Royal Caribbean Blog

I've been cruising with Royal Caribbean for 20 years, but a recent change in the loyalty status matching opened my eyes to trying a luxury cruise.

Royal Caribbean Group owns three primary cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.  Thanks to an improvement with status matching across all the lines, I thought this was the perfect time to try Silversea.

The idea of going on a small ship that can get into places the bigger Royal Caribbean ships cannot, along with an elevated touch through with cuisine and service, sounded like something worth trying.

Thanks to an invitation from Silversea, I was able to sail on Silver Dawn on a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords. In the interest of full disclosure, Silversea paid for my cruise fare, dining, and shore excursions onboard.

I had just completed a Norwegian fjords cruise on Independence of the Seas, so I was excited to compare the experiences.

Silver Dawn: A new ship with enough to keep me busy

A luxury cruise is quite different from a Royal Caribbean cruise, yet it retains the basics of both.

It launched in 2021, which makes it the same as as Odyssey of the Seas.  That's effectively still a new ship, and I've always gravitated towards new ships because they offer the latest and greatest features onboard.

The ship boasts have only suites as its cabins, numerous restaurant choices (including the S.A.L.T. program), and the Otium spa and wellness concept. 

I chose this ship and itinerary for two reasons: I wanted to be on a newer ship so I could enjoy the best features, and I wanted an itinerary to take advantage of the ship's size.  

Silver Dawn has 11 decks (although decks 1 and 2 are not accessible to passengers), and it can accommodate 596 passengers. 

Like all Silversea ships, it's all-inclusive, which means much more of the cruise experience is included in your fare.  Drinks, most specialty restaurants, basic Wi-Fi, and even some shore excursions are included.

A different way to cruise

There are two aspects of a Silversea cruise that stood out to me from the get go that intrigued me.  They are all inclusive and everyone gets a butler.

While the core cruise experience is the same, nearly every nuance of it is different on Silversea and it was an interesting change.

Silversea includes far more in its cruise fare than Royal Caribbean does, although the cruise fare will likely cost more on Silversea.

In speaking with several passengers that had booked the same suite type as me, the cost of this cruise was between $8,000 and $10,000 for two people.

That includes:

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Food, including all but 2 specialty restaurants
• Butler service in your suite
• Gratuities
• Basic Wi-Fi access

There are no inside cabins here. The most basic of suites has a balcony, bathroom with shower and tub, sofa, dining area, and more.

In addition to the stateroom attendant, the butler will arrange almost anything you can imagine while in your suite.

Your butler can unpack your bags, draw a bath, set up any meal or snack you ask for, bring you drinks, and more.

You share the butler with 13 other suites, but I think I waited more than 35 seconds for my butler to appear after paging him just once.

The downside to the butler is their services work only in your suite. Unlike the Royal Genie service, they aren't available elsewhere.

I asked other cruisers who have sailed with Silversea a lot what's their secret to the butlers, and many said the same thing: to best utilize the butler, you have to basically live out of your suite.

That's fine for some people, but I like to be out and about.  Nonetheless, my butler was very helpful when I needed him and more.  One day I came back from a long shore excursion and he had drawn a bath for me without me asking. I didn't need it, but it did feel lovely to have it.  On another day, there was truffle butter popcorn waiting in my room for a movie night (I just ate the popcorn instead).

The all inclusive nature makes it difficult to compare to Royal Caribbean, especially the Crown and Anchor benefits.

I did a status match before my cruise began with my Pinnacle Club status to Silversea's Venetian Society.

When I did that for Celebrity Cruises, I was impressed how good their top level Captain's Club benefits were.  However, since so much is already included with Silversea, the best I had was free laundry.  To be clear, I used my free laundry benefit a lot, but don't expect much from your equivalent Venetian Society benefits.

The great thing about pretty much all of the food and drinks being included (and even some shore excursions), is you don't fret over what you want to do.

Just like the convenience of a Royal Caribbean drink package, you're able to take full advantage of what the ship has.

What's it like onboard

Speaking of the ship, the onboard experience was probably the second most asked question after the cost by our readers.

Silver Dawn is quite small compared to any Royal Caribbean ship, but it has a pool, hot tubs, bars, restaurants, jazz lounge, observation lounge, and spa.

What you won't find are kids clubs, water slides, adults-only areas, suite-only areas, and the Royal Caribbean level of live entertainment.

Many readers wanted to know if I was bored, and I can honestly say I wasn't.  

There was a production show every night, which is roughly the same quality as any Royal Caribbean production show on a pre-Oasis Class ship.

But I fell in love with the S.A.L.T. Bar onboard.

Silversea's S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program is about integrating local food and drink with the cruise experience.  In the lab, you can learn to cook local food. In the restaurant, you can dine on local cuisines.  In the bar, you can enjoy liquors from the region.

The bar was my go-to spot because they had the best mixologists I've ever had on any cruise. It was a masterclass in cocktails, and they even offered a cocktail making class.

There was a schedule of events each day (printed in a paper newsletter or available on the TV or online), and there was just enough happening to keep you busy. You certainly could attend almost every event in any day.

In terms of dining, there's no question the quality of food offered is better than most restaurants on Royal Caribbean.

The buffet blew me away with always having sushi and sashimi every day at lunch. Atlantide (the Main Dining Room) had filet mignon, lobster, shrimp, and a litany of daily choices to consider.

I tried the S.A.L.T. cooking class, where we made venison and berry tarts.

At Silver Note, I enjoyed a jazz duet while having dinner. And The Grille had hot rocks you could cook on, with filet, lobster, mahi mahi, and more.

And then there's the service onboard.  Royal Caribbean has great crew members, but because the ratio of crew to guests is much lower on a luxury ship, the crew are going to know you very well, very quickly.

On a few occasions, they knew my name before I ever said introduced myself or gave them my card. I still don't know how they did it.

And of course, the ship is small and there are no crowds. I never waited for an elevator, always found seats at the pool and bar, and many times had to go out of my way to try to find where there were a group of people.

Fjords, trains, and berries

One of the best reasons to sail on a small luxury ship is where it can go, and I had a packed itinerary.

Our sailing departed Copenhagen, Denmark and visits 5 ports of call in Norway: Vik, Nordfjordeid, Ålesund, Trondheim, and Åndalsnes.

Because of our ship's size, we could fit into ports that big ships cannot, such as Vik.

I booked a variety of excursions, including boat tours and trains that take you all around.  

There were two tours that really stood out in Vik and Ålesund.

In Vik, we boarded a classic train on the Flåm Railway that took us through some of the most scenic areas of the trip.

The railway is 20 km long and takes you through spectacular valleys that offer great views of nature and the exceptional engineering skill to have built the railway itself.

Over in Ålesund, I wanted to experience more of the fjords, so I booked a boat tour of nearby Hjørundfjorden.

We hopped right onto a boat to take us on a journey where we saw steep mountains, deep fjords, and small villages around the way.

Our captain even pulled right up to a waterfall and gave us all a cup of water from it.

The beauty of Norway surrounds you on this cruise, and what I really liked being able to turn almost anywhere and find something to see.

Something else that would never happen on Royal Caribbean is the Captain announced after our visit to Vik, he purchased bushels of fresh strawberries from a farmer he knew and there would be fresh strawberries for us to enjoy.

Sure enough, every morning there were fresh strawberries and it was such a treat.

Who is Silversea for?

I spend most of my week thinking who is a Silversea cruise ideally for, and I came up with three groups of people:

• Someone regularly booking an Owners Suite or Grand Suite on Royal Caribbean
• Someone who cruised with their family, but the kids are older and moved out
• Someone who wants to visit places Royal Caribbean ships never/can't go

That's not the limit, but I think people fitting into one of those categories would find the transition the most opportunistic.

You're going to likely pay much more for Silversea than a mainstream line, but you'll get much more included, along with a lot less people to contend with.

I think the Silversea product is designed for people that value service, fine dining, and no crowds. Plus, the places Silversea ships can visit are incredible.  

You'll find Silversea ships sailing to Antarctica, Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, The Galapagos, and offering world cruises. The destinations alone might be the most attractive factor.

Kids are welcome onboard, but there aren't dedicated areas for them. I think my teenage girls would like the butler services and the fact they can order filet mignon every night. My oldest would miss the teen club, but I doubt she'd mind having the pool deck virtually to herself.

My first Silversea cruise spoiled me, and I wanted more

My takeaway from a week on Silver Dawn was the level of service and things you can only find on a luxury ship really stood out.

There's no question there's far less happening onboard than on Royal Caribbean, but I leaned into the luxury experience more and more as the sailing went on.

Because of the ratio of crew members to guests, after a couple of days, you're going to feel like Norm from "Cheers" when you walk into any bar, restaurant, or lounge.  Everyone knows your name, and probably your order.

I thought having a bath was silly, but I used it a few times as a way to unwind before dinner.  I asked once for raspberries from my butler, and then there was a bowl always stocked in my cabin.

When you look at the price of a luxury cruise, there's going to be sticker shock if you're used to booking rooms lower than a suite. But what you get is a different kind of experience that triples down on the service, food, and experiences you can't get on a megaship.

Celebrity Beyond will arrive in Miami, Florida, later than planned due to unforeseen technical issues impacting the vessel's sailing speed. 

Guests aboard the July 13th voyage to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth were given the unfortunate news that their disembarkation in Miami would be delayed several hours because of a mechanical issue that's forcing the 3-year-old ship to sail at slower-than-normal speeds. 

The expected arrival time was pushed back to 2:00pm. This means that the following 7-night cruise has also been impacted. Instead of departing on Sunday, July 20, guests were informed that their embarkation would be delayed until Monday, July 21. 

"Beyond is currently experiencing a technical issue and we are working to address it. While this does not impact the safety or seaworthiness of the ship, we are sailing at a reduced speed which will delay our arrival into Miami," reads an email sent to confirmed passengers. 

"Once we arrive into Miami, our technical experts will assess the situation and make repairs as needed. As a result, the current plan is to have you board on Monday, July 21st in Terminal C at Port Miami."

However, the email also states that additional updates are expected by 8:00pm on Sunday, the 20th. As such, it's possible the next sailing could be further delayed, depending on the outcome of the inspection and repair timeline. 

Celebrity Cruises hasn't specified what's causing the technical issue. However, it is likely that, because the vessel is sailing at a slower speed, it's some kind of engine-related problem. 

Social media reports have hinted that one of the ship's propellers might be down. "To me it looks like the starboard propeller is down, with the dorsal thruster compensating for the port propeller working overtime," wrote one guest on Reddit. 

As of 9:40am EST on July 20, CruiseMapper shows Celebrity Beyond slowly making her way back to South Florida. She's cleared the western coast of Andros Island. 

Read more: I cruised on one of Celebrity's newest ships at sea. I enjoyed the food but missed Royal's entertainment

Celebrity Cruises is compensating guests on the affected sailings

Passengers will receive a one-day pro-rated refund of their cruise fare as an onboard credit, as well as a one-day refund of pre-purchased packages. 

Those who need a hotel for Sunday evening will be given up to $250 per stateroom in reimbursement for accommodation. 

Teams are also assisting those onboard, whose travel plans have been disrupted due to the delayed disembarkation. 

One guest shared on Reddit that they gave up hope of making their 4:15pm flight out of Miami International Airport (MIA) and switched to an 8:00pm departure instead. 

Additionally, Celebrity is offering passengers an "enhanced brunch" from 10:00am to 1:00pm. 

Celebrity Beyond's technical issues follow an unrelated incident involving one of the line’s older ships

Earlier this month, a reported electrical fire left Celebrity Infinity temporarily without power while docked in Kuşadası, Turkey.

Not only did the ship suffer a "total blackout," but the 24-year-old vessel was stuck in Turkey for about four days. Consequently, the remaining ports on the 7-night itinerary — Mykonos, Greece; Kavala, Greece; and Thessaloniki, Greece — were cancelled. 

Eventually, hundreds of guests decided to disembark while in Turkey, opting to make their own travel arrangements instead of banking on arriving in Athens as scheduled. 

Read more: Fire disables cruise ship in the Mediterranean, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in Turkey

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the Royal Caribbean news from the week!

There was an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on Royal Caribbean ship.

More than 140 passengers on Navigator of the Seas have been sickened, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC said symptoms experienced included diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.

Royal Caribbean News

• Star of the Seas departs shipyard
• Angry French mayor was wrong to try to block cruise ship, courts say
• I spent 15 nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe, here are 15 tips for a great cruise too
• Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge: Perks, Access & What to Expect
• The Sapphire Reserve is being overhauled. Here's what cruise travelers should use instead
• I’ve been on 6 Alaska cruises, and I can't wait to go again. The beauty is unmatched.
• Royal Caribbean shares why it takes years to build cruise ships

New RCB Video: Things Americans get wrong cruising in EuropeThings Americans get wrong cruising in Europe

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 — Things Americans get wrong cruising in Europe — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Internet is divided if you should take your passport off the ship

Is it too risky to take your passport with you off the cruise ship?

It's a hotly debated topic, but Matt thinks you should always take it with you when you travel in a foreign country.

While the risk of theft or loss is there, he thinks the benefits of having with you make more sense.

6 reasons to skip the Main Dining Room on formal night

Formal night is a tradition for many cruisers to get dressed up, but skipping it has its advantages.

Dress codes are rarely enforced on Royal Caribbean's ships, but some people don't like to get dressed up to eat.

Opting out of formal night can be compelling with the right approach.

The 4 best things I did on my European cruises and the 2 I'd skip next time

After doing back-to-back cruises on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas in Europe, Matt found a few things he loved and didn't love.

Between a Northern European cities and Norwegian fjords cruise, there was a lot to experience on land.

Every stop had its own appeal, but he found four great things he did and two duds.

Weekend cruises: Tips for taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean getaway

Looking to save money and PTO hours? 

A 3-night weekend cruise provides the opportunity to take a short but sweet vacation.

To help you decide on a ship, destination, and budget, we've compiled some tips for taking a Royal Caribbean weekend cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 571st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available.

Prices are out for the first Royal Beach Club, but is it too much or what we expected?

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.

I almost always skip formal night on a cruise, and it’s the best choice I make on every vacation.

Many cruise passengers look forward to formal night in the Main Dining Room. It’s a great opportunity to dress up and enjoy a multi-course, sit-down meal with friends and family.

In the past, formal night was true to its name. Passengers dressed in ball gowns and tuxedos, and the event was akin to an elegant gala.

Nowadays, formal night is far less formal. Dress codes are rarely enforced, and unlimited lobster is a thing of the past.

Even still, there are six reasons I opt out of formal night on a cruise, and doing so makes my experience a whole lot better.

I don’t need to pack as many clothes

As someone who doesn't live within driving distance of a cruise port, I fly to every cruise I take. While I don’t mind flying, I absolutely hate paying for checked bags.

These days, most airlines charge between $35 and $45 each way for a checked bag. Flights are expensive enough, so I try to avoid checking a bag whenever I can.

Instead, I pack lightly for my cruises. My carry-on suitcase provides adequate space for a week’s worth of clothes, especially when I utilize packing cubes to compress clothing items.

Related: Royal Caribbean formal night: What to wear

Packing a carry-on means I have to pack thoughtfully. Sometimes, it’s challenging to fit daytime outfits, evening outfits, bathing suits, shoes, toiletries, and formal night clothing into my carry-on.

I simply don’t have the packing space to bring a long, formal dress and nicer pair of shoes.

Even though formal night is far less formal than it used to be, I don’t see the need to pack extra outfits just to sit in the dining room.

Other venues onboard, such as the buffet or even some casual specialty restaurants like Playmakers, have a more relaxed dress code. These restaurants can be a great alternative.

Lobster isn’t unlimited anymore — plus, there is better lobster elsewhere onboard

One of the main reasons passengers love formal night is for the free lobster tails. However, I’d argue that this dish alone is not worth planning your entire dinner over.

First, Royal Caribbean has cut down on lobster tail service in the Main Dining Room. In the past, passengers could order unlimited lobster tails on formal night. For lobster-lovers, this was a huge benefit of attending.

In 2023, though, Royal Caribbean reversed their unlimited lobster policy. Now, passengers can only order one lobster tail at no cost. Any additional lobster tails incur a fee of $16.99 per dish.

Related: Royal Caribbean menus: Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants & more

Even if you’re attending formal night just for lobster, I’d say you’re better off ordering the dish at a specialty restaurant instead.

150 Central Park, a specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, has perhaps the most delicious lobster dish the cruise line offers—Lobster Thermidor.

This French dish involves cooking lobster meat in a creamy, cognac-based sauce seasoned with tarragon. It’s then stuffed into a lobster tail and topped with parmesan cheese.

This is one of my all-time favorite dishes on Royal Caribbean. It's perfectly tender, flavorful, and rich. Despite the restaurant’s cover charge, which hovers around $60, I find that this dish alone justifies the cost.

Related: How does specialty dining work on Royal Caribbean?

So, if you’re planning to attend formal night for one small lobster tail, I wouldn't say it’s totally worth it. Instead, consider dining at a specialty restaurant instead for a higher-quality dish.

Specialty restaurants offering lobster include Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Hooked Seafood, and Izumi Sushi.

Meals in the dining room aren’t as private as I’d like

I don’t mind eating in the Main Dining Room on a cruise, but it’s never my first choice.

My problem with the dining room doesn’t have anything to do with the food itself, but the placement of dining tables.

With thousands of guests onboard a cruise ship, tables are typically close together, but sometimes they’re way too close together.

In particular, the tables of two and four can be just inches away from each other. This leads to a lack of privacy, as you can usually hear conversations from the tables next to your own.

I like mingling with other passengers here and there during a cruise, but prefer to enjoy a more private ambiance when dining. On formal nights, the dining room is even busier than normal, so my chances of snagging a private table location are slim to none.

Related: How do I get a table for two in the Main Dining Room?

Therefore, I prefer dining elsewhere on the ship to encounter fewer crowds. The buffet, for instance, has a ton of tables available at dinner, so there’s no need to sit inches away from another party.

Likewise, specialty restaurants have a more intimate atmosphere than the Main Dining Room. Tables are further apart from each other at specialty restaurants, and I greatly prefer this type of dining environment.

The buffet offers some of the same food

If a dish on the formal night menu catches your eye but you don’t want to dress up for a sit-down meal, consider eating at the buffet instead.

More often than not, you’ll find similar food items at the Windjammer buffet as in the Main Dining Room. While you won’t find lobster tails, you’re likely to see some of the same appetizers, main courses, and desserts at the buffet stations.

Sure, you won’t get that same sit-down service that you would have in the dining room, but there are benefits to the buffet, too.

First, there are a lot more choices available. Whether you’re craving made-to-order pasta, stir fry, Indian curry, or a classic hamburger, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for in the Windjammer.

Related: The overlooked buffet station you should visit on your Royal Caribbean cruise

Not only that, but you can try more dishes, too. Even though you can order multiple entrées in the Main Dining Room, you’ll have to wait for each dish to come to your table. At the buffet, you can try a variety of items with no additional wait time.

Finally, there are virtually no crowds in the buffet on formal night. Because so many passengers head to the dining room, you might just have the venue (almost) all to yourself.

Ironically, the atmosphere in the quiet buffet could be more suitable for a relaxing dinner than that in the busy dining room.

Service is slower due to higher demand

One of my favorite things about eating in the Main Dining Room is the wonderful service from Royal Caribbean’s dining team.

Without fail, my waiters have always been exceptional. Whether they suggest a dish I might enjoy or bring extra ice cream for my chocolate cake, I love the personalized service and attention I receive in the dining room.

That being said, meals can sometimes take longer on formal night. Due to higher demand, the kitchen and wait staff are working more diligently than ever.

A meal that might usually take around 75 minutes could take longer than 90 minutes on formal night.

Longer meals don't always bother me, but sometimes I just want to get in and out of the dining room, especially if I plan to attend a show later in the evening.

The rest of the ship has fewer crowds

Speaking of crowds, formal night can be the best time to enjoy the ship’s public amenities like pools, sports activities, and lounges.

On my recent cruise, I visited the ship’s Solarium on formal night instead of eating in the dining room. This venue was completely packed most days of the cruise, but was nearly empty on formal night.

I enjoyed the pools and hot tubs with no crowds—a rarity on a ship with 5,000 guests!

Related: Chill spots to get away from the crowd on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

If you’re hoping to try out the ship’s waterslides, FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, or ice-skating rink, formal night could be the best time to do these activities with fewer lines.

Even if you’re just planning to chill with a drink on the pool deck, it might feel like you have the ship to yourself.

Everyone’s cruising style is different, and some passengers love attending formal night

I almost never attend formal night on a cruise, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it.

For some cruisers, formal night is a classic cruise activity they like to participate in on every vacation. It’s a chance to dress up, take formal photos, and enjoy an elegant meal.

These passengers may find it perplexing to skip free lobster tails in the dining room in favor of the buffet, but it’s what works for me.

Every cruiser has a different style. Some may love spending their days at the pool while others might prefer engaging in activities like trivia and sushi-making classes.

There’s no right or wrong way to cruise. Whether you want to attend formal night or skip it, you’re free to cater your cruise vacation to your personal style.

Another gastrointestinal outbreak sickened dozens of passengers on Navigator of the Seas in July, marking the second outbreak this year on a ship operated by Royal Caribbean, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

134 passengers and 7 crew members fell ill during the outbreak. There were 3,914 guests and 1,266 crew members on the 139,999 gross-ton vessel. The outbreak, which was reported on July 11, happened during a 7-night cruise from Los Angeles, California, to the Mexican Riviera. 

The causative agent hasn't been revealed by the CDC, though it's been hinted to be norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. 

In response to the outbreak, Royal Caribbean implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, collected stool specimens for testing, and isolated sick passengers and crew.

"The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority," a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group told USA TODAY. 

"To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines," they added.

Read more: Cruise ships suffer worst year for stomach bugs in over a decade. Here's what I'm doing to stay healthy

This year has seen an increase in gastrointestinal cases on cruise ships compared to 2024, which reported a total of 18 outbreaks across all cruise lines between January and December

The first outbreak of the year was aboard Sea Cloud Cruises. The causative agent, however, wasn't norovirus. Instead, it's listed as Ciguatera (presumed). 

According to the CDC's website, the first norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship in 2025 happened aboard Holland America Line's Volendam during a 21-night cruise in January. 

Only one other Royal Caribbean ship has suffered from a norovirus outbreak this year: Radiance of the Seas. The CDC revealed that the final case counts for the outbreak on Radiance were 160 passengers and 8 crew members. 

The affected voyage took place from February 1-8, 2025, with a total of 2,164 passengers and 910 crew onboard. Radiance was sailing from Tampa, Florida, to the Western Caribbean. Ports of call on the itinerary included Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico. 

The February 8 voyage's embarkation was delayed to let the crew have adequate time to deep clean the ship before allowing new passengers onboard.

The CDC shares outbreaks when they meet the following criteria: 

• The ship is under VSP (Vessel Sanitation Program) jurisdiction on cruises including both U.S. and foreign ports
• Specific voyage has 3% or more of passengers or crew reporting gastrointestinal symptoms to the ship's medical staff

In Navigator of the Seas' case, 3.4% of guests reported being ill during the 7-night cruise. 0.6%  of the crew were also sick.

Star of the Seas is on her way to start cruises!

Royal Caribbean's newest ship departed the Meyer Turku shipyard on Thursday evening, headed towards its home port, Port Canaveral. 

Before that, she’ll make a stop in Cádiz, Spain.

It's a major accomplishment for the cruise line to have its next Icon Class ship join the fleet, and everything looks to be on time.

Royal Caribbean spent a full year gathering feedback from guests that sailed on Icon of the Seas, focus groups, and family travelers to understand what worked, and what could be improved. 

Here's what you can expect on Star of the Seas.

Largest water park at sea

One of the best features on Icon of the Seas was the inclusion of an entire water park with Category 6.

You'll find this also on Star of the Seas, complete with:

• Two high-speed family raft slides
• A drop box free-fall slide
• Two mat racers
• And twisting body slides for solo riders

The cruise line thinks it has the boldest waterpark at sea, but will continue to tweak and refine it based on guest preferences. 

More social Surfside

Icon of the Seas debuted the first area of the ship designed just for kids, but they learned something important in the process.

Surfside neighborhood is designed specifically for young families but it skewed toward kids around 10 years old. On Star of the Seas, the cruise line made several improvements:

• The Playscape now offers more physical challenges to keep kids engaged

• Splashaway Bay features new interactive water elements and toys

• Adventure Ocean has been reimagined to focus on natural, tech-free play, helping kids and teens connect more easily in person

• New spaces for more social, less tech-based play

The hope is these upgrades will match up better with how families actually travel and interact.

A New Supper Club Concept: Lincoln Park

Royal Caribbean's first supper club, Empire Supper Club, was a big hit. On Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is introducing an entirely new concept: the Lincoln Park Supper Club, themed after Chicago’s iconic jazz scene.

This version brings:

• A brand-new menu

• All-new live music programming

• The same intimate, elevated feel that made Empire a hit

Bolder and brighter Pearl

The Pearl welcomes passengers as they walk onboard, and it's a big part of the arrival moment.

On Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its visual impact by adding more color, lighting, and movement, making that “wow” moment when guests first board even more memorable.

They didn't mess with what works

You'll also find the other neighborhoods that worked well on Icon of the Seas.

• AquaDome, the massive glass-covered venue with live shows and ocean views
• Chill Island, a multi-pool retreat zone perfect for relaxing
• Thrill Island, the upper deck adventure zone packed with water slides and thrills
• The Hideaway, the suspended infinity pool retreat for adults

At its core, Royal Caribbean thinks it has the winning formula to take what was already a major success with Icon of the Seas and make it even better with Star.

"The Icon Class delivered the world’s best family vacation—but we want to do that tomorrow. We want to do that next week. We want to make sure that what people see on day one is nothing but an amazing home run," Jennifer Goswami, Director, Product Development for Royal Caribbean, said in a video interview.

Taking the feedback they've gotten from passengers, it seems Royal Caribbean is ready to deliver an even more impressive ship with Star of the Seas.

I had my best European cruise season ever this summer, and I'm hoping you can benefit from my experience too.

Seeing Europe by cruise ship was a highlight of my cruising career, and after going on back-to-back Independence of the Seas cruises, it taught me some truths about cruising in this region.

As someone that has cruised almost exclusively in the Caribbean, Europe has its own approach to planning and how to explore.

Here 15 Europe cruise tips that I think would benefit almost anyone taking a European cruise.

1. Buy an eSim

Every port visit was easier because I always knew where I was, where I was going, and how to get there.

I purchased an eSim to use while in Europe, and I think it's a must-buy add-on.

It cost me just $41.99 for 100GB that lasted 30 days, and it made navigating Europe's cities simple.

2. Plan for any weather

Weather forecasts seemed to be nearly useless this time, and I'd use them sparingly.

I found the expected precipitation and high temperatures could be vastly different from what was predicted.

You should walk off the ship prepared for cold weather and rain, but able to adapt quickly when it gets hot again.

Wearing layers is the solution.  Have a t-shirt as your base layer, and a fleece/sweater and rain jacket readily available.

3. Bus tours should be your last option

Of all the tours I took, bust tours were my least favorite.

I dislike bus tours because they move at a slow pace, and tend to make stops that are either too short or too long.

Plus, the seats on most European buses tend to be quite small and lacking legroom.

I'd recommend looking at a third party tour that offers a small group option as a good alternative.  Or even walking and exploring on your own, when possible.

I won't go as far as to say to avoid bus tours. Sometimes they are unavoidable necessities, but if you have the choice, I'd skip it.

4. Don't waste time converting currency

Converting to local currency makes no sense, and you're wasting your time and money if you do.

Every single store, kiosk, bathroom, and restaurant took credit cards.  I used my credit card with no foreign transaction fees to get me the best possible exchange rate at the time of purchase, and came home with no leftover currency.

Not to mention if you convert money to local currency and then back to your own currency after, you're losing money across two transactions.

Truly, you don't need cash at all in Europe.

5. Spend at least 2 or 3 days in Europe pre-cruise to acclimate to the time

You should fly in at least three days before the cruise begins so you don't start your cruise over tired.

I was able to overcome jetlag, but I was still tired for the first two days.

By day three, I was feeling back to normal again.  And that allowed me to board Independence of the Seas with the same amount of energy as I would one near my house.

6. Don't buy the Stay Later option

Royal Caribbean offers an extra cost option where guests can stay on the ship for many hours after the cruise ends.

It sounds like a good idea, but I think it's a waste.

"Stay Later" allows passengers to stay on the ship until the afternoon. It's not available in the United States.

The problem is you have to leave your room and cannot charge anything. So basically, it's a pass to hang out in public places and eat at the Windjammer when it opens.

Personally, I'd rather pay for a hotel day pass near the airport so I could have somewhere to sit, sleep, and shower while I wait for my flight home.

7. Use local transportation in the big cities

Don't be afraid to use the subway, bus, or street cars in the cities you visit.

Many use a simple tap to pay approach, where you tap your credit card when you enter and again when you leave. Some countries had an app, and it was even easier.

Not only are taxis expensive in Europe, but mass transportation is quite efficient and easy to use.

8. Embrace onboard laundry

Royal Caribbean's laundry options aren't cheap, but it's the easiest way to reuse clothing and limit how much you need to bring.

I used the laundry service a few times on each sailing, and it made it more manageable to have enough clothes without packing two weeks worth of items.

9. Take bottled water with you off the ship

I was surprised how much soft drinks and bottled water cost in Europe, so definitely bring your own.

Royal Caribbean's bottled water is cheaper, and it's worth the hassle of having to carry it around.

10. Watch YouTube videos to see which attractions look interesting

If you're like me, you don't know necessarily what you want to do in a particular city, but you'd know it if you saw it.

To prepare for each port, I watched videos about the best things to do in each city and then jotted down the attractions, restaurants, and places that looked good.

This is a really good strategy for outlining what to do in a port, and then leverage Google Maps to figure out how to easily walk between them.

11. Leave time in your port plans for wandering

Following up on the last time, don't overplan your days. Instead, purposefully leave time to wander.

On each port day, I only had 3 or 4 things to see or do in an port. That's definitely not going to fill up 5-6 hours, but it does mean I can stop and meander into an interesting neighborhood.

This ensures there's time for shopping, exploring, and taking your time so you don't feel like you're rushed.

12. Buy a sling bag

I was hesitant to buy a sling bag for Europe, but it's the perfect travel accessory.

Having a sling bag is great for defending against pickpockets, but it also gives you more space for your valuables, snacks, sunglasses, and even a light jacket.

I bought it for the crime prevention element, but it turned out to be really helpful too.

13. Learn to say "hello" and "thank you"

If you want to avoid getting the "rude American treatment", my advice is simple: learn a few basic phrases in the local language.

Always start off any conversation with a local by saying hello in their language, and then break into English.

I'd recommend being able to say:

• Hello
• Thank you
• Goodbye

It goes a long way when you make a very basic attempt to communicate in their language, and I have yet to run into a rude person.

14. Plan for more hours of sun

If you're visiting Northern Europe, plan on the sun being up more than at home.

In Norway, the sun wouldn't set until around 11pm and then would rise at about 4am. It messes with your sense of what time it really is.

Plus, Royal Caribbean's cabin curtains aren't blackout curtains.  So it will be light in your cabin.

15. Bike lanes are as dangerous as the road

In many cities, bikes are a way of life and you need to be extra cautious crossing the road.

This was especially true in Denmark and The Netherlands, where the bike lanes are adjacent to the roadways and the bikers expect you to yield to them.

This makes crossing the street if not in the walkway and with the crossing light a bit precarious.

The Crown Lounge on Royal Caribbean is an exclusive onboard venue for top-tier loyalty members within the Crown & Anchor Society. 

Formerly known as the Diamond Lounge, the Crown Lounge was rebranded to honor the legacy of Royal Caribbean's maritime heritage. 

The lounge is a quiet and comfortable spot where eligible guests can enjoy complimentary snacks throughout the day, as well as benefit from concierge services. They're found on every vessel within Royal Caribbean's fleet, from Grandeur of the Seas to Icon of the Seas. 

Here's everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge, including how to access the private space and tips for maximizing the experience. 

Access to the Crown Lounge is reserved for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers

There are six tiers within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society: Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club. The bottom three — Gold, Platinum, and Emerald — don't have access to the Crown Lounge. 

In fact, it's not until you reach Diamond status that you start to access worthwhile perks, such as complimentary drink vouchers, free internet, and entry into the exclusive Crown Lounge.  

Diamond cruisers must accumulate 80 cruise points in the loyalty program. You earn points on a per-night basis. However, there are a few opportunities to double your nightly earnings, such as when traveling in a suite or solo. 

That said, it takes the average cruiser 12 weeklong sailings to become a Diamond cruiser within the Crown & Anchor Society. 

If you're a Diamond member — rather than Diamond Plus or Pinnacle Club — be aware that Royal Caribbean has the right to temporarily restrict access during peak hours, such as 5:00pm - 8:00pm. 

This happens when there are a lot of top-tier Crown & Anchor Society members on board. They will let guests know of any restrictions on embarkation day in a letter delivered to the cabins.

Access to the Crown Lounge can't be shared with friends and family members, and minors must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Moreover, only guests who have earned a higher loyalty tier can enter the Crown Lounge, regardless of their cabin category. Gold, Platinum, and Emerald cruisers staying in qualifying suites can enjoy the Suite Lounge, though. 

Read more: The secrets to achieving Diamond status quickly on Royal Caribbean

Crown Lounge locations

Many Crown Lounges are located near the Viking Crown Lounge at the top of the ship, offering cruisers panoramic views of the ocean and ports of call. However, this isn't the case on every vessel. 

Here's where you can find the Crown Lounge on every ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet:

Icon Class

Icon of the Seas: Near the Royal Escape Room, Deck 6,

Star of the Seas: Near the Royal Escape Room, Deck 6

Oasis Class

Oasis of the Seas: Near Studio B, Deck 4

Allure of the Seas: Near the Mason Jar, Deck 15

Harmony of the Seas: Near Studio B, Deck 4

Symphony of the Seas: Near Studio B, Deck 4

Wonder of the Seas: Near Social 100, Deck 16

Utopia of the Seas: Near Social 100, Deck 16

Quantum Class

Quantum of the Seas: Near the Royal Theater, Deck 4

Anthem of the Seas: Near the Royal Theater, Deck 4

Ovation of the Seas: Near the Royal Theater, Deck 4

Odyssey of the Seas: Near the Royal Theater, Deck 4

**Spectrum of the Seas: Near the Solarium, Deck 14

**Spectrum of the Seas does have a lounge for loyalty members, but it's shared with suite cruisers. Called the "Silver Lounge," it's located in the front of the ship on Deck 14, near the Solarium and suite-only dining room. 

Freedom Class

Freedom of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Liberty of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Independence of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Voyager Class

Voyager of the Seas: Near the Star Lounge, Deck 5

Adventure of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Explorer of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Mariner of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14

Navigator of the Seas: Near the Star Lounge, Deck 5

Radiance Class

Radiance of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 13

Jewel of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 13

Brilliance of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 13

Serenade of the Seas: Near the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 13

Vision Class

Grandeur of the Seas: Near the South Pacific Lounge, Deck 6

Vision of the Seas: Near the Some Enchanted Evening Lounge, Deck 6

Enchantment of the Seas: Above the Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 12

Rhapsody of the Seas: Near the Shall We Dance Lounge, Deck 6

What to expect inside Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge

There are many perks that come with gaining access to the Crown Lounge. 

First and foremost, the space is designed to be a peaceful retreat for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members of the Crown & Anchor Society. As such, the laid-back ambiance is ideal for reading, relaxing, or socializing before dinner. 

Throughout the day, however, the Crown Lounge also serves as a place for complimentary snacks and beverages, starting with a continental breakfast in the mornings. 

The self-serve coffee machine is also a favorite, with higher-quality, espresso-based brews not available from the standard drip machines throughout the ship. 

Before dinner, the Crown Lounge becomes a gathering spot for elite Crown & Anchor Society cruisers. During the nightly happy hour, guests can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres. If the lounge doesn't have a dedicated bar, such as on Vision of the Seas, bartenders are often roaming to take drink orders. 

Although these beverages aren't included, Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members can use their daily drink vouchers for complimentary cocktails, wine, beer, or soda. 

It's not uncommon for ship Officers to wander into the Crown Lounge during happy hour, too. This gives frequent cruisers a chance to mingle with some of the ship’s senior crew members. 

In addition to the snacks, the Crown Lounge features a dedicated concierge who is available to assist with various onboard needs, so you don't have to worry about going to Guest Services. They can help make dining and show reservations, check on billing disputes, and more. 

Read more: 4 lesser-known perks of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Program

Tips for enjoying the Crown Lounge

Whether you’re a first-time Diamond cruiser or a few cruises away from reaching the coveted Pinnacle Club tier, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your access to Royal Caribbean's Crown Lounge. 

First, skip the Windjammer Marketplace in the morning. Although the buffet has more offerings, the Crown Lounge is ideal for cruisers who don't care about piling their plates high with eggs, pancakes, and bacon. 

Instead, those who go to the Crown Lounge for breakfast can enjoy basic continental options, like pastries, fruit, and muffins, with a quality cup of coffee in a quieter atmosphere. 

After breakfast, try to visit the lounge during the off-peak hours to enjoy peace and quiet. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are usually less crowded, as the Crown Lounge can see an influx of guests during the nightly happy hour. 

Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with other cruisers, either. Making new friends is one of the best parts about taking a cruise, and the Crown Lounge attracts Royal Caribbean’s most seasoned travelers. You never know what advice others will have. You may enjoy just swapping travel stories over a beverage, too! 

Finally, don't underestimate the concierge. They can be a huge asset throughout your cruise vacation, whether you need help booking specialty restaurants, reserving shows, or making plans for a family photoshoot. 

One of the best travel credit cards is getting overhauled, and it’s no longer the best option for cruisers.

As a credit card enthusiast, I always strategize to find the best cards to align with my spending. Each purchase is meticulously charged to the best credit card, which we pay off in full each month to avoid interest charges and fees. It’s essentially a part-time job, but the rewards are substantial.

Last year, my husband and I saved over $23,000 thanks to our portfolio of credit cards. The bulk of this savings comes from redeeming our points for travel with airlines, hotels, and rental cars. And yes, I track our credit card savings each month - I am a data analyst, after all!

For many years, the Chase Sapphire Reserve used to be one of the best credit cards for earning points on cruise purchases. This was my top recommendation for cruisers for many reasons, including the card’s generous 3x point multiplier on travel. With this, you could easily rack up thousands of points with your cruise purchases.

Because of this, the broad “travel” category earned 3x points on all cruise purchases. This included everything from your cruise fares to shore excursions, internet packages, specialty dining packages, spa treatments, and drink packages.

Unfortunately, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is receiving a drastic makeover, although most cardholders consider it a huge downgrade. Among many changes and restrictive redemptions, the broad 3x travel category is being eliminated.

If you’re wondering which credit card is now the best for cruise purchases, you’re not alone. I'm also personally impacted by these changes, and I am definitely not thrilled about it. Here are the travel credit cards I plan to use for cruising, including a few other options worth considering.

Here’s exactly what is changing with the Chase Sapphire Reserve

Chase recently announced a complete overhaul of the point-earning structure and provided benefits. Not only is the annual fee getting hiked from $550 to $795, but the 3x point earning on travel is being replaced with 4x points on airfare and hotels, but only when booked directly with the airline or hotel.

Removing the generic 3x points on all travel is a frustrating change for a top-tier travel card. For cruisers in particular, the removal of the 3x point benefit is a huge loss. Travel is easily my top spending category, so this downgrade was an unwelcome change for many. 

Additionally, the travel category also included all transport, including taxis, ride shares, tolls, parking fees, and public transportation. Even better, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a Visa with no foreign transaction fee. While traveling abroad and taking public transport, the Chase Sapphire Reserve was my most-used credit card to maximize the earning potential.

Instead, Chase is adding a bunch of lifestyle coupons, such as credits for DoorDash, Peloton, AppleTV, and StubHub. These credits are divided into monthly, quarterly, or bi-annual usage, making them more difficult to actually use.

How the change would directly impact your point-earning potential

For this example, let’s say you spent $2,000 on your cruise fare, along with $2,000 for shore excursions, internet access, and a drink package. With the old structure, you’d earn 3x points on $4,000 worth of cruise purchases.

With the 3x points offer, this would equate to 12,000 points of Ultimate Reward points with Chase. You could then redeem those points through the Chase Travel Portal for 1.5 cents per point.

For 12,000 points, this would be worth approximately $180 towards travel redeemed through the Chase Travel Portal. Additionally, you could transfer the points to various travel partners, such as many hotel chains and airlines. For me, 12,000 points could be redeemed with Delta Air Lines for a flight worth about $200.

Now, you’ll only receive 1x points on that purchase, which would equate to only 4,000 points on that same vacation. Redemptions are changing too, so you could only redeem those 4,000 points for $40 worth for most travel purchases.

There is an opportunity for “Points Boost” offers worth up to 2x points with “top picked hotels and flights with select airlines through Chase Travel,” and all other redemptions will be reduced to a 1:1 rate.

Rather than having the option to redeem your points on any travel, you are now limited to the select offers provided by Chase for hotels and airlines. This limits how your points can be redeemed, although most strategic cardholders will likely transfer points to travel partners.

What are the best credit cards now for cruisers?

With all the overhaul, you might not be wanting to pay $795 for the Chase Sapphire Reserve anymore; and honestly, I wouldn’t blame you. There are many travel credit cards on the market, and there might be one that fits your travel spending better.

Following the disappointing change to the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I’ve been researching the best credit cards for cruising purchases. I’ll also be adjusting my spending strategy, as I always charged my cruises to my Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Of course, one of the top competitors to the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the American Express Platinum Card. Unfortunately, American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Visa credit cards when traveling internationally. This is one of the reasons the Chase Sapphire Reserve was always my go-to card when traveling.

However, there are other options from both American Express and other credit card companies. Here are my top recommendations for cruising purchases moving forward, along with a few caveats to know.

American Express Green Card

If you still want to earn 3x points on cruise purchases, you should consider signing up for the American Express Green Card. This is considered one of the best replacements for the Chase Sapphire Reserve because of its 3x points on all travel and transit purchases. 

Currently, the Amex Green has an annual fee of $150, making it more affordable than the Chase Sapphire Reserve. However, you will receive fewer luxury perks, such as the Priority Pass lounge access or the same level of travel insurance. 

Another perk of the American Express Green Card is how well it pairs with other American Express credit cards. If you already have another Amex, all of your Membership Reward Points will be automatically pooled together.

For instance, I have the Amex Gold (for 4x points on groceries and dining), the Amex Green (for 3x points on travel and transit), and the Amex Platinum (for 5x points on airfare). All of these points are combined in my Amex account, which I can easily transfer to a partner airline for redemption. 

The top spending categories for the Amex Green Card include:

• 3x points on travel: Cruises, airfare, hotel, campgrounds, car rentals, and vacation rentals
• 3x points on transit: Trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
• 3x points on dining: Worldwide dining, takeout, and delivery

Other benefits include the following:

• $199 CLEAR Plus credit
• Travel Delay Insurance
• Baggage Insurance
• Rental Car Loss Insurance
• No foreign transaction fees

For cruisers, the Amex Green is one of the best choices on the market now. You’ll still earn 3x points on all travel and transit charges, which rivals what you would have been receiving with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Wells Fargo Autograph and Autograph Journey

If you’re looking for another credit card with 3x points on all travel, Wells Fargo has two solid options to consider: the Autograph and Autograph Journey credit cards. Just like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can still earn 3x points on all travel and transit purchases, in addition to other categories like restaurants and gas.

The Wells Fargo Autograph credit card has no annual fee, while the Autograph Journey carries a $95 annual fee. With the Autograph Journey card, you’ll earn even more points on hotel and airline purchases. These accrued points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and statement credits.

This makes both credit cards excellent options to rack up points with cruise purchases, along with other cruise-related and travel expenses. The low annual fee means you have high earning potential with your travel purchases, and you aren’t tied to a travel portal for redeeming your points.

Additionally, you’ll receive some included travel protection with the Autograph Journey card for your cruising. This includes travel accident insurance, lost bag reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption protection, and an auto rental collision damage waiver.

The Wells Fargo Autograph credit card includes 3x points on the following categories:

• Restaurants: Including dining in, takeout, catering, and delivery
• Travel: Airfare, hotels, car rentals, cruise lines
• Transit: Subways, ride shares, parking, tolls
• Gas: Gas stations and electric charging stations
• Streaming services and phone plans

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card includes the top spending categories and benefits:

• 5x points on hotels
• 4x points with airlines
• 3x points on travel and restaurants
• $50 annual statement credit: with a $50 minimum airline purchase

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

Another travel credit to consider is the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature credit card. The credit card has no annual fee and includes a generous 4x points on all travel, although point redemption options are more limited. For casual cruisers not wanting to pay an annual fee for a credit card, this could be one of the best options.

You won’t be able to transfer your points to travel partners, but you can earn an eligible deposit into a U.S Bank account, along with some merchandise, travel, charity, and gift card options. Instead, you’ll want to think of this card as earning cash back for your travel purchases (around 2% to 4% essentially), which is a better option for casual cruisers who travel once or twice each year.

The top spending categories for the U.S Bank Altitude Connect include:

• 4x points on travel
• 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked with the Altitude Reward Center
• 4x points on gas stations and EV charging stations, up to $1,000 each quarter
• 2x points on dining, groceries, and streaming services

Other benefits include:

• 4 Priority Pass lounge visits each year
• $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every 4 years
• Basic travel interruption, delay, and cancellation insurance

Capital One Venture X

Another popular choice among travelers is the Capital One Venture X credit card, known for its premium travel benefits and strong earning potential. With an annual fee of $395, the Venture X is considered a more accessible option compared to other high-end travel credit cards.

Although the Venture X credit card doesn’t offer cruise-specific perks or bonus categories for cruises, this premium credit card shines when it comes to covering general travel expenses.

The Venture X credit card earns the most miles when booking travel directly through the Capital One Travel portal, including hotels, airfare, rental cars, and vacation rentals. But, you’ll still earn 2x miles on everyday spending, including cruising. However, if you prefer booking with airlines and hotels directly, you might not maximize your point-earning potential with this card.

Other noteworthy travel benefits include a $300 annual travel credit when booking through Capital One Travel, along with lounge access and a statement credit for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

More importantly, your Capital One Venture X credit card offers strong travel protection that can provide peace of mind for your cruises. This includes trip cancellation, delay, and interruption coverage for unexpected circumstances. In addition, the Venture X has common carrier travel accident coverage, baggage insurance, and rental car collision coverage.

The top spending categories for the Venture X credit card include:

• 10x miles: When booking hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal
• 5x miles: When booking flights and vacation rentals booked through the Capital One Travel portal
• 2x miles: All other purchases

Some of the travel-related benefits and perks include:

• $300 annual credit towards Capital One Travel portal
• 10,000 annual bonus miles each anniversary
• $120 credit for PreCheck or Global Entry
• Priority Pass Lounge access
• Capital One Lounge and Landing Access

Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card

If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on annual credit card fees, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card could be a great choice. With an annual fee of only $95, you’ll still receive some excellent travel perks and earn extra points on all travel purchases.

With the Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card, all travel and dining purchases earn 2x points while all other expenses earn 1.5x points. This means all cruise purchases would qualify for 2x points for all of your purchases. If you’re a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards loyalty program, you can earn even more points on travel purchases. This includes 25% to 75% boost in points, making the 2x points on travel increase to 2.5x to 3.5x points on travel.

Even better, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Card is a Visa credit card with no foreign transaction fees. That makes this credit card better suited for international travel, as Visa is widely accepted everywhere.

You will also receive flexibility for how you want to redeem your points. For instance, points can be redeemed for cash back in your Bank of America account or an eligible Merrill account (including 529 accounts). In addition, you could redeem points for a statement credit or gift cards through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Finally, you’ll receive travel insurance protections for delays, cancellations, interruptions, misplaced luggage, auto rental collision coverage, and baggage delays. The credit card also includes coverage for emergency evacuation and transportation for qualified events. 

Other benefits for the Bank of America Premium Credit Card include:

• $100 statement credit for airline incidentals
• $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck
• 10,000 annual bonus miles each anniversary

American Express Platinum Card

If you’re wanting to swap your Chase Sapphire Reserve for another top-tier, luxury travel credit card, then you might want to consider the American Express Platinum Card.

Regarded by many as the best travel credit card, the Amex Platinum is heavy on the benefits, but not necessarily as strong with earning potential. Currently, the Amex Platinum has an annual fee of $695, but many speculate this will be increased to align with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

The top spending categories on the Amex Platinum include 5x points on all airfare purchases and prepaid hotels, but only 1x points for all other travel. While that’s not necessarily impressive, there are other lucrative cruise and travel perks that could be worthwhile, including access to many different airport lounges.

With the Amex Platinum, you are eligible to receive perks through the Cruise Privileges Program (CPP). When you book a cruise five nights or longer through the Platinum Travel Service, you can receive onboard credit between $100 to $300 per stateroom. The Cruise Privileges Program also provides unique amenities for each cruise line, along with 2x points on each dollar you spend per booking with American Express Travel.

Another enticing perk with the Amex Platinum is the comprehensive travel insurance for trip delay, cancellation, and interruption. Some of the most important coverage with the American Express Platinum Card includes medical assistance, which provides emergency medical coverage up to $250,000, evacuation up to $100,000, and accident insurance up to $500,000 in the event of injury. Luggage protection is also provided, and cruise ships are specifically mentioned in the coverage.

Additionally, you’ll receive many travel-related benefits with the Amex Platinum as well, including:

• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Baggage fees and other incidental credits
• $200 Hotel Credit: Select hotels prepaid through the Amex Travel portal, includes Fine Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Collection
• $200 Uber Credit: Available monthly in your Uber account
• Global Lounge Access: Access to the Delta SkyClub, Amex Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass lounges
• TSA Precheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR Plus Membership

Should you take your passport with you off your cruise ship while on a shore excursion?

This is one of the most hotly debated questions among cruisers, as there seems to be quite a divide of what you should or shouldn't do.

I recently ran across a new thread debating the virtues of taking your passport off the ship on Reddit, and I think it's a simple decision to always take my passport with me off the ship.

If you're on the fence about what to do or haven't thought about it, I wanted to share my outlook on the debate.

While there's risk in losing it, the benefits of having it in case of an emergency outweigh any concerns.

Travelers should always be prepared

My mantra when traveling is the same as the Boy Scouts when I was a kid, "Be prepared".

You never know what might happen, and emergencies or accidents while in port are never something you see coming until it's too late.

I opt to bring my passport with me off the ship while I go on shore excursions so I have it with me, just in case.

Passports are essential, as you cannot fly home without it. So if we got stuck somewhere and missed the ship, having my passport would be critical.

Without a passport, you'd have to travel to the nearest embassy of your home country to get one.  Depending on the port, the nearest embassy might be many hours away drive by car.

On any tour, I'm often far enough away from the ship that running back to it is not practical.

The counterargument to my opinion is to leave the passport in your safe on the ship, as the cruise line claims if you're a no-show to returning to the ship, they'll clear out your belongings from your stateroom (including your safe) and leave it with the port.

That's a major leap of faith that I'm not willing to take because of the multiple chain of custodies involved.

I have less concern of theft as I do it not making it to me in the end, either due to negligence or someone not knowing where the items are when they were taken.

Photocopies of a passport are as useful as photocopies of cash

Some people will say they take a photocopy of their passport and then leave the real thing in the ship safe.

A photo of your passport is useless, as you cannot travel with it.  You still need the physical documents.

There's no benefit at all of having a photo of it in terms of actually being able to use it.

Three exceptions to my rule

I'll leave my passport in my stateroom safe if I'm in one of three ports of call.

First would be Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is Royal Caribbean's private island.

Because it's a cruise line operated place, it's basically impossible to be left behind. You'd have to hide in a bush to truly not make it back to the ship.

Over the years, I've encountered medical issues while on CocoCay with my family, and the first place they'll take you if it's anything remotely serious is back to the ship.

Ditto for Labadee, which is also a Royal Caribbean destination.

It just seems nearly impossible to be left behind or stuck in these spots.

The other place I'll be okay with leaving my passport behind is if I'm in a U.S. state or territory.

When my ship visits Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, or St. Croix, I'm fine with leaving my passport in the safe because I can travel home with just my driver's license.

As an American citizen, not having to rely on a passport for travel home while in a part of my country seems sufficiently safe to go off the ship with my driver's license.

It's a decision of risks

Ultimately, you have to judge which risk of taking or leaving your passport is higher and what the consequences of each risk would be.

Taking it with you means you can easily get home should you miss your cruise ship's return time for any reason, but the risk is having it lost or stolen.

But if you leave your passport on the ship, what happens if you miss the boarding time? And are you willing to risk that the ship would leave your passport and room contents at the port?

Personally, I won't go into a foreign country without my passport just to have myself covered. I think the risks of being stuck in the country without one is worse than the likelihood of losing it.