Royal Caribbean Blog

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.

Royal Caribbean has many different kinds of staterooms you can choose from, and I think families would love one kind of cabin designed for space but doesn't cost a lot either.

Freedom of the Seas is one ship that has ultra spacious ocean view cabins.  They're enormous, and I love how well they work for families with young children.

Cruise ship cabins are notorious for how small they can be, especially compared to land hotels. Many new cruisers are surprised to see how tight a fit they are for most standard cabins.

Before you spend extra for a suite in order to get more room, perhaps an ultra spacious ocean cabin would be a better idea.

Lots of space for up to 6 people

Before you even see one photo of this room, the fact it can sleep up to 6 passengers is quite notable.

Most Royal Caribbean ship cabins max out at 4, and to get past that, you're primarily going to have to book a suite.

Ultra spacious ocean view staterooms (category 1K) have 293 square feet of space.  While they do not have a balcony, they do make up for it with significantly more space. As an example, an oceanview cabin has just 159 square feet of space of living room.

You'll find ultra spacious ocean view rooms on Freedom Class ships.

Another key difference with this type of room is they have bunk beds.

There's an alcove close to the door with a set of bunk beds, perfect for kids. Not only is it a good use of the area, but kids love the idea of having bunk beds.

I love that there's a curtain and wall to truly provide privacy for the kids (and everyone else outside of it). When my kids were young, they had trouble falling/staying asleep when there was light in the room, so this ensures optimal sleeping conditions.

Speaking of things kids love, there are two porthole windows that provide views, natural light, and somewhere to sit.

Kids often curl up in the porthole to enjoy the view.

The rooms at the front are even better

There are a pair of ultra spacious rooms at the front of the ship (they end in -200 and -500) that are even more intriguing.

Instead of a curtain separating the bunk beds, there's an actual door.  Plus, the king size bed is in its own room with a curtain. 

This greatly changes the feel of the room to be more like a suite than an oceanview cabin.

In addition, cabin -500 has more windows, while -200 has more living room space.

Affordable price for a big cabin

The best thing about this type of room is the value it has.

You'll pay a lot less for this room than an equally large suite, and that's a tremendous savings.

As an example, I found a sailing on October 3, 2026 to illustrate the pricing. This example qualifies for Kids Sail Free deal at the time this article was written.

Sailing on a 5-night Freedom of the Seas cruise with 2 adults and 2 children, the price of cabin 9500 is $2,551.88 including taxes and fees. 

To get a suite that has as much space as the ultra spacious cabins, we could book a Junior Suite. The cost is $3,698.88 for all four people.

That has 299 square feet, but has no bunk beds or separation from the kids in an alcove or bedroom.

In order to get a cabin with separation, you'd have to move up to a 2 Bedroom Grand Suite, which is priced at $5,770.88.

In both examples, it's over $1,000 cheaper to go with the ultra spacious room instead.

Finding hidden cabins like this can be a game changer

I love finding secret cabins like this because it offers a blend of value and amenities.

The vast majority of staterooms have pretty much the same layout and look to them, so if you can find ones that are unique and offer a better fit for your group, that's a win.

Regardless of the type of cabin, when you get to stay in a larger room that has much more living space, it feels glorious. I change up the type of room I'm in depending on my needs and budgets, but I always feel more at ease in a spacious room.

With a bunk bed and different living spaces, I think the ultra spacious cabin is the perfect cruise ship room for families with kids.

We all love our kids, but sharing the same space as them (especially during the night) is not exactly ideal.

I like there's a real bed for the kids (instead of a sofa bed), and the kids like the bunk bed element that gives a "sleepaway camp" experience for them.

Diana Ross has accumulated a number of accolades over her career, but she can add Godmother to the list.

The music icon, 81, is proving age is nothing but a number because she's still racking up achievements.  She has been named Godmother of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship.

The "I'm Coming Out" singer will serve in the ceremonial role for Star of the Seas.

“I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family,” said Diana Ross. “Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”

Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class cruise ship, and will launch from Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025.

Royal Caribbean announced the news on Thursday, revealing one of the final pieces of news surrounding Star.

“We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. 

“We couldn’t imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can’t wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August.”

It's an appropriate ship name considering the legendary singer has been a star in her own right for decades. While playing two sold out shows in New York in March 2025, she told the crowd she’s “never going to retire.”

As part of a longstanding maritime tradition, Ross will take part in the naming celebration for Star in August 2025 in Port Canaveral.  There's no official date announced yet, but it's likely to take place a few days before the first revenue sailing that is to take place on August 16.

Ross joins a l;ong line of celebrities who have been chosen to be named godmother.

What does a godmother to a cruise ship do?

It's tradition for every cruise ship to have a godmother, and it's something that goes back decades.

Traditionally, the role is held by women, although some men have started to be put in the role as well.

Truthfully, it's as much a marketing move as it is part of the maritime industry. Celebrities are often tapped to be the godmother in order to garner additional attention to the ship.

Once on the ship, the godmother gives a blessing for the safety of the crew members and passengers who will sail onboard it. 

The last godmother to be named by Royal Caribbean was Meghan Trainor for Utopia of the Seas.  She performed a concert onboard as part of her duties.

Who is Diana Ross?

Diana Ross is one of the most well-known American singers of all time.

She started out her career as a member of The Supremes in the 1960s.  The Supremes were so popular, that they rivaled The Beatles.

Ross eventually left the group to start her solo singing career. Her first big solo hit was "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," and followed that up with more chart topping hits in the 1970s and 1980s.

She expanded her career with a movie career, even earning an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues. She also starred in Mahogany and The Wiz.

Many people remember Diana Ross for her fashion, which was anything but traditional. She became a fashion icon for her bold choices.

She has since been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

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

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

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

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

Evolving wants and ways to relax

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

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

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

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

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

Planning around dinner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I recommend traditional dinner for large groups

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tips for cruising with large groups

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It has the best cruise buffet

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

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

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

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

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

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

I loved bar hopping each night

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I tried Royal Caribbean’s drink package for the first time, but I didn’t get my money’s worth. That being said, I loved the convenience of the package, so it might be worth a try on your next cruise.

Drink packages are one of the most popular add-ons to purchase before a Royal Caribbean cruise. The Deluxe Beverage Package offers unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and it is a must-have for many cruisers.

Having access to unlimited drinks allows passengers to relax and unwind during their vacation, whether onboard the ship or at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations of Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

Despite cruising with Royal Caribbean over 20 times, I never purchased a drink package. While I enjoy a cocktail here and there, I never thought I could drink enough to make the cost of a drink package worth it.

On my most recent sailing on Utopia of the Seas, though, I tried a Deluxe Beverage Package for the first time. I booked a Star Class suite, which included a drink package in the cruise fare. During my short, 3-night cruise, I tried to make the most of the drink package to get my money’s worth.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a waste of money for me, and I probably wouldn’t try it again.

Most drink packages cost between $80 and $90 per day

Royal Caribbean’s drink package price varies from sailing to sailing, but you can typically expect to pay around $80 to $90 per day with gratuities.

Drink prices onboard vary, too, but cocktails are usually around $14, with beers and seltzers priced around $8.

Related: How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Therefore, to “break even” on the drink package, passengers need to drink at least 6-7 drinks per day. This is an easy number to reach for some cruisers, especially those celebrating a special event, like a bachelorette, onboard.

For others—myself included—it can be a challenge to drink enough to find value in the package.

I didn’t think I could drink enough to break even on the daily cost

Even though my drink package was included in the cost of my luxury Star Class suite, I still technically paid for the package in my base cruise fare. Knowing that the package would cost around $270 for my 3-night cruise, I doubted I could drink enough during the weekend to break even.

Plus, as a Diamond Plus member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, I already receive 5 free drinks per day. This would effectively bring my “break-even” number to over 11 drinks per day.

For the purposes of this review, I’ll keep my break-even number to around 6-7 drinks per day, as most Royal Caribbean passengers do not receive free Diamond drinks.

Immediately, I felt a sense of pressure to order drinks

As soon as I boarded the ship, I felt as if a clock were ticking. If I wanted to make the drink package worth it, I needed to start ordering drinks soon.

I grabbed a latte after boarding, as specialty coffees are included in the drink package. At only $5, though, I still had a ways to go.

Embarkation day can be hectic. In between completing my muster drill, unpacking my suitcase, and exploring the ship, I realized I hadn’t ordered a drink in several hours. Hoping to “make up” for this lost time, I grabbed a glass of white wine to enjoy while getting ready.

Later that evening, I ordered a cucumber martini at dinner, followed by a bourbon mule at The Mason Jar, Royal Caribbean’s southern-inspired restaurant and bar.

In total, the four drinks I ordered on embarkation day hardly made a dent in the daily cost of a drink package.

As the weekend continued, I shifted my mindset on the drink package

One of the biggest advantages of having a drink package is ordering drinks without receiving a large bill at the end of the cruise. For some cruisers, a prepaid drink package provides peace of mind. It allows them to relax without worrying about the price of each individual drink, whether they order 5 per day or 15.

On the second day of my cruise, I realized the drink package wasn’t only about breaking even, but also about enjoying drinks without stress.

Related: 21 drinks to order if you have a cruise drink package

I began to order drinks more frequently throughout the day, whether two glasses of wine with lunch or an Aperol spritz by the pool.

I also started carrying my included Coca-Cola souvenir cup around the ship, which provided unlimited soft drinks from the Coca-Cola freestyle machines.

In short, I stopped worrying about counting each individual drink—the stress of doing so kept me from enjoying my cruise to the fullest. I realized one of the best benefits of the package is the convenience factor; it provides a more all-inclusive experience to a Royal Caribbean cruise.

I tried nearly a dozen new drinks while onboard

One of the biggest benefits of Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is the ability to try new drinks. There are dozens of cocktails available on Royal Caribbean’s ships, and many bars offer totally unique drink menus.

When paying for drinks individually, it’s easy to stick to the status quo. Most cruisers, after all, do not want to waste $15 on a drink they may not enjoy. Because of this, it’s common to stick to tried-and-true favorites, like a classic piña colada or familiar brand of beer.

Yet with a drink package, there’s no pressure to actually finish each drink. If you order a beverage and don’t like it, you can order another for no additional cost.

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

During my 3 nights onboard, I loved trying new-to-me cocktails. I sipped on a boozy banana float while listening to live country music at The Mason Jar and grabbed fruity coladas at the tropical-themed Pesky Parrot bar.

The drink package gave me the freedom to try new drinks without worrying about whether or not I would like them.

After a while, however, drinking and eating too much made me feel lethargic

One of my favorite aspects of sailing on a new Royal Caribbean ship like Utopia of the Seas is trying the diverse dining options.

In addition to a Deluxe Beverage Package, I also had an Unlimited Dining Package for the sailing. This package included meals at Utopia of the Seas’ specialty restaurants, including Izumi Sushi, Hooked Seafood, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean's Unlimited Dining Package

Like most cruise dining experiences, specialty restaurants offer multi-course meals. From creamy pumpkin bisque to tender lobster and fried cheesecake, each meal was unquestionably delicious, but also extremely rich.

I planned to order drinks with each meal, but it often felt too overwhelming. As much as I love an espresso martini, for example, it felt too heavy to pair with an already indulgent meal.

A glass of water or a diet soda provided a lighter option so I didn’t feel overly full.

The drink package wasn’t right for me, and I’ll stick to included beverages on my next cruise

Despite trying new drinks during my cruise, I almost certainly did not break even on the drink package. Even though I stopped counting each drink individually, I’d guess I only drank around half of my break-even number.

Despite the convenience factor of the drink package, I found that I was not always in the mood to drink. Even though I could enjoy nonalcoholic beverages like specialty coffees and mocktails, I was just as happy to grab a complimentary glass of iced tea or lemonade instead.

Related: What drinks are free on your Royal Caribbean cruise?

I’m more of a social drinker than anything else, so perhaps my experience would have been different if I were sailing with a large group or celebrating a special event.

Ultimately, I am perfectly comfortable with sticking to the included beverages in Royal Caribbean’s cruise fare. If I want a cocktail while onboard, I’ll just purchase one individually. Daily drink specials and Crown & Anchor Society beverage coupons can help save money on drinks, too.

Nonetheless, you might still want to consider a drink package for your Royal Caribbean cruise

I won’t be purchasing another Deluxe Beverage Package, but it might be the right choice for your cruise vacation.

If you’re only cruising once a year, for instance, it could be worth the splurge to book a drink package. There’s no sense worrying about drink prices on your well-deserved vacation, and a drink package could definitely enhance your experience.

Likewise, those cruising with a group of friends or large family may find value in a drink package. These situations may foster a more celebratory atmosphere compared to cruising with a smaller group.

Finally, if your cruise visits one (or both) of Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, a drink package can offer an even better value. Your packages work at these ports, so you can make use of the benefits while ashore.

There’s no set answer as to whether or not a Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it on a Royal Caribbean cruise. For some passengers, it’s a no-brainer. For others, such as myself, it might not offer the best value.

Royal Caribbean is adding the biggest cruise ship ever to sail from Los Angeles, and it's the perfect reason to think about cruising the Mexican Riviera.

Ovation of the Seas is now offering cruises from LA, beginning with its first sailing with paying guests on Tuesday.

Adding a second ship to the market is a big deal, because it's not just a commitment to the west coast cruising market, but new hardware that offers more for cruise ship passengers to enjoy.

When any cruise line enters a market, it usually dips its toe with one ship, but when a big ship gets added, it's a power move.

Royal Caribbean invited me to be their guest on a preview sailing aboard Ovation of the Seas to experience the difference this ship will make.

A new way to go on a Mexico cruise

Starting this week, Ovation of the Seas will begin sailing 3-6-night cruises from the cruise terminal in San Pedro.

Royal Caribbean has been offering cruises on just one ship up until now on Navigator of the Seas. But the script is being updated with a big new ship.

I had an exclusive interview with Royal Caribbean International Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Service, Vicki Freed, where she talked about how big her cruise line's plans are for the LA cruise market.

"When we come back, we come back in a big way," she proudly said.

"We are going to be introducing five different ships out of the West Coast."

"Our intent was to always come back to the Los Angeles area and soon to be the San Diego area."

California is is one of the top cruising markets, and bookings for the ship did quite well as soon as they went on sale.

I've taken a few cruises from Los Angeles, but a new ship with more to offer is a difference maker.  

The 4,905-passenger cruise ship is one of Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, and that means pools, restaurants, signature shows, and plenty of different staterooms to choose from.

By adding another ship, this adds more itinerary variation and prices to consider. Having two ships means you have the choice of short getaways or longer weeklong voyages.

Jennifer Keln is a travel advisor with MEI Travel, and she grew up in California.  She said Royal Caribbean's commitment has been a long, but welcome journey back, "Having lived on the West Coast most of my adult life, I’m so excited that we are finally getting newer, fun packed options out of LA!"

"The Quantum class ships will be my go to recommendation for families as they offer everything from bumper cars to the iFly skydiving simulator they are sure to keep the entire family busy and happy!"

Big ship with big features

One thing you'll notice when going on a big ship is how much there is to do onboard. It's what has made Royal Caribbean a market leader and recognizable brand.

Their big ships are the ones that have the greatest "wow" factor, and while the places you go on a cruise are important, the ship is equally important.

Ovation of the Seas has features such as bumper cars, North Star observation pod, Ripcord by iFly sky diving, and an immense theater on the back of the ship that is integrates technology and show.

If you're someone who likes suites, Ovation has a major advantage over Navigator because there are the Royal Suite Class options.

Royal Suite Class has Coastal Kitchen restaurant, Royal Genie services, and a dedicated sun deck. In terms of value for the price of a suite, there's more included with a suite on Ovation.

Plus, Ovation of the Seas has great dining onboard too.

You'll find a number of specialty and included restaurants to choose from, including Jamie's Italian, Izumi sushi, and Wonderland.

I think the difference with moving up to Ovation is you get more space for all of the fun ideas Royal Caribbean has.  Newer ships lean into the best offerings, along with more updated amenities. 

The aesthetics of the cabin are more modern on Ovation, as well as the amount of storage space and number of outlets you'll find.

More ships coming to the west coast

Ovation of the Seas is just the first foray, as Royal Caribbean has even bigger plans for Southern California.

Quantum of the Seas will also sail from Los Angeles later this year. In fact, for a short period, there will be three ships sailing from LA before Ovation shifts out.

And then in 2026, Royal Caribbean will expand operations to San Diego.

Serenade of the Seas will homeport from San Diego to offer a convenient new place to visit ports along the Baja peninsula.

Perhaps there are even more grandiose plans on the horizon.

During a question and answer event held aboard Ovation of the Seas, a travel advisor asked if Royal Caribbean had any plans to bring an Oasis Class ship to the Los Angeles market or have plans for building a new homeport in the Southern California market.

Immediately, Ms. Freed shot back, "I cannot answer that question," and then later joked she would get in trouble with the the cruise line's public relations department if she talked about that subject.  

I later asked her how she foresees the future of cruises from the west coast, and she can imagine quite a lot, "We have big ships and we have bigger ships coming."

"We would love to see a bigger ship out of the West coast. And we see it in our future."

I cruise to Europe every summer, and there are a few mistakes I never make to ensure my trip goes off without a hitch.

Europe is full of exciting cruise destinations, and I’ve been fortunate enough to sail all around the continent, visiting everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle.

Throughout my seven cruises in Europe, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. In between packing the wrong footwear, neglecting to research ports, and spending too much on shore excursions, I’ve certainly learned a few valuable lessons along the way.

These are the seven mistakes I always avoid on a European cruise so that I have the best trip possible.

I avoid picking the first itinerary I see — there are more options than you’d think

Dreaming of a European cruise? You’ll want to make sure you pick the best itinerary for your travel style.

A common mishap when planning any cruise is selecting the wrong itinerary. Every port offers something unique. History-lovers will gravitate toward the ancient ruins of Pompeii, whereas nature-focused cruisers might enjoy destinations like Norway and Iceland.

Instead of booking a European cruise based solely on price, look carefully at all the options. You might be surprised to find itineraries to the Canary Islands, northern Spain and France, and even as far east as Istanbul.

Related: What I wish I knew before taking a Mediterranean cruise

I always research itineraries thoroughly before booking. By doing so, I’ve been able to discover hidden gems around the continent.

My first European cruise, for instance, took me to the small city of La Rochelle, France. This city was nowhere on my radar to visit before coming across the cruise itinerary online, but I was blown away by the city’s quaint harbor and traditional crêperies.

Don’t limit yourself to only the most popular ports. Take a look at every itinerary the cruise line offers to find which one works best for you.

I avoid confusion in port by paying attention to logistics

Most European cruise itineraries include anywhere from three to five ports of call, but they’re not made equally. Some ships dock in the center of town, such as in Split, whereas others require a boat, bus, or train to reach the city center.

On my recent Greek Isles cruise, I paid careful attention to the logistics of each port before disembarking. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean’s app provides detailed information on any necessary tender boats, water taxis, and other local transportation.

Related: What does tender mean on a cruise ship?

By doing so, I was prepared for each port day. I lined up early for a tender ticket in Santorini, had cash ready for a water taxi in Mykonos, and reserved a disembarkation day shuttle bus to our next destination.

Doing just a few minutes of research beforehand helped me avoid unnecessary confusion in each port of call.

I avoid packing a huge suitcase — my carry-ons fit everything I need

A common mistake many travelers make when visiting Europe is overpacking.

If you plan to take any form of public transportation in Europe—whether trains, buses, or subways—you’ll quickly regret packing a large-sized suitcase.

I’ve utilized public transportation all over the continent, and I’d never bring anything larger than a carry-on suitcase. Although it’s possible to navigate transit systems with large luggage, I don’t find it worth the headache.

Related: European cruise outfits and packing guide for women

Many trains have limited luggage storage space, and subway systems can be crowded enough without a giant suitcase.

Instead, I always travel to Europe with my Away carry-on suitcase and spacious personal item-sized backpack from Amazon. The two items provide adequate space for a week’s worth of clothes and are easy enough to navigate through local transport.

I don’t limit myself to cruise line excursions

When planning port days, it’s convenient to stick with tours offered by Royal Caribbean. The tours leave directly from the ship, work with a vetted tour provider, and guarantee your arrival back to port if the tour encounters a delay.

That being said, shore excursions booked directly through the cruise line can be expensive. Royal Caribbean acts as the “middleman” between you and the tour provider, thus raising prices.

Related: 7 ways to have a great time in port without a cruise ship shore excursion

I rarely book shore excursions through Royal Caribbean. Instead, I look at independent tour operators, which may offer more variety and lower prices.

On my most recent cruise to Athens, I booked a guided tour of the Acropolis through GetYourGuide.com. The tour, which included my entrance fee, was $70 per person—less than half the price of tours offered through the cruise line.

When booking on your own, though, you’ll want to account for ground transport. In Athens, I took a local bus and subway to reach the Acropolis.

Some travelers may prefer the convenience of private transport through cruise line excursions instead.

I avoid wearing new shoes, and always ensure my footwear is comfortable

If there’s only one tip you follow from this list, it should be to pack proper footwear for your European cruise.

I frequently log 20,000 steps while exploring ports of call in Europe. Most destinations are best explored on foot, and there’s a lot of ground to cover each day.

On a prior cruise to the Mediterranean, I made the mistake of wearing a brand-new pair of sneakers in port. Soon enough, my ankles were covered in blisters, and I had to live with my mistake for the rest of the trip.

Nowadays, I never pack new shoes when cruising to Europe. I’ll pack a trusty pair of worn-in sneakers instead. I usually pack a pair of sandals with an ankle strap, too, which are nice to wear on warmer port days.

Related: What to wear on a Mediterranean cruise

If your itinerary visits a notoriously wet destination, such as Iceland or Ireland, you’ll want to avoid sneakers with a mesh exterior. A rainy day or accidental step into a puddle will quickly leave your shoes (and socks) soaking wet, which is far from ideal when exploring port.

I love cruising with a pair of white, water-resistant sneakers like these from Adidas. Not only do they match nearly every outfit, but they also keep my feet dry on rainy days.

I avoid cruising to Southern Europe in July and August. Venture north instead!

If you’re set on cruising to Europe in the peak summer months, consider heading north instead.

Destinations like Rome, Santorini, and Lisbon frequently see extreme temperatures during the months of July and August. Sightseeing in 90-degree temperatures can be downright miserable!

Visiting the Norwegian fjords, as an alternative, can be an excellent choice for a summer cruise. Temperatures in the low 70s are perfect for exploring the region. Whether hiking to the spectacular Pulpit Rock or strolling along the charming streets of Stavanger, you’re unlikely to be overwhelmed with the heat.

Related: What I did right and wrong on my Royal Caribbean cruise to Norway

Outside of Norway, you can also find cruises to destinations like Iceland, the British Isles, and Denmark, all of which should offer more pleasant summer temperatures compared to countries like Italy and Spain.

Lastly, I avoid booking my European cruises too late. Itineraries can (and often do) sell out

Despite taking so many cruises to Europe, I’m still learning the ins and outs of cruising around the continent.

One mistake I’ll never make again is waiting too long to book my cruise.

Last fall, I had been eyeing Royal Caribbean’s Greek Isles itineraries, but I was in no real rush to book one. Even though I was hoping to cruise sometime in May, I figured I could bite the bullet on a booking at a later date.

So, when I finally decided to sit down and book the cruise in December, I could no longer find the itinerary on Royal Caribbean’s website. As it turned out, the cruise was fully booked.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

My procrastination had cost me my dream cruise—or so I thought.

Fortunately, a few cabins opened up the next day, perhaps due to a cancellation or expired hold. I immediately emailed my travel agent to book the cruise, and I snagged one of the last staterooms on the ship.

Needless to say, I learned my lesson about booking cruises too late. Royal Caribbean’s European itineraries are in high demand, so if you want to book your dream cruise, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later.