Royal Caribbean Blog

Hurricane season is upon us, and as a Florida resident myself, I’m already starting to prepare for the worst. 

After moving to Florida five years ago, my husband and I were hit with Hurricane Sally just months after we moved into our new home. As Midwesterners who had never lived in the South, this felt like a rite of passage!

Now, with another season underway, it’s important to be prepared, whether you’re getting your home ready or finalizing plans for an upcoming cruise. If you’re planning a Caribbean cruise this summer, you might be wondering how to best prepare for hurricane impacts. One of the smartest steps you can take is to invest in travel insurance to protect your plans in case of unexpected disruptions.

Personally, I have an annual travel policy through Allianz AllTrips, and it’s already paid for itself this year. I combed through my personal policy with Allianz to see what exactly is covered in relation to hurricanes for purposes of this article.

But, all insurance policies have different coverage and it’s important to understand exactly what’s covered in a policy before purchasing. The fine print in an insurance policy is just as important as the stated policy! 

Most travel insurance policies don’t list hurricanes as a separate category. Instead, they’re typically included under broader terms like “natural disasters” or “severe weather.” It’s a good idea to review how your insurance provider defines these terms before buying a policy.

No matter which company you choose, there are a few essential things to look for in any travel insurance plan. Here’s what to pay attention to in your travel insurance policy, and what the experts are predicting for this year's hurricane season. 

Read more: Travel insurance for a cruise: Why you need it for a Royal Caribbean cruise

First, check what’s included under your Trip Cancellation coverage.

Most travel insurance policies will include Trip Cancellation protection. This type of coverage provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. These covered reasons typically include natural disasters and severe storms, such as hurricanes.

If your policy includes Trip Cancellation coverage, you’ll want to see exactly what’s defined for covered reasons and whether natural disasters, including hurricanes, are mentioned. For example, my personal insurance policy provides Trip Cancellation coverage for the following hurricane-related events:

• Your destination or primary residence is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster
• Your travel carrier cannot get you to your original itinerary’s destination for at least 24 consecutive hours due to a natural disaster or severe weather
• Government authorities order a mandatory evacuation at your destination that is in effect within 24 hours prior to departure date

In the event that I experience one of these covered reasons, I can be reimbursed up to my policy limit for nonrefundable expenses. Considering I live in Florida and cruise often, this comprehensive coverage gives me peace of mind. 

Next, consider what’s included for Trip Interruption protection.

Another section of your travel insurance policy that you’ll want to check is the Trip Interruption section. This type of coverage kicks in after your trip has already started, and it helps reimburse for unforeseen costs during your trip. If you encounter a hurricane during your cruise, your Trip Interruption coverage would likely cover related expenses.

In my Allianz policy, I would receive hurricane-related coverage (under the natural disaster terminology) for the following scenarios:

• You miss at least 50% of the length of your trip due to a natural disaster
• Your primary residence or destination is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster
• Your travel carrier cannot get you to your original itinerary’s destination for at least 24 consecutive hours due to a natural disaster or severe weather
• Government authorities order a mandatory evacuation at your destination that is in effect within 24 hours prior to departure date
• A road closure prevents you from arriving to your final destination for at least six consecutive hours

When it comes to hurricanes, you might find that your original cruise itinerary has been shortened or extended because of impending storms. In this case, your Trip Interruption policy would cover the unexpected costs related to the natural disaster.

In addition, Travel Delay coverage could provide protection during hurricane season.

Another important coverage that I’ve actually used with my travel insurance policy is Travel Delay coverage. This type of protection kicks in for smaller, but still disruptive, delays. For my specific policy, the Travel Delay coverage provides reimbursement for a delay longer than six consecutive hours. My policy would pay for meals, accommodations, and transportation up to a daily limit due to the delay.

In addition, my Travel Delay policy specifically includes coverage for a delay that would cause me to miss the departure of my cruise. In this instance, reasonable expenses to help rejoin the cruise would be covered if the delay occurred for a covered reason, such as a natural disaster. In this case, any delays due to hurricane activity that cause you unforeseen expenses would likely be covered.

You could also purchase missed port coverage.

Although not as common, some insurance companies provide coverage for missed ports or cruise diversions. For instance, Travel Guard’s Preferred Plan appears to cover cruise diversions and river cruise diversions (based on the policy provided online). According to the policy guideline, cruisers would receive $250 for a missed port during their cruise.

However, missed port coverage isn’t as common as it used to be. As explained on Allianz’s website, travel insurance is meant to cover financial loss. Missing a port or having an itinerary change, even when caused by a storm or hurricane, is still providing the same value without financial loss.

For example, Allianz states on its website that, “If a hurricane causes a cruise line or tour operator to offer an alternate itinerary — whether a different destination or different dates — you must accept the change.”

“Travel insurance is designed to protect you from financial loss, and if the substitute itinerary is the same value as your original trip, you haven't suffered a loss,” continues Allianz. However, the insurance provider notes that if the itinerary change causes you to incur additional costs, such as purchasing new airline tickets, those expenses may be covered under your travel insurance.

Finally, consider opting for a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.

Your standard travel insurance policy will provide a list of covered reasons that will protect you under specific travel mishaps and problems named in the plan. But, not every possible thing that could go wrong with your trip will be covered.

Most importantly, if you decide to cancel your cruise because you’re worried about a potential hurricane or bad weather, that fear alone typically isn’t covered under a standard policy. For this reason, you might want to consider purchasing a policy called “Cancel for Any Reason” type of coverage. 

This type of insurance can help reimburse prepaid expenses when you cancel a trip for any reason that isn’t named specifically in your plan. Generally, Cancel for Any Reason insurance is an add-on option to a standard travel insurance policy. 

There are other guidelines you need to follow too. You often need to buy this type of coverage within a specified window after making your first deposit, typically around 10 days to 21 days after booking. You can normally cancel your trip for any reason up to approximately 48 hours before scheduled departure.

But, this type of policy isn’t cheap. If you want the maximum flexibility, you’ll need to pay a significantly higher premium. This type of coverage can increase your policy cost by 50% due to increased flexibility. 

For example, if you book a cruise for $4,000, your travel insurance policy might cost around $200. To add Cancel for Any Reason coverage, you might need to pay an additional $100, bringing your total premium to $300. If you decide to cancel and receive reimbursement of 75% of your prepaid expenses, you would receive $3,000 back. In that case, instead of losing the full $4,000, you’d lose $1,000 on the cruise fare and $300 for the insurance, a total loss of $1,300.

With this type of policy, you have the flexibility to decide whether or not to travel in the event of a hurricane. Everyone has a different level of risk tolerance, and a vacation should feel enjoyable, not anxiety-inducing. For many travelers, the extra peace of mind is well worth the added cost.

Unfortunately, the experts are predicting an active hurricane season this year.

Each year, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues its outlook for the coming Atlantic hurricane season. This year, NOAA’s outlook indicates we are likely to experience an above-normal season with a 60% chance and only a 10% chance for a below-normal season. That leaves just a 30% chance for a near-normal season.

NOAA’s 2025 outlook shares there is a 70% change for 3-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes this year.  NOAA states in their report, “These expected ranges are centered above the 1991-2020 seasonal averages of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.”

In addition, NOAA explains the prediction is based on two main factors, including an unusually warm temperature in the Atlantic Ocean and neutral El Niño conditions. Both of these factors create an environment that favors stronger storm formation and intensification.

So, what does this mean for cruisers? Royal Caribbean Group’s Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, recently spoke on the subject of hurricane activity at the 2025 Seatrade Cruise Conference in Miami, Florida. 

During one of the sessions, Setzer explained, “They’re calling for an above-normal season. But from a marine perspective, we prepare every year with the possibility we could have an impact.”

“We don’t say, ‘This year it’s a low number, so we’re going to relax now.’ Every year it’s the same level of preparation because even in low years like 1992, South Florida got [Hurricane] Andrew. In high years like 2022, we didn’t get anything. So you never know,” he concluded.

Read more: Meet the meteorologist who decides if your cruise gets rerouted

And of course, timing is important when buying travel insurance.

Like any insurance, travel insurance is meant to cover unforeseen circumstances. That means you shouldn’t plan to purchase coverage for your cruise after a hurricane has already been forecasted. By this time, the hurricane is usually considered a "named event" and it’s probably already too late to purchase travel insurance coverage.

Instead, it's better to be proactive and purchase insurance when you start planning your cruise and place a deposit. As we mentioned above, if you want Cancel for Any Reason coverage, you will need to purchase this shortly after you make your first deposit, typically within 14 to 21 days (depending on the policy).

If you want to have full protection and flexibility, it’s best to purchase a policy at the time of booking your cruise. This ensures you will be covered for unforeseen incidents, including hurricane-related cancellations, delays, or interruptions.

Some credit cards also include travel insurance as one of the main card perks, including the American Express Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Although these might not be as comprehensive, this additional coverage can be helpful if you’re already paying the annual fee for one of these cards.

Finally, you could consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy. My policy through Allianz Travel Insurance costs less than $300 for the year and covers all trips when I am at least 100 miles from my primary residence. Because I travel almost every month, this insurance is well worth the investment. 

I’ve even convinced my parents to purchase annual travel insurance policies considering they cruise a few times each year. Knowing I am covered for hurricane-related events, or any other unforeseen circumstances, gives me peace of mind while traveling. It's also one of the best ways to protect yourself financially while traveling or cruising. 

Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experience and interpretation of my Allianz travel insurance policy. Coverage details can vary depending on your provider, plan and purchase timing. Always review your policy documents carefully and consult directly with your travel insurance provider for questions about your specific coverage. Nothing in this article should be considered legal or insurance advice.

I recently sailed on the biggest cruise ship to ever sail from Los Angeles, Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.

If you think all balcony cabins are the same, you might be surprised to know some key differences.

Royal Caribbean invited me to be their guest on a 3-night preview sailing, and I was thrilled when I saw I'd have a balcony room all to myself.

If you're like me, then you find a balcony room is in that sweet spot of value and living space. I don't mind an inside room, but it's usually worth it to me to move up to a balcony for the outdoor verandah and natural light.

While I'm no stranger to a balcony stateroom, I quickly discovered I preferred this style of balcony room over the ones on the world's largest cruise ship because of a few important design choices.

Royal Caribbean invited me on the Ovation of the Seas' complimentary three-night preview sailing

I was assigned one of the ocean-view balcony cabins on deck 11, a few decks away from the buffet.

Balcony rooms are the most common type of stateroom on cruise ships today because of how popular they are with cruisers.  They can accommodate up to 4 people, depending on the configuration.

I was assigned cabin 11616, which is a category 2D ocean view balcony room. Royal Caribbean allows to 2 guests in this particular cabin.

There's 198 sq ft of living space, along with 55 sq ft of space on the balcony.

There's more storage than you can use

The sheer amount of storage space in this balcony cabin is impressive, and it's what immediately stood out to me as I walked in.

Quantum Class ships were the first to introduce this look to cabins that continued with newer Oasis Class ships too.

You'll walk past the full length mirror and air conditioning controls as you enter, opening up to the cabin itself.

In this particular cabin, the sofa and vanity are closest to the door, but it alternates with the bed depending on the exact cabin.

The vanity has a desk and chair to sit at, with a mirror and electrical outlets.  There are even two hidden USB-A outlets available (you need to lift the guard up to plug in your device).

There was an electric kettle with tea in my cabin, but that might have been the result of the fact the ship had just completed a series of cruises in Asia.

Next to the vanity are drawers, along with a cooler to use to keep drinks or small plates of food.

Across is a sofa.  This one does not open up to become a bed, but it was nice to have somewhere to sit.

On either side of the sofa are two giant closets.

One closet is meant to hang garments, while the other has shelves.  It also has the safe you can use during your stay.

Even the bed has storage options

Like nearly all cabins, there's a king bed that can be separated into two separate twin beds.

On both sides of the bed are a nightstand, with the nightstand near the balcony having a power outlet.

This ship entered service in 2016 and you can tell fact it has extra power outlets and a few USB outlets represented a shift in stateroom design to begin adding more power options.  Cruise ships that debuted just a few years earlier lacked these luxuries.

Each nightstand has a shelf to it, and there are two overhead storage bins above the bed as well.

Even if I was sailing for two weeks on Ovation of the Seas, I seriously doubt I could use all of this space.

The balcony is an oasis to enjoy great views of the ocean

If it's not too hot outside, I love sitting on the balcony to enjoy the views and fresh air.

There's a door to access the balcony, where there are two chairs and a table.

I appreciate there are foot stools provided for each chair, because almost instantly you'll want to put your feet up.

At 55 square feet, there's just enough room for two adults to both enjoy being outside.

The shower is better on Icon, but this is a very close second

Each cabin has its own private bathroom, and it's quite functional.

Bathrooms on cruise ships have evolved a lot over the years, and they've gotten bigger and updated.

The shower is made of glass and it's curved, providing more space for the shower occupant.

I prefer the shower design on Icon of the Seas, but this isn't bad at all.

Once again, there's plenty of storage space along the walls and below the sink for your toiletries.

Final thoughts

After spending a few nights in this room, I think I prefer it over the Icon of the Seas balcony.

Royal Caribbean sought to develop the look of its staterooms on Icon, but I think Ovation's is better.

First, there's significantly more storage space around the room.

It's my opinion that the balcony room on Icon seeks to rely too much on design and gave up some practicalities.

As an example, there are metal bins in the wardrobe that are cumbersome (they make noise as they move in and out), and I don't want my clothes on display.

Plus, there's no over bed storage, and it lacks the amount of closets Ovation has.

Icon of the Seas is still my favorite cruise ship in the fleet, but I'll at least take solace in my cabin with its look and feel.

Happy Sunday! We hope you are having a great weekend and ready to talk a little Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean's plans for a new "smaller" cruise ship are being described as "a top secret design".

While speaking to a group of travel advisors, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support Vicki Freed, confirmed the new class of ships. 

Her public statement confirms the project is moving forward, although details are still scarce.

Royal Caribbean News

• Richard Fain exit as chair from Royal Caribbean shakes up Board of Directors
• Royal Caribbean is skipping the Inside Passage on some Alaska cruises
• This ultra spacious cruise ship cabin has bunk beds, two windows, is enormous, but costs much less than a suite
• Cruise Fans Weigh in on Utopia of the Seas
• I cruise to Europe every year. I always avoid these 7 mistakes for a better trip
• I'm my family's 'chief vacation officer' for all my cruises. Here are 10 things I always do to make cruising better
• I flew across the country for a 3 day cruise. I maximized the trip by making a few smart decisions
• Royal Caribbean launches “Shell Week” with WWF
• The secret to a friends and family cruise with different ages is planning to always do one thing together
• I sailed alone on one of Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ships and was surprised how easy it was as a solo traveler

New RCB Video: What I wish someone told me about Royal Caribbean private island

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 — What I wish someone told me about Royal Caribbean private island — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Diana Ross honored with Godmother role for new cruise ship

Royal Caribbean announced music superstar Diana Ross will be the Godmother to Star of the Seas.

The longstanding maritime tradition bestows safekeeping onto the ship, its crew, and all who sail on the ship. Plus, it's a fun way to celebrate the launch of a new cruise ship!

She will preside over the festivities surrounding the ship's launch in August 2025.

Why are there oversold cruises?

It's a rare occurrence for there to be oversold cruises, but don't worry about being denied entry onboard.

Royal Caribbean assumes a certain amount of last-minute cancelations, but sometimes that doesn't happen.

The good news is the cruise line has no problem finding volunteers to change plans and open up rooms in a situation like this.

New homeport just made an overlooked cruise itinerary more desirable

Ovation of the Seas is now based in Los Angeles, and suddenly there's a big ship option in SoCal.

She joins Navigator of the Seas, and that adds a heck of a one-two punch to the market.

Like any big ship, offering cruises on Ovation means there's so much more to do onboard and a good reason to try a Mexican Riviera cruise.

I tried Royal Caribbean's drink package for the first time

A Royal Caribbean drink package offers a convenient option, and Jenna finally gave it a try.

She admits she didn't drink enough every day to actually save her money, but the convenience it provides is undeniable.

Having access to unlimited drinks allows passengers to relax and unwind.

Royal Caribbean is making a splash this summer with bold new changes

While Star of the Seas is the biggest news in 2025 for Royal Caribbean, don't overlook other changes this summer.

You can expect ships in new places, upgrades to existing ones, and redeployments.

This summer has some interesting options for a cruise vacation beyond the usual.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 567th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, featuring an exclusive interview with Vicki Freed.

Ms. Freed talks with Matt about Royal Caribbean's plans for the Southern California cruise market.

Please feel free to subscribe via YouTube, iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

If you're thinking about taking a cruise to Alaska, the month you choose to sail could have vastly different weather from another month.

Royal Caribbean sails its ships to Alaska between May and September, with the warmest months usually June, July, and August.

You might imagine it being cold on an Alaska cruise, but the reality is the weather can vary greatly, especially the further north or south you go.

Here's a look at the typical weather each month of the Alaska cruise season, and what temperatures to expect.

Alaska Cruise Weather in May

The opening of the Alaska cruise season is referred to as the "shoulder season", because it's at the beginning and tends to be less in demand than other months.

May weather tends toward cold and rainy, with high temperatures in the upper 50s, low 60s.

Rain is the top weather concern for a cruise in May because it's wetter than the summer months that follow.

It will be chilly and misty, but you'll likely find much lower prices for an Alaska cruise in May compared to any other month.

Alaska Cruise Weather in June

June weather in Alaska brings the the first batch of reliably mild temperatures to the region. Expect temperatures to range between mid-50s to mid-60s, but it will be cooler in the morning or evening.

When it's raining, expect it to be chilly as well, as being wet always makes it feel chillier. June is dry, but it can still rain a bit.

Likewise, the breeze while you're outside on your ship will feel cooler too. This is why dressing in layers is so important to be prepared for rain.

If you're headed to a glacier, then expect even colder temperatures. It could be as cold as the 30s or 40s, depending on wind and sun exposure. 

I'd recommend packing a warm jacket

Alaska Cruise Weather in July

The peak of summer brings the warmest temperatures, and July weather is about as good as it gets for being outdoors.

Expect temperatures around Southeast Alaska to reach the low to mid-70s, especially on sunny days. You might even need shorts on a cruise this month!

While it's likely going to be warmest on a July cruise, that doesn't mean it won't be cooler in the mornings or evenings.

It's still a good idea to pack a light jacket to start out your day, as well as to wear around the ship's decks when sailing.

Alaska Cruise Weather in August

In August, the weather in Alaska is generally mild and pleasant, but expect a mix of cool, wet, and occasionally sunny weather.

The first week of August in Southeast Alaska usually brings highs in the 60s and sometimes even into the high 70s if you get lucky with sun. Mornings and evenings can dip into the 50s.

August is part of the rainy season in Southeast Alaska, so expect frequent rain showers. Humidity levels are generally high, and mornings can be foggy, especially near the coast.

You'll also have plenty of sunlight, as towns like Sitka or Juneau experience 15-16 hours of daylight per day. That's good for having time to see and do it all each day.

Alaska Cruise Weather in September

September is one of the colder months to sail to Alaska, similar to May.

September weather in Southeast Alaska can be unpredictable. You’ll likely see cooler temperatures, rain, and possibly some sunshine. During this time, temperatures can range from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and the chances of rain are very high.

While it's likely going to be rainier and colder than other summer months, the sun will still shine.  Plus, September is one of the best months to see bears and whales.

Don't let the colder weather stop you.  Be prepared with the right clothes, a positive attitude, and remember how much money you're saving going in September compared to earlier.

Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, made her long-awaited debut last summer in Port Canaveral, Florida. Unlike her sister ships that sail more traditional Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries, Utopia of the Seas was built specifically for weekend getaway sailings - with a big emphasis on partying!

For the last year, Utopia of the Seas has been sailing exclusively on 3-night and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas. The itineraries include stops in Nassau, Bahamas and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Branded as the “World’s Biggest Weekend” for the cruise line, Utopia of the Seas has a more upbeat and party-centric atmosphere onboard compared to other ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. The cruise line has intentionally leaned into the party-vibes aboard Utopia of the Seas with more late-night entertainment, deck parties, and nonstop fun.

Although Royal Caribbean has offered weekend cruises for years, this marks the first time the cruise line has explicitly marketed one of its ships as a “party” ship. In this way, Utopia of the Seas represents a strategic shift in how Royal Caribbean targets younger travelers. This is certainly a bold move that sets Utopia of the Seas apart - not just within the Oasis Class, but across the entire fleet.

After sailing for nearly one year, we wanted to see what real cruisers are saying about Utopia of the Seas. We combed through our Royal Caribbean Blog forums to find feedback and comments from those who have sailed on this party ship. Here’s what people are saying with recent reviews of Utopia of the Seas.

The ship is the destination.

Typically, Oasis class ships have sailed on 7-night itineraries, allowing for ample time to explore everything the ships have to offer. Because Utopia of the Seas only sails on shorter cruises to the Bahamas, many Royal Caribbean Blog readers mention they choose to stay onboard while the ship is docked.

In particular, cruisers say they prefer skipping the port of call in Nassau, Bahamas and instead enjoy the quieter ship. One fan said, “We don't plan to get off the ship in Nassau” when discussing plans for their upcoming Utopia of the Seas cruise.

In addition, another Royal Caribbean Blog fan responded to one question, “I am not getting off the ship, so I will try to scope out the situation for you.”

One more fan on the forum responded that they aren’t planning to disembark in Nassau while sailing on Utopia of the Seas. The cruiser shared, “Going to Paradise Beach next month might be the last time we get off the ship. No interest in Nassau.”

In fact, when I sailed on Utopia of the Seas earlier this year, I also chose to stay aboard the ship and skipped Nassau entirely. I was shocked by how many other people had the same idea, as the ship was quieter, but not as quiet as I expected. By lunchtime, the pools were already full. 

With only a few days on Utopia of the Seas, our forum indicates that guests prefer skipping Nassau, and instead taking advantage of the ship’s amenities.

Mason Jar is a favorite for our readers.

Mason Jar is a big conversation topic on our forums. Utopia of the Seas is one of the few ships with this newer specialty dining concept, which serves a very popular brunch with a focus on Southern cuisine.

In particular, many of our readers praise Mason Jar for their brunch experience. When one cruiser asked about Mason Jar on their Utopia of the Seas sailing, another fan responded, “I vote brunch and I know several regular posters here are also big fans. Never actually did dinner but have done brunch every time… and will be sticking with it on Utopia in the future.”

“We're cruising on Utopia this December, and I've heard some very good things about Mason Jar,” replied one commenter on the forum. One fan on the forum also responded, “Going by the forums (small sample size, my own impression, not scientific), I feel like brunch gets a lot of love but dinner is more of a mixed bag.”

Although Mason Jar serves brunch and dinner, the venue also features a bar with live music in the evenings. This is quite popular, and many of our readers praise the Southern-inspired cocktails served at Mason Jar Bar. 

“The bar at [Mason Jar] on Utopia is chaos but the dining side I would say is a bit more organized chaos. I am sure you will enjoy those Mississippi moonlights,” replied one cruiser on our forum. Another reader included, “We were on Utopia in January and the Apple Pie Old Fashioned from the Mason Jar was my favorite! Ordered it a few times. It definitely was something more to savor, taking my time, and letting it melt.”

In general, specialty dining is a highlight for Utopia of the Seas cruisers.

Royal Caribbean has some of the best specialty dining restaurants in the cruise industry. On a massive ship like Utopia of the Seas, many of the comments on our forums highlight the specialty dining experience. Guests rave about all of the specialty dining restaurants available on Utopia of the Seas, and many love their experiences during their cruise.

One cruiser shared, “Dinner tonight [on Utopia of the Seas] was Giovanni’s. Love this new location where Wonderland was. Food was delicious. We were so stuffed! Service also fantastic!”

Izumi also receives a lot of praise on our forums, especially the bubble waffles for dessert. “The bubble cone is pretty much the thing I look forward to by doing Utopia. I love Izumi,” shared one cruiser.

In fact, thanks to the ship’s wide variety of specialty dining options, many of our readers choose to purchase the Ultimate Dining Package for their cruise. The shorter itinerary helps prevent the “food coma” fatigue that can set in on longer sailings.

One commenter explained how dining packages can feel overwhelming on longer cruises, noting, “The cumulative effect of that much food over that long a period is just overwhelming.  We can, however manage to splurge for a couple of shorter consecutive days/nights, knowing that it will end soon enough.  We had the [Ultimate Dining Package] on the 3 night Utopia cruise (of a B2B) back in the spring and it worked out great.”

Additionally, Utopia of the Seas is the only ship in the fleet to offer Royal Railway, an immersive dining experience designed to feel like a journey by train. Although not included in the Ultimate Dining Package, our readers enjoyed the unique dining production.

One cruiser shared, “On the ship now and we did the Royal Railway tonight and thought it was fantastic. The cast and servers are all great and so many good puns throughout. The motion effects are pretty darn convincing.”

However, many who tried Royal Railway stated they wouldn’t necessarily return for a second time given the cost and fixed menu.

The Spare Tire food truck is a mixed bag for many.

Speaking of food, one of the more common topics of discussion for Utopia of the Seas is the introduction of the Spare Tire food truck. Located on the pool deck, multiple readers discussed Spare Tire, noting the lackluster grab-and-go food choices. Some even mentioned sailing on Utopia of the Seas multiple times and still not trying the Spare Tire.

“I'll try anything once but that's about the least exciting food venue I've seen. The running joke seems to be that it serves gas station food,” commented one cruiser.

However, one of the favorites for our readers is the raspberry cheesecake dessert option. “I tried the raspberry cheesecake several times. It was great on the balcony watching the sunset,” shared one cruiser.

People love the Aqua80Two diving production, while All In and YouTopia are less popular.

Oasis class ships are renowned for their entertainment, including unparalleled production shows that you won’t find anywhere else in the cruise industry. Aboard Utopia of the Seas, you can see the classic Oasis-style shows, including a high-diving show called Aqua80Two, an ice-skating spectacle known as YouTopia, and the new headliner theatre show All In!

Our readers absolutely love the Aqua80Two show, with many commenting on the ship’s incredible production and the talented performers. One cruiser commented, “As a big fan of 80’s music and the original Aqua80 show, we loved it!” Another commenter responded, “Would definitely see Aqua80Two over and over again.”

However, some of our readers mentioned disappointment with the other entertainment available on Utopia of the Seas. In particular, some found the YouTopia ice show underwhelming compared to other ships.

“I would say this was more traditional ice skating rather than some of the productions on newer ships like [Wonder of the Seas] and [Icon of the Seas]. No drones, no special effects, just a whole lot of skating,” explained one cruiser. Another replied, “I sort of didn’t quite get what the entire show was trying to convey. The balancing act was probably what grabbed my interest the most and there was not even ice skating involved!”

Finally, multiple readers commented on the new theatre show, called All In! One reviewer said, “All In was all something, but not all great. It’s a mixed bag of reviews from the family. My parents did not like it. You can probably guess, too loud for them. My sister also did not like it. In her words, it was a mess.”

Some of the most common complaints included the loud noise onboard Utopia of the Seas.

One of the most common concerns shared by our readers about Utopia of the Seas is the excessive noise levels. Considering Royal Caribbean’s branding and focus on partying, the louder noise and music isn’t entirely surprising. However, many of our readers mention the loud noise as their biggest complaint.

In one thread dedicated to the noise on Utopia of the Seas, one reader commented, “Every venue, show, and space was pushed to very, very uncomfortable levels. When you have to order your drink by writing your order down because the bar tender can’t hear you and you can't hear them, even yelling your order… this is ridiculous.”

“Strange that ship is that loud. I mean it's a short cruise, but still. Seems really odd it's that loud and annoying,” shared one fan. Another replied, “We had a Central Park view balcony on the front end of our [back to back cruise] in October and it was very loud even with the door closed.”

“Just got off Utopia today.  The only problem we had with loudness were the shows.  Both All In and Youtopia were so loud you couldn't enjoy the show itself,” shared one cruiser.

Another fan even replied they won’t be sailing on Utopia of the Seas again due to the loud noise. “This is 100 percent correct.  We left the ship last week and it was, by far, the least enjoyable cruise ship that I have sailed. We avoided the pool areas due to noise, and it was unbearable at the water show.  If you're into that environment, this is the ship for you.  If not, keep looking.”

However, other fans mentioned that Utopia of the Seas is meant to be a party ship, and the louder music is part of that experience. 

One fan responded, “It’s certainly loud but it’s a wild party weekend (especially for NYE). If “party ship” was the intended goal then RC hit a home run. We really enjoyed the entire experience and will be sailing her again in a couple weeks.”

“Anyone going on a 3/4 night Bahamas cruise who's looking for a quite "normal" low key cruise experience is on the wrong ship,” emphasized another commenter.

Finally, our fans love Utopia of the Seas’ design and innovation.

Overall, our fans seem to enjoy cruising on Utopia of the Seas. Although the party vibe isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, the newest Oasis Class ship has plenty to offer. Not to mention, many of our readers commented on the ship’s beauty, design and innovation.

“Just got off a cruise trying out the new Utopia ship.  Beautiful ship,” shared one fan.

Another reader commented, “The color scheme on Utopia is much better than the other ships, those rooms look clean and gorgeous. I am obsessed with the shower tile.”

Similarly, many mention the innovative destination elevators that Royal Caribbean implemented aboard Utopia of the Seas. One reader shared, “The destination elevators are the best thing that has happened to cruising, in my honest opinion. They work really well."

Royal Caribbean invited to come see the biggest cruise ship ever sail from Los Angeles, and I couldn't have been more excited to go, except maybe for the travel required.

I live in Florida, and this trip meant I'd have to fly cross country for just a 3-night cruise to Mexico aboard Ovation of the Seas. As someone that cruises over 10 times per year, I clearly love any excuse to go on a cruise.  But flying 5 hours each way isn't what most people would necessarily consider ideal.

Short cruises less than 5 nights are typically "getaway cruises", where most people are within a short distance of the embarkation port and use it as a way to escape work or school and enjoy a quick holiday.

I often recommend to our readers three and four night cruises should be used to augment your cruise schedule, not be the focal point. 

Nonetheless, I accepted the invitation to attend, excited to try something new.  I'd never sailed on Ovation of the Seas or visited Ensenada, Mexico.

I think I made the most of this trip by doing a few things smartly.

I picked the right flights

In planning this trip, I wanted to ensure things went as smoothly as possible.

Air travel is wonderful when everything goes the way it's supposed to, and to that point, I made sure to book flights that would have the best chances of doing just that.

For my flight from Orlando to Los Angeles, I booked the first flight of the day, which departed at 7am.  There was a 10am flight too, but I picked the 7am flight for one important reason.

Being that it's summer in Florida, thunderstorms, lightning, and other severe weather typically starts up every day here, but later in the day.

Travel experts recommend taking the first flight of the day to lessen the chance of a weather related delay.  My plane was already in Orlando, having arrived the night before, so it was ready and waiting.

I also opted for non-stop flights so that I wouldn't have to worry about connections and delays there.

For my return flight, I picked the 11am flight home because it was the only non-stop flight that wasn't too early to make, or would require me to spend all day in the airport.

My flight home was delayed by 2 hours because of a staffing issue on the airline's side, but in the grand scheme of air travel, I think I did pretty well.

The other smart decision I made was I flew in a day early for my cruise.

Not only is flying in one day early critical to ensure air travel delays don't cause you to miss the flight, but it made my trip four days instead of three.

Having an extra day meant I got to visit family, explore more of Southern California, and acclimate to the time zone change.

Flying for a short cruise is worthwhile for a new itinerary

I believe there's an x-factor with choosing to go on a short cruise, and that's where your cruise is going.

I'd never been to Ensenada before, nor had I sailed on Ovation of the Seas.  The opportunity to try something new I think makes the appeal greater.

When I took my first European cruise, I was hesitant to fly that long of a distance.  But the allure of visiting new places intrigued me, and that made the decision easier.

Likewise, I wanted to experience Ensenada, even though I know it's not well-liked by cruisers.

My plan was to simply get tacos and beer in town, and enjoy authentic food that I can't get at home.

I succeeded in this plan, thanks in part to my YouTube viewers that recommended a few places.  Plus, I thought Ensenada was perfectly fine in the same way walking around downtown Cozumel is. I wouldn't mind coming back to try something else outside of the city, but realize I'll need a plan.

I'm not saying Ensenada is a reason to book a trip like this. Rather, it helps when you're going somewhere "new to you" and that incentivizes the rationale for going.

I'm glad I went, but it helped things went well

Having been back at home for a few days, I'm happy I flew across the country for a short weekend cruise.  In retrospect, it greatly helped things worked out just as I had hoped.

First and foremost, I had good weather the entire trip.  

Even in Los Angeles, the weather was lovely and quite hot.  I was surprised by this, because this time of year is notorious for "June Gloom" that usually brings clouds, fog, and chilly weather.

On each day I was in town, it was hot, and any clouds in the morning gave way to sun by lunch.

Likewise, the weather in Mexico was sunny too.

We had more clouds than sun on our sea day, but truthfully I've had much worse weather (i.e. rain) on Bahamas cruises.

I think the thing that made this trip tolerable more than anything was the fact my flights were mostly on time.

We left right on time flying to the west coast, and my return flight was only delayed by two hours coming home. 

A delayed flight home might seem like a problem, but I was able to land a bit later and go right to sleep.  The time zone change back to east coast time combined with an early wake up to leave the ship meant I was pretty tired.  So the delay set me up for bed time.

Of course, I would have preferred an on-time departure to go home, but I like to find the positive whenever possible.

I'm glad I flew cross-country for my first time on Ovation of the Seas, even if it was just for 3 nights. But it greatly helps if you can maximize your trip with smart decisions (and a little luck) along the way.

Guests booked on select upcoming Alaska cruises received emails today informing them of a modification to their itinerary that will expedite their return.

The change was emailed to guests booked on select sailings.  One such one is the June 22 sailing of Serenade of the Seas that sails roundtrip from Vancouver.

"To prevent any potential delays and ensure a timely arrival to Vancouver, British Columbia, we'll sail directly to Vancouver instead of having a second scenic cruising day," the email reads.

The phrase "scenic cruising day" refers to the Inside Passage, which is a stretch of land that offers guests the opportunity to sail within view of land.  That potentially provides more sightings of animals, mountains, and flora.

Essentially, the ship will now sail directly to Vancouver, British Columbia, rather than spend a second day through the famed Inside Passage. 

Read more: Alaska cruise guide

In addition to skipping the Inside Passage, the schedule has been modified in Ketchikan. The new arrival time is 11:30 a.m. with departure at 6:00 p.m., giving passengers a slightly shorter window to explore the port.

The letter to guests apologizes for the last-minute change but assures them that there's still ample time to enjoy the destination.

On Facebook, other cruisers shared they received similar emails.

"I just got a message about our cruise the week after - they are changing the arrival time to 9am and departure time to 5pm (also Ketchikan)," wrote one person.

Another added, "this was the update we got for June 8's sailing too."

In fact, here's a copy of the same email for the June 8th sailing and it will also do the same change.

Another person commented they got an email like this, but for a sailing in August, "I just got the same letter sent to me and we’re not going until August."

Why is the change happening

Royal Caribbean did not specify in any of the letters sent to guests why they are making the change specifically.

The email says it's about ensuring an on time arrival back in Vancouver.  

There's no mention of a problem with the ship's propulsion, congestion in ports, or tight turnaround times back in Vancouver.

Skipping the Inside Passage means the ship can traverse less distance than going along the Inside Passage. 

However, one advantage of the Inside Advantage over open ocean is sea conditions tend to be calmer near the coast.

The Inside Passage tends to be extremely calm, as these waters are protected and sheltered from the higher waves in the open Pacific waters.

Sailing the Inside Passage

The Alaska Inside Passage is a series of coastal waterways that weave through the Southeastern panhandle of Alaska.

It's one of the most common routes cruise ships take when they depart from Seattle or Vancouver, as it provides stops along Alaska's panhandle.

It spans 500 miles, and includes all of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia. 

It's a lovely way to take in the views directly from the ship, including wildlife and landscape.

Royal Caribbean is about to launch a brand new mega-ship this summer, but don't overlook their smaller vessels.

Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is ready for its best summer yet. While most eyes are hyper-focused on Star of the Seas' launch in August, there's a lot more worth talking about. 

For example, Ovation of the Seas just began her first season sailing from Los Angeles to the Baja Peninsula. 

Before the 168,666 gross-ton vessel set sail from California, the largest Royal Caribbean ship to call Los Angeles home had been Navigator of the Seas. 

When Royal Caribbean returned to Los Angeles after more than a decade in 2021, Navigator signaled the company's commitment to expanding its West Coast presence. 

Now, with Ovation of the Seas stepping in, they're even more excited to double down on their offerings out of California to ports like Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. 

Ovation, which launched in 2016, features next-level amenities like a skydiving simulator, an indoor multi-purpose venue, a North Star glass observation capsule, and more. 

Anthem of the Seas makes her Alaska debut

This summer is filled with firsts for Quantum Class ships. In addition to Ovation sailing from Los Angeles, Anthem is heading to Alaska for the first time. 

Anthem of the Seas launched in 2015 and has sailed across the globe, from Norway to Spain, Australia, and Japan. However, this marks her inaugural season exploring The Last Frontier. 

Sailing from Seattle on 7-night itineraries every Friday through September 26, Anthem will call at iconic ports like Skagway, Juneau, and Sitka.

All the while, passengers can enjoy Anthem's signature Quantum Class features. The North Star observation capsule is a highlight, as it offers panoramic views of Alaska’s glaciers and snow-capped mountains from over 300 feet above sea level.

Read more: I’ve been on 5 Alaska cruises, and I see people making the same 20 mistakes: here’s how to avoid them

Amplified Allure of the Seas in Europe

Looking for a different kind of adventure? There's none more exciting than Allure of the Seas' summer season in Europe. Not only is this Allure's first time in Europe since 2015, but it follows her highly anticipated amplification. 

Allure of the Seas was supposed to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2020; however, the plans were indefinitely postponed due to the global pandemic. 5 years later, she finally got the attention she desperately needed compared to newer Oasis Class ships. 

Now, Allure sports a resort-style pool deck, Perfect Storm waterslides, Ultimate Abyss dry slide, Playmaker's, Mason Jar specialty restaurant, Pesky Parrot tiki-bar, a new AquaTheater show, and more. 

In short, if you've been waiting to sail aboard Allure of the Seas, there's no better time than this summer, especially as she's set to visit culturally rich cities in Europe. Allure will remain in the Mediterranean through late October, when she'll reposition to offer Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean just finished $100 million in upgrades to Allure of the Seas. First look at all the changes

Finally, Star of the Seas is set to sail from Port Canaveral, Florida

There's no denying that Icon of the Seas has been a smash hit. Building on that momentum, Star of the Seas promises to add to the experience with new dining options and shows. 

For instance, Royal Caribbean is switching the theme of the upscale supper club. Rather than copying and pasting the same old-school NYC experience, the Lincoln Park Supper Club will pay homage to Chicago in the 1930s. Additionally, Pier 7 is being replaced by a new dining concept. There will be an extra hot tub, too! 

Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, Star will transport guests to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. All itineraries include a scheduled stop at Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Ahead of her maiden voyage on August 31, Star will embark on short 3- and 4-night showcase sailings starting on August 16, 2025. Ironically, her original inaugural cruise was scheduled for the 17th but was pushed back because of construction delays. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals 21 ways to party, dance, and show on its new Icon Class ship

Royal Caribbean legend, Richard Fain, is taking another step back from the cruise giant.

The company announced on Friday Mr. Fain is stepping down as Royal Caribbean Board Chairman in the fourth quarter of 2025. He will remain on the Board of Directors.

Replacing him will be Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO. He'll take over the role in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Additionally, John Brock, a member of the Board of Directors since 2014 and current Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has assumed the role of Independent Lead Director.

The change in board leadership signifies the transition Royal Caribbean Group is making to the next generation. In the years since Mr. Fain stepped down as CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the Icon Class was introduced along with plans for river cruises and an expansion of private destinations.

"Time to hand the wheel to the next generation"

In a statement, Mr. Fain expressed his gratitude for time spent, and thinks the company is moving in the right direction.

"It is time to hand the wheel to the next generation of exceptional talent at Royal Caribbean Group, and I am very confident that under Jason's strong leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group will accelerate to even greater heights in the years ahead," noted Richard Fain.

Mr. Liberty also shared his thoughts on the change.

"Richard's leadership has been nothing short of transformative. Under his leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group has become the leading vacation company - with industry leading brands, ships, destinations and people," said Liberty. 

"I am honored and humbled to have been elected as Chairman and CEO and I look forward to continuing to create and deliver the ultimate vacation experience for our guests and delivering elevated long-term value for our shareholders. Fortunately, the company and I will continue to benefit from Richard's experience and mentorship in his continued role as a Director on our Board."

Richard Fain's legacy

Richard Fain worked at Royal Caribbean since 1988, and he leaves behind a tradition of leadership and vision for the future.

Under Mr. Fain's tenure, Royal Caribbean went from a cruise line with a handful of ships to a market leader with dozens of ships all over the world.

The company expanded to include Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, growing the offerings and experiences available.

Notably, he ushered in the mega ship era.  The arrival of the Oasis Class ships instantly raised the bar for what the public expected from a mainstream cruise line.

On top of that, he oversaw the Perfect Day at CocoCay transformation.  This has fundamentally changed the entire cruise industry's approach to a private island.  Beach, chairs, and umbrellas aren't enough anymore, and we're seeing other cruise lines rush to upgrade their private destinations to match.

All the while, Mr. Fain ensured steady growth, even while facing a cruise industry shutdown in 2020 that crippled the industry.

Many credit Mr. Fain's leadership in 2020-2021 for providing a beacon of hope that cruises would return, and since then, Royal Caribbean has emerged financially and strategically stronger for it.

Who is Jason Liberty?

Taking over as Board Chairman is the current Royal Caribbean Group CEO, Jason Liberty.

Mr. Liberty served in several financial, strategic and operational roles before becoming CFO in 2013. He was then promoted to CEO in 2022.

Since taking over as CEO, he's been the face of the giant cruise company and an advocate for pushing the company forward while managing its post-shutdown financial future.

In the company's most recent earnings call, he echoed a phrase he's used many times, "Our plan.. continues to be grounded in our proven formula for success, moderate capacity growth, moderate yield growth, and strong cost control."

In his three years at the helm, he's signed off on plans to expand into river cruising, as well as expanding to more private destinations.

"We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what a modern-day vacation can be – delivering innovative experiences that create unforgettable memories for our guests and value for the communities we visit," he said last month in a prepared statement.

When it comes to cruise vacations, some people prefer to keep things spontaneous by going with the flow and seeing where the day takes them. And then there’s me!

As a type A person, vacation planning is where I shine - and I love ironing out each detail of our trip. I genuinely enjoy researching every port of call and scoping out the best places to visit for each destination. Whether that’s watching YouTube videos or reading tour reviews, I've learned that a little bit of research can go a long way.

I’ve been the designated cruise planner in my family for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my dad and I would dive into researching itineraries and planning excursions, while my mom and sister stayed mostly out of the loop. We always joked that they were just along for the ride - and that my mom probably couldn’t even name the ports we were visiting!

This is still the case, as I like taking charge of our cruise plans to ensure everything goes smoothly, and my mom still doesn’t ever really know our vacation plans. She's just happy to be on a cruise!

Compared to land-based trips, I find cruises much easier to plan. With a cruise, you don’t have to worry about transportation between destinations, as the ship does the moving for you while you sleep. Trains, rental cars, and flights can complicate vacation planning. 

You also don't need to worry about meal planning or reservations each night. While I love trying new restaurants when I travel, coordinating multiple meals a day that please everyone can get exhausting. On a cruise, it’s all taken care of, and you can eat whenever and whatever you want without the stress of planning it.

I’m also the go-to planner when my husband and I cruise together, even though he’s just as type A as I am. I usually take the lead on choosing the cruise, planning excursions, and organizing our daily activities, while he handles the hotels and flights. Even when I travel with friends, I naturally fall into the role of organizing the trip and shaping the itinerary.

That said, I don’t plan every minute of every day. I just like to have a general outline so we can make the most of our time. As the family’s “Chief Vacation Officer,” or CVO, I take charge of planning any cruise I’m a part of. Someone has to, right?

Here are my top planning strategies to ensure a smooth cruise for the entire travel party from start to finish.

1. Researching thoroughly for the best itinerary

When you start looking for a cruise, you might be overwhelmed by all of the itinerary options. Even itineraries with the same destination can have different ports of call, and not every port has something different to offer. Take a "Norwegian Fjord" itinerary as an example. You’ll find a number of different itineraries labeled “Norwegian Fjord Cruise” that include completely different ports of call.

Some ports of call are definitely more desirable than others, and in some cases, you could end up traveling quite a distance just to reach the main attractions. That’s why I always do in-depth research before putting down a deposit, especially if it’s nonrefundable. We usually book our cruises at least a year in advance to give ourselves plenty of time to review the itinerary, secure flights, and plan excursions.

For instance, my parents are looking to take a cruise to the Norwegian fjords next summer. Although my dad wanted to book the cheapest option with Royal Caribbean, I researched alternative options and itineraries before we booked anything. 

Rather than settling for an older ship with less exciting ports, I found a much better option aboard Celebrity Apex, which is a newer, more premium ship with a far more appealing itinerary. After all, you can’t truly experience the Norwegian fjords without visiting the iconic and breathtaking Geirangerfjord, which the cheaper Royal Caribbean cruise skipped entirely.

2. Finding unique itineraries to interesting ports of call

My parents have been cruising for over 30 years, so they’ve enjoyed expanding their horizons beyond the Caribbean. Over the last decade, our family has enjoyed traveling on more unique itineraries, typically one-off sailings or repositioning cruises. Some of the most interesting itineraries can be found when the cruise line is repositioning between different seasons, such as between Alaska and Australia or the Caribbean and Europe.

As the family planner, I absolutely love researching all of the itinerary options to find the best ones with unique ports of call. The world feels like it’s at your fingertips when you browse all of the sailings offered by a cruise line. While most people imagine Caribbean beaches when they think of cruising, my family likes to cram in as many ports of call as possible. The more countries we can visit on a cruise, the better!

Within the last year, we’ve actually taken two repositioning cruises that visited eight different countries. Last fall, we cruised aboard Celebrity Solstice from Sydney, Australia, to Singapore. Back in April, we cruised with Royal Caribbean on Anthem of the Seas from Singapore to Tokyo with stops across Asia.

3. Monitoring prices for everyone to see if we can save money

Another responsibility that I take on as CVO is price tracking for the travel group.

Cruise lines will typically honor a lower rate if it’s less than what you paid. Essentially, if you book a cruise and the price goes down, you can reprice for the current fare - this usually needs to be done before you make your final payment. But, I’ve also been able to upgrade our stateroom to a higher category cabin when prices have dropped closer to the sail date. You never know until you ask!

If I see a price drop, I always tell everyone in our travel group to reprice their itinerary. A few years ago, I saved my parents upwards of $3,000 on a Mediterranean cruise when the price dropped substantially after we had booked.

In addition, I set price trackers for everyone’s flight schedules using Google Flights. Although I always do this for myself, I also set trackers for my parents’ and sister’s flight itineraries. I’ve been able to save hundreds of dollars by repricing my flight or switching my itinerary slightly! Just make sure you book flights that allow for free changes, which is typically not possible with basic economy fares.

Finally, I also monitor excursion prices and add-ons in the cruise planner. We’ve been able to cancel our reservation and rebook for a cheaper price without issue!

Read more: Where to save and splurge on a cruise vacation, from someone who's taken 51 cruises

4. Taking charge of booking our hotels for optimal location

When traveling internationally, we always visit the embarkation country a few days before the cruise. This allows us to explore and make the most of our time while adjusting to the time difference. We usually spend two nights at a hotel to sightsee before embarkation. This also allows a buffer in case of any travel delays or cancellations.

Booking hotels used to be my dad’s job for our family cruises. However, after a few flops in poor locations, I decided to add this to my CVO duties. For example, he once booked a Holiday Inn out in the Barcelona suburbs that was nowhere near the city’s main sights — or the cruise port, for that matter!

Now, I take time to research the best hotel options to utilize status perks in an optimal location. I always book a hotel that’s not too far from the cruise port, but still has easy access to the top attractions we want to see. I’ve found that booking through a travel agent can save you even more money while still receiving your status perks!

5. Researching shore excursions and port plans

My favorite task as CVO is researching shore excursions and planning our daily itineraries. Typically, I start my planning process for each port by looking at the excursions offered through the cruise line. I’ll also research if immigration is necessary for certain countries; in this case, having priority with a cruise-sponsored excursion can save you hours.

I’ve learned how important it is to book your excursions early, especially if you plan to book with the cruise line. The popular excursions will sell out quickly, and you might be left with few options in unfamiliar ports of call.

Some ports of call can be located hours away from the actual city you want to visit. In this case, we normally book a shore excursion through the cruise line to have a guaranteed on-time return. Further, you can always cancel your shore excursion when booked through the cruise line if you change your mind beforehand.

For example, when we cruised to the Holy Land on Odyssey of the Seas a few years ago, we booked our excursions through Royal Caribbean well in advance. Onboard, we met several passengers who had waited too long to book and found that all the cruise line’s tours were already full.

Because Israel required face-to-face immigration, those without shore excursions had to wait until all the tour groups had disembarked. By the time they were cleared to leave the ship, it was late in the day, the main sights were closed, and it was already getting dark. On the other hand, we were off the ship in the early morning and able to tour the city for hours.

We aren’t opposed to independent excursions, as these can save you money and provide you with customizable options in a smaller group. While visiting Bali last fall, we booked a private tour for both days with Shore Excursions Group when the cruise line’s excursions were lackluster.

Finally, it’s important to choose an excursion that will be enjoyable and comfortable for the entire family. During that same Holy Land cruise, I researched every excursion option in Santorini that would avoid my mom having to ride a donkey or hyperventilate in the heat while waiting for the cable car. Luckily, I found the perfect excursion with a bus ride directly from the tender - it was perfect for our family.

6. Creating an organized itinerary for everyone

As the family’s Chief Vacation Officer, I usually have our carefully crafted, months-in-the-making itinerary memorized and ready to go. However, I’ve found that the go-with-the-flow family members can feel out of the loop.

As a compromise, I started creating cruise vacation itineraries that the whole family can use. This also provides a space for me to compile all of the tour times, descriptions, hotel addresses, flight times, and more. I can also store important phone numbers or other reminders here in one convenient location. I’ll save the itinerary on my phone and use that throughout the vacation whenever I need to refresh my memory.

I love making these organized itineraries before our trips. It’s one of the last things that I do before packing once all of our plans are finalized. I typically make these in Canva, which is free to use!

7. Getting a head start on visas and travel documents

When taking more unique itineraries, it’s not uncommon to need visas prior to embarkation. Our last two cruises required visas for Vietnam and Indonesia, which can be difficult for my parents to navigate. Instead of them stressing out, I will do the research to determine exactly what’s needed for our cruise.

I will also take charge of applying for the visas before everyone else, which allows me to help my parents and sister walk through the process. Some of the applications can be difficult to understand, and there are even phishing websites out there that pose as official government visa websites.

By getting a head start on these applications, I can help my family obtain their necessary documentation with ease. Having the necessary paperwork at embarkation is crucial, as you might not be able to board the cruise if you don’t have proper documentation for every port of call!

8. Watching videos and reading reviews

The internet is full of incredibly insightful resources for travelers, especially YouTube and TikTok. In the weeks leading up to our vacation, I’ll often search for videos from other travelers who have visited the same destinations or sailed on the same cruise ship.

These reviews and first-hand experiences help provide a better sense of what I can expect during my trip. Many videos review the different ports of call and provide tips to optimize your time ashore. Watching these videos helps me prepare more confidently and make informed decisions before we even set foot on the ship.

In addition, I’ll use these videos for packing inspiration to see what everyone is wearing for the weather and outfits. Once I get a feel for what to pack, I will let my family know what they can expect during our trip. My mom stresses about packing especially, so I try to ease her worries with information about what she can expect.

Before packing, I will also prioritize reading blogs and online reviews about others who have taken the same itinerary. Although some reviews can skew unusually negative, many travelers provide helpful advice and tips on forums.

Read more: European cruise outfits and packing guide for women

9. Providing lounge access for long travel days

Because I travel often, I’ve picked up a few travel credit cards that offer complimentary lounge access at airports around the world. For long travel days, especially those with layovers or international flights, this perk is a total game-changer.

Instead of scrambling for overpriced snacks or hunting for a seat near an outlet, we unwind in comfortable lounges with free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, and clean restrooms. Since I know how much of a difference this can make, I’ve added my family members as authorized users on my cards so they can enjoy the same access.

Before every trip, I double-check that everyone has the right cards with them so there are no hiccups at the airport, whether this is the Amex Platinum or their Delta Reserve. This makes our travel days feel a little less chaotic and a lot more luxurious, especially before long international flights.

10. Preparing for the unexpected and taking charge when plans go amiss

Any CVO will tell you: cruises don’t always go as planned. In this way, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable when you encounter the unexpected. Although I take charge before the vacations, I try to keep calm and handle it when plans change. As my parents get older, they get stressed more easily when plans change or they need to adjust their schedule.

During our family cruise in Australia last fall, my dad’s prearranged transportation didn’t show up at the airport as scheduled. As the CVO, I took charge and ordered an Uber XL for our family to use instead. While my dad was panicking that our transportation hadn’t arrived, I took charge so he could relax and not stress. We were able to find a transfer quickly, and everyone was relieved to arrive at our hotel.