Looking for a cruise that goes beyond the usual places? Royal Caribbean is known for visiting some of the top tropical destinations, but there are a few hidden gem cruises that go even further.

With the Bahamas and Caribbean being a year-round destination, it's easy to visit the same ports of call over and over. While there's nothing wrong with that, sometimes you begin to crave something different, especially as you become a more experienced cruiser. 

There are plenty of overlooked itineraries that don't get enough attention, particularly on a family-friendly line that hyper focuses on private destinations. In other words, if you're willing to branch out, you will find that Royal Caribbean’s 2025 lineup goes beyond the usual beach destinations.

Whether you're itching to visit countries like Portugal, Japan, or South Africa, or simply want extra time for R&R at sea, there's a cruise that offers a refreshing change from basic itineraries to St. Maarten, CocoCay, and Cozumel. 

If you haven't planned your next voyage for 2025, look no further than these special sailings.

Editor's note: Cruise pricing can change at any time based on demand, availability, and promotional offers. All fares mentioned were accurate at the time of publication. However, for the most current pricing, check directly on the cruise line's website or with your travel agent.

Celebrity Silhouette — 14-Night Greenland & Iceland, August 15, 2025

Dates: August 15 - August 28, 2025

Embarkation port: Reykjavik, Iceland

Disembarkation port: Boston, Massachusetts

Lowest rate: $1,542 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Isafjordur, Iceland
• Akureyri, Iceland
• Qaqortoq, Greenland
• Corner Brook, Newfoundland
• Sydney, Nova Scotia
• Halifax, Nova Scotia

Brilliance of the Seas — 8-Night Spain & Portugal, August 22, 2025

Dates: August 22 - August 30, 2025

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Southampton, England

Lowest rate: $1,594 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Palma De Mallorca, Spain
• Valencia, Spain
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Porto (Leixoes), Portugal
• La Coruña, Spain

Brilliance of the Seas — 15-Night Iceland & Greenland, August 30, 2025

Dates: August 30 - September 14, 2025

Embarkation port: Southampton, England

Disembarkation port: Boston, Massachusetts

Lowest rate: $2,490 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland
• Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight)
• Qaqortoq, Greenland
• Nuuk, Greenland
• Sydney, Nova Scotia
• Halifax, Nova Scotia

Serenade of the Seas — 5-Night Pacific Coastal, September 14, 2025

Dates: September 14 - 19, 2025

Embarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Disembarkation port: San Diego, California 

Lowest rate: $393 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Seattle, Washington
• Astoria, Oregon

Serenade of the Seas — 13-Night Panama Canal Eastward, September 19, 2025

Dates: September 19 - October 2, 2025

Embarkation port: San Diego, California 

Disembarkation port: Miami, Florida

Lowest rate: $1,633 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Huatulco, Mexico
• Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Cartagena, Colombia

Radiance of the Seas — 8-Night Pacific Coastal, September 26, 2025

Dates: September 26 - October 4, 2025

Embarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Disembarkation port: San Diego, California 

Lowest rate: $595 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Astoria, Oregon
• San Francisco, California (overnight)
• Catalina Island, California 

Anthem of the Seas – 9-Night Hawaii, October 4, 2025

Dates: October 4 - 13, 2025

Embarkation port: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Disembarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Lowest rate: $936 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Seattle, Washington (overnight)

Radiance of the Seas — 16-Night Panama Canal, October 4, 2025

Dates: October 4 - 20, 2025

Embarkation port: San Diego, California

Disembarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lowest rate: $3,450 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Mazatlán, Mexico
• Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
• Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Colón, Panama
• Cartagena, Colombia
• George Town, Grand Cayman

Ovation of the Seas — 11-Night Tokyo to Singapore, October 9, 2025

Dates: October 9 - 20, 2025

Embarkation port: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Disembarkation port: Singapore, Singapore

Lowest rate: $5,111 per person for a balcony cabin

Ports of call: 

• Nagasaki, Japan
• Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea
• Hong Kong, China
• Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam

Read more: Royal Caribbean is betting big on this exotic destination

Anthem of the Seas — 17-Night Transpacific, October 13, 2025

Dates: October 13 - 31, 2025

Embarkation port: Oahu (Honolulu), Hawaii

Disembarkation port: Sydney, Australia

Lowest rate: $3,831 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Papeete, Tahiti
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Tauranga, New Zealand

Odyssey of the Seas — 14-Night Transatlantic, October 22, 2025

Dates: October 22 - November 5, 2025

Embarkation port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Disembarkation port: Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey

Lowest rate: $4,868 per person for a suite

Ports of call: 

• Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy
• Cartagena, Spain
• Málaga, Spain
• Gibraltar, United Kingdom
• Ponta Delgada, Azores

Allure of the Seas — 13-Night Transatlantic, October 26, 2025

Dates: October 26 - November 8, 2025

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lowest rate: $1,429 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Palma De Mallorca, Spain
• Alicante, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Málaga, Spain

Voyager of the Seas — 18-Night Barcelona to Cape Town, October 27, 2025

Dates: October 27 - November 14, 2025

Embarkation port: Barcelona, Spain

Disembarkation port: Cape Town, South Africa

Lowest rate: $1,367 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Tangier, Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
• Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
• Walvis Bay, Walvis Bay
• Cape Town, South Africa (overnight)

Jewel of the Seas — 8-Night Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, October 31, 2025

Dates: October 31 - November 8, 2025

Embarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Disembarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Lowest rate: $775 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Labadee, Haiti
• Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis
• Castries, St. Lucia
• Roseau, Dominica
• Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Celebrity Ascent — 13-Night Italy & Bermuda Transatlantic, October 31, 2025

Dates: October 31 - November 13, 2025

Embarkation port: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Disembarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lowest rate: $1,332 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Cagliari, Sardinia
• Gibraltar, United Kingdom
• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda

Brilliance of the Seas — 7-Night Boston to San Juan, November 2, 2025

Dates: November 2 - 9, 2025

Embarkation port: Boston, Massachusetts

Disembarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Lowest rate: $1,113 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
• St. John's, Antigua
• Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Voyager of the Seas — 17-Night Cape Town to Singapore, November 14, 2025

Dates: November 14 - December 1, 2025

Embarkation port: Cape Town, South Africa

Disembarkation port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Lowest rate: $1,370 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Port Elizabeth, South Africa
• Pointe Des Galets, Reunion Island
• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Singapore, Singapore (overnight)

Celebrity Equinox — 15-Night Portugal to Argentina Transatlantic, November 21, 2025

Dates: November 21 - December 6, 2025

Embarkation port: Lisbon, Portugal

Disembarkation port: Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Lowest rate: $2,159 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Tenerife, Canary Islands
• Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
• Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• Montevideo, Uruguay

Voyager of the Seas — 12-Night Cape Town to Singapore to Brisbane, December 1, 2025

Dates: December 1 - 13, 2025

Embarkation port: Singapore, Singapore

Disembarkation port: Brisbane, Australia

Lowest rate: $2,241 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Benoa, Bali
• Darwin, Australia
• Cairns (Yorkeys Knob), Australia
• Airlie Beach, Queensland

Read more: I tried my first Australia cruise: here are 7 things that surprised me

Celebrity Ascent — 11-Night Panama Canal & Perfect Day Holiday, December 22, 2025

Dates: December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026

Embarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Disembarkation port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lowest rate: $2,732 per person for an interior cabin

Ports of call: 

• Cartagena, Colombia
• Oranjestad, Aruba
• Willemstad, Curaçao
• Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Pros of a longer cruise

If you're like me, you might initially gloss over longer sailings. With my partner's work schedule as an elementary school teacher, it's difficult to get a lot of time off during the academic year. 

Not only that, but we don't like leaving our dog for extended periods. He is older and has a few health concerns. Plus, paying for quality care is expensive! 

However, there are perks to taking longer cruises. First, you have more time to enjoy the ship. Transatlantic and transpacific cruises, especially, include multiple sea days in a row. 

These give guests ample opportunity to relax, rather than feeling rushed to cross everything off their must-do list. 

Additionally, the price per day is often lower than for shorter voyages. That said, it's not uncommon to find high last-minute prices. As cabins sell out, cruise lines might raise rates for unique sailings. 

Another perk of choosing a longer sailing is that the itineraries are more diverse. You can visit more interesting ports around the world, especially if you are willing to sail on a one-way cruise, without sacrificing the Royal Caribbean experience.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You could also purchase missed port coverage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Researching thoroughly for the best itinerary

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

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

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

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

2. Finding unique itineraries to interesting ports of call

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Taking charge of booking our hotels for optimal location

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

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

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

5. Researching shore excursions and port plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Creating an organized itinerary for everyone

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

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

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

7. Getting a head start on visas and travel documents

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

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

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

8. Watching videos and reading reviews

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

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

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

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

Read more: European cruise outfits and packing guide for women

9. Providing lounge access for long travel days

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

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

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

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

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

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

One cruiser received a major scare when they were notified that their upcoming cruise was cancelled after forgetting to make their final payment. 

Full payment isn't required when cruises are booked in advance. Instead, travelers can place a deposit to secure their reservation, with the final payment due by a specific deadline — often 60 to 90 days before departure, depending on the cruise line and itinerary. 

Norie08 shared their harrowing experience on a Reddit message board, serving as a warning for fellow travelers not to make the same mistake in the future. 

"I [forgot] to pay my final balance on my Royal Caribbean [cruise]. [Then, finally], remember[ed] it while I'm at work. I'm planning to pay for it after work. But now I have received notice of [the] cancelation of my cruise," they explain.

"Can I still beg them [that] I'm going to pay? I keep calling them, but nobody answers. I'm so sad!" 

Norie08 booked a 4-night sailing for July 2025 directly through Royal Caribbean's website to celebrate their 6th anniversary. This also would have been Norie08's first cruise, making the situation more heartbreaking. 

Luckily, they got in touch with Royal Caribbean's customer service team, who were able to reinstate their booking. 

"I got it. I contacted them, and I paid my final balance and restored my reservation. I just lost my freebies for the anniversary!" they said. 

Although Norie08 was relieved to have their cruise back, the situation served as an important lesson in travel planning. 

Here are 4 tips to ensure you don't forget to make the final payment for your upcoming cruise vacation.

Read more: 25 Do's and Don'ts for your Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025

Set calendar reminders

"In the future, always put a calendar reminder in your phone!" commented one Reddit user. 

The final payment due date will be clearly listed on your booking confirmation, whether it's 6 months or two years away, as well as on your online account. 

As soon as you've placed your deposit, set multiple calendar alerts so you're frequently reminded about the upcoming payment date. 

For example, you might not want the first reminder to pop up two days before you have to drop thousands of dollars on a cruise payment. 

Instead, consider setting a reminder for two months, three weeks, and two days before the final payment is due. That way, you have time to come up with the funds, rather than scrambling at the last minute. 

Read more: Should I make final payment for my cruise?

Work with a travel agent

Booking cruises through a travel agent is a game-changer. Not only can they help you find deals and decide on cabin categories, itineraries, and even shore excursions, but good agents will remind you when final payments are due. 

For example, my amazing travel agent through MEI Travel, Christina, will always email me days ahead of when the final payment is due, asking if it's okay to go ahead and charge the card on file. 

It's nice because I never have to worry about missing the final payment on my cruise vacations — one of the many perks of using a travel agent! 

Similar-Routine7337 agrees, writing, "This is a big reason why I use a travel agent. I don’t have to worry about missing this deadline."

Read more: 10 things I'd recommend if someone is new to cruise ship travel

Frequently check your email

Cruise lines will send important notices to your email. Some may be related to your sailing's final payment, while others might be about itinerary changes. 

For example, Carnival Cruise Line recently emailed me about ongoing maintenance on the main pool during my weeklong Alaska cruise. Though minor, I was glad I knew that the only indoor pool would be closed before I stepped foot on Carnival Luminosa. 

Regularly checking your inbox will help you stay on top of important updates about your cruise. You may also receive a special upgrade offer!

Arrange automatic payments

"I always take the balance I owe after the initial deposit and divide by the number of months I have to pay it prior to the final payment due date and schedule equal monthly payments to be automatically taken from my credit card. This way I won’t have to pay a lump sum at the time I make the booking or at the final payment due date," explains Altruistic-Couple989.

"It’s sort of like putting your cruise on layaway, no finance fees and it makes it easier (at least for me) since I usually have 4-6 future cruises booked and all being paid in monthly automatic installment payments."

This is great advice for cruisers who fear they'll forget the final payment date or want to consistently pay off their vacation. 

Saving time and avoiding lines is everything to me in the world of travel, and that's why I usually carry my luggage off the ship at its end.

While I usually opt for convenience in many aspects of travel, the disembarkation process is one notable exception.

When a cruise concludes, Royal Caribbean gives its guests options in how to get their belongings off the ship. There's a simple way to have your luggage taken off the ship for you and delivered to the cruise terminal.

I used to always leave my bags out the night before the cruise ends and then have them brought to the terminal.  It was simple and it did make it easier to get off the ship the next morning.

But since I started carrying my luggage off the ship, it changed my outlook for the speed factor.

Carrying bags is the fastest way to get going

The top reason I'll carry my own bags off the ship is because it's the fastest way to get off the ship, out of the terminal, and on my way.

Those carrying their own bags off the ship can disembark the ship an hour or more before the first bags are delivered.

When you leave your luggage out, Royal Caribbean gives you an estimated time they'll be ready.  That's the earliest time you can disembark the ship and have the bags waiting for you.  You could go later, if you're taking your time eating breakfast or enjoying a few more minutes on the ship.

In many cases, I want to get going and expedite traveling home.  I might be trying to make a specific high speed train home, or a flight booking.  

When I cruise close to home and I'm driving my own car, I simply want to get home.  Getting off the ship is like ripping the band-aid off in that I don't want to belabor the end of vacation and would rather get it over with.

Another benefit of being early off the ship is it minimizes the potential for traffic.  I find traffic tends to build later in the morning, and lines at the cruise terminal pickup area are worse later in the morning.

One more compelling reason I like self-assist is I don't have to pack everything up the night before.  

Since I don't have to leave my bags out in the hallway, I have more time to pack and less issues packing up what I need for the next day versus what can be in the checked luggage.

What to know before you try it

Carrying your own bags off the ship sounds great when you're sitting at home, but there are a few caveats you should be aware of before you try it.

To start, you'll need to be comfortable taking your own luggage with you without any assistance.

Royal Caribbean offers the option to take your own luggage off the ship, but you need to be able to easily carry all of it on your own.  Plus anything and everyone else you're traveling with.

If you have mobility issues, lack the strength to carry heavy suitcases down stairs, or are also trying to juggle kids, this might not be the option for you.

In fact, I only discovered the virtues of taking my luggage off myself once my kids got older and it didn't feel like we were trying to move the Army of the Potomac.

The other potential issue is actually getting off the ship in the morning.  Elevators will be busy, and it can be a challenge to get an elevator.

Ideally, you'll carry the bags down the stairs but that's not always possible.  

Conventional wisdom says if you can't get an elevator going down, take one going up and then wait for it to head back down later.

"No long lines, no big crowds"

Other cruisers have found embracing self-assist carry is the way to go too.

OhiobornCAraised posted on Reddit why they prefer it too, "Getting through immigration and the cruise terminal was soooo smooth! No long lines, no big crowds to work through. It was marvelous. 10/10 experience and hope to be able to do it more in the future."

Substantial-Face-363 added, "Totally agree! We disembarked from the Encore a couple weeks ago at 6:30 am. We took all our bags and walked right off. No wait, no lines. It was amazing!"

"Just got off a ship a week ago . We did just this for our first time. Worked out great due to a tight flight schedule," wrote OldAdministration735.

I'll aspire to carry my own luggage off the ship whenever possible, even if I'm not in a rush to disembark necessarily.

I simply like being in control of when I can leave, and usually the time guests carrying their own luggage off the ship starts quite early.

I can't say I'm able to do this on every cruise, but I've definitely shifted towards embracing carrying my own bags off more and more.

Royal Caribbean ships are known for fun things to do onboard, and a big part of that are the theme nights and parties.

One of the top questions we get is what to pack for a cruise, and that includes these events.

"When and where do you find out about theme nights on different ships? We cruise in a month and would love to be able to plan for packing," is what one person wrote on Facebook recently to ask about it.

Royal Caribbean is now sending emails that help address that question.

Are you ready to party?

A few of our readers with upcoming cruises received emails from the cruise line that are aimed at making it easier for guests to understand what to expect onboard.

It's an informational email, offering expectations of the different themes and parties.

"We have a lineup of thrilling events and activities planned onboard, and we’re encouraging all our guests to participate in the festivities," the email reads.

In one example, the email was sent to guests booked on the June 13, 2025 sailing of Anthem of the Seas, which puts it about 26 days prior to the start of the cruise.

It starts off listing four theme nights and what each one is like:

• 80s Night: It’s going to be totally tubular! The most vibrant and unforgettable decade has made its way to the high seas. Dust off your leg warmers, tease up your hair, break out your fishnets and pack it with your leather jacket – it’s time to get funky and dance the night away! Pack your leg warmers, big hair and fishnet gloves!
• Caribbean Night: Join us for an evening of vibrant music, and dive into the rhythms and flavors of the Caribbean! Pack your favorite Caribbean shirts, tropical dresses and all things floral as you embrace the island spirit and dance the night away!
• 70s Night: Get ready to hit the dance floor at our far out 70s Night Party! Boogie down and dress up in your grooviest 70s-inspired outfit. Pack your bell-bottoms, platform shoes, dazzling sequins and funky sunglasses and join us to dance the night away to the hottest hits of the decade!
• Latin Party: Feel the heat and passion of our Latin Party as you move to the vibrant rhythms of the salsa, bachata, and reggaeton. Pack your favorite dancing shoes and casual, white attire that will keep you dancing all night long. When choosing your outfit think casual, light and flowy!

The email also says there will be a formal night onboard, which Royal Caribbean refers to as "Dress Your Best night".

The amount of formal nights on any sailing depends on the length of the cruise:

• 3-5 sailings nights: One night
• 6-10 sailing nights: Two nights
• 11-14 sailing nights: Three nights
• 15+ sailing nights: Three to four nights

The email is something I haven't previously seen by Royal Caribbean, but it's clearly an attempt to make it easier for guests to participate.

Theme nights are optional

It's important to remember that the themes are not mandatory, and you don't have to participate if you don't want to.

It's been a cruising tradition for years to have these events, and it offers a way to have fun on vacation.  Basically, theme nights are an excuse to get dressed up and join in.

Not only are there evenings to enjoy together, but it makes for fun family photos.

Part of the appeal of a theme night is you get join in with your own take on the outfit to wear. You could go for an over-the-top look that's meant to get laughs, or see if your family can really get into the spirit of the event with a cosplay-level look.

Ultimately, these themes are really about how you look around the ship. No venue or restaurant will deny you entry if you don't participate in one of these themes.

An even easier way to find the theme nights and when they are

While this email is a good start, it doesn't list exactly when each theme night will occur.  Nor do you know what else is happening that day to coordinate plans.

My advice is go one step further than the email and get the answer.

There are two tried-and-true ways to find out the theme nights for your Royal Caribbean cruise.

You could look up themed nights from past sailings on the same ship and itinerary.

We keep an archive of past Cruise Compasses, which list all the events that happened on a given sailing.

The reality is if you look up a recent sailing on the same ship and itinerary as yours, the theme nights are all but certainly going to be the same.

Another idea is to look in the Royal Caribbean app.

About 2-3 weeks before your cruise, the app will update with the theme nights and other activities.

Scroll under the “Daily Planner” section to preview the hourly details and event descriptions. 

Planning a great Royal Caribbean cruise is all about being prepared to do, and knowing when to do it.

You might be overwhelmed about where to start or wondering what exactly needs to get done before you set sail. A little research and preparation can go a long way when planning a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Lucky for you, we’ve created the optimal timeline for planning your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. This article was inspired by an extensive checklist that was shared on the Royal Caribbean First Time Cruisers Facebook page by Perlyshell RN. 

Please note, this timeline is simply a suggestion for steps to take during your planning process. We recommend working with a travel agent who specializes in cruising to assist with your cruise planning and preparation. 

Personally, we work with MEI Travel for all of our cruise planning needs at Royal Caribbean Blog and highly recommend their knowledgeable and helpful agents.

24 months to 12 months before vacation

Cruise itineraries are released years in advance, so you can start planning your vacation anywhere from 12 months to 24 months in advance. However, some destinations are available for booking earlier than others, it just depends.

During this time, you should also be researching the destination and itineraries that interest you. Start taking notes, reading reviews, watching YouTube videos, and choosing an appropriate budget for your vacation. When choosing your cruise, it's important to select the right itinerary, cruise ship, and cabin for your travel style and budget. Our site offers plenty of helpful guides to choosing the right cruise, especially for first-time cruisers.

Checklist ( > 1 year before vacation):

• Choose your preferred cruise itinerary and book with a travel agent. Ask about group rates and refundable deposits if your cruise is far in advance.
  • You'll need to place a deposit to secure your cabin.
  • Decide if you want early, late or My Time Dining.
  • Pick your cabin category and a specific location.
  • Try for a midship cabin that is away from public areas and surrounded by cabins above and below. Use deck plans to find the perfect location.
• Link reservations with others traveling in your party if you book more than one cabin.
• Monitor pricing and check for repricing opportunities.
  • If the price decreases, you can ask your travel agent to reprice your reservation at the lower rate.
• Research travel insurance options. This is always a smart move, especially if you’re cruising during hurricane season or have potential health concerns.
• Confirm you have the correct travel documents and verify expiration dates, including passport and driver's license. Renew if needed!

6 months to 12 months before vacation

Once you’re within 6 to 12 months of your cruise vacation, you can start making more reservations. This includes airline tickets and hotel reservations, which are usually only available to book about one year before your actual travel dates.

You’ll also want to start solidifying your plans for each port of call during this timeframe, including shore excursions or independent tours. Reach out to any local tour companies to inquire about tours offered if you want to book through a third-party company (which is often cheaper).

Depending on the itinerary, you might be able to book excursions further in advance through Royal Caribbean. It’s best to lock these in as soon as they become available, as you can always cancel for a full refund or reprice for a lower fare if the price decreases.

Checklist (6 months - 12 months before vacation):

• Book airline tickets for pre-cruise arrival.
  • Arrive at least one day before embarkation for domestic flights and two to three days for international flights.
  • Set price tracker on Google Flights to monitor if price decreases.
• Start planning your port visits.
• Book excursions if they are available through Royal Caribbean.
• Reserve hotel rooms if you are arriving before embarkation day.
• Book rental car or local transportation, if needed.
  • Uber and Lyft are typically available in most port cities.
• Check and purchase any pre-cruise add-ons within the Royal Caribbean cruise planner.
  • This includes drink packages, internet packages, spa treatments, specialty dining packages and onboard experiences.
• Make sure your travel documents are in order and passport has at least 6 months of validity.
• Research if you need any visas or e-arrival forms for completion (especially for Asia itineraries)
• Set reminder or mark your calendar for final payment date.
• Find pet sitter or make boarding reservation for pets.
• Confirm if you need any vaccinations or medications for your cruise, meet or schedule doctor’s appointment if necessary.
• Join a Facebook group for your specific sailing.

75 days to 120 days before vacation

Royal Caribbean’s final payment date varies based on the duration of your cruise. We recommend making the final payment before the deadline, especially if you are trying to make any sort of payment around a banking holiday. 

You can also choose to make incremental payments toward your reservation rather than paying the full balance all at once. This is a helpful budgeting strategy that allows you to spread out the cost and pay off your vacation before the final payment is due.

Final payment of the balance must be received at the Royal Caribbean office before these deadlines:

75 Days: 1 night to 4 night cruises

90 Days: 5 night to 14 night cruises

120 Days: 15 nights or longer

Checklist (75 days to 120 days before vacation):

• Make final payment for cruise reservation
  • If you booked with a travel agent, you’ll make your final payment through your agent. Direct bookings can pay on Royal Caribbean’s website.

45 days to 60 days before vacation

Your cruise vacation is getting closer! During these final months after you’ve made the final payment for your reservation, you’ll want to start making final arrangements for your cruise. This includes finalizing reservations, excursions, dining reservations and more.

If you’re cruising aboard one of Royal Caribbean’s bigger vessels, such as Icon Class, Oasis Class, or Quantum Class, you should start making reservations for specific shows online or using the app. These are popular, and you are required to have a free reservation to attend.

You’ll also check-in for your cruise during this timeframe. This requires you to provide proof of citizenship, emergency contact information, flight details (if applicable), and a credit card for your onboard expense account.

Checklist (45 days to 60 days before vacation):

• Download the Royal Caribbean app and make sure your login works.
• Reserve onboard shows (for free) when they become available in the cruise planner or app.
  • Expect to see reservation openings between 45 days - 60 days before sail date.
  • This is only for Oasis Class, Icon Class, and Quantum Class. Other ship classes do not require reservations.
• Check-in for your cruise opens 45 days before sail date at 12pm local time. You can do this online or in the app.
• Choose the earliest arrival time if you want to be onboard as soon as possible.
  • You can select this without entering travel document information by proceeding to the “Arrival” Section
• Solidify your dining reservations, such as Solarium Bistro.
• Arrange and confirm any Main Dining Room requests
  • Email [email protected] to arrange seating for multiple reservations with booking number and names.

1 month before vacation

The month before your cruise vacation is exciting, as embarkation day is right around the corner! Most of the planning for your trip should be done at this point, unless you need to tie up any loose strings or finalize last-minute preparations.

Checklist (1 month before vacation):

• Purchase any cruise necessities or must-have items online
• Shop for any new clothes or toiletries for your vacation
• Buy new suitcases or travel bags, if needed.
• Ensure you have enough prescription medication
• Confirm pet sitter or house sitter arrangements
• Finalize check-in with Royal Caribbean online or in the app
• Make sure your PTO is approved at work

2 weeks to 3 weeks before vacation

Within the final weeks before your cruise, you’ll have a few important items to check off your list. You’ll be continuing to make final preparations and probably starting to pack your bags (or think about packing). This is usually when I do any last-minute errands or shopping before my vacation, as I don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.

Checklist (2 weeks to 3 weeks before vacation):

• If you prefer, print your reservations and confirmation for airline, hotel and rental car.
• Download Set Sail pass to your phone for embarkation day.
• Print luggage tags for suitcases.
• Download e-documents for reservation. This is available 30 days before sail date.
• Make copies of passports and travel documents, or take a picture on your phone.
• Create packing list with everything you plan to bring

1 week before vacation

It’s the final countdown before your long awaited cruise vacation! After months and years of planning, it can be hard to believe that your cruise is already happening so soon. Enjoy the excitement leading up to your embarkation and get ready for an amazing cruise vacation - all of your planning will pay off!

Checklist (1 week before vacation):

• Start packing your suitcase. Lay out clothes you want to pack and try on outfits.
  • Check themed nights in the Royal Caribbean app, such as white night or 80s night.
• Confirm check-in was complete for cruise and download Set Sail pass to your phone (if haven’t already)
• If needed, call your bank and credit card company for travel alerts
• Get cash from the bank (small bills for cash tips onboard)
• Arrange for someone to pick up your mail or stop mail during your vacation
• Watch a ship tour video on Royal Caribbean Blog’s YouTube channel

1 day to 2 days before flight

Within a few days of your flight, your bags should be packed and nearly ready for vacation! Don’t wait until the last minute to pack or prepare for your travel day, as this will only lead to last-minute stress. I prefer packing the weekend before my travel plans to minimize stress the night or day before my vacation begins.

Checklist (1 day to 2 days before vacation):

• Check-in for your flight within 24 hours. Download boarding pass to your phone.
• Remind everyone to have their documents, IDs, money, and credit cards ready for the vacation
• Confirm you’ve packed everything on your packing list.
• Make sure luggage is ready to go and compliant with airline regulation.
• Check the weather for your itinerary and pack anything deemed necessary (ponchos, umbrellas, rain coats).
• Download entertainment for offline use (Netflix downloads, podcasts, books).
• Set an out-of-office reply at work and personal email.
• Download port maps or guides to use offline.
• Print travel insurance card and know your policy number.

< 24 hours before cruise or cruise day

The day has arrived, finally! All of your planning and preparation will come to fruition, and hopefully your vacation goes off without a hitch. Remember, sometimes things don't go the way we meticulously planned, and that’s okay. Control what you can, and go with the flow if something unexpected happens. Traveling is a great time to practice adaptability.

Most of all, enjoy your hard-earned cruise vacation! You’ve earned it.

Checklist (< 24 hours before cruise and cruise day):

• Charge all electronics, including phone, watch, tablet, headphones, portable charger, and camera.
• Complete health questionnaire on Royal Caribbean app.
• Watch the muster drill video and listen to the emergency horn on the app
  • You’ll need to physically check into your muster station onboard.
• Make sure all luggage and bags are accounted for.
• Secure bag tags before heading to the port.
• Keep all travel documents and IDs with you during embarkation.

How early you book a cruise can have a big impact on your vacation cost.

Last-minute cruise deals used to be a fantastic way to score big on a vacation. However, the demand for cruises is so high that Royal Caribbean is focusing on combating high last-minute bookings by rewarding early planners. As a result, last-minute cruise reservations are going to be more expensive than in the past. 

During the company's first quarter earnings call on April 29, Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) President and C.E.O. Jason Liberty shared how 86% of the 2025 cruise inventory is booked. Not only that, but the 2026 booking window is about one week shorter. 

"Our booked position for 2026, at this point, is in line with the same time last year on a volume standpoint...So we obviously have more capacity next year and at higher prices," Liberty said.

Why Royal Caribbean's comments mean you should book a 2026 cruise now

New cruise bookings aren't slowing down. In fact, the company is seeing strong demand for its products, ranging from short getaways on Utopia of the Seas to port-intensive cruises aboard Celebrity's upscale ships. 

Consequently, those planning a 2026 cruise shouldn’t assume there will be availability in a few months. With more ships, higher prices, and a shrinking booking window, delaying your booking could mean missing out on your preferred itinerary or cabin category. 

"Bookings for 2025 have remained on track, cancellation levels are normal, and we continue to see excellent close-in demand," said Liberty. 

Royal Caribbean's recording bookings continued into April, with Liberty reporting that RCG's bookings were greater than the same period last year. 

Still not convinced? Here are 3 reasons you should consider planning your 2026 cruise as soon as possible. 

The demand for cruise vacations is higher than ever

The first quarter results reveal that the company's profits blew past expectations, indicating RCG is seeing strong demand for its cruise products. As such, its full-year guidance was raised. 

According to data released during the call, about 2.2 million passengers sailed with RCG during the first quarter of 2025, which is roughly a 9% increase year over year. 

Plus, guests part of one of the brand's three loyalty programs — the Crown & Anchor Society, Captain's Club, and Venetian Society Program — accounted for about 40% of the company's bookings in 2024.

A high return rate is good because loyal cruisers are likely to book direct and spend 25% more per trip than non-loyalty members. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean is defying the economy: How record bookings and higher prices are fueling a blowout year

Higher demand means higher cruise fares

Cruise ship inventory is fixed. As inventory drops, prices tend to increase since cruise lines can't magically conjure up extra cabins on a floating vessel. 

Fares can change at a moment's notice based on demand. So, as more cabins for a specific sailing are reserved, the cost of the remaining inventory increases. 

More often than not, the most attractive rates for a sailing are when new deployments are released, as you'll find the widest selection of staterooms.

Additionally, as Liberty talked about during the call, Royal Caribbean isn't slashing fares at the last minute as much anymore because the demand for its products is so high. 

"We see...an uplift in demand as we get very close in. Not only do we see an uplift in demand, we're also about to raise our pricing during that period of time," Liberty explained. 

With last-minute bookings driving revenue gains in the first quarter, Royal Caribbean is leaning into strong consumer interest rather than discounting to fill ships. Part of that means maintaining a high level of price integrity to protect the brand's reputation and long-term revenue goals. 

In other words, discounting cruise fares isn't done at random. It's a strategic decision to avoid frequent price fluctuations that could undermine customer trust or devalue the brand.

This means that booking a 2026 cruise now is probably going to be more affordable than waiting six months or more. 

You may also want to start considering 2027 sailings, as cruise itineraries are typically released around two years in advance. Right now, Caribbean and Bahamian voyages through April 2027 have been uploaded to Royal's site and are available for booking.

Booking early means you have more cabins to choose from

While scoring a lower deal is obviously one of the biggest advantages to booking your cruise earlier rather than later, another major benefit is having a wider selection of cabins. 

If you wait until the last minute, you are at the mercy of the leftover cabins, which are typically some of the least desirable rooms onboard, such as those at the front of the ship (terrible for guests with motion sickness) or near a loud public venue (like the casino). 

Suites are usually the first stateroom category to sell out, as there are fewer suites on ships compared to standard cabins. As such, if you want to reserve a suite for a celebratory cruise, you'll want to start thinking about your 2026 cruise now. 

Adjoining cabins for larger families are in high demand, too. 

By booking now, you are locking in a better rate and ensuring you can reserve the best cabin for your travel party, whether a multi-story suite or an affordable interior stateroom near Adventure Ocean. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean Group's capacity is expected to grow 5.5% in 2025 with the introduction of Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel, as well as a full year of Utopia of the Seas and Silver Ray in service. 

The demand for RCG's unique product doesn't seem to be slowing down, meaning that there will be fewer last-minute cruises available. 

Cruises with last-minute availability will also be priced higher than you might expect to counter the demand, allowing the company to maximize revenue while encouraging cruisers to plan ahead. 

Smart cruisers will go ahead and plan their 2026 cruise to take advantage of today's pricing and reserve their ideal cabin. 

It wouldn't hurt to look at early 2027 cruises, either. 

Simple changes can have a major impact on making your cruise vacation better.

Having sailed on almost 100 cruises, I've found doing things slightly differently improves the efficiency or value you get from the experience.

Think of it like learning a new shortcut on your drive home from work. Shaving a few minutes isn't a big deal, but it gets you there faster.

Plus, these little tricks could save you money or reduce the stress of a cruise.

I came up with a list of 9 ideas to do things differently on your next Royal Caribbean cruise.

Walk to the further gangway

When your ship is docked in port, there's almost always two gangways open at the middle and forward sections of the ship.

Most people go for the first gangway they encounter, but I've found the line to get back on the ship is almost always far less crowded on the gangway further down the pier.

The truth is this tip is less about the wait on the gangway as it is for the elevators.

After you scan back onto the ship and go through security, you have to wait for an elevator. Wait times for an elevator can get pretty high when everyone is coming back to the ship in the afternoon, and it's always worst at the first entrance back onto the ship.

It's worth the extra steps if you can hop right onto an elevator and get to your room (or the pool) faster.

Apply sunscreen before you disembark the ship

Getting sunburned is such an easily avoidable problem, and yet, it happens all too often because people don't apply soon enough.

It's amazing how quickly you can get sunburned, even when just walking off the ship and down the pier.  That sun can beat down on your neck, head, and shoulders, and leave you with a red burn before you even get to to the beach.

Even if you do avoid a burn off the bat, you're supposed to apply sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before diving in the water.

If your kids are like mine, they'll want to go right in and not wait.  

Instead, apply the sunscreen in your cabin before you depart for your shore excursion.

Pick up beach towels at the gangway instead of the pool deck

I never remember to pick up towels for my time ashore the day before, so inevitably I'd be the one to go in the opposite direction to get towels from the pool deck on an already busy morning trying to get everyone ready to disembark the ship.

Royal Caribbean seems to have figured out there's a lot of people like me doing this, and they started putting towel pick up locations right near the gangway.

You'll almost always find a towel station right before the gangway location.  They're usually near the staircase when you reach the gangway deck. Occasionally it's on the Royal Promenade, like on Icon of the Seas.

To be fair, there's a slight chance there won't be one, but I've seen them consistently offered on Caribbean sailings near the gangway for quite some time.

This is so much more convenient than going up to the pool deck.

Plus, on your way back on the ship, they're in the same spot near the gangway taking towel returns!

Of course, another idea is to check out towels the day before your port day and have them ready to go, but that requires more forethought than I'm capable of while on vacation!

Get a theft-proof bag

I've always been "that guy" that puts his wallet and other valuables in my pockets, but I had to change that when I went to Europe.

Pickpocketing is a problem in some European countries (and elsewhere), so experts recommend getting an anti-theft backpack.

I never liked the idea of these because they look too much like fanny packs, but fashion sense aside, they really do work well.

I went with the Wander Plus Anti Theft Travel Bag (this is an affiliate link, which means I get a small commission but there's no extra cost to you) because it can be worn as a crossbody bag or as a sling bag. No embarrassing '90s vibes here.

These bags work because there are hidden/well concealed openings and zippers that aren't as inviting to a pick pocketer as your pant pocket.

Pick pocketers are looking for easy prey, not to undertake a Mission: Impossible endeavor.  They want to get in and out quickly, so an anti-theft bag has enough protection to cause them to probably look elsewhere.

I'd put your phone, SeaPass card, cash, credit card, and pretty much anything else valuable in the bag while you're ashore.

Get to shows early, even if you have a reservation

Royal Caribbean provides free reservations you can make for shows on its big ships, but you shouldn't roll in at the last minute.

Where you sit in the theater makes a difference, so I'd recommend arriving to the theater at least 30 minutes before show time to ensure you get the best seats.

This is especially important at the Broadway shows available on certain Royal Caribbean ships. There's no cost for the seats up front, so why not get the prime location?

There's bar service offered before the show begins, so take advantage of a drink or two while you wait.

Eat lunch on embarkation day at a specialty restaurant

It seems everyone has the same idea when they board the ship: head to the buffet for lunch.

Rather than compete with everyone, a more relaxing alternative is to book a specialty restaurant.

Depending on your ship, the options will vary, but there's usually one or two specialty restaurants open on the first afternoon. Chops Grille is almost always the standard offering.

I've eaten at Giovanni's a few times on embarkation day when checking out Utopia of the Seas, and it's so nice to start off with a seated meal that puts me in "cruise mode" with that level of service right off the bat.

An ancillary benefit of eating lunch is it's usually cheaper. You can experience the exact same, or similar, menu as dinner, but at a lower cost.

Stay on the ship on a port day (or hurry back early) for low crowds at the pool

The Flowrider, water slides, pools, and sports courts are so much emptier on a port day.

Most people on your cruise ship will be off the ship doing something on shore. But all those fun ship activities are open while your ship is docked.

It’s possible to ride waterslides with no wait on port days, climb the rock climbing wall several times in a row, and slide down the Ultimate Abyss without waiting in a long line. 

Trying activities on a port day doesn’t mean you have to skip going ashore, either. Even if you spend the majority of your day in port, you can do an activity immediately after getting back onboard.

I'd still recommend trying a fun port activity, but if you're on a longer sailing with multiple stops, you might consider staying onboard one day.

Tip a waiter in cash when you order a drink

While I agree tip culture has gotten out of hand, I still thinking tipping a dollar when you order a drink is a smart idea for speedier service.

While it's true your drink package includes gratuity, and if you order a drink individually without a package you're charged 18% gratuity, tipping a dollar for each drink ordered makes a difference in how quickly they come back to you.

When I cruise, I keep bunch of dollar bills in my pocket to tip when I order a drink. Not only do I think the crew members deserve a little something extra, but I've noticed it makes a difference when you want speedy refills.

Bars get busy, especially at night or by the pool deck.  But a little extra tipping usually gets the bartender to come to you first.

Order the free breakfast room service

While room service has a service charge, you can have a continental breakfast option that costs nothing extra.

Continental breakfast items, such as pastries, fruit, coffee, and juice are complimentary and can be delivered to your stateroom free of charge. 

It's fun to have a casual start to your morning with a table of light food and coffee in your cabin, especially if you have a balcony cabin.

There are door hanger order sheets with the included continental breakfast menu on one side and room service breakfast menu on the other. You choose what items you want then hang it on the door before you go to sleep. The earliest delivery time is 6 or 6:30, and they give you a wake up call before delivery.

This is a fun way to start your morning and no need to compete with everyone else at the buffet!

Spending the day on a beautiful beach in the Caribbean seems idyllic when you're at home planning it all, but multiple visits ended up feeling like a mistake.

I took my family on a 7-night cruise on Icon of the Seas to the western Caribbean, which included four port stops.

The sailing began with with three port stops in a row: Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.  And there was a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay at the end of the cruise.

I like spending time at each of these ports on their own, and even have a few must-dos in each port.  

However, three beach days in a row is not only a "first world problem", it also felt like a missed opportunity. By the end of the cruise, we were all "beached out" and it felt like we overdid it.

Fun, but repetitive

I booked three separate beach days: Turquoise Bay, Maya Chan, and Paradise Beach.

Don't get me wrong, I had a good time at each of the beaches we visited.  The issue was the getting up early, getting everyone ready, and then getting to and from the beach.

One of the top reasons I love to cruise are the places I visit, but I wish I had mixed up the activities instead of doing all beach.

Right after our second day in a row of beach time, the reality began to sink in.

It started with my kids asking what we had planned the next day because they were hoping for time to sleep in and rest after two early days in a row.

Ordinarily I don't take my kids complaining about getting up early seriously at all, but I had to admit they might have a point as I considered the ramifications of another early day.

My wife and I started talking about it and we realized that our plan made sense in a vacuum, but combining so many port days doing the same activity felt a bit tiresome.

We could have spent more time on the ship

Not only would have skipping a beach day been a way to relax more, it also would have been perfect on a ship as impressive as Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean added so many fun things to do, including some of the best pools on any ship. I love the Swim & Tonic bar because it's a swim-up bar, but I never got a chance to go in.

The ship also has six different water slides to try within its water park.

Something experienced cruisers do often is stay onboard while a ship is in port to take advantage of these fun things without big crowds.

Those same pools and slides get crowded on sea days, and we only had two sea days on this itinerary.

In retrospect, we could have slept in and then hit the pools and waterslides in the morning.

I could have also booked a different activity

Something else I considered was doing something different from a beach.

I could have skipped the beach in Cozumel and taken a taxi downtown for shopping and eating. Or tried an ATV tour in Roatan.

I think mixing up activities is equally important to the rate of when you are on or off the ship.

In thinking about this, I might have gotten off the ship in the morning with my wife to enjoy some time in Cozumel and get some food, before coming back to the ship to take the kids to the pools and waterslides.

The other idea was to try something different in our first port stop of Roatan so it wouldn't be beach right off the bat.

Plan your shore days with the big picture in mind

My advice to myself and anyone planning a Caribbean cruise in the future is look at the itinerary in totality, and not just in a silo.

If variety is the spice of life, it applies to shore excursions as well. I didn't regret any single beach I visited, rather, the combination in a short span of time added up quickly.

While some people might absolutely love nothing but beach day after beach day, don't forget to take into consideration wake up times, prep time, and travel distances to and from the beach.

This is especially important when you're cruising with kids, as multiple early starts in a row takes their toll.  And that applies to aging adults too, who enjoy late nights around the ship.

If you're sailing on a big Royal Caribbean ship that has so many activities, it makes the decision to embrace skipping a port day a good plan.

When we repeat this itinerary in November on the soon-to-be-launched Star of the Seas, I'll be sure to change plans to avoid so many beach days while also taking advantage of what the ship has to offer.