Royal Caribbean Blog

Should you cruise to Alaska on an old or new cruise ship?

Royal Caribbean sends four cruise ships to Alaska each summer. Two Radiance Class ships, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, sail from Vancouver, whereas Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, two Quantum Class vessels, offer cruises from Seattle.

Throughout the past two summers, I’ve sailed on both old (Radiance Class) and new (Quantum Class) cruise ships to Alaska. Despite the fact that these ships belong to the same cruise line, the overall cruise experience can differ greatly.

Everything from dining to entertainment, itineraries, and cruise cabins vary based on a ship’s age, and these differences were evident during my time onboard.

If you’re planning a cruise to Alaska, it’s helpful to have an idea of what to expect on an older versus newer cruise ship.

After sailing on the oldest and newest ships to Alaska, here’s how they compare.

Last summer, I cruised on Radiance of the Seas to Alaska, which was launched in 2001. I paid $1,146 for a 7-night cruise.

Last summer I found an insanely cheap deal to Alaska at the last minute. I paid only $1,146 for 2 adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees.

This brought the daily cost to just $81 per person, a steal considering what is included in your Royal Caribbean cruise fare.

Last month, I cruised on Quantum of the Seas to Alaska, which was launched in 2014. I paid $1,856 for a 7-night cruise.

I recently returned from another Alaska cruise, a 7-night sailing on Quantum of the Seas, the first ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class.

Quantum of the Seas is not the newest Royal Caribbean ship sailing to Alaska—that title is earned by Ovation of the Seas, built in 2016. However, the two ships are nearly identical in every aspect, from ship design to cabins and dining venues.

In total, I paid $1,856 for 2 adults in an interior cabin, including taxes and fees. This brought the daily cost per person to $132.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise left from Vancouver, Canada, whereas Quantum of the Seas set sail from Seattle, Washington.

There are two main embarkation ports for Alaska cruises: Vancouver and Seattle.

Royal Caribbean homeports Radiance Class ships in Vancouver each summer due to their smaller size, which enables them to fit under Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge. Although Quantum Class ships can fit under the bridge at low tide, this is not conducive to cruise ship itineraries.

Most Americans will find sailing from Seattle more convenient than Vancouver, as there are more direct flights to Seattle from US airports compared to Vancouver. Not only that, but flights to Seattle may also be cheaper, and those driving to the cruise port will not have to cross the border.

Related: Guide to Seattle cruise port for Alaska cruises

Nonetheless, sailing from Vancouver offers other benefits. Because the cruise starts in Canada, Alaska cruises from Vancouver do not need to make a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia on the itinerary. This means guests can visit more ports in Alaska on a 7-night cruise compared to those departing Seattle.

Plus, some cruises from Vancouver are one-way itineraries, which allow passengers to end their cruise in Seward, Alaska instead of returning to Vancouver. Many passengers choose these itineraries so that they can spend extra time in Alaska’s interior before flying home.

Personally, I found sailing from Seattle more convenient during my Quantum of the Seas cruise because I could book a direct flight. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Vancouver before Radiance of the Seas and preferred the one-way, port-intensive itinerary of the sailing.

Quantum of the Seas has a more innovative design compared to the traditional design of Radiance of the Seas.

Of all Royal Caribbean ships, I find the Quantum Class to be the most beautiful. Royal Caribbean incorporated a modern, sleek design with these vessels, putting a focus on elegant, open spaces both indoors and outdoors.

Related: 7 things Royal Caribbean got right with Quantum Class ships

I loved the tall ceilings and wide open spaces on Quantum of the Seas, from the multi-story Two70 entertainment venue to the two-deck Royal Esplanade. The passenger flow on a new, modern cruise ship is much more efficient compared to that on old cruise ships.

Radiance of the Seas, as an older ship, has a traditional cruise ship design. The hub of the ship is an indoor, multi-story atrium, which is essentially a large elevator lobby with bars, shopping, and areas like Guest Services spread throughout the decks.

I am not a huge fan of the ship’s atrium design—not only did it feel cramped, but sound traveled easier in the small space, leading to a lack of quiet spaces on the ship.

My cabin on Quantum of the Seas was far more modern and spacious than that on Radiance of the Seas.

Your cabin becomes your home away from home on a cruise, and I loved my cozy interior room Quantum of the Seas.

When I opened the door to my stateroom for the first time, I was pleased to see my interior cabin had a full-sized couch in the back of the cabin, which gave the room two distinct (albeit small) areas: a living room and bedroom.

In addition, my cabin boasted modern decor and color schemes. Despite the ship being nearly a decade old, the cabin still fit today’s trends. Plus, having a virtual balcony in the room was an added benefit, as I could watch a live feed from outside of the ship during the sailing.

My Radiance of the Seas cabin, on the other hand, left something to be desired. There was far less storage in the room compared to that on Quantum of the Seas, yet the room’s layout still felt more cramped.

The cabin’s decor and upholstery was not necessarily outdated, but it wasn’t the most contemporary, either. Given the ship’s age, there were far fewer outlets in the cabin, which made charging electronics more difficult throughout the week.

Quantum of the Seas had more complimentary restaurant options than Radiance of the Seas, which made dining more convenient.

During my Radiance of the Seas cruise, I mainly ate at either the Main Dining Room or Windjammer buffet. There were just two other complimentary dining options: Park Cafe and the Dog House, both of which had limited options.

Quantum of the Seas had a far greater variety of complimentary dining options. Although I still ate the majority of my meals at either the Main Dining Room or Windjammer, I enjoyed having extra options.

The Solarium Bistro on Quantum of the Seas is one of my favorite dining venues onboard. For breakfast and lunch, this venue offers buffet-style dining, and even though there are fewer choices than the Windjammer, there are significantly less crowds.

Related: Top Ten Royal Caribbean Dining Tips

I also enjoy dining at Cafe @ Two70 on Quantum Class ships. This grab-and-go spot serves breakfast and lunch and has some of the best soups, salads, and sandwiches you’ll find on the ship. Like the Solarium Bistro, this dining venue is far less crowded compared to the Windjammer.

You can also find a standalone Sorrento’s Pizza restaurant on Quantum of the Seas along with grab-and-go snacks at Cafe Promenade, hot dogs at SeaPlex Dog House, and quick-service lunch food at Noodle Bar on the pool deck.

I wouldn’t necessarily pick one ship over the other just for the dining options, but expect to eat at the Main Dining Room and Windjammer more on an older ship if you don’t want to buy a dining package for specialty restaurants.

Both ships had excellent indoor spaces for watching Alaska’s scenery.

One of the things I look for most when picking a ship for an Alaska cruise is the amount of indoor spaces around the ship from where I can watch Alaska’s scenery.

I was recently left disappointed after a 7-night Princess cruise to Alaska when I realized the ship was ill designed for cold weather. There was no indoor pool and hardly any lounges to watch the scenery, meaning I had to stand outside in the cold anytime I wanted to enjoy the views.

Related: Royal Caribbean vs Princess Cruise to Alaska: which cruise line is better?

Fortunately, I find that Royal Caribbean designs their ships adequately for cold weather, and you will find an abundance of indoor spaces on both old and new ships cruising to the Last Frontier.

On Radiance of the Seas I loved watching scenery from the Viking Crown Lounge, a venue with panoramic views at the top of the ship. Views were unparalleled from the lounge, and it offered the perfect, heated space to relax while watching glaciers, mountains, and wildlife pass by.

Radiance Class ships are built with over three acres of glass on each ship, so there were plenty more indoor areas to enjoy as well. The Champagne Bar offered tall, floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the ship’s starboard side, and bars like the Schooner Bar and Singapore Sling’s were also designed with ocean views in mind.

Related: I’ve been on every class of Royal Caribbean ships: here’s what I like about each

On Quantum of the Seas, my favorite place to watch the views was the Solarium. While all Royal Caribbean ships have an adults-only Solarium, I find the Solarium on Quantum Class ships to be the most beautiful.

This large pool space has windows in nearly every direction; along with the comfy seating, there’s arguably no better place to sip a cocktail with a view onboard.

Families with kids may prefer the activities on Quantum of the Seas, from a surfing simulator to indoor sports court.

If you’re cruising with kids to Alaska, I’d recommend sailing on Quantum of the Seas over Radiance of the Seas.

As a Quantum Class ship, Quantum of the Seas is packed with kid-friendly activities.

Onboard you’ll find an indoor Sports Court called the SeaPlex. Here you’ll find both free play and organized sports activities such as basketball, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball, as well as bumper cars and rollerskating.

The SeaPlex also has video games, ping pong tables, and arcade games for guests of all ages.

Outside the SeaPlex are more kid friendly activities, including a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, and RipCord by iFLY indoor skydiving simulator.

Related: Best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

Radiance of the Seas has a few kid-friendly activities—a rock climbing wall, mini golf course, and small aqua park—but far less than what you’ll find on a Quantum Class ship.

Another benefit of Quantum of the Seas over Radiance of the Seas is that the ship has an indoor pool for all ages, not just for adults. In addition to the adults-only Solarium is a separate indoor pool that both kids and adults can access.

The only indoor pool on Radiance of the Seas is in the adults-only Solarium. The ship does have select hours where kids can access the pool, but they are relatively limited.

There’s no harm in picking a Radiance Class ship for an Alaska cruise, and your kids will still, more than likely, have a whole lot of fun onboard. Nonetheless, it’s hard to deny that Quantum of the Seas offers a more kid-friendly experience overall than Radiance of the Seas.

I preferred the entertainment on Quantum of the Seas, but Radiance of the Seas still offered varied entertainment options.

As far as entertainment, I think Quantum of the Seas has a slight edge over Radiance of the Seas. Shows on the vessel were more modern than those on Radiance of the Seas, both in story concept and technology integration.

I attended just one production show on Radiance of the Seas, Piano Man, and while the cast were talented, nothing wowed me about the show’s storyline. If anything, I thought it seemed geared toward passengers of an older age demographic.

In comparison, the production of Starwater on Quantum of the Seas blew me away. Located in the ship’s technology-focused Two70 venue, this performance featured innovative stages, animated projections on the venue’s walls, and moving television screens to enhance the performance by the singers and dancers.

It was a modern, top-notch performance with a production quality that simply cannot be matched on an older ship.

Outside of production shows, both ships have live music at the pub and Schooner Bar along with other bands and performers, whether a comedian or jazz band.

While not traditional entertainment, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the indoor movie theater on Radiance of the Seas. If you’re in the mood for a chill evening, there’s no better place to spend it than in the cinema, where you can watch movies free of charge.

Movies are also shown on Quantum of the Seas, but they are shown on the pool deck, which isn’t conducive to the cold weather on an Alaska cruise.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise had a more in-depth Alaska itinerary compared to Quantum of the Seas.

As far as itineraries go, Royal Caribbean’s older ships almost always have more in-depth itineraries compared to newer ships, and this holds true in Alaska as well.

My Radiance of the Seas cruise was a one-way itinerary in which I departed from Vancouver, British Columbia and ended the cruise in Seward, Alaska. Traveling in one direction allowed the ship to stop at more ports in Alaska along the way, as well as include a scenic cruise near Hubbard Glacier.

Related: Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise guide

And, by ending the cruise in Seward, Alaska, passengers could choose to extend their vacation by visiting destinations in the state’s interior, such as Denali National Park & Preserve.

Quantum of the Seas still offers a nice itinerary, but when Alaska cruises depart from Seattle, they must include a stop in Canada before returning back to the United States. Therefore, my itinerary had to stop in Victoria, British Columbia.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day in Victoria, but I would have preferred visiting another port in Alaska—the itinerary only visited three Alaska ports as opposed to the four I visited on Radiance of the Seas.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with either ship for an Alaska cruise, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing one over the other.

There’s no right or wrong ship choice for an Alaska cruise, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each before booking your vacation.

For most people, visiting Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it makes sense to get the most out of your weeklong cruise. Booking a ship from Vancouver means you will not have to stop in Canada during the itinerary, allowing you to see even more of Alaska’s beauty throughout the week.

Plus, a ship like Radiance of the Seas offers one-way cruises, something you won’t find on newer vessels sailing to Alaska.

Nevertheless, it’s tough to beat the modernity and variety of activities offered on Quantum of the Seas. Whether you’re cruising with a 5-year old or 80-year old, there’s truly something for everyone on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, from dining to entertainment and amenities.

While I would say I prefer the overall experience on Quantum of the Seas more than that on Radiance of the Seas, I wouldn’t hesitate to book an older ship for Alaska again.

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

When Icon of the Seas debuts in January, she's going to change the cruise industry.

Not only will Icon be larger than any other cruise ship, but she's going to introduce a variety of innovations and shifts in what to expect from a Royal Caribbean cruise.

We're still six months away, but here's 11 ways Icon of the Seas will change the industry when she launches.

Royal Caribbean News

• You can experience Comic Con at sea on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in 2025
• Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest
• I took two cruises on the same Royal Caribbean ship - and they were totally different
• I paid $1500 for an inside cabin on the Freedom of the Seas: take a look inside my tiny windowless room
• 5 things I would never do on land but would do on a cruise ship
• The clever reason to bring a European power adapter on your cruise ship
• Lionel Messi debut for Inter Miami CF celebrated by Royal Caribbean
• 5 ways to upgrade your cruise for $250 or less

New RCB Video: Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship

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Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Things you'll notice when cruising on a new cruise ship — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions

Don't be ashamed, we all have some really basic questions sometimes, so it's only fitting to answer them.

We hear many of the same questions over and over again here at Royal Caribbean Blog—we wanted to answer them in one place. While not "dumb" questions, knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions should better help you plan your day on the island.

Check out our answers to your really "dumb" Perfect Day at CocoCay questions.

Royal Caribbean vs Carnival

What are the differences between Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line?

Both cruise lines are the largest in the world, and they represent the lion share of cruise bookings.  So what makes one a better choice over the other?

Having sailed both lines extensively, Allie shares what you should know about each line, and how the ships compare to each other.

The reasons you should book a new cruise ship (and 4 reasons not to)

With two new Royal Caribbean cruise ships coming in 2024, you should know the warnings about a brand new cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas will begin sailing next year, and they both will be loaded with the latest incredible things to do on a cruise ship.

Depending on your flexibility and preferences, being on a new ship when it first starts sailing could be a really good or bad idea.

What's the difference between big and small Royal Caribbean cruise ships?

Does it really matter if you book a big cruise ship or a small cruise ship?

There are advantages and drawbacks to each size of ship, and it's important to know the differences between each one.

Before booking a cruise, you should know if you should choose a big ship or a small ship.

Purchasing a European power adapter for your next cruise should be on your to-do list. 

While newer cruise ships are equipped with more outlets and USB ports, older ships tend to have fewer plugs. This can be frustrating to learn when you board the ship and are unprepared. 

I recently cruised onboard Navigator of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship that was launched in 2002, and my interior stateroom only had two American outlets. Had I packed a European power adapter, I could have made use of the European plug to increase the total number of outlets in the room to three. 

In comparison, I sailed onboard Symphony of the Seas earlier this year, and my cabin came with one American outlet beside of the bed, as well as three on the vanity. There were also two USB ports and a European plug. 

Related: I stayed in a $1,400 stateroom on Symphony of the Seas — see what my room on this cruise ship looked like

Moving forward, I am always going to make sure that I have a European power adapter on any cruise ship I sail on just to make sure that I am prepared for any charging situation. 

Please note that we have linked Amazon items in this post through an affiliate link. The affiliate link costs you nothing extra, but Royal Caribbean Blog will make a small commission if you purchase the item through the link. 

They are inexpensive to purchase

For less than $10, you can purchase a six-pack of European adapters. So long as you do not lose them, they can be reused on future vacations, too. 

While you might not need all six on your cruise, they are good to have on hand in the event you do take a European vacation, as you will need adapters for all plugs, rather than just a single one. By already having them tucked in a drawer at home, that is one less thing you will have to worry about getting!

European power adapters are less bulky than cruise line approved power strips

Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, prohibit passengers from bringing surge protected power strips onboard. If you are caught with one, it will be confiscated and returned after you disembark. What a disappointment that would be if you were banking on using your power strip during your cruise!

If you do not have an option that will work, you will have to purchase one, and they are more expensive than European power adapters. 

European power adapters are also small and lightweight, making them a better option for travel, especially when thinking about putting items in your cruise carry-on. The lighter the bag, the better! 

You are unlikely to find American ports located throughout the ship

Sometimes, the last place you want to be on a cruise is your stateroom! If, however, you find that your phone or laptop has died, you might have to camp out there for awhile while it recharges. 

Throughout the ship, you are going to find more European plugs than American, meaning that you can still experience the overall atmosphere of the cruise while charging your device. 

On a recent cruise, I sat in the Solarium to do some work until my laptop died, which happened quicker than usual due to the heat.

Since I did not have a power adapter, I was forced to sit in my cabin while it recharged. If I had brought a European adapter, I could have found somewhere to continue working in the public areas of the ship. 

It is a necessity if you have more than two people staying in your stateroom

Many cruise ship cabins are able to accommodate three and four guests. With only two American outlets, though, this could pose an issue when it comes to charging phones at night. 

In this case, you need to be able to access a third plug. Debating who is able to use the plugs is not how you want to spend your time together. 

Even if you only have two people in your cabin, between phones, smart watches, laptops, ear buds, and more, you never know when you will have to decide between changing one device over another, especially on the last night of your cruise when you have to travel the next day! 

Here are a few more really helpful things I always bring on a cruise

Since streamers are prohibited onboard, a must-have for me on any cruise is wrinkle release spray. I have some dresses that, no matter how I try and pack them, are prone to wrinkling while in my suitcase.

A small travel-sized bottle is perfect for traveling, as it does not take up much space in bag. It helps to get out the bigger wrinkles, so I do not feel like I am wearing something I pulled out of my hamper! 

And speaking of charging devices, I like to pack a portable charger. While I might not need to use it on sea days, it is reassuring to be able to throw a charger in my day bag before disembarking in port. 

The one I have been obsessed with is on the larger and more expensive side, but I love that I do not have to recharge it after every use! It is great to leave plugged in on a sea while I am not using the cabin's outlets or need the charger handy. Plus, you are also able to charge more than one device at once, which is helpful if you are traveling with friends or family.

Since older ships do not have outlets beside of the bed, it is helpful to bring longer cables if you are someone who likes to use their phone at night or keep it close by to use as an alarm in the morning. I recommend a braided one, as they tend to last longer than standard Apple-issued cords because they are more durable. 

Related: 40 essential things to bring on a cruise

Messi fever has reached Royal Caribbean.

The Argentinian football star, Lionel Messi, has made big headlines with his arrival as the newest member of Inter Miami for the first game of the season in 2023.

Tickets for the first game with Messi playing skyrocketed on secondary markets, with the average price well over $250.  There was even one ticket that cost $110,000!

Royal Caribbean celebrated the occasion with a light display honoring the team on Friday morning.

At the cruise line's terminal at PortMiami, Royal Caribbean changed its lights to the same pink color of the team with Freedom of the Seas displaying the iconic #10 across more than five decks as it arrived at PortMiami. 

Messi is as big a soccer star as there is in the world, and he signed with the team last week in preparation for the first game against Mexico’s Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. 

The soccer star's arrival will provide a welcome boost on the field for Miami, who have struggled in the MLS in recent weeks, having failed to register a win in their last 11 games.

Earlier in the week, Lionel Messi visited a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to meet cruise line President and CEO, Michael Bayley.

Also joining Mr. Bayley was soccer legend David Beckham, who is a co-owner of the team.

Royal Caribbean is Inter Miami’s Official Vacation Partner. 

There are 16 ships in Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, with the oldest over 20 years old and the newest launching later this year.

Despite all 16 ships belonging to the same cruise line, they vary greatly in size, amenities, and itineraries. The fleet’s oldest vessels offer a traditional cruising experience, whereas the newest ships feature record-breaking design and innovative features.

If you’re planning a Celebrity cruise, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the ships in Celebrity’s fleet to help pick the best choice for your vacation. Whether you’re looking for a small or big ship experience, you’re sure to find a ship to fit your travel style best.

Here’s our list of Celebrity ships by age from newest to oldest.

Celebrity Ascent (launching in 2023)

• Inaugural sailing: November 2023
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,260
• Gross tonnage: 141,420

When Celebrity Ascent launches later this year, she will be the fourth ship in the cruise line’s revolutionary Edge Class.

For those cruisers who enjoy sailing on new ships, it will be hard to beat sailing on Celebrity Ascent. As a brand new vessel, guests can enjoy Celebrity’s newest dining venues, entertainment concepts, and modern cabin amenities.

Celebrity Ascent will spend winters in the Caribbean and summers sailing the Mediterranean.

Related: Celebrity Cruises released details about its biggest ship yet: Celebrity Ascent

Celebrity Beyond

• Inaugural sailing: April 2022
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,260
• Gross tonnage: 141,420

Celebrity Beyond is the newest ship in operation by Celebrity Cruises, and like her sister ships in the Edge Class, she is one of the cruise line’s most popular vessels.

One of the goals of the Edge Class was to connect passengers more closely with the sea, and Celebrity achieved this through Celebrity Beyond’s outward facing design. One of the ways passengers can experience this design is in Eden, an entertainment venue with three stories of ocean views.

Outside of ocean views, Celebrity Beyond features 32 restaurants, bars, and lounges, which include favorites such as the Sunset Bar and Eden Café.

Celebrity Beyond is currently in Europe but she will soon reposition to the Caribbean. She will offer select itineraries to Perfect Day at CocoCay along with visits to the Southern, Eastern, and Western Caribbean.

Celebrity Apex

• Inaugural sailing: June 2021
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,910
• Gross tonnage: 130,818

The second ship in Celebrity’s Edge Class, Celebrity Apex is another modern, elegantly-designed vessel in the fleet.

If you’re looking for a modern cabin concept on Edge Class ships, consider booking an infinite veranda cabin. These cabins feature a balcony that is inside your living space rather than through a separate door, which increases living space in the room.

Celebrity Apex splits her time between Europe and the Caribbean, offering cruises to destinations such as the United Kingdom, Egypt, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, and Cozumel.

Related: 20 Celebrity Cruises Tips & Tricks

Celebrity Flora

• Inaugural sailing: June 2019
• Passenger capacity: 100
• Gross tonnage: 5,922

Celebrity Flora is the newest of Celebrity’s expedition ships, and she offers year round cruises in the Galapagos.

Celebrity Flora is an all-suite vessel, meaning all accommodations are spacious suites, and the rooms are fully automotive, allowing you to control the room’s features with the touch of a button.

Booking a cruise on Celebrity Flora is all-inclusive and includes airport transfers, luxury accommodation, fully-escorted tours, all meals and beverages, luggage service, Galapagos National Park entrance fee, and more.

Visiting the Galapagos with Celebrity is an immersive experience different from a traditional cruise vacation. Throughout the cruise, you will visit new islands nearly every day, allowing you to learn more about the region’s fascinating flora and fauna.

Celebrity Edge

• Inaugural sailing: December 2018
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,918
• Gross tonnage: 130,818

Perhaps the most monumental moment in the history of Celebrity Cruises was the launch of Celebrity Edge.

Up until 2018, Celebrity built traditional-style cruise ships, and while they had several inventive features like The Lawn Club and a glassblowing workshop, the design of the ships was lacking in innovation compared to new ships by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.

Related: I just spent 11 days on Celebrity Edge — did it live up to the hype?

Celebrity Edge changed that with the addition of several impressive new features, the most notable being the Magic Carpet. The Magic Carpet is a cantilevered bar that “floats” up and down the edge of the ship, and it’s a must-do experience on Celebrity Edge.

Celebrity Edge sails around the world. She is currently in Europe, but will sail from Australia for several months before offering Alaska cruises in the summer of 2024. Following her season in Alaska, she will return to Australia to offer cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Celebrity Xploration

• Inaugural sailing: March 2017
• Passenger capacity: 16
• Gross tonnage: 320

Celebrity Xploration has a capacity of only 16 guests, over three thousand fewer than ships like Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond.

Built for the Galapagos, Celebrity Xploration is more like a yacht than a cruise ship. As the ship sails from island to island in the Galapagos, passengers can get to know fellow passengers and crew much more intimately than on a large vessel.

In addition, the ship’s extremely small capacity means there is little wait for any part of the experience, from embarkation in the Galapagos to getting on and off the ship in port.

Cruising on Celebrity Xploration includes your own stateroom with a window or balcony, room service, complimentary snorkeling equipment, and lectures from Galapagos experts.

Celebrity Reflection

• Inaugural sailing: October 2012
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,046
• Gross tonnage: 125,366

Celebrity Silhouette is the last ship in Celebrity’s Solstice Class. In comparison to Celebrity’s oldest class of ships, the Millennium Class, Solstice Class ships are 30% larger.

Due to the larger size, Solstice Class cruise ships offer a wider range of restaurants, lounges, and amenities.

One of the most popular areas on Solstice Class ships is The Lawn Club, a hangout space on a ½ acre lawn of real grass. At The Lawn Club passengers can enjoy live music, play games like bocce and croquet, and dine at The Lawn Club Grill.

Celebrity Reflection is currently in Europe, but after returning to North America she will offer Caribbean cruises year round. Starting in 2024, she will begin offering cruises to Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Celebrity Silhouette

• Inaugural sailing: June 2011
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,902
• Gross tonnage: 122,210

Celebrity Silhouette offers both short and long itineraries from Florida, allowing passengers to enjoy her amenities whether on a quick 4-night cruise to Mexico or 10-night trip to the Southern Caribbean.

Like her sister ships, Celebrity Silhouette offers a mix between small and large ship cruising, offering a middle ground between a traditional and modern cruise experience.

Celebrity Silhouette spends the summer season in Europe before returning to North America to offer Caribbean cruises throughout the winter.

Related: How does a cheap Celebrity cruise compare to Royal Caribbean?

Celebrity Eclipse

• Inaugural sailing: April 2010
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,852
• Gross tonnage: 121,878

Celebrity Eclipse is the third Solstice Class ship. Like other Solstice Class ships, Celebrity Eclipse offers a wide variety of sailings around the world.

She currently sails to Alaska, but will reposition to South America in fall 2023 to offer cruises in the region, visiting destinations such as Chile, Antarctica, and Argentina.

Celebrity Equinox

• Inaugural sailing: August 2009
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,852
• Gross tonnage: 121,878

Celebrity Equinox is the second Solstice Class cruise ship, and she sails around the world, offering some of Celebrity’s most unique itineraries.

The size of Solstice Class ships enables them to fit into many interesting ports around the world. Indoor spaces, such as the Persian Garden thermal suite and European-style Café al Bacio, mean you can enjoy the ship’s amenities rain or shine.

Celebrity Equinox currently sails to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. She will reposition to Europe for the 2024 summer season before heading to South America in December 2024 to offer Patagonia and Antarctica itineraries.

Related: Things you won’t find on a Celebrity cruise

Celebrity Solstice

• Inaugural sailing: November 2008
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,852
• Gross tonnage: 121,878

Celebrity Solstice is the first of Celebrity’s Solstice class. Like other Solstice Class ships, guests will enjoy features like The Lawn Club, glassblowing workshop, indoor pool, and the Craft Social Bar. 

Celebrity Solstice spends her time in the Pacific, offering cruises to Alaska, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

Celebrity Constellation

• Inaugural sailing: May 2002
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,184
• Gross tonnage: 90,940

Celebrity Constellation is the last of the Millennium Class cruise ships, the first class of Celebrity ships. With only a little over 2,000 passengers onboard, the ships offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than those in the Edge or even the Solstice Class.

Classic features of Millennium Class ships include an outdoor rooftop terrace, the Cellar Masters wine bar, and indoor adults-only Solarium.

Celebrity Constellation spends the summer season in Europe and winter season in the Caribbean.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club loyalty program info, tips & secrets

Celebrity Summit

• Inaugural sailing: October 2001
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,218
• Gross tonnage: 91,003

Celebrity Summit is the third Millennium Class ship, and she was revolutionized in 2019 to add upgraded features and amenities to the 20+ year old vessel.

Although Millennium Class ships do not offer the latest and greatest of Celebrity’s activities—you won’t find venues like Eden or the Magic Carpet bar onboard—there are still plenty of ways to keep busy on the ship.

Guests will love watching outdoor movies on the ship’s rooftop terrace, sipping cocktails at the Martini Bar, and watching the stars from the indoor Sky Observation Lounge.

Celebrity Summit currently sails from the northeast US, offering cruises to Bermuda and Canada. She will sail to the Caribbean in the winter season before repositioning to offer Alaska cruises in summer 2024.

Celebrity Infinity

• Inaugural sailing: March 2001
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,170
• Gross tonnage: 90,940

Celebrity Infinity is one of the smallest cruise ships in Celebrity’s fleet, but her small size means that she offers a more intimate and traditional cruising experience.

Onboard you’ll find immersive dining concepts like Le Petit Chef, in which a tiny, animated chef is projected onto your table. During the meal the chef “cooks” each course of your meal before the animated meal is replaced with the real life dish.

Related: Celebrity's Le Petit Chef Review — Worth it or Gimmicky?

The ship has three pools: two outdoor pools and one in the indoor Solarium. Additionally, suite guests can enjoy an outdoor sundeck at The Retreat.

Celebrity Infinity stays in Europe year round, offering cruises to the Greek Isles, Turkey, Egypt, the Adriatic, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands.

Celebrity Xpedition

• Inaugural sailing: February 2001
• Passenger capacity: 48
• Gross tonnage: 2,842

Celebrity Xpedition is the oldest ship of Celebrity’s expedition vessels, and she offers year round sailings to the Galapagos.

With only 48 passengers at maximum capacity, the Xpedition offers personalized luxury service. While onboard you can enjoy in-suite dining, nightly lectures by certified naturalists, and live music.

Like all cruises to the Galapagos, the focus of the experience is more on the destination rather than the ship. You won’t find Broadway-style production shows or an abundance of programming offered onboard, but it will get you up close and personal with the nature and scenery of the Galapagos.

Celebrity Millennium

• Inaugural sailing: June 2000
• Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,218
• Gross tonnage: 91,011

Celebrity Millennium is the oldest ship in Celebrity’s fleet, but that doesn’t mean she is outdated.

Celebrity Millennium was revolutionized in 2019, during which new amenities and staterooms were added to the ship. The Retreat, an all new suites-only area, was added, which includes The Retreat Sundeck and The Retreat Lounge.

In addition, restaurants, the spa, and cabins were reimagined, adding upgraded technology and design concepts to these spaces.

Celebrity Millennium currently offers cruises to Alaska. In fall 2023 she will reposition to Asia, where she will begin offering cruises to Japan, Southeast Asia, and India.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, and it’s a favorite port among cruisers. With white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and thrilling activities like a waterpark and zip line, visiting the island is truly a perfect way to spend the day.

Around two million passengers visit CocoCay each year, many of whom are visiting for the first time. Unsurprisingly, these first-timers have plenty of questions about the island, from questions about what’s included to how they should spend their day.

We hear many of the same questions over and over again here at Royal Caribbean Blog—we wanted to answer them in one place. While not "dumb" questions, knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions should better help you plan your day on the island.

Let's jump in to answer your really "dumb" Perfect Day at CocoCay questions.

Where is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island located in the Berry Islands chain of the Bahamas. The island is 140 miles east of Miami and 64 miles north of Nassau.

CocoCay’s location makes it a quick hop away from Florida, which is why it’s such a popular port visit on 3 and 4-night cruise itineraries.

Because CocoCay is located further north than most other cruise ports in the Caribbean, the weather can be chillier than some cruisers expect in the winter months. Water temperatures in the ocean and pools may be cold from November to February, although weather conditions can change from day to day, with some days sunny and warm and others windy and cold.

For the majority of the year, however, weather at Perfect Day at CocoCay is pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.

How do you pronounce CocoCay?

If there’s one topic that’s controversial among Royal Caribbean cruisers, it’s how to pronounce Perfect Day at CocoCay.

With Bahamian pronunciation, CocoCay is pronounced Coco-KEY. A cay is a low elevation landmass formed on top of a coral reef, and CocoCay is a cay.

Nonetheless, many cruisers refer to the island as Coco-CAY, as it rhymes with Perfect Day. Making matters more confusing is that Royal Caribbean’s signature CocoCay song, which plays as guests arrive at the island, pronounces the island Coco-CAY as well.

Technically, there’s no wrong way to pronounce the island, but the correct Bahamian pronunciation is Coco-KEY.

Do you have to pay to go to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Admission to Perfect Day at CocoCay is included in your cruise fare. While some activities cost extra on the island, such as the waterpark and Coco Beach Club, the majority of the island is accessible to all guests at no extra cost.

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

You can easily spend a whole day on the island without spending anything extra. Most visitors spend their day at one of the island’s white sand beaches or at the spacious Oasis Lagoon pool. Families with kids may enjoy spending time at Splashaway Bay, an aqua park with slides, water sprayers, and splash pads.

Participating in extra-cost activities can be fun, but it's not necessary in order to have an enjoyable day.

Is there food at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

There are several food venues at Perfect Day at CocoCay, most of which are included in your cruise fare.

Snack Shack is a popular grab and go spot on the island, and there are three locations. Snack Shack is best known for their crispy chicken sandwich, and other items include mozzarella sticks, burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

In addition to Snack Shack are two large buffets: Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill. Both buffets serve the same food, which includes tacos, sandwiches, salads, french fries, and dessert.

Guests who purchased a day pass to the Coco Beach Club have access to the Coco Beach Club Restaurant. More refined than the island’s grab and go venues, this sit-down restaurant has a Mediterranean flare, serving items like lobster, grouper, filet mignon, and ceviche.

An additional dining venue, Captain Jack’s, serves steak fries and chicken wings, but these come at an extra cost and are priced à la carte.

How much does Thrill Waterpark cost at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Of all the excursions you can purchase at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Thrill Waterpark is among the most popular. This large waterpark has over a dozen waterslides, including the tallest slide in North America at 135 feet.

Related: Guide to Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay

In addition to slides is a wave pool and an adventure pool with floating obstacles and a rock climbing wall.

There is no set price of admission to Thrill Waterpark, and the price changes from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. The price can also change from day to day, so it’s challenging to predict the cost of Thrill Waterpark.

A good estimate for admission to Thrill Waterpark is around $100 to $150 per person. If you’re interested in visiting the waterpark, we recommend making a reservation as soon as possible. If the price lowers, you can always cancel and rebook the excursion with no penalty, thus taking advantage of the lower price.

The same repricing strategy works for any add-on or excursion you purchase at Perfect Day at CocoCay. If you book the Coco Beach Club for $199 per person and later see the price drop to $150, cancel and rebook the reservation for the lower price on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website.

Does my drink package work at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

If you purchased a drink package for your Royal Caribbean cruise, it will work at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

One major advantage of purchasing a drink package for an itinerary that visits CocoCay is that your drink package works on the island in the same way it works onboard. Regardless of whether you purchased the alcoholic, nonalcoholic, or soda package, you can enjoy unlimited drinks while on the island.

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

Nothing screams vacation quite like a frozen fruity cocktail on the beach, so be sure to take advantage of your drink package perks while ashore.

Do you need cash at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

You do not need to bring cash to Perfect Day at CocoCay. All purchases including drinks, souvenirs, and extra-cost food items can be purchased using your cruise ship SeaPass card. Purchases will then be charged to your onboard account, which will charge to your credit card at the end of the cruise.

Related: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Even the artisan market, where you can purchase souvenirs from Bahamian vendors, accepts payments via your SeaPass card until 2:30PM. If shopping after 2:30PM, you can make payment in cash.

Is there an adults-only beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Yes, Hideaway Beach is an adults-only enclave on the north side of the island, located near Thrill Waterpark.

You'll need to be at least 18 years old to go into Hideaway Beach, and there is an admission cost to go there. The cost ranges between $20 - $75 per person, depending on the sailing.

Admission gets you access to a beach, heated pool with swim-up bar, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food for lunch and snacks.

Related: Guide to Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay

How do you get around the island?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a small island, and only one side of the island is developed for guests. Because of this, it’s easy to walk around the entire destination in one day on foot.

If you want quick access from one area to another, however, you can utilize the island’s free tram system. CocoCay has trams available that run in loops around the island, taking guests from beach to beach and back and forth from the ship.

You will find tram stations around the island, which are marked with signage and benches. Trams come frequently throughout the day, so it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait more than a few minutes for a tram.

Do chairs and umbrellas cost extra at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

There are thousands of beach chairs and umbrellas at Perfect Day at CocoCay and they are completely free to use. Chairs are on a first come, first serve basis. There are more than enough chairs for all guests, but the chairs closest to the water are snagged up quickly.

Most chairs also have a beach umbrella to provide shade, although some chairs do not. We recommend getting to the beach early in the day to find the best-located chairs.

In addition to beach chairs and umbrellas, there are hammocks, bean bags chairs, and other seating available on the island that is free to use.

If you want to rent a daybed or cabana, you will have to reserve a spot in advance. Prices can vary greatly depending on the type of cabana you book, so check the Cruise Planner for your particular sailing to see current pricing.

Related: Guide to CocoCay Cabanas

Does Royal Caribbean offer overnight visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

While some cruise lines may offer late night or overnight stays at their private destinations, Royal Caribbean does not.

The cruise line initially planned to offer overnight stays at Perfect Day at CocoCay but later decided against it. In fact, Royal Caribbean heard from guests that they preferred spending their evenings onboard after spending all day on the island.

In addition, Royal Caribbean makes more money when the ship is not docked overnight. The casino and retail stores cannot be open while a ship is docked, so those venues only make money while the ship sails.

Although the ship could theoretically sail away from the island and return the following morning, this isn’t something being offered at this time.

Where can I put my belongings while on the island?

If you’re worried about keeping your belongings and valuables safe while on the island, you can place them in a locker.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has lockers scattered around the island that are free to use. To use a locker, you’ll set a pin that will allow you to open and close the locker as you wish.

Related: Where to keep SeaPass Card, phone, and cash when on a shore excursion?

Inside the locker you can place items like your phone, wallet, camera, and other valuables. This comes in handy when you’re at the waterpark or going swimming as you won’t have to worry about whether or not your personal belongings are safe.

Check out more of your dumb cruise questions answered:

• Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered
• Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered
• Your really dumb cruise ship shore excursions questions answered

For the first time ever, you can combine the Comic-Con experience with a cruise vacation onboard Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas. 

San Diego Comic Convention, the parent company of the international comic convention, and Entertainment Cruise Productions, who have previously worked on other cruise ship experiences like Star Trek: The Cruise, are working together to launch a full-ship charter Comic-Con convention at sea. 

Comic-Con: The Cruise will take place February 5-9, 2025 and sail from Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico. 

This is a one-of-a-kind experience, as the talent will be sailing, dining, and partying amongst passengers. Fans will be able to attend various panels and Q&A sessions, tabletop and video game competitions, karaoke, trivia, cosplay parties, and more.

There will be a different theme each night, with multiple different parties and events offered to cater to everyone. You can expect dance parties with DJs, concerts, shows, and more. 

Currently, staterooms start at $990 per person for an interior cabin based on double occupancy. A Royal Suite costs as much as $5,620 per person. 

If you are traveling solo, pricing starts at $1,240. This does not include an extra $200 that will be applied to cover port fees, taxes, and gratuities. 

Some cabins are able to accommodate three or four guests. They will not be subject to paying the same fare as the first two passengers. The rate for 3rd and 4th guest(s) in an interior room is $600, ocean view $740 for three and $1,000 for four, balcony $900, and $1,200 for suites.

The price includes all performances, parties, and events presented on the cruise. There will be some special Artist Hosted Events that require you to sign up and possibly pay an extra fee. 

Note that since this is a full-ship charter, standard Crown and Anchor benefits are not able to be redeemed. Points for each night sailed will still be earned, though.

In order to cruise, guests must be 18 years of age or older on embarkation day. Anyone who is between the ages of 13 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age in the same or connecting cabin. No passengers 12 and under will be allowed onboard. 

What is the ship like?

Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance Class ship that was originally launched in August 2003. She measures 90,090 gross registered tons and had a capacity of 2,476 guests. 

Onboard, you will find eight dining options to choose from, including the complimentary two-level Reflections Main Dining Room, Park Café, and Windjammer buffet. 

Additionally, there are five are specialty venues that have an additional cost: Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table, Izumi, Chef's Table, and Café Latte-tudes. 

Guests will also be able to enjoy the ten different bars and lounges. 

Prior to Comic-Con: The Cruise, Serenade of the Seas will be going on Royal Caribbean's first-ever world cruise. Beginning in December 2023, the voyage will last 274 nights and visit more than 150 destinations in 65 countries. 

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two of the biggest names in the cruising industry and both vie for the general public to try their ships.

In comparison, both mainstream cruise lines take a family-friendly approach to cruising, with a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy onboard from dining to entertainment, accommodations and amenities. 

It’s no surprise that millions of passengers choose to set sail with both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line each year. Both offer affordable cruise fares and various itineraries around the world - all with a big emphasis on fun. 

Carnival Cruise Line's current fleet of cruise ships includes 24 vessels, which is similar in size to Royal Caribbean’s fleet with 26 ships. The newest ships from both cruise lines feature dazzling entertainment, one-of-a-kind onboard thrills, unique amenities and endless dining options. 

However, there is an obvious competition between these two cruise lines. It’s a tale as old as time: which cruise line is better between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line? 

As with anything, the best cruise line for you and your family mostly depends on travel style, cruise preferences and vacation budget. 

In my experience, people either love to cruise with Carnival or they love to hate on Carnival. In all honesty, I used to be someone who scoffed at the idea of setting sail on a Carnival ship now that I am far removed from my college spring break days. These days, I much prefer to cruise with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises. 

But, I’ve sailed on three Carnival cruises in the last year, two of which were on the cruise line’s newest Excel-class, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Prior to this, I had previously only cruised with Carnival on short spring break itineraries during college and high school. My recent, positive experiences onboard Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration really gave me a new perspective about the cruise line.

As a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser, I can now see why Carnival cruisers choose to return to the cruise line over and over again. In fact, it’s obvious that Carnival’s newest ships in the Excel-class represent a new era for the cruise line. These two modern cruise ships have transformed the cruise line with up-to-date ship design, technology and amenities. 

If you’re considering a cruise with Carnival, here’s everything you need to know about how the cruise line’s “fun ships” compare to Royal Caribbean’s fleet of innovative ships. 

Overview of Fleet

While Royal Caribbean’s fleet is slightly larger than Carnival’s with two more vessels, the two cruise lines are very similar in size. Today, both cruise lines are focusing on building modern and massive cruise ships that can hold more than 5,000 passengers.

Both lines have relatively smaller ships as well, with passenger counts ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 passengers. And the ships ages range between brand new and going as far back as approaching 30 years old.

For many years, Carnival’s approach to ship design was implementing “tried-and-true” deck plans that had already proven successful for the cruise line. Each ship class was built similarly (some nearly identical) to the last with only minor changes to accommodate larger vessels. 

This approach was used until 2021 when Carnival Mardi Gras set sail. The building of this ship started a new era for the cruise line with the Excel-class of ships. Mardi Gras paved the way for the equally modern and advanced Carnival Celebration to set sail in late 2022, in which my sister and I were onboard one of the inaugural sailings.

On the other hand, Royal Caribbean has always been pushing the envelope when it comes to innovation across its fleet. The cruise line is constantly creating ship classes that are bigger and better than ever before. 

The Oasis Class ships hold the title as the largest in the world, and Royal Caribbean has held the title as world's biggest ships for many years now.

With the upcoming release of Icon of the Seas, the first of a new astonishing class of ships, this approach still stands. Royal Caribbean continues to be a pioneer in the cruising industry and sets the bar for other cruise lines, like Carnival, to follow.

Regardless of which line you pick, you'll find big ships that have plenty to do.  Neither line truly offers a small ship experience, but they have sister brands that fill that gap.

Dining Options 

Food is arguably one of the most important aspects of a cruise, right after the places in the world the ship visit.

Comparatively speaking, I think Royal Caribbean comes out on top with its traditional and specialty dining, while Carnival’s plethora of complimentary, quick dining options onboard are second to none.  

Where Carnival truly shines is its approach to casual dining onboard its ships - and the food is pretty darn good too. Carnival crushes the competition when it comes to its complimentary dining. Cruisers have a wide range of eateries to choose from on their ships.

To start, Carnival has partnered with Food Network celebrity chef, Guy Fieri, to create the popular Guy’s Burger Joint and new Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewery.

In addition, the cruise line debuted a new partnership with Shaq’s Big Chicken, which is nearly as good as Chick-fil-a in my opinion.

This is just the start of the complimentary dining options and doesn’t even include the pizza shoppe for Napoli-style pizza, fresh made sandwiches from the panini grill and authentic tacos from BlueIguana cantina. 

Another favorite onboard Carnival is the SeaDay Brunch, hosted into the early afternoon for those who stayed up past their bedtime. Some signature dishes include (possibly the best) 12-hour French toast topped with roasted peaches and skillet pancakes with freshly whipped ricotta. 

Finally, Carnival’s newest ships have debuted complimentary, speciality-style restaurants called ChiBang and Cucina del Capitano. While ChiBang serves up Mexican and Asian dishes on two separate menus, Cucina del Capitano is the Italian speciality restaurant onboard. While other cruise lines would certainly charge for this experience, it’s free for guests on Excel-class ships.

This isn’t to say that Carnival’s main dining experience is lackluster (that award goes to the cruise line’s buffet, which has always left me disappointed); rather, the cruise line truly shines with its quick service options. 

And don’t even get me started about Carnival’s Chocolate Melting Cake. It’s the best dessert at sea for chocolate lovers and the cruise line has perfected this molten, warm decadence. Best of all? It’s on the menu every day. 

Where Carnival falls short is where Royal Caribbean sparkles. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean is top-notch food and service, from Chop’s Grille steakhouse, Izumi Sushi and Teppanyaki and Jamie’s Italian - to name a few. 

Royal Caribbean’s main dining room service is also more sophisticated with a diverse menu compared to Carnival. You won’t find the servers dancing each night on tables like you will in Carnival’s dining room where you get a small ‘show’ each evening you dine. Royal Caribbean focuses on offering a varied menu with quality food for cruisers. 

The onboard buffet is the main spot for meals on the majority of the cruise line’s fleet. The food is similar quality to what you’d find at a hotel; while it might not be the most impressive thing you eat onboard, it will hit the spot. 

Entertainment

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer an excellent range of daily entertainment for cruisers. You might even run out of time to see everything during your cruise; however, the cruise line take a different approach to entertainment. 

Royal Caribbean offers large-scale production shows on most of its Oasis and Quantum-class ships. You can find 90-minute, Broadway-style shows like “Hairspray” and “Mamma Mia”. The cruise line also offers one-of-a-kind aquatics shows on Oasis-class ships, along with jaw-dropping, ice skating spectacles on some of the larger vessels.

Older Royal Caribbean ships will still offer a variety of entertainment, but on a smaller scale. You can still find production shows, comedians, magicians, acrobatics and more on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

On the other hand, Carnival’s entertainment leans into a variety of comedy shows with singing and dancing productions. Something unique to Carnival is the cruise line’s Punchliner Comedy Club with daily comedy shows and rotating comedians. Each show lasts just 30 minutes, so you have plenty of time to try the other entertainment available. 

Carnival also features Playlist Production shows where the singers and dancer’s showcase familiar tunes with dazzling choreography. If that’s not your cup of tea, you might enjoy live gameshows of Deal or No Deal or Family Feud, which can only be found on Carnival’s cruise ships. 

With Carnival’s newest Excel-class of cruise ships, the entertainment has been kicked up a notch. The cruise line has developed some really incredible shows for its transformative Center Stage, like the Most Magnificent Circus on Carnival Celebration. This acrobatic-style headliner show was quite possibly one of the best shows I’ve seen at sea. 

Kids and families

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program offers programmed activities for kids and teens to mingle with peers their own age. It's supervised, which means parents can drop their kids off and then enjoy time with their children.

Adventure Ocean caters to kids and teens between the ages of 3 and 17, dividing them into five different groups:

1. Aquanauts (3-5)
2. Explorers (6-8)
3. Voyagers (9-11)
4. Pre-teens (12-14)
5. Teens (15-17)

Now, depending on which category your child falls into, they'll likely be able to take part in karaoke showdowns, pajama parties, carnival games, epic games of crazy tag, sports tournaments, and dance parties that will have them busting moves all night long.

Related: Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Kids

If you have younger kids, there is also Royal Babies and Royal Tots, which costs extra and is for toddlers between the age of 6 and 36 months years old.

Camp Ocean is Carnival's complimentary youth club and is also split by ages:

1. Penguins (2 - 5)
2. Stingrays (6 - 8)
3. Sharks (9 - 11)

Tweens and teens have their own spaces, too, in the form of Circle C and Club O2. They can keep themselves busy with stuff like video and board games, sports and karaoke.

Attractions and Thrills

When it comes to onboard thrills, no one in the cruise industry does this better than Royal Caribbean. This has been Royal Caribbean’s bread and butter for decades. 

In fact, the cruise line pioneered many firsts for the cruise industry, like the first zip line at sea, the first FlowRider surf simulator, and the first ice skating on a cruise ship. This doesn’t even encompass all of it, like the waterslides, rock climbing walls, bumper cars, bungee jumping and skydiving you can try!

For the most part, these onboard thrills are all complimentary for Royal Caribbean cruisers (other than the iFly sky diving simulator). 

Read more: 15 free things to try on your next cruise

Comparatively, Carnival’s showcase plenty of pools, hot tubs and waterslides. The biggest ships, Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, feature The Ultimate Playground where guests can find the cruise line’s onboard thrills. Here, you can take your turn on the ropes course or dare to try the thrilling waterslides for free. 

This is also where you’ll find the first rollercoaster at sea, called Bolt. Costing $15 each for two laps, cruisers can twist and turn around the aft of Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration!

Although pricey, my sister and I would recommend this unique experience at least once for all Carnival guests.

Experience Onboard

Undoubtedly, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer incredible cruise experiences. Both cruise lines aim to provide affordable, family-friendly cruises with something onboard for everyone. 

Carnival’s entire brand revolves around having “the most fun ships at sea”. You can’t get off a Carnival cruise without seeing the word “fun” multiple times each day.

As such, the environment onboard is very casual with a major focus on fun. No one takes themselves too seriously and this creates a very carefree style of cruising. 

Carnival attracts a younger crowd, including young adults and families. It’s a popular cruise line for spring breakers because of its notoriously cheap cruise fares. Carnival cruises have a lively nightlife scene with plenty of parties, although this doesn’t mean it’s necessarily out of control. Imagine everyone - even your mom and grandma - simply letting loose together on a cruise!

I will say, nobody does a sailaway party like Carnival Cruise Line. Everyone onboard shows up with their drinks in hand, ready to celebrate the start of vacation. In fact, I would verge to say it’s a right of passage to attend a Carnival sailaway party if you consider yourself a seasoned cruiser! 

With Royal Caribbean’s cruises, you’ll find a more varied crowd thanks to the cruise line’s international presence. Comparatively, Royal Caribbean offers more international cruises to places like Europe, Asia and Australia.

Along with young adults and families, you’ll also find solo travelers, couples and grandparents onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. Because of Royal Caribbean’s slightly higher cruise fares thanks to high-end suites, the parties onboard tend to be more subdued and upscale. 

For those traveling without kids, Royal Caribbean’s adult-only areas are superior for relaxing during your cruise. Each ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet offers a serene space for adults called The Solarium - it’s my favorite place to relax.

Comparatively, Carnival also offers an adults-only area called Serenity, although it’s not as large or secluded. I also prefer the motif of the Solarium over Serenity. 

If you’re sailing around spring break or on a short getaway itinerary, your Royal Caribbean cruise will likely entice a more energetic crowd.

Read more: Everything you should book before the cruise to avoid it being sold out

Itineraries and where they sail

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival focus primarily on North American cruises, with lots of cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico.  Both have seasonal sailings to Alaska, Bermuda and Canada.

Royal Caribbean has a larger presence in Europe and Australia compared to Carnival.

Both have private destinations in the Caribbean, although Carnival has one more than Royal Caribbean: Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays vs Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

Read more: The best cruise itineraries for every type of traveler

Final Thoughts

When it comes to comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival, the two cruise lines are more similar than they are different. Each aims to provide an amazing and affordable cruise vacations for families. You can’t really go wrong between the two, as long as you have the right expectations. 

If you’re a major foodie or someone who loves to really let loose and party the night away on a cruise, you might find that Carnival is the best cruise line for you. The upbeat and carefree atmosphere is perfect for cruisers who want a casual getaway without any of the fuss. 

Those who might want a slightly more upscale experience with better specialty dining options and innovative onboard thrills would probably prefer Royal Caribbean. This is also the best cruise line for an adults-only cruise vacation or those looking to truly relax. 

Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to book another cruise on Carnival’s Excel-class ship, as it truly changed my opinion of the cruise line and amplified the fleet. I’m excited about the future of the cruise line as it starts to put innovation and technological advancement at the forefront.

However, I still prefer Royal Caribbean overall as a cruise line as it fits my budget and travel style; of course, the lucrative loyalty benefits don’t hurt either! 

What to pack for an Alaska cruise is not as difficult as it may seem. While packing for a cold weather cruise may require more preparation than a cruise to the Caribbean, a few key layers should suffice in nearly all weather conditions.

Packing for an Alaska cruise is not necessarily problematic, but it does require some careful planning and consideration. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable given the range of temperatures.

When looking at a map, you may be surprised to see just how far south Alaska cruise ports are located.  While Alaska cruise marketing tends to show images of snow and glaciers, it’s not necessary to pack for Arctic-level temperatures. In fact, you probably already have most clothing items you’ll need for an Alaska cruise at home!

While packing for an Alaska cruise may require a bit more thought than packing for a trip to a warmer destination, with some careful planning and consideration, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable voyage.

Alaska cruise: the basics

Before starting to pack, it’s important to understand the basics of an Alaska cruise so you know what to expect both onboard and in port.

Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises are generally 7-night sailings, offering 3 or 4 days in port with 2 or 3 days at sea. Cruises visit towns along Southeast Alaska, the panhandle of the state, which borders British Columbia, Canada.

Southeast Alaska is quite a ways away from the Arctic Circle and polar bears, so you may be surprised to encounter nice weather while visiting the state. Alaska cruises are offered during the warmest months of the year, from April to September, so it’s not uncommon to experience warm, sunny days.

Related: What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

The month you sail can have a huge impact on what you need to pack as well. For cruises in June, July, and August, you may want to pack more short sleeve shirts than in May or September. And while wool socks and warm hats are recommended at any time of the year, it’s especially important to pack warm layers in the very beginning or end of the Alaska cruise season.

Related: What it’s like to go on an Alaska cruise at the end of the season

The main thing to remember when packing for an Alaska cruise is to plan for any and all types of weather conditions.

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

Layers

Packing layers is necessary on an Alaska cruise. Morning and evening can be much colder than what you may experience in mid-afternoon, so having the flexibility to put on or take off clothing will be well appreciated.

Your base layer will be a short or long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, leggings, or other lightweight pants. On the warmest of days, shorts may be preferred whereas the coldest days may have you layering both leggings and jeans.

Over your base layer you’ll want to pack a warm layer. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece or down jackets will help keep you warm no matter the weather, and they’re easy to take off if it gets too hot.

In addition, don’t forget to pack a waterproof layer. Due to strong winds and ease of use in crowded areas, we don’t recommend packing an umbrella. Therefore, it’s important to pack a waterproof jacket with a hood. This should keep you dry in the wettest of conditions.

Footwear

An Alaska cruise calls for a wide range of footwear, as you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to wear in port and shoes to wear onboard. A pair of water-resistant sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes is recommended, as they tend to keep your feet comfortable and warm while providing enough support for a range of outdoor activities. Active sandals, such as Chacos, can be nice in the summer months as well.

Packing a pair of comfortable lounge shoes for the ship is a good idea, too. Slippers, flip flops, or comfy sneakers can be nice to have when walking around the ship and your stateroom.

Whichever type of shoes you decide to bring, make sure the soles of your shoes have plenty of grip. You may encounter slippery or rocky surfaces on shore excursions or while exploring on your own, so you want to make sure your shoes have enough friction.

Accessories

Outside of your main clothes and footwear, don’t forget to pack accessories for an Alaska cruise. From hats to wool socks, scarves, gloves, sunscreen, and sunglasses, there are many accessories that you’ll want to bring with you to Alaska.

Related: What to bring on a cruise to Alaska?

A water-resistant daypack is one of our top Alaska cruise packing tips. You’ll need somewhere to put your valuables during the day, so making sure the pack is water-resistant or waterproof is crucial. A backpack will be the most comfortable option and can fit everything you’ll need for a busy day in port.

Binoculars may be of interest to you as well, especially if you plan to do any wildlife viewing excursions. Being able to see the state’s wildlife and nature up close is well worth the cost of an entry-level pair of binoculars.

I'd also recommend bringing a camera with a zoom lens or a cellphone that takes high quality photos. You should also bring enough chargers and enough memory cards for the hundreds of photos that you will likely take.

A portable charger is useful for full-day trips where you might burn through your cellphone battery. This portable charger is the one I recommend using (link contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra).

Cruise clothes

Outside of what you’ll wear in port, remember to pack for your time onboard the ship! Don’t forget to pack clothes for formal night, your swimsuit to wear in the pool, and comfy clothes for lounging in your stateroom.

While it’s not necessary to pack an entirely new outfit for dinner each night, rotating 2-4 outfits can be a nice way to ensure you have dressier clothes to wear while still keeping your packing relatively light.

Related: What to wear on a cruise formal night

Alaska cruise packing list

Clothes

• Waterproof jacket with a hood
• Fleece or down jacket
• Sweaters and sweatshirts (to wear onboard and in port)
• T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
• 2-3 pairs long pants (jeans and slacks for dinner)
• 1-2 pairs leggings
• 1-2 pairs shorts
• Formal wear for dinner (2-4 dresses, collared shirts, etc.)
• Swimsuit
• Pajamas
• Casual loungewear for onboard
• Underwear and socks
• Clothes for the onboard fitness center

Footwear and accessories

• Water-resistant shoes with a sturdy, non-slippery sole (hiking boots, sneakers)
• Dress shoes for dinner
• Comfy shoes for walking around your stateroom/ship (sandals or sneakers)
• Water-resistant daypack
• Hat (baseball cap, beanie, etc.)
• Gloves
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Scarf
• Camera
• Waterproof case for cellphone
• Portable cellphone charger
• Things to do onboard (books, card games, etc.)
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray

How to avoid overpacking on an Alaskan cruise?

It's really easy to find yourself overpacking for an Alaska cruise because of the wide temperature swings involved in a typical sailing.

One area of the cruise you can probably ease up on in terms of packing is what to wear for dinner.

In general, the dress code tends to be more casual at dinner.  While there are still formal nights on Alaska cruises, you'll see far more guests opting for just jeans and a collared shirt rather than a suit or tuxedo.

I've also noticed most women not wearing dresses to dinner on an Alaska cruise and instead nice jeans, pants, and sweaters.

You can also reduce the amount of clothes you bring to Alaska by relying on laundry services.

Royal Caribbean offers laundry on its ships that you pay for, but if that means packing half the clothes you might otherwise pack, that could save a lot of space (and perhaps baggage fees from the airlines).

More Alaska cruise tips:

• 50 tips for planning your Alaska cruise
• How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
• Best time to cruise to Alaska
• Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Royal Caribbean will launch two new cruise ships in 2024, and that might tempt you to book one of the first sailings.

Icon of the Seas will launch in January 2024 and offer 7-night Caribbean cruises. Icon is the first in the Icon Class of ships, and she's being set up as a game changer within the cruise industry.

At 250,800 tons, Icon will be the biggest cruise ship ever built, and will offer more activities on its pool deck than any other ship in history. A water park, sun decks, adults-only pool, sunset view pools and more are coming to Icon.

Not to be overshadowed, Utopia of the Seas will start sailing in July 2024 and while she is the sixth in the Oasis Class, she has a few innovations and new additions coming as well.

Utopia will be the first new Royal Caribbean cruise ship to start off with short 3- and 4-night cruises. 

Utopia will have a new tiki bar experience, new dining experiences, immersive dining, and an open deck filled with plenty of activities.

If these new ships sound incredible, you're not alone.  Lots of people are taking notice of what Royal Caribbean has in store and there is a sense of FOMO ("fear of missing out") circulating to experience these ships.

Should you book a cruise on a brand new Royal Caribbean ship, such as Icon or Utopia?

Depending on your flexibility and preferences, being on a new ship when it first starts sailing could be a really good or bad idea.

Why you should book a brand-new cruise ship

Being first is important to you

Among the cruise fan community, there's definitely a badge of honor to be first.

After years of hype and teases, cruise fans not only want to sail on new cruise ships, but want to beat their friends to seeing it first.

There's definite bragging rights to saying you were on a maiden voyage of a particular ship.  In the same way someone might wax poetically about having been to a concert of famous band, cruisers love to point out they were there when a new ship launched.

Certainly the first public sailing is more enticing for anyone that feels strongly about getting on a ship first.  Similar to how someone might want to see a movie on opening night, getting on a ship first means you can see everything before anyone else.  Less spoilers to contend with later, and a way to feel like "you were there".

After all, how great is it to be able to say, "I was on the maiden voyage"?

You love latest and greatest

Every new Royal Caribbean cruise ship introduces something new or different, and if you love innovation, a new ship might be for you.

Even though Utopia of the Seas is the last in the Oasis Class, she will still have new entertainment, and even a brand new innovative and immersive dining experience never before seen.

New ships are a look at what Royal Caribbean has been working on for years, and many of these offerings were secretive for months or years leading up to the ship's launch.

It's impressive to see new concepts that Royal Caribbean has, and in many cases, they re-define our expectations.  Some cruisers will go on a new ship and then look at older ships with contempt because they don't stack up to the new level of cruising set forth by a new ship.

You like a party

Without a doubt, a new cruise ship is a reason to celebrate and the first sailing of a new ship is a giant party.

When Royal Caribbean launches a new cruise ship, it's sort of like an iPhone launch or opening day of a baseball game.  There's a lot of excitement and pomp and circumstance surrounding the ship's launch.

You'll find nearly all of Royal Caribbean's top executives onboard to oversee and celebrate the launch.

Likewise, cruise fans that cruise the most flock to new ship launches because it's an opportunity to see friends.  Think high school reunion meets birthday party.

Royal Caribbean usually includes extra events on the first sailing of a new ship, along with swag.

The best crew members

When Royal Caribbean launches a new cruise ship, they look to bring in the top rated crew members to help get the ship going.

Any new cruise ship is a challenge to get up and running, because routines need to be set up and systems will need tweaking.

Some crew members relish this challenge, and it gets competitive among crew to get a transfer to a new ship.

Just like how guests like to point out they were there first, many crew members wear it as a badge of honor to help launch a ship.

Because these crew members are the best the cruise line has to offer, you get superior service onboard.

Port stops are a local event

When a brand new cruise ship pulls into a port of call, it's a celebration in and of itself.

Each port is a new stop for a ship on an inaugural cruise so often its arrival becomes a local event.  Sometimes it's a small ceremony, and other times there is a big party on the pier and guests are invited too.

It's kind of neat to see the party atmosphere surrounding a new ship spill over to the places you visit. 

There's no wear and tear

One of the most common concerns I hear from readers is if a particular ship feels old or dated, and there's no such concern with a new ship.

A new cruise ship has no wear and tear. Every aspect of the ship is still in never-been-used, pristine condition. 

Beds are new, decorations are contemporary, and menus reflect trends we are still seeing today.

Why you shouldn't book a brand-new cruise ship

You want everything ready and working for your cruise

New cruise ships aren't always totally complete when they launch.

The ship is functional and perfectly safe to sail on, but not every feature or offering may be ready for the first sailing.

There's a lot of pressure to get a new ship out and sailing on time, and sometimes there could be a venue or show not quite ready for the first sailing.  This is especially true today, as supply chain issues are still difficult to manage.

Most commonly, the full lineup of shows may not be ready for the first sailing.  In some cases, the shows may be performed, but only partially while the cast learns the full lineup.

As an example, Effectors wasn't ready for many months after Wonder of the Seas launched.

Oh, and the price for early sailings is the same whether or not everything is 100% or not.

If you'd be disappointed not to be able to experience every single feature promoted with a new ship because it's not ready yet, a new ship might be worth skipping.

You don't want to pay top dollar

Without a doubt, a cruise on a brand new ship will cost more than other ships.

You'll pay a premium for sailing on a new ship compared to older ships, and sometimes the price gap can be substantial.

Even prices for add-ons, like a drink package or cabana at Perfect Day at CocoCay, will cost more on a new ship.

In speaking with Wall Street analysts, Royal Caribbean has talked about how well Icon of the Seas is selling and at higher prices.

In short, you'll pay more for a cruise if you want to get on a new ship. Especially, if it's the first sailing.

You don't like big ships

New or not, if you are not a fan of big cruise ships, then you can probably skip Icon or Utopia too.

Royal Caribbean has steadily been building bigger ships, and some people prefer smaller ships.

There could be a delay

Something else to keep in mind with any new cruise ship is plans can change.

Cruise ship construction is well-thought out, but there's plenty of examples of new ship launches being pushed back.

While there's no reason to believe Icon or Utopia of the Seas will be delayed, we've seen ship launches delayed over the years.