smart move, as just a few months later, prices skyrocketed to nearly $10,000 per person with only suites remaining.

Our ship had just completed dry dock, so our cabin was recently refreshed.

Cruise ships receive routine maintenance during dry dock, which occurs every five years or so. When we booked this cruise, we hadn’t realized that Anthem of the Seas would be coming out of a 30-day dry dock in Singapore just before our sailing.

Although I’ve been on many cruises, I’ve never sailed on a ship immediately after dry dock. As such, we were eager to see what was updated or added during this maintenance. According to crew members, all cabins received brand-new beds and carpeting. 

When we boarded in Singapore and made our way to the cabin, we were very impressed with the cabin’s condition. After traveling more than 24 hours to Asia, we couldn’t wait to get settled, unpack our bags, and make this stateroom our home for the next 12 nights.

The balcony stateroom was spacious, modern and well-appointed.

Royal Caribbean debuted Anthem of the Seas in 2015, and we happened to be onboard for her 10th birthday! Despite being a decade old, the ship still feels incredibly fresh, especially in our stateroom.

Our cabin had the feel of something you’d find on one of Royal Caribbean’s latest ships, with its sleek design and contemporary touches. The stateroom was spacious with a thoughtful layout and very little wasted space. For this particular stateroom, our beds were located near the balcony door while the couch and bathroom were closer to the entrance.

The balcony stateroom featured a palette of blue and grey tones, including a blue couch and navy blue accent wall. The geometric light fixtures and textured carpeting added personality to the stateroom without being too distracting. The warm lighting felt inviting and cozy, so it was easy to make ourselves at home.

The layout is better suited for keeping your beds together instead of separate.

Like any cruise cabin, we had the option to keep our beds together in the king configuration or two twin beds. My sister insists on having the beds separated, so we each had our own twin bed. These tiny beds always reminds me of my college dorm room, although the brand-new beds were very comfortable.

Each bed had its own nightstand, but ours were squished together to create one big nightstand. A small bedside lamp was on each side, and my side of the bed had an outlet. I prefer to keep my phone charging during the night, but my phone plug was protruding into my pillow. I know what you’re thinking, first world problems!

This functionality would definitely work better with the beds together, as the nightstand would be directly under the lamp with no spacing issues. Even still, I loved being able to peak out of the balcony each morning when we pulled into new ports of call. I was giddy like Christmas morning when we arrived to Vietnam, and I could watch it all from my bed.

We had plenty of storage to unpack our five suitcases.

We had quite a bit to unpack between our carry-on bags and checked luggage. Thankfully, the cabin had plenty of storage. There were two wardrobe closets in this stateroom: one with hanging space and the other with shelves and drawers. I used one closet with hanging space while my sister unpacked her belongings into the shelving of the other closet. 

Since I brought more clothes, I also took advantage of the drawers built into the vanity. Between the closet space and drawers, everything fit comfortably. We were also able to slide our suitcases under the beds, which helped keep the room clutter-free.

I was impressed with all of the storage available in this cabin. For instance, under the TV, there was a small shelf where we could store smaller belongings. We ended up using this for all of the documents that we received regarding immigration, excursion tickets and daily compasses.

There were multiple outlets and USB ports to keep our devices charged.

For such a big adventure, we had a plethora of devices that needed to be charged daily between the two of us. Cameras, phones, tablets, watches, headphones and more all needed to be charged every night before the following day's adventure. 

I was relieved to find a full charging station built into the cabin vanity, complete with two U.S. outlets and two USB ports. There was also a European outlet, which came in handy with our travel adapter. My sister and I were able to keep all of our devices charged without any issue.

Considering some older ships only have one or two outlets for charging, we appreciated having so many outlets. It’s a small touch, but it’s an important functionality of any cruise cabin.

Having connecting staterooms ended up being a lifesaver.

With my parents in the cabin next to us, we asked our room steward to unlock the connecting doors. He also opened the balcony between the two cabins, so we had one big balcony between our two staterooms.

The connecting rooms were extremely convenient for the four of us traveling together. In particular, my mom ended up sleeping on our couch for a few nights when my dad came down with a nasty cold. She didn’t want to be up all night with him coughing, so she asked our cabin steward to make the couch into a makeshift bed. She was surprised how comfortable the couch was!

Having the connecting rooms allowed for easy access between the two cabins, and my mom ended up sleeping on the couch for nearly half of the cruise. We will definitely look at booking connecting staterooms again in the future.

Our cabin location was convenient and quiet.

Our balcony cabin was located near midship, but closer to the ship’s aft. Located on Deck 11, we found this stateroom to have a central, accessible location. We were near the aft elevators, so we were never too far from our stateroom.

In addition, were only a few decks below the Windjammer buffet. During early mornings before excursions, we were able to quickly grab breakfast and head back to our cabin to get ready.

Most importantly, our cabin was wonderfully quiet - we never heard any noise from the hallway, and our neighbors were completely silent the entire trip. Because our deck was above and below other cabins, we never had to worry about noise from the public venues. There’s nothing worse than being kept awake by a nearby lounge or pool part!

Of course, the balcony was one of the highlights.

Because we normally book inside cabins, it was a luxury to have our own private balcony! The balcony install included two chairs with footrests and a small table to use. During this cruise, we had so much beautiful scenery - from the luscious jungle in the outskirts of Vietnam to the iconic skyline of Hong Kong.

I loved being able to use our balcony throughout this cruise. One morning, I ordered complimentary room service as we arrived into Hong Kong while enjoying my morning breakfast. Later that night, we watched the nightly light show across the bay from our balcony as the ship departed. It was a memory I will never forget.

One of the best surprises about our cabin was being able to share the balcony with the connecting rooms. We hadn’t realized the divider could be removed when you book adjoining cabins, and it made it so much easier - and more fun - to enjoy the space together.

The bathroom was functionally designed, too.

There’s nothing worse than feeling squeezed into a tiny capsule shower on a cruise. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case here. Cruise ship bathrooms have come a long way, and the showers in particular are now much more spacious and comfortable to use.

Like most Royal Caribbean ships, our shower was stocked with the standard 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash combo. For this reason, I always bring my own shower toiletries when cruising. We did receive upgraded amenities because of our loyalty status, but I still preferred using the products I packed from home.

We had no issues with water temperature or pressure in our cabin, but we did hear some complaints from other guests. Some reported having minimal hot water at times, while others experienced very low water pressure in the shower. It may have been tied to the ship’s recent dry dock, but issues like that can definitely impact the overall cabin experience.

Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to book this cabin again.

For our 12-night cruise, this balcony cabin truly became our home away from home. After long, hot, and humid days exploring culturally-diverse ports across Asia, there was nothing better than coming back to this comfortable and quiet cabin. Whether we were cooling off in the air conditioning, unpacking our souvenirs, or simply relaxing on the couch after a full day of exploring, this stateroom was perfect for us.

I wouldn’t hesitate to book this same cabin again, whether on Anthem of the Seas or any other Quantum Class ship. The layout was thoughtfully designed, the decor was modern, and the location was incredibly convenient for getting around the ship. We also had plenty of storage and connectivity in the stateroom, which is important for longer, port-intensive itineraries.

Having our own balcony was definitely a highlight for this cruise, especially with all of the bucket-list destinations we visited. I don’t think it’s always necessary to splurge on a balcony, but this was certainly worthwhile on this itinerary with unforgettable sights to see.

Happy Mothers Day! All the moms out there deserve a big hug, thank you, and hopefully a new cruise booking too.

Cruisers on one Royal Caribbean ship were offered a pretty incredible deal if they were willing to be flexible with their vacation plans.

A sailing on Allure of the Seas may have been oversold, so guests were asked if they'd consider changing their ship or sail date.

The offer was to look for volunteers, and you could essentially get a free cruise and refund to change sailings.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is making its restaurant guests love even better
• Royal Caribbean birthday sale is new and unlike any other I've seen
• I always do 4 things when I buy a drink package on every cruise and it adds so much value
• Is the internet package worth it on Royal Caribbean? I say yes
• Royal Caribbean added a new kind of suite to its ships that has no balcony. I liked it much more than I expected
• I went on the world's most family-friendly cruise ship without kids. It was worth it for 5 reasons
• 5 Royal Caribbean cruises where your dollar will go further right now
• 12 Cruise tips you disagree with
• I've worked at a cruise terminal for four years. Here are 10 things you should know before you arrive
• Utopia of the Seas suites
• New cruiser credits a prep step they took for making it an amazing vacation
• The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find So Good I Went Back for More
• Royal Caribbean Chairman lists his enormous tropical-themed home for $42 Million
• Can you just add someone else to a cruise cabin?

Mexico compromises on controversial cruise tax

A proposed $42 per passenger cruise tax has been greatly reduced, thanks to negotiations by the cruise industry.

Instead of charging $42 for each passenger, Mexico will introduce the cruise tax at a rate of $5 per passenger to start.

The new tax goes into effect July 1, 2025.

Royal Caribbean is re-routing ships away from Haiti into August

More cruise ship visits to Royal Caribbean's private beach in Haiti are being cancelled.

Ship sail dates as far out as August are now being re-routed from Labadee, which is a significant departure from making short-term changes to itineraries.  

The updated schedules reflect the dire situation in Haiti and the cruise line's caution in resuming visits anytime soon.

Royal Caribbean shuts down its private island this week for maintenance work

Something you don't see every day (or week) is Perfect Day at CocoCay without any Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean actually shut down its private island for a week to conduct annual maintenance work.

Between May 4 and May 10, no ships visited the island.  It's work that was on the calendar for a while, and helps ensure everything is good to go for another year.

Why you should book a 2026 cruise after last week's Royal Caribbean meeting

If you read between the lines of Royal Caribbean's earnings call last week, it's clear prices are only going up.

In fact, executives disclosed they actually raise prices on cruises as they get close to the sail date in an effort to capitalize on last minute bookings.

As a result, last-minute cruise reservations are going to be more expensive than in the past. 

New RCB Video: 4 Things I ALWAYS Ask My Cabin Attendant For On Every Cruise!

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 — 4 Things I ALWAYS Ask My Cabin Attendant For On Every Cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 564th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, discussing Royal Caribbean's strategy to target Walt Disney World visitors.

Influencers have a tremendous impact on information shared about cruises today. Griff joins Matt to break down this form of advertising and what it means to cruisers.

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

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas has impressively large and lavish suites you can book.

The best thing about staying in a suite is all the extra living space you get. Considering that cruise ship cabins usually feel smaller than a hotel room on land, it's nice to have more room to spread out.

Plus, the perks you get by staying a suite add to the value. Royal Caribbean gives some of its top onboard benefits to its suite guests as further incentive to try them out.

Here's a look at every type of suite you can book on Utopia of the Seas, as well as what it gets you.

Suite categories

Royal Loft Suite

The Royal Loft Suite is an expansive two-level suite with the master bedroom on the top level, and living room and second bathroom on the lower level. It features panoramic views with floor to ceiling windows that lead to a private balcony, which has a whirlpool, TV, and minibar. There's also a dining area on the lower level of the suite.  The master bathroom has a rainfall shower and tub.

Average price: $10,400 - $23,100 per person (first two passengers)

• Suite Class: Star Class
• Room Size: 1,524 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 843 sq ft
• Maximum Occupancy: 6 guests
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2

Ultimate Family Suite

Prepare to be blown away by how much there is in this suite.  Royal Caribbean created the Ultimate Family Suite to be an amazing experience for families.  It has two levels, including three bedrooms, a slide, in-suite cinema, and large living room. The wraparound balcony features a climbing tower for kids and a private whirlpool. 

Average price: $10,100 - $27,300 per person (first two passengers)

• Suite Class: Star Class
• Room Size: 2,476 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 538 sq ft
• Maximum Occupancy: 10 guests
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3

Solarium Suite

The Solarium Suite offers doesn't have a balcony, but it does have 280-degree panoramic views from its position high on the ship. There's glass everywhere as you're able to take in views from your large living room or master bedroom.

Average price: $3,100 - $11,200 per person (first two passengers)

• Suite Class: Star Class
• Room Size: 839 sq ft
• Balcony Size: N/A
• Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1.5

Two Bedroom Aquatheater Suite

Average price: $4,400 - $11,350 per person (first two passengers)

Situated at the back of the ship, the Two Bedroom Aquatheater suite offers the best views of the AquaTheater shows from its expansive wraparound balcony. It includes two bedrooms, a living room, and a dining area. This is probably the best suite on the ship for entertaining friends or family. 

• Suite Class: Star Class
• Room Size: 827 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 648 sq ft
• Maximum Occupancy: 8 guests
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2

One bedroom Aquatheater Suite

Average price: $2,700 - $6,500 per person (first two passengers)

Positioned to offer direct views of the AquaTheater, this suite features a spacious living area, a bedroom with a Royal King bed, and a large private balcony. Besides not having a second bedroom, the other key difference between this and the Two Bedroom Aquatheater Suite is it has Sky Class benefits, instead of Star Class.

• Suite Class: Sky Class
• Room Size: 560 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 450 sq ft
• Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1

Crown Loft Suite with Balcony

Average price: $2,700 - $6,500 per person (first two passengers)

The Crown Loft Suite spans two levels, featuring a master bedroom on the upper level and a living area below. There's also a second full bathroom on the lower level, making it good for sharing with kids. The private balcony has a lot of space for taking in views of the ocean and what's happening around the ship.

• Suite Class: Sky Class
• Room Size: 670 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 105 sq ft
• Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 2

Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom

Average price: $2,360 - $4,000 per person (first two passengers)

The Owner's Suite offers a much larger living room compared to the Grand Suite. It has a separate bedroom and a private balcony. The bathroom has a shower and tub, along with dual sinks.

• Suite Class: Sky Class
• Room Size: 861 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 226 square feet
• Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom

Average price: $2,250 - $3,850 per person (first two passengers)

The Grand Suite is the entry level full suite. There's a large living room with sofa and chairs, as well as a bedroom that is separated from the living room by a curtain. The bathroom boasts a large soaking tub/shower combo. The balcony is quite large as well.

• Suite Class: Sky Class
• Room Size: 531 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 111 sq ft
• Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1

Sky Junior Suite

Average price: $2,100 - $5,421.61 per person (first two passengers)

The Sky Junior Suite provides a spacious area with a bedroom featuring a Royal King bed, a sitting area, and a private balcony. Moving up to a Sky Junior gets you the Sky Class benefits, which arguably adds more value to your cruise.

• Suite Class: Sky Class
• Room Size: 301 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 122 sq ft
• Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1

Junior Suite

Average price: $1,200 - $4,250 per person (first two passengers)

A Junior Suite has plenty of space to spread out, and offers a king size bed, vanity/desk, a small sitting area, plenty of storage, and a bathroom with a shower/tub combo.  You also have an extra-large balcony.

• Suite Class: Sea Class
• Room Size: 301 sq ft
• Balcony Size: 80 sq ft
• Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1

Suite neighborhood benefits

By booking a suite, you'll get certain benefits based on the class your room qualifies for.

Royal Caribbean has three categories of suites: Star, Sky, and Sea Class. This makes it simpler to understand which tier of benefits are included with your room.

Star Class Benefits

• Complimentary gratuities
• Complimentary internet
• Expedited boarding and departure
• Reserved premium seats in select entertainment venues
• Priority entrance to many onboard activities
• Suite Lounge access
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
• Exclusive access to Royal Genie Service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
• Complimentary specialty restaurants
• Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package
• Complimentary Refreshment Package
• Still and sparkling water replenished Daily
• Complimentary minibar stocked with Coca-Cola, beverages, and water
• Complimentary laundry and pressing services
• Luxury mattresses and pillows
• Frette linens
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sky Class Benefits

• Concierge service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen
• Specialty bottled water upon arrival
• Complimentary internet
• Priority boarding and departure
• Priority dining reservations
• Suite Lounge access
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sea Class Benefits

• Dinner at Coastal Kitchen only
• Royal Caribbean bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Best reasons to book a suite

Suites offer some incredible perks, especially if you move up to Star or Sky Class.

The level of service, more things included, and enormous cabins are the top reasons to book any suite. You're paying much for these rooms, but you're also getting a lot more in return.

The dedicated areas on Utopia of the Seas for suite guests is impressive, especially the Suite Sun Deck and Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

The Suite Sun Deck is a beautiful area, with lots of shade, loungers, plunge pool, and bar.  It's quiet, secluded, and offers both sun and shade access.

Coastal Kitchen is a restaurant most suites guests love because it has an upgraded feel compared to the Main Dining Room. Plus, it's included in your cruise fare and adds tremendous value to have another included full service restaurant.

Equally important is the services included. Starting with Sky Class, you have access to the Suite Concierge.  There are two suite concierge members working on Utopia of the Seas, and they're like your own Guest Services to address any needs you have and make your cruise more welcoming.

Plus, you'll have access to the Suite Lounge, where there's complimentary beer and wine from 11am to 11pm.  In the evening, there's cocktails included from 5pm to 8pm each day of the cruise.

Suites are not inexpensive, but they are the biggest staterooms you'll find on Utopia of the Seas. Plus, the benefits are impressive too.

More Royal Caribbean ships are being re-routed away from its private destination in Haiti, with cancellations extending into August.

The cruise line sent emails out to passengers on a variety of ships with scheduled visits to Labadee that they'll be unable to make the scheduled stop.

Labadee is a private beach stop exclusive to Royal Caribbean ships.

The cruise line hit the pause button on visits there beginning in April when gang violence escalated to a new level and concern about visiting the remote beach necessitated a change in plans.

The difference now is stops are being cancelled up to two months in advance.

Cancelling visits in July and August

Ships scheduled to visit Labadee in July and August 2025 have had their visits changed and shifted away from Haiti.

"We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day," an email to guests booked on the July 20th sailing of Oasis of the Seas read.

Guests booked on the July 5th sailing of Adventure of the Seas received a similar email.

In both cases, an additional port stop was added in Nassau, Bahamas at the end of the cruise.

Even cruises as far away as August are getting re-routed. The August 3 sailing of Oasis of the Seas added a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay at the end of the sailing.

In addition, the August 2nd sailing of Adventure of the Seas has replaced a visit to Labadee with Grand Cayman.

Up until now, it seemed the cruise line was conducting a "wait and see" approach to visits to its private destination. 

With cancellations extending into August, that will mean at least a three month pause so far, and a shift in how far out they're changing itineraries.

The email apologized for the change, "We're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause - your safety is our top priority."  

"While we know it's not the original itinerary we planned, we appreciate your understanding and can't wait to explore this new destination together."

Why Royal Caribbean is skipping Labadee

Haiti is experiencing gang violence that is targeting the country's government.

Ever since the 2021 assassination of Haiti's last president, an alliance of gangs have employed brutal tactics to grow its power.

An estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is controlled by gangs. 

The United States recently designated Haiti's major gangs as terrorist groups, which is intended to isolate the groups, denying them access to financing from U.S. people or companies.

More than 1,600 people were killed in violent clashes in the first three months of this year while over 1 million are internally displaced, according to U.N. estimates.

The U.S. State Department has a the highest level of travel advisory against visiting Haiti for well over a year, which is “Level 4: Do Not Travel." 

What to do in Nassau instead

If you're on one of these cruises that's getting re-routed away from Labadee to Nassau, here are some ideas for how to spend your time.

Nassau gets a lot of criticism for being far from the best Caribbean port, but I think if you plan things out, there's fun opportunities.

My top recommendation is to get a day pass to one of the resorts that you can either walk to or take a short taxi ride. (These are affiliate links, which cost you nothing extra to use!)

• Margaritaville
• Baha Mar waterpark
• British Colonial

There choices to include lunch, and you'll have access to full amenities while visiting.  Plus, the resorts are beautiful and there's plenty for kids to do.

If you're looking for a tour, these are the top rated excursions to book, according to Viator (affiliate links, that cost you nothing extra to use):

• Bites of Nassau Food and Walking Tour
• Pirate Jeep Sightseeing Adventure
• Rum Tasting and Food Walking Tour

Generally, I don't recommend walking around Nassau on foot without a plan as I tend to see the most negative reviews from folks who find the area surrounding the port isn't terrific.

Royal Caribbean is going to open their own private beach club in Nassau, but that doesn't open until late December 2025.

In the meantime, having a good plan for what to do is the right approach for a fun day there.

There are so many cruise tips shared across the internet, but not all of them are ones that make sense.

Some of these tips are based on personal preferences, and no matter how effective they are, if they don't jive with your style, it's not very useful.

Someone on Reddit asked cruise fans which cruise tips do they disagree with and why.

It sparked hundreds of comments touching on many aspects of a cruise vacation.

Here are the top ones and the rationale behind each, so you can decide if it's good for you or not.

You never spend time in the room except to sleep

The advice of picking a small, inside room instead of a balcony because you won't get as much use out of it was the top tip people disagreed with in the thread.

The argument is because there's so much to see, do, eat, and explore on Royal Caribbean's cruise ships, you simply won't be in your room much to take advantage of the perks.

"My favorite thing on a cruise is to sit on the balcony and read. We do stuff yes, but not sunrise to sunset and spend time in the room just relaxing." Sea_Voice_404 posted.

I can understand why some people would say that, especially vacationers that have cruised a lot. 

I think it may also depend on the ship. There's a big difference between things to do on Icon of the Seas vs Wonder of the Seas vs Enchantment of the Seas.

One major reason to get a balcony cabin was for the opportunity to have breakfast there, as there's a complimentary continental breakfast from room service.

The idea is you have the food delivered to your room and enjoy it on your balcony with the sun rising and open sea around you.

I can see both sides of the arguments, and I agree with this tip, but it's based on which ship you're sailing on and how much more it is to upgrade to a balcony or suite.

Book a later check-in time because it's less busy

What time should you book a check-in time for? Some people recommend a later time to avoid longer check-in lines at the cruise terminal.

"I'm getting on at 10AM and starting my drinking and relaxing at 10:05," said avamore, and I couldn't agree more.

The cost of your vacation is the same whether you board at 10am or 1pm, so I'll always pick the earlier time to get on and start enjoying the ship.

Plus, what are you going to do in the intermediate time? Hotels kick you out by 11am in most cases, and lunch is included in your cruise fare whereas you'd have to pay for lunch somewhere else.

The way to get an early check-in time is to do your check-in exactly at 45 days before the cruise sets sail. The earliest check-in times go first.

I also disagree with the premise of the tip that the terminal is really busy. Yes, there will be people there, but I find Royal Caribbean has the easiest and fastest check-in across the industry. Their use of the mobile app along with procedures in the terminal keeps people moving, provided you take the steps to check-in before the cruise begins.

Book a room away from the elevators

The rationale for this tip is to avoid noise from the elevator lobby where people will be walking, talking, and generally making noise. Instead, book a room at the end of the hall where you won't have nearly as much noise bleed issues.

I think the notion a room near the elevator is noisy is a false narrative to begin with.  My travel agent always books my cabin near the elevator and I love it for the convenience, whether I'm taking the elevator or the stairs.

"It’s just nice not having to walk from the direct middle or end of the ship to be anywhere quickly," said tyranski332.

The impact of a short walk is more apparent on Icon, Oasis, and Quantum Class ships where cabins at the very end of the hall can seem like the walk never ends.

Skip the Main Dining Room and buy the unlimited specialty dining package

The logic behind this tip is to indulge in specialty dining because food in the Main Dining Room isn't good, isn't as good as it used to be, or specialty dining food is just better.

JH12214 wrote, "In reality, I thought that every dinner I had was great. I was well-taken care of, and perhaps because I was lead to believe it was microwave-quality, I was pleasantly surprised."

I really like the Main Dining Room overall, and I'll eat there on some nights and work in specialty on other nights.

But I would never go as far as to tell anyone, especially new cruisers, that they should avoid the Main Dining Room.

I love the service you get in the Main Dining Room. Waiters getting to know you and your family are one of the reasons I fell in love with cruising in the first place.

And while not every dish in the Main Dining Room is going to be the best you've ever had, there are definitely some that I'll order every single time.

My advice for a new cruiser is to try one or two specialty restaurants, but rely on the Main Dining Room otherwise. Then after trying both, make a decision for yourself.

You need to buy a package to have a good cruise

Piggybacking on the previous tip, goinhungryyeah wrote buying various packages is necessary for a good cruise.

This goes back to how you like to cruise. I agree you don't need to buy any extra cost package to have a good time.  There's enough included you won't go hungry and still have a fun vacation.

The value of the packages are for those that prefer to vacation in a certain way.  If you want to have five to six drinks a day, a drink package is going to save you money.  If you love teppanyaki dining, steak, and lobster, a dining package might be a good fit.

However, don't automatically assume you need one.

I'd advise to read through what each package offers, and what Royal Caribbean includes.

In some cases, you can decide on the ship if you really need it. You can buy an internet package or drink package onboard, but you'll pay more per day than if you prepaid.

Over the door shoe organizers

One of the top cabin hacks out there is to bring an over the door hanging shoe organizer to add more storage space to your cabin.

I tried this hack out myself and found it really didn't work for me. In fact, I was more annoyed by it jostling around a lot.

I think this tip is rooted in the old days of cruise ships (ships built before 2010) that truly lacked storage space.  If you sail on any ship built more recently, I'm always amazed how much storage space there is.

Some readers point out the value here is for toiletries, which unless you're in a suite, always lacks places for everyone's bathroom accessories.  This is especially true the more people you have in the room.

Avoid the Windjammer on embarkation day

Embarkation day is busy, and it seems everyone goes to the Windjammer buffet for lunch. So the advice is to skip it to avoid lines.

lemon-actually explained, "I find it way more crowded at peak breakfast time on any other day. If you want Windjammer when you get on the ship, go to Windjammer. It’s busy but truly not as horrific as people say (in my experience anyway)."

This is one of those tips where I can see both sides of the logic. 

Yes, the Windjammer around 1pm is going to be very busy on embarkation day. However, it's not impossible to get food or a table. 

The other reason I'll still go is for the variety of food.

I have picky eaters in my family, so the widest selection is always welcome to simplify things.

I also find if you get an early check-in time and board early, it's less chaotic than going later on in the day.

Don't bring kids because it’s not fun/you’re just parenting on a ship

I cannot disagree with a tip more than this one that bringing kids is a mistake.

With apologies to ashmcdonald88 who wrote a good post explaining why it's a bad tip, I'd like to get on my own soap box.

Taking your kids, even babies, on vacation is one of the best things you can do as a parent.  One of your jobs is to surround them in positive experiences and share in life journeys.  Vacation is a huge one of those.

Plus, Royal Caribbean is a family cruise line. They specialize and cater to families: always have and always will.

I hate to paint with a wide brush, but this tip usually comes from people who don't want to hear, see, or be near children. I'll never understand this logic when they choose to cruise on a family cruise line.  

Not to mention Royal Caribbean offers adult-only areas, as well as areas that tend to lean into adult spaces.

Only use ship excursions, you might be left behind

There's truth to the fact Royal Caribbean promises if you book a shore excursion with them, they'll guarantee to get you back on the ship if the tour is late.

I think this is one of the top concerns cruisers have, especially new ones.  I remember the first time we did a non-Royal Caribbean tour and left our kids in Adventure Ocean. The level of paranoia was insane.

However, I think you're doing yourself a disservice if you rule out all third party tours.

I'd recommend considering both kinds of shore excursions, and then making a choice for you.

In Cozumel, I'll always book a tour on my own, unless I ever did an excursion on the mainland that requires a ferry boat.  Then, I'll only go through Royal Caribbean because of how notorious that ferry is being delayed.

A mix of both kinds of tours is probably where you should be.

Don't get Wi-Fi.  Turn off from the world.

This is another tip I totally disagree with because there's more downtime on a cruise than you might think.

I'll always buy a Wi-Fi package because it's just as relaxing to me to have the internet. I want to play Wordle, check out new YouTube videos, message friends and family, or follow my social feeds.

I think this tip comes from folks who associate internet with work.  Meaning, their phone being connected will inevitably draw in work emails or messages.

That may be true, but before I went full time with this blog, I would purposefully not check my work email. 

Stay on the ship in Nassau

Royal Caribbean actually agrees with this tip, in the sense they're trying to do something about it.

Nassau consistently ranks as one of the worst ports in terms of guest satisfaction. It's why they're building a brand new beach club to address the issue.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opens in December 2025, and will be an extra-cost option where the cruise line is promising "the ultimate beach day."

I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what the final product looks like, but plans I've seen so far indicate they're taking the best lessons they've learned from Perfect Day at CocoCay and their ships, and applying it to an all-inclusive experience that will jump out as exciting.

Use a travel agent

Reddit user mritty disagreed about the value of a travel agent, "Most of the time they do nothing for you and serve as nothing but a middle man, a roadblock to you making any changes to your reservation."

I disagree that using a travel agent is a bad idea.  I love using them, and always recommend them to friends and family.

When I see arguments like this, I'm reminded of restaurants.  

If you go to a bad restaurant, do you swear off every going to another restaurant? Do you swear off Italian restaurants? No, of course not.

Not all travel agents are equal, but the good ones make managing your cruises and issues you run into so much easier.

I saw a comment from Billy from CruiseHabit.com that I thought really put the roadblock comment into perspective, "I've never seen it as a road block. Instead of calling a call center and waiting on hold, I text or email my agent, or call, whatever I prefer, and they make it happen."

"No holding, no escalating to a supervisor, etc. Plus they're worth their weight in gold if you run into an issue and need an advocate or someone to scramble changes for you."