Royal Caribbean Blog

With the announcement of new tariffs from the United States, the cruise industry is starting to weigh what it means to them.

Speaking at Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami, Florida, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty joined a panel of other CEOs during the keynote "State of the Global Cruise Industry" session to address the geopolitical issues facing cruising.

It's quite early since the policy change was announced, but the question of what new tariffs and visa requirements will have on cruising.

Overall, none of the cruise line CEOs thought the tariffs would have an immediate impact.

Tariff question

One of the first questions addressed was the nature of new tariffs, but all of the cruise line CEOs said there was no direct impact from tariffs at this point.

They collectively shook their head, "no" and then talked about that tariffs will impact consumers.

Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein spoke more candidly about them, "The short answer is no, for various reasons."

"Because of how we could resource a lot locally," Mr. Weinstein said. "And we also go to different places, we're not we're not landlocked, so to speak."

But he did caution that a greater economic impact to cruises is not out of the question, "The uncertainty and the ripple effects absolutely has an impact on the industry.

"The hard part about that is that as of now, the answer is we don't know. And so anytime there's an answer, we don't know, it just takes some time for people to get comfortable with the uncertainty."

He went on to say that part of working with any government is to engage with them, "we listen well, we educate, and it's also one of the powers of our platform is it's flexible."

Ambitions to continue to grow

Mr. Liberty talked about his outlook given the recent economic woes by simply saying, "Current economic noise will not prevent our collective ambitions to grow this industry."

He pointed to the fact that all cruise lines are ordering ships further and further out, demonstrating the strong demand to build new ships.

He also pointed out that new ship growth isn't necessarily for the sake of adding new vessels.

"Because we are also looking further out, some of these ships are getting to 35 to 40 years in age, some of these (new ships) will be net replacement,” Liberty said.

That reality is paramount for Royal Caribbean as the Vision Class ships are approaching that milestone in age.

The cruise line has danced around the topic of replacing them with a new class of cruise ships, but so far there has been no official confirmation.

Destination is an important factor

One of the major topics discussed was the role of destinations, both private and traditional ports.

The moderator of the discussion alluded to recent mainstream media coverage of cruise line private destinations as, "building these to keep the money all to themselves," such as coverage by the Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Liberty dismissed this sort of coverage as missing the broader picture, "They focus on well, you must have a completely captured audience in doing that, they don't get into the experience we're trying to solve for."

What he means is new projects like Perfect Day Mexico and an array of private beach clubs are about making the guest experience better and partnering with local communities to create new jobs for them, and expose the cruise ship passenger to new opportunities.

"We're trying to elevate the experience and making sure that the end to end experience lives up to what our guests are expecting it to be," Mr. Liberty explained.

"The economic element of this is not concentrated per se in just the company. It's the broader economic activity that's happening within the area."

As an example, Royal Caribbean created an equity fund to provide fair market value of the four acres of crown land that the government contributed to the project.

There's also an investment fund to essentially buy shares in the investment fund to buy equity into the fund.

On top of all of that, a new tourism tax that will be part of this project that benefits local Bahamians, where 1% of gross profits are moved into a new tourism levy in perpetuity.

River cruises are about expanding choices for their customers

Mr. Liberty also talked briefly about the news that Celebrity Cruises will launch a river cruise division in 2027.

"We're trying to meet all of our customers, where they are, and the vacation experiences that they're seeking," he said after being asked about plans for this new venture.

Their research indicated customers wanted to try a river cruise to augment their cruise vacations.

"We look at what our guests are doing when they're not with us. One of the things that they tell us that they're looking to do, not as as a substitute for a cruise, but as an additional vacation experience is, is to go on river."

It's an opportunity to serve a need Royal Caribbean Group customers have while retaining business within their own ecosystem.

Royal Caribbean is adding another casino on its newest ship in an unusual place, while also getting rid of its comedy club.

Utopia of the Seas is the newest ship in the fleet, having just launched in summer 2024, but a few venues are being swapped around in the name of getting more gambling room for non-smoking cruise passengers.

The ship is conducting in-service work, which means the ship is still sailing, but there will be a few weeks of construction while the work is completed.

When the work is done, the non-smoking casino will be getting bigger on Utopia as The Attic will become a non-smoking casino.

Currently, The Attic is the combination comedy club and nightclub onboard.

Comedy Shows will be moved permanently to the Royal Theater instead of having a more intimate club feel.

Also being impacted is the Crown Lounge, which is the dedicated area for Crown and Anchor Society members that are at least Diamond level or above.

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

The Crown Lounge will not close during renovation

Construction begins this week, and the expected schedule of work should result in:

• The Attic Casino will open by May 9th
• Crown Lounge & existing casino to open May 30-June 2

Same changes coming to Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is going to make the same changes to sister ship Wonder of the Seas.

Utopia's work will begin immediately, but Royal Caribbean will wait for Wonder of the Seas to covert over the Crown Lounge and The Attic until the ship starts offering short weekend cruises later this year.

Wonder of the Seas will begin offering short cruises on September 1, 2025.

The ship will move to Miami and offer the short 3- and 4-night cruises, just like Utopia.

The shift in itineraries is a move to dominate the short cruise market and attract new cruisers with the very best entry level ships.

No other ships have been announced for getting this change yet.

Adding more casino space for non-smokers

Adding more non-smoking casino space has become a recent trend for Royal Caribbean.

It all started with Wonder of the Seas when she first debuted.

The ship had been originally scheduled to begin offering cruises in China, but the cruise industry shutdown of 2020 halted those plans.

Because the ship was designed with an Asian audience in mind, it had a casino instead of the traditional Jazz on 4 club.  But Royal Caribbean decided to keep it as a non-smoking casino as a kind of experiment.

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

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

No more comedy club

While non-smokers will revel in additional space to gamble, it comes at the expense of a comedy venue.

Comedy shows will continue on the ship, but in a significantly larger venue where it can be argued the connection to the audience is lessened given how much bigger the theater is.

Many comics rely on "crowd work", which is where they interact with audience members and play off their responses. In a larger theater, that would have an impact.

Of course, there are comedy shows held in the Royal Theater on select nights of a cruise, so it's not as if it's never been done.

Addressing a need in the casino

Adding more non-smoking gambling space is a need Royal Caribbean has heard from its members for many years.

Smoking is allowed in the main casino, with the caveat that smokers must actively be playing.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley spoke on the subject at an event in 2022, admitting, "smoking in the casinos is a bit of a conundrum."

"The dilemma is that there are many people who do want to smoke in the casino. I know that's not a popular response, but it's it's the truth."

"I'm not judging anyone or anything, but there's a large group of people who do want to smoke in the casino."

While there's a non-smoking side to the casino, the odor of the smoke still travels.

By adding more non-smoking casino space, it's a demonstration to its passengers that they want to cater to the needs of gamblers who don't want to be around smoking.

I'm planning my first family cruise to Europe, but I almost made a mistake that happens there a lot.

Royal Caribbean sails to destinations around the world, and summer cruises in Europe are one of the highlights of the year.  Ships visit cities rich in tradition, history, and culture.

While I've been taken two European cruises so far, this year will be the first with my family. As I started to research my trip, I fell into a trap of doing things exactly like I would in the Caribbean.

The more I researched, the more I realized I had to make a change.

Cruise line excursions are convenient

I'm booked on two different European cruises, each sailing from Southampton, UK.

The first is a 8-night Northern European cruise visiting The Netherlands, Germany, and Norway.  The other sailing heads to Norway to explore the fjords.

As we got closer to our sailing, Royal Caribbean begin offering shore excursions to book.

I started looking through the options and quite quickly there was a frenzy of bookings.  Royal Caribbean has become quite adept at marketing its excursions to customers through its app and website.

It's so easy to book a tour through the cruise line, and I booked a few tours.  I booked them because they looked interesting, but also because I was worried it would sell out.

But as I started doing more research, it became clear this wasn't necessary.

It's easier to explore Europe on foot

One major difference between a European cruise compared to a Caribbean one is that your ship brings you to cities.

Across both of my cruises, our ship would be docked either in the city or nearby the city (with a shuttle service available). This makes getting into the city simple.

Another big difference is that mass transportation is far more prevalent in European cities.

Thanks to metro subway systems, trains, and buses, it's super easy to get around. Their modern infrastructure supports moving quickly and cheaply.

In the Caribbean, points of interest and activities require buses or taxis to reach them and often over rural roads.

In each city, my research pointed out lots to see and explore within the city.

Cruise line excursions in Europe bring you to the same places

When you read through the tours offered by Royal Caribbean in Europe, many are simply bus rides to get you around.

I found many "panoramic" tours offered, which is code for riding in a bus. 

And there are a lot of walking tours of cities too.

My issue with cruise line excursions is they tend to involve big groups, moving at a slow place, and spending too much time at places I don't care about and not enough at ones I do.

In an extreme example, my travel agent requested a quote to take a large group of us on a bar crawl in Hamburg, Germany.

The tour included 3 stops with a beer and snacks included at each stop, with an escort to provide general local information but is not an official guide.  The minimum requirement is 75 guests and the rate is $190 per person. 

While these include a guide and offer a narrated option, I think I can do the same thing on my own for far less money.

How I'm planning my time in each city

I realized I didn't need to book a Royal Caribbean excursion taking me to places I could probably explore on my own.

Like a lot of people, I didn't know what to do in any of these ports.  

I started off with a simple Google search of, "best things to do in ____" to figure out the top highlights.

I augmented that with YouTube searches with similar search phrases to get a better idea of what looks fun and interesting.

I jotted down the names of places, restaurants, neighborhoods, and historical sites that stood out.

I then made a spreadsheet and added the list to each day.  

My plan is to use Google Maps on my phone to guide me how to get to each one.  As we get closer to the cruise, I'll determine the best order to see each one.

Because I'm buying an eSim for my trip, it will be easy to get around with my phone in the same way I get directions when I'm within the United States.

Not only will this plan save me money, it allows us to spend more time in places we want and also deviate should we run across something fun.

My methodology is to have 3-4 spots picked out so we have a framework.  But we can easily adjust plans if something jumps out as intriguing.

I'm not totally against group tours, as some of the ports in Norway have more to do outside the city area and require longer transportation time back and forth.

Emma Le Teace is a cruise expert who frequently cruises in Europe and shared her strategy for spending less on these types of activities, "I am a big fan of just getting off and doing my own thing in cruise port."

"You really don’t need to pay for an excursion to see the main sites, a little bit of research can go a long way. Wandering on your own is, in my opinion, often much more fun and if you do dock further away from the sites you’d like to visit public transport is generally easy to use and fast. "

Most European cruise ports are right in the middle of cities or towns. You can usually walk off the ship to find things like history, food and local attractions within walking distance. 

Read more: 30 Best European Cruise Tips

Two cruise excursion websites worth checking out are Shore Excursions Group and Viator. Both of these are affiliate links, which costs you nothing extra but I make a small commission if you book something.

Because these companies sell to cruise ship passengers, they're well versed in the need to get people back in time for their cruise.

Time management is very important

An undeniable benefit of booking a tour with Royal Caribbean is the promise you'll get back to the ship and not be left behind.

Having taken a couple of cruises to Europe already, I believe the key to ensuring you get back to the ship on time is managing your time properly.

I always build in much more time than I need to get back to the ship. I do this by using Google Maps to figure out the time I need to get back, and then doubling it.

That protects me against an unforeseen delay in returning.  Plus, I always try to wrap up my day as close to the ship as I can get.

For example, if I'm going to have dinner in port before returning to the ship, I might pick a restaurant within walking distance of the ship.

I'd also never go on my own if the travel time back to the ship was more than 30-45 minutes. 

When I visited Paris and Bordeaux last summer, I booked through Royal Caribbean because of the long commute times required. It seemed too risky to me to go on my own for such a long distance.

Group excursions are a good idea for some people

There are still good reasons to book a Royal Caribbean shore excursion in Europe, depending on your needs.

Those with mobility issues will want a group that that includes transportation, especially in old cities where accessibility is limited or non-existent.

I admit on my first European cruise there was a certain level of trepidation about going on your own in a country where they speak a different language and have different customs.

Plus, there are some cruise line excursions that take you to special places, include meals, and provide peace of mind.

Ultimately, you have to make choices that you're comfortable with, and group tours might be the right choice for you.

I'd recommend considering all options before choosing any tour.

Hurricane season will begin soon, and experts expect there to be a lot of storms.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, and researches from Colorado State University (CSU) are calling for an "above normal" season.

Tropical storms have the potential to disrupt cruise travel plans, as every year a number of ships get re-routed because of them.

You shouldn't change any of your plans or cancel a cruise.  Rather, it's a good idea to monitor the weather leading up to your vacation and prepare for possible disruptions.

"Above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall"

CSU is forecasting 17 named storms in 2025, with 9 becoming hurricanes. Four of them will be a major hurricane.

The forecast is based on the fact the La Niña conditions that are present now to transition to ENSO neutral conditions in
the next couple of months.

The question is when that will occur, because an earlier transition means more storms.

Another factor are ocean temperatures. While sea surface temperatures across the Atlantic are warmer than normal, they aren't nearly as warm as they were at this time last year.

When you combine warm Atlantic waters and ENSO neutral conditions, it's a combination poised for a "dynamic and thermodynamic environment for hurricane formation and intensification."

"We anticipate an above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean."

There's a 26% chance of at least one major hurricane making landfall along the U.S. East Coast (including Florida, but excluding the panhandle).

You can read the full forecast is available on Colorado State University's website. 

What to know about going on a cruise in hurricane season in 2025

Cruising during hurricane season is about having the right expectations, and a plan in place.

Your cruise ship won't sail through a storm, but it might change itineraries.

It's a smart idea to invest in a robust travel insurance plan that covers incidentals in case a named storm impacts your vacation.

Remember, hurricanes disrupt air travel just as much as cruise ship plans.

Purchasing an insurance policy will provide protections and peace of mind should your plans be disrupted because of a tropical disturbance.

An important thing to know about travel insurance is when the policy kicks in.  Most policies do not cover cancelling your cruise because you no longer want to travel because of a hurricane. Travel insurance requires you to physically be unable to travel for it to work.

If you want to be able to change your mind in the days leading up to a cruise, you need a "Cancel for any reason" clause. Otherwise, you'll forfeit the entire cost of the vacation for cancelling if the cruise is still scheduled to sail.

Royal Caribbean very rarely cancels an entire cruise because of a hurricane.

What's more likely is the sailing could be lengthened, shortened, delayed, or re-routed.  But the cruise is very likely to still happen, which means travel insurance won't cover you cancelling because you no longer want to go.

You should also know that cruise ships are able to "outrun" a storm.  The average speed of a hurricane is around 10 knots, but Royal Caribbean ships can reach speeds of 22 knots or higher.  

Plus, storms are forecasted and tracked for many days before they reach the areas ships typically visit.  So there's a lot of advanced warning to prevent a ship from being anywhere near a storm.

Port plans could change, so be flexible

When a tropical storm forms, cruise ship itineraries get moved around.

Royal Caribbean's top priority is the safety of guests, crew, and the ship. So they'll change plans to avoid a hurricane.

As an example, if you're booked on a 7-night eastern Caribbean cruise that visits St. Thomas, St. Kitts, and Puerto Rico, it could be moved to a western Caribbean cruise that visits Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan.

It's important to book shore excursions that are refundable.

The good news is all Royal Caribbean shore excursions would automatically be refunded if the itinerary changed.  So double check any plans you make with third parties has a clause to allow last-minute cancellations.

In my experience, most tour operators in the Caribbean understand if your ship cancels a visit to the island that you're entitled to a refund. But you'll want to verify the policy.

Cruising in hurricane season could save you a lot of money

The upside to picking a cruise in late summer and early fall in the Caribbean is there are usually low rates and good deals.

For example, a 7-night cruise on Harmony of the Seas in early July is $1,578.96 per person for an inside room.  But the same cruise in early September is just $837.71 for an inside room.

By booking a cruise later in the season, you could save over $700 per person! 

These low cruise fares are a result of the summer vacation season coming to a close, and the higher risk of hurricanes.

Travel plans can change, but it's a great time to sail

Travelers should always be flexible, but this is especially true with hurricane season.

Before you jump on those rates for a September or October cruise, be prepared for changes.

Veteran cruisers that pick to vacation in the summer and autumn understand the risks, but also recognize how safe it is to cruise.

A storm barreling towards Florida means an impact to a land resort.  But a cruise ship can zig zag away from the storm, enjoying much more favorable weather.

Happy April! It was a busy week with Royal Caribbean news, and we have a summary of all of the news from this week so that you don't miss any details.

A new travel warning has been issued for The Bahamas by U.S. officials.

A Level 2 travel advisory was issued for the popular cruise destination by the U.S. State Department, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to crime and possibly shark attacks in The Bahamas.

Many Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit The Bahamas, and it's a reminder for tourists to use caution and be vigilant about their safety when going ashore.

Royal Caribbean News

• Mass layoffs at HHS include CDC's cruise ship inspection program, report says
• What is Perfect Day at CocoCay and what you should expect
• Alaska shore excursions you can book for cheap or free
• Hideaway Beach vs Coco Beach Club
• 9 things to do differently on your Royal Caribbean cruise for a smoother vacation
• Royal Caribbean offers up to 40% drink package prices if you buy at the right time
• 8 Things I wish I knew about taking a baby on a cruise ship

New RCB Video: Foods to NEVER eat on a cruise!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Foods to NEVER eat on a cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.

What every aspect of a cruise on Utopia of the Seas costs

Allie detailed every single cost for her recent Utopia of the Seas.

Ever wonder what the total cost is of a vacation, from start to finish?

Cruise fare is just the beginning, as there's add-on costs including flights, hotels, taxis, souvenirs, and more.

Royal Caribbean now enforcing a rarely charged fee

Bringing your own wine on a cruise is a great money saving tip, but expect to pay for it.

Based on several reports from guests on ships this week, Royal Caribbean is now enforcing the corkage fee on bottles of wine opened in restaurants or bars.

There's been no policy change. Rather, the policy is actually being enforced now.

Royal Caribbean passenger shares vital warning for all cruisers

Consider yourself warned: flying the day of your cruise is a mistake.

A reddit user shared how five flight delays and two cancellations caused them to miss their cruise.

"This is why you fly in the day before," the person wrote and it's a good reminder for all of us when planning a cruise vacation.

I planned too many beach days and it was a mistake

Matt thought spending four days at the beach would be the perfect spring break vacation, but it turned out to be too much.

While sailing on Icon of the Seas, three port days in a row doing the same kind of activity felt repetitive.

While the beach facilities did not disappoint, having multiple port days in a row should have included different plans to break it up.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 559th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available! In it, Matt lists the must-do 5 Royal Caribbean cruises everyone should try at least once.

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

This weekend is the perfect time to re-price that cabana, day pass, or jet ski tour at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean is advertising a "24 Hour Flash Sale", with up to 30% off cruise favorites and it applies to new purchases made April 5, 2025 and applies to select sailings departing April 8, 2025 - December 31, 2026. 

There are a lot of pop up sales like this, but the difference is this one seems to be targeting add-ons at the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas.

In comparing prices that different cruisers have spotted, there are some seriously good deals out there for your visit to Perfect Day, even if you're on the brand new Star of the Seas.

Here's what we found and why you want to run and book something while you can.

Deals on CocoCay faves

It seems a lot of people are finding really good prices on extras you can reserve at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Prices there have notoriously gone up, where some cabanas can run as much as $4,000 or $5,000 each. But this weekend, it's a heck of a lot cheaper.

Here are some example prices for the pre-inaugural showcase sailings on Star of the Seas.

• Hideaway Day pass: $37.38
• Coco Beach Club pass: $98.98
• Coco Beach Club Overwater Cabana: $1,758.90
• Thrill Waterpark pass: $53.88
• Zip line: $37.38
• Chill Island Cabanas: $658.90

These prices are significant not only because they're cheap, but because they're cheap on a brand new ship.

Usually Royal Caribbean charges a premium for new ships, where CocoCay add-ons get marked up quite often.

"I just saved $200"

Booking fever has taken over on the Royal Caribbean reddit subforum, with many netting great deals.

"$53 for the waterpark is an amazing price. I've seen that as high as $200. For $53, I'm grabbing that," wrote gerrygebhart.

"I checked our Icon trip for next year and same thing. Grabbed an overwater cabana. Thank you," posted Sea_Voice_404.

Humble_Fishing_5328 added, "I got hideaway beach reserved for cheaper than last time! Great deal."

Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

What's a good price for CocoCay extra costs?

Before you hit the buy button, you might wonder what exactly is a good price for these add-ons.

Prices vary from sailing to sailing, so there's no guarantee you'll see a super good rate for your sailing. Nonetheless, it's helpful to know what to look for.

In my experience, here's what I'd consider a "good price" for the fun extras around Royal Caribbean's private island:

• Hideaway Day pass: Under $50 per person
• Coco Beach Club pass: Under $100 per person
• Coco Beach Club Overwater Cabana: Under $2,000
• Hideaway Beach Hideout Cabana: Under $1,500
• Chill Island, South Beach, or Oasis Lagoon Cabanas: Under $900
• Thrill Waterpark pass: Under $75 per person

I'm sure some readers may disagree with me on this, but I base these estimates on what we typically see advertised.

I'd also add a caveat that it's irrelevant what someone else thinks is a "good price" because it's your vacation and if it's your first (and maybe only) opportunity to visit CocoCay, why not indulge and enjoy the experience you really want?

How to check if there's a lower price for your cruise

Eligibility does varies depending on the sailing, so check on your particular cruise by logging into the Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean's website and looking for available offers. 

Not all sailings may have an applicable sale, and not all offers will be significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you already purchased an item but see a better discount during this sale, you are able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion. 

In almost all cases, buying an add-on before the cruise will save you money compared to waiting to book it onboard. It's quite rare for the price onboard to be cheaper than if you had pre-purchased.

Royal Caribbean built arguably the best private island experience with Perfect Day at CocoCay, but what should you know before you arrive?

This private island is exclusive for Royal Caribbean passengers, and there's so much to do, ways to relax, and exciting add-ons.

I've been here over 50 times so far, and explored just about every corner of it to determine the best things to do and how to maximize your visit. Get ready to fall in love with Perfect Day at CocoCay!

A day spent here is about having fun within a tropical playground. There are beaches to visit, water park to conquer, cabanas to rent, and lots of food to try.

Your cruise fare includes admission to the island, with some areas included at no additional cost, and some aspects having an extra cost.

If you're ready to learn everything you can do, how to make the most of your time, and whether it's something you should be excited about, here’s everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

What Is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Many Caribbean cruises include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is an island in The Bahamas owned and operated by Royal Caribbean.

Unlike other ports your cruise may visit, this one is just for Royal Caribbean passengers. Your ship pulls up to the pier and docks with up to one other ship.

Expect to be docked at the island for about 8 to 10 hours. You'll get a schedule of times you can disembark and the time to be back onboard by.

You can then walk off the ship and explore at your leisure.

The island is divided up into different zones, with each trying to provide a different vibe or experience. 

It's easy enough to walk around the island, but there is free tram service to take you around if you prefer. I'd estimate you could walk off your ship and to the furthest point in about 15 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Top things to do at CocoCay

It's up to you which area of Perfect Day at CocoCay you want to visit. Aside from an excursion or specific activity you book, you can roam the island as you see fit.

Nearly all the activities involve being in, around, or near the water.  The beach is number one activity, and you'll find a few different beaches to choose from:

• Chill Island: The traditional beach day experience
• South Beach: Beach day meets music, activities nearby, and even a floating bar
• Harbor Beach: An inlet that has little to no waves, great for young swimmers
• Breezy Bay: Another beach option that's convenient to other areas of the island
• Cove Beach: The place to go if you want to get away from everyone else because of it's remote location

There's also a giant freshwater pool at Oasis Lagoon which has a really fun swim-up bar. There's music playing here, and it has more of a pool party vibe to it.  

There are two aquatic play areas for young kids that you won't want to miss if you have children under the age of 8.

Captain Jill's Galleon is a pirate ship themed playground. There are slides, geysers, fountains and plenty of excuses to climb, descend, and get wet.

Right behind that is Splashaway Bay, which is an extra large version of the kids water play area found on many ships. There are even a few kiddie water slides here.

There are so many ways to get absolutely soaked, but luckily there are comfortable Adirondack chairs around it for parents to sit and watch while staying dry.

Thrill Waterpark is home to the giant water slides and wave pool. There's an admission cost, but you'll find all sorts of slides to challenge your sense of excitement.

The waterpark is quite popular with teens, but there's enough here for all members of the family.

If you prefer an upscale beach day, check out the Coco Beach Club.  

The beach club has a limited capacity and elevated features. The chairs are nicer, there's a wonderful sit down lunch offered in its own restaurant.

Another popular option is the adults-only area of Hideaway Beach.  Admission requires you to be at least 18 years old, and there's an enormous temperature-controlled pool, DJ playing music, and a few casual restaurants.

What’s included (and what costs extra)?

It's your choice if you want to spend extra on the optional add-ons for your day at CocoCay.

There's enough included for free by Royal Caribbean that you don't need to pay for other things.

Included with your cruise fare:

• Oasis Lagoon pool access
• Chill Island beach access
• Breezy Bay beach access (including sports courts & games)
• South Beach beach access (including sports courts & games)
• Harbor Beach beach access
• Cove Beach beach access
• Captain Jack’s (for seating, not food)
• Splashaway Bay
• Captain Jill's Galleon
• Towels (from ship), beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks
• Buffet-style lunch at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill
• Food from Snack Shack
• Tram service
• Lockers
• Beach access wheelchairs

Optional Add-Ons:

• Thrill Waterpark
• Zipline
• Up Up & Away helium balloon
• Cabanas
• Day Beds
• Snorkel gear
• Jet skis
• Coco Beach Club
• Hideaway Beach
• All bars and self-serve beer stations (Your drink package still works on the island)

Prices for these add-ons vary depending on your sailing. There isn't a standard cost, because Royal Caribbean uses variable pricing based on demand.

Here are some example prices for the new Star of the Seas, which debuts this summer:

• Hideaway Beach pass: $37.38 per person
• Coco Beach Club pass: $98.98 per person
• Thrill Waterpark day pass: $53.88 per person
• Zipline: $37.37 per person
• Up Up & Away helium balloon: $42.88 per person
• Breezy Bay Full-Day Beach Bed Rental: $218.88 each
• Floating Beach Mat: $9.88 each
• Chill Island Cabanas: $658.90 each

These prices are on the lower end of the spectrum, and priced well because of a pre-cruise sale.

Dining choices around Perfect Day at CocoCay

After all the fun you'll have around the island, you're going to want lunch (and a few snacks).

There are four Snack Shack locations you can visit, and it's a great grab-and-go option. Be sure to try the best mozzarella sticks ever. 

Alternatively Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill have a buffet, including a taco bar. There's also more typical island fare, like burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

If you go to the paid areas (Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club, or Thrill Waterpark), there are restaurants in each of those areas too.

In terms of food quality, my favorite is the Coco Beach Club restaurant.  Filet mignon, lobster, fried shrimp, and it's specialty restaurant level good stuff. 

In terms of free food, I really like the taco bar because I can make a taco bowl and load it up with so many toppings. It's the perfect beach day refresh.

There are no shortage of bars, and some are really fun. 

The floating bar in South Beach requires a short swim to reach, but it's worth the effort. Far easier to get to, the swim-up bar in Oasis Lagoon is a party and has lots of shade. If you're more of a beach bar person, try the Wacky Seagull (Chill Island) or Coconut Willie’s Bar (South Beach).

Do you need to book in advance?

The free areas require no advanced reservations or bookings. It's all first-come, first-reserved.

But if you want to purchase any of the optional add-ons, I would recommend booking it in advance because they sell out often.

Demand for these activities has been higher because Royal Caribbean has done a better job at marketing them.

Plus, the cost is always cheaper if you pre-book, rather than waiting to book it onboard the ship or even on the island. In fact, I think it's a mistake to wait to book these items because of the elevated risk of it selling out.

You can book anything at Perfect Day at CocoCay before the cruise begins on the Cruise Planner site or in the Royal Caribbean app.

I prefer to use the Cruise Planner site because it's easier to quickly navigate. Log into your Royal Caribbean account and then find your upcoming sailing.

There is a Perfect Day at CocoCay section, and from here you can find every single add-on to purchase.

What to bring with you

Visiting CocoCay is a lot like any cruise port in that you should bring certain items with you.  

You absolutely need to bring your SeaPass card with you to get on and off the ship. Plus, it's the only way to pay for drinks or add-ons around the island.

Before you head ashore, here's what you should have with you.

• Swimsuit & cover-up
• Shoes (flip flops or water shoes)
  • Closed-toe shoes if you're doing the zip line
• Sunscreen
• Seapass card
• Towels (provided on ship)
  • If you are in a cabana or Coco Beach Club, towels are provided for you.

Of course, I'd recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, rash guard, and a beach bag to help make your day more enjoyable.

One thing you definitely don't need to bring is your passport. Leave it on the ship.

Is CocoCay kid-friendly?

Without a doubt, you'll find lots for kids to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Thrill Waterpark is an obvious choice for families, given the water slides are such an inviting option.  You can buy day passes for everyone, or opt for a Thrill Waterpark cabana because it includes admission for up to six people.

Keep in mind there are height requirements for the water slides, ranging between 42 inches and 48 inches.

Families with young children will love the two splash areas that are near the entrance to the island. 

Not only are both free, but it's perfect for kids to run around and get drenched. There are life guards here (and at every pool and beach), so it's a safe environment for them to play and splash.

If you want a family beach day, Harbor Beach is a great choice if you have swimmers that aren't very strong. There aren't big waves at CocoCay top begin with, but the cove here is almost like a pool because of how calm the water is.  

Plus, it's the least crowded beach you're likely to find.

In terms of food, there's no shortage of the usual foods picky eaters love. There's no excuse for your kids being hangry given how much food is offered, and that it's all included.

Hot dogs, burgers, tacos, and more are available at both Skipper's Grill and Chill Grill. 

Tips for your first visit

Before you head off the ship and start your day, here's my top recommendations for Perfect Day at CocoCay do's and don'ts.

Get off the ship as early as you can: You really should arrive early to claim a spot for your family.

There are lots of chairs and umbrellas, but they do go quickly. The first area to run out of chairs is Oasis Lagoon, followed by Chill Island.

I'd recommend disembarking the ship before 10am to get a shady spot in the area you want.

Bring a waterproof phone case for pool/beach pics: You're going to want to take photos, so I'd recommend a good waterproof case. (This link contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra)

Buy cabanas or passes early: No matter the price, most of the extra cost options around CocoCay will sell out before your cruise begins.

Plan ahead and book your shore excursions beforehand! 

You can always cancel and rebook later if there's a price drop, but waiting to book it is usually a mistake.

Your beverage and WiFi package work on the island: If you bought a Voom internet package or drink package, those benefits work also on CocoCay. It's a huge amunt of added value.

Best times for the water park slides: Lines are worst from mid-morning to about lunch time.  

Try to hit the slides before 10:30am or after 2pm.

Swimming with the pigs is overrated: Trust us, as cute as it sounds, it's a waste of money and you're going to end up surrounded by pig poop.

Swap your wet towels out: There are towel stations around the island, so there's no reason to bring back wet towels.

One of the most frequently visited ports by Royal Caribbean cruise ships has a new travel warning.

The U.S. State Department issued an updated travel advisory "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" for to the Bahamas.

This country was already at a level 2 prior to the update.

With any travel warning, it comes with a list of concerns that tourists should take into consideration. In the case of The Bahamas, the warming cites violent crime, swimming risks and firearm warnings.

Considering Royal Caribbean ships visit ports around The Bahamas a lot, here's what you should know.

What the new warning says

In reading through the State Department guidance, there's an outline of gang violence that travelers should be aware of.

To be clear, the warning is not telling Americans to avoid going to The Bahamas. Rather, it's urging caution. 

“Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands."

Specifically, it warns of issues in the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, where gangs have killed residents.

The warning also has other areas of concern that could be useful for cruise ship visitors.

New swimming-related risks were split into two categories: jet skis and boating, and beach safety.

"Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms."

This warning is a result of reports of sexual assault by some jet ski operators , along with sexual assault reports on or near downtown Nassau beaches. 

There are also concerns over watercraft operators who may be unlicensed or uninsured or who may ignore weather warnings.

In addition, the warning contains things you should be aware of at any beach: never swim alone, watch out for watercraft, beware of sharks.  

More ships than ever are visiting The Bahamas

This travel warning is particularly interesting for cruisers because of how frequently Royal Caribbean ships go to the island nation.

Nassau, Bahamas is among the most common cruise ports you'll find, especially on Royal Caribbean.

Short 3- and 4-night cruises only visit The Bahamas, with stops in both Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In fact, the line is doubling down on visits to Nassau, as more big ships will soon switch to short cruises.

Limited sailings will visit Bimini or Freeport, but they're not that common.

Nassau is the capital of The Bahamas, and it's also where Royal Caribbean is working to open a new beach club.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in December 2025 on a 17-acre piece of land on the western end of Paradise Island near Nassau.

The beach club has beaches and pools, three swim-up bars, seven beach bars, and more than 40 cabanas.

It will have a separate admission cost to enter, but will only be sold to Royal Caribbean passengers exclusively.

Is it safe to cruise to The Bahamas?

There's risk with anywhere you visit, including your own hometown. The key is being prepared and vigilant about your safety.

The purpose of the warning is to remind tourists to use caution, and to not arbitrarily go on tours without vetting them.

The warnings about jet ski operators, boating, beaches are the sort of things everyone should have been thinking about and apply to any beach in the world.

Part of planning a cruise vacation is researching your shore excursions, and working with vetted tour operators.

Excursions sold through the cruise line are advertised as third-party operators who are licensed and reputable, "ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience."

No matter who you work with, you'll always want to be mindful of your surroundings and not take unnecessary risks.

While the warning applies to the entirety of The Bahamas, the reality is visits to the cruise line's private island of Perfect Day at CocoCay are not as applicable given the reality of the experience there.

Only Royal Caribbean passengers are allowed onto CocoCay, and the staff working there are a mix of Royal Caribbean crew members from the ship, as well as locals hired by the cruise line.

Since random people cannot access CocoCay, it's likely the risk factor is mitigated with visits there.

Thousands of federal employees were informed they would be laid off this week, which include divisions that inspect cruise ships.

Beginning on Tuesday, mass layoffs began at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of a plan to cut 10,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services.

It's all part of an initiative by President Donald Trump to shrink the size of the federal workforce.  So far, more than 100,000 workers have been let go over the last two months.

Several internal agencies are being closed as part of this week's sweeping change, and the cuts have impacted one area that has the potential to impact cruise ships.

According to a report in Wired, workers in the Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice (DEHSP) received a reduction in force notification on Tuesday. Other divisions received similar notices, such as the Division of Population Health, the Division of HIV Prevention, the Division of Reproductive Health, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

The CDC's DEHSP center director sent an email saying its division would be "slated to be eliminated in its entirety."

Among the work DEHSP conducted, included the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. The VSP was created to develop and implement a comprehensive sanitation program in order to minimize the risk of outbreaks on cruise ships and provide the public information on these health issues.

The report says it's unclear if the program’s work involving cruise inspections, or the lists of outbreaks on cruises, will continue. 

What the VSP does

CDC random inspections of cruise ships are meant to ensure cruise lines meet the standards expected of them and to mitigate the chances someone would get sick on a ship.

In each check, a cruise ship is given a rating on a scale of 0-100 once the inspection is complete.

In 2024, the CDC conducted a total of 151 inspections and most scored a 95 or better. Of those, 29 were Royal Caribbean ships.

After each inspection, crew members respond to the results and offer corrective actions to remedy the issues inspectors found.

As an example, a recent inspection of Symphony of the Seas revealed over 50 violations that raised serious concerns about the ship's hygiene and safety protocols.

Royal Caribbean swiftly implemented 57 fixes to address those issues.

Cost savings measure

The specific cuts within the Department of Health and Human Services was delegated by President Donald Trump, who sees this as part of a strategy to save money for taxpayers, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

"The president has given the responsibility to his Cabinet secretaries to hire and fire at their respective agencies," Leavitt said in a press conference on Tuesday.

"You saw the secretary of Health and Human Services announced more layoffs today. This is all part of the administration’s effort for a mass reduction in force in the federal bureaucracy here in Washington, D.C., to save American taxpayers money."

In a recent press release, HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that these layoffs, along with early retirements and deferred resignations, would reduce the agency workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees.

Ship safety and health goes beyond inspections

With or without the the inspections, the health and welfare of guest and crew members is work that is more than what federal workers account for.

The inspection reports are not the only factor in ensuring a cruise ship is clean.

No cruise line wants negative press because of sick passengers. Not only is that sort of attention bad for business, Royal Caribbean wants its customers to have a wonderful vacation so they'll come back and book another one.

Every ship features several health awareness tactics and oversight of outbreak prevention.

If guests do fall sick, Royal Caribbean has a series of health protocols to prevent further infection, no matter the source.

1. Stop buffet self-service if the onboard norovirus rate exceeds 1.5%
2. More crew training on acute GI symptoms and avoiding cross-contamination
3. More GI training for onboard medical teams
4. Increased oversight of the Outbreak Prevention Plan
5. Switching to PDI SaniCloth Prime hospital-grade disinfectant wipes, which carry a claim against norovirus (Contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra to use)
6. Contactless tap technology, so crew members don't have to handle SeaPass cards

Guests on Royal Caribbean ships will spot hand-washing stations, free hand sanitizer, health awareness signs, and even crew members reminding guests to clean their hands.

 It's true things cost more to do in Alaska, but there are a few great ways to enjoy time in each port without spending a lot.

When I took my first Alaska cruise in 2018, I was astounded by how much shore excursions cost.  Many tours cost hundreds of dollars per person to go on, and that's money on top of the cruise fare and airfare.

While Alaska is an amazing place that many people seek to visit at least once, it's also expensive and a lot of people want to keep their vacation budget in check.

And to be clear, some of the very expensive tours are totally worth it considering it might be your only opportunity to try it. As an example, taking a helicopter to land on a glacier is pricey, but it might be your only chance to try it. We also have a list of recommended tours in each Alaska port that cruisers swear by.

There are lots of ways to save money on an Alaska cruise. Before you shell out hundreds of dollars for your family to go on an expensive tour, here are a list of inexpensive or free tour ideas in each of the Alaska cruise ports.

A quick note, the links to paid tours contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you book it, but it costs you nothing extra.

Juneau

Juneau is a popular port for expensive excursions like whale watching tours and helicopter rides to glaciers. 

Free Activity: Downtown Juneau Stroll

Right in front of where cruise ships dock downtown is a boardwalk perfect for taking a stroll and admiring the views.

Downtown Juneau is walkable and full of hidden gems. Visit the historic Red Dog Saloon, browse local galleries, and snap a photo in front of the Alaska State Capitol. 

Don’t forget to stop by Taku Smokeries for free samples of smoked salmon.

Affordable Excursion: Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour

Want to see Juneau’s most famous glacier without the hassle of public transportation? The Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour is a great value at $79 per person, offering scenic views and plenty of time to explore the glacier area.

Website

Skagway

Skagway is a small town located at the northernmost part of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Situated on mainland North America just 14 miles from Canada, Skagway is stunning, with tall, snow-capped peaks dominating the landscape.

The town is most known for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush, and many attractions in Skagway showcase its gold rush history, including the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway and the Gold Rush Cemetery.

Free Activity: Gold Rush Stroll & Lake Trail

Alaska is well known for its Gold Rush history, and Skagway is one of the best places to see it's impact.

Downtown Skagway has many restored 1890s-era buildings you can easily walk and see as you explore the town.

Reward yourself with a pint from Skagway Brewing Company or a peek inside the Red Onion Saloon.

Free Activity: Lower Dewey Lake Trail

You can enjoy a scenic hike along the Lower Dewey Lake Trail., This is a 2.5-mile loop trail that meanders through pine forest around Lower Dewey lake. 

If you want a shorter hike, try the hike to Yakutania Point. It's only 1.5 miles and it overlooks Tailya Inlet. It's the perfect selfie spot on the rocks.

Affordable Excursion: Skagway City and Summit Tour

If a city walk isn't enough, try one of the tours that offers much more of the history.

The Skagway City and Summit Tour costs $72 per person, and will take you up to the White Pass Summit, providing views and entertaining you with stories from Alaska's history.

Website

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “First City” as it is the first Alaskan city you’ll encounter while traveling north. Due to its southerly location, Ketchikan is usually the first or last port of call in Alaska on a cruise.

Although there are several excursions you could book in Ketchikan, such as a visit to the Misty Fjords National Monument, many of the town’s most popular activities are free of charge.

Free Activity: Self-Guided Walking Tour & Salmon Spotting

There's a great (and free) app you can download from the App Store or Google Play Store that takes you around Ketchikan to see its history.

The tour takes you through the town and it's self-paced, so you can go as quickly or slowly as you like.  You’ll pass colorful buildings, totem poles, and Creek Street — the historic red-light district turned quirky shopping lane.

As you near the end of Creek Street, the boardwalk continues upwards into the rainforest, which is known as the Married Man’s Trail. Once used by married men to conspicuously reach the red-light district, the path is now a free way to explore Ketchikan’s nature.

Affordable Excursion: Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show & Axe Throwing

A very Alaska show that is quite popular is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

At $68 per person, you'll enjoy a rowdy demonstration of axe tricks, log rolling, and a high-energy competition. You can even try your hand at axe throwing!

Website

Affordable Excursion: Dolly’s House Museum

Dolly’s House Museum was one of the most famous madams working on Creek Street between 1919 and 1954. After prostitution was deemed illegal, she continued living in the house until moving to a nursing home. Her colorful, historic house has been maintained throughout the past few decades, transporting visitors to another era altogether.

Admission to tour Dolly’s House is just $10, making it an affordable way to spend an hour or so during your port day.

Icy Strait Point

Free Activity: Boardwalk Stroll & Wildlife Watching

One of the best spots for a nature walk that you can access right off your cruise ship is in Icy Strait Point.

The boardwalks are free to walk, and you might be able to see bears or whales during your stroll.  Plus, the scenery around you is lovely.

Affordable Excursion: Shuttle to Hoonah

You can take the shuttle to nearby Hoonah for just $5 each way.

Grab some halibut tacos at The Fisherman’s Daughter, then unwind with a cold brew from Icy Strait Brewing. Bonus: There’s a shuttle stop right outside the brewery!

Sitka

Sitka offers a quintessential Alaska experience, as the town allows visitors to easily explore nature, spot wildlife, and stroll through the charming downtown area.

Because most tourist attractions are located within close proximity to each other, it’s easy to explore Sitka without an organized tour. Not only that, but many of these attractions have a low cost, making it easy to enjoy your day without ruining your budget.

Free Activity: Downtown Sitka walk

Once you get into the town of Sitka, it's incredible easy to walk around and explore on your own. Many of the streets allow you to walk along the beautiful harbor, providing great coastal views.

The Visit Sitka site has a map you can use to identify the key spots that have historical and cultural significance.

Affordable Excursion: Sitka Scenic Tour

A great small-group tour that hits the major highlights of Sitka:

• Fortress of the Bear sanctuary
• Walk overlooking Indian River to learn about life cycle of salmon
• Totem pole viewing
• Learn about Sitka’s role in World War II

At $89 per person, it brings you to the major attractions within the area.

Website

Sitka Sound Science Center

The Sitka Sound Science Center is just ten minutes from downtown by foot and has an admission cost of $7 for adults and $5 per child.

At the science center you can get up close to aquatic creatures in the center’s aquarium—which include touch tanks—and take a tour of the facility, which teaches visitors the role of salmon and aquaculture in Southeast Alaska.

The Sitka Sound Science Center is one of the best kid-friendly activities in Sitka, and you can purchase admission online ahead of time or once you arrive.