Despite higher oil prices, airport delays, and travel disruption, travelers with a cruise booked are largely still planning to take their vacation.

So I asked cruise fans a simple question: Would any of this change your plans?

The answer was almost unanimous. They’re still going.

"Keeping all 9 of my bookings from now through November," posted Simone Amadee on Facebook when questioned if they were reconsidering travel because of recent global events.

Hundreds of others weighed in to say mostly the same thing: they're keeping their travel plans in place.

Long TSA lines, the Iran conflict, and increased airfares have been at the forefront of news in recent weeks, but going on a cruise doesn't seem to be changing in anyone's view yet.

Joline Tate posted, "Royal Caribbean will not take you where there's danger. If a port is dangerous, they will cancel; you won't have to."

Her sentiment was shared by many that life goes on, despite the travel anxiety some may be feeling.

"Unless the cruise line cancels it, I’m going"

The overwhelming response wasn’t hesitation. It was defiance. Despite scary headlines, most travelers are not canceling cruises.

We asked our readers on Facebook if they're feeling any concern about going on a cruise due to recent issues around the United States and abroad.

Over 200 comments were left, and the vast majority were positive and said they were definitely going on their cruise. In our unscientific poll, there were very limited outright cancellations.

The majority of the comments fell into the "I'm still going" category.

"I cruise at the end of July to the Caribbean. I'm making the final payment next week and hoping for the best," added Kelly D'Alessandro.

Many people shared they feel cruises feel insulated from global events. Moreover, Caribbean cruises are seen as low risk.

"I would absolutely go on a cruise if I had one booked and paid for. Probably the safest way to travel today," wrote Kat PS.

It also helps that cruises are booked months in advance, and most itineraries are far from conflict zones. Royal Caribbean doesn't offer any cruises in the Middle East, and their European cruise season is just about to begin.

Plus, there's a strong sense that cruises feel removed from the chaos on land. Once you're onboard, the outside world fades pretty quickly.

Some are concerned, but not canceling

Even though many aren't canceling their cruise, they are monitoring the situation to see if a change is needed.

Flights are probably the top concern among respondents.

• "Keeping all 9 of my bookings… a bit nervous about all of the flights"
• "A bit nervous about all of the flights I have to take but keeping the faith all will go well!"
• "My problem was the air fare was more than the cruise I was about to book"

People aren't canceling cruises, but they are worried about getting there. To that point, some people are pivoting to cruises they can drive to instead of relying on air travel.

A partial government shutdown has strained the Transportation Security Administration, contributing to longer security lines at airports across the country. This has lead to long lines at airports in some cases.

The concern of missing a flight over these delays is at the heart of why some are questioning going overseas for a trip. Both Americans traveling to Europe and Europeans coming to the States are where the comments started to vary.

"Staying in Europe this year, but we've booked most of our holidays at home in UK for the rest of the year," Sandra Harris wrote.

"Europe? Moved mine to next summer," added Ashley H.

People aren't canceling, but they are watching

The bottom line is most people with a cruise booked plan to go on it, but they aren't ignoring the world events either.

People are watching flight prices and airport situations, and they're thinking more carefully about future trips.

The cruise is still happening, it's just everything around it that feels a little uncertain.

Spring break is one of the most popular times of year to take a cruise. The weather is mild, and many kids across the country are off school, making it extra convenient.

I've been taking my kids on a spring break cruise ever for the past 9 years, and it's a wonderful experience because as they get old, it becomes more challenging to find times when we all can travel together.

The catch with any spring break cruise is how many other kids are doing the same thing.  While Royal Caribbean ships always sail full, there many more families on a spring break cruise and that means more people onboard because those third and fourth beds are filled up.

On Star of the Seas, we had over 10,000 people onboard the ship our 7-night Western Caribbean cruise when you combine passengers with crew members. Needless to say, the cruise ship was busy.

Here are some of the tips we used to navigate the unavoidable crowds.

Go to the pool early

Perhaps no other place on your cruise ship will be as crowded as the pool deck on a sea day.

My best advice is to go up to the pool early before everyone else does.  Star of the Seas has seven pools and ten whirlpools onboard, so it's probably the best cruise ship at distributing crowds.

Our strategy was to go to the pool before 10am and get our time in early.  Most people roll up to the pool deck in the late morning, with the peak crowds extending through early afternoon.

But if you go up before 10am, you'll have no problem finding open chairs.  Chair hogs are a notorious problem on any cruise ship, so getting a chair in the morning is critical.

Not only does this strategy get you a chair, but you can also enjoy a much less crowded pool.  

My theory is to enjoy the pool in the morning, then leave at lunch and enjoy an afternoon nap back in my cabin.

Pre-book shows in the app

Royal Caribbean allows you to pre-book shows, and it's an absolute must-do on a spring break cruise.

According to the cruise line, show reservations open up on the first day of the month before the sailing. That's not totally accurate, but it's a good ballpark of when to start looking for them.

We pre-booked all of our shows, so we didn't have to wait in line to see it. There's no cost to pre-book shows, but that also means a lot of people will book show reservations just to have them and they go quickly.

I'd prioritize show tickets for Torque and the comedy shows, because they have the smallest theaters.  Back to the Future: The Musical is also a must-see.

Speaking of Torque, I always recommend booking the aqua shows for the first sailing because too much movement can cancel a show.  By picking an early show, you ensure you can either see it while conditions are ripe, or have more chances to see it later if your viewing is cancelled.

Take advantage of a port day for the water park

Star of the Seas has an entire water park, so the best time to ride all the slides with as little wait as possible is on a port day.

Pick a port that you'll stay on the ship and hit the water slides. Just like my pool deck strategy, go in the morning when the slides first open and enjoy virtually no lines.

Once you get to lunch time, people start returning to the ship and lines for the water slides can build quickly.

Another smart strategy is to bring your bathing suit on embarkation day and go on the slides as soon as you board. 

Few other people will have their bathing suit because they packed it away in their checked luggage, so lines tend to be lower on the first day until about mid-afternoon.

Prepare to splurge for a suite if having a less crowded pool deck is important to you

Paying extra for a suite on top of the premium pricing a new ship like Star of the Seas enjoys can sting, but if you're looking for the "easy button", the extra expense may be worth it.

Suite guests get access to the Suite Neighborhood onboard, which includes its own private pool deck, lounge, and restaurant.

The Grove is the name of the suite sun deck area on Icon Class ships, which has its own pool, hot tub, and lots of loungers.

I was able to access this area because I'm a Pinnacle Club member, and having an enclave from the main pool area provided a wonderful relief from crowds.  There were still lots of people taking advantage of this area, but it's far more manageable.

I would never advocate booking a suite because it's a good value. But there are some people that would prefer to pay extra to avoid crowds, and this is the option for them.

You'll need to book a Grand Suite or any other Sky or Star Class suite to get the full benefits. Traditional Junior Suites (and Surfside Family Suites later this year) only have partial suite benefits, and the pool area isn't one of them.

Make dining reservations early

Just as important as your show reservations are ensuring you have a place to eat each night.

I witnessed numerous times someone asking for a table without a reservation, only to be told there's nothing left for that day.

Royal Caribbean has made it very easy to prebook specialty restaurants, even with the dining package, thanks to the Royal Caribbean app. I made all my reservations before the cruise began and was grateful I didn't have to worry about finding a place to eat onboard.

If you're eating at the Main Dining Room, you can pre-book your My Time Dining spots too.  Personally, I'd recommend Traditional Dining to make it even easier.

If you decide to book something onboard, make that decision early. Book reservations on the first day because all the restaurants were overbooked by the time we got to day three or four of the cruise.

Hit the gym on port days

I found the gym gets overcrowded on sea days, so it's better to go on any port day.

Hit the gym before your excursion early and you'll find the fitness center is so much less crowded.  I went on the morning we were in Perfect Day at CocoCay, and there were maybe 10 people total to contend with.

You check the weather forecast before your cruise and suddenly your excitement turns into dread: rain every day.

While it looks like your Caribbean vacation is about to be washed out before it even begins, the truth is it probably won't. That scary-looking forecast doesn't mean it will rain all day, or even for every long. In fact, it's more likely the rain will miss you and end up with plenty of sunshine.

The thing most people don’t realize is Caribbean weather forecasts are famously misleading. 

Before you panic, here's some reassurance why that "rain forecast for the entire cruise" rant is probably not as bad as it looks.

Why Caribbean forecasts almost always show rain

Weather forecasting relies on models, and the models in the Caribbean are not nearly as sophisticated or well-developed as those in the United States.

Part of the reason for this is because there are less weather stations around the Caribbean. Many countries don't have the financial resources to buy a radar station and that means there's far less weather radar information to feed into models.

I'm not saying the weather forecasts are useless, but don't take them as the gospel truth for what to expect.

Rain is common in the tropics

As someone that lives in Florida, I know that when there's rain in the forecast, it's rarely an all-day affair.

When you get into the warm months of the year, rain storms tend to pop-up and develop as the day goes on. Warm ocean water + humidity = pop-up storms.

That means you start off the day sunny, see clouds in the afternoon, and experience a quick downpour.  Or not at all.  Tropical rain storms are usually small cells that move quickly and may hit one beach, but not another.

Even if the forecast is accurate that it will rain, it's doubtful the rain will last very long. Sometimes it's a few minutes, sometimes an hour or so.  But most of the day is likely to be rain-free.

That forecast is a percentage chance, not a guarantee

Something else you should look at in any weather forecast is the percentage chance of rain.

It may list rain every day of your cruise, but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee. Often the percentage listed is far less than 100%, and that means forecasters aren't really sure.  They see the potential for precipitation, but it's unclear when or where exactly it will rain and for how long.

So meteorologists use a percentage in their forecast to handicap the likelihood of rain. Even a 70% or higher chance or rain may result in no rain at all.

Weather apps show rain icons even if the chance is small. A 30–40% chance of rain may mean a short shower somewhere nearby.

This is one of those situations as a cruiser you need to have a "glass is half full" approach and hope for the best.

Why cruise ships are good at avoiding bad weather

On sea days, you have the best chance to avoid the worst rain.

Cruise ship Captains can reroute around large storm systems. That's not to say they'll avoid every rain cell, but they will seek a better route if there's a big system out there. In fact, Royal Caribbean has its own meteorologist to help predict bad weather and keep ships away from it.

In the case of a hurricane, Royal Caribbean could re-arrange ports or change itineraries.  They won't do that for a regular rain storm, but it's important to know major storms have contingency plans.

How to read a cruise weather forecast correctly

Before you text your family your "cruise is ruined", here's what I'd look at in any forecast.

Start by looking at hourly forecasts, not daily icons. If your ship is going to depart by mid afternoon, you could miss the worst of the rain.

Next, check precipitation percentage, not just symbols. They're estimates and anything less than 50% is probably not worth changing any plans around.

Lastly, even if it does rain, expect short bursts of rain, not constant storms.

Prepare for rain, but expect sunshine

My advice is understand that, yes, it could rain. But it probably won't be a washout.

Plan for a fun time ashore and enjoy your day.  However, if it does rain, don't let it stop you in your tracks.

Heck, if there's no lighting, hop in the pool or ocean and embrace being wet while you're already wet!

If you have plans on land, packing rain ponchos might be prudent. Or just duck under cover and let it all pass.

If your cruise is going to Alaska, the weather changes so quickly there that rain is likely. But it usually moves on soon enough.

While there are many things people will complain about on a Royal Caribbean cruise, some are opinions you can safely ignore.

The internet is a great resource for learning about just about anything, including a cruise vacation. It can also help a lot with finding the right cruise, shore excursion, or activity onboard. Heck, this entire website is built around that premise.

I like to read through others' experiences on cruises, but there are some things you probably shouldn't make a buying decision off of because you read a negative experience online.

Some subjects are simply too subjective, and a cruise is so personalized. Unlike a review that criticizes Enchantment of the Seas for not having nearly as much to do for families as a newer ship, a dismal review one person have may have more to do with that person's likes and dislikes than an objective viewpoint.

Before you make any rash decisions, here are five complaints about cruises I wouldn't take to heart.

How comfortable the beds are on a cruise ship

Let's start with an easy topic that is so subjective, you may as well stop reading as soon as you see the topic: beds.

There are all sorts of complaints that Royal Caribbean's mattresses are too firm, too soft, too lumpy, or simply not what they prefer in bedding.

This is why the entire mattress industry has been built around different firmness levels. Everyone will never agree on what's the right level of firmness.

Personally, I prefer a firmer mattress, and I sleep well on Royal Caribbean ships. So clearly they work for what I prefer, but there are others that have a different feeling.

Don't forget you can ask for a mattress topper to help make it softer.

Ultimately, don't freak out if you see someone complaining about the comfort level of the beds. It might not be the as wonderful to sleep on as your luxury mattress at home, but it does the job.

Cruise ship reviews

If I had to pick one kind of complaint you should never use as the basis for any decision, it's cruise reviews.

You'll find plenty of negative reviews on Facebook and Reddit talking about how some ship is horrible, but I've been on those ships and I scratch my head how they had such a worse experience than I did.

The issue is a cruise ship has so many ways you can experience it.  For example, you could stay in your cabin all cruise and only order room service, but someone else could spend all day in the casino. 

There's simply too much variation on what you can do on a cruise ship to use a review as the basis for booking or not booking it.

Most often, bad cruise ship reviews stem from unrealistic or uninformed expectations. People writing cruise ship reviews aren't trained reviewers: they're dads that thought a ship should have free WiFi and less trivia events because "that's what it's like at Marriott".

What one person considers a deal-breaker, might be exactly what another cruiser loves about the vacation. Add in variables like weather, itinerary changes, and individual service interactions, and two people on the same cruise can walk away with totally opposite impressions.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships are not copies of each other.  Even within the same ship class, you'll find stark differences between each vessel. 

There's nothing wrong with reading ship reviews to see specifics that people liked or didn't like. Online reviews tend to reflect personal preferences more than an objective measure of how good a cruise actually is.

The stage shows around the ship

Royal Caribbean is known for their entertainment as being a differentiating factor from other cruise lines. Specifically, they're a market leader in the onboard shows.  But that doesn't mean everyone loves them all.

A great example of why show reviews shouldn't be taken as the gospel truth is the Broadway show, "Cats" on Oasis of the Seas. Perhaps no other show has such divided views among fans that either despise the show or love it.

I've told readers I can't stand magicians, jugglers, or ventriloquists because they're all the same and bore me.  But I know there are lots of people that love these shows too.

I try to go into every show I've never seen with an open mind, and I think you should give a show a try. You might love a show that gets lambasted by someone else. 

All those food reviews

Nothing is more synonymous with subjective than food reviews. After all, the word "taste" is used for both review and experience.

I would guess the top complaint among all cruisers is centered around food on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

I could write about how much I loved a particular restaurant and there will be plenty of readers who claim it's a terrible restaurant, they have better food at home, or they didn't like the food at all.

To be fair, I slammed the specialty restaurant Hooked for years, but then tried it again and liked it much more than I ever expected. 

If you're a classically trained chef and know how lobster thermidor should be served, bravo, I defer to your opinion. But since I think most of us are just people eating on a cruise, food reviews are just someone's random opinion.

I like to give any restaurant a chance because it might be my new favorite. Pier 7 is another good example of a restaurant others panned, but I really liked because I gave it a try.

How crowded a ship felt

A study by the University of Tokyo looked at how people judge how crowded a place is, and it found that people perceive how crowded a space feels largely based on the gap between the speed they want to move and the speed they’re actually able to move in a crowd.

This boils down to everyone has a different definition of how crowded is too crowded.

I won't pretend Royal Caribbean ships aren't crowded at times, or that you can easily get a pool chair at noon on a sea day. Those are valid complaints and definitely things I've experienced.

The difference is crowds ebb and flow, and I certainly wouldn't say it's a poor experience when it happens.  Unless you have your own private ship, there's going to be crowding of some kind.

You could argue a crowd means energy, which is important if you want a party atmosphere or are looking to socialize.

So reading "my ship was crowded" doesn't really mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of what makes that ship a fun vacation or not.

If you're wondering when you can book shows on Royal Caribbean, the answer depends on your ship, sailing date, and when reservations open in the Royal Caribbean app.

The problem is shows aren't available to book immediately. Royal Caribbean opens reservations for its shows much closer to the sail date.

Without a reservation, you will have to wait in the standby line for the show. That isn't inherently a problem, but it requires you to show up earlier and there's a risk of not making it in.

If you have the option to make a show reservation, here's when and how to book them so you can see all the performances onboard.

Royal Caribbean's policy isn't always accurate

The official policy is you can book a show on a ship a month before your cruise, but in practice, it's not always the case.

"Show reservations open on the first day of the month before sailing," is what the cruise line has on its website.

That means if you had a cruise in July, shows would be available to book on June 1st.

In my experience, show reservations don't always open exactly then. More often, there are discrepancies for when shows actually become available, and that's likely why you searched the internet to find an answer to this question.

I recommend starting to look for show reservations up to 60 days before your cruise is scheduled to set sail, because there's no consistency when Royal Caribbean actually opens up reservations to book.

Furthermore, there's no notification function to alert you that shows are open to book. It requires you to proactively log in and check to see if show reservations are available yet.

This is why a lot of cruisers will join a roll call for their cruise so that they can crowd-source when one person spots shows open to book.

Only Icon, Oasis and Quantum class ships require pre-reservations.  Other ships don't offer reservations because it's not needed.

Reservations can be made online up to 4 days before the sail date. After that, you'll need to wait to make a show reservation onboard.

New ships are even less predictable when shows are available to book

Royal Caribbean is consistently inconsistent with opening show reservations online, but it's worse with a new ship.

Legend of the Seas launches this summer and will offer a brand new musical onboard, Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

There seems to be an extra lag factor with opening reservations on any new ship because apparently the onboard process of loading everything associated with a new ship requires extra time.

How to pre-book show tickets

Once reservations are open, it's free and easy to make a reservation.

You can use the Royal Caribbean app or My Royal Cruise website to book them by going to the Entertainment section.

Each show will appear, and from there you can select a show time.

There's no cost to make a pre-show reservation.  Reservations are available on a first-come, first-booked basis.

If you're staying in Star Class, you don't need to make show reservations because your Royal Genie will arrange seating for you.

If you bought The Key, you still need to make a reservation for the show.  The difference is there will be a section of seats held back for guests who bought The Key up until a few minutes before showtime.

If you're sailing with friends or family and want to book them tickets, all you need is is their reservation number and the last name of the primary guest.

When you go to make a reservation, there's an option to add other passengers.

What if all the shows are sold out?

If you missed the chance to book a show, you're not out of luck to actually see the shows.

Periodically check back if more reservations are available. It's unlikely, but sometimes more shows are added or people cancel their reservations.

Once you board the ship, I would recommend going to the box office on your ship. You can ask a crew member where it's located, but there are usually extra tickets held back to be offered onboard.

Likewise, the Royal Caribbean app once connected to the ship Wi-Fi may be able to access those extra seats.

Let's assume none of those tips worked, now what should you do? Get in the standby line!

Every show has a standby line, which begins letting people in once you're about 15-20 minutes before the show is scheduled to start.

The reality is people book up show reservations early because it's free and they want to get reservations just to have them.  But once they're on the ship, they're busy, tired, and distracted.  So there are a lot of no-shows to performances.

In my experience, if you can get in the standby line at least 30 minutes before the scheduled performance, there's a good chance you'll make it in.

When I took my first Royal Caribbean cruise 20 years ago, I was blown away by how much there was to do on one ship.

My first sailing on Explorer of the Seas was impressive, but it was nothing compared to the new wows I would experience as I tried newer and bigger ships. That's in essence why I fell in love with Royal Caribbean: their dedication to pushing boundaries, innovation, and going well beyond other vacations.

As I've cruised more ships across the fleet, I've found that each one has its own unique character and things you will want to try.  Even after two decades of cruising, I'm still amazed by some of the things you can do onboard, including dining, thrills, and entertainment.

When someone new to Royal Caribbean asks for recommendations, these are the five things I tell them to do and the two I advise skipping.

Picking an Icon Class ship is a great entry point

If there's something Royal Caribbean has done recently to live up to the hype, it's launch the Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

These are the biggest cruise ships in the world, and they are the perfect fit for a first-time cruiser because they offer the latest and greatest things Royal Caribbean can offer anywhere.

When you're new to the brand, you may not be aware yet of everything available. Plus, you've got to discover your own cruising style. I think an Icon Class ship is the perfect entry point because it has just about everything, and it's the sort of experience you won't come home disappointed with.

These ships have so many pools, a Broadway show, sprawling areas for kids, well-designed guest flow, and more activities than you can possibly squeeze into a week.

Other ships in the fleet have their own compelling reasons to book, but an Icon Class ship is as close to a sure-fire way to start your cruising vacations the right way.

See a Broadway show or high-diving performance

If there's one thing Royal Caribbean does better than any other cruise line, it's their entertainment.  I think you should absolutely make a point to see Broadway musicals, ice-skating shows, and AquaTheater performances because they're all top-tier.

On their bigger ships, you'll find lots of shows to see and I think these are some of the best crowd pleasers around. Plus they're all included with your cruise fare!

The Broadway musicals are especially impressive, such as Mamma Mia, Back to the Future, or Hairspray. It's incredible you can see a full show that would ordinarily cost hundreds of dollars on land but for no additional cost at sea.

Just as impressive are the shows in the AquaTheater, which feature high divers, slack liners, dancers, and aerialists. It's an incredible display that is difficult to describe in text, but I promise you'll walk away wowed by the spectacle.

If your ship has an ice skating rink, the ice shows in there are also quite good. Many of the skaters are former competitors on the national stage, and they can pull off very impressive feats.

All of the production shows are designed for families to enjoy together, and it's the perfect amount of culture to squeeze into your vacation.

Stop by different bars to enjoy the live music

Another homerun on any Royal Caribbean ship is the live entertainment each evening.

Various bars will have entertainment for you to enjoy:

• Schooner Bar: Piano player
• Pub: Guitarist
• Lou's Jazz Club: Jazz band
• Mason Jar: Country band
• Central Park: Harpist or jazz band
• Dueling Pianos: piano players
• Boleros: Band

It's so much fun bar hopping each evening to see the live performers here and enjoy a set or two.

Royal Caribbean invests heavily in live entertainment as a way to get you to come into the bar, and it's a great way to round out your evening.

Every performer has their own style, so I'd recommend sampling each one on your ship to find the right mix for you.

In most cases, it's songs you know the words to, and it pairs well with a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine.

Make a reservation at one of my favorite specialty restaurants

These days, Royal Caribbean has a lot of specialty restaurants, but a few stand out as must-eats.

I tell new cruisers they should have a mix of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Don't do just the included dining, but don't go all-in on specialty dining either. Two or three extra cost venues is a good introduction to see what you like best.

To be fair, not every specialty restaurant is worth dining at, so I'd recommend sticking to the very best ones.

My top specialty dining picks are Izumi Hibachi, 150 Central Park, and Playmakers. There are others, but those are solid starting points.

To be clear, there are others I like too. It's hard to go wrong with Chops Grille or Giovanni's because they're consistently satisfying.  I mean, how can you go wrong with a steakhouse or Italian food?

And be sure to pre-book a reservation to save money because it will cost you much more if you wait to book a reservation on the ship.  

Spend the day at Perfect Day at CocoCay

I think Royal Caribbean has built the best private island experience with Perfect Day at CocoCay.

This is so much more than a beach for cruise ship passengers.  The cruise line revamped and upgraded the island to offer just about everything you'd want in a beach day.

There are different beaches, each with their own vibe. You'll find a giant freshwater pool in the middle of the island.  A water park offers thrill seekers more than they can handle, and there's even an adults-only area if you need a break from family fun.

If your cruise ship is scheduled to visit CocoCay, you'll get a lot of marketing materials hyping it up.  I promise this island lives up to that hype because of how much there is to do. Plus, a lot of it is included in your cruise fare!

I recommend skipping the magic shows

I raved about the entertainment on Royal Caribbean earlier, but I'd recommend skipping the magic shows, jugglers, or ventriloquists.

In my "sorry, not sorry" part of this article, I think these are consistently the least entertaining shows.  Maybe kids of a certain age might enjoy them, but I think they're the sort of ho-hum, eye-roll inducing, and cliched performances that you'll quickly lament not having spent your time doing almost anything else onboard.

My issue with these shows is less the show itself and more that you want to take advantage of every minute you're onboard a ship. Simply put, there are much better choices for things to do than spending your time at these lackluster magic acts.

Swap out beach break shore excursions for a resort day pass

The ports of call your ship visits are just as important as the ship itself.  Most people book a cruise because of the places it will visit, but I'd warn against booking a tour that takes you to a beach with the cruise line.

The problem with "beach break" excursions is you're basically paying for a bus to take you back and forth along with a giant crowd of people.

Instead, I'd recommend booking a day pass to a resort. There are many providers that sell them, such as ResortForADay.com.

The advantage of a day pass is you can depart the ship when you want, instead of waiting for your tour to be called and going with a large group.  Sure, you need to pay for a taxi, but a taxi is more convenient and might even be cheaper.

Plus, a day pass to a resort includes not only access to a beach, but pools, restaurants, drinks and more. 

You gain more control, reduce the risk of overcrowding, and likely get more included by opting for a day pass instead.

Given its name, you might expect Royal Caribbean to be one of the leading cruise lines in the Caribbean — and you'd be right. The cruise line has built a solid reputation for offering year-round Caribbean itineraries to places like Mexico, Aruba, and St. Maarten. 

Royal Caribbean's innovative ships, family-friendly activities, and world-class entertainment keep passengers coming back time and time again. 

However, if you're planning your first cruise, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. One easy way to narrow down potential sailings is to consider who you're sailing with, as Royal Caribbean caters to a wide variety of demographics. 

Families, for example, love the line for its record-breaking water parks, complimentary kids' clubs, and other adrenaline-pumping amenities, while couples appreciate the adult-only pool decks, specialty dining, and high-quality entertainment options. 

Thankfully, there’s a Royal Caribbean cruise tailored for all travelers — no matter your age, budget, or personal preferences. 

Best Cruise for Families

Royal Caribbean markets itself as the ultimate family cruise line, and there is a lot of truth behind its claim to fame. From the world's largest cruise ships featuring sprawling water parks, sports courts, zip lines, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and more, to award-winning youth programs, Royal Caribbean has built a strong reputation for being the best cruise line for families. 

You can't go wrong with a family vacation aboard an Icon Class ship, including Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas. Once Legend debuts in July, you can sail aboard the world's largest ships to The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Europe. 

Icon Class ships are known for the record-breaking Category 6 Waterpark, family-focused Surfside neighborhood, a multi-deck pool area, new entertainment options, the cruise line's first-ever food hall at sea, and so much more. 

Oasis Class ships are another solid option, as they offer many of the same jaw-dropping amenities at a slightly lower price point. For example, Oasis Class ships have an AquaTheater that is home to high-diving spectacles. Many ships also have Broadway-style performances in the main theater. You can watch Mamma Mia aboard Allure of the Seas and Hairspray on Symphony of the Seas, just to name a few. 

Other Oasis Class highlights include:

• Ultimate Abyss Dry Slide
• Perfect Storm Waterslides
• Central Park
• Boardwalk with Carousel
• Zip Line
• Two Rock Climbing Walls
• Flowrider Surf Simulator
• Adult-Only Solarium
• Adventure Ocean Youth Programming

Read more: My family of 4 went on our first cruise on the biggest cruise ship in the world

Best Party Cruise Ships

While "Royal Caribbean" and "party cruise" aren't exactly synonymous, they have some ships that are geared more toward a party crowd. 

Utopia of the Seas, for example, is Royal Caribbean's first-ever purpose-built ship for the short cruise market. It has everything cruisers know and love about Oasis Class vessels, along with a unique schedule designed around high-energy getaways — think fraternity-themed parties, silent toga discos, and more. 

Generally speaking, any 3-day or weekend cruise will have a rowdier atmosphere than weeklong voyages. These shorter itineraries tend to attract celebratory travelers who want non-stop fun from the moment they step on board until they're walking off on disembarkation morning. 

Plus, they are typically cheaper than 7-night cruises. Even if the fare itself seems steep, add-ons — like drink packages and Wi-Fi — are charged for fewer nights. For example, instead of paying $70 per day for a drink package on a weeklong cruise, you’d only pay for three or four nights on a short party cruise, which can make the final cost seem more reasonable. 

Read more: I sailed on Royal Caribbean's mega ship designed for first-time cruisers — it is undeniably fun

Best Cruise for First Timers

Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are good ships for first-timers since they're packed from bow to stern with the cruise line's most highly-rated amenities and dining options. Since sailings are only 3 or 4 nights, first-timers can experience Royal Caribbean highlights, including the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas, without feeling overwhelmed on a longer voyage. 

That said, if you know that you're more interested in a weeklong cruise that visits more unique ports in the Caribbean, like St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Cozumel, Roatán, or even Oranjestad, Aruba, you'll have considerably more options to choose from — from Southern Caribbean cruises on tiny Vision Class ships to Western Caribbean cruises on vessels like Star of the Seas. As such, it’s important to know your own priorities. 

Do you, for example, care about sailing on a ship with a ton of amenities, or would you prefer a more intimate ship? Are you sailing with kids, or are you taking an adult-focused getaway? Do you have a strict budget, or do you have more flexibility in your spending? Are you more interested in spending time ashore, or do you want to be on the ship as much as possible?

Answering these questions first will help you choose the right ship, itinerary, and stateroom, as there truly isn't a "one size fits all" answer to the best cruise for first-timers. 

Read more: This is how to pick a cruise ship you'll love

Best Cruise for Couples

Just because Royal Caribbean's primary target audience is families doesn't mean that couples can't have a great time onboard. In fact, my partner and I — both in our mid-20s and childfree by choice — have sailed on multiple Royal Caribbean ships, from Freedom of the Seas to Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, and we’ve consistently enjoyed ourselves. 

However, if you're seeking a more adult-tailored experience, you may want to consider sailing with Royal Caribbean's sister line, Celebrity Cruises. With a focus on world-class dining, quality entertainment, and upscale ships, the onboard experience feels more refined than Royal Caribbean's. Those who already have status with Royal Caribbean can enjoy reciprocal benefits through Celebrity's Captain's Club, too. 

However, if you're set on trying Royal Caribbean, I'd recommend an Oasis Class ship. While they're still heavily family-focused, they are less so than the Icon vessels and offer the adult-only Solarium sun deck. Specialty restaurants, nightclubs, and Broadway-style performances may also be of interest to couples. 

Read more: I've been on 21 Royal Caribbean cruise ships, and here are the best 8 cruise ships for adults

Best Senior Cruise

Because of their convenience, cruise vacations are great for older travelers who might not want to worry about coordinating transportation between cities, unpacking and repacking, and hauling luggage through busy airports. Once on the ship, nearly everything is taken care of — from dining to housekeeping, entertainment, and more. 

Plus, cruise ships are designed to be accessible. As such, they're a solid vacation choice for those with mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, or other physical limitations. Royal Caribbean vessels have accessible staterooms with wider doorways, grab bars, roll-in showers, and more.

Still, not every ship in the fleet was designed the same way. For older travelers who want a balance of accessibility, easy-to-navigate spaces, and a more relaxed atmosphere, Quantum Class ships are a good option. These vessels are smaller than the ground-breaking Oasis and Icon Class ships, but they still feature modern amenities and refreshed design elements. 

The Voyager and Freedom Classes shouldn't be overlooked, either. While they aren't as modern as the Quantum vessels, the modest size makes them easy to navigate. Amenities include the main Royal Promenade thoroughfare, Studio B ice rink shows, an elegant three-deck-high dining room, and an adult-only Dolarium. 

Best Cruise Ship for Solo Travelers

Finally, you don't have to be traveling with friends or family to take a cruise. In fact, solo cruises have become increasingly popular recently, leading Royal Caribbean to add dedicated cabins for one aboard many of its ships, including:

• Anthem of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas.

These rooms are advantageous for single travelers because they eliminate the dreaded single supplement fee and are priced for just one person. 

As a solo cruiser, the best cruise ship depends on your needs. If, for example, you want a larger vessel packed with amenities, a single cabin aboard a ship like Harmony of the Seas could be the perfect fit. Conversely, if you're seeking a more traditional, intimate experience, consider Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, or Serenade of the Seas. 

These ships don't have the same bells and whistles as newer vessels, but they provide a relaxed, comfortable cruising experience and are ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter pace or want to focus more on the ports of call rather than nonstop onboard activities. 

Read more: I sailed alone on one of Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ships and was surprised by how easy it was as a solo traveler

The real cruise planning fun begins after you've placed your deposit. However, even when you think you've planned the perfect getaway, it's worth double-checking a few key details before setting sail. 
 

From small details like arrival times to important travel documentation, there's a lot you should review more than once, even if you think you've covered your bases. 

Royal Caribbean's pricing typically fluctuates in the months leading up to the departure. This means that the price you paid for your cruise, drink package, or other add-on may not be the best available rate. 

A quick check every so often could lead to cost savings that you can put toward another vacation or splurges that you had sidelined. Even if it doesn't save you money, double-checking some things can give you peace of mind and make your vacation experience as stress-free as possible. 

The base fare

For starters, you should continuously check the fare on Royal Caribbean's website up until your final payment date. 

Although Royal Caribbean appears to have begun cracking down on re-pricing, noticing a price drop can be in your favor (and your wallet's). If you notice that the base fare has decreased, you can contact Royal Caribbean to see if you are eligible for a reprice. 

For example, if you paid $1,700 for a balcony cabin on a weeklong Caribbean cruise and discover that the fare dropped to $1,500, you could potentially save $200 on your vacation. 

Read more: My family tried 4 hacks to save time and money on Royal Caribbean that failed, but we learned tips for next time

Pre-cruise add-ons through the Cruise Planner

In addition to checking the cruise fare, you should keep an eye on your desired add-ons, such as drink and internet packages, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions.

The best way to save money on these extras is by purchasing them in advance through the Cruise Planner. However, Royal Caribbean runs various sales and promotions, meaning that the price you paid for the drink package could be different the following week or month. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to cancel and rebook something through the Cruise Planner. 

As such, you must book your add-ons when they're at a reasonable price you feel is justifiable. Afterward, keep an eye on the price so you can cancel and rebook without penalty if a better value comes along. 

Travel documents

Ensuring you have the right travel documentation is about more than avoiding stress at check-in. By planning ahead, you can prevent pricey expedited passport fees — or even worse, losing out on the cost of your entire vacation. 

U.S. travelers don't always need a passport to go on a cruise. If, for example, you're sailing on a round-trip (or closed-loop) cruise from Miami or Port Canaveral, Florida, you can bring a valid birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. 

However, if you're traveling on a one-way cruise (like from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada) or from international ports — think Barcelona, Spain, or Southampton, England — you'll need a valid passport. 

A valid passport means it does not expire for at least 6 months after your cruise's disembarkation date. As an example, if your cruise ends on June 13, 2026, you need a passport that doesn't expire until December 13, 2026, or later. 

Entry/visa requirements

On a similar note, if you are traveling abroad, you should double-check that you understand the country's entry requirements. 

Some countries allow foreign visitors entry with just a passport, while others require travelers to obtain a visa in advance. Requirements can also vary based on your nationality. For example, all U.S. residents must obtain an electronic Vietnam visa in advance. 

If you need to apply for a visa, give yourself plenty of time to account for delays or issues. Another alternative is to use a visa service to help streamline the application process.

Show reservations

Many ships, particularly Oasis and Icon Class vessels, allow passengers to reserve times for popular shows through the Cruise Planner. 

Popular shows, including the AquaTheater, Broadway-style musicals, and ice skating spectacles, fill up quickly, especially during peak sailings. As such, while you can wait until you are on the ship, booking in advance typically gives you the best selection of times. 

If you don't see any times that appeal to you, it pays to recheck the Cruise Planner. You never know when someone else will cancel to avoid dining conflicts or other activities. 

GTY cabin assignment

If you booked a guarantee stateroom to save a few extra dollars, you will want to continuously check the site to see when your cabin's been assigned. 

While you can't change your room assignment, you can start to familiarize yourself with its location. If, for example, you find that you're given a cabin near the front of the ship, you can begin to map out directions to popular venues like the pool deck, dining room, and youth clubs. 

However, remember that with a guaranteed cabin, you have no say over where your room will be located. As such, if you have a specific preference (i.e., no connecting staterooms, a cabin away from the elevators, etc.), you must pay extra to choose your room, rather than rely on luck. 

RoyalUp upgrade offers

If you're lucky, you might be able to score a better stateroom for less money through Royal Caribbean's RoyalUp Program, which allows guests to place bids on higher cabin categories for less than what they would cost outright. 

Those whose bids are accepted could "win" an upgraded stateroom. For example, you could go from a windowless inside cabin to a spacious balcony for $200 more per person. 

Of course, upgrades aren't guaranteed — bids are accepted based on availability and a random algorithm. Still, it's worth checking to see what the minimum bids are. However, you're more likely to win a better cabin if you bid above the minimum. 

Read more: The trick to getting a Royal Up bid accepted (it's all about availability and luck)

Crown & Anchor Society loyalty benefits

Most loyal cruisers know how to maximize their Crown & Anchor loyalty benefits, but it doesn't hurt to review them before your sailing. 

For example, if you're a new Diamond cruiser, you can take advantage of perks like a free professional photograph and a day of VOOM Wi-Fi. 

The four complimentary daily drink vouchers are useful, too. In fact, depending on your drinking habits, you might not even need to debate whether the pricey Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it

Read more: Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program info, tips, and secrets

Check-in times

Your best shot at securing your desired arrival time is by marking your calendar for when the check-in window opens. Although the arrival times aren't as strictly enforced as they were in the past, choosing your ideal window eliminates any stress that you might be turned away at the terminal. 

However, if you notice that your desired time isn't available, it doesn't hurt to keep checking to see if it eventually opens up. People occasionally change their plans at the last minute, so you never know what may open if you don't check! 

Read more: Royal Caribbean check-in process

Weather

Finally, it’s smart to keep an eye on the weather forecast as your cruise approaches. Knowing what to expect helps you plan what to pack — and you never know when a sudden cold front or storm system may impact your ports of call. 

For example, in late January 2026, a historic nor'easter impacted much of the East Coast, causing ships to divert away from The Bahamas and adjust their itineraries. 

Chances are, many of the guests aboard Carnival Sunshine didn't expect to wake up to a Lido Deck blanketed in snow as they returned to Norfolk, Virginia!

If you've ever been on a cruise ship and noticed there are moments that stick out for slowing everything down, you're certainly not alone.

While nearly all the experience being on a Royal Caribbean ship is fantastic, every cruise will have moments when you find it difficult to avoid a delay, regret, or general hassle.

I was on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas getting back on the ship after our day in Nassau when I ran into a very crowded elevator bank. Getting back on a ship can be one of those moments, but there are ways to circumvent the problem to a degree.

It got me thinking about other less-than-desirable situations on a cruise you might encounter and the tricks you need to know to beat them.

Lines at the cruise terminal

When you get to the cruise terminal, there's bound to be a line of people waiting to go through security and check-in for your cruise.

There's actually a shorter line you can get into simply by knowing how to complete the online check-in beforehand.

Express Boarding is available to anyone, but you need to know what to do and how to do it.

This special line is shorter and will get you onboard faster because you would have already completed all the important steps.

There's no cost to get Express Boarding, but you need to complete all of the online check-in steps within the Royal Caribbean app, including the selfie and health questionnaire. 

This is one of my favorite cruise hacks and worth doing every time to make check-in a breeze.

People reserving chairs at the pool deck

Whether you're at a Marriott resort or Royal Caribbean cruise, chair hogs are a thing. 

Some people get up early, reserve a bunch of lounge chairs by the pool, and then never relinquish them. Many times the chairs they reserve don't even get used for a few more hours after.

Royal Caribbean claims they have a policy to combat this practice, but I've rarely seen it enforced.

There are a couple workarounds (and no, I don't advocate moving their stuff. I don't want a confrontation on my vacation).

First, if you can get up to the pool deck before 10am, there's a good chance you'll have no problem getting a lounger yourself.

In my experience, it's the people that sleep in and roll up to the pool deck later in the morning or early afternoon that run into problems.

Another idea is to go to the pool on a port day, when there's far less demand for the pool. 

Staying onboard a ship on a port day is a frequent cruiser trick, and it feels like you have the entire pool to yourself.

Elevator congestion

I mentioned the issue earlier in this article about a crowded elevator, and you'll likely encounter crowded elevators multiple times during your cruise.

Elevators can get easily overwhelmed when a show lets out, dinner wraps up, or the aforementioned post-excursion rush.

The stairs are still the best alternative to crowded elevators. While taking the stairs may not be ideal, I find it can be faster in many cases than even waiting for an uncrowded elevator (especially if it's less than 4 decks).

I'd recommend taking the stairs if you're going under 3 decks.

For my excursion problem, you could take the stairs just a couple decks up and then wait for the elevator there. You'd be surprised how many people will get off the elevator at that point, freeing up space.

Waiting for a tender boat

It seems to be getting rarer to have a cruise with a tender port stop, but if you do, waiting for a tender boat in the morning can feel really frustrating.

Tender boats are slow loading and unloading, and they have a small capacity. With seemingly everyone trying to head ashore at the same time, it can lead to very long lines.

I find the best strategy if you have a tender port is to book a Royal Caribbean excursion to at least get you there.

Royal Caribbean excursions always get priority tendering.  This means you'll meet for your tour on the ship and then be escorted to a waiting tender boat just for those on a tour.

Say what you will about the advantages of a third party excursion, but I think in a tender port booking a cruise line excursion is a must-do to avoid the hassle and tender boat lines.

Waits for the water slides

Did you know most Royal Caribbean ships have water slides onboard? In fact, the Icon Class ships even have an entire water park!

A lot of people know about it, and that's why lines for the water slides can be among the longest waits you'll encounter on any Royal Caribbean ship.

Instead of taking your kids on a sea day and waiting in line, I have a few workarounds.

First, bring your bathing suits on embarkation day and hit the water slides as soon as you get onboard.

There's usually no line on the first day of the cruise because no one has their bathing suits with them (they're packed in their luggage). Change into your bathing suit at a public restroom and you'll practically have them to yourselves.

The second strategy is to come back early from a port day.

Get off the ship early and enjoy some time at the beach or on whatever tour you're doing. But if you can get on the ship a few hours before all aboard time, I've found the water slide lines to also be quite short.

Lastly, if all else fails, wake up early and hit the water slides then. 

Sea days will be the most crowded, but if you can get to the slides around 9am when they open, the lines are usually much shorter for a bit.

The "Why didn’t I know that?" regret

This is a problem I read about online after people get home from their cruise, where they realize too late they missed out on something they would have loved to do on their cruise.

Classic examples include:

• Missing a hidden venue
• Finding out about a perk too late
• Not using Crown & Anchor benefits
• Missing booking windows

There's a lot to see and do on a cruise, so I don't blame someone for overlooking one aspect of a cruise. However, I think avoiding FOMO is worthwhile with a little bit of prep work.

I recommend before going to bed to check the Royal Caribbean app or Cruise Compass to preview what events and activities are coming up tomorrow.

Before the cruise begins, try to pre-book everything possible. Shows, specialty restaurants, private karaoke sessions, and excursions are all things you can reserve and lock-in so there's no excuses later for missing it.

I also think joining a roll call group is a good idea to educate yourself on what's happening. Often times I don't know what I don't know until someone else mentions it and then I want to try it too. 

We have our own roll call section on our message boards or you can try a Facebook group.

Speaking of educating yourself, watch a ship tour video.  We have a full Royal Caribbean ship tours you can watch that cover every inch of the ship and don't include any sales pitches or my face in the video.

Lastly, don't miss out on the fun theme nights of your sailing.

You can look up the theme nights before your cruise begins and have the perfect matching outfit for everyone.

Surprise onboard charges

There have been plenty of cruises where I've asked aloud to my family, "who bought this?" as I point to a charge in the Royal Caribbean app.

In most cases, I forgot about something. But sometimes there's an error. 

On one cruise, the crew member misconstrued my terrible handwriting and thought I tipped them $80 at a restaurant. 

There are a few ways you can limit your onboard charges to avoid confusion later.

Prepaying gratuities is one way to eliminate a lot of onboard charges. Instead of getting a daily charge, I prefer to prepay so it's all take care of before I sail.

It's also a good idea to turn off in-app purchases for kids. You can go to Guest Services on the ship and ask to turn off their charging privileges to ensure they don't accidentally (or intentionally) start buying up arcade games.

And to lessen the surprise factor, I recommend checking your onboard account daily. This is so easy to do with the Royal Caribbean app.

Spring break is one of the most in-demand cruise periods of the year. After a winter full of cold, wind, and snow, a lot of families want to escape to a warm tropical vacation.

Royal Caribbean cruises are in high demand in March and April because schools have built-in time off, and that leads to more families cruising.  Suffice to say, there's a lot of other people looking to book a spring break cruise.

The good news is you can still book a spring break cruise, but you're going to need to be strategic about it and act quickly.

However, you'll need to have a degree of flexibility because with just a few weeks to go, there are fewer choices, and higher fares than if you booked last year. Nonetheless, it's still doable!

I'm here to help you work in a spring break cruise, provided you can take advantage of these five steps.

Last minute spring break 2026 cheat sheet

Before you read all of the best tips for finding a last-minute spring break cruise, here are the best options that most people overlook and are still available to book:

• Serenade of the Seas 7-night Southern Caribbean March 15, 2026 from Cartagena, Columbia: Prices for a balcony $1,030 per person
• Enchantment of the Seas 5-night Western Caribbean March 14: Prices for an inside $900 per person
• Navigator of the Seas 3-night Ensenada April 3: Prices for an inside cabin $491 per person
• Quantum of the Seas 6-night Mexican Riviera April 1: Prices for a balcony $849 per person

Prices were accurate as of the publishing of this article, but they could change quickly.

Be flexible with dates

The first problem you may run into is trying to shoehorn in a cruise that fits exactly with the week you have in mind.

A lot of schools have the same time off, so if you have the ability to travel another time, that might work out better.

The most popular spring break weeks this year are:

• Middle weeks of March
• The weeks surrounding Easter (April 5, 2026)

Here are a few tips for finding a cruise that skirts around these in-demand times:

• Find a a sailing a few days before or after local school breaks
• Look for a shorter 3–4 night cruise instead of 7-nighter
• Take your kids out of school and bypass your scheduled week off

Not everyone can take advantage of these tips, but if there's any wiggle room, you may find better options.

Expand your port options

If your first instinct is to find a cruise sailing from Florida, you should widen your search to find even better options.

I find most people only check one homeport because that's what they're used to, and that kind of tunnel vision can lead to limited choices.

Instead, this might be the year to try a spring break cruise from one of these alternative ports:

• Galveston, Texas
• Los Angeles, California
• Tampa, Florida
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Cartagena, Colombia

In my experience, drive-to ports still sell out fastest and most of those are in Florida.

If you want the "cheat code" to finding a good last-minute spring break cruise, I'd start with a west coast cruise from LA. These always seem to be the cheapest sailings and have the most inventory.

Cruises from Galveston tend to be another good choice because Texas isn't quite as drive-to as Florida.

If Florida is your best option, then I'd look for a cruise to Tampa.  Ships based here tend to be smaller and older because bigger ships cannot access the port.

Here are the ships you should be targeting because they're likely going to still be available and priced reasonably:

• Grandeur of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas

Don't shop by price alone

It's tempting to sort cruises by lowest price first, but the cheapest sailings will sell out first.

When you're in the market for a last-minute cruise, I find mid-range itineraries sometimes have more availability. Cruises that are 4- and 5-nights in length tend to evade top searches because weekend and 7-night cruises are the most popular spring break cruises.

Another mistake with shopping by price is waiting for a "deal" rarely works in spring break. It's just too in demand.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its cruises, which means the more the demand, the higher the prices go up.

If you spot a cruise that within your budget, I'd jump at the chance before the price goes up or the cabin sells out.  Or both.

Consider rooms you normally wouldn't

Starting your cruise search off with a balcony cabin might limit your choices, so instead try another category that could yield more options.

Oceanview rooms are a great alternative because you still get outside light and a view, but it lacks the access to the outdoors. 

If that seems like a compromise, remember that you'll be out and about enjoying everything your ship has to offer. So having a balcony is nice, but not critical.  

Another idea is to roll the dice with a guarantee cabin, where Royal Caribbean picks your cabin. 

Guarantee cabins usually result in being assigned either an unsold cabin or a room that gets cancelled at the last-minute. That doesn't mean it will be necessarily the worst room on the ship, but it's a great choice for saving money.  However, it definitely favors someone that doesn't get easily seasick and has a sense of adventure with their room choice.

The room category you can pretty much give up on finding are suites. 

There are so few of them to begin with, and demand is usually quite high.  The only chance might be an unsold Junior Suite or one of the very expensive suites that has such a high price tag it's given others pause before booking it.

Move fast on flights and hotels

Once you find a spring break cruise, be sure to quickly book a flight and a pre-cruise hotel stay, because those aren't getting any cheaper either.

Just like cruises, airfare spikes quickly during spring break.  In fact, this might be the time to cash in those credit card points to redeem a flight.

Speaking of flights, be sure to book your flight to fly in at least one day before your sailing begins. Never risk traveling the same day your cruise sails, because it's a mistake waiting to happen.

Hotels are also difficult because you're competing with everyone that wants a hotel for a land-based spring break vacation.

My advice is to look for hotels near the airport and well-away from the beach.  It might mean a longer Uber ride to the port, but you'll probably pay a lot less for the hotel.

Quick booking checklist

If you want a cruise this spring break, do this today:

✅ Search flexible dates

✅ Check multiple departure ports

✅ Be open to interior or guarantee cabins

✅ Book flights immediately after

Spring break cruises are possible, but don't wait

It's not too late to book a spring break cruise, but you'll want to act quickly.  Prices are only going up and more cabins will be sold out.

Real talk: every spring break cruise will sell out and the ships will sail full. Royal Caribbean won't have any problem selling them, given how they've explained recently close-in demand has been really strong for them.

I'd focus less on it being the absolute perfect ship and itinerary, and instead look for an opportunity to enjoy a warm, well-deserved break from your daily life.