Planning a great cruise isn't difficult, but it can take some time to navigate the nuances of choosing the ship, sailing, and stateroom right for you.
Royal Caribbean sails to every part of the world and features award-winning onboard entertainment and amusement. With the myriad of options available, it can be challenging to begin your journey.
We recommend starting with establishing your budget—take into account the fare, taxes and fees, gratuities, shore excursions, onboard spending, and transportation.
Next, choose a sailing by determining the length and region you'd prefer to cruise to.
You'll then choose a particular ship and stateroom type, proceeding with booking through the website or with a travel agent.
Purchasing your cruise is just the beginning. Here you'll find helpful tips and advice to help you create an unforgettable vacation with Royal Caribbean.
New 2026-2027 cruises are out, and it's a good reminder the importance of booking early. Matt explains his strategy for planning and booking cruises so far in advance.
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Royal Caribbean doesn't allow many changes before your cruise begins, but there's one important one you should know about.
Once you pass the final payment date for your cruise, your reservation is pretty much locked in without incurring change or cancel fees.
The final payment is typically 90 days before a sailing commences.
As an example, you cannot add someone or remove some from a reservation without repricing the entire cruise. If you want to change the ship and/or sail date, that is akin to cancelling and rebooking, and that's rife with penalties and new costs.
I've noticed a lot of people are unaware they can swap people on the reservation without penalty, even right up to the sailing itself.
Known as a name change, Royal Caribbean will allow passengers to swap out a person on the reservation for someone else without a price change or penalty, even if they booked non-refundable cruise fare.
The cruise line will allow name changes right up to 72 hours before the cruise begins.
The only "catch" is at least one person from the original reservation needs to remain on the reservation.
There are many use cases for doing a name change. One common example is for newborn babies.
On the Royal Caribbean message boards, user Scotsman wanted to book a cruise for an unborn baby. Not only does the baby not have a name yet, but the baby does not have a birthday either.
In this situation, you could book the baby as "Baby surname" and change the name later. It's essentially a placeholder.
"I wish I would have known that name changes were allowed," wrote AlmondFarmer.
Another common scenario is a friend or family member that can no longer sail. Boyfriends and girlfriends break up, a spouse is called back to work, or a friend is no longer a friend.
Royal Caribbean would allow you to swap out someone for another person on the reservation.
There's an important distinction with this rule, and that is you can swap people out, but not add or remove.
In Royal Caribbean's reservation system, adding or subtracting a person from the reservation (and thus changing the total amount of passengers booked in the cabin) will trigger a reprice.
A reprice is tantamount to making a new booking at prevailing rates.
So in a scenario where there are two people booked on a cruise, you could change person A or person B with person C without a price change.
But if you wanted to remove person B without a replacement, you'd incur a change. Similarly, if you tried to add person C to the reservation, that would be considered a change.
In a scenario where person B can no longer cruise and there is no replacement, your best bet is to leave person B on the reservation and no-show to the ship without them.
Royal Caribbean will later refund port fees and taxes for person B.
Name swapping is a great trick to remember for the future, and there are other things you might not have known about that are also equally helpful.
Residents of certain countries are able to re-price a cruise before final payment if the price goes lower than what you originally booked.
It's not a well-advertised policy, but I've used it time and time again to save money.
Travel agents can do it easily on their end, whereas those that book directly with the cruise line need to call in to get it done and some of the phone agents are unaware of it (or confuse it with the 48 price protection policy).
It's open to residents of the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. Notably, resident of the United Kingdom are not eligible for it due to local laws.
As long as the price of the same exact room category is lower than you paid and you are before the final payment date, you can get a price adjustment to the lower price. It has to be the same cabin category, such as D4 or CB.
This tip can go one step further, as it can sometimes be advantageous to change from refundable deposit to non-refundable deposit right before the final payment date.
It may seem silly, but sometimes it's cheaper to change the deposit type from refundable fare to non-refundable a day or two before final payment is due. That's because Royal Caribbean's pricing algorithm sometimes drops the price for different fare types.
If you know you're going to sail and make final payment date, switching to non-refundable cruise fare is easy savings.
The other useful policy a lot of cruisers are surprised to hear about is the workaround to Royal Caribbean's drink package rule.
If one adult tries to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package (the unlimited alcohol package), then all the other adults in the same cabin have to buy it too.
There are situations where buying a drink package that includes alcohol wouldn't be practical, such if someone was pregnant or couldn't drink for medical reasons.
The lesser-known alternative is to call Royal Caribbean and explain the situation. They'll allow the other adult to buy the Royal Refreshment package instead, which would save a lot of money.
The last morning of your cruise can feel like a confused rush as your vacation comes to an end, but it's a lot easier to manage if you know what to expect.
No matter how long or short your cruise is, the final morning is when you disembark the ship and end your voyage. Nearly all passengers are on their way home, although some might be extending their vacation in another way.
Getting off a cruise ship is not like checking out of a hotel. There's a few more logistical hurdles to overcome, and it's far more regimented to keep lines moving.
While the end of the cruise is disappointing, it doesn't have to be a disaster either. You might not be smiling walking off the ship for the final time, but at least you can be content.
There are two options for walking off your cruise ship on the final morning.
If you put luggage out the night before to have Royal Caribbean deliver your luggage down to the cruise terminal, then you have a luggage number that indicates the earliest time you can disembark and your bags will be ready.
The time associated with each luggage tag is listed on a piece of paper that was left in your cabin along with the luggage tags. Every sailing is different, so don't assume a particular number will always correlate to the same time.
The time listed is the earliest time you can leave the ship and your bags will be ready. You could disembark the ship earlier, but you'd be waiting in the cruise terminal for the bags to be delivered. Alternatively, you can always leave later than that time and pick up your bags.
The other option is to bring your own luggage off the ship with you instead of having it delivered. With this option, you can disembark the ship as soon as local authorities clear the ship.
The exact time a ship will begin allowing passengers off the ship will depend on a variety of factors, but it's usually around 7am. Sometimes earlier, sometimes later.
Regardless of your luggage situation, you can always stay on the ship later than the disembarkation time. That time is just an indication of the earliest time you can stay on for.
Royal Caribbean's app will ask you a few days before the end of the cruise your disembarkation plans and assign you a disembarkation time as well. Keep in mind that's the earliest time, not the exact time you need to leave.
So what time can you stay on a Royal Caribbean ship until? Not as late as you'd find at a land-based hotel.
Royal Caribbean asks all passengers to be out of their cabins by 8am on most sailings. The crew needs to turn the ship over and prepare it for the next voyage, and they need all previous passengers off the ship.
By about 9am, you're going to start hearing a lot of announcements encouraging passengers to disembark. Sooner or later, they'll start paging individuals to leave.
In my experience, the latest you can stay onboard is about 9:30am without getting in trouble.
The last morning of your cruise is a blend of finishing out the first voyage and preparing for the next one.
As soon as you leave your cabin, you'll see crew members working to turn over cabins and prepare them for the next journey.
While a lot of work is being done to prep the ship, there are some areas still operational for passengers.
Coffee and breakfast will be open at select venues on the last morning of the cruise.
You can expect at the very least the Windjammer buffet, Main Dining Room, and the quick service coffee location (Cafe Promenade) to be open.
If your ship has a Coastal Kitchen restaurant for suite guests, that will be open too.
Most other venues are closed, including the pool.
Guest services is open to settle any final billing issues you might have. Keep in mind you have to have a zero dollar balance in order to get off the ship.
Ideally, you want to book a flight that gives you enough time to easily disembark your ship and get to the airport and through security without being at the airport for many more hours than you need.
The problem is if you book a flight too early, you risk missing the flight because you couldn't get to the gate in time.
There are a lot of factors why it might take longer to actually disembark your ship, thus delaying your arrival to the airport:
If you look at your Royal Caribbean cruise itinerary, it lists a time your ship arrives back to the terminal. That's an estimate, and not when you can actually walk off the ship.
Plus, the actual disembarkation process may not begin for another hour or two after that time.
The fastest way off a Royal Caribbean ship is to take your own luggage off with you (known as self-assist disembarkation), but you're still at the mercy of when local authorities clear the ship and your ship begins allowing passengers to leave.
Another factor to picking the earliest flight home is how far the airport is from the cruise terminal.
As a general rule of thumb, I recommend times after 11am. International flights and/or airports an hour or more from the cruise terminal should probably require a flight no earlier than noon.
It will likely seem like you're in a rush to leave your ship, but there are a few important things to do before you disembark.
This may seem obvious, but so many people don't check they took everything out of their cabin with them.
Double and triple check you have all your belongings. Once you leave the ship, getting lost items back can be a challenge.
Common items left behind on the ship include children's toys (check under the bed), chargers in wall sockets, and valuables in the safe.
The next thing to do is verify your onboard balance is zeroed out. If you have a credit card on file, that's pretty much assured. But if you had a cash account, you'll need to settle up with Guest Services. They won't let you off the ship until you do.
Speaking of your account, I'd recommend taking one last look to review any charges on there to verify it's all correct. You want to correct any erroneous charges before you disembark.
If you ordered photo prints, this is your last chance to grab them. Likewise, if you want to book another cruise at NextCruise, you can do so that final morning.
Be sure to return any pool towels that are still in your room, or you'll risk a $20 per unreturned towel fee.
After walking off the ship and back into the cruise terminal, the experience is somewhat like an airport when you fly home after an international trip.
You'll first make your way to pick up your luggage. Only luggage that has been called will be available to pick up, and you'll see bags grouped by luggage tag numbers.
There are porters available to help with your luggage. There is no cost to use the porters services, but they do expect a tip at the end. Usually a dollar or two per bag is the norm.
My advice is take advantage of the porters and use them. Not only will it be easier on you if you have a lot of bags, but in some cruise terminals the porters have their own special line for customs.
After retrieving your luggage, your next stop is the clear immigration.
In the U.S., there are two lines: people traveling with passports and people traveling with birth certificates.
In most U.S. ports now there is facial recognition is reserved for those with passports, and it's a fast and efficient process. You simply walk to the machine, it scans your face, and tells you if you're good to go or need to speak with someone.
The birth certificate line is slower because it requires an agent to inspect your documentation manually.
After you clear immigration, you'll depart the cruise terminal. At this point, you're on your own to find a way home.
There will be a mix of taxis, shuttle services, ride shares and more to get you home. You should have a plan in place prior to that morning of how you'll get on your way to avoid complications or unexpected delays.
If your goal is to be the first one off your ship and on your way home, then you'll need to have a proper plan of action.
In order to be the first one off a ship at its conclusion, you're going to need to carry your own luggage off. Self-assist luggage guests have up to an hour head start on those waiting for luggage.
This express departure method will beat most of the crowds that come later, especially those that opted to have breakfast. Plus, there will be less people to contend with in the customs line or waiting for a taxi.
Prior to the final morning, you'll get an estimate of what time your ship expects to start the disembarkation process. It could be around 6:30 or 7am.
It's a rough guess at the time, but my advice is to get in line at least 30 minutes before that estimate. You'll be surprised how many other people are already there waiting to walk off the ship too.
Remember, if you opt for this, you'll need to carry all of your own luggage off the ship and there won't be any assistance available with it. It's ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families without young children.
There are a variety of ways you can contact Royal Caribbean for assistance, including a handful of email addresses that can make a big difference.
Royal Caribbean has upped its game in how guests can take care of special requests using self-service tools. The Royal Caribbean app is a great example of how much is now done on your own.
However, there are times when you need more assistance, and sending out an email is still one of the best ways to get the issue resolved.
It's a little eye opening for me that a basic email still works as a primary method for getting an issue resolved or questions answered because so many other businesses now rely on ticket systems, chat bots, or rely on a phone call.
Nonetheless, there are a handful of email addresses you should know about in case you need them for your upcoming cruise vacation.
Royal Caribbean's attention to ensuring any special needs are met is exemplary, and while they have a robust Special Needs form you can use to take care of many common requests, it may not suffice all the time.
In addition to the form, you can always email [email protected] to get confirmation that your specific situation is being taken care of.
The top reason why you'd want to email Royal Caribbean in the case of a special need is because there's an unique situation at hand. Or you're trying to get confirmation that your request was received and set for your sailing.
This is especially true if you need to bring specialized equipment onboard and are unsure what's allowed or not.
There may be a situation where you need help with a concern, problem, or you believe there's a bigger issue at hand that needs attention. In those scenarios, you want someone in authority to be able to step in.
Your first step should be to email Royal Caribbean's Guest Relations, which should be able to assist with most problems. Their email is [email protected].
Guest Relations can assist with billing issues, problems on a ship, or questions about policies. They are usually quick to offer the answer or point you in the right direction.
When there's a problem that goes beyond the ordinary, many will turn to the head of the cruise line, Michael Bayley.
Mr. Bayley is the President and CEO of the cruise line, and his email has become a sort of issue escalation and resolution resource. His email is [email protected].
It's clear his emails are screened, so don't expect him to actually read or respond to your email directly. Issues guests have tend to get forwarded to the proper department. However, many people report getting satisfaction in having their issues addressed, or at least acknowledged.
If you're going to send an email to him, it's best for "big picture" issues. You always want to resolve any problems you have during a cruise while still onboard, and feedback on how the cruise line can improve is best sent in your post-cruise survey.
If you're booked in a suite, expect an email a few days before your cruise begins from the suite concierge.
The suite concierge is a tremendous asset, as they can help with so many potential questions, issues, or ways to make your cruise better.
You should feel free to email the concierge in the days leading up to your cruise with any pre-cruise requests you have. You can even email them during your voyage rather than making the trip upstairs to the lounge.
My top reason to email the concierge is for them to make specialty dining reservations for you, although that need might be disappearing soon.
Since the suite concierge acts as Guest Services for suite guests, you can get a lot of questions or concerns addressed in the lead up to your cruise. Don't be shy about reaching out to them, because that's part of what you pay for when staying in a suite.
Want a table by the window in the Main Dining Room? How about a table alone, without being seated with other passengers?
You can send an email to [email protected] and make any request for a certain configuration or table arrangement when you're booked into Traditional Dining.
Another common request for this email is to be seated with specific people not in your cabin.
You'll want to give the team a few weeks to process your request. Send the email about 2-3 weeks prior to your sailing with your request.
Be sure to include in the email your name, reservation number, ship, sail date, and cabin number.
If you own at least 100 shares of Royal Caribbean Group stock, you're entitled to extra onboard credit during your sailing.
Depending on the length of your sailing, you can get up to $250 onboard credit.
To redeem this benefit, you just need to email [email protected] with your name, address, confirmation number, ship and sailing date along with a copy of your shareholder proxy card or a current brokerage statement showing proof of share ownership.
Read more: 60 Royal Caribbean tips and tricks
You'll want to get onboard your cruise ship as soon as possible to get your vacation started. After all, the price you paid doesn't change if you board at 11am or 2pm.
As a result, you're going to want to get an early check-in time to assure you'll board the ship first.
Boarding a cruise ship is somewhat similar to boarding an airplane. Everyone waits for the ship to be cleared and ready to welcome passengers, and then boarding commences in groups.
Usually suite guests go first, followed by other passengers based on different criteria.
But before you can get into the cruise terminal, Royal Caribbean assigns check-in times to every passenger. It's part of the pre-cruise check-in process, and there are limited slots to each check-in window.
Knowing when to check-in for your cruise can be the difference between an early time and one in the afternoon. While a relatively straightforward process, it's important to know the proper steps as well as what to avoid when checking in.
You'll be able to reserve a check-in time closer to your sail date, and it's imperative to be on the ball to get those early time slots.
Royal Caribbean's online check-in opens 45 days before your cruise is set to begin.
It's slightly confusing exactly what time check-in opens, because it's 45 days at midnight based on the ship's home port time. Meaning, if you live in New York, but your Alaska cruise departs from Seattle, your check-in time opens at 3am Eastern/midnight Pacific.
In my experience, check-in will open up a few minutes past midnight. It's rarely exactly at midnight, usually five or ten minutes later.
You can do online check-in via Royal Caribbean's website or their app. Trust me, you'll want to use the Royal Caribbean app and not the website.
The primary reason to use the app is when check-in opens, you can skip right to the check-in times and select a time. The Royal Caribbean website will make you first fill out personal information before getting there.
You'll need to reserve a check-in time for everyone in your party. After you're done and have the times confirmed, you can go back into the app later and fill out the rest of the personal information.
I know what you're thinking, "do I really need to stay up until midnight to check-in?" and the answer is yes, if you want the earliest time.
If you wait until morning, you'll probably have access to the second or third earliest check-in times. That's far from terrible, and you'll still be way ahead of people that try to do it later. But if you absolutely, positively need to the earliest time, starting the check-in process at midnight is critical.
The earliest check-in times begin around 10:30am or 11:00am. It can vary from sailing to sailing.
The strategy outlined in this article applies to all passengers, but those staying in a suite have one advantage over other passengers.
Suite guests enjoy a flexible check-in window of plus or minus one hour based on the check-in time you reserved.
This means if you had an 11:00am check-in time via the app, you could check-in as early as 10:00am.
If you book a Star Class cabin, your Royal Genie will coordinate with you a specific time you want to arrive and they will work around your preference. It's the ultimate "fastpass" for checking in, but Star Class cabins will easily cost you five figures.
Keep in mind the check-in times doesn't correlate to boarding time. It simply refers to what time they'll admit you into the cruise terminal to begin checking in.
It should go without saying that spending the extra money to move up to a suite just for an earlier check-in time almost certainly is not a great value. But it's a lovely perk to add onto the suite experience.
There's one other way to get an early check-in by throwing money at the problem.
Royal Caribbean offers a VIP extra-cost add-on, known as The Key.
Guests that buy The Key get a number of added benefits, including priority access into the terminal on Day 1.
You still select a boarding time during online check-in, but a couple weeks before the cruise, you will get an email that tells you you can board with The Key (usually 11:30 after suite guests) or keep your scheduled time.
I'm not a fan of purchasing The Key, but it's worth noting it could get you checked-in and onboard faster (among other benefits).
Cruise ships are known for their excellent value, and what's included that costs nothing extra is a big part of that.
When you consider how much you can eat, enjoy, and explore for absolutely no additional cost, a cruise sounds really enticing. Royal Caribbean ships are packed with so many things to do onboard included with your cruise fare.
While a lot of attention is placed on things that cost extra because they're flashy, you can go on a Royal Caribbean ship and spend nothing extra and have a really enjoyable vacation.
When I'm planning a cruise with my family, my wife and I often have moments where we realize we don't need to spend extra on costly add-ons, and simply enjoy the free things. On our recent visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, we opted to hang at the Oasis Lagoon pool which has no additional cost instead of spending over $100 for both of us to go to the new adults-only area.
If you're ready to enjoy a value-conscious vacation, here are the free amenities, services, and experiences you can take advantage of during your cruise.
It's always about food for me on a cruise, and Royal Caribbean includes a lot of pretty good food in your fare.
Every Royal Caribbean ship has a few restaurants that cost nothing to eat there. The most prominent ones are the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, and the coffee shop.
Here is a list of restaurants on a Royal Caribbean ship that won't cost you extra. You won't find all of them on one ship, but it's a list to reference:
Between these venues, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with plenty of snacks too.
I really like having my meals in the Main Dining Room when I'm with my family because the waiters get to know your preferences and really focus on your meal experience being exactly what you want. Plus, I think the dining room food is rather tasty.
If you're booked in a suite on one of the newer ships, you can dine at Coastal Kitchen for all your meals, adding significant value for the higher cost a suite comes with.
Besides your meals, there are lots of places to snack too. Cafe Promenade, Sorrento's Pizza, Aquadome Market, and Park Cafe are all fan favorites. Depending on which Royal Caribbean ship you sail on, there are going to be different places to grab a snack or mini-meal.
No matter which ship you pick, you won't go hungry and there's somewhere to eat at almost any time of day or night. Moreover, I think the food you can get at no additional cost is pretty darn good.
My favorite places to eat for free:
There are quite a few drinks you can get for free onboard.
You can find these free drinks offered at any bar or restaurant, although some bars may not have everything on this list.
The best places to find all of these options are the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, or Cafe Promenade/Cafe Latte-Tudes/Cafe @ Two70.
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink on a cruise ship. It's filtered onboard and probably the safest water you can drink, given how treated it is.
When I think of a cruise, I think of food first, and then all the fun things to do on the ship.
Royal Caribbean built its cruise ships to have more to do than you can possibly do in a week. They're meant to offer such a wide variety of activities that you come away impressed with how much you could have done.
Every day of your cruise there is a list of activities in the Royal Caribbean app (as well as the Cruise Compass).
There's trivia, napkin folding demonstrations, competitions among passengers, educational seminars, and much more.
Karaoke is one of the top events you'll find every day. You can count on there being at least a few karaoke sessions per day. Some of the new ships that have a dedicated karaoke venue will host sessions more often.
Karaoke on a Royal Caribbean cruise is pretty much like anywhere else you've done it. There is a book of songs to choose from, and guests sign up on a first-come, first-served basis to get a chance to sing.
On a sea day, you can expect at least 4 or 5 trivia sessions, and the topics range from general trivia to TV show theme songs to Taylor Swift. There are all sorts of trivia genres, and they're just about bragging rights rather than the novel prize for the winning team.
Royal Caribbean ships also show a lot of movies. Most have their movie screens by the pool, so you don't have to leave the hot tub. A few of the small ships actually have their own movie theater, which is also included in your cruise fare.
It's a good idea to go through the Royal Caribbean app every day to see what's scheduled. The cruise line will load in all the events a few days before the sailing begins, but I like to review each evening what's coming up the next day.
My favorite free events:
If conquering "Friends" trivia doesn't do it for you, how about ways to be in the sun and have fun?
A lot of people specifically choose a cruise because they want to go to beautiful and warm destinations where they can take advantage of the sunshine.
Every ship has pools and hot tubs you can go to for no additional cost. There's even an adults-only pool available too.
Many of Royal Caribbean's ships have pool areas for kids, that have splash pads, geysers, and all sorts of ways to get soaked.
Splashaway Bay is the name of the children's aqua park, and it's the perfect spot for younger children who want to get as wet as possible.
If you need more adrenaline on your vacation, there are water slides and surf simulators on many ships. These also cost nothing extra to use, and it's open to kids or adults.
Speaking of slides, the Oasis Class ships have the Ultimate Abyss slide on the back of the ship, which is a dry slide and is also included in your cruise fare.
Don't overlook the sports court, where you can play soccer, basketball, pickleball, dodgeball, or volleyball throughout the day. Once again, it's complimentary.
On the Oasis Class ships, there's a zip line you can ride for free nine decks above the Boardwalk neighborhood.
There's also a mini golf course on most Royal Caribbean ships. It's a great family activity, and open day and night.
Speaking of family fun, check out the carousel on Oasis or Icon Class ships that guests of any age can ride. It's free and open day and night.
If your cruise ship has an ice rink, there are complimentary open ice skating sessions you can go to. Royal Caribbean provides all the equipment, you just need to bring long pants and socks.
My favorite pool deck fun and free things to do:
If you have a Royal Caribbean cruise that visits the Caribbean, there's a good chance your ship will visit one of Royal Caribbean's private islands.
Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee are the two islands that only Royal Caribbean ships can visit, and it's a private enclave that is included with your cruise fare.
Think of this like a regular port visit, but the majority of what you can do comes at no additional cost. There are beaches, pools, and food you can enjoy without any fees.
While it's true both do have extra pay upgrades, you can certainly have a great day without spending extra. You'll find beaches, chairs, umbrellas, and food that come with your visit.
A day at a private island is one of my absolute favorite kinds of cruise days because it's a simple, yet well organized fun day in the sun. There's plenty of space, the ocean and beach are lovely, and there's the choice to upgrade your day with an add-on if you so choose.
Admission to either private destination is included, and you can walk off the ship and explore at your leisure.
If given the choice, I prefer CocoCay over Labadee because of the breadth of choices of what to do there. Plus, CocoCay's food variety is superior, along with the option for a pool day.
Be sure to review everything Royal Caribbean offers at CocoCay for no extra cost.
If there's one thing Royal Caribbean does better than any other cruise line, it's their entertainment. You'll find shows, musicians, performers, and comedians on any ship in the fleet.
Every evening there will be at least one production show onboard, with the biggest ships having multiple shows per night.
Some Royal Caribbean ships actually have full Broadway shows, and admission to them is included in your cruise fare.
Even if your ship doesn't have a Broadway show, it has a talented cast of singers and dancers who will perform on nearly every night. When they aren't performing, there's usually a headline entertainer or comedian to keep you busy.
Music is also a focal point for Royal Caribbean's entertainment. There are guitarists, pianists, bands, and singers who all perform and are wonderful acts. They're not just talented, they bring showmanship to their performances and it creates must-see shows.
Some of these shows are sing-alongs, while others are productions that you can sit back and enjoy.
You'll find most of the live entertainment in the evening, but there are still musical acts during the day.
You can find a poolside band to play easy-listening tunes while you're enjoying time by the pool. There's also a DJ on Royal Caribbean ships to offer sailaway parties, as well as late-night club scenes.
I recommend seeking out the musical acts and any shows you find in the schedule, because they're not just free to see, but they're actually really entertaining.
My favorite free entertainment:
Being a family cruise line, Royal Caribbean's crown jewel of kids programming centers around the Adventure Ocean kids club.
Many of the activities in this article apply to kids as well, but I think Adventure Ocean is where you'll find the most compelling and all-encompassing activities for kids.
Royal Caribbean's kids club is more than a place to drop your kids off. It's a hub of activities, playing, and meeting other kids their age.
Adventure Ocean is broken up by age so that the activities are age-appropriate. Moreover, it fosters kids making friends onboard the ship.
The great thing about kids club is it allows kids to be kids and play, draw, engage, and do the sort of things they want to do. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy time apart, whether at a restaurant, show, and just enjoying quiet time.
There is no charge for Adventure Ocean (before 10pm) or Teens Club, however, the nursery does cost extra. If your children are under the age of 36 months, they will need to go to the nursery and you should plan for an hourly charge.
Be sure to visit the Adventure Ocean and Teen Club open house on embarkation day, usually around 1pm to see the facility, meet the staff, and register the kids. It's a great way to see what's offered and get questions answered.
Can you get actual gifts or things to bring home for free on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Yes, but temper your expectations.
One easy souvenir is to attend a trivia session and win. The winning team will get a novelty gift, usually a highlighter, pen, or luggage pull straps.
There are also usually giveaways tied to ways to spend money onboard. The jewelry store may offer free charm bracelets to entice you to come in and check out their other items while you're in line for the freebie.
The art auction staff hold giveaways to get people to attend the auctions themselves. They even serve everyone that attends the art auction free champagne.
If you cruise enough to make it to a higher tier in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor society customer loyalty program, there are gifts offered.
At the Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club tiers, you'll get a personalized gift per household on each sailing you take. You can select the personalized gift from a list of choices. The Loyalty Ambassador onboard the ship can help you select or change your preference. Choices include logo items, drinks, or snacks.
Royal Caribbean cruises are bookable through early 2026, but when will more cruises in 2026 and 2027 be available to book?
Summer 2026 cruises are not open to book yet, along with anything beyond April 2026.
While it may seem strange to book vacations more than 2 years in advance, booking a cruise that far ahead can net some of the best prices.
Booking a cruise early could get you a great room, a competitive rate, or a booking on a rare itinerary that could sell out quickly.
Whatever the reason, here's what you should know about when to expect Royal Caribbean to post new cruises for sale.
While nothing has officially been announced by Royal Caribbean as to when 2026 cruises will go on sale, based on historical data, it usually occurs on a set schedule.
Royal Caribbean typically has two release cycles: in the fall and again in the spring.
For the last few years, Royal Caribbean has posted their new sailings around:
They've stuck to this pattern, even during the cruise industry shutdown of 2020.
Example deployment schedule from last year
Prior to the actual sailings going on sale, Royal Caribbean will post a deployment schedule, which specifies the week (but not day) of release for each block of itineraries. These blocks are grouped by cruise length and region.
One trick some cruisers have come up with is to follow what sister brand Celebrity Cruises does, as Celebrity is usually ahead of Royal Caribbean in posting new deployments by about a month.
There's no way to know for certain which itineraries will be released in November or December of this year, but based on the pattern from the last few years, it seems like there's a likelihood of certain regions getting posted first.
In 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020, Royal Caribbean opened up new bookings for three regions in November and December:
In 2023, the first new deployment release came the week of October 30, and then continued through the week of December 4, 2023 (skipping the Thanksgiving holiday week).
The rest of the new itineraries were released in the spring.
It is very important to remember that this is what the cruise line has done in the past, and they may change everything up this year. But since the question of when new bookings will be released is such a common question, this is the best information we have at our disposal.
After the winter holidays are over, Royal Caribbean gears up to release new itineraries for the rest of the schedule in the spring.
In 2023, new itineraries were posted as early as the week of February 13, 2023. In 2022, the first new itineraries were posted the week of February 21. In 2021, it was posted during the week of February 15.
Just like the fall, you'll get one batch of itineraries posted per week and the process can take all the way until April or May to fully complete.
In the spring, you'll get the bulk of the new itineraries released that fill in the gaps left from the fall.
Short Caribbean cruises, cruises from New York and Baltimore, and long Caribbean cruises are the notable sailings that get posted in the spring. Australia cruises are also released this time of year.
One of the best strategies to get the lowest price on your cruise is to book a cruise early, even two years early.
It may seem crazy to some to book a cruise quite that far in advance, but there are some really good benefits to placing a deposit that early.
At a very basic level, cruise lines increase the price of a sailing as the ship sells out. By booking early, inventory is at its highest, and that usually nets you some of the best prices (especially for suites).
If you live in certain countries, you're allowed to re-price your cabin and take advantage of a price drop up until the final payment date. This includes the United States and Canada, but there are others too.
Beyond the cost of a cruise, another good reason to book early is to get a specific cabin.
Read more: What are the different types of cabins on a cruise ship?
There are certain types of cruise ship cabins that sell out quickly, and booking early is almost always the only way to get them. Suites are usually the first type of cabin category to sell out because there are so few suites onboard.
Keep in mind that suites always have always non-refundable cruise fare, so there's a bit of a risk if you aren't totally certain what your vacation plans will be in two years or more.
Moreover, there could be a specific location you want, such as an aft balcony and once again, booking early can get you the best room location.
Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship
The other really important reason to book so early is because you may want to cruise over a holiday.
Holiday sailings are always competitive. This includes spring break, Christmas, summer, and New Years. If you want to take a cruise during these times of year, you will want to snag a cabin because prices will almost certainly only go up.
When I'm asked, "How far in advance should I book a cruise?", my answer is always as early as you can. Certainly when new itineraries are published is the ideal time.
At the risk of jinxing the pattern that's been in play for years, the information in this article is my best guess of what we can expect.
Once a deployment schedule is released, I will post a new article with the information on this site, so until then, our fingers are crossed that it will line up as expected.
While there's no way to be absolutely certain of when Royal Caribbean will release new summer cruises, I hope this article gives you a frame of reference of what to expect.
A weekend Royal Caribbean cruise is a great getaway, but what is the average cost of a 3 day cruise cost?
Royal Caribbean regularly offers 3-night sailings to the Bahamas and Mexico, and while the advertised price might look straightforward, the true cost can vary widely depending on when you book, what cabin you choose, and how much you spend once onboard.
Royal Caribbean offers 3-night cruises for as little as $400 per person, but there's a catch. You're going to need to be flexible to get rates that low.
A really good last minute deal might come in closer to $500 for two people, but you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a 3-day cruise as a median price.
The base fare for a 3-night cruise will run between $500 and $1,200 per person. That usually covers your stateroom, some of the dining options, and entertainment. But there are additional costs that will add up to the final price, such as gratuities, drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursions.
Because the cruise is only a few days, you'll spend less on onboard expenses and shore excursions because there's simply less time on the ship.
The price of any cruise can vary greatly from one sailing to another.
The brand new Utopia of the Seas, which is dubbed as Royal Caribbean's weekend party ship has 3-night cruises that are as low as $603 per person.
Here's a list of the average cruise cost for short cruises between 2025 and 2027:
This is for the base price of the cruise fare only. That price can increase or decrease depending on cabin category, time of year, the popularity of the sailing, and the ship you choose.
You'll notice 3 day cruises from California are much cheaper than Florida, and that's because those are two very different cruise markets. California cruises aren't nearly as tropical, despite going to Baja Mexico. Florida cruises are also easier to get to for most Americans since it's on the east coast.
A 3-night cruise on an older ship will probably cost less than a newer ship, but both will cost more during Spring Break than the third week of January. In short, there are a lot of factors that determine the price of a cruise.
Additionally, while 3-night cruises are cheaper than week-long sailings, a cruise over the weekend tends to cost more than a 4-night cruise during the week. Why? Weekend cruises are generally more popular.
This base cruise fare for a 3-night cruise includes accommodations, meals and snacks at complimentary venues, Adventure Ocean children's programs, entertainment and activities, complimentary drinks, and access to ship amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and fitness centers.
Prices in the U.S. now include all taxes and fees (such as port fees), but exclude the cost of gratuities, add-ons, and your other transportation.
You'll want to start planning your weekend cruise by choosing a ship to sail on.
As a general rule, newer and bigger ships have more amenities but come at a higher cost.
For example, the cheapest 3-night Bahamas and Perfect Day weekend cruise on Utopia of the Seas costs $603 per person. That's if you choose an interior room in November 2025, coming out to $201 per night, per person.
In contrast, a Bahamas weekend cruise on Jewel of the Seas, a much smaller Radiance class ship, costs $295 per person in September 2025. For an interior stateroom, you'd be paying around $98 per person, per night.
The activities, restaurant choices, and amount for kids to do could not be more different between Utopia and Jewel.
Before you book a weekend cruise simply based on price, be sure that you'll enjoy all the ship has to offer.
You should choose a vessel based on the itinerary, amenities, and entertainment you appreciate.
Your cabin category will be one of the biggest influences on your final price tag.
It's one of the aspects that make cruising so adjustable to each budget. Whether you'd like to save money by choosing a smaller room or splurge on a suite, the category is completely your choice.
When booking a cruise, you'll want to carefully decide which has the most value to you: are you looking to save money for shore excursions at port, or do you want to splurge on a lavish suite?
Your choice can mean the difference between thousands of dollars.
Looking at a 3-night Bahamas sailing on Liberty of the Seas in December 2025 costs $338 per person in an interior cabin.
The cheapest cabin, an interior room is a smaller space with no windows.
Upgrading to a balcony room on this sailing takes you up to $571 per person, while a Junior Suite starts at $846 per person.
For the biggest leap in price, the huge Royal Suite comes in at $3,103 per person.
Cruise fares also vary depending on the time and season.
The most expensive sailings will fall during holidays, 3-day weekends, spring and summer break, and the weeks from Christmas to New Year's.
On dates like these, when adults are off work and children have a break from school, supply and demand tend to affect the price.
Cruising during peak dates like these can increase your cruise fare to nearly double what the same sailing might cost in the low season.
To save money on your 3-day cruise, you'll want to cruise during the shoulder season.
Each region has a different season in which you'll find the lowest fares and fewer crowds.
Additionally, if you're planning a cruise further in advance, it's still better to purchase the sailing as early as possible.
Prices increase as the sailing date gets closer, and from one year to the next.
In addition to the cruise fare, you have the opportunity to add on optional amenities.
Since Royal Caribbean cruises aren't all-inclusive, it's up to you whether you'd like to purchase add-ons like WiFi, drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and souvenirs.
Prices on these cruise add-ons vary depending on the item and sailing, but they are typically cheaper for shorter cruises.
Though drink packages and spa treatments can be pricey, you'll find that the cost is less for your shorter, weekend cruise.
Royal Caribbean keeps its cruises non-inclusive so that cruisers can choose which add-ons to purchase based on their preferences.
Your overall base is cheaper overall, and you won't end up paying for anything you don't want.
Royal Caribbean Group shared with investors that the average cruisers spent between $90-100 per person, per day on cruise add-ons.
Additional travel (before and after the cruise) is another factor to include in your cruise budget.
Getting to and from your cruise port will be your responsibility; another added expense.
When planning for your cruise, include in your budget the cost of flights, taxis, and baggage if you need to fly to the cruise port, or gas, parking, and tolls if you need to drive.
It's important to consider how and when you'll travel to the cruise port before purchasing the cruise.
We always recommend arriving at the embarkation port a day early, in case any travel delays occur. This will require you to find lodging or book a hotel room the night before embarkation day—another added cost.
Read more: I tried my first 3-night cruise, here's how it went
If you believe that time is money, there are ways to spend extra to bypass waits on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
A cruise vacation usually includes shows, activities, shore excursions, and lots of other fun onboard. However, there are thousands of other passengers who also want to do the same thing.
Sometimes there are short waits, while other times, long lines develop for the very popular activities. You could plan ahead and arrive early, book certain things in advance, or hope for the best. Or you could throw money at the problem.
Spending more money isn't always the solution and you can have a great cruise without spending more money on add-ons. But for some people, it's worth it to have a more convenient experience.
If you value time over money, here are four upgrades you could pay for to wait less and skip lines on your Royal Caribbean cruise.
Perhaps the most popular way to skip a few lines on your cruise is to buy Royal Caribbean's VIP pass, known as The Key.
The Key is an optional purchase to be made before the cruise begins, where guests get extra 1its.
Benefits of The Key include priority embarkation, special reserved times at signature top deck attractions, tendering priority, and more.
Buying The Key should save you time with a shorter wait to board the cruise ship, as well as disembarking it. Guests that buy The Key can also enjoy times at specific attractions on their ship, like the rock climbing wall or Flowrider.
The downside to The Key is you have to buy it for everyone in your group above the age of 6 and you have to pay a daily fee for every day of your cruise. Plus, most of the best benefits are just on embarkation day.
However, The Key is the most affordable option on this list and it will shave off some time.
Another way to bypass a few lines is to stay in a suite instead of a lower category stateroom.
Royal Caribbean has two tiers of suite experiences: the Royal Suite Class on Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships; and the rest of the fleet. There are more lucrative benefits if you're on a ship with Royal Suite Class benefits.
Read more: Royal Caribbean suites overview
There are a few ways staying in a suite can benefit you by skipping lines.
First, you'll get priority embarkation and disembarkation. When you arrive to the cruise port, there will be a special line just for suite guests and that is almost always shorter than the regular line. Moreover, you'll board the ship first (if they have not started the embarkation process yet).
Priority disembarkation is my favorite suite benefit, as the suite concierge will escort you off the ship and cut through the usually long line on that final morning. This single benefit has saved me a lot of time and my family's sanity trying to get off the ship after the cruise is over.
Suite guests also have reserved seating at shows to enjoy. It's not always the best place to sit, but they are indeed reserved spots for suite guests (as well as top tier Crown and Anchor members).
While suite guests do not get any special times at signature attractions like those that have The Key, there is reserved seating for suite guests on the pool deck. Pool deck chairs go quickly, so it's a nice way to not have to be as competitive for a pool chair.
Some of the suite benefits sound similar to The Key, but with a suite you also get an opulent and expansive cabin.
It's also worth mentioning the suite benefits on Royal Caribbean's newer ships are more lucrative than on their older ships.
Read more: Differences between a suite and a balcony
If you really want to eliminate as many lines as possible, then you should book a Star Class suite.
Star Class is the exclusive top tier of Royal Caribbean's suite program, and guests in these cabins not only get the largest suites on the ship, they also get the service of the Royal Genie.
The Royal Genie is the "easy button" for your cruise, and they can get you access to just about anything without waits.
Not only do you have the regular suite benefits mentioned earlier, but your Genie escorts you onboard the ship at the cruise terminal and is there to get you pretty much anything you want.
You can completely bypass lines for shows, ice skating, laser tag, elevators, and even getting back on the ship. You just message your Genie with Whatsapp and they'll help you out.
Genies cannot quite bypass every single line (i.e. water slides are still on your own), but it's truly the best choice for anyone that absolutely wants to avoid lines or waits on their cruise and money is not an object.
As you might imagine, a Star Class suite is not cheap. Often the price for these suites cost five figures, with some of the top suites actually exceeding $80,000.
If there's one kind of waiting on a cruise that I personally detest the most, it's waits for a group shore excursion.
Shore excursions are a lot of fun, but group excursions tend to epitomize the saying, "hurry up and wait". I like to explore things at my pace, and while group shore excursions are quite affordable, I prefer to do things on my own in certain ports.
Booking a private shore excursion could alleviate waits by allowing you to get going and stop and start when you want to.
You could book a private sightseeing tour, or charter a catamaran. There are even Royal Caribbean private excursions you can book through the Private Journeys department.
The downside to a private excursion is the cost. You'll probably pay much more per person than on a group tour.
While everything in our list costs extra, there's an easy way to skip at least one line on your cruise and that's with Express Boarding.
If you happen to sail on a ship that supports Express Boarding, Royal Caribbean will reward you with a faster way to get onto the ship for free.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Express Boarding Review
If you complete all the steps of the check-in process via the Royal Caribbean app, you should get Express Boarding on your SetSail pass automatically.
You'll need to use the app to enter all your information, scan your passport, take a selfie, and answer the health questionnaire the day before the cruise begins.
Read more: Royal Caribbean boarding process walkthrough
It's only available at certain ports and ships, but it's free!
A weekend cruise sounds like the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise because you can get away for just a few nights and not need a lot of time off from work.
There are pros and cons to taking a short cruise over the weekend, but it's often the way a lot of people try a cruise for the very first time.
Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of taking a 3-night Royal Caribbean cruise. Knowing which departure ports offer weekend cruises, which destinations you can visit, and how much to budget for will help determine which weekend cruise will be best for your mini-getaway.
While all Royal Caribbean ships may offer a 3-night cruise here and there, there are several ships that almost exclusively run on the same schedule every week. These ships tend to offer 3-night cruises from Friday afternoon to Monday morning and 4-night cruises from Monday afternoon to Friday morning.
While most ships running weekend cruises are not the newest and largest in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, the majority of these ships have recently been amplified in the cruise line’s Royal Amplified program. Amplifications bring an impressive upgrade to Royal Caribbean ships, adding new onboard activities, stateroom options, and dining/lounge venues.
Utopia of the Seas is the hottest new cruise ship on the market, and is designed to be the ultimate weekend cruise ship, especially if you're new to cruising.
Sailing from Port Canaveral, Utopia of the Seas offers 3-night weekend cruises from Friday to Monday that visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas.
The new ship has 21 restaurants, five pools, two casinos, and an ice skating rink.
Allure of the Seas also offers weekend cruises from her homeport of Miami, Florida. She departs on Friday afternoons and visits both Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning back to Florida on Monday morning.
Allure of the Seas makes a great weekend cruise option for those who love having a nearly endless amount of activities to choose from onboard, from zip lining to AquaTheater shows.
Voyager of the Seas offers longer weekend cruises from Port Canaveral. She has 4- and 5-night cruises in 2024 and 2025, and they go to Cozumel, Mexico, or Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to The Bahamas.
Voyager of the Seas is a mid-sized ship and the original Voyager Class cruise ship. She has a lot to do, and her prices tend to be very competitive. She doesn't sail the Friday to Monday weekend cruises, however.
Freedom of the Seas, a Freedom Class ship, will offer seasonal 3-night weekend cruises from Miami in 2025, visiting both CocoCay and Nassau.
Freedom of the Seas was amplified in February 2020 and received a major upgrade, with additions including the Perfect Storm waterslides, a Caribbean resort-style pool deck, and the new Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen restaurant.
Independence of the Seas is the weekend getaway ship of choice for those who prefer to depart from Miami, Florida.
Independence of the Seas is a Freedom Class cruise ship offering 3-night cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas. Passengers on Independence of the Seas can enjoy an escape room, water slides, and the Izumi hibachi restaurant.
Navigator of the Seas, a Voyager Class ship, is the only Royal Caribbean cruise ship permanently homeported at the Port of Los Angeles.
She offers 3-night weekend cruises to Ensenada, Mexico. Navigator of the Seas was amplified in 2019 with a Caribbean resort-style pool deck, new tropical-themed bars like the Bamboo Room, an escape room, and more.
Royal Caribbean offers cruises as long as 19+ nights and as short as 2 nights to destinations all over the world. Regardless of whether you book the longest cruise, a transpacific sailing visiting French Polynesia and New Zealand, or the shortest cruise to the Bahamas, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable cruise vacation.
Most weekend cruises tend to be three nights, leaving port on Friday afternoon and returning early Monday morning. A 3-night cruise gives the perfect length for a true “weekend getaway,” allowing you to forget all the stress brought on by work or school and truly escape.
Occasionally you may find 2-night cruises over the weekend, which leave Friday afternoon and return Sunday morning, although these are much less common.
Most of Royal Caribbean’s regularly scheduled weekend cruises leave from the ports of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, or Los Angeles.
Due to the Passenger Vessel Services Act (otherwise known as the Jones Act), all foreign-flagged ships departing from the United States must include an itinerary stop in a country other than the United States.
Weekend cruises from New York, Boston or Baltimore don't exist because of the time required to reach a foreign port due to distance.
On some occasions you may find weekend cruises leaving from other ports around the world, such as Southampton, England and Haifa, Israel, although these tend to be more of a one-time cruise than a weekly itinerary choice.
Weekend cruises are fairly limited in the destinations they can visit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience an amazing day in port on a 3-night getaway.
Nassau is the capital of New Providence Island and is one of the most commonly visited ports on any Royal Caribbean cruise. The city is filled with fun activities, from waterparks to historical sites and enjoying day passes at all-inclusive resorts.
While it’s possible to disembark the ship in Nassau and simply walk around, we highly recommend planning what you would like to do in Nassau in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the island’s best offerings and beaches.
Read more: Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise
Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private destination in the Bahamas and is a favorite port among cruise fans. The island offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to spend the day relaxing at Chill Beach, join the party at the swim-up bar, reserve a private, floating cabana, or slide down the tallest waterslide in North America.
While it’s not necessary to have a plan for your day at CocoCay, it’s a good idea to be familiar with what is offered on the island to ensure you can book any excursions or addons in advance.
Ensenada is a port city on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Baja California. If you’ve taken a cruise to other Mexican ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya, you’ll be surprised at how different the geography and coastline of Ensenada is compared to the Caribbean.
Whereas the Yucatan peninsula offers dense jungles, Mayan ruins, and calm beaches, Ensenada has a dry climate. A day in Ensenada is best spent enjoying Baja California’s nature, whether exploring the Calafia Valley Wine Country, riding an ATV on the coast, or hiking through El Salto Canyon.
Read more: A day in Ensenada, Mexico while cruising on Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean occasionally offers short cruises to more exotic destinations. Currently, there are cruises to Cyprus, Le Havre (Paris), and Naples, Italy available to book! The vast majority of weekend cruises, however, tend to visit the same ports due to their proximity to the United States.
The majority of weekend cruises departing from Florida do not have a sea day, although you may occasionally run into an itinerary with one day at sea. Weekend cruises tend to be port-intensive, meaning they stop in a new port each day.
The exception is with cruises departing from the Port of Los Angeles on Navigator of the Seas. Weekend cruises on Navigator of the Seas have a full day at sea prior to a port day in Ensenada, Mexico. A sea day is perfect for trying the newly amplified ship’s upgraded features, including the longest waterslide at sea and The Lime & Coconut Bar.
If your weekend cruise itinerary does not include a sea day, that does not mean you have to disembark the ship in each port you visit. Many passengers opt to spend one of the port days onboard instead of in port so they can make the most of the cruise ship’s activities, dining, and amenities.
Most of Royal Caribbean’s ships offering weekend cruises are extremely similar to each other, but Utopia of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are the notable favorites.
Being among the biggest cruise ships in the world, Utopia of the Seas and Allure of the Seas offer the most to do onboard and the most choices in entertainment, dining, and activities.
The Voyager and Freedom Class cruise ships are almost identical in layout and onboard features. While some dining venues, bars, and water slides may differ, passengers should expect a relatively similar experience no matter which Voyager or Freedom Class ship they choose. The primary benefit of these ships over the Oasis Class ships is price, as they are likely going to be noticeably cheaper.
There are a few differences between them that should be noted, though:
Utopia of the Seas stands apart from any other cruise ship offering weekend cruises because she's brand new and offers so much more to do onboard.
Royal Caribbean thinks Utopia of the Seas is the top choice for anyone who wants to do a weekend cruise, especially first-time cruisers. Utopia has the best in class offerings, which means her pools, activities, shows, and cabins are arguably superior to any other Oasis Class ship.
A 3-night cruise on Utopia of the Seas will almost certainly be the type of sailing where the ship is considered the destination. Whether dining outdoors in Central Park, watching impressive acrobatics and diving in the AquaTheater, or zip lining over the Boardwalk, it’s unlikely a weekend will be enough time to explore the entire ship!
Read more: Royal Caribbean has a plan to dominate short cruises with a new ship and private destinations
One important distinction to note before booking a weekend cruise on Allure of the Seas is that she has a few differences compared to other Oasis Class cruise ships. While she was scheduled to be amplified in 2020, her amplification has been postponed. Therefore she does not have many features you will find on other ships offering weekend cruises, including water slides, an upgraded pool deck, and new restaurants and bars.
Weekend cruises offer a great value for a short getaway, as food, lodging, entertainment, and onboard activities are included in your cruise fare. When comparing the price of a hotel, dining at restaurants, and purchasing tickets to entertainment on land, a cruise tends to come at a much lower cost.
In general, a weekend cruise in the cheapest stateroom category (interior) will cost between $700 and $1,000 total for 2 adults. The cost of a balcony stateroom will be slightly higher, usually falling somewhere between $1,000 and $1,450.
Weekend cruises can differ in price depending on the following factors:
Generally speaking, the further in advance you book a cruise, the cheaper your price will be. Booking a year in advance can usually net a better price than waiting until just a few weeks or months until the cruise.
This is not always the case, however, as there may sometimes be last-minute weekend cruise deals available. Last-minute deals should not be relied upon, though, and the last thing you want to happen is have a weekend cruise sell out before you can book it!
The time of year you sail can be one of the biggest factors in determining how much a weekend cruise will cost. Summer months and holidays can bring the highest prices due to demand, whereas the months of January, February, September (excluding Labor Day weekend), October, and November (excluding Thanksgiving) tend to be cheaper.
The category of stateroom you select can also make a big difference on the overall cost of a weekend cruise. Interior staterooms will almost always be the cheapest stateroom category available.
Interior rooms can actually make a fantastic stateroom choice for a weekend cruise. Not only will you save money, but with such a short cruise, it’s unlikely you will be spending much time at all in your stateroom anyway. There is so much to do onboard a Royal Caribbean weekend cruise that you might only be in your room to shower and sleep!
One of the biggest benefits to booking a weekend cruise is that booking a dining or beverage package comes with less of a “sticker shock” than on a longer sailing.
If a beverage package is priced at $75/day on a 7-night cruise, your total cost will be over $500 plus gratuities! If that same price is offered on a 3-night cruise, you’ll only be shelling out around $225 plus gratuities.
This can make purchasing a beverage package much more enticing. Plus, it’s unlikely you will get bored or tired of drinking on a short cruise. It’s common for many passengers to order fewer drinks as the days go on during a longer cruise, thus not getting the full value of their drink package. 3-nights is a more reasonable amount of time to enjoy unlimited tropical cocktails, beer, wine, coffee drinks, and fresh juices without feeling like you’ve been drinking too much!
Another great thing about the majority of Royal Caribbean’s weekend cruises is that they include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s extremely easy to spend an entire day at CocoCay without spending anything extra, as food, beaches, pools, hammocks, and more are included in your cruise fare. Drink packages work on the island, too, meaning you won’t have to budget anything extra for drinks.
A weekend cruise can offer a much-needed getaway for many passengers. Being able to leave any stress at home and visit multiple tropical destinations in a short amount of time is simply a wonderful way to spend a weekend.
Cruises tend to be much more relaxing than other weekend getaways as well. There’s no need to worry about constantly driving from place to place, paying high prices for food at every meal, and finding activities that are fun for both kids and adults. A cruise offers everything you need in one package.
Plus, many of the same benefits that you will receive from a longer cruise (excitement of going somewhere new, feeling pampered, etc.) you will also receive on a short sailing.
A great benefit of a weekend cruise is that far less vacation time is needed compared to a 7-night cruise, especially if you live close to the departure port. By departing on Friday afternoon and returning Monday morning, it’s possible to take just one or two days off of work.
If you have few vacation hours or you’re saving them for a longer trip, a 3-night cruise offers the chance to have a mini-vacation without sacrificing your precious PTO time.
A shorter cruise can be a great time to splurge on things like drink packages, shore excursions, and specialty dining. Knowing you don’t have to budget for a full week’s vacation might make you more willing to pay for a few extras to enhance the cruise experience.
Spending $100 for a shore excursion in Nassau may not seem as bad when you don’t have 3 or 4 other ports to visit. Likewise, booking a specialty dinner at Chops, Izumi Hibachi, or Jamie’s Italian can be a nice way to “splurge” while still having a fantastic weekend getaway.
A major drawback to a weekend cruise is that the cost per day of a 3-night cruise is often more expensive than the cost per day of a longer cruise. To put this into perspective, I checked the prices of two cruises: a 3-night cruise on Freedom of the Seas and a 7-night cruise on Allure of the Seas. Both sailings take place in September, just after the summer cruise season is over.
On the 3-night sailing on Freedom of the Seas, the cruise fare for 2 adults in a balcony stateroom is $1,068. This makes the cost per day $356 per room, or $178 per person.
On the 7-night sailing on Allure of the Seas, the cruise fare for 2 adults in a balcony stateroom is $1,960 total. This makes the cost per day $280 per room, or $140 per person.
While the cost per day ($178 versus $140) may not seem too drastic, it becomes much different once the cost of airfare and a pre-cruise hotel stay are added to the total cruise cost.
Let’s say you pay $300 roundtrip (per person) in airfare and $250 for a hotel the night before your cruise. This adds $850 to your total cruise cost.
The 3-night cruise now costs $1,918, making the cost per day around $639 per room, or $319 per person. The 7-night cruise, on the other hand, now costs $2,810, making the cost per day $401 per room, or around $200 per person.
Booking a 3-night cruise sounds like a perfect idea… until it’s over! Weekend cruises go by very quickly, and they seem to be over just as you are getting acquainted with the ship and settling into “vacation mode”.
While a short cruise is still better than no cruise at all, you’ll likely wish you had at least one or two more days onboard.
Read more: Is it worth it to book a 3-night cruise?
Weekend cruises tend to come with a bigger party atmosphere when compared to longer sailings. Bachelor parties, wedding guests, and friend groups are common on shorter cruises… and they come onboard to party!
Whether this is a pro or con ultimately depends on your preferences. It does lead to an extremely lively atmosphere onboard, but if you’re looking for a quiet sailing, a weekend cruise may not be the best choice for you.
Have you ever been on a weekend cruise? What tips and tricks do you have for others planning 3-night Royal Caribbean cruises? Let us know in the comments!
